Our wonderful Scottish HelpX Host - Conner

What a complete gem of a placement with helpx we have just had. We ae so so sorry to have left and wish we could not only return, but stay longer.

 I can unequivocally say in the 18 months we have been involved with HelpX, that this has been the most welcoming, enjoyable and brilliant placements we have experienced.

In the lowlands of Scotland, our placement was only an hour away from Edinburgh but still in the vast spaces of sheep country. Immediately we arrived we felt part of the family. 

This is the conservatory and below is a picture of me in the back yard.

Conner is warm, generous and kind. What an incredible talent, passion and patience he has with his baking! We were honoured to be part of the daily bread baking process and I have come away with so much knowledge not only about the process, but the chemical background of why certain ingredients react they way they do; I can’t wait to test these recipes out myself! Conners collection of recipe books is astounding. His cooking was first class and we were so spoilt every meal. Healthy, nutritional and wholesome meals which will become from family favourites of ours. I am used to taking the cooking tasks on when I go to a helpx role, so it was a real treat to cooked for.

Mary is witty and full of wonderful facts about her country. Her amusing sayings and folk wisdom had me laughing every day. She is now our beloved Scottish Grannie.

Iona is an inquisitive, delightful and caring child and one Lilly immedialty loved and called sister.

 We slotted into their lives and assisted in a number of tasks, enjoyed every moment we were there. I am so grateful for this experience and know we have lifelong friends coming away.

We were very sad to leave and truly wished we could have stayed much longer.

So - if you want a placement where you feel and are treated like family, want to be immersed with Scottish village life and come away with baking skills ( and weigh a few pounds more!) then don’t hesitate - apply now to be Conners next helpers.

Baking Time

I've gotten my farm/housewife groove on again; feeling relax and creative enough to want to cook things other than utilitarian meals. 

I have a pretty free hand in what I cook, so am introducing some of my favourite treats  and tried and true recipes. 

We made Anzac bikkies ( crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle.. mmm just perfect)

And Ive just made the worlds best scones. Light fluffy and moist. My Aunty Pam would be proud! 

After picking heaps of blackberries, I made a huge batch of blackberry jam - jars and jars of it.. and it was super yummy!

And with that much jam..what does one do?  make Jam drops of course.. Its something I believe they ( the UK) don't do much here.

I am pretty happy that my cooking has been well received. It been relaxing and a treat for me to do. We still have a few more days here, so muffins, cakes and more desserts are planned.

Blackberry Picking

Mmm.. is there anything better than ripe sweet blackberries? ( ok.. ripe sweet mulberries are on par)

Its our first day in Stoke on Trent and the air is crisp with the promise of winter on its way. We took a walk in the nearby park -(Literally across the road from our house) and were delighted to find acres of blackberries growing bursting with ripe fruit. 

Its obvious that everyone in the district has come at some point and harvested what they could, but the blackberries had no chance with an experienced picker from Aus..

I came across some dumped chairs on the path, so picked these up and used these to crush our way into the middle of one of the big patches. So many ripe juicy fruit.  Alot of it found its way into our mouths, but we did end up with a few kilos to bring home.

Both kids were so excited picking the blackberries. Its these little moments which bring a real smile to my heart.

I'm in the process of making Blackberry Jam and have just made some blackberry icecream.. mmm

Summary of a working visit at Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple -Yorkshire

Its a beautiful, tranquil spot, Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple up in York. As a volunteer worker, the conditions are spelt out before you arrive. It is defiantly not a place to expect to sit and ponder the worries of the world or meditate for hours on end; unless you are able to do this zen style ( in a moving mediation method) 

There are plenty of opportunity to join into the faith sessions, mediations and rituals during the week. 

Though the work is fairly simple, it can become tedious and repetitive, but this is due to the low expectations of supervisors on what the ability of its workforce. This is understandable as there is a wide range of abilities applying to volunteer.

It does give an insight into the life of a monk or long term helper within the temple and an excellent way to explore the Buddhist faith and teachings. 

Though it was challenging to do this with the kids in tow, it was an invaluable experience for them.

Life as a monk Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple

I guess by now we have slipped into our roles here at the Buddhist Temple. I think, with only a few reservations, I'd be happy to continue here for a few months. Its peaceful and the people here are accommodating and kind. The volunteer work is not dreadful, though the hours are long and gives very little opportunity for the kids to do their homeschooling, or for us to see any of the sights around the area.

The kids are pictured here dinging the meal gong, which needs to be sounded in a few places around the mansion.

Our day starts when we wander down to the communal hall for breakfast. We help ourselves to what is there, generally there is apples and oranges, sometimes there is yoghurt, but there is always rice bubbles and cornflakes as well as bread for toast. 

