Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Pistachio Mixer
Thou shalt not covet thy friend's Kitchen Aid mixer even though it is in the heavenly shade of pistachio.
Devil on my shoulder: But you need this mixer as it will makes your cakes lighter and give them a more seductive texture and they will taste devilishly good.
Angel on my shoulder:You don't have enough counter space and you have a hand mixer that works. The mixer works well and you receive compliments about your cakes and it is indeed the imperfections that make your baking divine.
Devil on my shoulder: You break hand mixers.
Angel on my shoulder: I got nothing.
Monday, October 13, 2014
#feelingloved
Fantastic day with my friends Mindy and Laura today. Mindy, writer, musician, caring and insightful lady, fighter for women's rights and a sharp wit. Laura my EPA friend who will single-handedly save the environment and make everything sustainable and will do with with compassion and style. We were the musketeers and we were invincible; all we needed was a swishing of capes and swashbuckling sound- a slapped thigh perhaps? I doubt a cape would have helped but we would have accessorized accordingly.
We were architectural critics; shocked as to why anyone would place a circular staircase in the semi-circular floor-to-ceiling window when the view onto hills would have been preferable. The staircase was gorgeous but not the focal point. I love being able to cast judgment on such work and know that no-one will know nor care and I have not added to the budget. I have made fantastic suggestions and I can be safe in the knowledge that I am right.
We lunched as only ladies can; a tasty lamb salad (medium-rare), short-rib pappardelle and mushroom pizza. We discussed menopause and its onset, hot flushes, children, men and laughed and giggled like girls. Red wine, conversation and laughter flowed like it should and chocolate cake magically appeared; does life get better?
I just felt so loved today. Thank you.
Must dash the cat has climbed into a paper bag and has manage to get the handle around his neck- I need that cape about now, please.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Good intentions
I must write something each day no matter how banal.
Repeat. I must write something each day no matter how banal but today, I leave you with this.
The US and Somalia have yet to ratify article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which states"
"Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities."
Sign the damn thing, please.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Toy Story
I have a confession; I have little a thing for James May. Yes, the rather nerdy Top Gear presenter. Richard Hammond was a twinkle in the eye. I doubt Clarkson will make it but you never know. James will not replace James McAvoy but he would keep me amused for a while.
Anyway James May presented a TV series called, "James May's Toy Stories" which was frankly marvelous. In this particular episode he wanted to establish if modern children could cope with and get subsequently addicted to toys from yesteryear.
This episode dealt with James's own fascination with Airfix kits. He had completed many a plane as a young lad and wanted children of this generation to share his passion. The premise was simple, as the best things are, get kids to make kits then use these skills to make the ultimate model (to be disclosed later).
Initially the children were scathing and skeptical as it lacked the bells and whistles that so many of their contemporary distractions had. Once they got over the mental issue of this toy being from another century they began to enjoy the challenges each kit threw at them. OK so building model tanks and then making a film and blowing them up really appealed.
The ultimate model was a 1:1 Spitfire with James as the pilot. I shan't ruin it by relating the entire story as it is worth a viewing. What was significant about the Spitfire was it is the best selling Airfix model of all time and the children who were involved in the project lived close to where the Spitfire was manufactured.
The children did not know the social history which was worrying but then to our generation the second world war was eons ago.
We have little concept of sacrifice as made by the many. Wars now are fought at a distance with 24-hour coverage so we can tune in and out as we feel necessary. We are desensitized to the notion of warfare and cannot begin to fathom people fighting and many dying. We just do not see it and feel it. A generation of young men were lost, emotionally scarred, tortured, made heroes then neglected. Nothing has changed then.
The kids began to enjoy the task of building the ultimate model. The used leadership and team skills they did not know they had and they learnt all manner of new skills. The cell phones were absent and here was a group of young people making models as if it were the most natural thing. I was impressed.
I am not saying that all technology should be cast into the flames and replaced with spinning tops but there is certainly a place for older technology in a child's life. The simpler pleasures are what kids ultimately remember. They remember bike rides and the like.
It was so interesting to see this social experiment. I shall experiment with older technology with my tutor group and see what happens.
Anyway James May presented a TV series called, "James May's Toy Stories" which was frankly marvelous. In this particular episode he wanted to establish if modern children could cope with and get subsequently addicted to toys from yesteryear.
This episode dealt with James's own fascination with Airfix kits. He had completed many a plane as a young lad and wanted children of this generation to share his passion. The premise was simple, as the best things are, get kids to make kits then use these skills to make the ultimate model (to be disclosed later).
