Damn the storm, the other day just about wrecked my constitution, my poor little 'cuzz” and I were wrapped around the gas fire, in my kennel on the Strand, when BOOM! The roof reverberated, and poor little Ady when she finally landed, looked at my ample girth, thinking that the resounding noise had origins in my stomach.

Obviously, she is spending too long in my company, I knew all along that the noise came from the opening salvo from the Chatham Islands Navy, as they were preparing to invade. Next thing you know someone opened up the sky, and out poured the most outrageous hail stones I have ever seen. This was pretty cool for us in front of the fire, but I feel a little sympathy for the bosses, who stupidly decided to go chasing fishes and wildlife around the harbour, leaving little cuzzie and I at home.
It's the only time I have applauded the boss man for leaving me behind, they by all accounts, had a great time, probably why they are now sniffling and sneezing and the rum bottle has taken a serious beating.
I would like to say that all you affected folks that felt the brunt of the hail from hell, are all in good spirits (if not check with the boss man, on which spirit to use) and are safe and well. Those big dark watery, 'sucky” things out at sea, had me a little worried, as I bet they could have sucked the fur of some of the bitches around here, and maybe I could harness one, to put in my manual on the best bitch pick up lines, mmmm got to be a story here.
On to better or bigger things, and no it is not Johnny boys water spout, but his 'Pud”, as the Aussie lad in Gate Pa has Steak and Kidney on special this week. Get along and see him, and all his helpful staff.
Get this pie made pronto, to warm the cockles of your heart.

'Steak and Kidney Pie'

Ingredients
2 beef kidneys (or 4 lamb or veal
kidneys)
3/4 lb round steak
Flour
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp oil
1 cup chopped onion
Hot water
1 Bay leaf
2 sprigs parsley
1 celery leaf top
1/2 cup mushrooms
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup cold water
Pastry for crust

Method
Preheat oven to 180C. Remove the skin and coarse parts from the kidneys. Wash in salted water and cut into 1 inch squares. Pound flour into round steak and cut into pieces. Combine flour, salt and pepper. Dredge kidneys in seasoned flour. Heat oil in heavy skillet and brown beef cubes on all sides. Add onion and kidneys and cook slowly until brown. Cover meats with hot water and add bay leaf, parsley and celery tops. Cover tightly and simmer for 1 hour. Remove meat to deep baking dish. Add mushrooms and carrots. Mix 2 heaping Tbsp flour with 1/2 cup water and add to pan liquor to thicken it. Pour over meat and vegetables and top with pastry crust. Bake for about 1 hour.

'Hot Toddy'

Ingredients
3 oz bourbon
3 whole cloves
1 thin slice lemon
1 oz sugar syrup
1 cinnamon stick
Nutmeg

Method
Add bourbon, cloves, lemon and sugar syrup to an Irish coffee mug and fill with boiling water. Add the cinnamon stick to the glass and sprinkle with nutmeg. (Note: brandy or schnapps are popular substitutes for whiskey.)

Alrighty folks, that's all from me this week, make sure you all take it easy out there, and remember to do it to them before they do it to you. Except of course, when it comes to hail and water spouts, when the best thing to do is stay in front of the fire.
Oooooops I almost forgot, a picture of me trapped in the depths of The Nasty Crevice. Now, I know it does not look that dangerous but be rest assured it's slippery and treacherous. And at 2 in the morning, with the boss yelling at you to come home, it is daunting to say the least.