tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36583652024-03-13T03:08:18.648+00:00Kate's blog (Reading & Eating)What I'm reading. What we're eating.Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.comBlogger4919125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-85420694908834485992022-04-30T20:28:00.002+01:002022-05-02T18:36:51.296+01:00April Cooking & Eating<p> 1st: Cheeseburger Quesadillas</p><p>2nd: Roast lamb, roast veggies, mash</p><p>3rd: Toad in the Hole, broccoli</p><p>4th: Out to Birmingham to collect Liv</p><p>5th: Leek, potato & wild garlic soup (vg)</p><p>6th: Orange, tofu & chili noodles (vg)</p><p>7th: Cauliflower steak with chimichurri sauce; couscous with chickpease (vg)</p><p>8th: Mixed bean goulash, biscuits (vg)</p><p>9th: Massaman butternut squash curry (vg)</p><p>10th: Back to Birmingham to drop Liv</p><p>11th: Linguine with Creamy Rosemary Sauce (v)</p><p>12th: Roast veggies with crusty bread and salad (vg)</p><p>13th: Rocket, pine nut, leek and blue cheese risotto (v)</p><p>14th: Sausage and Lentil Traybake, broccoli</p><p>15th: Pizza night</p><p>16th: Korean style prawn and spring onion pancakes</p><p>17th: Courgette Lasagne, salad, garlic bread (v)</p><p>18th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>19th: Frittata with asparagus & wild garlic (v)</p><p>20th: Spinch, leek & potato pie (v)</p><p>21st: Fend for yourself Thursday</p><p>22nd: Cajun chicken traybake with sweet potato wedges</p><p>23rd: Ginger, sesame & chili prawn & broccoli stir fry</p><p>24th: Cauliflower Cheese, Japanese Mustard Greens (v)</p><p>25th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>26th: Bits & pieces pasta (olives, artichokes, smoked tomatoes) (vg)</p><p>27th: Gyoza, Pak Choi, Noodles</p><p>28th: Courgette & Pancetta Carbonara (K out)</p><p>29th: Curried Carrot Fritters, Salad (vg)</p><p>30th: Leek, Pine Nut & Blue Cheese Wellington (v)</p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-75055730854692360642022-03-31T23:20:00.001+01:002022-04-05T10:28:28.042+01:00March Cooking and Eating<p> 1st: Stir Fried Tofu and Veggies with Noodles (vg)</p><p>2nd: Roast harissa veggies and potatoes with chickpeas (vg)</p><p>3rd: Lemon and Pancetta pasta (S cooking, K out)</p><p>4th: Rosemary & Garlic chicken with potatoes, Salad</p><p>5th: Leek, Bacon and Cheese Tart</p><p>6th: Chili con carne (G cooking)</p><p>7th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>8th: Scrambled eggs with broad beans and potatoes (v)</p><p>9th: Beetroot risotto with feta (v)</p><p>10th: Fish with leeks & potatoes</p><p>11th: Penne with broccoli pesto and chili flakes (Sarah cooking) (vg)</p><p>12th: </p><p>13th: Sausages with mash and cabbage</p><p>14th: Goat cheese and pesto canneloni (v)</p><p>15th: Eggs with Romano peppers and feta, new potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli with sesame (v)</p><p>16th: Coconut lentils with Masala carrots (vg)</p><p>17th: Fend for yourself Thursday (K yoga)</p><p>18th: Fajita night (v/vg)</p><p>19th: out to Frank Turner concert</p><p>20th: Sunday roast : chicken, parsnips, carrots, potatoes</p><p>21st: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>22nd: Veggie burgers, broad beans, potatoes (v)</p><p>23rd: Chicken and veggie soup</p><p>24th: Cauliflower cheese, potatoes, salad (v)</p><p>25th: Chorizo, potato and thyme quesadillas; Courgette & goat cheese quesadillas (v)</p><p>26th: Spinach, potato & chickpea curry (vg)</p><p>27th: Shepherd's Pie (Geoff cooking)</p><p>28th: Fish and Chips</p><p>29th: Frittata with asparagus</p><p>30th: Loaded Sweet Potato & Parsnip fries (v)</p><p>31st: Filled pasta bake (v) (K yoga)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-76738487910444319282022-02-28T23:14:00.000+00:002022-03-11T09:20:49.161+00:00February Cooking & Eating<p>1st: Chicken, Broccoli & Cashew Stir Fry</p><p>2nd: Potato & Leek Soup with Bread (vg)</p><p>3rd: Artichoke, Olive & Lemon Pasta (v/vg)</p><p>4th: Early find-your-own dinner as out to Theatre</p><p>5th: Sausages with Spanish Style Chard with Chickpeas</p><p>6th: Broad Bean and Blue Cheese Risotto (v)</p><p>7th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>8th - 22rd- Kate and Sarah in Arizona</p><p>23rd: Find your own dinner</p><p>24th: Lentil Shepherd's Pie (v/vg)</p><p>25th: Baked Fennel with Aubergine and Shallots (v/vg)</p><p>26th: Out to Thai Tho for Anniversary</p><p>27th: Cauliflower and Spinach Dhansak (vg)</p><p>28th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-63086974719292271562022-01-31T23:44:00.019+00:002022-02-01T17:22:16.548+00:00January Cooking & Eating<p> 1st: Pasta Bake (v)</p><p>2nd: Pizza at Franco Manca after the Panto</p><p>3rd: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>4th: Veggie Stir Fry with rice (vg)</p><p>5th: Bean Enchiladas (v/vg)</p><p>6th: Celeriac Laksa (vg)</p><p>7th: Chard, Rosemary, Chili and Garlic Pasta (vg)</p><p>8th: Courgette, chickpea & coconut curry (vg)</p><p>9th: Roast Gammon, potatoes, Cabbage</p><p>10th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>11th: Mushroom Omelette (v)</p><p>12th: Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheese with Crusty Bread (v)</p><p>13th: Pasta alla amatriciana (K out, S cooking)</p><p>14th: Sausages, Roast Squash, Baked Potatoes (v opt)</p><p>15th: Chorizo, Kale and Potato Soup</p><p>16th: Carrot & Potato Tart; Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (v)</p><p>17th: Fend for youself Monday</p><p>18th: Salmon Curry</p><p>19th: Squash, carrot & chickpea traybake (vg)</p><p>20th: Bacon, courgette and caper pasta (K out, S cooking)</p><p>21st: Pizza night!</p><p>22nd: Pea, courgette & feta fritters, salad (v)</p><p>23rd: Chicken and tofu fajitas (v opt, vg opt)</p><p>24th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>25th: Roast parsnips with parmesan; courgettes & sprouts with chili bean sauce (v)</p><p>26th: Frittata with romano peppers, potatoes & Wensleydale cheese (v)</p><p>27th: Creamy rocket & sausage linguine (K out, S cooking)</p><p>28th: Indian sweet potato wraps (vg)</p><p>29th: Roast chicken, roast carrots, roast potatoes</p><p>30th: Cauliflower & chickpea curry (vg)</p><p>31st: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-289765913116400502021-12-31T23:06:00.033+00:002022-01-02T23:43:34.772+00:00December Eating & Cooking<p> 1st: Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts and Carrots (vg)</p><p>2nd: Sausages, Roasted Cauliflower with lemon & paprika; oven potatoes</p><p>3rd: Harissa roasted squash, chickpeas & carrots (vg)</p><p>4th: Minestrone & foccacia (vg)</p><p>5th: Out to dinner (Daquise)</p><p>6th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>7th: Pasta</p><p>8th: Lentils with Spring Greens (vg)</p><p>9th: Mexican bake (v)</p><p>10th: Spaghetti bolognese (G & S - K out)</p><p>11th: Chicken traybake</p><p>12th: in Stratford with John & Angela</p><p>13th: Pasta with brussels sprouts and bacon</p><p>14th: Indian takeaway</p><p>15th: Salmon, potatoes, greens</p><p>16th: Blue cheese and pea risotto (v)</p><p>17th: Sausages, potatoes, cabbage (G & A - K & S out)</p><p>18th: Roast veggies with couscous etc (v/vg)</p><p>19th: Leek and potato soup (v/vg)</p><p>20th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>21st: Coconut dal with masala carrots</p><p>22nd: Out up in London for Christmas lights</p><p>23rd: Fajitas (v/vg)</p><p>24th: Nibbles at Christmas Eve gathering</p><p>25th: Christmas: Roast Turkey, Roast Pork, Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Carrots, Brussels, Yorkshire Puddings, etc</p><p>26th: Boxing Day: Leftovers</p><p>27th: Puff Pastry Tarts - Brussels & Blue Cheese/ Red Pesto & Courgette (v/vg)</p><p>28th: Parsnip and Beetroot Rosti, Salad (vg)</p><p>29th: Lunch out, fend for your own dinner</p><p>30th: Sausages, Mash, Red Cabbage</p><p>31st: Chicken, Leek & Mushroom