On this hot, humid Sunday afternoon I feel inspired to start my latest blog. The last few weeks have been crazily busy with the lead up to Christmas and all that entails. With the 25th creeping closer, activities are starting to fold up. So how do you celebrate your Christmas?
The Gold Coast/Tweed has been under fairly constant rain attacks and hence the humidity and long grass. I bought myself a 6 inch chain saw which I actually assembled myself and have started hacking unwanted branches like a manaic.. Why I have never had one before astounds me - I had never ever touched a chain saw, too many visions of legs and arms being severed - but this one is light, battery driven and perfect for older people. So look out branches in my back yard. I am determined to do as much of my yard work as I can....til I can't! Trouble is I run out of green bin space and have to place branches on a tarp til it is emptied. On the subjext of gardens etc, I have been having a "tiny flowers" week or two. You may well ask but I have been noticing tiny flowers everywhere. Pretty pale blue on the golf course, white and delicate on my thyme bush, brilliant violet ones nestled between rocks, wee daisies and orange ones bravely pushing their way up between the bigger boys. Keep your eyes open for them. They are so pretty and fragile and seemingly everywhere. I have never noticed them before!
In the food department, my quest to try as much as I can contines. I made caramelized walnuts after trying them in New York and they were easy peasy and delicious. I googled a recipe and it was most successful. Stayed crunchy for 4 or 5 days and were all eaten by then anyway......Also tried an Otto Lenghi bean dish which had tomatoes, garlic, shallots, chili flakes, olive oil, oregano and of course beans. Very yummy with a Tbone and potatoes with butter dripping from them. If you have never looked at an Otto Lenghi cook book I would say do it now. His recipes are different and simple. Also found (I Cheated) at Coles, Duck L'Orange which had 2 duck legs in an orange sauce which I had with rice and brocolli. Well, I only ate one leg but could easily have consumed both. Haven't eaten anything worth mentioning at any of the eating places I have visited, except for a Filipino dish at a local pub and it was delicious. Pork lechon or roast pork in our language but filled with spices, crisp crackle and beautiful. I am firmly convinced that eating at home is much more exciting and interesting. The free supermarket mags have tons of quick delectable recipes which you are never likely to see on a menu anywhere. Always amazes me that with all of the recipes in the world, most restaurants carry the same tried and true dishes year in and year out. Surely one "different" recipe per menu is possible. I also found some pork belly flavoured chips which were very morish. Chokos are plentiful at present and have started to cook them in a few different ways....curry, grated, mashed with butter, steamed. People turn their noses up at chokos but they make a nice change.
I recently found a cheese factory not far from me and discovered a Xmas market there at the same time so it was whisky flavoured cheese, a camembert and a jar of mustard pickles. Lots of old fashioned little xmas gifts to buy and the GPS took me on a lovely country road, with lush trees, cattle, creeks and a surprise golf course. Sometimes, by going a different way , discoveries are made. The Whey Factory also served food and coffee so a hot chocolate and a piece of lemon cake were had. Good to support the country people too.
In the food department, my quest to try as much as I can contines. I made caramelized walnuts after trying them in New York and they were easy peasy and delicious. I googled a recipe and it was most successful. Stayed crunchy for 4 or 5 days and were all eaten by then anyway......Also tried an Otto Lenghi bean dish which had tomatoes, garlic, shallots, chili flakes, olive oil, oregano and of course beans. Very yummy with a Tbone and potatoes with butter dripping from them. If you have never looked at an Otto Lenghi cook book I would say do it now. His recipes are different and simple. Also found (I Cheated) at Coles, Duck L'Orange which had 2 duck legs in an orange sauce which I had with rice and brocolli. Well, I only ate one leg but could easily have consumed both. Haven't eaten anything worth mentioning at any of the eating places I have visited, except for a Filipino dish at a local pub and it was delicious. Pork lechon or roast pork in our language but filled with spices, crisp crackle and beautiful. I am firmly convinced that eating at home is much more exciting and interesting. The free supermarket mags have tons of quick delectable recipes which you are never likely to see on a menu anywhere. Always amazes me that with all of the recipes in the world, most restaurants carry the same tried and true dishes year in and year out. Surely one "different" recipe per menu is possible. I also found some pork belly flavoured chips which were very morish. Chokos are plentiful at present and have started to cook them in a few different ways....curry, grated, mashed with butter, steamed. People turn their noses up at chokos but they make a nice change.
