Guessing game.

Guessing game.

Hello. A puzzle for you today. Here's a couple of clues.






Not very difficult is it, ha ha. We'll catch up soon. Toodle pip

Garden update

Garden update

food garden growing flowers

Hello. The weather was pretty grim this morning. It had rained overnight, and was still raining until mid morning, then it brightened up. Thank goodness I mowed the lawns yesterday. It's a bit cloudy with some blue skies and sun now, a bit changeable. 

I thought you might like to see how the garden is doing. The little pansies are thriving, that was a good buy at 20p for four plants. 

I have some plastic trellis around the beds to keep the cats off. The fuchsias are coming back again, hoping for a good show.

The plastic flowers are doing really well  ;o)

Don't ask me the names of the plants, I haven't a clue. Can't remember names.

Oooh look, I have three lemons growing on the side of the garage ;o)

You may remember that I chopped down the lilac tree last year, well here it is all greened up again. There won't be any flowers but never mind, at least the gap in the hedge is filled now.

So what's in the sandwich today then? Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cucumber, beetroot and two eggs. Hot out of the microwave. Very nice. 

That's a sign it's summer, the ice cream van is in the street. Let's hope the sun stays now it's here. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
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Keeping it under control

Keeping it under control

crafty stuff experimental food food

Hello. For ages now I have been buying Aldi cheese, the big blocks for £1.45, and always the extra mature cheddar because I like tasty cheese. I was eating too much of it, nibbling it every time I opened the fridge door. It had to stop. The fact that they increased the price, it shot up to £1.75, was another reason to cut down on my cheese habit. I started studying cheeses, prices and different varieties, and found other alternatives, so no more big blocks of extra mature cheddar. 

Last week I popped into the local Spar shop on my way back from the vet, to see if they had any reductions. They never have much here, but worth a look if passing. I found this pack reduced to 80p. The sticker covered the label so I peeled it back to see which kind it was. Luckily extra mature cheddar. I don't like mild cheese at all, might as well eat a packet of lard. 

So, a much smaller pack for 80p. I tried it, and my goodness is it tasty. I thought it would be similar to the Aldi stuff, but it isn't, it's ten times better. I won't be scoffing loads though because it's doubtful that I will find any more like this reduced, and I won't be paying full price for it. Just as well, I don't want to get hooked on it. Hard cheese is now in the same category as chocolate, only buy it when it is on special offer or reduced. A treat rather than a must have. By the way, Aldi have their big blocks on offer at the moment, at £1.50 something. I won't be buying it.  

This is the next stage of my latest artwork, the embroidered circles. I have used a piece of recycled snooker table green baize as the backing. Looking good so far.

The lawns need mowing, it rained yesterday, they might be dry enough to mow today. Last time I did it I raised the blade on the mower, but I'm going to lower it again because I like a close cut. Don't have to do it so often then, it saves me time and electricity.

I'm getting all excited about sandwiches now, thank you for your suggestions. Thanks for popping in. Enjoy your weekend. We'll catch up soon.
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Do you have a recipe for that?

Do you have a recipe for that?

experimental food food

Hello. Sometimes it's just so easy to make a sandwich when you don't want to go the whole kabooble and cook a meal. The fillings can be anything you fancy, or anything you happen to have in your fridge or cupboard. Yes, there are the well know recipes for sandwiches, cheese and pickle, ham and mustard, egg and cress, everyone has heard of those,  I find regular sandwiches boring, and like to try new combinations of fillings.

The prepacked sandwiches you see in shops just don't appeal to me at all. They have a shelf life and are packed in boxes so they end up flat with all the filling  squished out and the bread very soggy. Even if I am hungry I can't bring myself to buy them.

I went to town this morning and when I came back I made a sandwich lunch. I eat mine with a knife and fork because I pile so much into them. Far easier to cut them up into bite size pieces.

My sandwich recipe for today is two slices of multigrain bread, spread with cream cheese. Slices of cucumber, two fried eggs, spinach leaves, and a dollop of mayo. It was very filling.

