tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38097626702343495402024-03-13T09:07:58.593-07:00maidofdevonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-74140681013503696332013-08-01T00:52:00.001-07:002013-08-01T00:52:50.604-07:00Where does the time fly?<br />
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Heloooooooooooooo<br />
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It’s been a hectic period in this home of late lots of bits getting done. I have been away from the gym as I think I have a stress fracture in my foot and x-ray this week will confirm it or not.<br />
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I like to read a blog called fugal queen. About a woman’s journey from debt into financial freedom and living well within her means. I came across this blog by accident and it has proven to be a useful tool in making me think outside the box a bit more. Always did live cheep but not always as creatively as I would have liked to.<br />
I now look at what I spend and try and push it a little further. <br />
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This month I have taken what I have had in my fridge and wrung the living life out of it. Finally I’m on its last gasps so today’s menu looks like this.<br />
Ingredients available<br />
3 spring onions <br />
A small bit of cheese<br />
Couple of toms<br />
A pepper<br />
Small bit of cucumber.<br />
And the ends of some beetroot<br />
A lettuce heart some homemade potato salad made (from a 14p tin new spuds using some of the spring onion greens)<br />
And some Sainsbury’s basics Cole slaw witch I padded out with a fat carrot and it worked a treat <br />
There are also some spuds (fresh) and a little buttery type spread.<br />
I have about ½ pint of milk and 4 eggs. This is the plan.<br />
Beat the eggs add milk and seasoning chop up ALL of the spring onions and great the cheese mix with the egg and add as much of the milk as wanted. Poor into a baking dish. Pop on a sliced tom and bake for about 20 mins ish on 150-200degrees. Will chop up reaming lettuce tomato and scrappy bit of cucumber and add the bit of leftover slaw, beetroot and spud salad to go with.<br />
There are a couple of banana buns in the freezer for himself and I shall bake some basic biscuits to have with a cuppa.<br />
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Wedding <b></b></i><br />
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Finally the dressmaker has ordered the fabric so next stage would be getting the pattern cut. Other things are progressing S.L.O.W.L.Y. I know himself would like a hog roast somewhere for the reception but I feel it’s going to be a little too expensive. I have heard of a community hall that has a kitchen bar and a good space for people, usual amenities as well and I feel finally he is willing to go and have a look. We could hire someone to assist with the catering to help side step some of the cost. As I said “Darling I am marring you” “If others want to join us that’s fine but truly if they’re going to judge us on the meal ect then frankly I would rather just have a micro sized day (we will be a small party anyhow) than try to please others before you” he agreed so now all I have to do is get his arse out and get him to have a look see lol <br />
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<b>ROOF<i></i></b><br />
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We seem to have progress of sorts the organization that (threw up) built our home said they will foot the bill for all damage both inside and out I do hope they mean to replace my built in wardrobe as well. We called as we had heard nothing for a bit and were told that another builder should have contacted us and would do so by 4pm yesterday. Surprise surprise no call so that is a job for this morning. Keep you posted on that one.<br />
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<b>SEWING<i></i></b><br />
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Dearly beloved wanted some lightweight cotton jammie bottoms. We are trying not to spend unnecessarily and I was lucky enough to find such a pattern free on line what would fit him. So far all I have been able to do is print the darn thing out. I did get very lucky in a charity shop, found one double and one king-sized quilt cover for 99p each rang and asked him if he minded pink he was cool with that lol so it looks like I’m going to get at least 4 pairs out of it and have some fabric left for patchwork! Now that’s my Idea of good use.<br />
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DIY UPCYCLING<br />
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Dad has turned in to a re vamped Tommy Walsh and is doing OK for a man whose not into D.I.Y. a set of shelves for me near my side of the bed he’s done a STUNNING job of a very beet up set of drawers and they have pride of place beside my bed. Also a <br />
Couple of cupboards for me in the kitchen. Can’t tell you the difference it has made and a shelf over the radiator so I can pop my radio on there and move my mixer to a small piece of non nondescript worktop and make better use of the very little space I have. <br />
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Recently I have been on the hunt for furniture as you know I want pieces that are cheap made of wood and have some strength to them so far I have been very lucky thanks to a small thrift shop I know of. I even managed to get a free piece that she was offering as a giveaway no on collected and I asked if it was still free and home it will come sometime next week when she is back from holiday. We were lucky enough to score a new to us table and chairs for the garden that will suit the space we have much better and my sister can have the larger set. £25.00<br />
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I also found a Parker knoll chair for £4.00. I stripped it and the labels were still attached and one was stuck to the frame saying 9th September 1956 even gave the number of the piece worker and the type of fabric it was. And have some sample curtains I picked up in a sale for £2.50 each fully lined and there is more than enough to cover the chair and line it. Dad said he would polish up the wood ass it is a chair with legs and not a recliner. Can’t wait will be fab. I think by the time we have finished it will have cost a maximum of £10 all in. Will post pictures.<br />
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Dad has shown an interest in also sprucing up the dining chairs and I have said I will cover them hose is going to look fab and we will have spent little. Looking forward to that. The reason why I am going for it a t the mo is there are some very small funds available and I want to, well for me at least future proof the house. I know a time is coming quite soon always happens sooner that you think where funds won’t just be lumpy they will be static and that’s that. So if I do things now. I won’t have to worry about wear and tear other than at some date new seat pads or a mattress that sort of thing, as wood always can be freshened up. I also have enough basic skills to re cover seat pads and make cushions and the like.<br />
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I can honestly say despite the challenges and the down days I am happy with this period of my life feels like I am getting somewhere and am moving forward but with direction.<br />
Please let me know whats going on in your world would love to hear. all the best <br />
RachelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-52603679990359026502013-06-16T03:27:00.001-07:002013-06-16T03:27:17.502-07:00It’s been a busy old week here<br />
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<b><br />
Vets<i></i></b><br />
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Autumn had to go back to the vets about her teeth and one extraction later and a good de gunking she’s chowing down like a good un. Had to go and top up her wet food but also order some dried as she was eating the general dried food and that’s not so hot for my old girl. I do wish the others would go back to the cheaper brands as that is costing me £15.00 a week for them Autumn is about £30 and that doesn’t include Jack the mad mad terrier and feeding us. However he result we good the extra pill for her thyroid is working and her kidneys seem to be reacting to the new diet very well. The vet made no apologies for extracting £218 from my shaking hand! Don’t begrudge her the health care but dear lord!<br />
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<b>Were in the money!<i></i></b><br />
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Did have a nice surprise my coop dividend paid out was £8.40 and it couldn’t have come at a better time I wanted to do a small roast beef for father’s day but pennies were not happening not only did I buy it in the coop but from the reduced section as well. That teemed with peas carrots spuds n Yorkshires will do just fine. Also managed to cobble together a fruitcake with the leftover dried fruit that I had for Christmas and that I bought greatly reduced. The booze bottle wad well behaved and allowed me some for this cake leaving me enough for a Christmas one!<br />
Charity shops and finding what you need...<br />
Managed to find something for dads prezzie went for my usual Friday coffee with some of the knitting people I know and there were a good smattering of charity shops one was having a clear out and were offering buy one get one free on their CDS. Costing £1.50 each so I went and had a look. Not only were there ones that dad liked there was a double Christmas album and she counted that as one CD so 9 disks for £5.50. Making them 61pence each. I was so chuffed. Also wanted to do something for D.B His kids never seem to bother, now if they had had a falling out or some difficulties I would understand but not even a card. I know times are tough but hells teeth make one if you are really really pushed pop um all in the one envelope and share the postage! OK rant over. Anyhow went into another one and found two pairs of marks and Spencer jammies D.D S size tops and bottoms in FAB nick £3.00. Bought them as he spends so much time in bed jammies are always welcome. We have one charity shop we have here called “jeremiahs journey” they help children and teens who have lost one or both parents wonderful charity helped my mate out no end. I purchased a good white cotton sheet from them for £1. Also went on a bit of a wander through town yesterday needed the time and space on my own just to blow out the cob webs<br />
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<b>Vintage fair<i></i></b>.<br />
Saturday afternoon there was a small vintage type fair on in town not going for a spend but to gather ideas for the wedding and I wasn’t disappointed. There were some good ideas as to what to do with books that are falling apart. As I have some over thumbed copies and odd cotton job done!<br />
So the plan is (not the plan is lol) to tidy the spare room as we can’t pop things back into the loft till the roofs done. And then I will sort through my ideas and look to making a mock up and see what D.B thinks. After the fair we went for a budget coffee. Poppa is on o2 and they do promo vouchers for bits so we make use of those. So a knit and a natter were had for free!<br />
We then split and I went for a wander. Boy did I get lucky in the cancer research shop a lady was just coming in with donations and there was a large very plain 6 drawer storage box. Holding CDs. Said to the assistant interested in the box only how much please. Oh gimme a fiver she said. I have been looking about for one of these for I can’t tell you how long. It’s just the right size to hold the over spill of D.DBs aftershaves and pills all the odds and ends I have some drawer plates out in the shed and will pop them on so we don’t have to keep searching each time. And that coupled with the much sought for small extra bathroom cabinet I bought at the car boot Saturday morning for £2.00. All are sturdy and in b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l order. These are things that I am not going to have to re purchase again and when they look a little tired WILL get re vamped. As it will be home made gift giving this year and I am in the throes of making a start on that ,I found two feather filled cushion pads for a pound a pop and 2 double poly cotton flat sheets and a fitted double all in the same colour. A pretty pale blue wonderful order (just like the white sheet I bought the other day) and to cap it all if you had six items you only paid for five so it meant that I could put in the pretty blue tablecloth that I was going to forego. (So something else to go into the box for our wedding). Making each item just over 83 pence each. Out of the sheets I will get 3 complete flat and one “sides to middle” plus a couple of pillow cases for just over 11pence an item. So not feeling to rotten about that, however when I add in cotton and reclaimed ribbon we may hit about 20 pence.<br />
It was good to have a mooch found what I needed and the cost was minimal I do try and have a little back of the wallet cash for moments like this. I don’t do them very often but you never know.<br />
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<b><br />
Father’s Day<br />
<i></i></b><br />
Well woke to have a short but wonderful breakfast with my Father. I can honestly say if he wasn’t my Dad I would still want to know him as a person.<br />
