I doubt I will write that many posts here, given that I must write 3000 words each day....
I have a story in mind....But, where it will lead I do not know, therein lies the joy!
More info soon!
And, to fellow Nano-ers...GOOD LUCK¬!!!!!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
NANO NOVEMBER!
I doubt I will write that many posts here, given that I must write 3000 words each day....
I have a story in mind....But, where it will lead I do not know, therein lies the joy!
More info soon!
And, to fellow Nano-ers...GOOD LUCK¬!!!!!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Halloween!! Nail time!
(By the way, I shall be a pink witch...!)
Don't they look great?The are being modelled by a 3 year old boy! nonetheless.
His mother is clearly very talented, but only does this for a hobby!
Persimmon Jam
I did it!
I made jam and didn't burn my fingers!!
It was so yummy...still is! It's more of a compote than sugary, sticky jam.
On yoghurt, on bread...it's alllllll gooooooood!
So happy with my first real cooking success!!!
(flavoured with lemon juice, lemon zest and a little bit of cinammon!)
How to make this YUM!
1) Peel, pip & pulp the fruit. (this is time consuming. Easy way is to slice the top and cut in half. De-pip , then throw in blender.)
2) I used 2/3 sugar to the amount of persimmon pulp. Simmer and cook in pot (should be a jam pot, but I don't have one).
If you like, add cinnamon, nutmeg or any spice you choose.
3) After about 15mins, add some lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
Don't forget to sterilise the jar before add your yummy jam!
I made jam and didn't burn my fingers!!
It was so yummy...still is! It's more of a compote than sugary, sticky jam.
So happy with my first real cooking success!!!
How to make this YUM!
1) Peel, pip & pulp the fruit. (this is time consuming. Easy way is to slice the top and cut in half. De-pip , then throw in blender.)
2) I used 2/3 sugar to the amount of persimmon pulp. Simmer and cook in pot (should be a jam pot, but I don't have one).
If you like, add cinnamon, nutmeg or any spice you choose.
3) After about 15mins, add some lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
Don't forget to sterilise the jar before add your yummy jam!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A plan for life
Wouldn't it be just grand to actually make a plan, stick to it and achieve the goals set out in it?
I love not knowing what is around the corner, but, I also cannot keep up with myself and the changes I make day by day, minute by minute...but I do love it too!
Planning for the next year is hard, when you know that one little thing may just come along and change everything and I mean EVERYTHING!
That little thing can be a simple phone call, a change of mind, bore from the reluctance to do what you had decided so intently to do in the first place.
Anyway, I write (very briefly) now to exercise my own mind and to record some ideas so that I may remember to actually do them as well as follow their progress to the end!
I have no idea how long we will stay in Japan. I came for one year; I have been here almost 6! I have lived the big city life, I have lived he small city life and I have got married and got a dog and moved to the country!
What is next, I wonder!
We are currently making lots of plans for the future months if not years. We can at least think ahead to 2012 and the things we want from the year.
I am thinking about studying more. I am looking at a masters degree, I am also looking at things like environmental studies too, perhaps a diploma. Sounds like a lot, right? And knowing me, I would sooner take on too much than admit it to myself, so hence the blogging of such sub conscience desires.
I am atrocious for putting too much on the plate and, most of all, not being able to admit that it actually is too much. So, one step at a time. Ideas and thoughts and rants are just that!
I love not knowing what is around the corner, but, I also cannot keep up with myself and the changes I make day by day, minute by minute...but I do love it too!
Planning for the next year is hard, when you know that one little thing may just come along and change everything and I mean EVERYTHING!
That little thing can be a simple phone call, a change of mind, bore from the reluctance to do what you had decided so intently to do in the first place.
Anyway, I write (very briefly) now to exercise my own mind and to record some ideas so that I may remember to actually do them as well as follow their progress to the end!
I have no idea how long we will stay in Japan. I came for one year; I have been here almost 6! I have lived the big city life, I have lived he small city life and I have got married and got a dog and moved to the country!
What is next, I wonder!
We are currently making lots of plans for the future months if not years. We can at least think ahead to 2012 and the things we want from the year.
