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| Aksel Olsen is what we in Norwegian call "en spontanhybrid". Does spontaneous hybrid make sense in English? Well, one "parent" is know, the other is not. He has the spikes of a very wild rose, he only blooms once, but then we find him irresistible. Here is some more information from this page (link): Raised at the Botanical Garden in Copehagen, Denmark in 1923, from seeds sent by Hortus Vilmorin, France (as Rosa helenae). Introduced by Lars-Åke Gustavsson, Sweden 1998 and published in "Rosor fför Noridiska Trädgårdar" 1998. Vigorous rambler, to 7 m. Spines, numerous. Leaves dark green. Flowers 30-100 (-300), yellowish white to white, single, 3,5-5 cm wide. Strong sweet fragrance. Hips orange red to brownish red. Once blooming, medium-late. Very free flowering. |
Linnea - Pictures, music, articles, and a little this and that
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Aksel Olsen
Little Lazy Bones, Noor
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| I clean every second day, but he thinks the world is a loo |
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| Forever sleeping bag |
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Kimono
Hello from Japan! This is Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA's News Letter No.455.
In out past News Letter No.447, we wrote that Imai sensei said, future kimono should become like old style Kosode, and I cannot get this out of my mind.
Kosode is ancestral kimono - and obi sash for kosode was much more simple and narrow.
I tried to think New kimono with Kosode style.
*Bringing back casual wear of Muromachi era(1338-1573)to our present life as New casual kimono.
*Very easily worn without folding at the waist(ohashori)
*The panels of kimono are wide enough to sit cross-legged
*No tricky obi tie needed. Narrow obi are used and you can tie in front.
I can almost hear some people here making a big fusse--`No way!' `It is so sloppy', `You cannot call such thing a kimono!'and so on.
However, without ohashori(folding at the waist) it makes kimono dressing unbelievably easier, and wide panel can make kimono relaxing homewear.
Narrow obi will be so handy compated to stiff wider obi. Even travelling by Shinkansen or airplane will be no problem!
Sitting down on knees on tatami mattress is a style only after Edo period. The details of kimono dressing rules have been born only after WWII!
The present fancy kimonois like a gaudy color birds in southern islands. They are eyecatching but not practical nor convenient. Kimono still exists but they are considered as if they are the representative of luxurious item.
For the revival of kimono as everyday wear, Kosode style should be brought back.
When we think about Kosode now, it may match with working women's lifestyle. Walking in big stride anywhere in kimono-in office area in cities, in Kennedy International Airport and so on. However, kimono should have sharp style. For unseen modern new Kosode kimono, we need a talented and creative designer.
We are eagerly waiting for Rei Kawakubo of Kimono field!
with many kansha,
Ichiro & Yuka Wada
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA
http://www.ichiroya.com
This instead of a "Ms. Grump" today from me. Nothing like a little charm:)
In out past News Letter No.447, we wrote that Imai sensei said, future kimono should become like old style Kosode, and I cannot get this out of my mind.
Kosode is ancestral kimono - and obi sash for kosode was much more simple and narrow.
I tried to think New kimono with Kosode style.
*Bringing back casual wear of Muromachi era(1338-1573)to our present life as New casual kimono.
*Very easily worn without folding at the waist(ohashori)
*The panels of kimono are wide enough to sit cross-legged
*No tricky obi tie needed. Narrow obi are used and you can tie in front.
I can almost hear some people here making a big fusse--`No way!' `It is so sloppy', `You cannot call such thing a kimono!'and so on.
However, without ohashori(folding at the waist) it makes kimono dressing unbelievably easier, and wide panel can make kimono relaxing homewear.
Narrow obi will be so handy compated to stiff wider obi. Even travelling by Shinkansen or airplane will be no problem!
Sitting down on knees on tatami mattress is a style only after Edo period. The details of kimono dressing rules have been born only after WWII!
The present fancy kimonois like a gaudy color birds in southern islands. They are eyecatching but not practical nor convenient. Kimono still exists but they are considered as if they are the representative of luxurious item.
For the revival of kimono as everyday wear, Kosode style should be brought back.
