Just an idea.

Those who cross the channel in small inflatable boats, must have such a love for their new intended home/country, that they should be allowed to demonstrate that patriotism by joining-in wherever possible.

One way they could demonstrate their willingness to become good 'British' citizens would be by joining her Armed Forces. I would recommend that they be allowed (ahem) to do a couple of years 'National Service', before settling down to whatever work their skills allow. Some skills would of course be learned over their two years. They would learn to speak English, save a certain amount of money, and be prepared for life in 'civilised' Britain.

Their service would need to be 'obligatory', so that they don't feel that there is any sort of pressure in a selection process. The old or infirm might be excused, or reserved for lighter duties.

This would give new immigrants a feeling of being welcomed into the fold of Britishness, and make them feel like an part important part of the community. Some could even remain in the army to form a new British 'Foreign Legion'.

I rest my case M'lud.

Goodbye Tomatoes.

It'll be a long time before we eat Tomatoes like these again.

My good friend and neighbour, José, has come up trumps again with his wonderful Tomatoes. As usual he has given me a free hand, helping myself to a few every so often. They are simply delicious. 

OK, they're a bit marked and split, but the flavour is so good. There really is nothing to compare with a good 'Marmande' type Tomato, grown outdoors in the sunshine.

In fact José grows several different varieties; I would guess about 6 different types. The two above, on the plate are Marmande, and the one by their side is (I think) a Coeur de Boeuf. He and his daughter make plenty of preserves, then the rest are either eaten, given away, or left to rot. He always grows far too many. 

Preserving my crops was always one of my greatest pleasures; other than actually growing them. To have various cupboards filled with bottles of fruit and veg was so satisfying (above). All was the very best quality, and all was delicious. N.B. When bottling, one only ever uses perfect fruits or vegs.

So, a big thank you to José and his daughter Laurence; without you our summers would be far less gastronomic! I'm just sorry that we won't be here to fill our pockets with Chestnuts. They should start falling quite soon.

Stating the bleedin' obvious.

Now that I'm very very old, I need to be told what everyday objects are actually used for.

If a plate has 'Pasta' written on it, I'm pretty sure it's for Spaghetti, or if an eggcup has 'Egg' written on it, then I know it'll be for boiled eggs.

So, as my last Coffee mug suddenly developed a chip on the rim, I have taken to using a new Coffee mug that has 'Coffee' written on it. This way I won't forget what it's for. I won't be storing my 2B pencils in it, or using it as a paperweight. Nor will I use it for Tea; it will definitely be for Coffee only.

I'm a little disappointed, however, that it also mentions 'Cappuccino' and 'Espresso', but I'm trying to ignore that, and use it exclusively for my 5 am cup of Nescafé instant.

I'm still looking for a bed that says 'Sleep' and a chair that says 'Sit'. but I'll probably have to wait until some clever designer in China discovers that there's a gap in the market. 

Billy had a bowl that said 'Dog', and our late cat Freddie had one that said 'Cat', but as neither of them could read, there was obviously confusion. We've now managed to train Billy to understand that if his bowl has Dog Food in it; it's for him. He's a fast learner.

What on earth would we do (especially we old folk) without objects that told us what they were for, or without shoes with L and R written on them.

Damn it; I can't find my pen. It's that one with 'Writing' written on it!

 

The New Citroen Picasso

I used to own a 2CV. It was blue, had orange boxes for seats, and was absolutely wonderful.

I remember once heading off for England in it. My very good friend, Lucienne, kept saying "You'll never make it". However, I did, and without a hitch. I really don't know why I sold it. 

I've also owned a Renault 4L, which in many ways was Renault's version of the 2CV. I also went up to England and back with it several times, and just once had alternator trouble; which was quickly fixed.

