make do and mend for tougher times

mcculloch29

I've had such a lovely, unexpected evening. A good friend who lives some miles away rang up. Did I fancy a chat over a meal out?
Well, my hair needs washing and I was in slob clothes, but I said I could put a meal together if she came over and would be happy to do so.
She is a wonderful person and we don't see each other often enough. Since the arthritis got worse my getting to see her has been less of an option.

She brought over two FILLET STEAKS (YS naturally!) from Mr T's. I had some rosti potatoes bought in Her*n, along with peas, sweetcorn and a gorgeous peppercorn sauce from Ald*.

Out came the steak knives, not used often now, and we shared a divine meal, whilst enjoying a good chat before and afterwards.

I passed on a pair of brand new brown jeans to her - I'd picked up the wrong size but not noticed for ages and it was too late to exchange them.

I also realised I have a pair exactly the same but the right size anyway...! (They were from the X Catalogue Store. I went through a phase of buying a LOT from there. Cheaper than most charity shops, and I'm not kidding.)

She was thrilled with the jeans, tried them on and they were a perfect fit. What a buzz that was. She isn't on her uppers by any means, but is reluctant to spend on herself, with her youngest DD and DS both being college/Uni students.
And my DGD is over tomorrow... whoopee!

Molly41

stiltwalker wrote: »

My auntie had an elderly Jack Russell many years ago (well actually he was more my cousin's dog by inclination). He had been a hunting dog in his 'youf' and when he got to be elderly and grumpy, although truth be told he was always grumpy, he refused point blank to wear a dog coat even though he really needed the extra layer. My auntie took my cousin's old barbour jacket and made a dog coat which said grumpy JR wore with considerable pride for his remaining years whilst getting older, smellier and more grumpy - but his coat, well it smelt of his glory days didn't it! He was a grumpy little so and so but he was always that little bit bigger when he had his coat on, not so daft our dogs, are they?

The only way I can settle my husband's dog when he is away is by letting her lay on his smelly dressing gown.:eek:

Popperwell

That is really good news Andrea,
Simple can really be special and mean so much. especially when you realise that your friend was thinking of you and wanted to have your company.

Your meal sounded lovely and enhanced because of the company. I have some of what you mentioned in my fridge/freezer, all I would have to do is change the meat and pick a different sauce.

Tomorrow sounds like it is going to be special too...

ginnyknit wrote: »

When I think only 4 years ago my Saturday nights were spent at rock concerts, parties and pubs

I know...what is that saying of John Lennon's? "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.”

Molly41

ginnyknit wrote: »

I will have you know Pops I have been out this Saturday we took DGs for a drive up the motorway to get him to sleep - not very O/S I know but any of you with children on the autistic scale will know how hard it is to get them to sleep.Total failure, in the end shared curry and chips with him, and he took himself off to bed and fell asleep in minutes. I will have you know he may be only 2 1/2 but he loves spicy food and curry is full of iron :cool: When I think only 4 years ago my Saturday nights were spent at rock concerts, parties and pubs

Yes we used to spend hours with DS2 driving in the dead of night - oh the memories x

Is it the actual curry paste that has iron in or the meat that goes with? I ask this as Im horribly anaemic atm and trying to avoid another transfusion as I have some weird antibodies. Im sick to death of eating beef as Im more inclined towards vegetarianism but see meat more as a medicine.
I would really appreciate any suggestions for non meat dishes that have good iron content. Also Im eating ready meals as I have no energy so simple foods would be better. Thanks.

squiggles

smileyt

you can buy stuff to put in your washer to reproof your coats to stop the rain seeping through.You just wash your coat with the liquid instead of your detergent. It is by nikwax and called TX Direct. I am unable to do you a linkas i am on mobile phone. All outdoor and camping shops sell it.

mardatha

Molly I thought I was anaemic because I've been so totally exhausted and weak lately, and I bought Ferroglobin in Tescos. It's also called Liquid Iron.
Then got bloods results from the doc who says my iron level was very very good and I shouldn't take any more of it and I bought 3 bottles!

Hardup_Hester

Fuddle, I have the fussiest hubby, mine will eat spaghetti, but not pasta shapes, he won't eat wholemeal bread, or any form of pulses apart from baked beans & he will only eat broccoli, frozen peas & lettuce, despite growing tons of veg in the garden!
For those worried about the weather, there will be a heatwave in Berkshire now as I've just finished & delivered knitted hats & mittens to the DGC & FDGC.
Hester

VJsmum

mcculloch29 wrote: »

I've had such a lovely, unexpected evening. A good friend who lives some miles away rang up. Did I fancy a chat over a meal out?
Well, my hair needs washing and I was in slob clothes, but I said I could put a meal together if she came over and would be happy to do so.
She is a wonderful person and we don't see each other often enough. Since the arthritis got worse my getting to see her has been less of an option.

She brought over two FILLET STEAKS (YS naturally!) from Mr T's. I had some rosti potatoes bought in Her*n, along with peas, sweetcorn and a gorgeous peppercorn sauce from Ald*.

Out came the steak knives, not used often now, and we shared a divine meal, whilst enjoying a good chat before and afterwards.

I passed on a pair of brand new brown jeans to her - I'd picked up the wrong size but not noticed for ages and it was too late to exchange them.

I also realised I have a pair exactly the same but the right size anyway...! (They were from the X Catalogue Store. I went through a phase of buying a LOT from there. Cheaper than most charity shops, and I'm not kidding.)

She was thrilled with the jeans, tried them on and they were a perfect fit. What a buzz that was. She isn't on her uppers by any means, but is reluctant to spend on herself, with her youngest DD and DS both being college/Uni students.
And my DGD is over tomorrow... whoopee!

What a lovely post - fair warmed the cockles...

Smiley - send your stud detector here. Just looking obvs....:A

I think I might join the LC revolution. I really need to shift half a stone and think that might help. So breakfast will be a slice of ham or turkey, a slice of emmental (Aldi do packs), some tomatoes and some melon - trouble is I really want a bacon sandwich I guess I could have bacon and egg for lunch and then roast chicken with only one roast spud for tea.

A busy day ahead. We have to clear the hall, stairs and landing as the decorators are coming in tomorrow. We have decided to pay to get it done as it affects the whole house when it's that area and it would take us months to do it. Apart from anything else there are 8 doors and frames :eek: It's been 10 or 11 years since it was done and we think a load of plaster will come off with the paper. We are going to get it lined with heavy duty lining paper and have that painted. That way we will be able to paint over it when we want it changed. They think it will be done in 3 days. Last time it took us 6 months!

Might get up and get that breakfast. Have a good day all.

mardatha

My whole house is heavy woodchip LOL the family make jokes about it, but I like to change colours often cos I get bored and this way its easy. All doors and woodwork are pale soft grey as white always goes yellow, and the walls just now are a mix of soft pale sweet pea-type colours. One is in ones sweet pea period. Before, they were very pale soft pinks blues and greys.
I like colour - in the 60s and 70s my house was a riot of colours, once the (very snotty) health visitor said that's why my baby wasn't sleeping, because her room was too colourful :rotfl: I said what - she can see it in the dark? wow ! :rotfl:

Caroline-Encore

Hardup_Hester wrote: »

Fuddle, I have the fussiest hubby, mine will eat spaghetti, but not pasta shapes, he won't eat wholemeal bread, or any form of pulses apart from baked beans & he will only eat broccoli, frozen peas & lettuce, despite growing tons of veg in the garden!
For those worried about the weather, there will be a heatwave in Berkshire now as I've just finished & delivered knitted hats & mittens to the DGC & FDGC.
Hester

Thanks Hester :j we put our portable air conditioning unit away yesterday so Berkshire will get a double whammy of a heatwave