Its tough, it will get better and guess what its freezing brrrrr!

kidcat

Morning everyone - from snowy Cheshire:j:j:j
Yes its true snow has arrived and it has managed to cheer my mood slightly, still too sick to go out but its nice to look out at and its made the kids very happy indeed to see it, just hope they recover in time to play in it.

Noticed that tesco are selling christmas lights half price so going to be cheeky and ask dad to use his card to buy a set for the tree, which should save electricity - as we needed to use three sets last year - all old - inherited from grandad.

SOmeone mentioned mushroom stroganoff - I have been looking for a recipe for ages so if you can please post

Rice - I cannot make in a pan ever - so I use my steamer, always comes out perfect and washes great too. Although I have considered buying a rice cooker. My friend makes rice by adding rice to pan while hot and stirring for a couple of minutes, then she adds the boiling water and salt, stirs once, turns off heat and seals with tight lid, then ignores it for half an hour or so. Always comes out perfect for her - but me always a disaster!!

lambanana

Cranky - your cat is fantastic! I'm horribly allergic to cats but would quite like one like yours as it's clearly a right character!

kidcat - I like this mushroom stroganoff recipe as it's not as sickly creamy as some http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/515744 I've made it without the vodka and it tastes just fine and also have used any old mushrooms when I've not been able to get any fancy ones, it tastes great

We had more snow overnight here but we're coping just fine apart from feeling very cold. I'm finally catching up on ironing and housework (though do have a load of washing still to do as our washing machine was off limits last week due to workmen!) I do have some motivation to get it done though because I'm currently using the dining room as a drying room and I want to get it cleared out ready for Christmas decorations! It is such a nightmare though getting stuff dry when it's cold like this and our dining room is the warmest room in the house. Certainly can't do any drying outside in the snow!

maryb

Cranky Your cat looks as if it has a bit of Burmese or Siamese in? I had one when I was a child and it was just as finicky about the cold and very chatty. I wasn't supposed to have the cat in my room at night but it always snuck in (OK it might have had some inside help) and used to burrow down just like that picture. Sneaky thing always knew to hide right under the covers when she heard my mum coming up to bed so that she wouldn't be seen when my mum glanced inside the room

Margaret54

Hi everyone. It is so very cold out there today. We have had snow a few days ago, not snowed since but still lying(not much snow really) Today it is a biting wind. Took the wee dog out for his walk and I was well wrapped up, but still very cold. Glad I bought wellies ages ago, as they have come in very handy. The ground is very slippy today. My dh was on night shift last night, and I was so cold I made a hot water bottle and got into bed with old cardigan on over my nightie and fluffy socks from Primark, and read my book. So cosy:)
Hope you are all okay and you are all able to keep warm and safe.x Margaret p.s keeping the heating on low but constant(gas) We seem to be having to buy so much more of it(pre paid meter) so no nasty bills.

CRANKY40

maryb wrote: »

Cranky Your cat looks as if it has a bit of Burmese or Siamese in? I had one when I was a child and it was just as finicky about the cold and very chatty. I wasn't supposed to have the cat in my room at night but it always snuck in (OK it might have had some inside help) and used to burrow down just like that picture. Sneaky thing always knew to hide right under the covers when she heard my mum coming up to bed so that she wouldn't be seen when my mum glanced inside the room

It's actually a Korat. I bought her for ds the same month that his dad died so he would have a friend to whisper his secrets to. She cost a fair whack, but I wanted a cat that would be a character and a friend to him, and as it was his last present from his dad, the cost was irrelevant anyway. I don't want you all to think I am loaded and money doesn't matter. I'm not and it does, it's just in this case, it didn't count.

On one memorable occasion I turfed her outside on a sunny Sunday morning because I was cleaning. Lazy bones went 3 doors up to my friends where she sat outside their patio window until my friend's husband let her in. She then calmly sauntered upstairs and got into bed with my friend who up until then was having a fairly cat free lie-in.

kidcat

Cranky - our three cats have all decided to hibernate, one dived out the cat flap this morning - realised it was snow and dived straight back - crashed straight into the dog!! Dog raced out did his business and straight back not stopping for anything. Very funny to watch.