We have mediation classes directly afterwards, which then leads to our work meeting to direct volunteers to do what is required for the morning, or day. We've been doing gardening almost exclusively, but have been assigned to assist with the B and B part of the temple, in the laundry; which is great as it means a bit of a change.  The kids have been positive the whole time and work hard alongside me. I'm not sure many other kids would continue the way they have been. 

Lunch is the main meal of the day and one we all look forward to, as the different monks are assigned to prepare it every day. Some are great cooks. Some have talents which may not be in the culinary arts.

We work until 5.30; giving a little time before dinner, which is sometimes toast and soup, other times a baked potato and beans, and other times a pasta dish. One thing is certain, you won't put on weight while working here.

The evenings are generally clear if you aren't interested in joining in on the chants and prayer sessions. Its given us a good space to quieten the mind and reflect on the huge journey we have just undertaken. 

We've spoken a little to some of the monks - who join us for some meals. Dordy is a real character and has really upset the apple cart on my perception of what a monk is. He is covered in tats and is a self professed previous 'bad boy'. He has found real peace and harmony here, a real connection with his place in the universe. Its wonderful to sit with him and laugh and hear his perception on certain topics. 

before and after shots of the carpark - our job at Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - Yorkshire

One of our primary jobs while we were at the Buddhist Temple was to clear the weeds and grass in the main carpark.

This carpark is the one that guests to the four star B and B used, as well as for the guests who came to eat at the wonderful world peace cafe. 

The car park is supposed to have white pebbles across is, but instead was overgrown in thick grass, inches of soil and weeds. There were also random piles of bricks and pallets of rubbish, making some of the area inaccessible for cars to park in.

Though we had an array of tools to use, we found that hand picking was one of the quickest ways to get rid of them all. And yes - before anyone comments - because we were working within the constraints of the beliefs of our work placement, we couldn't use any poisons or harmful substances.

The three of us got into a bit of a rhythm and worked as a team to loosen the weeds with a nail rake, rake up the remains of white pebbles and then start pulling the weeds. It was pretty intensive and hot work, but like our walk on the camino, a calming activity where we had no other responsibilities other than to weed and to be.  I actually don't mind menial work.  A long time ago, I was told in acting school that there was no such thing as a 'small part' in a film or a play, only small actors. I have brought that with me in my worklife. All tasks have a place. Some are given more importance than others, just as some are more urgent  than others. Besides, menial tasks give you the freedom to think freely and most people leave you alone to continue your work. Its a good place to be alot of the time. 

I took photos over the four days we worked on the carpark. I'm glad we did as it was a pretty relentless task and it made us feel good to see the stones gradually appear. 

Gardening Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - Yorkshire

With earphones in, music pumping, we set about working as hard and efficiently as we could in the garden and driveways. 

The kids have worked without complaint and undertaken some pretty ordinary jobs, which makes me very proud of them and their work ethic.

Working here this week is a great learning tool for a number of reasons. It is bringing real life experiences into the historical information we are collecting about the churches and monasteries. The kids can appreciate at a real level what it was like to live and work in a monastery, given that we are in basic accommodation ( here is much much nicer than many of the ones we slept in on the Camino I may add)  and one main basic meal ( which is basically what medieval lay monks would have had).

Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - a working visit ahead

This was our welcome party to Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple, (Kilnwick Percy Hall) situated up past York - in Polkington. Its a heritage listed historic home - an Elizabethan Hall set in 42 acres of grazing land.

It has an interesting history as far as how it became a temple - The area is mentioned in the doomsday book and in the late 1500s the Manor was built in the style of the time - the Elizabethan Hall. The lord must have run out of money as it wasn't completed for over 150 years. It was finally completed in the late 1700s and used as a hunting lodge and country escape ( as was the fashion of the time with the gentry.)

It had over 40 bedrooms at one stage and over 60 staff - wow!

During the second world war the army took over Kilnwick Percy Hall. Afterwards, like many manor homes, the staff who used to be there, didn't return, wages were too high to engage more and the home was shut up to preserve heat and cleaning. It fell into disrepair and sadly caught fire where two-thirds of the building had to be demolished. The most magnificent part, the grand staircase - was demolished and made into furniture. - eekkk!  fortunately, part of it was rescued and fashioned into a staircase for another area in the house. It was purchased by Madhyamaka Buddhist Centre 25 years ago.

Our bedrooms are the second floor - the first and second window from the right. They monks who met us appologised for the megre accommodation - but boy - compared with the Camino and what we have had to sleep in for the last 60 days - this place is luxury plus.. It has hot water!! It has blankets.. oh the luxury of it all.

We are giddy with pleasure.. really.  We are looking forward to this week.

