Grannycircle

Road Warriors

2012-01-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Or Long Day's Journey...

Hi C,

I had a great adventure last week when I flew out to Scottsdale, Arizona to meet up with my daughter, Mary Beth. We rented a car and drove west through the desert to downtown LA where we shopped for the store in the "fashion district". We met up with Jen from nextdoor and her friend Patrice, who was so kind to be our guide into unknown territory. It was great fun! We stayed at the historic Biltmore Hotel, built in 1923, known for its architecture and famous guests. Thought you'd enjoy a few photos of our trip.

Renting the Car The Desert Mobile Ready to Hit the Road

Quartzsite, Arizona...a bead lovers dream come true, Need to go back there!

The Biltmore Hotel in downtown LA

Street scenes and shopping the fashion district

Scarves for shelter give hope and warmth to many

2012-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Hi R
Loved the article about your project. I thought I would post the details so others could read about this 'feel good in every way' project. I almost wish it was cold enough here so I could wear one of them. Clara

1. Scarves for Shelter

The piece shown here is one of many, all designed in my studio in limited editions or as one of a kind. They are part of nextdoor's community project, Scarves for Shelter. A portion of the proceeds go toward the production of the shelter scarves. This year we will be knitting 500 scarves for Hope Center in Waukesha. Thanks for your support and helping us stick to our knitting.

This year our goal is to deliver 500 scarves by the end of the year. For more ways to contribute, check out our Community Events page and follow us on facebook.

Renotta Thompson Project Knitway

Thank You 30 West!
Read the full article on 'Thank You 30 West!' http://projectknitway.blogspot.com/2011/12/blogblog-blog.html

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Why not be a perfectly natural red head?

2012-01-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

Hi R
I have been dying to talk about hair, mainly about issues to do with dyeing it or not - and now you have provided me with the perfect timing. I have cut out articles from magazines etc, have observed brave friends who have taken the au - naturale road (no no no! Not me! Silly girl!), so feel I am quite expert at the subject; and I am totally with you. Why not be a perfectly natural red head? I agree with Lynee - you look like a movie star! More to come on this strand but in the meantime, I am wondering how it has changed your life.
Clara of blonde tresses

Red, Set Go...
self portrait taken with my iPhone and photo shopped just a tiny bit

Have you ever just wanted a change? You know something to brighten your day, set your world on fire? Well that was me yesterday at the hair salon. Why not go red? After all I was born a red head.My father's nick name was Red. I have fair skin and freckles, perfect for red hair. So I pulled the plug (on the bottle)and unleashed the real me. Reddy, set, go. What do you think?
Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Happy Chinese New Year heralds in the Year of the Dragon

2012-01-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

Hi R

Happy Chinese New Year.

In China, the New Year is known as "Spring Festival" so we were asked to dress in bright colours in order to attract wealth when we went to a magnificent dinner party hosted by a chinese friend, to herald in the Year of the Dragon.

龍 Dragon	辰 Chen	February 5, 2000	January 23, 2012	February 10, 2024

Our hostess cooked a magnificent dinner but we brought a few pre dinner nibbles / finger food. Here is the recipe for my Asian Chicken Bites, which everyone seemed to enjoy. Usually I would serve them with a dipping sauce but decided just a squeeze of lemon juice was all that was needed.

Happy healthy wealthy chinese new year to all.

Clara

Asian Chicken Bites
These tasty little chicken balls are ideal for party / finger food. I hope the dragon likes them!
500g minced chicken
2/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1 tbsp ginger finely grated

1 to 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 birdseye chilli finely chopped and/or 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 spring onions finely chopped or 1 onion
1/4 bunch coriander finely chopped
1 egg white, beaten (you can use the whole egg if desired)
Soy sauce to taste
squeeze of lemon juice
Vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients then roll into small balls, (using damp hands to assist this process.) Pan fry in oil until golden, or for a lighter dish, arrange chicken in a baking dish, on baking paper and cook in a hot to moderate oven for approx 20 minutes until turning golden. (For best results start with a hot oven and turn down a little after 10 minutes) Makes approx 30 bite sized balls. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and garnish with coriander or mint.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

School reunions a blast from the past

2012-01-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hi R
Yesterday was a blast from the past as I attended a High School reunion.

School reunions are fun / confronting / interesting / but most of all, they make one realise how much time has passed. I'm not going to mention it publicly as I am in denial, even though if you go to www.babyboomerconnections.com.au and read the 'Memoirs of a Babyboomer', you will get a fair idea.

No-one mentioned the piano accordian
I was required to play at school functions.
Best forgotten perhaps!
What is the definition of a great accordian player?
Answer - One who is a great player of the accordian
but doesn't.

Enough time has passed to mould our lives into a rich and complex tapestry, with more than two generations adding the colourful threads of their lives. The two lunch tables of lovely women exchanged details and empathy re those years, mainly about relationships, past work and present day retirement.

I didn't count, but there seemed to be many of us who pursued the teaching path,(which by the way, has held me in good stead in rocky times and involves me still in the joy of relating to children). My theory as to why I became a teacher, is because of the expectations of the girls' school we attended. In those days, you were encouraged to be a teacher / nurse / secretary - going to University wasn't explored in depth. If ever you strayed towards being less than compliant, the threat was that you wouldn't be eligible for a Teachers College Scholarship. The teachers were good role models and at a time when the social fibre for women was changing, we were encouraged to achieve our best potential, even though it seemed to be limited at that stage.
I
took Home Economics as a subject and I'm really thankful for the practical background it gave me. To this day, I am an avid cook, was a competent dressmaker, and still use many of the basic principles I learnt then. These are skills which are meaningful, useful, and fulfilling and I believe they are neglected today.

One of my memories, is of being late and having to go to the headmistress (can't remember her name but she was scary) who said to me, " Your hair is a very strange colour." Which was unfortunate because it was actually my natural blonde colour! I add here that, I made my own school uniform and had adjusted the design slightly to make it more alluring.
Another, was of Miss ....., Help - with severely dyed black hair, cut in a dramatic bob with short fringe - English teacher who acted out so many of our texts. One in particular, was "We of the Never Never", where she acted out the scene where cup handles were threaded on her fingers as the character adjusted to colonial life.

I must have been going through a time where how I looked was important (possibly nothing has changed), when I was distracted from class by looking at my nails. She said, "My nails, my nails, by beautiful nails, my interest in you never fails, I dream about you day and night and sometimes even take a bite."
They were good times and there was a good sound background. We were lucky and to this day, I would recommend a single sex school.

I have been actively working on what makes for a successful retirement through the blog, which documents day by day events and ideas. What I have come up with beyond the need to keep active etc is fairly simple - mainly that we need to work on this period of life and not just let it happen; to be interested and engaged in something which makes you want to get up in the morning; and social interaction beyond just the family.

I would be interested in your thoughts.
I have posted the photos - a bit fuzzy for some reason, probably the lighting - but that's OK. I quite like 'fuzzy' these days!

Clara

To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page - it's easy to scroll down and choose 'anonomous' in the "comment as' box - or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Grey nomads on the road again - with Elvis

2012-01-14T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hi R
And a few other friends have been on the move, touring around Australia and have survived - even enjoyed it! Being a grey nomad has not been a popular choice in our family where I refer to caravans as the "C" word. G keeps moving slowly but surely in that direction - buying a 4 wheel drive and then putting a tow bar on it (very subtle!)

Must admit our friends looked wonderful on their return and had some great tales to tell. Hmmmmmm.

We had a celebratory dinner with the nomad theme where much fun was had by all, as you can see from the video. We all dressed up as nomads, but I just couldn't do it, so I dressed as a female Elvis. Why you ask? Because the only way I could be lured in this direction, is if there is a purpose / destination of interest such as the Elvis festival which is on in Parkes this weekend.

Reluctant nomad
Clara
ps - I suppose I could still be a blogger.

Click on arrow below for important grey nomad interview.

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I'm excited too re winning the battle of the bulge

2012-01-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

Battle of the Bulge by
Lynee Follow That Girl who could write a book about jeans; styles, length, what shoes and tops to wear.
She says about me (generously) "My boss has this friend from Australia, Clara -who coincidentally writes a blog called "Fit in Your Jeans Cuisine". How perfect.
The photo's of the finished recipes are gorgeous and mouth watering."
Thanks Lynee, for your kind words. Can't wait to hear how you went and what you were wearing when you cooked your meal.
Clara

It's getting to that time of year. You know, THAT time of year. It's when my husband watches in disgust as I jump, lay on the floor, do a dance routine, lunges or cry to get on my skinny jeans. After I painstakingly inch the zipper up and nearly lose a nail buttoning them, I promise myself that "Today, I'm only eating water." The next thing I know I'm eyeing up something that looks like this...

I am announcing today that I will wear my skinny jeans with comfort all year around. And no, I cannot survive only eating water.

So what am I going to do? I'm going to actually follow Clara's recipes, and make sure I only eat my small portion! I'm excited, and so is my husband. You see, I'm not a very good cook. I screw up scrambled eggs, burn the toast, overcook the noodles and dry out the chicken. So, I plan to write about my "Fit in your Jeans Cuisine" diet once a month, my wins, my failures... my poor husbands love while he eats it even when it's awful (of course I'll throw in what awesome outfit I'm wearing from Next Door while I slave away in the kitchen). Are you excited? I'm excited!

Lynee

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Red, Set Go...

