The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Another sunny day at the moment anyway - who knows how it will end.  We have a funday in the town this afternoon organised by one of the local churches.  We have been once before and it was very enjoyable.  There are lots of games and mini competitions for the children to enter (how many sweets in the jar, marbles into flowerpot etc), and last time there were circus skills to learn.  They also have a free bbq and cream tea for everyone so no lunch required.  It is right next to our library so we can get another 2 books crossed off the list hopefully for DD2's reading challenge.  It is much harder now they are older and the books are thicker, but I think this is the last year she is allowed to do it (although I cant imagine the lovely people there saying no she cant - it is just it is aimed for primary school aged children).

Well results for the water heater are not it yet as although it did heat the water, it looked like it was using the battery to do so and then taking power from the grid.  I will keep an eye on this as that is not what it was advertised to do.  I need only the power going to the grid to be used as I need the battery power for night times.  It maybe needs a tweek from the electrician who is back on wed to change a electric switch in my room ready for my tv to be put on the wall.

Still no news on the finances from the college.  They say on the website they will be in contact with the successful applicants but not with those who were unsuccessful.  How long to we need to wait to assume we don't qualify?  I am tempted to pay for the bus and then if we do qualify hopefully they will refund it, but not sure if it works that way.

Right off to load washing machine and dishwasher

Humdinger1

@slm6002 I would contact the college...their stance is totally unrealistic! Congratulations to your DD love Humdinger xx 

24ta

Congratulations to DD1

slm6002

Thank you @Humdinger1 and @24ta, she is still very chuffed with herself.  Many of her friends got 7,8,9s and although she compares her results a little, we have discussed it and the results she got were the highest she has had, plus that is more than she needed to go onto the next stage.  She agreed and is just happy with herself which is a great way to look at things.

So yesterday I caved and bought the bus pass.  I am not sure if it was the correct thing to do or not, but I cant get her to college myself so I would rather I book it than miss out.  I will contact the lady that emailed me back on Tue after the bank holiday and ask how things stand.

Yesterday next door gave us a huge slab of pork ribs (he bought a whole pig but when butchered the portions were family sized not just him sized so once defrosted he has given us a chunk).  I have never cooked ribs before but thinking I will chop them if I can and then put in the slow cooker.  Later I will glaze with BBQ sauce and pop in the oven.  Anyone have any clue if this sounds like a good plan?

Washing, feed brothers cat, hoover around the house - think that is it for today.  XH taking 2 younger ones out today as DD1 is not going anymore.  She will have dinner with him every now and again rather than in her words 'wasting a day'.  I think it would be a good idea if they all just went for dinner once a fortnight.  He never seems to know how to entertain them so they spend a few hours in maccy d's before going to a park or the cinema (so no need to have a conversation) and they are all bored with it.  If they went out for dinner once a fortnight they will catch up and he can be with his new family more which clearly from his constant phone calls while with the kids is what he wants.  Anyway not for me to suggest.

joedenise

@slm6002 - I think that would be good way to cook the ribs.  Will definitely need the BBQ sauce for flavour.  There's no reason why you can't actually cook the ribs in a BBQ sauce in the SC.  Just slice some onions and peppers for the ribs to sit on and then add the BBQ sauce ingredients.

I have a recipe for SC BBQ sauce if you'd like it.

slm6002

@Joedenise thank you for your suggestion.  I will add the bbq sauce (cheated and bought at the shop) with the ribs.  When chopping it up I actually don't think it is ribs now as very few bones other than back bone - was only going by what neighbour had told me.  Either way I am guessing we will have some kind of bbq pork type meat tonight.  Will serve with buns and salad like I do with the pulled pork I think.  He originally thought it was a joint so a full roast was planned.  I guess that piece might make its way over to us in the near future lol.

Yesterday I asked the children for bday and xmas lists as 1. they are coming up in the next month or two, 2. Money may be tight soon, 3. Who knows if we will be able to get the stock if we leave it too late, 4.  Prices are on the rise so might as well start buying at a lower price.   Anyway all came up with a few ideas.  I have today purchased part of DD1's bday bits as she is first to celebrate.  Another item is already out of stock so will need to keep checking back for that one.  Santa bits need to be sorted too.  Oh and we were officially invited to sisters for Christmas again yesterday.  We of course replied with a yes please.  We do love going there for the festive season, and now I have driven it once and know I can do it I should be ok. The children were very excited.

joedenise

It probably doesn't matter what cut it is to have with BBQ sauce.  Would it fit in as a whole piece rather than cutting it into pieces?  I sometimes think meat cooks better in a big piece in the SC.

slm6002

@joedenise I have just about squeezed it into the slow cooker in one piece.  Home from some shopping and it is smelly good so sure we will all enjoy it.

So a slow walk round B&M managed to fill a trolley (DD1 on the way in said we wont need a trolley - I replied when have we ever been in here and not come out with something?).  Anyway we got her some of her bday present - bedside trolley and charge pack thing for her phone.  Mum is getting her a gel nail kit so I have also ordered her the lamp she will need.  Might get a few extras but that is her sorted and she will be happy.  Also managed to pick up some stocking bits to put away, although limited space in the new bedroom for bits so may need to hide in the loft once recorded on spreadsheet so I don't forget.

slm6002

Good morning and happy bank holiday.  Today is my last real day of the holiday as I have to go in tomorrow morning to get ready for the start of term.  I plan on doing enough today to be ready for this term but relaxing lots too.  I need to go and do the last lot of cat feeding next and then do the dishwasher, then 1 load of washing.  Still homework hasn't been finished and they are running out of time and for me to help if they get stuck.  I can only remind them, I can't do it for them.  Considering it is both girls that are taking their time and they are the 2 that are going to new schools you would think they might want to make a good first impression.  I am sure it will be done by Friday when they go back.

Oh and the bbq pulled pork went down very well, what ever joint it was lol

joedenise

Glad you enjoyed the BBQ pulled pork; it's something I love but don't do very often as my SC lives in a cupboard and it's a PITA to get out!