AS: Cool Britannia (sort of): the British thread 2019

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  • MMMMMM Shipmate
    Chilli con carne made by Macarius a few weeks ago (and frozen, I hasten to add) with rice and garlic bread and a nice bottle of something.

    Still feeling rather sorry for myself. The doctor obviously didn’t think it was serious and said I had probably done something when doing some housework last weekend (note to self, don’t do housework any more). She thought it was ‘remarkable’ that I’m not on any long term medication, which rather surprised me.

    So I’ve got chunkier anti inflammatories and something to stop them upsetting my stomach. And as I’m over 60, I don’t have to pay of course!

    I still think my wheat bag/hot water bottle combo is the bestest, though.

    MMM
  • My Pilates Torturer Instructor recommends a wheat-bag as a possibly useful way of relieving the ache in my poor Legs.

    Alas, just as Morrison's let me down earlier, so too did my friendly local Farmer-Sea, so I shall have to hobble further afield.
  • This morning was my first outing on my new wheels (still unnamed) through Storm Gareth who is still making his presence known. Even with a very heavy basket of shopping on the back rack I made it further up the hill than I’ve ever managed on the old wheels, so I’m quite chuffed (rather than puffed).
    This afternoon I shall be planting snowdrops in the back lawn with a few clumps from the allotment (on the way home I had what looked like a mayfly on the car windscreen - a March fly?)
  • shamwarishamwari Shipmate Posts: 48
    Just back from trip to Plettenberg Bay to have lunch with old friends. The beach was exactly as I remember it many years ago!! A new restaurent on the beachfront serve an excellent meal. Weather was also great. So no complaints!

  • @daisydaisy, yes, I think the poor Insects have got their timing all wrong!

    Why, back in February, I saw Queen BumbleBees on the wing already.....
    :flushed:
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    daisydaisy wrote: »
    This morning was my first outing on my new wheels (still unnamed) through Storm Gareth who is still making his presence known. Even with a very heavy basket of shopping on the back rack I made it further up the hill than I’ve ever managed on the old wheels, so I’m quite chuffed (rather than puffed). [...]
    What's the reason for this remarkable feat, daisydaisy? Is the bike lighter, and/or has it got better gears and transmission?

    I'm very happy that you like it and it does do the trick! :)
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    I'm having a minor chuckle regarding the naming of your storms (not, I hasten to add, about the storms themselves).

    A few years ago, we were in Orkney on holiday when the first storm to be given a name over there was due. It was called Abigail, which amused an old schoolfriend with whom I was having a catch-up, as her daughter is called Abigail. Now they've named one after her son as well ... :mrgreen:

    We're not having any storms here, but we are getting quite a lot of rain and a spot of fog, which is a Good Thing*, as both are efficacious in the dispersement of sn*w.

    I'm currently waiting for a batch of chicken stock to do its thing, and later we're planning on making a chicken, bacon and mushroom PIE for tomorrow's lunch (D. will do the pastry, and I'll do the filling). I know we're a bit late for what our friends in the US call "pi day", but we're with them in spirit.

    * although a certain amount of moderation is to be desired, as we don't want any floods, like we had last year ... :flushed:
  • shamwari wrote: »
    Just back from trip to Plettenberg Bay to have lunch with old friends. The beach was exactly as I remember it many years ago!! A new restaurent on the beachfront serve an excellent meal. Weather was also great. So no complaints!
    Dinner by the beach - what a lovely dream!
    It was still blustery here this morning but has now calmed down. I was working til about 9.30 and I’m tired out so is bath and bedtime here.
  • FirenzeFirenze Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    @Piglet, that snow you’re missing - it’s falling on Edinburgh with an enthusiasm worthy of a better cause. I wouldn’t mind, but I have to go out in it shortly and get the train to the Borders...
  • BoogieBoogie Shipmate
    edited March 2019
    Our weather forecast says 98-100% chance of rain all day. I shall just wait for it to be raining less hard to take the pooches out! ☔️ ☔️
  • FirenzeFirenze Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    Update: the train an hour before the one I was intending to take has been cancelled. This does not look good.
  • Boogie wrote: »
    Our weather forecast says 98-100% chance of rain all day. I shall just wait for it to be raining less hard to take the pooches out! ☔️ ☔️

    It’s proper peeing it down over in north-west England too. I’m using it as an excuse to hibernate and read.
  • BoogieBoogie Shipmate
    Boogie wrote: »
    Our weather forecast says 98-100% chance of rain all day. I shall just wait for it to be raining less hard to take the pooches out! ☔️ ☔️

    It’s proper peeing it down over in north-west England too. I’m using it as an excuse to hibernate and read.