Initially the children were scathing and skeptical as it lacked the bells and whistles that so many of their contemporary distractions had. Once they got over the mental issue of this toy being from another century they began to enjoy the challenges each kit threw at them. OK so building model tanks and then making a film and blowing them up really appealed.
The ultimate model was a 1:1 Spitfire with James as the pilot. I shan't ruin it by relating the entire story as it is worth a viewing. What was significant about the Spitfire was it is the best selling Airfix model of all time and the children who were involved in the project lived close to where the Spitfire was manufactured.
The children did not know the social history which was worrying but then to our generation the second world war was eons ago.
We have little concept of sacrifice as made by the many. Wars now are fought at a distance with 24-hour coverage so we can tune in and out as we feel necessary. We are desensitized to the notion of warfare and cannot begin to fathom people fighting and many dying. We just do not see it and feel it. A generation of young men were lost, emotionally scarred, tortured, made heroes then neglected. Nothing has changed then.
The kids began to enjoy the task of building the ultimate model. The used leadership and team skills they did not know they had and they learnt all manner of new skills. The cell phones were absent and here was a group of young people making models as if it were the most natural thing. I was impressed.
I am not saying that all technology should be cast into the flames and replaced with spinning tops but there is certainly a place for older technology in a child's life. The simpler pleasures are what kids ultimately remember. They remember bike rides and the like.
It was so interesting to see this social experiment. I shall experiment with older technology with my tutor group and see what happens.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Update 2.0
Time is flowing in a rather unusual way or so I believe. The available time to write at a given time each day has disappeared and been sucked into some void or other.
Life is good and I have not felt an overwhelming urge to relate nothing much. Life is divided into the following categories:
Family
Music
School
Lack of gym
Family
This week my parents arrived for a couple of weeks. They are circumnavigating the globe once again and just left my brother in New Zealand. I had not told my girls that Grannie and Bumpty would be visiting so I was able to surprise them good and proper.
Younger daughter realised that something was going on when we got near the airport. She thought initially that we were collecting Daddy as he was in freezing cold Indianapolis but guessed who it was. She has been glued to my father ever since.
Older daughter had the classic surprise reaction of wide eyes and a mouth in an o-shape as she did not really believe what she saw. The reaction was exactly as my mother had wanted. The hug that ensued was pure love and a real Kodak moment.
Older daughter is loving having Grannie. Older daughter is also having a hard time being an older sibling and there are a couple more issues to deal with.
I miss my family horribly when they are not here and am so glad when we are all together. We are a close bunch. Even though the parents are 5,000 miles away I do not believe they are missing out on the girls as they are so hands-on while they are here plus a weekly skype call when they are away.Cue the skype login sound.
I am loving having help. We have a trip to a coastal town next week. We have rented a house and I look forward to the sounds of crashing or lilting waves to lull me to sleep.
Music
I have the bohemian life my husband can afford. Thank you.
With a regular weekly gig in a coffee shop the musician's dream continues to grow. It is a small coffee shop but people are there to soak up the tunes and the sun. It is pleasant. I am having to learn new tunes fast and perfect older tunes. Had I led a more conventional life I would not be afforded these opportunities. There is something glorious about being able to play and people enjoy listening.
The configuration of the band changes each week as do the tunes but that is part of the fun. I tried out some jigs and reels I had never played in public before and it went well. Inside I was jumping up and down and doing a victory dance. Outside I had the focused gaze of a musician. I have a few more recorder pieces to air out. Music is my drug of choice.
A few more trips to the open Irish session are needed to really immerse myself in the culture. The guys who play are great and there is a sense of camaraderie. It is the same in any club.
The other band is going well. We had a great rehearsal and a new tune. The recording dates are on the calendar. Time to really concentrate. I like dissecting a part and then seeing how it all fits back together. Not that the analogy was a good one as it is not that common for dissected pieces to ever be re-assembled.
School
Could the education system get more dire? This week we learned of even more cuts if tax cuts take place. There is to be a measure on the June ballot to keep taxes at their current level so as to keep more funding to education.
If this does not pass we are screwed. The amount that will be cut over the years is staggering and the children who are expected to pay the debt that was generated by poor leadership and executive decisions will simply not have the skills.
Each school is meant to have a savings buffer of 3% of the budget when this fund is dipped into to cover costs the state can then take over the school. We are 3 years away from this happening. That is not a long time. Is private school any better? In some cases yes in most probably not.
