Today is Best Brother's 65th birthday, and so TBSITW drove me over to wish him Happy Birthday and even to sing it. He dutifully blew out his candle and made a wish. We took with us, as well as a small gift to mark the event, the Christmas presents for his various grandchildren. We shall see them all over the festive season, but I do like to get gifts by the appropriate date.
I was most disgruntled to note that he is still younger than me, but catching up.......
After that we went to a store that was advertising a good deal on a particular electrical item and this purchase was successfully made. To my amazement, there is now a new Tesco store, and it was rather quiet (which made it more enticing).
Home, James, and don't spare the horses.
By this time I was far too late for the bridge club (as I had known), but was in time for Scrabbleesence made it 6 and so we had 2 tables of 3. Good fun to catch up with all of them again. Once we had had a cup of tea and mince pie, J. came round to have a G and T, with a slice of lemon
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Monday, 15 December 2008
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Enjoyable Tesco Shopping.
All praise where it is due!
Yesterday brought the most disparate of weather systems: some of the time the skies were blue and the sun was shining, but at other times the clouds covered the skies and some of them were ominously black. When the black clouds appeared the wind got up and was really quite fierce; at the same time the skies chucked down so much rain. The rain was just stotting off the pavements and the roads. The lorries threw up so much muck and water it was positively dangerous. First off I went to my GP surgery for my fluvac and then returned home.
Shortly after, TBSITW collected me to go shopping. First we went to a near by town to get some fish, then we had to go to big city to collect a parcel for which DHL had left a card to say they had tried to deliver……. (You know the sort of thing). Anyway we collected that and headed off back to Tesco. It is the first time in a while we have shopped together. It was just so much fun. We went our separate ways and agreed to meet just inside the entrance when we had finished. Usually on my own, by the time I get to the checkout I just about lose the will to live.
This time TBSITW asked me as we met by chance if I had remembered the antihistamine for insect bites. I said I couldn’t find any in spite of searching, but shortly after she came back having found some (it was very low down.)
So, I finished my shopping and found a charming gentleman at the till who put my shopping through and packed my bags for me, and then I went and found a seat at the door to wait for TBSITW.
Now when we arrived there was a table with about 4 chairs and when I came back they were still there, but almost immediately after someone came and removed the table and the other chairs. I said I was just waiting for my sister and was that all right. “Certainly”.
I had bought two lemon sole fillets for my evening meal, but having eaten too much for a very late lunch I saved them for today.
Yesterday brought the most disparate of weather systems: some of the time the skies were blue and the sun was shining, but at other times the clouds covered the skies and some of them were ominously black. When the black clouds appeared the wind got up and was really quite fierce; at the same time the skies chucked down so much rain. The rain was just stotting off the pavements and the roads. The lorries threw up so much muck and water it was positively dangerous. First off I went to my GP surgery for my fluvac and then returned home.
Shortly after, TBSITW collected me to go shopping. First we went to a near by town to get some fish, then we had to go to big city to collect a parcel for which DHL had left a card to say they had tried to deliver……. (You know the sort of thing). Anyway we collected that and headed off back to Tesco. It is the first time in a while we have shopped together. It was just so much fun. We went our separate ways and agreed to meet just inside the entrance when we had finished. Usually on my own, by the time I get to the checkout I just about lose the will to live.
This time TBSITW asked me as we met by chance if I had remembered the antihistamine for insect bites. I said I couldn’t find any in spite of searching, but shortly after she came back having found some (it was very low down.)
So, I finished my shopping and found a charming gentleman at the till who put my shopping through and packed my bags for me, and then I went and found a seat at the door to wait for TBSITW.
Now when we arrived there was a table with about 4 chairs and when I came back they were still there, but almost immediately after someone came and removed the table and the other chairs. I said I was just waiting for my sister and was that all right. “Certainly”.
I had bought two lemon sole fillets for my evening meal, but having eaten too much for a very late lunch I saved them for today.
Thursday, 9 October 2008
A Case of Mistaken Venue
Yesterday morning I set off to meet daughter in Marks and Spenser at 12.45. As I was up and about early I decided to get going.
Now on Tuesday it was a BIG MISTAKE going to Dobbies, but yesterday it was an EVEN BIGGER MISTAKE going to Marks and Spencer early..
Idly wandering round I found a pair of black pull on trousers similar to many which I own, so that went in the trolley.
Then I found a grey skirt with a gored bottom, similar to but different from the one I wore to the Bridge Club Autumn Hat Night.
However, I next found a Burgundy skirt of a similar shape, but in a colour which is new to me, so the trousers and grey skirt went back on the rails. I then met an assistant and asked if they had any nice tops to go with the skirt as I had already found the limitations of my own wardrobe..
She was excellent. She led me to a lovely blouse which I put in my basket in two sizes, and my eye was then caught by a less “dressy” one which I also put in my trolley in two sizes.
After that I happened to mention that I was most unhappy about not being able to find a black outdoor jacket. She took me to see a ¾ length coat (which is what I would call a jacket) but it was in a size smaller than I wear. However I tried it on and looked at it in the mirror. Now at the time I was wearing a vest, a thermal vest, a black polo neck and a pink wool polo neck sweater. Even with all that, it looked great.
I think this was a wonderful (and unexpected) instance of having a 'personal shopper'.
So off to the changing rooms, in each case choosing the smaller of the two sizes then off to pay.
At that point I made for the shoe department where I was due to meet daughter and sank down into a seat.
And waited.
Then a text message arrived saying “Je suis arrivee”. I texted back to say I was in the shoe department. She said no I wasn’t.
At last it dawned on her that I had gone to the “only” Marks and Spencer that I know and she had gone to her local one. I couldn’t have found it as I have never been there before.
