Families form the woven fabric of our times.

Hi Granny Renotta


Meet Aleksandra Renotta Foss born on June 19, 7 pounds 12 ounces, 18.5 inches long. Beautiful and healthy.
July 30 - Need update please. 
I love the fact that Aleksandra is passing on your wonderful significant name, as well as the other attributes. 
Also, she has a few choices re her given name which is lovely.

How is AJ coping with the new arrival?  What is AR going to be when she grows up?  Does she have a nickname?  In Australia we always try to change the name into, at best, a pet name or more usual, into a form of the name which suits the genre of the time or circumstance.  Rarely do we end up with the name with which we are christened.  Except for me - then I change it to Clara for my online name.  We don't initialise names as much as you do so my OJ is not usual nor is it encouraged. 

You are blasting the trail for me - now there are two, hopefully will happen - along with all that goes with it.

Much love to families since they form the woven fabric of our times.
Clara
 







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Where There Was One...

There are two! Where does the time go when you are suddenly a granny of two. Baby Allie is already 3 weeks old and a definite member of the family. She eats a lot and sleeps a lot, is gaining weight nicely and has charmed us all. Her big brother has adapted  beautifully to the addition and mommy is doing great. 

Wish you were here C so we could be Grannies together!


R

Hi C,

Meet Aleksandra Renotta Foss born on June 19, 7 pounds 12 ounces, 18.5 inches long. Beautiful and healthy.

Love,

Granny Renotta

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Powerful feminine energy expressed by Northern Beaches Choir

Hi R

Canberra Convention

Comp 2012 NB.wmv

Comp Package 2012 Northern Beaches Chorus

'If I give my love to you'.

I thought you would enjoy this song by the NBC - when they participated in the National Comp to come third!

I love the soft yet powerful feminine energy expressed in the words and emotions of this classic song. 
Clara



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Breakfast in bed for Mums brings back happy memories

Monte Carlo

Taking its name from the famous European city, Monte Carlo is one of Arnott’s most famous cream biscuits. Created in 1926, it features two home-style honey and coconut biscuits and a layer of rich raspberry flavoured cream filling. A great everyday treat

Hi R
In response to my Mothers' Day thoughts and reflections,  a special friend, Jane, wrote, "When I was a child we just gave Mum breakfast in bed with flowers on her breakfast tray and tried not to burn the toast. I would sometimes make a chocolate cake which was quite a messy process for Mum to deal with but she only offered praise at my childish attempts.
According to Mum my cake was always perfect. That's all that mattered to me. "

Clara
So much of our pleasing is to do with simple nuturing ways - which  children pick up and then attempt to transfer the same loving gestures.  One memory I have, is the Mothers' Day of the burnt Popcorn, when this was considered the ultimate treat for Mum in bed. It took great restraint to stay in bed, with the fumes drifting upstairs to the bedroom. And yet another, was a very creative rendition of Monte Carlos which were a favourite of mine.  I think that every conceivable sweet ingredient in the pantry was combined to produce this unusual offering.  (Kitchen was a treat as well!)  But I loved it. Thanks xx 

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R wrote ...My mom was my best friend and is always on my mind, especially on Mother's Day. The one memory that stays with me vividly is that she was always there everyday, waiting for us to get home from school. On the rare day that I got home to find her gone, I can remember sitting in the window of our living room watching for her to come around the corner. She did not drive, so she would walk "downtown" to shop. I can still see her walking back home to us.

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1950's memories of my mother

Hi R
Happy Mothers' Day to you and our readers. Happy Grandmothers' Day or Special Aunty Day as well!   Have a great day, full of love, with your family. 

Mum (left) on a good figure day with our special Aunty Kit

When I think of my mother, some of my happiest memories are from the 1950's when Mum stayed at home while Dad went to work. Our playground was simple and natural; with the freedom to roam we made our own fun most of the time and with no such thing as boredom. Singing around the piano; Sunday drives; reading and sewing,  filled our days

Our food was fresh - endless happy hours were spent on the walnut tree swing - that is when we weren't eating the garden produce, a glorious bounty of fruit trees; apples, peaches, apricots, gooseberry, raspberry, black and red currents eetc. Mum made all her own jams, chutneys, pickles and bottled fruit.    There was always a fragrant offering simmering on the blackened top of the fuel stove. Cakes, biscuits, coconut ice, toffee with nuts and sultanas and amazing chocolate cake all appeared with miraculous regularity.

Best eater in the world - (left) with best cook

She had a sweet tooth, consequently struggled with her weight, but cooking was her way of showing love. I was her greatest fan, praised for my enthusiastic efforts and held up as a fine example to my sister who was a picky eater. Is it any wonder that I have memories of some friends of my parents saying that I would make a good 'front row forward'.  I had no idea what that meant but somehow knew it wasn't what I wanted to be as I had something more like being a ballerina in mind. Mum would constantly go on "diets" and I recall her often holding in her stomach and standing sideways in order to show the progress of the diet.

