By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again.” ―Neil Gaiman
We continue to have erratic weather here in Maine. Including giant blobs of snow falling along with sleet and rain. But it is clear that the worst of it is over. We have had several snowfalls that were gone by the end of the day, the temperatures are rising into the 40s and 50s during the day, and in some places, the ice is already gone on the rivers and ponds. When the day is sunny, the sun is straight overhead and so warming. And the creatures are waking, getting interested in each other and in making nests. The birdsong has been almost deafening this week.
Speaking of deafening, I have come to grips with the suspicion that I have tinnitus, with a constant ringing in my ears and that has been another kind of new experience. I write about it in the story below. The nice thing has been the response of readers, offering reassurance, support, and their own suggestions for dealing with this problem.
On the cooking front, I have bought a new range and my husband has spent the last few days disassembling the old one to junk. It is really old and filthy and that seems the best place for it next. Meanwhile, we are cooking in an electric frying pan and instant pot combination that works pretty well and forces us to think a little differently about what to cook. I’m enjoying watching the progress. All the pictures were taken by me.
Don is using wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and his new impact screwdriver to dismantle this enormous pile of steel. I think he is having fun figuring out how the stove was put together by taking it apart. I have had to help him occasionally, but mostly I’m staying out of the kitchen. By the next issue, we should have the new range in place and working, hopefully.
This week in cooking
Irish Tea Cakes for St Pattys Day
I have had this recipe for delicious tea cakes or quick breads since early in my marriage. I don’t remember where I got it, though I was into reading Gourmet magazines at the time and I suspect this recipe came thence. They are filled with currants, butter and have just a light glaze on top. I often make them to serve with the corned beef and cabbage feast around the 17th of March. I hope you enjoy them.
In Writing This Week
When Tinnitus Struck, My Happy Life Disappeared Before My Eyes
I am Left Grateful for My Ever-Whistling Husband, My Doctor, and My Routines
I just finished a terrible few days that if it had continued would have been the end of my writing, and all the things I love. It was the most difficult thing that has happened to my health for a long time. And all because I wasn’t prepared for it. I had worried sufficiently about a heart attack, brain tumor, and cancer during my seventy-plus years. But to be taken down by noises in my ears. What the hell?
Jean Feldeisen 