What gives you joy or contentment? - PSP Association

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What gives you joy or contentment?

Kevin_1 profile image
53 Replies

Hello folks.

There are four positive emotions and it's important to try and experience them as often as we can. Our physical health and wellbeing depend on it.

They are Love, Interest, Joy and, Contentment.

Suferring PSP/CBD, or being a carer, these things so often become a memory as exhaustion and stress kick in.

Well, here is one thing that gives me a quiet joy and contentment.

We have axe throwers and bear sewers, hikers and runners all here. And we now have parachutist too!

What gives you joy, or contentment?

If you have a photo start an new thread and share it?

Yes, let's share our Joy's and Contentments... there is nothing that's silly... Time for joy!

Big smiles of joy from me and my typically ugly loaf.

Cheers

Kevin

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Kevin_1
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53 Replies
Dadshelper profile image
Dadshelper

That would go good with a stew!! Everyone needs some type of activity that they derive pleasure or self-fullment from. You made a very good post about it.

Ron

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Dadshelper

Thanks Rob... But you don't get off the hook quite so easily ;)

Our resident axe thrower is loiterring with intent. :)

Dadshelper profile image
Dadshelper in reply to Kevin_1

Haha! :)

Cuttercat profile image
Cuttercat

That looks like a particularly delicious loaf. Pair it with my number one food group, butter and we will enjoy. Cheers.

Cuttercat

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Cuttercat

Oh, butter :)

After my own heart there.

I made 1.5kg of fermented butter with smoked sea salt before my lock down.

Now Mrs Cuttercat... What is your joy/contentment?

Chuckles

Cuttercat profile image
Cuttercat in reply to Kevin_1

I’m on my own now as you know. I planted tulip bulbs for the first time. And since I am from The Netherlands I’m seeing them starting to come up. When they bloom it will give me a little joy.

But add a good soup to that bread and perhaps some wine as an accompaniment. Very nice.

Cuttercat

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Cuttercat

Yes, and it must be hard still... :(

Soup... I love a good soup... And making them can be so creative, I get carried away with them sometimes and have to keep saying, "less is more".

Hugs to you CC

xx

Dadshelper profile image
Dadshelper in reply to Cuttercat

I was thinking of making it into a bread bowl, filling it with a beef or lamb stew and pairing with a dark ale :)

Ron

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Dadshelper

Oh, a cook then!

That would do for me!

:)

SewBears profile image
SewBears

I can taste and smell the delicious loaf from here. I’ll second Cuttercat with lots of creamy butter, maybe some cheese and wine too 😂

The bread looks yummy delicious! ❤️

A big hug to you and your ugly loaf!

Luis

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to LuisRodicioRodicio

(((Here's a big hug then!)))

:)

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1

You' hitting all my dietary no-no's.

I love it!

It was your last post that got me thinking... The joy of those wee dog's.

:)

Dickenson2 profile image
Dickenson2

The bread looks wonderful. Cannot beat a home made loaf with lots of butter on it x

daffodil48 profile image
daffodil48

Believe it or not. I look forward to the weekend, watching a week's worth of Coronation Street on Britbox alongwith drink in hand. I am originally from Scotland now living in the US ad grew up with Corrie. I sit down to watch it and just feel myself relaxing

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1

:)

Wondefful.

I hope your doing OK.

I haven't heard from you for some time.

Waiving and hugs.

xx

What give me joy. A new recipe I like. Growing something and it turns out well. Getting the house cleaned. Doing my workout. Talking to my friends.

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to

Lovely Jeff

Your clearly in the class ahead of me :)

Hiking13 profile image
Hiking13

What a great idea - let’s all try to find some joy and stay positive. I am very impressed with your baking.

Sarahx

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Hiking13

:)

Slowly, I get better... Except when I don't 😏

Wishing you some joy :)

Warmly

Kevin

xx

Tippyleaf profile image
Tippyleaf

Good post Kevin time to reflect ... Flowers, plants, trees. A walk

in the park or countryside listening to the birds and currently the spring blossoms. - cherry. magnolia in fact any blossom brings joy and lifts my mood. We have nearly got through the short dark days of winter .

But then nurturing my sourdough starter and kneading bread also give a sense of contentment along with eating it too of course preferably with a big lump of blue cheese!

Love Tippy

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar in reply to Tippyleaf

Mmmm. Blue cheese.....

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to easterncedar

Nice one :)

Waiving at you EC

Warmly

Kevin

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Tippyleaf

Hi Tippy

Yes, flowers, and then more flowers... My neighbour has a large Soulageana in his front garden... It's just coming into flower now... I look at it every morning on the way downstairs. A small joy to start the day.

Ah, sourdough. You are a lady of my own kind. and probably a better baker too. That loaf had 10% dark rye starter in it. But, now I will tell you my dark secret. When I am in need of bread quickly I use a bread maker to make the dough and I boost the starter with a little yeast. 😱 Stretch and fold, shape and then proofed in a banneton. Next, into a screaming hot clibanus. Finally, I get to do my Elm Street slashing. 😈.

