Wednesday's Words...on Wednesday!

Wednesday's Words.... and it's only Wednesday! Things are looking up.

Yesterday, I made four Franzipans and four Lemon Cakes, and today I have Wednesday's Words of Weight Loss.


You can tell I'm taking this really seriously, can't you?


Here are Patrice's questions for this week:

1. Is there someone in your town who makes you turn and walk the other way to avoid  them? Please, please, tell me I'm not alone.

Oooh, this is awkward! You know, often when I'm in town doing the shopping, I push the trolley (do you guys call it a cart?!) with my head down.... except when I look up to the shelves... obviously. My mum said I'm so odd. She goes to the grocery store for the opportunity to see as many folks as possible, to have a yarn with them, and to generally make an afternoon of her trip. I go to get what I need as quickly as possible, all the time thinking, 'I need to get home. I need to get home.'

So it's not so much one person, as just people in general. Does that make me really odd? Does that prove that homeschooling Mums have socialisation issues?

2. Have you ever tried juicing?

Yueueueeuw. I'm sorry, I'm sure there are wonderful health benefits, and maybe - just maybe - I'd love spinach leaves, cabbage and carrots in a glass. Maybe. But I doubt it. Maybe I've got the whole 'juicing' thing wrong and that's not at all what people eat, er... drink. But sorry, it aint for me. If things ever change on this score, I'll sure let y'all know. Just don't be holding your breath.

3 Do you feel better with long hair, short hair, or something in between?

Well, it's like this...

(Patrice, why are there never questions I can answer with a 'yes' or a 'no'? Or are there, and I just ramble anyway? Mmmm, that's a possibility)

Back to the question. I've had short hair and I've had in-between. At the moment, my hair is longer than it's ever been, and I'm so undecided what to do. I like how easy it is for me to manage day by day. I like that I can stick it up in a pony tail when I'm working in the plot, so the wind isn't blowing it all over my face. But there's a 'but'.... It doesn't really suit me. Oh, I know a woman's hair is her glory, but it doesn't really suit me.

In fact, Katie summed it up the other day when she said, 'Mum. I like your face. And I like your hair. I just don't like the two of them together'. I think she was spot on.

But then comes the problem: Do I go in-between? That would suit me fine, but there's so much work in it. I have to do something to it every day, and there's never a 'throw it up in a pony tail' option.

And it's in my face all the time I'm working outside. Driving. Me. Nuts.

Or do I go short? Mmmm

Such vexing questions I have to deal with daily.

4 Have you ever seen a large fireworks display in person?

Well, we have one every 5th November, but you couldn't really call it 'large' or a 'display'. (Have a look here for last year's). But I was in Niagara a couple of years ago on a Friday evening when the Falls themselves and the Bride's Veil were lit up with different colours and there was a fabulous fireworks display. We watched it all from our hotel room window, and couldn't have had a better view of it. It was fabulous.

DR and his friend (who are still in America, but I only have two more sleeps until he's home....Can you tell I'm excited?!) were in Niagara a couple of weeks ago for Canada Day. That was a fabulous experience for them.

5 What's the most unusual meal you have made?

Oh, this is difficult. I've never done the whole snails or frog's legs thing. But I guess what we have every year....

 ...this 'delicacy'

 showing her good side...

 Yep - seriously been washed with Fairy Liquid first!

And finally on the plate. The guga - a delicacy for us, but most of the world turn up their noses for some reason.

Can't think why.

Wednesday's Words...on Thursday Again!

Yes, it's Thursday, so it must be time for Wednesday's Words....


Go figure!


Here are Patrice's questions for this week:



1. How are you doing with your weight goals this summer?
Not too well. I only need to lose about 6 pounds to have all my summer clothes fitting properly. But I just love my food too much.
2. Has summer been relaxing or just as busy as ever?
Summer is always really busy. It's a different kind of busy to the other times of the year, but we see lots of people at this time of year, and, of course, we have the plot to keep us really, really busy.
3. How many times have you gone swimming this summer?
Huh?! None. Do you mean in a pool? Or in the sea?
Actually, I don't need to know, because the answer is still None.
4. Have you been to any of your class reunions?
No. We had a reunion when our class turned 40, but I didn't go. Hey, it was in town and so it meant me leaving the comforts of home. I had thought we'd have a reunion that year for our local school class, and I would have gone to that. Sadly, it didn't happen... Maybe when we're turning 50. Fifty! Boy, that can't be me I'm talking about...
5. If you could choose one of the following ways to spend the day, which would it be?    -a picnic    -a day on a boat    -shopping at a mall    -visiting an old friend
I would like the picnic, but the weather would have to be warm and sunny. We had a warm, sunny day last Monday, so I'm not sure if that's going to happen again this summer. I would choose visiting an old friend. We'd talk, and eat, and talk, and have cups of tea and cake, and talk. Yes, that'll be my choice.
Over the past half hour, I've had to comfort the Wee Guy who was in tears. I'll tell you tomorrow what his tears were about. He is the sweetest little soldier ever.

