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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 30, 2022 7:23:22 GMT
Good Morning all, just looked out of the Window, and it is snowing! It seems so strange, hot and sunny two Days ago, and the Sun is now shining, looks as if it could be a good Day, later, as there is Blue Sky.Had my Visitors yesterday, and as they only see each other here, it was very much an Ed, and Stimpy Show! Even when I wailed that my Tongue was like a bit of old Leather, I was ignored! Friend bought me a pretty Porcelain Bell to ring when I wanted a Cuppa, as she was fed up with me saying my Tongue was like a bit of old Leather, so showed my distress by going into the Garden to see my new Baby, Willy, lol! Don't know where to put a small Clematis, they like their Roots in the cool, and their Flowers, in the Sun, which poses me a Problem, don't have much Garden left. Got another Visitor coming this Morning, so better make a move. Have a good Day all. love Tina x
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Post by brightspark on Mar 30, 2022 14:26:37 GMT
Hi everyone,
Currently we have a cold, but gentle sunny day, but according to the forecast, it won't last.
Had a shopping delivery this morning, and who forgot to order tomatoes?? Oh well, we'll have to eke out the few that we do have!
OH looked out of his study window this morning, and he said "There's a swan walking by!" ... but it was true! He wasn't hallucinating. OH went outside with a slice of bread, trying to persuade it to go back to the river, but the 5ft wall between us and the river was a little bit of an obstacle, so he took the key to the five-bar gate and opened it, and we jointly closed in on the swan to direct it towards the gate, and then the river. So the swan had a slice of bread as a reward.
We have occupation in one of our birdboxes - blue-tits. For two years running a bee family have used the same box, and when OH took it down to clean, it was filled with a waxy lattice work. He cleaned it as best he could, and for the last week or so, you'd think we had a woodpecker in the box, the constant tapping inside, presumably to do a bit of spring cleaning by the blue-tits. How lovely is that!
As you say Tina, lovely mild sunny days last week, and now snow ! Make sure you wrap up well and keep warm.
I have a beef casserole on slow-cook - started yesterday, and today I added carrots, mushrooms and potatoes - I do like a meal that can be just put together at meal time, rather than standing over the cooker for a length of time. I shall add some green of some sort, and that'll be it!
Hope everyone is okay, so have a good afternoon and evening, x
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Post by brightspark on Mar 30, 2022 14:32:19 GMT
A quote I saw today - by Mahatma Gandhi
"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it - always"
A thought for the day. xx
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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 31, 2022 6:54:22 GMT
Morning all, up early again, can't get my Breath lying down, so have to get up. It is a Beautiful Morning, Sun shining, but no warmth in it, it is bitterly cold. Definitely a Soup Day, am so glad I have a lot of Veggies already chopped in, Fish, that is the Freezer. Going to make a few little Puddings in the Microwave, it does make lovely light Puds. Fishmonger comes today, bFut don't really feel like it, and have some in the Freezer anyway
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Post by ambersparkle on Mar 31, 2022 7:01:21 GMT
Something going Pear Shaped, probably me! Going to get my Soup on in the Slow Cooker, how lovely to just have to tip your Veg in. Have a good Day all, wonderful saying by Gandi, and true, Val.
