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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Living well in the urban village

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« In My Kitchen, May 2015
Spanish Chorizo and Potato Stew »

Interesting Times

May 3, 2015 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

There is an old Chinese curse…”May you live in interesting times”. (Actually, it’s apocryphal, but an apt way to start this post.)

The second half of April was indeed an interesting time. My poor mum fell and broke her wrist, requiring surgery on the same day that Small Man started his HSC mid-year exams. Which coincidentally happened to be the same day the huge Sydney storm hit (it lasted three days). The weather dropped fifteen degrees overnight and our gas heater died, joining the long list of breakages we’ve had in the last six months – the dishwasher, oven, airconditioner, microwave, alarm and our entire computer system have all needed repair or replacement.

Later that same week, we had a massive hailstorm (be warned, the video below is very loud). The hail obstructed all the gutters and drains on the roof, causing the skylight in the kitchen to leak like a sieve. The garden was completely shredded, but the chickens were fine. While we were trying to sort out the kitchen, water came in through the bedroom ceiling and soaked our bed.

It was a very interesting week.

. . . . .

Maintaining routine seems to be the only sensible option at times like these.

I continued to bake – I find it very therapeutic – and our overnight sourdough loaves are perfect when things are chaotic. Because they involve so little hands-on effort and prove on the bench while everyone is asleep, they’re easy to fit into our routine, regardless of whatever else is happening. I baked these two loaves to trade with Andy the dishwasher repairman in exchange for a new seal on the powder dispenser. I gave him one loaf for the rubber seal, and one for being kind enough to deliver it to us…

. . . . .

Fulfilling a promise I’d made the week before, I bought Grace a $10 pink wig. She refers to it as her mermaid hair. If you ever need to buy a hairpiece, I ordered this one online from The Wig Outlet and found them most efficient to deal with…

. . . . .

On ANZAC Day, after clambering onto the kitchen roof to scrape off hail and positioning buckets under the skylight and hairdryering the bed, we needed a simple dinner. God bless Tanya and her easy Spanish recipes – chorizo tapas and vegetarian arroz caldoso, accompanied by garlic and cheese bread – were quick to make and perfect comfort food for a cold, wet evening…

 

. . . . .

Over dinner, I raised the question of whether or not to cancel a $5 a month data plan on my phone. We’d put it in place when we were last away, but it hadn’t been used much in recent months. I pointed out that $5 was basically a takeaway coffee and it was good to have it there if we needed it.

Then Small Man said, “Mum, that’s $60 a year.”

Big Boy added…”That’s two dinners from the charcoal chicken place…”

Small Man.. “or a dozen games at the next Steam sale…”

Big Boy…”or eighty coffee pods…”

I can’t tell you how happy that conversation made me. It was reassuring to know that they’ve listened and absorbed the conversations we’ve had over the years about living within our means. Our sons never take anything for granted. I honestly couldn’t be any prouder of them. Needless to say, I’ve cancelled the data plan.

And you know, that three minute conversation was all it took to make everything right again. To readjust my brain and see the day as exciting rather than arduous, to give thanks for warm food shared with a loving family, to sit back and hold Pete’s hand and watch our sons animatedly converse over dinner as they always do.

. . . . .

Even during the most interesting of times, life is always grand!

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Posted in Food & Friends, Frugal Living, Garden, My Photos | 129 Comments

129 Responses

  1. on May 3, 2015 at 12:24 am Marisa

    Oh my! Wishing you a great month of May and btw your bread looks delicious😊


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:33 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! May is already looking more peaceful! :)


      • on May 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm Marisa

        I am glad to hear…all the best Celia!


  2. on May 3, 2015 at 12:31 am Debra Kolkka

    It sounds as though you have been through the wringer. The awful weather in Australia made the BBC news, which is what we watch in Italy. Italian TV is unwatchable.
    I hope your Mum is OK
    .


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      She’s fine thanks Deb! Orthopedic surgery has come so far in the last twenty years – she was out of a cast in 10 days!


