Sadly our local butcher who used to be Good has gone downhill since a change of ownership. It's a subtle decline since they offer a range of upmarkety things, but the bedrock of dependables* isn't just there imo. I've taken to another a couple of buses away; we had his oven-ready steak pie tonight.
*as witness they were selling pork joints without fat and crackling.
I have just lost a filling! Annoying but not painful.
Oooch - hope it's easily sorted.
My brother and partner are here for the weekend. They've just gone to bed and I'm waiting for Mr Boogs to return from band practice. Early start tomorrow for a walk round Cheddar Gorge.
Fourth and final day of cleaning / decluttering / tidying my bedroom/study before the NE Man returns this evening.
We had some rain two nights ago, but not enough.
The Harvest is in here - much debate about whether it is the earliest harvest in living memory, or just the earliest harvest since 2003. The church isn't bringing Harvest Thanksgiving forward, though.
They've been harvesting round here for a few weeks. The wheat looks shorter than usual, but I'm not sure if that's had an effect on the actual harvest. I'm a transplanted Londoner so know sod all about farming.
I'm spending the morning reading a report that I should have read for a meeting on Wednesday, ahead of a meeting next week so I can contribute to the discussion and doing the ironing. I have a meeting this afternoon about the Repair Cafe we're launching in town in a few weeks and then this evening I'm out at a ceilidh with the Ramblers.
We have proper rain here today. Husband en rouge has his meetings for the start of term today, so Captain P and I went out to the market, primarily for the purchasing of fruit and veg and CHEESE. I didn't pick the best moment, though - if I'd waited a quarter of an hour we would have got much less wet.
Apple and rhubarb compote has been made, and is cooling down for tonight, and given that the weather is inconducive to going to the park I might suggest to the Captain that we make some biscuits to go with it. Tonight's dinner will be prawn risotto. I was hoping to buy a fish head on the market to make fish stock with, but the fishmonger that sells said item (for the princely sum of €1) wasn't there today. Vegetable stock it will have to be.
Mr Heavenly’s internal US flight yesterday was cancelled so he missed his flight home. He is now scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning, and we will then need to drive to York in the afternoon. Luckily his body clock will be in the right direction. If he is delayed again, Master Heavenly will have to leave some luggage here and catch the train back to York (he has a holiday flight booked early Sunday morning with some friends so needs to be back on Saturday afternoon).
Rain this morning, I just went for a walk between showers. Tea will be fish pie.
Heavy-ish Rain in the wee small hours in Arkland the Refreshed, though the local Noos' dire predictions of Flood, Tempest, and General Apocalyptic Mayhem appear to have been false (as is often the case).
Tess Coe was visited earlier this afternoon, the traffic being OK, though the store itself was very busy, I suppose because Friday.
A late Lunch is a-cooking in the Remoska - CHICKEN SOSSIDGES n'SKIN-ON CHIPS. There is some nice English Goats' Milk CHEESE for later, with a slice of Crusty Bread, maybe.
I'm having a busy social day, coffee with a friend this morning, lunch with another friend, afternoon coffee with some more friends and out for a meal at our local pub this evening with another friend - she is on her own and when Mr Nen is away we reckon to go out once together so neither of us has to cook.
I am no fan of sausages but for a change had a sausage bap at my lunch stop... am now rather wishing I hadn't. The friend I met at lunchtime had lots of news, as did I, so we took it in turns to eat and talk, and we talked fast .
We had some rain in the night and a bit of a shower at lunchtime. Sunny and breezy here otherwise.
There's been intermittent rain here; there was a fairly spectacular rumble of thunder just before lunchtime, and as I'd decided against taking a coat to work, I had my lunch at my desk and didn't bother going out.
It started to rain when I was almost home from work; I'd have missed it completely if I hadn't bumped into my boss's mum, who was in a chatty mood, and we had to shelter in a convenient shop doorway to finish our natter.
