Dry feet

Spare a thought for the families in the North whose homes have been host to over-enthusiastic rivers in recent weeks.  I don't think I've quite discovered all the sludge that followed the 1999 flooding in Another Place, and I just don't go down into the cellar any more.  Back then in France, the insurance company was remarkably co-operative, paying something like 95% of my claim, and maintaining the premium.  British underwriters seem to have forgotten the principle of spreading the losses, and now tend to price flood-prone areas out of sight.  (Equally, young male drivers are practically uninsurable, but that's another story...)   Admittedly, my premium in France has crept up a fair bit over the years.  I think I've paid my loyalty premium for long enough, and shall do more research as we approach renewal.  But I still remember the misery of the flooding, and the kindness of neighbours when it happened.

Yesterday's loaves rose like crazy.  The previous batch did so feebly.  Recipes and process identical.  I'm convinced that there's a degree of sorcery about yeast baking, and shall not question it for fear of supernatural retribution: but I guess atmospheric pressure may also have an influence.  Whatever, today's sandwiches drew on  the old and new batches, and we still haven't quite finished the beef.  So far it has done roast beef Christmas dinner, cottage pie, cold roast beef and stovies (using onions from the garden) last night, and numerous sandwiches.  We've nearly finished the leftovers: pasta carbonara this evening, perhaps, to use up some more of the gammon.  But I think the rillettes will have to be pitched out in a day or two.  (Next time I make rillettes, I'll freeze them in ramekin-sized portions.  But I'll certainly make 'em again!)

How to sum up 2015?  Another wonderful year in which I haven't ceased to try the patience of my long-suffering partner.  Entry into OAPdom, which benefits the Treasury almost as much as it does me.  Increasing intimations of mortality, and a growing familiarity with the local GP's shop and sundry hospitals.  But also some refreshing new techniques at art class, and a few new gardening achievements.