  3. on May 3, 2015 at 12:46 am Emilie @ The Clever Carrot

    You know, I’ve been thinking about you lately… this was so beautifully written, I actually have goosebumps on my arms. Although I am thousands of miles away, I can relate to these interesting times oh, so well. I love how Priscilla gives you strength and inspiration during these times both figuratively and literally. And your boys- that was the best part to read. Good on you mum and Pete :) xoxo


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:34 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ah..praise from one of the great writers, thank you my darling friend! I’m still so excited for you! xxx


  4. on May 3, 2015 at 1:20 am Cecilia Mary Gunther

    HORRIBLE! poor darling.. poor mama, poor garden. And thank you for the overnight sourdough link as it was WHY i popped in this morning. Godzilla son of Priscilla has been divided and shared with Jake! Hope today is better. Touch nothing.. sit very still.. c


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:35 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hooray for Godzilla! So glad to hear the loaves are still making everyone happy Celi! :)


  5. on May 3, 2015 at 1:25 am Misky

    It is a wondrous feeling to know your children are listening. I hope all turns well for you all. xx >


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:35 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Misky, it always turns out well, right? :) Thanks lovely xx


  6. on May 3, 2015 at 2:26 am Manuela

    The weather can be fickle at times! What a lot of hail! I can see why nothing survived, but there is hope of some of it regrowing. I can relate to the water leaking during a storm. It is no fun! At least you got everything dried up and the power didn’t go out! I hope your mom feels better soon and her wrist heals quickly. Your boys are a real blessing to you and Pete!


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:36 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Manuela, we were very fortunate indeed that the power didn’t go out! Mum is well on the mend, thank you! Hope you’re getting some sleep, Mommy! :)


  7. on May 3, 2015 at 2:49 am Selma's Table

    “It never rains but it pours” is also very apt to describe things but so much better to have your glass half full rather than half empty! Hope Small Man’s exams went well, nonetheless and that your mum is on the mend. (I think of her every time I chop off the parson’s nose when I roast a chicken…) Love that you were able to exchange goods with Andy! Grace looks adorable in her wig and your boys are just such a credit to you both, Celia x


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:36 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hello darling, yes, mum is on the mend, Small Man survived, the dishwasher is working a treat now, and Grace is a constant source of joy! Lots of love to you and Jake! xx


  8. on May 3, 2015 at 5:32 am narf77

    As my old dad would have said “Blow me down!” that doesn’t look like hail, it looks like snow Ms Celia! I think you nailed it. We do, indeed, live in “interesting times”. We could all sit around wailing with sackcloth on our heads or we can learn to take pleasure in small delights like knowing that our kids are on the right rails, having someone who you love’s hand to hold and knowing that we have everything that we need, right here, right now and knowing that that is “enough” :)


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:39 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Fran, I love that you understand. I never want to preach, but I wish I could find some way to explain that contentment is a state of mind that we need to always work towards, not something we’re entitled to or something that automatically arrives when certain physical and financial needs are met. x


      • on May 4, 2015 at 3:41 am narf77

        Contentment is such a simple concept that most people don’t get it. Being content and learning to be grateful and appreciate the small stuff and the fundamental stuff is truly the cornerstone to a wonderful life :)


  9. on May 3, 2015 at 5:40 am The Life of Clare

    Gosh! What a time you’ve all had! I hope Elliot thinks like your boys one day. What a great way to teach them to think. I’m so sorry about your mum (I hope she’s ok), you garden and your roof/bed. My thoughts are with you.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:39 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      We’re fine hon, thank you for your concern! It’s still raining now, but nothing is leaking, my mum is well on the mend, and Small Man has finished exams. All good! x


  10. on May 3, 2015 at 5:49 am themateriallady

    Oh dear Celia, you really have been given more ‘interest’ than anyone should have to bear. I hope the future is much more placid, and that you and yours can relax and enjoy life in a much less interesting fashion. You should be very proud of your boys – how sensible you have enabled them to be!


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:40 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kim, thank you – yes, I’m hoping for a very boring May! :)


  11. on May 3, 2015 at 5:50 am lizzybakes333

    I’ve never commented on your blog before, even though I check it every day. I just wanted to say you write beautifully, and you inspire me to appreciate the details of life. I’m really sorry you have had a rough time, but the way you speak of it, with your ability to see the positive, smaller details, really moves me. I bake sourdough because of how easy you made it sound, and I envy the beautiful, friend and family filled life you live. Thank you for your writing, and be well.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:41 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Lizzy, what a lovely comment, thank you for taking the time to leave it. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend filled with warm loaves! :)


  12. on May 3, 2015 at 7:06 am ardysez

    We have had times like that–everything coming at once. You survived with grace and good humour Celia, and I love your family conversation, sounds very much like us and our daughter!! Amazingly similar, actually. Good for us, raising mindful children–and good for our parents raising mindful children!! I do hope your garden recovers and your Mum is well soon. Big hugs.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:41 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      We’re very blessed aren’t we, Ardys! Mum well on the mend, thank you, the garden is going to take a bit longer, I think..