F&C for supper, because Friday.
Must be up reasonably betimes tomorrow; I'm heading to Dunblane to sing with their cathedral choir for a wedding - the daughter of one of the tenors in Scottish Voices - and they asked for extra singers to join in. It looks like a nice selection of music, and the friend who usually gives me a lift (and sings in Dunblane Cathedral choir) suggested we have a late lunch after the service, which'll be nice for a catch-up.
Met oldest surviving friend from Uni days for lunch - she's in the Borders, and up fairly frequently but usually for grandmotherly childminding duties. But today it was an appointment at Charlie Miller's so we were able to have a very pleasant couple of hours at the cafe under St John's - sitting out in quite hot sunshine.
Dinner was pork with yet more of the currently cropping apple, sauce thickened with apple jelly from 2021.
We had rain this afternoon while I was in my meeting. The rain was beating heavily on the skylight for a few minutes and it continued on and off for about another hour.
The ceilidh was fun and the food was excellent. Now off to bed, and looking forward to a day tomorrow with nothing much planned.
A chilly, grey day here, but the verandah is toasty so the little men are busy trying to play football - the trouble is when they lift a foot to kick they tend to topple over ... 😅
Hope Mr Heavenly isn't too tired. My husband once drove from London to Bangor, packed our very small car with our son's stuff and drove straight back down to London. That was a bit much, but he hadn't just got back from the States.
We went into town with a few errands in mind. As usual we ended up with more than we intended. First stop was the eco-refill shop to fill up our soap dispensers. There I bought some dried butter beans and nearly bought some very nice fruit for making my Christmas cake, but that feels far to early. Then onto general purpose shop (Boyes for any of you in this region) as my husband wanted some picture wire. He is having to hang about fifty pictures for his photographic club exhibition. There I found a collapsible stool that I've been looking out for for ages. Finally to Waitrose via the market where we bought birdseed. As well as buying pasta, red wine and parmesan there, we ended up with some coat hangers that were on sale.
The nicest thing about the day was the lady in the refill shop telling us that sales are doing better than expected, which is great.
I've had a lovely day singing at the wedding (see Eccles for details), although it came on to rain as we were leaving the cathedral, which was a bit of a shame considering how much lovely weather we've been having.
I had a nice catch up with an old acquaintance from Orkney (actually their former MP), who now divides his time between Orkney and Bridge of Allan, and sings in the cathedral choirs of both St Magnus and Dunblane, depending on where he is.
Then a late, lazy lunch with a friend from Scottish Voices, and managed not to get rained on when I was coming home.
I’ve been to an organ recital by one of the organists on our rota, a retired cathedral organist. Good programme, mainly classical plus lighter pieces. For a diversion he played three signature tunes from tv programmes, not normally heard on the organ.
Sunny this morning but heavy rain later which stopped as we arrived at the concert.
I'm having a busy social day, coffee with a friend this morning, lunch with another friend, afternoon coffee with some more friends and out for a meal at our local pub this evening with another friend - she is on her own and when Mr Nen is away we reckon to go out once together so neither of us has to cook.
I am no fan of sausages but for a change had a sausage bap at my lunch stop... am now rather wishing I hadn't. The friend I met at lunchtime had lots of news, as did I, so we took it in turns to eat and talk, and we talked fast .
We had some rain in the night and a bit of a shower at lunchtime. Sunny and breezy here otherwise.
One of the hardest things for me on Slimming World was the virtual impossibility of practically including sausages. I started to crave them after the second week and had to make some fake low fat ones that just weren't the same.
Harvested sloes today for sloe gin - it's been a very good year. Also been working on a couple of Catatonia covers for the open mike next week - still not decided between Don't Need the Sunshine and Mulder and Scully (with some lyric changes since unlike Cerys Matthews I don't wake myself thinking of any hims)
Still getting the prep done for running a D&D adventure from Friday week.
