Books for Summer Holiday Reading

It has poured with rain all week and the weather forcast predicts no improvement as far as I can see. I have loaded up my kindle with some good books and am so pleased that I signed up for Amazon Prime. This means that in addition to getting most stuff delivered the day after I ordered it I have also got a huge range of films and TV serials to watch any time I like.


Time to treat yourself :

I have owned a Kindle for several years and regard it as an essential item.I now have dozens of books on it which means that I always have something to read no matter where I am since it is so light and easy to take in a hand bag.Many books like the Bible are free  .I can also read the books that I have bought on my mobile phone and enjoy audio versions.        

                                                                     
   
                                                                                    




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Books that I have bought recently                      
                                                       If you liked The Hand Maid's Tale then you may enjoy this. A story set in the near future where women are only allowed to speak a limited number of works a day .They may not work.The leader of this society suddenly finds that he need the skills of a brain specialist , a woman whom he has to release from the confines of her word counter.How she manages to outwit him and secure a better future for her family made  a book I could not put down.   





                A story set in 1930s Burma about a young woman who takes a job as a singer in a luxury hotel.Aware that her parents lived there many years earlier she decides to unravel the mystery of an older sister who went missing as a baby.Befriended by a set of rich, smart people  she finds it difficult to know who to trust.  Rangoon is on the brink of becoming involved in the war.Flash backs relating to her mother add to the mystery.An excellent read for your vacation.     




                A heart rending story about two young people who fall in love while imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps.They desperately find ways to see each other and stay together while trying  to stay alive.There are many books about Nazi imprisonment but this is one that I shall remember .
            

                                      

Mini Greenhouse for My City Back Yard Container Garden

This year I have bought a mini-greenhouse.I am so pleased that I have it .The weather has turned frosty with a bitter,cold wind from the north. The small sized  summer bedding plants  and tomato plants that I bought from the garden centre last week would never have survived but they are warm and well protected in my mini green house.They will stay there until late May when the danger of frost has past.

Mini Greenhouse in my Back Yard

The salad leaf seeds that I sowed 4 weeks ago are doing well and are ready to cut and eat.I have also  planted some hyacinth beans in small pots. These will grow very tall  grown up bamboo poles and have magnificent purple flowers followed by edible beans.


           

Lobelia,tomatoes and geraniums under cover until late May

Salad leaves ready to cut and eat

 

None of this would be possible without my little sentry box green house.
It was easy to construct and is made of tough plastic externally. The front opening can be zipped up for full warmth and opened on warmer days to help harden off the plants  inside.



 

Hyacinth Beans

 Click on this link to purchase this mini greenhouse:

                                                     
                                                       




                                                    

Plants for My City Back Yard Container Garden

Once the hard structure of your garden has been sorted out it is time to start the real gardening , choosing plants. You will need some tall plants for height and screening.Bamboo and small trees like bay are hardy.
Shrubs come next in height, include some evergreens like holly.Lavender smells lovely, hydrangeas are tough.Roses can do well in pots,especially patio roses. Smaller plants nearer to ground level may be bulbs for the spring and bedding plants like geraniums, trailing lobelia and Busy Lizzie for colour in the summer.

Do not be intimidated by complicated designs in fancy gardening books.
The great thing about a container garden is that you can move stuff around like furniture in your house until you get a pleasing arrangement .


A small back yard is much more economical to fill than a large garden, if there is anything you do not like get rid of it.Summer bedding can be thrown away and composted once autumn comes and it dies away. That is the time to plant some bulbs for the spring. 

Go to a well stocked garden centre  where everything is on display and you can see what you are getting.

Height and Screening 

Bamboo,and bay are hardy in a temperate climate,smaller containers can be used for plants at lower levels .

                          

 

Variety in shapes and heights of shrubs

Flowers and Shrubs at Mid-level


    Plant these in the spring for summer colour.

Roses for colour and perfume

                        

Asian Lilies for stunning colour.

    These can stay in their pots all year.


Low level plants

Pots of herbs like thyme  are useful.Small bulbs suchas crocus and tete-a-tete mini daffodils in the spring


Summer Annuals

As their name suggests these plants will last for one season only .Buy them in late spring and do not plant them until all danger of frost has passed.Pale colours and white look cool in hot weather.Petunias,perlargoniums,and trailing lobelia are showy .When they die in the autumn remove them ready to pnat bulbs for the spring

                                                      

Summer Annuals

Plant bulbs in the autumn for a lovely show in the spring

Winter
In the winter the garden can rest awhile, as long as you have planted some evergreens you will still have your personal spot of heaven outside .Your garden can be made festive for Christmas with one or two small Christmas trees. They keep well outside .Brighten them up with some outdoor lights.
                                                            

You could also ask for this lovely set of tools for Christmas .I gave a set to a friend who was delighted with them especially the way they fit into a bag to carry round the garden and for easy storage.



