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Culinary curiosities

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010 | Author: Julia

Lesson learnt. Every time. Stick to a Jamie Oliver and it takes a lot to go wrong. For people like me who are not ‘delicate’ cooks, baking frosted cup cakes and simmnel cakes at every opportunity, a Jamie Oliver offers the chance to get down, get mucky and get throwing a load of garb in, to produce edible food-related products. So, with my annual Father’s Day Al Fresco Soiree looming, I decided to pull out the Mr.O’s and make something which I didn’t need to revert to Prozac to cook. So, as Dad loves all things pasta, I decided to make Jamie’s fish lasagne – a bit fiddly but well worth it. We started with a selection of mediterranean yummies such as baked camemberts soaked in wine and studded with garlic – SO easy – SO unhealthy, baked tomatoes, chorizo and other such easy ’shove in the oven and then shove in your mouth’ items. Dessert was Mr O’s Maple Pecan Tart and Eton Mess. A total calorific over-load. But was the food the star attraction? How could it be dear reader with Lord Chortles in attendance, entertaining us with his pithy annecodotes, endearing sense of humour and his enquiring mind. Sporting the very latest in pastel dungarees and a new side parting, LC really looked the part as he headed up the dining room table. We thank you LC for making our Father’s Day Soiree so successful and special. And what of Mrs Q ? After arriving with Mr Q and kindly passing me a large box of chocolates : ‘they were half price’ we came to a decision. Due to our mutual ballooning weight problem we are now on a diet and competing to lose half a stone within the shortest possible time frame. Mrs Q is starting with a diet which she reliably informs me is recommended to heart patients pre – surgery: nil by mouth for 3 days followed by a week of salad. I however will be doing it the sensible way – nothing for 2 weeks except her half price box of chocolates, the odd cod curry and a post work glass of white to supress any latent hunger. We shall be reporting back shortly on progress.

Now, if this little introdution gives the impression that I am a Domestic Goddess ( or in the words of Mrs Q – Domestic Slag ) then think again. For, this evening I thought I would come home and treat Mr P to a Thai Cod Curry, Thai Salad and Rice in the garden – candles et al. All I can say is, Delia – get a grip love – re-think and then re-think again. How can your ‘quick cod and mango thai curry’ produce something that looked like fish desperately trying to swim out of a coconut sludge. And as for the thai salad – Ian’s words ring in my ears : ‘ I can’t eat that – I wouldn’t make that again.’ Yes – another post-work culinary failure. Not enough chilli, too much coconut milk and too much bloody mess. Sorry Delia – but you just don’t do it for me. Give me Mr O any day. Now where are Mrs Q’s ‘eat by 31st December 2008′ half price chocolates…

Category: Cooking, Family, My Life | One Comment

Back blogging again!

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 | Author: Julia

Well, I cant believe it’s two months since I last blogged. I guess it’s a combination of being ultra busy at home and ditto at Company X. So, after such a long time away dear readers, I guess it’s time for a long catch-up post.

Life has been very kind to me the last couple of months. While the days have been long, I’ve been experiencing a new sense of contentment. Not that I was unhappy before – more that I’ve gained a better purchase on what is important in life. Now that all sounds rather spiritual and self-effacing I know but I’ve developed a new and intense curiosity in the world around me – almost like being a child again! The world, which before seemed like just some place where I lived and enjoyed life, now feels like something really special. By the way I’m excluding the chav who put a note on my car two weeks ago telling me to ‘ f**k off and park somewhere else’ likewise the woman in Sainsburys tonight who produced a sovereign-ringed paw full of 5p off vouchers and held up the queue for quarter of an hour – you two are excluded. No, the things I’m thinking of are the way the world is so ordered.

For example, at Company X to-day, I was lucky enough to be taken out at lunch by Mr.M to visit his apiary. Now that for you non-bee types is where a bee-type person keeps his bee hives. It was absolutely fascinating seeing the way in which these creatures order themselves and create a whole community with roles and responsibilities. Mr M showed me how you smoke ‘em out and get into the hive to look over the individual panels which sit in the house. The Queen bees are amazing – just one per hive and they seem to rule the roost. It was totally wierd standing in the bee keeper’s garb with little buzzers buzzing round your head and body. They are curious creatures and not as scary as I had at first thought. Thank you Mr M for a memorable lunch-time. In fact I am so interested I’m thinking of getting a hive in the garden prior to Mr.P’s arrival back home at the week end. He would be thrilled. He loves winged beasts.

