Tuesday, May 10, 2016

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.

31 comments:

  1. Today's Words for Wednesday sound right up your alley.
    Yay for good moods. And sigh on the noise front.

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    1. G'day EC....I've been out most of the morning...but I've just now written and posted my effort for the Wednesday Words.

      As far as the noisy souped-up cars and motor bikes are concerned, I'm sure if my little "Lady", my Toyota Echo made the noise they do, I'd be kicked off the roads!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. I forgot about the words! I'll be right over...

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  2. That's interesting: adding tomatoes to curried parsnip soup. I make a lot of curried parsnip and apple (Bramleys which are less sweet than most apples) soup but I shall try your recipe for a change.

    No hoons here in Eagleton (not enough road!) and, on the whole, it's not a problem on the Island really.

    I enjoyed seeing the Tamborine Mountain photo: I'm not sure what I imagined but not as many houses as that.

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    1. Hi Graham...Tamborine Mountain is a 28 square kilometres (11 sq mi) plateau (8 km long by 4 km wide) - the population is supposed to be around 7,000, but I don't think there is that many natives living up here on the hill...I feel that number might include some of the surroundings areas down off the mountain. Don't quote me, though....I'm probably wrong in my assessment of the situation!

      A lot of weekend "rubber-neckers"/tourists enjoy visiting the area...for its rural, mountain ambience - it's cooler temperatures...and we're only about 30 minutes or so from the Gold Coast...and a little over an hour from Brisbane depending on the flow of traffic.

      My cabin is on a 3 acre property...and it's set back from the road....I'm glad I'm not any closer to said road....and I'm situated in short, no-through lane, that has only five homes in it (which includes my cabin...four substantial homes, and my little abode). On the opposite side of the lane from me is just vacant bushland...which suits me just fine! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. Somehow I thought it was less populated and more remote. The cabin sounds very much like The Cottage I had in New Zealand.

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    3. In many areas on the mountain it does seem less populated, Graham...this property for instance...I don't see any other houses from my cabin...a situation that suits me just fine. My landlords live up the other end of the block...between their home and my little cabin are a lot of trees of various descriptions, so I can't see their house or them, and vice versa. And, strange as it may see, I rarely see my landlords. I keep to myself pretty much...purposely. I believe it's better that way.

      Most of the properties here on the hill are large...which gives one that feeling of rural remoteness in lots of cases. A lot of fresh produce is grown by the home-owners and sold in roadside stalls and at "The Green Shed" every Sunday morning. The Green Shed is situated in the showgrounds' grounds!

      Thanks for popping back in. :)

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  3. There is just something sweet about a sports car roar at the lights!
    Never get out of the wrong side of the bed, just never :)
    Others do though.

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    1. No traffic lights up here on the hill, Margaret. And no near for hotted-up hot rods driven by clowns who just want to make noise, burn rubber and waste fuel.

      I can only get out of bed on the left side, so it has to be the right side for me! ;)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. The shrieking audiences are why I don't watch either Oprah or Ellen. Particularly since the audience is told to shriek and when to shriek.
    I don't mind the sound of motorbikes passing, even large crowds of them. I think I'd feel differently if they were parked in my yard having a revving contest to see who was the loudest.
    I have a single bed in the middle of the room, so I can get out of either side, but find I get out of the right side 99% of the time. Angel would be in cat heaven if I got a larger bed!

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    1. All that exaggerated excitement aggravates me, River. Grrrr!

      I'm afraid I feel differently to you re motor bikes, whether passing or revving in my yard. If the latter were to happen they'd certainly cop a revving from me!

      I do have a friend...and ex-staff member of mine from my Hinchinbrook Days arriving for a visit on Friday...and he will be on his motor bike! He knows how I feel about excessive, unnecessary noise of said bikes, so he probably will be physically pushing it up the mountain road! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. This is a good mood, gosh...!

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    1. Yep, Mr. Ad-Man! You want to run for cover when I'm in a bad mood! I'll give you forewarning of what side of the bed I'll get out of tomorrow, though!

      Thanks for popping in. :)

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  6. I am absolutely in my own world for the next 8 weeks ~ as far as I am concerned, nothing exists outside my four walls and there is not an election happening.

