Memory Lane

This week, my mother's cousin, whom I know as Aunt Jo, came to visit, as part of a longish holiday she and Uncle Chuck were taking around Australia. She first visited her mother's sister, who lives on the far south side of Brisbane (read: as far from us as possible while still being within the Brisbane region). After spending a few days with Aunt Marion, they met us for dinner, drove Aunt Marion back to the convent (Aunt Marion is a retired sister) and came to stay with us for a few days.

Aunt Jo brought a packet of photos and talked to Aunt Marion about family stories (in between excursions to the Gold Coast) and on their last night with us, she in turn shared those photos and some family stories with me. It was a very special experience, as I have never known very much about the family history on my mother's side.

Usually we see all David's family on a regular basis, but hardly any of my family. So it was also special to have some family from my side spending time with the kids.

Melbourne Foodspot

I was in Melbourne last week for a conference and since then have composed this blog entry in my mind about a thousand times. Should it be about being away from home & family? Should it be about the quirks of corporate travel?

I decided it all comes down to food. Melbourne is widely recognised as the food and wine capital of Australia, although now I'm sure I will hear strong protests from Sydney and other capital cities. However, as a self-accredited foodie, I can definitely support Melbourne's claim. Every meal I had in Melbourne was good, even though I was not expecting it -- for example, the catering at the conference was good. So was the dinner at a corner pub, which normally would (by its appearance and location) have led me to expect a stodgy steak and potato menu, unenthusiastically dished out. And I mean good by foodie standards, not just "good enough" for non-foodies. I wonder if Melburnians feel disappointed when they eat in other cities?

On my last evening in Melbourne, I was left to my own devices, so I decided to seek out the Greek precinct. Melbourne once had the second largest Greek population of any city in the world, exceeded only by Athens. Considering Melbourne's food reputation, I thought that I would easily find a restaurant to surpass my favorite Greek restaurant (ever), Sofi's in LA.

Unfortunately, the Greek precinct (one block of Lonsdale Street) is now embedded within the Asian restaurant scene which sprawls like wild ivy creeping out from Chinatown just a block away, taking over streets in all directions. Therefore, during my quest, I passed by many crowded and delicious smelling Asian restaurants -- Korean, Thai, Japanese, Indonesian and Chinese, to name a few. In addition, on my way to Lonsdale Street, I happened across Hardware Lane, with busy Italian cafes on either side of the pedestrian-only laneway. Feeling amazed at how many restaurants there were, and how full they all were, especially for a Tuesday night, I steeled my resolve and continued along Lonsdale Street.

I found a paltry three Greek restaurants in a row and one Greek bakery. The bakery looked scrumptious, but hardly dinner-worthy. I saved the thought for later. Going window to window, I compared the menus of all three restaurants and peered at the empty rooms with only two or three tables taken in each one. Nothing looked terribly inspiring. I thought about the Chinese restaurant that had snagged my attention earlier, with a photo of the chef making handmade noodles. Noodles, especially handmade ones, are one of my favorite foods.

Circling the neighborhood, I considered various Asian offerings, but in the end went back to the place with the handmade noodles: Dumplings Plus. It broke several of my rules around restaurant selection, with decor (too fancy for a lowbrow Asian restaurant), name (sounds like a franchise), and signage (big plastic monstrosity) but I couldn't resist the appeal of handmade noodles. I ordered Northern style noodles (served in a sour spicy broth and garnished with pork mince and pickled vegetables), stir fried mushrooms and seasonal vegetables (a lovely assortment of mushrooms, not just button mushrooms), and steamed man tou.

And, of course, it was good.

Me! Mine!

Having mastered important basic words such as "bye-bye" and "more please" (which at this stage sounds more like "moh pee"), this week Callum has started shouting out "me!" and "mine!" For example when I say, "Who wants some grapes?" it's hard to know whether Callum or Anya is quicker to shout out "Me!" And of course, when playing with just about anything (toys, pens, gadgets, bowls) it is now common to hear Callum insisting "mine!"

On the weekend we set up his new bed in Anya's room and showed it to him. He was not terribly interested -- sat on it briefly then wandered away -- but when I invited Anya to try it out, he knew it was his bed, and immediately cried out, "Mine!" (By the way, he slept in his new bed last night... very exciting for David and me!)