Pie</p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-59690910133879297692021-11-30T23:12:00.031+00:002021-12-01T17:06:20.523+00:00November Eating & Cooking<p> 1st: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>2nd: Leek & Potato Soup (v)</p><p>3rd: Spinach, chickpea & potato curry (vg)</p><p>4th: Pasta with sausages, mushrooms & rocket</p><p>5th: K & S out - fireworks at school</p><p>6th: Savoy cabbage and coconut dal (vg)</p><p>7th: Roast vegetables with bread stuffing and gravy (vg)</p><p>8th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>9th: Mushroom Omelettes</p><p>10th: Salmon with Kale & Tomato Stir Fry</p><p>11th: Ginger Tofu with Pak Choi (vg)</p><p>12th: Filled pasta bake (v)</p><p>13th: Dinner out at Cappadocia</p><p>14th: Romanesco & Cauliflower Cheese with Saute Potatoes (v)</p><p>15th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>16th: Scrambled eggs, oven potatoes, etc (v)</p><p>17th: Celeriac Laksa (vg)</p><p>18th: Ravioli with Artichokes, Leeks & Lemon (v)</p><p>19th: Fish and Chips</p><p>20th: Birthday dinner: Coconut dal with Masala carrots; Burnt Aubergine Chili; Hassleback potatoes; Asian Broccoli Salad; Cannelini Bean, Courgette & Tomato Salad (vg)</p><p>21st: Winter Greens puff pie (v)</p><p>22nd: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>23rd: leftovers with celeriac chips (v)</p><p>24th: Spanakopita with leeks and potatoes (v)</p><p>25th: Fend for yourself (G out to lunch in town)</p><p>26th: German Sausages, slow cooked onions, sauerkraut, oven potatoes</p><p>27th: Thai chicken curry with hearts of palm</p><p>28th: Pizza Night</p><p>29th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>30th: Scrambled Eggs, Hashbrowns, Mushrooms & Peppers</p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-62365791924214632482021-10-31T23:19:00.018+00:002021-11-02T08:12:33.574+00:00October Eating & Cooking<p> What we ate in October:</p><p>1st: Radicchio and Sausage Risotto</p><p>2nd: Fend for yourself (K away, S & G leftovers)</p><p>3rd: Puff pastry tart with ham, cheese, olives, red pesto, etc</p><p>4th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>5th: Roast pork, roast potatoes, Runner beans</p><p>6th: Meatballs, oven chips, peas</p><p>7th: Broccoli Pesto Pasta (vg)</p><p>8th: Chicken curry (K out, G cooking)</p><p>9th: Stuffed Courgettes (v)</p><p>10th: Spinach & Potato Wholemeal pies (v)</p><p>11th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>12th: Baked potatoes, mushrooms, scrambled eggs, beans</p><p>13th: Stuffed peppers (v)</p><p>14th: Chorizo, olive & rocket penne</p><p>15th: Chicken traybake with ginger and carrots</p><p>16th: Minestrone (vg)</p><p>17th: Steak and Ale Pie, Cabbage</p><p>18th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>19th: Parsnip & Butternut loaded "fries" (v)</p><p>20th: Bacon and butternut pasta</p><p>21st: Salmon, Courgettes & Egg Noodles with Chili Bean Sauce</p><p>22nd: Brussels sprouts and blue cheese pizza (v)</p><p>23th: Veggie Paella (vg)</p><p>24th: Cauliflower Cheese Lasagne (v)</p><p>25th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>26th: K & S away (Isle of Wight)</p><p>27th: K & S away (Isle of Wight)</p><p>28th: K & S away (Isle of Wight)</p><p>29th: Chinese Takeaway</p><p>30th: Sausages, Cabbage, Potatoes</p><p>31st: Orichiette with sprouts and pancetta </p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-51896510818707652662021-09-30T22:29:00.014+01:002021-10-10T15:19:30.001+01:00September Eating & Cooking<p> September Eating & Cooking - the meals!