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

Saturday, 14-02-26

Good morning, everyone, welcome to a bright and sunny Saturday morning here in mid-Essex. 

I'm a bit behind where I usually am but that's OK.  In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I am showing myself some grace and some self-love and planning a nice, gentle, give-myself-a-good-day kind of vibe.  Because why not.

Yesterday was - let's say really good.  I didn't weigh in at SW although I did go and do my duty regarding weighing everyone else.  It's not been the best week, quality food-wise, and I didn't need it reinforced on the scales.  This coming week will be loads better.  

What made yesterday really good was that Beth had an appointment and I went with her.  I can't share details because it's not my story but I can say that she was listener to, respected, understood, her input was appreciated and my presence with my teacher-look-and-voice simply wasn't needed.  And the outcome was excellent!  Sorry I can't say more but . . . it was the best.
We went back to mine for a cuppa and a chat.  Beth's taking a few days away in March and she asked would I like to go with her which is nice.
Of course I will, it's always nice to get away and, while she does some stuff, I can explore.  Perfect!

Today, as mentioned, is a gentle day.  There's stuff to do and I've already started the weekend loaves.  I don't need to bake for Lindsey as she's away from today and all next week but I have Beth's to bake and also some for me.  I do enjoy making bread - it's both relaxing and productive.

Have a lovely day, everyone, however you spend it, alone or with loved ones.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Friday, 13-02-26

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Friday.

Yesterday started in a bit of a rush but by the time I got over to Chris I was ready for my first coffee of the day.

After breakfast, I went to Morrisons.  I've been a bit challenged about this shop.  I didn't actually NEED very much at all but, a fortnight ago, I got a voucher for £8 off if I spent £80 - so 10%.  I nearly chucked it away as £80 is a lot but in the end I kept it, just in case.  It expired yesterday!
I realised I was getting short on cleaning products, loo rolls - all that sort of stuff - so, at the last minute, I decided to go for it and stock up with cleaning products, cans, all that sort of stuff.
At the checkout, it came to just under £80 but the checkout girl waited patiently while I grabbed another pack of loo rolls to take me over £80.
So when the next loo roll shortage comes along, I'm your girl!!

I seem to have got quite a lot for my money and it will all go into the garden room storage until needed. making me feel happy.  I kind of go with what Frugal Queen says - Two's one and one's nothing.  I other words, always have at least one spare.  My Mum was like that too so it's obviously in the family genes.  I am still using cleaning stuff I took after Dad passed away.

What would you have done, spent or chucked the voucher?

While thinking of Mum, Dad and the house, I got a lovely text from the family who bought the house.  They are having some work done, extending the back and building an extra bedroom so it will be a five bedroomed house (a couple are used as studies, I believe).  She sent some photos and - oh, my gosh!  What a mess.  It will be absolutely lovely when finished.
I could also see they have moved the garage doors forward to the front of the car port so I suspect the old garage is now a room of some kind.  Maybe a play room?  

Today I am meeting up with Beth for an appointment she has so that will be interesting.

Have a lovely Friday, everyone.  Stay warm and dry.  xx

Thursday, 12-02-26

 Morning.  Overslept, running late.  I'll post later.  :-)

Ooops - good afternoon, everyone.  Sorry about this morning, time just ran away!

Yesterday was a contrast sandwich!  The 'bread' was two fitness times, Groove in the morning and Personal Training late afternoon and between those two I relaxed and pretty much caught up with sleep.  Nothing much to write about, to be honest, so I will keep this really short and just wish you a happy Thursday, however you are spending it.
xx