Cloudy Monday - 33F - Lots done

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Picture 1 is of my tyre-tracks, after reversing-in this morning at around 10.30am. I had been for my blood-test and done some shopping and the sun was well up.

The frost stayed like that all day. I suppose I should put some salt/grit down because it was treacherous. But I was extra careful. You will have noticed from the title that the temperature has zoomed up to a sweltering 33F.

I slept well, and have felt lively and in consequence did lots of little jobs - too boring to list.

300gm of mushrooms needed something doing with them so I decided on Cream of Mushroom Soup out of my National Trust Book. Another tried and tested recipe. A little like the man who announced that his yard-brush was 25 years old - "Four new heads and 3 new stales" though. I've altered the recipe so much over the years - fresh basil and certainly not dried basil (horrid bitter stuff if its got any taste at all) a potato to thicken instead of flour (consequently whatever you do the soup can't taste floury) Greek-style yoghurt instead of cream. etc.,.

It worked very well, as it usually does and although I had a mug and a half full, there is plenty to share when Yvonne returns tomorrow.

The Telegraph and coffee was enjoyable again, although I've only managed around 75% of the crossword - and I always claim that Monday's is easy.

Also some good serious radio - Melvyn Bragg's In Our Time, for 4 episodes, is devoted to Charles Darwin.

Such a lot to learn. I'd like a 30 year active extension please !

Also my ArtDaily newspaper is good today too. At the Royal Academy is an Exhibition of The Royal Collection and the picture featured at the front of the article is this one by W. P. Frith RA entitled A Private view at the Royal Academy 1881. Many have always thought it twee and mannered, but I love it !


It unashamedly played up to Victorian vanity because most of the people's faces were portraits and of course, you had to go to see if you were in it. In fact the prominent chap onthe right, with an open catalogue looks suspiciously like Oscar Wilde to me. The brushwork was carefully worked in the style of the day.

David also, went to the Doctor this morning, and was sent to Ilkeston Hospital for a chest XRAY. At least he was seen by a doctor, and has been signed off for a fortnight. I pray for some improvement.

Comments

bungus ..... Re the pews at Radford and your machines. I'm on David Jone's side I'm afraid. The machinery was no doubt modern and replaceable, while the Oak from the pews would be old and cherished.

I shall be interested in Reg's response to your suggested pebble layer for the orchids. We must also ask Joan when we are next in contact with her.

Re the Church's uses. A play sound an excellent idea. Although no lover of live theatre, in a Church I would be able to get my knees and legs in.

I take it that Sparky must be some Sports Desk reference ?

AnonymousYM ....... It will be nice to have you home tomorrow. Chilly or not. Hope your journey isn't too horrendous.

It shouldn't be, in first class, but I don't want to tempt providence.

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Quotation time ..........

"Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy"

Sir Isaac Newton

Im a little suspicious of the above because it sounds too flip and too modern. The quote is from my igoogle homepasge and really I suppose I ought to check it out. Perhaps at 3am if I don't sleep well.

The link (his name) is to his Wikipedia page. Wow, what a link - there's a month's reading there for bungus.

"Sleep tight - Catch you tomorrow - or not because it is National Trust night"