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    1. Election? What election? I'm not listening to anyone, nor am I reading what they say or have said; or what the media says. I'm in a similar world to yours for the next eight weeks, too, Carol!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. I thought I might say something deep and serious but your post about moods seems to be rich in frivolity so instead I shall just say:-
    Ging gang goolie goolie goolie goolie watcha,
    Ging gang goo, ging gang goo.
    Ging gang goolie goolie goolie goolie watcha,
    Ging gang goo, ging gang goo.

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Yorkie! I couldn't have said it better myself.

      Thanks for coming by! :)

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  8. I remember moving from my city life to the country for the first time and oh how I missed the loud noised of the expressways, cars honking, people shouting. Now I wouldn't go back for any amount of money.

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    1. Yes, Annie...the peace and quiet is wonderful and when it gets shattered by the thoughtless, it is very frustrating. I love the quiet. There is no way I could live in a city again...I left city living a long, long time ago....willingly. And not having neighbours "just over the fence a couple of metres/yards away is terrific. :)

      At the moment I've got a couple of possums scampering across my roof...and they are most welcome.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  9. Some days are diamonds and some are not! lol Boy did that steak look good - copied the marinate.

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    1. And the wonderful John Denver always comes to mind when I see "some days are diamonds"... :)

      Thanks for coming by, Sandie. :0

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  10. I'm used to noise, but crave peace and quiet. There was trouble at work yesterday and not having a door to close (I work in a cubicle), I put on Pandora (classical.) It makes a huge difference.

    And I don't care for the shrieking on talk shows either - although I rarely see any of those shows, since they are on during the day. (I confess I might shriek if someone wanted to give me a free car.) :)

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    1. Hi Lynn... I guess after many years living out of a major city I'm used to the peace and quiet....I certainly don't crave or miss the noises of a city. It's just the obviously unnecessary noise created by the rev-heads that really gets on my goat. They have blank spaces in their brains!

      I don't sit and watch the talk shows...I do, however, record them and whizz through them at a later time....just to see if there is perhaps someone on the shows who I feel is worth watching....but I can't be bothered with all the other nonsense....and the shrieking. I doubt I'd scream if I was given a car...I'd be very surprised and extremely happy, but scream...nope.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. I'm with you about motorbikes. Can't understand the attraction ! Yes they love the winding roads, they are a real menace to the peace and quiet of the areas they enjoy.
    As you know my SIL lives at Eagle Heights and loves it there. She's always raving about "the mountain" and how she loves living there and we do enjoy a visit now and then and certainly appreciate the cooler weather.

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    1. Hey Helsie...I can understand the attraction of motor bikes. A good friend visited me on the weekend...and he rides a beautifully-maintained Harley. He rode down (and up) from Gympie...coming via the back roads, by-passing Brisbane etc.

      I just don't understand the noise. Surely it isn't necessary; surely it can be muffled. And when you get a pack of 12, 20 or more at a time going along one of the mountain's main roads....it really sounds like a jet or two passing by...and the thundering roar seems to go on forever and a day.

      Friends of mine live over at Eagle Heights, too. That's on the opposite end of the mountain to where I am...I'm at the other end....the southern end, I guess it is :)

      And yes, the cooler temps are certainly a big plus. When I whinge about the heat I pull myself up and remember if it's hot up here on the hill,it has to be hotter elsewhere down yonder.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. Oh, I am with you with the noise!

    I sometimes tire of the maintenance on acreage but I think of living where I can hear my neighbor. Maybe the vines will cover the house! it will be quieter that way.

    Have a blessed evening.

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    1. Not a reply but an addition: Just home from the athletic banquet. Last event for my oldest grandson...sad and proud, I am. I wish him prosperity and absolute happiness. He is a good and honorable young man. We are very proud.

      Thank you.

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  13. Indeed they are. And how I wish every day's like that.

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  14. It would be great if that was so, Lux...thanks for coming by. :)

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  15. So days really are! And these are the diamonds that are truely valuable.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. That they are, Stewart....thanks for popping in. :)

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