Sunday 29 December 2013

A Glutton for Punishment.

Well, I really think I must be, considering the amount of entertaining I have done over Christmas.   On Boxing Day I had a Lunch Party and a Buffet in the evening, for eight and seven respectively.   Now this evening I am having my grandchildren, along with their Dad and Step Mum for a meal and then I am giving a New Year's Eve Party.

Tonight's meal presents something of a challenge as there will be one vegan, one vegetarian, one piscatorian and two 'normal' eaters.
Jacket potatoes will feature heavily.

The weather today is beautiful - tomorrow is set to be awful - we seem to be alternating days of sunshine and storm.   Just in case you think this is a modern phenomenon, it is 134 years today since the Tay Bridge disaster, when the bridge collapsed taking a passenger train with it,at the height of a terrible storm.

Reading the report of the day which was published in yesterday's Times, it struck me how reporting has changed - and indeed how rescue operations have changed.   The article implies that they are not sure that the train has gone, but they know it went on to one side of the bridge and they know it didn't come off the other.   They 'fear' the train is at the bottom of the water but the only 'proof' they have is that two mail bags have been washed up on the shore.   How things have changed.

It set me thinking and talking with the farmer over our lunch time coffee about how many things have changed in my lifetime (and it is a jolly long one believe me).  Here is the list of the things I came up with:

Breach of promise is no longer a crime.
Homosexuality is no longer a crime.
You can no longer go to prison for debt.
The whip has been abolished as a form of punishment.
There is no longer a death penalty for murder.
Divorce laws have been eased and divorce is no longer seen as shameful.
 -We talk openly - and criticise openly - anybody.   I remember the career of a comedian (I think it might have been Max Miller) being seriously harmed because he mentioned Mrs Simpson on stage at the time of the Edward VIII scandal.
Illegitimacy is a word which has largely disappeared from our language.  I think more children are born out of wedlock than in these days.

These are just the things I thought of in a spare five minutes - I am sure you can think of many more.

13 comments:

The Solitary Walker said...

Thank the Lord for jacket potatoes.

The Solitary Walker said...

For eating jacket potatoes is no longer a crime punishable by two weeks in the stocks followed by a severe flogging!

Dartford Warbler said...

Corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools - thank goodness!

Seatbelts have to be worn in cars.

I expect I`ll think of some more later on....

I hope your family meal goes well.

Gwil W said...

Beating your carpet on a Sunday might still be on the books. There are lots of laws nobody bothers enforcing. For example setting off fireworks near a church. I'm seriously dreading New Year's Eve fireworks. They are bigger and louder than ever.

Heather said...

Your culinary skills will be challenged by tonight's supper menu but I'm sure whatever you serve will be delicious. Have a lovely evening.
You are right about the things which have changed in our lifetime. I can think of a few which shouldn't have changed!

Robin Mac said...

I had to look up piscatorian. Nlo wonder jacket potatoes will feature prominently! I like your list of changes, can't think of any more right now, no doubt ideas will come later. Have a great New Year with all your entertaining. Cheers

jinxxxygirl said...

I'm gonna have to look up piscatorian...lol:)

Virginia said...

My heart sank as I read of the collection of eating limitations you are catering for! I can cope with one at a time, but three!!! I think I'd go to bed with a book and get up after they've gone! I'm sure you'll rise to the occasion and turn on a memorable meal. Enjoy your visitors! And Happy New Year.

Cro Magnon said...

My only knowledge of the Tay Bridge disaster comes from reading McGonagal (sp?).

I have nothing against veggies (I used to be one), but they certainly do cause difficulties when amongst a crowd of 'normal' eaters. Good luck with your baked potatoes; it sounds like a very good idea.

Dominic Rivron said...

And very nice it was too, thank you.

:)

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks for popping by. The buffet went off well - it is always lovely to see one's grandchildren and their friends.
Robert (Solitary Walker) I might be old but I am not old enough to see the abolition of the stocks as a punishment!!

mrsnesbitt said...

Buffets - extensively labour intensive don't you think Pat?

Terry and Linda said...

Jacket Potatoes are my favorite! I want you to know I LOVE your new header photo!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com