Ginger Biscuits and Potato Wedges...Before Breakfast!

 

 

As the title of today's blog suggests...this morning started with some very strange food combinations!

Not that ginger biscuits are an unusual start to the day in this household...but potato wedges...and before breakfast??

Well...let me tell you...neither were actually eaten!

It all started with me pottering around in the kitchen first thing, when I suddenly remembered I had promised Grandma some ginger biscuits yesterday, from our stock pile.

She hasn't been able to buy any either and has been making them...but decided she prefers the shop bought ones.

Whilst it was on my mind, I nipped into the conservatory and bent down to get a couple of packets out of the box....but as I bent..and with a slight twist...I put my back out!!

It's the first time I have ever done this, but have seen hubby in excruciating agony just bending to run the bath one morning!

I was frozen to the spot in pain for a while and wondered what on earth I should do!

I sent hubby a text and also a friend...she got back first and said put an ice pack on.

I was right by the freezer, so gingerly opened it ( amazing how strong the seal is when you are in pain!) and the first packet I pulled out was potato wedges...they were going to have to do.

I spent the next hour walking around the house with the potato wedges firmly on my rear end!

What a sight it must have been!

However, I feel I have got off very lightly, because whereas Hubby was off work for a few days...I was able to go back to normal activities within the hour...albeit very carefully and with enough pain to make me reassess what I was going to do for the day.

 

 

 

I hadn't thought I would be able to drive, but did manage to see my Monday Recycled Teenager...although closing the car door was particularly difficult.

She was glad to see me as her carer had not turned up, so I was able to rub her pain relief cream into her shoulders and put her pop socks on.

We both took it easy round Morrisons, only buying what we needed.

 

 

In the afternoon I pottered...being nervous to sit down too much incase I couldn't get up again.

When putting the washing away...I saw that Teen One has started filling every available space in her bedroom with revision notes!

 

 

 

 

She has spent most of the weekend studying as well....hats off to her for her commitment.

 

I am hoping for a quiet evening  and maybe some knitting...which is something that hasn't figured much in my evenings recently, I am in need of some motivation in that department!

 

 

Monday February 22, 2016

Today's Psalm:
   Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 / KJV
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An Ordinary Day But Exciting Days Ahead.

 

Today has been one of those very ordinary Sundays.

It started with church first thing...

 

 

 

...followed by the usual roast dinner....

 

 

 

...then the usual game of Scrabble ( Hubby pipped me to the post at the last minute!)

 

 

 

followed by a cuppa with the marmalade cake I made yesterday...

 

 

 

 

...back to church for our evening Gospel Service.....

 

 

 

 

 

...then back home again for the evening.

 

 

 

Teen One and I are now snuggly in bed watching Call The Midwife.

This coming week sees the first of her Uni interviews....and the next four weeks will see the other four take place...exciting days ahead!

 

Sunday February 21, 2016

Today's Verse:
   For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 / KJV
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Cast Your Mind Back A Couple Of Years!

 

 

So...cast your minds back to bonfire night 2013...anything in particular happen?

Had you asked me, I probably would have said no, although we may have gone to see some fireworks maybe...but, out of the blue yesterday, I had a Facebook message which reminded me exactly where we had been and a small incident that had occurred.

 

 

 

We had gone out as a family to a local beauty spot to watch the fireworks being set off around the city.

Teen One had found a Blackberry phone in the grass, there wasn't anyone else around, although it is a popular place for families, so we tried to access the contacts list on the phone and call someone, in a bid to return the phone to its owner.

Noone answered, so we brought the phone back home and did a little more research.

There were photos of a young teenager, having been taken that night by the looks of the fireworks in the background, we managed to find her name, so looked on Facebook to see if we could find her...and lo and behold we did.

However I decided to not contact her directly...but contacted her mother, who was also on FB.

I sent a message explaining we had found the phone and if she would like to contact us we would arrange to return it.

Well we heard nothing back, put the phone in a bits and bobs basket and ultimately forgot about it.

Up until the message yesterday....somehow the mum had only just received the message and was apologising for not having been in contact before.

I was obviously surprised as I had completely forgotten the incident...but said it was very probably we still had the phone and if so did she want it back.

 

 

I looked for the phone...in the only place I could think it was... and yes it was still there!

She was keen to have the phone as her daughter had by coincidence broken her current phone the day before, so earlier today, she called by with this bottle of wine.

Whilst we don't drink, we are happy to use it in cooking, so this will be something we will enjoy for some time to come.

 

 

 

 

Today was spent getting ready for some visitors tonight.

