The weather is atrocious today.
It’s wet and blustery and the village feels hunkered down underneath the protection of the Gop Hill to the north.
It’s a day to pull up the drawbridge, which I have done.
My sister sent up a portion of casserole which is heating up on the stove.
I’ve made dumplings to add to it.
Proper suet dumplings with lots of dried thyme and garlic .
I’ve read ( Alan Cumming’s Baggage an excellent read) watched bits of Les Miserables on stage, pottered with paperwork and walked dogs where we dodged the showers with some alacrity .
I’m going to make a few phone calls to friends later, watch SATC and get my feet licked to death
Ps Thank you Donell for you card and gift x
Yeah,it arrived! I hope you and the kids enjoy it! Dee
ReplyDeleteWe will xx
DeleteWet, grey and miserable here, too. A day for hunkering down and doing nothing much. xx
ReplyDeleteThe book is good…..at the moment I’m listen to the Archers
DeleteSuet dumplings? Do they use suet instead of vegetable shortening? Are there any other differences from normal (whatever that might be) dumplings?
ReplyDeleteSuet is used as the fat of choice for dumplings, as it traps air as it melts and therefore creates the perfect light and fluffy texture. Beef suet is most commonly used, but vegetarian versions are also readily available.
DeleteI bought vegetable suet but nothing happened x
DeleteStay warm and protected.
ReplyDeleteYou too xx
DeleteI heard Alan Cumming interviewed when his book first came out. He sure didn't have an easy childhood.
ReplyDeleteNo it’s a bit of a jolt reading it
DeleteYour weather sounds awful. It is 60 degrees here in central Virginia. Normally at this time of year, it is in the high 40s.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael, I'm outside Richmond and this warm weather in just unacceptable! 68*F on Christmas? Give me a break.
DeleteMick, your photos are glorious today
DeleteBabs put your swim suit on
Did you watch the programme about Alan Cumming and Miriam Margolyes
ReplyDeletetravelling around Scotland in a motorhome?
It was wonderful, although seeing the raw pain Alan has been left with by his father's abuse was painful!
If you get a chance to see it, do, you'll love it! X
I did see some of it but not that bit.
DeleteI liked his interaction with Miriam about the kilts
It sounds like you and the furry family are making the most of a major blustery day.
ReplyDeleteNice of your sister to provide the perfect meal for such a day and kudos to you for knowing how to make the perfect dumplings to accompany it.
Stay warm!
Hugs!
Babs
DeleteIt’s been an ok day
We are covered in mud again-so little teddy has been treated to a new jumper-he's not too happy with his trouser suit-unfortunetly the lavatoria is a still out of use x
ReplyDeleteKeep dry
DeleteJohn - we've just seen Cabaret at the Playhouse. It was glorious. You step into the KitKat Club as soon as you step into the foyer. And we were given complimentary drinks. We were at the back but it wasn't very far from the stage. My husband was chatted up by a very provocative male cast member - much to my daughter's amusement. It's well worth the trip and money. xx
ReplyDeleteI go in March ……I’m so looking forward to it
DeleteYou’ve got SOME sisters! They do garden design and maintenance, buy you great gifts, and cook for you! Lucky man. Thanks for the book recommendation. Will get it asap.
ReplyDeleteI am, and have always been lucky having sisters who care for me
DeleteI hope they would say the same about me
He talked quite a lot about his life when he went round Scotland with Miriam Margolyes ……. Some of it very sad. XXXX
ReplyDeleteYes…..I’ve just been crying at some of his words
DeleteI must add Suet to my shopping list; nothing better than proper dumplings when the weather is shit.
ReplyDeleteMust check our library and see if I can take out the book. I haven't had much luck with dumplings I gather suet would be better than lard for Yorkshire Pudding as well, as my attempt a pudding is usually to heavy.
ReplyDelete