Good morning, everyone. Yesterday was another perfectly lovely English summer day round here. Warm, sunny, a gentle breeze . . . just gorgeous. It's due to change as some rain comes over but then should be pleasant again into early September. No complaints.
Tuition went well yesterday. My student was less than enthusiastic about going back to school on Tuesday but doesn't mind really. I will miss hearing the children's laughter as they play in their gardens around me; it's lovely to hear them so happy.
Before setting off for Dad's, I gave the garden a good soaking so I'm hoping that will last it until this evening when Beth can stop off to water again. It should be OK as it's not going to be baking hot. The cucumber has decided to get energetic again - one picked, one ready tomorrow and I thought there were three babies but no, I counted four as I watered it. I wonder why I never thought of growing cucumbers before.
The tomatoes, likewise, are now ripening at a great rate of knots. There will be a bowlful when I get home with more to follow so they will be featuring majorly in my food plans for the week.
Ditto runner beans. I picked a load to bring with me and then Dad said he also had plenty so they were prepped and are now in the freezer.
It's just as well I really like cucumber, tomatoes and runners, isn't it?
I also noticed that there's a handful of pink blueberries ready for picking and the yellow raspberries are also producing daily now. It's going to be a good raspberry crop this year.
I'm also finally making great inroads into some little piles of 'stuff' that seemed to be reproducing downstairs. Yesterday I sorted out a small part of the kitchen that was a dumping ground for lids and other such paraphernalia. The place is looking much more restful now, which is a relief.
An email arrived, informing me that pottery will be starting later than expected due to 'tutor commitments'. Sessions aren't going to start until more than half way through October. Disappointing, but it does mean I won't miss a session due to my Center Parcs holiday and they are refunding the missed classes. I do hope things are OK.
So here I am at Dad's. I will be doing an early morning shop and then there's a little list of things to do.
Helping him get some things down from the attic.
Signing some stuff relating to Mum's will.
Sorting out some books.
Preparing for dinner when Beth and Alex will be coming up. Al's asked for pizza, etc, so that's what it shall be!
In her blog, read this morning, Cherie asked about cloud pruning a lavender. Now, I'm quite naughty about pruning - or not-pruning - lavender and it's about time I did it properly (not cloud pruning though, that is something different) so I looked it up and discovered that the time for normal lavender pruning is now, right now, to give new growth a chance to establish before the colder weather so that's on the list for when I get home. I have a very neat little bush in my middle bed and have never managed to keep any previous ones in good shape so I will give it a go as described and see if it makes a difference. I hope so as I dearly love the fragrance.
Today should be a pleasant day and I hope yours is too.
Saturday, 31 August 2019
Friday, 30 August 2019
Friday
Good morning, everyone.
Yesterday was one of those gorgeous summer days when the sun shines, the skies are blue, the breeze is gentle and the temperature is just right. Today looks like being more of the same. Lovely.
I had a nice lie in (a lie in for me, anyway) before getting up and doing my tour of the estate! Just before midday, Beth turned up. We had lunch and then, because Beth needs it, we popped over to And Sew On to see if we could find the fabric to do the border and binding for my two bed covers.
It was harder than one would think. There were plenty of blues but some were too dark, some too light, some too grey, some too patterned . . . In the end we decided on some but there wasn't enough for both beds so we asked the lady to hold the fabric while we went next door to the cafe to have a diet coke apiece and to discuss it.
The outcome was that we bought what they had and took the fabric details to search elsewhere on the understanding that if we didn't find any, as long as the edging was the same, it would be fine if the inner border was different. It just needs to 'go'.
Once home, Beth did pin some down and fired off an email. There was an answer this morning - yes they have some (but it possibly isn't enough) and it is out of production so they won't be able to get any more. Pan B may become plan A!
Trust me to choose something out of production!
At least Beth can get started on one of them. Once home, what we bought went in the machine and then out on the line and, being a perfect drying day, by the time Beth left, it was all dry and ironed and ready to use.
Today starts off with some tuition and then I will be packing and off to Dad's after lunch. Must remember to give the garden a good old soaking before I leave.
Have a great day and a lovely weekend. xx
Yesterday was one of those gorgeous summer days when the sun shines, the skies are blue, the breeze is gentle and the temperature is just right. Today looks like being more of the same. Lovely.
I had a nice lie in (a lie in for me, anyway) before getting up and doing my tour of the estate! Just before midday, Beth turned up. We had lunch and then, because Beth needs it, we popped over to And Sew On to see if we could find the fabric to do the border and binding for my two bed covers.
