Tuesday, August 15, 2017

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT GENTLY UP THE STREAM...




Since early July, I don’t need a boat, a canoe or paddle when I go streaming - not when I have Stan as my guide and my Netflix bag of tricks.   

I don’t need a waterway, in any way or course, of course.

Bingeing can be very enjoyable.  It is very enjoyable – no “can” or canoe about it!

My two furry mates and I are addicted to series worth bingeing upon. 

Remy and Shama keep nagging at me.  Both reckon they could easily find Nemo and Dory, if I’d only let them. We have an ongoing battle over who has control over the control.  (It’s one of the few battles I manage to win - so far)!

They’ve given me their miaowed promise if Tweety Pie appears they’ll just watch him, not eat him.   

Their explanation is valid because every afternoon, through the screen door, they calmly watch the birds, only inches away, out on the patio as said native birds eat the meat I toss out for them.  

This is a daily afternoon ritual...for me, the birds, Remy and Shama...each feeling safe and secure in one's own skin, feathers and fur.

Furthermore, Remy and Shama are indoor cats, so preying on prey is not part of their daily, or nightly, activities.  Anyway, why would they want to go in search of food when they're fed chopped,fresh meat for dinner each night; prepared seafood of a variety of sorts for breakfast each day, and always a bowl of dried "munchies" at the ready for them to snack on when the mood for food to snack upon takes hold.

Both my cats are eager to watch “The Adventures of Puss in Boots”, so much so they’ve been eyeing off my shoe cupboard, to the point of trying the contents on for size.   

Nothing is sacred in this household.  I have no say.  

They refuse to watch “Paw Patrol” because it’s full of puppies, not kitties.  They spit and hiss when “Hey Duggee” appears on the screen, howling, “Where’s Hey Pussie?” 

 “Buddy Thunderstruck” has also struck a raw nerve with them. 

While wringing their paws they wail, exclaiming it’s a dog’s world, demanding Sylvester or Felix (or both) makes an appearance...and soon! 

As mentioned above, at this point in time, I’m still the one who holds the power...the remote control is mine, and mine alone to operate!

Once I got with the flow, I overdosed on “Suits”, catching up on the last three seasons (I began again from Season One), after having sulked for the past couple of years because it was taken off free-to-air TV. Obviously, it didn’t suit their budget, or was at the dry cleaners.   

I’d sorely missed the shenanigans of Harvey and Mike, and had become so wretched I even missed quirky Louis Litt, too.   What a terrific character he is, and one expertly played by the actor, Rick Hoffman.  Hoffman has the role down to a "tee".

More so, fearing she might need some right royal dating advice from me I needed to know what Harry’s girl, Meghan, had been up to during my absence from the office. 

We'd become so distraught in this household no amount of popcorn or Whiskas was going to fix the problems caused by our withdrawals over “Suits”. 

That’s where “Ray Donovan”, being the fixer that he is, should have stepped in to sort it out, but no, the fixing was left up to me, per usual. I had to call on Stan and his mate Netflix to be the fixers. 

As far as the gene pool is concerned those in “Bloodline” plunged into the deep end, no goggles, flippers or air tanks required - undeniable proof that "you can choose your friends, but not your family" . 

“Peaky Blinders” couldn’t even keep the "Bloodline" family afloat.  No matter how fast and hard they paddle, sadly, they’ll never re-surface after what they went through in three drama-filled seasons.  It probably would be safer for them if they remain under water, anyway; but, then again, one never knows what’s lurking beneath the surface.  I dare not look under my bed for fear of what I might discover. 

While bingeing on the brilliant “Billions”, which stars Damian Lewis of “Homeland” and “The Forsyte Saga” fame (he gets around that fellow), I binged on grapes, strawberries, mandarins and raw nuts.  Now I’m chewing on my nails impatiently waiting for the next season to begin.  

