First jigsaw completed.

 Not very exciting for me but DB loves trains. We got a box of 4 x 500 piece train jigsaws from a charity shop:

Only took 2 or 3 days.

Hope you are all having a grand time!

Herewith my presents from family and our walking buddies as well as each other:

12" and 6" paper pads, two boxes of Pritt sticks and a bottle of special glue for crafting. Two video games, a new glass tea pot for my herbal teas, two hand creams, one soap and a packet of tissues for out walking as I am always asking for one!

Oops! Just found under the tree, a jar of Blackberry jam from a friend and a little wooden house ornament for the tree from my niece.

 We ate our Christmas meal at 12:00. Only fresh items were the swede and brussels sprouts. Gammon was sliced from yesterday and steamed, roast potatoes and roasted carrots and parsnips were home made and air fried from frozen, cheese sauce to finish.

For tea, we shall just have a cup of tea and Christmas pudding with either custard or brandy sauce.

We shall feast!

 We might be on our own but will make the most of it!

Today I cooked the gammon. It will be sliced tomorrow. Roast potatoes and roast vegetables will be thawed. Just Brussels to cook fresh. We shall have cheese sauce instead of gravy. Christmas pudding and brandy or baileys sauce to finish if we have room.

Tea if needed will be a sandwich, sausage roll, pickle and trifle. Yum!

Hope you all have a lovely day.

Must be mad!

 We popped out to do some last minute food shopping yesterday. Despite not getting in until 09:30, the roads were fine.

We called in M & S for a look around. Busier than normal, but bought what we needed and got out. It was getting busy.

Then onto the Grape Tree for a selection of fruit and nuts. Elsewhere, DM bought a small bottle of varnish for a model he’s making, then we took a break in our favourite cafe. That was almost empty when we arrived, but full as we left.

Time to get out!

On the way home we visited Farm Foods and topped up with Magnum ice cream lollies (6 full size ones for £6) and 2 large top half legs of lamb for £19.98. 

We won’t need to shop again until the New Year hopefully.

Living in a hollow

 Our village lies in a bit of a hollow, making two step verification by phone extremely difficult!

This morning for example, we tried to order oil via the internet and after 4 failed attempts gave up. Three were via mobile phone, one via the new digital land line.

Mobile phone strength at best is usually 2 bars, quite often 1 bar and regularly 0 bars. People can often be seen around the kerbside, phones held aloft, trying to get a signal.

In the end, for the oil order, we had to wait for the company to open and phone them up. They could tell we had tried to order, oh er Mrs!

Christmas vegetable price drop

 This is the time of year when vegetables normally associated with Christmas, get greatly reduced. In Lidl, they were all 15p a bag. Not so in Morrison’s. They were all 50p a bag unless you had a loyalty card, then they were 19p a bag.

We got ours from Lidl needless to say.

A small present and food bank items came to £10, a few store cupboard items, £10. Excluding those, we still spent £66, terrible prices for not a lot of food. We are also changing over to their stock cubes as they are 1/4 of the price of Knorr.

Our normal shopping day is over the festive days, not days to go shopping for sure. We hope to not venture out again until about 2 days after those days.

Air Fryer Sausage Rolls

These were cooked in my Cosori air fryer, which I use for baking as it has a top and bottom element:

180C for 10 minutes, 190C for 10 minutes. The two right front rolls are pigs in blankets in pastry aka sausagement, wrapped in streaky bacon, then pastry. They were yum!!

I also trialled making sausagement using minced pork shoulder, bacon, cheese and breadcrumbs, plus salt, pepper and sage. This mixture was then put into a bladed food processer and turned into a more paste like consistency, it worked very well. 

Tuesday morning, signifying bad weather, we woke up to a glorious sunrise:

4 out of 10!

 That was our score for our Christmas meal last night. We would have been better getting a meal from the regular menu plus a dessert, it would have been both cheaper and probably nicer. We have eaten there in the past and all has been well.

Our roast beef dinner consisted of 6 small slices of meat, full of gristle which we could barely cut. A big cardboard Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes that were actually deep fried, very very dark brown. Vegetables were okay and consisted of cauliflower, broccoli, carrots peas, Brussels and new potatoes. There were so many we barely ate 1/4 of the plate between the 4 of us, a little ball of stuffing and some gravy.

For dessert I had a sherry trifle served in a small jar. Mainly jelly, a bit of sponge, a scant tablespoon of runny custard, a ball of spray cream and some sprinkles. The others had a cheesecake and ginger cake with ice cream. This course was better.

I asked for Malibu, nope. Cointreau, nope, so settled for a soft drink. Oh and they forgot to give us spoons to serve the vegetables with. Our table, festively decorated simply had a Christmas napkin!

