Almost.
Having a whizzy non-stop day to day.
We'll be heaving Mother into her chair for a saunter around Hockley's Charity Shops this a.m.
And I must not forget Monty's Chicken And Cheese Biscuits. So much going on yesterday I plum forgot. He is my Love.
Cooking? A little. Probably a Banana Cake and Farmhouse Loaf.
Wearing? For daytime? Whatever doesn't need ironing. For tonight? Probably arrestable outfit.
~Today's Supplication~
Remind Me To Take A Breath O Lord.
Ok?
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Rocked and Ready To Roll...UPDATED
Just poured Mother into her smalls and now, with a sturdy heart and flat shoes, I, along with the ever patient Mr H will lift the spirits of a quiet Mother by taking her out on a shopping expedition...
Oh Lord rub my knees.
Oh Lord rub my knees.
Twists and turns in life make for a happy one.
No sooner had Mr H, mother and I arrived home when Mr Hairy was on me doorstep offering things.
So after a quick cuppa Hairy and my smooth self rattled orf in his Herald to a nearby Art shop wherein we discussed frames with the owners.
After a short while it was sorted. We had ordered a new frame for one of Mr H's pieces of artwork, which I'm proud to say is an amazing testament to his skill.. Even the proprietors, one of whom was an artist himself, said John's kaleidoscopic 1973 colourful felt tip pen work was outstanding.
So with smiles all round Hairy and myself dawdled home slowing down to some degree when passing antiquey type shops, we both love, you see, old stuff. And after cooing and aaahing over curved back chairs and mirrors Mr Hairy sped orf along all roads till we arrived excited, buzzing, knowing what we knew...
Mr H, bless him was speechless when presented with the plaudits and plans, he really is a humble man but a man who should, just for once, come out from under his bushel blazing his amazing creative light for all the world and Essex to see.
I spent the next few hours engaged in brilliant conversation with the ever smooth Hairy Suit and comical Mr H. What a trio we make.
Not expecting Hairy to gnaw meat with the rest of us, I had very little to go round, but we did ok, the Orlando Beef casserole was warm with spices and red with tomatoes and the Baked Apple sweet with syrup. And all washed down with peachy beer.
Now I'm ending my day feeling well pleased. Unexpected twists, deliriously happy turns making for one of the most exhilarating and happy days on record.
Goodnight All.
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
.....Have been looking deep into the heart of my new slow cooker, a perky white little thing (1.5ltr) wondering about all the food I'll cook in it.
First orf will be a dainty beef casserole then later in the week some some leek soup. My sweet tooth hasn't been forgotten so a Rhubarb and Almond pudding will be made, Sunday probably.
I've always liked slo-cookers and the one I've been using for nearly twenty years has proved invaluable to a busy hands-on woman like me. I've roasted half legs of lamb in it, made creme caramels fit for kings, cooked bolognaises for vicars, bean stews for when I went veggie and chicken curries when I reverted to meat eating. It's been a real chum.
But...... it is HUGE.
And I'm so fed up with huge unnecessary things so that's why I bought this Argos Value Range slo-cooker.
It comes with the smallest most basic of recipe pamphlets, a few decent ones I suppose, pretty run of the mill, but that's alright, can't expect a tome of haute cuisine recipes for less than a tenner. I'll need to adjust amounts and so on but I don't foresee any problems.
Just lots of warm meals simmering gently for hours on end resulting in a stress free environment and cool as a cucumber Gloria! I like it.
Being cooked today a Shepherd's Pie..... with layers of cooked carrot and home grown tomato topped with a cheesy mash. Pudding will be a Lemon Puddle.
You know what?
If I lost my love of cooking I'd go bananas.
I don't profess to be the world's greatest chef or even a very good cook but my wares have been sampled and applauded by many sorts and all have left my rooms happier.
Perfection to me is a well risen loaf, a rich brown stew and loving faces.
Now I must fly............ I have menus to create:)
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
All About Gardening Really
...and the extortionate amount asked for by the gardening men to remove tree cuttings (a lot thereof)
£250.
We, that's Mr H, Mr Hairy Suit and my good self decided they were being a little cheeky so, this afternoon, it was all hands on and what a grand job we've done.
Looking at it just now, I'd say we are half way though and it's all down to Hairy, my incredibly generous friend, co-cook and gardening labourer/god.
But now you'll be pleased and relieved to hear that I've ditched my gardening gloves in favour of oven gloves, a much more ladylike accessory;)
As we all had a fairly decent lunch I feel I don't need to blow our gaskets by serving up big platefuls of grub, so snorker sandwiches with a handful of chips, tomatoes and possibly peas, on the side.
Pudding is out of the question unless of course the lads really do fancy summat sweet so if that's the case then I suppose I could scoop and dollop some ice cream.
I love being busy so what with dodging around this a.m. and gardening this p.m. and dealing with mum's sad state of mind and other mother related terrors I'm just about zonked, ready in fact, to chill out/collapse in front of the tv watching The Great British Bake Off!
Now I must fly....................
£250.
We, that's Mr H, Mr Hairy Suit and my good self decided they were being a little cheeky so, this afternoon, it was all hands on and what a grand job we've done.
Looking at it just now, I'd say we are half way though and it's all down to Hairy, my incredibly generous friend, co-cook and gardening labourer/god.
But now you'll be pleased and relieved to hear that I've ditched my gardening gloves in favour of oven gloves, a much more ladylike accessory;)
As we all had a fairly decent lunch I feel I don't need to blow our gaskets by serving up big platefuls of grub, so snorker sandwiches with a handful of chips, tomatoes and possibly peas, on the side.
Pudding is out of the question unless of course the lads really do fancy summat sweet so if that's the case then I suppose I could scoop and dollop some ice cream.
I love being busy so what with dodging around this a.m. and gardening this p.m. and dealing with mum's sad state of mind and other mother related terrors I'm just about zonked, ready in fact, to chill out/collapse in front of the tv watching The Great British Bake Off!
Now I must fly....................
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Sally Lunn number 1
A light soft bun filled with raspberry jam and Elmlea, which although dairy free and good for one's hearteries didn't whip up stiffly enough. Hence the splurging outwards. Next time will use proper cow cream.However it didn't detract from the seriously wonderful taste of the Sally Lunn bunn,
As I told Mr H and Mr HS this could easily become my favourite sweet baked good of all time. It was perfect. So I'm so pleased to say that Sally 2 is wrapped unfilled and ready for tomorrow's insertion of real dairy cream.
Sweet Update. With thanks to Wiki.
........Just took Sally Lunns out of the oven. They look beautiful. Domed, hot perfectly browned egg enriched bread dough sitting proud in their baking tins.
After an initial inspection and poke with a skewer I see no problems. And so after I've recovered from the staggering loveliness of my Solange Luyons I'll split and fill them with jam and whipped cream.
A photo will be appearing later........
After an initial inspection and poke with a skewer I see no problems. And so after I've recovered from the staggering loveliness of my Solange Luyons I'll split and fill them with jam and whipped cream.
Locals would have you believe that the bakery now known as Sally Lunn's House is where Ms Lunn baked her original buns and that perhaps her real name was Solange Luyon. This legend has been in common use for almost a century. Some suggest that the legend about Sally Lunn's association with 'Sally Lunn's House' 4 North Parade Passage [formerly Lilliput Alley] was invented between 1934 and 1937 by an artist called Marie Byng-Johnson. The truth is nobody knows.
Ms Johnson had arrived in Bath a few years earlier with her daughter, a violin teacher, and for a while they traded from premises in the Abbey Court Yard. At that time 4 North Parade Passage was a grocer's, having previously been a lodging house and cab hire office. The grocer's closed in about 1934 and the building fell into a derelict state. This claim can be contested though by the finding of the various ovens / ranges used to bake buns found in the basement of the house which also acts as a museum now.
