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Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

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« Bits and Pieces, August 2020
There is no such thing as a free sock… »

Everything Changes

October 4, 2020 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Everything changes…and that’s a good thing!

Apologies for the radio silence, but a lot has been happening here.

After twenty years in a busy admin role, I have finally retired, and much of the last month or so has been taken up with the handover. It was a very happy decision (a surprising number of people have assumed otherwise) and one which was made possible in part by this frugal, make-do, semi-sustainable lifestyle that we’ve been sharing with you over the past decade.

I’m pretty excited to see what comes next!

For now, though, I’m enjoying the time to meditate, walk the park with Small Man, and create things with my hands. 2020 has been a shitshow of a year and I’ve been feeling battered and worse for wear. Time to concentrate on shoring up my psyche and finding ways to serve the community. The great Muhammad Ali once said “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” It’s time to pay the rent.

So what does this all mean for Fig Jam and Lime Cordial?

I suspect you’ll see an increase in posts on sustainability and community, as well as ideas on living frugally in retirement. Baking and cooking, of course. Expect randomness as well, because sometimes it’s just nice to pop in and share what I’m up to with you all. Oh, and lots of posts about mending and repair and creating things, because they’re the things which truly spark joy in my life.

I put the word out recently that I was taking on basic mending projects (I’m not a dressmaker, so alterations more complicated than hems are beyond my ken), and was overjoyed to have pieces dropped in by friends and neighbours. None of these will go to landfill this year!

My neighbour Sharon has as much trouble throwing things away as I do! Her sons are tough on their clothes, but these teeny pants still had a lot of life left in them, if not knees…

So I machine patched them with little foxes, cut from a $1 scrap of vintage flannelette found at The Sewing Basket (if you’re a Sydney stitcher and haven’t been yet, you’re missing out!)…

My farmer friend Ian and I are playing a game of mending chicken with his old Wrangler jeans. I mend them; he trashes them (not deliberately, of course). I’d mended them twice already when the butt wore out. I convinced him to let me have another go…

Et voila! All patched and ready for another six months on the job. I did warn him that he’d need to wear them with a belt now because they were starting to get seriously heavy…

Here they are on the job, drenching sheep…

My wonderful young friends at The Carpenter Cafe in Leichhardt are now roasting their own coffee – they very kindly gave me their surplus hessian sacks. I shared half of them with my neighbours for use in their worm farms…

And turned this one into little useful bags…

Anna made them look good!

Finally, we’re still sewing masks for charity! We’ve donated three batches to Addi Road, and last week, we made some for the Exodus Foundation who support the homeless and disadvantaged…

Production time for the last batch was greatly reduced because my neighbour Johnny who owns an acrylic fabrication business made me cutting templates…

And of course, the Friday Night Finishing Crew (Kevin and Carol) came over to complete the job!

. . . . .

Happy days! It’s nice to be chatting with you all again. Hope you’re all having a brilliant weekend! ♥

 

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Posted in Food & Friends | 50 Comments

50 Responses

  1. on October 4, 2020 at 10:21 am sallybr

    Congratulations, and best of luck in this wonderful new phase in your life!


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:13 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you, darling friend 😘


  2. on October 4, 2020 at 10:23 am onecreativefamily

    So glad to hear we have another member to the retirement family. It took us about a yr to get to a relaxed routine and even some days sleep to 8am. Sound like you are enjoying life these days. Great to hear.


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:12 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you! Not feeling relaxed yet but I’m hoping it will come!


      • on October 5, 2020 at 6:03 am onecreativefamily

        It will, just takes a while.


  3. on October 4, 2020 at 10:43 am The Passionate Pantry

    YOU are a total inspiration Celia … I have followed you for a long time … initially because of all your wonderful ways with food, but I have also loved your more recent musings on all the amazing crafts you are finding yourself in … just proves what is possible.

    And I adore that saying of Muhammad Ali “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” So true!

    I’m so looking forward to being able to continue learning where you are up to in life … it is always such a rewarding – and encouraging – read! xo Gina


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:12 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Gina, you’re always so kind, thank you! xx


  4. on October 4, 2020 at 10:48 am Maree

    Congrats on your retirement. I’m sure you will throw yourself gleefully into many wonderful projects. Love the little hessian carry bags and well done with the masks!


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:11 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks darling one! I’m NOT starting a sourdough bakery though! 🤣


  5. on October 4, 2020 at 10:48 am Manuela

    Those jeans are very useful! Lots of life left in them yet. They look very stylish with all the patches!


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:11 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      M, they’re fun to keep alive but they keep getting heavier and heavier… 😉


  6. on October 4, 2020 at 11:07 am jennybell58

    Welcome to retirement. You’ll love it!


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thank you!!


