Feeling the Chill

I found a pair of jeans in my wardrobe this morning. Unworn, Land's End, and I swear I have never seen them before in my life. OK, they are my size, but they have a proper high waist and widish legs, in a thich, rough denim. More like work trousers than designer jeans. I would never have bought anything like them. But where the heck have they come from? Has a friend left them behind, given that my wardrobe is in the guest room and so visitors have to do sharesies. It's a complete mystery, but I've worn them all day and have to admit that they are warm and cosy, and the high waist is very snug and comfortable. It's like the small blender I have had for aeons, which my girls learned to cook with and I used constantly. One day I took it out of the cupboard, stared at it, and had no idea what it was. I simply didn't recognise it. That was about 6 years ago and this is the first repeat amnesiac episode, so hopefully if it's Altzheimers it's the slow kind.

I went to a village meeting last night, another stage in our attempts to get rid of the poultry sheds, and before I went out I switched on the Rayburn heating for the first time since winter. When I returned the house was as cold as it has been all day. And I couldn't get it to work though the water was hot and the cooker functioning. Has the plumber done something? He thinks not, but when he returns tomorrow he'll see if it's an air lock or something similar. So, given the chilly morning, I lit the woodburner after lunch so that my Italian conversazione would be nice and warm. So it was typical that the sun was out and the summerhouse was toasty when they arrived. Nevertheless they opted for the sitting room, and we sweltered in there instead, removing cardigans and sweaters and opening doors. When they left I stuck in a few more logs to see me through the evening. Last night I had to go to bed at 10 when I couldn't stand being so cold any longer.

I'm making a mushroom risotto tonight. The one I cooked a couple of weeks ago was a sensation. As usual when I've finished for the day and think about supper I want a drink, but there were no beers in the fridge or cupboard. I didn't want to open a bottle of wine, so I resorted to the sloe gin I made last year. Gawd, it's good. One small glass, two slurps, was quickly followed by another, and the feel-good factor was all present and correct. I've put the porcini mushrooms in to hot water to soak, but may have to take a rain check on the rest of the ingredients. In the meantime, Hugo and I are missing Blakeney and the lovely walks along the creeks and inlets. We've added a few pics to cheer us up.

Me and Hugo at friend's holiday barn. Prince Harry came for tea once.