The normal entry!
Good morning, everyone. The last day of October today and it's been a weird old month one way and another! Hallowe'en strikes and I'd better get on with my annual poster. I don't 'do' Hallowe'en but there are lots of children I know locally from school so I always make and put up a poster on the front door saying, in effect, no T or T but enjoy yourselves and stay safe. It always works and in all the time I've been here I have had just one egg on the door - and that wasn't kids from the school!
You can really tell the difference with the clock change. This morning I went to the freezer in half light rather than darkness and yesterday I walked home from tuition in the almost dark. In a couple of sessions it really will be dark and I will be wrapped up in coat and scarf, I expect!
Yesterday's birthday lunch didn't come off because of illness, which is a shame but couldn't be helped. I got on with my knitting instead!
Today I am doing some shopping for a friend, carrying on with the washing (there was more than I thought) and - guess what - knitting! The nice thing about knitting - one of the nice things, anyway - is that I can watch telly or iPlayer as I do so. Somehow it grows much faster when my mind is on the screen and, fortunately, it's not a tricky pattern so my mind can be half elsewhere. And then this evening I have a couple of tuition sessions, all being well.
So now it's time for my second coffee before I start the day.
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Tuesday: these are a few of my favourite things . . .
Remember the song?
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens . . .
I was reading this article in a blog all about simple living and it set me thinking about my own life. I've been fortunate really. Despite all the ups and downs, and there have been loads of them, I am in a position where I have choices of what I do, where I go, how much I want to fill my life with 'things'.
So . . . these are a few (just a few) of my favourite things. Not favourite people - that's quite a different matter.
1. A hot bath
I love my bathroom and I love my corner bath. It is sad in a way that I am being sensible and thinking of converting it into a wet room next year. I'm wearing my 'preparing for the future' hat and I realise that a wet room will be way more accessible than a bath or even a shower that you have to step into and step out of, all wet and slippery. It may allow me to be independent in my own home that much longer which would be good.
But I do love my bath so, for now, I am using it with the utmost appreciation.
2. Knitting
I like crafting in general, as you might have noticed, but since I was quite a little girl, knitting has been a specific pleasure. I learnt by watching my Mum so there's some very fond memories lurking in the background, aren't there?
I'm just entering the knitting season. In the summer months it's a bit too warm and my hands get all sweaty and uncomfortable but when the weather chills, it keeps my hands warm and agile.
3. My Thermomix. Nothing more to be said really, is there?
What are your favourite things?
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens . . .
I was reading this article in a blog all about simple living and it set me thinking about my own life. I've been fortunate really. Despite all the ups and downs, and there have been loads of them, I am in a position where I have choices of what I do, where I go, how much I want to fill my life with 'things'.
So . . . these are a few (just a few) of my favourite things. Not favourite people - that's quite a different matter.
1. A hot bath
I love my bathroom and I love my corner bath. It is sad in a way that I am being sensible and thinking of converting it into a wet room next year. I'm wearing my 'preparing for the future' hat and I realise that a wet room will be way more accessible than a bath or even a shower that you have to step into and step out of, all wet and slippery. It may allow me to be independent in my own home that much longer which would be good.
But I do love my bath so, for now, I am using it with the utmost appreciation.
2. Knitting
I like crafting in general, as you might have noticed, but since I was quite a little girl, knitting has been a specific pleasure. I learnt by watching my Mum so there's some very fond memories lurking in the background, aren't there?
I'm just entering the knitting season. In the summer months it's a bit too warm and my hands get all sweaty and uncomfortable but when the weather chills, it keeps my hands warm and agile.
3. My Thermomix. Nothing more to be said really, is there?
What are your favourite things?
Monday, 30 October 2017
Monday
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the start of a new week.
I've just popped out to the freezer to get today's food in and, oh, my word, it is cold out there. No frost (I don't think) and not really cold in the wider scheme of things but what a contrast! I certainly didn't dwardle out there and my toes are still warming up again.
