Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The End Of The World...
It is nearly 10:30 PM NZ Time... It has been a day similar to what we dealt with in America during 9/11...............
My great grand father on my father's side came to NZ on a Mormon Mission near 1900... He was in the North Island. He never had a clue that a great grand son of his would one day spent 21 years in this country!
I love New Zealand. I could live here till I cross over. Only thing is I love Alpine WY. I plan to die there. Christchurch was one of the safest places to live in NZ until NOVEMBER 2011. An earthquake from hell... good thing: it reared it's ugly head at around 4 AM when everyone was asleep. Many after-shocks... they had put most of the city together again... well, Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall, all the kings men and all the brilliant men on earth could not put Humpty Dumpty together again... This damn quake attacked at 12:50 PM... MID AFTERNOON WHEN ALL THE KINGS CHILDREN AND ALL THE KINGS MEN WERE AT WORK AND HAVING LUNCH AND PLAYING SOCCOR IN THE PARK... IT WAS FROM HELL.
Many are dead. Building that I have known and been inside GONE. The infrastructure is a shambles. NOTHING IS RIGHT.
We are so upset, but, life does go on. I now compare CHCH NZ to San Francisco and place like NYC etc. I consider them elements of Atlantis... Atlantis was an amazing civilization...
Also: Planet earth is our home. I could give a rats ass what religious freaks say about heaven... EARTH IS OUR SPACE SHIP. It is where we live and evolve. (another dirty word for religion) I KNOW THE BIBLE BETTER THAN MOST RELIGIOUS FANATICS! I have read it from cover to cover 13 times... I will not start in with the 10 commandments... most of all THOU SHALT NOT KILL...
The earth quakes in CHCH reminds me of KATRINA IN NOLA... what a disaster and what a failure of the AMERICAN GOVT. Kill for oil, but do not take care of our own! Then the oil leak in the gulf of mexico... Really a MAN MADE PIECE OF SHIT... then the DRILL BABY DRILL mantra by conservatives and most of all Sara Pallin.... NOW the well, finally a new and brave generation of people that can stand up to corrupt governments in Egypt, and so many other mid eastern countries... we have to out breed the old for the new that is how progression moves forward... DOGMA can be death.
If we continue to punch holes in this orb we exist on it will sink... it will fold on into its self and we will die under it's demise.
LAUGH... CLOWN LAUGH! This space ship is like a balloon. The core is of molten Iron... oil and gases are part of it's blood...
compare it to the human body... Most Capatlistic billionaires will argue... TAKE DOMINIAN OVER THE SEAS AND THE LAND...
NOT SO! We have to learn how to live in harmony with the planet we live on... We need not worry Mother Nature will take control in many ways. Earthquakes, toronados, snow storms, floods, endless ways including disease, famine... the list is endless what SHE WILL DO...
If A living God that lives somewhere in space invented all of this and according to mormons they can procreate many planets... why does HE (mind you not a she) says, his garden of Eden has more power than prayers and sacrifices to him? I nearly fainted the first time I heard the story of Abraham having to sacrifice his only son to this GOD! besides that plygomay was a big thing of the day and in some reliegions still is... like Muslium religion.
I gave up on this years ago. I love the moon and stars, sun rises, and most of all the people that have a sweet smile and are kind to me... I must go to sleep.
The
My great grand father on my father's side came to NZ on a Mormon Mission near 1900... He was in the North Island. He never had a clue that a great grand son of his would one day spent 21 years in this country!
I love New Zealand. I could live here till I cross over. Only thing is I love Alpine WY. I plan to die there. Christchurch was one of the safest places to live in NZ until NOVEMBER 2011. An earthquake from hell... good thing: it reared it's ugly head at around 4 AM when everyone was asleep. Many after-shocks... they had put most of the city together again... well, Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall, all the kings men and all the brilliant men on earth could not put Humpty Dumpty together again... This damn quake attacked at 12:50 PM... MID AFTERNOON WHEN ALL THE KINGS CHILDREN AND ALL THE KINGS MEN WERE AT WORK AND HAVING LUNCH AND PLAYING SOCCOR IN THE PARK... IT WAS FROM HELL.
Many are dead. Building that I have known and been inside GONE. The infrastructure is a shambles. NOTHING IS RIGHT.
We are so upset, but, life does go on. I now compare CHCH NZ to San Francisco and place like NYC etc. I consider them elements of Atlantis... Atlantis was an amazing civilization...
Also: Planet earth is our home. I could give a rats ass what religious freaks say about heaven... EARTH IS OUR SPACE SHIP. It is where we live and evolve. (another dirty word for religion) I KNOW THE BIBLE BETTER THAN MOST RELIGIOUS FANATICS! I have read it from cover to cover 13 times... I will not start in with the 10 commandments... most of all THOU SHALT NOT KILL...
The earth quakes in CHCH reminds me of KATRINA IN NOLA... what a disaster and what a failure of the AMERICAN GOVT. Kill for oil, but do not take care of our own! Then the oil leak in the gulf of mexico... Really a MAN MADE PIECE OF SHIT... then the DRILL BABY DRILL mantra by conservatives and most of all Sara Pallin.... NOW the well, finally a new and brave generation of people that can stand up to corrupt governments in Egypt, and so many other mid eastern countries... we have to out breed the old for the new that is how progression moves forward... DOGMA can be death.
If we continue to punch holes in this orb we exist on it will sink... it will fold on into its self and we will die under it's demise.
LAUGH... CLOWN LAUGH! This space ship is like a balloon. The core is of molten Iron... oil and gases are part of it's blood...
compare it to the human body... Most Capatlistic billionaires will argue... TAKE DOMINIAN OVER THE SEAS AND THE LAND...
NOT SO! We have to learn how to live in harmony with the planet we live on... We need not worry Mother Nature will take control in many ways. Earthquakes, toronados, snow storms, floods, endless ways including disease, famine... the list is endless what SHE WILL DO...
If A living God that lives somewhere in space invented all of this and according to mormons they can procreate many planets... why does HE (mind you not a she) says, his garden of Eden has more power than prayers and sacrifices to him? I nearly fainted the first time I heard the story of Abraham having to sacrifice his only son to this GOD! besides that plygomay was a big thing of the day and in some reliegions still is... like Muslium religion.
I gave up on this years ago. I love the moon and stars, sun rises, and most of all the people that have a sweet smile and are kind to me... I must go to sleep.
The
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
This story
NOTICE:
Reading this story is like reading a book from the last page to the first! You will begin with chapter 4, then 3, then 2, then 1...
Photos and it all should make sense at the end of the day.
Reading this story is like reading a book from the last page to the first! You will begin with chapter 4, then 3, then 2, then 1...
Photos and it all should make sense at the end of the day.
Chapter 4
Last day in the Golden Bay was delightful. We walked on the beach, then back to the truck. Drove to a place that serves coffee on a very old dilapidated yacht. I have a picture of me on the boat posted at the bottom of all these chapters.