I’ve stepped carefully into the “House of Cards”, hoping not to cause it to come crashing down.  I’ve only a couple of episodes to go, and, no doubt, I will suffer, once again, withdrawal symptoms, when I come to an end of this particular binge.

I’ll let it slip I became involved with Stan in “The Affair”.  No! Not an affair, silly – the TV series!  I thoroughly enjoyed “The Affair”...who wouldn’t?  Dominic West is enough of an enticement for any red-blooded girl!  I'm eagerly awaiting our next tryst.  However, I’m not sure when “The Affair” is due to commence again. I’ll be ready for it when it does.

And, just for the hell of it, because I can and because I want to, I’m bingeing on “Mad Men” all over again - Round Two.  I have seen all episodes in every season, but being a dedicated follower I just had to have another dose of Don Draper and his mates.  For me it’s mandatory I get involved with all the mad men once again.

There are many interesting characters waiting on the dock; more stories needing my undivided attention.  I might be up the stream without a paddle or canoe, but, I’m not concerned.  I don't need either.  Tossing cares aside, I’ll float and go with the flow; go where the stream takes me.  

I might be "Crossing Lines" , but I feel it's "Justified".  I really don''t have to justify my habits to anyone...only to me and my two roomies.  

Furthermore, we've placed a bookmark against "Ozark"...and are looking forward to the second season.

As long as I’ve ample supplies of raw mixed nuts and fresh fruit (and Whiska, for my two furry rascals), all will be well. 

My oranges never turn black - and Ray Donovan and Co., are far more entertaining than “Yummy Mummies”, and all the other similar “reality” brain-numbing rot that's taken over free-to-air TV!

Corn-Pumpkin Chowder: Finely dice 1 med onion; chop 3 carrots, 1 sweet potato and 1-1/2kg peeled pumpkin into bite-sized pieces. Heat pot on med-high heat; add 1tbs olive oil; sauté onions; add carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, 500ml passata (optional) and 4c chick/veg stock. Bring to boil; reduce heat to med-low; simmer 15mins, uncovered. Add 125g cream cheese, 1 can chickpeas, drained, 2c frozen corn; season.  Increase heat to high; boil 5-10 mins.

Mandarin Chicken: Place 8 chicken thighs, skin on, in bowl. Cut 4 mandarins in half; squeeze the juice and juice of 1/2 lemon over thighs.  Add 2tbs soy sauce and 1 large chopped onion; add mandarin and lemon skins. Cover; marinade 2-3hrs. Remove thighs from marinade; pat dry. Melt 2tbs butter and 3tbs olive oil in pan; brown chicken; remove to plate. Add 3 mashed garlic cloves and marinated onion; sauté until translucent. Add chicken; mandarin/lemon juice, skins and 1 bay leaf, and cashews, if desired; season. Cover; cook about 30mins. Remove fruit skins and bay leaf before serve with rice.

Fruit & Nut Bread: Put 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup water, 1tsp honey and scant cup muesli cereal in bowl; let soak 15mins. Dissolve 1pkt yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.  Add yeast, 1-3/tsp salt, and 3c bread flour to bowl with muesli and 1-2tsp cinnamon; mix on low 3-4mins, until dough comes away from bowl. Dough will be sticky. Turn onto floured surface; form into rectangle. Spread surface with 1/2c roughly chopped dried apricots and one cup combination of whole pistachios, whole hazelnuts, dried currants and dried cranberries; add a few chopped dates and/or crystallised ginger, if you like. Fold dough in from each side; add the same amount and combination of fruit and nuts; knead dough to incorporate evenly. Place in oiled bowl; cover; set in warm place to rise 1hr. Turn onto paper lined baking sheet; form into rectangle loaf, as smooth as possible; brush with beaten egg; sprinkle with rolled oats. Cover; let rise, 30mins. Bake in 220C oven, 35-40mins. 





31 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:52 PM

    While I haven't seen the US version of House of Cards, if you haven't seen it, the chilling English version is excellent.

