I recently bought a bag which is like a rucksack with rucksack straps, but also with wheels and a pullout handle, and also a carrying handle on top and on the side....it's great for lugging all my school stuff around. And it was only 15€ from my very favourite shop, Noz. Do you know Noz LVER?
You really seem to have been harder-hit by Bella than we were (assuming that's what caused the aforementioned hoolie yesterday); although it was a bit wild here I don't think we had much in the way of actual destruction!
I've been very dopey this afternoon, dozing off in between reading my book.
I think Bella tracked further south than you. We were okay, and although there has been some flooding locally, not as bad as in counties further south.
After you've started making a dish that wants cheese bubbled under the grill is not a good time to discover that the grill on your stove doesn't work.
I melted it into the sauce, but it's not quite the same. Tastes OK though - I might give it a go again, although it's rather more faff than I can be bothered with.
On a visit to the allotment I was rather relieved to find the shed still standing up - in one of the storms earlier this year the walls were blown over, leaving the base and all the contents standing rather exposed (but amazingly still there and nI had some help heaving the walls back upright and said help banged a long pipe into the ground behind the shed to prevent it tipping over, but I wasn’t sure how effective it would be against such a mighty Bella. Phew.
Maybe throw a rope over each end and peg it down for more reassurance - bits of pipe for pegs or you could wile away some hours whittling some big sticks?
After you've started making a dish that wants cheese bubbled under the grill is not a good time to discover that the grill on your stove doesn't work.
I melted it into the sauce, but it's not quite the same. Tastes OK though - I might give it a go again, although it's rather more faff than I can be bothered with.
Depending the dish the oven or microwave may suffice.
After you've started making a dish that wants cheese bubbled under the grill is not a good time to discover that the grill on your stove doesn't work.
I melted it into the sauce, but it's not quite the same. Tastes OK though - I might give it a go again, although it's rather more faff than I can be bothered with.
Depending the dish the oven or microwave may suffice.
After you've started making a dish that wants cheese bubbled under the grill is not a good time to discover that the grill on your stove doesn't work.
I melted it into the sauce, but it's not quite the same. Tastes OK though - I might give it a go again, although it's rather more faff than I can be bothered with.
Depending the dish the oven or microwave may suffice.
Or a blowtorch
Electric heatguns are also available and less likely to singe.
You could turn the whole thing upside down and lightly singe above the cooker.
Or perhaps not ...
You could probably hold a toaster upside down over it, or maybe set up some sort of centrifuge to hold it over the hob without it dropping on the floor. Or a parabolic mirror pointed at the sun and move the dish through the focus. Really there's loads of things to try.
Such as getting a new stove, with a grill that does work?
I arose this morning at 8am to take my pills, and to feed the Dragon (aka Rayburn), only to see that the World more than 20 feet or so from the Ark had disappeared.
I retired to my berth, muttering feverish prayers for the restoration of the World, and duly found at 11am that the Fog had lifted...
Wild mushroom and mozzarella filo parcels for lunch. Since then I’ve been watching 1950s black and white David Attenborough programmes while pottering, and marvelling at a world where taking random animals from jungles and bribing native people with cigarettes was considered perfectly acceptable, at least for English explorers.
Or a parabolic mirror pointed at the sun and move the dish through the focus. Really there's loads of things to try.
What is this thing called "sun" of which you speak?
I forget that other folk live in benighted parts of these isles, not blessed with the glorious sunshine that we enjoy in the Hebrides. *looks out the window* Not today obviously.
It has occurred to me I have been on board this ship, on and off, for 18 years as of today. Still a regular and important part of my life. I have had a cup of Proper Coffee, first of the season as I'd inexplicably run out, and a toasted teacake to celebrate.
It has occurred to me I have been on board this ship, on and off, for 18 years as of today. Still a regular and important part of my life. I have had a cup of Proper Coffee, first of the season as I'd inexplicably run out, and a toasted teacake to celebrate.
