. . . and there's a fair old nip in the air this morning. No frost but I don't think it was far off one. In fact, it got chillier and chillier through yesterday, which was a most unpleasant day with wind and rain. I was doing supply and had to do a playground duty. Brrrrr.
Actually, I really enjoyed the morning, bitty as it was, and Knitter Knatter and the afternoon nanny-helping was also great fun. I was so tired though. I got in, made and ate some toast and went to sleep for an hour!
Today I have to go out to buy a new printer, my old one finally giving up the ghost. I shall go to Computer World as they usually have a good selection, and I shall be angelic and resist the impulse to go into Hobbycraft which is almost next door. Yes, I will!
For the rest of the day I shall be doing homey things - drying and ironing clothes, making bread and some sewing. Also planning for tuition, although I can't do much preparation until I've got a printer, so that comes first.
I'd better go then - it is half past nine and the milk rush will have dies down. Washing in first and then off I go!
Have a good day.
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
Monday, 27 February 2017
Monday
. . . and I have been up for ages with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach after a restless night. Why? I have a morning of supply and don't know what the planning is, that's why. It is stupid because I know the teacher will have left more than adequate planning for me and that I am more than capable of delivering what is required but . . . well, I wouldn't make much of a professional supply teacher, would I? Maybe they harden to it after a while.
Anyway - it will be fun, I am sure, and I do love Y1.
In the end, Beth and Alex couldn't come round yesterday so I had a quiet and peaceful day on my own. I did some baking and some soup making, making good use of Thermione, and then I sorted out the ironing basket which is now ready for the next load. At some point the sun came out, which was cheering.
I managed to forget my minor worries after my early start by dealing with the sourdough and making a couple of crumpets with the discard. They will be nice for breakfast tomorrow, I think, with peanut butter, maybe, or marmalade.
After the morning's supply, it is Knitter Knatter Club which will be great fun. After that I shall be sorting out homework for FS and hearing some readers before coming home and collapsing in a huddle, I suspect. However did I manage it day in, day out, for so many years? I must be getting old.
Well, I do have to be outdoor ready earlier than usual so I had better bring this to a close and go up for my bath. Have a great day, one and all.
Anyway - it will be fun, I am sure, and I do love Y1.
In the end, Beth and Alex couldn't come round yesterday so I had a quiet and peaceful day on my own. I did some baking and some soup making, making good use of Thermione, and then I sorted out the ironing basket which is now ready for the next load. At some point the sun came out, which was cheering.
I managed to forget my minor worries after my early start by dealing with the sourdough and making a couple of crumpets with the discard. They will be nice for breakfast tomorrow, I think, with peanut butter, maybe, or marmalade.
After the morning's supply, it is Knitter Knatter Club which will be great fun. After that I shall be sorting out homework for FS and hearing some readers before coming home and collapsing in a huddle, I suspect. However did I manage it day in, day out, for so many years? I must be getting old.
Well, I do have to be outdoor ready earlier than usual so I had better bring this to a close and go up for my bath. Have a great day, one and all.
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Sunday
I'm back to waking early today after yesterday's little lie-in. It feels jolly cold but I think that is just me because it's not frosty or anywhere near frosty outside.I'm now looking forward to waking in daylight, coming down and throwing open the French windows to let in the lovely, fresh spring air. Not long now.
As mentioned before, yesterday was good.
In the morning I picked Beth up and we drove out to Leonie's home where she gave ten of us thermo-addicts a demo of bread making. I've been to one before but it wasn't a repeat, it was quite different and it finished with a soup and bread lunch that was infinitely superior to any I make with three soups and three types of bread plus a sweet bread for afters, all made in her thermomix and all absolutely delicious. If I wasn't enthused about bread before, I would be now.
Bread is notoriously difficult to time and I was very impressed with the way she managed to get everything timetabled and done - several different breads, all at the same time. I'd have got thoroughly muddled!
She gave me several ideas for things to make when we have a family do at the end of April as I want to do a sort of old fashioned bread, cheese and wine/beer buffet. Now I can start planning my breads!
And to cap it all, she gave out goodies at the end - I had some granary bread. Lovely and fresh. When I got home, I use my new slicing thing and it was brilliant - worked perfectly to give me lovely, even slices which are now in the freezer, all except the nog-end which is on the menu for breakfast.
I dealt with some washing (too damp to hang it out) before finishing off sorting yesterday's leftovers. Unfortunately (do I mean unfortunately? - really? - what a first world thing to say), my freezer is now bulging at the seams again. Will I ever get it all down to manageable proportions?
Come the evening, I knitted and read, caught up with University Challenge, Mastermind and Only Connect on telly and daydreamed about bread making!
