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Post by brightspark on Feb 25, 2023 18:01:09 GMT
Afternoon all,
Golly, it is cold out there - a very chilly wind, and OH said that it was quite parky while walking on the Gallops with the dog this afternoon. We did have a few moments of sunshine later this afternoon, but it has now gone into hiding.
This afternoon I received a couple of things I had bought for crafting purposes. One was an acrylic template for a scallop shell shape, and the guy I bought it from lives in Leicester. He makes them in multiple sizes, starting at 6" down to 1" , so I have six different sizes to work with. I already have the same type of multiple hexagons from him, too. The other is a book on embroidery. I have been following this lady on an online course to work on a different stitch each week, so now I have the reference book.
This evening I am roasting a small chicken, so if our son does call in after a walk tomorrow, we will have some chicken for some chicken egg and chips, or chicken sandwich. Though he has said that he likes to get a nice long walk over the weekend, but he does have a deadline at work, and it may be a good idea to get some preparations/work done before he gets back to work on Monday, so we will have to wait and see. It will be good to see him, if possible.
Hope Iris and Chris, you're both okay.
Have a good evening to all, x
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Post by paperman on Feb 26, 2023 16:20:10 GMT
Good day all on what is a lovely looking sunny day but jeepers it is cold, so quite honestly I feel guilty about it but have stayed in and done bits around the house and some work on our village archive.
Sometimes time flies, I have just realised that I haven’t posted since last Thursday although I have to admit not a lot has been going on. Thursday evening’s casserole was good and in fact we are having a second helping of it tonight with jacket potatoes and green bits.
Friday’s fish & chips was the usual fare, in fact on Friday we had been up to Lowestoft and restocked with fish, the hake we had that evening was particularly good.
Last night, again, I made cauliflower cheese except the cauliflower was huge and I made 2, one of which is now in the freezer for another day.
Val, looking forward to seeing your quilt when you get the pics sorted.
Well done Iris finally shedding your responsibilities regarding the garden club. The problem of a lack of volunteers seems to be universal; we have the same problem here not only with village clubs and groups but also with our Parish Council where there are 3 vacancies. What is needed are younger people to step up and get involved and bring some new perspectives.
I hope this finds you well, please take care xx
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Post by brightspark on Feb 26, 2023 21:28:27 GMT
Evening all,
We have just ended our Zoom call with the family, and then we shall watch a little tv later. We have been watching Jeremy Clarkson's farm programme - some of it is really funny, and other bits that are a bit sad, but one thing is coming out of it, in my opinion, is highlighting the current problems that farmers are suffering.
I am quite glad to have finished the knitted blankets. I shall take them into our quilting group next Friday to show them, as most of the squares in the first blanket were knitted by the quilting ladies, and I am sure they would like to see their efforts included in the blanket.
Yesterday I cooked a small chicken, and we had a hot dinner from it, and today I sliced up the remaining cold pieces, and served it with some onion gravy, and also a cauliflower and broccoli au gratin, plus I had some Charlotte potatoes in the crisper box of the fridge, and I thought I would bake them - I tossed them in a little olive oil and then again in semolina and baked them, they were really good - I may do that again with more Charlottes.
Earlier, OH had defrosted a small home-made apple crumble, so that will be our dessert this evening as I have run out of yogurt, and I shall serve it with some cream, I think.
I managed to get three wash-loads done, but still we have no sunshine in our rear garden, though I do have an airer behind the French doors and that was in full sun, and actually quite warm.
Agree with Chris, Iris, it must be a bit of a headache removed having now left the committee of the gardening club. Chris, there is definitely a lack of interest in any of these groups from the younger set. Our local Rotary had to close, they merged with the bigger Chippenham group. I read an article in The Sunday Times magazine this morning about how the lack of manners seems to have taken over since Covid, and a general lack of politeness - letting a door shut right in front of you, leaving a bag on the seat next to you on public transport even though someone needs to sit. The article's author remembered going on an 11-hour flight, and the guy immediately next to him took out his laptop and put on a loud film with fighting/gunshots, etc, and without ear protectors - for 11 hours!! So many instances - remember the beach at Bournemouth (I think), where so much rubbish was left on the beach. Just can't imagine doing these things, so what is happening to our beloved country. Sigh.