  13. on May 3, 2015 at 8:21 am NapoliRestaurantAlert

    Love the barter for the dishwasher fix. Looks like hail was very bad out your way, didn’t last too long here but yes we also had a few big leaks. My bread is sitting on the bench waiting to be slashed and put into the oven. Have a lovely week.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:42 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Pina, I reckon we could trade bread for all sorts of things, right? :) Your loaves are looking glorious btw, haven’t had a chance to comment on your IMK post yet!


      • on May 3, 2015 at 2:26 pm NapoliRestaurantAlert

        Well if they had to buy one of these loaves they would easily be $8 a pop so definitely some value!


  14. on May 3, 2015 at 9:25 am lambsearsandhoney

    Bugger. What list of calamities. Hope your mum is feeling better.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:43 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks love. Not calamities, just challenges. We’re all good this week! :)


  15. on May 3, 2015 at 9:38 am Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    The old saying ‘when it rains, it pours’ certainly fits here. We’re all here if you need us.

    People said my mother could squeeze a quarter out of a dime and I think you and she have a lot in common. Still, it was a crap week for you and I hope it stops.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:43 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ah you’re a darling, thanks M! I thought of you yesterday when I made a new recipe in my cazuela, will have to put it on the blog as I think you’d love it! :)


  16. on May 3, 2015 at 10:07 am lizzygoodthings

    As Maureen said about when it rains it pours, but in your case that damaging hail storm. I’m so glad that you find comfort in your baking and in sitting down for a meal and conversation with your beautiful family xo


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:44 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks love! We’ve all had a busy few weeks, haven’t we! Hope all is good now on your end too! xxx


      • on May 5, 2015 at 4:47 pm lizzygoodthings

        You know that I adore you… if there is anything I can do, even from here, please let me know xoxo


  17. on May 3, 2015 at 10:35 am Francesca

    Strange weather indeed! I love your philosophy on life- it is inspiring. and I am desperate for some good bread.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:44 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Fra, that’s the problem with baking your own – it’s hard to go back to anything else! :)


  18. on May 3, 2015 at 10:57 am Eha

    Perchance almost the only sentences I remember from my two years ‘doing’ a BEc degree up at UNE in Armidale are ‘opportunity cost of money’ and ‘opportunity cost of time’ . . . your sons well seem to understand both! Bugger of a week for so many on the East Coast and do hope the last two nights of torrential rain have not added to the problems! The best!! Thank the blessed Lord it was not worse :) !!


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:45 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Eha, we’re all good, thank you! No more rain related damage, and I think the worst of the rain might be over.. :)


  19. on May 3, 2015 at 11:17 am Jane @ Shady Baker

    I love your outlook Celia, even when things get a bit messy & tough, You must be so proud of your boys. Trading bread for spare parts just makes sense doesn’t it? Bread certainly keeps us grounded in tricky times, I agree. I hope the coming weeks are a little smoother for you! Happy Sunday x


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:46 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jane, things are always a bit messy and tough, right? I was telling a friend today about what wonderful therapy baking bread is. A batch uses a kilo of flour, which costs me about $1, so it’s very cheap therapy too. And we always have willing eaters! :) Hope you’re having a great weekend! x


  20. on May 3, 2015 at 11:29 am Jan

    Interesting times and extraordinary times Celia. Grace’s big eyes beneath her lustrous, mermaid tresses are so touching – I hope she grows up with your philosophy on life and with as much love as there is around your kitchen table – there must have been a small voice on your shoulder whispering “God bless us, everyone”.


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:46 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jan, there really is. I often sit at dinner with the boys and think about how blessed we are!


  21. on May 3, 2015 at 12:07 pm theintolerantchef

    What a lousy time indeed Celia! I hope your mum is ok and that Small Man did well in his exams. It’s lovely that your boys are so mature and well grounded- you’ve done well mum and dad :) I hope life is a lot more boring for a while, with nothing but pleasant surprises sweetie xo


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:47 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Becca, not a lousy time per se, but definitely lousy timing! :) But it’s all good now, thanks hon! x


  22. on May 3, 2015 at 12:43 pm Joanne T Ferguson

    So sorry to hear life is beyond challenging you and I wish a speedy recovery for your mum. I do hope things improve for you soon! Your breads are beyond wonderful and look forward to tasting them and meeting you one day! Hugs!


