Wednesday, May 16, 2018

MAY THE MAY BELLS RING JOYOUSLY FOR LOVE AND HAPPINESS


Four photos above of Gunabul Homestead Functions House/Restaurant
Eagle Heights Mountain Resort Hotel....Tamborine Mountain
Eagle Heights Mountain  Resort...and the view from the resort to the east to the Gold Coast


It was meant to be kept secret, but it doesn’t matter now.  I received an invitation to Harry and Meghan’s nuptials. Unfortunately, I had to graciously decline, not only because my passport is out of date - it’s also too far to drive.  With fuel prices the way they are...well, you understand. 

Physically I won’t be one of the guests on Saturday, 19th May, but I’ll be there in spirit.  I intend being glued to my TV not missing a minute as the couple make their vows in St. George’s Chapel (no relation, as far as I’m aware).  May Harry and Meghan’s future together be happy and fruitful.  

I don’t care if I’m slammed for making the above comment.  I speak for myself, and in this instance, as in other instances, it is my opinion...it is how I feel.  I’ve no one to answer to, or share my television-watching with other than Remy and Shama.
 
My two furry, much-loved mates told me that they are happy to watch, too, as long as I excuse them if they have a cat nap or two during the proceedings.  I said that would be just fine...I’ll try not to disturb them.
  
I’m a romantic at heart, and freely admit to being so.  I don’t like cynicism or sneering sarcasm - both are energy and time-wasters.  To put it bluntly - I abhor both.  There is far too much unnecessary nastiness being tossed around these days, in my opinion.   It flatters no one.

The soon-to-be-wed couple have had a load of both thrown at them from every angle; most being bandied around by members of Meghan’s family. The rock-throwers need to get over themselves.  They’ve had more than their 15 minutes of fame...move on...there’s nothing more to see here...there is nothing more we need or want to know.

However, the slime keeps coming like an endless lava flow.   

There’s more drama pouring forth hour after hour than “The Bold and the Beautiful”, “Days of Our Lives”, “The Young and the Restless”, and the rest of the soap operas mixed together!

Who needs Netflix, Stan, Foxtel Now and other streaming services at present when we can binge freely on all the drama?

One can almost see the joy oozing like putrid puss from the pores of the media...they’ve never had it so good!  They’re salivating.

No family is perfect. Mine certainly wasn’t.  Although, it is pretty near perfect now – with only three members – my two furry rascals and me.  They’re all I need.  

Meghan Markle’s family, other than for a few exceptions, are proving to be the family from Hell!  The individuals concerned are embarrassing themselves more than anyone else.  It’s time they just shut up and pulled their heads in.  It’s become a comedy of multiple errors.

On the other side of the palace fence, the Royal Family is not perfect, either.  It never has been going back centuries ago.

Even though born into a different circle to you and me, like us, they’re human, with the strengths and frailties that go with being human.  Not exempt from dramas, they’ve had their share, and much more. And, I’m sure there are myriad other stories they prefer to keep a lid on...well away from the prying eyes of the media, who are have a multiple of field days.  Unlike the Royal family, your life and mine has not yet been discovered by the impertinent nosiness of the media.  Let's keep it that way!

There’s always a shadow lurking, ready to pounce, eager to ruin the day, any day, with controversy, whether it be fact or fiction.  Gossip-mongers prefer the latter. 

I hope, as Harry and Meghan get hitched, there are no hitches.  Security is at all time high level.  Let’s hope those with evil intentions are stopped in their tracks before any harm is done, to anyone.  It’s terrible we have to think about such dire things occurring, but it is the world in which we now live, unfortunately.

Neither Harry nor Meghan had a choice as to who their parents would be, similar to you and me.  None of us get to pick who our biological parents, or who our siblings will be. Blame all the problems, if and when they happen, on the successful sperm that made it through without getting lost along the way.  It’s to blame, not Harry...not Meghan.  Same applies to the rest of us.  There’s no point whingeing...it is what it is!

I wish Harry and Meghan well.   I hope their future together is happy and fruitful....in all ways.

Through the years when I was cooking professionally I catered for many weddings, particularly when I was the cook (not chef...I wasn’t a qualified chef with papers. My qualifications were from years of experience cooking in commercial kitchens) at Gunabul Homestead Restaurant and Functions House in Gympie in the four years before I moved here to where I now live.   

