Wednesday, July 01, 2015

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO WRITE ABOUT THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE









I kid you not! I freely and openly admit there are times I can be a goat, but I had no kids.

I’ve no offspring to whom I can pass on family history; the good, the bad and the ugly.

Let’s be honest, every family has good and bad narratives in their archives. We’re all human - well, most of us are. Skeletons seek shelter in our closets. To rid them of cobwebs the skeletons need to be let out now and again. Some have more skeletons to hide, hence the need for larger closets; walk-in robes even.

Of course, there are those who aren’t interested in their family history, but they’re being unfair to their children who may, one day, want to learn about their heritage. No records will be available to satisfy their curiosity. Family for them becomes a dead end street; a large full stop with no green light.  Parents who display such inconsiderate, ignorant attitudes deny future generations of informed answers to questions their progeny no doubt will have. 

Ignorance never favours anyone.

Once I drop off this planet that will be that!  Ka-Boom! Farewell, Columbus!

With me will go my truths - the dark, deep, good, bad, ugly, happy, joyous, sorrowful, the hysterically-humorously insanely bold and beautiful – the whole catastrophe; the complete kit and caboodle; the entire uncut, unadulterated Volumes I, II, III, IV, V and VI. 

Gone without a trace will be the clue to where I hid the diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire and black pearl-encrusted golden key that opens the vault bearing an unimaginable abundance of priceless treasures.

Okay! I confess - I swallowed the key years ago in a display of wilful rebellious recklessness.  The key worked better than an antacid. It’s gone with the wind!

As for the cache of the king’s ransom; the treasure trove of riches – that rogue Captain Jack Sparrow fortuitously stumbled across the map when he was looking for a hiding place for his two pooches.

I thought I’d buried the map with the interred treasure. No amount of interrogation could force me to divulge the whereabouts of the concealed store because my mind has returned to its natural state…a blank slate. 

I never would’ve imagined Captain Jack to be the one to locate my stash. Being the cunning critter he is, he smuggled the invaluable prized hoard to the US concealed in Pistol and Boo’s personalised Louis Vuittons. 

A friend’s tale prompted me to I leap aboard this in-depth train of thought, not Sparrow, Pistol or Boo. Two years or so years back my friend’s children presented him with a journal and an embossed silver pen with the purpose of inspiring him to put pen to paper. Until a few weeks ago he’d failed to find a subject worthy enough to sully the pristine pages of his elaborately bound gift. But then he began to reflect upon his experiences during the Vietnam War, comparing his personal encounters; his observations; his own trials and tribulations with those of his great-grandfather during the American Civil War. As if by magic his pen sprung to life; the process began.

When we were young my late brother and I never tired of the tales our Nana related about the “olden days”.  I wish I’d had the foresight to record her stories for longevity.

Life is strange, so too are families. Not one of us has the right to erase our family history as if it never occurred.

There’s no time like the present to honour the past for the future.

Blood Orange-Goat Cheese-Carrot Salad:  Slice a bunch of carrots lengthwise. Peel and de-seed 1 blood orange, 1 navel orange and 1 tangerine; chop into cubes. Place on oven tray; drizzle with olive oil; season; sprinkle with chopped thyme and parsley; toss to coat. Bake at 200C, 25mins. Put 1 packet of rocket in bowl; add veg and fruit; sprinkle over 240g crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts of choice (and/or seeds); drizzle with dressing:- 3tbs orange juice, 2tbs lemon juice, 1tsp Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, 2tbs chopped parsley and 1/2c x-virgin olive oil.

Blood Orange Quinoa Salad: Dressing, combine 1/4c finely-chopped shallots, 2tsp grated blood orange rind, 1tsp grated lemon rind, 2tbs blood orange juice, 1tbs fresh lemon juice, 2tsp finely chopped coriander (cilantro) 1/4ts each of salt, ground coriander, ground cumin and paprika; whisk until thoroughly combined. Gradually add 3tbs ex-virgin olive oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Set aside.  Salad:  Place 1c uncooked quinoa in a fine sieve, and place sieve in a large bowl. Cover quinoa with water. Using your hands, rub grains together for 30 seconds; rinse and drain. Repeat procedure twice. Drain well.Combine 1- 3/4c water, quinoa, and 1/4tsp salt in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat; simmer 10mins, or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork. Combine quinoa, 1/4tsp salt, 1c blood orange sections, 1c diced avocado and 6 kumquats, seeded and sliced in a large bowl; toss gently to combine. Add dressing; toss gently to coat salad. Spoon 1 cup salad onto each of 4 plates; top each serving with about 1/2 cup cooked beets cut into wedges.

