#weekendcoffeeshare – Scribble & Scran

Coffee Menorca

Ensaimada with Nutella

Cuatro Por favor, is how the day has started over the last few days. Followed by a becoming arm that says no problem, follow me, promptly leading us to a free table. This guys job is solely to get folk seated, returning to the door promptly for the next set of guests. It’s a conveyor belt!

The coffee is strong and viscose, the first thing to be put on the table as we arrive into the dining hall. A mark of territory to the busy staff, someone has claimed table, don’t sit anyone else there given the guests the opportunity to hunt down the killer breakfast from the buffet. Thank fully there is a tea pot with just hot water, supposedly for those who want tea. In this case for me it’s a chance to bring the coffee up to something more than tepid at the same time as watering down the treacle like substance. It becomes reasonably drinkable and is welcome to go along side today’s offering of a freshly cooked omelette.

This week my coffee share is from an island in the Balearic sea, Menorca. The first couple of days the weather is changeable, warm rain, a little breeze, enough to give us some blue skies. Despite the cloud cover, my eldest caught the sun and a warning for the rest of the week as the cloud disappeared to constant blue skies.

A change of scene. No talk of databases, build cycles or deadlines. It’s there at the back of the mind, however it gradually dissipates. I’ve left a great team to push on, to keep going. I feel bad for leaving in a peak of craziness. There is never a good time though, the world of IT keeps giving! A chance to escape and a chance to de-stress.

I’ve wrestled the American gods by Neil Gaiman into submission and enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve succumbed to afternoon naps, an ice cream and a beer in the sun. Even a dip in the sea. I’ve kept the running up, more to keep the all you can eat buffets at bay. For someone who likes their food a battle of wills at every sitting. Trying to stay away from the carbs (apart form the desserts), and the ensaimada with Nutella. I’ve stuck to the proteins, taking that chance to try different sea foods although I’m sure they are a little overcooked as the resort caters for the masses rather than quality.

We explored a tiny bit of the southern tip of the island, running together. I’d got several routes in mind from google maps, however we were thwarted by the rocky terrain of the paths. No problem for hikers walking the cami de cavalls trail around the island or trail runners who never cease to amaze me. I however like a sure footing and definitely not keen to twist an ankle! So we kept to the streets and explored the other direction.

We did walk a tiny bit of the trail, and found a lovely cove that beckoned me back for another trip, this time with my trunks and a towel. I leave with the memory of the turquoise blue sea, our family in harmony as we came and went with the flow of the day and a break from the norm.

It’s our last full day as I type this up and I’ll be glad to get to our own menu’s, our own coffee. It’s possible we’ll be returning to warm weather and the start of summer. Three weeks to go for the 10k and a whole bunch of project work waiting for me.

The #WeekendCoffeeShare is an informal weekly link-up hosted by Natalie the Explorer that serves as weekly heart beat and sort of of a mind-dump. Helps me reflect on my week, with a list of achievements, thoughts and rambles normally whilst drinking a beverage probably listening to music.

Munro Kershaw

Last weekend I was taken back, what feels like yesterday to me, maybe forty years on paper.

Originally it was meant to be a small village in the highlands just minutes from my fravourite campsite. The chip shop that owns a marquee at the back, hosting events, local gigs for the surrounding scottish bands. In this case, I’m not sure how I first heard, it might have been the flyer in the chip shop. It might have been the feed in facebook, and at first I couldn’t believe it. An 80’s pop icon, not just any though, he was my 80’s pop icon. My first album on cassette, maybe even my 2nd album on vinyl. I couldn’t believe it, Nik Kershaw, with his band an intimate gig At Blair Athol.

Oddly enough I couldn’t get anyone else interested! So I came up with my own plan, I’d camp literally 5 minutes away, enjoy the evening and then bag a couple of Munro’s by myself. This feels like 3 years ago. The whole pandemic thing kicked in and played it’s part. Then it was supposed to be last year. I still followed through on the camping and got the Munro’s in. Amazingly though, it still stayed postponed, a new date arranged and then disaster the venue changed. No longer a 5 minute walk from the campsite, a different place some 20 minutes down the road. The Pitlochry town hall. On the plus side, still going ahead on the downside new accommodation plans required. Pitlochry full of guest houses, B&Bs and hotels not a problem. Even a YHA which I opted for in order to keep the price down. Option of taking my own food, great kitchen a dining area. An 8 minute walk to the town hall. In the end no biggy.

