Milestones (Amy's diary)
- Thread starter aiminglow
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alligatorob
Respected Member
Hey Amy, how goes it?
It occurred to me that the terms "redneck" and "cracker" probably mean something different in Australia than to me. In the southern US redneck is loosely applied to most any caucasian native of the (US) south, and when used by the rednecks themselves it is not usually derogatory. Same with cracker but on a more limited geographic basis. I know it is often used by others differently, so I will try to avoid its use here. Not worth the risk of offending anyone. But one last time...
Your redneck (and cracker) friend, Rob
It occurred to me that the terms "redneck" and "cracker" probably mean something different in Australia than to me. In the southern US redneck is loosely applied to most any caucasian native of the (US) south, and when used by the rednecks themselves it is not usually derogatory. Same with cracker but on a more limited geographic basis. I know it is often used by others differently, so I will try to avoid its use here. Not worth the risk of offending anyone. But one last time...
Your redneck (and cracker) friend, Rob
Thanks, Rob.
Yes, well out of quarantine, thanks, Petal, and even better now acceptable to the blood bank, doctored (but not dentisted - if I wasn't leaving town today I'd go for a check-up), the car going again, stocked up on supplies, for me and for various neighbours both in and out of town (toilet paper, flour, still in short supply, other things patchy but available).
So... today, after much faffing about in town, I'm off to the food desert. I'm anxious about this, because it was there, when it wasn't easy (or cheap) to get fresh fruit and veg, that weight crept on me - not helped by work keeping me very sedentary for a few years.
I'm really going to have to be conscious and clever about this, if I'm to retain the achievements of the past year, and regain entry to the 160s Club.
***
In other news, I did go swimming in the sea, a chilly late-autumn sea as it happened ("I've seen longer swims at baptisms", commented the friend with me) and saw a pair of brown skuas, looking enigmatic and majestic among the silver gulls. I tai chi'd on the jetty, too, in the early, early morning - still in silence, apart from the swoosh of the waves.
I returned to the House of Seven Pomegranate Trees, and identified the other tree with mysterious golden fruit as being a persimmon - so the people in that house must either love having interesting and exotic fruit, or just love fruit-trees starting with P. (Hmmm... new notion for a diet. Pears, pumpkins, peas... )
Yes, well out of quarantine, thanks, Petal, and even better now acceptable to the blood bank, doctored (but not dentisted - if I wasn't leaving town today I'd go for a check-up), the car going again, stocked up on supplies, for me and for various neighbours both in and out of town (toilet paper, flour, still in short supply, other things patchy but available).
So... today, after much faffing about in town, I'm off to the food desert. I'm anxious about this, because it was there, when it wasn't easy (or cheap) to get fresh fruit and veg, that weight crept on me - not helped by work keeping me very sedentary for a few years.
I'm really going to have to be conscious and clever about this, if I'm to retain the achievements of the past year, and regain entry to the 160s Club.
***
In other news, I did go swimming in the sea, a chilly late-autumn sea as it happened ("I've seen longer swims at baptisms", commented the friend with me) and saw a pair of brown skuas, looking enigmatic and majestic among the silver gulls. I tai chi'd on the jetty, too, in the early, early morning - still in silence, apart from the swoosh of the waves.
I returned to the House of Seven Pomegranate Trees, and identified the other tree with mysterious golden fruit as being a persimmon - so the people in that house must either love having interesting and exotic fruit, or just love fruit-trees starting with P. (Hmmm... new notion for a diet. Pears, pumpkins, peas... )
alligatorob
Respected Member
Even a quick dip in the sea is great! I envy you.
I really like persimmons, when I lived in Florida we knew a lot of people with trees. Used to dry them, they were great!
Best of luck in the food desert, I bet you can find some things that make you happy. Pulling for you to make that 160s club, I know you can do it.
I really like persimmons, when I lived in Florida we knew a lot of people with trees. Used to dry them, they were great!
Best of luck in the food desert, I bet you can find some things that make you happy. Pulling for you to make that 160s club, I know you can do it.
Does your food desert offer frozen fruit&veg perhaps? I don find that helps although I agree that on most things nothing beats fresh. On the positive side right now everyone and their dog is posting pantry cooking challenges so maybe you can find some inspiration. Tai chi on the jetty sounds magical.
