Category Archives: Volunteering

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

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

Volunteering – why do we do it? Anniversaries make us look back, Lemon juice ice blocks, Showcasing skills – spinning with a difference

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Hello everyone – O’h dear where did August go? Unfortunately I had a few health problems, not serious, but enough to put a spanner in my works so to speak. Glad to say I am back on top of everything and ready to write again. How easy it is to take good health for granted and going through a bad patch really does bring this home to us all.

Volunteering – why do we do it?

My first topic is volunteering. Why do we do it? I recently read that the best definition of volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain. That’s true but there’s more to it than that. I believe there’s a need within us to share our skills and knowledge, to be involved and to communicate with the wider community in whatever way we can. The spectrum of volunteering is very wide, there are opportunities for all abilities and ages at every level, but however we volunteer and for however much time we are able to give, the rewards personally are immense.

Volunteering Australia has compiled the following facts about volunteering and happiness:

 Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer
 96% of volunteers say that it “makes people happier.
 95% of volunteers say that volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing.
 Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood.
 Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health.
 A strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate in their charitable helping activities.
 The experience of helping others provides meaning, a sense of self-worth, a social role and health enhancement.

Last weekend I visited the National Wool Museum in Geelong so decided it was a good opportunity to ask the volunteers on duty their reasons for volunteering. Firstly I spoke to the lady who directed us to all the exhibits. She responded that she lived alone and it was wonderful to be able to get up in the morning and have a purpose. Next I chatted to the demonstrator of a huge Axminster Carpet Loom. He said he wanted his skills to be preserved as there were few people left who could operate the machine. Lastly I spoke to one of the guides. His reasons were a little vague though I suspect he enjoyed the interaction with overseas visitors.

Later I visited the Port Lonsdale Lighthouse and posed my question to the volunteer on duty. She said she was passionate about her area and its conservation and wanted to make the public aware.

There are obviously a myriad of reasons why we volunteer but it’s not just about the giving of our time, it is also the personal rewards we receive.

I would really love to hear what you think. Do you volunteer or are you considering volunteering, perhaps you were a volunteer in the past. You can leave your comments by clicking Leave a Reply at the top of the page.

Anniversaries make us look back

Anniversaries can be happy or sad times but they give us an opportunity to look back over the years. Ken and I did just that last weekend when it was the 50th birthday of our son Gareth and our 57th Wedding Anniversary. Let me share with you the story of our romance. I hope you enjoy.

Mine is not a fairy tale romance, no knight on a flying charger came into my life but the man who did snuck in quietly with no fanfare …….

follow the link to read in full THE ROMACE

Making lemon juice ice blocks

My lemon tree is bulging with fruit so I set about making up juice ice block trays. If you also have heaps of lemons or are donated with some it’s well worth the effort to have a long term supply on hand. All you need to do is juice the lemons and freeze the pure juice in trays then store in bags in the freezer. It’s so easy just to take out a block when needed.

By the way I recently read some quite alarming facts. The label on Woolworths lemon juice, 500ml $1.65, states that it contains: Reconstituted Lemon Juice (99.9%), Food Acid (Ascorbic Acid), Natural Flavour, Preservative (223). Preservative 223 is in the sulphite group, it’s Sodium metabisulphite, which can cause allergic reactions.

Showcasing skills – spinning with a difference

Members of the Coal Creek & Fibre Arts Group, based at the Coal Creek Community Park & Museum in Korumburra, Gippsland, Victoria, decided to showcase their various skills by video. The first of these videos in a series, is now available and features Ingrid Riddell on the Great Wheel and the Chakra.

I must thank my husband, Ken, for the time and effort he put into making this video possible and to Ingrid for demonstrating so professionally.

I’m going to sign off now with this little quote:

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled

Until next time

Janice

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

Poignant story of love, Hat felting technique, National Volunteer Week, Grated Apple Cake and more to enjoy

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Hello everyone – a month has slipped by since my last post and although I always intend to write more often, I just looked at the calendar and realised I’d failed to put pen to paper so to speak. Lots of things have been happening, one of which is that I have been elected President of the Coal Creek & Fibre Arts Group after the sitting President had to sadly resign due to the ill health of her husband. I hope I will be able to do justice to the task and fill her shoes admirably. When I mentioned this to her she said I may have a hard job as she took size 11 to which I replied that I took size 11 too. Mmmm I’m not sure what this means, is it an omen !

