2015

Well what a year it's been and in a few days it'll be just a memory.

We've had a lot of things going on in the house. New shower screens, shed extension, cement slab in front of the shed in readiness for a carport, new kitchen installed. So many tradies coming and going at once - some even when they said they would be here. (Now that was this years miracle!!) Fruitless searches for matching tiles for the kitchen took us on many a road trip far and wide. In the end we went with something completely different but in the general colour scheme and wow!! it worked beautifully! LOVE that kitchen!!

Dear little Cackles passed away, She was one of three (Cackles, LaLa and the rooster Adolph) that were left here when we moved in. She was rather lost when LaLa died and never really bonded with any new chicken we brought into the yard. She kept herself a little aloof and was always last in when I called them to be locked in for the night. She'd mosey about, quietly cackling away, and I'd call her and say "Come on old girl - these young ones will eat all the dinner if you don't hurry up." She'd suddenly realise she was the only one out  and then she'd run like the wind, head down wings out, to get in the gate. Lol it was such a sight - she reminded me of an old Victorian lady suddenly lifting her long skirts and taking off across the yard. She remained my favourite and I admit I cried when Mark told me he had found her dead in the hen-house. I have only Hyacinth and Wheazy (aka Violet) left now and am still in two minds as to whether I will keep chickens in the future. It can be a problem sorting out feeding when we go away on hols as we tend to go for weeks at a time. One of our sons lives about 25 mins away and is more than happy to pop in but I really do hate to ask.

The winter veggies were prolific and the gardens remain a source of work and enjoyment. We're looking at moving 2 of the raised beds and then enclosing the entire 4 beds. There will be an area for fruit trees and also shelving at one end for potting. It's in the final planning stages although we have bought the steel to build the structure.

The family is jogging along well. Eldest son had his 30th birthday here in April - a themed party where you had to wear something that started with a letter in his first name. Mark went as a sheik and I went as a sorceress. Actually it was just a lovely medieval dress but I said I was a sorceress so I could get away with wearing it. lol. There were about 50 people and it was a wonderful night.

Fast forward to August and our other son moved to Canada for a year. His girlfriend came to Australia and we had a lovely time with her before they left. It was very difficult for everyone on the last day. The kids all stayed overnight to see him off and Mark and I drove them to the airport. It was horrendous saying goodbye  - I cried all the way home. I spoke recently to another mother whose son had moved to England. We talked about the conflicting emotions. Thrilled for them that they have an opportunity to live and work in another country, gutted that it would be so long before we see their face for real. We were both in agreement that some people are just unthinking rather than idiots (hmmm it 's a close call sometimes!) when they say 'oh you should be happy for him." Um duh we are! or "Oh well just think ,you'll have a place to stay if you ever go there." Again duh we know!
We are simply mothers! We are happy for them, sad we won't see them. Pretty normal I'd say.

We had our Christmas party at the end of November with about 40 family and friends. Its a lot of work but so worth it to see everyone together. We really missed Jordan being there but he skyped just before it started so was able to chat with his siblings as well as some of the party-goers who have known him for years. Kim and I go all out as far as decorations go and then leave them up for Christmas. :) The theme this year was silver and white. Gorgeous.

Roll on Christmas and again it was strange not having Jordan here. We talked to him but it was very poignant not seeing him at the Christmas table for the first time in his life. The rest of the family as well as some of our sons in-laws joined us for lunch.

Probably the most wonderful present was that our daughter got engaged! Mark and I already knew as her boyfriend had asked for Marks blessing about 2 weeks before. Kim had no idea. I was awake early because I knew he was taking her to the beach at sunrise to propose. And at around 5.55 am I got a wonderful phone call from our precious girl saying "Mum, I'm engaged!" There were tears all round lol. What a beautiful day!

So that's our year, albeit a brief overview. As usual I'm looking forward to what the new year brings. The words below appeal to me so I've included them here.

Merry Christmas and a brilliant 2016.  xo




Life is amazing. And then it's awful.
and then it amazing again.
and in between the amazing and the awful
it's ordinary and routine.

Breathe in the amazing,
hold on through the awful.
and relax and exhale
during the ordinary.

That's just living heart-breaking,
soul-healing, amazing,
awful, ordinary life.
And it's breathtakingly beautiful.

