A Project Finished.

Isn't it wonderful to actually finish something? For far too long I've had a mass of unfinished projects, but lately I've actually managed to complete some of them. Like many people interested in crafts and handwork, I seem to spend an awful lot of time planning, collecting and eventually starting only to give up some way down the track. Thinking about it, it's just the same when I read books. Sometimes I've had as many as eight on the go at the one time. How I've managed to keep hold of the various plots I don't know but I know it comes about because, at times, I'm not in a particular frame of mind and with crafts etc, it's usually because I (a) run out of thread or what have you, or (b) something else of interest catches my eye and I'm eager to give that a try. However, since I've been up here in Currumbin, I'm actually managing to finish many of the things I've already started, as well as bring a number of new projects to completion.

This picture is of a prayer shawl I decided to knit for my wonderful D-I-L's mother. I was inspired to do it after reading Debbie Macomber's book -- BACK ON BLOSSOM STREET. The pattern is in the book but I took liberties with the edge as I found that my chosen yard had a tendency to curl. Since finishing the shawl I've been a bit hesitant about packaging it up sending it on. It's not that I feel I want to hang on to it but the fear that it might not be suitable. One would think that at my age I'd be over such emotions but I find that selecting things for others is terribly difficult because we are all so very different in our tastes and I'd hate to give someone a gift in a colour that they'd absolutely hate.
Anyway, I sent an email to my D-I-L and she assures me that the choice of colour is good. Just the sort of colours her mother likes so I have my better half to thank for that as I wanted to buy some brighter yarn. Maybe I'll knit another one in brighter colours, but who to give it to. Some thought needed there. The last time I used an angora type yarn was over 20 years ago when angora sweaters were all the rage and I remember very well spending days brushing fluffy bits off my clothes. This time the yarn was much better behaved, probably because it was a mixture of pure wool, angora and synthetic. Ahh! The wonders of modern science.

Talking of which, well modern times anyway, isn't it wonderful that Australia has been blessed with hosting the APEC get together. I wonder just how many people really appreciate the significance of bringing together the leaders of Russia, China, the United States and a host of other nations. One can only imagine the derisive scorn one would have met with if one had promoted that 20 or 30 years ago. Which just goes to show how much the world has changed in my lifetime. However, I wouldn't have it any other way. As someone once said, "there's a time shooting and there's a time for talking. Just remember not to start shooting before you've finished talking." Wise words I think. So anything that gets people talking must be a good thing, and while a lot of folk might not be impressed about the climate change inititives that are on the agenda because no specific percentage has been agreed upon, getting these important folk to acknowledge and talk about climate change can only be a good thing. Better to proceed slowly and surely than not at all.

Sad news.

Although today, 4th of September, started out okay, I was dismayed to hear that my stepbrother had passed away over in Western Australia. Although we were never particularly close, we had become friends over the last 10 or so years. Especially when his beloved wife was hospitalized with Alzheimers, a really cruel complaint; not for the patient but for the loved ones who become carers and have to bear the burden. Despite not knowing Eric very well as we were not brought up together, my admiration for him knew no bounds when he had to battle the burden of his beloved wife by himself. It was obvious the last time I saw him - some 15 months or so ago - that he had really given up on life after Nancy had passed away. Now, at last, he is hopefully at peace and, if what some claim to be true is correct, I'm sure he and Nancy are together again. At the moment my thoughts are with his youngest stepdaughter who tried her best to care for him and who reluctantly had to put him into a Nursing Home when the task became too much for her. When I look back at Eric's life which, while it had moments of great joy; especially after he met and married Nancy, I can only thank my lucky stars that my own life has been so devoid of tragedy. Of course, like everyone else my family has had its ups and downs, but luckily, they have never been as bad as some people have had and, in comparison, we've had a remarkably lucky life. So, to all my family, or indeed to anyone who reads this, all I can say is don't dwell on what you haven't got, instead count up your blessings and try to do better in, hopefully, the many days yet to come. End of lecture. But seriously, I love you all. Take care and do harm to no one.

A try out.

Once again I'm on the computer after a hefty workout at my hydro-therapy. This morning it was a real doozy - deep water running - which, while it might not do much for flexibility, the main reason I go, it certainly is good for the cardiovascula system. Until lately I didn't realize that one can really work up a sweat in the pool. But hwoo, hee! By the time it came to cooling down my face was absolutely dripping. Hence a quiet time on the computer. Anyway, to take it easy and keep the mind active I'm going to try and post a photograph of my granddaughter Katie in a purple furry bolero I knitted for her on to this blog. So here goes...

And,

Eureka! Apart from it not being where I wanted it, in the middle of the blog, it looks like I've managed to do it. Now, of course, the hard part is to remember how. Nevertheless, I'm so pleased with myself, I think I'll have a cup of tea on the strength of it and look around for something else to post. Hopefully I'll soon have the hot pink bolero for my granddaughter in Denver finished so I can put that up to show the world what gorgeous grandchildren I have. As my ole Da' would say, "she ain't 'arf proud of them!" In the meantime it's on to other mundane things like laundry.

A belated acknowledgement.

Grasping my courage firmly in both hands I finally got around to investigating things in the world of blogging, and realized that I have received 4 comments which, in turn, need an acknowledgement.

To my wonderful D-I-L, M-F, many thanks for sending your friends over to view my amateurish attempts at blogging. To Connie and Iouanne, your welcome to the world of blogging is very much appreciated; and to Helen, many, many thanks for the advice that one CAN go back and fix up glitches and grammar even long after the entries have been posted. Seems that everyday I play around with the computer I learn something new, so imagine a great big smiley face here! Maybe in time I'll find out that they are hidden away somewhere. Anyway, here's hoping as I trundle along on my merry way.

In the meantime, I must share with you one of my most recent discoveries. Impossible Pie. No doubt this is a bit of carrying coals to Newcastle as far as some folk in America who may read this is concerned, but to me -- as a shortcut when I want a pie and (a) haven't homemade pastry on hand, or more likely (b), too pushed for time to make some this really fills the bill.

IMPOSSIBLE PIE

2 cups milk
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup caster sugar
4 oz butter, melted
4 eggs lightly beaten
1/2 cup plain flour, sifted
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract

Icing sugar for dusting and whipped cream, to serve.

Preheat oven to moderate. Lightly grease a round pie plate (around 9-10").

In a large bowl using a wooden spoon, mix all ingredients together. Pour mixture into prepared pie plate and bake for 55-60 minutes until set.

As they say, easy peasy.

The last time I made this I cut the vanilla down to 1/2 teaspoon and used 1 1/2 teaspoons of microplaned lemon zest. But then I'm sucker for citrus.

Anyway, if you haven't tried it, give it a whirl.