Firstly I would like to share with you a short story that I heard the author, Ken Stokoe, read on Radio National Life Matters recently. I am sure if we thought about it many of us could write our own love story with a happy or sad ending. Unfortunately this story has a sad ending though it does reflect life’s journey so I hope you will enjoy it as I did.

Heartbreak !

It’s not about Verona, not Romeo and Juliet; just about Balmoral Beach and us.
An early Saturday afternoon 70 years ago.
She just free from work, I to the city from my working-class home in an outer suburb. We to meet and spend the rest of the day on an outing. There was a pack of sandwiches she had brought – sweet-corn filled. The first I had ever tasted. So delicious. How long had this been going on, I pondered?
That taste followed the ride from Wynyard in a very swish corridor tram with padded seats to Balmoral Beach. The first time there for this unsophisticated teenager.
It was a great adventure, crossing the harbour by the mighty bridge, another first, to rumble through posh streets of elegant houses such as I had not seen hitherto. Then down winding cuttings in the sandstone to a golden sand strand and a sparkling sea.
What a thrill, what revelations.
The lunch taken on a lawn in the beachside reserve under a clear blue sky, the air tempered by a soft breeze.
Presently, a stroll along the shore towards an adjacent islet of rock. I was so elated by it all that I shyly took her hand in mine. Things of this nature must have developed slower then than now. Certainly did for this couple who, although companions for many months, had never made so bold a contact.
How sweet it was.
Her hand so soft and smooth. Everything about her perfect; so pretty, so learned, so kind, so thoughtful.
A dog came bounding up, its tail wagging, as mine might have done had I possessed one. It dropped a stick at our feet, then dabbed at it with paw while gazing expectantly into our faces. Quite obviously dog-speak for “Let’s play”.
I released her hand, took up the stick, hurled it into the bay. The dog swam to the stick which was brought back to our feet to soak lower limbs with the water shaken from its shaggy coat, seeming then to grin as if to say, ‘What fun is this!’. The game continued.
Although I was joyed by the whole outing thus far, I did not take her hand again. Later, I came to realise she was not so pleased and did not share my attitude to the friendly dog. Much later, approaching marriage, I was told how cross she was when the dog caused the unclasping of hands, was disappointed that the holding of hands did not resume that day.
The years of marriage, though at first financially stringent, were idyllic.
Three daughters and Mum a girlish quartet. In the early years, we combined to nail together a ready-cut house. It is another tale of how the extensive backyard became a miniature farm. In time, the daughters branched out on their own.
We became Darby and Joan, had paid off the home loan, were in the ‘Golden Years’, but knew that someday it would end in death and grief. There would likely be a great price to pay for the happiness we now enjoyed.
And so it was.
She was diagnosed with an incurable terrible disease.
The closer the end approached, the greater grew our love. We mourned together through those months.
Two broken hearts, shattered. Not the mere bruised heart of all those years ago, irreparably broken hearts.

A NEW CHALLENGE

Wiping away the tears and putting away sobering thoughts, have any of you been undertaking new or challenging projects recently. For over a year now I have been very interested in all things felt, reading about it’s origins, production and practicing the art. I have turned my hand to making flowers, vessels, scarves and more recently hats. When I read about a Russian lady, Irina Spasskaja, who had developed a unique way of laying out Merino wool fibres to create a soft hat with a double brim, which at the same time was water and wind-proof, I had to investigate further. This culminated in my purchase of her 6 video tutorials (rather costly) followed by many hours of practice and the necessity to have a rotary board made to facilitate the work. This was achieved by purchasing a ‘lazy susan’ base and then going to our local carpenter wiz, Gary, who goes by the rather strange name of DUCKS GUTS FURNITURE, who luckily had a circular piece of wood in the corner of his work room, ideal for the task, and within 24 hours I had my rotary board for the grand sum of $30. Amazing. Here’s a picture of Irina showing her rotary board which I copied with the help of Ken of course.

Irina showing the rotary felting board

I won’t bore you with all the technicalities of the process except to show you a few photos of how the layout works. If you would like more details send me an e-mail ([email protected]) and I will be happy to supply a fuller description of the process.

