Sunday, December 23, 2018

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?












Where do I start?   I suppose here is the most obvious spot – as good a place as any - seeing I’ve already begun. 

In case you’re not yet aware, Christmas is, as I write, one sleep away.  One sleep away! It seems less than a week ago I was saying similar about Christmas 2017. 

Time certainly does fly whether you’re having fun or not; and when you find yourself still finishing off the dregs of last Christmas’ fruit mince tarts and pud!  It’s not quite as bad as that, but it sometimes seems so.  

With the year flying by so quickly, I don’t know how Santa and his helpers find time to make the massive variety of toys for the kiddies, while also squeezing in time to go shopping for those articles out of their creative expertise.  Mrs. Claus must be a very patient lady.  She must be exhausted keeping the coffee supply up to them.

What we need for Christmas are myriad sleigh loads overflowing with goodwill, respect, love, happiness, positivity and peace.  Sadly, throughout 2018 we’ve been infiltrated by negativity, stupidity, hypocrisy and ignorance. Far too much of each weighs heavily upon us.

 If Santa’s letters or emails have not yet been written and sent – it’s not too late to get cracking - perhaps, instead of asking for items really not needed; things that will be used once or twice, then forever sit on a shelf, taking up space, gathering dust, we should ask for the above. 

Certainly here, with the high temperatures we’ve experienced lately, a new dress or shirt isn’t needed; socks definitely aren’t.  It’s been too hot for clothes. 

Naturally, I’m not suggesting we go au naturale when out shopping.  I, for one, don’t want to create pandemonium, causing shop owners/assistants and general public alike, to run off screaming in terror.  Anyway, they already do when they see me approaching.  Our police have enough on their hands without having to worry about you or me scaring the living daylights out of each other – and them.

My Christmas wishes are for kindness, compassion, humility and consciousness to envelop the earth – to become a pandemic - and then become second nature.

For hate, abuse, greed and thoughtlessness to disappear into the ether; to allow peace, decency, harmony and commonsense to reign supreme; for everyone to take responsibility for his/her actions; to hold fast and true to worthy values and high principles; to  not be consumed by violence and ugliness.  For each of us to be a better person - me included. 

Am I asking for too much?

Thank you everyone who, during this past year, shared with me fun, laughter and kind words - to those who good-humouredly put up with me and my nonsense. 

I’ve everything I need for Christmas...my two furry mates, and my stash of Liquorice Allsorts. It takes all sorts to make the world go ‘round.   My cupboards, fridge and freezer, as per normal, are full.

Always be aware - many are worse off than you or I.

Feast on goodness, kindness and love; dispose of nastiness, malevolence and hostility.
To once again repeat myself, I say  - the gift of giving is the best gift of all.

 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR! HUG YOUR LOVED ONES - HOLD THEM CLOSE; MAY THEY REMAIN DEAR IN YOUR HEART...

Christmas Salad: Put 1kg peeled king prawns, 2 avos, cut into large pieces, 130g toasted, sliced almonds and 2tbs diced red onion in salad bowl. Dressing: combine 1/4c x-virgin olive oil, 1/4c red wine vinegar, 1 large garlic clove, minced, 1tsp chopped parsley, 1tsp Dijon mustard; season. Add desired amount of dressing to salad; serve extra dressing on the side. 

Smoked Salmon Salad:  In pan on low heat add 1/2tsp each black and white sesame seeds and sunflower seeds; heat 2-3 mins until aroma rises. In bowl combine a handful of rocket, 1 sliced avocado, 1 punnet halved cherry tomatoes, 1tbs olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, salt and pepper; toss together. Add 100g smoked salmon slices; garnish with coriander and seeds. Serve with lemon wedges.

Christmas-New Year Nibbles: Place 20 plump dried apricots on serving platter. Spread spreadable blue cheese on each apricot and top with a walnut, a sprig of fresh rosemary and a drizzle of honey.  If you can't find spreadable blue cheese - mix 1/2 room temp cream cheese with 1/2 blue cheese in processor until smooth; or use goat cheese. Make ahead, preparing without the honey, store in fridge. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and drizzle with honey; serve.  

Merry Blue Balls: Beat until combined 240g cream cheese, 2tbs butter, 1tsp lemon zest, 1/4tsp Worcestershire sauce, dash of Tabasco and 1/4tsp salt. Stir the mixture together with 120g blue cheese and 2tbs red currant jam. Chill 10mins; form into balls; roll in chopped currants. Serve with crackers and/or thin gingersnaps.  



33 comments:

  1. Thanks once again for the recipes you share.

    Merry Christmas Wishes and a Happy 2019.

