Random musings

Quote for the day:

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
by C.S. Lewis

Welcome to day 26. A day of anticipation regarding our current lockdown status.  I’m currently listening the Government announcement regarding moving from level 4 to level 3 at 11.59 pm next Monday.  That now means we are currently in day 26 of 33.  As ANZAC day has been Mondayised I guess government don’t want people going away over this coming long weekend hence extending level 4 lockdown.    How do you feel about this?  What effects will this have on you or your business?

What concerns me is if we eliminate Covid-19, what happens when we open our borders again?  Am I missing something here, the rest of the world isn’t eliminating the virus!  Or do we keep our borders closed until there is a vaccination – wonder how long that will be?

We need to still keep our physical distancing until 11 May at least.  A little time to go before we can have that big hug, drink that coffee and sip that prosecco!

In case you have missed day 25’s comments, check them out here.

Country Calendar is one of my favourite TV programmes, did you see last night’s episode?  It was about Linnburn Station, situated on Maniototo Plain, Otago where they carry out regenerative farming practices.  Before seeing this episode I didn’t understand the meaning of “regenerative farming practices” but now I do and find it very interesting.  It’s all about protecting and creating soil health through the use of over crops/ companion planting, zero till, biological stimulants & high intensity grazing with zero use of artificial fertilisers etc.  Peter Barrett’s (owner) believes Healthy Soil = Healthy Water = Healthy Animals = Healthy People. It was an inspiring episode and made me think about my own garden.  Click here to view it.  If you saw it, what were your thoughts – did it prompt you to think about and perhaps garden a little differently?

Lockdown loaf

Also known as Chelsea’s Beer Bread.  One of my regular readers Sharon who loves to cook recommends this recipe, she says “it’s easy to make and tastes delicious.”

Click here to get the ingredients and instructions – happy baking.

Today’s feature image

Thank you “Susan of Hamilton East” for today’s feature image.  The colour of the nareens is quite stunning.

Signs of autumn

Thank you “Susan of Hamilton East” and “I-Solution Wanaka” for our signs of autumn.  Have you noticed that as autumn progresses the colours are becoming more vibrant and diverse?

Remember Paul Henry is hosting a TV series titled “Rebuilding Paradise“, starts tonight at 9.30 pm on TV 3.  I’m looking forward to seeing the format and who he’ll interviews etc.

What did you do today, and what are your thoughts regarding extending level 4 lockdown until next week?

Remember to be patient and kind to yourself and everybody in your bubble.  Take care Goldcard Gal 🙂

Quote for the day:

“Families are like branches on a tree.  We grow in different directions yet our roots remain the same.”
from Good Housekeeping

Welcome to day 25.  I wonder how you spent your day?  I had a quiet day, short bike ride and rest of day at home pottering around in the garden and doing odd chores inside. I wonder if you are waiting for the big announcement tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm, whether we’re going to level 3 or staying in level 4?  Someone jokingly said “level 3 is like level 4 but with KFC takeaways.”

Click here to catch up on day 24’s comments.  “Unhurried in Hamilton” comments are under Goldcard Gal because of technical issues.

Feature image

My feature image tonight comes from “Rafer of Byron Bay” thank you, it is eye-catching and the colour is striking.

Women in charge!

“Unhurried in Hamilton”  has sent a link to a very interesting article regarding which countries have been most successful in combating the Covid-19 crisis. Food for thought?

Poem for The Heroes

The following poem was in today’s Canvas (supplement that comes with NZ Herald)
written by Daniel Lovewell, 11 years old.

Dear supermarket workers,
Thank You.
For putting up with this epidemic enough to keep us eating.
It must be hard having to leave your bubble
To sort out food fights
And toilet paper turmoil
And disinfectant dramas
And rationing rules
Keeping up with ever-changing regulations
Not knowing if the people who visit your store are sick
Or if you might get sick
Or what will happen next
You soldier on for the greater good
Spending your days on the front line
In the war against Covid-19
You are the everyday heroes
And on behalf of the people in my isolation bubble I say
Thank you.
Yours sincerely
BUBBLEBOY (A boy in a bubble)

Signs of autumn

Tonight we have signs of autumn from Byron Bay and Wanaka, scenes couldn’t be more diverse.

 

What next?

I’ve been asking myself this question for a few days now.  Initially 28 days seemed such a long time away and I was’t sure I’d still be posting!  Of course no definite decisions can be made until tomorrow’s Covid-19 announcement.  So what if we go to level 3, shall I continue with posting or what?  If we go to level 3, I imagine my readers over 70 will still be in a ‘lockdown’ of a sort,  would you still like a platform to be able to share your photos, events and happenings?  Would you still like a daily post from someone who is keen to make a digital connection with her readers?  I welcome your thoughts, ideas and any suggestions.  I will miss my daily digital contact with you! 

