A camel of a week

It’s been a camel of a week! Specifically, it’s been a Camelus bactrianus of a week. Not that that is a bad thing, on the contrary, it’s a very good thing.

[maxbutton id=”10″ ]

Humpday times two

The Bactrian camel is found in Central Asia and is distinguished from the more common Dromedary camel by virtue of having two humps.

I’m assuming the slang term “hump day” is globally known. For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to Wednesday as the middle or the hump of the traditional Monday to Friday work week. After Wednesday, it’s a downhill ride to the weekend.

This year, at least in Australia and New Zealand, we had two humps in the week because Wednesday 25 April was Anzac day. Anzac day is a public holiday and a day when Australians and New Zealanders observe and remember the sacrifices made by men and women (and their families) who served in our defence forces. Traditionally, the day begins with a dawn service at war memorials around the two countries. This is followed by a march by service persons and relatives of deceased service persons. After the march, people may indulge in a drink of an alcoholic beverage and play a little two-up.

While it is a public holiday, and that means for the majority of people there is no need to attend their workplaces; I hope everyone did spend some time considering the meaning of the day and why we are free to observe it and to enjoy a day off work.

Like everything, there are haters, and there are haters of Anzac day. This year a person known as a comedienne and social commenter tweeted some of her thoughts about Anzac day. I disagree with her position, but I defend her right to an opinion. If it wasn’t for the actions of our defence forces, I wonder if this person would be able to express her opinion as freely as she can now.

I’ve attended a dawn service before but not in Canberra. I remember in Alice Springs, walking up Anzac Hill before sunrise and being surrounded by the crew of HMAS Arunta. It was remarkable being in the centre of Australia with sailors from a naval frigate (Anzac class). I remember it being very cold.

My Anzac day

I took advantage of an early start by going to Ricardo’s Cafe and Patisserie for breakfast. “Ricardo’s” is located in Jamison Plaza and it’s a popular eatery amongst locals. The big breakfast there is especially tasty.

Ricardo’s big breakfast

I only knew Ricardo’s would be open because of a post by Amelia from Eat Canberra.

I went for a walk around Lake Ginninderra to get a little exercise and then I did some work from home.

Most of the afternoon was spent watching House, MD while I had a piece of kangaroo meat in a water bath cooking by sous vide.

Funny blog news

I burst out laughing this morning when I saw someone had got to Yummy Lummy by searching for “fart pea soup”.

Favourite photographs this week

The weather on Saturday morning was great for a walk around Lake Ginninderra. It started a little cool but it warmed up pretty quickly.

What causes these marks?

Is it a borer or has a human done this?

I like that the Autumn colours are coming out despite the warmer than usual weather (not that I’m complaining about the warmth).

I have no idea if this calf belongs to this cow. All I know is when I see these bovines I think milk, cream, and steak.

What I ate this week

On Tuesday night I went to Otis Dining Room and enjoyed the chef’s degustation menu. No photographs, but the meal was really nice.

On Friday I asked via Twitter and Facebook whether Friday dinner should be meat-free or meaty. The overwhelming response was meaty.

Last night I made quinoa fried ‘rice’ with prawns and scallops. I really like my seafood and some stir-fried prawns and scallops are perfect for fried rice.

This is a photo gallery. Click on one image and then scroll through the photographs.

[envira-gallery id=”2154″]

What have I been watching?

I’ve recently started a rewatch of House, MD. As a kid I used to enjoy watching medicine related TV, especially shows about doctors. I remember Marcus Welby, MD, St Elsewhere, E.R., and Quincy.

I particularly like the character of Greg House. His sense of humour, his cynicism, his darkness, his pain, his flaws are all aspects which I find appealing.

I’m currently in season three. I’m not sure how long it will take to get through the entire series. I’m trying not to binge because binging doesn’t result in the creation of long-lasting memory. I’m trying to watch a few things and to create a better recall of episodes.

At the moment I’m rewatching Star Trek Enterprise and Star Trek Deep Space 9. I’m watching for the first time the TV series Hannibal and Parks and Recreation. I really find Hannibal Lecter appealing because of the care and attention he takes when preparing a meal, starting with the killing process and through the butchering and then the final meal preparation. The food videography is exquisite. I’m not that interested in the psychiatric aspects of the show and that probably reflects why I think Ron Swanson is the hero character of Parks and Recreation. I think I could easily just watch all the Ron bits stitched together.

[maxbutton id=”11″ ][maxbutton id=”12″ ][maxbutton id=”13″ ]

Final thoughts

I hope you have a good week. Catch you next weekend.

Australia Day long weekend