Thoughts from the Bungalow

~My new hair cut has put a tingle in my step, so when I went out this afternoon, I almost broke into a little dance:)

~I was sorry to see mini Annie get booted out of the MasterChef kitchen, but was relieved it wasn't Sara or Tom or Tim or indeed any of them! I love them all! Except Jackie who I find to be a whopping pain in the derriere.
Tim is so wonderfully creative that I feel excited when he brings his plate of food to be judged by John and Gregg, and, this week, by Michel Roux.....
He's an absolute one-of-a-kind is Tim, vanilla with seafood? "Whatever you say my madcap American friend."

I especially loved this week's programme which had our contestants cooking inside the oldest University on earth, Oxford, for both students and lecturers and other important type people. Was open mouthed at the sight of the simple yet lavishly decorated dining hall, with its scrubbed wooden tables and sparkling silverware and lamps, I was in heaven just looking at it.
Simply beautiful.

As for my kitchen, it isn't grand or well scrubbed but it is beautiful. And in a mo I'll start making tonight's tea...

Chicken Goulash made with tomatoes, red pepper, onions, paprika and cayenne, and, to keep it kind of authentic...potatoes.... this warm spicy casserole will have quite a lot of yoghurt swirled in at the end and then be served with hot fluffed rice.
For pudding, just a slice of coconut cake and pot of tea.

Eh Up! This morning's hoo hah

As the road narrowed due to 'works' ahead I let in a gigantic all-the-way-from-Yorkshire artic lorry and in thanks the driver stuck his chucky arms out t'winda giving me thumbs up lass....I, of course wishing to be even more hospitable to the Yorkshireman, blew a frilly Southern kiss. He honked:)
Everybody 'appy!

Sainsbury's was chokka. Mostly with older people. And I too am fast approaching being one of THEM...More later...

Stuff bought included bicarbonate of soda, Kale and for a bit of fun... Coca-Cola:( On the way out, by the newspapers, a recipe book for cakes and bakes caught my eye. The price, for a workhouse gal like meself was prohibitive, so for just a few indulgent moments, I flicked the pristine pages and then cried inconsolably as I rode the escalator.

Home to tea and a squabbling House of Commons.

I'll probably make a beef and onion pudding for tonight and have with it steamed kale and mashed spuds. Time to Fess Up...I usually drizzle rivulets of tomato ketchup on puddings.

In my second para I mentioned senior citizens and how I'm evolving into one of THEM...
I approached my white car with trolley. Slowed down, rummaged mumbling for keys. Then realized the car I was attempting to break into wasn't mine:)

My Day In Brief...

London. Damp then warm. Aiding and abetting my sniffles.
Mum's eye. Big cock-up on the appointment front. Blah Blah after three hour wait. Steamed our way to wet bus stop, hungry, tired and livid.
Eating spiritual Tofu in a salty black bean sauce with Jasmine rice was my attempt at achieving inner peace after a dreadful morning. Which, by the way, began at 4:30.

After much uplifting chat (was a struggle) I headed home spreading germs on the tube and later on, the big train.
Head hurting.
Eyes HORRIBLE.

But all will be very well in a very little while because Lisa the hairdresser is heading my way. Texted her whilst dribbling on train.

So really must fly now, have a ham and chip tea to prepare and a cherry nose to dry:)
Then.... a...... knockabout...England take on Ghana ITV1 19:30 hrs.
The RED HIGHLIGHT of my day:)

Phew....!

About today and tomorrow

It's been a queer sort of day today what with one little thing after another, but here I sit undaunted:)
A gingercake was baked, along with half a dozen little apple pies and a medium sized chicken pie.
Home-work was mostly completed but as usual other more thrilling things vied for my attention. The thrills won!

A London trip is planned for tomorrow (Tuesday) and I'm hoping just for two things....One I find the Lovelies in a better state than last time and two, that I'll be back in time to watch England v. Ghana live on ITV1...I won't rattle on about Capello handing the Captain's armband to Barry. BUT hope he knows what he's doing. I think El Manager is playing foul. A little off-side on his brain-side. Hope he doesn't end up scoring an own goal. Here endeth all footie puns.



Now I must blow the whistle>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>:)

Monday Cruelties

Hello :)

The sun has taken a break, much to the utter brokenheartedness of moi.
So it is under grey Stratus that I stagger on doing/attempting/battling...
laundry
pies
inflamed throatals

Will, if time allows, clamber inside the tv box apparatus with, if he's up for it, Denzel W.

:)

(Updates will appear below as and when time and importances allows)

Update....10:42....Will, if brain allows, try to fathom the mind set of El Capello.
My England, if she's not careful, will be in danger of getting her intimate apparel scrunched in so far as the up and down captaincy palaver is concerned. Major news Conference today regarding the aforementioned thing........
Throatal Inhibitors still making it impossible for vocalisation:(
Other medicals...
Penny sized bruise on right side of left patella. Origin unknown.

