Something beginning With 'A'

Can't remember the name of these but they were an emergency buy for the sole purpose of photographing and they have a name which is bit like Asafoetida.

The combination of trying very hard to work as many hours as possible to ensure projects complete in my current job, not thinking about how hard life must be Jen, Liz and Ian at the minute and not having any company beyond the lovely pussy cat who, despite having displayed his vast intelligence by learning how to use the new catflap (though only to get in as opposed to go out) can unfortunatley not offer any more depth of conversation than to meeoow intermitently is making for a very erratic lifestyle. I'll be pleased when the weekend comes and I can return to Newcastle and feel like I am doing somebody some good.

I made ice cream with pistachios, white chocolate and caramel syrup this evening which is going to give some fleeting comfort in the near future.