Made by Me, August

Initially, I was going to post a weekly round up of the 'made by me' clothes. This proved to be rather boring. The weather is such I have been wearing summer skirts, sun hats, and a headband. Therefore, it has switched to a monthly one instead.

• Paris wrap skirt and navy headband
• Kid-silk shawl
• Blue batik wrap skirt
• Red batik wrap skirt
• Crocheted blanket
• Aquas crocheted sun hat
• Navy crocheted sun hat
• Blue headband

The crocheted blanket was 'worn' on a pyjama day. It spent a great deal of time draped over my knees, keeping me lovely and toasty.

Quorn and Butternut Squash Lasagne

Ingredients
1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and thinly sliced
3 tsp ground cumin
olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 courgette
1 tsp ground cinnamon
500g Quorn mince
400g can diced tomatoes
bunch parsley, chopped
500ml béchamel sauce (gluten-free)
Parmesan cheese
cherry tomatoes

Method

Preheat oven to 200C. Line 2 baking trays.

Place the butternut squash slices in the trays, brush lightly with oil, and sprinkle over the cumin. Bake for around 25 minutes, until golden and tender.

Add oil to a skillet, and then sauté the onion. Add the garlic and courgette, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Add the cinnamon, Quorn, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas, and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, and add the chopped parsely.

Layer up the tomato sauce, the butternut squash slices and béchamel sauce. Add a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, and top with a few cherry tomatoes.

Bake for 15 minutes, and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes
Serve with a green salad.

Chicken Burgers

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

1/4 cup of gluten-free oats

1/4tsp curry powder

1/4tsp Italian herbs

1/2 tsp diced garlic

salt & pepper

oil

Method

Add oil to a skillet. Bring to a medium hot temperature. Place all of the ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth. 

Spoon out the chicken mixture into the oil, making three patties. Smooth over the tops with the back of a spoon.

Take the heat down to low, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip over to the other side and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve with burger bun, coleslaw and onion rings.

Salmon Burgers

Adapted from Healthy Living James' Salmon Burgers

Ingredients
500 g salmon fillet skinned
½ cup gluten-free oats 
juice of ½ lemon
¼ tsp curry powder
¼ teaspoon garlic granules
small handful of parsley or chives
freshly ground black pepper
oil for brushing

Method
Chop the salmon into cubes. Place all of the ingredients into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture starts to hold together.

Shape into burgers. Brush one side with oil, and fry for 5 minutes. Brush the other side, and fill. Again cook for 5 minutes.

Notes

Serve on a brioche burger, or with potato salad and a green salad. 

I need to see a doctor!

Many years ago, Little Miss fell and grazed her knee. I cleaned her up, put cream on the graze, and added a magical plaster. This stopped it all from hurting. 

The following day, on the way to church, the plaster fell off. Little Miss was not impressed, and declared, "I need to see a doctor!" Obviously she didn't, but she was insistent.

When we arrived, I saw a friend. "Hi, Phil. You're a doctor aren't you?"  Phil nodded, and replied 'Yes, but my wife is...' I knew what the end of the sentence and I  did not want Little Miss to hear it, so I stopped him mid-sentence. "Are you a doctor?" Of course, 'Yes' was the answer. "Could you please have a look at Little Miss's leg? She hurt it yesterday, and is a little worried." 

Phil examined the proffered leg. "Ah, yes. This must have been rather sore. However, it looks like it is healing nicely. My prescription is ice cream. Have some ice cream, either after lunch or dinner, and that will help."  Little Miss's eyes grew wide, "Okay!" and she ran off to find her friends.

Phil turned to me and said, "You do realise it's my wife that's a medical doctor. I have PhD in agriculture." Grinning, I replied, "If I had any concerns, I would have taken Little Miss  to see a medical doctor. But, she asked to see a doctor, and  did not specify the type of doctor."

Squat-tastic!

I can't believe the difference a few days has made!  

It started off with five very shallow, supported squats. This was painful, and I definitely needed to hang on to the banister for balance. 

Now, on the fifth day of squatting, I am able to do squats like the ones in the image, 10 in the morning, and 10 in the evening. There's no pain, and there's no stability problems. The difference is huge, and it's rather nice to have no pain. 

