Lesley Pitman
@lesleypitman
Librarian at large. Chair of CILIP ILIG. Used to be a Slavonic librarian. Posts a random mix of libraries, Russia, food (gluten free) and the joys of life in Tooting.
I haven’t watered much this year, but this pepper plant is an exception, and has done well outside. The conservatory was too hot for it. Quite proud.
Just eating tonight’s triumphant risotto. Kitchen looks like a murder scene. But worth it.
Success. Phew. It is not exactly enormous, but it is chocolate cake.
Hospital patient now safely home and recovering. Service from St George’s exemplary, despite the current strike. Nurses doing 12 hour shifts on the wards, which must be tough, but does give continuity for patients. Gardens and art on the walls all help. Now breathe.
The gardens at St Georges Hospital are a great joy at this time of year. I hope nobody ever quibbles about the cost. A haven where staff, visitors and patients can stop and breathe. Many thanks to the gardening team. They make a difference.
When I moved to Tooting Broadway a long time ago there was an M&S and a Woolworths opposite the station. Then Primark and Wilko took their place. Now Wilko has gone, M&S is coming back, and before it opens in the Wilko building we have a fleeting reminder of the much missed Woolworths. #ghostsigns
Great excitement locally, as a Gail’s has opened nearby. The only GF option they have is their tiny sourdough loaf. Tonight I brushed two slices with olive oil, griddled them, and served them with Jack Stein’s hake and chickpea stew. Not bad at all, although the bread cost more than the fish.
Evri have surpassed themselves, which can’t be easy. Meet our food waste bin.
A Sunday morning walk in Tooting, and who do I bump into but Dan Leno, the music hall star.
What a line-up at the Wimbledon Bookfest this weekend. We saw Jay Rayner, Lady Hale talking to Afua Hirsh, Harriet Walter, and Lemn Sissay. Wonderful, and a bit overwhelming. Pics and rain not great, but everything else was.
This is good! I finally got to the big Tesco and have gluten free orzo, and it’s excellent.
Currently following in the footsteps of James Joyce. Did he like his sweets?
The map on my phone has gone rogue. I am looking for the nearest bus station. According to my phone, it is in Nuneaton. I am not in Nuneaton. In fact I have never been to Nuneaton. I am here. Is there an amphitheater in Nuneaton?
Phew. I still feel as though I’ve been hit by a truck, but at least I don’t have to isolate any more.
The current view from my sick room. Fortunately I have two rooms to use and the builders at the back seem to have taken this afternoon off, but this feels like a conspiracy to deprive me of peace. My only doubt is that Thames Water probably isn’t capable of that level of efficiency.
Oh and the pavlova? I needed a gluten free and nut free pudding for guests. What could be nicer? And you a good brunch as well, from the leftovers.
So I made up for it today. The best advice, if you have to go gluten free and can’t cook? Learn! Saves a lot of disappointment.
Channel 4 News managing to reference Janey Godley indirectly, by interviewing this woman. Nicely done.
Successful on the Wimbledon returns site so a good day yesterday on Court One. Thanks to kind people who tweet when tickets become available for those who have failed in the ballot. The only reason I haven’t deleted my account.
A bit niche, but I am amused to be watching Andrey Rublev play tennis. Talented man.
challenges of decolonising the British Library’s Belarus collection. Tricky questions of history and identity.
Strolled from Broadstairs to Ramsgate on Wednesday. It took hours as we kept sitting down to admire the view.