Sad news this week, Alfie Date, Australia’s oldest person, passed away at 110 years of age. Alfie, the oldest person in Australia, started to knit sweaters for penguins when he was 109 years old. The penguins had been put in danger by an oil spill at Phillip … [Read more...] about Vale Alfie, Senior Knitter
Tacky TV
So I watched the pilot of Reign. After the first 10 minutes of anachronistic folly, I stopped laughing and became, instead, quite cross. Yes, I watched the pilot and the first episode but one can only take so much torture. I'll have to give it an award for Worst … [Read more...] about Tacky TV
Stung at the Zoo
It's a long time since I've been to the Zoo. We went every month and more when I was a kid, a picnic park only a few tramstops away, with live animals, frightening animals, and a minimal entrance fee. Costs more to get in now, a fair whack when you're on a Senior … [Read more...] about Stung at the Zoo
Sweet Potato Pie
You can do a lot of things with sweet potatoes such as roasting, baking or even making chips but, for a change, try a pie. Sweet Potato Pie 500 gram sweet potatoes320 sheet shortcrust pastry125 gram butter250 gram fine sugar150 mil full cream … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Pie
Repent!
The end is nigh! A total solar eclipse in August 2017 will see the world end. The signs of this end are clear, at least to a few Christians Everything they say is pretty scary weird, but it all adds up to the startling fact that the creation of Israel (70 years ago … [Read more...] about Repent!
Happy Birthday Dollar Bill
Golly if you remember pounds, shillings and pence you're as old as I am! The decimal currency is definitely an improvement over the old system but I still know my 12 times table. A bit hard to forget, the 12 times table, it was one of those things drummed into our … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday Dollar Bill
Terrific Home Made Trifle
Trifle is a lovely dessert that you can whip up without fuss, a dessert to lay on the table that looks scrumptious as well as tasting scrumptious. Here's how to assemble an old- fashioned no-cook sweet dessert trifle almost on autopilot. There's Trifle - and then … [Read more...] about Terrific Home Made Trifle
Scones for Afternoon Tea
The secret to light fluffy scones is to work the dough as little as possible For a delightful afternoon tea, serve up some home made scones and fill your house with the smell of fresh baking. Scones should be enjoyed straight from your oven, with only the briefest … [Read more...] about Scones for Afternoon Tea
Knitting for Stressed Penguins
Alfred says that the secret to a long life is simply “waking up every morning”. Deep, Alfie, deep. I appreciate waking up every morning too. It was about 80 years ago when the great-great-grandfather's sister-in-law handed him a pair of knitting needles and some wool … [Read more...] about Knitting for Stressed Penguins
How to Clean Crystal
I don't why I still keep my crystal wine glasses. Nostalgia, I suppose. It's been a long time since I actually used them but I take them out of the cupboard regularly and wash them, you never know when the Queen might drop over for a small glass of sherry. Always wash … [Read more...] about How to Clean Crystal
How to Clean the Oven
Some people always have shiny clean ovens. My neighbour, Voula, who cooks meals for six, never seems to have a spot in her oven while I get splatters every time I turn mine on. Cleaning is always a tedious task and if you ever needed proof of that, have a look at … [Read more...] about How to Clean the Oven
OMG! Ironing for Jesus
I can't tell you much about this one, probably because there isn't much to tell. It's an iron. It's in a house in Boston, USA. It was manufactured for the Wal-Mart house brand, with a basic dial for fabric settings and a steam/dry switch. It has a scorch mark. It … [Read more...] about OMG! Ironing for Jesus
The Long Road Ahead
February marks the month of famine Misery abounds. Following medical orders, I've thrown away the fags and the comfort of a small glass of sherry at the end of the day. My food intake has been reduced to that of a rabbit, a small and desolate rabbit. Consumed … [Read more...] about The Long Road Ahead
It’s now official. I have to grow up
I've kept my eyes shut, pretended it wasn't there and put it off as long as I could. But now I have to face it. After 70 carefree years of adolescence, I have to take the bull by the horns, put my nose to the grindstone, my shoulder to the wheel and my hand to the … [Read more...] about It’s now official. I have to grow up
My new Music Release
This year I'm reviving my musical career with another recording, this time something completely different - Hip Hop ! Yes, a dramatic change from my customary crooning but you have to move with the times. And you know me, when I'm able to move, I move with the … [Read more...] about My new Music Release
How to make Crepes
Crepes are more than just thin pancakes, they're the ultimate in sophisticated desserts and surprisingly simple to make. You can put just about anything in crepes, your family and friends will fight each other for them. Fill them with chocolate sauce, strawberries, … [Read more...] about How to make Crepes
Dances with Pineapples
Pineapples are appearing in the market. Is Summer so close? The pineapples are flown in from Queensland I suppose, a bright splash of colour next to the mushrooms and potatoes. Once upon a time I would try for a tropical look, something reminiscent of Hawaii five-O, … [Read more...] about Dances with Pineapples
Quick Cooking Tips
Basic Cooking Tips Take the time to actually read recipes through before you begin If you're cooking for guests never try a new recipe and a new ingredient at the same time Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions and cook it the rest of the way in … [Read more...] about Quick Cooking Tips
Lamb Navarin
Strange how a French name for an ordinary dish sounds better than than it should. Lamb Navarin is lamb stew with turnips (Fr. navet ). I make this with carrots and onions as well as turnips. Or I just leave out the turnips. In the ingredients list, I've included a … [Read more...] about Lamb Navarin
How to Boil Things
There was a time when cooking meant boiling. And I mean boiling. That was the style in my mother's kitchen and every other kitchen of my childhood. My grandmother boiled food furiously although my mother at least turned the stove knob down a little. That's what those … [Read more...] about How to Boil Things