Two or three years later Ms Byng-Johnson published a little pamphlet in which she describes finding, in a hidden void naturally, the story of Sally Lunn and the secret of the bun. Despite chancing upon this absolute treasure of historical record, she contrived to lose it, so there is no proof that it ever existed.
The recipe for this bun is said (by the Byng-Johnsons) to have originated in Bath with the arrival in 1680 of a Huguenot immigrant called Solange (Sollie) Luyon who (according to the Byng-Johnsons) brought her native skill and worked at a Bath bakery. A fictional account, Sweet Sally Lunn, tells this story and makes pleasant reading.A photo will be appearing later........
It's a bit early to talking about later but later I'm making some Sally Lunns.
Other domestic trivia:
Braising a piece of unsmoked bacon with leeks and carrots and to pep up the old family favourite, bringing it into the 21st century, I'll roast in their skins, a couple of Sweet Potatoes. This sweet foreign inclusion should pep up the Brit bacon.
Pudding as yet is unknown but I'm leaning towards chocolate.
The aformentioned shimmering Sally Lunns are made using a milk enriched bread dough then, when cool, split and filled with jam and or cream. They are famous for being shiny and the shine is brought about by brushing the cooked delight with a sweet Milk Glaze.
Last night's dinner was chicken provencale, a real standby, a real happy food to give to passers-by on their way to work. My friends know they will be fed and nothing satisfies me more than the knowledge that I'm keeping my mates fit.
Have to dash orf now. Have a zillion homely things to do. And The Bridge on The River Kwai has just started so Colonel Saitu and his slave the ever so unslave like Colonel Nicholson will watch over me as I complete my tasks......
Cheerio:)
Other domestic trivia:
Braising a piece of unsmoked bacon with leeks and carrots and to pep up the old family favourite, bringing it into the 21st century, I'll roast in their skins, a couple of Sweet Potatoes. This sweet foreign inclusion should pep up the Brit bacon.
Pudding as yet is unknown but I'm leaning towards chocolate.
The aformentioned shimmering Sally Lunns are made using a milk enriched bread dough then, when cool, split and filled with jam and or cream. They are famous for being shiny and the shine is brought about by brushing the cooked delight with a sweet Milk Glaze.
Last night's dinner was chicken provencale, a real standby, a real happy food to give to passers-by on their way to work. My friends know they will be fed and nothing satisfies me more than the knowledge that I'm keeping my mates fit.
Have to dash orf now. Have a zillion homely things to do. And The Bridge on The River Kwai has just started so Colonel Saitu and his slave the ever so unslave like Colonel Nicholson will watch over me as I complete my tasks......
Cheerio:)
Saturday, 25 August 2012
A dark brown boho bag by one of my favourite designers, Jane Shilton.
It's roomy so plenty of space for my make-up, notebook, keys and diary and other lady things. It's made secure by a snap shut bobble top and has flat faced pockets both front and back. The lining is divine too, purple satinesque. There's an inside zipped pocket of course which will hold my drivng license and scraps of poems.
Being the perfect dark brown it will be ideal for Autumn.. matching perfectly my 'new' lace up boots which are also nutty brown and in excellent cond.
My other secondhand buy was a lacy bolero type cardigan which I'm wearing now. Shorter jackets and cardigans are essential if 5ft or under.
New stuff? Yes, a couple.
Four mini blue baking dishes (Poundland) and Paul Hollywood's Baking Book. A quick perusal in Smiths and I was hooked especially by his Sourdough. An enormous and lengthy palaver but one which Paul assures me, will elevate my whole baking experience:)
It's roomy so plenty of space for my make-up, notebook, keys and diary and other lady things. It's made secure by a snap shut bobble top and has flat faced pockets both front and back. The lining is divine too, purple satinesque. There's an inside zipped pocket of course which will hold my drivng license and scraps of poems.
Being the perfect dark brown it will be ideal for Autumn.. matching perfectly my 'new' lace up boots which are also nutty brown and in excellent cond.
My other secondhand buy was a lacy bolero type cardigan which I'm wearing now. Shorter jackets and cardigans are essential if 5ft or under.
New stuff? Yes, a couple.
Four mini blue baking dishes (Poundland) and Paul Hollywood's Baking Book. A quick perusal in Smiths and I was hooked especially by his Sourdough. An enormous and lengthy palaver but one which Paul assures me, will elevate my whole baking experience:)
Friday, 24 August 2012
On Today's Menu
*Nigel Slater's Sausage and Potato Pie. A real humdinger of a recipe and really simple to make too. I make some short pastry, leave it to rest while I fry sliced pork and herb snorkers and red onions then layer the sausages and onions with par-boiled skin on sliced potato. Season well, add some parsley, place in pie tin and cover with pastry. Bake till brown and crispy. I'll probably serve baked beans with it, could spice them up but probably won't, feel plain beans will suffice.
*A Banana and Apricot Loaf. A Shirley Goode recipe which uses Hartley's Apricot jam instead of very expensive dried apricots. This yummy comforting cake always turns out moist and is delicious either on its own or spread with butter. Have even toasted it for breakfast.
* A multi-seeded loaf. Linseed. Sunflower. Sesame. Poppy.
The third loaf of this kind I've baked in three days. Utterly delicious especially when glazed with egg wash. Shines and crisps the crust to perfection. Makes gorgeous sandwiches and excellent toast, the many seeds add interest especially the poppy seeds which, looked at in the right light, could be mistaken for shredded ants.
Now I cook:)
*A Banana and Apricot Loaf. A Shirley Goode recipe which uses Hartley's Apricot jam instead of very expensive dried apricots. This yummy comforting cake always turns out moist and is delicious either on its own or spread with butter. Have even toasted it for breakfast.
* A multi-seeded loaf. Linseed. Sunflower. Sesame. Poppy.
The third loaf of this kind I've baked in three days. Utterly delicious especially when glazed with egg wash. Shines and crisps the crust to perfection. Makes gorgeous sandwiches and excellent toast, the many seeds add interest especially the poppy seeds which, looked at in the right light, could be mistaken for shredded ants.
Now I cook:)
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Feeling Blissful..
A 12 hole muffin tin built to last for 25 years. Uber quality. Bought in Potters of Hockley a family run ironmonger type shop which has been on the same site for donkey's years. Every kitchen item I've bought from there has been excellent. Prices though are horrible. But one doesn't buy muffin tins every day so I felt justified in laying out a fair whack of cash for this heavy duty well engineered piece of kit.
Then to the Riverside Garden centre where I bought a tea pot and tea cup Wind Chime in duck egg blue.
Charity shop next stop wherein I found yellow kitchen curtains, pelmet and tie backs for £3:95.They might though need altering but are worth it anyway. The curtains are in sunbright yellow with pictures of assorted vegetables printed thereupon. So pretty, so gay.
And the greatest item of all was a giant Moneymaker Tomato Plant, huge it is and growing in a shocking pink planter. This wonderful growing living thing was a gift from my gardening soul mate the ever resourceful Mr Suit.
Drinking coffee sitting outside the Urban Cafe sealed a perfect morning.
Mother's nurse had popped in early in the day, all was well, so after buying stamps and newspapers Mr Suit thought it best if the both of us had a couple of sociable hours away from domesticity and hard work.
It was his greatest decision.
So with the sun highlighting my silver hair and wearing an ankle length skirt and white socks to hide my midge bitten pins we wandered happily around in a kind of super daze.
Did both him and me a wealth of good.
Thank you Hairy.
Back to home and cooking....
I'm making Meatballs for tonight also a large seeded white loaf, for sweet I'll serve the Apple and Grape jelly I made yesterday and to go with it another Creme Caramel..... thought the grape thing would compliment the creamy creme. Hope so.
When I get a mo I have to do my menus for the next seven days, it's never a chore flicking through recipe books taking notes then compiling a list of what's needed.
I never get in a lather when faced with culinary decisions, in fact it's a positively therapeutic experience!
Now I must fly:)
Then to the Riverside Garden centre where I bought a tea pot and tea cup Wind Chime in duck egg blue.