Braised Oxtail with Olives: Heat 2tbs olive oil in pot over med-heat. Season 2kg trimmed oxtails, cut into 2-inch pieces; brown in batches; remove; set aside. Add 1 sliced onion, 2 sliced carrots and 125g bacon, cut into strips; sauté about 10mins; add 3 minced garlic cloves; cook 1min. Return oxtail to pot; add 3c beef broth, 2c white wine, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 bay leaf, 1/2tsp dried thyme, 1tsp anchovy paste; season; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3hrs or until meat is tender; skim occasionally. Add olives and 2tbs red wine vinegar; cook 1min. Chill overnight. Skim fat off top; gently reheat to simmer.

Roasted Bone Marrow: Sauté 1 small finely-chopped onion and 2 large finely-chopped garlic cloves in butter. With spoon scrape marrow from 4x6cm beef shin bones, halved lengthwise; chop; add to onion mix; spoon back into bones; roast at 220C about 12mins; don’t melt marrow completely; serve with golden toasted slices of garlic sourdough bread and Chimichurri:  Combine 1/2c flat leaf parsley, 1 finely-chopped shallot, 1 finely-chopped garlic, 1-1/2tbs rinsed, drained, finely-chopped capers, 1tbs white vinegar,1-1/2tsp  red wine vinegar,1-1/2tsp sugar and 1/4c ex-virgin olive oil in small bowl. Season to taste. OR - Bring 1c water to a boil in a small saucepan; add 1tbs coarse salt; stir to dissolve; cool.  In bowl, put 8 finely minced garlic cloves, 1c finely-chopped flat leaf parsley, 1c finely-chopped fresh oregano leaves and 2tsp dried, crused red chili; whisk in 1/4c red wine vinegar; then ½ c ex-virgin olive oil; then the cool salted water. Will keep in fridge in sealed jar (there’s those bloody jars again!) for 2-3 weeks. Chimichurri is of Argentine origin.

Blood Orange Upside Down Cake: In bowl, whisk together 1c plain flour, 3/4tsp baking powder, 1/4tsp baking soda and 1/4tsp salt; in separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1/2c fresh orange juice, 1/2c olive oil and 1/2c sugar. Stir together the dry and wet ingredients. Oil an 8-inch cake pan; sprinkle with 1/4c sugar. Peel 5 blood oranges; slice into 1-1/2-inch thick slices; remove seeds. Arrange slices in bottom of prepared dish. Pour batter over oranges. Bake in preheated 190C (375F) oven, about 45mins; cool in pan 1 hour; then invert onto a plate.


36 comments:

  1. I find all family stories quite fascinating.
    We need to remember our past and that goes for not just our family history but for all of history!

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  2. Oh and I meant to say how much that Blood Orange Cake sounds so good!

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    1. Hi Kay....I agree with you about family stories. Unfortunately, my niece and nephews, my late brother's children don't appear to care. I think it is a shame...but, even if they don't see it as their loss, it is their children's loss...and so on down the line. But what would I know? Hang on! I'm the only one left who does know! :)

      Thanks for coming by. I might have to make that blood orange cake...I love sound of the recipe! :)

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    2. You're the only one who does know? Write it down, make copies and have them bound to present to those children. Or their children later.

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  3. What a great post Lee! So many untold stories floating around the universe. I think the tradition of passing those stories on orally reinforce the memories.

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    1. Hey Carol! I hope you're enjoying your break from work. Make the most of your time. :)

      So many stories, Carol, that will never see the light of day, unfortunately.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. I hear you.
    My father was so close mouthed he made an oyster look garrulous. My mother was a stranger to the truth.
    I know almost nothing about either of their pasts, much less their forebears. And feel robbed.

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    1. Hahahahaha! A great description, EC! I love it!

      I can understand your feelings...it's not fair. The past disappears as if it never happened.

      Thanks for dropping by. :)

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  5. Last time I visited my Dad I asked him about his life and took notes. .... Before it's too late and his story is lost forever. Good thing his memory is still very clear.

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    1. That's wonderful, Helsie...it's very important in my opinion.

      Thanks for coming in. :)

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  6. I thought that was a marrow bone I was looking at. We used to buy them for our dog,Max. He always knew which day was shopping day and he'd wait for us to arrive home with his bone. We'd pull into the drive and he'd be hanging over the fence, big grin on his face, then he'd sit as we came through the gate. We'd hand him half the bone and he'd be happy all day with it.
    I know who my ancestors are (were?) on my Mum's side at least, but know nothing about them; what they did, what they were like, what they liked to do. I do know Mum's Dad raised prize winning rabbits and one of her cousins was in the Swedish National Ballet Corps. I made copies of the Family Tree album Mum made, and gave one to each of my kids.

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    1. I'm glad I brought back memories of your beloved pet, Max, River. :) Animals are very savvy...they know. My two furry rascals are very aware about what goes on about this place...in their corner of the world! Pets are wonderful.

