The thing about self-isolating for me, is that my days haven’t changed all that much. The biggest change, besides suspension of chauffeuring duties, is that now when I sit at home I know I’m not missing anything…
Anyhoo, for those of you less accustomed to hermiting, here are some of my current picks: a Music, a Book, a Chocolate, and a final bit of Bird Wisdom.
Music
Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A
Chosen for soothing properties, particularly the Larghetto. Listen to this while staring out a window at the sky or, if possible, trees or water. Certain to unjangle nerves. I don’t think it’s possible for the musicians to play this without feeling a soft fondness for the world.
There are many recordings out there, the one I have is Brindisi Quartet with Nicholas Carpenter and it’s exquisite. Look it up if you are a music streamer, or here it is from youtube (Sierra Quartet with Bruce Nolan).
Book
War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy
Seriously. Actually, for this you can substitute any really huge book you’ve been meaning to tackle. I’ve had a headstart on this one, as I started it over a year ago and have been reading it in fits and starts. At my current point – over halfway through – if I read 40 pages a day I can finish it in two weeks, so that’s what I’m doing. Just approaching the Battle of Borodino, so that’s exciting.
As a secondary pick, in honour of St. Paddy’s Day, the comic novel Puckoon by Spike Milligan is a swift and infinitely entertaining read.
There is an audiobook version out there narrated by Spike Himself.
p.s. I am astonished to discover that this book was made into a movie in 2002, a movie which escaped my notice entirely until now. I am also intrigued to learn that this movie marks the last screen appearance of both Milo O’Shea and Richard Attenborough. I must hunt it down…
Chocolate
Chocolate Pudding Cake
This is a family favourite passed along by Virna “Grannie” Thompson. Easy, chocolatey, gooey. What more do you want?
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
6 Tbsp sugar
1-1/2 Tbsp cocoa
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup milk
Sift dry ingredients together. Combine milk and butter and add. Mix till smooth. Pour into well greased casserole.
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 Tbsp cocoa
Combine these and sprinkle on top. Pour 1-3/4 cups of hot water over all.
Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Final Advice from Banjo
Just find something to chew on. Hours of enjoyment.
