Category Archives: Frienship

Old fashioned service, two inspirational women, do we need a big kitchen, prawn and broccoli stir fry recipe, e-bikes

Where have I been? Recently I’ve neglected blogging as I have spent a lot of my time in the activities of the South Gippsland Spinners & Fibre Arts Group together with continuing my studies of the Spanish language, which I absolutely love, plus pursuing lots of outdoor activities with friends and family. Now I’m ready to get writing again, so here goes.

Appreciation of ‘old fashioned’ service

I’m as guilty as the next person of shopping in the big stores, on line or looking for the cheapest price, but recently the appreciation of what is termed ‘old fashioned’ service was brought home to me. I have been making a satin blouse, inspired I have to say by watching a film where a female detective, who during the course of the series, wore the most beautiful selection of satin blouses; so feminine. I always use my overlocker to neaten seams but practicing on a spare piece of material, I soon realised that threads in the satin were being pulled. Seeking information on the internet I was told you have to make french seams when using satin. What a job that would be, so I went to my local dressmaking/material shop where I knew the owner was very helpful. I took a sample of my material which I had overlooked; she immediately told me that I should have removed one of the needles in the overlocker and explained the reason. She then spent time with me choosing the best buttons to enhance the blouse. The ones she suggested weren’t what I would have considered until she laid them out on the material. Yes, her prices are a little higher than an outlet that sells absolutely every need at low cost, but her help and guidance were priceless.

Heidi’s steps

Usually you would expect steps, as in steps down from a verandah, would be a job for a contractor, not a retired lady. Well, Heidi Norman will prove you wrong. Heidi came to live a few roads away from me some 10 months ago. The house she bought was a relocated house with a garden on a slope backed by large trees. Heidi had vision for her plot, having the trees removed leaving large stumps which in time also had to be removed. She laboured away moving earth, flattening and planting, making raised beds and installing a shed. Recently she had a deck built but needed steps down to the garden. I was amazed when she told me she had been building the steps herself. I went around to have a look and couldn’t believe my eyes. I asked her where she learnt her skills and she told me by watching her husband (now separated) over the years. I am full of admiration for her.

Not only a ‘step builder’ Heidi has recently turned her hand to learning to spin. Like all new spinners it takes a while to get the hang of co-ordinating hands and peddles, but progress is being made.

Robin’s Pond

When we look around their are inspiring ladies everywhere. For example, Robin Blakely, who also lives a couple of street away from me and will be 83 this year, dug out a pond in her garden. Apparently Robin carefully planned the pond which is 2 metres long x 1 metre wide and 140cm deep and only removed sufficient material that she could comfortably wheel barrow to a different area of her garden. She didn’t want to end up with a huge pile of dirt.

Pond under construction

She told me the project took her some 6 weeks to complete.
As the earth was removed Robin had to stand down in the hole, filling buckets with earth and placing them on the edge by the barrow. She used her kitchen steps to exit the hole and always had her iPad close by in case of emergencies. She lined the pond, filled it with water and stocked it with 5 fish whose numbers have now risen to 30.

Completed pond

Robin contacted a local iron worker to construct a canopy for the pond to deter Herons from catching her fish.

What a wonderful achievement and asset to her garden.

Do we need a big kitchen?

I’m probably posing this question because I have a very tiny kitchen and have to admit to a certain amount of jealousy when I view a beautifully appointed space. My husband reminds me that when he was in the army a cook could produce hundreds of meals in a small galley. What do you think?

I love to have a bake-in but because of the space available have to be very tidy and wash up as I go, filling the dishwasher at the same time. Do any of you follow Mary Berry on ABC or Youtube. She’s been going since the 60’s when I used to follow her avidly as she always promoted bake-ins in those days. I’m still following some of her ideas. Here’s one of my efforts from which you will see my really small work bench.

Although I still do the occasional cook-in, I have to say that I’m more inclined to quick recipes so am sharing one of Mary Berry’s recipes from her book, Mary Berry Quick Cooking. I usually only reprint vegetarian recipes but the prawns can be substituted by an alternative such as flavoured tofu. For myself, I would use chopped up quinoa or lentil burgers which I always have available in the freezer.

Mary Berry’s king prawn and broccoli stir-fry with black bean sauce

“A lovely, quick dish for a midweek meal. If you can’t find oyster mushrooms, use chestnut mushrooms instead,” says Mary Berry.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

2tbsp sunflower oil, 2 large shallots, very thinly sliced, 2cm knob of fresh root ginger, peeled, and thinly sliced, 1 fresh red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced, 350g peeled raw king prawns, deveined, 250g broccoli, broken into tiny florets, 150g oyster mushrooms, thickly sliced, 6tbsp black bean sauce, 2tbsp dark soy sauce, Juice of 1/2 lemon,Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Heat a large frying pan or wok until very hot. Add the oil, shallots, ginger and chilli and stir-fry over a high heat for 30 seconds. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, then season the prawns with salt and pepper and add them to the centre of the pan. Fry for about two minutes until starting to turn pink.

2. Tip in the broccoli and mushrooms, toss together using two spatulas and fry for two to three minutes.

3. Mix the black bean sauce, soy sauce and lemon juice together in a bowl. Add to the pan and toss everything together well. Stir-fry for another two minutes until the prawns are cooked and the broccoli is just tender but still crunchy.

4. Serve piping hot on its own or with rice or noodles.

Having an electrical bicycle

My husband’s cousin, a Welshman living in a country village in Denmark, bought an electric bicycle to help him get around. He was having trouble walking due to arthritic knees and was suffering due to lack of exercise and getting out in the fresh air. Recently my daughter and her husband, although not yet retirement age (but creeping closer), bought themselves an electric bike each to enjoy riding the rail trails. Obviously two different reasons for having an electric bike so I thought I would have a look at the advantages for retirees.