I am thinking about studying more. I am looking at a masters degree, I am also looking at things like environmental studies too, perhaps a diploma. Sounds like a lot, right? And knowing me, I would sooner take on too much than admit it to myself, so hence the blogging of such sub conscience desires.
I am atrocious for putting too much on the plate and, most of all, not being able to admit that it actually is too much. So, one step at a time. Ideas and thoughts and rants are just that!
------------------------------------------------
On a different note, it is properly Autumn here. The mornings are dark and cold even if the days sunny and bright.
Lots of neighbours are giving us their Kaki fruits (persimmon). To me, it is a sure fired sign of the new season, only now we have so many, I may have to try making some jam! (Be warned, last time I tried making jam, there was pain...pics are on the blog last month somewhere...)
 |
| The name translates to 'Siebold's Stonecrop' |
 |
| The petals are small but plentiful...very cute! |
 |
| The pictures hardly do it justice |
Also, out for Autumn is a lovely flower I had lost hope with - turns out it's a late bloomer!
I bought some daisies too last week - am desperately trying not to neglect the garden, but as it gets colder, I forget so easily to even go outside and feed the flowers.....
Sunday, October 23, 2011
October Daily
I set myself a challenge for this month....that of writing a poem each day....
Having written 23 so far and genuinely one for each day (a couple of times 2 on one day...), I am satisfied but really tired!
Next month is nanowrimo month and I will once again be writing a novel for the month of November. I thought the poetry would be an apt warm up!
So, to which corner have been disappearing? Right there...developing the facebook page and sharing poems with my friends, constantly updating the blog and letting all in sundry see the daily achievements and not writing in this blog here.
I have also been learning a lot about palm oil for some Kalaweit related work and have been working on the Kalaweit In Japan facebook page too, trying to raise awareness here about the use of palm oil.
The latest poem is about just that.
My Writing World - Leonora Sophie (my facebook page)
Fires burn
Fires burn
Nobody cares
Nobody learns
Smoke, no fire
Forests burn
I’ve no desire
To understand and learn
I need soap
I need food
Green doesn’t matter
Feed my greed
Animal’s homes
Natures beauty
Not for me
I’m not guilty.
© Leonora Sophie
Having written 23 so far and genuinely one for each day (a couple of times 2 on one day...), I am satisfied but really tired!
Next month is nanowrimo month and I will once again be writing a novel for the month of November. I thought the poetry would be an apt warm up!
So, to which corner have been disappearing? Right there...developing the facebook page and sharing poems with my friends, constantly updating the blog and letting all in sundry see the daily achievements and not writing in this blog here.
I have also been learning a lot about palm oil for some Kalaweit related work and have been working on the Kalaweit In Japan facebook page too, trying to raise awareness here about the use of palm oil.
The latest poem is about just that.
My Writing World - Leonora Sophie (my facebook page)
Fires burn
Fires burn
Nobody cares
Nobody learns
Smoke, no fire
Forests burn
I’ve no desire
To understand and learn
I need soap
I need food
Green doesn’t matter
Feed my greed
Animal’s homes
Natures beauty
Not for me
I’m not guilty.
© Leonora Sophie
Monday, October 17, 2011
Been a while....
After an loooong absence, I return again.
It's hard to find balance in a world where the house needs cleaning, garden needs tending to, rain forests need saving and we need to be relaxing!
Anyway, we finally gave the garden a bit of love last week and threw down all the seeds we had been hoarding. They have already sprouted...thing is, we can't remember what is what. There is broccoli, green beans and maybe even carrots....we shall watch their progress.
Also, on a similar note, we went potato picking today! Sweet potatoes, which means I have to research some recipes!
Wile the sun is still shining and flowers can still bloom, I promise myself to look after the garden and make things look pretty again.
Oh, and my hibiscus is flowering again! Happy times!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It's hard to find balance in a world where the house needs cleaning, garden needs tending to, rain forests need saving and we need to be relaxing!
