WATER WATER EVERY WHERE BUT NOT A DROP TO DRINK.
Bit of a disaster this week! I threw handfuls of porridge oats around the paving stones outside the back door so I could enjoy watching the birds having a great feast. Then it rained and the oats actually became porridge and then the sun came up and cemented them to the stones! No amount of brushing would remove them, birds weren’t one bit interested. Eventually buckets of fairy liquid and hot water and a good firm brush did the trick. As I have been advised by my cousin Pamela, next time put the food on a tray so you can take it in out of the rain!
Another thing! When you have blocked gutters and water dribbling down the walls (inside) you think you have problems. However, that’s nothing compared to the trauma people in Texas are experiencing due to a severe winter snow storms and freezing temperatures. A state of disaster has been declared as the death total surpasses 60 and 13 million people have problems finding fresh water. Pipes are frozen in the dreadful cold and many are without electricity. Just think of that this Sunday morning. If you’re going to make a cup of tea forget it. If you want to have some healthy vegetable soup forget it. Want to turn on the heating to warm up well forget that too. If you’re lucky enough to get some water it has to be boiled but how can you do that without electricity. Some people are melting snow for water to drink, icy cold. It seems amazing that big cities like Houston, Dallas even Memphis Tennessee were caught in these plunging temperatures which thankfully are beginning to stabilise.
Because the climate is usually warm and comfortable many, even in the big wealthy houses don’t need the luxury of central heating but even if they do it couldn’t be used as there is no electricity to drive the pump. Fuel is in short supply for open fires but modern living usually means they are fired by gas so switching them on is again a no no. And what about the families living in small dwellings all crowded in on top of each other trying to keep warm with no basic amenities, with frozen pipes even toileting and washing is a problem. We have our own difficulties with the lock down but we do have running water, heating, food and the comfort of each other. I count my blessing.
I was greatly saddened to read of the death of Celia Gourley OBE. She was a special woman who loved theatre, horse racing, rugby, travel and buying shoes. All this despite being a double amputee when an IRA bomb exploded under her car and robbed her of her legs. A case of ‘mistaken identity’ which condemned her to become dependent on a wheelchair. Yet she never gave up on life and it was always a joy to meet her. I remember some years ago visiting her in Lisburn – “You’ll know the house, there’s a big Labrador in the window,” and so there was, not real but a huge toy dog keeping watch. What do I remember of that day? When she took me into her bedroom and there were her two prosthetic legs propped up against the end of the bed. Both were sporting black fishnet stockings. That was Celia, every day was too important to allow herself to get morbid or sad although there were times when that was difficult. The last time we met was a few months ago in Marks and Spencers in Belfast, she was searching through rails of blouses and she looked a million dollars, always well dressed she was coming from the hair dressers where she had colour put into her creamy white hair and she chose pink! This was her style. Indeed on one occasion when she was in London a waiter at breakfast couldn’t help admiring her, “I just love your hair,” he said and the compliment was well received.
When she was international marketing executive with the Industrial Development Board she spent time travelling the world promoting investment in Northern Ireland and organising trade missions so local businesses could promote their wares. However, after the bomb 30 years ago life changed drastically. But this resilient woman didn’t give up or sink into self pity. Instead she got involved in charities, sponsoring music bursaries for young people, raising awareness for wheelchair users, on her many travels she would write a polite letter to the hotel management when doors were too narrow for a chair to pass through, bathroom unsuitable or shelves too high. On more than one occasion she received a reply and assurance that, although they had never thought of someone in her position, they would make changes.
She went on continental holidays and not so long ago was in New York – she had friends who loved going with her and enjoying the fun and laughter of travelling with Celia, she had a legion of admirers.
Celia Gourley was a beautiful woman inside and out. A campaigner, a supporter of young people and a valued friend to so many. On Thursday, her funeral was attended by her closest friends but many many more were thinking about her and remembering her inspiring life story.
