How to make a lavender wand

Spring 2014. Lavender flowers are bursting into bloom in my garden. What a shame to let them just die off on the stalk. I wish I could dry them to make some lavender powder for my cakes, but I read that you have to use the sweet lavenders for that. The varietal I have is the French or Spanish lavender unfortunately. But they do have a nice smell so here's what you can make - Lavender Wands.

Lavender wands can be used as potpurri for your wardrobe or your room. They look so pretty as a display too. 

Materials:

- 11-15 stalks of fresh lavenders, leaves removed

- rubber band

- 1cm wide satin ribbon

Method:

Step 1: Tie the bunch of lavender flowers together with a rubber band. You have to have an odd number of lavender with as long a stalk as possible. Secure one end of the ribbon under the rubber band.

Step 2: Turn the bouquet the other way so you are holding the flowers in your hand. Fold one stalk down over the flowers and bring the ribbon over the stalk. Fold another stalk down and this time bring the ribbon under it. Repeat with the next stalk with the ribbon over it. 

Step 3: Continue weaving the ribbon over and under the stalks alternatively. Wrap the ribbon as tight as you can around the stalks because as the lavender dries, it can shrink in volume.

Step 4: When you reach the end, tighten the ribbon around and cut it off. Tie a short ribbon around the base.

Bereavement

Thursday 27 March, noon. I received a What's App message from my brother-in-law in Singapore asking me to call him urgently. I was about to leave the house for a lunch appointment but something important must have happened for this kind of messages to arrive. Before the phone could dial through, the text came from sister first on the messaging system that my father has passed away suddenly that morning. 

I sat down on the floor, shocked and in disbelief, paralysed with confusion. He had just returned to Singapore after a 3-month stay with us in Australia. It was barely 3 weeks ago that I had just seen him. My last hug to him at our door as I bade him farewell as he headed off to the airport was still fresh in my memory. What happened? Why?

Details were not very clear as it had happened in Genting Highlands, Malaysia and only my poor mother and an aunt was with him there. I desperately tried to contact my mother and managed to get her through my aunt's phone. She wasn't in a good state and I can only imagine how chaotic and distressing the situation was for her.

The worst thing is, there was nothing much we can do to help her here in Australia. The only thing I could do, after all the sobbing, was to organise our flight back to Singapore urgently, which was a separate story of prayers, blessings and miracles from God. I thank Him for the many favours we found with the authorities and friends, which enabled us to get onto a flight within 48 hours. We arrived at the wake in Singapore shortly after my father's coffin arrived.

The next three days were a continuous flow of ceremonial duties and entertaining mourners. We met up and reunited with many friends and relatives during the wake, many of them I had not seen for many years. I was really happy to see them again although I wished it was under better circumstances. In between, I sneaked quiet moments to gaze and remember my father, who was such a gentle and kind man to the day he departed.

Writing this post brings back sad memories and tears to my eyes. I wished it didn't happen and sometimes I don't even want to talk about it. But denial is not going to turn back time and I do want to document this significant event in my life, for myself and for my children and for the people who cared to remember my father.

My father was a quiet and gentle soul, who never raised his voice and seldom gets angry. He is always calm, to the point of indifferent, but I know he has feelings which he did not show. He doesn't talk much and he's never imposing but surprisingly, now that he's gone, his presence is greatly missed. I realised now that these are his qualities of wisdom and kindness. Yes, he has his shortcomings, but he was a good man. The saddest part is realising you want to get to know him better only after he's dead. There will always be a part of me which regrets not spending more time with him and showing more concern. I was glad however, that he managed to spend the last 3 months with my family in Melbourne. I hope he was as well. In a way, God was graceful to allow our family to celebrate with him for once in many years Christmas, Chinese New Year and his birthday. It was the most boring Chinese New Year for him, but for his birthday, I made him a most beautiful cake, decorated with homemade macarons and handmade sugar cherry blossoms for his 70th birthday. These has become precious final memories of his time with us.

His health was deteriorating and he was frailer than before. But still, no one expected him to go so suddenly. There was no time to say our goodbyes. We are still coping with the loss, especially my mother, who has lived 42 years of her life with him. Nevertheless, despite the tragedy, there were many things in the unfortunate situation we could count our blessings for. We would like to thank all our relatives and friends, who have show your support, personally/remotely, physically/emotionally and spiritually/financially, during this period of bereavement. Thank you for your prayers and concern. We are comforted and blessed by you. God bless you all. 

Creamy Strawberry & Peach Smoothie

This is my boys' favourite smoothie. It's really simple and pretty filling....a very good snack after school or as a dessert even :) Fresh is best, but if you can't, using frozen berries or canned peaches.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fresh peach, pit removed, cut into wedges (I left the skin on).
• 12-15 fresh strawberries, leaves removed.
• A dollop of cream
• A dash of milk (if you want it more creamy, omit this)
• 2-3 ice cubes

 Method:

• Chop everything up and throw it into the blender.
• Add the ice, milk and cream.
• Blend until smooth!
• Enjoy!

Makes 2 glasses.

Smoothie Mom

This term "Smoothie Mom" was coined by KK today. Aptly. For this was what I have been doing for them every afternoon this week for after-school snack - SMOOTHIES!

Of course, at the same time, I'll make a cup for myself too. Hmmm....the smooth, creamy & fruity blend just feels so good sliding down your throat. Not to mention it's very filling and nutritious too. 

It's really easy to make and I have fun mixing up different flavours using different fruits, both canned and fresh.

The basic ingredients are: yoghurt (plain or vanilla flavour), ice cubes and some milk.
Add whatever fruits you fancy and blend! I've tried mixing different combinations of bananas, raspberries, peaches, passionfruit and chocolate. All taste good. I'm going to blend in some canned beetroot tomorrow....can't wait :)