So what else has been occurring? Well we’ve had some great times with the lovely Junior. He has brought so much love and happiness into our lives and continues to thrill with his wonderful smiles and chubbly legs. It’s clear he doesn’t suffer fools and knows his rights – I’ve never seen a babe so determined and happy to dish out dirty looks when you cough or sneeze. Well Junior – you are a tribute to your own Auntie’s intolerances!

In terms of reading, I’ve had my nose in books for most of the past two months. The most recent read was Hilary Mantel’s ‘Beyond Black’. A satirical look at the world of mediumship, this book could have been so good but after the first 100 pages I lost the will and continued to the end only because I have a policy in life never to give up on a book. I found it over-written, over-long and lacking a real plot I could get a handle on. By the time I got to the last fifty pages I was counting down the paragraphs to the end. Not a patch on Wolf Hall, one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read.

One of the real triumphs of the last few weeks has been getting out and doing some walking along the South Coast path. The weather has been perfect for hiking and the sea and cliffs looks wonderful in the sun. Sitting over-looking Lulworth Cove, eating a crab sandwich and listening to the gulls whooping and screaming, I felt totally peaceful. Except ten minutes later I found there was no bus service on Sundays back to Wool station and had to get ‘Jean’ in the gift shop to call me a cab.

So, dear readers, I apologise for my blogging absence and promise to do better in the future! It’s time now to check my e-bay bids, get grouted up and go out. So long for now – and will be back blogging later. Promise.

Category: Baby Hughes, Books, Family, Friends, My Life | One Comment

Lads wot lunch

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 | Author: Julia

We were thrilled today to be joned by Junior for lunch. This little lad, clearly accustomed to dining out, was spotting smiling for photographers as they snapped away at him. But dealing with the paparazzi is all in a day’s work for this young socialite. Dressed in a smart casual combo of cowboy motif dungarees with feature turn-ups and matching navy corduroy soft bootees, Junior continues to raise the bar and set the scene for fashionistas in the PO postcode area.

Dining on a 100% organic meal, Junior demonstrated his committment to healthy living and a zero tolerance to harmful additives and colourings. His official minder, Mrs Q, finished the look and feel of sophisticated dining with a stunning soil and bark coloured outfit, teemed with leggings and hoof boots. Standing with hands on hips, with her overly toned calves, she looked rather like Henry the Eighth as she was seen shovelling scampi and chips into her mouth. Normally a lover of suckling pig and a dancing bear, Mrs Q was still able to relax into casual dining mode.

Rounding off the lunch, Junior ( aka Sammy Sparkle ) joined that infamous Vegas gambler Kitty Glitter for a go on the slotties. This young man really sets the social scene alight with his ready smiles, erudite sense of humour and ability to charm. Clearly no stranger to such hostleries, Junior exited to enjoy an afternoon of soft play before heading home for a light supper. We thank Junior for his time and look forward to seeing him again soon!

Category: Baby Hughes, Family | Leave a Comment

Junior’s surprise visit

Saturday, March 20th, 2010 | Author: Julia

We were thrilled to host a surprise visit from Junior who arrived at short notice this afternoon. Sporting a smart pastel blue-infused all-in-one jumpsuit with co-ordinating beige sockettes and navy slippers, his footwear combo showed that this boy really has a sense of style. Although last season’s must-haves, his winter wardrobe still packed a fashionable punch this wet, Southampton afternoon. Accompanied by Mrs Q Junior immediately relaxed into his new surroundings insisting on taking time out to stare at the sparkly lights in the grate.

It should be noted that Junior’s afternoon schedule was only released by his private office at short notice but this made no different to what turned into a lovely afternoon. Armed with a selection of entertainment accessories, Junior started the afternoon by dining off a gourmet meal of fish and vegetables, the green colour of which contrasted well with the blue of his afternoon atire.

After an afternoon of play and chat, Junior announced his decision to depart and return home but not before he agreed to model his latest Jasper Conran number; a new yellow souwester.

We wish Junior well and express our gratitude at his decision to take time out of hs busy schedule to pay a visit to Janson Road.

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‘Pick ‘n’ Strum’ make musical magic!

