comments from caledonia

  So, one evening I decide to order myself some more hold up stockings from my favourite supplier, FALKE in Germany. (I am in France.)  I confess to getting a little confused on the web-site as it has been some time since my last order and web-sites are not my favourite wandering places....However, I managed - found what I wanted despite seductive offers of other things - and duly ordered four pairs of hold-ups.  As always I paid using Pay-Pal...so far, so good. Proud of myself for I had even remembered to have one of my mobile phones next to my laptop in order to receive the necessary code..My French address was clearly stated on the order - and was recognised. But then a very long silence, no delivery via La Poste, no news from any local delivery companies.    I look again at my order and its confirmation - there I spot the initials of a delivery service unknown to me.  Then I remember that favourite place for deliveries of online orders which are then co...

  Imagine my surprise, nay disgust, when I spotted that there was a smidge of mould in the bottom left corner of the - usually spotless - white china butter dish. A few days ago I spotted mould in my butter dish. It is a standard butter dish,  white porcelain with a lid, it can house a 250 gr block of butter with room to spare above - fits nicely from side to side, though. Yes, I was alarmed and - naturally - started to blame myself.   Had I used a dirty knife to cut into the butter?   I do have 'butter knives' but they are made for the small, silver individual portion butter dishes - of which I have one.   And, of course, I do not distinguish between the butter that is on the breakfast table and the butter I use for cooking...though the utensils to cut the butter obviously differ....And yes, I use the knife with butter on it to spread the butter on my piece of bread - and re-use it if I have not taken enough butter first go... We shall quickly pa...

  This is the heart of our dead oak..... there were many tears as it came down..