In the 1950's, women's fashion included hats, especially the pillbox, white or cream gloves which were also worn with everything, with fur added to almost every collar and cuff.

I don't remember any of the above - just her apron and the way my mother's upper lip twitched when I came home with 100% in Spelling. Or making (and tasting) Christmas puddings which were then hung in the laundry. Perhaps I recall through my stomach! 
Clara x
Extract from
http://www.babyboomerconnections.com.au/memoirs_of_a_babyboomer1.htm
 ps -  Check out the healthier food choices I make today - http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com C

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Were there Easter Bunnies when we were children?

 

Mary Pickford the silent film star taken in 1923; she is painting eggs.

Hi R

Hope you are having a lovely Easter and that the Easter bunny visited you in Wisconsin.  The weather here has been perfect Autumn  - my favourite time of the year.

Passing on an Easter blog from Richard, a friend of ours who hosted a Good Friday BBQ where the Easter egg question was raised.   
Sweetly C
ps  G and I have polished off one medium sized egg between us today - but it was dark chocolate which I read is not really too bad for you. More about that soon. 

Were there Easter Bunnies when we were children?

Well there were certainly Easter eggs; but in our household these tended to be chicken eggs that we had either hard boiled or sucked (to make hollow shells ) that were boiled wrapped in onion skins and/or painted.

Confectionary eggs were those hollow hard sugar ones (the best) or chocolate (preferably with a filled centre) that my father had bought in the city. I also remember hollow sugar rabbits.

By the time I had my own children it was full-on chocolate. Emily was into delayed gratification and often still had a stash of last year’s eggs in the fridge a year later. All the kids were more into the mythology; and the Easter egg hunt; than the actual chocolate. It was like the reindeer on the roof and Santa at Christmas. As Emily can attest, one Easter night the Bunny broke our fence when he hopped into the back garden carrying his giant sack of eggs for every child in Sydney. Julia continued to provide a wonderful audience-participant for the hunt; even when the older ones were past it.

When I was really little in England (up to two and a half) rationing was still in place; so that I had not seen commercial sweets. When passing through New York on our way to Australia I was taken to a candy store and told I could have anything I wanted. I had no idea what they were; and (famously in family lore) chose a packet of chewing gum.

As both my parents are dead I can’t ask them what they had before the war; but Easter Rabbits and eggs certainly existed, as can be seen by the picture above.

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I love being a nonna

Hi R

Wishing you and Roberto a happy Easter.  We are going south to South Australia for a week to spend time with family on the 'Limestone Coast" - at the family holiday house.   Very simple and basic - bunk style accommodation which I love.  Right on the coast so it's windy and if you are a little plant you need to be sturdy.

Easter lunch at the Rowers is to be viewed below - I love being a nonna.

Nonna Clara x

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Will early spring blooms survive?

Early Spring in Wisconsin

R wrote

Hello from sunny Wisconsin. It's mid March and 70 degrees. I have trees in bloom and perennials popping up everywhere. The grass is green and Roberto will no doubt want to cut it soon. Only problem is, this can't last. Not here. We are due for a deep freeze yet to come. So who knows what will happen to my garden. I actually have the air conditioner running because without the shade of all our trees, this place is a hot house.

Clara - 70 degrees in March!!! The groundhog must have seen his shadow (or whatever he does). Poor little plants though - hope they survive. I remember how you shrouded your early spring garden one year when a big freeze was forecast.  You saved it!   I have searched for the post but couldn't find it.  Had lots of fun going back over the years  - brought back great memories, your amazing year of design.   Perhaps you can find the photo I was looking for.
I'm doing a 'Make your own book' course for two Saturdays - maybe you should publish highlights from a year of design. 

We are into Autumn and finally having sunny weather instead of deluges of rain with floods in many states.  Today we went to the fish markets -  a glorious day on the water so we had a little lunch there.

Early Autumn in Sydney

  

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Got A Good Reason

I was a Day Tripper...there I was out walking my dog at 6am in the morning. You can picture it C, pink bath robe, flannel pj's and my LL Bean's boots, enjoying a balmy early morning. Should have known better. My boots still had the Yaktrax cleats on for traction on ice. If I had looked closely I would have seen the wire track that had come undone and was just waiting to be stepped on. One minute I was standing up and the next, splat on the ground, tripped up by that little wire. Well, it's a testament to my strong bones, ache all over, but nothing broken. Think I need some quinoa. Here's to Day Tripping.  R

Anti-ageing foods to keep your sparkle

Hi R
While the experts are not saying that there are super foods which make you live longer, they are agreeing that foods rich in anti-oxidants may help you to be healthier as you age and reduce the likelihood of age-related diseases.