It was harder than one would think. There were plenty of blues but some were too dark, some too light, some too grey, some too patterned . . . In the end we decided on some but there wasn't enough for both beds so we asked the lady to hold the fabric while we went next door to the cafe to have a diet coke apiece and to discuss it.
The outcome was that we bought what they had and took the fabric details to search elsewhere on the understanding that if we didn't find any, as long as the edging was the same, it would be fine if the inner border was different. It just needs to 'go'.
Once home, Beth did pin some down and fired off an email. There was an answer this morning - yes they have some (but it possibly isn't enough) and it is out of production so they won't be able to get any more. Pan B may become plan A!
Trust me to choose something out of production!
At least Beth can get started on one of them. Once home, what we bought went in the machine and then out on the line and, being a perfect drying day, by the time Beth left, it was all dry and ironed and ready to use.
Today starts off with some tuition and then I will be packing and off to Dad's after lunch. Must remember to give the garden a good old soaking before I leave.
Have a great day and a lovely weekend. xx
Thursday, 29 August 2019
Holiday: Figeac
We went into Figeac twice; once on the Friday to get Suzanne a change of clothes and again on the Saturday for the market and a proper look around.
Figeac is a fairly substantial town in the Lot Departement of the Mid-Pyrenees, so quite Mediterranean in many ways. It's sited on the River Célé and has a large number of old houses and other building that date back to the 13th to 16th centuries when it was an important trade centre plus a large market that is held every Saturday and which is extremely popular.
The market covers the main square and many of the little roads that branch off from there. The stalls are amazing - lots of fruit, veg, cheese and olive based stalls with produce that looked of incredibly good standard. I've never seen so many varieties of tomatoes all together in one place and if we'd been self-catering, I'd have bought plenty. I just took a few photos of the market because there were so many people around.
I was sorely tempted, but the thought of trying to get it home unbroken was just too daunting. Maybe I could have a go in pottery class?
We had lunch at a roadside cafe where some market stalls had been earlier. We each had a croque monsieur, a beer and then a mini-coffee and it came to €14 which I thought was pretty good.
Suzanne checking her phone!
We had a good wander around.
The 'Museum of Ecriture' in Figeac, in a modern redesign of a medieval building on Place Champollion, is a very interesting, and looks at writing across the centuries, including an explanation of how the writing on the Rosetta Stone was decoded. The museum is based in Figeac because it was the birth place of Francois Champollion, renowned for his work in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics - the museum is based in the house where he was born.
We didn't visit the museum but we did go down an alleyway to the side to the Place des Ecritures where there's a room sized model of the Rosetta stone set in a pretty courtyard. Very impressive it was too.
We visited the second church in Figeac, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Puy (Our Lady of Puy) which is set high up on a hill with fabulous views over Figeac. It is very ornate, very colourful and yet has a peaceful feeling at the same time.
Outside the church, there's a stone 'map' showing the view over Figeac and naming some of the buildings and places.
I took various other shots of interesting little buildings, etc. I loved the narrow alleyways with towering stone houses on both sides and the rooftop open galleries/balconies which were a feature of many buildings.
There were lots of very old, 'stoned up' window and doorway arches. We wondered if they were closed up for tax purposes. Does anyone know?
I really loved Figeac. It was so old, so interesting, had such a great vibe to it and that market was . . . well, I just wish we had something similar round here. We even got free parking for just a five minute walk into the centre.
Well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in southern-central France.
Wednesday, 28 August 2019
Wednesday: 73 things about me
. . . well, not actually 73 because I can't answer some of the questions.
I saw this on Cass' blog, Diary of a Frugal Family, and thought I'd do one too and post it today.
1. What is your usual Starbuck’s order?
I don't frequent Starbucks. Shockingly expensive, packed with calories and I bet I can make a nicer black coffee at home anyway!
2. What does your workstation look like right now?
er . . . Just don't ask, OK. Let's just say 'cluttered'.
3. All-time favourite food?
Anyone who reads this blog regularly or my other one, Frugal Food on Slimming World, will know that I just like food. All sorts of foods. I honestly don't have a favourite although I would go for savoury rather than sweet and much prefer home cooked food.
4. Favourite author?
I think it has to be Miss Read, author of the Village School and Thrush Green series of books. I love her pithy comments, dry wit and perceptive view of everyday life and her characterisation is great.