It has been a goal of mine to become a better travel writer of my own adventures.  My friend Denise recently recommended this book to me “The Travel Writer’s Way”.  To see her review of the book, click on this link (you could also check out her travel adventures, she has done some amazing trips). This book guides you through a series of assignments along with advice from many renowned travel writers.  Perhaps I could share my journey with you as I attempt to complete the various assignments?  As I type those words, that idea frightens the hell out of me.  I would be exposing my shortcomings and lack of vocabulary but then again, there is only one way, and that would be up!   Still thinking about this journey. On a positive note, it would ensure I go off and have more adventures and that is a bonus – right?  Have you got any advice to give me?

In the meantime, trust you’ve had a great day 25 and I look forward to hearing about your adventures and happenings.

Remember to be patient and kind to yourself and everybody in your bubble.  Take care Goldcard Gal 🙂

Quote for the day:

“One of the tasks of true friendship is to listen compassionately and creatively to the hidden silences.  Often secrets are not revealed in words, they lie concealed in the silence between the words.”

By John O’Donohue

Welcome to day 24.  Oh my, only four days left of the original 28.  Where has the time gone?

As it was raining quite heavy this morning I decided it was a good opportunity to wash my house and windows.  It’s now looking bright and clean and the windows sparkling.  It’s such a rewarding job.  But there is also a down-side – I could see the areas that need some touch ups (sanding and repainting) so that is next on my to-do list.  House maintenance is never-ending and as it’s my biggest investment I like to look after it. What do you feel about doing house maintenance – do you delay it as long as possible or get on with it as soon as you see the need?

This afternoon I meet up with Denise at the Hamilton Gardens.  It was good to have a good catch-up (keeping our distance apart) and enjoy the environment. It was a shame we couldn’t enjoy a coffee at the Gardens Cafe – that will have a wait!  Must admit I’m looking forward to enjoying a coffee or prosecco with my friends in the not too distant future.  AND having a coffee on my longer bike rides – gee I’ve missed that!

A special congratulations to “I-Solution Wanaka” and his wife Dianne who are celebrating 39 years of marriage today.  Well done and have a fabulous day!

Click here if you missed out of day 23’s comments.

Feature image

Today’s image was taken at Hamilton Gardens.  There were many honey bees enjoying the rosemary flowers. It’s good to know the bees have a variety of flowers to choose from at this time of the year.

Signs of autumn

There were many signs of autumn to be seen at the Hamilton Gardens when Denise and I were this afternoon. It was lovely to see many families and couples out enjoying the gardens on their bikes or walking.

Bit short on content this evening, I don’t seem to have much to write about.  It’s interesting, some nights the ideas come flying into my head, other nights, like tonight it’s blank!!  Never mind at least I’m still posting each day, and every day is a new record for me.

Trust your day 24 has been memorable?  What did you get up to and what did you achieve?

Remember, to be patient and kind to yourself and everyone else in your bubble.  Take care – Goldcard Gal 🙂

Quote for the day:

“Life is about change.  Sometimes it is painful.  Sometimes it is beautiful.  But most of the time, it’s both.”
by Lana Lang

Welcome to day 23. As the four weeks of lockdown draws closer to the end, there is much debate about whether we’re going to move to level 3 or not next week.  I guess if you are a small business owner you’ll be thinking about how you can work “safe” and if so, what will that mean for you and your employees and what will the cost be to your business. Difficult times ahead.  I was chatting with one of my neighbours this morning (who had sold his electrical business late last year) and he was sooo relieved to not be a small business owner today.  Not much help but we are thinking of all you SMEs at this difficult time.  What are your thoughts regarding going to level 3?

To get up to speed with day 22’s readers comments, click here.

Feature image

Thank you “Carly of Tamahere” for today’s feature image.  Isn’t nature beautiful – how colours blend into each other?

Kim’s Rusks recipe

I spoke about this recipe last night.  It has been given to me by my elderly Zimbabwean neighbours, who class it as one of their ‘reminders of home’ and when they eat it, it brings back happy memories. It is my pleasure to share it with you and I’d love to hear from you if you make it.  I usually half the recipe when I make it.

Mix together:

5 cups of All Bran Flakes
1 tsp Baking Powder (not necessary)
Pinch salt
4 cups of SR flour or (may be 1/2 of SR and 1/2 plain)

Melt 500 gms butter
Add
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups plain unsweetened yoghurt (625 mls)
Then add 3 eggs

Add butter mix to dry ingredients
Add currents (approx 250 gms or sultanas)  (my friends don’t like any added fruit)

Pour into deep, well greased pan (warm pan in preheated oven to spread & melt butter)
Bake @ 150^o C for 40 – 60 minutes
Remove from oven and cool in pan for 30 minutes

Turn onto board and cool further.  Cut into squares and place them slightly apart on rack and dry in warm oven (60 – 80^oC) overnight till dry and brittle.  I do this during the day.

