Like many others in this new reality, with multi-generational family in 4 countries, we keep in contact through semi-regular Zoom meetings. Because we are a big group, casual catch ups have morphed into more structured sessions. We started with investment (4 have financial and investment careers) then cooking (with sharing of easy and nutritious recipes) and the upcoming one will be led by a niece who’s trained in yoga followed by sharing exercise tips. Everybody wants to talk, and the facilitator has a hard job keeping to time. To promote good mental health, we try and stay off the bad news, and occasionally invite cousins so that we have a fresh perspective. I’m told that few families actually want to meet regularly, and even though my six siblings mostly have strong and divergent opinions, we are blessed to have each other.
During this time, all of us have had more time to cook. I find recipes easy enough to locate, but many Asian recipes (perhaps mine included) have long-winded personal accounts and lots of sponsored ads before getting to the recipes. In the last couple of weeks I’ve made kimchi, achar (Malaysian style spicy pickles) and savoury purple yam cake all shown in the photo below.
My newly formulated strategy is to pass an appreciation of culture to my grandbabies through their stomachs. Because Felix’s favourite colour is purple, I had high hopes that he’d like the yam cake. But one taste and he said “oh Popo this is flavoursome and I don’t like flavoursome.” Well not right now but fingers crossed for the future. As for Miss Harriet who at 17 months is a carnivore … she requested toast instead! Wanted Marmite instead of Vegemite! We have heaps of fun even when they refuse my food.
We are very fortunate to live in Queensland where it is relatively safe. Sending out good vibes to grandparents and grandbabies in lockdown who are missing cuddles. I would love to hear your ideas of how to keep actively connected with little ones.