</p><p>1st: Spanakopita (V)</p><p>2nd: Potato and Leek Soup (V)</p><p>3rd: Sausages, Potatoes, Greens (K out)</p><p>4th: Spaghetti Bolognese (Geoff cooking)</p><p>5th: Chicken Korma</p><p>6th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>7th: Scrambled eggs, oven Potatoes, fried padron peppers, sweetcorn</p><p>8th: Chicken & Lettuce roll up wraps, Noodle & Beansprout Salad</p><p>9th: Carrot Pitta Fritters (VG)</p><p>10th: Chickpea, Spinach & Potato Curry (VG)</p><p>11th: Spicy Black Bean Tacos, Fried Padron Peppers (VG)</p><p>12th: Soy & Ginger Braised Tofu, Roast Cabbage (VG)</p><p>13th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>14th: Frittata with potatoes and Sweet Peppers (V)</p><p>15th: K away on school residential</p><p>16th: K away on school residential</p><p>17th: Chinese takeaway</p><p>18th: K, S away to take Alex to Leeds</p><p>19th: Pork mince Udon noodles (Geoff cooking)</p><p>20th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>21st: Vegetable Curry (vg)</p><p>22nd: Tofu and veggie stir fry (vg)</p><p>23rd: Pasta with butternut squash, potato and bacon</p><p>24th: Homemade pizza</p><p>25th: Fajitas</p><p>26th: Roast vegetables, sweetcorn, grilled halloumi (v)</p><p>27th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>28th: Pasta with Cavolo Nero (v)</p><p>29th: Potato & Carrot Pancakes, Green Salad (v)</p><p>30th: Stir fry with Chicken, Green Peppers & Black Beans</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-85549737317781004002021-08-31T23:58:00.002+01:002021-09-11T09:36:11.455+01:00August Book Update<p> Once again, I've set a reading goal of 100 books for the year - I didn't quite make it last year (95), but it's close enough to set that as a goal again (and I like a nice round number). I'll track which books I read in a month and which I liked best. Mostly for myself more than anything, but of course I'm always glad to have others follow along.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>So... in August, new (to me) books read: 2 ; books re-read: 2<br /><b>Favourite book in August: Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem</b></p><p> in July , new (to me) books read: 4 ; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in July: The Sealwoman's Gift by Sally Magnusson</b></p><p>in June, new (to me) books read: 4 ; books re-read: 1<br /><b>Favourite book in June: The 10,000 Doors of January by Alix Harrow</b></p><p>in May, new (to me) books read: 6; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in May: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett</b></p><p>in April: new (to me) books read: 8; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in April: The Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo</b></p><p>in March: new (to me) books read: 8; books re-read: 1<br /><b>Favourite book in March: Spring, Ali Smith</b></p><p> in February: new (to me) books read: 4; books re-read: <br /><b>Favourite book in February: A Single Thread, Tracy Chevalier<br /><br /></b>in January: new (to me) books read: 6; books re-read: <br /><b>Favourite book in January: An American Marriage, Tayari Jones</b></p><div>August reading: </div><div><ul><li>I re-read a couple of fantasy novels I go to when I can't get my brain to like a new book (<u>Dragonsong</u>, <u>Dragonsinger </u>by Anne McCaffrey)</li><li>I read a non-fiction book about treasure-hunting along the Thames, which was very good (<u>Mudlarking </u>by Lara Maiklem)</li><li>I read the next in a young adult series with a Sherlock Holmes kind of theme, which I've been reading (<u>The Case for Jamie</u>, Brittany Cavallero)</li><li>I started about four books, most of which I will finish eventually, but which don't count yet</li></ul></div>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-36691662819777772021-08-31T23:30:00.034+01:002021-09-11T09:28:50.094+01:00August Eating & Cooking<p>August Eating & Cooking - the meals!