New Year's Eve

Really cold today, very frosty and foggy looking outside. VT went and let the little cat next door out at about 9.15 and it went running off for a wander.
Last night we were a bit worried. Went to bed about 12.15 and I just got into bed and all warm and he vame into the bedroom with Bobby in his arms to say her paw was bleeding. Poor little thing must have had a bit of a barney with Bully Tom from next door the other way. He said there was blood all over the cat flap, and she had dripped blood in the kitchen and on the mat at the top of the stairs. She had come running in, he had heard a commotion at the cat flkap and come upstairs to us. Anyway luckily it stopped fairly quickly and didn't seem to bother her too much, just before he went to sleep he had a look for her and came back to say she was asleep in the basket in Jane's room.
We went over to Ormskirk this morning to have a bit of fresh air and a look round. Sales very disappointing, nothing much on offer at all really. Got some things from Holland and Barratt and another nightdress from Bon Marche. Why doesn't anyone make really nice wintry nightwear. It is all in light colours with little tiny sleeves totally unsuitable for our climate.
Had a lovely cup of coffee in our cafe, and got a few things at Morrisons. One funny thing we saw was a couple in an open topped Morgan sports car on the main road!!!!! The coldest day of the year by a mile and them in an open topped car!! Mad or what.
Home to a gorgeous bowl of soup Stilton Celery and Watercress from Morrisons and a piece of my Sourdough Bread toasted. Really Good!
Tonight we are having:
Sage and Onion Fillets,
Vegetables Gratin...Potatoes, asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower and carrot under a cheese sauce.

Stayed in Today..Did Things..

Didn't go anywhere today, but stayed in to do a few things. VT got up to let next doors cat out, and it wouldn't go. He said it was Miaowing round his knees,and wanted feeding. So he gave it some cat food and then it went out.
We made a batch of tomato sauce for our pizzas to put into little containers to freeze. It makes enough for about 7 tubs, which is good going.
We use:
One onion chopped very small,
4 tins of chopped tomatoes,
A good squirt of garlic puree and tomato puree,
About 3-4 teaspns of bouillon powder,
Salt and pepper,
About 2 good teaspoons of Italian herbs,
2 tspns sugar
You let that simmer away for about two hours till the whole sauce3 is nice and thick. Cool then put into tubs.
VT went into Gardening mode again, he went over to Ince Blundell to get some compost, and then he planted his last bulbs into pots. he says you need to get them in by the last day f December. Proper little Alan Titchmarsh! When he came back the little cat came running up to the car..amazing how it knows. It wanted to be let in he said..doesn't seem to like the cold. So it is in now. VT says next door is very cold, we always leave heaters on for ours..but they are spoiled.
Tonight we are having:
Sausage and
Mashed potatoes,
Yorkshire puddings
Carrots and Swede.

Normal Monday???

Very cold today, so we only went out for the normal Monday vegetables etc. Nipped over to Maghull and had a bit of a look round the square. Went to the bank to put some money in for Jane. Gave her £200 for her Christmas present, and VT sent her a text. Then went into the card shop to see their cards on sale. They have Hallmark cards and I got three boxes of really nice cards and a couple of single cards for next year. Quite a lot for £10 I thought good value.
Ended up at Morrisons for our veggies and got a selection of those for £7.50. Enough to last the week.
We need to eat a bit more carefully now I have put a couple of pounds on so we will go back on the Healthy Eating plan and lose it again.
A lot of shops looking dodgy according to the papers, we walked past the Woolworths which has now closed, and there is nothing on the shelves, everywhere totally sad. I feel so sorry for the workers who will have had an awful Christmas probably. Apparently there are going to be many more now too. Alongside...Adams, Dolcis, Roseby's, The Pier, Whittards Zavvi etc., Some of the High Streets in this country are going to be looking very bare.
Tonight we are having:
Quorn Escallopes
Small crushed potatoes 4oz each,
Vegetables, carrots, beans peas and sweetcorn.
Mushroom sauce.

Weekend posts.

Saturday...
Did things a little differently this weekend because of Friday being Boxing Day.
We went into Formby to Waitrose for our weekend shopping. I expected it to be frantic and busy but actually it was fairly quiet and we parked outside! The shelves weren't too bad but still a lot of spaces. nevertheless we got everything we needed mostly fresh things. must admit I expected some of their Christmas things to be reduced but nothing!!!Mingy lot...
Last night we had:
Chinese Spring Rolls,
Egg fried rice with peas and spring onion
Stir fry vegetables
Lemon and ginger sauce.




SUNDAY
Been busy today VT got up earlish to let next doors cat out. She had been in all night which was a good thing because it was very frosty last night. He also got the papers and then brought them up to bed with a lovely cup of coffee and a biscuit. What a man..Bless Him..
When we got up we put the loaf on. White Oatmeal Sourdough, and that made a beautiful loaf.
VT went out to have his usual mooch and I did the birthday quiz. Roasted the vegetables and then we made outr pizza dough when he came back. The cat went in a bit later. VT reckons it doesn't like the cold and looked like it was telling him that hshe wanted to go in.
Tonight we are having:
pizza with our home made dough,
Tomato sauce,
roasted vegetables
Mixed salad with avocado and baby plum tomatoes,
Potato salad and Rice salad.

Off To The Sales!

Not on your life! Join the hordes of people who have flocked to the sales all over the country..No Thank
Nothing much to put today since it has been really quiet.
Thousands of people were at the Trafford Centre in Manchester before it opened this morning. Must be mad.
We mainly stayed in today. The shop down the road was closed so VT went into Formby to get some papers. He said it was very cold,so he got his papers and then came home for coffee. Let the cat out early and when he came home it ran to meet him
+so he let it back in again.
Tonight we are having:
Our usual frozen bits and pieces of party foods. We always have a nibbly Boxing Day meal
Mini spring rolls,
Baby quiches,
Mini cheese bites,
Cheese sticks etc etc.

Christmas Day..

Well it is here. Christmas Day. 5.30 now qand it is all but over bar the shouting. And there is none of that in out house.
Jane rang us up this morning, she had been to church with Rachel, and was going there for a festive meal. I hope they have a lot of |Bread Sauce!!
VT bought me some lovely things this year. He got me a yankee candle for the bathroom..Clean cotton scent. and a book I had been looking at and was going to buy. A James Pattison one, and a set of little knives in The Pier shop I had been looking at, and he made a special journey to the shop to get them..isn't that lovely..Bless Him!
I got him some after shave balm he likes..Nomad, a Country Almanac 2009 edition, some olive picks in a steel holder which he seems to like, and a little folded man's umbrella.from the National Trust Shop. All in all very successful.
We had a lovely Christmas Dinner:
Melon to start,
Quorn Sage and Onion Turkey style escallopes,
Cranberry, bread sauces,
gravy,
Roast Potatoes
Yorkshire puddings, Sage and Onion and Apple stuffing,

Happy Christmas Everyone...
Peas and sweetcorn and Maple roasted Parsnips,
Hazelnut Gateaux for dessert, made with raspberries and cream.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

And everything is organised! Got all of the food things, wrpped the present, cleared up and that's it. Done.
Jane rang up and sounded a bit more cheerful today, she said maybe the new tablets were working.She was babysitting some cakes that Rachel had left her in charge of, and she rang up to see what they should be like when they are done! I hope they are OK for Rachel's sake.
Christmas Eve and it is very quiet actually, another couple of firms in trouble, it has been a dreadful year for retail firms, with Woolworths being the worst. That will leave a lot of gaps on High Streets in Great Britain. Not to say a lot of people without jobs for the New Year.
VT went next door to check on the ginger cat's food bowl and he said he saw a ginger blob on the path, so he opened the door and it shot in! it was out all last night so at least it is in for Christmas. Aaaah.
Started a lovely book last night. A Maeve Binchy, called "This year it will be Different". It is a real Christmas book about different families at Christmas. About relationships and situations at this time of the year. A perfect read for now. I love Maeve Binchy she always writes a good book. I saved this one so I could read it over Christmas and I'm glad I did. I love my books have always read a lot, and it is a joy to read one like this.
Tonight we are having:
pasta with a Spinach and Ricotta sauce,
Roasted Butternut Squash and Asparagus,
A little bit of Garlic Bread.

Christmas Rushing...

Have A Very Happy Christmas
Nipped into Formby this morning to get a few final things for Christmas. We were pleasantly surprised to get a parking space in Waitrose car park as soon as we drove in. There was a car pulling out so we pulled in. Usually we go round and round queuing for an age to park. So that was good.
We walked through the village down to the bank but my bank machine was empty. No matter got some later at Waitrose. Anyway there is a new shop, the Village Deli which had a good display of chutneys, jams and biscuits etc.Will do quite well there I think. Got VT his cards and then we went to M&S to see if they had Peaches in brandy. They didn't but got some crackers and pears as well.
Over to Waitrose and had a coffee since it was too late to go home. VT came back with a Cafetiere of coffee which was really good. We usually have Latte's but you can get tired of those. This made a change and better for the calories.
Got my raspberries but frozen ones..they are British though.
We now have everything for our Christmas meal,Starter, Mains and Pudding. Plenty of things in the fridge and freezer for at least six months!!!
Jane is not coming home..there's nothing new.. She rang us up to tell us her woes, and sounded very miserable.
A sprinkling of cards today in the post, a nice one with a photo from Emma, and one from Anne Cromack which said Elaine Cairns had died a few weeks ago from a massive heart attack. That is a real surprise, wasn't expecting that.
Tonight we are having:
Toad in the hole..reduced price one from Waitrose,
Mixed vegetables Carrots beans and endamame beans.
Gravy,
A few squashed potatoes.

Weekend posts...

Going to be a quiet Christmas in the road here. Janice and graham have gone off to Aviemore for the week so that is two houses empty, and Ken and Jan next door are going to friends down south so theirs will be empty too. They have asked VT to look after Cat their ginger cat which seems to be getting to be a routine now. But, he doesn't mind, he loves that little cat who comes running when it hears his car. it also follows him down to the shop with him when he goes to post a letter.
Yesterday..Sunday was quite busy, we did the bread in the machine, the pizza dough for our tea, and the roast vegetables.Did the cfrosswords in the afternoon but not the big Daily Mail one it is the huge so we work at that a bit at a time.
VT does the big Monday crossword in the Daily Express on his own.
Went to Sainsbury's in Crosby this morning to get our veggies for the week, and some other things for the upcoming week. it was horribly busy I really hate that shop of all the shops we go into, it is so small and crowded and yuou cannot get round.Terrible.
Jane rang up sounding as miserable as ever to say that she has an appointment tomorrow so will ring after that. She will probably not bother coming home and to be honest she doesn't like Christmas anyway so there would probably be trouble.
Tonight we are having:
Mashed potatoes,
Carrots and green beans,
Garlic kievs possibly.

