A Paneful Reminder

Here's one of the few pieces of wedding memorabilia that Janet and I have with us in Kenya. It was a gift from one group of staff that I work closely with who are based in Eastern Congo. We've hung it in the window close to the front door where we hope it'll be safe from knocks. It'll get the morning light, which I'll see if I draw the curtains in time.

One item we did bring back from the UK was a breadmaker. It makes a small loaf which is moreish enough that we finish it between the two of us. This evening the maker helped us whisk up some dough for pizzas. I was interested to see if Janet could fit it in a suitcase, but thankfully it slotted in snuggly.

Today we bought one of the gifts that we thought would be the same price in Kenya as the UK - a hand blender. So now we're on course to make some zingy soups with fresh bread. I'm sure I'll be loosing weight in no time...

Tomorrow we also hope to bake a Christmas Cake. A photo will follow, maybe...

Just a Minute

I'm loving Just a Minute being back on BBC Radio 4. If you've never listened before, you really should. It fits perfectly with tea and toast.

A burnt slice too far

My ex-toaster sits forlornly, in the corner of the room... gathering dust. I'm wondering what to do with it - how do I pass off something that is such poor quality? My toaster and kettle were two of the first purchases I made on arriving in Kenya. Sadly they both appear to be 'grade-B' electricals. The kettle just about survives my wrath for now. In my mind I don't understand the business sense of selling such poor products from sometimes reputable brands, but it is said that as long as we keep on buying grade-B electricals in Kenya, they'll keep on importing them [not that I could find the original quote one ambassador to Kenya is said to have made several years back].

My new toaster which I picked up second hand is a pleasure to work with. So now I'm back to Saturday lunch toast-fests. This is where you put on BBC radio (either streamed online or podcasts, and eat toast alongside cups of tea for an hour or two. Blissful.