Grannymar

Darlene sent this the other day, it is subtitled but worth the effort!

UPDATE: For anyone having difficulty in viewing the video please try this link

Potato and Leek Bake with Coriander

Preheat oven to 200°C

• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 1oz butter
• 1lb leeks, trimmed, washed and cut into ½ inch rings
• 2lbs of potatoes scrubbed and cut into ½ inch slices
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Put the oil and the butter in a shallow roasting tin and put it in the preheated oven to melt the butter.  Add the prepared potatoes and leeks, turning them to coat both sides with the oil and butter.  Spread into a single layer.  Crush the peppercorns and coriander seeds and mix with the sea salt. Sprinkle over the leeks and potatoes.  Cook for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are nicely browned.

My first introduction to the family was on a Sunday afternoon in early December.  I was sitting at the table pen in hand, with notepaper, cards, envelopes and stamps all at the ready.  I heard the clink of ice in a glass and before I knew it Jack was placing a G&T in front of me.    “How many cards will you need”?  I inquired as I thanked him for the drink.  The cards were spread neatly showing the various images associated with Christmas.

Selecting a card he said “You could send this one to Aunt Nell & Alice.”

“Hold it right there!”  I said.  “Do they know who I am?”

“I suppose I had better tell them that I got married” he said lifting a spare pen and the notepaper.

“Again!”  I said, adding “And the rest of it.”  As I touched the gentle curve of my tummy.

Aunt Nell was Jack’s aunt.  She was like a surrogate mother to him, looking after him for many months from birth, when her sister was very ill.  Aunt Nell had at that time a three year old daughter called Alice.  Alice bonded well with her new cousin.  She was joined a few years later by a new sister,  The three of them were always found together.  If Jack was not at home, he was to be found in Aunt Nell’s house playing with his cousins.

Alice was charged with keeping an eye on her cousin walking to and from school and again some years later when he began to attend dances.  It was Aunt Nell who quizzed Alice about the young ladies that Jack danced with.  Their paths branched when Jack went away to war in 1940.  Alice married and had a family, continuing to live in the village where she was born in Co Durham, England.

By the time I learned about them Aunt Nell and Alice were both widowed and living in the same house.  Having allowed time for the Christmas post to be delivered and the news it contained to sink in, I suggested one evening that we phone and speak to them.  From then on we kept in regular touch.  They eagerly awaited the news of the safe arrival of our precious bundle.  They were kept up to date of our progress and eventually we made a visit to stay with them when Elly was just over a year old.

Aunt Nell Elly & GM with Alice on the right

Regular visits followed and we were always made to feel very much at home.  Aunt Nell predeceased Jack by a year, and her other daughter died eight years ago.  Last night word reached us that Alice had died.  Although frail Alice attended a party yesterday afternoon and enjoyed the singing and the afternoon tea.  While being prepared for bed she calmly and quietly died.

Alice was like a grandmother to Elly and the last link to her Dads family.

Alice R.I.P.

What would I buy?

I have more than enough shoes, anyway Spring, when I am ready to shed the layers and Autumn, as my body craves to be cosseted in warmer clothes are my favourite times to spend in the shoe department.

I would like a new dress.  I actually see it in my mind’s eye, but that can be dangerous as it may not be available in any shops.

It happened once before in my single days.  I traipsed Dublin for an overcoat.  I knew exactly what it was like. The style, the colour and particularly the collar.  Grafton Street alas, had no magic in the air, Wicklow Street and South Great George’s Street were no better so I travelled north across Dame Street and through Temple Bar (it was a place for speed walking back then, and not to linger unlike today) over the Halfpenny Bridge and on through Liffey Street to Henry street.  I searched every shop.  I asked every sales assistant and none of them knew the coat I was talking about.  I must have worn out a pair of shoes that day.

Do you think I was dreaming about the coat?

The first week of the Loose Blogging consortium for 2010 and the new decade, our members include Anu, Ashok, Conrad, Gaelikaa, Ginger Haag, Grannymar Helen, Judy, Magpie 11, Maria, & Ramana.  For various reasons there may be a few late entries this week.

Our topic this week was chosen by Judy

HUMOUR

I enjoy humour and spend most of my time laughing.  Why then am I finding it so difficult to write on the topic?

On 11th December I was showing you the feast that awaited my feathered friends for the festive season,

Then Nature added the cream

OK, it is a different corner, but the same snowfall.

They cleaned their plates the branches and forgot to clear the table… Just look at the mess!

Now if that is not enough…..

I need to clean the windows too!

A comment from Alice at 5.30 this morning was a timely reminder:

Good humor will help you get through everything, even the uncertainties of a new year. Happy New Year!

I echo that sentiment.

Happy New Year to each and everyone of you. Hoping 2010 brings you love, joy, peace, health, and harmony! With thanks for your fun and support in the past twelve months.

It arrived and I never really noticed.  I should have been asleep.  I am nursing a cold… but who cares if I can wear these….

The boots are back!

The LBCers will be back at 3pm GMT too!

Happy Twenty Ten!