Monday Washday!!

Not in our house..Saturday is washday. We strip the bedding and do three loads of washing. The bed is usually made up again by fiveish in the afternoon.
I remembeer the days of my childhood when the bedding was dried round the fire in the winter on a clothes maiden. The house always smelt of steamy washing..like a laundry. We don't know we are born these days really, with washing machines and tumble dryers..it is all so easy.
VT went off to Maghull for his mooch this morning and I messed about on here and looked after the washing machine etc. Nice lunch then we watched The Barefoot Contessa. For once it was a programme that we had not seen and it was a really nice one about their anniversary. they are such a sweet couple, lovely with each other.
I love the little bits when they go out to the shops or farm stands etc. gorgeous programmes.
Tonight we are going to watch the final of Strictly. Hope Tom Chambers wins, he isn't as weepy as the others, the girls get on my nerves they are so full of themselves.
Tonight we are having:
Thai Green Curry with Quorn pieces and rice and a stir fry vegetable mix.

Thursday's and friday's Accounts.

Yesterday I didn't get round to doing the blog. Just ran out of time really. Had a long soaky L'Occitaine bath in the afternoon, so didn't get to do the usual blog entry. But, never mind. Nothing much happened anyway.
Been doing Christmas things on the last two or so evenings. Did my Christmas cards, but didn't do a newsletter to go with, but found that it takes so long to put a note in everyones card, I will definitely do one next year. Saves so much time, and biro! Getting a trickle of cards through, but quite late really this year.
Last Night we had:
Pasta Bake done with Spelt pasta and it was really nice.
I roasted some Butternut Squash in the morning and that was very tasty.
A tiny bit of garlic bread just two slices each.


Friday's Blog:
Today I had to go to Walton to have a blood test done before my appointment on January 5th.
It was actually very quiet, there was only me waiting so I went straight in. The girl had two goes at the arm and then I moved over to the other girl who got it first go.
We then went to Sainsbury's over the road to get some of the Christmas and weekend shopping.
Spent £100 in there Lord knows what on not like we bought a lot of wine or anything, just bits and pieces. We did get a lot of the Christmas items though so we are quite well stocked up. Got some Ben& Jerrys for Jane. I hope she comes home now or we will be stuck with it.
Tonight we are having:
Fishless fingers baked in the oven,
Chips weighed out.
Mushy peas for VT and beans for moi,
Maybe a tomato too.

Out and About and a New Baby!

Went out for a bit of fresh air this morning. not too cold today and a low sun that gets in your eyes.
Started off at Dobbies for our free coffees..we take our own biscuits so it is a cheap do. Had a bit of a look round but didn't buy anything except a Crumpet..a little animal shaped gadget for gathering crumbs from your table. Ah Well..small things!
then went to Homebase up the road. i have been looking for a Poinsettia for my gold pot in the kitchen, Dobbies had some real ones..but to be honest they didn't look very healthy, they did have some artificial ones which looked good but were £6.99 which I thought was a bit steep. So had a browse in Homebase. The last time we were there last week they had some nice white artificial onesbut they had all gone!!! couldn't believe it. They had reduced all the Christmas items and were two for three also, but we couldn't see any Poinsettias. So I went to have a look at The Pier shop in there, and VT went to get a few things he wanted.
Browsing in The Pier and I heard my name called. It was Emma with her new baby Maisy. Absolutely gorgeous..really tiny, and very good Emma looked really good, and thrilled to bits. She had seen VT in the shop and he told her where I was so she came over. I was delighted to see her..beautiful baby.You forget just how tiny they are.
I bought a new cushion from Pier 1/2 price, and some condiment spoons 1/2 price. Very nice too quite heavy, very attractice handles. The shop is looking really tatty now, such a shame, and not a huge amount left.
Tonight we are having:
Chicken style drumsticks,
Carrots and beans and peas,
Bread sauce,
Sliced saute potatoes,
Cranberry sauce.

A Quiet Day..

Very little doing today. Really quiet. We didn't go out anywhere, and did some sorting out.
VT did some more lights, and I have mooched about on here but nothing going on at all.
Just listening to "Hallelujah" on the radip by the X Factor winner Alexandra and she really did make o good job of it. Beautiful voice. Set to be the number one for Christmas song.
Must do my Christmas cards tonight. We are getting a few through now. So far I have only done the neighbours ones, but must do the post ones also.
Tonight we are having:
Casserole with Pork Steaks and apple and Somerset Cider.
Carrots swede mushrooms and Potatoes.

Amazon post...

Got my Amazon delivery today. Two books for £12 which is good value, Nigella's Christmas, and White Tiger, plus a present for VT. I have got all of his things now. Not too many he has everything so is very difficult to buy for, but I hope I have interesting things for him.
We nipped over to Maghull this morning for our Monday veggies and had a look round the square. I went to the bank, then to some of the shops. Had a look in Woolies, but didn't see much really. Bought a set of two teatowels for £1.67 which won't save them unfortunately.
Then went to Bon Marche and bought a new bra..they have very pretty bras there, then over to Somerfield for our veggies. They have fairly good ones on offer there, but not a huge selection really, and no Quorn to speak of.
Haven't done much today, intend to do the cards tonight and tomorrow. I need to do a bit of a news letter, not that there is much to put on it this year..which is a good thing really these days. Been quite a quiet year on the whole.
Tonight we are having:
Quorn Escallopes,
Potatoes squashed.
Mixed vegetables with a mushroom sauce.

Deck The Halls...

Got round to doing the Christmas Trees and decorations today. We did the three of them one for each room. The one in the extension looks lovely, it is all silver and white with some coloured lights. The tree in the front bay window has the expensive decorations on and the special ones, and white lights. This tree is beginning to look a bit sparse now, and I think will be replaced for next year. the only thing to watch is that we don't get one that is too tall, since it has to fit in the window. The tree in our middle room is mainly red with cones and other decorations on it. We have some nice things now, tend to get some from America when we are there I love their wooden ones. I have a sign in the hall which simply says Merry Christmas and I love that. It was expensive, but we have had it for years now. I have a little set of tiny wooden angels on the tree in the front room which were a horendous price in the seventies £1.75.. that was really expensive but I am still using them. They are my favourites.
Had a hectic morning.. Made our Sourdough loaf and our Pizza dough, and did the roast vegetables. Between doing the decorations etc we have done a lot today.
VT has just come up with the crossword which we finished fairly quickly because we didn't start them till later, and he said he put the middle room tree up on the table and the lights didn't go on. Isn't that typical!
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with our own dough and tomato sauce,
Roast vegetables and Goat cheese,
Salads each..potato fopr me and a pasta one for VT
Salad with avocado baby plum tomatoes etc.

Secret Santa Day..

is here! December the 12th and we are due to open them today. The ones from Delia on line that is. Mine has been sitting here for weeks being looked at, and so far I have resisted tering open a corner. Going down to open it in a bit, wonder what it is.
Haven't done much today, VT has put up some lights outside, and we are planning to do the decorations tomorrow morning. We do three trees, one for each of the downstairs rooms, one in the bay window at the front, one on the coffee table in the middle room and one in the corner of the extension.
There is a tree on the village green which looks good this year, sort of bluey white lights this time. It was lit up when we were away by one of the stars of the Panto in Southport Sherrie Hewson..she used to be in Corrie once.
The little cats are very quiet today, Bobby has been practically on top of the heater in here all morning, and only came down for her chicken at lunch time. Rusty just hangs about wherever you are, and runs to meet her Daddy when he comes in.
We watched the two programmes of Grays Anatomy that VT recorded on our video when we were away, and they were excellent. Such a good programme, it would have been a shame to have missed them. We still have one to watch the one we recorded last Thursday night.
Tonight we are having:
Chinese since we haven't had one for a few weeks.
Spring Rolls,
Stir fry vegetables..mushroom,
Egg fried rice 4oz
Sauce of some sort.

My Purple Period!!

I seem to be going through a purple period at the moment. i wonder if it is to do with the poem "When I grow old I shall wear Purple". I bought a purple coat in Street last week, but it is a lighter one for the Spring, and I have been looking for a thicker one for the cold weather. Went into Ormskirk to do the shopping this morning and the Bon Marche shop were having a 25% off everything over £20. I saw a lovely light purple coat to replace my Wintry one I have had for years and is a bit shabby now. 25% off and the Vat off as well. Not bad.
We had a good look round the town centre, went into Woolies, but there didn't seem to be any real bargains to me. Got a few things in Superdrug, and M&S and had a nice cup of coffee in our usual little cafe. Nice to be normal again.
Then we went to Morrisons. We had a £50 card which we wanted to spend, and in the end we spent £72! Got a lot of things for Christmas, 6 bottles of wine, and other bits and pieces.Quite a lot of different coffees, well a girl can't have too much coffee.
--Countdown!!! We have to say a word about Countdown. Today it is Carol Vorderman's last Countdown after 26 years! The channel has treated her disgracefully, and it is a real shame that she is going. Des O'Connor is going too but he has only done two years so not in the same league. Since the story broke that she was leaving and the various reasons for the decision, she has behaved with dignity and good humour and she will be truly missed. I can't imsginr Countdown without her. it just about survived without Richard Whiteley but I'm not so sure about Carol. It really won't be the same.

Tonight we are having:
Delia Smiths Egg and Madras curry,
Rice
Tomato and red onion cacumber,
Poppadum and banana.

Get Organised!

Still a lot to do to get ready for Christmas. Cards are arriving daily, and I have to do ours. I generally put a little note in with them so I have to do that yet. I wish I was better on the computer really, there is so much I can't do that I would like to. We usually do a little newsletter to go in with them, but we haven't done anything exciting this year so far.
VT nipped out to Tesco this morning to get some Cat Chicken. They have a little bit of chicky every day at about 1.30 and they gather in the kitchen to wait for it, so we haven't got the heart to deny them that. If I had gone to Tesco I would have come back with loads of things, so he went. He just gets what is on the list. Very organised he is..not an impulse shopper like me.
He got some of the decorations down this morning, and I cleared the front romm a bit. There are bits and pieces everywhere though I wish it was clearer, VT does have a habit of putting things down and they are still there two years or mors later..but there again, he is lovely so who can complain?
Tonight we are having:
Carrots and Swede to use them up,
Something from the freezer, not sure what yet,
Saute potatoes.

Out for Coffee!