From there we drove... found a beach and decided to take the fold up chairs, a bottle of wine, walk out onto the beach and allow the tide to wash our feet as we feasted on the wind, sky and most of all music of the ocean.
Drove back to SSI. Instead of a big meal we opted to have left overs and cold things in Rutha's Cottage! Then we watched the movie Sordid Lives... Laughed and nibbled away at cheese, breads, olives, veggies... I went to bed and slept like a rock.
Ah, morning meant get up and out of the room in time for the pick up bus to Nelson. From there the flight into CHCH. Everything went swimmingly smooth. I hailed a cab at the airport in CHCH and had quite a conversation with the driver. He is EGYPTIAN.
He never, ever shut up! Cost me 50 bucks to the YMCA from the air port.
Called Karina and Jimmy. They met up with me and we had a wonderful meal at a restaurant near the Avon, but so nice and quiet. We ate outside on the veranda. From there I went back to the room. Packed, and called the front desk for a wake up call at 7:00 AM... I know better than to trust such details to others.
I awoke in the morning at 7:20 AM there had been no call... I flew like hell, dashed down stairs and turned in my key telling the reception: "YOU NEVER CALLED ME!" she said: "oh, I am so happy you are awake because I called room 507... (my room was 501) and that man was very irate and rude with me!" Well, no shit lady! I explained to her that I did not have time to walk to 123 Worcester St. to catch the coach to QT. She called me a cab. I made it.
The morning was lovely. Cool, gentle sunshine... boarded the bus. FRONT SEAT. Dug out my I Pod. Bud in ears, dark glasses on, feeling good. A long 6 hour drive into QT. but some amazing sights.
We stop in Ashburton. An older woman boards the bus. She asked me IF she could sit beside me as she becomes ill if she sits too fat back in the bus... SURE. Well, one thing leads to another and I KNEW WHO SHE WAS. Devella Gore. A very famous artist from NZ as well as she has quite a vineyard and wedding chapel near Arrowtown. We chatted away. I told her I knew who she was. She was delighted. Years ago, she had heard me in concert in QT. but, she did not relate to anything I was saying... then the penny dropped. She grinned from ear to ear... "You played my piano years ago, and I have your recordings..." from then on we had a fantastic ride together. We know quite a few people in common as well as she is very well known in NZ. Her books have been translated into four languages.
She is a speaker who is forever in demand in NZ. Her sense of humor is a joy. We got talking about her winery... She told me that yes, Central Otago Wines are becoming world famous, especially the Pino's. They have one that is excellent for the kidneys. One is called Pino Gris, the other Pino Noir, the other PEEEEE NO MORE..." God, this went on and on. She was a joy to be with.
Home in QT was a blessing. I do miss my hide-a-way. I even cooked dinner. My adventure is over until another year. Well, that is a lie. Every day of my life is an adventure.
THEN TODAY... one of my favorite cities has been devastated by a disastrous earth quake. Christchurch NZ... In November they endured a horrendous earth quake, but this one killed people. Many people. It is world news.
We are fine here in QT, but sense the pain and loss. It brings back memories of 9/11 in USA.
I am so happy I spent time in CHCH over the many years of coming to NZ. I made my MUSICAL DEBUT at the Great Hall in CHCH. The next morning after the concert the review appeared in the CHCH PRESS... the review hangs on the wall of my restaurant. IT IS A GREAT REVIEW... from a very difficult critic. He writes scathing things about some of the greatest artists, but my review was a pianist's dream...
I have spent hours inside the famous Cathedral which came crashing down today. This city will become another San Francisco... like NYC... a city that endured Atlantis. May peace be with us all and most of all those that are in such pain.
From there we drove... found a beach and decided to take the fold up chairs, a bottle of wine, walk out onto the beach and allow the tide to wash our feet as we feasted on the wind, sky and most of all music of the ocean.
Drove back to SSI. Instead of a big meal we opted to have left overs and cold things in Rutha's Cottage! Then we watched the movie Sordid Lives... Laughed and nibbled away at cheese, breads, olives, veggies... I went to bed and slept like a rock.
Ah, morning meant get up and out of the room in time for the pick up bus to Nelson. From there the flight into CHCH. Everything went swimmingly smooth. I hailed a cab at the airport in CHCH and had quite a conversation with the driver. He is EGYPTIAN.
He never, ever shut up! Cost me 50 bucks to the YMCA from the air port.
Called Karina and Jimmy. They met up with me and we had a wonderful meal at a restaurant near the Avon, but so nice and quiet. We ate outside on the veranda. From there I went back to the room. Packed, and called the front desk for a wake up call at 7:00 AM... I know better than to trust such details to others.
I awoke in the morning at 7:20 AM there had been no call... I flew like hell, dashed down stairs and turned in my key telling the reception: "YOU NEVER CALLED ME!" she said: "oh, I am so happy you are awake because I called room 507... (my room was 501) and that man was very irate and rude with me!" Well, no shit lady! I explained to her that I did not have time to walk to 123 Worcester St. to catch the coach to QT. She called me a cab. I made it.
The morning was lovely. Cool, gentle sunshine... boarded the bus. FRONT SEAT. Dug out my I Pod. Bud in ears, dark glasses on, feeling good. A long 6 hour drive into QT. but some amazing sights.
We stop in Ashburton. An older woman boards the bus. She asked me IF she could sit beside me as she becomes ill if she sits too fat back in the bus... SURE. Well, one thing leads to another and I KNEW WHO SHE WAS. Devella Gore. A very famous artist from NZ as well as she has quite a vineyard and wedding chapel near Arrowtown. We chatted away. I told her I knew who she was. She was delighted. Years ago, she had heard me in concert in QT. but, she did not relate to anything I was saying... then the penny dropped. She grinned from ear to ear... "You played my piano years ago, and I have your recordings..." from then on we had a fantastic ride together. We know quite a few people in common as well as she is very well known in NZ. Her books have been translated into four languages.
She is a speaker who is forever in demand in NZ. Her sense of humor is a joy. We got talking about her winery... She told me that yes, Central Otago Wines are becoming world famous, especially the Pino's. They have one that is excellent for the kidneys. One is called Pino Gris, the other Pino Noir, the other PEEEEE NO MORE..." God, this went on and on. She was a joy to be with.
Home in QT was a blessing. I do miss my hide-a-way. I even cooked dinner. My adventure is over until another year. Well, that is a lie. Every day of my life is an adventure.
THEN TODAY... one of my favorite cities has been devastated by a disastrous earth quake. Christchurch NZ... In November they endured a horrendous earth quake, but this one killed people. Many people. It is world news.
We are fine here in QT, but sense the pain and loss. It brings back memories of 9/11 in USA.
I am so happy I spent time in CHCH over the many years of coming to NZ. I made my MUSICAL DEBUT at the Great Hall in CHCH. The next morning after the concert the review appeared in the CHCH PRESS... the review hangs on the wall of my restaurant. IT IS A GREAT REVIEW... from a very difficult critic. He writes scathing things about some of the greatest artists, but my review was a pianist's dream...
