Food and a Book (2)

      Saturday is grocery shopping day but I usually go after breakfast. Yesterday I changed things up a bit and went first thing, The store was considerably quieter but there were only two cashiers so I didn't save any time. Also, shopping on an empty stomach is not advised - I came home with a batch of chicken wings, something I rarely buy, but they were delicious grilled in BBQ sauce. 

    The rest of the day (the weekend, in fact) has been spent reading "Bring Up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel. It is the second in a trilogy set in the 16th century and told through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's master Secretary. I read the first book, "Wolf Hall", some time ago, and am now waiting for the final one, "The Mirror and the Light" which should hit the shelves soon. 

    This evening I am binge-watching "Howard's End" on PBS. It is a Masterpiece production full of magnificent views of the English countryside and fabulous costumes. There's another book I should request from the library.

The BBQ wings ready to eat.

Food and Book Talk

Corona Virus

   It would seem that this topic has replaced the weather in our everyday conversations. Should you be wearing a mask (seemingly not, unless you are already sick and want to protect your fellow humans)? Is your hand sanitizer alcohol based (I think they all are now)?

   In my opinion the media is upping the anxiety level and people are quite too worried. There have only been two cases identified in this city of 3 million, so why are parent keeping kids home from school and getting up petitions to ostrasize East Asian members of their communities. That is outright racism!

   I'm sure we will have more cases in the next few weeks but as long as the general public follows a few basic health and safety measures, such as regular hand washing and coughing into your sleeve rather than hand, (which we should be doing anyway during 'flu season) the contagion shouldn't spread into the general population.

   I may eat my words before the epidemic is over but nothing will be gained from becoming hysterical.

Life's Small Pleasures

   Hava Java coffee social this morning, a good turnout despite the chilly weather. Then straight from Calabria Bakery to Bridge club at the senior's centre. My partner and I came out on top by just the slimmest of margins but satisfying nonetheless.

   I finished the last of the bottle of "Toro Bravo" merlot this evening. This is the special wine I bought in bulk in the fall which received 96 points (out of a hundred) and is exceptionally good and exceptionally cheap ($7.95). I have one more bottle left but will save it for when the family are over for dinner at Easter. It will go very well with the lamb shoulder I intend to serve.

This is the 2017 vintage, but 2018 is almost as delicious.