Really trying to include two meals of salmon
per week in our diet.

So here are some recommended by Body + Soul

Love them all!  (Well, not  so crazy about sardines.)  What is Quinoa you ask?  Watch this space.
Clara
ps - fresh herbs and leafy greens of course with produce as fresh as possible - unpeeled and uncut.


Onions: Helps strengthen damaged cells and raise "good" cholesterol levels.
Garlic: Promotes the growth of white blood cells, the body's natural germ fighters; and lowers harmful LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Broccoli: Rich in magnesium and vitamin C, it's one of the most powerful immunity boosters available.
Quinoa: This grain-like seed is a complete protein food, which means it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle and repair itself.
Salmon: A great source of omega-3 fats – the ultimate anti-ageing nutrient – plus loads of vitamin D and selenium for healthy hair, skin, nails and bones.
Nuts: Contain healthy oils, fibre, vitamins, minerals, potent phytochemcials and the amino acid arginine.
Spinach: Bursting with health benefits, it contains many phytonutrients and antioxidants, including vitamins K, C and E, folate, iron and carotenoids.
Sardines: High in omega-3 fatty acids, they contain almost no mercury and are loaded with minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
Eggs: They contain high-quality proteins, essential minerals and every vitamin except C.
To view or add comment, click on 0 comments at bottom of page - you can comment as 'anonomous' on the dropdown menu; or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

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Woman I admire- Margaret Whitlam

Hi R
Margaret Whitlam, wife of former Prime Minister of Australia in the 1970's  passed away at 92. 

We have spoken re writing about "Women We Admire" and this is my first entry re this genre.   I believe she wouldn't have wanted us to be saddened by her passing; rather to celebrate her life and achievements of which there are many.
Being married to a strong politican can't be easy - yet she appeared to achieve this with grace. Personally, I went through the Whitlam regime - at the time not being very politically minded either way. So when I look back at the reforms and social changes during this era, I somehow know there had to be a good strong woman behind the man.

Though all of the papers and all of the biographies describe her as the former prime minister's wife, it's the wrong description. She was Margaret Whitlam, leader of women and leader in women's rights and achievements.

Joan Kirner

So you can visit my website for some background of what happened in Australia to make things better for women (and my sister) at the time.

"Memoirs of a Babyboomer" then go to 1970's,

where a personal, non-political endorsement of some of the achievements of this era are covered and why I feel gratitude towards the important changes to Women's Rights during this period.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the age and stage.

Goodbye Margaret and thanks x
Clara

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Ribs Anyone?

Hi C

I've been thinking a lot about ribs lately. It was our anniversary yesterday, which made me think of Adam's rib. And then of course I fixed Roberto's favorite meal, barbecued ribs.

I used my simple recipe of simmering the ribs on the stove top in a little water with some seasoning and onion for a while. Then I baked them in a sauce of ketchup, brown sugar and a little vinegar. Probably not what the Aussies would consider proper ribs, but hey matey, we enjoyed them. 

But the real reason I have been thinking about ribs a lot has to do with little boy having a bath at grannies house. You know that deep tub I have, well wild child loves it and knows no fear. So grannie of course is right there tub side, hanging on to him in slippery waters. As he makes a dive for a tub toy, I dive with him and hit the side of the tub with, you guessed it, my left rib cage. I actually heard something pop. Ouch! Roberto always said there is nothing more painful than a bruised rib, and there's nothing really you can do but wait it out. Apply ice, take motrin and bind it up with some kind of a corset. Lovely. Maybe I should make a mustard pack with the mustard that I didn't use in my rib recipe. 


At any rate, you can see there is a common thread that winds through my thoughts. It sticks to my ribs.


Love,


Ribnotta

Beets salads beeter than the rest

Hi R

The Rowers - a favourite haunt

Sydney has had wet weather!! Plan B was 'Lunch at the Rowers' and due to the deluge, was a pleasant alternative to Plan A which was a walk around Middle Head fortifications with overseas friends.  I hope you are warming up over there - Autumn is here but unfortunately we really haven't had a summer this year.  When you visit me, I will take you to the Rowers - the ghosts of many old flames are still there.  You can have a R and R dance on the first Sunday of the month possibly with one of them if they are still alive.
Clara



Beetroot relish makes a great
bed for Kangaroo fillets

I chose BBQ'd Kangaroo fillets on a bed of beetroot relish served with a balsamic reduction as it really isn't something I cook at home (but will in future). I decided that I had to do beetroot relish as it was the perfect accompaniment.