So in the end in the strangest of places, I got to a concert for an artist whose album I purchased some forty years ago using a record token my uncle had given me for my 11th birthday. An amazing couple of hours, a remarkable experience that bridged the passage of time, connecting me with my cherished musical memories. Even playing the song that started off that first album, transporting me back to that long since gone record store in Kendal high street where you could listen to an album before you bought it.

I hung around for little bit and even got to meet him, he could have been any guy, but having seen him perform some of those cherished songs for 2 hours it was a night to remember.

The day after I was up bright an early in order to tackle the 2 out of the six Munro’s I couldn’t quite face after completing 4 from the year before. I’m glad I hadn’t tackled them, bit of a beast of a day. A quintessential day in the mountains, starting all moody and misty where it gradually disappeared and I was rewarded with a mixture of wind and sun. A 15k cycle in, followed by a 16k hike that took in the mighty Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil.

Food wise, I was armed with mackerel sandwiches, all kinds of mountain bars and a soup for good measure. I made it back to the campsite, that id originally booked for the weekend and made a really simple beef bourguignon with rice from one of those pre-cooked pouches.

I did have big plans for the write up of this adventure, and I don’t feel I’ve done it justice. I came back with so many aches and pains. A week at work, that saw 10+ hour days as we brought a project close to fruition, and with that we are already on to the next weekend adventure…….

May Sun – Coffee Share

Athur’s Seat, The warmth arrives

6:15am and I start the day going through the comments on my blog, the comments I made on someone else’s blogs. Easy wins on the road to feeling like I’m making progress. It’s better than checking the news and scrolling aimlessly. I enjoy the connections I’m making, a friendly jibe about small talk. A comrade in arms in the technology space relating to my predicament on a technology project. The gardener and the writer all stepping out their personal projects. Friends from across the globe and a nice way to great the day.

I’m gearing up, trying to wake my body and get ready for Thursdays run. I never feel like the run on Thursday goes that well. Tired from the meetings and constant conversations, and as I write this the feeling of bailing on the run is conquered by knowing I need this runners rush to get through another day of dealing with the machine.

The sun is shining so I’m keen to the route up by Arthur’s seat and down the innocent railway, a circular route that keeps me motivated most the way. Still a nip to the air, but the first time without gloves and the extra layer. I can’t resist taking a few shots as I reach the park.

A runners view

On reflection as I write, can’t help thinking this exercise routine is helping me keep grounded, to enjoy the light and how it changes. Today the world feels green and lush, it’s fresh the puddles of rain still to dry up and this little part of the world is alive and ready for the rays.

What else has gone on this week:

We watched the final of race around the world last night as it was broadcast, unusual for us in itself to watch live tv. We were that engrossed. Couples competing (two brothers, 2 pairs of father daughters, a married couple and two friends) across Canada with back packs, no phone, limited funds, and 8 or so check points they need to make 52 days. Awe inspiring stuff, moving to tears and a sense of achievement.

BBC One – Race Across the World, Series 3, The Final

I’m also hooked on Slow Horses on apple TV, a back stabbing spy drama. Clever, whitty, plot turns.

On the cooking front:
I was in the Portobello fishmongers on Saturday, looking for inspiration for tea as well as buying a couple fillets of Hake. At the same time, I couldn’t resist picking up an Arbroath Smokie. A hot smoked haddock, didn’t need cooking on the day in order to stay fresh as it had already been cook. The smokie, a renowned Scottish delicacy originating from Auchmithie, a small fishing village 3 miles from Arbroath.

My first encounter of having an Arbroath smokie was attending the highland show at Blair Athol Campsite. One of the concession stalls had set up shop by rigging up a smokery and making these beauties on site. Wrapped in a brown paper, on a damp day after camping, it was just the ticket for an elevenses snack.

So armed with a smoked haddock, I had no idea what I was going to do with it! Until the pressure of being given tea duty on Tuesday night.

Omelette ala ready steady cook:

4 Eggs lightly beaten
Knob of butter
Arbroath Smokie, flesh removed from the bone, broken into pieces
Double Cream – 50ml or so
Hard cheese – 50g or so grated (Parmesan/Gruyere)
Bread Crumbs – 50g or so

Using a pan that suitable for the grill in the oven.
Turn the grill onto a high heat

All whist on the hob:
Bring the butter to a bubble on a gentle heat
Add the eggs, and cook for a minute flat, forming a little layer
Add the fish, scattered evenly
pour over the cream, slowly, not looking to over power the eggs
scatter the bread crumbs.
A little shuggle, then place under the grill

Will be fairly quick so keep an eye on the bread crumbs as they begin to toast (5 mins or less)

Arbroath Smokies

Six Week Running Update

With six weeks to go before the Glasgow 10k, it’s time for a running update. Sunday comes around quickly which means the long one! It’s about being able to run for a set amount of time rather than completing a certain distance. That said the longer the time, the obvious distance takes care of itself.