2012-01-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

Hi C,

self portrait taken with my iPhone and photo shopped just a tiny bit

In Australia, we do things to Pizzas that no self respecting Italian would do - with delicious results

2012-01-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hi R
Thought I would continue to warm you up by showing you more of our magnificent coast line and to share a wonderful meal we had there. You could substitute the seafood for left over ham if you have any left, and garnish with capers or olives etc. In Australia, we do things to Pizzas that no self respecting Italian would do - with simply delicious results!
Clara

Nambucca Nosh

John's OK delicious Pizza served at sunset

Star ingredients but you could substitute
with that ham if there is any left

Secret is having a thin base -
this one is a commercial wholemeal version

Spread some tomato pizza sauce

Add the seafood (and if you wish some salami slices - hmmmm)

Add red onion slices and artichoke hearts

Finish with a slurp of sweet chilli sauce and a
light sprinkling of mozzarella cheese
Bake in a moderate to hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Enjoy, with the sunset at Nambucca Heads

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

2012-01-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hi R
I hope you are relaxing and taking it easy after yet another huge year.

Had a lovely time but this is how I felt after Xmas

We spent a few recovery days at Nambucca Heads which is a delightful, relaxing coastal destination about a 5 hour drive north of Sydney. I'll let the video below take you there. Clara

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

New Year's Resolution to fit in your jeans

2012-01-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hi R

Time to reflect and move forward with or without a New Years' Resolution. Oscar Wilde wrote," A New Year Resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other."
and "Good resolutions are simply cheques that men draw on a bank where they have no account."

I like this one by Hal Borland - "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us."

So do we or do we not make one???? I found some of Sonja Lyubomirsky's hints to be helpful from her recent book 'The How of Happiness'.
A summary of a goal's / project's ideal characteristics.

Identify what you expect to accomplish

* Imposed by self
* Approach rather than avoidance
* Flexible and be able to work with other aspects of your life
* Activity based - not relying on circumstance

Identify and Imagine the most positive outcome of your goal and the biggest obstacle that stands in the way. (The obstacle bit apparently is the tricky part which most of us don't think through.) They give the example re specific details of when and where and how the person wants to act in critical situations.
For example; If the goal is to "eat more fruit and vegetables", the subject might think of how they will act in restaurants, when travelling , and at other situations where they may be tempted not to follow through with the goal. Then they have to specify the behaviour they would do with an ..."if I am at a restaurant and they ask about dessert, then I will choose options with fruit, not cake."
Have fun

Happy healthy New Year
Clara

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How to put on skin tight jeans

2012-01-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

"I only need a belt in case my jeans burst."

I only need a belt in case my jeans burst

Hi R
Thought you might benefit from some post Xmas hints on how to fit in your jeans.
G said,"I only need a belt in case my jeans burst."

Or Peter Hinchliff's experience, "The other day I got a clean pair of jeans out of the wardrobe. Then began a two-minute nightmare as I struggled to get into them. I couldn't get the wretched things past my knees, let alone fasten the button at the waist.

"Oh no," thought I in the midst of the wrestling match. "No more cake. No more biscuits. No more eating for a week." Then I noticed the label on the jeans. They were my wife's. She'd hung them in my wardrobe by mistake.

Everyone should be lucky enough to find a smaller person's jeans in their wardrobe after Christmas feasting. The relief at discovering they belong to someone else makes up for having gained an inch around the waist.......... and then about why it happens...... "Eating up every chocolate and biscuit, draining the whisky bottle to the last drop isn't mere self-indulgence. It's a duty. A display of appreciation. A way of saying thank you." Let waist-lines bulge and buttons strain as we accept the responsibility of showing appreciation to our gift-givers.

Like many people today we are more conscious that good food can taste indulgent without necessarily being so, with the obvious exceptions of course. So here are some of the delicious, less indulgent dishes we enjoyed on Xmas day, which I will post over the week. At this time of the year, one needs to keep on making the dishes rather than write about them.

Capsicum Dip with Parmesan Cheese Rounds
Thai BBQ prawns served with Mango and Avocado salad with snowpeas and roasted sesame seeds
Stuffed Turkey Breast, and honey cured ham with Green salad with Salsa Verde, and Roasted beetroot and pumpkin salad with goats' cheese and walnuts
Potato salad with yoghurt dressing
Pavlova with berries served with Yoghurt and Mascarpone cream.

We were very fortunate to have some wonderful wines to accompany each course, thanks to our resident wine expert.

I hope you all had a fantastic festive dinner and can still 'fit in your jeans.' If not, all is not lost - visit http://www.fitinyourjeanscuisine.com/ for tasty healthy food or if all else fails, read the instructions below on How to put on Skin Tight Jeans

Clara
Handy Hints
Put the jeans on in the morning, after a cold shower. Putting your skin-tight jeans on in the morning will increase the chances of success since you haven't eaten much. Also, a cold shower will get your body as taut as possible, making you slightly slimmer.
Wiggle into the jeans. Putting a belt through the jeans' belt loops will help you pull the jeans up. Using the belt as a grip, wiggle side to side to get the jeans over your hips.
Zip up first. Closing the button is almost always the hardest part of putting on skin tight jeans, so try get the zipper closed first. If the jeans are really skin tight, hook the end of a hanger into the zipper so you can leverage the zipper up.
Hold your breath. Like an athlete at the finish line, the last step takes a deep breath in. Breathe in deeply so you contract your midsection and in one quick and deft motion get that button closed.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Christmas Reflections - lovely to witness children's delight

2011-12-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

Lovely to witness children's delight

Hi R
I can see that you had a wonderful traditional Christmas.
I had a great Christmas with friends and family when it was lovely to witness the children's anticipation of Santa's arrival along with their delight in opening presents.

However, from the thoughtful, granny position, I am concerned about the balance in our society, of the religious celebration with the commercial version. Many of our children are brought up in a spiritual vacuum, with schools no longer giving scripture lessons which were the only source for some. As is the case in the natural world, a vacuum will attract other forces. Children need to know what the story is, and can later make up their own minds as to how they respond to it.
Hope AJ had lots of fun for his second Christmas.
Clara
SMH - Saturday, December 24 contained a wealth of thought provoking articles. As Hugh McKay says in The Essay "......Christmas is quite simply the biggest festival of the year, rich with symbolism and ritual and steeped in enduring myths and legends that - like most enduring myths and legends - have something useful to teach us. In this case, humility is the keynote."

For more - http://babyboomerconnections.blogspot.com/2011/12/balance-santa-with-xmas-story.html

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

A dish to use the Christmas ham deliciously

2011-12-27T00:53:00.000-08:00

R wrote - "We had a lovely Christmas eve dinner of baked ham, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes and salad. Today we will have ham and eggs for breakfast, ham sandwiches for lunch and ham and bean soup for supper. I will welcome any other suggestions you have for ham."

A great way to use up Christmas ham.

A dish to use up the family ham so here it is. I love it's simplicity, it's balance and the contrast with Christmas food.
Ham, anchovy and fennel pasta

500g /1lb large pasta shells
1/4 cup olive oil
180 gm / 6 oz ham, cut finely
freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp chopped anchovy
1 small fennel buIb - finely shaved
1/2 cup chopped parsley 1 long red chiIli~ chopped

Cook pasta in a large~saucepan of salted water. Drain and reserve.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a heavy based saucepan on a medium heat.
Add ham, season with pepper and fry for five-minutes. Add anchovy and fry for one minute. Add pasta, fennel and parsley to saucepan and toss well.
Sprinkle with chilli and serve with salad leaves.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Christmas Morning

2011-12-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Greetings C from the North Pole,

It's a balmy 32 degrees F at 8:10 on Christmas morning. I know that thanks to Dashboard, an app that follows me wherever I go and tells me where I am, what time it is, the temperature and the latest news. We had a lovely Christmas eve dinner of baked ham, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes and salad. Today we will have ham and eggs for breakfast, ham sandwiches for lunch and ham and bean soup for supper. I will welcome any other suggestions you have for ham. We enjoyed a glass of champagne while fashionably dressed for the north woods. Candles were glowing, fireplaces roaring and the tree lit. It was a very old fashioned Christmas and then we face timed with AJ, Andrea, Alexis and Anthony. Modern technology! Today I will spend a quiet time with my iPod, my iPad, my iPhone and my mac trying to figure all the photo stuff out. Thanks to photo streaming and iCloud, every time I take a photo it shows up on all the devices. I'm not sure if it is mystical, magical or just downright maddening! But I will persevere with the apples of my eye. Thought you'd enjoy a few photos taken and manipulated with these.

faux fur and real, with my faux uggs

self portrait photo shopped just a bit

Sunrise on Christmas Day

Best to you and your family,

Love

R

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Hi C,

Merry Christmas C from the north pole. We're up here at the cabin and it is crunchy cold....0 degrees, a two paw kind of cold. That's when the dogs freeze up, stand on two legs and need to be carried back in. But it is very beautiful, a White Christmas, frosty and perfect. Santa surprised me with a pretty little tree all decked out on our deck. Deck the halls...

love,

R and R

Waiting for Santa

deck the deck

Asian herb salad ideal for christmas lunches

2011-12-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

With a wonderfully wild freshness due to the overuse of
delicate herbs, this is a definite Clara favourite.