We have a Bible teaching meeting once a month  (as well as regular midweek ones) and tonight's speaker hadn't been before and I had never met him.

Hubby had invited him and his wife to come and share a light meal with us before the service.

I had no idea of their age, or likes and dislikes, so opted for something simple, a quiche, salad, rolls, new potatoes, ham.

I made the quiche in a larger dish than usual, so made extra filling...only to find I made way more than was needed!
So with the left over pastry I managed to make a "raggy edge" quiche....but still had some liquid left over so made a crustless quiche, which I will give to one of my Recycled Teenagers.

 

 

 

I made the Teens current favourite, White Chocolate Torte, and also a Marmalade cake,

I used chopped apricots to decorate the top with cream cheese frosting, instead of the usual orange rind.

Just to cover all bases, I made a trifle as well.

As it turned out, the wife was diabetic so wasn't able to have any of the desserts...but at least I wont have to make anything tomorrow!

They were both very easy to get along with, he was rather a joker and was very interactive with the Teens.

 

It's been lovely getting to know them and we hope to keep up the new friendship

 

 

Saturday February 20, 2016

Today's Psalm:
   Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4,5 / KJV
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Bringing Back Childhood Memories!

 

This morning, bright and early I was baking...some Oreo flapjack for Teen Two to take into school with him.

I always think if they must go into school during the holidays, then it should at least have an element of fun about it.

All credit to his teacher...she returned from a break in Paris and 5am and came to school to 10am!

 

 

 

So, having dropped Teen Two at school, Teen One and I called in to see my friend with the broken ankle.

 

 

 

 

She was delighted with the cake Teen One had made, and Teen One in turn was delighted to play with her baby granddaughter.

 

 

Having collected Teen Two from school, it was back home for a little more baking.

 

 

 

As there was no Friday Club tonight, we made the most of the free time and treated ourselves to a Harvester meal.

We had a voucher for a kids meal costing just £1, as Teen Two often prefers the portion size of a kids meal, it was perfect for us.

For the first time, we were told any diners over 10, choosing from the kids menu, weren't allowed to use the salad bar!

We have never been told this before, even at this particular restaurant....I was a little irked...but seeing as we were probably on a sticky wicket asking for a kids meal for a 15 yr old I didn't make a fuss.

In these days of complaints about obesity etc, it is a shame we are expected to almost force feed our children when eating out....ten year olds do not have the same appetite or capacity to eat as much as an adult, so why should we have to buy an adult portion meal for them!

No doubt...if there were a child with a humongous appetite the restaurants would be happy to sell them an adult meal, but not the other way round!

Gripe over!

 

 

 

After our meal, we went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the stage show.

This was my favourite film as a child, although of course our opportunity to watch it was usually once a year at Christmas, if that.

But I had the LP record, so it was like watching the film every time I played it...which was a lot!

The show really did bring back some very happy childhood memories and Caractacus Potts was the man I wanted to be both my dad and my husband as I longed to be Truly Scrumptious!

The show was brilliant...a little different to the film we love and know, but that is to be expected.

 

 

Friday February 19, 2016

Today's Verse:
   ...at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:10,11 / KJV
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Mum Chairs!

 

 

Today we decided to go into town and see if the Teens could find something to spend their Christmas vouchers on.

Whilst Teen One and I perused Primark, we left Teen Two in Game.

He loves to check out all the new games, trial some of them and generally soak up the atmosphere.

It's the sort of shop, that I feel, should have "Mum Chairs!"

M&S have "Man Chairs" that always have a man parked in them...looking bored but comfortable...often with a pile of shopping bags at their feet!

I find Game  a thoroughly boring shop... so to have a chair to sit on and do some "people watching" would be perfect!

Having said I find it a boring shop...look at what a cute little character I spied today!

This dear little knitted creature is from a game called "Yoshi's Woolly World" if I were ever to get into gaming...this would be the first one I would try!

Our shopping trip was successful...

Teen Two was able to purchase a couple of toys to add to his ever growing collection...

 

 

 

...and Teen One  bought a handbag ( never have too many of them!)...

 

 

...and a pair of smart ankle boots from M&S.

Probably the most she has paid for footwear, but as her feet have probably stopped growing it will be worth investing in a good pair.

They looked very smart with her thick tights and denim skirt and will look equally good with jeans.

I almost felt tempted to get some myself!

With all this retail therapy going on, you may be wondering what I bought.....

 

 

 

 

 

....loo rolls! Wilkinsons are selling nine Kleenex rolls half price...£2.25...so I bought as many as we could carry! I may even go back for more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half term is always about treats...so it was a visit to Teen Two's favourite fast food outlet to try their five items for £3.

