WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF OLD FRIENDS….

                                  

                                    Old Post Office in Gympie...constructed 1878-1890...Now heritage-listed

 

Gympie's Memorial Park

                                 

   

                                                               Laguna Bay, Noosa Heads

Not meaning to be a bore…once more I am on the subject of old friends; a subject which is never boring to me. Again, while watching Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton sing the emotive, “You Can’t Make Old Friends” on a tribute concert to the now late Rogers tears filled my eyes.  I’ll have to stop listening to the song, or, at least, buy a pallet load of tissues.

Once more, the song caused me to begin reflecting upon my old friends of old; friendships forged eons ago. One such friendship began when I was three and a half years old.  Much water has flowed under, around, and over a host of bridges since I was that old…or young!

Over the past couple of months, for various reasons, many of my old friends and I have been in regular, lengthy contact by phone, and extended emails.  

Sadly, someone I’ve known since he and I were kids passed away in January.  During our childhood he was a nearby neighbour.  Being a few years older than me our friendship didn’t begin until I was in my teens.  A couple of girlfriends and I spent our weekends during spring, summer and autumn at Noosa Heads.  It mattered not if the surf was up, or down, there we were on the beach and in the ocean at Laguna Bay, come rain, come shine.  My late brother was a Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaver. So, too, was my friend who passed away in January.  Having left Gympie to work in Brisbane, during the ball seasons he’d return to town to be my partner at the Friday night balls.  Both of us loved to dance.  We may not have been the Fred and Ginger of Gympie, but we were pretty close to it…in our minds; in a fun way, not in a conceited, boastful way. We loved to jive, too. There was no stopping us when the beat got going! 

His dancing off this mortal coil has been one reason for my many conversations with old friends lately. 

A school friend from primary school contacted me when she learned of his passing.  Often, after school I’d go to her home to play.  She lived up the street, around the corner and along a bit from where I lived. I’ve never forgotten the treats her mother served us during those after-school visits…Arrowroot biscuits, sprinkled with sugar, doused with milk…simple, but delicious.  

My childhood friend and I lost contact when I left school, an adventurous step I took before she did. Not having spoken since those days of yore, we certainly have had a lot of catching up to do. 

To our world-shattering surprise from our recent myriad conversations we discovered we’d been living in the same Brisbane suburbs in the late 60s and in the 70s; firstly, in the inner western suburb of Toowong, and then, in the neighbouring suburb of Torwood.  Each time we were living only a street or two apart.  The distances between our respective abodes were not much different to the distance between our homes when we were kids.  Until these past few weeks we’d not been aware we’d lived so close to each other in Brisbane during the years of our roaring 20s.  Life’s coincidences never cease to astound.  Life always has many surprises up its sleeve. Life’s sleeves must be miles and miles long!

I need some lozenges.  Not because I’ve got a sore throat, but because I’m hoarse from talking so much!  I might be an old nag, but that’s “hoarse” with an “a”…not horse, without an “a”!  I might have left high school before my rediscovered childhood friend who went on through to Senior level (Year 12 in today’s language), but I’ve not forgotten how to spell!

It is true…you can’t make old friends. Those were the days, my friends.  I agree with what a lady of my vintage said to me the other day in the supermarket’s car park – “I’m glad I was born when I was.” …

The Age of Innocence and Good Manners…a time when respect for others, no matter their station in life (railway stations included), and the property of others were respected.  

 Oops!  There goes my phone.  I don’t mean it has run off….it’s ringing once again!

 

Ginger-Honey Chicken: Heat 1tsp x-olive oil over med-heat. Add 2-1/2c small broccoli florets; cook 3-4 mins, or until just tender; add 1tbs minced fresh ginger and 1tsp minced garlic; cook 30secs; remove from pan; cover; keep warm. Wipe pan clean; turn heat to high; add 1tbs oil. Season 450g boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 2cm pieces; add to pan in single layer, in batches, if needed. Cook 3-4mins per side until golden and cooked through. Add broccoli mix to pan; cook 3-4mins. In bowl, whisk 1/4c oyster sauce, 1/4c liquid chick stock, 1tsp sugar, 2tsp toasted sesame oil, 1tsp soy sauce and 2tsp cornflour. Pour over chicken and vegies; bring to a boil; cook 1-2mins, until sauce begins to thicken.

Chocolate Arrowroot Squares: Break 28 Arrowroot biscuits into pieces about the size of a postage stamp or smaller. In saucepan combine 5tbs cocoa, 7tbs sugar, 1/3c melted butter, 1tsp vanilla, pinch of salt and 3 beaten eggs. Place on med-low heat; cook, scraping bottom of pot constantly until mixture resembles soft scrambled eggs. Ensure eggs are cooked, but not dried out. Add broken Arrowroots; mix well to combine; press into base of greased or lined 9x9 square baking dish. Chill 20-25mins.  Chocolate middle layer: Combine 1/4c unsalted butter, 4tbs cocoa, 4tbs sugar, 3tbs plain flour, 3tbs boiling water, 3tbs milk and small pinch of salt; beat well until smooth and fluffy; spread evenly over base. If serving immediately top with sweetened whipped cream and choc shavings.