KNOCK! KNOCK! GUESS WHO!

 

 

Yep!  It’s me! Here I am again! I’m kind of like the proverbial bad penny, aren’t I? I keep turning up…you can’t get rid of me.  I can’t take a hint!  On top of that, a New Year arrived while we were off doing whatever it was we were doing over the past few weeks. 

I guess, for some, 2022 arrived with not as much fanfare as previous years. Whether accompanied by a fanfare of fireworks, whistles, streamers, and all the “carry-on”, or not, arrive 2022 did.  No doubt it has come with a multitude of surprises up its sleeves.  I hope we’re prepared.  I hope the surprises are pleasant surprises; none of the other kind.  We’ve had more than our fair share of them. 

It’s time for good news.  Like everyone else, I’m weary of the constant gloom and doom.

 My New Year’s Eve celebrations were non-existent, by choice.  Even when I was at my high-kicking best, I preferred to see the New Year in quietly, aside, away from the madding crowd; alone, lost within my reverie; apart from the boisterous revelry. All the tearing around kissing and hugging strangers shortly after the stroke of midnight never floated my boat, whether at sea, or on land.  To me, the behaviour has always seemed false. 

2021 was memorable, of that there is no doubt.  In many instances the year left its mark where a mark was not needed nor wanted. 

On reflection, during the past year, I only struck two rude people…figuratively speaking, not literally, of course.  Deserving a medal, I displayed self-control, realising they weren’t worthy of my time, or energy. Rudeness is not called for, anywhere, anytime, by anyone, towards another, or others. Such unpleasantness displays an over-inflated ego; a false belief in one’s own importance. My hope is boorishness directed at our front-line folk…rudeness towards those serving the public, in all areas; in every field…ceases in 2022. Those who believe it’s clever to be rude to others should make a New Year’s resolution; one that resolves to erase such ugly, ignorant, crude behaviour from their playbook.  

Tuesday evening prior to Christmas Day I attended the annual Christmas party hosted by my landlords up at their home.  As in previous years, it was a fun evening spent with nice folk, all of whom were spread out in the long, wide verandah surrounding two-thirds of the home. Most of those in attendance I only meet up with once a year.  And, each year my memory skills are put to test remembering their names!  

Such a social gadabout, I’m not!  The truth is, I shouldn’t be allowed after the sun has set.  No doubt there are some who would venture to say I shouldn’t be allowed out at any time of the day or night.  I’ll curtail my movements in 2022, and only venture as far as my letter box. 

On the Monday after Boxing Day I did step over the line, once again, getting my passport checked before doing so.

 Friends of mine from Townsville (North Queensland) and I, along with their beautiful, friendly little Frenchie named, “Rosie”, enjoyed a joyful interlude at Mountain Brew, a local café, which allows animals of the four-legged variety, as well as those of the two-legged variety.

During the mid-to-late 80s when I managed the then Hinchinbrook Island resort, and when the husband was a single, young lad-about-town (or island), he was my chef.  He prepared many delicious meals for our guests, and for his co-workers. To this day his joie de vivre remains; and, remain a good friend, he always will.

My Festive Season, other than the party mentioned above, and my sojourn at Mountain Brew, was otherwise spent quietly with my two furry besties, both of whom held court while I did crosswords, read, binged on tasty treats (as did they,) and on a series of favourite series (so did they).  I decided it was justified to watch “Justified”, again; and I’ve not been disappointed.   

I spent a lot of time over the kitchen sink, too…devouring mangoes….the only way to eat mangoes, in my opinion.

Sleeping was also on our agenda.  We fulfilled each activity to the best of our ability.  Our performances merited top scores for perfection.

The other day a friend told me she attended a rather raucous “knees up, Mother Brown” New Year’s Eve shindig.  At evening’s end, knowing she’d had more than a few cocktails too many, she took a cab home.  On the way home she passed a police checkpoint, but being a cab, the cops waved it past.  My friend arrived home safely without incident, which was a surprise as she’d never drive a cab before, and was not sure what to do with it.  The cab is still in her garage.  

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR…ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2022!  May happiness and good health fill your days and nights…..

 

Corn Fritters:  Mix 2c corn (drained canned, or fresh off cobs) ½ flour, 1 egg, 1/2c grated cheddar cheese, 1/4c cream cheese, 2 diced jalapenos, 2 crumbled cooked bacon rashers, 1tsp smoked paprika, 1tsp ground coriander, 2 sliced shallots stalks (or small diced onion), and juice and zest of lime or lemon.  Heat 2tbs olive oil in pan; for 1/4c patties; cook until golden on both sides.

Avocado Pasta Salad: Cook 500g penne pasta; drain; run cold water over it to cool it. Meanwhile cook 4 bacon rashers; drain and cool before crumbling. Combine 1 large avocado, diced, 1c diced tomato and Creamy Guacamole Dressing…Puree until,1 medium avo, 1 small jalapeno (remove seeds for less heat), 1/2c coriander, juice of 1 lime or lemon, 1 small white onion, 1 garlic clove, 2/4c buttermilk 1/4c Greek yoghurt (or mayo, if preferred.  I never use mayonnaise), 1/2tsp cumin, salt and pepper to taste. Store in fridge; it lasts a couple of days.  

Easy Mango Mousse:  Cut 2 large ripe mangoes into cubes.  Place mango, 450g Greek yoghurt and 40g condensed milk in blender; blend until smooth.  Pour into individual serving bowls, or into dish/bowl; chill at least 4hrs, or overnight.