Sorting out the plants in the fish tank as it's got to the "oo! There are some fish in the plant tank!" stage again.
A rather fraught morning in Arkland the Blustery, as the macerator which pumps out the Ark's toilet has packed up. It pumped out OK at first, then failed to turn itself off, and is now refusing to pump at all, even when switched off, and switched on again..
The Portaloo has been extracted from the engine room (with something of a struggle), cleaned up, and put in the bathroom in readiness. The plumber has been phoned, and I hope he'll call back asap. I don't expect it'll be today, because Sunday...
He mended it a year or so ago, and said then that a new macerator would be needed in due course, so maybe that day has arrived. I envisage the spending of quite a lot of £££, but it is what it is, and needs must.
Lunch must now be thought of, though I really don't feel hungry. Maybe a BEER or two will help to calm my frazzled nerves (I always get really edgy and fratchety when Things Go Wrong).
I should think you would, BF - especially when that sort of thing goes wrong!
It was a glorious morning, so I had an amble by the loch after church, and when I got home remembered that there was to be a classic car show at the Cross, so I ambled off to that as well - there were some very pretty things there, including an absolutely gorgeous E-type Jag.
It briefly stopped being Glorious and started trying to be Wet while I was out, but luckily it didn't really come to much - and it was short-lived enough not to spoil the fun.
I've owned or driven a couple of what are now AFAIK regarded as classic cars - my first driving lessons were on My Old Dad's 1954 Austin Somerset (steering column gear lever), and my own first car was a 1966 Ford Cortina (not, alas! the Lotus version ).
ETA re Toilet news - I've just heard from the Plumber that he won't be available until 17th September, because holiday. I expect I'll manage in the meantime, but it's a bit of a faff emptying the Portaloo...
Oh, that's not great news at all @Bishops Finger ; sorry to hear.
I went to our Early Service, along with quite a large number of other people as it turned out, because the main service was due to be at the local playing fields followed by a picnic, which is never something I enjoy. Also, rain was forecast and duly fell, although it's sunny again at present.
I'm having a Very Lazy Time Of It when it comes to cooking at present, with Mr Nen away, and have a ready meal of chicken sweet and sour with rice to zap in the microwave whenever I feel like it this evening (probably in front of Countryfile on the TV and washed down with a glass of wine).
How are you doing with Slimming World generally @KarlLB ? I did well on it a few years ago and reached target but couldn't maintain .
Oh, that's not great news at all @Bishops Finger ; sorry to hear.
I went to our Early Service, along with quite a large number of other people as it turned out, because the main service was due to be at the local playing fields followed by a picnic, which is never something I enjoy. Also, rain was forecast and duly fell, although it's sunny again at present.
I'm having a Very Lazy Time Of It when it comes to cooking at present, with Mr Nen away, and have a ready meal of chicken sweet and sour with rice to zap in the microwave whenever I feel like it this evening (probably in front of Countryfile on the TV and washed down with a glass of wine).
How are you doing with Slimming World generally @KarlLB ? I did well on it a few years ago and reached target but couldn't maintain .
I got to my target weight and then started eating normally again because I can't be doing with eating like that permanently. If I put on half a stone I'll go back on it for a few weeks to lose it again but that's all. I'm far too fond of bread, pies, sausages and cheese to stay on it permanently. The SW lie is you can eat all your favourite foods - you can't, not in portions suitable for anyone but an anorexic sparrow.
I'm fine as a target SW member, happy to keep going with it and just one treat a day. All bets are off when I go away. So, having been away twice this month I've now got 4 pounds to lose, but I'm still in target range as I try to keep 2 pounds under target.
My knees thank me.
I keep going to the group, the leader is great fun and I come home cheered up every time.
My appetite has changed. Yesterday my brother and partner were here, having stayed a couple nights - and they all had a full English breakfast. I didn't feel like it at all and had my usual porridge!