VT treated me to a cup of coffee today. Well actually it was the free ones at Dobies, and very nice they were too. We had a bit of a look round beforehand, and saw some nice things there. Quite tasteful and some good names too. Didn't buy anything from the Food shop, mainly because we have already bought a lot from Bath and its environs. As I type this I am looking at a big box by the computer full of lovely treats, which will probably last till the middle of next year.
Then we went to The Pier shop to see if they had any bargains! Picking over the bones of the shop to see what is doing. Funny how the shop is beginning to look just a bit shabby, papers all over the place, and the stock depleting. Shame! They had a lot of Christmas stuff reduced by half but then again a lot of shops are reducing Christmas things at the moment. VT bought two votive candle holders and I bought some wrapping paper and little chocolate buttons to go on top of my Hazelnut Gateaux which is our treat for Christmas.
Home for lunch and we
are mooching about this afternoon.
Cold today, and the lunchtime weather had a cold weather warning today, so it looks like it is going to get colder too.
Tonight we are having:
A vegetable hot-pot. I am going to do it with a vegetable pack, carrots, leek, swede and potatoes.
Plus pork style ribsters and some apple juice for the gravy.

Getting Straight!

Still unpacking from our holiday. I did my bag this morning, and VT did his a bit later. He had to stop his because little Rusty went to sleep on the bed and that means everything stops..well you can't disturb them can you.
I must make an effort not to take so many clothes next year. I took far too many this year, and didn't wear most of them. I was quite surprised not to have put any weight on over the break because we did have some treats like pasties and the like, but we can't have gone overboard too much. So that's a good thing.
We did the kitchen this morning too, put our new place mats on the table. I bought some Portmeiron ones and the coasters to match too, and they look really good. Gradually getting straight. It is nice to be home, especially with the little cats, you really miss them when you are away. Little Rusty follows you around for ages when we get her home. She goes back to the things she does, like the toast and marmite for her breakfast! and jumping on the bed at night. She didn't move from there all night Bless her.
Little Rusty has just jumped on my knee,and it is quite difficult typing with her perched on the knee! You have to stretch round her, but who cares, she can go on my knee any time!. She smells gorgeous..you can bury your face in her fur, and she is purring. It is the best feeling in the world.
Tonight we are having:
Quorn Escallopes of some sort, and
Gratin of vegetables, with cauliflower and broccoli and some small potatoes,
With a cheese sauce on top.

Back From our Bath Break!

Hello Again
Came back yesterday, but had too much to do to update this. Got up early this morning and went for the babies Bobby and Rusty. They seem fine but glad to be home. It is a lovely Cattery though, and they are secure and warrm and totally safe and that's all that matters.
We had a lovely break, went somewhere most days. The Bath Christmas market is really nice to look round, but the products are fairly expensive. VT bought a nice little Olive wood bowl which has beautiful markings. I got myself a new necklace and matching earrings from The Podium, otherwise we didn't get a huge ammount from there.
We went to Street twice to the Clarks Village Outlet Mall, and bought loads of things from there. The shopping is great, and it is really nice to look round. Got some Portmeiron place mats and coasters, which I have been after for ages. A new jacket much reduced, and lots of other bits and pieces. Got VT a couple of things, he is very hard to buy for, especially since he says he has everything!
Went to Farrington Gurney Farm Shop twicve too, it is a lovely farm shop, and we generally get some treats for over Christmas, so we now have a box in the room where the computer is which is now overflowing.
We also went to Wells a few times. I love Wells, and could actually live there quite happily. It is a really small friendly city and is always interesting. Some changes since last year though, the Curry's has gone, and Dixons, and I suppose Woolies will have gone nexct year when we come back. The Cathedral Coffee bar ? Cafe where we usually get our cup of coffee has gone too, and they have a swanky new characterless coffee shop/restaurant upstairs, which is nowhere near as nice. We only went once,then defected to Starbucks. We had a lot of Lattes everywhere , and now need to give them a break.
Meals last week were varied...we had pasta twice, with some gorgeous mushrooms from Wells market and Bath market. We had Pasties twice from the Pasty shop in Wells. it's a good job we don't live there we would be as fat as pigs!
one night we had a lovely Spinach and Broccoli flan from Farringtons, and the last meal we had before coming home was Quorn Sausage rolls , Spaghetti hoops, and Croquette potatoes.
Went to Tescaw this morning to get some things for the week, and ended up spending £72 !! just on catch up bits and pieces.
Came back to 300 emails, now having to clear them all..mostly rubbish!
Tonight we are having:
Meatballs (Quorn Swedish style ones)
Swedish style sauce.
Rice or boiled potatoes..not sure yet,
Cranberry sauce,
Tenderstem Broccoli,

Busy preparations..

Today we have spent getting ready and organised.
We got up earlyish, after the customary coffee and cow biscuit, and took the Babies after breakfast. They go to a lovely new Cattery called Sunnyview boarding cattery. They both went in the pen beautifully.Bobby goes straight up to a basket and settles in, while poor little Rusty wanders about near the door miaowing. We hate leaving them, and the house is so quiet without them, but they are safe and warm and looked after. We were saying on the way back that we couldn't do the keep them in the house thing, what if something happened to them?
We have done loads of washing..all the bedding and clothes, loads of vacuuming so everywhere is tidy and done. We also do the floors so we come back to clean kitchen floors, I always have to do the kitchen floor..don't know why, just one of those things.
Made a nice loaf odf Sourdough bread too this morning, but for some reason it has cracked on the top. it does that sometimes but no idea why.
Won't be doing this until we get back on December the 6th, which will leave a gap, but never mind.
Tonight we are having:
Chicken style drumsticks, Tivall ones,
Whatever vegetables we have left over so we don't have any left behind,
Little potatoes squashed,
Bread sauce.

Getting Ready..

We spend the day getting ready for going to Bath on Thursday. It is our annual Pilgramage, but we have quite a lot to do to get organised.
We do the middle room which needed tidying up, move magazines and papers, and vacuum the floors.VT got the bags down so we start packing our clothes. Every year we say we will take less clothing, but somehow we never do. I still fill a bag full. Well you have to be careful and take the right things.
Tomorrow we take the babies to the Cattery, I hate doing that, but they are safe, and it is a lovely cattery. We will send them a card as we always do.
Tomorrow will be busy, we need to do the washing, ironing and the rest of the vacuuming. I like to do the floor s so everywhere is clean when we come back.
Tonight we are having:
Freezer Fodder,
Not sure what yet, I have got carrots, beans and potatoes, so something around that.

Getting Ready...

Went off to Aldi this morning for a few veggies.Didn't really want to get a lot of stuff because we are away on Thursday down to Bath, so didn't want a lot to throw away. Aldi is quite good and is a new shop only opened a few months ago so neat and tidy and fresh. Now the downside..if you want a big variety.. or small quantities of things it isn't for you, Big bags of potatoes won't do if you just want a few, and there isn't a variety of salads either. I don't think we vould do our bigger Friday shop there but a Monday one is fine.
They diud have some extra items that were tempting..I bought some Elsenham cranberry sauce which looks nice and a Cumberland sauce with orange. There is a lovely range of chocolatey items..very tempting, but we resisted apart from a box of little very dark chocolates, little squares.
My OPI things came this morning too which is nice, so all of my parcels have arrived now. Gorgeous nail varnishes, one a really nice pearly one I will take away with me.
Just listening to Paul McCartney on the Steve Wright Show. He really doesn't change at all, great to listen to, they have played quite a lot of the Beatles records..Paperback Writer for example.Smashing record. they wrote so many..such good records. Steve Wright does do a great interview though, I think he gets on with everyone, and he isn't scared of the interview, so he asks good questions. Good relationship there I think.
Tonight we are having:
Wensleydale and Blueberry escallopes,
Little squashed potatoes,
Carrots and Broccoli,
Mushroom sauce to go with.

Sunday Bits and Pieces...

Very cold today, windy and blowy rainy and even hailstones. it is a real icy blast today.
Made a nice loaf this morning, one of the Sourdough oatmeal ones, which VT is keeping an eye on as I am typing this. He is good at watching the bread. Also did the lovely tasty Pizza dough and that is rising nicely as I type this. Then the roast vegetables. Waitrose best, posh because you get a sprig of rosemary in the tray!
I gave Emma a ring this morning too. She wasn't in but her man was..Russell, and he said that she had had a little girl on Thursday20th, and they have called her Maisy. I like that, really sweet. I always knew Emma would go for a different name. Good for her. So knowing that we packed her parcel up. It is a lovely little musical Steiff Man in the Moon mobile. Hope they like it.Keep it as an heirloom maybe!!
The crosswords were surprisingly easy today. VT seemed to be on a roll, He did his in record time, and finished mine as well. Then he started the big MOS one and did loads of those too.We finished it off on the computer really quickly and were all sone by 5.15ish.

Tonight we are having:
Pizza with our tomato topping,
Roast vegetables and artichokes,
Rice salad and Potato salad,
Caesar salad for a change, and avocado.
Yum Yum.

Belated Saturday..

Forgot to do it yesterday. We got a bit distracted and ended up watching this that and the other in front of the fire, and I didn't get round to doing the entry. Unforgivable really, and felt quite guilty too.
Watched John Sergeant last night doing his farewell dance, a really nice waltz with his lovely partner Kristina. Personally I think it was a real shame, and I would have liked to have seen him go to the end. Some of his dances were wonderful especially the dragging across the floor. I am glad that the girl Rachel finally went in the X Factor though. She needs to get back to her children, her being in it never did sit right with me.
The results of the Strictly tonight wonder who will go from that, maybe the ever smiley Christine.

Last night we had:
Chinese, Poppin Bites which were really tasty,
Egg fried rice, 4oz of rice,
Stir fried vegetables,
Honey and coriander sauce.

It's Christmas!!

Well it's coming..VT is getting his things ready to take away with him, every year he says "I'm not taking as much this year" but he always does Bless him! Mine is done very last minute, just go around collecting things up. he is very planned and organised.
The doorbell went earlier, and it was my Bauble Swap from the Delia site. It is from Jodance..Joanna, and is a really cute little Santa with dangly legs..I love him. Plus somesweet little carved wooden decorations which will look lovely on the tree in the front room.
In the seventies, when VT and I used to go on the train to London, I bought some decorations from Liberty's and thought they cost a fortune. They were £1.50 for six..and that was REALLY expensive at the time. But, we've had them for about thirty odd years and they still look good. Quality really.
Adverts all over the papers and television, and a lot of talk about the credit crunch Christmas. Too much advertising though, especially CD's. They really get on your nerves.
We took my money to Waitrose this morning, mainly because we wanted to go somewhere near to home, and we didn't intend getting a lot of things, bearing in mind that we are away next Thursday.
Still bought quite a lot though, and because they are expensive we still end up spending a lot. It's quality stuff, but you do pay for it.
Tonight we are having:
Quorn Toad in the Hole. The reason for that is because it was reduced, and a bargain.
Gravy with some caramelised onion in it,
Roasted Winter Vegetables. Should make a tasty tea.

