tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5041124679472038062024-03-05T14:33:55.515+10:00Something to ponder about...Commentary and Information on Books, Current Affairs, Craft and Painting.Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-44689203706438991002019-04-23T09:39:00.001+10:002019-04-23T09:39:58.044+10:00Monday Murals<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjl8LwKIKcdYFz8Vr6pzS_WyLtsGDEdID2wUgH56PZM7zD-ToPRP2ic-B2_T1eCdVE_XwVkYoLgt5nTfimuGX0GC1Ya7j3kRd8QOA4lF67GLhuPf6jyDU8EJdi1c-JQCSvs0tuXD1kUblEU9gTFotgn=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Map" border="0" src="http://rj.revolvermaps.com/h/b/7/9gu8srwy757.png" height="34" style="border: 0px none;" width="97" /></a>Here is my contribution to the Mural party. I like to find humourous and provocative street art.<br />
https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2019/04/23/monday-murals/
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<br />
<small><i>Useful info on the purpose of an Art blog and hosting a blog. </i></small>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-23515209609388663642014-02-27T08:49:00.001+10:002014-02-27T08:49:29.580+10:00You will find me currently at: https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<small><i>You will find me currently at: https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com </i></small><br />
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</div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-18888296345171686412014-01-24T07:07:00.001+10:002014-01-24T07:07:01.473+10:00Nobody Knew This 5 Year Old’s Surprising Secret Talent…Until Her Dad Had A Crazy Idea | Distractify<a href="http://distractify.com/people/dad-dresses-up-daughter-for-famous-art-portraits/">Nobody Knew This 5 Year Old’s Surprising Secret Talent…Until Her Dad Had A Crazy Idea | Distractify</a>
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<small><i>Fabulous photos.... love them but I could not use my daughter for them. </i></small>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-17939462612936764982013-08-06T13:51:00.001+10:002013-08-06T13:52:21.797+10:00History Week September 2012 - Threads They wore what.pdf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.ppt.nsw.gov.au/History/european-history/History%20Week%20September%202012%20-%20Threads%20They%20wore%20what.pdf"><img alt="File:Governor Phillips cottage Parramatta1790s.jpg" height="365" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/81/Governor_Phillips_cottage_Parramatta1790s.jpg" width="520" /> </a><br />
Old Goverment House, about the time my ancestor had land there.<br />
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History Week September 2012 - Threads They wore what.pdf <a href="http://www.revolvermaps.com/?target=enlarge&i=9gu8srwy757&color=a00000&m=1"><img alt="Map" height="34" src="http://rj.revolvermaps.com/h/b/7/9gu8srwy757.png" style="border: 0px;" width="97" /></a><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#EDE9D8" flashvars="backgroundColor=0xEDE9D8&textColor=0x333399&config=http%3A%2F%2Fbookblogs.ning.com%2Fmain%2Fbadge%2FshowPlayerConfig%3Fxg_source%3Dbadge%26size%3Dmedium%26username%3D2r9xxheveery8" height="174" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" scale="noscale" src="http://static.ning.com/socialnetworkmain/widgets/index/swf/badge.swf?v=201111032158" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="206" wmode="opaque"></embed> <small><a href="http://bookblogs.ning.com/">Visit <i>Book Blogs</i></a></small><br />
<br />
<small><i>Interesting article about convict clothing... it is not what you think....</i></small><br />
<small><i> </i></small> </div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-90643500547319311882013-06-09T14:17:00.001+10:002013-06-09T14:17:16.439+10:00Print on Tissue Paper<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OzKJJTiP-pU" width="459"></iframe>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-79148433233798550072013-06-09T08:48:00.001+10:002013-06-09T08:48:14.985+10:00Scrambled Eggs Done Right Recipe - Allrecipes.com<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Scrambled-Eggs-Done-Right/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=114434970&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2013-06-08&prop28=Feature_1&prop29=Title&me=1">Scrambled Eggs Done Right Recipe - Allrecipes.com</a>
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<br />
<small><i> I don't understand why you would want to add mayonaise when a tablespoon of milk does the trick, but I might give it a go.</i></small><br />
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<small><i>Has anyone tried this? </i></small>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-21763365846384588642013-03-24T10:01:00.001+10:002013-03-24T10:01:58.734+10:00Little Birdie Secrets: easy burlap christmas table runner {tutorial}Great idea with Burlap ( Hessian ) for Christmas or Easter <br />
<a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/easy-burlap-christmas-table-runner.html">Little Birdie Secrets: easy burlap christmas table runner {tutorial}</a>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-57816028262853290692013-03-11T16:04:00.000+10:002013-03-11T16:04:42.326+10:00Scone recipe - as requested<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my readers requested a scone recipe that I talked about in a previous post. So here are a few to choose from:<br />
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For previous post see here:<br />
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<a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/the-perfect-scone-at-last/Morning%20tea%20-%20a%20tradition%20Butterless%20Scones">http://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/the-perfect-scone-at-last/Morning tea - a tradition<br />
Butterless Scones</a><br />
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2 and 1/4 cups Self Raising Flour<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9jyw7ltPlY/TCATJHbF7SI/AAAAAAAAAf8/ca77Tjad_oo/s1600/IMG_2457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F9jyw7ltPlY/TCATJHbF7SI/AAAAAAAAAf8/ca77Tjad_oo/s320/IMG_2457.JPG" /></a>1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
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1 teaspoon salt<br />
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3/4 cup full cream milk<br />
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3/4 cup cream<br />
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Cut dough with a knife<br />
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Roll out to 1″ high, no less cut out individual rounds, and brush top with a little milk.<br />
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Bake in Hot oven 210 degrees celsius for 15 minutes<br />
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That is it… simple and effective.<br />
Easy Scones<br />
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2 cups Self Raising flour or (2 cups plain flour and 2 tsp of baking powder)<br />
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1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
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1 ounce butter<br />
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1 cup Evaporated milk<br />
