Chocolate Mince!

I saw this idea in Real Simple Magazine, and it makes a lot of sense.

If you buy mince in a large quantity, intending to freeze it – but do not want to use it all at once, try this…

Drape half of a large piece of cling film over your chopping board.

Put the mince on top of the film, and then fold the other half of the cling film over the top, and pat it out to a nice even rectangle.

 

Now take a chopstick, and by pressing down firmly, use it to mark the mince into regular blocks, to so it looks something like a block of chocolate. Freeze it, and wrap in a couple more layers of cling film.

Now when you come to use it, it will be easy to snap off a few chunks for the recipe. Simples!

Der Schwebende–The Hovering

It is a few weeks yet till we start singing carols, but one particular carol has been in my head since I heard a superb piece on Radio 4 on Thursday evening, all about a sculpture of an angel which is suspended over a baptismal font in Güstrow, a town in Germany. It is called Der Schwebende–The Hovering, and was made by the German expressionist sculptor, Ernst Barlach. The carol is…

It came upon the midnight clear,

That glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth,

To touch their harps of gold:

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,

From heaven's all-gracious King."

The world in solemn stillness lay,

To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,

With peaceful wings unfurled,

And still their heavenly music floats

O’er all the weary world;

Above its sad and lowly plains,

They bend on hovering wing,

And ever o'er its Babel sounds

The blessèd angels sing.

The bronze figure was made in 1926 to commemorate the victims of the First World War. Barlach himself fought in this war and returned a pacifist. This memorial is unusual and unique. Detached from earth and time, with folded arms and closed eyes, the hovering figure expresses an internalized vision of the grief and sufferings of war. When the Nazis came to power in the 1930s, Barlach’s works were among the first to be declared Entartete Kunst (‘degenerate art’) and confiscated. Sadly, Barlach died in 1938, knowing that his masterwork had been taken down to be melted and probably made into war munitions.

However, some courageous friends had managed to find the plaster mould from which the sculpture was created – and they made, and hid, a second cast, which was then hung in the Antoniter Church in Cologne after the end of WW2. This time, the sculpture commemorated two World Wars.
During the time of the Cold War in the 1950s, the parish of Cologne [West Germany] made another cast of the Angel and presented it in a gesture of friendship to the parish of Güstrow cathedral [in East Germany]. In 1981 Helmut Schmidt, the Chancellor of West Germany, met Erich Honecker in East Germany, and they visited Barlach’s Angel in Güstrow cathedral. Schmidt said ‘Barlach is indeed part of our common memory of the past. May I add, that Barlach could also stand as a representative of our shared and common future.’ Schmidt was right. Eight years later, in peaceful demonstrations, East Germans brought the wall between East and West down – there was reconciliation - on 9th November 1989
Today is Remembrance Sunday – 100 years since the start of WW1, 75 years since WW2. And still the wars go on…We remember all those who have died in conflict, and their bereaved families, we pray for those who have been injured, both physically and mentally - and above all we pray for peace and reconciliation.

Yet with the woes of sin and strife

The world has suffered long;

Beneath the angel-strain have rolled

Two thousand years of wrong;

And man, at war with man, hears not

The love-song which they bring;

O hush the noise, ye men of strife,

And hear the angels sing.

[This sculpture is currently on loan to the British Museum, and can be seen there until the end of January, as part of the Germany, Memories of A Nation exhibition]

Sometimes You Just Have To Admit Defeat

I honestly thought I could manage this one. I took an exercise book and began writing a list of things – projects begun, but uncompleted, and projects I intended doing One Day When I Get A Spare Moment.

I dutifully worked through them through the Spring and Summer- and I think I got about 26 completed by the time we went on holiday. Some were making things, others about sorting and organising. I’d added things to the list through the year and carefully ticked things off. But then we went on holiday and somehow I’ve mislaid the exercise book. Is it at Cornerstones? Who knows?

I can remember some of the things I listed – “clean, lubricate and return the running machine to BIL”and “refurbish and refurnish Liz’s Doll’s House”. But I have forgotten most of the other items.

There are less than 8 weeks left this year – and they will be very full of Christmas stuff – and also the Grand Pre-Moving Declutter. So I seriously doubt that any more of the list will be completed [apart from returning the running machine!]