5. What do you think of open relationships?
Not for me, thanks but whatever rocks your boat, I suppose.
6. Favourite video game?
I don't, really, although I go onto http://dkmgames.com every day to play sudoku and patience. It wakes me up each morning!
7. Guilty pleasure treat?
Eating meals while watching telly!
8. Favourite film?
I think it has to be West Side Story. It may be old now but it is still fantastic. I also love a little old film that appears on telly now and again called 'Batteries Not Included'.
9. Favourite book?
So many, I really can't say, sorry.
10. Twitter or Instagram?
Neither. Facebook, now, that's a different matter!
11. Desktop or laptop?
Desktop
12. Best advice you’ve ever received?
Always look on the bright side of life.
13. What project are you working on right now?
Nothing really although with Christmas starting to appear at the end of the tunnel, I ought to get my thinking hat on.
14. Favourite colour?
Blue in all its varying shades.
15. Did you get good grades at school?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - er, nope. Mostly I did what was necessary, sometimes not even that. I didn't meet my potential in any way until I moved schools just before O levels started and was captured by music. Then I worked, oh, how I worked.
Generally, I got what I needed to do what I wanted.
16. Dream job?
Teaching. It always was teaching and I consider I have been so, so lucky to have had a lifetime of it.
17. Played any sports?
Not competitive sport, I'm not in the least way inclined to competition, but I like swimming and walking and (don't laugh now), I have booked five sessions with a local personal trainer during September.
18. Do you have a degree?
No, I didn't need a degree to go into primary teaching in the olden days, just a Cert. Ed. I did some OU study as some of you know, but it interfered with my teaching and, although I enjoyed what I did, it never got me anywhere. Now it is so expensive and I really can't be bothered.
19. Nationality?
British but I'd rather be called a citizen of the world
20. What is your favourite kind of blog post to do?
The ones where the ideas just flow.
21. What do you like to collect?
Recipes.
22. Describe yourself in 3 words?
One will do. Pollyanna!
23. If you were a rapper what would your rapper name be?
I know nothing about rapping so really couldn't say.
24. Who was the last person you dmed?
What is dming???
25. What’s on the top of your wishlist right now?
This made me think - I don't believe I have a wishlist for myself right now but I have wishes for those I love. No, I'm not saying what, that wouldn't be right at all.
26. Hogwarts House?
28. What are you most grateful for this year?
My family and the love and support we give and take from each other!
30. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?
I strained the blackberry vinegar I was making and it is amazing! Also I finished making some creme fraiche and that is also gorgeous. I won't be buying creme fraiche again unless for an emergency.
31. What’s the best thing ever?
Love
32. Favourite season?
All of them in their different ways. Spring because life comes back to everything and the days get longer, Summer for the sunshine, the rain and the garden, Autumn for the wonderful colours and the nights gradually closing in making me feel safe and warm and Winter for Christmas, snow and frosty mornings..
33. Favourite holiday?
Holidays - the first day of every school holiday still sends a shiver of excitement and freedom through me.
Festivals/Celebrations - it has to be Christmas really.
34. Which fictional character do you relate to most?
What a question! I have no idea. Maybe Miss Read or maybe Professor McGonnegall
35. Do you like surprises?
Nice little ones, yes, although generally I prefer to be prepared.
36. What’s the biggest surprise you ever got?
Being asked to take on the 'head of key stage 1' role at school. It came totally out of the blue. Oh, and my first OFSTED 'outstanding' grade.
37. What’s a surprise that’s made you cry?
Both of the above, silly me!
38. What’s the best surprise you’ve ever given anyone?
I have no idea, sorry.
39. Do you like muffins?
They're OK, I suppose, but not my favourite thing. I can take them or leave them.
40. Do you cook often?
Oh, yes! For sure. Almost always.
41. What’s your favourite dessert?
A really fresh fruit salad with my own natural yogurt on top. I know that sounds naff but I really do love it.
And lemony things.
42. Is there a dessert you don’t like?
Anything too sickly and sweet
43. Cake or pie?
Fresh fruit, please.
44. What’s your least favourite food?
Pickled onions and most shellfish
45. What’s your favourite condiment?
To quote Delia, freshly milled black pepper (although home made mayo is lovely as well).
46. It’s 4am on a Saturday night, what would you eat?
I can't see myself being awake from the night before. If it was an early start to the next day, an apple or orange and a coffee.
