tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958100475295449632024-03-19T08:48:19.807+00:00Multicoloured MadnessSandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.comBlogger901125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-34890415044679124832023-11-26T19:55:00.001+00:002023-11-26T19:55:42.558+00:00Another Month Almost Over!<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I certainly lose track of the days and had no idea that I've been absent from here for a three week period. We seem to have had a run of medical appointments which always manage to affect my health because of the additional driving. I've also had a bit of a blip with regards to my own health and so there has been a ramping up of some of my Long Covid issues including digestive issues, problematic PoTS and swollen glands/sore throat, muscle aches and pains.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Chancellor's Autumn Budget and the usual Tory attack on chronically sick and disabled people was incredibly worrying, and since </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">we are stuck on 'welfare' it did not bode well. I was so fed up of the narrative that we should all be working from home that I decided to undertake my own experiment and the results are as follows:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Jeremy Hunt V A Chronically Sick Person: Just how easy is it to get a work from home job?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After taking my pills washed down with a morning cup of tea I decided to investigate this conundrum. For clarity which will become obvious later, I was still in my pyjamas and in bed and it was around 8:30 am.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My first task involved a Google search entitled, 'virtual assistant work from home jobs in the UK.' I chose the first site that was recommended to me which involved Data Annotation. After setting up a basic profile I was given a series of tasks to complete, which involved looking at social media images and declaring if they were hateful in any way and if not why not. I also had to find an NPI number for a counsellor in New York and proof read chatbot responses. In addition there was also a short creative writing piece which necessitated a Google search concerning Sam Bankman Fried. I was quite pleased with my initial response but in hindsight had neglected to include some form of dancing with regards to the octopus! If I had been an English examiner I would probably have docked some points to reflect that oversight :-). The whole assessment procedure took well over an hour to complete.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzkanP8N6Yluk_Uz7JEVXFTstHXnbpr5_TH8ZjPFT2xb39ssbHvjH7DKgTAH9xlTrnhFiJan7ew1XsOyWv9ynUobKT3jvF3NWYQ59zgCBQnvyMzS8WNVOeec-pDuZKwgncOk4Ugcc2KsUdeqLLkkOcxno5W6VINF3ydGrQWDhgrnHvv1kPrrka57pSng/s1024/DB537C03-70DB-48EA-A766-28442F62224F%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzkanP8N6Yluk_Uz7JEVXFTstHXnbpr5_TH8ZjPFT2xb39ssbHvjH7DKgTAH9xlTrnhFiJan7ew1XsOyWv9ynUobKT3jvF3NWYQ59zgCBQnvyMzS8WNVOeec-pDuZKwgncOk4Ugcc2KsUdeqLLkkOcxno5W6VINF3ydGrQWDhgrnHvv1kPrrka57pSng/w360-h640/DB537C03-70DB-48EA-A766-28442F62224F%20copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSDYtbOAVWGm8KVR56z59qb9uTOalv0Cp2G6ZitktqXBwhwHlIa2Jp2nhnnXn5Olus_u6YfjmYliUXkGsJIgVradd-4f2HU6ZmnHPPX6IUkb7IdaMCAn-Sd2msos5RIkxYP2caT-GJBa_XTQHDGkg6x0dfE9x9iG35KRQXV1VR8aiUlPk_xBQ_pAh0OU/s1024/76A95153-E7BC-4A1D-BD33-280ED415B1A2%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSDYtbOAVWGm8KVR56z59qb9uTOalv0Cp2G6ZitktqXBwhwHlIa2Jp2nhnnXn5Olus_u6YfjmYliUXkGsJIgVradd-4f2HU6ZmnHPPX6IUkb7IdaMCAn-Sd2msos5RIkxYP2caT-GJBa_XTQHDGkg6x0dfE9x9iG35KRQXV1VR8aiUlPk_xBQ_pAh0OU/w360-h640/76A95153-E7BC-4A1D-BD33-280ED415B1A2%20copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I then decided to check my stats using my trusty Garmin Venu watch and the results were illuminating. My heart rate had increased significantly (over 105 bpm sitting upright with legs elevated) and my Body Battery had begun to tank (starting battery which measures heart rate variability and blood pressure changes had gone from 47 - 22!), bearing in mind I hadn't even moved from my bed! I have conditions that are made worse by exertion of any kind - cognitive, physical or emotional and as a result my health continued to nose dive that day and my heart rate shot up to 127 bpm just moving around the home and my Body Battery eventually dropped to 6, the worst it has been in over six months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5apWLLPbjsLBWxekkIxzohVTRosGOc2ET3rbKXgxkIZ7lZTj-FfppP_lhyphenhyphen6aX51BgDchjaPDZKpaT0IXaZxCh3RB_wPkgAHIzm66DBQtfgw7Lfm7VBpZAVuNCbTLtGmBKypPSWB1WyNiz1qGHBXzyURxFmuBMouS1K4DekB38pXB4EqMOSRoGsovLSI/s1024/8F364ABB-060D-427C-8CAC-F64FD5CF2DA0%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5apWLLPbjsLBWxekkIxzohVTRosGOc2ET3rbKXgxkIZ7lZTj-FfppP_lhyphenhyphen6aX51BgDchjaPDZKpaT0IXaZxCh3RB_wPkgAHIzm66DBQtfgw7Lfm7VBpZAVuNCbTLtGmBKypPSWB1WyNiz1qGHBXzyURxFmuBMouS1K4DekB38pXB4EqMOSRoGsovLSI/w360-h640/8F364ABB-060D-427C-8CAC-F64FD5CF2DA0%20copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Government ministers are not medically trained and to arbitrarily declare that all chronically sick people are capable of working is erroneous. For some folk being able to work from home, provided appropriate disability accommodations are put in place would work just fine. For others, myself included, we need to be given the time and space to recover fully and then some form of consistent work might be an option in the future. Forcing people into work when they are unwell is at best unwise and at worst downright dangerous.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I think it is safe to say that for 'now' you'll find me by the fire with my knitting and/or a good book, and the usual pacing programme to get through each day x </span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-11558161768507847332023-11-01T22:41:00.003+00:002023-11-01T22:42:53.498+00:00All Hallows and All Saints<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Yesterday Pip had fun carving her pumpkin and I enjoyed my time in the kitchen. For lunch we had Tomato Soup with Cheesy dumplings , courtesy of the I Newspaper weekend recipe file and it was just the thing as it is now Ben's turn to be ill! For tea I made Sweet potato, mushroom and leek gratin from the New York Christmas Cookbook followed with Pumpkin pie from the same resource and soul cakes courtesy of The Guardian Newspaper.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jATf7iSKZlYH2Wh-Pqwta1FdAXDCC9eWLyDqRwrKjRsiaQ4fMRSykBIaAU5CPtJ17GKqckHVw1UH1CUlNPgAxRFVDl2o8BQIw_T8Z3QiX2VE1PVhYQrEBCc2AnuRlaFqi7hqTM5M18wOxIw83DMwE9BfiH7847KnKXe8gHXHgmR0rLlHIieAEmhAvX4/s1024/F9FC3C1F-452A-43AC-AF66-F621C7C98FD6%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jATf7iSKZlYH2Wh-Pqwta1FdAXDCC9eWLyDqRwrKjRsiaQ4fMRSykBIaAU5CPtJ17GKqckHVw1UH1CUlNPgAxRFVDl2o8BQIw_T8Z3QiX2VE1PVhYQrEBCc2AnuRlaFqi7hqTM5M18wOxIw83DMwE9BfiH7847KnKXe8gHXHgmR0rLlHIieAEmhAvX4/w640-h480/F9FC3C1F-452A-43AC-AF66-F621C7C98FD6%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: center;">Sharing the recipe here in case anyone is interested and wants to give it a go:</p><div style="text-align: center;">Tomato Soup with Cheesy Dumplings</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 tbsp olive oil</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">25 grammes butter</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 large onion finely chopped</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 sweet potato peeled and diced</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 large garlic cloves minced</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 heaped teaspoon of dried basil</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 x 400 gramme cans of chopped tomatoes</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">500ml vegetable or chicken stock</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">pinch of sugar (optional)</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">50ml single cream</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For the Dumplings:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">125 grammes self raising flour</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">75 grammes extra strong cheddar cheese</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 egg</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">50 grammes cream cheese</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion and sweet potato and cook them over a gentle heat until softened. Add the garlic and stir for another minute and then add the tomatoes, dried basil and vegetable stock. Season with plenty of salt and black pepper.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bring to the boil and then turn down the heat, cover the pan and simmer for twenty minutes and then blitz the soup until smooth. Taste for seasoning and then add the sugar and cream if using.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whilst the soup is simmering for twenty minutes make the dumplings. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and season well with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly into a dough and then form into eight balls. Drop the balls of dough into the soup and cover the pan and cook for 15 -20 minutes until the dumplings have swelled a little and are cooked right through. Remove the dumplings before blitzing the soup.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(I decided to put the dumplings in a heat proof bowl, top them with extra cheese and cook under the grill, until the cheese was bubbling and melted. <br /><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_lHw0_MbsHH_dW5J2M_kv3V80pvQQElnnbGJGdXmj3SChDtxZprb3TcGj5-QHz_EGh_M9HPfTN5CtDJZ58ZK80fJw85ndaX-u_osttnbuCtfNHj0mxXOHQaKsb0we9lPtx1rzYh2v1etHOvlfDJa8_FnFCJe4-AvGZ1xt1-IMilGlMokGrNzEqp6WTY/s1024/EAB5DC4B-951D-452E-A608-EBA6866BE582%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_lHw0_MbsHH_dW5J2M_kv3V80pvQQElnnbGJGdXmj3SChDtxZprb3TcGj5-QHz_EGh_M9HPfTN5CtDJZ58ZK80fJw85ndaX-u_osttnbuCtfNHj0mxXOHQaKsb0we9lPtx1rzYh2v1etHOvlfDJa8_FnFCJe4-AvGZ1xt1-IMilGlMokGrNzEqp6WTY/w640-h480/EAB5DC4B-951D-452E-A608-EBA6866BE582%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cbO6TAvVm0TiQYNzF20oNs_zU9RE9TTO4MehuiEMIbn3Zb9AFemnL7R7E7MbFnQUyLjEpAl5D8S04Js2KaHjP13K8V-dNfKatkwN8U41LM4TwJT8eip5OBU2npDN2d6J75ONENZY-wC2AfIBx9evBDM2ji0kHzNYanvH50c71eQgF4PPqChCmyachxk/s1024/203131BC-C50B-4E70-B198-C94FCDCDDC2C%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cbO6TAvVm0TiQYNzF20oNs_zU9RE9TTO4MehuiEMIbn3Zb9AFemnL7R7E7MbFnQUyLjEpAl5D8S04Js2KaHjP13K8V-dNfKatkwN8U41LM4TwJT8eip5OBU2npDN2d6J75ONENZY-wC2AfIBx9evBDM2ji0kHzNYanvH50c71eQgF4PPqChCmyachxk/w640-h480/203131BC-C50B-4E70-B198-C94FCDCDDC2C%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO3DTqblNzW4NovkgxM09qRXS7aJci6rEUdcCozFXm8ypLhOzi1YbX40QdNIjO1GTm3VYjNSbpHqZE1tFdQEC6Cx1VAKPNWY9yWDdL0fxbLQWkOCXfYnCCoyHEYkin1jYUmfyUH5VcyHsVe3QyHwjTbaS74R5pKDc5HEaL8SVGIglfcI_XzmKVuUdemc/s1024/F0B87BA6-9CED-4382-95C1-2056D9C6CABD%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO3DTqblNzW4NovkgxM09qRXS7aJci6rEUdcCozFXm8ypLhOzi1YbX40QdNIjO1GTm3VYjNSbpHqZE1tFdQEC6Cx1VAKPNWY9yWDdL0fxbLQWkOCXfYnCCoyHEYkin1jYUmfyUH5VcyHsVe3QyHwjTbaS74R5pKDc5HEaL8SVGIglfcI_XzmKVuUdemc/w640-h480/F0B87BA6-9CED-4382-95C1-2056D9C6CABD%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sweet potato gratin, pure comfort food in a bowl.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaK-Wc56j8uYjPChgLh1EC9TF46l7Lb2kS5GRh2nDdYRkLCTY_N8HKyft7X1N3Kl2o0sKxlxxe9qxhzs0oMh8rvQvIj0ZshhjX0tamj5K6Fx0oz4Y9rgRM7kMUeonqr5Txi53B5pJbyvWImjX9WOWEK9FLZcn6IjCRwKF9VbzU6VnpTExSp7lZieJgzQ/s1024/A4597696-C567-4914-99BD-4254E1FE599F%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaK-Wc56j8uYjPChgLh1EC9TF46l7Lb2kS5GRh2nDdYRkLCTY_N8HKyft7X1N3Kl2o0sKxlxxe9qxhzs0oMh8rvQvIj0ZshhjX0tamj5K6Fx0oz4Y9rgRM7kMUeonqr5Txi53B5pJbyvWImjX9WOWEK9FLZcn6IjCRwKF9VbzU6VnpTExSp7lZieJgzQ/w640-h480/A4597696-C567-4914-99BD-4254E1FE599F%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pumpkin pie and a soul cake for dessert.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today was a bit full on with some household tasks hollering at me from the whiteboard ð We did however start the day 'right' and having dropped Pip off at college for the day, Dave and I headed over to Booths for one of their cooked breakfasts and a latte, it certainly hit the spot! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Since I was my 'future friend' yesterday and had prepped the pastry dough for tonight's meal, it wasn't too much fuss putting the whole thing together. I also made use of the leftover pumpkin pie mix and added it to my rice pudding and it was delicious âĪïļ</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tUZYVumX1HAtEw4WGbOEOXuMJfBCGLCdYgQvtnvvDaC_ab0MYjDKdHltsyQ2zRzSPXnRd5SeVL3l4Gw-ClfEEgmD0D_9MhGfDB59n1XD_4v90kj54QLGqi07FHKkmmTHKNf0B4yrPlWLoQgvbPJemQA0UmKZSsnDsDC4p67U9RX2otk5IIJyS4ujcXE/s1024/0BA9309D-40DB-485F-B610-8186B2FAEF4C%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tUZYVumX1HAtEw4WGbOEOXuMJfBCGLCdYgQvtnvvDaC_ab0MYjDKdHltsyQ2zRzSPXnRd5SeVL3l4Gw-ClfEEgmD0D_9MhGfDB59n1XD_4v90kj54QLGqi07FHKkmmTHKNf0B4yrPlWLoQgvbPJemQA0UmKZSsnDsDC4p67U9RX2otk5IIJyS4ujcXE/w480-h640/0BA9309D-40DB-485F-B610-8186B2FAEF4C%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The recipe was another Smitten Kitchen winner, 'Butternut Squash and Caramelised Onion Galette' and it can be found <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2007/10/butternut-squash-and-caramelized-onion-galette/">HERE</a>. The dough pastry was beautifully light and fluffy and complemented the vegetable filling beautifully. I did make some slight adaptations and decided to add a sprinkling of chilli flakes, paprika, onion salt and garlic powder to the butternut squash mix. This dish will definitely be a regular item on the meal plan ð</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmupJRw6P1Tli6oZOZxa8nmImgKwJ27h6dlLFRK0Uqb4SD_jdqx1dhB1viTJ9NyC210dxSufggmzYBLgagXj7ua2qck1QjRmFmdM6eXMOGVXYaC_Cs31QNTeC1EbRdvpTMR5bGbHk2Adgx6FDxrA-orrMsrDs9IbHs7xDlmrgwXZeoga2EAirGAR3AWM/s1024/07607169-67A9-49A6-A964-EBED1DAEC144%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmupJRw6P1Tli6oZOZxa8nmImgKwJ27h6dlLFRK0Uqb4SD_jdqx1dhB1viTJ9NyC210dxSufggmzYBLgagXj7ua2qck1QjRmFmdM6eXMOGVXYaC_Cs31QNTeC1EbRdvpTMR5bGbHk2Adgx6FDxrA-orrMsrDs9IbHs7xDlmrgwXZeoga2EAirGAR3AWM/w640-h480/07607169-67A9-49A6-A964-EBED1DAEC144%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since we had stopped sneezing and coughing Dave and I both felt well enough to attend mass this evening which counted for both All Saints and All souls. Several candles were lit in memory of deceased family members and friends. It was really lovely to be able to attend mass, such a precious gift x </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-37416884466740553292023-10-29T19:27:00.001+00:002023-10-29T19:27:11.251+00:00Coughing and Spluttering ð<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Now it's mine and Dave's turn to be ill. We tried holding things at bay with the Lemsip First Defence nasal spray but when a virus strikes it just needs to do its thing. Covid tests have been done and it is just a heavy cold which has exacerbated the PoTS symptoms but all things considered we are managing quite well. Sad to say though that we have missed church for the second week in a row but it just didn't seem right turning up to church spreading our germs, so we watched online this morning at 9:30 am and joined in with the live recording. This weekend has included cosy fires, warming foods and lots of knitting ð</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6L-wb1ogUL17mmrRBVu_N8K_RICZ9qYVpqdoqfhsGlEGUgMnk_T8zDnca6Bc7De2cvDJXoh3t-5GO9a_hGOC78oNk9N75-EgxMMqPS_eg9Em_C_tQNp0gK23mCmhJc0gqZZm3xTtIhPha0RCb6D_WM5bE5cn_if0OWPp-uCFO83yVGSuV6_W8R2pflE/s1024/5B6876D1-DC10-4C99-9F78-B1DCFFD3E600%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6L-wb1ogUL17mmrRBVu_N8K_RICZ9qYVpqdoqfhsGlEGUgMnk_T8zDnca6Bc7De2cvDJXoh3t-5GO9a_hGOC78oNk9N75-EgxMMqPS_eg9Em_C_tQNp0gK23mCmhJc0gqZZm3xTtIhPha0RCb6D_WM5bE5cn_if0OWPp-uCFO83yVGSuV6_W8R2pflE/w480-h640/5B6876D1-DC10-4C99-9F78-B1DCFFD3E600%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I finished my knitted vest and I'm very pleased with the outcome. I have just cast on for a pair of knitted slippers âĪïļ</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaa8o9bSLJJhvImtcd5_ediBTWaS60xZOlVBGpl7MJ_6h28FaA4GmCnHWeHduTLTt3HxxQ7MS51GxVYAMuFpuAOs53Q1rkkSf0CPAUQkLcAh7IxPIs6lXRtJkx34gvQxRQXjMH1vGQ6tYpufVMNpZfVtmVhn13s-8MWikR3KthMqYGfxinwL0mmY-y1U/s1024/18B48DB0-8AF5-44BC-8A02-13C3D5E46F97%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaa8o9bSLJJhvImtcd5_ediBTWaS60xZOlVBGpl7MJ_6h28FaA4GmCnHWeHduTLTt3HxxQ7MS51GxVYAMuFpuAOs53Q1rkkSf0CPAUQkLcAh7IxPIs6lXRtJkx34gvQxRQXjMH1vGQ6tYpufVMNpZfVtmVhn13s-8MWikR3KthMqYGfxinwL0mmY-y1U/w640-h480/18B48DB0-8AF5-44BC-8A02-13C3D5E46F97%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We also had a diabetes incidence yesterday, we've not had one of those in a very very long time. To provide cheer and a low carb option, I made crispy baked breakfast pizza for lunch yesterday and it was thoroughly delicious. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We also had to venture forth yesterday evening as we needed to pick up some medical supplies from our local pharmacy and to collect a few bits and bobs from Booths. As a result of the late evening shopping we had spicy thai green soup on hand for today's lunch, followed by our usual pancake treat. Tonight's tea was that ultimate comfort food meal, the butter chicken with rice only this time I served it with broccoli instead of peas.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's hoping this virus will soon shift x <br /><br /></span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-19716221005577305592023-10-25T20:27:00.005+01:002023-10-25T20:28:26.136+01:00Random Photos On A Wednesday<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaMtAHbjhlWZrJI8xwm-Yy5xoti3djSRx3YDsA72sCJjCNsOrhWSw1EB1m07_2CuBC-PeH7plzKTOjZ8r2A1eJbh5cgcPep_oNQRZ-wHA6Xemt8_FYzO3BnsODkCfkONAHODsAUlRTC5dFexlpMGkMubVr5dAgd-TwB-ul13kkvFDNFwRzwDxt1YlOuE/s1024/EDB72AF5-03E9-4A55-BE86-F5D5EF5B906E%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaMtAHbjhlWZrJI8xwm-Yy5xoti3djSRx3YDsA72sCJjCNsOrhWSw1EB1m07_2CuBC-PeH7plzKTOjZ8r2A1eJbh5cgcPep_oNQRZ-wHA6Xemt8_FYzO3BnsODkCfkONAHODsAUlRTC5dFexlpMGkMubVr5dAgd-TwB-ul13kkvFDNFwRzwDxt1YlOuE/w480-h640/EDB72AF5-03E9-4A55-BE86-F5D5EF5B906E%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ben sporting a new Makita T Shirt that he won in a give away on Instagram.