So a late lunch a rotten film and a slumbering afternoon will be just wonderful. I also managed to have a nice morning with my man, he liked the jammies and so far we have had only one text from his children there are four in total. I will cook a lunch for him as well and when I come up later in the day as he will be sleeping, we can sit chill and snuggle in front of some delish crappie telly.<br />
However you are father weather inheriting or not I hope you have a wonderful day.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-30379138747951864012013-06-11T11:52:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:52:12.948-07:00in for a penny....<br />
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D.B had his opp and it seems to have gone well. I took off the wadding from his eye cover and he said the floaters are there but his vision is clearer and he can make out my shape and colours for now. Tomorrow lunchtime is when we are able to remove the cover completely but for the next four weeks we will pop in eye drops 2 sorts. one lot 4 x a day another 3x a day.<br />
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Called the vets about Autumn said that she was sucking the gravy only from her renal diet food pouches and was told bring her down on Friday and they will run her bloods and possibly operate on her teeth then. Fab says I and books her in. Then had a chance conversation with Dad saying I had seen her nibble on some of the normal dry food that the rest of the clan was eating. Oh yes said Dad shes been doing that quite a bit. Rang the vet as I thought it was relevant. another £45.00 later I get off the phone so far today in theory (Friday will be the actuality) I have spent £210.00 on Autumn. I dont begrudge her a penny I want her as well as she can be for the time we have left with her. Please make the bills disappear! <br />
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<br />
as you know like Liza's Henry there is a hole in our roof. we chatted to the powers that be and they are the ones who set the premiums NOT the insurance. As fro negotiating a payment plan not on yer Nelly!(nice lil earner me thinks. this is my own personal opinion and no one else's nor is it based in /on any fact)We were put in touch with a solicitor whom I think will kick bum as Dad said. He dont sound like the buggerin' around sort! at £215 per hour I hope hes not lol.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc_VKZoBkCA/UbdxHZVsdWI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Zo8LZvK4Sog/s1600/wedding-invitation_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc_VKZoBkCA/UbdxHZVsdWI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/Zo8LZvK4Sog/s320/wedding-invitation_1.jpg" /></a><br />
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D.B no longer wants the venue down the road for the reception . to be honest I am glad it looked a hole and for the price one part was £500.00 to dress the room. and the its they had that were available for use( a furthermore charge and that we could only hire there in house DJ was very off putting. So for now the search continues.<br />
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Did manage to take some craft with me to the hospital have a heap of unfinished bits knocking around and finished one cover and will finish another in a little while.<br />
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I am not too sure what is happening re Fathers day I have bought the gift my sister asked me to get for him and I have bought a card. I want to make a fruit cake as he loves them and its knowing what else to do might do the pajama bottoms he was talking about the other day that should serve him well. Marks n sparks here I come!<br />
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that's it for now I'm tired and am wanting me pit some bad telly to help me fella out and then some sleep. if I'm lucky lol <br />
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hope all is well with you and yours<br />
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Rachel<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-65344837102037137112013-06-10T21:48:00.001-07:002013-06-10T22:06:37.128-07:00out of sight?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSYDbiU-7Q0/UbavOCToP5I/AAAAAAAAAVM/-k16HN-eCu8/s1600/3blindmice.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSYDbiU-7Q0/UbavOCToP5I/AAAAAAAAAVM/-k16HN-eCu8/s320/3blindmice.jpg" /></a><br />
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To day is D day. D.B goes in to have a cataract removed but sadly not the floaters. this is the only eye that works and its teetering as to if that will continue.<br />
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I am so worried for him. He is worried to but says little, that's his way.<br />
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We found out what the excess on the roof is from the housing authority we have shared ownership with it is £906.00. We will seek some advice on this in my hear I know we are on a loosing wicket contesting, this I know sounds defeatist but my little voice is screaming at me and will not shut up!.<br />
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Autumn my old girl of a cat who not only has hyperthyroidism is now in the beginning stages of renal failure will not eat the diet the vet has prescribed. I do hope it is just the fact that she has a problem with her teeth and we need to stabilize her meds in order for her to have them attended to.<br />
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Right need to go and see how D.D is doing as he needs his meds and some brekkie before we leave.<br />
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Hope life in your world is happy safe and well.<br />
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chat later<br />
RachelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-92182014013544998392013-06-06T00:04:00.000-07:002013-06-06T00:04:05.247-07:00My leftovers have leftovers<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-YFs1Qy_48/UbAwlQKgdnI/AAAAAAAAAT4/tLl2Y3UCjps/s1600/caveman_invented_leftovers_378045.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-YFs1Qy_48/UbAwlQKgdnI/AAAAAAAAAT4/tLl2Y3UCjps/s320/caveman_invented_leftovers_378045.jpg" /></a><br />
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Need to go through the fridge. It looks like a car pileup .With all this stunning weather I have become deeply entrenched in the I don’t give a toss phase of cooking and going down the road for overpriced over processed crud. I NEED A KICK UP THE ARSE!!!!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecKtnfETEk4/UbAyArdMAII/AAAAAAAAAUI/w3XbxKBarqQ/s1600/risotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecKtnfETEk4/UbAyArdMAII/AAAAAAAAAUI/w3XbxKBarqQ/s320/risotto.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I THINK I will make risotto today as I have chicken coming out the wazoo and some leftover veg that with some salad and fruit for dessert should kick me back into line,<br />
Think I will also go down the road and buy a couple of chickens and roast them off as its really salad type weather and l can’t be bothered to cook much. <br />
Need to do some banana bread for DB as he’s mad for it and custard. Instead of making a loaf I pop the mix into muffin cases and it helps with portion control.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92Wx9AKzW6g/UbAySmztWfI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/5CQ2cCpiJl4/s1600/banana+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92Wx9AKzW6g/UbAySmztWfI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/5CQ2cCpiJl4/s320/banana+bread.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Banana bread<br />
<br />
<br />
3 small or 1 medium or one small one large Banana<br />
8ox plain flour<br />
3 teaspoons of baking powder per 8oz<br />
8oz of marg/butter or a mix of<br />
4 good sized eggs<br />
8oz sugar brown or white even a mix of.<br />
Optional extras... some cinnamon or mix spice to taste any dries fruit mixed or otherwise<br />
If you have a mixer throw everything into it and beat the living heck out of all the ingredients until light and fluffy.<br />
If I am making buns/muffins I cook at 200c if you have a llb loaf tin adjust to what you think I normally go down to about 100c or just over and keep an eye on things. Leave it to cool and then slice and freeze if you are bulk making for future use.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyEzIohiigk/UbAyn0dO0rI/AAAAAAAAAUY/YOsla_N9Hv0/s1600/pea+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qyEzIohiigk/UbAyn0dO0rI/AAAAAAAAAUY/YOsla_N9Hv0/s320/pea+soup.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Pea and mint soup<br />
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Depending on you love of peas and how thick you want it one bag of basics peas 1.84 celery or onion or spring onion depending on what you have about 5-10p<br />
Pint of veg sock chicken or a mix of 1.5p per cub either basics or Everyday value<br />
Fresh mint Free if home grown or about £1 ish from Aldi and you can take cuttings and put it in a bucket in the garden.<br />
Season to taste, go easy with the mint as you can always add more if you want to.<br />
Cook gently over a medium to low heat and serve with oven baked sweet potato chips<br />
This is a new fave of mine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDyzm9vb_oQ/UbAzKJAtXRI/AAAAAAAAAUg/dRfhB_4tk7c/s1600/powdered+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDyzm9vb_oQ/UbAzKJAtXRI/AAAAAAAAAUg/dRfhB_4tk7c/s320/powdered+milk.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have also reviewed my milk bill and found I can buy powdered milk from Sainsbury basic for !.01 and get 6 pints for the price equaling 16.83p per pint if you add the cost of water in I guesstimate about 17p a pint. The only time I would use a pint of ordinary is when I make Yorkshire puddings using ½ pint of full fat milk but I would get 2 dozen puds out of this<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDpmIG9myf0/UbAzpYwzVKI/AAAAAAAAAUs/bwcSX_a-nMA/s1600/sprouting+spud.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDpmIG9myf0/UbAzpYwzVKI/AAAAAAAAAUs/bwcSX_a-nMA/s320/sprouting+spud.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
If you have a potato with lots of sprouting on it peal the spud save the peelings plant then out and you should get a good small crop of spuds in about 5 months. <br />
<br />
If an onion has started to sprout don’t throw it away use the green sprouting but as an alternative to chives and you still have the onion for cooking.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0VShY0PNqk/UbAz7dctJ9I/AAAAAAAAAU0/SuToApXpFNc/s1600/dried+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0VShY0PNqk/UbAz7dctJ9I/AAAAAAAAAU0/SuToApXpFNc/s320/dried+bread.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
If you have bread drying out in the bread bin don’t chuck it, when the oven is next and you have turned it off put in on a oven tray and leave till the oven is cold and you will have a crisp bread of sorts for anything you fancy. I like this as an alternative to the usual bread crumbs and bread and butter pudding.<br />
I like to keep the bread bags back for freezing other things as well<br />
The drama on the roof continues and I am still waiting on my wedding fabric. DB has his eye op next week and I’m still procrastinating about paper work.<br />
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Off to Aldi and will catch you all later xxxxx<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-78691282469972235882013-06-04T22:44:00.000-07:002013-06-04T22:44:00.209-07:00<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj1o7I-2OBY/Ua7MXyo6qTI/AAAAAAAAASY/vvZebcke6qg/s1600/morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj1o7I-2OBY/Ua7MXyo6qTI/AAAAAAAAASY/vvZebcke6qg/s320/morning.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
Morning all<br />
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<br />
Well life thickens as it does, Have needed to go to the vets a lot this week cats are getting older and health needs are rearing there very ugly heads.<br />
I have six furry free loaders. Don’t get me wrong they are very much loved and wanted but gee their bums lol.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmOaBdbR1Eo/Ua7MwbRgMEI/AAAAAAAAASg/1bag8_XF-Mc/s1600/black+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmOaBdbR1Eo/Ua7MwbRgMEI/AAAAAAAAASg/1bag8_XF-Mc/s320/black+cat.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
My eldest Dora is thankfully in good nick went and had a check up and we believe she has the very early stages of arthritis.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAFNHT16qmM/Ua7NtYa05eI/AAAAAAAAASw/2oZeRigR6pg/s1600/bwcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAFNHT16qmM/Ua7NtYa05eI/AAAAAAAAASw/2oZeRigR6pg/s320/bwcat.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
My other girl Clover (youngest) has a bladder condition that gives her permanent cystitis so I need to order pills on line. Thank god they are not on prescription! So easy enough for me to do.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTa6u7I3wL8/Ua7OLa9NhSI/AAAAAAAAAS4/yaVrSaWr4K4/s1600/bramble.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTa6u7I3wL8/Ua7OLa9NhSI/AAAAAAAAAS4/yaVrSaWr4K4/s320/bramble.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
