California Dreaming

It's always great fun to meet up with family or friends when you are overseas so my short stop over in Los Angeles was the perfect excuse to meet up with family friends, Laurie and Jonathon.

Manhattan Beach Pier

I arrived at my hotel on Hermosa Beach late at night so it was hard to see much but what a pleasant surprise it was  to wake up the next morning and look out over those famous golden sands. I was going to meet my friends later in the afternoon so breakfast by the beach and then a leisurely stroll along The Strand to Manhattan Beach  was the perfect start to the day.

The Strand

The Strand is a cycling and pedestrian walkway which runs from Will Rogers State Beach, north of Santa Monica, all the way along the coast to Torrance County Beach, a distance of 35 kilometres. The sand and beaches seem to go on forever,  punctuated only by numerous volley ball courts, surf life saving towers and the occasional jetty protruding into the sea to provide fishermen with a perfect spot to catch dinner and for me to watch the surfers enjoying the waves.

Tiny courtyards with chairs in a row

 I was fascinated by the tiny front courtyards of the beachfront properties and their rows of chairs lined up to take in the view. This is a very popular place to bike or stroll. It has a cool laid back vibe and I noticed everyone looked happy. I had enjoyable chats with quite a few friendly locals along the way who were rightly proud of their beautiful beaches.The next morning I walked in the opposite direction from Hermosa to Redondo Beach. Ahh!  Teenage memories of the Beach Boys! " If everbody had an ocean, across the USA, then everbody'd go surfing, like Califon-i-a...."

Iconic California  - golden sands, endless ocean, volley ball nets and life saver towers

In the afternoon my friend, Laurie, came to meet me.  It was so good to catch up with her after too many years. She kindly took me on a tour around the area. Firstly we visited the brewery owned and operated by Laurie and her husband, Jonathon. (Amazing! and will be the subject of my next blog) Then we drove through Torrance City collecting their delightful young son from school on our way and on out to the Palos Verdes Peninsula.   I had never been there before and was completely enchanted by it.  It is a stunning place, with a deep navy blue sea foaming on rocky headlands,  bush clad hills and valleys, clean air and sunshine. Unsurprisingly it is the location of several upmarket residential areas.

The light house at Palos Verdes.  The crane is part of a film set..

Our first stop, to enjoy the view, was at a lighthouse close to a small museum.  There was filming in progress beside the lighthouse, so appropriate in the movie state! Next we visited the sublime Wayfarers Chapel overlooking the sea.  Designed by Frank Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, the chapel, built almost entirely of glass, is nestled amongst trees.  I absolutely loved it, it is so serene, so beautiful, so at one with nature. It is a place you could sit peacefully and meditate, think, relax, whatever you want, for hours.  Laurie told me it is a popular wedding venue.  Such a lovely place to get married.

The Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Frank Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright.  So serene.

Our next destination was a nearby gated community where peacocks run free.  It reminded me of our own Titirangi in Auckland with large blocks and  houses set into the bush. We were lucky enough to spot a few peacocks and a couple of chicks scampering about.  Young Emmett was a genius at finding them.

Peacocks enjoy the freedom of a bush clad suburb, Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Back home we found Jonathon already cooking dinner, which was delicious, by the way.  We ate it at their table with a wonderful view right down a valley and watched as the day turned to night and the lights of Torrance came on.   Good food, good wine, good conversation and superb hospitality.  All in all a wonderful and memorable day. Yes, California dreaming indeed. Thank you, so much, Laurie, Jonathon and Emmett!

The Beach House Hotel, Hermosa

HINT: If you have a stopover in LA why not try the Beach House Hotel on The Strand at Hermosa.  It is only about  15 minutes  from LAX and closer to Orange County if you want to visit the attractions there. I loved it.  With really generous sized rooms, it is right on the beach so you can go for a walk, get some fresh air and get away from the bustle of LA for a while before continuing your journey.  I have no connection to the hotel and have not been asked to mention it. This is simply my own opinion.

Luscious Peaches - and two peach recipes

This year my minuscule, dwarf, peach tree is simply dripping with peaches, I have lost count of the number.  I planted the tree just 18 months ago and my first harvest consisted of only four so it is a thrill this year to go out each day and pick one or more perfect, sun ripened peaches all warm and downy and, well, peachy. Of course it is a battle to beat the birds, who love peaches as much as I do, so I have set up an intricate system of bird netting and screens to protect my precious fruit.  So far, so good.