However I said I would very happily go over and meet her at her home. I then went and bought a sandwich and a small bottle of lemon refresher and set off. It was a very easy journey, all on dual carriageway or motorway, so I reached her house and she wasn’t there. I then made a start on a sandwich when up she pulled behind me.
So in the end we did have lunch together, just not at the expected venue. It was great to have a good chat, and I even met up with younger grandson. I also had to show her my purchases of which she approved! When she saw me to the car, I discovered that I had parked impeccably about 1 inch from the kerb and absolutely parallel. Usually I seem to park within walking distance of the kerb.
At the end I drove home with my goodies, got the car beautifully reverse parked, had my supper, read and went to bed.
The tale of mistaken venue will be familiar to TBSITW.
Quite some years ago she and I were to meet daughter at a (named) garden centre. We got there and searched the place for her. Once again on that occasion she had gone to a garden centre of the same name but at a different location.
It just goes to show that assumptions can be dangerous……
Now on Tuesday it was a BIG MISTAKE going to Dobbies, but yesterday it was an EVEN BIGGER MISTAKE going to Marks and Spencer early..
Idly wandering round I found a pair of black pull on trousers similar to many which I own, so that went in the trolley.
Then I found a grey skirt with a gored bottom, similar to but different from the one I wore to the Bridge Club Autumn Hat Night.
However, I next found a Burgundy skirt of a similar shape, but in a colour which is new to me, so the trousers and grey skirt went back on the rails. I then met an assistant and asked if they had any nice tops to go with the skirt as I had already found the limitations of my own wardrobe..
She was excellent. She led me to a lovely blouse which I put in my basket in two sizes, and my eye was then caught by a less “dressy” one which I also put in my trolley in two sizes.
After that I happened to mention that I was most unhappy about not being able to find a black outdoor jacket. She took me to see a ¾ length coat (which is what I would call a jacket) but it was in a size smaller than I wear. However I tried it on and looked at it in the mirror. Now at the time I was wearing a vest, a thermal vest, a black polo neck and a pink wool polo neck sweater. Even with all that, it looked great.
I think this was a wonderful (and unexpected) instance of having a 'personal shopper'.
So off to the changing rooms, in each case choosing the smaller of the two sizes then off to pay.
At that point I made for the shoe department where I was due to meet daughter and sank down into a seat.
And waited.
Then a text message arrived saying “Je suis arrivee”. I texted back to say I was in the shoe department. She said no I wasn’t.
At last it dawned on her that I had gone to the “only” Marks and Spencer that I know and she had gone to her local one. I couldn’t have found it as I have never been there before.
However I said I would very happily go over and meet her at her home. I then went and bought a sandwich and a small bottle of lemon refresher and set off. It was a very easy journey, all on dual carriageway or motorway, so I reached her house and she wasn’t there. I then made a start on a sandwich when up she pulled behind me.
So in the end we did have lunch together, just not at the expected venue. It was great to have a good chat, and I even met up with younger grandson. I also had to show her my purchases of which she approved! When she saw me to the car, I discovered that I had parked impeccably about 1 inch from the kerb and absolutely parallel. Usually I seem to park within walking distance of the kerb.
At the end I drove home with my goodies, got the car beautifully reverse parked, had my supper, read and went to bed.
The tale of mistaken venue will be familiar to TBSITW.
Quite some years ago she and I were to meet daughter at a (named) garden centre. We got there and searched the place for her. Once again on that occasion she had gone to a garden centre of the same name but at a different location.
It just goes to show that assumptions can be dangerous……
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Church and worse
It is a lovely warm day here today, but nevertheless I put on my thermals to cope with the cold in the Church. Today was the third of our Statutory four Communion Services each year and , as usual, the Church was packed (with about 400 or so). The numbers present in themselves raise the temperature inside the building, so perhaps I did not need all the extra layers.
The reading was once more the parable of the talents. After confirming once again that in the parable the talents were money he expanded the lesson to mean the talents that we have all been given by God - and do we use these talents wisely? He asked if we thought our politicians used their talents wisely. That raised a laugh followed by a resounding no!
After the service I went once again to the big garden centre because I had spotted some things there the last time I visited - just silly nothings - which I wanted to buy before they disappeared. Our bridge club has a social and competition evening just before Christmas. They put on a good spread too.
I hope to win the competition for the best Christmas outfit. (Note that this does not require there to be any good taste involved.) I have the usual red tinsel to wear as a scarf, a flashing santa hat, a flashing handbag charm, and - the piece de resistance - a flashing biro for recording my score.
How about then, soup fans?
While there I had the usual cheese scone and lemon refresher for lunch then went to the big supermarket A***. I trailed around getting hotter, then by the time I was standing at the checkout I was feeling faint. I apologised and sat down for a bit, then had to speak to an assistant and apologise that I just had to abandon my shopping and go home. She was really nice. I went into one of the loos and removed two thermal layers and splashed my hands and face with cold water. After that I felt better and headed home but dropped in to the little A*** for one or two things that I really needed. Thank goodness for air conditioning in the car!
The reading was once more the parable of the talents. After confirming once again that in the parable the talents were money he expanded the lesson to mean the talents that we have all been given by God - and do we use these talents wisely? He asked if we thought our politicians used their talents wisely. That raised a laugh followed by a resounding no!
After the service I went once again to the big garden centre because I had spotted some things there the last time I visited - just silly nothings - which I wanted to buy before they disappeared. Our bridge club has a social and competition evening just before Christmas. They put on a good spread too.
I hope to win the competition for the best Christmas outfit. (Note that this does not require there to be any good taste involved.) I have the usual red tinsel to wear as a scarf, a flashing santa hat, a flashing handbag charm, and - the piece de resistance - a flashing biro for recording my score.
How about then, soup fans?