47. If you could teach a college class what would it be called?
Slimming World friendly recipes!
48. Best animated film?
It has to be Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. It was just so revolutionary and amazing for its time.
49. What has a guy done or said to impress you?
er - well, I do remember my central heating system was making a really scary noise (it was when the children were young) and I was afraid it might blow up and my general builder cum workman came round at half past ten on a Sunday night to sort it out, bless him.
50. The best thing to do on a first date?
Just a meal out, equal shares, and a good chat. Nothing else.
51. The worst thing to do on a first date?
Anything that would make either of us feel uncomfortable in the slightest.
52. What’s the funniest pickup line a guy can use on a girl?
Nothing - they're generally not that funny, just sexist.
53. Best comic book character?
Dennis the Menace! Every time.
54. What are the three things that are always in your bag?
There's more than three but they include my purse, my hearing aid control and my keys.
55. Favourite drink?
Sparkling or 'still' dry white. Or campari - I adore campari. Plain water is best for thirst though.
56. If you could play a historical character who would it be?
As long as it was only acting, someone 'worthy', I suppose. Not for real though; even the most important women in history generally had incredibly difficult lives with all the sexism that surrounded them.
57. Kittens or puppies?
59. What kind of lipstick do you use?
No thanks.
60. What kind of foundation do you use?
No thanks.
61. Blow-dry or air dry?
It has to be blowdry. To see my hair after it's been air dried is enough to give you heart failure
62. Who is your fashion icon?
There's some very girly quesions in this, isn't there? I don't have one.
63. Favourite Disney character?
64. What are you doing tomorrow?
Alex is coming round for lunch and has asked for a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.
65. Movie you laughed the hardest through?
There have been some but I honestly can't remember what.
66. Movie that made you cry?
68. If your life was a song what would the title be?
Bridge over troubled water.
69. What’s your favourite animal?
Horse - at a distance.
70. Favourite illustrator?
There's some great childrens' illustrators out there; I honestly couldn't choose.
71. The person you want to have coffee with?
I suppose this means someone famous. er . . . I think Sandi Toskvig would be fascinating to listen to.
72. What’s the country you wish to visit?
Somewhere Asian, I think. Or Italy - for the culture.
73. Best way to decompress?
I guess this means unwind. Sitting with a good book or a magazine and with nothing outstanding to get done. Or watching something that makes me laugh a lot - Have I got New For You, QI or Would I lie To You would work.
I'm not tagging anyone to do this but if you want to, please feel free to copy, paste and edit.
It takes longer than you'd think though.
Have a great day. It'll be back to normal tomorrow.
I saw this on Cass' blog, Diary of a Frugal Family, and thought I'd do one too and post it today.
1. What is your usual Starbuck’s order?
I don't frequent Starbucks. Shockingly expensive, packed with calories and I bet I can make a nicer black coffee at home anyway!
2. What does your workstation look like right now?
er . . . Just don't ask, OK. Let's just say 'cluttered'.
3. All-time favourite food?
Anyone who reads this blog regularly or my other one, Frugal Food on Slimming World, will know that I just like food. All sorts of foods. I honestly don't have a favourite although I would go for savoury rather than sweet and much prefer home cooked food.
4. Favourite author?
I think it has to be Miss Read, author of the Village School and Thrush Green series of books. I love her pithy comments, dry wit and perceptive view of everyday life and her characterisation is great.
5. What do you think of open relationships?
Not for me, thanks but whatever rocks your boat, I suppose.
6. Favourite video game?
I don't, really, although I go onto http://dkmgames.com every day to play sudoku and patience. It wakes me up each morning!
7. Guilty pleasure treat?
Eating meals while watching telly!
8. Favourite film?
I think it has to be West Side Story. It may be old now but it is still fantastic. I also love a little old film that appears on telly now and again called 'Batteries Not Included'.
9. Favourite book?
So many, I really can't say, sorry.
10. Twitter or Instagram?
Neither. Facebook, now, that's a different matter!
11. Desktop or laptop?
Desktop
12. Best advice you’ve ever received?
Always look on the bright side of life.
and
(try to) love your neighbour as you love yourself - which, to me, also means if you want to be nice to others, you also need to be nice to yourself.
13. What project are you working on right now?
Nothing really although with Christmas starting to appear at the end of the tunnel, I ought to get my thinking hat on.
14. Favourite colour?
Blue in all its varying shades.
