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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Julie Magson on August 21, 2016, 07:37:27 PM

Title: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 21, 2016, 07:37:27 PM
Every time I manage to achieve something, no matter how small, I like to look at it as something to praise myself for. Today I went to a Steampunk day with my sister, I didn't want to go but couldn't wait to get out of the house, then once there I wanted to come back home, then felt sad because there was no one at home for me, but I did it and I could easily have turned it down.
How about you? What is your achievement today?   :heart:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on August 21, 2016, 08:02:08 PM
 :hug: :well done for going.
new neighbours are putting skylights in so new roof and access required from my garden,so I,be had to cut my rambling rose right down.that's my achievement but I,m not happy about it and definitely not impressed with the new view of their  bare concrete wall.In fact I,m feeling very grumpy about a whole lot of  fiasco with them.They might well turn out to be the kick I need to get on with relocating.

I,m putting a steampunk outfit together for an event in November.so far I,be got a safari hat I suppose that's a start though :whistle:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 21, 2016, 08:05:52 PM
Well done! I used to make Steampunk jewellery and hats and things- I'm hoping one day I can get back into it.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on August 21, 2016, 08:30:19 PM
A few of us went to Haworth steampunk weekend last year,we usually did the Xmas market weekend but there was a mixup with the dates,It seemed like much more fun so were doing it again A couple of the others have really got into it ,i dont have the transport to get around like they do but I love making costumes.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 21, 2016, 09:49:50 PM
My achievement today was getting out of bed in the late afternoon Not much I grant you but it was one of those days when I could easily have stayed there and written the whole day off.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 22, 2016, 02:40:20 PM
Well then that is a good achievement Hubby, a baby step.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 22, 2016, 11:17:24 PM
Some days baby steps are like giant leaps.  :cheesy:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on August 23, 2016, 12:24:09 AM
 :hug: you have made a lot of giant leaps hubby,
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 23, 2016, 11:55:38 PM
Today I have.

Roux - bechamel sauce - cheese sauce - pasta bake!

Gordon Ramsey would be made up with me  :laugh:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 24, 2016, 11:44:26 AM
Oh that sounds delicious- well done you!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 24, 2016, 03:45:41 PM
Yes.. well done Hubby, good to hear things are moving forwards even albeit very slowly.

Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 24, 2016, 04:34:04 PM
Wow Brian- you made me tired just reading all you've got planned but well done you  :cool:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 24, 2016, 05:37:32 PM
Didn't mean to tire you Julie...... what you really meant to write is... my post made you fall asleep halfway through...lol

Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 24, 2016, 06:12:23 PM
Oh Brian! How can I possibly say your post gave me a much needed chuckle- but it did!
I'm so glad something saved you at the last minute. I'm sure most of us have had those thoughts at one time or another.
I'm delighted for you that you are having lighter times now. An 'uplifting week' sounds pretty damn good to me!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 24, 2016, 07:22:19 PM
I'm delighted it gave you a chuckle Julie,   we need all the chuckles we can get. 
Hopefully tomorrow, I will get into town and have lunch out somewhere, so far the most ambitious thing I've cooked is a Ginster Cornish Pasty...lol...lots of nice country pubs around here though that do excellent meals, so I always try and get 1 or 2 cooked meals a week if possible,  I really need to stop using our smoke alarm as the cooking timer...lol
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: CornishDave on August 24, 2016, 08:23:55 PM
Nothing at all wrong with your posts Brian, I hope to read many more and will be waiting for you to play us a tune one day!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 24, 2016, 10:58:57 PM
Nothing wrong with Ginsters parties Brian. In fact I wish I had made one of those instead of the pasta bake. There would certainly have been less washing up to do.

Hoping you have a long run of good days.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: CornishDave on August 25, 2016, 10:17:35 AM
Now there we will have to disagree, as a Cornishman I can tell you that Ginsters pasties are an insult to proper Cornish pasties!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 25, 2016, 10:57:51 AM
Have to agree, a decent genuine Cornish Pasty is better than a Ginster.

Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: CornishDave on August 25, 2016, 11:02:26 AM
Bit more than a couple of seconds too long methinks Brian! More practice needed!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 25, 2016, 11:13:46 AM
Ok I concede..maybe just a wee bit overcooked, poached egg wasn't too bad though, and as oldman steptoe in the Steptoe and Son TV comedy series used to say, you can always scrape the burnt bits off...lol

I normally don't eat sausages etc.,  but these were still in the fridge after my daughter and 2 girls stayed with me for a week recently and needed using, as they had gone past use by date,   and I do like my food cooked well....okay perhaps not quite that much...... most of those ended up in the bin....lol

I used to waste that much bread, because a loaf would last me weeks,  I now freeze them and just take out half dozen slices at a time,  I got fed up picking all the green bits off...lol

I really need to defrost the freezer soon, it does defrost itself to some extent but still needs doing say once a year, so I'm trying to use up food that's in there and there's an awful lot.   All 4 draws are full solid,  I just can't see me cooking joints, chickens and tons of other meat cuts my wife had frozen.   I might defrost another small garlic baguette today for tea and melt a little cheese on the top,  I've had quite a bit of success with those...lol...ie roll it in tin foil and pop in oven for 20mins or so, even I can't go wrong with those.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 25, 2016, 05:23:21 PM
Not quiet such a lazy day today,  I put clean sheets on the bed and bunged everything in the wash, while giving the bungalow a good vacuuming, and dust and polished all the furniture.  Got down on all 4's and gave the bathroom floor a clean too including changing bathroom mats for clean set,  computer room also had a good clean, so it's all looking pretty good at the moment.

Have popped a small garlic baguette in the oven for tea, which I'll top with melted cheese,  hopefully without incinerating it...lol

Just one brief tearful session,  well..part laughing as well,  while I was sat in the garden and my mind wondered back to a very funny incident involving my wife and I back in February, something unsuitable for public airing...lol
but it did tickle me thinking about it as it was hilarious.  I hope your day went equally as well... :hug:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 25, 2016, 06:29:47 PM
Goodness Brian- you make me feel ashamed! Hope your baguette was edible! I had roast beef and chips with peas, have to force myself to try and eat properly as my appetite is virtually non existent and I lost 2 stone since Alan first became ill 2 years ago. I'm making up for it with crisps and chocolate in the evening though- naughty but nice so why not.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 25, 2016, 06:46:53 PM
That sounds delicious, and I must admit my tea was almost as nice..NOT!
Well Julie, all was great until I added a small amount of cheese to melt on the top.

Looked lovely when I took it out of the foil Julie  a bit on soft side maybe,  but figured it would crisp up a touch when I added the cheese,  so I placed the pieces of garlic stick on the oven tray and added the cheese,  I don't like cheese on all of them, just a few pieces,  turned off the oven and switched on the grill.  Yes I've even got used to using all these kitchen gadgets now....simples, the micro wave however is something else...l  don't think my wife knew how to use that 100% properly..lol...but yes I'm coping well, and the dishes I'm cooking are really showing definite signs of improvement,...yummy yummy. if this keeps up I'll soon be inviting friends for tea, (probably just as well I have few friends..lol)

Unfortunately I discovered that 5mins is a bit too long under the grill, so maybe just a fraction too crispy now...lol
It was not too bad after breaking off all the burnt bits.....lol

Maybe we should start a topic,  "Who Copes best after we lose our partner,  Men or Women ?
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 25, 2016, 07:08:34 PM
Lol Brian! I actually love burnt bits!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Emz2014 on August 25, 2016, 07:09:59 PM
I have a new freezer arriving tomorrow as mine is playing up, so I've been doing my best to use up as much of the content as possible too.  Has been some odd combinations for dinner or lunches, and multiple crumbles with a variety of fruit combinations - apple, rhubarb, blackberry.

Trouble is, going to be a more expensive shop to fill the new one back up! I guess at least there'll be plenty of space for the new batch of stewed cooking apples from this years crop xx
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 25, 2016, 07:18:30 PM
Lol Brian! I actually love burnt bits!