I think that just turned into a rant - apologies for that !
Have a good evening, what's left of it, and sleep well, x
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Post by irist on Feb 27, 2023 18:26:16 GMT
Evening folks. We've had several beautiful days - dry and sunny but very cold (4C when I got the car out and the stiff breeze made it feel colder). Good to look out at but not to be outside. However, I did take the opportunity on Saturday to cut the lawn for the first time this year. The experts would say not to cut grass when frost is forecast but needs must while it's still dry. Yesterday I used the self propelled small lawnmower to cut around OH's raised beds so the garden is tidier to view from the conservatory and front of the house.
Today I took OH out for lunch to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had a lovely meal in a pub, sitting by the window with the sun streaming through. Neither of us could manage a pudding! Then I left OH in the car in the supermarket carpark overlooking the sea whilst I picked up the last of the fresh veg and fruit etc ready for our son and DiL's arrival on Wednesday.
It's an exciting day - grandson took his girlfriend into the local maternity unit late this morning and the baby may be born later today. Or of course he may not want to share the date of our anniversary, preferring to have his own birthday!!
I agree about the lack of manners/consideration, Val. I think younger people spend most of their lives virtually on their devices and many have failed to learn politeness as a result - no parents to correct them. Teachers are frightened to put youngsters in their places and there are no sanctions these days. When I were a lass, if I had committed a misdemeanor at school I would be in trouble at home too! Nuff said - I'm old fashioned It's about time the general public were made aware of the problems farmers face and if it takes the likes of Jeremy Clarkson to bring this to the fore then good on him.
Tomorrow we are off to help a young lady writing her dissertation on the benefits to carers of Occupational Therapy for their loved ones. There's a soup lunch before the business gets underway and the cared-for are entertained by the Carers' Club volunteers. Should be interesting.
Take care all.
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Post by brightspark on Feb 27, 2023 23:13:17 GMT
Late - evening all,
Iris, you mentioned the dissertation on the carers and occupational therapy. This reminded me of my niece telling me about a visit from the O.T. department and the advice they gave. My bro and his daughter booked a session on a 'dementia work bus'. This involved an initial talk on what was going to happen, and then they moved on to the bus. It was fitted with a kitchen set-up, and they then had to don headphones which had noise sounding through them, possibly music, not sure; a pair of very thick glasses which had the sides blocked; and lastly some thick gloves - all to imitate what it is like to have Alzheimer's. Niece said that she was asked to 'lay the table', and she said she turned to go to the drawer to get some cutlery, and one of the 'experts' was standing there, which startled her. He explained that not being able to hear properly and not being able to see the full 180 degrees meant that she was unaware of the guy arriving or see him. Just like a sufferer. She and bro have taken on board the distress that is suffered, and have started a program to help by starting a bit of an art class whereby they all do the same painting/drawing, whatever each day work is planned. Sounds very positive.
As it is late, I'd best stop there, so chat soon. Sleep well everyone, x
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Post by paperman on Feb 28, 2023 9:55:08 GMT
Good morning all on this brightly grey 5 degree morning which I hope finds you well.
Congratulations regarding your wedding anniversary Iris, look forward to some exciting news about a new great grandchild, I sometimes wonder if one of my grandchildren (I have 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson) will give me the privilege of being a great grandfather. Goodness I am getting old!!
Interesting about the dissertation too Iris, there seems to be a lot more done these days within the community to help although I guess it will never be enough. We have a friend, who comes when she can to Tai Chi, whose husband needs dialysis once a week plus he has other health conditions too which need regular attendances at different places and she, like you, never seems to stop albeit she too always seems cheerful.
Sunday’s casserole was good; it is the sort of food I really enjoy, Shepherd’s pie, Steak & Kidney Pudding, Stews? Yes please.
