Thanks chef!

Broccoli and avocado toastie please chef.

I remember watching the Parkinson interview with her - so funny and never at a loss for words. Parky asked her how long it took to do her hair for a performance. Her comeback? I don't know, I'm never there.

I took today off instead of Friday and among other things I made Curtis Stone's mandarin cake. However, it came out a LOT bigger than I expected. So I put my glasses on and re-read the recipie and it says 12 serves not 2 ... Not sure if this is a felix culpa or not. Will take about half in to the office tomozz for general consumption.

Note to self: the syrup from the candied mandarins is worth making just for that - sooooo yum.

Iconic and inspiring. What a lady!

That's on the after eight menu I thnk. Maybe try some courteous and respectful blobfish instead? Very nice as tempura.

Fried rice & a pork chop please bacon.

Thanks bacon!

Party pies and milk please chef.

Breakfast for all! Bacon you are a genius.

I'm in.

Chicken drumsticks in hot sauce and a cup of coffee please chef.

What a fascinating topic for contemplating. Dunno the answer but its a fun one to think on.

Egg & bacon tacos please chef.

Baked beans with some zucchini mixed into it done in the microwave. Just cbf tonight.

OK folks of the DT. Xmas day celebration for 'orphans' at my place is a go mission. Please DM me by end of tomorrow for address and public transport info if you are wanting to come.

I have secure bike parking, and there's plenty of street parking available. General area is Thornbury.

Timing is 2 pm to 5 pm approx - this is a bit flexible.

Its come as you are, and if convenient bring a plate of something snackish to share. I'm doing chips & dips and given the likely weather there will be a pot of soup. BYO grog. I'll have soft drinks and tea and coffee available.

PS: an orphan for the purpose of this event is someone who doesn't have another event planned for the day, plus trustworthy significant others.

Hello everyone! Got logged out of my regular login without my knowledge or consent - and couldn't get back in until I made a new account. All sorted now.

Am currently in Munich - have had a busy few days. Basically my daughter in law is about 38 weeks pregnant with her second, and developed major problems on Saturday (in Aust). Had to drop everything and leap onto the next flight to get there an wrangle her first one (aged 3). Son was completely distraught what with everything which should not surprise. DIL is still in intensive care, and son is spending as much time there as possible. Lil one is a handful - smart enough to know that there's something seriously wrong with Mum but unable to really regulate her own behaviour and emotions. DIL's mother will be joining us here at the end of this week so we can hand off kid wrangling to each other as required. Somewhere along the way my login here got cut off, and have only now been able to get a new one.

Haven't seen much of the city yet - son & DIL's flat is over the road and down an alley from some huuuuge gardens - I think it's called Nymphenbourg and there's some kind of historic palace there so kid & I have been checking them out. I have discovered that one year of high school german 50+ years ago is not sufficient for food shopping effectively in this town. Have fallen back on on-line ordering & delivery. The pictures really really help. Next time I brave the shops I will take my life into my hands and try google translate or similar. Any recommendations for a suitable app?

Happy Christmas!

OK folks, I have my family Xmas plans sorted now. My boys are coming down a couple days after the day itself (including the family from Munich) so the family xmas will be a couple of days later. So ...

I'm open to hosting an Orphans of the DT xmas on the fatal day. Basically a low key afternoon of grazing on snacks and playing board games and having a generally pleasant afternoon in good company. I have a mahjong set, backgammon set, chess set, cribbage board and plenty of cards. Drinking alcohol optional. I may have to appoint a Minister for Music as I am a total Luddite when it comes to modern technology and my older boy latched onto my bloke's sound system after he passed. And a good thing too as the damn thing took up at least 4 square metres. Trustworthy SOs/partners welcome. My thought right now is maybe 12 noon to 4 or 5 pm but this is flexible.

No presents, but a plate of something snacklike to put on the table for general consumption would be a nice contribution to the general festivities. I'll be doing basic chips n dips, and soup if the weather is chilly. Definitely BYO alcohol. I'll have tea/coffee/some soft drinks going.

Please DM me if you are interested on this username, as my other one (Thornburywitch) is for work computer only and I won't be accessing it after the end of this week.

At this point I'm looking to see how many people might be interested. Final numbers etc. can be confirmed later.

Hi Peeps. Just about to get on a plane back to Melbs. Have missed you all.

::: spoiler Update DIL has pupped out 2ndkid, and had surgery immediately after for other issues. Both doing fine. DIL's mum is present and will be doing the 1stkid wrangling from now on for a bit. So I'm not needed. Thank gods for the German health care system - it's been a joy to navigate compared to here.
:::