Almost 15 years ago I was travelling with my Dad in his ute. We were listening to ‘You were always on my mind’ by Willie Nelson. I looked across to my father and noticed grey hairs where it once was brown. It was the first time I realised my parents were getting older. I am not sure if it is just me, or if it is the same for everyone, but growing up my parents never seemed to change. As if they did not age. Perhaps this was a consequence of my self indulgent child and teenage mind.
When I saw the grey hairs, without any conscious thought, my eyes filled with tears. My father was completely lost as to what was going on, the poor man! However, he had a lifetime with me; he knew I was prone to such acts.
I had left home a few months earlier. I think every time I have seen my parents since then I have noticed subtle changes. They assure me that this is a fine stage of life. That it is filled with fewer worries: grandchildren, calmer days and laughter. My Dad once said to me that in an ideal world we would become parents at fifty years of age. It seems that by this time we have more patience and a deeper understanding of what really matters.
Hanging out with my folks really is testament to the above. The worry lines I grew up with have been replaced with laughing eyes. There is no tension, no haste and little stress. There is joy and love and everything that makes ageing seem grand.
Ginger Cake
1 1/4 cups almond meal
2 eggs
10 medjool dates, soak in boiling water
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract
juice of half a lemon
1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
pinch of salt
1 tablespoons macadamia oil
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Grease two mini loaf tins, mine are 12cm x 5.5cm
Drain your dates and blend until smooth. Add your almond meal, ginger, mixed spice, salt, vanilla and oil quickly pulse to combine. Add the eggs, combine. Mix in the lemon juice and bicarb. Spoon into your prepared tins and level the top. Bake for 20 -25 minutes. Allow to cool. Enjoy.