So as we complete Week 1 of the Lockdown in the UK it may be time to take a quick look at the state of the nation. It is very important to remember that we are the nation of “Keep Calm and Carry On” writ large on cushions, tea towels and posters bringing back the spirit of the blitz and we’re all in it together sensibilities. The fact that the poster “Keep Calm and Carry On” was created and printed in case of a successful Nazi invasion in 1940 and never saw the light of day is immaterial. It speaks to us as the British Way of Life.
However, the reality is “Don’t you know there’s a war on?” has been replaced by “please keep 2 metres away, no further, further” whilst stood in a queue but feeling happy to be 2 inches from someone whilst your filling the trolley/basket. I won’t even go into toilet rolls, disinfectant, flour, sugar and tinned tomatoes although that would be an interesting selection on Ready Steady Cook!
My next plan is to try to make my 76 year old mother understand that she can’t go out because she could catch something that would kill her. You’d think it would be easy but it is surprising difficult to get it through to her (I suspect because she doesn’t want to understand it). Anyway I managed to divert her from plans which range from “lovely days out” to “picnics in the park”. The only consolation is that the weather has turned colder.
In order to keep all spirits up in the house I tried one of Rick Stein’s recipes from his latest series – Seafood Gratin. The ingredients only cost £20. There’s only 2 of us! The fishmonger told me on Saturday that the UK is running out of fish so it was probably a good thing I did it when I did. I didn’t have panko breadcrumbs so used Warburtons instead. Still, it tasted lovely, even if I do say so myself.
That’s all for now so remember – this too will pass! Stay safe and well.