Sunday 10 November 2013

What a difference a couple of weeks make.

We have been living in a whirl of activity over the past few weeks - most of which were spent in Melbourne.
During that time we were able to see our garden in flower.  This does not happen often as we are usually there in Winter when all is asleep.  This time however we were there and I was able to see one of my favourite roses in bloom: Papa Meilland:



We were also able to visit our other harpsichord, a single-manual, Flemish instrument that AGA built from a kit back in the mid 1980s.  Like some wines, it has improved with time and now has a wonderfully silvery, harpsichord voice - perfect for the music of François Couperin.  AGA and I had a lovely time re-aquainting ourselves with our old Flemish friend!
For those of you who are interested in clocks, the long-case beauty you can see next to the harpsichord is an English 30-hour silvered-dial antique, made by Samuel Holbin in around 1750.


We also took a few hours to motor up to the Dandenong ranges to see the rhododendrons and azaleas in flower.  Mount Dandenong is famous for these beautiful trees and shrubs, and people journey just to visit the famed Rhododendron Gardens.  We had not time to visit but we saw quite a few in flower in the various villages we passed through:


Despite the fact that it is mid Spring, the weather in Melbourne was somewhat cool and damp.  On a couple of days it was warmer in autumnal Germany!  On our last day however, it was a lovely mid 20s day and we were able to take breakfast on the terrace.  It was cool but pleasant and the sky was clear with not a hint of cloud:
I love days like that.  It is rare to have blue skies here in this part of Germany with its endemic air pollution.
* * * *

The purpose of our visit to Melbourne, was to be with AGA's father (ACA), who is gravely ill.  He is suffering from cancer in both his lungs and his spine.  It causes his a lot of pain, but he is a strong man - both physically and mentally - and I think that this is helping him despite the fact that he endures so much.
I admire him in his adversity. 
He is not letting his illness get him down and is living as normal a life as he can.  We were able to spend a lot of time with him and it was difficult to say goodbye, especially for AGA.  I do not think we will see ACA again, despite the fact that his doctor gives him a year at the most.
When we left, ACA said to me: "There's nothing I can do about this (the cancer).  My name is in the hat, and I'm just waiting for it to be pulled out."
And so he remains living at home, on his own, as is his wish (although AGA's siblings hover protectively on the sidelines) pottering about and trying to carry on as he has always done.
And he is sensible about his condition.  When he was unable to sleep because of the pain, he called the ambulance to take him to the hospital.  His medication was altered and he returned home.
I do hope that if I am in a similar position, that I too can be as philosophical about it all.

* * * *

We have been back here for just over one week now and the jetlag was horrible for a couple of days.
When we left Kaiserswerth it was green and pleasant with just a hint of autumn in the air.  
What a difference a couple of weeks makes!
We have returned to grey skies and Autumn in full swing.  The storms that took place before we got home contributed to blowing many leaves from the trees before they turned yellow.  Combined with the change in daylight saving we now leave for work in the dark, experience grey days, and return home in the dark.  I took this view from our sitting room window to show you what things are now like:


With Autumn ruling our lives we know that Christmas is not too far away.
They are forecasting snow for every day this coming week (but I don't believe it will happen), and the Christmas markets will soon be open for business.  This has spurred me into activity and so this weekend I have made the mincemeat for our Christmas pies:

It is an enjoyable task and scents the very air itself with a foretaste of Christmas soon to come!

(Meanwhile, in a dark subdued corner (and covered in a tea cloth) the bowl of fruit for the Christmas cake sits silently sousing in a brandy bath)

* * * *

One last thing.
When we returned home there was a package waiting for me.  Opening it carefully, I soon unwrapped this beauty:

It is a 19th century, Japanese cloisonné ware vase showing bullfinches flying amongst Chrysanthemums.  The sky is blue with fluffy white clouds and the flowers look as if they are waving gently in the autumn breezes.  It is beautiful and I am so glad I purchased it.  One of these days it will sit in pride of place on some table or other, but for the moment it stands quite sedately next to a clock, a lamp and a statue of St Florian.

26 comments:

  1. Good afternoon, Kirk!

    It is nice to have you post up again, after your voyage; sometimes these trips we make are to reconnect to a very painful part of our history. I just lost my aunt who I was able to see in June, and her time finally came. Unfortunately, I can't be back home until Christmas, but I believe that time will be truly special as I spend it with my remaining family members.

    Your Flemish instrument is GORGEOUS! The clear blue skies are a rarity, aren't they these days? That fantastic vase if a lovely piece for some Christmas poinsettas or any sort of bloom that brings you peace.

    Enjoy and it's good to see you back! Anita

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    1. Goor Morning Anita,
      Thank you for your kind comments. You are right about this trip and yet although it was painful it was necessary and I am very glad we undertook it.
      Yes that vase is fabulous! It will suit our collection quite nicely!
      Bye for now and enjoy your week!
      Kirk

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  2. Hello Kirk

    Sorry to hear about AGA's father. It is great that you were able to travel to Melbourne and be with him. No doubt very emotional for you. I love your new vase and the Christmas preparations and aroma from your kitchen
    Helen xx

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    1. Thank you Helen.
      It was indeed an emotional time.
      Cooking during the Christmas Season (and it's lead up) is one of the most enjoyable things I know!
      Bye for now
      Kirk
      x

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  3. Hi Kirk, sorry to hear about AGA's father - that's the worst thing about living overseas and separated from elderly parents by half a hemisphere. I know what you mean about the light being special and bright here, and much appreciated after living in Europe. I love your photo of cloudless sky. The vase is superb!

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    1. Hi Sue,
      Thank you for your kind comments. Yes it is at times like these that the distance is at it's greatest. I'm glad you like the vase - it is really nice and I am so glad that I bought it!