</p><p><br /></p><p>1st: Filled Pasta Bake</p><p>2nd: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>3rd: Potato & Pepper Frittata (V)</p><p>4th: Lentils with Swiss Chard (VG)</p><p>5th: Bacon, courgette and caper pasta</p><p>6th: Korean Style Prawn and Spring Onion Pancake</p><p>7th: Lamb Korma</p><p>8th: Honey and Sriracha Chicken Wings, Potatoes, Runner Beans</p><p>9th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>10th: Away in the Isle of Wight</p><p>11th: Away in the Isle of Wight</p><p>12th: Away in the Isle of Wight</p><p>13th: Away in the Isle of Wight</p><p>14th: Salad with seared tuna</p><p>15th: Sausages, Chard & Rosemary Gratin</p><p>16th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>17th: Lemon, Artichoke & Olive pasta (VG)</p><p>18th: Runner Bean & Fennel Slaw, Potato Salad, Lemony Three Bean & Feta Salad (VG)</p><p>19th: Kate out for dinner</p><p>20th: Goats Cheese Tarts (V)</p><p>21st: Tacos</p><p>22nd: Roast chicken with beetroot & potatoes</p><p>23rd: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>24th: Fennel risotto (VG)</p><p>25th: Chicken Soup with Runner Beans and Tomatoes</p><p>26th: Filled Pasta with Garlic & Rosemary (V)</p><p>27th: Out to Dinner at Osaka</p><p>28th: Black Bean Burritos with Tomatillo Salsa Verde (VG)</p><p>29th: Sweet Potato & Quinoa Chili (VG)</p><p>30th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>31st: Coconut Lentils with Masala Carrots</p><p><br /></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-44822962216860097792021-08-30T09:43:00.001+01:002021-09-11T09:44:50.285+01:00Book 46: The Case for Jamie, Brittany Cavallero<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYK4yr2vUNs/YTxsUKXL5II/AAAAAAABGpI/ooqfobrOirQUHbTNkRhz8a0580CuUOTpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jamie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1377" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYK4yr2vUNs/YTxsUKXL5II/AAAAAAABGpI/ooqfobrOirQUHbTNkRhz8a0580CuUOTpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/jamie.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Third (and possibly final?) book in the young adult series based on the idea of young descendants of the Holmes and Watson family. </div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-37865804566083868372021-08-13T09:42:00.001+01:002021-09-11T09:43:31.756+01:00Books 44/45: Dragonsong/Dragonsinger by Anne McCaffery (re-reads)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqDhUOaHKuQ/YTxr_NQFIJI/AAAAAAABGo8/Gj8HABdKOec6EDfqIfyyIhO1UzMDiZSHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s287/dragonsong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="176" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqDhUOaHKuQ/YTxr_NQFIJI/AAAAAAABGo8/Gj8HABdKOec6EDfqIfyyIhO1UzMDiZSHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/dragonsong.jpg" width="176" /></a> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45W7NwTa2gg/YTxr_KbftJI/AAAAAAABGpA/tLDqKjzKb5Eys0Tv8hDfPxWnw2PEoHVwACLcBGAsYHQ/s433/dragonsinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45W7NwTa2gg/YTxr_KbftJI/AAAAAAABGpA/tLDqKjzKb5Eys0Tv8hDfPxWnw2PEoHVwACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/dragonsinger.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of old favourites which I often re-read when I can't settle to a new book.</div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-84575570340691399722021-08-06T09:40:00.001+01:002021-09-11T09:42:07.731+01:00Book 43: Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZxd4OqvdPU/YTxrnVbJpxI/AAAAAAABGo0/MQ6dsBOxL3wZJiu7FsbPGDqNeiV-5PXGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/mudlarking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZxd4OqvdPU/YTxrnVbJpxI/AAAAAAABGo0/MQ6dsBOxL3wZJiu7FsbPGDqNeiV-5PXGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mudlarking.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was great - very interesting read about the author's experience mudlarking (looking through the mud for objects of interest) along the Thames. </div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-30360763777590163192021-07-31T23:10:00.002+01:002021-08-04T13:58:13.837+01:00July Book Update<p> Once again, I've set a reading goal of 100 books for the year - I didn't quite make it last year (95), but it's close enough to set that as a goal again (and I like a nice round number). I'll track which books I read in a month and which I liked best. Mostly for myself more than anything, but of course I'm always glad to have others follow along.