Anyway, we finally gave the garden a bit of love last week and threw down all the seeds we had been hoarding. They have already sprouted...thing is, we can't remember what is what. There is broccoli, green beans and maybe even carrots....we shall watch their progress.
 |
| The sprouts look pretty in any case! |
Wile the sun is still shining and flowers can still bloom, I promise myself to look after the garden and make things look pretty again.
Oh, and my hibiscus is flowering again! Happy times!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
JEARS - Fukushima wishlist
We have a new wish list for the Fukushima shelter!!
We urgently need cat food especially.
We urgently need cat food especially.
All the details are on the facebook page, including tutorials showing you how to actually do it!
Thanks for the support!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The return of the Kemushi // 毛虫
Do you remember the alien in our garden? (Alien picture!)
Well, it turns out that this little dude and all his compadres are actually part of the 'kemushi' family.
Kemushi defines the caterpillars with spikes/hairs and are usually poisonous. (Eek!) Imomushi (potato caterpiller!) means just your regular caterpillar.
Well, today I came across the bright green dude again....and a few more.
I carefully got closer for some pictures, and heeded the children's warnings - 'Don't touch!'
I didn't touch him. I just took a few shots.
I got back to school and started itching. Perhaps one of last mosquitoes had bitten me? I showed my co worker and she instantly retracted. I had two dots from the 'bite'.
Apparently, these caterpillars are lethal! I mentioned that another co worker's husband had a rash etc from the black and white kemushi. Well, apparently, this one is just as bad and even standing near the caterpillar when the wind is blowing means you can get 'spiked'.
Wow, now that is some crazy talk.
I didn't take a picture, but around the tree was a whole heap of poop from the caterpillars. There were a few on the ground, dead and alive but so many in the tree.
Needless to say, we will not go to that park tomorrow¬! Autumn winds prevail!
Btw - I washed my wrist, after just a bit of scratching. So far, I am ok! Phew!
Well, it turns out that this little dude and all his compadres are actually part of the 'kemushi' family.
Kemushi defines the caterpillars with spikes/hairs and are usually poisonous. (Eek!) Imomushi (potato caterpiller!) means just your regular caterpillar.
 |
| imomushi |
I carefully got closer for some pictures, and heeded the children's warnings - 'Don't touch!'
I didn't touch him. I just took a few shots.
 |
| kemushi |
Apparently, these caterpillars are lethal! I mentioned that another co worker's husband had a rash etc from the black and white kemushi. Well, apparently, this one is just as bad and even standing near the caterpillar when the wind is blowing means you can get 'spiked'.
Wow, now that is some crazy talk.
I didn't take a picture, but around the tree was a whole heap of poop from the caterpillars. There were a few on the ground, dead and alive but so many in the tree.
Needless to say, we will not go to that park tomorrow¬! Autumn winds prevail!
Btw - I washed my wrist, after just a bit of scratching. So far, I am ok! Phew!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Walking the dog...
Walking Elbi always has its moments good and bad.
The other day, I was desperately trying to bag a poop when a lovely local lady decided to befriend my husband and myself. I eventually got the poop into the bag and was able to make some sort of conversation with her, ignoring the smell!
I have posted pictures before of our walks here, but I have to share more. Today, we were gazing at the clouds and saw a sword fish, but it quickly changed as we moved along. We were also lucky enough to catch this formation in the sky today....A FLYING TURTLE!!!
It's such a peaceful image, isn't it?
Unlike a few paces along, when we saw another snake in the road. I'm not sure how he died, but he was definitely dead and just lying there waiting for the birds to attack. Poor bugger.
The other day, I was desperately trying to bag a poop when a lovely local lady decided to befriend my husband and myself. I eventually got the poop into the bag and was able to make some sort of conversation with her, ignoring the smell!
I have posted pictures before of our walks here, but I have to share more. Today, we were gazing at the clouds and saw a sword fish, but it quickly changed as we moved along. We were also lucky enough to catch this formation in the sky today....A FLYING TURTLE!!!
Unlike a few paces along, when we saw another snake in the road. I'm not sure how he died, but he was definitely dead and just lying there waiting for the birds to attack. Poor bugger.
And, then, to round off yet another (busssssssssssssssssssy) day, there was a beautiful sunset over in the west. Goodnight sunshine.
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