    That’s where I am - NW England. :smile:

    Floods forecast. :cry:

    We are lucky, we live on a hill, but the town centre is very vulnerable to flooding.

  • We collectively held our breath for several hours yesterday, and the river just stayed between the banks behind our house. This is good, because I don't think the insurance company would have bought us another car (I did park it a little higher up this time). It's always exciting to see masses of ice and the occasional tree hurtling past, but I can do without it.
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    It's quite a strange, springy day here today - suddenly, forecast is 17-19°C, and idle sunshine! Blue sky all over, only the odd cloud! Rather windy though, still.

    Sunday should mean an end to this brief episode, and a return to the blustery, rainy and in part snowy weather of the last few weeks, in part close to, or below, freezing at night. Now, if the weather just could make up its mind, that would help! - Luckily no flooding to occur in these Continental climes, or so it seems. <votive> for all in danger zones!
  • shamwarishamwari Shipmate Posts: 48
    A first worl country!!! Dont you believe it. Today, as every day, we have had a power cut. except that we v had two today. Nothing has vchanged since we were here 3 years ago. Last night in Sedgefield tonight so we are going out for dinner. Back to Cape Town tomorrow.

  • Boogie wrote: »
    Boogie wrote: »
    Our weather forecast says 98-100% chance of rain all day. I shall just wait for it to be raining less hard to take the pooches out! ☔️ ☔️

    It’s proper peeing it down over in north-west England too. I’m using it as an excuse to hibernate and read.

    That’s where I am - NW England. :smile:

    Floods forecast. :cry:

    We are lucky, we live on a hill, but the town centre is very vulnerable to flooding.

    Ouch to the flooding. We are on the Lancashire plains so know what that’s like!
  • daisydaisydaisydaisy Shipmate
    edited March 2019
    Wesley J wrote: »
    daisydaisy wrote: »
    This morning was my first outing on my new wheels (still unnamed) through Storm Gareth who is still making his presence known. Even with a very heavy basket of shopping on the back rack I made it further up the hill than I’ve ever managed on the old wheels, so I’m quite chuffed (rather than puffed). [...]
    What's the reason for this remarkable feat, daisydaisy? Is the bike lighter, and/or has it got better gears and transmission?

    I'm very happy that you like it and it does do the trick! :)
    I have no idea. Maybe having only 7 gears, rather than 16, helps. It’s slightly lighter but it could be that because the crank is further forward than a regular bike there is more of an angle for oomph, rather like on a recumbent (but less extreme).

    Today I took an 8yo friend to the university in the Big City for their science and engineering day where he had a great time doing “stuff” and filling his backpack with goodies. At one point, when we stepped out of a building the wind blew him off his feet! He came away happy with his loot (especially with a straw made into a double reed) but I think I am even happier as I found I am healthier than I thought I am. During one of the activities we each had a Doppler ultrasound test done on our ankles where I learned that my pulse/heartbeat is much better than most adults, let alone a (ahem slightly) senior one - it has 3 spikes (which we are born with - I was told the term but it went right over my head) rather than the 2 of most adults. Also, considering my little escapade and fractured leg of last spring, apparently this is Astonishingly Good News. We also tried out a researcher’s new gadget, showing the pressure we put on different parts of our feet when standing and walking, along with centre of gravity. Again I found that despite having white pink hair and starting off childhood with dodgy ankles this all looked remarkably good, and when I mentioned being a Tai Chi newbie the researcher said she’s looking for volunteers like me for her research. So I’ll wait to hear from her.

    Stay safe everyone in these high winds!

  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    edited March 2019
    Firenze wrote: »
    @Piglet, that snow you’re missing ...
    Missing it like a hole in the head! :smiley:

    Did you make it to the Borders?

    I'm just back from a spot of minor retail therapy (just some new eyeshadow), and actually went out with just a linen shirt, denim waistcoat and jeans. Admittedly I was only outdoors between house and car, car and shopping centre, but I'm very glad I didn't put on a coat - it was bloody hot in there, and not really too cold outside either.

    * * * * *

    We're now chilling ou in front of an episode of The Antiques Roadshow from Northern Ireland, and a friend of ours has just been interviewed about an occasional table.

    We'd just both said we were looking out to see if we recognised anyone, and thinking of people who might be likely; I suggested M. and A., as possible candidates, and lo and behold, the next shot was of A.