Hair Today...

Gone tomorrow...No! We both got our hair done today. We went into Formby and VT went to his Barbers, and I went into the hairdressers next door. Saw a nice young girl called Charlotte, who did my cut and blow..very well too. £30 later and half an hour and I was done. VT's cost £6.50.. quite a difference.
Came home for a good coffee and didn't do much else today really.
peat delivered today, we are using that as a fuel rather than logs mainly because of the chimney fire we had a while ago. It was apretty bad one, and tends to put you off the logs, nice as they are.
Lots in the papers about John Sergeant today. Still thi k it is a shame, but it is getting a bit much now. Too much on the news.
Tonight we are having:
Veggies to use up, cabbage and leek mixture.
Pork ribster steaks, and apples.
potato of some sort.

Ear Ear!

Up early this morning because I had a hearing test booked at the centre in Southport. Had it done, and the hearing in the right ear is down quite a lot apparently. the aid that I have in that ear is not really helping, so he suggested a different one which is over the ear, and stronger. Not keen on the over the ear types. i did try them once but had a lot of trouble with hair rustling etc, so I shall have to think about that. Since it would be about £1,500 aiat is another item and an expensive one.
We then went to the Pier shop within Homebase to have a look around. i got some tea lights and some little decorative stickers, and some lovely crackers. VT bought some larger candles to go in our box.
Then went to Dobies for our free coffees, took our own biscuits!! so all was free. Lovely. Got some wrapping paper for Emmas baby present, and a little plaque for John and Ann to p[ut into their Christmas card.
Had to call in at Waitrose to get some potatoes..to be boiled to go with our tea.
Last night I did in the end a vegetable gratin and meat free kievs. Proved to be very tasty.
Tonight we are having:
Meatballs in Swedish style sauce,
Boiled potatoes,
Cumberland sauce,
Tenderstem Broccoli, or cabbage and leek.

Very sad today. John Sergeant has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing..That is a real shame. I thought he was wonderful.

Where there's Muck there's Brass!

Wonder where that saying came from? We stayed in today and didn't go anywhere. Since we are going away next Thursday to Bath, we need to get a bit sorted. Going out tomorrow to Southport to get my hearing aids tested and hopefully a hearing test also, so needed to stay in today.
We did lots of bits and pieces. I did the shelf in the kitchen, it does get quite splashed so needs doing more than I do really. Anyway that's done. Then we did the shelves in the middle room, the mantlepiece wasn't as dusty as we were expecting but that is ready for the Christmas Decorations now. I know it's early but we put them up before we go away so they are nice when we get back.
Then after lunch we did the brasses. I can remember when I was small doing them each week with my Mum, but now they are lucky to get done every six months!! My mum would be turning over in her grave! I bought a plate thingy last year in Wells at an antiques fair. VT was very sceptical, but it does work, and cuts out all of the scrubbing and polishing. Excellent for the small things, but still have to do the copper kettle and other things by hand. Dang!
Must remember to do the brasses on the front door too..am always forgetting them, and they look nice when they are done.
Going really dark now at a quarter to five. The nights are really drawing in.
Tonight we are having:
Meatballs in Swedish style sauce,
Cranberry sauce,
Tenderstem Broccoli,
Boiled Potatoes.

A Change is as good as a rest...

A bit of a change to the routine today, VT got up early this morning because he had to take the car to get a new clutch. Last time he went to Southport with the car, he got the train back and it took him two hours to get home. This time they are letting him have a courtesy car so he was back in about the hour. What a difference.
It was a nice little Mazda in shiny black, so we went over to Ormskirk to give it a run and get out veggies. Very drizzly day, but the rain kept off when we were there. It was really quiet, and the shops were empty. Had a nice cup of coffee in our usual cafe, and were home early. Did the veg shopping in M&S and Morrisons so are set up for the week.
Rang Emma this afternoon, but she is going into hospital tomorrow to be induced two weeks early. Hope it all goes well for her. Wonder what she will have.
VT has gone back for the car, so shouldn't be long, I'll go and get the coffee on in a minute..he likes his coffee.
Tonight we are having:
Escallope..we have quite a few that need eating up,
Carrots..but not chanterey ones..sick of them.
Baby new potatoes crushed.
Mushroom sauce

What's Cookin?

The usual things on a Sunday. Today we made a Laucke loaf with Soy and Linseed. It is a strange bread to make because when it is doing it smells of putty! but it does make a lovely loaf. They are excellent bread mixes, which come from Australia, but there is nothing here to compare actually. I like the brown bread mixes but we have used all of them up and now only have a sweet one left. We can do that one with some Maple syrup and walnuts and that makes a good sandwich loaf.
We also did our Pizza dough, with the basil oil, mixed italian herbs and honey. VT puts the flour in, and I think he has done the Oatmeal flour today. We do the 5roast vegetables, and our home made tomato sauce so it is quite a home making day on a Sunday.
The crosswords weren't bad today, but the one I do in the Mail magazine proved to be a bit awkward, because one of the clues was a hymn of which I wasn't familiar I'm afraid.
Looking forward to Strictly tonight, can't wait to see if John Seargant has got through again, I hope he has, I love his dancing, and his American Smooth last night was gorgeous. That little walk away at the end was just lovely.
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with our tomato sauce,
Roast vegetables
Goat cheese,
Salad with baby tomatoes, mixed lettuce, and avocado pear,
Potato salad and rice salad.

Afternoon Naps..

Have we joined the band of people who nod off in the afternoon? Not really, but we did have a disturbed night's sleep last night. We both seemed to wake up at about half past two. VT got up to go to the bathroom and that woke me up. It doesn't usually, but I had been awakish for some reason. Anyway he looked out of the window and there was a family walking over the road with a small child. So he tells me. So I am wide awake then. He gets back into bed to go to sleep again, but I know I am wide awake, so tickle him a bit which annoys him so he is wide awake!! Upshot is we put our lights on and he goes down to make a lovely drink. We read for a bit then eventually go to sleep.
Consequently we have a nap after our lunch this afternoon..and why not! We were watching Heartbeat, and if anything is guaranteed to make you drop off it is that!
Bed washing day today, but can't hang things out because it is too colkd, mind you it is all back on the bed by 5.30 ish.
Tonight we are having:
Delias Madrad egg and spinach curry.
Stir fried vegetables,
banana and chutney
Tomato and red onion
Poppadums.
One packet of basmati rice between us.

Friday visit to....

Sainsbury's this week. We decided that as we were going to Southport on Monday with VT's car we would go the other way. It isn't a bad journey, through Little Crosby with the autumn colours was quite pleasant.
We had a cup of coffee when we got there but VT wasn't happy with the coffee, he said it wasn't warm enough, so we got another, then the girl put the out of order notice on the machine, and we got our money back. So we got free coffees. VT was a happy shopper he loves a bargain!
We were trying to curtail the shopping a bit, because we are going to Bath in two weeks time, so we don't want a lot of stock in the house. We are trying to get things used up really.
Booked an appointment at the Hearing Aid place for next Wednesday at 10.30 so I can get them serviced and the hearing test done. Had the wax removed last friday so there shouldn't be any problem.
Tonight we are having:
Fishless fish fingers
Chips..a measured quantity,
Mushy peas for VT and Carrots for me.
Tartare sauce.

Parcel Post..

Spent the morning packing up the Secret Santa parcel to send to the Delia online Member who is my partner for this year..Baking Jean. VT is wonderful at packing, he does parcels so well. neat corners, and beautifully labelled. Puts me to shame. I also did the bauble swap one too. That is going to Jodance..Joanne Saunders. but will send that later I think.
My SS parcel contained:
A book..Have cake and eat it..
A set of heart shaped cookie cutters,
A set of celebration cutters ,
An apron..James Martin apron. Quite nece things I think, and some of the things she had asked for.
Then we did the kitchen floor, and the bathroom and the front porch, so all is tidy.
Then lovely bath, book and candles this afternoon.
Tonight we are having:
HotPot..with assorted vegetables, and Quorn beef style chunks.

Books!

I love reading..I could read anything, except perhaps science fiction, and biographies, but most novels I love. The one I am reading at the moment though is so hardgoing I am almost giving up.
The Resurrectionist by James Bradley..http://www.amazon.co.uk/Resurrectionist-James-Bradley/dp/0571232760/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226504853&sr=1-1

That does not happen very often, especially since I bought it, but it is wordy to extreme, the characters are not developing, and neither is the story. If I read the phrast "for a long moment" again, I shall throw the book out of the window! Quite how it has got through the proof reading without anyone spotting that I will never know.
Went to Ormskirk this morning for a bit of a look round, did a bit of shopping, and got a few bits, and went into W H Smiths and came out with a James Pattison book, You have been warned. Read a couple of chapters downstairs, and that will do for me especially after the book mentioned above. Much pacier.
Went past Costa Coffee where they were advertising Maple Syrup Latte's..Oh Yum and had a coffee at our little cafe at Taylors. It's a lovely little old fashioned place, where they sell good coffee, nothing fancy, and anything on toast that you could imagine. The cry goes out..Two Thick Toasts, and someone will come running! Wonderful. Full of very interesting and ordinary looking people..you know they have stories to tell.
Tonight we are having:
Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta Sauce,
A bit of garlic bread if we have any!
Green beans and dare I say it Carrots.

Messing About in the Little House.

Bit of this and a bit of that today. The weather is a bit iffy, not raining but blowy and cold. You wouldn't want to go to Ormskirk today and be blown off your feet.
We started the day watching the remembrance service to mark the 90th anniversary of the Armistice Day. It was quite moving actually, the sort of thing the BBC does extremely well. It's such a shame that they bother with people and programmes like the Ross character, when they do the period classics and special occasions so well.
The three surviving members of the forces from the First World War were there. One is 112 years old, and the other two well into theircenturies. Amazing, and the oldest wanted to place his wreath himself, beautifully done. What those men gave up was such a sacrifice. We should remember.
Otherwise the day was very uneventful, did a bit of ironing and not much more really. VT said the Christmas Tree has been put up on the village green, no lights yet though. Suppose they are getting ready early. It looks nice when it is lit up, they have a lighting ceremony round about the beginning of December, with the band and a "celebrity" to switch them on.
Tonight we are having:
Lamb Grills, (Quorn ones) that I do in the oven,
Carrots and beanss or Broccoli,
Mushroom gravy,
Squashed Potatoes, with rosemary salt.

