Finally managed to wrestle my way through a Hungarian website and order a new washing-machine. It'll take about 2 weeks so I'll have to deal with the backlog of washing by hand.
I have a large plastic bucket so I'll just put the clothes in that with some washing powder, give then a bit of a bashing, let them soak for 20 mins ors o them rinse and wring them dry. A bit labour intensive but I'm starting to run out of socks!
A friend rang me on the mobile. Not sure if I mentioned this before but the whole village is in a sort of cell phone dead area. My phone changes network when i pick it up or go into a different room. So basically I couldn't hear anything.
I then went on to my PC to use Skype to phone her back but it was a bit depressing to watch the money go down like a petrol pump in reverse!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Broke Washing Machine
My washing machine no longer spins and drains so I had to grasp the nettle and just open the thing up and try and minimise the mess from the water. caught a surprising amount of the water in a bucket but had toilet the rest trickle on the floor. I used the mop to ctach as much as I could so I wouldn't have to mop up that much but stil spent ages cleaning up.
Dragged all the clothes out and put then in the shower for a rinse.
Pulled the machine out and took the covers off for a squint but nothing obvious. Turned it on and it spun as normal. "Ah", I think, "The load was too heavily". So chuffed with solving the problem I put the machine back together and put a quarter of the clothes back in. An hour later and their stuck on the spin cycle again.
I'll have to go on the net and find somewhere to buy one and deliver it here. I forsee that the Hungarian for washing machine will be branded in my memory.
Dragged all the clothes out and put then in the shower for a rinse.
Pulled the machine out and took the covers off for a squint but nothing obvious. Turned it on and it spun as normal. "Ah", I think, "The load was too heavily". So chuffed with solving the problem I put the machine back together and put a quarter of the clothes back in. An hour later and their stuck on the spin cycle again.
I'll have to go on the net and find somewhere to buy one and deliver it here. I forsee that the Hungarian for washing machine will be branded in my memory.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Cold weather Snap
There's been nearly a week of sub zero temperatures but while the rest of the house is warm enough, the front bedroom is freezing. As a result I've moved my bedding to the small bedroom at the back which is much smaller.
I hope that this time next year I'll have some sort of wood-burning stove in the big bedroom and a wood burning cooker in the kitchen. I'll still be able to cook when the lights start going out all over Europe.
I moved my 4 little garlic plants to the window sill and this seems to have given them a new burst of life. In fact one of them I'd given up on germinating but its now 1/2" tall.
I re-potted the Rhubarb seedlings the other day and they are looking a bit peaky. Hopefully, one will survive long enough for me to plant out.
I hope that this time next year I'll have some sort of wood-burning stove in the big bedroom and a wood burning cooker in the kitchen. I'll still be able to cook when the lights start going out all over Europe.
I moved my 4 little garlic plants to the window sill and this seems to have given them a new burst of life. In fact one of them I'd given up on germinating but its now 1/2" tall.
I re-potted the Rhubarb seedlings the other day and they are looking a bit peaky. Hopefully, one will survive long enough for me to plant out.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Disznóölés Nap
Or Pig Killing Day in English. Literally a festival as festival and feast originate from the same word.
The Guests of Honour.
A quick wash.
Group photo
Minced cooked liver
Mixed with rice and onions
Black Pudding
Seriously cold!
Who's that?
The Guests of Honour.
A quick wash.Group photo
Minced cooked liverMixed with rice and onions
Black PuddingSeriously cold!
Who's that?
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Snow Good
More snow today, quite a blizzard in fact. Not sure if the Kormend bus came or not but there was no post.
Spent the day defrosting the fridge.
I went into it earlier and all the drawers were covered in a sheet of ice. It looks like some ice had prevented the door from shutting properly. Obviously, the freezer was more or less on constantly to counteract this and the water vapour that got frozen out was constantly replenished.
