Who says tofu is boring--take a look!

Many people say that tofu is boring; the realm of hippies or health freaks. I don't give a stuff about those labels: all I know is that it is a healthy, tasty dish and hey---it's so damn cheap--that's got to be a plus. So---how does one cook it so that it is -----appealing?' OK---slice it into slabs as pictured and marinade it for an hour or so in your favourite sauces. I used, Sweet chilly, black bean and some extra oil. Now, while that is marinading, chop up some veggies. It so happens In had some mushroom, red pepper and some yellow courgette from my garden. Add some slat, pepper, sesame oil and herbs from the garden (OK--sue some dried herb mix). Now---light the BBQ and stick the veggies in a little tray and let them cook. Cook the marinaded tofu in the marinade on the BBQ--I used one of those Teflon strips. Look at the pictures---words are not needed!

Chocolate covered ice-creams on a stick can be a pain in the arse--hello summer!

Picture the following scenario: You have had a wonderful day, walking the dog, a bit of house work,(OK, I am lying about that one!) cooked a nice dinner, or reheated yesterday's creation and you decide to have one of those ice-creams you were hiding at the back of the freezer; you know ones--those delectable chocolate covered gold mines of creamy sensationally flavoured dollops on a stick. You pull the wrapping paper gently open and take your first bite. You are focusing on the TV as it relates the days events and carry on, not noticing the large chunk of chocolate coating that fallen off, depositing itself on your lap, only to be noticed later. Yes, you do catch on that half the coating has disappeared and utter a few favourite expletives. Later you see the stain from the bit that escaped; the bit that left a nasty stain on your nice new T-shirt. Damn I hate the way this always happens. Was this always so, or am I just a little bit more wayward in the way I consume the said product? Is it that I eat it differently--faster, slower--who knows? This dilemma needs immediate research. This conundrum of satiety not realized, simply because half the coating drops off---is a research project in the making. Put the effort into that instead of trying to win the America's Cup, New Zealand. Use our resources sensibly and bring about the peace we so surely desire! Now--I better chuck the T-shirt in the wash. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Onehunga Bay stingrays pay a heavy price for tide gates that are not functioning?

On my morning walk around the 'bay,' I was met with a very sad scene. I am sure many of you have read my blogs and seen news reports about 'the Ray at the Bay,' swimming freely, delighting the visitors and locals as it frolicked on the mudflats. It was a point of discussion; for families, for the regulars, who varied in their opinions as to how safe it was for their dogs and kids, but for the most part, the ray was seen as a 'positive.' My first big shock was the actual death, but it was not one ray---it was at least four, stranded and helpless, dying a slow death, as the water receded. WHY now? OK, there are several theories but the commonality is that the water was at a King Tide last night, meaning that the balancing low tide was equally extreme. The water was still going our=t when I visited this morning and it is not often that nearly ALL of the mudflats are exposed. It is my belief (and that is open to challenge) that the Council is able to conation an amount of water in the bay, whenever it wants. It does so for special events but with the work going on, in the bay and on the other side of the motorway, it seems that this has not happened. This is not a blame game, but the question needs to be asked---could this 'vision of nature at its best,' not been saved? Did these creatures have to die, simply because 'people' who brought about a system where the gates controlled the water flow and natural tide ebb, need to die because this situation had not been foreseen? The feeling this morning was one of sadness. Very few people were silent on the matter. I loved the way families explained to their children about these magnificent beasts, about the obvious connections to Steve Irwin and how there is always an other side to 'viewing' these animals, about nature in general, the wider 'big picture,' that nature represents. For the future--well more rays will come, seeking the 'rewards' of the bay and delight us again, but how about we make sure they have access--in and out of the bay. I have enjoyed the last few months and had many conversations with people. I hope we see new arrivals very soon, but please Council, sort out the 'gates.' www.authorneilcoleman.com

Saudi King's 'younger' brother takes the throne---he's only 79!

So the King is dead, to be succeeded by his younger brother. Apparently there are quite a few more siblings, lining up to take their turn, once his 'new' majesty succumbs to the inevitable. The former king and now his replacement are aligned to the West, yet we often hear of rumblings within the kingdom, whereby various groups operate in a manner that is decidedly 'not pro-western;' not that I see that as a negative position. One suspects that things are not as simple as the likes of the USA and its allies would wish. For sure, the last of the 'Father of this nation's son,' will leave the scene too as they slowly 'leave this earth. What happens then, in this kingdom that has public beheadings, flogs its citizens for any utterances that are seen a against the 'religion.' It is on first appearances a 'modern nation,' but one with deep divisions and the potential to become the next 'basket case' Middle Eastern failed nation, for the moment held together by a vast security system that represses any opposition, and one that still keeps women very much in the background. As for foreign workers, especially those from poorer countries---well---they won't get a look in and they better keep their mouths shut! Guess I am not going there anytime soon. BUT---one wold hope that the people of Saudi Arabia gradually assert themselves, in ways that are sadly missing in its neighbours.