Hi there lovers of Asian Salad
Asian herb salad got the tick with key players at the birthday party so I am going to repeat it for Christmas Day. It went perfectly with the first course of BBQ chicken skewers served Asian style. See link below
The wonderfully wild freshness is achieved by massive overuse of delicate herbs along with an Asian dressing.
Clara

Ingredients
250g / 8 oz rocket (arugula) leaves - (trimmed of excess stems (substitute any peppery lettuce)
125g / 4oz each of mint, basil, cilentro leaves (leaves picked from stems, washed and spun dry)
30g / 1 oz chervil if available
2/3 cup canned bamboo shoots - (preferably already cut into matchstick)
Dressing
2 shallots, peeled, halved, and finely sliced
l tbsp rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
l tsp sugar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp mirin
sea salt and pepper

For the dressing, mix the shallots, rice vinegar, and sugar together in
a small bowl and set aside.
Trim any excess stems from the arugula, and pick the herb leaves from
their stems. Rinse and spin dry the arugula and herbs. Cut the bamboo
shoots into matchsticks.
To make the dressing, whisk the olive oil, sesame oil, mirin, sea salt, and
pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in the shallot mixture, then taste
and adjust the flavors.
Very lightly toss the arugula, bamboo shoots, and herbs in the dressing,
and serve, with chopsticks.

Link for chicken skewers belowhttp://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/2010/10/skewers-capture-finger-food.html

Holidays give time for reflection and renewal

2011-12-18T00:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas and holiday greetings
for fun with family and friends
Agapanthus bloom at Christmas in Sydney and could be called our Poinsettia. Affectionately referred to as Aggies, they are hardy, enduring and self sufficient.

The video below takes you to my Christmas garden, with added thoughts for reflection and renewal.
Clara

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Passionate about leafy greens and herbs

2011-12-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hi R

Yes - Leafy greens again!! From the garden

Blogger Queen is back!!!! - and so are my beloved green leaves. I'm wondering if you are eating enough of them - they help everything else so must be good for insomnia. The secret though is to get them as fresh as possible when you can virtually see the vitamins jumping out. Obviously, the best way to eat greens is uncooked, fresh from the garden, with spinach or rocket being my favourites because of their versatility. They can be stir fried in a little olive oil, wilted by steaming for a very short time, but I love them when added to cooked vegetables, at the last minute for extra colour and super nutrition.

Christmas in Australia is salad oriented since it is mid summer, but we eat salad all year, sometimes adding the leaves to warm roasted vegetables and drizzling with a dressing.

We enjoy flat-leafed parsley, known for it's excellent flavour, spinach (perpetual leaf, easy to grow with continuous cropping), some shallots for salads which harvest in 8-12 weeks, to join the rocket which can be sown all year round - love the peppery flavour added to roasted veges, and wilted rocket is divine. Our basil crop is doing well as is the lemon-scented thyme, lemon grass, Vietnamese mint, as well as ordinary mint - this part of the land has a few hazards re survival of the species - insects, possums (protected).

Because our little plot doesn't get quite enough sun, this year I have added some large pots of herbs in a sunny spot. Even though the yield isn't huge, I adore being able to pick a few leafy greens every day, knowing that they are such a powerhouse re antiageing qualities.

Clara

Leafy Green Info
It was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day, ie a grocery bag full of greens each and every day? Calorie for calorie, they are perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, can help prevent age-related cognitive decline and may also reduce your risk of skin cancer among many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Almost Carb-Free, with the carbs that are there packed in layers of fibre, which make them very slow to digest.

Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important functions.
Vitamin K
•Regulates blood clotting
•Helps protect bones from osteoporosis
•May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthritis.
Fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil.
Quick-cooking Greens
These greens can either be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Six cups of raw greens become approximately one cup of cooked greens and take only a few minutes to cook. Spinach, Chard, Rocket, Beet Greens, Dandelion greens, Sorrel and Cabbage belong in this category.
Greens should be dry or almost dry, after washing; store in a bag with as much of the air pushed out as you easily can. I like to put a barely damp paper towel in for just the right amount of moisture. Then, put them in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.

Flipping Out

2011-12-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

Hi C,

Sorry I missed calling you today. I was planning to call around 5am my time, 9pm your time. Best laid plans. There I was awake at 1 am with my usual insomnia. Out comes the iPad, not a good idea. Instead of lulling me back to sleep, it flipped me out with this app called Flipboard. You get lost in it, finding one more interesting bit of information after another as you flip from page to page. I just finished reading an interesting novel called A Visit From the Goon Squad. The author introduces you to a cast of characters in the 80's and takes you with them into the year 2021. It ends with a description of children referred to as "pointers". Everyone communicates through a device by pointing at it. Pointers in the future, flippers in the present. Oh well... I finally fell back asleep around 3 and then overslept and missed my window to call you. Next Monday, I promise. Thought in the mean time you'd enjoy my self portrait taken in the wee small hours. If you look closely you'll see a photo of Brad Pitt on the cover of the NY Times magazine. I looked a lot like him! R

Getting Up There

2011-11-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

We were having a chat at nextdoor the other day about fun stuff like trips to New York and Broadway shows. Young Ellen had just been there and saw Follies with "you know, that older woman". This led to the comment, "yeah, she is really getting up there". I thought to myself, well in that case I am really, really getting up there. I've been thinking a lot about that since then...getting up there. Let's face it, it does have a negative connotation, and yet the expression is made up of a string of positive words. Getting for example: to accomplish, earn, receive, achieve etc. And up, that's a good thing. I'd rather be up than down. Add a Y and you have yup, that's better than nope. And there, a place, going forward...going there. Really, "getting up there" is a great place to be. I like being there. I get up every morning happy to be there, free to enjoy my day and do as I please. Up, Up and Away.

OJ turns one!

2011-11-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hi R
Can you believe OJ is one?!!!! It's amazing to observe children grow and develop. I love watching them as they take on the world and develop their own style and relationships.

OJ had a great time being the centre of attention.
Nonna Clara
ps - I wish OJ could meet AJ.

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Koftas make great party food

2011-11-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hi R
In the first week of November we have a special horse race, called the Melbourne Cup where the whole nation stops to pick a winner. Once this event is over, it's time to make plans for Christmas which of course involves food.

These koftas make great party food for the silly season or even for a birthday party, a BBQ or a family meal. This recipe is for OJ who is turning one next week, and is having a party. He loves spicy foods (like his nonna and eats amazing things like avocados!)
Nonna Clara

A kofte is a Middle Eastern and South Asian meatball. In the simplest form, koftas consist of balls of minced or ground meat—usually beef or lamb mixed with spices and/or onions. The meat is often mixed with other ingredients such as rice or bulger. They can be BBQ'd, grilled, fried, steamed, poached, baked or marinated, and may be served with a rich spicy sauce or a yoghut sacce. In Arab countries, kufta or kefta is usually shaped into cigar-shaped cylinders.

Kofte with mint yoghurt dressing is great party food

Meatballs / kofte with mint yoghurt dressing
Makes approx 16
For the mint yoghurt sauce combine
1/2 cup thick natural yoghurt (greek)
2 tbsp mint, finely chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the meatballs750g / 1 1/2lb good quality lamb mince o(r a mixture of lamb and beef)1 cup fine fresh breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely chopped or processed
1 tsp fennel seeds, dry-roasted, finely ground (or ground fennel)
1 tbsp cumin seeds, dry-roasted, finely ground (or ground cumin)
1/4 cup finely chopped mint and/or combination of mint and parsley
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 egg white
salt and pepper
Oil
Combine ingredients; season to taste. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours if possible to allow flavours to mingle and make mixture easier to handle.

Mould the meat mixture into small sausage shapes and skewer with metal or wooden
kebab sticks (soaked in water for 20 mins).
Spray with a little oil and cook on BBQ for 5 to 8 minutes, turning once.

Drizzle with yoghurt sauce or serve sauce separately. Serve with toasted pita bread and
lemon wedges.

Variation - Moroccan Kefters - Substitute fennel for paprika,
and instead of 1/2 cup mint, use a combination of chopped coriander,
mint and flat-leafed parsley.
Season with black or cayenne pepper and serve with Moroccan bread.
Variation 2- Alternatively form into balls or patties, BBQ or cook in the oven and call them spicy meatballs.

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In the Closet

2011-10-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hi C

I'm sitting in the closet in the the semi dark listening to AJ coo and snuggle in his crib. There are a million other things I could be doing but none I want to. It's just so pleasant being here. I have no photos to post, no witty comments to share, just this peaceful place. You may be wondering what we're doing in the closet. While for the time being, it's the best place for his crib, and it's more like a dressing room than a closet. I have great plans for a little AJ room upstairs once he is a bit older but for now this is the place to be.

Granny Renotta

What to wear with skinny white jeans?

2011-10-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

Hi R
Re - What shoes to wear with skinny jeans?
When I visited you in USA I totally immersed myself in jeans - what length to wear them, how to cleverly adjust the length etc But it was fall, so we didn't do 'what to wear with skinny white jeans.'
Ok, so we are coming into summer but it still feels like winter. It hasn't been warm enough to bare the toes but it's time to wear white jeans.
So here I am - on my way out to meet up with weekly, long term, similar - aged friends and I am wearing new white skinny jeans I bought on sale; to-die-for Hudson jeans with fabulous detail, which fitted damned well! I tucked them into my short black boots, and said, 'Let's go, Baby!"

So then G says, " Aren't those jeans more suitable for a younger woman? Fightin' words!

