Flamingo Dancer

The Russians are coming!

2011-10-04T16:09:00.000+10:00

I know it has been said a trillion, million times, but garden really is a wonderful tonic. I was feeling a little down today, and so finally I took myself outside and started to water part of the garden. This led to watering the vegetable patch, which led to cleaning out some bok choy that had raced away to seed.

In its place I planted at tomato plant that had volunteered in one of my pots. I am not sure what species it is at this early stage, but I suspect that it may be a cherry tomato. It was growing very strongly, so it would have been cruel not to give it more soil and a chance to grow.

To make room for the seedling, I also cut some lettuce. As I pulled one head from the garden a wriggly worm fell back into the soil and raced back into the moist dirt and out of sight. It was a thrill to see that our new garden already has a nice healthy population of worms. Go worms, go!

Before going inside I harvested a couple of the black Russian tomatoes as well. Well, at least I have the salad for dinner - tomatoes and lettuce!

Black tomatoes are known for their strong, earthy tomato flavor, which often has a slight saltiness. Black tomatoes have a very dark skin that starts as dark red or dark green, but becomes almost black as the tomato matures and ripens.

Nearly 50 varieties of black tomato are now found in Russia,. he best-known black Russian tomatoes are the black Krim, a sweet and salty dark greenish tomato named for the Crimea; and the black Russian, a large purple tomato with greenish-black flesh.

French Bread Recipe

2011-09-13T18:54:00.000+10:00

French Bread Recipe.

2 TBL. Dry Active Yeast

2 TBL. of Sugar

3 Cups of warm water.

1 TBL Sea Salt

4 Cups of Unbleached White Bread Flour

2 Cups of Unbleached Whole Wheat Bread Flour

Mix sugar and yeast in a small mixing bowl.

Add warm water and let yeast mixture dissolve for five minutes.

Your yeast mixture should be frothy.

(Kitchen Aid instructions)

If you don't have a kitchen aid, hand knead your dough.

While yeast is dissolving, in a separate small mixing bowl mix white flour and sea salt.

Once yeast has dissolved pour into kitchen aid mixing bowl.

Add white flour mixture to yeast mixture one cup at a time, hand whisking mixture until

smooth, after every cup.

Attach your dough hook and mixing bowl to your kitchen aid.

Add wheat flour one cup at a time mixing well with the dough hook.

Knead the finished dough with dough hook for five to seven minutes.

Your dough should be slightly sticky.

Cover with damp cloth and let the dough rise for a total of one hour.

During that hour punch down the dough and slightly stir every 10 minutes,

this gives your dough the unique french bread texture you are looking for.

On a floured surface divide dough into two sections.

Roll each section into a long rectangular form.

Fold over rectangle length wise then fold into french bread form.

Pinch all edges.

Place both rolls on a greased jelly roll pan.

Make 1/4 inch deep slashes across loaves.

Let loaves rise for 20 minutes.

Bake at 400F for approximately 18 to 24 minutes,

or until the bottom of the loaves are golden brown.

original recipe link

2010-02-01T11:42:00.002+10:00

mojo

who are mo and jo

and what do they have to do with my life?

clutter and crud

2010-01-29T13:41:00.000+10:00

I have an issue with clutter. The main sections of the house, the down stairs areas are fine - tidy, cleanish and presentable.

The second floor, the private areas are less so. Disclaimer : it is not all mine. The two men in the house have a lot of computer gear and thousands of cords that seem to go along with that. Two daughters have moved out and left some. lots of their belongings. However, I can't blame anyone but husband and I for our bedroom.

I have lots of books and magazines - in two bookcases, beside my bed, on the floor. I also don't like to sort clean laundry so I often have a basket or two of laundry in there to sort. Did I say it was a very large bedroom? Husband's share is that he travels a lot and neglects to unpack or put away suitcases when her returns. He just throws out the dirty clothes for launder and puts the suitcase on the bedroom floor for next time. At the moment there are two suitcases on the floor.

But wait there's more - I have a writing desk that looks out over the bushland near our house. Lovely spot to sit, but I can't. There are currently clothes over the chair and the desk is covered in my scrapbooking - which I have not touched for over a year!

How do we allow this to happen? I can cite a busy life, illness, lack of energy, abundance. However, despite all that, I know in my heart of hearts that my life would actually be better if I just got rid of come of the clutter - the crud of life.

Yesterday I left the air conditioner on in our bedroom all day as I intended to start work on our bedroom. I didn't. Today I am more motivated and so have left the airconditioner on again - it really is too hot to work in there without it during the day in the Australian summer heat. It is now 1.30 pm and I am yet to go up there and start on it and I am feeling bad about the waste of energy use with the air conditioners.

So as a last resort I am writing about it. If I write about it, I will commit to it and I will guilt myself into starting. Right?

