You can never have enough...

[kiwimade64]

Was that old recipe book from a previous tenant, OHH? It was quite the find.

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Its sunny here. Madam is sitting in the bedroom getting a full on blast .

Congratulations Roma. I was old enough to enjoy my mothers parents Golden anniversary. Such a milestone.

I Love old recipe books. But what surprised me was the big use of dates and walnuts during war time. I would have thought they would be hard to get. I have a collection of old books from my stepfather and his Mum. I love looking at the adverts etc too...

A great find Hunni.

Today Ill be getting my trays I used to store wool in and putting them into the smaller cabinet I put in the kitchen. Ill sit the Kitchen linen in for a start. There is only 4 drawers in the kitchen, and no room for a "Junk" drawer with all those handy things.

Have also decided once the Dryer is moved Im going to move as many plastic crates from the spare room as I can fit in the garage. It will help make the room feel more like a bedroom.

Im toying with the idea of asking online if any strong people could come and move it for me. I haven't heard from Jess. I might ask Erin first tho, she has two sons and a border who might help.

Good luck on the Pooch front Mica. I hope one finds you and will be an awesome choice for you

Have a fab day all

[Olive]

...

I did a bit of baking yesterday, using a recipe from the internet that was an awful let down. Don't know what I did wrong but it was a complete failure, first time that's happened for decades, complete waste of ingredients. Back to the old family cookbooks for me! When they pulled out the hot water tank there was an ancient cookbook behind it, 70s I'm guessing, full of contributed recipes from all over the country complete with the names of contributors, and old ads with five numeral phone numbers.

Those were the days...

It's never a good idea to trust internet recipes, even those from well known cooks and chefs.   Most amateur recipe writers have no idea apart from a drive to raise their own profile, and whereas cookery books (particularly older ones) are usually rigorously edited and recipe-tested,  food blogs are under no quality control.   And I can't bear the way they hold forth interminably with banal "background" tales and opinions, all to get more clicks.

Mind you, my worst cooking disaster was about 10 years ago when I diligently followed a Gordon Ramsay recipe for a caramel custard flan and it didn't come near to setting at the temperature and time given and gushed all over the plate when I tried to serve it.

I don't do much baking (I avoid gluten) but when I do bake I like Nigella Lawson and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, each of whom have an army of recipe-testers and editors behind them.

[Oh_hunnihunni]

Yes, I agree, but I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered going old school. That'll learn me!

That said, I have had recent great success with The Recipe Tin cook, Nagi. Her quick bread recipe is a keeper. I will definitely be making that again, perfect with soup, and freezes beautifully in cut slices.

So not all bad...

But, the day is getting a bit stressful. The Tatt cat has a recurrence of the problem with her back leg, the one the vet suspected was neurological. She has pain when she stretches that leg, and because the feeling in the foot is dodgy she can catch it and fall, which is what may be causing further damage. So another vet visit I think for tomorrow, just as well it is payday and the budget has sufficient room for a proper exam. All fingers crossed because she is a delightful companion and I want the best for her.

[popeye333]

I hope she will recover quickly Hunni.

My Madam has been sunning herself all day in my bedroom.

While looking for the plastic trays I was sure were in the garage I found the Jug / kettle.. Yay.. Also found my most important envelope... My Mother in laws hand written cookbook and my step grandmothers..

The latter was started before she got married in 1913.. so is 112 years old. It has recipes , mainly baking. Adverts, and some round paper recipes that my stepfather said came in the top of the Edmonds Baking Powder tins.

Also found my book of paintings I did at the home, which I knew had Mums photo in. So she is back on the fridge. I will laminate her now too.

And the box with the trays, not crate was in the spare room lol.

Two loads of washing hanging out in the sun..

Altered the laundry a little, to get the bigger clothes baskets in properly.

[kiwimade64]

awww Tatty Cat I hope it goes well for her.

Our nieghbour's cat was sitting on the fence behind the compost bin staring down at the Furry One barking like crazy at her as if she thought he was nuts. She just enjoyed the sunshine until she became bored and wandered off. There was no way the Furry One could get to her and she knew she was safe.

I've printed off that quick bread recipe, OHH and will bake it this week once I have yogurt. We tend to munch our way through two big tubs of unsweetened yogurt each fortnight and have run out. There is a cheaper brand in a round, plainish tub that is delicious. Even MrK thinks the recipe sounds 'pretty darned good'.

I've pulled out some tree branches and timber the neighbour might like for firewood and pulled apart some contraption MrK built but said he no longer needs. That took some effort using a crowbar and hammer. Two rimu tongue and groove doors are on Trade Me and a wheelie bin is full of rubbish and out at the gate for tomorrow.

[popeye333]

Yes, I agree, but I was being lazy and couldn't be bothered going old school. That'll learn me!

