Saturday, 28-02-26

Morning, all.  This is very short and simple as I'm off to St Alban's shortly.  It's pouring with rain here but maybe it will be dryer there although the forecast is not ideal.  

Yesterday was good; Alex came over and he made a cheesy sausage and bean wrap pasty.

I'll be back tomorrow morning for my first post in March.  Have a lovely day.  xx

Friday, 27-02-26

Good morning again, everyone, and welcome to Friday's blog.  

Yesterday was very social and sociable and, yes, I was all chatted out by bedtime.  I haven't slept all that well but that's OK, it's not as if I have to do a day's work or anything, is it?

Chris and I had our usual chuckle and chat over coffee.  Then I drove over to Val's where we chatted about different stuff - Val and I go back decades and she's been a very good friend one way and another.  She used to live just down the road from me and when she and M moved away to Black Notley we lost contact for a while which was a shame.  
It's good now though and we already have next month's date in our diaries.

Then, in the evening, it was a Slim Win online chat via Messenger.  Annoyingly, about a month ago I started having a sound issue.  I can see and hear everyone else in the chat and they can see me but not hear me.  I use my laptop with a built in microphone, I've checked settings as much as I can but nope, no sounds from me.  I end up using my Kindle Fire which is OK although the sound quality is poor - not great for a hard of hearing person.
I've just ordered a webcam which should come early next week and fingers crossed.  However, do any of you know what I could do to get my laptop microphone back again, please?  It's so annoying.

Today, as it is Friday, starts with Slimming World and then Alex might be coming over, he's not sure.  I have plans both ways so that's OK.
I will need to get my things ready for the trip tomorrow and I want to do a little street walk on Google Maps, just to get my bearings a bit.  I don't know where the coach is dropping us off but it will be central, it always is.

Have a good Friday, everyone.  Stay safe and well.  xx

Thursday, 26-02-26

 Morning, everyone.  It was a glorious day yesterday around here.  A windows open, two load line drying day.  A no-need-to wear-your-coat day!  So lovely!
I hope it was just as good your way - or, at least, pleasant.

I never showed you the finished maple leaf quilt, did I?  I pegged it on the line and it had to go sideways because longways it would have draped on the ground.

Here you go.  It's not really square, it is a 4x5 rectangle.

As already mentioned, I got two loads of washing properly line dried yesterday.  The ironing pile is no more (temporarily) and everything is away where it should go (the washing stuff, I mean - there's still plenty of mess around).

After personal training, I did my weekly shop.  I had hoped to hold off until Sunday but I found I had only two apples, one orange and one pear left and absolutely NO CARROTS.  I can't manage without carrots!
So I finished my list, did an early evening shop and now I'm all stocked up again.  Yay!

Today is a social day.
It's over to Chris first for our coffee and chat.
Then I'm driving over to Val's for lunch and lots more chat.
Then, this evening, there's an online chat with friends from all over.  So nice.

The dishwasher has finished and I want to empty it and refill it with big things - the air fryer drawer, my thermomix bowl, etc, and various washing up tools that are always better for a good hot dishwash now and again.  So I will love you and leave you with good wishes for a good day to come.  xx

Wednesday, 25-02-26

Morning, everyone!  What a glorious day it was round here yesterday.  After a bit of a dull start, out came the sun, the temperature rose into the higher teens, there was a gentle breeze, a load of washing properly dried on the line and  I opened the French window to air downstairs.  Just lovely!

Thumb and wrist seem fine again now, thanks you all for your concern.  I'm considering it just a hint to be careful - or a bit more careful than before.

I took a few photos of the front 'garden' (not really a garden, just a little strip of soil really.)

We have daffs.
Not that many out yet but there's loads of buds showing.

SUuh a lovely, sunshiney colour.

Crocuses are so very pretty, aren't they.  This clump is doing well and probably could do with splitting soon..

I might make this my new heading banner

These have been beautiful but are looking a bit elderly now.  Like the crocuses above, they could do with splitting soon, I guess.