Yesterday turned out very nice in lots of ways. The biggie for me is that I gritted my teeth and set to planning this week's tuition sessions and I only have one more to do now! All the resources are made and printed out too. I'm really pleased as it always niggles at me until it's done. A clear conscience is a wonderful thing.
At midday I set out to the parcels office which, incidentally, never used to be open on Sundays, to pick up a parcel that came while I was away. Nothing very exciting, just a few skirts, but I am now all set up for winter. I tend to dress much the same, just in different colours, never posh but rarely scruffy either, just comfy, easy clothes. Glamour doesn't get a look in!
Then I settled down and got out my knitting as I have a couple of projects that need to be finished asap and recent events have conspired against me. While I knitted, I carried on watching the Duchess of Duke Street which I am still enjoying very much.
So I didn't do any washing and I didn't make any bread. The latter wasn't necessary as I had one loaf in the freezer but I've taken that out now so I must bake today. The washing isn't urgent either but I don't like it hanging around.
Beth and Jane are coming round for lunch. It's a sort of belated birthday thing for Beth as I was away last week. It should be fun.
Well, time flies and I guess I ought to get going. Bath first and then breakfast! Back tomorrow!
I've just popped out to the freezer to get today's food in and, oh, my word, it is cold out there. No frost (I don't think) and not really cold in the wider scheme of things but what a contrast! I certainly didn't dwardle out there and my toes are still warming up again.
Yesterday turned out very nice in lots of ways. The biggie for me is that I gritted my teeth and set to planning this week's tuition sessions and I only have one more to do now! All the resources are made and printed out too. I'm really pleased as it always niggles at me until it's done. A clear conscience is a wonderful thing.
At midday I set out to the parcels office which, incidentally, never used to be open on Sundays, to pick up a parcel that came while I was away. Nothing very exciting, just a few skirts, but I am now all set up for winter. I tend to dress much the same, just in different colours, never posh but rarely scruffy either, just comfy, easy clothes. Glamour doesn't get a look in!
Then I settled down and got out my knitting as I have a couple of projects that need to be finished asap and recent events have conspired against me. While I knitted, I carried on watching the Duchess of Duke Street which I am still enjoying very much.
So I didn't do any washing and I didn't make any bread. The latter wasn't necessary as I had one loaf in the freezer but I've taken that out now so I must bake today. The washing isn't urgent either but I don't like it hanging around.
Beth and Jane are coming round for lunch. It's a sort of belated birthday thing for Beth as I was away last week. It should be fun.
Well, time flies and I guess I ought to get going. Bath first and then breakfast! Back tomorrow!
Sunday, 29 October 2017
Sunday
Good morning! It's another early awaking day here and combined with the clock change it has made for a stupidly early start to the day - not quite half past two! I shall go back up again at some point, of course, when I turn tired again, but I may as well make the best of the wakeful time.
Did you remember to put the clocks back? It always marks the end of the warm and the beginning of the cold for me, whether or not the weather itself takes any notice. From now on the curtains are drawn early to shut out the cold.
Brrr - it hasn't half turned cold. When I got home yesterday, the first thing I did was turn up the heating. I've gone soft in my old age maybe but also I have been living in a very warm home for a week or so and the contrast was a bit marked. One of the pleasures in life is being able to keep comfortably warm after all.
I gather there's a chance of frost over Sunday night/Monday morning. Well, we will see!
I downloaded onto my Kindle a book that had those wartime leaflets with recipes and I thought I'd have a go at making potato pastry. Not that it is more frugal nowadays, not with everything going up and potatoes costing more than the equivalent weight in flour but I thought I'd have a go anyway.
The bottom of the pot pie I made had bacon, chicken and veg so definitely not wartime nor Woolton, but it was lovely and it used up more stuff from my freezer so that's all to the good.