15:19...
Well the sun came out and no mistake, so off I walked, down my road, along the lane and into the...charity shop.
Where after a soporific browse, I left, holding a tiny cake tin and tiny teddy biscuit cutter total expenditure 20p!
I decided to dawdle back luxuriating myself in mild warmth.
A tortoiseshell cat leapt up and over a small grey wall, it's liquid moves ballerinaesque.
Home to a languid Monty, his only movement being the half-opening of one eye. Nice to see you...
We sat and had tea together.

Wake me up why don't you?

England 2. Daff Munchers 0.

A more snooze inducing match I've yet to hear. So without blistering excitement was the lack lustre game, that I had a lie down with blanket and cat.
But we won so mustn't grumble...

According to commentators a moron in the crowd pointed a laser pen at Jack Wilshere. Surely a criminal act.

Now I must fly, cooking to do don't you know.
Being concocted (love that word) .........................

Salmon, spinach and lemon fishcakes
Vegetable rice
Ice cream and fruit

*I see socialist beasts with faces coverings are threatening my beloved Fortnums....(Bought a box of tea there 25 yonks ago).

Now I really must fly>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

As I write this I'm listening to Radio 5 Live!
And the build up to today's BIG 'derby match'...!
England v. TaffyNoNuts:)

I get so excited by the excitement!

We, that's the English, MUST win, but as usual it all depends on the mind set of Fabio's Boys! Drat! Let's hope Captain John Terry pulls his team in the right direction and smacks the Welsh about a bit.

Ok away from the game, it was mission accomplished this morning as regard Mother's Orders.

Tea Pot? Yes, yellow dinky one. Brand new!
China Cups? Yes, cream with floral fancy.
Ladies Intimate Apparel? No, will need to venture further afield.

As for me? All secondhand.
One gorgeous large Victoriana style knitting bag. Me no knit, but my beauty will make a handsome holdall/handbag:) 75p
To go with it? A perfect floral cosmetic bag, good thick zip, waterproof lining all for 50p.
M.R. James paperback. Lovely. I love shivery spectres. 30p
A small bottle of M&S Rose body lotion. 30p.

Highlight of the morning a woman who I was talking with about her two daft dogs told me I had a 'lovely face'.
She was missing her son she told me.
I wished I'd hugged her.

The biggest highlight so far today:
A cheesy bap watching "Ruddy Hell It's Harry and Paul!".
Love the surgeons...


Footie now...X

Here are my orders from London High Command

2 BONE CHINA cups.....Charity shop here I come
1 dinky teapot...Er...could be a problem, so traipsing might occur..grrrr.
and
1 item of Ladies Intimate Apparel. Charity Underwear is a defo no no. Ann Summers to please Father:)

Auto writings.....

Across the broken battlefield
lie
flakes of men in dress
************************

Hidden amongst cobwebs
the hidden woman growls
*********************

A penny for your thoughts
dropped in my vacant slot
would make my silent tears rattle
**************************

Wielding my shiny hammer
I throw a shape or two
at you
because
my crushed heart
still loves you
*******************

Throw everything in the pot
the vagrant begged of me
and I did
for...
because...
I'd lost you
what use or good
are
home and cash
without a head to pat
without an arse to spank
without a someone to really sleep well with
**********************

A bird of love
clicked its heels on my window
'let me in let me in let me in'
its screech so pitiful
I bled tears
'Click away' I frothed
'I wont let you come'
'My heart it lives alone'

And as the years ran away
the bird flew
never clicking my window pane again.
**********************************

All the things I blogged about earlier are done.
Baked, cooled, iced, wrapped and packed.....Done.
Only wish I was so patient and adroit in other areas of my life!

So...
For tea tonight:

Steamed steak and kidney puddings
Mashed potato
Peas
Gravy

Sweet?
Ginger Sponge Cake
Custard.

* The news about Elizabeth Taylor made me stop for a moment. Was she a great actress? I don't know. I liked her performances in The V.I.P's, Beau Brummell, Little Women and my favourite...A Place In The Sun where she starred alongside Montgomery Clift.

In my opinion she was one of the beauties of Hollywood, great hair and indescribable eyes.

She loved men and was an easy woman to talk to according to Angela Lansbury.
Whatever her flaws, however good/bad her movies I liked looking at her, especially in The Mirror Crack'd. Actually went to the Odeon to see it.

A beauty from kid to woman.

What a fab day!

Just popped out to feed the birdies and whilst out there, stood, arms outstretched hugging the loved sunshine.

Ok enough poetical frippery...


Being made this afternoon in a sun drenched kitchen with Gun dvd playing...


Four steak and kidney puddings.
Two regular sized ones for the Horsehound household and two smaller ones made in colourful Pyrex pots for mum and dad. Not big eaters hence the mini dishes.