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Sift flour and rub in salt and butter. Add milk.<br />
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Pat out to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into shape. Brush top with milke an d<br />
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Bake in Hot oven 210 degrees celsius for 10- 12 minutes<br />
PUMPKIN SCONES<br />
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1 cup mashed cooked pumpkin<br />
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1 tablespoon butter<br />
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2 sugar<br />
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1 egg<br />
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pinch of salt<br />
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2 cups Self raising flour<br />
<br />
Beat together the pumpking butter and sugar, Add the egg, salt and flour.<br />
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Then add enough milk, if needed to make a soft scone dough consistency.<br />
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Roll out and cut into rounds or keep as a whole loaf, marking it with a triangle cut on top to allow rising and the middle to cook through.<br />
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Brush with milk.<br />
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Bake in a hot oven 240 degrees celsius for 10 minutes if scone size (longer for the whole loaf – about 20 – 25 minutes)<br />
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Delicious.<br />
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I will ponder about the results from these recipes. Please share comments and or photos, if you so wish.</div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-60357678238395995342013-02-16T08:24:00.001+10:002013-02-16T08:24:12.964+10:00Hjerterått - am amazing video of the Sami culture<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uzOtBlMkG4g" width="480"></iframe>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-44588043906432001662013-01-12T15:16:00.001+10:002013-01-12T15:16:39.923+10:00Cedar Wreath "Chandelier" - Martha Stewart Holiday & Seasonal Crafts<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/910531/cedar-wreath-chandelier?center=307034&gallery=274574&slide=910531">Cedar Wreath "Chandelier" - Martha Stewart Holiday & Seasonal Crafts</a>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-78840784307354120062013-01-01T10:38:00.001+10:002013-01-01T10:38:55.482+10:00How to be Happy in Life | Coca-Cola<a href="http://www.coca-cola.com/happiness/how-to-be-happy/">How to be Happy in Life | Coca-Cola</a>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-38087672604266235542012-12-21T12:42:00.001+10:002012-12-21T12:42:19.879+10:00Anyone Can Decorate: Antique Post Card DIY Christmas Trees<a href="http://anyonecandecorate.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/antique-post-card-diy-christmas-trees.html">Anyone Can Decorate: Antique Post Card DIY Christmas Trees</a><br />
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-45230105440954869562012-12-11T14:05:00.001+10:002012-12-11T14:05:14.726+10:00på låven sitter nissen - songs for Xmas in Norwegian<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i_fNOsVZNVU?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-45964562267196778312012-12-11T13:53:00.001+10:002012-12-11T13:53:05.423+10:00Celine og Malin - Bjelleklang<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H43feMCRRuI?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-54905235236384168312012-11-23T21:06:00.000+10:002012-11-23T21:06:27.488+10:00Pumpkin Super vitamin A source<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Made up of 85% carbs, 8 % protein 3% fat pumpkin is a forgotten about
vegetable that kids will continually turn their nose up at. But did
you know that it keeps for up to 6 months, when whole and is really
quite good for you. Not only is pumpkin loaded with a whopping 245 %
of the average person’s daily needs of Vitamin A, as well as
antioxidant carotenoids, like alpha and beta-carotenes, it’s a fantastic
source of vitamins C, (19% of daily needs) K, and E. Furthermore, it
has lots of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron,
riboflavin and fibre.
<br />
This is the perfect time of year to be eating a little more pumpkin.<br />
To read more nutritional information here:<br />
<a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/pumpkin-super-source-of-vitamin-a-the-hidden-benefits/The%20plant%20is%20a%20fast-growing%20vine%20that%20creeps%20on%20the%20surface%20in%20a%20similar%20fashion%20like%20that%20of%20other%20Cucurbitaceaefamily%20vegetables%20and%20fruits%20such%20as%20cucumber,squash,%20cantaloupes...etc.%20It%20is%20one%20of%20the%20most%20popular%20field%20crops%20cultivated%20around%20the%20world,%20including%20the%20USA%20at%20the%20commercial%20scale%20for%20its%20fruit,%20and%20seeds.%20%20Pumpkins%20are%20readily%20available%20in%20the%20market%20year%20around.%20Buy%20well%20grown%20whole%20pumpkin%20instead%20of%20sections.%20Look%20for%20mature%20product%20that%20features%20fine%20woody%20note%20on%20tapping,%20heavy%20in%20hand%20and%20dry,%20stout%20stem.%20Avoid%20the%20one%20with%20wrinkled%20surface,%20cuts%20and%20bruises.%20%20Once%20at%20home,%20fully%20ripen%20pumpkin%20can%20be%20stored%20for%20many%20weeks%20at%20cool,%20well-ventilated%20place%20at%20room%20temperature.%20However,%20cut%20sections%20should%20be%20placed%20inside%20the%20refrigerator%20where%20it%20can%20keep%20well%20for%20a%20few%20days." title="Nutritional Information about Pumpkin"><b>http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2601/2</b></a><br />
<br />
<strong><a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepita" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Pepita">Pumpkin seeds</a> (Pepitas)</strong><br />
Pumpkin seeds, called pepitas, are loaded with minerals, and seem to
have an anti-inflammatory effect. Claims have been made that they also
help protect against prostate cancer and osteoporosis. A quarter cup has
about 1.5 grams of fibre.<br />
<b>Selection</b><br />
Choose a pumpkin that feels heavy for its size and tap on it with
your knuckles. It should sound woody. Stay away from the larger pumpkin,
smaller and denser is better, in this case.<br />
<b>Storage</b><br />
<a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Pumpkin">Pumpkins</a>
can keep for up to six months in a cool, dry place. It may even help
to put newspapers underneath to absorb any dampness. Once the pumpkin is
cut it will only keep for a few days, but may keep for longer if you
remove the seeds and stringy centre and leave open. ie: Do not wrap in
glad wrap. Cooked, it’s fine in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.<br />
<b>Basic Easy <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooking" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Cooking">Cooking Techniques</a> from <a href="http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/pumpkin.htm">http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/whattoeat/a/pumpkin.htm:</a><br />
</b><br />
<em><b>For pumpkin puree:</b> Remember, you heard it here first: You
don’t need to cut the pumpkin open before you roast it. I’m not kidding.