Charity shop next stop wherein I found yellow kitchen curtains, pelmet and tie backs for £3:95.They might though need altering but are worth it anyway. The curtains are in sunbright yellow with pictures of assorted vegetables printed thereupon. So pretty, so gay.
And the greatest item of all was a giant Moneymaker Tomato Plant, huge it is and growing in a shocking pink planter. This wonderful growing living thing was a gift from my gardening soul mate the ever resourceful Mr Suit.
Drinking coffee sitting outside the Urban Cafe sealed a perfect morning.
Mother's nurse had popped in early in the day, all was well, so after buying stamps and newspapers Mr Suit thought it best if the both of us had a couple of sociable hours away from domesticity and hard work.
It was his greatest decision.
So with the sun highlighting my silver hair and wearing an ankle length skirt and white socks to hide my midge bitten pins we wandered happily around in a kind of super daze.
Did both him and me a wealth of good.
Thank you Hairy.
Back to home and cooking....
I'm making Meatballs for tonight also a large seeded white loaf, for sweet I'll serve the Apple and Grape jelly I made yesterday and to go with it another Creme Caramel..... thought the grape thing would compliment the creamy creme. Hope so.
When I get a mo I have to do my menus for the next seven days, it's never a chore flicking through recipe books taking notes then compiling a list of what's needed.
I never get in a lather when faced with culinary decisions, in fact it's a positively therapeutic experience!
Now I must fly:)
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Tuesday Doings
Bought a new bird bath/feeder so I can sit on the bench in full mumsy mode watching sparrows, thrushes, robins and collared doves sup and eat.
Whilst mum and me good self sat in hospital waiting room I glanced at my two new cooking mags, the first mag caught my attention on account on the pie pic on the front. The second by the word 'cake'.
Then to charity shop where, as I checked the bags, two gin soaked, overly made up, ageing female vultures surrounded mum picking up from her lap a 50p framed bird embroidery and 25p red Amaretti tin.
I was there in a shot.
"Ooooh that's nice" sqwarked the blonde fingering the picture
"Yes and this tin is lovely too" cackled the other
"Yes and they're coming home with me" I said showing my teeth.
They huffed and sidled away.
Were there really such people about I wondered who would try to get their claws onto a lady-in-a-wheelchair's trinkets. Obviously so. I could have wrung their flame red necks.
On arriving home mum collapsed in the bathroom again so I put the kettle on. She's asleep now in my care and later on we'll eat and watch a good film.
Being cooked tonight a nice Fisherman's Pie served with steamed Broccoli and for sweet, a Chocolate Puddle Pudding.
I love my mum very much.
By the way I looked stunning today, red lippy, swirling multi-coloured skirt, lemon t-shirt, blue and silver necklace, silvery hair up, only flaws in my otherwise perfect appearance are my swollen feet!
Just don't look down people:)
Whilst mum and me good self sat in hospital waiting room I glanced at my two new cooking mags, the first mag caught my attention on account on the pie pic on the front. The second by the word 'cake'.
Then to charity shop where, as I checked the bags, two gin soaked, overly made up, ageing female vultures surrounded mum picking up from her lap a 50p framed bird embroidery and 25p red Amaretti tin.
I was there in a shot.
"Ooooh that's nice" sqwarked the blonde fingering the picture
"Yes and this tin is lovely too" cackled the other
"Yes and they're coming home with me" I said showing my teeth.
They huffed and sidled away.
Were there really such people about I wondered who would try to get their claws onto a lady-in-a-wheelchair's trinkets. Obviously so. I could have wrung their flame red necks.
On arriving home mum collapsed in the bathroom again so I put the kettle on. She's asleep now in my care and later on we'll eat and watch a good film.
Being cooked tonight a nice Fisherman's Pie served with steamed Broccoli and for sweet, a Chocolate Puddle Pudding.
I love my mum very much.
By the way I looked stunning today, red lippy, swirling multi-coloured skirt, lemon t-shirt, blue and silver necklace, silvery hair up, only flaws in my otherwise perfect appearance are my swollen feet!
Just don't look down people:)
Monday, 20 August 2012
Masses of Colour and Sparkle
........As much as I felt mum was too doddery/ill to go out she, in her infinite wisdom, thought otherwise so orf we went to Hockley.
It hurt to see her struggling to maintain interest and keep her head up and yet, as if by magic or prayer, my old love bought a book about Princess Diana. I was pleased mum still felt the urge for literature, some loves I suppose never fade away.
I too bought an interesting item.
A handbag made of cotton with an olde goldy handle and embellished with hundreds of multi-coloured sequins. So boho. So glorious.
It was drool at first sight. It was love at first feel. So I paid Doris £3 and left the shop next to the Co-Op and opposite the florist a cheerful bunny.
Our next major outlay was in the Cancer Relief charity shop where mum bought a soft pink leather purse and I an amberesque necklace. Total outlay £1:50. Total pleasure.
Home to a beef roll and strawberry mousse.
After changing mum's bedding (she has a new duvet cover) Mr H and myself went into the back garden where some hot and profound creativity occurred.
Mr H. mowed and I re-arranged ceramic cats and plant pots.
It now looks wonderful.
I feel I must, at this stage, thank my exceptionally talented friend and gardening guru the handsome Mr Suit who, yesterday, without thought for his safety or jeans , bent over, clipped and pulled and cut and shaved all manner of weeds from my neglected patio.
Without his hard work I don't think I'd have been half inspired this morning, so ooodles of thanks HS, without you I'd never have got bitten:)
That's enough man praise.
Cooking tonight is roast stuffed pork, cabbage and potatoes, with apple sauce and gravy. For pudding another Creme Caramel of which Mr Suit will again miss out. Lol!
P.S. Bought for 25p a dvd of A Place In The Sun starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. A Hollywood gem.
Best line? Taylor holds Clift in her arms softly saying...."Come, tell mama all about it"
Mmm.
Now I must fly.................:)
It hurt to see her struggling to maintain interest and keep her head up and yet, as if by magic or prayer, my old love bought a book about Princess Diana. I was pleased mum still felt the urge for literature, some loves I suppose never fade away.
I too bought an interesting item.
A handbag made of cotton with an olde goldy handle and embellished with hundreds of multi-coloured sequins. So boho. So glorious.
It was drool at first sight. It was love at first feel. So I paid Doris £3 and left the shop next to the Co-Op and opposite the florist a cheerful bunny.
Our next major outlay was in the Cancer Relief charity shop where mum bought a soft pink leather purse and I an amberesque necklace. Total outlay £1:50. Total pleasure.
Home to a beef roll and strawberry mousse.
After changing mum's bedding (she has a new duvet cover) Mr H and myself went into the back garden where some hot and profound creativity occurred.
Mr H. mowed and I re-arranged ceramic cats and plant pots.
It now looks wonderful.
I feel I must, at this stage, thank my exceptionally talented friend and gardening guru the handsome Mr Suit who, yesterday, without thought for his safety or jeans , bent over, clipped and pulled and cut and shaved all manner of weeds from my neglected patio.
Without his hard work I don't think I'd have been half inspired this morning, so ooodles of thanks HS, without you I'd never have got bitten:)
That's enough man praise.
Cooking tonight is roast stuffed pork, cabbage and potatoes, with apple sauce and gravy. For pudding another Creme Caramel of which Mr Suit will again miss out. Lol!
P.S. Bought for 25p a dvd of A Place In The Sun starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. A Hollywood gem.
Best line? Taylor holds Clift in her arms softly saying...."Come, tell mama all about it"
Mmm.
Now I must fly.................:)
Sunday, 19 August 2012
At Last
Someone who managed to make me weep. For all the right reasons. Jahmene Douglas. Outstanding. Terrifyingly good.
Whether he wins or loses or fades back to anonymity I'll never forget the 21 year old Asda worker. His chopped rendition of Etta James's At Last was smooth, perfect, vocal gold.