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyb2Nh-T7AwY0vvP7wBe-CJO1wX0G5zH6sGG2zTEY3hPVvkJSsi6yR8u2DFeDLSfOdEqRVl09STlxp3xfudzhgXuQm_COFk-Gjkb-Ihh8krrq8qjpjUAaAQsMIDM9UYT74f_bgBlPUr14Eve3LwFERDml2cMjLdo5sNT6wN3qUjgqJ6Yc7vzM6r8mpdY/s1024/D8C9F7F1-F233-4249-B796-CF85B4CC1E4E%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="771" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyb2Nh-T7AwY0vvP7wBe-CJO1wX0G5zH6sGG2zTEY3hPVvkJSsi6yR8u2DFeDLSfOdEqRVl09STlxp3xfudzhgXuQm_COFk-Gjkb-Ihh8krrq8qjpjUAaAQsMIDM9UYT74f_bgBlPUr14Eve3LwFERDml2cMjLdo5sNT6wN3qUjgqJ6Yc7vzM6r8mpdY/w482-h640/D8C9F7F1-F233-4249-B796-CF85B4CC1E4E%20copy.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cutie pie Ottilie pretending to be a bear âĪïļ</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfPSsy_6PfZj-K_L2CSJN-r7PHVTMxbWPv3GzfxBAHFHKgY2nQ68JBEAJoX0eAuUp7IllGcSzYy4nuEDaQ22KOGveddVsstWspmSaF2bp1jKd1YvTA2YG2Ovu7Yuy1HLvpjIIG33pQznetB2zYEhu0Czeoi7r_tfMEGG2tXW2jZfzbS2MH6-p3WF15Fs/s1024/BDE17506-4BD1-4C05-BD5A-1A763B3F4568%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfPSsy_6PfZj-K_L2CSJN-r7PHVTMxbWPv3GzfxBAHFHKgY2nQ68JBEAJoX0eAuUp7IllGcSzYy4nuEDaQ22KOGveddVsstWspmSaF2bp1jKd1YvTA2YG2Ovu7Yuy1HLvpjIIG33pQznetB2zYEhu0Czeoi7r_tfMEGG2tXW2jZfzbS2MH6-p3WF15Fs/w640-h480/BDE17506-4BD1-4C05-BD5A-1A763B3F4568%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;">Poppy cat snoozing on her blanket ð</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's been a pretty low key kind of day. We had a visit from Dave's old RMC boss and his wife. When Dave finished work he kept in touch with the boss' wife who was also employed as an administrator for the company. A few years later they retired back to Oxford but still continued with the yearly Christmas card and catch up letter. An email last week stated they would be in the area and could they visit and naturally we said yes. It was really lovely to see them but as usual quite fatiguing for me, so I was glad of my afternoon rest after lunch.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tonight's tea was a very simple pasta meal - penne pasta and bolognese sauce which i cooked on a low heat on the hob in order to save energy. The sauce reduced down beautifully and was very tasty. Whilst tea was cooking I actually managed to tackle the ironing pile as it had been bugging me for over a week, what a relief to tick that job off my whiteboard list! I hope your Wednesday has gone well x </span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-67577698856687645012023-10-23T19:53:00.005+01:002023-10-23T19:54:45.432+01:00Kitchen Monday<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip had her blood test this morning and it was also our home delivery food shop day, so once we were home from the GP surgery I made a start on 'everything but the fridge' soup ð. We've been pretty good at not having any food waste so the soup consisted of cauliflower, carrot, celery, onion and potatoes with vegetable stock. I also used the pizza base recipe to make a garlicky flat bread which I then topped with feta cheese and melted under the grill.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweSwXC2zX8s1rEob7ozcx_TgLke1fu2MzIFBDNLVnyyP6d8Hmtqf4pb-Pl8JUc8aM8vAh_9f1txPl_4wNJTnMJGnw8EDnlQO6LsRKiC2xUJ6g_tgtJsAjmqUof72OAUwOf0F4bjOUAxpIXWGlKTZWZ-2Ay32imR0BRWbXXpbsTaQSKqWhF2bldziCNQA/s1024/6141E92B-FADD-4488-8F10-0CDEDE9AFC79%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweSwXC2zX8s1rEob7ozcx_TgLke1fu2MzIFBDNLVnyyP6d8Hmtqf4pb-Pl8JUc8aM8vAh_9f1txPl_4wNJTnMJGnw8EDnlQO6LsRKiC2xUJ6g_tgtJsAjmqUof72OAUwOf0F4bjOUAxpIXWGlKTZWZ-2Ay32imR0BRWbXXpbsTaQSKqWhF2bldziCNQA/w640-h480/6141E92B-FADD-4488-8F10-0CDEDE9AFC79%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also made another batch of muffins only this time it was an apple, blueberry and almond mix:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKH5io_g7kxpyVW3o0u7LlaymbkQl7nozBwPkx4O6hn5FdY_MuQSKJHOlxqG-oCfsnBoMDY4RjAgBRgV3WOuKcl4Y1nExP_LxujUfMldZisyoUI3G1w4upH7VV8xwxhgKwCABhZREjeuQjEPP53-Lshe8apsl01N_5-jlaWX1cEqLvzFqFrqBoZHVMB5A/s1024/E36DF20F-52B0-4C28-9ACF-5F50E1B37788%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKH5io_g7kxpyVW3o0u7LlaymbkQl7nozBwPkx4O6hn5FdY_MuQSKJHOlxqG-oCfsnBoMDY4RjAgBRgV3WOuKcl4Y1nExP_LxujUfMldZisyoUI3G1w4upH7VV8xwxhgKwCABhZREjeuQjEPP53-Lshe8apsl01N_5-jlaWX1cEqLvzFqFrqBoZHVMB5A/w640-h480/E36DF20F-52B0-4C28-9ACF-5F50E1B37788%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">After lunch I went for my usual lie down and Rosary prayers but just towards the end I nodded off. I must admit I didn't feel too great when I awoke and I reckon it was either a delayed reaction to my Covid vaccine or my body is trying to fight a low grade version of Pip's virus. I had a real craving for some comfort food and had seen this particular dish on 'Smitten Kitchen's' Instagram earlier in the day. The recipe wasn't quite a one pan meal as I don't own a cast iron pan that works both on the hob and in the oven, but a lidded frying pan and roasting dish for the oven worked just as well. The dish was a hit with everyone and I will definitely be making this again ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WcyDn_X5_RPUaSSASE2Y9zkFMX5MIPKUiP6ZzFTSSt0c80FtPKS_NP8uryt6d6kS20j1wTbqZi7tbYwe2RgtK6scqHaVWreYF5DQx3vILqYhs57i4BGCv8pduKsTvqxEEGWSXhJk_bKI3__sGPbrxCKlqGXCHPKxycyuA2QtqY0B65c9rSEifLcFhls/s1024/EF6AA020-E0D6-4F52-9A69-6B060C9C7A3A%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WcyDn_X5_RPUaSSASE2Y9zkFMX5MIPKUiP6ZzFTSSt0c80FtPKS_NP8uryt6d6kS20j1wTbqZi7tbYwe2RgtK6scqHaVWreYF5DQx3vILqYhs57i4BGCv8pduKsTvqxEEGWSXhJk_bKI3__sGPbrxCKlqGXCHPKxycyuA2QtqY0B65c9rSEifLcFhls/w480-h640/EF6AA020-E0D6-4F52-9A69-6B060C9C7A3A%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Butter Chicken and the recipe can be found </span><a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2023/09/chicken-rice-with-buttered-onions/" style="font-family: verdana;">HERE</a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJOc-UUpWlSnhrkQ6Fb3AQwKAEnu8eF73R0qCzveYiPQckNHSBBISAdzKl_zQOSGyOAYhYr9HjqRXqm16XEeT0aHIsfIABfB4ulV4b3oRKZGR5SOgw53qJDCHDpOf9nSN8sa7UzvIZj3nYg9ME-nzJ9ATQPXgAYcl3Lp65RyCDxKb5mjg0J3JyqkCrqc/s1024/7CD88DBA-8F8D-490D-B02F-6914A29D15E3%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJOc-UUpWlSnhrkQ6Fb3AQwKAEnu8eF73R0qCzveYiPQckNHSBBISAdzKl_zQOSGyOAYhYr9HjqRXqm16XEeT0aHIsfIABfB4ulV4b3oRKZGR5SOgw53qJDCHDpOf9nSN8sa7UzvIZj3nYg9ME-nzJ9ATQPXgAYcl3Lp65RyCDxKb5mjg0J3JyqkCrqc/w640-h480/7CD88DBA-8F8D-490D-B02F-6914A29D15E3%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Monday xx </span></div><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-12992755227516928342023-10-22T19:49:00.006+01:002023-10-22T19:51:28.639+01:00A Quiet Weekend<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip started with a flu type virus on Friday. I don't think it is Covid but we tested today and the result was negative, so will test again on Tuesday as sometimes it can take a few days for the virus to show up on tests. As a result we've pretty much been homebound, save Dave and I going for our Covid jabs on Saturday morning, followed by purchasing sick day supplies, notably Ginger Beer and Salted Crisps ð. Pip and I camped out in the designated sick bay last night, AKA the lounge as she wasn't feeling great but we both slept quite well all things considered.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last night's tea was our go to meal, C-Section recovery stew which I have actually made for a C-Section post partum mum, but we have now dubbed it Covid/Flu Recovery Stew! It contains carrots, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, turmeric, ginger, chilli, lemon juice, vegetable stock, garlic, lentils and cashew nuts. It is very nourishing and very warming. This was followed with home made rice pudding âĪïļ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckjN2_yDO7ARPlo7oZyfvLnnw1BTyED4PQla4q4TmN3cuO-TGM5GazX-Unz0fjpGj_A2V5L_q0UxbEDqiR0Try7zNyDsFYKKmuXXh3dMT0BNfEU4LUP-PKhTY3SrVNQD6kKwcOFrNJrWflS7aIaHSsBajU4MQWfgO0Ioqe7xAZXKBZRTuK0RbHTyLABQ/s1024/0B3220EB-B736-4437-9027-A9B646314026%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckjN2_yDO7ARPlo7oZyfvLnnw1BTyED4PQla4q4TmN3cuO-TGM5GazX-Unz0fjpGj_A2V5L_q0UxbEDqiR0Try7zNyDsFYKKmuXXh3dMT0BNfEU4LUP-PKhTY3SrVNQD6kKwcOFrNJrWflS7aIaHSsBajU4MQWfgO0Ioqe7xAZXKBZRTuK0RbHTyLABQ/w480-h640/0B3220EB-B736-4437-9027-A9B646314026%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-NXc3VfFawWF28ezxQhurjc-Q4kVQSXfY0ltgHO9vHqFjexuIc6Ntq34KDFBCpxJs8s78OMzgw3llB-TTCSqo5s2iFpfJWJUl80nupG01hZ-X6x8AwmYOZy3wDKuHGnwNp_MWAdaphZD6NPRjmhEIsR49JPEpdRaDARoKjGvA_-ZvO9zb_zi-xge8go/s1024/4D938FB3-F4BB-4C77-AE06-1049DEBDCF50%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-NXc3VfFawWF28ezxQhurjc-Q4kVQSXfY0ltgHO9vHqFjexuIc6Ntq34KDFBCpxJs8s78OMzgw3llB-TTCSqo5s2iFpfJWJUl80nupG01hZ-X6x8AwmYOZy3wDKuHGnwNp_MWAdaphZD6NPRjmhEIsR49JPEpdRaDARoKjGvA_-ZvO9zb_zi-xge8go/w640-h480/4D938FB3-F4BB-4C77-AE06-1049DEBDCF50%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recovery Stew</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VdNBnkfwiNw1fVPaW-BdBkfKGeVmn897Yl103_FCJmBJGIly6ISZmUy2na2mQLUFf0yH5GAHbQDyEIh8_ibKzY05P5EGK6pCSr73H3LkqRclCtCDuhsH5JY5LC8OQBae4xEsBpsTBMFGQLOk6Fohj8oX9bS7xD9mKgeWeRsgKAcnhe5_kVJpAWULLyg/s1024/7651026D-D3FE-4CE4-9C9F-9BABFACECC82%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VdNBnkfwiNw1fVPaW-BdBkfKGeVmn897Yl103_FCJmBJGIly6ISZmUy2na2mQLUFf0yH5GAHbQDyEIh8_ibKzY05P5EGK6pCSr73H3LkqRclCtCDuhsH5JY5LC8OQBae4xEsBpsTBMFGQLOk6Fohj8oX9bS7xD9mKgeWeRsgKAcnhe5_kVJpAWULLyg/w640-h480/7651026D-D3FE-4CE4-9C9F-9BABFACECC82%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rice pudding made with whole milk and butter. I forgot to add the stevia and it was just fine without any sweetening, you can also add grated lemon rind to the mix too.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today's lunch was home made pizza and salad followed by pancakes. I didn't have enough eggs to make our usual batch of pancakes so the pizza was a last minute idea to bulk out the meal. The dough was a breeze to make with the new mixer and consisted of just self raising flour and milk. For one person the quantities are 85g of self raising flour, a pinch of salt and 50ml of milk. I fried onions , peppers and a small amount of chorizo for the toppings. I rolled the dough onto greaseproof paper which made transferring to the oven an easy task, and I part cooked the dough for five minutes before adding the pesto sauce, toppings and a sprinkling of cheese. The dough was then cooked for a further 8-10 minutes.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOsHOl54-248nBLZ5gEFd-MCYqYImThiGqIFsBiMvcLkvgdtUCUpRhYoAMTCQ84JxtrYxIz58hvNuCSfNG2Hq9VH3JALDQEeQ_l_IAVixAhvtcRfKWV7biRVlKA-zY7bJRB-MMkcDJ9VZlUeiTw5PJ6x6_BAjhqtd6BrRoanEe1Y6wib4EgFRYGe0KD4/s1024/A0BF0867-A137-430A-965E-27CBAE13ABE8%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOsHOl54-248nBLZ5gEFd-MCYqYImThiGqIFsBiMvcLkvgdtUCUpRhYoAMTCQ84JxtrYxIz58hvNuCSfNG2Hq9VH3JALDQEeQ_l_IAVixAhvtcRfKWV7biRVlKA-zY7bJRB-MMkcDJ9VZlUeiTw5PJ6x6_BAjhqtd6BrRoanEe1Y6wib4EgFRYGe0KD4/w640-h480/A0BF0867-A137-430A-965E-27CBAE13ABE8%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hope you have had a blessed Sunday x </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-59272013667897961282023-10-19T20:31:00.000+01:002023-10-19T20:31:05.807+01:00Tiny Tasks On A Thursday<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I had a reflexology appointment this morning which necessitated a drive back to our old stomping ground in Lancaster. Whilst I had my appointment Dave and Pip had a coffee and cake at The Courtyard Cafe in the grounds of St John's Hospice. Before the pandemic a group of us used to meet in the hospice chapel for prayers every Monday - that used to be a five minute drive from our old home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once I'd collected them after my appointment we nipped to the local post office/convenience store to post a parcel for a friend and this necessitated driving past our old home. It was a bit of a shock to be honest as the exterior was looking quite shabby and I did wonder whether the house had been sold on again or was now being rented out. When we arrived at the Post Office an even bigger shock awaited as the old owners had also moved on and that too was looking very run down and disorganised, in fact the whole area had taken a turn for the worse ð. It confirmed to us that moving on was the best thing for us as a family and don't get me wrong there are issues where we live, notably drug problems in the village but thankfully not in our immediate vicinity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After lunch I had my usual afternoon rest and prayer time followed by some sitting down sorting in the kitchen. The new kitchen appliance comes with various accoutrements and I needed to find homes for them all ð. Thankfully with a bit of judicious pruning of unwanted items I succeeded and even the cutlery drawer had a good clean.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thanks to meal planning tea was a very simple affair, baked salmon, baked potatoes and petite pois. No more kitchen duty for me today, it's time for knitting and reading ð</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7C0hO_JDPPTaw8-OSQRxP139IjkbG2EMT9Zu-O1tz7TH0ceBZ863cAO2SORLYoiMMwlT2OxCpZCQ-w1yGadPcPS7HGMvMPHvfVG2jxSVSev9u_DP77jsLEg-HYazJlBjfkK-KDGv9ikcRphyphenhyphenaXd_SSPVolpJ7aLdAWBiorrlzsSXegM4XPq3g1FTfZg/s1024/A06F32CE-9F3F-4A4E-B520-680BE3C0A536%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7C0hO_JDPPTaw8-OSQRxP139IjkbG2EMT9Zu-O1tz7TH0ceBZ863cAO2SORLYoiMMwlT2OxCpZCQ-w1yGadPcPS7HGMvMPHvfVG2jxSVSev9u_DP77jsLEg-HYazJlBjfkK-KDGv9ikcRphyphenhyphenaXd_SSPVolpJ7aLdAWBiorrlzsSXegM4XPq3g1FTfZg/w640-h480/A06F32CE-9F3F-4A4E-B520-680BE3C0A536%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-48845274565240393012023-10-18T20:43:00.006+01:002023-10-19T13:38:48.994+01:00A New Kitchen Helper<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Our Vitamix blender finally went kaput over the weekend, but I cannot grumble as we bought it when Pip was just two and she'll be fifteen in December! Over the years kitchen aid technology has advanced quite a bit and this time we opted for a multifunctional system. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking meals from scratch but especially now with the Long Covid and PoTS issues, things can be quite tricky despite using a perching stool and trying to factor in rest breaks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlioFjndq93fc_YG9b48_FZvBKYpv3FwznLDW3d7Ey9anMF5DZPJZg0Z5XBke7R7BiTWwa7Td_g-dkVSfQ8q20IvtMmvwS9O0SScysPFJJwR2DPla9wc06nau3YWUKhi63nurullpayx0vCMk4cWDJwW133x_ZAWfXrlsqk1GyzmOi5lsMApW8aQVnSQ/s1024/0E1DF7C5-0D5B-438C-B40B-5BBEA609BCB3%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlioFjndq93fc_YG9b48_FZvBKYpv3FwznLDW3d7Ey9anMF5DZPJZg0Z5XBke7R7BiTWwa7Td_g-dkVSfQ8q20IvtMmvwS9O0SScysPFJJwR2DPla9wc06nau3YWUKhi63nurullpayx0vCMk4cWDJwW133x_ZAWfXrlsqk1GyzmOi5lsMApW8aQVnSQ/w480-h640/0E1DF7C5-0D5B-438C-B40B-5BBEA609BCB3%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>This Bosch MUM creation mixes, whisks, grates and even blends - the liquidiser attachment connects on to the top of the machine. As a result of this machine, carrots were grated to add to our lunch time salad and I managed to batch cook some raspberry, oat and polenta muffins, savoury chilli and onion muffins and a regular cornbread. Whilst we were out (Dave had a neuro physio appointment 30 minutes away) the beef and vegetable chilli was cooking in the instant pot, and it was just a case of cooking the rice once we returned home ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHywmoSB7b_GnnEjY0LzGi0fdzDa-9sU6npdqt_0f64rwBHh8pFNhp41IM5H1x83rIQ_XkrL0ipiXoTi8HxlMboXIhCF1Iuce2f-SF93V46i4ZiZZh5t2EfwNBfSFiB4tZCfFJjlhYTD-dxDp_8rqVhmZS2ZgqlYuz_h-WtgOruKlLux7txaBLLAEWME/s1024/0BB2AA79-D5D4-4DAC-AC6F-275A89260A32%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHywmoSB7b_GnnEjY0LzGi0fdzDa-9sU6npdqt_0f64rwBHh8pFNhp41IM5H1x83rIQ_XkrL0ipiXoTi8HxlMboXIhCF1Iuce2f-SF93V46i4ZiZZh5t2EfwNBfSFiB4tZCfFJjlhYTD-dxDp_8rqVhmZS2ZgqlYuz_h-WtgOruKlLux7txaBLLAEWME/w480-h640/0BB2AA79-D5D4-4DAC-AC6F-275A89260A32%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Raspberry muffins at the back and savoury at the front.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihkQqt0NJdmf_SHnR_Yzsfpr3a40imuUHS1SNzjP2i0gHHQAdahqTaYtqnXfHRpb4XEo7WLANJDFsKOOabeRAfRRgypMw9KIB3tRXo2BuDxBLFlF6jwonxAavfIxi9NBMiAf9LDuWEcVmy1Kc4aFTUL2C63TmHjVqkBsBPUU9KkTctmJFoafXJ0EIChQ/s1024/90F857AE-AF05-4229-8BA2-E5F21D37DAEC%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihkQqt0NJdmf_SHnR_Yzsfpr3a40imuUHS1SNzjP2i0gHHQAdahqTaYtqnXfHRpb4XEo7WLANJDFsKOOabeRAfRRgypMw9KIB3tRXo2BuDxBLFlF6jwonxAavfIxi9NBMiAf9LDuWEcVmy1Kc4aFTUL2C63TmHjVqkBsBPUU9KkTctmJFoafXJ0EIChQ/w640-h480/90F857AE-AF05-4229-8BA2-E5F21D37DAEC%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cornbread.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5pyzKKHV_AEuVmwC5k0ekW8kfks_7snrIWU9xt-1e0P07UQ2ohCuqp8mxul1ZlhyphenhyphenZ0t0OdRxNyrk_g4gciZNONXevpuBTJ7CcXBMseN4rk21oMl6xJWVjrxnlgJB3SysTw9WpgpVu_zYeP9NwHEBRtvqnK3W6r6GYpzTxBNKiIux1hOUF62zzR_HmaM/s1024/57120408-138F-4144-9088-363F8106ACE8%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5pyzKKHV_AEuVmwC5k0ekW8kfks_7snrIWU9xt-1e0P07UQ2ohCuqp8mxul1ZlhyphenhyphenZ0t0OdRxNyrk_g4gciZNONXevpuBTJ7CcXBMseN4rk21oMl6xJWVjrxnlgJB3SysTw9WpgpVu_zYeP9NwHEBRtvqnK3W6r6GYpzTxBNKiIux1hOUF62zzR_HmaM/w640-h480/57120408-138F-4144-9088-363F8106ACE8%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Raspberry muffins.