Fresher today but still very warm. We didn’t robe for church this morning. All a bit chaotic with another visiting priest who didn’t seem to know what he was doing. Very long sermon too, mostly full of anecdotes.
Our clergy / readers only robe for the early morning communion but chose not to because of the heat. They looked rather mismatched as the retiree with PTO opted for suit and clerical collar while our rector was more casual with open necked shirt and no jacket.
I hope you had a lovely sleep in your new bed, @Piglet.
Mt mother was at an Open Gardens Village event last week, mrs whibley. There were bicycle rickshaws to transport people with mobility issues. I was ricocheted all over the place my mother told me.
We had a lovely day yesterday. Church was lay-led. One of those leading the service explained at the start that she was struggling as her dog had just been pts, and if her voice started breaking, that would be why. But I am here, and God is with me she said. The sympathy of the congregation was palpable. The sermon, delivered by the other lay leader, was excellent but superfluous after that simple statement of faith.
In the afternoon a fortuitous downpour put paid to my plans to get the grass cut.
In the evening we went out to dinner with friends we had not seen since before lockdown.
Fresh, and occasionally somewhat cloudy, in Arkland the Draughty, with a top temperature of just 72F for today and tomorrow - back up to 80F on Wednesday...
Lunch is TINNED SALMON n'CHIPS. With BREAD n'BUTTER.
Feeling a little seedy and headachy for some unknown reason, I'm taking things even more quietly than usual today, prior to Pilates tomorrow.
So far today I've cleaned the loos, done a pile of ironing, walked to a friend's house with a pile of clothes and been filmed by my husband for a video he's making. The clothes drop off was for a 'swish' on Friday. The idea being you have a party and swap clothes you no longer want for things that someone else doesn't want but you might. I'm away from tomorrow till Friday afternoon so my friend is taking them in for me. The video is for a charity that helps people make their homes more energy efficient. I had to chat about the report we'd been sent. My one conclusion so far is I need to go on a diet as I don't look at all like I would want to.
The rest of the day I'm not doing much, though I do need to crack on with some knitting and I promised to cook the tea as my husband is out at a Churches Together meeting tonight.
Edited to add, I hope the bed was as comfy as comfy can be @piglet.
I'm sorry to hear that, hope you feel better before your Torture exercise.
One hopes the salmon was (?were) removed from the tin before consumption ...
Thank you - yes, feeling refreshed by Lunch (the Salmon was extracted from the tin beforehand, I hasten to add - it was one of those single servings of pink salmon supplied by John West via Tess Coe in groups of three. Just right for a light lunch, or on TOAST).
We meant to see the sunset at Rhosili on Saturday following lasagna at the very nice Italian restaurant at Mumbles..Darllenwr then realised that we would have to travel a further 2 hours if we wanted to hear the “hiss”. of the sun sinking into the sea, and so we came home.
I hope you had a lovely sleep in your new bed, @Piglet.
I did indeed. I woke at about 5:15, because midsummer in Scotland, but didn't take long to doze off again, and just the fact of being Not On The Sofa was most excellent. Also, because the new bed is a "small double" (as opposed to a normal double), the room feels bigger, and it's just nice having everything more-or-less in the right place again.
I've never met North East Mum, but her description of being "ricocheted" conjured up a vision of a sweet little old lady bouncing around the place and bumping into trees ...
Quite a bit cooler here today, and rather blustrous, but none the worse for that. I took the trusty trolley to work and had a pootle round Tessie's with it at lunchtime - mostly because I was getting dangerously short of WINE. I've discovered that you can get Wairau Cove, which is a very decent NZ Sauv Blanc, in boxes (don't judge me!) for about 20 quid for the equivalent of three bottles, so I thought, why not? I shall report back.
Supper was pasta with prawns, tomatoes and mushrooms because use-by date.
I don’t think I would ever be able to eat with you, Piglet - I love aubergines but am allergic to prawns and other shellfish, which you seem to cook a lot!
