Inna gradually became frailer, so I began to take on the various cooking and other domestic chores by myself. The first thing I would do when I arrived was to take her a bowl of Cornflakes topped with sliced banana, sugar and fresh cream. She would sit up on the side of her bed, take the breakfast tray, give me my instructions and then give me a little smile before beginning to eat. I would then go back to the kitchen and begin the breakfast preparations for the men.
I had quite a bit of trouble synchronizing the breakfast ritual to begin with as I had never used an automatic toaster before, I had never encountered an Aga, and I had never poached eggs the way Inna did. Her method was to half fill a frying pan with water, wait for it to nearly bubble, crack the eggs into a cup one by one (just in case there might be an offish egg) and gently tip them into the frypan.
To say I found this a bit daunting would be an understatement because, you see, I had never, ever helped my own mother cook meals, so I didn’t have a clue how it all worked and had to learn the hard way, via my many mistakes.
Sometimes, Husband would come into the kitchen after milking to the smell of burnt toast and, depending on his mood, he would either grimace or grin. Sometimes, if Inna wanted to go back to sleep for a bit, he and I would eat breakfast together without her presence. Sometimes I would catch him looking at me quizzically, which I always took as a cue to go back into the kitchen to serve the farm workers, put the kettle on, or check on Inna.
Something was happening between us – a little spark – but, at the time, I think Husband and I were both afraid to acknowledge it.
jmgoyder 
Very interesting, thanks for sharing.
Thanks – I can’t believe I am writing this love story – argh!
But aren’t those lovely tickles and sparks?
Yes – hehe!
Sharing with Mom right now… she agree – keep it up, great story and potential movie! xo
A movie – mmmmm!
Hmmmm…sounds exciting! hehehehe
Oh yeah – exhilarating – haha!
Love it, another great installment! BTW, how was dinner at the restaurant? (Or have I got my days turned round?) ~ Lynda
He wasn’t up to the restaurant unfortunately – oh well!
Oh Julie, I’m so sorry!
What for?
That the three of you didn’t get your dinner out together… plan A didn’t happen and now plan be didn’t either.
Sorry – I thought it was something to do with Love story 8 – I am a bit forgetful!!
I guess I got off topic and confused you, eh? 🙂
Actually I am rather easily confused at the moment and I think today’s post might explain that – hehe!
So sweet the beginning of a romance. I am enjoying your story very much.
Yeah – it’s quite fun writing it!
Love it 🙂
Thx!
No wonder your love and friendship has endured for this length of time. It was slowly kindled. Any chance of a photo of you both around this time?
I’ll try to find a photo!
I’m falling in love with both of you. (if that is not TOO weird)
How many men worked on the farm? Was, or is it still a dairy farm? I’m so curious.
Only 2
love the story – definately a novel coming up
I thought that young people might not realise what an aga is – might need a little explanation …
Good thinking!
I would love to hear what he was really thinking during those early days!
I’ll have to try and get it out of him before he forgets!
Ah, the first tiny sparks of love… and the poached eggs! Do you still have nightmares about those? 😉
Yes!
I’m still daunted by making poached eggs this way – thank goodness for modern conveniences like silicone poaching cups!
The little details (like Inna’s little smile) just bring every episode to life
Thank you!!
All I can say is “uh oh”….can’t wait to see what happens here!
And a side note: I have a friend who owns an Aga…she calls it the incinerator!!! (she forgets about the food she puts in the various ‘ovens’ until the point beyond….where her house reeks of yesterday’s meals! Love it!
Yes I have done this kind of thing with my Aga cooking!
That is actually good to hear! LOL
I shall tell my friend she is in very good company!
She will be thrilled.
Rhonda
haha!
Thank you for writing your Love story – it is so warm and interesting, I love the way we can see you growing and unfolding, Inna must have loved having you around. “Bluebee” is right, it is the layers of detail that make it very interesting and like “whatimeant2say” says, it would be great to know what Husband-to-be was thinking too.
I am copying and pasting each episode into a .docx called “Love Story by Numbers” so in the end I will be able to read it all together without going backwards and I will know how many agonising days it took to get the whole story…..I think you are teaching me patience….in your words, Hah!
I should do that too so I know where I’m up to – thanks my friend!
yes so you should … good idea!:)
Very, very sweet!
I have to leave, but I’ll be back later today for some more camping.
I have wanted an Aga for years! The dynamic of a young girl and a rugged cowboy is so sweet the way you describe it. Keep me reading! 🙂
I’ll take a pic. of the Aga – it is the heart of this house!
Oh goody!
Another haha!
the Aga could feature on the book cover 🙂
Not a bad idea – hehe!
So enjoying these little vignette of your romance! But wow! What a tough way to learn to cook!
Thanks!