When I was in Shaoxing (China) I bought several of these hats. The story is that they are worn by the boatmen who ply their trade in Shaoxing boats around the many waterways of Shaoxing.
They are always black, made of double felt, and of course work wonders in keeping the head warm in the very cold winters of that part of China.
Generally the folk that wear them are "old men" so I was told, and not only the boatmen but the tricycle (modern rickshaw) men wear them too.
They are sold during winter in the tourist spots around Shoaxing, and I took a fancy to them. I bought some for some of the men folk of the family, and one for me. I'd never worn it until yesterday.
I've got to say, on me it is a great fashion statement! I wore it almost all day as I had a couple of appointments. Everywhere I went people asked me about it. Even the ENT specialist I went to see asked if he could hold it and feel what it was like. He too had been to China and we chatted about our experiences there for a bit.
Last night I went to a "soiree" at the office of an Australian Senator (politician) and as I knew from previous years, that it was to be outdoors and it was very cold, I chose to wear my Shaoxing hat.
Again, it was a talking point, and so many people commented on how it suited me - looked great. Even I felt gret in it.
So I think I'll wear it a little more. I'm off to Adelaide next week, and I do have one for my father for his 90th Birthday, but I will wear mine too.
I think some readers will have no idea what that is, so I will explain. In 2005 when I was headed to Ireland on my own, I found out through reading a travelling magazine about an international organisation based in the UK, but with members from all over the world that connect for cultural exchange.
5W? Women Welcome Women World Wide - there are the 5 W's, and with thousands of members all around the world it is especially good for creating friendships across countries, across borders, and so forth.
When I went to Ireland I did stay with a member near Waterford, and I note that she is still a member.
Today I made contact with a member in Adelaide, and I may well meet with her when I go to Adelaide next week. Not that I am short of things to do in Adelaide, but I'm always happy to meet new people.
So if there is any reader who is interested - you might visit the website. You can join on line - there is a membership donation of 35 pounds.
Women Welcome Women World Wide
I guess the people I miss most when I travel are the grand children, and when I return it is good to see them again and catch up with them. My, how they grow!!!
We have four now - the eldest is turning 9 on Monday and she is celebrating with some friends from school (it is school holidays) with an Asian themed party. Now the children do have quite a few souvenirs from my travels and I am reminded frequently that I had stated that I would like to take the two older ones to China. I mean it. I'd love to - subject to my bank balance being filled from an unknown source by thousands of dollars. I mean, it would cost me up to $4000 per person, and the two girls want to go, and of course their mother, so I'm up for $16,000 - before the menfolk put their bids in. And the other family - the other two grandchildren will want to go too, so I'm up for big bucks which I just don't have.
Meanwhile we will just have to play at Asian things. Mind you, the order for the birthday cake to be in the shape of a red Chinese dragon, will be a challenge for mother. The guests will get Asian gifts and some food will be Asian inspired, but we are not sure of the inspiration for the requested purple plates, serviettes and so forth, though I will produce some of my purple Chinese souvenirs to convince some people that purple is still popular in China.
I did have tickets in the $90,000,000 Ozlotto draw and was pretty confident, but something went wrong and I didn't get a cent. Still, you've got to be in it to win it they say. And since I only spent $5 on tickets, it was worth the gamble.
Today I attended an Eisteddfod where granddaughter number two performed in her very first competition. Boy, I was proud. I thought she was the best and she probably would have won a high prize but near the end her nerves got the better of her and she missed a few steps. Still, she got a Highly Commended and we were are all proud of her. She has also announced that she was proud of herself, so we have higher hopes for the next three attempts at competition coming up over the next few months.
Still, these are the things that grandmothers should attend. I've missed some great events, and I hope not to miss too many,but with 4 grandchildren there are many events on offer and still I would not be able to attend all - even if I was in the country all the time.
Meanwhile, I'm writing some course material for a TESOL course. I'm kept busy. Dreaming. Writing. Keeping up with the family.
In recent years I have developed a passion for the colour purple. I think it crept up on my because eventually I found I had an extra ordinary collection of purple things.
Dresses, t-shirts, scarves (a looong story there), bags, shoes, pictures, picture frames - and could I go on. Recently I bought a huge purple fluffy blanket for my bed. I like white too - so purple and white things adorn my room.
Today I added to the collection. Now, just in case MM would look in horror at another purple invader of our house, I announced that it was my gift for a donation to the Leukemia Foundation. It is true. Actually I bought it knowing that some of the funds would go to the Leukemia Foundation - as part of their Lavender promotion which is held each year.
I think this cute little bear is going to live on my bed for a while.Meanwhile if any reader would like to add some dollars to the Leukemia Fund - look around for displays of their Lavender products.
For more information click here.
What do you do with ten small figs? I do like eating them fresh and raw, but I have determined to make a conserve and found a good recipe on a blogsite here. I don't have a kilo of figs, and there are two more to ripen, but if I don't use the ones I have picked I will have to freeze them and I don't want to do that.
So today I will follow the recipe (divided by 4) and see what I can produce. At least the figs won't go to waste.
It is hard to settle back into life in Oz - plenty of things to do and I'm busy - but I'm still sorting my life out. I had the ear trouble in South Korea and have been to my doctor twice - first she wanted me on antibiotics (despite there being no evidence of an infection) and when I went back and asked again for a referral to an ENT specialist, I was sent for a hearing test. The Audiologist confirmed that there were problems with my ears and I should see an ENT specialist. Duh!
My doctor wanted me to make another appointment with her to "discuss my hearing test" and I left a message for her that there was nothing to discuss, I was aware of the report, and the recommendation. "Just give me the referral." What???!!!!
Anyway I got the referral (at no further cost too!) and now have an appointment with an ENT guy. Most people will know that getting into a specialist is not easy. I will have to wait until August, or take a very long trip to a suburb on the far side of the city. I've chosen the latter as every day I am reminded of my ear problems. It continues to feel like someone is pouring liquid into my head! And it is 10 weeks + that I have had to endure this!
So, on Friday week I get to see the ENT guy. This week I will have the 24 hour Blood Pressure Monitor connected. There's been an issue with hypertension for some time, and I don't like taking medication (which doesn't always work!) when there is no identified cause. So, perhaps I will get some answers to that.
Meanwhile, I'm writing some TESOL course material, and trying to catch up on friends, tax, etc.
All good fun!
I'm getting my head around being back home in Australia. But I've come at a good time. Just days after I arrived my fig tree which looks a bit lame with no leaves but 13 fruit ready to ripen. I have 10 picked ones in the fridge and have not decided what to do with them. I have eaten one.
If I had my way I'd live on a small block and grow some fresh vegies and fruit - and I've got quite a garden even though I have been away and MM has had to look after everything. Why the leaves dropped off I do not know, but the figs are ripening and now I have to decide what to do with them.
I think I am the only member of the family that eats them. I will try some figs and Camembert cheese tonight - but maybe I will have to cook them. I've done a search for recipes but not found anything that appeals as yet.
Figs are very common around the Mediterranean counties - but not all that common in Australia. They are one of the fruits mentioned in the Bible, so have a long history.
As well some of my orchids are flowering, and some tomatoes I planted in February have huge fruit waiting to ripen.
