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The Potting Shed, 24 August 2010
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Message 1.Â
Posted by daisy_host (U14285225) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Good Afternoon all. Welcome to the Potting Shed, the thread that’s usually opened every Monday for all your off-topic discussions.
This week we’re celebrating the birthday of:
25 Violetblue
Happy Birthday Violetblue!
Last week’s topics included moving house, exam results, painting sheds, baking and Rain’s online retirement party. David K your cakes look delicious; any chance of sharing a recipe or two?
I spent my weekend at the delightful Green Man Festival, situated in the lush surroundings of the Brecon Beacons and even though it rained most of the weekend, no ones spirits were dampened. Has anyone been to any festivals this year?
Daisy -
Message 2
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
I thought it was something I said, one minute we are posting next minute gone. Forgot the one week rule it could have run until Monday though.
The only green man I know is a pub, too busy drinking until it is time to sing "Nelly Dene" and "show me the way to go home" is yours one of these "roll in the mud ones" never did see the need after years in the forces.
Back to work, another couple of green bags to fill whilst the sun shines bright? they should write a song about it!
Frank. -
Message 3
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
HI Daisy and Frank and everybody,
Happy Birthday, Violetblue, Hope the sun shines for you.
Have not been to any big festivals but we have lots of church flower festivals round here and one is coming up this weekend. I always buy plants, vegetables, cake, jam and marmalade, knitted gloves or hats and sometimes books. My grandchildren invariably go home with huge cuddly toys, much to their mother's pleasure.
Frank we do not even have a pub in our nearest village. OH used to make his own wine and beer. The best, for me, was gooseberry champagne.
Nan, ref your posting last week. I am thinking of a rescue dog for myself, if I stay in this area. Son and his girlfriend have decided to be a twosome for a while longer, after being enslaved to their daft but adored labrador for twelve years. I hope to find a "Phoebe" like Rain's to love.
Good luck to all families with GCSE results today.
Eldest daughter's son got much more than he needed for his college course and is celebrating with friends, which will probably involve playing rock guitar and eating vast quantities of food.
My new rule is only to eat when I am hungry. So will have lunch now. 3pm seems to be the time.
Summer -
Message 4
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Rain,
Forgot to say I shall miss your party. It the holiday in Florence with my youngest daughter that I have looked forward to all year. Shall think of you all having a great time and shall raise a glass to your happy retirement.
Summer -
Message 5
Posted by jo4eyes (U13654107) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Yes Summer I have an 'eat me diet' on at the mo!
Nipped into a local M&S food hall on the way back & these luxurious chocolate puds were on offer, well only 1 gone. I just glanced at the calorific value & decided that daughter can have the remaining 2! Why didnt I get my usual choc pots? because daughter is stricter re vegetarianism than me & wont eat them, but I like them & they are considerably lower in calories so less of a 'guilt' trip.
Give up on the weather. No idea when I'll be able to cut the lawn, we've had a rain day again. J. -
Message 6
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Hello, Daisy
Thank you for your kind words, though having the recipe wouldn't help much really. The secret (no secret) of a light sponge, is folding in plenty of air at the ‘adding the flour’ stage. -
Message 7
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
That's alright Summer, I'll make sure there is some cake left for you.
David, when my grandma was 'folding in' she used to do it standing in the back yard same with her Yorkshire pudding's she always said that doing it that way you always got good 'Yorkshire air' into the mixture and only been about 7 at the time I believed her.
Rain -
Message 8
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Daisy, I have never been to any festivals and now feel am past it.
How funny Jo. You are following the same diet as me!! By getting my shopping delivered, I am not tempted to get 'naughty' things which I do if I shop myself. Both my M&S stores have their food department right at the end of the store so I try not to cross the line otherwise it's a case of what yummy food can I treat myself to.
I will remember to stand in the garden when I try out my victoria sponge later this week, Rain. Just hope it's not pouring down with rain. Will let you know how it turns out, or not. Will not be posting photographs!!
What a shame you won't be here Summer. May I have your share of the goodies. No point in saving you any as it will go stale.
I am glad you have come back Frank. -
Message 9
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Never heard of that, Rain.
I cooked lunch for my daughter & SiL on Sunday; this was roast beef & Yorkshire pud. The Yorkshire puds were light as a feather, my daughter said that in spite of knowing how I make them, she can't make them the same....odd, isn't it? -
Message 10
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
I agree David. Many moons ago, I used to make suet puddings which, even though I say it myself, were very light and extremely moorish. My daughter decided she would make one, following my recipe to a T and you could have soled your shoes with it. My son and grandson, on the other hand make lighter sponges and cakes than I ever did.
