Friday, 17-02-23

 Morning, everyone.  It's quite mild this morning but there's a bit of a wind and, I gather, further north they will be having some very strong winds connecting with Storm Otto.  It doesn't sound nice and if you're affected, I hope everything will be OK for you.

I whizzed out to do my shopping and found the whole precinct pretty deserted.  There were some cars but not nearly as many as the last time I went which was over a month ago, I think, maybe even before Christmas.  M&S was busier than Aldi, oddly enough, but neither was what you might call bustling.  I'm hoping I have enough fresh stuff now to last until March.

There were a few items that I couldn't get there to later on I popped into Morrisons.  Last week, Morrisons had no fresh peppers; this week there were peppers but absolutely no tomatoes.  M&S and Aldi had loads though and, as I get through a lot of tomatoes, I have enough.  Nowhere had bags of frozen mixed peppers though.  I'm glad I got enough for both cooking and salad needs and I might slice and freeze a couple of them - I'll see how they last.

Sadly, Val couldn't come for lunch.  Her husband (I've known them both for decades) has tested positive for Covid and, as she said, she's likely to get it too now.  Fortunately, they are both up to date with their vaccinations but Mike is rather 'vulnerable' so fingers crossed he won't feel worse than coldy and tired which was the case yesterday.  Sending them loving and healthy vibes.  :-)

I popped Val's portion in the freezer - no point wasting it - and had my lunch before clearing things up and starting on the ironing.  That's all done now and away too.  I did my garden jog earlier than I expected - it seemed to go quicker than yesterday.
Thank you for your ideas about music/listening to podcasts rather than music, etc.  I ran along to some music in my head - Song of Joy (Beethoven's 9th and most appropriate, don't you think?) was the right tempo and I am wondering about some Vivaldi or Albinoni - that sort of era/genre anyway - as it tends to stick to a steady pace.
I'll have to see if two separate sounds work with the bluetoothing that I have on my phone.  I think they should but I have never tried.

Today is a bit busier.
At half past eight, Matt is due to arrive to put in the water softener.  I've emptied under the sink; a very easy task as I put everything into bags after last week was aborted.
I don't need to stay which is good because it's Slimming World at the same time.
I've asked for the cleaners to come earlier and everything is tidy for them.
Then I will be preparing for Dave and Anna coming round.  Two curries are made and just need reheating and finishing off, the chicken tikka has marinated overnight and the Mumbai potatoes shouldn't take that long.  I know it sounds awful, but I'm using a can of potatoes.  I decided against making flatbread in the end and will get some pitta bread out of the freezer - it's all much of a muchness really and if we want to stuff the pitta with curry and eat it that way - well, why not?!

Better go and do the social media stuff.  All the best and have a great day.  xx