                                                        

Planning My City Back Yard Container Garden

Starting Out

My back yard is in the heart of Cambridge UK,a busy University City with a crowded residential population.Many residents have built extensions to small Victorian houses like mine which has meant cutting down on garden space .In my tiny back yard I have had to adapt to gardening in miniature,work out what will grow in a climate than goes from -8 in winter to +32 in summer and how to grow in containers because there is no access to soil.

 Why Bother?

There are three good reasons to bother with your back yard

• Create an extra outdoor room ,an oasis of calm.
• Enjoy a pleasant aspect from your home.
• Be productive.It is fun to grow a few fresh herbs and salads.

 Adapting Your Space

I have had to make some adaptations to get the best out of my tiny space and keep maintenance to a minimum. The major considerations have been what base is best,watering in dry weather,containers and what to fill them with.This year I have acquired a tiny green house to up my game a bit.

When we first moved into the house the yard was covered with decking and gravel. It needed constant cleaning and a rat took it over for nest building.The gravel stuck in out shoes and trod into the house.It all had to go.We invested in a company to lay good quality paving stones .They are easy to clean, provide a firm, neutral coloured foundation for containers and garden seats, look tidy and are in keeping with the house.Walls painted white reflect light.

                                                                 

Paving Stones

 Containers

Large and small pots with dishes underneath to retain water.

My back yard has no access to soil , every thing must be grown in containers with compost.Some of them must be large enough for  smalltrees and contain enough compost to support them for several years. I found that I would get given containers as gifts once friends and relatives knew of my interest in my little garden.Some I inherited and well cleaned containers used for other things can be put to use.. Look in builders' skips when renovation work is being done.
The brilliant thing about containers is that you can move them around so if you do not like your first plan then you can change it in minutes.

                                                                        

Seating

Keep seating simple and sturdy.You want to be able to take your coffee or a glass of wine outside when the sun comes out and you have a minute while dinner is cooking.Dragging furniture in and out of the house or garage is a pain,a small sturdy table can also be used as a work surface.I like old fashioned wrought iron.It does not blow over in the wind and hardly ever needs cleaning.Pads on the seats will give extra comfort.Use plastic glasses outside ,it avoids broken glass if you knock one over.

                                                           

Wrought Iron table and Chairs

                                                 
Water    
Regular watering especially in the warmer summer months .You can fill can from the house supply but an outside tap and hose are much easier.If the weather turns very hot and sunny you may have to water twice a day.This is pleasant and cooling for the gardener too. A blackbird joins in regularly and takes a shower.                                                  


                                                                                     

Outside tap and hose.

  Greenhouse   

This year I have added a tiny green house.I want to grow some salads and a few tomatoes.It was very cheap  and I now have plenty of stuff growing well and protected from late frosts that could damage it.I bought some seeds, tomato plants and plastic trays and some peat pots to use  inside it.
This is an extra and not essential to a back yard.

                                                             

Mini Greenhouse for back yards and balconies.

What to Grow

Do not get too hung up about complicated designs in glossy gardening books.Go to a well stocked garden centre and see the plants on offer.Choose some shrubs that will stay green all year round.Bamboo, holly ,winter jasmine and bay do this and will provide structure and background to other plants.
Vary the plants seasonally.Bulbs like daffodils in the spring,hydrangeas, geraniums, lobelia,and patio roses in the summer.Buy summer bedding plants ready grown from a garden centre or store and plant them in late May when danger of frosts has passed.
Some things can be grown from seeds.Nasturtions and sunflowers give value for money.Herbs can be sown in separate pots and will enhance your cooking and salads.Just follow the instructions on the packets.Keep and use the labels provided.

                                                    

Seeds from the Garden Centre

 Some Essentials

A few hand tools and some compost suitable for use in pots will be needed.A trowel and fork for planting,secateurs for pruning,watering can and  a stiff broom  for cleaning the paving stones will do to start with.Garden centres have these all year .It is very convenient to buy them online and have then delivered. Bags of compost and large pots are heavy.
                                  