Don't know what the answer is. -
Message 11
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
See!! I knew would be good at something, Kit
Btw, further to my previous post about winning first with my Victoria Sponge, I got a McDougal’s certificate...anyone remember them? -
Message 12
Posted by koala_girl (U12702629) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Kit - My brother’s mother in law is good at everything and my mother used to threaten to take up parachute jumping just so that she could do something that her counterpart couldn’t do. When my sister in law was expecting her first baby, my mother knitted a pink cardigan and a blue one. As soon as the baby was born she rushed in with the appropriate coloured garment so that she could beat the other grandma to it.
Nan - My father’s dog was from a rescue centre. Toby was only six months old at the time and so cute that you couldn’t imagine anyone being nasty to him. He is now 13 years old and lives the life of riley.
We have had, at last, a decent amount of rain. I now have four lovely full water butts. It has been sunny all day today and really incredibly windy, so I had to do a bit of watering this evening, but at least I didn't have to use "paid for" tap water.
Did anyone watch the Â鶹Éç2 baking competition program this evening? I was surprised that the man who made such dreadful scones was kept in for the next round. I felt very sorry for the woman who accidentally put 7 times too much sugar in her biscuits.
My mother once accidentally put salt instead of sugar in a fruit crumble topping. She did tend to be a bit absent minded - she also made my father a cup of coffee made with gravy powder. Another time she was in the vegetable section at Waitrose, picked up a bag and then walked around the central display without realising that the bag was still attached to the roll. She had completely wrapped the whole display in plastic before an assistant stopped her. -
Message 13
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
It is the heavy hand for batter, about the one thing in cooking that needs some weight when you whisk. I always sift the flower at least three times and some of it is so dense it needs sifting until it is floating in the bowl.
I gave one of my daughters the recipe for my Yorkies but she failed, then I discovered she was using self raising flour, death to a batter that.
Sponges is having the oven at the correct temperature, use an oven thermostat and keep the door closed, trust your timer.
I do use the best unsalted butter and mix the eggs butter and sugar until they are nearly white before folding in the flour, if the air is already in the mix it is easier to add the flour.
Still what do I know, I am a man, saying that I did do three years at cookery school.
Frank. -
Message 14
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
I do use the best unsalted butter and mix the eggs butter and sugar until they are nearly white before folding in the flour,Â
Not likely, Frank! Just Stork....the rest yes. -
Message 15
Posted by koala_girl (U12702629) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
I always use butter when I'm making cakes and biscuits. I think that it has a nicer flavour than margarine.
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Message 16
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
As a wartime kid David we had a ration of Margarine, being used to home made butter on the farm it was the most atrocious thing I ever tasted hence my continued hatred of anything but the best butter.
Anything calling itself nearly like butter and Stork is one of them gets nowhere near my cooking.
I also have a hatred of rice boiled apart from the pudding, at one time during the war there was a shortage of potato's so we got school dinners with this glue like grey mess supposedly rice, the jury is still out on what it actually was. I became adept at slipping it into my jacket pocket under the all seeing eye's of the teachers at the top table. That was after I left the first plate-full and was accused of losing the war all on my own and still refusing to eat it six of the best.
Frank. -
Message 17
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
So many postings. Lovely!! No David, I don't remember the Certificates, but not because it was before my time. More like the other way.
KG I can't stop laughing about your Mum. What a character. Strangely enough, my children take great pleasure in telling each other about what daft thing I have recently done, or said. Like the time I mentioned that I did not realise fireman named their engines because I noticed it had 'Dennis' written on the front. Well, I don't mind them laughing at me. I would draw the line at parachute jumping though. Not that desparate to be the best.
Stork is on order Frank, so it will have to be margarine this time. Will try not to rush it. That's my problem - I am impatient. I remember my late FIL used to love my Yorkshire pudding, much to the annoyance of MIL and my pastry. So, yes, when I look back, I was at one time not too bad but have just got out the habit. As used to be on school report 'Must try harder', oh, also 'Talks too much'. Have any of you noticed? -
Message 18
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Evening all,
KG, love the thought of wrapping the supermarket aisle in plastic.