I ran it past my friends who said, diplomatically, unlike G, "You have such slim hips etc"
But in the lift, on our way out, husband of friend said, " Hmm, I see what he means - whatever that meant!" Did they have a quiet conversation about it? How extraordinary!

I know it was the white jeans tucked into the black boots that caused the upset, but I really like that look with blue jeans. Perhaps it was the contrast that didn't work.
Clara

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The Rules - JEAN SCENE - BECAUSE WE THINK YOU SHOULD - FIT IN YOUR JEANS

2011-10-17T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hi R
I know you are enjoying http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com fresh and healthy, tasty; and thought it would be good to share your expertise re how to wear your jeans so you look absolutely fabulous.

There's nothing like a great fitting pair of jeans and yet they can be hard to find unless you know the rules. With the expert help of Renotta, www.shopatnextdoor.com who could write a book about styles, length, what shoes and tops to wear with what etc........ and Lynee Follow That Girl , here is the answer. "We have over 1300 pairs of jeans in our store and an all-consuming passion to find the perfect pair for everyone who walks through our door." We all look forward to answering your questions about jeans or healthy tasty food, because that is our passion.
Clara

JEAN SCENE BECAUSE WE THINK YOU SHOULD FIT IN YOUR JEANS

To What Length Should You Go? Adapted from 'Jean Scene' www.shopatnextdoor.com
and Follow That Girl the latest from Lynee

We could write a book about the length of jeans. Suffice it to say most jeans are too long and need to be shortened. If you're a jeanophile, you know that the original hem needs to be reattached. There's nothing worse than jeans looking like your mom chopped them off for you or shrunk them in the dryer. At 'Shop at Nextdoor', Milwaukee USA, we have perfected the art of reattaching the original hem so when you purchase your jeans, we'll shorten them for a small fee. But since you may not live here, here are a few hints you can apply.

Firstly, you need someone in the know re the 'New York' method of shortening jeans so your best bet would be your specialist jeans store or boutique.

The next decision is how long should they be? That's where we come in. Having shortened over ten thousand pairs, we feel we have something to say about it. For starters we're just going to deal with bootcut, flare, and trouser jeans. We'll leave the skinnies and leggings for next time. We all know we want to look fabulously tall and lean in our jeans even if we're not. So here's our rule of thumb: if your shoes show, your jeans are too short. You want your jeans to just skim the ground, about 1/4" short of dragging. It gives you that long continuous line even if it's an illusion for most of us.

The next thing you need to deal with is what shoes you will be wearing. Unfortunately, you can't wear one pair of jeans with flats, comfy heels, and killer spikes. We're good, but we're not magicians. You have to pick one height shoe and go with it. And yes, it means you have to have more than one pair of designer jeans. We'll say it again, there's nothing like a great fitting pair of jeans. And there's nothing worse than a pair of jeans that are too short!

Renotta (jeanophile)
Renee (fashion blogger)

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First Kiss,

2011-10-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

Hi C,

Long time no blog. Been caught up in all of life's daily activities, especially that fashion show which I obsessively created 12 knit combinations of scarves, gloves, hats, shawls, arm warmers, coats, sweaters, you name it. I was still knitting just a few hours before the show. I would have knit nose warmers if anyone would have been willing to wear one. Would I do it all over again? Probably. Was it worth it? Definitely! The end product was beautiful and was so much fun to see on all my girls. I just made it through the show in the nick of time with a strange "scratchy" throat feeling. The next day I was in bed with the worst cold I have had in years. I know what you are thinking, over worked herself, not enough sleep etc. But actually, no that was not the case. A few days before I was babysitting little AJ who was sneezing. He's so sweet, so when he planted not one but two kisses on me, I knew right away what the consequences would be. Would I do it all over again? ABSOLUTELY. Was it worth it? POSITIVELY!

Leafy green vegetables - the 'little black dress' of the vegetable world.

2011-09-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hi R
Back on track with green leaves which we need to eat heaps of since we are grazers.

Leafy green vegetables are like the 'little black dress' of the vegetable world. They go with just about everything and they’re appropriate for every occasion. Green leaves are perhaps the most anti-ageing of all foods and since I am passionate about my greens, once I start on them I seem to need to give all the good news. (below)
Hope you and Roberto are eating plenty of fresh green leaves.
Clara

Obviously, the best way to eat greens is uncooked, fresh from the garden, with Spinach or Rocket being my favourites because of their versatility. They can be stir fried in a little olive oil, wilted by steaming for a very short time, but I love them when added to cooked vegetables, at the last minute for extra colour and super nutrition.

'Eat More Green Leaves' because we are grazers

Sichuan Style Spinach or Green Leaves
30g peanut oil
20 black peppercorns
4 dried red chillies
2 garlic cloves
2 bunches English spinach
Sea salt
30ml chinese wine
Dash sesame oil
Heat oil over medium heat, add groundpeppercorns and chilli until fragrant. Remove, add garlic, then wine, salt, spinach and cook until wilted and liquid nearly evaporated. Add seasoning, and chilli.

It was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day, ie a grocery bag full of greens each and every day? Calorie for calorie, they are perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, can help prevent age-related cognitive decline and may also reduce your risk of skin canceramong many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Almost Carb-Free, with the carbs that are there packed in layers of fibre, which make them very slow to digest.

Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important functions.
Vitamin K
•Regulates blood clotting
•Helps protect bones from osteoporosis
•May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthritis.
Fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil.
Quick-cooking Greens
These greens can either be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Six cups of raw greens become approximately one cup of cooked greens and take only a few minutes to cook. Spinach, Chard, Rocket, Beet Greens, Dandelion greens, Sorrel and Cabbage belong in this category.
Greens should be dry or almost dry, after washing; store in a bag with as much of the air pushed out as you easily can. I like to put a barely damp paper towel in for just the right amount of moisture. Then, put them in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.

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Re the very delicious, very wicked Pear and Almond cake. And real reasons french women don't get fat

2011-09-12T01:55:00.000-07:00

Hi R and other skinny jean wearers
Re - the very delicious, very wicked Pear and Almond cake which was posted on http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.com and which you no doubt saw and wondered what was happening.

Clara's first attempt at
Pear and Almond Cake
tasted amazing but didn't look
quite the same as Belinda's

Veronica, http://stantoninteriorstyle.blogspot.com who passed this recipe on to me, commented,: "Clara, the cake is very good but don't eat too much or you won't fit into your jeans! "

And she is absolutely correct! It should have come with a warning so here is a retrospective one.

What was I thinking? I promise it won't happen again, but here is a little justification via an article in the weekend Telegraph.

The secret - small portions.

"Oui! the secret's out: real reasons french women don't get fat." And the relevant point here follows exactly what Veronica wrote.

"They eat cake and chocolate - Why it works paradoxically: not having a list of forbidden foods can put an end to bingeing, Sainsbury-Salis says. French women only eat small amounts of treat foods- and those foods are available in small portions."

There were a few other hints which I will tell you about in the next blog

Clara

ps I only ate one and a half pieces with low fat, low sugar icecream .......it was a special occasion.......... hmmmmmmmm
pss I hope Roberto didn't see the blog.

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Look at me, Nonna!! From the warm fuzzy distance of grandparenting

2011-09-11T01:55:00.000-07:00

Nonna tip - don't get the age wrong as I did once
but never ever again!

Hi R and other grannies out there
It's wonderfully fulfilling to watch grandchildren develop - to witness the ages and stages, be able to give out treats generously, to have fun etc - from the warm fuzzy distance of grandparenting.

A big weekend sleepover which felt like Christmas where one's attention is scattered in many directions and the house is full of stuff.

Now it's quiet and orderly - we return to normality with lovely memories of spontaneous hugs, Poppy makeovers and tricky questions.
Nonna Clara - Facilitator of Clever Craft and Good Kitchen x

ps - Poppy's snoring was also recorded - something I have always threatened to do but have never quite been courageous enough.

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Pears marry well in peppery salads with stronger cheeses

2011-09-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi R
Hey, what are you guys eating in downtown Milwaukee? What is in season in Fall?

I'm continuing my love affair with pears - whether it be the rusty-coloured beurre bosc, yellow-russet josephine to the winter nelis or honey pear. The delicate sweet flavour of pears marries so well with peppery rocket and the stronger Parmesan or Roquefort (blue) cheeses.

I think you would enjoy these two salads, as Americans love the sweet and sour combinations of flavour. You can substitute rocket for any lettuce but I like to experiment with some of the more robust flavoured varieties.
Clara

Pear, rocket and parmesan cheese salad

Pear, rocket and parmesan cheese salad

1 bunch rocket, trimmed
1/2 small green oakleaf lettuce, washed, dried
(If desired, you can use all rocket if you prefer
125g / 4 oz piece Parmesan, shaved

Witlof, pear and hazelnut salad with roquefort

Serves 4

2 heads witlof - red if possible - or other bitter lettuce, separated, washed and dried
1 bunch rocket, washed and chopped
4 tbsp hazelnuts, roasted skin rubbed off and coursely chopped
180g / 6oz Roquefort cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp chopped chives
2 firm pears- about 300g such as william or corella peeled, halved, cored with quarters cut into 3 or 4 slices. Place in a salad bowl with 2 to 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar and juice of 1/2 a lemon. Add ground pepper and toss gently.
When ready to serve, add witlof, rocket, hazelnuts and parmesan to bowl with pears, season lightly with salt and toss gently. Finish with crumbled cheese and a sprinkling of chives.