Apart from bicycles being a wonderful means of transportation that helps preserve the environment, reduces air contamination, ecological footprints, carbon emissions and is healthy and fairly inexpensive, an electric bike gets you out on the road having fun. Electric bikes will never completely replace the regular bicycle or the car but by eliminating the barriers that stop so many people from riding, such as their health, hills or distance, the combo of cruising and cycling that e-bikes provide saves effort and some sweat so that you can burn calories but prevent your ride from becoming a full-blown workout.

Does any reader have an e-bike they could tell us about, do post a reply if you have and tell us about your experience.

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I’ll sign off now with this quote:

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream

Janice

p.s. don’t forget to have a good time

What stands out from your Christmas celebrations, Considering going to a retreat, Who’s heard of or tried eco dyeing, Butternut squash pasta bake

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Hello everyone and Happy New Year to you all. I know it’s been a long long time since I posted on my site. I don’t really have a valid reason except to say other activities seem to have taken precedence and the weeks slipped away. However, having received numerous requests from readers to continue writing, I feel inspired to get going again.

What stands out from your Christmas celebrations I wonder

I wonder what stands out from your Christmas celebrations. For me, it was something unexpected. During the present unwrapping at my daughter’s house, where we always celebrate Christmas, my grandchildren, Nic 24, Jesse 21 and Emma 19 recounted how their Mum had used them as her “shopping elves”. She and her husband went off to Mallacoota the week before Christmas and delegated the shopping to Nic, Jess and Emma. As each gift was unwrapped they recounted the story of how the purchase was made. I couldn’t believe how much thought and enjoyment they had put into purchasing each item. They recounted searching the internet, finding the best bargain, making sure the colours were suitable and checking sizes and had us all in fits of laughter at their antics. They saw it as an enjoyable experience and not a chore. Long may that continue.

Does anything stand out for you? If so share as a reply.

Considering going to a Retreat!

I had the idea it would be invigorating and fun to try a retreat as an alternative holiday. I knew Ken wouldn’t consider it so I suggested it to my daughter who looked at me a little pensively but agreed to consider the idea. I trawled through the internet but everything I came up with offered luxury accommodation. My idea was being out in the bush in perhaps a mud hut, meditating and eating vegetarian or vegan food and skinny dipping in a creek. Nothing like that seems to be on offer. I conveyed what I’d learnt to my daughter who had a big smirk on her face whilst handing me a book titled: Nine perfect strangers – can a health retreat really change your life forever? by Liane Moriarty. She had read it on her holiday.

Now having read the book myself, I have to say it gives cause for thought – do they put a little something in your green smoothy????? Here’s the theme of the book which I thoroughly recommend: Read and enjoy.

The retreat at health and wellness resort Tranquillum House promises total transformation. Nine stressed city dwellers are keen to drop their literal and mental baggage and absorb the meditative ambience while enjoying their hot stone massages. Watching over them is the resort’s director, a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired bodies and minds. These nine perfect strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.

Sad news

Late last year my dear friend Joan Blain passed away at the age of 85. She was a reader and contributor to my blog from the beginning. I did report to you that she had a bad fall and broke both her legs from which she never recovered. Such a brave woman continuing helping her husband on the farm even though she had MS from her early 30’s. Joan contributed a story from her early days in my post of November 14, 2014, about starting up a printing business on the farm. The building, though crumbling, still stands and one of Joan’s son’s kindly transported her to the location so she could look through the window and recount her memories.

Joan looking through the window of the shed that housed the Print Shop

Who’s heard of or tried eco dyeing?

There’s always something new and exciting to learn. Glenda, Treasurer of the spinning group of which I’m a member, attended a show where eco dyeing was being demonstrated and introduced the group to the technique. We were all absolutely amazed at the results achieved.

Eco printing or eco dyeing is a contemporary application of the traditions of natural dyeing In eco dyeing plants are enclosed in textiles or paper, bundled by winding over rods or stacked in layers and then steamed or immersed in hot water to extract the pigments and produce a print made with plant dyes. Leaves, stems, flowers, buds, seeds and roots may be used also bark and wood.

Here’s a link so that you may read all about the process and perhaps be inspired to try it out yourself http://www.frankie.com.au/blogs/craft/5206-frankie-exclusive-diy-an-introduction-to-eco-dyeing

Butternut squash pasta bake

This recipe is vegetarian but it’s so hearty meat eaters won’t be disappointed and it has the added advantage of freezing well.

1kg butternut squash, cut into chunks (about 2cm), 1tbsp olive oil, 500g macaroni, Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the cheese sauce: 60g butter, 60g plain flour, 1L whole milk, 60g Parmesan, finely grated,1/4tsp freshly grated nutmeg

For the topping: A handful of sage leaves, 40g tomatoes, roughly chopped, 50g fresh breadcrumbs, 2tbsp olive oil, 2tbsp pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Line a large roasting tray with baking parchment.

2. Place the squash in the roasting tray. Drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Cook on the top shelf of the oven for 25 minutes or until the squash is tender and browned at the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes. (Keep the oven on.)

3. Tip three-quarters of the roasted squash into a blender and blitz to a purée; set the rest aside.

4. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the macaroni and cook until almost al dente (two to three minutes less than the time suggested on the packet).

5. Meanwhile, for the sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for one minute, then whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until the sauce thickens slightly. Parmesan and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese has melted, then stir through the squash purée to make a rich, smooth sauce. Take off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Drain the macaroni, add to the sauce and stir well. Tip into a large, deep baking dish, about 25 x 30cm. Scatter over the rest of the roasted squash, the sage, sun-blushed tomatoes and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with the oil. Place on the middle shelf of the oven, turning on the oven grill at the same time. Bake for 10 minutes.

7. Take out the dish, scatter the pumpkin seeds evenly over the surface and return to the oven for five minutes or until the topping is golden. Serve at once, with a green salad.