                                   -- L.R.Knost. --

My Friends.

Well the fire is blazing after a slow start so it's very snug in here. We had a bonfire down the backyard a few weeks ago to get rid of some of the tree branches that had come down in the massive storm of a few months ago. That was warm too lol - well for a few hours.

We're having sticky pork chops and veggies for dinner with the last of the pear pie for desert.

 We're getting a few things done about the place so it's been a bit of a juggle with contractors coming and going. This week there's a new shower screen in the ensuite and the kitchen man is coming tomorrow for the final measure up. I can't wait to have a new kitchen - I may never leave it. :) I have my new stove sitting in the study waiting to be put in and fired up.

Today I've been telling one of my friends about the new things that are happening here and she's as excited as I am. Don't you love it when you have friends who are just "there"?  In good times or bad, loving you, supporting you, laughing with you, crying with you, putting up with you lol and allowing you to be there for them in turn.

I stopped and really thought about my friends today after that chat. I think its wisdom to remember often why you love and appreciate them so as not to take them for granted. How easy it to not appreciate what you have and it's the one thing that Mark and I very adamant about - taking time in each day to be mindful of the many blessings in our life. My close friends are a pretty big one. They are part of my family. A few have known me for around 30 years, my oldest for over 40. One girl (yes we're still "girls") has been in my life for around 9 years and knows me probably better than some. Each are different types of people but each have such amazing qualities!

Where does one start? Kind, caring, honest, brilliantly wacky senses of humour. Intelligent and did I mention a wacky sense of humour?? :) They are part of my life and my family. I can depend on them and they on me. We can be silly, crazy, up or down - in other words we can be ourselves with each other. That is a very secure place to be.

The definition of a family is no longer restricted by DNA but encompasses those who are a positive influence in your life. My close friends and I have relationships brought about by mutual respect and caring. The Japanese word "kenzoku" literally means "family" but sometimes a bond between unrelated people transcends mere friendship and infers "kenzoku". I'm very grateful for that. :)

Winter Warming.

The sun's out today and we need to take advantage of it as the weather is supposed to get a little colder in a few days. There was snow already inland and down south.

I did one of my favourite jobs this morning: wandering about collecting sticks for fire starting. I take my little cart and go for a walk around the yard; it's relaxing and I get to have a look about. We have a large grove of trees in the bottom corner and normally I can fill the trolley easily down there but I avoided it today as its quite windy and there are still a lot of broken branches from the storm just hanging there ready to fall. There are other areas with only a few trees and so I was able to get enough sticks for a few days at least.

I found a lone jar of homemade bolognaise sauce in the pantry this morning. Score! I was making zucchini spaghetti bolognaise for dinner but would have made it from scratch. Excellent, dinner won't take anytime at all.

We've had a bumper crop of sweet potatoes and so I made a gorgeous but incredibly easy soup to use some up. It so nice and with the ginger and curry makes an even better winter-warmer. The recipe is from Health.com and is as follows;

  Curried Carrot,Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup.

 2 T spoons macadamia oil  (Original recipe calls for canola oil, however I don't use canola oil at all)

1/2 cup chopped shallots

3 cups cubed peeled sweet potato

1 1/2 sliced peeled carrots

1 tablespoon grated ginger

2 T spoons curry powder  (I only used 1 teaspoon - not keen on "blow your head off" soup)

3 cups chicken broth   ( Organic stock) 

1/2 T spoon salt       (I didn't add salt)

Method.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over med-high heat.Add shallots, saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add potato, carrots,ginger and curry; cook 2 minutes. Add broth, bring to a boil.Cover, reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender; stir in salt.

Pulse in a blender until smooth.

Pottering.

The nights are getting cooler now as our southern hemisphere winter draws closer. It won't be long before the wood holder will be brought up to the deck and piled high with a load ready for a surprise cold night. We'll certainly have enough for the next couple of years with the trees that came down in the storm. The guy next door had one down as well so Mark cut it up for him as he doesn't own a chain saw. We didn't realise the guy doesn't have a wood fire (most people here do) so were very happy when he offered us the wood for ours.