While there I had the usual cheese scone and lemon refresher for lunch then went to the big supermarket A***. I trailed around getting hotter, then by the time I was standing at the checkout I was feeling faint. I apologised and sat down for a bit, then had to speak to an assistant and apologise that I just had to abandon my shopping and go home. She was really nice. I went into one of the loos and removed two thermal layers and splashed my hands and face with cold water. After that I felt better and headed home but dropped in to the little A*** for one or two things that I really needed. Thank goodness for air conditioning in the car!
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Sundays
Our Church is always cold, particularly in summer ironically enough, due to the height of the roof, and the size of the building. This morning I went prepared and wore my thermal vest and long johns as well as a cotton polo neck under my polo neck all topped off with a fleece. Did I mention that I took my woolly Iceland mitts?
It was a good service with both the minister and the associate minister in attendance. The minister always shakes hands inside the door while the associate minister stands outside. He is a good man and when he sees me struggling a bit to get through a rather awkward two steps up and two steps down exit he steps forward to assist me - much appreciated.
I was still cold when I got back to the car, but I set off with the heater on full blast to buy some more long life bulbs TBSITW changed the ones at the window end of my sitting room, but one is not going on - may just need another slight screw in. So I got one to replace that one if it proves necessary and three to put by for the (hopefully distant) future.
After that I went to the big garden centre and bought one or two things before returning home to have a lunch of a crisp white loaf bought there served with cheddar and tomatoes accompanied by a glass of Fursty Ferret ale, followed by a slice of an apple and bramble tart.
Now quite warm and going to relax for the rest of the day.
It was a good service with both the minister and the associate minister in attendance. The minister always shakes hands inside the door while the associate minister stands outside. He is a good man and when he sees me struggling a bit to get through a rather awkward two steps up and two steps down exit he steps forward to assist me - much appreciated.
I was still cold when I got back to the car, but I set off with the heater on full blast to buy some more long life bulbs TBSITW changed the ones at the window end of my sitting room, but one is not going on - may just need another slight screw in. So I got one to replace that one if it proves necessary and three to put by for the (hopefully distant) future.
After that I went to the big garden centre and bought one or two things before returning home to have a lunch of a crisp white loaf bought there served with cheddar and tomatoes accompanied by a glass of Fursty Ferret ale, followed by a slice of an apple and bramble tart.
Now quite warm and going to relax for the rest of the day.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Shopping
This morning a phone call from TBSITW led to a trip to a near by small town which has a really good fishmonger; my eyes were out on stalks as I surveyed all the merchandise. In the end I settled for some broken haddock fillets and a smoked haddock fillet with which I plan to make a kedgeree.
Now that I know the extent of fish which they stock, I shall decide on a recipe beforehand and then go and buy.
After that we went on to the big supermarket which starts with T. It was actually rather fun to go round it with TBSITW - much better than on my own.
After that we came home and had a small glass of Manzanilla, nicely chilled out of the fridge.
So, having had a brief rest it is now off to the stove!
Later:
when I went to pay for my shopping in T@@@@, I could not find their credit card, so paid with my other one. I knew I had had it out at home to update the details on Amazon, so expected it to be beside the computer.
Oh, no.
So, I did a real search and still could not find it (and yes, I did empty my bag and my purse completely.
So, of course I had to report it lost. That's it now stopped and a new one should arrive in about a week.
Not a problem, but a bore.
So that dealt with, I made a kedgeree with the fish I bought earlier. It is my daughter's recipe, shamelessly stolen!
You will find the recipe on my recipe blog.
Now that I know the extent of fish which they stock, I shall decide on a recipe beforehand and then go and buy.
After that we went on to the big supermarket which starts with T. It was actually rather fun to go round it with TBSITW - much better than on my own.
After that we came home and had a small glass of Manzanilla, nicely chilled out of the fridge.
So, having had a brief rest it is now off to the stove!
Later:
when I went to pay for my shopping in T@@@@, I could not find their credit card, so paid with my other one. I knew I had had it out at home to update the details on Amazon, so expected it to be beside the computer.
Oh, no.
So, I did a real search and still could not find it (and yes, I did empty my bag and my purse completely.
So, of course I had to report it lost. That's it now stopped and a new one should arrive in about a week.
Not a problem, but a bore.
So that dealt with, I made a kedgeree with the fish I bought earlier. It is my daughter's recipe, shamelessly stolen!
You will find the recipe on my recipe blog.
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Exercises, Hair, Shopping and so on
This morning I headed off bright and early (or, at least, early) to my physiotherapy exercise class. I was able to do everything (much to my surprise) apart from the walk exercise. I found that every time I put my right foot down, it seemed to jolt my sore rib, which is, incidentally, a lot better.
After that I headed towards big city when the heavens opened. It was really quite scary driving through such driving, heavy rain. I just managed to keep an eye on the rear lights of the car in front and stayed in position behind him.
Don’t know what I would have done if he were going to London…….
I then went to M and S to try and get a sandwich for my lunch, but there were no disabled bays left, so I went on to the hairdresser to get my hair cut. After I came out, the sun was shining so I went to the supermarket to get a bottle or two of Noilly Prat. TBSITW had bought the last bottle on the shelves the last time she was there, but they had restocked.
Back in the car and heading home, the heavens once again opened, but by the time I got home it was more of a drizzle.
I have just finished reading The Princess of Burundi by Kjell Eriksson. Funnily enough, it was quite some time before I bought it as the title sounded rather twee. However, it is anything but twee (the princesses are fish).
I have long been an aficionado of detective novels particularly romans policiers, having started many years ago with Ian Rankin and his detective Rebus. Fairly recently I moved on to European fiction, starting with Italy and Sicily moving on to Spain, then Sweden with Henning Mankell, who led the way for many others from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Germany (all in translation, of course). Police procedural novels have much in common whichever country they come from, but the different countries and authors bring quite different flavours to their books.