: First layout with template for opening

: Fill in at 45 degree angle

: 2nd layer laid horizontal

: First side completed

: Reverse side – no opening

Now after nearly 5 hours of work here’s the completed hat:

Irina says you have to make at least 10 hats before you are ready to progress to the next level of expertise. I think that could be sometime in the future for me. One hat is a huge task.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK – AUSTRALIA

As many of you who are volunteers will know, this week has been National Volunteer Week with lots of activities and afternoon teas around the countryside. I celebrated by attending my local neighbour house and participated in a group session of laughter. We were told how laughter is beneficial for us whether it be real or false. We had to walk around the room making eye contact with each other, clapping, repeating hehehehe, hoooo, and making various movements, like simulating knitting, driving, digging and so on. Yes, this did cause laughter amongst many of the participants but left me with a silly false smile on my face. At least I did’t sit out like some, but I really didn’t enjoy the experience. Have any of you tried this activity I wonder.

At the end of the session different messages relating to volunteering were read out, this one says it all for me.

Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits and know one had a hand in them.

ABUNDANCE OF APPLES

I am at last getting to the end of my abundance of apples, well almost, and in my quest to process the last few kilos found the following recipe which turned out really well, though for me the topping was too sweet, so I would suggest you reduce the amount of brown sugar a little if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
Aunty Wendy’s Apple Cake
125grams butter
2 medium apples, peeled and grated
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon all spice
pinch of salt
…and for the topping:
25grams melted butter
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C (350F) and line a round cake tin with baking paper.
Mix butter, sugar and egg and then add grated apple. Mix well.
Stir in sifted dry ingredients, mix well and pour into cake tin.
Mix the topping ingredients together and spread evenly over the cake.
Bake for 45minutes or until golden brown on top.

SPECIAL CAKES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

What do you think of this marvellous Birthday Cake produced by the sons of Christine (retired President of the Coal Creek Spinning Group) for her recent birthday? So appropriate and so clever:Congratulations Christine.

I’m going to finish of this post with a bouquet of felted flowers produced by the participants at a recent workshop:

THERE ARE MANY THINGS IN LIFE THAT WILL CATCH YOUR EYE, BUT ONLY A FEW WILL CATCH YOUR HEART, PURSUE THOSE

(Michael Nolan)

Until next time, enjoy every day.

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

FINDING AN ON LINE COURSE, VOLUNTEERING, KEEPING IN TOUCH, RECIPES AND CRAFTS

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Finding an on-line course that has the bonus of being free

Have you heard of FutureLearn? I recently found this site where you can browse free on line courses from top universities and specialist organisations. You are able to join courses that are about to start or are in progress or register to find out when courses will run again. Ken booked in for three courses, two with regard to film making and one run by the University of Southampton, UK, dealing with the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. There are opportunities for you to offer your opinions regarding the course you are taking, ask questions and join in a forum with other participants. Amazingly the courses are all free.

There are a large number of topics available on a variety of subjects so have a look at their site:

www.futurelearn.com/courses

U3A courses

This morning I attended a course at my local U3A on Memoir Writing. I wasn’t sure what to expect or whether it would help me with the writing of the book I have in progress covering our ‘alternative lifestyle’ days. That still remains to be seen but hearing snippets of other peoples life experiences was so interesting and inspiring. Human endeavour is absolutely amazing and should be documented. As I have mentioned before, if you are unable to find the type of course you are looking for, have a look at the U3A website where they offer on-line courses in variety. www.u3aonline.org.au

Volunteering

After the death of Josephine, the lady I was visiting through the Community Visitor Scheme, I was undecided whether to continue on the program. It can be a challenge when you realise that many of the inhabitants of the Aged Care Facilities where you visit are only a little older, and in many cases, younger than yourself. However, when Rosemary, the Co-ordinator of the program, rang me and asked if I would be interested in visiting Dorothy who is 102 and in need of a visitor who could chat and listen to her life stories, I just had to accept. I visited Dorothy for the first time this week and spent a really enjoyable hour in her company. I was amazed to find that she can see perfectly without glasses and loves a game of bowls in the recreation facility at the home. She told me about her family, the number of which she has lost count, and of her late husband who she met when she was 14 but didn’t marry until she was 24. I anticipate having many happy visits with her.

How rewarding volunteering can be!

