I haven't got the car today, so I've decided it's going to be a baking day.
Mary and I collected eggs from Eirlys's farm from The Marian and soon I shall be making chicken and leek pie, a meat and potato pie, banana loaves and custard tarts.
Eirlys kept me talking as did the old miner in the corner house by the garage.
He always asks me the same question
"How's your friend, keeping well?"
" My husband is fine" I always reply
In one way baking is diversionary tactics from the sweat fest that is moving old Trevor's collection of wood onto the field bonfire ( a job I'll have to do tomorrow), but in another way its therapy.
Baking is a sweet mindful activity.
It clears the mind of bad thoughts.
Trendy Carol (in designer jeans, bright training shoes and bright hipster jacket) was out when we returned with our eggs. I see she has a new outdoor sofa literally smothered in cushions...I forgot to tell her it's longer than the width of our cottage.
I'll post pie photos later
Hey ho
I ran out of plain flour so had to use gluten free flour for the meat and potato pie
( which looks shite)
I've yet to make the custard as neighbour Trevor has just caught me
Your reply is fine, but so is the phrasing of the question about your husband. For some old timers, that they accept enough to enquire about your partner's health, and in the village you live in, is quite an advance from a couple of decades ago. Husband, partner, or as my R was once called by a plumber, your associate. It sounds like he asks the question as a stir and you reply as a stir.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I like that you are generous about it but judging today's situation by what happened in the past doesn't inspire anyone to improve. Nobody would say such a thing to a straight person.
DeleteAndrew, it's a replyI have used several times and I always give it kindly and proportional to the conversation .
DeleteI never labour the point nor do I become one of the belligerent gays that need to make a point.
Well done John! Your reply and attitude are perfect.
DeleteYour cottage is going to smell amazing. Happy baking. x
ReplyDeleteIt smells of sweat and tears
DeleteI remember there was a time not that long ago when no one would even acknowledge that there was a "friend" " living there other than what these people have been used to all of their lives.
ReplyDeleteI think that he asked is the important thing, not what label he used.
I will be curious about your meat, potato pie . . . and recipe.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite recipe of my momma’s . . .
Her meat pie was named Pasty . . .
I would LOVE some of her Pasty once again!
Some things never change . . .
“. . . the old miner in the corner house by the garage . . . always asks me the same question . . . “
"How's your friend, keeping well?"
" My husband is fine" I always reply . . . “
Left over ham , cooked potato, carrot and gravy
DeleteA lovely example of WELSH humour in that brief exchange.
DeleteI make a fab chicken pie with savory crust...Looking forward to seeing yours... Do share the recipe John won't you? Hugs! deb
ReplyDeleteNot much to share, cook chicken with mushrooms and leeks, mix with white sauce , and season!
DeleteI was going to ask for the recipe too. You make it sound too easy. Do you boil the chicken with the mushrooms and leeks and pick the meat off the bones, or do you cook boneless chicken and add the 'shrooms and leeks? Asking for a friend! LOL!
DeleteI laughed at your ongoing verbal battle of terminology with the old miner.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a battle , just a gentle reminder..I used to say something similar to the red faced Welsh farmer
DeleteIn my mind, I AM trendy Carol. In reality I'm more Winnie. Your baking sounds delicious x
ReplyDeleteI am an ok baker, utilitarian
DeleteWhat a grand day you have planned. Me too. At it, then.
ReplyDeleteI made rock buns this morning. I feel a bit inadequate now compared to your baking.
ReplyDeleteIt's taste that's matters
DeleteMay I suggest Flour with EXTRA gluten. Anything made with gluten free flour is probably inedible!
ReplyDeleteIt taste ok just very short, almost like shortbread
DeleteMy 2 uncles were often asked if they were partners rather than brothers as they went on holidays together & on outings.Some people are so curious x
ReplyDeleteummmmmm, custard tarts...
ReplyDeleteFancy hiring out your services? My baking skills disappeared years ago.
ReplyDeleteOh my mouth is watering.
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful, and sounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteGood-looking pies!
ReplyDeleteA baking day always feels so productive to me, despite the fact that the results disappear at an alarming rate! I'm interested in your reply to a commenter that the gluten-free flour produces a shorter crust. I love short crust but it is usually higher calorie, so perhaps this would work well as a substitute when making savoury pies and quiche.
ReplyDeleteYour baking days and your gentle reminders are part of what makes you much read and loved in the blogosphere. Including by those of us who don't often bake and never think of a reminder at the appropriate time.
ReplyDeleteI've never been much of a baker but I can make a wonderful soup out of almost anything in the fridge. I've always wished I could make a good crusty bread to go with my leftover creations!
ReplyDelete"The meat and potato pie looks shite" - that's not something I would ever expect Mary Berry to say. Mind you, she would never run out of plain flour.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a PA
DeleteI am inspired. I shall make a chicken pie tonight.
ReplyDeleteI love a baking morning, takes me back to my childhood memories of my maternal grandmother who used to bake her ‘ baking powder cake ‘ whenever she came to stay with us . I guess we would call it a soda bread , but whatever it was called, it didn’t last long with 3 hungry grand daughters around !
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds good and I am sure the wonderful aroma crossed the Atlantic. I made Banana bread as well.
ReplyDeleteCan he not bring himself to say 'husband'? Oh well, lets hope everyone remains friends.
ReplyDeleteNo homemade pie ever looks 'shite'. I love anything baked into a pastry casing. The most humble of ingredients come alive in pastry 😊
ReplyDeleteVery energetic! I have never made good pie crust. I'd love to have a class on bread making and pie crust....two things I find difficult.
ReplyDelete