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 | Author: Julia

Spent a lovely Mothering Sunday at Mum and Dad’s accompanied by Mr. P and joined by Mr and Mrs Q and Junior. After the customary roast lunch we adjourned to spend the entire afternoon doting on the lovely Junior. Seven months old and blooming – a little like Mrs Q who looked radiant in a moth-coloured spring ensemble. But the afternoon wouldn’t have been the same without the impromptu jamming session from the Mr’s who, feeling the creative urge, decided to make beautiful music together. And what a treat it was too with musical history made on the fly. But what is so special about these two talented musicians? Well, they offer something a little bit special, a bit unique, a bit unheard of. Pushing the barriers of traditional musical theory, these two impressarios threw caution to the wind and played from the soul. Set after set of inspiring sounds – even Junior was transfixed in wonder once he’d got bored of playing with the top of the chocolate box. And the music became interactive as Mrs Q and Mrs P felt the call to rhythm and danced a spirital dance of lightness and light – a perfect compliment to what had now become an artistic performance. We wait to hear what next for the Mr.’s or as they are now called - ‘Pick ‘n’ Strum’. No doubt a signing is on the way.

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Gratuitious post!

Monday, September 28th, 2009 | Author: Julia

Just a couple of pictures of me with my lovely parents on Portsdown Hill !

And two of me trying illegally to climb Nelson’s Monument and ending up with a barbed wire injury!

Category: Family, My Life | Leave a Comment

Fort Nelson

Sunday, September 27th, 2009 | Author: Julia

Dad took me up to Fort Nelson this morning while Mum prepared the Sunday roast. It was a fantastic morning – another day of clear blue autumn skies with just a breath of a breeze. I’m not normally one for armouries but this place is fascinating. One of several forts built along Portsdown Hill in circa 1880 to protect the coast from the marauding French, it is interesting to note that all of the guns point towards the back over the hill towards Southwick. In fact there is very little fortification at the front! Design or error? I’m not sure. The tunnels which run under the building are supposedly haunted but no spiritual sightings to day. However I have to say I wouldn’t go down on my own under any circumstances.

After the fort we walked along to Nelson’s monunent built to mark the death of Lord Nelson and commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. It’s been there nearly 200 years but this was the first time I’d noticed it, probably because it is set back from the road. There was something strange about it – set in an isolated position all those years ago – passed by these days by cars, cyclists and pedestrians. There was almost an eerie feel to it as though it had been long forgotten – just the sound of the crows circling overhead. If I was Derek Acorah or Colin Fry no doubt I would have sensed the great man himself, strutting up and down, patch over one eye shouting ‘Kiss Me Hardy.’ As it was I didn’t. What I did do was slash my hand on some barbed wire which had been put up to stop people walking round the side of the obelisk. There was a gap afterall and nobody was around. And Dad encouraged me – so it’s his fault.

Category: Family, My Life | 2 Comments

Happy Families!

Sunday, September 27th, 2009 | Author: Julia

Lovely day yesterday walking along Southsea Seafront from Eastney to The Point and back. Beautiful September sunshine, no breeze and a general feel of holiday still in the air. I consider this walk one of the best – so much to see and the Solent is always awash with boats. It also reminds me of my childhood, especially being taken down to the beach by Dad after school in the summer. Also being walked through the fair and told that we couldn’t go on any of the rides as they were only for children who were on holiday and not for children who lived in Southsea. Harsh. Well, yesterday as part of the walk we had to make our way through the fair and as usual Mum was begging for a go on the dodgems, then insisting on having a bag of candy floss and when she saw the large tatooed ladies drinking pints and eating chips outside the crazy golf – well – there was no holding her back. So, for the record – a great picture of Mum and Dad just before the Hot Walls. Dad – I know you hate that hat – but you know you have to wear it! I’ve also posted one of the cat attempting to hang herself.

Category: Family, My Life | One Comment

The last couple of weeks…

Friday, September 25th, 2009 | Author: Julia

I realised this morning that I hadn’t blogged for nearly two weeks which is quite unheard of in Blog Land so now feel the need to get writing to my cyber readers. Please therefore forgive this rather long and random post!