Just jab it with a knife once or twice to vent the steam, put the whole
darned thing on a baking sheet, and pop it in the oven at 350 F for an
hour or so, until you can easily stick a knife into it. (Once I had to
leave in the middle of this, so I turned off the oven after 20 minutes,
and when I came back several hours later it was perfectly cooked.) Cool,
then scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff with a spoon, or pull it out
with tongs. It is SO MUCH EASIER than when it is raw. </em><br />
<em><b>If you want chunks</b>, you’ll have to cut into it raw (though
I have wondered if “par-roasting” would work to make the skin easier to
hack into). Or find a store where you can buy it already in chunks. Or
beg the produce guy at your local market to do it. Explain that people
(such as you) would gladly pay more if someone else had done the
wrestling. </em><br />
<em> <b>For the seeds</b>, let them dry on paper towels, then oil and
salt them (and any other seasonings you want) and slow roast them in a
250 F oven until they smell good – about 45 to 60 minutes. Stir them
every 15 minutes or so.</em><br />
<em> </em><a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/blog-pictures-003.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright" height="300" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/blog-pictures-003.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="blog pictures 003" width="225" /></a><br />
<strong>Pumpkin plants</strong> The plant is a fast-growing vine, in
my yard, self sows from the compost bin, creeping along the ground
surface. It is one of the most popular field crops cultivated around the
world, including the USA at the commercial-scale for its fruit, and
seeds.<br />
Pumpkins are readily available in the market year around. Buy
well-grown whole pumpkin instead of sections. Look for mature product
that features fine woody note on tapping, heavy in hand and dry, stout
stem. Avoid the one with wrinkled surface, cuts and bruises.<br />
Once at home, fully ripen pumpkin can be stored for many weeks at
cool, well-ventilated place at room temperature. However, cut sections
should be placed inside the refrigerator where it can keep well for a
few days.<br />
<b>Ways to Eat Pumpkin</b><br />
Pumpkin can be used in any squash recipe, but it has a depth of
flavor that many other winter squashes don’t. Of course, we have to have
pumpkin pie, and my <a href="http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/desserts/r/pumpkinpie.htm">low-carb pumpkin pie</a> never fails to get raves.<br />
Other than using it in the Roast Vegetable <a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/quick-cook-leftover-meals-chicken-vol-au-vents-and-roast-vegetable-frittata/">frittata</a> and pie, you can use it in sweet recipes.<br />
My favourites include: Pumpkin Scones and if you are in USA: Pumpkin Choc-chip muffins (pictured above)<br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">PUMPKIN <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/buttermilk-biscuits-cf.html" rel="williamssonoma" target="_blank" title="Scone">SCONES</a></span><br />
Ingredients:<br />
I cup of mashed pumpkin<br />
1 tablespoon butter<br />
2 tablespoon sugar<br />
Beat these together, then add:<br />
1 egg<br />
pinch of salt<br />
2 cups self-raising flour<br />
Add enough milk, if needed to make a scone dough.<br />
Roll out to 3/4 ” or 3 cm thick<br />
Brush tops of scones with milk.<br />
Bake in Hot Oven 250 degrees for 10 minutes<br />
<br />
That is it. Hope you all ponder over this .... </div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-4631199011663488512012-11-20T17:24:00.003+10:002012-11-20T17:24:53.986+10:00Chernobyl Exposed: A Tour of the World's Most Infamous Radioactive Disaster Zone : Alan Perlman<a href="http://www.alan-perlman.com/chernobyl-exposed-a-tour-of-the-worlds-most-infamous-radioactive-disaster/">Chernobyl Exposed: A Tour of the World's Most Infamous Radioactive Disaster Zone : Alan Perlman</a>
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-78690547469712704502012-11-15T19:45:00.000+10:002012-11-15T19:46:31.765+10:00Is Christmas too Commercialized? Low cost gifts and Activities <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Decorations are in the shops from August in some places, carols are
playing over the speakers in shopping centres, and xmas comes earlier
and becomes more commercialised every year.<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/family-2012-033.jpg" href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/family-2012-033.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-1353" data-mce-src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/family-2012-033.jpg?w=300" height="225" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/family-2012-033.jpg?w=300" title="Family 2012 033" width="300" /></a><br />
Even
kids are organized early these days. This appeared on my bedroom wall,
posted by my daughter, several weeks ago. Just in case I was unsure of
what exactly to buy for her for Xmas. There is such expectations around
<a class="zem_slink" data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Gift">gift giving</a> now. Mind you, can't really blame the kid for trying, even if the follow through does not reach such dizzying heights.<br />
Humbling
was the child from one family, who when asked what they got from Santa,
was overheard to say, ," ...A new lunchbox for school" and did this
pull at my heart strings? Oh yes, indeed. Makes me think of some
possible options for non material gifts, and low cost or free
activities, that one can request and give for <a class="zem_slink" data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Christmas">Christmas</a> such as the ideas outlined below:<br />