Bakewell Maids.
A dozen probably. A pain to assemble. Lots of different stages which take time but at the end crumbly sweet almondy cakes topped with flaked browned almonds. The jam in the middle? Strawberry.

Coconut Fingers.
How many depends on how generously I slice the big fat traybake. This is a recipe I got from a Farmhouse Kitchen book. Plain sponge flavoured with vanilla then topped by a wicked coconut frosting. Coconut/marg or butter/milk, vanilla and sugar. Oh Brother what a mix! So moist, so delicious, so wicked.

Another Ginger Sponge Cake.
Yesterday's one sent me bonkers so will make and freeze another. A few slices will go to London with me tomorrow along with two meat puds, the maids and gooey coconut thumbs:)

I don't think I've forgotten anything!


Now I must fly>>>>>>>>>>>>:)

After making the meatloaf and choccie pud I found, on the BBC Food website, a recipe for Ginger Sponge cake. Courtesy of The Hairy Bikers: Mum Knows Best

Checked ingredients and whoopdeedo I had them...so made it and baked it. 40 mins later the lightest airiest cake was resting on the rack. I of course nibbled it and it is simply the best gingercake EVER!
Won't have any tonight though on account of aforementioned choccie puddy but will have a slice or two tomorrow with custard. Reminds me of a pud I had at school...
It is so unlike any gingery cake I've made before and I've made many, no lengthy list of ingredients, no fuss just an uber lashlight treat.



Ingredients:

7 oz self raising flour
7 oz sugar
2 tsps dried ginger (recipe said 1 tsp but I like ginger so upped the level)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 oz marg
2 tbsp golden syrup
1 egg
9 fl oz hot water

Mix the flour, sugar, ginger and soda.
Rub in marg till crumby.
Add egg, water and syrup.
Mix well.
It'll look like a swimming pool at this stage but bare with it, it'll all come right in the end.

Bake in a greased 8 x 8 square tin, or something similar for 40 minutes. When time is up, it should look dark brown with possibly a slightly cracked top. No matter. It tastes fantastic:)

I love finding new recipes and this little one will become a firm favourite.
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Back to basics..
Meatloaf is cooking, tatties in a little later, choccie pud a lot later.
Mustn't forget to record MasterChef, one never knows what one might find...:)

Being cooked today:

Meatloaf.

Here's my cockamamie recipe.

Minced beef of course.
2 skinned beef and Guinness sausages (Sainsbury's own) But any sausage can be used.
chopped onion/grated apple/grated carrot
brown sauce dollop
Worcestershire sauce few shakes
salt/pepper... more liberal with pepper
egg and breadcrumb bind

Mix it up.
Tin it.
Glaze with honey/tomato ketchup fusion. Any table sauce can be used really.

Bake.

I'll probably serve it with the last of the cauliflower, jacket tatties and the all powerful all knowing peas.
Might make a quick onion gravy too.
There's something soothing about the words 'meat' and loaf', combine the two and I'm oozing.

Served hot it's fantastic but is also yummy served cold thickly sliced with salad/bread/chutney etc. Great in buns.
(I once took cold meatloaf to a Radio Ham Convention in Harlaxton, Lincolnshire and there we sat Mr H and I, eating meat on the grass surrounded by anoraks) Just an anecdote.

For pud? A hot, luscious, chocolate up and over pudding, with ice cream melting on the side.

In Sainsbury's this morning I bought, along with general groceries, flaked almonds, dessicated coconut, ground almonds, suet, flours and bag of frozen forest fruits. Tomorrow is designated bake day:)

Now I must fly>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>IF I CAN GET OFF THE GROUND!!!

:)

The wheels on the mower go round and round. Not any more:)
The Welshcakes on the griddle go brown and brown? Black. Soot Black:(
Exploding pig flesh ignites neglected burner. Middle aged woman in rasher horror.

I'm not downhearted.



Being attempted tonight:
Excellent Sausages and Potato Boulangere.
*Peach Halves and Custard.



* Great Auntie Kit (Mum's auntie) always said 'peach halves were more desirable than slices' And she should know. Huge stiff red hair, wife to Uncle Bob and owner of a cottage in Gloucestershire. Always a bottle of Heinz Salad Cream on the table. Always doilies underneath pot plants. And always a battalion of gentlemen in waiting:)
In 1956 she tried to adopt me on account of mum and dad being bereft of savings...Bless her.

But she was right about peach halves....:)

Still looking exceptionally fine out there.
Brilliant sunshine, folks in shirtsleeves and sparrows on a bush.
But for me, it's time to griddle up a batch of Welsh cakes for tea.

My Column

Looks like being another Spring like day.
Felt fine as I fed the birdies.
Hope I'm right about the weather because when I get round to filling the sink... I'll have a mountain of washing to dry!