As to cakes, I never had perfection until I baked with small granddaughter. Getting rid of the lumps, while seeming to be just stirring like her, made the lightest cake I have ever managed. "Her" cake was delicious (and that was with unsalted butter). As there certainly was no folding involved I think it is love that does it.
Yes you can have my share at Rain's party, Kit, if you give me the goss later.
Summer -
Message 19
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Forgot - thanks for reminding me about programme KG. Will watch it tomorrow on catchup.
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Message 20
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Mixing batter or butter and sugar you put your brain out of gear and think of other things like "Alice in wonderland" it takes time to get the mix right, no short cuts.
Frank. -
Message 21
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
I'm doing catchup all the time! Thanks Summer. Will try not to be too greedy.
Yes, Frank. I will have to start thinking of as therapy not a chore. The same really as when I am in the garden all worries seem to disappear. -
Message 22
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Tuesday, 24th August 2010
Didn't mean to imply that if cakes or puds are heavy there isn't enough love around. Just that sometimes love brings surprise results.
David, my MIL got a McDonald's certificate, but when I knew her I think she used Be Ro, as she gave me their recipe book. My best thing from it was scones (I'm muddling my tenses here). Bedtime.
S -
Message 23
Posted by David K (U14115317) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
I fully understand your revulsion to margarine, Frank, but Stork is very far removed from the 'Special Margarine' you refer to.
I have used Lurpak (the best available today IMHO) but I'm still convinced Stork makes a superior cake. -
Message 24
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
David,
Each to our own as they say.
Janet the instructor-ess at the cookery school used to eat her smock at my refusal to use Stork in fact with some of her recipes she called for solid block margarine which I would not touch.
The proof was in the eating as we did two of everything one to take home and one for the class tasting when only Janet knew which was which, I got two proposals of marriage and we were an all male class.
When it was a pastry day I made my pastry before going in and put it in the fridge, making pastry in a kitchen with a dozen ovens in was not going to give you anything you could handle as the lads found out.
What with having to use the only electric fan oven because no one else could get it right and running round rescuing milk boiling over it is a wonder anything got cooked.
I have tried Stork on the family only to be asked what was different, probably not worse but different enough for them to know.
Frank. -
Message 25
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Well Frank, for a 'cold tea' that sounded delicious. I must make a resolution, not to be so boring with my food.Â
Kit,
I was tired after four solid hours grafting in the garden so the way I felt was throw a sandwich together.
Going in the kitchen I realised it would take just as long to throw up a sandwich as to make a small meal I would enjoy so the meal won. I sat and took time eating so relaxed and felt much better for it.
We are surrounded with a plethora of goodies and we get lazy about eating.
After being brought up with always a plentiful supply of good fresh food the desert years were a shock, no fridges or cold stores, fresh food lasted one day in the heat and then it was tins and dried food for weeks at a time.
If you wanted a snack (which we never did) at noon, you opened a tin of corn beef and drank it, the stuff came out like soup.
We ate before dawn after stand too, then again at night after dark when it had cooled down.
Your dreams were about Whitby fish and chips, Mothers roast beef and Yorkshire's or even Duck and Peas, the fast food of those times before burgers and such.
It certainly made you realise food was not just a fuel but a three act play, intro to whet the appetite, main act to feed the inner man or woman and the finale a nice slowly eaten pudding or cheese board all with in my case a nice beer, others prefer that weak kneed stuff called wine.
Food is to be enjoyed like good music or art, throwing it down your neck in a haphazard way is not the way to go.
A cooked meal can be on the table in exactly thirty minutes a plate of sandwiches can take almost that time to do for a family so the hot meal wins out.
Frank. -
Message 26
Posted by jo4eyes (U13654107) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
True Frank, it amazes me that people rely on 'ready' meals, when you can do a 'quick' meal from scratch in the same time. Ok, I do use some ready meals, but not many & daughter the same.
OH & daughter prefer baking with butter, but am a Stork person myself. Need to think what we need for over the w/end, but think daughter on duty some of it so need to check tonight before I shop tomorrow.
Blood test results fine & explained to GP about Dad. Am trying not to get stressed out about things so took myself for a coffee at GC before coming home. Sensible to go away from M/C as traffic so bad coming home even with schools off. Have got some of my bulbs & a smashing tray of 12 small Violas. Why pay more for fewer, bigger plants? If they last as well as last years I shall be pleased. Am also growing some so will have plenty for the tubs & borders. J. -
Message 27
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Frank, I know that you are right about taking time to prepare and enjoy food. I am just about "coming back to myself" in that area. (OH looked after us so well). Your description of how it was in the desert reminds me not only to be grateful for the abundance around, but also to be thankful for being here to appreciate it.