Last night we had a chicken traybake, I am always surprised at how the flavours get enhanced by simply baking. Tonight we are having salmon fishcakes.
Yesterday we went down to Sainsbury’s to get a new key ordered for Claris and had a bit of a shop too although sadly there was nothing of interest CFC, I did look hard.
Today I have my cleaner here for a couple of hours and this afternoon we have Tai Chi in Westleton.
So, am abandoning ship before my ears get a clattering, take care xx
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Post by brightspark on Feb 28, 2023 15:42:56 GMT
Congratulations Iris and OH on your wedding anniversary - time flies - the annual celebrations come around far too quickly these days ! No CFC's Chris? - perhaps you need to do a search for which days they reduce their meats, etc. We have found that Waitrose are good on Sunday afternoons in our area, but that isn't necessarily the same everywhere.
Iris, you mentioned that teachers are not allowed to properly discipline children - I have just read an article whereby a teacher who had served many years in the army and retrained as a teacher, and had been at the school for six years. An unruly adult-sized female was throwing things at others, and this teacher was tasked to get her out, and keep her out of school. The female wanted to get back in, so he put one hand on the doorframe, and another to push her away. She decided to hit and kick out, six times on his head, and kicked lower down, his legs and his groin. Ouch! The school decided to sack him immediately with no notice. He took them to court and he was reinstated only to serve out his notice. There was no report of the female being taken to task for assault, which I would have thought was obvious. I reckon that she will believe she is untouchable.
Today I have laid out and positioned the bees on the wall-hanging I am making for our daughter's 'she-shed'. A couple of years ago, she asked for bee and butterfly houses and bird nesting boxes for around her garden as her Christmas gifts. So I thought how nice it'd be to have some of the creatures inside, too. I have about 50 yellow hexagons sewn together as the 'hive', and the bees flying out of it, and in different sizes following a large one - which is an absolutely beautiful picture that I bought from someone on eBay. They are all being sewn on to the background fabric of tree branches covered in blossom. I have colourful butterflies in stock too, which I may add around the picture.
Having cooked up the bones from our chicken, we had a good boxful of jellied stock, so for lunch today I chopped up four onions, four garlic cloves and a baking-potato-sized potato, with the stock, adding a bit of thyme. Cooked for ten minutes, then whizzed, absolutely delicious - the best soup!
Have a good afternoon/evening and take care, x
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Post by paperman on Mar 1, 2023 12:09:45 GMT
Good day all, 6 degrees feels like 2 on a hazy sunshine, breezy morning. Yes it’s been chilly.
On Wednesday mornings there is a coffee morning (coffee, tea, cake etc.) in our village hall and I have just been over to have a chat with a couple of people. These mornings are very popular as it gives locals the chance to have a good chat in the warm. I was on a mission as I want some help from my neighbour to replace the main blind in Claris as I do not have a big enough table, happily Simon was there and we have had a chat about it, he is keen (actually keener than I am) and I have told him when it warms up a bit I’ll give him a shout, meantime I am going to send him a link to a video showing how it should be done.
Last night’s fishcakes were a success and tonight we are having spag-bol.
Next week we have 4 friends coming up for a couple of nights, staying at a local hotel. We are all eating out on Monday evening and on Tuesday we are feeding here at home so we are thinking about what we’ll do. The plan on Tuesday is to go to Southwold and have a short walk and a light lunch on the pier subject to the weather of course. Meantime have some chores to do here in the house. Now for some lunch, please take care xx
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Post by irist on Mar 1, 2023 17:05:50 GMT
Afternoon all.
Shocking story about the school teacher, Val. No wonder they are leaving in droves. Your wall hanging sounds beautiful.
Chris it would be good to have a weekly coffee morning here in the village, but it's the same old story, getting volunteers to run it would be problematic.
Just to let you know I will pop in when I have a moment but son and DiL arrived at lunchtime and will be staying for a few days. We're off out, weather permitting, tomorrow and there are plans afoot for the rest of the time they are down.
The research project we joined yesterday was very interesting and the young lady conducting it was pleased we had raised so many points which will be useful in writing up her dissertation.