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:47 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Joanne, thank you – mum is well on the way to recovery and things have settled down for Small Man, and the house is now dry again inside! All good things! :)


  23. on May 3, 2015 at 12:54 pm Gina Hughes

    You are an amazing person Celia … and it just shows how some simple routines based around food can sometimes save us from all the other “stuff” happening around us … you have a really lovely family, and that is a credit to you xo


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:49 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Gina, thank you – I find the bread baking is very grounding – it stops everything being too strange when there is a regular routine in place! Plus it makes feeding everyone a bit easier when I don’t have as much time to cook! :)


  24. on May 3, 2015 at 1:18 pm Lina

    Yes that storm hit us hard too but at the end of the day all we can do Celia is be thankful we’re safe, our children can still sit at our table & converse with us & laugh & wrestle on the floor & eat SOURDOUGH LOAVES WITH HOT CHICKEN SOUP!
    Your valuable sharing of your days is a treasure . God bless you Celia xx
    P.s. Is there a chance you can upload a video tutorial of the process of your Starter/sourdough loaf?


    • on May 3, 2015 at 1:24 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Glad to hear you’re all ok too Lina! No video, but my overnight sourdough recipe has a squillion photos which might help? Link is in post above. xx


  25. on May 3, 2015 at 2:42 pm hotlyspiced

    I’m so sorry to hear about all the breakages and the ruin the hail did to your garden. And having recently had a leak in my own bedroom, I know how annoying that is. Our roof leaked as well and there was water running down the wall in Alfie’s room – but at least our gas heater was working so I could use it to dry out the room – don’t want mould! xx


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:51 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Charlie, it was a shocker, wasn’t it! Water running down the walls! Our neighbours had a small river in their hallway! :) New gas heater being installed tomorrow! :)


  26. on May 3, 2015 at 3:04 pm Jan (A gluttonous wife)

    That storm in Sydney certainly was bad, sorry to hear about the damage to your place but happy the ladies are all fine :) I just love a barter!! What a wonderful man he must be…and beautiful bread Celia. Jan x


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:52 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jan, he zoomed over on his bike while the sun was shining on Anzac Day to deliver it! Great fun to barter! :)


  27. on May 3, 2015 at 3:43 pm Chica Andaluza

    Oh dear, there’s interesting and there’s interesting :( Sometimes we just want boring! Glad things are getting back on an even keel and so pleased we could be there with you in spirit over dinner! What well adjusted children….we could do with a little bit of that balance right now with a young visitor here ;)


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:53 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Tanya, hope you’re enjoying the visitors! Yes, all smooth at the moment! :)


  28. on May 3, 2015 at 4:28 pm Johanna GGG

    interesting indeed, and challenging – so glad you have your bread that must be comforting in such times – and your family who sound very supportive. The hail storm looks frightening and your breakages sounds stressful – I think you are due some good times – hope they come your way


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:53 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Johanna, they’re *always* good times, just occasionally challenging. Does that make sense? :)


  29. on May 3, 2015 at 4:47 pm Elaine @ foodbod

    Wow! What a month!!! There’s nothing like amazing homemade bread, beautiful family and a pink wig to make things better though is there?!


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:54 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hahaha…that’s so true, Elaine! Although now I wish I’d ordered a pink wig for myself as well! :D


      • on May 5, 2015 at 3:33 pm Elaine @ foodbod

        I think we should all have a pink wig! No one could ever feel down with pink hair! ;)


  30. on May 3, 2015 at 5:44 pm Elizabeth

    What I love Celia, is in the midst of all the calamity, you still bake bread :-) and still sit down with your family and enjoy a meal together… That for me, is a wonderful thing. I think if more families did this one thing, the world would be a much better place… Liz xxx


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:57 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Liz, the hail and the leaking was a pain in the arse, but it was all fine, really. But it was sooo comforting to all sit together and eat a warm meal afterwards! I so treasure our meal times together! :)


  31. on May 3, 2015 at 6:10 pm fergie51

    Oh dear Celia. That certainly is a dumping (not only the weather). Hope your mum is OK and doing well. I assume you used good safety measures on the roof, sounds like it could have been a recipe for another mishap! Cooking and eating comfort food during those times definitely centres us I think. It also gives you time to reflect and appreciate the good times. Ying & Yang! Those spanish dishes sound and look terrific, hope they warmed the cockles of your heart :)