Keeping in touch with family and friends

I was reflecting recently on friends and aquaintances that had passed through my life and who I no longer had regular contact with. This got me to thinking how great it would be to re-establish some of these connections so I made some phone calls and wrote some letters. Everyone I contacted was pleased to hear from me and although it hasn’t been possible to meet some personally due to tyranny of distance, we have exchanged e-mail addresses and agreed to keep in contact. One really enjoyable experience was finding the son of a friend on Facebook and asking if he could put us in touch again. He arranged for us to chat on Skype when she visited him and it turned out to be a very long conversation. We first met when both 16 at an interview to enter Secretarial College. She has now bought an iPad but has not yet mastered using Skype though I’m sure she will quite soon.

Fortunately I have managed to keep in contact with most of my cousins in England and a few friends of my late mother, two of whom still write long and interesting letters. Sadly one of my cousin’s has developed alzheimer’s and is no longer able to communicate, so I am glad that I maintained contact with her over the years.

Friends and family make up the fabric of our lives.

Update on my felt-making project

My friend Olga recently returned from visiting family in Chile and kindly brought back a present for me of some beautiful carded wool in brilliant colours. I decided I must make a vest-type jacket for her as a thank you. I did some practice panels, and eventually a panel which will be cut into two for the actual jacket. I still need to do more panels in order to complete the vest. One panel I made was a complete disaster as I didn’t use sufficient material and it turned out covered in holes. Perhaps there will be a use for it in a later project. Ken took some film of me doing the felting with the idea in mind of eventually making a short film of the process. He produced what I thought was a nice title showing some of the coloured wool. There’s a lot of perfecting on my part before a film could be made but there’s a challenge on the horizon.

Title for proposes movie showing carded wool

Title for proposed movie showing carded wool

: One of my practice panels

: Panel to be cut in half for vest

Sharing recipes

A couple of weeks ago I decided to look through all my cookery books with the idea of discarding those not used. Goodness what a collection and what memories were contained within those pages. I spent an enjoyable couple of hours recalling successes and failures. My most used book is one given to me as a wedding gift by my Aunt Helen. It has lost the cover and the index is stabled together at the back but it’s still the book I pull out first for an old time favourite. Another of my well used cookery books is one I bought when I first came to Australia in 1976 and is The Rodale Cookbook from Fitness House, Pennsylvania, USA. One of the recipes I’m confident you will enjoy and which I always have in the cupboard is

Almond Crunch Cereal

Preheat oven to 225F/110C
3 cups uncooked rolled oats (not quick oats)
1½ cups dry coconut shreds, unsweetened
½ cup wheat germ or soy grits
1 cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
½ cup honey
¼ cup oil
½ cup cold water
1 cup slivered almonds
½ cup raisins (optional)

Combine oats, coconut, wheat germ or soy grits, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Toss ingredients together thoroughly.

Combine honey and oil. Add the cold water, a little at a time, mixing until crumbly.

Pour mixture into a large, heavy, shallow baking pan which has been lightly brushed with oil. Spread mixture evenly to edges of pan.

Place on middle rack of preheated oven and bake for 1½ hours, stirring every 15 minutes. Add almonds and bake for a further ½ hour. Mixture should be dry and light brown in colour and feel crisp to the touch.

Turn oven off and allow cereal to cool in oven. If raisins are to be added to cereal, do so at this point. Remove cereal from oven, cool and put in a tightly covered container. Store in a cool dry place. Yield 8 cups.

A recipe from my book: What to eat if you don’t have meat

BEAN CURRY

1 medium tin red kidney beans
1 clove garlic crushed
4 mushrooms
4 medium carrots
300ml stock
2 cooking apples
2 medium onions
3 large potatoes
2 tsp Madras curry powder (or your own mix)
1 tsp yeast extract

Fry onion and garlic gently in oil then add sliced apple and continue cooking until pulped. Add sliced mushrooms and carrots together with curry powder, stock and yeast extract. Cut potatoes into small chunks and add to curry. Bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer very gently for half an hour. Add kidney beans and continue cooking for a further 20 minutes.

It’s well worth making up a double quantity of this recipe and freezing because it will be a firm favourite with everyone.

