this post was submitted on 22 Jan 2024
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Back from my aunt's and realise she and my uncle really are that much older now.
rambling
Lifting up simple things is harder for them... they definitely seem more tired... and this aunt is just like another one I'm much closer to, has about five opened packets of the same thing because her pantry is so disorganised and she's getting forgetful.They also haven't noticed how much dust has accumulated on the tops of picture frames, cupboards, the ceiling - the kitchen lights have a gross oily dust web around them - the range hood is horribly stained and caked with oil. They've always had lots of stuff but this time it seems a bit more hoarder-y and unstable, than just lived-in with decades of memories... Tbh it's the first time it's been apparent to me too. So maybe I've changed.
Am going back on Friday to help tackle the big pantry cupboard with about 500 packets/bottles of herbs, spices and traditional medicines that need consolidation, but will also see if I have the time/energy to try and clear some of the worst dust. And have a quiet chat with my uncle at least about them spending a bit more to get help to clean what they can't clean any more.
Today's smaller cupboards yielded enough vacuum-packed peppercorns to last a decade, and at least three trees' worth of massive cinnamon sticks - but also some interesting village finds like:
long pepper (the original black pepper of ancient Indo-European recipes!!),
palm treacle powder,
foxtail millet flour,
a porridge powder made from the leaves of a wild almost-citrus and
horse gram. Not an equine social media site but a rustic breakfast grain. traditionally you're also supposed to drink the water drained after cooking as a medicine...