Along with the restaurant-functions' facilities and retreat accommodation,  an 18-hole, par-three golf course completes the Gunabul Homestead experience.

Rarely a weekend passed without a wedding party enjoying the venue.  Some ceremonies were conducted in the garden, too.   Often, two wedding parties were held on the one weekend.  There was no time to spare for the faint-hearted!

Having to cater for two weddings a weekend, along with Friday night service, certainly kept me on my toes.   It’s little wonder my hips are now complaining!

When I left Gympie in 2002*** and relocated here to the mountain to live and work, I became one of three cooks (one of whom was a qualified chef...she had her papers.  All I had were the daily newspapers) at the Eagle Heights Mountain Resort.   

***  (I'd returned to Gympie in 1998 - after having left back in 1965 -  to be closer to my now late brother who was in a Brisbane hospital receiving treatment for cancer. I didn't want to go back to city living...the town of our childhood and teen years was the better option)

Each weekend at Eagle Height Mountain Resort-Hotel was also taken up catering for wedding receptions, all of which coincided with the regular restaurant trade, which began with breakfast, continuing through to lunch, and then to dinner.

Brides and grooms...I’ve seen many of them.  Some of whom raised an eyebrow or two, for one reason or another.  I’ve prepared the fare to satisfy hundreds of their hungry guests.  

Meghan Markle is not alone with renegade, out of control family members.  

One wedding reception at the Eagle Heights Resort included a potent aunt of the bride - “potent” not in a positive way.  The woman was like a rabid dog!  

Under the delusion she controlled the whole show like a deranged, crazed conductor, she almost ruined the wedding and reception for everyone, particularly the young bride and groom.   

However, before succeeding in doing so, the aunt was taken aside, and quietly, but firmly, told to sit down and shut up...or else....

Meekly, she did what was requested of her.

I’ve a few funny stories from weddings I catered for through the years.

Cheese Bites: Beat 2-1/2c shredded Cheddar, 1/2c butter, 5tbs evaporated milk and 1tsp salt at med-speed until blended. Gradually add 1-1/2c plain flour, 1-1/2c grated Parmesan and 3tbs finely chopped basil; beat just until combined. Turn dough onto floured surface. Divide into 3 equal portions; roll to flatten each to ⅛ inch thickness. Cut with star shaped cutter. Place 1-inch apart on paper-lined baking sheets.  Bake at 190C, 11-14mins, until golden; cool on sheets on racks.

Feta-Covered Olives:  Drain 250g pitted black olives; pat dry.  Combine 240g cream cheese, 1c crumbled feta and 1-2tsp finely chopped dill. Place 1/2c finely crushed hazelnuts or nuts of choice in a dish. Mould 1tsp mixture around each olive; shape into ball; roll in chopped nuts; set on serving platter; chill until firm.  

Lemon-Elderflower Cake: Preheat oven 180C/160C fan. Sift 75g SR flour and ½ level tsp baking powder into a bowl, add 175g butter, 175g caster sugar, 3 med-eggs, 1tbs elderflower cordial and zest of 1 lemon; beat with wooden spoon until smooth.  Spoon into 2 greased and base lined 20cm cake tins. Bake 30-40 mins or until cooked; turn out on to wire rack. Place juice of 1 lemon, 1tbs elderflower cordial and 55g caster sugar in saucepan; heat gently until sugar has dissolved. Whilst cakes are warm, make a few deep holes with a skewer; drizzle elderflower syrup over both cakes so it soaks in.  Place 115g icing sugar, 40g butter and 1-2tsp elderflower cordial into bowl; mix well until smooth. Sandwich the two cakes together by spreading with icing mixture, and then 2-4tbs lemon curd. Decorate the top of the cake with a thin glace icing made with the icing sugar and a little lemon juice. Finish with edible flowers.

Blushing Bride: Combine 1 bottle rosé, 1c lemonade, 1/2c peach nectar, 1/2c vodka and 1c raspberries; let sit overnight. Before serving add 3c club soda and crushed ice. Garnish with mint.

Elderflower Cocktail: Add 6 ice cubes to shaker; add 60ml Bacardi, 20ml Elderflower cordial, 25ml hand-squeezed fresh lime juice; shake vigorously; pour straight up into a glass. 