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>So... in July , new (to me) books read: 4 ; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in July: The Sealwoman's Gift by Sally Magnusson</b></p><p>in June, new (to me) books read: 4 ; books re-read: 1<br /><b>Favourite book in June: The 10,000 Doors of January by Alix Harrow</b></p><p>in May, new (to me) books read: 6; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in May: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett</b></p><p>in April: new (to me) books read: 8; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in April: The Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo</b></p><p>in March: new (to me) books read: 8; books re-read: 1<br /><b>Favourite book in March: Spring, Ali Smith</b></p><p> in February: new (to me) books read: 4; books re-read: <br /><b>Favourite book in February: A Single Thread, Tracy Chevalier<br /><br /></b>in January: new (to me) books read: 6; books re-read: <br /><b>Favourite book in January: An American Marriage, Tayari Jones</b></p><div>July reading: </div><div><ul><li>I read three books from my pile (The Sealwoman's Gift by Sally Magnusson, A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge, Night Music by Jojo Moyes)</li><li>and one book in a crime series I'm reading, which I recently ordered from ABEbooks (A False Mirror by Charles Todd)</li></ul></div>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-80108851502585050682021-07-31T23:08:00.022+01:002021-08-04T14:00:40.333+01:00July Eating & Cooking<p> July Eating & Cooking - the meals!</p><p><br /></p><p>1st: Fried butterbeans with feta, spinach & sumac (V)</p><p>2nd: Dinner out (Lime & Thyme)</p><p>3rd: Greek Style Chicken Salad</p><p>4th: Burgers, Hotdogs, Potato Salad</p><p>5th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>6th: Scrambled eggs with pancetta, chorizo, fried onion, cheese & oven potatoes</p><p>7th: Turnip laksa (VG)</p><p>8th: Summer greens and coconut dahl with spiced sweet potato (VG)</p><p>9th: Spinach and ricotta pasta bake (V)</p><p>10th: Thai chicken and new potato curry</p><p>11th: Picnic at Juniper Top</p><p>12th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>13th: Pasta with cherry tomatoes and romano peppers (VG)</p><p>14th: Spanakopita (V)</p><p>15th: Mushroom & Sausage Pasta</p><p>16th: Indian Masala Roast Carrots with Coconut red lentils (VG)</p><p>17th: Courgette, refried bean & Goats cheese quesadillas (V)</p><p>18th: Picnic out with John & Angela at Blenheim</p><p>19th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>20th: Scrambled eggs, mushrooms, broad beans, toast (V)</p><p>21st: Pasta with courgettes, pesto & pine nuts (V)</p><p>22nd: Take away (end of school, yay!)</p><p>23rd: Salads: potato salad, pasta salad, Moroccan carrot salad, radish & cucumber salad</p><p>24th: Minestrone, homemade foccacia</p><p>25th: Toad in the Hole, Potatoes, Cabbage</p><p>26th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>27th-31st: Away in Germany</p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-72817330920469209312021-07-29T13:55:00.001+01:002021-08-04T13:56:47.657+01:00Book 42: Night Music, Jojo Moyes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLN0-2B9CwM/YQqOWlKTm4I/AAAAAAABGnE/VRVor12dbWYTmX03ePP4Tm8lef2fv2F3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s487/night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLN0-2B9CwM/YQqOWlKTm4I/AAAAAAABGnE/VRVor12dbWYTmX03ePP4Tm8lef2fv2F3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/night.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(purchased - charity shop, New Malden. 