And she sounds an amazing character and a true investment - the pleasure and comfort she has given your son is worth any price
Someone commented on our dog being worth a small fortune a few months back after I commented on not having loads of money - I pointed out that he fulfills more than he ever cost every day and has worked miracles, we got him originally after having been broken into for the fourth time, I was going to get a retired police dog (my uncle is retired handler) but my uncle wasnt happy on my keeping one with the kids, then someone pointed out that labradors were very good with children and there had been successful studies in Canada and USA with autistic kids and labradors too. The minute we got him I felt instantly safer (I didnt want him to confront burglars - just bark, which he always did - only barks at danger), he bonded with all the children, and made a special bond which really helped DS with his communication and social skills!!
I was offended at the comment and have not spoken to the woman again - I could have also pointed out that he also didnt cost a penny as a friend had him and was looking for a new home for him as he was working long hours.
The right animal can bring such comfort/help to a child that you cant put a price on it, I know that should anything happen to our dog I would be devastated but I would not hesitate in finding the money to purchase another labrador from his breeder.

lilac_lady

stiltwalker wrote: »

Hugs to all those feeling under the weather. Had a very non MS day today - OH took the car to be MOTed this morning and the mechanic put it up on the ramp, looked at the sills and didn't bother! :eek: Had to speak to the loans department of the bank of Mum and Dad about helping us out to get another car, we're in a village with minimal public transport and it doesn't get much better when we get to the nearby town either so unfortunately a car is an essential. Hate asking for help but with one non walking littley and another on the way not a lot else we could do. OH found something on t'website of a local dealer but it had gone although he had something else which was a good price and even newer! So been and looked and spent :eek::eek::eek: and came home with a new car. Can't believe how fast it happened, don't think the money even had chance to breathe out in our account before it had gone again!

Thank heavens for lovely parents.:A

I'm glad your parents were able (and willing) to help you out. Some of us (a-hem) older MSE-ers still try to budget and look for bargains because we want to be able to help our families out now and then.

I remeber the hard times of "it's Thursday so it's sausage casserole day" because payday was weekly in cash on a Friday. I've always budgeted but realise that there's no pockets in a shroud.

As long as I have "enough", I like to help my family out whenever I can.

BTW, I don't suffer because I do it. Heating on, good food, an odd holiday makes me happy.

flowertotmum

Afternoon ladies...baby sam is coming home...he has bounced right back and they are very happy with him so they discharged him about an hour ago...so i'll let them get settled and will go tomorrow and smother them both in mummy and granny kisses....
well its done nothing but snow here all day..its bloody freezing....the poor dog shot out had a widdle and shot back in again..poor chap...he is getting on now..he is 16 and a cross between a greyhound and a whippet...gorgeous temperament,bit dumb at times but still our patch....been on ebay today to get girls some bits for christmas..haven't spent too much but they have a nice pile and will be happy with what they get...got a banging headache so i'm off to have a pill...
everyone take care,keep warm and safe
thank you all for the love i felt when i needed you..
sara(a.k.a ftm)

NualaBuala

FTM, Great news about Sam! :j

jackieglasgow wrote: »

I am embarrassed to say I studied cooking for two years at college, and worked in a professional kitchen So thanks for all your rice cooking tips, but I think I may be a lost cause :rotfl: Hopefully someone else will be able to use them though

Well I sure can use the tips! I've heard lots of proper cooks say they have some particular weak spot - I'll bet everything else you make is perfedt!


Oh Cranky, I'm losing count of the giggles your cat has given me! Brilliant photos and stories of feline antics! You sure have got a character there - what a lovely idea for your DS, that's really touching.

Kidcat, hope you and the family will be better really soon and get to enjoy the snow. I was the one who made mushroom strogonoff - a mixture of loads of recipes I found online and working with what I had in (hmmm, and I wonder why I'm a rubbish cook when I never follow a recipe properly! ). I used onion, garlic, celery,a red pepper and mushrooms. I added a little cornflour and some stock plus mixed herbs, paprika, a smidgeon of soya sauce, worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, dijon and wholegrain mustards. Hmmm sounds like overkill but actually turned out lovely. Oh and instead of sour cream or creme fraiche I stirred in a small pot of yogurt at the end - gave it a lovely creamy tang.

We haven't had proper snow today - lots of hail and sleet though. We also had thunder and lightening though not as bad as a few nights ago when it kept me awake half the night! The ground is still covered with snow though - hope it lasts a bit longer cos it looks lovely.

parsonswife8

I've got my own round, white snow cake on the wrought iron table outside.