Life has been a blur since last time I checked in. Who knew lock down life could be so hectic? I am not sure how we fitted in our previous social outings, school events and outside commitments.
Home schooling and farm life roll along and some days are smoother than others. The cooking, laundry and house work tasks seem to have doubled with both kids in the house full time. While it is wonderful being a round-the-clock family of four again it is also quite intense as we all juggle our various requirements and personal space.
We have a tiny pet lamb named Biscuit, she takes naps and drinks milk and dives into the kitchen at every available opportunity. She is soft and warm and totally adorable.
Of course there has been baking. These Anzac biscuits from this recipe were particularly good.
The cooler weather has not slowed the chooks down and I always say I should make fresh pasta more often. I follow a simply recipe of four eggs to 400g of plain flour, with just a splash of water if necessary.
My quince crop has been small this year compared to previous years. Perhaps because the main growing season was so dry. The apples were mostly small and quite blemished but still a joy to pick into a basket.
The opportunities that this lock down time has presented are surprising. As a family we recently took part in a FaceTime photo-shoot in one of our paddocks with photographer Hugh Stewart. Hugh has photographed some very interesting characters as part of this project, we felt privileged to be invited to join in. See Hugh’s Instagram for more.
To make this happen, Terry attached my phone, supported by a piece of soap, to a steel post. A highly technical setup as you can see.
There has been recipe testing, horse riding, lots of Lego, creative projects, dust and rain on the same days, noise, chores, wood collecting, veggie planting, the ever reliable ABC to keep us company and everything in between. Now I can only wonder what ‘normal’ will actually look like on the other side.
How about you? How are you all? Feeling normal or the complete opposite? Happy Friday, friends x
Carla
We are feeling pretty normal as our boys are young and are home based. It must be so different with kids home from boarding school.
Jane S
Thanks Carla…stay safe!
Maureen
Greetings from lock down in Vancouver Canada. Thank you very much for your posts. In honour of the 75th anniversary of VE Day I a m going to try the Anzac biscuit recipe. We are just entering spring and it is wonderful to start our garden as you are harvesting yours. We were also hoping to meet with Australian friends this summer but the Covid times may prevent that. Thanks again for your very interesting glimpses into your life.
Jane S
Thank you Maureen. I have just listened to a fascinating podcast this morning regarding the British Royal family and their commitments in the Second World War and the subsequent VE Day. I hope the biscuits worked for you. Jane
Anne
It’s funny how “normal” has changed isn’t it? I wonder if life will ever be quite the same again. Love the star shaped pattern in your colander.
Jane, how do you stop your pasta clumping together? Yours looks very professional! Do you leave it to dry before you shape it into a nest?
Jane S
Thank you Anne. When I pass the dough through the pasta machine I sprinkle it with a little semolina, I find this dries it out and helps it from sticking together. However, as soon as I pass it through the machine I do my best to separate the ‘strands’ and quickly hang them on the handle of my pizza shovel (or over a suspended rolling pin) to dry out. The nest scenario has to happen quickly or it does clump together, although the semolina helps. Very non-technical advice I know!
Alison
I have one job in construction, and one job in a mail order nursery and I have been so busy. I have enjoyed the cheaper fuel prices and the challenge of being creative with shortages in the supermarket. 😊
Jane S
Very interesting Alison. My mum works in a retail nursery and they have been busier than ever. I agree on the shortage creative challenge! Thank you for calling in.
Kate
I left my suburb for work one day this past week and this weekend for Mother’s Day outings. It felt strange and illicit, and I was appalled by how many people were out and about. We drove past a takeaway where a line snaked down the street. I wish I was documenting more of it. I don’t think people will believe it in 50 years time.
Jane S
I have also heard that many people are out and about, it is a bit scary isn’t it? Take care. Always so nice to hear from you.
Anne
Oh my previous comment disappeared. Apart from saying how much I liked your star patterned colander and feel the strangely weird way of living is becoming quite normal (and enjoyable in part) I wondered how you stop your delicious looking pasta clumping together. Do you partially dry it before you pile into nests?
Jane S
Hello Anne, I can see you previous comment, I wonder if you can? Anyway, this was my original reply: Thank you Anne. When I pass the dough through the pasta machine I sprinkle it with a little semolina, I find this dries it out and helps it from sticking together. However, as soon as I pass it through the machine I do my best to separate the ‘strands’ and quickly hang them on the handle of my pizza shovel (or over a suspended rolling pin) to dry out. The nest scenario has to happen quickly or it does clump together, although the semolina helps. Very non-technical advice I know!
Liz
Hello Jane, always lovely to see your updates. A welcome distraction from news of the pandemic. Things are quiet here on the far south coast of NSW. Peter and I are pretty much self isolating, except for our morning exercise walk by the beach with our dog, Molly. We have our groceries delivered much of the time, including fresh seafood from a local supplier. Your Biscuit, the pet lamb, looks adorable. Great photo of the family, and I love the high tech tripod. Stay well. All the best, Liz. (Ex-Bizzy Lizzy’s Good Things).
Jane S
Hi Liz, thanks for calling in…always nice to hear from you! x