Needless to say, their tip was very small. We have decided in future years to still go out at Christmas but each normal food.

Just a few decorations

When we spend Christmas on our own, I really struggle to be bothered. It used to be my most favourite time of the year, far surpassing birthdays, not anymore.

For a few Christmas times, we have just used the middle and top of our tree. This year, just the top:

These went up simply because our two school buddies who we walk with, often come here for a cup of tea, after we have been out for our Christmas meal. Quite frankly, I didn’t want to bother doing even that.

They though share their time with their families who all live locally or travel to them. I try not to get too upset over tales of the fun times they will have, the games they will play or all the conversations they will have.

I know I am not alone feeling like this. Don’t get me wrong, we really enjoy each other’s company and can do what we want when we want. Christmas just isn’t what it used to be that’s for sure. 

Prepping for Christmas with my air fryer

 Firstly, I had to buy 10 individual tartlet tins for my mince pies as regular tins don't fit the air fryer:

Mince pies duly made. The mincemeat was 1 year old but had had copious amounts of Brandy put into it and tasted like new:

Finally, the first batch of Duck fat roast potatoes. After par boiling, they were added to hot fat (just 1 tablespoon) and air fried for 20 minutes. Super crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside - yum! They nearly didn't make it to the freezer!

Roasted parsnips and carrots were also cooked but I forgot to take a picture.

Goodbye Sage….

 Our first grand dog is being put to sleep in the next half hour or so. We can’t be there unfortunately. She is a wonderful dog, faithful and just gorgeous. She celebrated her 13th birthday on Monday. Her health has been deteriorating for a while now.

Whilst she has had a good innings, she will be sorely missed. R.I.P gorgeous lady.

Right chilly!

 Although last night was our coldest, just under -3C, it was nowhere near as cold as winter nights a few years ago. These often had -10C as a normal overnight temperature.

I was freezing though. Despite wearing a long sleeved nightie, being under a winter duvet with a fleece blanket on top, I just couldn’t stay warm. When I awoke this morning, after a fitful night, I was curled in a tight ball.

Hot meals and snacks, heating on 18C, on and off, plus the wood burner going, the house felt a bit chilly. We stayed where the fire was, only venturing out to get food and hot drinks.

Doesn’t bode well does it, especially if the winter gets cold for long periods. Good job I am wearing lots of layers, thick socks, fingerless mittens and have a woollen blanket close by!

Welcome little one

 Our second granddaughter arrived safe and sound yesterday afternoon. She was originally due to be delivered on the 4th December by C section at 39 weeks. That was brought forward to this Friday. Baby decided she wanted out at just over 38 weeks I believe.

It has been a hard and very uncomfortable pregnancy for DDinL who got through it stoically bless her. She was messed around by the hospital yesterday but eventually they did their job.

I am pleased to say she was a good size and has red hair, the same shade as her older sister and dad. Yay!

It sometimes feels as though the whole world

 Has gone CRAZY!

I don’t understand why, for example, the exchange of hostages between Gaza and Israel, is not equal. Why are so many being returned to Gaza, and so few to Israel? Seems very odd.

The Kosovo/Serbia border is under increasing tension. British soldiers are among those patrolling this fragile border.

Migrants galore are flooding into and through the EU. Russia it seems is pushing hard to be rid of them via the Finnish border, resulting in Finland closing most of that border. Poland, Greece, Italy are bearing the brunt of the initial waves, ourselves getting the second wave, along with other countries on route of course.

The African continent as usual, has many battles ongoing, as are certain countries in Asia. Don’t even get me started on all the marches and civil disturbances going on. Just because you have the right to free speech, doesn’t mean you have to abuse it and cause trouble, forcing your opinion down the throats of others. So many countries don’t have this privilege.

I reckon one thing in particular is present in most of it - testosterone! Let’s face it, how many females start wars? How many female dictators are there? How many females, in many countries have equal rights?

I have no idea what the answer is. It has been happening since the world began, in all species no doubt. What can be done if anything?

I sometimes think the only thing that might bring everyone together is an invasion from outer space!

I am beginning to realise….

 That the older I get, the more I feel the cold! I need more layers on inside the house and even more when outside.

My garden is calling for the last few jobs to be done but I can’t bring myself to wrap up and do them:( We are still gathering the last few carrier bags of leaf mould to put on the back flower border. Once that is done, maybe 3 more will be required for the smaller border. That will be it for now.

Extra thick marmalade

 Made my Christmas marmalade for presents. It didn’t set probably due to 6 tablespoons Cointreau in it!