Wednesdays Words on Thursday. Again.

Wednesday's Words on Thursday again. I could get used to this!

Here are Patrice's questions for this week:

1. I've heard it said that there are two body types when weight is gained? Some are like an apple with a big gain in the middle and others are like a pear with a larger lower region. What kind of fruit are you? :) Oh, I haven't a clue. Maybe I'm sweet and cute like a strawberry. Of course, maybe I'm not, but I did have to find some excuse to bring up strawberries! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to mention strawberries because I must show you this.... 

 and this...

Isn't it exciting? Our first strawberries ever.

Yes, I'm aware this is totally off topic, but I couldn't wait to show y'all.
2. Have you ever joined an exercise studio or gym? No. I know it would be a waste of money, but I can honestly use the excuse that we're 25 miles from the nearest town, and if I really wanted to exercise, I could go for a walk on the machair, or use the treadmill. Hah! Remember that piece of equipment!

3. What was your favorite vacation ever? Oh that's easy! In 2008, we headed to the USA and spent almost four weeks in that wonderful country. We flew to Toronto, spent some days in Ontario, then travelled in to the United States. We drove around 3000 miles, and loved every single place we visited and every person we met. I could go on and on about this wonderful holiday, but you can see some of the states we visited here.
4. Is there a famous person you'd like to be like? Oh, this is difficult. When I read of Corrie ten Boom and her amazing reactions and graciousness in what she went through..... boy, what grace! She is so different to what I find in my own heart, but then, maybe it takes the trials she went through to shine that brightly. We tend to want to shine without the pain of the refining...  I would like to have the cooking talent of Nigella Lawson; the demeanour of Caroline Ingalls; the sense of duty of our Queen; the graciousness in defeat of General Lee; the writing ability of Francine Rivers; the organisational skills of, er, well, anyone really; the faith of George Muller; and the tenacity of Hudson Taylor.

5. What's your favorite way to have coffee? If you don't drink coffee, then tell me about another beverage you like. I'm not really a coffee drinker. I drink tea, but only with cake or biscuit, or a sandwich - never a cupan falamh. That only makes sense if you have Gaelic: the rest of you may ignore it!

Wednesday's Words....

Head over to Every Ruralty this week again for more answers to these questions.

1. Which works better for you- watching calories or carbs? Well, I don't do either if I'm honest. But if I have to lose a few pounds (which I do, because my summer clothes have shrunk over the winter), I simply have to cut out my 'extras'.... my cups of tea with biscuits and cake.
I have to stop baking, and stop my daughters baking. But then, the others don't get cakes, so I feel like a bad wife and mother. So I have a choice: fit into my summer clothes and be a bad wife and mother or realise there's no need for my summer clothes anyway in these temperatures, and be happy that I can be a good, caring, nourishing wife and mother.
I choose to be a good wife and mother: such selfless acts on my part.
2. Do you take supplements? No. Although I think I'll start on Evening Primrose. Anyone recommend it?
3. What's the healthiest thing you do for yourself on a regular basis? Oh Patrice, you're going to have to stop asking these questions!  Umm, I don't make puddings generally through the week - does that count? (You'd say a bit fat 'No/Nein/Non/Chan eil' if you knew that if there is no pudding, then I just have tea and cakes or biscuits)
I also went for a lovely walk yesterday with my cousin, who was staying with us. Ourselves and Jackson took a long walk down to the machair and onto the beach. That was a definite 'good for body and mind', but it doesn't come in to the 'regular' category.
Okay, I'm waffling because I'm struggling to answer your question!
4. If you could start a home business, what would it be? Well, I already do translation work from home, and I do love this kind of thing. Obviously, finding time is the big issue at this stage of my life with home-schooling, but when I am doing this work, I do love being stuck in a corner with dictionaries, words and my laptop.
If we had the money, we'd build a couple of lodges here for holiday homes. I love the view from our home so I reckon others would too. I would love to be able to give folks a really special time of holiday, and always feel so disappointed for people whose week's holiday has been ruined by bad service or cranky staff or bad food. One day, maybe...
5. Who did the cooking in your family when you were growing up? Er, Mum. Is there any other person who does cooking in a family?
Since Dad retired, he has discovered the whereabouts of the kettle, and is able to make a cuppa.
He may also be able to butter his own toast, but, apart from that....?!

