Hector's Enchiladas
Dear Naomi
It feels like a while since we’ve written – I’ve missed you!
I must begin by saying how beautiful it was to read your words about Madeleine’s exposure to harsh realities…I was so moved to read the compassion, kindness and love that poured out of you as you wrote, I have no doubt that the letter will be cherished for many years…
I have not had the week I planned; everything went pear-shaped on Friday evening when my little dog rapidly became quite unwell, resulting in us taking her to the animal hospital where she stayed until Sunday. She is, I’m thrilled to say, doing really well and is home again with us. What will stay in my mind most profoundly after those few days of sitting in the waiting rooms of emergency vet services is, as I feel so often, affected by the kindness of strangers. I’m sure the fact that the space is filled with other anxious pet owners reassures us that we are amongst like-minded people. Everyone I interacted with was as worried and preoccupied as me, and yet a peculiar camaraderie and bond of kindness developed very quickly. I met Mac the Westie who’d eaten a chocolate Santa; saw people who were bringing in stray animals to be reunited with their owners, bulldogs who’d jumped off a trailer, a husky who’d jumped from the back of a ute…and yet we were all so kind to one another, and encouraging, and supportive.
On reflection, given the time of year, it felt like a gentle reminder of what Christmas is really about – and what we found in that space where anxiety is palpable, amongst the posters and tinsel. Kindness, generosity, empathy and connection; but perhaps that’s just my need to find the good in every situation…
And so, finally, to this week’s lovely letter, and of course to Hector…
As I write, the wind is howling, it’s 15 degrees and we’re having what the weather man describes as small hail, so the thought of cooking enchiladas to warm both us and the kitchen is very appealing.
I must confess that I am woefully uninformed about Mexican cuisine, but in the course of reading and learning more, I’m definitely fascinated – there’s a rabbit hole for the New Year, stay tuned… I added some chicken to the filling and replaced re-fried beans with red kidney beans. For spicing I used my favourite Aleppo Pepper and Spanish Smoked Sweet Paprika. And a used a jar of handmade tomato sauce. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a photo or two…
This letter is already too long – I’m off to post Christmas parcels (too late she cried) …
May the days ahead be filled with love laughter and good champagne, until next week, and may we all be as loved and missed as Hector x
