Thursday, February 07, 2019

IN “KATH & KIM’S” VERNACULAR - “IT’S NOICE TO KNOW NOICE PEOPLE!”



 ***Kath & Kim is an Australian television situation comedy. The programme was created by its stars Jane Turner and Gina Riley, who play the title characters of suburban mother Kath Day-Knight, a cheery middle-aged woman and her self-indulgent daughter Kim Craig. The other main characters are Kath's boyfriend and, later, husband, the metrosexual Kel Knight, Kim's husband Brett Craig, and her lonely, overweight "second-best friend" Sharon Strzelecki. The series is set in Fountain Lakes, a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. It is primarily filmed in Patterson Lakes.[citation needed]

There were four 8-part series (2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007), a tele-movie (2005), and a feature film (2012)."










It was my pleasure Monday afternoon of our Australia Day long weekend - 26th to 28th January - to spend time with some very nice people.  A couple of new faces (bodies attached) attended.  Made welcome they were, of course. 

My old, not new, face lit up when I saw the arrival of three jubilant guests of the canine kind. The joyful trio, Angus, Percy and Jimmy had a ball – as in a wonderful time. Not an angry growl was exchanged. Their drink of choice was water. 

There was no actual ball, but Percy, the beautiful little Frenchie, minus a beret, did have a bone.  Ignoring all others, he openly relished munching on his treat in front of his new buddies.  I’m sure I heard him mumble a few times, in between slobbery chomps – “Let them eat cake!  This is my bone!” 

Angus is an adorable black and white Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, owned by my Scottish neighbours on the property adjacent to this one. Jimmy is full of joy – he is a light golden Border Collie.  He is such a happy dog.  Often I see Jimmy and his owners as the trio stroll along this lane.  They live on the lane that runs parallel to this one, beyond the treed acreage.  And, Percy, the cheeky little eight-month old tan French Bulldog is owned by people who used to live in the neighbouring lane, but now live just off the mountain a bit...not far away.

Animals have an innate capacity to warm one’s heart...they do mine, anyway.

My two cats, Remy and Shama, make my waking up each morning worthwhile.  Without fail, they have a lot to say, not that they do anything exciting during the night, other than sleep and dream, but they instigate a conversation the moment they notice I’ve stirred and opened my eyes.  (They allow me to share their bed).

I’ve a sneaky suspicion what they’re animatedly saying is...“Whoohoo!  She’s alive!”  Happy in the knowledge they’re okay for another day.

During the just over 16 years they’ve been part of  my life they’ve still not learned how to chop up their meat, open a can or a packet - or fill up their water glass.  Yes...glass!  They will only drink water from their special glass Powers Beer stein tankard on “our” bedside table!  

Somewhere along the line I think I’ve spoiled them...just a thought...

The newcomers to our exclusive enclave where only the uniquely unique inhabit were asked to get their visas stamped upon entry to the Aussie Day gathering. Once vetted, they were allowed to remain.  Never fear...we released them later.  

This year’s shindig was a repetition of a great idea carried forth from Australia Day 2018.  Last year’s successful soiree was the brainchild of nice neighbours up the end of the lane.  
 Because that festivity was a grand success, in early January this year some revellers who’d attended the inaugural street party began beating the drum - chanting, even - suggesting another was in order.  No good, sensible request goes unnoticed or unconsidered; and nor it should.  Obediently, the beat of the drums was heeded.  All in attendance were glad they partook; particularly Percy, Angus and Jimmy.

The six degrees of separation principle came into play during a lengthy chat I had with a lovely couple I’d not met before.  Percy, as I learned, is their pup.
  
Ages ago I wrote an article for our local rag up here on the hill, and below in the valley, describing an incident – a surprise I received when I was about to climb into my car en route to our local IGA supermarket.  

As usual, I was lost in a world of my own, but I was jolted back to reality when I came up close and personal, eyeball to eyeball, with two Great Danes...of the four-legged variety. They’d snuck up behind me. Needless to say, I got the shock of my life.

Both dogs were as big as my car!   

As the conversation between the very nice couple and me progressed I discovered the Great Danes, one of which has since, sadly, passed away, belonged to the couple - Percy’s “parents”.  
And that’s the big and the small of it; the short and the tall of it!  

Both dog breeds Great Danes and French Bulldogs are beautiful – magnificent creatures.  And, of course, so are the lovely Border Collies.

Our Aussie “bash” was a fun arvo.  Thanks to the nice folks in attendance.  
It’s noice to be noice.  It’s noice to mingle with noice people - and noice dogs...

Roasted Beef Marrow Bones: Chop a large onion; place in roasting pan with 1 garlic knob; cloves separated and peeled; add 6-8 marrow bones; add 4 slices fresh ginger and melted ghee; season with salt, pepper and dried oregano. Roast in preheated 230C oven, 30mins; serve as appetiser or snack.

