Top Ten List of Small Things Pt. 2

4. Feeding the Birds: Many years ago, I was a well-intentioned novice, hanging out a puck of seedy suet which no bird was ever able to access due to its squirrel value. I also purchased jumbo bags of suspiciously cheap seed which produced the same experience. I now finally have a practice that works. We only buy Safflower and Niger seed which the squirrels have almost zero interest in and the feeders are always well attended. Mr.& Mrs. Cardinal arrive together, politely taking turns and transform the front window into a Victorian Christmas card. There are finches too and many others and I am always touched by their gentle, searching faces. I do feed the squirrels, separately, in the backyard and cannot dislike them as many people do; in fact, we now have three “regulars” that we have named: ‘Sid Vicious’ (arrogant-cool, often knocking at the window, smiling crookedly); ‘Elvis,’ black fur and ears slicked straight back and ‘The Friar,’ the largest of all and could easily pass for a groundhog as he teeters on the ledge, where I’ve left a few peanuts in the shell and apple cores. Yes, I’m aware how geriatric this all sounds but it adds another much needed strata of connection in these dark Covid days.

3. Completing a Long Neglected Task: I’m surprised that I have not done more of this, but when stress really has a strangle hold on you it can be very difficult to get motivated – even when you know the end result will be worthwhile. (A lot like exercise!) So whilst the basement remains to be conquered  I do have a newly organized spice cabinet. No more rogue twist ties and unidentified bits of petrified tarragon. Tiny jars I have always meant to use, are now full and the Masala Dabba tin I bought myself several years ago is in rotation as well. I even made a little “riser” out of a scrap of wood to display the jars at the back. A few empty, exotic glass bottles also re-ignited my plan to make specialty vinegars one day and this in turn led to watching a few Jacques Pepin videos – which is an excellent use of anyone’s time – and so calming! (And, what a handsome guy …)

2. Music: Discovering different music and knowing as much as possible about the music I love was a passion of mine and one that has been sadly neglected for some time. So lately I’ve decided to devote time to rambling about on Deezer, following up on recommendations, listening to older music again (thank you Belfast 89!) and just giving myself permission to do so. By revisiting one of my favourite Putumayo albums, I discovered Amadou and Mariam and now have this one on steady rotation. Just the thing to unleash a spot of impromptu kitchen dancing – or at least stop weeping!

1. Wine: Yes, this is number one. My favourite ritual of any day is the time that I allow myself a glass of something. Sometimes a substantial, 2 olive Martini – or maybe a Dubonnet, depending on my mood. For me, winter is far too chilly for beer.

Usually, if it’s wine, I’ll be pouring 2 and I can assure you that these are not the few ounces they mete out in a restaurant either. (Is this wine for babies?? It’s literally two sips – and if I order the larger size, I will feel judged and ripped off in equal parts). Every so often (usually after frightening myself online) I decide to Take-the-Pledge and stop drinking altogether, especially as I go along life’s way. So, I’ll mix some soda water with Rose’s Lime Cordial and sip away piously as I make dinner. I mean, I absolutely love Lime Cordial – but really, the whole event is just a bit sad. My British DNA is happy to override further doubts at this point (“a little bit of what you fancy does you good, love!”) and perhaps that is why, historically, I tend not to keep to The Pledge past Wednesday …

I also feel that as I become more and more convinced of the randomness of life, I do not want to give this one small thing up. I dream of sitting quietly on the back steps in the sunshine with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, a bit of cheese, maybe a wedge of pear and Stanley snoozing loudly on my hip.

To me, that is heaven.

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