15. Did you get good grades at school?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - er, nope. Mostly I did what was necessary, sometimes not even that. I didn't meet my potential in any way until I moved schools just before O levels started and was captured by music. Then I worked, oh, how I worked.
Generally, I got what I needed to do what I wanted.
16. Dream job?
Teaching. It always was teaching and I consider I have been so, so lucky to have had a lifetime of it.
17. Played any sports?
Not competitive sport, I'm not in the least way inclined to competition, but I like swimming and walking and (don't laugh now), I have booked five sessions with a local personal trainer during September.
I suppose you could say I compete against myself.
18. Do you have a degree?
No, I didn't need a degree to go into primary teaching in the olden days, just a Cert. Ed. I did some OU study as some of you know, but it interfered with my teaching and, although I enjoyed what I did, it never got me anywhere. Now it is so expensive and I really can't be bothered.
19. Nationality?
British but I'd rather be called a citizen of the world
20. What is your favourite kind of blog post to do?
The ones where the ideas just flow.
21. What do you like to collect?
Recipes.
22. Describe yourself in 3 words?
One will do. Pollyanna!
23. If you were a rapper what would your rapper name be?
I know nothing about rapping so really couldn't say.
24. Who was the last person you dmed?
What is dming???
25. What’s on the top of your wishlist right now?
This made me think - I don't believe I have a wishlist for myself right now but I have wishes for those I love. No, I'm not saying what, that wouldn't be right at all.
26. Hogwarts House?
Gryffindor, of course.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart;
I can wish, can't I?
27. How many tattoos do you have?
None. Don't like them and have never been tempted.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry,
Set Gryffindors apart;
I can wish, can't I?
27. How many tattoos do you have?
None. Don't like them and have never been tempted.
28. What are you most grateful for this year?
My family and the love and support we give and take from each other!
29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month?
I had a lovely holiday and my weight started dropping below what it was before Mum was so poorly and died. I gained more than I wanted to then and it's been rather yo-yo-ish ever since, but it seems to be on the way once more.
I had a lovely holiday and my weight started dropping below what it was before Mum was so poorly and died. I gained more than I wanted to then and it's been rather yo-yo-ish ever since, but it seems to be on the way once more.
30. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today?
I strained the blackberry vinegar I was making and it is amazing! Also I finished making some creme fraiche and that is also gorgeous. I won't be buying creme fraiche again unless for an emergency.
31. What’s the best thing ever?
Love
32. Favourite season?
All of them in their different ways. Spring because life comes back to everything and the days get longer, Summer for the sunshine, the rain and the garden, Autumn for the wonderful colours and the nights gradually closing in making me feel safe and warm and Winter for Christmas, snow and frosty mornings..
33. Favourite holiday?
Holidays - the first day of every school holiday still sends a shiver of excitement and freedom through me.
Festivals/Celebrations - it has to be Christmas really.
34. Which fictional character do you relate to most?
What a question! I have no idea. Maybe Miss Read or maybe Professor McGonnegall
35. Do you like surprises?
Nice little ones, yes, although generally I prefer to be prepared.
36. What’s the biggest surprise you ever got?
Being asked to take on the 'head of key stage 1' role at school. It came totally out of the blue. Oh, and my first OFSTED 'outstanding' grade.
37. What’s a surprise that’s made you cry?
Both of the above, silly me!
38. What’s the best surprise you’ve ever given anyone?
I have no idea, sorry.
39. Do you like muffins?
They're OK, I suppose, but not my favourite thing. I can take them or leave them.
40. Do you cook often?
Oh, yes! For sure. Almost always.
41. What’s your favourite dessert?
A really fresh fruit salad with my own natural yogurt on top. I know that sounds naff but I really do love it.
And lemony things.
42. Is there a dessert you don’t like?
Anything too sickly and sweet
43. Cake or pie?
Fresh fruit, please.
44. What’s your least favourite food?
Pickled onions and most shellfish
I'd not have frogs legs or snails either. Urgh.
45. What’s your favourite condiment?
To quote Delia, freshly milled black pepper (although home made mayo is lovely as well).
46. It’s 4am on a Saturday night, what would you eat?
I can't see myself being awake from the night before. If it was an early start to the next day, an apple or orange and a coffee.
47. If you could teach a college class what would it be called?
Slimming World friendly recipes!
48. Best animated film?
It has to be Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. It was just so revolutionary and amazing for its time.
