Oh what a morning, Milkshake, Shopping and Blackberries

OH had planned on doing maintenance work with electrics today.  Yesterday he had had a successful day with putting in a Membership application for fishing a lake, plus a passport application, taking photos and then doing the applications himself by email.  I was seriously impressed as he normally yells for me to assist.  My little pep talks seem to be sinking in, in that I cannot always do everything.  So carrying on in the same vein he decided to tackle some electrical projects in the house.  I will not touch anything to do with electrics.  We also needed to go to the caravan so on our way we went.  Did what we needed to do and on the way back home the car cut out and shutdown.  Fortunately OH has RAC cover, but getting hold of anyone via mobile phone (we are with Virgin) but the cover in Eye is impossible.  We ended up leaving the car and coming home by taxi.  OH then rang RAC from home and they have promised someone within 90 minutes.  We are currently waiting for them to call giving an ETA.

So for the time being the electrical projects are on hold as we need to go to B & Q for some items.  We have a couple of light fittings that take screw based bulbs and they have pinged.  We also need a new strip light for the computer room as that has also pinged.

True to their word the RAC man rang within the 90 minutes and has assessed that the alternator has packed up.  The car is currently in the RAC recommended garage and they were saying because of previous appointments it would be about a week before they would be able to deal with it.  We are on our travels again from the weekend, and it looked as though would have to cancel the holiday.  However, they have come back to us and are going to look at it on Thursday.  Fingers crossed  and toes plaited, as this is the only time we can take the grandkids on holiday.

Since OH coming back and resting up (he needed to as he had become a little agitated which is not good for his heart or blood pressure), we were notified by step-daughter that she had found some Lime Crusha milk shake mix which is a family favourite.  She had found some on a limited edition offer at our local Asda.  We therefore walked into town as we needed to collect Missy's pain prescription and other pet paraphernalia.  OH has bought Missy a bright multi-coloured harness and new lead we also needed flea treatments for the cats.

We then went on to Asda to have a look for the Lime Crusha  and were able to purchase some.  We have since enjoyed a glass or two.  We also bought a few more bits for the caravan, a swiffer mop which is telescopic and a large round frying pan. We bought some other foodie bits as well.  We came home by taxi though as it is quite a trek.

As we use the car to get to the walk we do with Missy and as said car is absent for a few days had to walk her nearer the house.  She wore her new harness.  I don't think she likes it as she was lagging behind.  However the walk itself was good, and I found loads of blackberries.  I hope to get up first thing to go and gather some to put in the freezer for making jam and liqueurs when we get back from holiday.  The elderberries are also turning so will be making some elderberry jelly as I use this in my homemade barbecue sauce mix.  I also saw a fox, and watched him for a few moments before he clapped eyes on me and scarpered.

It will soon be harvest and when I see the elderberries autumn is gently slipping in.  There are lots of berries, and my holly tree in the front garden has masses of berries on as well. Lots of berries according to country law is indicative of a cold winter.  We did not have cold weather as such last year and potentially could end up with a cold winter as a result.  Wise to put up and squirrel away what you can in the freezers, pantry, bottle store, wines, drinks and cordials.  Once back from this holiday I will set about canning stocks, soups, stews for the pantry shelf.  It will all help.  I have plans to do an onion stock which I can use as a base for French Onion Soup, which is a good one if you have a cold.  I think I will be going full swing on the preserving front when we get back home.

Right have things to do.

Catch you later.

Pattypan 

x