Having felt quite jaded for most of the day, it didn’t help when the ‘new’ router once again lost its connection on the Ethernet wired PC and, lost a wonderful spontaneous blog entry into the bargain. The strange thing is the wireless connection on my laptop doesn’t have this problem but, my wife’s wireless laptop experiences the same problems! We never had any of these problems with the cheapest on the market ‘wired’ router.
Moan out of the way, my erstwhile jaded day improved at around 5.30pm when I got on with preparations for tomorrows dinner. It’s truly wonderful, the spark of brightness brought into one’s day by the griddle pans sizzle as one throws in a few chicken breasts, sliced onion, mushroom, assorted peppers and tomatoes onto the preheated spices and herbs. The coarsely ground black pepper adds a saliva producing savour to the overheated kitchen, especially when it’s accompanied by the extra sizzle of lashing of lemon juice. It’s amazing how, in the hands of yours truly, these random ingredients are harmonized. Toss the griddle pans content into a rich stock, et voila … two casserole dishes of main course to tide us over the next couple of days.
Next, the par-boiled potatoes are prepared in a garlic, coriander, cumin and herb laden water. At the appropriate time, strain them off and shake and bruise the edges whilst adding a sprinkling of garlic granules, Italian seasoning and Garam masala … leave them to relax until tomorrow’s immersion into the specially spiced olive oil.
Oh, the joys of home-cooking, especially when it’s mine!
- living and frequently struggling with moderate M.E. -
where (bad) health, faith, politics and the joys and troubles of daily life collide.
ME
Saturday, September 03, 2005
A Night's Slow Journey Into Sleep
Friday evening, went to the local Brewer's Fayre with ma belle amoureuse. I enjoyed my Lamb & Rosemary Suet pudding with mash potaotoes, peas and carrots though, I must admit, by the time I was finishing it off the cumulative effect of the salt used in the cooking was becoming a bit cloying. Strangely, for a one time salt lover, I never use salt in any of my preparations, preferring a subtle use of herbs and spices to draw out the flavour.
Second mistake of the evening was to have a decaffeinated coffee (1 sugar) on return home; that combined with the aftertaste of my meal produced an unpleasant bout of reflux. After that, the evening improved as we enjoyed a bottle of 'Rocca Colmontano, Marche Bianco IGT, 2003' whilst watching an episode of "Midsommer Murders".
Suddenly, as I got upstairs, shortly before 11.00pm exhaustion and general dis-ease overwhelmed me. Tried various ways, whilst still fully clothed, of lying down and variously contorting my body to find a degree of comfort. By 1.30am I felt sufficiently energised to go and clean my teeth, get undressed, apply medicinal ointments and, get myself into bed. A generally unsettled feel crept up on me once more and, after a few twists and turns - this way and that, gave the effort up as a bad job and found myself heading PC-ward. Better to write about discomforts than it is to put up with them; at least it seems to help!
Second mistake of the evening was to have a decaffeinated coffee (1 sugar) on return home; that combined with the aftertaste of my meal produced an unpleasant bout of reflux. After that, the evening improved as we enjoyed a bottle of 'Rocca Colmontano, Marche Bianco IGT, 2003' whilst watching an episode of "Midsommer Murders".
Suddenly, as I got upstairs, shortly before 11.00pm exhaustion and general dis-ease overwhelmed me. Tried various ways, whilst still fully clothed, of lying down and variously contorting my body to find a degree of comfort. By 1.30am I felt sufficiently energised to go and clean my teeth, get undressed, apply medicinal ointments and, get myself into bed. A generally unsettled feel crept up on me once more and, after a few twists and turns - this way and that, gave the effort up as a bad job and found myself heading PC-ward. Better to write about discomforts than it is to put up with them; at least it seems to help!
Friday, September 02, 2005
Elvis and Me
Finished off the Elvis compilation, this morning, with a selection of significant performances ranging from 1956 to 1977. The last performance was quite painful to watch but, so much of the earlier material demonstrated what an amazingly charismatic person he was. Speaking as a mere 'straight' man, I find it far too easy to acknowlege his tremendous sex appeal and charm; it's no wonder the girls went crazy over him whereas, many of the male popstars nowadays would be considered quite ordinary were it not for the particular 'sex-appeal' granted by the simple fact of fame/ celebrity.