Then a. called to my attention a French author, Fred Vargas, and sent me a copy in French. I was quite surprised how easy I found it to read. Since then I have read all her works which are translated into English, but have now found some in French available through Amazon and my first is winging its way to me even as I write this.
Le Chef has given me a copy of Madame Bovary in French to read, but I feel I need a bit more practice with the language first.
The Princess of Burundi differs from most of the others by not having a prominent hero so much as an ensemble cast; someone likened it to Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct novels.
Do you remember how I wrote on Sunday’s post that I had walked out of M and S in high dudgeon when the assistant denied that the label saying “2 for £5” about flowers which had been £2.99.
Well, today I got 2 bunches just as good from the supermarket – and at only £1.99 each.
Later, I had to go to the surgery for the asthma clinic run by the Nurse Practitioner. I had hoped for some improvement on last year, but at least it is stable, and people with c.o.p.d. usually deteriorate from year to year.
After that I headed towards big city when the heavens opened. It was really quite scary driving through such driving, heavy rain. I just managed to keep an eye on the rear lights of the car in front and stayed in position behind him.
Don’t know what I would have done if he were going to London…….
I then went to M and S to try and get a sandwich for my lunch, but there were no disabled bays left, so I went on to the hairdresser to get my hair cut. After I came out, the sun was shining so I went to the supermarket to get a bottle or two of Noilly Prat. TBSITW had bought the last bottle on the shelves the last time she was there, but they had restocked.
Back in the car and heading home, the heavens once again opened, but by the time I got home it was more of a drizzle.
I have just finished reading The Princess of Burundi by Kjell Eriksson. Funnily enough, it was quite some time before I bought it as the title sounded rather twee. However, it is anything but twee (the princesses are fish).
I have long been an aficionado of detective novels particularly romans policiers, having started many years ago with Ian Rankin and his detective Rebus. Fairly recently I moved on to European fiction, starting with Italy and Sicily moving on to Spain, then Sweden with Henning Mankell, who led the way for many others from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Germany (all in translation, of course). Police procedural novels have much in common whichever country they come from, but the different countries and authors bring quite different flavours to their books.
Then a. called to my attention a French author, Fred Vargas, and sent me a copy in French. I was quite surprised how easy I found it to read. Since then I have read all her works which are translated into English, but have now found some in French available through Amazon and my first is winging its way to me even as I write this.
Le Chef has given me a copy of Madame Bovary in French to read, but I feel I need a bit more practice with the language first.
The Princess of Burundi differs from most of the others by not having a prominent hero so much as an ensemble cast; someone likened it to Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct novels.
Do you remember how I wrote on Sunday’s post that I had walked out of M and S in high dudgeon when the assistant denied that the label saying “2 for £5” about flowers which had been £2.99.
Well, today I got 2 bunches just as good from the supermarket – and at only £1.99 each.
Later, I had to go to the surgery for the asthma clinic run by the Nurse Practitioner. I had hoped for some improvement on last year, but at least it is stable, and people with c.o.p.d. usually deteriorate from year to year.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Supermarkets, love 'em or hate 'em
At Church today, I was once again reminded of my advancing years! The sermon today was based from the parable of the wheat and the weeds - of course, I immediately recognised it as the parable of the wheat and the tares...
After Church, I took my car to the car wash (badly needed); this will have two inevitable effects: the nice shiny car will attract the immediate attention of an overflying albatross and of a a dirty great rain cloud.
Following on I went to a little local supermarket (A***) but there were no disabled parking bays; it is not just the distance to walk that matters but also the need to open the car door wide to allow easy ingress and egress. So, on to big supermarket (T****) where I got what I needed, in other words chicken thighs to make a casserole. I am still not at all sure whether organic is better than free range - in other words, can organic mean horrible shed raised but fed on organic meal? What I really wanted was organic free range and in the end went for organic. I wish I had bought some at the Farmers' Market the other week.
While at T**** I saw strawberries at half price and went to make sure they were Scottish, as were the raspberries, so I bought some of them too.
I am not being xenophobic here, it is merely a matter of food miles. Just to demonstrate this, I bought blackberries from Hants. One of the few disadvantages of the particular veg box to which I subscribe is that you never seem to get soft fruit.
I find it quite amazing how my ideas about food have changed over quite a short number of years, starting with the influence of Farmers' Markets and then of organic veg box deliveries. Some ideas have come from press items, but most is from thinking about things myself.
After Church, I took my car to the car wash (badly needed); this will have two inevitable effects: the nice shiny car will attract the immediate attention of an overflying albatross and of a a dirty great rain cloud.
Following on I went to a little local supermarket (A***) but there were no disabled parking bays; it is not just the distance to walk that matters but also the need to open the car door wide to allow easy ingress and egress. So, on to big supermarket (T****) where I got what I needed, in other words chicken thighs to make a casserole. I am still not at all sure whether organic is better than free range - in other words, can organic mean horrible shed raised but fed on organic meal? What I really wanted was organic free range and in the end went for organic. I wish I had bought some at the Farmers' Market the other week.
While at T**** I saw strawberries at half price and went to make sure they were Scottish, as were the raspberries, so I bought some of them too.
I am not being xenophobic here, it is merely a matter of food miles. Just to demonstrate this, I bought blackberries from Hants. One of the few disadvantages of the particular veg box to which I subscribe is that you never seem to get soft fruit.
I find it quite amazing how my ideas about food have changed over quite a short number of years, starting with the influence of Farmers' Markets and then of organic veg box deliveries. Some ideas have come from press items, but most is from thinking about things myself.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Happy Birthday to Me
The latest vegetable box contained potatoes and onions plus some lovely new carrots, two kohl rabi, a handful of courgettes, a bag of broad beans and a bag of broccoli. The fruit was 2 apples, 2 oranges, 2 kiwi fruit and a banana. Once again the delivery arrived after I had left for my physiotherapy class, however our wonderful House Manager took the bags in and gave the driver the 3 weeks' worth of empty bags and 3 weeks' worth of cheques.
