Of late everything looks and feels a little hazy, due to a combination of shrouded mist and eternal drizzle. A little how the world is at the moment, I suppose.
It’s like ground hog day around here during the second lockdown, we don’t really do anything outside the house except walk the dogs and Littl’urchin.
It’s not surprising seeing Christmas decorations flying out in the neighbourhood, people seem to need the warmth and cheer this year. I’m almost, almost tempted to put mine up, but I’m fighting the temptation as I know they will only end up driving me crackers as they are dust and dog hair magnets here.
It looks like we’ll all have the vaccine in the UK by next Easter.
I honestly can’t imagine being able to see people and go wherever I want to go. I wonder how long it will take to shake off habits like avoiding people, sterilizing shopping and parcels and quarantining mail. I wonder how long it will take to stop dreading following in the wake of a spluttering jogger, and will I ever be comfortable in a crowd again or on a busy train.
I’ve heard bird flu is doing the rounds again, mainly in chicken farms where birds are packed together to provide cheap chicken to the big name supermarkets.
We simply refuse to learn.
And there’s deforestation that results in virus and disease jumping into people as animals are moving into unchartered territory, and the endless threat of climate change…..sighs.
Anyway, a few random thoughts and observations for you.
Given I’ve more canned goods than usual I thought it was about time I started using them, so I opened a can of tinned new potatoes which I put in the microwave to warm up.
OH! Everyone. single. one. exploded. You should have seen the state of the microwave. So, I decided to roast the next can. I dried them with kitchen roll and roasted them for fifty minutes. They were delicious, although a few blew up in the oven. When it came to reheating them in the microwave afterwards, the blighters exploded again.
Who knew????
I must confess to never having baked bread from scratch, so decided to give it a whirl. I was utterly astonished by all the different recipes online, not to mention all the different ingredients and types of yeast and flour that were required.
It’s truly mind boggling, I just want to bake a simple loaf of bread, so any suggestions are warmly welcomed, especially if vegan, and…straightforward…and simple!
Curly cat has taken lockdown to heart and now refuses to leave the premises, and I realised that I haven’t driven my car since the first lockdown in March. If hubs keeps on working from home we may become a one car family.
Is it just me, or is being home so much making it more obvious how many jobs need attention around the house, not to mention how much dusting, window cleaning, cupboard organising, skirting board cleaning and decorating need doing? That are NOT getting done!
And Finally…
I’m delighted that Sam’s results came back negative. Just fatty lumps that I need to keep an eye on. One less thing to worry about!
Until next time, stay safe guys, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Good news re Sam and Monday baking. Life goes on. We are supposed to be into summer down here, but we are having storms and rain.
Thanks Peter, goodness your storms don’t sound good, I do hope the weather settles down.xxx
So pleased to read the good news about Sam 🙂
We went down to one car … it works well for us, but we are now both retired.
There’s a selection of vegan bread recipe on the link below, have a look and see what you think!
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/vegan-bread-recipes
Happy December Wishes, we have put our Christmas decorations up 🙂
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan, it was great news re Sam. Oh, thanks for that link, the vegan loaf looks easy and perfect for me. I’ll give that a whirl as I plan on baking next Monday. Happy December wishes to you too.xxx
Great to hear the news about Sam. I have been thinking on the same lines as you, i will be difficult to get back to shaking hands and close contact with people. Even when watching old films I’m thinking ‘Oh no, stop it, don’t get so close!’
It is dreary outside at the moment but I am a woman on a mission in the garden . I always garden a lot but now I am obsessed, so I ignore the gloomth and grub around outside for hours each day. I come in and I am too tired to care about housework and mounting dust. No one sees it but the Pianist and he doesn’t notice . My daughter is growing mountains of veg and has taken to making soda bread each week, what is it about this plague that makes us want to go back to basics?