Latest Toilet Newsflash - the plumber (he's really a Saniflo Engineer) called earlier this afternoon, and said he could visit me before he went to the airport...he didn't want to leave one of his older customers without a loo, if it could be easily mended.
He came at about 405pm, fitted a new switch and a new membrane*, and left at 445pm. £200 (call-out charge and parts) but good value, all things considered - I now have a working loo again!
*They don't last long - this is a hard water area, and it was very scaled-up.
BTW, he's not Polish.
Given the job I had getting the Portaloo out of its hiding place, it can now stay in the bathroom - there's room for it.
Well done, BF. We had a plumber in Norfolk for a loo that wouldn't flush, he fixed it quickly, and didn't charge! I was looking quite haggard that day, so I think he took pity.
So glad your plumber could get to you so quickly @Bishops Finger.
Church this morning, which was about a third down on usual. I guess it being the last weekend before schools go back might have something to do with it.
This afternoon we headed northwards for a walk along the Trent. We ended up going over a toll bridge we didn't know existed and then realised we needed to be on the other bank so that was £1.00 wasted. We then couldn't find anywhere to park so headed for the village half-way round on the walk and started from there. It was a much better walk than I thought it would be and even the heavy shower in the middle was worth it as we had a spectacular rainbow.
Husband is now making bottom of the fridge stir-fry for tea.
I'm fine as a target SW member, happy to keep going with it and just one treat a day. All bets are off when I go away. So, having been away twice this month I've now got 4 pounds to lose, but I'm still in target range as I try to keep 2 pounds under target.
My knees thank me.
I keep going to the group, the leader is great fun and I come home cheered up every time.
My appetite has changed. Yesterday my brother and partner were here, having stayed a couple nights - and they all had a full English breakfast. I didn't feel like it at all and had my usual porridge!
Mine hasn't - nor my food preferences. That's why I have to settle with what I'm calling managed intentional yo-yo dieting.
Had a full English yesterday - as a wider family we go once a month for an all you can eat at the Beefeater. You wouldn't believe how much bacon I can put down me. Generally I'm not much of a breakfast man but put a fry-up in front of me and that completely changes. Can't abide cereal of any kind though - given I don't like milk that's probably not a surprise.
Far as SW is concerned I was an online only member - wild horses couldn't drag me to an in person meeting. After the initial three months I'd figured out how the programme works so didn’t renew and carried on using the programme based on my reverse engineering of it.
Enjoy being lighter by three stone though. I can get up hills much quicker without collapsing into a heap and the bike responds much better when I put the power down.
Arkish living tends to make one resourceful in cases of need, hence the ready availability of the Portaloo, along with the chemicals to go in it. Emptying the thing might be a problem now, though, and I'd have to pressgang ask a Neighbour to do it for me...
You must feel very relieved, @Bishops Finger.
Church today ( Group service ) was at the same village church as yesterday’s organ recital. They have no facilities, but the CW opened up the village hall 150 yds away so the loo could be used. Being a former school there are also outside loos, recommended to the gentlemen only. Last night, wine and fruit juices were served by way of refreshment. This morning, tea and coffee were available after the service. That takes some effort, given the lack of water on site.
The new academic year will upon me tomorrow. Main Workplace should be much as usual, though a couple of days of the annual mandatory refresher trainings does not fill me with enthusiasm.
The big change after 11 years, for me, will be no piano students. Both of them are off to academic pastures new - though they are adamant they will still come for lessons in the holidays! Which I have agreed to in exchange for some help with some of the tasks around church.
The Very Lazy Sweet And Sour Chicken ready meal left a lot to be desired; that'll teach me to be so lazy. I'll see what there is in the cupboard and fridge for something a bit more wholesome for tomorrow.
School starts tomorrow here. This morning we went to Lidl for groceries, and in a little while we're heading to the school to meet the Captain's new teachers (he has two again this year, we haven't yet been told how the jobshare is organised).