I have a number of good recipes for using excess courgettes - hope to post them on the food thread later in the week (not at home at the moment, so will need to refer to my recipe notebook to check amounts for the courgette and Wensleydale crumble)
I'm still not having luck with courgettes. I went out to see how they were doing and one had disappeared. I discovered it upside down by the side of the planter. Some pigeons were having an argument in the vicinity earlier and I guess my poor courgette was a casualty. I've replanted it and fingers crossed it hasn't been too damaged by the experience.
I've always been surprised at how nice boxed wine can be @Piglet . Trouble is I know I'd get through it far faster than is good for me. Glad the bed was comfy and it's good that you've got your place more or less back to what it should be.
I got back from my Swedish excusion on Friday laden with presents for the small boys, and bottles of Aquavit for the big boys.
I met our lovely au pair's parents and they introduced me to the cousin who is coming to replace her next month. Then the next day I went to what I thought would be a lunch party with the au pair's grandmother and discovered a roomful of the au pairs of my childhood plus husbands, and a couple of grandchildren. There was cine film from the 1960s of self and siblings larking about in our paddling pool, playing tennis, etc, and lots of pictures of family holidays. One former au pair burst into tears when she saw me, saying Oh, I'm so glad you still have your hair! They all cooed over photos of my twins and the grandsons. Somewhat recklessly I issued an open invitation to all of them, so I think we may have a Swedish invasion over the summer.
ION I was mighty chuffed to discover that the hurried selection of horses I made at Ascot did pretty well, giving me enough to cover my air fare 🍾🐎👏
I've never met North East Mum, but her description of being "ricocheted" conjured up a vision of a sweet little old lady bouncing around the place and bumping into trees ...
I got back from my Swedish excusion on Friday laden with presents for the small boys, and bottles of Aquavit for the big boys.
I met our lovely au pair's parents and they introduced me to the cousin who is coming to replace her next month. Then the next day I went to what I thought would be a lunch party with the au pair's grandmother and discovered a roomful of the au pairs of my childhood plus husbands, and a couple of grandchildren. There was cine film from the 1960s of self and siblings larking about in our paddling pool, playing tennis, etc, and lots of pictures of family holidays. One former au pair burst into tears when she saw me, saying Oh, I'm so glad you still have your hair! They all cooed over photos of my twins and the grandsons. Somewhat recklessly I issued an open invitation to all of them, so I think we may have a Swedish invasion over the summer.
ION I was mighty chuffed to discover that the hurried selection of horses I made at Ascot did pretty well, giving me enough to cover my air fare 🍾🐎👏
What an enjoyable trip you had! If you do get an invasion of Swedes, there are some nice fruity varieties of Swedish CIDER available in UK supermarkets...I know whereof I speak...
ION, another warm day in Arkland the Blustery, after some overnight Rain and Cloud. Pilates was a bit tough today - those bl***y hip flexors again - but some improvement has been achieved. Also achieved was a visit to the Farmer Sea to pick up the next eight weeks' worth of Free Drugs - they pack them all for me in a Bag with Handles - followed by a trip to the Co-Op, where more Sardines were purchased.
I find it hard to believe that I lead such an exciting life...yes, I know - be careful what you wish for!
PRAWNS n'CHIPS for Lunch, with some nice Bagels and Cream CHEESE for later.
Delighted to hear you're so pleased with all aspects of the new bed @Piglet .
Don't overdo the excitement, @Bishops Finger . Mr Nen and I are continuing with our Pilates classes on a Monday afternoon and I have to say that while I don't enjoy them at all, I do think they're Doing Me Good.
It doesn't Do to Run Out of Wine and in the past we've purchased wine boxes too. I did find it was rather too easy to drink a lot - there was always the worry it would go bad...
I've been out for lunch with my Tuesday lunch buddies (it being Tuesday and all) and am in the process of cooking tea (salmon in parsley sauce with roast vegetables, since you ask) as we need our meal early this evening. I'm on an online Midsummer Retreat at 7pm, which I'm really looking forward to, and Mr Nen thinks he might be going out but isn't sure yet.