We also have my old boy Bramble who bless his is a scrawny thing with a heart murmur and a thinning coat. He always looks puzzled by life and has the sharpest claws I have ever encountered. Well last year he developed a sarcoma and we had the affected area removed but it came back so we had the ear amputated. The sarcoma was called something unpronounceable and apparently as a rule only dogs get this on their spleen! And to top it all I needed to take him back to the vets yesterday he had a serotonin growth on the side of his cheek and the Vet said this is what horns are made of. Tell me she said does this cat ever get anything normal? lol nope not our Bramble!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1C3a3ridtY/Ua7ObrHYN3I/AAAAAAAAATA/UYlYrOfYLr8/s1600/Tortoiseshell-white+american+wirehair.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1C3a3ridtY/Ua7ObrHYN3I/AAAAAAAAATA/UYlYrOfYLr8/s320/Tortoiseshell-white+american+wirehair.JPG" /></a><br />
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Then there is Autumn who’s markings made me think of falling leaves she is my golden eyed VERY independent miss, she is not so well. Her Hyperthyroidism has escalated and we need to try and get 2 pills a day down her, which is proving to be interesting and to put the icing on the cake she now has the onset of renal failure and needs to go on a special diet, at £30 per week this coupled with he fact that my clan are getting older. There are 6 of them and diets have now to be changed so that’s about £20 per week for them. Seriously though I am looking very hard at what deals are about and what they will eat.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V14q7A5RUk/Ua7OtrdpcpI/AAAAAAAAATI/utS_REp3JjE/s1600/math.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V14q7A5RUk/Ua7OtrdpcpI/AAAAAAAAATI/utS_REp3JjE/s320/math.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I am thinking I need to do some serious math! Lol As I am getting married next year and to top it all the insurance will not cover the roof. It frighteners me as to the potential cost. We are at the moment talking to the building council as to the builders liability, long long story but believe me I want to yell and kick arse but will go softly as that’s the best way to do it for now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaNaVOKp5c4/Ua7PPrT7JjI/AAAAAAAAATQ/WebJ7s1x5cw/s1600/homemade-christmas-gift-baskets-21415027.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaNaVOKp5c4/Ua7PPrT7JjI/AAAAAAAAATQ/WebJ7s1x5cw/s320/homemade-christmas-gift-baskets-21415027.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
So looks like another VERY homemade Christmas again this year but within limits. Last year I crocheted me Butt off for people and (I know you shouldn’t expect a thank you) not even an acknowledgement of thanks.<br />
<br />
So will sew gift bags and see what they have in the budget section of the charity shops and car boot. And make an adult jamboree pack.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glQ2gZHF_t4/Ua7Pgyfe43I/AAAAAAAAATY/vzOfPMsQAPU/s1600/Folding-Pallet-Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glQ2gZHF_t4/Ua7Pgyfe43I/AAAAAAAAATY/vzOfPMsQAPU/s320/Folding-Pallet-Chair.jpg" /></a><br />
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On a brighter note we are having a fab make do and med session in the garden. The fence is being painted with a nice rich brown colour and Dad had painted up the hanging basket brackets and stand for the sun brolly. That one needs fixing but a bit of wood and a screw and job done.<br />
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I am hoping there will be enough paint over to freshen up the wooden furniture we have as well fingers crossed.<br />
Refreshed the hanging baskets and planted some seed in them that we have had around for god knows how long but what the heck see how it goes. Dad said he would pressure wash down our very very small patio area so should brighten it up with a good bit of effort.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5sAmWga-Vk/Ua7PwBSPgXI/AAAAAAAAATg/hZNJ_GWNvv8/s1600/apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5sAmWga-Vk/Ua7PwBSPgXI/AAAAAAAAATg/hZNJ_GWNvv8/s320/apples.jpg" /></a><br />
The pippin apple tree I bought and popped in a planter has flowered and looks like it will bear us some fruit and the herbs are going on well. Planted some nasturtiums and they will be good in a salad and bring wonderful colour to the garden. Not only that I love the idea of them self seeding as did the wild geranium I brought from the last house. Hoping that the packet of “love in the mist” when scattered will do the same. Such a pretty pale blue flower and is one of my favourites. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE1c37B-W8k/Ua7QA6TdniI/AAAAAAAAATo/MxJa_-_EhPY/s1600/love-in-the-mist21.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AE1c37B-W8k/Ua7QA6TdniI/AAAAAAAAATo/MxJa_-_EhPY/s320/love-in-the-mist21.jpg" /></a><br />
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So that’s it for now just need to get arse into gear and go forth so to speak! <br />
How’s life in your world?<br />
Chat soon<br />
xxxxxx<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-25721685179571686912013-06-02T22:34:00.001-07:002013-06-02T22:34:31.981-07:00<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxGbWaPjMrU/UawqTMV7CuI/AAAAAAAAASA/fwfC6gncbBQ/s1600/repair-a-leaking-roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxGbWaPjMrU/UawqTMV7CuI/AAAAAAAAASA/fwfC6gncbBQ/s320/repair-a-leaking-roof.jpg" /></a><br />
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Well the man will come to see about the sieve, i mean roof that we have a problem with.<br />
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So fingers crossed for that I also have a million and one phone calls to make today.<br />
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Will write an update soon as we had a girls craft day out and my sister came briefly.<br />
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Hope you are all well <br />
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chat soon Rachel <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRbuaNsH0ac/Uawq0JLABKI/AAAAAAAAASI/f0NF-y8zPgo/s1600/BlueSkySunshineFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRbuaNsH0ac/Uawq0JLABKI/AAAAAAAAASI/f0NF-y8zPgo/s320/BlueSkySunshineFlowers.jpg" /></a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-90701066339175775752013-05-30T22:27:00.002-07:002013-05-30T22:27:53.079-07:00I cant stand the rain...<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9rCbnFd3pI/Uag0NbqbcaI/AAAAAAAAARo/yM-APIz3F6k/s1600/rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9rCbnFd3pI/Uag0NbqbcaI/AAAAAAAAARo/yM-APIz3F6k/s320/rain.jpg" /></a><br />
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Update <br />
<br />
We finally got to speak to someone who said do this and they told us to speak to another someone. We waited for a call back. <br />
<br />
Hello" said a voice " We can come to you <b>next <i></i></b> Wednesday" when we made the call it was Tuesday. <br />
<br />
"Dad said " hmm not happy, "we have a leek" its the roof. " what if it rains? <br />
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"Sorry said the girl Wednesday week, but if there are any cancellations or we can fit you in earlier we will" <br />
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"Dad went and made a call to someone else. lovely friendly and genuinely helpful someone else. We get a call back from ms a week next Wednesday. Her voice was dripping with insincerity and said<br />
<br />
"we can come late Monday morning" <br />
<br />
"we will take it said Dad". <br />
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There were suggestions of use getting a builder in and invoicing us and we send to the insurers and all the faffing around that goes with it. To be honest that made us more nervous as the initial conversation with insurance person made it sound like we were covered for naff all.<br />
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Watch this space as next week I show you how to live in a sieve and all the fun decorating you can do!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8zQrp05Mas/Uag0tQsklkI/AAAAAAAAARw/zEmmkiMDY1U/s1600/sieve.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8zQrp05Mas/Uag0tQsklkI/AAAAAAAAARw/zEmmkiMDY1U/s320/sieve.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-9405523418680644282013-05-28T00:00:00.001-07:002013-05-28T00:00:45.026-07:00IT’S MEANT TO STAY OUTSIDE!!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZTFwOV0iMU/UaRWC9qADfI/AAAAAAAAARY/t0AOW1EITj4/s1600/leek.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZTFwOV0iMU/UaRWC9qADfI/AAAAAAAAARY/t0AOW1EITj4/s320/leek.jpg" /></a><br />
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Yesterday we had rain, nothing unusual you think, me thinks the same as well. Anyhow I was sitting at the computer last night and I heard a tapping sound. Couldn’t make it out and thought that Dad may be clipping his toenails and they were hitting the hard floor, so never thought about it again.<br />
Time came to go to bed and I was pottering sorting out D.B’s supper prepping meds nothing wild and after I got into bed I heard it again. Tap, tap, tap; we have a leak in our bedroom roof at the juncture where the fitted wardrobe ends. I am sick of this. The builders work is shoddy at best and there have been so many people through this house to try and get them to sort there act out. The organisation that deals with shoddy building work has even been in and said to them. “You may have built this to a standard but not to our standard. What he meant was that the house has been built to the minimum standard possible. This isn’t necessarily a good thing. I feel cross defeated resigned and couldn’t give a F**K. So now we have get the local housing company we have shared ownership with involved (I, We have little or no confidence in them) and the builders as well! I thank god that we are insured (but hopeful as I need to check) that the housing company are responsible for outside maintenance. However something tells me it’s only going to be sweeping up and keeping things tidy. We shall know more later today. Something has to change and not for changing sake, it’s deciding what.. What angers me even more is this is a new build I saw it being constructed. We were so please about each new brick and piece of mortar that was put in place. This has to be our forever home there is no money ever again to move. We were part of a compulsory buy out when our old was being regenerated. We were told that there would be help and we would get a fair price we got neither and had to hire a negotiator to work on ours and others behalf. There was me my father and my disable partner. No way of getting a mortgage and believe me we tried even the less then friendly places. We had to scrap for this one as well because some thicky in social services said that we would have to wait till it was built to see if it was deemed suitable for my Partner. Wouldn’t listen to the fact that we had had a big pow pow with all sorts of people regarding this. I never ever want to move again the thought leaves me cold tired and a sick feeling in my stomach.<br />
Hate seeing dad vexed particularly in this period of life when he should be able to go easy and not worry<br />
Last thing we need as D.B has an assessment not only that there is a carer in to help him shower and one in to sit with him whilst I go and do some bits.<br />
Right need to get a move on <br />
Chat later <br />
xxx<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-46945779524890940142013-05-27T23:57:00.000-07:002013-05-27T23:57:53.831-07:00Recipes<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvK3f4k59zY/UaRVZHwOWMI/AAAAAAAAARM/teYcKhbDcXs/s1600/cooking-pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvK3f4k59zY/UaRVZHwOWMI/AAAAAAAAARM/teYcKhbDcXs/s320/cooking-pancake.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
I was surfing the net and I came across these versions for potato pastry as well<br />
Potato Pastry<br />
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Posted on 8th July, 2011 <br />
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Potato Pastry is used in a variety of recipes.<br />
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Potato Pastry (for savoury dishes)<br />
8 oz mashed potatoes.<br />
4 oz flour.<br />
1 oz cooking fat.<br />
½ teaspoonful salt.<br />
Method-Mix the flour with the salt. Rub in the fat and work into the potato. Mix to a very dry dough with a small quantity of cold water. Knead with the fingers and roll out.<br />
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Potato Pastry (for sweet dishes)<br />
8 oz flour.<br />
4 oz mashed potato.<br />
2 oz fat.<br />
½ teaspoonful salt.<br />
Method-Mix the flour and the salt. Cream the fat and the potato, add the flour, and a little water if necessary, to form a rather stiff dough.<br />
<br />
Or <br />
Potato pastry<br />
Treat this as you would short crust pastry and is adaptable to sweet or savoury dishes best to roll it out when it is completely cold so I would give it about an hour in the freezer.<br />
10oz or 350g of self raising flour <br />
If not use plain and pop in some baking powder. The ratio I use is 3 teaspoons to every 8oz<br />
Pinch of salt 8oz or 250g block marg<br />
60z 150g cold mashed spuds no need to make this fresh leftovers are just fine to use as well.<br />
Make the pasty with the rubbing in method either by hand or processor. Add mash and mix together. If you are using your hands a fork will be helpful; at this stage kneed it into a ball.pop it in some cling film and chill.<br />
