Away From The Madding Crowd

Humboldt

Morning @BrilliantButScary, thank you for your kind words.  We had a fab holiday thanks ... just researching another.

Thanks also for the museum link and highlighting the NC500 (which I had to g0ogle).  It certainly lives up to it's title of 'The Ultimate Campervan Scottish Highlands Itinerary'.  What an adventure! Whilst we do not own a campervan, the itinerary might prove useful when we eventually begin planning our road trip of the area.

I have several of the P0N recipe books, all of which are used on a regular basis.  If anyone wants to try them, they are often on sale in charity shops.

Re: you query regarding meditation apps. I initially paid for a 6 week meditation course to aid my mental health during what was a challenging time for me.  The tutor had produced a meditation CD, which they sold to raise funds for a charity in India. I often revert back to this CD during times of stress because it provides me with a sense of comfort and stability.  That said, a 6 week course is not necessary to begin meditating. 

There are lots of free meditation options available. Generally, I use the great selection available on my healthcare providers app (Benend£n). During lockdown my mobile provider offered a free daily C@lm meditation, and I sometimes still dip into their free ones.  C@lm is free to download, but there is a fee should you wish to access it's full services. He@dspace works on a similar basis. I am also aware that the free NH$ app offers a basic insight into meditation. If I remember correctly, the lovely @bluenose1 uses apps for meditation and could possibly offer some more recommendations. 

What I would add, is that it takes time, and results are not instant, especially if you are looking for a quick fix as I was when I began.  Even now, I will sometimes accept that it is not the time to meditate and come back to it later in the day.  Other times, I am instantly in the zone.  However, if you perceiver, it can offer a multitude of scientifically proven benefits.  As with most things, it works for some and not others, personally, I would highly recommend it.

Today's simple pleasure - BB( 2 unwind on free Sp0tify. 

BrilliantButScary

Thank you for your reply  @Humboldt, and your advice about meditation. I have downloaded the Insight Timer app.  I am going to start with 10 minute sessions, hopefully get in the habit and then build the time up. I'll let you know how I get on.

Katiehound

Humboldt said:

 
I have several of the P0N recipe books, all of which are used on a regular basis.  If anyone wants to try them, they are often on sale in charity shops.
 

Funny you mentioned that as I bought one last week for £3 from a charity shop. I think it must be the first book judging by the comments from the authors.

If you have a motorhome you could go off grid & visit Frugaldom (see thread on Old style money saving board) in Dumfries & Galloway & see their feeding station for badgers & pine martens.

Nebulous2

BrilliantButScary said:

Hi,  it's nice to have you back from holiday, hope you had a lovely time.
Another place I can recommend for your Scottish trip is:
https://racmp.co.uk/
We did the NC 500 a couple of years ago, bed and breakfasting along the way.

I have the PON Comfort Food book, and your post has prompted me to have another peruse of that for inspiration.

Can you recommend any meditation apps, as it is something that I want to get into. I do regular yoga and pilates classes, and find these beneficial to both my mental and physical health.

Thanks

I've driven past the arctic convoy museum several times, but I have never been in. Thanks for recommending it, I really must make the effort.

I had the privilege of knowing several arctic convoy veterans, and what they went through was remarkable. A lot of people suffered in the war, but what they endured matches most of them. One of the men I knew was one of only three survivors when their ship was torpedoed. 

Today's simple pleasure - a very 'marmite' delicacy.  Cod roe. 

BrilliantButScary

Nebulous2 said:

BrilliantButScary said:

Hi,  it's nice to have you back from holiday, hope you had a lovely time.
Another place I can recommend for your Scottish trip is:
https://racmp.co.uk/
We did the NC 500 a couple of years ago, bed and breakfasting along the way.

I have the PON Comfort Food book, and your post has prompted me to have another peruse of that for inspiration.

Can you recommend any meditation apps, as it is something that I want to get into. I do regular yoga and pilates classes, and find these beneficial to both my mental and physical health.

Thanks

I've driven past the arctic convoy museum several times, but I have never been in. Thanks for recommending it, I really must make the effort.

I had the privilege of knowing several arctic convoy veterans, and what they went through was remarkable. A lot of people suffered in the war, but what they endured matches most of them. One of the men I knew was one of only three survivors when their ship was torpedoed. 

Today's simple pleasure - a very 'marmite' delicacy.  Cod roe. 

I thought the museum was very interesting and thought provoking. We also followed some of the Loch Ewe wartime trail:

https://racmp.co.uk/history-learning/loch-ewe-wartime-trail/

I can also recommend Inverewe Garden, if you haven't already been.

Katiehound

I have visited an Arctic convoy museum but I can't remember if it was in Murmansk or Arkhangelsk.
 Some of the folk  went on that cruise particularly   in remembrance of relatives and at least one person dropped the medals overboard at roughly the spot where 'their' ship went down. The conditions they sailed under where horrific.

Humboldt

Katiehound said:

Humboldt said:

 
I have several of the P0N recipe books, all of which are used on a regular basis.  If anyone wants to try them, they are often on sale in charity shops.
 

Funny you mentioned that as I bought one last week for £3 from a charity shop. I think it must be the first book judging by the comments from the authors.

If you have a motorhome you could go off grid & visit Frugaldom (see thread on Old style money saving board) in Dumfries & Galloway & see their feeding station for badgers & pine martens.

Glad that you were able to find a P0N book.  

Sadly we do not have a motorhome. However, my DH and I are still planning a road trip around the Scottish Isles when we fully retire, but in our car and staying at B&B's, small hotels, etc.  The possibility of seeing badgers and pine martens sounds like a worthwhile visit. 

Organgrinder

For all you PON lovers don't forget therere loads of recipes on their website.

https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/

Humboldt

@Nebulous2, @Katiehound and @Brilliantbutscary thanks for your latest comments relating to the Arctic Convoy and the Loch Ewe wartime trail.  So important to educate ourselves with our history and to remember those who were part of it. 

@Nebulous2 Cod roe - hope that you enjoyed it, but not for me thanks. 

Today's simple pleasure - dry clothing after a wet doggy walk (dog sitting) and a cup of wild apple and cinnamon tea in my favourite mug to warm me up. Tea was from the Pukka advent calendar purchased at a vastly reduced price.

Humboldt

Organgrinder said:

For all you PON lovers don't forget therere loads of recipes on their website.

https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/

Thanks for this @Organgrinder