Lamb Casserole


A friend’s mother died last night.
I asked what, if anything, I could do to make things even remotely better
She told me a lamb casserole with dumplings and a bed for the night
And so that’s what I’m preparing

The power of simple food can’t be overestimated 
It says, without really saying that someone cares.
It brings back the comforts of Childhood
It doesn’t demand anything but the use of a spoon

I’m just been peeling veg.
The casserole pan is warming
The fire engineer comes soon to look at the chimney and I’ve just received the new lease for my field which village leader Ian is about to check with interest
It’s dull and overcast but the cottage is warmed by the oil heaters and feels cosy.

As promised I’d leave you with a photo of one of my new cushions from John Lewis 
I will spare you a photo of the washing up bowl lol



62 comments:

  1. That's very kind of you and will be a comfort for your friend. Love the yellow cushions, such a lovely bright colour.

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    1. My taste has changed from the 1930 inspired house, I used to live in

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  2. Condolences to your friend. Just knowing you are there will be a comfort to them. I see the new cushions already have the canine seal of approval! xx

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    1. No show without punch

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    2. That was one of my Dad's sayings. I can hear him now. Thanks. xx

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    3. It’s one of my mothers

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  3. Dorothy complements the yellow pillows perfectly!!

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    1. And strangely yet, they don’t smell of dog

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    2. Give'em time! They will eventually!

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  4. How lovely that your 'is there anything I can do...?' was taken up. So often we feel helpless when someone is grieving. xx

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  5. Good that you can help your friend in their time of need. Dorothy looks good posing with the new pillows!

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  6. The pillows go nicely with the lovely toast and white of your 4 legged friend.

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  7. Asking your friend: What can I do to help is kind and very supportive. Food is very comforting especially at times of sadness. Your lamb casserole will be both delicious and soothing. Your new yellow cushions are beautiful. I see, Dorothy approves too.

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    1. Dumplings will make the meal …a dumpling is like a mother’s breast

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  8. I really love the bright pops of color you incorporate into your home.

    You always step up to do the kindness. I really like that about you. You have a good heart.

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    1. I was never fond of colour, ow I seem to embrace it

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    2. Perhaps, after a long winter, once again, you are ready to bloom. My best wishes...

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  9. Barbara Anne3:05 pm

    My sympathy to your friend and it is wonderful you're offering her a comforting haven in her sorrow.
    You're a good man, John, and you know how to be a good friend.
    Love the yellow cushions, as does Dorothy. I still want to see the washing up bowl, please.

    Hugs!

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  10. I love the yellow cushions against the blue of the couch and against Dorothy. Lamb casserole sounds delish.

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  11. Dotty seems to approve of the new cushions?

    I swear I can almost catch a whiff of your cooking....

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    1. There’s lots of whiffs in this cottage

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  12. So sorry for your friends loss John-and in sad times having someone to talk to when I was able helped so much xx

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  13. When my mother died and a neighbor asked me what she could bring me I replied, "A ham." That is what I wanted and she brought me a delicious one. I'll never forget that.

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    1. Funny these memories always lurk there

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  14. I still remember the tuna casserole a kindly neighbour brought after my father passed. Two of my siblings had gone off with my mother to make funeral arrangements. Another sister and I stayed home to organize dinner. As we were going through my mother's freezer trying to assemble a dinner plan, a neighbour arrived at the door with a tuna casserole in her hands. I still remember the relieved look my sister and I exchanged after she left. The dinner problem was solved.

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    1. That’s what it’s there for , to heal and be remembered

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  15. John, you are an angel. The first time I dealt with breast cancer and was undergoing chemo, my husband prepared chicken and dumplings with carrots. I thought I would hate the sight after my recovery but it is definitely my go to comfort meal. Blue and yellow are my favorite colors. I love the cheerfulness of the yellow throw pillows, and clearly so does Dorothy. Hugs from the base of the mini-mountain in Maine where we're freezing. Possibly a good day to enjoy chicken 'n dumplings?

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    1. Anonymous7:03 pm

      He's a fucking Saint.....self proclaimed

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  16. Lamb casserole in Wales is often called Cawl, so tasty and dumplings too. Condolences about your friend.

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    1. Cawl is an old name for soup in welsh , like most welsh words it often means so many things

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    2. veg artist9:31 am

      Cawl in West Wales is nothing like a lamb casserole. It is a stock made with a bone, usually ham, lots of veg like carrots and leeks, but it is very watery. Served in big bowls with either dumplings or chunks of bread.

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  17. the yellow cushions compliment dorothy so well.

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  18. What a wonderful way to look after your friend. It's like a hug on a plate.

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  19. Simple food done well is indeed a great comforter old lad. Hugs to your friend and sorry for their loss, Knowing you I am sure that they will feel some solace in your company and in that casserole.

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  20. That's great that your friend took you up on your offer. It feels good to help a friend in need.

    The yellow cushions are a delightful burst of color! Bulldog approved.

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    1. Dorothy loves everything that is me, she’s loyal to bursting

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  21. Good for you for taking care of your friend. Dorothy looks very cozy.

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  22. A lovely thing to do for a friend.

    Loving the cushions.

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  23. I'm sorry to hear of your friend's loss. It is good that you are able to offer her some comfort. I love the new pillows and it looks like someone else does too!

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  24. Food can be a great comfort, and at a time like that cooking or eating out can be difficult, you are a natural caregiver.

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  25. What a lovely thing to do for a friend who is grieving. Your thoughtfulness says everything about you as a person. Dorothy posing with your new yellow cushions is lovely to see. You and she have great taste.

    Jo in Auckland

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  26. Irish Stew with dumplings.... perfect winter grub.

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  27. So glad the fire engineer is coming soon to check on the chimney.

    Food is absolutely an "ancient gift" and shows care in the best way.

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  28. Condolences to your friend. I can't cook, so the best I could do is take them out to a restaurant.

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  29. It's amazing how John Lewis were able to make that cushion look like a bulldog.

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  30. Wow. That new cushion looks exactly like Dorothy!

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  31. I've never had lamb casserole but I bet it's wonderful. Food=Love. Nothing wrong with that.

    They yellow is great. I've always loved a bright pop of color like that.

    XOXO

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  32. A warm meal and a shoulder brings comfort and shows you care in the best way.

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  33. Simple food made with love because you care speaks volumes.

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