It’s been a long time since I’ve written an update. Debating whether to continue this blog but I’ll persist while I have time. I’ll get straight to the point about my chef’ing…I unfortunately decided to finish work and my apprenticeship due to medical reasons. After a few months of pain and discomfort in the shoulder and hands, a scan revealed I have a prolapsed bloody disc in my neck, pressing on a nerve thus causing the problem. Initially we thought my hand pain was related but I’ll have another scan soon to look further. Kitchen work is very physical so I decided that rest, time and physio/exercise is the best way forward and my health comes first. So I’ve finished work, and the apprenticeship. I will continue studying at school although there is only about 6 weeks left for the year. I’ll return next year to finish the rest full time which should see me finish mid-year. I’ll explore some work options after some time off and hopefully will be able to continue developing my chef skills and knowledge.
It’s a good time to have free because the baseball playoffs are in full swing in the US. And my beloved Washington Nationals are in the playoffs. Unlike most Australian sports which only play one game like a knockout in the final playoffs, the US sports play best of 5 or 7 in their playoffs to the final which is also the best of 7 games. So last weekend and this week I’ve been watching the games during the day live, as it’s night time in the US. There’s been a lot of jumping and screaming going on here as the Nats have smashed their way through the playoffs and today, won themselves into the final World Series. I’ve been messaging my friends in the US during the games as they are all watching the games. Today was quite stressful and I sent this photo to my friends as we shared some stressful texts. The Yankees and Houston Astros are still playing their round so we will meet one of them in the final. It will be a big week of baseball next week and hopefully I’ll get to watch a game with my ol’ mate Aussie Bob if the games fall over to the weekend. He too has been recording the games to watch at night.
School is going well. I’m into some more interesting subjects that teach eggs, vegetables, fruit, flour, poultry and seafood. The dishes are getting more complex as we develop our skills and there is no shortage of fun, messy benches, burnt pots, cut fingers and yummy tastings as we cook our way through each week. I’ve included a selection of dishes made.
I've also had a crack at gnocchi which was not so flash at home...but was more successful at school. Had a lot to do with how you mash the potato. Will be doing more pasta next week which I'm quite excited about.
More on sport, my beloved Richmond Tigers won the AFL grand final (Aussie Rules Football for my US friends). Unlike the current baseball, this game was an absolute white wash – I think it was the 2ndworst loss in history those other suckers who showed up to play. Lucky me though, my mighty Tigers win again. Last one was in 2017 when I was in the US and got up at 2am to watch the game live. One day I’ll get to an AFL final – it’s 100,000 plus crowd and the atmosphere would be incredible.
I’ve been riding a bit and loving being outside. Hopefully I’ll ride a bit more while I’m taking a break. The warmer weather is here which means snakes are due out so I’ll have to keep my eyes open wide for those little buggers. I’ve run over a few over the years and it’s an awful shit fright. Also been swimming a little to help strengthen my back and shoulder area which is a nice treat. I plan to join the gym again to help get my strength back. It won’t be the same as doing PT with you TW – training with you was always an fun hour of pain ;)
Macey moo moo celebrated her 11thbirthday recently. Such a beautiful girl. Time goes so quickly. I remember bringing her home from Sydney in a washing basket in the back seat of the car. We tell her this story all the time and she loves it. We stopped at Hungry Jacks on the Hume and let her do a little wee wee, where she did this cute little squat. Everyone in the drive through was oohing and ahhhhing over her – she was a cute fat little bundle of white. I slept on the floor with her on the first night so she didn’t miss her mum too much but she just settled in straight away. We love our Macey moo moo. Mr Cricket will be 7 in January.
I recently watched a fantastic British HBO show called Gentleman Jack. OMG, I loved it so much I watched it twice, and a third time - so many funny bits and just a great show. It’s based on true secret coded diaries of Anne Lister in 1830s. She was a lesbian who had heaps of affairs but the women kept getting married on her as was the way back in that day. She finally met a woman, got married - well not legally. Google it to read more - very fascinating. Her diaries were coded and only got decoded in recent years. It was stunning so they made a show on it. It’s funny, interesting, beautiful and of course a love story - really well done. I just loved it. The woman who plays her is awesome - so good. She’s on Scott and Bailey cop show and lead lady in Dr Foster if you’ve ever seen these shows. It’s not on Netflix but it’s on might have it on Amazon Prime and Apple TV I think. I also read the book which is a co-companion to the story - fills in some gaps. Will be a 2nd season thank god but I guess that will be next year. Been a real popular show and can totally recommend it.
Well that's it for now. I'm sure there's more I could write but can't think of anything at the moment. Here's a few random shots to finish off with including me enjoying a Sat arvo pie !! And there's a photo of my desk Batmobile somehow ending up inside the tissue box - hmmm, someone has too much time at home while I am (was) working !!