There's something very fundamental about baking bread isn't there? It makes me feel connected to some 3,000 years of bakers. And, not two of them can agree as to the best way!

From your forum name I'll wager you like a good tea too. :)

Waving to you and wishing all of us a lovely Spring.

Warmly

Kevin

xx

LostinHeadSpace profile image
LostinHeadSpace

Where's the moggie, Kevin? Gotta put pets on that list.

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to LostinHeadSpace

Ooops

Let's hope she hasn't noticed I missed her off the list ;)

Westerngirl profile image
Westerngirl

As I lost my darling Duncan on the 9th and we laid him to rest on Saturday I will need to look hard for the joy in life.I will find it though as he had been such a joyful,funny man before psp who found happiness in simple things.I am proud we kept him home till the last three weeks when.he went into the care home.They loved him and looked after him and us as we spent the last 5 days living in with him.We had a privacy there we could not have had in our house living in a village where everyone is your friend.This forum has been such a help.

in reply to Westerngirl

Thinking of you and sending love and hugs at this sad time.

Sue x 🌹

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Westerngirl

Hi

I'm so glad his parting was as good as it could be.

My heart goes out to you.

Warmly

Kevin

xxx

AnneandChris profile image
AnneandChris

Oh Kevin

That loaf looks wonderful, the smell of freshly baked bread served with butter, oooh delicious.

I love to cook, to entertain, which obviously is going to be difficult now.

I'm blessed with a lovely garden and I love watching the beautiful birds who live in it. Since retiring I have started to paint and this too gives me tremendous pleasure.

So hopefully with better weather, I shall spend time pottering and paintjng.

Keep safe and well

love Anne

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to AnneandChris

Sounds idyllic Anne

Wishing you sunny weather.

Warmly

Kevin

xx

JCRy profile image
JCRy

I sing sing sing and play my guitar.

Great! Joan Baez is my hero.

And my doggies are always a delight.

Juliet

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to JCRy

Oh, how lovely Juliet.

I would love to be able to play a musical instrument.

Yes, Joan B was a remarkable musician singer.

Dogs are amazing companions.

:)

wear1947 profile image
wear1947 in reply to JCRy

Nice!

Richard33 profile image
Richard33 in reply to JCRy

I have strummed the guitar for an hour a week for the past 40 years. I enjoy it but never confident enough to perform to anyone but the dogs!

Richard x

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Richard33

Brilliant!

My friends hide their guitars when I go round!

Katiebow profile image
Katiebow

That looks one tasty loaf of bread Kevin, think I may go and get myself flour etc and bake myself a loaf, you have inspired me. Not sure I will exhibit it on the forum as doubt it will be up to your standard. Trouble is you then have to eat it all yourself with lashings of butter ( as Enid Blighton would say! ) as you are self isolating.

Sending love

Kate xxx

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Katiebow

Have a go Kate!

And, Enid Blighton is definitely right, :)

Love and Hugs to you. :)

Kevin

xxx

Joy is the word l choose for my mantra several years ago. So l am really enjoying your post today & your bread looks like a winner to me. SHARING HUGS IS MY FAVORITE JOY. I bet you thought l would say baking cookies or throwing axes... (l hate to be predictable!) Sending Hugs to U & Liz... Granni B

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to

Hi GranniB

As always your post brings a smile to my face. :)

Yes, hugs are a winner.

I will pass your hugs on to Liz too.

Meanwhile hugs from both of us to you, with smiles.

Warmly

Kevin

xx

Ettavb profile image
Ettavb in reply to

Ha!! Here’s to unpredictability!!

Mtorres9235 profile image
Mtorres9235

My garden on my back porch, my little solar shed building in the mountains all with recycled materials. All thing that give me joy and peace. Wish I loved to cook more but is a struggle for one. Love the smells though. I can almost smell your bread!

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Mtorres9235

Hi Mtorres

How lovely. I do so understand that. Today I was putting in the onion sets in warm Spring sunshine. The black soil in the deep beds smelt so rich and aromatic. I paused to watch the first butterfly go by.

The shed thing sounds lovely. It has been a small joy for me to imagine it and I am typing with a smile.

Yes, cooking for one is not so easy. I cook for three. Me, me and me... The freezer makes it work.

:) If there is a heaven the winds would be scented, at different times, with blossom, bread and coffee :)

Thank you for the smile and pleasant thoughts.

Warmly

Kevin

Nanny857 profile image
Nanny857

Your bread looks soooo good Kevin, I can imagine the lovely aroma as it bakes, then waiting for the butter to slowly melt on top whilst still warm, best way to enjoy home baked bread. I bake wheaten bread which is a family favourite, especially with cheese board and glass of ruby port 😋, or 2 😂😂. As for joy, my lovely grandchildren are my joy.

Love to you and Liz. xx

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Nanny857

Hi Nanny 857

Good to hear from you.

