No T Words mentioned at all - a fresh start

[Deleted User]

We currently live in 'Broadbeanoppolis', the autumn sown ones from the allotment are more than prolific this year. Yesterday we podded out 3 enormous carrier bags full of them (gave another one to my brother) and we got 5lbs 12oz of podded out beans for the freezer. Previously we podded out 2 lbs of beans when we got back on Friday and He Who Knows tells me this is only about a quarter of the crop!!!!! going to be a broad bean winter methinks, good job we like them.

We're due much rain this afternoon so He Who Knows is heading allotmentwards to get as much done as he can before it arrives, I'm having a 'house' day and continuing to sort through and discard surplus to need belongings ready for the next boot fair, it's helping me determine what I need to do to tidy us up and I've identified several things I can do to make life a little easier as we get older like putting a 'daily empty into the washing machine basket' in the bedroom for clothes rather than carrying the heavy laundry bin down when it's full enough.

The weight continues to gently drop off and this morning I've reached a BMI of 24.3 which is a wondrous state of affairs as I'm not doing anything special, just staying with the eating pattern we've been using since November. It's really nice to have the home grown produce to use from the plots too and be able to indulge us with fresh peas, lettuce, courgettes, strawberries, beetroot, spring cabbage and now the first of the new potatoes in quantities that would be eye watering if I had to buy them. It's a good life even if it is time consuming growing your own, the flavour of things is so much nicer straight off the plot.

Have yourselves a lovely day xxx.

Floss

MrsLW I sort our washing into loads on our bed - its easier as the linen bin lives on my side beside the door and we put clothes in it each night. Then I take 2 loads down at a time to go in the WM. Once dried on the maidens the clothes come back up to be put way or ironed.

[Deleted User]

We've still got a big old linen bin we got when we lived in Germany and the girls were still at home and I find the weight builds up as it fills specially if there are towels or bed linen in It too so I've taken a leaf out of the sensible book the girls have obviously read and now have one of those oval wicker baskets I've been using for ironing and wet clothes from the machine which is much smaller and won't hold as much before I realise it needs sorting out. They've both done this for ages and have a basket in every bedroom.....much more savvy than their Ma!!!

scottishminnie

We received a lovely linen basket in a wedding present. About 3 feet tall, wicked with a smocked Laura Ashley fabric inner and a very sturdy handle. It was the most impractical thing ever, the fabric wasn't removable so got very grubby quickly and a bit whiffy, the entire contents had to be emptied unless I wanted to play treasure hunt and it was useless for transporting anything ironed back upstairs as you had to cram the clothes through the opening. For some reason I put up with it for 7 years until we moved instead of just buying a plastic basket which would have been much easier and lighter weight. I think it was just one of many gifts which I felt utterly obliged to use or display even though they were useless/hideous. I'm a bit more ruthless nowadays though!

Ps. I think I missed summer in Scotland this year. It has been torrential rain, thunder and lightning since I got home!

fuddle

I'm terribly sorry to read of little children's poorliness Lyn. How are the boys doing?

I'm sorry I havent been around. Were just back from Scotland yesterday. We've been away. Im drowning in a sea of washing! Back with you shortly.

A good friend of mine from my twenties is a winger for the Chiefs Lyn. We drifted years ago but was a good period in my life, being carefree and without worries.

[Deleted User]

Hiya FUDS they're both mended thanks love, Zebra went back to nursery last week and Orley's eating for England again to make up for lost time. He had more spots than a very spotty thing on a bad spot day but he's on the mend and a much happier boy. I'm glad you got away for a break to Scotland over the half term did you take the caravan or stay with the relatives again? Ruthie and Neil are even doing some more decorating in the house now so things MUST have improved. We had a super break away to the Bath and West Show and then popped up to Nell for a day before coming home which was also very nice. It's very cold and wet here tonight, I'm wrapped up in a warm throw and just off to bed. I hope the wind dies down soon or it's going to be a noisy old night! Sleep well, Lyn xxx.

fuddle

Ah Lyn, we have been to DH's dad's in Scotland but we've also had a last minute deal to Menorca. We flew from Glasgow as it was even more cheaper as the Scot's weren't on half term like us south of the border.

I don't know if we'll ever go abroad again but my girls have finally flown in an aeroplane and us as a family have had a lot of laughs, giggles and food and some cracking photo's to help with the memories. It was as last minute as it could have possibly been so no one knew apart from MIL, FIL and my sister! Very exciting.

I'm refreshed now.

This dratted rain and wind means I am still struggling with all the washing and I am yet to pick the elderflower that I have my eye on for cordial. I have resurrected my trolley as of this week I am shopping daily, not weekly and the sweaty pack horse look isn't a good look on me

Floss

Fuds sometimes a last minute break turns out to be the best holiday ever - so pleased that you and the other Fuddles had a fab time & that you've come home feeling refreshed

[Deleted User]

Ooohhhh you little jetsetter you!!! wonderful stuff I hope you all had the best time. Did the girls like flying? how very savvy to fly from Glasgow on a non half term week, very OS M'dear!

Nell made cordial with the flowers from the bush that has self seeded itself in her garden on Thursday last week when we were up with her, it's fab!

It's been dry here for most of today, I've done 2 doggie walks and have Maisie here at the moment, laying under the desk as I'm typing where she likes to be. I picked the ripe strawberries from the garden which were a little battered and bruised so jam has been made, 10 jars of it. The polytunnel is producing well now, peas, courgettes, lettuce, cabbages and beetroot and a whole forest of fresh basil for pesto/pasta sauce yummy. I'm using as much as I can, it's saving me a small fortune at the shops and we've more broad beans that I've ever had before from the allotment, goodness must be SUMMER!!!

Floss

It's been very windy here today and very rainy yesterday, when I was on the allotment after work, watering the greenhouses and picking strawberries in the rain

Lyn I make pesto and freeze in ice-cube trays, I also freeze strawberries for Mr Floss to make wine from, which is tastier than any commercial rose