Friday's Fave Five - 6/11/26

Well it's still Friday here but getting late so I need to get this post done.  Susanne reminds us each week to look back and remember what we're grateful for and then we link up here.  Thanks Susanne.

1)  Family time at the weekend - my Nottingham son and his family were here from late on Friday until Sunday afternoon.  We didn't see much of them on Saturday as they joined my daughter and her family for a Halloween party and then did some Trick or Treating near where she lives.  The grandchildren were all very excited.  On Sunday they were all here for a roast dinner.  We had lamb and pork followed by Eton Mess for dessert.  Such an easy dessert to throw together.

2) They love to play games and Top Trumps is a favourite.  The Nottingham boys had a new set - Minions.

3) On Monday Nathan and Ella had no school as it was a Teacher training day so they were here for a few hours.  Ella insisted on bringing quite a few soft toys and other bits and pieces with her but she entertained herself for ages.  

Nathan also entertained himself with his iPad for a while and then we played some games.  I love that they're close by and we get to watch them growing up.

4)  The first mince pies of the season - well not even the season yet and judging by the best before date I think these may well have been last season.  Anyway they came into the Foodbank from the supermarket on Monday evening but.....unfortunately they contain brandy and port.  We have a policy that we don't give our beneficiaries anything with alcohol in so anything we receive containing alcohol gets offered to the volunteers and of course it would be rude to refuse.

5)  A busy week of book clubs, knitting group, coffee with friends and today we got to meet baby Freya our great niece.

She was asleep most of the time we were there so we got to have long cuddles with her.

Have a good weekend all.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 4/11/26

Joyce provides the questions each week, we come up with our answers and then we link up here.

1. Our  November Hodgepodges always include a question related to gratitude. What is one small thing you're grateful for today? 

My library.  We had our book group meeting there today.

2. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage-camellias...your favourite in an autumn garden? Would we find any of these in your yard/garden this year? 

Chrysanthemums would be my favourite but there's nothing blooming in my garden right now.

3. If you could clear out or organize one physical space or mental habit before the year ends, what would it be?

I need to sort out some space in my spare bedrooms for when we host family at Christmas so it will need to be done by mid December.  The beds and rooms are ok but I need to free up some cupboard/drawer space for guests.

4. Brussel sprouts...love 'em or no thank you? If you said love 'em how do you like them prepared? 

I don't love them but I do eat them.  Roasted would be my preference.

5. It's reassuring to know that my Christmas guests are just my kids and grandkids so nothing has to be perfect.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It's turning out to be a busy week!