Surprisingly, after 1958, I never paid much attention to the Presley canon; perhaps Hollywood over-exposure didn't permit me to take him seriously. On the other hand, I'd already become a bit of a jazz freak by my mid-teens, so perhaps I quite arrogantly dismissed him on the basis of my 'more mature' aesthetic sensibility!. I can't help the feeling though, that Elvis, in those early days was very much his own person and, one sensed that his 'rebellion' mirrored one's own!.
Surprisingly, after 1958, I never paid much attention to the Presley canon; perhaps Hollywood over-exposure didn't permit me to take him seriously. On the other hand, I'd already become a bit of a jazz freak by my mid-teens, so perhaps I quite arrogantly dismissed him on the basis of my 'more mature' aesthetic sensibility!. I can't help the feeling though, that Elvis, in those early days was very much his own person and, one sensed that his 'rebellion' mirrored one's own!.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Digging Up The King
An evening of nostalgia, sorting through some videos and re-compiling some of them. Tonight was the turn for an Elvis compilation, 'There's Only One Elvis', a tribute programme from 2002 (25th anniversary of his death), ' '56 Special' a compilation of Elvis performances from that year and, 'One Night With You' -uncut footage of the jam session for the '68 comeback special.
The early Elvis will always be the 'real' one for me but, for the improvisational set from '68 some of that special spark is once again present.
A wonderful evening!
The early Elvis will always be the 'real' one for me but, for the improvisational set from '68 some of that special spark is once again present.
A wonderful evening!
In Katrina's Wake
Whilst our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the news of armed looters points to the shallowness of the veneer of civilization in one of the most powerful developed nations on earth. A further manifestation, of this greed, is the way developers were allowed to destroy barrier islands and wetlands which could have buffered some of the hurricane’s surge.
It is also notable that budget cuts were made to SELA (the Southeast
Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project) at the same time as Tax cuts were being granted for the benefit of the super-wealthy and, an expensively unnecessary war was being fought in Iraq. This is not to say that any new measures would have yet been in place but, it does lead one to question where the Washington administration’s priorities lie!
The following articles have made thought provoking reading:
Waiting For A Leader - New York Times
The Great Flood of ‘05 - Washington Post
Why The Levee Broke - Alternet
It is also notable that budget cuts were made to SELA (the Southeast
Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project) at the same time as Tax cuts were being granted for the benefit of the super-wealthy and, an expensively unnecessary war was being fought in Iraq. This is not to say that any new measures would have yet been in place but, it does lead one to question where the Washington administration’s priorities lie!
For a more positive aspect of human nature, in response to the crisis see the entry "Pouring Ourselves Out ..." on the 'Imitatio Christi' 'blog!
The following articles have made thought provoking reading:
Waiting For A Leader - New York Times
The Great Flood of ‘05 - Washington Post
Why The Levee Broke - Alternet
A New Dawn
Following yesterday’s early emergence from the duvet’s lair, I struggled unsuccessfully for the rest of the day with a general state of fatigue. Perhaps the impending meteorological conditions played their part as, a general muzzy-headedness veered into a nagging headache.
Outside, as the afternoon imposed itself, the sky became darker and, no … that wasn’t in the mind, culminated in the mother of all thunderstorms. Staccato forks and sheets of lightning seemed to be accompanied by a legato of thunder. It certainly was a day that the rains came down!
Today the air is beautifully fresh, sunshine and moderately strong breezes seem to be the menu. Managed a lie-in this morning,, despite the residue of yesterday’s headache, but I’m actually beginning to feel awake.
The postman delivered a welcome packet this morning, from Play.com, so I am currently enraptured by the amazing Mina Agossi. The smile on my face broadens by the minute. What an amazing instrument her voice is!
Outside, as the afternoon imposed itself, the sky became darker and, no … that wasn’t in the mind, culminated in the mother of all thunderstorms. Staccato forks and sheets of lightning seemed to be accompanied by a legato of thunder. It certainly was a day that the rains came down!
Today the air is beautifully fresh, sunshine and moderately strong breezes seem to be the menu. Managed a lie-in this morning,, despite the residue of yesterday’s headache, but I’m actually beginning to feel awake.
