Saturday, April 11, 2026

Sunday Stealing: What We Don't Know

 Greetings from Auckland, where we're expecting a cyclone (hurricane) to hit in the next 12 hours. Oh what fun! I'm supposed to be going back to Australia tomorrow - but we will have to see whether the weather allows that to occur. It's a situation here that planes have to get in to get out. Fingers crossed, if not, I might be having an extra night here. Mind you, the people are lovely and the food is good. There are worse places to be stuck, and hopefully, it won't be too long. If the airline cancels you, they'have to get you back. I'm not that worried. As long as I get back safely. 

Anyway, here are this week's questions, brought to you, as always, by Sunday Stealing

1. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

No. Did I try this out? No - I've done that in the past. 

2. What foreign language did you study in school? How much of it do you still remember?

I studied French at school all the way through and into first year university. Since then, I've always tried to use it. I also have been on the Duolingo app for over three years, and I can proudly say, that though I'm not fluent, my French is very good. When in France, the French let me speak, gently correct my grammatical slips and encourage me to keep speaking French - which is nearly unheard of. Being humble and saying, "Pardonnez-moi, mon Francais est terrible. Je suis desole. Je suis Australienne," gets you a very long way. They don't mind Australians. The English and the Americans not so much. Getting along with the French is all about attitude. 

3. What recipe did you most recently prepare? Where did you get the recipe and how did it turn out?

I had to take something sweet to a barbeque last weekend. It was a long weekend. The shops were closed. I looked through the pantry. Thank goodness for RecipeTinEats. Nagi is a goddess. I made her easy peanut butter cookies. A cup of peanut butter, a cup of brown sugar and an egg. Mixed the three together, roll up into balls and bake for 10 minutes. They went down a treat. 

4. What song have you listened to over and over and over again?

As I'm in New Zealand, the song of the day is a Kiwi song that I have on regular rotation. I used to live about The Thompson Twins nanny in London in the 90's. I have lots of songs on regular rotation in my head. 

5. Are there currently any pets in your household? Are you considering adding another? 

I have a lovely black cat named Lucifer (who is staying with a friend while I'm away, much to his chagrin) who is a very solitary cat and very happy to be an only child. Given the opportunity, I would have ALL the cats. But Lucifer and I kick along well - although there will be hell to pay when I get home to Australia, whenever that may be. 

6. As an adult, have you ever performed with a drama group? (Student productions don't count.)

Yes. I was part of a drama group when I lived in London. To this day, I am still an overgrown theatre kid and frustrated actor on the inside. It's good fun. Good for confidence. 

Today's song:



5 comments:

Roger Owen Green said...

Good luck on your Lucifer reunion tour!

Lisa said...

I hope your flight isn't cancelled and you are able to get home safely. I need to make those peanut butter cookies and take them to work - what an easy recipe!

The Gal Herself said...

My cat Connie is currently wearing The Cone, post-op. I suspect that, like your Lucifer, she is planning her revenge.

Plastic Mancunian said...

Hi Pand,

I would love to go to New Zealand - one day maybe.

You are right about the French being a little antsy with Brits. Last time I was there I was openly called a "Rosbif" and I've kind of grasped "oh les anglais" with a roll of the eyes. That said, I still like the French (I don't bear grduges) and I think as long as you try to speak French they forgive you. It's helped by the fact that Mrs PM's French is exceelent and had she heard the "rosbif" quip, she would have intervened and probably said "Please don't call us that!". Maybe next time I will pretend to be Australian.

:o)

Cheers

PM

Kwizgiver said...

I hope the storm isn't too severe. And that Lucifer behaves when you reunite.