When we think about Kosode now, it may match with working women's lifestyle. Walking in big stride anywhere in kimono-in office area in cities, in Kennedy International Airport and so on. However, kimono should have sharp style. For unseen modern new Kosode kimono, we need a talented and creative designer.
We are eagerly waiting for Rei Kawakubo of Kimono field!
with many kansha,
Ichiro & Yuka Wada
Kimono Flea Market ICHIROYA
http://www.ichiroya.com
This instead of a "Ms. Grump" today from me. Nothing like a little charm:)
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| (link) |
Friday, 6 July 2012
The Land - one year shopping hiatus&trying to be vegan
Having time off feels pretty glorious, the land looks lush and I turn very grateful for everything that grows. With time off, there is the possibility to go to Ultra - a huge market - by bike in the middle of the week, and I did get some fun ingredients for cooking: gourmet lentils, anise essence, organic tomato puree and organic apple cider vinegar - and - oh dear - salmon burgers. I try to be almost vegan most of the time, taking cod liver oil every day and an occasional game dinner (game had a life, running in the forrest, not being raised to slaughter, nor being fed antibiotics) maybe once a month. I also eat the occasional organic, free range egg. It all makes me feel bad, a bit like it would feel to eat my pets. I do find it difficult at this stage to turn totally vegan, although I'm very likely heading in that direction in time, maybe with an exception of the cod liver oil. I think of it as a my contribution to keeping the Earth in a better shape, it being good for my body is an excellent bonus.
The shopping hiatus is almost working, I only buy food or utilities, but I did get a summer skirt. It was really a highlight, even if I'm shrinking and it being not very smart to buy clothes. I do enjoy avoiding "headless" shopping. My vow of only eating things the nourish my body (and soul) to a real extent is working. I also believe in keeping my consumption of food on the lower side on a daily basis, though having occasional days where I eat more, especially when taking the long, tough bike rides. I will look into essential amino acids to get sorted how to get all of them properly on a vegan diet.
The shopping hiatus is almost working, I only buy food or utilities, but I did get a summer skirt. It was really a highlight, even if I'm shrinking and it being not very smart to buy clothes. I do enjoy avoiding "headless" shopping. My vow of only eating things the nourish my body (and soul) to a real extent is working. I also believe in keeping my consumption of food on the lower side on a daily basis, though having occasional days where I eat more, especially when taking the long, tough bike rides. I will look into essential amino acids to get sorted how to get all of them properly on a vegan diet.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
The Possibilities for Madcap Pictures Are Endless
No other camera in sight, and this is what happens :D - oh dear ... !! Plus one grammatical and at least three spelling errors in the title the first few hours the posting was published. Growl!
Apply for a Car? Yes, please!
Maybe I'm becoming Ms. Grump, but after a call to Oslo's garbage collectors costumer's service, I'm having serious doubts about a few issues.
Oslo's inhabitants have started sorting their garbage, we use different bags for scraps of food, plastic and everything else. They must not be larger than a carrier bag, though, otherwise the garbage trucks could get damaged (!), and if I want to turn in glass I have to walk to a usually full container and possibly dump my jam jars outside it. For dangerous garbage I need to have a car or travel for 45 minutes to deposit - which means you have to be highly motivated to do so. I'm also one of those somewhat nutty people who don't want a car due to not wanting to support an infrastructure I find almost scary. I travel by bike or public transport. There should be more carpools, having the possibility of taking out a car when in need of materials or for the weekend, not owning one when living in the city and having access to public transport. Actually I think we should have strict criteria for owning a car - like being walking impaired or elderly when living in the city. We need more exercise and seeing a line of cars standing on the highway in the morning with one person in every car when the public transport is running like it should, makes me a bit sad.
The green garbage bags are for food and the contents will be turned into bio gas, which will be used for fuel (!) and heating. We are not allowed to put old plants into the garbage as they are not good for the plant that makes the gas. The girl I talked to at the costumer's service did not know what will happen to the parts of the food that will not turn into gas either. And making bio gas! It seems a reflection of what we are already doing, how our infrastructure is not serving us, but is just being a monument to our thoughtlessness. We behave like we are endlessly rich when one billion people are starving. But then, we will not turn around before we are forced to do so and our politicians may be more concerned about winning the next election than making some unpopular decisions. Do they not have children?
