Yellowknife

On Monday I finally got to fly to Yellowknife to see the neurologist about my numb hand and neck problems. Flew on this. Yes it is a DC3. It was loud but it got me there. Loud I didn't need as Jesse kept me up most of that night and I was really tired.

Yellowknife hasn't changed too much since I was last up there some 8 years ago. Canadian Tire has moved and a new building in its place. Even though we don't have many stores in Hay River and Yellowknife has malls, Wal-Mart and a new Extra Foods, I still wouldn't live there for anything.

The neurologist did the electrical tests on me. My arm and hand was jumping all over the place. Sure felt weird. He confirmed (as I had always thought) that I don't have carpal tunnel. It is a pinched nerve in my neck caused by arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis). Not gone far enough to warrant surgery (thank God). I will be attending physio and using a neck traction contraption every day to try to relieve the pressure. It looks like THIS. I can't wait - NOT. It's like something from the cells in the Tower of London. I suppose if it helps, then I need to do it.

Was reading Paula's blog and noticed that she had made Rock Buns. Immediately sent me into a fit of nostalgia as I remember my Mum (sorry but being a Brit I spell it that way) making Rock Cakes for my dad. They were a favourite of his. Paula asked if I knew the origin of the recipe. I can only think it is because they are hard and look like rocks when cooked. Seems they can be dated back to at least 1861 as British settlers took the recipe to New Zealand. If anybody else knows more, do let me know.

Here is an English recipe closed to the one that Mum used to cook.

Rock cakes

100g butter or margarine

225g plain flour
2x5ml spoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp mixed spice (optional)
Grated rind of half a lemon
100g demerara sugar
100g mixed dried fruit
1 egg, beaten
5 ml spoon milk

Rub the fat into the sifted flour,
baking powder, salt and spices until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Stir in the rind, sugar and fruit.

Make a well in the centre, pour in the egg and milk, and mix to give a
stiff consistency.

Place mixture in rough heaps onto a greased baking tray. Bake in a moderately
hot oven 200C, 400F, Gas Mark 6 for 15-20 minutes.

Jackie's notes: g = gram, 5ml = 1 tsp, Plain flour is ordinary baking flour in North Amercia (in England we have one called Self Raising flour too). The dough should be quite stiff so that when you drop in on the baking sheet (cookie sheet) it does not make a smooth mound.

And I have just found an old ORIGINAL Recipe

Rock Cakes

To six ounces of flour,
add three of butter,
two ounces of currants,
sugar to your taste,
one egg.

Beat all well together, break it into rough pieces, and bake on tins
in a quick oven.

Source: Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine, Vol iv, 1856-7

Looking Back....

Just came across a granny square that I designed some 10 or more years ago. I had just joined CP, learnt to crochet and got an urge to try to design something for Valentine's.

Gosh it took me forever. I crocheted, frogged, crocheted, frogged. Then I realized that I hadn't written down the final attempt. It proved to be a very popular design at the time. I think it seems rather dated now. Crochet has changed. It sure isn't just afghans and doilies any longer and clothing patterns are vastly improved.


So here is that square. As Valentine's is not so far off, here is a link to the pattern, in case anybody is interested. It is amazing how many comfort afghans this has appeared in.

Happy New Year to you all!

Hope to keep up with the blog more this year.

We took Jesse to see the fireworks last night. Oh my the wonders of the world through a kid's eyes. He was squeeling with delight. It was truly a wonder for him.