Pear Tarte Tatin

Autumn fruit is amazing. A colleague handed me a huge bag of pears so feeling somewhat energetic this week I set to and made a pear and ginger cake for his meeting. Unfortunately he didn't actually get any of it, so better set to and make another one.

Pear Tarte Tatin, almost better than apple. Thanks, Gordon.

One of those days

I feel like writing one of those letters which is signed Disgruntled of Lichfield.

Yet not really a bad day, the Freecycling continued after work. Garden furniture to a delightful couple who were on their way to the tip in their van and asked if I had anything they wanted me to take with them. You see, brief connections with people like this in the everyday humdrum of life often reassure you that, after a rubbish night's sleep (or doze should I say), most people are genuinely nice and want to help.

What is a house worth?

Listened to a laughable offer today. Incensed, infuriated and indeed I did laugh and said positively no, we are in no hurry to sell. But what if it is the only offer? The market is static, bills need paying, closure needs addressing, what price a house where you spent so much of your life as a child, a teenager, a young married 20 something, a 30 something mother, daughter, sister, you cannot put a price on that. I find I am defending the fact it has 'potential for improvement' - estate agent speak. Why does everyone need an ensuite these days or an island in the kitchen? It was fine for us growing up and the grandchildren growing up who have such fond, happy, hysterically funny at times memories of this house and their grandparents. I suspect the emotional ties now the house is becoming a shell of its former self are beginning to loosen. The day is fast approaching for the final time when we shall lock up the back, close the front door, close all the downstairs doors, draw the curtains and taken a final look behind us as we say goodbye. Tears will flow.

How lucky we consider ourselves to have those memories, how sad they are all in the past.

and so the Freecycling continues....

I had to ask my hubs the name for this...the sack truck, useful I'm sure but I had no idea of its name. So many responses. Came down to 'I have a disabled husband and would really appreciate it', no brainer as to the need.







The twin beds have gone to 'our friend who has recently opened a day centre and respite for the elderly and would be well cared for'.






The garden chairs, parasol and table go to the lady whose daughter is 'trying to make her garden nice for her and her daughter'.





Freecycling reassures your sense of what is right in the world.
You are all welcome.