The postman delivered a welcome packet this morning, from Play.com, so I am currently enraptured by the amazing Mina Agossi. The smile on my face broadens by the minute. What an amazing instrument her voice is!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
A House In The Country
A large house beckons me; on entering I find myself part of a ceremony but, I'm not sure whether it's a wake or a wedding breakfast. Someone dressed in clerical garb offers to take my coat and I decline the invitation.
After a short time of general tittle-tattle, we are summoned to be seated. I'm still puzzled as to why I'm here but, at least there's a meal in it, or is there? Several clergy seem to be lining up to deliver their little homily's and suddenly the general tittle-tattle recommences. Around me the conversation turns to a wonderful range of furniture; "it's all in black and white", says one, "they designed it for the blind institute". It suddenly falls into place, the makers are none other than a young missionary couple I knew in more youthful times.
I need to stretch my legs and, on doing so enter a TV lounge. Alex Parks is singing so, I turn to one of the clerical throng and ask wheteher her staunch lesbian appeal will help sales of her new album ... if it ever appears. He grudgingly acknowledges that it will and, then reminds me of business to attend to.
I return to the great hall and, seem to have missed the meal's first course but, it's geetting late and I'm feeling weary. Get up from the table once more, open the door and, wham the hinges have become detatched and I hurtle into a nearby ditch, door in hand so as to prevent some major cataclysm.
Where am I going? Your guess is as good as mine; you've just been visiting my dream and so have I!
After a short time of general tittle-tattle, we are summoned to be seated. I'm still puzzled as to why I'm here but, at least there's a meal in it, or is there? Several clergy seem to be lining up to deliver their little homily's and suddenly the general tittle-tattle recommences. Around me the conversation turns to a wonderful range of furniture; "it's all in black and white", says one, "they designed it for the blind institute". It suddenly falls into place, the makers are none other than a young missionary couple I knew in more youthful times.
I need to stretch my legs and, on doing so enter a TV lounge. Alex Parks is singing so, I turn to one of the clerical throng and ask wheteher her staunch lesbian appeal will help sales of her new album ... if it ever appears. He grudgingly acknowledges that it will and, then reminds me of business to attend to.
I return to the great hall and, seem to have missed the meal's first course but, it's geetting late and I'm feeling weary. Get up from the table once more, open the door and, wham the hinges have become detatched and I hurtle into a nearby ditch, door in hand so as to prevent some major cataclysm.
Where am I going? Your guess is as good as mine; you've just been visiting my dream and so have I!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Asocial Anthropoids
There is a vast sub-species of anthropoid homo erectus, which apparently lives beyond the rule of any laws or social conventions. Henceforth I shall refer to them as homo automobilius. This sub-human species seem capable, at times, of sharing some of the values of homo pedestrianus. Somehow, it is only when they immerse themselves in their personalized phallic temples that they become homo supra-civil-law. Anthropologists have asserted, on occasion, that these beings are also human; regardless of gender, they quite happily put at risk the lives of all other members of the species, both automobilius and pedestrianus!
Another sub-species, known as homo policeianus, seem to ignore most of their deviant behaviour. The way things are going, h.automobilius will soon rid us of such encumberances as traffic lights, speed limits and road markings and, they will duly return to the primeval jungles and swamps that are their rightful home.
Another sub-species, known as homo policeianus, seem to ignore most of their deviant behaviour. The way things are going, h.automobilius will soon rid us of such encumberances as traffic lights, speed limits and road markings and, they will duly return to the primeval jungles and swamps that are their rightful home.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Dragonfly watch
As the day progressed so did the sunshine and, in spite of a rather wet start, we have had an afternoon of glorious sunshine accompanied by a light refreshing breeze.
Helen and I had a most rewarding visit to our local nature reserve, where the dragonflies (hawker variety) were putting on a fine display. Conditions were ideal and, it was wonderful to note the wonderful lime green iridescence of the heads on some of the large blue striped specimens.
Never before have I been so captivated by the (disproportionately) large eyes and, the sound of whirring wings. I felt quite privileged as one of them settled on my shirt front, where I was able to closely observe the massive orb eyes and menacing jaws.
