Sunday, June 06, 2021

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE....DON’T MAKE ME GO!

 

A view to the west as I drive to the local supermarket

The hang-gliding area just around the corner and along the road a bit from where I live...why would I want to travel down to the hustle & bustle of the Gold Coast when I'm surround by such beauty and tranquility?


Sun setting in the west...rural township of Canungra in the valley below





It was a chilly morning, and there I was, snuggled up in bed, warm and comfy, trying to ignore the emerging day, with no desire of stirring, or recognising its persistent presence.  My two furry bed mates were nestled as close to me as they could physically be. (In case you have the wrong idea...my two bed mates are furry, four-legged felines...not humans in the need of a shave.  Sometimes they do believe they are human, though!) 

Hoping I wouldn’t move, both were content with my decision to remain in cosy repose. They would’ve been happy if we’d continued cuddled together for the rest of the day.   

My mind was torn in two.  One side told me to remain in bed, warm and snug with my two mates; the other side was nagging, telling me I needed to go to the supermarket. A battle royale raged within.  Finally, the nagging side won.  I surrendered... much to the frustration of my two bedfellows who had been enjoying the pillow talk...or, should it be,  “pillow miaow”?

Normally I venture out to the newsagency and IGA as early as possible, arriving shortly after both have opened their doors.  And, that dear folks, with me being the hermit I am...the reclusive recluse by choice....is my wild social life....my weekly trip to “the shops”.    ‘Tis the way I like it.

One cannot help but think...no, believe...there are certain times when things happen for a reason...

Because of my reluctance to crawl out from the warm comfort of my bed that particular morning, I was more than a tad tardy. I hit the trail almost two hours later than usual.  At the newsagency Gavin, Jan and I shared a cheerful, nonsensical chat, accompanied with laughter, making it a lively start to my delayed outing. 

From there onto IGA I went to stir up the always friendly, helpful staff.  The newagency is next door to the supermarket, with a small coffee shop in between...in the same complex.

At IGA’s fruit and vegetable section I ran into...almost literally...a lovely young woman from Canungra, a small town, to the west, a few kilometres away in the valley below.  The very nice young woman was blocking my path, and I, hers...so we struck up a friendly stand-off at the impasse. High Noon, it wasn’t.  A lengthy, sunny conversation ensued. She was a lovely person, and still is, I am sure.  It was a very pleasant meeting which was meant to be.  If I’d arrived to the store at my usual time we wouldn’t have met, which would’ve been my loss. 

Further along the store, after chatting up a storm as I went (I really am not such a “gabby” person...really, I am not! But it was a morning filled with joyful attitudes and smiles)...at the far end of the supermarket I came across a most delightful couple...Sue and Bob, who are around the same age as I am.  We’d never met before.  Until then we’d probably never set eyes on each other.  They, of course, being married, had set eyes on each other before that morning. Sue, Bob and I enjoyed a fun, interesting conversation...the details of which I shan’t go into - suffice to say much laughter was shared. 

At the check-out a further pleasant episode awaited me.

To my surprise, and hers, standing behind me at the check-out was Cathy, the kind person from whom, almost 19 years ago I adopted my two furry mates. Our paths hadn’t crossed since that very special day so long ago.  Hearing me tell the check-out lass the meat in my order was for my cats, not for me, and hearing my name mentioned, Cathy put two and two together. She took the punt I was the “Lee” who had visited her all those years ago.   

I had seen a photo of two little kittens on the notice board outside the old, original IGA that is no longer in existence, and immediately popped into the nearest phone box to ring the number shown thereon.  I still have the photo stuck to the wall here behind my computer desk.  A few weeks before my dearly beloved Pushkin had died, and I was still heartbroken over his loss, but the sight of the two little kittens in that photo grabbed my heart.   

I had intended getting only one kitten...the black and white male, who I christened “Remy”; he almost was named “Tuxedo”...”Tux” for short because it looks like he’s wearing a tuxedo. However, I was a sucker the moment the little tabby kitten sitting beside him, turned her little head towards me and looked me straight in the eye. How could I not adopt her, too?   

The tabby princess...diva....I christened “Shama”.

Both Remy and Shama have been together all their lives, and, in mine, for 19 years come 13th December.

Cathy and I were thrilled our paths crossed that morning.  It was wonderful to meet her again, in person.  Once in a while, every other year, I phone, and speak with either her or her husband to let them know my two furry mates are happy and doing well, but, to my knowledge, we’ve never physically seen each other since that day so long ago.  Cathy and I wouldn’t have recognised each other.  It was only because one of the supermarket’s staff members called me by my name that she took notice, smiled and introduced herself to me.   

We chatted up a happy storm, much to the amusement, and interest of the check-out lass.   

Cathy told me Remy and Shama’s mother is still alive.  I think that is wonderful.  How pleased we were our paths had unexpectedly crossed.

Boy! Oh! Boy!  I sure had a story to tell my spoiled rascals when I arrived home...after they finished scolding me and inspecting my purchases, that is! 

