Life is a Journey – Page 157 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

Foodie Friday – Lentil Soup

Posted on March 23, 2012November 7, 2026 by Libby Withnall

With the weather starting to cool down it’s time to get back to making soup. The first time I remember having lentil soup is in Scotland in 1998, so it brings back wonderful memories. I’ve had this recipe for a LONG time and have no idea where I got it from. It is so yummy, so easy, and so packed full of goodness. Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS

2 tbl olive oil

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 large brown onions, diced

1.5 litres vegetable stock

300gm brown lentils (though I used red today and it turned out fine)

3 large tomatoes, diced

2 large carrots, finely diced

4 celery sticks, finely diced

METHOD

Heat oil in large saucepan, cook garlic and onions, stirring over medium heat for 3mins or until lightly browned.

Add stock, lentils and veggies, cover and simmer for 30mins or until lentils are tender.

***** See told you it was easy. Let me know if you make it and if you enjoyed it.

The Week that Was

Posted on March 21, 2012October 31, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It was the week the week of sunny, blue skies and finally not much rain. It was the week the Iditarod was won (kindly at 2pm in the afternoon) by Dallas Seavey and life gradually returned to normal….

It was the week Amy’s Hunger Games posters exploded out of her bedroom and onto her door….

and the week Kevin bought me a new sewing machine… what a sweetie….

It was the week of crazy hair day for Amy…. in case you weren’t sure it was inspired by The Hunger Games….

and the week Kevin bought the girls a (cheap) glass chess set and they have played many a game….

It was the week I walked Christy to school and got to see her “mini-me”….

and it was the week of drying scuba gear as Amy did more of her course….

It was the week that not only did the brakes fail on my bike, but the pedal fell off as well….

and Kevin had to come to our rescue….

Finally it was the week of exercise EVERY day…including a few walks….

Family Day Out to the Zoo

Posted on March 20, 2012November 7, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Sorry I’m behind again. Now that my arthritis is much better I’ve been getting busy around the house, trying to take advantage in case things change again. But I have lots of plans for posts, just need to get back into a routine.

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With our annual Zoo pass due to expire at the end of the month we wanted to sneak in one last visit. I also wanted to test out my feet before we go the Sydney Easter Show in a few weeks. The weather forecast wasn’t the best but we didn’t let it deter us.

Sydney harbour is always so beautiful. We caught the ferry again since we enjoyed that so much on our last visit.

As we were lining up to get the gondola to the top the rain came in. Not to heavy but a drizzle none-the-less.

Even the giraffes were trying to keep dry.

It was nearly 11am and everyone was hungry, so we decided to have an early lunch. Amy knew of a place that had vegetarian noodles so we headed there. Very yummy.

The rain had stopped so we were able to go check out the animals without battling umbrellas.

As you can the see the day turned out beautiful and I was so glad we’d ignored the forecast.

There were 3 tiger cubs which were so fun to watch playing. Even Mum joined in chasing them around and letting them jump on her.

We also found this gorgeous baby chick. So cute.

Around the corner there were a heap more.

Time for some afternoon tea. Kevin and I shared some carrot cake – which was absolutely delicious.

Christy was very keen to see the sea lion show again so we did.

Then it was time to head home. We got a bit more rain on the ride back to Circular Quay but it was blue skies when we got there. Definitely a day for all seasons.

Today was a test for my feet. They were sore at the end but I was on my feet for over 4 hours and I wasn’t hobbling around or crying in pain, so I was really pleased. Still I’m not too sure how I’ll manage at the Easter show. We’ll see.

A day in my life – 15th March, 2012

Posted on March 16, 2012November 7, 2026 by Libby Withnall

You’ll be glad to know that the Iditarod has now been won (by Dallas Seavey who we met in Anchorage last year) so I really should be getting back into regular blogging now.

I’ve been sleeping much better (due to my arthritis pain not being so bad) so slept till around 6am. Still dark now which takes some getting used to. Dogs out, tea made, and an Iditarod catch-up (though won it isn’t finished until the last musher arrives in Nome).

Kevin and Amy left at 7am and shortly after I was joined by Christy. We pottered around getting our jobs done and putting the birds out….

and making breakfast….

I opted for a 1/2 bagel with hummus, cheese and tomato. With tea of course.

Just after 8.30am Christy headed off to school. Shantel is away this week so she’s all on her lonesome.

I then went upstairs to get dressed. And Rosie was thrilled to be presented with an empty toilet roll.

I then got everyone attached to the trike.

and we headed off on a bike ride to the lake.

We’ve been having such a lovely sunny week – finally.

Back home I did some upper body exercises. Finally getting back into again.

Then showered and dressed before getting an orange (and a tea) for morning tea.

And you’ll be pleased to know that Bailey scored himself a toilet roll. I do have the strangest dogs.

After a rest and play on the laptop, I did some paperwork for the Uniform shop.

Then it was time to drag out a 30kg bag of food for the chickens.

Looks like they were hungry.

At 1.30pm I finally had some lunch. A falafel salad today.

I spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing as I’m trying not to overdo things and have my arthritis flair up again. Just before 3pm I headed out. And was pleased to see that Kevin had taken the bins down for me when he popped in earlier in the day.

Thought I’d better include one photo of me today. Even though I look pretty shocking with no make-up on and hair all pulled back.

Before collecting Amy from the bus stop, I dropped into the local shop to get some Billabongs (chocolate ice-creams for my US friends). The big supermarkets no longer sell them so I have to make a special trip here.

When we got back home I found Christy sitting at the kitchen table. Snack made and chess board all set up for a game. Amy was nice enough to play her.

And for the pups it was time of the month that Rosie dreads. She knows when I get out the container. Bailey is just eager for his treat but Rosie know that before the treat comes the flea treatment. I don’t know why she hates it so much – maybe the sensation or the smell. She’d been beside Bailey until she saw the container. She’s good though and will reluctantly come to me when I call her.

I made a start on dinner…

then got myself some afternoon tea…

Just after 5pm I ran the girls up to dance lessons.

It was such a lovely day I decided to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine and sit outside with a mag while I finished my tea.

I then bought the washing in and made some mashed potatoes and banana muffins while watching youtube videos.

Time for another cuppa. This time I made my Christmas tea.

Then at 7pm it was out again to pick up the girls. Such a gorgeous evening.

Finally home for the day I finished off our dinner and got the pups theirs.

Finally it was time to eat. I don’t normally do this pickup so have dinner ready when the girls get home. Tonight we didn’t sit down till around 7.30pm. Oh and the thing that looks like chicken is a quorn fillet :-).

After dinner the girls went off to watch TV and do their own thing. I got into my pj’s and had just started to watch some TV when Kevin arrived home. I watched Selling Houses Australia before heading to bed to read for just a little bit. All the exercise and busi-ness has tired me out. But boy does it feel good to be able to do these things again and not be in terrible pain by the end of the day.