BUT

Alongside all the emerging colours, those pesky weeds are coming up between the paving slabs so I will be waking my scraper up from its hibernation and starting the ten minute scrapes.

And the little patch of 'grass' I call my lawn (ha ha) needs a mow.

I'm trying to think what I did yesterday apart from taking photos - washing, etc, of course and I spent some time in the kitchen making a big pot of vegetable - er - stuff (for things like chilli, lasagne, etc) and some gluten free pasta (no idea if it's OK yet, I'm having some this evening.

Groove was great, of course, and we got our walk there and back for the first time in quite a while.  You could tell Lindsey was back from a week's break - she was super energetic and we were shattered by the end.  It was so good though.

Today my windows are all condensed on the outside so I googled why and it said basically 'super- efficient double glazing'  That's good!

As the forecast is, again, really promising, I popped an early load of things like tea towels, muslin wipes, etc, on a hotter than usual wash.  There's about an hour to go and then they can have a good refreshing blow in the sunshine and breeze.  Much needed after so many inside dries.  I didn't get round to changing the sheets at the weekend so I will do it today and get them line dried too.  

There's a ten minute scrape and some mowing to be done.

And there's the usual housework and so on before I pop over to Lindsey's for my personal training. 

Just a pleasant, ordinary day, in fact.    With sunshine and warmth and a bit of garden.  What more could I ask for?

I hope your day is as nice as I hope mine is.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Tuesday, 24-02-26

Good afternoon, everyone!  Apologies for being late.  I slept until seven this morning (much needed after a bad night Sunday night), came back from Groove and totally forgot . . . ooops.

The bad night was because that stupid thumb/wrist/lower arm was throbbing and sore so come the morning, after grumbling to you, I took some ibuprofen before circuits.
And you know what - that did the trick.  I guess there must have been just a bit of inflammation which the meds sorted out.  So I am being careful with the crochet, timing myself and then taking a break and doing some stretching, etc, and apart from the occasional twinge, it is fine.  A warning to be careful, maybe.

Apart from that, yesterday went well.  I got the last instructions for St Albans - when to meet up for the coach, etc - so that was good.
I did a bit of housework, a bit of ironing, a bit of washing.  It was a bitty sort of day!!

We're already half way through today now but I'll keep that for tomorrow.  
Take care, hope you're enjoying the sunshine, and see you tomorrow.  xx

Monday, 23-02-26

A very good morning to you all.  It's not raining, the ground is almost dry, it is mild and we had some lovely sunshine yesterday!  Isn't that great!

Yesterday was, as expected, a bit of a lazy day.  I finished off the loaves though and took Beth and Alex's round in the afternoon (in sunshine!) and stayed for a lovely natter and a coffee.  They have plans for reconfiguring the flat and it was great fun talking about them.

Apart from that it was just the usual 'little' things.

Lindsey is back home now so classes are f2f again.  Today is circuits and I bet I will be still afterwards.  Then it is the usual stuff.  It's not a Kay-week so there's that, plus washing and so on.

Sadly, I am going to hold off from crochet for a short while.  I'm getting quite a pain in my right thumb joint and it's probably due to too much crochet - I suppose I have been doing quite a lot, one way and another.  I'm just hoping it is a strain and not RSI although I suppose that, at my age, it might be a touch of arthritis.  How can one tell?  Anyway, it hurts to crochet so . . .  I might get some sort of thumb support and look up exercises, if there are any online.

I was getting on great guns with my concentric circles to use up loads of scrappy bits too.  Oh well.

Better go and get ready.  
Happy Monday everyone - have a great day!  xx

Sunday, 22-02-26

Morning!  Guess what!  It's raining.  Surprise!!

< sigh >

Yesterday, I ended up a bit busy in an easy, weekendy sort of way.  

