Country Matters
By The Hodge
“She who
cackles most, lays least eggs”
Traditional country lore
So,
now we know – eggs are safe, even for small children and the prospective
mother. Eggs, rich and golden, runny and delicious; fried, boiled, scrambled,
poached, coddled, as an omelette, as an ingredient… cheap, nutritious and…
safe!
The
unfertilised ova of the domesticated jungle fowl, the most populous bird on
planet earth. We eat 12,813,000 eggs per annum in this country – that’s 196 for
every person and a total of 35 million a day. Our farmers produce 85% of those
eggs, the rest are imported. When there was a health scare a few weeks ago, it
transpired that our friendly neighbourhood supermarkets were promoting their
credentials by telling everyone their eggs were all British but what they put
in ready meals and sandwiches were all cheap imports – the source of the food
scare!
So
for a nutritious, cheap and easy meal, go to work on an egg. Toast those
soldiers, chip the top off and dip your spoon into the golden reservoir of
gorgeousness. And remember… it’s safe.
* * * * *
November
marks the start of winter for the countryman. The clocks have gone back, the
curtains are drawn early, the fires are lit and we take on the mantle of
whatever weather is thrown our way. Cold winds, frost, rain, snow, more frost.
We change our diet and get the casserole dish down from the shelf and enjoy the
stews and winter vegetables. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Not
much work can be done on the farm once winter sets in. The mud and the cold
means that animals are brought in and bedded down in their barns. The fields
lie fallow awaiting a breath of warmth in spring and the new life that it
heralds but in the meantime the farmer spends his time on planning and
maintenance – there’s always plenty of both.
You
may not have the same responsibilities in terms of livestock but if you have a
garden you can do your bit. Precious hedgehogs will be finding cosy corners in
which to hibernate so don’t be over-tidy. And before you light a bonfire, make
sure the base isn’t one of those cosy corners. It’s best to move the whole
structure and make sure before you light it. And talking of bonfires, my usual
message is to attend an organised firework display and not try to
do-it-yourself which is expensive by comparison. Fireworks are alien to all
non-humans – farm stock, dogs and other pets, horses and wildlife – and no one
knows what effect your snap crackle and pop will have on those creatures around
you except for the pet owners who live in dread of this time of the year. So
please be considerate.
Whilst
ranting, the same goes for Chinese Lanterns which have proved to be a real
menace, either setting fire to things or being eaten by cattle or sheep,
causing their deaths. Please don’t have anything to do with the infernal
contraptions.
You
can also do your bit by looking after the birds that visit with dedicated
feeders and fresh water. Keep the feeders clean and the food fresh and enjoy
the sights and sounds of a regular stream of visitors to your garden throughout
the winter.
If
you dread the coming of winter, and many do, try and make the most of it. When
there are bright sunny days, dress up and get out there and make the most of
the countryside around us. And even when the weather is poor, the sights and
sounds can still be amazing. Keep warm and comfortable, look after those around
you and before you know it, spring will be just around the corner.
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