Technology-free household

Since we had our front door kicked down on Friday, we no longer have any laptops (among other things) so the blog will not be updated for a bit. Also we have not done anything interesting, due to spending most of the weekend at home entertaining the crime scene investigators, detectives and locksmiths.

The fabulous new Dualit toaster

The fabulous new toaster, originally uploaded by Racmol.

Here is what cookware.co.uk has to say about our new toaster:

"The ultimate toaster, this is the design all the celebrities go for - it oozes quality and style.

A true design classic, an object of desire for over 80 years.

It's not just its classic looks, inside is a professional toaster manufactured to such a high standard that you'll never have to buy another toaster again. It will provide fast even toasting every time year after year."

Never have to buy another toaster - did you hear that, Julesy?

Some members of the family may be amused to hear that it doesn't actually pop up. You choose how long you want to toast for and it ticks away then shuts itself off, keeping the toast warm for up to ten minutes.

We were sold, anyway.

NEVER toast a taco!

The aftermath of the Taco Incident, originally uploaded by Racmol.

I was just sauntering out of the living room after dinner when I heard an undignified squawk from the kitchen and arrived in time to see Jules frantically unplugging the (flaming) toaster from the wall. Then he wet a tea towel and threw it over the top as I rushed to shut the door into the hall before the smoke alarm went off.

After a reasonable interval, I opened the door again to investigate. By now the toaster was in the sink, still flaming. Filling it with water seemed to solve the problem.

Jules was busy extricating something charred and unrecognisable - formerly a taco. Did he not see the pool of fat left on the oven tray after the tacos were gently heated, perhaps?

And then, just as he was proclaiming that the toaster would be fine once it dried out, he spotted the blackened burnt-out taco shape on the inner element.

Rest in peace, toaster - with many thanks for a year's good service. According to the wanton toaster destroyer, we're getting a cool retro pastel one next!

The alarming thing is that the smoke alarm, which goes crazy if you so much as toast a crumpet, remained completely silent in the event of a genuine fire!

Midnight Sun, Tromso

Jules at midnight, Sunday, originally uploaded by Racmol.

Regent's Park AND Paddington Rec - 13.5km

Very tired now. Failed to get up early enough and it was very hot.

Sensibly, the PDSA charity shop on Kilburn High Road had reduced all its England flags by 50% yesterday morning. Wonder if they all went?