To freeze: Cool and pack in a lidded foil tray (or several trays). Defrost fully in the fridge, then remove the lid and reheat in an oven preheated to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6 for 30 minutes, until hot all the way through. If the surface appears to be browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

I’ve really enjoyed writing this blog so hope you enjoy it too. I’ll close with this quote:

When you love what you have you have everything you need

Janice

So easy – knitted expandable shopping bag using one ball of wool, The nostalgia that certain foods bring, Recipe for Banbury/Eccles Cakes, Volunteering, Spring is on the way in the garden

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So easy – knitted expandable shopping bag using one ball of wool

Have you ever thought about knitting your own shopping bags, extremely relevant at the moment with the phase-out of plastic bags at the supermarkets? Recently the South Gippsland Spinners & Fibre Arts Group, of which I am a member, held a workshop conducted by one of its members, Deb, who had devised a pattern for these bags. The beauty of them is that they are expandable and are capable of holding a large amount of shopping but fold down so small that they take up very little space when not in use. Saves all that cluttering up the back of the car.

Since the workshop, the ladies have been beavering away making their bags and displaying them on the group’s Facebook page. I’d like to share the pattern with you but first here’s a sample of what you can expect to produce:

DEB’S AMAZING SHOPPING BAG PATTERN

MATERIALS: 100 g of acrylic yarn, 6-7 mm x 60cm circular needle, 4 mm x 60 cm circular needle

PATTERN

Using the larger needles, loosely cast on 40 stitches. Work 30 rows in garter stitch.

Place marker, then pick up and knit 15 sts along side of work, 40 sts across the cast on stitches and 15 stitches up the other side of your work. Knit across the original 40 sts. You should be back to the marker now (110 sts)

Working in rounds, work 10 rows of stocking stitch

Pattern rounds

Round 1 : * Yfwd k2tog* rep until you reach the marker again

Round 2 : Knit until you reach the marker.

Repeat these 2 rounds until work measures desired length. Approx 25cm (10 inches)

Change to 4mm needle (and black yarn optional). Work in k1, p1 rib for 5cm (2 ins) Remove marker on last round

Handles – Flatten bag out to determine where sides are. Rib to the closest side position and place marker.

Rib 20, cast off 15, rib 40, cast off 15, rib 20 to the marker. Next row: *Rib 20, turn work, Cast on 15, turn work, rib 20 * rep from * to*. Continue in rounds of rib for 5 cm

Frill Top – Work rounds of stocking stitch for 2.5 cm (1 inch)

Next row: *K1, M1 * repeat until the marker is reached again. Cast off loosely. Weave end through work to finish off.

The nostalgia that certain foods bring

Do you often long for foods from your childhood that are no longer available to you or if they are they are produced in your country of origin or have disappeared from menus? I absolutely love Banbury and Eccles cakes (they are the same thing but shaped differently). They are rarely found in Australia but I’m always on the lookout.

For those of you who don’t know or may be interested in the history of these cakes, here goes:

Banbury Cakes, a special fruit and pastry cake, are still produced. At one time they were being sent as far afield as Australia, India and America.

The town of Banbury is on the edge of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, England and has been a busy market town for centuries. A nursery rhyme, ‘Ride a Cock Horse’, has made Banbury one of the best-known towns in England. It has been suggested that the ‘Fine Lady’ of the nursery rhyme may have been Lady Godiva or Elizabeth I. More likely it was a local girl who rode in a May Day procession.

Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross

To see a fine lady ride on a white horse

With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes

She shall have music wherever she goes.

The written history of this ‘nursery rhyme’ goes back to 1784

Eccles cakes are named after the English town of Eccles, historically part of Lancashire, but now classified as a town in Greater Manchester. It is not known who invented the recipe, but James Birch is credited with being the first person to sell Eccles cakes commercially.

So it transpired that I wanted something really nice for a morning tea with my daughter to celebrate a milestone birthday (which by the way I am trying to deny because I can’t believe I am so old). A Banbury cake was what I desired most so I had to make them myself. I have a cookery book handed down to me by my Great Aunt Helen called Farmhouse Fare which is a collection of recipes sent to the publisher during the second world war. The recipes give the name and town from which the author comes. I have to tell you there are some very grisly recipes in the meat section. However, the Banbury cake recipe is superb and to me authentic so I’ll share it with you.

Firstly you need some flaky pastry. You can buy puff but you won’t get the proper effect. I use Deliah Smith’s easy recipe. 110g of plain flour, 70g of butter, iced water. Freeze the butter then grate into the flour, fold in gently with a pallet knife, add 3 tablespoons iced water slowly and combine. Rest in the fridge before rolling out.

Filling – 60g butter, 50g candied peel, 150g currants, pinch ground cinnamon, pinch mixed spice. Beat butter to a cream then mix in fruit and spices. Roll out pastry, cut out large rounds, place about a dessert spoon of mixture in centre, pull pastry over and pinch together. Turn over and flatten, score two cuts in surface and brush with egg white and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake in a hot oven for about 30 minutes but check to make sure they are not browning too much. SUPER YUM

Having dusted off my Royal Dalton Tea Service and baked the Banbury cakes my morning tea was ready:

Volunteering

What people see and what they don’t about volunteering. I absolutely love this description sent to me by Noelene Lyons who is a long time volunteer. I wrote about Noelene’s talents in a blog some two years ago (could be longer) under the heading: Meet 2 interesting and gifted ladies. Noelene is a genealogist and family history researcher. Go to the Category Interesting people to read again or put her name in the search box.

I think Spring is on the way in my garden

I think Spring is on the way in my garden but sitting here at my computer with the wind blowing and the rain pelting down outside, it sure doesn’t feel like it. However, the plants certainly think so and the blossom is out on my almond and nectarine trees, though a lot of it is scattered on the ground. The pea pods are swelling, the broad beans have flowers, I’m harvesting carrots and swedes and the beetroot should be ready soon, so things are looking good.