      

38 comments:

  1. Hear, Hear!
    I, too, shall be glued to the idiot box to enjoy what we get to see of the happy day.
    Was watching a doco on Her Maj the other night and it was pointed out that when Mucky Murdoch took over The Sun newspaper in the UK THAT was when the media began treating the Royal Family as a soapie, with no regard for them as humble humans.
    Murdoch has much to answer for.

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    1. Hey there, Jayne...Welcome to my blog...It's nice to meet you. :)

      I just wish all the negativity and nonsense would stop. There is enough B/S going on in the world, every moment of every day. I've had it up to "here"!

      My wish is to celebrate love and happiness...not all the negative nonsense and garbage that goes on all time.

      Why everything has to be torn down all the time baffles me. For what good...for what purpose? Envy, perhaps...I think envy is as as stomach-turning as cynicism and unnecessary sarcasm.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  2. Haha - loved this. I am going to be watching it too. I hope they can be relaxed and have fun! It is so hard to be a royal - or it looks that way! Love, sandie

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    1. G'day Sandie. I'll have the popcorn ready...and will have enough to share it with you and Jayne above! :)

      I just hope it all goes well on the day.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  3. I rather pity the young couple. Harry is not a common citizen. I suppose the Brits have expected him to mary some english girl, not a foreigner. So, the two might face unpleasant things after the wedding. Or not. Who knows. After all, Diana's boyfriend was also a foreigner - the egyptian Doddy El Fayad (rip), and nevertheless, the Brits adored Diana (rip).

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    1. Hi DUTA...I hope they can rise well above all the nonsense...I think they will be able to do so. All the fuss, hopefully, will die down soon, and they'll be allowed to get on with what they want to get on with. Both are coming down here to Australia in late October for the Invictus Games.

      The Invictus Games are an international multi-sport event for wounded, sick and injured service personnel. (

      The Games were created in 2014 by Prince Harry, who was inspired after he attended a similar event for wounded veterans in the United States a year earlier.

      One would hope lessons have been learned after what happened to Diana....but from the evidence...they've not yet been learned...or heeded to.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. Anonymous8:11 PM

    It may have been considered inappropriate but I would have thought that perhaps an adviser could be sent to the US from the palace, just to advise on appropriate things and especially media. No matter, good luck to Harry and Meghan. Eagle Heights looks wonderful and what views. I don't suppose you have heard any local honeymoon rumours? There would be worse places to start married life.

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    1. Yeah....I'm putting the couple up in the back area of my cabin for a couple of days, Andrew! ;)

      Advice, apparently, was given to those in the US...but I think some are more interested in their own few moments in the spotlight.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. New blood amid the Royals, wonderful.
    So looking forward to the Wedding and will be watching, glued in fact in my lounge room on my own and in case I miss anything I will record the event on one of my external hard-drives from the telly and also my computer - yes I have a TV connection to my computer as well, not bad for a person who doesn't watch much free to air TV...
    Meghan's half sister, half brother should have stayed out of it - they certainly do not understand the 'English' like we do :)
    Odd about the 'cook' and the 'chef', that's how the 'chef's learnt, from the 'cooks'...

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    1. Hey Margaret...I will be recording as well as watching it on the spot, too. I'm looking forward to watching the event.

      The half-sister and father...and the half-brother are all half-wits, I reckon! Meghan's mother seems to be a classy lady, though...thank goodness for her, and her apparent dignity and classiness.

      Thanks for coming by.

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  6. I wish them both the best. I won't be watching, which doesn't diminish my hopes for them.
    Royalty is not an easy life.

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    1. I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I will enjoy watching the whole spectacle.

      I like Harry, and I first liked Meghan when watching her in the series, "Suits", long before she and Harry hooked up. And she appears to be an intelligent young woman with a good heart.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  7. I've heard so much about this wedding in the weeks up to now, I'm already sick of it. I know this will trouble you a little, but I'm over it. I'll be watching dvds instead of the wedding, then I'll see the photos in the Sunday paper and that will be enough for me. I'm sure the whole affair will be beautiful. I like Harry too.

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    1. It doesn't trouble me, River.

      You're entitled to your opinion, just as much as I am to mine. You feel how you feel, and I feel how I feel about things. I'm just expressing my own feelings; not those of anyone else. As I've said previously many times...we are individuals with our own individual likes and dislikes. And I'm just expressing my own individual thoughts.