Anyway, I "mechanically" removed the ice, ie bashed the ice with blunt instruments, and I also unplugged the toaster to speed things up. Um, well, I didn't intend unplugging the toaster, i thought it was the freezer but when I traced the cables I found that I'd turned to toaster off!
Worryingly, I found a sausage which not only was defrosted but was also warm. It was also a funny green colour.Not wanting to be a source of sausage poisoning I slung it out. (sausage poisoning is called Botulism, from the Latin for sausage botulus)
Spent the day defrosting the fridge.
I went into it earlier and all the drawers were covered in a sheet of ice. It looks like some ice had prevented the door from shutting properly. Obviously, the freezer was more or less on constantly to counteract this and the water vapour that got frozen out was constantly replenished.
Anyway, I "mechanically" removed the ice, ie bashed the ice with blunt instruments, and I also unplugged the toaster to speed things up. Um, well, I didn't intend unplugging the toaster, i thought it was the freezer but when I traced the cables I found that I'd turned to toaster off!
Worryingly, I found a sausage which not only was defrosted but was also warm. It was also a funny green colour.Not wanting to be a source of sausage poisoning I slung it out. (sausage poisoning is called Botulism, from the Latin for sausage botulus)
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Monday, 18 January 2010
How to Malt Barley
A useful video as I have some barley corn to sow this year and, hopefully, get a decent crop at the end of the year. If it works I'll be making my own beer from scratch. Probably taste awful though!
A useful link about growing your own hops.
Did a bit of research. Had I ordered the same beer kits in the UK and have them delivered to my old address the total would have been only £7 less than what I paid to have them delivered here from Belgium!
Next year I'll order half again the number of kits which should make it even more economic. (Just in case the homebrew from scratch doesn't work ;)
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Brew Day
Made up the 1st brew. Forgot how heavy 5 gallons of water is!
The only thing I did different to the instructions was making up the yeast before putting it in the "wort". Apparently the yeast works better if you put it in some warm water about half an hour before putting it in.
The only thing I did different to the instructions was making up the yeast before putting it in the "wort". Apparently the yeast works better if you put it in some warm water about half an hour before putting it in.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Saturday
I decide to do all the usual weekend chores and mop the floor too. Finally found my floor cleaner too. Sounds like I don't mop the floor that often but until now I've been using distilled vinegar to mop up.
I don't know if it will make any difference to making beer tomorrow but if it helps at all then its worth doing.
Hobo turned up at 9:30to paint the wall. Looks pretty good now.
Not much else except watching Clint on DVD.
I don't know if it will make any difference to making beer tomorrow but if it helps at all then its worth doing.
Hobo turned up at 9:30to paint the wall. Looks pretty good now.
Not much else except watching Clint on DVD.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Kormend
Yup, its Monday and Kormend day! In spite of 6" of snow the roads a clear and the bus is running as normal. In the UK I see the same weather has brought the country to a standstill and the councils have run out of salt, again. I remember last year them saying some waffle about lessons being learned but they never are.
Apparently, in total the UK councils spend £12m on salt and £495m on self promotional advertising. So they spend more on telling you what a good job they are doing than actually doing they're job! Oh, and road grade salt is reserved for government use only so private contractors can't buy it even when they want to.
Apparently, in total the UK councils spend £12m on salt and £495m on self promotional advertising. So they spend more on telling you what a good job they are doing than actually doing they're job! Oh, and road grade salt is reserved for government use only so private contractors can't buy it even when they want to.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Rhubarb Seeds
Rhubarb Seeds
Originally uploaded by A John Walters
They've germinated and a lot more than I expected. If they all survive I'll have an awful lot of digging to do to bed them all in. Still 3 years from now I may be supplying everyone with Rhubarb wine!
Ordered a couple of beer kits. I found a place in Belgium that sells them cheaper than a place in Austria, even though its further away! Should last me into the summer.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Wall Repairs
Apparently last night I asked Hobo to come over and take a look at on of the walls in the toilet where the plaster was coming off.
