It’s going to be a hot one today in Melbourne, a steamy follow-up to similar weather yesterday. My poor Vietnamese mint is feeling the heat, so I’ve dragged it into the shade (it’s in a big pot) and given it a good soaking. Please let its slumpy leaves be revived, dear herb Gods!
It’s been a pretty quiet week around these parts with a bit of a Vietnamese mint-style health dip. It’s/I’m like that though. A few good days and then back to some lacklustre times to remind me not to get too busy too quickly.
Yesterday I finished and handed in an essay about The English Patient for uni. It was based on an excerpt, rather than the whole book, but I’m keen to read the entire thing from cover to cover. While I’m readying myself to do that I’m reading a novel I found at the op shop. It’s called To the Bright Edge of the Earth and it’s not unlike what I know of The English Patient, detailing long-ago adventures from a nowadays post-colonial point of view. I’m really enjoying it so so much. It’s about an Alaskan expedition and its impact on one of the explorers and his stuck-at-home wife. I would never have picked it at a regular bookshop, but it fell into my hands at the op shop and it looked SO INTERESTING! I read the first 100 pages last night and I’m hooked and fully expecting to knock it over by the end of the weekend. What would we do without op-shop reads, I wonder?! I rely on them so much for finding books that might not be currently in the mainstream. (Sometimes it feels like everyone is reading the same books!)
(above) library books from the Glenroy Library
Lately I’ve been cooking one thing to last two nights … so every couple of days making a big pot of something. This week it was Chicken Arrabbiata (again!) and Chicken, Potato and Pea risotto. I fried the potatoes and chicken in a separate pan with olive oil, garlic and herbs, then added it to the finished risotto because I saw Jess doing similar on TikTok. It’s such a good way to do it because the fried ingredients make it super tasty and don’t simply boil in the stock with the rice. (If you are on TikTok you should follow Jess! And her Instagram is here!)
Also one night we had ‘Nursery Spaghetti’ (a weird-delicious meal from my childhood – spaghetti with Heinz un-diluted condensed tomato soup as its sauce, sprinkled with Dairylea brand grated Cheddar Cheese – the blue box one in the Vegemite aisle at the supermarket … it must be this brand, though!) ‘Nursery Spaghetti’ is my go-to for when I’m feeling pretty crap – I made it the night that Cam died last June and when my Dad died last November, for instance – so I was glad to remember to whip it up when things got a bit blerk this week. Dinner tonight will be … I am not sure! I’m still thinking on it as I hide away from the warm weather writing this and half-watching YouTube videos.
Speaking of those, I always find it’s a nice way to set the tone for the day, the old YouTube clip. Not ANY old video, of course. I mostly watch a few firm favourites like Choki, Mocha, Nekoniwa, Camy Vlog and Cafict. They remind me to take things slowly, and that small and gentle things can have a big impact. Also? They are full of foodie inspiration, which is helpful on the days I can’t decide what to make for dinner. LIKE TODAY!
I’m hoping to feel okay enough to do some craft stuff later on … a little bit of sewing and a round of crochet would be ideal! Still working on a promised-to-someone blanket and my English paper piecing.
(above) At some point I made Bubble and Squeak from the night-before’s Roast Chicken! ALSO very good for when you are feeling low.
On the weekend just gone I was well enough to go to the pub for the second time in two years! Max and Ari and Indi and I met some New Zealand-based family at The Retreat in Brunswick, catching up on lots of things after so many losses in our crew. That was pretty lovely and there were a bunch of people out and about, enjoying a sunny day sipping beers and snacking on snacks in the sunshine. (I was sipping a soft drink because I have given all that up.) I also did a coffee and op shop run with Rin prior to the pub. That’s when I found the Alaska book and also some cookbooks and things! Then I went home and lay down for two days because that’s what doing things does to me!
This weekend I am hoping to a) do some gentle gardening b) make something delicious for Sunday breakfast and c) do some reading/crafting, if I am up to it. And also some listening to favourite playlists like this and this and this.