  7. on October 4, 2020 at 11:09 am Kate Serrurier

    Great idea to retire Celia. Have a look at my Facebook blog ” Cremona Hillside Farm” where I write a weekly column of foraging, farming, fossicking and frugavoring.I retired seven years ago at 60 ( ill health) and have just LOVED living on the smell of an oily rag. I have met so many wonderful fellow travellers and happy frugavores. We share and laugh and reinvent and have a heap of fun! Been a regular reader of what you write for a few years now…and look forward to hearing about your use of extra time.


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:10 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks Kate! There’s something sooo satisfying in knowing we can survive on very little, isn’t there? It’s freeing! I’m not on FB but I’ll try to check out your link.


  8. on October 4, 2020 at 11:14 am sandyt1408

    best wishes and lots of success with your latest lifestyle choices.


    • on October 4, 2020 at 11:15 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Thanks lovely Sandy! I’m really looking forward to it!


  9. on October 4, 2020 at 11:38 am Susan

    SERIOUSLY??? You have been working the whole time you were baking/tempering chocolate/sewing etc etc etc??????? now I feel like a real slacker :) must tell you though, retirement is underrated :) Took me about a year to ‘settle’. But what wonderful news, best wishes :)


    • on October 4, 2020 at 12:16 pm Donna G

      I agree, I just assumed you didn’t work as you are so busy with all your great activities, how could you possibly fit in working as well? Enjoy your retirement and we look forward to seeing what you get up to.


  10. on October 4, 2020 at 11:48 am Christine (FoodWineTravel)

    Wow, you’ve been busy in your retirement, Celia. Love the foxy patches and the hessian bags – I bought a similar bag in north Queensland last year, also made from a coffee sack, in a rehabilitation project for prisoners. Enjoy your retirement.


  11. on October 4, 2020 at 11:51 am www.corneliaweber-photography.com

    Celia, enjoy your well deserved retirement , thank you for sharing this brilliant quote of Muhammad Ali.


  12. on October 4, 2020 at 11:52 am Anne

    Absolutely love your blog over all it’s many and varied subjects after initially being hooked years ago with your magic cooking ❤️.
    Have a wonderful happy, productive retirement, being the special person you are it will be a busy and rewarding and all your followers will love to hear what’s happening


  13. on October 4, 2020 at 12:20 pm hellocarolbaby

    Congratulations! How exciting!

    I’m wildly envious of your retirement and looking forward to reading more of your frugal adventures <3


  14. on October 4, 2020 at 1:24 pm Cookie1

    I found it took me over 12 months to fully relax after retirement. Enjoy.


  15. on October 4, 2020 at 1:48 pm SUSAN WEATHERHEAD-MENARY

    so so happy for you and your ‘retirement’ from admin and transition to be able to make things . congrats.


  16. on October 4, 2020 at 2:08 pm Diane Campbell

    Flabbergasted. Wondered for years how you managed to fit all you do into a day and didn’t realise you had a paid job as well!! More time to write now, excellent. Love the mends


  17. on October 4, 2020 at 3:26 pm johanna @ green gourmet giraffe

    Congratulations on your retirement – it is fantastic that your careful lifestyle can help you retire and give more to the community. I am slightly jealous because retirment is a long way away for me (I hope) but my work life is giving me satisfaction even if it sucks so much time and energy. As I have learnt the art of sourdough bread making and darning from you (among other things) I look forward to continuing to learn and find inspiration here.


  18. on October 4, 2020 at 4:29 pm Sue R

    Very happy you are about to retire because after my outback adventure last month I can’t wait to get back there but what a loss to us all not having you around on here Celia! Pop in and say hi sometime if you can. You’ll be missed.


    • on October 4, 2020 at 4:41 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I’m not retiring from the blog, just from my day job! 😉


  19. on October 4, 2020 at 5:32 pm Diane Campbell

    PS pretty sure that the late Queen Mother came up with the crack about “Your
    work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on
    earth.” “http://www.quotehd.com/quotes/elizabeth-the-queen-mother-quote-your-work-is-the-rent-you-pay-for-the-room-you-occupy” but I love the idea that she was an inspiration for Mohommed Ali!


    • on October 4, 2020 at 6:09 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      I actually prefer Ali’s take on it. I’m not sure royalty have the same understanding of “service to others” as he did! 😉


  20. on October 4, 2020 at 6:33 pm Chica Andaluza

    So very, very happy for you! Enjoy this new chapter xx


  21. on October 4, 2020 at 6:36 pm helenogorman2013

    Best wishes for a long and happy retirement Celia. I have missed your posts while you have been busy. . I too managed to retire early after many years in public service. It’s been 9 years now but you know what, I feel as busy as ever in a nice way with family, making things and volunteering. Stuff you don’t get to do at work. I don’t like the word retirement. Giving up paid work it a bit of a mouthful We need a new word. Good luck it takes a bit of getting used too but itf you want to catch a midnight movie midweek you can, no work to get up for! Peace and love

    Helen


  22. on October 4, 2020 at 7:41 pm Debbie Lee

    Congratulations on your retirement Celia 👏👏👏 , can’t wait to see what you post next 😊💕


  23. on October 4, 2020 at 9:24 pm Kim Bultman

    Happy Retirement, Celia! It’s wonderful to hear how you’re using your newfound time to do things that are meaningful to you and bring you JOY, as well as serving others. I especially enjoyed your story and pics about Farmer Ian! Best wishes and blessings to you, xo.