Good news, great grandson arrived at 7.38pm last night and weighed in at 8lb 6oz. Mother and baby may be home tonight.
Take care.
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Post by brightspark on Mar 2, 2023 11:16:52 GMT
Morning all,
A very busy day yesterday. I had a dentist (check-up) appointment at 11.30, and we still visit our dentist of far too many years to count, and it is near where our son lives. So, left after breakfast, having made some sandwiches for us and our son, plus a lemon cheesecake I had made the evening before. Arrived at the dentist in good time, and actually got to see him earlier (I knew I had broken a tooth, and he decided to start the preparation of making a crown for me), then OH went in for his check-up, and finally drove to son's home. He is still supervising the drying out of his water leak throughout the large hall and toilet area - all the floor coverings have been taken up and destroyed ( ) - oak flooring and beautiful tiles in the toilet area, plus the toilet and washbasin have been removed. A major issue for him.
With his lunchbreak over, we went to his local Waitrose to look for some Craster kippers and any CFC's. The only CFC was a half boned shoulder of lamb at half price, plus 9 kippers for the freezer. Then on to Halfords for some diesel cleaner (recommended by our car mechanic). Then on to Asda for fuel. Back to the M4, and on to see our daughter, who needed a lift to Newbury to collect her car from the garage. Duly done. Then on to Waitrose at Newbury. No CFC's there, surprisingly as that's our favourite for finding our bargains. From there on the A4 to Marlborough's Waitrose. In search of bargains, we will try them all. We found plenty! OH bought 3+ kilos* of braising steak, including some top-rib steaks for braising. Less than half price! I think we may have enough for now !! *Back at home, I have sorted them into 1-meal size, and they are now in the freezer.
For dinner, I made a fish pie, but with cubed potatoes on top, buttered, and then some grated cheddar on top, so it came out of the oven nicely browned, and inviting.
Have a good day everyone, x
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Post by paperman on Mar 2, 2023 15:36:39 GMT
Good afternoon all on this bright sunny but cold day. We have been for a short, shivery, walk in Aldeburgh. We stayed on the High Street so as not to get too frozen by the onshore breeze.
Val you certainly sound to have had a busy day yesterday, I think you said your son lives just off this side of the M25 somewhere so that was a fair trot. Dentists round here are about as rare as hen’s teeth and those that are around charge a fortune. Well done with the CFC hunt.
Congratulations regarding your great grandson Iris, that was quite a healthy weight wasn’t it wow!!
Tonight we are having smoked haddock which I’ll poach in milk and use that milk to make a cheese sauce for it. Mashed pots and green bits to go with it.
Otherwise nothing going on.
Have a good remainder of the day and take care xx
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Post by brightspark on Mar 3, 2023 10:43:44 GMT
Morning !
For Radio 2 listeners, it is Ken Bruce's last day today. His departure has been brought forward from 24th March. Now there is little reason to have Radio 2 on the radio - we're switching to Greatest Hits where Ken will be soon and he'll be broadcasting for three hours. He has patented his Pop Master Quiz, so he is taking that with him.
It is a bit dull here at the moment, and I think it is going to be cloudy most of the day - a change from yesterday with wall-to-wall sunshine !
Last night I made a no-bake millionaire's 'shortbread', only it was more like the base of a cheesecake - crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter. It was not as successful as I hoped it would be, as the caramel didn't stay solid, so when trying to cut it, the caramel spread out! Oh well, it'll probably taste the same, but it was a bit of a disappointment. Tomorrow, we are meeting up with the family as it is son-in-law's birthday and going for an Indian meal, so I shall take the millionaire's along with us, and share it with them.
It would have been our Mum's 100th birthday today. Bless her.
Iris, what is your new great grandson's name? Is he your third great grandchild? Our family is a bit slower - I only have two grandchildren, and they are in their teens. It'll be some while before great-grandchildren!
