Thursday 3rd September 2020

I went for a coffee to see my friend Carolyn on 36^th floor and as I was leaving I was offered a joint of ham she had kept in the freezer for a long time and roasted yesterday. HAM? In COLOMBO? After Misa mentioned only a few days ago that this was one of the dis-benefits of living here? “Well, if you give me a piece, I won’t refuse!”, I said.

I have very kind friends, and she game me a very generous piece. When I brought it home, Emi and Misa could not believe their eyes; we hadn’t seen a real ham in over a year, and they started to plan what we should cook from it today. Emi suggested Pasta Carbonara, and I agreed with her.  Misa said: “We have to cook a proper meal!”, so he asked Alexa for advice.  “She” advised him: mashed potatoes, vegetables, and apple sauce.  Dad Steve agreed without even knowing what Misa had suggested.  And so it was served as suggested, and I even had time to make the apple sauce and caramelise the onion.

Well, what can I say, it was so tasty! If I had filmed our dinner, you would hear all the sounds everyone was making when they ate – and believe me, they almost licked their plates clean.

I think the children are starting to appreciate little things in life and have stopped taking things for granted.

Rennie