Rather you than me Julie,   even the birds turned their nose up at it and flew off again after having a good look...lol

However men always have a plan B.........................................................thank god for hot cross buns...lol
and no I won't be toasting them....better not push my luck, one things for sure that freezer will get emptied quicker than I thought the way I'm going, though it does need defrosting.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 25, 2016, 07:31:19 PM
I have a new freezer arriving tomorrow as mine is playing up, so I've been doing my best to use up as much of the content as possible too.  Has been some odd combinations for dinner or lunches, and multiple crumbles with a variety of fruit combinations - apple, rhubarb, blackberry.

Trouble is, going to be a more expensive shop to fill the new one back up! I guess at least there'll be plenty of space for the new batch of stewed cooking apples from this years crop xx

I shall probably get it down to about half empty, and I noticed we have a decent sized cool bag in the attic, the sort you take on picnics to keep everthing cool inside,  and because I notice there's a few ice packs in the freezer too,  I was going to store the freezer contents in the cooler bag together with some ice packs and it should give me enough time to defrost the freezer....well that's the plan,  haven't got a plan B for that one..lol

Hopefully I won't need to replace appliances yet a while, probably last till I've gone as the bungalow is not very old, like most modern homes it has everything built into the kitchen,  the fridge/freezer is from floor to almost the ceiling with large fridge on top and bottom half the freezer. 50/50  Not sure how one gets on with those if it goes wrong as it matches all the kitchen finish,  though I assume they use standard appliances behind the pretty facia's I imagine.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on August 25, 2016, 10:23:32 PM
Hubby I,m impressed.,cooking is not my forte,but as I,be only myself to please it doesn't really matter,I make a mean veggie soup which is what I live off in winter,and fruit crumbles and jam,mostly because I have a lot of fruit trees,
I achieved falling back to sleep this morning after weeks of insomnia unfortunately at the cost of being late for work.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 25, 2016, 10:50:54 PM
I had to laugh at those bangers Brian. I've had a problem cooking them from day one. I even managed to do some that looked remarkably similar once but they were still raw in the inside!!!

I'm almost sure Margaret could rustle up a sausage butty in five minutes but it takes me 25 minutes to cook them in the oven (Gas mark 6, middle shelf) which is the only way I have managed to produce edible ones with any regularity.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on August 26, 2016, 01:36:45 PM
you need to keep the heat low turn them and be patient chaps,  to check stick a fork in,if the juice comes out clear theyre done if its pinkish theyre not.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 26, 2016, 02:00:32 PM
Well my 'achievements' today turned into disasters too!
I decided to wash the towels and hang them out on the whirly gig. Now that might not sound much but I find going out into the back garden very difficult since Alan died- too many memories. Anyway I did it and hung them out. Next time I looked the whirly had snapped in half - would have been simple before- get in the car , get a new one and put it in. No transport now. Soooo I've lathered it in Gorilla Glue and bound gaffer tape round it- it might work, it might not, sheeeesh.
Second 'achievement' I gave the budgie a good clean out and washed and hoovered all round the area, I foolishly lifted the large cage back onto the table forgetting I had a pot of water on top and the whole thing tipped forward and sloshed down my top and onto the floor.
So--- swap one new whirly gig for a plate of perfectly good sausages anyone!?!    :coffeetoast:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 26, 2016, 07:00:27 PM
Thanks for the tip Karena,  I'm sure I'll improve in time.

Julie,  I assume your whirly gig is what I call a rotary drier,  yes we have one too in the garden,  but TBH the tumble drier in the kitchen has never been used so much.  I always encouraged my wife to dry clothes outside when it was nice as one does,  to keep the bills down....lol (well I am a typical man) so the tumble drier mainly got used in bad weather and winter etc.  Where in my case I've been using it to dry 90% of all my washing.
So I'm sure she would have commented on that..lol


 
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on August 26, 2016, 10:39:44 PM
 :hug:you could probably get a whirlygig online and get it delivered.I,m always spilling stuff last night I made a mug of help you sleep tea,well it didn't help me sleep because I knocked it over and scalded my foot,not badly just enough to keep me awake.
I,m baby sitting this weekend,so I imagine most of my achievements will be firstly remaining sane and secondly  keeping a four year old entertained,although the weather looks more promising on the latest forecast so could be picnic by the river,bucket and fishing net at the ready and fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Emz2014 on August 27, 2016, 08:26:51 AM
Wishing you lots of energy for your babysitting karena! Its pouring with rain here. 

