Dignity Oath

1. Acceptance of Identity - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I treat all people as equals

2. Inclusion - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships when filled with dignity I demonstrate through my actions that I view all people belong to the equal race

3. Safety - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I create a space that is secure for other people for them in knowledge that no harm to me or other people physically, emotionally, mentally or financially

4. Acknowledgement - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I demonstrate being present with empathy towards people in their time, place, experiences, knowledge and emotions

5. Recognition - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I demonstrate that I can validate other people with generous praise and appreciation for their contribution and ideas

6. Fairness - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I treat people justly, equally and even-handed according to humanity is honouring

7. Benefit of the Doubt - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I demonstrate that other people always work towards good motives and intentions and act with integrity

8. Understanding - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I demonstrate empathy because what other people think matters. their voice needs to be listened to from their experience and point of view

9. Independence - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I demonstrate I encourage people to act on their own behalf so that they feel in control of their lives and experience a sense of hope and possibility

10. Accountability - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I demonstrate I take responsibility for all of my actions. If I have violated the dignity of another person, apologize as soon as possible. I will make a commitment to change my hurtful behaviours

1. Don't Take the Bait - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I don't let other people's bad behaviour justify my bad behaviour or get even with other people

2. Allow others to Saving Face - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I Don't lie, cover up, or deceive myself. I will tell the truth about what I have done

3. Never Shirk Responsibility - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I When I have violated someone else's dignity I will own it by admitting my violation and apologize for the hurt I have caused someone else

4. Never Seek False Dignity - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I will not seek recognition or praise from an another person. My dignity is authentic, whole and complete. My dignity can never be taken away only given away

5. Never Seek False Security - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity allow my need for connection with another person violate my dignity. I will resist the temptation to settle for a relationship that provides only false security emotionally, physically, mentally or financially

6. Engage in responsible Conflict - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I engage in responsible conflict by standing up for my dignity or the dignity of other people and communities identity. If there is a constant dignity violation I will take steps to change the relationship

7. Be accountable for my actions - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I do not assume I am the innocent victim I will look for my contribution to the problematic situation. Be empathetic to the situation and other people. I will live with humbleness and humility

8. Embrace Constructive Feedback - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I recognise I have blind spots. I will acknowledge my blind spots when I receive feedback and work towards correcting by unconscious undignified behaviour

9. Accept my Responsibility - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I continuously work to control the urge to defend yourself by making other feel or look bad

10. Do Not Engage False intimacy and Demeaning Gossip - I will connect and create strong reliable relationships filled with dignity when I don't gossip with others or demean others by being critical and judgemental. I will only speak the truth and facts about what is happening in my inner world how it affects my emotions and my circumstances and I will encourage others to do the same

2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt (SPSH). No:11

Well it's amazing what you see when you really look around your house. No 11 of the Scavenger hunt is definitely for me: 

1. Something you need to throw away.

These are bitter melon that were ripening and I left them here to ripen more so I could collect the seeds to plant in spring.

As you can see I had totally forgotten about them and they have now rotted. I have no idea if I should rescue the seeds or just let them go.

The 2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday June 1st. It's organised by Mary-Lou at Patio Postcard and she announced the list at the end of May ... The post is as per below please comment on her blog and join in 

***********

Welcome to the 2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt (SPSH) - the virus edition.

There's some searches for at home, close to home or away from home.  I hope some encourage you to think outside of  the box & some that may require an open eye to find.   

One rule ...  you use photos found between June 1st & September 30th of 2020, other than that, it's meant for fun.

There is no formal link in, but I'll connect everyone within a post. First check in/link up will be Tuesday June 30th.  

Find some or find all,  I hope everyone has fun with it.