I got the recipe here .. .
http://www.lowcostliving.co.uk/food/pastry-making/potato-pastry-recipe/
. . . and I adapted it a bit. I used SR flour, oil and instant mash and, obviously, reduced the amounts. OK, I adapted it a lot!
But it was nice. More like a suet pastry, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. There's a bit left over which I wrapped up and I will make some sort of tattie scone thing for breakfast later on with a poached egg on top!
Well, I think I will start some planning - that might send me off good and quick!! Then, later on, more planning, some work in the garden (oh, my poor garden), some bread making and some crafting. Also, I have to go to the parcels office to pick up a failed delivery.
It's a day for myself and I intend to make the best of it!
Did you remember to put the clocks back? It always marks the end of the warm and the beginning of the cold for me, whether or not the weather itself takes any notice. From now on the curtains are drawn early to shut out the cold.
I gather there's a chance of frost over Sunday night/Monday morning. Well, we will see!
I downloaded onto my Kindle a book that had those wartime leaflets with recipes and I thought I'd have a go at making potato pastry. Not that it is more frugal nowadays, not with everything going up and potatoes costing more than the equivalent weight in flour but I thought I'd have a go anyway.
The bottom of the pot pie I made had bacon, chicken and veg so definitely not wartime nor Woolton, but it was lovely and it used up more stuff from my freezer so that's all to the good.
I got the recipe here .. .
http://www.lowcostliving.co.uk/food/pastry-making/potato-pastry-recipe/
. . . and I adapted it a bit. I used SR flour, oil and instant mash and, obviously, reduced the amounts. OK, I adapted it a lot!
But it was nice. More like a suet pastry, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. There's a bit left over which I wrapped up and I will make some sort of tattie scone thing for breakfast later on with a poached egg on top!
Well, I think I will start some planning - that might send me off good and quick!! Then, later on, more planning, some work in the garden (oh, my poor garden), some bread making and some crafting. Also, I have to go to the parcels office to pick up a failed delivery.
It's a day for myself and I intend to make the best of it!
Saturday, 28 October 2017
Saturday
Well, after a very damp day on Thursday, yesterday was absolutely glorious. Well to wall sunshine from start to finish. We could do with more more days like that - it might cheer up the mood of the nation no end!
Good morning, everyone. I haven't got much more to say right now except to remind us all (me included) that the clocks go back overnight tonight. An hour extra in bed? Not a chance, an hour earlier awake and ready to go! Mind you, I often say I'd like an extra hour in the day. Tomorrow, I will have it
Time for coffee and then I'd better get going. Have a lovely day, however you intend to spend it.
Good morning, everyone. I haven't got much more to say right now except to remind us all (me included) that the clocks go back overnight tonight. An hour extra in bed? Not a chance, an hour earlier awake and ready to go! Mind you, I often say I'd like an extra hour in the day. Tomorrow, I will have it
Time for coffee and then I'd better get going. Have a lovely day, however you intend to spend it.
Friday, 27 October 2017
Happies.
A while ago I waffled on about posting my weekly Facebook Happies in here and then I forgot! Not this week though, so here they are, copied straight across.
Happies time! It's been another week when I need to look for happies but it's a good thing to do - Pollyanna-ish, I know, but I've always liked playing the Glad Game, one way or another.
So - here we go!
1. Happy Birthday to Beth for yesterday.
2. Some lovely family get togethers this past week. I love my family.
3. A new reclining chair after a long time in the planning and saving. The old one (third hand when I got it) has started shedding screws when I move it so can't have much time left! It'll take four weeks for the new one to come so will be well run in by Christmas..
4. A council that will pick up the old chair for about a fifth of what the shop would have charged! That's a lot of money saved.
5. Two new Bags for Life because I liked the pictures!!! After all, can we ever have too many shopping bags?
6. Early evenings and warm curtains. And it'll be even earlier on Sunday! I love these dark evenings because shutting them out by drawing the curtains gives me a warm, cosy, secure feeling.
