LIFE AT BRAMELOUP
My chalet at Brameloup is both a refuge and a workplace where I can
concentrate on writing without distractions. I have a music system with
records, cassettes and CDs, radio (but no television), an extensive
library of literature, art, history and natural history for
recreational reading, as well as my scientific library and document
collection on environmental issues, islands and coral reefs. There is
intentionally no internet connection, so there is no temptation to
check for e-mail or surf the web endlessly. There is both a downstairs
workspace open to the balcony with a view of the forest, and an
upstairs workspace with my scientific library and documents. For my
outside work in the garden and forest, see my activities page.
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The old computer hosts my islands database; me at my downstairs workspace; library of literature and biography
I try for a simple lifestyle, with efficient and economical use of
power and water, rainwater catchment for the toilet and garden, only
organic gardening, composted waste (see my sustainable lifestyle page). Most of the heating comes from wood I cut myself on the property (see activities
page). My food is locally sourced when possible. I also minimize my use
of clothing to reduce power and water consumption and water pollution
from washing clothes.
WAFFLES
It has been a family tradition for at least 3/4 of a century (since my
parents received 3 waffle irons as wedding presents) to have waffles
with maple syrup on Sunday morning, usually accompanied by fresh orange
juice. I still continue the tradition when my schedule permits, using
the same type of waffle iron my parents had from the 1930s. The batter
is prepared with egg, milk, self-raising flour, salt and melted butter,
mixed with a hand-powered egg-beater.
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The ingredients; the waffle iron; mixing the batter
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Spooning the batter onto the waffle iron; the finished waffle