My morning's harvest

 This delectable fruit is a real taste of summer, and the best way to eat it is fresh from the tree.
Sometimes, just for a change, I like to use them in a recipe. This peach dessert is a favourite of mine.

GRILLED PEACHES

Halve and stone the peaches and place cut side down on a tray
Dab with butter and grill until just starting to brown or bubble.  Don't worry if the peaches get a little scorched, the scorched skin will peel away easily. You do need to keep watch, though.
Turn the peaches over and drizzle with honey.
Place a dollop of cream cheese in the hollow where the stone was.
Place back under the grill until the cheese is just starting to brown
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Serve with a scattering of walnuts.

You could vary this recipe in lots of ways and  maybe even cook it on the barbeque.  Try it with maple syrup instead of honey or leave out the cream cheese and serve with cream or ice cream.  I have also made it with brown sugar and coconut threads but prefer  honey and cream cheese. It is surprisingly delicious for something so simple

My grilled peaches with cream cheese and walnuts...mmmm!

One of the most famous peach recipes is the Bellini, a cocktail invented in 1948 by  Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of Harry's Bar in Venice. This is a decadent, summery, girly drink.  Perhaps I should put a Bellini at Harry's Bar on my bucket list, now there's a romantic, dreamy thought!

BELLINI

White peaches skinned and blended to a smooth pulp
Sugar syrup
Prosecco

Blend peaches, sieve and then refrigerate the pulp.
Blend with 1 part sugar syrup to 2 parts peach puree.
Pour 20mls of the puree into a champagne flute and top with the prosecco.  Stir well just before serving.  Warning: It's impossible to have just one!

Enjoy!  The peach season is short but worth waiting for.

New Year - Don't make resolutions just make plans.

Happy New Year everybody!  I hope the year so far, all eleven days of it, is treating you well.  Here in New Zealand we live a topsy turvy life according to our northern friends.  Of course, to us, it is the good folk in the north who lead the topsy turvy life.  So while the northern hemisphere is blanketed in snow or suffering icy blasts we are basking on beaches and enjoying barbecues.  Because Christmas and New Year fall in summer here this is the time schools close down for 6 weeks, it is when  most people takes their annual leave and when  families head off to do what New Zealanders love best, holidaying at the beach.

Beach fun for my grandchildren

My family and I have just spent a blissful week at a lovely beach north of Auckland, Matheson Bay.  We swam, played with the children, gorged on fresh oysters and drank wine, barbecued hearty steaks and sausages, played ball games, loafed, read and admired glorious sunsets.  In short had a perfect holiday.

My son's a happy chap with fresh oysters and beer

Now back home my thoughts have turned to plans for 2017.  Probably like most people I'm hopeless with new year resolutions.  I've usually forgotten what they were after about a week 😞 What really works for me is writing a list of things I want to achieve through the year in a book  and checking it on a monthly basis to see how I'm doing.  I have done this for the past nine years and find that every year I achieve most things on the list.  Things I don't achieve are forwarded on to the next year, sometimes there is nothing to forward, or one or two items at most.

Making plans

These are the headings I use:

TO DO: this is usually things like staining a fence or getting power sockets repaired, tidying out the workshop or painting rooms.  At this time of the year I walk around the house and make a note of what needs doing and write it in my book.  It is a great incentive to get on with the jobs.  I always note the date jobs are completed and if the year is marching on and jobs are still to be done you should see my flurry of activity towards the end of the year!  It's a badge of honour not to leave things.

TRAVEL: as an enthusiastic traveler I like to write down some goals for travel for the year.  I have to be realistic about this, though, because, you know, money! Sometimes I will just go away for a couple of days to explore a place close to home or even take an inexpensive day trip ( I need things to write about, after all!) I  am often surprised at how much I have done over the year.

MAINTAIN FITNESS:  I  have a regular fitness regime, walking, exercising and playing golf but writing it down and checking the book regularly keeps me on track.

MAINTAIN FRIENDSHIPS: as a widow living alone this is important and I work at this, not that I see it as work, fun more like.  I belong to a few groups and clubs, keep in touch with friends for meals and coffee, organise a dinner group and spend a lot of time with my family.