Meanwhile, for the last few weeks, Anya has been writing letters. Or perhaps I should say, she dictates the words to me, then signs her own name and adds artwork. It started with a letter to Grandma because she was missing her. When Anya realised how the postal system works (what?! someone ELSE takes the letter to Grandma after I put the letter in the box? AND we use a special sticker stamp? whee!) and received a letter addressed to her (wow! a letter for ME!) the floodgates opened. So far she has written a letter to her Aunty Wenda, and her cousins Lauren and Jessica. Yesterday she received a letter packed with replies from Lauren, Jessica and a bonus "BOO!" note from her Uncle Don (Lauren and Jessica's dad). I wonder who's next?

Suffering for Art

I enrolled in circus classes through Circa a few weeks ago: "Conditioning" on Monday evenings and "Beginner Aerials" on Wednesday evenings. (Thanks, David, for singly shouldering the evening duties!) The Conditioning class has been truly the toughest and most challenging class I have ever done, and I don't just mean in a boot camp sort of way. To impart acrobatic fitness, the class includes a lot of flexibility moves combined with strength -- like Pilates on steroids. I was really worried that I would get injured in the "warm-up" part of the class, which involves first running up and down four flights of stairs, then hopping up them on one leg.

Instead, I got injured in the kind, gentle Wednesday class! Normally they just get us to play a game that will warm us up, such as throwing around a fitness ball. Last week, the instructors swung a long rope while the students skipped in and out of it, initially hopping three times before moving off, then twice, then once, then graduating to other more challenging moves such as crossing over in front of each other, tumbling into the skipping area, cartwheeling out, and so on.

I, however, did none of these things. I couldn't get the hang of simply running in and starting to jump, and the rope would stop dead on me every time. After several rounds, the instructors gave me the advice that I needed to start jumping immediately when I walked into the skipping spot. On my next try, I ran eagerly in, all set to jump on cue, and... rolled my ankle.

I spent the next fifteen minutes watching everyone else get more and more proficient at skipping while icing and elevating my ankle. It didn't feel that bad and looked OK (the ice was doing a great job), so I decided to stay for the actual aerials training. To my horror, the next morning I was in excrutiating pain. Had I made a foolish decision and exercised a broken ankle?

David stayed home and shepherded me to the doctor, the x-ray clinic, and the doctor again (amazingly this took almost all day). Anya tagged along and loved shopping and lunching with David while they waited for me. Callum stayed home with his grandma (it being a "grandma day" anyway). Luckily it turned out that my ankle was not broken, which was a huge relief.

Today I am back to class for more aerials, but I've dropped out of conditioning for the rest of the term - still can't walk at normal speed, much less run and hop up the stairs!

Traffic Signal Box (TSB): finished!

I finished most of this painting before Christmas, except the gravel around the bottom of the aquarium. This weekend, I finally found some time when the weather cooperated (not raining and not too hot) and did the last part . I also went over all the rest of the box checking for touch ups -- for example, by some incredible oversight, I had left out the white stripe next to the tail, on both clownfish. Shocking!

David is still voting for painting a black border around all the fish, but I decided not to do it, as that is a complete change of painting technique. Besides, this whole effort was done "rustically" using Anya's paintbrushes. Next time (assuming I get the chance to do this again) I think I will opt for a non-rustic approach, as I found it frustrating to have all the random feathering of edges. Maybe I will apply my t-shirt screening techniques and use a stencilling approach.

If you click on the photo here, you can go through to flickr and see all the other photos of the TSB including progress photos. You can also see my listing (with this same photo) and rate it (for the annual prize!) on the Artforce website at: http://svc189.bne146v.server-web.com/artforce/rating.asp?id=1034

Jasmine Sends Us to the Dump

Anya told David this week, "When I'm queen, I'll have the power to get rid of you!" (like Princess Jasmine, in Aladdin)

"Oh? How will you do that?"

"I have a special truck that will take you to the dump!" (the way the pigs got rid of the dingrel in The Three Little Bush Pigs)

He got Anya to tell me about this while we were driving in to town, and she added, "You too, mum."

I then boo-hooed and said, "But who will take care of you -- and kiss you -- and hug you?"

She relented, and said, "I changed my mind -- not you, Dad." (So I would still be taken to the dump.)

