όλα ελληνικά για μένα

The weather today was an absolute delight. All sun and blue sky. There was a light wind but nothing to actually bother anyone. Everyone I passed in the walk into town was smiling and said good morning. It was a very happy day.

It was probably just the weather but it might also have been because the Christmas lights were switched on yesterday. This is a big thing in Farnham. The little stage and big red switch used to be at the Woolmead but, because of demolition action, it has moved to Gostrey Meadow for the last few years.

Apart from the damage to the grass and the mud, Gostrey is a better option given the Woolmead is (soon to be was) on a road into town.

The other thing they used to do was erect a big old Christmas tree, full of lights and tinsel outside the Woolmead. There were also lots of sparkly lights. (Which reminds me…Whistles, a women’s clothing shop, is advertising a lightly sequined jumper in their window and have called it their ‘Annie Sparkle knit’. I guess they have no idea who Annie Sparkle was or they might have decided not to go with it as a name.)

This year, however, the Woolmead is wrapped in white and bits are being gradually removed as it begins it’s slow destruction. Except for one grassy corner. Which is just big enough for a little tree.

That is how blue the sky was today. It really was glorious. Chilly but glorious.

Back at home Mirinda was Skyping with Bob, discussing Giselle (or Gazelle as I believe it may be pronounced in some quarters) and other important things while I unpacked the shopping and gloried in the fact that there are not too many leaves left on the tree.

There was a lot of food preparation today so there wasn’t going to be a lot of leaf action from me. Firstly there was the usual salad lunch. And, while we usually have salad, I try and make it slightly different each day particularly regarding looks.

I’ve mentioned before how Mirinda has often criticised my presentation skills in the past. I know I’m a bit lackadaisical when it comes to arranging food so I am making more of an effort these days. I was quite pleased with today’s lunch, for instance.

The rest of my day was spent singing and cooking as Mirinda had asked for moussaka tonight rather than a roast. The singing is something I do when I cook. I crank up the Sonos and belt out a few numbers. I enjoy it. I’m not sure about the neighbours.

Now the only bad bit of today. A while ago I bought a mandolin slicer. Mainly I use it for slicing aubergine, an integral ingredient in moussaka. Ever since I bought it, I have been super, extra careful given the number of warnings regarding the sharpness of the blades. (They are like razors.)

I use the little plastic hand tool to hold the food as I push it back and forth. I never clean it towards the blades. In fact, one could say I have a respect for it as a deadly (kitchen) weapon.

After today, I know why I do.

The plastic hand tool became wedged and the aubergine was stuck between the blade and the main bit of the slicer. I endeavoured to move it with great care, using a wooden spoon. This was only partly successful. There was nothing for it but to use a finger. (I really, really wish I’d gone with a knife instead.)

There is now a ‘V’ shaped slice taken out of the top of my finger. 

Interestingly, it didn’t actually hurt. And I managed to keep the blood and flesh off the food – the finger went straight into my mouth.

The moussaka was delicious though and that’s all that really matters.