It’s nice to share smiles, laughter and friendly words with nice folk.  It’s also nice to stay snuggled in bed on chilly morns....just ask my two furry bed-hoggers! 

If I’d gone out at my usual time I wouldn’t have shared laughter with those folk I was fortunate to meet that morning a few weeks ago.

One cannot help but think...no, believe...there are certain times when things happen for a reason...” 

 

Winter French Toast: Make 4 sandwiches using 8 thick slices of soft bread (raisin/sultana bread if preferred), and about 1-1/2tbs jam for each. Spread jam to edges; cut each sandwich into 3 strips. Beat together 4 large eggs, 3/4c milk, 1tsp lemon rind and pinch of salt. Dip each strip into egg mixture to coat. Melt 1tbs butter in non-stick frying pan over med-heat. Working in batches, adding more butter as needed; fry strips 2mins per side or until golden. Sprinkle with icing sugar, or serve with maple syrup for dipping.

 Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash: Heat large pan on med-heat; add 4 slices bacon cut into 1cm thick pieces; sauté until crispy. Remove from pan. Add 1 diced small onion and half red capsicum, diced; sauté 1min. Add 1 large sweet potato, diced into 1cm pieces,(approx 4c of cubes), 1/4tsp each of cumin, garlic powder and paprika to pan; cook 10-12mins; stir often. Place lid on pan for last 5mins to soften sweet potato until fork tender.  Add the bacon, along with 2c roughly chopped kale; stir 1-2mins or until kale has wilted. Create 4 wells in the hash; crack an egg into each; cook eggs to your liking. Season with salt and pepper; sprinkle with chopped shallot; serve immediately.

Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal: Combine 1/2c rolled oats, 1/2c milk, 1/2c water, ¼ to 1/2tsp cinnamon, 1 apple, chopped (peeled or not) and 1tbs maple syrup in small saucepan. Place over med-heat. Stir regularly until bubbling; cook until apple softens and oats thick and creamy. Serve topped with nuts, more apple, dates and/or cream...as preferred. 



30 comments:

  1. Lovely views there Lee.
    Your pussy cats look lovely and my a good age indeed.
    Yes, by going later to the supermarket you met different people - maybe you should go that time next week or whenever you go, goodness knows who you might meet.

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    1. Hey, Margaret...nope...I prefer going to do my shopping as early as I can...to enable me to get back home early. It's just the way I am...and I would never go out shopping in the afternoons...I am a creature of strange habits, I know! :)

      My two furry mates are much loved, and very spoiled...but then, why the hell not?

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  2. I do virtually all of the shopping in our house and often what is a routine chore is enlivened by chance encounters with others, sometimes old friends, at other times total strangers. One of the advantages conferred by COVID has been the need to stand in line to get into the store, and I have struck up many a fine conversation.

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    1. Hi David...there has been no queuing to get into the stores here where I live....thankfully. We've been pretty fortunate...and touch wood it remains this way.

      Thanks for coming by...I hope all is well. :)

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  3. such a lovely countryside, my cat loves the warm weather but then again he likes going in and out even when it's cold. that hash looks tasty, since covid we've developed the habit of shopping very early and our rural area has been discovered so traffic any other time is prohibitive, sometimes I detest progress.

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    1. Hi Linda...This is a lovely area here where I live, filled with a friendly, happy community.

      My two furry mates are indoor cats...they don't go outside. They love snuggling up close during this chilly weather, and don't like it when i depart the bed! lol

      Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. Oh my gosh, Remy and Shama look amazing. And their mom still alive! Wow! She must have been a child bride:) What a wondrous day.

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    1. Hi Sandra...Remy and Shama's mum was a wild teenager I think. The equally wild lad from over the way and her got together...and you know the rest! Kids will be kids! He deserted the scene shortly thereafter and has not been seen since. :)

      Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  5. Yes, it all happened for a reason, and i am glad because now i get to smile over the wonderful story!

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    1. Hey, messymimi...I'm glad my tale made you smile. Smiles are always welcome, and more so nowadays, it seems. :)

      The friendly IGA staff and I always share quite a few each time I visit...along with some fun chatter, but that morning had a few extras thrown in for good measure. It's fun to share smiles and a few words with fellow shoppers, too...it matters not if we're known to each other. It helps brighten and lighten the mood...and the mood throughout the world needs a lot of lightening and brightening nowadays, I reckon.

      Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. There are times when things happen for a reason. Lola snuggles into bed with me at night, but only stays until I am asleep, then she goes off to find her own spot. So nice to see pictures of Remy and Shama. It's cold here today, the air is frosty like standing inside a freezer. Tomorrow will be the same and I HAVE to go out, but not until the afternoon thank goodness, although it will still be cold then.

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    1. Hi River....my two furry mates sleep on "our"...or should I say, "their" bed all the time...never anywhere else. They took up ownership a long time ago, and allow me to share it with them! :)

      I'm tossing whether to go out tomorrow morning, or Thursday morning...I'll make my final decision in the morning. There's nothing I desperately need, so I really don't need to go out until next week...what a great idea!!