I have spent hours inside the famous Cathedral which came crashing down today. This city will become another San Francisco... like NYC... a city that endured Atlantis. May peace be with us all and most of all those that are in such pain.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Chapter 3
I awoke this morning feeling crook.
Crook, is a word The Kiwis use for meaning ill. Not well. Under the weather... Today we are driving up to the TOP TRUCK and spend two nights. Late afternoon I did begin to pull myself together and the strange dizzy feelings disappeared.
Rutha had baked homemade breads. Banana bread and a long loaf of peasant bread. Coolers, (chilly bins) full of goodies. Our packs full of STUFF... my computer so we could watch movies, listen to music and if service was available I would check my e mails.
This Truck is unique. Sits on the top of a hill over looking the bay. The tide was out, but would soon be coming in. I have a photo of the truck and the inside of the truck posted below. The person/artist that built the living quarters had a mind for detail. I happen to love these kind of places. We had a decent refrigerator, two burner gas hot plate, and a very old black Cole Stove! The shower was outside. One of those huge old bath tubs with claws for feet and the shower was attached to the side of the truck. You stood inside the tub and splashed away! I have not taken a shower with soap and hot water in the open air for ages! Such an invigorating feeling. Rutha, unpacked the food items and poured me a glass of cold Chardonnay wine.
I had booked a massage with a person I have wanted to massage me for years. Yana Hoos.
We drove to her house in a light rain.
Yana's house is all NATURAL. Wood walls, no paint! (I like that) a huge dining room table with fresh sliced oranges on a plate, fresh cut flowers...
She has "the touch"... Walked up the stairs holding on a hand rail which is a long branch from a tree. The massage room was wonderful. Sarongs of many colors on the walls, a shrine... we talked. She asked me what I needed, I told her about the left side of my body... music... she chose PERFECT flute and piano... TUI is a popular massage wax used down here... she makes it.
She did something I have never had a massage therapist ask me: "Do you wish to lay face down, or on your back?" I said: "BOTH!" She had had a very big day. 7 other massage therapists had been with her all day learning how to do 'Holistic Pulsing'. Yana is a small compact woman with long brown hair. She left me to undress and get my blob of flesh on the alter, (table) face down. When I looked through the piece of the table that frames and hold your face I noticed a bowl of stones looking up at me! I LOVE ROCKS... these were some of my favorite stones... I knew I was in loving company.
Yana's hands have eyes and ears as well as they are full of music. She found every trigger point that was giving me any discomfort. She did apply the pulsating holistic method to my arms and hands. Time stopped for me. She worked for over an hour. When all was completed I felt marvelous.
Rutha was waiting for me in her spray-painted turck... Yana came outside and embraced her and they chatted for a brief moment. We drove back to our TOP TRUCK! Rutha had set a gorgeous table outside hoping we could eat watching the sunset and the ocean... the misty rain would not give us the chance to indulge in the outdoors. We ate inside. One of my favorite meals. A pasta with veggies, salad and breads. I cleaned up the dishes.
I have told Rutha about a a series that came out years ago called "TALES OF THE CITY". Amestead Maupin wrote the stories about San Francisco in the 70's. Rutha moved to San Francisco in 1975 from NY talk about a culture change? I believe she was 18 or 19 years old... I have watched Tales of the City time and time again over the years. It is a true story about my youth. We loved it. Slept like dead logs and awoke to a gorgeous day.
VALENTINE'S DAY! We hiked up into a beautiful waterfall. Walked on beaches... then near 4 PM we cleaned up... drove to a wonderful new place for a 5 course Valentine's Dinner. It was divine. Photos are posted.
Back to our TOP TRUCK and finished watching the Tales of The City!
Next morning up early and tidied the house. Drove to the recycling bins, dumped all glass, etc. then back to Sans Souci Inn.
This would be my last day and night in the bay.
We got back to SSI, set up camp inside my room, did laundry, wrote in my journal, but best of all, instead of eating out we had a meal in Rutha's cottage. Then we watched a movie I have told her about for years: SORDID LIVES.
Walked back to my room, but in route sat down on the damp grass and gazed into the heavens... all those endless universes and places of mystery.
Did not have to be up early so walked to the beach. The sound of water kissing the sandy shore with gently timed pats,
baby loving slaps with the hands of a gossamer waves touches me beyond words. Went sound asleep.
Crook, is a word The Kiwis use for meaning ill. Not well. Under the weather... Today we are driving up to the TOP TRUCK and spend two nights. Late afternoon I did begin to pull myself together and the strange dizzy feelings disappeared.
Rutha had baked homemade breads. Banana bread and a long loaf of peasant bread. Coolers, (chilly bins) full of goodies. Our packs full of STUFF... my computer so we could watch movies, listen to music and if service was available I would check my e mails.
This Truck is unique. Sits on the top of a hill over looking the bay. The tide was out, but would soon be coming in. I have a photo of the truck and the inside of the truck posted below. The person/artist that built the living quarters had a mind for detail. I happen to love these kind of places. We had a decent refrigerator, two burner gas hot plate, and a very old black Cole Stove! The shower was outside. One of those huge old bath tubs with claws for feet and the shower was attached to the side of the truck. You stood inside the tub and splashed away! I have not taken a shower with soap and hot water in the open air for ages! Such an invigorating feeling. Rutha, unpacked the food items and poured me a glass of cold Chardonnay wine.
I had booked a massage with a person I have wanted to massage me for years. Yana Hoos.
We drove to her house in a light rain.
Yana's house is all NATURAL. Wood walls, no paint! (I like that) a huge dining room table with fresh sliced oranges on a plate, fresh cut flowers...
She has "the touch"... Walked up the stairs holding on a hand rail which is a long branch from a tree. The massage room was wonderful. Sarongs of many colors on the walls, a shrine... we talked. She asked me what I needed, I told her about the left side of my body... music... she chose PERFECT flute and piano... TUI is a popular massage wax used down here... she makes it.
She did something I have never had a massage therapist ask me: "Do you wish to lay face down, or on your back?" I said: "BOTH!" She had had a very big day. 7 other massage therapists had been with her all day learning how to do 'Holistic Pulsing'. Yana is a small compact woman with long brown hair. She left me to undress and get my blob of flesh on the alter, (table) face down. When I looked through the piece of the table that frames and hold your face I noticed a bowl of stones looking up at me! I LOVE ROCKS... these were some of my favorite stones... I knew I was in loving company.
Yana's hands have eyes and ears as well as they are full of music. She found every trigger point that was giving me any discomfort. She did apply the pulsating holistic method to my arms and hands. Time stopped for me. She worked for over an hour. When all was completed I felt marvelous.
