I think that it is natural to question whether to extract the kids from the vagaries of the city and move out to pastures greener – most of the friends we have who are parents have at some point or other (normally on a three or four year cycle), thrashed through the pros and cons of such an action. Most of us of a certain age, have also fantasised about the day we can stop working full-time, well at least I have. Not that I don’t, didn’t, love my job. It’s just that the daily grind becomes all-encompassing and the detail of the job engages you in perpetual frustration. However much we all strive for a good work-life balance, however much we can compartmentalise our lives, the stresses and strains of full-time work, family commitments (and alcohol) all inevitably take their toll.
So was it stupid to try to change both these elements of my life at the same time? Colleagues at work were full of ‘oh well done’ (on reflection I realised that I had heard those words and that tone before – in the film Notting Hill, delivered by Hugh Bonneville when he had just learned that Julia Roberts did some work in film!). Some, further down the road to retirement, were interested in the nitty-gritty details of pensions but most said ‘good luck, you lucky thing.’
Well that’s what we have just done – combined a double move and double retirement – from work, not life, of which more later.
So – here I am, living in the beautiful English countryside, looking to explore the finer things in life, like good food and great wine. I have lots of plans, many of which may never come to fruition, but I am excited about this new phase and starting this blog is a way of recording that. However, first priority is to get the AGA fixed so I can make use of my AGA cooking lessons ( a kind leaving present!). So, watch this space, follow me as I experiment with the plethora of local ingredients, battle with recipes and muse on life in the sticks! I’ll endeavour to keep you posted on what I have cooked and inevitably will eat, what I’m drinking (if I can remember) and as importantly, what I’m listening to. So …. for starters…….
Eating: Red lentil and yellow split pea soup. Had to make up for the lack of red lentils with split peas, but it really works a treat; adds great texture – I recommend!
Drinking: Ethiopian coffee. Great gift from son #1 a mixed box of coffees from around the world; I love the exotic names – travel via the imagination.
Listening to: Dengue Fever Venus on Earth album: A great cross over band; chilled and atmospheric.
Cook.Eat.Blog.Repeat. 