tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post4733513354167214815..comments2024-03-29T21:11:37.724+10:00Comments on down to earth: Winding downUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74324384316704923222009-12-08T01:38:00.784+10:002009-12-08T01:38:00.784+10:00I also revel in your summer crops...the mangos, th...I also revel in your summer crops...the mangos, the sunflowers, the berries...here we are cuddling by the fireplace. All things simple are enjoyable, from lush gardens to Chrismas shopping.<br />RonelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86282902444013880002009-12-07T00:05:11.748+10:002009-12-07T00:05:11.748+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean,
Thanks for making Slow Christmas ...Hi Rhonda Jean,<br /><br />Thanks for making Slow Christmas your neighbor! I can certainly sympathize with your case of the Christmas overwhelmeds this week. I prescribe letting yourself off the hook. I love to bake and cook and create, but when it keeps me from enjoying friends and family it can feel like as much of a trap as going to the mall. So this year I'm going to invite a friend over to help me make candy, instead of fretting offstage over making the perfect candy.Porterhttp://www.slowchristmas.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48956459890008902932009-12-06T05:55:52.100+10:002009-12-06T05:55:52.100+10:00I think of all the produce you mentioned, the one ...I think of all the produce you mentioned, the one that got my attention is the lemon!! I would love to have a lemon tree or two in my yard once we're able to buy a house. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope your shopping trip was quick and enjoyable.bashtreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15865739589835039440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43298388915653682382009-12-05T10:53:15.783+10:002009-12-05T10:53:15.783+10:00So thats what Mango looks like when it is growing....So thats what Mango looks like when it is growing. I love them. <br /><br />Sadly I don't think I can grow them since I live in Canada. A bit brrrrrr through the long winters. <br /><br />----KrystalAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32677154890465026012009-12-05T07:09:18.394+10:002009-12-05T07:09:18.394+10:00I'm so excited to see that you are having succ...I'm so excited to see that you are having success with the blueberries! I have wanted to try them for a while but was a bit scared of the hefty prices of the bushes given that their chances of success in our climate are not the greatest. Maybe next year :)Sharon Fnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40934967093173335932009-12-05T04:56:05.938+10:002009-12-05T04:56:05.938+10:00Still haven't started my Christmas shopping......Still haven't started my Christmas shopping...so thankful no one at my house has the "gimmmie-gimmies". My college age daughter called last evening, she is so anxious to be home for Christmas just to "be HOME". Statements like that make me realize how very lucky I am.Lauranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70880552927363187732009-12-05T03:18:13.431+10:002009-12-05T03:18:13.431+10:00Oh I love blueberries! What a nice picture. Here i...Oh I love blueberries! What a nice picture. Here in Canada my mother-in-law buys mangoes from the grocers, but they don't taste the same as the fresh kind. I would love to find a way to grow them here. <br />Your blog is probably my very favorite to visit! It's been such a help in my life, even here on the other side of the world! <br />Your like me with shopping... I'm in there for half an hour and if I don't find what I want I get frustrated and just leave. All the big chain stores are so...overwhelming and there are so many things. Maybe it's because I'm a country girl. *smile* Next year I'm going to try to make every single present, starting in January- one a month. It will be so much more restful. Lovely post today! I had to catch up a bit on your blog- I missed a lot!<br />The Girl in the Pink DressThe Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70343633808143122502009-12-05T01:14:04.854+10:002009-12-05T01:14:04.854+10:00Sigh....a Mango tree how heavenly.Sigh....a Mango tree how heavenly.Roishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14960233101785516144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73587908209089815942009-12-05T01:06:21.038+10:002009-12-05T01:06:21.038+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean. Well, I think we are all awake now...Hi Rhonda Jean. Well, I think we are all awake now after being jump started with the "2 week, 3 week thing" before Christmas. I am happy to report my Christmas shopping (or made things) has been done for many months. I