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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 10, 2022 9:16:34 GMT
Morning all, a bit of a Grey Day, but must not moan, we have had some lovely Weather, and it is early Spring, my Daffs are in Bud, only in Bud as yet, as we are a Month behind you lot down South, but cheering to see them, not a Sign however of my lovely Clematis. The Picture you put up Val, is definitely the same Family, but bigger, and darker. Regarding the Copper warming Pans, Val, am not that old! But did have One hanging near the Fireplace, in One House! Expecting youngest Son this Morning, he is coming to pick up eldest Daughter's Presents, this is the dropping off Place for everyone, and it is her 21st, tomorrow. What were you all doing on your 21st Birthdays? I was in Iraq, and my Birthday Bash, was being held at the ' Rest and Leave Centre', on the Shores of Lake Habbaniya. Nobby Clark, the Chef/Manager did me proud with the Rations he was allowed. Happy Days ! Better get a move on, feel a Scone coming on, maybe. be back later, have a good Day, and hope everyone is ok. love Tina x
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Post by paperman on Mar 10, 2022 10:01:10 GMT
Good morning Ladies, I hope this finds you well.
It is a bright, sunny and lovely looking day but with the usual ‘East’ provisos. The forecast they gave us yesterday evening was for a warm day today even reaching 16 degrees, don’t know where that lady was from but it is currently 6 degrees and they are saying locally it might reach 9 around lunchtime. But hey, the sun is shining and we are out for afternoon tea with some friends later and as they are a bit further inland it might even be warm enough to sit out in their garden.
My 21st was a pretty uninspiring affair Tina, yours sounds everything mine wasn’t although at the time it was good fun and I really enjoyed it.
On Sunday we are off for a few days down to Portsmouth, staying over in Gunwharf Quay, back on Thursday. We’ll catch up with some friends and have some retail therapy too.
On the way down we will stop over in Godstone for Sunday lunch and see my daughter, it should all be a good break.
We will do a little shopping in later this morning, nothing big.
Please take care xx
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maxh
Junior Member
Posts: 93
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Post by maxh on Mar 10, 2022 13:07:00 GMT
Afternoon all. What a beautiful sunny day and so lovely to see all the crocus, daffs and primroses out. It really does feel as though Spring has sprung.
Thinking of you, Chris, at this worrying time and hoping the cruise doesn’t turn into anything else. I can understand you cancelling your guitar lesson, it must be hard to concentrate on anything at the moment. Have a lovely trip.
I’m with you Val over the tardiness of the gov’ts response to Ukraine. I can only think it’s a kind of warped appeasement to brexiteers (no Immigration!). D was telling me of another way to legitimately offer support via booking Airbnb rooms in Ukraine. She’s successfully done that.
Hope your tummy’s better now, Tina. I remember the crock hot water bottles - Nanny had one!
The scams are very worrying, Iris. Good job you were on the ball.
I’m not sure where the days have gone, but they sure ran away with me! GD had her 2nd immunisations and was feeling very sorry for herself for the next couple of days so they turned out to be very long days! It’s now my ‘weekend’ - no more childminding till Tuesday and I can recharge my batteries. Hairdresser this afternoon, gd’s first birthday party Saturday but not much else going on apart from the usual. We had beetroot burgers (Hugh -W), wedges and coleslaw for lunch.
Take care. Mx
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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 10, 2022 14:39:09 GMT
Afternoon here, not nice, but certainly not as cold as it has been, and when I went to the Door to pay the Fishmonger, I noticed my lovely Mauve Crocus was in Bloom. Took Haddock, as he usually sells so much of it, it is freshest, that is my thinking, anyway. His Fish should be fresh, but last Week, I bought smoked Haddock from Him, and only kept it overnight in the Fridge, and it smelt so awful next Day, I binned it. I am a Hampshire Hog, Chris, was born in the Royal Navel Maternity Home, my Forbears, were all Sea Dogs, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather,in Portsmouth, of course. Nearly ended up in Poole myself, in later Years, but it fell through, alas he met another. Had Mushrooms to use up, so used every bit in a Soup for Tomorrow, am more aware than ever not to waste anything. Going to make a Bread and Butter Pudding for Dessert, so away to prepare it now, like to let it stand a bit before baking. Bye the noo!