It's a quiet day today; Mark is working all weekend but I'm seeing the kids for Mothers Day tomorrow so that will be wonderful. I've just pottered about  the last couple of days - some generous person has shared their cold germs so have that awful heady feeling.

In the kitchen yesterday I made ham hock and veggie soup and cooked a large piece of silver side. We had the soup with gorgeous sesame seeded bread from  the local bakery for dinner last night. Love it! The silver side I'll slice and heat through with gravy or a sauce with veggies for dinner tonight before Mark goes off to work.

This morning I made granola ( make it every fortnight) and crumbed and cooked some small bits of chicken to make wraps for lunch today.

Once the granola is cooked and cool I add chia seeds and a few other bits and pieces - really whatever I have on hand. Today it was pepitas, more cranberries (uncooked) and dried banana pieces. With a bit of yoghurt of a morning it keeps me going until lunchtime. (No mid morning snacks needed!) .

The chicken is "Mum's Chicken"  - a recipe whose reputation is almost sacrosanct in this household.

It truly is the most simple of recipes and yet the family have raved about it for years. lol. I've a feeling I may have posted it before but will do again as I really can't be bothered to go trawling about trying to find it. :)

All it is is coat bits in seasoned plain flour, dip into egg and tomato sauce mixture, pop into crumbs with fresh Parmesan added. The crumbs are up to you - I use corn flake crumbs. See - how easy is that!! With lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a wee bit of mayo on a sourdough wrap - YUM!

This Morning.

 It was a foggy morning before the sun poked its nose out. Looks like the little creatures were busy overnight.




                                   

That Storm.

As most would know here on the East Coast of Australia the area in which we live was inundated with flooding rain a few weeks ago. The storm hit on the Monday night and what a storm! It sounded like an A380 was about to land on our roof! The wind noise with the driving rain, thunder and lightening had me hiding under the covers! Mark was at work on night shift and the next morning there was a very real chance he'd be cut off from home. Thank goodness he got through  as just half an hour later the road was cut when the river broke its banks and we were flooded in for a week.
 We lost electricity around 6 am Tuesday morning and it was a week before we got it back on. So no cooking, TV, phones, Internet or hot water. The first day wasn't too bad. Unfortunately our garbage was due to be picked up that morning but the truck couldn't get through- it was to be a week later and garbage overflowing before it could be taken. We had 2 gas cylinders full so knew we could cook on the barbeque. My laptop was fully charged so we could watch a DVD.
The first night Mark cooked the roast on the barbie out on the deck - he'd never done that before and he did a great job. Between that and some steamed veggies it was a great dinner. There was enough hot water left to have a warm (albeit very quick) shower each and then we settled down to watch a DVD.
Although the news had said the storm would be here for a few days we really thought the worst was over.
 I have a small battery operated radio so next day we were able to find out what was happening. The news was dreadful; communities were trashed, lives were lost and the storm was set to continue. We felt incredibly lucky to be so safe. Our home is on a hill so there was no chance of our home being washed  away which was what happened to some houses in other communities.
The second day we ate what we could from the fridge and I used up the fresh milk and eggs to make custard but now knew we were going to lose it all if the electricity didn't come back on very soon - and so we did. Everything in the fridge freezer and our large upright freezer. :( All the meat, the years worth of homemade stock, our frozen veggies from the garden - all gone. Having said that and yes it was difficult throwing out the "fruits of our labour" not to mention all that meat etc I was struck again at how very lucky we were to be warm, dry and above all safe! It was a long very quiet week but we read, we talked and I wrote while Mark pottered in the shed - when he could get there!
After a week of unusual food combinations from the pantry, boiling water to have a wash in the sink, and sleepless nights terrified all the street's septic systems were going to explode and shower us all with unmentionable gross stuff ( they are run by electricity) the rain stopped. The damage was unbelievable, the storms ferocity was unprecedented in our area and it will be months before things are back to normal.
We lost a huge gum tree that hit the back fence but that was the only real damage.
It was a pain losing my fridge and freezer stuff but that can be replaced. It was a nuisance not being able to shower daily, watch TV, go on the internet or get some fresh food. But that was all it was. In real terms it was just a nuisance.
People lost their homes, their livelihood, their stock and some their lives.
My daughter told me one lass complained on the Ausgrid website (our electricity company) that she had been without power for 7 hours. You have to be kidding!!
The Ausgrid people, SES, police, ambulance, firies and all who helped during this dreadful time deserve medals. They continually risked their lives going out into the storm to help others. Where I live is full on Australian bush  - the amount of trees down is unbelievable - but these guys were out day and night trying to clear the trees to restore power.The roads were impassable but asap the council was working to put it back to normal. Amazing people!!!