  24. on October 5, 2020 at 3:51 am Sascha Thomas

    Sending very best wishes for this next adventure in your life.
    Look forward to keeping up to date with all your activities 🙃


  25. on October 5, 2020 at 3:52 am Kavitha

    Hi! I have been reading your blog regularly though I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment. Your posts are so interesting and cover such a wide range of subjects – I enjoy them immensely ☺️ Warm wishes for a very fulfilling life, post retirement. I look forward to reading all that you have to write about!


  26. on October 5, 2020 at 3:56 am Ale

    Congrat again! I would love to be your neighbour and learn to mend, sew and eat chocolate for free ;)
    Here we are still lock down, I miss my sewing classes, my gym , my work at the church kitchen etc etc
    Enjoy your freedom.
    Ale


  27. on October 5, 2020 at 7:32 am Maddy O'Shea

    Yay!!!
    Dear Celia,greatly looking forward to your posts.
    Maddy xx


  28. on October 5, 2020 at 8:34 am Fay perrett

    Wonderful ,you will love it as we will love more posts xx


  29. on October 5, 2020 at 4:27 pm daleleelife101.blog

    Adding my congratulations to the many above, and that imo you’ve been “paying the rent” for as long as I’ve known you, and I assume before that in many forms. It’s a nice career change though to be able give it your fuller focus. We never even dreamed of giving our downshift/treechange the moniker retirement… our #frugalandfabulous life means we are busier than in our paid-work lives but in a different, less hectic way, and it doesn’t take much imagining you will be too.


  30. on October 5, 2020 at 4:32 pm Kim

    You are going to love this time in your life C!


  31. on October 5, 2020 at 5:49 pm Madge

    Oh my goodness it sounds as if the blog will be heaven for me, especially the random bits. So pleased when this post popped up as I am sure like many others I was beginning to be a little concerned that your being was not OK..


  32. on October 5, 2020 at 6:36 pm Anne Wheaton

    I suspect that one of the things that worries people when they retire (maybe, men more than women) is that they have defined their life through their work. That’s certainly not going to be a problem for you! And I don’t suppose that when asked “What do you do?” that you’ll ever mumble something about being retired but I used to … Hey, what am I thinking. I bet nobody asks you that question because you’ve already enthused over something!
    Have discovered that taping an opened paper clip to the inside of my mask holds my mask closer to my nose (you know that I don’t have a neat little button nose) and so stops my specs misting up. An added bonus is that as I’m fairly useless at applying masking tape, it bent over a bit and stuck to my face, thus stopping any possible slippage. An emergency measure when serving in the Christmas shop that I may continue to use.
    Enjoy retirement.


  33. on October 5, 2020 at 6:59 pm Santwona

    Happy retirement Celia!
    I love the little fox patches on those pants. There were so many of my son’s pants that I hung on to for ages trying to figure out how to mend all the knee holes! I needed some of your creative genius.


  34. on October 8, 2020 at 6:28 am Itching for Hitching

    Congratulations on your graduation from work and entry into a very exciting time of life. Thank you also for inspiring me a non sewing person to turn an old shirt into a very useful bag.


  35. on October 8, 2020 at 7:33 pm Beck @ Goldenpudding

    Congratulations and enjoy Celia! Like several others, I thought all the work you post about was your job! I’m in awe that you had a another job as well – not at all surprising that you’ve been overwhelmed at times xx


  36. on October 14, 2020 at 5:04 am Liz @ spades, spatulas, and spoons

    Congratulations on your retirement Celia. As others have stated, I always thought the projects you write about and photograph were your actual ‘job’. I can only imagine what you will get up to now you have more time! I look forward to reading about it all.


  37. on November 2, 2020 at 4:09 pm michelle

    congrats on your retirement. i really enjoy reading your blog and look forward to a new posting.
    mum was cleaning out her sewing room and came across a pile (rough est. 300+) squares of cotton (about 29cmx29cm squares in clean, excellent condition) in a few different colours and patterns from the 2000s. wondered if you would be willing to receive it to repurpose.
    your post are always a delight and thank you for sharing.


    • on November 2, 2020 at 4:32 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

      Oh you’re very kind to think of me, thank you! I can’t take on any more fabric, but if your mum would like to donate them to a good cause, The Sewing Basket will gladly take them, and fabric mad quilters will be delighted to buy them. :)



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