1. A favourite piece of jewellery
2. Something with or in a knot
3. Something with the colours of your country’s flag
4. A toy you play with
5. Something you have more than one of
6. Something in the shape of a triangle
7. Something that displays a rule(s)
8. A leaf longer than your hand
9. Something that starts with the initial of your name (first or last)
10. Something smaller than a paper clip
11. Something you need to throw away
12. Something that holds your favourite beverage
13. A rubber band/elastic in use
14. Something with wheels
15. Something inherited
16. Something with rough texture
17. Something naturally round
18. Something that can go in the water
19. A stone/rock/pebble with some colour in it
20. Something with the number 7 in it

Alt A. An animal statue

Alt B. Something heavier than your shoe

Alt C. Something with four sides

Organised by Mary-Lou at Patio Postcard

2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt (SPSH). No:10

Well I am powering through this Scavenger hunt. I had a hard time trying to find a paperclip to give a visual comparison. I have this jar of Jelly Bellies (our favourite) on my desk, it's been there for a few month now and no I don't eat it as quick as hubby does. it's just there looking pretty, I love the variety of colours.

The 2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday June 1st. It's organised by Mary-Lou at Patio Postcard and she announced the list at the end of May ... The post is as per below please comment on her blog and join in 

***********

Welcome to the 2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt (SPSH) - the virus edition.

There's some searches for at home, close to home or away from home.  I hope some encourage you to think outside of  the box & some that may require an open eye to find.   

One rule ...  you use photos found between June 1st & September 30th of 2020, other than that, it's meant for fun.

There is no formal link in, but I'll connect everyone within a post. First check in/link up will be Tuesday June 30th.  

Find some or find all,  I hope everyone has fun with it.

1. A favourite piece of jewellery
2. Something with or in a knot
3. Something with the colours of your country’s flag
4. A toy you play with
5. Something you have more than one of
6. Something in the shape of a triangle
7. Something that displays a rule(s)
8. A leaf longer than your hand
9. Something that starts with the initial of your name (first or last)
10. Something smaller than a paper clip
11. Something you need to throw away
12. Something that holds your favourite beverage
13. A rubber band/elastic in use
14. Something with wheels
15. Something inherited
16. Something with rough texture
17. Something naturally round
18. Something that can go in the water
19. A stone/rock/pebble with some colour in it
20. Something with the number 7 in it

Alt A. An animal statue

Alt B. Something heavier than your shoe

Alt C. Something with four sides

Organised by Mary-Lou at Patio Postcard

Soup - At Home Card

Its soup season in Australia. This soup was so delicious, I put in a smoked ham hock, some left over curry potato and mackerel, mushroom and spinach sauted in butter, stir fried veges, can of creamed corn and corn kernels, carrots, potato. Cooked in a slow cooker for 6 hours. It was very delicious, I shared it with friends as there was so much.

Meanwhile.........

Love these rules of yesteryear, how times have changed. While growing up we would always have a huge pot of food on the stove ready for any drop in visitors - today I still carry that legacy but the visitors don't drop in like before, so we have lots of left overs.
What I don't understand in this day and age that people do not have enough to feed you when they invite you, one is always left hungry. Usually its the people who have money not the people who are cash strapped that this experience is with or is it a cultural thing? Anyway each to their own.

I saw this on Great British Tea Party.

The "At Home" day signifies a lady is at home to her friends and acquaintances on one particular day in the week.

On the "At Home" day, calls should be made from three to six, or from four to six. The first comers should leave before the afternoon tea hour and should limit their call according to the degree of intimacy existing, remaining from a quarter of an hour to an hour, as the case may be.

The popularity of a hostess is tested on these "At Home" days by the number of visitors who call during the afternoon, and when "At Home" days are not a success, socially speaking, she should discontinue them after a certain time, and should substitute an occasional "At Home."

It would be a breach of politeness not to be at home to callers on an "At Home" day, and many things might occur to necessitate absence from home on that particular afternoon. If, however, absence is unavoidable, a relative might take the place of the hostess on the "At Home" day in question.

The tea hour varies from 4 to 4.30 o'clock. When callers are present at 4 o'clock, tea should be brought in at that hour.

A Hostess or her Daughter should pour out the tea on these "At Home" days when tea is not served in the dining-room as at "At Homes," which should be done when the number of visitors is very considerable.

Extracted from MANNERS AND RULES OF GOOD SOCIETY BY A MEMBER OF THE ARISTOCRACY, 39TH EDITION, 1918

At Home Card Template 

2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt (SPSH). No:9

I plan on taking part in this photo hunt, its over 4 months so that will give me plenty of time to find these photos. Won't you come and join in, all you photograph enthusiasts?

