Spick and span, neat and tidy,
Pots and pans in ordered rows,
Dishcloths and tea towels hung on the airer.
The ever-ready tea tray
Focal point of the daily routine
With full cream milk
Waiting at room temperature
Protected by its beaded, lacy cover.
The pervasive aroma of freshly boiled greens or
Roasted meat in gravy or warm scones or buns in cases
A tiny fridge but a sizeable larder – laden with preserves.
Spreadable butter in its dish
Perfect for white, crusty, unsliced bread
– bought from the baker
– the milk from the milkman
– the meat from the butcher
– fruit…from the garden
…and ice-cream…from the ice-cream van with its tuneless tinkle.
No gadgets, no gimmicks, no electronics
Dishes done by hand, laundry too
Clothes wrung out using the mangle
And dried on the line or in front of the fire
A kitchen full of warmth and familiarity
With a worn, wooden table, a choice of aprons
…and absolutely no chrome…
