The Shuttle Bus

My kids go to three different schools. Theoretically this shouldn't be such an issue especially since the two older ones are at High School and can catch the bus to and from school. You'd think... But it happens every morning and frequently in the afternoon as well. For a while there it was also happening during the day but I put a stop to that. Well until the younger ones get to High School and then we'll go through the training all over again. The mornings often involve one of them being so late heading out the door that if I don't drive him to the bus stop he will miss the bus. I find this infuriating. They usually get up with plenty of time to get ready so the only explanation for the out the door rush is some form of distraction which has diverted the teenage attention, which let's face it, isn't huge, and totally side-tracked him from getting ready for school. Aside from standing over them micro-managing their every movement, and quite frankly I have way more things to be getting on with, I really don't know what the answer is. I guess they'll grow out of it. Or they won't. The afternoons present a different set of challenges. One afternoon each week child number two must remember to take a different bus and take himself to piano lessons. He frequently forgets and I'll either get a phone-call from his piano teacher to say that he hasn't arrived or a text message from him to ask for a lift. Since my younger two children also go to the same piano teacher and I have had to collect them from school, bring them home for a quick snack then take them to piano only to collect all three 90 minutes later, I find the prospect of an additional trip hard to take. It takes a huge chunk out of an afternoon where I am normally getting dinner under way, bringing washing in and various other unfinished tasks. But the one I had to put a stop to was the text message during the school day with a plea to bring some item or another to school. Now the High Schools are not just around the corner. They are a good 20 minutes to half hour drive away which means giving up an hour of an already very short day for a mercy mission. This is one of those times where the opportunity presents itself to teach the lesson of taking responsibility for their own affairs and the consequences of not being on the ball. If they fail an assignment because it wasn't handed in on time, next time they'll make sure it is. If they miss out on swimming or sport because they forgot to pack they right equipment or clothing, next time they'll be better prepared. I know I'm a grumpy mummy but at least they eat well.

Tonight we are having burgers - a rare treat because I had the mince and was looking for something different from the usual Spaghetti Bolognese or Meatloaf. I add grated carrot, finely chopped onion, a whisked egg, some tomato paste and a little dijon mustard to the mince before making the patties.

If you like my blog share it here

Rites Of Passage

We are having one of those pivotal moments in our house today. Our teenage son is being permitted to do something for the first time which is just another step in his path to independence. It is something that he has been trying to get permission to do for some time now and which his father is still against but I have relented on. It is nothing major. It just involves catching a train with his mates to the movies in a large regional centre which happens to be located on the fringe of an area known for bad behaviour among its youth population. His father grew up in a similar area and his attitude is understandable. He is our eldest and breaking these boundaries will always be more difficult for him than for his younger siblings, I realise. I experienced the same as the eldest in my family. It means I am a little pre-occupied today and may not get everything done that I intend. I'll need to get dinner on a bit early today and I think it will be an old standby, Spaghetti Bolognaise. Mine is fairly simple. I don't use mushrooms or bacon or red wine. I also don't use water or thickeners. The flavour comes from caramelising the vegetables at the beginning and simmering the dish slowly and gently allowing the flavour to develop as the liquid reduces and thickens. It is one meal that every member of our household likes. I'll often cook a double quantity and freeze half for another day.

Spaghetti Bolognaise

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 brown onion chopped fine
1 carrot, peefed and grated
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped very fine
500g minced beef
1 tablespoon paprika
1 400g tin chopped tomatoes
pinch salt
pich dried mixed herbs
1 tablespoon tomato paste

In a medium size saucepan heat oil gently over medium heat. Add onion, carrot & tomato and cook gently until soft and browned slightly. Increase heat and add mince. Cook while stirring constantly to break up lumps and brown through. Add paprika and cook for a few minutes then add tinned tomatoes, salt and herbs. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover pan and simmer for about 45 minutes. Remove lid, add tomato paste and cook for a further 15 minutes uncovered until sauce is thick and rich in colour. Serve with spaghetti, parmesan cheese, salad and crusty bread.

I found this interesting clip on the background to spaghetti and the cooking styles of Bologna. The viewpoint is an extremely traditional one and gives a little insight into the differences between people from different regions of Italy.

If you like my blog share it here