Here is my first photo No: 9 = B for Birdhouse

There is a house at the end of the island I live that has this gorgeous birdhouse built with trees and branches, it is absolutely clever and visually pleasing don't you think?

The 2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday June 1st. It's organised by Mary-Lou at Patio Postcard and she announced the list at the end of May ... The post is as per below please comment on her blog and join in 

***********

Welcome to the 2020 Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt (SPSH) - the virus edition.

There's some searches for at home, close to home or away from home.  I hope some encourage you to think outside of  the box & some that may require an open eye to find.   

One rule ...  you use photos found between June 1st & September 30th of 2020, other than that, it's meant for fun.

There is no formal link in, but I'll connect everyone within a post. First check in/link up will be Tuesday June 30th.  

Find some or find all,  I hope everyone has fun with it.

1. A favourite piece of jewellery
2. Something with or in a knot
3. Something with the colours of your country’s flag
4. A toy you play with
5. Something you have more than one of
6. Something in the shape of a triangle
7. Something that displays a rule(s)
8. A leaf longer than your hand
9. Something that starts with the initial of your name (first or last)
10. Something smaller than a paper clip
11. Something you need to throw away
12. Something that holds your favourite beverage
13. A rubber band/elastic in use
14. Something with wheels
15. Something inherited
16. Something with rough texture
17. Something naturally round
18. Something that can go in the water
19. A stone/rock/pebble with some colour in it
20. Something with the number 7 in it

Alt A. An animal statue

Alt B. Something heavier than your shoe

Alt C. Something with four sides

Organised by Mary-Lou at Patio Postcard

Tea for Tuesday - Pineapple Pie

There is a wonderful lady on the island Lusi who makes these wonderful island desserts. She made me one on the weekend called Pineapple Pie. I used to eat it in Fiji. Here is the recipe if you'd like to try it out. Here is the video.

I'm going to link up tomorrow with T for Tuesday, Bluebeard and Elizabeth she will be so surprised because the last time I linked up was May 2019 a loong time ago.

So abit of light reading about tea for you below:

I saw this on facebook under GREAT BRITISH TREA PARTY and loved it, especially the part about giving up sugar and the reasons, it made me think about how lucky we are to have so much at our finger tips and #Covid-19 has come to take us back to those days that our ancestors had to live on so little-we are definitely spoilt.

Mary Berry on Tea, pictured at home in Buckinghamshire - English food writer and television presenter.

"My mother was fussy about making tea. When we had guests, she would have two pots of leaf tea – one of Earl Grey and one Indian. If it was just family, it was a blend of Indian tea with a pinch of Earl Grey, which was dearer but we loved the flavour, so only a pinch. I like the idea of being quintessentially British and only drink tea in the afternoon. I have a cup of hot water when I wake up. Then I have coffee. In the afternoon I like weak Earl Grey with milk but no sugar – perfect. I find Earl Grey fresher than Indian tea. Just one cup is enough; I like it as a treat. It’s how I was brought up – nothing in excess, everything should be treated as something special."

Whenever my husband serves me tea or coffee he asks “Sugar?”, knowing full well that for the 50 years we’ve known each other I’ve answered “No thank you”. That’s because during the war my mother said: “If you give up sugar in tea and coffee, I’ll be able to make the odd cake, stale bread and margarine pudding, or rhubarb and crumble.”

Green Tomato Pickle

Last weekend my local vegetable shop Willow and Oak had some green tomatoes for sale, I was over the moon. I have not been able to find green tomato for 10 years since I got the recipe and made it. It is one of the best pickle recipes I have ever tasted.

Hence me trying to plant a lot of tomato trees this year. I bought the whole box which came to around 5 kgs. Which was 2 lots of the recipe. That was a lot of cutting up, thank goodness hubby helped me.

 I turn them upside down to sterilize the lid

Here is the recipe:

Green Tomato Pickles 

6lb (2.7kg) green tomatoes

2lb (900G) onions

2lb (900G) white sugar

2 pint (900ml) white vinegar

1 tbsp turmeric

1 tbsp mustard

1 tbsp curry or less ( I use 1/2 that)

1 tbsp salt

4 tbsp plain flour

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp ground all spice

Cut up onions and tomatoes. Sprinkle over the salt. Leave OVERNIGHT covered in fridge.

