What a week it’s been, dismal days with lots of rain and even darker evenings with no electricity. Is this just the beginning, winter is coming.
Not wanting to be totally negative I’m going to try and rustle up a few ideas for no-cook meals, which I’ll share with you next week.
Lemon of the Week
Talk about leaving a sour taste in my mouth! Yes, I’m talking about Eskom. I, as well as many other citizens in the South, are already sick of load-shedding and the problems associated with it. I think this is only the beginning of a long dark tunnel with no light at the end. Planning lunch or dinner for family and friends can no longer happen. Twice over the past two weeks, I’ve been caught out with no electricity when going to entertain and had to dash out to buy a pre-cooked chicken and salad. Yes, I agree there’s nothing wrong with that, but I would have much preferred to stick to my original menu and the food I’d already taken time over choosing and buying.
No longer can I take for granted drying my hair, making a cup of tea/coffee, cooking dinner, switching on lights, watching TV or listening to music. And that’s only at home. Then driving to work or back with no traffic lights working and motorists irritated with long queues of traffic. The wet weather conditions haven’t helped this past week either and that’s actually another “lemon”. Why in countries that have rain for weeks on end do their traffic lights work? Failing infrastructure and crime is becoming the norm or actually IS the norm. Wake up SA, you are losing the battle and definitely young professionals who can no longer “afford” to live here for fear of a country failing them.
Bouquet of the Week
To the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officers who have been directing the traffic in the mornings and evenings on Michelle Avenue at the traffic light intersections. The traffic lights have been out of order now for over a week and I can tell you in a morning without these officers, it’s an absolute nightmare, doubling travelling time. Thank you and a huge thanks for still doing this job in the pouring rain. I, for one, really appreciate it.
Great buy
I saw a post on FaceBook which interested me greatly. A woman had managed to buy a light globe which charges while the light is switched on and when the power goes off your lamp will still shine. They are only a very small Watt though (four), but will definitely do as a back-up. They are R89.99 each and I know they are available at Pick n Pay Panorama Mulbarton and Steeledale, but I’m sure other Pick n Pay’s will have them too.
Delicious salads
With the loss of electricity probable, Checkers has some delicious new salad options (you can use it with your pre-cooked chicken or enjoy on its own).
Broccoli, cranberry and bacon salad: Broccoli with chickpeas, spinach, red onion and bacon in a creamy mayonnaise sauce topped with cranberries and toasted almond flakes.
Jalapeño and cheese salad: Penne pasta in a creamy jalapeño and pecorino sauce topped with roasted tomatoes, pickled chilli peppers, feta and spicy griller slices.
Potato and biltong salad: Roasted baby potatoes with a sour cream sauce, caramelised onions and biltong bits.
Halloumi, butternut and grain salad: Bulgar wheat and red quinoa with roasted butternut, grilled halloumi and a butter curry sauce.
*Some items may only be available at selected stores.
That’s it for this week. Shop till you drop (if the stores you plan on going to have their own generators).
Julie.
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