David gloated later, "I get to stay, and you don't!"

Bye, Bye

Our little boy has started saying, "bye, bye" this week and is very pleased with himself about it. He is also much more clearly repeating other words, but "bye, bye" is his favorite. Tonight he looked so sleepy before bedtime, but once laid down with his satin comforter, rather than settle in, he spent half an hour saying "bye, bye," then perked up when his sister came into the room. I had to take him with me for her bedtime story, then start again and listen to another half hour of "bye, bye" before he fell asleep. I even spent part of this time saying, "sleepy time... close your eyes... bye, bye" which normally prompts him to make a genuine attempt to close his eyes and sleep, but tonight only fueled the "bye, bye" madness.

Sydney Opera House Graphic

I made up this graphic yesterday, because I was not happy with the graphics out there (that I could find, anyway). So, just thought I'd share...

When I had the logo made which was meant to incorporate this, we ended up doing something totally different (to my disappointment, but I don't really have time to mess around):

http://www.dhigroup.com.au/Training/TWeek09.aspx

Stats

A snapshot of Callum's growth so far -- about 13 kg (43.3 lb) and an estimated 108 cm tall (42.6 in) and how he compares to Anya at the same age (about 1.5 kg heavier and about the same height). From my aching shoulder blades I was so sure he would weigh even more than this!

Anya weighs 18 kg now and is 3-3/4 years old.

A Milestone of Sorts

I have been reading other parental blogs lately and feel quite insufficiently amusing and witty and wry. Must remind myself that I am not writing this in order to gather fans, but to share some warm moments with faraway family and friends.

So get ready to feel all warm and fuzzy as I tell you that... Callum has now successfully used the potty twice in the last week. I have no idea what is going on, as we are not actually trying to potty train him right now. But just by chance, twice now I have happened to guess that he was about to poo, and sat him on the potty. Meanwhile, he is still happily weeing on the floor when left nude for more than two or three minutes, and certainly doesn't seem inclined to let us know when he needs to do some business.

As for talking -- he has been getting more and more vocal, but still talking his own language most of the time. Lately he's started saying "uh-oh!" quite often, which sounds very cute. Other than that, he tends to blurt out words when surrounded by a few other people talking, as if he's been following the conversation in his head and couldn't help joining in. I feel as if one day, he will suddenly break out with a fully fledged sentence.

Simple Baked Chicken

I made up this recipe tonight based on what I had in the fridge, and how much time I had, but it turned out pretty well. The beauty of it is, it has no seasonings, so you can dress it how you like afterwards. Tonight I served it atop coconut rice and garnished it with freshly chopped coriander and dollops of sambal barjak (chili lemongrass relish). I can equally well imagine it served on plain rice or pasta and drizzled with olive oil, and italian flavors such as chopped kalamata olives, sundried or fresh tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Or go Moroccan and serve with couscous, preserved lemon & harissa... or dress with cheese sauce...

2 onions, sliced & browned in some oil on low heat
3 or 4 cloves garlic, sliced & browned (throw into onion pan, when onions are nearly done)
1 large red capsicum (bell pepper), sliced
1 large carrot, julienne
1 large zucchini, cut into large chunks
1/2 eggplant, sliced (1 cm thick) & browned in oil
3 or 4 chicken thighs

Toss together all the ingredients except the eggplant and season with salt and pepper. Add oil if needed to moisten all items. Place in a baking dish, making sure the chicken is buried. Place slices of eggplant over the top to cover. Cut some baking paper or foil to the shape of the baking dish, to act as a lid without sealing around the edges. Place on top. Bake at 180C (350F) for at least an hour. (I baked mine for an hour and a half because I was busy doing other things.) The resulting dish should have a lovely broth developed from the chicken and vegetables, so it tastes great with rice.

Here is my easy recipe for coconut rice, by the way:
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup coconut cream
1 cup water
1 tablespoon fried onion (Asian condiment, or if you don't keep this in stock, simply sliver some onion and fry it gently until well browned)
pinch salt

Bring to a boil and allow to boil gently (not vigorously) for about 4 minutes until the liquid has evaporated to the same level as the top of the rice. Cover, and turn heat to low. The rice should be done in about 8 more minutes. Note if you prefer brown rice, use 2 cups water and adjust the timings accordingly.