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Post by irist on Mar 10, 2022 19:15:12 GMT
Evening folks. Back like a bad penny! A busy few days here. On Tuesday DiL and I had our massages, enjoyed some retail therapy and had lunch before returning home to meet up with OH and our son. They had been to the local museum as it's accessible for OH but he was worn out and fell asleep almost as soon as he got home. Yesterday OH's new bed was delivered so I had to quickly move his old divan so the deliverymen could put the new one in its place. It was a horrible, wet, cold and windy day so I busied myself indoors.
This morning I planned to go grocery shopping but our son rang to ask if he could borrow some of OH's tools. He and DiL had removed granddaughter's fridge, freezer and dishwasher yesterday ready for collection by the council early this morning. New replacements were to be delivered today so they were going to fit them and a new curtain rail - some holiday they are having!! After the hiatus I went off to the supermarket and was back in time to get lunch. This afternoon I've loaded the trailer up with all the broken greenhouse glass, frame and other bits and pieces ready to go to the tip. It's been drier today so I've washed and dried washing and taken daughter's dog for a walk around our fields.
Son and DiL will call in here early tomorrow before driving back home. After they leave, I have to take OH to collect his new specs in Truro. The forecast for the SW is not looking good so I suspect we will come home immediately after rather than staying for lunch.
Tina, I've noticed that fish doesn't keep long these days too. As for 21st birthday parties, my parents gave me some money to take a few friends out to dinner. As they were busy running our pub, there was no celebration with the family. We used to use a stoneware hot bottle as a doorstop when we first moved into this cottage. We have 4 flat irons (the sort that were heated over an open fire or on a range) and 2 shoe lasts still decorating the inglenook fireplace.
Have a safe journey, Chris, and enjoy your break away. Hope you got to eat your afternoon tea in your friends' garden.
Make the most of your days off, Max.
Hope all is well, Val.
Bye for now.
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Post by brightspark on Mar 10, 2022 21:00:32 GMT
Evening everyone,
My turn to be under the weather - I guess we all succumb to something every now and then. Yesterday I had an attack of incredible shivers, and I was really, really cold, teeth-chattering, etc. OH commented how mild it was yesterday and no reason to feel cold. Just before going to bed I had strong stomach pains, no reason, but it kept me awake most of the night, so after making breakfast for OH and the dog (!) I went back to bed for two hours. The luxury! I feel as if I've been hit with a bulldozer. Struggling today. I really would love to know how these infections come upon us - it's quite a mystery.
I have sat in my sewing room for the best part of the rest of the day and made my heart bunting in sympathy with Ukraine, and it is now strung across our front window (inside). It is so upsetting watching this, but I feel I must - I'm not going through it like they are, and I feel so helpless. I just wish there is something we nationally could do to stop this awful barbarianism and suffering.
Iris, you're so right about fish - I thought that perhaps it was because I hadn't looked after it, but even salmon has been a bit off even when it is in-date. Trouble is, like Tina, I don't like waste, and sometimes feel that a fish pie or similar would hide the not-quite-right taste.
Chris, enjoy your time away next week, and hope the weather is kind to you.
Max, it's funny isn't it, when young, looking after children is a doddle, but as we get older, it is so much harder. Luckily my grandchildren are teenagers now, fortunately. Beetroot burgers ! Can't imagine what they taste like - beetroot, I guess! My son receives Oddbox - vegetables that are perhaps not selling well, and although they are very fresh, sometimes he gets some that he hasn't tasted before. This week he had black carrots; mooli (daikon); and kohlrabi. He loves to try new recipes, so I guess he'll have fun with this week's box. I think the kohlrabi will become a soup. The daikon, I found a recipe for chicken and daikon curry, so I think he'll be trying that.
My energy is running low, so I think I'll call it a day, and sit with my feet up, watching some tv - if there's anything worth watching. Sleep well everyone, x
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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 11, 2022 8:47:28 GMT
Morning all, so sorry you are not feeling well, Val, get better soon.x Would not ever try eating Fish that smelt even a bit 'off', if you have ever had, not sure of the Name, Ptomaine Poisening, or the Spelling, even, you would know never to chance it. We, my Sister and myself, would go down to the Beach on a Sunday, and pick Winkles from the Rocks, and bring them back to be boiled for Sunday Tea, never want to experience that again, either eating Winkles, or the Result there of. Got my Friend coming straight from her Work, to have Dinner with me. Do not feel like a Fish Supper, so will take two Shepherd's Pies out of the Freezer, and have a couple of Tiramisu Desserts in the Fridge, just got to add a Veggie Supplement to the Pies, and that is it. Feel like making Bread, so might do that. Be back later, have a good Day. Love to all x Tina.