England play Wales in Cardiff on the 26th, should be worth a bob or two. I only hope Mr Capello gets down with the boys and finally sorts out all this captain nonsense, from reports it appears he has...ditching trusty Ferdinand in favour of bad boy Terry.
Who'd be a millionaire footballer?

I can't comment about what's going on in Libya only hope it's not Cameron's Iraq.

Cooking today?
Yes, and nothing from a tin either!
Last night's corned beef gave me the pip, that's not cooking I told Mr H, he, knowing my sensitivity over cooking smiled, saying it was lovely grub.
I'll do something with a few snorkers today, probably my version of risotto.
And versions are fine...

Oh dear I really must get into gear and get my sorry botty moving.
:)

Better out than in...

I've been on the go since 4:30 this morning so am a little bit zonked. And maybe feeling a little sorry for myself.
But here's the news...

Mum and dad are not the same people I used to know.

Dad is in a bad colourless state and is calmly accepting that his chest condition is here to stay. The things he said today were shocking. I wanted to run out but of course I didn't. I adore him yet I want to scream at him, he's my dad and I want him back.

He can be selfish and unthinking and when in that mood it's best for all concerned to bite their tongue. I bit. For a while. Then told him what I thought he should do. His rasping retort made me realize that fear of hospitals, change and old age can result in paralysis. He won't see his doc again he said because it's 'pointless'. On mentioning ventilators he said he'd 'rather die'.

Mum was quiet and upset over both their health problems and her sadness and awayness left me feeling impotent.. We got a taxi to the hospital, her big boot proving a real pain getting in and out of the taxi.
Bastard driver.
Further visits this week and next are planned.

When I left I wanted to buck and kick out in the sun...feeling like a pit pony embracing clean air after being in darkness for hours...and, after dropping my ticket at the ticket barrier, calmly shook off the thwack of my head being caught in the paddles by thinking, a bang to the head is nothing compared to fear.

The journey home was sweet, good and bad houses blurred as the train sped and as horsey fields came into view I tapped the window of the first class carriage...(I really didn't care about inspectors..)
The walk home was simply simple. Kids gushing out of school, buses thundering by half empty and then a new charity shop...Two forks....A small off- cut of green carpet.....bracelet.....50p for all.
(I was carless on account of Mr H having the car keys....Oooops!)

Then home to a reasonably cheerful cat and a cup of very sweet tea.

After an incredibly emotional day
I need to dress up a bit and over indulge in something (s)
Fear makes you do that.

Cooking tonight:
Corned beef.

Cumberland Sausage Gap Now Closed.

Cornish Pasties, Devon Clotted Cream and some specie of fizzy wine called Champagne have now been joined by our magnificent Cumberland Sausage.

The 'Gauleiters of the Brussels Superstate' (© Daily Mail) have allowed the Cumberland Sausage to be afforded Protected Geographical Indication under EU law.

This means that when one has a Cumberland Sausage between one's chops one knows that this particular banger hasn't been all around the houses before finding a safe haven in a gourmets gob.

A Pefect Friday...

Long Run

Chatted to dad on phone after he bagged today's big winner at Cheltenham.

Six yr old 'Long Run' flew past previous winners, Denman and Kauto Star, to grab the Gold Cup at 7/2 fav. ...But not for Pop, he got 5/1 this morning courtesy of Hills. Much dosh now flows:)
'Long Run' is the first six yr old to win the great prize since one of my family's old favourites, Mill House, grabbed it in 1966. Happy days.

Watching the Gold Cup was the only time I sat down this afternoon on account of preparing a fab if enormously time consuming Biriyani. The veg curry and rice dish was accompanied by home made Naans, thick creamy yoghurt and spiced mango chutney. Simple homely delicious tasting food. I was over the moon John with the Naans, dry fried on my old griddle till a little puffed and slightly tiger skinned. So hot it got in the kitchen that I had to have a flannel.

For later and tomorrow...I quickly made a dead easy coffee and walnut sponge cake, preferring to use Nescafe instead of Camp. Nothing wrong with Camp but wanted a more pronounced wicked flavour. Buttercreamed the insides and top then decorated with smashed nuts. Yum!

I now am in the mood for all sorts.

Lemon cushions look zingyly Springlike. Tossed old covers out the way.
Al Bert is settling in nicely. His new abode, the tv stand. Viewing unaffected. Er....Maybe half an inch of cat ear getting in the way of Noel's golden locks.

Don't feel like cooking tonight... so thank the Lord I made an extra beef pud yesterday.
I'll survive on a single sausage:(

As I got a 99% hip fitness rating from nursie I'll probably do something this weekend.

Ok just back from docs.... I am officially fit. ish.
My nurse practitioner is a saint, warm and easy to talk with.
Hip playing up..... but for a woman of my age and alllll that I have to put up with (men, money and the elderly) not bad, not bad at all.