Wednesday's Questions....on Thursday!

Here are Patrice's questions for this week:

1. What's your favorite food at a BBQ?

You know, BBQ is not a common occurence in this neck of the woods. Just think weather. But we did have a lovely barbeque one evening last year and the sun came out.

As for my favourite food? May I choose the desserts?

No? Actual barbeque food? I think it would be the chicken if it's been marinaded in something really nice. My brother-in-law cooks food that is magnifique.

2. Do you have any good tips for making recipes healthier? Nope, I really don't. I'm sorry, but if I'm ever changing a recipe from what's recommended, it's to put in more butter; more sugar; more cream. I never buy low-fat foods, or low-sugar (oh, I tell a lie - the diluting juice is sugar-free, right enough), but apart from that.... none.
3. As you know, I'm a chef. If I knocked at your door and told you that I would prepare any dinner you wanted, what would that be? Oh what a dream that would be! I think I'd choose a fish dish for the main course. Some sea bass, and I'd leave the rest of the dish up to you (but remember - we love potatoes).  For a starter..... let me think: if I was having fish for my main course, I'd choose a chicken wrap or roll. Feel free to add as many ingredients in the roll as you wish! And pudding..... It would have to be something chocolatey. I'm thinking something warm and some dreamy Italian ice-cream. And then another pudding - something fruity, just to finish on a healthy note.  Er, just checking the diary.... When can you come round?? 
4. Running or walking? May I choose Option C?
5. What are you reading lately?  I have a few books on the go:  I've just finished the second book, Daughter of Zion, in the Zion Chronicles series by Brodie and Brock Thoene. Mission of Motherhood, Sally Clarkson. Spurgeon's Daily Reading 
In Freedom's Cause, GA Henty
(Our read-aloud just now is the Little House series - we're on By the Banks of Plum Creek. I'm lovin' it!)

Weightless Wednesday

I'm linking with Everyday Ruralty today for 

 (Before the questions, I'd like to point out that, for me, sadly this really has nothing to do with diets, weight loss, or even weight watching. It's just a bit of fun answering Patrice's questions.)
1. Has your diet changed a lot since the warmer weather came? Er, and what warmer weather would that be? Seriously, we have had no warmer weather. Our temperature is desperately trying to creep out of the 40s. And with the almost constant winds, that feel c-o-l-d.
Last Saturday, I had a pan of Scotch Broth (thick vegetable soup) for lunch - exactly what I'd have in the middle of winter! And our evening meals have all been 'cold weather' foods. I'm longing to begin on salads, but so far.... not a rabbit leaf in sight.
2. Did you do anything interesting over Memorial weekend? Well, we don't have Memorial Day here in the UK, so that would be a 'no' (unless you count planting veg and transplanting seedlings 'interesting'??)
3. If you could plan a get together with your blog friends, what would that look like? Mmmm... let me think. I think - just to be fair to most of my blogging friends - it would have to be in America. After all, that's where most of them are, and so, to be totally unselfish, I'd do the travelling.
I'm good like that.
Once there, we'd be somewhere warm. Anywhere warm. But not hot, thank you. And we'd eat outside. Oh, I guess we've just had assumption #1 ... we'd eat! Yes, eating would definitely be part of our get together. Eating and talking with y'all? Yep, that would be right up my street. (I'm beginning to like the sound of this....)
4. Do you like yogurt? What's your favorite kind or favorite way of eating it? Oh dear.... not natural. I'm such a Philistine. I do like the (probably very unhealthy and full of colour etc) fruit ones, whisked with cream, put into individual dishes with demerara sugar sprinkled on top, left for an hour or so (or overnight - even better), and then served with fresh strawberries.
Yum.... and healthy. Okay, so it's not healthy, but it is yummy.
5. What's the most important quality or character trait in a friend? Loyalty, I think.  I guess there are other traits that are really important too, but loyalty is one trait I believe myself to have, so I'll go for that one.