Rutha was waiting for me in her spray-painted turck... Yana came outside and embraced her and they chatted for a brief moment. We drove back to our TOP TRUCK! Rutha had set a gorgeous table outside hoping we could eat watching the sunset and the ocean... the misty rain would not give us the chance to indulge in the outdoors. We ate inside. One of my favorite meals. A pasta with veggies, salad and breads. I cleaned up the dishes.
I have told Rutha about a a series that came out years ago called "TALES OF THE CITY". Amestead Maupin wrote the stories about San Francisco in the 70's. Rutha moved to San Francisco in 1975 from NY talk about a culture change? I believe she was 18 or 19 years old... I have watched Tales of the City time and time again over the years. It is a true story about my youth. We loved it. Slept like dead logs and awoke to a gorgeous day.
VALENTINE'S DAY! We hiked up into a beautiful waterfall. Walked on beaches... then near 4 PM we cleaned up... drove to a wonderful new place for a 5 course Valentine's Dinner. It was divine. Photos are posted.
Back to our TOP TRUCK and finished watching the Tales of The City!
Next morning up early and tidied the house. Drove to the recycling bins, dumped all glass, etc. then back to Sans Souci Inn.
This would be my last day and night in the bay.
We got back to SSI, set up camp inside my room, did laundry, wrote in my journal, but best of all, instead of eating out we had a meal in Rutha's cottage. Then we watched a movie I have told her about for years: SORDID LIVES.
Walked back to my room, but in route sat down on the damp grass and gazed into the heavens... all those endless universes and places of mystery.
Did not have to be up early so walked to the beach. The sound of water kissing the sandy shore with gently timed pats,
baby loving slaps with the hands of a gossamer waves touches me beyond words. Went sound asleep.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Chapter 2
Two French Doors open out from my room onto a small stone patio. There is a fine mist of early morning showers which enfolds every thing in a different light. Almost surreal.
Grape vines have woven their many arms around the roof which shelters my patio. Clusters of green grapes are hanging on the vines awaiting the day they are mature. Laden with sweet sugar and dark color. These grapes will have been kissed by the hot rays of the sun, ocean air and most of the tranquillity of this place. I'm sitting here sipping strong coffee simply doing nothing.
I will manage a walk on the beach after I shower and shave.
Sans Souci Inn has a compost toilet system. I will never understand why in the USA we don't use this type of toilet in our National Forests and camp grounds. NO STINK! NO FLIES! Instead we use chemicals that really do not cut the scent of human waste and flies can drive one crazy inside those little LONG DROPS/OUT HOUSES. Here you simply use the toilet, then cover the waste with saw dust and chips of wood. You can also put left over food items in the toilet... AMAZING how the thing works.
Am walking on the beach! The sunshine is burning the foggy mist away and the sky is a brilliant blue!
I have to keep telling myself how fortunate I am to be here. How blessed I am to be with a dear friend that pampers me to death. How unbelievable I feel health-wise from two years ago( when I was here!)
Sometimes there is nothing WORSE in my life than the sensation of crashing into a LIMITATION!
When I became so very ill with Cancer, E Coli Infection and a mered assortment of other physical disasters I crashed mentally because I realized I was honestly limited in my control over such demons. Apparently I needed to be smacked up the side of my head a few times to set aside my arrogance and pride... to really appreciate my life and the many gifts I receive every hour of the day and night.
Evening... I follow the phases of the moon like a dog that lops along side it's master, wagging it's tail and with tougn hanging out licks the hand of the master with sloppy kisses of affection and devotion. Well, if I could I would probably lick the moon!
The moon and stars have been the one and only CONSTANT in my life. Ever since I was a tiny boy I loved watching the moon and stars... I gaze at the moon tonight and it is not full. Will be a full moon the night I am back in QT. February 18.
Many things have come and gone in 64 years of my life ... but the phases of the moon and galaxies have always been there for me. When I gaze into the firmament I always think about Beethoven. He also observed the same moon and stars... Galileo, Shakespeare, Newton, Einstein, Bach, Monet, Gilbran, Whitman... the list of some great people that have lived under this ceiling of heavenly lights are gone, yet we share something in common... the planet and the sky.
Dinner was a gorgeous venison. I grew up on venison and it is one of my favorite sources of protein.
After dinner Rutha and I sat on my patio and talked way into the wee hours of the morning. Tomorrow we drive to the Top Truck. Kind of like a Hippie Bus made into a house. I LIKE THESE PLACES! Also, I am set for a massage with a woman I have often heard about. Yanna Hoos.
It will be a healing as well as a little magic sprinkled here and there.
More later.
Grape vines have woven their many arms around the roof which shelters my patio. Clusters of green grapes are hanging on the vines awaiting the day they are mature. Laden with sweet sugar and dark color. These grapes will have been kissed by the hot rays of the sun, ocean air and most of the tranquillity of this place. I'm sitting here sipping strong coffee simply doing nothing.
I will manage a walk on the beach after I shower and shave.
Sans Souci Inn has a compost toilet system. I will never understand why in the USA we don't use this type of toilet in our National Forests and camp grounds. NO STINK! NO FLIES! Instead we use chemicals that really do not cut the scent of human waste and flies can drive one crazy inside those little LONG DROPS/OUT HOUSES. Here you simply use the toilet, then cover the waste with saw dust and chips of wood. You can also put left over food items in the toilet... AMAZING how the thing works.
Am walking on the beach! The sunshine is burning the foggy mist away and the sky is a brilliant blue!
I have to keep telling myself how fortunate I am to be here. How blessed I am to be with a dear friend that pampers me to death. How unbelievable I feel health-wise from two years ago( when I was here!)
Sometimes there is nothing WORSE in my life than the sensation of crashing into a LIMITATION!
When I became so very ill with Cancer, E Coli Infection and a mered assortment of other physical disasters I crashed mentally because I realized I was honestly limited in my control over such demons. Apparently I needed to be smacked up the side of my head a few times to set aside my arrogance and pride... to really appreciate my life and the many gifts I receive every hour of the day and night.
Evening... I follow the phases of the moon like a dog that lops along side it's master, wagging it's tail and with tougn hanging out licks the hand of the master with sloppy kisses of affection and devotion. Well, if I could I would probably lick the moon!
The moon and stars have been the one and only CONSTANT in my life. Ever since I was a tiny boy I loved watching the moon and stars... I gaze at the moon tonight and it is not full. Will be a full moon the night I am back in QT. February 18.
Many things have come and gone in 64 years of my life ... but the phases of the moon and galaxies have always been there for me. When I gaze into the firmament I always think about Beethoven. He also observed the same moon and stars... Galileo, Shakespeare, Newton, Einstein, Bach, Monet, Gilbran, Whitman... the list of some great people that have lived under this ceiling of heavenly lights are gone, yet we share something in common... the planet and the sky.
Dinner was a gorgeous venison. I grew up on venison and it is one of my favorite sources of protein.
