22.5.07

Dear Toni,

I’m so glad you recommended this book of letters, The Element of Lavishness, between Sylvia Townsend Warner and our beloved Maxwell. They are a delight! Not only do their cats come up quite a lot, but their talk of their writings is inspiring. I have all these ideas in my head that never make it out. Perhaps, like you, I should try to rise early. It’s a component of Sikhism, yes? And good sense, too, though I’m not sure I’m capable. To bed around 1am and up at 10am has been my routine for as long as I can remember.

It’s raining today. I thought I would be going to the store to get the ingredients for tonight’s risotto, but I absolutely hate going out (especially walking) in the rain. Le Spouse will likely have to swing by the store on his way home from work. Which means we’ll be eating late, since good risotto takes time.

Last night’s dinner was lovely: fennel and blue cheese with penne (recipe in an adjacent post). Not something I’d serve to guests, but my tastebuds had fun! Le Spouse commented that it wasn’t as acidic as the ready-made tomato sauces, and the blue cheese added a nice punch to each bite. In fact, the blue cheese was the crucial ingredient. I enjoyed the leftovers at lunch today.

Right now I’m sipping a lovely Oolong tea that my friend (and tea dealer) Steve brought back from China. It helps me forget the rain.

As always,

rae