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EQ8qXblaPNeBrTzmqJVgpJyJTc5DUGDStGU4N1LfCAKfLjMm6u1WgUJrHgHElCtszO1DZzVCobxvx7La27dRyH0qxE_0AIjou3ASSLcl07u_dINd96SsIjB2bfRiTZkMeddOMZ_5Qe2asyMOfQ3Uv2Ug7zyNxCroA-9aF3c6rHscWCcHWP5BQnAr-Vs/s1024/429D6DC2-E73F-4263-9C5A-8EF379A71C4C%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EQ8qXblaPNeBrTzmqJVgpJyJTc5DUGDStGU4N1LfCAKfLjMm6u1WgUJrHgHElCtszO1DZzVCobxvx7La27dRyH0qxE_0AIjou3ASSLcl07u_dINd96SsIjB2bfRiTZkMeddOMZ_5Qe2asyMOfQ3Uv2Ug7zyNxCroA-9aF3c6rHscWCcHWP5BQnAr-Vs/w640-h480/429D6DC2-E73F-4263-9C5A-8EF379A71C4C%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dinner is served ð</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-45345159838367790112023-10-16T20:08:00.002+01:002023-10-16T20:24:57.919+01:00Monday Moments<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Ben was at the decking job in Great Ecclestone this morning and since it was a short visit it made sense for me to stop in the car, so I brought a mending job that was on my list:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipduJdo2ffW9Ch6lE4I7Z-HRfqLL9z2IrmTa_dpCZzBC5Ms04a7tJfbhJjHvcG2lhVaOnexFm-qGGJF8gHSUOvUzbBxV9jo3yzrGB2t441CrufpqLNZVnkpbnqIKBreeDL0o1oxOghV8K4_Lkyzjx_dhk7JsUWM9aSeRdSi7lPm0wH4wZ6yuHORLkwolY/s1024/ECEE3705-D7D7-49D0-9D52-791D57223D25%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipduJdo2ffW9Ch6lE4I7Z-HRfqLL9z2IrmTa_dpCZzBC5Ms04a7tJfbhJjHvcG2lhVaOnexFm-qGGJF8gHSUOvUzbBxV9jo3yzrGB2t441CrufpqLNZVnkpbnqIKBreeDL0o1oxOghV8K4_Lkyzjx_dhk7JsUWM9aSeRdSi7lPm0wH4wZ6yuHORLkwolY/w480-h640/ECEE3705-D7D7-49D0-9D52-791D57223D25%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The zip was no longer functioning in my grey Lands End coat so step one was to remove the existing one before replacing with the newer version.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After he had finished with his site inspection and organised phase two of the project it was time to head home, but as a thank you we stopped at Myerscough Plant World Cafe, and Ben bought me a latte. Interestingly we sat in the exact same spot many moons ago (2011)when Sara was a student. You can take a trip down memory lane if you like and see the blog post <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://multicolouredmadness.blogspot.com/2011/11/end-of-week-round-up.html">here</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_sJYtHx9m_wS6qCbK71pUKbTuNzszAFCUxcoatyn2r20k8o1LFZg54-TXk2UgjOvbLD4RKnLTVyQ0H90jR226GwQfX6hJYF106Cf2FIXO5rX79-SwWLNdmGeK4LWsJ8fsl5AH0Z1OlGoWns3V94yqD-TlagieZnXh-hhavTZUdpUzvWf7CqVAIEb3oA/s1024/AE6C9C79-B12D-49BF-8F2B-FD36ED3BAE4A%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_sJYtHx9m_wS6qCbK71pUKbTuNzszAFCUxcoatyn2r20k8o1LFZg54-TXk2UgjOvbLD4RKnLTVyQ0H90jR226GwQfX6hJYF106Cf2FIXO5rX79-SwWLNdmGeK4LWsJ8fsl5AH0Z1OlGoWns3V94yqD-TlagieZnXh-hhavTZUdpUzvWf7CqVAIEb3oA/w480-h640/AE6C9C79-B12D-49BF-8F2B-FD36ED3BAE4A%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5vGHmvYUf6U_zd6HiRx9ys-6QJbLkV-fJbntYLUblfHjujiFQ8n__eTxaO4wA9IIO_Yk56eq-KlSvycppqg6nNkRvG1zfXokl_tJ97eUET1j8nEp4_5R7f_0FeVogY_2ieXeYnAOvJTr1m7454zfo3zHZ-1l4g0yS9SetDnHMUTKJZG31uvHtJ1-dg4/s1024/741ACE19-72CD-47E9-BC8F-9876FEA88CC2%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5vGHmvYUf6U_zd6HiRx9ys-6QJbLkV-fJbntYLUblfHjujiFQ8n__eTxaO4wA9IIO_Yk56eq-KlSvycppqg6nNkRvG1zfXokl_tJ97eUET1j8nEp4_5R7f_0FeVogY_2ieXeYnAOvJTr1m7454zfo3zHZ-1l4g0yS9SetDnHMUTKJZG31uvHtJ1-dg4/w480-h640/741ACE19-72CD-47E9-BC8F-9876FEA88CC2%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLNrsRO91SnxNGH9CX6meNAcqn5rfHDrdR09FKPbY2iK60AZgYGqgccLC4BfVxhZS3S95g-LMJA_6LqkICljyunwX1WFRTUIiyTCxEtRrF9EwmJcye266MXS2nS18fDj9MgAqGMrKg9Lxr1ZMEYYkdXc8vCAjmH21fSa4tONfwI_p7nxllfIQmBYQeLw/s1024/16E5CD66-0A0D-425C-9D21-6F4C616425D8%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLNrsRO91SnxNGH9CX6meNAcqn5rfHDrdR09FKPbY2iK60AZgYGqgccLC4BfVxhZS3S95g-LMJA_6LqkICljyunwX1WFRTUIiyTCxEtRrF9EwmJcye266MXS2nS18fDj9MgAqGMrKg9Lxr1ZMEYYkdXc8vCAjmH21fSa4tONfwI_p7nxllfIQmBYQeLw/w480-h640/16E5CD66-0A0D-425C-9D21-6F4C616425D8%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This afternoon has involved sewing said zipper into the coat. It would have taken me a fraction of the time to use my machine but I wasn't feeling too great today (my body has not liked being upright ðĪŠ) so I put my feet up on the sofa and have slowly hand stitched my way along the coat ð</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For tea we had another meal from last week's cookbook but gah is was difficult with the pastry! Greek yogurt is used in a lot of their pastry style dishes as a cheaper alternative to butter and to speed up the whole process, but it did make the dough more difficult to roll out. However it was worth it as the pasties were really tasty and there are enough for lunch tomorrow, so that's a win!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeqewCo7egTAyK8VVCn_qAhdEyjRMoyWpNyg4mL4q8lEl2nsqWuS_4kvW-g2OBRmGwiQd1_NrUfXbtwL0SyyYVCqk9PXwhOhe3zZ-1UPLWdz_0uJM38_SQ4dRQzxvnc48rLl_xJVHBKbzh8BY-UE1gyseCum7ghGMijb5nbhNDXcuY4mOOHHBW4f2myY/s1024/E877C432-84CC-4E95-978B-70C0A3ECD6E9%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeqewCo7egTAyK8VVCn_qAhdEyjRMoyWpNyg4mL4q8lEl2nsqWuS_4kvW-g2OBRmGwiQd1_NrUfXbtwL0SyyYVCqk9PXwhOhe3zZ-1UPLWdz_0uJM38_SQ4dRQzxvnc48rLl_xJVHBKbzh8BY-UE1gyseCum7ghGMijb5nbhNDXcuY4mOOHHBW4f2myY/w640-h480/E877C432-84CC-4E95-978B-70C0A3ECD6E9%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The filling is one medium sweet potato, one small courgette and one leek finely chopped, 80g of extra mature cheddar cheese, 70g cottage cheese, a dessertspoon of left over clotted cream and a drizzle of water to help combine.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The dough mix was 300g self raising flour, 2 teaspoons of onion salt and 180g greek yogurt. Mix all the ingredients to form a dough, adding a little cold water if necessary to combine.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I rolled the dough into a rough circular shape, added the filling and then formed a pasty shape with each round of dough. The pasty's were cooked in the oven at 200C for 15 minutes and then 180C for a further 15 minutes. Since the vegetables are finely sliced the cooking action within the pasty mimics a steaming effect and so there is no need to sautÃĐ the veg before cooking.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-462872995507801182023-10-15T20:24:00.002+01:002023-10-15T20:24:49.126+01:00Saturday Chores and Sunday Knitting<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Yesterday was quite a productive day ð. I managed to sort the laundry and do a 'swish and swipe' of both bathrooms and since this task is done on a daily basis it did not take long at all. Ben cleaned his bedroom and then vacuumed the top floor, landing and stairs. Pip hung out the washing and mopped the upstairs bathroom floor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whilst the kids were busy with their chores I prepped the veg for the evening meal and set it to cook on a low heat and also made larger dough balls to see if they would work as a 'bun' alternative. Once the buns were cooked we served them with sausages. They were declared a winner by everyone else but I don't do well with a heavy carb meal, it makes the PoTS symptoms worse, so I gave half of mine for Dave and Pip to share. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I'm hoping I can tweak the recipe by adding either some ground almond or even polenta to make the dough less heavy. I miss being able to eat regular gluten free bread because of the additives and yeast content and a lot of the non yeast bread mixes contain heaps of egg white which also contains histamine, so a big no at this end.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL8vATOXvVtQgJ70wintjxCdPWodxQ5TR26KvBnA-TBjv-zTIC-Vd8lHWgJY7kCbV7rqAiL63LchOACwqk5shO-kN5uVD6svbe_g7hOH2ciyYbxB7WntrXRQo2YjjUI0dfOx_938OrCfPPMPPtPt5MYFcHuBLVwOTZ1r7tOwC0EfP-uGo_fnV6ENVlQY/s1024/9889CB67-BA69-4F2D-B9CF-A591B48C6C0E%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL8vATOXvVtQgJ70wintjxCdPWodxQ5TR26KvBnA-TBjv-zTIC-Vd8lHWgJY7kCbV7rqAiL63LchOACwqk5shO-kN5uVD6svbe_g7hOH2ciyYbxB7WntrXRQo2YjjUI0dfOx_938OrCfPPMPPtPt5MYFcHuBLVwOTZ1r7tOwC0EfP-uGo_fnV6ENVlQY/w640-h480/9889CB67-BA69-4F2D-B9CF-A591B48C6C0E%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had my usual planned rest and rosary prayers after lunch followed by a spot of knitting. Soon it was time to head out the door for church and Ben was left in charge of overseeing the casserole and adding last minute fixings in time for our arrival home around 7pm.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBROv9Fjl-OJGwWblvhBfLlRUqhrIp8vAS0YQ6eWFTrVBABQxy72z2GQVYEkFL4NUFtJAfCbOY5r1I4YPoP9sdV8RMsdxqLPSQTE4Rlx6Ukxzqx_3R-mu3nDer9eTqe8ku9ux4Q3CZI6drkkldlzoR4zkHq4ZDV7LClW5VEHi8u7XDG9HvEFc7i7TX58/s1024/DD9EC34F-5279-40A8-9E1A-AE6769932893%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBROv9Fjl-OJGwWblvhBfLlRUqhrIp8vAS0YQ6eWFTrVBABQxy72z2GQVYEkFL4NUFtJAfCbOY5r1I4YPoP9sdV8RMsdxqLPSQTE4Rlx6Ukxzqx_3R-mu3nDer9eTqe8ku9ux4Q3CZI6drkkldlzoR4zkHq4ZDV7LClW5VEHi8u7XDG9HvEFc7i7TX58/w640-h480/DD9EC34F-5279-40A8-9E1A-AE6769932893%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Roasted veg and mozzarella topping served with corn on the cob, yummy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since Dave's birthday a few weeks ago we have begun a Sunday tradition of pancakes for lunch and since I prepared the batter last night before bed, they were pretty quick to make. Considering I had done more than I usually would yesterday, I made sure to factor in minimal activity today. This morning I read some of my book and this afternoon knitting was the order of the day:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecY1wgeWa_qCSgZhrQPFHTqrEaQtPeb0le6vjFsG6bblvsWuFueSkLOsda-heut-MOcFXcLenQr7XTlLRwiiVtq7Iif2p232_0CYCJxmuDzWtfZhPQPTIrZMB0Y7QxFAj1ogbNoqFspHOdXEztUBsGDLZPpMoBhsJ0BqSeD2PQ1JjfHKQTbqzMjrYPgQ/s1024/E9D940D5-5D49-4466-B18D-FA428D6DB685%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecY1wgeWa_qCSgZhrQPFHTqrEaQtPeb0le6vjFsG6bblvsWuFueSkLOsda-heut-MOcFXcLenQr7XTlLRwiiVtq7Iif2p232_0CYCJxmuDzWtfZhPQPTIrZMB0Y7QxFAj1ogbNoqFspHOdXEztUBsGDLZPpMoBhsJ0BqSeD2PQ1JjfHKQTbqzMjrYPgQ/w640-h480/E9D940D5-5D49-4466-B18D-FA428D6DB685%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">No shawl this time, it is a sleeveless jumper in a soft grey. Most of the pattern is in simple stocking stitch with an easy pattern detail across the upper part of the garment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hope your weekend has been all that you needed it to be âĪïļ</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-49399984707271253122023-10-13T20:44:00.003+01:002023-10-13T20:44:27.997+01:00Home Grown Harvest<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I was given some free seeds from a permaculture friend and the winter squash was very successful. I harvested this one a few days ago and decided to add it to our evening meal. We had broccoli, squash and pasta carbonara with home made gluten free dough balls. The meal was really lovely and the dough balls were a real hit but blimey there was a lot of 'plate spinning' when it came to the timings, and being upright for that length of time, even though I was sat on the perching stool was not great ð. So although I would not make that particular meal in its entirety again, the dough balls will definitely be in future meal combination âĪïļ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i5YYz1LMekDQfqw9t_2cHOZmc5pixrt2sQ7Li_NQAiSqd93v1xtCd5yAKpNYtIarhr8-tv_w48yHMTfrGOTxgxQgqmj7MJp-ZYzq2_6BHhoKfVle_zEzMBv0V6dOI-wjgp90EDkWbNehp5967oy1mXXNPw4LuL3f-CNUrwfGrFgCtgK-KYMPi4pIugE/s1024/7E7A6C43-E9DE-4CE2-B13F-3067A841F857%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7i5YYz1LMekDQfqw9t_2cHOZmc5pixrt2sQ7Li_NQAiSqd93v1xtCd5yAKpNYtIarhr8-tv_w48yHMTfrGOTxgxQgqmj7MJp-ZYzq2_6BHhoKfVle_zEzMBv0V6dOI-wjgp90EDkWbNehp5967oy1mXXNPw4LuL3f-CNUrwfGrFgCtgK-KYMPi4pIugE/w640-h480/7E7A6C43-E9DE-4CE2-B13F-3067A841F857%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrHPxHbeJCu2OYmmHbL5Cqf74n01PQZufpXUefzAZHirtnLA8wWjlvAfXoetitPe5fvML8oX57Z-SiWvzl5dNPX0SyGVLT76NuZtCGMJikL7tGP4ZF1xaX5f6VAKlDF8GJ0HP4t5NLWcgMqsNnk8GqEdw3KjXKImdlvFEmMtc15aVUKy6eUfEEylPomc/s1024/9DB7EE73-89F5-4BE0-8AF3-ED94C5699839%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrHPxHbeJCu2OYmmHbL5Cqf74n01PQZufpXUefzAZHirtnLA8wWjlvAfXoetitPe5fvML8oX57Z-SiWvzl5dNPX0SyGVLT76NuZtCGMJikL7tGP4ZF1xaX5f6VAKlDF8GJ0HP4t5NLWcgMqsNnk8GqEdw3KjXKImdlvFEmMtc15aVUKy6eUfEEylPomc/w640-h480/9DB7EE73-89F5-4BE0-8AF3-ED94C5699839%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjVXKaIRHSdj2ckhqQlJT-4YMfAxluLaCqplftXYkdOaZBZAYGxWJ1dX-xtUfFygKFHREADslgiUjmD_UGB5Emn_Kx2gnCG46gcr6RSuMkKbs1vwf-Ne9U3WNMh4KuPY6sH1JoTvBCHwnC-n7zlxIgFl7sIQ-pieco6iXC9AJF6kfBedGRWMh3lVYl-E/s1024/91C9DAA7-C08C-47B6-802F-EC98D1F2C725%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjVXKaIRHSdj2ckhqQlJT-4YMfAxluLaCqplftXYkdOaZBZAYGxWJ1dX-xtUfFygKFHREADslgiUjmD_UGB5Emn_Kx2gnCG46gcr6RSuMkKbs1vwf-Ne9U3WNMh4KuPY6sH1JoTvBCHwnC-n7zlxIgFl7sIQ-pieco6iXC9AJF6kfBedGRWMh3lVYl-E/w640-h480/91C9DAA7-C08C-47B6-802F-EC98D1F2C725%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-50974406935772651992023-10-11T20:15:00.001+01:002023-10-11T20:23:22.869+01:00Thirty Five Years and A Book Surprise<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Dave and I celebrated 35 years of married life today but dang it neither of us could remember the exact time we said, 'I will' ð. I've got a feeling it was late morning or over the lunch time period ð. To celebrate we visited our favourite place which is a five minute drive down the road. I had my usual 'safe foods' which was chicken goujons and fries and Dave had chicken caesar salad. We both shared a plate of nachos and some gluten free onion rings. He also enjoyed a mahoosive dessert of which I had some of the cream but my treat was an almond milk latte and very nice it was too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cNAmzSCQS4K9myOSnTuGr2AqiRMrTYtJoZykvvca9q5-UJN38A2z9cOpAT_bVizwhz-zbNYMucu1rXx1D1os7-NYk3U7U_RVpppVK_1cIIQnu7Ce5m1LrQiFEJqT9u_bzzZejNyzp1y5HQboZlVBWObjAAJGI-z7QKYNCxK4S501JXoCQLLZXfmLZQw/s1024/1EB1B40D-823E-4E64-B657-C7467C6F1113%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cNAmzSCQS4K9myOSnTuGr2AqiRMrTYtJoZykvvca9q5-UJN38A2z9cOpAT_bVizwhz-zbNYMucu1rXx1D1os7-NYk3U7U_RVpppVK_1cIIQnu7Ce5m1LrQiFEJqT9u_bzzZejNyzp1y5HQboZlVBWObjAAJGI-z7QKYNCxK4S501JXoCQLLZXfmLZQw/w640-h480/1EB1B40D-823E-4E64-B657-C7467C6F1113%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKcSm3VbvevQ1uAdfODe54WcabKJ9Qct8hCPLx9qUL3RNG_4BxDO3UEPPmVWLFRfyNGJdX3sVhHtuvaX9LmpzhiOB_1KnXK90XOgpLZPk1P9LgRwyex9Db4ZEznp9Ak_BPTeJtJH8F_azOlf0N6p8oy5J9AnR41kuZtkvsN42JCw8T5NqwizprdyGwiI/s1024/59BA5715-AB19-44C9-8C46-E8167B7A747B%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKcSm3VbvevQ1uAdfODe54WcabKJ9Qct8hCPLx9qUL3RNG_4BxDO3UEPPmVWLFRfyNGJdX3sVhHtuvaX9LmpzhiOB_1KnXK90XOgpLZPk1P9LgRwyex9Db4ZEznp9Ak_BPTeJtJH8F_azOlf0N6p8oy5J9AnR41kuZtkvsN42JCw8T5NqwizprdyGwiI/w480-h640/59BA5715-AB19-44C9-8C46-E8167B7A747B%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOe01gLT9Cgj3WPNtI7KPKZQkJW6anx86luZTuK1Q835wGkjmXcA7AkDpfG751JrMWltoiNGciIMkjRaCXhjSCTt-MKOMh4v4fuLzjEsGtxgLP6y3VB0HkGsZhbkGBnlsK9jHjQQgwEaCJTihjrPTlUfRCr7BFhseCIjsBjT-AdEKQzjxwSdRSvAe-c/s1024/B0547860-7090-4554-853F-C72DBA96E7CD%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSOe01gLT9Cgj3WPNtI7KPKZQkJW6anx86luZTuK1Q835wGkjmXcA7AkDpfG751JrMWltoiNGciIMkjRaCXhjSCTt-MKOMh4v4fuLzjEsGtxgLP6y3VB0HkGsZhbkGBnlsK9jHjQQgwEaCJTihjrPTlUfRCr7BFhseCIjsBjT-AdEKQzjxwSdRSvAe-c/w640-h480/B0547860-7090-4554-853F-C72DBA96E7CD%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHU0wk3V04GOV7cMs-7FB9iikdkxOVqO11dpyEb30NxnPGVh-W3PWcjyhICJV7txXLrZt06OcUgFMtSRfPbyAZ5eLYAJ29Q-QZor0jPzWLUrgvVnykldOm8MUy1Z24aBAop-EMD-V-C1x1scQKkGEya4Ofv_VMfg8T2smw-cQLdyLlCUDVlFPzQkYLWE/s1024/FD8D5242-1EF3-4103-BD47-CA7B3AE06E6C%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHU0wk3V04GOV7cMs-7FB9iikdkxOVqO11dpyEb30NxnPGVh-W3PWcjyhICJV7txXLrZt06OcUgFMtSRfPbyAZ5eLYAJ29Q-QZor0jPzWLUrgvVnykldOm8MUy1Z24aBAop-EMD-V-C1x1scQKkGEya4Ofv_VMfg8T2smw-cQLdyLlCUDVlFPzQkYLWE/w480-h640/FD8D5242-1EF3-4103-BD47-CA7B3AE06E6C%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: center;">Feet up cos yeah Pots doesn't stop ðĪŠ</p></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTghFqjgnnLs5fN83vXjhkp14jcJnRMjQcue2G2AOEvx85upbuM-WDYnquQ9suX-jbWmO_KaA9UBWL0GlVI_bUMPq8G5hgyaYyWckPUxPNjiQVVC4CA9NwkFZl0DErKarCNAmBRX-EmdtCBkaGTv4g0sNUB1binzeQwy8ZQQ1rdGvGgsl1ehG-oMNHXg/s1024/8C716EB8-B753-4BB2-BFE6-ED5ACF0821EA%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyTghFqjgnnLs5fN83vXjhkp14jcJnRMjQcue2G2AOEvx85upbuM-WDYnquQ9suX-jbWmO_KaA9UBWL0GlVI_bUMPq8G5hgyaYyWckPUxPNjiQVVC4CA9NwkFZl0DErKarCNAmBRX-EmdtCBkaGTv4g0sNUB1binzeQwy8ZQQ1rdGvGgsl1ehG-oMNHXg/w480-h640/8C716EB8-B753-4BB2-BFE6-ED5ACF0821EA%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">An anniversary silly selfie.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4y4TZcPdJR_9aIB6VVQwT9eGqDMQnemAdwIgvG964WXqHB_PJTB5vi7pR-lBhHIMY-NtAjsJDqq6ZLCw6wMjdSMB_SiIuga8lxQAoogutnjOmxyjOA-xZDL65NiuK_U-IQ96WZ_R6RO7qF54h_GxsTjBT2MVmBREaKngiEuOpBCHZeHVqQbO2tyqIik/s1024/8A74D0CD-BE05-4658-BE65-EBA613678B6A%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4y4TZcPdJR_9aIB6VVQwT9eGqDMQnemAdwIgvG964WXqHB_PJTB5vi7pR-lBhHIMY-NtAjsJDqq6ZLCw6wMjdSMB_SiIuga8lxQAoogutnjOmxyjOA-xZDL65NiuK_U-IQ96WZ_R6RO7qF54h_GxsTjBT2MVmBREaKngiEuOpBCHZeHVqQbO2tyqIik/w480-h640/8A74D0CD-BE05-4658-BE65-EBA613678B6A%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip had fun choosing the card and the lovely cyclamen plant in her lunch break at college. That lovely lass has really blossomed since starting Myerscough. She's had to deal with all sorts of issues but in turn has developed a shed load of resilience and resourcefulness. We are really proud of her âĪïļ</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JPuJYsaZHFrGWh5PIq2cR5_ASqKUJGDigXZfg1y17dHNV15yUNGAA3d0DtIhyU3zrBWYdSsH24OUolia8-iCUYa_jSHVYSQ051K180danUEAtePJchBWifEit9MKnZ48N6-v_3YqdZ6PIMGtE_zDbB7WqeBuZVh01popjTw-lnTduRqGbbwCt6jrVho/s1024/52280E20-18B0-40B5-97D1-C65A8404FE83%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JPuJYsaZHFrGWh5PIq2cR5_ASqKUJGDigXZfg1y17dHNV15yUNGAA3d0DtIhyU3zrBWYdSsH24OUolia8-iCUYa_jSHVYSQ051K180danUEAtePJchBWifEit9MKnZ48N6-v_3YqdZ6PIMGtE_zDbB7WqeBuZVh01popjTw-lnTduRqGbbwCt6jrVho/w480-h640/52280E20-18B0-40B5-97D1-C65A8404FE83%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The wonders of book loving blogging friends ð. My lovely <a href="http://kerenzaallin-garner.blogspot.com/">blogging friend Kezzie</a> sent these brilliant reads and they arrived first thing this morning. I love the Kate Shackleton mysteries but they are often hard to find at our local library. Once Kezzie knew that I was a fellow fan, she offered me her collection âĪïļ. I think it's safe to say that these will be my next round of Long Covid recovery reading over the next few months - once I've finished my current war time trilogy ð</div></span>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-26745433485589464512023-10-10T19:19:00.008+01:002023-10-10T19:20:41.846+01:00Ten Month Post Covid Update<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I've noticed some glimmers this past month:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm now able to clean my teeth whilst standing.