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Not a cloud in the sky
..............so orf we tootled down to the seaside.
And as Mr H pushed mum I carried the bags hoping mum had recovered from her latest fall.
She was quiet, tranquil with weakness, so our day out would be brief.
In the charity shop, a stones throw from the beach, she bought two novels and a pink flowered cloth purse. I didn't buy anything, couldn't rouse any interest not even when glancing at the handbags. I was, you see, feeling drained after yesterday's cataclysmic dealings with officialdom. And so could hardly blame or scold myself for not feeling entirely 'with it'. But after another bitter misunderstanding with mum this morning I closed myself away in the kitchen for a few moments returning to the front room with generosity.
And that's when we went out.
It's funny how, when your mind has taken a bashing, you retreat, back orf clinging like hell to your shell, wondering when these sad battles will stop.
She doesn't mean to wound and I don't mean to appear cold or impatient but we do, both of us.
We're ladies who love. Obviously.
Talking of love.
I'm jiggling around the bungalow with joy at the thought of tonight's X Factor. We'll, that's Mr H and me good self will try to do what we've always done on occasions such as this, that is, to join in the hokum.
And to celebrate I'm making a home made Chinese dinner. Sweet and Sour Chicken with colourful veggies, pancake rolls and Horsehound Fried Rice.
And will, if the fancy and my ankles allow, knock together a delicate sweet of enormous proportions.
Something lemony probably:)
Whilst buying newspapers the man who cut down my conifers tapped my shoulder.
"Hello Angela, enjoying the sun?"
"Well hello, yes. And the branches are still cluttering up my side entrance" :)
So after giving him my number I left him standing.
Now I must fly:)
And as Mr H pushed mum I carried the bags hoping mum had recovered from her latest fall.
She was quiet, tranquil with weakness, so our day out would be brief.
In the charity shop, a stones throw from the beach, she bought two novels and a pink flowered cloth purse. I didn't buy anything, couldn't rouse any interest not even when glancing at the handbags. I was, you see, feeling drained after yesterday's cataclysmic dealings with officialdom. And so could hardly blame or scold myself for not feeling entirely 'with it'. But after another bitter misunderstanding with mum this morning I closed myself away in the kitchen for a few moments returning to the front room with generosity.
And that's when we went out.
It's funny how, when your mind has taken a bashing, you retreat, back orf clinging like hell to your shell, wondering when these sad battles will stop.
She doesn't mean to wound and I don't mean to appear cold or impatient but we do, both of us.
We're ladies who love. Obviously.
Talking of love.
I'm jiggling around the bungalow with joy at the thought of tonight's X Factor. We'll, that's Mr H and me good self will try to do what we've always done on occasions such as this, that is, to join in the hokum.
And to celebrate I'm making a home made Chinese dinner. Sweet and Sour Chicken with colourful veggies, pancake rolls and Horsehound Fried Rice.
And will, if the fancy and my ankles allow, knock together a delicate sweet of enormous proportions.
Something lemony probably:)
Whilst buying newspapers the man who cut down my conifers tapped my shoulder.
"Hello Angela, enjoying the sun?"
"Well hello, yes. And the branches are still cluttering up my side entrance" :)
So after giving him my number I left him standing.
Now I must fly:)
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Creme Caramel
What a beauty!Had this last night with chilled fruit salad.
Firm but with a saucy wobble.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
G.B.B.O
From left to right: Sue Perkins, Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry and 63 year old Brendan
Food update:Change to menu.
Instead of skinning chicken legs I'm plumping for somethings more robust. Steak. Will fry some with onions and serve with chips, peas and tomatoes. I'm smiling just thinking about it:)
Pudding hasn't changed...A Creme Caramel is waiting to be turned upside down, and, to go alongside it, a fruit salad consisting of pineapple, melon, apple and grapes.
I usually make small vanilla biscuits to go with Creme Caramel, but didn't have time today so a shop bought cookie will be a stand-in.
I love cooking and talking of love I watched The Great British Bake Off this afternoon and was thoroughly pleased with what I saw. Already laughing as Paul Hollywood glurked over a salty Rum Baba Ooops!
I wasn't mightily impressed with the contestant's first task...an upside down cake. In my youth the only U. D Cake I made was the ordinary Pineapple with glace cherry type. Being older and far more sophisticated I've kinda grown out of that and would now probably opt for something more adventurous and stunning. Mandarin and Chocolate Chip?
Looking forward to the next few weeks as the wannabe bakers slug it out over the ovens of despair.
Wonderful:)
Feeling unbelievably calm.
Up with the birds and as I drank tea in the conservatory I warbled with the birds. Warbling meaning I hummed Endless Love.
When I sneak a few silver song filled minutes it feels wunderbar/cool.
I can't sing but my noises are sincere.
Last Night's TV:
On account of the cooking and serveing munchies I couldn't settle to watch The Great British Bake Off but I recorded it so will excite myself at a late date...
On Food:
Do something with chicken legs probably. Probably a casserole with couscous on the middle of the plate. For pudding, Creme Caramel. Turned out with caramel not only sitting on top of perfect firm egg custard but running down the side of the aforementioned custard forming puddles of burnt umber coloured liquid.
On Domesticity:
Wanted to rip up hall carpet.
And lay lino so as cleaning would be made simpler.
Cat hairs and boot marks are bad for the soul.
And, when weather and finances allow, I'll re-paint the kitchen.
On General Life:
It has its peaks and valleys. Sugar and salt. Frolics and moments of contemplation.
Now I must fly>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Up with the birds and as I drank tea in the conservatory I warbled with the birds. Warbling meaning I hummed Endless Love.
When I sneak a few silver song filled minutes it feels wunderbar/cool.
I can't sing but my noises are sincere.
Last Night's TV:
On account of the cooking and serveing munchies I couldn't settle to watch The Great British Bake Off but I recorded it so will excite myself at a late date...
On Food:
Do something with chicken legs probably. Probably a casserole with couscous on the middle of the plate. For pudding, Creme Caramel. Turned out with caramel not only sitting on top of perfect firm egg custard but running down the side of the aforementioned custard forming puddles of burnt umber coloured liquid.
On Domesticity:
Wanted to rip up hall carpet.
And lay lino so as cleaning would be made simpler.
Cat hairs and boot marks are bad for the soul.
And, when weather and finances allow, I'll re-paint the kitchen.
On General Life:
It has its peaks and valleys. Sugar and salt. Frolics and moments of contemplation.
Now I must fly>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Lovely sunshine
........blitzed through mum's hospital appointment, all ok.
Then surprise surprise no further excitement was needed, so back home in a jiffy:)
Home to a yelling fishless Monty, soon had the blighter satisfied and am now in the process of making a large Creme Caramel for tomorrow and a juicy banana and apricot loaf.
Of Food:
Munchies tonight is a tuna and multi coloured pepper pasta served with grated cheese and homemade herb bread. I will be busykins.
I do though feel the need for a crash out on the settee, legs outstretched, Turkish Delight morsels nearby and plenty of tea. Mum and me probably watching major stuff like made for tv movie 'The Queen of Mean' and kitchen sink drama from the 40's, 'It Always Rains On Sunday'.
I am, as you see, listening to my body...................
:)
Then surprise surprise no further excitement was needed, so back home in a jiffy:)
Home to a yelling fishless Monty, soon had the blighter satisfied and am now in the process of making a large Creme Caramel for tomorrow and a juicy banana and apricot loaf.
Of Food:
Munchies tonight is a tuna and multi coloured pepper pasta served with grated cheese and homemade herb bread. I will be busykins.
I do though feel the need for a crash out on the settee, legs outstretched, Turkish Delight morsels nearby and plenty of tea. Mum and me probably watching major stuff like made for tv movie 'The Queen of Mean' and kitchen sink drama from the 40's, 'It Always Rains On Sunday'.
I am, as you see, listening to my body...................
:)
Monday, 13 August 2012
Some days are meant to be memorable.