Well, Mr. Cravan, I think we may have a case of the blind leading the blind again. But then I don't know everything, do I.
Oslo's inhabitants have started sorting their garbage, we use different bags for scraps of food, plastic and everything else. They must not be larger than a carrier bag, though, otherwise the garbage trucks could get damaged (!), and if I want to turn in glass I have to walk to a usually full container and possibly dump my jam jars outside it. For dangerous garbage I need to have a car or travel for 45 minutes to deposit - which means you have to be highly motivated to do so. I'm also one of those somewhat nutty people who don't want a car due to not wanting to support an infrastructure I find almost scary. I travel by bike or public transport. There should be more carpools, having the possibility of taking out a car when in need of materials or for the weekend, not owning one when living in the city and having access to public transport. Actually I think we should have strict criteria for owning a car - like being walking impaired or elderly when living in the city. We need more exercise and seeing a line of cars standing on the highway in the morning with one person in every car when the public transport is running like it should, makes me a bit sad.
The green garbage bags are for food and the contents will be turned into bio gas, which will be used for fuel (!) and heating. We are not allowed to put old plants into the garbage as they are not good for the plant that makes the gas. The girl I talked to at the costumer's service did not know what will happen to the parts of the food that will not turn into gas either. And making bio gas! It seems a reflection of what we are already doing, how our infrastructure is not serving us, but is just being a monument to our thoughtlessness. We behave like we are endlessly rich when one billion people are starving. But then, we will not turn around before we are forced to do so and our politicians may be more concerned about winning the next election than making some unpopular decisions. Do they not have children?
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| Ad for the Norwegian State Railways: Raise you hand if you vote for taking the train |
Well, Mr. Cravan, I think we may have a case of the blind leading the blind again. But then I don't know everything, do I.
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Monday, 18 June 2012
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Be Happy Lentil Soup
This one is nice, I just had two bowls and the truffle oil just made it nicer.
Canola oil for sautéing an onion, four cloves of garlic and a leek
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
400g brown lentils
2 tomatos
3 cubes of vegetable stock or to taste
0,5 teaspoon ground coriander
0,5 teaspoon ground cumin
filtered water (Anna mug is good) to cover the vegetables and lentils
1 tablespoon truffle oil
some nice, green garnish - and, by the way, I did put a little splash of white vine into the soup as well
Saute the onions, garlic and leek until tender, add the spices, then the rest of the vegetables (cut into pieces) and cubes of vegetable stock, let it all boil until tender, puree and add the truffle oil, taste to see if more salt, possibly some pepper or more spices are needed. It looks a bit brown, but is tasty and a green garnish livens it up. Maybe even serve with some good bread? Enjoy!
Based on a recipe in Color Me Vegan, a cookbook that has proved very enjoyable so far.
Canola oil for sautéing an onion, four cloves of garlic and a leek
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
400g brown lentils
2 tomatos
3 cubes of vegetable stock or to taste
0,5 teaspoon ground coriander
0,5 teaspoon ground cumin
filtered water (Anna mug is good) to cover the vegetables and lentils
1 tablespoon truffle oil
some nice, green garnish - and, by the way, I did put a little splash of white vine into the soup as well
Saute the onions, garlic and leek until tender, add the spices, then the rest of the vegetables (cut into pieces) and cubes of vegetable stock, let it all boil until tender, puree and add the truffle oil, taste to see if more salt, possibly some pepper or more spices are needed. It looks a bit brown, but is tasty and a green garnish livens it up. Maybe even serve with some good bread? Enjoy!
Based on a recipe in Color Me Vegan, a cookbook that has proved very enjoyable so far.
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Nina&Pick Me Up Tofu Patties
My darling friend Nina's idea of heaven would be to throw magnificent dinner parties all the time, something she does to perfection. She must have a streak of Karen Blixen's Babette. I remember walking in the mountains with her, spotting a magnificent stag, I pointed it out saying: "look at the beautiful stag", she said: "what a roast!"
