Packaging and Pies

There are 'wars and rumours of wars, famine and earthquakes in various places,' volcanoes' in Iceland, the country not the shop.  There are lifeboat men in high seas, mountain rescue services way up mountains, police and firemen struggling to save lives, and my hardest task today was opening the silver wrapper that surround the refill ink for the printer.

As each day passes I find opening the packets things arrive in harder than installing them.   Everything is the same.  Nothing arrives with easy opening capabilities.  I know many items have 'Cut here,' or 'Pull Here' upon them, but they lie!  Even worse are those which offer a thin line with a picture of scissors upon them.  You are foolishly led to believe that scissors can cut the thing, this also is a lie!

Today, with the aid of a 'Stanley Knife,' I broke into the surrounding thick plastic containing the new ink, fought my way through the cardboard box - eventually, and then spend much time opening the silver foil with the lie 'Tear Here' upon it.

Once that was over I was able to install, quickly, the ink.  

Then followed more checks on the work I was doing, which led to several reprints with the new ink, and eventually I decided enough was enough.  

However, I might have a go at the next bit later tonight..

Struggling to plan my ideal diet I fell into the 'Pie Trap.'  Therefore I ordered more pies, steak and mince, at enormous cost, but at least this gives me something I understand in the fridge for when my own cooking fails.  This, if all goes well, arrives on Tuesday from Forres.  

The Pieman Calleth

 

There was a bit of a worry yesterday.  The phone rang, or at least made beeping kind of sounds, and a well spoken Scots voice was on the other end.  Clearly this was not a family member.  No indeed, this was my butcher up in Forres.  He was warning me the pies would be delivered late.  Apparently, the regular 'Parcelpost' man was off and his order had not been collected.  He assured me they would collect today.  What a nice man, what service for a small order of Steak Pies and Sausage Rolls.  

Today, around 10:20, the van arrived and a friendly driver offloaded a white box containing the long awaited pies.  Being careful regarding space in the small freezer I only obtained a handful of butcher made steak pies and sausage rolls, and these fitted nicely into the freezer, though I may have to eat some tonight.  No mince pies this time, maybe next.

Nothing else to say, and the sausage rolls look good...

Read about Scotch Pies History: Threadinburgh

Burns and Haggis

It may have escaped your notice that today we celebrate the 'Bard's' birthday.  Rabbie Burns will not join us however, having passed away in 1796.  Scots, and quite a few others, will be attempting to cook Haggis, Neeps and Tatties for lunch, reading the 'Address to a haggis,' and if they are not Scots they will be making a fool of themselves with the accent. 
 

Sadly the haggis available in my Tesco's is not great.  I could have got 'my butcher' up in Forres to send one down, but time beat me here.  I did consider the 'mince pies' in the freezer however, by the time I considered them it was too late to defrost them. 

I had garlic bread and vegetable soup instead.

There was no 'Address' offered.

A proper Haggis from a butcher can be expensive.  It can be however, marvellous, not like the rather dry ones I find in supermarkets.  I certainly would not buy the 'Vegan' or is it 'Vegetarian' one that sometimes becomes available, as clearly there is no point.  

As my late sister's birthday fell on Jan 25th along with Rabbie, I cannot forget the date.  She however, showed no poetic talent, unless sending postcards from places she visited with 'I was here today,' on the back counts.  It counted a wee bit when she sent a card thus commented upon featuring the Andromeda Galaxy!  I was in two minds if she had actually visited.  It turns out the family had been to a science type exhibition in Edinburgh.  Not many stars seen from there at this time of year mind.

No Haggis but however, I have the whisky, given to me by one of my secret admirers.  Burns referred to whisky as 'John Barleycorn,' and his poem offers his delight in the substance.  It may be Burns, as he often did, made use of an old poem and livened it up.  However, he, working on a farm when not seeking smugglers for the exciseman, and usually helping them rather than catching them, he knew all about the difficulties of raising Barley as a crop.  He would know about the hardships of farm life and the struggle to make it pay at that time also. 

And while we make the most of the Orkney Barley we keep an eye out for those Vikings seeking to steal back their product.  We however, have ways of dealing with them...

Pink Laundry, Conservative Liars and Pies.

After several sad episodes this week I rose determined to ensure a successful day.

I was careful to make sure the kettle was filled with water, that I switched it on to boil, and that the tea and milk were in the cup before I filled it.  Special care was taken not to spill tea over the (now very clean) laptop again.

I also placed my shoes near the door so that I would remember to put them on before leaving.  Something I failed to do twice this week.

Impressed by my ability I continued my day by changing the bed, removing the new scarlet duvet cover after a month or so, and thrusting it into the washing machine along with the routine T-shirts and stuff.  I selected a shorter wash slot, I put the 'Poundland' soap goo into the machine, switched on, and left it.  

Being Thursday, (Thor's Day, named after the Norse God, why?  Was it his day off?) I took the rubbish bag and the recycling bag down into the cold weather (only early 70s today) and dumped them in the appropriate smelly places.  