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Post by paperman on Mar 11, 2022 10:15:19 GMT
Good morning Ladies, I hope this finds you well. It is another bright, sunny morning although there is a touch of high cloud and rain is forecast around lunchtime but with a temperature hovering on 10 degrees, out of the breeze it feels quite warm. I was wrong about yesterday’s weather; although it didn’t get up to the forecast 16 degrees it did hit a super 14 degrees. I understand it may have been 16 in the west of the county. Whilst we didn’t sit out in the garden it was a pleasant afternoon spent chatting with old friends. Roger, Anne & I were teenagers together in South London and it was a real surprise (and fantastic pleasure) to find someone I had lost touch with in my early 20’s was living just down the road in Wickham Market…….people decry Facebook but it made that reconnection possible, without it it wouldn’t have happened. So thank you Mr Zuckerberg. Having had afternoon tea yesterday we just had a light, pasta dish, supper last night and tonight being Friday it will be fish & chips. I read with interest the comments about fish, I guess as we only buy from our fishmonger up in Lowestoft we probably have a much shorter supply line than if it comes from a supermarket but certainly off-fish is very risky. I quite often will have mussels if we are out and it’s an OK place and luckily perhaps, so far, I’ve never had a problem. Thanks for your good wishes for our trip next week, talking about fish I have booked the Loch Fyne Restaurant for Monday evening and then we are going quasi Italian on Tuesday evening at Carluccio’s which has a great view over Portsmouth Harbour if one gets the right table (I have asked!). My fresh coffee arrived this morning from Redber and whilst we will go and get a paper for ‘A’ there really is nothing needed, we won’t be here for a few days after Sunday morning. Val I hope you return to good health speedily, I bet it doesn’t suit your mind-set to be off-colour. I agree the current situation in Ukraine is unbelievably awful, Russian hordes flattening your country and indiscriminately bombing and shelling almost on our doorstep. I feel guilty also that I have not been so energised about the killings etc. in Syria, Yemen and Palestine. The lesson about the Russian tactics is there for all to see in Syria although they are not so different to Saudi tactics in Yemen or Israeli tactics in Palestine. War is terrible. Personally I just hope if it cannot be stopped then that the Russians stop at the Ukraine border. I know that’s probably selfish but I never claimed to be anything different. Enough. I have tried to stop watching the news, because I had become addicted, and find more pleasant things to do, but it’s there all the time ticking away…. And petrol/diesel costs are going through the roof, I thought this might amuse: _ Hey, I’m off now, have a good day and stay safe xx
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maxh
Junior Member
Posts: 93
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Post by maxh on Mar 11, 2022 15:47:29 GMT
Hi all from a very wet corner of my world - stop hogging the sunshine Chris and send some our way please!
You poor thing, Val being struck down like that. I’m amazed at your heroism - getting OH’s breakfast! I hope he appreciated what a selfless angel you are😃. Hopefully you are feeling better now. Daughter’s school has gone from having no covid cases to 2 of her TAs having positive test readings today! The two staff had minimal symptoms (tickle throat) but tested everyday as negative since Monday. Both woke up without symptoms today, tested anyway and both were positive! D said loads of children coughing all week in the classroom but parents’ have now stopped testing so who knows who’s got it now!
I share your thoughts on Ukraine. It’s heartbreaking and harrowing and unbelievable that a European country just 3 hours flight from UK has been invaded. For me, it’s that those poor people are us but just in a different country. That sounds really garbled, what I’m trying to say is that Middle Eastern wars have seemed once removed in a way, often based on religion and fundamentalism and so although they were awful it also wasn’t something that would ever happen to us. Ukraine could be us though and that’s scary. Thankfully our gov’t has finally seen sense and abandoned their shocking visa policy, offering sanctuary to any Ukrainian for a year. Let’s just hope they can continue to get out.
