Isolation

   The days seem to pass in a blur. I am continually saying (to myself, yes I have started having conversations with myself) "Where has the day gone?" or "It's surely not dinner time already?"

   One thing I have noticed is that my daily walks, which are a life saver, seem to be getting shorter. I am quite happy to get home after 40 minutes and amuse myself indoors or in the garden. Perhaps I am adjusting to the imposed isolation by becoming more self-reliant. Perhaps it is just that the weather is a bit more pleasant. Whatever the reason, it is just as well I am happy with my own company as we enter our fifth week of isolation.

   Last Friday's visit to the grocery store was quite traumatic. Not that it was crowded or unpleasant in any way - the store does all it can to accomodate its customers - it was just being in such close proximity to other people. This is the only place I wear a mask and compulsively clean my hands with sanitizer. I can almost see the virus lurking everywhere! 

   We are heading for another 28 days in isolation but I am well stocked with books and puzzles. I have rediscovered my library of CD's (I am currently listening to Enya who is very calming) and am practicing my crochet, so have plenty to keep me busy. Stay safe, stay well everyone!

Doing My Taxes

   Another cold, blustery day so no work got done in the garden but I did have my afternoon walk, though slightly abbreviated.

   Since the weather has been miserable I have been working on my tax return yesterday and today and it is nearly done. For once it looks like I will get some money back. This is mainly because I had more tax deducted from my pension so, in effect, I am getting my own money back, although not much!

Yesterday's loaf (finally out of the pan) rose very well but it doesn't have a strong sourdough taste or smell. Good texture nevertheless!

Another puzzle completed and it was a fun one too. I am running out of interesting ones so may have to take a break from puzzles for a while. We have been told we will be locked down for another 28 days so I think I had better pace myself.

A Blustery Day

   It rained quite heavily all morning and I didn't think I would get my daily constitutional but it stopped late in the afternoon so I headed out. However, it was blowing an absolute gale and the temperature had dropped so it was rather an abbreviated walk. I got plenty of fresh air, though!

   Two tasks today. I decided the sour dough starter had fermented long enough so I got a loaf going in the bread machine. While it was working I started on my tax return. The CRA has said it will allow late returns but, if I am getting any money back I want to get it off sooner rather than later. Brain tired at the moment so will finish it tomorrow.

   The loaf is now ready and looks good but is stuck in the pan, despite much shaking and pounding. I will post a photo once (or if) I get it out! I have replenished the starter and it will sit fermenting overnight then go in the fridge for another day and loaf.

Needs Must

   Cold and windy again today but I had my daily constitutional despite almost being blown off my feet. Phoned a couple of elderly friends to make sure they were still alive and kicking (they were) and continued with my book and puzzle. 

   Only two things to remark on today - a batch of cauliflower soup (some for tomorrow and the rest for the freezer) and a batch of sour dough starter. It is made with milk and yogurt which is allowed to fermet and then flour is added. Then after you use some, you add more flour and water ad infinitum. Hope it works out.

    I was reminded of this with an entertaining Stuart McLean story on CBC and found I had a recipe, so it is currently fermenting in a warm place. Tomorrow I will add flour and refrigerate the mixture for a couple of days, then try it in a loaf. I have run out of yeast and there was none in the grocery store so this will be a useful substitute.