This one certainly was.
A cheery loving mum going about her difficult business with 'blow-you'energy.
A gorgeously yummy Shepherd's Pie dinner rounded off with lemon curd cake and ice cream
A day and night with a good mate.
Hair up, hair down... made not a jot of difference, tea in blue mug or pink tea cup ditto.
Sunshine rain. All the same.
Soul music, olde tunes.... danced still the same.
If only all days could be today.
But then we wouldn't appreciate or learn anything... Would we?
Goodnight all.
This one certainly was.
A cheery loving mum going about her difficult business with 'blow-you'energy.
A gorgeously yummy Shepherd's Pie dinner rounded off with lemon curd cake and ice cream
A day and night with a good mate.
Hair up, hair down... made not a jot of difference, tea in blue mug or pink tea cup ditto.
Sunshine rain. All the same.
Soul music, olde tunes.... danced still the same.
If only all days could be today.
But then we wouldn't appreciate or learn anything... Would we?
Goodnight all.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Up and Cooking!
Here I am this morning, in the conservatory, with brutal sunlight highlighting my purity.
Serving some excellent traditional food today, might go overboard. Will also try to resist natural urges.(Sleep doth cometh after a fair old whack of roast.)
Will endeavour to remain upright.
Ladies should be aware that unstockinged legs thrown over armrests do nothing for their femininity. Unless accompanied by a sweet smile:)
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Automatic Writings.. old late night friends
In dreams ice scorches
In your own fog your outstretched fingers hone in on a spec of hopelight even though you know it's gonna be gone before you can say stay.
Where in the shed are the hidden tins? Rose decorated round ones given by an auntie, the rusty one with punctures carrying white goods receipts and solid odd nails and your favourite, the one with a brick headed dog on the lid holding within its great thick mouth love letters, tied carefully with gardening twine.
Althea, sad and spread like dead on fraying blankets her mother bought, dampened them, till Joshua the man from the other side of the hill, scraped up the dregs with his loving hands... flat like irons.
Dress up dress up come out and witness the show.......... put on fanciful dress, embellish what's already beautiful, doll up.
Katherine Droughtnought, age an irrelevance seeks /w.l.t.m companions, friends or creeps to share pandemonium. Babel. Dingy bed fellows with rubber spines need not apply.
In your own fog your outstretched fingers hone in on a spec of hopelight even though you know it's gonna be gone before you can say stay.
Where in the shed are the hidden tins? Rose decorated round ones given by an auntie, the rusty one with punctures carrying white goods receipts and solid odd nails and your favourite, the one with a brick headed dog on the lid holding within its great thick mouth love letters, tied carefully with gardening twine.
Althea, sad and spread like dead on fraying blankets her mother bought, dampened them, till Joshua the man from the other side of the hill, scraped up the dregs with his loving hands... flat like irons.
Dress up dress up come out and witness the show.......... put on fanciful dress, embellish what's already beautiful, doll up.
Katherine Droughtnought, age an irrelevance seeks /w.l.t.m companions, friends or creeps to share pandemonium. Babel. Dingy bed fellows with rubber spines need not apply.
Hot And Crazy
After recovering form the shock of Mother NOT wanting to go out, Mr H and me good self tootled orf out.
It was luverly.
Sunlight making me squint and a reasonable amount of spare change clonking in purse made me head towards you know where...
In you know where I happened to fall across a silly old bag, circa 1960's, snap shutter, multi-coloured woven cotton embroidery type thing with cavernous interior. The old beauty cost me £3.
Next to make me smile even wider was a mint green snap shutty make-up bag with lacey frontage. "Oooh" I said to the lady "I love this."
She took my 50p with a smile saying "Yes it looks Victorian"
Next stop:
A 'Hostess' clear glass oblong dish.
And as Mr H studied the bookshelves I studied the dish.
"Hmmmm" I thought as I held it up to the light (er why) "this would be perfect for some sort of layered fancy dessert awash with colours"
So I danced across the shop to Maudie, the woman who looks a little like death.
Oh very nice" said M "Wotcha gonna make init?
I thought for a micro second then said
"A layered dessert of jellies and fruits and cakes but not a trifle."
Silence. Probably thought I was joking/barmy. I WAS NOT. Either.
I can see it now...Colours from tangerine to green to blackberry mauve and textures from crunchy biscuits to featherlite sponge all with interesting fruits in between.... fruits like kiwi, passion fruits and pineapple ....all solidly homed in and possibly stiff enough to turn out. :)
£1.
More cooking related buys were two recipe books.
1. Good Housekeeping desserts and pie. Small handy paperback packed with fabulous recipes (just had a peek)
2. Mr Therm Goes County. ? 160 Famous County Recipes with humorous ingredients by David Langdon. Issued in 1951 by The Gas Council. Recipe very down below....*
Then found a few trinkets for mum:
2 purses both of which I wouldn't be seen with. And a Ruth Rendell book.
Then a quick trip to Mr H's favourite haunt Waters and Stanton, he likes to play with the toys in there you see and today as he stood transfixed to Wirelesses and CB stuff old George offered him a coffee.
I ran out and across the road to the third and final shop wherein I bought the Radio Times and digestion tablets for mother.
*GRAPE WINE 1790 edited because it's too long and funny
Put a gallon of water to a gallon of grapes. Bruise the grapes well, let them stand for a week without stirring (what me or the grapes?), then draw off the liquor. Put to a gallon of juice 3lbs of sugar, then put it in a vessel (earthenware jar), but do not fasten up your bung till it has done hissing.
And from Kent...
*TWICE LAID edited for your brain and tummy's sake
Fish and mash bound with egg and fried.
I'm making some bread now then having a lay down.
It was luverly.
Sunlight making me squint and a reasonable amount of spare change clonking in purse made me head towards you know where...
In you know where I happened to fall across a silly old bag, circa 1960's, snap shutter, multi-coloured woven cotton embroidery type thing with cavernous interior. The old beauty cost me £3.
Next to make me smile even wider was a mint green snap shutty make-up bag with lacey frontage. "Oooh" I said to the lady "I love this."
She took my 50p with a smile saying "Yes it looks Victorian"
Next stop:
A 'Hostess' clear glass oblong dish.
And as Mr H studied the bookshelves I studied the dish.
"Hmmmm" I thought as I held it up to the light (er why) "this would be perfect for some sort of layered fancy dessert awash with colours"
So I danced across the shop to Maudie, the woman who looks a little like death.
Oh very nice" said M "Wotcha gonna make init?
I thought for a micro second then said
"A layered dessert of jellies and fruits and cakes but not a trifle."
Silence. Probably thought I was joking/barmy. I WAS NOT. Either.
I can see it now...Colours from tangerine to green to blackberry mauve and textures from crunchy biscuits to featherlite sponge all with interesting fruits in between.... fruits like kiwi, passion fruits and pineapple ....all solidly homed in and possibly stiff enough to turn out. :)
£1.
More cooking related buys were two recipe books.
1. Good Housekeeping desserts and pie. Small handy paperback packed with fabulous recipes (just had a peek)
2. Mr Therm Goes County. ? 160 Famous County Recipes with humorous ingredients by David Langdon. Issued in 1951 by The Gas Council. Recipe very down below....*
Then found a few trinkets for mum:
2 purses both of which I wouldn't be seen with. And a Ruth Rendell book.
Then a quick trip to Mr H's favourite haunt Waters and Stanton, he likes to play with the toys in there you see and today as he stood transfixed to Wirelesses and CB stuff old George offered him a coffee.
I ran out and across the road to the third and final shop wherein I bought the Radio Times and digestion tablets for mother.
*GRAPE WINE 1790 edited because it's too long and funny
Put a gallon of water to a gallon of grapes. Bruise the grapes well, let them stand for a week without stirring (what me or the grapes?), then draw off the liquor. Put to a gallon of juice 3lbs of sugar, then put it in a vessel (earthenware jar), but do not fasten up your bung till it has done hissing.