Marrow Bones au Gratin: Use one beef marrow bone per person; have them cut horizontally – bones, not guests. Mix breadcrumbs with chopped thyme, rosemary, sage etc; season; add chilli flakes, if desired. Put bones on a foil-lined baking tray; cover with breadcrumbs; no need to oil them. Cook in oven, 20-30mins at 180C, fan-forced.  Serve with slices of toasted sourdough. 

Maitre D’Hotel Butter T-Bone Steaks: Season T-bones.  For butter: Combine,  ½c softened butter, 2tbs finely chopped parsley, 2tsp lemon juice, 1/2tsp Dijon, 1/4tsp salt, 1/8tsp freshly ground black pepper, and pinch of cayenne (optional). Mix thoroughly with a fork; scrape butter onto baking paper/plastic wrap.  Roll up and twist ends to form a cylinder.  Chill a couple of hours until firm. It can be frozen up to a month. Set up grill for cooking over direct high heat; oil the grates. Drizzle steaks with a little olive oil; lay them on hot grill; cook 3mins; rotate steaks; cook 3-5mins (for med-rare).  Flip; cook as desired. Serve topped with a couple of slices of Maitre d’Hotel Butter.

Coffee-Rubbed Tomahawk Steaks: Combine 3tbs med-ground coffee beans, 2tbs salt, 1tbs each - paprika, brown sugar, ground garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, and cumin, 1/2tsp chilli powder and 1tsp black pepper; store until ready to use. Generously coat 2x500g bone-in rib-eye steaks (5cm thick) with salt; place onto roasting rack; leave uncovered in fridge overnight to dry and cure. Bring to room temp before cooking.  Dust steaks liberally with coffee rub; drizzle with a little olive oil.  Cook over hot coals/grill to preferred doneness.  




28 comments:

  1. I am glad that you enjoyed the gathering. Cats spoilt? Wash your mouth out. You are simply giving them their dues.

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    1. Hahahaha, EC! You know me well! These two have me right where they want me...at their beck and call! Shama is here beside my keyboard at the moment, miaowing in agreement!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  2. Like Kath and Kim many a laugh we've had in this house.
    Great Danes lovely creatures and I can imagine you spoil your cats which I would do too.
    Best wishes to you Lee.

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    1. Hey, Margaret...there were some classic scenes in "Kath & Kim"...I'd not watched it the first time around, but was urged by a good friend to watch the re-runs, and am glad I did as I was told! :)

      Pets should be spoiled in my opinion...and I'm doing that to the letter! lol

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  3. I haven't watched Kath and Kim in ages, I don't think it's on right now and O probably haven't seen every episode. They're very funny, but I've lost track of how many times I wanted to smack some sense into Kim.
    I'm happy your get together was a lot of fun and those dogs are gorgeous, especially that well-cared-for coat on Jimmy.

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  4. "O"? That should be "I"

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  5. P.S. Lola ignores both her waterbowls and insists on me dribbling the shower head so she can drink fresh running water.

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    1. Hi! Hi! Hi! River! Yep..."Kath & Kim" have long gone...they've not been on TV for ages and ages.

      My two furry mates like having their "bar" open at all hours...so I make sure their special vessels is at all times filled to the brim! I'd be in lots of trouble if I didn't!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. Anonymous1:08 AM

    So pleased you enjoyed the outing. I like cats, but I love dogs, and aren't they such a good connection between strangers. What? The Great Danes got into your small car with you? We had an incident with a dog at Mother's yesterday, that is an intruding and friendly dog.

    Thankfully the recipes are not connected the text about cats and dogs. (yes, I know I should not write such things, but it is what I do)

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    1. No...I didn't say the Great Danes got into the car with me, Andrew. I was about to get into my car and when I turned around...standing right up close to me was a Great Dane...and its mate was standing behind him. They had both come into my yard, up to my car and me without my seeing or hearing them. It would have been impossible for them to have gotten into my car. I thought I had clearly described the incident, but apparently, I haven't. :)

      I can't see why I would connect the recipes to cats and dogs, other than giving the bone marrow and T-Bone Recipes as I have. There is the connection to my text if you are in search of one.

      I love cats and I love dogs...no "buts" about it. Totally different animals...requiring totally different care. I've had both at different stages in my life. At this point in my life and where I live I wouldn't be able to have a dog. I love elephants, lions, tigers, etc., too...I wouldn't be able to have them here, either. ;)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  7. It sounds like this could (should) become a yearly habit, especially if the food is this good and the company includes lovely dogs.

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    1. Hi messymimi...I think it is going to become an annual habit...but the food we grazed on were just snacks, antipasto, cheese platters etc.

      The gathering was held outside in the middle of the street. This lane is a dead-end lane and we held the "do" up at the cul de sac...no through traffic here.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  8. Interesting and entertaining as always until........ Until I came to the recipe for Marrow Bones Au Gratin. There are only a couple of things I won't eat. Tripe is one of them. I can't actually think of another off hand. I say that on the basis that no-one is ever likely to offer me sheep's head broth or pigs trotters. However the idea that someone might actually cook marrow bones has suddenly made me realise that there are some food items in Western Cuisine I've not even heard of.