(
These could be written on pretty gift cards, placed in a "surprize bag"
and pulled out by each child/ adult as a kind of lucky dip)<br />
* A
warm and cosy evening/day spent doing whatever each child wishes, one on
one, without disturbances from computer, phone, mobile phone or Ipod,
Ipad etc etc. It might be a board game, cocoa and a chat, playing
games, like hide n seek, or pictionary/ monopoly.<br />
* A walk or play on the beach, perhaps with the promise of ice cream afterwards.<br />
* Rainforest hike<br />
* If the kids are into books, a trip to the library.<br />
*
Building a cubby house, go cart, or raft together. This can be as
complex or as simple as you like: the full wooden hammer and nails bit,
or a large cardboard box.<br />
* Sewing or embroidering a calico bag<br />
* Making a card or memory album for Grandma<br />
* Comstructing a year in my family chronicle to give out to family members at Xmas with recipes, funny stories, and photos.<br />
* Making the Christmas cake/ lolly or cookie jars to give to others.<br />
*
Setting out tea light candles on your street and letterbox dropping
others to do the same. We do this and call it 'Santa's highway'.<br />
* A puppet show and stage presentation to family members<br />
* A talent quest for family members with a Christmas theme (Prizes for everyone)<br />
* Swimming or running races<br />
* Trampoline competitions<br />
* A Christmas themed movie or powerpoint presentation for Grandparents and/or extended family<br />
There
are plenty more ideas available on the net or in books, so these are
just a few that came to me, off the top of my head. Believe me, this
kind of experience stays in a child's memory for much longer than the
short lived joy of getting a toy that will be forgotten in a few months
time.<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://www.ehow.com/list_6383128_cheap-holiday-gift-ideas-kids.html" href="http://www.ehow.com/list_6383128_cheap-holiday-gift-ideas-kids.html">http://www.ehow.com/list_6383128_cheap-holiday-gift-ideas-kids.html</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://voices.yahoo.com/ideas-cheap-christmas-gifts-kids-4754448.html" href="http://voices.yahoo.com/ideas-cheap-christmas-gifts-kids-4754448.html">http://voices.yahoo.com/ideas-cheap-christmas-gifts-kids-4754448.html</a><br />
Feel
free to add your own. Christmas need not be super expensive. Be
creative and have fun, and still be giving a priceless gift that has the
bonus of being environmentally friendly.<br />
These activities will surely be Something kids will ponder about when they themselves, become parents.<br />
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-56090407096674353802012-10-31T10:23:00.003+10:002012-10-31T10:23:58.930+10:00A frog in my garden - Green Tree Frog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<small><br /></small>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqFh8vAYsjg/UJBvQ6G5e9I/AAAAAAAAGuE/qDuEFjHdS9E/s1600/blog+pictures+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bqFh8vAYsjg/UJBvQ6G5e9I/AAAAAAAAGuE/qDuEFjHdS9E/s320/blog+pictures+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<small><small>To read the post please click here:</small></small><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><small><small><span id="goog_2138408368"></span> </small>http://wp.me/p1KAF8-lm<span id="goog_2138408369"></span></small></a></div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-28676515631004814252012-10-28T16:38:00.000+10:002012-10-28T16:38:06.598+10:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.revolvermaps.com/?target=enlarge&i=9gu8srwy757&color=a00000&m=1">It may sound a little weird and people may suddenly look askance at
you leaving you thinking that they are thinking you have gotten in touch
with your inner "flower child", when you tell them you are taking up
Bead meditation, but disregard their strange looks as the benefits of
this simple practice are tenfold.</a><br />
<a data-mce-href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-003.jpg" href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-003.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright wp-image-1301" data-mce-src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-003-e1351314216577.jpg?w=768" height="320" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-003-e1351314216577.jpg?w=768" title="blog pictures 003" width="240" /></a>I was introduced to this last
week after my weekly yoga class, and already can feel many benefits of a
small 5 minute practice, once a day. But seriously, this can be done
anyway and or anytime, as long as you can do it uninterrupted.<br />
Just
5 minutes of simple Bead meditation can be done whilst waiting in the
car for someone, waiting for a bus/train, last thing before bed, even in
the loo, or as I do, first thing in the morning, when I know that I
should get up soon, but don't want to, just yet. (Warning: probably not
a good idea to do it, driving in your car, whilst stopped at traffic
lights)<br />
<h2>
<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Benefits I have enjoyed from Bead Meditation</span></h2>
Overall calming feeling<br />
Less anxiety<br />
More control in crisis or stressful situation<br />
Lower Blood pressure<br />
More sustained attention span and improvement in effortless single focus concentration<br />
Relaxed start to the day<br />
Distractions from run-away thoughts or self-destructive negative thinking<br />
Increased sense of compassion and empathy<br />
Increased energy levels<br />
Improved sense of well-being & self-esteem<br />
The secret seems to be in keeping the mind busy on a single activity,
and in doing so, worry and stress can not seep into your consciousness.