    Small world moment! :smiley:
  • :lol:

    Wit and Wendy here again, and I'm losing track. Is this still Storm Gareth, or are we into Storm Hilda, or Storm Ignatius, or Storm Jezebel, or what?
    :confused:
  • FirenzeFirenze Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    I didn’t make it to the Borders. It seemed reasonable, when the train before the one I was due to take was cancelled, to call off. By the time the snow was resolving to sleet and rain, and the trains were running, it was too late.

    I would nevertheless have got thoroughly wet getting to the station and have had to spend a good part of the day in damp shoes/clothing. A prudent decision,but a sad one.
  • Storm Gareth has moved on, apparently, and what we are now experiencing isn't strong enough to warrant a name, according to the weather forecaster I heard this morning.
    As there doesn't seem to have been a break between Gareth and this anonymous one I fail to see how we can tell the difference here on the ground.

    My niece is due to visit tomorrow with her fiancé - Gareth.
  • And there is bad flooding in north Wales and northern England.
  • la vie en rougela vie en rouge Circus Host, 8th Day Host
    Different adventures here... husband en rouge was slicing a cucumber yesterday lunchtime using a mandolin. A trip to the casualty department ensued.

    He'll be fine, but he now has a giant bandage and is henceforth banned from using any dangerous kitchen equipment.
  • BoogieBoogie Shipmate
    Owch - hope it heals quickly @la vie en rouge

    There is a slight lul in the rain today, it rained hard all day yesterday. The river rose and was very close to bursting its banks - we’ll see what today brings. More rain is forecast. Our gym is unusable as the car park is under water, and some roads are closed, but that’s the only damage so far.

  • Local Community quiz night last night, and I thought of you all as I won a large bottle of local GIN (which costs almost twice as much as the local WHISKY). I don't like GIN, so you are all welcome to a glass.....

    Still snowing - that's three days now, but it's not lying much.
  • LothlorienLothlorien Glory
    edited March 2019
    Different adventures here... husband en rouge was slicing a cucumber yesterday lunchtime using a mandolin. A trip to the casualty department ensued.

    He'll be fine, but he now has a giant bandage and is henceforth banned from using any dangerous kitchen equipment.

    It happens so quickly. Am super careful with mandolin but tonight I just missed gratin finger with microplane.

    I hope the cut heals well.

  • Different adventures here... husband en rouge was slicing a cucumber yesterday lunchtime using a mandolin.
    I'm sorry to hear that. But just of the damage that could have been done by a double bass.

  • Ooh - painful!
    A dull day here yesterday, I sent back my completed objective form from my work appraisal and then did several hours of marking, followed by a blustery walk in the afternoon.
    I need a decent day off next week as this batch of marking has been time consuming but, alas, I have evening teaching and more marking to look forward to.
  • PuzzlerPuzzler Shipmate
    Lovely sunny morning here, no rain, a gentle breeze.
  • It looks lovely here too - but still a fair wind, less than the wind of yesterday, which was a good day to stay in and dress-make.
  • Bright sunshine after a violent hail storm, but huge dark clouds rapidly approaching. Think I'll wait until I go and fill the recycling wheelie bin up for collection tomorrow!
    Luckily most of our town is on a hill, and the river in the valley down below only floods in fields. AFAIK
  • What is all this talk of using musical instruments as kitchen utensils? (I suspect that I'm missing the point here).

    A nice sunny morning, with a good turn-out at Church.

    Chicken and Roast Potatoes beckon......
    :yum:
  • Chicken and Roast Potatoes beckon......
    :yum:
    Wot, no Veg.?

  • O no....it's Lent.
    :grin:
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    edited March 2019
    For the uninitiated, a mandolin is a rather scary gadget for making very thin slices. I quite like the idea of having one for slicing the potatoes for Gratin dauphinoise, but they give D. the creeps. Considering that I managed to give myself a ridiculously tenacious cut the other day while attacking an avocado with an ordinary kitchen knife, I'm not sure that he isn't right. It caused very little pain, but bled like a stuck pig, and required several applications of sticking-plaster.

    Not quite up there with M. en rouge's exploits, but a damn nuisance all the same.

    It's a lovely sunny day, but has gone back to being cold (-4° at the moment), and where there aren't Deep Puddles, there are Patches of Treachery™.

    Chicken PIE for lunch - as D. wasn't feeling the best on Friday, we made it last night instead, so it just needs to be baked and given the company of some mashed potatoes.

