Tag Archives: friends

old friends, new experiences

02 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in art, Darwin, Life, Recommendations

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darwin-chinese-temple

Chinese Temple, Darwin City

We have been in Darwin the past week. I’m still processing the events. Whenever we visit, I am taken back to memories of the first years of my life in Australia. Because we stay in the city, and our first flat was in the city, these are my old stomping grounds! But not. So much has changed it is hard to grasp. For example, Darwin is much more beautiful now than it was then. But I was newly in love and so it still appeared beautiful to me. But mostly it was, and still is, so unique and diverse.

dried wildflowers by the sea

dried wildflowers by the sea

 

The Esplanade Bicentennial Park area did not exist in its current form and now is a joy for my early morning walks, with many glimpses of the sea just beyond the trees. This time I did something I have never done before, walked down to Lameroo Beach where the very rocky native stones meet the sea. It connected me in a new way; this mountain person who could love living by the sea.

darwin-lameroo-beach

Native stone on Lameroo Beach

Three days were spent with old friends, two days with the same friend who I came to know here in Alice, but who moved to the North 10 or so years ago. Jo is recovering from a brain injury through an accidental fall at work. She is doing very well but is working very steadily at it. She never once bemoaned her bad luck or her ongoing issues of headaches and memory struggles. It was my joy to be able to help her set up a blog page which I commend to you. She is still learning the ropes but I know you will be kind to her. Her first post was so moving, she will most certainly be a fabulous contributor to the blog community. Jo plans to write about her many interests as well as her journey recovering from the brain injury. Because I think you will enjoy her writing and her story, here is a link: https://intralude.wordpress.com/

friends living room in filtered light

my artist friend’s living room in filtered light (Waterlogue edit from original photo)

quilty-after-afghanistan

painting by Ben Quilty

My other dear friend is one I made 30 years ago. We share an interest and practice in art, among other things. This time we attended the ‘After Afghanistan’ Exhibition by renowned, and official war artist, Ben Quilty. Having seen a documentary about his creation of the works, I was still unprepared for how moving they would be in person. You’d think I would know better! They were really about energy–the energy of one’s being that is changed when going off to war. I felt the emotion of several of the pieces as if they were physical blows to my solar plexus. Even thinking back on them now my tummy tightens with emotion. That is art.

quilty-after-afghanistan

painting by Ben Quilty

quilty-after-afghanistan

painting by Ben Quilty

Arriving home yesterday to the flashing button of the answering machine was an inauspicious welcome, as it turned out. My credit card has been compromised. Fortunately the bank was quick to recognise it and so there is only a $7 debit that got through. But now, everything that I normally do with my card, which is EVERYTHING, must be changed over when the new card arrives, probably in about a week. It could have been so much worse, and for that I am grateful.

But it has unhinged me a little. The post I had been working on will wait for another day.

This much I know for sure, and needed no processing…I have loved my life and cherish my friends, who are testaments to that life, as I am to theirs. In the words of German theologian, philosopher, Meister Eckhart “If the only prayer you ever say is ‘thank you’, that will be enough”.

darwin-sunset

Serenity at sunset from Bicentennial Park

Coffee and a story…

06 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Food, Life

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When I was 5 and first knew the V family

When I was 5 and first knew the V family

I thought I’d share with you my most favourite kitchen device of the moment… But first a little story…about the gentleman who introduced this little gem to me… Mr V.  Don and I have both known Mr V since he was our primary school principal. His wife was my first grade teacher, and their daughter was in my Kindergarten class and friend all through 12 years of school and to the present day.  You can do that when you grow up in a small town.

24 years ago, us & them

24 years ago, us & them

It so happened that their elder daughter was the same age as Don, and was his classmate.  She married a fellow who was from our town and a friend as well. We have lots of connection with this family!

When we return to visit the US, we often visit the V Enclave, who have migrated to a beautiful place in central Florida (a couple of the children live elsewhere, but the two from the above description are in Florida).  Mr V, who is now in his mid-eighties, has always been a quietly confident, and very unique kind of person. He was, and is, the quiet achiever…a zen-man, happy within himself, accepting of life, comfortable to be who he is. To begin with, he did most of the cooking for the family.  Back in the 50’s and 60’s in small town America, that was almost unheard of.  And he did not make ordinary food. He made amazing food… homemade pasta and ravioli, Italian Christmas pie, brandied fruit, red velvet cake. OMG.  These were such exotic creations in our little town, and to my palate.

Mr & Mrs V

Mr & Mrs V

In addition, he and Mrs V collected antiques, furniture, glassware, a huge number of salt cellars as well as other ornaments. Mrs passed away too soon. We weren’t finished enjoying her and her laugh. The last time we caught up with Mr and the Florida Enclave, they presented me with one of the salt cellars from their collection.  I was unspeakably grateful, and it has pride of place on my sideboard.