Fortunately, Helen drove us up to a point quite close to the reserve's entrance which enabled my legs to hold out a little longer in the reserve itself. The last time we attempted to walk there, a general state of fatigue ensured it was a mission unaccomplished.
Helen and I had a most rewarding visit to our local nature reserve, where the dragonflies (hawker variety) were putting on a fine display. Conditions were ideal and, it was wonderful to note the wonderful lime green iridescence of the heads on some of the large blue striped specimens.
Never before have I been so captivated by the (disproportionately) large eyes and, the sound of whirring wings. I felt quite privileged as one of them settled on my shirt front, where I was able to closely observe the massive orb eyes and menacing jaws.
Fortunately, Helen drove us up to a point quite close to the reserve's entrance which enabled my legs to hold out a little longer in the reserve itself. The last time we attempted to walk there, a general state of fatigue ensured it was a mission unaccomplished.
We are such dreams as stuff is made from
A night of fitful bouts of sound sleep, disrupted only by varied discomforts. Back ache, leg ache and chronic bouts of reflux are just a few of the luxuries bestowed on my past night's sleep.
Still, ours is not to worry, I also sustained considerable dream attacks. Does one have to seek out meanings or, should we simply revel in the sheer perversity of these subconscious visions?
Whether what I'm about to report on is one dream or a conflation of several nocturnal events, only the gods can tell. Once more I was back to college, indulging in mildly hedonistic pursuits as is the legacy which all students must honour. The obvious dream element was the fact that, this college was something of an intellectual power-house. Exam eve was approaching before the realization dawned that there was another campus to this college. For all my time there I should have been attending subsidiary lectures and tutorials at this alternate campus so, what I'd actually been studying was half of the course; why had no-one informed me? (Truth be told, no-one had informed me but, they were a nobody so I'd ignored their warnings!).
Before the exams, I had to pay a visit into town where I lost my wheelchair! The fact that I was in the best health I'd ever known and, had never been a wheelchair user, was a cause of some perplexity.
The clock ticked ominously and, panic set in. A suggestion was made that I should go to the Wearmouth (?) bridge and, I may find the lost article there. Each glimpse of the bridge turned out to be an illusion, a false horizon; the panic deepened, until I found the chair I wasn't able to settle the mind sufficiently to return to college. This was the point when I discovered the entrance to the alternate campus.
I did eventually reach the bridge which transmogrified into the greatest lost property office imaginable .... and then ... I awoke! All roads lead to nowhere!
In some way I realize that, my longstanding examination-phobia and, my current inability to cope with any travelling, do show themselves in this dream. Having said that, can it possibly have any significance?
Perhaps, from these dreams some stuff can be made!
Still, ours is not to worry, I also sustained considerable dream attacks. Does one have to seek out meanings or, should we simply revel in the sheer perversity of these subconscious visions?
Whether what I'm about to report on is one dream or a conflation of several nocturnal events, only the gods can tell. Once more I was back to college, indulging in mildly hedonistic pursuits as is the legacy which all students must honour. The obvious dream element was the fact that, this college was something of an intellectual power-house. Exam eve was approaching before the realization dawned that there was another campus to this college. For all my time there I should have been attending subsidiary lectures and tutorials at this alternate campus so, what I'd actually been studying was half of the course; why had no-one informed me? (Truth be told, no-one had informed me but, they were a nobody so I'd ignored their warnings!).
Before the exams, I had to pay a visit into town where I lost my wheelchair! The fact that I was in the best health I'd ever known and, had never been a wheelchair user, was a cause of some perplexity.
The clock ticked ominously and, panic set in. A suggestion was made that I should go to the Wearmouth (?) bridge and, I may find the lost article there. Each glimpse of the bridge turned out to be an illusion, a false horizon; the panic deepened, until I found the chair I wasn't able to settle the mind sufficiently to return to college. This was the point when I discovered the entrance to the alternate campus.
I did eventually reach the bridge which transmogrified into the greatest lost property office imaginable .... and then ... I awoke! All roads lead to nowhere!
In some way I realize that, my longstanding examination-phobia and, my current inability to cope with any travelling, do show themselves in this dream. Having said that, can it possibly have any significance?
Perhaps, from these dreams some stuff can be made!
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