Stormy Night..

it was quite stormy last night. It even blew my Buddah over in the garden, which is quite unusual.I got it when I finished work, and it has stayed in the garden smiling away ever since.
I took my money to Sainsbury's in Crosby this morning for the veggies. Also went to Farmfoods, their Quorn ranges are very cheap, and they are the only ones who sell the Pork Style Ribsters which are well worth buying.They don't have a big range but you can't quibble at the prices. Got a lot of veggies in Sainsbury's including Chanterey carrots on offer bogof., so we will be a bit sick of carrots by the end of the week I imagine.Never mind..can't resist a bargain!
It's beginning to go dark fairly early these days now, it is a quarter to five and the dark is descending already. Definitely winter setting in. VT has been planting bulbs this afternoon, we have miniature daffodils and narcissi, and some snowdrops. They look lovely in the tubs and pots in the Spring when they start coming out. he's put some in a hanging basket too, so they will brighten up the wall outside the kitchen.
The little cats are all outside with him watching. They are incredibly nosy, and watch whatever you do, and follow him around the garden. He even has next doors little ginger girl watching him too, it was worth it though since she got a bowl full of biscuits.
Enjoying Strictly Come Dancing this weekend. Have voted for John Seargant every week. Mainly because he is such fun to watch, but also because the judges are so horrible to him. They are like bullies in the playground picking on one of the weaker ones.Nasty. I'm glad he got through, even though his sha sha sha wasn't that good.
Tonight we are having:
Cheese and onion Quorn escallopes,
Carrots or a vegetable gratin..not sure yet.
Mushrooms.

Loaves and Veggies...

As I type this there is a wonderful amoma of baking bread in the air. Started the day watching the remembrance Day service on the television, then got our bread going. we did mostly a white loaf, with 1/2 a cup of Jumbo oats in it. Then watch the liquid going in. If you don't add enough you get a heavier dough, but today's is just right,. It has risen beautifully, well over the top of the pan, and it is nearly baked now at 5.45. Making a Sourdough takes best part of the day, but it isn't exactly onerous, and you do get a wonderful loaf.
Did our Pizza dough as well, and the Roast veggies for the top also. VT didn't go out today because the weather turned really manky during the morning, so he stayed in. We actually had thunder and Lightening this morning, but it didn't last long.
The crosswords today were mixed. VT did his in record time, but mine was trickier because they were all Capital Cities, and some of them were tricky. But we got there in the end. The Mail on Sunday was quite easy. VT did quite a number to begin with, then we finished them off on the Computer. Love doing those,you get a sense of accomplishment when they are done.
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with our own dough,
Tomato Sauce ( just taken out of the freezer) We usually take it out first thing in the morning but we have forgotten today, until I have just typed this on here!!
Salad with our salad mix and usual veggies, and avocado., and baby plum tomatoes.
Potato salad and Rice salad for VT.

No Title Today...

Can't think of one, my mind has gone blank. Never mind eh.
Not done a lot today, messed around a bit, while VT went on one of his mooches. He came back with a pair of pears, and some cat food. The little catties seem tired today, Bobby went on VT's pillow as soon as he got up this morning and hasn't moved a lot since. She did come down for her chicken at lunch time though. They really enjoy that. It used to be once or twice a week, now it is every day, and proving to be quite an item. But, never mind they are worth it.
Jane rang up this morning and we had a nice little chat. She has been signed off for a month, and is wondering what she is going to do to pass the time,she has bought a lot of boxed sets of things though so I expect she will watch those on her new television.
Tonight we are having:
Chinese week.
Spring rolls,
Egg fried rice 4oz worth,
Stir fry vegetables,
Sauce of some sort..depends what comes to hand.

Ear Ear!!

Today has been the day of the ears! We got up early because the plan was to go to the Royal Hospital in Liverpool to get my ears done. I had a hearing test booked, but the audiologist wouldn't do it until |I had my ears syringed.
The trouble is, the GPs surgery won't touch them nowadays, especially if you have perforated ear drums. So you have to get a referral letter then go to The Royal.
Now this is quite a journey, entailling going into Liverpool, and parking in the multi storey, which was easier than expected. Found the department.."M" Clinic, and sat in line waiting. About an hour later I got in, and the nurse said that the right ear was clear, but the left had hard wax that needed removing with the micro suction. They had a cancellation at 1.40 this afternoon, so we went for that. This meant of course we had to go to Walton Sainsbury's to get the shopping, have a coffee, and get back to the hospital. All done. This time there was only a little wait, and then the nurse came out, asked for names, then said youre not on my list. But she found my letter, so I went in. She put a little instrument in the ear, I heard a few crackles then it was done. Only took about five minutes!

Home, to unpack the shopping and have a tiny coffee, and mooch a bit for the afternoon.
VT really made me laugh this morning..sitting waiting for the longest time in the corridor..he said I wonder what the "M" stands for? I know perhaps it is M for MuttnJeff!! (Deaf).
He is funny. God Bless him..he does all the driving, steering me up and down stairs etc., and never moans. What a Gem! XXXXX

Tonight we are having:
Spag Bog..4oz wholemeal Spaghetti,
Quorn mince sauce with tomatoes and mushrooms,
Carrots on the side.

Bits and our Bobs..

By Bobs i mean our Bobby, who had to go to the Vets this afternoon for her vaccination. The appointment was for 25 to 4 and we finally got in at 4o'clock. We were out in about five minutes, and that cost £38.99 but we had a repeat prescription for Rusty as well. Bobby was perfectly behaved miaowed a little bit on the way there then went to sleep in the basket and had to be woken up. The only problem with her was putting her in the basket before we went, she disappeared and hid under the coffee table right in the corner of the middle room, and poor VT had a struggle to get her out.
How do they know???
Otherwise we had an uneventful day really. VT has booked his car in at the garage in Southport for next Friday.
Tonight we are having:
Lamb Grills,
Mashed Potatoes with a bit of mustard,
Cabbage and Leek.

Fireworks and Obama.

November the Fifth today traditionally firework day. Anniversary of The Gunpowder Plot. Although quite why we want to celebrate that I have no idea really. The only problem in our house is that we have two little cats who hate the fireworks. Little Rusty especially disappears when they start. There is a pub over the road and they have a very big very noisy display and they are terrified. We keep them in and lock the cat flap, we don't want them going missing.
Today is also a momentous day in History because America has elected its first black president. Barak Obamaq has won the election.It is all over the news, papers and everything you look at or listen to today, and probably will be for weeks.
Tonight we are having:
I think a sort of hot pot.
I have a bag of vegetables and will do something with those.

VT has been ringing round all day about his clutch. This is going to be quite an expensive job, but it has to be done. Well into several hundred of pounds. He won't say exactly no idea why, but there you go. It's what he does.

America Votes!!

Tomorrow there will be a new President of America. They are voting today, and the radio, television and newspapers are full of the two of them Barak Obama, and Joh McCain. it seems to be a close run thing, and the polls suggest Obama is in the lead, but it isn't cut and dried. So we shall see tomorrow I expect.
Today I had a visit to the dentist..a long way to go..two doors down!. It was a check up, but I did have a filling at the back that needed re-doing so he did that. Go back in a year.£16.20 but the Penny in the Pound will cover that, so not bad. VT filled the form in straight away. Will be back by friday he says. Bless him.
Then we went to Maghull for our veggies. I wanted a look at the Bon Marche shop there, because they have an offer on %30 of everything if you spend £20. I bought a new jumper and two pretty new bras, and saved loads of money.
Home for a lovely cup of coffee and saved money by not having one out. VT does lovely coffees..he calls them his concoctions and puts a mixture of all sorts in them, like flavoured coffee, milk powder etc. really nice.
Tonight we are having:
Quorn Escallopes..mainly because we have a lot of them!
Mushroom sauce with extra mushrooms,
Sliced potatoes sauteed
Carrots and Green Beans.
Tomorrow is another day..as they say.

Train and Planes and Automobiles!!

Well not the planes, but the others.
VT had to take his car to the garage in Southport this morning to get a service and something else done. he got up early, and the plan was, to take the car, and come back on the train and have breakfast. He should have been back by 10a.m., but he rang up at 10.30 to say he was stuck in Formby. The train wasn't going any further up the line because something had happened on the line. They were setting up buses but there would be a delay. Eventually he decided to walk to Formby village and got a bus to Crosby!! Then get a bus from Crosby which is totally the other way and get the Shoppers bus back to Hightown!
What a circuitous route to get home. It isn't any wonder that people use cars. He eventually got home at 11.25. 2Hours to get from Southport to Hightown...a 20 minute journey by car!! Poor VT.
We had some lunch then went back on the train to get his car. Only problem here was that my stupid..very expensive..David Ormerod hearing aid got blocked on the train. Don't know why..it just happened. VT usually clears them at home no problem, but of course we didn't have the gear on the train. So we ended up going into a shop to buy a needle to unblock it. What a pain! Anyway we whizzed round M&S and got a few salady things and then went for his car. No probs with that I'm pleased to say, and it took us 1/2 an hour to get home.
Horrible smell in the village..just awful, smells like the compost heap over the bypass. Whatever..it isn't nice at all.
Tonight we are having:
The remaining Pizza we usually have for our lunch,
Salad from M&S and other remaining salads.
Plus a couple of extra ones I bought.

We had a sandwich for lunch today instead of our pizza turning things around today...

Sunday Sourdoughs...

Quite a nice day today, not weather wise, it is fairly cloudy and not as sunny as it was yesterday. We made a lovely Oatmeal Sourdough loaf today. Last week's one was quite dense, this one has risen beautifully, and has some beautiful jumbo oats and honey in it. Looks really good.
Also did the Pizza dough, well VT did that, he puts in whatever flours he fancies, and all the ingredients and sets the button to go. The roast vegetables we did at lunch time so we keep an eye on them.
Crosswords were reasonable today. I had to look up an author..of There Will Be Blood..Upton Sinclair. Not familiar with his work so didn't know that one. Otherwise they weren't too bad, with one or two tricky ones.
I am now in the Delia Online site at Multiply at long last..that has taken ages to organise, but we got there in the end. Not as easy to get around as the MSN site, but I expect we will get used to it eventually.
Tonight we are having:
Pizza..with VT's wonderful dough,
Home made tomato sauce,
Roast Vegetables, Goats cheese
Salad with avocado and baby pomodorino tomatoes and cucumber and seeds.
Potoat salad and Rice Salad.
Total Yum Yum !!

Strictly and Beds..

