Today I have been mainly...

Counting croissants and sending out DH to buy a couple more. Wondering how to fit a whole shoulder of pork in my roasting tin and hoping that the crackling does it's job.

DH's 'non-birthday' this weekend, him being a leap year baby (18.1/2 he is) most of the family are popping in, some in the morning for coffee/tea, croissants, cake (made two last night) then another load for dinner tonight.

So far, watching Andrew Marr and getting irate at Nigel Garbage. Also watching the rain come down vertically. So, not popping out for a stroll any time soon.

Me too, anno. He really is annoying!

Sun shining here in frinton! Dear husband started cleaning display cabinet out so have been busy washing Chrystal decanter glasses Etc and quick dust of bell collection. Mmm well meant to do some chores today !

Friend coming for Chinese tonight so not got cook!

Walked the dogs, did the housework, finished reading yesterday's paper. Then I started on today's tea, profiteroles, Bakewell tart and custard. Started cooking it, I mean, not eating it, although I'd inadvertently eaten the chocolate which was to go on the profiteroles so had to go and buy more. There are 36 and they're large so I hope all the local family will come to tea, they won't keep.
The tart's a bit over-done one side. Now sitting down with strong coffee and counting my blessings.

You can send some in the post please apricot if they don't turn up.

Watching rain pour down windows, preparing for singing gig tomorrow, phoning all the family, eating yesterday's leftovers, testing film planned to show to book club this evening - I think I'll have a snooze now!

Went to archery, made a banana cake, put loaf on to bake. Still got the shortbread to make. Got Virgin Island chicken bubbling. Broccoli and couscous still to do and most important, chose the wine!

Monday. Bright early - rain - now it's stopped.
Daughter's birthday but family celebrated yesterday with lunch.
Phoned her.

Hanging around wondering if the gardener will come, he was supposed to be here this morning. And help get heavy stuff out of the car!

Finished my book. Don't know quite what to do with myself.

anno - 'Nigel Garbage' is good!

You food always sounds so interesting, Galen! Virgin island chicken?
Weather forecast was for a horrendous rain or hailstorm here this afternoon, but it has been lovely.

Spoke too soon, here comes the rain

On a tour of the BBC! Fascinating - how small and poky The One Show studio is and unglamorous all the staff in the background of the Newsroom are. Saw the Kitchen Box being set up for Mary Berry's pancake demonstration on the One Show this evening. I also found out how hard it is to do the weather forecast without a script, but had fun "pretending" to record a radio melo drama (good great acting Soutra!) with all the sound effects.
Nice day out!

Sounds like a lot of fun, Soutra.

My gardener arrived as the weather cleared and has had a go at the bed which was covered in sticky weed. I need to think about what to put there. Rather than clutter it up with a lot of perennials, I think I will invest in some roses so that I can hoe round them and keep the pestiferous weeds down. I have also had vertical blinds fitted in downstairs windows and think they look OK, though they will take a bit of getting used to.

Lying in bed as my cold of the weekend has returned with a vengeance. Dosing self up with the Benylin Flu and Cold relief just let it lurk for a day while I went to the Beeb and now it has come back even worse. Bah humbug.

Soutra Whisky Mac might help!?

Whiskey, hot lemonade and a flu powder and sweat it out soutra

A bath with Eucalyptus Oil? Definitely an early night with a good book, plenty fluids and rest Soutra

My gardener has been busy all day today. I paid him in pancakes.

Oh alright! I'm married to him.

Cheap at half the price jingle hate making pancakes but it beats any other form of payment

Specially as I had my share as well.

soutra there, there, there!