Well I see that my last post concerned reading so I shall continue in the same vein having just finished Dan Brown’s latest epic ‘The Lost Symbol.’ As ever, this was a heady mix of short, tightly written chapters packed with cliff hangers, unanswered questions and his trademark twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the bad grammar, spelling mistakes and obviously rushed proof reading. However, without giving too much away, I felt he could have ended the book sooner, ditching the last fifty pages which became far-fetched and pedestrian. Having said that – well worth the read and no doubt we will be seeing another appalling adaptation at the cinema in the near future.

Last week end saw us visiting Laura and her family in Twickenham and in the words of Mr P – ‘ that was one of the best week-ends I’ve had this year!’ On the Saturday Laura, Julia and I drove into Kensington to have coffee and cake and visit Linley Sanbourne House which was wonderful. A beautifully preserved late-Victorian town house which reminded me of an old fashioned doll’s house in life size scale. While we walked around this intriguing time capsule, the boys played golf re-joining us for Laura’s roast pork! On the Sunday I watched Julia having a horse riding lesson in Richmond Park with the afternoon set aside for a walk along the river and a trip to York House in Richmond which had been opened to the public as part of the annual London ‘Open House Week-End.’ This week-end in September allows the public to access buildings in London which are usually closed to the public. A couple of years ago I dragged Ian up to Woolwich to visit Crossness Pumping Station which had been opened as part of said event. Absolutely amazing. I still long to visit one of the disused Tube Stations for which there is an inordinate waiting list!

Wednesday saw me joining a Company Y team event which I won’t write about as my policy is never to write about work on this blog. However I will say it was a good day and I was able to catch up with all the news in readiness for my return in the New Year.

And what of Baby Hughes you ask ? Well, had a good day with Mrs Q and Baby Hughes on Hayling Island. Both are doing well and it was nice to see that Mrs Q had shed some baby pounds and also some of those elasticated waist monstrosities. A lovely lunch – her speciality – two slices of dry bread with some ham and cheese slapped in the middle. No relish. No chutney. No taste. But let’s get real – Mrs Q’s priorities are understandably in a much more important place these days. Like texting me pictures of c-list celebs on reality shows with the caption ‘ Fat Slag.’ Well done Mrs Q – you are a credit to yourself as always.

The voluntary work continues and I still get a great deal of satisfaction out of this – I’m really hoping I can continue in some form after I return to work.

So what of the week end? Well, Mr P left this morning for a long week end in Leeds with his friends. And what a wife I was. Brought him breakfast in bed – ironed him a number of outfits to take with him – helped him pack – and then drove him and his friend to the station with a promise to pick them up on Sunday evening. Why was this you ask? Am I just a model wife ? Why no ! I intend to use this as ammunition in a future argument to demonstrate just how wonderful I am and how terrible Mr P is. Why else would I go to such lengths ? We women plan ahead…

Category: Baby Hughes, Books, Family, Friends, My Life, Volunteering | Leave a Comment

Arlesford Agricultural Show

Sunday, September 06th, 2009 | Author: Julia

I love large beasts. Maybe that’s why I married Mr.P. But I’m talking here of bovine beasts and the like. Yes, Saturday morning saw me hot footing it down to my parents to drive to Arlesford Agricultural Show. We had an early start as my parents like to arrive at places early to avoid any traffic or directional mishaps. This neccessitated me getting up at 6am because afterall if we had left it later the road could have been blocked by a tank, invaded by a herd of marauding elephants on a day out or closed due to early 6 foot snow drifts. As luck would have it our early start meant we avoided all such potential disasters.

Now this is a lovely show: bulls, cows, sheep, alpacas, goats, horses and dogs. Everything for the beast lover. And plenty of Hog Roasts which all seemed to be positioned near the animals – insensitive to say the least although I did indulge in a very tasty venison steak burger. But the stars of the show? An unexpected pen full of Blood Hounds. Wonderful dogs with so much personality – I instantly fell in love with them and could have taken them all home. They look permanently depressed until you catch their eye and they come bounding up to you. In fact it may well have been the dogs that won the day. The Greyhound Rescue tent broke my heart – four rescued greyhounds available for unlimited stroking and petting. I adored them all – definitely a breed for my ‘Dogs I Would Like To Have In The Future When Ian Gives Up Stopping Me Having One’ list.

So, after all this canine affection I returned home to a cat that despises me ( and shows it ) and my very own big bovine beast – the lovely Mr.P.