Holy Heathen

Here I am enjoying the only thing that passes for Christmas music in our house - Waterson : Carthy's Holy Heathens and the Old Green Man. Last track now - Gloryland! So here I am heathen as ever, yet moved by the fantasy of 'a land beyond the stars - Gloryland, bright gloryland', drinking tea, baking bread and making soup - all this and writing a blog post too! Nearly time to put the bread in the oven which will be good and hot by now, the two round loaves very nearly proved. Baking has been one of my wholesome and healing activities this year, though actually this is the first time in a while. You have to order the fresh yeast from our local organic baker's on the phone and I don't often remember. The soup is leek, potato, carrot, parsnip, onion, celery - and last year's ham stock, just cleared out of the freezer to make way for this year's, plus some of the cold turkey, and one of today's loaves. Someone will probably tell me you shouldn't keep stuff that long even in the freezer, but I've never poisoned us yet!

Christmas always makes me sad, and this year the new deep sorrow that was added this time last year is hovering close. The wreath of holly and ivy L made and hung on the front door, is fluttering in the wind. I can see it through the glass. The wild winds of the last couple of days have dropped but persist steadily. Tomorrow I'll be in full traditional mode, blanching almonds, frying them in butter, then salting them, while I listen to the carols from King's College. That's when I miss my Mum. We'll eat gammon for dinner, with parsley sauce, potatoes and vegetables, and on Christmas day the full turkey dinner around five. Most importantly L and I will exchange stockings in the morning, opening them together in bed, with cups of tea! Easily the best part of Christmas.

Okay, loaves are in, soup needs blending. Late lunch today, I think!