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Yogurt bake.<br />
One carton of plain yogurt (I use Sainsbury basics at 45p)<br />
2 eggs (aprox 10p each)<br />
2 teaspoons of grain mustard. I use Aldis at 45p for a reasonable sized jar so possibly 4 p in total<br />
Seasoning <br />
Mix the above together very well<br />
If you want you can grate some cheese on top<br />
This is wonderful poured over any leftovers you have and baked in the oven at about 200c or until set can be served with extra veg potatoes and/or salad. Wonderful for using up your odds n ends <br />
<br />
The above can be used in what I call a poor man’s feast.<br />
Part boil some spuds if you haven’t any over whether they are roasted or boiled slice them up <br />
Fry off some onions/leeks/celery very slowly add to it some scrap bacon/chicken/ham or a mix of.<br />
Make the yogurt mix and then begin to layer starting with spuds first then some filling then pour a little of the yogurt mix on it and keep going till you have a layer of spuds left and either sprinkle with cheese or use some of the sauce mix and pop on some herbed bread crumbs.<br />
Bake at 200c or until you like the look of it. <br />
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what recipes do you have that helps save a penny?<br />
<br />
Chat soon <br />
Rachel<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-33531311474187409902013-05-27T23:54:00.002-07:002013-05-27T23:54:57.744-07:00What really matters?<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LVNbQyjefY/UaRUp4CwNuI/AAAAAAAAARA/6hNMTqKqzKo/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LVNbQyjefY/UaRUp4CwNuI/AAAAAAAAARA/6hNMTqKqzKo/s320/butterfly.jpg" /></a><br />
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Saturday 25th 2013<br />
<br />
It’s been a long day and I fell asleep in front of the telly about 8pm and woke about 10pm ish feels like I have drunk from Morpheus cup. I am now off to wake D.B and see how he is. Not been a good day for him heads been spinning and he’s been sleeping although he did managed to watch the grand prix, so I’m pleased about that.<br />
Today there were 4 loads of laundry and a abed to change. Lunch to prep (roast budgie) and clear away, meds to give and cats to feed. I even scrubbed out downstairs loo with an inch of it’s like and decide to put the cake stand in there and use it as storage for the magazines. It Looks fab. I emptied the fridge and to my shame had to throw things out.<br />
I have also spent another day of successfully ignoring the mountain of paper work I have to sort. If procrastination was an asset I would be world leader! :$ But its good things are beginning to have a home and I am feeling less overwhelmed. Not that I was a closet hoarder as you see in telly programmes. I can only imagine the distress it must cause to the person concerned and their loved one. However it was becoming a problem for me.<br />
Dad fixed up the half welsh dresser for me. Its modern and practical no redeeming features but I have decided to paint it and the set of drawers it’s resting on a good jolly colour to blend it in. Dad has finished the set of drawers and it a lot better.<br />
Bank holiday Monday<br />
Was a busy start to the day needed sort laundry and prep brekkie. Dad was sweet and finished off the chest of drawers I have bought. This turned out to be a monumental disappointment , no not what Dad is doing the drawers themselves but I have learnt not to be so trusting and am unlikely to buy from that source this type of thing again.<br />
I was going to spend the afternoon in the garden today but rain put pay to that. So went wild and slouched in front of the telly with tea and crochet. Fortunately there was a film I like with John Candy in it on so settled to that and zonked out after.lol<br />
chat soon<br />
Rachel<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-49032773346531314412013-05-24T23:20:00.000-07:002013-05-24T23:20:07.894-07:00<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftBQVt1mGPY/UaBNmoZDmTI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RKPIZr_IyVM/s1600/blue+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftBQVt1mGPY/UaBNmoZDmTI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RKPIZr_IyVM/s320/blue+flowers.jpg" /></a><br />
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Well the extra pennies that I had have all but gone not overly disappointed ad I used them well and the house is up and running much better than it has ever been. The last will be delivered today a set of drawers and the odd top half of a welsh dresser that I will use in the spare room for all the c.d’s and bit regarding the computer.<br />
Today will be a day of pottering Dad is off to his group and D.B has a helper this morning. I need to go package up some bits for someone. Have been meaning to do it for yonks, so I can drop it off at the post office either today or Saturday. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuMax9WtMLc/UaBPu-l6nzI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qoe_uTItafA/s1600/broken+pennie.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuMax9WtMLc/UaBPu-l6nzI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qoe_uTItafA/s320/broken+pennie.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have been trying to avoid the c word (Christmas) but I know it will loom all of a sudden and I was almost caught out last year no fun crocheting to a deadline so won’t be doing that again need to work out what people will get and stick to it. I’m known for going off in tangents. Seems it’s not just in conversations but life the universe and everything in it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqN3wa9pUAk/UaBQZVruM1I/AAAAAAAAAPg/0OVxXBA8Tfs/s1600/xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqN3wa9pUAk/UaBQZVruM1I/AAAAAAAAAPg/0OVxXBA8Tfs/s320/xmas.jpg" /></a><br />
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Had a good chat with Dad the other day he to apparently has been reviewing his budget and decided to make some cuts. For example we would get out bins cleaned once a fortnight the cost £3.00 equals £78.00 per year we now have a pressure washer so will do it ourselves. <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbgBdPytUQY/UaBQmJbiLqI/AAAAAAAAAPo/T1v9enqJ15U/s1600/cleaning-wheelie-bin-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbgBdPytUQY/UaBQmJbiLqI/AAAAAAAAAPo/T1v9enqJ15U/s320/cleaning-wheelie-bin-l.jpg" /></a><br />
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We also like to go for a coffee when we are out. There are not many vices we have. Neither of us drink, smoke or attend a night club or anything similar so this is a doable treat. However we did decide to see what other coffee shops are about and the cost. There’s a new one out there to meat out shrinking funds I am sure just need to do a bit of research. I also suggested that the good weather is coming soon and a takeout would be cheaper and there are plenty of pretty places to sit dad seemed good with that. I know we could take our own and save a few but with the way life goes of late this is the less stress option. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXAtHYdBu4E/UaBRy2_0eYI/AAAAAAAAAP4/CQ58ch-eDKc/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXAtHYdBu4E/UaBRy2_0eYI/AAAAAAAAAP4/CQ58ch-eDKc/s320/coffee.jpg" /></a><br />
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What I love to do though is pack a flask a sarnie and a book to take myself of for a few hours to Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park run by the local council and makes for a very cheap day out. I don’t normally go to the house but I hear that there are concessions and the like so I will make some enquires. Last time I went they were refurbishing and that was years ago. So long ago in fact I remember the filming a skit for “Russ Abbots Mad House”<br />
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I like Walking to the ferry and my fare over and back (£3.00 I think) and making sure I have bus fare on the way back as sometimes I over do the walking and my back gives in!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPZhVX3kK-g/UaBSP1KBDsI/AAAAAAAAAQA/cU8_9gHr3l8/s1600/mout+edgecomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OPZhVX3kK-g/UaBSP1KBDsI/AAAAAAAAAQA/cU8_9gHr3l8/s320/mout+edgecomb.jpg" /></a><br />
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Did a little food shopping yesterday and Sainsbury’s had some plants in for £3.00 each so we bought a Passion flower. Had one before and it was beautiful covered oodles in a short space of time and I love it when climbers intermingle as you know we have a honey suckle and a rose that is slowly taking off. One rose I do want to get is called rambling rector meant to have masses of blooms and a beautiful scent. If it encourages the butterflies and bees I’m all for that. Anyheeeeeew I digress noticed food has shot up again in price and after chatting to the butcher about my meat order and relaying the conversation back to D.B he said sorry luv no can do this time round I agreed with him and said how about we just do a general meat shop there and call it quits for this month. He agreed and that’s what I will be doing. Anyway back to the supermarket sausages of any worth were £2.99 a unit. So hence the convo re the butchers.<br />
Part 2 Sat 25th may 2013<br />
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Went into Sainsbury’s for cat food and came out a king’s ransom lighter but we were shorter of more than I thought and before I knew it my wallet was gasping on the floor. Ta Ta pennies I knew you well.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkmxiRXixqM/UaBSpzXmfXI/AAAAAAAAAQI/VoumPxY_k50/s1600/Money-flying.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bkmxiRXixqM/UaBSpzXmfXI/AAAAAAAAAQI/VoumPxY_k50/s320/Money-flying.jpg" /></a><br />
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So I think I will pop on the slow cooker today and take out the very last of the lamb and casserole it with the other bits I have in the leftover shelf of the fridge. If they don’t like it they have the following options. The chippy down the road or starve I’m cool with either lol <br />
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Found an old faithful cook book the other day about how to use up your leftovers and be creative so I am thinking will share some as they are darn good and cheap, and I love cheep . it’s like a hug you get a good return and makes ya feel better!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ePO8KlCoJE/UaBTEoUluyI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/lwml4_zHYrE/s1600/leftovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ePO8KlCoJE/UaBTEoUluyI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/lwml4_zHYrE/s320/leftovers.jpg" /></a><br />
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Last of the furniture arrived yesterday tatty top half of a welsh dresser and a set of drawers. The dresser (shelves) will need a bloomin good scrub but it means I can get all the odds n sods kicking around the room up out of the way and if it still looks tatty then out comes the paint! There are a couple of places in town that sell project sized tins for about a £1 and as I only need a little will do that because I am not willing to pay out for something and then watch the remainder go off there is no saving there. I may go wild and paint the “ikea” like mini sets of drawers I have as well whilst I am at it. Might even put on the knobs I saved back from an old set of drawers. I know no stopping me! Lol.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jD1oBoSko_c/UaBWy55WkBI/AAAAAAAAAQg/EUGwandxUM4/s1600/painted+shelves.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jD1oBoSko_c/UaBWy55WkBI/AAAAAAAAAQg/EUGwandxUM4/s320/painted+shelves.JPG" /></a><br />
On Friday I made a tentative step into sorting out the paperwork pile up I have by buying some folders to pop it in. Don’t knock it, it’s a start just need to actually do it now lol <br />
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Right me lovelies that’s it for now will post recipes separately. Tell me what’s going on in your world hope all is well with you and yours<br />
xxxxx<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T0uA5Wf6BY/UaBXtqRCRVI/AAAAAAAAAQw/bdL7ti77iuk/s1600/waveing.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2T0uA5Wf6BY/UaBXtqRCRVI/AAAAAAAAAQw/bdL7ti77iuk/s320/waveing.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-74736224404355058372013-05-20T23:26:00.000-07:002013-05-20T23:26:23.701-07:00Anybody out there?<br />
Heloooooo <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4iXX-yZDwg/UZsOQcB9SbI/AAAAAAAAANY/qXz6IXmrf6w/s1600/0smiley-sun2_sl-designs.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P4iXX-yZDwg/UZsOQcB9SbI/AAAAAAAAANY/qXz6IXmrf6w/s320/0smiley-sun2_sl-designs.jpg" /></a><br />
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Yes I know it has been a while but life kinda took over again. I have been decluttering the house like there is no tomorrow and May I add feeling oddles better about it.<br />
Repurposed a whole heap of furniture got rid of some that was serving no purpose at all other than taking up space. I can see light at the end of the tunnel. and I never knew what a good feeling it would be to go to a cupboard or drawer and actual have confidence that I would find what I needed, ‘ark at me I sound all giddy lol.<br />