Orere Point, a new regional park and rainbow dolphins sighted on Onehunga Bay!

What a day!---so far, and there are quite a few hours to go. I started with a morning walk down at the 'bay, then off to pick up my sister, before heading off to check out the Orere Point Top Ten Holiday Park, with the view to assessing whether it could be a possibility to have a caravan; one which could include Perdy on my visits. We stopped at a little park in Clevedon, so Perdy could have a stretch and a swim in the river. She loved it and was ready to take on the world after her cool dip. We arrived at the Orere Point Holiday Park in the tiny settlement of Orere Point. In the past my brother and his partner had a caravan there and I have some fond memories of that, along with going to the 'Point' as a younger guy to visit my old mate, Phil Goff. I met the friendly 'Camp Mother,' Stephanie, who made me feel really welcome. It transpired that one needs to buy an existing caravan along with the attached decking and little extra building and pay a fee for each year. It is 'DOABLE!' I took Perdy for a walk around the well established grounds and visited the water hole. Perdy can swim there, except for January (and XMAS). I am very attracted to taking the next step. The beach is great, fishing and nearby attractions--all fit well with me, but I am a bit concerned that there is no cell phone signal that is reliable in the camp, but that will not stop me from going ahead. There is a net café, for want of a better word, so one doesn't need to feel totally 'separated.' I do need such services as I wish to spend a good deal of my 'down time,' wherever I go, writing and blogging. There may be ways around those issues. Here's hoping that the area gets a 'connection.' OK---time to take ,'her majesty,' Perdy not my sister, who has never claimed royal connections, to the beach. Perdy took one look and was off into the water, chasing he ball that I had not even thrown. However, events did eventually synchronise, and it was all on for a manic few minutes. She took a few dips in the fresh water in the river mouth and demanded I throw and cast until she said---'enough!' Time to leave. We said goodbye to the Point" and time will tell whether it is right for me. It is not yet decision time. On the way back to town, we stopped for lunch at Kawakawa Bay to have the packed lunch Janice had brought. Delicious! Then, on to discover a new Regional Park, just over the hill from Kawakawa Bay. What a 'picture in the painting;' fabulous views over the gulf. When it is finished, if ever such a work of nature is possible, then it will be a real jewel in the crown, of regional parks. We were back in he madness of Auckland before we knew it; the crazy motorway and then---tranquillity again, down at MY bay. The tide was fully in and yes---Perdy was once again playing 'mer-dog,' chasing her ball and the incredible rainbow dolphins! Don't believe me?--=-check out the picture. Go figure. What a wonderful world--if we se let it!

Back to work soon, but Kakamatua did it for Perdy and I today.

I am thinking that the Kakamatua Inlet is my place--just that bit different from my Bay. For starters, it is clean and isolated, with a clean stream running into the horseshoe bay, that faces the notorious Manukau Heads. Once Perdy and I headed through short bush walk, we felt we had entered another world; just a few people with their families----and dogs, strolling along the valley and bay. If you think dogs don't smile, just observe them at this fabulous place and I am dammed sure the answer will a resounding--YES! Today, we walked right to the end of the bay and crossed over the shoreline, that seems so close to the other side of the huge harbour. This is almost its narrowest point, the blue water Chanel probably hiding denizens of the deep. Once on the other side of the bay, we walked along the fresh water stream. By this time, my shoes were hanging around my neck and I was reminded of the fact that this was the closest I had come to a real swim. Hurry up and come back, Doug---we need to take some real dips! For Perdy--this was doggie heaven. She mixed it with a huge, but very young Red Nosed Pit-bull and made sure she was the boss. It was only when the big dog sat on her, which meant Perdy was under water that I saw the jack Russell hissy-fit taking place. All good---no issues and peace was immediate. I trudged along the shallow stream, the water was warm until we came upon slightly deeper pools. Perdy ran, swam, jumped, drank and chased the orange ball--the one she hates to lose. My thoughts strayed to the end of the week---work is just around the corner, but days like this are enough to recharge me, enthuse me and give that balance, so sorely needed to make it through another year. I love this place! I love it even more when I can share it with friends and family.

As part of my obsession------

I try to write at least one blog a day---=yes it is an obsession and I am sure you will agree that there are those that are far worse than mine. This is therefore my blog for what has been a perfect day with friends and family. www.authorneilcoleman.com