Down another lb, for a TOTAL of 51 lbs!! Yippee!
They've been talking about 'micro-herbs' in my cooking classes for awhile now and yesterday I found out they're sold as "Steve's Leaves". They say you can get them at Waitrose, although apparently not the one in Harrogate, but Sainsbury's and ASDA carry them. I picked up a couple of bags today, so I'll try them tomorrow. Very twee!
It's raining again, so I may not get much done this break.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
27 June 2012
My Betty's class was awesome! And I must be making progress--in spite of being on another plateau at the moment--because I made it the whole way through the class without giving up. I've been having to give the last thing a miss in a couple of classes because I was too tired. I'm still tired but I finished everything. Yippee!
Today we made Chicken Jalfrezi with Fragrant Rice, Moroccan Lamb with Couscous, Pork Pho (my personal fav, although the Chicken Jalfrezi was pretty fab) and Bombay Potatoes. I didn't have any of the lamb because that's not on the diet, although Jeff said it was good. I did have a bite of the potatoes, even though they're not on the diet too, so I'm not sure how I can rationalize one but not the other :-)
The Pork Pho is a Vietnamese nodle soup, although when I tried it, I didn't have any noodles. The meat and broth are cooked together then the noodles are softened and the soup is assembled. I'll be making more of this because it's very easy--and very easy to customize.
I asked for the low-fat diet option for lunch and they did salmon with salad leaves and green beans. Pretty good stuff! My next class is late-July, when I'll be taking Everyday Delicious. I still have 4 more days off, so hopefully the weather won't go to pot!
Today we made Chicken Jalfrezi with Fragrant Rice, Moroccan Lamb with Couscous, Pork Pho (my personal fav, although the Chicken Jalfrezi was pretty fab) and Bombay Potatoes. I didn't have any of the lamb because that's not on the diet, although Jeff said it was good. I did have a bite of the potatoes, even though they're not on the diet too, so I'm not sure how I can rationalize one but not the other :-)
The Pork Pho is a Vietnamese nodle soup, although when I tried it, I didn't have any noodles. The meat and broth are cooked together then the noodles are softened and the soup is assembled. I'll be making more of this because it's very easy--and very easy to customize.
I asked for the low-fat diet option for lunch and they did salmon with salad leaves and green beans. Pretty good stuff! My next class is late-July, when I'll be taking Everyday Delicious. I still have 4 more days off, so hopefully the weather won't go to pot!
Monday, 25 June 2012
25 June 2012
Boring day! On a plateau, so no progress to report :-( On a happier note, I did really well with my lumosity (cognitive function) training today. Just one more day shift and then a 5-day break. Yippee! Hopefully the weather won't be a total wash-out this break.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
23 June 2012
Woo Hoo! Down another lb for a TOTAL of 50 lbs! It's another wet, overcast day and my knee is very unhappy; my only consolation is that it would be A LOT unhappier if it was supporting that lost 50 lbs! (There's always a silver lining in there somewhere!)
I've been getting a veggie box delivered since I got back almost 3 years ago--and up until 3 weeks ago, I was very happy with this. But then my route got a new driver and things have generally gone to pot! The new guy has managed to leave the boxes in the wrong place and he hasn't picked up the past week's box(es) in all that time, so I'm getting a huge collection of boxes which are getting ruined in all the rain we've been having. I've called every week to let them know he's getting it wrong--and not picking up the empties--but so far, no joy. I think I'm going to block off the place he's been using and leave a sign with very explicit directions for Friday's delivery. What an idiot! If he would just look up when he sets down the box, he would see where it belongs. At this point, I'm hoping I don't see him on Friday because he won't like what I have to say!
The Phoenix Players are doing their annual variety show tonight so I'm off to see that. Happily, it's a PV (protein and veggie) day, so I'm going to have dinner out at the Turkish Baths Chinese Restaurant in Harrogate before the show. As long as I give the rice and/or noodles a miss, I'll be OK. I start back on my day shifts on Sunday morning, but it's only 3 days this time since I took the last one off for my Betty's class--the Spice Box 2. Should be yummy!
I've been getting a veggie box delivered since I got back almost 3 years ago--and up until 3 weeks ago, I was very happy with this. But then my route got a new driver and things have generally gone to pot! The new guy has managed to leave the boxes in the wrong place and he hasn't picked up the past week's box(es) in all that time, so I'm getting a huge collection of boxes which are getting ruined in all the rain we've been having. I've called every week to let them know he's getting it wrong--and not picking up the empties--but so far, no joy. I think I'm going to block off the place he's been using and leave a sign with very explicit directions for Friday's delivery. What an idiot! If he would just look up when he sets down the box, he would see where it belongs. At this point, I'm hoping I don't see him on Friday because he won't like what I have to say!
The Phoenix Players are doing their annual variety show tonight so I'm off to see that. Happily, it's a PV (protein and veggie) day, so I'm going to have dinner out at the Turkish Baths Chinese Restaurant in Harrogate before the show. As long as I give the rice and/or noodles a miss, I'll be OK. I start back on my day shifts on Sunday morning, but it's only 3 days this time since I took the last one off for my Betty's class--the Spice Box 2. Should be yummy!