      Thanks for coming by...take care...stay warm. :)

      PS...I'm back to enjoying "The Blacklist"...the latest episodes have picked up again...which is good. :)

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  7. What a treat to see these pictures of Remy and Shama! It must have been wonderful to run into the lady you got them from. I hope you are well and happy Lee. Give Remy and Shama some love and scritches from me.

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    1. G'day Bonnie. Yes, both Cathy and I were thrilled to meet up by chance that morning. And if one of the staff hadn't said my name, she, Cathy, and I would have been none the wiser that were were standing next to each other. She was as thrilled as I was.

      Every other year, through the years, I've rung the family to let them know my two buddies are doing fine, but we've never physically been in each other's presence...not since the day I got Remy and Shama as little kitten, who were, at the time, three days short of being six weeks old.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  8. Except for Shama's white nose, she and Callie look a lot alike:)

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    1. Shama always has her nose in the air, too...she's a real Prima Donna! :)

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  9. Hi Lee, Lovely portraits of your fur buddies. Thanks got the photo of your surroundings. You do live in a beautiful part of the world. I'm glad I'm not the only one who sometimes rejoice in a really good visit to the supermarket.

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    1. G'day, Pauline...Tamborine Mountain, as I'm sure you're aware, is a small area, boasting,fortunately, a small population...which suits me just fine. There is never any hustle, hassle or bustle shopping up here on the hill...which also suits me just fine. The local IGA and newsagency are only about 2-1/2kms from where I live...I don't travel far afield...which also suits me just fine! :)

      The folk up here on the hill are a friendly lot...happy with their lot!

      My two fur bubs are, of course, snuggled up on the bed, both in a world of their own! Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. Your cats are 19 and their mother is still alive? Healthy cats with long lives!

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    1. Yes, Kay, they are. My two are very spoiled...always have been. I take good care of them...fresh meat every day. They're indoor cats, and don't have to lift a paw! :)

      Their mother was just a kitten herself, when she had them. The rascally boy next door had his way with her!!

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  11. Lee, I smiled then I read that you wrote, "If I’d gone out at my usual time I wouldn’t have shared laughter with those folk I was fortunate to meet that morning a few weeks ago." How fortunate that you left you cozy bed because you certainly had a lot of face-to-face meet-ups. These days those are most welcome. The sweet potato breakfast hash looked good, if only I had some SP available (sigh). I did try the cauliflower recipe you posted recently, but substituted barbecue sauce instead.

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    1. Hi Beatrice...This is most pleasant area in which to live, and the locals, on a whole, are a very friendly, happy lot. I think we all realise we're lucky to live in such a lovely area...away from the hustle and bustle of the madding crowd.

      Substituting is good...I do it often...very often. :)

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  12. Hi Lee, I found you by being nosey over at River's blog and I'm so glad I did! I really enjoyed your post. I enjoyed you taking us along on your errands even tho I don't know what your newsagency is. :) The IGA I think I know because we used to have some over here in the states. It may not be the same store. - I can't wait to try your sweet potato breakfast hash. It sounds so delicious! - You live in a beautiful place and if I could send you some of our heat I would! Into the 90's today, possibly even hitting over 100 (F) I am so not a fan... Great post, Lee. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. G'day Magical Mystical Mimi...welcome! :

      A newsagency is a shop that sells newspapers, magazines, among other items...that go with such stores.

      IGA is a supermarket....aka "Independent Grocers of Australia"...similar to Coles and Woolworths etc.

      No, thanks...you can keep the heat. It will return here soon enough...I like our winters...at least you can rug up to keep warm, and it's a good excuse to remain in bed reading, bingeing (on streaming services) and doing cryptic and general knowledge crosswords! That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! :)

      Take good care...thanks for coming by. Don't be a stranger! :)

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  13. Awww lovely photographs of the cats.
    I like the look of the breakfast hash recipe :)

    Take care, my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hey there, Jan...Remy and Shama say "Thank you!" :)

      All is well here with me...I hope similar applies to you. Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. Once one gets out of the house, adventure begins.You don't have to go far away - just to the local grocery store or supermarket, the kiosk, the little neighborhood garden. Here you meet people and exchange views, enjoy nature and pets.
    Great pictures of the cats and sunsets!

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    1. Hi, DUTA...I never venture far from home...my footprint/tyre print on this earth is very tiny. This how I choose to be...I'm not one to be going out and going far often. Once a week...sometimes once every 10 days to the supermarket is enough for this old bird! :)

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. I hope all is well. :)

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  15. You sound like me...an introvert who likes to meet up with folks now and again.

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    1. Yes, Tabor....I'm not one for being social these days, preferring my own peace, quiet and company. It's just the way I am. I guess I did enough socialising and dealing with people when I was younger, during my working years. Enough is enough! lol

      I chat and smile with folk when I go out shopping...I live in a friendly, happy community...shared smiles and words are fun. :)

      I never get bored, nor do I ever feel lonely.

      Thanks for coming by..take care. :)

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