I didn't take this photo. it was posted on FB many times by various people. so I'm not sure who to attribute it to. This is the road on the way to my place. It was only finished a matter of a few weeks before the rain event hit.

Back to Normal.

Or should I have said back to reality?  We had let the garden go a little before we went away as we knew we wouldn't be here to tend it so it needed a bit of sorting out this morning.

Its still quite warm even though it's officially Autumn. For some reason I always expect the weather to cool the day I turn the calendar page over on the 1st of March. Invariably I'm disappointed. :)

We were able to pick the first of the butternut pumpkin, some rainbow chard, beetroot, a few straggling strawberries, a mass of onions as well as a few tomatoes, zucchini, and potatoes. We won't be putting potatoes in anymore as we've stopped eating them, so no point.

One of the trays of onions ready for the freezer. Once frozen they go into containers. They don't defrost crisp of course but are perfect for soups or casseroles. The chard will be done the same. I use the leafy bits of the chard as if spinach.

The beetroot have been cooked, diced, sliced and preserved. There's a couple in the fridge and 3 for the pantry.

And may I say they are beautiful. Nailed the liquid!!

Bula.

Bula. (pronounced boo-lah) is the greeting you hear everywhere in Fiji.

We've just had a wonderful holiday there and fell in love with both the place and the people. Fijians have the reputation of being the friendliest people on earth and I have to say I agree. They are so genuinely happy and in love with life!

We spent two days in Denarau at a 4.5 star resort - gorgeous. Then 5 days on an island resort and then back to Denarau for another two days before flying home. The resorts had to be seen to be believed!

The first place had a lovely atmosphere and was a great intro to the country. An hour and half super-cat ride to the island was fun, stopping at various places on the way to pick up and drop off guests at the other islands. We reached our island and were greeted by beautiful singing at the jetty. A short walk to check in where we were given a cool and fragrant flannel to freshen up with and an iced tea. Our bure was thatched and air-conditioned, king size bed and outdoor shower lol. The bathroom has a large glass sliding door and you walk outside into a semi-circle area with a stone wall about 7' high. It was magic showering outside of an evening with palm trees swaying above. Fresh flowers every day on the coffee table and a bowl of fresh water with a red hibiscus floating in it on the verandah each morning to rinse the sand off before going inside. Oh and no TV. Believe you me if you were bored you only had yourself to blame; there was plenty to do if you wanted to do something and masses of places to hang if you were just wanting to relax.

This was my favourite resort. So relaxing and beautiful. The staff were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble.

The final place we stayed at in Denarau was beautiful as well but lacked the atmosphere of the first two places. It was a 4.5 star too but it could have been on the Gold Coast for all its Fijian flavour. If I'm going to another country I don't want to feel like I'm in the next state. I want to experience something new. Meh  - nice but boring.

                 




            Beginning of the day.

             

                    Another perfect day.

"Just sayin' "

I noticed a post on a forum that ended with "just sayin' ".  It was obvious they were saying something, why the need to point that out?

I've seen it written quite a few times and find it a real source of bemusement. You have just said something - did you think I missed that and so needed an explanation?
It's like they're letting you know "Yes I have strung words together to express a thought or opinion but just in case anyone missed that, I'll clarify it  by letting you all know I was  "just sayin' "

It occurred to me that it seemed to be a disclaimer; you know the kind  - someone is as rude as hell then ends their comment with "just joking." That's the disclaimer that says you have no right to be offended or annoyed because I have tacked on the disclaimer and that makes everything that has gone before it OK.
 So you're "just sayin'? " Well say the damn thing and leave it at that!!

                                                ..................................................................  

We have a bridge near us. The road either side is two way but the bridge is only one lane. There's a give way sign at one end and for the most part people are polite and sensible. However you always get the one who ignores the sign, wants to beat you across no matter what and comes barreling toward you at breakneck speed. You of course have no option but to stop or face a head-on accident.