I have done my best – but unexpected sewing tasks [Snow White aprons, Rapunzel Dresses] a trip to Salzburg, and a heavier workload at school this term have all depleted my free time for Personal Projects. So I admit defeat – 50% done is better than none.

Who knows, the exercise book may turn up again when I start packing in earnest – and I can begin all over again in Dorset!

Bob’s Your [Great] Uncle & Ang A Great Aunt!

One of my four nieces is expecting her first baby- so that means I shall soon be a great aunt. Which sounds even more elderly than being Mother-Of-The-Bride. Steph and Mark went to the Baby Shower last weekend-  we know he is a boy, but as yet the name has not been revealed [not sure if the parents have yet to choose a name, or have elected to keep it quiet till the birth]

Because the surname begins with a J, Steph took some ‘J Junior’ Babygros for the infant. [This is the name of a new range of babywear designed by Jasper Conran, and available from Debenhams]

I sent a babygro and bib appropriately embroidered. Can’t wait for his arrival!

Pennie For Your Thoughts

I have made Pennie Pockets before, with the girls at the Sewing Club. The idea came from here. This week my Tuesday Students had a go. I’d made an exemplar beforehand in green Christmas fabrics, and they chose random scraps from the box to make theirs.

These are slightly smaller than the ones on the Moda site. We based ours on an 8” right-angled triangle, not a 9”.

I shall take some of my Christmas fabrics next week, and we shall make a few more. The girls were fascinated by the technique- and couldn’t quite believe it when we turned the shapes inside out to reveal the pockets!

Round And Round…Cakes And Cushions

Bob has a staff meeting in the Church Office every Tuesday morning, so he thought that as it was his birthday, there should be cake. So he made Delia Smith’s chocolate all-in-one sponge, iced and filled it with chocolate ganache, and sprinkled it very generously with chocolate balls. Looks good doesn’t it?

Meanwhile I was busy with a friend’s rather misshapen and sad looking cushion – I recovered it in a piece of fabric she gave me, and added a button, to make it look much happier.

I suspect that in the Great Packing Up which will be upon us shortly, the sewing machine will be among the last items to get packed!

Overwhelmed!

Some days don’t work out as planned. Bob has been struggling all day to sort out Tax Returns, I have been fighting a cold and sore throat, and I am incredibly tired. But despite all that, I am feeling so blessed- all the kind blog comments, emails, and messages on our Facebook pages have been quite overwhelming. It is amazing to realise how many friends are out there – your love, support and prayers are greatly appreciated. To quote the Bard [in Twelfth Night]

Happy Birthday, Bob!

Wishing the happiest of days to my wonderful bloke. He has received this great Vintage Railway card from his brother

But this is not quite the right direction – in the new year, Bob will be speeding South West – to Dorset. We will be leaving Kirby Muxloe Free Church [left] after 19½ years because Bob has accepted a call to become Pastor of Ferndown United Church [right]

I cannot give you too many details right now - as I don’t know them myself. We are both looking forward to fresh challenges and new friendships, but sad to be leaving old friends and our work here. We are truly grateful for all the support from friends who have been aware over recent weeks that this was a possibility – now our destination is certain and I can start working out the next steps.

But today I am trying not to think too much about moving – today is a day for birthday celebrations with my man.

The Gun And The Hold Up

Whilst I was away in Wimbledon on Saturday Bob modified his Glue Gun Holder and now it looks very swish

He painted the frame with some leftover paint, drilled a hole so that the holder can be hung from a nail in the wall, and added a small square of metal to catch hot drips of glue. Neat!

I hung it on a nail in the kitchen just while I took the photo, even in this crazy household the gluegun is not used quite as often as the kettle – it normally lives by the workbench out in the garage!

And All I Know…

Though I feel afraid of territory unknown,
I know that I can say that I do not stand alone.
For Jesus you have promised your presence in my heart;
I cannot see the ending, but it’s here that I must start.

And all I know is you have called me,
and that I will follow is all I can say.
I will go where you will send me, and your fire lights my way.

What lies across the waves may cause my heart to fear;
will I survive the day, must I leave what’s known and dear?
A ship that’s in the harbour is still and safe from harm
But it was not built to be there, it was made for wind and storm.

And all I know is you have called me,
and that I will follow is all I can say.
I will go where you will send me, and your fire lights my way.

[Ian White]

Finding Your Way In The Library!