Neil came round, bless him, and now I have a working oven light again.  I also have a semi clean oven and intend having another go today using trusty bicarb paste.  I don't use my oven nearly as much as I used to so it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been but still a bit embarrassing!  :-)

(I'll tackle the other oven next week but it's fine really, I mainly use it for heating plates, keeping food warm, etc.)

I dug up several white bell bulbs and they are now in the shed in a tray.  Come the warmer weather, I will pop them in a pot and see what happens.  :-)

And, this week being over and Lindsey coming home this weekend, I started off this coming week's sourdough.  It's now in two loaf tins, slowly doing it's proving thing before baking.

I did some Googling and it looks as if there's plenty to do in St Albans.

The museum and gallery

The clock tower

Verulamium museum

A hypocaust

A cathedral

A street market (the second oldest in the UK after The Shambles in York, apparently)

And loads of nice looking places to eat/shop.

All within a pretty small area too.  Nice.

I've printed off a few pages from a visitors' guide and can pick up the hard copy when I'm there.
I'm looking forward to this.  Even if it is raining, there's plenty to do by the looks of it. and I do love a bit of history.

While I was checking my banking online (to see how much those oven bulbs were), I was surprised to see that not only was my teachers' pension in, it had also gone up a bit.  It should go in every 23rd unless it's a weekend or a bank holiday so why it is early this time, I have no idea.  The increase might possibly be a tax code change, I don't know for sure and I'm not that fussed really.
Anyway, it does mean that I can do my end of month reckoning good and early.  Any St Albans expenses can go onto March's sheet!!

Today I have Beth's loaves to bake and take over to her this afternoon and I may get round to the oven.  I guess there's also some washing and some sheet changing but I may leave that for tomorrow.  I'll see how I feel.  If it wasn't raining, I might drive out to Hyde Hall - I haven't been there for ages.  Perhaps it will clear up.

In the meanwhile, take care, have a good day and stay warm and dry.  xx

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

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

Wednesday, 11-02-26

Good morning, everyone.  I'm feeling weary this morning after a restless night but that's OK.  

Yesterday was all change.
First of all, Sharon:  Hi Joy, can I come later today.  Good - no clash with Kay now.
Then Kay :  Hi Joy - I have a migraine, can I come tomorrow or Thursday?  I remember my Mum with migraines - not nice at all, so, of course, I agreed.

Come late afternoon, I set off for Hylands, where the conference was.
I glanced over the parking instruction, saw 'not' and 'front' and assumed it meant to park the Writtle end of the grounds.  Strange, quite a bit of walking but never mind.  Easier to get there.  So I arrived, parked and walked up the slight hill to the conference (ten minutes, pouring rain, thank goodness for umbrellas), and saw that everyone else had parked at the front.  Urgh???  Oh, well.

Had the hot buffet meal (delicious) and then there was an announcement to the effect that anyone who had parked at the Writtle end needed to go and move or they would be locked in overnight (the car, not the people!!)
There were four of us so back we went, totally dark by now, still pouring with rain.

The way to the front entrance isn't complicated but it does involve roundabouts including two you have to go right round in the rush hour traffic and an unlit road.  In the pouring rain.  Exactly the driving conditions I avoid if I possibly can.
I have to admit, I found it all very stressful but got there in the end and all I missed were the opening comments from our director of education and County Hall.  So no worries!

The rest of it was very good, very useful, inspiring in parts and I was glad I went.

And - lesson learned - next time, read the parking staff carefully and don't assume.
(it said don't park right in front of the house!!)

If there had been any alcohol in the house when I got home, there wouldn't be now as I was still pretty stressed but there wasn't which is probably just as well.  It did result in a restless night though but I can catch up on sleep and, little as I feel like it, an online groove session this morning is just what's needed to ground me.

I don't know if Kay is coming today or tomorrow yet but it doesn't matter.  I have personal training in the afternoon and I bet I sleep like a log this evening!  

Have a good day, one and all.  xx

Tuesday, 10-02-26

Morning, all.  How's life?

It's dull and dreary here (again) but the days are getting longer and the mornings lighter.  Once the clocks go forward again, it will be so much nicer in the evenings too.  

