Roxanne Tellier – I’ll Take White Fragility for $300 Alex

Earlier this month a meme starting going around that made a lot of people feel uncomfortable. The meme asked people to acknowledge that overcoming inherent bias, prejudice, and all the ‘isms’ was an ongoing thing, and that we are all ‘works in progress.’

I’m so tired of those that virtue signal, with various #NotAllWhatever hashtags. To hear these paragons of wounded nobility talk, they are the ‘exception that proves the rule,‘ because they’ve always treated women well, and never failed to give anyone of any creed or colour whom they’ve encountered, the same pure and unadulterated dignity, respect and opportunities as those that look just like them.

I rather think that anyone who COULD claim such innocence, is unlikely to ever do so.

As quickly as the meme travelled thru the internet webs, it just as quickly disappeared, which is an interesting commentary on how society is struggling with what those on the political right are calling ‘cancel culture.’

Chef Tom – In honor of Passover on the 27th

Peter, Coffee, House Rules, and Snoopy

Last week’s column generated some positive feedback, and I appreciate those who took the time to get in touch with me. As a writer, I want to inform people and let them know that they are not alone and that there are resources and opinions available to assist them in resolving the situation that they are dealing with. I will be doing more writing about toxic people, but this week I will write about something a little more pleasant, a bit easier to read.

Chef Tom – My Good Husband Dan

My good husband Dan’s birthday is April 1. I know, an April Fools baby. Explains a lot, really. I am counting on nine people being fully inoculated by then (three of us already are, including me), that we’re all on a sunny patio in lovely San Carlos drinking beautiful wine and eating multiple tasty courses over a four hour gathering. I’ve already started the menu.

Here are four highly recommended dishes (these are starters) from my foodiverse.

Thought I’d give you a taste.

Roxanne Tellier – The Great Reset

I’m still marveling at how much more relaxed the world has become since January 20^th Feels like a luxury, not being on high alert every minute of every day, and I’m loving it.

As the fog of negativity lifts, there’s time to look around and marvel at how much our lives have changed, and will be forever changed, by our experiences. There’s no discounting that the very framework of our lives has been reworked by the ravages of COVID-19. Nearly everyone has lost someone dear to them to the virus, and many who became ill with the disease may have healthcare issues impacting them for the rest of their lives.

Peter Loves Betty

Normally we celebrate Love this month by giving our beloved dead flowers, going to dinner and then returning home for a more private celebration. Due to the sensible COVID restrictions, and more importantly the fact that my sweet Betty does not like flowers, I am choosing to use the medium of my column to offer her my Valentine wishes, my opportunity to publicly thank her for bringing so much happiness and love into my Life.

Peter Talks About Mental Health

Today is “Let’s Talk Day” in Canada, a day when we are encouraged to talk about Mental Health by one of our good “corporate citizens”. I will not mention them by name, I will not give them free advertising. They treated a family member of mine shabbily, made all the more unbearable for me because of my background in Employment Insurance. Loyal Reader, I swore “off them” as a result and am pleased to say that they have absolutely no presence at all in Chez Montreuil.

Chef Tom – Breakfast Anytime, Anywhere

They call it comfort food for good reason. Anything you put in your mouth by way of inducing serenity, damping pesky feelings of fear, or as a temporary distraction from the day’s anxiety, qualifies. Be it sweet or savory. What is your favorite sensation? Creamy? Fatty? Crunchy? Sweet? An enticingly satisfactory, calming combination of all of it?

Depending on the mood that has me in its grip, I like savory. Something unctuous. Filling. Sinful, even. I’ll whip up an omelet with cream, eggs, and a sharp cheese. Or sweet, like toasting a big slab of multigrain, then slathering it with plenty of full-fat butter PLUS a schmear of crunchy peanut butter PLUS a generous dollop of tangy marmalade (or one of my favorites, a lavish drizzle of Lyle’s Golden Syrup).

You catch my drift. Following are three indulgent recipes for (technically) breakfast that can be eaten at any time of the day or night, especially when there is a need for solace; for luxury; for ease.

Peter – I Remember Mama

Although it was 21 years ago, almost to the minute, I remember it like it was yesterday. While checking my home phone messages from my workplace, I found out that my mother had passed away. I was stunned. Eventually I stood up and went to my supervisor’s desk. I told him that my mother had passed. He was rather dismissive about it, he didn’t particularly like me. In a daze, I returned to my desk and tried to work. Shortly thereafter, the manager came to my desk and gently told me to go home. He was very sympathetic and kind, and was a glimmer of compassion in an otherwise horrible day.

Roxanne Tellier – Cogito, ergo sum I think

“So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over. A new one just begun.”  (John Lennon/Yoko Ono)