These patties are quite nice, if a little bit eccentric, I tend to nibble the finished ones when making them though. Do not go totally over board when it comes to garlic, a little goes a long way here. I also don't use a recipe when making them, so the measurements are very happy-go-lucky.
block of cotton tofu - you don't really need a gourmet variety here
one onion
2-3 tablespoons of flax seeds - preferably ground ones
maybe 4 tablespoons of hemp flour
the same amount of soya floor
some egg replacement (not sure if it works without it, but haven't tried it out)
some oatmeal
some soy milk to make a good consistency
a little ground cumin
some rosemary (I'm bats about rosemary and put it into everything that I hope will taste well with it added, so maybe for the especially interested?)
sea salt to taste
one clove of garlic
Mix in blender
Make patties (they don't keep well enough together to make good burgers) and fry slowly in canola oil or olive oil. Enjoy! Ketchup is strangely nice with these.
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| Nina and her mother on national day. Nina wearing bunad (nationa costume, like an Austrian drindl) |
These patties are quite nice, if a little bit eccentric, I tend to nibble the finished ones when making them though. Do not go totally over board when it comes to garlic, a little goes a long way here. I also don't use a recipe when making them, so the measurements are very happy-go-lucky.
block of cotton tofu - you don't really need a gourmet variety here
one onion
2-3 tablespoons of flax seeds - preferably ground ones
maybe 4 tablespoons of hemp flour
the same amount of soya floor
some egg replacement (not sure if it works without it, but haven't tried it out)
some oatmeal
some soy milk to make a good consistency
a little ground cumin
some rosemary (I'm bats about rosemary and put it into everything that I hope will taste well with it added, so maybe for the especially interested?)
sea salt to taste
one clove of garlic
Mix in blender
Make patties (they don't keep well enough together to make good burgers) and fry slowly in canola oil or olive oil. Enjoy! Ketchup is strangely nice with these.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
Pull Myself Together Soup
I made this today, it turned out well.
Saute onion and garlic in canola oil
Cook cauliflower, one tart apple, 1 tablespoon curry and one or two potatoes in the same pot as the onion/garlic mix with vegetable stock until tender, leave for 30 minutes (makes tastes set, according to recipe and it really was good) and then puree. Makes a fairly thick soup.
Enjoy! I did:)
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Thank You
This blog has been a monument to the people I love. But now almost none
are left. My family consists of two guinea pigs, however lovely. My
mother is in the hospital and my partner decided his grief after his
father's death and hassle at work is enough. My bestest friend may be gone. I do not know if I can continue writing. I do not want to do
anything anymore. Blogs are supposed to be upbeat, I have no heart for
it anymore. Thank you, you are all very kind leaving lovely comments.
Laurent, P. Gayle Tapp, Curtis Roberts, Elizabeth Avedon, Davis Toms, Gésbi, Kay L. Davies and many more - thank you!
Monday, 23 April 2012
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Guinea Pigs in Stereo
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| This is guinea pig no. 2. Hopefully he and Ola wil like each other. He has a delightful personality and is called Noor |
Friday, 20 April 2012
Haori - One Year Shopping Hiatus VII
The shopping hiatus makes me look more. Today, a rather delightful haori. It scares me to see how much of our economy that's been built by purchase a little item here and a little item there. We seem to have to make our homes more shabby chick, cuter, softer, whatever. Is it a kind of protection? Does the shopping work like a drug? What about the people who have very little?
I strongly believe in "museum quality utilitarian" that will last for years. Things that will give the greatest pleasure every time we use them - and good friends and a nice guinea pig to share my home. Ola the guinea pig may well get a little friend soon, by the way. They are social animals and we want the best possible life for him. He gives us great joy and relaxation every day.