That said, I have had recent great success with The Recipe Tin cook, Nagi. Her quick bread recipe is a keeper. I will definitely be making that again, perfect with soup, and freezes beautifully in cut slices.

So not all bad...

But, the day is getting a bit stressful. The Tatt cat has a recurrence of the problem with her back leg, the one the vet suspected was neurological. She has pain when she stretches that leg, and because the feeling in the foot is dodgy she can catch it and fall, which is what may be causing further damage.  So another vet visit I think for tomorrow, just as well it is payday and the budget has sufficient room for a proper exam. All fingers crossed because she is a delightful companion and I want the best for her.

I must look up the bread recipe too.

Umm which one is it please?

[Lilith7]

If he lasts that long. Rumours in the Nat community suggest he is not popular. I of course take no pleasure in that. None at all at all...

And I'm sure we all believe you...

---

morning ladies   It's cold here too, I suspect we've had a frost.

Congratulations on 47 years, roma   Those years do go by quickly!  And thank you for your kind comment about the hardanger.

I read (Stuff probably) about women leaving abusive relationships and MSD refusing them emergency housing saying they bought 'homelessness on themselves'.  Disgusting attitude.  When Luxton was asked about it, he said that's not true.  Everyone who needs it, is entitled to it.  But MSD have been instructed to tighten the criteria.  It was only when Hipkins asked him about it that he had the MSD Minister look into it and yes, that was right.  Now they are going to 'fix' it.  This was even when the woman was with an advocate from Women's Refuge or another charity.  They were even challenged for not reporting it to the police.  Not all women have the strength to do that.  This government needs a boot out the door at election time.  If we can't look after the vulnerable, then that says a lot about them and us.

This morning, I plan to shuffle some of MrK's  outside stuff against the west side of the house to the back yard so he can decide what he wants to do with it.  It will make it easier for him (and me) to get right round the house with no trip hazards.  He has made some amazing trellis type frames for the tomatoes etc and he has asked I find a spot closer to the garden for them.  Makes sense to me.  And then when the guys come from the Men's Club to take away the timber he no longer wants, it will be easier for them too.

The sea horse is going to be a slow project; I'm using my other-in-law's thread (she died in 2000) and it seems a lot skinnier than other brands.  It could be because it is from the 1990s, fitting seeing as the beads are from that era.  Or it could be I have become used to using a thicker thread and bigger needle over the last three projects.  A number nine needle is smaller than a crewel needle lol.  My fingers feel fat lol.

Time to put the washing on and make the most of the sunshine.

Miserable sods - reminds me of an old joke:
"How do you tell when a politician is lying?"
"When their lips are moving."

[Lilith7]

Good luck Mica, hope a lovely dog selects you.

And good luck for tatti Hunni, hope its both simple & not too costly.


Freezing here,but was very slightly warmer earlier. DIL & youngest great grandson took me to have a bone density scan, then we went to granddaughters & spent some time with her & new great granddaughter which was lovely. While there,DIL did a bit of helping, the backyard poo patrol & making a start on dinner for them. Made me wish every young Mum had help like that.

[popeye333]

I reckon Jenny Suo.. ( tv one sports ) if that's how you spell her surname is Hapu.

Have thought it for a few weeks..

Will be interesting to see if Im right.

Just throwing it out there..lol

[Mica]

Morning all 
Haven't looked outside yet  but looking at metservice its 8 degrees outdoors. 

It was a beautiful  sunny day yesterday so the drive  was easy. Mt Taranaki  looking splendid  with wee cap of snow. 

I enjoyed a meal of tempura battered gluten free fish and chips at Joe's Garage last night what a treat to find a place with dedicated gf deep fryer yum. 

Leisurely start visit dogs later this morning 

Enjoy your day

[kiwimade64]

morning ladies It's cold lol but then it is winter

Good luck with the puppy hunt, mica. Fingers crossed the perfect dog finds you.

I'm off to Hamilton this morning on a mission. Not just to buy groceries and to sell some scrap metal, but to see if I can bring MrK's hospital appointment forward. And while there, I'll visit a friend who is there as well.

I've unpicked (no surprises there) the stitching I had already done as it didn't look right. Now I'm using brighter greens and blues, and it looks a lot better. I read online Spotlight will take the Gold Card. Not sure if it is true or not but don't ask, don't get!

The washing machine has finished, the beeps are sooo quiet compared to the old machine.

[Mica]

Morning all 
Haven't looked outside yet  but looking at metservice its 8 degrees outdoors. 

It was a beautiful  sunny day yesterday so the drive  was easy. Mt Taranaki  looking splendid  with wee cap of snow. 

I enjoyed a meal of tempura battered gluten free fish and chips at Joe's Garage last night what a treat to find a place with dedicated gf deep fryer yum. 