We have a wonderful thrift shop here called Little Camden Market run by the irrepressible Dawn where I never really fail to find something of worth. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_j2j54Vy-Q/UZsQJTqvTtI/AAAAAAAAANo/-k90H4Eip_c/s1600/camden.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_j2j54Vy-Q/UZsQJTqvTtI/AAAAAAAAANo/-k90H4Eip_c/s320/camden.jpg" /></a><br />
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So far there has been a small oak side table in STUNNING order for £6.also found a set of bedroom drawers for £30 and a smaller set for £20. One oak book case £10. Managed to find a chair also for£8 and with some t.l.c like the rest of it. It will look fab well the book case came up a treat. For me though one of my very favorite finds as an old wooden 2 tier cake stand £15 folds flat and I thought it would be good to use when temporary storage was needed as it folds flat and can slip behind the sofa. got really lucky a while back and bought a very large curtain lined and padded out with bumf to help keep out the chills in the most stunning autumnal burnt orange (I think it’s a silk or silk mix) for a fiver, Sadly not big enough for my window (I took a hopeful punt on that one) but I will get an outfit out of it for my friends eclectic steam punk wedding. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhoKYC6R7Cc/UZsQ8PjdivI/AAAAAAAAAN0/KW7b6b9VAgg/s1600/steampunk+wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhoKYC6R7Cc/UZsQ8PjdivI/AAAAAAAAAN0/KW7b6b9VAgg/s320/steampunk+wedding.JPG" /></a><br />
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So I will use the padding for a quilt I want to make as our new bed is a super king. Looked at the price of bedding squeaked a little and then decided to re jig what I have as the flat seem will be in the middle all will be good and I can start to re save some pennies. <br />
The reasons for doing this mass turn out are several. I was fed up of never ever finding anything I needed and the place was beginning to look tired and I was getting to the “can’t be arsed stage” not good when there are 6 cats one dog a parent and my dearly beloved to keep an eye on!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3978aDdhCB4/UZsRMQOrsYI/AAAAAAAAAOA/k5F_SBsdue4/s1600/gym.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3978aDdhCB4/UZsRMQOrsYI/AAAAAAAAAOA/k5F_SBsdue4/s320/gym.png" /></a><br />
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Still ploughing on at the gym but it’s been more maintenance than anything else needs to get arse in gear for weight loss. So the chap I see has started to be mean again lol. Thing is I can’t argue he practices what he preaches and has thighs 36 inches each to prove it and that’s not when he’s in training for a competition! Dear lord all I want is to lose some lardy butt! Lol back on the chicken and rice I go lol.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwYppVeA0_E/UZsRmLee8aI/AAAAAAAAAOI/98Ek_O3-1WI/s1600/craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwYppVeA0_E/UZsRmLee8aI/AAAAAAAAAOI/98Ek_O3-1WI/s320/craft.jpg" /></a><br />
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I have had a few craft projects on the go still making granny squares out of old tapestry skeins think I said some were found for as little as 5p in a charity shop so went mad and bought them as the colours were rich and earthy. All of them are pure treated wool and come winter I will be glad of a snuggle blanket. Have been thinking about putting some detachable lining with it so it’s easier to wash and means that the heating can go on a little later if at all. However if D.B says he needs it on, on it will go can’t have another stay in the local hospital the last one was HOURENDIOUS! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ewnCbSZoFU/UZsR2-VOIyI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/t8Lzd7YwMoM/s1600/Braided-Rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ewnCbSZoFU/UZsR2-VOIyI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/t8Lzd7YwMoM/s320/Braided-Rug.jpg" /></a><br />
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The spare room needs a rug now we can see the floor lol went looking to see what was about and either didn’t like what I saw or didn’t like the price. To heck with it I thought and decided to make one out of all the proper rag ends of wool. I deliberately didn’t think of the colours I was using to the blend of fibres as long as they shared a similar thickness was good enough for me. Love the way in which it has turned out and has cost me sweet nothing. Well if I think about it and do a very rough costing maybe a couple of quid. Not sneezing at that. Oh that reminds me will need to do some sums for the chair I am to recover. Can’t see it costing much initially, as I have most of the bits here.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hcVqp3TZsU/UZsSKzoqbBI/AAAAAAAAAOc/W0nc9W5Fl4g/s1600/paper+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hcVqp3TZsU/UZsSKzoqbBI/AAAAAAAAAOc/W0nc9W5Fl4g/s320/paper+work.jpg" /></a><br />
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Next thing on my agenda is to sort out our paper work. We do have a system it’s called shove-it-in-a-basket-and-hope-for-the-best! But then I have always procrastinated about paper work. This is something I need to concourse as things will get very messy in the future.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9oFVVls6sk/UZsSkWkkAQI/AAAAAAAAAOo/yqEr-3h86Io/s1600/food+cupbord.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9oFVVls6sk/UZsSkWkkAQI/AAAAAAAAAOo/yqEr-3h86Io/s320/food+cupbord.jpg" /></a><br />
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One thing I will be doing this week is tackling the kitchen cupboards seeing what I have and where some changes can be made. Anyhow need to go through the freezers at least. Haven’t put the meat order in yet at the butchers so want to be sure that there is room for it all. D.B and I were chatting the other night and decided on half a pig half a lamb and a good mix of beef. I know it sounds extravagant but by doing it this way it saves so so much money lasts forever and I will make it stretch like its elastic!. Prefer doing this in the winter though as I am a stews soups and casserole type of girl love the fact that I kinda have an idea of what it will turn out like but only kind of.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgxndzS23l0/UZsTCaa0GTI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OfXh96wHI_o/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgxndzS23l0/UZsTCaa0GTI/AAAAAAAAAOw/OfXh96wHI_o/s320/garden.jpg" /></a><br />
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Dad has been a sweetie and started to sort out the garden. He tool down the hanging basket brackets and painted them up with the hammerite type paint we got from Aldis (love that place) also a while back we picked up some mini garden logs on a role for 1/3rd the asking price in Wilkinson’s as they too were having a clear out. This will help retain some of the soil we have in a small sloping area of the garden. Dad did say he wanted different garden furniture, and he does have a pint the table is too big and will need to be re homed. But I would like to keep the benches and the chairs as they are generous in size and strong. The small pot bound apple tree I have will need feeding as this year it blossomed. I do hope we get some apples. All of a sudden the honeysuckle has taken off Whoosh! Be grand to see that mixed in with the buddleia and roses.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hxSRzPaX6Q/UZsTTpwHfKI/AAAAAAAAAO4/NUK6v1in7As/s1600/honeysuckle.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hxSRzPaX6Q/UZsTTpwHfKI/AAAAAAAAAO4/NUK6v1in7As/s320/honeysuckle.jpg" /></a><br />
Right that’s enough of me and mine. How are you and yours? What have you been up to? Are you well? Happy and life not treating you too badly?<br />
Would be wonderful to hear from you <br />
All the best<br />
Rachel<br />
Xxx<br />
P.s<br />
I really must learn how to upload and post pics as I would love to share what I am doing and not find some on the net. Think for me good to see the progress I have made.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-17723341813493069002013-04-21T03:56:00.000-07:002013-04-21T03:56:12.382-07:00The paradox of our age<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XumGyTahymk/UXPFG9HiQ2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/6YDZo_S_Cp8/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XumGyTahymk/UXPFG9HiQ2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/6YDZo_S_Cp8/s320/love.jpg" /></a><br />
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I came across this and thought some of you would enjoy it.<br />
<br />
by Dr Bob Moorehead<br />
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The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.<br />
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.<br />
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We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.<br />
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We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. <br />
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character; steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.<br />
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Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.<br />
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Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.<br />
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Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.<br />
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Remember to say “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. <br />
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk75hx4bbFs/UXPFsbMMnbI/AAAAAAAAAM4/vd_HAji5dTc/s1600/buttercups+and+dasies+tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk75hx4bbFs/UXPFsbMMnbI/AAAAAAAAAM4/vd_HAji5dTc/s320/buttercups+and+dasies+tag.jpg" /></a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-36045283297079903122013-04-21T03:47:00.000-07:002013-04-21T03:47:33.722-07:00yep still here!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjbCNTCVZoQ/UXPCqfvwWhI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/GCsORo0J45A/s1600/bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjbCNTCVZoQ/UXPCqfvwWhI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/GCsORo0J45A/s320/bluebird.jpg" /></a><br />
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Wednesday 17th April<br />
<br />
Well, where to start been a bit all go here. Decided to get some help in and move furniture around I have good stuff and as much as I would love to go shopping for some more it’s not an option. Also it’s cheaper to do things this way.<br />
I have however reserved a little cash to try and find a pine chest type box for extra storage and to double up as a coffee table.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rue7ZGEg6g/UXPCYeDimhI/AAAAAAAAAMI/gXaUgQxJB5c/s1600/wed+flowerds.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Rue7ZGEg6g/UXPCYeDimhI/AAAAAAAAAMI/gXaUgQxJB5c/s320/wed+flowerds.jpg" /></a><br />
Thursday 18th April<br />
It’s also a good opportunity to have a final clear out and decide what it is I want to use for my wedding and what has really had its day here.. Talking of my wedding I went and was measured for my dress pattern and have bought the fabric and all the bits necessary for it so I can pop it in the loft and sewing can start next year. Managed to get a really good deal thought the fabric was £11 per meter read the wrong label it was only £7 it a Good weight and will drape well. Included in the price was all the netting buttons zip lining and a twal fitting for £230 not including cotton as I will need to order that later. I have decided on my florist and helper also we have pretty much decided on a venue. As for catering and the like not too sure. Went to my one and only wedding fair dear god never ever again! I went from being mother of the bride to marring my lesbian lover in one step to a different stall. All I can say is this marry who you love but please don’t make an assumption to my orientation!!!! So I WILL be baking my own cake and finding someone else to pretty it up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBoGU4Gb6Oo/UXPC8xA34hI/AAAAAAAAAMY/3lr_DEkGhoQ/s1600/flower+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBoGU4Gb6Oo/UXPC8xA34hI/AAAAAAAAAMY/3lr_DEkGhoQ/s320/flower+garden.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Saturday 20st April<br />
<br />
Dad and I put out back into the garden yesterday did a huge clear up and ditched oodles of junk decide we wanted a smaller table and to change the hanging baskets. I asked if we could compromise keep the baskets and maybe change the chain or hamerite it and the same for the base of the sun brolly as it looks tatty but is solid. He reluctantly agreed and we will (I hope) just change the table and re use the seating think we need to see what’s about first though<br />
Also I have been so complacent about my diet of late and it shows me lardy arse is rubbin out me foot prints so back on the wagon I go. I know I can do it I’m just lazy lately.<br />
Any suggestion people have for a bread substitute or some way of diverting my craving I would be very pleased to hear from you.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiZ7URnxp7M/UXPDNz94keI/AAAAAAAAAMg/XWCbslFGQ5A/s1600/cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiZ7URnxp7M/UXPDNz94keI/AAAAAAAAAMg/XWCbslFGQ5A/s320/cooking.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday 21st April<br />