Rewinding back to the start of the month, Monday and we had blue skies. The start of some warmth that brought a little joy to the start of the week. Then the last couple of days have been driech and it feels like the haar is full throttle today. It looks like it’s in the distance, however in reality it’s like running through an invisible mist that absorbs heat. However, the plan says Sunday is run day. So come rain or shine, the shoes get put on and we go for it one foot in front of the other.

Slow start, steady pace, I’ve decided to head to the Castle today which meant facing into some gradient. Again, slow, and steady, passed through the meadows and up past Greyfriars. Arrived at the Castle within 25 mins, just over 3k. I was hoping to get a couple of eerie pictures in the mist. However, the esplanade seemed to be locked off. Don’t know if there’d been an event yesterday for the Coronation or this was the start of the build out of the stadium for the summer events.

Down the steps and by the side you can get the full on feel of the scale and ingenuity of building something on the rock.

The run home, no escape, I’d run too far not to do 5k, however I needed to run a bit further to clock up the minutes. Which then meant, I managed to cover 8k in 50 minutes. The watch seemed happy, a new record, longest distance.

How am I feeling as I write this…..the legs are tired, and I’m slowly stiffening up. It’s a good 4 hours after getting back and I’m feeling that after glow sensation, when you know you’ve put your body to use.

The process is working, Tuesday and Thursday two short runs. Sunday the big one, don’t tell anyone but I think I’m enjoying it!

I’ve been busy in the kitchen, but not full on with the camera. The pictures pile up, and no words are forth coming. A sign that the weeks are full on and the idea of spending more time at the PC doesn’t feel right for my mental state of mind.

That said there are a couple of lamb shanks in the oven, for tonight’s tea as I write this. Lightly fried to begin with in the big Dutch oven. Two onions diced and softened, 2 carrots peeled and diced, softened, a tablespoon of curry powder, two tins of tomatoes and the usual overnight soaked beans technique that are simmered for 10 mins before adding. Three hours or so and we have something to keep the wolf from the door.

Cold of April

Apple Blossom

Tail end of 8 weeks to go. Saturday and it’s cold and damp. Need to get Sunday’s run in today as I know I won’t be feeling like it tomorrow. It’s the long one, there is more time in the day with no work to get ready for….it’s a lot more relaxed.

It’s a damp day, cold and a little dreich as they say here in auld reeki. Still haven’t got rid of the gloves or got out in just a t-shirt.

Time-wise today, the plan was for 35 mins. I got myself a little too far away from home so it turned into about 43 mins! Covered about 7k, but the distance isn’t important. It’s about the fact I can keep putting one foot in front of the other for 40+ minutes. No records to crow about other than the mental one….I did manage to keep going!

It feels like it’s time to wrap up April. Which seems to have flown by, with a regular running routine the weather conditions are ever present in my thinking and I can’t shake the feeling that this is the longest cold spell we’ve had. Just desperate for some warmth to return.

Which ones the Plum? Which Ones the Damson?

Did a little tour of the garden at the request of Maria from GreenDreams. The flowers on the plum/damson trees are little tired, but the apple tree is about to go full bloom. I love this ebb and flow and just amazed at the pink delicacy that will turn into apples if pollinated.

On the menu this weekend is a sweet potato and spinach lasagna for our Vegan guests along with a Venison and Black bean Stew for our hungry teenager.

I found a new way to create a Pasta sauce which I hope to share, using sundried tomatoes, a tweak from the above link.

London – a day

I’ve found a quiet corner in London for this mornings coffee share. Just on the periphery of the Banking and Finance area. Saturday and with no trading to be done there is something eerily quiet about the place. Some of the shops closed, It suits me just fine. Starbucks is quiet, plenty of tables, one with a power supply. I still haven’t got to grips with in terms of battery life on my new phone which I need to make sure is working for hooking up with my pals later.

Meanwhile I’ve got the day to myself, to just mooch and put the time is refreshing at the same time I can feel the clock ticking. So I’m breathing in deep, enjoying the different sights, smells and sounds.