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The whiteboard is back in use. At the start of each week I brainstorm little tasks that I would like to accomplish over the course of the week, and in the main most of them get done.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Knitting and reading are still part of my covid recovery and self care.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To help improve my cognitive function I pick out one recipe book to work from and plan the week's menus from that source.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm working with an OT therapy practitioner from the Long Covid Clinic and together we have worked out tasks that are spread throughout the week. I've also been really focused on implementing targeted rest times throughout the day: 10:30-11:00, 2:30-3:00 and 6:30-7:00.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I regularly take a targeted range of supplements (guided by a qualified nutritionist) but this past month I also added a daily supplement of 200mg Co-Enzyme Q10 and I do believe this has helped my energy levels.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm still dealing with MCAS, PoTS, and Long Covid issues which impact me on a daily basis but with pacing, resting and really listening to my own 'ecosystem,' I am making small, slow and sustainable increments which is encouraging to see ð</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iw7-khWJyRXybo20-SOakufRIgrtuljLnuYYgo9jb8TGja3onfCOmJxXozMV9-2gODAB49llZQUMSE5eFIuNIxQJIZPiicOchoBvzHXSH0D8JexkfqdMkitshIwHdJIdL7xrGDuD2Yn0g-f87IiszILY_j0QEezHvGGVlw8BC7n-lhF60Ll-dFyYtWk/s1024/0D8EE7FC-0384-4842-873C-11CDF0AE4804%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iw7-khWJyRXybo20-SOakufRIgrtuljLnuYYgo9jb8TGja3onfCOmJxXozMV9-2gODAB49llZQUMSE5eFIuNIxQJIZPiicOchoBvzHXSH0D8JexkfqdMkitshIwHdJIdL7xrGDuD2Yn0g-f87IiszILY_j0QEezHvGGVlw8BC7n-lhF60Ll-dFyYtWk/w480-h640/0D8EE7FC-0384-4842-873C-11CDF0AE4804%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRupfAt3hbRvxvGbLOWuar0PWiv8s25hWQ6n2UvzvvcMQhcuE0UgEjd7SGVuPAfVaAyDgw7SwdJHZaXFxogvVgsgqYk_OAUsxTF6qMRrzm11TbOda6OcGkOnCanUYOoNjdm1MxQovWIfGUbDLCgJfBGaCTc5uP69ZA_zSuRZa10rvIu99FShm3W39571k/s1024/4862FB00-025B-4046-BD3C-987173638E23%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRupfAt3hbRvxvGbLOWuar0PWiv8s25hWQ6n2UvzvvcMQhcuE0UgEjd7SGVuPAfVaAyDgw7SwdJHZaXFxogvVgsgqYk_OAUsxTF6qMRrzm11TbOda6OcGkOnCanUYOoNjdm1MxQovWIfGUbDLCgJfBGaCTc5uP69ZA_zSuRZa10rvIu99FShm3W39571k/w640-h480/4862FB00-025B-4046-BD3C-987173638E23%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Butterbean, roasted onion and lemon hummous served with vegetable sticks and tortilla chips.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwrCXMs0GPEHfS1C9__d8W4pUSl9WekJbdCSnOZvC9N7lptRdBbK3W9HZ_6VfAhfDWef8emhVwEoxpZhU-2lnhDmXO7Z5ZONrudzacgiybZSz0p8xdoPZfSPsoz6_H_3iMLaEZGznw_eRlkr7muwCK5XLKM2cT79VJZ8O6L-DOZEtUmHeW2UkEzLPOb0/s1024/A6F6845C-F86A-456A-8712-E87EEE4AF5ED%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwrCXMs0GPEHfS1C9__d8W4pUSl9WekJbdCSnOZvC9N7lptRdBbK3W9HZ_6VfAhfDWef8emhVwEoxpZhU-2lnhDmXO7Z5ZONrudzacgiybZSz0p8xdoPZfSPsoz6_H_3iMLaEZGznw_eRlkr7muwCK5XLKM2cT79VJZ8O6L-DOZEtUmHeW2UkEzLPOb0/w640-h480/A6F6845C-F86A-456A-8712-E87EEE4AF5ED%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chilli and onion cornbread.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-82690998612191485682023-10-09T22:48:00.000+01:002023-10-09T22:48:02.637+01:00A Birthday Week and Other Random Bits and Bobs ð<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Just over a week ago Dave celebrated 58 years around the sun. We had a cake to celebrate on the day and then Mum H came to stay that following weekend:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSFUezfSFl-AmNXv3ExlIz6OtRhvjD7HdlC050AqJdH9IOjiAkhlcKUC95VonVlxE3zllZ_pQKOlrGRJ-B6tyFrbkQpYZrscPJfR7LninGjxFRd4iyfxwwkzWncPX6PFivTPuhHzh7FlxRRwa945wqcuuKgRyAYAmgxXU4D34cGssqaXmmwfhmxwn3pE/s1024/0AE5514B-B52C-4949-B951-1C48C6F8BE34%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSFUezfSFl-AmNXv3ExlIz6OtRhvjD7HdlC050AqJdH9IOjiAkhlcKUC95VonVlxE3zllZ_pQKOlrGRJ-B6tyFrbkQpYZrscPJfR7LninGjxFRd4iyfxwwkzWncPX6PFivTPuhHzh7FlxRRwa945wqcuuKgRyAYAmgxXU4D34cGssqaXmmwfhmxwn3pE/w480-h640/0AE5514B-B52C-4949-B951-1C48C6F8BE34%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6kH6qckVXQJZlarD4x1saCC83P5YsMm09jSRH_JkcYbgsPv5HY16ti8UZ7QSyWpWVK_nL-zmYrL8vVquJUryoHAZSqe9alWi77xhMBs70eOG-0lNRl0ZHXtECS0WMUOG-pTVwx51kE0ZtF81IHZExOW79tLtI_U_rKCipc-yb9lCoJ-ZiATwB1JlKWg/s1024/6834CF81-0CAE-4290-8F82-D19F3CEC2B13%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6kH6qckVXQJZlarD4x1saCC83P5YsMm09jSRH_JkcYbgsPv5HY16ti8UZ7QSyWpWVK_nL-zmYrL8vVquJUryoHAZSqe9alWi77xhMBs70eOG-0lNRl0ZHXtECS0WMUOG-pTVwx51kE0ZtF81IHZExOW79tLtI_U_rKCipc-yb9lCoJ-ZiATwB1JlKWg/w640-h480/6834CF81-0CAE-4290-8F82-D19F3CEC2B13%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREdZTX1Z10cgcpcESwhzC1kPJQtuS-oRYWdxTxcm3p43dZY3Brn_irw0DC7NL3BRuS2_7qde-ibHu0jU-9zs2um0xXfld9sdQhD5Td3lvITWCYanM_kmp_CQ2v_Hm9Ezl8Jkek0iu8_sD2snhCa5jHrd9THzkg-om9fuPmgWo0lL7zhTLj3q9XXk489Y/s1024/04380565-EF58-4D4F-B3A5-439F3055EF50%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREdZTX1Z10cgcpcESwhzC1kPJQtuS-oRYWdxTxcm3p43dZY3Brn_irw0DC7NL3BRuS2_7qde-ibHu0jU-9zs2um0xXfld9sdQhD5Td3lvITWCYanM_kmp_CQ2v_Hm9Ezl8Jkek0iu8_sD2snhCa5jHrd9THzkg-om9fuPmgWo0lL7zhTLj3q9XXk489Y/w640-h480/04380565-EF58-4D4F-B3A5-439F3055EF50%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mum's visit involved a pancake breakfast, mega scrabble game won by Pip, a spot of garden time (the lawn has been mowed since then!) and a cafe treat at Booths, whereby Dave was treated to a free coffee and cake courtesy of the supermarket since it was his birthday:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9WcQDNX5b7JnbcMMqPsHi7BISASglinuNMLMGKOZ1cxNjOBaJgzAcoUesL3cG1B9UPZZREYAveI7X5zrIHqcj9xl0i-PQXQ5y51OXDUEu0F-zpCnEfQYGaeacIGeAQVTmE3k2S-kEfgzrO1a9h4LqHlnHksYxSQHu87H8SYvJptsPynagXaBeqCm6Yw/s1024/20231001_133023%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9WcQDNX5b7JnbcMMqPsHi7BISASglinuNMLMGKOZ1cxNjOBaJgzAcoUesL3cG1B9UPZZREYAveI7X5zrIHqcj9xl0i-PQXQ5y51OXDUEu0F-zpCnEfQYGaeacIGeAQVTmE3k2S-kEfgzrO1a9h4LqHlnHksYxSQHu87H8SYvJptsPynagXaBeqCm6Yw/w640-h640/20231001_133023%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKcDddRqlF-Rl8ydk0AA28fN6568BPgtJwmGic1LW9dXlQ5HpqXzXrS_UpQKSPbmlFPG_qpSiGFRfUWb1XVWE1SHxZR-EMWvLBAfXTieLUTfvNH5U9BYNXOlVMco46ubrDwpUEVasuIrnAWq05lPToGgFwwPOE4NGARPwJiKK2oY6qYP93jziRyfEJuw/s1024/20231001_134628%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKcDddRqlF-Rl8ydk0AA28fN6568BPgtJwmGic1LW9dXlQ5HpqXzXrS_UpQKSPbmlFPG_qpSiGFRfUWb1XVWE1SHxZR-EMWvLBAfXTieLUTfvNH5U9BYNXOlVMco46ubrDwpUEVasuIrnAWq05lPToGgFwwPOE4NGARPwJiKK2oY6qYP93jziRyfEJuw/w640-h640/20231001_134628%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwivVt7__ahbG26BUyloGzTyMeb2_pUZ6gNFac3GkCYQkoH5TKulPhjt5jNLDX1RcvKehvUFUs515OFueuWUUJwYl6izUSnj3sQBnRRlkAYU2Ah0R6Refq0sKhgguLyWfKXWSN1i9uvtWV8LbLHBprUkzzfSOQwwaJr1MhaIdUxRA6g6MNSmc8_15pj-k/s1024/20231001_171152%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwivVt7__ahbG26BUyloGzTyMeb2_pUZ6gNFac3GkCYQkoH5TKulPhjt5jNLDX1RcvKehvUFUs515OFueuWUUJwYl6izUSnj3sQBnRRlkAYU2Ah0R6Refq0sKhgguLyWfKXWSN1i9uvtWV8LbLHBprUkzzfSOQwwaJr1MhaIdUxRA6g6MNSmc8_15pj-k/w640-h640/20231001_171152%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe7gbsw59v3Hi3ZrasLhP0WQlXT29NtkDpo-fj_JeYHhzAN7hEmm95CW0SFoXy3TUmxbR_1jMnpAuBU18RWUm6q1VlaqhtWqCsOby6MseeLQXNZ3jPnzDF9UH5FZGmMYMQybkAAc1zbCnSoefDXaI235CHHkAo9wHc2KMDNAMgqsiDZFLSPKURBg72kg/s1024/20231002_122936%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBe7gbsw59v3Hi3ZrasLhP0WQlXT29NtkDpo-fj_JeYHhzAN7hEmm95CW0SFoXy3TUmxbR_1jMnpAuBU18RWUm6q1VlaqhtWqCsOby6MseeLQXNZ3jPnzDF9UH5FZGmMYMQybkAAc1zbCnSoefDXaI235CHHkAo9wHc2KMDNAMgqsiDZFLSPKURBg72kg/w640-h640/20231002_122936%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyiuWY79fqsonXWuQBD5iITPl3N9BpAHxgE26vjuTnMVk9EUuBQCoagT4IxZflm0A8Bkq0LaCyK2hTlvxxwsIoJjqY0HAhlP9UiALqP-f1EBJnsgKqDohiHBBLVKSdj1b_xX9HOY04sMFfVgLENKMmXck5QzZftpf7GwZNtDOO9DliRNQazRNiFL8bOc/s1024/20231002_162934cropped%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="779" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyiuWY79fqsonXWuQBD5iITPl3N9BpAHxgE26vjuTnMVk9EUuBQCoagT4IxZflm0A8Bkq0LaCyK2hTlvxxwsIoJjqY0HAhlP9UiALqP-f1EBJnsgKqDohiHBBLVKSdj1b_xX9HOY04sMFfVgLENKMmXck5QzZftpf7GwZNtDOO9DliRNQazRNiFL8bOc/w486-h640/20231002_162934cropped%20copy.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The grandkids are growing up. Mary loves being a big sister to Ottilie and both of them enjoyed two jaunts this summer; one to a caravan site in the North of the UK, followed by a week of fun in Spain. It's hard to believe it but Mary starts secondary school next September!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuge-97lc0ped91QZEaBufQpfmNxosAc_UEhqH_fypgwcTikB0TNDIIa_tTT71HW15d0Tzw130ESausuFQovSAZ3HoLPsCZ5Cu-v5eBzNmI5DDd2ZQfc5XU2vPsPCPoHrKthrXBQXewlqLuU_tHOety-4LDrjHe5TWDHZ4tr4n1qEmPpeg08lvgh2vhY/s1024/D401C2CF-0DBA-4757-8B1B-87E6D9A9AB00%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="771" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuge-97lc0ped91QZEaBufQpfmNxosAc_UEhqH_fypgwcTikB0TNDIIa_tTT71HW15d0Tzw130ESausuFQovSAZ3HoLPsCZ5Cu-v5eBzNmI5DDd2ZQfc5XU2vPsPCPoHrKthrXBQXewlqLuU_tHOety-4LDrjHe5TWDHZ4tr4n1qEmPpeg08lvgh2vhY/w482-h640/D401C2CF-0DBA-4757-8B1B-87E6D9A9AB00%20copy.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ollie love his new school which is much more suited to his temperament and is very hands on. He loves baking day which also involves visiting the local corner shop to buy the ingredients ð. He is doing really well and is very happy âĪïļ</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-8F6ezRm0nWCVYZL1dpN_StAWWArWhSSVnLtODQBm2DYzQgLTHKP5Uc6MsGY48GlJBNhvwUcLm-FivJ-jv686AKf6x3Hd2HW-cGU9ZUZk2XnQEVECWbIb8s7xda1TfNTaa7X6DMDG8XYMNh6oLZ2gud8EAuNXlR3LGV8E3EFzZ67uXxZGzMstDWvFLg/s1024/2F4DD9ED-8F3E-4B7E-A3AF-BA3A5DD6C56F%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-8F6ezRm0nWCVYZL1dpN_StAWWArWhSSVnLtODQBm2DYzQgLTHKP5Uc6MsGY48GlJBNhvwUcLm-FivJ-jv686AKf6x3Hd2HW-cGU9ZUZk2XnQEVECWbIb8s7xda1TfNTaa7X6DMDG8XYMNh6oLZ2gud8EAuNXlR3LGV8E3EFzZ67uXxZGzMstDWvFLg/w360-h640/2F4DD9ED-8F3E-4B7E-A3AF-BA3A5DD6C56F%20copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Out for a walk in the local woods.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YqkzIiAC-OWdzoM_rVqkVRGEXWyxFLeTZ3HrHfbpCyNIf0YkV5tutP_Sxv1WkAh7Vb3UV7oulnpR9v6mEsl3mOaVh0OXyyC_fw4JTBjLpS88Ot0u696zMLlSk5_HgjvVMmnLwVdNVtDyV40JTJU7nvQHcWCvLZhlfAMYK00q4baJKBx375nhE1q5ugw/s1024/27D9115A-BC35-4C61-A204-01C407272E64%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YqkzIiAC-OWdzoM_rVqkVRGEXWyxFLeTZ3HrHfbpCyNIf0YkV5tutP_Sxv1WkAh7Vb3UV7oulnpR9v6mEsl3mOaVh0OXyyC_fw4JTBjLpS88Ot0u696zMLlSk5_HgjvVMmnLwVdNVtDyV40JTJU7nvQHcWCvLZhlfAMYK00q4baJKBx375nhE1q5ugw/w360-h640/27D9115A-BC35-4C61-A204-01C407272E64%20copy.jpg" width="360" /><br /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Baking day pizza with a yummy, healthy topping.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reading still plays a part in my Long Covid Recovery, although I still struggle to remember what I have read and if any review is given that usually involves making notes as I go along! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <b>August Reads</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-a8yQDeyhsF7wpRbPlNkKGMIh6Txi6FS0YrxHtoUZeXWyRxJwx29MALtg1T0layVXWEf2X5BO-o5ilLPNagFT8n-gMFuYp8IXTk5bY2OAZ0f62yVlrrrCR-VU-gsVn_955u8QCAVhmJ3FbjsHdXluRuY-DOS6nz6MpYKwlVLoAQqSu80mHJKIWC-pY/s1024/54F313B4-6F5A-4499-B858-14F9B5D640C4%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE-a8yQDeyhsF7wpRbPlNkKGMIh6Txi6FS0YrxHtoUZeXWyRxJwx29MALtg1T0layVXWEf2X5BO-o5ilLPNagFT8n-gMFuYp8IXTk5bY2OAZ0f62yVlrrrCR-VU-gsVn_955u8QCAVhmJ3FbjsHdXluRuY-DOS6nz6MpYKwlVLoAQqSu80mHJKIWC-pY/w640-h480/54F313B4-6F5A-4499-B858-14F9B5D640C4%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGSBtrA9ZH5PrDq0CYzaaYNT34tbSCZr8tFJN-ztVT00ifcwq4wmoiHszkqkbPdhPli6i6u90rXPnFwH89_GxkkK2AKrPk1tEIaNY5Nw25A7WzzHKwQyZ2bU4EimYxnX-7ClMgGHQdWao4FNrsLymavNcpZhIZfAKHZ_U6hIJOB3LuKQxTTefiMs5ocg/s1024/41252B02-3A6F-4221-BD4A-92417669BC6C%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGSBtrA9ZH5PrDq0CYzaaYNT34tbSCZr8tFJN-ztVT00ifcwq4wmoiHszkqkbPdhPli6i6u90rXPnFwH89_GxkkK2AKrPk1tEIaNY5Nw25A7WzzHKwQyZ2bU4EimYxnX-7ClMgGHQdWao4FNrsLymavNcpZhIZfAKHZ_U6hIJOB3LuKQxTTefiMs5ocg/w480-h640/41252B02-3A6F-4221-BD4A-92417669BC6C%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uYydwrAgoapIO8biqiuvFKGeXxE2ivnJomUiJ811-IhNv-sr9w1SRzmgu12ycJaAJawE-4tKQXEiI92ZdwynTWIsc0mMXBeSVfX7TCBsjMTqnByp_BF5Gzvm-mp190BT4l3SUQJY7b1EKiFT16IR_TkkKzc286mYEzHklsfcijx6d-ul921RsUSSt3w/s1024/AF3C6286-1A6E-4049-9963-5C2C14F312E7%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uYydwrAgoapIO8biqiuvFKGeXxE2ivnJomUiJ811-IhNv-sr9w1SRzmgu12ycJaAJawE-4tKQXEiI92ZdwynTWIsc0mMXBeSVfX7TCBsjMTqnByp_BF5Gzvm-mp190BT4l3SUQJY7b1EKiFT16IR_TkkKzc286mYEzHklsfcijx6d-ul921RsUSSt3w/w480-h640/AF3C6286-1A6E-4049-9963-5C2C14F312E7%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOszw4ZFE8l8RSC8khK_Enk1n7GqqGUjPcAUd4abOGTlQY6IFapuOYOgPnrsCeC_fUOQuSews9k1Q3qAsSMa422PwJICSxI2mFmnPfLXYLNN6JCsLaT__kR4fFy5N3Zp2hx8J5PJziQoA15N9W3n2G5XTNZ9xmNVXxscoBK9IK036-UKFztSWcIeLkTw/s1024/1A811ABC-4313-41C1-AFA3-A1AE8A2132A9%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOszw4ZFE8l8RSC8khK_Enk1n7GqqGUjPcAUd4abOGTlQY6IFapuOYOgPnrsCeC_fUOQuSews9k1Q3qAsSMa422PwJICSxI2mFmnPfLXYLNN6JCsLaT__kR4fFy5N3Zp2hx8J5PJziQoA15N9W3n2G5XTNZ9xmNVXxscoBK9IK036-UKFztSWcIeLkTw/w480-h640/1A811ABC-4313-41C1-AFA3-A1AE8A2132A9%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>My favourite was 'All My Wild Mothers.' The author shares her story of loss (of which there are many, the death of her sister in a canoeing accident, several miscarriages, her son diagnosed with type one diabetes at a very young age and nursing her mother with cancer right to the very end), grief and hopeful acts of resistance and resilience by planting an apothecary garden full of abundance.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My favourite passage involves her questioning the value of motherhood, from feeling frustrated by her own mother's resignation to domesticity as a young school girl to her own reflections as an older woman with a child of her own. It is in the reflecting that she sees and values all those quiet acts of sacrifice and small acts of love made by her mother, often unnoticed and hidden from the world but valued beyond measure.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Kindness Project was also a really lovely read but for the life of me I cannot remember what it was about! See, if I don't take notes at the time, then whoosh, it's gone from my memory ð and no this isn't age or menopause related, I was mentally sharp before Covid hit ðĪŠ<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>September Reads</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisyctFpDi2BJ77YliPPAchwD8SO_H2XTgrDXVoRQ4FrtFMhIlMOu7yTpVlhHtbzq4ePuSwF-fqWyp76FSzUBK7oZnSWHJGX6TD8lvJq-cdE11waljw6Yd8ph2XeV9Rw12iYdTfgFgOAVstyllJaYsgMvfsCYiRZTtp7O46WhaJeabYOZMUkmciL7iYvc/s1024/7585B187-A5A8-4D80-9DC8-AA7CADFDDA1A%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisyctFpDi2BJ77YliPPAchwD8SO_H2XTgrDXVoRQ4FrtFMhIlMOu7yTpVlhHtbzq4ePuSwF-fqWyp76FSzUBK7oZnSWHJGX6TD8lvJq-cdE11waljw6Yd8ph2XeV9Rw12iYdTfgFgOAVstyllJaYsgMvfsCYiRZTtp7O46WhaJeabYOZMUkmciL7iYvc/w640-h480/7585B187-A5A8-4D80-9DC8-AA7CADFDDA1A%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>A Still Life documents one young woman's journey in a life lived with disability and chronic illness that began in her youth. Since her conditions are 'invisible' for many years she sadly encountered medical gaslighting which understandably caused much trauma. In recent years her conditions have gathered a collection of names including PoTS, EDS and ME to name a few. Despite the labels and their associated restrictions upon her life she determines to spend a year writing and documenting both the good and the bad. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> As time goes on even in the bad moments glimmers of joy can be found if you look hard enough. One such glimmer is a chance encounter on Twitter that begins as a sharing of thoughts and soon blossoms into a loving relationship - the only difficulty is that she lives in the UK and her beloved in Denmark! Thus begins a new way of being, daily face time calls at the end of each day and visits back and forth between each country. All in all an uplifting read, especially since most of my days are paced and measured courtesy of an occupational therapy programme.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm now ten months post covid today and I have some thoughts on where I am, so hopefully I'll be back soon to share what has been going on âĪïļ</span></div></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-67324826386654895042023-09-20T20:25:00.003+01:002023-09-21T03:49:38.311+01:00Pipâs Bedroom<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">After all of Pipâs hard work in assembling her bedroom furniture it seems only right and fitting that the final results are showcased here on the blog. The only item that she did have some help with was constructing the bed, namely the end panels, but the rest was completed by her:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn9WchQCEE6v4G5cWy1_21rpED5k_4PGx5CoA5xxHG9FOefkDotnddz_4IGe4TDS5IcqqtN4kqL7uzbNSDGVZnVtC8JdD2Z-Z_zDVbwfB9OxrQlloXFZyHPoFr8_ZVLxt6w8uyJso6RaNjlc_AJ0gu1cgKAkOYNDpHcWQCmAoJeUMksw6VP9w7NOdXN8/s3200/IMG_6929.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDn9WchQCEE6v4G5cWy1_21rpED5k_4PGx5CoA5xxHG9FOefkDotnddz_4IGe4TDS5IcqqtN4kqL7uzbNSDGVZnVtC8JdD2Z-Z_zDVbwfB9OxrQlloXFZyHPoFr8_ZVLxt6w8uyJso6RaNjlc_AJ0gu1cgKAkOYNDpHcWQCmAoJeUMksw6VP9w7NOdXN8/w480-h640/IMG_6929.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is the smaller of the Billy bookcases and fits very neatly in one of the recesses in her big white cupboard/wardrobe. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP-MYxUkcQwlJuY1ij9jMypJTElpWxHqcW-t4S6_rmwGhQWIynid0QAKQtDtBtVobxlhWCUoTl9aLHN6wWsO1YdIm5cR28Xc2_APKMCZYPMR3kdHcndhpLogD5Bw0kHC1JRSdYnxiGp4NDPJW0st6-qYQyNa5dBwZ3KfwIeu4qRmP8PakfpSJZ6c4i98/s3200/IMG_6930.