<br />
Today is lots of scrappy jobs prepping lunch and making Yorkshire puddings. We will be needing a desert and I have already put laundry on the line. Packed my bag for the gym and will after this do a very quick pick up of the house and pack a few boxes. Hope to do this before Dad is back from church save him a job as he’s tired and also a friend of his who was married for over 50yrs lost his wife to a stroke last week. I try and imagine a lifetime of such a close relationship and I am in awe of him and his generation I know we in more recent times have weathered our own trials and they are not too dissimilar on occasions to those that have passed before. Theirs was a life of witness, war welfare state and its now faltering demise. So many things that we have always known. I know grief is not exclusively theirs but it makes me think, that’s all. Different time, different way of being.<br />
Right the house is calling me and I need to get a wriggle on. <br />
<br />
Hope you all have been well and happy. <br />
Take care <br />
<br />
<br />
Rachel<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1TMmwJ8pF4/UXPDl6nlHWI/AAAAAAAAAMo/l4bPw5q8WT4/s1600/fisher+of+men.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1TMmwJ8pF4/UXPDl6nlHWI/AAAAAAAAAMo/l4bPw5q8WT4/s320/fisher+of+men.jpg" /></a><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-43471788617570286052013-04-10T23:25:00.000-07:002013-04-10T23:25:08.331-07:00Fridge picnics.<br />
<br />
Today is going to be a bit of a busy one have lots of odds and ends to sort out and a hospital appointment to go to as well as the usual bits of life to also fit in. So I went for a trawl through my fridge came up with this.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEhFLfGE_SA/UWZVJomolyI/AAAAAAAAAK8/SxkF6zQf4r4/s1600/mashed+spuds.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GEhFLfGE_SA/UWZVJomolyI/AAAAAAAAAK8/SxkF6zQf4r4/s320/mashed+spuds.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I had some leftover mash and mushroom that began to look a little wan in my fridge and decided that I needed to use them up. So I went on a wander and cobbled together this recipe. Regarding the mash it doesn’t have to be it can be left over cooked spuds just smash um up a bit and season to your liking. As for the mushrooms I would go with at least half a dozen reasonable sized ones. Though the older they are the stronger the flavour. For the onion bit I use either one or a combination of the following. Celery, leek or onion. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCVElbjD6oM/UWZVlrSgV9I/AAAAAAAAALE/ByQGSTwJEDM/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCVElbjD6oM/UWZVlrSgV9I/AAAAAAAAALE/ByQGSTwJEDM/s320/mushrooms.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b> Potato and mushroom soup<i></i></b><br />
<br />
Sauté off you onion, celery or leek and add chopped mushrooms gently cook for about 5 mins.<br />
Add the potato and gradually mix in a pint of stock beef normally works quite well. Cook for a couple of mins more. Then if you have a blender pop it in there and blitz to your liking. I serve this with sandwiches and if there is blast all in the fridge I make up a sandwich filler of egg/ cheese or both. if you want you can add a splodge of plain yogurt, sour cream or milk.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdrAgR9eS-M/UWZWsoPa9DI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Dem6BWY7IB4/s1600/egg+salad+sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wdrAgR9eS-M/UWZWsoPa9DI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Dem6BWY7IB4/s320/egg+salad+sandwich.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Sandwich filler<i></i></b><br />
<br />
1 egg per person or 2 between 3.<br />
Any leftover scrap cheddar or the like (not compulsory but helps)<br />
If you want you can spice it up with any flavours you like or add a little raw onion finely chopped.<br />
Boil the eggs until the yolk is just cooked (if you can do this fab as it saves on you binding with butter, salad cream or mayonnaise)<br />
Mash down using a masher. If the egg is a bit dry add some of the butter mayo or salad cream if you want and then any “extras” like spices herbs and mayo’s. This goes a surprisingly long way if you need to stretch it out a little further you could do so by adding some bread crumbs or any salad veg you have. And then I pop it in a sarnie with or without basic salad it really is a case of what do I have in the fridge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uJC80oxlk4/UWZW9yflojI/AAAAAAAAALY/do-rRMWZpB8/s1600/cauli+cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uJC80oxlk4/UWZW9yflojI/AAAAAAAAALY/do-rRMWZpB8/s320/cauli+cheese.jpg" /></a><br />
<b> Leftovers bake or cauliflower cheese with or without broccoli<i></i></b>.<br />
This is a low fat version.<br />
<br />
I use Sainsbury's Low Fat Natural Yogurt, Basics 500g <br />
2 eggs<br />
Some cheese<br />
2 teaspoons grain mustard Aldi 45p per jar (last time I bought it)<br />
Season to taste. Now you can use cauliflower and or broccoli pre cooked with this pored over and a grating of cheese or any leftover veg, meat bacon always seems to work well and I buy a lot of scrap bacon Sainsbury’s cooking bacon £1.09p for 200g a little can go a very long way<br />
Bake in the oven at 150-175oc until you like the way it looks. This served with leftover salad or a jacket spud works well. <br />
I use Sainsbury’s basics stock cubes 10 for 15p. (1.5p per cube)<br />
Eggs (for me) average at 10p each<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-15821154786110073992013-04-10T13:03:00.002-07:002013-04-10T13:03:58.927-07:00Talk is cheap aint that grand!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4BC28bPK0/UWXDmaHe-nI/AAAAAAAAAKE/hnk0Jayffog/s1600/lips.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4BC28bPK0/UWXDmaHe-nI/AAAAAAAAAKE/hnk0Jayffog/s320/lips.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Today I finally made the call to change providers for my internet and phone. I went with Talk Talk (T.T). We have used them before in the old property but on moving in here we were compelled to be with Bt as we needed a BT line so for 18 long long annoying months W put up with paying them £45 per calendar month and then on occasions a few pounds extra if we made chargeable calls.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSkZVKOTI7w/UWXD5i0nmhI/AAAAAAAAAKM/SWS95mBq5b0/s1600/old+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSkZVKOTI7w/UWXD5i0nmhI/AAAAAAAAAKM/SWS95mBq5b0/s320/old+phone.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
The internet was playing up never did like the system BT had this is just my opinion and no one else’s. So we called T.T not only was I able to get a call anytime package with broadband there was no connection fee£30) nor were they going to charge me for voice mail. They also had a half price package £3.50 and if we wanted to pay a year’s line rental in advance we would save another £65.40 so the line became £114.00 for the year. However there was an option if we were unable to pay upfront it would bring it to around the £20 per month can’t remember the exact amount as I went for the upfront payment. So now we will pay £8.25 per calendar month. Not just a little saving but MONUMENTAL! S DB will have an extra £26 (aprox) a month in his pocket. Yea us xxxxx<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rV4VSKmJLr8/UWXENqglhAI/AAAAAAAAAKU/YFxbLTlDr5Y/s1600/money+saved.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rV4VSKmJLr8/UWXENqglhAI/AAAAAAAAAKU/YFxbLTlDr5Y/s320/money+saved.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Also had another good day finally got a family member to agree to get someone in to move around the furniture as I feel we will get more mileage out of it. So will ring the removers in the morning and see when they can fit us in as I’m not designed for moving very large bulky things in tight spaces the family member concerned really doesn’t want to do it but I had a firm put polite moment when I realised that one of the cats had anointed my sewing machine with personal water! ARGH!!!!! Its gonna be hell but worth it so so worth it.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xfSFDd1hns/UWXE0KKb_UI/AAAAAAAAAKc/YlgEzKADjPM/s1600/moving+van.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7xfSFDd1hns/UWXE0KKb_UI/AAAAAAAAAKc/YlgEzKADjPM/s320/moving+van.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next week we pay off the last of the vet bill so that will bring my debts down. I do owe DB some pennies as he made ma a loan for my part payment to dads birthday present and I was caught short for some pennies regarding my glasses. Had no choice but to agree to vari focals and now I have joined the rest of the family wearing glasses permanently. Thank god there not as bad as they were when I was a kid! Vain I know but fear god they were just awful and stigmatising.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DbTXwpNJCM/UWXFQElMG5I/AAAAAAAAAKk/_0p4QChr-7o/s1600/nhs+glases.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DbTXwpNJCM/UWXFQElMG5I/AAAAAAAAAKk/_0p4QChr-7o/s320/nhs+glases.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And lastly I bought some bits from eBay and used DB card for the last purchase of a gift for someone and failed to change the card back. So there I was merrily shopping and he was being charged! Eeek<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I would much rather bite the bullet and pay in two or three chunks and get it done with. Luckily I am not in desperate need for anything and if something crops up I will find another way of dealing with it. After that I’m sorting out my funeral and savings. Won’t feel settled until I do.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSMlaH9yZ74/UWXFhSQF1gI/AAAAAAAAAKs/BLhMPTSkcI8/s1600/tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sSMlaH9yZ74/UWXFhSQF1gI/AAAAAAAAAKs/BLhMPTSkcI8/s320/tulips.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lastly Dad was so sweet he bought home some stunning tulips (and on offer)so my old large ewer I am truly lucky to have those I do in my life.<br />
<br />
Right you wonderful lot how’s your day been and life in general?<br />
<br />
Love to hear from you.<br />
All the best <br />
Rachel<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-88684700919698223002013-04-08T23:06:00.000-07:002013-04-08T23:06:07.562-07:00On reflection<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fkpr9zxLzA/UWOtjGAZGOI/AAAAAAAAAJc/-hVZSUvbAC4/s1600/understanding+bills.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2fkpr9zxLzA/UWOtjGAZGOI/AAAAAAAAAJc/-hVZSUvbAC4/s320/understanding+bills.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
It’s been a funny old couple of days Next week I will pay the last instalment of the vet bill and essentially be debt free, apart from the usual bills and I will be looking at how I can reduce those a little further.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6EhOcvIVu4/UWOt0UOX2CI/AAAAAAAAAJk/qIgBFgxgp1Q/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6EhOcvIVu4/UWOt0UOX2CI/AAAAAAAAAJk/qIgBFgxgp1Q/s320/money.jpg" /></a><br />
It also got me to thinking about the lack of savings I have. What’s been happening is I would save some back things would get iffy or a bill would come in. I would then use it to square away that problem and end up back where I started. OK but not good.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have no plans for a funeral or even a will. Morbid I know but look to this I must.<br />
<br />
Savings what is affordable and feasible ways of earning a little extra.<br />
<br />
Formalise some of my wedding plans and act on the results<br />
<br />
Organise my wardrobe. Do I need all I have? Make repairs.<br />
<br />
Thin out my stash of craft stuff and re home what is no longer needed. <br />
<br />
Continue to sort out the freezers and food cupboards. <br />
<br />
<br />
I also came across a link to a blog called A girl called Jack about the struggles she has had and the way in which she dealt with them.<br />
This is no flaky look-at-me-I-can-pretend-to-be-poor-but-I'm-not-really-blog. Like me there are many of you out there struggling to find a way through this seemingly never ending time of recession. This is beautifully written and compellingly honest.<br />
<br />
I found myself responding to her post regarding this daft (in my opinion) of what social group you think you belong to and in truth (supposedly) you belong to. This is my response...<br />
<br />
<br />
Hello <br />
Apparently according to this I am Precariat (whatever that means) it does not take into account that I am a full time career or that I withdrew from university( got there under my own steam despite being very dyslexic and having dyscalculia) to be so. My fiancé is the foster son of the retired world authority on Ben Britten who stipulated on his demise he should be given (foster father) first refusal to purchase his home from the estate. I am also a house wife user of the library go to what I can for free and pay my way by giving back appropriate to the situation. I barter and cook from scratch love the theater and the arts but can’t afford to go. I have been on the verge of homelessness twice and could only afford to buy into a shared ownership property that it is unlikely I will ever be able to move from this. It took every single penny we had and then some from the compulsory purchased ex local authority home we bought . Me I see life this way. I am me slightly lumpy from life (aren’t we all) and I love the life I have. Glad to see you are up and running again Jack love the blog and recipes thanks for continuing to share.<br />