Leisurely start visit dogs later this morning 

Enjoy your day

Quick edit yes Spotlight do take Gold card on full priced items

[popeye333]

Morning everyone

Is a tropical 12 degrees in the kitchen tis morning lol... 15 is meant for today I think. So that's a real winter temp for up here.

Hoping the right dog finds you Mica. When we got Digger he chose us.

Mount Egmont is my fave mountain, I doubt Ill ever call it Mt Taranaki.

Its nice having my machine in the house again. I hear it stop, not the beeps tho lol. I dont think Ive ever heard those. It was in the garage in the last two places.

Going to have a lazy day today. So after I've done my games I will paint..

I Am tempted to see how heavy the dryer is. Its just getting it down and then up again. I have the trolley to move it and Im good at walking things.. But I will just see how heavy it is first. Im not silly enough to try and burst my foofoo.

Have a wonderful day everyone

[Roma]

Good morning. 

Sunny and calm ... looking like a nice day. 

Fingers crossed for finding your next furry friend Mica 

Good to know about Goldcard/Spotlight ... a help to offset the (terrible) courier cost.

Lovely to have GGC to dote over Lilith ... I can't imagine getting to that stage! 

Popeye I saw  somewhere that Jenny S is hapu ... haha, were you noticing the page in front of the belly trick as well!

Meet up with friend this morning and then the day is mine.  Hopefully get some overcrowded dahlia tubers moved elsewhere later. Will have a look through wool stash and see what can be utilised, plus have something on the go. 

Had better get something done. 

Enjoy the day all.

[popeye333]

Good morning. 

Sunny and calm ... looking like a nice day. 

Fingers crossed for finding your next furry friend Mica 

Good to know about Goldcard/Spotlight ... a help to offset the (terrible) courier cost.

Lovely to have GGC to dote over Lilith ... I can't imagine getting to that stage! 

Popeye I saw  somewhere that Jenny S is hapu ... haha, were you noticing the page in front of the belly trick as well!

Meet up with friend this morning and then the day is mine.  Hopefully get some overcrowded dahlia tubers moved elsewhere later. Will have a look through wool stash and see what can be utilised, plus have something on the go. 

Had better get something done. 

Enjoy the day all.

Oddly Roma it was her boobs that I saw lol.. Just noticed she was looking bustier lol.. Then the way she sits or stands behind the paper lol. She was on breakfast last week or the week before and I thought Yup shes hiding it... 

I dont know why they hide it. Look at Anna Burns Francess, she almost flaunted it.

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I am being educated by my cat. Last night she was absent and I assumed she was in her hiding spot under the bed, healing from this last bout of neuropathy in her leg, so didn't worry. Sleeping is good... This morning I decided to pull her out of there to check on her and get her ready for another vet visit if she was still hurting. It is quite an exercise, me being not very good at bending, but I remembered being told to use my phone, point it where I cannot reach and take a photo - so I did that once I had pulled her adopted bed out... No cat under the bed. No cat in the wardrobe. No overnight nibbles missing from the dish, no poop in the litterbox.

Worry. Cats in trouble leave home, so I opened the door onto the deck ready to start searching the grounds, and there she was sitting in the sun, and giving me filthy looks. It will be a while before she forgives me for locking her out all night, and even longer till I get past the guilt! Still, I picked her up, no pain complaints, lots of purrs, brought her inside to her food and boy, did she catch up on missed munching.

So I put her 'bed' (it's my outdoor chair cushion) back under my bed in such a way that makes it easier for me to pull out if necessary, and she has retired for more sleeping.

Bloody cats...

[popeye333]

Oh they are a worry when they do that.

I told Missy off.. And said if Im calling she needs to come and make her presence known.

I have also "trained" myself in not announcing I am going out.. Thus making it easier to get her to the back of the house so I can shut the bedrooms and block the hallway when I leave.

Glad she is obviously ok Hunnie.. Missy is creaky some days and hooning around like a kitten in others.

[Oh_hunnihunni]

I bought a litre of cream in the online shop today. I am going to make butter. But first, I need to make ice, so I can chill the bejeeses out of everything I use, and make some ice water to wash the butter. Then, I will cut it into measured pieces, wrap it, and freeze it, because freezing makes it last longer without going off - which homemade butter can do a bit sooner than processed. So maybe on thursday, or friday.

I shall report the results. Should be fun, but it is a long time since I did this, so I will do a few youtube refreshers, just in case there's been an update on the ancient craft, lol...

[GJW]

Ohh, that sounds exciting, please let us know how it goes.
I was lucky, my nephew went to Costco a couple of weeks ago a got a box of butter for his Mum and I to split. It was $9 a kilo so $4.50 for 500 gms. I cut the blocks in half and they are all in the freezer.
I bake constantly, so this was a great bonus.
Good luck with the butter making.