Watching Strictly Come Dancing as I type this , one of the best programmes of the week. All good, dancing, frocks, and no swearing!! Love it. Good Saturday night viewing. I do root for John Seargant though. There are a lot better dancers, but he is such good fun..love him.
Did the bedding today too, but went to put it back on the bed and poor little Rusty is asleep on the end of the bed. We had to move her in the end, but hated doing that..really hate doing that. They get so comfortable, a little bundle of fur. Oh dear.. Anyway she has gone downstairs and is licking so seems to have forgiven us.
Tonight we are having:
Green Thai Curry with Quorn pieces and mushrooms.
Mushroom stir fried vegetables,
Packet of basmati rice between us.

Off to The Shops...Again!

We took my money to Sainsbury's today, we were just saying that there isn't so much choice here in Hightown. it is either Waitrose in Formby which is really expensive, or Tesco which we don't like any more. Sainsbury's in crosby is too small, and Aldi don't have the choice.
So, Sainsbury's Walton today..
Bought our usual weekend things, it is not Chinese week tomorrow so thinking about something else.
VT got up last night to go to the bathroom, then got back into bed and started shivering. The whole bed was going, and he got quite grumpy. I told him to put the electric blanket on, and he dropped off then a bit later. I had a hell of a job getting back to sleep, and when I did I woke up a bit later and the bed was cooking! he had the blanket on number three! So we over slept a bit this morning. Doesn't matter really though. We still do what we want.He is fine this morning..must have just got cold.
Tonight we are having:
Hot Dogs. Vegetarian Sausages,
Onion rings,
relishes and pickles etc.,
Maybe a few chips.

VT is getting to be a pain going round the shop!!! he was going beep beep everytime we went near anything he thinks I shouldn't have.

A Bit of This and a Bit of That...

Sort of everything day today. VT did a lot of ringing up for me today. He rang the surgery to check about ear syringing, which has to be done at the hospital apparently. Something to do with ear perforations. Then he rang the hospital to be told that we need a referral from the GP. So ring the surgery again and told a letter would be done.
They rang back later to say that it was ready and we could collect it.
The Vet Mr Dixon rang at "Dawn" to say the little Rusty's blood results had come back, and her thyroid levels were down to normal levels again. So that is good news. She has to stay on them but is good again.
Did the to of the cooker. and VT did a lot of clearing up outside, planted some bulbs and cleared away some leaves etc. Isn't he a good boy, bless him.
Lovely bath and a good read and a square of Green and Blacks chocolate and my candles this afternoon...Bliss!!
Tonight we are having :
Pasta Bake with asparagus, tomato sauce and a tiny bit of cheese on top.

Weigh in this morning..Guess What..
We are both the same..

Cold Weather Cuisine...

We were up early this morning because we had to take Little Rusty to the Vets again for a blood test. It is to do with her Thyroid problem, she is still on the tablets, twice a day which VT does. She miaows a bit there, just to remind us she isn't happy about it, but isn't so bad on the way home. She was a very good little girl in the vets, and Mr Dixon seems pleased enough.
We were done and dusted and back home by 9-15, took about an hour there and back..not bad really. We had a cup of coffee fed rusty who must have been starving, and then went out to Crosby to return a book that I couldn't renew because it was needed. I hadn't read it actually because the print is absolutely tiny, so didn't mind renewing it. Walked along College Road for a bit of a look, but nothing much has changed, quite a good Deli at the far end, but we didn't buy anything today.
Sainsbury's then because we needed some Chicken for the babies, and a couple of other things, Very cold weather today, definitely more wintry than Autumnal, so something warming tonight.
Home for a change of clothing, and we then had a nap, intending to have a few minutes rest. We woke up a bit later, ready for lunch!! a bit naughty, but it was lovely and cosy.
Bobby has just come upstairs and flopped down in front of the heater, loks lovely and cuddly, but beware, if you go to stroke her she will probably bite.
Tonight we are having:
A Hot-pot/ Casserole, with a bit of potato, some pork ribsters (Quorn) carrot,apple, parsnip mushrooms and some good stock. Long slow cooking and a tasdty result.

Diets and Potassium..

Had to go to Aintree Hospital this morning for an appointment with a Renal dietician. This was after an appointment in Juse with the Renal specialist. Anyway, she was very nice, youngish called Emma, and she went through my diet, what we eat during the day, for the week. Our diet actually sounded quite healthy, in fact we should be like runner beans VT and I, because we have changed our diets a lot over the last year.
Potatoes seem to be a problem, especially when they have not been boiled, and potato products. Potassium must be a water soluble vitamin and it is better to boil the veggies apparently. Not going to do that though, we much prefer them steamed for the flavour. Apart from all of that we seem to be doing the roght things and she seemed pleased enough.
It is very cold today, might even have a fire tonight, VT has cleared the grate out ready for one.We could do with ordering some Peat, that makes a lovely fire, just ticks over and keeps the radiators warm.
VT came in with a pair of his underpants he is throwing away..talk about see through!! The elastic had come out of the top waistband, and the seat was see through!!! Not like he doesn't have enough pants either.He bought himself two packs in M&S the other week..why does he store them up I wonder!!
Tonight we are having:
Sausages and Mashed potatoes,
Cabbage and leek,
Gravy with mushrooms,
A yorkshire pudding.That should be ok Potassium wise.

A Change is as Good as a Rest....

Monday, so we usually go for some veggies somewhere. This morning VT had to go to his garage in Southport to arrange about his car. It needs a Winter service and something doing so we went there to begin with. Then along to Dobbies in Kew to get our free coffees. Very nice too and a bit of shortbread to go with. VT bought that. Last of the big spenders..£1.24 for that. Did a bit of buyi g as well, got a pen each for John and Ann, and a calendar for them of English Landscapes. Also got a couple of things from the food hall for keeping.
Then back towards home to Tesco for the veggies. Must admit I don't like going there these days. It used to be a good shop, but I think they have got too big for their boots, and it isn't a nice shopping experience going there. Sainsbury's is much friendlier. Tesco's is wel brash these days. We rarely go there any more, we tend to go to the other ones.
Tonight we are having:
Quorn of some sort,
Sliced potatoes sauteed,
Mixed vegetables with a Hollandaise sauce and a few mushrooms.

The site I use with the Delia Online via MSN is shutting down, so they are migrating to "Multiply" This is proving to be a bit of a problem. I was sent an email but didn't get anywhere with that, but hey presto this morning it worked, so I am entered on that, but haven't got into Delia Group yet. You need patience at this game.

Weeken One..

Didn't do a blog yesterday, which is quite ususual really because I like to keep it up each day. Didn't get round to coming back upstairs to do it though, so this is a two day one.
The clocks went back last night, so we got an extra hour in bed which is nice. A lie in but a proper one. Still got our coffee and biscuit in bed though.Courtesy of VT bless him.
Yesterday was very wet and cold and blowy, not a nice Autumn day at all. Wish we were in New England really, it is lovely there. This time last year we were there, leaf peeping. The way the dollar is going though it is a good job we aren't there at the moment. Hope it will go up again by next year.
Today it was quite nice, but just started to rain. It is pitch black now, and at 6 o'clock that is getting a lot earlier.
Made a Sourdough loaf this morning White potato and oatmeal loaf, which is still rising in the kitchen. Also did the roast vegetables, and the pizza dough for tonight.
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with our tomato sauce made earlier in the week,
Salad with avocado and baby pomodoro tomatoes cucumber etc.,
Potato salad and a cous cous for VT,
Goats cheese and other bits on top.
Jane rang us up last night she was on for quite a while, and was talking about her web site for where she works. Globe...
http://www.globedelivery.co.uk/
They have very good menus and is well worth browsing.

Communal Fix-Its..

Yesterday it was the hedge cutters, today it is the battery charger, the other day it was the long ladders..The men folk in this road should have a communal shed for storuing things. It has been a year of sharing things this year.
Today being Friday we took my money to Morrisons in Ormskirk. I do quite enjoy going there actually, because we can have a bit of a look round then a cup of coffee in our cafe, then finish off with the shopping in Morrisons. Forgot to get some Ben and Jerry's ice cream though which was on offer, but maybe that is as well. We bought our usual things for a Friday,except I bought a long sleeved nightie from the Bon Marche shop. Why can't you buy long sleeved nightdresses in this country? Plenty of them in America, in Wal-Mart last year I could have bought any number of them and gorgeous designs and patterns too. But in this country forget it. They are all pinks or blues or lemons terrible things!! I wish someone would wake up and design some really nice cheap night clothes.
Snoopy the cat from the Liz Jones column is doing OK. I sent her an e-mail on Sunday, something I never do . but I was worried about the little cat, and she had written about it so beautifully, and I got a reply yesterday!! wasn't expecting that. She said that he has kidney failure, and is on lots of medication but is doing ok. I hope she has one of those pill thingies that VT uses on our little Rusty. He is great at doing that, she has to have a tablet twice a day, and she takes them quite well really, but VT seems to have the knack.
I hope little Snoopy does well.
Tonight we are having:
Meatballs in a Swedish style sauce,
Rice..white basmati,
Mixed vegetables, butternut squash and fine beans and peas.

Mops and Pants!!

We got up at our usual time this morning, with a cup of coffee and a cow biscuit..lovely VT does that every morning when we have the time. Did the kitchen floor, and the other hard floors in the house, bathroom and front porch, so all is looking cleaner. I wish we could mop the dust away too.
VT is presently altering the lengths of a couple of pairs of trousers, he seems to have the craze for it at the moment. He used the wonder hem stuff that you iron on and it works very well. The trouble is, he has very short legs, and some of his trousers are just the wrong length, especially the bargain ones he buys!!
Nice bath and candles this afternoon, a good book and a square of chocolate for a treat..Can't be bad..beats teaching anyway.
Tonight we are having:
Maybe a Chicken style cheesey garlic kiev, or
Vegetable quarterpounder..
Vegetables Gratin.
Just simplee, use up something from the freezer and tasty.

Rusty's Little Journey to the Vets..