O I won't overdo the excitement @Nenya - I'll save it for tomorrow, when Tess Coe must be visited...
Alas! the fridge in the galley of the Ark is very small, so Supplies have to be laid in every two or three days. The effort required to get to the shops does, however, provide me with Exercise That Does Me Good.
I know the feeling. On the days when I don't swim, I walk to the supermarket at (hopefully) a Suitably Brisk Pace - well, it is mostly downhill. I usually take the bus back home though ...
It's been a while since I walked up the hill to the village Co-Op, alas. It sometimes takes me about 10 minutes to totter - on the level - from the Ark to the Car! On a Good Day, I can do the distance in half the time, but today was not one of those days...
Oddly (or not, but certainly annoyingly), I can walk and run normally in my Dreams.
I expect you have Shopp Ing to carry back home from the supermarket, so hailing an Omnibus seems a Good Idea.
@Piglet Congratulations on finally having a bed my porcine friend. I know how you feel about sofa beds - IME they're invariably only slightly better than kipping down on the floor.
ION the little chaps are toddling less and walking more, IYKWIM; give it a couple of months and they'll need wellington boots.
Now to pick some runner beans and peas to go with the gammon and parsley sauce for this evening's supper - and maybe a glass of Aquavit before bed. 😈
@Piglet Congratulations on finally having a bed my porcine friend. I know how you feel about sofa beds ...
It wasn't a sofa bed - it was just a two-seater sofa. Just as well I'm a vertically-challenged piglet ...
Your Swedish excursion sounds amazing - hope you enjoy any invasions you might get!
@Aravis - it might not be so bad if we ate together - we could be like Jack Sprat and Mrs Sprat:
Jack Sprat could eat no fat
And his wife could eat no lean
And so betwixt the two of them
They ate the platter clean.
You have the aubergines, I'll have the prawns.
Another pleasant day here: 17° with a wee breeze.
As I was getting my nails done at 6, I cheated with supper, and got F&C afterwards.
The Wairau Cove in a box seems to be perfectly palatable, although it takes up rather more room in the door of the fridge than I'd like (my fridge is stupidly small). I don't think I had any more than I'd usually have; I looked at how far it came up the glass, and stopped when I thought it was about right (much the same level as any work night).
I’m up early, ready and waiting for the roofers- only a week later than promised.
My son came yesterday and did more cutting back in the garden in readiness.
I’m hoping I can leave the house safely to go to my Scrabble group this afternoon, as I am in charge of it. I may have to leave them early if someone else is able to lock up. At home I have had two neat bolts fitted to the door that communicates with the extension, so I can leave the roofers for an hour or so, whilst giving them access to the loo and to power, but not to the rest of the house. It also means I feel safer to be working upstairs, so I might even finish and submit my tax return.
Jack Sprat could eat no fat
And his wife could eat no lean
And so betwixt the two of them
They ate the platter clean.
I don't like fat, so my husband used to eat the fat I cut off, in addition to any fat on his own meat. The Stroke Nurse has told him that from now on he has to be like Jack Sprat and eat no fat.
So far we have been enjoying trying out new recipes, so he isn't missing pork crackling yet. The British Heart Foundation mackerel pate has been a big hit.
Flaked smoked mackerel mixed with hummus works well on hot toast.
Iolo the kitten has discovered he can clamber up the dresser and perch on the top - which is fine, except he gets bored after five minutes and needs to be lifted down 🙄
I've been out all morning - had an early hair-trim appointment (in order to be wedding-hair-ready for Nenlet2's wedding in a fortnight's time ) and then betook myself to my favourite coffee emporium with journal and book. I am out again after lunch to see a friend.
Mr Nen announced this morning that he is out this evening at a meeting, preceded by a meal with a friend. This is ok as it gives me sole control of the TV remote but also Slightly Annoying as I was in my mind catering for two here this evening. He had mooted this as a possibility in a casual conversation a few days ago but had not told me it was a done deal. My takeaway lesson from this is to have diary to hand at all times, to record conversations and possibilities and to check in about them before they happen.