      As I wrote in my post above, the media are having a field day of it. They are milking it as much as they can. That's what remote controls etc., are for...we make our own choice what to watch and what not to watch; what to read and what not to read.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      I'm sick of hearing about the killings, child molestation, break and enters etc., etc.m that go on endlessly....all the hate and the violence....I don't mind being an old romantic. :)

      Delete
  8. The week before a wedding is always frantic and crap can happen. Even the easiest wedding has its moments of chaos. I wish this couple the best and I hope they have a wonderful day.

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    1. That's for sure, Arleen.

      This couple have had all the pre-wedding crap others have gone through, and go through, amplified a couple million times over.

      I wish them all the very best, too. And I hope there are no idiots out there habouring evil intentions on the day. I hope it is a glorious, happy occasion...for everyone concerned.

      Thanks for coming by. Take care. :)

      Delete
  9. Other than the dad with the photo shoot and the heart attack, I wasn't aware of the drama surrounding the upcoming royal wedding. I wonder if it's making more news there than here. I know the British take the royal family very seriously and do not abide the bad press they might occasionally get there.

    We're actually beginning our vacation the morning of the wedding and will be in the air when this all commences so we won't be able to view the ceremony itself. I'm sure there'll be plenty of news coverage later however.

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    1. Yes, there will be stacks of coverage, and photos in the press and magazines, Dave.

      Some family members of Meghan's haven't known when to shut up...but they really are more of an embarrassment to themselves than to anyone else. There have been stories going on since the couple first hooked up. Some of which I'm sure we can take with a grain of salt.

      I hope you have a great vacation, Dave. Relax and enjoy yourselves...take good care. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. I wish them well...it can't be easy living in a fishbowl.

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    1. Hi Delores...I agree re "living in a fishbowl"....I couldn't do it. I wouldn't have the patience, and very soon would be telling a few people where to go....in no uncertain terms.

      I wish them well, too. Happiness and love should reign...not the opposites.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  11. Until the royal wedding I had never heard of a Lemon Elderflower Cake. And when I did I thought they were saying Elder Flour:) Heh. It sounds delicious.
    Wishing them all the best. May their light shine bright and their future be filled with much happiness.

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    1. Hey Sandra....I slept in this morning...I got back late from the wedding...late night! :)

      I loved the Royal wedding! Everyone there and everyone who watched were watching a couple who are in love...it is no arranged marriage. Harry & Meghan's love for each other was palpable...clear to all.

      Her dress was simple, but beautiful. The ceremony was simple, but beautiful.

      Michael Curry, the Bishop from the US did go on a a bit too long, but he caused a bit of humour...that was clear to see.

      I thought it was a wonderful spectacle...not over the top....just great. And the young cellist who played while the couple were signing the register was brilliant. He is only 19 years old. What a privilege for him....a memory he will cherish forever.

      Meghan's make-up was almost non-existent...she looked natural...her freckles, which she didn't want hidden, showed...she looked beautiful...not over-done in any way.


      I love at the end of Bishop Curry's long sermon...Harry turned to Meghan and said "Wow!" I laughed. There were a lot of smiles and hidden smiles throughout the chapel as the preacher went on and on....and on. :)

      The Gospel Choir was magnificent.

      It was such a modern wedding - a change from the old-fashioned pageantry....it wasn't staid in any way.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. Huge thumbs up the the Royal Wedding - it broke with so many stuffy traditions, it was a public-friendly, multicultural focused joyous celebration of love.
    As Bishop Curry said,
    "Two people fell in love and we all showed up!"

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    1. Yes...you're so right, Jayne. It was fresh, bright, happy and filled with love. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it all unfold...I didn't miss a moment of it.

      For me it was such a welcome change from all the daily gloom and doom that goes in throughout the world. From all the thoughtlessness, ignorance, violence etc.

      It was a joyous occasion, with lots of "normality" in it.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  13. Hello Lee. Just dropped in to say hello and see you've been feeling the same way I was before and after The Wedding.

    The church the ceremony the bride a nervous bridegroom - all a necessary evil - a horse and carriage soldiers on horseback a parade with a band with marching soldiers- I personally loved it all.

    As one commentator said 'we Brits do like a bit of pomp and ceremony - now and again'.

