Tuesday and another cake.

Good morning!  It really wasn't very nice yesterday, was it.  Bleak, wet and windy - but not that cold, thankfully.

After a cakey weekend, Beth and I decided to carry on the theme by planning for making the Christmas cake.  It's a family tradition that Beth makes it and I buy all the ingredients.  So we went online and dug out Delia's classic recipe which we only change by using cointreau instead of brandy for the alcohol (so lovely).
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/occasions/christmas/christmas-cakes-icings-and-toppings/classic-christmas-cake

 So, in a few days' time, there will be a big bowl of dried fruits soaking in aftrementioned alcohol, making my kitchen smell simply wonderful.

Delia puts nuts on hers but we go the whole hog with marzipan and icing so I need to have a think about how I want it decorated.  Google, here I come.

Yesterday was quite busy.
First of all, Beth and the Everest man arrived more or less at the same time and for the next two and a half hours we talked about new windows, doors, guttering and fascias and new garage door, glass patterns and door styles.   I now have all the info I need and have made a decision as to who will replace my windows, front door, garage door, guttering and fascias.  It's very nice to feel that things are starting to move at last.

After a quickly made lunch of tomato and lentil soup (thank you, Thermione), Ray (from Hire a Hummy - silly name but . . .) turned up and, hopefully, not the leak in my bedroom and a problem with the front door has been patched up and will keep out damp until the replacements are put in.
 I have to defer complete judgement until after I get the bill, emailed to me today to be paid by internet but, assuming it's reasonable, I think I have found a 'handyman' source to replace the previous one who is now too busy with big projects to undertake little maintainence things.

And then tuition . . .

All go, innit, as we say in Essex!

So, a good day, all in all.  However, I still have a bit of a 'low' feeling which is connected with the fact that it was - or would have been - Mum's birthday on Saturday.  I guess it can take quite a long time for this sort of thing to work through and I'm sure it will lift at some point.

Today, in contrast, is a dead easy day.  I have aqua booked for midday and I might take a stroll around the shops too.  Today's tuition is all planned and ready.  And that's that.  I might do some housework or I might just have some R&R.  I'm so lucky to have that option!
Have a great day.  xx