WHERE DO I BEGIN?

 

My apologies to you all…to my blogging mates for me being missing in non-action of late. I’ve not been spending much time on my computer.  To be honest, I’ve not been feeling 100%, but I’ll start picking up soon.  It’s just been shitty couple of months, one way and another.

 

First, I need to get something off my chest. I thought, or at least hoped, as I got older I would cease being surprised by the attitude and behaviour of some humans, but apparently it’s not to be.

A couple weeks ago I was talking with a fellow who doesn’t live up here on our mountain. He lives in a nearby area, and had come to do a job for me.  His blasé comments annoyed and angered the “you-know-what” out of me! He discounted the seriousness of the destruction, the devastation this area suffered on Christmas night, and the resultant distressing aftermath.  With a smirk, he pooh-hoohed the whole thing!  Why are some people cynical, seemingly heartless and smug?  His indifference to the hardships suffered by many, towards the ferocity of what we were hit with on Christmas night was inconsiderate, unfeeling, and wrong.  Biting my tongue, and as difficult as it was to do, I contained my anger caused by his ignorance; fuming alone and in silence. As if it wasn’t already more than hot enough without me boiling and adding more steam.

There’s always at least one idiot in a crowd.  It seems they are multiplying more rapidly than rabbits these days…no offense intended to rabbits. Some folk are adept at walking around with their head stuck up their jumper. No thongs necessary!  I’m not embarrassed to admit in some areas I’m old-fashioned.  I believe thongs should be worn on the feet, if worn at all. Having someone’s bum on full display in the public arena thrills me not.   (To non Aussie readers “thongs” are what some other countries call “flip-flops”.  Also the G-string bikini briefs…and I mean “briefs’ with just a string up their “you-know-what” is also called a “thong”).  Have some decency and dignity for God’s sake!

When I was much younger I wore bikinis…having purchased my first hot pink bikini when I was 16 year old.  As I said…”when I was much younger”.  Every weekend was spent at the beach, but my friends and I kept our dignity intact…and our bums!

On the flipside of human behavior, there are those who do care; those who do understand, even if they live many kilometres away.  For instance, a cousin, who is the same age as me, and I are in regular contact. We chat on the phone often, and we exchange emails.  Now retired, my cousin spent his working life as a highly-respected cop in north Queensland. He is a decent, caring, empathetic person, and one I’m proud to know. Even when going through the threat and aftermath of Cyclone Kirrily, he took the time to check on my welfare. 

And there I was, for more than a month after Christmas night, blushing, not flushing.  I built up muscles even Arnie would have been jealous of; there was no need for me to visit a gym.  Regularly throughout the days and nights I was lifting bucketfuls of water to flush my toilet as my cistern had gone on strike. Thanks to the Angels, who once again lived up to their name, I’m now flushing, not blushing.  My muscles have rapidly diminished in size. Arnie can relax.

Just right when I needed him, Just Rite Video Service’s Bruce came to my aid.  My old television was a victim of Christmas night’s chaos. My new Smart TV insisted on showing me it was far smarter than me.  How rude! Gradually, much to my delight and surprise, I was becoming familiar with its tricks, proving I’m not as dumb as I look. It thought I was getting too big for my boots, and therefore got its nose out of joint. The smartie pants Samsung decided to make things difficult for me. Luckily, Bruce came to my rescue, saving the day, and my sanity.

Previously, at times I’ve written that I’d “given myself kick up the butt (without falling over)”. Well, that’s not entirely true.  A couple of weeks ago, I didn’t give myself a kick up the butt, but my walking stick did slide out of control on the damp kitchen floor. Before I could steady the situation, down I went, face first, flat out, on my belly and chest, bum in the air. I admit my fall from grace was not gracefully executed.  I’m not sure who received the biggest shock, me or a friend who was visiting at the time.  Fortunately, the only thing that was bruised was my pride.  The fun things one does to amuse one’s self.  I don’t want it to become a habit, though.  Surprises like that one I really do not need. From now on, instead of trying to emulate Torvill and Dean, I choose to be a spectator from afar as I watch the Winter Olympic skating events. To be fair, my style and ability are unmatchable, which would make me impossible to beat.  However, I’ve retired now, and other skaters have nothing to worry about.  My skating, slip-sliding days are over…I hope….

 

Watermelon-Kiwifruit Ice Blocks: Peel and chop 400g watermelon; blitz in processor. Add 2tbls icing sugar; blitz again until combined. Divide watermelon mixture amongst 6 popsicle moulds; fill each to 2/3^rd of the way up, leaving room for next layer; freeze for 2hrs. Once firm, peel and chop 3 kiwifruit; blitz in processor, along with 2tbs icing sugar. Pour kiwifruit mixture on top of partially frozen watermelon; put the popsicle sticks in. Freeze 6hrs or overnight. 

Strawberry-Banana Blocks:  Place 2c strawberry yoghurt, 1 mashed ripe banana and 1tbs honey in bowl; stir to combine. Pour into ice block mould and freeze. 

Fruity Ice Blocks: Place 410g can sliced peaches in light syrup and 425g can Golden Circle Crushed Pineapple, with juice, into processor, or blender; add zest of 1 orange; process until smooth.  Pour into ice block moulds. Freeze 6-8hrs.

Lemonade Ice Blocks: Add 3c hot water, 1c sugar and zest of 1 lemon to small pot. Bring to boil, stirring; simmer 5mins. Remove from heat; add 1/2c lemon juice; strain to remove zest and pips. Pour into moulds; freeze until solid.