A huge thank you to Liz, who alerted me to the offer of a “Bookmap” for schools, [from Dorothy the printmakers] and Bob who immediately applied for one. It has arrived and the School Librarian was exceedingly grateful. I confess that I was struggling a bit to hand it over – it is utterly gorgeous! They were overwhelmed by applications – but only distributed 503 of these freebies [normally retailing at £25 a throw!] and the offer is now closed.

Dorothy's Book Map is made up from the titles of over 600 books from the history of English Literature (and a few classics from further afield) including timeless novels by the likes of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, children’s favourites by Michael Morpurgo, JK Rowling and Suzanne Collins and classroom classics such as Mansfield Park, Wuthering Heights, The Grapes of Wrath and Animal Farm.

It is the sort of map which could occupy me for hours- spotting beloved books already read, books waiting to be read, and new ones yet to be discovered.

What a delight – such a clever idea. Thank you Liz for spotting it, and Dorothy’s for your generosity. More of their prints here

Hostess With The Mostest

I am still not sure about this expression – I thought it was ‘Hostess with the Mostest’ but the jury seems to be undecided as to whether it ends with S or T. The title was originally given to American Diplomat Perle Mesta, who inspired Irving Berlin’s musical “Call Me Madam”

For various reasons, I have enjoyed hospitality in lots of different homes in the past few weeks – my WWDP travels have found me snatching overnight stops, or eating meals here and there, all over the country, and I have stayed with family, friends – and even with people I hadn’t met before- who have rapidly become friends. And every one of these occasions as honestly been a pleasure.

Tonight I will be with Steph – and really looking forward to that. Staying with family is a slightly different matter, one can be more relaxed, and I don’t expect her to go overboard with preparations for my visit. We will have fun! But next weekend, I have a guest coming. Someone I have not met before – I suspect we will get on fine, but what things are important when you have visitors?

I like to make sure there is a glass of water by the bed. And an alarm clock, and a radio. But not a clock that ticks loudly [confession; one place recently, I hid the clock under a pillow as its tick was keeping me awake!] A selection of magazines and books, and a bedside lamp which is easy to operate. A spare pillow, blanket, and hot water bottle are also useful in the bedroom.

Towels – it’s no fun packing damp towels in a suitcase. A hairdryer is useful too [I try to make sure I tell guests about these two things beforehand – especially if they are coming by train and want to limit their luggage]e prepa

I like to show guests where the tea/coffee/kettle/cups are, in case they get the urge have have a cuppa.

I think that guests who are staying for a few days might like to have a spare front door key – in case they want to go for a walk or their programme means they may get home before me. Information about access to the wifi network is always welcome. It is always good to check if your guests are OK with pets, and if they have any special dietary needs.

I found a really well thought out list here – but I will not be hanging a wreath on the front door [and I cannot afford to change my drapes in the guest bedroom either] I was talking with somebody recently who said he was a little surprised a few years ago when he stayed overnight with a family, and had to sleep in the top bunk in their son’s bedroom [the little boy snoring on the lower bunk!] He had not met the family before, and on reflection felt he should have said “If it’s OK with you, I’d prefer to kip on the sofa”. If at all possible, I think overnight guests should have their own room.

And if you are the guest? Some good tips here. If people are trying to  accommodate you, then it is important to do your best to fit in with them. “Hostess gifts” should never be expected –but are always welcome – flowers, a tin of biscuits, a jar of fancy preserves or a bottle of wine are good choices [do check that your hosts are not diabetic or teetotal first!!]

And I do hope the person reading this who is arriving in KM next weekend has not changed her mind and booked into the Travelodge!

Once Upon A Time…

…a  little old lady left her fine village in the middle of the land, and travelled to the great Capital City. It took many hours on the wide  highway known as the  Emmwunn, and it was very late, and quite dark when her silver carriage drew up in a street near the Castle of the Elephant. She was to stay with two charming young people who lived in an upstairs flat a dusty garret. She had hoped that they would have a grand supper prepared, for she was so tired and hungry. She longed to eat a hot meal and climb into a warm bed.

But no – the table was bare. “Oh take us to the blue and yellow towers in Croi-Donne” they chorused “For we want to see the wonders from over the sea, from the land of Scandiwegia, and eat their strange foods” [and we cannot carry a flatpack chest of drawers on our bicycles]

So the three of them climbed into the little silver carriage and travelled to Eye-Key-Arr, where they ate globes of beef, garnished with jam. And while the young people opened and closed drawers, and debated colours, the little old lady pottered down to the children’s department. For she was young at heart, and spent her days working with children, and was continually seeking new ways to help them learn to read, and count, and be creative.