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TOMTOM - so where do you want to go, Clara?

2011-09-01T05:10:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this blog to my mates, LWL (ladies who lunch) who started at the same school as FIRST-TIME teachers. Lovely catch up - great communication. And the reason I purchased my TOMTOM. All will be revealed..............

LWL - Circa mid to late 60's- teachers

It arrived today - my first non book purchase on-line

You are going to help me find my way!

Hi R
Well........ thanks for your somewhat emotional response to my technical question re what is so good about your ipad? ie "I'm in love with my ipad. It makes me happy just to think about it."

I haven't made any decisions yet re an I Pad or Android but I did make another important purchase. And here it is....... A TOMTOM! Love the name - makes me feel as though it's going to communicate to me how to get where I want to go.

So where do you want to go, Clara?

The answer is. "To where I decide to go." Therein lie choices, not only re destination, but how I want to get there.

OK, so here's the history - Ladies who Lunch - LWL - destination was via a route I chose not to take. I don't do expressways anymore ever since the unfortunate journey via the airport from Artarmon to an address in Artarmon. Well - I got into the wrong lane - then was afraid to go sideways fearing that I would be lost forever.

So, everyone else was still driving out of their comfort zone, except me - which was confronting and cost a lot.
After counselling from the group, when I saw a special deal on the net re TOMTOM, I decided to go for it.

When I told G about it, he said I really didn't need it, because I didn't drive anywhere out of the area. So I said, "The less I drive, the more fearful I become." He understood and is supportive - we had a lesson even, where I drove to IKEA land via GPS and felt good about it. He agreed to shut up re my other driving habits - Yeaaah!

So - TOMTOM has arrived and I need to read the manual. Hmmmmmm
Clara

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Pears offer elegant tastes and textures

2011-08-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Corella pears look attractive as a table centre

Hi R
The first day of Spring today. The early spring garden players are there - fragrant Jasmine, orchids, magnolia and wattle. Not much in the garden to cut for indoors, but I love the look of fruit and vegetables as much as all their other benefits. Pears, pomegranates and quince are my favourites because of their shape, with oranges and lemons for their colour.

Pears are in season at the moment with many varieties to choose from - taste being the best test. I don't know why the saying goes, 'Everything went pear shaped', with a negative connotation, since the shape of a pear is beautiful. So many beautiful old paintings feature pears see below and one day I want to use pears as a subject for printing or pastels.

Of course, the best way to serve pears is raw, perhaps cut into 4 and served with almonds, but 'Pears in Red Wine' is an elegant, relatively healthy dessert so long as the cook doesn't drink the rest of the wine!

Clara

Pears in Red Wine
6 large brown pears
250 ml / 1 cup good quality red wine
150 grams / 5oz - sugar
cinnamon stick
orange and lemon rind

Method
Wash the pears and core, leaving on the stem
Place upright in a baking dish into which they fit tightly
Sprinkle with sugar, add cinnamon and the orange and lemon rinds and pour over the wine
Bake in 190 degrees C (375 degrees F) oven until the wine has almost evaporated. Baste during the baking. Serve with indulgent yoghurt.

Right - 'Pears in Art'

.

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Should Grannies go for IPads?

2011-08-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

R wrote recently - "Treated myself to an iPad, so much fun
Have the day off to play in my studio. Have to lock my iPad away or I will while the day away with it."

When I asked why it was so much fun, she replied, "Well how can I describe my iPad? I can't. You just have to have one to understand how amazing it is. I stalled on it, kept thinking what could be so great till one night I said what the hell and ordered one on line. The next day I had buyer's remorse but it was too late. Good thing I love it so much."

And then another friend, a reluctant computer friend who didn't even answer her emails in the past, sends me an email from ............ you guessed it - Her I Pad! What is happening? Why am I missing out on all this fun?

Of course, I feel that now I need one too so the journey begins - I-Pad or Android? Where is the key board? What is essential and non-essential? All this from someone who started out teaching not with an I Pad but with a Jelly pad. What is a jelly pad you ask - not quite as ancient as the stone tablet, it was a simple method of transferring pictures to a child's book as an alternative to the existing printing technology of the guistetner which was super messy. The jelly pad was simply a gelatine mixture in a cake tin; you traced over the image with carbon paper, placed it onto the jelly into which it sank. You then pressed each book onto the pad to make a print. (A search on Google says it was called a
'hectograph or gelatin duplicator and was used in the 20th century' - remember the 1900's.)
Ok - so we are moving forward - the question is do I really really need an I pad or an Android?
Clara :)

ps - do you know these symbols yet? A friend passed this on to me - he picked it up from his kids and general chat on FB (Facebook) and Twitter. It's like street slang that has just evolved as people want to type less online and sms.

:) means smile -look at it sideways (tilt head left)
;) means wink smile
:( means sad
:D means big smile
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Bloom where you are planted

2011-08-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Taking thyme to plant herbs is time well spent

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Sage is an attractive useful herb

Hi R
I loved your blog re the end of summer - changing of the seasons is a truly glorious time. We are coming out of our relatively mild winter compared to yours but we actually do it tough since we ignore the short sharp cold months and heat inadequately. I adore the warm soft sun during these magical days before the heat. Today was a glorious day which had to be spent pottering in the garden.

My garden is quite Tuscan with rosemary now growing well and flowering; thyme as a ground cover, sage growing wild and lavender of course. Most flowers seem to be of lavender hue and this year I have let the violets grow wild, creating a significant ground cover.

Potted geraniums and pergonias flower constantly, gardenias struggle for some reason even though neighbours plants produce beautiful blooms. Reminds me of a saying that a friend and I had – “Bloom where you are planted,” we would quote then break into song on the way to The Rowers, where they had a band every Sunday evening. A well deserved break from the relentlessness of single parenting, dancing and socialising until the wee small hours of 9pm when we turned into pumpkins.

There is a growing community awareness here re the value of growing your own herbs and vegetables, with community gardens springing up on nature strips. In Italy, it is a very serious business to have a strip of land in a community garden and the family lives off the yield. Not quite sure if we have the same commitment yet, since when walking the neighbourhood, a few attempts seem to have ended with what looks like abandonment as weeds take over. One wonders whether the enthusiasm died or whether a few were expected to do the work of many – hopefully with spring in the air they will be revisited.
Clara of green fingers

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Golden Days

2011-08-11T03:06:00.000-07:00

Hi C,

The golden days of summer are drawing to a close here. Yesterday the oppressive heat and humidity was replaced with a cool breeze to let us know that fall is on it's way. It's always bitter sweet as we look forward to summer for so long, only to have it pass so quickly. And yet there is always the anticipation of fall with its beautiful weather,the colorful display nature provides and of course our love affair with all the new fall fashions. Thought you might enjoy a few images of Wisconsin at this time of the year.

Wish you were here.

R

How to tie your scarf ....... or make it.

2011-08-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU&feature=player_embedded#at=25...
A great site but wait................

Isadona
"I dance what I am!"

The impetus for this particular blog, is the above link to a great video on '25 Ways to tie a scarf' so it's time to revisit Isadora.

"Who was Isadora?" some may ask.
She was renowned for being a dancer who was usually adorned with a long scarf (like me) - her early death was the result of an unfortunate accident involving her scarf and her neck. Personally I admire her for her amazing spirit, and as with other feminist women, she blazed our trail. "What trail?" our daughters may ask. Another day, another blog, but believe me, "Baby, we've come a long way."

I would love to showcase my special Isadora, who, as well as being a dancer, has made many many ????? scarves for a great cause. "I've decided to finish out my year of blogging by knitting as many of these scarves as possible by February 9th, 2011 and donating them to area shelters. You can join me if you like. For more information go to http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/bluedotspecial.html "

Well done R.
Clara

http://projectknitway.blogspot.com/.

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Unfinished work at 88

2011-07-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hi R

Margaret Ollie - 1923 - 2011

Women thrive on connections and are lost without them.
Wisdom of the day (from my desk calendar), "I've always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success."..... Gloria Vanderbilt
I actually feel sad for some men / women who believe that 'winning' is the most important aspect of an exercise.

Margaret Hannah Olley (1923 – 26 July 2011) who passed away this week, is a fine example and was described as "Kind, fearless and a big heart". She will be remembered as an Australian painter of still life but she was also a great philanthropist.
John McDonald - art critic for SMH - "She would have wanted to be remembered as a painter but she was so active and generous it is difficult to sum up the scope of her achievements." ..... "She was a friend and mentor to younger artists..... bought art works for public collections ... helped provide funds for people in need....she had an eye for quality and a nose for bullshit ...... being unfailingly direct in her pronouncements."

She will be also be remembered for being the first recipient of the inaugural Mosman Art Prize in 1947, one of the first of it's kind at the time and was a frequent judge of works over the years. Her final exhibition which she was still working on with Phillip Bacon, will go ahead next year.

ClaraClick on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Re - a great belly laugh!

2011-07-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Hi R
re my last post re dogs' performance, you said, "Well, that was good for a belly laugh."

We love a good belly laugh. I actually believe it is the basis of a real friendship when you share a similar sense of humour - when you really really laugh!!!!! And it feels sooooooo good.
Being with babies, toddlers and grandchildren spark this fresh new insight into how we are - and I adore them. When my children were at this stage, I smiled so much I was afraid that I would develop eye wrinkles. But I now know that those laugh lines on my face are an endorsement of my view of life. So I embrace them.