Stay tuned. I may have to fall on my sword yet!

Hot HOT HOT!

2010-01-28T19:35:00.000+10:00

It has been so hot, for so long, that it is really starting to become exhausting. I can't wait for autumn! I was pegging clothes out on the clotheslines today and husband called from his home office;

"My wife is one hot chick!"

As I had a large straw hat on, and perspiration streaming down my face I instantly knew what kind of "hot" he meant. Funny sod! He was sitting under a ceiling fan and beside an aircooler! At that moment I was also imagining him spontaneously combusting...

Too much summer

night talk

2010-01-27T12:17:00.000+10:00

Mr FD was sound asleep when he announced "After you get on the bus, what are you going to do then?"

I don't think he meant me, do you? I hit the road for no one.

what price to pay?

2010-01-27T05:32:00.000+10:00

Would a jury convict me for murdering a husband who woke me in the night, not once, but twice, until I could not sleep and had to resort to coming downstairs at 4am?

I am willing to risk it.

Australia Day!

2010-01-25T20:57:00.000+10:00

Australia Day, 26 January, is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain, and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by its commander Captain Arthur Phillip, in 1788 . Though 26 January marks this specific event, today Australia Day celebrations reflect contemporary Australia: our diverse society and landscape, On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian

On Australia Day, many people attend either an organised community event, or get together with family and friends with the intention of celebrating our national day. Many more spend the public holiday relaxing with family and friends at the beach, playing cricket or going to the movies (air conditioning!)

Pull on your thongs [flip flops], chill the beer and kick back with us! Cheers, mate!

2010-01-24T19:43:00.000+10:00

I was thinking about my family's visit yesterday. As usual we ended up sitting in a group and just talking, the little people running in and out amongst us. It was a scene I have experienced since my childhood when we would visit my Grandparents. my mother's family. Every visit would be the same, everyone would sit around the large dining table and gossip - about family, friends, the world. Eventually the men would wander outside for a drink or two, the children would play together in the yard and the ladies would continue their conversation. If Grandma, or any of my unmarried aunts had sewn a new dress or made a craft item it would be brought out and admired. Just before it was time to leave the ladies would take a tour of the garden to look at the flowers or new plant additions. Cuttings would always be shared and Mum would go home clutching a piece of this and that.

We replicate this tradition to this day - except now the men wander off to watch sports on television! It is like a continung thread that stitches the past and present generations together. Whenever a family member hears that the family is getting together and they have to be absent they all lament the fact that they will miss out on the group talk and guess what the subjects will be. We have a running joke that every family gathering ends with a conversation about bowels and it ususally does in some way or another! It makes the absentee homesick to know the others are together, even when imaginng a discussion on bowels! It is the anchor of the ever extending family.

It makes us, us. It is what binds us together, past and present, present and future. Family.

2010-01-23T22:00:00.000+10:00

Being nice to people is so exhausting. Some of my family came to visit today, and while I love them and enjoy spending time with them, I find that after a few hours I am exhausted. It is all that being polite and nice and the unceasing effort of holding in my evilosity ... I just find it all so exhausting.

Maybe I need to take a nap half way through their visit, just to regain my strength and balance. Nice is hard work.

Quote

2010-01-22T21:39:00.000+10:00

One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.

Helen Keller

Hi Ho Silver!

2010-01-22T12:08:00.000+10:00

An old man in a motorised wheelchair just drove down the lane beside our house at breakneck speed, yelling "YaHoooooooo!" followed by three small children running to try and keep up with him.

Go Grandpa, GO!

butterfly kisses

2010-01-22T11:35:00.003+10:00

Early this morning while I was watering my garden, a large black and white butterfly spent 3 or 4 minutes following me around the garden and dancing about my head. Once I thought it was going to sit on my nose (no comments about the possible size of my nose, please, Mr FD has already done that,,,and yet he still breathes). I think it was trying to say thank you for the garden and the water on what is another very hot dry summer's day.
I think it also proves beyond doubt that I am a goddess as even nature worships me!

2010-01-21T23:19:00.000+10:00

In reading, a lonely quiet concert is given to our minds; all our mental faculties will be present in this symphonic exaltation.

Stephane Mallarme, French poet (1842 - 1898).

Riddle me this, Joker

2010-01-21T11:10:00.000+10:00

Why is Obama being blamed for a political system that works to hinder rather than help?

Why do people continue to allow themselves to be controlled by manufactured fear and demoralisation?

Why don’t we realise that we get the government that we vote in?

Why do people fear a socialised health system when it has proven to work so well in so many other countries?

When are we going to realise that most wars are the result of religion – and accept difference?

When are we going to stop listening to yelling media bullies who have sold out for celebrity and profit?

Why do we think playing with sticks is always better than playing with technology? Does no one remember being bored or lonely on summer vacation, or a winter weekend?