Mixed dough is wet and sloppy.   

Update to Feijoa Ice-cream recipe

Note:  it should be 1 1/2 cups of mashed feijoas not 1cup.  

1.  Whip 1/2 pint of cream
2.  Beat 2 egg whites
3.  Mix 2 egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla
4.  Mix and leave overnight 11/2 cup mashed feijoas 3/4 cup sugar

Add 3 to 4
Then add 2 to (3 and 4)
Then add 1 to (2 and 3 and 4) and freeze.

Noughts & Crosses set completed

Here is the completed set.  All made from bits and pieces of wood that i could find in my shed.  My little grandies love playing games and I look forward to playing with them sometime soon!  Lighting not the best but you get the gist of it.

Signs of autumn

Thank you “Sharon & Alicia of Flagstaff” and “I-Solution Wanaka” for today’s signs of autumn.  I’m so enjoying receiving your photos of your autumn scenes.  Aren’t the roses stunning?

I’m going to watch another Jason Bourne movie tonight, so that is it for day 23. Trust you’ve had a great day and look forward to hearing about your happenings and adventures tomorrow.

Be patient and kind with yourself and everybody in your bubble.  Take care Goldcard Gal 🙂

 

 

 

Quote for the day:

“Enjoy life.  Have fun.  Be kind.  Have worth.  Have friends.  Be honest.  Laugh.  Die with dignity.  Make the most of it.  It’s all we’ve got”.

by Ricky Gervias

Welcome to day 22.  Guess the exciting news for today is ‘we may be going down to level 3 next week”.  That must be great news for many SME’s that can work safely and meet Covid-19 Health and Safety Requirements.  For many of us life will continue on as it currently is with the ability to add another person/family to our bubble.

In case you missed reading day 21’s comments, click here to catch up on what has been happening to my regular contributors.

Thank you for those of you who were concerned for my well being when you didn’t get your regular evening/morning read.  It will teach me for not checking.  Normally I check my mobile phone to see if the blog has been posted, and last night I didn’t – lesson learnt, simple mistake but I should have known.  Thankfully I wasn’t publishing a “breaking news” item.

Feature image

Tonight’s feature image (Protea bub) comes from Helen’s garden, thank you.

Rebuilding Paradise

Starting next Monday, 20 April, on TV 3 is Paul Henry’s “Rebuilding Paradise“, this is a brand new show.  It’s been described “as a positive yet hard-hitting show, aimed at finding the truth about where we are as a nation as we come out of lockdown and what possibilities lies ahead for us in the future.”  It will be broadcast four nights a week for four weeks, each episode is 30 minutes.  I’m looking forward to it.  Do you think you will watch it?

Yesterday, my neighbour showed me this cyclamen bulb she had dug out of her garden and asked if she could divide it.  I wasn’t sure, so thanks to Mr Google I found the following instructions:

Dig up the cyclamen bulbs and clean off any soil from them. At this point, the cyclamen bulbs will look somewhat like a seed potato and will be divided in a similar way. With a clean, sharp knife, cut apart the cyclamen bulb, making sure each piece cut has a nub where the foliage would grow from.

The gardening glove has been included in the photograph so you can get some perspective on the size of the bulb.  It is huge, never ever seen a bulb so large.  Have you ever seen a cyclamen bulb so big?

Busy day baking

I spent all morning baking:  home made muesli, Afghan biscuits for my friend Linda up the road who gives me the puzzle page out of the Waikato Times and I give her home made baking, a win win situation for us both.  Also I made my dear Zimbabwean friends a batch of Rusks, special recipe titled Kim’s Rusks and given to me by them.  They are delicious, not sweet, but very satisfying to eat.  As you can guess they are quite firm and crunchy which makes sense.  If you’d like the recipe let me know, I will publish it.  Speaking of recipes, if you haven’t checked out the Feijoa Icecream recipe (from Patricia Rose) and posted by “Carly of Tamahere” in day 21’s comments.

My grandies noughts and crosses set is just about finished, put the final touches of paint onto it tonight, will have a photograph for you tomorrow night.

Making the most of feijoas

Here are some recipes to enable you to make the most of feijoa season by using every bit of them: 4 delicious ways to use feijoa skins.

Signs of autumn

Thank you Helen for the following signs of autumn photographs, great to have a different perspective.

Well that is it for day 22.  I wonder what you have been up to today?  Baking, completing odd jobs or just enjoying life?  Look forward to hearing about your day.

Be kind and patient with yourself and everybody in your bubble.  Take care – Goldgard Gal 🙂