Wednesday 25 January 2012

'Just one more thing...' Well seven actually

I have just been awarded a blog award, one which necessitates me writing seven little known things about myself. And there was me, puzzling as to what I was going to write about this week. God works in wonderful ways.

And so does: DRC

I loved the taste of uncooked liver as a child, right up to my early twenties when I discovered the possibility of flukes. I still love the memory of fresh liver, its raw tang and cold, slippery texture as you bite into it. I may be the reincarnation of a 'Rottie' or perhaps a 'Labradoodle'.

I sit in the dark for an hour at least every morning, and consume three very large mugs of strong tea. The consequence is that I have to go the toilet quite often throughout the morning, but this is a good thing because it forces me from the computer and offers something in the way of exercise.

I swim 90 lengths a week in the Leisure Centre, but only breast stroke or backstroke. My crawl is more akin to a hyper-active crab. It has always been so. As a child it may have been quite endearing. Now I’m a danger to children and old women.

As a paper boy I used to be a prodigious whistler. Old men who should have known better would congratulate me on my whistle. Said it was better than any alarm clock. This whistle has now gone, a sad case of use it or lose it.

I once chewed on a piece of cat fur at an Indian restaurant in Swansea. It may have been squirrel or dog but my stomach allowed little time to analyse the situation.

I struggle to be generous. I’m improving, slightly, with age.

My favourite ‘fast’ food is beans on toast but with two provisos. Lashings of black pepper; and the toast has to be doused liberally with extra virgin olive oil, preferably from Palestine or Greece. On the tongue it tastes of smoked fruit and earth – even better than raw liver.

And a bonus one. I don't always follow things through.

14 comments:

DRC said...

Raw Liver!!! I don't even eat it cooked...lol. When I used to swim I done the front crawl. It was more one up from the doggie paddle but it was better than my breast stroke which saw me drifting from one end to the other. And I'm still giggling at images of children and old women dashing out of the way of your crab...

Thanks for sharing.

Misha Gerrick said...

Those are some interesting facts. :-)

I like the darkness, which is interesting, since I used to be terrified of it, but nowadays I miss it, since it's hard to have that peace and lack of electricity when I live with my mother, brother and gran, none of whom particularly share my love.

Adam M. Smith said...

The raw liver part left me a bit squeamish as well. I don't even like to touch raw liver when I'm using it to fish. I couldn't imagine that rubbery texture and scent on the tongue! I think I'd rather chew on cat fur.

Reminds me of the line from Joyce's Ulysses : "Most of all he liked grilled mutton kidneys which gave to his palate a fine tang of faintly scented urine."

Your "fast food" recipe, on the other hand, sounds interesting. I may try that. :)

Mike Keyton said...

DRC I agree, cooked liver is dry which is why it's best to cook it in a rich onion gravy. But raw liver, mmmm. I wonder if there's anybody else out there who likes it. It could be the new Shushi. I could develop a franchise!!!

Mike Keyton said...

Misha, trick is to get up early and relish the peace when everyone else is asleep. And the tea of course : )

Mike Keyton said...

Adam, I know that line. It's brilliant. Let me know if I've made a convert to good olive oil on toast as a base for baked beans. I've a feeling I'll probably win more converts to that, than raw liver.

Angela Brown said...

Your tastes are unique. Until this very moment, I wasn't aware of anyone that ate raw liver. Now I am. :-)

Mike Keyton said...

Angela, I reckon there must be a forum or helpline for raw liver addicts. Something like Alcoholics Anonymous

Maria Zannini said...

I'm still trying to get over the cat fur admission.

Some things need to remain a mystery.

Mike Keyton said...

I'm still trying to get over the cat fur admission.

Some things need to remain a mystery


Amen :)

Claudia Zurc said...

LOL! Mike, I chuckled at your seven admissions. ;)
I just hope the raw liver and cat fur are a figment of your imagination.

Jay Paoloni said...

I have vivid memories of liver (cooked) with fried onions that my nanny use to make for me every single week, puah!
But I drink cup after cup after cup of tea too, and the same side effects apply!
Lovely post!

A bloggie friend advised me to visit your blog, so here I am.
I like it and I'm now a follower.
I also have a blog where I write about acting, writing, and anything that relates to art and life.
You're welcome to visit and, if you like what I write (and how I write it :), I'll be happy to have you as a follower!

Cheers!
Jay
jacopopaoloni.blogspot.com

Mike Keyton said...

Thanks Jay, I do like your blog. I like most things from New York having spent a year working there (teaching). We also have something in common, my daughter is also an actress - well at least struggling to break in. But she'll do it : )
Finally, as I said, I just like your blog.

Cheers for dropping in fellow tea drinker. Shame you haven't yet developed the taste for raw liver : )

Jay Paoloni said...

Maybe some fava beans and a bottle of Chianti will help! ;)
Thanks for joining my blog!
Cheers!