And from Kent...
*TWICE LAID edited for your brain and tummy's sake
Fish and mash bound with egg and fried.
I'm making some bread now then having a lay down.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
For Dinner
Chicken Provencale
Steamed Broccoli
Mashed Tatties
Fresh Strawberry Trifle with Toasted Almonds
:)
Steamed Broccoli
Mashed Tatties
Fresh Strawberry Trifle with Toasted Almonds
:)
Mum phoned.
Yes phoned.
There was I asleep alone in bed (Mr H gorn orf early)
And a blooming phone call wakes me.
At first I thought it was a friend, but no it was Mother.
Being stunned I naturally walked rather slowly to the front room where on entering I found Her Majesty sitting up fiddling with her Nokia.
I can't begin to tell you how worried/annoyed/tickled I felt on seeing this............
" What do you want?" I asked, my eyes hanging out of my head.
"Were you asleep?"
I stared at her skinny frame biting my tongue.
What good would it do to have an altercation with a dying woman when I'm wearing not much.
"Tea?" I said
I got a smile:)
After a while of washing her and hunting down blasted silky blouses we went out. I didn't WANT to go out but I can't deny her 30 minutes in Joan's charity shop. Joan, by the way, hugged me to the point of breaking bones, but it was well meaning and by the time we left we left the Love-In I was carrying a HUGE bag of stuff.
:)
Then more stuff elsewhere.
Cabbage.
Newspapers.
Lemon Tarts.
Home now for an afternoon of pure relaxation after I've cooked and baked and done bed sores.
:)
Looks like we're in for a warm one, so might, if the devil entices me, drip into my 'new' gorgeous summer frock and do a parade for the back garden pigeons.
:)
Yes phoned.
There was I asleep alone in bed (Mr H gorn orf early)
And a blooming phone call wakes me.
At first I thought it was a friend, but no it was Mother.
Being stunned I naturally walked rather slowly to the front room where on entering I found Her Majesty sitting up fiddling with her Nokia.
I can't begin to tell you how worried/annoyed/tickled I felt on seeing this............
" What do you want?" I asked, my eyes hanging out of my head.
"Were you asleep?"
I stared at her skinny frame biting my tongue.
What good would it do to have an altercation with a dying woman when I'm wearing not much.
"Tea?" I said
I got a smile:)
After a while of washing her and hunting down blasted silky blouses we went out. I didn't WANT to go out but I can't deny her 30 minutes in Joan's charity shop. Joan, by the way, hugged me to the point of breaking bones, but it was well meaning and by the time we left we left the Love-In I was carrying a HUGE bag of stuff.
:)
Then more stuff elsewhere.
Cabbage.
Newspapers.
Lemon Tarts.
Home now for an afternoon of pure relaxation after I've cooked and baked and done bed sores.
:)
Looks like we're in for a warm one, so might, if the devil entices me, drip into my 'new' gorgeous summer frock and do a parade for the back garden pigeons.
:)
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Up Before The Sparrows....updated
.........Looking for the right blouse, mum's sure it's beige with sparkles.
Late last night saw Mr H and myself leaning over her bed listening to slurred speech. I'd needed assistance in carrying her back to bed, so I called for Mr H, I couldn't lift her put of the bathroom, she was out of it, so to speak. Mr H was thinking what I was thinking, a minor stroke. Dropped mouth, incoherence, limp as the rag doll. We said nothing of course preferring to plump her cushions.
Yet within a few minutes she was asking for red squash.
And so...as I laid in bed I was more than pleased that I'd had a good day, doing not much really, a bit of cooking, entertaining, doing what I do best. Those hours where I'm enclosed in the kitchen are the best:)
We have two medical sorts coming today, hopefully this morning because I want to have a couple of hours in Sainsbury's this p.m.
Oh my golly gosh how I love freezing my tootoos orf by the frozen lamb shanks.
Still joking......
Yes I'm obviously doing ok this morning.................:)
Being cooked today? Not a clue!
The district nurse said mum probably suffered a minor stroke last night and that if it happens again we're to call for an ambulance.
She's already taking Warfarin to thin her blood and that might raise the risk of having a stroke. Well I'll be blowed...If the poor little bean hasn't enough to deal with...
Anyway Nursie got on the phone to mum's GP so I'm now expecting another raft of letters and phone calls...
Poor old mum.......... she's an incredible woman whose never-give-up attitude is humbling. She doesn't know what happened last night, we decided it'd serve no purpose to tell her, if and when the occasion arises where she needs to know stuff we'll be as gentle with her as we've been before.
Get this.....She wanted to come to Sainsburys with me this afternoon....And THAT'S what makes her so special. A myriad of ailments, in almost constant discomfort and the feisty girl wants to do the weekly shopathon.
We had a great time!
Cookng tonight:
Fisherman's Pie made with smoked Haddock and canned tuna and for pudding.....probably a lemon puddle:)
I'm loving the Olympics, it's been a real gin and tonic pour moi.
Late last night saw Mr H and myself leaning over her bed listening to slurred speech. I'd needed assistance in carrying her back to bed, so I called for Mr H, I couldn't lift her put of the bathroom, she was out of it, so to speak. Mr H was thinking what I was thinking, a minor stroke. Dropped mouth, incoherence, limp as the rag doll. We said nothing of course preferring to plump her cushions.
Yet within a few minutes she was asking for red squash.
And so...as I laid in bed I was more than pleased that I'd had a good day, doing not much really, a bit of cooking, entertaining, doing what I do best. Those hours where I'm enclosed in the kitchen are the best:)
We have two medical sorts coming today, hopefully this morning because I want to have a couple of hours in Sainsbury's this p.m.
Oh my golly gosh how I love freezing my tootoos orf by the frozen lamb shanks.
Still joking......
Yes I'm obviously doing ok this morning.................:)
Being cooked today? Not a clue!
The district nurse said mum probably suffered a minor stroke last night and that if it happens again we're to call for an ambulance.
She's already taking Warfarin to thin her blood and that might raise the risk of having a stroke. Well I'll be blowed...If the poor little bean hasn't enough to deal with...
Anyway Nursie got on the phone to mum's GP so I'm now expecting another raft of letters and phone calls...
Poor old mum.......... she's an incredible woman whose never-give-up attitude is humbling. She doesn't know what happened last night, we decided it'd serve no purpose to tell her, if and when the occasion arises where she needs to know stuff we'll be as gentle with her as we've been before.
Get this.....She wanted to come to Sainsburys with me this afternoon....And THAT'S what makes her so special. A myriad of ailments, in almost constant discomfort and the feisty girl wants to do the weekly shopathon.
We had a great time!
Cookng tonight:
Fisherman's Pie made with smoked Haddock and canned tuna and for pudding.....probably a lemon puddle:)
I'm loving the Olympics, it's been a real gin and tonic pour moi.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
A lovely day.
Made a steak and mushroom pie.
Goofed.
Talked with mum about feelings. An understanding being reached. Even had my arms rubbed.
Had some branches blitzed by my friend the ever resourceful Mr Hairy. Thanks H.
Watched Olympics. Listened to Olympics.
Drank lots of tea.
Goofed.
Put my hair up, let my hair down. Baby.
Lipsticked up after Fig Roll.
Talked about muddled present and scary exciting unknown future
Goofed.
Secretly wondered about life. Pays to keep quiet.
Ran around, running back and forth. Mum keeping me busy with plasters and red berry squash.
Enjoyed sitting on back step with sun creasing my eyes.
Tea.
Goofed.
Told you it was lovely.....:)
Made a steak and mushroom pie.
Goofed.
Talked with mum about feelings. An understanding being reached. Even had my arms rubbed.
Had some branches blitzed by my friend the ever resourceful Mr Hairy. Thanks H.
Watched Olympics. Listened to Olympics.
Drank lots of tea.
Goofed.
Put my hair up, let my hair down. Baby.
Lipsticked up after Fig Roll.