I hope you are all keeping busy with your various activities and enjoying retirement. I’ll take this opportunity to send all good wishes to Joan Blain, a dear friend and longtime reader of my blog. Joan has just turned 85 and has been laid up with two broken legs after a fall.

Until next time:

DOING WHAT YOU LIKE IS FREEDOM, LIKING WHAT YOU DO IS HAPPINESS

Janice

Friendship – what does it mean: Visit to a Saffron Farm: Indulging in a craft: A delicious Coconut Slice

3 Replies

My readers probably think I’ve discontinued blogging, my last post being in January. Many things have happened but I think a break has revitalised me. As a blogger you worry that readers are becoming bored with your style or your message; I certainly hope not but it’s possible.

Friendship – what does it mean

By the time we reach retirement and beyond many people have passed through our lives who we call friends but are they actually friends or acquaintances who we call ‘friends’ because they move in the same circles as we do. Facebook comes to mind where people appear to have hundreds of friends.

There are friendships we form in our younger years that we are lucky enough to maintain throughout life. These friendships have endured the test of time and whilst we may not be in contact as often as we would like, the ties that we formed never break. I am blessed to have one such friend, Olive. We met when we started school, dare I tell you, around 75 years ago and know each other inside out. There is nothing we wouldn’t do for each other. I also maintain a friendship with Joan Blain through e-mail and the occasional phone call. Joan is in care now in the UK as she has MS. We met when our children went to judo club. I so admire her bravery and true grit.

Then there are friendships that come upon us unexpectedly and form into strong relationships that stand the test of time. It’s not easy to be a true friend. There are times when loyalties are tested, misunderstandings occur, thoughtless acts cause pain and in the worst scenario the friendship is broken. Through life I am sure we have all experienced the loss of friendship and for whatever reason it inevitably hurts. We always have to ask what part we played in the breakdown. Was it my fault, could the break have been avoided. You analyze yourself and question what type of friend you are. Can a broken friendship be repaired and be the same as before I wonder.

I believe we all need friends, someone we can confide in, know we can rely on and trust, whose company we enjoy and feel a sense of well being when we are together. A lot to ask – what does friendship mean to you ?

Visit to a Saffron Farm

I was fortunate enough to be asked to visit a Saffron Farm with Janet Staben, a member of Women on Farms, as her guest at one of their monthly meetings and outings. This turned out to be a very interesting experience as I had little knowledge of the production of Saffron and the hard work involved. We were able to participate in the picking of the crocuses. Every crocus is counted and records meticulously kept.

The saffron crocus is thought to have originated in south west Asia or the Mediterranean region. It is a sterile flowering plant, i.e. it does not produce seed and therefore its spread throughout the world has been dependent on human activity and the trade and transport of the corms. Each corm only produces one flower. Saffron is one of the world’s most expensive spices by weight and is often adulterated by the inclusion of other materials.

In Australia the season for harvest is March to May, the flowers being picked early in the morning, the stigmas removed and dried before being processed. It seems the actual flower itself has no use. I did ask if they could be used as a dye but apparently no colour is produced. Imagine he cost of dyeing with saffron powder which results in a striking yellow/orange colour.

: Crocus flowers are loved by bees

: Crocus beds – cultivation has to be in area of full sun

I found a really interesting article on the internet entitled: Dyeing with real Saffron – here’s the link: NOTE: Click on Dyeing with Real Saffron not Reconstructing History

Dyeing with Real Saffron

INDULGING IN A CRAFT

As many of you may know I am a member of the South Gippsland Spinners and Fibre Arts Group, based in Korumburra, Victoria which gives me the opportunity to meet with other like minded ladies (sometimes a few blokes) in pursuing our various crafts and sharing our knowledge with those wishing to learn. My particular interest is in wet felting; it’s absolutely amazing what can be produced from this ancient craft. Last week some members of the group came to my place to spin/felt and chat. Chat we certainly did over lunch. Our theme was felting baby booties which turned out a treat.

If you are looking for an activity in your retirement and have an interest in a particular craft or set of crafts, I urge you to seek out a group, go along and see what’s on offer. It will give you the greatest pleasure and allow you to develop your talents.

INA’S COCONUT SLICE

I have been given the opportunity to share this recipe with you by Teresa Verney (member of South Gippsland Spinners & Fibre Arts Group) who inherited it from Ina a friend of many moons ago. While Ina was alive it was a guarded secret but now we are able to enjoy. Teresa brought the slice to the spin/felt/chat day and we did it justice by eating every morsel. I baked the slice myself today and it’s absolutely yum.

Ingredients – 1 cup self raising flour, 1 cup coconut, 114g butter melted, ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, ½ cup milk

Method – mix melted butter and sugar together then add dry ingredients followed by beaten egg and milk. Turn into a lined slice tin and bake in a moderate oven for approximately 20 minutes or until skewer comes out clean. Ice with lemon icing while still warm.

Teresa says she makes up a butter cream icing and mixes with lemon juice to cover cake then sprinkles over additional coconut. I varied this slightly by mixing icing sugar with lemon juice and coconut and spreading over cake – worked really well, though have to say the butter cream icing makes it just a little bit more special.

Here’s my quote for today:

Do not listen with the intent to reply but with the intent to understand

Janice

The role a mentor can play in our lives, the prospect of spring in the garden, clever use for olive oil, Australian Sheep and Wool Show – watch highlights, enjoy a low calorie Scottish soup recipe

Looking back and bringing to life a special event, Helping cut flowers last longer and other tips, Who remembers Wendy Lord of the 70 hats, The Spirit of Warragul Steam Engine and a super recipe for Pesto, goats cheese and mushroom burgers

Enjoying a new experience at Halloween, Christmas is approaching, Recipe for Mincemeat (fruit mince), The joy of spring flowers and 5 tips for using Silica Gel bags

2 Replies

Hello everyone – once again I have a few activities and snippets of information to share. Do feel free to write a comment on any item in ‘Leave a reply’ at the top of this blog.

