Just one more bed to make. Decorations will have to wait. 4 more refugee families have just arrived, have nothing, I'm going to help friends, who run a charity, with shopping for them. They don't speak French (the refugees).
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Last spring I potted up some snowdrops waiting for a bed to be cleared to re-plant them. They came with me, of course, and I can now see shoots! Need to make a bed here now as the existing beds are too sunny. I have dwarf dianthus in flower and trailing fuchsias and pink azaleas and yellow mahonia and pansies.
Went to La Rochelle yesterday to find one of Possum's prezzies and see the Xmas market. The town is beautiful with lots of old stone buildings and the old towers either side of the harbour entrance but the Xmas market is crap. One part is all food and drink stalls in a square in front of the police station - lots of vehicles but no visible police - and an old fashioned carousel for kiddies with really awful accordion music. Another section down by the port has gifty things but no Xmas decs and trinkets like you get in Germany. Lovely atmosphere in the shopping area tho and great lights on the old buildings and some good shops and cafés and restaurants.
It's a very easy drive from us so we'll be going again, lots, but not for the Xmas market!
We were promised sparse showers today and rain this evening. Not a drop so far. We've been moving furniture and hanging a tapestry and planning where to drill holes for pictures and mirrors after walkies before we start the big clean and putting up the tree and decs.
I hope all those feeling blue or fragile feel better for the festivities. A time for friends and family I think but I also sympathise with those who would feel better curled up with TV or a book and some chocs and shutting out the world.
Safe journey to all of you travelling and "courage" to all with shopping and cooking and cleaning still to do.
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)."
Afternoon all ?, too much to comment on I'm afraid but enjoy hubbies b/day topbird...??. Hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit and anyone that's ill, feels better soon. Just the two of us this year...(and all the animals) but it will be cosy and not much washing up lol ?. Don't usually have hubby at Christmas as he's usually away with work so it will be nice. Don't know who mentioned the chocolates etc but hubby has already devoured a box of quality street....??. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone.
Nearly fainted at the price but a special treat as is only 4of us this year. I have never cooked a goose before and been researching the best way but personal experience is the best recommendation. Has anyone any ideas?
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A A Milne
Prick the skin all over with a sharp fork, but don't penetrate the flesh. This will allow the fat to flow out rather than be absorbed by the meat. Drain the fat out of the roasting tin a couple of times during cooking, and save for roasting the potatoes in.
Stuff the body cavity with chopped apple and rub the skin with salt before roasting at 180C -
I find 2 to 2 hours 30 mins about right for a 10lb bird. Prick the thigh and when the juices run clear it's done. Rest in a warm place for at least half an hour while you cook the roast potatoes.
Enjoy! What time are you serving and where do you live?
I'll bring dessert ...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Ooh I think I might beat you in the race to LilyP's house Dove. I'm sure a slice will be reserved for when you get there. I can almost smell the sausage rolls and mince pies from here.
Lizzie well done for helping out the people in dire need, If refugees were scattered across the continent in different towns and villages they would get the kind of welcome your friend's charity encourages. If we walked in their shoes!.
GWRS - any spare sprouts? Well done for growing your own and hope Christmas dinner is all the tastier for it
Clarice there must be a better hiding place for the chocs
Thinking of you Pdoc - keep the sunlight going. Spring is almost in the air. Why oh why did I say that. Batten down the hatches for the next few days. The North of Scotland looks ripe to take a big hit
Liri I hope your journey isn't affected. If not, Bon voyage
I can be at your house in about an hour LP - unless the weather gets worse. I can do the roast potatoes if you like
Horrible cold sleet, hail and snowy rain here and has been for most of the afternoon. It's about 2 degrees now. I love those big dark snow/hail filled clouds in the sky though
I think you deserve a medal BL. Isn't that what this time of year should be about - helping those less fortunate? I'd take my hat off to you, but it's a bit chilly....
Good to 'see' you doc. Keep going - we're almost there now...longer days soon...
I have to go to the shops soon.
Daughter has iced her gingerbread biscuits....wonder if I can pinch one.....
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
Happy birthday, Mr Topbird.
Just one more bed to make. Decorations will have to wait. 4 more refugee families have just arrived, have nothing, I'm going to help friends, who run a charity, with shopping for them. They don't speak French (the refugees).