Schools are the linchpin of society and our district is frantically rallying to do what we can do. Why oh why do politicians think that education is non-essential and needs minimal funding? Governor Brown you have a lot of work to do. Bring back stocks and public flogging for politicians who are not prepared to invest in future generations.
I am so frustrated and angry. I have a second grader and one about to join the system. I will be as militant, involved and aware as I can be. I will continue to supplement what is taught and perhaps investigate opening a charter school.
Perhaps I am getting dramatic and react this way as the girls are little. I was given a little perspective when a friend suggested that I do not know how my girls will develop and that later in life it is better for them to be happy, not on drugs and not teen mothers! I want my girls to be happy and have the very best academically.
Lack of gym
Mea culpa. Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa.
Must try harder but life got in the way. Rather school demands took over the little time there was.
Must get ready for ski season or I will be more useless than normal. I need thighs of steel!
Life is good and I have not felt an overwhelming urge to relate nothing much. Life is divided into the following categories:
Family
Music
School
Lack of gym
Family
This week my parents arrived for a couple of weeks. They are circumnavigating the globe once again and just left my brother in New Zealand. I had not told my girls that Grannie and Bumpty would be visiting so I was able to surprise them good and proper.
Younger daughter realised that something was going on when we got near the airport. She thought initially that we were collecting Daddy as he was in freezing cold Indianapolis but guessed who it was. She has been glued to my father ever since.
Older daughter had the classic surprise reaction of wide eyes and a mouth in an o-shape as she did not really believe what she saw. The reaction was exactly as my mother had wanted. The hug that ensued was pure love and a real Kodak moment.
Older daughter is loving having Grannie. Older daughter is also having a hard time being an older sibling and there are a couple more issues to deal with.
I miss my family horribly when they are not here and am so glad when we are all together. We are a close bunch. Even though the parents are 5,000 miles away I do not believe they are missing out on the girls as they are so hands-on while they are here plus a weekly skype call when they are away.Cue the skype login sound.
I am loving having help. We have a trip to a coastal town next week. We have rented a house and I look forward to the sounds of crashing or lilting waves to lull me to sleep.
Music
I have the bohemian life my husband can afford. Thank you.
With a regular weekly gig in a coffee shop the musician's dream continues to grow. It is a small coffee shop but people are there to soak up the tunes and the sun. It is pleasant. I am having to learn new tunes fast and perfect older tunes. Had I led a more conventional life I would not be afforded these opportunities. There is something glorious about being able to play and people enjoy listening.
The configuration of the band changes each week as do the tunes but that is part of the fun. I tried out some jigs and reels I had never played in public before and it went well. Inside I was jumping up and down and doing a victory dance. Outside I had the focused gaze of a musician. I have a few more recorder pieces to air out. Music is my drug of choice.
A few more trips to the open Irish session are needed to really immerse myself in the culture. The guys who play are great and there is a sense of camaraderie. It is the same in any club.
The other band is going well. We had a great rehearsal and a new tune. The recording dates are on the calendar. Time to really concentrate. I like dissecting a part and then seeing how it all fits back together. Not that the analogy was a good one as it is not that common for dissected pieces to ever be re-assembled.
School
Could the education system get more dire? This week we learned of even more cuts if tax cuts take place. There is to be a measure on the June ballot to keep taxes at their current level so as to keep more funding to education.
If this does not pass we are screwed. The amount that will be cut over the years is staggering and the children who are expected to pay the debt that was generated by poor leadership and executive decisions will simply not have the skills.
Each school is meant to have a savings buffer of 3% of the budget when this fund is dipped into to cover costs the state can then take over the school. We are 3 years away from this happening. That is not a long time. Is private school any better? In some cases yes in most probably not.
Schools are the linchpin of society and our district is frantically rallying to do what we can do. Why oh why do politicians think that education is non-essential and needs minimal funding? Governor Brown you have a lot of work to do. Bring back stocks and public flogging for politicians who are not prepared to invest in future generations.
I am so frustrated and angry. I have a second grader and one about to join the system. I will be as militant, involved and aware as I can be. I will continue to supplement what is taught and perhaps investigate opening a charter school.
Perhaps I am getting dramatic and react this way as the girls are little. I was given a little perspective when a friend suggested that I do not know how my girls will develop and that later in life it is better for them to be happy, not on drugs and not teen mothers! I want my girls to be happy and have the very best academically.
Lack of gym
Mea culpa. Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa.
Must try harder but life got in the way. Rather school demands took over the little time there was.