When my daughter picked up her first phone (the first of many calls!!!!!) she said " BlahBlahblah HaHaHa BlahBlahblah HaHaHa!!!! which made me realise that her mimicking was of my phone habit. Time moved on and phone manners morphed and swayed, but laughter always prevailed with my son and daughter. It is the glue that holds us together during the good and tough times. With it we move forward with grace - without it, we can get lost in a self centred focus.
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/baby-laughing-hysterically-15098This little girl knows this already!
Clara

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Which star from yesteryear is your favourite?

2011-07-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

Hi there

Some wonderful photos from our decades. I know that every older generation is convinced that the sun is setting on a golden age, but you have to admit we experienced a giant share of charismatic 'stars', many of whom are still in the limelight.

Favourites among these have to be Elton, with Marilyn and JFK the winner for intrigue. Least favourite is George - he looks much better now.
Clara

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123 - Sing with Me!

2011-07-19T03:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there R and all the dog lovers out there

The Boys

Just wondering if the boys can do this?
Clara
ps I don't have a doggy but love them all. Also I love to sing!!!! Hmmmm

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Dreaming of Dior

2011-07-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Hi R
A 'Dior' reply from my friend Veronica, who reminds me of you and is a kindred spirit. She has a interior style business in Mosman and her last blog is also about inspiration.
http://stantoninteriorstyle.blogspot.com/ Here is an extract from her blog.

Back to winter now - I've just been to Orange, New South Wales where the cold and wind were biting (lots of layers kept us warm!). In the little heritage town of Millthorpe near Orange a colourfully decorated chair and cushions by a sunny window immediately made me feel toasty, and brought to mind autumn leaves in the following photo taken in autumn in Bowral, NSW.

Veronica:-
"I love the Dior fashions, past and present. Did you know that an Australian woman (Charlotte Smith) has written a book about inheriting a wonderful collection of beautiful clothes from other eras from her godmother. It's called Dreaming of Dior and should still be in the bookshops.

My first cousin, Hamish Bowles, works for Vogue USA and has a museum collection of dresses from glamorous women. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

Thanks Veronica - I love the way Hamish has expressed the creative spirit so concisely.
Clara

clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Dior exhibition - ongoing inspiration

2011-07-12T03:26:00.000-07:00

Hi R

OTT - Inspiration for your special fashion parade coming up in October..

I know it will be fabulous, featuring denim and knitwear, with you having fun knitting up lots of 70's looking outer wear, to mix in with ready to wear.
And of course there will be your inspiration designs and pieces, of which you have many just as Christian has.

Looking forward to seeing it all vicariously, even though I would love to be there. Hopefully next year. Australia is sooo faraway!
Clara xxx
ps - can you photoshop me in one of these gowns please.

Extract taken from 'Inspiration Dior'

Exhibitions at the Pushkin Museum - Moscow

The showcase, opening to the public April 28 and running through July 24, is to feature about 120 couture dresses along with some 60 blue-chip artworks, including paintings from the Pushkin’s bulging collection and others on loan from top museums and private collections.

"February 12th, 1947: Christian Dior presents his first collection at Avenue Montaigne.
The revolution is underway and the new look is born. With it, the house of Dior enters the world of legend.

New and highly innovative, this exhibition demonstrates how inspiration has nourished the heart of Dior for decades with its links to history, nature, painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and film. It reveals how an idea, a feeling, an era, a garden, a perception or even a smell can instil an idea in the heart and mind, giving rise to a unique creation.

In this major exhibition, the Pushkin Museum showcases Dior magic and luxury whilst emphasising the outstanding house’s links with art. The key themes of the Dior legend - past and present - are presented on a grand scale in original fashion, set against unique works of art.

As Monsieur Dior said: "finally everything that has been part of my life - whether I wanted it to or not - has expressed itself in my dresses.”

email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

A Great Week in the North Woods

2011-07-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hi C,

Ricky and Mary joined us for a fun visit at the cabin. We had a ball! Hope you enjoy the photos and yes the videos of me in the swim with Ricky and the fishes...

Arrival

Bug Man

Captain Bob Relaxes as Captain Ricky mans the helm.

Captain Ricky

Mom and Ricky

Our "Common Loon" ...though not so common to us!

Bear with Me!

Photoshopping Grannies having fun

2011-07-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hi there R

Cuddles with AJ

Thought I might do my vicarious thing as well, since I think you are the one with the glamorous life.

Loved my cuddle with gorgeous AJ.

Clara

Cuddles with OJ

ps not the greatest photoshopping - I think AJ got Ollie' ear. Keep practising Nonna

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Vicarious Dubai

2011-06-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Hi C,

I always said you live a very glamorous life, one that I can only live vicariously through you. I so enjoyed my trip to Dubai!

Love the Turban

Summer whites perfect for the dunes.

Belly Laugh

Where the hell is Clara?

2011-06-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hi R and other friends

Troubador

In answer to your question, I'm baaaaaack after a fabulous holiday in Italy and France. I missed being able to blog along the way but WiFI was elusive. Thought I'd share a special highlight which was the river cruise through Burgundy from Portailler to Seille cruising on the Soane River and it's tributory the Seille River. Shaded by oaks and willows and lined with reeds, the river took us through many natural environments such as wetlands and marshes.

Fabulous French food along the way

We stopped at wonderful little villages, hunted and gathered food or ate in restaurants along the way. The food in France, of course, is amazing with duck and terrines being my favourites; and of course the bread is to die for! A few steep learning curves added spice to the general tranquility but I'll let the video tell the story of our adventure.
Clara

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Wild Thing...

2011-06-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

Is there such a thing as Turtle Insurance? Last night we had a visitor, who was still here this morning. She appeared to be looking for a new home in my flower gardens, a place to nest in. But never fear, Turtle Man snapped to it! Myrtle the Turtle is now on her way to a new home in the back forty.

sunrise in the garden

turtle insurance anyone?

turtle man to the rescue

up close and personal

free ride

my hero

myrtle's new home

Dugga Dugga Do

2011-05-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

Hi C

Hope you are enjoying your trip through Europe. I'm just here in little ole Wisconsin while you float down rivers on barges. I loved your roll over blog. That's how AJ gets around. Add a 360 degree tummy pivot and a guy can get just about anywhere he wants these days. It took me forever to get this video thing figured out. Hope you enjoy.

Clara from Dubai

2011-05-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hi from Dubai

Two fascinating days exploring on a stopover from Sydney to Rome. A city of contrasts in every way, visually and culturally, epitomised by the architecture where the old meets new, the architects seemingly given free rein. Buildings reach for the sky, jutting forward and upward with asymmetrical planes and angles to create the eclectic skyline.

Dubai Airport

The airport with shiny reflective surfaces and large marble tiles covering the spacious area, looked more like a modern upmarket hotel but this impression was soon balanced by a long walk in the wrong direction in 43 degree heat, in the middle of the day in the wrong shoes.

A long walk in the wrong direction in 43 degree heat, in the middle of the day in the wrong shoes.

After imagining several oases which turned out to be mirages, we finally found the shopping mecca - Dubai Mall.

Dubai mall holds many mysteries
to be discovered

The odd skating rink

Swimming pool - Address Hotel

Gold Souk - not many places to wear these

Decided not to have a ride

Hmmmmmmm

Far too skinny - where is the muffin roll?

Dune Bashing -

Clara - I am still alive!

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Grandmothers on roles / rolls on Mothers Day.

2011-05-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hi R
I hope you had a happy Mother's Day - or shall I say Grandmother's Day. I had a lovely card expressing appreciation from my daughter who always seems to be able to find the best cards. It even has a butterfly on it, significant because that has been her symbol. Mine used to be the eagle but he has been put to rest to be replaced by the dragonfly which flits from one thing to another and has heaps of fun.

Hope you had as much fun with AJ as I had with OJ - as you can see by the video.

I am off to spend http://www.timeintuscany.com/ so maybe will send a blog or two from there.
Clara
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Dashing punctuation - Viva the dash!!!!!

2011-05-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

Hi there

It's a changed world - and punctuation
is more casual - for better or worse.

Just winding down from the course I am attending, 'Writing and Publishing', which I am enjoying thoroughly and learning heaps as well. The focus tonight was on editing, which included the guidelines which publishers require, along with an overview of grammatical stuff.

Being an ex teacher, (but I suspect there is no such animal once a teacher, always a teacher - and even tho I know it is not OK, I correct my darling G's love letters - but only in my mind) we explored the usage of such punctuation marks as 'quotation marks, commas, apostrophes and my favourite little critters - you guessed it - the dash.

I happen to adore the dash - it's not exactly a full stop or a comma, (had to avoid a double negative there) and maybe I am using it as such. To me, it provides a significant pause without being finished - so the thought is ready to go on without having to start a new thought with a new sentence or to fit in with the semi-colon regime.
By the way, I can tell your age / stage / country / shoesize - welllllll by whether or not you use certain punctuation marks.
Clara

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On romance and our need to be reminded that we are still Princes and Princesses

2011-05-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Clara at the wedding

Hi R
Thanks for my makeover for the wedding - you are very clever at Photoshop!

The romance expectation is raised - guys and gals! We all need it! What about that song of the sixties - goes a bit like this - .. She/but it could be he/ may get weary ....Women do get weary.....wearing the same shabby dress....da dada dada... 'try a little tenderness.'