Exercising Whilst Under the Weather

Yesterday started with a nasty migraine, most likely weather induced. I was about to say, "All I was able to do was 10 medium-ish squats." Let's re-phrase, despite the migraine, I was able to accomplish 10 standard squats. These were done whilst holding onto the bannister for stability. This morning, I managed another 10 squats whilst using a stabiliser.

I dislocated my knee two years ago, and for 6 months it was partially subluxed. This is not a good thing (TM) for knees. There were lots of problems kneeling, and rising from the floor. With the exercise challenge, I decide it would be the perfect time to work on my knees, and get them back in working order.

My plan is to do 10 medium squats a day this week, and then increase to 10 in the morning, and 10 in the evening. When this become comfortable, I'll move on to the exercises in the 28 Squat Challenge. When the pause squat is easy, I'll start doing the single leg squats off a box, and the lateral squat. By that stage, I hope I will be able to work on really deep squats. 

However, I must, must, must not allow myself to try to do too much too soon. This is about improving my long term health and flexibility, not achieving milestones as quickly as possible.

Made by Me Challenge

It has been a lovely change not to 'have' to write a blog post each day. A week off has been good, but tomorrow sees the beginning of a new challenge, 'Made by Me'.  

For the next 100 days, I shall be wearing items I have made, or adapted. I think I shall post a summary at the weekend of the items worn that week. 

When I started thinking of this challenge I thought it would be hard work, but over the last little while I have been making more items, and now think it's going to be pretty easy. To try to make the next 100 days a little more challenging, I'm also going to do an exercise challenge - some form of exercise for the next 100 days. My goal is to cycle for 5 minutes every day, and throw in some other specific exercises for my knees and shoulders.

Over the weekend, we walked along Marine Drive, and I've been cycling. This has done wonders for a sore back.

100 Days of Writing

Reflecting on 100 Days of Writing

It has been very hard to consistently write each and every day. There is a myth that goes around, do a task for 1 month, 2 months, or even 3 months, and it will become a habit. This might be true for neurotypical people, but for this neurospicy individual, it's has not become a habit. It is something I need to remind myself of every day, and it's always a conscious choice.

Most of the time it's been quite easy to find something to write about, whether it's a silly story I've made up, a family story, a new recipe, or new project. It's been easy to write the little nuggets, but much harder to write larger stories, ones that require lots of thought and planning. And, I'm fine with being a writer of nuggets, and mirthful moments. However, I would like at some point to write a book, and some longer stories.

There was one day I was unable to write due to illness. My perfectionism kicked in, and I thought the whole project was in tatters. Thankfully, I listened when I gave myself a stern talking to, and I extended myself the same grace as I would to someone who had missed a day on a project.

There have been other periods when I have missed a day or so, and have later gone back and filled in the missing days. 

I've learned I am not a habit former. I have also learned creativity comes in clumps, and it is highly influenced by my health, tiredness and stress.

A tidy Bedroom

Back in February, I started putting together lists of the decluttering, cleaning and tidying tasks for each room in the house. Having a list on my Kindle meant it was a great deal easier for everyone. 

I didn't have to create a decluttering, cleaning and tidying list from scratch each time. The information was there for people to use, and it was no longer me asking people to do things. Each person could choose which tasks to do from the list in front of them.

This system was working really well, until life became very busy for me. Without me driving things forward people don't think to start using the list.

However, today the Beloved and I did a deep clean of the bedroom. As a result of the previous decluttering, and tidying, it was a huge deal easier to clean today.

I am loving how much simpler life is when we keep on top of tasks. 

Red Lentil Tofu

Ingredients

¾ cup red lentils

1.5 cups boiling water

1.5 cups room temperature water

½ tsp salt

Method

Add your lentils and boiling water to a blender and let that sit for 10-15 minutes for the lentils to cook slightly.

Blend until smooth, adding salt and any spices of your choice.

Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan along with the room temperature water and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. It should take about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the mixture into a container of your choice; this will be your mould.

Let that sit in the fridge for 3-4 hours to set. 

