George's Farewell Dinner

It's a grey, wet, miserable day. And the day we said our final farewells. George, you taught me more than you'll ever realise. And dammit, you'll be missed. 

In fact, you already are.

Living in a 6 unit townhouse complex, you get to really know your neighbours. Whether you like it or not. Especially after 13 years. Especially when their unit is attached to yours.

George, I can honestly say I've never met anyone else like you! Your booming voice, strong opinions and nosy nature drove me mad. You were perfectly suited in your Body Corp role.

I was a single mum when I first came here, and was scared of you initially, almost moving due to your overbearing nature.

I'm so glad I didn't. I would have missed out on the privilege of seeing you soften. Of growing myself. Then discovering the wonderful relationship that maturity, and forgiveness, develops in us all, should we let it. How dull to only love those who are easy, who never challenge us to grow by forcing us to be bigger than we currently are. 

George, thank you. You made sure my bins were always in, my girls had chocolates at Easter, my garden was always pruned. You offered help at every turn, moved furniture for me, gave my girls safety advice. 

You gave me beautiful flowers on my wedding day, beaming with joy and pride. You welcomed my sweet baby girl too. She loved 'Dorge.' 

You loved fashion, blared classical music, and always ensured I was safe.  You loved this complex and all its occupants. We were as much your family too. 

Watching you decline was heartbreaking. 

Attending your funeral was the same.

Whenever we had a disagreement (and there were many), I'd get baking. That calmed the storm. So, in honour of you George, I've made a farewell dinner. I know you'd approve. You loved everything I made, and often commented on the tempting kitchen aromas that wafted into your unit.

Thank you for teaching me through how you lived that family isn't always blood. Relationships can develop in the most adverse circumstances, with people we may never normally choose. 

And life is all the richer because of it.

GEORGE'S FAREWELL DINNER

(easy crumbed chicken)

ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into thickish strips (less tedius than really thin ones)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk of choice
• bread crumbs
• flour (whatever flour you prefer)
• seasoning of choice; parmesan, herbs, spices-it all goes well.
• oil for frying

method

• lay out 4 pasta plates (deep sides), or alternatively, 4 rectangle containers, or large bowls.
• whisk egg with milk, add to plate.
• sprinkle some flour in another.
• add breadcrumbs to another, and season this, mix with fork.
• heat oil in frypan on medium heat.
• take chicken strip and coat in flower/ then egg wash/ then breadcrumbs
• set aside on clean plate
• when oil is ready, gently fry on all flat surfaces until lightly golden.
• place on another clean plate covered with paper towel.

salad

• mixed salad leaves
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/4 large red capsicum
• olive oil/ balsamic dressing 
• salt and pepper

Serve with crusty bread.

With a hubby still at uni, and being an at home mum, budget is a big issue, even when the meal is to honour a life.

Making things yourself, even in a poky kitchen like mine, is healthier, cheaper and you control what goes in.

The plates here are literally covering the majority of my bench space. See, no excuses!

I use olive oil for almost everything. I don't get the oil smoking hot, but fry gently on a medium heat.

Here it is, a simple, healthy, budget meal to honour the life of a very remarkable man.

I know you'd enjoy this George.

And I hope you all do too.

xxx