The roofers turned up about 9.10. Inspected and informed me the wrong materials had been ordered, but they ensured that the correct ones were delivered shortly afterwards. They work hard, don’t take a lunch break and will knock off around 3pm. One of them lives locally, though the firm is based about 16 miles away. I’m happy to leave them to it for a couple of hours for Scrabble, given my new security measures, but have got another member to end the session and close up the premises. The roofers should finish around midday Friday.
Hot again, and rather humid, in Arkland the Muggy, with less Breeze than They forecast.
Filled with Vitality after yesterday's Pilates, I essayed an Expotition to Tess Coe, to stock up on one or two Essentials. I did, however, completely forget to buy Bread, so the small Loaf I have in stock will have to do until tomorrow, despite having a best-by date of last Sunday...TOAST is the answer, of course.
Lunch is LAMB CHOPS, garnished with Rosemary, and they will be accompanied by some nice Potato Salad and the last of the Watercress (I knew there was something else I meant to buy today ).
We have a concert this evening on what is so far the hottest day of the year. Add to this my sore thumb woes and I'm not excited about the event. A sore thumb doesn't sound like much in the scheme of things, but when one is playing the cello, your thumb anchors your whole left hand, so it's actually quite a serious embuggerance. Ice pack + anti-inflammatories + antihistamines seem to be making some improvement, but I'm definitely not up to top speed.
Hope your thumb is better for this evening @la vie en rouge .
I’m having a few days in Barnard Castle. Today I’ve been for a delightful walk along the river, mooched round town and brought a pair of shoes. It might end up being two pairs of shoes as my friend nabbed the last pair of some shoes I also liked but is now not sure about them. I’ve agreed to buy them off her if she decides against them.
Did you notice the sign on the church car park? The one that says something about cars being shut in & prayed for? Have to admit, I rather like Barnard Castle.
I left Scrabble early. The roofers had left and locked up by the time I got back.
Whilst in town I changed a cheap pair of trousers for a different size, slightly different colour but otherwise identical, only to discover the first pair had been sold to me at the wrong price, so I had to pay extra. I am going to cool down before I try these on.
It is very muggy here. I’m really hoping it changes. The thought of travelling in this heat does not appeal. ( I’m going north on Monday for a couple of days. North should be cooler).
Wednesday choir has finished so I’m not rushing to eat.
Jack Sprat could eat no fat
And his wife could eat no lean
And so betwixt the two of them
They ate the platter clean.
I don't like fat, so my husband used to eat the fat I cut off, in addition to any fat on his own meat. The Stroke Nurse has told him that from now on he has to be like Jack Sprat and eat no fat.
So far we have been enjoying trying out new recipes, so he isn't missing pork crackling yet. The British Heart Foundation mackerel pate has been a big hit.
I was quite old before I discovered that some people actually don't trim all the fat off meat. Actually eating it deliberately is just a totally alien and weird concept to me. Crispy stuff within bacon is OK, but otherwise I dissect it off. Totally squicks me out; always has.
I had pork belly once. It took me what seemed like hours to eat it.
When I make crackling, I actually cut the skin off the joint for the last stage of cooking so I can remove and discard the fat between it and the meat. I also scrape off the fat adhering to the back of it before giving it its final crisping. My crackling is just skin. I had no idea any of this was odd, growing up. It's a family trait.
Getting your eyes tested?
My dad and I were like Jack Sprat and Mrs Sprat - he loved the fat on meat, and I would cut mine off and give it to him. My mum would look disapproving and mutter, "are you trying to kill your father?".
I can't have done him much harm - he lived to be 93.
Just what Wodders (of blessèd memory) would have said - I miss him!
A pleasantly warm day here (high of 19°); supper was fish cakes with green veggies and some (allegedly) microwaveable potatoes with herb butter.