I've been thinking of all the children and young people starting their new school year this week, specially those starting school or moving on to a new school. My nephew is staying at the same school, but starts sixth form this week. I think it'll suit him.
I headed off for my Pilates class and then lazily took the bus to M&S to buy some bits and pieces, and then home via Waitrose for more bits. My husband is out with a friend today and then out again this evening, so I'm looking forward to a nice quiet day. I'm also appreciating that the meeting I wasn't looking forward to tonight has been cancelled in favour of one on Zoom on Thursday.
Having to rely on the Portaloo for more than a day or so is something of an inconvenience.
A blustery, showery day in Arkland the Beflagged, with occasional bursts of nice warm Sun Shine. Some of my Neighbours have jumped onto the current flag-waving fad - Neighbour F has a new Union Jack, whilst Neighbours M & J have not only the Union Jack, but also the Knights Templar flag:
I think this may indicate a Masonic connection, but I haven't yet been able to ask Neighbour M...
Not to be outdone, Neighbours M & S are flying the Jolly Roger, and Neighbour S flies a small flag in the form of a pair of green Underpants. I have a nice big Dutch tricolour, but the Ark no longer has a flagstaff to fly it from, so I may have to be inventive...
Didn't get the job. Have asked for feedback. HR guy seems a nice chap, hopefully he will work his wiles on the scientists. I have a nasty feeling they wanted someone with a lot less experience...
I do have another interview next Monday, but can't manage any excitement right now, especially as its another university role.
Up betimes as it was the start of my U3a Art Group. The venue is not that far as the crow flies, but if the crow has to rely on public transport, it's two buses.
Also the meeting room is on the 3rd floor and the lifts are currently out of action - so combined art and keep fit!
I'm so sorry, Sanders - better luck next Monday (I know it may not be what you'd like, but at least you'll be earning something!
My best wishes to everyone starting new terms, whether as pupils, students or teachers.
@Puzzler - what are your choirs doing this season? I've got the first Scottish Voices outing on Saturday - our beginning-of-term learning day in Dunblane, which I'm looking forward to (especially if the rest of the stuff I've ordered from the RSCM arrives in time!).
It had been Very Wet early on this morning, sufficiently so that the walkway that runs along outside my flat was flooded. It's not a big deal; I can go out the other way, which only adds a couple of hundred yards to my commute!
Supper was a bit of a clear-out operation, but actually very nice. It was a risotto with pancetta, peas, green beans and broccoli which I'm going to call Risi e bisi con verdura and worth buying the ingredients intentionally.
@Piglet, tonight we sang through the whole of Elijah! The Concert is November, so we will be starting on other music too, shortly. My local choral society is also performing Elijah next Spring, together with two other choirs, in Lincoln Cathedral. Meanwhile our next local concert is helping the parish church to celebrate its 800th year, with mostly well-known pieces, including Zadok, Hallelujah Chorus, Cantique de Jean Racine. I’ll dig out the whole list in due course.
Ah, Zadok and Elijah, personal favourites of mine (my sons’ names).
Sorry to hear about the job, Sandemaniac.
Back at work today, where I had nothing to do. So I did some study and started my first assignment, the research proposal. Tea was tom yam pla (spicy sweet and sour fish soup) with the little Chinese rice cakes which are like pasta.
Comments
*as witness they were selling pork joints without fat and crackling.
Oooch - hope it's easily sorted.
My brother and partner are here for the weekend. They've just gone to bed and I'm waiting for Mr Boogs to return from band practice. Early start tomorrow for a walk round Cheddar Gorge.
My biggest fear is that one day I will get an injury or become so frail that I can no longer walk over the mountains. That is the next thing to death.
We had some rain two nights ago, but not enough.
The Harvest is in here - much debate about whether it is the earliest harvest in living memory, or just the earliest harvest since 2003. The church isn't bringing Harvest Thanksgiving forward, though.
