After the Flood
Just like starting over….
Apologies if it’s been a little quiet this end, I’ve just got back from the Lake District where I’ve been assesing the flood damage and it doesn’t make for an inspiring picture. I find it annoying that nobody finds this newsworthy anymore. The knock on effect of this flood is still and will continue to be felt for months and months and for some, a lifetime.
The effect on local business, people’s homes and lives has been devestating but now it’s yesterday’s news and far less important than an overpaid footballer cheating on his wife. I’ve just checked the news headlines and guess what? Sarah Palin writes reminders on her hand. So what?
Anyway, here’s what’s left of one of the kitchens, I can’t get in the other and I’m not sure that I particularly want to. Twelve months ago this was a brand new working kitchen. I had totally redesigned it, contractors had gutted it, refloored it, installed new equipment and bingo….the lot’s gone.
Sorry to see your hard work having gone down the drain - literally in this case
I cannot imagine what people who’ve lost their homes must feel like - I’d be devastated !
Rod
February 10, 2010 @ 7:48 pm
Heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking.
Annie
February 10, 2010 @ 7:52 pm
Miles,
How heartbreaking is that? There are times in life when people get knocked down and have to come up again. It takes strength, determination and money, of course.
You are right about the media. News today and fish & chip paper tomorrow.
Only those involved will know the hardship of it all.
Good luck to you all and best wishes.
Anne
February 10, 2010 @ 8:00 pm
Miles,
What can any of us add to what has already been said. I’d like to think that in a disaster I’d be a fighter and focus on a silver lining….. the reality is I’m hopeless at it usually but encourage a valiant spirit in others. So I will look forward to photographs of the latest ‘new’ kitchens and hope that the UK’s flood defenses have been strengthened.
Keep us informed of progress.
On the domestic front, here is my culinary weather report…..
Pickled pears going down a treat… made so many lots of people were given a sample. Verdict is that it’s definitely worth making if you like pears and pickles
The second first of late, if that makes sense is my effort at making clotted cream/chestnut fudge. I didn’t plan to but a combination of rapidly going out of date chestnut puree caught my eye and a pot of clotted cream, bought for no good reason, laying idle in the fridge. I’ve never tackled fudge making before and now I can see why…. it’s all about precise temperatures, chemistry and correct textures. Pickling pears is far easier! I’ve also cooked up a batch of lentil/dried bean soup which you covered some time ago on the blog…. good and very filling, in fact I made enough for about ten people by accident. (whispered) i’ve got a new bread making machine … yes, I know, more gadgets but I love it and have produced excellent loaves and pizza bases etc from my choice of ingredients. Garden wise not much (well nothing really) has been accomplished lately but I’ve made a note that February is a good time to plant garlic so that’s what I intend to do….. by the summer I’ll require instruction on how to plait it and cold smoke it even if I only get a single bulb 
Cosmetically speaking, I’ve produced an almost identical foot oil to a very expensive Clarins article (are there no ends to this woman’s talents I hear you cry 
) made with hemp oil, rosemary, peppermint and geranium. Now I’m off to bed, exhausted with my laboratory efforts, but not before reading up on my latest craze about the global and political importance of Indigo through the ages…. bliss.
Cid
February 11, 2010 @ 12:02 am
Miles:
Part of me hates to say this, but stop dwelling on the misfortune part and start thinking of it as a new challenge. Some doors close . . . other doors open.
I’m hoping that the hotel owners are adequately insured and can afford to rebuild and re-equip. Is there anything about your original redesign that you wish you had done differently? Now’s the time to enact it.
I am genuinely sorry that this happened - especially so soon after your new kitchen had opened. However, focusing on the good things that will come out of that kitchen after it is rebuilt is better for your well-being. . .
I’m betting you’ve come through worse . . .
Laura
February 11, 2010 @ 1:52 am
All,
Thanks for yor comments, no time for feeling sorry because to me it’s a job and I get paid to do it. I am very positive about the future but my point is that many are not and have good reason to feel that way.
Cid, sounds as though you’ve been very busy, I look forward to seeing your cosmetics range in Harrods
Miles
February 11, 2010 @ 8:54 am
Miles,
I forgot to mention the Japanese pancakes with Teriyaki which should have been slotted in between the bread and the foot oil
Cid
February 11, 2010 @ 11:45 am
Ugh, floods. Good luck with getting everything back in order, and heartfelt good wishes to all those affected. This is when the best people usually shine though, I have always judged character based on adversity and it has rarely failed me. I understand what you are saying about the news - Next Disaster/Scandal Please! That was one of the reasons I took the 6 month self imposed TV and Web ban.
Anne, great line: “News today and fish & chip paper tomorrow.”
Dave
February 11, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
Dave,
Many thanks, it’s a pain but it’s one of lies reminders I suppose. I don’t blame you for your exile, sometimes it’s only this blog that prevents me from doing the same.
Miles
February 12, 2010 @ 8:59 am
Cid,
Only you……….:)
Miles
February 12, 2010 @ 9:03 am