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    1. Hi Andrew...I've watched only about 5 minutes of the British version of "House of Cards". At the time it didn't grab me immediately. I might give it another go, down the line a bit. I probably will need a bit of space between the two.

      I'm a big fan of Kevin Spacey (in everything he does)...and he is brilliant in the US version, as is Robin Wright...and the rest of the cast. I love the series; I think it is excellent, and I will be sorry to see the end of it.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  2. How lovely to have your kitties keep you company while you indulge in your binge watching. Be fair now, find some good nature shows for them to watch but stay away from the big cats. They might get ideas lol.

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    1. Hey there, Delores! I'm getting a bit worried...they're starting to sneer at me...copying Frank Underwood from "House of Cards"!!!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  3. I remember Damian Lewis, he played Charlie Crews in the short-lived series Life, which I enjoyed, but I haven't seen the other shows he has been in, nor have I seen any of those other shows you mention. I don't have Netflix and probably never will, I'm currently re-bingeing on The Blacklist and Criminal Minds.

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    1. Hi River....Yes...I forgot about "Life". I enjoyed that show, too. I like Damian Lewis. How strange you didn't watch "Homeland". He was excellent in it, as are Claire Danes, Mandy Patikin and Co.

      As you know, I'm a huge fan of "The Blacklist" (and of James Spader). I've never been a regular watcher of "Criminal Minds". I can take it or leave it..mostly I leave it.

      I'm enjoying being on Netflix and Stan...and will stay with them. I rarely spend money these days going out socialising or entertaining at home, so I find the small amount of money expended on streaming is worth spending on entertainment of my own choice.

      Thanks for coming by. Give Lola a cuddle for me. (If anyone is wondering...Lola is a cat)! :)
      There's little worth watching on free-to-air at present...in my opinion and to my taste, anyway. I enjoy being able to watch episode after episode, at will and choice, rather than just one once a week.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. I'll have to see if K has Homeland and get it from her.

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  4. Of course Remy and Shama rule. It is what cats do. And they excel at it too. It is incredibly generous of them (you ask them) to allow you to binge watch things they haven't chosen.

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    1. I'm not sure how long their generosity will last, EC! ;)

      I've finished "House of Cards", having watched the last episode - Episode 13 of Season 5 this afternoon. Season 6 still on the drawing board or still in the mind of the writers - if it is in the works, it won't be available until 2018, so unless I keep this fact from them, they will be hassling me, for sure!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. Writing about TV programmes would be great if I watched TV. I don't.

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    1. G'day, Treey....

      As it is me who is doing the writing in my own blog about what shows I'm enjoying, whether you watch TV or not, isn't the subject of my post.

      I feel what I write about is of my choosing...mostly off the cuff, harmless, hopefully amusing sometimes; and hopefully interesting most of the time. I guess, like in everything, I can't please everyone all the time...if ever! :)

      I could, of course,write one about the shows you don't watch because you don't watch television, but that is not my place to do so.

      Thanks for coming by...I hope my next post is of more interest to you. :)

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  6. gee we don't have any free tv here and our tv bill is the most expensive bill we have, these monopolies are a real crime, haven't watched suits or any of the others you referred to. And I thought I spoiled my cat, wet food from a can and dry, occasionally some salmon from the can when I make salmon patties; Barney does catch his own fresh meat though, small shrews the size of a mouse that he eats all except the brain, rather disgusting, I know, since he brings them to the carpet outside the door to eat them for me to see. I'll be checking out your recipes.

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    1. Hey Linda. I wasn't aware you didn't have free-to-air TV. We have quite a few here.

      I've always fed my cats...every cat I've had throughout my life...fresh meat as their main food...with processed cat foods as secondary parts of their daily diet. They eat more meat than I do. lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. You're as amusing as ever, Lee. Who else could make TV sound so interesting? But I was distracted by the fact that you row your boat gently UP the stream. I always rowed mine down the stream. How strange. We are much the same age and from pretty much the same area. Gosh, you'd think I'd have more to ponder on than that!!