Meanwhile, in this part of God’s Own Country, we woke up to a smattering of snow. Thankfully, not enough to stop us getting out to do some shopping.*
*The highlight of the average weekend in 2020 has been going to S*****urys instead of getting our order delivered from T**cos as all the delivery slots are full ☹️
Today (after the Fog had lifted), I made my weekly trip to Tessie Cohen's Corner Shop, to which I was immediately admitted by the Green Traffic Light, and Open Door! O frabjous day!
Not too busy, with everyone socially-distancing (more or less), and wearing the Mask™. I found everything I wanted, only remembering after I reached home that I had forgotten the Gravy granules...
My next outing (as long as there's no Sn*w) may be just to the local Co-Op on Thursday, to top up the WINE cupboard...
No sn*w here as yet, but a fairly thick layer of frost, and Patches of Treachery™ on the walkway outside the château. After a very lazy morning, I ventured out to the Useful Wee Shop along the street to get butter (which I'd inexplicably forgotten on my trip to Tesco's yesterday), milk and some mini-Mars Bars to have with my coffee, and stopped in to Fork Handles on the way back to top up my supply of tea-lights.
Now going to attempt Firenze's chicken thighs with tarragon and crème fraîche for supper.
Memo to self: don't stay up too late, as you've got to get up for w*rk in the morning ...
And Gravy granules, dear BF! Can you get them from the Co-op?
Yes, and thank you for the reminder (though I'll probably forget again...).
About the only things I really like, and can't get from the Co-Op, are KIPPERS, meat PIES, and meat PUDDINGS. Tesco, of course, tends to be rather less costly as regards most items, but I do prefer to shop locally if I can.
I plan a grocery shop first thing tomorrow. I can't say I'm much looking forward to an early dark cold morning trip, but going at that time seems to be the best way of ensuring the shelves are stocked and the non-socially-distancing customers are at least at a minimum. I think we have enough wine and gravy...
@Wesley JBlack Narcissus is based on a book by Rumer Godden - a group of nuns travel to a distant spot in the Himalayas to set up a school in a disused Indian palace to which a disturbing mystery is attached. It's slow going; Mr Nen and I are debating whether we want to sit through two more hours of it.
@Nenya writes: ...a group of nuns travel to a distant spot in the Himalayas to set up a school in a disused Indian palace to which a disturbing mystery is attached.
The obvious question is WHY? And if it's going to take another two hours to answer, I think I'd give it a miss, too.
Mind you, even the best-written books don't always translate too well to the screen. The film version of Lord of the Rings is a case in point.
@Nenya writes: ...a group of nuns travel to a distant spot in the Himalayas to set up a school in a disused Indian palace to which a disturbing mystery is attached.
The obvious question is WHY? And if it's going to take another two hours to answer, I think I'd give it a miss, too.
The house being practically veg-less, took a run to Aldi and scored lettuce, tomato, aubergine, cauliflower, red onion and peppers. Also 6 of their mini fondue thingies. Sadly they had none of the Blaufrankisch left, but we got a couple of bottles of Spätburgunder instead.
Now off to do a sober dinner of cauliflower cheese and tomato sausages.
You managed to get lettuce? I thought there was a problem with them on our shelves. I never buy them, but it's reassuring to know supplies are getting through.
I'm revising my list - we have a lot a red wine but I think we need more white.
Now off to do a sober dinner of cauliflower cheese and tomato sausages.
This may have something to do with the wine I've drunk, but I'm having trouble parsing that. Is is cauliflower cheese accompanied by tomato sausages, or sausages that are made of/flavoured with cauliflower cheese and tomato.
And irrespective as to which is the correct parsing, where does one get such a thing?
...ETA: Is anyone watching the three part series of Black Narcissus?
I'm recording it, mostly based on the cast. I saw the Deborah Kerr/Jean Simmons original enough years ago now for the mystery to remain mysterious. Haven't started yet though, so not much help.