    And a glass of WINE, I think, to propose a toast to St. Patrick (after all, we did live in Ireland for 15 years).

    eta: cross-posted with BT and BF - I don't think vegetables are something you're supposed to give up for Lent. Anyway, St. Patrick's day is a feast-day ... :mrgreen:
  • Baptist TrainfanBaptist Trainfan Shipmate
    edited March 2019
    Well, it would have been difficult chopping up veg. with a theorbo or putting the spuds into a sackbut.

    BTW, is the eating of certain vegetables considered to be an Act of Penance, conferring Grace?
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    edited March 2019
    You could get the spuds into the sackbut, but getting them out might be another matter ...

    In answer to your question re: veggies/grace, probably. Especially Brussels sprouts, dark green cabbage and boiled-to-buggery green beans* (ugh!).

    * the sort that come ready-sliced and frozen, not the nice squeaky Kenya beans that are lovely with sesame seeds and oil.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    edited March 2019
    Well, it would have been difficult chopping up veg. with a theorbo or putting the spuds into a sackbut.

    BTW, is the eating of certain vegetables considered to be an Act of Penance, conferring Grace?

    Yes, indeed, as Piglet so sagaciously observes.

    But, alas, the chicken etc. might as well have been Dust and Ashes. Maybe the LORD is trying to tell me something....
    :grimace:

  • NenyaNenya Shipmate
    We have friends coming over for a meal this evening, so I've got beef and Guinness stew in the slow cooker, it being St Patrick's Day and all.🍀And lots of vegetables - roast potatoes and roast parsnip, steamed cauliflower and broccoli, as well as the carrots and mushrooms in the stew. (So I know it should be celery and not mushrooms, but there was none when I went shopping.)
  • Baptist TrainfanBaptist Trainfan Shipmate
    edited March 2019
    Piglet wrote: »
    In answer to your question re: veggies/grace, probably. Especially Brussels sprouts, dark green cabbage and boiled-to-buggery green beans* (ugh!).
    But Brussels sprouts are LUVLY as is the dark cabbage if cooked fairly lightly (and think of all the Good it's doing to you). I'm with you on the beans though.

  • Mmm, all sounds good. I usually do a big cook on Sunday evenings and freeze the rest, but can't seem to be bothered to cook much tonight. Is it already quarter to six?! Where did the weekend go??
  • I've just put the chicken on to roast ...
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    [...] BTW, is the eating of certain vegetables considered to be an Act of Penance, conferring Grace?
    A fair question.

    And those who do not fully adhere to Lent are true Pirates of Penance.
  • [Unsure whether to groan or applaud]
  • NenyaNenya Shipmate
    And it is it is a wonderful thing
    To be a pirate king.


    Thanks for this ear worm - a welcome change to Shine Jesus Shine which has been going round my head since a conversation about Graham Kendrick over the meal table this evening.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Wesley J wrote: »
    And those who do not fully adhere to Lent are true Pirates of Penance.
    Oh go away! :mrgreen:

    * * * * *

    D. decided after church that what he really wanted was SOUP, and as making it on the spur of the moment isn't really feasible, we went to East Side Mario's, a New York/Italian chain that does unlimited soup, salad and warm, slightly garlicky bread, which was really quite decent (especially as mine ws accompanied by a generous glass of WINE). The PIE will wait happily in the fridge until tomorrow.
  • ALL Sundays are feast days, or so our last vicar told us , so don't form part of Lent, which otherwise would last for more than 40 days.

    For this relief much thanks!
  • shamwarishamwari Shipmate Posts: 48
    A perfect day! Sun shining. warm and no rain anywhere in sight. It was an eventful trip back in the car yestersay. Rear tyre blew out for some unknown reason. Lost a lot of tread. So putting on the spare delayed us by quite a while. Cape Town is very short of water so my son is having a borehole sunk in the middle of the driveway which seemed to be the only place where water was located. I shall maybe go for a swim in the pool a bit later emanwhile its a case of getting tanned.
  • Sun shining here yesterday, and warm enough to sit in the garden for our morning cuppa. Also clear enough for our visitors to appreciate our sea view. A sudden hailstorm, out of the blue, caused those still outside to dash quickly indoors, but it was very brief.

    As well as my niece (and fiancé Gareth), my brother and SiL came too. As SiL is Irish I added a few Irish elements to the menu in honour of St Patrick - and we still have some chocolate Guinness cake left :)
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