Well, most of this stuff is dated except the 'try a little tenderness' which is vital.
We start our relationships with hope and love but sometimes living gets in the way.
Love and tenderness for William and Kate.

Clara

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But Where is Prince Charming?

2011-05-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Dear C,
I was concerned that I hadn't heard from you for so long but then when I spotted you at the Royal Wedding, I understood why. I love your outfit, especially the hat. It was the perfect choice for the occasion. I can see from your video that you had a front row seat. Perfectly charming. Roberto and I alas watched from afar in our matching bathrobes, sharing a spot of tea in the north woods. We both agreed you were that best dressed guest! Love,R

Clara consumed by wedding

2011-04-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Will you be my wife?

Hi R
Sorry that you haven't heard from me for a while. Weddings are so time consuming!

I had a very good view (of the TV screen) as you can see from my video.
Clara

Beautiful lady

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April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-04-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

Hi C
This is the view from my kitchen window. It shouldn't be a surprise to any of us, after all this is Wisconsin. But every time it happens, we all complain and groan and fuss, especially after having a few warm sunny days to tease us into thinking spring is finally here. Well spring is here, it's just not in the form we want it to be. We need to remind ourselves that spring is the transition between winter and summer. Words like blustery, drizzle, dank and hail should come to mind to keep us all in check. The good news is it has to get better. I checked back on this day one year ago thanks to my 365 Days of Design blog and this was my photo.
Wish you were here.
R

PS...If you listen carefully you may here thunder.

Miracle mouse method for ironing jeans

2011-04-11T02:41:00.000-07:00

Hi R
I thought that you may have a comment re this important psychological research.
'A Bigger and Better Mouse for Women.'
After years of research, scientists have discovered that women do not like the standard mouse supplied with PCs. There is no physical reason for their aversion; it is more of a psychological problem.

Some women reported that their mouse 'just didn't feel right' in their hands. Based on the research, a new mouse has been designed especially for women. Various field tests have been carried out on the new design:

Chantelle from Roodepoort said:-

'It feels so much better. More comfortable, more like how it's supposed to be.'
Wendy from Discovery added:-
'I think mice were originally designed just for men, but this new type
is definitely made for women. It fits right in with my lifestyle.'

A bigger and better mouse for women

Susan from Pretoria said:-

'I took to it like a duck to water, every woman should have one!'

Tanya from Lindhaven said:
"It feels so natural."

Clara - ps - G sends out his ironing - would you believe to a guy - weell, we don't know who actually does the ironing but I don't.

pps - Clara's Smoothing Method - Clara does her ironing by hanging up the washing well in the first place, going 'Pat Pat and smoothing, doing up collar buttons etc" then, when it is dry, and ready to be 'ironed' ........the secret is to give it a quick hot spin in the dryer.
Don't put too much in at a time or it won't work for two reasons. Firstly, there needs to be a lot of hot air around to do the trick. Secondly, you can't fold everything at once so you only heat up what you can actually fold.

So - what to do now that a few garments have had about:-

5 minutes on high (works best with t shirts and jeans (but what else does anyone wear?)
Take out a few at a time - ie as many as you can fold in a minute or two - we need to have the heat going in order for this to work. If you let the garment settle in a crumpled state this is how it will remain. The others can still be spinning around, in waiting. I am going to tell you how to do it one by one, but being experienced at this miracle I can place one garment on top of the other and 'iron' about 6 at a time.
T- shirt - tops etc - Spread out the hot shirt upsidedown - using your hand as an iron, smooth the hot fabric, which will do exactly what an iron will do. Pull and fold to present as you wish. I prefer to place the garment on it's back and fold in the sleeves - then fold in half.
Take the next one - do the same and place it on top of the first and press down - the heat and pressure will do all the work for you.
So for jeans - much the same - take one pair at a time - place on a table, pat and smoooooth really firmly. Pretend your hands are a firm iron. Fold in half and lay flat, one pair on top of the other, then give an extra firm pat.

Clara

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Singing gladdens the heart - especially the harmony of acappella

2011-04-05T03:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Babyboomers
I responded to an invitation from a friend, "Some of our Northern Beaches Chorus group will be singing at the Mosman Art Gallery, come along.

So pleased that I went along - singing gladdens the heart. Many happy childhood memories are of being around the piano with Mum playing, and Dad singing at the top of his voice, head back, loving the moment. 'Mona Lisa was his favourite and he sang it every time, with gusto. Every now and then we would break into some harmony of sorts, which brings me back now to the Northern Beaches Chorus.

I looked up the website http://www.northernbeacheschorus.com.au/ to find out more.

Northern Beaches Chorus is a Sydney women's choir which sings 4-part acappella harmony, has approx 80 members, regularly performs on stage, and appears in local events and national competition. '
"We love to share our joy of singing with women of all ages and backgrounds in our local community and the chorus provides a whatsource of education in vocal production and showmanship" ........

And this is what shone through - sheer enjoyment of their moment which I was able to share via the body language and harmony. Have a look at the video to see what I mean.

Thanks lovely ladies.
Clara
To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

When the goin' gets tough - the tough go shopping!

2011-04-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hi R
I had had enough of it today, after a social drought due to G being away, so I did what women do - "When the goin' gets tough, the tough go shopping." I still had some credit on a gift card, and I received some vouchers by email for special discounts so I set off to redeem my bargains.

I looked around for a garment which would make a difference to our Europe trip, and still work seasonally now, and found a casual multi-functional khaki top which could work with or without a layer underneath. It takes ages to choose, as you know, as I returned to try it on again, and decided to go for it. Then collected a jeans belt I had selected in order to pay for the two together.

Nothing worked - you had to purchase to the value of $75 in order to get a $20 dollar discount; I had printed off a few vouchers, so thought I was in front. But no. You have to read the copious small print - what it boiled down to was there were a few dull Myer only brands to which this applied, but the top I had chosen was excluded, as were all of the other decent brands. Then because the belt cost less than $75 I didn't get any discount there either. I felt in "why bother with voucher mode" but since I now wanted the Khaki top, and the belt, and had spent hours choosing them, I bought them at original price.

They got me! All part of the game. But I have to say they won't next time.
Clara

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Answers to important research questions - "Bruschette, Bruschetti, Bruschetta?"

2011-03-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

R -

Back to Italian cooking as we do, given that Roberto has Italian roots. Do you know that cooking and food are absolutely the main topic of conversation in Italy. And yes, my questions re Bocconcini and Bruschetta were considered carefully and responded to, with thought and understanding. So thanks Bella, from http://www.timeintuscany.com/ for taking the time to do so. As mentioned in previous blogs, we are fortunate to have spent time with Bella and Bello, terms of endearment, roughly translated into 'lovely woman and lovely man,' have enjoyed their wonderful hospitality and 'talking about and savouring fabulous food!'
Qu 2 - What is bocconcini - is it the same as mozzarella?

Bella's answer - Bocconcini is mozzarella in bite size pieces. Bocconcini means small mouth.

Qu 1 - Bruschette, Bruschetti, Bruschetta?
Bella's answer - Bruschette [not bruschetti] is plural for bruschetta. Hope this helps!

One more question please. Is crostini, singular or plural and is it essentially a small bruschetta?

Clara

Bello on the job

ps - Did you know that Mr Google actually doesn't know everything! Friends are better and much more fun. But ............

Research today: - A Yr 7 assignment on health issues, actually asked

for 2 'other' resources apart from the Internet. Whoooh! Big ask!!! Like, perhaps, an old fashioned idea such as a book, or a newspaper article.

A lucky solution was arrived at - "Look up the net to find newspaper articles." Not bad, actually, since a quick perusal of the local paper didn't actually directly answer the assignment question, and newspaper articles are arranged re subjects and published date. Wow! But are our kids losing out by having so much information at their fingertips?

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So pleased that the shuttles are flying again

2011-03-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

So pleased that the shuttles are flying again

Hi R
Ooohhh - feeling very nostalgic - back 30 years to the days of the Niddy Noddy, where I learnt to weave in your studio / weaving store in Waukasha. We had such wonderful creative times, weaving 'joy and happy memories', before we were 'liberated.' You were a great teacher, very dedicated to the process of weaving. As you say in your post "I had forgotten how much I enjoy the whole process; winding the shuttles, listening to the rhythmical sound of the harnesses and watching the fabric grows row by row, inch by inch."

The Niddy Noddy

This poem was given to me by my dear friend, Jane. I have carried it my wallet for many years resulting in the card being soft and fluffy around the edges.

The Weaver

My life is but-a weaving
Between my Lord and me.

I cannot choose the colours
He worketh steadily

Oftimes he weaveth sorrow,
And I in foolish pride
Forget he sees the upper,
And I the underside.
Not ‘til the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

Anon.

Sadly, life got in the way of my weaving. Maybe I can enjoy weaving vicariously through our blogs. Just at the time when I will have time, there is nowhere to put the loom, which is in pieces, with the frame under the house. I need to put it back together and am working on G but it will take a miracle.
Clara
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In the Loom of Life

2011-03-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

Hi C
In these difficult times with so much unrest, destruction and sadness I find myself more than ever drawn to the comfort of creating. I hadn't worked at my loom for several years, but something was drawing me to it again. I admit I was afraid that the years of neglect would somehow have taken its toll, and I would not be able to weave. But with a little bit of loving care, some drops of oil, and a quick refresher from weaving 101, I was back at it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the whole process; winding the shuttles, listening to the rhythmical sound of the harnesses and watching the fabric grows row by row, inch by inch. I'm weaving with hand dyed wool yarns in a simple twill pattern. My plan is fabric for a coat, but who knows. At this stage it doesn't really matter. Just the fact that I am weaving again makes me happy. From where I sit, I can see everything much more clearly. In the loom of life may you weave joy and happy memories.