Today I am another year older, which must be worth some sort of congratulations. I have had a lovely day, with a smashing present from TBSITW - a raffia pig filled with flowers. You might see the point of this if I tell you that she was born in the Chinese Year of the Pig. Le Chef gave me a mug from Culross Abbey to remind me of the wonderful choir there recently.
I should say that I had asked for photographs of everyone to expand my "rogues gallery", and elder son gave me a rather good photo frame which can hold 7 small photos.
TBSITW arrived just before 12, closely followed by the chiropodist (too much information) and then we went to a super farm shop between her home and daughter's home. We had a grand lunch and daughter gave me a lovely necklace of the kind that you put over your head, then double it round and put it over your head again. It was very thoughtful as she knows the difficulty I have with my hands. Her two sons gave me a photo frame (with the requested photo to follow at some point.)
The farm shop was good and I am glad to know how to get there. I didn't spend too much money as I had been shopping at the end of my week away.
After that we went to Sainsbury's - this may sound like nothing, but we have no access to any supermarket apart from A*** and T**** so I bought a few more things.
Now why did I forget kitchen roll?
An easy meal tonight after such a great day and tomorrow I have to start on a washing and a cook-in of lovely mince.
Today I am another year older, which must be worth some sort of congratulations. I have had a lovely day, with a smashing present from TBSITW - a raffia pig filled with flowers. You might see the point of this if I tell you that she was born in the Chinese Year of the Pig. Le Chef gave me a mug from Culross Abbey to remind me of the wonderful choir there recently.
I should say that I had asked for photographs of everyone to expand my "rogues gallery", and elder son gave me a rather good photo frame which can hold 7 small photos.
TBSITW arrived just before 12, closely followed by the chiropodist (too much information) and then we went to a super farm shop between her home and daughter's home. We had a grand lunch and daughter gave me a lovely necklace of the kind that you put over your head, then double it round and put it over your head again. It was very thoughtful as she knows the difficulty I have with my hands. Her two sons gave me a photo frame (with the requested photo to follow at some point.)
The farm shop was good and I am glad to know how to get there. I didn't spend too much money as I had been shopping at the end of my week away.
After that we went to Sainsbury's - this may sound like nothing, but we have no access to any supermarket apart from A*** and T**** so I bought a few more things.
Now why did I forget kitchen roll?
An easy meal tonight after such a great day and tomorrow I have to start on a washing and a cook-in of lovely mince.
Friday, 30 May 2008
The Hairdresser - and a Shopping Opportunity
Set off this morning quite early, so decided to go to the Post Office in the near by small town. For some reason, instead of taking my usual route to leave this town (the lowest one), I took the middle one.
Imagine my surprise when I saw, at the corner of a side road, a small general store and Post Office, so I took the next left and went round in a square to get back to it, and got my parcel posted. Apparently it has been there for almost 2 years!
So off I went with that job done, and on my way the signs on the overhead gantries were warning that an escorted load was ahead and to expect delays. Right enough, traffic was slow, but no sign of the escorted load. What did slow us down was, later on, an outdoor exhibition, with a lot of traffic turning into the car park.
Eventually arrived at shopping mall and went to M&S where I got some nice salad stuff, including pea shoots. Now, I remember frolicking foodie had a recipe for pea shoot soup, so I must look it up. I then had a cup of tea and a cheese scone with butter (a good start to my low fat diet - NOT), then had a look at the clothes. I found black trousers like the ones I wear (and I have lost a pair here - perhaps in the laundry room?), so of course I bought two pairs - because I am always afraid they won't stock them any more.
Then off to the hairdresser where I have a super cut and a colour. Don't tell TBSITW or she will give me a row;-)
Finally off back home with a clear run and in time to join the ladies in the lounge for a cup of tea and to pay the milkman.
The weather today has been mixed, starting off with just a smirr, then moving on to heavy rain, and it is dry now. Even with no sun it has been quite mild.
Imagine my surprise when I saw, at the corner of a side road, a small general store and Post Office, so I took the next left and went round in a square to get back to it, and got my parcel posted. Apparently it has been there for almost 2 years!
So off I went with that job done, and on my way the signs on the overhead gantries were warning that an escorted load was ahead and to expect delays. Right enough, traffic was slow, but no sign of the escorted load. What did slow us down was, later on, an outdoor exhibition, with a lot of traffic turning into the car park.
Eventually arrived at shopping mall and went to M&S where I got some nice salad stuff, including pea shoots. Now, I remember frolicking foodie had a recipe for pea shoot soup, so I must look it up. I then had a cup of tea and a cheese scone with butter (a good start to my low fat diet - NOT), then had a look at the clothes. I found black trousers like the ones I wear (and I have lost a pair here - perhaps in the laundry room?), so of course I bought two pairs - because I am always afraid they won't stock them any more.
Then off to the hairdresser where I have a super cut and a colour. Don't tell TBSITW or she will give me a row;-)
Finally off back home with a clear run and in time to join the ladies in the lounge for a cup of tea and to pay the milkman.
The weather today has been mixed, starting off with just a smirr, then moving on to heavy rain, and it is dry now. Even with no sun it has been quite mild.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Church and Shopping
To Church today for the second Sunday in Trinity. It was, as usual, a good sermon based this time on the letter of St Paul to the Galateans, and moving away from the view that Christianity was merely a sect of Judaism, with all Christians bound by the laws of the Old Testament, rather than of Christ in the New Testament.