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:58 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Maree, thank you – my mum is well and truly on the mend and it was only on the (relatively) flat corrugated iron roof, we were careful, honest! :)


  32. on May 3, 2015 at 7:12 pm Joanna

    Lovely post darling, bless you and yours always xxx hugs


    • on May 4, 2015 at 8:59 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks lovely! Singing virtual duets with you over twitter helped enormously! :)


  33. on May 3, 2015 at 8:13 pm alison@thisbloominglife

    You made me cry… Again! Big love to you and your beautiful family! Xxx


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:00 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Didn’t mean to do that, hon! :) xxx


  34. on May 3, 2015 at 8:56 pm Glenda

    Celia, you should be banned from posting photos of bread on your blog. They are inclined to give us all an inferiority complex. You are right again.. “Always look on the bright side of life.”


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:00 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Glenda, you bake the most gorgeous loaves so I have no idea what you mean. Btw, I’m waiting for you and Maus to start planting, harvesting and milling your own wheat. :D


      • on May 5, 2015 at 1:24 am Glenda

        Don’t laugh, I am planning on making chestnut flour. :)


  35. on May 3, 2015 at 9:39 pm anne54

    How lucky that you had picked much of what was in your garden! I was in Melbourne, watching the news about the ‘weather’ and horrified with its intensity. Your photos have shown me how devastating it must have been for so many. And then there were those horrible flood in Qld. 😦 So pleased that your Mum is on the mend. I hope that the next month is very smooth.


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:01 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Hi Anne, thank you for the kind thoughts. The garden will recover and mum is doing well! I’m hoping for a boring month! :)


  36. on May 3, 2015 at 9:56 pm Nic

    never rains but it pours…wasn’t it something! Looking back at the photos it all seems incredible and already a long time ago. We do hope your Mum is back on deck very soon. xxx


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:01 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Nic, didn’t we take a bucketing! Glad you guys were ok too! xxx


  37. on May 3, 2015 at 11:03 pm thecompletebook

    Oh Celia, so sorry to hear about your mom’s wrist and all of your damages – we also recently suffered a leak in our bedroom – think we have got it mended now – very stressful for me, my Pete on the other hand says ” we will just fix it, we are safe and warm and dry so nothing to stress about.” Got to love my Pete and your positive outlooks.
    Have a splendid week ahead.
    :-) Mandy xo


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:02 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Mandy, we should give thanks for both our Petes, they’re a calming influence on us both! :) Much love to you both x


  38. on May 4, 2015 at 12:41 am Kari @ bite-sized thoughts

    I think that ‘interesting times’ can be overrated during weeks such of yours. I’m so sorry to hear about your mother, and the storm damage – never mind coinciding with the start of exams. I hope that all are / everything is recovering.

    I loved the conversation on the better use of that $5 / month too :)


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:04 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kari, thank you – aren’t they cute? I love the fact that they understand the concept of money being a limited resource and needing to decide how it’s going to be spent. I think if they understand that it’s about choice, then it doesn’t matter what they choose to do with it. Does that make sense?


  39. on May 4, 2015 at 2:35 am carlosvandroemme

    That is a lot of hail! I hope the weather behaves better in May! Take care, Carlos


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:04 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! I hope so too! :)


  40. on May 4, 2015 at 5:14 am Eva Taylor

    Wow, hail! Do you get hail often? Your cooking sounds wonderful, I’d love to have smelled that chorizo cooking! The bread looks amazing too.


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:06 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Eva, hail is rare here, which is why our houses aren’t really geared up for it. Heavy rain we can shrug off quite easily, but hail blocks up the big box gutters designed to funnel rain into the water tanks! :) And thank you – it was a really great meal after such a big day! :)


  41. on May 4, 2015 at 8:05 am ale

    OMG!! I hope May being a better month for you all. Your rice look yummy!!


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:06 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ale, thank you, it’s such a delicious recipe! Tanya has the best Spanish recipes on her blog!


  42. on May 4, 2015 at 9:56 am MamaD1xx4xy

    Sorry to hear about all your miss luck lately. Life does have a way of working out though, how wonderful that your sons are learning so much from you. You are my inspiration with our boys! Just this last week alone we had an emergency room visit for my husband and my oldest son got three stitches on my busiest day yet. Somehow we survived it all and are just fine. Sleep deprived maybe, but otherwise fine!


