The Farewell to Sylv

After Myles left for Goolwa I was left to look after the animals and farm. I wanted to finished the spare bedroom so when Myles returned he had something to smile about after his Mother passed away. For two days I painted, taped, wobbled on a ladder and obviously fell on my tail bone. I'm not sure when I hurt myself but for two weeks I have been unable to sit properly and am living on painkillers.

On Sunday the neighbour drove me down to the airport so that I could join the Cobbing family. He was going to look after the dogs on Sunday, then my parents were coming to stay on the Monday and look after everything. The plane trips were painful and I was glad to see Myles waiting for me at the airport in Adelaide. He had swapped his original hire car for a larger Holden. Unfortunately the seats were terrible and I was in pain for the hour trip down to Goolwa. Upon arriving I was able to give the whole Cobbing clan a big hug and then Shaun, Myles' brother, massaged and cracked my back - which helped. Then I was given beautiful painkillers which really helped.

Shaun had brought his kids along - I hadn't seen Shara, Luke, and Tayla for years. Had they grown? Yes, were they smart asses? Yes. Did I enjoy their company? Yes. The Cobbing boys were naturally upset and I felt it was my job to look after them. Shaun seemed very stressed - He had planned much of Sylv's funeral wanted everything to go to plan - to celebrate a very special lady and his mother. I kept busy over the next few days and was invited to view Sylv. The family were unsure whether they should and I commented that if they didn't now they might look back and wonder if they should of. We drove out to Victor Harbour and while traveling I read that it can be very important to have a viewing. I of course shared that with the car. Upon arriving at the Funeral Directors we all suddenly became upset. Myles and Shaun stayed outside to gather themselves while I went in with the kids and Myles' Dad, Mick. It was a very emotional experience which completely exhausted everyone - I didn't feel it was appropriate to show a lot of emotion because I wanted to seem strong - to help everyone.

Sylv learns to box on the Wii while we all wet ourselves laughing (2008)

Shaun's friends Warren and Lisa arrived early the next morning and helped iron everyone's clothes and generally help out. I cleaned the kitchen and made sure Myles and family were prepared. A couple of painkillers later and we were all ready for Slyv's day. The chapel in Goolwa also serves as a community centre - where Sylv played table tennis - so a very appropriate place to host the event. The family was expecting about 80 people but were overwhelmed by the 140 people. Our best friend Les travelled all the way down rom Sydney and just the sight of him started the waterworks with Myles and brought a tear to my eye. A few minutes later the ceremony started. The Celebrant was fantastic - respectful and humorous. There was a problem with the music starting early and he covered for it "Now, now Sylv, we know you like to party but can you please wait" There were a few chuckles from the crowd. Shaun was amazing - talking about Sylv's life - he only starting loosing it towards the end. While Myles was brief his speech brought most to tears. Mick told a few stories that were humorous - thank goodness I don't think the crowd would have kept it together if there weren't a few laughs. Then the DVD that Myles and Shaun put together was played. I couldn't watch most of it and nearly lost it when I heard John Lennon's 'Imagine'. Sylv had asked me to read the 23 Psalm at the end and I was determined not to cry while doing that. Myles told me latter that I was a little quick but still good. We retired to the local pub afterwards and celebrated Sylv's life over a few drinks. Everyone arrived home safely and we watched the DVD a couple more times until we all had tears in our eyes.

The Cobbing family on the mend

The next day we went to Sylv's favourite restaurant and had lunch. Shaun paid for everyone to visit the restaurant's attached wildlife park - which we thought was crazy until we finished walking around. We all agreed it was good to have that little walk. I took photos along the way - it wasn't until the end that I looked at the family and thought 'they are going to be OK'.

Myles and I left the next morning waving to everyone and promising to talk to them that night. Once out of sight I finally let my emotions out.

Goodbye Sylv. We had some fun didn't we?

Comings and Goings

Again I know it has been sometime since my last update - I have been very busy with visitors and family matters. Firstly let's start with visitors.