Before we sang the last hymn, the minister told us that a young man (16 years old) was to play Bach's Toccata and fugue in D minor at the end and that anyone who wished to stay could do so. I haven't heard that played in Church since I was young and attended Inverleith Church in Edinburgh when the organist would play it from time to time. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
He got a very strong ovation at the end, and when I turned round to leave, I was delighted to see that most of the congregation had waited to hear him. On my way out, I discovered that he had started playing the organ only last September.
After that I went to the big supermarket beginning with a T and took back one of their "bags for life" and told the lady at Customer Services that it had died. So now I have two. She apologised that it was not the same design, but that was of no import. Got some greens and a lettuce as I have run out and creme fraiche and fruit compote. To my shame I also bought some grated cheddar as sometimes I find that the thought of grating can put me off altogether.
Before we sang the last hymn, the minister told us that a young man (16 years old) was to play Bach's Toccata and fugue in D minor at the end and that anyone who wished to stay could do so. I haven't heard that played in Church since I was young and attended Inverleith Church in Edinburgh when the organist would play it from time to time. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
He got a very strong ovation at the end, and when I turned round to leave, I was delighted to see that most of the congregation had waited to hear him. On my way out, I discovered that he had started playing the organ only last September.
After that I went to the big supermarket beginning with a T and took back one of their "bags for life" and told the lady at Customer Services that it had died. So now I have two. She apologised that it was not the same design, but that was of no import. Got some greens and a lettuce as I have run out and creme fraiche and fruit compote. To my shame I also bought some grated cheddar as sometimes I find that the thought of grating can put me off altogether.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Confession Time
In my last post I wrote that I was going to go back to the supermarket after Church today; however I rather thought I might spend more on petrol than I might gain by having the prices corrected.
So I phoned instead yesterday afternoon. After some time I got a call back saying that all the prices were correct.
Ooops.I never buy wine at £13.99 a bottle, so I really did get carried away.
The other thing that I did not mention yesterday was that I had a silly fall. I was trying to put on a certain item of underwear, and had the left foot through the leg hole and was balancing on that foot and with my right shoulder leaning against the chest of drawers, when I overbalanced and fell, landing on my left hip. No damage done and I got up again quickly and resumed dressing.
Last night I discovered that I had in fact bruised my hip and I wakened every time I turned over to that side in my sleep.
Still, worse disasters at sea (and I am so lucky not to have broken anything yet.).
I see this morning that I have quite a bit of bruising over the area.
So I phoned instead yesterday afternoon. After some time I got a call back saying that all the prices were correct.
Ooops.I never buy wine at £13.99 a bottle, so I really did get carried away.
The other thing that I did not mention yesterday was that I had a silly fall. I was trying to put on a certain item of underwear, and had the left foot through the leg hole and was balancing on that foot and with my right shoulder leaning against the chest of drawers, when I overbalanced and fell, landing on my left hip. No damage done and I got up again quickly and resumed dressing.
Last night I discovered that I had in fact bruised my hip and I wakened every time I turned over to that side in my sleep.
Still, worse disasters at sea (and I am so lucky not to have broken anything yet.).
I see this morning that I have quite a bit of bruising over the area.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Once Again, With Feeling...
Went this morning to near by small town to have the new spare tyre and decal fitted. Got there bang on 10 am as promised, parked in the forecourt, bent down to pick up my handbag..
..and there it was gone.
So back home again, collected handbag then back to garage.
Job done quickly.
So then I went on to a Metro branch of that supermarket that begins with T.
I had tried to place an order on-line with the one that starts with A, but so many things that I wanted were unavailable that I aborted.
At least I had a shopping list.....
I very rarely shop on foot as I find it too tiring, but thought I would have a go this time as it was a small branch.
Managed to find everything on my list.
However, I had forgotten how easy it was to be tempted when the goods were there in front of me...
So, over and above the list I bought Yeo Valley organic fruit compote and organic creme fraiche to go with it, and came up against some seriously good wine offers - half price on wines costing usually £14 or so - a claret, a Rioja and so on, and also 2 books for £7.
When I got to the checkout, the bill was over £100.....
Got back home, unpacked the shopping then checked the supermarket bill.
Okay, I know you should do this before you leave, but I defy anyone to hold up a growing queue to do this.
What has transpired is that the till programming did not recognise all the wine discounts.
So, I shall go back tomorrow after Church.
..and there it was gone.
So back home again, collected handbag then back to garage.
Job done quickly.
So then I went on to a Metro branch of that supermarket that begins with T.
I had tried to place an order on-line with the one that starts with A, but so many things that I wanted were unavailable that I aborted.
At least I had a shopping list.....
I very rarely shop on foot as I find it too tiring, but thought I would have a go this time as it was a small branch.
Managed to find everything on my list.
However, I had forgotten how easy it was to be tempted when the goods were there in front of me...
So, over and above the list I bought Yeo Valley organic fruit compote and organic creme fraiche to go with it, and came up against some seriously good wine offers - half price on wines costing usually £14 or so - a claret, a Rioja and so on, and also 2 books for £7.
When I got to the checkout, the bill was over £100.....
Got back home, unpacked the shopping then checked the supermarket bill.
Okay, I know you should do this before you leave, but I defy anyone to hold up a growing queue to do this.
What has transpired is that the till programming did not recognise all the wine discounts.
So, I shall go back tomorrow after Church.
Friday, 25 April 2008
The Car.....
Went to that nice Kwik-Fit as arranged for them to look at the wheel to order a new one in; they also checked the steering which was fine.
But they found the wheel was out of alignment and fixed that.
Just got a phone call to say that the new wheel won't be in until Tuesday, so I shall call in on my way back from physiotherapy classes.
On my way home, I popped in to the small Asda and found, to my horror that, not only did I not have a coin for the trolley, but that I did not have my purse. (Glad I did not find that out when I reached checkout with a full trolley!)
Came home and found it hiding under a book I was reading yesterday. It had got put down on the stool after I entered any credit card statements into Excel, then had later put the book down on top of it.
