My day improved by the making of some very good food. A Roman Cobbler and large sunflower seeded loaf. Also pleasing me was the arrival of Mr Wonderful the handsomest man on earth. Hairy Suit.
We goofed over dinner, took larking about pics in the office whilst Mr H. categorized a million old photos on his computer...we generally misbehaved, all fine stuff for the spirit. Then Mr Horsehound had to smarten himself up for a boys night out, Hairy Suit hot footed it to work and I was left with the washing up and mother.
I didn't mind though because when they shot off I was smiling. Weird or what?

Been watching live snooker on the red button and recorded Masterchefs on my Humax. Mother has been reasonably well behaved. I have beamed like a sunbeam.

..After a spat with Mother last night I retired early to my room with a jar of Boots cold cream and book about life in the Middle Ages. And by Middle Ages I mean the fourteenth century and not what happens when one hits 50+. That's a whole new story, epic at some stages. At any rate I tiptoed to bed. The Cold Cream by the way, is excellent and fairly priced. Keeping youthful needn't cost a lot. Mind you, being abstemious regarding alcohol helps de-puffyfy:)

This morning before the cock crowed, another spat, this time there was nowhere to go except the kitchen so therein I wept. Not literally of course just internally. My whole set of innards churning and squirming by what ma had said. The beastly thing is sometimes she's right. The woman has mastered the knack of aiming for my jugular and never missing AND IT HURTS!

We haven't spoken since and I haven't hoovered the messy mat.

When events leave a rancid smell in my nostrils I bake. So after popping to the shop I set about making some bread, a gnocchie topping  and some Hazelnut Pieces, possibly the nicest tasting fancies I make. A simple sponge mixture hides a cinnamon and hazelnut underbelly. Gorgeous.
The gnocchie which is cut into fingers, is the roof which covers lightly fried lean pork, sage, lots of garlic and sliced regular mushrooms. I've made enough just for two, mother wouldn't approve of such a mix so for her a haddock and tuna pie. Everybody happy...

Steering myself away from culinary...Ronnie O'Sullivan is playing fellow Essex man, Ali Carter this afternoon. Should be worth braving the drawing room.

Now I must fly.

On The Way Out I Spotted A Dodgy But Loved Bird Table

Lifting Mother into the car I told her to stay put whilst I did the bizzo.

"£3" said Jill
Gulp.I didn't think whether the falling to bits table was worth the £3 my only thoughts were of how much Fun I'd have getting it in the car. So I paid Jill and squeezed it in.
"Ooooooh Ang" mum said as a some dust and debris fell on her head
"Oh it's alright" said I gleaming like a child with a new toy
"I know a man who can fix it up"......

And he is, as I type, fixing it up.
My dear Hairy, the Sleepless Man, is drilling a whatnot into a shattered piece of something just so a handful of birds have a choice of eateries:)

I'm loving today.

Also bought was a book about Men of Battles, a present for Mr Horsehound.

And for my body, a beautiful embroidered type jacket in subtle shades of green and pink by Anne Brooks (?) Not being a fashionista I don't know Ms Brooks but I do know I love her gear. Size 12. Nipped in waist. Flaring out over hips.Good shoulders. Tailored is the only word. £2.25.
A black top. Blousey see through in parts with jumper type bit thereabouts. Decorated with silver chains and coins. Goth-Lite. Ideal for Sainsburys run.
Silver grey sensible jumper. Faux buttoned at the neck. Perfect for girl-about-the-house-days.
A John Rocha shirt for Hairy. As a gift for all the  good he does. £1.25.
Tortoiseshell sunglasses. 10p
2 finger puppets. 20p

Awake Listening To Birds

And there's a Newcomer.
As I laid I thought...
Not a Collared Dove, Robin or Thrush, this song, his song, had a continental feel to it, a high pitched tremulous collection of notes. Whatever the bird, he had me.

Then I came back...and had to get up. I liked what I saw...the sunlight...... it'd help me get through the day I thought.

Another trip into Southend, another hard days pushing of the wheelchair. But I'll be looking after myself by treating myself to Roses, NOT the chocolates, but anything by Yardleys. Mother recently gave me her bottle of Yardley's Roses Eau de Toilette and it suits me so much. After years of wearing heavier scents I've found a perfume that really suits.

Would St George Like An Italian Style Pork Chop

Because that's what's on offer in the Very English Bungalow tonight.

If he storms orf  in disgust at the thought of garlicky basily chops he might want to drop in tomorrow when I'll be making a True English Cockney Classic....Poy and Maaaash with Parsley Liquor.

Talking of all things luverly here's a pic of the flowers I bought the other day. Some are out back, some decorate my frontage, but wherever they grow they please.
I'll get a pic of my frontage and post it asap, it's a weird looking place, a cornucopia of real earthy dirt and plastic.

It's a lovely St George's day. Warm and bright. This morning in Rochford Square Market everyone seemed jollier, a market trader even commenting on my skirt. She said she'd bought a dress similar to it when in Glastonbury last week. I like Glastonbury I told her and it's true I do, I went there once and climbed to the top brushing my red jeans against the mighty Tor.
The place had an air about it. Joseph of Arimathea stopped there, and, as legend goes, had Jesus as a companion. At any rate the beautiful scenery did it for me.

I like Mother Nature when she's agreeable.

Just took a large sunflower seeded loaf from the oven. I couldn't be more pleased, it's a beauty.

Feeling in dire need of space and air I cleared away some recipe books from the kitchen dresser freeing up that space for cooking ingredients like spices and oils.
My forest of recipe books vary in size from wee paperbacks with their backs falling away to grand shiny hardbacks without scars or rips.

This afternoon I toddled around in the garden for a bit, mostly for some cool air but also to get away from mum and the telly. Mother has now taken to my new settee, a crime in my eyes. To think that the shrinking old bean with horrendous feet will be my neighbour as I text makes me fee a little sick. We all need our space and so far my settees both old and new have had only one bum on them and that's mine. Admittedly I have been known to allow male bums to get close and squash my pads but those times are rare. I feel now a certain kind of dread that my once throne has been taken over and I am bitterly sad.

Talking of sad. I am.A bit.  I suppose I'm feeling the result of a never ending round of shopping, doctors, drugs and feet. Only today did I do her feet. Hitching them up onto my lap as someone played someone in a snooker match I carefully clipped her rhino nails. My God they are thick. Think doorstep. And so, as bits of yellowing nail flew into the teacup I tried to think positively. It didn't work, I just got a headache.

I eventually left mother to admire her short nails and made my way to the kitchen where I made the aforementioned loaf. Also made was a huge pan of minestrone soup containing amongst other things; pearly barley, rice and home grown marjoram.
To accompany the soup; a thick cheese scone.

 From Avon I've ordered an exercise rope thing for my tum.
I slip my feet into straps and pull myself up from a prostrate position.
Could make a good photo...

Resurgam.

To celebrate being back online I thought a picture of Spring and rebirth seemed appropriate. So here am I, non-young but appealingly active gliding through acres of  young primroses and cucumbers.