After dinner Rutha and I sat on my patio and talked way into the wee hours of the morning. Tomorrow we drive to the Top Truck. Kind of like a Hippie Bus made into a house. I LIKE THESE PLACES! Also, I am set for a massage with a woman I have often heard about. Yanna Hoos.
It will be a healing as well as a little magic sprinkled here and there.
More later.
My week away... in the Golden Bay of NZ
Chapter 1
I seem to have a problem with dates and times. I told everyone I was booked to leave on the Wed. 10Th of Feb.
NOT SO. Wed. was wrong... the 10Th was Thurs. Okay, I suffered some embarrassments, but survived.
Michael, Anne and I got up round 7 AM on Thurs. the 10Th and began our drive to CH CH by 10: 30 AM. The morning was 'out of the box' as Kiwi's say. A perfect day.
We all were Chatting away in route to Cromwell. Stopped for coffee and snacks. Continue driving... all is going along like gold... stopped in places and old towns we had not been in for years.
Not too many changes... except we park the car slower, get out of the car slower and stand around pointing at sights. DROVE INTO Christchurch. Mind you, this city endured a horrendous earth quake only a couple of months ago! San Francisco type thing. I had made accommodations at Latimer Square. The Latimer Hotel. OMG, we did not have our very old and battered road map in the car! We found it. Nice room. $150.00 NZD for the night.
That included a breakfast. Got settled in, then drove to the car park near the famous Cathedral and began looking for a place to eat. I spied the HERITAGE. This was originally an old government building that we have observed gradual changes into an amazing place full of pent houses, spas and other botiques and it has an amazing restaurant. I SAID I WILL BUY DINS, we are going there.
Had a fantastic meal. Walked about the square and back to the motel. I had to catch a flight into Nelson mid morning. Not a problem. I had my small suit case, and back pack. Hell, we had lost the map we purchased that morning... I could only remember years past the names of roads that lead to the CHCH International Air Port. Well, we saw a van moving fast with stickers claiming it was and airport van... FOLLOW IT! we did. Then began looking for any roadside signs that had an air plane... made it to the airport we all know... but, the damn place is under major redevelopment. Alas! we drive around and around. Finally parked and discoverd DOMESTIC FLIGHTS.
I had a 50 min. plane ride into Nelson. The Nelson Air Port is very old fashioned. I had a couple of hours before the Able Tasman bus was to pick me up and drive me to Takaka. I had a nice sandwich, read my book, wrote in my journal, even took a light nap... NO BUS NO BUS NO BUS NO BUS... I called the Queenstown Information Center. The damn bus forgot to pick me up at the airport. Well, it cost them tons of money. It was not my fault. The Center said, DON'T MOVE. A TAXI WILL COLLECT YOU IN MINUTES AND DRIVE LIKE HELL TO A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL CONNECT WITH THE BUS... Okay. Sure enough a taxi arrives the driver shouting my name. My original bus ticket was $30.00 it cost the bus lines $122.00 for the Taxi because of their major screw up. We connected.
Rode on the bus to Takaka. When I boarded the bus there were no seats open except for one. A lovely young girl from England patted the seat beside her and said "WELCOME". We chatted away and everything was flowing... then we began the steep ride and narrow curves up the mountains... she lost it and puked like old faithful. I helped her clean up. What an ordeal.
Driving through farms lands, mountains and most of all peaceful valleys finally made it into Takak. There was one of my soul mates Rutha waiting with open arms and her beater truck.
We drove like hell to the Sans Souci Inn where she works as a WOOFER. Sun was beginning to set over the Tasman Sea. I got into my room. (pictures are on the my blog) took a shower, poured a Pino Noir and laid my things out before dinner.
Walked onto the beach at sunset. OMG! From there into the dinning room and had a delicious meal. Roast beef with all the trimmings.... you think there are no trimmings on a perfect roast beef dinner? GO EAT AT SANS SOUCI INN.
Rutha was my Table Attendant. After dins, I walked to my room. She met me and we sat outside on the patio with a candle,
bottle of the most divine wine and talked until the wee hours of the morning. She had my room set up with a plunger for coffee, the most beautiful bar of soap, extra towels, fruit in a bowl from the trees in the garden...
Slept like a baby in heaven... next morning, awoke made my coffee in the French Press, took a shower, had a lovely breakfast, a gentle walk on the beach and then we started the truck for a hike...
LATER.
I seem to have a problem with dates and times. I told everyone I was booked to leave on the Wed. 10Th of Feb.
NOT SO. Wed. was wrong... the 10Th was Thurs. Okay, I suffered some embarrassments, but survived.
Michael, Anne and I got up round 7 AM on Thurs. the 10Th and began our drive to CH CH by 10: 30 AM. The morning was 'out of the box' as Kiwi's say. A perfect day.
We all were Chatting away in route to Cromwell. Stopped for coffee and snacks. Continue driving... all is going along like gold... stopped in places and old towns we had not been in for years.
Not too many changes... except we park the car slower, get out of the car slower and stand around pointing at sights. DROVE INTO Christchurch. Mind you, this city endured a horrendous earth quake only a couple of months ago! San Francisco type thing. I had made accommodations at Latimer Square. The Latimer Hotel. OMG, we did not have our very old and battered road map in the car! We found it. Nice room. $150.00 NZD for the night.
That included a breakfast. Got settled in, then drove to the car park near the famous Cathedral and began looking for a place to eat. I spied the HERITAGE. This was originally an old government building that we have observed gradual changes into an amazing place full of pent houses, spas and other botiques and it has an amazing restaurant. I SAID I WILL BUY DINS, we are going there.
Had a fantastic meal. Walked about the square and back to the motel. I had to catch a flight into Nelson mid morning. Not a problem. I had my small suit case, and back pack. Hell, we had lost the map we purchased that morning... I could only remember years past the names of roads that lead to the CHCH International Air Port. Well, we saw a van moving fast with stickers claiming it was and airport van... FOLLOW IT! we did. Then began looking for any roadside signs that had an air plane... made it to the airport we all know... but, the damn place is under major redevelopment. Alas! we drive around and around. Finally parked and discoverd DOMESTIC FLIGHTS.
I had a 50 min. plane ride into Nelson. The Nelson Air Port is very old fashioned. I had a couple of hours before the Able Tasman bus was to pick me up and drive me to Takaka. I had a nice sandwich, read my book, wrote in my journal, even took a light nap... NO BUS NO BUS NO BUS NO BUS... I called the Queenstown Information Center. The damn bus forgot to pick me up at the airport. Well, it cost them tons of money. It was not my fault. The Center said, DON'T MOVE. A TAXI WILL COLLECT YOU IN MINUTES AND DRIVE LIKE HELL TO A PLACE WHERE YOU WILL CONNECT WITH THE BUS... Okay. Sure enough a taxi arrives the driver shouting my name. My original bus ticket was $30.00 it cost the bus lines $122.00 for the Taxi because of their major screw up. We connected.