Enjoying a new experience at Halloween

It’s been a long time since I gained so much enjoyment out of dressing up. I don’t mean getting ready for a special outing but actually dressing up in costume and acting a part. It’s not something I’m accustomed to doing and I found it a little difficult at first but I can certainly recommend it for letting yourself go. My daughter commented when seeing the photos that she had never seen me having so much fun.

More than 4000 people attended the annual Halloween event at Coal Creek Heritage Park in Korumburra on the 29th October and myself, along with other members of the Coal Creek Spinners group, dressed up as witches and welcomed visitors into our coven.

: Can you believe Avis, second left, is 90 and still volunteering

Here’s another clearer photo of Avis which I thought you would like to see. She is a marvellous lady and an inspiration to us all.

Christmas is approaching – puddings and mince pies

I usually do my Christmas Puddings during October but somehow this year I’m a little behind, though it probably doesn’t matter, they will still taste good on the day. As customary Ken and I stirred the mixture and made three wishes. I always make the same wishes which I think are supposed to be kept secret. Being a little nostalgic I decided to look back over my Christmas pudding photos. I find it very comforting to see I am carrying on with the same traditions as my Mum and Dad. How well I remember them doing their puddings, except in their case they made them as gifts for those friends and family who could no longer make them so their kitchen was filled with steam for a week or more.

: 2011

: 2012

: 2013

: 2014

: 2015

Now for today’s photos:

: 2016

: Ken

A recipe for Mincemeat (Fruit mince)

Last year I was very disappointed with the quality of the fruit mince I used for my mince pies so this year decided I would have a go at making my own. Having gone through all my cookery books, including a Mrs. Beaton’s (too difficult), I settled on one from my favourite cookery book which was given to me as a wedding present in 1960. I have to say it turned out really well and of course I just had to make a batch of pies which I intended to put in the freezer. They had no chance of that did they – yum, they were so good. If you want to try this recipe you will need:

500g mixed fruit
2 grated apples
120g shredded suet or melted butter (I us
ed the butter)
120g dark brown sugar
Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
50g blanched almonds chopped (optional)
1 tsp mixed spice
½ tsp each of cinnamon, grated nutmeg and cardamon
4 tbs brandy, whisky or rum

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Pot in dry jars. Keep in a cool dry place.

NOTE: I added some water to make the mixture a little more fluid and because I didn’t have the specified spirits to hand I used some Mezcal, a type of tequila, made from Agave nectar that we brought back from Mexico 10 years ago. At last I found a use for it !

Some information about Agave Nectar (you may already know of course) – Agave nectar, sometimes called agave syrup, is most often produced from the Blue Agaves that thrive in the volcanic soils of Southern Mexico. Agaves are large, spiked plants that resemble cactus but they are actually succulents similar to the familiar Aloe Vera. They come in many sizes and colours. The Aztecs prized the agave as a gift from the gods and used the liquid from its core to flavour foods and drinks. Now, due to increasing awareness of its beneficial properties, it is becoming the preferred sweetener of health conscious consumers, doctors and natural food cooks alike.

The joy of spring flowers

What joy the spring flowers bring even though some of them are having a bit of a struggle coping with the very strange weather we have been experiencing. The wind has played havoc with many plants coupled with the naughty behaviour of Ken, who in his effort to control the weeds, accidentally pulled up my very best sunflower specimen which I had been nurturing. Admittedly it was in a strange location, amongst the loganberries, but it was the only space I had available at the time of planting. Fortunately I have three more in another spot. He has been forgiven – somewhat.

My Lilac was a real disappointment, only having a couple of blooms, but the various clematis and sweet peas are lovely.

Some useful tips for using silica gel bags
Next time you find a sachet of silica gel in a handbag or in a box of new shoes, don’t throw it away – these multi-purpose little sachets have a range of practical household uses or so I have read in a recent article. I have picked out what I think to be the best.

Preserve old photos and books – Moisture can wreak havoc on old photos and books. Silica gel placed inside an album or in an old book will help absorb unwanted moisture and can even do away with the musty smell.
Absorb unwanted smells – If you carry your gym bag with you between work and home, try popping a few silica gel bags into the pockets to keep things fresh. You can also try this in your shoes – the silica gel bags will gradually eliminate dampness and help prevent the bacteria that causes smells from thriving.
Preserve Christmas decorations – For the majority of the year when they aren’t in use, Christmas ornaments tend to live in the far corners of our cupboards or tucked away in the loft or garage. Keep them safe from damage with silica gel bags; they’ll draw away moisture and keep your precious items at their best.
Saving seeds – If you’re a keen gardener and you save seeds between seasons, you’ll know how important it is to keep moisture out to prevent sprouting and molding. Put seeds in individual envelopes and then store together in an airtight plastic container – add one or two silica gel sachets to soak up any residual moisture and keep them safe until it’s time to plant again.
For drying flowers – Speed up the process of drying and pressing flowers with the help of silica. Put your dried flowers in a paper bag with a packet or two of silica gel to help speed up the process.

Apparently if you find your silica gel bags aren’t working anymore, don’t throw them away – you can dry them out by placing them in the oven on low temperature – about 95C – for one to two hours. Then keep them in a sealed sandwich bag until they’re ready for use again.

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So here I am at the end of another blog post which please enjoy. I’ll close with a quote from Aristotle:

PATIENCE IS BITTER BUT ITS FRUIT IS SWEET

Janice

Prioritising your time, iPod birthday cake that plays music, Cycling without age scheme, Easy marmalade recipe

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First of all I have to report that despite all my good intentions to post a blog each fortnight, I’ve sadly failed. Sometimes I think I need to plan my time better and I do try. When I say that to Ken, he nods his head knowingly; of course he’s heard it all before. No matter how carefully an intention or project is planned, something may still cause delay. I think the saying “The best made plans of mice and men often go astray” (adapted from a line in “To a Mouse” by Robert Burns) is very appropriate.

