|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 10, 4:08pm
Post #1 of 39
(7675 views)
Shortcut
|
|
*tests doors for squeaks, opens them wide* It's Friday - time for Fiesta!
|
Can't Post
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit was able to fix those hinges, thank'ee muchly!
Greetings all and sundry! It's the end of the week, time to celebrate with Fiesta! Our esteemed barmistress, Altaira, is still off on an exciting Adventure (which I hope she tells us all about when she returns), so I shall be your hostess.
So come on in and let us know how your week has been, and what you'll be up to this weekend! It's make-your-own salad day, with plenty of greens and veggies and fruits and cold cuts to top off the salad! What's your favorite dressing, or do you prefer your salads "naked"? 
It's been downright stormy in many parts of the world this week - how have you been faring in the weather in your area? There's been a plant sale fundraiser for the sports teams here, so I've snagged some herbs (lavender, marjoram, sage, thyme) and another lilac bush, which I managed to get planted in between thunderstorms.
*puts quarters on jukebox* How about selecting some rainy day music!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
May 10, 4:59pm
Post #2 of 39
(7593 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Only because you found the oil!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
You've been having rainy days, whereas I was caught on the hop by a better-than-anticipated patch of weather for my short camping trip this week! I ended up a bit overdressed. A short break in the comfortably Shire-like rolling hills of Shropshire more than made up for that, though. The nearest town is Church Stretton, which is charming and a popular base for walkers enjoying the ridge of the Long Mynd, which is a bit more Rohan-like. If you Google Small Batch campsite and click on the gallery you'll see pictures of the site and surrounding area. It was my first visit and I'd certainly go again. When camping I rarely eat well, so salads are an excellent idea! I wasn't brought up with exotic salad dressings and have never really got into the habit. When I was a child it was Heinz salad cream or nothing! I do enjoy whatever dressing it is that they put on a caesar salad and Hellmanns mayo is always welcome. I've tried a light Italian-style dressing and like that - I should branch out more!
My garden herbs tend to be more admired than used, though I have a useful selection. Chives go into a lot of things and an omelette has to have thyme; I also have rosemary, sage, parsley - I'm not going to Scarborough Fair, though! Mint's out there, as is marjoram and lemon balm (good bee plants!) fennel and hyssop.Cheers folks - have a good weekend!
I'm trying hard to think of rainy day music; the last time this came up I chose 'It's raining men' by the Weather Girls - thats the best I can do! [Edit: bit of a frisky vid, that one!  ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5aZJBLAu1E
(This post was edited by dernwyn on May 10, 5:54pm)
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 10, 5:51pm
Post #3 of 39
(7243 views)
Shortcut
|
|
What a beautiful area that is!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
And what a pleasant little camping area! Those hills look a bit on the steep side - did you do much walking in them?
We never had dressing to put on salads when I was growing up, the mayo was for recipes only. But Mom would sprinkle a bit of sugar on wedges of lettuce.
Thyme in the omelet? I've never tried that, I'll have to!
Let me see if I can get that link clickable.
Edited: Oh yeah, THAT one!  Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
(This post was edited by dernwyn on May 10, 5:54pm)
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
May 10, 6:58pm
Post #4 of 39
(6774 views)
Shortcut
|
|
These days I admire them very much
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
but my knees wouldn't like me to walk in them! I'm struggling to embrace the concept of sugar on lettuce... but I daresay we all ate things as children that might seem strange to today's tastes! I remember a Heinz salad cream sandwich was a regular between-meals snack. White bread too; now I only eat wholemeal except for an occasional baguette or fancy roll. Haha, that vid! So very 80s... still, it's a change to see men capering around in their underwear - quite racy for those days, when it was usually women.
|
|
|
Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 10, 8:55pm
Post #5 of 39
(6032 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Hot chocolate please, barkeep!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
We've got an early dose of winter this week with a polar flow over the country. The heater got turned on for the first time and the electric blanket is going on the bed.
No proper snow on the mountain yet, though; only a low dusting.
A few weeks ago I switched from sandwiches to salads for lunch. I keep it simple: lettuce, carrot, tomato (not a fan but little bits add a freshness to the taste), pine nuts, feta (in place of vinaigrette or mayo), and some meat to keep it interesting for me. Annoyingly, eating well is leaving me feeling more full and less likely to snack. It's irritating when things like 'eat healthier' and 'get more exercise' turn out to be good for you. 
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
May 10, 9:19pm
Post #6 of 39
(5860 views)
Shortcut
|
That's something I need to eat more often. On my camping short break I take with me for breakfast those 'just add boiling water and wait five minutes' porridge pots. I found that they are greatly enlivened by stirring in a dollop of pumpkin and sunflower seeds; that could work with salads tooas a change from pine nuts. Enjoy!
|
|
|
cats16
Half-elven
May 10, 9:44pm
Post #7 of 39
(5697 views)
Shortcut
|
I heard it was cold and rainy out east but hope it warms up again soon! We've had wonderful sunny days that aren't too warm. I'd share it with everyone else here, if I could!
