Saturday, 21-02-26

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to another weekend!

Yesterday didn't quite happen according to plan as Alex wasn't able to come over.  Not to worry, there's always another Friday - they come along quite regularly, after all.

In SW group, David gave me the sheet with March's walks on them.  When I looked in my diary, I realised that there are some coach trips coming up.
Coming up next Saturday, last day of February, I will be in St Albans, somewhere I have never been before.  I need to do some research, don't I, but if you have any info about things to do there, please do post it in the comments.  I'd be grateful.  I would much rather have too many plans than not enough.  It's one of those trips where you just pay for the coach and organise your own day so . . .

The following week, the date of the first walk, I should be in Cambridge for the same sort of day.  So, as above . . . 

When I defrosted the freezer, I realised that the light had gone so I popped onto Amazon and ordered a replacement - three, in fact because my oven light has been dead for ages.  They arrived yesterday and the freezer now has a light again but the oven bulb broke as I was trying to get it out and I just couldn't get the rest out so, hopefully, Neil next door will be over later to do the necessary.  He is in that line of work (handyman, not just replacing light bulbs, obviously) and should have an appropriate tool.

It's worth mentioning because, quite apart from having nice neighbours, I have this tendency to ignore things like that - the oven light has been out for absolutely ages - so getting my act together deserves a halo polish!  

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay warm and dry and fingers crossed for warmer, dryer days to come.  xx

Friday, 20-02-26

Good morning, one and all.  Welcome to Friday - a bit damp and very gloomy but it feels just a little bit warmer so that's great.

I had my little list to work through yesterday and, for once, I did it all.

After a cheerful chat and laugh with Chris over coffee, I made a yummy breakfast and I'll show you the photo because I've been very short of photos recently, haven't I?

Here you go - I didn't make the yogurt but I made the chia seed jam and the waffles and enjoyed every mouthful.

I pootled off to Morrisons and came back with three semi-full bags plus cash to replenish the window cleaner pot - although I don't know why he bothers in this damp weather.
Anyway, as soon as I pay him, I replenish the pot so I don't get caught out!

After sorting out all the shopping and making/enjoying lunch, I set to the main task - the freezer.

To be fair, it wasn't all that bad.  The ice scraped off reasonably easily with the air of my hair dryer (I was VERY careful, I promise) and it wasn't that long ago that I sorted out the baskets and bags so it was still reasonably organised. 

And now it's all shiny, clean, back down to the right minus number (it really didn't take long to get cold again) and a pleasure to look into.

That's that for this year now, as far as defrosting is concerned!

I asked in our Governors' WhatsApp group because I noticed there was something in my diary about Monday but that's for staff, not for governors.  Can't say I am all that sorry!!

Today, I will be off to Slimming World shortly and then Alex is over for more cooking.  That will be nice.

When that's all done, I can make my dinner, get the coming week's meal planning done and chill for the rest of the day.
I can do my shopping before planning at the moment because I'm using what I already have and noting down on the following shopping list, as needed.  For example, I have chicken in the freezer but when I'm down to the last one or two bits, it goes on the next list.  Works for me and I don't do much top up shopping nowadays, I just substitute or change the plan.

Right, well, time to wrap this up and get ready for SW,
Have a lovely Friday, everyone.  May all go well.  xx

Thursday, 19-02-26

Morning, all.  How are things this morning?  Annabeth, I hope your back is better now.

I didn't get the freezer sorted yesterday!  Just didn't feel like it!  I did finish off the ironing and do various other little chores as well as taking the loaf over to Beth and having a jolly good chat about home improvements!

I must do the freezer today though because it's supposed to be getting warmer and the whole point is to do it while it's cold!

I also need to do a weekly shop today.  Last week was all about spending that voucher and was shelf stable things, cleaning products, etc.  This week I am low on perishables and dairy, etc.  I have my list so all's good.

So today's timetable is . . . 

Chris round for coffee
Breakfast
Weekly shop, putting away, sorting out, etc.

Lunch
Freezer!
Chill.

That is do-able!

What's your list for today?  xx

Wednesday, 18-02-26

Good morning, everyone.  Apologies for being a little bit late.  There's overnight roadworks going on near here and I think it interrupted the connection.  Anyway, all up and doing now.

Yesterday, Chris popped over first thing and we did Groove together - very nice too.  Then Kay arrived for Kay-day so downstairs is now shiny and clean!  And all the while, outside, 'they' were replacing my water meter.  They've left a mess and will (they'd better, anyway) be coming to make it all good again in the next few days.  I've already had a lorry here but they didn't seem to do much.  I guess it is like a factory line . . .

It was pancake day so I enjoyed pancakes for breakfast - yummy!

And I finished the loaves.  I'm taking one over to Beth this morning and the other is sliced and in the freezer.

That's probably the most exciting thing for today.  I have ironing and I'll probably sort out the freezer while it is cold enough not to do the frozen goods any thawing damage.
Don't I live an exciting life!!

Better go and get myself ready for the day - everything is running a bit late but it really doesn't matter today so no stress.  
Have a lovely day, everyone.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Tuesday, 17-02-26

Morning!

 

Yesterday worked out well.

I got two loads of washing done and, to my delight, I was able to get some of it out on the line for a blow in the sunshine.  There was enough of a breeze to make it worth doing for the first time in months.  I love how the ironing smells when it's been drying outside.

