Christmas baking

This morning dawned blessedly cool compared to the past three! With day time temperatures around 33C and night time inside still around 27C it was a relief to be able to open the doors and windows and let some coolness in.

Since today promised to be the coolest for the next week, and since I had put the Christmas cake dried fruit to soak in brandy last week, I decided it might be a good day to bake.  I had just put a loaf of banana bread into the oven when a phone call announced that young grandie L5 wanted to visit. Of course his mum was pleased to take the opportunity to do her weekly grocery shop at the supermarket as well so knowing that I was not going to be able to 'entertain' too much with the process of cake making in hand, decided the best thing to do was get some gingerbread dough on the way as well. 

Had just taken the banana bread out of the oven and put the Christmas cake in when young L arrived.  Excited at the prospect of making his own gingerbread men, he got started right away. He kneaded and rolled and cut his way through a stack and we baked three trays full.  Once cool enough, the finishing touches were made with white icing.  By the time mum arrived back to collect him, a large container was filled for her to take home and freeze. Of course L needed to carry out a taste test and reported that they were certainly yummy! 

Banana bread, Christmas cake and gingerbread shapes all baked beautifully. A successful morning indeed.  We made precious memories today. Thankyou L for being part of that special time together!

Blessings!



Down memory lane

My recent time in New Zealand was spent in the area I went to primary school. So much has changed, older houses being pulled down and flash new ones being built.  All those years ago when I attended the old school, not too many families had large incomes - we were pretty much on the same economic level - mostly low!  A few kids from the wealthy areas did start off at the local school but often were removed as they got to age about 10 and put to a 'private school' where fees were high and special uniforms and even hats were worn. In some cases, gloves were an essential part of the uniform for the girls.

Well it so happens that my Mum's new unit is right behind the old school. I either drove past or walked through it a fair few times in the 6 weeks I was there. I was rather surprised and yet pleased that it really hadn't changed much at all.  Even the old stone wall which curves around one side of the playing area was still there. It was a popular spot for us to play marbles and we would either line up our (very) new plastic 'allies' along the wall - 3 in a row and 3 feet back the kids had to stand to take a shot at them - or 5 in a row and 5 feet back and so on.  Or the boys would draw chalk circles and place a marble in the centre and from the outside ring, others would flick a marble between their thumb and first finger and try to make a strike.

Mum always gave us kids sandwiches for our lunch, invariably filled with squashed bananas.  You know how they brown over after a few hours?  My leather school bag really smelled of bananas most of the time and for many years now I've not been able to eat the blessed things because of the memory of that school bag. How silly is that?

The small building at the gate was always known as the 'murder house' and we kids lived in fear and trembling when our names were called for us to go visit the dental nurse.  I hated sitting in that chair with all its contraptions hanging off the sides but the thing I dreaded more was the old drill which was operated by a pedal on the floor which drove a kind of belt around a couple of little wheels which in turn made the drill whizz around at a fast pace.  I hated the feeling of the warmth of the drill on my tooth enamel and the intense pain when it hit a nerve.  Oh I feel shudders just thinking about it now.  If you were very lucky indeed, as an older pupil you might just be chosen to be the nurse helper for a day - I'm so pleased I never was chosen for that.

I did get to be morning tea monitor though. At age 12 our last year of primary school the girls always felt they were something special to be chosen to make morning tea for the teachers in the staff room.  It was the only two storied part of the school and we monitors were always looked up to by the other kids. Not quite sure why when I think of it now, but perhaps it was because we got to miss class for 15 minutes or so before the recess bell went.

At recess we would file out of class and get to take a 1/2 pint bottle of milk out of the crate which would have been left at the door.  Another thing I really didn't like - having been delivered quite early in the morning,  the milk by this time was quite warm with a thick layer of cream which had risen to the top of the bottle.  When I look back on it now, we were fairly fortunate to have it provided for us.

A walk down memory lane is a good thing to do and many times when I think back on those times I wonder how today's kids would fare, given the same kind of conditions we had growing up.  So many gadgets and gidgets available to us today make living so much easier but I'm grateful for memories of those times - and grateful for that simple way of life.

I'd better bring myself back to the present!

Blessings!



Boat sheds still survive  not far from where I lived as a child 60 years ago - Orakei, Auckland New Zealand



SUNSHINE, SUNSHINE!

It is so lovely to see the sun and feel its heat - though weak - it has brightened my day. This morning dawned grey and cloudy again but the weather forecasters were correct when they said it would clear to a sunny afternoon. What a difference the sun makes to the way we feel - especially in the winter time.

I've been out and about today, visited the library for more books and DVD's, went to the big hardware store and picked up fertilizer for my broccoli and some long handled gardening tools and since I've been back home even felt like doing some sweeping to move the leaves which had gathered at the entrance to my front door over the past few weeks. It was so good to even feel like doing some of these things again.

