Getting out of my comfort zone

gilligansyle

I buy Christmas pud, because my Dad always insisted that everyone had a mouthful, but I don't like it, and there is always Christmas cake left over. I made some last year and froze them, so have some ready for this year.

I've spoken to the agency, it's now 80%+ certain that I am starting the new job in 3 weeks, just need to wait for Board approval and the details. They already have approval in principle, but I'm still crossing my fingers. Some serious money stuff needs working out too, so need to make appointment with accountant for next week to check what I can claim back by way of expenses etc. so that I know the money and the travel all work out.

Was very good yesterday and cooked roasted veg in the bottom of the oven while roast was cooking, so have that for tea mixed with pasta.
NSD today as parked in the free car park and walked the extra 500 yards

macgirl

Hi Gill I like the sound of your coaster and mug idea. Could be a good "present for teacher" idea...

We were talking about mincemeat today. It's something I've never made but we've got loads of apples on the tree and I was thinking I'll stew them and freeze them, when someone suggested mincemeat. Might give it a whirl.

You've inspired me to make some hampers, I like that idea. I'll add it to the Pots of Gold I'm planning from DT's thread.

Good luck with the job, things seem to be going seamlessly well! :T

gilligansyle

I made mincemeat for the first time last year and was surprised how easy it was, and so much better than shop bought. I have been saving jars especially. If I get myself organised I will take some photos and post them up. Or I may resurrect my blog and put them there.

macgirl

I wasn't that taken with the idea until my colleague said "Oooh, all that brandy!" I thought "Hmmmm, now you're talking"

Karmacat

I love mincemeat! And it would be a way to use up some of the spirits that seem to be around - I went to Scotland quite a few years on the trot, and whenever I visited a distillery, I'd buy a little individual bottle, so they're *really* nice whiskies. I just don't drink whisky, so it all sits there! You're definitely inspiring me to have a go.

gilligansyle

Evening all

I've started doing some planning for the new job. Even if it all comes to nothing, its been a useful brushing up of skills. So have been looking up reports of past reviews I've done, fishing out all my training notes etc. so its been quite good to wake my brain up. It's amazing how easily you forget the terminology, and its only last year when I last did that sort of work. When I get my dining room sorted, will sort out a proper work area, rather than the assortment of boxes I use at the moment.

I've also moved the ironing board into the dining room. At least I can iron a few items at a time while watching food cook, the pile may go down faster now.

Wasn't a NSD today, but got some bargains, nice bits of tartan ribbon and red ribbon in a bag for 50p and a bag of sequins and various beads for 25p, so class that as sort of productive spending.

Trying to find something worth watching on the telly for later. Off to mum's with a dinner, no doubt she will be watching soaps. She tells me stuff about the characters even though she knows I don't watch them and have no idea what she's talking about.

Double_Trouble

gilligansyle wrote: »

Hi Mac

it's because Mum has had heart surgery before that she is nervous about having surgery again. They give you detailed information about the surgery and it frightened the lights out of her. So each time they made an appointment, she cancelled it. By the time she had the bypass surgery, she was really quite ill. This leaky valve thing is something that they may be able to deal with some other way, which is what she is hoping.

It's hissing it down today, so will potter round the kitchen. I am going to make soup and maybe quiche later. Its a while since I baked cakes, but I'll only eat them so will resist the temptation.
Yesterday I bought some mugs and coasters (because I liked the pictures) and am going to make them up as 1 mug and 1 coaster and some chocolate or something, maybe a hot choc mix, all wrapped up in cellophane. So, for £8 I have 4 presents which look far better than a set of mugs and coasters which can only go to 1 person. I quite like the idea of splitting things up like that to make them more added value.

What about making snowman soup to go with your mugs and coasters?

DTxx

gilligansyle

Double_Trouble wrote: »

What about making snowman soup to go with your mugs and coasters?

DTxx

Ta, had a go at those last year for the kids, but need to finesse the wrapping a bit. You have to do them quite near the time too, in case the stuff goes off, unless anyone knows better (?).
Am also pinching your pots of gold idea,for on the table Christmas Day and looking for the stuff to make crackers as have bought some little things to put in them.
I need to find out what cellophane wrappers I have left from last year, and try and find the paypal records so I know who I've bought from in the past.

And its only October.

macgirl

gilligansyle wrote: »

She tells me stuff about the characters even though she knows I don't watch them and have no idea what she's talking about.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: I reckon that's the sort of thing I'll do and annoy my kids!

What is snowman soup please?

Karmacat

gilligansyle wrote: »

Trying to find something worth watching on the telly for later. Off to mum's with a dinner, no doubt she will be watching soaps. She tells me stuff about the characters even though she knows I don't watch them and have no idea what she's talking about.

Oh I know this feeling! Sometimes I nod, sometimes I try to divert her, but it always happens