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Nov. 30th, 2018

poliphilo: (Default)
 Matthew sent Julia and Fred to sweep our paths clear of leaves. "Actually", I said, lowering my voice to a whisper because I hate to boast. "I've been doing it myself." Then I raised it again. "But if you'd like to clip the hedges...."

When we first came down here I was negligent of the tasks that go with rural living, but over the years I've found myself getting drawn in. I now actually enjoy sweeping leaves. I have a big, heavy duty yard brush and a wicker basket and they're satisfying tools to work with.  Until recently I went about saying I didn't choose this lifestyle but all the esoteric authors I'm reading say we choose everything in our lives- down to the minute particulars (including the grim ones)- and I've come to believe they're right. 

Mind you, I have no intention of going completely native- and wearing tweed and striding about my acres with a purdy under my arm-  as Eric Clapton reportedly does. I haven't read the new biography but I've read the reviews and they give you the most piquant bits. It's noticeable how many rock stars have gone full-on country squire. Bryan Ferry was an early adopter of the lifestyle; I believe he rides to hounds. And Roger Daltry is nowhere happier than on a river bank with his fishing tackle. 

While I was sweeping up leaves this morning and washing down plastic door frames with solvent- nasty non-rural stuff- Ailz was tidying the kitchen cupboards. She waved packets of dried seaweed at me, accusingly. "Yes, I said, I still love it. I'd just lost sight of it. I'll have some for lunch." She also found some packets of cashews which are over a year out of date. Nothing wrong with them. I'm eating them now. Also some out of date dates. I'm sure they'll be fine too.

Footnote

Nov. 30th, 2018 04:48 pm
poliphilo: (Default)
 "Actually, they're not cashews", says Ailz. "they're something completely different that begins with a p- but I can't remember what."

"Pecans?" I think  to myself. No pecans are nubbly. These are not pecans.

She goes into the kitchen to check the packaging.

"Pistachios" she says, triumphantly. " And no, pistachio is not the Spanish for cashew."

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