...ETA: Is anyone watching the three part series of Black Narcissus?
I'm recording it, mostly based on the cast. I saw the Deborah Kerr/Jean Simmons original enough years ago now for the mystery to remain mysterious. Haven't started yet though, so not much help.
I remember watching that too and remembered enough of it to know it could be disturbing. The first episode was, as I said, slowgoing and we've decided not to persevere.
I'm also intrigued by Firenze's menu, and concerned about it being "sober."
I over-shopped as usual for the Christmas to NY period, so still have enough fresh(ish) veg & fruit to keep us going through the weekend, plus leeks & Swiss chard in the garden, and prepared meals in the freezer. There is bread in the freezer, too, but we will probably need fresh milk by Monday.
I'm rather hoping I won't need any more groceries until I finish work on Thursday; while the lure of Marks & Sparks is tempting when I get off the bus, so is the thought of getting home as quickly as possible.
I'm thinking maybe sausage, pepper and tomato pasta for tomorrow - it's quick, and I have some tomatoes that really need using up.
Tomorrow's lunch will be a supposedly Italian vegetable soup made today from a recipe found on the internet, which used some of the veg that is beginning to look a bit tired. As far as I can see, the only Italian thing about it is the spoonful if pesto that is put in the bowl when it is served. I hope we like it, I made 2litres, and will be freezing half of it.
I will assemble dinner tomorrow from food that needs eating asap - the remains of the gammon shanks we had on Christmas eve, with a hash of vegetables leftover from the w/e and a ready-cooked dish of red cabbage and apple I bought on a whim.
[...] @Wesley JBlack Narcissus is based on a book by Rumer Godden - a group of nuns travel to a distant spot in the Himalayas to set up a school in a disused Indian palace to which a disturbing mystery is attached. It's slow going; Mr Nen and I are debating whether we want to sit through two more hours of it.
Thanks. I godd the rumour, and shall happily abstain!
The QI XL Christmas show, which is currently available, is rather nice, as is the Mock The Week 2020 Best of. That's more straightforward and with less disturbing mystery attached.
Now off to do a sober dinner of cauliflower cheese and tomato sausages.
Is is cauliflower cheese accompanied by tomato sausages
That's the one. The tomato-flavoured saussies come from the local butcher.
Tomorrow I'm thinking Mauritian curry of fish and aubergine. Wednesday pile the last of the Christmas charcuterie on to a pizza. Hogmanay pork'n'prunes. NYD a roast of lamb. Dunno what comes after that. Alkaseltzer probably.
We really enjoyed the Christmas History of Sacred Music* with Simon Russell Beale and the Sixteen. It was lovely (but didn't include the Praetorius, sadly)
*perm any way you like, it was those four words in one order or another!
Well stuff this for a lark. The train didn't go until 7:19, and when it did it stopped at Edinburgh Park as well as Haymarket. Result: the no. 37 bus was passing the bus stop as I arrived, and I had to wait for about three quarters of an hour for the next one. And we've got sn*w.
To say I'm pissed off would be a gross understatement.
What a horrible journey @piglet Hope the one back is better.
Our son (who is in our bubble) went home yesterday. Partly so he could make sure he was virus free before going back to work next week, but mainly so he could get back to his PS5.
We've managed to finish most of the Christmas food. Just a bit of cake to go.
Very sorry you've had a bad start to your working day, @Piglet . I hope it gets better.
I headed up to the local Tess Coe at 6am and it was a reasonably pleasant experience - very few shoppers and very well stocked shelves. I'm not planning to go near the place again until next year. I was really very grateful that it wasn't particularly icy this morning and as I think some wintry showers are heading our way later today I'm feeling satisfied that I've got the necessaries in. Also, lamb was half price so we'll be having roast on New Year's Eve and lamb curry the following day.