The mind will try to wander and intrusive thoughts will tug at you,
and if this happens, gently bring it back to the task at hand (sorry no
pun intended there) Do this as often as you need.<br />
"The mind is
harder to control than the wind", it was said. So now, not only can the
mind be quieted by having something to do, the movement of your fingers
on the beads, gives the body something to do and allows the body to be
more content and relaxed.<br />
Prayer beads have a similar purpose,
however this is more to do with religious devotion and counting prayers,
which is not within my realm to recommend or discuss here. Rather than
focusing on spiritual growth, secular meditation techniques such as
this, emphasizes stress reduction, relaxation and self-improvement.<br />
Wiki tells us, <em>"Most of the ancient religions of the world have a tradition of using some type of <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_beads" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_beads" title="Prayer beads">prayer beads</a> as tools in devotional meditation.<sup id="cite_ref-Binz3_124-0"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Binz3-124" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Binz3-124">[125]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Sach_125-0"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Sach-125" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Sach-125">[126]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-126"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-126" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-126">[127]</a></sup> Most prayer beads and Christian <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary_based_prayers" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary_based_prayers" title="Rosary based prayers">rosaries</a> consist of pearls or beads linked together by a thread.<sup id="cite_ref-Binz3_124-1"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Binz3-124" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Binz3-124">[125]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Sach_125-1"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Sach-125" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Sach-125">[126]</a></sup> The <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary" title="Rosary">Roman Catholic rosary</a> is a string of beads containing five sets with ten small beads. Each set of ten is separated by another bead. The Hindu <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japa_mala" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japa_mala" title="Japa mala">japa mala</a> has 108 beads, as well as those used in <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism" title="Jainism">Jainism</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_prayer_beads" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_prayer_beads" title="Buddhist prayer beads">Buddhist prayer beads</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-Vishnu_127-0"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Vishnu-127" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Vishnu-127">[128]</a></sup> Each bead is counted once as a person recites a <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra" title="Mantra">mantra</a>
until the person has gone all the way around the mala, which is counted
as 100, with an extra 8 there to compensate for missed beads.<sup id="cite_ref-Vishnu_127-1"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Vishnu-127" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Vishnu-127">[128]</a></sup> The Muslim <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misbaha" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misbaha" title="Misbaha">mishbaha</a> has 99 beads. Specific meditations of each religion may be different."</em><br />
<h2>
<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span></h2>
Start
with the head bead ( the one that is large and different) and start
chanting a mantra of choice ( samples shown below), and with each
repetition, move your fingers along to the next bead, and repeat, until
you are completely round the circle. If you have time, reverse and do
the same back to the head bead again. This depends on how quickly or how
slowly you chant the mantra. Choose a mantra that speaks to you.<br />
You
only have to say the mantra loud enough for you to hear. It is not
necessary to sing it, or say it loudly. Don't worry so much about your
breathing technique; it is not so important in this form of meditation.<br />
The following passage is reproduced from Wiki and illuminates the scientific basis for claiming health benefits of meditation.<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation" title="Meditation"> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation</a><br />
<h2>
Scientific studies</h2>
Meditation
has been linked to a variety of health benefits. A study of college
students by Oman et al. (2008) found that meditation may produce
physiological benefits by changing neurological processes. This finding
was supported by an expert panel at the National Institutes of Health.
The practice of meditation has also been linked with various favourable
outcomes that include: “effective functioning, including academic
performance, concentration, perceptual sensitivity, reaction time,
memory, self-control, empathy, and self-esteem.”(Oman <i>et al.</i>,
2008, pg. 570) In their evaluation of the effects of two
meditation-based programs they were able to conclude that meditating had
stress reducing effects and cogitation, and also increased forgiveness.
(Oman <i>et al.</i>, 2008)<br />
In a cross-sectional survey research
design study lead by Li Chuan Chu (2009), Chu demonstrated that benefits
to the psychological state of the participants in the study arose from
practicing meditation. Meditation enhances overall psychological health
and preserves a positive attitude towards stress. (Chu, 2009)<br />
Mindfulness
Meditation has now entered the health care domain because of evidence
suggesting a positive correlation between the practice and emotional and
physical health. Examples of such benefits include: reduction in
stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, pain, elevated blood pressure,
etc. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that those who
meditated approximately half an hour per day during an eight week
period reported that at the end of the period, they were better able to
act in a state of awareness and observation. Respondents also said they
felt non-judgmental. (Harvard’s Women’s Health Watch, 2011)<br />
"Meditation as Medicine" (American Academy of Neurology) <sup id="cite_ref-149"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-149" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-149">[150]</a></sup>
cites scientific evidence from various studies which claim that
meditation can increase attention span, sharpen focus, improve memory,
and dull the perception of pain. The article lists as common types of
meditation: Attention Meditation, Mindfulness Meditation, <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passage_Meditation" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passage_Meditation" title="Passage Meditation">Passage Meditation</a> and Benevolent Meditation.<br />
A
review of scientific studies identified relaxation, concentration, an
altered state of awareness, a suspension of logical thought and the
maintenance of a self-observing attitude as the behavioral components of
meditation;<sup id="cite_ref-Perez_66-2"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Perez-66" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-Perez-66">[67]</a></sup> it is accompanied by a host of biochemical and physical changes in the body that alter <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolism" title="Metabolism">metabolism</a>, heart rate, <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathing" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathing" title="Breathing">respiration</a>, <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_pressure" title="Blood pressure">blood pressure</a> and brain activation.<sup id="cite_ref-cahn06_45-2"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-cahn06-45" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-cahn06-45">[46]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-newberg03_151-0"><a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-newberg03-151" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation#cite_note-newberg03-151">[152]</a></sup> Meditation has been used in <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine#Practice" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine#Practice" title="Medicine">clinical settings</a> as a method of <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_%28medicine%29" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_%28medicine%29" title="Stress (medicine)">stress</a> and <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain" title="Pain">pain</a> reduction. Meditation has also been studied specifically for its effects on stress.<br />