Rode on the bus to Takaka. When I boarded the bus there were no seats open except for one. A lovely young girl from England patted the seat beside her and said "WELCOME". We chatted away and everything was flowing... then we began the steep ride and narrow curves up the mountains... she lost it and puked like old faithful. I helped her clean up. What an ordeal.
Driving through farms lands, mountains and most of all peaceful valleys finally made it into Takak. There was one of my soul mates Rutha waiting with open arms and her beater truck.
We drove like hell to the Sans Souci Inn where she works as a WOOFER. Sun was beginning to set over the Tasman Sea. I got into my room. (pictures are on the my blog) took a shower, poured a Pino Noir and laid my things out before dinner.
Walked onto the beach at sunset. OMG! From there into the dinning room and had a delicious meal. Roast beef with all the trimmings.... you think there are no trimmings on a perfect roast beef dinner? GO EAT AT SANS SOUCI INN.
Rutha was my Table Attendant. After dins, I walked to my room. She met me and we sat outside on the patio with a candle,
bottle of the most divine wine and talked until the wee hours of the morning. She had my room set up with a plunger for coffee, the most beautiful bar of soap, extra towels, fruit in a bowl from the trees in the garden...
Slept like a baby in heaven... next morning, awoke made my coffee in the French Press, took a shower, had a lovely breakfast, a gentle walk on the beach and then we started the truck for a hike...
LATER.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
More of Golden Bay NZ
The past set of photos were of: A delicious evening dinner at the San Souci Inn. Venison. Next, me on our first walk. Next a wonderful Euctalyptus tree releasing it's skin. Rutha with her spray painted 1986 pick up... my wonderful room at SSI.
My week away... in the Golden Bay of NZ
I will be writing stories upon stories about my adventure. Amazing insights, gorgeous weather and far too much food. Wonderful walks and most of all being pampered to living death by Rutha, one of dearest friends. Enjoy some of the photos.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Things that do not SPEAK
I just took a photo of my window in my studio.
It is after ten PM and things are becoming darker... These plants are HAPPY!
They live inside a small space that has music playing... COLORS dancing... beautiful scents as well as other herbs and plants thriving on all the surroundings... the drapes behind their arms and hands are orange, red, yellow, lime, and gold crossed with a silver tinge or certain tones one gets from a sunset.
A friend in Alpine, years ago gave me a priceless book. It was about how to grow anything green. I have used the data in that book ever since. At the time she gave me the book her husband had suddenly died. She also picked up the fact I was growing Hen's Bane in my gardens behind my restaurant. Hell, I thought they were gorgeous things... NOT SO: POISON!
If I had been a really good Hippie type boy, or a true farmer I would have grown something worth while... like: DOPE, HERBS for my KITCHEN... no, I grew Hens BANE!
Vikki set me straight...(well not really straight, but on the right road) and we got rid of the poison. I let the gardens go to wrack and ruin. She did help me plant some lovely bulbs that were very exotic... lillies or certain genre and other such things. Well they still thrive and live. People to this day photos of the Oriental Lillies.
Can't live without the plants and pets. THEY SPEAK TO ME IN A LANGUAGE NO ONE WOULD EVER UNDERSTAND except:
J.-Allen Boone. That man is amazing. I only learned about him through another dear friend that is to in tune with pets...
Debbie I will forever be grateful. (She is also a star-seed woman of endless understanding and love.)
I have my trip to the Gold Coast of NZ all planned. I will take you there with me via a camera and my legs.
To think a year ago, I could not do this... two years ago I was for dead... to think I am happy and healthy because of my pets and plants is an enormous stretch of the mind... but I like it.
Love everything you have ever touched, breathed or loved, hated or best of all been involved with!
More later.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Personality
Along with every thing else that is going on I found this site that is quite amazing. You answer questions then it gives you a description of your personality type. Wanna know me... this is absolutely the truth! AHHHHHhhhhhhh!
www.personalitypage.com/html/INFJ.html
www.personalitypage.com/html/INFJ.html
Sunday, January 23, 2011
NEW youtube
I've had a strange day. I woke up feeling depressed and my hands ached like holy hell! Worked out at the gym, had a wonderful lunch at Hamill's in Frankton, then home to prepare for a big party we are having at the house tomorrow afternoon. I have quite a bit of food to prepare as well as make sure my end of this house is clean and the gardens are looking like a perfect picture of bliss.
I decided to plant my butt in my desk chair and watch something on my computer like: my youtube site. LOOOOO and BEEEEE
HOLD I have a new piece I composed uploaded! I hit the play button and was over come with how beautiful my engineer does his magic with my music!!!!!!!!!! I had not checked my e mails so I had no clue about this gift!
Kahlil's Dream is in honor of Kahilil Gibran and his book the PROPHET. I wrote this during a strange time in my life. It seemed that nothing could balance my thoughts and most of my mood swings. I began reading The Prophet over and over again... it has forever worked for me since I was 14 years old.
Enjoy.
I decided to plant my butt in my desk chair and watch something on my computer like: my youtube site. LOOOOO and BEEEEE
HOLD I have a new piece I composed uploaded! I hit the play button and was over come with how beautiful my engineer does his magic with my music!!!!!!!!!! I had not checked my e mails so I had no clue about this gift!
Kahlil's Dream is in honor of Kahilil Gibran and his book the PROPHET. I wrote this during a strange time in my life. It seemed that nothing could balance my thoughts and most of my mood swings. I began reading The Prophet over and over again... it has forever worked for me since I was 14 years old.
Enjoy.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
A PERFECT SUMMER DAY!!!
This morning my neighbor was taking his boat out fishing on the lake. He invited me to go along. What a morning. One could not dream of a more perfect summer day.
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest fresh water lake in New Zealand. The water is freezing beyond belief.
Being on the water this morning was a euphoric feeling of joy and freedom. I spent a little over an hour on the lake and then had John let me off at the dock in the village.
From there I took myself to a fabulous lunch at Solera Vino a tiny French Cafe. I had a table at the open window. When I am in Queenstown having a day like to day I can imagine being any where on planet earth. Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Europe, South America... Simply watching people walk up and down the narrow street outside the cafe window!
I eat at this restaurant every month. I always sense the spirit of Debussy, Ravel, Monet, and so many of the great painters, poets and philosophers who were French and I know they also spent time in cafes with narrow walks made out of stone and gorgeous people passing by. No doubt many were inspired to create some amazing art as they ate and drank in such energy filled spaces. Possibly this is one reason I love New Orleans?
After doing some quick shopping at the market I walked home. I have been kissed by the sun today. I spent the rest of the day at my keyboard and in the garden reading. Life is beautiful. Tonight the sky will be filled with billions of galaxies and a kazillion stars! I'll take a moon bath. When I am alone under the night sky I talk to everyone I have ever known that crossed over to the other side of time within my lifetime.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Chinese One Arm One Leg Ballet...
