Alien Bugz

The other day I spotted this little clump of bugs eggs, no idea what laid them on the wall near my front door, but they certainly fascinated me, and more so little Tammy who was very excited about the eggs.
They are around half a millimeter each, and laid in perfect little rows aligned perfectly alongside each other. If you look closely you can see the little nuclei on each one. Or it may even be the little alien eye watching us from within it's egg. I've never seen this kind of thing before, and although I do really believe they hail from one of our indigenous earth-born creatures, they do seem rather alien. Only in Hollywood are aliens green human-like figures with big bulging eyes and slime-covered skin, or fearsome multi-limbed monsters with jaws full of teeth protruding from jaws full of teeth, acid blood, and slime-covered skin. Who says they can't be like this; harmless looking tiny bug-like creatures that will quickly mutate into cunning parasites waiting for the first intelligent earth creature (good luck finding many of those in this corner of the globe) to eat it's way into and suck out all it's brain juice!

Well exactly 10 days later these things hatched, as you can see on the next photo. Strange even more alien-looking pitch black hairy little worms. Quite cute looking little things actually, I was rather intrigued. They hung around their eggs for about a day then they vanished, or were eaten by something. I don't mind what they are as long as they didn't make my home their home and they don't eat people!

On the topic of creatures eating creatures, last night I made chicken schnitzel for the first time. It wasn't even intended, the schnitzels were the face-saving of another recipe I tried that flopped! I was trying to make chicken escalopes, basically flattened chicken breast rolled up with a filling and fried. Well I destroyed the chicken, rolling them out flat looks very easy in the picture, not so easy to do! Mine were not possible to be rolled up, so I crumbed them in egg and bread crumbs and fried them, then spread the filling I'm made over them and grilled the schnitzels. Sorry I don't have a photo because they looked and tasted fantastic! Even my wife had no negative criticism of my cooking for a change. The filling was made from butter, cream cheese, feta cheese, fresh garlic finely chopped, herbs and black pepper. That wasn't from a recipe, just a mix of stuff that was available in my fridge, but damn it tasted good!

I just had a leftover schnitzel and baked potato for lunch in the office just now. Nobody's said anything yet, but I'm sure the pong of garlic is noticeable!

So for now it's the weekend baby. Woo hoo! It's going to be a busy one. I've got squash courts booked this evening, tomorrow and Sunday morning. Tomorrow morning we've got some banking to do. I'm picking up the first credit card I've ever owned. Although I've had numerous credit cards for years they have always been Liezels cards or joint accounts in her name. We've racked up big debts on her cards, mostly from her obsessive spending so recently she removed my cards from my wallet, which was like an "I don't trust you" kick in the nads, so I decided to finally get my own that I can control, and of course build up a decent credit score. Anyway, after the bank it's Tammy's swimming lessons, then hopefully if I'm allowed to I'd like to watch the Springboks-Wallabies game and chill out the rest of the day with some stuff to do around the house and no doubt a load of chores delegated by the madam. Then Sunday it's off to visit my mom for lunch with a stop over at Ouma along the way. Haven't seen the old birds in a while, gotta do the family duties!

Ag shame, my poor mom had surgery on her foot this morning for Morton's Neuroma. She should be awake by now, I'd better give her a quick call. Hope she feels ok. That's why we're visiting on Sunday, to give her a hand and make her lunch.

Have a great weekend peeps!

Farewell to a legend, RIP Ronald Yon!

Yesterday was the funeral of Ronald Yon, my wife's uncle, a legend of a man, the rock of a family, and the inspiration to turn a funeral into a party!

Ronald Yon & his neice Liezel.

About 3 weeks ago Ronald was diagnosed with a brain tumor, last Thursday morning he passed away from complications as a result of surgery to remove the tumor. He was 64.