I thought I might have a go at something today but I will tell you about that if or when it works out properly!
The cold is still nibbling at my edges and every now and again I indulge in something to attach the aches and soreness. It works a treat, softie that I am. I'm thinking of my blogging friend, D, who really isn't well at the moment and hoping she feels a bit better this morning.
Today, Beth may or may not come over, so I will prepare some of my tomato and lentil soup and make some fancy bread which will do for one, two or three: if she doesn't come, it won't be wasted and if she does, so much the better.
So, with that in mind, I'd better go and get started. I do like to have it all ready beforehand whenever possible.
But first - a second coffee! Have a great day!
As mentioned before, yesterday was good.
In the morning I picked Beth up and we drove out to Leonie's home where she gave ten of us thermo-addicts a demo of bread making. I've been to one before but it wasn't a repeat, it was quite different and it finished with a soup and bread lunch that was infinitely superior to any I make with three soups and three types of bread plus a sweet bread for afters, all made in her thermomix and all absolutely delicious. If I wasn't enthused about bread before, I would be now.
Bread is notoriously difficult to time and I was very impressed with the way she managed to get everything timetabled and done - several different breads, all at the same time. I'd have got thoroughly muddled!
She gave me several ideas for things to make when we have a family do at the end of April as I want to do a sort of old fashioned bread, cheese and wine/beer buffet. Now I can start planning my breads!
And to cap it all, she gave out goodies at the end - I had some granary bread. Lovely and fresh. When I got home, I use my new slicing thing and it was brilliant - worked perfectly to give me lovely, even slices which are now in the freezer, all except the nog-end which is on the menu for breakfast.
I dealt with some washing (too damp to hang it out) before finishing off sorting yesterday's leftovers. Unfortunately (do I mean unfortunately? - really? - what a first world thing to say), my freezer is now bulging at the seams again. Will I ever get it all down to manageable proportions?
Come the evening, I knitted and read, caught up with University Challenge, Mastermind and Only Connect on telly and daydreamed about bread making!
I thought I might have a go at something today but I will tell you about that if or when it works out properly!
The cold is still nibbling at my edges and every now and again I indulge in something to attach the aches and soreness. It works a treat, softie that I am. I'm thinking of my blogging friend, D, who really isn't well at the moment and hoping she feels a bit better this morning.
Today, Beth may or may not come over, so I will prepare some of my tomato and lentil soup and make some fancy bread which will do for one, two or three: if she doesn't come, it won't be wasted and if she does, so much the better.
So, with that in mind, I'd better go and get started. I do like to have it all ready beforehand whenever possible.
But first - a second coffee! Have a great day!
Saturday, 25 February 2017
Saturday
This is so late - really sorry. I actually managed to sleep until 7:00 this morning which is a big lie in for me and then I fussed around for a while before realising I really needed to get going or I'd be late to pick Beth up.
Yesterday was a super day. Because the cleaners were coming, it was no hassle to get the house ready for visitors and because they were bringing desserts and drinks, making the dinner was no hassle either. We had a happy, laughter filled evening and all the food went down a treat with leftovers for today and a bit to freeze for future meals. I like that very much!
Today I was at a bread demo thingy but I will rabbit on about that tomorrow morning. Apart from that it's just housework, washing/ironing and generally being idle. What a lucky life.
Yesterday was a super day. Because the cleaners were coming, it was no hassle to get the house ready for visitors and because they were bringing desserts and drinks, making the dinner was no hassle either. We had a happy, laughter filled evening and all the food went down a treat with leftovers for today and a bit to freeze for future meals. I like that very much!
Today I was at a bread demo thingy but I will rabbit on about that tomorrow morning. Apart from that it's just housework, washing/ironing and generally being idle. What a lucky life.
Friday, 24 February 2017
Friday
Well, yesterday was quite a day, wasn't it? Even round here the winds were pretty strong and I was nearly blown over - twice. No personal damage though and it has all moderated.
We had some very strong showers too although the first one was the worst. It happened just as the children were arriving for school and, despite the temperature being around ten degrees, there was a fair bit of snow mixed in with the rain.
Just as that moderated, I got an email asking if I could do a bit of emergency supply. I couldn't do the morning but I did the afternoon (I was due to be in school anyway) which is how I know about the children getting soaked - loads of them were in PE kit with their clothes drying on all the radiators!
In the morning I managed to do my shopping. I went to Sainsbury's for a change and I wished I hadn't. They are doing some significant alterations to the car park, parking space was a bit limited and they had people directing the cars round. I was lucky - someone drove out just ahead of me - but I could easily have gone round and round and more cars were entering than leaving!
I left school quickly (having OKed it with management) because I had tuition. By the time that was over, I was pretty worn out. I think I am out of practice after so many months with no supply!