What about you, peach? What are you up to this-coming weekend? How have you been managing this week?
x Pip
PS: I also went to the library … but I can’t remember which day! I’m in a fog, I tell ya!
Pip! Your words are a balm for a raggedy life, a reminder to slow down and notice the good stuff in the little things. Thank you for giving us some of your limited energy and sharing your world with us! xx
I can so empathize with you Pip, I’m waiting for a hip replacement and I can only do so much before I need a day …or two! of doing nothing to recover. …but I am lucky…there’s an end to my problem..even if its not yet in sight. I’ve been watching Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing on you tube as my R and R …so much more to it than it looks at first glance, I’d highly recommend. The two dinners at once idea is a good one, thank you!
Sometimes I can only remember what I’ve done by looking at WhatsApp chats or my photos!
Brain fog is definitely a thing these days.
Do read The English Patient, it’s a fantastic book. Have you watched the film? That’s really powerful too
That chicken pot meal looks delicious. I do love spaghetti with grated cheese on too. So envious of your lovely weather, we’re in the midst of storm Babet. Have a great weekend
Stay as safe as you can, petal. And viva spaghetti! xx
I love to see you back here again Pip!
I would really love to start a new blanket but I need to finish setting up the spare room for my mum who is coming to visit next week. Maybe I’ll do some baking too but we’ll see.
That’s so nice that your mum is coming to visit. Must be lovely for you and for the kiddos. Have a brilliant time doing good stuff together. x
Another lovely post Pip, filled with such goodness. I just love reading them.
Thank you so much for reading, SC. Always so ace to see you pop up here and elsewhere. x
Lovely reading Pip!
Tania in Hawthorn
Hello again to you, peach! Hope your weekend is going swimmingly. xx
I loved this post. I love the balance of it all. Overall it sounds like a really nice vibe xxxx
Oh it’s YOU! I like you. Thanks for popping by and for your vibe-admiring comment. So appreciated. Love to you both and hope you are having fun times in your neck of the woods! xx
Ha! Yes! Here we are! We are off to India soon and I am going to eat ALL THE CHILLI just for you. Selfless!
Love you xxxx
I love the idea of adding the risotto to the fried ingredients! I do a baked risotto because I’m too lazy for all the stirring, but I might try this fry pan method next time!
I hope you have a restful weekend with your book and sewing and crochet. Feel better soon!
It’s so lovely to hear you are managing to do ‘some’ things! Even if not all the things. Hoping this is enough to sustain you during the off season.
You might like this recipe – it’s a very simple butter chicken from Quirky Cooking – she’s a gem and had a bunch of gut health issues so her recipes are super clean and just so delicious.
It makes a VAT of sauce so you can freeze half.
Hope you get to the crafting very soon, my sewing machine is on the blink and out to the repairers…come back soon!!
https://www.quirkycooking.com.au/2015/11/my-best-butter-chicken-ever/
Thank you so much for this suggestion – lots of people have been clicking on the recipe link so it’s helping not just me but a few others too! May your sewing machine return purring like a kitten and not having any tension tangles! xx
I couldn’t agree more with the previous commenter who said reading your posts feels like a hug!! ? Thank you for the clip tips. I am trying to decide whether to go and see Paul McCartney last min, will be by myself but maybe it will be nice ?
I wonder if you WILL see Paul. I wonder! Thanks for taking the time to write this little note to me. So kind of you. xx
After a recent instagram post of yours about what you were watching, I was reminded of The Clinic from Ireland. I’ve been binge watching it since, and have 6 episodes left so I might knock those over this weekend. Also going to see Paul McCartney in concert. Can’t wait!
Isn’t The Clinic so so good! Dark and soapy – the perfect combo! Hope you have a wonderful time with Paul! xx
thanks for sharing, i always feel like i’ve had a hug after reading your words, even when i realise how tough it is for you right now, you still highlight and shine the good
You, m’lady, are such a very kind supporter of my work and do not think it goes unnoticed … I NOTICE YOU! xx