Decanted it, added two fresh lemon ice cubes and chopped ginger and cooked for another 5 minutes. Seemed a lot better. Trialing a spoonful later on, it was very thick. Will have some tomorrow, on toast to see how well it spreads.

If too thick, I will make another batch but hopefully it will be fine.

I can finally hear and early Christmas!

 Yesterday, my problematic left ear was finally cleared by Lewis (got his name wrong). Lovely chap and very gentle. Ear drum still has a fine sheet of wax attached to it, which he reassures me will dry and drop off and make it way out. Hope he is correct.

I can honestly say we have never seen so many Christmas lights and decorations up inside and outside homes as this year. What is going on?

A first for us in the supermarket in a long time

We had to rush Ruby to the out of hours vets yesterday. Second time it has happened. Last year the charge was £190, this time £260 just to begin with:(

Her breathing wasn’t right and she seemed very uncomfortable in her throat area. The vet said her heart and lungs were fine but weren’t happy with her throat, recommending a general anaesthetic for a look see. Poor girl, she was not happy being there. 

Eventually we got a call to say she was in recovery. Nothing nasty found but hair was stuck in one tonsil, the hair was removed, and she had pharyngitis.

We picked her up. They had given her pain killing and anti inflammatory injections, and gave us pills for 3 days. She slept like a log, only rousing enough to eat sloppy chicken mince and rice!

Whilst waiting for her, we popped to the shop to buy said mince, just as the tannoy played ‘The Last Post’, for Armistice Day. It is quite something to witness an entire supermarket go silent and stand still. Just one child wailed in the distance somewhere.

We now aim to claim as much of the £970 bill as we can, from our insurance! I have never seen a dog cry before but when we got her home, tears came down her little face and she kept blinking them away as she nuzzled into us. Could of course be anything causing it but she seemed so sad:(

Yorkshire Puds and 'fried' eggs ...

 Trialling again yorkshire puddings in the air fryer:

12 minutes including fat warming time of two minutes. Next time, I will warm it for 3 minutes so it really sizzles when the mixture is put into the tins. Also might add another minutes cooking as they slightly deflated once removed.

Another trial was to cook eggs in it:

Cooked slightly too long but only a few minutes for a total of 4 eggs. Tasted fine and used less oil than normal, plus the cooker didn't get covered in fat from spitting eggs!

Bummer!

 First time failure on clearing out my ears via suction.  The woman seemed quite reluctant to try as I have thin ear canals which were very bunged up. Finally persuaded her to have a go and after a few attempts she cleared the right one. The left one was even fuller and she only got a bit out before it started to hurt!

The guy I normally get usually has no problems and I had used ear drops for two weeks in that ear as I knew it was bad.

Nope, she decided to refer me to Adam (whoever he is) as he is more qualified. Unfortunately, having been deaf in that ear for a few weeks, I wasn’t too happy to wait another 10 days but hey ho!

Roll on mid month when hopefully Adam will prevail.

It is something I have to have done on a very regular basis due to reduced ear canal size, overproduction of wax and dry skin:( It’s just annoying that most doctors surgeries have stop doing it so we now have to pay!

Next storm inbound!

 Field flooding, river and stream level’s haven’t recovered from the last storm. I hope you are as ready as can be? 

We have done our weekly shop, brought logs in, topped up paper and kindling. All washing was done in the last few days of durable weather. We can heat food and water on our emergency camping stove or the log burner and have battery operated lights just in case.

None of us can anticipate flooding but we will keep our fingers crossed. Every heavy shower we get is falling on sodden ground and causing small patches of flooding. We will close the window and door on the greenhouse and hope for the best. 

Predictions are being made about the drop in pressure being as bad as a 1954 storm. Wasn’t around for that but here is a link here.

World climate is at the beginning of an El Niño phase , here in the uk for winter, we may have colder than usual weather and/or experience high winds with lots and lots of rain:(

I've often wondered

 If before the start of WWII, and if people had realised what was coming, would they have tried to squirrel away food or other necessary things?

I have always put extra food away for emergencies. That could be for a sudden snow storm that causes difficulty with food deliveries resulting in panic buying in the shops. The first few days we lived here, we were cut off for a week, with a one day old baby! Luckily we had just been to the shop and stocked up as we were also in a new home. Don't want to go through that again. 

It could be sudden long term ill health or losing a job, delayed government payments, needing to help out family members etc. 

Remember Covid, all those queues, people literally barging you out the way to get toilet rolls, flour, yeast or pasta. Got caught out slightly with those few items but on the whole, we were okay.