Chris, last night we had a potato mash too, and mixed in a handful of cheese, and then baked it in a little cast-iron dish, so it gets that lovely golden under-crust, as well as on the top - we had some salmon and veg with it. You're very lucky living near the coast to be able to go for walks - okay it was a bit chilly, but there are days when it must be so good to feel and taste the sea air. I'm a bit envious!
Have a good day, everyone, x
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Post by paperman on Mar 3, 2023 11:13:29 GMT
Good morning all, grey and unpromising 6 degree morning here in Ruritania.
Regarding Radio 2 Val, I am not a listener but ‘A’ is, mainly in the evening/late afternoon if it is her turn to get supper for us. So from her perspective KB leaving is just another nail in R2 coffin but the big one for her which actually induced her to switch to Radio Suffolk was when Simon Mayo left. I think R2 is actually throwing out the babies with the bath water, but maybe that is a malaise that is going through the whole organisation.
Yes I think both iris and us, albeit on opposite sides of the country, are fortunate to have the sea close by; even if we don’t actually take full advantage of it we’d miss it if we moved away.
We have a little shopping to do and I have had a text message from the surgery to say my next lot of meds are ready for collection. We have Tai Chi after lunch and will pop into the surgery on the way.
Last night’s smoked fish etc. was good and being Friday it will be fish again tonight, well fish & chips (alv) actually.
I have sorted out (in my head) what I am going to cook for ‘the gang’ when they are here on Tuesday evening, it needs to be something I can prepare ahead so all that needs to be done is to pop it in the oven whilst the vegetables are prepared, this is what I am thinking. ‘A’ is making a cheesecake and we’ll follow that with cheese & crackers or at least they’ll be there for anyone who wants. We are not doing a starter but there will be nibbles around. These are old friends that I have known for around 50 years and to say I am looking forward to seeing them is putting it mildly.
OK., now for a cup of coffee before popping down to the shop, have a nice day and please take care xx
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Post by brightspark on Mar 4, 2023 13:59:32 GMT
Hi all,
Chris, re: Radio2 - Ken Bruce has (or will be) gone to Greatest Hits radio - Simon Mayo is also there. Ken will be on from 10am till 1pm, and Simon is on from 4pm to 7pm. So, it seems that will be our station to listen to. Though the adverts are a nuisance, too repetitive.
As I mentioned, we had salmon on Thursday evening, and, discovering my sausages needed using (according to the date!), so last night we had those with cheesy mash and Brussels sprouts - they were rather large, actually, I prefer them smaller. Tonight, daughter has invited us and son to join them in celebrating son-in-law's birthday today, at their local Indian restaurant, so no cooking for me this evening.
It is quite a dull day at the moment, still chilly, and there's lots of bird activity around the feeding station, which is a delight. One regular visitor is a blackbird which has the genetic mutation of leucism. Apparently being unable to deposit pigment into some of their feathers, causing white patches. Known as a leucistic bird. Who knew!
Iris, I hope your weekend isn't too tiring for you, but enjoying your guests.
Have a good afternoon and evening, x
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Post by paperman on Mar 4, 2023 15:01:05 GMT
Good day all. It is currently at the highest temperature it will reach today, 7 degrees but it sure feels colder than that.
We went up to the farm this morning and picked up a few things including a good looking piece of steak for tonight.
Nothing much going on, I ordered some magnesium oil spray from Amazon last night as Marcus from Tai Chi said it would be worth trying it to see if it will help free up my right arm and shoulder which have been a problem for the last month or so. True to form I ordered it at about 8 o’clock last night and it was delivered here over lunchtime. Love them or hate them there is no faulting Amazon's levels of service, so this morning I have now ordered some new bedding (for the bed, not the garden!) and that is promised for tomorrow and will save me having to traipse off to M & S.
Yes, I had a listen this morning to GHR, Val and I have to say the adverts seem quite intrusive but hey if that is the price to pay to listen to what/who you want then fine.
Nothing is planned for this afternoon and I don’t see anything that grabs from tonight’s TV so we’ll probably stream something from somewhere.
Iris, hope you enjoying your visitors.
That’s it, take care xx
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