@Piglet I hope your workplace was lovely and warm when you got there. It’s the sort of journey that calls for hot chocolate at the destination.
Yesterday I made a mushroom cranberry nut roast adapting a recipe from Rose Elliot which turned out delicious and not as mushy as I thought it would be.
Sn*w here in the Deep South for all of 15 minutes.
No plans to go to the shops any time soon for us, the veg box arrived yesterday with meat and veg, and we still have Christmas leftovers (last night it was turkey and ham curry with Bombay potatoes, all made from leftover Christmas dinner). No snow either, though colder than it has been.
I am officially on holiday this week but am tempted to do some marking, as I’ll have to do it anyway when I get back. But as I was marking on the first 3 days of my holiday I think I’ll do it tomorrow and Saturday so that I feel I’ve had a decent break. I might do some spinning and crocheting today instead.
Just - stitching the seams this morning - finished a stashbuster woolly jumper. Wearing that, the fleece trackies and a pair of South African socks and looking out at the snow. So glad we did the shopping run yesterday.
Lots of snow up here! all very pretty, in the trees, right across the park. Sledges out a-plenty on the hill in the park. Managed to clear a small spot on the patio to feed the ground-feeding birds, and brush the snow off the seed feeder. After that I retired to safety indoors!
I do find that these days, snow looks much better from behind a window!
Comments
I've been very dopey this afternoon, dozing off in between reading my book.
Time to go and make that omelette, I think.
I melted it into the sauce, but it's not quite the same. Tastes OK though - I might give it a go again, although it's rather more faff than I can be bothered with.
Maybe throw a rope over each end and peg it down for more reassurance - bits of pipe for pegs or you could wile away some hours whittling some big sticks?
Depending the dish the oven or microwave may suffice.
Or a blowtorch
Electric heatguns are also available and less likely to singe.
Or perhaps not ...
You could probably hold a toaster upside down over it, or maybe set up some sort of centrifuge to hold it over the hob without it dropping on the floor. Or a parabolic mirror pointed at the sun and move the dish through the focus. Really there's loads of things to try.
I arose this morning at 8am to take my pills, and to feed the Dragon (aka Rayburn), only to see that the World more than 20 feet or so from the Ark had disappeared.
I retired to my berth, muttering feverish prayers for the restoration of the World, and duly found at 11am that the Fog had lifted...
Wild mushroom and mozzarella filo parcels for lunch. Since then I’ve been watching 1950s black and white David Attenborough programmes while pottering, and marvelling at a world where taking random animals from jungles and bribing native people with cigarettes was considered perfectly acceptable, at least for English explorers.
I forget that other folk live in benighted parts of these isles, not blessed with the glorious sunshine that we enjoy in the Hebrides. *looks out the window* Not today obviously.
Happy Shipiversary @Japes!
Now watching "Death on the Nile" - love Peter Ustinov ("For me it is ze exercise of ze leetle grey cells.").
Mr Nen has also brought me chocolates and sherry.
ETA: Is anyone watching the three part series of Black Narcissus?
*The highlight of the average weekend in 2020 has been going to S*****urys instead of getting our order delivered from T**cos as all the delivery slots are full ☹️
Any good? What it is about?
Today (after the Fog had lifted), I made my weekly trip to Tessie Cohen's Corner Shop, to which I was immediately admitted by the Green Traffic Light, and Open Door! O frabjous day!
Not too busy, with everyone socially-distancing (more or less), and wearing the Mask™. I found everything I wanted, only remembering after I reached home that I had forgotten the Gravy granules...
My next outing (as long as there's no Sn*w) may be just to the local Co-Op on Thursday, to top up the WINE cupboard...
O such Larks!
Now going to attempt Firenze's chicken thighs with tarragon and crème fraîche for supper.
Memo to self: don't stay up too late, as you've got to get up for w*rk in the morning ...
Yes, and thank you for the reminder (though I'll probably forget again...).
