We went to a carvery when we went to stay with friends in England last May. I've never seen such big helpings or such fat people. It was the potatoes and Yorkshire puddings piled high and huge amounts of meat with hardly any veg that shocked me.
I saw that bit about the numbers of homeless in England, that was shocking too. Surely they can do something, Obelixx's idea sounds sensible. The difference between rich and poor is more noticeable in England than in France.
A French friend is popping in this morning. She was my first French friend here but they moved to Brittany when her OH retired. She's on a friends and family visit.
After lunch I'm going to my dentist son to get my inlay fitted.
Then later this afternoon OH is coming back from his trip to Norfolk. Have missed him.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
I am old fashioned and like choosing my Christmas cards. Always buy them from charities that have been involved with. MND and Quarriers. Lots of friends say "we are not sending cards but donating to charity instead". Well I feel I do both this way. It would be easier not to and I dont remember anyone ever telling me how much they gave. Rant over
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A A Milne
Good morning. Sunny and 11C now after a chilly but not frosty start. More socks made and a fairly compliant Cosmos sorted. Yes Joyce - I think, despite the sock, his paw must be more comfy now.
Belgium doesn't really do Xmas cards tho some do NY greetings. They also have strict rules on envelope sizes for normal stamp rates. Triple rates if you go out of bounds. After several tries we now buy RHS cards which conform in size and are seasonal and decorative. Our list has reduced a lot since we both worked and played in England and now it's just close friends and family.
Pat - your pie looks good. I have a healthy recipe for mushroom and barley risotto which is very tasty and satisfying. No pastry for me till Xmas! Except maybe 2 meals as both OH and I have birthdays in the next 4 weeks.
Busy - course you miss OH. Hope he gets back safely and happy.
Dove - I hope WW gets her Felco's. Brilliant dooberries. Love mine.
I hope you all get some sunshine today.
Last edited: 09 November 2017 09:50:21
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Oh yes, I send cards to friends and family ... I try to get ones that benefit my chosen charity and give a donation ... I don't have parents any more and I don't have grandchildren and the step grandchildren are adults now so not a lot of presents to buy at Christmas ... so I spend a bit on those who need it
As for Wonky's Felco's ... I understand Santa's elves have been informed
Have a good trip Mr BL
Obelixx ... how's Cosmos' poorly paw?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
It has topped bleeding Dove and is looking cleaner but the central part of his big pad still looks rather raw. Here's hoping he heals completely.
Joyce - I've looked but the recipe is in a book of healthy recipes I gave to Possum when we moved. I'll ask her to scan it and send it but, from memory, you just make a risotto but with barley instead of rice.
The difference is that the onions or shallots are softened in dry sherry or fat free stock and the barely and stock can all go in at once as it doesn't have to be stirred constantly like risotto rice. No cream, butter or Parmesan. Mushrooms of your choice and some peas and fresh herbs to finish if you like.
I tend to cheat and use the quick, 10 minute cook barley rather than pearl barley. It works well with whole spelt grains too but they need 40 minutes.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
Morning all. Grey and wet.
We went to a carvery when we went to stay with friends in England last May. I've never seen such big helpings or such fat people. It was the potatoes and Yorkshire puddings piled high and huge amounts of meat with hardly any veg that shocked me.
I saw that bit about the numbers of homeless in England, that was shocking too. Surely they can do something, Obelixx's idea sounds sensible. The difference between rich and poor is more noticeable in England than in France.
A French friend is popping in this morning. She was my first French friend here but they moved to Brittany when her OH retired. She's on a friends and family visit.
After lunch I'm going to my dentist son to get my inlay fitted.
Then later this afternoon OH is coming back from his trip to Norfolk. Have missed him.
Each Christmas we choose a charity to donate to ... This year it's Shelter and also Crisis at Christmas. There's a huge need at the moment.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Morning all, nice morning here
I am old fashioned and like choosing my Christmas cards. Always buy them from charities that have been involved with. MND and Quarriers. Lots of friends say "we are not sending cards but donating to charity instead". Well I feel I do both this way. It would be easier not to and I dont remember anyone ever telling me how much they gave. Rant over
A A Milne
Morning all. Evening Pat.
Sun and blue sky here too LP.
Local hospice cards and Alzheimer and Crossroads donations for the past ten years. Sorted.
A nice welcome home meal being prepared Busy?
Morning all.
I gave in last night and went to bed at 8.45pm and fell asleep instantly. Hubby came to bed at 10 and that was me wide awake until 3am.
More rain overnight and drizzle still.
Good morning. Sunny and 11C now after a chilly but not frosty start. More socks made and a fairly compliant Cosmos sorted. Yes Joyce - I think, despite the sock, his paw must be more comfy now.
Belgium doesn't really do Xmas cards tho some do NY greetings. They also have strict rules on envelope sizes for normal stamp rates. Triple rates if you go out of bounds. After several tries we now buy RHS cards which conform in size and are seasonal and decorative. Our list has reduced a lot since we both worked and played in England and now it's just close friends and family.
Pat - your pie looks good. I have a healthy recipe for mushroom and barley risotto which is very tasty and satisfying. No pastry for me till Xmas! Except maybe 2 meals as both OH and I have birthdays in the next 4 weeks.
Busy - course you miss OH. Hope he gets back safely and happy.
Dove - I hope WW gets her Felco's. Brilliant dooberries. Love mine.
I hope you all get some sunshine today.
Last edited: 09 November 2017 09:50:21
Obelixx, can I please have your mushroom and barley risotto recipe?
Oh yes, I send cards to friends and family ... I try to get ones that benefit my chosen charity and give a donation ... I don't have parents any more and I don't have grandchildren and the step grandchildren are adults now so not a lot of presents to buy at Christmas ... so I spend a bit on those who need it
As for Wonky's Felco's ... I understand Santa's elves have been informed
Have a good trip Mr BL
Obelixx ... how's Cosmos' poorly paw?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I buy 3 cards: one for each of my daughters and one for Hubby.
Hubby doesn't get a pressy , and I transfer money into my daughters' bank accounts on Christmas Eve.
Done.
It has topped bleeding Dove and is looking cleaner but the central part of his big pad still looks rather raw. Here's hoping he heals completely.
Joyce - I've looked but the recipe is in a book of healthy recipes I gave to Possum when we moved. I'll ask her to scan it and send it but, from memory, you just make a risotto but with barley instead of rice.
The difference is that the onions or shallots are softened in dry sherry or fat free stock and the barely and stock can all go in at once as it doesn't have to be stirred constantly like risotto rice. No cream, butter or Parmesan. Mushrooms of your choice and some peas and fresh herbs to finish if you like.
I tend to cheat and use the quick, 10 minute cook barley rather than pearl barley. It works well with whole spelt grains too but they need 40 minutes.