Saturday, May 9, 2020

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

12 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

Mmmm. That cake sounds divine. I too might tonight dream of maple buttercream icing (although I have to say it doesn't sound like The Font's usual diet).

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Excellent speech. Seems today’s leaders want to undo the achievements of 75 years.
I’m assuming that ‘the font ‘ will have a few bites of cake and the rest will be yours.

Angus said...

This is a way of winding down after an M theory lecture by a thirty something Pasadena lecturer with rapid fire presentational technique.

Angus said...

You've got it. Something went slightly wrong with the ingredients so the cake is larger than The Font imagined. Angus can live with that.

WFT Nobby said...

But what was the M theory lecturer wearing?

Coppa's girl said...

We're sure that Sophie is on hand to help you Angus! She wouldn't want you to jeopardise your waistline. Inca is always happy to help out too - but she'll just have to dream. It does seem an awful lot of work for 'The Font' to go to, and then just take a morsel.

Camille said...

The polar vortex is currently visiting New England. We awoke this morning to a brisk snowstorm taking place. Several inches of heavy wet snow expected before it's over. What's today's date? Dottie Dog is absolutely delighted, her human...not so much. I shall make that maple cake today in honor of the Font but perhaps reduce the recipe. A half cup of maple syrup is all this frugal Yankee gal can spare of that liquid gold. Heavens...it must have cost a fortune to purchase in France! Sophie, as always, looks delightful adorned in the first gold light of the day.

Tara said...

That cake sounds fabulous! No maple syrup, the horror! I may have to try this recipe... Thank you!

Pam in NH said...

Snowing in SW NH this AM. Between Covid, INSANE TRUMP, murder bees, black flies of May & now snow, I cannot believe that this is NOT just a nightmare. I want cake!!!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
...perhaps the kitchen acted as the M bring all the thread-ingredients together into a larger cake universe??? Lucky Angus! YAM xx

Poppy Q said...

Oh enjoy your cake. I had waffles and bacon with maple syrup for brunch today.

Nice photo of you Sophie.

Sheila said...

I'm quite amazed that your 24-hour store carries genuine maple syrup even if it required a search. And now snow in that part of North America from which it is sourced. That's why the Gardener's Rule in New England is that one doesn't set out tender plants in the garden until Memorial Day weekend, May 31.

That wonderful speech you linked reminds me of how worrisome I find every piece of news I read these days coming out of Hungary and Poland.