Fish cakes & veggies v. nice; potatoes somewhat superfluous.
Did a riff on fish pie - smoked haddie and fennel in a white sauce, topped with crumb and Parmesan and baked. A Portuguese Albariño went extremely well,
Mr RoS has to have the fat cut off meat, preferably still with a bit of the meat it was attached to, to be on the safe side.
My family all ate fatty meat without a qualm (that is where all the flavour is), and I did try serving Mr RoS belly draft of pork, and stuffed rolled breast of lamb in the early days of our marriage. It was painful to watch. Consequently, I haven't had either of those dishes for years!
Our two sons also had to have the fat cut off their meat, and during the nineties, when money was a bit tight, they & their father would have the meat, and I would just have their discarded fat trimmings.
Seemed a good idea at the time!
Comments
Very brave of you @Sighthound glad it was positive
Off to try it out shortly.
Our clergy / readers only robe for the early morning communion but chose not to because of the heat. They looked rather mismatched as the retiree with PTO opted for suit and clerical collar while our rector was more casual with open necked shirt and no jacket.
Mt mother was at an Open Gardens Village event last week, mrs whibley. There were bicycle rickshaws to transport people with mobility issues.
I was ricocheted all over the place my mother told me.
We had a lovely day yesterday. Church was lay-led. One of those leading the service explained at the start that she was struggling as her dog had just been pts, and if her voice started breaking, that would be why. But I am here, and God is with me she said. The sympathy of the congregation was palpable. The sermon, delivered by the other lay leader, was excellent but superfluous after that simple statement of faith.
In the afternoon a fortuitous downpour put paid to my plans to get the grass cut.
In the evening we went out to dinner with friends we had not seen since before lockdown.
Fresh, and occasionally somewhat cloudy, in Arkland the Draughty, with a top temperature of just 72F for today and tomorrow - back up to 80F on Wednesday...
Lunch is TINNED SALMON n'CHIPS. With BREAD n'BUTTER.
Feeling a little seedy and headachy for some unknown reason, I'm taking things even more quietly than usual today, prior to Pilates tomorrow.
One hopes the salmon was (?were) removed from the tin before consumption ...
The rest of the day I'm not doing much, though I do need to crack on with some knitting and I promised to cook the tea as my husband is out at a Churches Together meeting tonight.
Edited to add, I hope the bed was as comfy as comfy can be @piglet.
Thank you - yes, feeling refreshed by Lunch (the Salmon was extracted from the tin beforehand, I hasten to add - it was one of those single servings of pink salmon supplied by John West via Tess Coe in groups of three. Just right for a light lunch, or on TOAST).
I've never met North East Mum, but her description of being "ricocheted" conjured up a vision of a sweet little old lady bouncing around the place and bumping into trees ...
Quite a bit cooler here today, and rather blustrous, but none the worse for that. I took the trusty trolley to work and had a pootle round Tessie's with it at lunchtime - mostly because I was getting dangerously short of WINE. I've discovered that you can get Wairau Cove, which is a very decent NZ Sauv Blanc, in boxes (don't judge me!) for about 20 quid for the equivalent of three bottles, so I thought, why not? I shall report back.
Supper was pasta with prawns, tomatoes and mushrooms because use-by date.
I have a number of good recipes for using excess courgettes - hope to post them on the food thread later in the week (not at home at the moment, so will need to refer to my recipe notebook to check amounts for the courgette and Wensleydale crumble)
I've always been surprised at how nice boxed wine can be @Piglet . Trouble is I know I'd get through it far faster than is good for me. Glad the bed was comfy and it's good that you've got your place more or less back to what it should be.
I met our lovely au pair's parents and they introduced me to the cousin who is coming to replace her next month. Then the next day I went to what I thought would be a lunch party with the au pair's grandmother and discovered a roomful of the au pairs of my childhood plus husbands, and a couple of grandchildren. There was cine film from the 1960s of self and siblings larking about in our paddling pool, playing tennis, etc, and lots of pictures of family holidays. One former au pair burst into tears when she saw me, saying Oh, I'm so glad you still have your hair! They all cooed over photos of my twins and the grandsons. Somewhat recklessly I issued an open invitation to all of them, so I think we may have a Swedish invasion over the summer.
