Monday Round Up

Hi everyone,

How are you feeling this Monday morning?

I've found it to be a little bit trying over the past week. I've watched as others emerge into a less restricted life, but I'm now really feeling how long this half-life is liable to last. I only visit a pub on very rare occasions and my holiday for the year is cancelled anyway, so that's not of interest to me. I find I'm just not capable of standing in queues outside shops, and then shop, and my Scottish Country Dancing isn't likely to be restored to me for a long time to come. So it's hard to find a focus, but I'm at least glad that it's possible to do more things, for those who want to. And the one thing that is still available to me is a good old walk, so long as I pick a time of day when I won't have to dodge too many other people doing the same thing. I think I'm going to have to concentrate on the small things that bring pleasure.

Like the attempted ciabatta baking last week! It wasn't difficult, or strenuous, just long! It was the evening of day two when I got it into the oven as I'd done it the recommended way by making a poolish and leaving it overnight in the fridge before doing the other steps on day 2. Very disappointing for my husband who was just leaving for work as the smell of newly baked bread filled the apartment. And even more disappointing for him when half of one of the loaves seemed to vanish overnight, along with quite a lot of butter! But I wasn't disappointed for my first attempt.

Does anyone here bake sourdough bread made with their own starter? I know lots of people have starters that are years old, but what I'm looking for is a reliable 'recipe' for a starter as I'm reading so many conflicting ways to do it online that I'm becoming confused. And I've already caused the sad demise of my first attempt. So if you have the knack, please do share!

My daughter's visiting overnight tonight, so that'll chase the cobwebs away. I'm sure that'll be another natterfest, as it always is!

Whatever you are all doing this week, I hope you are OK and managing to make the best of things. Take care!

[sassy59]

Hi Callendersgal, it’s still pretty breezy here but nice and dry thank goodness.

We’ve had a good week and enjoyed seeing family yesterday in our daughters garden. Great fun.

We’re not going anywhere near pubs or restaurants and Pete hasn’t yet entered a shop. It’s all quite scary but he has the dentist today so will at least venture out.

How lovely to be seeing your daughter and overnight too. Our son is coming today which is great as not seen him in four months.

Your bread looks great and I hope someone can help with the starter dough.

Enjoy your day, xxxx🌈🌈😘

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Hi sassy59, Good luck to Pete with his dental visit. My friend's husband also has one upcoming and had quite a struggle to be seen. And wonderful to see your son today. Enjoy it to the max! And have a lovely week. 🙏🌈🔆😊 xxxx

[sassy59 in reply to Hidden]

😘❤️🌹👍🌈

[katieoxo60]

Good morning Callendersgal, that bread looks really good , worth the wait I guess. Sadly I feel similar to you this past week, all my activities have been stopped and to date not restarted or looking like they will under this new life the virus as imposed on us. AS you say no holidays only for certain people going to certain places. I have already resigned myself to being housebound or wheelchair user. Not a very pleasant thought along with pain ect and five steps at my front door. But accept others have worse problems than me. Today I am doing another survey for an arthritis research group by phone of course. Did a bit of dead heading yesterday, got loads of masks but can't walk so can't use them or the local shops & transport. Might get my jigsaw finished today. Enjoy your day .

[Hidden in reply to katieoxo60]

Good morning katieoxo60,

It does feel so unfair that things like choirs and dancing can't start when revellers are now making the best of the pubs that are open. I think you're right that we have to remember that life's always much worse for others and count our blessings when we're feeling fed up. I'm so sorry about your extreme pain though. It's so draining to have to live with and everything takes so long to achieve especially from a wheelchair. But I wish you the very best with your struggle to continue to live life in the best way you can. I hope you enjoy finishing off your jigsaw and that you too have a good day. Take care! 🙏😊🌺

[sassy59 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thinking of you Katie. Hope things improve very soon. Take care xxx

[Sara_2611]

Well I've got 2hospital apps one after the other Tuesday 7th & wed 8th at North mcr General. Today I'm free all day Thursday & Friday I'm free all day

[Hidden in reply to Sara_2611]

Oh, right in the middle of your week. A bit annoying but has to be done! I hope they go ok and that you enjoy the rest of your week 🙏

[Sara_2611 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks callendesgal

[Afrohair]

Hello again hope you are well I’m with you a bit dissatisfied that some things can’t go ahead.I was hoping to enrol my children at drama group this year things like hitting the shops and going to restaurants aren’t for me I’m lucky to go for a meal once a year and have a local drink.its never been something I do regularly.im not one to que at shops and my partner has been figuring out that mornings have less ques.for me life will very much stay the same living indoors and going for walks when needed until September the children are supposed to go back to school and I’m due back to work in August but I can’t see that happening just yet either for me.my children still haven’t managed to get a hair cut we have been out twice but ques are too long .that bread looks delicious, blessings to your family and enjoy the rest of the week x

[Hidden in reply to Afrohair]

Hi Afrohair, That's a shame. I just think it feels so bad to have drinkers catered for and the rest of us with other pursuits lagging behind and a nasty little feeling that it's all financial and not really looking out for our best interests. It must get harder and harder to keep the kids engaged in life and happy. It's probably best they manage to get back to school in September but I hope that works out safely. Would you be happy to go back to work in August if asked, or do you feel you need to stay home a bit longer, for safety?

Thanks for praising my first ciabatta! I'm biased but we did enjoy it! 😄.

Blessings to all of you too and I hope it won't be too long before the children can start doing a drama group. It's so good and entertaining for them. Take care all of you! 🙏

[Afrohair in reply to Hidden]

I’ve recently found out I’m expecting again so I’m quite anxious about going back to work especially as it’s early days work have been supportive so far but furlough ends in August

[Hidden in reply to Afrohair]

Well congratulations Afrohair! Lovely news! I understand your concerns and I hope you'll be able to come to some kind of compromise with your employer when you have to go back to work. Always remember they have to protect you, so if you are in doubt about something being unsafe for you, flag it up to them right away! If you can, do it in writing, so that there's a written record if it's ever needed. 🙏😊