Last spring I potted up some snowdrops waiting for a bed to be cleared to re-plant them. They came with me, of course, and I can now see shoots! Need to make a bed here now as the existing beds are too sunny. I have dwarf dianthus in flower and trailing fuchsias and pink azaleas and yellow mahonia and pansies.
Went to La Rochelle yesterday to find one of Possum's prezzies and see the Xmas market. The town is beautiful with lots of old stone buildings and the old towers either side of the harbour entrance but the Xmas market is crap. One part is all food and drink stalls in a square in front of the police station - lots of vehicles but no visible police - and an old fashioned carousel for kiddies with really awful accordion music. Another section down by the port has gifty things but no Xmas decs and trinkets like you get in Germany. Lovely atmosphere in the shopping area tho and great lights on the old buildings and some good shops and cafés and restaurants.
It's a very easy drive from us so we'll be going again, lots, but not for the Xmas market!
We were promised sparse showers today and rain this evening. Not a drop so far. We've been moving furniture and hanging a tapestry and planning where to drill holes for pictures and mirrors after walkies before we start the big clean and putting up the tree and decs.
I hope all those feeling blue or fragile feel better for the festivities. A time for friends and family I think but I also sympathise with those who would feel better curled up with TV or a book and some chocs and shutting out the world.
Safe journey to all of you travelling and "courage" to all with shopping and cooking and cleaning still to do.
Afternoon all ?, too much to comment on I'm afraid but enjoy hubbies b/day topbird...??. Hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit and anyone that's ill, feels better soon. Just the two of us this year...(and all the animals) but it will be cosy and not much washing up lol ?. Don't usually have hubby at Christmas as he's usually away with work so it will be nice. Don't know who mentioned the chocolates etc but hubby has already devoured a box of quality street....??. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone.
Happy birthday to Mr Topbird
We now have a kitchen full of sausage rolls and mince pies - no touching - they're fresh out of the oven - aloe vera plant is on the windowsill
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
kitchen is the same here Dove
and look who has just arrived
Nearly fainted at the price but a special treat as is only 4of us this year. I have never cooked a goose before and been researching the best way but personal experience is the best recommendation. Has anyone any ideas?
A A Milne
Love roast goose!!!
Prick the skin all over with a sharp fork, but don't penetrate the flesh. This will allow the fat to flow out rather than be absorbed by the meat. Drain the fat out of the roasting tin a couple of times during cooking, and save for roasting the potatoes in.
Stuff the body cavity with chopped apple and rub the skin with salt before roasting at 180C -
I find 2 to 2 hours 30 mins about right for a 10lb bird. Prick the thigh and when the juices run clear it's done. Rest in a warm place for at least half an hour while you cook the roast potatoes.
Enjoy! What time are you serving and where do you live?
I'll bring dessert ...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Mince pies with orange pastry - cream or brandy butter?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
A dollop of double cream please, Dove
Ooh I think I might beat you in the race to LilyP's house Dove
. I'm sure a slice will be reserved for when you get there
. I can almost smell the sausage rolls and mince pies from here.
Lizzie well done for helping out the people in dire need, If refugees were scattered across the continent in different towns and villages they would get the kind of welcome your friend's charity encourages. If we walked in their shoes!.
GWRS - any spare sprouts? Well done for growing your own and hope Christmas dinner is all the tastier for it
Clarice there must be a better hiding place for the chocs
Thinking of you Pdoc - keep the sunlight going. Spring is almost in the air. Why oh why did I say that. Batten down the hatches for the next few days. The North of Scotland looks ripe to take a big hit
Liri I hope your journey isn't affected. If not, Bon voyage
I can be at your house in about an hour LP - unless the weather gets worse. I can do the roast potatoes if you like
Horrible cold sleet, hail and snowy rain here and has been for most of the afternoon. It's about 2 degrees now. I love those big dark snow/hail filled clouds in the sky though
I think you deserve a medal BL. Isn't that what this time of year should be about - helping those less fortunate? I'd take my hat off to you, but it's a bit chilly....
Good to 'see' you doc. Keep going - we're almost there now...longer days soon...
I have to go to the shops soon.
Daughter has iced her gingerbread biscuits....wonder if I can pinch one.....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...