AIN’T IT FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY...JUST DON’T MENTION THE “C-WORD”!

Heads or Tails!

Let's give her a serve!!

Actually, it’s not funny how quickly times slips away.  Our feelings about the fleetness of time this year may differ, though.  Already we’re past halfway through another year.  

Of 2020...there is only 20 left!

 How did it happen?  

I feel as if I’ve been in this position before...and not very long ago!  

 “June is bustin’ out all over!”  We were on a carousel!  June has burst and blown off into the ether, not to be seen again until 2021...which won’t be very long if the pace doesn’t slow down.

In case you’re not aware, it is July!  Talk about the Roaring Twenties!  2020 is roaring by at a rapid rate of knots, ensuing it will be one year not easily forgotten.  With little to celebrate, no one is doing the Charleston....

I’m unable to kick up my heels these days, other than in my mind.  I can barely touch my toes without a very loud groan...loud enough to wake up the whole mountain village.

Having to be confined to quarters hasn’t bothered me – isn’t bothering me.  I’m always a hermit...by choice...happy to be one, and one alone.   I prefer being at home, alone...although, not quite alone. My two furry mates keep me company, or vice versa.  No urging is necessary for me to stay home. I do it willingly.

If there is need for me to venture out into the environs I have to be dragged, kicking and screaming.  I put up a hell of a fight, holding onto the door frame, refusing to let go.  I push and pull, and am very difficult to budge.

When I set forth to do my weekly shop at IGA, and to visit the friendly newsagency crew, I’m never away from my regular perimeter...out of my preferred boundaries...for very long.  

 Different strokes for different folks...I don't mind being "different".  I can only be me...not anyone else.

It’s just as well I'm not a "gad-about" who's out and about all the time, after the reprimand I received from my two furry roomies when I arrived home the other day.

 Usually, I shoot out early...as early as possible.  The supermarket and newsagency both open at 7 am.   I prefer to get my shopping over and done with early, and then the rest of the day is mine to do with as I choose...at home. 

There is never a likelihood I will run out of anything.  A habit I picked up from my grandmother and mother.  Throughout my childhood our cupboards were always well-stocked.  We may not have had much money, but the money we had was well-spent...carefully spent.  Our plates were always full, and good, clean clothes were on our back.

Never could I be bothered going out in the afternoon to do shopping.  Nothing is ever so drastically needed that it can’t wait until the following morning...or the one after that...

However, the morning I’m describing in this present tale, I went out later than usual because the dump (rubbish dump/tip – garbage dump) doesn’t open its gates until 9 am.  Normally, after completing my shopping duties, I’m home again well before 9 am. 

Because I’d extended my visa and usual boundary limits I felt it best to utilise the out-of-the-ordinary occasion to the utmost by hitting every post along the way...not literally, of course!  

On route to the dump I stopped off to raid the ATM next to the Post Office to draw out my rent money.  After dumping my rubbish at the dump, I swung into the servo to refuel my car, and exchange pleasantries with the very pleasant young bloke there.  

By the time I reached our local IGA supermarket, having first popped into the newsagency, I was promptly questioned by some of the staff to explain myself...as to why I was later than usual in doing my grocery shop! 

For goodness sake!  I can’t get away with anything!  A camouflage outfit might be required.

It was around 9.45 am as I’d begun to fill my trolley!  

While trying to explain my lateness, an impatient, BBQ chicken was squawking at me from the deli section.

Over its din, I apologised humbly for my tardiness, promising never to be late again.   

The chicken’s aroma was impossible to resist, so hastily, flapping my own wings, I explained the reasons for my tardiness.  

The staff members at the supermarket are a fun, friendly, helpful lot.  We always partake in a few high jinks each time I pay a visit.

I should have stayed at home, indoors, that morning.  I would’ve done so, but dump duty demanded I do otherwise. 

Arriving home after being out longer, and later, than is my normal practice, I was immediately jumped upon by my two furry rascals...not literally.  

Remy and Shama are indoor cats, as I mostly am. They keep to themselves; as I mostly do.  Sternly reprimanding me, both cats didn’t shut up in expressing their thoughts about my thoughtlessness.

In no uncertain terms they demanded a plausible explanation from me as to why I’d been absent for so long.  Their displeasure was apparent; my position in this household was made crystal clear.

I spluttered and stammered my apology.

Not only did I have to explain my behaviour to IGA’s staff, but I had to go through the Spanish Inquisition...not the Spanish Flu...all over again when I arrived home!

After I’d accounted for my lengthy, thoughtless truancy, crossed my heart and promised never again to be so inconsiderate, I unpacked the groceries...with no help from my furry bosses.   

Remy, of course, with a nose more alert than that of Sherlock Holmes, Cyrano de Bergerac and Pinocchio put together, immediately picked up the scent of the barbecued chicken.   

My furry rascals set the rules leaving me with no alternative but to obey their every command.

That morning they let me stew for a while.  

Fortunately, lunch time was just around the corner, so the BBQ chicken helped diffuse the situation.  By sharing my lunch with them (mainly Remy who is particularly fond of...loves...BBQ chicken. I only have to whisper the word “chicken” and Remy, in a flash, magically appears at my feet)...I was forgiven...until the next time!

Chicken & Dumplings: Preheat oven 200C. Season 6 boned chick breasts; coat lightly in a flour. Heat 3tbs olive oil in casserole dish; in batches, brown chicken on both sides over high heat; remove chicken; set aside. Reduce heat; add 3 onions, cut into wedges and 200g bacon lardons; cook 5-8mins; add 3 sliced garlic cloves: add 3tbs plain flour; cook 1min. Add 300g large flat mushrooms, sliced, 2 bay leaves, 2tbs redcurrant sauce and 3 strips orange zest;  add 300ml red wine, can of diced tomatoes, 2tbs tomato paste, and 300ml chick stock; season. Bring to the boil; return chicken to casserole; make sure it is well covered with liquid. Put on lid; cook in oven 30mins. Prepare dumplings: Put 100g S.R flour, 100g fresh white breadcrumbs, 1tbs wholegrain mustard and 140g butter in processor; blitz to a crumb consistency. Add 2tsp fresh thyme, 2tbs chopped parsley, 2 eggs; season. Add 1/2c grated Parmesan, if desired.  Briefly blitz until mixture forms a fairly moist dough. Using floured hands, roll dough into 6 large, even-sized balls. Remove casserole from oven when the 30mins is up; sit dumplings on top. Pop lid back on; return to oven for a further 20mins, until casserole is cooked and dumplings have puffed up. Spoon chicken and sauce onto plates; top each with a dumpling.

Golden Syrup Apple Dumplings: Peel, core and quarter 2 Granny Smith apples. Combine 2c S.R. flour, 120g butter, 1 lightly beaten egg, and 1tbs milk. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll out; fold around each apple piece. Place dumplings into greased baking dish. Place 3tbs golden syrup, 1-1/2c water, 1/2c sugar and 100g butter into saucepan; bring to boil.  Pour syrup carefully over dumplings; bake at 180C, 30mins or until golden brown. Serve with ice-cream or custard.