Where to head though, Borough Market, just 15 minutes from where we are staying, so it’s an obvious choice for the foodie in me. It already feels busy by 9.30am, I’ve no cooking to do this weekend so other than marvel and take a deep sigh that I don’t live nearer to make the most of the place, I move on.

The coffee has run dry and the lemon and blueberry muffin which I got from one of the bakery stalls vanished in seconds. The battery notched up an extra 10%. It’s time to explore some more.

The muffin, I realise now I should have taken a photo. Was no trouble in the eating! A crunchie top with a zestie moist sponge. The odd blueberry thrown in for good measure was worth the calories. Memo to self head back to the breadahead shop next time I’m here.

I’m keen to find somewhere that sells ‘Shokz’, perhaps get a demo. I find somewhere but the assistant has to refer to the website for any chat. The boxes are well and truely off limits, I may as well buy from a well known mail order company if that’s the service I’m going to get. It’s London there will be somewhere else I’m sure, so again I move on.

I take some lesser know streets, head to Covent Garden different angles peak my interest, the brick work, the signs, the flags. The old architecture mixed with the new. It’s all interesting, and different from the streets that I take for granted in my own city.

This time of year I find it hard to ship my writing, the thoughts from the weekend. I’ve got lots of half written blog posts that just don’t feel relevant a few days later, so apologies for missing the last few shares. Thanks for reading and I’ll try pop by.

Thanks for the Music

Very late to the coffee share last weekend, to the point I missed it. I was painting the tongue and groove paneling in the bathroom and something needed to give time wise and it was the blog.

I was given the sad news that the only sheet music shop in Edinburgh was closing down and this Saturday was going to be it’s last. Probably the longest walk I do into town and our main exercise for the day. I made it just after 10.30am and amazingly there was still quite a bit of music left.

Promptly texting the boss to say I’d be a little longer than the agreed five minutes! I’ve been known to spend an hour and half just browsing on my birthday as I try to spend my money wisely. Buying something I can’t play is just demoralising, buying some too easy, doesn’t move me on. In a shop that covers everything, I take my time. There was part of me that was sad for the staff, sad for the day I won’t be coming back here. The guy who twenty years ago helped me find my graded pieces as an adult learner was still there. I didn’t know him to talk to and it was one of those situations, what can you say that would make him feel any better. It didn’t feel quite right, pouncing on the books. However, I did. Fifty percent off is a huge deal. Reminding myself that over the years I’ve spent quite a bit in this shop.

I’ve been getting a bit of a row from my teacher about not practicing scales, so I got something that took me right back to grade 2 at the same time as making it fun. Bought a couple of graded books, mixed pieces and then a bumper book of seventy easy to play. I’ve put hardest pieces and the bumper book away, perhaps to bring them out on my next birthday or for that rainy day in November when it’s time to start the winter challenge.

With the walk into town to the music shop, there was the obligatory trip to the butchers for a few things. With little bit of time in the kitchen, I had some stock to use up. The stewing lamb looked really lean. With no set recipe in my head and hopeful of the ingredients at home to stretch it out over a week of lunches. I just got 200 grams worth. I posted the lamb broth recipe earlier.

I wrote a few words and posted on Instagram, the reasons for taking part in the Mens10k this year.

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I’ve stuck to the training plan for a solid three weeks now, however that combined with painting the bathrooms I’m feeling it in my calf muscles. One morning screaming in agony as a dose of cramps attacked me. Not been quite the same since as I apply the Ibuprofen gel quite liberally!

With both the clocks changing and Easter approaching, it’s feeling like a time of reflection and a moment to re-assess where we are at with our 2023 plans. If your in that mindset I wish you luck with those reflections. Time for another coffee and to do mine.

Running Diary (Days 100-94)

The garden is slowly but surely coming to life in among the weather mood swings. One minute there are moments of brightness, warmth and the feeling of renewal. The next teeth chattering cold that cuts through to the bone. Then we’ve had rain and howling wind as the warmth battles it out against the cold.

Last week I dropped that I’d signed up for the #mens10k in Glasgow. A little bit of craziness in my 50th year and an attempt at trying to keep some level of fitness on what now feels like a road to retirement. I’m keen not to throw in the towel despite lower back pain, hip and knee niggles.

The muscles pain from the 5k run that I took part in had finally worn off and so as is usual when I start something new and signed up, I’m really motivated. I was keen to get going with the training plan, albeit I’m a little bit early for the plan that got shared with me at my level.