We're mid bathroom refit at the mo, think I may be having an allergic reaction to the dust its stirred up or plaster dust, as my nose is streaming.  :-(  feeling quite rough.  Hopefully motoring along though, as the guy is coming to do the tiling today.  Would be nice to have a bath operational again! Xx
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 29, 2016, 12:27:57 AM
Today I cooked Mexican food.

... and discovered that I don't like it.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: longedge on August 29, 2016, 12:49:16 AM
I always encouraged my wife to dry clothes outside when it was nice as one does,  to keep the bills down....lol (well I am a typical man) so the tumble drier mainly got used in bad weather and winter etc.  Where in my case I've been using it to dry 90% of all my washing.

I don't feel as guilty now I know I'm not the only one. The arguments we had about using the tumble dryer on fine days!! Now I don't hang anything out but I do hang my head in shame  :azn:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: longedge on August 29, 2016, 12:51:11 AM
Today I cooked Mexican food.
... and discovered that I don't like it.

Perhaps that's only when it's cooked by you though is it?  :grin:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 29, 2016, 01:10:32 AM
I don't feel as guilty now I know I'm not the only one. The arguments we had about using the tumble dryer on fine days!! Now I don't hang anything out but I do hang my head in shame  :azn:

I have to hang my head in shame too...lol
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on August 29, 2016, 03:27:27 PM
Well I sort of achieved something today after my horrible day yesterday I made myself get up, and then I went out to look for some paint in the garage. Decided to sort out and throw a few bits and pieces, Alan was a terrible hoarder. Only did about an hour before it made me too sad but at least I did it. Just to see his DIY stuff that he would never need again- very difficult.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on August 29, 2016, 05:25:22 PM
Yes things like that are very tough Julie,  I have not thrown anything of my wife's out.
I just can't bring myself to throw anything out yet....and it will soon be 5mths.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on August 29, 2016, 10:40:21 PM
Perhaps that's only when it's cooked by you though is it?  :grin:

If it were just me eating it I would agree but my daughter and her fiancée, who like Mexican food said it was very nice. I think there's something wrong with them. There can't be many things worse than food with soured cream, guacamole and salsa smeared all over it.

Today I got a bit of painting done and actually mixed a bucket of mortar and filled some holes I've been meaning to do for ages.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 04, 2016, 05:59:50 PM
I was dreading this weekend a little as it was my wife's birthday yesterday,  and today is 5 months to the day when she passed away,  I had a couple of tearful sessions yesterday, but no tears today so far,  though I have been keeping myself fairly busy today.

I'm trying to get on top of jobs, before leaving for Scotland for a holiday,  part of me is looking forwards to it, while the other half knows I shall be dreading the loneliness because I know she should be with me.    I like driving and love my cars,  but I just wish she was occupying that passenger seat, but sadly she cannot.   She loved our many holidays as we tended to have about 8/9 weeks away every year, sometimes more,  whether I continue to do so is anyone's guess.  IT'S JUST NOT THE SAME.

Hope your all coping and your day has not been too bad......a day at a time remember...
 :hug:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Hubby on September 04, 2016, 11:08:32 PM
Good Lord Brian. That's a hell of a lot of work you've done there. I'm surprised you have he energy to type. The ld paintbrushes are always a good fall back if your looking for something to occupy you but I would have stretched out a ceiling to two days.

