Positivity, apple crumble and a movie

I am going to start on a serious note and end up frivolous. Just because I can. Can't be serious all the time, it's boring and depressing. I'm all for a well balanced diet.

The serious part:

Even though there are still precious moments to celebrate, the fact of the matter is, we don't celebrate enough. Especially since Covid19 struck. During this pandemic, our eyes seem to be more focussed on what can't then on what can be realised. We seem to not only work hard at not getting infected with this virus, we also seem to have lost the zest for fun, laughter, for gratitude and daily life itself. And I get that. I do. Believe me I have my moments. Recently I've reached a point where I realise I need to get a grip. Be in charge of myself and my state of mind. Rationally, I believe we are all in charge of how we feel or experience a set back or a triumph. So, it's time for me anyway, to regroup and refocus.

The media is an essential and not unimportant aspect of life today. We want to know what's going on in the world. Thing is, depressing news travels faster than the speed of light and we appear to be attracted to it like moths to a flame when it comes to articles that get our dander up. Our blood pressure rises and our judgement calls roll out like the outgoing tide after a tsunami. Dragging everyone and everything in its wake.

The fun bit

So I'm turning over a new leaf. Well, working on it and accepting that I may occasionally have a minor set back after which I regroup and start again. I may have avoided the actual Covid19 virus but I'm done with that sad and somber variety. And how best to be happy?

Well for me, that's in the kitchen ( amongst other frivolous things) and creating something yummy to share, put a smile on faces and give me that sense of satisfaction.

Recently we invited the son of friends over for dinner. On his own, no mum and dad, well that wasn't allowed anyway. One visitor per 24 hours. Actually, this is one way to totally focus on one person. To not have to share the limelight with others. To have time for a personal and if desired, in depth conversation. So, we extended a dinner invite, a birthday dinner. It was intended as a 'replacement' for his annual concert ticket as there are no concerts.

We didn't want the evening to be boring- just three old fuddy duddies around the table, his 26 years up against our three 65+ years, so unbeknown to our guest we decided that after dinner, my hubby, brother in law and the birthday boy, would go upstairs to the other apartment and watch a 3D movie. Planning a tight schedule was paramount, as we have a 9pm curfew in place.

To be all organised I prepared the meal early and was for 85% all set by lunchtime. The meal couldn't be too extensive or we'd run out of time. A good cook plans to the minute and others consider me a good cook so I felt super confident all would be well.

I started with the dessert. Apple Crumble. I know that all 3 love this dish. There would only be a main and dessert so that was simple.

On the dot of 5:30pm our guest rang the lobby bell. Couldn't be better. I got my act together while a catch up chit chat was had on the sun warmed balcony. Before I served the main meal I looked at the apple crumble in the oven and saw the crust was cooked but pale. I upped the temperature and switched to grill. The idea was, serve the meal, put plates on the table and return to the kitchen to turn off the grill. I love it when a plan comes together.

Dinner was served. The timing went perfect. The meal was delicious, even if I do say so myself. As I picked up my glass for the last sip of the wine I glanced over to the kitchen and had this weird sensation come over me. The air looked a light shade of greying blue. For a split second I thought I needed to clean my glasses...just for a split second. Then without warning I almost flew across the table straight into the kitchen and turned off the grill. My feet never touched the ground. A cloud of sticky buttery blue-ish smoke swarmed around my head and into my nose. The apple crumble topping was as black as soot. Pitch black. And STINK. Oh my, the smell was HORRIBLE. The air now filled with smoke in the dining area, the hallway and lounge.

Throwing the front and back door open to air the place, my mind racing so fast I could barely keep up! What to do about dessert AND get those men upstairs in time for  the movie. You see, the guest didn't know about the movie surprise yet. Oh dear!

I did manage to create a rather speedy and surprisingly tasty replacement dessert to round off the meal. We all but needed gas masks to cope, so I left the doors open while we almost blew off our chairs as the breeze flowed through the building. Once the plates were empty and the meal done, the surprise 'after' was revealed. I have a strong suspicion the males were thrilled to leave me in my murky air to clean up. Some nights are just more memorable than others. This will be good fodder for a laugh at some point later, after corona. When we look back and say, " oh remember that Apple Crumble...!"

I'm looking forward to the next birthday guest.

Today I was inspired by...

Marja Verschoor Meijers - Marja, a writer of Christian books and sharing her faith with others in a practical way with a Foundation called Travel Light, Blogging in two languages and offering practical help to those who cross her path. A woman whose lifestyle is to admire.

I am not affiliated with a church community at present, not having yet found my niche. None the less I do uphold strong connections and enjoy the company of those like minded and supportive people who have become my 'community in faith'.

Marja and her husband Jan are very actively involved in churches and are frequently asked to either speak at functions, weekend meets and church services. Some of their talks/sermons are online- ( dutch spoken) and on a Sunday I listen to those sermons. Today I listened to words of wisdom from Marja (may 2013) when she covered the subject - Do unto others. We all know the way we ought to live, but do we uphold that God given and by Jesus taught and lived by rule? It made me think and assess.

Of course I can do better..... and I aim to polish up my resolve. Never wrong to take a look in my mirror and take a good long honest look at one's lifestyle and habits.

Being bi-lingual I am privileged to have been able to hear these wise words and aim to implement them into my life. I am sure the message is clear though to all when I say, in a nutshell,  before you speak or act, ask yourselves- would I like to be on the receiving end of what I am about to say or do?

The second inspiration comes through an article posted on Facebook by Katrina entitled: ' What should a 4 years old know?'.

An absolute truth. What a gem. Not only does this article warm my heart it gave me access to another great Blog site.

It is Sunday, I am sharing my energy with a friend. It is her birthday today and she has to work- on a small pleasure/cruise boot in the Biesbosch. A 1 1/2 hour trip through this beautiful nature reserve and park. The trip is scarcely booked so my husband and I are going to join the cruise taking with us the fruity berry muffins I just baked. We are going to share this day with her. and those very few who are on board.  She deserves to be spoilt and her life celebrated. Am looking forward to seeing her face when we arrive.

Love Sundays!

Double BLOG today!!!! Happy Birthday son!

I may have the odd identity crisis every now and then, but today I know who I am.

I am mother - three times over. A proud mother I may add.

I have raised three children- now adults and parents themselves.

Funnily enough I still see them as children, but do acknowledge their adulthood at the same time.

Thirty-nine years ago I gave birth to number two child- a son.

What a darling baby he was too. So easy to care for. A gentle natured baby who's babyhood went like a dream. If it had been possible I would have ordered 4 more just like him - I thought at the time! Don't get me wrong, I am totally satisfied and thrilled with the children I had and wouldn't swap them for anything- just something mothers say sometimes, isn't it?

Not that we didn't have the odd worry. Adenoids a problem right from the word go, Rheumatic fever, accidents galore. He was quite the stitched up teddy bear. Somehow always managing to be in that 'wrong place' at the 'right?' time.

As far as his nature is concerned, he carries my dad's gene. Gentle and fair but firm, loving, generous and cares for others in an unselfish way. That's how I see him.

As a child he didn't have many wants or demands. His birthday list would contain things like, colour pencils, marbles, a comic. On the whole a contented child. Not a saint, he did have his moments but he quickly re-found his balance.

Today I am totally immersed in memories of my son- his birth, childhood and growing up. He lives a world away- but is present in my heart. I experienced the odd ache because of the distance, I smile at the memories and I swell with pride at having had the privilege of raising him.

We chatted this morning, I have a cake in the oven for tonight when my discussion group friends come over for our weekly gathering. He deserves my time and attention- especially today, Mother and Son day!