Friday, January 06, 2012

BRIGHT-EYED, BUSHY-TAILED… I’M READY, WILLING AND ABLE!!
























































Never again shall I be swayed; never again shall I be tempted! No! No! No!

At the beginning of 2011 I broke my pledge never to make New Year resolutions. I made a resolution that I was going to win Lotto in 2011. Between you, me and them - it didn’t happen! That will teach me to break my own cardinal rule! Serves me right for being so flippant!

By the time midnight arrived on New Year’s Eve my face was purple and taut; an unattractive image caused by holding my breath in anticipation throughout the previous 12 months. Do you know how uncomfortable and painful that is? I hoped the wind wouldn’t change until I could get my face back to some semblance of normality. Even more discouraging and disheartening - it wasn’t me who broke my New Year’s resolution. The blame doesn’t lie at my door – it was Lotto, solely, who failed to come to the aid of the party! As for getting my face “back to some semblance of normality” that, too, might be wishful thinking and hoping!

All that aside – I had a wonderful Christmas, commencing at my friends, Derek and Denise’s annual Christmas party, where I mingled with familiar, friendly faces; and also met some nice new ones - most of whom I won't meet again until next Christmas!

As it is every year, it was a great party, and, as usual, I had a good time! I didn’t dance on any tables, however! I’m flat out climbing upon or getting off them nowadays; let alone dancing on them!

Shortly after that celebration, Christmas landed in all its glory. I spent it with my nephew and his family who live at Armstrong Beach, south of Mackay. They were visiting down this way and were holidaying aloft in an apartment on the 17th floor at the Q1 Building at Surfer's Paradise, the Gold Coast. Until very recently, the Q1 was the tallest residential building in the world. The Marina Torch in Dubai stole its title back in April, 2011.

The rumours are true! Christmas is all about children. Being present early Christmas morning to witness my grand-niece and nephew's excited, uninhibited smiles; their bodies quivering with joyful anticipation, was the best gift of all.

A demolition derby began before the hooter hooted. The living room promptly transformed into a scene of mass destruction. With reckless abandon, reams of colourful wrapping paper was torn and tossed asunder (and that was just by me) to reach the hidden surprises within. Debris covered the floor, sofa and kitchen bench; it escaped down the hallway and out to the sun-room. Christmas afternoon was spent by the complex’s pool watching the kiddies pretend to be dolphins. I was sure I recognised the foreign flotsam flagrantly floating in the complex’s pool to be some of our renegade wrapping paper!

On Boxing Day we had a barbecue at the Broadwater, Southport. We adults lazed at a picnic table beneath a shady tree, while the energetic “littlies” scooted back and forth on their new scooters. Proudly, they displayed their dexterity at scooter operation! And me – well, I’m proud to be related to that lovely little family. We shared a very happy Christmas, creating a wealth of new memories.

New Year’s Eve arrived accompanied by my good mate of long-standing from down yonder way aka the Gold Coast. Like one of the Three Wise Men, he came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, or so it seemed. He was armed to the hilt with all manner of gifts for me; including a bottle of Dimple for us to share. We successfully ironed out its dimples! So very smooth it was; a mature 15 year old! I mustered a herd of “Brown Cows” later in the night, as well! They were “moo-vellous”!

My Christmas was wonderful shared with my favourite relatives; and I enjoyed a happy, relaxed New Year’s weekend with a good friend.

Bring it on, 2012! Let’s get off to an excellent start! I’m ready when you are!

Prunes in Orange Juice: In saucepan, combine 1c fresh orange juice, 1tbs lemon juice, 1tsp grated lemon zest, 1/4c honey and 1/2tsp cinnamon; bring to simmer on high heat; add 24 pitted prunes; turn heat very low; cover; simmer about 10mins, don’t allow prunes to become soggy. Add 1/4/c chopped walnuts; cook 1-2mins. Remove prunes with slotted spoon; turn heat to med-high; reduce liquid by half; pour syrup over prunes; serve chilled or warm.

Energizing Oats: Add pinch of salt to 2c water; bring to boil; turn heat low; add 1c old-fashioned rolled oats; cook about 5mins; stirring; add 1/2tsp cinnamon, 1/4c raisins and 1/4c sliced almonds; stir; cover pan; turn off heat; let it sit 5mins; serve with soy or skim milk and a 1tbs molasses (if desired).

Breakfast Bagel: Bring about 3/4c water with 1tsp cider vinegar added (or half lemon) to light boil in shallow pan; make sure there is enough water to cover egg. Toast half a whole-wheat bagel; place 2 slices each tomato and avocado and 55g low-fat cheese on bagel half. Poach egg just until white is set and yolk has filmed over; remove with slotted spoon; place on top of bagel; season to taste; serve open-faced (with a smile!).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

11 comments:

  1. I'm ready! I'm willing! It's the able bit that lets me down time after time...

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  2. I empathise, Cosmo...I have trouble with all of it at times! ;)

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  3. Certainly seems a good way to kick off the day.

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  4. Hi there, Lee! Yes...off to a healthy start! ;)

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  5. I'm afraid to try your prunes in orange juice for fear I might miss something important whilst I sit on the thunder mug.
    Glad to hear of your enjoyable Christmas in the shade. That makes those of us who are trying to find a fire to cozy up to smile.

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  6. Hi Cliff. Yep...no such thing as a white Christmas or a cold Christmas with open fires here...unless of course camp fires and barbecues for those who are camping or those who are having a barbecue Christmas lunch. Christmas is a time for keeping cool; and being at the coast, if you can manage it! Actually, we had a nice, cooler Christmas Day this past year...but the temperatures have risen drastically these past couple of days....and now it's too bloody hot! ;)

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  7. Sounds like you had a great ending of 2011 and a good beginning of 2012. Wishing you many more great days this year. It is strange to hear about pools etc at Christmas time since it is always winter here in TN. Peace

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  8. Yep! In this upside down world we live in, Lady Di, the beaches and swimming pools are a welcome addition to our hot Christmases. Fortunately, though, this past Christmas wasn't too hot at all...the temperature was very pleasant and bearable.

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  10. Wow! That would be a wonderful start menu for a healthy diet. I really tried hard to make things work specially my plans this year. Hopefully I could do it all. :D

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  11. Nice post few thoughts around about the state of this crazy but wonderful world we inhabit. In which this are foods are nutritious. Thanks a lot for posting this article.

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