<h2>
<strong><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Mantras</span></strong></h2>
The
eternal wisdom contained in the yoga texts explains htat a mantra is a
spiritual sound vibration that purifies one's consciousness and brings
about ever increasing spiritual insight and happiness.<br />
Gauranga<br />
Nityananda<br />
Om Hari Om<br />
Gopala<br />
Govinda<br />
Chaitanya Nityananda Gaurhari<br />
Gopala Govinda Rama Madana Mohana<br />
Haribol Nitagaur Nitaigaur Haribol<br />
Madana Mohana Murari<br />
Haribol Haribol Haribol<br />
Some
people feel this is an alien concept and take it like medicine, and
other embrace it wholeheartedly. I shall ponder on what you will make of
it.<br />
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-82077442908891096372012-10-28T16:32:00.002+10:002012-10-28T16:32:42.884+10:00Orange Cake Recipe - Afternoon tea Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h1>
<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>10 minute Processor Orange Cake</em></span></h1>
Reminescing
about my Danish Grandmother who always used to cook a fresh Orange cake
for Sunday afternoon tea, I remembered how, as children,<br />
my brother and I loo<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a data-mce-href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-0021.jpg" href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-0021.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1316" data-mce-src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-0021.jpg?w=225" height="300" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-0021.jpg?w=225" title="blog pictures 002" width="225" /></a></span>ked forward to visiting her house as the aroma of fresh home bake would come wafting out the door, when we arrived.<br />
It
is important to anyone can abandon convenience food a.k.a. supermarket
style prepared cakes, in favour of a mouth-watering freshly baked treat
for afternoon tea, and know that it is<strong> not</strong> difficult
nor time consuming. I think this cake took me less than 10 minutes to
cook, due to speedy preparation in the processor. Then you simply wait
for the oven timer to ring, and voila!<br />
Just perfect for a lazy
Sunday afternoon tea, this quick and easy recipe will have your family's
mouth watering for more. Apart from the sugar content, and a small
amount of necessary butter,there are no extra unhealthy ingredients;
plus it has the advantage of a bit of Vitamin C and delightful orange
flavour.<br />
A cake that is good for you! Yay!<br />
No need to add any frosting or topping, just eat it warm out of the oven.<br />
Of
course, if you wish a dusting of vanilla/icing sugar, or a cream cheese
frosting would be a nice option,if you aren't counting calories.<br />
<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span><br />
1 cup Castor or fine grain sugar<br />
1 Cup Self Raising flour ( or 1 cup plain flour and 2 tsp baking powder)<br />
2 tablespoon extra of plain flour<a data-mce-href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-004.jpg" href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-004.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright wp-image-1317" data-mce-src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-004.jpg?w=225" height="296" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-004.jpg?w=225" title="blog pictures 004" width="225" /></a><br />
2 tsp grated orange rind<br />
1/2 cup orange juice<br />
60 g soft butter<br />
2 eggs<br />
<span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span><br />
1. Combine sugar, flours, and orange rind in processor with butter. Process till just combined.<br />
2. Pour Orange juice through the chute with motor on.<br />
3. Add eggs and blitz till smooth.<br />
4. Pour into well greased bar tin ( base 12 x 22cm or 5 x 9inch) that has base lined with greaseproof paper.<br />
5. Bake Moderate Oven 40 minutes or till top springs back when lightly pressed.<br />
Cool 5 minutes in tin before turning out on wire rack to cool.<br />
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-21664720044492501142012-10-21T20:02:00.000+10:002012-10-21T20:02:55.226+10:00Five Minute Appetizing Salad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdsRN5Ew3K4/UIPG1u8pEKI/AAAAAAAAGtE/rhrwxqDeRcM/s1600/Family+2012+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdsRN5Ew3K4/UIPG1u8pEKI/AAAAAAAAGtE/rhrwxqDeRcM/s320/Family+2012+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I just love the colours and tastes in this simple <a class="zem_slink" data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salad" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salad" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Salad">salad</a>. It is so tempting to the tastebuds due to the mix of colours, textures and flavours. How can anyone refuse?Using some of my home grown vegetables referred to in the previous post.<br />
<a data-mce-href="http://wp.me/p1KAF8-kI" href="http://wp.me/p1KAF8-kI">Click here http://wp.me/p1KAF8-kI </a> you could make it in just under 5 minutes.<br />
Organic Cos Lettuce, torn roughly.<br />
Red Oakleaf Lettuce<br />
<a class="zem_slink" data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsicum" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Capsicum">Capsicum</a> ( Red )<br />
Lebanese cucumber<br />
<a class="zem_slink" data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Tomato">Tomato</a>, quartered<br />
Spanish Olives<br />
Marinated feta cubes ( or use fresh feta with accompanying herbs and olive oil)<br />
Alfalfa sprouts to garnish<br />
Optional extra:<br />
Blanched <a class="zem_slink" data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Asparagus">asparagus</a><br />
Chop
fresh asparagus into 2 inch pieces and plunge into boiling water for
2-3 minutes. Refresh in chilled or cold water til cool, and then add to
salad.<br />
If you are counting calories, forget the dressing! Anyhow, the marinated feta gives it enough flavour!<br />
A
simple appetizing salad that looks impressive, but is so simple, it is a
piece of cake!!! Salad like cake is something to ponder about!</div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-12736490861188220522012-10-12T17:17:00.001+10:002012-10-12T17:19:43.880+10:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-001.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1285" height="225" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-001.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="blog pictures 001" width="300" /></a><a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-002.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1286" height="225" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/blog-pictures-002.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="blog pictures 002" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Now that summer is here, I have had a yearning for salad, and for
that one needs fresh vegetables, and fruits. The fresher the better.
Quite frankly, the supermarkets “fresh” food section is at times a joke,
with wilted lettuce, browning fruit and potatoes rotting from the
inside out.<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>My solution: Grow my own Salad</b></span><br />
Also a great way to save money. A packet or seeds/seedlings is around
$5.00 and the produce you get from that would be multiplied by a factor
of 10! This method can be used in a raised garden bed, pot or garden
soil.<br />
Step 1. In the garden: Dig a garden bed and enrich with decomposed
compost if you have it, otherwise buy some manure from the garden shop
and let sit for a few days. Turn over once a day to encourage nutrient
release into the soil. If using a pot, choose a good quality potting
mix. Raised bed can be made with newspapers and straw.<br />
Step 2. Purchase some seeds of the salad ingredients. I chose beans,
capsicum ( peppers ), Cos lettuce and tomatoes and parsley/basil/mint.
