The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

EstherH

Thanks Laura. I think I'll leave it, even that's a lot considering I was just curious. There's a wealth of recipes on here and I'm more the throw it together and see what comes out type. I had been looking at the cheap recipe thread and seen something that came from that book that looked simple and delicious. Thanks though. Esther x

nuttyp

Morning everyone, it took me 5 hours to strip the wallpaper off yesterday, and today I get to paint the walls. OH is helping me later to wallpaper. Just need to buy 3 shelves from home base as they have 15% discount on top of being half price. Oh and I need 2 lampshades from somewhere.

The room looks huge, but I did remove all but the sofa and chairs.

Just about to take DD to work, raining really hard so she wont have a fun day on the market stall today :-(

take care everyone x

FairyPrincessk

Morning all,

Spent last night re-arranging the lounge and ironing. It is looking much cozier in there now. Curtains were also washed and ironed and OH did a thorough vac after leaving some bicarb down for the better part of the day. We haven't spent much time in there since moving in as it has been so nice in the garden etc. but it is starting to feel ready for the long winter evenings. It is amazing what a difference something as free as moving the furniture, washing some blankets/curtains and ironing a few little table clothes and doilies can make.

4 friends have agreed to come round and said they'll bring some tipple. In exchange I'm going to make a beef and ale pie. It will be my first foray into the "special occasions only but high quality meat." I've bought from a butcher before, but not very often and am a bit nervous. I've gone for the pie as I feel fairly confident of it, and with the pastry, veg etc. it will be more forgiving on judging the amounts of beef. We're having a spicy tomato and pepper soup with crusty bread for starters and I'll do a big salad, part home grown, part using up the fridge to go with the pie, so I think I'm keeping costs down but will still provide a homey and filling meal for our friends. Some of them are tutors in halls, so I think they eat a lot of cheese on toast, so hopefully they'll be forgiving.;) Haven't decided on pudding yet. OH thinks Lancashire courting cake, but it can be a bit of a faff, and the kitchen will be hot from the oven so am a bit worried about the fresh cream. I'm thinking a lemon pie, but I always feel more ambitious in the morning:rotfl:

Just going to make our menu for next week while I wait for OH to finally wake up. He did lots of chores before going into town for school clothes yesterday, so I think he was quite tired. I'm thinking the Puy Lentil dish will feature later in the week when things cool off. We also won't be eating one of our dishes from tonight, and we have another spare meal from this week so I'm halfway there already.:T

Right, hugs to any of you who need them, esp. Molly and Elona. For those of you with black dogs about, big hugs to you too. I know it can be a daily struggle.

[Deleted User]

Morning Toughies, the figs are scrumptious, so sweet and soft, lovely stuff.

I'm off townwards this morning, DD2 who is getting married has asked for a hamper to take with them on honeymoon and I've been putting together some nice storable things but need to go and buy some deli type things like olives and a couple of little cheeses in wax that will keep and some nice chocolate for my prospective son in law, so will see what is to be had that will keep a couple of weeks from now. Fresh we'll buy next Friday so they can store it in the frisge until they go on Sunday. Getting close to the event now and I'm more excited than I can put into words, she's got everything organised just the way she wants it, and we've got everything ready to pack. They are having all the guests (80 of them) round for breakfast on the Sunday morning so we've got in some coffee pods and will take our nespresso machine and so will DD1 who also has one. I think they'll be making croissants and fruit and holding open house which will be lovely.

It's considerably cooler here this morning, very pleasant and the garden got a good watering in the night so is looking very green and verdant today, have a good day everyone, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Popperwell

Morning All,
A quick pop in...it's been raining through the night. Hope we get a break. Its funny if you want to guarantee rain just wait for my town's annual show weekend to arrive. I can rarely remember the weather being kind for it.

The plan is to avoid the one on my doorstep and head out of town...see something different.

Been a strange old night, waking at 2.15am, 3.15am, 4.15am etc...a variety of weird dreams that I have all but forgotten but the last had elements that I have no idea where they came from like being at hairdressers and various problems with my haircut and who was going to do it(and this included keeping the hair in place by using tomato ketchup:eek:)then after kicking up a fuss all was well. Suddenly being in a kind of mobile hairdressing vehicle that was not supposed to take off with us(Mum was in the dream)unless we were still not on it. We had left our home(in the middle of nowhere)unlocked so were worried everything would be stolen.

Probably forgotten more than I remember...

Wishing all well and a day that you can achieve the plans you have especially if the weather will alter them...

The sun is shining here so hopefully it will be kind and dry for all the events that are planned.

FairyPrincessk

LynThat sounds like such a lovely wedding--simple and modest, but still a lovely celebration and gathering of friends. The hamper sounds delicious, good luck with your shopping today.

PopsI hope you have a lovely day out! Your dream gave me a bit of a giggle--I've been known to dream similar things. I shall let my OH know about that hair product trick.:D

I've just had my breakfast. I broke into my secret stash of grits for a bit of a treat. Grits and a certain type of biscuit are the only two things I bring back when I visit my parents these days. OH hates grits, so a small cannister lasts me ages.

Another plus--nothing in the traps for two nights running. The landlord said the only visit they had in the past likely ran in from the garden, so since we haven't seen any droppings, any chewing, or any nesting, we're thinking that is what it is. What a relief!

Popperwell

I feel awful if I miss commenting on posts before mine...I should have written down my dream or prompts to remind me...;)

It seems a busy day for many...and what a big event for Lyn next weekend. There will be tears of joy, being proud and also some wistfulness too.

Grits...heard of them, looked them up, they sound fine...may give them a go sometime...even if I do them myself...I keep hearing of/that cornmeal is available in supermarkets but I've never seen it(perhaps the wrong one's/need to be in a city)There seems to be two types of grits, the other uses kernels...

I must make the effort to get up...otherwise I will still be here...May put a couple of wholemeal salad buns(easy and quick)and I have most of the items to hand. I may stick a cereal bar in the knapsack too. If I can find a small bottle I may take some "High Juice" with me and stick some fibre in there too(milled linseed with seasame, blue berries and raspberries)

When I get baking bread again(I am thinking of being a bit adventurous and adding some extra items to my loaves)Thinks, if Winter is bad this year and stops me getting out, my hobby will be food.:)

Trouble is not getting out may mean seeing the weight increase but if I eat less to keep slim:rotfl:I won't enjoy all that lovely food.

Will put up some images/video's of my weekend activities on my blog(I have started doing some on You Tube too)

fuddle

I have never tasted a real fig. I like fig rolls too so I suspect I will devour fig as nature intended. Oh enjoy Lyn I cannot think of anything more lovely than having a basket of life's most exquisite tastes (olive, cheese lover here) enjoy splurging on your daughter and I think you should treat yourself and He Who too.

I had a fried egg sandwich for breakfast but unfortunately so did my nice clean top. I can't wash as it's raining and my tumble dryer part of the washing machine packed in last week. Ah, life's little frustrations. Do you think people who are rich with money have to deal with life's little frustrations? My Grandma would say "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" It's life's little frustrations that tend to break me but not today

Kids! One slipper complete with flower but now she would like a strap and a button fastening. *roll eyes. On with that today as well as finishing my string back.

I saw an idea of how to make a traditional storage box. Get cardboard box. Wrap and glue with twine. Make an inner - hand sewing will do. I'm waiting for a box to try it out It will be an excellent carp container for my shelf.

I didn't win the chair DH has got me to cost up the price of the spray paint, material and tacks. He thinks I should just buy new for cheaper. At the moment I think I agree with him. I can get a stool for £3.50 or a folding chair for £5 in Ikea. I adore re purposing and will endevour to do it in the future but at the minute it's very basic needs only. I've toyed with material from charity shops but the price of the spray paint I cannot get down so it's a no go just now.

Speaking of DH's - I have him for 10 days as of now. Yey! Although I suspect I'll be tired of him knowing everything by the end of the day. We've already had the conversation about 30degrees not killing bacteria. The washing machine is on a 40 as we speak. Men! Although he has shown me how to reduce the wash time. It's only on for 10 extra minutes but it is using the gas to heat the water up. 10 days, fuddle, 10 days then back to normal.... mmmmwaaaaahaaaahahaha!

FairyPrincessk

Pops,

Grits are pretty bland on their own. I grew up eating them with a touch of butter, a bit of salt and some cheese stirred in. They're a slightly grainier texture than cream of wheat (not sure if that is eaten here?) which is what OH doesn't like about them. Some people eat them with butter and sugar, rather than the salt and cheese, and in recent times it has become trendy to eat them with shrimp (prawns), a similar phenomenon to that in the UK where humble pauper's foods are re-adopted by swanky restaurants. To be honest, I've only ever seen them sold in the specialist section of Selfridges here--and then in the instant packets sort of like the instant oats. They were a silly price, so I bring my own back from visits from parents in my suitcase. I also always have to have a side of toast to dip into mine--I wouldn't claim them as healthy, per se, but they're tasty and when I'm cooking a big tea I sometimes don't get around to much lunch.

As for cornmeal, I have seen it in several supermarkets lately. It is usually labelled as coarse polenta--it is technically the same thing as polenta, although the cornmeal I grew up eating when we were in the states is even more coarsely ground. I keep a bit of it on hand for a few dishes I make, but I'm not a big fan of cornbread. It is sometimes used to batter things before they're fried, which is what I use it for--fried okra!

I think a winter of eating and enjoying food sounds fine. If you find you need more activity, there are loads of videos on youtube to help people get moving from the comfort of their own home. I've been known to put on one or two when I can't afford my pay as you go gym membership at the local leisure centre. Since my work keeps me mostly at my desk I try to get moving at least once a day. Don't worry--there is lots of variety, it need not all be prancing about in garish leotards, unless you enjoy that sort of thing!

ArthriticOldThing

Good morning all. The old Arthur-it is a bit easier at the moment but hands still very stiff and painful so can't type much.

Just had to say how jealous I am MrsLW. Fresh figs are my favourite fruit. I used to love going to Italy where they are served regularly.

Enjoy your day pops. Wish I could go out somewhere. Never mind, things will improve.

Hope everyone else enjoys their day.