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP-MYxUkcQwlJuY1ij9jMypJTElpWxHqcW-t4S6_rmwGhQWIynid0QAKQtDtBtVobxlhWCUoTl9aLHN6wWsO1YdIm5cR28Xc2_APKMCZYPMR3kdHcndhpLogD5Bw0kHC1JRSdYnxiGp4NDPJW0st6-qYQyNa5dBwZ3KfwIeu4qRmP8PakfpSJZ6c4i98/w640-h480/IMG_6930.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Her bed complete with fab under bed storage and just behind it you can see the top of her Malm bedside cabinet - she made Benâs bedside unit during his bedroom refurb. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hyXRkFLzjmJpmteVby6f4liyRfUb7iDJSoSFMu8FaYXKCF73qlB7o788mde0D_-gLqWxoGZtMLVjKHWbXFN69AiAs_tkQISp4IJYvXBr1tnaWbNL_qp-9izXtmXYftxoChVdYpgSM-urPxrhx0wR9iI1zmpPZXE8ylXqSZa3sWnAdZXKxs0-Wtr0nUE/s3200/IMG_6931.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hyXRkFLzjmJpmteVby6f4liyRfUb7iDJSoSFMu8FaYXKCF73qlB7o788mde0D_-gLqWxoGZtMLVjKHWbXFN69AiAs_tkQISp4IJYvXBr1tnaWbNL_qp-9izXtmXYftxoChVdYpgSM-urPxrhx0wR9iI1zmpPZXE8ylXqSZa3sWnAdZXKxs0-Wtr0nUE/w640-h480/IMG_6931.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Harry Potter bunting which I made her last year finally has a home ð</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1otXAsuWj5NHVvXZIuhTGsvc6U1uzFbV5u4Zg8g-BFN8WOGf_crm4Lk1KMxCI8dXkIaODH2AVI-ITJk_fHgIKoXcTs2cxKkEfiyyYMoXcroVTf5CvySAA_Yq0Ib_3_9ExUX2nfvcOV4wvccCPwTckFhbXHYZDbB2mU9I6o7fxqfuqC782yzD8it5X-_U/s3200/IMG_6932.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1otXAsuWj5NHVvXZIuhTGsvc6U1uzFbV5u4Zg8g-BFN8WOGf_crm4Lk1KMxCI8dXkIaODH2AVI-ITJk_fHgIKoXcTs2cxKkEfiyyYMoXcroVTf5CvySAA_Yq0Ib_3_9ExUX2nfvcOV4wvccCPwTckFhbXHYZDbB2mU9I6o7fxqfuqC782yzD8it5X-_U/w480-h640/IMG_6932.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We repurposed what we could and since Benâs old Billy bookcase was still in good order it made a much needed addition to the bedroom.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEuAY8NY5p2nEnTa7QHbda62O79hVgHEXAogLIOjZvUbf1P-raJhykZ8U4vCaV_9-40V3Cf_7qUSB4vBrbNB4onYUNhMOD_KwXVBYsB3u3wKiN1_srkSj-e9X3Wi1V3qyuUVaLCCMHgPSFRj8f656KwdcAKQMPf_CtzpIvmMgQ8OdFJtykThbys1adrc/s3200/IMG_6933.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEuAY8NY5p2nEnTa7QHbda62O79hVgHEXAogLIOjZvUbf1P-raJhykZ8U4vCaV_9-40V3Cf_7qUSB4vBrbNB4onYUNhMOD_KwXVBYsB3u3wKiN1_srkSj-e9X3Wi1V3qyuUVaLCCMHgPSFRj8f656KwdcAKQMPf_CtzpIvmMgQ8OdFJtykThbys1adrc/w480-h640/IMG_6933.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This image of a local longstanding football team was the inspiration for the blue backdrop for one wall. The three remaining walls are a chalk white/grey.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lhDyxPhrnEelsMTuCkcZleWvm5U7AEdlocDxCeYHhpP6hxAumQxuMbtCAwVxRp6SJ4bsWJt8G-jCJe5-217AvvCM7ri3yAWxmCQtJ3CpdEXHlRkJAixmnzeLu00yzsSXhLUGQagv-k2Sk_A6h9mUapdgMV1gnwwU0g479yUQJJRYnumDa-bJFjv0EF4/s3200/IMG_6934.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lhDyxPhrnEelsMTuCkcZleWvm5U7AEdlocDxCeYHhpP6hxAumQxuMbtCAwVxRp6SJ4bsWJt8G-jCJe5-217AvvCM7ri3yAWxmCQtJ3CpdEXHlRkJAixmnzeLu00yzsSXhLUGQagv-k2Sk_A6h9mUapdgMV1gnwwU0g479yUQJJRYnumDa-bJFjv0EF4/w480-h640/IMG_6934.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pipâs desk housing both her computer and her art/model making station.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-SKRTDHwQe6uQ-MkCkbtXQ3_LzSnlG2y4ZCr715HLvUtN6p9umydEpmmcHGYHFl7XJ9Ca-xEmrnuxnhCdu_gfi8OgJmSGum9Vpfn1ALMovpmtmHGHI4EtgkjPd7x27Ob85099bHUEZ4jPAhbA1CaxaEY5C2jAYnahxI5Vj9dqhDyh4kOa3O8yapi7jQ/s3200/IMG_6935.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-SKRTDHwQe6uQ-MkCkbtXQ3_LzSnlG2y4ZCr715HLvUtN6p9umydEpmmcHGYHFl7XJ9Ca-xEmrnuxnhCdu_gfi8OgJmSGum9Vpfn1ALMovpmtmHGHI4EtgkjPd7x27Ob85099bHUEZ4jPAhbA1CaxaEY5C2jAYnahxI5Vj9dqhDyh4kOa3O8yapi7jQ/w640-h480/IMG_6935.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXB5uqc0VI0pls2zjwsJUXlGW3Nga4HLvdoyCp9zWZVqCB6nA-7tw1_3H8FFC6JktK6Ad5ryr17AYxZ1ioSU1pibvYZqZ-tLLBSCFIicrN6-BhqluvqqeGI69NDcSpr4F4CSV8w4DzunLfSwDRj20K21KkZy7gfbTl5L8MQ3CStSE2b9y2kb4PO6Pch8/s3200/IMG_6936.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXB5uqc0VI0pls2zjwsJUXlGW3Nga4HLvdoyCp9zWZVqCB6nA-7tw1_3H8FFC6JktK6Ad5ryr17AYxZ1ioSU1pibvYZqZ-tLLBSCFIicrN6-BhqluvqqeGI69NDcSpr4F4CSV8w4DzunLfSwDRj20K21KkZy7gfbTl5L8MQ3CStSE2b9y2kb4PO6Pch8/w480-h640/IMG_6936.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">This unit contains all her various art and model making supplies. On top you can see two of her airplanes just in front of a photo of Grandad H next to his beloved bike. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip loves her room as do I and not only is it a peaceful haven it is also a breeze to clean ð</span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-73598988682255684042023-09-17T19:06:00.001+01:002023-09-17T19:13:50.160+01:00A Tale of Two Gardens<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Daveâs mum stopped over from Thursday to Friday and once we waved her off I noticed some interesting growth in the garden:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUuw0SQ7J6sfsSEsCE5Ikx0PD5m4OPzVrS__jkiNDV65Am7g1sNwe3xT9eOkgC7G5vZMGoKmnBgtwaAE_gzjMGdcWbyEtKcRDAt8mLsRLGWUqUCi2y4XxLd7fMLu3UEmHgUPmnTZOoIUkFKDKxhWutGQsUnCw9lgcHVe6W3zcU3GsOnieZQH3eGIGup8/s3200/IMG_6925.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUuw0SQ7J6sfsSEsCE5Ikx0PD5m4OPzVrS__jkiNDV65Am7g1sNwe3xT9eOkgC7G5vZMGoKmnBgtwaAE_gzjMGdcWbyEtKcRDAt8mLsRLGWUqUCi2y4XxLd7fMLu3UEmHgUPmnTZOoIUkFKDKxhWutGQsUnCw9lgcHVe6W3zcU3GsOnieZQH3eGIGup8/w640-h480/IMG_6925.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXv7xZw4q4fWWzcCWUQBhUtriKYqSVReV0NdTe2KqmS9YhAK7lmlZJahuY4zrnQ05p5x11KvCEhvkQUrmIk7_QfSFAZyF32U635BPJB6UrgjJ0Q_Mbmgy4zYuviOKuB_31RnFGjy7tnqeNa-3MqMYpHRiSvPxLVH9ocSNVnaVmEdOjcqsthFxU-VG--8/s3200/IMG_6926.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXv7xZw4q4fWWzcCWUQBhUtriKYqSVReV0NdTe2KqmS9YhAK7lmlZJahuY4zrnQ05p5x11KvCEhvkQUrmIk7_QfSFAZyF32U635BPJB6UrgjJ0Q_Mbmgy4zYuviOKuB_31RnFGjy7tnqeNa-3MqMYpHRiSvPxLVH9ocSNVnaVmEdOjcqsthFxU-VG--8/w640-h480/IMG_6926.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The free winter squash seeds are abundant! We also have two other fully grown squashes in the back garden. This squash plant took ages to develop but thanks to a summer of rain and then a week long heat wave itâs suddenly sprouted ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also spied this interesting creature:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHVHP6UgAHQ1JY_2GxH7or3XpwmubT2iF0qBnm9WMairlHIOasDJdVIrSkKFH5ZWAPyEC5uw8cvWpBvt787CS63ETIP89b8jIm82Cr5FkFENAXr3oZssCJ1umfQuR-uFKfJ6Npn9u26z-fn78G4ys0pTJSRW34Mgf3V0cv5TtAGXW1LnsEaW7NUAvLds/s3200/IMG_6924.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHVHP6UgAHQ1JY_2GxH7or3XpwmubT2iF0qBnm9WMairlHIOasDJdVIrSkKFH5ZWAPyEC5uw8cvWpBvt787CS63ETIP89b8jIm82Cr5FkFENAXr3oZssCJ1umfQuR-uFKfJ6Npn9u26z-fn78G4ys0pTJSRW34Mgf3V0cv5TtAGXW1LnsEaW7NUAvLds/w640-h480/IMG_6924.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It caught a whole heap of Midges for its tea, those webs are pure magic ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today we did something completely different, it was our well deserved reward for managing to get to a Saturday evening vigil mass four weeks in a row! Nothing short of a miracle and all down to Our Lady of Mount Carmel ðĐ· We set off after breakfast and actually had a day out ð and visited <a href="http://rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr" target="_blank">RHS Garden Harlow Carr </a>Pip pushed me in the wheelchair once we arrived at our destination and upon arriving home at the end of the day, Dave and Pip made tea whilst I crashed on the sofa ðĪŠ It was utterly exhausting but so lovely to do something different:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRnl4qV8qT8gemsQo78-vpTmaXQzf8P21bSAXo5hdFQtfsHJkueiF2pkFw60GR3SIXPSfQ70YDVaiTB3ggF2CX-nh1WQAUpVlYupoOGdE27py6gFZivtBtaCJsjeW77UaDMl6ytK3TD6_P-3YZhuLBOjhgqrU0stHJ9yblXDvggDyoE-u04jupkLzcUo/s3200/IMG_6913.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRnl4qV8qT8gemsQo78-vpTmaXQzf8P21bSAXo5hdFQtfsHJkueiF2pkFw60GR3SIXPSfQ70YDVaiTB3ggF2CX-nh1WQAUpVlYupoOGdE27py6gFZivtBtaCJsjeW77UaDMl6ytK3TD6_P-3YZhuLBOjhgqrU0stHJ9yblXDvggDyoE-u04jupkLzcUo/w480-h640/IMG_6913.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our first stop was Bettyâs Tea Rooms but unfortunately the queue was ginormous and since Covid is on the rise we felt it was safer to sit outside. Thankfully they had a shop and take out service so we shared two gluten free cakes washed down with Earl Grey tea.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG1mnikF7Fki1imRHZK_ZY0vtk2coEO1H7m4YtKu27QEUC82A0pzr1f9qTbjVA96jnV7QZQapXD8z3OLQFouh9HN8EtcvSXOZ6A1NjQso4pswQWbIwhYUGGYdovu31k6nNgWkwcaIHuvxDxzodM7tX1Ex7IBceZKzcv9r7OKx3ovEX3ruCvAB1agm7u4/s3200/IMG_6914.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG1mnikF7Fki1imRHZK_ZY0vtk2coEO1H7m4YtKu27QEUC82A0pzr1f9qTbjVA96jnV7QZQapXD8z3OLQFouh9HN8EtcvSXOZ6A1NjQso4pswQWbIwhYUGGYdovu31k6nNgWkwcaIHuvxDxzodM7tX1Ex7IBceZKzcv9r7OKx3ovEX3ruCvAB1agm7u4/w480-h640/IMG_6914.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vCTmVNSFgElX75pRWOY4iaUJ6wpBpnQBOc646JvgyYaFF7hIRU2_3jcDzGxPn0EmzUnG3biyKgkExam4FjQxbV6f8Hke7iKDV2-iQVIbzpRNi7xeLqV-aQ3ykzq6239H15pZHgzr46G-DypLVNGYIKj2OOMUdM-u4Fbi-W7MRJpPSRP61HVX7I1eSac/s3200/IMG_6915.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vCTmVNSFgElX75pRWOY4iaUJ6wpBpnQBOc646JvgyYaFF7hIRU2_3jcDzGxPn0EmzUnG3biyKgkExam4FjQxbV6f8Hke7iKDV2-iQVIbzpRNi7xeLqV-aQ3ykzq6239H15pZHgzr46G-DypLVNGYIKj2OOMUdM-u4Fbi-W7MRJpPSRP61HVX7I1eSac/w640-h480/IMG_6915.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After our tea and cake treat it was time to visit the gardens - we chose a carefully planned route which included various flower beds and the arboretum. Unfortunately the path around the arboretum was not really transport chair friendly so it was a mix of Pip pushing me and then me walking slowly with my stick. It was only when we arrived back at the visitor centre we saw the off road self propelled wheelchairs that could be reserved, will definitely give one a go next time we visit ð</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t1b-1-MESn2614l9aDx4Ru8vzp0AqZRp-SrDrlGmCBPBaVpAANtPQjGLvvVU3LGgMSSQZveNmPOdUL9t6gejhIQsXOnrFvJ-4yfmjDb-SJYMTa_ucTze6jKhoKCFhF8QBaWI7uSUhlm7H-8BYuHBcOaugFsdduxIoN5IYdpOeaOaOVuiGiCVzNNljPc/s3200/IMG_6918.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0t1b-1-MESn2614l9aDx4Ru8vzp0AqZRp-SrDrlGmCBPBaVpAANtPQjGLvvVU3LGgMSSQZveNmPOdUL9t6gejhIQsXOnrFvJ-4yfmjDb-SJYMTa_ucTze6jKhoKCFhF8QBaWI7uSUhlm7H-8BYuHBcOaugFsdduxIoN5IYdpOeaOaOVuiGiCVzNNljPc/w480-h640/IMG_6918.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BwN_bVMI_PqLII0ByIsN3yXpu7vITVeqa92EbZ5x6HxOdWEc-nFIOPLUIKwH1TlqEqaJHwPrAhHcuGmxZXFJBAjAV5wuEnq7TtyfND_3YiPKnQ_zfb49KjRB3MNj7PEIgrptsQa9Ezvg_NNCuY7PCOXE25tgzFd08bqiEy6Ek6yhtsQw2SyIDIFRz3A/s3200/IMG_6919.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BwN_bVMI_PqLII0ByIsN3yXpu7vITVeqa92EbZ5x6HxOdWEc-nFIOPLUIKwH1TlqEqaJHwPrAhHcuGmxZXFJBAjAV5wuEnq7TtyfND_3YiPKnQ_zfb49KjRB3MNj7PEIgrptsQa9Ezvg_NNCuY7PCOXE25tgzFd08bqiEy6Ek6yhtsQw2SyIDIFRz3A/w480-h640/IMG_6919.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBTEf7PDlDD_L_-NMb-cU26S78ZDw4qZ1Eisikhk8EBAQeWGDUj9E3ofb8b1tfx9w5fxF3Ilz7zCeZNaU26RM14-5HyDIEhA1blMHuhfeq840rpZ_VH0qs_D9qplafok6IStRth-vZl2ZIPIgEProk0NqBgS1oOVjc6vhyVAYgXW--LoU7-g5IREXnxE/s3200/IMG_6920.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBTEf7PDlDD_L_-NMb-cU26S78ZDw4qZ1Eisikhk8EBAQeWGDUj9E3ofb8b1tfx9w5fxF3Ilz7zCeZNaU26RM14-5HyDIEhA1blMHuhfeq840rpZ_VH0qs_D9qplafok6IStRth-vZl2ZIPIgEProk0NqBgS1oOVjc6vhyVAYgXW--LoU7-g5IREXnxE/w480-h640/IMG_6920.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPdQtq4YqtUG6CTl38B8X7RjT75BbtdAxiezN3M9AxWz6_3nKNOmIqU1s19a1U6yGj1TcDHDxxw2meg-x-SrZIdggU02qrpfzFQj3vznF8c2ZUmbOYm7L0WBDwlj9qii4593VESPzSPCty5wyk3TixmdJ7PmFuvpcEiP2jNwY74wJOxswg10X25PH5dY/s3200/IMG_6921.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPdQtq4YqtUG6CTl38B8X7RjT75BbtdAxiezN3M9AxWz6_3nKNOmIqU1s19a1U6yGj1TcDHDxxw2meg-x-SrZIdggU02qrpfzFQj3vznF8c2ZUmbOYm7L0WBDwlj9qii4593VESPzSPCty5wyk3TixmdJ7PmFuvpcEiP2jNwY74wJOxswg10X25PH5dY/w480-h640/IMG_6921.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj8BEHreZC35pBfd_4iBlNMNbzUqGaJBvgC6M1gXujHtWtNCNHDUitBuM76Yv5HSie-KNDlHsfsB_tbxylv-oMZacRqZqFwkBA4lZl6UpGUBTc7rmarKCGezpsWOctGQR0-uKgIROl6g6u_1Gajb4Vwr74rjzewiYmoHUe9RPr_O4Di0SB9nkI1mFPQ4/s3200/IMG_6922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGj8BEHreZC35pBfd_4iBlNMNbzUqGaJBvgC6M1gXujHtWtNCNHDUitBuM76Yv5HSie-KNDlHsfsB_tbxylv-oMZacRqZqFwkBA4lZl6UpGUBTc7rmarKCGezpsWOctGQR0-uKgIROl6g6u_1Gajb4Vwr74rjzewiYmoHUe9RPr_O4Di0SB9nkI1mFPQ4/w640-h480/IMG_6922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">After our combined walking and wheeling it was soon time for lunch so we stopped at Bettyâs in the gardens and had soup, sandwiches and another mug of tea. A very Happy Sunday was had by all ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-16064011277834215542023-09-11T10:46:00.000+01:002023-09-11T10:46:01.656+01:00A New School Year Begins<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip is now in Year 10 and officially at the start of her GCSE journey; her journey with InterHigh continues as in Maths, English, Spanish and Geography. She is also attending our local agricultural college one day a week for Landscape Architecture and Design. Her first day last week was beset with all sorts of problems due to the hearing loss and PoTS, yet despite all of that she persevered and finished the day with a smile on her face.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgUnlizwVN-wF_iXg8Qc64670TFCQyH9UREJHNtAOPUhjiZ0W5e0YW8Q6O0uiv9cCb9UOZMsceFOD5Dq6Dk7bEuc-yrJPuOvHFPmt_UkUQscQcKgH8LTSTH0aZAQSPAR8JECl8CgKKbE92oQuA6hIPeT4uxMhopJcTSeUzGvK6vhnnRIcSRVXTcMvJb8/s4032/IMG_6855.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgUnlizwVN-wF_iXg8Qc64670TFCQyH9UREJHNtAOPUhjiZ0W5e0YW8Q6O0uiv9cCb9UOZMsceFOD5Dq6Dk7bEuc-yrJPuOvHFPmt_UkUQscQcKgH8LTSTH0aZAQSPAR8JECl8CgKKbE92oQuA6hIPeT4uxMhopJcTSeUzGvK6vhnnRIcSRVXTcMvJb8/w480-h640/IMG_6855.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Weâve had a summer of bedroom decorating and furniture building, Pipâs was the last room to be sorted. Naturally this caused chaos in the rest of the household ðĪŠ. Iâm trying to very slowly finish painting the dining room which was promptly abandoned due to Covid last year. The perching stool, a long handled roller and some new medications are helping ð.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had my long awaited cardiology appointment last week and was finally diagnosed with post covid PoTS and Iâm now on the same medications as Pip. Iâm trying to do bits of work but the payback in the form of post exertional malaise is pretty naff - horrendous nerve pain, increased fatigue, swollen glands and loss of balance. I recognised where I went wrong last week so Iâm hoping with some adaptations and cooler weather Iâll manage better this week. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hereâs hoping I can be a bit more consistent in this space too. Sending hugs to my blogging friends ðĐ·</span></div><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-4851653223544700572023-07-30T21:59:00.004+01:002023-07-30T22:02:07.459+01:00This Week<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">We've had more rain than sunshine and so warming soups and casseroles have been made:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEHFZuFZiEe-AIYod3GFFPGyrXnu1TsrgvGr_wKNyWB1AFbwKHkHB1lsrsKdqu3TRnsJTDFumyNm0yoKGG3KBCDh46JcdBvLgDhsL-ZMR6ZkjZkT0RSEiCPEk1rCil5OAnKbIOSZS0XSIHZkAjZCI4SJ5jKxAkNVDSCcJKbxYD14awRXSz59KCimyH8s/s1024/E1037CC3-6F6F-49F6-848E-5C6462BD4770%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEHFZuFZiEe-AIYod3GFFPGyrXnu1TsrgvGr_wKNyWB1AFbwKHkHB1lsrsKdqu3TRnsJTDFumyNm0yoKGG3KBCDh46JcdBvLgDhsL-ZMR6ZkjZkT0RSEiCPEk1rCil5OAnKbIOSZS0XSIHZkAjZCI4SJ5jKxAkNVDSCcJKbxYD14awRXSz59KCimyH8s/w640-h480/E1037CC3-6F6F-49F6-848E-5C6462BD4770%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lancashire Hot Pot for our tea this evening, followed by home made lemon rice pudding.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Speaking of the rain our garden is looking rather lush and when I checked up on the raised bed, this is what I found this lunch time:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X1puFh1FABOAIGvaarm7RN6j3jQq1tyoihvBuUX9uU-dTR4qoJhBw1SdF7cLenfGzCKEmLqEw4z-XGG2gNmeefymbSO7PAI0fXOmU-Rvj2m9-GY003nUdo_dF9uiBOr6nzVQP46jkkxARYjWc9acQmHOqiF4XVlmMNMVEWdbYvVgFOgEWgF5axlLEis/s1024/96FF6D38-2064-4A81-8093-881C966B6487%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9X1puFh1FABOAIGvaarm7RN6j3jQq1tyoihvBuUX9uU-dTR4qoJhBw1SdF7cLenfGzCKEmLqEw4z-XGG2gNmeefymbSO7PAI0fXOmU-Rvj2m9-GY003nUdo_dF9uiBOr6nzVQP46jkkxARYjWc9acQmHOqiF4XVlmMNMVEWdbYvVgFOgEWgF5axlLEis/w640-h480/96FF6D38-2064-4A81-8093-881C966B6487%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Looks like I'll be making a whole heap of soup, cakes and quiches with this hefty bounty ð. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Note to self - remember to check on the courgettes on a regular basis!!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip had her monthly physio visit on Friday which was very productive and she has begun a weights based training programme. Babs her physio started her with 4kg and 8 kg Kettle Bells and then she tried lifting a 15kg weight using the bar with weights either end. Whilst she was working with the kettle bells she was also doing squats, needless to say her legs were more than a bit sore yesterday! Thankfully she was feeling much better today and very kindly helped with weeding in between the paving slabs on the patio this afternoon.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1sTtXyHIbUxL5CjP6StKGCLQHQPl53ZBJdYclzAxiYRrwa9lIvtRgTzw-MRcFm-mbYPkLNWSyrkLDcYAOV7UfJLMI6bZM-Q3oAssDZ15QPz8IYI3jGHW3EJ1t8fGbuw8WcMVFVPy2gLgXw1C2shbkB2B4FfNK7CzgpNSeto2LZp71bM-t0CdWnTDit4/s1024/7DAA115D-2962-4D4C-888E-02DE4C9DD3C5%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1sTtXyHIbUxL5CjP6StKGCLQHQPl53ZBJdYclzAxiYRrwa9lIvtRgTzw-MRcFm-mbYPkLNWSyrkLDcYAOV7UfJLMI6bZM-Q3oAssDZ15QPz8IYI3jGHW3EJ1t8fGbuw8WcMVFVPy2gLgXw1C2shbkB2B4FfNK7CzgpNSeto2LZp71bM-t0CdWnTDit4/w480-h640/7DAA115D-2962-4D4C-888E-02DE4C9DD3C5%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A well deserved post work out/break the fast brunch.