Sandwiches are also called butties and sarnies, I'm sure there are other names for them. If they are made with a bread roll they are called baps or barm cakes, or cobs.

If you want any ideas for sandwiches take a look at this Wiki page. There are sandwiches from all around the world.

So, what's your recipe for a tasty sandwich? What kind of bread do you use? How often do you eat sandwiches? Do you buy them out or make your own? Share your ideas.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip

Good girly

Good girly

cats crafty stuff

Hello. Heidi has been to see Marian the vet today for her six monthly check up. Marian is pleased, she has lost a little weight, but that's ok because she was a bit chunky. Her gums are pink, a good sign, and her heart is ok. We discussed a blood count but both agreed that she didn't really need one because she appears to be in good spirits. We know she has a blood disorder, and the tablets are helping to stabilize that, so no need to put her through more stress. 

So, we carry on as we are. The tablets are not expensive, £6 a month and she is used to taking them now. I lift her on the worktop, wrap her in a towel, she doesn't struggle but the towel tells her what is going to happen next. I open her mouth and pop it in. To encourage her to swallow I squirt a few drops of water in with a syringe. She gets some of her favourite food for being a good girly. Not a typo, they are both my girly's. 

I've done a bit more on this project today. It's the frame for the embroidered circles. Still a lot more work to do on it but it's coming together nicely.

Yoootooob is wonderful for planning a holiday, I am checking out some places for my next trip. The drone footage being posted is very useful for ideas. Google maps are great as well for checking terrain and footpaths. I love sending the little man on a walkabout. I shall be driving to North Wales, there is such a lot to do and see over there. I will be doing some walking and looking at interesting places.

Just a short one tonight, I'm going to watch How to live mortgage free, on Channel 4, it airs on a Wednesday night and I catch up with it any time after that. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon. Toodle pip

Cheapest places to shop.

Cheapest places to shop.

budgeting shopping crafty stuff

Hello and Good morning, and what a brilliant one it is as well. Sunshine all the way today I think. I have had to water the flower beds and pots this last week, we could do with some rain really.

I am often asked where is the cheapest place to shop for food. The short answer is, I don't know. People think that because my food bill is low I know the best place to go. The truth is that I know the best places to go to buy the cheapest food that I need for me.

Shopping is a very personal thing because everyone has different needs and wants. Everyone has their favourite foods, and know what they can't live without, and what they can compromise on by dropping a brand, buying cheaper.

People have different taste buds. I absolutely love Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and just about all veg, others might not like them at all. I like simple not mucked about food, others might like all the trimmings and treat food preparation as a hobby. The less time I spend in the kitchen the better.

People have different reasons for eating. I regard food as the fuel to keep my body alive, so a lot of it should be healthy. Oh I can be tempted with treats now and again, isn't everyone, but I try and keep things on an even keel and not over indulge in things that are bad for me. My comfort eating is at an all time low, as I don't look for sweet tastes to make me feel better. A delicious plate of steamed veg and I'm happy.

Finding the best prices takes time, and those working might not be able to spend much time trawling shops. Prices can be checked on the internet, but this also takes time. However, some kind of organisation is preferable to none at all. Grabbing stuff off the shelves because you are in a hurry will push up your food bill.

How close are supermarkets to your home dictates how much you will spend. If you have several within walking distance you are laughing, you can play one off against the other. Even a short drive to the shops is worth it to help you find the cheapest prices. If you are out and about doing other things it always pays to pop in somewhere for a bargain. Those living in remote areas may not have access to cheap food, and may have to do an online shop, which is not always the cheapest way.

Most of my shopping is done in Tesco and Aldi. Other places I go to are the discount stores, B & M, Home Bargains, Pounstretcher, Asda, Superdrug, Cash and Carry, Market, Morrisons, Poundland, and others occasionally. I don't generally shop in Marks and Sparks, Sainsbury's, or Waitrose, all too expensive for me.

So my list will not be the same for you, which means I cannot answer the question, where is the cheapest place to shop for food. Now you tell me where is the cheapest place for your food shopping?