Must get ready for ski season or I will be more useless than normal. I need thighs of steel!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Happy New Year
Happy New Year. As we enter a new decade in this century I wonder what is ahead. No pedantic comments about perhaps it being last year as having new decade status. Will our acceptance and dependence on technology continue and will I almost demonstrate my Luddite tendencies to software programs that do not do things as I would wish them to. MS2010- watch out.
At the end of this decade my elder daughter will be applying to college and the younger will be entering high school. Holy of Holies- scary stuff. I shall not continue on that track.
OK it is catch up time. I have been running around like a proverbial running around thing and have neglected to take time to muse. Shame on me. Basically at the end of the day I have been knackered and could not muster the energy to type. I needed mindless crap TV and not to have 1 more thing on the list of things to do.
New Year's Eve
We had a fine time with a delightful erudite group of friends. It is lovely to be part of a group of people who are educated, funny and have such a broad base of conversation topics; nothing is out of bounds. It was fun and know this a band of like-minded people who care about one another.
Food was plentiful and tasty. We had sublimes starters and inspired cupcakes. My curry was great even though I was against cooking it but it is a crowd pleaser.
Music
This week I have mostly been rehearsing and it is tiring. It is also a great experience to have my arse kicked musically. We should all be taken out of our comfort zones and this has been a great learning opportunity. I realise I like ink dots (sheet music) and do not really get all this guitar chord business. I musically understand the progressions but want notes.
I was volunteered for a band consisting of parents from my elder daughter's school to raise funds and it has been such a blast to try new things and re-work old favourites. I am learning new jigs on the whistle and learning classic tunes.
School Funding:
Found out how much the school budget is proposed to be cut and it is frightening. Do I have to think about private school? I have always wanted to send my girls to public/state schools as I had such a system growing up but it ain't all rosy anymore.
California for all its sense of self-importance has god-awful education standards and I believe we rate 49th. Just checked we do. Isn't that something to be proud of?
This is simply not good enough and we should be ashamed to accept this.
I decided to start a study group for a group of 7-year olds as they are effectively bored at school. All funding is now directed to the lower end of the educational scale as they can make more progress. This is then rewarded with funding.
Students who make the standards early are often bored. Let's get this straight this was a George Bush Jr. initiative, "NO Child Left Behind". I have a feeling this is how he felt among his peers so is now torturing other smarter children for his lack of intelligence. Breathe.
The whole act focuses on early language and literacy acquisition to a basic level but does little to help further those who already have these skills.
It depresses me that education is thought of so badly. California needs to wake up and realise that investment needs to be made in this sector. Please don't tell me the transport budget is being used to repair roads as I won't believe you.
Gym
Have made it back and feel so much better as a result. I am lifting heavier weights and run the risk of developing the physique a Russian shot putter. It is a good way to lighten the mood and push myself.
Caught up
Had a lovely long letter from my old high school principal. I love that woman. She may have made grown men wet themselves in fear but she fought for her students and school. I will carry on her work.
Need a cup of tea and something to ease the developing chest infection.
At the end of this decade my elder daughter will be applying to college and the younger will be entering high school. Holy of Holies- scary stuff. I shall not continue on that track.
OK it is catch up time. I have been running around like a proverbial running around thing and have neglected to take time to muse. Shame on me. Basically at the end of the day I have been knackered and could not muster the energy to type. I needed mindless crap TV and not to have 1 more thing on the list of things to do.
New Year's Eve
We had a fine time with a delightful erudite group of friends. It is lovely to be part of a group of people who are educated, funny and have such a broad base of conversation topics; nothing is out of bounds. It was fun and know this a band of like-minded people who care about one another.
Food was plentiful and tasty. We had sublimes starters and inspired cupcakes. My curry was great even though I was against cooking it but it is a crowd pleaser.
Music
This week I have mostly been rehearsing and it is tiring. It is also a great experience to have my arse kicked musically. We should all be taken out of our comfort zones and this has been a great learning opportunity. I realise I like ink dots (sheet music) and do not really get all this guitar chord business. I musically understand the progressions but want notes.
I was volunteered for a band consisting of parents from my elder daughter's school to raise funds and it has been such a blast to try new things and re-work old favourites. I am learning new jigs on the whistle and learning classic tunes.
School Funding:
Found out how much the school budget is proposed to be cut and it is frightening. Do I have to think about private school? I have always wanted to send my girls to public/state schools as I had such a system growing up but it ain't all rosy anymore.