Talked about muddled present and scary exciting unknown future
Goofed.
Secretly wondered about life. Pays to keep quiet.
Ran around, running back and forth. Mum keeping me busy with plasters and red berry squash.
Enjoyed sitting on back step with sun creasing my eyes.
Tea.
Goofed.
Told you it was lovely.....:)
A Horsehound Thought: Don't Faff About!
Have to do some tackling today.
First tackle? Getting to slippery grips with garden detritus. There's tons of the non-blooming stuff! Mostly old trees.
Not being one for worrying too much about appearances I've disregarded in a major manner the side garden and left to rot stumps and old branches from killed trees but now it's giving me the pip so action action...
Help though may be at hand in the shape of a big shouldered mate;)
Other tackles include cleaning the kitchen window, bedroom window and windows to my soul (my eyes aren't looking luscious on account of a 4:30 wake up shout) :(
So later on after I've gleamed the kitchen glass I'll wash my eyes out and smooth cooling cucumber in the dark craters under my eye sockets.
Yuk!
Still even great beauties like what I am have their orf days;)
Further tackles include dealing with mum's daily rages. Latest one aimed at the general medical profession... She'll have something to say to say tomorrow she said, when the district nurse turns up AND someone from the surgery. Oh dear. She wants to know why her ears are ringing and why her legs are wobbly.
Listening to her was both painful and funny.There she lies, stricken with just about everything and she's going on about 'rushing' in her ears and her inability to wash her own self.
If ever a woman was more determined to ignore the salient facts regarding her trio of cancers then it's my mummy.
More tackles.... pies and puddings:)
First tackle? Getting to slippery grips with garden detritus. There's tons of the non-blooming stuff! Mostly old trees.
Not being one for worrying too much about appearances I've disregarded in a major manner the side garden and left to rot stumps and old branches from killed trees but now it's giving me the pip so action action...
Help though may be at hand in the shape of a big shouldered mate;)
Other tackles include cleaning the kitchen window, bedroom window and windows to my soul (my eyes aren't looking luscious on account of a 4:30 wake up shout) :(
So later on after I've gleamed the kitchen glass I'll wash my eyes out and smooth cooling cucumber in the dark craters under my eye sockets.
Yuk!
Still even great beauties like what I am have their orf days;)
Further tackles include dealing with mum's daily rages. Latest one aimed at the general medical profession... She'll have something to say to say tomorrow she said, when the district nurse turns up AND someone from the surgery. Oh dear. She wants to know why her ears are ringing and why her legs are wobbly.
Listening to her was both painful and funny.There she lies, stricken with just about everything and she's going on about 'rushing' in her ears and her inability to wash her own self.
If ever a woman was more determined to ignore the salient facts regarding her trio of cancers then it's my mummy.
More tackles.... pies and puddings:)
Monday, 6 August 2012
Being cooked tonight:
Sausage and Apple casserole.... using lots of meaty pork and herb snorkers and chopped Bramleys. Also in the pot are several carrots, 2 onions, parsley, chives and a Cox's orange pippin then all generously seasoned. Just over half a pint of apple juice is then poured over. No stock.
To accompany I'm roasting a butternut squash, cubed and sweetened with brown sugar then zinged with the juice of a lemon. Salt pepper.
Baked potatoes, so no last minute fussing.
Pud is a red cherry trifle. Packet sponge topped with canned cherries, then covered with custard abd whipped cream. No decoration.
Also made today was Mrs Gordon's Boil and Bake Cake. A really simple fruit cake recipe, all made in one pan then plopped into 7 inch cake tin and baked slowly for 90 minutes. Lovely on its own but equally wicked buttered.
A plain white farmhouse loaf also got baked.
Watched some sport, my thrill bit was seeing Team GB take Gold in the Equestrian. Beautiful horses, great enthusiastic riders and Claire Balding commentating. She's a reasonably good egg is Claire, jolly hockey sticks and all that but knows her hooves from her fetlocks.
Sausage and Apple casserole.... using lots of meaty pork and herb snorkers and chopped Bramleys. Also in the pot are several carrots, 2 onions, parsley, chives and a Cox's orange pippin then all generously seasoned. Just over half a pint of apple juice is then poured over. No stock.
To accompany I'm roasting a butternut squash, cubed and sweetened with brown sugar then zinged with the juice of a lemon. Salt pepper.
Baked potatoes, so no last minute fussing.
Pud is a red cherry trifle. Packet sponge topped with canned cherries, then covered with custard abd whipped cream. No decoration.
Also made today was Mrs Gordon's Boil and Bake Cake. A really simple fruit cake recipe, all made in one pan then plopped into 7 inch cake tin and baked slowly for 90 minutes. Lovely on its own but equally wicked buttered.
A plain white farmhouse loaf also got baked.
Watched some sport, my thrill bit was seeing Team GB take Gold in the Equestrian. Beautiful horses, great enthusiastic riders and Claire Balding commentating. She's a reasonably good egg is Claire, jolly hockey sticks and all that but knows her hooves from her fetlocks.
The 5 a.m. call...updated
I responded, of course, as did Mr H and so as I was up I drove Mr H to station.
I like early morning roads, not much action, save a few daft middle-of-the-road-pigeons chancing their wings for middle- of- the- road- scraps.
There's a camaraderie between early risers, a slight smile, an isn't- is -awful -getting -up- at- dawn kind of look. Most look faded, comes from cornflake eating at 4:40 I expect, but they zombie their way to the platform to wait, with wide spaces between them, for the 6:08 to Liverpool Street.
"Are you going back to bed?" mum asked as I popped my face in
You have got to be joking now I'm up do you think I could possibly go to bed to sleep and all that that entails like rest and freedom I thought.
"No" I smiled leaving her to herself and her thoughts.
After penning this I'll listen to the Today programme whilst setting some bread dough to rise all the time hoping mother doesn't want to go shopping. Again. I very much doubt she will on account of her delicate digestive problems, so I'll be let out, for a short while anyway, to do the Post Office run.
Run?
Mmmmmmmm.
Mum too faint and glurky for a trip outside so out I went on my own. Nice sunny day too. But she was far too unsteady and out of sorts to be climbing in and out of her wheels so after much hand wringing, long meaningful looks and collapsing on doorsteps I told her I'd do the post office and co-op run.
Picked up bargains too, so with the extra cash, popped to charity shop wherein I bought a poppy decorated cannister, a beautiful red tartan travel rug and one acrylic angel which will be placed somewhere in the garden:)
I like early morning roads, not much action, save a few daft middle-of-the-road-pigeons chancing their wings for middle- of- the- road- scraps.
There's a camaraderie between early risers, a slight smile, an isn't- is -awful -getting -up- at- dawn kind of look. Most look faded, comes from cornflake eating at 4:40 I expect, but they zombie their way to the platform to wait, with wide spaces between them, for the 6:08 to Liverpool Street.
"Are you going back to bed?" mum asked as I popped my face in
You have got to be joking now I'm up do you think I could possibly go to bed to sleep and all that that entails like rest and freedom I thought.
"No" I smiled leaving her to herself and her thoughts.
After penning this I'll listen to the Today programme whilst setting some bread dough to rise all the time hoping mother doesn't want to go shopping. Again. I very much doubt she will on account of her delicate digestive problems, so I'll be let out, for a short while anyway, to do the Post Office run.
Run?
Mmmmmmmm.
Mum too faint and glurky for a trip outside so out I went on my own. Nice sunny day too. But she was far too unsteady and out of sorts to be climbing in and out of her wheels so after much hand wringing, long meaningful looks and collapsing on doorsteps I told her I'd do the post office and co-op run.
Picked up bargains too, so with the extra cash, popped to charity shop wherein I bought a poppy decorated cannister, a beautiful red tartan travel rug and one acrylic angel which will be placed somewhere in the garden:)
Sunday, 5 August 2012
GOLD BRITAIN!
This Olympics is the best I've ever seen.