Well we were up with the lark this morning, and off to see the vets in Ormskirk. Rusty had to be taken without any food, so Bobby was fed when VT got Rusty into the basket. This was no mean feat either since she disappeared when he went to get her. As soon as they see the cat baskets, they know they are going somewhere, so they run off. Cute as a cart load of monkeys.Anyway we got her into the car and off we went. She miaows all the way, with VT going "It's all right Rusty" and me sticking my fingers into the cat front, we got there. She saw the Head Honcho today, Mr Dixon himself, who looked at her and said he wouldn't do the dental today because he wanted her on the thyroid tablets for another week. She has put weight on in the two weeks, and he said her heart was sound so looks good. We have to take her back for a Thyroid check next week, and they take another blood check to see what is going on...so it is all the same again next week..Poor Rusty.
We were going to go into Ormskirk when we had left her in the Vets, so that had to change. We brought her home, then nipped into Formby, to Waitrose to get a few things we had run out of. They didn't have any Chicken for the babies, so we went over to M&S. Bought chicken £3.99 !!!! for cat's chicken!!!! a few potatoes 40p, and a salad for me tomorrow.
God it's a long day when you get up so early. We are not early risers at all, generally get up about nineish or thereabouts, and we had taken Rusty to the vets and back by that time this morning. Must admit I dropped off after out lunch today..feel like an old woman.
VT has been a lot more energetic today, he has been in the garden dealing with the hedge from next door. He borrowed Brian's cutters and has chopped the hedge right back to the fence line. Given it a short back and sides! then he has attacked the weeds with his weed gun, and is trying to burn them away. The idea is to fill the green bin which is due for collection tomorrow. Busy Boy...
Tonight we are having:
Pasta with a Tomato and Marscapone sauce and a few vegetables.
Green Beans.

In which we make Tomato Sauce, and Have a Book Delivery...

Well it sounds good. We made a big batch of tomato sauce for our Pizzas this morning. We used 4 tins of tomatoes, all different makes so it was like a tasting test, and that was interesting. There seems to be little difference in between them, except the Sainsbury's value ones are very good. The Dettori's are thicker, but not much, and are a lot more expensive too. So the conclusion is that a mixture is good.
Jenny and Vinnies Great Tomato Sauce for Pizza Recipe...
4 tins of chopped tomatoes,
1 medium onion choppes very small,
1 Tablespoon of mixed herbs,
1 Dessertspn of sugar,
Seasoning, good pinch of salt and pepper,
A squirt of garlic puree,
Tsp of stock powder,
Saute the onion in a little oil or Fry Light, till soft.
Add the tomatoes and all of the other ingredients.
Simmer, preferably with a lid on the pan because it will bubble like Vesusius, until it reduces and goes thick.
Cool then we put it into small tubs and freeze. This ammount makes enough for about 8 pizzas.

So that was made and cooled, then after lunch we were footling about and The Book People delivery came. That is such a good firm. They never mess about with the orders, and they always deliver promptly within a few days.
I have ordered some Derek Longden cat books, The Resurrectionist, and a book called Cherry Cake and ginger beer. This one is for my Secret Santa parcel, but I might have a look first.
VT ordered a book about the Countryside, and a book by Oz Clarke about wine which looks good.
So, a successful day today.
Tonight we are having:
Pork Ribsters, cooked with apple and mushrooms in a little gravy.
Vegetables, beans carrots and peas,
Mashed potatoes with spring onion.

New monday venture..

We took ourselves to the new Aldi in thornton this morning. Usually on a Monday we go out for vegetables for the week, so we went for those. It is a new store, and quite good and very clean,mind you the vegetable selection it has to be said is not great. The trouble is that all the packages are large, so you get big packs of potatoes, carrots, apples pears etc., and if you don't want huge quantities of anything you are stuck. I got some potatoes, salad and sweet, cheap asparagus, mushrooms, chanterey carrots and a few other bits and pieces. Did buy a couple of bottles of reasonable wine, very cheap milk and Parmesan cheese, and my shop came to around £25. Must admit that I had thought it would have been more than that, so was surprised at the total bill. There are clearly items that are quite a lot cheaper,and it is worth going there, but not every week. We do like variety.
Very Autumnal today, a lot of leaves on the ground, and the trees outside the bedroom window are looking a lot thinner,VT reckons he will fill the green bin with leaves this week.
Tonight we are having:
A Quorn of some sort,
Potatoes probably sliced and sauteed,
Carrots and beans,
mushrooms in a little sauce.

Sunday Makings...

Must admit, I quite enjoy Sundays with our bit of cooking done. Started off with a loaf. Today we used a packet mix , one of the Laucke ones, which was a sweet yeast one. We didn't put any fruit in this one, and I really wanted to make a Maple Syrup and Walnut one but we have run out of walnuts, so it ended up as being a maple syrup one only, and fine for that. It has risen beautifully and was well worth doing. Then we did the roast vegetables to go on the pizza, and the pizza dough in the bread machine once the bread was out. I never cook the bread in the breadmaker, because we don't like the shape, so we do it in a normal bread tin.
Read the Liz Jones column/article in the Mail on Sunday magazine, and it was very sad today. It was all about her cats, and one of them is not good, she had to take him to the vets, and then treated him with her oils and electrolyte liquid. I really hope he is all right for her. I love reading about her cats, but mostly her column is about her sex life..we don't want to hear about that, only about her animals.
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with tomato sauce..(we need to make some more)
Roast Vegetables,
Salad with avocado and baby yellow plum tomatoes etc.,
Potato salad and Cous cous salad with sun-blush tomatoes.

6.30 and it is pitch black outside now.

October is rolling on and The Days are drawing in as they say...

That means that it is starting to get darker earlier. i suppose it won't be long before the clocks go back. At least this time round we get an extra hour in bed which is a good thing.
We have done the bedding today, all dried in the drier because it is too dampish to peg out. nothing like a lovely clean bed. looking forward to that tonight.
VT took himself off for a little trip this morning..I needed some red kidney beans so he had something to go for. He rang up when he wasd out to say he had seen a Ladies Detective Agency book in a charity shop did I want it. Course I did..only £1.29 a bargain..liovely condition too, looks like it has never been read.
Not a lot in the papers today, mostly full of doom and gloom and despondency. because of the financial situation. I got paid yesterday, and they have taken the extra £50 pounds a month tax off me..the ba*****s..totally not fair. Really made my blood boil that has.
Tonight we are having:
Tacos with chilli quorn mince,
Lettuce, tomato, soured cream and guacomole, and a tiny bit of grated cheese.
Yummy..

Friday Shop..

Took ourselves off to Asda this morning, for a change. We have been going to Sainsbury's for the last couple of weeks,the journey is a bit of a trek really, but it just gives us a change.
We got our usual things, but were a tad annoyed because they have moved everything round, especially in the fruits and vegetables dept. Must admit this gets up my nose because you do tend to look in the same places and they aren't there. Totally different. Ah well. Got the cats their chicky, so they are happy. lots of Halloween thing around, and some beautiful pumpkins for £1.50 for a huge big pumpkin. They are cheap this year. I love the American idea of putting them on the doorsteps as decoration. Not sure whether I would have the nerve to do it here though.
We will miss the craft fairs this year, I loved them last year especially the one at the Publik House that was gorgeous. Some fantastic crafts we don't have here.
Did buy some wine this morning Banrock Station 3 bottles for £10 so we bought 6 bottles 4 white and 2 red. Some people mock these wines but I am not a wine snob and I like the type of wine you get. Can't be doing with wine snobbery. Saw some horrible little cakes in Asda bright yellow/orange with a black plastic spider on the top!!!! couldn't even have that in my shopping bag!!!Ugh!!!
Tonight we are having:
Fishless fingers,
Chips and mushy peas and tender stem broccoli.
Maybe a baked tomato or two.

Up and At Em!!

up with the lark this morning, nice and early to go out. We went off to The Cheshire Oaks this morning and afternoon.
Bought quite a few things I wanted. I'm in a Secret Santa exchange this year on the Delia Site, and my one wanted an apron and some cookie cutters so I got those. Bought a set of celebration ones, a bottle, champagne, candle parcel etc., and also a set of heart shaped ones in a whole load of different sizes. Got an apron in the kitchen shop, which is a James Martin one and it was reduced too so did well. So I have all my SS things now, all I have to do is post them nearer the day.
Also got a nice bag for Emma's baby present and some tissue paper and a nice card, so that is done as well. Didn't buy anything for myself today boohoo, but BT bought some new knickers, and a pair of trousers. Designed by Nigel Hall for M&S Autograph range. Should have been £35 reduced to £15 reduced to £11.99 reduced to £2.99!!!!!!!! yes you read it right £2.99. Since he is the original bargain lover he is well pleased.. and so he should be..a pair of designer trousers for £3.
For lunch we had a nice panini in Sainsbury's, very flat pepsi so we got some bottled water instead.
Tonight we are having:Quorn Escallopes of some sort..well we do have an awful lot of them..
Mashed Potatoes with leek,
Carrots and Swede

Day In Today..Day out Tomorrow??

Stopped in today, didn't need to go out anywhere so didn't. VT has been clearing out his "study" come junk room, and keeps coming out with bin bags of stuff, but it never looks any tidier!! how can one man accumulate so much stuff? it is beyond me. he does get rid of things, but it is still there..
I cleared out the Freezer this morning and discovered some things out of date, but not a lot actually. Bits and pieces relly. Did find an awful lot of Quorn though, it looks like we live on Quorn! We need to use some of it up now. A lot of Escallopes of a variety of types. We had a nice one the other day, got it from Waitrose, it was a Sage and Onion Turkey style escallope and it was really tasty, would make a good Christmas dish. You could have all the bits and pieces with the dinner then. Last year we had a Chicken Style Roast, but it wasn't really that nice. Maybe this is the answer.
We are thinking of going to the Cheshire Oaks tomorrow. It is quite a good day out and at least it is under cover so if the weather is iffy there is some protection.
Tonight we are having:
Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni from the Freezer..to use up and free a bit of space!
Tender stem Broccoli or green beans not sure which yet.
Maybe a little bit of garlic bread.

Not Such a Nice Autumn Day..

Later getting up this morning because I was watching a programme about small girls doing the beauty queen pageant circuit in the States. It was an interesting programme, but the children were done up like little dolls..very weird.All lipstick and eye shadow and mascara..odd.
Not such a nice Autumn day today, very drizzly and damp. Little Rusty ran down the garden and straight into the hut at the end of the garden. There she stayed for ages, and then ran back and sat on the back step getting wetter so she came in soaked. VT stood her on a paper and dried her off. Bless.
My parcel from QVC arrived this morning , a gorgeous pendant from Murano Glass, looks really nice, but I need a chain for it now.Keep a look out.
VT is shredding away in the back room, then he comes out with a black bag full of shredded paper.it's a scream.
Tonight we are having:
Not sure exactly...I have some nice veggies to use, so it might be a Vegetable gratin with Sausages (Quorn) or Fillets, or I might do a Roast Vegetable mixture with something from the freezer. I think it will be one of those meals that I will decide when I go down..
More at a later date... Watch this space!!

Monday Veggies..