Here's a little taster of my embroidered circles project. The next stage. I have an idea.

I'm going to sign off for the day, I'll be back later to catch up with you all. Thanks for popping in.
Toodle pip

PS. A little bit of information. I have just been awarded a badge from Money Saving Expert, I have been posting on the forum for ten years. I have made a total of 1753 posts, and have been thanked 6184 times in 1272 posts. Phew, time passes so quickly when you are enjoying yourself  :o)

A few random photo's

A few random photo's

cats cheap food crafty stuff food

Good morning. I need to get this done in half an hour because I've got a busy day today. Helping my friend deliver leaflets for her de cluttering business, so there will be a lot of walking up and down garden paths. All helps to keep me fit. I've a few random photo's snapped over the last few days. 

Popping in to Morrisons the other evening I found these yogurt drinks. I would never pay full price for them but for 50p I'll have them. I am using them for my breakfast, pour onto cereal, add water to the empty bottle, shake, pour this on. Twelve bottles, twelve breakfasts, yes they will be ok to use even though they are out of date. 

Also from Morrisons, a quiche for 65p. Why on earth do they make them without a crust? Bonkers if you ask me. Four portions make four meals, with salad or steamed vegetables.

There you are. Spinach, mushrooms, cucumber, cheese, and beetroot. Just how I like a meal, no cooking.

The garden is looking very green now, in fact it's green most of the time because I planted the hedgerows with evergreen bushes. This is the view as I eat my lunch al fresco, sat on a chair at the back door.

My mini chopper is still in daily use. By using this I can get my quota of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit inside me. My teeth can't cope with eating whole nuts, this is an ideal solution for me. 

This was a cobbled together meal from a couple of days ago. I made two portions, one eaten with a spud in the microwave, the other I ate with pasta. Mushrooms, a tin of mixed bean salad, spinach, turmeric and garlic powder. It was lovely.

Are you still wondering what I am going to do with the embroidered circles? Here's a clue. I have enough now.

This is what happens when I sit down at the computer, Mayze cat craves my love and attention, rendering my right arm out of action. I can manage to move the mouse, but have difficulty with the keyboard. She is a sweetheart, a crazy cat that doesn't walk anywhere, just dashes about. She is often in the windowsill surveying the world outside.

I must get on, packed lunch to make as I'm out for the day. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
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A walk from Filey back to Hunmanby.

A walk from Filey back to Hunmanby.

holidays/days out walking

Hello. Here is the last part of my two day walk in East Yorkshire. The weather has stayed dry, it has been sunny, but it is oh so windy on the coastal path. 

Filey is the start/finish point of three long distance paths, the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way, and the Centenary Way. This is the monument which marks the spot. I have done most of the Cleveland Way, parts of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, and a little bit of the Centenary Way. 

I set off through Filey Country Park along the coast, and was battling the wind along the Cleveland Way. I had it in mind to walk to Scarborough, but when I got to the holiday park at Gristhorpe Cliff, more caravans, I decided I'd seen enough of the sea, and turned inland down a track which led to a road. It was a relief to get out of the wind. I crossed over the A165 and walked through the village of Lebberston.

I got to a crossing over a railway line, the gate was shut but not locked, and I didn't know if I was allowed to go through the gate and walk across. There was a sign which said phone signalman for permission to open the gate. I guessed that might be for cars wanting access to the other side. I was pondering because there was a sign which said no trespassing on the railway, wondering whether to dash across. Just at that moment a signal lady stuck her head out of the cabin door and said I could cross.

A few yards further on I saw this unusual house at Lingholm Farm, I wondered if it might have been a church at some point.

I walked past Magdalen Grange Farm, and over the River Hertford, and came across this picnic area which someone had spent a lot of time planting and tidying it up. A sheltered little haven.

I crossed over the A1039 road, and joined the Yorkshire Wolds Way. This was sheer heaven as it was in a valley and sheltered from the wind, and lovely and warm in the sun.

