Wonder what this is?

As mentioned before, I have a project going to convert old recipes into digital format. Today I ran across a challenge.

It was a yellow scrap of paper, in my handwriting listing ingredients written in 3 sections with lines drawn between the sections. 

Sum total of instructions were:  
Section 1 - boil

Section 2 - add

Section 3 - cook 20 minutes. 

After all - it was a small piece of paper.

The main ingredient was raspberries so I narrowed it down to our time in Alaska (where we harvested gallons of berries).  Since the obvious thought pattern with fruit AND a recipe in our household is pie, cobbler or jelly/jam, I knew this list of ingredients would not have made a good, typical dessert. The milk threw me off...

I must have done it though as I don't take pen to paper unless absolutely necessary because it takes effort  (where ripping out a page in a magazine - not so much effort). Besides my penmanship is horrible as evidenced by the 5 tsp or tbsp (? it's one of them) of baking bowder.

After staring at the third section of ingredients, I finally decided it looked like a dumpling recipe et voila!  We occasionally made raspberry dumplings for dessert.  If I remember correctly, it was pretty tasty.  After all I kept the recipe!

Now, if only I had taken time to write a few more instructions. 

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day

To all who have sacrificed so we may continue to enjoy our freedoms

THANK YOU

ANZAC Day Tradition

Metric slip up

My conversation at the deli today:

"How ya goin?"

"Great!"

"What can I get you?"

"1/4 pound diced ham."  (Knowing full well I wanted 1/2 pound which is 1/4-ish kilo.)

"Pound?"

"Kilo!!! - 250 grams.  Sorry!"

Another fine example of how, if I don't concentrate, I easily slip into life long habits.

For the love of a recipe...collection...

I am a recipe hound. 

I am notorious for reading a magazine, spotting a recipe that sounds divine, ripping the page out (of course, only in my own magazines!), adding it to my stash of recipes on paper and then almost never making it because I forget I have it. 

I have now gone beyond ripping one page and just keep the magazine with the corners folded down thereby reducing paper cuts.

We know THOSE items will be tried!  (Previous sentence to be read with sarcasm.)

Since I brought my giant folder of recipes with me to Australia, one of my many projects while on leave is to organize and cull my pile of paper.

Today I started and came across so many memories.  My stash includes several hand written recipes from dear friends, many I have not seen in ages.  They bring to mind the dinners we gathered for on a weekend and dishes so scrumptious I just had to have the recipe.

In today's electronic world, do people still write out recipes by hand and give someone a copy?  Or similar to letter writing, is this becoming a lost custom? For me, seeing their handwriting is what brought back the memories...not necessarily the dishes.  For example, I knew instantly Eric and Vicki's pasta recipe and remember the night we gathered at their house to sample because I recognized the writing.

But now I have consigned my copies to the electronic world and will get rid of the paper.  There's a better chance I'll make the dish now since I can automatically search for it.  (Good thing I have a scanner!)

But in passing...thanks to all who contributed over the years to my collection.  I very much appreciate it!

Dogs & Dogs

If you haven't figured it out, I quite often walk by the river and past the dog park.  Recently, I was with a friend and she mentioned she had started recognizing faces when walking.  The same people tend to walk at the same time.

Not me.

I recognize the dogs and know some of them by name.

There are the two Great Danes, Bella and Moose(?).  The two little pugs.  The family of three labs that have adopted a rat terrier. The Staffie Hannah, Mabel and Pepper the Yorkies, Jemma the husky.  Chaya and Maya the St. Bernards. The two shelties, and last but by no means the end of the list, Hamish the Bichon (you knew there had to be one). 

Some of the owners I recognize but most have to have their dogs with them for me to be sure.

Once again, confirmation I am a dog lady.  :)

Trade-offs

I was originally going to call this post "Regrets" but I believe "regrets" are saved for the really big things in life.  Even with all the learning experiences (ie. mistakes) I have made, I have only one regret...everything else I have classified as trade-offs.