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  4. Hello Kirk, You were lucky to have this nice visit with ACA, and I admire his spirit and grit.

    It looks like you got into the Fall spirit right away upon your return. The holiday preparations are well under way, and I am sure that you will regale us as the season progresses with your various creations.
    --Jim

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    1. Thank you Jim. Grit is the right word for it.
      I love Christmas as so I have all sorts of plans in store for this place and for my blog too!
      Bye for now
      Kirk

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  5. Hello, Kirk,

    You and AGA have been in my thoughts, and I'm so glad you were able to make the trip. Now it's good to have you back in blogland!

    I am drooling just looking at your mince meat preparations. Mince meat pies are my very favorite, but they're never available here in the U.S. except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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    1. Thank you Mark,
      I remembered when I was writing this post that you liked mince pies. You could always make your own: Especially with all those lovely Florida oranges and lemons!
      If I lived in America I would send you some (or deliver it by hand).
      Bye for now,
      Kirk

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  6. It was good idea to see AGA's father and dedicate him some days left him in this life, because it's difficult time for him, poor man. I love your new purchase, Kirk, think it was too expensive :)). What is the recipe of your Christmas pie mincemeat?

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    1. Dear Nadazda,
      Thank you for your kind comments. Our new vase was a little bit expensive but AGA says we are worth it.
      The mincemeat recipe comes from the English cook Delia Smith.
      225g Currants
      350g Raisins
      225g Sultanas
      100g Slivered Almonds
      Chopped up zest of two oranges plus the juice
      Chopped up zest of two lemons plus the juice
      225g of mixed candied citrus peel
      450g of apples peeled, cored and diced up smallish
      350g Brown Sugar
      150g Suet (I use Palm fat as one cannot get suet here in Germany) chopped up finely.
      4 teaspoons of mixed spices
      1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
      1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
      Delia recommends 6 tablespoons of brandy but I leave this out.

      Mix everything together and leave it in a bowl covered with a cloth for twelve hours. Then put the whole in an oven for about three hours at 120c. Mix it again and put it into sterilised jars and seal. I make this now and then make the pies in the week before Christmas. Let me know if you are able to make this for yourself: It really is delicious!
      Bye for now,
      Kirk

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  7. Welcome back Kirk. How wonderful to see your roses in bloom and wander well loved rooms. Recent letters from "home" have contained phrases like "not himself' and "slowed down" making me even more anxious to visit these dear to me people. To be truly ready for Christmas my house has to smell of freshly baked mince pies.

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    1. Thanks, Susan.
      There is nothing quite like freshly baked mince pies, is there!

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  8. Love the vase, Kirk. Just gorgeous. And I love where you have it, tucked in among your other treasures. What a lovely eclectic home you must have. I was saddened by your family news re AGA's father, but heartened by his attitude and his acceptance of what cannot be changed. I too wish that when my time comes I can be this courageous.

    P.S. That mincemeat sounds delicious. Christmas is coming, that's for sure. :)

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    1. Dear Yvette,
      Thank you for your kind comments.
      When we moved to Germany, we knew it would be for a limited period and so we decided to make our apartment into our 'glory box'. The vase is the latest acquisition and I must say that it was love at first sight!

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  9. Dear Kirk,
    I'm delighted to see all of your wonderful photos, but brokenhearted about AGA's dear father. It really is a blessing that you were able to get to have some precious time with ACA-- he sounds like a courageous and amazing man.
    I send you all my warm regards!
    Erika

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    1. Dear Erika,
      It is good to 'see' you again! Thank you for your kind comments.
      Bye for now
      Kirk

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  10. Welcome back Kirk! So sorry to hear AGA's father is so very ill. They way you talk about him reminds me very much of my husband. He was very positive and full of hope as well, right to the end. Like ACA he didn't want others to be bothered too much about him and carry on as normally as possible. It must be hard for AGA being so far away from him.

    Your mincemeat looks good! I can almost smell it overhere in Holland! Good luck with the baking of your Christmas pies.

    Have a good weekend! Take care.

    Madelief x

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    1. Dear Madelief,
      Thank you for your kind comments and it is good to see you back too. I hope all is as well as it can be. It is indeed hard for AGA, especially as his mother died some years ago while he was far away. However, having seen him and helped him has helped AGA too, in a way.
      There is nothing like making your own mince meat! This weekend I will be making the Christmas Cake...
      Bye for now
      Kirk

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  11. Dear Kirk,
    I'm glad family matters are being dealt with with grace and courage.
    The vase you found on arrival home is exquisite Kirk - worth waiting for.
    I'm sure Christmas in Germany must feel alive and resonant - here, of course, it's pretty much just a holiday!

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    1. Thank you Faisal.
      With regard to Christmas I must say that to a degree it is as commercial as anywhere else - but we do have the fabulous Christmas markets and the wonderful settings (sometimes snowy) within which to celebrate this most joyous occasion.

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  12. I love Christmas mince pies and Christmas fruit cake. Well done on getting it soaking with plenty of time to spare. My Christmas cake recipe was my grandparent's wedding cake recipe.

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    1. Dear David,
      I love mince pies and Christmas cake too - and Christmas pudding and roast turkey and everything associated with Christmas feasting!
      One you make your own mince meat you just can't go back to shop bought - or at least that is what I think.
      When do you make your cake?

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  13. Such beautiful photos and "trinkets." Your comment about your visiting your "other harpsichord" made me smile. I've never known anyone with an "other harpsichord"! So sorry about what AGA's father has to face. His outlook is admirable.

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    1. Thank you Mitchell, for your kind comments.
      Dare I add that apart fro two harpsichords we also have a piano and a clavichord? AGA had a spinet too at one time. Perhaps we will get one again one day. . .
      Bye for now
      Kirk

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