ION I was mighty chuffed to discover that the hurried selection of horses I made at Ascot did pretty well, giving me enough to cover my air fare 🍾🐎👏
Or getting trapped inside a pinball machine.
What an enjoyable trip you had! If you do get an invasion of Swedes, there are some nice fruity varieties of Swedish CIDER available in UK supermarkets...I know whereof I speak...
ION, another warm day in Arkland the Blustery, after some overnight Rain and Cloud. Pilates was a bit tough today - those bl***y hip flexors again - but some improvement has been achieved. Also achieved was a visit to the Farmer Sea to pick up the next eight weeks' worth of Free Drugs - they pack them all for me in a Bag with Handles - followed by a trip to the Co-Op, where more Sardines were purchased.
I find it hard to believe that I lead such an exciting life...yes, I know - be careful what you wish for!
PRAWNS n'CHIPS for Lunch, with some nice Bagels and Cream CHEESE for later.
Delighted to hear you're so pleased with all aspects of the new bed @Piglet .
Don't overdo the excitement, @Bishops Finger . Mr Nen and I are continuing with our Pilates classes on a Monday afternoon and I have to say that while I don't enjoy them at all, I do think they're Doing Me Good.
It doesn't Do to Run Out of Wine and in the past we've purchased wine boxes too. I did find it was rather too easy to drink a lot - there was always the worry it would go bad...
I've been out for lunch with my Tuesday lunch buddies (it being Tuesday and all) and am in the process of cooking tea (salmon in parsley sauce with roast vegetables, since you ask) as we need our meal early this evening. I'm on an online Midsummer Retreat at 7pm, which I'm really looking forward to, and Mr Nen thinks he might be going out but isn't sure yet.
Alas! the fridge in the galley of the Ark is very small, so Supplies have to be laid in every two or three days. The effort required to get to the shops does, however, provide me with Exercise That Does Me Good.
Oddly (or not, but certainly annoyingly), I can walk and run normally in my Dreams.
I expect you have Shopp Ing to carry back home from the supermarket, so hailing an Omnibus seems a Good Idea.
ION the little chaps are toddling less and walking more, IYKWIM; give it a couple of months and they'll need wellington boots.
Now to pick some runner beans and peas to go with the gammon and parsley sauce for this evening's supper - and maybe a glass of Aquavit before bed. 😈
Your Swedish excursion sounds amazing - hope you enjoy any invasions you might get!
@Aravis - it might not be so bad if we ate together - we could be like Jack Sprat and Mrs Sprat:
Jack Sprat could eat no fat
And his wife could eat no lean
And so betwixt the two of them
They ate the platter clean.
You have the aubergines, I'll have the prawns.
Another pleasant day here: 17° with a wee breeze.
As I was getting my nails done at 6, I cheated with supper, and got F&C afterwards.
The Wairau Cove in a box seems to be perfectly palatable, although it takes up rather more room in the door of the fridge than I'd like (my fridge is stupidly small). I don't think I had any more than I'd usually have; I looked at how far it came up the glass, and stopped when I thought it was about right (much the same level as any work night).
My son came yesterday and did more cutting back in the garden in readiness.
I’m hoping I can leave the house safely to go to my Scrabble group this afternoon, as I am in charge of it. I may have to leave them early if someone else is able to lock up. At home I have had two neat bolts fitted to the door that communicates with the extension, so I can leave the roofers for an hour or so, whilst giving them access to the loo and to power, but not to the rest of the house. It also means I feel safer to be working upstairs, so I might even finish and submit my tax return.
And his wife could eat no lean
And so betwixt the two of them
They ate the platter clean.
I don't like fat, so my husband used to eat the fat I cut off, in addition to any fat on his own meat. The Stroke Nurse has told him that from now on he has to be like Jack Sprat and eat no fat.