49. What has a guy done or said to impress you?
er - well, I do remember my central heating system was making a really scary noise (it was when the children were young) and I was afraid it might blow up and my general builder cum workman came round at half past ten on a Sunday night to sort it out, bless him.
50. The best thing to do on a first date?
Just a meal out, equal shares, and a good chat. Nothing else.
51. The worst thing to do on a first date?
Anything that would make either of us feel uncomfortable in the slightest.
52. What’s the funniest pickup line a guy can use on a girl?
Nothing - they're generally not that funny, just sexist.
53. Best comic book character?
Dennis the Menace! Every time.
54. What are the three things that are always in your bag?
There's more than three but they include my purse, my hearing aid control and my keys.
55. Favourite drink?
Sparkling or 'still' dry white. Or campari - I adore campari. Plain water is best for thirst though.
56. If you could play a historical character who would it be?
As long as it was only acting, someone 'worthy', I suppose. Not for real though; even the most important women in history generally had incredibly difficult lives with all the sexism that surrounded them.
57. Kittens or puppies?
No thanks.
58. Favourite sushi roll?
No thanks.
58. Favourite sushi roll?
No thanks.
59. What kind of lipstick do you use?
No thanks.
60. What kind of foundation do you use?
No thanks.
(one of these day I might grow up and start using make up!)
61. Blow-dry or air dry?
It has to be blowdry. To see my hair after it's been air dried is enough to give you heart failure
62. Who is your fashion icon?
There's some very girly quesions in this, isn't there? I don't have one.
63. Favourite Disney character?
Some of the most recent 'princesses' have been great. Elsa, Anna, Moana . . .
64. What are you doing tomorrow?
Alex is coming round for lunch and has asked for a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.
65. Movie you laughed the hardest through?
There have been some but I honestly can't remember what.
66. Movie that made you cry?
West Side Story. It still does.
67. If you could sing a duet with someone who would it be?
Aled Jones. Because I think he would be nice enough not to either laugh or wince at my terrible pitch until after I'd gone.
67. If you could sing a duet with someone who would it be?
Aled Jones. Because I think he would be nice enough not to either laugh or wince at my terrible pitch until after I'd gone.
68. If your life was a song what would the title be?
Bridge over troubled water.
69. What’s your favourite animal?
Horse - at a distance.
70. Favourite illustrator?
There's some great childrens' illustrators out there; I honestly couldn't choose.
71. The person you want to have coffee with?
I suppose this means someone famous. er . . . I think Sandi Toskvig would be fascinating to listen to.
72. What’s the country you wish to visit?
Somewhere Asian, I think. Or Italy - for the culture.
73. Best way to decompress?
I guess this means unwind. Sitting with a good book or a magazine and with nothing outstanding to get done. Or watching something that makes me laugh a lot - Have I got New For You, QI or Would I lie To You would work.
I'm not tagging anyone to do this but if you want to, please feel free to copy, paste and edit.
It takes longer than you'd think though.
Have a great day. It'll be back to normal tomorrow.
Tuesday, 27 August 2019
Tuesday
Morning, everyone! What a scorcher it was yesterday! Wall to wall sunshine and vividly clear blue skies, a decided lack of humidity (thank goodness) and temperatures in the low thirties. Phew! Today is predicted to be more of the same so I am very glad the only thing in the diary is some tuition at nine.
After popping to the shop in the morning yesterday, I was able to chill in the warmth (if that makes any sense at all) until it was time to go over to Julia's. I had intended to walk but that would not have been sensible. Mad dogs and Englishmen, as the song goes, and even though it wasn't the midday sun, no thanks.
What a feast Julia had provided. I'm afraid Slimming World took rather a back seat although I did try to be moderate. Sandwiches, nibbles, spicy little things in filo and then strawberries, clotted cream and scones. We ate outside under a big sunshade and it was delightful.
It was quite a hot night at first so I haven't slept all that well but, dear me, with very little in the diary, that doesn't matter all that much.
I think today will be an easy, gentle, don't move too much kind of day. I might change the bedding as it's going to be a good drying day, for sure, and I will definitely give the plants a good drink both morning and evening.
Following Diane's instructions, I have been making some creme fraiche. I bought a small carton of double cream and used about half with a dollop of my natural yogurt, mixed up and just left it out in a container. I started it on Sunday and this morning it is lovely and thick and with a definite tang about it. It's rather nice but, I think, not quite ready. I am assuming that when it is ready it goes in the fridge.