Today I mostly slept but I did manage to rehang the kitchen door.  :laugh:

Unfortunately it doesn't shut anymore.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: angela33 on September 05, 2016, 12:04:06 AM
well done Brian for finding your way through two sad days - that's especially tough to have two really important dates next to each other.  Sometimes anticipating the sorrow of an anniversary is worse than the actual day itself but whatever our emotions do to us, we do somehow find ourselves getting through, albeit a bit worse for wear on occasions. I love reading about your and others on this site's exploration of this weird world we now live in and am inspired by the way humour so often trickles through but lordy its tough sometimes.  I am still struggling back to health after two weeks with really bad chest infection and am still pretty weak and wobbly, but think am beginning to turn a corner at last.  Managed to have a short ride this morning on a friend's horse which did me lots of good - John and I met through horses and always had one of our own during our life together.  Sadly we had to re-home our horse, Billy Whizz IV last September as John was becoming so ill and needed me to be at home to care for him - it was heartbreaking for both of us as caring for, competing and riding our horses was the foundation of our shared life.  Happily Billy went to a very good home in Somerset and the new owner and I remain in touch - she keeps me up with how Billy is doing and I visit and ride him when I can. So my achievement today was to have a nice ride in the fresh air. Also having a dog is a great way to keep me active as he needs walks three times a day - luckily my next door neighbour took this over for me when I was ill which was a huge help as I was unable to get out of bed for a few days let alone go stomping over the fields. I do love being outdoors and although my cottage is cosy and welcoming and I have no wish to move, I find it very lonely being there on my own. Tending to leave the radio on when I go out so I don't come back to silence.  Beginning to fear the Autumn/Winter dark days and nights that we are moving toward at a rate of knots as these next few months are full of memories of John deteriorating and then dying at the beginning of December 2015. Thinking and anticipating can be so depressing - must try more to live in the moment - now that would be an achievement! Keep bu**ering on everyone!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 05, 2016, 01:30:35 PM
Good Lord Brian. That's a hell of a lot of work you've done there. I'm surprised you have he energy to type. The ld paintbrushes are always a good fall back if your looking for something to occupy you but I would have stretched out a ceiling to two days.

Today I mostly slept but I did manage to rehang the kitchen door.  :laugh:

Unfortunately it doesn't shut anymore.  :undecided:

Yes Hubby I surprised myself a little,  but somehow we have to try and keep going.  I'm sure you will get that door sorted in time.
You take care my friend.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 05, 2016, 02:15:50 PM
well done Brian for finding your way through two sad days - that's especially tough to have two really important dates next to each other. 

Thank you for your post Angela,  I think I am coping a little better as time goes by.  I received a birthday card for my wife from our daughter who lives in Cornwall, and what she had written made me shed a few tears on Saturday.

I'm so sorry to hear your health has not been good Angela,  I sincerely hope this will improve for you.  Re. Horses...  I've only been on a horse once in my life,   though I believe my wife did ride when she was younger, as her foster parents had a small holding and had lots of animals, ducks, sheep, all sorts, including a couple of ponies.   

Somehow Angela we have to carve a life out of what's left after our partner has passed away, and I know only too well how very hard indeed that is to do....but we have to try....easier said than done..I know.

Good to hear your animals give you much joy Angela,  my son suggested that maybe getting a dog myself would be company for me, and though the idea partly appeals to me,  I think because I like to get away fairly often, including an occasional couple weeks out of the UK,  a dog might prove to be not such a good idea....so I've tended to think...maybe not...but perhaps in the future who knows.
You take care, and I hope your health improves.
 :hug:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on September 06, 2016, 10:52:37 AM
Well I have put the washing on and touched up a couple of places where paint needs touching up- it's by no means perfect and if Alan is watching me he would call it another 'Blue Peter job' of mine!

The only trouble is when I do jobs like this I see lots of other things that need doing that I didn't realise needed doing! So I'll have a  :coffeetoast: instead!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 06, 2016, 02:48:24 PM
Well I have put the washing on and touched up a couple of places where paint needs touching up- it's by no means perfect and if Alan is watching me he would call it another 'Blue Peter job' of mine!

The only trouble is when I do jobs like this I see lots of other things that need doing that I didn't realise needed doing! So I'll have a  :coffeetoast: instead!


In some respect's Julie,  it must be worse for the wife after they lose their husband, as the man who did all the home maintenance jobs is no longer there to do those jobs.   I hate DIY,  but obviously it was nearly always I who did all the decorating, though my dear wife would often help too when she could.  I remember my last major DIY job was a bit of a disaster,  I had put up ceiling coving all round in the lounge a couple years ago, and also in our bedroom, but never got around to doing it in the other rooms.