Rachel.<br />
<br />
http://agirlcalledjack.com/2013/04/04/i-am-the-lowest-of-the-low/#comment-4115<br />
<br />
<br />
SOOOOOO this silly calculation of class bracket doesn’t have a category for me (thank god)! And if you are ragingly normal like the many millions of us are you will thankfully not fit into their box either. (Welcome to the dark side)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JH5Yj9e9k8o/UWOvHGlhYwI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Yb6sTL5EhUs/s1600/darth+vader+cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JH5Yj9e9k8o/UWOvHGlhYwI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Yb6sTL5EhUs/s320/darth+vader+cooking.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
So I am going to take my socially low self off and cook in a semi rented oven in a semi rented house in the charity shop pans that I bought with my careers money and scrounge up a leftovers meal of quiche and a budget collage pie I can afford to do as the mince was reduced and so were the spuds. Lol<br />
<br />
So tell me what floats yer boat or makes you exasperated? Speak soon<br />
<br />
Rachel<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-37257122284227704942013-04-07T00:33:00.000-07:002013-04-07T00:33:01.506-07:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaWlsmK4jP4/UWEd_5r0JSI/AAAAAAAAAI0/6qPo_877TpA/s1600/word+apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaWlsmK4jP4/UWEd_5r0JSI/AAAAAAAAAI0/6qPo_877TpA/s320/word+apple.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Yesterday was a much better day. I was speaking to DB just about life in general and we go to talking of housekeeping and what I do and where it goes and I was able to let go of some of my concerns. I try not to burden him as he isn’t well but as he said “darlin” what the (bleep) do you think I’m here for.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpK1nDRzgU0/UWEeTEZVnEI/AAAAAAAAAI8/1lCwdASqWAo/s1600/store+cupbord.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jpK1nDRzgU0/UWEeTEZVnEI/AAAAAAAAAI8/1lCwdASqWAo/s320/store+cupbord.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So today we are going to go through all the cupboards and the freezers and make an inventory see what we have and where we can go from there. I said that I was feeling overwhelmed and that if there was any leftover food the need for me to use it up and cook different for him and my Father. We discussed also how some days he starts the day wanting one thing but goes off the idea by the time he’s ready to eat and I have already cooked it. This isn’t because he’s an awkward sod it is to do with the condition he has. So we will find a better way of how to combat this. The weight he has lifted from my shoulders is huge I feel truly up lifted and able to achieve so much more regarding the house and our life in it. I am good at some areas budget craft and other frugal bits and my cooking is fine. Just with moving house DB and myself re adjusting to a change in his heath I got lost.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPDsv-cP364/UWEeYu6vZ7I/AAAAAAAAAJE/5n6HqA50HFw/s1600/dasys.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XPDsv-cP364/UWEeYu6vZ7I/AAAAAAAAAJE/5n6HqA50HFw/s320/dasys.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Dad was really kind yesterday (not that he isn’t) He came home with not only a pressure washer but a new hose and real for the garden. Is a small space mostly laid to patio and after all this rough weather we have been having he has offered to spruce the garden up. Even suggesting a different garden table as what we have is really too big. I didn’t like to suggest it as I made a bit of a song and dace about finding the patio set we have now. I did say to him about the cost but the delicious rotter has be secretly saving pennies back and wanted to surprise me. I will treat him to a good lunch today I have a small joint of beef in the fridge I was going to stretch 4 ways, bleep it roast n yorkies it is think I will go mad with a rice pudding as well!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwaanbDpEYg/UWEezVFPKrI/AAAAAAAAAJM/ZzOmOiKaWW0/s1600/roat+beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwaanbDpEYg/UWEezVFPKrI/AAAAAAAAAJM/ZzOmOiKaWW0/s320/roat+beef.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
How do you make your Yorkshire puddings I use the following recipe but if you have one that is successful and a little more cost effective I would love to try it out.<br />
<br />
<br />
9oz plain flour<br />
4 large eggs<br />
1/2 pint full fat milk<br />
Seasoning<br />
Beet the living heck out of it and leave to stand for a bit. re beat it and then ladle into searing hot bun tins half filled with hot hot oil.<br />
<br />
What are you doing with you Sunday? Would love to hear from you <br />
Have a wonderful day<br />
Rachel<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-51688649574735788362013-04-06T11:17:00.000-07:002013-04-06T11:17:09.532-07:00FOOOOOOD GLORIOUS FOOOOODDDDDD.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siTJTSYG2dI/UWBit2wgAiI/AAAAAAAAAIU/C1ts8cc7Awc/s1600/posh+strawb+pud.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siTJTSYG2dI/UWBit2wgAiI/AAAAAAAAAIU/C1ts8cc7Awc/s320/posh+strawb+pud.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I have been having a tidy up of my files n stuff and came across these recipes I have saved back for various sites. Annoyingly I did not make a note of the person who wrote/published them but I thought some of you would like to have a go. the self saucing lemon pudding is fab<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lemon self-saucing pudding<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 50g butter <br />
• 200g caster sugar <br />
• 1 lemon , zested <br />
• 100ml lemon juice (include the zest from the zested lemon) <br />
• 3 eggs , separated <br />
• 50g plain flour , sifted <br />
• 250ml milk <br />
• icing sugar for dusting <br />
<br />
1. Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160/gas gas 4. Whizz the butter, sugar and lemon zest until they are pale and creamy in a food processor. Add the lemon juice, egg yolks, flour and milk one by one until you have a smooth batter. Whisk the egg whites until firm but not stiff, and fold the two mixtures together. <br />
2. Pour into a buttered ovenproof soufflé or baking dish and put it in a baking tray half filled with hot water. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is lightly browned and set and there is a sort of gooey lemon curd below. Remove the dish from the tray, dust with icing sugar and serve hot, with or without cream. <br />
Per serving<br />
441 kcalories, protein 9.1g, carbohydrate 68.2g, fat 16.5 g, saturated fat 8.5g, fibre 8.5g, salt 0.43 g <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpBFByQ5Vis/UWBmCkvjDII/AAAAAAAAAIc/LIR_DbV0p2g/s1600/choc+chip+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpBFByQ5Vis/UWBmCkvjDII/AAAAAAAAAIc/LIR_DbV0p2g/s320/choc+chip+cookies.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
Ingredients <br />
Serves: 15<br />
• 115g butter<br />
• 50g caster sugar<br />
• 110g soft brown sugar<br />
• few drops of vanilla extract<br />
• 1 egg (beaten)<br />
• 170g chocolate chips of your choice<br />
• 155g plain flour<br />
• pinch of baking powder<br />
Preparation method <br />
Prep: 15 mins |Cook: 10 mins <br />
1. Preheat the oven to 185 C (170 C for fan assisted ovens) and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.<br />
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2. Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.<br />
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3. Add the beaten egg and vanilla to the mixture and mix well.<br />
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4. Next add the chocolate chips and mix together to ensure they are well distributed. Most people add them last, although i find if you add them at this stage you don't end up with big clumps of chocolate chips in random places of the cookie!<br />
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5. Mix the flour and baking powder together, and add a little at a time to the mixture, until a soft dough is formed. You should be able to mould the dough into shapes without it being too sticky, if it is sticky, add a tablespoon of flour each time to get it the right consistency.<br />
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6. Roll an amount into a ball about the size of a walnut and softly press down onto the baking sheet. Don't place cookies too close together as they do spread and you don't want them sticking together!<br />
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7. Cook for about 10 - 12 minutes, you really don't need that much longer otherwise they will burn. When you take them out of the oven, they will still be quite soft, leave for a while on the tray until they start to harden, and then move to a cooling rack.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zH6TCV6GSPc/UWBmgExTZtI/AAAAAAAAAIk/w5BFVLXd5ns/s1600/Homemade-Cadbury-Creme-Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zH6TCV6GSPc/UWBmgExTZtI/AAAAAAAAAIk/w5BFVLXd5ns/s320/Homemade-Cadbury-Creme-Eggs.jpg" /></a><br />
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CADBURY'S CREME EGG BROWNIES!<br />
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185g unsalted butter <br />
185g best dark chocolate <br />
85g plain flour <br />
40g cocoa powder <br />
3 large eggs <br />
275g golden caster sugar<br />
6 Cadbury’s Crème eggs cut in half.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 160C and grease a 20 cm square baking tin. <br />
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together either in the microwave or in a bowl over boiling water.<br />
Break 3 large eggs into a large bowl and tip in 275g golden caster sugar. With an electric mixer on maximum speed, whisk the eggs and sugar until they look thick and creamy, like a milk shake. This can take 3-8 minutes. You will know it's ready when the mixture becomes really pale and about double its original volume.<br />
Pour the cooled chocolate mixture over the eggy mousse, and then gently fold together.<br />
Hold a sieve over the bowl of eggy chocolate mixture and sift the cocoa and flour mixture, shaking the sieve from side to side, to cover the top evenly. Gently fold in to the mixture.<br />
Pour into the baking tin and cook for 15 minutes then take out of the over and gently press the cadburys crème egg halves into the mix, spacing them apart evenly. Put back in the over for another 5-10 minutes.<br />
Leave to cool before removing from tin and cutting into squares.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-7943822118909092032013-04-06T01:15:00.000-07:002013-04-06T01:15:42.254-07:00And the blegh goes on and on and on....<br />
Morning all<br />
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Thanks to those who offered suggestions on how to get rid of the cough. Finally I admitted defeat and went to my pharmacist and spluttered all over him. He gave a bottle of something alarmingly pink and completely unpronounceable that is helping quite a bit.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GeQNDKdKZ0/UV_ZHFbO3RI/AAAAAAAAAHk/_-9NSleO72M/s1600/Man-Blowing-Nose-300x190.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GeQNDKdKZ0/UV_ZHFbO3RI/AAAAAAAAAHk/_-9NSleO72M/s320/Man-Blowing-Nose-300x190.jpg" /></a><br />
Yesterday was really lazy in fact I did a level of naff all that even surprised me. <br />
In the morning we had one of DB’s cares in, she is a joy to behold and truth be known we would both miss her terribly if ever she needed to move jobs. So whilst she de scuzzed himself I changed the bed and did some laundry. We are never without laundry in this house. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAOYKRCb6CY/UV_ZMIqBG-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/Q67zXtRdLU0/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eAOYKRCb6CY/UV_ZMIqBG-I/AAAAAAAAAHs/Q67zXtRdLU0/s320/laundry.jpg" /></a><br />
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However I did start on some softer hankies made out of an old candy stripped single sheet I had. So look out cold next time I come armed!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VP13k8JV6Ac/UV_ZSAjZ6nI/AAAAAAAAAH0/4b3l1_hDs08/s1600/thred.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VP13k8JV6Ac/UV_ZSAjZ6nI/AAAAAAAAAH0/4b3l1_hDs08/s320/thred.jpg" /></a><br />
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I know one of you watched the sewing Bea programme that was on. I managed to catch some of it. I came to on a stupor and caught snippets of it so will do the watch again thingy on line with a cuppa when I get the chance.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNaN0hbab9Q/UV_ZXAXvPJI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qE8ReV7wI1M/s1600/cornflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNaN0hbab9Q/UV_ZXAXvPJI/AAAAAAAAAH8/qE8ReV7wI1M/s320/cornflower.jpg" /></a><br />
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Had a nice discovery the other day. The florist that will be doing my bouquet and bits holds workshops for arraigning flowers. My level of skill in this department is this<br />
