Waiting .

A helicopter flies over at 1:50 am. The French Special Forces pilots following the lane that snakes across the top of the ridge. The whole house shakes in time with the rotor blades. Neither 'The Font' nor Sophie seem aware of this low flying hurricane of noise. The owls screech.

We're up in time for Sophie to glow orange in the morning sun. One thing about lockdown is dog and master can each, in their own way, watch and enjoy these mornings. We stop at the storm drain to take in the view. I tell Sophie a polar vortex is bringing snow down into Michigan. She looks back at me as if to say ' chaos loves company'. 

Today, 'The Font' wants to try out a recipe from the Washington Post. 

There is that inevitable moment , five minutes into the process, when it becomes clear that a trip to the 24 hour store is called for. Angus is despatched for a large bottle of Maple Syrup ( a rarity here but after much searching the man who stocks the shelves finds a small bottle from Quebec ) and Canola Oil. Canola oil in French is thankfully easy - huile de canola.

Kosher salt is also required. Angus buys three jars of what he thinks Kosher Salt might be. 'The Font ' decides that Persian Sapphire Blue may be the closest thing. This judgement is based purely on geography. Australian and Hawaiian salt don't sound very kosher.

It goes without saying that while 'The Font' whisks and stirs Sophie remains firmly rooted in the kitchen. No amount of cajoling will get her to come out to the Holy Well. She does agree to pop into the garden, briefly, for a  comfort break. Then she's straight back inside. She is dreaming of maple buttercream icing.

Of all the things I read yesterday this was the best . Some politicians get the tone right. Others are less successful. : https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Reden/EN/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/Reden/2020/05/200508-75th-anniversary-World-War-II.html