Still sitting quietly, looking out of the window at the chill, damp, grey weather.
Graham braved the wet, donned his big waterproof jacket, and walked up to the post office. I suggested that, if he were willing to walk at my pace, I’d really rather like to walk along with him.
“Don’t be silly,” he said. “It’s too far for you, and we’d both be found frozen like little icicles before we got home. Stay here, and be ready with the kettle and tea pot when I get back.”
Which is what we did. He arrived in the doorway no more than twenty minutes later, all flushed red and huffing great steamy Candlemas breaths. Hot tea followed in short order and I resumed my watcher’s post, looking out the window, counting squirrels in the trees.
“What’s the curry tonight, then?” I asked, it being his mid-week cooking night.
“Chicken madras, with augmented madras.”
“Yummity. Will you be using your new pestle and mortar?”
“Oh yes.”
And so very shortly now, coming up to 7:30 in the evening, the kitchen will be filling with lovely curry spice smells. Just as well our neighbour on the kitchen side is a great curry fan, too, and doesn’t mind the evening aroma. And I don’t suppose the squirrels will object, either.
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The new grinder
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John, that is one gorgeous M&P. I’m envious.
As for tolerating squirrels, we do that, but just barely. They seem to be multiplying lately and I fear their numbers will soon overtake us all, and this will be known as Nutkin Cottage.
Ah, no, Bex. It’s the squirrels that tolerate us! Otherwise, it’s twist the platters and we all fall down!
Oh yes – that is a wonderful m&p! I was thinking about getting one a couple of months ago – I think I just might have to do that now.
I wonder if it comes in green…???
Are you really using it? I’ve got such a stylish mortar too but I find it difficult to crush anything in it… Maybe I’d better do some arm exercises first!
Yes, Brigitte. Graham used it for the first time last night, to very good effect though he says it’s quite hard work. He suggests an electric spice grinding machine, and says there’s a very good one quite cheap from Braun.
John:)
Perhaps on Graham’s next walk you could go to the halfway point with him and turn back and he can catch you up on the way home. Not so far for you and Graham would only have to go slow for part of the way. And he could make sure you are OK on the way back.
Thanks! Good to know that even Graham thinks it’s hard word!
I’m pleased to let Graham do the work while we all watch.
As far as M&Ps go, that looks like a goodun, but one thing to make sure you get in a model is a good grainy texture. I had one that was all smooth sides and it was a real bear to get any work done.
Oddly, the wooden one I have works best…
As for your Tolerance of Squirrels, here and I thought you’d invented a new word to describe more than one squirrel. A pride of lions, a murder of crows, a tolerance of squirrels…
I think it should be a ‘drey’ or a ‘scurry’ of squirrels, Jas, but I was speaking of curry-tolerant beasties, so a little licence is, as you imply, perfectly justifiable!
I don’t know how I missed this delightful post! And, yes indeed, I can imagine the little scamps scratching their noggins and wondering what sort of nut smells so fragrant.
In regards to mortar & pestle, a pottery vendor came down our street in the spring of 2008. I couldn’t resist his little stoneware mortar with fine comb-like grooves going downward. It came with a hardwood pestle, probably ash, from the look of it. And it works really well! Only cost about $3, too.