Why are the boomers always criticising the younger generations, when we are their parents and created them?

Why should the opinion of the individual rate higher than the needs of the many?

Why are we so ready to believe that climate change is false or a hoax? Wouldn’t a healthy earth by good no matter the reason?

Did people really learn anything from the recent economic crisis?

Why do women think we have to have 375 pairs of shoes?

Why do we keep going on about “my taxpayer’s money” – how far do we think our individual taxes actually go in the scheme of government spending? How many miles of road does it pay for on an individual basis? Would you be able to drive to the end of your street?

Why do so many men think that women victimise them, when they are functioning adults? It takes two to make an interaction.

Why do I ask questions at all?

a bit this and a bit that

2010-01-12T23:35:00.000+10:00

This vintage card is tacky and beautiful at the same time!

stuff and nonsense

2010-01-05T11:21:00.000+10:00

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities.

- Dr. Seuss

did you hear, that there were snakes?

2010-01-04T16:54:00.007+10:00

Daughter 2 and I went to the movies - we saw Did you hear about the Morgans? with Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant. It is a romantic comedy, if you could call it romantic when they were already married at the story's start. It was quite enjoyable - Hugh Grant of course played Hugh Grant. It wasn't slap stick comedy which is often what one gets from Hollywood and Sarah Jessica's clothes were quite "normal". In all it was a very enjoyable afternoon, but it shouldn't cost $41AUS for 2 adult movie tickets and 2 diet cokes. Maybe if they spent a little less on "star salaries" we might be able to go to more movies.

I though Mary Steenbergen and Sam Elliott stole the movie in some ways - they were so cool and wise. Mary looks damn good too!

A feel good afternoon. Well it was until we walked back into the foyer and there were snakes, a baby crocodile and an owl waiting there.Not for me, I hope! A woman was standing near a table with a large snake entwined about her. On the table was a display block upon which sat a very quiet owl. At the other end of the table, another woman stood holding a baby crocodile, upon which she kept a very firm hold of its shut jaws. At least I tried to imagine that she had a firm grip on the crocodile. Reptiles are not my thing so I didn't ask any who, what, where questions. Last time we went to the movies they had baby goats. I sense a theme going on here! Life is full of surprise and discovery, I guess!

murderous crows

2010-01-03T06:08:00.000+10:00

A murder of crows woke me this morning. I think it was unfair, for there were many of them and only one of me.

Someone should tell nature not to make a noise until 10 am on a Sunday morning,

you shouldn't get to 50 to learn this

2010-01-03T06:00:00.001+10:00

Growing old is inevitable

Be open about your age. You don’t have to broadcast it via electronic media (ok, I may have) , but don’t deny your age either. You will still die on the day you die no matter if you pretend you are 42 and 3 months….. when you are 92.

Your teeth wont fall out on the pillow over night – usually. However, look after them, as they need to be with you until the end!

You can get some great gifts on milestone birthdays – maybe it is the sympathy vote, who knows, or cares. Show other people how to do it with style. Plan a series of events, not just one party with a bang. Lots of smaller intimate events nourish the soul.

Thank anyone who acts surprised when they hear that you are turning 50. If it is a male thank him twice!

Lighten your hair color gradually. There is no worse give away than jet black hair on an aging dame. It makes one look older not younger. If your hair doesn’t start to grey, offer thanks to the god of genes!

Same goes for make-up and nail polish. We need style as we age not colour drama. Leave Technicolor nightmares to those that are still learning – and may they still enjoy.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Don’t give up your dreams and plans. You have at least 30 more years to achieve things, so plan what to do with them.

Go quietly sometimes. It refreshes and nourishes you

Be noisy sometimes. It refreshes and nourishes you.

Continue learning – something, anything. Get a degree, taking up whittling, or whistling or whatever takes your fancy but keep your interests alive.

Love the skin you are in. It has served you well. Eat well, drink plenty of water and moisturize. Cover up in the sun, use sunscreens and wear sunglasses and a hat outside – slip slop slap!

Don’t live through your children. Live beside your children.

Appreciate the partner you are with. Just that, appreciate the partner you are with.

Travel

Read

Listen

Debate

Consider

Have regular massages. We have a home massage service, so I can burn my favorite oils, play my favorite music and not have traffic hassles afterwards, thus prolonging the mellow feelings. It is one of life’s little joys. Stops me from eating my young.

Learn to say “I don’t know”

Get a good hair cut. This is important no matter what age you are.

Don’t expect your partner to do all the work on anniversaries, or Valentine’s day. It is equal opportunity relationships now!

You will have to remember all his relatives’ birthdays and send Christmas cards to his friends. He may not even remember your birthday.

Plan your retirement. It is going to happen one day, make sure you get to do it the way that you would like to!