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DAvBqOJ16ICuwI9Ulq85fL96GM3CrE9v18IhbUM3-7mZh-JV5ohmVIrvK9hwXfNm52uvSYsTlcT_F0VMIqfuU3xu2uHSUYyhtoZJubTFdPrRmU-Tb51yxqePwX7-i4Y5EkT2tCiiyUCoVZXWFEuvfjGJ5w1tUXLUqPEnc8fGpFd_yDZXp6puALPL_4M/s1024/4F5B19E2-E46F-4DEE-8EA9-D312A91AFB3A%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DAvBqOJ16ICuwI9Ulq85fL96GM3CrE9v18IhbUM3-7mZh-JV5ohmVIrvK9hwXfNm52uvSYsTlcT_F0VMIqfuU3xu2uHSUYyhtoZJubTFdPrRmU-Tb51yxqePwX7-i4Y5EkT2tCiiyUCoVZXWFEuvfjGJ5w1tUXLUqPEnc8fGpFd_yDZXp6puALPL_4M/w640-h480/4F5B19E2-E46F-4DEE-8EA9-D312A91AFB3A%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The drive home took way longer than expected due to a road traffic accident on the motorway and I was exhausted and struggled to walk from the car to the house. Driving is really hard on my legs these days and it doesn't take much to set them off. I declared it a no cook tea so we had a breakfast bowl of cereal, nuts, fruit, flaxseed and nut butter for our tea ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've finished another shawl and this one is for a permaculture friend who is facing a very tricky and challenging operation at the end of August. This person loves the sea and I though the combination of the plain blue and alternate variegated yarn resembled the waves breaking against the shoreline:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidionmNn4xfX-OOvXMgt3-FywhaCtXKg74k_q9xU4vz_Zn1t-mS2UTvKYBC3JXDb_NGdWGtI0jqchFTcBroDNU-UtcJr6EF5HAYX6dfVK3tG3TF5D9SaRe3ZpDcLtvW4ky_abQc2ij0EqY7O51MffezAIFqWzKmcOEXP-gHOrMDy0k8CkJFYYLt8s8C0/s1024/72EC1766-6BD2-4B20-A4A8-979AD886258B%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidionmNn4xfX-OOvXMgt3-FywhaCtXKg74k_q9xU4vz_Zn1t-mS2UTvKYBC3JXDb_NGdWGtI0jqchFTcBroDNU-UtcJr6EF5HAYX6dfVK3tG3TF5D9SaRe3ZpDcLtvW4ky_abQc2ij0EqY7O51MffezAIFqWzKmcOEXP-gHOrMDy0k8CkJFYYLt8s8C0/w640-h480/72EC1766-6BD2-4B20-A4A8-979AD886258B%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm calling this 'The Sea Breeze Shawl.'</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A fellow doula friend who has a soft spot for Our Lady shared this on her Instagram this morning and I thought it was so lovely I would share it here:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7frv9g9kbZ0MK9oQxfbZmVU0Xhgb5ZoO42Hl6gQIHOJi8WAN9UXG_l_IDcP-7NNjiPKxEpUSA6iU2ko5vNHRTFubzmjPDIQNJbAVEK_IW4C3QzvWUVLiedPNC4SuIOhu9jakzF9tWj-AdDutQQw3mJAY9nPmncb3em9v_zHoPzofomGusRvOHp2un6-A/s1024/AADAA663-C7D1-4665-9579-A513EB27BCC0%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7frv9g9kbZ0MK9oQxfbZmVU0Xhgb5ZoO42Hl6gQIHOJi8WAN9UXG_l_IDcP-7NNjiPKxEpUSA6iU2ko5vNHRTFubzmjPDIQNJbAVEK_IW4C3QzvWUVLiedPNC4SuIOhu9jakzF9tWj-AdDutQQw3mJAY9nPmncb3em9v_zHoPzofomGusRvOHp2un6-A/w360-h640/AADAA663-C7D1-4665-9579-A513EB27BCC0%20copy.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The large and lovely lessons</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You taught with little breath</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the Liturgy of Labour</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the house of Nazareth</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are such fantastic simple things</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That mortals may presume</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To call the Queen of Seraphim</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our Lady of The Broom</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For you who rule the angels</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Built up our legacy</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">By living a life of little things</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That we do every day</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You cooked, cleaned, washed and mended</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Scrubbed the kitchen floor</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Teaching a world the woman's way</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To worship and adore</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How beautifully you taught us</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where all perfection lies</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">By seeing all salvation in</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The work before your eyes</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Immensity in little space</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The world in the humble room</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You swept and kept and cared for</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our Lady of The Broom.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hope you've had a good week, off to check up on you all âĪïļ</span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-90257872016654136492023-07-24T21:51:00.004+01:002023-07-24T21:51:29.400+01:00Brunches and A New Look Bedroom<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">On Saturday morning as planned, Pip and Dave made our brunch breakfast, for my part I popped to the local Co-Op for clotted cream, raspberry jam and chocolate spread. The chocolate spread was ÂĢ4.00 for the jar! Shows how often we buy treat food ð</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQMKosdMJH2SBngNvYsZsTPo1NXrvw1Pi983stegsV1NdcEOfcmcGMa0hFtLYQqixu1lPo--4OCjjtxNrs0sH_FOyO8YXf6a8f3h64ySHWtD5exNmCCLaPdMuB7oPu6NdKvo8R5jQTtRoygMD3zMga-Xdvyp85Y5IUEeF82aXKNca6y-bLL8SP8jp4KQ/s1024/74127B88-E1E9-4E8A-A892-CEB3C8432B5F%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQMKosdMJH2SBngNvYsZsTPo1NXrvw1Pi983stegsV1NdcEOfcmcGMa0hFtLYQqixu1lPo--4OCjjtxNrs0sH_FOyO8YXf6a8f3h64ySHWtD5exNmCCLaPdMuB7oPu6NdKvo8R5jQTtRoygMD3zMga-Xdvyp85Y5IUEeF82aXKNca6y-bLL8SP8jp4KQ/w480-h640/74127B88-E1E9-4E8A-A892-CEB3C8432B5F%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtn_B71k9Z5whFwsXxXil5JtNXbXqzHgTtzsmKo8Jt3CxuEjeXdDahtYRO2_WjdPbBu2c8XWSbZMhPQubj3D3qffzkJC6guIhP_9OOztvDrWouRMitg8jcErIMepGzMH6eLMraaL-HlX2kzgQrjYEyyTH0pXgSW0PZ0CIh8dWbgNj1OEQGIpjRDQ-HN80/s1024/421FD887-489E-43B4-891C-B887EBD922CF%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtn_B71k9Z5whFwsXxXil5JtNXbXqzHgTtzsmKo8Jt3CxuEjeXdDahtYRO2_WjdPbBu2c8XWSbZMhPQubj3D3qffzkJC6guIhP_9OOztvDrWouRMitg8jcErIMepGzMH6eLMraaL-HlX2kzgQrjYEyyTH0pXgSW0PZ0CIh8dWbgNj1OEQGIpjRDQ-HN80/w480-h640/421FD887-489E-43B4-891C-B887EBD922CF%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6oK9lM87WYOLgliEx1_W0ZjQly-N4uIwgvl5QS6irz3hLqUgbuZD_1-LEALRxd7cLerbMhIxi5NoKqPvwtXkUdEsQOWIcrfBm_6cQNXP9xKmCtgReqbIn-KYnc6vzs5b48cWThIHxAi9oPZxqmGYn2tqV7KoolPK-m6AjQtgDA0JiUY55Y9LqQ-JLjA/s1024/312D2B91-6142-4E74-ABF0-AEB7190B03B1%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6oK9lM87WYOLgliEx1_W0ZjQly-N4uIwgvl5QS6irz3hLqUgbuZD_1-LEALRxd7cLerbMhIxi5NoKqPvwtXkUdEsQOWIcrfBm_6cQNXP9xKmCtgReqbIn-KYnc6vzs5b48cWThIHxAi9oPZxqmGYn2tqV7KoolPK-m6AjQtgDA0JiUY55Y9LqQ-JLjA/w480-h640/312D2B91-6142-4E74-ABF0-AEB7190B03B1%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dave being silly ð </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lLSOIddp3-bg6WED7kOhl25D3M9UfcHaIs_Jrp1Ch2DcZC3LwYFXq8X3tdQz9uWijZszSy6wb4TOE7kKlH1n1lKLC6HAU9CpM5bHrLFuGAmb2vFTuGlwwDSX-C10Ajmpir1ssFv2I7Sz23gL7ghpkNweMxCz6MffLWtvnVYDpP010erSDmyoJtSy_wY/s1024/D6F8E56F-628A-44FF-8386-58260F2C3293%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lLSOIddp3-bg6WED7kOhl25D3M9UfcHaIs_Jrp1Ch2DcZC3LwYFXq8X3tdQz9uWijZszSy6wb4TOE7kKlH1n1lKLC6HAU9CpM5bHrLFuGAmb2vFTuGlwwDSX-C10Ajmpir1ssFv2I7Sz23gL7ghpkNweMxCz6MffLWtvnVYDpP010erSDmyoJtSy_wY/w480-h640/D6F8E56F-628A-44FF-8386-58260F2C3293%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ14cVA4nR8Me3tJnLn_3bSZV59CW0Z31uAKBNa0M3ugrHKrCWeUTr0z_rFB-BGrCi8k5Jy8TELjlNuLELl-D5plZ7AYsRA4E1FDLlfhPe4DSf-CFk4n03tMt_WZA0NehI_7lairE93JILbc0I_2yQiMVk0UO4LmABab8vukq5XK6TamXbVCt6xlwbB6c/s1024/F3053EA4-18D3-47D7-A181-EEBE8773B0EE%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ14cVA4nR8Me3tJnLn_3bSZV59CW0Z31uAKBNa0M3ugrHKrCWeUTr0z_rFB-BGrCi8k5Jy8TELjlNuLELl-D5plZ7AYsRA4E1FDLlfhPe4DSf-CFk4n03tMt_WZA0NehI_7lairE93JILbc0I_2yQiMVk0UO4LmABab8vukq5XK6TamXbVCt6xlwbB6c/w640-h480/F3053EA4-18D3-47D7-A181-EEBE8773B0EE%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On Sunday it was my turn to cook so we had Swedish meatballs, home made cranberry sauce (from frozen cranberries left over from Christmas) and carrots. We've been following the intermittent fasting regime to try and help with some health issues, so we usually eat between the hours of 12-6pm and it is working quite well.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9OI_RQTH4oovXBz4oV2v3p_QkX28gOLvSQQxRWcOljLqslB3DvsPV1mk9goNxDWtwAIJIMwckiZjIQivbnI0aIQWQhS9SERy2d-qbxg29fW1OYNhNHR1_R7VLyT7S6AhO31LuVsLVExQfA1DlWwozN6DZh-ZaVeP-umfoovlarR5GLdTCkZeCLJfmmc/s1024/79125343-3C2B-43D8-9C47-B23340E517BF%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9OI_RQTH4oovXBz4oV2v3p_QkX28gOLvSQQxRWcOljLqslB3DvsPV1mk9goNxDWtwAIJIMwckiZjIQivbnI0aIQWQhS9SERy2d-qbxg29fW1OYNhNHR1_R7VLyT7S6AhO31LuVsLVExQfA1DlWwozN6DZh-ZaVeP-umfoovlarR5GLdTCkZeCLJfmmc/w640-h480/79125343-3C2B-43D8-9C47-B23340E517BF%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here is Ben's new room, I so wish I'd taken pictures of the before - it was a hodge podge of boxes and random mismatched furniture. He is very pleased with his room, all organised and super easy to clean! He even has additional storage drawers under his bed ð. It is always difficult to get lighting right especially at the close of day during the 'golden hour.' I would say that the bottom photo is the best representation of the colours used, two very different shades of grey - the darker of the two colours on the wall behind his bed. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueWp2Ozke-7aT38x53PIe6_-tZBCbEGNiAN7DWRNrGZgHwNKzTwOYyyf9MqDIx2U3FUtccRGHPkuaGrByYIEur2wQdYPnlKvehycoGM8CycG32v8eongl3ksExQV-Nqjm2b1L_Jqu_4-y3CJo54Oi89rGOvsVgMUTavexwP8uPM1Q0Z3c4mPaoZamAME/s1024/B9820FF8-E89F-4D39-BB86-8D28F5629019%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueWp2Ozke-7aT38x53PIe6_-tZBCbEGNiAN7DWRNrGZgHwNKzTwOYyyf9MqDIx2U3FUtccRGHPkuaGrByYIEur2wQdYPnlKvehycoGM8CycG32v8eongl3ksExQV-Nqjm2b1L_Jqu_4-y3CJo54Oi89rGOvsVgMUTavexwP8uPM1Q0Z3c4mPaoZamAME/w480-h640/B9820FF8-E89F-4D39-BB86-8D28F5629019%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RUrSU8qbETaldlzYoRq0UojorZ-wz0JWZSYh2HDSGQCDCXqLqcKOiG8penF1z-rZbDhTkiQCw2lElmI-oiQJm3hS5DbXkdFfBZohmrGbkqZXsNJ_q4NmqE-adfdvWXsxX-DWRCoL8MNqhoVmkiCFwbrCb7muHnKdzjuTE-xZsaJph80b6AQXXnRF8E0/s1024/CE5FB93D-D60B-4507-A82A-D9FED221AF6E%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4RUrSU8qbETaldlzYoRq0UojorZ-wz0JWZSYh2HDSGQCDCXqLqcKOiG8penF1z-rZbDhTkiQCw2lElmI-oiQJm3hS5DbXkdFfBZohmrGbkqZXsNJ_q4NmqE-adfdvWXsxX-DWRCoL8MNqhoVmkiCFwbrCb7muHnKdzjuTE-xZsaJph80b6AQXXnRF8E0/w640-h480/CE5FB93D-D60B-4507-A82A-D9FED221AF6E%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMzEmhdDtarspHwfy2PusV8ulCPlxms7c0crITcuAxkA2lnBUiETeXmZX0RUS3FEdRPck9UJtEdD9_Tm3vLncz7W4DLsnjghUF1OPjZ39swz9CFm-DuuCXjTmwnPVVNZFoJK-Asy85w56l85OO1jEqeKlJfCWCJzDjNLq0Tl0G8BEmi6ToQfqtpMknVg/s1024/D5587647-E968-4828-8205-F72631FF6E79%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMzEmhdDtarspHwfy2PusV8ulCPlxms7c0crITcuAxkA2lnBUiETeXmZX0RUS3FEdRPck9UJtEdD9_Tm3vLncz7W4DLsnjghUF1OPjZ39swz9CFm-DuuCXjTmwnPVVNZFoJK-Asy85w56l85OO1jEqeKlJfCWCJzDjNLq0Tl0G8BEmi6ToQfqtpMknVg/w480-h640/D5587647-E968-4828-8205-F72631FF6E79%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The old furniture is still in pretty good condition, so we have offered it to an organisation that furnishes homes for refugee families, they are already interested in a fold up table which used to be in the school room in the old house, and is no longer needed.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-58748425687084844522023-07-21T21:11:00.000+01:002023-07-21T21:11:25.421+01:00Making Things<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">That scrunched up piece of knitting became this:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCglhdhVZ1Xmc8GwvM0-JCrqqU9vArvd_uIR9ymF-CFmmmiPg_O_KVa4beon7StueGS9OLm8MyhxwQiLGNf_ShD7PTsOUkVTNogEF2KoShTaupviWDzf06iQly-AV4EIVEdQQMXhdAV_HD_8Hw5v1el7nvRdU09IJdwyX_VhNYXOwCARoEtHi6j8xUvE/s1024/8EE92DD7-B0BF-40FD-842F-C09846EF4F84%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCglhdhVZ1Xmc8GwvM0-JCrqqU9vArvd_uIR9ymF-CFmmmiPg_O_KVa4beon7StueGS9OLm8MyhxwQiLGNf_ShD7PTsOUkVTNogEF2KoShTaupviWDzf06iQly-AV4EIVEdQQMXhdAV_HD_8Hw5v1el7nvRdU09IJdwyX_VhNYXOwCARoEtHi6j8xUvE/w640-h480/8EE92DD7-B0BF-40FD-842F-C09846EF4F84%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Its official title is 'Quiet Journey' but I've renamed it The Hope Shawl. I made it for my Instagram friend Fran who has Long Covid, I shared her story and photo here a few posts back. She is now suffering from very severe ME as a result of that Covid infection and has been bedridden since December - even opening her eyes for more than a few moments causes severe concussion like symptoms and vertigo. I knit love and prayers into that shawl and my hope is that some day soon she will be well enough to sit up in bed and eventually be out and about in her wheelchair.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip has also been busy making a 'thing'</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-QiUSVEXNjhv8T3LULcGZG556bRVUVd96BcKtn9nH7dyUvKreqoJDZmVWTwaLqnhTw37rAB9DIlCRo2YyslZxTxaj42n8qMlwPgUHQOQIKqqr_5SB_R6DcMmuKtUf0b4kPJD7SWKC7Gjo7TfZwtOnniMFXo2_FpzYcwJcuFEkJA0qjPvBoMhmENj4aA/s1024/C3D39602-ECC9-4E54-B783-5A647081F818%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-QiUSVEXNjhv8T3LULcGZG556bRVUVd96BcKtn9nH7dyUvKreqoJDZmVWTwaLqnhTw37rAB9DIlCRo2YyslZxTxaj42n8qMlwPgUHQOQIKqqr_5SB_R6DcMmuKtUf0b4kPJD7SWKC7Gjo7TfZwtOnniMFXo2_FpzYcwJcuFEkJA0qjPvBoMhmENj4aA/w480-h640/C3D39602-ECC9-4E54-B783-5A647081F818%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XzbcBC2BAeE8lkz-VTSBy1gNv2exJZwDYqtT8CfDXOHAK4lsgdspr8t18Tx-ck3xp-3ZGfGcD5KxBOVI_6do463SdL5ImDvJzIMACIuIHK0kSPwPGpM_jEHqH9EpISSxPH_rfzkhLwr5WgBP75WIXh5rDz9Ys7-WPUCiSefpYriSHIo414t73dYtHWw/s1024/C182A8AD-2DA9-4C86-82F0-F7962DABCBB2%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XzbcBC2BAeE8lkz-VTSBy1gNv2exJZwDYqtT8CfDXOHAK4lsgdspr8t18Tx-ck3xp-3ZGfGcD5KxBOVI_6do463SdL5ImDvJzIMACIuIHK0kSPwPGpM_jEHqH9EpISSxPH_rfzkhLwr5WgBP75WIXh5rDz9Ys7-WPUCiSefpYriSHIo414t73dYtHWw/w480-h640/C182A8AD-2DA9-4C86-82F0-F7962DABCBB2%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyR_dukdap9DK8ubHNXsEBwAvIm9pfrkhq36G9lM7v_OlUYBn_K3WRu90Ed8D0PsS38AZonG4QDsFVKfUvdfi_BRUIjrOIE6_4zO0SWS63Mt4GT7Fc9-53RB8jJd7wDr4n_M15nU_XSKejAQiDJzp_36hytO_l9GsCr1p1lCWBGKUooXx45tcBU5d4pY/s1024/E196529F-D1CE-440A-9212-11419C400518%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyR_dukdap9DK8ubHNXsEBwAvIm9pfrkhq36G9lM7v_OlUYBn_K3WRu90Ed8D0PsS38AZonG4QDsFVKfUvdfi_BRUIjrOIE6_4zO0SWS63Mt4GT7Fc9-53RB8jJd7wDr4n_M15nU_XSKejAQiDJzp_36hytO_l9GsCr1p1lCWBGKUooXx45tcBU5d4pY/w480-h640/E196529F-D1CE-440A-9212-11419C400518%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I_WuthsBZKpuU-wTNArZFAtm2aiEgk558fwQmwO41HvHu1iVumdbDoigv2rseJkZvT4F53Vw5xCWsVrft_NleAEEiCCq2fjAOOynDVB2FCIpn_ckkMfGQg0TdZ22LK7_TZc1KKZgwf4-WmlCpeQ8tngw8JBHY92kYJuq3skzOGAEuk-xWqLwnVuyy6s/s1024/2F1A3AB7-34F3-4A56-8354-18914BB42282%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I_WuthsBZKpuU-wTNArZFAtm2aiEgk558fwQmwO41HvHu1iVumdbDoigv2rseJkZvT4F53Vw5xCWsVrft_NleAEEiCCq2fjAOOynDVB2FCIpn_ckkMfGQg0TdZ22LK7_TZc1KKZgwf4-WmlCpeQ8tngw8JBHY92kYJuq3skzOGAEuk-xWqLwnVuyy6s/w480-h640/2F1A3AB7-34F3-4A56-8354-18914BB42282%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have had the decorator in this week. Both of the kids bedrooms are being decorated and Ben was first on the list. He has chosen a grey, black, check/stripe theme for his room and Pip enjoyed making his new bedside table. She had no help from an adult, read the IKEA instruction booklet and got on with the task at hand. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All construction work was done with this in the background:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH49a7SK5AFqyk3lxFd5xuDv1tXBuruXGb0TB3TgMdxQ6CK6EZPBEkGF7Ph9RbT0TTahT3kLZq8Zgqpwrl_LHqpDhQ6AdVolJF0gRwnRjMUTTM1MNaWJYvVQdiIoO4mCvNhrGiGTHU1kGayVgapblKBIFl4HQo9NE3zuCv9S69uO7OcQqcW2XG7AHUHXQ/s1024/2C03779F-D917-44F6-8461-699C20520E97%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH49a7SK5AFqyk3lxFd5xuDv1tXBuruXGb0TB3TgMdxQ6CK6EZPBEkGF7Ph9RbT0TTahT3kLZq8Zgqpwrl_LHqpDhQ6AdVolJF0gRwnRjMUTTM1MNaWJYvVQdiIoO4mCvNhrGiGTHU1kGayVgapblKBIFl4HQo9NE3zuCv9S69uO7OcQqcW2XG7AHUHXQ/w640-h480/2C03779F-D917-44F6-8461-699C20520E97%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Women's World Cup 2023, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This match was Spain versus Costa Rica and Pip was over the moon that Spain won ð. I think it's safe to say that it will be back to back footy for the next few weeks!</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-34482380370696503502023-07-18T21:32:00.007+01:002023-07-18T21:32:37.975+01:00Saints :: Reading :: Mindful Moments<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Last week saw a mention of two saints, our very own Saint Benedict on the 11th and St Swithin on the 15th. We inadvertently celebrated St Benedict's Day with drop scones topped with blackcurrant conserve and clotted cream. Pip was having a particularly bad week health wise, so the scones were made in an effort to provide much needed cheer, and it was only then we realised it was a feast day ð</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15D3tfIHTa__fuKLPK85ctL2zc7T9AQOMk9DYoZvjyQaRkUcSmTUricRFJaLZDYskNysiTvvehz1YDuytWK1IOm9TgiurYs70PiCt7Vu3cY9rJHMw0qi2EYYHWgpYCWjzRKZSSU2Y_3ZtAocQYjmC_dv5KdASz00-7_OyFyBwji2a8i8m5Mb0eTL1FX8/s1024/6093A4BB-311F-4A11-8D67-0241CAEA100B%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15D3tfIHTa__fuKLPK85ctL2zc7T9AQOMk9DYoZvjyQaRkUcSmTUricRFJaLZDYskNysiTvvehz1YDuytWK1IOm9TgiurYs70PiCt7Vu3cY9rJHMw0qi2EYYHWgpYCWjzRKZSSU2Y_3ZtAocQYjmC_dv5KdASz00-7_OyFyBwji2a8i8m5Mb0eTL1FX8/w640-h480/6093A4BB-311F-4A11-8D67-0241CAEA100B%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saturday was a very windy, thundery and rainy day and so far the old rhyme is holding true ð:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"St Swithin's day if thou dost rain for forty days it will remain,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">St Swithin's Day if thou be fair for forty days 'twill rain nae mair."