Thanks for the welcome home, Cate! (For some reason, I'm not being able to quote you. Odd - because I've quoted others. ) The swim in the sea was inspired by you - in January, I think! It was a long haul to get there. And I guess it'll be even longer before I can buy new bathers.
Now I can't quote @alligatorob - is this because the internet's gone on and off, so that I've been a while writing this? Oh well - even without quoting - I love that you turn out to be an old persimmon hand, Rob, as well as an old alligator-wrestler. I think that tree in the city garden was the first one I've ever seen, and I don't think I've ever tasted one.
Thanks for the food desert sympathies. It's a genuine first-world problem (ie a problem which pales into insignificance compared to analogous problems in badly-off countries, but in this case also a problem which wealthy countries should be able to solve) in remote areas, and also in horribly under-serviced urban areas. Thanks, too, for the suggestions. I truly hadn't thought about frozen veg or fruit. (Blush for dopiness:
) I can get them, I think, though not this week. I did bring a fair swag of long-lasting v&f with me (carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, oranges) and well as some shorter-lived things that I'll have to eat while they're still okay (celery, bananas, lettuce). It was a monster buying expedition, and included stuff for a neighbour who can't get out easily. ("How much do I owe you?" she asked. We settled on payment in jars of her excellent chutney. )
And now - no more moaning! Onward, to read all your news, and to get on with enjoying the healthy, peaceful (and I hope productive) day!
) The swim in the sea was inspired by you - in January, I think! It was a long haul to get there. And I guess it'll be even longer before I can buy new bathers.Now I can't quote @alligatorob - is this because the internet's gone on and off, so that I've been a while writing this? Oh well - even without quoting - I love that you turn out to be an old persimmon hand, Rob, as well as an old alligator-wrestler.
I think that tree in the city garden was the first one I've ever seen, and I don't think I've ever tasted one.Tai chi on the jetty sounds lovely
It was! In the early morning, with the crescent moon still with a bit of night-glow about it, and a lone fisherman at the end of the jetty the only other person there with us. I must find a way to keep that feeling.
Thanks for the food desert sympathies. It's a genuine first-world problem (ie a problem which pales into insignificance compared to analogous problems in badly-off countries, but in this case also a problem which wealthy countries should be able to solve) in remote areas, and also in horribly under-serviced urban areas. Thanks, too, for the suggestions. I truly hadn't thought about frozen veg or fruit. (Blush for dopiness:
) I can get them, I think, though not this week. I did bring a fair swag of long-lasting v&f with me (carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, oranges) and well as some shorter-lived things that I'll have to eat while they're still okay (celery, bananas, lettuce). It was a monster buying expedition, and included stuff for a neighbour who can't get out easily. ("How much do I owe you?" she asked. We settled on payment in jars of her excellent chutney. )And now - no more moaning! Onward, to read all your news, and to get on with enjoying the healthy, peaceful (and I hope productive) day!
That all sounds really positive Amy--that'll be great if you can access frozen fruits and veggies! Do people garden in that region at all? I guess the growing season is over but just wondering if gardens are possible there.I truly hadn't thought about frozen veg or fruit. (Blush for dopiness:
It's interesting the lack of access to even basics like potatoes and carrots. That does sound tough. Are they just super expensive or do they not even have them there at all?
alligatorob
Respected Member
Payment in chutney sounds like a good plan! I like that.
Good to have you posting, Amy.
Good to have you posting, Amy.
The chutney is a win-win, Rob! She normally sells it, but has no outlet right now. And if I put some in a care parcel to a family member, it'll be a win-win-win!
Liza, this is nowhere near me, but it gives an idea of the food desertry possible in wealthy Australia (and I expect in other big spread-out countries, too) - though exacerbated in this item by idiotic panic buying: https://www.smh.com.au/national/emp...ortages-hit-regional-nsw-20200420-p54lj8.html
Yes, people garden, but not lush green gardens. And...
Mint went in this afternoon! I hope, hope, hope it thrives!
We have stacks of light, LaMa! Maybe I could put something on the kitchen windowsill - that gets morning light.