I cannot seem to upload the site to my blog. This will touch a place in your hearts beyond words, music, or reason... Why are we so unkind to each other? LOVE is indestructible. Type in a you-tube search for the Chinese Ballet one arm one leg... enjoy.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Eve in Queenstown, NZ
It is going on to 10 something in the evening... The air is full of people sounds. Laugher, conversation, music, motor boats, skate boards, shoes and feet walking on gravel... beer cans being flipped open, cars being started, dogs speaking to the night sky, young children screaming with laughter... wood being chopped for fires, lots of yaaaa hooosss... the new year will happen in a couple of hours, then the fire works... QT goes out for the fire works. (Like USA, they have a great thing with China... China makes some amazing fire works.) China makes fire works for New Years Eve in the Southern Hem... but loans the USA billions of dollars so we can fight useless wars... depends on how you view oil and it's value.
Very soon USA will have to pay back the BIG GUYS and when they cannot do it... well.... those that have been loyal to Asia will survive. It is very simply to figure out. We blasted the hell out of Japan, we destroyed what was once Vietnam and Cambodia and Guam and the list goes on and on... Karma is a dangerous energy.
I made a gorgeous dinner. Cucumber sandwiches, Spanish Olives, Red Beets in Brine, Brie Cheese broiled on French Bread, Baked beans, three kinds of cheese, crackers, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Salmon, my very own mayonnaise made with fresh mint and dill,
Cadbury Black Forest Chocolate... Fruit Cake, and coffee... I had three wines...
At the stoke of 12 I will wish everything and everyone I have or will love all the happiness in the universe. See you all soon.
Very soon USA will have to pay back the BIG GUYS and when they cannot do it... well.... those that have been loyal to Asia will survive. It is very simply to figure out. We blasted the hell out of Japan, we destroyed what was once Vietnam and Cambodia and Guam and the list goes on and on... Karma is a dangerous energy.
I made a gorgeous dinner. Cucumber sandwiches, Spanish Olives, Red Beets in Brine, Brie Cheese broiled on French Bread, Baked beans, three kinds of cheese, crackers, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Salmon, my very own mayonnaise made with fresh mint and dill,
Cadbury Black Forest Chocolate... Fruit Cake, and coffee... I had three wines...
At the stoke of 12 I will wish everything and everyone I have or will love all the happiness in the universe. See you all soon.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The meaning of love...
Years ago, which seems like eons ago to my way of thinking... a piano teacher of mine told me something I had forgotten until the past couple of years! (do not doubt what your mind has imprinted and recorded... everything from your past will come back to haunt you.)
He said: Love is indestructible. Only the ARROGANCE of one's EGO can presume that LOVE REQUIRES PROTECTION! (I was 15)
He was 100% right as far as my own lifetime. I have had some amazing incidents happen this past year that PROVE his point. I will not go into details because the details ONLY BELONG TO ME, but so many things from my past, many many years ago came to life this past year in phone calls, letters, and events that I NEVER DREAMED WOULD EVER OCCURR.
Some of the people that contacted me were from my teen years. They were in the process of dying. Some were trying to link up with some sort of bliss from years ago. I only know that I forgive, and that I hope and pray I am forgiven and still loved by many people.
Love is a strange and magical energy. We are created OUT OF IT'S PASSION.
He said: Love is indestructible. Only the ARROGANCE of one's EGO can presume that LOVE REQUIRES PROTECTION! (I was 15)
He was 100% right as far as my own lifetime. I have had some amazing incidents happen this past year that PROVE his point. I will not go into details because the details ONLY BELONG TO ME, but so many things from my past, many many years ago came to life this past year in phone calls, letters, and events that I NEVER DREAMED WOULD EVER OCCURR.
Some of the people that contacted me were from my teen years. They were in the process of dying. Some were trying to link up with some sort of bliss from years ago. I only know that I forgive, and that I hope and pray I am forgiven and still loved by many people.
Love is a strange and magical energy. We are created OUT OF IT'S PASSION.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
bits a pieces about cooking...
My restaurant, "BRENTHOVEN'S is one of the many precious creations. I have not a clue why, but the past year many people would ask me where, how, when, for what reason I seriously took up the art of cooking! (I am not a graduate of some fancy culinary school... such as...)
One day, possibly one day I will write a short story about how, when, and why!
Most often a necessity demands we learn a certain truth or we discover a GIFT we had no knowledge was dwelling within our DNA / RNA.
When I was in my 20's and 30's I was literally a "vagabond". I drifted around the planet... making music and my music always took me to places and people I needed to see and fall in love with. When I could not find a job playing the piano I would become hungry... well go figure. I am rather dumb, but not stupid. If there was a job where there was food I would eat. Washing dishes, waiting on tables, prep work was never above my LOFTY STANDARDS.
I had some unfortunate circumstances occur once when I was traveling to San Francisco California. I ended up outside of Elko Nevada. I truly was in a mess. (If you have ever watched BAGDAD CAFE, the original movie... well I was there in 1969-70) I came upon a truck stop cafe... pale green paint on cinder blocks......... a sign in the window. "Prep and night-time cook needed. Apply inside." You must understand in the 60's and 70's truck stops and truck drivers were not as fat and homely as today! SORRY. In fact, they were most kind and would help you get to places you had to get to!
I walked in and talked with the head chef. He would be my age now!!! He was a drunk. I watched this man pour a water glass full of vodka every morning at 6:00 AM and drink it before 8:15 AM and still be able to stand on his feet and pour another full glass of VODAKA... He lived behind the cafe in a small trailer with a American Indian woman. She was very nice and had gorgeous hair. He was as kind as any father could be.
I knew NOTHING about a grill, and all the other equipment inside a restaurant. This man showed me everything I actually know to this day. He was a kind and most generous person. I fried and cooked over 300 eggs on that damn grill alone one morning, but mind you, I was young, dumb and full of adrenaline. I LOVED ADVENTURE and to top it off I DID IT.
He showed me how to make sauces. Beranaise, Hollandaise, white sauce, brown sauces, cook a steak, fry eggs, boil potatoes and most of all the fact: FOOD IS SACRED. It absorbs your emotions. If, you are hateful the food will taste like shit! (his very words.)
Well, I ate and drank extremely well and made it to San Francisco in one piece and with a lot confidence. This man had cooked in some very fine restaurants from NYC to CALIFORNIA. I know he is long gone from this planet, but he watches over me.
Here are some simple things he taught me.