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| Link to Kimono Fleamarket Ichiroya |
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Muskat
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| THE tail - what else could it be - Muskat under a pillow, please don't ask, she's a diva |
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| Gardian cat |
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
I Definitely Did Not Feel Like It - one year shopping hiatus VI
Today I got a belated birthday present, I had to buy it myself and I disliked the buying very much. Of course, getting a new garment is nice, but it felt like breaking my vow. It seems like I have to keep this up properly, I really like the process.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
One Year Shopping Hiatus V
Just watching the bustle feels like relaxation. I think I see more clearly not seeking the rush of buying and I enjoy deciding what I do like and do not like without thinking of buying it. I do not like much, respect for the Earth demand a high skill in the artisan, so I'm becoming a difficult customer. Flowers are a temptation though, and yarn. A friend might want me to make her a cardigan. I do not miss clothes buying, I'm off ETSY and will cancel Amazon today together with Paypal. I window shop and get shocked by how easily I used to get into the rush of a t-shirt here and a top there just because it was cute and then loose interest in it quite quickly.
A few days ago I read that it is practically considered bad form to have heating in the bathroom floor when living in Berlin. It makes me hopeful. Here it is very usual and I've been worried about not having it. Somehow comforts that are expected can be just too much. We need to get closer to nature.
A few days ago I read that it is practically considered bad form to have heating in the bathroom floor when living in Berlin. It makes me hopeful. Here it is very usual and I've been worried about not having it. Somehow comforts that are expected can be just too much. We need to get closer to nature.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Brave New World - one year shopping hiatus IV
My partner and I talked it over, again. He thinks it is a good idea. No more little gifts for him, but he is fine with that.
Today I went past IKEA, took a look inside and got a very real Huxley moment. "Get the IKEA card, spend now, pay later (you bet we charge interest, but we don't tell you that, at least not right now)" Cups and pans, not the kind made to last for years and years in abundance. This year's colours in gift wrapping, so easy to buy as it might come in handy - upbeat, cute and inexpensive. I got four packages of paper napkins. It is something I actually have to have for work. When having pupil's concerts we always have cakes afterwards. I've horded five packages. I wanted to get a stemmed up rosemary tree, but decided it would be shopping for shopping's sake, so no little tree. I do love the availability of beautiful things, and maybe the not so beautiful things too, but it is nice to try not to be part of the shop, throw away "garbage", shop again circle. I wish I could avoid buying the napkins, but I find it somewhat difficult to produce linen napkins for 60 people.
I think I'll stick with my grandmother's iron frying pan though. It is at least 50 years old and quite sturdy.
Today I went past IKEA, took a look inside and got a very real Huxley moment. "Get the IKEA card, spend now, pay later (you bet we charge interest, but we don't tell you that, at least not right now)" Cups and pans, not the kind made to last for years and years in abundance. This year's colours in gift wrapping, so easy to buy as it might come in handy - upbeat, cute and inexpensive. I got four packages of paper napkins. It is something I actually have to have for work. When having pupil's concerts we always have cakes afterwards. I've horded five packages. I wanted to get a stemmed up rosemary tree, but decided it would be shopping for shopping's sake, so no little tree. I do love the availability of beautiful things, and maybe the not so beautiful things too, but it is nice to try not to be part of the shop, throw away "garbage", shop again circle. I wish I could avoid buying the napkins, but I find it somewhat difficult to produce linen napkins for 60 people.
I think I'll stick with my grandmother's iron frying pan though. It is at least 50 years old and quite sturdy.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
I Don't Feel Like It - one year shopping hiatus III
Today is a marvelous day. I'm finally rested enough to rest properly, but that is not my subject.
Lately, due to my vow of doing my very best to have a one year shopping/spending hiatus, I went window shopping, considering, among other things, how much improved H&M's designs are now, and thinking about what I'd like if going on a shopping spree. I also thought of an acquaintance who does quite a power play to be able to do his bit of getting what he wants at any given time. I remember suggesting some cucumber on his glue - sandwich (white bread and lots of cheese, reminds me of glue somehow). No, he didn't feel like it. What was I to say? It was the very best way to get someone to shut up once and for all, one just knows that there is no way of getting the point through. The king had spoken. It was all very entertaining, if not so sad.
So what I would like are a pale pink linen dress and a whole bucket of these - but then - I don't really feel like it, do I?
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