I'm spending the morning reading a report that I should have read for a meeting on Wednesday, ahead of a meeting next week so I can contribute to the discussion and doing the ironing. I have a meeting this afternoon about the Repair Cafe we're launching in town in a few weeks and then this evening I'm out at a ceilidh with the Ramblers.
Apple and rhubarb compote has been made, and is cooling down for tonight, and given that the weather is inconducive to going to the park I might suggest to the Captain that we make some biscuits to go with it. Tonight's dinner will be prawn risotto. I was hoping to buy a fish head on the market to make fish stock with, but the fishmonger that sells said item (for the princely sum of €1) wasn't there today. Vegetable stock it will have to be.
Rain this morning, I just went for a walk between showers. Tea will be fish pie.
Tess Coe was visited earlier this afternoon, the traffic being OK, though the store itself was very busy, I suppose because Friday.
A late Lunch is a-cooking in the Remoska - CHICKEN SOSSIDGES n'SKIN-ON CHIPS. There is some nice English Goats' Milk CHEESE for later, with a slice of Crusty Bread, maybe.
I am no fan of sausages but for a change had a sausage bap at my lunch stop... am now rather wishing I hadn't. The friend I met at lunchtime had lots of news, as did I, so we took it in turns to eat and talk, and we talked fast
We had some rain in the night and a bit of a shower at lunchtime. Sunny and breezy here otherwise.
It started to rain when I was almost home from work; I'd have missed it completely if I hadn't bumped into my boss's mum, who was in a chatty mood, and we had to shelter in a convenient shop doorway to finish our natter.
F&C for supper, because Friday.
Must be up reasonably betimes tomorrow; I'm heading to Dunblane to sing with their cathedral choir for a wedding - the daughter of one of the tenors in Scottish Voices - and they asked for extra singers to join in. It looks like a nice selection of music, and the friend who usually gives me a lift (and sings in Dunblane Cathedral choir) suggested we have a late lunch after the service, which'll be nice for a catch-up.
Dinner was pork with yet more of the currently cropping apple, sauce thickened with apple jelly from 2021.
The ceilidh was fun and the food was excellent. Now off to bed, and looking forward to a day tomorrow with nothing much planned.
We went into town with a few errands in mind. As usual we ended up with more than we intended. First stop was the eco-refill shop to fill up our soap dispensers. There I bought some dried butter beans and nearly bought some very nice fruit for making my Christmas cake, but that feels far to early. Then onto general purpose shop (Boyes for any of you in this region) as my husband wanted some picture wire. He is having to hang about fifty pictures for his photographic club exhibition. There I found a collapsible stool that I've been looking out for for ages. Finally to Waitrose via the market where we bought birdseed. As well as buying pasta, red wine and parmesan there, we ended up with some coat hangers that were on sale.
The nicest thing about the day was the lady in the refill shop telling us that sales are doing better than expected, which is great.
I had a nice catch up with an old acquaintance from Orkney (actually their former MP), who now divides his time between Orkney and Bridge of Allan, and sings in the cathedral choirs of both St Magnus and Dunblane, depending on where he is.
Then a late, lazy lunch with a friend from Scottish Voices, and managed not to get rained on when I was coming home.
I’ve been to an organ recital by one of the organists on our rota, a retired cathedral organist. Good programme, mainly classical plus lighter pieces. For a diversion he played three signature tunes from tv programmes, not normally heard on the organ.
Sunny this morning but heavy rain later which stopped as we arrived at the concert.
One of the hardest things for me on Slimming World was the virtual impossibility of practically including sausages. I started to crave them after the second week and had to make some fake low fat ones that just weren't the same.
Harvested sloes today for sloe gin - it's been a very good year. Also been working on a couple of Catatonia covers for the open mike next week - still not decided between Don't Need the Sunshine and Mulder and Scully (with some lyric changes since unlike Cerys Matthews I don't wake myself thinking of any hims)
Still getting the prep done for running a D&D adventure from Friday week.