will say I walked into a mall for the first time yesterday in probably over 5 years. I will also mention this wasn't my plan, but the person I was with wanted to stop at a certain store. I am sure glad we didn't stay long. Our main plan was a few thrift stores and we did manage that. Have a great day. And thank you for your wonderful posts. Emily in So. TxSincerely, Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17789516533545511744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15699986543958676862009-12-05T00:51:18.836+10:002009-12-05T00:51:18.836+10:00You know I actually got sick at the mall on Monday...You know I actually got sick at the mall on Monday. It was the first time I had been there in a year,and it actually made me physically ill looking at all the excess and materialism. I am so thankful to have found voluntary simplicity at an early age, and so thankful to find sights like this that embrace simple living. Next year, I am implementing the one day of shopping, and I am staying away from the MALL! :)Christanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56681103957411779782009-12-05T00:43:58.018+10:002009-12-05T00:43:58.018+10:00I agree with Benita... it is so odd to see so much...I agree with Benita... it is so odd to see so much green growing this time of year. Can you guys garden year round? I'm jealous! PS.. i love the dog!!!Little Penpenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374048900216199298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50551395048801400392009-12-04T19:19:47.235+10:002009-12-04T19:19:47.235+10:00yes you scared me saying it was 2 wks! Hope you a...yes you scared me saying it was 2 wks! Hope you all have a very happy Christmas!Ailsahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11619082542382986466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9111725920686138262009-12-04T19:19:47.236+10:002009-12-04T19:19:47.236+10:00Hi Rhonda, I haven't commented for a while but...Hi Rhonda, I haven't commented for a while but I do stil read every post. It's strange to see such exotic fruits and veggies growing in your garden - things that we can't grow here in the UK. I do however have 3 blueberry bushes and had quite a good crop for the first time this summer (it's winter now so the garden is dormant for a few months). <br /><br />I'm trying to only think about Christmas when I have time to do something about it. I finish work on 18th Dec for the holidays and can then get properly stuck in. Teresa xA Time for Stitchinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18081085376540243147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89539911109838082512009-12-04T15:40:28.987+10:002009-12-04T15:40:28.987+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I've come to realise that shopping...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I've come to realise that shopping to fill time, or as a 'treat', not only does not make me happy, but positively makes me unhappy! What a revelation! I've been thinking about it lately.<br /><br />SonyaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4760423422182500162009-12-04T13:57:18.710+10:002009-12-04T13:57:18.710+10:00Hi Rhonda, This might sound sort of silly but, I&#...Hi Rhonda, This might sound sort of silly but, I've been so inspired by your blog and others like it (yours is the one I use most), that I've been pursuing a couple different crafting skills, and I just finished knitting my first sock! I want to show it off to you because I'm so proud :-) Merry ChristmasMariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00793291964836599064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76836370439672919682009-12-04T12:36:57.577+10:002009-12-04T12:36:57.577+10:00I so understand what you mean about shopping. Bein...I so understand what you mean about shopping. Being at home brings me a lot more pleasure than shopping. Thank you for sharing your photos. It's nice to see what you have going on. Blessings from the U.S.Nicolenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11551666354354156092009-12-04T11:54:07.437+10:002009-12-04T11:54:07.437+10:00Just wanted to share with you that my oldest dd an...Just wanted to share with you that my oldest dd and I had a lengthy conversation about the fact that you get to have summer at Christmas and your location in the world, etc. Your blog provides great homeschool material when my dd reads over my shoulder. :) Thanks! AllisonAllisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05067605913177888794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-468735313854574652009-12-04T10:27:41.188+10:002009-12-04T10:27:41.188+10:00Hi Rhonda, oh my you gave me a start too when you ...Hi Rhonda, oh my you gave me a start too when you said 2 weeks to Christmas. I too very rarely look at a watch or calender so felt I was way off track LOL. You have inspired me raid the bird seed and plant some sunflowers after seeing your lovely pictures...now where to fit them in! Enjoy your 1 day shopping, as much as you can. I will do my Christmas shop tomorrow and then that's it for a very long time, I'll stock up my "shop" at home and not go back until just before school starts next year. Enjoy your Christmas and thank you for such a lovely blog.