Today has been a really enjoyable, productive and satisfying day.
- I got several jobs done around the house, including a long-overdue tidy of the room where I go to sew. Though I still can’t find my pinking shears. Bright orange, heavy and chunky – you’d think they’d be easy enough to spot. I know I used them a couple of weeks ago. Please tell me if you happen to spot them.
- I worked through a basket of ironing that had accumulated over several weeks. While listening to a R4 play. Best way to do it.
- By chance I discovered a great resource – a series of ‘lockdown lectures’ from professors at University of Manchester. You can find them here if you want to dip a toe in – but don’t leave it too long, they’re only available till 17 June. This morning I watched the lecture by David Olusoga on his motivation and journey into becoming a historian and then his Q and A session with a student. Both really interesting, and brief enough for me to feel able to add this as a regular fixture. Only 11 minutes or so long, but interesting and thought provoking. Part of my #blacklivesmatter self-education.
- I baked another cake – this week’s guest appearance is another experiment – coffee and chestnut cake (designed to use up two small tins of chestnut spread I brought back from Provence last year – the spread is incredibly sweet and I can’t think how I could have used it other than in a cake). It’s touch and go which will run out first: my supply of random ingredients to use up, or lockdown. At the moment if I was a betting woman (which I’m not) I’d put my money on the ingredients – only three things left now. All very very random. And definitely not to go in a cake (pickled Chinese greens; split dried broad beans to cook with turmeric; jerk sauce). Suggestions on a postcard. Treble points if you can use all three in one meal (and yes, it does have to be edible). The cake, by the way, is delicious.
- I’ve started some bread to bake tomorrow (4 loaves as usual)
- I got various admin jobs done, including attending an online trustee meeting which lasted a long time but was well worth the effort. I feel privileged to be part of such an effective and knowledgeable group of people.
- We welcomed a friend to visit us for tea in the garden. Luckily the rain held off. She is fun to be with, and frankly an inspiration. 87 and as sprightly in mind and body as any of us. And more than many.
- I watered the greenhouse plants.
- I started knitting another baby vest, using leftover sock yarn. This will join the growing pile ready for my sale to raise money for Bath City Farm
And finally, I received a surprise present from Denmark. A beautiful book full of beautiful things. Thank you L! I know we’re both going to enjoy reading this.
the magic jug 