PENNY FOR THE GUY!

I know that I have used the expression before, but 'it was the best of times, it was the worst of times', and this week seemed to encompass this phrase, with the crescendo being the centenary of the signing of the Armistice on 11th November.  The war to end all wars, it was called.  "Until the next one", was not a phrase used then, although to continue the quote, "It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness".  To what age does the author refer?  Cynical? Me?

Work was erratic, and my schedule was being altered on a day to day basis.  It was the warmest week, it was the coldest week.  Monday saw the temperatures rising to the mid eighties.  It was the 5th of November, and I was wearing a t-shirt on my daily constitutional.   There were no fireworks, no talk of 'penny for the guy'.   Memories of my childhood flashed back to when we would stand outside the 'tube' station and collect money for whatever reason we saw fit, with our 'guy' in a push chair, or any cart with wheels.  It was always cold.  I would like to say we collected for charitable purposes, but I don't think that was our mindset back 'in the day'.  If I was to suggest that we put a 'guy' atop a bonfire and burned him, the reaction here would be one of horror.  "What guy.  Why would you do that to a guy?"  I can see the confusion now.  "Hey, you guys, watch out!"  I am sure, that the day before the mid-term elections, if I were to quote, "Remember, remember, the fifth of November, The gunpowder, treason and plot", coupled with the fact that I have just mentioned the abhorrent things we do to 'guys', there would be more than a few eyebrows raised.  However, I digress!  

Perhaps, at this time, it is pertinent to point out that Guy Fawkes was an infamous fellow in British history.  He took part in a plot to blow up the House of Lords, (in London) in the first decade of the seventeenth century, that was thwarted, and he was arrested and sentenced to death.  In commemoration of this failure, the 'Observance of 5th November Act, 1605', also known as the 'Thanksgiving Act' was passed, and  bonfires have been lit to honour the occasion ever since.  It is amazing what I learn when writing!  However, again, I digress! 

Dana and I took advantage of the 'buy one, get one', again on Monday, at Macgrill.  The place was virtually empty, and my attire was not questioned!  Despite the temperature, I was dressed in a suit and a hat.  (I could have passed for a guy...but the guy I could have passed for would not have been Mr. Fawkes!)  We were greeted with great enthusiasm by the hostess and a couple of wait staff who recognised us from previous visits.  Our meals arrived and I wondered if all the ingredients were on the edge of their 'sell by date' as our plates were virtually overflowing!  "There is enough there to take home and have tomorrow", commented our waitress.  "For lunch and dinner, for the rest of the week", I retorted!  I could not finish mine, but Dana, who was 'not really hungry' managed to remain a member of his 'clean plate club' once again, and demolished the pile of pasta bolognaise!

My plans for Tuesday morning did not involve cooking, but I failed miserably.  In fact, I failed twice! Advanced preparation for Wednesday night, as I was expecting guests, caused me to evaluate the contents of my fridge.  This has been a 'bad idea' since I had discovered that most things can be frozen, but some require 'action' before being deposited in the ice!  I found bananas.  These bananas had departed from their 'worse for wear' season, and were on the verge of becoming 'essence'.  I just had to make a banana loaf.  Unfortunately, I was hit with an epiphany as I put the ingredients in the mixer, and decided to make two cakes.  After all, although 'tomorrow is another day', it is also 'never promised'.  I continued that quote from the opening paragraph of the book that's title I have decided 'defines my life'.  A tale of cities!  "It was the best of times..., it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness".  I can assure you that the continuation of the quote (here or above)  has no political attributes.  It merely defines me, (in this instance) in my kitchen, with an oven that is ailing!  I did something that I have never done, and something that up until now I have decided that I should not attempt.  I made up a cake recipe!  It was a variation on a theme but I did not open a book but adapted a few ideas to make my very own coffee and walnut cake.  Wise or foolish?  I could hear my mother's voice, (it is amazing how she can be heard so often,) "Why would you change the recipe?"  However, with the cakes in the oven, it was now time to take on the task that I had planned to do, to wit, the very boring job of tidying the cupboard on the landing!  

Arriving at work a few minutes late, due to the cakes needing longer in the oven than I had time at home, with said delicacies on a rack to cool, I diverted Dana's attention with news that I had found some things he had been looking for!  I further diverted his attention with the offer of cake and coffee!  The coffee and walnut loaf was a success, as was the chocolate coffee banana bread.  The temperatures were still warm, and our walk at lunchtime was tougher than usual due to the humidity!


Joe did not get to partake of the goodies I prepared the previous day as I had left the wrapped parcel at work on Tuesday evening.  However, I made the trip across town, and back again to my nail salon, and then to the office.  I had stuffed peppers in one crock pot and lyonnaise potatoes in another.  I was not going to use my oven.  I failed again!  Swiss roll with lemon cream.  However, I was not going to bake any bread!  I felt quite happy with myself when I got home, and cleaned away the mess that I had made in the morning.  I had purchased a loaf, and was not needing to turn on the stove at all.  The text from Dana to say that we were expecting another person, however, threw me into a panic.  Would there be enough food?  Deep down, I knew there would, but the voice in my head, this time not my mother's, although I am sure she was the origin, said that I may not have any leftovers.  Whilst having no left overs is not a disaster, it is an indication, in my mind, that maybe there was not enough to start with.  It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. The answer was simple, I could make some macaroni cheese, but that would require a short burst on the hob!  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  With the stove working with me, I made the pasta, and put it in the second pot of three of my newest appliance.  Slow cookers are so versatile!  