You wait, murmuring obscenities under your breath at the oncoming vehicle, when suddenly ..... yes there it is................. the wave. Often accompanied by a half apologetic smile "the wave"  says " I know, I know, but truly this car has a mind of its own. I saw the give way sign but I just couldn't stop. Yes I'm sorry but you noticed I waved???  Oh good, we're alright then."

Admittedly it is a bit of light entertainment whilst sitting at the end of the bridge as we try to guess if we'll get the disclaimer, the embarrassed/ aggressive glance or the "eyes front" thing where the other driver tries to ignore our presence even though he's driving right at us. :) 90% of the time it's "the wave.' Ah the disclaimer .............................. it covers a multitude of sins.

                                                 .............................................................



WARNING: I cannot be held responsible for the above, as apparently my chickens have learned how to type.




                                                     

Apricot Chicken - Moroccan Style.

My pantry warranted a good decluttering and so I've been trying to use up some of the stockpile I have. This is an easy one.

Moroccan Apricot Chicken.
1 kg Chicken thighs
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
oil for cooking
2 tablespoons Moroccan Seasoning
405 g tin apricot nectar
1 cup of Couscous


Rub chicken thighs with the spice mix, gently cook in minimal oil in frying pan until almost done. Set aside.
Cook onion and garlic, add apricot nectar, chicken and a bit more Moroccan spice. A few chilli flakes if you like it a bit spicier.
Cook slowly until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
Cook couscous as per directions on packet.
Serve chicken on a bed of couscous and spoon over sauce.
Top with chopped coriander leaves.

* You can of course add apricots but we don't like them in this dish so didn't bother.

* I didn't have any Moroccan Seasoning but had all the ingredients, so made up a batch.

* For us there was plenty of left over chicken and sauce so that got popped in the freezer for Mark for work.

Moroccan Seasoning.
5 teaspoons each of ground nutmeg, cumin, coriander
2.5 teaspoons each allspice and ground ginger
1.25 teaspoons each cayenne pepper and cinnamon

Yes - I know - there should be a photo;  but I often forget to take a photo when I'm in the kitchen. It's on the menu for the weekend so will hopefully remember to take a photo then.

Hello 2015.

Another year done and dusted. Mum was right - time does go faster the older we get!

No new revolutions (resolutions) this post. Mine are much the same most years lol. Get healthier, spend time with friends and family, learn all that I can about anything that takes my fancy, etc etc etc.

We had a wonderful Christmas - ten for lunch - and quite frankly who bothered with dinner that night! Two days later our daughter and boyfriend were back from seeing his parents and we had our second Christmas with the other kids here for dinner again. It doesn't get better than that.

A few weeks before we had a Christmas party with around 30 friends. It was a brilliant night. The house and outdoor area were decorated to within an inch of their lives lol and the tree was magical. I love Christmas and our daughter does too so we tend to go all out. Tables were set up, lights and lanterns strung, Kim organised the candy station, food was plentiful and the punch was a huge  (!!!!) success. Mark and the kids, including our wonderful daughter-in-law all pitched in to make it perfect!

Every year Kim and I have a colour theme for presents etc. lol yes I know ................ but I did tell you we love Christmas!!! Mine was brown wrapping paper and interesting bits and pieces. Below are some of the presents. Sadly the paper looks a bit insipid in the photos because it was really lovely

Shortbread was on the list to make this year and I used a traditional mold. Mrs.McCready made the absolute best shortbread in the street when I was growing up and was very generous when it came to sharing with the neighbourhood kids. I don't think mine was as good as Mrs.McCready's but it was quite nice all the same.

I hope your Christmas was full of love and laughter; and I hope the New Year is shaping up that way as well. There's so much that's good about this world - why not make that a resolution - to concentrate on the positive, be grateful for all the wonderful things in your life. Hey you woke up - that in itself is something to be happy about. :) Make this a year where your vocabulary is filled with positives and not  negatives. I know there's a lot of sadness and mayhem in the the world but maybe if we keep the positives in our sights rather than the awful stuff we might make a difference not only in our lives but in others as well. Now that's got to be good thing!

Happy 2015.