Zoomed along the road and just made it to the charity shop with ten mins to shut down.....five lemon cushion covers, one tiny teddy for mummy and one sleek ceramic mofo of a Cat.
Name? Al Bert.

Does one toe count?




:)

Blues 0 Pinks 0 That's a draw!

I don't Welsh on bets...:)

Here I go............:(

Oh Boy!

As the puddings steam...

The Blues v. The Pinks.
ITV1

If the Copenhagen dollies win or draw against Chelsea I'll feed the birds naked tomorrow!


er...

Drat That Cat

Monty, bless him, wouldn't come out of the garage, he refused point blank.
So with a chill raw wind a-blowing and me in me slippers I turned to blackmail.
Shaking a bag of chicken/cheesy pockets under the car I waited for the stinker to reveal himself.
Didn't have to wait long.
Out come the garage lizard complete with dust hat.
And so as I shook me open bag he come-a running.
Typical male.

..After seeing a poorly dad yesterday I was relieved and ecstatic to go to Sainsbury's this morning.

Being known for thriftyness I excelled today after speaking with the butcher who, after putting up with my dilly-dallying and back and forthness cut me off a nice small piece of braising steak from a huge really big piece of braising steak. And as I gazed at the reasonable selection of fresh un-wrapped meats I saw a kidney. Oh yes methought, I want that, will slice and dice and pop in a pud with mushrooms and the aforementioned steak. I was so happy.
The cost of today's meat was £1.23. Way more economical than what I usually pay, but times is hard darlin, so needs must when the devil drives and all that...
And it's no exaggeration when I say I was pleased beyond words...

I then returned to the veg section where I picked up a big box of cheapish ill assorted mushrooms. "Good for soup" it said on the side. "Blow you" I thought these are the meat's mates... ugly or not.

Today's grocery shop was beneficial in more ways than one, not only had I bagged a bit of beef from a bit of alright butcher boy, but loaded up the store cupboard (!) with red lentils for when I'm feeling righteous... See next para.

Being only human I needed pleasure so dropped in the trolley a cool jar of spiced mango chutney which, although not on the list, will be used judiciously with the Vegetable Biryani I'm making this Saturday. Naans will accompany, homemade of course, but only on account of Squirrel Nutkins here having in stock all the necessary ingredients. Why pay when, with a little elbow grease and time, you can have it cheaper, home baked and imperfectly shaped.

So I stuck to the list, mostly, and, after chatting to Barb, I drove home...


Other sweet peculiarities about today:

I bought 500g granulated sugar.

I threw food from my car to Sainsbury's Car Park pigeons.

Will re-heat last night's left over lentil bolog and enjoy with a buttered slice whilst watching The Cheltenham Festival live on C4. Dad had two winners yesterday and treated the kid...
I love watching the cream of National Hunt and yesterday, trainer Paul Nichols (crook), lost control after screaming his horse into the winner's enclosure, and, with a rolled up newspaper let rip his glee by slapping a lady's bottom.
Tally Flipping Ho!

New Beginning

What at this time of night?

Yes....Night time is the right time for contemplation not only moonlight and bed socks.

I feel a new beginning is about to jump me, and I'll not struggle.....Mmmmm!

But while I await this genesis... I'll play:)

BTW.
Tonight's tea was good, a succulent warm chicken pie followed by hot rocks and cream. A dodgy combo but it hit the spot deliciously!


Must hop to bed now, early I know, but a busy day tomorrow and even busier days ahead.

x

On the way to the post office in the watery sunlight of a brisk March day I saw, for sale, the most gorgeous cream bungalow.
It was the stuff of princesses, herbal folklore and toads. A real run down palace complete with flaking Essex weatherboarding in palest yellow and small grey netted windows. I stopped momentarily to look.
It was old.
It had once been loved.
It had 'me' painted all over it.
But some things are not meant to be, some dreams are meant to stay just that...dreams.

So I kissed the property bye bye and walked with tears falling.

The black haired woman behind the post office counter was a love offering to drop my letter in the big grey bag which sat like a baby elephant behind her. "It's already to go?" she asked as I handed over my whopping 41p.
"Yes" I murmured still feeling the effects of the cream bungalow.
The letter to Auntie was gone. Dropped into fearful darkness to sit alongside and on top of other familial correspondence.

On the walk home I stared at the sky and the big lump of heat embedded within it and pondered...
Love of course.
How love in its many forms can either make or break us.
Then I reached the bungalow and stopped, the garden needed doing, the side gate was broken and the door was an eyesore. I smiled.
Beautiful:)
Beautiful because it wasn't perfect, beautiful because it was 'me'.:) A little cracked.

We can't always have what we want, how monster- making that would be, but sometimes it's good to see something so wonderful and so unattainable be it man, woman or bungalow and still be touched by it to the point of tears.

Cooking today:
Quite a bit.

Owls, foxes
street urchins of the night
how welcome they'd be
roaring and roasting
in the solitude of my
firelight.