Salt Cellar

Salt Cellar

Mr V also made quilts.  And he knitted.  Almost every visit he has discovered something new and tells us about it.  He is lovingly supported at home by his children and he still insists on making beautiful meals when we visit, despite his frail health. Recently we visited, and we stayed at his house. In the morning he pulled out his little coffee cone to make coffee. What’s this??? I was on that baby, like white on rice. How does it work? Where can I get one?

It has become my morning ritual.

My red coffee cone

My red coffee cone

What an inspiration Mr V has been and continues to be.  Every morning I drink my coffee and think of him and his family and our good fortune for knowing them.

IMG_8447My coffee cone cost $5 in the USA (Amazon.com) truly a bargain, but I have located one here in Australia that is less than $10 (plus freight) and so with the freight difference ends up costing about the same… and they sell filters too.  I use unbleached filters that are easily composted.  The beauty of it is, ease of clean up, the perfect amount of coffee each time, no grounds in the bottom of the cup, and the perfect brew each time. My husband doesn’t drink coffee and I am not fond of reheated coffee, so making it fresh, one cup at a time is ideal for me.

Above is the coffee I use. I’m sure grinding my own would be awesome, and I see a birthday in my future. Are you reading dear daughter and husband????

xx Ardys

A wedding? Keep your britches on!

21 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by in Family, Life

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My niece

My niece

Today is my niece’s wedding day.  She is my only niece and she is a dear young woman and I would love to have been at her wedding, but circumstances don’t allow it.  I have seen some photos of the preparations and they are considerable.  The wedding is taking place at my brother’s farm and he has worked hard for months to get everything just perfect.  Because that’s how he rolls!  He is like our father in that way.

And 30 years ago this passed June, my own Dad was working hard to finish the patio he had been building for FOURTEEN years, so that we could have our small wedding reception there.  In fact, the day before we walked down the isle, I was on my hands and knees staining the concrete ‘maiden’ that was the central piece of the fountain he built. (see photo of our five year old daughter standing next to ‘the maiden’ in the snow, about 10 years after our wedding)

'The Maiden' and The Child, 1993

‘The Maiden’ and The Child, 1993

At the time, I was somewhat euphoric with pre-marriage bliss, and was not worried about my manicure.  But also, I was kind of panicked, wondering if it would actually be finished in time.  Inside the house my cousin and Mother were baking the wedding cake. We were rebels, it was a carrot cake, before those kinds of cakes were popular. My cousin, her husband and three boys had travelled all the way from Wyoming to Ohio to attend, and just as importantly, for her to bake my wedding cake.  She and I shared a room in our family home for a year and we are truly as close as any sisters could be, but really, flying halfway across the country to bake a wedding cake is above and beyond!  AND she had already made the sugar flower decorations beforehand, and carried them with her.  I’m still in awe.

My cousin's beautiful cake creation

My cousin’s beautiful cake creation

My best friend had to drive from Michigan to southern Ohio to be my Maid of Honour and our Best Man flew from Australia to take part!  Friends came from Florida and Chicago too, so the far points of the country, and the world, were well represented for such a small gathering. There were only 42 friends and family at our wedding but we kept it small because big would have been too complicated and too expensive.  It cost us the sum of a bigger wedding just for the airfares and expenses to get married and move me to Australia, but regardless, we would have gone for small.

Bird's eye view of the reception

Bird’s eye view of the reception (yes, my Dad faced and laid every piece of that stone wall!)

I had been living in Florida and had resigned my job and sold nearly everything I owned and packed the rest up and shipped it to Australia, a country I had yet to lay eyes on for the first time.  It took months of preparation since I was also applying for a resident’s visa and working full time and corresponding with my husband-to-be 10,000 miles away, while planning our small wedding.  It was a lot, but love carries us through these things.

My parents and us at the church

My parents and us at the church

My Dad was painfully ‘torn’ throughout the lead up to the wedding.  He didn’t want to let his only daughter down so he persevered with the patio, but he hated that I was going to Australia to live.  Hated it.  At the rehearsal he refused to walk me down the isle and until the wedding, I had not known if he would do it or not.  At the last moment he acquiesced and grabbed my arm and asked ‘what do I do?’ (since he had not participated in the rehearsal!)  I said, ‘Don’t worry, follow me.’  Later, at the reception, which was a non-alcoholic event, his friend spirited him away from the main activity and got him a bit ‘tipsy’ so that when we were leaving the reception Dad leaned over and whispered in my ear ‘keep your panties on!’  My Dad was known for speaking his mind but that one was a surprise.

A large bouquet makes the bride's waist look smaller!

A large bouquet makes the bride’s waist look smaller!

I reflect now and think it was all perfect and hope that my niece feels the same about her day in 30 years.  I see my brother who loves his daughter and think back on the love of my father and I see both the similarities and the differences in the two men.  Being truly loved is one of life’s greatest treasures, certainly both my niece and I share that gift.

Today when I wish so much I could be elsewhere I think back to my Dad’s advice… I’m just putting my ‘big girl panties’ on and thinking good thoughts.