I'm trying to think what happened yesterday.  Oh, yes - circuits first of all which was really good.  Then I came home and decided that, as I was really short of rye and spelt flours and quite short on strong wholemeal, I would take a drive to Marriages and replenish my stock.
Sadly, they only do wholemeal spelt in 6k bags so I then went a bit further round to Sainsburys where I got the spelt, some dishwasher powder (I always use powder because I have control over how much to use) and a few other bits and bobs, the most exciting of which was a pack of three pairs of black socks for my fitness times.

I've accepted that using a spike stitch will not work for the top down jumper (too wide and not long enough) so I've frogged it all and will start again the proper way.  No worries, now I know!  Maybe I will have another go but make my own pattern - if I can be bothered.

Today is a bit packed.
It starts with Groove - the weather looks a bit doubtful so I don't know if we will walk or not.
Then Kay comes and that's a time when I disappear into my bedroom and give it a good going over. 
Early afternoon, the lovely Sharon comes to do my hair.

Finally, early evening, I am off to a conference for school governors.  Hot buffet and various speeches, the most important of which is a senior Ofsted HMI talking about 'the role of governors in the renewed framework'.  I've already been to some internal training on this and my personal feeling is that they expect an awful lot from people who are fulfilling a voluntary role.  It is important though so I'm glad I'm going - and there's a free buffet AND it counts as my governors' training for this term.  Must remember to record it in the hub.
And must remember to take notes (yawn).

Well, time to bath and get ready for the day.  Have a good day, one and all!  See you tomorrow.  xx

Monday, 09-02-26

Morning, all.  It's the 9th and we are pretty much a third of the way through February - just saying!
That cheers me up no end.

After my mini whinge yesterday (thank you for all your supporting and empathic comments - they are appreciated very much) , we had sunshine.  More than just a bit too.  It inspired me to take a few shots of the garden - first of 2026, I believe.  These are all from the back.

The hyacinths are budding up.

Lavender - a newer one in a pot.  The old one isn't looking so happy (top left) so we will see . . .

Lupin spikes although what's the betting we get a later cold spell and it kills these off.  By the time it recovers, it will be too late to flower.

I'm going to have to be ruthless with the foxgloves - I don't want TOO many.

Ooops.  Your days are numbered!!

Clematis.  This particular bit will go when I prune it back when there's more growth at the bottom.

I did something different with Beth's loaves - I used two smaller tins instead of the bigger one and I tried a bake from cold.  As you can see, both were a success - what a rise!
I  must try the cold bake on the sourdoughs now and perhaps I will make two smaller loaves as well.

Moving on to today and I'm all ready to pop over to Lindsey's for circuits.  Being Monday, it is usually housework day but as it's a Kay-day tomorrow, I am going to focus on a good old tidy up.  The place is looking a bit cluttered.
There's a bit of washing/ironing too.

Better stop waffling.  Have a lovely day, everyone, and may the sun shine again for us all.  xx

Sunday, 08-02-26

Morning, everyone.

First of all, apologies for yesterday - after a bad night, I wasn't feeling great yesterday morning and decided to take a day off.  There's not much to write about anyway at the moment.  I suppose, what with the ongoing rain and winter dragging on, it all just feels a bit dreary and - not boring exactly, maybe I mean monotonous!

Anyway, I'm fine today, slept well and here I am.

Cooking with Alex went well and he made a delicious looking beany crumble for him and Beth as well as taking home more of base and topping for the freezer.

I can't think of anything else really - oh, yes, I started the top down jumper but decided to try the spike stitch rather than a plain granny cluster stitch.  It went well but I forgot the corners came out too big and I started the sleeves too soon so it was a bit tight under the arms, so I have just frogged most of it and will start again because I think it will look quite good so I want it right.  It will gobble up some of my leftover yarn so that has to be good too.

Today, later on, I am popping round to Beth's with her loaf and for a chat.  That will be nice.  Apart from that (and meals) I will be working on the jumper and watching stuff on the telly.

