Today was one of those days where I had arranged to go into the local market town with my Dad. He drives us in as I don't drive (could everyone nag me into taking lessons please in comments as it makes so much sense for me to do so and I keep bottling it!).
I had things to collect from the charity shop as did not have enough money on me at the weekend so had put some stuff on hold. I won't say what as I may need them for #Magpie Monday inspiration at some point. Suffice to say, the bags and boxes were very bulky and I handed over a large amount of cash.
Dad helped mw with my packages back to the car and then we hit our coffee shop for our usual two large cafe lattes. We chatted about all manner of things from communication problems with foreigners to puppies.
He headed off to the supermarket whilst I returned to the charity shop on another MagpieMonday expedition. I have challenged particpants with a theme for next week so now need to find something that makes me laugh in a charity shop. I bought way too much including .... well that can wait till Monday's post. My mum always said you should never put all your goods in the shop window - mind you, that is probably what resulted in me being a virgin so long Anyway, I digress.
I finished my charity shop haul and went to meet Dad in the supermarket car park. He was in a mess having thrown up all over the car and his clothing. He had a tummy issue yesterday too but had felt well enough to set off this morning (or more likely did not want me missing out on my trip into the big wide world). He said he had felt dizzy earlier so we took a trip straight home so he could relax and I could try to nag him into seeing a doctor.
I got nowhere so I emailed my brother. My Dad always listens to my brother so is now on his way to the GP for an emergency appointment. Don't start! He is 83 years of age and served in the war - he is worthy of an emergency appointment.
I feel relieved that he is going to get some advice. But there is a voice inside me screaming that I hate being grown up. I hate not knowing how much I should intervene in Dad's life. Torn between respecting him hugely and wanting to respect his wish for independence but also caring about him so deeply too.
Losing Mum 18 months ago showed me that the worst does happen and I guess it will with Dad and perhaps sooner than later. But not yet, please! I still need someone to talk sense into me, to laugh at my foibles, to love me 100% no matter what.
I hate being a grown-up! I want to be on the way to the seaside in the back of my Mum and Dad's car dreaming of what my life might hold. Why does that go away so fast?
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Loving this Lamb Shank Recipe - perfect for St Patrick's Day
Lamb Shank Casserole
Serves 4
§ 4 lamb shanks
§ 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
§ 1 pkt French onion soup
§ 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Place lamb shanks and onions into bottom of a slow cooker. Mix soup and sauce together with about 3 cups of water and pour over shanks. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is nice and tender. Serve over mashed potato, drizzled with the delicious gravy and your favourite greens.
Go to www.4ingredients.co.uk for more great recipe ideas and watch out for their two books out in the UK this year – Gluten Free in May and Fast Fresh & Healthy in September.
Serves 4
§ 4 lamb shanks
§ 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
§ 1 pkt French onion soup
§ 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Place lamb shanks and onions into bottom of a slow cooker. Mix soup and sauce together with about 3 cups of water and pour over shanks. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until meat is nice and tender. Serve over mashed potato, drizzled with the delicious gravy and your favourite greens.
Go to www.4ingredients.co.uk for more great recipe ideas and watch out for their two books out in the UK this year – Gluten Free in May and Fast Fresh & Healthy in September.
St Patrick's Day themed smoothie - very healthy
GREEN SMOOTHIE
Power-packed breakfast smoothie and a great morning after leveller, this delectable comforter is a simple blend of ripe bananas, kiwi, oats and ice cold milk
Makes 2
1 large banana, peeled and in chunks
3 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
150mls/1/4pt cold milk
1 tbsp Flahavan’s Irish Porridge Oats
Place banana, kiwi and milk in a blender and whizz smooth. Stir in oats. Pour into 2 tall glasses and serve with straws and teaspoons for scooping up the fruity oats left in the bottom of the glasses.
Power-packed breakfast smoothie and a great morning after leveller, this delectable comforter is a simple blend of ripe bananas, kiwi, oats and ice cold milk
Makes 2
1 large banana, peeled and in chunks
3 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
150mls/1/4pt cold milk
1 tbsp Flahavan’s Irish Porridge Oats
Place banana, kiwi and milk in a blender and whizz smooth. Stir in oats. Pour into 2 tall glasses and serve with straws and teaspoons for scooping up the fruity oats left in the bottom of the glasses.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Magpie Monday - St Patrick's Day theme
It's Monday, it's 14.08 and it's .....? No, not Crackerjack but my weekly dose of Magpie Monday where we praise all things bargain-hunting.