I had a thumping headache but made coffee and did some washing up. Its quite frightening that the beer here is so strong. I'm used to a weaker beer but in larger quantities and after 30 years its going to be hard to adapt. I may order some brew kits make my own British style beer.
Anyway, after Hobo left I went back to bed!
I had a thumping headache but made coffee and did some washing up. Its quite frightening that the beer here is so strong. I'm used to a weaker beer but in larger quantities and after 30 years its going to be hard to adapt. I may order some brew kits make my own British style beer.
Anyway, after Hobo left I went back to bed!
Friday, 8 January 2010
Oops!
Went to the shop and got some cans in as well as the usual supplies to last the weekend.
Unfortunately, in the evening, I had the bright idea of going up the pub anyway.
Unfortunately, in the evening, I had the bright idea of going up the pub anyway.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
More Snow
Although, to be honest, cold as it is there seemed to be a partial thaw. Will have to remember to take some pictures tomorrow.
Made up some rabbit stew today. I've never cooked rabbit before so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I thought a stew was fairly safe. I cut the meat off the bones as best I could then fried the meat to caramelise it. When done I popped it in the stew-pot with the ingredients I'd already started. Then I fried the meat that was left on the bones and added that too. I topped up with water and some frozen chicken stock concentrate I made previously.
The rabbit seemed like chicken to cook so next time I'll dredge the meat in seasoned flour before frying. (In fact, I found this was common in recipes I found on the net later on!) I fired the bones with the idea that they would add some body to the stock and this seemed to work well too. Plenty left for tomorrow!
Oh yes, the pub was shut all day so an enforced dry night tonight. I'll get a crate of beer in the morning and stay away all weekend I think.
Made up some rabbit stew today. I've never cooked rabbit before so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I thought a stew was fairly safe. I cut the meat off the bones as best I could then fried the meat to caramelise it. When done I popped it in the stew-pot with the ingredients I'd already started. Then I fried the meat that was left on the bones and added that too. I topped up with water and some frozen chicken stock concentrate I made previously.
The rabbit seemed like chicken to cook so next time I'll dredge the meat in seasoned flour before frying. (In fact, I found this was common in recipes I found on the net later on!) I fired the bones with the idea that they would add some body to the stock and this seemed to work well too. Plenty left for tomorrow!
Oh yes, the pub was shut all day so an enforced dry night tonight. I'll get a crate of beer in the morning and stay away all weekend I think.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Snow
Forgot to mention yesterday we had constant snow. Lots of light stuff, like talc, but just didn't stop. Since we;ve been in the minus numbers for ages temperature-wise its sticking. There was a bout 3"s this morning.
Found a letter on my door and the footprints were filled in so they must have come by last night... so thats what that bang was!
It seems to be an invitation to this years pig killing feast but as its in German I can't understand it. I know English and German are related but there's a correspondence only at the simplest levels. It would be the same as if I were Mayor and printed all the invites in Finnish and gave them to all the magyarul speakers.
There's a program of events so I know when stuff happens, just no clue what!
Found a letter on my door and the footprints were filled in so they must have come by last night... so thats what that bang was!
It seems to be an invitation to this years pig killing feast but as its in German I can't understand it. I know English and German are related but there's a correspondence only at the simplest levels. It would be the same as if I were Mayor and printed all the invites in Finnish and gave them to all the magyarul speakers.
There's a program of events so I know when stuff happens, just no clue what!
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Kormend
Went to Kormend today. desperately needed to replenish the stocks of food a bit. I'll probably need to go again this week, maybe even three times.
I went to Tescos, which is about a mile from the bus stop so it gives me about 20 minutes shopping time, as Hobo said there was a sale on mobile phones there. Spent ages looking for shelves with phones on and in the end I had to rush to the till to get back to the bus in time. Of course, on the way out I spotted the kiosk that sells them! Oh well, theres always next time, although I'm not sure my magyarul is up to navigating between the benefits of "pay as you go" vis a vis "monthly subscription"!