As I sit here typing, it's late afternoon and the sun is fading now quickly but it has been so bright it reminded me of a very old Sunday School chorus we used to sing in New Zealand. I don't remember if the words are even correct and I wouldn't know who wrote it but it's been running through my head - and sometimes its hard to get rid of those kind of tunes that have a habit of staying -

Sunshine, Sunshine, shining along our pathway,

Guiding, guiding, just where the Saviour would go,

Shining, shining, when all the way seems gloomy,

Jesus lights our way up to Glory, with Sunshine Rays.

Does anyone remember that?

THE BIG DAY AT LAST - SUCCESSFUL 90th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

One week ago today I woke to torrential rain – what a disappointment! We (DH and I) had so much to do on this morning of the ‘birthday bash!’ Dashing through the supermarket, gathering all the items on the shopping list and hoping we hadn’t forgotten anything. Then off to get balloons and back again to deliver to the venue, all we needed for the preparations to begin.

The ‘birthday girl’ wanted nothing more than to be involved – in fact would have been more than happy to be ‘director of traffic’ – however knowing that would have been more hindrance than help on this occasion, DIL kindly waited with her and tried to keep her occupied.

Preparations went well, birthday cake in pride of place, caterers arrived with oodles of food, kitchen helpers, chair movers, data projection operators, all checked out their duties and at last it was time to pick up my now, 90 year old Mum.

Guests arrived – over 50 of them – and Mum was in her element – gracious and entertaining, chatting, and introducing. It was a wonderful afternoon, an ice breaker quiz, a slide show of photographs from childhood to present and topped off by the blowing of candles and cutting of cake.
Weeks of telephone and email communication tying up loose ends from another country had paid off and all of us were extremely pleased with the way the day had turned out. Even though the rain persisted for most of the day, by the time we were finished tidying up and leaving the venue as we’d found it, the sun began peeking through the clouds as it set over the horizon.

Sunday dawned bright with the promise of a beautiful day. Dinner with 16 family members topped off a great weekend of birthday celebration.

Our flight home was uneventful and as always we were pleased to be back in our own beds, but secure in the fact that we have left Mum with well over 70 cards and greetings from so many family and friends, so many happy memories of her very eventful 90th birthday.

DO I OR DON'T I?

The so called Swine Flu is a worrying world event. So is world travel just at present with the possibility of passing on or picking up infection from other travellers - especially in hugely populated places like international airports.
With this in mind - and as DH and I will be using two of these facilities tomorrow - I'm wondering if I should purchase face masks to use while traveling through the massive people moving places. I understand governments around the world are ordering millions of these, but should they be used as a precaution now anyway?

Talk of world pandemics brings back memories of that almost forgotten illness polio and more recently, HIV/AIDS. Modern medicine and science have come such a long way in being able to help prevent such massive human disasters but can the experts work fast enough in this instance? There is little we as individuals can do except take precautions - plenty of Vitamin C, Garlic and Echinacea. Certainly not a cure, but helpful in building up the body's immune system.

But in any event, although our travel is not essential, its being taken to celebrate Mum's 90th birthday on Saturday. In these days of long-lived humans, not such an achievement some would say, however when looking at an individuals long life and all that has happened in those years, we feel it is something to be proud of and we plan to make a weekend of lovely memories for her to remember, for however many birthdays she is given in the future.

Will be back next week hopefully with a pic or two of the Nonagerian and the family celebrating this great milestone.

Have a good weekend all and blessings!

A FABULOUS 50TH REUNION

For months I've been anticipating the reunion and now it's over! What a wonderful day it was though. In April 1959 I began my nursing training in Auckland New Zealand. Last weekend 57 of those girls who were able to make it back to Auckland celebrated those 50 years which have intervened with photos, renewing friendships, demonstrations, speakers, and of course delicious food and a wonderful cake made by one of the girls.

Hard to believe that all those years ago we were innocent and naive young 17 year olds stepping out into the big brave world of nursing. What wonderful things have happened in the world of medicine and nursing since then and to think I have lived to see most of it is just amazing. And yet the one thing that has not changed from the time of Florence Nightingale till the present day, is the bedside care nurses and doctors give patients which for most is the motivation for entering this brave profession. Having been on the 'receiving end' a few times in those 50 years I've had a taste of what its like and even with todays 'graduates' who learn most of their nursing techniques after they begin their practical experience in hospital wards, care for the sick remains much the same.

Our next reunion is in 5 years time and already we are talking and looking forward to it. If it's as successful as the 50th, then we're in for a great time!

BIRTHDAY (BASH) CELEBRATION

Celebrating birthdays is always fun – especially when it’s a family member. A group of us celebrated DS’s birthday last night. It was a day early but we enjoyed a beautiful meal together at a very popular little Italian restaurant not far from home and had a fun night which included being serenaded in song with piano accordion accompaniment. The ‘chicken’ dance, ‘hokey tokey’ and YMCA for young and old was highly energetic and had us all entertained and was a fitting end to the evening.

Certainly it was one we’ll remember!

FAMILY REUNION

It had been planned for more than 18 months and ended up with 22 of us gathering at a resort on the Gold Coast. A week spent with family like this is just such a pleasure and getting to know a couple of new family members made it even more special.

