Of licenses, liars and scrambled eggs

She came into the kitchen, clearly distressed, and asked, "Do you vear licenses?" pointing at her eyes. "Umm....ye-e-s..." "So could I pliz have some of zat liqvid to clean mine?" Then the penny dropped.  Lenses.  Contact lenses.  I had taken a flyer and thought that our Ukranian house guest was talking about prescription spectacles.  This … Continue reading Of licenses, liars and scrambled eggs

Unicorns, bunnies and fishes: a reality check

I’ve not had a rant for a while.  My last few rants were more than a year ago.  I railed against aspects of the restrictions associated with the lockdown.  Truth be told, I was probably railing at the virus itself.  As if it gives a damn.  I might come back to that but I suspect … Continue reading Unicorns, bunnies and fishes: a reality check

Is it a scone? Is it a biscuit?

Nearly two years ago, and when the world was first locked up, and as mother survived, I had to confront the very real possibility that I might have to actually bake something.  Probably bread.  I wasn't ready.  The entire process from the kneading to the proving and everything in between, terrified me.  I'm also (if … Continue reading Is it a scone? Is it a biscuit?

Fishing, shmishing…whatever…don’t get had!

Wednesday began as it usually does.  With dustbins and shopping lists.  The former is The Husband's job and the latter is a kind of joint effort that starts with meal planning (yes, I know I've promised...it's on another list...) and culminates with his famous spreadsheets.  He "translates" the paper scribbles, notes prices and, well, generally … Continue reading Fishing, shmishing…whatever…don’t get had!

A saint, lavatories and life

"Don't close the door," the mother said. The three year old trundled up the grass banks to the ablution block, chose a stall, and closed the door.  It was a door with a staple handle and a ball and socket closure.  The three year old was not inclined to sit and perform with the door … Continue reading A saint, lavatories and life

Halloween: memories from the past, and not-too-distant past

When I grew up, Halloween wasn't a thing. And it was. In the 1970s, Halloween didn't feature on the South African calendar. Somehow, though, it was always mentioned in our house. By my father. It had been a thing in his childhood and he'd talk of the night the spirits fly. He believed in things … Continue reading Halloween: memories from the past, and not-too-distant past

Carrots – yes ways – three ways

Foreword This post first appeared in 2015, and since then, the recipes have gone through a number of developments/iterations/whatever word you'd like to choose.  Originally, it was carrots, two ways.  Now, I've added a third. Growing carrots Our soil is rocky and very clayey.  Certain root vegetables grow, but very differently from what one would … Continue reading Carrots – yes ways – three ways

Marvelous Malva

I can't remember the first time I ate this dessert.  It's one of our favourites - when I "do" dessert.  I don't often.  I don't have a sweet tooth.  I am was not much of a baker.  My chef friend and market pal reckons mine are among the best she's tasted.  I brimmed with pride … Continue reading Marvelous Malva

Sunday Suppers: A season past?

Around May 2017, around the time, my regular blogs became increasingly sparse, as one chapter in my life ended, and others began.  One of these was Sunday Suppers @ The Sandbag House. Two years later we were still doing it. Menus went out weekly to a WhatsApp group and via various social media and e-news … Continue reading Sunday Suppers: A season past?