I am very careful about fish and wouldn’t risk eating any that smelt slightly off. I don’t like being sick!
I’ve never tried mooli Val. If your son reports back on it please let us know his thoughts. I think the brilliant thing about a veg box is that it gets you trying veg outside the comfort zone. Weirdly, the burgers didn’t taste strongly of beetroot. We’ve frozen some for another day and they were really tasty, but maybe not a meat lovers’ first choice😂.
Iris, what a lovely treat To be able to just stop and chill must have been wonderful before you returned your usual 100 mile per hour life.
I cooked fish in individual parcels with julienned courgette, carrot and shallots in a bit of white wine. Served with couscous it was ok. Made gd’s birthday cake for tomorrow - I’ll decorate it with buttercream swirls, meringue kisses, a few macaroons, sliced strawberries and raspberries and adorned with a single pink gerbera tomorrow morning. Not my own idea, but courtesy of Pinterest. What a fabulous source the internet can be. And what a lovely reunion story, Chris.
Enjoy your visitor today Tina.
Speak tomorrow.
Mx
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Post by brightspark on Mar 11, 2022 19:16:23 GMT
Iris, you're so right about fish - I thought that perhaps it was because I hadn't looked after it, but even salmon has been a bit off even when it is in-date. Trouble is, like Tina, I don't like waste, and sometimes feel that a fish pie or similar would hide the not-quite-right taste.
I must admit, I wouldn't eat the fish if I knew that it was out of date, absolutely. I understand your thoughts Tina, and I have already come across something that I refuse to eat - we bought some Nile Perch while in France a while back and it is sitting in the freezer there - I think we have discussed this before - OH wants me to make something with it, but I have suggested the bin! Or maybe the local cat population ...
Feeling a bit better today, but still not quite right, as I have no appetite. Heaven only knows what it is/was, or where it came from. I can only assume that as I had to go to the surgery on Monday for a check-up - that is a possibility, I suppose. Spending time in my sewing room is not a punishment though - I have enjoyed the quiet time, just sewing.
Like you, Max, I haven't tasted mooli, but the recipe I mentioned says to cut it into matchsticks for the chicken curry, so I guess it may have the texture of a carrot?
Iris, how is your OH with his new bed - more comfortable? Glad you enjoyed your day of pampering with DiL.
Chris, you're right about Facebook - although the opportunity for weirdos is too much for me to consider joining it - I live vicariously through our son and daughter's Facebook pages !!
Salmon for dinner this evening - probably a jacket potato and some broccoli/sugar snap peas.
Have a good evening all, x
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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 11, 2022 20:34:33 GMT
Things never turn out as expected, and so, because my Friend had to work late at the Hospital, Dinner had to be postponed till tomorrow. I had already taken two Cottage Pies out of the Freezer, but was able to put the larger One back. Made some lovely Mushroom Soup from a Pack of the Stalks, plus a Potato doing nothing and a big fat Clove of Garlic, could not be bothered to get my Hands sticky, so instead of Dumplings to thicken it, made Norfolk Spoon Dumplings instead. This would have been thrown away, well, the Mushroom Stalks, anyway, a couple of Years ago. I also put my frozen Peas in Foil, and cooked them in the Oven, beside the Turkey Shepherds Pie, can't say they were as tasty as cooked on the Stove, but saved Electric, and washing the Pot. Now have to think of ways of filling the Oven, instead of One Item at a time, that is going to be a Challenge as I get tired making One thing now. Anyway, am away to have a read before retiring, so will say Night, Night. Love Tina x
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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 12, 2022 8:19:26 GMT
Good Morning all, just popping in early, as know it is going to be a busy Day, and might not get another chance. A very Grey Day, with only the odd Patch of Blue. Bed changing Day, how I hate it, I have a Double Bed, as don't feel safe in a Single, so it is double Bed everything, and the Teddy Bear Covers are so heavy when wet. The two eldest , will be up to pick up my Grocery List, need quite a lot of Extras this Week, Birds, are almost out of Seed, and need my favourite Blood, Fish, and Bone, to start off the Tubs, as well as things like tinned Food to top up my Stock. Then Friend/Relative, who had to work yesterday, is coming for Dinner, she says she will bring cooked Chicken, what is going with that I don't know, but not my worry, as She will be making it anyway. Better get everything ready for my Shower, be back later, have a good Day. Love to all. Tina x