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHM-mRiLMwk401T206QRu5al7PzJwE3AtD7-QCNnLPCjLEeU3vMiL-y5uwDP88Jf62gtu7N_ftiDg-bViB1HR06sOcAoq3cCwLgmgl6HZ5L-aofjGHn9il6K7M9bGyWfO6FUUDFM3Pn6TKKFYzh4z0S8K24X3Xp_YpuzI9sRstEd0s6E0l3DPpuv4YFU/s1024/3FA49C0A-B0EF-4E57-BE52-33DAC7830986%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHM-mRiLMwk401T206QRu5al7PzJwE3AtD7-QCNnLPCjLEeU3vMiL-y5uwDP88Jf62gtu7N_ftiDg-bViB1HR06sOcAoq3cCwLgmgl6HZ5L-aofjGHn9il6K7M9bGyWfO6FUUDFM3Pn6TKKFYzh4z0S8K24X3Xp_YpuzI9sRstEd0s6E0l3DPpuv4YFU/w480-h640/3FA49C0A-B0EF-4E57-BE52-33DAC7830986%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In order to combat the dreariness of the day I baked an egg free chocolate cake sandwiched together with melted almond butter. It was really yummy and being egg free meant fewer allergic type reactions for me âĪïļ</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8V9Esjh37u2tBgIzKhQ0NvEXhL1H_8z_MJyeIFfO5SdFeSFfQSuWfICx17FJz1VSP91ndROFC_snoL1k7M_-1B5T8xQky6d8ZK79ItpAF4AObH00Ctmd0zlv_WU7C2IQbHgu9FkH4-pjrKVL-Fgbf0JcSdvmXAvMdOuO4d0KxnAotrhetuFzLAZNNQ0/s1024/9AC52659-6BD7-4B8A-94CB-853CBE46D893%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8V9Esjh37u2tBgIzKhQ0NvEXhL1H_8z_MJyeIFfO5SdFeSFfQSuWfICx17FJz1VSP91ndROFC_snoL1k7M_-1B5T8xQky6d8ZK79ItpAF4AObH00Ctmd0zlv_WU7C2IQbHgu9FkH4-pjrKVL-Fgbf0JcSdvmXAvMdOuO4d0KxnAotrhetuFzLAZNNQ0/w480-h640/9AC52659-6BD7-4B8A-94CB-853CBE46D893%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've so far read three books this month, two were a complete hit and the third admittedly was more for information:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfrfqjZdZo2q9xrR0WCa35g9cUm3t5yk9AIaIvFFgsZLZ7uLfdq1I7MApI_RVrwaq9mUlmef9ssupjql_yZpOqRkY0ixlJ03K2qeiWbN4qsjnc7kDoIIV8ljAXhofhIeEossDWjQz7rU_pM6aA-5vkmnP0kZ8kjmvhvZaMSr_89yClCNhpJdbt3OvkII/s1024/0E8510B1-3076-4D6B-B4F9-09A4A2AD42D1%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfrfqjZdZo2q9xrR0WCa35g9cUm3t5yk9AIaIvFFgsZLZ7uLfdq1I7MApI_RVrwaq9mUlmef9ssupjql_yZpOqRkY0ixlJ03K2qeiWbN4qsjnc7kDoIIV8ljAXhofhIeEossDWjQz7rU_pM6aA-5vkmnP0kZ8kjmvhvZaMSr_89yClCNhpJdbt3OvkII/w480-h640/0E8510B1-3076-4D6B-B4F9-09A4A2AD42D1%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This book was laugh out loud hilarious! A lovely story of friendships forged in the most unlikely of circumstances and the joy all of that brings to an otherwise mundane existence. The insight into elderly care and the general running of a nursing establishment was spot on, and no wonder why for the author is a qualified GP. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdhP8eD7PgwFTvvMbLVpqP_6NmQDaeiNIcCBKddVrQoz2rveMzcqNw0Vh_bpVcqfgHvwt8WmqAEcJxj1Bw5ocPw_IeOkGbvGcuD117ucHDWZjiz0OMkkUC6XUfGyL8DXHNYZt-UbSXUeH9aDmTIkMlfBrhnFCCeGV7Wyv_-fZSR7P_TbI03Zn9w1tF4E/s1024/901FE69C-C295-466C-BA86-359BBEC674E0%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdhP8eD7PgwFTvvMbLVpqP_6NmQDaeiNIcCBKddVrQoz2rveMzcqNw0Vh_bpVcqfgHvwt8WmqAEcJxj1Bw5ocPw_IeOkGbvGcuD117ucHDWZjiz0OMkkUC6XUfGyL8DXHNYZt-UbSXUeH9aDmTIkMlfBrhnFCCeGV7Wyv_-fZSR7P_TbI03Zn9w1tF4E/w480-h640/901FE69C-C295-466C-BA86-359BBEC674E0%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've read Marie's first two books a long time ago and it was lovely to find this in our library online catalogue. The author does a fab documented the daily grind of live aboard life, the unromantic and hidden side - disposing of the Elsan toilet waste, trying to find water when the river is frozen solid and dealing with a dead mouse decomposing in the darkest recesses of the boat, for an animal so small the stench was overwhelming!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-Il0vtayvP4I2ZgYGOfoxlBnoV29t8bgCNSb1Y0Um0f_Kf4_FiI5gdKYTEnErxkvRb7_qMj9DuyaCb_UBQDun5JrBDYamSzP4-mNmKAgiTvbsLCf3k7o76ElxUBSm5TgAmytzRtpQzgdSrbuFdg45OLR-epRx1SBp9jJkzHXgbWLO0ukxznjBTcpEwM/s1024/B836B193-8074-403F-9173-0ACEE5C34314%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-Il0vtayvP4I2ZgYGOfoxlBnoV29t8bgCNSb1Y0Um0f_Kf4_FiI5gdKYTEnErxkvRb7_qMj9DuyaCb_UBQDun5JrBDYamSzP4-mNmKAgiTvbsLCf3k7o76ElxUBSm5TgAmytzRtpQzgdSrbuFdg45OLR-epRx1SBp9jJkzHXgbWLO0ukxznjBTcpEwM/w480-h640/B836B193-8074-403F-9173-0ACEE5C34314%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've watched/listened to several of Gez's youtube videos and so was looking forward to reading this book but in truth felt overwhelmed with all the scientific and patient led information, my brain just does not cope with swathes of info these days! As a result I didn't finish reading, I think though it is meant to be a book that you dip in and out of.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've just completed my eight week mindfulness course and it has been very helpful, lots of information and tips to apply in every day living. If I have a day that is fairly predictable and home based, then I do try to tag my mindfulness sessions during my rest times in the day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> However it has come in really handy when a stressful situation has occurred, like Sunday for instance when we found that we had a flat tyre coming out of the garden centre. In the past I would have been quite stressed and quickly adopting a negative mindset ( our brains are wired with a negativity bias!) but this time I used the breath as my anchor whilst sitting quietly and I quickly reframed my negative thoughts with positive aspects of the situation. In the end it all turned out fine ð</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The only time that I find being mindful a real challenge is when the dysautonomia symptoms are very challenging. Despite taking medication to slow things down, the past few days have been quite tricky with the chest pains, feeling out of breath and elevated heart rate - due in part to doing too much such as driving, being on my feet or attempting to sort some things in the house. It's during these moments that I seek solace in reading/knitting as a distraction and the warmth from a hot water bottle on my chest is a comfort too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MwCl5lQsr15eonq6eHBMKPJVL1TLazz8Oqtjcc-gE9lY2eDRTOfdRaQcI2gDna8QfNfhInrf2WcE33M5yDQqRAcd5Of7Lzb00gBcZfTOKVyfPbSBCNbdSxL5-Yaa7g_qWpuzHZLGP2PDUOrY_Xe01WyF3gAYwqfuvxraA7ia_vV99wIijQ6vnmwPFEA/s1024/96FC045B-7946-401B-AC42-2DE86D516D44%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MwCl5lQsr15eonq6eHBMKPJVL1TLazz8Oqtjcc-gE9lY2eDRTOfdRaQcI2gDna8QfNfhInrf2WcE33M5yDQqRAcd5Of7Lzb00gBcZfTOKVyfPbSBCNbdSxL5-Yaa7g_qWpuzHZLGP2PDUOrY_Xe01WyF3gAYwqfuvxraA7ia_vV99wIijQ6vnmwPFEA/w480-h640/96FC045B-7946-401B-AC42-2DE86D516D44%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIP6FmjXxjvHxzHNLh5hfnjwK95Mj-34CjUgR22NGFEhZfsapiJEXZx6b7Uk-WqdkgGe-lvOz8UIctd_G6SkgajO-fCFBfxOLqx1klrVeNJ7OevuS1bVd1G11cSsXnJjELgHsNdm3dnovIuofTcw57-WmU9zcNft7k6zRne6Z3VRHyY8gV-tNMoN7pfI/s1024/F8AE7B03-883C-459E-BC39-A198B11DB511%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIP6FmjXxjvHxzHNLh5hfnjwK95Mj-34CjUgR22NGFEhZfsapiJEXZx6b7Uk-WqdkgGe-lvOz8UIctd_G6SkgajO-fCFBfxOLqx1klrVeNJ7OevuS1bVd1G11cSsXnJjELgHsNdm3dnovIuofTcw57-WmU9zcNft7k6zRne6Z3VRHyY8gV-tNMoN7pfI/w480-h640/F8AE7B03-883C-459E-BC39-A198B11DB511%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mindful veg chopping</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Speaking of knitting, I finished the pink and green shawl for my poorly friend and have cast on another one for a friend whose birthday is in September. It's so good to be knitting again âĪïļ</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-84011594930843467222023-07-08T19:40:00.003+01:002023-07-08T19:40:34.299+01:00Tea Time Treats and Mindful Making<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Two posts in two days, that's a record!! In between Pip finishing for the school year and everyday life stuff we've managed some local cafe stops - they break up the monotony of an otherwise 'ground hog day' life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxLqPseUi_vRXO2T1xqAsXI4BSYXVOipAYlqNYRtjeJwGwRWor65lbXbjE8E6SX8kUeuJJGSa1zi-e_9QkhYcs17YYYYTUVp2wB61SFAgPoMDa9XpLN1e-xT1daZiFedXpKcgFLMw4_mPiU3wNROaf3aJ4pruehXKATUH54QeYsNH1H-EUT3Ce4BRuPI/s1024/4624F2FB-9589-442C-8511-B67EF94FD1B6%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxLqPseUi_vRXO2T1xqAsXI4BSYXVOipAYlqNYRtjeJwGwRWor65lbXbjE8E6SX8kUeuJJGSa1zi-e_9QkhYcs17YYYYTUVp2wB61SFAgPoMDa9XpLN1e-xT1daZiFedXpKcgFLMw4_mPiU3wNROaf3aJ4pruehXKATUH54QeYsNH1H-EUT3Ce4BRuPI/w640-h640/4624F2FB-9589-442C-8511-B67EF94FD1B6%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip and Dave frequently travel into the village for a Booths cafe stop, shopping and library visit. Dave buy the Independent Newspaper and he reads the main part whilst Pip tackles the puzzles.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRbJyFitJX1OZ0BysvvSReKP7vOL7Q8UaW-1ZwmctmSP0GjaSZ7yI5dzIm7E47e3MS5KBlxfmtdnTp1_xYqNMZJHGN5Yg7wQP-3KrW1T-bY4IdWn-7Yv4hsIyhwF7fB2o53Cndi7JRFv9oofVdSeXnVpulrkiWt0-6qEjNb7Js4LiMg_ey52Zje1zTKk/s1024/FEEAB5A3-37D0-466D-86F9-F5B8FE35B463%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRbJyFitJX1OZ0BysvvSReKP7vOL7Q8UaW-1ZwmctmSP0GjaSZ7yI5dzIm7E47e3MS5KBlxfmtdnTp1_xYqNMZJHGN5Yg7wQP-3KrW1T-bY4IdWn-7Yv4hsIyhwF7fB2o53Cndi7JRFv9oofVdSeXnVpulrkiWt0-6qEjNb7Js4LiMg_ey52Zje1zTKk/w640-h480/FEEAB5A3-37D0-466D-86F9-F5B8FE35B463%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">On one particularly hot day we drove eight minutes down the road to Barton Grange and enjoyed tea and ice creams. I know that might seem a weird combination but it was utterly delicious âĪïļ</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcJM74_oeg8nIOzNPCQwCpPG5hDBw9lOXRZd7oRdy4HLXzIvKJ1I4X9w2orw5fNrkct-VFxmzzdtar7536Ufm3Lfn-eW-Ru-pLwFjdIbMziMlWZ-rss6fFv0ipCuVTPFyGt9bIk2oGDfRRoZL2b7NolKt62wtmS94uzujGZflXAs5ESwRmNPgla3bVAM/s1024/51041BF5-1B5B-4E57-AFF6-03481E475A01%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcJM74_oeg8nIOzNPCQwCpPG5hDBw9lOXRZd7oRdy4HLXzIvKJ1I4X9w2orw5fNrkct-VFxmzzdtar7536Ufm3Lfn-eW-Ru-pLwFjdIbMziMlWZ-rss6fFv0ipCuVTPFyGt9bIk2oGDfRRoZL2b7NolKt62wtmS94uzujGZflXAs5ESwRmNPgla3bVAM/w480-h640/51041BF5-1B5B-4E57-AFF6-03481E475A01%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmIuHya4gThZTkfZEz67Ym3EETpkKplJC4_TY96cHfQqwi2vtYFWN_8iVsPFWyVJpoJ7xwGnzOXByaCTiJqTJBYXLwuxONW6jqHuhfvpenNkeYi7TCF-y4lyfqCkJHmIZTHbkrkh3yxquvDtWp0JSSXU-Xdb2f-uzOm6e5InP-4ui0YzeF0B-DTubF1Q/s1024/E98ECF4F-1DBB-423E-AF89-1AC6C04D40B2%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmIuHya4gThZTkfZEz67Ym3EETpkKplJC4_TY96cHfQqwi2vtYFWN_8iVsPFWyVJpoJ7xwGnzOXByaCTiJqTJBYXLwuxONW6jqHuhfvpenNkeYi7TCF-y4lyfqCkJHmIZTHbkrkh3yxquvDtWp0JSSXU-Xdb2f-uzOm6e5InP-4ui0YzeF0B-DTubF1Q/w480-h640/E98ECF4F-1DBB-423E-AF89-1AC6C04D40B2%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGlu3w5OXHG0H4j8qcf4bAD64kohEnFZrrfaDhKRQvmxyhwDoB19BFDimXR1co6C8rXMrM9xzcAliGBo033DnauxpsqLuSe7U28nhoHJYjc9_vzXVwd5wAyiUkT06-MECBv9jmP-B2SQ-ExUs6jhHDTAbKVrTDLsx08HROmsUwEe82qvPcnhBWkdvdXI/s1024/FFB76982-F364-4D54-9E21-C3AB0832AECD%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGlu3w5OXHG0H4j8qcf4bAD64kohEnFZrrfaDhKRQvmxyhwDoB19BFDimXR1co6C8rXMrM9xzcAliGBo033DnauxpsqLuSe7U28nhoHJYjc9_vzXVwd5wAyiUkT06-MECBv9jmP-B2SQ-ExUs6jhHDTAbKVrTDLsx08HROmsUwEe82qvPcnhBWkdvdXI/w480-h640/FFB76982-F364-4D54-9E21-C3AB0832AECD%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've been fortunate enough to take part in an eight week course "mindfulness for stress" which is organised by the breath works foundation, and they also run the mindfulness for health one too. Last week's homework was based on acts of kindful-ness towards oneself - to undertake activities that bring about contentment and peace, and the library book, 'The Mindful Maker' drew my eye.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I really enjoyed trying out the Japanese technique of visible mending known as Boro stitching. I have a pair of boyfriend jeans that are super comfortable but the factory made holes were proving to be too draughty ð. Placing a patch behind and stitching over the top has lengthened the life span of the jeans, and I'm hoping over time to add more decorative patches. I used the net and spiral permaculture designs to remind me of the interconnections I've made through the web and that abundance can occur in the smallest of spaces - the Winter. Jasmine in the garden is living proof of this.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The simple act of repairing incorporates the 'produce no waste' permaculture principle as well as the people care (my wellbeing) and earth care permaculture ethics. It also means I can avoid the shops for a while longer, as I cannot abide clothes shopping at the best of times, let alone doing so in my current health state ð. </span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-13897912284526044872023-07-07T22:57:00.001+01:002023-07-07T22:57:12.136+01:00More Snapshots<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I had hoped to pop by more regularly but screens are still an issue and by the time I have the headspace to think it's often too late, but hey it's a Friday night so we'll go with the flow ð</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquC65uuxaM1tp8lHMhfzftu1DS06j0lbHgsvAzWWoVZD6F-JlZfofWbkJ8wuoNOb-pktYRzGTzOxXw7qqwhAqZcwiE-B457sckZQDJSTMcoEX3Smh_It588-gHTkYwaRKrHNAFwZcpH7iVSLI21elvoTXBWMnjK0bUJRaUOdfLQccScXWvUx2newgw5g/s1024/7F7667F9-262A-4109-885A-0DCE5C113929%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquC65uuxaM1tp8lHMhfzftu1DS06j0lbHgsvAzWWoVZD6F-JlZfofWbkJ8wuoNOb-pktYRzGTzOxXw7qqwhAqZcwiE-B457sckZQDJSTMcoEX3Smh_It588-gHTkYwaRKrHNAFwZcpH7iVSLI21elvoTXBWMnjK0bUJRaUOdfLQccScXWvUx2newgw5g/w480-h640/7F7667F9-262A-4109-885A-0DCE5C113929%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA0aAs8tF71EjFBatd-BiCJXNhFdzpqLWo5wf4g2zUdTHxvryeZbGmDTIdxhSHVKR0fvOHQ0alDveEDgpfFYdp4CLfpIQy2RqPKoV6Cc6KGwHOjSQ0IQGHtPIvrFiHNVyz2Am9N2sLPXZds0zB2997v9NNIXb18GSflxaUSb5RVF3EP8G_J9KBljyuTU/s1024/6277A1C2-EA9B-42B9-B173-8CC72464EA6A%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA0aAs8tF71EjFBatd-BiCJXNhFdzpqLWo5wf4g2zUdTHxvryeZbGmDTIdxhSHVKR0fvOHQ0alDveEDgpfFYdp4CLfpIQy2RqPKoV6Cc6KGwHOjSQ0IQGHtPIvrFiHNVyz2Am9N2sLPXZds0zB2997v9NNIXb18GSflxaUSb5RVF3EP8G_J9KBljyuTU/w480-h640/6277A1C2-EA9B-42B9-B173-8CC72464EA6A%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Reading List was a surprise find at my local library - it was located on one of the end aisles. The front cover initially caught my eye and when I read the blurb my curiosity was sparked. I'm so glad this book came home with me. A truly wonderful, heart warming and yet at times quite sobering well written book.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The story is centred around an anonymous reading list - To Kill a Mockingbird, Rebecca, The Kite Runner, The Life of Pi, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Beautiful and a Suitable Boy. The list brings together two unlikely souls, Mukesh and Aleisha.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aleisha is a bright but anxious teenager, spending her summer break working at the local library that is under constant threat of closure. She finds the crumpled reading list and sets herself the challenge of every title contained therein. As she works her way through the list she recognises life lessons and nuggets of wisdom that are applicable to her own life, and the magic within the pages transport her away (albeit briefly) from the painful realities of home.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mukesh, a widower living a quiet life in the London Borough of Ealing, spends his days in front of nature documentaries interspersed with visits from his daughters and grandkids and occasional visits to the temple. His teenage granddaughter Priya always has her nose in a book, just like his beloved late wife. In an attempt to enrich his relationship with Priya he tentatively crosses the threshold of the library doors.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The initial meeting between Mueksh and Aleisha is quite strained, him over anxious in a strange place and her frustrated and bored with life, and so she comes across as being quite rude. Realising the error in her ways, Aleisha attempts to make amends and shares the reading list with Mukesh, and soon they are discussing plot lines, characters and their own interpretation of each book. Before too long a beautiful friendship is formed.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMnt5JeSOrQp5TS9qIpW0TNJrE9o_J60l2Io9quPGwNA3sQqRhu9I5qfZ02JWdWluFjmjTcVVi7DBiDYBD1Rokisdj1EZsv0dUU7-UOPQHAf-gLKAHA4NH-Wgvizq46t3xZ_ZWJWKhPSkrL31llLTc1NWAj1R0FPqODOukqUVsfcohrCx6TrPK1X7gPA/s1024/B9BB90AC-69C3-44D3-BAAF-26459BD83797%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMnt5JeSOrQp5TS9qIpW0TNJrE9o_J60l2Io9quPGwNA3sQqRhu9I5qfZ02JWdWluFjmjTcVVi7DBiDYBD1Rokisdj1EZsv0dUU7-UOPQHAf-gLKAHA4NH-Wgvizq46t3xZ_ZWJWKhPSkrL31llLTc1NWAj1R0FPqODOukqUVsfcohrCx6TrPK1X7gPA/w480-h640/B9BB90AC-69C3-44D3-BAAF-26459BD83797%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This book was a birthday gift from Kath and it was so good I read it in two days. During a clear out of her mother's home the author finds a book entitled 'A Fortunate Man' which documented a country GP at the beginnings of the NHS. Upon closer inspection she realises that this book is in fact based on a the valley where she lives, and so she makes contact with the current GP in that same area (during the height of the pandemic and all that entailed) and so 'A Fortunate Woman' is brought into being.