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Well once again I’ve come to the end of the blog but will sign off with a quote:

LIFE IS LIKE A CAMERA

FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT
CAPTURE THE GOOD TIMES
DEVELOP FROM THE NEGATIVES
IF THINGS DON’T WORK OUT, TAKE ANOTHER SHOT

Janice

ENJOYING RETIREMENT IN 2016

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WELCOME TO RETIRE AND ENJOY IN 2016

Firstly I would like to thank all my Blog followers for their continued support and wish everyone, including those who are not yet retired, a year filled with opportunities and achievements. It’s probably a good idea to make a plan of what goals you would like to accomplish whether it’s to catch up with friends, start an exercise regimen, travel, volunteer or work on something you’ve been putting off until you had time. Many of us hate making lists but if you write down a “to achieve list” you can refer back to it in the future just to check on your progress. Of course conversely you could also make a “not to continue doing” list which could prove interesting. Here are a few ideas:

Break a bad habit
Learn a new skill
Do a good deed
Visit a new place
Read a difficult book
Write something important
Try a new food
Do something good for someone who cannot thank you
Take an important risk

Now I would like to share the contents of my “to achieve list” with you:

Complete the Upper Advanced Spanish Course that I stopped doing last August because the homework became quite daunting and difficult.
Sew a bomber jacket with felt panels. I have plenty of wool over from the felt hats I made so no excuse.
Complete a book about my family’s adventures with an alternative lifestyle i.e. living without electricity for 10 years, building a mud brick house and running a goat dairy. This book has been in progress for far too long.
Try to practice the piano each day. I’m only a novice.
Enjoy every day to the full.

I’ll keep you up to date. It’s a bit of an ask especially items 3 and 4

5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER IN RETIREMENT

Because I am very passionate about volunteering I would like to share with you an article I came across recently on the website www.oversixty.com.au which listed five reasons to volunteer in retirement:

Want an active, happy and meaningful retirement? The evidence shows that volunteering isn’t just good for the community, it’s also good for you. Here’s five reasons why you should consider volunteering in retirement.

1. You’ll find satisfaction

It’s better to give than to receive, and the data backs this up. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, volunteers – defined as someone in the previous 12 months who willing gave unpaid help – reported higher levels of life satisfaction than non-volunteers.

2. You’ll be happier

Numerous studies have shown that volunteering not only makes people feel emotionally better but boosts their own happiness.

3. You’ll connect with the community

For some people, retirement can lead to loneliness, boredom and a sense of isolation. Volunteering both opens you up to the wider community and connects you with likeminded people.
4. Your health will improve

Studies have found volunteering has many health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced stress and a longer life span.

5. You will have a greater sense of purpose

It’s been long known there’s a significant correlation between volunteer work and social wellbeing but research from Duke University and the National University of Singapore that looked at data of 3,200 volunteering Americans found that volunteering just one day a month will give your life a greater sense of purpose.

JOINING A CLUB

Joining a film making group has been an inspiring experience for Ken so if you have a passion to learn a new skill it’s well worth looking around to find a suitable course. The University of the Third Age is a good place to start or your local Community House. Shire Councils put out a book which includes all the clubs in your area together with contact details likewise the library is a fund of information.

Since his youth Ken has had the desire to ride the high seas on a sailing ship having been inspired by the Hornblower book series. Late last year his dream came true when he found that trips were available on a replica vessel sailing from Mornington in Victoria, Australia. He booked on line and enjoyed himself so much that he took a subsequent trip. I decided to keep my feet firmly on terra firma but was able to take a little film from the cliffs which have been included in the production.

I hope you enjoy the film Ken produced of his adventure:

Crocheting

I have decided to continue joining the group of ladies at my local Community House this year for their weekly get together of crochet, knitting and project discussion. Just before Christmas I was inspired by a blanket pattern I saw on a crochet blog to make one as a present for my daughter. Because the blogger was American the yarn she used was not available here in Australia so I had a bit of difficulty sourcing what was needed. However, with a few false starts, some undoing of rows and issues with row lengths, I managed to complete the task. I did deviate from the pattern by using contrasting wool mainly because I didn’t purchase enough material in the first place. My daughter was delighted with her gift and one of my granddaughters has put in an order for her next Birthday.

Christmas present for my daughter

Whilst searching for wool supplies on line I joined www.ravelry.com – Ravelry is a place for knitters, crocheters, designers, spinners, weavers and dyers to keep track of their yarn, tools, project and pattern information, and look to others for ideas and inspiration. The content is all user- driven and is a great place for you to keep notes about your projects, see what other people are making, find the perfect pattern and connect with people who love to play with yarn from all over the world in their forums.

ROCKET, FETA & POMEGRANATE SALAD

Here’s a salad recipe I located on Pinterest recently. The description is a bright, crisp salad which is a little different but it works really well.