OTHER: these are the additional bits and pieces like writing this blog, minding the grandchildren on a regular basis, maintaining my garden, growing vegetables etc.

LEARN A NEW SKILL: each year I try to do something different. I have taken a photography course, a writing course, learnt how to use power tools, researched the family's genealogy and completed the family tree, to name a few.

VOLUNTARY WORK: I have been involved with a few groups for several years now.  I feel it is important to do my bit and give back.  

I'm sure you can think of other headings.  Give it a go, it is very satisfying to end the year with most goals achieved....and good luck!  I hope you have a happy and fulfilling 2017.

Glorious sunset from our holiday home

Happy Christmas from A Wandering Widow

Happy Christmas and a healthy, adventure filled New Year to you all.

Christmas seems to come around faster each year and before I know it I am planning for what the New Year might bring.  I truly hope you have quality time with family and friends and the chance to kick back and relax over the holiday break.

Thanks, so much, for reading my blog this year.  Knowing I have readers all over the world is a great incentive to get out and do interesting things to write about. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

With love,  Miriam

  This is my local beach. The  pohutukawa, is known  as the New Zealand Christmas tree because it blooms at this time of year.

Christmas is, above all, about family.  Here is my precious little Christmas angel

My grandson helps set up the nativity scene

My solution to a playful cat and a two year old grand daughter

Because you're never too old! I asked Santa for a Ferrari...he just laughed!

Bath - that most elegant of Georgian cities

It is often said that you should never return to a place which holds special memories for you however there are always exceptions to that rule.  I jumped at the chance to revisit Bath when a friend of mine, now living in England suggested we meet there.  I have a deep fondness for Bath, firstly because I am a great fan of Jane Austen, one of the city's most famous daughters, who, ironically, lived there for only five of her 41 years and, by all accounts, hated it. She preferred the country and her family's impoverished circumstances made life in the town difficult. I love Jane's satirical wit and her keen eye for the foibles and pretensions of Georgian society which are the mainstay of her novels. Another reason to love the city was memories of the happy time spent there with my late husband.  He loved New Zealand with a passion but I remember him getting all misty eyed in Bath and telling me "I could live here"  I was amazed, that was the only time in his life he ever said that about anywhere other than home.  Interestingly, it was only after he had died that I researched his family tree and discovered his grandparents had come from Bradford-on-Avon, a beautiful village close by.  He never knew that but I wonder if  there was, perhaps, some sort of ancestral pull.

Shops, including a very fine ice cream shop, line either side of the bridge

Bath Abbey aglow in the sun

Sally Lunn's shop dating from 1680

I had a hugely enjoyable first day in Bath hanging out with my friend and her three lovely children.  Catching up on news we wandered the streets, admiring the timeless architecture, slurping on ice creams, visiting the original Sally Lunn's shop and marveling at the devils and angels on the carved stone ladders fronting Bath Abbey. The warm sun shining on the Cotswold stone gave the whole city a golden glow.  All too soon, though, it was time for Sarah and her family to leave for home so I climbed the hill up through town to check into my delightful hotel, The Queensberry.

The timeless view from my hotel room

Bust of  Goddess Sulis Minerva, Roman Baths

Later I decided a warm swim at the new Thermae Spa might be just the thing but when I saw the queue stretching up the road and around the corner gave it a swerve and went to the Roman Baths instead.  What a happy change of plan!  I had been there as a 14 year old and again in 1998 with my husband but I still enjoyed it as if it was my first visit. At 7pm in the evening it was almost deserted so I spent a long blissful time soaking up the atmosphere and history of the place, enjoying the vastly improved displays, happy as could be. 

HINT: go to the Roman Baths very late in the day (check opening times, they change with the seasons) by then the day trippers have gone and other tourists are at dinner.

To complete a fantastic day I treated myself  to a fig and honey julep cocktail in the hotel bar. The view from my room looked over Georgian Houses and chimney pots with a mellow moon gleaming over all.  So romantic, so story book, so unchanged for hundreds of years.  I tried to capture it in a photo, unsuccessfully, sadly.

