During lockdown many of us are discovering the joys of baking as a pastime, not to mention the self-sufficiency and satisfaction gleaned from making something from scratch.
One item we’d surely all like to master is the art of bread making. There’s nothing like the taste and smell of freshly made bread in your own home. What’s more; during lockdown, being able to make your own bread saves an almost daily visit to your local food store – helping us to keep that bit safer.
Many of us, however, avoid making bread thinking it’s too difficult, but we at Thurles.info are here to help. We have tracked down and tested what is arguably one of the easiest recipes for making bread you could find.
You don’t even need a weighing scales to measure ingredients, just a pint glass!
Ingredients to make an easy and delicious Irish soda bread: 1 pintglassof coarse flour. 1 pint glass of white flour. 3/4 pint of buttermilk. Enough salt to coat the bottom of a pint glass. Enough bread soda to coat the bottom of a pint glass. Enough butter to coat the bottom of a pint glass, (or about 4 teaspoons).
With level 5 restrictions set to stay in place until at least April, many people are taking up new, stay safe, hobbies; chief among them knitting and crochet.
As well as the personal pride and satisfaction one gets from creating something from scratch, knitting and crocheting have other great benefits.
Research confirms, what many knitting and crochet enthusiasts already knew, that knitting and crocheting is great for our mental health. The repetitive nature of knitting and crocheting reduces anxiety and increases a sense of calm and well-being. Knitting and crocheting also have valuable social benefits, because they bring together people who share an interest in these crafts.
Where to Start? YouTube offers thousands of videos on beginning to knit and crochet, but the one we recommend is the HappyBerry Knitting and Crocheting Channel. The presenter uses craft materials, terms and measurements used in Ireland and presents clear and easy guides on how to get started.
Knitting for Absolute Beginners. For step by step clear demonstrations on basic knitting stitches and patterns, visit the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.
Crochet for Absolute Beginners. For easy to follow tutorials on the basic crochet stitches, as well as great beginner crochet projects, visit the YouTube Channel by clicking HERE
Top Tip. ALDI regularly offer ‘special buy’ crafting events. Watch out for great deals on wool and needles in your local Thurles ALDI store, located at Kickham Street, Thurles, soon.
Share Your Ideas. If you have recently come across any good videos or websites dedicated to knitting or crochet post a comment on this website and share your link.
The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Ms Hildegarde Naughton, (FG Teachta Dála for the Galway West constituency since 2016), has announced an extension in the exemption that allows for those aged over 70 years old, to apply for a driving licence, without the need to provide a medical report.
Her decision comes following the current surge of Covid-19 cases and in order to ease the burden on Irish medical services.
This decision means that persons of 70 years of age, or over, can apply for to renew their current driving licence without the need to submit a medical report. Same is based on the condition that they do not have an identified or specified illness and are not applying for a licence to drive a truck or a passenger carrier, e.g. a busor similar category.
This measure will now eliminate the need for drivers over the age of 70 years from having to make an unnecessary journey to their local GP or congregate at their National Driver Licence Service centre.
Those over 70 years old, can view the 4b category on their current driving licence, to check the licence expiry date.
Firstly: note there will be hazardous icy conditions in places overnight with a widespread severe frost and pockets of freezing fog. Please, only make essential journeys, but if you have to drive, reduce your speed and drive with the full knowledge of the prevailing conditions in your area.
Secondly: Gardaí would like to advise motorists not to leave their vehicles unattended when defrosting windscreens in the morning, during this exceptionally cold weather.
When defrosting your vehicle, defrost externally by using de-icer or warm water, or if you start the engine, please remain inside your car and take the time to defrost your windscreen thoroughly. Never leave your car unattended, while it is unlocked or while the engine is running.
Two cars were stolen while they were being defrosted this morning, January 8th, 2021, in separate incidents in Co. Longford and Co. Kildare. Both incidents occurred outside people’s homes. No arrests have been made and these vehicles have yet to be located.
If you need to use your car for essential travel during the current cold spell ensure your car has been fully de-iced and warmed before driving, and ensure tyres and wipers are adequate for these cold driving conditions.
The Christmas season runs roughly from December 25th – January 13th, so we have some days yet to enjoy, despite house decorations coming down usually today.
“Art for Kids Hub” is a YouTube channel that aims to teach all family members how to draw.
It’s a family fun resource we’ve recommended to you before and a resource praised by our Thurles.info readers for its capacity to relax, entertain and occupy all ages for hours on end. Why not check out these fun Christmas Art drawing projects? All you need is paper and something to draw with.
When you’re done with the above Christmas projects, check out hundreds more drawing projects covering all manner of themes and topics.
And talking about drawing a Christmas Trees, why not attempt to manufacture an Origami Christmas Tree [Art of paper folding, associated with Japanese culture] all of your own. See link shown HERE.
Enjoy and above all “Stay Safe”, during these difficult times.
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