California for all its sense of self-importance has god-awful education standards and I believe we rate 49th. Just checked we do. Isn't that something to be proud of?
This is simply not good enough and we should be ashamed to accept this.
I decided to start a study group for a group of 7-year olds as they are effectively bored at school. All funding is now directed to the lower end of the educational scale as they can make more progress. This is then rewarded with funding.
Students who make the standards early are often bored. Let's get this straight this was a George Bush Jr. initiative, "NO Child Left Behind". I have a feeling this is how he felt among his peers so is now torturing other smarter children for his lack of intelligence. Breathe.
The whole act focuses on early language and literacy acquisition to a basic level but does little to help further those who already have these skills.
It depresses me that education is thought of so badly. California needs to wake up and realise that investment needs to be made in this sector. Please don't tell me the transport budget is being used to repair roads as I won't believe you.
Gym
Have made it back and feel so much better as a result. I am lifting heavier weights and run the risk of developing the physique a Russian shot putter. It is a good way to lighten the mood and push myself.
Caught up
Had a lovely long letter from my old high school principal. I love that woman. She may have made grown men wet themselves in fear but she fought for her students and school. I will carry on her work.
Need a cup of tea and something to ease the developing chest infection.
Friday, December 24, 2010
'Twas the Night Before Christmas
... and all through the house I was running around like an idiot. I am utterly incapable of relaxing so took it upon myself to bake up a storm. As you are aware, dear reader, I enjoy cooking in particular baking. I am sure that there are shops where from one can procure baked goods but I'll be buggered to seek them out. To make life even more interesting I decided to attempt two new skills with varying degrees of success. Why oh why did I feel the need to play with sugar paste?
A tray of brownies now cools and the workings of a Yule Log are in the oven and food processor respectively. Yule Log is wheat free so I will wrestle a small child to the ground to retrieve the last morsel from a clenched hand!
I have yet to shower but have cleaned up a friend's cats, delivered keys to next person on list and trashed a pie I bought for a friend. I bought the pie as requested then put it in my bag the wrong and it looks most unappealing but she has assured me it is edible. Her dog trod on some Christmas cookies so I do not feel quite so bad. 'Tis the season for madness.
There is a very loud musical accompaniment as I write- Victor Hely-Hutchinson's Carol Symphony- the third movement if you must know. This incredible piece was used as the title music for an adaptation of John Masefield's "Box of Delights" back in the 80s. It is incredibly emotive. It is also the way my parents, my brother and I celebrate Christmas when we cannot be together. We love it that much. I do not cry as a rule but should you want to see me howl like a baby- play this piece as it just screams missing family. I do have a heart under the tough slightly squishy exterior!
The pizzicato harp announces a new theme and under it there is the Coventry Carol in eerie tones by the strings. The First Noel follows in a brighter major key while the harp continues. When all the strings come in the swell is immense and if you do not feel the love that we should at Yuletide there is no hope. I just listened to the link below to make sure it was the right piece and every inch of my skin went all goose bumpy. Enjoy and Merry Christmas. Have a Gud Jul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BxxdE9GvZc
A tray of brownies now cools and the workings of a Yule Log are in the oven and food processor respectively. Yule Log is wheat free so I will wrestle a small child to the ground to retrieve the last morsel from a clenched hand!
I have yet to shower but have cleaned up a friend's cats, delivered keys to next person on list and trashed a pie I bought for a friend. I bought the pie as requested then put it in my bag the wrong and it looks most unappealing but she has assured me it is edible. Her dog trod on some Christmas cookies so I do not feel quite so bad. 'Tis the season for madness.
There is a very loud musical accompaniment as I write- Victor Hely-Hutchinson's Carol Symphony- the third movement if you must know. This incredible piece was used as the title music for an adaptation of John Masefield's "Box of Delights" back in the 80s. It is incredibly emotive. It is also the way my parents, my brother and I celebrate Christmas when we cannot be together. We love it that much. I do not cry as a rule but should you want to see me howl like a baby- play this piece as it just screams missing family. I do have a heart under the tough slightly squishy exterior!
The pizzicato harp announces a new theme and under it there is the Coventry Carol in eerie tones by the strings. The First Noel follows in a brighter major key while the harp continues. When all the strings come in the swell is immense and if you do not feel the love that we should at Yuletide there is no hope. I just listened to the link below to make sure it was the right piece and every inch of my skin went all goose bumpy. Enjoy and Merry Christmas. Have a Gud Jul.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BxxdE9GvZc
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