WAITING TO EXHALE WHILE WAITING FOR GODOT...

 

The above title could be the theme for 2020, but don’t despair...it has been said often, and will continue being said...”good things come to those who wait”.  

Vladimir and Estragon (that’s “Estragon” not “estrogen”), the two main characters in Samuel Beckett’s play, “Waiting for Godot”, waited for Godot to arrive, but Godot failed to do so. He didn’t even send a note of apology.  

Most of us, I’m sure, are waiting for 2020 to hurry up and come to an end, and for 2021 to arrive.  If there is a light at the end of what seems to be an endless tunnel, it’s the hope 2021 will be a better year.  We’ve been waiting and waiting for something to brighten and lighten the scene...for something good to happen. 

Around the next corner it could be...maybe accompanied by Godot...maybe not....

Even if it is difficult to find, there is a bridge over troubled waters. To reach the other side we just have to walk across the bridge, carefully taking one step at a time.  Unlike that legendary chicken we keep hearing about, we’ll know why we crossed the bridge. Don’t walk too close to the guard rail, though. If you do, you might fall into the troubled waters.  Remember your freestyle stroke if you fall. Promptly start swimming. Either that, or flip onto your back...float and go with the flow.  You’ll end up hitting the bank somewhere along the way. I don’t mean the Westpac, NBA, ANZ etc.

A loud, long collective sigh is needed.  People everywhere throughout the world deserve a break.

By a ‘break’ I don’t mean a vacation. 

To quote a joke...”I told my luggage we weren’t going on a holiday this Festive Season...now I have emotional baggage.”

All I want for Christmas is...no, not my two front teeth....I’ve already got those...they are portable. What I want for Christmas is peace, goodwill, commonsense, consideration, thoughtfulness and happiness to sweep the world like an out of control pandemic extinguishing negativity, nastiness, selfishness, prejudice and hate.  No vaccine required.

Once again I thank everyone who shared his/her smiles and kindness with me throughout 2020.  I could list names, but there isn’t enough room to list every name. In truth, I don’t know everyone’s name, but I do know the generosity of spirit and the thoughtfulness shown by many is sincerely appreciated.  Good folk live up here on our mountain.

The IGA crew who are always friendly and good-humoured continued to make my shopping expeditions pleasant experiences.  They are to be commended, as are Gavin, Jan, Brooke, Shannon, Michelle and Barbara at the newsagency.  We are fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people in local businesses of various kinds...thank you.  Special thanks, also, to Barry, who went above and beyond; and to Russell who, very generously reached out and lent me his ear one day in an IGA aisle.  (I returned his ear, in case you’re wondering).  Also, I thank Jimmy and Morven who always make me happy when I see them.

Thanks to postman Michael, and the couriers, Jay and the other cheerful gentleman, whose name I must get one of these days. Without fail, they catch me when I’m immaculately presented at my most fashionable, stylish best, with not a hair out of place.   *cough*

I hope everybody’s Christmas stockings are filled to overflowing with love, good health, fun and happiness.

When 2021 arrives, it’ll be like Godot finally decided to turn up!  

Stay safe.  Be cool...be kind...be sensitive to the situations and feelings of others. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  May only good come a-knocking...open your heart, and let it in....

 

Christmas Prawn Salad: Cook 300g penne pasta al dente. Refresh under cold water; drain. Dressing; whisk together 2/3c sour cream, 1-1/2tbs tomato sauce, 1tbs lemon juice and 3tsp Worcestershire sauce in bowl. Arrange cold pasta, 1kg cooked, peeled, deveined prawns, tails intact, 1 halved, thinly sliced Lebanese cucumber, 1 thinly sliced avocado, 60g baby leaf salad mix,1 bunch finely chopped chives, 1/4c small mint leaves and 2tbs coarsely chopped dill on a platter; season. Drizzle over dressing; scatter with extra dill; serve with lemon wedges.

Mango-Blueberry Christmas Trifle: Peel and slice 2 mangoes. Wash and drain 2 punnets blueberries. Into serving bowl place a layer of sponge cake or panettone slices. Sprinkle over some Marsala or sherry.  Have 500ml of vanilla custard on hand. Spread a layer of custard, then fruits over sponge. Continue layers; finish with fruit; reserving some for the top.  Chill several hours or overnight. Before serving, cover fruit with 150ml whipped cream.