Sorting out the plants in the fish tank as it's got to the "oo! There are some fish in the plant tank!" stage again.
Must put a beer on.
Arrived back safely from York, though the journey home seemed to take forever despite the empty roads.
I'm leaning that way. For one thing it's largely acoustic in the original.
The Portaloo has been extracted from the engine room (with something of a struggle), cleaned up, and put in the bathroom in readiness. The plumber has been phoned, and I hope he'll call back asap. I don't expect it'll be today, because Sunday...
He mended it a year or so ago, and said then that a new macerator would be needed in due course, so maybe that day has arrived. I envisage the spending of quite a lot of £££, but it is what it is, and needs must.
Lunch must now be thought of, though I really don't feel hungry. Maybe a BEER or two will help to calm my frazzled nerves (I always get really edgy and fratchety when Things Go Wrong).
It was a glorious morning, so I had an amble by the loch after church, and when I got home remembered that there was to be a classic car show at the Cross, so I ambled off to that as well - there were some very pretty things there, including an absolutely gorgeous E-type Jag.
It briefly stopped being Glorious and started trying to be Wet while I was out, but luckily it didn't really come to much - and it was short-lived enough not to spoil the fun.
Brunch has been had, and laundry is laundering.
ETA re Toilet news - I've just heard from the Plumber that he won't be available until 17th September, because holiday. I expect I'll manage in the meantime, but
Only in Tess Coe, alas.
I went to our Early Service, along with quite a large number of other people as it turned out, because the main service was due to be at the local playing fields followed by a picnic, which is never something I enjoy. Also, rain was forecast and duly fell, although it's sunny again at present.
I'm having a Very Lazy Time Of It when it comes to cooking at present, with Mr Nen away, and have a ready meal of chicken sweet and sour with rice to zap in the microwave whenever I feel like it this evening (probably in front of Countryfile on the TV and washed down with a glass of wine).
How are you doing with Slimming World generally @KarlLB ? I did well on it a few years ago and reached target but couldn't maintain
I got to my target weight and then started eating normally again because I can't be doing with eating like that permanently. If I put on half a stone I'll go back on it for a few weeks to lose it again but that's all. I'm far too fond of bread, pies, sausages and cheese to stay on it permanently. The SW lie is you can eat all your favourite foods - you can't, not in portions suitable for anyone but an anorexic sparrow.
My knees thank me.
I keep going to the group, the leader is great fun and I come home cheered up every time.
My appetite has changed. Yesterday my brother and partner were here, having stayed a couple nights - and they all had a full English breakfast. I didn't feel like it at all and had my usual porridge!
He came at about 405pm, fitted a new switch and a new membrane*, and left at 445pm. £200 (call-out charge and parts) but good value, all things considered - I now have a working loo again!
*They don't last long - this is a hard water area, and it was very scaled-up.
BTW, he's not Polish.
Given the job I had getting the Portaloo out of its hiding place, it can now stay in the bathroom - there's room for it.
I was astonished and very pleased to have him do the job today - being Old, Feak, and Wheeble obviously has at least some benefits...
Church this morning, which was about a third down on usual. I guess it being the last weekend before schools go back might have something to do with it.
This afternoon we headed northwards for a walk along the Trent. We ended up going over a toll bridge we didn't know existed and then realised we needed to be on the other bank so that was £1.00 wasted. We then couldn't find anywhere to park so headed for the village half-way round on the walk and started from there. It was a much better walk than I thought it would be and even the heavy shower in the middle was worth it as we had a spectacular rainbow.
Husband is now making bottom of the fridge stir-fry for tea.
Mine hasn't - nor my food preferences. That's why I have to settle with what I'm calling managed intentional yo-yo dieting.