Still felt a bit woozy but not sure if thats because I'm weak having just recovered or weak as I'm still ill! Still, I'm light years better than yesterday and I'm treating myself to a bottle of Port.
Watched a Harry Porter film "Harry Potter and the Secret of the Overdraft" or something. I heard some sort of bang halfway through, sounded like a slat falling off the roof or a cupboard being shifted. I'll check in the morning.
I went to Tescos, which is about a mile from the bus stop so it gives me about 20 minutes shopping time, as Hobo said there was a sale on mobile phones there. Spent ages looking for shelves with phones on and in the end I had to rush to the till to get back to the bus in time. Of course, on the way out I spotted the kiosk that sells them! Oh well, theres always next time, although I'm not sure my magyarul is up to navigating between the benefits of "pay as you go" vis a vis "monthly subscription"!
Still felt a bit woozy but not sure if thats because I'm weak having just recovered or weak as I'm still ill! Still, I'm light years better than yesterday and I'm treating myself to a bottle of Port.
Watched a Harry Porter film "Harry Potter and the Secret of the Overdraft" or something. I heard some sort of bang halfway through, sounded like a slat falling off the roof or a cupboard being shifted. I'll check in the morning.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Monday
Felt rough this morning and didn't have the strength to turn the alarm off. Had a rather wakeful night and the dreams seemed especially vivid. Probably all the toxins from whatever it is. I seem to remember arguing with a hotel Concierge for most of the night, oddly enough.
Gah! I then heard the bins going out so I leapt out of bed, put my boots on (bugger the laces, too complicated) and a coat and staggered out to the bin, dragged it to the side of the road then dragged myself indoors.
What with the Xmas break I didn't have a clue when the next bin day was. Of course its the day when you feel awful! Should have realised that and got up when the alarm went off!
Spent the rest of the day sleeping for Wales. I reckon I could have got a Gold Medal at the Sleep Olympics.
Gah! I then heard the bins going out so I leapt out of bed, put my boots on (bugger the laces, too complicated) and a coat and staggered out to the bin, dragged it to the side of the road then dragged myself indoors.
What with the Xmas break I didn't have a clue when the next bin day was. Of course its the day when you feel awful! Should have realised that and got up when the alarm went off!
Spent the rest of the day sleeping for Wales. I reckon I could have got a Gold Medal at the Sleep Olympics.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Funny enough, felt OK today.
I forgot to check the sour dough starter so will have to do that tomorrow. ( If its not fed and dies you just get a a load of pencillin.)
Cleared some of the indoorsie chores but come 7pm started feeling a bit woozy and by 8 I was hit by a freight train of cold symptoms. I was in bed by 9.
I forgot to check the sour dough starter so will have to do that tomorrow. ( If its not fed and dies you just get a a load of pencillin.)
Cleared some of the indoorsie chores but come 7pm started feeling a bit woozy and by 8 I was hit by a freight train of cold symptoms. I was in bed by 9.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Friday, 1 January 2010
Today, I'm attempting both bread and quiche. Given how much time it takes to get the sour dough starter reactivated, I may just do the quiche.
The quiche took much longer than expected so I left the sour dough starter for another day. The quiche was pretty tasty I departed from the recipe somewhat by putting strong cheese on the pastry base before putting the filling in. Worked fine.
Went to the pub early and then watched the final Dr Who Xmas special. Fairly good except for a few plot hole I could drive a tank through but it was entertaining.
The quiche took much longer than expected so I left the sour dough starter for another day. The quiche was pretty tasty I departed from the recipe somewhat by putting strong cheese on the pastry base before putting the filling in. Worked fine.
Went to the pub early and then watched the final Dr Who Xmas special. Fairly good except for a few plot hole I could drive a tank through but it was entertaining.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)