Liquid corned beef, Ugh! But people in extremis do not have the privilege of being choosy.
I wonder why in this technological age we cannot aid get aid of the right kind where it is needed more quickly. The Disasters Emergency Fund is a great idea but does it work in practice? Is there enough support from governments? Is the right food, clothing and shelter readily available for the right situation? If not, why not? Are the different agencies duplicating unnecessarily?
I am proud of the Lincolnshire Ambulance personnel who helped in Haiti. We all know of groups and individuals who have devoted themselves to giving aid. This country is generous in giving money. Why, with all this effort, am I still seeing pictures of families who have lost everything receiving nothing?
Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this rant.
Summer -
Message 28
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Missed your message Jo.
Glad all is well with your blood test, and that you are finding ways to relieve your stress. Plants so soothing and life-affirming aren't they?
Do you agree that pansies and violas always look brave somehow?
As you will see I've just relieved my frustration in a rant. Your way is better. Will get out into the garden after a cup of Darjeeling.
Summer -
Message 29
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Goodafternoon all.
Was more disciplined this morning and did ironing first rather than open up laptop.
I am a War baby Frank but don't remember much about it. I have always been in awe at how everyone coped with the fear that they had to have felt, especially all you, then, young men. I can remember rationing well but didn't realise for some years how long it went on for. We, as a family, never suffered I suppose because my mum, like most mums of that era, knew how to make a little go a long way. Can't imagine what it must have been like for all those fighting overseas.
Don't eat fast food out of choice. Cannot understand why young people frequent all these burger and chicken places. Yuk! I also don't eat ready meals because I never think they taste of anything. I try not to be lazy when I am on my own and, like you say, Frank, it is just as easy to prepare and cook something that you like.
Glad your blood tests were OK Jo. You can't help being a little bit apprehensive waiting for results can you, even though you are pretty sure everything is going to be fine.
Well Summer, down off your soapbox now!! I love a good rant and make my views known to all and sundry. I watched the entreprenuer from 'Dragons' Den' (can't think of his name for the minute), who had gone out to Pakistan and who was so exasperated at what he found there. No organisation and the poor folk who needed help were not getting it. In fact, I think I am right, but perhaps someone heard differently, there were empty warehouses. Where is all the money and aid going to? Double disaster. Makes me feel very humble when I think of my moaning about our weather.
On a lighter note, I love violas. They are so petite and pretty. Must get to B&Q or GC soon. Probably have to wait until next week as son at home is going to Ibeza (!) for 3 days to celebrate friend's 30th birthday. Could think of better places to go.
Run out of steam. No doubt be back later. -
Message 30
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
I wonder why in this technological age we cannot aid get aid of the right kind where it is needed more quickly. The Disasters Emergency Fund is a great idea but does it work in practiceÂ
Summerchild
It is very obvious to those of us who have seen such things, the infrastructure for delivering aid is not there on the ground.
They do not have the metalled road systems we have country wide and many of those they have are unrepaired.
The transport is absent and helicopters are limited in their load capacity.
Those are massive floods cutting road and rail links totally so those far from a city base do not get aid.
We saw what happened here last winter when the bridges in Cumbria were swept away, utter chaos and that in a country with plenty of transport facilities.
It is a fact of life that throwing money and aid at a problem gives some the aid they need but others will always miss out.
Frank -
Message 31
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
I am a War baby Frank but don't remember much about it. I have always been in awe at how everyone coped with the fear that they had to have felt, especially all you, then, young men. I can remember rationing well but didn't realise for some years how long it went on for. We, as a family, never suffered I suppose because my mum, like most mums of that era, knew how to make a little go a long way. Can't imagine what it must have been like for all those fighting overseas.Â
Kit, a couple of points, I was too young to fight in the war, my time came in 1947 just in time to be thrown out of a country that gets you instantly wiped off the board if mentioned yet still fighting.
We were keeping lines of communication open to area's that at the time were still under the Brits, not exactly uneventful.
I was of an age during the war (Cowboys and Indians on the Saturday two penny rush) to think the war very exciting, I often wondered why my mother cried about it all.
Never thought for one minute we could lose it and all us lads had maps of the world with tiny flags of all countries, we listened to the news and watched Pathe on the cinema so knew where every front was. We had a brilliant insight into it all and wrote long letters to the Generals on exactly how to rout the hun and win, but not before we all got into it.