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Post by paperman on Mar 31, 2022 7:22:36 GMT
G G Good morning Ladies on what, here, is a cold and snowing morning. It was foretold but it’s a bit of a shock even so, I snatched a video if you are interested.Our meal on Tuesday evening with our bereaved friend went as well as could be hoped, poor lady’s brain has been almost scrambled, but we clung onto keeping it light. Last night we had the remainder of my moussaka which I had put into the freezer after it had cooled following Saturday night’s meal and that was OK too. Today I have to go into Aldeburgh to get a new battery fitted to my watch as I have decided to start wearing it again after a 2 year break. I stopped when the first lockdown started and haven’t worn it since, we don’t actually need to know the time, most of the time, and I don’t actually like wearing one so there is no certainty that I will stay with it. I am also now a bit like that about rings too and again when first lockdown came I took both mine off and whilst I have tried putting them on again this last week they feel strange and if it wasn’t for the sentimental value I would probably not bother. I guess it is what one gets used to. Tonight, we are undecided about what to have, it’s Thursday so it is my watch for the meal, I have some lovely smoked cod in the freezer and I might do that in a sauce……I’ll sort that out later. Wise words Val, sadly appropriate. Now for breakfast and I’ll watch the snow through the window, it shouldn’t last for long. Oh and I won’t be having breakfast outside this morning!! Take care all xx
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Post by brightspark on Mar 31, 2022 9:11:17 GMT
Morning all,
Chris I understand your thoughts about wearing the watch, etc. Our son bought one of those watches for me that records the heartbeat, number of steps etc. Initially, I found I was trying to beat it - what was I thinking?? Recording my sleep, too - so I have taken it off at night - I don't want to know !! (I have always taken off my watch at night beforehand, so this is not anything new, but there is something strange about feeling the need to wear it. No, not going to..)
I completely understand your widow friend is falling apart, I do believe I would too. When you've been married to another person for more than 50 years, it is a massive change in one's life, and at an age that is difficult to come to terms with, or restart.
Tina, I know what you mean about not being able to breathe when laying down - I have an extra pillow next to me that I use to enable me to sit up a little bit, yet still sleep - when I find I can't breathe. It is also useful if I can't sleep, as I get out my Kindle and read till my eyes are tired again. Enjoy your microwave puds - I know what you mean - they are nice'n'light aren't they.
Today OH and I are going to a pharmacy today for our booster - that'll be the fourth! Strange isn't it, we only have one flu jab.
I had made a charity scrappy quilt some while ago, and hadn't actually finished it (I thought I had when I asked my friend to do the quilting on it). She asked me for it yesterday, so I quickly made an effort to finish, so that it is now ready to quilt. That's one out of the way. I am also on the last couple of balls of yarn to finish a crochet poncho for my niece - then I shall start on another for her sister! I find crocheting easy to do while watching tv, so a little gets done each evening. The sewing though is a daytime hobby.
We shall finish the last of cake today, so this afternoon I shall be making another. Perhaps lemon drizzle.
Have a good day everyone, x
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Post by irist on Mar 31, 2022 14:31:53 GMT
Afternoon all. We have a bright, sunny day but a bitterly cold wind blowing. So I decided I'd use the day profitably by doing some cooking. I've made enough beef ragu for a spag bol meal and a lasagne; a large crustless quiche (to use up some of the dozen eggs daughter brought for me the other day when I already had 10 in the fridge!); a large batch of Yorkshire puds (more eggs); and enough savoury mince beef for a cobbler tonight and a cottage pie another day. Some new bits for OH's tractor arrived in the post this morning. When our friend started the tractor up recently he discovered a small petrol leak so I ordered replacement gaskets. OH decided after lunch he would install said gaskets. Unfortunately when he removed the petrol reservoir to enable him to do the job he found one of filters was broken so I've now had to order a replacement for that. I can't wait for him to decide to sell the tractor as it is just becoming a money pit. Boys and their toys How lovely to have a visit from a swan and blue tits in your nesting box, Val. I've loved being outside gardening and listening to the birdsong during the dry spell. Super quote from Mahatma Gandhi. A couple of days ago I emailed our surgery re our 4th Covid jab but was told that we should wait to be contacted by them or the NHS! They are very busy at the moment due to Covid cases amongst staff (: However, cases are continuing to drop again in Cornwall which is good news. Hope it stopped snowing before you went out shopping, Chris. The forecaster said this morning that we could have snow/sleet over Bodmin Moor but I should think all the clouds had been blown away in the strong winds. Well must get on. I've been trying to produce an invitation to the family get together from templates on the net but keep hitting snags. Guess I may have to make up my own from scratch. It'll keep the grey cells working! Have a good rest of the day.
