A fast swim first thing then a really busy day. I went for a short walk after work and was surprised how tired I felt. My weekend starts now so I'm hoping to unwind a bit.

I have used Booking.com without problems.

My friend and I walked up the Den in the pouring rain wearing full waterproofs. We felt very proud of ourselves.

When we lived there, there were lots of rumours about variable building standards in new buildings.

I made a pork and quince casserole last year that was good. It only used a couple of quinces though.

Thanks. It's been a stressful semester. First thing - swimming. Then just a couple of quick walks in the neighbourhood.

Welcome!

gcse-history-paper-1-specimen-papers_Warfare and B_240401_221250.PDF9th grade in the UK would be preparing for the GSCE exams. That requires writing essays in exam conditions as well as shorter answers, normally at age 16. So the pupils would be writing lots of essays to practise. Here's an exam paper.

Just a swim first thing. Work is crazy busy clearing up the mistakes made by a colleague who is just not right for the job. I didn't get out at lunchtime.

On my side wearing eye mask headphones and re-listening to history podcasts. Best sleep in years.

You can get thick double cream that is designed for spooning rather than pouring. It has 50g of fat per 100ml. Definitely a once-a-year event. This is different from clotted cream, which is also spreadable but has been gently heated.

Our kids' nicknames came from just playing with their given names over time. Like Polly-wolly. Wollicious-biccilous. Bikky-wikky. The Biscuit.

Thinking of you.

New thread for April https://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/734236-well-trained-bodies-april/?do=findComment&comment=9566545

All welcome.

Last time I travelled I took two pairs of walking trousers - one waterproof and one not - four exercise/quick dry t-shirts, two fleeces to layer, two pairs of Merrel waterproof walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. I could have lasted for weeks on that, washing clothes and air-drying overnight as necessary.

I have always suspected that underpants work fine for women who fit the stereotype of smallish waist and larger hips, but not people who are straight or apple shaped. I very roughly fit the stereotype and don't have a problem with them.

Today a took a familiar 9 mile walk with around a 1000 foot total climb. The walk felt good and the weather was glorious. I met these 'long shup' (Hobbes' description) by the track.

When I moved to Taiwan after a year in Beijing, I was told that my Mandarin accent was disconcerting. The people in Taipei who spoke like that were all ancient generals who had come over with the Kuomintang. I was 23.

Brilliant three days in Malta in February. London and nearby for a few days in April - British Museum, National Gallery, friends and family. Probably North Wales in July - hiking and such, family. Many trips to Scottish coast and Highlands. Photos from Malta, one including both a UK-style red telephone box and abundant bougainvillea.

My venison stew at a lovely steady simmer. 20240330_182642.mp4

Saturday - rest day. Just some work in the garden and housework.

Recharging - in airports and on planes they sometimes only have USB ports, so my plug with adapter was useless for my phone when I missed a flight and was running low on phone power.

Scarf or sarong for churches that don't like bare arms or legs?

@busymama7 I can boil a pan of water extraordinarily fast - faster than gas or an electric kettle. When you adjust the temperature, the change is instant - there's little stored heat, unlike with electric or even in the gas 'trivets'. The cleaning has been a revelation to us - after supper we just wipe over the hob and the worktop. Just like that. Do you know anyone who would let you play with their cooker? I never thought I would prefer anything to gas, and I cook a lot.