We have a bit of a clear out!

Yesterday was a bit of a disappointing day really as I had got myself all psyched up for my stress test and then it didn't happen - nothing I could do about it so today I started on my beta blockers and John has given me his fitbit-type watch so that I can monitor my blood pressure and my pulse and record a morning and and evening reading for the Cardiologist.   So far the blood pressure readings have been pretty ok but then again we cannot be absolutely sure how accurate the watch thingy is.  My pulse rates are all over the shop but I feel ok except for the chronic heartburn I keep getting which is very annoying.

Yesterday John went out with Mark and Rob on a MODS/DOGS little lunchie and came home clutching some freshly picked grapes and a jar of freshly preserved olives courtesy of Philippos and Marina.  It reminded us that we had several jars of olives which we have been given over the years loafing on the top shelf of the food cupboard so we decided to investigate and repack in fresh jars so we could see exactly what we had.

The top shelf of the food cupboard is something of a mystery to me because unless I get out the steps and stand on the work surface I cannot see what is lurking up there.  We had olives - all checked and now resplendent in some nice clean Kilner type jars plus we had a jar of Glyko which was probably pomelo skin and which had been preserved with cloves so smelt like Christmas then there were some vintage preserved lemons and kumquats and finally a jar of preserved stem ginger - I had done the last three myself.  I shall have to set about using them over the Winter.

We were doing a bit of gardening when we got a call from Lou and Malc who arrived late last night and who were having a problem with the water pump.  These things are great at sticking so John called round to give it an encouraging thump and we sat in the garden to catch up.  We are always conscious that we do not want to monopolise their precious time but they are such great company.  

Bless them they brought us a bottle of Bloom gin which we shall open and appreciate in their company.  Lou confessed that she had let her mum Pam down by leaving behind the Montezuma chocolate that Pam had got for me but as I pointed out - my recent cholesterol test probably indicated better than anything that chocolate for me should be limited!!!

We are going out with Lou and Malc next week which will be lovely and shall be on hand to help them with any queries they might have about prospective works they are planning for 11B.  

They were thrilled to see the front looking clean and tidy after Bassam had tiled it after they were here a few weeks ago.  It makes such a difference not to be greeted by a couple of sad looking flower beds which have become overgrown with weeds.  Small changes can make huge differences but they have so much to consider that it is often difficult to know where to start.

I have continued with my tidying of the garden in readiness for Winter although there is still some good colour in pockets but each small area tackled now makes it easier in the long run.  It was a glorious day - but these clear bright days lead to much cooler nights.  Over the last few weeks the temperature of the pool has remained pretty constant and so I have been in voluntarily.  Once in it is really quite pleasant and once the clocks change in a couple of weeks' time it is unlikely that we will be so keen to use it.

This afternoon Lakis popped round for me to book their Day 2 tests - unfortunately they still have to have PCR tests even though in a week's time this will change to cheaper Lateral Flow tests.  I will do their Passenger Locater Forms tomorrow evening as they cannot be completed until 48 hours before they land in the UK.

I have been giving the freezer a clear out and had some pork neck to use up tonight and some beef ribs which we have taken out and which I will cook up in some way shape or form for Sunday when Mum comes for lunch.  I slow cooked the pork neck in a sort of Afelia fashion with red wine, coriander seeds, herbs and spices and we had it this evening with jacket potatoes and peas.  It was our first nod to the fact that we are in Autumn and we looked at each other and smiled - it will only be a few weeks and we can start lighting the wood burner - Love it!!