Next day drain well.

Add sugar, ¾ vinegar and bring to boil. Simmer for 2 hours. Add spices cook further ¼ hour. Mix flour with rem. vinegar. Stir until thickened.

Pour into very clean glass jars and seal

WOYWW 572 - 11th Anniversary - UFOs

Well it's that time of the year and week when we show off our desks. This one is special because its the 11th Anniversary, my oh my thats a long time to keep going but that shows how popular this desking is.

We used to make ATCs and swap with everyone who posted a desk, but with Covid hanging around and International flights being non existent in and out of most countries. Julia Dunnit of Stamping Ground has decided not to enact that this year but instead we are to do a UFO.

Cue a UFO that has been sitting around for nearly a year waiting for me to start it lol. Thanks to Covid (yes I have something to thank this awful virus for) I have had time to do some gardening and I needed pots for my seedlings which can be quite expensive when you are needing lots. This is where the Newspaper Pots come in. When my Street Library is ready I will put these pots with seedlings for people to take with them for free.

Since moving to the islands I've been motivated to recycle and reuse anything and everything where ever I can so step up  newspapers. I went and got a whole trolley full of newspapers from the local supermarket on a Sunday when they were throwing them out from not being able to sell. They go straight into the ground when your seedlings are mature enough. The newspaper will decompose.

So on my desk is some newspaper, cans, instructions and a new box of scissors that I got for $9, what a bargain and you all know how much I love my scissors LOL. Of course I can't forget my cup of tea. Next week I'll show you when my UFO is completed.

Some seed packets I got from Bunnings last week for winter planting and some favourites for later. Here is some information for the gardeners on how to dry out seeds before planting.

So hop on over to the Stamping Ground to see what everyones UFO's are.

5 in 5 - May 2020 - My Backyard

Today I am joining Sandie from itchifingers to post photos I have taken in 5 minutes.(Interesting concept)

I stood in my backgarden and took 5 minutes worth of photos and these were the best:

 Red Dragon fruit 

 Bird planted chilli tree

 Pine cones ready for the fire

 Blue string left by hubby, not sure what he was using it for

Chopped wood ready for the fireplace

Here's how it works:

1. Choose a location.
2. Have your camera ready.
3. Set a mobile timer for 5 minutes.
4. Take as many photos you can until the time is up.
5. Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the linkytool. 

We have until the 25th of the month to add your photos and if you want to know more about 5in5 there are details HERE.

Story of the bookcase and my famous recipe

So last week I had a zoom conference with some ladies from our homemaking online group and one bright eyed lady spotted my very untidy bookcase behind me. We all laughed when she told me I need to tidy it up, so it didn't take much for that comment to spur me on and get it tidied up.

It had been an eyesore, as you can see

Ta da nicely visible...and I didnt end there, I actually tidied up the whole office lol, you know how it is, you just cant stop. Anyway I now have a really nice clean office.

On the second shelf there is a book in the middle called Homecooked Feasts, my recipe for marinated prawns is in it on page 115

I have since improved that recipe so I use the original for chicken

Gardening - Frangipanis - updated

UPDATED 17May: I added more flowers at the bottom to show the beautiful flowers that will come out of all those cuttings. Aren't they gorgeous!

I wanted to show these photos before I lose them. LOL I grew up with frangipani trees everywhere. We had a huge one and I think it was a white and yellow one.  Well on the island I have been fortunate enough to find a gardening friend from our Monday garden group Jenny who has a beautiful garden of everything and frangipanis. She has around 25 trees of them. They are exquisite. I bought a cutting of very tree - well with 1 acre to play with I can have 25 trees lol. They would be more suitable to our bushfire region than the ones we have now which are also widow makers.

So at the moment they are sitting in buckets while I make the soil good for them. I am amazed how little work they need and they are thriving in the buckets.

Aren't some of them exotic! this is what I have to look forward to, one of them is blooming in the water bath