<br /><br />Susieq.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71155387328100151862009-12-04T08:22:43.319+10:002009-12-04T08:22:43.319+10:00Hi Rhonda, can you edit my previous comment with t...Hi Rhonda, can you edit my previous comment with the recipe, to mention to chop or pulse the ginger, garlic, chillis and raisins too unless you like it chunky. Sometimes I feel less salt wouldn't hurt either but that is a taste thing.Have a good day in Brisbane shopping, better to get it over with sooner rather than later!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35388608301389384902009-12-04T07:55:04.252+10:002009-12-04T07:55:04.252+10:00Hi Rhonda and any one else with access to green ma...Hi Rhonda and any one else with access to green mangoes..they have to be really green with the texture of raw potato when you cut into them. Mightn't hurt to wear gloves to peel and slice them as some people react to the sap. Also this is a huge recipe, I have to make 2 batches as my stockpot is too small. If you have a big one though it is fine.<br /><br />Green Mango Chutney<br />4 kg mango flesh, I slice the mangoes till I have enough then pulse in the food processor to make smaller bits. If you are keen you can chop into the size you prefer.<br />4 kg sugar<br />500g raisins (or sultanas)<br />250g garlic cloves<br />500 g dates, chopped (again pulse)<br />500g crystallised ginger<br />250g salt<br />1.8 litres brown (malt) vinegar<br />8 - 10 birdseye chillies (you may prefer less - or more!) <br />About 16 jars..I had an assortment of sizes, but a trained eye would maybe be able to tell, better to have too many ready than not enough.<br />Put sugar and vinegar in stock pot and stir till some of the sugar dissolves, then add pulsed fruit and garlic and chillis and salt. Bring to boil, then simmer for an hour. It should darken and jell on a saucer. It use hot oven baked jars and boiled lids. They should pop shut and store in the cupboard. Superb with Christmas ham, even better for next years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13283568943580603942009-12-04T07:50:11.885+10:002009-12-04T07:50:11.885+10:00I love reading your blog. I live in Colorado, wher...I love reading your blog. I live in Colorado, where it's currently 18 degrees out. So when I see your garden in full bloom and your chickens running around, it brings a smile to my face. Have fun Christmas shopping.Mommy, I'm Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00390940917560439493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14916508154175086772009-12-04T07:44:00.435+10:002009-12-04T07:44:00.435+10:00Rose, I hope you all enjoy your celebrations. Wha...Rose, I hope you all enjoy your celebrations. What a lovely time for your mum!Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59715638047154953062009-12-04T07:40:28.923+10:002009-12-04T07:40:28.923+10:00Thanks for responding about the blueberries. I...Thanks for responding about the blueberries. I'd been reading about rabbiteyes recently as well. May give them a try this spring!Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00396716408304381802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38666652011749751652009-12-04T07:22:30.782+10:002009-12-04T07:22:30.782+10:00Good morning Rhonda, I hope you aren't too exh...Good morning Rhonda, I hope you aren't too exhausted when you get back from Brisbane -- I share your views on shopping. I was wondering how the Centre was going, never mind most building jobs take longer than expected.We are celebrating my Mum's 83rd bday this weekend. Have a good one.Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38539154916356557522009-12-04T07:09:50.674+10:002009-12-04T07:09:50.674+10:00Hello ladies! Thanks for your comments. Anyone w...Hello ladies! Thanks for your comments. Anyone who has read here for any length of time will know by now how hopeless I am with dates and time. Since I gave away all my watches and now that it doesn't matter much what day it is, I'm usually way off when I talk about either. Forgive me, it's not meant to deceive you.<br /><br />Julia, I'd love your chutney recipe please. There are quite a few mangoes on the tree. Thank you!Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.com