The temperatures dropped overnight.  I did not have the luxury of being late on Thursday, as I had an appointment.  In fact we all had an appointment.  All of us being part of the 'y'all' that is used to describe between one and infinity in this part of the world.  I had won a spot at the 'meet and greet', and so had my daughter.  Unaware that she had even entered the contest, she was quite delighted.  We were each able to 'bring a friend'.  We asked Grant if he would like to join us.  The poor guy looked as if he was about to  be thrown on the metaphorical bonfire!  Perhaps, at this time, it is pertinent to point out that Grant had been 'thrown in the deep end' in more ways than one.  Firstly, certain aspects of his job had been neglected due to lack of man power, and he was playing 'catch-up' from day one, as well as learning the ropes, (and he has succeeded admirably,) and secondly he has had to deal with the 'dynamic duo', to wit, my daughter and myself.  He thinks we share a brain as if Samantha says, 'Go on, ask her', and I have not been privy to the conversation, I always know what to say.   He finds our humour very amusing, but he finds us both fascinating and terrifying at the same time!  Digression aborted!

Grant accepted the invitation to be a 'plus one', and on Thursday morning Samantha drove us to the radio station. As we were driving, Dean Lewis started to croon over the airwaves.  "This is who we are going to see", said my daughter to her passenger.  Grant was slightly impressed.  We arrived at the studio, and were told to help ourselves to breakfast tacos.  Grant was more impressed!  By the time the performance was over, Grant was amazed.  Samantha was less than impressed with me!  "Where's the accent from?" asked the Australian singer to Samantha.  She told him she was originally from England but had lived here for fourteen years.  He commented that her accent was still quite 'thick', and chatted for a few seconds.  Around the corner come I.  "Hi, I'm Dean", he said,  "I'm Tracie.  I'm her mum!"  Why I said it I know not.  Not a quote from the age of wisdom!  Dean, bless him, was very gracious.  He asked me where in England I was from, and said that he had been to a recording studio in Hitchin.  Was I from anywhere near there.  I told him that it was in Hertfordshire so, yes, it was. He seemed to be quite pleased. I continued talking while they took a picture! "Grant is my dad's name.  Good name", he said to our 'plus one'.  This was the icing on the cake.  "Awesome", was the word Grant used over and over again on the way back.  "You guys do this all the time?" he said.  "When we are not on a bonfire", said I, again confusing the poor chap!  

After a detour to another radio station, where Samantha collected another prize,, again unaware that she had entered the contest, we got back to the office, and provided Dana with a couple of tacos from the studio.  We were all happy, uncharred, guys!

The couriers arrived mid morning with my stove on Friday.  The area for installation was clean, and the pathway clear.  The stove, however, was damaged.  I was somewhat disappointed. They took it back to the warehouse with the promise of another delivery between now and who knows when!  I returned to the office.  It was cold, wet and windy.  I pondered my opportunities for the long weekend, now that cooking would not be an option.  I had planned to experiment!  

I was left to my own devices on Saturday morning.  Samantha's father had arrived in town late Tuesday evening, and they were going to 'hit the mall' on Saturday.  An invitation was not issued to me although I was told I was welcome upon pretending to be disappointed.  Instead, I took myself off on a jaunt.  Although dry, the temperatures had dropped further, and I dressed accordingly.  It was an opportunity to wear my blue suede jacket and black knitted boots.  "Love the outfit.  You look like a female Willie Nelson", said one customer in the Dollar Tree.  I think it was the braids!  "She thinks I look like a guy", I said.  "On a bonfire?" came the response from need I say who!  One of the promoters in Costco commented on my poppy.  "Is that for Veteran's Day?" he asked. "Well..technically yes", I replied, appreciative of the fact that he acknowledged the symbol of remembrance.  "Like the hair", he said, "And the jacket!"  The jacket received several comments, and I was delighted.  "Where did you get it?" asked Dana.  I was unsure but I knew I probably paid as much for it as I spent in the Dollar Tree on my five items!  

Sunday morning was filled with offers.  Veterans were rewarded with free meals across town.  I thanked my husband for his military service as we headed out for breakfast.  I remembered my grandfather, the frail, cantankerous old man whom I loved, and whom at the age of 18 boarded a ship setting sail for France to fight in Flanders field, (with half a bottle of whiskey in his pocket, so if they were 'hit', he could go down without knowing a thing,) and silently thanked him for his military service.  I thanked my father-in-law whom I did not know, but who served his country for most of his adult life.  I watched the scenes from the Cenotaph in London, from the Arc De Triomphe in Paris, and gave thanks for my freedom.  I silently wailed at those who maintain they decry violence and then use violence and abuse against those with whom they disagree, and whose freedom to do so was paid for by so many lives, in Flanders and beyond.  It is the best of times, it is the worst of times.

I will end by once again expressing my appreciation today, and every day, for those who gave their lives, who gave me my freedom, and who continue to do both.  I applaud you with profound gratitude in this, and in ........... another story!