The restaurant with the funny signs

Heather was our first returning visitor, the last time was in February. Although Myles has only met Heather a couple of times it seems they have a great time together. Heather treated us to a 'bought' meal - Indian cuisine down at the Jetty restaurant precent.  We walked the strip to decide where to eat. One Indian restaurant had signage stating 'Best Indian Restaurant Coffs Harbour 2010' all the way down to 2002 - naturally it had to be a good restaurant - however there were few people inside. Further along was another Indian restaurant that had signage stating "You pay money you get award - we are the best ask any local" and another "If you don't like our food we give you free Aussie meal". We chose the restaurant with the attitude signage and didn't regret it. It was the best meal we had eaten in Coffs Harbour. On the way home I discovered they used MSG - my face started sweating - next time I'll ask for it without the MSG. Heather left a couple of gifts with us - a pineapple, her aloe vera, and a mookite stone. The Mookite has many helpful properties - by the way I am a skeptic with these sorts of things. One property is that it helps with sleep - so I gave it a go and slept wonderfully. After 2 nights I worked out that Heather had actually left the stone more for Myles as he was having a rough time.

Jane in her PJ's

A few days later our friends Dani and Jane visited for the easter weekend. Dani had stayed in the cottage when almost nothing had been done to the property so I was interested to see her reaction when she pulled up the drive way. After a few hugs we showed them around. Then I cooked dinner and we chatted all night over some wine. The next morning we traveled with them to Dorrigo and had lunch at the local pub. It was another lovely day where Myles and I had more of a holiday then J&D - actually the whole weekend was a holiday for us. On the final night Jane and Dani took us to the Yaught Club for dinner - the portions were huge and the food OK. The restaurant would be better during the day because you get to see the ocean. Jane and Dani were very understanding and supportive of Myles who had learnt his Mother was going to pass away that weekend.

Goodbye Sylv
The day after Jane and Dani left Myles and I started painting the main house's spare bedroom - finally the baby blue was going. After a long day we visited our neighbours for a beer. At 5:55 pm Myles shivered and said
"someone just walked over my grave" to which S said
"That's f*$ked up" and walked away. Apparently S's family were witches and slightly psychic, or is that psycho? Only 5 minutes later Myles received the devastating news that his Mother had died at 5:55pm. Myles flew down to Goolwa is S.A to help his Dad the next morning.

Visitors Coming - Quick Look Busy!

Because I am constantly on the property it is hard to tell if there have been any improvements since moving here. Over the next 4 weeks I will have returning visitors so I need to make sure there the property is looking better than before. The wet season has pretty much ended which means the growth of the plants has slowed down - thank goodness! It also means the temperature and rainfall has been dropping and therefore I can be in the garden longer. Over the last week I have been trimming and weeding in two key areas. Where-as Myles has been using his new chainsaw to cut up firewood for the winter season.

This is the side passage to the rear paddock. Originally it was completely overgrown and basically a goat track. Now I can drive the ute up it and deliver firewood directly to the wood shed - saving so much time. I'm a little bit of a show-off and took the neighbour down to see the area. I was then informed that all the trees in the area are fruit trees. Mulberries, Avocado, Lilypilys (you can eat the fruit), Loquat, Fejoia, and Guava trees have all been discovered and I am sure more will be identified. I just need to trim up more trees to let in the light.

My favourite tree

I had a little help with the ornamental gardens near the house. Originally the whole area was overrun and quite a few snakes discovered. Now they are looking pretty darn special! Hopefully the guests will see the improvement and know I haven't just been baking and getting fatter!

Duck Fat, Southern Style, Biscuits

A few years ago Myles and I made a trip to Dallas Texas. Myles went for work and I followed using frequent flier points. We had one week in Dallas and then 8 days in New York. Who would have thought that Dallas was the highlight of the trip!