The chillies are popping out all over, there are runners and tomatoes to pick and another cucumber is ready. There's also raspberries and a few pink blueberries, so I need to spend a bit of time out there a-picking! Now, where's my sun hat?
Take care today and drink plenty of water! My bottle is already in the fridge! I hope it is a good one for us all. xx
After popping to the shop in the morning yesterday, I was able to chill in the warmth (if that makes any sense at all) until it was time to go over to Julia's. I had intended to walk but that would not have been sensible. Mad dogs and Englishmen, as the song goes, and even though it wasn't the midday sun, no thanks.
What a feast Julia had provided. I'm afraid Slimming World took rather a back seat although I did try to be moderate. Sandwiches, nibbles, spicy little things in filo and then strawberries, clotted cream and scones. We ate outside under a big sunshade and it was delightful.
It was quite a hot night at first so I haven't slept all that well but, dear me, with very little in the diary, that doesn't matter all that much.
I think today will be an easy, gentle, don't move too much kind of day. I might change the bedding as it's going to be a good drying day, for sure, and I will definitely give the plants a good drink both morning and evening.
Following Diane's instructions, I have been making some creme fraiche. I bought a small carton of double cream and used about half with a dollop of my natural yogurt, mixed up and just left it out in a container. I started it on Sunday and this morning it is lovely and thick and with a definite tang about it. It's rather nice but, I think, not quite ready. I am assuming that when it is ready it goes in the fridge.
The chillies are popping out all over, there are runners and tomatoes to pick and another cucumber is ready. There's also raspberries and a few pink blueberries, so I need to spend a bit of time out there a-picking! Now, where's my sun hat?
Take care today and drink plenty of water! My bottle is already in the fridge! I hope it is a good one for us all. xx
Monday, 26 August 2019
Monday
Good morning, everyone. It was a scorcher yesterday and it looks as if today will follow suit. Some of the plants looked a bit sad so I set to and gave the roots a good soaking which seems to have perked them up a bit.
After that busy start to the day, I made the double batch of pancakes and was so glad I did because at about eleven thirty there was a knock on the door and there was my friend, Jackie, who has been passing and thought she'd pop in on the off chance.
So she stayed for lunch and we had pancakes with fruit and yogurt and very nice it was too, really tasty.
We had such a lovely chat; it really made my day. We talked about some outings together, maybe to an opera, and also the possibility of some time away next year, maybe to Italy which Jackie loves and to where I have never been. Early days, I know, but wouldn't that be nice?
It was so hot in the afternoon that, after soaking the plant roots, I pretty much stayed in the shade and chilled in front of a fan. By bedtime, it had cooled off enough to be comfortable, another reminder that autumn is definitely on its way now, and I slept like a log again. I'm still waking between five and six but that's normal for me.
Today is an ordinary day - that is to say, just gentle and pleasant - until this afternoon when we're having one of our girls' get togethers, this time at Julia's home as we're having afternoon tea to celebrate her birthday. It was actually a few weeks ago but none of us was available then. It makes food planning for the day rather complicated, but should be OK and I'm very much looking forward to catching up with the girls.
The other thing I have to do is a bit of planning as I have my eleven plusser for a session tomorrow morning.
And that's about it really. Maybe I can snooze in the garden before it gets too hot; I have some magazines to catchy up on. Also, I do need to pop to Morrisons at some point this morning, before it gets too warm.
Do you have any special Bank Holiday plans? Have a great day, whatever the diary promises, and stay cool. xx
After that busy start to the day, I made the double batch of pancakes and was so glad I did because at about eleven thirty there was a knock on the door and there was my friend, Jackie, who has been passing and thought she'd pop in on the off chance.
So she stayed for lunch and we had pancakes with fruit and yogurt and very nice it was too, really tasty.
We had such a lovely chat; it really made my day. We talked about some outings together, maybe to an opera, and also the possibility of some time away next year, maybe to Italy which Jackie loves and to where I have never been. Early days, I know, but wouldn't that be nice?
It was so hot in the afternoon that, after soaking the plant roots, I pretty much stayed in the shade and chilled in front of a fan. By bedtime, it had cooled off enough to be comfortable, another reminder that autumn is definitely on its way now, and I slept like a log again. I'm still waking between five and six but that's normal for me.
Today is an ordinary day - that is to say, just gentle and pleasant - until this afternoon when we're having one of our girls' get togethers, this time at Julia's home as we're having afternoon tea to celebrate her birthday. It was actually a few weeks ago but none of us was available then. It makes food planning for the day rather complicated, but should be OK and I'm very much looking forward to catching up with the girls.