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    1. G'day, Graham....I used to love tripe, particularly when I was a kid, but I've not had it in years. These I just don't feel like eating it. Our tastes change as we grow older, too, so "they" say...and I think it is true. We used to eat pigs' trotters when we were kids...most of those foods were handed down to us from our ancestors harking from Scotland and Ireland...in my case....and England in the case of others.

      Thanks for coming by. Take good care. :)

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  9. I am pleased to read that you enjoyed the gathering.

    I misread your recipes to start with thinking you meant vegetable marrow!!!
    Can't say I've ever tried marrow bones.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hey Jan...I'm about to pop over to your blog. I've had a bit going on of late, and I'm running behind in reading blogs, and commenting thereon. I've not forgotten you! Apologies offered. :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. I had no idea what the term "arvo" meant so I had to google it. One day Australian will be so far removed from English that we'll have to refer to translation websites in order to decipher it. I find the term "bogan" interesting. Are there any "bogans" around Tamborine Mountain? Do you know any "bogans"? Were you ever a "bogan" yourself?

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    1. I class your comment as being more than a little insulting, Yorkie. If you meant it to be funny, it certainly hasn't come across as being funny. If you were seeking humour...you've not found it.

      My command of the English language is excellent, Yorkie - probably better than many English people.

      I believe similar applies to the way I express my words; to my manner of speaking. I do not have a coarse accent. I was not brought up to speak that way. I have never spoken that way, unless in jest.

      As children, both my late brother and I were taught, not only by our teachers, but, firstly, and most importantly, by our mother and grandmother, to form our words well - to look others directly in their eyes when speaking with them...to enunciate clearly.

      We were taught to talk "from our belly button” - not through our nose, or lazily, just from our throat, or the back thereof. We were taught to use your diaphragm - the support of our diaphragm when speaking.

      Regarding the way I dress - and have dressed throughout my life - I believe I've always dressed well. Again, this was taught to me from an early age - to respect one's own appearance, and how to present our own self when in the public arena.

      Furthermore, during 14 years of my working life I was employed, in a high position, within the fashion industry. I take offence at your inference on this subject, too.

      "Bogan" meaning below:-

      "Bogan is Australian and New Zealand slang for a person whose speech, clothing, attitude and behaviour are considered unrefined or unsophisticated. Depending on the context, the term can be pejorative or self-deprecating.?

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    2. From past communications you should know for sure that I admire your personal command of English and your ability to tell a story well or to express an opinion effectively. However, it is natural that as language evolves in different regions of the world, it will necessarily develop its own unique character. That's just how it is and the suggestion is in no way insulting. I want you to know that I have great respect for you Lee and I am sorry that you did not process my silly comment with the light-heartedness I intended to evoke.

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    3. Maybe it's the mood I'm in of late, Yorkie.

      I have a bit going on. Perhaps everything that is swirling around is sucking my sense of humour out of me, or the understanding of the intended humour of another.

      No offence meant...just saying it as I read it. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. Sorry, can't stand Kath and Kym. Reminds me of Barry McKenzie. Can't stand him either !
    Nice to catch up with your blog finally Lee. Sounds like you spent the day well. Cheers.

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    1. Helsie! I was just thinking about you - only about 30 minutes ago! I was hoping all was well. I noticed you'd not posted for a few weeks. I was hoping you were just getting up to mischief, and that being the reason for your absence! :)

      Barry McKenzie didn't do anything for me, either. But I thought Kath & Kim were a good, harmless send-up...taking the mickey! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. We no longer have any pets which simplifies going away whenever we want to. We always had pets when our kids were growing up. There's no unconditional love like the love of a dog for his people. It was always heartbreak time when they reached their ends.

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    1. G'day Molly....I hate to think of the day I won't have my two furry best mates...my two cats, Remy and Shama. Both play a major role in my life...and I dare say I do in theirs. I'm not in the habit of going away anywhere, so I don't have the worry about having to leave them. Goodness! I'd be severely reprimanded by them if I did!!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. I think dogs make some of the best guests. They're not going to be boring, or judgmental, or drunk. Very handsome pooches!

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    1. Hey there, Nick...welcome...how nice of you to drop by...don't be a stranger! :)

      Dogs are, in general, a happy lot...those particular four-legged guests that day certainly were!

      The beauty of animals...as you say....they are not judgmental. Many lessons can be learned from our four-legged companions.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. Aww;) Always fun to hear about critters. Your two companions sound about the age of my two oldest who will turn 17 next month.
    You have such a love for life. It's contagious:)
    Have a great one.

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    1. Hey Sandra...Yes, Remy and Shama are of similar age to your two...they turn 17 this coming November...they're brother and sister...and have been together all their lives. They came into mine, thankfully, when they were three days shy of six weeks old.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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