Wednesday 2 September 2020

Bright and early.

 The sun is still shining but the clouds are building ominously - rain is forecast for later.  Still, I have a gloriously free day - yesterday was taken up with stocking up with plants for my 'new' patio and at last I have managed to get them all round the back of the bungalow with the help of Percy.  He is not brilliant on steps but once he is down them he performs well.   I need to reorganise where they are before the rain and strong wind arrives later in the day.

 

It is 'soup making day' - I plan to make a batch in the middle of the week, eat it for two days and freeze the rest in portions ready eat it.   This week I shall try a chunky vegetable soup in my new soup maker.   At present I am sticking to the recipe book until I get the hang of things, then I can branch out into rather more outlandish things. Celery, carrots, potatoes, spinach, onions, sweet potatoes and various herbs lie on the work top waiting for me to finish this, shower and get dressed.

I am reading an excellent 'unputdownable' book - 'The Moment' by Douglas Kennedy, an author new to me.   Isn't it good to have a good book on the go?   And this morning I have managed to do all the Times mind games over my breakfast so my brain is in gear and I must take advantage of it - it is not always like this.  Sorry about the change of font but can't see how to change it - so back to normal next time I hope.   Have a good day.

 


15 comments:

Tom Stephenson said...

I have spent years not reading books Weave, but am beginning to take it up again. The problem is that I cannot read at night without falling asleep and I am usually supposed to be doing something else in the day. I like the new font. It gives a sense of gravitas...

Rachel Phillips said...

I just looked up the on-line reviews of the book. A mixed reaction, some called it a "yes and no" book, one said it was 200 pages too long and others mentioned not being able to find a plot 100 pages in although all seemed to agree in the end that it was a page turner. I more or less gave up reading novels a few years ago because of so many disappointments of what gets published these days. I am glad you are enjoying it.

Librarian said...

Wow, you moved all your plants yourself, just you and Percy! Great job, I hope you won't be too exhausted because of it.
I have not heard of that author, but I agree - it is wonderful to have a good book on the go. Something to look forward to every evening when going to bed!
I thought of you last night when I took a hot water bottle to bed with me for my reading; it has become so cold here over night (literally), and I can not turn on the central heating on my own as the central switch is (very inconveniently) located in my upstairs neighbours' flat, and they were still on holiday until this morning, when I asked them to turn it on.

the veg artist said...

I've usually got both a novel and an art history book on the go at the same time. The best books are those that you end up carrying from room to room with you, to just read a few more pages. I feel really sorry for people who've never been introduced to the vast world of books!

Derek Faulkner said...

On the reserve this morning at 06.30 it was just 5 degrees but an hour later in bright sunshine it was already 12 degrees.
The wildfowling season begun yesterday and 9 were present on the seaward side of the sea wall from 4am. Between them I only saw them shoot two ducks.

Marcia LaRue said...

I shall be making a pot of chicken noodle soup today, Pat. It will still be tasty despite it getting up to 85 F. here today! Tomorrow will be cooler and more like "soup weather!"
We are all introduced to book reading once we start school ... some folks enjoy reading, some don't! I have always been an avid reader, however, now I don't do so much ... just makes my eyes so tired even with glasses on! I have a Rita Mae Brown novel going at the moment ... "Cat's Eyewitness" ... the cats are an integral part of the story! LOL

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Bravo moving all those plants!
Thank you for the authors name. I will take a look at his work.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Rachel I would definitely agree it is a bit long but I am enjoying it so far.
Librarian - Have you thought of investing in an electric blanket? It is the time of year when I put mine on just when I begin to get ready for bed and turn it off when I get into bed - the bed has just warmed up nicely.

Sharon in Surrey said...

It's soup weather anytime unless it's the middle of a heat wave!! I use my slow cooker when I want just a couple of meals & seem to be using it more & more as I get older. I've even made a fruit crumble in it!! Glad to hear you're doing well with your new Soup Maker.

Ursula said...

Weaver, your reply to Librarian made me smile. Like her I am firmly with hot water bottles. Not that they don't present their own potential health hazard (like leaking).

When I first came to England my future mother-in-law proudly presented me with an electric blanket in my bed (separate room to that of their son). It took all my might to not freak out. As, in England, it's bad manners to eat "After Eight" mints before dinner and all sorts of other traps set which I had to take on board before being fully accepted (or should that be excepted) I took my life into my hands or, rather, just lay down. Fully expecting to be electrocuted. Preferably in my sleep - so I wouldn't notice.

At least you have the good sense to turn it off on entry!

U

Heather said...

Lovely homemade soup - the ultimate comfort food. I'm not sure I am up to coping with The Times puzzles but do enjoy sitting with our local newspaper's puzzle page after my walk each morning. I can do them in half an hour but the cryptic crossword takes a bit longer, especially when it has been compiled by someone new. Still, it gives the little grey cells a workout.

Joanne Noragon said...

I have my "Percy" staged at the front door for the anticipated delivery Friday of a big, heavy box of weaving thread. I can't move it, but he can.

Sue said...

Oh soup sounds so good in these chilly days. I must bring my soup maker to the Van and get myself into action again. It would be cheaper to use a soup maker than use the bottled gas for the hob.

When I've just finished a really good 'unputdownable' book I have a minor panic that the next one cannot possibly be as good, so sometimes I turn to an old and very definite favourite as an intermediary, just so that there is a reasonable space between books.

thelma said...

My reading list is not very long, but I pull out old favourites just to reassure myself and remember why I bought them in the first place. Fiction is not really what I want to read.
As for soup, make it all the time, I am not quite sure how a soup maker works, for instance I always fry the onion gently before the other ingredients go in.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thelma - the soup maker sautes tthe onion for five minutes before you add the other ingredients.

Thanks for your comments everyone.