R

Crostini or Bruschette? Is bocconcini the same as mozzarella?

2011-03-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

The differences are fuzzy

Hi there
Some vital questions!
Qu 1 - Crostini or Bruschette? Is crostini a small bruschette?
Qu 2 - What is bocconcini - is it the same as mozzarella?

Qu 1 - Give up? Yes, crostini is smaller and is served as an aperitivo but the correct answer is that crostini is usually made with white bread instead of sourdough but the difference is fuzzy.
The Italians simply grill a half-inch slice of ciabatta, rub it with a cut clove of garlic, drizzle it with oil, and season it with salt and pepper.

My favourite method, being an 'ovenphile' is to preheat oven to 160°C/ 320 F. Line an oven tray with baking paper and bake slices which have been sprayed on both sides with olive oil, for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp. While hot, rub with garlic. Add prepared topping of your choice. For approx 12 crostini, here a few favourites but you can use your imagination and personal taste to create the perfect Italian aperitivo, whether it be a crostini or bruschette.

tapenade with goat's cheese
Intense flavours offset with
goat's cheese and basil

mixed herb crostini
Any mixture of soft herbs like fennel tops, basil, parsley, mint, chervil or thyme leaves, with cherry tomatoes and parmesan over the top.

cannellini beans with garlic Coarse puree with rosemary oil

prosciutto, figs, and mint
Drape piece of prosciutto over hot crostini and squash a piece of fig on top

blue cheese with pear
Salty, sharp blue cheese combined with sweet, juicy pear is sublime.

buffalo mozzarella and chilli
Torn mozzarella, sprinkled with chopped chilli, drizzled with olive oil and finished with basil.

I'm just a baby!

Qu 2 - What is bocconcini - is it the same as mozzarella?
Bocconcini are Italian cheese balls about the size of cherry tomatoes. They are actually a fresh type of mozzarella. small, semi-soft, white and rindless, unripened, usually made from a combination of water buffalo and cow's milk. Bocconcini are packaged in whey or water, have a spongy texture and absorb flavours.

There are endless possibilities.
For full recipes and more - http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/
Clara

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Lawn bowls gets the tick

2011-03-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

Hi there

Everyone was in favour - amazing!

Response to - 'Will she laugh at me for playing bowls?'-
Thanks guys - I am encouraged to move in this direction. Also, since I have invested energy here, it has come back.
And No - they didn't.
Clara xxx
R said, "Well, I'd much rather think of you as a svelte "bowler" in white than some pumped up weight lifter! I like the concept of outdoor activities, especially those with a purpose.
Kind of difficult to do here unless it involves shovelling and scraping.

Margareto - "Absolutely no laughter!! Good on you.
On the wall of our physiotherapy gym are some classy photos of the Allied Health team playing bowls on a team-building day last year. We had lots of fun at Roseville Bowling Club and no white ants in sight!
Well done

Veronica - Good luck with the bowls! It doesn't matter what the sport is just as long as you're out there doing it!

Wendy - My first response was to laugh. However I'm reminded of a saying - something like "she who laughs last laughs longest" - so I'm not sure what happens to she who laughs first. So I'm inclined to hold onto my mirth - for the time being anyway - and see how the bowler progresses before making any further comment .....

More to come.
Clara

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Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot?

2011-03-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hi C

I confess, I haven't been great at keeping up with old friends. If it hadn't been for Andrea and facebook, you and I would have never reunited. However, within the past two years, I have found two old friends from my high school days in Fond du Lac and it's been great. Like you, they are women who I enjoy now as much as I did then. As a result of their friendship, I went to a mini class reunion in my hometown last Saturday. About 25 women showed up for lunch at the old Retlaw Hotel, and it was great fun. Many of the women there went much further back in my life that high school. Several of us were in the same catechism class at church and others were from my childhood neighborhood. Driving home, I had to ask myself, what was I thinking waiting so long to do this? Well the old saying goes, better late than never. Ann and Lou Ann ,pictured here are my two friends I mentioned above. I recently found my 9th grade autobiography written at age 14. In it I wrote about them both:

"When I started to take dancing I met Lou Ann King. She has been a good friend of mine ever since. Lou Ann is the outdoor type of girl. She loves swimming and often goes on bike hikes. In the summer she if very active on the playgrounds. I hope to continue being good friends with Lou Ann."

"When I started 8th grade at Roosevelt I met Ann Staley. She is one of my best friends this year. She has a long ponytail that really catches your eye. I think she is one of the sweetest girls I know. We really have a lot of fun together."

Thanks Lou Ann and Ann for a great weekend in Fondy! And for being such good friends.

Love,

R

Will she laugh at me for playing bowls?

2011-03-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

John and me - Lesson 5

Hi R
Yes, it's me - learning to play bowls!
The game summary seemed to fit into 'Exercise with a purpose' for this gym dropout'

Summary - Lawn bowls is a precision sport that is played for the challenge and competition, personal enjoyment, physical activity, the pleasure of spending time outdoors and for social interaction. It is also a low impact, therapeutic form of exercise. Add to that a few of my own - not too expensive, doesn't take up the whole day, and best of all, not too serious or arduous for this granny. A few concerns were "Bowling is a game for old people and surely that doesn't include me" and "You won't get much exercise", and the most concerning, "Wearing that white gear definitely doesn't turn me on." Oh and one more serious one,"My friends will laugh at me!"

Mosman Bowling Club prides itself on its beautiful
old building, gardens and its well maintained greens.

Despite these misgivings, I signed up for the five lessons offered by Mosman Evening College to explore the possibilities. On Saturday morning I turned up at Mosman Bowling Club which prides itself on its beautiful old building, gardens and its well maintained greens, to find I was the only enrolled student. This was somewhat daunting, as an hour's personal tuition could be serious, where I might be called upon to perform. I actually have really good hand / eye co-ordination - I say to G that I could have been good at something. And maybe this is it!

John is a great coach - quiet and understated, he delivers his game wisdom well. I know that if I follow the important points of delivery, then I can expect to achieve consistency.
So, I am launching myself into the 'Lawn Bowls Scene' - firstly with Mufti Day where you just turn up and play on a Friday afternoon, so I don't have to address most of my concerns yet. Will keep you up to date.
Clara

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Priorities and Confessions of a gym dropout

2011-03-07T01:36:00.000-08:00

Hi R

Clara is now a gym dropout and prefers
other exercise regimes

Oh no - not the great unveiling! I was beginning to feel 'let off the hook' but then thought my planned trip to Italy and France in May, means I face the same challenges but more so because all will be revealed on the deck of the canal boat.  So I am with you all the way but will limit exposure of arms and the legs to the end half of both, due to vanity and realism.

Now a self-confessed 'Gym Dropout' since last year, I adopted the idea of 'Exercise with a Purpose' - the concept being that if you have places you need to go, then walk there, or spend time in the garden sweeping my paths and others' paths  in the complex to satisfy my aesthetic needs. Cutting the hedge, for example, is a great way to exercise the dreaded upper arms and working in the garden definitely helps to restore positive mental equilibrium. I recall one of Jane Fonda's tapes which you introduced me to in the 70s, had one exercise called "PULL WEEDS ! PULL WEEDS! - She was always so urgent in her requests so I did as I was told.

I am currently writing a book about walks in my area so this also provides many opportunities to get out there and exercise / walk with a purpose along with regular morning walks. Then the 10 minutes of additional exercise such as some pelvic floor / abdomen stuff, some resistance activities using a stretchy car octopus, and a few basic moves using 2kg / 4lb weights.

All that is good. But - while I am in confession mode - I do get up early, yes R, at 6-15 which is early for me, to walk with G. I really really really want to, but sometimes I really really really really want just a few more precious lifesaving minutes in foggy sleep. Fortunately for me, G heaps disappointment upon me so being an approval seeker, I do my best. However, with daylight saving ending soon, it is going to be darker, colder, harder.    Follow my progress!
Re the 10 minutes exercise - you know what - it doesn't always happen. One exercise I do religiously, however, redeems me slightly - ie in waiting for the shower to heat up - with hands behind you grasping the edge of the bath, fingers pointing forward, 20 strong knee bends with pelvic awareness, exercises many essential muscles all at the one time, including the dreaded upper arms I keep referring to. This is my naked truth!  And the good part is I am still asleep.

R - I love your new decision - "I've decided one thing, I'm going to walk before I talk, jog before I blog and stretch before I sit and knit. I've also decided to approach this spring's training in realistic moderation. I plan to feel a "little burn" rather than a big burn out." The only way I would adjust it to work for me, would be to make it into a mantra - ie "I'm going to walk before I talk, jog before I blog and stretch before I sit and knit," because for me, it's all about routine and priorities.

Clara
ps - rather than the 'naked truth', I love the exercise shirts you showed in the last blog.

Click on 'comment' at bottom of page to have your say or email clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au www.babyboomerconnections.com.au