Slice your red lentil tofu into cubes, drizzle on some olive oil and spices, and bake or air-fry until crispy.

Note

The red lentil tofu can also be pan fried, but it will not be as crispy as fried soya-tofu.

New Hair Band

I've made a new hair band, and my curly locks are semi-contained. However, I now look like (well, my hair at least) Deanna Troi from Star Trek: Next Generation. It makes such a refreshing change not to be Hagrid, Weird Al, nor Maui.

The Beloved asked if the hair band will count in the "Made by Me" challenge. Let's see - I identified a need, I designed something to fill that need, and then made it. Yup, I'd say it counts. It doesn't matter it took only 30 minutes to make, I still made it. :o)

The hair band was made on my Atelier 6 sewing machine. I brought it into work this morning for a service, and it is now going to live in the shop. When I am at home, I am very rarely in the mood to climb to the top floor and sit down to sew. Knitting and crochet are far, far more likely. By bringing the machine into the shop, I will use it, and the rest of the staff can use it too.

The hair band was made from a strip of cotton 10x50cm, and elastic 10cm long by 4cm wide. 

Sausage Pinwheels

Ingredients

100g vegan cream cheese

1 level Tsp of onion relish

6 vegan sausages

1 sheet of vegan, gluten-free puff pastry

Method

In a bowl, stir the cream cheese until smooth. Add the onion relish, and then the saucesages. Mix well.

Spread this mixture over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small part of the pastry uncovered along the long edge. Brush some water along that edge. 

From the opposite edge, roll towards the uncovered section.

Wrap the pastry roll in paper, and put in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 220C.

Cut the sausage pastry into 12 or 16 equal pieces, and arrange on a baking sheet. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry has risen and is golden brown.

Notes

The pinwheels can be eaten hot or cold, and can be frozen. 

They make great picnic or party food. They can also be served with a salad as a packed lunch.

Roasted Parmesan Carrots

Ingredients

6 medium-large carrots (approx 700 grams)

70 grams freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano cheese)

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 large garlic cloves minced or grated

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cumin powder

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

handful fresh parsley finely chopped

Method

Preheat oven to 200°C/400℉. 

Peel the carrots, and cut them in half in both directions.

Mix together the oil, grated garlic, paprika, cumin, curry powder, and parsley. Coat the carrots in the flavourful oil.

Sprinkle a handful parmigiano on a non stick oven dish or baking sheet. Dip the flat sides of the carrots into the remaining grated parmesan cheese and place them cheese facing downwards on the baking sheet.

Roast for 20 -25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

Fired for being kind!

I am not impressed, so very not impressed!  Let me tell you what happened, and you can decide for yourself.

Last Saturday, I was leaving town, the traffic was terrible and we'd waited at the traffic lights for two life times at least. The town was busy, and the bus was crazy busy.  

A little old lady got on the bus. But every single seat was taken. People cast a glance at her, her walking stick, and then looked away. Not one person was willing to get up out of their seat and stand so this lovely old lady could sit down.

"Can't be having that!" thought I. Jumping out of my seat, I offered it to her. She smiled and refused. I offered again. This woman was the age of my dear old Granny, and I'd get a clip around the ear if Granny heard I'd let a wobbly old woman stand. The woman grinned at me, touched my arm and said I'd made her day.

Third time's a charm, so I offered again. This time she laughed and agreed.

On the Monday morning, I walked in to work, and Jimmy shouted that the boss would like to see me. Into the office I strolled, not having a clue what was about to happen. "You're fired!  Andy will accompany you to your locker. You will clean out your belongings, and you will leave!"  I spluttered, "What? Why?" The boss stood up, and locked their eyes on mine, "You gave up your seat for an old woman. Get out!"

So that's the story: old woman needed a seat on the bus. No one would give her their seat, so I did. You'd do the same, wouldn't you?

If anyone hears of job openings for a bus driver, please do let me know.

Baked Doughnuts

 Ingredients

120g self-raising gluten free flour

75g caster sugar

30ml vegetable oil (plus extra for greasing)

125ml oat milk

1 large egg

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar

30g unsalted butter (melted)

4 Tsp granulated sugar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Method

Preheat the oven to 180'C.

