Frost and hot pies

December 1, 2008

An icing sugar layer of frost on the last roses looks fairy-like but, bother, the plunge in temperatures has sent the boiler into decline. A great unbeliever in the general obsession with insuring everything, I have to say that boiler insurance is probably the most worthwhile considering the machine has conked out at least 10 times, just as a shoot with mothers and babies or a frail relative arrives.

It’s a relief then to sign the paper detailing the extremely expensive new part, knowing that because it’s covered we’re not going to be on soup rations. I can’t see the point though, of insuring every small appliance like an iron, or a kettle: sometimes you have to take the risk of things failing. It’s a question of working out what you can live without. I know I’d rather go around in creased attire than live without hot water.

WINTER GREENS

It’s time for some festive greenery, and I’ve been stocking up on white hyacinth bulbs, bedded down with moss from a friend’s lawn- she’s delighted I’m digging it up as she’s one of those picky gardeners who fret if the grass doesn’t look like the Centre Court at Wimbledon.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

What’s even more weird about the weird economic situation is that suddenly we’re being encouraged to spend, and knockdown offers for cameras, bicycles, and computers are plastered across the newspapers and the net. With three acquisitive teenagers breathing down my neck, I’m not sure I approve, but we’ve all got to do our bit to keep the economy moving. I’m aiming to find presents from young designers and craftsmen, like Katrin Moye’s Fifties-style jugs inspired by her dad’s blue and white striped shirt.

THE HOME FIRE IS BURNING

The logs were dumped in two vast cubic metre sacks in the middle of the garden path. It was urgent to clear the way for the day’s booking, but the only strong arms around to wheelbarrow 40 loads were my rather puny ones. It was quite fun, actually, like being a Tulse hill version of Laura from The Little House on the Prairie, as I stacked a vast pile outside the back door. No need to go off to the gym now.

MINCE PIES

l’ve made a batch of mince pies. They’re extremely useful to feed up visiting children and adults. I make sweet pastry and use my friend Emma’s mincemeat but when it’s all used up, make do with ready made pastry and mincemeat in jars from Waitrose, which is rather good.