This week, I have worked hard on putting this together so hope you like my themed Magpie Monday all based on the fact that this week we celebrate St Patrick's Day.
Firstly, here is a globe sourced from Netmums for a fiver. It is a lamp as well and I just like my children and myself to have a sense of the world around them. Notice how tiny Ireland is in world terms and also what a great influence it has culturally in other ways.
Then there are books by Irish authors such as
Deirdre Purcell - Children of Eve
Marian Keyes - The Charming Man
and also Gloria Hunniford's wonderful book on facing life after loss "Always with you". I have always felt very interested in Gloria and Caron Keating's story as Caron's was the first death I heard about after the birth of my own lovely daughter. So it may sound daft or morbid, but I feel a connection. That way of thinking, in itself, may be the Irish in me.
Clothing wise, I don't have specific Irish items but I do have items in orange, green and white like the Irish flag.
I have a great orange Timberland fleece for my eldest son that was given to me by a friend of my brother's. He worked at a private school and I went through a period of getting loads and loads of bags full of clothing for the children with lovely labels like Mini Boden, Monsoon and the like. He also has a fair few khaki items acquired in the same way if khaki counts as green.
When going through my daughter's vast wardrobe, I had to be really mercenary or this post would be enormous. So anything that was any colour except orange, green or white was ruled out. I found a few green T-shirts acquired in big bundles of clothing from Netmums, a green shrug, a white shrug, a white T-shirt and some funky white shorts. Labels included supermarkets brands such as George and also Next.
For myself, my best bargain was a white dress with a patent black belt from Marks and Spencer. It was brand new with the labels on and marked up at almost £50 but I got it for a fiver from the RSPCA shop. It is one of those classic dresses - very Jackie O or Michelle O depending on your era.
My real orange find was a silky vibrant bedspread which I got from a very local charity shop for just £2. This is my style in case you want to know. I love bright colours with that rich feel to them.
At the weekend, my charity shop was very much curtailed. I don't drive and my husband was going on a jolly with work. We negotiated that I could have a little trip to the charity shop first thing in the morning before he set off. I told him it was essential because of Magpie Monday which made him give me a blank look.
My daughter got into the spirit of things and bought a green turtle. She has a thing about tortoises and turtles.
I was determined to find something Irish-related but could find not a thing. At the last minute as I was leaving, I found a little spoon for £1 which was giftware from Ireland in silver plate. That fitted the bill and I bought it specifically for this post.
I have enjoyed doing a themed Magpie Monday. Maybe we could sometimes have a challenge based on seasonal events, colours or whatever? If people are up for this idea, I am going to use Comic Relief as inspiration for next week's Magpie Monday and highlight charity shop finds that make me laugh. That and try to inject some much neglected orange into my wardrobe.
Look at other blogs with Magpie Monday bargain finds!
This week, I have worked hard on putting this together so hope you like my themed Magpie Monday all based on the fact that this week we celebrate St Patrick's Day.
Firstly, here is a globe sourced from Netmums for a fiver. It is a lamp as well and I just like my children and myself to have a sense of the world around them. Notice how tiny Ireland is in world terms and also what a great influence it has culturally in other ways.
Then there are books by Irish authors such as
Deirdre Purcell - Children of Eve
Marian Keyes - The Charming Man
and also Gloria Hunniford's wonderful book on facing life after loss "Always with you". I have always felt very interested in Gloria and Caron Keating's story as Caron's was the first death I heard about after the birth of my own lovely daughter. So it may sound daft or morbid, but I feel a connection. That way of thinking, in itself, may be the Irish in me.
Clothing wise, I don't have specific Irish items but I do have items in orange, green and white like the Irish flag.
I have a great orange Timberland fleece for my eldest son that was given to me by a friend of my brother's. He worked at a private school and I went through a period of getting loads and loads of bags full of clothing for the children with lovely labels like Mini Boden, Monsoon and the like. He also has a fair few khaki items acquired in the same way if khaki counts as green.
When going through my daughter's vast wardrobe, I had to be really mercenary or this post would be enormous. So anything that was any colour except orange, green or white was ruled out. I found a few green T-shirts acquired in big bundles of clothing from Netmums, a green shrug, a white shrug, a white T-shirt and some funky white shorts. Labels included supermarkets brands such as George and also Next.
For myself, my best bargain was a white dress with a patent black belt from Marks and Spencer. It was brand new with the labels on and marked up at almost £50 but I got it for a fiver from the RSPCA shop. It is one of those classic dresses - very Jackie O or Michelle O depending on your era.
