So, a week to go. That’s all, seven days, well eight sleeps actually until Santa comes, but only seven to get yourselves (and myself) ready for the big day. I am actually pretty much sorted in terms of gift buying, which is very unusual – I have been known to rush around on Christmas Eve in a mad panic with a stress headache trying to procure the perfect present. I mostly got away with it, by the skin of my teeth. The off-licence shopping trip still has to be done, it’s apparently a ‘blue job’ so it’s one that lands on my shoulders. Another task assigned to me is the gathering of winter greenery for the making of bunches to adorn the inglenook fireplace. Many years ago I used to make a long swag to drape along the mantel beam, but it took too much time, so the bunches are a compromise.
It is supposed to be the season of joy and goodwill. This however this does not extend to family harmony when it comes to those ultra competitive parlour games, which should be great fun, but invariably there is one in the room that is just a downright bad loser, so the collective mood takes a dip, not helped by the over zealous celebrations of the win at all cost victor. Which one is me? I couldn’t possibly comment.
As mentioned last time, this week is a normal one in terms of ordering and deliveries, but I would ask that you help me out by placing your order at your earliest convenience. I am going to have to be strict on the order cut-off time, because, if you didn’t know, Moyns Park Organics is me, no employees, if I don’t do it it don’t get dun, so your assistance would be much appreciated, and might guarantee that you receive what you want in a timely fashion. Ta very much.
There are very few changes in the shop this week. It would have been nice to have had cauliflowers or purple sprouting broccoli, but I can’t get any, so it’s more of what has been available in the past couple of weeks. The exception is red cabbage, which I know is quite popular at Christmas for some. I have based my purchasing on demand over the previous four years, so I am hoping that I have got it right, but if I haven’t I will prioritise my loyal year-round customers first. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support of you die-hard regulars, I love you all.
Sorry, I just had to break off to catch a vole that Stanley brought in and deposited on the kitchen floor! I am not one to blow my own trumpet, but I am really very good at catching mice, shrews and voles that are presented quite regularly. It’s amazing how they are brought home firmly in his mouth, but are undamaged and invariably very lively.
Fruit ‘n’ nuts. There are Spartan apples, large oranges, Clementines, lemons, limes (apparently superior in a G&T), and Walnuts, which this week will be coming from Grenoble in France. Most people think of tomatoes as veg, but we all know that they are fruit, so it is here that I will inform you that there will be cherry vine toms from Spain again – they are not as good as mine or those from the Isle of Wight, but for this time of the year they are ok, particularly if you are cooking them.
I was late starting this, and my late supper is about ready, so I am going to knock this on the head. If I don’t see you whilst delivering, have a very happy Christmas, and don’t be too competitive at those games. Thank you all, I will be back the first week of January. Remember, I will be at Wyken on Saturday, so you can collect from there, and there will be carol singers and over priced mulled wine to enjoy. Noel!
Phil