Gratitude

                            

today I went into Royal Perth Hospital for a second scan on my right breast as an unknown spot had shown up on my first scan.  I was advised that I could expect to be at the hospital for up to eight hours.  Fortunately I was only there for four.  In that time I had a scan which was developed and scrutinised and after a talk with a lovely understanding doctor, she explained that they would now do an ultra sound to have a better look.  This was pretty amazing and I was able to observe and see that there was not one but two lumps and it was decided to do a procedure whereby they injected into my breast using the ultra sound machine to guide them to the lumps, which where virtually sucked up the needle and taken away for a biopsy.  Because of my experience with Raymon's cancer, I was concerned as was John and the kids, they pushed the results through for me and I was given the information that they weren't cancer but cysts, whew!!!! what a relief.  We need to give all our support and help to Raymon and the last thing I wanted was to not be able to do that.

But I was so grateful for this wonderful service provided by our government.  I have a free scan every two years as all women in Western Australia can, I would encourage all women to take up this offer as early detection can make a huge difference.  The Doctor advised me before the ultra sound that because it was only small,  if it was cancerous it would be a simple procedure of just removing the cells and not the whole breast.  I could feel no lump myself and if it hadn't been picked up in my scan and it was cancerous it could grow and become wider spread.  So girls, go get tested, only takes less than half and hour.

Raymon's chemo this time seemed to be not so hard on him, only one more to go before he has radiation to zap the last of it, fingers crossed and prayers to up above, he will then be cancer free.  My heart goes out to all those going through cancer treatment, it is not nice.

yummy fruit cake

Over the last two weeks I have read three books in Joy Dettman's Woody Creek series.  Joy is Australian and this series is based in rural Australia from 1939 to the most recent one finishing in the 1960's.  Although it is on Australia during that time, it is very reminiscent of growing up in rural New Zealand.  It brought back memories of sitting around the kitchen table with a cup of tea and a slice of fruit cake.  No bought biscuits or coffee in those days, and many a yarn was told over that cuppa and fruit cake.  I just had to go and make one of those cakes and just so happens I even had all the ingredients in the cupboard.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am not good at following directions or rules, so some little adjustments where made here and there.  And as it wasn't exactly to the recipe, I just had to have a piece, just to see that I wasn't making anyone sick, i.e. John (instead of his muesli bars in his lunch) and the girls on the Tuesday morning class. Well, it wasn't too bad, if I do say so myself.  Heres the photo's with the recipe following.
Quick Sultana Cake
Heat oven to 180 deg
In a large pot add 500 grams sultana's and 1 cup water boil until water evaporated (doesn't take long just as well John was in the kitchen while I was on the computer or would have burnt) take off element.
Add 250 grams butter and tablespoon Golden Syrup let melt, helps if you chop the butter up a bit.
Whisk 3 eggs and essence ( used vanilla and coconut or raspberry is nice) and mix into pot.
Add 2 cups flour and 1 tsp baking powder and pinch of salt and mix in well ( I mashed up two very ripe banana's on the inside of the pot and stirred in)
Scrape all mixture out into a paper lined tin about 12 inch square ( if you use a smaller tin you get a higher cake, but I don't want John eating too much, I'll have to make another one then) my tin has the sides that open and make it easy to take out.
I sprinkled sliced almonds on top before the damn insects get into them, that happens here!
Cook for approx 1 hour test with skewer to make sure cooked through.

easy as, and only 1 pot a small bowl, wooden spoon, scraper to wash up, by sort of baking

enjoy
Jacky

angel wings and things

 Before Christmas I made these wings to go on my mannequin to keep my mind off other things.  I also am doing a new range for our Miss Johnson's next market in June and this was a good time to start.  Our June market theme is going to be wings so will have to make some more to decorate the hall.  I have made these up from 2 parts, the top layer and lower layer which I sewed into the top.  The feathers on the top I have placed extra stuffing into each one and the whole piece has a layer of stuffing.  I may add more length to this one, mmmh not sure yet.  I have added old vintage lace buttons etc, maybe I could add more buttons and shredded fabric to give it a shabbier look.