And now we go again...

EssexHebridean

I reckon I use the combi capability of my microwave more than the regular microwave bit - although the balance has probably shifted a bit since we got the multi cooker. I do love the combi micro for jacket tatties though - cooked through and crisped up in the same time it would take to just do the cook through bit normally! Oh - and pasta bakes too - reheating those is super convenient. 

So - how’s everyone’s Friday looking so far? We woke up to an utterly glorious morning - crisp and sunny - and went for a wander round the Town Park first thing, it’s always lovely there at this time of year, such fabulous colours.

Managed to get two loads of washing through this morning and both out on the line although the lot had to come back in at lunchtime as sadly the lovely weather didn’t look like lasting too much longer! They did get a bit of drying anyway, and it all helps doesn’t it. Now all arrayed on the airer upstairs in front of a radiator. 

Fire cleared out and relaid - and I brought some of the driest logs (with the way the rain has been boosting around out there “driest” is relative!) in plus most of the remaining kindling. I think we probably are going to have to buy some more kindling unless we can split down some of the logs which might well be possible. If it’s dry tomorrow morning we’ll pop round the corner and see if the cut down bushes we spotted last weekend are still there, if so those should glean some stuff for the future anyway. 

Main part of the weekly shop is done - plus some restocking bits and pieces too. Spend was £34.53 but there are still some odds and ends to get. Made the most of the big bag of onions on pick of the week, oh and the baking potatoes - those mean that in best reverse planning style we’ll be having jackets one night next week. Also delighted to spot packs of 6 muller rice for £2.49 - those will supplement the usual weekday evening yogurts for the next couple of weeks.  Came back via the petrol station to stick £30 of diesel in my car too so that will be ok for a few weeks now. 

Didn’t get the voluntary role stuff done last night in the end as the traffic was horrific and it took me an hour and a half to get home, so that will be sorted tonight now. 

Once that is done, the evening will be our own. Eggs, chips and beans for tea, probably a couple of beers, the fire in the front room is already lit…might watch a very MSE-friendly film - we got a freebie from Sky VIP earlier in the week, so that was a bargain - or it will be if it’s any good! 

lucielle

Mmm egg, chips and beans!  We’re having scotch pie, chips and beans. Enjoy. 

L

earthgirl2

EH Ive just read your diary in its entirety and your new home and garden sound delightful. Love your tiny grocery spends and im going to try and plan more around what I have in. 

For kindling we forage sticks too, or chop up old furniture where the quality isn't good enough for charity. We had a whole bunk bed that I think we are still using as kindling after 8 years! 

joedenise

We used to chop up old pallets for kindling, doesn't burn for long but long enough to get the fire going.  It was also handy to put some on later in the evening rather than putting a log on just to keep it going until bed!

savingholmes

That park view is gorgeous. Great photo too.

EssexHebridean

JoeDenise - pallet wood is what PippiLongstocking who used to post on the boards refers to as “square Logs” annoyingly we rarely see them discarded round here, but it would certainly be something we’d keep an eye out for. 

SH our Town Park is gorgeous - the viewpoint hill was created from spoil from the original building of the town back in the 1950’s - that view was blocked for many years but they’ve removed just a single tree to make it available again and yes, I agree it’s fabulous. 

Woken this morning to it tipping it down with rain yet again - so I suspect any foraging for kindling this morning may be somewhat limited - I will check the radar picture shortly and see how things look for later on. MrEH checked the timings last night for where we are headed later and it looks like we’ll not need to leave to get there until around 3pm so we do have a decent chunk of the day to get stuff done. 

lucielle

We burned pallets when we could get them. It is a lovely view. Enjoy your weekend. 

L

jwil

That park looks lovely!

Hope you have a good weekend.

milann

The view is beautiful.

savingholmes

Pallets are sometimes offered free on FBMP if you want to check that out.