Naturally, when later I made my lunch, I discovered so much veg in the fridge had gone off and another trip to the bins was required an hour later.  My lunch was delightful, as long as taste is not required, reduced priced pork chops with tomato and cucumber.  The choice based on whatever was lying around.  It will do.

After this the washing machine cranked quietly to a halt.

I removed the bundle of wet, soggy material and dumped it in the west wing.  

It was then I noticed a slight flaw in the day. 

The white shirt, of considerable age and, to put it mildly, somewhat done, had changed colour to pink!  Not wishing to be mistaken for a member of a 'Pride' parade this was dumped! 

Also found in the heap was a once white, hankie, and several other items which had darkened or changed colour, not always badly it must be said.  The scarlet duvet was untouched by this I am happy to say.  Hanging to dry, it appears to have suffered no harm today.  I might have to be wary next time...

Politico

 

Talking of mistakes, another vote occurred regarding selecting the person to lead the Conservative Party into oblivion at the next General Election.  The crassly stupid Braverman woman has been removed thankfully.  However, the crassly stupid and incompetent Liz Truss remains, and appears to be the 'Daily Mails' hope.  Mordaunt, possibly more vile than Braverman remains in second place.  The others, though I once had hopes for Tugendhat, will fail next time.  

We have had Cameron, who we thought looked like a PM but wasn't one, was bad. He failed because he fell for the ERG ruse about Brexit.  Theresa, equally useless, attempted not to be ruled by anyone, including those who spoke the truth and offered facts, instead appealing to the 'wide eyed loons,' and failed.  

Then we had Boris.  

I considered it impossible to find someone worse than Boris, but we have Truss, Mordaunt and Sunak in the lead!  I tell you, this is a judgement on us!  

Murdoch Butchers Forres

Having done all, with little energy left (how do women do all these jobs?) I found I had a space in the freezer.  Hmmm thought I, how about filling it with pies and Sausage Rolls, good ones?  So, it was off to Murdoch and by this time next week the fridge and freezer will be, like me, groaning!

Good innit?

Oh, and another thing, never go food shopping when hungry!
Don't ask how I know...

   

Thursday TittleTattle

 

The excitement of the day yesterday featured an appearance of the Hospital Helicopter.  I heard one flying around above, and naturally took it to be the Police one, but could not see it.  This was because the thing had landed right in front of me in the park.

The crew wandered down the street somewhere and I never saw them for an hour.  Then they sauntered back, without wearing all the clobber, and headed off into the sky.  This leads to lots of questions such as who were they visiting?  Why did they not take them aboard?  Were they too late? And again, who was it?  Do I know them?  24 hours later and I still have no idea who they visited.  This is very annoying to a nosey person like me.  Flying a helicopter to an emergency, and not making use thereof is a lot of money to waste if nobody is carted off by the helicopter.  It is not the first time it has landed here and with an ambulance station half a mile away to the west I wonder how serious the patient was that they were called in?  

I may never know.

I must say Murdoch's 'Steak Pies' are very good.  I got some of his 'Chicken Curry' pies this time also, but I am not as keen on them as on the others.  Time will tell however, I still have 5 of these to get through and my opinion might change.  

For some reason my weight has reached 16 stone once again, and two of my jackets, plus old jeans, no longer fit me.  I blame lockdown!  This appears to have shrunk outfits everywhere.

 

Orbital Today

 

Today is 'Earth Day!'

Did it make any difference where you live?

Nope, not here either.

Nothing will improve the earth, it is broken and will continue broken, however, better management, less abuse of natural resources and less greed will of course help to sustain the earth and sustain those living thereon.

I hope the kids leaving their rubbish strewn across the nations parks are not joining in those various 'Climate Change' demand groups.

Boris, Pies & That Guy on the Internet...

New European

Today saw the last PMQs of the year.  I ignored it.  The report however indicates that whatever the question Boris ignored it and gave an answer that suited him, even if totally irelevant to the question asked.  The PM at PMQs has always had the ability to avoid giving a straight answer, all advantages lie with the sitting PM, the Leader of the Opposition is often floundering against a brick wall.  However, Boris takes this to the obvious conclusion and just bare-faced lied throughout.  Only complimentary points made by 'Arslikan' back benchers get a warm response, though even Boris knows they would stab him in the back if required.  

So it goes on.  I ignore it as this false question time is a waste of time.  With a disorganised opposition unsure of where it is headed, a government heading for a 'No Deal' as ordered by Mr Putin and those money changers, nothing will save the nation from the disaster of Brexit.  Only the Good Lord stepping in will save us and it appears he is allowing this nation the leaders this nation deserves!

Stock up now while you still can!

Murdoch Brothers

Around 5 pm last night I had a call from that nice Mr Murdoch, Graham to his customers, concerning my missing 12 pies.  Apologising for failing to read the order properly and promising to send the missing 12 pies ASAP he had kindly taken the time to call and put things right.

It appears he has only had three Sunday's off in 9 months as 'Lock Down' has increased his sales resulting in wearing him out.  Of course that is his fault, Butchers offering tastless pies do not have this bother! 