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:08 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ah Gretchen, sounds like you’ve been in the thick of it too. I’m glad to hear everyone’s ok, but two visits to emergency in the one week is a big thing! Hope you get some sleep this week! x


  43. on May 4, 2015 at 11:50 am Nancy |Plus Ate Six

    You had it all going on in April didn’t you Celia – I had no idea. And yet you still found the time to help me out with Lucy Lui. You are one of life’s treasures you know that right? I had no idea the hailstorm created so much havoc. Here’s to a kinder May x


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:09 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Nancy, you’re very sweet, but it was no biggie, I’m just glad you were able to rescue Lucy! xxx


  44. on May 4, 2015 at 12:56 pm Jennifer from Milk and Honey

    Hope May treats you better than April did Celia. I heard the storms were big, but it’s always a shock when you see damage they can do.


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:10 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jen, thank you, the garden is already starting to grow back – think we might go out and throw in some more seed soon! :)


  45. on May 4, 2015 at 2:39 pm Soapy Tales

    I love your attitude to life Celia. It’s obvious that you and Pete are passing on these attitudes to your children. The world needs many more people like you:)


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:11 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Jo, that’s a very kind thing to say, thank you! Stuff happens, right? But in the end, everyone was safe and warm, so it’s all good. :)


  46. on May 4, 2015 at 3:46 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Sorry to hear about everything that you guys have been through. “Interesting times” is such a polite way to put things isn’t it? I hope that the rest of the year is smoother for you. And of course the boys listen-they’d be crazy not to heed the wise words of their parents xxx


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:12 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks lovely, new gas heater installed tomorrow, so we’ll be warm and ready for winter! Hope you and Mr NQN are having a great May! :)


  47. on May 4, 2015 at 4:31 pm EllaDee

    The G.O. and I often send up quiet prayers for no news. Because no news is good news, and far more common than good news and much easier to deal with than bad news. So I wish for you good news, but if not good news then no news.Interesting times fall somewhere in the middle, and are an inevitable part of life. You have your priorities right :)


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:14 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      ED, you guys had a huge amount of rain too, hope all was fine at your place! And thank you, yes, a little bit of no news would be great for the next little while! :)


      • on May 5, 2015 at 6:05 am EllaDee

        Thanks. We were away, and had no idea of what had occurred until a friend posted a FB pic of our street near the building where my car is parked… but all was well :)


        • on May 5, 2015 at 6:25 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

          Oh yes, you said that in your earlier comment, sorry. :) Glad it was all fine. There was literally a river down the main street of Haby – a friend of mine who was in the shops at the time couldn’t cross the road! :)


  48. on May 4, 2015 at 6:39 pm ramblingtart

    I’m sorry to hear about the awful hail you received! I hope your garden survived OK. XO Your sons sound like they’ve really internalized your values of living within your means. It’s something I value as well. :-)


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:15 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! I hope you’re right and they have internalised just a little bit of what we ramble on about, but all we can do is try to set an example I guess and hope they notice! :)


  49. on May 4, 2015 at 9:02 pm Stefanie

    Sorry to hear about your mum Celia, hope she is recovering well. Your poor garden :( Smart boys you have Celia, they must have a smart mum :) xo


    • on May 4, 2015 at 9:16 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Stefanie, yes she’s well and truly on the mend. Poor garden indeed, but it will recover! xx


  50. on May 4, 2015 at 11:47 pm Anne Wheaton

    Are you sure the dishwasher man isn’t sabotaging your dishwasher seals just to make sure he keeps getting loaves of bread? I didn’t realise you got weather like that in Sydney and am now wondering why (on this glorious sunny day) my sister, who is visiting from Sydney, keeps complaining about the cold.


    • on May 5, 2015 at 6:26 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Anne, for us Sydney-siders, anything much under 25C is cold. :) I met an older Scottish lady last year who was complaining about the Sydney “heatwave” at 28C! :)


      • on May 5, 2015 at 7:25 pm Anne Wheaton

        That is a heatwave!


  51. on May 5, 2015 at 1:33 am sallybr

    Celia, I think you’ve had enough interesting times to last you for 10 years! May your future be very bland and boring my comparison… ;-)

    thinking of you, and really hoping that things will improve on all levels for you, my dear…


    • on May 5, 2015 at 6:27 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Nah Sally, I haven’t had an encounter with a skunk yet! :) All is fine, thank you, onwards we march, as they say!