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Post by paperman on Mar 12, 2022 15:36:18 GMT
Good morning Ladies, I hope this finds you well. Busy day today, not that there is much particularly to do but an air of disorganisation hangs over me. I have to pack a few things for our venture down south tomorrow morning and also I am cooking our supper tonight, nothing special just lamb chop tray bake. Incidentally did you see the item on the BBC News web site on Thursday with an armful of tray bake ideas (https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/collections/oven-baked_dinner) some interesting additional ideas there to our usual list. The weather here is clear blue sky and almost (but not quite) warm, it’s lovely however I am told to expect rain for our southern foray, we’ll see. We had planned on having lunch with my daughter on the way down but sadly she WhatsApp’d us this morning to say she had just tested positive for what she had thought was a cold, so we will give her a miss and see her another time. Just hope she recovers speedily. Can’t see much on the box tonight so will probably stream a video unless one of my dvd’s attracts. Val, I hope you are now well again. Mooli? I’ve not knowingly ever had that although I have been to Korea so who knows, but it sounds interesting and if I see it in the shop I would probably give it a go. Now to get organised or at least make an effort. Take care all,
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Post by brightspark on Mar 12, 2022 16:07:29 GMT
Afternoon all,
Sunny here currently, but on/off rain, and quite windy! However, I have a lovely view of all the garden pots with golden daffodils nodding their heads, plus purple crocuses and white and pink hyacinths - isn't it lovely to see all the new flowers just reminding us that spring is not far away. The field in front of our house seems to have accumulated about 30 Canada geese. A few years ago it was one pair, then half a dozen - I guess they are coming back with their young'uns now. They are noisy though. They only stay for a short while, then off again until next year.
I have made the binding for niece's window quilt and sewn on with the machine, and turned it over the edge to hand-sew to complete it. In the meantime I am using the slim lightbox to write the label on to fabric with my fine permanent marker, then that will be one quilt finished. I have another fabric panel that I shall make for my other niece (they are sisters), and just deciding how to make it just a little different. I have also finished my sixth block of bible stories - this time The Bethlehem Star - it was so fiddly though, using small pieces of fabrics of just 1.75" and 2" square. Still it's done now.
Tina, sounds like a busy day for you today - good luck - you should sleep well tonight then!
Have a good afternoon and evening everyone, x
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Post by irist on Mar 12, 2022 16:14:28 GMT
Afternoon all. This morning started well here with a beautiful sunrise but now we have the forecast > 80 mph winds with heavy showers. I did manage to get all the washed bedding on the line and dry before the rain started but it's now batten down the hatches for the rest of the day. I'm going to take it easy tonight and catch up on some TV programmes I recorded a while back. I was up, breakfasted and back with the paper before OH appeared this morning. I helped him shower and get dressed before cleaning the bathroom and remaking our beds. This afternoon I've ironed all the laundry including some I washed days ago. So tonight I'm taking some ready breaded cod from the freezer along with oven chips and will serve peas alongside. Lazy I know but have to pace myself! Like you mention in your new thread Tina, I try to make the most of the oven space when cooking to cut back on our electricity use. That's where I find the slow and pressure cookers come into their own. Mooli is indeed a very large type of Asian radish. I've seen them for sale on Asian stalls at Peterborough Market when staying at son's home. I've not tried it but according to Google is has a milder and sweeter taste than the varieties we grow here. As you say, Val, it has the texture of carrot apparently. I suppose it could be used in stir fry? Glad to know that you are feeling a bit better after your "lurgy". After I was sick on Tuesday a friend told me that there is a bug going around, very similar to my symptoms and I've been fine since. I assume therefore that I can't blame the soup I had for lunch when out with DiL! Enjoy your meal with your friend, Tina. I was intrigued by your mention of Norfolk Spoon Dumplings so just had to look them up on Google There seem to be multiple recipes for them, even some with yeast in! Wishing you well for your trip, Chris and hope you stay safe and well if the dreaded yellow weather warning is situated over the area to which you are heading. Hope your Gd's birthday party celebrations went well, Max. Enjoy the rest of your day.
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