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Post by brightspark on Mar 31, 2022 15:34:22 GMT
Hi everyone,
I decided to try this cake - Honey Cake - and it is just out of the oven and cooling. It is a new recipe to me, and I worry that it may be a little too sweet, but seeing some of the comments who thought the same thing, they seem to have enjoyed it. So we'll see. www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/devonshire-honey-cake
Iris, regarding the booster, we just looked online, and then were given a choice of the nearest places to us. Once we'd chosen the place, then a list of times to choose. We went to a pharmacy in Lyneham - about 20+ minutes drive from us. Organised very well, we were logged-in by a nurse, and sent to the waiting room, and two guys from St John Ambulance were giving the jabs, and there was a constant stream of folk queueing for it. Oh, and we were given the Moderna vaccine - so now we've had initially the Astra Zeneca two jabs, then the Pfizer booster, and now the Moderna booster. Let's hope they work well together!
Okay peeps, off to do some - guess what - sewing!!
Have a good evening, x
Forgot to say that my pizza boxes arrived today - brilliant - my 12" quilt blocks fit perfectly!
Edit a bit later: the honey cake is delicious, and not too sweet, at all. Just warm at the moment, it has a slightly crispy outer, and a melt-in-the mouth middle. I have shared it with our neighbour while it is still warm.
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Post by ambersparkle on Apr 1, 2022 7:28:44 GMT
Good Moaning lovely Friends, it is a sunny, but bitterly cold Day, so don't think I will be going out into the Garden, have Letters that must be written, anyway. Have got Bananas that need using up, so probably make a Nana, and Chocolate Chip Loaf, although I am not keen, there are a lot of People who are. I have got a Pie Maker, I have never used, no, am not using it today, but wondered if anyone had used One, and the Results. I useed my chopped up frozen Veggies, in my Soup, and it was lovely, so thanks Val, for the Tip, can I do it with Apple too, that is something I use a lot, in fact, have thought a thought, could make some Apple Crumbles today, too cold for a Trifle. Anyway, Carer, will come through the Door at the Gallop, so better get dressed, and had no Breakfast yet, fancy a bit of Porridge for a change, so will say, Ta Ta, the noo. Love to all, Tina x
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Post by brightspark on Apr 1, 2022 14:02:44 GMT
Hi everyone,
Tina, when you mention a piemaker, I assume you mean one of those electrical ones that cook the pie in situ? I don't have one of those, but I do have a pie shaper. It is a set of three different sizes, and a pastry is laid on the two (joined) halves, then the filling, and the two are then pulled together to seal the pastie-shaped pie. The small ones are, I understand, used to make semi-circle dumplings. I use the larger one to make creamy leek pasties. I would think that if wanting to freeze apple pieces, you would probably need to add lemon juice to them to stop them from browning before they freeze. But a good idea to have some handy. I did that with our Victoria plums last year, and in France, with figs. The plums and figs are not so nice as fresh, but will do if making a crumble or similar.
We had the Moderna vaccine yesterday and today we are like zombies ... for me a pounding headache, and for OH during the night shivering (or tremors), not sure which, but he is lacking in his usual energy. Still, it is nothing compared to having what it prevents - Covid.
I have had news that my nephew is in hospital ICU, sedated, after a massive heart attack. Make sure you live every day, you never know what is around the corner.
Have a good afternoon and evening, x
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maxh
Junior Member
Posts: 93
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Post by maxh on Apr 1, 2022 17:27:59 GMT
Hi all
Oh my goodness Val, I am so sorry. You must all be in shock. I have every thing crossed he pulls through. It sounds as though you and OH have had a nasty reaction but as you say, better that than the dreaded C19. OH and I aren’t eligible yet and can’t wait for the age range to lower to include us. I definitely feel more secure with the element of protection the boosters provide. I loved your Ghandi quote, so appropriate for current times and something to hang on to. It’s hard when we have to let go of those things that reminded us of our yoof, so understand your OH’s pain. And what a brilliant use for a pizza box.