This got me to thinking about the best way to prioritise my time so I trawled through various blogs on the net and came across the following very good advice. It’s certainly worth a read.

The Art of Mindful Prioritising (extract from an article by Marc Chernott)

The moment we admit to ourselves that we’re trying to cram too many things (tasks, obligations, distractions, etc.) into a relatively small space (24 hours in a day), it becomes obvious that we need to clear some clutter from our schedules.

Mindful prioritization is the key.

Pay close attention to all the things you do today – all the things you’re trying to fit into 24 hours. How much TV are you watching in the morning and evening? What websites are you browsing? What games are you playing? How much time are you spending texting, emailing, or updating your social media accounts? How much online window-shopping are you doing? How much time do you allocate to eating, cleaning, and taking care of others? What else are you spending the precious minutes of your day on?

What you might notice first is that you’re doing too many random things that don’t need to be done – too many time-wasters. Then you might also notice that you’re overcommitted with too many obligations – and those obligations are filling up your life.

You can start stealing your time back by eliminating as many needless distractions and obligations as possible, and saying “no” to new ones that arise. Easier said than done, of course, but the important thing to realize is that you CAN change how you allocate your time.

Next, look at your to-do list (assuming you have one): how many of these things can you reasonably do in the next 24-hours? Probably only three to five, with sanity.

Now ask yourself this: which task would you work on if you could only work on one task over the next 24 hours? That is your #1 priority. Just that one task. The truth is, you probably can’t complete everything on your list in one day’s time, and you can’t do your top three to five tasks right now. You can do only one thing at a time. So just focus on your #1 task and, once you’re done, then figure out what your next #1 task is.

Clear everything else away, and focus.

Our hidden talents – the story of the iPod birthday cake that plays music

I really love chatting with people about what they enjoy doing and frequently they reveal what hidden talents they have. I met Karen Suttie some years ago whilst visiting at Armitage Aged Care facility. Karen works in the catering department and always makes sure I had a nice cuppa and a piece of cake. I knew Karen cared for her young grandson Jordan and during one of our brief chats she told me she was going to buy him an iPod for his birthday but, as a surprise, make a birthday cake in the form of a pad which appeared to be playing music. Karen says she is fairly new to serious cake decorating but likes experimenting and trying new techniques which makes it exciting. I think you will be amazed at how she got the cake to play music.

Here’s Karen’s description of her iPod cake

First picture shows the cakes. Second picture was to show you that I drilled a hole in the cake board and threaded the speaker cords through ready for the cake. It also shows the bottom layer of the cake where I cut out a hole for the cords to go through to make it look ‘plugged in’.

Third picture, I’ve put the bottom cake back on the rack and iced the two layers of cake together with a chocolate ganache. I iced them back on the rack so I wouldn’t make too much of a mess of my cake board.
Fourth picture, a layer of red fondant. I cheated and bought ready coloured fondant.
Fifth picture I had cut a rectangle of white fondant, put that on top of the cake and then had a go at drawing the designs from the home screen of an ipod. This was hard and I wasn’t very confident. I used cake decorating textas to draw the designs and although they weren’t perfect, I thought they looked ok.
Sixth and seventh pictures – I did the screen background cover…..the worst part and the one that almost ruined the whole thing! I thought I’d try spray painting with cake decorating spray paint. Bad move! I got runs of paint everywhere. I decided to use a paint brush to try and even out the colour. I sprayed the paint into a container where I dipped the brush and finished painting. I also added a few details like the indented on/off button and I wrapped a little white fondant around the cords to make it look like the end of the cord at the plug point. I had also wrapped the two speaker cords together to make them look like one cord that split part of the way up, forming the ‘earphone’ look which I taped this to the board.

I taped my daughter’s ipod to the bottom of the cake board and with the help of a double plug jack, I plugged in the speakers to run music through the speakers so that it appeared that the cake was playing music. The two speakers were cheap $1.25 speakers that I got from China and the double plug jack was about $2.50, so the whole ‘real music’ look cost me a whole $5.00 but looked, and sounded, quite impressive. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great effect if you know what to look for!

Cycling without age

I recently became aware of a new program, Cycling Without Age, it’s not unlike the Community Visitors Scheme I volunteer with, however, instead of just visiting, the volunteers take their friends out for a ride on a specially designed bike rather like a rickshaw.

: See the joy on their faces

The program was initiated in Denmark by Ole Kassow and now has licensees around the world including Australia and the UK. Of course Denmark is a bike riding country and very flat, so I am not sure how it will work in Australia plus there are bound to be lots of regulations to satisfy before it could get off the ground. Be inspired and uplifted by watching Ole Kassow’s YouTube video describing the scheme and the joy that is being given to residents in aged care facilities.

For more information you can visit the Australian site at: http://cyclingwithoutage.com.au/melbourne/ or the UK site at: http://cyclingwithoutage.co.uk

Marmalade – my easy and somewhat lazy recipe

Making your own marmalade may seem a little old-fashioned or even a redundant skill but with my easy recipe, which I have used for longer than I care to remember, it’s a breeze. Seville oranges are the best oranges to use because they have such a tart taste and high pectin content but unfortunately their season is short here in Australia, only available during the first weeks of August. Not to be deterred any combination of citrus will do the job.

Recipe

4/5 oranges, 2 lemons, 1 grapefruit, washed and cut into quarters. Remove pips and any discoloured pieces of fruit. Put fruit into a microwave safe bowl (I always use glass) and add a cup of water. Cover and microwave on high for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly then transfer to a liquidiser and pulse until the fruit still has chunks of rind. Alternatively if you want a smooth product continue to pulse. Place a large saucepan on your scales and pour in pulsed fruit, now add the same weight of sugar to fruit. Stir to dissolve sugar then boil rapidly for more or less 10 minutes, stirring frequently. I always put the saucepan on a trivet to save the marmalade burning. Test for set by putting a small portion on a cold plate and leave for a few minutes. If ready the marmalade will wrinkle when you push up with your finger.

