Things English

Those who know me well will know I'm a Shreddie-holic and have eaten them since I was a child. Here is a photo of THE LAST PACK OF SHREDDIES brought over by daughter N!

Started a list today of things we need to ask for or get, next time we're in England. So far there's malt vinegar (chips aren't the same without it!), fruity brown sauce, cranberry sauce and, of course, Shreddies! Note no mention of alcoholic beverages although a hand-pulled pint of Landlord wouldn't go amiss! (We already have stocks of Bird's, Bisto, Paxo, Patak's and mint sauce [thanks Peep]!!)

This all makes it sound like I'm a real Philistine and Anglophile but we used to bring back mustard, wine vinegar, Nutella, barquettes, syrop de menthe and grenadine, mustard mayonnaise, tins of flavoured Mackerel for C, cornichons, saucisson, rillettes and gallons of wine! (Many of these weren't easily available in our supermarkets in the old days.) Philistine perhaps, Anglophile no!

Still not really started on any jobs but I've given our old dining table three coats of yacht varnish to see if it can survive outside. Although it's under shelter the rain comes in at an angle there so it's pretty vulnerable (not that we've seen any rain since the kids went back - sorry N & Peep!). We've also made a start on the future herb & salad garden trying to clear it of all its weeds.

More excitingly we've befriended an old couple (J&F) who live opposite for much of the year. They invited us over for aperitifs one evening last week and next day J came to have a look at the house to see what suggestions he could make. M saw him yesterday and he's drawing up plans to convert the garage into a second (small) living space with mezannine sleeping area, and converting the garden store-room into a second shower/toilet/utilities room. This could all be done without planning permission as it's all within the house as it stands! Could be very interesting!