2020... not sure about this year at all

I realised the other day that the only post from this year was one full of optimism and positive thoughts.

Hmmm... Seems that when 2020 happened none of us knew what the year had in stock.

Solent view from the Isle of Wight, April 2020

I have read many blogs and articles that have commented on the crazy events leading to this point, but no-one could have predicted the Coronavirus pandemic - truly an event I would have thought to read about in a fiction novel, or seen in a disaster movie.

Is anyone else suspended in disbelief, hoping that as Dallas did with Bobby Ewing many years ago, we will all wake up tomorrow and find that it was an extravagant dream? Wouldn't that be amazing?

I keep thinking that now is the time to get back to writing fiction; I have so many ideas swirling in my mind. But, it is actually a great chance to get ahead on my teaching - so as some of you may have realised my time is not spent doing maths not english! But, maybe, just maybe... I can use this time to put ideas together and plan.

The question is what will you do to make your time in lockdown something you can look back on positively?

Personally, I am trying to do the following things:

• Doing exercise every day - either a fitness class, walk or cleaning (this really does count)

• Try to achieve something in the house - clearing a cupboard, baking (and eating - exercise needed definitely), or cooking

• Spend time with family - talking, playing games or making a jigsaw puzzle

• Watch some news (really have to control how much I watch here since it was getting silly)

• Try to do some work... lots of maths just waiting!

Next week, I will be working from home again, so will have to get some lessons planned/ be there for students that need help.

I am also reading a series (on the last book)... so will try to post a review when I am done!

So for now, can I wish anyone that reads this good health and all the best during these troubling times.

Vanessa

Let's talk about FOOD

Today I am blogging about food!

The other day I decided to let my kids cook (aged 8 & 10) since I was tired of always making their food and then having to listen to the "issues" - mainly from my 10 year old son!

So, I asked them what they would like to make...

My son (he is soooo healthy) opted for homemade burgers.  My daughter cottage pie.  Little one helped  - she cracked the egg & mixed...she is only 3)

I helped by cutting the onion, carrots and potatoes for my daughter (she is only 8...)

And here are the results...

COTTAGE PIE

HOMEMADE HAMBURGERS

I had mine with a salad...yum yum (lotsa mayonnaise)



I also cooked myself a treat yesterday... set your eyes on this! again, yum yum... :)

Have fun and let me know if you try these out...

Vanessa :) xx

Recipe's

Homemade Burgers

250g of mince (any you like - we used beef)
Splash of ketchup
About 30g breadcrumbs & 30g of cheese
1 egg

Mix together, then mold into 4 separate burgers.  Cook in oven (180 degrees) for approx. 25 min.'s - EASY!

Cottage Pie

1 onion
1 carrot
250g mince
1 beef stock cube (use a different for the type of mince)
4/5 medium sized potatoes
Splash of milk (depends how you like your mash)
Large spoonful of butter or soft spread
1 egg
Grated cheese for topping - your choice on amount

Fry the onion & carrot for about 5 min.'s, add mince.  Make sure it is all cooked.  Add some water to cover and crumble in the stock cube.  Leave to simmer on low heat (you don't want a lot of liquid)
Meanwhile, remove skin and cube the potatoes. Boil until soft. Remove and strain.  Mash and add the butter and milk (you want a smooth mash NOT runny)

Place the mince in a dish.  Layer with the potato (tip - put dollops of mash in the corners, then spread). Cover with the beaten egg and grated cheese.

Bake in oven until topping is golden. Approx 180 degrees.

Seafood Surprise

Place raw crevettes in a pan with some olive oil.  Sprinkle parsley and mild chilli to taste.  Add a red onion, green peppers and some chopped chorizo sausage.
Eat when cooked.  You can serve with a salad! EASY!