Myles would go into work each day leaving me with a car and credit-card. I did a little bit of shopping  but nothing major. However when it came to food Dallas really has the calories, and yum yums. A friend of ours in Australia asked us to take over some gifts for Marie, a family member, who was now living in Dallas. Upon hearing from us Marie invited us over for a BBQ. I normally feel funny about visiting people I don't know but Marie and her husband Robert made us feel very welcome. Aussies think BBQing is all theirs but really it is a Southern American thing. In America they use loads of sugar in their sauces though - so you know it is going to taste great! Marie told us she was going to make biscuits - not to be confused with the English variety. I was keen to see her in action and was gobsmacked when Marie grabbed a can and can opener. How could you bake from a can? I kept an eye on the process and was amazed when pre-made biscuits were produced from the can and simply put on a tray and baked. They tasted lovely but then again anything with fat, sugar and salt would. It wasn't the only time I was shocked with the way you produce food in America. We also managed to see a Opossum in her backyard - possibly one of the ugliest animals in the world!

Later in the week we ordered KFC for two people and walked out with three bags - we couldn't fit everything in - chicken, biscuits, pasta, corn bread, chips etc etc. Myles and I were then invited out with some work colleagues who took us to a Tex Mex restaurant where I discovered my favourite drink - the swirl - basically frozen margarita and frozen sangria swirled together and served from a slushy machine. Oh memories!

When in New York we travelled to Coney Island and ate at 'Nathans' - apparently the birthplace of the hot dog. The cheese on the hot dog was poured from a beer tap? Unfortunately that is not a rare occurrence in the U.S! The meat also came from the magic tap - it didn't taste so good.

Anyway today I thought I would make some Southern Style Biscuits but with duck fat. For those who don' know, Southern biscuits are like scones but made with fat instead of butter. You smear them with butter when they are hot - yummo!

Steve's Duck Fat Biscuits
3 Tbspn of Duck Fat
1/2 cup of plain yogurt
1 pinch of Salt
1/4 cup of sugar
2tspns of Paprika
and about 2 cups of self raising flour - enough to

mix everything together in a bowl. Then tip out on a bench and knead slightly. Work the mixture to deside if it needs more flour. Add more if the mixture is sticky and continue to knead until the mixture is smooth to look at and soft and googy without being sticky.

Roll out and cut into shapes. Place on baking paper and then on a baking tray. Bake at 200 degrees celsius for about 20 minutes or until brown on top. You will find the biscuit is flakeyisk <that's a new word>

As Sweet As Candy

Finally Myles had a weekend at home - over the last few weeks he has either been away for work or visiting his family. While I often like to be alone the work was mounting up and I was a little over cooking, cleaning, and farming at the same time. On Friday Myles got himself ready for a weekend of woodcutting and wood stacking - in time for winter. He went down to the shops and bought a brand new chainsaw that was smaller than our regular one - so he could work longer. I had also asked him to cook dinner because I was shattered after clearing the side passage so that the ute could easily drive up it. I snoozed for a couple of hours and woke when Myles started cooking some sort of pasta dish. I'm leaving it at that incase he reads this and thinks I'm ungrateful. Dinner was finished and I went back to bed for a restless sleep - not sure why.

We woke to hear the rain teaming down. Not appropriate weather to be working outside so we went shopping - after he made me perfect poached eggs on toast! We had invited our neighbours over for a movie and dinner so needed some groceries and we thought we would have a look at some baskets to hold firewood. After being out for 3 hours we returned with a basket and assorted items to fill the house, plus food!

Tonight Myles, yes Myles, will be roasting chicken on our rotisserie. He is this blogs guest chef - frankly speaking roasting is all he ever does! But he is darn good at it.

Paprika Chicken

The Chook is stuffed and stabbed!

Clean the chicken and stuff it with breadcrumbs, pasty, salt, pepper, and wine.
Ensure the chicken is dry - use paper towel.
Mix paprika, salt, pepper, honey, garlic, and lemon juice together and then smear all over the chicken.
Then stick the rotisserie rod up the chooks bum and out the front. Cook for about 1 1/2 hours.

I thought we had better snack on something - so tonight I will be making homemade crunchy bite.