                               
                                   

Easter Cake Recipe

                                                                                      

I have just made these  mini-cakes to sell at a Church Bake Sale.They were very popular and sold out fast.Some people remarked they liked them better than the in your face Easter Eggs that are being pushed at a us at the moment especially for adults.I use small cake tins and  6 inch silver boards and finish the tops with mini- easter eggs , a little chicken and some yellow ribbon.Gingham ribbon also looks nice.The cake is slighty spicy and has a delicious centre of marzipan.

This recipe makes 3 mini round cakes and 1 in a 1lb loaf tin.I line the tins with ready cut liners and a drop of Cake Release.

For the Cake
100g ( 4 oz) red glace cherries
225g (8oz ) butter 
225g (8 oz) golden caster sugar
4 large eggs
225 g (8 oz) self-raising flour
275g(14oz)  mixed dried  fruit(sultanas,currants, citrus peel)
grated rind 2 lemons
2 level teaspoons mixed spice

For the filling and topping

2 packets of bought golden marzipan (500g/1lb) x 2
3 tablespoons apricot jam
beaten egg to glaze
mini easter eggs


Method

1.Pre- heat oven to 150fan/130C/Gas 2
2.Line the cake tins 
3.Divide one block of the marzipan into 4 and roll out to the same size as the  cake tins
4.Cut the cherries into quarters, rinse under a hot tap then dry on kitchen paper.
5. Put all the cake ingredients into a large bowl and beat until well mixed.
6.Put half the mixture into the tins
7.Place the rolled out marzipan on top of the mixture.Then put the rest of the cake mixture on top of the marzipan.
8.Bake in the oven until well  risen and golden brown. about 1 to 1 and a half hours.
9. Cool on a wire rack and leave in the tin for 15 minutes before gently turning out. Run a sharp knife around the inside edge if the cake seems to be sticking.Remove the baking parchment
10.When the cake is cold brush the top with the warmed apricot jam.Roll out the other block of marzipan to fits the tops of the cakes--do this on a little caster sugar.Fit the marzipan on top of the cakes and crimp the edges.
Brush the marzipan topping with beaten egg .brown the top either under a hot grill or use a chef's blow torch.
Decorate with the mini eggs , ribbon , fluffy chickens.The eggs can be stuck down with little icing sugar paste or edible glue as used by cake decorators.

This recipe will also  fill a 20cm (8 inch) cake tin if you want one large cake.Bake this size for 2 a half hours.







                                           

Classic BBC Radio Theme ~ Housewives' Choice

   If you remember this tune then you will probably remember WW2 ,Suez and The Three day week You know about emergencies.Check my Brexit Planning List

Hard Brexit Shopping List

 

Hard  Brexit  Shopping List

As someone who remembers what emergencies are really like , WW2 ,Suez and the 3 Day week , I  am beginning to make a few adjustments to my shopping list as a Hard Brexit looms.I am just examining where my usual household products come from and buying a few more of things I do not want to be without. A lot are made in Europe.

The supermarkets will already have built up large stocks of non- perishables like pasta and canned food.It is perishable goods like salad ingredients and fruit from the Mediterranean that is likely to run short, this stuff cannot survive hours waiting around in the ports or delivery trucks waiting for inspections and forms to be filled in.In case this happens this I have ordered a mini greenhouse so I can grow salad leaves and a few strawberries

Paper based products coming from Scandinavia  could be a problem .

I shall make sure I get my repeat prescription to the pharmacy in good time.

So here goes with a basic list for people like me who do not have a huge amount of storage space  or unlimited funds to go on a spending spree.

• Toilet Paper and Kitchen Roll

• Tissues
• Laundry pods
• Dishwasher tablets
• Bottled Water
• Water purifying tablets
• Wind up radio and torch in case of power cuts
• Tea, Coffee
• Olive oil
• Frozen and canned fruit
• Mini greenhouse
• Seeds for mixed salads 

Click on the products below to see how to get them delivered to your door from Amazon

  

                                                                

Knee Replacement Surgery,What You Will Need at Home

 One Year After  Knee Replacement Surgery


It is exactly a year since I had total knee replacement surgery.I  am still using some of the home aids that I bought from Amazon, I had to buy online , I did not realise how much support I would need until I was in a hospital bed.I wish I had known before I had the operation that I would be in a lot of pain and would need home aids to facilitate using the shower and toilet,sitting comfortably,getting in and out of bed and getting up and down stairs.