7. Some gorgeously bright and sunny days this week, wall to wall sunshine and colourful leaves.
8. Another weekend before the end of half term. Teacher friends, have a lovely few days before getting back to it.
9. Some new recipes tried and enjoyed this week.
10. Runner beans (again). Dad planted some late ones and, because it has been such a warm Autumn, they have grown really well and we're still picking. There's no flowers now so they're nearly over but there's still a couple of meals-worths to go.
Happies time! It's been another week when I need to look for happies but it's a good thing to do - Pollyanna-ish, I know, but I've always liked playing the Glad Game, one way or another.
So - here we go!
1. Happy Birthday to Beth for yesterday.
2. Some lovely family get togethers this past week. I love my family.
3. A new reclining chair after a long time in the planning and saving. The old one (third hand when I got it) has started shedding screws when I move it so can't have much time left! It'll take four weeks for the new one to come so will be well run in by Christmas..
4. A council that will pick up the old chair for about a fifth of what the shop would have charged! That's a lot of money saved.
5. Two new Bags for Life because I liked the pictures!!! After all, can we ever have too many shopping bags?
6. Early evenings and warm curtains. And it'll be even earlier on Sunday! I love these dark evenings because shutting them out by drawing the curtains gives me a warm, cosy, secure feeling.
7. Some gorgeously bright and sunny days this week, wall to wall sunshine and colourful leaves.
8. Another weekend before the end of half term. Teacher friends, have a lovely few days before getting back to it.
9. Some new recipes tried and enjoyed this week.
10. Runner beans (again). Dad planted some late ones and, because it has been such a warm Autumn, they have grown really well and we're still picking. There's no flowers now so they're nearly over but there's still a couple of meals-worths to go.
Friday
Good morning, everyone. Having said that I might not post every day, I have done. :-) However, don't be concerned if there are some gaps.
It's been a funny old week, weather wise. Yesterday was perhaps more typically Autumnal. Dismal, dark and drizzly. That drizzle that pervades everything and against which an umbrella is worse than useless. Fortunately, I had no reason to go out once I had done a shop at Tescos before the rain started and had no prejudices against drawing the curtains early to shut it all out! I don't know how people manage without curtains on these dark, damp afternoons.
I haven't looked out yet so have no idea about today but I gather it is due to get colder over the weekend. I'm yearning for the first frost (frosts are so beautiful) so you never know!
Half term is nearly over now, I do hope that all my readers with school aged children have been able to have an enjoyable week with plenty of fun and excitement.
I impulse bought at Tesco yesterday. You know those 'bags for life', the plastic 'woven' ones that have nice pictures on the outside. Well, I saw one that had a flowery patchwork pattern and one that had a Chr*stm*s design and I got them both. No, I don't need any more bags but . . . so that's 90p down the drain!
Have a good day, one and all, and stay dry!
It's been a funny old week, weather wise. Yesterday was perhaps more typically Autumnal. Dismal, dark and drizzly. That drizzle that pervades everything and against which an umbrella is worse than useless. Fortunately, I had no reason to go out once I had done a shop at Tescos before the rain started and had no prejudices against drawing the curtains early to shut it all out! I don't know how people manage without curtains on these dark, damp afternoons.
I haven't looked out yet so have no idea about today but I gather it is due to get colder over the weekend. I'm yearning for the first frost (frosts are so beautiful) so you never know!
Half term is nearly over now, I do hope that all my readers with school aged children have been able to have an enjoyable week with plenty of fun and excitement.
I impulse bought at Tesco yesterday. You know those 'bags for life', the plastic 'woven' ones that have nice pictures on the outside. Well, I saw one that had a flowery patchwork pattern and one that had a Chr*stm*s design and I got them both. No, I don't need any more bags but . . . so that's 90p down the drain!
Have a good day, one and all, and stay dry!
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