Being one of 5 boys who now live in two different countries it’s difficult for DH to get to see much of his brothers which is why the ‘reunion’ was decided upon so long ago. The first one we had was in 1990 to celebrate a special milestone birthday – this time we celebrated with another brother who was also having a similar birthday to remember and a great night to mark the occasion was enjoyed with the highlight being (apart from the beautiful birthday cake and choir), a game of pass the parcel, complete with well thought out descriptions for each lucky beneficiary!

Being together in the one resort meant that we were able to ‘visit’ with each family but still ‘do our own thing’ at other times. The whole group visit to Seaworld was definitely a good day with everyone getting to do and see what they wanted. After everyone watching the Dolphin Show together, we went our different ways to check out displays and rides to our hearts content. Meeting occasionally throughout the day was a time to discuss what fun it was on the Bermuda Triangle, roller coaster or Water Flume ride – or how I could have possibly have missed getting photos of it while being at best viewing spot!

Whether having BBQ’s, dinner at Sizzlers or just visiting each other’s unit to catch up, all were in agreement that this was a great way to spend time together – and we have resolved to do it all again in three years time!

Thanks for the great memories family!

GIRLS WEEKEND AWAY

The weather looked promising as we set off from Sydney to meet at Peppers at Bowral for ‘High Tea’ at 12.30pm. The drive seemed short as we chatted away the ‘miles’ – we were ready to stretch our legs though once reaching Bowral and after finding a lovely sunny spot outside a coffee shop, relaxed with our lattes and cappuccinos and just enjoyed the atmosphere. A stroll down the main street and we were ready to move on to our anticipated ‘High Tea’. Set in beautiful grounds next to a golf course, the old building had been renovated and was beautifully furnished. We enjoyed an hour appreciating the food and atmosphere.

We left in time to make our check in at Fountaindale Lodge at Robertson, a tiny village further south which had at one time been a Catholic Seminary. The interior was spacious with a large stairway leading to the upper floors. As we ascended the stairs we were bowled over by a number of beautiful stained glass windows which had been preserved. The grounds were large with landscaped gardens and boasted 3 resident peacocks. We spent a leisurely afternoon visiting a local attraction – Fitzroy Falls – and enjoyed a stroll along the few shops which made up the village. Dinner in the evening provided us with a beautiful meal and after retiring to the lounge area, completed the evening by playing Charades!

After checkout in the morning we all drove to Berry on the NSW South Coast, getting there through the Kangaroo Valley. On arrival there, we were surprised to find the temperature had soared to over 30 degrees and for most of us, a quick look through local shops was more than enough in the heat before we stopped for lunch and headed out north towards home again.

For the 20 of us who made up the group it was a great break from the regular, normal activities most of us experience from week to week. For me it was a chance to get away and take time being involved with activities that normally I wouldn’t and generally recharge the batteries! An enjoyable night away!

THE BEST PIZZA EVER!

Pizza is on the menu in our household fairly irregularly now, but when we lived in Zambia for 3 years, I managed to make one that was quite acceptable to most who came to eat at our place - considering, that is, that there were no pizza parlours to buy the 'take away' kind until the last few months before returning to Australia. I've attempted to make them infrequently in the past few years, including home made dough and ready made base, but none of them really tasted like 'the real thing' until recently when I attempted another 'base' recipe. This one uses both yeast and semolina and gives a great tasting, crispy edged base. Just throw whatever topping on that takes your fancy. Within reason that is - ham and pineapple for him, mushrooms for me, but no anchovies or capsicum for either.

Anyway if you'd like to have a go, here's what I did:

200gr plain flour, 70gr semolina, pinch of salt, 190ml warm water, 1 tablespoon of oil, 3.5gr dry yeast (I would estimate this to be about 3/4 teaspoon).

Mix all ingredients together and knead till soft and pliable and mixture leaves the sides of the bowl. (I cheated and did this for about 5 minutes in a bread making machine). Lightly grease a clean bowl and place the mixture into this, leaving it in a warm place to rise for about an hour. When well risen, remove from bowl and knead gently before rolling out to the size and thickness needed for your pizza. Place on a pizza tray and top as desired. Bake in very hot oven for about 15 minutes.

Delicious!

THIS AND THAT CONTINUED

A few months ago I decided to jot down a few of my childhood memories to eventually put them into a story form for the generations to follow me. I wrote up a few pages and over the past few days felt the inclincation to have another look at it and continue the story. In some ways I’m not sure whether it’s a good or bad thing to be doing this! Many forgotten memories – both good and not so good – have resulted in my thinking and jotting. It’s nowhere near finished so I’ll just keep plodding with it and hope that it will work into something the grandies might enjoy reading some day.

Oh yes – a bit on the wonky side (sorry, my crook photography), here’s the cross stitch I finished which I have no idea what to do with! It’s from a freebie pattern of years ago – I think from DMC. I didn’t have a coloured picture to go by, just the black and white chart so I’ve used slightly different colours to those suggested.

It measures 3 x 3.75 inches which I think might be a little too big for a pin keep. Would anyone have any other ideas? I could always frame it but I’m more inclined to perhaps use it in a greeting card. I’ll have to give it a bit more thought – I think!