    All the best Jan

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    1. My very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year go to you and Eddie, Jan....I hope you have a very enjoyable, relaxed Christmas...and may 2019 treat you and yours kindly.

      Thank you for all your visit throughout 2018. :)

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  2. Oh, so glad I managed to get this post before the shops seal themselves closed for Christmas day. that salmon salad is just the thing. Our kids are all at in laws this year and we are only having my sister in law for lunch. She loves salad and smoked salmon so we won't be having the usual meal. ANd you have just shown me what we ought to have, much more interesting than the uninspired thing I was planning!

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  3. Oh and Happy Christmas!!!

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    1. Hey there, Jenny....The salad sounds like it is just the right thing for you to feast upon on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones from me.

      Thanks for coming by throughout 2018. I hope 2019 treats you kindly. :)

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  4. Merry Christmas Lee

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    1. G'day, Helsie...So nice to see you! The very best wishes from me to you and yours, too, for a very Merry Christmas. Thankfully the temperatures have dropped considerably to what they were a couple of days ago...let's hope they stay that way.

      I hope, also, that 2019 treats you and your loved ones kindly. Thanks for coming by throughout 2018. :)

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  5. You have my wholehearted agreement! People following the golden rule would be a great place to start.

    Hoping you have a blessed and beautiful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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    1. G'day messymimi...I wish you a very Merry Christmas, too....I hope you enjoy it to the utmost surrounded by your loved ones.

      And may 2019 treat you all kindly in every way...thanks for visiting throughout 2018. Take good care. :)

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  6. Your wishes are mine too. And how I would love them to spread. And spread. And spread.
    I have spent much of the day making the giant fruit salad which is my Christmas tradition. Our temperatures are ramping up, with very high 30s expected by the end of the week. I will hunker down and ignore it.
    I hope that you, Remy and Shama have a cool and lovely day.

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    1. Hey EC...Yes...I remember your Christmas tradition of the giant fruit salad...it sounds delicious. I've a pile of fruit here. I won't be turning it into a salad...but it will be devoured and enjoyed! :)

      The temps have dropped somewhat here at present...and I do so hope the status quo remains. The heat has been killing me. It's horrible...it's just been sapping every ounce of energy out of me....I've been finding it to be quite distressing.

      Have a wonderful Christmas and all that goes with it...take good care. And thanks for coming by throughout the year. :)

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    2. Do you have an air conditioner? A damp sheet and a pedestal fan? frozen hot water bottle? Stay as cool as you can.

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    3. No...I don't have an air conditioner, River. I do have a pedestal fan but it only moves the hot air around. It really is of little, or rather, no us, during the high temps we were experiencing.

      Fortunately, these past couple of days the temps have dropped considerably....they needed to...otherwise I think I would have had to be carted off to the loony bin! :0

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  7. Anonymous11:09 PM

    Just lovely, Lee. Of course what you suggest as to what to wish and work for won't happen, but that is no reason for us to not try and to encourage others. It has been a pleasure to know you and to read what you write for another year, and thank you for your attention to the nonsense that I write at times.

    PS, how was the neighbours' Christmas gathering? Maybe it was just too damn hot.

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    1. Hey there, Andrew....Yes...it would be wonderful if all my hopes and wishes came into fruition. We know they won't...but one must never lose hope. :)

      It's been a pleasure being part of your blog, too...and I thank you for visiting mine, and commenting therein throughout this past year.

      The Christmas party on Friday evening was very pleasant...I spent most of the evening chatting and laughing with some very enjoyable people...great company to share time with. It had been an horrendously hot day...a wild storm hit around 5.45pm....incredibly wild...but fortunately it didn't last long...caused no damage other than in some areas on the mountain brought down trees and branches etc....even better, it caused the temperature to drop considerably.

      Areas down on the Gold Coast weren't as fortunate...sadly...and they copped similar again on Saturday after another extremely hot day. But for now...and as from yesterday cooler temps have prevailed...thank goodness.

      I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones...enjoy...and relax. Take care. :)

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  8. I was very good and didn't ask Santa for a single thing this year, I know how busy he is.. and I already have all I need.
    Merry Christmas to you and a meow to Remy and Shama from Lola.

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    1. Hey there, River. I don't know whether I've been good or not...it's debatable...and a matter of opinion, I guess. I could say I've been good...but others probably would disagree! What would they know, anyway?? :)

      I did have the peaceful, quiet Christmas Day that I desired...so, that was a good enough gift...all that I needed.

      Thanks for your good wishes...and the same back to you and Lola from me, Remy and Shama. :)

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  9. of course Santa's reindeer is a kangaroo, ha; dh would never go for all that blue cheese but I would. must try some of these recipes. I was glad to be occupied for the day cooking; as you say too many are far worse off than most of us are; I sent emails to those who hardly ever communicate and all responded back much to may surprise.