I don’t know what possessed me, perhaps the cold air, the feeling of being cooped up in house for a few days and keen to swing back into action. The frustration around the lack of movement for a week as I recovered. So I decided for my first session I’d tackle the local hill!! On the plan, hill sprints get mentioned around week 6! What was I thinking? The worst that could happen is that I walk up, and the best, that I discover that it’s easy!! I knew one thing though, I wasn’t going to do hill sprints! Just a case of wanting to see where I’m at now, and where I’ll be in 6 weeks when I do start.….what sounds like pain! So training for the training 🙂

The other thing that I didn’t say, was that I volunteered to be an ambassador for the run. Which essentially makes me duty bound to train and write about it. The run really has an ethos around men’s health both physical and mental. As someone who sits at a desk all day, dealing with a multitude of ups and downs as a guy in technology I felt I had something to bring to the story. This run is really for everyone and I’m excited to be taking part and the journey it’s going to take me on.

Like appearing on camera and putting up a YouTube video. Let’s call it a raw short that is in no danger of being recognised at the Oscars any time soon 🙂

Day 100, start as I mean to go on

Training plan this week which I did stick to.

Day	Activity	Reality
Monday	Rest	Rested – rained
Tuesday	Run Easy – 20 mins	Ran Easy for 20 mins, and cycled to work – a cold day
Wednesday	Rest	Another cold day, and raining, walked
Thursday	Run Easy – 25 mins	It rained, but I got on with it, even inspired the boss
Friday	Rest	Rested

and the plan for next 7 days

Day	Activity	Reality
Saturday	Rest
Sunday	Run Easy – 30 mins
Monday	Rest
Tuesday	Run Easy – 20 mins
Wednesday	Rest
Thursday	Run Easy – 25 mins
Friday	Rest

Hopefully I can stick to the plan, and thanks for reading.

Meadows 5k Edinburgh

Meadows Route — Meadows Marathon Route – 5K – twice round

It’s been a week of aches and pains on waking this week, a struggle to get going. The cold in the air returned with the expectation that it might have snowed, on opening the curtains each day granted with relief. The aches and pains are from the run I took part in at the weekend.

For a minute I want to bask in the outcome so we are rolling back to last Sunday. The day felt stretched out, a way of managing the crowed I suppose with 4 events. A Full-on marathon, a 10k, a Half and a 5k. With a 2.30 start time for the 5k, I’d got a bit of a food issue and not prepared for running in the afternoon. I normally go straight after that first coffee of the day.

So, whilst my wife was running in the 10k. I got myself a toastie, between one of her laps. Hoping, that 3.5 hours would be enough to digest the little beast. My wife flew round the morning route, and we were home for 12:30. So I put the time in, trying to stay in the right mindset before cycling back for the 2.30 warm up and 2.45 starter gun.

As I got myself in position for the start and turned around, I was definitely the oldest by a long way. I got that sinking feeling that people might have just rocked up today after a night on the town, saying, ‘I know why don’t we do the 5k this weekend?’. I might have done that in my twenties, but here now in my fifties and a good twenty-five years of sitting behind my desk. I’d had to put some effort in on the streets.

With my earphones in, and attempted lip reading of the race directors’ instructions, I hear the count down as the gathered crowd counts down from five. I shoot down the cobbled street like a cannon out of a gun. I think I was overtaken straight away, a couple of folks held back. Then as we turned onto middle meadow walk, it got busy. We hit the half marathoners still in flow, a little congestion that got frustrating. Folk running two abreast. A speed burst from me saw me punch a hole in space time (not quite) releasing a bunch of angst. Turned the corner onto the flat and what would be the main circuit. There’s a coffee hut come mobile café made from what looks like an old air stream. The smell of bacon hits me as it drifts on the cold air. Stitch kicks in and my lungs are going ten to the dozen, I think I’m going too fast, but I’m keen to keep up with Mr casual, his hoodie tied round his waste like this is a jolly jaunt, a breeze for someone a good thirty years younger than me. I started to think what am I doing, and why, what is this for, as the pain of the cold restricts my breathing.

Still, I focus on the runners in front, start picking my targets. If I can keep up with that guy I’m doing ok. That lady looks like she is doing well, can I keep pace with her. If I can just make that lamp post. Is that a massage station? Definitely worth stopping for that. Can I really do two laps of this? I remembered a water stand on the map and if I can just make it there I’ll be able to keep living. Then I remember I never drink water in my training why would I need it now. I needed some relief, to breathe, and take a sip. It’s not actually possible to drink water whilst running I find!