Are you finding things just a bit same-y at the moment or do you have more to do than you can shake a cat at?
(What an odd saying - who ever would want to shake a cat at anything?)

Wishing you a lovely day.  Stay dry, warm and happy.  xx

Friday, 06-02-26

Morning, everyone!  Hey, guess what!  It's raining cats and dogs - quelle surprise!!
It has to stop soon, surely.  Such a worry for people who live in areas that flood easily and very unpleasant for those with outdoor jobs - postmen, for example, or the dustmen (which includes women too, of course).

Chris dodged the raindrops over to my house yesterday morning and we had a nice, cosy chat about this, that and the other.  I so enjoy these times - if, for some reason, we can't make it, we usually chat online, like we did during lockdown.  There's good and there's bad about the Internet but being able to chat online is definitely good.

After breakfast (spiced apple waffles, yummy), I drove round the corner to Morrisons (wasn't going to walk in that rain) and, for once, did quite a small shop.  Now I am topped up with rinse aid and washing liquid plus sundry bits and bobs.  Hopefully, I won't need to do a top up shop until next weekend!

That was it really.  The rest of the day was spent inside, cooking, eating, crochet, reading, etc, and the curtains got drawn early!  And I may possibly have had an afternoon snooze!

Today is the usual Friday routine.  Slimming World and, fingers crossed, Alex.  No need to prep anything as it was all prepped last Friday.

Right, well, better go.  I want to check the bank account (I try to check daily, to keep on top of things) and then get things together for the day.
Stay dry, everyone.  Have a lovely Friday.  xx

Thursday, 05-02-26

Morning!  It's Thursday and it's raining - again.  And yesterday was so lovely too.  Oh, well . . . they said we needed lots of rain to replenish the reservoirs, water table, etc, didn't they?

There isn't much to say today, yesterday being a quiet and mostly at-home day.  I washed, dried and ironed, did some cooking and meal prep, did the downstairs housework, went to personal training and thoroughly enjoyed myself!

And I finished the blanket.  It is enormous and I have no idea what I will do with it but I'm chuffed.  
Now I have to do something else to tide me over while I ponder.  I have loads of yarn left so maybe I will do a top down Joseph's coat kind of crochet jumper.  I already have some and I do wear then a lot.  They're lovely over a crew neck fine knit top - light and warm.

Chris will be over for coffee first thing and, at some point, I need to do some shopping.  I've run out of things like rinse aid (thought I had another but I don't) and the red light is showing.
My list this week is not long but necessary.

And I could start next week's meal planning.  That sounds like the wrong order but I have so much in fridge, freezer and cupboard that I am working around what I already have in.  Best to shop first and then plan so I really do use up what I have got.
I think they call it reverse planning or, maybe, project pantry (?) - as if it is something new.  I've heard both those terms on YouTube.

Anyway, that's it really.  Have a lovely Thursday and stay warm and dry.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Wednesday, 04-02-26

Good morning, lovely people all.  Welcome to my Wednesday post!  We had some horrible weather yesterday - cold (for round here) and very wet.  Today's forecast to be better and my fingers are crossed.  We need some sunshine, we really do.

Mind you, yesterday was good.
Groove class confirmed that I'm really back in the  - well, in the groove (sorry) again as far as fitness classes are concerned.  I felt very energised and happy.
Beth had made the most delicious vegetable soup for us to enjoy and we got stuff done.  Also, quite fortuitously, while I was there she got a phone call that involved us both - sheer lucky timing there.  We had a look at some of the different Center Parcs accommodation at Elveden - we will be going there next year to celebrate my 75th and want to maybe go a bit upmarket.

I'm on the last spike stitch round of my blanket now.  So many mistakes in the border but you really can't see them.  Then there's just one round of crab stitch, a few ends to sew in and that's it - finished.
I had some good news that involves me thinking about a baby blanket and I think the spike stitch done with the baby Aran yarn you can get at Hobbycraft would be perfect.  It's so soft and squidgy.

I always like Wednesday mornings.  It's the only day in the working week (not that I work now but you know what I mean) when I don't have to be out of the house by around nine-ish.  I can take things just that bit more slowly and that's what I will be doing today.  It is going to be a day of housework, cooking, washing, ironing, etc, and generally pottering around happily.
In the afternoon it's personal training which is always good.

Another very pleasant day in store.

This morning, I'm hoping that the weather is going to be good where you are and that you have nice things planned.
Take care, stay warm and see you tomorrow, maybe with a finished blanket!  xx

Tuesday, 03-02-26

Good morning, everyone.

Yesterday was just a happy day because:

I slept really well over Sunday night and didn't wake until nearly seven.

At circuits, I felt as strong and energetic as I was before I got the virus.

The coffee morning at school was really good and I felt useful.

I couldn't go over to Beth's but she's invited me over for lunch (hm soup) today.  I can take her bread and ravioli then).

I properly sorted put the paperwork on my desk and there were no unpleasant surprises, nothing forgotten that should have been paid!

And as a result, I found two recipes I have been looking for.

My meals were all tasty!!
Some kaftans I ordered (for Crete and Shimmy in Spain) arrived and I really like them.  They're not the most flattering (kaftans are very loose, after all) but flattering is as flattering does, they will be cool and I feel comfortable in them.

And I got a pile of washing done.

Such a nice day.  

xx

Monday, 02-02-26

Morning!!  It's another dull start to the day but maybe it will cheer up - you never know.  I'd love to be able to get my washing out on the line again!

Yesterday was another quietly busy day.

I finished both loaves and even managed to time it so that I could bake them together.  I will take Lindsey's over when I go to circuits and maybe drop Beth's off this afternoon.

Beth and I had our online chat using teams so she could share a screen; we got done what we wanted to get done so all's good.  She's feeling better but Alex is still rough, poor chap.

I managed to do a fair bit on the blanket.  The trouble with borders is that they are so, so long and mistakes are only noticed when you come back round to them.  My spike stitch border is far from perfect but, by the very nature of the pattern, mistakes don't stand out at all so I'm afraid it will just have to lump it.  I'm not undoing a round I just spent ages doing.
I think I have pretty much four more rounds and then I'm finishing off with crab stitch where you go backwards instead of forwards and it makes a nice finish.

Today I will be popping off to Circuits shortly before getting hurriedly freshened up, changing and then going to School for a SEND coffee morning wearing my Governor's hat.

This afternoon will be the usual housework, etc.

Nice day with opportunities to get out and about.  
Hoping yours is good too.  xx

Sunday, 01-02-26

 Good morning, everyone.  I hope you're having a lovely weekend so far.

First of all, Blods, you asked about the savoury bean crumble recipe.  I've written it out and you can find it here.
https://sw-the-med-way.blogspot.com/2026/01/recipe-savoury-bean-crumble.html

I had a gently busy day yesterday.   Here comes another list or two!  😀
I . . .
read the gas meter and sent off the reading
did my weekly shop; it was ouch because of needing cleaning products, loo roll, etc
found a recipe for sweet potato falafel
made some very successful rye sourdough pasta dough and turned it into twelve ravioli (for Beth) and a good portion of tagliatelle.  Both are now in the freezer
got more than halfway through Lindsey's loaf which is warming up in the loaf tin so it can do its final rise and bake
experimented with lunch and enjoyed the results
checked the boiler pressure (all good)
continued with the blanket edging

So today I need to . . .
get that washing and ironing done
make some rice pudding
sharpen my knives
finish Lindsey's loaf
make Beth's loaf

I was hoping to pop round to Beth's to help her with something but she's said don't because neither she nor Alex are all that well yet.  We're going to chat online instead.
I'm not sorry to be staying in - I haven't slept that well overnight and will be catching up today, I'm sure.

So have a very lovely day, everyone.  See you tomorrow.  xx