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The author skilfully weaves tales from the past into those of the present, and the GP herself walks the thin line between professional, care giver and friend. Patient confidentiality is paramount so the stories and accounts are an overview of GP life. Reading the book gave me a new appreciation for the work of the General Practitioner and made me appreciate further, and be thankful for the excellent GP care that I have had over the years. Some books are for keeping and others are for sharing, so I gifted this book to my wonderful GP (another country doctor) and she in turn will share with her colleagues ð</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITBUVayXKSTYwbXs5zw_oXdYTrhYDsh-_Kb1Ux0kKQ0VBf7RXL3eLiMUsnVSGnW3d2XU_V1aOz_zOvXqQOsn2q6bOIfH4q_oIhDaRJj31LShAXWyQChJsUhezKZTRxopUSiIngyEIT1_K-9gidkDBs9w_FetosyLIbA0ypf2K9OtcwCoBTt1floDJD_w/s1024/546EF0D9-47FE-4038-BB41-D39F1AE1E073%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITBUVayXKSTYwbXs5zw_oXdYTrhYDsh-_Kb1Ux0kKQ0VBf7RXL3eLiMUsnVSGnW3d2XU_V1aOz_zOvXqQOsn2q6bOIfH4q_oIhDaRJj31LShAXWyQChJsUhezKZTRxopUSiIngyEIT1_K-9gidkDBs9w_FetosyLIbA0ypf2K9OtcwCoBTt1floDJD_w/w640-h480/546EF0D9-47FE-4038-BB41-D39F1AE1E073%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>I'm still plodding my way through the permaculture course, it is certainly taking a lot longer than anticipated! Some days my cognitive function is reasonable and other days its on a go slow, so no chance of planning it's a case of doing what I can when I can ðŋ</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_IfBCq-pKjjSWRZqs7DiVjt9hSZfNajPor7s91CaDJGdg4sbGS4qoLhCTifHpsQCvW9EXydFOIp94WOpI4XbimBJ0HU_nh3px4Og_LByJfEu6FIUVZYS8EnoRBIS5bE3_TE9QZ3l6lp-iF_eZ2oijLEgAFxtx5haqKIQKOWQY1-ppfqDfCuIzechLXE/s1024/5ABCA349-15BB-4672-B36B-797AEF6A18CD%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_IfBCq-pKjjSWRZqs7DiVjt9hSZfNajPor7s91CaDJGdg4sbGS4qoLhCTifHpsQCvW9EXydFOIp94WOpI4XbimBJ0HU_nh3px4Og_LByJfEu6FIUVZYS8EnoRBIS5bE3_TE9QZ3l6lp-iF_eZ2oijLEgAFxtx5haqKIQKOWQY1-ppfqDfCuIzechLXE/w480-h640/5ABCA349-15BB-4672-B36B-797AEF6A18CD%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thirteen figs on the tree ðŋ</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yQLdlDn0EaiS6VozLXHJBxqEioOWYKCdRKrjtrUr3Uds_qU6ad-ogAvfOHHUIjn1f9HGwPBinDDOXdha-IGze8vuXkUDkTogH7XVMb6IuW5BfJ-rDUhxUBx2r2ZjuqrN-_OS0hG4dFzpgLFhlasrHOFZzl9gzGPuTnsQy58yQXixnHJ_VtEJusZPD_s/s1024/3432D5F3-B077-4921-A8C7-68D69402905D%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yQLdlDn0EaiS6VozLXHJBxqEioOWYKCdRKrjtrUr3Uds_qU6ad-ogAvfOHHUIjn1f9HGwPBinDDOXdha-IGze8vuXkUDkTogH7XVMb6IuW5BfJ-rDUhxUBx2r2ZjuqrN-_OS0hG4dFzpgLFhlasrHOFZzl9gzGPuTnsQy58yQXixnHJ_VtEJusZPD_s/w480-h640/3432D5F3-B077-4921-A8C7-68D69402905D%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A mini plant guild of tomatoes, chives and flowers.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aT4hC0WCcPB58s8yhf3lRUdrgm3j9JhPUPgTHuWd3bkW2-NBRqxkeRAjXVRDXUKIVJSfi2pomx9R5Cgc0ZSf6rI5RVPOkIfhgCaFzt406gzePXMlQBj33gMrQiykVMLC_RYHcdMJhMhi7hpVcjCLYk0VmJVMDpqJqMFguI3MpLRw87xkPobeEtTLE2s/s1024/C6EAE02B-6BA4-459E-9B51-CEE054DB0F65%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aT4hC0WCcPB58s8yhf3lRUdrgm3j9JhPUPgTHuWd3bkW2-NBRqxkeRAjXVRDXUKIVJSfi2pomx9R5Cgc0ZSf6rI5RVPOkIfhgCaFzt406gzePXMlQBj33gMrQiykVMLC_RYHcdMJhMhi7hpVcjCLYk0VmJVMDpqJqMFguI3MpLRw87xkPobeEtTLE2s/w480-h640/C6EAE02B-6BA4-459E-9B51-CEE054DB0F65%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: center;">Winter Jasmine</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3dAMS6eYY1hwkPJ9PSc5OBCOcxd83koq9VHb3ilIi2Q3vYqJUAKINKvfyOfhZc0TIeHOjTRcGqU4dwcsfyPAli_oG3tYrFg7V46M9UD5ndWYhLAtC8DBIbzwkssmZK3eWghES8LkG8ocghwzFnMPagud2CQSyvngJjKob7e6vXNYdJDtGG54aCS_MY0/s1024/2C053D06-584E-4B09-9B7C-716062F9F741%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3dAMS6eYY1hwkPJ9PSc5OBCOcxd83koq9VHb3ilIi2Q3vYqJUAKINKvfyOfhZc0TIeHOjTRcGqU4dwcsfyPAli_oG3tYrFg7V46M9UD5ndWYhLAtC8DBIbzwkssmZK3eWghES8LkG8ocghwzFnMPagud2CQSyvngJjKob7e6vXNYdJDtGG54aCS_MY0/w640-h480/2C053D06-584E-4B09-9B7C-716062F9F741%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Guns n Roses at Glastonbury</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSgaQA_CE2-QU-yQIMwEMmMsnSlWelQlG7aS-OI_7x5F1sCzKER8B07IZHx7vIhMeFnuqHUyWEDdRbdrQfHURyseFf4WYCxlNMHMQfg5pWLmI9ZOatVLp3Xbts_sX2TvndccjuoBV1s5_4LY6KR6Giuzp0hSCHBP8E3_vA3awEA3KpGaYD1DUAHS62Fo/s1024/B4636A47-9A2E-493D-98FD-C9B90B5E963D%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSgaQA_CE2-QU-yQIMwEMmMsnSlWelQlG7aS-OI_7x5F1sCzKER8B07IZHx7vIhMeFnuqHUyWEDdRbdrQfHURyseFf4WYCxlNMHMQfg5pWLmI9ZOatVLp3Xbts_sX2TvndccjuoBV1s5_4LY6KR6Giuzp0hSCHBP8E3_vA3awEA3KpGaYD1DUAHS62Fo/w480-h640/B4636A47-9A2E-493D-98FD-C9B90B5E963D%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I joined in with some chronically ill pals to watch the Glastonbury Festival - my Pyjama bottoms were my version of festival pants and you cannot attend a festival without either wellies or Crocs! Thankfully no worries about finding the loos or the state of them ð</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrgX4hTIlahdj9CZsSsaRZdPJoCcbLgeChmQKmbpdDo_8FabgvUvRzoZ4thsRt70oJlNOhMiS2KR3Lrm3O2ZaYa3yK8r47N4sMf5QgVra0tjj4KuDy99V4xq4HpdS3IDEoUeuLqYEkRPHB6ubJn5xnLv0gpejEbVKWIJvNLEWxmJqQYjdphKIMMp1er8/s1024/0ED4CF99-C365-4FCA-9218-722006B94FCE%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrgX4hTIlahdj9CZsSsaRZdPJoCcbLgeChmQKmbpdDo_8FabgvUvRzoZ4thsRt70oJlNOhMiS2KR3Lrm3O2ZaYa3yK8r47N4sMf5QgVra0tjj4KuDy99V4xq4HpdS3IDEoUeuLqYEkRPHB6ubJn5xnLv0gpejEbVKWIJvNLEWxmJqQYjdphKIMMp1er8/w640-h480/0ED4CF99-C365-4FCA-9218-722006B94FCE%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNrNWlItNNAolCBY1lwjHDBtTkAp-sU8uds_7qOe73uF5hPYYrBgxCj1tjYbAq1zwZO-_z2OI-aOeOXzOG9VMjEqooun5KPWWD4M3D8noeFr43bRb0LZi7cGBfOTOcqPCTUwiKJe1Op-gzlmS6f5WUT0bFz1ETeLqfHZqmEjfgelTegGnRd3utGNhlhY/s1024/EF311FEC-FC7F-4141-BC10-52FFB8BA50B0%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNrNWlItNNAolCBY1lwjHDBtTkAp-sU8uds_7qOe73uF5hPYYrBgxCj1tjYbAq1zwZO-_z2OI-aOeOXzOG9VMjEqooun5KPWWD4M3D8noeFr43bRb0LZi7cGBfOTOcqPCTUwiKJe1Op-gzlmS6f5WUT0bFz1ETeLqfHZqmEjfgelTegGnRd3utGNhlhY/w480-h640/EF311FEC-FC7F-4141-BC10-52FFB8BA50B0%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Pip and Beth had their yearly fairy day last Saturday - later than normal due to other things going on around the Summer Solstice. They had fun at the crazy golf at Barton Grange Flower Bowl and Dave and I sat in the cafe whilst they did their thing. It's hard to believe but we've been running a yearly fairy get together for nine years âĪïļ</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K-nGXGvdN0e1nsjgGiQm0av0dyNS-sRnZ4nVMFWK8Ui-jm_ogtm1tqrf8WWQLZY814tBq3VtEWlsjxQmPl7PZL6N3S1E4OzfATx3uXWKCuB-39x7t8tMcvVPqPzTg9DFLWOW4CG-j5rNsrTRhGF-ilCMZAnvG2HNwljU4354EGNSZkLa1Pr2rEpnVj0/s1024/7BB6A14B-2031-4BBD-B0CF-0FBCC9B643BB%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7K-nGXGvdN0e1nsjgGiQm0av0dyNS-sRnZ4nVMFWK8Ui-jm_ogtm1tqrf8WWQLZY814tBq3VtEWlsjxQmPl7PZL6N3S1E4OzfATx3uXWKCuB-39x7t8tMcvVPqPzTg9DFLWOW4CG-j5rNsrTRhGF-ilCMZAnvG2HNwljU4354EGNSZkLa1Pr2rEpnVj0/w480-h640/7BB6A14B-2031-4BBD-B0CF-0FBCC9B643BB%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In car knitting - I finally have some knitting ability, yay! It started with my Long Covid socks, the first finished before I got sick in a matter of days and the second took five months to complete, it was frogged back several times over ðģ. I kept making the simplest of mistakes. I was so glad when they were off the needles!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKfjkDFcO0eNgj1R0IEjhLiT5o-i8X7kZaR8pET_fS11_2v_AVNdfLNzyhKFa0xrYeBZ0naPftmi5u-PqpWM_0m6Gs2DvDM19Am5DjWhxjAozkWFmCyvDy-FnVTHdu8nDEQxrcuraHs968YIagHwxS-1Zh9KAretDZt_i2ddaLVdmzqkAhJa0OFn1Tqk/s1024/99B3A7E4-37D6-43AA-BDE4-0A779741F8B3%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKfjkDFcO0eNgj1R0IEjhLiT5o-i8X7kZaR8pET_fS11_2v_AVNdfLNzyhKFa0xrYeBZ0naPftmi5u-PqpWM_0m6Gs2DvDM19Am5DjWhxjAozkWFmCyvDy-FnVTHdu8nDEQxrcuraHs968YIagHwxS-1Zh9KAretDZt_i2ddaLVdmzqkAhJa0OFn1Tqk/w480-h640/99B3A7E4-37D6-43AA-BDE4-0A779741F8B3%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">This was my view on Wednesday morning as I'm back doing PA work for Ben. Driving is still an issues for me so it was easier to stay on site and the chap he was working for very kindly kept me topped up with cups of tea.</p><p style="text-align: center;">As far as Covid is concerned I'm still dealing with dysautonomia issues and have resorted to medication on top of other things to try and keep things under check. I had a lovely virtual appointment with the Occupational Therapist attached to the Long Covid clinic and she has given me a few simple things to do before our next appointment.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the long ramble, its no good I'm going to have to pop by more regularly x </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-88851135232551800942023-06-07T17:49:00.001+01:002023-06-07T17:49:29.612+01:00Snapshots<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I've had a bit more brain band-with these past few days, so have managed to plan food for the next day as well as following a couple of recipes. I still cannot remember conversations that I've had earlier in the day which at times proves to be interesting ð</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQUdxe4pZA_xC0_IRAKN8Rzh3NSr9qqz_r09LkLa3G05dEcT5tnA4jU1ess9cOgCs99kD51yZWlj7Gn9r-ZiLPGaIkDKRFxEJVdEFwaG4Bv5msQ-n4VIo2j0uH4xdP0hr8LAJDWIWQEVOfYsl0cewgmGENEK3a3fnAzQe9wnEV2xdORvApiI7Z2P3/s1024/2AFD28AC-F883-4197-A650-F7DFBD45E98D%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQUdxe4pZA_xC0_IRAKN8Rzh3NSr9qqz_r09LkLa3G05dEcT5tnA4jU1ess9cOgCs99kD51yZWlj7Gn9r-ZiLPGaIkDKRFxEJVdEFwaG4Bv5msQ-n4VIo2j0uH4xdP0hr8LAJDWIWQEVOfYsl0cewgmGENEK3a3fnAzQe9wnEV2xdORvApiI7Z2P3/w640-h480/2AFD28AC-F883-4197-A650-F7DFBD45E98D%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bolognese with Polenta Topping.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxBHYiEI6agVBQ_q-3RUQDc9qo-8nHpC6OsCSgT5WfdrifQUra9X93qzUk77PBjretgeScfMtGjEA3TmPWxKaBPE1KNR5iwzSd0baq78eVC7Sh5_HeSgn-QwEL7CikYcF1b4nZrcrL0wifoiPVNpdovXpFCi1Dt3oTqCLoX7Rv-Y3uZgBfItA-pJP/s1024/9BF7E46B-4F6F-44AD-A59B-EA50B5A0FF9E%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxBHYiEI6agVBQ_q-3RUQDc9qo-8nHpC6OsCSgT5WfdrifQUra9X93qzUk77PBjretgeScfMtGjEA3TmPWxKaBPE1KNR5iwzSd0baq78eVC7Sh5_HeSgn-QwEL7CikYcF1b4nZrcrL0wifoiPVNpdovXpFCi1Dt3oTqCLoX7Rv-Y3uZgBfItA-pJP/w640-h480/9BF7E46B-4F6F-44AD-A59B-EA50B5A0FF9E%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rhubarb and Apple Crumble with Dairy Free Ice Cream.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO_fI6kkCQG-cLHLcBGgKcH5993EvrBlJNBdOH6YF2jNMs4YpPn6hO2eHWBhs_s_UOnEL_n1jq5wavsfeM3lY6x8W9kAVGXzbrXv15bvAHOhU28oV5bYkFXwMKM9VScyVjz6uU_0eLZEKkD5ZSFk0p56aukgCtlBMOXrITgPPVNVgjfUHRk8f3E3q/s1024/66151C0E-C915-43E9-A70A-5F0A15B34202%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO_fI6kkCQG-cLHLcBGgKcH5993EvrBlJNBdOH6YF2jNMs4YpPn6hO2eHWBhs_s_UOnEL_n1jq5wavsfeM3lY6x8W9kAVGXzbrXv15bvAHOhU28oV5bYkFXwMKM9VScyVjz6uU_0eLZEKkD5ZSFk0p56aukgCtlBMOXrITgPPVNVgjfUHRk8f3E3q/w640-h480/66151C0E-C915-43E9-A70A-5F0A15B34202%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I made enough crumble on Monday to serve two days, so we are having the other portion for dessert this evening.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtik2GRVfWNGkptpEq13hpxcergs_fAVD564OdP6s0g-XVXRM0WLqkgm1X0P7QE5RGRXF-vSn1EAh0-m_jDuVuh6q215bJKfYjKSZDPmQkzHu-KVAZfCAQLm_v0EDs7D4XhvgT3rhYexSX2lvRyD5qMm47zn3UWJ3g4swS-zmhlw04w_0Z4-kNxkWQ/s1024/97BF69E4-DAB5-422F-AA07-0F9C2DF9DB6A%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtik2GRVfWNGkptpEq13hpxcergs_fAVD564OdP6s0g-XVXRM0WLqkgm1X0P7QE5RGRXF-vSn1EAh0-m_jDuVuh6q215bJKfYjKSZDPmQkzHu-KVAZfCAQLm_v0EDs7D4XhvgT3rhYexSX2lvRyD5qMm47zn3UWJ3g4swS-zmhlw04w_0Z4-kNxkWQ/w640-h480/97BF69E4-DAB5-422F-AA07-0F9C2DF9DB6A%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pip is in the throes of studying for end of year tests and so life is a bit full on for her at the moment. We have been looking at different study techniques and learned about 'The Feynman Technique' today:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tkm0TNFzIeg" width="320" youtube-src-id="tkm0TNFzIeg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In her hurry to get sorted this morning poor Wilbur was left on guard duty in the bathroom:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjYvWAM_yTs0J7PUWY6Ade59ct-64dt-NQTdmSdYaHvkj0Iqj-xmY_JJMChiQhq4AmQpM36jPJUJchRXzt87u0U5ZxuMlhjfsJtv7jEITi5DtmYZY5xkhLzAolkStTSShmprBTZvN-uSg-WM8MFyD2NoMcuOPoZc5B3EuxmB12nRsjfRNH7trMDFw/s1024/7E256569-85B4-4A9A-A94C-DFECF2ECE367%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjYvWAM_yTs0J7PUWY6Ade59ct-64dt-NQTdmSdYaHvkj0Iqj-xmY_JJMChiQhq4AmQpM36jPJUJchRXzt87u0U5ZxuMlhjfsJtv7jEITi5DtmYZY5xkhLzAolkStTSShmprBTZvN-uSg-WM8MFyD2NoMcuOPoZc5B3EuxmB12nRsjfRNH7trMDFw/w480-h640/7E256569-85B4-4A9A-A94C-DFECF2ECE367%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have an epic drive to Manchester tomorrow for a specialist appointment for Pip, it's just over an hours drive but we plan on breaking the journey for a rest stop for me and please God all will go well âĪïļ</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-795810047529544963.post-75331679425665238182023-06-03T20:42:00.000+01:002023-06-03T20:42:15.087+01:00A Birthday Post <p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">" Hey Mum just think in four years time you'll be sixty and to think you don't look a day over one hundred!!" ððð. Little Miss PJ AKA Pip certainly has an epic sense of humour!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My birthday was on Thursday so I'm a little late in posting but the small things we did that day are still taking its toll two days later, of the joys of post exertion malaise ðĪŠ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since there was no chance we were going to make it to Holy Island for my birthday, Dave brought the island to me âĪïļ. He arranged for a parcel to be delivered containing our favourite coffee from the island and the newly written, 'A Taste of Holy Island' cookbook, written by Victoria Mundy. We had the pilgrims coffee for breakfast and from the book I made the St Cuthbert's Cake - we first tasted that cake on our visit to the Island last year and my home made version did not disappoint. Victoria co-owns the coffee house and roastery with her husband Andy and you can learn more of what they do at their website found here <a href="https://www.pilgrimscoffee.com/">Pilgrims Coffee</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For lunch we visited Booths Shop and Cafe and Pip very kindly pushed me in the wheelchair, this meant I was well enough to enjoy the meal and also be involved in purchasing items for the cake. Having said that being upright does me no favours and so towards the end of our cafe stay, I put my legs up on the chair next to me to stem the blood pooling in my legs and feet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">By the time we arrived home I was shattered but five minutes later some friends popped by and then there was a chat with our daughter Sr Emma, (she always rings on mine and Dave's birthdays) and a quick Whats App video call with mum. My brain was well and truly frazzled at that point, but cakes don't make themselves so into the kitchen it was, and despite crazy heart rates and adrenaline dumps it was worth it ð</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was also blessed with a cornishware blue and cream mug from Dave, flowers from Ben and two other friends, the country living magazine from Pip, a handmade phone case holder with cross body strap, some natural scented body spray and from my long standing friend Ros (who often pops by to read) a beautiful lavender and pettigrain candle, sea weed face mask and some delicious fig and vanilla, rooibos tea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yesterday and today have been rest days, with doing as little as possible but I had a lovely surprise in the post from my dear friend Eva, thank you Eva for such a beautiful and thoughtful gift âĪïļ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gznBLNS32BOFI8EYyLQTx3iHJYw6WL8JouhBMU4eLhwqgl8VYpg54qiOEK7Is0zWjsL8wet_Flt4TiNyIoRyQjmZCit2xVp_QYzIX6fZvXwS7hzRWq3oicHr8dXcQnlzDrm6gGZERrrkPBch62svsEYtbPIeNVO5qmNu3VjThgVJc_mGjJ5csOmy/s1024/4AD77EEB-28FE-4BB6-B92B-704339C82E27%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1024" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gznBLNS32BOFI8EYyLQTx3iHJYw6WL8JouhBMU4eLhwqgl8VYpg54qiOEK7Is0zWjsL8wet_Flt4TiNyIoRyQjmZCit2xVp_QYzIX6fZvXwS7hzRWq3oicHr8dXcQnlzDrm6gGZERrrkPBch62svsEYtbPIeNVO5qmNu3VjThgVJc_mGjJ5csOmy/w640-h554/4AD77EEB-28FE-4BB6-B92B-704339C82E27%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY50MToaGdDl_sgX9O_-6EpOh00ND63iYRIYjWAjTV4CoDJy-8FM7s1_QA_wZX15HS8VUbKaS8mMLLvfatbhU-yQiOUjI_qzG99it7Qtlh5-HJEqPc-9EvjmIUmUqLm3S_LdJDL6ObC4VcwlO7Toeef1DmvGPTsFmyezDLlUZ_rHRUx9clCbz_mbJA/s1024/543D5721-3845-4C13-BDA8-5B1FAC8C4818_1_201_a%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY50MToaGdDl_sgX9O_-6EpOh00ND63iYRIYjWAjTV4CoDJy-8FM7s1_QA_wZX15HS8VUbKaS8mMLLvfatbhU-yQiOUjI_qzG99it7Qtlh5-HJEqPc-9EvjmIUmUqLm3S_LdJDL6ObC4VcwlO7Toeef1DmvGPTsFmyezDLlUZ_rHRUx9clCbz_mbJA/w480-h640/543D5721-3845-4C13-BDA8-5B1FAC8C4818_1_201_a%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSW1vNQBm44GMHLcy6BWRnmsbvSPEDjdaSB7Ywpb6CCnBw-A-dGWGyDgQqcy5W1gnPgmq6DW4W97vR-PooABu0NvljbjzZLrn3hlc6WAPJSCU8XwN6dLRQeCDoI471L3tzpQSAT29enCm7sF3YJuXY3PYylG3JHCAFnz3kWj63rtTV6NC7zjuRyg-/s1024/3DC84C1A-7034-467C-96FE-A12718901781%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSW1vNQBm44GMHLcy6BWRnmsbvSPEDjdaSB7Ywpb6CCnBw-A-dGWGyDgQqcy5W1gnPgmq6DW4W97vR-PooABu0NvljbjzZLrn3hlc6WAPJSCU8XwN6dLRQeCDoI471L3tzpQSAT29enCm7sF3YJuXY3PYylG3JHCAFnz3kWj63rtTV6NC7zjuRyg-/w480-h640/3DC84C1A-7034-467C-96FE-A12718901781%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ben's flowers are in the middle, with friend's flowers either side.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPkXRzzmBBvmAQ9j9HfyEgkAT5p-FxXuESbyigZWSEZpyJipipIUc71PVoyTujprWegLRqOrdeh4DqMbGCcJ--9QueoA_WcRYSZ4sd8X8ciupF6-zmWvaRnLK2eZXUIJ3h-WU8q81p5aKT2n-edGuPNdQOIEcsUfJZ5DLaS9awQ5dMbFv6nzwa5Fe/s1024/6E68B915-34E9-474A-A2FE-9BB160B7B35E%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPkXRzzmBBvmAQ9j9HfyEgkAT5p-FxXuESbyigZWSEZpyJipipIUc71PVoyTujprWegLRqOrdeh4DqMbGCcJ--9QueoA_WcRYSZ4sd8X8ciupF6-zmWvaRnLK2eZXUIJ3h-WU8q81p5aKT2n-edGuPNdQOIEcsUfJZ5DLaS9awQ5dMbFv6nzwa5Fe/w480-h640/6E68B915-34E9-474A-A2FE-9BB160B7B35E%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Close up of the bouquet.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96i8H6j1oo7-2k6HSK7knj9Q9FgMpsf30oNzZiSHsNeoGoEs4C0-KhIrjgul72FXihQViWnMi3Alr0z_1ffgg8NbfR1VzXPfJF6LuTmZ3DbmmZ7jCJbJfeBZqPz7mNOcnv30BW8wUxQ3j9fsC2VHGOY1I8oM8RaiycFWfOBTy324uyLZ_HX-xlug6/s1024/47502C9A-0B8A-4D28-AE5D-EBB466805EC9_1_201_a%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96i8H6j1oo7-2k6HSK7knj9Q9FgMpsf30oNzZiSHsNeoGoEs4C0-KhIrjgul72FXihQViWnMi3Alr0z_1ffgg8NbfR1VzXPfJF6LuTmZ3DbmmZ7jCJbJfeBZqPz7mNOcnv30BW8wUxQ3j9fsC2VHGOY1I8oM8RaiycFWfOBTy324uyLZ_HX-xlug6/w480-h640/47502C9A-0B8A-4D28-AE5D-EBB466805EC9_1_201_a%20copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Eva's lovely gift âĪïļ. The poppy's will work well in the front garden and I'm going to have fun adding some flowers in honour of Our Lady in that space too ð</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One birthday down and one to go and this time it's the big Two-Zero!</span></p>Sandra Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16260644073051470011noreply@blogger.com5