So one day, I decided to also put some coving up in all the other rooms and freshen up the walls with a coat of emulsion etc. and re-gloss the skirting boards.   However, I knocked over a full litre tin of white gloss,  but she came to the rescue with loads of kitchen towelling, and various kitchen cleaners to clean it up.    You've never seen such a mess in your life, I was so angry with myself too for being so clumsy,  between us we did manage to clean it all up, but it took us some time. 
So you see...us men are sometimes not so brilliant when it comes to decorating, especially when we get older...lol 
You're absolutely right though, when you start one job it has the habit of leading to further jobs that need doing.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on September 06, 2016, 03:45:59 PM
Oh dear that sounds like a nightmare Brian!  :shocked:
I never really knew any widowers before, only widows, and I often wondered if the grieving was the same for men (which I now know is a ridiculous thing to have thought). Yes, the maintenance jobs are a big worry but I guess that things like housework and cooking and washing etc. might be equally as difficult for some men. So I think it's all just the same  for us all in the end.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 06, 2016, 04:57:26 PM
I can only speak for myself,  but I am coping quite well with everyday house hold chores,  things like the washing, dusting and cleaning,  changing bed sheets weekly,  and my own personal hygiene has not changed in any way,   something that some men can ignore a little after losing their wife...at least that's what a bereavement councillor told me.  However,  my cooking skills need improving...lol...but I'm learning by my mistakes...albeit slowly.   It's surprising what we can do when we have to, like you with maintenance jobs around the home....and of course that's one area that men generally tend to be more adept at...so credit to you for trying Julie.

I'm currently trying to use a lot of the stuff that's still in our freezer, so I can de-frost it sometime,  hopefully before I go to Scotland, so as I type this, I have some tinned potatoes on the cooker, and have thawed out a pork joint my wife had frozen, and I intend to do a cooked meal today, of potatoes, couple slices of pork, carrots, green runner beans and peas, (I opened a tin of mixed veggies...lol) with gravy,  hopefully without any disasters...lol....fingers xxxx.

Hope your day passed without too much upset Julie...take care..
 :hug:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 06, 2016, 06:48:03 PM
Well tea consumed, and I must say...it was not too bad at all..
There's a photograph of my wife on the wall in our dining room, where she is smiling gorgeously, and while I was having my tea.. I said to her....'Yes..I know...not quite to your standard dear,  but you have to admit...it's not that bad'   I was half expecting the picture to fall off the wall.

The problem with doing all these very complex fancy exquisite dishes, where your using  2 or 3 saucepans, is all the washing up afterwards. :sad:

Nonetheless, it was a great success.....eat your heart out Gordon Ramsay.  :grin:

Now to see if my 'pièce de résistance is set'...  A strawberry Jelly I made in a half pint drinking glass...I like my jellies strong, and I figure being tapered it will pop out when I warm the side of the glass up...hmmmm...yummy.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on September 06, 2016, 06:58:52 PM
Well done Brian! It certainly sounded delicious! I had spaghetti and meatballs and then it all went in the dishwasher!
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 06, 2016, 07:04:14 PM
Well done Brian! It certainly sounded delicious! I had spaghetti and meatballs and then it all went in the dishwasher!


"Dishwasher"....you mean that kitchen gadget I call the ultimate idle machine..  :laugh:  my sons all have them,  but I'll stick with washing the dishes by hand.  By the time the dishes are put in the dishwasher...I've washed them up...  :laugh: and put away in the cupboard.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on September 06, 2016, 07:12:38 PM
 :evil: :yahoo: :tongue:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 07, 2016, 09:21:36 PM
Good to see you still have your humour Julie...lol... Quiet a busy day for me,  car had to go in for a service at 8.30 so a early start, followed by a eyetest at specsavers.   I'm also trying to lose a few pounds I gained lately due to junk food,  so thought I'd kickstart the diet off by not bothering with lunch or tea, so just 1 warburtons crumpet for breakfast for me today....I have to eat something due to taking Meds, as it plays havoc with the tummy if I don't.