I loved writing this, took me away from chicken bones, money and debilitating lust!

Sunday's Agenda

Chicken.
Milk Pudding.
Then violent films.
:)

Saturday Night...

Denzel movie, American Idol then Martin Scorsese documentary featuring The Rolling Stones.

Foodie wise?
A real wowee of a dish.
Lean Pork cut into strips and baked in an American inspired hot bbq sauce the slightly caramelised meat will then be layered into warm pittas alonside on top of and underneath ripped lettuce, grated carrot and apple. Then the whole fab mix blobbed with Greek yoghurt. A dish of buttered corn on the side please Miss. Ye Ha! Or as we Brits say..COR!

Absolutely no pud because we have a couple of Snickers bars to glue our teeth to:)

I'm looking forward to everything!

Pre- Goreng Thoughts

With a zing in my heart and a plaster on my toe I've just set about making some Nasi Goreng...For the poor unfortunates who are unfamiliar with the Indonesian dish here it is. well my version anyway...
Rice, onions, carrots, peas, corn, broccoli bits, pork, two egg omelette, chopped fresh tomato, curry powder and soy.
Served in my gorgeous bowl (see above) it's homely enough for family and swish enough for guests. Would need to use best plates though.

My earlier walk was fruitful in so far as it put a bold redness in my cheeks and a lot of seeds on the bird table. So everyone was happy.
I resisted the urge to pop in charity shops preferring instead to keep my cash on my hip. Miracles, you see, do happen!

As I walked I was mightily glad I'd worn sensible explorer type booties, they made the trek easier. Thundering along I thought of all the greats...Shackleton, Scott and anyone else barmy enough to walk when they could so easily have taken the car:)

As I tucked into a packet of Rolos the Avon lady dropped by trying to interest me in the latest age defying wonder serum, I thanked her with a wrinkle free smile and sent the tired looking woman on her way...I'll stick with the simple solutions I thought afterwards, solutions like old time Nivea, Petroleum jelly and egg white.

All of a sudden I feel a tremendous desire for rose wine. But alas my cellar is empty. This alcohol interest I put down to to exertion and a need for flighty thrills. I had the same unearthly urges last Friday night but dampened them with lemonade.

The bungalow is looking tidy and spruced and with the sweet aroma of Wild Lavender air freshener and frying onions it's a real nice place to be:)

It's all poetry...

Sunshine all the way.

And I can hear mowers.
And I see many daffs laughing off their frilly heads.
The old brown table with its wrinkles and blemishes is now snuggling in the bay window.
A perfect solid bench for old twinkling glassware in green and blue
Perfect bird watching site for Monty.

Tonight's tea is Nasi Goreng, and, according to Masterchef, a much wanted dish in one of London's fashionable restaurants.
Can't wait to make:)

So out I go, not for a jog, but for a long windy walk.
All the way to the bird shop and the bird shop is roundabout the houses on the road to Southend. It's a way on foot, but with correct footwear I should be alright.

Time has come
for raw winds
to soften
for blistering minds to settle
let deep blue dreams begin...

Being arranged today in the kitchen of dreams:

Beef Cobbler.
A dish which, despite its homely reputation, packs a mean punch. Simple minced beef is dry fried with onions then a good meaty stock is added along with a rough shake of Mushroom Ketchup, this rockets the cobbler into another dimension. Don't leave it out! Whirl it all around then add some mixed veg, any veg, I use a cupful of mixed frozen veg, then be generous with black pepper and mean with salt. Leave to simmer with the lid on till it looks done, probably 30 mins. Then decant into a baking dish, measurements unimportant as long as there is plentiful room for the cobblers. Leave this mix to cool while you go and do something else.

The cobblers are made with flour, marg and milk, which is gently mixed and turned then, as if, handling something precious, is patted out into a round. Next step..The cobblers themselves, mini ones...Using a one or two inch cutter, (I prefer the smaller) stamp out as many as you can. Resist the urge to twist the cutter otherwise they won't rise or look as inviting.
You will, of course, need to do a bit of re-rolling. Just remember to go easy. No-one enjoys tough cobblers however exciting the company. Bake.

A perfect accompaniment is, well, anything really. I prefer spicy baked beans. Tin of beans to which is added a little mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Have been known to add a green pepper but that is ONLY when serving sausages of a spicy nature.

Pud.
A cream cake.

Talking to myself...Stuck in traffic...

Too many white van men..Mirror mirror on the winda...
I love this rosy lipstick:)
Drive on dear.

Saturday...Pork or beef?

Pork. Rice or pittas? Or both? Pittas with lettuce. Corn, loose or cobs? Loose. Cob nashing might result in dental prob.

No. you can't hurry me along merc man we aint going anywhere... twat face in...shove off.

Oh no I'm in the short lane...Let me in the long fully working lane. Please.
Aaah many thanks Fiesta Babe. Big leather gloved wave.