I reached a road and the quickest way back to Hunmanby would be to turn left on it, but it was very busy with cars whizzing by, and no footpath. I decided I had time to take the long way round and carried on along the footpath.

There was a hill to climb out of the valley and I did a u turn along the Centenary Way which joined up with the fast road closer to the village. Oh boy, the wind blasted me again, I was cold through to the bone. It was a long straight stretch past Field House Farm to the road. Lovely views mind you. Love that yellow.

It was nice to get back to my car and sit in the warm for a few minutes before I set off for home. I sent a text to Janet, my lovely house/cat sitter, to let her know my estimated time of arrival. The journey took a bit longer than I thought because I popped into Morrisons at Beverley as I was passing, and managed to get a few yellow stickers, ha ha. It was 16 miles for this walk, so a total of 27 for the two days. That's given my challenge a little boost.

I have emailed the nice couple from The Poplars camping and caravan park, at Sewerby, and they got back to me, Their names are Sarah and Russ, so if you fancy having a look round the area and need accommodation, they also do B & B, give them a shout.

I am planning my next trip which will be to the other side of the country, North Wales beckons. I have a list of places I want to visit, just sorting out the order in which to do them. I won't be booking any accommodation, preferring to be flexible. Weather permitting I would like to go up Snowdon. and visit  Anglesey.

Right, it's Crafty Club time and I have to get ready, so I'll sign off now. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

A walk from Hunmanby to Filey

A walk from Hunmanby to Filey

holidays/days out walking

Hello. Again I am going to split a one day walk into two posts. Easier for me and not so laborious for you to scroll through masses of photo's. Sometimes my posts go on for too long. I don't know about you but I tend to scan blogs to pick out the bits that interest me. 

So, the view from my window at the start of day two. 

Here is a little Good Morning video I made before I left the camp site.



The morning was fresh and sunny, and a bit chilly. I drove a couple of miles north to Hunmanby, on the outskirts of Filey. There is a nice little square opposite the church which is convenient for free parking. From what I saw it's a lovely village, and a lady dog walker confirmed it is a lovely place to live. I set off along the Centenary Way, which is an 83 mile long walk from York to Filey. The tarmac road narrows down to a farm track, then goes through some fields. These cows and calves were curious and edged their way forward to have a closer look at me. The bull is taking it all in his stride, not really interested.

Crossing over the A165 as I was coming into Filey I took a right turn, past Muston Grange and over a railway line,  towards the sea. Down the steps to the promenade. As I look along the coastline I can see the cliff around the other side of the bay, where I will be walking next.

Not many holiday makers about yet, a few dog walkers. It's quite a short promenade, with a few seaside attractions, it doesn't seem overly commercialized.. I didn't venture into the town.

Love this cute model changing hut. It was rolled down to the waters edge with the bather inside, to give some privacy when entering and leaving the sea. What a good idea, saves getting all that nasty sand in your knickers, ha ha. I have never liked going in the sea for that reason. I have always hated sitting on a beach.

The gift shop worker getting ready for the days trading. Laying his wares out on the forecourt of the shop.

This sculpture has also been shown in Whitby and Scarborough. High Tide in Short Wellies is the creation of Ray Lonsdale. The iron fisherman is about 10 feet tall.

I sat for a few minutes and ate a boiled egg. No one for Crazy Golf yet, the girl waits patiently in the paybox for punters to turn up. Don't think she will be doing much business today.

A look back as I continue my walk. Leaving Filey.

Looking ahead to the next bit, around the top of the cliff. I can see dots in the distance, there are others walking that way.

Bye bye Filey. Still windy.

And here we are at the end of the cliff top walk. It's as far as I can go, Filey Brigg End down there in the sea. If the tide was out I could take a track down onto the rocks, but it isn't. There are signs at the Lifeboat Station saying not to attempt it until two hours after high tide. It's a very steep drop down there. 

Flippin heck, it's windy and cold. Lovely view.

Right, that's it for this post. It's a longer walk than yesterday so I'll break off here and come back tomorrow to finish the story. Thanks for popping in, see you soon. Have a nice Sunday.
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