This morning's trade-off was to stay at the house a few minutes longer OR go walking sooner.  I kept thinking - need to get going before it gets hot.  However, I kept doing this and that - dishes, laundry, etc. 

When I finally got out the door it was about 7:40 and a beautiful morning:  15C/59F, bright sunshine.  It felt like 70.  Perfect walking weather. 

I went my normal route and stumbled, once again, into a wedding party.  (Who gets married this early on a Friday morning? Must have to catch a flight? Robert and I are in more wedding pictures these days.  Almost once a week we stumble into one.  During this time of year, it will be 2 or 3 a week.  And, of course, we always look spectacular for the occasion - shorts and t-shirts!)  If I had been any earlier, I probably wouldn't have seen the celebration. 

The flip-side? I missed the crew going to the yacht.  There is a big, beautiful yacht that anchors on the river by our house.  I have been waiting for the opportune time to figure out who owns it and introduce myself.  If I don't get on the boat and go for a ride, how else am I going to know if that is the boat I would purchase??? This boat is big enough to leave for months at a time and would require a crew to sail.  It was just pulling away when I walked by them. 

I would rather have met the yacht crew than be in the wedding pictures.

Oh well...maybe we will see them when they anchor...

In case you were curious, the paper follows

I MOVED to another country and yet the paper still shows up and hits my desk. 

Here I sit at my desk at home, knowing I still have 500 pictures to review, name, cull, file, post, etc. and yet what is stopping me today will be the mound of paper that has multiplied over the last couple of weeks.  Oh and maybe the 70 degree temps, the light breeze, the bright sunshine, blue sky, the call of the river walk, the call of the park and my book.

Yes...winter is on it's way and winter in Brisbane is beautiful. 

So today's goal is to wade through the paper, balance the checkbook, scan and file as necessary BEFORE stepping foot outside or it will be a lost cause. 

Wish me luck!

Where oh Where Did My Memory Go?

And just WHO gave it permission to periodically wander off?

Over the last few years, I saw my mother gradually descend into some type of dementia.  She had her good days and her bad days, as most do, but, in my mind, her bad days I witnessed - or the ones that stand out - were predominantly bad memory days vs physically painful days. 

I sometimes fear going through the same thing. 

I know memory capacity and capabilities change with time (i.e. aging) and I am starting to forget things and it drives me nuts because in my mind I am still a Spring Chicken!  Regardless of my age, "old age" doesn't happen for at least another 40 years.

I have once or twice asked the same question multiple times (or so Robert tells me).  I blame my failure to listen...but is that really the case?  Or are things starting to misfire?  Today, I was reminded of an entire conversation.  Maybe I just had too much on my mind that specific day.  Although, that seems a bit of a hard sell since my schedule doesn't currently include a job outside of our house...

If I hadn't seen what mother went through, I wouldn't think twice about it.  But now the thought hovers in the background when I'm reminded I forgot something. I guess on the bright (?) side, if I ever do travel the same path to the extent my mother did, I won't remember it...mostly just the good memories that span a lifetime!

One of those days...

Well...maybe it actually started off last Friday.

Our primary cooking utensil is the grill. On a good night, I don't get a single pot or pan dirty in the kitchen as everything hits the grate. 

Friday was just such and occasion.

Beef Fillets (Australian for filet), corn on the cob, jalapenos with cream cheese, asparagus.  A perfect dinner.

And then we ran out of gas and don't own a second bottle.

Luckily, we eat rare steaks.  There was enough heat in the grill that everything was cooked and still no heat generated in the kitchen.  :)

Of course when we tried to get the bottle filled Saturday, the business was closed and we aren't sure of another place to go for propane.  Plus Monday, I take the car in for service and won't be able to fill it until Tuesday at the earliest.

Descend into crisis mode.  What will we eat for the next 3 days???  

Time to smoke some meat! 

Naturally, we didn't decide to smoke anything until Saturday morning and everything was still in the freezer. But that gave us an excuse to eat out Saturday night.

Sunday Robert tossed on a brisket, ribs, chicken and shrimp.  (Come on - you can't fire up a smoker and only do one meal's worth!)  Cooked up a pot of black beans and whipped up some Cole slaw and since we had LOTS, we invited great friends over to share with us.  A fantastic Sunday evening.