My real orange find was a silky vibrant bedspread which I got from a very local charity shop for just £2. This is my style in case you want to know. I love bright colours with that rich feel to them.
At the weekend, my charity shop was very much curtailed. I don't drive and my husband was going on a jolly with work. We negotiated that I could have a little trip to the charity shop first thing in the morning before he set off. I told him it was essential because of Magpie Monday which made him give me a blank look.
My daughter got into the spirit of things and bought a green turtle. She has a thing about tortoises and turtles.
I was determined to find something Irish-related but could find not a thing. At the last minute as I was leaving, I found a little spoon for £1 which was giftware from Ireland in silver plate. That fitted the bill and I bought it specifically for this post.
I have enjoyed doing a themed Magpie Monday. Maybe we could sometimes have a challenge based on seasonal events, colours or whatever? If people are up for this idea, I am going to use Comic Relief as inspiration for next week's Magpie Monday and highlight charity shop finds that make me laugh. That and try to inject some much neglected orange into my wardrobe.
Look at other blogs with Magpie Monday bargain finds!
St Patrick's Day Cupcakes
ST. PATRICKS DAY CUPCAKES
Makes 12
Cupcakes
100g Kerrygold softer butter
100ml stout
40g cocoa powder
150g plain flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
200g light soft brown sugar
1 egg
75ml sour cream
Irish cream frosting
200g Kerrygold softer butter
450g icing sugar, sifted
3-4 tbsps Irish cream liquor
Green sugar sprinkles to decorate
1. Preheat the oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas Mark 4. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper cases. Place the butter, stout and cocoa powder in a saucepan and place over a gentle heat, stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
2. In a large bowl sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add the cooled stout mixture and beat for 1 minute using an electric whisk on a medium speed. Add the egg and sour cream and beat for a further 2 minutes.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and springy to the touch. Transfer the cakes to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.
4. For the frosting, cream the butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the icing sugar a little at a time then beat in the Irish cream liquor. Spoon or pipe the icing on the cooled cakes and sprinkle with green sugar to decorate.
Makes 12
Cupcakes
100g Kerrygold softer butter
100ml stout
40g cocoa powder
150g plain flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
200g light soft brown sugar
1 egg
75ml sour cream
Irish cream frosting
200g Kerrygold softer butter
450g icing sugar, sifted
3-4 tbsps Irish cream liquor
Green sugar sprinkles to decorate
1. Preheat the oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas Mark 4. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper cases. Place the butter, stout and cocoa powder in a saucepan and place over a gentle heat, stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
2. In a large bowl sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Add the cooled stout mixture and beat for 1 minute using an electric whisk on a medium speed. Add the egg and sour cream and beat for a further 2 minutes.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tin. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and springy to the touch. Transfer the cakes to a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.
4. For the frosting, cream the butter in a bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the icing sugar a little at a time then beat in the Irish cream liquor. Spoon or pipe the icing on the cooled cakes and sprinkle with green sugar to decorate.
Hot and Sour Apple and Prawn Stir-fry
Hot and Sour Pink Lady® Apple and Prawn Stir Fry
Fiery from the chilli, sour from the tangy tamarind and naturally sweet from the delicious Pink Lady® apples. This meal in minutes will excite your taste buds and soon get you coming back for more. Try and choose stir fry vegetables that have lots of different colours and flavours.
Serves 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
You’ll need:
100g dried egg noodles
100g Tenderstem® broccoli
2 tbsp groundnut oil
1 Pink Lady® apple, cored and sliced into strips
200g raw peeled king prawns
3 tsp tamarind paste
1 red chilli, finely sliced
1 x 260g pack stir fry vegetables
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp Thai fish sauce
What to do:
Cook the noodles according to packet instructions, drain and keep warm. Meanwhile cut the florets off the Tenderstem® and finely slice the stems. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp groundnut oil in a large frying pan or wok, add the Pink Lady® apple slices and stir fry for 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate. Add the prawns and 2 tsp tamarind paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until almost cooked. Remove and keep with the apples.
Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir fry the chili, stir fry vegetables and Tenderstem® for 4 minutes.
Finally return the prawns and apples to the pan and stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce and remaining tamarind. Cook for a minute of two and the serve with the noodles.
Fiery from the chilli, sour from the tangy tamarind and naturally sweet from the delicious Pink Lady® apples. This meal in minutes will excite your taste buds and soon get you coming back for more. Try and choose stir fry vegetables that have lots of different colours and flavours.