Golds being won in my hometown (and a little further up the line). Two rowing Golds....
Last night it felt fantastic seeing Mo Farah breeze to Gold then, amidst a fleet of photographers, I smiled womanly stupidly as his little girl shot onto the track and jostled for daddy's attention as the glowing exhausted Olympian shone!
Jess Ennis won the hearts of the nation too. As did long jumping red head Greg Rutherford. A real showman. And why not. I too would ham it up if I'd succeeded in claiming top prize. Heptathlete Jessica was cool, so cool, until she blitzed past the line then all glory let loose.
I never thought I'd see us, team GB, win three gold medals in an unforgettable incredible 60 minutes!
And today as I go about my never ending, back breaking, knee swelling business I'll watch Murray take on Federer for....another Gold?
Come on Andy...... take away my ills and make my Sunday:)
P.S.
To celebrate I'm roasting some English beef :)
Friday, 3 August 2012
Weird
..........Is the only word.
Last night Mr H and myself were visiting friends and after pud I suddenly jerked feeling the need to get home pretty damn quick.
And our evening was going so well too which made MY exit even more poignant and so with all concerned giving approval my mate drove me home where we found mum lying on the bathroom floor.
Did something supernatural occur? Was mum able to shoot her feelings along and up the road to where her daughter was? Or was I so concerned about her falling over again that I couldn't relax, not even with people I like?
The latter.
Woke this morning feeling as if the world, well my tiny portion of it, was falling to bits. But after a quick fleeting exchange of words mum and me thought it best if we stay in today. In the confines of the bungaloid. Me doing essentials, like ironing, laundry, re-arranging front room furniture, kitchen knick- knacks and making bread...
Essentials?
You betcha.
Because if I don't see some kind of beautiful order I'll go BANG!
She will read the magazines I've just bought...Woman & Home, Good Housekeeping.
Ironic ain't it?
Plush lush mags amidst chaos.
Last night Mr H and myself were visiting friends and after pud I suddenly jerked feeling the need to get home pretty damn quick.
And our evening was going so well too which made MY exit even more poignant and so with all concerned giving approval my mate drove me home where we found mum lying on the bathroom floor.
Did something supernatural occur? Was mum able to shoot her feelings along and up the road to where her daughter was? Or was I so concerned about her falling over again that I couldn't relax, not even with people I like?
The latter.
Woke this morning feeling as if the world, well my tiny portion of it, was falling to bits. But after a quick fleeting exchange of words mum and me thought it best if we stay in today. In the confines of the bungaloid. Me doing essentials, like ironing, laundry, re-arranging front room furniture, kitchen knick- knacks and making bread...
Essentials?
You betcha.
Because if I don't see some kind of beautiful order I'll go BANG!
She will read the magazines I've just bought...Woman & Home, Good Housekeeping.
Ironic ain't it?
Plush lush mags amidst chaos.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Delivered a quiet mum to Joan's charity shop where I wheeled her around looking for that must-have item.
After browsing sleepily through a hill of books we brushed our fingers across the blouse and t-shirt rails, managing to find a pretty rose pink jumper. Not my cup of tea but it'll look fine on mum.
Then a flick through the bric-a-brac where I found a stout well made navy blue mug, 50p and an ovenproof baking dish with two segments...(carrots and sweet potato sprung to mind) £1. Mum wasn't looking particularly interested in the mishmash of eclectic ornaments and kitchen ware so we went over to Men's Wear.
And if ever a man ever needed something fresh and of the 21st century Mr Horsehound does. So I waded slowly through a forest of old macs and coats eventually halting at a decent Marks and Spencer anorak. Excellent cond. Great masculine colour, teal blue, good lining and numerous pockets without holes. Yes at £3 a real fair buy:)
We paid Tim the boy manning the till and left with a wave to Jean the bare legged (winter and summer) manageress. Out into squally weather where in a moments I'd be held in the warmth of George's Fish Fryery Place.
I didn't mind waiting for my roe to be cooked, gave me some me time. So I thought about today and tomorrow and the future, but after a few moments decided it'd be more sensible to think only of today. So with a fat hot package held to my sticky - outy zonkies (must remember NOT to slouch and to keep my excellent posture till I'm old, I left Georges and once again sat next to a silent mum and drove all the way home.
Oh dear.
I was pleased with the way the morning was panning out, mum as usual saying very little but keen to watch the sport and eat her cod in the kitchen with me and Monty. So we did. Monty was dropped fish, I sat awkwardly on the edge of the chair eating good roe and mum was armchair sat surrounded by paper kitchen towels and vinegar.
We ate in silence save for the the commentator screaming as our rowing lads battled it out against the blasted Germans, it was great telly and the tea tasted sweet and Monty played football with his fish then mum got sick and it all went mucky and pear shaped.
To hear and see her convulsing and heaving with her little purple clutch bag dropping to the floor and the translucent skin of her shoulders being stretched kind of put me into Mother Teresa mode. I couldn't be angry or feel anything other than pity and tenderness towards this small woman who wasn't in control of anything. Not even her chips.
Her face contorted, eyes watering and with her pink blouse stained I pulled off her clothes and carried her to the front room.
"I'm sorry Ang"
She didn't have to say anything, it was my pleasure, funny word to use when you're mopping up vomit but it was mum's so I didn't mind.
After a nice cup of refreshing tea I put her in her nightie and got her settled for the afternoon. She's asleep now and I'm baking a cake. And funnily enough I'm feeling absolutely fine.
After browsing sleepily through a hill of books we brushed our fingers across the blouse and t-shirt rails, managing to find a pretty rose pink jumper. Not my cup of tea but it'll look fine on mum.
Then a flick through the bric-a-brac where I found a stout well made navy blue mug, 50p and an ovenproof baking dish with two segments...(carrots and sweet potato sprung to mind) £1. Mum wasn't looking particularly interested in the mishmash of eclectic ornaments and kitchen ware so we went over to Men's Wear.
And if ever a man ever needed something fresh and of the 21st century Mr Horsehound does. So I waded slowly through a forest of old macs and coats eventually halting at a decent Marks and Spencer anorak. Excellent cond. Great masculine colour, teal blue, good lining and numerous pockets without holes. Yes at £3 a real fair buy:)
We paid Tim the boy manning the till and left with a wave to Jean the bare legged (winter and summer) manageress. Out into squally weather where in a moments I'd be held in the warmth of George's Fish Fryery Place.
I didn't mind waiting for my roe to be cooked, gave me some me time. So I thought about today and tomorrow and the future, but after a few moments decided it'd be more sensible to think only of today. So with a fat hot package held to my sticky - outy zonkies (must remember NOT to slouch and to keep my excellent posture till I'm old, I left Georges and once again sat next to a silent mum and drove all the way home.
Oh dear.
I was pleased with the way the morning was panning out, mum as usual saying very little but keen to watch the sport and eat her cod in the kitchen with me and Monty. So we did. Monty was dropped fish, I sat awkwardly on the edge of the chair eating good roe and mum was armchair sat surrounded by paper kitchen towels and vinegar.
We ate in silence save for the the commentator screaming as our rowing lads battled it out against the blasted Germans, it was great telly and the tea tasted sweet and Monty played football with his fish then mum got sick and it all went mucky and pear shaped.
To hear and see her convulsing and heaving with her little purple clutch bag dropping to the floor and the translucent skin of her shoulders being stretched kind of put me into Mother Teresa mode. I couldn't be angry or feel anything other than pity and tenderness towards this small woman who wasn't in control of anything. Not even her chips.
Her face contorted, eyes watering and with her pink blouse stained I pulled off her clothes and carried her to the front room.
"I'm sorry Ang"
She didn't have to say anything, it was my pleasure, funny word to use when you're mopping up vomit but it was mum's so I didn't mind.
After a nice cup of refreshing tea I put her in her nightie and got her settled for the afternoon. She's asleep now and I'm baking a cake. And funnily enough I'm feeling absolutely fine.
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