Inside the Roman Baths

I was up early next morning, had breakfast at The Olive Tree, the fine, highly rated restaurant at the hotel and then off for a walk around the famous Royal Crescent, the Circus and up and down picturesque lanes. With no cars, no people and my vivid imaginings of how it would have been in Jane's day, I was perfectly content despite the change in the weather to cold and blustery. Next stop was the Jane Austen Centre for a short film and a tour with an excellent guide.  I thought I knew most things about Jane but I learnt a lot more like the fact that that the only, and well known, portrait of Jane was done by her sister, Cassandra, and was said by everyone at the time to look nothing like Jane. As a lover of old costumes and clothing it was a pleasure to see original garments from Georgian times.  It was early in the day and there were only two other people on the tour, New Zealanders!, we're everywhere!
 

The b
The elegant, Georgian, Royal Crescent overlooking the town

Next stops were the very grand Assembly Rooms with their magnificent crystal chandeliers and Bath Abbey, where I was lucky enough to catch the choir rehearsing.

https://youtu.be/0hca5TbDcxc

Video of the choir rehearsing at Bath Abbey - excuse the quality.

I poked my nose into the Pump Room, mentioned in Jane's novels as a place for high society to meet, gather, gossip and flirt.  Nowadays people seem to prefer to take tea from silver tea sets placed on starched white tablecloths than to sip on the sulphurous mineral waters but other than that not much has changed.  Very elegant indeed.

Inside the Georgian Assembly Rooms

The Gin Bar - dark windows on right

Strolling aimlessly but happily for the rest of the day I was delighted to spot the bar I had had a drink in with my husband and where he had become misty eyed.  Now a gin bar it is little changed and I was awash with nostalgia but so pleased to have found it. Then it was off to the train and back to join my family in London.

I know now that I will go to Bath any chance I get.  It is a beautiful place and I understand how my husband was bewitched by it. Revisiting did not disappoint.

HINT: Spend a night or more there to have at least some time without the countless bus loads of day trippers.

A Taste of Spain - My Empanadilla Inspired Pie

Everywhere you go these days you will see tapas on the menu in bars and restaurants.  For me, tapas are a favourite way of eating.  I love sharing multiple small plates with friends, getting to enjoy a variety of tastes and flavours in a convivial way.  There are many stories about the origin of tapas but probably the most likely one is that in a bar in Seville small plates (tapa means plate), were put over glasses of sherry to prevent insects falling in and over time the habit of placing tit bits of salty food on the plates was developed to ensure guests continued drinking!

 Tapas are ubiquitous all over Spain now days so to complete my series on Menorca I would like to share my take on the Empanadilla, a popular tapa.  Normally served as a crescent shaped finger food pastry I  altered the original recipe to make it into a family sized pie suitable for a meal for my family.  I think it worked pretty well, tasty and a taste of Spain....just what I wanted

MEMORIES OF MENORCA TUNA PIE

1 510gm tin of tuna in oil
2 tablespoons of oil
1 large onion finely chopped
1 large red capsicum finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic crushed or finely chopped
300gms of tomatoes finely chopped
15 large green olives stoned and chopped
1 heaped teaspoon of paprika
2 sprigs of parsley chopped
2 hard boiled eggs finely chopped
Enough sheets of puff pastry to cover the top and bottom of your pie tin
Sea salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of a mild flavoured mayonnaise
1 beaten egg

Drain the tuna.

Heat the oil in a pan and add the onion and capsicum, sauteing until soft but not browned.  Add the garlic and continue frying until fragrant.  Add the tomatoes, you can use tinned but don't put too much liquid in.
Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated but not all of it.  Add the flaked tuna and season with the salt, pepper, paprika and parsley. Fold in the olives, egg and mayonnaise.  Then set aside this filling to cool completely.  If you fill the pie while the filling is warm the pastry will go soggy.

Heat the oven to 200C.  Line the pie tin or flan dish with pastry.  Fill with the cooled filling and cover with pastry.  Brush with the beaten egg and bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until baked and golden.
This is equally good served hot or cold with a tossed salad and a bowl of olives.

The traditional accompaniment for tapas is sherry and the sherry should be served cold or lightly chilled. A glass of sherry would go just fine with this recipe.