We are gradually being shut off from being able to use cash in case you haven't noticed. ATM's closing, banks closing, some shops not allowing cash etc. It is all part of a digital and cashless society that is heading towards us like a bull in a china shop. No conspiracy theory, just fact.

The problem with a cashless society is power to charge it all. A short or long term power loss would result in not being able to use the tills or cash machines. What do you do with your food shopping? You would have to leave it. Without power to the computers in said shops, they wouldn't know what, if anything, is leaving the shop to order replacements. 

Our son smiles at us as we still use cheques but we live in the back of beyond. Most local and even trades further away, still use cheques. My hairdresser, chiropodist, massage lady, all use cheques or cash. Have anything repaired?, cheques. It is different in big towns and cities where tradespeople can offer you a little digital machine to swipe your card through.

Do you have small denomination bank notes and loose change put away just in case?

Anything else anyone can think off? Let me know.

Double standards...

 On the one hand, the government has visited Israel and pledged to support them (by what means, who knows). On the other they pledge humanitarian help to Gaza. Nowt wrong with that as such, but shouldn't they support one side or the other?

 Their next double standard ploy is to rid 'us' by that they mean them, of the £8 million PER DAY bill spent on the so called 'migrants' and make our councils, host and pay for them. That will affect all of us as our bills will go up even more than already, to do so!

Maybe they should stop insisting that the RNLI 'rescue' them immediately they leave French territorial waters. They bring them here by their thousands into paid for accommodation, 3 square meals a day (which they moan about), ooudles of spending money and mobile phones, which they probably use to encourage those still waiting to 'come to the land of plenty'.

I mean, come on. People are so cheesed off with the RNLI that they are losing financial support, which is not fair on them.

It feels like we can do nothing about it, we just have to accept it. Don't get me started on the 'do gooders' who wave welcome banners at them. If they want to welcome them so badly, have them in their own homes and see how that goes.

Just who are we letting in? How do we know there aren't terrorist cells amongst them? Why are they primarily men - oh yeah, of course, once the men are given the right to live here, they can bring their families over can't they?

So then, what will the government do with that £8 million savings per day? Use it towards our NHS and school buildings that are crumbling and unsafe. Nah, they'll waste it on some hair brained scheme or put it into the dark recesses of the coffers!

Of course, silly me, we are entering the last phase of the current government before the next general election, that's why they are 'being so helpful'.....

 

Our rainfall totalled ...

The storm delivered us enough rain to fill this candle jar:

It measures 5" tall by 3" inside and was 1/2" from the top. The two smaller storms we had a few days beforehand, delivered the same amount. That is a lot of rain. The back garden was flooded to half its length and one of our village roads was flooded to about 12"

All in all, we were very lucky.
 

Apple Bakes

 There are numerous versions of these online under the names of cookies, biscuits and scones so I am calling them bakes. I can't credit anyone as I don't know who the original author is:(

Beat 2 eggs with 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar and 100g of soft butter or margarine

In a bowl, mix 320g Plain Flour with 14g baking powder and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon if desired. 

Add half the flour mixture to the eggs and mix well. Then add the other half. This will be quite hard to do as it has to be a stiff mixture. Do not be tempted to add more liquid, the apples provide the rest!

Mix in 2 medium peeled, sliced then roughly chopped eating apples. I needed to do this with my hands.

Line a flat sheet tray with parchment paper and dollop on 9 blobs of the mixture. 9 blobs will make quite large bakes. Flatten slightly. 

Bake at 180C for about 18 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully remove off the tray and place on a cooling rack. If desired sprinkle on some icing sugar through a sieve.

In my air fryer, I baked a few at a time on 180C and managed to get 13. They also only took 12 minutes or so.

They are lovely. Crisp on the outside, texture of a fresh scone inside. I am sure they will be less crisp tomorrow, but that doesn't matter to us.

I saved a life the other day!

 Granted it was 'only' a bee, but a life nonetheless.

Weeding one of the raised vegetable beds, I heard what sounded like screaming, no other way to put it. Our dog Ruby was staring up at the top corner of the patio door. A spider was busy spinning a web around said bee. I almost ignored itshe Ruby looked at it, looked at me, time and time again.

Eventually, I dashed inside the garage and came out with a cane and hauled the bee from the web. I sat down at the table and tried in vain to remove it from its entanglement. It was still screaming but in essence was probably the frantic beating of its rather sticky wings.

Ruby continued to stare at me as though to say 'come on, help it".

I went back into the garage and came out with gardening gloves and a soft clean small paintbrush. After what seemed an age, I managed to untangle it with it legs and wings intact. After a bit of a wobble, it flew off. 

Ruby lay down to snooze!