And her heart sang, as she saw the display of new things they were selling. For in November, she was to be teaching “Traditional Tales” and there, spread on shelves,and dangling from streamers, she found a panoply of storybook characters – soft toys, puppets, and even creatures who metamorphosed into other things

Owls, badgers, hedgehogs, rabbits, fairies, princesses and princes. A set of finger puppets with a castle theatre, Red Riding Hood, plus a huge wolf, which had a tiny grandma halfway down its throat [sinister] and a frog who turned into a prince [strangely gruesome] A stack of animals [the Musicians of Bremen] and lots of mice and rats

She looked in wonder and amazement. Oh the stories she could tell…

There were even dressing up crowns and pixie boots with curled up toes. The little old lady tried on the crowns, and the blue slippers. They were a teeny bit too small [Oh Cinderella, you shall not go to the ball after all] The little old lady had a conversation with the owl glove puppet – to the amusement of children nearby, and she turned the frog/prince inside out and back again, and felt quite queasy, she mused on the lack of Pied Piper to entertain the rats. And she looked at the price tags, and counted the gold pieces in her purse. Sadly, she concluded that maybe just two little finger puppets would have to suffice. She chose a flying green dragon and a piebald pony – which together cost even less than a jar of the mysterious red jam.

Just then, Princess Elizabeth, and her Prince Charming rode up on their trolley, with a treasure chest, and a clock that told both the time and how hot the room was, and soft pillows, and bendy spatulas…and other wondrous things to decorate their castle flat.

They paid for their treasures, and loaded up the little silver carriage, and went back towards the Castle Of The Elephant. And the little old lady managed [for once!] to make her new little black magic box work properly, so she was able to say Goodnight to her Handsome Prince, who was miles away, and tell him what a wonderful family they had and how she had enjoyed her evening.

She forgot the sad things of the day – preparation for SATs tests, mysterious pools of vomit on the classroom carpet, variable speed limits, diversions due to roadworks…Finally she fell asleep and dreamed of her class – 29 bright faces smiling at her, as the children sat round on the carpet for their story, full of flying dragons, and beautiful princesses. 

…and they all lived happily ever after!

[but the little old lady is still thinking about making herself some pointy toed boots and a colourful crown to wear at storytime…]

Killer Kestrels In Kirby?

Now I am no ornithologist – but I am a little concerned about these strange red footprints which have appeared along the pavement opposite the chapel. They are quite large [compare them with my little red clogs…]

What do they mean?

Where are they going?

Is the the yellow diamond grid significant?

Maybe Sesame Street’s Big Bird was here for a Half term Holiday.

If he was, we would have certainly invited him along to have some fun at our Messy Church.

Can anyone enlighten me about these mysterious markings?

Rapunzel And The Rodent

I spent a couple of happy days during half term with the sewing machines. I churned out some fairly boring stuff

• covers for a friend’s bench seat,
• alterations to the bag for some church PA gear
• some gifts [I cannot blog about them yet]
• altered garments [for my friend Kathryn who has done brilliantly on her diet and lost well over 2 stone in weight]

and finally I got to make some more exciting things -the fun stuff included a second Rapunzel dress [for the friend of the child who received the first one] Very similar but not identical

And for the Reception class that I teach on a Friday, I made a tee shirt for their squirrel [he is a puppet, and I believe he is quite good at phonics!]When I had finished my sewing, I looked despairingly at the chaotic Dining Room, and realised that I would have to do some Serious Tidying Up very soon. I’m away this weekend, staying with Steph [another WWDP Day] and the following weekend we have company.

I should say that is not a large tub of Celebrations chocolates- it is my bead store. I do not hoard nuts like the Nutsy, but I certainly have a vast store of beads, lace and threads ‘squirrelled away’ and they frequently come in useful.

I have enjoyed myself enormously working away – and was particularly pleased that I could listen to the serialisation of “Pilgrim’s Progress” on Radio 4 Extra as I sewed. That book is utterly brilliant! John Bunyan was a Roundhead soldier in the Civil War, and came to Leicester. It was here that another man stepped up to take over his duties, and was immediately shot dead – this affected JB greatly “He died in my place”

All in all, a very productive half term!