Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
Matthew Green Shadowlands A Journey Through Lost Britain Faber and Faber Ltd 2022
Shadowlands is a beautiful blend of poignancy, social commentary, journeys in landscapes that tell a range of stories of secrecy, joy and sorrow, and a history that has been brought out of hiding. I love the writing, the topic and the stories, the way in which social history has been written to provide proposals for the future that, while gently stated, are nonetheless an important admonishment about past practices and plans for protecting the environment, people’s wellbeing and communities. Books: Reviews
The search for lost Britain in Shadowlands also resonates with one of the topics raised in the Barbara Pym novel, A Few Green Leaves, that I reviewed in the previous post. Searching for the medieval village is an important feature in the novel. Through Tom Dagnall’s interest in history, exemplified by his search, Pym raises the all engrossing question debated in E. H. Carr’s What is History. The villagers believe that the recent past is history, while the rector sees it as the far distant past. The debate around the introduction of social history to university courses in the 1970s, was adopted by Pym in her last novel.
Information after the Covid report: Australians go to the polls – a graphic early reaction; Katanje Brown Jackson confirmed and the celebration at the White house; Cindy Lou eats…and eats…; Indian Pacific jaunt anticipated.
Covid in Canberra
Cases mounted on the first two days of this week’s record, but so does the % of Canberrans vaccinated. New cases recorded on 7 April – 1, 094, with forty nine people in hospital and three in ICU, two of whom are ventilated. The largest % of the cases is in the 18-24 age group (33%). On 8 April the new cases recorded numbered 1,200. Fifty five people are in hospital, three in ICU, two ventilated, and one life was lost.
There was a decline in the number of new cases on 9 April, with 959 cases, sixty two people in hospital, two ventilated and one life lost. The decline continued with 795 new cases on 10 April; 775 new cases on 11 April and 923 new cases on 12 April. Another death was recorded on 11 April. Another rise in new cases on 13 April with 1,073. There are now sixty one people in hospital with Covid, two are in ICU and ventilated.
Australians go to the polls on 21 May 2022
I was fortunate to have dinner with a person who has already been involved in political activity of some note (and humour). His bin stickers, and those for cars and windows are a delight. I hope to have more examples for next week’s blog.
Confirmation by Senate of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court and celebration at the White House
Cindy Lou visits cafes and restaurants, resulting in over two weeks of pleasurable eating
86 North
86 now has two venues, North and South. The newer site, on the southside, features more pasta, while the original site retains its varied menu. The latest features a delicious Moroccan style cauliflower dish, which went well with old favourites, charred corn entre and the wonderful pumpkin, sage and burnt butter tortellini. I was pleased to visit 86 once again. I realise that the restaurant is rather noisy – but this is the one occasion I do not mind as I enjoy the food so much. If noise really is an issue, the outside tables are under cover and the area is well warmed. The photos below feature the cauliflower, an excellent Bellini and the delicious dessert that we had partially eaten before I remembered to photograph it. The dessert comprises ice-cream, toffee, a syrup and popcorn. I suppose it is rather childish, but I love it.
Tinker Tailor
Tinker Tailor is a pleasant venue at the Jameson shops, adding to the variety of eating places there. There is an outside section, not glamorous, but well patronised in warmer weather. The staff are excellent – friendly, efficient and helpful. My smoked salmon bagel, gently warmed rather than squashed flat as so often happens, was fresh and flavoursome; the sausage roll with its generous, tasty salad was, I understand, delicious. Certainly the pastry looked crisp and attractive. Pastries and bread are baked on the premises.
Breize
It was lovely to introduce people to Breize under the new owners, after having had an excellent meal there a week ago. This time we sat inside, where it was warm and comfortable. However, despite it being cloudy plenty of people, some with their dogs, enjoyed the outside seating as well. We chose gallettes and omelettes, and coffees for our brunch. My ‘special’ , chicken, tomato and a delicious sauce in a buckwheat gallete was excellent, and the side salad was fresh and generous. Other dishes were the potato omelette, a splendid strawberry gallete and a generously filled mushroom gallete. There was a slight glitch in regard to timing , but this was caused by illness limiting the available staff. This was explained and apologies were made – once again, I felt, what lovely staff.
Some new dishes at Black Fire, on a busy Monday night visit
I ordered my usual crab stuffed peppers followed by prawns. Both were as delicious as usual. However, I was fortunate enough to be offered a taste of the haloumi in the salad in which succulent haloumi pieces were accompanied by shaved parsnip and slices, beetroot slices, fresh rocket and two delightful sauces. I might have to change my order next time. The other new dishes were two flavoursome pastas and a nicely cooked rib eye. This was accompanied by a side of greens – delicious – and we ordered the wonderful roast potatoes as well.
Next week I shall hopefully be on the Indian Pacific on Wednesday, when I usually post the blog.
As the Indian Pacific has no Wi-Fi, and there is no guarantee that there will be any available on the off train experiences, I shall post when I arrive in Perth.
Robin's Room 