So, my question is this. Why do manufacturers not make simple cars any more? Both the 2CV and the 4L had very simple engines, they had spark plugs that one could easily clean, and they had distributors that one could open up and make sure the 'points' were all working. After that it was petrol, oil, and water, and a decent battery. OK, they didn't go very fast or have heated seats and Sat Nav, but they were fun to drive and were reliable. 

My current car, Debi the Compact Royce, is about as 'sophisticated' as I want. She has electric windows and a few other bits of advanced technology, but she certainly isn't like a 'plane's cockpit. When I turn the key I go; unlike those (in more complex cars) who sit for five minutes setting all the gadgets, Sat Nav destination, seat temperature, etc.

Why doesn't some manufacturer make a simple chassis with engine, steering wheel, brakes, etc, onto which one could fix any type of fiberglass bodywork. It could have a sports body, an all-terrain body, and mini-moke body, or just an OAP's shopping body. You'd make your choice according to your personality. What could be easier (and more popular) than that!

Oh; and it would have to sell for around £4,000.

 

Bougnette.

My friend, the artist Simon Fletcher, and his lovely wife Julie, have just been on a short visit.

Knowing my love of Bougnette, Julie brought us a couple from her favourite butcher down in the Languedoc; where they live.

Bougnette is one of those regional specialities that comes from when times were hard, and one made the most of what one had. Occasionally such dishes are totally delicious, as in this case.

Ingredients include bread, seasoned belly pork, and eggs. They are already cooked but before eating they are sliced in half and fried (no oil necessary).

The two photos above are actually from 2016 when we last had them (I forgot to take photos last night).

You won't find these just anywhere, they are exclusive to the Languedoc. However, if you should be down that way; try them. Just ask for Boon-Yet.

Thank you Julie. They were delicious. I also note that the wine you brought was made in your honour!

No! Surely not!

I have just heard that the fragrant Angela Rayner (Britain's deputy Prime Minister) has bought a flat in Brighton. This ultra left-winger now has THREE homes (one of which is 'grace and favour').

So much has been written over the past few days about the hypocrisy of this woman, that I shall not add to her obvious embarrassment. 

I can't really blame her for wanting to live in Brighton, it must be quite a change from her grim Ashton-Under-Lyne (Manchester) residence. A genuine breath of fresh sea air!

We have a friend who'll be a neighbour, and I am told that she's already been seen about town quite a lot in recent times (MP's are on holiday). People in her constituency aren't happy that she's never there, and with her new pad on the South Coast, they fear they'll never see her again.

I must point-out that this woman is constantly moaning about the shortage of housing; yet she now has TWO of her own, plus another that she is loaned. She is also allowing councils to sell-off their allotments to builders, in order to try to provide desperately needed housing for those who don't even have one home!.

If I see her whilst dog-walking, I shall not be doffing my cap, or asking for a 'selfie'; I shall leave the poor thing alone. In fact I doubt if many would even bother to greet her. 

A classic 'do as I say, not as I do' character. From a 16 year old 'single mum' to second-home owning top leftie politician, I would say 'the gal done good'. Just heaven help us if she ever became Prime Minister.

She'll have some very well known neighbours around her seaside pad, although I quite expect they'll keep well clear of her!

 

Fashion.

Fashion is often more about what hasn't been done before, rather than what is pleasant to look at, or wear. This chap here is showing a classic example.

I did once myself enter the world of fashion. I designed a watch strap based on a tailor's measuring tape. One even appeared on the front cover of Vogue magazine. It brought me no fame! The only reason I designed it (or thought of it) was because it hadn't been done before. I never intended to become the King of watch straps.

The annual fashion shows of the big-name couturiers have become a farce, with Z-list celebs all occupying the front row seats in their sunglasses, and the models hardly able to walk in the ridiculous 'creations'. They have become more comedy shows than serious fashion exhibitions. And as for the models.........

I know what you're thinking. Would Cro go to Sainsbury's wearing the above outfit? Well the answer is twofold. If I was being paid; yes! If I wasn't being paid; no!