I go to the Gold Coast writers meetings once a month and although I am not yet a member, enjoy the work shops and speakers (and arvy tea). Last month an Editor spoke knowledgably on publishing and I honestly did not realize how many pitfalls there were and how costly it is. We all speak grandly about writng a book but she quoted the average wage of an author in Australia (and this included all the big guns) was someting like 6 grand a year. Now that may not be entirely correct but I know it was very small. Google says $18,000 but she said much less.
So if you plan to write, don't expect riches!! But hey, do it anyway.
Visited South West Rocks last weekend with my daughter and family. What a stunningly beautiful seaside village it is. We stayed in an NRMA holiday resort as there are two little kids in that family. What a fab place for kids. Pool, disco, mini golf, outdoor movies, go carts, scooters, tennis. It was lovely to see so many families enjoying the facilities and lots of grans and grandads evident also. I think as older people we tend to steer clear of those places but they are joyful, wholesome and screens are tucked happily away in suitcases. Hat Head alittle south is also so very pretty although the water was icy cold and the kids said they had like an ice cream headache from being in. Lots of frolicking in the water and lazy walks along the beach. There is also a jail with an interesting history and very well preserved on a stunning piece of real estate overlooking the sea. You could feel the ghosts of the poor old prisoners as you peered into their cells. So next time you're invited, go!!!!!!
Golf comps have finished for the year and we had a lovely breakup up game and lunch last week. Our caterer did an amazing job with a very Chrismassy lunch served, lots of raffles ( of which I won none), a happy game of golf and good old craic all around. Joining a club brings new friendships, companionship, interesting conversations and laughs (and sometimes tears)! Some folk feel shy to join something new but I believe people, particularly in my age group, are welcoming and kind.....mostly. If it something you want to do, do it, It won't be on the agenda in heaven!!!!!!!!
Work is still a delightful part of my life. I so love the camaraderie, the laughs, the ability to actually help people and the patients. We all come from so many walks of life but are united in a desire to be healthy and healed. Next year I will review my 2 days and decide what on earth I will do with my life after nursing. It's a big one. I have started mentally planning my Rwanda trip next year and apart from the obvious of actually going there to help cure world blindness!!! I have a burning desire to do a Gorilla trek so if anyone has done it, let me know. Also thought I may detour to Cape Town on way home as I believe it is a beautiful city with vinyards and safaris to be had, not to miss mentioning Table Mountain, of course. Anyway, that is 7 months away so plenty of time to cogitate.
My oldest daughter who is a hairdresser, shouted me a Christmas gift of beautiful day in one of her glamerous Brisbane salons.... TIGERLAMB.....in West End. I had a colour, foils, a head massage, a wash, a treatment and another treatment, a cut and a glass of champagne My grandaughter, who is 13, did her first hair wash on me as she is on school hols and helping out in the salon. So that was special. What a gorgeous day it was and look how glam my hair looks. I try to have a special relationship with each of my 4 grandkids as they are all so different and I would love to leave behind a memorable legacy. I would like them to remember me as wise and always smelling of a nice perfume. He he......smells, as we know, evoke such strong memories. Probably not the legacy most would aspire to but it takes all kinds.
I think that is probably enough for this blog. Things can get abit tedious if too long and it does seem to be all about me,me, me... I do hope everyone has a peaceful and healthy Christmas, do try one new recipe for the lunch/dinner table and create a new cocktail. Laugh with those you are around, whoever they may be, have a wee doze in the afternoon and start thinking about your new year resolutions for 2025. Never too late to start something new.
EAT DRINK BE MERRY
I made a few spelling mistakes last blog so apologizes and have tried harder this time. Very shoddy of me.
Look for tiny plants growing on the road.
ReplyDeleteSo tenacious!