But back to today...

As mentioned before, I had to take the car in for annual service.  Keep in mind, I hadn't had any coffee when I left.

Drove to the dealer.

Left the car.

Walked home - a beautiful, 65 degree morning with scattered clouds. Lots of people bundled up.  I'm in shorts and a polo.

And then, while waiting for my take away long black to enjoy back at the house, I realized my house key was safely on the kitchen counter.

Normally this isn't a problem but I had no garage door opener either - it's in the car.

As you can tell, I did get back into the house and it wasn't too much trouble, but now I'm just going to go read my book and make no more decisions other than what's for lunch.

Wait - that decision is already made - BBQ!!!  :)

Fraser Island Dingos

YES - We saw the wild dingos on Fraser Island.  Supposedly the purest form of the Australian wild dog left.  Fraser is considered the largest sand island in the world.  Four wheel drive vehicles are the only vehicles allowed on the island and the sand roads are so deep, take a shovel because you will get stuck.  Beautiful rain forests, freshwater lakes and beaches.

Very skinny...

Warning signs everywhere to not interact with the dingos.  This one was willing to help haul in the catch.

But he ended up leaving...

75 Mile beach...which in reality is only 73 miles long.  No snorkeling due to sharks.  Speed limit 80km but drivers must give way to airplanes as it is also a runway. 

This is actually a picture of a stream.  The water is so clear though it won't show up in a picture...just looks like sand.
                          

I LOVE the Zoo

Australia Zoo is amazing!

Where else can you walk a wombie on a leash AND through the gift shops...

 I believe this one was named MiniBus.  She even comes with her own cart in case she gets tired...

 Frisky in their habitats.

Strolling through the gift shop areas. MiniBus was very interested in shopping but they successfully got her re-routed.

Then there's these guys...defies explanation...

Back From Holiday...

Yes - between vacation and guests, I have been on holiday since about December 28th.  Sadly, everyone has gone home and I'm back to my "normal" routine. Now to catch up on the 400+ pictures I've taken, paperwork and various other chores. 

However, chores will not get in the way of social outings.  ;)  This morning was our weekly hike traveling approximately 4K around Mt Coot-tha here in Brisbane.  There were 7 of us and we did the Simpson Falls/Eugenia circuit which took about an hour.  A good way to start the morning...especially when coffee and chatting follows.  Our next big hike will be from Wynnum to Manley along the shore.

Speaking of coffee, I have become more of a connoisseur while living here...only slightly addicted.  The days do go better once you have had a stout long black to get the day going. We have also enjoy the neighborhood pub/restaurant and the Queensland beer on tap from various brewers.  Since the pub is on our evening walking route, it is very easy to stop off for a schooner... 

Over Easter weekend, we learned more about the drinking laws on Good Friday.  Some liquor licenses limit patrons alcohol intake to one hour before their meal, during their meal and at most, one hour after their meal.  That means the staff was noting what time you ordered, what time you received food, etc.  Plus the definition of a meal means you must need a knife and fork.  As and example, chips (french fries) are not considered a meal however, potato wedges with toppings would be a meal. 

We were able to manage and get our schooner.  :)

Auckland...

As mentioned before, Auckland was our rainy port.  We went to the Skytower  - the view must be better on a clear day...

From the base..

 

And for the adventurous, the opportunity to jump off of the top.

 Describing the glass floor panels

Robert tempting fate...at least he wasn't jumping like some

  Our ship (on the right)

 

 Official looking buildings in the distance...

And, just in case you were hungry for Mexican...

Who Doesn't Love a Penguin

The rainiest day we had in port was at Auckland.  It was a rather dreary day...perfect for a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium...

These guys were my favorites.   King Penguins are larger than I expected. (To Do...schedule trip to Antarctica)  Some were aggressive and would come right over to where you were standing behind the glass in an attempt to intimidate.  That seems to work as they always win and the tourists walk on... :)

 That's a baby sitting under mom.

