Powsels and Thrums

A relaxed morning, that Lorraine and I spent together pottering about the house, and having a slow breakfast. Lorraine also sewing jeans, and other bits and pieces companionably while I worked on the collection, and feeling like I am almost finished now

Lorraine spent the afternoon with Pat and Maureen. I went for a walk along the sea, with my proper camera. Discovered there was a of helicopter training exercise winching crew members down to sea level and so on. I snapped away happily, but the memory card was still in my computer, and without my glasses I couldn't read the little message the camera kept giving me. 

While walking I finished listening to my audiobook of Powsels and Thrums, by Alan Garner. In every way an excellent book. I shall have to buy it in physical form. Beautifully written, discursive and full of profundity. Powsels and thrums are the scraps of cloth and oddments of thread left after weaving, a trade that had been in his family.

Spoke to Mum briefly before she went next door, which she does most Sundays now for an hour or so.

I got up this morning, and put the bean jar on. By this evening it became one of the best I have made, having cooked long and slow. It was delicious. The list of non standard ingredients I put in it would make traditionalists spin in their graves. Diced beef, and a base of chicken stock that I made during the week.  Onions and carrots are traditional, but I also add garlic,  leeks, and a large finely-chopped mushroom for umami. Parsley is traditional, but seeing as we have fresh herbs in the garden, including lush parsley which should dominate, but I added sage,  rosemary, bayleaves, plus dried thyme. For the beans I use a mix of haricot, butter bean and cannoli. Sacrilegiously, I also add a ground cumin, black pepper and good squeeze of tomato puree.  These non standard ingredients just add richness and complexity without being very noticeable. It's one of my life quests to perfect the recipe.

To bed. Howling and irritated ears tonight.