Today is the official start of the Chinese New Year and it is the year of the rabbit.
Rabbit is the fourth of the 12 Chinese Zodiac parts, in the sequence of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. As a result, the Year of the Rabbit is the fourth year in a 12-year cycle.
In Chinese culture, rabbit can be used to symbolize the moon. Ancient Chinese believed there was a rabbit living on the moon. They could see it on the shiny full moon on Mid-Autumn Day (the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar). Though the success of the Apollo Program proved the rabbit never lived on the moon, but its lucky image never faded.
The rabbit, called in Chinese the Jade Rabbit or the Moon Rabbit, is a companion of the Moon Goddess who never grows old. It makes medicine by grinding herb with a mortar and pestle.
According to Beijing folklore, the rabbit came down to earth as a girl, riding on a horse, a tiger or a lion, traveled in the city, and saved many from a serious epidemic, thus Beijingers make statuettes of a rabbit wearing armor and riding a tiger in tribute.
Rabbits, especially ones with white hair, are also a symbol of longevity in traditional Chinese culture. The ancient Chinese believed it was the incarnation of Alioth, the brightest star of the Triones.
As promised here is the recipe for the Tomato Soup I had during the week.
1 tablespoon (14g) butter
½ cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic minced
1 14-ounce can tomatoes whole, cubed, or crushed
¾ cup chicken broth or water
3 tablespoons double/heavy cream
Salt and pepper
Cook the onions and garlic in the butter until translucent then add the tomatoes and broth and heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and blend either in liquidiser or with a stick blender. Add the cream and season. This make 2 good bowlfuls.
This last week I have been busy starting my hall decorating project. Whilst it was light, it was rather boring and not particularly welcoming. I have decided to continue to use the colours I used in the downstairs cloakroom. These are Lick 01 and 02 and I will add hints of pink just as I did in the cloakroom. Here is what I started with
I cannot afford to replace all of the carpet. Who thought it a good idea to put carpet into an entry hallway? Anyway I just have to work with what I have. Therefore I have bought a washable hall runner that will tie in all the colours and is practical.
I cannot decide whether to just paint the radiator or buy a cover and paint it. I do want a shelf above it so the cover would actually work well, so I am leaning towards that option.
I now have chosen a colour for the front door which will definitely stand out in our little cul de sac and will paint it a gorgeous teal colour outside and in.
I have finished the entryway other than the front door and have started on the main hallway and stairway.
Hopefully by next week I will have finished or at least be very close to completion.
I have also started to write and put together some more of my mystery workshops for my dog training classes. These would actually work well as stand alone mystery party ideas so might try creating mini packages for people to use. My first one is called ‘Cooking up a Mystery’ and includes ciphers, mazes, riddles and a whole lot more to work those brains. They definitely work my brain putting them together 😂
On Wednesday it will be Burns Night and I have bought my haggis to make some yummy little canapes to take to my Butterflies Ladies evening. These will be mini potato cakes topped with a swede puree and hagiss. I made these a few years ago for my Women’s Institute evening get together that fell on Burn’s Night.
I must get on with the decorating now otherwise I will have nothing to show you next week 😉
Stepping Into Sixty and Out Of The Comfort Zone 