Friday, 22 June 2012
22 June 2012
Woo Hoo! Down another lb--for a TOTAL of 49 lbs lost! Yippee!! Not much else besides that going on though; I think we need to start bilding the Ark, as it's been another extremely rainy day. We're still 23 days out from St Swithin's Day (15 July) but at this rate, it's going to be a cold, wet summer...
Since I can't get out and get pictures, I did a bit more (dreaded) housework and got a few more things added to the charity bag. I'd much rather be out getting pictures! I read that Harvey Wallace--the band leader on the RMS Titanic--was from Colne, which is only about 30 miles from here, and there's a nice memorial there, but it's too wet even for that!
Since I can't get out and get pictures, I did a bit more (dreaded) housework and got a few more things added to the charity bag. I'd much rather be out getting pictures! I read that Harvey Wallace--the band leader on the RMS Titanic--was from Colne, which is only about 30 miles from here, and there's a nice memorial there, but it's too wet even for that!
Thursday, 21 June 2012
21 June 2012
Happy Summer Solstice! Unfortunately, no one saw the sunrise here this morning. It's a very wet day! No puffins :-( No castles (specifically Warwick and Kenilworth) :-( Housework has moved to the top of the list :-( What a bummer!
I broke out the new jeans my daughter sent me--in a size SMALLER!--and they fit great! Yippee!! So I'm doing a load of laundry and washing the pair that I was having trouble keeping up, so I can toss them in the charity bag. What a great feeling! So even though I'm sitting on a little plateau right now, I'm still pretty motivated.
Even though it's pouring down rain this morning, I went in to town and got the new Carlos Ruiz Zafon--Prisoner of Heaven--at Waterstones. It's the sequel to Shadow of the Wind, one of my all time favorite books. And of course, I can never just get the book I came for, so I had a prowl and picked up The Norman Conquest by Marc Morris, a book on perfectly tossed salads and another book on picnic foods. So now I'm in a quandry: I was going to start Crucible, but then Advent looked interesting and now I have Prsoner of Heaven. So many books... So little time...
I got our self-catering cottage booked for the 1st week in August; a little place that looks equi-distant to Cherbourg and Bayeux. I was looking at the Poole or Portsmouth ferries to Cherbourg but those are almost L500! Sheesh! And really poor sailing times! The Chunnel is only about L177 and has a much better choice of departure times, but then there's a lot of driving once we get to France. I still have time to decide what to do but I'm on a roll with the planning and I just want to get it all booked. Maybe we'll split the difference and take the ferry to Cherbourg and the Chunnel back. We head home on Friday, so that wonderful little cheese shop in Calais (La Maison du Vin et Fromage) will be open...
I was really getting worried when I started looking for self-catering cottages in Normandy because it was looking like there was no availability in August, but as I worked thru the list, it started to open up. It almost looks like people were starting at the top of the list and just booking the first thing that met their requirements, so as I got deeper into the list, dates started to become available. I'm looking forward to this trip because we have a lot of relaxing planned!
I broke out the new jeans my daughter sent me--in a size SMALLER!--and they fit great! Yippee!! So I'm doing a load of laundry and washing the pair that I was having trouble keeping up, so I can toss them in the charity bag. What a great feeling! So even though I'm sitting on a little plateau right now, I'm still pretty motivated.
Even though it's pouring down rain this morning, I went in to town and got the new Carlos Ruiz Zafon--Prisoner of Heaven--at Waterstones. It's the sequel to Shadow of the Wind, one of my all time favorite books. And of course, I can never just get the book I came for, so I had a prowl and picked up The Norman Conquest by Marc Morris, a book on perfectly tossed salads and another book on picnic foods. So now I'm in a quandry: I was going to start Crucible, but then Advent looked interesting and now I have Prsoner of Heaven. So many books... So little time...
I got our self-catering cottage booked for the 1st week in August; a little place that looks equi-distant to Cherbourg and Bayeux. I was looking at the Poole or Portsmouth ferries to Cherbourg but those are almost L500! Sheesh! And really poor sailing times! The Chunnel is only about L177 and has a much better choice of departure times, but then there's a lot of driving once we get to France. I still have time to decide what to do but I'm on a roll with the planning and I just want to get it all booked. Maybe we'll split the difference and take the ferry to Cherbourg and the Chunnel back. We head home on Friday, so that wonderful little cheese shop in Calais (La Maison du Vin et Fromage) will be open...
I was really getting worried when I started looking for self-catering cottages in Normandy because it was looking like there was no availability in August, but as I worked thru the list, it started to open up. It almost looks like people were starting at the top of the list and just booking the first thing that met their requirements, so as I got deeper into the list, dates started to become available. I'm looking forward to this trip because we have a lot of relaxing planned!