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    1. Hey, Linda...I like all varieties of cheese, blue included, but I know it's not to everyone's taste.

      I had, as intended, a pretty lazy Christmas Day...but then I only had myself and my two furry rascal to cater for! :)

      I hope you're still enjoying the Festive Season...best wishes to you and yours. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. Well, I could be waiting in the getaway car while you trapse down the sidewalk in the buff...should you desire...Hahahaaa...I can see it now! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year sweet lady!
    hughugs

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    1. I knew I could rely on you, Donna! We could become known as the new "Thelma & Louise"!! They won't be able to catch us...fleet of foot are we!!! :)

      I hope you had a lovely Christmas...and I hope 2019 treat you and yours most kindly! Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. I'm rather late to the party I'm afraid. Indeed the party is well and truly over. However I could not agree more with the sentiments of your suggested wishes. Indeed I do think that good things can beget good things. Only up to a point though and then a bad mind comes along and manages to ruin everything.

    I shall use the Nibbles recipe. That's a cracking idea for something new. I eat smoked salmon salad quite a lot easy and healthy. I make a salad with various beans too.

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    1. You're not late, Graham....it's still the Festive Season.

      Perhaps we should extend it right through 2019 and beyond! The party will never be over!

      To paraphrase the words of the song produced by the one and only Quincy Jones for singer Lesley Gore..."It's My Party...and I Party As Long As I Want To..." The party does not have to end...

      It's was a very quiet party here at my place...so quiet, not only did I not disturb the neighbours or a mouse...I didn't even disturb me or my two furry mates!

      Thanks for coming by.... :)

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  12. Like Graham, I am a late reader of your Christmas message but I endorse its spirit wholeheartedly. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I have the feeling that the world we live in seemed to be a better place just ten or twenty years ago. Now there's the stink of rottenness in the air and it is hard to look forward to 2019 with much optimism. However, on a micro scale we can still be kind to others, we can still show gratitude, understanding and respect. We can still strive to live good lives.

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    1. G'day Yorkie....I had begun to think you'd forsaken me - and I was wondering if I'd, unintentionally, caused offence, as you'd not paid a visit for a few weeks. But here you are...better late than never, as the saying goes. :)

      We, the people, individually, and en masse...have the power and ability to do our "bit" to make the world a better place...and inspire those who inhabit this world to be better people.

      Unfortunately, there are individuals and masses who can't see the forest for the trees. They are too arrogant, self-serving and self-righteous to see beyond their own false belief of importance...beyond their own twisted reflections.

      I hope you're still enjoying the Festive Season, Yorkie...your way....thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. We should never stop trying to be better human beings and finding the good in others, no matter how frustrating that might sometimes be!
    The end of the year is the best time for reviewing past things on both personal and general level, and for planning new ones.
    Your recipes, Lee, are always a feast, keep them coming!

    Wishing you a happy, healthy, prosperous 2019!

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    1. That is for sure, DUTA.

      I wish you and your loved ones the best for 2019...I hope it treats you kindly. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. Best holiday wishes to you and your's too. "One More Sleep Till Christmas" is one of my daughter-in-law's favorite holiday songs, coming from her favorite holiday movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol. My seven-year-old grandson says Christmas is his favorite holiday "because you can ask for anything you want and it's all free." Obviously he still believes in Santa.

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    1. Hahahahaha! Good on your seven year old grandson, Dave....Let him hold onto that thought for a while yet. Too soon the realities of life hit us...and remain with us for the rest of our life!!

      I hope you and the family had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you and your loved ones all the good things life has to offer (including free gifts) during 2019 and beyond. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  15. Beautiful post Lee and never nonsense. It is already a New Year and hope you were able to ring yours in with zest. xoxo

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    1. Thank you, Annie. I saw the New Year in...finally drawing the curtain and closing my eyelids around 2.20 am New Year's Day. I spent the evening very quietly, with just me and my two furry mates...who were lecturing me for being up so late. They're not used to me doing so and reprimanded me in unison.

      It wasn't party central here; the evening was spent very quietly...but I always see the New Year in. Even if I'd tried to go to sleep earlier I would've failed.

      May only good things come your way during 2019...and beyond! :)

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  16. What lovely Christmas wishes. I hope your 2019 is filled with good health, fun and happiness.
    Loved that first pic:)

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    1. Hey Sandra....I hope your Festive Season was a happy one...enjoyed just the way you wanted to enjoy it...and with those who share your life.

      May 2019 treat your and your loved ones kindly in every way. Thanks for coming by and for your good wishes. :)

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