Sat night. Horror or guns? Guns. A gun in the hand is worth two chills up the spine. Let's shoot.

When will these blasted roadworks be done. La la la. "Keep back from the car in front don't suck in his fumes" Dear old Bill what a great instructor he was. Wonder if he's alive.

Coffee and walnut cake for weekend? Yes with no restrictions on how much we eat. Jogging works. Lost a massive two lbs in two weeks.

Aaaaagh another white van man behind....Noooo don't get on my back seat. Too late:(

Dawdle dawdle:)

At last a clear run>>>>>>>>>>>>:)

Trifles

My hair looks fab today. Chic and dangerous.

I've never been taken to a Subway restaurant. Apparently according to statistics the sandwich chain has overtaken McDonald's in the fast food race. When out shopping nothing beats the golden arches sign. Except maybe a pie and mash sign.

I once tried Whitebait, didn't know where the head was located. Closed eyes and swallowed.

I love my 'new' red handbag and it is a real handbag on account of it having a dainty handle instead of walloping great shoulder strap.

My red lipstick, the one I wore today, perfectly matched the aforementioned bag.

Masterchef is on tonight. Loved last week where some poor man lopped off the tip of his finger as he prepped a meal for hundreds of Scotsmen. (He plays the Cello too. ) Ooops.
As it's just started I can't remember all the names so I'll say I like the American and the Bigger girl. The yank is bonkers, the bigger girl does puds. xx
Will record it on account of late dinner and early morning. Drat!

I was given a a tech present today. Push buttons and things happen.

Making tonight:
Thickly sliced Ham.
Chips from the freezer.
Tomatoes wedged.
Eggs poached in cling film. (Masterchef tip)

:)

Ash Wednesday. What are You Giving Up For Lent?

I'll just be giving up:(

Not really:)

But I will TRY to give up er....
Licking spoons.

Flipping Pancake Day...In a nutshell.

................I forgot.
Too busy too busy.

Have rustled up quick batch of *Swiss Cakes.
* Sugar fat flours jam. Bake. 15 mins.Dust.Done.

Dad ok. mum ok. Cat ok. Kevin the white cat from over the road is rolling on my drive. He grubby he ok. Me ok. me not grubby me Flushed 'n rushed. Mr H. on train so he ok.

Nice policemen not ok. Cruel Government knocking bubbly bobbies off their bicycles. Nasty. Truncheons ready.....

Din not done.
But when done.
Sos 'n mash
Cake.
Very OK:)

Cooking at Glo's tonight...

Red Lentil Bolognaise ~ veggie version of the old old favourite, tastes great with lots of green pesto stirred in.
~
Spaghetti ~ cooked al dente of coursey
~
Cheese ~ grated Double Gloucester. A crime against Bolog? No creamy golden melting yum.
~
Garlic bread ~ So crusty, so hot, so where's mine?

Pudding?

Pineapple chunks~ Cool and light.


Bon appetite...as Hannibal might say:)

Sunny Honey

This morning.
Sliced banana drizzled with honey on cinnamon toast with my eyes flickering and blinking in much loved sunshine. BBC R4 and Andrew Marr and guests discussing Elephants and for a moment or two I wished I could ride one. Elephant's back would be covered by a red velvet blanket and I would crane then dip my neck as he took me through the trees.

A few puffed pigeons pecking wildly.

A tantalizing wind giving old wet clothes a thorough airing and me, the owner, a flushed face.
I love my slippers mud caked.

Brewing in a bowl of hot tea half a pound of dried fruit. Brown sugar, egg and flour to be added hours later. Tea Bread is child's play.

Talking of youngsters. Last night as the lights went off, I watched "Hannibal Rising".
A silly tale of what made Hannibal Terrible. I like dark but this was so dark I almost needed a church candle.

Talking of dark.
A BBC 4 documentary on the life and work of Tommy Cooper left me feeling surprised and sad. A mean man by all accounts and an artist afraid of failure, the fear of failure I understand, the meanness I can't. Rich and successful and adored by millions but would the adoration have shrivelled if it'd come out that he gave cab drivers tea bags as tips. P.G.? Probably.

The sun is up there set strong in a perfect sky.
So I must run along.......

On the menu today ~

A medium roasted Chicken. Carefully sliced, will last till Wednesday. Usage? Sandwiches and a pie.
~
Lots of Steamed Savoy Cabbage. Will use the rest of the large brilliant cabbage during the week. Probably Colcannon to go with sausage and added to Minestrone.
~
4 Honeyed Carrots. Chunked, peppered and sweetened.
~
3 queerly cut Roast Tatties. Roasted in lard for a crisp finish. Lard is good for you if used wisely.
~
A dish of Lemon and Thyme Stuffing. From a packet, with a few sultanas added.
A boat of gravy. Made with cabbage water.