The other thing I have to do is a bit of planning as I have my eleven plusser for a session tomorrow morning.
And that's about it really. Maybe I can snooze in the garden before it gets too hot; I have some magazines to catchy up on. Also, I do need to pop to Morrisons at some point this morning, before it gets too warm.
Do you have any special Bank Holiday plans? Have a great day, whatever the diary promises, and stay cool. xx
Sunday, 25 August 2019
Sunday
Good morning ! I feel energetic this morning and have been buzzing around like a bumblebee! I've watered the garden, sorted out the kitchen, set some yogurt a-making and made up a double portion of banana oat pancake batter. It feels great!
Yesterday I got into town.
I decided to take my pink bag with me (I was having a very pink day) so moved stuff across before setting out for the but. Just as I got to the zebra crossing, I remembered I hadn't moved my bus pass across so, muttering something fairly unladylike, I turned round and walked home again, decided to get the next but instead - there's only twenty minutes between buses.
Setting out again, when I got to the bus stop there were two 56 buses there. The one I had intended to catch had developed a problem so even if I'd remembered my bus pass, I wouldn't have taken that bus anyway. It certainly upped my steps for the day too!
I had fun in town. It's not a huge market, just half a dozen or so stalls, so doesn't take long to get round.
Firstly I looked at the spice mixes and I know what I said but I bought a dahl curry spice mix because I decided to make it up for the evening meal.
I stopped off at the fruit and veg stall to get a ripe melon (must plan it in today) and a few Victoria plums, just to see what they were like, plus a sweet potato for when Alex comes over for lunch and a punnet of strawberries. Then I was sorely tempted at the bread stall but managed to contain myself to one wholemeal sourdough loaf (which is now sliced and in the freezer). Finally, on the fish stall, there were some sides of salmon so I got one and that is now cut into portions and frozen.
I thought there was a meat and cheese stall but maybe I was confusing it with somewhere else.
Once home, I dealt with everything before starting some washing. By the end of the day it was three loads washed, dried and ironed.
I made up the curry (which was to go with a chicken and veg jalfrezi I had already made - nice to have a bit of variation) and now there are several portions in the freezer. I used a few of my little chillies from the garden and they do have some ooomph but not too ouchingly so.
So really, just a rather ordinary day, better in the living than the describing.
Today is more of the same, I guess. The forecast is good so a good excuse for reading, relaxing and generally being extremely lazy. Such a hard life!
I hope yours is hard in that way too! xx
Yesterday I got into town.
I decided to take my pink bag with me (I was having a very pink day) so moved stuff across before setting out for the but. Just as I got to the zebra crossing, I remembered I hadn't moved my bus pass across so, muttering something fairly unladylike, I turned round and walked home again, decided to get the next but instead - there's only twenty minutes between buses.
Setting out again, when I got to the bus stop there were two 56 buses there. The one I had intended to catch had developed a problem so even if I'd remembered my bus pass, I wouldn't have taken that bus anyway. It certainly upped my steps for the day too!
I had fun in town. It's not a huge market, just half a dozen or so stalls, so doesn't take long to get round.
Firstly I looked at the spice mixes and I know what I said but I bought a dahl curry spice mix because I decided to make it up for the evening meal.
I stopped off at the fruit and veg stall to get a ripe melon (must plan it in today) and a few Victoria plums, just to see what they were like, plus a sweet potato for when Alex comes over for lunch and a punnet of strawberries. Then I was sorely tempted at the bread stall but managed to contain myself to one wholemeal sourdough loaf (which is now sliced and in the freezer). Finally, on the fish stall, there were some sides of salmon so I got one and that is now cut into portions and frozen.
I thought there was a meat and cheese stall but maybe I was confusing it with somewhere else.
Once home, I dealt with everything before starting some washing. By the end of the day it was three loads washed, dried and ironed.
I made up the curry (which was to go with a chicken and veg jalfrezi I had already made - nice to have a bit of variation) and now there are several portions in the freezer. I used a few of my little chillies from the garden and they do have some ooomph but not too ouchingly so.
So really, just a rather ordinary day, better in the living than the describing.
Today is more of the same, I guess. The forecast is good so a good excuse for reading, relaxing and generally being extremely lazy. Such a hard life!
I hope yours is hard in that way too! xx
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