I didn't know Ronald all that well, and I've only had the pleasure of being in his company a few times, but what I do know of the guy is that he was a top bloke and adored by many people, especially his family. His cheerfulness and warmth was always infectious. The times I did see him there were always lots of people around, and usually copious volumes of brandy! He was the life of the party, the centre of attention, people gravitated to his warm, cheeerful and welcoming personality. He would usually talk the hind legs off a donkey, the stories getting more extravagant the more brandy was consumed, his tales were always entertaining and often fascinating, albeit sometimes to be taken with a load of salt. We got on well together, as did everybody around him, we had a good few laughs over a good few drinks on a number of occasions. He was great with the kids, my Tammy loved him, often following him around and playing with him in the pool.

His departure from this world has certainly left a large void in many people's lives. As little as I knew him, I will certainly miss him too. The world has lost a true hero, a legend of his time; and heaven has scored a great angel!

He leaves behind his wife Wilma, 3 daughters, a mom, sister, brother, 4 grandchildren and a large network of extended family and friends.

Fortunately him and his family did not have to endure a long drawn out suffering with the cancer, as so often happens causing severe damage to families. Of course I wish he was still around, and that I'd seen him before he passed away like we'd planned to do last weekend, though I am happy that my memories of him were while he was his usual happy and healthy self! It's how I would also prefer to be remembered, not as a sick dying old man with tubes and machines protruding from my failing body.

Today, the day after his funeral, his wife Wilma is attending to the birth of his youngest daughter Linda's first child. He missed it by less than a week. A life to replace a life. It certainly seems like a cruel joke from above, but I think most people have accepted that this is the way it works.

As for the funeral - well I can say for sure that I am one of a group of people who have a hangover today as a result. (note the first 3 letters of "funeral" = "fun")

Ironically one of  the last times I actually saw Ronny was at his younger brothers funeral, his brother being Cedric, my wife's dad. And that too ended up as a pissup. Just the way I reckon they would've wanted! The last time I saw Ronald was at his daughter Linda's wedding, the daughter who is delivering his 4th grandchild today.

The service itself was held at the New Apostolic church in Milnerton. Attended by his closest friends and family, it was a lovely service and a fitting tribute to his life. Afterwards the congregation gathered at the Edgemead scout hall for snacks. Actually is was a feast fit for kings, loads of delicious food all prepared by Ronalds wife and family. As a professional eater of all things edible (except brinjil) I was highly impressed. Unfortunately I couldn't stay long, this sucker had to get back to work.

Then the fun started... I was instructed to go back to Ronalds house after work, where I found my girls, Wilma and a group of friends and family, already a few innings into various forms and strenths of alcohol. I expected no less, needless to say we all drank loads and were actually quite merry, I'm sure the way Ronny would've wanted. After getting to know his lovely family a bit better I took my family home.

The day was a fitting farewell to a wonderful man! My prayers and thoughts go out to his family as they begin the grieving process and I wish them all long, prosperous and happy lives, revelling in the happiness and love that Ronald left among them. All the best to Linda and Richard, I hope the birth went well this morning!

Despite the void left behind him down here on the ground, Ronald is now re-united with his younger brother Cedric in the afterlife, probably both having a good laugh with an infinite amount of ice cold brandy & coke!

Brothers Ronald & Cedric

Perfecting Perfection

Dear readers & fans...

Last week  I felt like burgers again, as so often I do, and as usual got a little more creative than the last masterpieces I constructed that would have any semi-respectable burger-munching Americans proud, and envious! This version was a next-generation upgrade from the last ones, a few posts down, using chicken livers as the prime topping.

And so it began with a trip to the local Pick & Pay for some basics on a tight budget, with the ever talkative Tamsyn in the trolley, babbling away about her day and her friends and what toys she's planning to play with when we get home; and of course stretching out her cheeky little hands in all directions trying to grab sweets and toys and colourful accessories and all other expensive goodies that she takes a fleeting fancy to. Liezel was at the time at the hospital round the corner to have a mole on her temple removed, which the doctor decided wasn't immediately necessary, so the lucky old mole gets to continue it's free ride on it's temple with a view of the world. Until the next time little miss Tammy has a pick or a scratch at it again.