Thanks Chloris. Yes, lovely news re Sam. Oh gosh yes, you and me both when watching films pre corvid, it’s so odd how quickly we adapt to this new normal. Hubs is like the Pianist, he doesn’t notice dust or untidiness. I think it must be a survival thing, the more self sufficient we are the better our odds. Happy grubbing in your beautiful garden.xxx
I never would have guessed that canned potatoes would explode. I haven’t had them in years, but your mention of them brings back memories of eating them in the school cafeteria when I was a child. The school cooks always browned the potatoes – and I actually liked them. I’m tempted to look for some canned potatoes at the store – though your experience with them exploding makes me think that maybe I don’t really want to buy any.
I was astonished when I heard the racket those potatoes made as the blew up in the microwave, I imagine they would be fine reheated on the hob in a pan. I couldn’t believe the roasted version exploded too when reheated in the microwave. Thanks Sheryl. xxx
You really need good news (Sam’s results) during dreary winter, especially If you are in Lockdown….are you in Lockdown? I’m never sure with the UK. The number of cases in Australia have come down, so things are loosening up, but we are going to keep everything low key, as we have seen cases rise again so quickly in the UK & Europe. I totally agree with you re bird flu and animals caged in the most inhumane way for food production…when will we ever learn?
During the year we decided to sell one car, and it’s been okay sharing one car. A few of our friends now have electric cars.
I had to laugh at all your exploding potatoes!
Stay safe and well.
Yes, wonderful news re Sam. We’ve just come out of our second lockdown, now we’re in tier two which still prevents people meeting up indoors and pubs can only be visited if a substantial meal is eaten. Most shops are open now but I’ll avoid them as they’ll likely get busy in the run up to Christmas. Good to know your numbers are low, long may that continue. I love the electric cars they are so quiet! Thanks Gerrie.xxx
Best news was Sam’s results!!. I do think people’s way of life will in some ways change permanently. Guess who’s started decorating. Martyn made some delicious brioche the other day courtesy of the bread maker.
Thanks Sue, it was a relief knowing Sam was OK. Oh….I’m a little green eyed knowing you have got the paintbrushes out!!! I think I’ll end up investing in a bread maker.xxx
What a relief about Sam! And what a surprise about the potatoes … good gracious me. Did they have their skins on? I know they do explode if they have their skins on and they haven’t been pricked …
Winter hugs, lovely Dina. Keep looking at beautiful nature in all her lockdown sleep, and be at peace xxx
Thanks Gill. Yes, it’s great knowing all is well with Sam. No the tinned new potatoes had their skins removed, how odd that they explode…the mess was awful. xxx
Good morning Dina,
I don’t think we will ever learn…..in fact I cringe at what we will have to endure before people begin to realise that this is not a joke,
Personally I think the 5 day break over Christmas could be disastrous. People here in the UK will go nuts – already trains and planes are booked with ridiculous prices….and so again we wont learn and the booze will flow……
When the hospitals are filled to the gills in January/February – people will wonder why.
So pleased to hear that Sam is in fine fettle and that you are not missing your car. I haven’t driven for 25 years (by choice) and don’t miss it one bit.
Enjoy the weekend….Sending lots of love
Janet XXXX
I agree, we just don’t learn until disaster strikes. I have no doubt that the numbers will fly up in the New Year, how I pity the medical staff, hopefully they’ll get a vaccine asap. It was great hearing all is well with Sam, one less thing to worry about. I haven’t missed driving either, I dislike it now I have to wear glasses. Thanks Janet. Love and hugs.xxx
Yes, yes, yes, to all of this, Dina. The slog, the wondering about what’s next and if it will ever be natural to gather and be close, the winnowing and home repairs we see that we need, but don’t necessarily tackle…
But also yes to baking bread! My mother was a great cook, but hated it, so when I was 8 and asked if I could be like my grandma in the kitchen, my mother gave me an apron and a cookbook or seven, and said, “It’s all yours.” So my first bread was at age 10 and I baked bread for decades, till my celiac won. I can smell and taste fresh bread, right out of the oven and warm enough to melt butter…I gave away all my bread recipes and cookbooks, but my favorites were whole wheat/cornflour/some bread flour blends, with molasses or honey as sweeteners…I experimented all the time. it’s so much fun! Even if a loaf doesn’t have a perfect crumb (and it will, soon; it’s easy to teach yourself the tricks), it tastes like heaven. I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!
