6 weeks

That's about the length of time that my migraines have been under control. Yay :0) This is how it is for me and 'my migraines', that constant companion. I get ups and downs. The downs really suck- weeks on end of painkillers and making sure I have them and my other meds with me, chronic pain, constant fear of an acute attack. Then something magical happens- it all.just.stops. The past week or so have been a bit niggly, as I have a major stress coming up, but other than that I have had a reminder of what it has been like to be a normal person. :0)

Haiti- you can help

If you want to help the people in the wake of the Haitian earthquake, here is a simple, easy way to do so.


The Disasters Emergency Committee have an appeal on their homepage. Just click on 'Donate Now'.

Look closely...

...at the bottom left-hand side of this scarf and you will see 'I heart Z.' This fabulous scarf was knitted for me by my good friend
KEDKrafty as a special present when I moved to Switzerland. As soon as winter gets to be serious, out this scarf comes. It warms my neck and it warms my soul. It's great to have friends!

Slwo, slow, quick quick, slow.

I was cooking at both ends of the time scale today- slow cooker and pressure cooker.



I have resisted the appeal of a pressure cooker for years. My mum confirmed that my memory of a pressure cooker exploding was a real one. However, having clarified things with her I now know it was a case of safety-valve-blowing-and-dinner-hitting-ceiling, not bits-of-shrapnel-flying-about scenario.

Then I was kicking myself. The Coop in Switzerland has a 'merkli' scheme,much like other supermarket reward schemes. In this case you collect the 'merkli' (stickers) and once you get 2 sheets you can get a variety of discounted goods. The reason for kicking myself? The current discount was on cookware. They were offering a whopping 70% off- you guessed it- pressure cookers. To add to the frustration, the collection finishes at the end of January and goods need to be collected by the end of February. All was not lost- one sticker per 10CHF spent, 60 stickers to collect. With 4 extra people to be fed it wasn't long before the pages were full and I came away with a Schnellkochtopf in my hot little hands.

I won't lie, I was completely shitting myself somewhat nervous the first time I used it, but as you can see the world did not end and now I have a deliscious lamb stew for tea. And the slow cooker made a grand job of 'risotto' for my son's girlfriend. Happy smiles all round :0)

First Baking 2010

These cookies are the second thing I've made from Salty Sweets . When I tried one last night, my first reaction was 'Meh'. However, a reprise this morning has seen me change my opinion. I still don't think they're wonderful, but they are tasty enough that I wouldn't be embarrassed handing them round to visitors.

They're nowhere near good enough to nudge World Peace Cookies from pole position.

This makes me feel so sad.

We sure are screwing up this wonderful planet. It's not too late , is it?

first knitting of 2010

I ran up this little number with some baby alpaca and silk. It needs a little blocking to show it at its best, but I wanted to give it a trial run today- it's cold outside. I foresee another Cité before much longer.



ETA: What a difference a little TLC makes: