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Post by paperman on Apr 8, 2022 16:47:37 GMT
Good afternoon Ladies. Off and on it has been a rather nice day with sunshine which vanishes as soon as I go out!!
I spent part of the day yesterday getting Claris ready for the summer, actually one of the jobs is really simple and should take about 10 minutes, I managed to eek it out to over an hour!! When the beast is winterised all the water is drained out from the habitation side to guard against it freezing in the pipes and doing damage. The process then is to prime the pump and get water flowing through the system and the water heater, simple……get some water in the cold water tank and then turn on a tap to activate the pump expecting that the pump will grab some water and push the air out of the system. Hhm, it’s a rare event in my life that it happens like that, and it didn’t. Punctuated with visits from other people in the village it was a long and frustrating business but I hope all done OK. I say I hope because the real test is the first night we need to use it all, to quote a few words from a song ‘say a little prayer for me’.
We are having fish tonight, sea bass. I read what you said about wondering which way to cook your fish Tina, frankly, as you know, good fish needs precious little doing to it and my preference is to simply shallow fry it in butter and oil with a little garlic perhaps and a squeeze of lemon on the plate. Having said that if we go out locally and it is on the menu I love cod in crispy batter; but we cannot do that here at home as we do not have a deep fryer.
That was one heck of a long journey Val, hope you catch up on rest etc. soon. On a completely different subject to the norm, do you use a satnav? I am a member of a classic motorhome group and over the last couple of years many of us have switched away from using a stand-alone device and have downloaded apps to our phones or tablets and I am trying to effect a survey as to what is being used so that perhaps we can upload a list of recommended apps that members might consider. Some of us need a truck program as the beast is significantly larger than a car but many others get by quite happily using a car app……hope you don’t mind me asking Val, or indeed anyone else who can add to our knowledge. Max, your husband being an hgv driver might also have some thoughts…
That’s it please take care xx
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Post by brightspark on Apr 9, 2022 19:06:38 GMT
Evening all,
Well, Chris I am not that technically minded, but we have a dashcam, and we do possess a Satnav, though don't use it often. We both prefer good old maps. Having said that, whenever our son is in the car with us, out comes his mobile, and he has the route in front of us. He also sends me his whereabouts whenever he is on a long drive, so that I can follow him - he knows I worry about him (!) :-). I have to confess to being of little help to you. I imagine that having an app available to you would be worth it, being able to use it when needed - even if you're lost while walking!! Many years ago, I bought radar detector for OH, which we used in the UK, but it was of no use in France. So when we arrived in France on our trips, we would put it away. Unfortunately on one occasion, OH left the press-on stickers on the windscreen. Halfway down France, at a place called Chatellerault, the gendarmes came upon us, and told us to follow them. They took us off the autoroute to the gendarmerie. One of them reached across to the stickers and pulled them off and asked for the radar detector. OH told him, and he could see, that we weren't using it. He told us that it is an offence in France and, just like drugs, having it with you is unlawful. Then they promptly demanded 750 Euros, and if we didn't pay there and then, they would confiscate our car !! Nearly put us off France ... !!
A brighter day today, after the "Tempête Diego" of yesterday, and reasonably warm in the sunshine. I have brought out my sewing machine and doing plenty of sewing this afternoon. Yesterday we had a power cut (thank you storm Diego), for 4.5 hours. Huh, I had a bread dough on the go !! So I cut it up and shaped them like muffins, and attempted to cook them in the dry frypan, and put a lid on it. Amazingly they are almost good, they are edible, just wished I could've cooked them properly.
Our neighbours have a motorhome that they garage in our hangar. They are off for the weekend to see her sister, as her niece has a birthday this weekend, so they popped round to let us know they were taking the vehicle, and that it hasn't been stolen ! Such wonderful neighbours, love 'em to bits.
Well, I have a few craft things on the go at the moment - knitting a beanie for OH; crocheting some wristwarmers, and also sewing the "Jewel Box" quilt for my niece for when she comes over (from Florida) for her brother's funeral. www.pinterest.fr/pin/64317100915360963/ - this is an image I found on Pinterest of the quilt.
Hope everyone's well and happy - have a good evening, x
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Post by brightspark on Apr 10, 2022 17:06:58 GMT
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Post by irist on Apr 11, 2022 14:45:38 GMT
Afternoon. I seem to be the only one around today! I have popped in over the last couple of days but not much going on here. High winds and rain have stopped play but I've been busy indoors.
Hope all is well with you, Tina as you haven't posted for a couple of days. I guess this could be that you are just busy with visitors.
I am holding the invitations to our family get together in abeyance for the time being. Unfortunately OH's 90 year old sister has had a serious falling out with her daughter and SiL and I appear to have taken on the UN role, trying to listen to both sides and calming things down. Lots of things were said in the heat of the moment so fingers crossed the situation can be sorted asap.
How are the house viewings going, Val? Not a good time to be showing your house at it's best during the stormy weather.
Like Val, I can't help with satnav advice, Chris. We had one years ago but I binned it as the makers no longer provided map updates. Now I don't drive far enough to need one. Both my children and all the grandchildren have apps on their phones which they plug into their cars. A neighbour who used to undertake volunteer driving and often drove a charity's minibus had to change to a commercial satnav (as used by lorry drivers) to cope with narrow roads which he could not negotiate in the bus. Not sure if that helps though.
Hope you have arrived safely, Max and are enjoying your break away.
I really need to get out and cut the grass but I've decided to leave that chore until tomorrow when the weather might be slightly more amenable.
Take care all.
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Post by brightspark on Apr 11, 2022 22:27:07 GMT
Very late this evening,
I have been looking in several times today, without logging in, just to read if anyone has posted. Like you Iris, I thought that everyone had deserted us! I hope Tina is okay, it is unlike her to be missing.
We went shopping today, and as usual, Oh finds himself at the fresh fish counter. Fresh haddock was on offer, so he bought half a kilo !! They were quite small fillets, but I cut them up and we had half of them as goujons, with chips and peas, with the other half I froze. Best for another day.
Chips two days running, as we had turkey version of Wiener Schnitzel, and that was delicious. Memories of our trip more than 50 years ago, on a motorcycle, and driving over the Alps and through Austria, into Italy. Ah - memories.
Tomorrow we have the pool guy coming to empty the pool, as he is going to replace the pool liner. This needs the pool to be emptied and only then does he measure it for the new liner to be made. That's a lot of water (it is 10m x 5m, and with a Roman end and a deep end!). There'll be a rather large hole for a while !
Viewings not going so well. The couple from Cumbria still haven't sold their house. The cash buyer due to come at the end of the month has cried off for now as he has had a health diagnosis requiring further tests, so needs to get that sorted. I will just have to carry on crafting ...
Sleep well everyone, x
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Post by ambersparkle on Apr 12, 2022 7:29:25 GMT
Good Moaning all, just popping in for a Minute, and will try to do better later. I have just been so under the Weather, with Asthma, and Hay Fever, makes you very low and sleepy. My Daughter, has Covid, and I rely on her a lot, but of course, she is not on the Phone, but in her Bed, luckily, she is on the way up. Promise to log in later, when the Meds have kicked in. Have a good Day. love Tina x
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Post by brightspark on Apr 13, 2022 16:06:06 GMT
Hi everyone,
Lovely and warm here - sat on the west-facing balcony just now, having a cuppa. Thoughts of what's to come. :-) It's really weird looking at an empty swimming pool ! Though looking forward to when the new liner is fitted and filled again - it's quite therapeutic looking at the water, with swallows diving in for a quick drink in flight. We'll have to wait though, till June as the liner won't be ready until then.
I finished OH's beanie - I knitted in in a yarn that 100% wool, from the Jacob's fleece, so should be warm when needed.
I have a pork tenderloin this evening, and planning on pork Florentine, but if the pork is too big, I may use it over two meals. Last night I made a small Bramley apple crumble, so that's dessert tonight.
Tina, wishing you and your daughter get well soon, x.
Iris, family is family, BUT falling out needs to be sorted asap. My nephew who died recently wasn't speaking to his Mum or sister. Though they tried, but he was not wanting to talk. Now that he has died suddenly, there's a gaping hole in their lives. It just doesn't make sense, does it. It pays to think before arguing. This applies to so-called friends, too. If after many years, to create an argument that means losing a long-term friend, is it worth it? My OH thinks that I'm soft and I don't speak up for myself, but I would rather keep the status quo, and if that means I have to hold it in, then I will. I much prefer loving relationships. Of course! Don't we all.
The couple from Cumbria are still keen, but they can't go forward until their property is sold. They had been advised that it would sell quickly, but having seen their property, I think they were ill-advised by the agent - whether on the price or timing. Our agent has said that he has had five more enquiries for our property, after the month of March went very dead in terms of enquiries, he believes it is the war in Ukraine that had put off people, although it is now picking up, he said. We're here, if anyone wanted to come and have a look!
Chat soon, have a good evening all, x
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Post by ambersparkle on Apr 13, 2022 17:40:25 GMT
Good Evening all, I wrote a long Letter this Morning, and it went into the wild Blue yonder, something about Proboards having Issues, did not have the Time or Strength to do it all over again. Been another awful Day here, but think it is to be better tomorrow. I am so annoyed with myself, as slept all Afternoon again, so you have been left holding the Fort, Val. Glad you are able to sit and relax at your wee Hoosie, you will miss it. I did write this Morning that I felt like making an Apple Cake, as it does equally well as a Dessert, or a Cake. But of course never got round to it. Going to put a wash on, it's late, but am all behind. Hope all are well, love Tina x
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Post by irist on Apr 13, 2022 18:07:53 GMT
Evening folks. A miserable day here - cloudy and damp but not cold. So I've used the time to take up the hems on OH's new suit trousers. Now my eyes are very tired after dealing with the dark fabric. I had to leave the hand sewing for tomorrow to give my eyes a rest. I found it stressful as the suit was quite expensive and I didn't want to ruin the trousers. I observed the "measure twice and cut once" mantra, checking and rechecking my measurements. I'll be much happier once the job is complete.
Val, I'm hoping that OH's sister will soon have forgotten her argument with her daughter. She has dementia which is getting worse. Unfortunately I think the move to her new flat in a strange place hasn't helped. It has been a mammoth life event for a 90 year old. I am leaving a little more time for the dust to settle before sending out the invitations to our get together. Life's too short for family feuds. I hope you have success with any more house viewings. Do you get into the pool or just leave it to your OH and family?
Hope you are picking up a bit today, Tina. Sounds as though your asthma and hay fever have knocked you for six. Take care. Sending hugs.
Looking forward to the weekend when we are due some slightly better weather. I feel so sorry for the holidaymakers here at the moment. It must be costing them a fortune to keep the young ones amused in the inclement weather.
Bye for now.
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Post by ambersparkle on Apr 14, 2022 6:11:51 GMT
Thank you Iris, was up again at five Am, just cannot lie flat, or even slightly flat, and of course, being disabled, can't move once I am on the Bed. everything has been tried, except buying a Bed that you can adjust, but I don't want to spend the Money, but might have to. Just going round in Circles at the moment, get up early, then fall asleep, no Work gets done, lucky I can manage to feed myself. Will try for the Apple Cake today, and it is the Day for the Fishmonger, so think I will have a bit of Breaded Haddock. Be back later, have a good Day, Tina x
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Post by brightspark on Apr 14, 2022 9:18:54 GMT
Morning all,
Tina, disturbed sleep patterns are very difficult to cope with sometimes. Last night I slept reasonable well, but the previous night, after trying to sleep, and it not working, I remember looking at the clock well after 4 am, so yesterday I was a little out-of-it.
Last night I finished sewing around the binding of my niece's window quilt - the last thing needing to do now is to sew on the label, then that one is done. Then I shall get back on to the Jewel Box quilt for another niece, sorting out the wadding and backing. Finally I have brought with me my Linus charity quilt that has the wadding and backing with it and needs to be pinned in place, then to be hand or machine quilted. (Linus is a charity giving quilts/blankets to children who are suffering - from trauma or bereavement, etc)
Our pork Florentine dish was a huge hit with OH, he kept remarking how delicious it was! Basically, a layer of tomatoes, topped with a layer of fresh spinach; then slices of flash-fried slices of pork tenderloin, and cheese sauce poured over the top, covering everything. Baked till golden. I served it with a small amount of fried pieces of potato.
Iris, when I was about 7 or 8 years old, I was pushed into the deep end at the local lido, (my brother rescued me) and from that day I am not keen on an expanse of water, I get a bit breathless. However I do go down the steps of the Roman end of the pool, sometime just to cool off, but I don't swim. I do hope the family get back together after their argument, they mustn't leave it too long.
Chris, I hope you're enjoying your trip to Rutland Water, and that the weather stays good for you.
I think Max has forgotten us ...
Hope everyone has a good day, x
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Post by irist on Apr 14, 2022 13:34:22 GMT
Afternoon all. At last we are having a warm Spring like day with glimpses of sun. However, I'm feeling a bit under the weather - no energy, slightly giddy and nauseous. I'm not sure if it's a lurgy as there are so many around at the moment or the second blood pressure tablet the GP gave me a while back (which made me feel lightheaded) or the flare up of arthritis I'm having at the moment which affects my neck and shoulders and which I think pinches a nerve in my neck. Hence I'm taking it easy and only doing the basics. Bloomin' nuisance as I could be out in the garden. Hey ho, things could be worse We had what might be our last ONS Covid test this morning. The results won't arrive for about 10 days so I won't know if what I'm experiencing is Covid related until then. Not planning on going out over Easter as there are too many tourists and locals out and about so I won't be infecting them if I'm positive!! I wonder if you would be entitled to an adjustable hospital type bed via your GP or Occupational Health people, Tina. It would be worth making enquiries rather than buying a bed. I'm sure your daughter would help you find out. Going to wish you all a good day and go and relax in the conservatory in the sun for a while. Take care all.
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Post by brightspark on Apr 15, 2022 16:07:43 GMT
Afternoon all,
Oh Iris, hope you're feeling better today. Hope you have some more warm weather today, too. We also have the warm weather, it is 24 deg here, we have just had a cuppa on the balcony. The washing is also nice'n'dry - much prefer to dry outside.
A bit late, but I thought I'd make some hot cross buns, as it's Good Friday. It took so long to prove (I started rather late, I reckon), that we didn't have them in time to go with a cuppa, so once cooked (still proving !!), I shall freeze them. I have made it a little differently this time. Instead of water I used half Greek yogurt and half semi-skimmed milk. Same with the flour, half wholemeal and half strong white. Then I realised I didn't have any sultanas - could anything else go wrong? - so I grated two dessert apples. No sugar either, just a tablespoonful of honey. We'll see how all of this pans out, or whether I should dump that recipe !! The shame is, that in the UK I have bun spice (in liquid form) which is what I would prefer, but I have used mixed spice. I shall paint the cooked buns with some honey too for that shiny look.
I have downloaded a pattern to make a bucket hat - when our neighbour visited last weekend, I noticed he had a graze on top of his head, and his partner said that he should wear a hat like (my) OH was wearing. I shall make him one - although whether he would wear it is another thing entirely!
Hope everyone is happy and well. Have a good evening, x
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Post by paperman on Apr 15, 2022 17:09:01 GMT
Good afternoon Ladies, I hope this finds you well. Good afternoon Ladies, I hope this finds you well. We got back from Rutland yesterday afternoon and this morning had to dash up to Lowestoft to our fish man as we were out of fish and on a Friday too!! Whilst there we also did an unplanned major shop in Morrisons and Aldi so we are now well stocked up. The weather here has been almost lovely all day but up in Lowestoft it was cold and damp as a sea fret rolled in, I felt it as I had gone dressed for warm weather, it is only about 20 miles but what a difference. We had a super time up in Rutland and also had an afternoon cruise on Rutland Water which was an unexpected bonus, I took a few pics whilst we were away using my phone rather than hawking my camera kit around and I am uploading a pic I took of Normanton Church from our cruise. If you are of a mind to go, Rutland is a rare gem of a place, we have been now quite a few times at different times of year both in the motorhome and also hoteling, they have a lovely Christmas Fayre in Oakham which is an old fashioned joy. When we went up to Lowestoft we noticed how busy the roads are, they were fairly quiet yesterday but clearly a lot of people are coming up for Easter, I guess, from London. So we will definitely be staying pretty local over the weekend. Iris we share a similar burden regarding tourists; this place is too convenient for Londoners!! Tina, when we went away you sounded as if you were feeling a little better, I hope you get back into that soon. Val, you have my sympathy regarding selling your house in France, your experience seems almost a duplicate of what some other friends of ours experienced when they were selling theirs, fingers crossed for success soon. OK Ladies, please take care, this plague seems to be everywhere and regardless of whether one is jabbed or not, cheers xxx Attachments:
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Post by brightspark on Apr 15, 2022 18:59:54 GMT
Chris, sounds like you picked a good time, weather-wise, for your trip to Rutland Water. I don't think I have ever been there. We lived in Hertfordshire in our early marriage, so it wouldn't have been too far to go. OH tells me that we have driven past it - near the A1, he said??
Regarding the house selling - we really did, unfortunately, start this just at the wrong time, just as Covid settled on us all, so it isn't surprising that it is taking a lot longer than would otherwise. In a way I am relieved, but it is just putting off the inevitable chore of moving!
This evening I took out two of the haddock fillets from the freezer (we'd bought on Monday) and I made a fish pie, with sliced potatoes on top. Delicious. I also made the batch of Hot Cross buns, which turned out really well, I am pleased to say. After me mentioning this earlier, I will not be dumping this recipe, they are just right.
Enjoy your evening everyone, x
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