Before You have The Surgery 

• Get several pairs of wide leg jogger bottoms.You will have a hefty bandage to start with and your knee will be swollen.Tight jeans or pants will not do.If it is winter have warm fabric.Sturdy shoes are imperative
• Consider an extra rail if you have stairs, Something to hang onto will give you more confidence.
• Grab handles in the shower are a must.If you do not want the expense of disturbing tiles aand plumbing get instant suction grabs. 
• A seat to go in the shower cubicle adds to your comfort
• Standing up after using the toilet  is suprisingly difficult and will be helped by purpose made aids

• A couple of frames are handy.Upstairs for help with dressing,downstairs if you want to do a few things standing in the kitchen.

Get all this set up before you have the surgery .Organize a food delivery system.You will not be able to drive, it was 4 months before I could drive safely so ask someone to drive you around or open an account with a taxi company to take you physiotherapy for example.

I bought and used all three of these products and found them all sturdy aand useful.It may soon be time to have my other knee replaced so I am glad that I have kept all of my aids.
I took major action over my bathroom.I realised that I could not climb into the big old fashioned bath or climb out of it unaided. I have now got a large walk in shower with a built in seat.
Sometimes we just have to accept that we are growing older and some adaptations to are homes are necessary.




                                                              

If you are about to have this surgery good luck and get organized.

STALE BREAD RECIPES

                                                                                            

We throw away more bread than any other left over food
Here are a couple of recipes from my mother's waste not want not style cookery books for you to try before you throw the remains of that loaf away.

Cheese Pudding 

4-6 slices stale white bread (100g,4oz)
25g (1oz) melted butter
2 eggs,beaten
300ml (half pint) milk 
salt and pepper
100g mature hard cheese (grated)

Method

Cut the bread into cubes and place in a 900ml (One and onehalf pint)ovenproof greased dish with the butter.Mix the eggs and milk, season well,and pour over the bread mixture.Sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake in the oven at 190C ,375F.Gas mark5 for about 30 minutes until golden and well risen.
Serve at once.

Good for a light lunch or supper.

 

Osborne Pudding 

4 slices of thin bread and butter (brown is good)
1 level tablespoon of caster sugar
400ml milk (3/4 pint)
2 large eggs
orange marmalade 

 Spread the bread and butter slices with marmalade and then cut into strips.Arrange marmalade side up in a greased ovenproof dish.
Heat the milk but do not boil it.Whisk the eggs lightly with the sugar in a basin and pour the warm milk onto them stirring all the time.
Strain the egg mixture over the bread and leave to stand for 15 minutes.
Bake in the oven 180C,350F.Gas mark4 for 30-40 minutes until set and lightly browned.

Lovely with some pouring cream or vanilla icecream.

I prefer the crusts left on the bread for a crispy finish.














                              

Hard Brexit Recipes

Salad Vegetables

 The foods most likely to be affected by a No Deal Brexit are the out of season salad ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes and cucumber during the winter months until home grown produce comes into season.Soft fruits like raspberries may be very expensive but at least it is possible to stock up with frozen fruit whereas  salad ingredients cannot be frozen and perish quickly.

 

I have some winter salad recipes using ingredients that are produced in the UK, the kind my mother used in the 1950s, which are not as easy to throw together as the bags of pre-prepared salad leaves that we are used to but are a good standby , they are also economical.

 

Winter Salad      

 

Half a small white cabbage

2 medium sized carrots

I small cooked beetroot

2-3 sticks celery

50g sultanas or raisins 

mayonnaise (or Heinz salad cream for a retro flavour)

 

1.Prepare and wash the salad ingredients and the sultanas

2.Using a sharp knife or food processor shred the cabbage.

3.Grate the carrot finely ,cut the beetroot and celery up into 1 cm pieces.keep the beetrot seperate from the other ingredients or it will stain them.

4.Put the shredded cabbage on a flat dish and arrange the other ingredients very neatly in rows on top.

5. Serve the mayonnaise separately

Celery and Apple Salad

1 heart of celery

2 thin slices of onion

3 crisp eating apples

juice of 1 lemon or french dressing made with lemon juice

salt and pepper

 

1.Wash the celery, cut into 1 cm cubes and put into a bowl

2.Chop the onion finely and add to the salad

3.Peel ,quarter and core the apples,cut into 1 cm cubes and add to the other ingredients.

4.Add the lemon juice and seasoning and gently mix thoroughly.

Serve in a glass bowl to accompany cold meats