Now why am I not surprised you bake bread.

No, no, no, Ruby port has to be at least two :)

Yes, a cheese board is a wonderful thing.

Yes, grand children, such a lovely thing to have in our lives.

Hugs to you and thanks for the smile.

Kevin

xx

wear1947 profile image
wear1947

Hi Kevin, the bread looks delicious. Here at Buenos Aires, I am in quarantine cause I am elder than 60. I invert a lot of time sending advice to some people and answering friends that I will take care of myself. Due to quarantine, no more delivery. I will have pleasure cooking and sleeping more.

What push me up is piano players like Argerich, Horowitz, etc. Authors like Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi, Scarlatti. Have fun!!

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to wear1947

Hi

Yes, music, why do I always forget music.

I've never heard of Martha Argerich. So I've pulled her up on Spotify and am listening to her now. She's playing Chopin, Schumann and Ravel on this album. She's magnificent, such feeling. Thank you for introducing us. :)

No deliveries in quarantine? That's a tough one.

You will know the phrase, "This too shall pass."

Cooking, nice one. I shall think of you listening to music, cooking and living in your wonderful historic city.

Take care of yourself.

Keep in touch with us all.

Warmly

Kevin

xx

(Telemann too ;) )

Oh, and Glorious J.Bach - You've got me going now LOL

wear1947 profile image
wear1947

Enjoy Marta playing Mozart with Barenboim on two pianos. Or her concert at 17th, wining the Chopin contest at Varsovia. Besides, I love Vivaldi's Gloria and Stabat Matter. I study always listening Scarlatti sonatas

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1

Lovely :)

Have you tried 'modern classical music'?

VSQ, or Dallas String Quartet for example?

Though, probably not as good as Scarlatti and Bach for studying.

Waving to you :)

Kevin

Richard33 profile image
Richard33

Kevin,

Very good post - what we need at these times. The bread looks great - I ought to try myself. Every week I buy at least 2 artisan loaves at £3.50 each and meantime in the shed is a perfectly good breadmaking machine as Ruth used to make lovely loaves.... She was telling me off the other night!

R

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Richard33

Hi Richard

Have a go! :)

Now you haven't asked me for this, so please forgive me:

Bread machines make superb loaves. Just make sure you use a good set of electronic scales and weigh everything carefully.

Artisan breads can be anything. The term sourdough is undefined too. Many supermarkets just add a little vinegar to the dough and sell it as sourdough! Though I expect you are getting yours from a good source.

Here's and artisan bread / bread machine cheat for you.

Pick an easy recipe, say 25% strong white flour and 75% strong wholemeal flour, if you like Brown bread.

Take the weight of your flour and call that 100% (This is called bakers percentages where everything is a % of the flour weight. - Handy tool)

Now get a big jar and put 50g of wholemeal flour and 50g of water into it and a little yeast say 1/8th teaspoon. Let it ferment a little on the kitchen side and then put it in the fridge. It will keep fermenting there, but very slowly. Every couple of days add another 50g of water and 50g of flour. Then back into the fridge. Don't worry about the crust that forms - that's just penicillin and yeast - stir it in.

Next time you make a loaf in a bread machine add 100g of this mix. The long slow fermentation has turned it into a flavour bomb. Do remember to subtract 50g of water and 50g of flour from your recipe. Use the full amount of yeast in your recipe.

Remember bread fermentation is the same as brewing. It's the fermentation which makes the flavour.

When you have mastered that you could go on to this-:

If you have a cast iron casserole dish you can use the dough only setting on your bread machine and shape the dough into a boule (like the one in my picture). Youtube has loads of videos on how to shape a boule. After shaping put it in the casserole dish ans let it rise... sometimes takes an hour. Put the lid on and put it in the oven at maximum temp. This keeps the steam in and gives you a thin crackly crust. Bake for about 30 minutes. Now take the lid off and turn the temp down to 220 deg C , mist it with a little water and give it ten minutes without the lid to develop a lovely dark brown crust.

If you are a perfectionist and have a probe thermometer the bread is ready when the internal temp. is 96/97 deg. C.

Just these tricks and you will never need to buy a loaf again.

Waving to you both and wishing you the best.

Kevin

Richard33 profile image
Richard33 in reply to Kevin_1

Wow Kevin, that is great. I have printed this off and will give it a go. And now more than ever, this is definitely the way to go as supermarkets are a nightmare.

Thanks so much

Richard

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply to Richard33

Hi Richard

You're most welcome.

Years ago I decided converting people to the Monty Python Radical Anarcho Syndicalists was not going to work... So now I push home made bread. ;)

Before you do anything else do a trial bake as per your breadmaker recipe with 70% of the flour wholemeal and 30% white. (Unless you prefer a whiter bread). This will test your flour and yeast and give you a baseline. Bread makers do a much better job that even the best Waitrose loaves.

Good luck!

and

Best to you

Kevin

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