Personal

The hints and ideas in this collection belong to a time and a generation of Australian women when making the best of things, living within one's means, turning one's hand to any task and lending a helping hand to others were the accepted practices of everyday life. It was a time when reusing and recycling were prompted as much by practical necessity as by gratitude for the bounty of the land, when women kept their families in good health, and well fed and clothed, with homegrown food and hand-made garments.

It was the "making do" generation. Having little, they wanted little and were content with what they had. Yet in many ways life was richer than many in this day and age, being wealthy in practical wisdom, prudent management and generosity of spirit and action.