So far we have been enjoying trying out new recipes, so he isn't missing pork crackling yet. The British Heart Foundation mackerel pate has been a big hit.
Iolo the kitten has discovered he can clamber up the dresser and perch on the top - which is fine, except he gets bored after five minutes and needs to be lifted down 🙄
Mr Nen announced this morning that he is out this evening at a meeting, preceded by a meal with a friend. This is ok as it gives me sole control of the TV remote but also Slightly Annoying as I was in my mind catering for two here this evening. He had mooted this as a possibility in a casual conversation a few days ago but had not told me it was a done deal. My takeaway lesson from this is to have diary to hand at all times, to record conversations and possibilities and to check in about them before they happen.
Warm and breezy and hay fever-y here.
Off to chop carrots and celery for dipping.
Grey here mostly. I am at an all day online conference on advance care planning (death studies).
Filled with Vitality after yesterday's Pilates, I essayed an Expotition to Tess Coe, to stock up on one or two Essentials. I did, however, completely forget to buy Bread, so the small Loaf I have in stock will have to do until tomorrow, despite having a best-by date of last Sunday...TOAST is the answer, of course.
Lunch is LAMB CHOPS, garnished with Rosemary, and they will be accompanied by some nice Potato Salad and the last of the Watercress (I knew there was something else I meant to buy today
It's not quite the hottest day here - 80F, and likely to be about 75F tomorrow - but sticky...
I’m having a few days in Barnard Castle. Today I’ve been for a delightful walk along the river, mooched round town and brought a pair of shoes. It might end up being two pairs of shoes as my friend nabbed the last pair of some shoes I also liked but is now not sure about them. I’ve agreed to buy them off her if she decides against them.
Gochujang? Yes, I have half a tub that I need to use up - any suggestions (have had it in pork & kimchi stew type thing, used some to make cookies...)
Did you notice the sign on the church car park? The one that says something about cars being shut in & prayed for? Have to admit, I rather like Barnard Castle.
Whilst in town I changed a cheap pair of trousers for a different size, slightly different colour but otherwise identical, only to discover the first pair had been sold to me at the wrong price, so I had to pay extra. I am going to cool down before I try these on.
It is very muggy here. I’m really hoping it changes. The thought of travelling in this heat does not appeal. ( I’m going north on Monday for a couple of days. North should be cooler).
Wednesday choir has finished so I’m not rushing to eat.
I was quite old before I discovered that some people actually don't trim all the fat off meat. Actually eating it deliberately is just a totally alien and weird concept to me. Crispy stuff within bacon is OK, but otherwise I dissect it off. Totally squicks me out; always has.
I had pork belly once. It took me what seemed like hours to eat it.
When I make crackling, I actually cut the skin off the joint for the last stage of cooking so I can remove and discard the fat between it and the meat. I also scrape off the fat adhering to the back of it before giving it its final crisping. My crackling is just skin. I had no idea any of this was odd, growing up. It's a family trait.
You're welcome.
My dad and I were like Jack Sprat and Mrs Sprat - he loved the fat on meat, and I would cut mine off and give it to him. My mum would look disapproving and mutter, "are you trying to kill your father?".
I can't have done him much harm - he lived to be 93.
Just what Wodders (of blessèd memory) would have said - I miss him!
A pleasantly warm day here (high of 19°); supper was fish cakes with green veggies and some (allegedly) microwaveable potatoes with herb butter.
Fish cakes & veggies v. nice; potatoes somewhat superfluous.
My family all ate fatty meat without a qualm (that is where all the flavour is), and I did try serving Mr RoS belly draft of pork, and stuffed rolled breast of lamb in the early days of our marriage. It was painful to watch. Consequently, I haven't had either of those dishes for years!
Our two sons also had to have the fat cut off their meat, and during the nineties, when money was a bit tight, they & their father would have the meat, and I would just have their discarded fat trimmings.
Seemed a good idea at the time!