Next steps; grip-relaxing bimbling, and avoiding the temptations

beanielou

Eek. That sounds horrendous.

Suffolk_lass

Well the stronger meds have worked (and Mr Sl declared his could not possibly be a cold and must be hayfever, so he took one of the stronger antihistamines and he was right. So both of us are feeling much better. Back to my regular stuff this morning.

I am organising a small social fundraising event on Saturday and have been printing the material I need to hand out on Saturday so people know where they are supposed to be. It's a "Safari Supper" where everyone knows in advance which course they are preparing (usually for 6 including themselves), but not where they are going for their other courses, or who they will be eating with. It's a great way of getting to know your neighbours a bit better but for no longer than an hour, so if they are not really your choice, it's not too awful as you meet different people as well as eating at different houses. It will raise about £250 as quite small this year, just 9 couples taking part. I've given myself dessert and have made strawberry ice cream that we will have with strawberry cocktails and fresh strawberries. I want to make thin ginger biscuits to have as an accompaniment too, but it is time dependent.

I really need to go and get dressed. I need to be out of the house just after 9.00 to have my asthma review at the GP surgery. Have a good day everyone!

Watty1

The safari supper sounds a really fun idea (love the dessert). Are all the courses cold? Or if you are hosting the main do you not go and eat with the rest for example? Curious!

Suffolk_lass

All the people taking part choose what they are cooking (I tell them about any dietary limitations in advance) and it is normally a preprepared starter because we all meet up to collect our envelopes (containing our destinations and a map with the names of all the houses on it), and have a quick drink and pay (less if you are doing a main course). Then the people providing a starter, and their guests go to the three houses (if 9 couples) for 45 minutes. Drinks and starters provided by the hosts. Then five minutes to get to the next house where we allow an hour for main course (in case veg needs to be cooked). Often something like a casserole or a pie. Then five minutes to get to the dessert houses (45 minutes) then all back to the original venue for cheese and port (the bar is open) and a good old chat. It is great fun - I am saying £30 per couple if they are doing a starter or dessert, and £25 for the mains - so 9 couples raises £255.

The way I organise the 9 couples means you meet different people for each course - 6 out of 8 others

I always think 3 couples could do this for a stress-free evening too, just on their own, for fun.

greent

When we were younger (pre kids) with 2 other couples we regularly used to do food at one of our houses. That person would do main and the other two would provide the starter and pud. We'd switch it up every month so after 3 months you'd done 1 starter, hosted 1 main and done 1 pud. Was a good social and saved everyone the cost of putting on a whole meal at once (we'd all just bought our first houses and were skint)

Suffolk_lass

Brilliant @greent - we still do something similar at New Year. It started when we all had children with us, who would stay up playing games, and everyone brought food and drink with the hosts providing the side dishes. Now, it's 3 nights, no kids and a lot more sedated but still with a similar bring and eat, drink and be merry approach

Suffolk_lass

Right, the campervan has gone to the garage and we are enjoying an almond croissant (2 for £1.50 from EoE Coop) with a coffee before Mr Sl walks the dog and I go and check on the third apiary that I didn't get to on Monday. I have a few errands to run today but will try and keep it low key. Washing machine has just completed the first of two solar-powered (well, solar-battery-powered) loads so that needs pegging out and the greenhouse contents need watering and feeding.

I need to listen to my book as I go too

Suffolk_lass

Campervan passed its' MOT, new timing belt, full service. I shall buy VED now and phone the insurers on Monday. Then, we are off away on Wednesday to meet up with old friends for 2 nights, camped in a pub garden a bit further north in Suffolk. All good. I just hope the batteries are not failing - they are due to.

We have our safari supper tonight - I just need to chop up some strawberries and sprinkle with what my grandma used to call "a show" of vanilla sugar; to make a bit of juice, to serve with my homemade ice-cream. The thin ginger biscuits are made and cooling. The strawberry vodka is made (the pink elderflower cordial alternative is made) and the prosecco is chilled. Just need to finish tidying then vacuum, dust, and lay the table.

I am hoping to go to a bee project from 12.30. Fingers crossed we are ready!

Have a good day everyone!