We thought the Germans flying over was the best fireworks show ever until we realised what went up must come down as very sharp edged shrapnel then they also bombed our village more than once so it struck home that this was war when people were killed.
Food was rationed yes but we had a small holding and my uncles had farms nearby so hunger was not an issue. We also had transport my father being a Haulage Contractor with his own trucks, we got about as I went everywhere in the truck during holidays.
Realising now it was a very privileged childhood, you do not think about it at the time, apart from I did think there was a contract out for the bomber that got me, they came close.
Frank. -
Message 32
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Sorry I aged you Frank. Never was any good at maths! When reading your post, it reminded me that my dad kept chickens and rabbits in the garden and, of course, my mum tended to the veggie. I had forgotten.
I reckon it was fortunate that my mum and dad moved out of London in 1938 to live in Kent where only the odd bomb dropped. Not that I remember but do recall being told that the large plot of land nearby once had two bungalows on it. What awful times. Fortunately, by the time I became aware of my surroundings, we were at peace and I was able to enjoy the lovely woods, fields and local stream. That was until they (local council), decided to build a housing estate on a large part of it.
Happy days. -
Message 33
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
PG, I appreciate and agree with all you say about getting aid to the places that need it and about what happens here when there are floods. In a way, though you make my point.
We are still looking at the problem with old eyes. Airoplanes were invented a long time ago, as were helicopters and metaled roads.
In one earthquake the remote hillside villages received no help at all. If it is beyond us to think laterally about transport issues (even a fleet of hot air balloons might help somewhere, or flotillas of small boats, which has been done before) then perhaps we should think about locallising aid in suitable locations. If underground bunkers could be used in the war and nuclear bunkers have been built since then, it should be possible to come up with solutions for appropriate storage and administration of aid for all sorts of local conditions.
We can be forgiven for taking time dealing with something which has not been known before, but not for failing to come up with an answer to situations that we have encountered many times.
We should ask James Dyson, perhaps.
Love you all,
Summer -
Message 34
Posted by koala_girl (U12702629) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
PG - My father did his national service in Egypt just after the war. He tells me about how hot it was and he also has an album full of photo’s that he took whilst he was out there. He talks about it quite a lot so it was obviously a big experience for him. During the war he lived in the New Forest and his family kept rabbits for the pot, as well as chickens. He helped the local farmer with the harvest and was allowed to take home gleanings for the chickens. His father was in the Home Guard and I always wonder if he was like one of the characters in Dads Army. My grandfather ended up not seeing active service in either war because on his first day in the trenches in WW1 he got shot in the foot by another soldier who was messing about with his gun.
I totally agree with the common theme about not wanting to eat fast food. I make my own "ready meals" as it is as easy to make a meal for four as it is for one. I put the remaining portions in boxes in the freezer to have later. It’s nice to come home from work in the winter and warm up a portion of casserole in the microwave.
Jo - Glad the blood test results were OK. You deserve a nice box of violas. I love their little faces. I sowed a packet of viola seed a few weeks ago and now have lots of little pots of them all over the place. Garden Answers gave away free packets of viola seed with last month’s magazine so I will be sowing some more this weekend.
Kit - Everyone used to laugh at my mum’s antics. They say that women become like their mothers as they get older, but I have not yet wrapped up any supermarket aisles.
I had a trying day in the office and then had to walk home in the rain without a coat. It was fine here this morning when I walked to work. I am drying out a bit now and am about to eat the rest of last night’s curry. I’m so glad that I made it yesterday as it means that I don’t have to go out in the rain to pick more tomatoes and beans. -
Message 35
Posted by jo4eyes (U13654107) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Summer- we should ask James Dyson- not so sure about that as he doesnt seem to have got the design right for his 'b' hoover! Boy do I hate it & the old one was really good, ok in it's 'youth'. If I knock the integral tools off one more time I shall scream! Bigger clips/edge please!
Sorry, rant over, but it really bugs me.
Koalagirl, its the GA seeds that I am growing. They are just about still ok in the coldframe despite the attention of a slug.
Oh yes I became my Mother ages ago but now am getting like Dad too.