Today looks like being easier. For a start, Thermione comes home. The cleaners are coming so I need to get the place tidy before they arrive which shouldn't take all that long. The worst part is the sewing table and I won't be able to clear that, just tidy it.
Then I have a meal to prepare. Instead of going to the Hare, this time the girls are coming here. I'm doing the main, J and L are bringing desserts and Beth is bringing drinks (no wine as people will be driving). I am doing a chicken and rice one pot with some side vegetables (probably roasted parsnips and broccoli, and Beth's vegetarian alternative will be chick peas and rice - more or less the same as the other but no meat. I shall add some feta for extra flavour.
I think a second cup of coffee is calling me so I will go and sort that out. I hope all my UK readers are safe after yesterday's extreme winds and that no damage has been done to property or possessions.
We had some very strong showers too although the first one was the worst. It happened just as the children were arriving for school and, despite the temperature being around ten degrees, there was a fair bit of snow mixed in with the rain.
Just as that moderated, I got an email asking if I could do a bit of emergency supply. I couldn't do the morning but I did the afternoon (I was due to be in school anyway) which is how I know about the children getting soaked - loads of them were in PE kit with their clothes drying on all the radiators!
In the morning I managed to do my shopping. I went to Sainsbury's for a change and I wished I hadn't. They are doing some significant alterations to the car park, parking space was a bit limited and they had people directing the cars round. I was lucky - someone drove out just ahead of me - but I could easily have gone round and round and more cars were entering than leaving!
I left school quickly (having OKed it with management) because I had tuition. By the time that was over, I was pretty worn out. I think I am out of practice after so many months with no supply!
Today looks like being easier. For a start, Thermione comes home. The cleaners are coming so I need to get the place tidy before they arrive which shouldn't take all that long. The worst part is the sewing table and I won't be able to clear that, just tidy it.
Then I have a meal to prepare. Instead of going to the Hare, this time the girls are coming here. I'm doing the main, J and L are bringing desserts and Beth is bringing drinks (no wine as people will be driving). I am doing a chicken and rice one pot with some side vegetables (probably roasted parsnips and broccoli, and Beth's vegetarian alternative will be chick peas and rice - more or less the same as the other but no meat. I shall add some feta for extra flavour.
I think a second cup of coffee is calling me so I will go and sort that out. I hope all my UK readers are safe after yesterday's extreme winds and that no damage has been done to property or possessions.
Thursday, 23 February 2017
Thursday
Cough, cough, splutter. :-)
We're supposed to be getting some bad weather through the day today. It doesn't seem to have arrived yet, but it does feel a bit colder and I am pampering myself by turning up the heating a little bit.
It was back to tuition after half term yesterday and jolly nice it was too. What is also nice is to have 'outside' evidence that ones pupils are making progress; it is jolly encouraging, both for them and for me.
Today I had been planning the morning in and then off to school for Y2 reading followed by more tuition. However, I have great news (great for me anyway) - Thermione is coming home tomorrow! She's been repaired and all is well again. I have missed my Thermomix, but not as much as I would have done because Beth kindly let me have my old one back again for the duration. It would have been a big pain otherwise as I use her every day, usually several times. Thanks, Beth - really appreciated.
As I have the girls round for a meal tomorrow evening, I have to go shopping and I may as well do it today so as to be in all day tomorrow. It gives me a clear run for Thermione, for tidying the house - the bits that show, anyway - and prepping the meal. They're bringing the desserts and drinks so all I have to do is the main (a one pot chicken and rice thing with side veg and a vegetarian chick pea equivalent) and some nibbles which will be cruditees and dips. Nothing too arduous.
The coffee is waiting and I ought to be getting going, I think. Have a good day and I hope the winds aren't too dangerous where you are.
We're supposed to be getting some bad weather through the day today. It doesn't seem to have arrived yet, but it does feel a bit colder and I am pampering myself by turning up the heating a little bit.
It was back to tuition after half term yesterday and jolly nice it was too. What is also nice is to have 'outside' evidence that ones pupils are making progress; it is jolly encouraging, both for them and for me.
Today I had been planning the morning in and then off to school for Y2 reading followed by more tuition. However, I have great news (great for me anyway) - Thermione is coming home tomorrow! She's been repaired and all is well again. I have missed my Thermomix, but not as much as I would have done because Beth kindly let me have my old one back again for the duration. It would have been a big pain otherwise as I use her every day, usually several times. Thanks, Beth - really appreciated.
As I have the girls round for a meal tomorrow evening, I have to go shopping and I may as well do it today so as to be in all day tomorrow. It gives me a clear run for Thermione, for tidying the house - the bits that show, anyway - and prepping the meal. They're bringing the desserts and drinks so all I have to do is the main (a one pot chicken and rice thing with side veg and a vegetarian chick pea equivalent) and some nibbles which will be cruditees and dips. Nothing too arduous.