Make a will. Ensure the things that are important to you happen (the children go to your family, not his) and that sentimental or valuable things go to the people that you want them to.

Walk – go outside into the world.

Spend time with children

Find the name of a good physiotherapist and establish a relationship, so that when you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t move they will slot you into an early appointment.

Never underestimate the power of the gift of a single flower, or a telephone call to someone who is having a bad day. Ok, sms then!

Get eye glasses as soon as you need them. You don’t know what you are missing until you can see clearly again!

Let go of people who bring you no good. Care for the ones that do.

Remember other people’s birthdays – it is the one day THEY alone get to be special. Unless they are a twin or triplet, then remember all of them, invite them over for beer and pretzels!

Get flu vaccinations

Spend money on a good pillow and a good mattress. Lack of either can ruin your life.

Don’t a. ask a woman when she is going to have a baby, or b. ask a woman when her baby is due unless she is on the way to the hospital. Avoiding both can save you much embarrassment.

Learn to say no and mean it. Balance it with saying yes when it works for you.

Don’t be afraid to say “You have no right to speak to me that way” be it at home or work. Remember the same works the opposite way.

Treat people the way you would like to be treated yourself.

Don’t bitch about someone on the work email. Some people have been known to stupidly cc the subject in on the email and have to explain their opinion away as a brain fade or early senility (ok, ok I confess, it was me, so at least learn from my mistake and make my pain worthwhile!)

If you don’t know if it is his wife or his niece, speak in the abstract

If a family member leaves their partner, speak cautiously until the divorce is finalized and they have remarried, as they often reconcile and remember everything you said and nothing they said!

Some days you will get the good parking spot, some days you wont

There will be days when the upside will be rolling into the fetal position in a corner and humming to yourself between sobs.

Some days you will call your child by the incorrect name

No matter how much you love your pet, it will die one day. Often sooner than you expect.

Respect the old – they did it all before you!

Return things that you borrow.

Be thoughtful about whom you sleep with. You are worth it!

You will have more than one career in life. Some you will choose, some will choose you and some will be necessity. Eventually you will end up where you are meant to be.

Marriage is more than a ring and a wedding day. Think past the wedding day.

Laugh as much as you can. Laugh with others, not at them! Laugh alone. Enjoy your own private thoughts!

Blog – it brings the world too you, and opens the way for the most amazing people to enter your life.

choices

2010-01-03T05:56:00.000+10:00

alas and alack, yes

2010-01-03T05:48:00.001+10:00

To be or not to be may be the question, but my parents never asked me.

can you, would you, should you

2010-01-03T05:39:00.001+10:00

I have found the perfect way to say NO. Whenever someone asks me to do something and I don’t want to, I can say no, but I always feel pressured into giving a reason and blurt out something stupid like “Oh I would really like to, but I am helping to parcel grass clippings for the sacred cows in India that night. You've heard about the drought in India haven’t you?” They know I am lying and I know I am lying. It works, but it tarnishes my cool woman image. Stuttering and blubbering like an idiot does that to one I fear. HOWEVER, I have the solution, Holmes. Now when they ask “Can you donate blood today as my sister is having open heart surgery and only your blood is a match” I turn to them and looking stricken I reply “Alas I can not do that” and exit as smoothly and as fast as possible, or if cornered I rustle paper and look busy. End of story. No false alibi. I have practiced my best stricken look in the bathroom mirror for a good 7 minutes so have it down pretty well now. I only look ever so slightly as though someone has just popped a stick up my bottom and is waving me about like a sausage on a stick, now. They are so taken aback by the drama of it all and the Shakespearian tone of my words, that they just sort of wander away, mumbling “she said alas, did she really say alas? Who says alas these days?” Less is more, give up fake alibis.

[except I would give blood. If I was the only match and you needed blood, I would. A pint, maybe two. After that you are on your own. Make do.]

rule book

2010-01-03T05:24:00.000+10:00

I am starting to think that I got the wrong rule book for this life. Everyone else seems to be playing to a different set of rules and I am the only one without the amendments glued in the front of my rule book. Like I thought being nice to your fellow beings was not an option, it was just something that you did. Treat others the way that you would like to be treated yourself. Simple. It appears to have a lot of ifs and buts attached to it, and if it should cost you a slither of effort, or a nanosecond of time it is viewed as an optional extra. I am the first person to say that being nice is exhausting. It does take effort sometimes, but fair is fair. If I want nice, I have to give nice out. Did I miss boot camp or something? When did the rules changes?

it's just a step to the left

2010-01-03T05:20:00.000+10:00

On April 10th 1871 a one-legged dancer billed as Signor Donato made his dancing debut at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne.The Argus Newspaper commented: "The performance is clever, considering his unfortunate defect...With two legs he would no doubt be an excellent dancer"