For pudding ~

A dish of Rhubarb Crumble with oats added. Looks fantastically red when raw but pales a little when cooked, and when mingled with daisy yellow custard takes on a psychedelic look.
~

Goodnight x

After the excitement of buying another pre-owned bag (French, Leslly) I thought it best I sit down with a milky coffee.
Xtreme!
Wonderful what a twinkling of brandy can do.

Then...
Cat games. He on table rapidly swallowing chicken/cheesy pockets while I on chair cooed love struck.
T.V. in background. No idea what station or programme, just moving wallpaper.
Prepped tomorrow's rhubarb crumble, an add-in being a handful of oats.
Changed purses on account of changing bags, one now in use has a Chinese feel and is a very cherry red. No bulge though:(
Melted over new lip gloss...Revlon, pink indecent and wet. Pouty pouty.


Then.
Wildness as I burned off a thousand calories grooving madly to Johnny Nash's "You Got Soul." Couldn't resist doing some extraordinary moves, felt as if my hips were oiled. Would hate to lose my soul. Ambition: To be 65 with the youthfulness, guts and legs of a much younger woman. Result? Happy Days!

Then after a sweet cuppa it was down to business...
Chilli con Carne.
Rice.
Tortillas.
Superman.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable Saturday. Simplicity being the key word. An old bag, a new lipstick, rhubarb and love.


My head has been in the clouds today yet I haven't missed a thing...

Glo causing a slight sensation in Southend.

Kirk the fireman collecting for charity...this picture cost me two quid.

This picture... he gave me my money back!

This handbag is only two hours old, it's so much better than yesterday's one...

If I click my heels three times and wish... I would be taken to Kirk's fire station!

A simple day

For a simple woman.
A trip to the high street for necessities and and white chocolate.
A jazzy p.m. after a fuss free mid day snack.
Creating pizza and verse with sunshine over my shoulder.
Tea.
The cat not veering nor blinking an exotic eye.
A plate of Drop Scones after the 7 'o'clock news. Sweet Indulgence doesn't need time, just a hot hot griddle.
Legs bare and stretched watching BBC 4 and Paul Merton. His love of vintage comedy a cool reminder that Arthur Haynes in black & white was great at impro.
Cat wedged and baked between old sofa and radiator. A sign that he only wants me when the heating is low. But scorched or frosted I love him anyway.

And as a car cries by, its engine full-bloodied loud, I softly walk away...

Red The Colour of shoes, life, joy and the young man on the till

Yesterday's London trip brought forth a pair of flat, red flowered, silky shoes from Jones the Bootmakers. I flipped when I saw them because they are similar in design to my slippers, which although lush were bought in a cut price shop on an industrial estate.
These divine shoes from Jones make me want to skip, float and generally take on an ethereal air. Which I of course did.


Also bought yesterday for a few shillings was a stone/chocolate mock croc glistening handbag, it's puffy and squidgy and has enough room for all my ladies stuff.

Going up the road we found a Y.M.C.A shop. Happy/No Happy.
Prices absolutely ridiculous. I.E. £22:99 for a well used Bally bag. So after reeling from that price tag I wandered around in the vain hope I might find something in the dump bin...
On the top of a pile of chick lit was The Giant Book of Ghost Stories, edited by Richard Dalby, pub 1993.
Ok a bit over priced at £2 but it drew me in with such names as Dickens, Chetwynd-Hayes and M.R. James. I bought it and on the chilly ride home read three stories...A friend forever.

The London Lovelies were ok, they fed me chilli, profiteroles and a Tunnock's Snowball.

Today I wore my 'new' red jacket to go to Sainsbury's and with the stiff red collar pulled up around my silvery hair I looked a little imposing so much so that the lovely man cashier flushed as his hand brushed mine whilst taking my tenner... He did too flush maybe it was my words.. all I said was " Never again shall I wash that hand"

Cooking today:
Pizza, jacket potatoes and a medley of veggies.
For pud sticky caramelly bananas.

Gah!
But now
Yippee!

Idiot face here had another momentary loss of sanity and...............humped a largish table from chilly conservatory into the even chillier front room.
Er....
Wasn't supposed to look like THAT!
But being oblivious to pain and unable to know when I'm beaten I laboured on.
Until...
It came around and kind of looked cosy. What with the candles and all:)

In Other News....
This p.m. I power-walked to the shops in order to buy a carton of....CREAM. On my icy way back, good heavens my feet did freeze, I popped into the charity shop and bought a white blouse and bottle of rich red nail polish. £1:20 for the two.

And then with my freshly washed hair screwed by the wind I trekked homewards...

Cooking tonight:
Corned Beef. A staple in my larder.
Potato Boulangere. Jazzes up anything.
And probably peas. A tinned childhood favourite.

Pud?
Tiny Cheery Chocolate Sponge with jug of Custard. What more could any blogger or man want?