Work has finally hit a bit of a lull, in terms of the pace/chaos. Whatever the reason, I'll take it. I got the revised resume back from the person who gave it a polish, so am hoping to find some opportunities to apply to in the next few days. It's quite bleak out there on the job market but I'm staying positive!
My girlfriend is going on an international trip this weekend to visit her sister, so we're mostly just preparing for that. I have a friend visiting town a week from Monday, so I thankfully have a couple of days of PTO on the horizon as I show her around town and play tourist.
Happy early Mother's Day to the moms and mom-like figures out there! 
Ooh and I should take a salad to-go...I'll do some kale, lentils, carrots, cherry tomatoes, shaved almonds and chickpeas, pretty please, with some light vinaigrette to top it off!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11, 12:46am
Post #8 of 39
(4433 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Brrr! A mug of hot chocolate coming up!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
Did you get any frost?
Yes, I've found that getting older means the veggies tend to fill one up, and candy bars seem unappetizing. Ah, memories of the sweet tooth days. Was there any particular reason you made the switch?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11, 12:54am
Post #9 of 39
(4380 views)
Shortcut
|
Now that is a high-protein salad!
That's a relief to have a bit of reprise at work! You might want to re-send the new resume to places you've already applied.
I hope the weather stays nice while you're a tour guide!
And thank you for the Mothers Day well-wishes. I'm actually back in the Berkshire Hills at the moment - hubby's having a mini-reunion with a handful of his high schooll classmates. Beware if you attend your class's 50th reunion, it may cause re-connections and many future mini-reunions! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
cats16
Half-elven
May 11, 1:21am
Post #10 of 39
(4190 views)
Shortcut
|
I'm tempted to have that salad this weekend, now that I've typed it all out.
Fingers crossed re: good weather, thanks! It's fun playing tour guide and seeing a familiar place through new eyes.
Haha, hope he has a good time down memory lane!
Join us every weekend in the Hobbit movie forum for this week's CHOW (Chapter of the Week) discussion!
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
May 11, 1:36am
Post #11 of 39
(4069 views)
Shortcut
|
How very cool you were able to get those lilacs into the ground between storms. They are a wonderful welcome to Spring each year. I have 4 different colours in one continuous row I plucked from my Grandmother's yard some 30 years ago. White, very light pastel, medium and deep purple (great band, too ;)
I have to confess I really have to be in the moods to have a salad; but the hot summer weather always makes a salad sound good! I like iceberg lettuce as a foundation, then go nuts from there with whatever I feel like adding. My must haves are grape nuts, ranch dressing, croutons and slivered carrots.
My daughter is doing very well and may soon be home. We thought by the end of this week; but it looks like next week. Then I start in on some serious dieting to lose the 8 lbs I've gained since we started tackling her cancer last February.
Thanks so much for taking such great care of us, dernwyn :D I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
May 11, 1:44am
Post #12 of 39
(4009 views)
Shortcut
|
Gasp, gasp, gasp... what a wonderful place to camp or just hang out! I'm SO happy you were able to get that trip in and that the weather held up for you :D DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!
Have a wonderful weekend, m'dear!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
May 11, 1:55am
Post #13 of 39
(3923 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Electric blanket is winter must!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
The cold weather has finally found you. *sigh* Pickle loves it when I go in about 30 mins to an hour before bedtime and turn the blanket on so everything is toasty warm and ready for us. He dives in under the top blanket first and settles in near the foot of the bed... followed by a heavy puppy sigh.
I love the idea of watching for snow to fall on the mountain. What a vision! I'll be eating healthier in the next weeks or two when my daughter goes home. I have to admit the meals and treats we've been having has been fun; but I'm ready to feel better, get some exercise, and zip up my jeans a little easier ;)
Have a GREAT weekend!!!!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
May 11, 2:02am
Post #14 of 39
(3859 views)
Shortcut
|
That your girlfriend is able to go visit her sister! I'll bet she's getting pretty excited (BOTH of them ;)
Good luck on the job hunt. Maybe the lull is coming at the perfect time for some interviewing!!! *crosses fingers*
Have a GREAT weekend!!!
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
Ataahua
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11, 4:02am
Post #15 of 39
(3837 views)
Shortcut
|
but not so much around here yet. It has to get properly cold for frost as we're coastal.
The salad effort is because my clothes no longer fit.  Exercise alone isn't cutting it; I have to modify my diet. (Unfortunately I *do* have a sweet tooth; I haven't been able to cut out sugar yet, but I've got to find a way to get back to a healthier weight.)
Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."
"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.
Fantasy novel - The Arcanist's Tattoo
My LOTR fan-fiction
|
|
|
Annael
Immortal
May 11, 4:23am
Post #17 of 39
(3830 views)
Shortcut
|
to camping in the Lakes District many a year ago - our first encounter with the English idea of a campground. Very different from ours - ours tend to be in the woods with separated campsites.
https://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/...qe3xQHkuAwYIwA/o.jpg
We were amazed as we watched people drive up in a tiny car and proceed to set up huge tents that had separate rooms in them, with standing lamps and furniture! We felt quite humble in our two-person hiking tent.