Wednesday's Words...

Today's questions from Patrice at Everyday Ruralty are:

1. Are you happier at a big event/party or would you rather be with a few close friends/family? Oh definitely a few close friends or family. I much prefer talking one-on-one, or with two or three folks. I do love meeting new people, but even then, I like to really 'talk' with them. Small talk is good only for a little while.
2. What kind of farm animal is your favorite? Oh cows, with these gorgeous brown eyes (and rib-eye-steaks), and their lovely brown coats (and sirloins) and long fringes, if they are Highland cattle (and fillet steaks). I'm sorry, that was really out of order. True, but out of order, and cows - even without any thought of their meat - are still my favourite. 

 How could they not be? Isn't this baby just adorable?

 
3. How are you doing with your weight loss or healthy eating? I've lost three of the pounds I put on over the winter. To be honest, as long as my summer clothes will actually fit me, I'm not too bothered. I've always reckoned that women in their forties need some fat. I'm hoping that my face wont look so wrinkly and old. If my choice is some extra weight, or wrinkles.... I'll go with the extra few pounds anyday!
As for healthy eating... well, in general, I reckon we eat pretty healthily. I don't obsess at all about my food. I love food. I love my meals; I love my puddings; I love my chocolates. I really don't ever want to come to the place where I lose my enjoyment of food, so I'm happy with where we are really.
If only noone had ever thought of Cupcakes. Or Chocolate Sheet Cake. They have become the bane of my life. A very delicious bane-of-my-life, mind you.
4. If you could have any food made calorie free or carb free, what would it be? I guess it would be the aforementioned Cupcakes and Chocolate Sheet Cake. Or anything with chocolate in it. Imagine....... aahhhhhh
5. What's the most relaxing thing for you to do at the end of the day?  Sit in our Family Room with a book, a cuppa (and one of the aforementioned cakes), looking out the window (in between my pages) at this...

(and there y'all were thinking you were gonna get a sunset-free post!)

Wednesday's Words....

Here are today's questions from Patrice:

1. As the weather is getting warm, I want to know if you're a person for the higher temps or one who likes to be in with the air conditioning.

 

I'm sorry.... air conditioning?? Er, what's that?! Is that the gale that blows in my windows when they're open, whether it's winter or summer?

I love warmth. I love the hottest day we'll get in a whole summer, but by most standards that is only comfortably warm. We may hit the low 80s, and if we do, I'll love it. But even then, we'll have a gentle breeze wafting in our windows, so definitely no need for air conditioning. 

2. Shorts or capris?

 

Oh my! The thought of me in shorts... Eek, I've gotta move on. Quickly. 

I am a Capri person. I would wear them at all times of the year. And to all places I can get off with. This pleases my much-more-fashion-conscious sister no end. Especially when they're worn with 

 

The Boots!

3. Do you need the prescribed 8 hours of sleep, or can you get by with more or less?

 

I need 8 hours. I will happily take more if they're on offer, but I need my 8 hours. (I seldom get my quota of 8 hours, but I definitely function better with them)

4. What's your favorite healthy snack?

 

Er, I'm struggling here. Snack - Healthy - together?? 

 

Actually, I love grapes, strawberries.... fruit I can put in my mouth in one gulp. If I could afford it, I'd have a bowl of grapes and a bowl of strawberries every day.

 

5. Tell me one thing you can do for yourself this week that would make you feel good.

 

I always struggle with these kind of questions. Oh, I'd love to find time to finish the book I'm reading. I've been 'almost there' for the past week.

