SOME DAYS ARE DIAMONDS....

Waterfall on Tamborine Mountain

Aerial View of Tamborine Mointain

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

And some days are downright pearlers!  And then there are days we struggle to get out of bed for whatever reason. At times the reason is as simple as the desire to unravel one’s self from the snug comfort created overnight is just not present when dawn’s early light presents itself; while the desire to remain enravelled is! 

Okay! Okay! Get off your high doona!  Don’t be enraged. I know “enravelled” isn’t in the Oxford Dictionary; but enwrap your head around this - it’s in the Urban Dictionary.  Ensconced in bed, I’m enraptured with the enthralling word.   Perfectly it describes the enveloping feeling of entire enchantment I’m endeavouring to impart.

Some days we get out of bed from the wrong side.  Well, you do...I don’t!  I can only get out from one side of my bed because my king-size bed is up against a wall. 

Needless to say, from the moment they entered my life, Remy and Shama, my two furry roomies, staked their claims on a greater portion of the bed leaving me limited freedom of move. Of course, when I have the urge to move I have to ask their permission to do so; and then it’s given grudgingly.

However, my grievance about who is the boss in this household aside...it really matters not that I’m able to alight from one side of my bed only. I doubt my not having a choice makes any difference to my moods. Perhaps I should test if this is so or not by climbing out from the bottom of my bed. Trying something different might disturb an unknown mood; one that’s previously lain dormant for years.

I can be in a bad mood or a good mood, depending on factors, most of which are beyond my control. I doubt the side of the bed from which I roll would make a difference, unless, of course, I fall out of bed.   Waking up midst an enjoyable dream can be mood altering.

Something that’s guaranteed to put me in a bad mood no matter what time of the morning, day or night, whether I’m in bed or out, is the unnecessary noise of souped-up cars driven by those who have a spark plug short of a piston; by dipsticks who have no thought or respect for others, who, themselves are probably souped-up. 

I also morph into a surly girly - a Moody Judy - when endless hordes of motor bikes roar along the roads (one can be enough to disturb the peace), particularly on Sundays. The bikers, no doubt, are attracted to the winding mountain roads, the views and lush, verdant surrounds.  I just wish they’d enjoy the atmosphere of the hill....quietly!

I don’t understand the thought processes of those who thrive on the sound of deafening engines. Do motor bikes and cars need to be so noisy?  The pointless pleasure gained from the selfish behaviour of some baffles me.  Perhaps their parents confiscated their drum kits and trumpets when they were kids. As pay-back they feel they have to make the rest of us suffer for what they lacked in their childhood years.  

Naturally, it goes without saying, of course, I’m most often in a sunny, bright yellow mood. No...I don’t have a liver problem!

Most often, that is, until the sound barrier gets smashed.

Also, I can be sailing along having a carefree day, minding my own business, which is easy to mind, when all of a sudden my mood can do a 180 degrees’ spin because my ears and/or eyes are assaulted by stories issuing forth from the media.

Constantly, we’re inundated with reports of idiots behaving badly.  I wish every week was Good News Week.

I’m considering banning newspapers and TV news, but my idea is causing a ruckus hereabouts.

Being vehemently against what they consider a gross injustice my two furry mates give me curry when I threaten to carry out my threat.  

Between snacks and naps they march around waving protest placards; “Garfield for PM!”; “Save Sylvester!”; “Swat Kats & T-Bone Rule!”; “Make Merry with Tom & Jerry!”;  “Way to Go, Diego!” and “Don’t Boot Puss in Boots!”.  I’m out-numbered.  I don’t stand a chance. 

What can a girl do but grin and bear it!  I surrender!  

For the record, screaming, mostly female audiences in talk shows like “Ellen” and “Oprah” etc., put me in a bad mood, too!  When gifts are given, they carry on like a barnyard full of out of control hens. In my humble opinion, such behaviour is the epitome of greed; and it grates on me...as does the high-pitched, piercing babble of shrieking women.

Other than that, I'm in a good mood today....

Curried Parsnip & Tomato Soup: Gently fry 1 diced, medium onion and 1 crushed garlic clove, about 5mins; add 1tsp curry powder, 1tsp paprika, 1tsp cumin, 1tsp turmeric; add 1ltr chicken stock, 3 large diced parsnips and 2 cans tomatoes (and juice). Simmer until parsnip is soft; puree; add a little water to loosen if too thick. Pour in 1-2tbs cream; season to taste.

What’s Your Beef Soup:  Heat1tsp olive oil in large pot over med-heat; add 500g round steak, cut into bite-size pieces and 1 onion chopped into large pieces; cook 5mins; add 6 chopped garlic cloves; cook approx 30secs; add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1-2tsp thyme, salt, pepper (to taste), 1 bay leaf and 6c beef stock. Cook covered 3hrs; add 3 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1c fresh green beans, cut into thirds; add more beef stock, if necessary; season to taste; cover; cook 45mins; add  125g spaghetti noodles, broken into pieces; cook 10-15mins.

Grilled T-Bone: Preheat grill to a med-high. Combine 1/4c x-virgin olive oil, 1/3c oregano, chopped, 5 basil leaves, chopped, 1tbs cider vinegar, 1tsp onion powder, 1tsp crushed garlic; slather onto both sides of 2x5cm T-bones. Let sit a few minutes. Cook about 2mins per side. Reduce heat; grill as desired.

Liver & Bits: Cook 6 bacon rashers in pan. Once cooked most of the way, add 1 large, sliced onion and 4 sliced garlic cloves; add 1c sliced mushrooms, herbs such as rosemary, parsley or thyme as well as some paprika or chilli, whatever takes your fancy. Cook a few minutes. Combine flour, salt and pepper; coat 900g sliced calf liver in flour; shake off excess. Push bacon etc. to side of pan; sear liver 1min per side; then pile the mixture on top of liver; reduce heat; let cook through 5-10mins.