Ingredients:

• 200g feta
• ½ lemon, zested and juiced
• 120g rocket
• 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 pomegranate, seeds only
• Salt and pepper, to season
Method:

1. Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, mustard, vinegar and olive oil together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a separate large bowl, combine rocket, pomegranate seed, red onion and feta cheese. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

REMINISCING

I wonder if like us you have piles and piles of old films in various forms that haven’t seen the light of day for many a year. One friend told me that her husband had transferred their films to a memory stick (hope I have that right) and when they take a coffee break they watch and enjoy. Ken has recently decided to transfer our old footage and what a walk down memory lane that has turned out to be. A few tears have been shed when seeing parents and family members no longer with us.

Here’s a real antique that our son came up with of Ken in his ‘alternative lifestyle’ days.

Ken on the farm with the leader of our goat herd

I’ll sign off this blog with a quote from Abraham Lincoln:

IN THE END, IT’S NOT THE YEARS IN YOUR LIFE THAT COUNT, IT’S THE LIFE IN YOUR YEARS

Janice

OUTINGS, ACTIVITIES, THINGS TO DO

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OPEN DAY AT A GIPPSLAND PRINTERS

Since Ken joined the Wonthaggi Movie Makers Club he has sourced different events which he considers are worthy of filming, one of which was an open day at a Gippsland Printers celebrating the power of print. The effort put into the day by the owners and staff was absolutely amazing. It gave a real insight into the processes of printing and the changes that have taken place over the past 120 years. Of course Ken was in his element chatting to the staff involved in the different processes likewise all those who attended had a great time as you were given the opportunity to have your photo taken by a professional photographer, which was then printed in large format, you could choose a design and have 250 business or personal cards printed, children could have their photo on a Wanted Poster and there was an over-supply of pads, shopping lists, booklets and calendars; everything was for free. It all culminated in a sausage sizzle and a raffle for a laser printer.

Here’s the photo Ken and I had taken:

Janice and Ken at Gippsland Printer Open Day

It’s wonderful the enjoyment that can be had by checking out local events and going along to see what’s on offer. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Whilst Ken was off looking at the printing machines I met up with a lady called Jean who told me about her interest in Scrap Booking. I must admit I have never thought about undertaking that activity, but it really sounds as if it could be a great hobby in retirement. Jean was a really interesting person to talk with and we covered quite a bit of ground in a short time. Enjoying good company can be so rewarding.

Joining a club has opened up a lot of opportunities for Ken to make the best of his retirement. Through research on the internet he has found there are at least three printing museums with working machinery that we can visit. He now has his map book out and is planning various trips.

PLANNING A TRIP/LEARNING A LANGUAGE

Learning another language is a real challenge but it broadens your mind and gives you insight into other cultures. For me it has become part of my everyday life. Each Monday I have a lesson with a teacher in Lima, Peru, who shares various topics with me including typical recipes of her region which I like to try out. Last week it was a wheat salad which sounds really different. Learning a language is also a stepping stone to visiting a country where the language you have chosen is spoken. The Spanish Cat is a language school in Melbourne and they have put out a blog: 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PERU. Here it is for you to enjoy. I am sure you will be tempted to visit Peru. I know I am:

http://www.thespanishcat.com/learn/index.php/jaggyblog/10-things-to-see-and-do-in-peru

VOLUNTEERING

As a volunteer with the Community Visitors Scheme, I visited Josephine in a local aged care facility today. Sometimes these visits can be quite confronting and sobering which is the case with Josephine as she is just one year older than myself and is suffering some short term memory loss due to a growth in the brain which can’t be operated on. However, she is always pleased to see me and I try to chat about things we did as young women which she can recall with clarity. It is so important for people like Josephine to have contact with the outside world and for a short time be part of that world with me. When I leave the facility I count my blessings and know I have to make the best of each and every day.

CANDY FLOSS

Can you remember enjoying Candy Floss. I used to absolutely love it and remember it was part of the joys of town and village fetes. This was brought home to me on the weekend when I saw two mature ladies laughing whilst they ate candy floss with the floss well and truly stuck to their lips. I looked for a picture on Pinterest and came up with this great fun postcard. Some of you will have seen it already because I posted it on my Retire and Enjoy Facebook Page.

