Day: 15 August 2009

Nearly over…..

/ Tony / Leave a comment

Only one more day, and my holiday break will be over. In some ways it doesn’t seem like a week, and in others it seems longer. I’ve not done much today …… come to think of it, I’ve not done that much all week.

Youngest has been fine for most of the day. Awoke in a bad mood, but I think that was a left-over from last night. He’s been quite reasonable this evening, and at the moment (10:30pm) he is laid in bed watching TV.

Downloaded a new IM client today to try. It is called ‘Digsby’. I have it set up, but I’m not too sure. The Twitter updates did not seem to come through as quick as they should. I did not get as far as setting up the facebook plugin though. This needs further investigation, and I think a good look though the help pages.

Eldest rang today. Mrs H was pleased, although she thought I had asked him to ring. As if. I don’t think he realises how much she misses him. I really do think, a couple of phone calls a week will keep her happy. He is supposed to be going out on Wednesday night, to a gig in York. I’ll, hopefully take him back to his flat on Thursday morning. He needs to be back for 8am, ready for the broadband coming. I hope that all goes well, and they get it set up properly. I wonder if he will come here on Tuesday for the quiz. If his friends go too, then it will be quite a good night again.

I think that is is for today. Three posts …… not bad going.

My Tomato Sauce

/ Tony / Leave a comment

This is the first of a number random postings, with a recipe that I like. It will be categorised as Cooking Time.

Tomato Sauce – serves 3 to 4

You will need:

  • 1 x 14oz tin of tomatoes (chopped or otherwise)
  • 1 medium onion – finely chopped
  • 1 or 2 rashers of smoked bacon – finely chopped
  • 1 large clove of garlic – finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  • salt & pepper to taste
  1. Gently fry the onion, garlic and bacon in the oil until cooked, but not coloured.
  2. Add the tomatoes and sugar, and bring to the boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
  5. Blend to a smooth consistency, using a liquidiser or blender.
  6. Season to taste, and use as required.

This sauce will keep well in the fridge for 2 days, or it can be frozen.

For a more rustic sauce, you can omit the blending at stage 5, and use a potato masher to break down the tomatoes.

Cold calling …. don’t you just love them

/ Tony / 2 Comments

When I say ‘love them’ ………

I got one yesterday. Knocked on the door around 3:30pm, I could see him through window, and knew at once, that he was selling something. And from the look of his clothes, he was not very good at it. I decided to have a bit of fun

I opened the door, and the guy took a step back, with one hand up.

“Don’t worry … It’s nothing to get alarmed about” he said, with a big smile on his face.

“Why should I worry ?” I asked.

“I just like to reassure people. That’s all” was the reply. “I’ve come to upgrade your broadband.”

“And what broadband is that ?” I queried.

“Your Broadband is now free !!!!!” he announced. “Did a tall guy come on Friday to let you know ?”

“No !” said I

“Well your local exchange has been updated, and now it is free !!” he proudly announced.

“So you assume that I have a broadband connection do you ?”

By this time he was beginning to look a little puzzled.

“Who are you with ?” I asked

“C******* W********.” he said.

“How then can you upgrade my broadband ?”

“Who provides yours then ?” he ventured.

“S**. “ I replied.

“Did you know that if you dial a number with S**, then it costs you 7p a call, even if you do not get through ?”

“I’m not interested. Thank you.”

There then ensued another exchange of his views on why I should be interested, before I closed the door. I can’t think of any occasion when I would purchase anything from someone knocking on the door. I think it was a shock to find a male person answering the door at that time of day. It was the out and out lies or misinformation, that I object to. Lie number 1: ‘… local exchange has been updated’. The exchange has not been just updated. From what I could see on the website, that particular unbundling took place in July 2008. Lie number 2: ‘and now it is free’ . It is not free !!!! I would have to sign up to C******* W********, for my broadband, and from what I know, it is only the lowest package that is free. Lie number 3: ‘…cost you 7p a call, even if……’. It was that one that did it.

Just love them.