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    1. G'day Pauline. Just quoting the song, Pauline...just quoting the song. You'd have to row if going upstream against the current; if going downstream all you need to do is pull up the oars/paddles, and go with the flow. Or better still, set anchor and remain in one place, conserving energy. Even better still just sing the song and stay at home bingeing on streaming...and pondering!! lol

      'Tis always good to see you...thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. The lyrics DO say 'down' the stream, that's how I remembered it so I googled to be sure.
      What you say makes sense of course, you shouldn't need to row downstream, but songs so often don't make logical sense.

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    3. Thank you, River. I stand corrected. I'm so often wrong...but I guess it's because I've always seemed to be paddling upstream against the current in many aspects of life my own interpretation of the lyrics is stuck in my mind. :)

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  8. You need to get out more!

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    1. You have no idea what I need, Mr. Ad-Man...or how much I get out! You need to watch less soccer/football! lol

      Thanks for coming by. Now I have to go...I'm going to step out for a while...out onto the patio! :)

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  9. Sounds like you and the mates have all kinds of fun at your place, Lee. Outside of the news, I don't watch much TV. I'm probably missing out on all kinds of good shows. The Ray Donovan series intrigues me. I'm going to have to give that a shot one of these days.
    I could certainly go for some of that corn-pumpkin chowder and fruit and nut bread!
    Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. G'day Sandra...Well, I'm so sick and tired of the news, politics and all the rest of the B/S. I was watching far too much of it and became very depressed and angry from doing so.

      I openly admit I enjoy watching TV - that is, watching good shows/good series and watching good movies. I've always been a movie fan, and when I find series worthy of my attention I'd rather watch them than watch the news and many of the self-serving commentators.

      "Ray Donovan" is a good series. Liev Schreiber has a great presence about him. He's not the most handsomest of men, in my opinion, but he does have something about him that holds one's attention.

      Thanks for coming by. Soup is on my lunch menu for today! :)

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  10. Heavens. I got the end and saw Whiska and read whisky. Phew. Mind you if I'd been through all that I'd be opening a bottle (and I don't even like whisky!).

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    1. Hey there Graham. I like whisky of the Scotch variety...however, Remy and Shama turn their nose up at it...preferring straight water...not on the rocks. No ice required!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. We've had a lazy evening watching films on TV tonight, one starring Tom Hardy and the other with Willem Dafoe ... sometimes it's just good to chill out!
    Now that Corn-Pumpkin Chowder recipe looks very tasty.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hi Jan...I like Tom Hardy. He's a versatile actor. Nothing wrong with chilling out...even better done with a bowl of chilli! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. I don't watch much TV, but there's one serial I'm addicted to. It's not on prime time, but after midnight, once a week, on Friday. It deals with corruption on the Police Force. The bottom line is you can't trust anyone, not even the person with you in the same room at home or at work. I wonder whether this gloomy conclusion applies to pets too.

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    1. Hahaaha! My laughter is at your final sentence, DUTA! I trust my two furry rascals more than I do any of those of the human variety. :)

      We have a mutual admiration society going on here in this cabin. But I'm always aware who the bosses are in this household. Hint...I'm not one of them!! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. A clever and amusing romp through the world of binge TV. It's not a world I have ever visited though I did enjoy the first series of "Homeland" when it appeared on British TV. I hope you haven't developed haemorrhoids with all that sitting in front of your TV set.

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    1. No chance of that, Yorkie. I have piles of other things I do, as well.

      As there is only me in this little corner of the world I inhabit, I live my life my way...enjoy the things I enjoy to do, at my own pace and leisure....when allowed to do so, of course, by my overlords, Remy and Shama, the furry ones! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. The fruit and nut bread looks wonderful. I wonder if it would work in a breadmaker, I suspect not, but I might give it a try and see what happens. What do you think?

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    1. Hi Jenny....I've never used a breadmaker...so I can't be of any help in that one.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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