All for now from Retire and Enjoy. Enjoy each day. Until next time

Janice

ENDURING FRIENDSHIPS (17/03/15)

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Still volunteering at 80

I was reminded this week of how important enduring friendships can be and how they show us what hidden depths people have. These friendships connect us to our past whilst at the same time being part of the present. No matter that we aren’t able to meet in person very often, we can immediately pick up where we left off when we do get in touch. One such friend is Janet who I met when her family were evacuated from London during the second world war and opened up a small hardware shop in the main street of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire where I lived. We became great friends and spent many hours together after school. We had a signalling system whereby we stood outside our respective front doors and waived an umbrella to indicate whose house we would go to.

After the war Janet returned to London with her parents but we have always kept in touch, meeting when possible and of course writing.

Since retiring Janet has dedicated her time and energy to looking after small children in need of care as well as helping with her own grandchildren when they were young. I was amazed 18 months ago when she told me of the terrible shortage in London of foster carers for babies and although she was mindful that she might not be accepted was going to apply. Well, can you believe it, she was accepted, and has been taking babies in ever since. I received a letter from her yesterday and this is some of what she wrote:

“I look after another baby now he was eight months when I started 6 months ago. He is so lovely, just could not resist him, and his name is Teddy. He is the mother’s third son and has a brother who is only 14 months older and one of 7 years. I am as busy as ever as you might guess”.

What a wonderful woman taking on such a responsibility. She will be 80 in two months time. With her letter she included a card with a picture of my old home. The house is sixteenth century and reportedly had a monk buried beneath the front parlour. Originally it was near to a medieval hospital for Lepers and a health-giving spring. Many years ago the house became a cafe with accommodation.

When I lived here it was called Monks Cottage

ACTIVITIES AND VOLUNTEERING (8/03/15)

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Hello all – welcome to autumn here in Australia where there are all kinds of activities and festivals to enjoy. Ken is continuing his quest to make as many short movies as possible so has planned a calendar of events that we can both attend which will provide him with colourful subject matter. There really are so many opportunities and ideas for projects to pursue now that we are retired.

Dahlia exhibition and show, Mt Waverley

If you were interested in growing dahlias or just wanting to enjoy the beauty of these blooms, this exhibition and show was absolutely magnificent. Here are a couple of photos:

Dahlia Show at Mt Waverley

Mt Waverley Show

One of the exhibitors was Country Dahlias from Winchelsea near Geelong. If you live near Melbourne it is possible to visit their 2 acre dahlia garden and wander around at your leisure. They are hosting a festival on the weekend of March 21st/22nd which sounds good. Unfortunately their brochure does not give a web site and I haven’t been able to find one, though they are mentioned on the net under plant nurseries. If you live in other States of Australia, search out the events calendar for your area. Conversely, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you will just be starting to think of planting out your tubers. I remember with nostalgia how my father loved his dahlias; he grew those ones with the huge heads.

Quilt and felt hat display at Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne

I was so inspired by the felt hat display and came home full of enthusiasm for making one for myself. However, I was a little sobered by the process when I checked out some YouTube tutorials. I am undaunted and think I will pursue the idea. It could be a good project for the winter months. I will keep you posted. The quilts must have taken hours of work. I have never attempted one myself though my daughter made one some years ago. I am sure if you want a really absorbing pastime, quilt making would fill the bill.

Here is a picture of the hat display:

Felt hats and wall hangings at quilt exhibition

Kite Festival at Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula

Yesterday we went to the Kite Festival at Rosebud. Though this event was more for young people, racing around flying their kites, there were still quite a few older folk with their grandchildren, enjoying the spectacle of the professional display as shown here:

I didn’t realise there was still so much interest in kites. Ken says he remembers, as a boy, making a kite from split bamboo canes to required shape, putting cotton around the outside, then laying on tissue paper and sticking to the outside string after which he attached a tail and more string to pull it into the air.

Volunteering as a Community Visitor

I have chatted before about the Community Visitors Scheme which pairs volunteers with a resident in an aged care facility who is need of a visitor to share some time them. There are so many people who sit alone all day and never have a visitor. This is so sad. After the death late last year of the lady I was visiting I decided to take some time away but this week I was introduced to a new inmate who I will be visiting from now on. We chatted briefly and I am sure that we will be able to develop an ongoing and fulfilling relationship. Here is a rose for her from my garden:

If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme in your area, visit:

http://www.communityvisitorsscheme.org.au

That’s all for this Blog. Let me know about your activities. Until next time,

Enjoy every day

Janice