These are the easiest to grow and are reasonably insect resistant. I
also bought some whole green onions or shallots, with root intact. They
can be planted straight in the garden and can be harvested within a few
days to one week! Instant food, and renewable as one just cuts the tops
off and leave them to keep growing.<br />
Step 3. Drill a row into the soil about 5- 10 cm deep depending
whether you have a seedling or a seed to plant. I like order in my
garden, so that I can distinguish between week and newly erupted
seedling, so I put all the same type of plants together. I do consider
companion planting to help keep the pests at bay. Basil is great with
tomatoes and nasturtiums can add colour, nutrients to the soil and deter
pests. Place seedlings, or 2 -3 seeds in each hole/allocated spot
allowing for a gap of about 20 cm between each.<br />
Step 4. Cover roots with soil and press gently around the stem of the
seedlings. Lightly mist with hose, or water moderately well. Don’t soak
with water at this stage. Watering in the cool of the evening or early
morning is preferable. Watering in the heat of the day sometimes results
in burnt foliage (not a good look in the salad).<br />
Step 5. With a good watering on a daily basis, you should start to
see growth within days, and perhaps the eruption of the bean seeds. It
is amazingly quick! You may have the odd death, but this is the reason
why you put 2 or 3 seeds in each hole, so you can weed out the sickly
plants and keep the stronger ones ( survival of the fittest!)<br />
Step 6. Three weeks later, the Cos lettuce seedling will be thriving
and can be harvested taking leaves from the outside first – then they
will continue to grow from the centre and replenish themselves quickly
after harvest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/family-2012-001.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1287" height="768" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/family-2012-001.jpg?w=1024&h=768" title="Family 2012 001" width="1024" /></a><a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/family-2012-002.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1288" height="768" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/family-2012-002.jpg?w=1024&h=768" title="Family 2012 002" width="1024" /></a><br />
It takes but a minute to harvest the cos lettuce (and tomatoes when
they ripen) from the garden to make a simple side salad, add some
parsley / basil / beans and you have a light lunch.<br />
Tabouli is another salad I will look forward to making with mint (
which grows itself it is so hardy!) * tomatoes, parsley and onions.<br />
* It is a good idea to put the mint in a separate large pot or garden
as it has invasive roots and does tend to take over if you let it!<br />
I will ponder about other potential plants to grow and eat whilst watering the garden tonight.</div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-32341353853942730952012-10-08T23:46:00.001+10:002012-10-10T14:46:17.396+10:00Travel Diary - Part 8 - Salzburg to Innsbruck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/europe-2011second-batch-413.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1251" height="300" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/europe-2011second-batch-413.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="Europe 2011second batch 413" width="225" /></a><a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/europe-2011second-batch-510.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1254" height="300" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/europe-2011second-batch-510.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="Europe 2011second batch 510" width="225" /></a><br />
A sunny but cool day, ( perfect weather for me) greeted us as we set
off from Salzburg, along the Salach River, travelling for the most part, along roads fringing the Bavarian Alps. 'Ach'
means water from the glacier, so you can imagine the colour of this particular river. It was an ice
blue, from the particles of small rock washed down from the glacier.
Just beautiful. Austria, on the whole, is such a delightful country, so pretty and not well known in my part of the world. I
guess it struggles a little economically, particularly with the spectre
of the current GFC breathing down its neck, and thus I often saw the
sign “zimmerfrei” for rent on the village houses. Much prefer this to a
hotel style accomodation don’t you? These houses are full of character.<br />
<br />
Our guide and bus driver had colluded together to see if they could
find us some snow to look at, along the way to Innsbruck, as we were all looking forward to a winter wonderland,
which had not as yet, arrived as yet. So they took us along a back road through
Bad Reichenhall and the Lofer Mountains, magnificient Tirolean scenery,
along ski road and lodges, dotted here and there with
artificial snow, made from machines. Well, I guess that they had to have
something for the early winter guests to do?!!! I was happy to see any white stuff, frankly....<br />
<br />
<br />
The Castle Fratzholz ?sp is found here, in the Tirolean region. It was the
where the Nazi's stored much of the famous paintings/works of art stolen from Europe
during Hitler’s reign. I noticed the Tirolean churches here are mainly
comprising a Baroque form, with a round chancel (is this called the chancel or the nave?) comprising the altar area. Really like out of a Grimm's Fairy tale.<br />
<a href="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/europe-2011second-batch-505.jpg"><img alt="" height="225" src="http://forestwoodfolkart.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/europe-2011second-batch-505.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Europe 2011second batch 505" width="300" /></a><br />
Historically, the Hapsburgs ruled Austria and Innsbruck in the 1200′s right up to
the 1500/1600′s. This was a time of Roman Empress Maria Teresa, and the triumphal arch situated at the south end of Maria-Theresien Straße, which was modeled after roman archetypes, was built by the Empress on occasion of the marriage of her son, the Duke of Tuscany, later
Emperor Leopold II, to Maria Ludovica from Spain. The marble reliefs were created by Balthasar Moll in 1744. The ones on
the south side show Leopold and his bride Ludovika, the ones on the
north show Empress Maria Theresia and her beloved husband, Francis I
Stephen of Lothringen, who sadly died during the celebrations. Times have not always been so rosy since, however. Despite losing almost
all its territory and empire during WWI, there are still some success stories in Austrian business. Red Bull, Geiger, and Swarovski are all Austrian
companies.<br />
<br />
Innsbruck has a population of 118.000 and is at 1,985 ft /605 m above
sea level. Entering Innsbruck, you can't help escape seeing the enormous Ski Jump and the
Patscherkofel Mountain which we guessed, most of the skiing takes place.