I sorted out a few cupboards - getting there, slowly but surely!

I had a good look at the February finance.  I know we are only half way through but nearly all the regular outgoings have been paid now so it was worth working out what's left and estimating roughly what I could save.
Next month will be a good one (I hope, fingers crossed).  The car is full so I won't need to get any more petrol until April and I've paid for Lindsey's classes and personal training until after Easter plus no rates or water.  So, what with this month's and March's savings, I should have enough put by to pay for my car insurance at the beginning of April without dipping into short term savings any more.
I wouldn't matter if I did have to - that's one of the things they are for - but it would be good if I didn't. 
If that makes sense!!

Today, Chris is coming over so we can do a pre-recorded Groove class together which will be nice.  

The loaves I started yesterday and which have been cold-fermenting all night should be ready to bake at some point this morning and I might then take one over to Beth if she is not super-busy.  If she is, I can slice and freeze it until I can take it over.

Apart from the usual, daily stuff, that is it for today.  This week seems to be all about the gentle stuff but I have set aside tomorrow for another freezer clear-out and defrost, seeing as it's pretty chilly out there!

It'll be good to get that one ticked off.

Better go and get those loaves shaped and into tins!  All the best for today, everyone.  xx

Monday, 16-02-26

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to a new week, a week that feels like holiday because it is half term here in the UK and Lindsey is away so much of the usual commitment is not happening this week.

When I was working,  I had a little thing going on where the first day of a school holiday (almost always Monday, not Saturday) was a no-plan day.  I don't do that any more as almost everyday could potentially be a no plan day but there's still that little frisson of pleasure on these Mondays.

Yesterday was so good.

I managed to get those loaves baked in the morning which was just as well as one of them was for Diane.  It was still warm when I handed it over - always a nice thing.

The weather was shocking - very heavy rain that became sleet from time to time and there was a lot of surface water on the roads.  However, everyone was being sensible, keeping a steady speed, driving for the conditions and that does make a big difference.

We had a great meal out, me, Diane, Caroline and Tracy.  We go to the Green Dragon in Great Leighs which is just one of those little English pubs that does food that is in no way fancy but is nicely cooked and served in a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  And not shockingly expensive although nowhere is cheap nowadays, is it?

We talked and talked and talked, of course, and it turns out that Caroline and Tracy are both on the coach trip to Stratford upon Avon that I am booked for so we can 'do' it together.  So nice.

I dropped Diane back off and set out back home but hadn't got very far before I heard an odd noise, not one of the usual noises in my car.  Glancing down, I saw Diane's house and car keys rattling around in the well between the two seats.  I hadn't gone too far so got them back to her quickly, phoning so she wouldn't be in a panic.  I'm so glad I spotted them early; that sinking feeling when you can't find something is not nice.

I then drove to the garage to fill up - the red light wasn't quite showing but it wouldn't have been long - and, while I was there, treated myself to a M&S lasagne from the little shop.  I'd hoped to have lasagne for lunch but it wasn't on the Sunday menu.  I have to say, it was pretty much the nicest ready meal lasagne I can remember having ever.

Sunday really was a lovely day and now it's Monday.  There's nothing in the diary but there's homey things I want to do.  I have already fed Bubbles (my starter) do there's more baking in the offing and I have loads washing in both the dishwasher and the washing machine so they will need dealing with.  I want to do a bit of garden room sorting out and make a list of the supplies that are actually out there and the freezer could do with another audit too.
Plus I want to do one of the pre records Lindsey has left for us this week because I need to keep the post-Christmas fitness gains up and running (so to speak).

So it may be the first day of half term but I have little plans!

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Take care, be good and see you tomorrow.  xx

Sunday, 15-02-26

Morning, everyone.  I was about to say we are half way through February but that was yesterday, of course, not today.  The month is going so incredibly quickly, isn't it?  Crazy!

After some beautiful sunshine yesterday, the rain is back!  It's getting to the point where one can expect to see Noah's ark sailing across the horizon at some point!  And I reckon 'they' will still be threatening water restrictions come summer!

Yesterday went well.  There's something about winter sunshine that really lifts the spirits, isn't there.  I baked bread and took it over to Beth and I started off the sourdough.  It took a long time to get going so by the time it was in the loaf tins, I had to pop it in the fridge.  They are now sitting on the radiator because they have to be in the oven by eleven, having warmed up and proved a bit more.
They won't be bad, just maybe not as risen as they could be, but that's OK.  These are for me anyway.

Beth and I booked somewhere to stay for our mini break next month.  Two nights away sounds just the ticket!  I'll show you more nearer the time.  

I'm off out for lunch with Diane and two others and so much looking forward to it.  I think I have chosen what I want - lasagne and a salad, although I might change my mind.  We will see.
So the morning is a bit packed, especially as I had a 'bad' (ie restless) night and then slept until past eight!  Once I get home again, things will be nice and relaxed so that's OK.

Right, well, better go, shower, wash hair and decide what I want to wear.  It won't be too smart but mustn't be actually scruffy.  Just casual!  I'm good at casual!   😉

Have a lovely Sunday, everyone.  Stay cosy, dry and happy.  See you tomorrow.  xx