J. -
Message 36
Posted by james burke (U13894871) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
hi all sorry for butting in my daughter is doing a charity job through the company she works for internal decorating plus a veg garden what veg if any can she buy in garden centre its in a centre for young children the work starts and finishes this friday any ideas please
-
Message 37
Posted by koala_girl (U12702629) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Jo - I have loved the free seeds that GA have been giving away each month. I've sown all of them, even things I hadn't thought of sowing before, just because they are there! My favourite accidental find has been the Mystic Merlin. It is really pretty.
[IMG]/IMG]
I wasn't so keen on the red nasturtiums though. They have dark red leaves and red flowers. I prefer my nasturiums to have bright green leaves. -
Message 38
Posted by jonwen (U14345720) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
sorry David K that you are only good at something
Ive just become great, grandad that is !!!! bliss!! -
Message 39
Posted by Trillium (U2170869) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Congratulations Jonwen! A great-grandad - fantastic! Is the new arrival a boy or a girl?
-
Message 40
Posted by grandcottagegardener (U14258183) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
Just nipped in to say hello. Been offline for 3 weeks while we sorted out internet connection problems.
Re stork v butter ....I use butter for most recipes but find that stork margarine does make a better sponge.
Re aid to other countries. I do know that my brother was driving supplies overseas and attempts were made to force him off the road to obtain contents of the lorry. Also heard from another person of their experiences with overseas aid and they said much the same thing. The people were trying to obtain the goods to sell on the black market!
Got loads of tomatoes at the moment, so every meak is tomato based. Weekend Mail had recipes for tomato glut and have already tried out two of the recipes. They were brill - one a creamy tomato and prawn curry and they other was pasta sauce. Have also made 3 kilner jars of chutney. Any tomato based recipes will be appreciated.
I don't like shop bought ready meals, preferring to do home cooked. We had toad in the hole this evening served with runner beans, patty pans, peas and potatoes from the garden. Can't beat the taste of home grown.
Congrats Jonwen on being a great grandfather. I'm still waiting to become a grandmother! Don't think my boys have any plans for making me a grandmother for some time yet.
James - carrots can be sown now to over winter. Kale and spinach can also be sown + turnips.
Frank - really pleased you've decided to come into the potting shed.
-
Message 41
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Wednesday, 25th August 2010
My father did his national service in Egypt just after the war.Â
koala_girl
Egypt had a large selection of the British forces mainly in large garrisons or air-force bases on the Canal.
We came from the country you cannot mention on here across the Sinai to Shandur on the great bitter lake which was a passing point for ships using both ends of the Canal.
Para's Commando's and a mix of units including our lot Royal Tank Regiment. We were then sent back out into the Sinai on Line of Communication duty.
Garrison was home from home, what shocked me was the fact many men never left the garrison area for the time they served out there. I used to drive the CO to Cairo when he wanted a few nights in the bright lights and saw Suez Port Said and Alexandria.
His father was in the Home Guard and I always wonder if he was like one of the characters in Dads ArmyÂ
That programme has a lot to answer for. A lot of its members where young men either unfit for duty or in war work, we had large shipyards and steel mills around the Tees and the men were not allowed to join the forces as they were needed to keep ships rolling off the slipways.
Those men manned the Anti Aircraft batteries in our area after doing their shift of work then went straight back to work next day. As German aircraft used the Tees mouth as the way in and out when attacking the inland cities they did not get much rest and neither did we.
Your Father in law probably did the same allowing the Regular Soldiers to be trained to invade France when the time came.
Nothing on TV is quite like the reality is it, I am glad they finally recognised the Sterling service those Home Guards did at long last.
Frank. -
Message 42
Posted by nanpickle (U14258493) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
Hi Guys - hope you are all well. Are you all being terrorised by the HUGE spiders that seem to be invading everywhere ? This morning I saw the 3rd this week - on the ceiling of the spare bedroom. Door is now shut and barricaded until OH gets home (by which time the wretched thing will no doubt have moved off to lay in wait for me somewhere else). I know of at least 4 other folk who have found them as well. I tolerate them in the garden or shed, but NOT in my house. That is my space. Nan x
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Message 43
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
Hi Nan,
When did you ever hear of a Nana or anyone else being dragged away and eaten by a spider? They cannot eat a whole one of us or they burst and make a mess all over.
Think of them as removing all those other things we never see hidden in the tuck between carpet and skirting board, the small mouse, odd beaver and giant mites.
Unless you are in Italy doing the Tarantella with something that has eight legs and as many eye's you are safe.