This is 7,381 ft or 2250 m, and I imagine there would be heaps of black
runs or skiing off piste!!! <br />
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Arriving in Innsbruck there was loads of
free time in the old town doing the mandatory tour of the old pedestrian
streets and arcades, seeing the famous Golden Roof, made from 2657 golden
plated tiles and all those fabulous
Rococco buildings. . The areas around
Innsbruck were, for many years, mined for metals, and this was the source of the economic
base for the development of the Austrian empire. No doubt some of the gold from the Innsbruck hills, made its way into those 2657 golden tiles). Our hotel was centrally located right next to the
Triumphal Arch an architectural remnant of Maria Therese’s reign.<br />
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There was a lovely atmosphere to be found in these streets, as the
Christmas markets predominated already in early November. I found a great soft leather
wallet, with just the right amount of compartments at one store, for a
fraction of the price I would pay at home at a street stall in the Xmas market. On the whole, the shops were expensive by home standards, but
in the pedestrian street, you will find some department stores with
bargains on certain items. I found a fabulous Kugelhof cake tin for a
mere pitance. Some beautiful fabric too: elegantly patterned
monochromatic Christmas tablecloth fabric, of the likes completely
unobtainable in Australia.<br />
<br />
There are often street entertainers too, some are a
little strange, like two guys dressed as a Madonna and child and
?feminine male partner?? Still a bit confusing for me....<br />
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<br />
When searching for a replacement piece of luggage (damaged by porters!)
in an Innsbruck
retailer, we found the most amazing folk art painted cupboards and
dresser,
painted in 'Alpbachtal' style. The shopkeeper told me that she had
already had one
dresser restored, but she was not happy with the results of that
restoration, as she felt it did not do the art justice, so even though
her other cupboard is dark and has been antiqued by age, she will not
have it restored, as it will still retains
the special beauty of the original brushstrokes. I think I agreed with
her. <br />
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<br />
The fairy tale becomes real in
Innsbruck at Xmas time as the towns people decorate windows and walls
with characters from the German fairy tales such as Snow Queen, Hansel
and Gretel and the Golden Goose.<span class="slideshow-line-height-hack"> </span><br />
<br />
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<br /><br />
<span class="slideshow-line-height-hack">During the free time in Innsbruck, most of t</span>he females of the species practically ran to Swarovski to grab some jewellery bargains.
Having a bit of Norwegian silver, I opted to go on the afternoon optional excursion to an authentic Austrian farm on
the hills outside Innsbruck, called Axams. Another wonderful example of
an unique Austrian village where they appreciate decorative and
traditional art.<br />
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We ditched the bus for an old fashioned carriage ride, complete with
horse drawn poop bags, which got to serve the purpose for which they had
been made. I began to think about times gone by when horse drawn
vehicles predominated the streets. How the streets would have had the
sweet sick aroma of horse dung. What a stink it must have been. The
carriage ride took us to the Goetzens Church, am amazing edifice to the
devotion of the Austrians to the catholic faith.<br />
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'Fritz' (- was that really his name: how appropriate!) then entertained
the passengers at his farm stud, where we saw beautiful throughbreds, tasted snapps and listened to Fritz yodelling and entertaining us. It
was a shame that the snow did not allow for a sled ride, as what
would normally be found in Austria in wintertime, but I quickly learnt
the Austrian countryside is just as delightful with a green carpet.
Except for those darn power lines, and the odd Austrian getting in the
way of a good landscape shot!!!<br />
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<br />
Back to Innsbruck, we scoured the Xmas markets whilst the young men
of the group checked out the casino, part of our hotel complex. The more
refined guests partook of dinner at the Sandwirt on the River Inn.
Something I won’t be pondering on is how they felt after the casino
visit……<br />
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Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com3Jahnstraße 12, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria47.2692124 11.404102437.8154259 -8.8107411000000013 56.7229989 31.6189459tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-504112467947203806.post-84001646322361311792012-09-23T09:37:00.000+10:002012-09-23T09:37:00.276+10:00Book Review - Smilla's Feeling for Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span data-mce-style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">Were you aware that the Eskimos or Inuit people of Greenland have many different words to describe snow?</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> Ju</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">st as English uses a variety of terms for water eg: (liquid, lake, river, brook, rain, etc), so Eskimo uses the <em>aput</em> 'snow on the ground', <em>gana</em> 'falling snow', <em>piqsirpoq</em> 'drifting snow', and <em>qimuqsuq</em> 'a snow drift to name just a few<strong>. </strong>The
intimate connection or “feeling” for the characteristics of the harsh
arctic landscape is central to the story of crime, intrigue, and romance
in “Miss Smilla’s feeling for Snow”. </span><br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"> Like Greenland, the central character Miss Smilla</span><span data-mce-style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">is
cool, distant and reserved and gives off this feeling of loneliness.
Growing up in the Arctic environment means that Smilla is a strong woman
who struggles with trusting anyone, but who has also developed certain
skills that enable her to solve a murder Police are convinced was as
‘accident’. A young boy falls from the roof of an apartment building in
central Copenhagen. Did Isaiah jump or was he pushed? Secondary to the
intriguing plot is the relationship between Danes and Greenlanders and
it is an area that Høeg considers in this novel. The reasons for
Smilla’s reserved nature slowly develop throughout the book by revealing
pieces of her childhood in Greenland amidst the Inuits and the
different social backgrounds from which each of her parents come.</span><br />
<strong><strong><span data-mce-style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;" style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;">“This
novel is more of a feeling than anything else. Feeling of coldness,
blinding whiteness and some fantastic warmness in between the two. It’s
like a journey to far North where nothing but your senses remain. It’s
as if you are sitting on Smilla’s coach wearing warm woollen socks and
drinking hot cup of tea while contemplating the snowflakes whirling
outside the window and feeling the intense cold of the winter.” (review)</span></strong></strong><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ciYLNW1cpmk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-large;" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Høeg’s
novel was so surprisingly popular, it was made into a motion picture in
1997 starring Julia Ormond but unfortunately his subsequent novels
aren't in the same vein. Still the success of the 'Smilla' movie and
novel is something we could ponder about. Hope you enjoy it.</span><br />
</div>
Forestwoodfolkarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11037162477932342666noreply@blogger.com0