What I didn’t realise, even though my watch was telling me, was that I was putting a good pace on and that I was really pushing it (for me). The tunes in my head, folk to real in, folk over taking me, it all added up and messed with that promise I’d made to myself, the fact I was just in this to take part and get round.

The hill in the middle, marking the halfway point at the top (and the end), ugghh, I’ve got go round again. I decided I’d take a breather at the base, a little walking, some breathing. The guy I’d just overtook, had to overtake me (Sorry for getting in the way!) The tune changed about halfway, motivation, strength, I could see the sign to turn and started again. I was halfway, the bacon van again, the tennis courts. Then my favourite part a guy with his son on his shoulders. Leaning in so he could high five racers as they pass by. Made that moment so less painful and a reminder that this was supposed to be fun.

There is more pain, more grunting, and that hill to the finish. I tuck in behind someone who’s got a brit of grit, youth and it helps. Like the peloton on the tour de France. She sees someone in the crowd who offers an energy drink, a grandparent maybe and I lose my crutch…but, it’s fine, it’s got me up that hill and I make it to the final turn. I had my sons’ words in my head about tanking it on the final 800m, give it all you’ve got. There isn’t anything in the tank or I would have. There is relief, the finish.

The result text come’s through almost immediately. My watch chirps away with all kinds of news. I just need to sit down!

I later find that I came 14th overall out of 46 and 1st out of the V50 category. I don’t know how to take this, one the fact I’ve entered a category called veterans and two there were only three. At the same time, I clock that there was a person in the V60. Mentally I think I still need to be running in another ten years…. and I can be that person.

I sign up for the Mens10k in Glasgow. I like the symmetry of a 100 day count down and sixteen weeks to go.

Drenched

Opened the blinds this morning to see it was chucking down, decided I had to go anyway. The final not very well planned training session before the 5k run at the Meadows that I’m taking part in. The boss convinced me to sign up in November and it’s done its job of keeping me semi motivated through the winter months.

Started with a steady slow stride. Just round the corner there is a major junction, lots of traffic lights and at 7 in the morning lots of folk in a rush. Edinburgh, I believe is in the running for the pot hole capital of Europe. Within a very few short minutes of starting I find myself drenched in icy muddy water as a tidal wave cascaded onto the paving. A morning commuter hits one of those competing potholes full of water as they decided they needed to be the first out the lights.

I curse and carry on at a slow pace, clocking up the strides, cold and dreich, not nice, and then the positive side of it, that the exercise is in the bag for the day!

I thought I’d flash back to what was on the menu last Saturday in the hope it might give you inspiration, and for me a reminder.

Blood Oranges are in season and I’d been sitting on a Rhubarb cake recipe from the Kew Gardens cookbook. A curd is made from the oranges and then combined as a layer in the construction of the cake. Rhubarb in first, use the upside-down cake kind of technique. When it went in the oven I was sure we were in disaster territory. I’d used too much sponge on the first layer and it was more like a bunch of dumplings sitting on a lake of custard in a sponge tin. Wow, should have had more faith in the recipe and myself. I’m minded I need to write a few notes on the recipe. The curd simple to make like a fresh custard and not to worry about the blood orange season which only seems to last two weeks. I adjusted the flour to be a little more wholemeal, a little less sugar and that worked.

Main, was a fillet of salmon in order to convince the boy it wasn’t a vegetarian meal being served, when really it was. The fish played the side role to Butter Bean Stew, Kale and Sticky Blood Oranges. Taken from The Modern Cook’s Year by Anna Jones. The butter beans, definitely a keeper, the hazelnut and sesame seed topping a keeper. The sticky oranges, a bit of a faff. All in the interests of learning.

I started the plumbing job that I’ve been shirking for months, opening up the paneling, to find a bath was in the way! A little bit obvious, but none the less very frustrating! I freed one tap off within a couple of minutes. Then an hour of lying on my back, a bike torch in one hand wrench in the other. I had to give up. I just couldn’t get in, couldn’t get an angle and zero torque when I might have got an alignment. So, in true DIY style we have a half finished job!

I’ve had one delivery of an 8 in 1 tool that promised all manner of success, to find it was just shy of the fitting and I await the postman on the next delivery of another wrench. I’m not giving up yet. I’m nervous though, dismantling is usually the easy part!