Grease  a 12 hole doughnut tin well with a little oil. 

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large jug. Mix all of the wet ingredients in a jug. Add the wet to the dry, and whisk until it forms a runny, lump-free batter.

Pour the batter evenly between the doughnut moulds (approx 2Tsp per hole) 

Bake the doughnuts in the oven for 12-15 minutes until well-risen and golden brown on top. 

Remove from the oven and place the tins on a cooling rack while you make the sugar coating.

Mix well the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Pour onto a plate.

Remove the doughnuts from the tin. One at a time, brush the doughnuts with melted butter using a pastry brush, then coat in the cinnamon sugar. Repeat until all coated.

16th July and Inequality

I'm always saddened to see the male/female imbalance on Wikepedia. The activities and lives of men are documented to a far, far greater extent than women. This is understandable in the past due to the ways in which women were excluded from the public arena in many times and cultures. But I had hoped things would have started to improve.

Looking at the entries for births on the 16th of July from 1970 onwards, there are 48 entries. 40 of them men, and 8 women. 33 were listed because of their sporting achievements (30 m, 3 f) and of the rest (most actors, producers and singers) 10 were male and 5 female.

There is most definitely still a huge inequality between men and women in sport (10:1). The sports men are engaged in are seen as being of much greater importance than women's sports.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Nine years ago, things got a little dicey in the shower room whilst I was painting.

I had managed to enter without my Kindle, and my hands were so covered in paint that I would not touch it even if it had been there. This meant I had to make my own entertainment. For some reason I started singing the Twelve Days of Christmas whilst painting. I was doing well until 'four'. It turned out there were 'four something-somethings'. But apart from that the song progressed well until day 10.

It was at that point I really started deviating from the original lyrics. On the 10th day a restraining order was taken out because I was knee-deep in bird poo, had poisoned my family with too many pears and goose eggs. The 11th day was spent hiring a hitman, and the 12th day was spent in the peace of a jail cell.

It is often not a good idea for me to make my own entertainment.

The winds were moaning in the heights

As I was leaving the grocery shop this morning, I heard a piping tone. It was the wind blowing across part of the structure, and causing it to resonate. The phrase, "The winds were moaning in the heights" popped into my brain. It is a mangled version of the Dwarves song from Lord of the Rings, Far over the Misty Mountains. The original is, "The pines were roaring on the heights, The winds were moaning in the night."

This set my brain to thinking about other structures making noises. The first was the Zadar Sea Organ. It is a wave powered organ in Zadar, Croatia. As the tide comes in against the structure, it pushes air through pipes (think pipe organ pipes) and this makes random, but harmonious sounds. Many people find it incredibly relaxing, but I need moments of resolution in music, little times when it all comes together before it opens out again.

I was wondering about other sculptures/structures that make music, and discovered the Blackpool High Tide Organ. Eight pipes connect to the water through the sea wall and link up to 18 pipes in the body of the High Tide Organ. When the tide rolls in or out, air pushed up the pipes causes the sculpture to resonate with its unique music. The sound of this sea organ is more melodious to me than the Zadar one.

Blackpool is not terribly far out of the way when I am travelling to see my parents, and I was starting the get excited about the prospect of hearing this 'musical manifestation of the sea'. Sadly, sadly, the High Tide Organ was very poorly maintained, and only lasted 20 years before it was dismantled in 2022. Part of me wonders if the organ was also poorly designed, at least in terms of the materials used. Outdoor sculptures need to be able to withstand the elements, and when the sculpture is right by the sea, strength and durability need to be planned in right from the start.

Safety First

A migraine was brewing yesterday, until the rain came down, and washed it all away. (Yeah! for beneficial changes in air pressure!)

This morning on the way to work. I realised I was *me* again. What caused this revelation? I saw the pneumatic road tubes. "Every time a vehicle's tires hit the tube, it sends a burst of air that triggers a switch, which then produces an electrical signal that's recorded by a counter device."

Well... I was thinking about getting one of those huge, heavy, lawn rollers, and pushing it back and forth across the pneumatic road tubes.

Naturally, I have completed a health and safety audit. It will be done at 2am, and I'll wear a high-vis jacket.