  52. on May 5, 2015 at 3:03 am Kim Bultman

    Celia, I was just about to read your IMK post when this one caught my eye… heavens to Besty, girl! You’ve certainly lived an “interesting” life lately! SOOOO much to contend with all at once… somehow mermaid hair and beautiful bread and dinner-table conversations sound like the best way to cope, xo.


    • on May 5, 2015 at 6:28 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      You’ve taught me well, Kim! And really, everything was fine, it was just all happening at once, but now it’s calmed down again! :) Thanks for your concern darling x


  53. on May 5, 2015 at 7:06 am no1ladykay

    Oh my goodness. What a day(s)! Hope your Mum is ok and Small Man is getting to the end of exams. It’s typical for lots of appliances to break down in tandem isn’t it. Thank goodness for therapeutic baking. Sydney weather can be amazing. I remember being there in 1994 up for a conference from Melbourne. The skies were blue and we were on a ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay. Suddenly the blackest of black clouds filled the sky and unleashed a deluge before clearing to blue skies again within 15 minutes. I have a great photo of the black cloud arcing over the Opera House.


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Kay, thank you – everything is calm and settled now. Mum is out of a cast and well on the way to recovery. Sydney weather isn’t usually*that* unpredictable, but it’s been a bit whacky of late!


  54. on May 5, 2015 at 1:11 pm Gourmet Getaways

    Those Spanish dishes were just perfect during rains or storms! Two yums from us to Tanya! This post was indeed…interesting!

    Julie & Alesah
    Gourmet Getaways xx


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Julie, the Spanish recipes are saving us of late! They’re so easy!


  55. on May 5, 2015 at 7:32 pm Vicki T

    Celia – that’s a lot to go through and I love how you find the bright side! Your boys sound so wonderful and your writing about them makes me smile. Such a credit to you and Pete :)


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:27 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Vicki, thank you! Our boys are such a joy to us, as you know!


  56. on May 6, 2015 at 1:37 am dianeskitchentable

    Oh Celia! I really hated pushing that like button for this post because of the calamities but by the end you had me smiling to myself saying, “That Celia, if anyone can look on the bright side of things it’s that Celia!”. I still can’t believe the weather you’ve had & had to wonder if you really aren’t secretly living here in New England.
    But what a wonderful family you have. Just reading your posts about your family tells me how blessed you are to be surrounded by love.


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:28 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Ah well Diane, you know how it is. It’s hard to feel anything but blessed when we have families like ours! :)


  57. on May 8, 2015 at 2:33 am Emily (Cooking for Kishore)

    Celia, if it’s not one thing it’s another. Sorry about the troubles I know they can be frustrating and I feel your pain, we had a similar winter in regards to everything falling apart(pipes frozen/busted, no water, no heat, no power, leaky skylights etc.), but you’ll pull thru. After all they do say good and bad things happen in threes, so look for that good it’s on its way. Hugs! :)


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:29 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Emily, thank you – it’s all good really, Sounds like your winter was brutal – hope it’s all ok now? Do take care x


  58. on May 9, 2015 at 11:30 am heritagerecipebox

    Sorry to hear about your bout of bad weather and bad luck. Baking and eating well is one of the best things you can do for comfort and normalcy.


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:30 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Clara, thank you – it’s just that we’re so badly prepared for cold weather! We’re quite good at managing heat waves, but as a result not so good at sudden hailstorms! I had a friend who lived in Boston for two years and he told the most amazing stories of having to scrape of a foot of snow and ice off his car every morning before he could go to work! If we had that here, everyone would just stay at home! :)


  59. on May 9, 2015 at 3:20 pm marilynscottwaters

    Oh my friend, sending hugs and good thoughts your way. Sometimes I think that life is like a jewelry store where some one swapped all the price tags. You know what is worthwhile and that is what makes you rich.

    I got a big bowl of “Big Mama” starter rising in the kitchen right now, thanks to you. I can’t tell you how much joy bread baking as brought me. Muwah! Maz. <3


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      It’s ok hon, thank you – I didn’t mean to worry folks. We’re all good here. Can’t tell you how happy Big Mama has made me – she’s turning out the most fabulous loaves for you!


  60. on May 10, 2015 at 5:00 pm Rachel

    Your boys are wonderful! I love hearing stories about them!


    • on May 11, 2015 at 8:31 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Rachel, thank you! They really are! :)



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