Warm as toast!

I have been hiberating during the colder days/weeks and only going out if I have to! It's January and all I hear from people is how cold it is - some have said "miserable" - others - "dismal"! It IS January and it IS winter! LOL.

I must say, yes, it is cold and for that reason, I use these times to catch up on jobs that need doing around the house that won't take up precious time in the sun during spring and summer. Our central heating system is VERY old. Come 11th February, we will have been in our house 25 years and it was installed years before that. I guess it has seen it's day and will be another financial burden to replace later this year ready for next winter!

Keeping warm has been expensive this year - what with the increase in fuel costs. However, we do have a backup Calor gas heater which is in the lounge, so I have done many a job in there - like write out my Christmas cards for this year!! LOL. Yes, another job that I won't have to do come beginning of December. I also bought all of my stamps - 2nd class, while the post office still had Christmas ones. That way, I won't have that added expense either and if the cost of stamps go up, I will still be able to use them.  Forward planning is my aim this year - not a resolution but one thing that I am hoping to achieve.

 Last week I met up with Amanda and we had a craft morning together - knitting. Amanda showed me how to knit double moss stitch, which is something that I have wanted to learn. Time flew by - like it does when you are having fun.

I think she will be pleased with me as I have completed a pair of hand warmers which I have yet to take a photo of and post but I will do that for next time.

Also last week, at our ladies evening at church, we had a 'Great British Bakeoff' challenge. The choice of recipes were Paul Hollywood's 8 strand plaited loaf (which I chose to make), 12 mini Victoria sponges or a pie with top and bottom crust. It was a fun evening, sampling everyone's bakes.


I came joint 1st with my loaf! I was really surprised - especially as there was an Italian lady who bakes bread regularly and didn't win with hers (which was rather more raised than mine - maybe it was the taste and texture they judged). I know she added honey which isn't in the recipe!

I can tell you, even with PH's recipe instructions in front of me and his masterclass on the tv - step by step I stopped & started, I struggled with the plaiting.

Next time, we shall probably make pasta from scratch, so I used my loaf!! and bought some 00 flour in readiness. I think I shall make some black pasta! Well....Nigella did and she used squid ink! Anyone know where I can find some? *Ü*

Enjoy your weekend and stay as warm as toast. *Ü*