Below is how my iPhone expressed my thanks to the Illis for a great evening…
Thank you for a slovenly meal and evening …
(Or perhaps I typed a lovely meal and evening!) 🥰.
The night was another lively one and I was up and about earlyish. H and I were at Waitrose at 08.00 as they opened the doors and still had spaces in the car park. There was quite a crowd at their threshold.
This early start was quite a shock to H’s system and she lay quietly in the car for the 30 minutes or so that I was shopping. Mainly for orange pudding ingredients and Christmas cake ingredients. But I still forgot some, which Ali picked up later.
I was pleased to discover that some clever person had had a bright idea: sell mixed, dried, fruit pre-soaked in brandy, in 800gram bags. A few glacé cherries and ground and chopped almonds later and we were off. Not forgetting oranges, butter, eggs, sugar, cream and filo pastry for after Christmas entertaining.
Off to Cholsey, where H experienced an early walk and paddle in rather chilly conditions. The poodle people were also out and about. These dogs are noisy, I hear them often and pity those who live nearby. H was particularly fascinated by something lurking under one of the brick-lined conduits linking two of the ponds. A water rodent perhaps? Spot the dog! It made for a chilly paddle.
Once home and unpacked, I set about making the orange pudding cake.
This was the recipe picture:
And this was my reality:
It tasted really good when we came to eat it this evening. Some pieces were sprinkled with raspberries.
The afternoon felt very strange because my hands were empty of any sort of needle and I was suffering withdrawal. Guilty withdrawal. ‘Bodies’ occupied me quite nicely when I was not doing this and that.
Soon after 17.30, I was on my way to the Illis armed with the orange pudfling, cream and custard. Martin and Denise and Oliver were there and I was treated to a delicious Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
Ali was presented with her knitted garland which needs a place to hang nicely. As opposed to where it is hanging not quite so nicely.
Dave took advantage of my recent button sewing practice to sew a button onto his shirt. Cheeky or what! But it was the least I could do in exchange for that super meal. And then he got more cheeky and asked if I darned docks! Or even socks. Well, I did once upon a time. I seem to remember learning this redundant skill for some girl guide badge.
H and I returned home after a rather lovely, successful and productive day.
Ali has offered to decorate the Christmas cake , I just need to bake one first!
The packaging department also awaits .
Thought for the day
Leave a Reply