      I'm sure your children appreciate what you've done for them...and hopefully they will pass that information on to their children and so on.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. Those goats in the tree are a hoot, I too have no kids. Ha. Blood oranges are supposed to be really good for you I grew one in California, sometimes I miss that growing climate.

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    1. I'm the one at the top left, Linda! lol

      Our climate here in Queensland is similar to California. I love my citrus fruits...of all varieties.

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  8. Farewell, Columbus? Is that an Aussie thing?

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    1. No, Jerry...it's just my thing used for this post only; just my wacky sense of humour.

      American author Philip Roth of "Portnoy's Complaint" wrote the novella "Goodbye, Columbus"...and I was just playing on that title.

      In 1969 it was made into a movie starring Richard Benjamin and Ali McGraw.

      The title novella was made into the 1969 film Goodbye, Columbus, starring Ali MacGraw and Richard Benjamin

      Thanks for coming by.

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  9. I am dumb I guess - I have heard of a blood orange - but not sure what it is.

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    1. It's an orange variety that has red flesh, Sandie...hence the name.

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  10. I am back but it's going to take me awhile to get caught up on all your antics and action

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    1. Great to have you back with us, Annie. Take it steady...you'll be tearing around the place again before you know it. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. I lost interest once the treasure disappeared....

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    1. Well, at least I had your attention for some of my tale, Mr. Ad-Man. :)

      Thanks for popping in! :)

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  12. What will be done with our digital legacy once the clock winds down I wonder?

    Trying to catch up on visits and comment while I wait for a flight - one busy week to go and it's back to normal!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Heathrow Airport UK (for the next couple of hours!)

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    1. Aha! I see you were at Heathrow, Stewart. You sure do get around! I hope you had/have a safe flight.

      Thanks for flying by. :)

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  13. What a true post!
    And thanks again for the recipes...always fun!
    hughugs

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    1. Hey there Donna! Glad you enjoy the recipes. Hugs back to you...thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. I am not familiar with the expression, "I can be a goat". I have heard of humans being likened to pigs (eating), hyenas (laughing) and mice (quietness) but goats? Do you mean you scale mountains on all fours searching for grass or do you mean you put your head down and butt unsuspecting backsides whilst browsing in the supermarket? I hope you don't smell like a goat Lee!...As for the main theme of your post - the past can be so slippery. If we don't capture it in words it can escape and we will never get it back. There are many questions I should have asked my mother and my grandmother too but it's too late now..

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    1. "Acting the goat" is a term here in the great Land of Oz that means "acting the fool", Yorky.

      The term actually originated from your country, Yorky -

      Quote: "Act the giddy goat more like this......other phrases about: Animals

      Meaning - Behave foolishly.

      Origin of play the giddy goat.

      The phrase 'act the giddy goat' (or 'play the giddy goat') wasn't coined from scratch but was built up by degrees from earlier phrases. 'Giddy' has been used to mean foolish or stupid since the first millennium and has been applied as an adjective to all sorts of creatures. Prominent amongst these was the ox and there are several citations of 'play (or act) the giddy ox' which pre-date the 'giddy goat' variant; for example, the British comic Ally Sloper's Half-Holiday used the phrase in a March 1892 edition:

      "Fanny Robinson was flighty; she played the giddy ox - I mean, heifer."

      We also find 'acting the goat' from 1879, when H. Hartigan included it in his memoir Stray Leaves from a Military Man's Note Book: "Don't be actin' the goat." End Quote

      So, no...even though I do live on a mountain I don't scale it by foot or by hoof...only by car. I don't butt butts, but I am capable of butting heads if someone annoys me; and I definitely don't smell like a goat...not that I know what goats smell like. I've not smelt one for quite a while, if ever.

      That's the problem...when we come to our senses it usually is too late and that's a shame if our family stories/history become lost forever; lost to future generations.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. Lee - Of course I know the term "acting the goat" but you said "I can be a goat" and that variation isn't used in England - at least I have never heard it. Must be an Australian development from the original figure of speech.

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    3. "Pedantic" is a word used here and up your way, too, apparently, Yorky! lol

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    4. Yes, I believe pedantics are glorified chiropodists...Up your way Lee!

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    5. I guess..."stop being a goat" and my terminology of "I can a goat" is only used here in the wonderful Land of Oz. Maybe, it is unique to us Aussies...it's good to be unique at times.

      I'll stop being a goat for now so I can go and finish off cooking my lunch. I'm cooking lamb short loin chops, not goat. :)

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  15. I love the Donald Duck family tree...if we substituted my family's names, it would make a lot of sense!

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    1. Hahahaha! Similar would apply to mine, RK! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  16. I agree - my sisters and I often remark that there are things we wished we had asked our late parents. Now that history is gone with the wind...

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    1. And never to be found again, Lynn...it's written on the wind in invisible ink.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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