The hedgerows in my neighbourhood are full of ripening plums, blackberries, elderberries and walnuts. While out walking this morning I picked a small bag full of plums, blackberries and elderberries. I gave them a quick rinse, removed the stones from the plums and cooked them in the microwave. Then in a separate bowl I weighed one egg and added the same weight in butter, flour and sugar. I added a teaspoon of baking powder and gave it all a goid mix. Then I spooned it in big dollops over the cooked fruit and cooked it for 20 minutes at 180 degrees in my mini oven. We had a portion each with a good drizzle of double cream. It's ages since I have eaten cake and this was an absolute treat. There's enough for tomorrow too. Mmmmmm
Sadly, our lovely neighbour Joan is now on end of life care. The hospital have our phone number in case she starts to slip away in the middle of the night. We're only fifteen minutes away from the hospital and will be straight there if we need to go quickly. Her distant relatives are scattered across the country and we'll stay with Joan until one of them can get there. It's breaking our hearts to think of her all alone. Another neighbour and Tony and I are taking turns to visit but Joan is very tired so we only stay until she nods off. We're all praying for a gentle end for Joan.
I wish we could all have a quiet end with good neighbors around us.
ReplyDeleteYour foraged fruit sounds great. Around here there's too much spraying for picking blackberries, so I envy you your access.
It's certainly the way I'd choose to slip away. We're very lucky to have so much fruit free for the picking . My freezer is gradually filling up with lovely fresh fruit and veg.
DeleteOh...that's sad. It's nice that you can be there for her, but not drain her energy. I hope she passes peacefully.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephenie. We're praying for a gentle end. X
DeleteHope this comment publishes and I think it must only be on my old laptop I have trouble. The cake looks yummy and what lovely neighbours you have, all looking out for each other. Take care & hugs.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely neighbourhood and even those unable to visit Joan are keeping her in their thoughts and prayers.
DeleteThat plum cake looks absolutely delicious. I love plums.
ReplyDeleteThinking of Joan and of those who will miss her very much.
Dad and I were just too late to get to mum before she slipped away. It still hurts that she was without any family there although I gather a nurse kept her company as it was the middle of the night she she could.
And it was a great comfort to me that even though I couldn't get to dad (flippin' road closures), brother, John, was there to see him over. You are lovely neighbours and I am sure the family will be so grateful and appreciative. xx
The nurses are wonderful and have assured us that Joan will have someone with her until the end.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that you have been able to be there for Joan.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan