Away From The Madding Crowd

Humboldt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82160733#Comment_82160733

@louby40 I have had to resort to enjoying a slice of homemade cake and freezing the rest to enjoy another day.

Organgrinder

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82160743#Comment_82160743

I must confess that I enjoy cooking and since retiring I have done far more from scratch as a result.

Patience is my biggest failing. But I can try most basic things and sometimes more tricky stuff too.

Like most things, you never know until you try.

KajiKita

Ooh, your step count popped up well last week! 👏😊

KK

KintsugiWhippet

@Humboldt thank you so much for your weekly diary and for the retirement thoughts, something to take into the working day.

bluenose1

Ooh love the Retirement luxuries and totally agree @Humboldt. This time of year walking through the woods on my daily walk I see leaves falling quite often and I agree with Emily Brontë there is something special about it. My sister has it in her head it is lucky to catch one so she made an interesting sight the other week trying unsuccessfully to catch one!!!!

I have been mashing the M&S butter beans / chickpeas et into curries and any casseroles I do to increase our fibre intake. My son won’t eat them if he can see them whereas mashed in you can’t even tell, plus makes sauces thicker.

Had a lovely walk with dog through woods to the dunes earlier this week, weather was glorious and there is something that makes me happy about getting a glimpse of the sea in the distance.
Unfortunately weather has gone a lot cooler here last day or so, my heated throw continues to be my best ever buy and I love the wool socks from Gemjoy as hate having cold feet. I am not going to be a martyr re the heating though, it will be going on in next day or so.

Made 4 bun loaves today from another recipe I got from my late MIL. I am not very good at baking but what I like is that you don’t have to weigh anything as it’s a cup of this and a tsp of that etc. Chuck it all in a big pan, heat it up , mix in two eggs, flour etc then put in oven. Only downside too moreish. I have already had 2 slices with butter. Going to put 3 loaves in freezer to hide from my husband so we have some for visitors.

Busy retired week for me, walk tomorrow with my cousin, theatre again Tuesday, lunch Wednesday thenLine Dancing in evening , Book Club Thursday and out with family Friday. I will enjoy but st this moment would be glad to cancel it all and just chill at home.

louby40

Bluenose1 you've got a very busy week. I'm hoping to pick up some supply work tomorrow or Wednesday- it's been very quiet this term so far, but I am picky where I will teach.

Then we are off to Leeds on Thursday for 2 nights to see two bands. Back Saturday afternoon and then will relax.

KintsugiWhippet

@bluenose1 i think your sister may be remembering a fairy tale or folk story which I always have in mind in the autumn. The short version, that is the bit I remember 🤭 is that a princess has lots of rich suitors who bring her wonderful and exotic presents but they don’t make her happy. A poor boy brings her a sack of 365 leaves, each one having been caught by him as it fell from the tree. He tells her that what he is giving her is a year of good fortune because each leaf stands for a day of good luck. This gift makes her so happy and proves to her how much he loves her, to give her a present that money can’t buy, that she marries him immediately. When walking under trees when leaves are falling I still try to catch them because of that story. I also line dance on Wednesday nights (I’m a beginner).

Humboldt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82165645#Comment_82165645

Morning @bluenose1, your description of your sister attempting to catch falling leaves made me smile. I have gathered a few of the beautiful acer leaves from the garden and placed them on the fire place, along with some conkers. So nice to add a seasonal touch indoors, especially when it is sustainable and costs nothing 😉 Love your sneaky way of introducing beans/chickpeas into your son's diet. Never heard of Gemjoy, will have to check those out later. Also, not heard of a bun loaf, is it a sweet bread containing dried fruit?

Thank you for sharing your week of activities, which clearly demonstrates that retirement is definitely not all about watching day time tv (unless that is what you choose to do). Retirement has afforded me the opportunity to replace a busy work life with a varied and interesting list of activities of my choice.

It would appear that country music is having a revival, along with line dancing. DH and I were surprised at its popularity in the Caribbean.

Today's simple pleasure - a walk with the dog to start the day (currently dog sitting for a family member). Loving it ☺️

Humboldt

Hi @louby40, fingers crossed that you have managed to pick up some supply work.

Enjoy your trip to Leeds to see 2 bands - another example of how retirement affords us with the time to do what we want.

Humboldt

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82166748#Comment_82166748

Morning @KintsugiWhippet, whilst I have heard that it is lucky to catch a falling autumnal leaf, I wasn't aware of the fairy tale/fold story. Thanks for sharing this.

Enjoy your line dancing. I recently noticed that there is an opportunity to sign up to a beginners watercolour class whilst on a holiday that DH and I have booked for next year. You only have to pay for the basic materials (about £30) and the classes are free for the duration of the holiday. It will be great to try something that I have always wanted to have a go at, and who cares if I am no artist!