I grew up on French salad dressing - quite tangy. I have an array of different dressings in my fridge, from raspberry vinaigrette to chunky blue cheese. Just bought a bottle of pear-gorgonzola dressing today. I have lettuce growing that will be harvested tomorrow! We're having a span of nicely warm weather after a very cool spring, and the garden is happy.
Spent most of this week getting over a nasty cold I caught coming home from California. My friend who went to Canada ALSO got a nasty cold, so we've been commiserating by text. We both ran fevers, but all the tests were negative. I'm pretty much over mine now, so it didn't last long. But it meant I spent most of this week just lying about.
I am a dreamer of words, of written words.
-- Gaston Bachelard
* * * * * * * * * *
NARF and member of Deplorable Cultus since 1967
|
|
|
DwellerInDale
Rohan
May 11, 10:58am
Post #18 of 39
(3695 views)
Shortcut
|
Finally back to the city of Chiang Mai for an extended visit. My favorite hotel, LeCharcoa, has its rooms named after characters from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I always stay in Frodo high up on the fourth floor. The other rooms on my floor are named Sam, Merry, Pippin, and "Aragon". Oh well, nobody's perfect. The temperature upon arrival was a mere 105 F. Fortunately, some thunderstorms have cooled off the city a bit. Back to the land of Buddhist temples everywhere and cappuccinos for $1.50....
Don't mess with my favorite female elves.
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11, 12:01pm
Post #19 of 39
(3674 views)
Shortcut
|
|
I can imagine how lovely your lilacs are
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
with all those colors! And the fragrance...!
Why is it that the weight goes on so easily, and is such a pain to get off! I do have to remember to get some Grape-Nuts to try in salads.
Slow and steady, one step at a time - your daughter is doing wonderfully well with her recovery, and you are as well as you help her! As good as it's been to be able to have her with you in your care, she must be sooo looking forward to get back to her own home.
*Hugs* to you both, and scritchies for Pickle!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11, 12:04pm
Post #20 of 39
(3669 views)
Shortcut
|
|
You're staying in Frodo's room?
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
That hotel is definitely run by Tolkien geeks! Do they have any photos of the Professor hanging up?
But those temps! Are you there for business, or seeing family, or for a nice vacation?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11, 12:12pm
Post #21 of 39
(3668 views)
Shortcut
|
|
It is a different way of looking at camping, isn't it
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
We started out with a tent that was our wedding present from hub's parents, but when the second kid arrived upgraded to a pop-up trailer, we couldn't get the kids and tent and all in the car anymore. How in the world did that family fit all that stuff into their car!
The first fruits of the harvest! Well, not fruits, but it's nice that your lettuce is doing well. How is the pear-gorgonzola dressing?
I'm glad it was just a simple cold you caught - those, you know you'll be over within a couple weeks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
May 11, 12:29pm
Post #22 of 39
(3664 views)
Shortcut
|
I'll visit again, certainly, while I can still camp. I'm especially glad I left a night early, because it meant I had the energy to stay up late last night and see the Northern Lights! Epic way to end the week. Leaving early evening meant packing away a bone dry tent (win!) instead of sitting around in the morning waiting for it to dry from the dew, then packing it away in the heat. (Yes indeed, it was hot!)
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
May 11, 12:39pm
Post #23 of 39
(3660 views)
Shortcut
|
|
That woodland camp looks gorgeous!
[In reply to]
|
Can't Post
|
|
I think space constraints mean that camping in such secluded places comes at a premium and people on a budget go for the more densely populated sites. I always go for sites with a curfew of some sort, to avoid late night noise! I also hope for an absence of snorers...sound carries across the field! I started off in a tent I had to crawl into, then graduated to one requiring just a stoop - now I have standing room in the living area (3 man tunnel tent), otherwise I'd really struggle. Mmm, raspberry vinaigrette - I like the sound of that, and I grow raspberries. Might look up the recipe! Enjoy your first lettuce.
|
|
|
Greenwood Hobbit
Valinor
May 11, 12:43pm
Post #24 of 39
(3658 views)
Shortcut
|
have a roofbox for their Skoda Fabia hatchback car, into which goes all the squashy stuff. Everything else, including the family dog if I'm not looking after him, fits into the car - just! I admire people who can travel light, but at my age I need a few comforts.
|
|
|
grammaboodawg
Immortal
May 11, 1:22pm
Post #25 of 39
(3655 views)
Shortcut
|
HOWDY!!! That's so great that they've named rooms that so many people can relate to :D I hope you have a fantastic stay at your favourite place!!! Memories making to enjoy forever :)
We have been there and back again.
TIME Google Calendar
|
|
|
|
|
1