HANDMEDOWN PANCAKES
Last Tuesday was Shrove Tuesday – pancake day to most of us. It’s traditionally a day of self examination, examining failures during the year and preparing for Ash Wednesday and a new chance of self discipline. So Tuesday was the day to use up your eggs and sugar and start Wednesday with a clean plate. Last year I gave up one of my most important practices – Coronation Street. I broke the habit of watching every episode and for the last year not one jot or tickle has passed my eyes and do you know, I don’t miss it one bit and I have a lot more time to get on with life.
When I was growing up all the neighbours were ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’. It was only at my wedding reception that I realise the Valentine cards I’d been getting all my school life were actually from Uncle Jimmie. Boyfriends came and went but the one card signed ‘ME’ kept arriving until I was 24. He did my moral so much good and I loved him for that and his generosity. Then when I got married his wife Auntie Betty, who was the best baker ever, presented me with a book into which she had written all her recipes including everything from steamed pudding to shah biscuits to pancakes, very popular with grandsons, cooked on demand in minutes and cooked very often these days. It might be difficult to buy readymades at the moment so try Auntie Betty’s recipe, really easy. Sometimes I make them big, roll them up, splash of lemon and cream – crepes suzette!
INGREDIENTS
Six tablespoons of self rising flour (gives them plumpness and contains baking powder) three tablespoons sugar, one egg, milk (semi-skimmed). Put the flour in a bowl, add sugar, whiz the egg with a little milk and fold it in adding more milk a little at a time until you have a creamy mixture. Pour little by little onto a hot frying pan with melted butter to stop sticking, turn over when little bubbles begin to break the surface of your pancake and then transfer to a warm plate with butter and lots of brown sugar between each pancake. Serve hot with plenty of napkins or kitchen roll on hand! You can add golden syrup, honey or lemon juice for extra luxury. I will be passing these recipes onto Auntie Betty’s grandson for his family to enjoy this unique book and it’s inscription: ‘May you not have many failures, happy cooking, love Auntie Betty. June 1966’. I’m off to try the spicy shah biscuits now and bring back childhood memories when I was allowed to dent the plump middle with my thumb, they are not genuine unless there is a dent in the middle! Growing up all those years ago was such fun, how I wish it could be like that for children today, they have very difficult times to endure and we must keep giving them hope and a lot of understanding, teenagers especially. Maybe making pancakes together next time you see them would give them some fun and a sense of achievement.
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TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
These are painting of Wild flowers of West Cork by Tess Glanville and I think they are exquisite. She has captured these perfectly, I can feel the warm breeze on my cheek and the smell of the ocean. ‘Painting from photos taken on my summer lockdown, walks exploring the Boreens and hedgerows of the Mizen peninsula.’ What an excellent way to capitalise on being limited to your home area. You can find out about Tess and see more of her beautiful creations on Face Book.
Last week I was lamenting about the lockdown on plants and garden equipment coming from England. Two immediate responses. From Houston Marshall information that there is no shortfall with any stock in Lidl. “They are expecting to be carrying all their plant and seed stock in Northern Ireland. All Ni stores are stocked from the eEuropean warehouses they set up in Ireland. The fluke is the dreaded Protool that keeps us in the European market has no impact on us as far as Lidl is concerned. Their seeds are excellent. Also look up Stupid Priced Plant NI on the website.” Houston adds. “He stocks some great plants and he delivers free; I’ve had three delivery from him in as many weeks.” Gareth Burns has also been in touch to say Walkers in Newtownards is still open. “They are a long established family run gardening shop but also supply the painting and decorating trade which is why they can be open at the moment.”
MORE INSPIRATION
Artist Chris Grady takes inspiration from his 7-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter drawing life as he sees it on his web comic called Lunarbaboon. There is always a hidden message in his comic cuts if that’s still an expression. They feature messages about tolerance, looking at the positive, being merciful and having a sense of humour. As appropriate for grown ups as for young people.
FINAL THOUGHT
