Laying It Down

I spent the day helping my neighbour prepare for her birthday (January 1) party which will begin tonight and end on a bright new morning in the New Year.  O' we were busy making chicken pastelles, roasted turkey and chicken along with fish covered with apples (that was a new one for me) and pork and dressed-up rice and cheesy baked potatoes and stir-fried veggies.  Add to that the previously prepared fish and beef pastelles, the cakes - sponge, black and fruity iced birthday cake and... and..  The woman just has too much food but if you're expecting about 60 people you need a lot.  :)).  It was nice giving of myself and knocking back a couple of vodkas and orange juice - just walked to the back yard and picked the oranges, fresh. So as 2010 grows old and I listen to the sound of fireworks going off, I can forget about my horrendus annus, the poor Trinidad and Tobago economy, the killings by gun and by vehicles and all that is bad in the world. As I wait to ring in the new y

Hello, hello, hello, What words of wisdom do you hold in mind and put to use? What words of advice would you pass on to another?  Want to share? Please do! Watching life go by as the taxi sped along the highway.  Actually I was praying to the good God that we get to our destination safely since 'boyfriend' was driving just a bit too fast for me. Anyway, I began to think of the phrases that stick in the mind and how much I've used the advice emanating from said phrases.  I was trying to think of the proverbial 10 phrases but these are what came to mind. 1. Walk with 'vex' money.       Do you remember this one?  It was first indoctrinated in me at age 13 by an older cousin.  I hear that there was even a calyspo with this line in it.  It relates to ensure that you have enough funds to depart a date if things aren't going well.  I've always taken it to mean that I should have some semblance of  financial independence at all times, even if that means tha

O' gosh have your felt the cool early morning breezes?  That cool, light, fresh-smelling breeze coming from the north, that brings a quivering to the nose and stirs up feelings which I cannot solidify into thought, which I cannot grasp but fills me with excitement down to my very toes and brings a big grin to my face because I know that Christmas is almost here! There are pastelles, sorrel and ginger beer and ponche de creme to make.  I need to add just a touch more cherry brandy to the already soaking fruits, soaking since last year, for that luscious black cake.  This year, a small ham and maybe just a turkey breast, reflecting the times.  O' yes, I must make garlic pork, even if it is only 1 pork chop I use.  Got to have fresh seasonings straight from Paramin and yes, the paranging, caroling and partying!  What fun!  Christmas is almost here! This year gifts will be spare but the desire to share is still there - something will happen, the kids in my life will definitely

Hello People, It's the flu season and I've got it.  You know, the achy, headachy, scratchy throat, stuffed nose, squealing ears feeling, that brings you back to babyhood where you want someone to make you hot tea - lime, sugar and a little rum, give you books to read and hug you up.    Mmh, I feel better just thinking about it.  So forgive me but I shan't  write much.  Only to say, " It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"  "I felt the Christmas breeze!  We Trinis know about that.  I'M EXCITED! Later