This is a reflection of those who have been isolated, had shops shut, and local butchers not local enough for them.  This also reflects on the care of Murdoch Brothers service as people keep re-ordering from them!  Well done to him!

Now to eat...

 

Stuffing Face or Saving Face.

In spite of dreich weather, thick overcast clouds dampened the streets and the hearts of many this morning, in spite of this my delivery arrived from Foress via Inverness, Newcastle, Harlow and looking at the friendly driver, Morrocco at 1:40 ish today.  Two frozen sachets kept the pies cool, most now cooler in the freezer.  At least I hope it is safe to freeze them, I will find out soon!

One now awaits me, I felt it right to ensure they taste right before going on, and then I can get back to what I have not done while awaiting the van arriving.  So, that was alright, I may need to eat one or two more tonight.

Standard

The smiling immigrant at the Despatch Box has announced a cut in foreign aid.  Success for the 'Daily Mail' reader!  A miniscule amount of cash, that possibly aids this country more than any other, now cut to serve ideology and stupidity.  Will this aid the Billions squandered on Brexit?  Will it aid anyone bar the money changers on high?  With a claim that 2.6 million will be unemployed next year - 2.6 million!  yet there is no apology for Brexit which caused it, nor for the mishandling of the virus which exacerbates this.  Still, they and their money changers will be OK.  

Millions unemployed, no leadership at the top, gangster attitudes, incompetence, graft, and a pretence to care for the economy?  How did we get into this mess?

Workmen....!

 

Woman's Work

 

The JOY continues.

I awoke with the Larks this morning, or at least the Blackbirds, Pigeons and Rooks.  I could not sleep, I was too tired to rise, but I rose.  Breakfast took forever as I kept forgetting what I was doing.  Then I had to look at the washing machine.  I looked, considered, and decided it was time for lunch.

Where did the time go?

As I was searching the web for washing machine info my great niece began to question me re family history.  This meant looking out photos and sending them on.  She is very into this just now. 

Then, joy of joys, a man arrived at my door unexpectedly.  An electrician come to do the work he outlined weeks ago.  No-one mentioned this to me, the Landlord forgot to phone me.

When he had begun to break things, bang a lot, hammer here and drill there, she called. 

"Is he with you?"  She asked sweetly, her voice full of guilt.  

He still has to fix the other flats and she was unsure who would be in, I promised to keep his visit secret.   

Later.

He is still here!

He has put on his radio.

Some local rubbish station that I would not dream of using.  He did not ask, I do not mind but I do not wish to lower my mind to this bubblegum pop dross with cheery conversation in between.  He is used to working on his own, in empty flats, I do not blame him for that.  I would prefer working alone if I were he.  I just wish he would finish!

I canny get much done and need my siesta.

He is still here, banging and thumping.

Much later.

At last!  peace for my siesta - before I start clearing up.  Then I can play with the washing machine again.   Oh and by using my hoover he knocked over the kettle, don't ask how, l now need to add that to the shopping list tomorrow.

 

Murdoch's pies will arrive tomorrow by FED EX sometime before 6 pm, that means around lunchtime as usual.  Pie for tea tomorrow night.  

 

Monday Joy!

This week will be a good one.  I can tell.

For a start, I woke at 5:45 this morning, I was up by 6, and soon I had been round Sainsburys and back long before I forgot the main thing I went for.

The day stuttered from then on, though I did order some food from an online butcher.  Mince pies, known in this foreign imperialist land as 'Scotch Pies.' I also ordered other varieties with them, as these are impossible to obtain in this area, and this will fill my fridge for a wee while.  They work out at around £2 each, which is not much more than some rubbishy shop pies here cost.  The shop I found is in Forres, way up in the north of Scotland.

I was boasting about my buy, content in spending yet more money to save money when a crunching sound caught my ear.  The washing machine has stopped in the middle of a cycle and died!  I had filled the thing but did not realise what was already therein.  Too heavy for the old girl and something has failed.  Later, when all had ceased, I removed sodden clothes and now finished them, badly, by hand.  The water remains in the machine and I must search the web to work out how to fix or kill the brute.  

I am so happy about this... 

Boris has been spluttering about 'Tiers and'lock down' again.  I didn't catch what he said but will it make a difference anyway?  People will get together at Xmas whatever they say.  In some cases,especially with locked in grannies this may be a good thing, however, the danger will involve passing on a virus undetected.  Families have to make a sensible choice, sadly far too many will not.  January will be busy for the NHS.   

My family will use the excuse not to contact me, they have used it for 40 years so far, I expect little change there...

Just about lunchtime I was cosy, comfortable and just a wee bit tired.  Since then everything has gone wrong.  Now, I have been waiting on my cheap Tesco pie to cook, choosing proper ones made me hungry, I awaited the burning smell that always accompanies my cooking, I waited, and waited.  I then checked on the thing and found it sitting above the oven attracting flies.  Now I must wait again.  It is all joy at the moment.  I bet there will be no football tonight also, just what I want...