2024 Stash & Grab Virtual Pub

[richardandtracy]

I find in winter I need a headlamp during the day (even in the conservatory) as well as in the evening if it's dull & wet.

Regards,

Richard

[Serinde]

Happy St Nicholas' Eve! All manner of lovely bites and drinks are behind the bar.

Daylight, Richard? No idea what that might be at this time of year. For example, this morning was cloud-free and blue-skyed (didn't last) but it never seemed to be really bright. Now, of course, it's just plain dark. I can't stitch indoors during the day without a light except in the middle of summer (say, May thru to August).

I don't mind the short days, though, especially this time of year. For example, in the village we have an Advent Window trail and this evening it will be up the hill at the village hall, complete with the primary school's Christmas fair. Miraculously, it has stopped bucketing, so I have high hopes of a good turnout. Proceeds go to Shelter (Scotland), so a worthy cause (only wish it wasn't needed!). It seems to me that around here there are more decorations and lights than usual so early in the season. I wonder if this is a reaction to all the bad news in the world and difficulties at home. It's spirit-lifting.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Your rain has just arrived here I think!
Hot chocolate for me, with gevulde speculaas for St Nicholas Eve *yum*

[richardandtracy]

Looks a bit like a Stollen with the marzipan in the middle, but is it a ginger cake? Looks delicious.

Regards, Richard

[Mabel Figworthy]

The texture of the outer bit is between a cookie and a cake, is made with enormous quantities of butter, and is flavoured with a spice mix that contains nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, anise, and several other things; the inside is an almond paste that is a bit looser and with a coarser texture than marzipan. They are delicious and they are calorie bombs.

[Serinde]

Sorry. I've eaten all the rest of them. It's been some morning. YS had to get to Glasgow airport, where a series of courses on naval health & safety were being conducted on which he was registered. 8.15am start. Which would have been no problem, had he not gone out at 7.15am to his car -- in OUR DRIVEWAY -- to find it with two windows stoved in with a rock and a tyre slashed. Panic ensued; DH roused out of bed to drive him in, and they just made it. Looking to see if the windows can be replaced today. Oh, did I say that he has an MOT scheduled for Wednesday... ARGGGGGGGH

[Mabel Figworthy]

Oh Serinde that is awful - how worrying to have that happen with the car on your own property! Glad to hear YS made it to the airport in time.
Please eat and drink whatever you need to calm nerves, reduce stress, and generally buck you up. The entire range of goodies and beverages of the S&G is at your disposal.

[Serinde]

Thank you, Mabel.

Oh, and make that two tyres. Police aren't going to contact us until Wednesday afternoon Phoned them at 7.30am. DH on the phone (again), trying to get Autoglass to come soon (like tomorrow). To be fair, they have been really, really helpful. It's just finding someone who can come out to this part of the world, since the car isn't roadworthy (or insured, come to that, due to aforementioned windows) now. Fingers crossed that YS's insurance includes glass, otherwise it's going to be painful.

edited to add: YS has passed two of the papers on the course today. Huzzah for good news.

[Serinde]

Happy Christmas to one and all.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Happy Christmas!

[Serinde]

Well, as is customary, the Stash and Grab has been having its annual deep clean and refresh. Nearly done. Have to wait for a lull in the gale before I venture out to the treehouse, though, although the ever-helpful capuchins don't seem to mind! And I'm awaiting a load of expendable crockery -- can't tell how 2025 will go, so best to be prepared.

Anyone have any favourites for our late night feast?

[Mabel Figworthy]

Oliebollen en appelflappen!

[Serinde]

Appelflappen! Just the name is a delight!

[Steam.Jo]

Oil cooked somewhat like donut balls with raisins and topped with icing sugar or without the raisins but with a slice of apple.


I know I am not doing very well with my diet

Jo

[Serinde]

Diet? It's Christmas, of which there are 12 days. Enjoy yourself!

[richardandtracy]

I love the name Appelflappen, so much less prosaic than 'Christmassy Apple Fritters '!

Regards,

Richard.

[fccs]

I don’t know what appleflappen is but I think I need some just because the name is fun.

[Mabel Figworthy]