Thank you for this perfect post…I shall go to bed with a smile wide as the moon, knowing sweet Sam is well and all is right with his health! HOORAY!
Be safe and well and up to your elbows in flour. 🙂 xoxo
Ahh thanks so much Kitty. It is a relief knowing Sam is fine. I’m glad I didn’t opt for surgery straight away. Goodness, to think you started baking at ten. I cook a lot but don’t really bake. There seem to be so many different types of flour and yeast, it’s so confusing, especially as I’m avoiding the supermarkets. I’m going to give baking a go on Monday, I do hope it turns out better than the recent candle making! Love and hugs.xxx
You know, there’s been recent advice that all that wiping down of parcels and quarantining mail isn’t necessary. For example, there’s this, from the NY Times: “According to the [Centers for Disease Control], currently there are no cases of COVID-19 that have been identified where infection was thought to have occurred by touching food, food packaging or shopping bags. The CDC also said, although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging.”
At minimum, even if you continue those practices, you can be a little more certain that mail and parcels aren’t going to do you in.
I’m sure glad to hear about Sam. Somewhere, I have a really good recipe for an easy bread, too. I’ll dig it out and either post it here or send it. I don’t have it on the computer, so I’ll have to dig a bit. It has the great advantage of not requiring a bread maker.
It’s gloomy and wet here, which absolutely delights me. We’re been sunny and dry for so long that we need the rain, and we may get a few inches over two or three days. That’s perfect — no flooding. I’m in the process of doing a real housecleaning prior to putting up the Christmas decorations — this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent — amazing! Christmas will be here before we know it. Maybe if we all ask Santa for a vaccine, he’ll break down and bring it to us!
That certainly is interesting re the virus not spreading through mail or packages, thanks for that. I think it lives on hard surfaces longest and on frozen items. Yes it was great news re Sam and now all the vet runs are finished as all the vaccinations are once again up to date. Thanks for looking for the recipe, I really appreciate that. Good to know you have rain! Yes, all hope rests on one little vaccine, here’s to us all getting it soon.xxx
I’m glad to hear Sam’s lumps are benign. You must be relieved. Your store cupboard and green veggies will keep you going. As for bread making I have a bread machine, but tend to keep my flour for pastry and cakes because it’s been in short supply at times. I feel as if life is on hold and each day is more of the same, but then for us things could be worse. One or two neighbours have Christmas lights on. They’re draped on bushes and fences next door and I don’t blame them since the new neighbours have a young boy. I’m sure you find joy in being with your little granddaughter. A highlight of the week is when our local family visits briefly to help us with our shopping. Take care. speak again soon.
Thanks Linda, yes it was great getting the good news re Sam. I think I’ll end up investing in a bread machine, it does seem to simplify the process. More and more lights are going up in my neighbourhood, I’ve never seen so many, it’s like a grotto. Oh yes, I just love seeing Littl’urchin. Good that you get to enjoy seeing family each week to.xxx
Good to see that Sam is okay. I don’t blame Curly.
Reading this thoughtful post had me nodding or shaking my head.
Thanks, and you too. xx
Thanks Flighty, it was a relief to hear those lumps are harmless. Funny how they all appeared at once though.xxx
So pleased to hear that Sam’s lumps are benign. it is nice to see how your garden is doing. i never have any luck with nasturtiums. Mine are always quite sparse and this year’s,grown from seed, didn’t even flower. so i was impressed to see yours flowering away.
i know what you mean about returning to normal. i think that people will be wary for some time to come. will we ever be totally relaxed among groups of people again ? hard to imagine at the moment.
re the bread, i don’t know if you have a bread making machine, but there are various recipes for those, including fruit and nut loaves, malt loaf, jam, cake and even – seitan ! (vegan meat substitute for those who are unfamiliar). i picked one up at the charity shop for five pounds and it looked brand new. still in the box and probably an unwanted gift. i think the recipes use different quantities of ingredients than in the traditional method though.
it would be nice to see some photos of your creations.