15.4.21)</div><br /> <p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-30334324774788500002021-07-27T13:54:00.002+01:002021-08-04T13:55:39.845+01:00Book 41: A Skinful of Shadows, Frances Hardinge<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OuoLuLni7j0/YQqOHIyZwhI/AAAAAAABGnA/Z6y0oAUjfWUwtI5_OBDgmHYe74Wx9VbJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/skinful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OuoLuLni7j0/YQqOHIyZwhI/AAAAAAABGnA/Z6y0oAUjfWUwtI5_OBDgmHYe74Wx9VbJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/skinful.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>(purchased, charity shop, New Malden, 27.12.19)</p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-51434199105297709162021-07-15T13:53:00.001+01:002021-08-04T13:54:18.390+01:00Book 40: A False Mirror, Charles Todd<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvv8evK6z4c/YQqN13XEeWI/AAAAAAABGm0/m2iJjUxSdPwWqDDqxqJMOGR3kQlbzZvdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s594/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mvv8evK6z4c/YQqN13XEeWI/AAAAAAABGm0/m2iJjUxSdPwWqDDqxqJMOGR3kQlbzZvdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mirror.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-36386916151106912522021-07-01T13:52:00.001+01:002021-08-04T13:53:13.866+01:00Book 39: The Sealwoman's Gift, Sally Magnusson<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBsYIO_Oqx4/YQqNqDSJp7I/AAAAAAABGmw/W0t44EZV03w1muTbTmd_BjgEhpbq_rutgCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/sealwoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBsYIO_Oqx4/YQqNqDSJp7I/AAAAAAABGmw/W0t44EZV03w1muTbTmd_BjgEhpbq_rutgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/sealwoman.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-2007135323838855942021-06-30T23:18:00.012+01:002021-07-05T23:10:50.591+01:00June Book Update<p>Once again, I've set a reading goal of 100 books for the year - I didn't quite make it last year (95), but it's close enough to set that as a goal again (and I like a nice round number). I'll track which books I read in a month and which I liked best. Mostly for myself more than anything, but of course I'm always glad to have others follow along.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>So... in June, new (to me) books read: 4 ; books re-read: 1<br /><b>Favourite book in June: The 10,000 Doors of January by Alix Harrow</b></p><p>in May, new (to me) books read: 6; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in May: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett</b></p><p>in April: new (to me) books read: 8; books re-read: 0<br /><b>Favourite book in April: The Ninth House, Leigh Bardugo</b></p><p>in March: new (to me) books read: 8; books re-read: 1<br /><b>Favourite book in March: Spring, Ali Smith</b></p><p> in February: new (to me) books read: 4; books re-read: <br /><b>Favourite book in February: A Single Thread, Tracy Chevalier<br /><br /></b>in January: new (to me) books read: 6; books re-read: <br /><b>Favourite book in January: An American Marriage, Tayari Jones</b></p><div>June reading: </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I read another in a mystery series I like, which I've not kept up with recently until now (<u>Riviera Gold</u> by Laurie R King)</li><li>I read a book about reading (<u>The Year of Reading Dangerously</u>, Andy Miller)</li><li>I read a YA book which was great (<u>The 10000 Doors of January</u>, Alix Harrow)</li><li>I re-read an old favourite which was mentioned somewhere (<u>I Capture the Castle</u>, Dodie Smith)</li><li>I read a novel in a different world by Jasper Fforde (I like the ones set in books) - this one was an interesting concept, but I wasn't quite as keen (<u>Early Riser</u>)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-90952236620725714862021-06-30T19:25:00.004+01:002021-06-30T19:25:00.321+01:00June Eating and Cooking Update...<p> June Eating & Cooking - the meals!