 Here's a mother turning her egg.

One of the exhibits was a conveyor belt to ride on with the aquarium built around it.  That made for some interesting pictures of the bottoms of things...such as this starfish.

 An octopus...

 Crabs

 They had several tanks with sea horses in them. 

These lobsters were well fed and huge...

 And a living coral reef...

This Aquarium was built in an old sewer and they did an amazing job with it.

Back again!

Back from our cruise!

Now back to daily chores and picture labeling...only 500 to do...

Translation Revelation

In the past, I have discussed some of the vernacular differences between the US and Australia.  And after only 8 months of living here, I finally figured out one of the street signs.  It was one of those..."you idiot"... moments.

There are a lot of signs around the city with a circle containing an "S" with a slash across it.  I have known from the start that meant no standing.

What I couldn't figure out was why people would stand in those locations.  It made absolutely no sense.

Talk about being too literal...the light bulb finally came on.

No standing means no waiting in a car for someone  - blocking that area of the street.

Luckily I have never waited in a no standing zone because with my luck a policeman would have come and asked me what I was doing.  And after seriously explaining I was waiting - not physically standing, I would have gracefully accepted my ticket with minimal arguments hoping I wouldn't get a second one for not knowing the road signs.  :)

Scratch Made Stuffing

In the land of prepared boxed goods, I had not made stuffing from scratch since I left home (a long time ago).  I had watched my mother make it for 18 years or more but never really done it myself.  Since I couldn't find a prepared stuffing mix here, I decided to make it the old fashioned way.

When I moved out of the house, Mom gave me a cookbook with a few of here recipes in it and one of them was her scratch stuffing.  This is the recipe:

Day old bread, broken in pieces
Broth to moisten
Salt & Pepper to taste
Celery chopped
onion chopped
poultry seasoning
chopped gizzard, liver, neck meat.

That's it.  Note all of the precise measurements and baking instructions.  The definition of scratch cooking.  :)

We tore up some bread.  I decided to toss in some bacon, Caesar spiced croutons and jalapenos.  I made my own poultry seasoning from the spices I had in the cupboard.  Interestingly, our turkey only had a neck...no other giblets.

It turned out OK.  I needed to bake it a little longer at a higher temperature than I originally tried but it was still worth eating.

Thanks Mom!

Christmas Decisions...

Since we didn't have company and we are getting ready to go on a cruise in the near future, this year to keep us as healthy as possible, I made no Christmas cookies or pies. 

Yes - it's true.

We had no sweets in the house this Christmas.  Didn't make any goodie boxes for anyone.  No pinwheels, no peanut butter dates, no chocolate covered pretzels, no peanut clusters, no chocolate oatmeal cookies, no sugar cookies, no snowballs, no party mix, etc., etc.

Christmas turkey and dressing was not followed by the traditional dessert of 1/2 piece pumpkin pie and 1/2 piece pecan pie topped off with a mound of whipped cream.

In hindsight, what a poor decision...a huge mistake. 

There are some Christmas traditions you just shouldn't change.

Merry Christmas!

From us to you - Merry Christmas and Goodonya!

Train Ride Home

We decided to do something different to get back to Brisbane this trip.  We took the Sunlander Train from Cairns.  It was a 31 hour train ride I don't ever have to take again.

Please don't misunderstand...the train was nice, food was good, there was a bar. I didn't have to drive.

But long train rides are not for me.  There is not enough room to walk around much and the stops aren't really long enough to go outside and get a lot of exercise.

Then there are the bunk beds.   I have passed the stage in my life where bunk beds are cool.  Bunk beds are for kids. 

The only picture I took was of the banana plantations and the trees that had the bananas wrapped.  Being from the mid-west, we assumed it was to keep the bugs off of the bananas.

Nope - it's to keep the fruit bats from eating them.  :)

I did see some kangaroos on the trip back...then Robert let me know they weren't kangaroos. 

Now - kangaroos are hard to mistake in bright daylight.

He informed me they were Wallabies.

Next adventure...New Zealand!