Thanks Keggy. I wonder why nasturtiums don’t grow for you, they grow like weeds here. Maybe try growing them in a pot. Yes, it is hard to imagine being relaxed around people again, maybe the vaccine will help psychologically. I don’t have a bread machine, they’re so expensive aren’t they but I may have to invest in one. Lucky you picking one up for a fiver!!!xxx
Oh, I’m so glad that you got good results for Sam. Archie is more lumps and bumps than anything these days, and his are fatty lumps too. I did that ridiculous thing of googling though and some poor dogs have them grow to enormous sizes. I’m with you on the Christmas decorations, December is early enough for me, though I do like to see other people’s decorations up, it’s just that I know they’ll drive me crazy if I put them up too early myself. I got rid of my car a couple of years ago and I can honestly say I haven’t missed it, though I don’t particularly enjoy driving so I’m quite happy for Mick to chauffeur me around.
Thanks Jo, dogs do seem to develop lumps as they age don’t they. I’m glad all is well with Sam. Christmas decorations do become a little invasive after a while for sure. Ever since I’ve started wearing glasses I’ve disliked driving, especially in the dark.xxx
Yay, for benign fatty lumps! I’m so glad all was well with Sam. Our neighbours are always early putting up their Christmas decorations and theirs have been up for 2 weeks now! I’m sorry to say that I normally hate them with a passion and leave it as late as possible. This year though, I find I’m actually looking forward to it. I even bought crackers the other day! As you say, I think we all desperately need a bit of cheering this year.
I’ve used this bread recipe in the past: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/paul_hollywoods_bloomer_84636
I actually use less salt as I find that I’m quite sensitive to it now, but who am I to argue with the great bread man himself?!
I remember my mum using tinned potatoes, they have quite a characteristic taste and texture don’t they. Who knew that they were little kitchen bombs in the making?!
Enjoy your walks out and about. xx
Yes, yay to fatty lumps and one less thing to worry about. I’m the same as you, I loathe putting the decorations up but am finding I’m rather looking forward to it this year as well.
Thanks for the recipe, I’ll give that a go. I think the potatoes need warming in a pan rather than a microwave, yes, they do have an odd little taste, much better roasted. Thanks Veggiemummy.xxx
Oh, I am so relieved to hear the news about Sam! That’s a wonderful gift indeed.
I certainly agree with you that working from home and just being around home more makes more obvious the jobs that’ve been relegated to “someday”. Our neighborhood is of an age that things seem to fall apart at the same time. When roofs are getting redone, it’s 4 or 5 in the neighborhood. This year, it’s fences.
As for bread recipes…. I’m afraid I’ve never tried my hand at breadmaking. But here’s an easy recipe for fluffy biscuits that you can make for savory or sweet things.
2 cups plain (all-purpose) flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cup coconut milk (not the beverage kind; the kind that is full fat)
2 tablespoon butter (you could swap out for vegan butter or olive oil, probably)
Preheat oven to 450F/230C. Combine dry ingredients, then add coconut milk and stir. Dough will be wet and sticky. Turn dough out onto a well-floured work surface and gently press into a rectangle. Fold into thirds and roll out again. Dough should be about 1/2 inch thick. Cut rounds from the dough. Gently press scraps together and shape into rounds. Arrange biscuits on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops of biscuits generously with butter (or oil). Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Brush hot biscuits with melted butter again (or oil) and let stand 2-3 minutes before serving.
I also hear the no-knead breads are good for beginners too. Try this one: https://sweetsimplevegan.com/2020/02/4-ingredient-no-knead-bread/
Thanks Anne, it was a relief knowing those lumps were OK. I’m glad I didn’t go for removal surgery. Things do suddenly seem to fall apart, especially fences, half of ours need replacing too, I keep hoping to get one more year out of them. That biscuit recipe sounds lovely, I’ll give that a whirl, and the no knead bread. I’m hoping to spend next Monday baking which should be fun. xxx