With the ingredients for the mix I began the mission:
Made the patties with a pack of lean beef mince and a pack of lamb mince, a handfull of breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, rosemary, salt, pepper, some Ina Paarmans Sticky Marinade, and some olive oil. Lobbed it all in the Kenwood multi-chef blender thing and mixed it all up into a sticky, meaty goo.
The sauce was concocted with a tub of frozen livers and one and a half medium sized onions fried up with some olive oil and a generous squirt of Veri Peri sauce. Of course garlic was involved, 4 large cloves of, roughly chopped up. Added some salt & pepper and balsamic vinegar and poured over the burgers!
Slap on some nice thick slabs of cheese at the bottom, and the masterpiece is ready!

Each burger was such a large amount of food I was beyond stuffed after just one, so I had one for dinner, breakfast the next morning and lunch at work the next day (Liezel didn't want her second one), much to my colleagues gawking fascination! At least the inevitable reek of garlic wafting off out from my presonal space kept them at bay for a day or so.

I don't mind smelling like garlic, it's something I love so why be embarrassed! Like the Indians love curry, I suppose, except I do bath daily so the stench of sweaty body doesn't aggrevate the garlic fumes. There were few stinkier experiences than the Indians, Pakistani's, etc on the London Underground in summer ponging of old curry and unwashed bodies crowded up around you! Enough to make one puke!

LOL that was quite an ending to a food blog!

It's the weeeekend baaaaby!

Ja like that title is so Gareth Cliff corny! Not the most creative ever.

This blog has no particular topic, I just feel like writing something. So here it is: "something". Ok I know I need a klap for that one. Something even more funny is a comment I saw on some body's facebook status today. If you know what a "camel toe" is, you'll understand this. If you know not the derogatory meaning, don't ask, you're probably better off not knowing.

"Thought for the Day: Do you ever wonder if a camel looks at its toe and thinks; "Damn! I have vagina foot!""

I laughed so loud and suddenly when I read that my colleague nearly shat herself. She doesn't know what camel toe means, and being a respectable 50 something year old lady I didn't explain it.

Totally random, this is a photo I took on the garden table the other morning where the water had formed in triangular shapes on the flat surface, seemingly avoiding the criss cross pattern of the support seams underneath. The table is a flat surface, so this is bizarre.

I so much wish I could afford some decent camera equipment and a professional photography course. These damn courses are just so expensive, but maybe if my bank decides to give me a credit card I can stick a course on there and if there's any credit left invest in a decent lens and a speed-flash. Yes I'll be stuck with a shitload more debt that I can't really afford right now, but it will be for a good cause - funding my passion! And with some decent gear and some professional know-how I could possibly start making a bit of cash from my hobby. That would be awesome actually, like being a paid tourist! I'd quite enjoy doing family portraits and photo-shoots, schools, corporate functions, parties and gigs, even weddings!

But hey, nice to dream, because that's all it is at this stage. Racking up another credit card debt is simply not a good plan at this stage, there simply isn't enough money coming in to cover it. Maybe at the end of the year when I get my meagre Christmas bonus I'll look at the options again. Meantime those lotto tickets are slowly streaming through. Law of averages I got to strike a lucky win soon!

But that's enough whining, it wasn't the plan for this little chat!

Check this pic. Roasted vegetables I made last week. Was sooo delicious, and healthy for a change!

Oh yes... after all my bla bla bla about getting healthy again (says he while scoffing down the last mouthful of carrot cake) I am going to start gymming again! I've booked squash courts on 10 days over the next 2 weeks, starting tomorrow morning. Next week evenings are fully booked so I booked a Monday and Wednesday morning at 5am. I told my wife she seriously needs to help motivate me to get my large lazy ass out of bed to make those appointments. I probably won't make all bookings, I'm sure my wife will have other plans for me on some of those days, or I will likely have hangovers on either of the weekend days, but I WILL get to most of them. It's just such a mission getting slots on the squash courts in the evenings these days because that place is so busy the courts are booked out soon as they become available 2 weeks in advance. The gym has seriously over-subscribed it's memberships and it's actually quite kak gymming when it's crowded. But it's the way it is these days so I'll get into the routine and keep it up. Someday when I'm running my own business, and I'm my own boss, then I'll gym in the mornings in the week before work, much easier that way. At this stage mornings are just a bit too early for regular workouts!