I am sure that if you walk about with your nose in the air the spider will be saying, "Look at that stuck up madam" and carry on playing dont get caught whilst wooing a female spider, now that can have dire consequences but only for the male spider.
Live and let live Nan.
Frank. -
Message 44
Posted by Rainjustlearning (U12861332) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
I'm with you on the spider front Nan, I don't like them either, I 'live and let live' they can live as long as they live somewhere else, otherwise it's cat fodder or a boot, it's an irrational fear I know but they frighten me something silly.
Rain -
Message 45
Posted by nanpickle (U14258493) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
Frank I KNOW everything you say makes sense and there is no logical reason for my fear (apart from my step brothers locking me in the bike shed with a huge one when I was around 7 years old). I am a lot better now than I used to be, as I said I will tolerate them elsewhere, just no in my house. I do have one of those spider catcher thingys but the handle would need to be at least 6' longer for me to use it, so OH has to put them outside and I tell him not to let them go near to the house in case they return. Nan x
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Message 46
Posted by jo4eyes (U13654107) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
Oh Nan, daughter was only asking where 'Samantha2' had gone! She lives somewhere on our landing/stairs & was heading in direction of daughter's door when last seen. She's number 2 as I assume the original is long gone to spider heaven or wherever they go. The ceiling is so high that I wouldnt be able to get at her anyway. By the way assume female as vague memory of being told that they were many yrs ago. J.
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Message 47
Posted by Palaisglide (U3102587) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
Nan,
Irrational fears are not to be laughed at, I once had a lad in my unit from London who had a total fear of any area not surrounded by buildings. It was a bit awkward when we were out on L of C in the desert and pulled in for the night, no white porcelain toilets out there, it was a shovel and walk out from the camp a dozen paces or more.
A clear sky, a star-scape that was brilliant, you could have navigated anywhere by just looking up. Not him, under a wagon while we all cat called.
When we moved on to Cyprus and up into the mountains, he would jam himself between two of the patrol and would have tied them all together if they had let him. It was a genuine fear of open space.
One of my daughters has a total fear of any flying insect, I can sit among the plants with bees flying in and out she will not come near sitting in the conservatory instead.
I just see them all, spiders too, as gardeners friends and talk to the big spider in the garage.
Frank. -
Message 48
Posted by jonwen (U14345720) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
many thanks Trillium and GCG its a greatgrandaughter Olivia Jane I hope she will grow up and enjoy gardening as much as I ,for her birth date I bought a Royal Mint Proof Coin Set (cased) as a keepsake.
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Message 49
Posted by Summerchild (U14187397) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
jonwen, that is a lovely present for your greatgranddaughter to treasure as she grows up. Won't break like china, and won't fade and crumble like a dated newspaper. Congratulations on your expanding dynasty. My father had ten greatgrandchildren and he used to turn to my mother and say, "Look what we started."
Frank, your mention of reserved occupations made me think of my Dad who worked on the Avro bomber by day and fire-watched at night. He had lots of tales to tell and often they were about daft things Mum did. In the early hours of one dark night he came home and could not find his way about, stumbling and banging his shins. He thought he must be in the wrong house until he lit a match and realised that his young bride had moved all the furniture around, to relieve her boredom while he was away.
Nan, My youngest is feels the same about spiders,
but the stipulation is that when I catch and remove them they should not be harmed. Tricky.
Summer -
Message 50
Posted by Twiggy (U3854938) on Thursday, 26th August 2010
'If you wish to live and thrive, let a spider run alive', and I do. Don't bother me at all and I have over the years been chief spider catcher. Have permanent residents in my lounge somewhere. My daughter, on the other hand, is petrified. My two sons once caught one and left it on her dressing table under a glass. Guess who had to rescue them, (sons), when she came home and found it.
I have developed more and more 'phobias' as I have got older, all totally irrational I know, but as hard as I try, I cannot shake them off. My biggest one is fear of flying, or rather crashing. Never flown. Furthest I have ever been is Lands End.
Congratulations jonwen on the birth of your greatgranddaughter and what a lovely name.
Granddaughter is cast free!! Really pleased that she won't be walking down the aisle with a purple cast on her arm.
Son never made it to Ibiza. His phobia about being away from home kicked in and he could not face going. I had hoped that this time he would be OK. Feel so sorry for him but don't know what the answer is. Have told him not to dwell on it, what's done is done. We both had a cry together. Silly pair.
Great History lesson Frank. I mean that. It's really interesting to hear how things were from those who have been there.
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