Had a full English yesterday - as a wider family we go once a month for an all you can eat at the Beefeater. You wouldn't believe how much bacon I can put down me. Generally I'm not much of a breakfast man but put a fry-up in front of me and that completely changes. Can't abide cereal of any kind though - given I don't like milk that's probably not a surprise.
Far as SW is concerned I was an online only member - wild horses couldn't drag me to an in person meeting. After the initial three months I'd figured out how the programme works so didn’t renew and carried on using the programme based on my reverse engineering of it.
Enjoy being lighter by three stone though. I can get up hills much quicker without collapsing into a heap and the bike responds much better when I put the power down.
Apart from the laundry (which isn't sorted yet) it's been a very lazy day, with much snoozage.
Church today ( Group service ) was at the same village church as yesterday’s organ recital. They have no facilities, but the CW opened up the village hall 150 yds away so the loo could be used. Being a former school there are also outside loos, recommended to the gentlemen only. Last night, wine and fruit juices were served by way of refreshment. This morning, tea and coffee were available after the service. That takes some effort, given the lack of water on site.
The new academic year will upon me tomorrow. Main Workplace should be much as usual, though a couple of days of the annual mandatory refresher trainings does not fill me with enthusiasm.
The big change after 11 years, for me, will be no piano students. Both of them are off to academic pastures new - though they are adamant they will still come for lessons in the holidays! Which I have agreed to in exchange for some help with some of the tasks around church.
I see what you did there.
That is most excellent news, @Bishops Finger .
The Very Lazy Sweet And Sour Chicken ready meal left a lot to be desired; that'll teach me to be so lazy. I'll see what there is in the cupboard and fridge for something a bit more wholesome for tomorrow.
I headed off for my Pilates class and then lazily took the bus to M&S to buy some bits and pieces, and then home via Waitrose for more bits. My husband is out with a friend today and then out again this evening, so I'm looking forward to a nice quiet day. I'm also appreciating that the meeting I wasn't looking forward to tonight has been cancelled in favour of one on Zoom on Thursday.
Indeed - I saw it, too!
Having to rely on the Portaloo for more than a day or so is something of an inconvenience.
A blustery, showery day in Arkland the Beflagged, with occasional bursts of nice warm Sun Shine. Some of my Neighbours have jumped onto the current flag-waving fad - Neighbour F has a new Union Jack, whilst Neighbours M & J have not only the Union Jack, but also the Knights Templar flag:
https://hampshireflag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HFC-Knights-Templar-Flag.png
I think this may indicate a Masonic connection, but I haven't yet been able to ask Neighbour M...
Not to be outdone, Neighbours M & S are flying the Jolly Roger, and Neighbour S flies a small flag in the form of a pair of green Underpants. I have a nice big Dutch tricolour, but the Ark no longer has a flagstaff to fly it from, so I may have to be inventive...
SALMON FISH CAKES for Lunch.
I do have another interview next Monday, but can't manage any excitement right now, especially as its another university role.
Also the meeting room is on the 3rd floor and the lifts are currently out of action - so combined art and keep fit!
My best wishes to everyone starting new terms, whether as pupils, students or teachers.
@Puzzler - what are your choirs doing this season? I've got the first Scottish Voices outing on Saturday - our beginning-of-term learning day in Dunblane, which I'm looking forward to (especially if the rest of the stuff I've ordered from the RSCM arrives in time!).
It had been Very Wet early on this morning, sufficiently so that the walkway that runs along outside my flat was flooded. It's not a big deal; I can go out the other way, which only adds a couple of hundred yards to my commute!
Supper was a bit of a clear-out operation, but actually very nice. It was a risotto with pancetta, peas, green beans and broccoli which I'm going to call Risi e bisi con verdura and worth buying the ingredients intentionally.
Sorry to hear about the job, Sandemaniac.
Back at work today, where I had nothing to do. So I did some study and started my first assignment, the research proposal. Tea was tom yam pla (spicy sweet and sour fish soup) with the little Chinese rice cakes which are like pasta.