Munch-able Muesli, Great Granola

04 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by in Family, Food, Life

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Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles

Grandma's corn cakes

Grandma’s corn cakes

One of the most consistent and enjoyable habits of my entire life has been sharing recipes.  I copied the first recipe from my childhood girlfriend at about the age of 9.  It was for ‘Snickerdoodle’ cookies.  I still have the handwritten recipe in my file.  I also have, in a small frame, my Grandmother’s handwritten recipe for her corn cakes.  Just seeing her handwriting brings a lump to my throat.  Thankfully, the corn cakes do not bring a lump to my throat, they are delicious!!

About a year ago I discovered a new recipe for toasted muesli (granola to Americans).  As with most recipes I have modified it to my own liking and you will no doubt adapt it to your own taste as well.  I thought it would be the first recipe that I share with you because it is a favourite at the moment.  I love the taste and especially the versatility of it.  And the smell of it cooking in the cool winter days is so nostalgic…like my Mother’s oatmeal cookies warming the kitchen.

There's magic in these ingredients!

There’s magic in these ingredients!

Toasted Almond Muesli

1/3 C Maple syrup (the real deal, not imitation)

1/3 C packed dark brown sugar

4 tsp vanilla extract (again, get the good stuff, not the imitation essence)

½ C organic (if possible) coconut oil

5 cups old-fashioned oats (not ‘quick’ oats)

2 C (generous) raw almonds, coarsely chopped by hand

  1. Adjust oven rack to mid-upper position and pre-heat oven to 160C (325F).  Line a 250mm x 330mm (9 x 13”) pan with silicon baking paper.
  2. In a large bowl thoroughly mix syrup, sugar, vanilla and salt.  Add in oil and mix well.  Mix in almonds and oats until all is well coated.
  3. Press into pan

    Press into pan

    Transfer mixture into prepared baking pan and spread across evenly.  With the back of the spoon press the mixture down into the pan.  Unlike other toasted muesli recipes where you want the mixture to remain loose, this one should form one huge, toasted muesli ‘cookie’ when done.

  4. Bake until lightly browned 40 to 45 minutes, depending on your oven, and your taste, even five minutes longer.  You can rotate the pan once in the middle of cooking, though I forgot this once and it didn’t seem to make much difference.
  5. Broken into large pieces

    Broken into large pieces

    Remove from oven when done and allow to completely cool (if you can stand to leave it alone!)  When cool, break it into large-ish pieces and store in an air tight container for several weeks.

Serving suggestion.

Serving suggestion.

Originally, toasted muesli (granola) was meant as a breakfast cereal, and this is delicious for that purpose, but you’ll want to add whatever fruit you like to it in this case.  As I am somewhat gluten intolerant and fructose intolerant (yeah, I know, a pain, right?), I prefer to use it as a ‘topping’ or as a small snack.  Below is one of my faves… homemade cooked granny smith apples topped with the muesli and a dollop of my favourite plain yogurt.  As good as the best apple crumble… in my humble opinion!!

Yours in consumption,

Ardys

(You can also find this permanently on the new ‘Food’ page of my blog.)

May 20th

20 Sunday May 2012

Posted by in Inspiration, Life

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All week I have been saying I would not get out of bed on Sunday morning.  I wouldn’t even answer the phone or the door.  On this date, the 20th of May, the last two years I have had bad news.  Two years ago our 16 year old family pet was hit and killed by a car.  One year ago on this date I received the phone call that the radiologist had found a spot on my mammogram.  It was a challenging year.  I got through the cancer surgery and radiation and started hormone treatment, did some travelling, attended a dear friend’s funeral, our daughter moved away and I visited my aging parents in the USA twice.  A big year by anyone’s standards.

But this morning, on the 20th of May I woke at my normal time and put on a pink top and enveloped myself in my billowy (also) pink cardigan to ward off the winter chill while making myself a cup of coffee. (Pink is the colour of self love, but I assure you on this occasion it was a very subconscious action)  After breakfast I went to the grocery, then for a walk, and it wasn’t until I was nearly home I realised the date!! I was happy that my inbuilt optimism had overcome my trepidation for the date and gotten me out into the world.  As I walked up our street I began thinking about the preceding year and I wondered who of my neighbours had also had challenges.  Walking passed one house after another I realised… they had their car stolen… she had breast cancer… they had a large tree fall into their pool… she lost her husband… she has fibromyalgia… both of their mothers are very ill… they are getting a divorce… she had a stroke… and those were only the events I knew about!!  Everyone of us experiences things that challenge us and many times we never know what others are facing.  It made me realise even more how important it is to be kind to each other.

Yesterday my friend sent flowers because she would not be here today to wish me well on what she knew had been a difficult day.  It brought tears to my eyes and a hug from my husband.  I said I felt a little silly but he said it was natural to give some thought to the events of recent years.

In my pink cardigan

This afternoon I sat in the winter sun, wrapped in my pale pink cardigan which I wore to the mammogram a year ago, about to sip a cup of tea… and the phone rang.  For a moment I forgot my resolve to not answer and I picked it up… it was a dear friend in Darwin calling because she had felt a strong urge to talk to me.  How can you think there aren’t guardian angels?