Eleven years ago today we moved into this house. As soon as I stepped foot in as the “owner” I took a big black marker and wrote the date on the inside of one of the fitted cupboards.

It was that important.

What has that do do with anything? Well…we also became the proud owners of an oil-fired Rayburn. Exactly the same as the one in the picture (apart from the fact that ours is ever so slightly less clean and shiny.) No comment.

And remembering this anniversary also reminded me that few things in life have ever taught me the true meaning of PATIENCE as that Rayburn.

For the first three months all I did was shout at it and kick it. Honestly. I was that stoopid and ignorant.

But a great lump of dark blue cast iron taught me a very hard lesson.

It taught me to appreciate the 24/7 warmth it gave us. The 24/7 hot water.

It taught me the fact that – if I just stopped thinking that I KNEW best, stopped kicking it and started working WITH it, I’d fall madly in love, produce the best meals this family has ever eaten. And I’d have a friend for life.

My Rayburn taught me well :o)