02 Sep 21

The lockdown challange

We’ve been in lockdown more times than I have fingers on one hand and each time it seems to become more and more of a challenge.

The first lock down was a novelty but #6 seems to be dragging its heals getting longer and longer. Despite this I have managed to survive without moving about too much and dodging the disease with my trusty QR check-in scanner by my side. There are a lot of people in our community at different life stages that are running out of puff and ways to keep 1000% sane so I thought I'd send through a couple of my own 'doomsday prepper' tips on how I have been surviving these Covid winters.. PLEASE SEND IN YOUR LOCKDOWN SURVIVAL TIPS THAT WE CAN ALL SHARE - cos even I'm running out of ideas too...

1/ Cocktail your way out of Covid. Whether you prefer sweet, sour, fruity or creamy a cocktail a day (and I do mean only one) can help keep Dr. Psychiatrist away. Please note there is no clinical tests or evidence in my last statement other than I feel a lot happier after a cocktail as do the co inhabitants of my household whenever I make them. Cocktails are the treat for the end of a hard days lockdown grind when your sugar levels are low and you are feeling low and there’s no place to go. Cocktails are ago to place to give yourself a boost at the end of the day, … Im talking after 5 here.. pm not am, a reward for making it through, a well done pat on the back. Think of them as a tonic or a pep me up. Cocktails are as easy to make as a Gin and Tonic, where the hardest thing is slicing up a round of lemon without cutting off the tip of your finger and chucking in a hand full of ice. But if you have a lot of time and a little imagination the Skys the limit - actually that's a cocktail too. You can be as fancy schmancy as you like but rather that me holding you by the hand just Google ‘cocktail' and you can spend the rest of lockdown studying and perfecting the art of cocktailing your way out of Covid. Cheers!

2/ Cook your way out of Covid. 

Yes we all have to eat and during lockdowns there is a whole lot more time for this fun distraction. I myself have bulked up at least  4-5kg each time and spend the times between lockdowns chastising myself with birch branches, crash dieting and exercising the flab back to a manageable ‘round’ shape.. No bikini body for this year unfortunately. Forget the abs, show off your flabs is my new motto. The act of cooking can be a lot of fun and it can use up a lot of free time which many of us have in abundance at the moment. If you can't or haven’t cooked for a while that's OK because now is the best ever time to learn. Cooking at home will not only improve your skill sets and potential marriageability credentials but you’ll eat healthier (maybe) and save thousands on Uber eats, Door Dash and Deliveroo. A few basics like a thermomix and a fridge full of food is a great start and metal eating utensils and real ceramic plates will enhance that bendy plastic experience many of us have gotten used too.. And a table and chair is a great place to eat and a lot less messy - Just like at a restaurant - if you can remember back that far.. Now I have a confession to make… Im a great cook.. I learned from my dad who was a brilliant Chef as is my brother, mother-in-law  and now my son is going down that path… but slowly at the moment.. So I have it in my DNA. Also Im a vego ( he stupidly blabs - dodging rotten eggs and tomatoes)… But I still cook the best ribs in Port Phillip, neigh the state. While I'm not going to teach you how to cook here I will give you my #1 tip in home cooking which will not only save you money and ensure you never have strange 'Covid like' things growing it the bottom of your fridge. Before you start thinking about what you want to eat and before you go out and buy stuff that will eventually go smelly and mouldy in your fridge:-

1 - Check out what food you already have in your fridge 

2 - Go to Google - type in the 2-3 main ingredients you found

3 - Find a recipe you like that matches these items

4 - Follow recipe & substitute stuff you don’t have (or Google it)

Bon appetit !

(Please feel free to send in your favourite recipe or tips)

by Ron, local Port Phillip contributor