 

 

 

This afternoon I did my usual cleaning for my Recycled Teenager next door, whilst Teen One made a cake for our friend with the broken ankle.

We are hoping to see her tomorrow.

Tonight I am putting a joint of pork in the slow cooker, which will be shredded in the morning, with some BBQ sauce added to create BBQ pulled pork.

Hopefully it will save her having to do a dinner in the evening.

 

 

 

The weather has been glorious today, in fact it was so warm in the car we had to open the window!

Hopefully the worst of winter is behind us!

Thursday February 18, 2016

Today's Psalm:
   Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 20:7 / KJV
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Mum's Taxi Service

 

 

Today has been on of those "Mum's Taxi" days!

It started with taking Teen Two to school for revision.

 

 

 

Then whizz back to see my Monday Recycled Teenager ( a couple of days late of course)...

 

 

 

Take her shopping in Morrison's ....which was extremely quiet today...

 

 

 

Drop my Recycled Teenager back home.....detour home to take the shopping out for Teen One to unpack for me....

 

 

 

...back to school for Teen Two....

 

 

 

 

.. back home for some soup and crusty bread for lunch....

 

 

 

...then back out again to take the Teens to see a film....

 

 

...then finally back home to load and unload washing,

dish up the chicken curry I had left cooking slowly in the oven before we went out, and have a general clear up.

I am hoping for a quiet evening in ( no internet café for Teen Two tonight) and maybe some knitting.

 

Wednesday February 17, 2016

Today's Verse:
   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16 / KJV
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A Day On The Farm

 

Today's half term activity with Teen Two is probably his all time favourite....a visit to a hands on activity farm.

He never seems to tire of it.

Today we had the pleasure of taking his cousin with us, who is autistic and also Grandma.

It is the first time we have taken Cousin J out for the day and I was a little uncertain how he would cope.

But last night I gave him a copy of the directions....he is map mad....and asked him to make sure I kept on the right roads!

He was true to his promise and at one point told me it was about time I changed lanes or I would end up on the wrong motorway!

I also printed out a copy of the feeding times, so he knew what to expect throughout the day.

There were a few things I hadn't thought to cover...when we were going to eat and what we were going to do when we left, what route we were going to take etc.

After asking me several times, and getting the same answer each time, that seemed to satisfy him and he didn't ask again.

I was hoping the repetitive questioning wasn't a sign he was anxious...if it was, I must have given the right answers each time, thankfully!

 

 

 

 

There was a fair bit of walking and a fair bit of queuing for each feeding session...but neither Teen complained.

It was Grandma who felt it, standing in the cold is not so good when you are in your 80's but she did very well.

 

 

Teen Two is much more hands on with the animals...whereas Cousin J insisted on keeping his gloves on the whole time.

 

 

And where Teen Two cant get enough of holding these dear two day old chicks...Cousin J couldn't be persuaded to hold one even with his gloves on...so Grandma held it...a first for her, she was quietly thrilled to have such an experience!

 

 

Cousin J was happy to hold the baby guinea pigs in the cap provided...but wasn't keen to stroke it...where as Teen Two is straight in there!

 

 

 

He did brave a stroke with the rabbits...

 

 

 

...and a quick brush of the goats....

 

 

 

...whereas Teen Two could have stayed all day with the animals.

Cousin J is hoping to start a small animal handling course at college in September.

I imagine some confidence building around the handling of animals is part of the course.

I do wonder if maybe Teen Two would enjoy such a course, learning the different needs of each animal etc...its something I have wondered about for a while now and will look into I think.

 

 

 

Both Teens enjoyed a bounce on the trampolines and it was good to see them laughing together.

 

 

 

The visit is not complete without a trip to the gift shop.

Teen Two still has some Christmas money, so chose a soft toy guinea pig as a reminder of the baby one he held today.

I saw this ceramic serving tray...only £4.95 and decided to treat myself.

 

The weather has been bright and sunny today, but very cold...so I am glad to be home, with the woodburner pumping out the heat to keep us warm.

I am looking forward to hearing how our niece got on with her Uni interview today.

Her mum is going to give Teen One a mock interview tonight...she deliberately wont ask any of the questions that are likely to come up at the real interview (that would be cheating!) but will be able to give her some constructive criticism.

Teen One has an interview at the Uni her auntie teaches at next month but auntie obviously isn't going to be on the panel, but is hoping to be able to do the tour for us.

 

 

Tuesday February 16, 2016

Today's Promise:
   ...the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6,7 / KJV
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