1. Use ONLY kitchen scissors to cut bacon or other meats into thin strips.
2. Freeze overripe bananas in plastic and use them for shakes, cakes, muffins and pancakes.
3. A MOUTHFUL of WATER or a SILVER TEASPOON held inside your mouth will cut the tears when cutting onions.
4. Always rub olive oil around a pot before boiling pasta
5. Always put a TEASPOON of Sea Salt in a pot of water when boiling eggs. Keeps the shells from cracking.
6. Only use REALLY GOOD CHEF KNIVES. Crush the sides of a garlic bulb, so as to peel the skin from the garlic.
7. Freeze left over wines, Red or White in Ice Cube trays for sauces etc. then use them in soups etc.
8. Never whip an egg white unless it is at room temperature.
9. A small pinch of Baking Soda will make mashed potatoes lighter and fluffy.
10. NEVER EVER PUT HONEY IN THE COOLER! The honey will loose it's texture.
11. All SPICES MUST be stored in a dark, cook cupboard. Otherwise they loose their flavor.
12. Proofing bread dough. Place the bowl in a sink of warm, NOT HOT water... and DO NOT let the plastic wrap touch the
water! It works. (These were the days restaurants made their own breads)
13. If a soup is salty ADD CHUNKS OF RAW POTAOE. The Potato will absorb a hell of a lot of the salt. (simply never add the
salt until the end of the TASTING process.)
14. Honey or raw lemon juice will save all fruits from turning brown.
15. Before grating cheese. (Mind you, we used to grate it with a grater.) Put the grater in the freezer for a few MINUTES. The
cold metal will not allow the cheese to stick to the grater.
16. He used to INSIST that putting potatoes end up in cup cake pans and baking them cut the baking time in half. Well, I have
not always found that to be true. But he was the BOSS!
17. Put Walnuts in the water when boiling cabbages. It keeps the stink inside the room at a nothing degree.
18. ALWAYS pour red wine over hamburger, steaks etc. keeps them moist and tender.
Then of course was his last rule: Put a slug of alcohol into anything too dry, red wine makes a store/distributor purchased pasta sauce lose and it will loose it's MANUFACTURED FLAVOR... like he always poured RUM over certain cakes!
I am not condemning his techniques. They work. Over the many years of cooking I learned things on my own. Blessings as it were from my parents, grandparents... and other ghosts. People that have passed on many years before me but lived in my DNA... Oh, one last thing! Always wrap CELERY in FOIL. It will keep it crisper. Most of all know you will not live very long without food and it is a blessing from the green planet we live within and upon. We only live on the crust of this amazing orb.
Will write after New Years unless I get anxious and need to vent about something! Happy eating and most of joyous cooking.
One day, possibly one day I will write a short story about how, when, and why!
Most often a necessity demands we learn a certain truth or we discover a GIFT we had no knowledge was dwelling within our DNA / RNA.
When I was in my 20's and 30's I was literally a "vagabond". I drifted around the planet... making music and my music always took me to places and people I needed to see and fall in love with. When I could not find a job playing the piano I would become hungry... well go figure. I am rather dumb, but not stupid. If there was a job where there was food I would eat. Washing dishes, waiting on tables, prep work was never above my LOFTY STANDARDS.
I had some unfortunate circumstances occur once when I was traveling to San Francisco California. I ended up outside of Elko Nevada. I truly was in a mess. (If you have ever watched BAGDAD CAFE, the original movie... well I was there in 1969-70) I came upon a truck stop cafe... pale green paint on cinder blocks......... a sign in the window. "Prep and night-time cook needed. Apply inside." You must understand in the 60's and 70's truck stops and truck drivers were not as fat and homely as today! SORRY. In fact, they were most kind and would help you get to places you had to get to!
I walked in and talked with the head chef. He would be my age now!!! He was a drunk. I watched this man pour a water glass full of vodka every morning at 6:00 AM and drink it before 8:15 AM and still be able to stand on his feet and pour another full glass of VODAKA... He lived behind the cafe in a small trailer with a American Indian woman. She was very nice and had gorgeous hair. He was as kind as any father could be.
I knew NOTHING about a grill, and all the other equipment inside a restaurant. This man showed me everything I actually know to this day. He was a kind and most generous person. I fried and cooked over 300 eggs on that damn grill alone one morning, but mind you, I was young, dumb and full of adrenaline. I LOVED ADVENTURE and to top it off I DID IT.
He showed me how to make sauces. Beranaise, Hollandaise, white sauce, brown sauces, cook a steak, fry eggs, boil potatoes and most of all the fact: FOOD IS SACRED. It absorbs your emotions. If, you are hateful the food will taste like shit! (his very words.)
Well, I ate and drank extremely well and made it to San Francisco in one piece and with a lot confidence. This man had cooked in some very fine restaurants from NYC to CALIFORNIA. I know he is long gone from this planet, but he watches over me.
Here are some simple things he taught me.
1. Use ONLY kitchen scissors to cut bacon or other meats into thin strips.
2. Freeze overripe bananas in plastic and use them for shakes, cakes, muffins and pancakes.
3. A MOUTHFUL of WATER or a SILVER TEASPOON held inside your mouth will cut the tears when cutting onions.
4. Always rub olive oil around a pot before boiling pasta
5. Always put a TEASPOON of Sea Salt in a pot of water when boiling eggs. Keeps the shells from cracking.
6. Only use REALLY GOOD CHEF KNIVES. Crush the sides of a garlic bulb, so as to peel the skin from the garlic.
7. Freeze left over wines, Red or White in Ice Cube trays for sauces etc. then use them in soups etc.
8. Never whip an egg white unless it is at room temperature.
9. A small pinch of Baking Soda will make mashed potatoes lighter and fluffy.
10. NEVER EVER PUT HONEY IN THE COOLER! The honey will loose it's texture.
11. All SPICES MUST be stored in a dark, cook cupboard. Otherwise they loose their flavor.
12. Proofing bread dough. Place the bowl in a sink of warm, NOT HOT water... and DO NOT let the plastic wrap touch the
water! It works. (These were the days restaurants made their own breads)
13. If a soup is salty ADD CHUNKS OF RAW POTAOE. The Potato will absorb a hell of a lot of the salt. (simply never add the
salt until the end of the TASTING process.)
14. Honey or raw lemon juice will save all fruits from turning brown.
15. Before grating cheese. (Mind you, we used to grate it with a grater.) Put the grater in the freezer for a few MINUTES. The
cold metal will not allow the cheese to stick to the grater.
16. He used to INSIST that putting potatoes end up in cup cake pans and baking them cut the baking time in half. Well, I have
not always found that to be true. But he was the BOSS!
17. Put Walnuts in the water when boiling cabbages. It keeps the stink inside the room at a nothing degree.
18. ALWAYS pour red wine over hamburger, steaks etc. keeps them moist and tender.
Then of course was his last rule: Put a slug of alcohol into anything too dry, red wine makes a store/distributor purchased pasta sauce lose and it will loose it's MANUFACTURED FLAVOR... like he always poured RUM over certain cakes!
I am not condemning his techniques. They work. Over the many years of cooking I learned things on my own. Blessings as it were from my parents, grandparents... and other ghosts. People that have passed on many years before me but lived in my DNA... Oh, one last thing! Always wrap CELERY in FOIL. It will keep it crisper. Most of all know you will not live very long without food and it is a blessing from the green planet we live within and upon. We only live on the crust of this amazing orb.
Will write after New Years unless I get anxious and need to vent about something! Happy eating and most of joyous cooking.
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