The Comfort of Toast and Other Good Things

 

Daylight streaming through a wide window;

a pot of tea at the ready,

and memories to move you gently through the hours - 

all impart tranquility in the heart of winter.

Victoria Magazine January 1994

The run of cold clear bright days was lovely while it lasted, and now we are back to more typical cloud and drizzle. Moss is the brightest thing in the woods these days and there is plenty of it, growing like thick tufts of hair on branches. The ponds were full of ducks, mallards, coots, and wood ducks, all quacking and swimming as though at a party. 

The stack of books I had chosen to read didn't inspire me greatly, so I was very happy when the library informed me that Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure was ready for pickup. Sometimes a particular story lands just when it fits one's mood perfectly. This was one of those times. The story is charming and undemanding, but demonstrates resilience and growth in a difficult time. I liked it so much that I would like to add it to my own bookshelf. I won't give away the story, but when Ellie hears some bad news, she takes things into her own hands, gathers a friend or two, and has a truly "Splendid Adventure" that occurs just before and during World War II. 

Winter is the time for comfort - 

it is the time for home.

Edith Sitwell

With the lack of sunshine this week I craved comfort. Cups of tea while reading were lovely, (Murchie's Earl Grey) and one dull afternoon I made myself a piece of toast. The fragrance of that homemade sourdough bread as it toasted filled my senses with anticipation. A bit of butter made it absolutely delicious. This was a special treat as I normally don't eat between meals. 

Other comforting foods this week were Roasted Tomato Soup, and a Gingery Carrot and Greens Soup with Shrimp. In the summer I roast garden tomatoes with onion, garlic, and herbs until slightly caramelized, then freeze them in mason jars filled about 2/3 full. I pull out a jar, let it thaw and pour it into a pot, add broth, simmer for a few minutes, blitz it, and it makes the most flavourful soup in a flash. A bit of cream added at the end adds a bit of unctuousness. 

The primulas I purchased were not at all bothered by the frosty weather and keep the little crocus flowers company in the pot on the porch. It makes me smile when I pass by. 

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

Jane Austen

A bunch of tulips and hyacinths came home with me from the grocery store. I separated them into two vases to spread out the beauty. How sweet the fragrance of the hyacinths!

My parents gave me an amaryllis bulb for Christmas and it's been growing steadily, now blooming deep crimson. There's another stem growing alongside and I'm curious to see if it will also bloom. 

It's been a quiet week around here, mostly at home with walks and books, tea and toast. In a few days the first month of 2026 will have passed and February will arrive. 

I'll leave you with a few words from Rhys Bowen's Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure - 

“Prayers don’t have to be elaborate things. Why don’t you start with three things you’re blessed with, three things you’re afraid of and finally three things you ask of him? And don’t forget to listen, too.”