LET THE SUNSHINE IN…

Blues on Blue...Painted by Me aka Lee

Enough Said...the Picture Says It All!

View from Main Western Road Across the Valley Below

Another Angle from Main Western Road Across the Valley to the Mountains Beyond...

Grey Day....painted by Me...aka...Lee

One morning a few weeks ago I awoke feeling gloomy; maybe the grey clouds hovering low shrouding the sun were to blame.  However, I doubt it because I love rainy days, and on the morning of my despondency rain threatened from above. 

Who knows why the blues decide to pay a visit or when?  Like uninvited visitors they always arrive when you’re not expecting them; and like some uninvited visitors they’re not welcome. I hadn’t extended nor mailed an invitation.  I’d not planned a blues’ party, but there they were, as large as life, ready and rearing to take hold and control. 

I considered burying my head, and whole body under the doona for the rest of the day; going into hiding; camouflaging myself as the bed, but I fought against the temptation. Added to my dreariness I’d pulled a muscle in my back at some time or other. I couldn’t remember doing it, but it was done whether I remember the occasion or not.  It’d already been giving me grief for a few weeks. My arthritic hip having felt it was hip to play up, as well, decided to join the fray.  Whoohoo! Party! Party!  How could I not join in?

Grumbling and mumbling I dragged myself to the shower refusing to glance, even briefly, into the mirror above the vanity basin. I figured I wouldn’t like the look of the person in there; in the mirror, not the basin!

I have no explanation why this strange person took up residence in my bathroom mirror. She lives there permanently. I don’t know who feeds her; and she’s always wearing my clothes!  I wish she’d get some of her own. To make matters worse she copies my hairstyle, too; even when it’s a bed- messy mess.  I ask you - how weird is that? Sometimes she looks okay, other times not.

I knew on the morning I’m describing I could do without seeing her glum expression looking at me. One would think she’d get a life of her own rather than spend her time annoying (at times –scaring) me. I was not in the mood for her silly, mindless antics.

After showering and dressing I headed off to the supermarket. Maybe while there I’d purchase a box or two of my favourite ice cream…Peters Chocolate Drumsticks; and perhaps, a box of Vanilla Drumsticks, too…when all else fails….

Driving along Main Western Road looking across the valley below to the mountains beyond my mood lifted a little; not a lot, just slightly.  Up above, the clouds, although fading to a softer shade of grey, still lingered. They, too, appeared to have lost interest in the day.  It was that kind of morning.

As my purchases were being checked and bagged I must have unconsciously winced because in a blink the solicitous, observant young checkout lass asked if I’d like someone to take my trolley and to load my goods into my car. Expressing my appreciation at her thoughtfulness, I smiled at the kind young woman telling her I’d be fine.

Still thinking about her warmth while transferring my groceries into my car, I leapt skywards when a deep voice broke the silence behind me. Generously a man offered to return the shopping trolley to save me the trouble. Thanking the stranger I let him take the trolley.

As I slowly climbed into my car an arm suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The owner of the arm had noticed my discomfort. He perceived I was struggling a little with my debilitated decrepitude. 

The helping hand belonged to the same compassionate trolley-returning gentleman; a man I’d never seen before; but he, along with the caring lass at the checkout brought sunshine into my day. 

I looked at the sky; the clouds had disappeared; the sun was shining brightly. My earlier dismal mood had dissipated with the melancholy clouds.

Credit must be given where credit is due; and thanks where thanks are deserved. I drove home smiling, giving silent thanks to two considerate strangers who, out of the blue, had changed my day; chasing my blues away.

Blue Cheese Dip: Blend 240g softened cream cheese, 120g crumbled blue cheese, 1/2c sour cream and 1tsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir in 2/3c chopped walnuts and 2tbs chopped chives; place into bowl; garnish with chopped chives; allow flavours to infuse.

Blueberry-Corn Salad: Cook 4 corn cobs; cool; cut corn off cobs. Dressing: juice of 1 lime, 1tbs each olive oil and honey, 1/2tsp cumin and pinch of salt. Combine 1c blueberries, 1 sliced cucumber, 1/4c finely-chopped red onion, 1c chopped fresh coriander, 1 seeded, chopped jalapeno and dressing. Add cooked chicken pieces or prawns, if desired.

Kale-Quinoa-Blueberry Salad: Dressing: blend 1/4c x-virgin olive oil, 1/8c balsamic, 1tbs low-salt soy sauce, 1 chopped garlic clove, 1tbs honey or brown sugar, 1tbs minced ginger, 1/2tsp toasted sesame oil and 1tbs water; process until smooth. Combine 1tbs dressing with 2c chopped kale; coat evenly; add 1-1/2c cooked quinoa, 1 grated carrot, 1c halved cherry tomatoes, 1c blueberries and 1/2c sliced almonds; add more dressing if desired. Top with toasted nori/seaweed, sliced thinly. Save remaining dressing in fridge.

Blueberry Clafoutis: Liberally butter a 25cmx20cm rectangular dish or 25cm round one. Sift 75g plain flour and pinch salt into bowl; stir in 75g caster sugar. Beat together 2 medium eggs and 1 egg white; pour into centre of flour; whisk in, gradually incorporating flour; slowly add 300ml whole milk, whisking all the while until a smooth batter. Spread 400g blueberries in the buttered dish; pour in the batter. Bake in 190C oven, 35mins. Dust with icing sugar; serve warm or room temp with cream.