Saturday, January 2, 2021

Keeping It Simple

 I have been baking again.

We are not feeling quite as full as Snoopy appears to be here, but we have already started cutting back.

Hard to remember that this isn't a holiday just because we are at home all the time. 

Yes, we are cutting back, but are still eating far too well. The fourth batch of shortbreads are almost cool enough for the tin - yes, four batches of simple shortbread fingers. I say simple because like most things I am making these days, there is very little work involved. Simple ingredients too - shortbreads involve only butter, sugar, and flour along with some 'elbow-grease' as Grandma used to tell me. The jar with the towel over it contains sauerkraut - simple to make using only cabbage and salt. It ferments on the counter for many days and when it has a flavour that suits your taste it is put into the refrigerator. Yum.

We are so lucky and we know it. Yet it is worth remembering that good luck rarely comes without preparation.

I will admit that there is a good chance that this post won't make it to your eyes, and if you choose, ears. It will likely join quite a few predecessors in the electronic bin - a victim of a simple and happy life, and an aversion to anything preachy. 

If it does survive it will likely be because of Gord's words and music below.

 


Go first in the world, go forth with your fears
remember a price must be paid.
Be always too soon, be never too fast
at the time when all bets must be laid.
Beware of the darkness, be kind to your children,
remember the woman who waits.
And the house you live in will never fall down
if you pity the stranger who stands at your gate.

When you're caught by the gale and you're full under sail
beware of the dangers below.
And the song that you sing should not be too sad
and be sure not to sing it too slow.
Be calm in the face of all common disgraces
and know what they're doin' it for.
And the house you live in will never fall down
if you pity the stranger who stands at your door.

When you're out on the road and feelin' quite lost
consider the burden of fame.
And he who is wise will not criticize
when other men fail at the game.
Beware of strange faces and dark dingy places.
Be careful while bending the law.
And the house you live in will never fall down
if you pity the stranger who stands at your door.

When you're down in the dumps and not ready to deal
decide what it is that you need.
Is it money or love, is it learning to live,
or is it the mouth you must feed?
Be known as a man who will always be candid
on questions that do not relate.
And the house you live in will never fall down
if you pity the stranger who stands at the gate.

And the house you live in will never fall down
if you pity the stranger who stands at the gate.