I like to pot my marmalade while it is still warm so I transfer from the saucepan into a large glass jug and then pour into pre-washed and sterilised jars. Seal immediately. This way the marmalade keeps really well.

I’m going to sign off with the following quote:

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory

Ringing the bells in the Bell Tower, Perth City, with my dear friend Olive. We have been friends since we started school aged 5

Janice

How to get out of bed feeling great, a mystery plant, volunteering, super salad recipe, tea cosy festival and an inspirational man

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How to get out of bed feeling great

Have you noticed how a cat stretches after sleep getting all its limbs and body ready for action? If you do that too you will start your day feeling great. Here’s how: working within your capabilities, arch your ankles, bend your toes, flex your entire leg forward, back, sideways and manipulate the toes, heel and ankle forward and back. Take a moment to feel the renewed strength flowing through your body before leisurely getting out of bed. Enjoy the experience.

The surprise of receiving a mystery plant

Last week I arranged to have lunch with a dear friend. I was first in the cafe and when she arrived she was carrying the most unusual (to me) display in a jar which she had cleverly decorated with brown string and a raffia bow.

Dianthus ‘Green Trick’

Rhonda has a green thumb and has designed the most amazing colour co-ordinated garden at her new home. She told me they were Dianthus ‘Green Trick’. When I arrived home I ‘Googled’ the name and came up with the following information which may interest some gardeners:

Botanical name: Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Trick’

Other names: Sweet william ‘Green Trick’, Dianthus barbatus ‘Temarisou’

Genus: Dianthus
Variety or Cultivar: ‘Green Trick’ _ ‘Green Trick’ is an upright, bushy, short-lived, evergreen perennial, often grown as a biennial, with linear, grey-green leaves and, from early summer into autumn, upright stems bearing large, round, dense, bright green flowerheads with finely-fringed petals.
Dianthus barbatus ‘Green Trick’ is: Evergreen

Flower: Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn

Foliage: Grey-green in All seasons

Habit: Bushy, Compact, Cushion or Mound Forming

I also noted that they are becoming very popular with florists to add to bouquets. I’m looking forward to growing some in my garden in the future.

Volunteering National Volunteers Week (Australia)

We have been celebrating National Volunteers Week here in Australia with various events. This year’s slogan was GIVE HAPPY, LIVE HAPPY. The Program Coordinator for the Community Visitors Scheme I volunteer with arranged a morning tea to thank all volunteers for their work and dedication. It’s absolutely outstanding how many visits have been made.

You may be interested in the amazing statistics which Esis Tawfik, Manager, Community Visitor Scheme, kindly forwarded to include in this post:

MS Community Visitors Scheme
In the past year our 478 Community Visitors Scheme volunteers made
more than 11,365 visits to socially isolated older people in NSW and Victoria.
Our volunteers visit people for companionship and friendship built on
mutual interests. This simple philosophy has added genuine value to the
lives of many people. In 2014, our program was expanded to include
people living in their own homes who receive a home care package. In the words of one of the recipients, for many people, the program is a ‘lifeline’.

As mentioned previously, I visit Dorothy in an Aged Care Facility, who at 102 loves to chat and talk about her life experiences. When I was with her last week she said how nice it was to have ‘a special friend’. I found that very touching.

For readers of this blog who live outside Australia, it would be very interesting to know if you have a similar scheme in your area.

Another great recipe from Jo Marty’s book : How to eat well for next to nothing – The Bible of Budget (2nd edition)

ROASTED PUMPKIN SALAD

400g butternut pumpkin, peeled and chopped into approx 1-2cm dice, 60g baby spinach leaves, 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed, 2 tsp mild curry powder, 1 tbl vegetable oil

Dressing: 2 tbl vinegar, 1 tbl olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, ½ tsp sugar

Preheat oven to 200C – place pumpkin into a small baking tin with the oil. Toss through then bake for 20 minutes. Add curry powder and mix through. Return to oven and bake for a further 10 minutes or until cooked and a little caramelised. Set aside to cool.

To make dressing: whisk together the vinegar, oil, salt pepper and sugar. In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, spinach, chickpeas and dressing.

I demonstrated this recipe at the Learn/Share Vegetarian at the Table course I conducted recently. All the participants returned the next week telling me what a success it had proved to be with their families. I’m sure you’ll enjoy trying it out.

Tea Cosy Festival at Fish Creek, South Gippsland, Vic.

Along with my friend Olga, I really enjoyed the Tea Cosy Festival at Fish Creek which is held in Fish Creek every two years. The Festival showcases the town’s character and reinvents a cultural icon of country kitchens along the way. How well I remember my mum using a tea cosy each day and having a special one for when visitors came by. I have to admit to not owning one myself but seeing all the wonderful designs, I just might be tempted to find a pattern and make one before too long.

I took some photos but there were so many people in the hall it was difficult to keep a steady hand so the results were not the best. However, I’ll share my favourites here:

An inspiration at almost 81

I have to say at nearly 81, my husband Ken, is an inspiration. He’s always planning his next project which recently was renovating the greenhouse and garden shed and reducing the vegetable growing area. I’m not sure there’s much reduction in the growing area, but things have certainly been spruced up. When he finishes a project he always says that’s the last one though I doubt it. At least I hope not.

: Work in progress

: Taking a break

I’d like to share this timely quote I saw attached to a tree in a Sculpture Park.

