Our Phili-Pam

Hi Helen, I lack confidence to perform any task that I haven't tried or tested. I was the same in work. Any new scheme, I would always parallel run no matter what. I'm useless in a crisis for that reason. Horses for courses kind of thing. Also, I didn't think that I was much good where umpteen things are on the go, like multitasking, so we will see how the cod, chips & mushy peas turn out tomorrow. Keep safe.

Getting everything to be ready at once is the hardest part of cooking. One secret is working out what can stand or be given a little rewarming and what can't. I've been known to eat my meals in courses because I didn't get the timing right.

Thank you Anne & Helen for your inspirational encouragement. In fact, thank you all. Whilst looking in the freezer, a frozen pack of two chicken breasts was lurking under the cod. So, spying a pack of Uncle Ben's stir-fry rice & mixed veg in the pantry, this evening's meal will now be a chicken stir-fry. I've replaced one of the fillets back to the freezer, fresh bag with label, the other sits on the defrosting surface. I'm a little bit excited!

Thank you Dreamtime too, PS. I shall pre-cook the chicken in the oven, wrapped in foil, well sprinkled with fresh lemon juice. Pam tells me that pre-cooking not only removes the risk of any uncooked chicken, but makes light work of dicing it up for the stir-fry. I'm learning all the time.

One of my favourite quick meals with chicken breast is just to sprinkle it with dry stuffing mix and a drop of oil. I do it for 30 mins in my halogen oven which I would not be without. I am on my second one. The original one was a bit awkward because you had to lift the lid off but the one I have now I have had for 6 years, the lid is hinged so much easier to use. Saves putting the oven on and does the meat lovely. Enjoy your stir fry Philip and Pam.

Hi all, It was yum, yum & yum, Anne. I might get the yum, yum yum award, instead of brill, brill & brill. Hope the white van isn't coming!

Might not be everyone's cup of tea but I always buy a BBQ'd seasoned chicken from my local deli and use that when making a stir fry. One whole chicken goes a long way pulled apart, a dribble of olive oil in the pan, adding chopped red and green capsicums, onions and throw in a few pine nuts and toms. It's at this stage you toss in the chicken. No oven needed on a hot day, just toss the pan around with a sprinkling of soy sauce on the hob and you have enough to treat the neighbours too. Once they smell it they will be knocking on your door. Some little florets of cauli, or any chopped greens you fancy, can be added, but keep them crispy. Cheap as chips if you use what's left in the fridge. If that is not enough for you have some jasmine rice on the side. All a healthy meal and 'easy peasy' for those who are particular. It might even keep the white vans away Philip.

Hi Philip. We only met just the once, but we had the same background in Coventry. We crossed the same streets, saw the same buildings, and felt the same bonds. You had my respect right from the start, now we have the same worries, the same disappointments, the same pains in respect of our loved ones. We can only look back at the better days when we laughed and sang in good old Cov. My thoughts are with you and Pam in these days of trials and strengths, and the damned pills. Regards, Kaga.

Hi Kaga, Thank you. I do still look forward. Not just a faith thing, I've always been an optimist on balance, at least for myself. I'm grateful for your kindness of thoughts. That in part is part of my optimism. Our cul-de-sac community despatched one of our very elderly gents in his cort

Hi all, Hi Kaga, OPTIMISM I've always tried to be an optimist in nature. I would never have invested in the stock market unless I had some hope for the future. I'm not much of a risk taker either, always doing the ground work where needed. Made many errors of judgement, but never a complete write-off. Even burning the candle at both ends. Whilst being an employee for most of my working life, I enjoyed a dabble in other areas as well as finance. I had a flutter with a bus company up north at one time. I never expected much of a return, but a few years on it become a nice little earner. A friend started a classic bus tour business, but to his amazement it took off, allowing him to buy into an established operator with good contracts. Three of the buses had my name on the side. It was a proud day for me when one of the posh ones drove passed Courtaulds one working lunch time, with Bill driving. We all had a lift to the bank! The bus just in the picture on left is one of Bill's originals, a vintage off centre cab single, that had been part of the original Wallace Arnold fleet. He had a Bedford DB, in similar livery. He also had a open top double deck. Pam Michael & I had a ride in it when he was operating out of Sterling, his own original depot. Thankfully a sunny day, but who would have anything open to the elements in that part of the world???. Well, he hardly had a weekend free from wedding celebrations & the like. Another picture recorded by a vintage enthusiast, I haven't a clue of who or when. Bill sadly died in retirement, having sold out his business. His son, didn't want to continue without his dad, so with the proceeds, he went into partnership with a car dealer in Dumfries. With him in mind, I might remove this post after a bit of an airing. We could talk about paper mills, or growing ever green trees on a European green ticket. Who knows!

It's your special day again Philip. Best Wishes for 1st April.

Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday dear Philip Happy Birthday to you Hip Hip Hooray. Les and Gilly.

Happy Birthday Philip, have a lovely day.

I hope that you've ordered yourself something naughty but tasty to celebrate with. What are you now 30? I believe that at a certain point it's ok to start counting backwards or just stop counting altogether. I settled on 5. That way I can have balloons, cake and an afternoon nap because I've got over excited. Lots of hugs!

Sadly, Pam's not up to eating much. We did have a delivery of Easter Eggs, from Holbrooks Community Care. I had my second Covid jab yesterday. Not planned. I went to a GP retirement presentation at noon, but as some booked patients had not turned up, I was given it. I was a bit uglybugly until eleven this morning, but think I will survive. Thank you all for your love & well wishes.