Silly me...
but successful shop done.
But they found the wheel was out of alignment and fixed that.
Just got a phone call to say that the new wheel won't be in until Tuesday, so I shall call in on my way back from physiotherapy classes.
On my way home, I popped in to the small Asda and found, to my horror that, not only did I not have a coin for the trolley, but that I did not have my purse. (Glad I did not find that out when I reached checkout with a full trolley!)
Came home and found it hiding under a book I was reading yesterday. It had got put down on the stool after I entered any credit card statements into Excel, then had later put the book down on top of it.
Silly me...
but successful shop done.
Monday, 7 April 2008
Shopping!
Perhaps it had something to do with the frustrations of yesterday that I sat down at the computer in the late afternoon.
However the story goes back a bit. I had a magnetic strip rack on the wall to hold all my knives. Unfortunately it came away from the wall at one end and all efforts to replace it failed. The problem is that it is a hollow wall and the bit of 'wall' where it was was only plasterboard.
So, the knives were lying on the top of the microwave, but this was not a satisfactory solution as I keep them sharp, so they could cause a nasty accident.
I went to big supermarket and bought a steel circles cutlery holder; unfortunately the tips of the knives went through the mesh at the bottom threatening my worktop. So I put all the kitchen cutlery (ladles, spoons, spatulae and so on) which had been in a big stoneware jar into the the steel holder and the knives in the stoneware jar.
Then, as this was not satisfactory either, I went on-line and ordered a knife block. It is rather a nice one, with a flat back to sit against the wall.
Started thinking about making the kitchen look even nicer (to live up to the new black-mix worktop and white tiles with country-ish picture tiles, and terracotta floor tiles, not to mention the redecoration (with thanks to generous elder son and daughter-in-law))...
... and thought that it would be good to have a kettle and toaster in brushed steel to go with the microwave, alongside which they sit.
So off to the Comet web site where I put up 4 of each to compare, selected the ones I wanted and ordered them on-line for collection today.
Got to Comet bright and early and chose a different kettle (after he had brought the ordered one out for me, and then chose a different toaster.) He was very patient and cheerful with me.
And I managed not to look at digital cameras.......
So, I reckon that all it needs is a bit of what we in my family call flubbadub to fill the holes left and a touch up of paint (and I just happen to have a tube of that in my cupboard.)
Now got both installed in the kitchen and they look good.
However the story goes back a bit. I had a magnetic strip rack on the wall to hold all my knives. Unfortunately it came away from the wall at one end and all efforts to replace it failed. The problem is that it is a hollow wall and the bit of 'wall' where it was was only plasterboard.
So, the knives were lying on the top of the microwave, but this was not a satisfactory solution as I keep them sharp, so they could cause a nasty accident.
I went to big supermarket and bought a steel circles cutlery holder; unfortunately the tips of the knives went through the mesh at the bottom threatening my worktop. So I put all the kitchen cutlery (ladles, spoons, spatulae and so on) which had been in a big stoneware jar into the the steel holder and the knives in the stoneware jar.
Then, as this was not satisfactory either, I went on-line and ordered a knife block. It is rather a nice one, with a flat back to sit against the wall.
Started thinking about making the kitchen look even nicer (to live up to the new black-mix worktop and white tiles with country-ish picture tiles, and terracotta floor tiles, not to mention the redecoration (with thanks to generous elder son and daughter-in-law))...
... and thought that it would be good to have a kettle and toaster in brushed steel to go with the microwave, alongside which they sit.
So off to the Comet web site where I put up 4 of each to compare, selected the ones I wanted and ordered them on-line for collection today.
Got to Comet bright and early and chose a different kettle (after he had brought the ordered one out for me, and then chose a different toaster.) He was very patient and cheerful with me.
And I managed not to look at digital cameras.......
So, I reckon that all it needs is a bit of what we in my family call flubbadub to fill the holes left and a touch up of paint (and I just happen to have a tube of that in my cupboard.)
Now got both installed in the kitchen and they look good.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Oh What A Beautiful Morning....
....Oh what a beautiful day. (with apologies to Oklahoma.)
Yesterday as a contrast from the day before was a lovely day with the sun shining from a clear blue sky and temperatures up to 14.5 C. I needed sunglasses on and the air conditioning on in the car.
The Best Sister In The World came for a visit with a lovely 3-legged friend. She popped out to the shops and got me the toffee and marshmallows that I would need for my golden krispie recipe, along with some other goodies including to-die-for millionaire shortbread pieces. It is very dangerous to visit Thorntons…..
While she was out I went to finish some stuff on the computer, and when I went back, my 3-legged friend was lying looking very comfortable on the settee. I hadn’t the heart to push her off, and in fact didn’t mind at all. I decided to take a photograph, but before I could sister returned and she hopped off. Sister was most surprised that she was able to get up there, but I can promise she got no help from me.
After she left, I went to big supermarket that I don’t like, but needs must, and got the bun tin, a new roasting tin (mine was a disgrace!) and a couple of storage containers as well as some household and cooking things (like caster sugar and icing sugar as well as apples and brie.
It is so good to sit looking out at the sun shining on the honey coloured wall opposite. Hope it lasts.
Came back from said supermarket and realised I had forgotten a couple of things. So off I trudged (in the car!) to the near by supermarket and got the shopping finished. If the weather hadn’t been so good, you would never have tempted me out again.
So, what with 2 visits from sister (and 2 cups of tea) a successful shop and such lovely weather, it was a really good day.
Had a salad for my tea including my famous potato salad.
(Ran blog spellcheck . It does not like didn't or hadn't!)
Yesterday as a contrast from the day before was a lovely day with the sun shining from a clear blue sky and temperatures up to 14.5 C. I needed sunglasses on and the air conditioning on in the car.