With that thought I’ll sign off until next time

Janice

Making instant friends, Gain knowledge, Felting, Dog training, Quick stain removal

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Making instant friends

It’s amazing how instant friendships can spring up. A couple of weeks ago I was out walking the dogs when they introduced themselves, as they do to anyone who will give them a pat, to a couple of cyclists who were admiring the beautiful costal scenery along the cliffs to Kilcunda (South Gippsland, Vic.). Gray and Leslie Hodge introduced themselves and our conversation developed as we chatted amiably about the area and our shared interests. It’s amazing how much information can be imparted in no less than 10 minutes or so. Gray and Leslie were over from Tasmania enjoying a cycling holiday which is their passion. They told me of a cycling holiday they had in France where all the equipment you need is provided. I must say that’s a great holiday idea, imagine cycling through France. If you are interested visit at: www.bretonbikes.com

Eventually I waived goodbye only to catch up with them 15 minutes later as they were again admiring the view further along the cliffs. We started chatting once more and before I knew it I had an invitation to visit them in Tasmania. Here’s a photo of ‘brand new friends’

Leslie, Gray and Janice

Since Leslie and Gray’s return to Tasmania we have shared e-mails and their invitation to visit has been renewed. They have a sign writing business located in the most beautiful landscape in Tasmania: http://www.camriversigns.com.au/

Gain knowledge with a Learn and Share Program

I’ve previously mentioned my local Neighbourhood Centre (Mitchell House & Harvest Centre, Wonthaggi) where you can access a wide variety of courses. Neighbourhood Houses began in the 1970’s with people coming together to share their knowledge and skills with each other at low or no cost in a process called LearnShare. LearnShare recognises that throughout our lives whether working with our hands, our head or our heart, we all acquire valuable knowledge and skills. As part of the ongoing process of lifelong learning we can all learn something new or share what we know.

This week I offered my knowledge of vegetarian cooking in a LearnShare program. It was a great experience made even more rewarding by the enthusiasm of the participants.

I would urge you to seek out your local Neighbourhood House to enjoy good company, learn new skills or volunteer to share your own experience.

You can join Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre on Facebook or e-mail them at: [email protected]

Felting projects

In my blog of 2nd February 2016 I talked about the project I was undertaking making a felted jacket from wool my friend Olga brought back from Chile. At one stage I thought I had taken on more than I could chew. It’s one thing having the idea of what you would like to do and actually putting it into practice. Once started I realised that the jacket needed to be lined, another challenge. Olga found a length of lining in a local Op Shop for $2.00; a great bargain. The project is now a reality and whilst by no means perfect in every detail, Olga now has a very unique reminder of her trip home.

Here the jacket is modelled by “Doris” my dressmakers dummy. It has a zip-up front which is not visible in the picture.

Felted jacket

I still have wool over and hopefully one day will manage to make a jacket for myself. I’ve made up a couple of sample panels though I don’t think it will be quite as elaborate as Olga’s. We will see.

Training your dog

Sophia my little terrier met up with her doggie boyfriend Oscar yesterday at the Powlett River. They had great fun running on the beach and scampering in the sea. Oscar is becoming very responsive to a training whistle – he has a tendency to investigate the bush and sometimes doesn’t return for over an hour. Sheri, his owner, told me that with the aid of this recently acquired whistle and a treat he now returns promptly. Truly amazing as in the past she has had an hour or so wait for him. She used it during our walk when Oscar periodically went missing, so I saw the results in action. I checked out Rufus and Coco Dog Training devices on the internet at www.petology.com.au so you might like to have a look for yourselves if you have a need for this idea.

Sheri also uses a Soggy Doggy Drying Blanket when she gets Oscar back to the car. I really must get one of these for Sophia as she often needs a rub down after a walk or swim and it does save a mess in the car. Again I looked on the internet where there are various companies offering these blankets at different prices.

Here’s Oscar in the back of the car accompanied by his mascot, being dried after a swim with the Soggy Doggy Blanket.

Quick stain removal chart

Thought I would share this chart I recently came across on Pinterest. I’ve already made use of it a few times:

How to remove one of these stains:

GRASS – VINEGAR

RED WINE – WHITE WINE

GREASE – SODA

BLOOD – HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

OIL – WHITE CHALK

COFFEE – BAKING SODA

DEODORANT – DENIM

SWEAT – LEMON JUICE

LIPSTICK – BABY WIPERS

INK – MILK

MAKE-UP – SHAVING CREAM

I’ll sign off for today with a quote I saw posted on a blackboard at the hairdressers I use:

YOUTH IS A GIFT OF NATURE, BUT AGE IS A WORK OF ART

I think we all have a lighter step when we leave the hairdressing chair; I know I do.

Janice

RETIRE AND ENJOY

Messages from Janice at Rainbow Cottage

Category Archives: Frienship

Old fashioned service, two inspirational women, do we need a big kitchen, prawn and broccoli stir fry recipe, e-bikes

What stands out from your Christmas celebrations, Considering going to a retreat, Who’s heard of or tried eco dyeing, Butternut squash pasta bake

So easy – knitted expandable shopping bag using one ball of wool, The nostalgia that certain foods bring, Recipe for Banbury/Eccles Cakes, Volunteering, Spring is on the way in the garden

Friendship – what does it mean: Visit to a Saffron Farm: Indulging in a craft: A delicious Coconut Slice

The role a mentor can play in our lives, the prospect of spring in the garden, clever use for olive oil, Australian Sheep and Wool Show – watch highlights, enjoy a low calorie Scottish soup recipe

Looking back and bringing to life a special event, Helping cut flowers last longer and other tips, Who remembers Wendy Lord of the 70 hats, The Spirit of Warragul Steam Engine and a super recipe for Pesto, goats cheese and mushroom burgers

Enjoying a new experience at Halloween, Christmas is approaching, Recipe for Mincemeat (fruit mince), The joy of spring flowers and 5 tips for using Silica Gel bags

Prioritising your time, iPod birthday cake that plays music, Cycling without age scheme, Easy marmalade recipe

How to get out of bed feeling great, a mystery plant, volunteering, super salad recipe, tea cosy festival and an inspirational man

Making instant friends, Gain knowledge, Felting, Dog training, Quick stain removal