About the only things I really like, and can't get from the Co-Op, are KIPPERS, meat PIES, and meat PUDDINGS. Tesco, of course, tends to be rather less costly as regards most items, but I do prefer to shop locally if I can.
@Wesley J Black Narcissus is based on a book by Rumer Godden - a group of nuns travel to a distant spot in the Himalayas to set up a school in a disused Indian palace to which a disturbing mystery is attached. It's slow going; Mr Nen and I are debating whether we want to sit through two more hours of it.
The obvious question is WHY? And if it's going to take another two hours to answer, I think I'd give it a miss, too.
Mind you, even the best-written books don't always translate too well to the screen. The film version of Lord of the Rings is a case in point.
...or perhaps The Call of Cthulhu ?
Now off to do a sober dinner of cauliflower cheese and tomato sausages.
I'm revising my list - we have a lot a red wine but I think we need more white.
This may have something to do with the wine I've drunk, but I'm having trouble parsing that. Is is cauliflower cheese accompanied by tomato sausages, or sausages that are made of/flavoured with cauliflower cheese and tomato.
And irrespective as to which is the correct parsing, where does one get such a thing?
I'm also intrigued by Firenze's menu, and concerned about it being "sober."
I over-shopped as usual for the Christmas to NY period, so still have enough fresh(ish) veg & fruit to keep us going through the weekend, plus leeks & Swiss chard in the garden, and prepared meals in the freezer. There is bread in the freezer, too, but we will probably need fresh milk by Monday.
I'm thinking maybe sausage, pepper and tomato pasta for tomorrow - it's quick, and I have some tomatoes that really need using up.
I will assemble dinner tomorrow from food that needs eating asap - the remains of the gammon shanks we had on Christmas eve, with a hash of vegetables leftover from the w/e and a ready-cooked dish of red cabbage and apple I bought on a whim.
Thanks. I godd the rumour, and shall happily abstain!
The QI XL Christmas show, which is currently available, is rather nice, as is the Mock The Week 2020 Best of. That's more straightforward and with less disturbing mystery attached.
That's the one. The tomato-flavoured saussies come from the local butcher.
Tomorrow I'm thinking Mauritian curry of fish and aubergine. Wednesday pile the last of the Christmas charcuterie on to a pizza. Hogmanay pork'n'prunes. NYD a roast of lamb. Dunno what comes after that. Alkaseltzer probably.
*perm any way you like, it was those four words in one order or another!
To say I'm pissed off would be a gross understatement.
Our son (who is in our bubble) went home yesterday. Partly so he could make sure he was virus free before going back to work next week, but mainly so he could get back to his PS5.
We've managed to finish most of the Christmas food. Just a bit of cake to go.
I headed up to the local Tess Coe at 6am and it was a reasonably pleasant experience - very few shoppers and very well stocked shelves. I'm not planning to go near the place again until next year. I was really very grateful that it wasn't particularly icy this morning and as I think some wintry showers are heading our way later today I'm feeling satisfied that I've got the necessaries in. Also, lamb was half price so we'll be having roast on New Year's Eve and lamb curry the following day.
Yesterday I made a mushroom cranberry nut roast adapting a recipe from Rose Elliot which turned out delicious and not as mushy as I thought it would be.
Sn*w here in the Deep South for all of 15 minutes.
No plans to go to the shops any time soon for us, the veg box arrived yesterday with meat and veg, and we still have Christmas leftovers (last night it was turkey and ham curry with Bombay potatoes, all made from leftover Christmas dinner). No snow either, though colder than it has been.
I am officially on holiday this week but am tempted to do some marking, as I’ll have to do it anyway when I get back. But as I was marking on the first 3 days of my holiday I think I’ll do it tomorrow and Saturday so that I feel I’ve had a decent break. I might do some spinning and crocheting today instead.
I do find that these days, snow looks much better from behind a window!