Beetroot relish

For 4 cups - (because it keeps really well but obviously you can cook just for the meal)

1.25kg / 2.5lb beetroot, peeled and grated
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar (or more if you choose to have a sweeter version)
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp cracked black pepper
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
Place the beetroot, onion, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, sugar, pepper and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring to the boil and cook for 30 minutes or until reduced and syrupy. Spoon the hot relish into sterilised jars - for use in sandwiches and wraps.
* Beetroots tend to bleed when cut, and stain anything they touch. It's a good idea to wear disposable gloves, and place a sheet of baking paper on your chopping board to prevent stains.

Beetroot and spinach salad with goat's cheese and walnuts

A simple elegant salad

2 tbs lemon juice 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 firmly packed cups (about 70g / 3oz) baby spinach leaves 1/2 firmly packed cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
450g can baby beetroot, drained, quartered 100g soft goat's cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup (75g) toasted walnuts

Make the dressing by whisking lemon juice, olive oil and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Place the spinach leaves and chopped parsley in a large bowl, reserving about 2 tablespoons of parsley to garnish. Add half the dressing to the spinach mixture and toss well. Divide among 4 serving plates (or leave in the large bowl if desired), then scatter with beetroot, goat's cheese and toasted walnuts. Garnish the salad with the remaining parsley.

It would be great to receive your feedback or suggestions. Click on "0 comments". You can choose 'anonomous' from the drop down menu if you don't have a google account. Or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

Beets beat the rest in nutrition benefits

Hi R
Thinking of you coming out of winter - I'll never forget my first winter in Wisconsin - it was actually the coldest in a decade!  The the ground hog came out and I thought that spring was almost there.  But no, it took seemingly months before the magical renaissance of renewal took place. 

We went out to lunch this week, where I chose BBQ Kangaroo fillets served on a bed of beetroot relish.  It was so delicious that I had to find my favourite beetroot recipes.  But first, how to cook and serve them - no not only in salads  - the relish was warm and the perfect accompaniment to BBQ meat or a roast.  I'll post the recipes later in the week after you have maybe bought some beets.
Keep warm and have faith that spring will eventually arrive.

The humble beetroot is rich in health-boosting nutrients
and can be served hot or cold.

Called a superfood, this common root vegetable is packed with health-promoting antioxidants and nutrients such as beta-carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin C and iron. It is also an excellent source of soluble fibre. The purple pigment contains antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage, prevent the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as protecting brain health.
NB While the experts are not saying that there are super foods which make you live longer, they are agreeing that foods rich in anti-oxidants may help you to be healthier as you age, and reduce the likelihood of age-related diseases.

Beets are particularly nutritious when grated raw - toss with coriander, mint, lemon or orange juice and served with Greek yoghurt. The attractive leaves are also nutritious and are great in salads, dressed with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

Beetroot contains some carbohydrate but is still considered a low GI choice. If you are short on time, canned beets are convenient and even though they usually contain additional concentrations of sodium and other preservatives, they are still beneficial to your health. I like the the whole baby beets which when cut into quarters, are great in salads.

Fresh beetroot is fabulous and cooking it is relatively easy Heat the oven to 180°C/ Cut the tops and stringy rootsoff, leaving a crown of stalk left on the root in order not to break the membrane. and stringy root. Reserve small, young leaves to use as part of a salad).

Wrap each beetroot individually in foil with a tablespoon of water, place it in a roasting pan and bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes (20-30 minutes for baby beetroot). Pierce one with a skewer to test if it is soft. When roasted the skin will wrinkle - cool, covered, for 10 minutes before removing the foil, as this will help the skin loosen. Cut a cross at the top and gently push off the flesh with your fingers but if you don’t plan to use them straight away, leave the skin on.

Balsamic vinaigrette works well as a dressing.
Makes about ½ cup (125ml)
1½ tbsp balsamic
1tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Whisk together all the ingredients, season then drizzle over the salad.


I like to make more than I need as it keeps well - transfer into a lidded container and pour over dressing.
Beetroots tend to bleed when cut so wear disposable gloves and protect your chopping board with baking paper.

lt would be great to receive your feedback or suggestions. Click on "0 comments". You can choose 'anonomous' from the drop down menu if you don't have a google account. Or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au

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Move Over Meryl

Hi C,


One of AJ's favorite songs is Old Mac Donald. So this is for AJ.

Love,


R

First Kiss. Was it worth it? Definitely!

Happy Valentines Day to all from Australia

Hi R and all
Valentines Day wishes to you.  I have included your post re First Kiss to fit in with the occasion.
Love from Clara
ps Do you remember your first kiss?

 "I just made it through the show (fashion) 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!"

R

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In the Bag

Hi C,


You're feeling "dippy" and I'm in the bag, making bags that is. Made this fun school bag for AJ. It's big and roomy enough for all his stuff like his blankey and favorite stuffed animal. Little guy goes to skool 3 mornings a week to get play time with other children. If you email me some photos I'll make one for your little guy.

Love,


R

Road Warriors

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.

R

    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