7 Things Worth Knowing About Menorca

ACCOMMODATION

There is every type of accommodation you could wish for on Menorca from luxury lodges to eco cabins and everything in between.  Be warned, some of the more popular beaches are crammed with Brits on package holidays.  If this is not your thing, and if, like me, you prefer to get among the locals, hiring a villa in a small town or village is the way to go.  We hired a villa which came with all mod cons and a swimming pool, it was perfect. I  like a bit of authenticity when I travel so one of my great pleasures was to go to the village store each day to buy food along with the locals,

Villas for rent are available throughout the island - this was ours, we loved it.

TRANSPORT

• BUSES - The buses on Menorca are luxurious and the drivers are polite and friendly.  There are large bus depots at both Mao and Ciutadella with routes servicing a lot of villages.  However, there are many places impossible to get to by bus and the timetables are also very limited.  Bus transport on Menorca is comfortable and pleasant but it takes forward planning to make it work.
• TAXIS - We discovered that there was only one taxi on the island licensed to take 5 passengers.  As we were a family of five it meant taking two taxis most of the time, an expensive exercise.  The taxi drivers we met were prompt,  friendly and obliging.
• RENTAL CARS - We did not hire a car, managing to get to many places by bus or taxi but we all agreed that another time we would, for at least a few days, in order to explore more of the island.  It is important to book a hire car well ahead of your holiday because demand is high.   Poppy Cars  www.poppycars.com is highly recommended, but be careful and read reviews of hire companies before booking.
•  FERRIES - There are regular ferry services to mainland Spain from both Mao and Ciutadella
• CYCLING -Menorca is also perfect for cycling holidays with its relatively flat terrain and lots of cycling/walking trails

LANGUAGE

The people of Menorca have their own language, Menorquin, a dialect of Catalan with its roots in Latin, Italian and French.  It is quite different from Spanish.
For example, here are a few useful words and phrases:

The beach in Menorquin

Bon dia - Good morning
Please - Si us plau
Thanks - Gracies                                                                         Goodbye - Adeu
How are you - Con estas
Sorry - Ho sentim
I don't understand - No sentec

The city of Mao is also known as Mahon (Spanish) but the locals prefer Mao (Menorquin).
You will become a friend if you use some Menorquin words

FOOD SPECIALTIES

 Menorca has its own unique cuisine, drawing on influences from the various countries that have occupied the island over the centuries.  It is different from Spanish cuisine in a number of ways, for example, the far greater use of cheese and dairy products which is a legacy of British rule.  Here are a few Menorcan delicacies worth trying:
Mayonnaise - Gets its name from Mao, where it was invented by a French chef during the French occupancy
Stuffed aubergines - ( Moorish influence)

Seafood - all kinds
Menorcan Cheese ( Queso de Mahon) - which has won many International awards 
Ensaimadas - the soft, fluffy breakfast breads baked in a spiral shape
Sobrassada - minced pork with paprika - a spreadable salami type product, sometimes eaten with honey
Lobster stew - very expensive but, I'm told!, worth it
Xoriguer Gin - (British influence) Menorcan gin is made with grapes, not grain.  It comes in many flavours, the most popular being the Pomada, a long lemony refreshing drink, drunk at fiestas and often on tap in bars. It is sometimes served as a slushy.

CULTURE

Menorca boasts more than 1500 monuments dating from the Talaiotic culture, 2000 BC. These are unique and many are still in an excellent state of conservation making the island a paradise for keen archaeologists.

There are plenty of fiestas celebrated throughout the year.  Get in and enjoy the fun.

A Talaiotic monument in Mao

NATURE

UNESCO biosphere status was awarded to Menorca in 1993 due to the exceptional conservation efforts of the residents.  Apart from its pristine waters and coastline Menorca has 700 square kilometres of nature reserve criss crossed with walking trails through farm lands, canyons, lush woodlands and coastal dunes and wetlands.  Bird watchers can spot Peregrines, Osprey, Vultures and Eagles on their walks.

SHOPPING

Markets are held weekly at various towns around the island.  Stalls offer fantastic value leather goods and the usual T shirts and souvenirs. The ubiquitous leather sandals, worn by everyone on the island, the avarca,  is on sale everywhere.  I bought mine at a shop on the main street on Mao and found it was no more expensive than those on sale at the avarca factory shop.
My picks for souvenirs are leather goods, avarcas and gin. 

Handbags, sandals and belts are excellent buys at the market