In ‘my day’ (yes, I did just say that), whenever we needed to find out something, we looked up the trusty Encyclopedia Britannica – twenty-six volumes of highly trusted information that my brothers and I used for school projects and more. My parents saved for many months to be able to afford a set and eventually had enough to say ‘yes’ to that pesky salesman that kept knocking on our door. They knew it was an investment in our future. Nowadays (yes, I said that too), everyone walks around with the biggest encyclopedia in their pocket – the smart phone. Pretty much anything we need to find out we simply take our trusty smart phone out of our pocket and ask Siri (or Google).
Hubby (Robert) and I on the lava fields of Iceland
However, despite Siri’s vast and seemingly endless amount of knowledge, sometimes there is just no substitute for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of your Nana. Nana always seems to know everything – how to take up that hem, how to get your 2 year old sleeping through the night, how to make the most amazing casseroles, slices and cakes, how to make a marriage last for over 50 years and much, much more. She always has great advice and has so much to teach and to pass onto the next generation. At a recent family gathering, while a number of us were discussing what to do with the Christmas left-overs, one of my grand-daughters asked me if I had a recipe book in my head as I kept coming up with suggestions of things we could cook to use up what was left in the fridge. She was pretty impressed.
Treasured Family Photos
Four Generations: (Left to right) Me, Mum, Nana, Nana Kerley
Left to right: Mum, Nana, Uncle Ross, Uncle Doug
(from left to right) Nana, me and Mum
My maternal grandmother passed away when I was in my mid-twenties and I never really knew my paternal grandmother. She died when I was just a toddler. When my Nana passed away, I was busy with a young family, working and basically trying to do it all. My biggest regret is that when my Nana died, she took with her all of her family recipes and all of her loving & invaluable advice. As a mum of a young family, I sometimes wish I could just give her a call and ask her how to make that cake she took to all our family get-togethers, or how to get my two year old sleeping through the night, or to ask for relationship advice (for example, how to get along with my teenager without wanting to sometimes tear my hair out). Fortunately, one of her hand-written recipe books has survived and it is very very treasured.
My eldest daughter’s children (from left to right) Archie and Ollie
Now that I am a Nana, I wanted to make sure that my children and my grandchildren are able to access all the wisdom and knowledge that only comes with age and experience. The heirloom recipes, the advice, the organisation (aka housework tips), budgeting and so much more.
Join me and my family as I share with you some of the most treasured memories, recipes, advice and more. I would be honoured to be a part of your family. I would also be honoured if you would be a part of mine. A place to go for everything Nana.