</p><p><br /></p><p>1st: Lunch out (pizza) in London</p><p>2nd: Dinner with friends, Lyme & Thyme</p><p>3rd: Stuffed Peppers, Potatoes, Salad (V)</p><p>4th: Salmon, Chard, Noodles</p><p>5th: Thai Style Steak Salad</p><p>6th: Blue Cheese & Broad Bean Risotto (V)</p><p>7th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>8th: Pasta Genovese (green beans, pesto, potatoes) (V)</p><p>9th: Ravioli (from Farmers Market) with sage butter</p><p>10th: Courgette & Tarragon Soup (VG)</p><p>11th: Mexican salad/burrito bowl (VG)</p><p>12th: Sausages, Potatoes, Braised Turnips</p><p>13th: Chicken Traybake with Oven Cooked Cabbage</p><p>14th: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>15th: Eggs cooked with potatoes & onions (V)</p><p>16th: Butternut Squash and Lentil Salad (VG)</p><p>17th: Green Bean and Kidney Bean Curry (VG)</p><p>18th: Sweet Potato and Parsnip Loaded Fries (V)</p><p>19th: Potato & Carrot Tart, Asparagus, Bread (V)</p><p>20th: Pizza Night</p><p>21st: Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>22nd: Thai Veggie Curry (VG)</p><p>23rd: Sausages (Bevans at Garsons), Turnips, Potatoes</p><p>24th: Tofu Katsu Curry (VG)</p><p>25th: Frittata with Chorizo, Potatoes, Peppers </p><p>26th: Sweet Potato & Leek Stuffed Shells (V/VG)</p><p>27th: Roast Chicken, New Potatoes, Asparagus</p><p>28th; Fend for yourself Monday</p><p>29th: Veggie Stir Fry</p><p>30th: Spanish Style Chard with Chickpeas, Roast Carrots, Bread</p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-18193210872413254932021-06-23T20:39:00.001+01:002021-06-27T08:50:45.319+01:00Book 38: Early Riser, Jasper Fforde<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fva2tLBgstY/YNgrYaat_tI/AAAAAAABGc0/c2XrX_jZq2MaOEW90CEdaSYdEQVbBfulACLcBGAsYHQ/s500/riser.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fva2tLBgstY/YNgrYaat_tI/AAAAAAABGc0/c2XrX_jZq2MaOEW90CEdaSYdEQVbBfulACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/riser.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Charity shop purchase)</div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-4794524879904821272021-06-12T18:39:00.000+01:002021-06-27T08:39:52.933+01:00Book 37: I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith (re-read)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLmCyOKxj7M/YNgrN0WAC_I/AAAAAAABGcs/9jlp3L6xXQ0wa-U_xYFWs6kVJIAnqJ9SACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1386" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLmCyOKxj7M/YNgrN0WAC_I/AAAAAAABGcs/9jlp3L6xXQ0wa-U_xYFWs6kVJIAnqJ9SACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/castle.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-6282197989255285282021-06-07T22:38:00.001+01:002021-06-27T08:39:07.696+01:00Book 36: The 10,000 Door of January, Alix E Harrow<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFTckSTtIpc/YNgrBOuqnkI/AAAAAAABGck/_7_0uhTvSRwgHBFk8wdOck6YyuhAGqHjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s499/doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="322" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFTckSTtIpc/YNgrBOuqnkI/AAAAAAABGck/_7_0uhTvSRwgHBFk8wdOck6YyuhAGqHjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/doors.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3658365.post-22365512435820242792021-06-06T16:37:00.001+01:002021-06-27T08:51:03.479+01:00Book 35: The Year of Reading Dangerously, Andy Miller<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7E8v8FLsZg/YNgqzJyEkPI/AAAAAAABGcg/2mLyt5qNW5EDlkFRXMJJxM8a2u3jRkPNACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/danger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7E8v8FLsZg/YNgqzJyEkPI/AAAAAAABGcg/2mLyt5qNW5EDlkFRXMJJxM8a2u3jRkPNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/danger.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(taken from staff book swap table at work)</div><br /><p></p>Kate Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04995181032124912822noreply@blogger.com0