Open flowers.<br />
Cut off ends remembering it’s the end without the pretties.<br />
Put in water <br />
Hope they last <br />
As I don’t drink, drive, smoke, run a car or go to the theatre (god that looks really boring lol) I thought bugger it I’m going to treat myself to a class.<br />
Today will be a gentle day of easy potter and will prep a roast for tomorrow and something that won’t poison us today lol<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX-caKWdGzQ/UV_ZdMkOC9I/AAAAAAAAAIE/vJheQAPWyqY/s1600/rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX-caKWdGzQ/UV_ZdMkOC9I/AAAAAAAAAIE/vJheQAPWyqY/s320/rhino.jpg" /></a><br />
Right I need a shower as I smell like the wrong end of a rhino! And I need some brekkie<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-14635982145340837412013-04-04T23:55:00.000-07:002013-04-04T23:55:16.669-07:00odds n sods <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfwMsQjZ3Pk/UV50gX7QZoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/HQBMZyGXepA/s1600/hankies.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfwMsQjZ3Pk/UV50gX7QZoI/AAAAAAAAAG0/HQBMZyGXepA/s320/hankies.jpg" /></a><br />
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Not a lot going on here at the moment I am, still full of cold and believe me coughing till yer throat hurts whist wondering if you can blag a free sample of Tenna lady is not attractive. Even less so in writing! And the crowning glory is a cold sore the size of a 3rd head, look out vogue here I come.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_BTyG_kpvI/UV50nTuZslI/AAAAAAAAAG8/eCU__SDY_-s/s1600/granny+squares+crochet.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_BTyG_kpvI/UV50nTuZslI/AAAAAAAAAG8/eCU__SDY_-s/s320/granny+squares+crochet.jpg" /></a><br />
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So no knitting group for me, well they knit and I make granny squares. I have a thing for rag wool and pushing how far I can make what I have go. The randomness of it is very appealing and the real gash stuff I just crochet flat together and uses it for lining a tea cosy. No one can see it and works a treat. This year as a rule people will get one for Christmas. However decided on making another blanket we have some home helpers that come in to give me a little break from being at home all the time in case DB needs me. Sometimes I go out or focus on a craft/job that needs doing. Talking of Christmas, believe there is still some old cards in the drawer that we were sent so a low budget ch5 film me and a pair of scissors have a date this afternoon. I’m thinking gift tags, small boxes for sweets and maybe a few discs to make a Christmas decoration or two. However I really must iron the pre loved wrapping paper I have put away to re use next year.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCwJc6Bqzhk/UV50w7LxSBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/NoT2SFRN9xw/s1600/drawers.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCwJc6Bqzhk/UV50w7LxSBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/NoT2SFRN9xw/s320/drawers.jpg" /></a><br />
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I desperately want the house to have some furniture re located and one member is dragging his heals a bit. I have no expectation of them moving various pieces, removal me are excellent at that. However 2 days of chaos for long term benefit is not much to ask, so I will keep asking!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN0RC1veNZc/UV51AdritXI/AAAAAAAAAHM/iOV-vUQFm4o/s1600/parsnips.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN0RC1veNZc/UV51AdritXI/AAAAAAAAAHM/iOV-vUQFm4o/s320/parsnips.jpg" /></a><br />
As I am still full of crud the hankies I made the other day are fine but I need something softer as all the blowing and rubbing has left me sore. Think there was some soft cotton fabric in my stash so will hunt it out and make some.<br />
Went for a wander in our local coop the day or so ago and they had parsnips on the reduced shelf so I bought about 3 packets. Blanching them and freezing is the way to go as I am in no mood to faf around at the mo. That includes what to do for lunch today that don’t involve me using my I.Q so jacket spud and beans it is .I fancy putting some Marmite in my beans and I have a little very strong cheddar to go over the top.<br />
Any ideas how to shift this cold would be appreciated hope you are all well <br />
Rachel <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-69531914001229082052013-04-03T23:04:00.003-07:002013-04-03T23:04:49.019-07:00Walk like an egyptionHeloooo<br />
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Well what a day it was yesterday. My Fiancés son arrived with his new partner and her two children oh my! So, different to the last one. She has a good relationship with her kids and talks to them. Boy is 11 and girl 9. They came into my home and were lily funny and not a bit spoilt. There were please and thank yous. Our home is a bit topsy turvy. It’s a town house spread over 3 story’s and the living room is on the middle floor. I was asked by the eldest if I minded him going into the living room then he came back down to ask if he could watch television! Unheard of with the last lot.<br />
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Normally when we would meet up with the last partner his son(J) had she would always declare that they were broke and bills were falling behind and my DB being the sweetie he is would end up shelling out money even for petrol! The income that came into that house was really very good and it was J’s partner who was very bad at managing it, spending as much as £30 one week on trash magazines like star and now. She was quite proud to declare this once when we were on lest frosty terms. What I had worked out early on was her strategy. We would go shopping and there would be little interjections of “oh that’s pretty and such a good price” and DB would end up buying it.<br />
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This time he only put his hand in his pocket for them once and that was for coffee. I was going to potter off and do a little browsing then meet up with them later and was in the process of doing so and J’s partner said no we can do bits together. I was so natural.<br />
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The icing on the cake was when we went into an antique place (nothing more than posh junk really but the owners like the title lol) and I found my wedding ring. Not only was it vintage but I have big fingers it was my size and to cap it all it was 22 karat Egyptian gold. DB loves Egypt so we had a bit of a haggle and came to an agreement. I was to pop off and get some pennies from the cash point.<br />
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I tried to twice and both times the machine mocked me declaring “you have overdone it no more withdrawals for you to day”! Fortunately when asking it for £20 less it spat out the pennies. Relief was ours. <br />
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I nipped back to pay and went to find my partner back at the car and he’d sloped off for a cheeky burger at a very popular outdoors cafe we like to use. <br />
To round things off I took a chance at the new dressmakers that has opened up by the key side. Cheekily I asked her if she would supply me with a made to measure pattern and not only was she willing to do that she had the fabric in the colour and weight that I wanted . So will phone and book an appointment with her today to sort this out. I am one very lucky woman.<br />
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So far it’s been very hassle free dealing with finding people to help with our wedding. Florist is where we had a cuppa earlier on and she can do all the twiddliy bits as well. Like me she keeps a very close eye on detail! lol and her prices are excellent and she too like the dressmaker is local and independent. The lady who is teaching me how to sew said she would make the dress. My father’s Minister has agreed to marry us. Just need to find a photographer and I believe dad has an ex work colleague who is in the business now so TA DA! So far today’s spending has been well within the monies we have set aside for our wedding.<br />
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We rounded off this beautiful day by being wonderfully domestic and very VERY lazy I nipped down the road for a celebratory chippy tea and we ate in bed watching Shrek. I know I know not good but was faaaaaaaab. Mind you I was counting sheep by 10pm<br />
How was your day? Did you achieve a goal you had set or did you have a well deserved gentle day?<br />
All the best<br />
Rachel<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-23740159821108423042013-04-02T23:32:00.001-07:002013-04-02T23:32:20.668-07:00and those who pass... <br />
It was my father’s late fiancés 80th birthday yesterday. We went to the memorial gardens and Dad took some flowers. I learnt something as well I knew he was a strong man private in his thoughts and deeds but compassion in him is deep and he feels things more keenly than he would ever tell. I think this has always been known to me but yesterday it was raw. Mourning a passed loved one is regrettably nothing new and miss J more than I thought possible.<br />
We have benefited from her love and grace (she was in the first batch of women to be ordained priest in Brittan second in the UK) Never thinking in her lifetime that this would happen, but happy to paved the way for others to follow. <br />
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Next year I am to be married and would have loved for J to have blessed my marriage. However she will be with me in spirit. Dad was so sweet he allowed me to have the beautiful antique cameo broach he bought for her and I would love to wear it on my special day. <br />
On a lighter note w went into town after and did a little shopping. There is a very well priced charity shop near to the supermarket I use and I found a part Denby dinner service for £6.00. I believe (off the top of my head) there were 20 pieces plates’ bowls varying sizes in total so I didn't feel robbed.<br />
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I also got lucky with a lager sized shirt liked the style but not the fabric, so I will be brave and un-pick it as I would like a pattern for some summer shirts. ere get me makes it sound like I have a different wardrobe for each season. Nope I mostly do the I’m-not-naked-please-rejoice! un seasonal wardrobe. Just grateful for not being arrested! <br />
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As fabric is (like everything at the moment) soooooo expensive what I have been doing is this buying good quality 2ndhand bedding in plain colours. Often I have also found it cheaper to break down a garment for buttons zips and what not than buying new. With this though you have to make a judgment call and so far I have been very lucky, ok so there was that one crashing failure (I am still learning) tried to recycle a jeans zip. All I can say is I’m thankful that I had a long top on!<br />
So this will be my first shirt not from a paper patter. A might to easy me thinks. I will unpick and make one form this old shirt I found and will use the fabric as anti slip bottoms for the slippers being crocheted for gifts.<br />
Right I need to make a move people won’t be up and sorted and I am meeting my stepson to be new girlfriend and her children. Also need to rummage in the fridge for eats today. I do this about once a week have what I call a fridge picnic normally rustle up something. I know we have some toms and lettuce so am thinking a bacon mushroom and leek frittata and if I remember rightly there is a little bit of very strong cheddar there to top it off.<br />
Right I’m gone would be fab if you wanted to give me an insight to your part of the world<br />
All the best <br />
Rachel<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3809762670234349540.post-36948979527556048632013-04-01T00:06:00.003-07:002013-04-01T00:06:59.092-07:00Sneezy not happy and there is no point in getting the Doc!
Try as I might im unable to add any pics grrrrr
I have had a bit of a light cold lingering and in the last few days BANG it moved in. I have now managed to pass it on to my man. Poor sod hes got enough going on without a cold to make him feel jolly. To top it all we are low on loo paper and hankies are getting low. So I had a eureka moment and remembered in my stash I had some unmatched pair of jammies. Primarnie special no less. So I will be making hankies. Did look at buying some a while back but there were 6 of iffy quality for the best part of £9 and we decided not to pay that for what it was, so I'm going to make friends with my sewing machine today.
Need to Make some pastry as well as I managed to get a joint of topside very cheaply and made a roast yesterday. There is plenty over so pasty's and possibly a meat and potato pie will need to see how it goes.
A while back I was lucky enough to get some needlepoint wool for 5p a skein and nice n fat they were to. So as Christmas bit me on the bum last year out came the hook last week and into granny squares they go. Beautiful colours and pure wool as well. So I need to be sure to pop a care label in with the gift.. Think thats enough to be going on with for today.
So whats everyone else up to?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12384910681491031983noreply@blogger.com4