    Good luck to them both - and here's hoping they do well with their new role as 'Commonwealth ambassadors'

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    1. G'Day....Yes! I'm with you....I thought it all was just wonderful. I spent hours watching everything...and don't regret a moment spent.

      Together, they seem to be a lovely young couple. Apart, each appear to be fine young people. I wish them all the very best.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  14. I spent 6 hours of my Saturday at the wedding. Loved every second. Especially loved their choice of guests. (Were you really invited?) I have been meaning to ask you if you have watched RED ROCK on Amazon? It is 107 episodes and I think still going. An Irish soap opera that will wear you out.

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    1. Hi, Annie...I wrote a rather lengthy response, and accidentally, didn't hit publish!!

      I, too, watched everything as it unfolded - and loved it. There certainly was an array of interesting guests...and there were also, some beautiful outfits. For one, Amal Clooney looked stunning, I thought. As did Gina Torres, from "Suits". She looked amazing.

      No...my invitation got lost in the mail! :)

      I've not hear of "Red Rock". I'm not on Amazon...but I'll keep an eye out for it.

      The new season...Season 3 of "The Affair" was released yesterday, so I started on it last night. I'm watching the new seasons of "Billions" and "The Americans", too, but unfortunately and annoyingly instead of the whole season being released, both are only one weekly episode at a time.

      I'm also watching "Safe" - Michael C. Hall aka "Dexter" with a Pommie accent took a bit of getting used to at first!!! It's not bad...I've seen better...I'll continue watching it.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  15. Hi Lee, I wish him the best. He hasn’t done anything to me but I have no interest whatsoever in what he does.

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    1. G'day, Terry. You're entitled to your opinion...who you like and who you dislike...and who you feel nothing towards.

      Harry is not an idle Royal. He has served his country, having quite a lengthy time in the British Military - 10 years - and he has done lots of humanitarian/charity work and continues doing so. His launching of the Invictus Games, alone, is quite wonderful.

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

      Delete
  16. I can see I'm going to have to make lemon/elderflower cake. Perhaps for the next birthday cake I make, in July. It is a lovely idea but what are all those people going to do who planned to keep the bit of royal wedding cake forever in its special little box? You know those fruit cakes that crop up occasionally in news stories - a souvenir of some century-old event. Well, maybe it's a bit daft of me to think about that, it's probably more hygienic just to keep the box anyhow :) Yes, you are right about dysfunctional families, Meghan's were worse than most but not sure if they were more embarrassing than some of the royal revelations in the past. Anyhow, it's great that the ceremony has pleased so many people across the world. As luck would have it, T had his operation on that day and so I was hanging around the hospital... and the staff were trying to catch glimpses of Meghan and Harry!

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    1. Hi,Jenny...I think the lemon-elderflower cake was a great idea...a fresh change to the fruit cake, and to mud cakes that became the "wedding cakes of the Nineties". I like both, but something new...a change...is as good as a holiday. The wedding cake did look lovely, and I'm sure it tasted great, too.

      I'm glad all went well on the day.

      I hope T is recovering well and rapidly from the operation. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  17. I thoroughly enjoyed the Royal Wedding and watched from start to finish. I wish them every happiness.

    Oh. I loved reading your wedding recipe suggestions and the drinks too - just wonderful.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hey Jan....I was just thinking of you, and about to pop over and have a read of your blog....and....you just magically appeared here!!! :)

      Yes...I thoroughly enjoyed the Royal Wedding to...from start to finish. It was wonderful...and as I said above....I am so glad everything went without a hitch. With the amount of idiots in this world today...one never knows what they are likely to do.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  18. Hear, hear! I also wish the very best for Harry and Meghan. What is wrong with people these days, they are so mean and hateful.

    Of course, you would give us the recipe for the Lemon/Elderflower cake!
    I can just bet you could give us lots of stories of weddings, do tell!

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    1. Hi Kay...I have no idea what is wrong with people these days....I abhor all the nastiness they carry on with. It's like a damn disease...a virus.

      There is so much hate, cynicism, sarcasm etc. I'm fed-up with negative attitudes.

      Surely to goodness, love and happiness should outweigh all the rest of the idiotic nonsense. There is so much greed and envy around...both are part of all the derogatory nonsense.

      I couldn't resist the cake recipe! Keeping up with the times! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
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