Balcony and kitchen tidy up

Just another little project I did while we were in our German home - organising and tidying the kitchen and the balcony. I had planned to buy some plants and have the balcony a little greener and brighter - but its still pretty cold here and most of the tiny plants available are too tender to withstand the chilly temperatures.

I enjoy organising things and love the feeling of accomplishing order.... and yes.. this is def therapy for me.

Some photos of what it looked like before, half way through, and the finished project.  this is the sort of things that as a HelpX worker, you get to do all the time.

So pretty much plants which have died and left over the winter period. Lots of pots and general stuff on the balcony - a place that doesn't get a lot of use in the months that are freezing here.

I pulled all the dead plants out, sorted pots and threw away rubbish.

and look what I found under a bunch of rubbish! A pond set..  I don't think it works - but a bonus to find it and see if Nicole wants to try and get it going again.. there is something magical about having running water and ponds near the house.

So - finished products - this area now tidy and items stacked readily available fo ruse.

I planted a few herbs which are hardy and hopefully will cope till it gets hotter here.






Somewhere to sit and relax when the sun starts to get warmer.

Pots etc all ready to plant with veges and herbs.

Cleaning and tidying

Back at the Big House, the kids and I have been busy cleaning out the fridges. There were some interesting lessons on bacteria and fungus - coupled with shrieks of horror as plastic containers were opened.

All perfect now, and another task ticked off our list for our HelpX host.

Cooking cooking

I have always loved to be creative with my cooking, but the last year or so that love has sort of drained away.  Working in makeshift kitchens, other peoples kitchens and without my equipment ( oh my knife I miss you.. Oh my beautiful blender... I miss you!!) - well it makes it a little more challenging.

While at our Hastings Helpx placement, I have been cooking mainly vegan meals - which is no biggie as we were vegan for a good while ( as well as raw foodists, vegos and just about any other health diet around)

I must say that my baked polenta and rich tomato salsa was a bit of a hit. So good and so easy.. well - most things are to be honest. I've also made a vege slice - vegan.. ( but I have to say the addition of cheese is always pretty good...but not this one)

One of my favourite 'wow' items I like to make on the spot is my raw chocolate mousse.  I made two batches to produce this parfait. I like the rich dark chocolate one - but the kids prefer the 'milk' chocolate one.   Made with avocados, coconut cream and a soaked nut (cashews or macadamias) and cocoa... its so easy to make, vegan and yummy to boot.

This has some organic blueberries drizzled on it for contrast.

I'll boot my raw foods blog back into life to put some recipes up as I have been asked a few times about this particular item. http://family-journey-to-raw.blogspot.com.au/

Pantry Tidy Up

This is the start of a new job tonight. In the side room things have kind of piled up a little. The pantry is three doors high and four doors wide, so you can imagine that things have gotten alittle lost and frantic here.

Below is just two of the examples of the doors in the pantry which needs sorting out, really old gross stuff thrown out, inside wiped down with most things needing a wipe down too.

I've spent about three hours so far and made some good progress; and will try to finish up tomorrow and take an after shot.

Video tapes and linen

Our next task was to get all the linen from different rooms and cupboards and sort into sizes and colours. After gathering them all and sorting into sizes and colours, our task then was to match sets.

As you can imagine, this was job which needed plenty of space. Morgan took charge and really enjoyed the challenge.

We also had moved some book cases around, so there was plenty of dust and vacuuming - umm 'Hoovering' with the henry to do..:)

Next task on the list was to sort through about 5 piles like this of videos - into tv series, comedy, children and train videos.  Boy - this guy loves his trains and train journeys. 

Tidying one room.. Before and after

The tasks that we have as Helpxers vary from placement to placement. Penny has a large home which has housed a few different residents over the year, all leaving things behind or storing things with her.

This is  room full of one guys stuff - who now wants it back - so we need to basically sort it and pack it ready for the movers to come and grab it.

Its a bit aof a harder job when you don't have packing boxes to put things into, but I worked with what I had and tidied up as much as I could.

The kids helped heaps as there were so many tiny bits to do - tapes and videos to sort out and pack and boxes of shit  good stuff to sort and pack.

It has taken me two days to get this room ( before photo).. into a sort of organised and manageable set up ( after photo)

Cooking with the Kids

One of the things I have rediscovered is my passion for cooking. I have always loved preparing meals and treats, but I guess the last year or so really sucked every bit of creative energy I had out, and I just hated it.  Even Christmas, the one time I really go all out with trimmings and everything, last year, I did the bare minimum and just didn't care.

At our current HelpX, I prepare lunch and dinner for all of us - Penny and JD - the other helpxer- which needs to be vegetarian.. not a prob.. lots of experience doing that.  I have also started doing some morning and afternoon tea/ treats.. and am getting the kids to help out too with this.

Its good for their maths and for functional English, but also that they are helping out in all aspects of our job here.