Wednesday's Weightless Questions

Linking to Everyday Ruralty again today, and here are today's questions:

1. Should we classify cheesecake as dairy or a dessert? I'd have an amazing food pyramid if given the chance. I think it ought to be classed as necessities of life food. It's got dairy - all that calcium; it's got fruit (normally - though some of our cheesecakes have been known to replace the fruit with Maltersers... but for this post, we'll pretend all our cheesecakes have fruit ;), and so we can have one of our fruit-and-veg portions for the day; but most of all, it's got all that happy-feel-good stuff - you know what I mean: the stuff that makes you go Mmmmmm after each forkful and the world seems a better place. See. Health food.  2. How often do you get on a scale to check your weight? For the first 19 years of married life, we didn't have scales in the house. Then, last year, I bought some. (Why do we refer to scales in the plural, when they're not balances any more?). I stood on them about twice in about 6 months, but have gone on them about 10 times in the past 10 days. They're clearly not working: I've cut down my intake of food - especially of the health-food types spoken of in Question 1 - but the scales still have not moved. 
I think I'll revert to my position of 19 years and chuck them out. 3. Do you wear an apron when you cook? Well, I never, ever did, and then Pam at Where your Treasure is had an apron swap. Nowadays, I can often be seen donning an apron as I cook!
Actually, my Mum always wears one, and she would say to me every time she was in the kitchen, "Anne, I don't know how on earth you can cook with no apron". Clearly, the wearing of an apron affects one's cooking abilities! 
4. Do you like to work in the garden? Tell us about your garden(s). Oh yes! I love to work in the garden. I spoke about my seedling just a few posts ago, so I wont bore you with details again!
All being well, we'll have: potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, leeks, onions, cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower (if the pesky root flies don't destroy them this year like they did last year), as well as herbs, peppers, chillis, and tomatoes and peas. They're both 'firsts' for us, so we'll see how they go.
There is so much work involved in a garden like this. I love it, but boy, it can be time-consuming and tiring at times. But definitely worthwhile. 
5. Did you hug anyone today? Yes! Some kids and a puppy!  I was asleep when the Builder got up, and I was still asleep when he left the house. After twenty years of marriage, he knows better than to try hugging me if it'd mean wakening me! (What a good wife I am.)

Weightless Wednesday

Today again, I'm linking up to Patrice's Weightless Wednesday.

Here are today's questions:

1. Are you happy with your recent attempts at healthy eating? There's a problem with this question: it assumes attempts at healthy eating.
I'm moving on...
2. Do you ever put off things because you don't want to do them unless you look/feel better? I put things off all the time. Just ask the laundry basket, waiting to see the clear light of day once again; the buttons waiting to be sewn onto shirts; the floor waiting for the mop's visit. In fact, you could ask almost any corner of my house, and they'd all vouch for the fact that I 'put things off'. 
I'm struggling with the latter part of the question though. '...unless I look/feel better?'.  Mmmm - 'look better'??  Moving on again...
3. Did you get all dressed up for Easter when you were a kid? Nope. The Reformation went deep in Scotland. 
I hate to repeat myself, but I think another 'moving on' may be necessary here...
4. Do you have more of an appetite in warm weather or cold weather? In warm weather my appetite is great. In cold weather it is great, but probably greater.  Yes, cold weather = comfort food. Lots of it.
5. Have you done anything this past week that you could describe as "being kind to yourself"? Well, I was away with the girls last week and I came home. The 'coming home' part was definitely being kind to myself. Ahhhh, home.
I know Jackson has nothing to do with Everyday Ruralty's Weightless Wednesday, but I can't post today without a photo of him.

 Here he is under the table, asleep on DR's foot!

Weightless Wednesday

I'm linking up with Everyday Ruralty today again for the Weightless Wednesday fun post

Here are today's questions.

1. Do you feel better in skirts or pants? This makes me laugh because here in the UK, 'pants' are your underwear. I assume, though, that this is referring to 'trousers'.  And it's trousers every time. Preferable cut-offs.
2. Do you remember a time when you felt like "a million dollars" or anything over 50 cents? Yep, that's easy. Think....

Next question please...
3. Walking or running?  Running?!! I wouldn't know because I've never tried, and I'm certainly not going to start now in my mid-forties and post four children.  4. Have you ever had any "ah-ha" moment about health or eating habits? Now in English- have you ever felt like you made a discovery about health or eating habits. Er.....No. I don't really think about food issues that much. I think about food a lot, but it's more in terms of: What's for tonight's dinner?When am I going shopping?Where's that bar of chocolate I hid on the kids?When did I last eat, and would it be okay to eat again?Where's that bar of chocolate....?
5. If someone could do something really nice for you, that would make you happy, what would it be? I guess they could tell me to go sit in a sunny spot in the lounge, curled up on the sofa with a book, a drink and a.....yep, you guessed it - a bar of chocolate. Dairy Milk Crunchie maybe, or Galaxy Caramel....   Now, where is that bar ....... ?