Australia Day 2009

We visited Government House (also known as "Fernberg") today and enjoyed looking at historic items and relaxing on the grounds. As the weather continues to be extremely warm & humid, I was happy to cool down on the slightly damp grass under a wedding-style marquee, complete with chandeliers and a small stage. The kids loved the stage, and strangely, most people stayed on other parts of the grounds, so there was lots of room to run around. I used the "fashion shoot" setting on the camera (I don't know its real name, but that's how I think of it) to capture several action shots of Anya, airborne as she twirled and hopped around Callum on stage. Anya soon started playing with another little girl and as they ran back and forth, squealing, Callum followed them this way and that, clutching his chicken drumstick tightly.

Gung hay fat choy!

Yeasty Goodness

This recipe was so delicious and easy, I immediately made some more the very next day after trying it for the first time.

2 tsp dried yeast (1 small packet)
100 ml warm milk
100 g plain flour, sieved
Mix together & knead for 2-3 minutes (speed 2 on Kenwood mixer). Cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth and set in warm place to rise until doubled in size.
150 g plain flour, sieved
½ tsp salt
50 g caster sugar
25 g butter
1 egg, beaten
Mix together and add to the risen dough. Knead for 3 minutes. Roll out to 13" × 18" on a non-stick surface (baking paper, or plastic board).
40 g brown sugar
40 g butter, softened
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
30 g dried fruit (eg. currants, sultanas, craisins, etc)
Mix together the sugar, butter and spices, and spread across the dough. Sprinkle the fruit over the surface evenly. Roll up the dough from the long edge. Slice into pieces 4 cm thick, making about 12 scrolls. Place scrolls into a deep, greased baking tray. Cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth and set in warm place to rise until doubled in size and spongy to the touch. Bake at 200°C for 15 to 20 minutes. Glaze while hot (50 g sugar dissolved in 80 ml water on low heat).

The dough is also supposedly suitable for making doughnuts (simply fry and roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture) but I haven't tried it yet.

Fun With Homonyms

I walked into the kitchen this evening just in time to hear David say, "No Callum, don't put poo on your penis."

I stepped closer and realised he meant Winnie the Pooh, whom Callum was clutching in one hand.

Making Choices

This morning I asked Anya, "Would you like Weetbix, or corn flakes for breakfast?" She didn't answer me, so I said, "Shall I choose? I guess I'll choose Weetbix."

Then she piped up, "No, no, don't choose Weetbix. You can choose corn flakes -- with honey."

Urgent Matters

Mid-afternoon, Anya raced up to me and asked anxiously, "When are we going home?" I thought, "Oh dear, is she having a bad day?" (She'd just had a long play with Rebecca from next door, who is completely her match in bossiness.) I said calmly, "In about a week -- why?"

She hopped in place and answered, "I have this money, and I need to put it in my money box!"

Laughing Boy

Callum has developed quite a sense of humor -- initiated peek-a-boo with Raema (grandma) over the end of the bed, and again at dinnertime he played peek-a-boo with me by ducking his head under the table and meeting my gaze when I ducked under as well.

Peregian Beach on Holiday

Swimming early morning then crashed after lunch. Callum was great at the beach -- not worried at all by the waves or getting facefuls of water -- he's such a water lover!

He just loves toddling around & around the unit here, and Anya is getting very comfortable with roaming freely to play with her older cousins. Next door there's a little girl, Rebecca (age 5) who Anya wanted to go play with, but we missed out; we'll try again tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!

25 Dec 2008 We All Love Dorothy
Originally uploaded by jaguarish

Walking Not Dreaming

I see from Paul's blog that Heather is walking! (and she's two months younger than Callum) And here I was all set to announce with trumpet fanfare that Callum has been walking this week. So it is true, boys are slower than girls at walking. All and sundry have repeated this folk wisdom to me. Therefore it must be true... (I don't get it, because at the same time, folk wisdom is that boys are more advanced than girls at physical stuff like climbing.)

He's actually been capable of walking for quite some time, but just too comfortable with having my hands there helping him. So getting him to walk on his own has required a bit of trickery on our part until the small steps increased to multiple steps and from there suddenly this week he's started walking the length of our house (albeit not a very big house).

Yay! No more endless laps of the living room and kitchen for me!