Steve's Homemade Crunchy Bite

Before it is broken up and dipped in chocolate

Mix 100g of sugar and 4 tbspns of golden syrup in a pot. Let the mixture boil over a medium heat until it changes to a darker colour. You can also test it by putting a drop of the mixture in cold water. It should be solid, or tough chewy. Then put half a tspn of vinegar in and mix gently.

Finally add 1 1/2 tspn of bicarb soda and mix it quickly - it should froth up at this point. Ensure you have a tray lined with baking paper ready and pour the mixture in. Then wait for it to set - about 20mins.

Finished

Finally melt down some chocolate over a double boiler. Break up the crunchy into bite size pieces and coat in the chocolate - ensure the plate you use is cold so that the chocolate sets.

The meal was yummo! Good work Milo.

Kids and Chocolate Cake

The neighbours have visiting kids who have been checking out all the wildlife and generally having a laugh. They are between the ages of 6-9 - a great time to be a kid! At 9am we heard the kids making some noise and scratching their stomachs. Apparently scratching your stomach attracts wallabies - or so the kids had been told! We were invited to a BBQ with the visiting family. The youngest asked me
"Mr Steve we heard you make nice cake, can you please make some for us?"
It's not that difficult to make cake so I thought why not. They asked for a chocolate cake but I thought I would make a plum sponge - a childhood favourite. When I opened my pantry and looked at what was available I changed my mind and thought the chocolate cake would be better. But not a normal chocolate cake.

Steve's Mosaic Chocolate Cake

Basically a black forest gateaux mixture - however I did put more cocoa in it and I think that made it a little dry.

Then I whipped up some cream and melted down some chocolate. I put some of the melted chocolate into the whipped cream - along with extra sugar and whipped it further. That made the frosting.

I thought I would be tricky and make some chocolate scrolls for the top. That means tempering chocolate - which I have never done. So I heated the chocolate up to the right temperature and then then spread the chocolate on some wax paper to start setting. The chocolate was too warm so I let it sit 'till it started to harden. Unfortunately I left it too long and it went too hard to manipulate, and I didn't have a hairdryer to warm it slightly. So the idea for the scroll was thrown out the window and I decorated the cake in a mosaic look and put some dried off frozen berries in the middle.

I think with a little more work and better chocolate it would be nicer. The photo doesn't really do it justice.

Scrubbing the decks and my new toy

When Myles and I bought this place the decking around the house was a real mess. After careful inspection we realised that no much was holding it up - actually someone had shoved a piece of wood underneath one part - leveraging against the septic tank - nice workmanship! So we decided it was a priority to get the deck fixed first. Especially as I knew I was just going to be sitting in the sun with a G&T - WRONG!

The finished decking at dusk - when I finished it

We love natural timber - the previous deck was painted green - yuck. So after all the beams were replaced marbo timber was used to deck the area. Marbo was chosen due to its high resistance to termites and low maintenance. Our builder had a couple of helpers when he first started the work but once the beams were laid down those workers had an emergency and could help with the completion of the job. He was working by himself which was taking much longer than he anticipated and he couldn't get any other labourers. The builder then brought his wife along to help out - she was lifting heavy beams and bossing him around. I felt sorry for her until she said it was better than looking after their twins! LOL

Once the deck was finished I oiled it up - making it look fantastic. 6 months later it was looking tired. Today I scrubbed the deck clean with an acid wash and then applied 2 coats of the decking oil. It looks new again - dogs are banned from the deck for a couple of days! We bought a large table and 8 chairs to fit on the deck - they needed oiling to - after oiling them I never want to see timber chairs again!

The New Toy

I hadn't been shopping for awhile but always look online at company catalogues. I spotted a meat cutter from KMart at only $45. I stopped buying pre-cut cold meats when we moved here. The price, compared to 'whole meats', was ridiculous and we were eating a lot of sandwiches. Cutting the meat was never going to be as fine as a deli. But now I have this baby I will be cutting everything - hopefully apart from a finger - like bread, meat and cheese.