The coffee is waiting and I ought to be getting going, I think. Have a good day and I hope the winds aren't too dangerous where you are.
Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Wednesday
Good morning! It's getting light and I'm noticing how much earlier dawn is now. I suppose, thinking about it, we are a third of the way towards the longest day. It's nice to see earlier light. even if all it shows is promise of a dull day.
Oh, dear, I was very materialistic yesterday.
First of all I went into town. First stop was Lakeland where I got the misto I was 'needing' plus other stuff - shaped bread tins (semi planned purchase), roll tins (not planned but hugely reduced), an electric tin opener (planned purchase) and some icing bags.
Then I popped into John Lewis but wasn't tempted. Yes, they have some lovely stuff but . . . well, a lot ofexpensive ju - er I mean unnecessary stuff.
After that I made the drive to Blake House Craft Centre where I ransacked the sale shop and found plenty of blue fabrics for the quilt I am planning to make and some fabric to make some summer skirts for myself. I then meandered down to the yarn shop and enjoyed myself there too.
I'm not a particularly keen shopper in general terms but when it comes to cooking stuff and crafting stuff, I can stand up to the best.
Then I came home to be greeted by a parcel - the T shirts I ordered over the weekend. I was very impressed with the speedy delivery.
And then, mid-afternoon, there was a ring at the door and lo and behold, it was the loaf slicer thingy I had ordered and which I wasn't expecting for several weeks. So, of course, I had to start some dough off, didn't I? It needed testing - as did the shaped bread tins!
While I was in the kitchen, I decided it was time to make another sourdough starter - not for sourdough bread but for sourdough crumpets. You make them with the discard, you see. So it's just as well I'm not going to be away for a while now. It's bubbling away in the kitchen - yes, I cheated and used some yeast as well as the flour and water. (apologies to any purists reading)
The bread was nice, the slicer worked extremely well, the fabrics are now washed, dried and ironed and today I will start cutting them into squares - that takes longer than you would think because you have to measure so carefully.
Unfortunately, the cold has landed. Snuffles, sore throat, aching arms and shoulders - etc, etc, etc. Oh, well, it's not so bad really and I can snuggle down and rest, if needed.
So - today is housework, crafting, planning a meal (I have the girls round on Friday and am doing the main course) and completing the planning for tonight's tuition. I have no idea what to make for the meal so I will be consulting my cookery books! I suspect the meat main will be a one pot chicken thing and the vegetarian will be macaroni cheese but we will see.
Oh, dear, I was very materialistic yesterday.
First of all I went into town. First stop was Lakeland where I got the misto I was 'needing' plus other stuff - shaped bread tins (semi planned purchase), roll tins (not planned but hugely reduced), an electric tin opener (planned purchase) and some icing bags.
Then I popped into John Lewis but wasn't tempted. Yes, they have some lovely stuff but . . . well, a lot of
After that I made the drive to Blake House Craft Centre where I ransacked the sale shop and found plenty of blue fabrics for the quilt I am planning to make and some fabric to make some summer skirts for myself. I then meandered down to the yarn shop and enjoyed myself there too.
I'm not a particularly keen shopper in general terms but when it comes to cooking stuff and crafting stuff, I can stand up to the best.
Then I came home to be greeted by a parcel - the T shirts I ordered over the weekend. I was very impressed with the speedy delivery.
And then, mid-afternoon, there was a ring at the door and lo and behold, it was the loaf slicer thingy I had ordered and which I wasn't expecting for several weeks. So, of course, I had to start some dough off, didn't I? It needed testing - as did the shaped bread tins!
While I was in the kitchen, I decided it was time to make another sourdough starter - not for sourdough bread but for sourdough crumpets. You make them with the discard, you see. So it's just as well I'm not going to be away for a while now. It's bubbling away in the kitchen - yes, I cheated and used some yeast as well as the flour and water. (apologies to any purists reading)
The bread was nice, the slicer worked extremely well, the fabrics are now washed, dried and ironed and today I will start cutting them into squares - that takes longer than you would think because you have to measure so carefully.
Unfortunately, the cold has landed. Snuffles, sore throat, aching arms and shoulders - etc, etc, etc. Oh, well, it's not so bad really and I can snuggle down and rest, if needed.
So - today is housework, crafting, planning a meal (I have the girls round on Friday and am doing the main course) and completing the planning for tonight's tuition. I have no idea what to make for the meal so I will be consulting my cookery books! I suspect the meat main will be a one pot chicken thing and the vegetarian will be macaroni cheese but we will see.
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