Thank you, Petal! You're exactly right, and very kind to wake me up to the possibilities of tinned veg - that is, I do use tinned tomatoes, I just haven't been thinking of them as a vegetable ( again) and I know a recipe (egg-flower soup!) which uses tinned corn - and I use tinned kidney beans as well, and I can get them.
The something beautiful seen on today's late-afternoon walk: a hoodlum gang of pink-and-grey galahs perched on the topmost branches of a tree they've completely ravaged - they're beautiful and characterful, but I called them a hoodlum gang for a reason!
Liza, this is nowhere near me, but it gives an idea of the food desertry possible in wealthy Australia (and I expect in other big spread-out countries, too) - though exacerbated in this item by idiotic panic buying: https://www.smh.com.au/national/emp...ortages-hit-regional-nsw-20200420-p54lj8.html
Yes, people garden, but not lush green gardens. And...
Funny you should say that...
Mint went in this afternoon! I hope, hope, hope it thrives!We have stacks of light, LaMa! Maybe I could put something on the kitchen windowsill - that gets morning light.
Thank you, Petal! You're exactly right, and very kind to wake me up to the possibilities of tinned veg - that is, I do use tinned tomatoes, I just haven't been thinking of them as a vegetable (
again) and I know a recipe (egg-flower soup!) which uses tinned corn - and I use tinned kidney beans as well, and I can get them. The something beautiful seen on today's late-afternoon walk: a hoodlum gang of pink-and-grey galahs perched on the topmost branches of a tree they've completely ravaged - they're beautiful and characterful, but I called them a hoodlum gang for a reason!
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Wow, they´re gorgeous birds! I quite like the tiny canned mushrooms but that´s basically it for canned veg (other than tomatoes, pulses, and maybe pumpkin puree). I´ll happily eat baby peas from a jar though, as well as artichokes, baked beans, and of course pickles. I guess sauerkraut counts as veg as well. I bought some because I want to test out if it´s a gross as I remember and if it still gives me horrifying cramps. Any other pickled or fermented foodstuffs you like?
Nice work on getting the mint started. may it thrive for you!
Sounds like you should be able to work out some healthy options despite the challenging times. I was very glad when our small grocery store started putting limits on how much we could buy. However it doesn't make too much sense as it would just say '1 per customer' well one customer could be buying just for herself (like me) while another could be buying for a big family. But at least it does seem to leave things on the shelf a while longer. They had tried signs first saying something like--'please don't overbuy--remember your neighbors', but that didn't seem to cut it; hence the stated limits.
We are still seeing some shortages but so far I can get everything I need, even if it's not what i usually get.
I don't generally buy tinned veggies but will buy chickpeas, and black beans, as well as tomatoes in tins...but yes better to have canned veggies than not having veggies at all for sure.
That's a great idea too about fermented veggies LaMa.
Lovely about the hoodlum galahs!
Sounds like you should be able to work out some healthy options despite the challenging times. I was very glad when our small grocery store started putting limits on how much we could buy. However it doesn't make too much sense as it would just say '1 per customer' well one customer could be buying just for herself (like me) while another could be buying for a big family. But at least it does seem to leave things on the shelf a while longer. They had tried signs first saying something like--'please don't overbuy--remember your neighbors', but that didn't seem to cut it; hence the stated limits.
We are still seeing some shortages but so far I can get everything I need, even if it's not what i usually get.
I don't generally buy tinned veggies but will buy chickpeas, and black beans, as well as tomatoes in tins...but yes better to have canned veggies than not having veggies at all for sure.
That's a great idea too about fermented veggies LaMa.
Lovely about the hoodlum galahs!
Cate
Long term member
We have very few galahs (bird variety anyway) in Tassie but I think the yellow-tailed black cockatoos could be called hoodlums. Cockies are maybe more destructive as they make a heck of a mess of the greens at golf feeding on grubs.
Your mint should grow, Amy. See if you can get some chives. They are very hardy & useful. I add fresh mint & chives to almost all my salads.
Your mint should grow, Amy. See if you can get some chives. They are very hardy & useful. I add fresh mint & chives to almost all my salads.