I should probably get back to work, lunch is over! I end this blog with a picture of my gorgeous daughter:

Ribs, ribs & more ribs...

Yesterday at 2pm I was invited down to IAPO (International Academic Programmes Office) on UCT's Middle Campus to recieve my prizes for coming second AND third for this years UCT Africa Day photography competition. Yes that's right, second AND third place, after I won it last year. So of the 4 winning prizes this event has held since it's inception I have bagged 3! I think the deputy vice chancellor is getting a bit sick of shaking my hand and giving me money for being at the right place at the right time with my camera (which with me is everywhere all the time!). But anyway I gratefully accepted the two little envelopes of cash with a few customary cocky chirps on the way. People still find my corny humour funny so it's fine.

So last night I took my delightful little family out to dinner for a treat with my new-found wealth of R375. After much debate we ended up at Cattle Baron, a local steakhouse I've been slobbering at the thought of trying out for a while now. You see, I'm a proper carnivore, an intense lover of all things meaty, and their menu of steaks, etc looks absolutely delicious and I was positively excited at the thought of a few options such as the 400g garlic rump steak, just about chomping into my own tongue a few times on the way there in anticipation.

We get there, the place is fairly quiet, the atmosphere serene and serious, the staff overly professional (probably because we're plebs!), we take up residence at a nice table in the corner, and order a round of drinks.

At about this time my brat of a daughter discovers there's no play area for kids, something she's used to associating an excursion to the restaurant with because we usually frequent kak places like the Spur with complex play areas and jungle gym's. I'm seriously sick and bored of the Spur, so I insisted on this place.

Well did my high-pitched spawn of beelzebub embark on one of her epic tantrums because she doesn't want to be there because she can't play! The waiter quickly brought paper and crayons to diffuse the impending destruction to no avail. So we decided to scrap it and head home.

I was furious with Tammy for ruining a nice evening with her spoiled brat attitude and I was happy to go home and make sandwiches and save my hard won money for another day.

But no, mom decided she still wants to go out... to the effing Spur. I was even less impressed, because I was not keen on wasting my hard-won money on that crap food but it did not give a good impression on Tammy if she sees us giving in to her tantrum. I wanted to go home with her horrified that I was being serious because by now she wanted to go back to the restaurant just to not have to go home.

Well halfway home I reluctantly gave in to their demands (two strong-willed females versus me) and headed for the Spur at Big Bay with solemn promises from Tammy that she would behave.

It actually turned out to be quite a good decision because Tammy hit the play area immediately and had an absolute ball for hours playing on the massive jungle gyms and all the other fun stuff they have there, making new friends along the way.

Better yet they were having a special on spare ribs - for R70 eat as much as you like. I don't normally buy ribs at restaurants because they are so expensive, but last night I did and I ate like a pig. Ok that's a bad analogy, seeing as I was eating pig, or more like a couple of pigs! I had SIX portions of deliciously sticky BBQ spare ribs. By the time I threw in the towel with the last rib my throat was no longer allowing me to swallow any more, my stomach was stretched rock hard with the 3 or 4 kg of fatty pork meat within! I felt disgustingly satisfied but oh so uncomfortable!

I never want to see spare ribs ever again. Or at least not for another week or two.

Liezel had enchilado's, I still don't quite understand that concoction. Tammy ordered fish fingers, of which she ate none, though she did tuck into a rib which ended up all over her face!

The other positive is that I spent half the amount of money as what Cattle Baron would've cost, but I will still go to the 'Baron sometime for that garlic steak, this time leaving tammy with a babysitter.