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
20 June 2012
It was a lo-o-o-ong set of graves! I didn't do anything for the past 4 days but sleep and work--which doesn't make for exciting blog entries, so I didn't bother. The weather has been gorgeous the past few days, so now that I'm off, it's rapidly going to pot!
I wanted to take a trip north to the Farne Islands so I could see the puffins but tomorrow is supposed to be heavy seas, so that may have to wait for another break. The back-up plan is Warwick and Kenilworth Castles so long as it's not chucking down rain. The rain plan is to finally do some housework, which is not my idea of a good time, so I'm holding out for no rain. I'm hoping to be able to grill a few chicken breasts for the next few days... It's not looking good!
My friend Penny sent me a box full of books, so I'll have plenty to read regardless of what the weather does. Yippee! I think I'm going to start with Crucible by S.G. MacLean; I got an e-mail today about the Inverness Book Festival and this is one of their featured book. I probably won't make the Festival but I can still take a look at some of their featured books.
I'm on a plateau (again--dammit!) right now but 48 lbs is nothing to sneeze at. I had a brain wave (very painful) Monday night and decided to order some sashimi from The Orchid restaurant in Harrogate for my supper Tuesday night. I got to the restaurant a few minutes early, let them know I was there and went to use the loo--since I don't seem to be able to wait more than 30 seconds between sandbox breaks. [This is not a feature of the diet--I've always been that way.] Anyway, I went in to the loo--and got the surprise of my young life! The last time I had dinner at The Orchid, the loo was a very tight fit! [Brits generally don't waste much space on toilets.] Now, it was no problem! I was stunned! And after I finished, I sat down to wait on my order and actually had wiggle room (and a surprising amount of wiggle room) in the chair they have for people waiting on take-aways or bookings. All this is VERY motivating.
I have my next Bettys Cookery School class on Wednesday of next week--The Spice Box 2:
I find I get a bit twitchy if I don't have a Bettys class to look forward to, so I also booked "Everyday Delicious" (This fabulous selection of dishes offer an array of mouth-watering flavours inspired by the Mediterranean and warmer climes - perfect for relaxed summer meals with family and friends. You’ll prepare: whole roast chicken with lemon & rosemary; Greek lamb koftas served with a rich tomato & oregano sauce; Cajun spiced salmon goujons with a tangy vegetable salsa; and Tunisian orange cake.) for late next month, right before I head off to France and a beach cottage (fingers crossed!) for a week. Amazingly, the chicken and salmon are on the diet :-)
I wanted to take a trip north to the Farne Islands so I could see the puffins but tomorrow is supposed to be heavy seas, so that may have to wait for another break. The back-up plan is Warwick and Kenilworth Castles so long as it's not chucking down rain. The rain plan is to finally do some housework, which is not my idea of a good time, so I'm holding out for no rain. I'm hoping to be able to grill a few chicken breasts for the next few days... It's not looking good!
My friend Penny sent me a box full of books, so I'll have plenty to read regardless of what the weather does. Yippee! I think I'm going to start with Crucible by S.G. MacLean; I got an e-mail today about the Inverness Book Festival and this is one of their featured book. I probably won't make the Festival but I can still take a look at some of their featured books.
I'm on a plateau (again--dammit!) right now but 48 lbs is nothing to sneeze at. I had a brain wave (very painful) Monday night and decided to order some sashimi from The Orchid restaurant in Harrogate for my supper Tuesday night. I got to the restaurant a few minutes early, let them know I was there and went to use the loo--since I don't seem to be able to wait more than 30 seconds between sandbox breaks. [This is not a feature of the diet--I've always been that way.] Anyway, I went in to the loo--and got the surprise of my young life! The last time I had dinner at The Orchid, the loo was a very tight fit! [Brits generally don't waste much space on toilets.] Now, it was no problem! I was stunned! And after I finished, I sat down to wait on my order and actually had wiggle room (and a surprising amount of wiggle room) in the chair they have for people waiting on take-aways or bookings. All this is VERY motivating.
I have my next Bettys Cookery School class on Wednesday of next week--The Spice Box 2:
A further selection of authentic recipes using an assortment of fragrant spices and the essential information and tips on how to best use them. From turmeric to star anise, cumin to mustard seeds, you will find that variety really is the spice of life as you make: chicken jalfrezi; Moroccan spiced lamb; pork pho (a Vietnamese noodle soup); and Bombay potatoes. Yum! Yum!
I find I get a bit twitchy if I don't have a Bettys class to look forward to, so I also booked "Everyday Delicious" (This fabulous selection of dishes offer an array of mouth-watering flavours inspired by the Mediterranean and warmer climes - perfect for relaxed summer meals with family and friends. You’ll prepare: whole roast chicken with lemon & rosemary; Greek lamb koftas served with a rich tomato & oregano sauce; Cajun spiced salmon goujons with a tangy vegetable salsa; and Tunisian orange cake.) for late next month, right before I head off to France and a beach cottage (fingers crossed!) for a week. Amazingly, the chicken and salmon are on the diet :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)