I feel your pain Iris, about the tractor. As Val said, maybe your son could have a chat with your OH. It must be very hard for your OH to admit to himself that he will never be able to drive his tractor again though. We’re still wearing our masks, too, but we’re staggered at how many aren’t.
Tina, I hope your granddaughter’s recovering well and got away with a mild version. Wow, you’ve had a busy few days in the garden. Fingers crossed everything survives this cold snap. I’ve never used a pie maker so can’t help there.
I know how you feel about the cleaner, Chris. I used to have one (well, 2 who did 2 hours together so completed in one) when I worked. I loved the clean house, but used to feel uncomfortable if I was home when they were in. It made it worse because one cleaned upstairs whilst the other did downstairs so I had to keep moving to avoid them! And I used to tidy up before they came😂.
It was eldest gd’s 5th birthday on Wednesday. We had a birthday meal at Fridays which she loved. Her party is tomorrow at an activity venue. The poignant thing is she has no concept of what to expect because her 3rd and 4th birthday were very low key due to covid. Compared with Christmas, when she was beside herself with excitement, she has been very laid back about this! It’ll be interesting to see what she makes of her party tomorrow with 60 + kids! I’ve decided I’m wearing a mask as I think it’ll be a covid Petrie dish! Thursday was OH’s birthday and it snowed on and off all day as expected. It’s still very cold here and we’ve had snow flurries again today.
Gardeners World tonight - a bit of calm in a mad world. Take care all. Mx
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Post by irist on Apr 1, 2022 17:37:57 GMT
Evening all. Another beautiful but cold day here. I got up later than usual after a bad night so have been trying to catch up all day. I've cut OH's hair, hoovered around downstairs, dried one load of washing, fetched and carried tools so OH could start to fit the new bits to his tractor petrol system and popped out for a couple of bits of shopping this afternoon.
We had someone come here on Wednesday night and he has bought the plough and also a very dilapidated harrow which we hadn't considered advertising! The chap is bringing two friends tomorrow to collect both of them. Won't have to climb over the plough when I need to get to the cupboards in the shed from then on. and So sorry to learn about your nephew, Val. So true that we should try to make the best of each day. Hope you and B soon shake off the effects of your boosters. Think we will wait for the surgery to call us as we have had no effects from the 3 Pfizer jabs we have had and assume the 4th will be the same make.
Sorry have to go as daughter has just arrived
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Post by ambersparkle on Apr 1, 2022 20:21:43 GMT
Just a quick pop in before retiring. I did venture out into the Garden this Afternoon, mainly because my new Secateurs were itching to be used!!!. But, alas, as with so many Things these Days, they are not suitable for me, I have not got enough Grip. So going , in fact, have sent for smaller, and easier to hold Secateurs. Pity, as they went through those Branches like a Knife through Butter. Awa to my Bed, love to all, Tina x
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Post by ambersparkle on Apr 2, 2022 7:59:47 GMT
Morning all, bright, but very cold, sums it up today, but better than dull and raining, must be grateful for small Mercies. Hope you will get good News regarding your Nephew, Val, they can do wonderful Things these Days. Hoping it is going to warm up a bit, as really need to see what is happening in the Garden, have a suspicion that one of my Strawberry Tubs, a big One, has Vine Weevil, you can usually tell just by the look. Don't mind buying a new Variety, but this was second Year, so looking for a good Crop. Waiting for my Shower, always a busy Day. Daughter, is coming up with Grandaughter to do Housework, Friend coming to get my Groceries, so it is all Hands to the Pump! I am always exhausted after a Shower, all the unusual Movement, because my Arthritas, is certainly getting worse, but heigho, it is what it is, just got to get on with it. Waiting for Carer, so will get everything ready, as they only have a set Time to Shower me. Be back later. Love to all. Tina x
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