Serves 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
You’ll need:
100g dried egg noodles
100g Tenderstem® broccoli
2 tbsp groundnut oil
1 Pink Lady® apple, cored and sliced into strips
200g raw peeled king prawns
3 tsp tamarind paste
1 red chilli, finely sliced
1 x 260g pack stir fry vegetables
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp Thai fish sauce
What to do:
Cook the noodles according to packet instructions, drain and keep warm. Meanwhile cut the florets off the Tenderstem® and finely slice the stems. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp groundnut oil in a large frying pan or wok, add the Pink Lady® apple slices and stir fry for 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate. Add the prawns and 2 tsp tamarind paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until almost cooked. Remove and keep with the apples.
Add the remaining oil to the pan and stir fry the chili, stir fry vegetables and Tenderstem® for 4 minutes.
Finally return the prawns and apples to the pan and stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce and remaining tamarind. Cook for a minute of two and the serve with the noodles.
Friday, 11 March 2011
Reasons To Be Cheerful
Here are my reasons for being cheerful this week.
1. Annie Lennox did a great job in promoting International Women's Day in the media. Listening to her reminded me how much I care about women and how very many things still need to change. To do something in a tiny way, I started my very first meme, linky-up or whatever they actually call these things (someone tell me in a comment pretty please!)based on Wonderful Women. I am disappointed at the low participation rate so far but also cheerful to read profiles of such wonderful women and individuals.
2. All three of my children have had special achievements this week. My oldest son generated the word "wow" from his teachers on Parent's Evening. He is very gifted and now has mathematic results that would be expected for someone many years older than he actually is. My other son and my daughter both got skipping certificates so I have three very smiley children.
3. My husband is still with me despite a difficult week for him where I have ranted a great deal about the plight of women in the world.
4. My puppies are getting stronger every day and we are already getting enquiries from people offering homes for them.
5. I have learned new housework tips thanks to a Twitter discussion on Spring Cleaning. I now know where to buy sugar soap and empty spray bottles.
6. It seems Spring has sprung so I am enjoying the great outdoors more. Even when putting the bins out, I was cheery as I glimpsed blue sky in the shape of a tiny heart even though the day was cloudy. Then, I looked down and saw new plant shoots. All good life-affirming stuff. In fact, I think Reasons to be Cheerful is like that patch of blue sky. In the grand scheme of things, it is a tiny initiative and yet it puts smiles on so many faces every week even when our lives are feeling a little dull and overcast.
If you want me to have a really good reason to be cheerful next week, why not join in my Wonderful Women linky up. All you have to do is let me know in a blog post about a wonderful woman in your world. It can be a short or long post. It can be an old or new post.
Wonderful Women are a reason to be cheerful so here's to all of us.
including those in other countries and I am grateful to be invited to take part in another blog hop
1. Annie Lennox did a great job in promoting International Women's Day in the media. Listening to her reminded me how much I care about women and how very many things still need to change. To do something in a tiny way, I started my very first meme, linky-up or whatever they actually call these things (someone tell me in a comment pretty please!)based on Wonderful Women. I am disappointed at the low participation rate so far but also cheerful to read profiles of such wonderful women and individuals.
2. All three of my children have had special achievements this week. My oldest son generated the word "wow" from his teachers on Parent's Evening. He is very gifted and now has mathematic results that would be expected for someone many years older than he actually is. My other son and my daughter both got skipping certificates so I have three very smiley children.
3. My husband is still with me despite a difficult week for him where I have ranted a great deal about the plight of women in the world.
4. My puppies are getting stronger every day and we are already getting enquiries from people offering homes for them.
5. I have learned new housework tips thanks to a Twitter discussion on Spring Cleaning. I now know where to buy sugar soap and empty spray bottles.
6. It seems Spring has sprung so I am enjoying the great outdoors more. Even when putting the bins out, I was cheery as I glimpsed blue sky in the shape of a tiny heart even though the day was cloudy. Then, I looked down and saw new plant shoots. All good life-affirming stuff. In fact, I think Reasons to be Cheerful is like that patch of blue sky. In the grand scheme of things, it is a tiny initiative and yet it puts smiles on so many faces every week even when our lives are feeling a little dull and overcast.
If you want me to have a really good reason to be cheerful next week, why not join in my Wonderful Women linky up. All you have to do is let me know in a blog post about a wonderful woman in your world. It can be a short or long post. It can be an old or new post.
Wonderful Women are a reason to be cheerful so here's to all of us.
including those in other countries and I am grateful to be invited to take part in another blog hop
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)