The Best Sister In The World came for a visit with a lovely 3-legged friend. She popped out to the shops and got me the toffee and marshmallows that I would need for my golden krispie recipe, along with some other goodies including to-die-for millionaire shortbread pieces. It is very dangerous to visit Thorntons…..
While she was out I went to finish some stuff on the computer, and when I went back, my 3-legged friend was lying looking very comfortable on the settee. I hadn’t the heart to push her off, and in fact didn’t mind at all. I decided to take a photograph, but before I could sister returned and she hopped off. Sister was most surprised that she was able to get up there, but I can promise she got no help from me.
After she left, I went to big supermarket that I don’t like, but needs must, and got the bun tin, a new roasting tin (mine was a disgrace!) and a couple of storage containers as well as some household and cooking things (like caster sugar and icing sugar as well as apples and brie.
It is so good to sit looking out at the sun shining on the honey coloured wall opposite. Hope it lasts.
Came back from said supermarket and realised I had forgotten a couple of things. So off I trudged (in the car!) to the near by supermarket and got the shopping finished. If the weather hadn’t been so good, you would never have tempted me out again.
So, what with 2 visits from sister (and 2 cups of tea) a successful shop and such lovely weather, it was a really good day.
Had a salad for my tea including my famous potato salad.
(Ran blog spellcheck . It does not like didn't or hadn't!)
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Ruby Tuesday?
Last Friday saw the end of the 16 physiotherapy exercise classes. Each class lasted an hour and used exercises to make use of most of the muscle groups. As the classes were for pulmonary rehabilitation, there was also good health education concerning COPD.
So sadly we came to the end.
However it was great news to discover that follow-on classes were to be held over an hour on a Tuesday.
Today was the first Tuesday and there were many new faces ?from other earlier groups.
Because I had been doing my best to keep the exercises going between classes, I was somewhat sore today, and only just managed to do what I was doing last week.
On the way home I decided to go to Big Garden Centre on the edge of town, largely because I wanted mushrooms to form part of a cottage pie. All the vegetables looked in the best of condition, so I bought a cauliflower too. I then started looking idly at the meat counter (had looked before, but not bought). However the butcher asked if he could help and I said I was only looking, but then asked him where he sourced his meat to find it is all local – and it is also slaughtered locally. So I bought a small piece of a rack of lamb, a rib eye steak and a piece of pork fillet stuffed with haggis. I also (oh dear) bought a small sticky toffee pudding and some organic dates. Went on to buy 6 bottles of wine. Good to get that too.
I really am trying to shop as little as possible at Big Grocery Store (name starts with a T)
Total cost just over £40 = not bad I think.
In fact the only (very small) complaint was the lack of disabled parking bays., but by parking rather badly, gave myself enough room to manoeuvre in and out
So sadly we came to the end.
However it was great news to discover that follow-on classes were to be held over an hour on a Tuesday.
Today was the first Tuesday and there were many new faces ?from other earlier groups.
Because I had been doing my best to keep the exercises going between classes, I was somewhat sore today, and only just managed to do what I was doing last week.
On the way home I decided to go to Big Garden Centre on the edge of town, largely because I wanted mushrooms to form part of a cottage pie. All the vegetables looked in the best of condition, so I bought a cauliflower too. I then started looking idly at the meat counter (had looked before, but not bought). However the butcher asked if he could help and I said I was only looking, but then asked him where he sourced his meat to find it is all local – and it is also slaughtered locally. So I bought a small piece of a rack of lamb, a rib eye steak and a piece of pork fillet stuffed with haggis. I also (oh dear) bought a small sticky toffee pudding and some organic dates. Went on to buy 6 bottles of wine. Good to get that too.
I really am trying to shop as little as possible at Big Grocery Store (name starts with a T)
Total cost just over £40 = not bad I think.
In fact the only (very small) complaint was the lack of disabled parking bays., but by parking rather badly, gave myself enough room to manoeuvre in and out
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
China 4 (part b)
I was cut off in the middle of posting China 4, so here is the rest of it now:
Then it was off by train for Suzhou. From Suzhou we took a cruise on the Grand Canal to Zhou Zhuang. As you can see from the above picture, some of the houses we could see from the boat looked so like suburban Britain.
Here we had a magnificent roast pork dish named after a local rich merchant. After lunch and a look round the merchant’s house we wandered off to look at the small tourist shops. Because they left us alone to browse, we actually bought things, whereas at other times we were somewhat overwhelmed. We had a lovely peaceful break sitting in the shade of the trees below.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
A Better Day
Today my daughter in law (the wife of elder son) came to visit and take me out to lunch. We went to a near by garden centre, and as she could not find a disabled parking bay, dropped me off at the entrance while she went off to park the car. Inside the front entrance I found 2 wheelchairs and commandeered one. (Little did she know that she was going to be pushing me around!) Anyway it was so much easier for both of us and we got our lunches and sat down to eat them and have a good chat.
After that we had a tour of the whole (non-gardening) bit where I purchased some wines, and had a good look round the Christmas (yes, Christmas already) stock. Bought some Christmas cards and a birthday card for an imminent birthday.
It was great fun, and d-i-l found pushing me around no hardship while I found it marvellous. In the short time I had waited for her at the door, I had started to feel light headed.
However over 24 hours of antibiotics seeem to be making an improvement, and the visit has bucked me up no end.
After that we had a tour of the whole (non-gardening) bit where I purchased some wines, and had a good look round the Christmas (yes, Christmas already) stock. Bought some Christmas cards and a birthday card for an imminent birthday.
It was great fun, and d-i-l found pushing me around no hardship while I found it marvellous. In the short time I had waited for her at the door, I had started to feel light headed.
However over 24 hours of antibiotics seeem to be making an improvement, and the visit has bucked me up no end.
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