Took my money off to Formby this morning for a bit of a change. I saw a little leaflet in the local newspaper last week from Waitrose which advertised a bag of british Vegetables for £4. Thought that would be a good buy for the week, but when we got there there was no sign of them!! What's that all about as they say!
Went into M&S too, and actually came out without anything!! even VT said that must be the first time we have come out of there without buying anything!! The shelves seemed to be not filled, the veggies weren't appealing at all, and very expensive. So didn't bother. Went over to Waitrose instead..at least their shelves were full, and the veggies were plentiful with lots of choice.
Had a little look in the hardware shop too, trying to look for cookie cutters for the Secret Santa parcel. My one has requested those, but there weren't any different ones really. She also wants an apron, so I think a visit to The Cheshire Oaks is looming. There is a very good Kitchen shop there where I should be able to get things like that.
Lovely Autumn day today, the trees are really turning and it was very obvious in Formby which is quite leafy. Not too cool either, be lovely in New England right now,wish we were there. Maybe next year eh. Still have plenty of dollars to spend!
Enjoyed the Stephen Fry in America programme last night. He went up the Mount Washington little cog railway, like we did and had the same driver!! Mike!! that was good to watch.Programme was a bit rushed though he did about 6 states in the hour!!
Tonight we are having:
New Sage and Onion Quorn escallopes, which look lovely. Would make a good Christmas alternative.
Little potatoes, baked in the oven,
Tenderstem Broccoli andChanterey Carrots.
Mushrooms with a little sauce.

Usual Sunday Doings..

Usual Sunday makings indeed. Made a Sourdough loaf this morning, which at the time of typing is rising very very slowly on top of the cooder. it seems to be not doing terribly well today, maybe not wet enough, or it maybe the flour which was the Oak Smoked flour, and quite brown. Still, we can leave it a long time to let it get to the top of the tin. See what happens.
Then VT made the pizza dough which is lovely and rising beautifully. Used a mix of flour on that not just brown. Did the roast vegetables too and took the sauce out of the freezer, so a good morning.
Did the crosswords fairly quickly today, it is now 5.30 and all finished. The star celebrity was Davina McCall again.
Did a bit of silver surfing, not looking for anything in particular, just browsing really. I like the Delia Smith website, generally look on that most days, and the MSN site which is allied to that. There is presently a Secret Santa and a Bauble Swap running both of which I am doing this year again. I have the bauble, I got that in Street last year at the Past Times shop. Really pretty, just hope I haven't forgotten where I have put it! The secret Santa is a bit more difficult. My person has asked for an apron, and some cookie cutters and a subscription to a magazine. Well I'm not getting that you can't wrap that, so will look around.
VT went off to Bootle to the Toyota centre who were having some sort of day to look around, but he was a bit disappointed. No bargains to be had, quite an expensive estate car with 40,000 miles on the clock for £10,000 !!
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with roast vegetables, and tomato sauce,
Goats Cheese topping
Salad with baby pomodoro tomatoes, avocado cucumber etc., Seeds and spray dressing.
Potato salad and wild rice salad for VT.

New Arrival..

VT collected the post this morning. Usually on a Saturday we don't get any, but we did today for a change. he said the ginger cat from next door was miaowing outside the door, so he opened the front door to put some biscuits out for her, and there was a parcel on the step. He reckoned that it was miaowing to tell him there was something there! Anyway it was aparcel from QVC that I had ordered for Emma. It is a Steiff Man in the Moon mobile, and is really gorgeous. Yellow plush material with a blue hat and a smily face. It is musical and has a star that you pull to make it work, and a little Steiff button attached. lovely.
Not done much today really, just a bit of this and that. Spent a while this morning trying to find the English translation to the tune that the mobile plays, which is a German lullaby about "The Good Moon" but can't find one. Keep trying.
Nice lunch of cheese and biscuits, and other goodies, and a sit down with the papers. Saturday afternoon is dire on the television, nothing of interest to watch unless you like sport!
Tonight we are having:
Chinese, Spring Rolls,
Egg fried rice 4oz with spring onions and peas,
Stir fry vegetables,
Sauce of some sort,

Running Rusty.....

Funny this morning. VT was trying to give little Rusty her tablet, she has to have one twice a day, and she ran off. He found her sat outside the back door in a cardboard box that he had thrown out. So he opens the door with the tablet syringe in his mouth and she takes off down the garden at a pace. So he runs after her, and she goes to run under the back door. VT turns round and she runs back after him..he turns again and she runs off again. This goes on for a bit and she gets on to the fence where he grabs her, opens her mouth and puts the syringe in. Got there!! talk about as cute as a cartload of monkey's! She knew exactly what was going on..clever little thing.
This morning we took my money to Sainsbury's in Walton. VT had a coupon for money off petrol from the last time we went shopping, hence the visit. We got our usual things and a few other bits, including a jar of curry sauce for 4p! Shopping was £58 ish though, but we did get 2 bottles of wine and some mints etc., bits and pieces really.
Tonight we are having:
Little tarts from Asda
Tenderstem Broccoli and beans,
Potato croquettes, and a touch of Hollandaise sauce.

Bath Book and Candle...

Sounds like a good title for a novel..but it isn't. Thursdays we quite often resort to a luxurious bath, with the baath oil of some sort, and a good bookwhatever I am reading at the time, and the lit candles on the edge of the bath. Always treat myself to a tiny square of chocolate in the bath. Real luxury.
VT went off on a bit of a mooch this morning, no particular reason, but he came back with cat food, and my chat magazine which they didn't have in the village shop. The cats are quite quiet today, Rusty seems a bit quiet, maybe it is the thyroid tablets kicking in. We shall have to see.
Weather a bit dull today, and I think it is a bit cold too. VT says I don't move around much which is true, but it isn't exactly a huge house to move around in is it!! Got the heater on in the bathroom anyway.
Tonight we are having:
A sort of Moussaka,
A healthy version with veggies, carrots potato and a cheese sauce on top.
I have some tomatoes to use up, and some mushrooms so could make it quite tasty but reduce the calories as well.

Rusty's Day Today...

Woke up at some ungodly hour today, with little Rusty on my hip. She gets on there and sits wobbling like a jelly, and you daren't move in case she falls off..which she never does.
We had to get up early, to take her to the Vets in Ormskirk to get her teeth done. Couldn't feed her so Bobby got some food when Rusty was in the gaarden, then it was removed. Poor Rusty must have wondered why she wasn't getting any food. Took her to the vets by nine o'clock, and she had her pre op check. The Vet, a nice young Australian lady, told us what was going on, and VT signed a form for some blood tests. Then we left her, and went into the town for a look round. Had a coffee, and VT checked his phone to find a missed message. It was the Vet to say she had done some bloods and Rusty's Liver ws a bit high so she was going to do a Thyroid test, if that was high then it would be better not to do the dental as it could be a problem. Anyway, VT rang again in a bit, and were told it was a bit high so we could collect her with some pills to take for two weeks.
Since we were still in Ormskirk, that was no problem, and we did that. Paid the bill... £90.86 !!! £35 for a pre op check, money for her worming tablet and her thyroid tablets and another £30 for another check...
Ah well..she is worth it. Poor little thing miaowed all the way home and purred when we let her out of the basket. She ate almost the whole tin of cat food, must have been starving. She is presently chasing her Daddy round the garden and the house. Aaah.
Tonight we are having:
Pasta, with Asparagus and meatballs.
tender stem Broccoli and mushrooms.

Puzzling!!

VT was sorting through a pile of magazines this morning, with a view to taking them to the re cycling, and he came across a magazine that had only been half done. Can't imagine why it hadn't been done, but there you go. So we set to finish it this morning. Since it was a wet and windy day, it wasn't a problem, and was quite nice to do.
Everything we did today was sort of on a time delay. VT woke up at four o'clock this morning in the dark, because he heard a cat being sick somewhere. Turned out it was little Rusty, who usually sleeps on the end of the bed, but she had thoughtfully jumped down. Bless! So lovely VT got up to deal with that. Took us a while to get back to sleep again, so obviously we slept a bit longer this morning. Got a very mini cup of coffee and a little tiny cow biscuit. Very welcome too.
Fortunately we hadn't planned to go out anywhere, since we have to be up and out early tomorrow to take Rusty to the vets. Weather was dire actually, wet and dark, everywhere you went in the house you had to put the lights on. Cleared up now though, and the sun is out a bit.
Watched the end of a good series last night, "Place of Execution" was done over three weeks, and really good story. Great cast and acting too. Juliet Stephenson was the lead. So often you watch things over two or three weeks to be disappointed, but this one was good to the end. We have seen a couple of good films recently too. American Gangster with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington the other night was excellent. Very long film, we watched it from ten till half past twelve, but worth it. Don't usually see Denzel Washington as a baddy, but he was excellent in it. Quite menacing in an understated way.
Not sure what we are having tonight. Last night in the end we had Quorn Ribsters, done in a gravy with apples and mushrooms, Mashed potatoes and carrots and peas. Lovely.
Tonight we are having:
Kievs,
Saute potatoes.
green beans and carrots and soy beans with mushrooms.

Treat you To A ......

Coffee....those immortal words..I love to hear. We went over to Sommerfield in Maghull this morning for our vegetables. We didn't want to go to Sainsbury's again, and I don't like Tescaw..and neither of us wanted to go to Formby, so that was where we ended up.
Had a bit of a look round the Square, I nipped into Bon Marche to see what they had. It is a better shop than the Ormskirk one, bigger and they have really pretty bras. I bought a lovely new black one with sequins. Really nice.VT went to the cheap shop and got some more cat food and other bits and pieces, then we went to get our veggies.
On the way back we went past the Sefton Meadows garden centre so he said want a cup of coffee..my treat..so who could resist. 2 Cafe Lattes later, lovely. Didn't look round the garden centre because we didn't want any more plants. The next thing to do is the bulbs for Spring. VT likes doing those.
Tonight we are having:
Pork Ribsters, with a light gravy,
Vegetables, maybe carrots and swede,
Potatoes..maybe mashed?
Apple sauce and apple slices.

Treat you To A ......

Easy Crosswords..

Is it my imagination, or are the crosswords getting easier? We seem to have done them very quickly this afternoon. Vt did the Sunday Express one and I did the Mail magazine one.Then he started the Mail on Sunday paper one and nearly finished it, I only had about four clues to find on the computer, normally we have a lot more to do than that.
Last night we didn't have Taco's after all. We ended up having the Paninis that VT brought back from Maghull. Very tasty they were too. So we just had them for tea.We will save the taco's for another day.
Made a bread from the Bread mixes this morning VT wanted the Fibre White one, and it has made a beautiful loaf. Also made our pizza dough for later, and did the roast vegetables.
Tonight we are having:
Pizza with our dough and tomato sauce,
Roast vegetables topping,
Goats cheese,
Salad with avocado and baby pomodoro tomatoes.