Author: jeremy

  • Rivian EV test drive in Perth

    Rivian EV test drive in Perth

    Last year I had the chance to test out the Rivian electric ute. It’s a beautiful thing.

    Mevco have the license for national distribution (with McLaren) for commercial vehicles and indicated there were no clear plans to service the consumer market.

    Rivian is keeping that card up their sleeve for later, as they have indicated many times they’ll be coming to Australia in the future.

    I’ve always admired Rivian and their philosophy on creating a sustainable product that’ll shift this world from fossil fuel consumption. They have continued to iterate on consumer feedback and research to produce products to that not only out-perform the others but are a pleasure to drive.

    When they eventually land in Australia for the consumer, I expect they’ll be around the $130k mark. I tested these demo vehicles that Mevco has setup for commercial trials around their local test track. They’re selling these to Mining companies preconfigured with a bunch of gear.

    They’re stylish from all angles and the cabin is premium with a mix of fabric, leather and wood. It’s levels above a Tesla which feels more like a low level market sedan in comparison.

    Later this year the quad-motor will be available in the US and will output power and torque up to 764kW and 1624Nm. They’re leaping ahead of the major manufacturers.

    With a range of 600km and the ability to plug in 240v power tools, this is a portable power station for tradies. Once we solve the charging in the outback issue, it will be the end of the diesel cruisers.

    They will need some adjustment for Aussie roads though, especially the corrugations. I drove the white vehicle around the basic track and it was a beast. The most impressive action was through the deep sand. Beach drivers in Australia will love these as they just have limitless power. I felt confident of being able to just rock and power out of pretty much any bog situation.

    I loved the interior, UI of the screen and crazy amount of digital controls. The storage and ability to lift the suspension are also great.
    I’d still like to be able to swap out that front face plate though.
    With some decent tires, lift and some front protection, this would be a serious beast off road.

    At the time, Mevco were testing some in the Pilbara so the results in the heat, dust and salt will be interesting to learn about.

    If they were available I’d buy one.
    Have you driven one or are you an owner?

  • Kaarta Koomba macro flora photographs

    Kaarta Koomba macro flora photographs

    I had a chance to take the macro lens to Kaarta Koomba / Kings Park this week and there was plenty of flowers in bloom.

    Here are some of the the shots:

  • Shiso plants two years old

    Shiso plants two years old

    These are my shiso plants still going strong two years on.

    These plants have been kept in their strawberry planter for two years now. I’m surprised tbh just how well they’ve done, as they’ve pretty much been left alone.

    Read the full article on how they’ve developed here;

  • How to make fig leaf tea

    How to make fig leaf tea

    Fig leaf tea has many potential health benefits and has flavours similar to rooibos or chamomile. So it may not be everyone’s ….  I like it though! There’s something very earthy about it. It’s gotta be one of the earthiest teas I’ve tasted. 

    Here’s a couple of methods to make your own fig leaf tea, with the leaves from the fig tree in your garden.

    What is fig leaf tea good for?

    Fig leaves are a rich natural source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals  including antioxidants (also berries have these) phenolic compounds, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin micronutrients. They include Manganese, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc and vitamins, A, B1 and B2 to start. They can play a vital role against gut conditions, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. 

    Read a study by the National Institute of Health.

    Gather your fig leaves

    Whatever leaves you have available are fine. Preferably from your own garden so you know how they’ve been treated (no chemicals). The leaves can be fresh or yellowing. 
    Wash them clean and then think about your steeping method. 

    Take care of the sap dripping from the stalks of the leaves if you harvest them fresh (preferred option). It can irritate some people’s skin. If the sap gets on your skin, wash it off as soon as you can. I harvest using rubber gardening gloves. 

    Steep your leaves

    If you choose to steep your leaves fresh, they can go straight into the saucepan. Just cover the leaves with water and steep (bring to boil, then down to a low simmer) for one hour. Let the tea mix sit for a further hour and steep. 

    Chill your tea 

    If you like your tea hot, strain and drink it immediately. Otherwise strain it into a jug and fridge it for later on. I don’t mind it hot, especially in winter. But I generally prefer it cold, because the figs grow in summer time. 

    I’ve got a purple heart variety of fig that has massive heart shaped leaves. I only need one of those to make a good pot of tea. 

    Dry and store your leaves

    If you choose to dry your fig leaves, put them in the oven for 20 minutes on a very low heat or use your dehydrator until dry and crunchy. Crunch them up and store in glass jars, just like other tea leaves. 

    It’s fig leaf tea time!

    The dry leaves can be strained and steeped just like any other tea leaves, in a teapot, drink bottle or using a strainer. 

    Enjoy!

    Other uses of the leaves

    Food wrap

    The leaves can be used as a food wrap like a spinach leaf. Simmer it in salt water for 15-20 minutes until it’s tender. Try wrapping steak, mushroom or other foods in it. 

    In preserves

    I haven’t tried it yet, but some have mentioned that the leaves can be used in preserves to add flavour. 

    Leave a comment if you found this useful. 

    Join me on Threads for more or subscribe at the bottom of the page for these posts in your email.

  • Seaweed photo session at the cove, Cottesloe beach

    Seaweed photo session at the cove, Cottesloe beach

    It’s a warm June in Boorloo and the weather is still so good and the water so warm, we’re all still swimming. This is the first year I’ve experienced this to the level that it’s still comfortably cool enough to swim. 

    I took a quick walk along the beach and shot seaweed as I went. I think I made the mistake of shooting mainly towards the sun and so got quite a bit of glare on the weed. The other issue I noticed is the colour dropping out around the glare. So I’m getting some grey splotches. 

    Anyway, I love the details in these and there are some amazing compositions. It’s given me some ideas and inspiration for shapes and colours to use in my next set of artwork. 

    Hope you enjoy!