Hope your day was a good one.
 :hug:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on September 08, 2016, 12:56:03 AM
Missing meals won't help Brian,your body will store fat if it believes its being starved best way is to eat as often but smaller less calorific meals.(if only I could follow my own advice I,d be a size 10 again  :rofl:)
Julie you will find you get better at Diy stuff with practice.I was very pleased with myself last winter when I dismantled and inblocked the kitchen sink.

The only things I wont attempt to touch now is gas and electric or cleaning gutters,I don't do heights,my next house might have to be a bungalow.
Sometimes I can just imagine Keith putting his hands over his eyes in despair though as I have made a few mistakes.Standing on the back of a setee to put a curtain rail up wasn't the best plan  :whistle.  .
The worst disaster was felling a large branch from a tree.I googled it,found a helpful video and sawed it all the right way but I didn't consider the balance,and the top end was too heavy it fell the right way,away from me as planned but the bottom flipped up and took two teeth out for me.Not my most intelligent move,and not what happened on utube. :rofl:last night I picked all the plums there wer hundreds of them bottled two huge jars before work,and tonight .Gave four bags away,and destoned and froze another 8 bags.I might defrost some and make chutney,Can't abide it myself but there's only so many crumbles a girl can eat,and there's rhubarb to get through as well.Chutney can be given away.
Also bought some swimming leggings for kayaking next week,although the weather forecast suggests it might not have been necessary,and a cheap waterproof camera,which the forecast suggests might be useful without necessarily going on the water.
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 08, 2016, 02:02:18 AM
Good advice karena,  but one day won't matter,  I shall start counting the calories from tomorrow, or should I say today....looking at the clock,    I can lose weight quite quickly,  well the 1st half stone anyway, and 1 stone is all I'm trying to lose,  it doesn't suit me if I drop too low,   my daughter reckons I don't need to lose any at all,  but I have been eating a little too much stodge lately, so dropping a few pounds won't do any harm, and it does mean I can indulge myself a little when I go on holiday shortly, as I do enjoy eating out quite a lot, even more so since my wife passed away.

Luckily I own a bungalow,  and bungalows AYS have advantages when it comes to maintenance,  only snag is I have is quite a bit of garden to maintain which include 3 lawns which always seem to need cutting.  There's also a very long hedge between 10 and 12ft high,  but I get professional gardeners in to cut that back twice a year,  it would likely kill me if I attempted that job. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Julie Magson on September 08, 2016, 02:34:45 PM
Good grief Karena and Brian- you put me to shame! Your days sound very full compared to mine. I did mange to dispose of my broken rotary drier and buy another thanks to my sister driving me to the tip and back.
You dismantled and unblocked a SINK Karena!!! Good grief!  :shocked:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Karena on September 08, 2016, 09:21:49 PM
I have to admit I did the classic.dismantled it drained it into a bowl,then tipped the bowl back into the sink. :rofl:

Managed to get grass cut mostly before work but finished it after.Its not exactly pristine,I use a battery strimmer so never over short either I was going to get a push mower but most of the ground is sloping and bumpy so I figured it won't help .At the old house Keith did the grass cutting with a big petrol mower,but I couldn't even start it,The village didn't have any services so public bits were mowed on rota by residents.the village mower was in a bad way so I gave them ours.Most of it wasn't mowed though,we had beautiful verges full of wild flowers.Here everything is killed off with weed killer which really winds me up.

I don't envy you your hedge Brian,sounds like a mammoth task.I have a much shorter edible hedge,mostly currents and rasberrys plus a hazel hedge further down,once harvested they're easy to prune.

Also got campervan emptied and everything stashed.Fingers crossed I make it to repair place tomorrow night without losing anny more bits. Then its a night on daughters couch and an early train
A bit more packing and a pile of washing up to do in the morning then I,m all set. :yahoo:
Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 08, 2016, 11:09:14 PM
What's the story with the campervan Karena ?  something you and hubby used to use often for holidays or something you do yourself now to get away. ?

Quiet day for me today.

Title: Re: Have you achieved something today?
Post by: Brian71 on September 09, 2016, 10:26:42 AM
Bit more than a couple of seconds too long methinks Brian! More practice needed!

You may be right..lol