Tuesday 26 July 2022

Tuesday

 Today's garden happy - the cucumber is huge and the photo doesn't really show this.  It decided to grow down behind the pot so I couldn't see it from the front.  I think it is still edible; I will find that out today anyway.  I have two more almost ready to cut so it's a shame you can't freeze cucumbers, isn't it.  Cucumber jam, anyone?  :-)
(The tomatoes are lovely)


Good morning, everyone.  The weather seems to have turned just a bit.  It's dull, cloudy and cool this morning and Beeb doesn't predict sun until late afternoon.  We even had a few drops of rain yesterday but, typically, nowhere near enough to be of any use to I'll be hand watering again in a little while.
Yesterday was mostly nice though.  Plenty of sunny intervals and a lovely breeze.

Lathcoats was, as always, lovely.  It is such a relaxing experience, strolling up and down the rows, leisurely picking and ending up with far too much because you think 'just one more, just another one . . .' 
There were loads of strawberries, so, so many.  I had to 'search' (as they call it) for raspberries, but there were plenty if you were prepared to lift up the leaves and look a bit lower down.
So today, I have the pleasurable task of dealing with the fruit.  I guess the freezer will accommodate most of it.  I know you lose the texture of strawberries but not the flavour and it's the flavour you want for strawberry ice cream, strawberry liqueur, jam, smoothies, etc.
Raspberries freeze much better, of course.

Then I paid my usual visit to the shop for some fruit and veg, dairy and anything else that catches by eye (so nothing else this week).  They had some frozen blackberries, great big beauties, so I scooped some up and they're in the freezer until I want them for my breakfasts.

My two exercise slots were great.  There were only three of us at circuits (two for the first half) so it was almost as good as a personal training session and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  And I do enjoy swimming - it's a great way to stretch those muscles and such good strengthening stuff too with the water resistance.
I will keep going with the swimming now I've started it again, certainly until the weather gets really cold (if it does).  What I need to do is work out when I can go regularly, like I have for the Lindsey sessions.  I've got one - after Monday circuits.  A couple more would work well and make the best use of my membership.
Hmmm - must get my diary out and have a good look.

Opening my mailbox yesterday, I couldn't believe it.  I got an email from a bakery company yesterday, plugging a super whizz bread pan, a tray and a lid, for baking 'amazing artisan bread'.  Oooh, though I, that sounds good. 
Until I saw the price.
'Just' three hundred and fifty four pounds!!!!  Just?????   I nearly fell off my chair.  I mean, does ANYONE buy this sort of product?
I think any bread I make will just have to settle for being ordinarily nice rather than amazingly artisan.

Today starts with Groove and then back home for a shower and housework.  There's the fruit, the kitchen in general, my bedroom needs dealing with and there's washing to do.  Then I have some meal planning, some swim planning and some general working stuff out planning.
That'll keep me out of trouble and 'gainfully occupied' as we used to say at school about Friday afternoon sessions.

Well, better get started.  I have a dishwasher to empty (definitely a First World chore) and I need to have something to eat before Groove (a First World privilege).
I hope your day is wonderful, filled with enjoyment and happiness.  Stay safe.  xx


17 comments:

  1. The bread pan does sound very expensive. I think I shall stay with making ordinary homemade loaves as well. When we went to the Good Food show there were similarly priced items that suggested they could solve every baking situation. Needless to say we carried on walking :)

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    1. That's not surprising!! I've never come across anything as mundane as that costing so much. I suppose, if you're really into artisan, sourdough, posh bread . . . but even so. Not for me!
      xx

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  2. Wow, what does the bread pan do for you ... all the housework, full body massages AND make bread!!

    You could make some Bread and Butter Pickle with your spare cucumbers, it's surprisingly tasty for something that sounds so simple. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/bread-butter-pickles

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    1. If it did all that, I'd take two, one for me and one for a friend. lol

      Thanks for the link - that could be exactly the sort of thing I would like to have a go at - I will take a look and see. Cheers.
      xx

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    2. Oh, yes!!! Printed out and the cupboard will be checked for the ingredients. Brilliant!
      xx

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  3. Good grief! to the bread pan etc. Enough to feed a person for weeks.

    I used to make Bread and Butter pickle years and years ago but only Col would eat it

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    1. I know. I mean, I like spending but that is way, way too much. xx

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  4. All your produce looks so edible and fresh. I put the Lakeland catalogue straight in the recycling when it came in yesterday-much too tempting for things I do not need! Catriona

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    1. Oh, how I love a Lakeland catalogue but I know what you mean - far too tempting.
      When I go into town for whatever reason, the Lakeland shop is on the agenda. And I warn the bank manager (or ought to)!
      xx

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  5. I'll pass on the bread pan. That's more than I spend on food in a month!

    Hope you've had a good day xx

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    1. It was absolutely shocking. I guess some would pay that but not me. xx

      xx

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  6. I can't imagine any bread would be worth spending quite so much money on a bread pan, although I could be persuaded by a coffee machine :)
    You garden produce looks delicious. Home grown tomatoes are the best. X

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    1. You'd have to make decades of bread to cover the cost, wouldn't you? :-)

      xx

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  7. Wow, just too much for a bread pan, quite ridiculous.

    Enjoy that cucumber and the tomatoes.

    God bless.

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  8. I pickled cucumber last year and it's still lovely and crisp. half cup of white vinegar and half cup of water. Bring to boil and let cool before pouring over the cucumber.

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    1. Was that as slices or as chunks? It sounds very simple. Thanks. xx

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