THERE'S ALWAYS AN EXCUSE FOR BEING AN HOUR LATE BUT THERE'S NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR BEING FIVE MINUTES LATE (MICHELLE ROUX)
Blog morning to you.
Just had a dream that DONNINGTON PARK was closing down, we were there making a film about it. We all got really sad and started to steal stuff as momentoes. I knicked the huge DUNLOP tyre that went over the track but when I got it home, realised I had nowhere to put it, so I left it outside hoping no one would notice. All day long people were walking under it, as I just stood at the window waiting to be shopped to the rozzers, surely it was only a question of time. Then it happened, a little girl stopped her mummy to point it out but when her mummy looked round, the huge half tyre arch had tranformed into a gigantic rainbow, with fireworks cascading down from the top.
I had another dream that I went fishing with JEFF BRIDGES, who I met at a charity dinner. We were fishing off the main sqaure in Venice down into the sea, he caught a half eaten marlyn (A THROWBACK TO THE HEMINGWAY THOUGHT FROM YESTERDAY) I caught a horse that was driving an old London taxi that had been dumped in the sea years ago. The horse then begged me to take him home. I did but I can't for the life of me remember where I put him, he doesn't seem to be here this now.
I did have another dream about a huge water park and another about DR. WHO but I can't recall the details.
All in all, a very etertaining night's sleep.
Tune in my head, WILD WEST HERO, E.L.O... it's going to be a good day.
Just boiled the kettle, today it seemed to boil really fast. If we were still doing TFI. FRIDAY, we'd have a kettle race, five different kettles, each holding a pint of water, winning kettle gets to meet all the bands and boil "live on stage" whilst the bands play their latest pop smashes.
Whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, my mind drifted on to the subject of Paulo Cohelo. I've read all his stuff apart from the new one, which a lot of you have mentioned, think I'll give it a go. The thing is with Paulo though, it's all a much of a muchness, a good muchness don't get me wrong but nevertheless.
I'd like to know a bit more about "him". I know he used to work in the record industry and ended up doing what he does almost by accident. It's so often the case, or is it ?
Now KNOW THYSELF, there's an insight. Be ready for that one, all 16 or 18 volumes of it, I can't remember exactly how many. The stuff that guy writes about is bang on the money. "Big heap truth" and from goodness knows where. He writes about things that he couldn't possibly have learnt, the subjects being too vast. Some how he has been blessed with knowledge way beyond the capacity of even the most elephantine of brains.
Books, books, books... I used to loathe them as a kid, I love them now.
I love hanging around in book stores, they're such peaceful places, the smaller the better, independents are the best. I think it's the fact that all those words are in there, surrounding you, that's the magic. And don't you find that anyone who works in a book store has a sort of HARRY POTTERNESS about them ? I always feel like they've read every book in the world and are super clever, which they probably are. I also have to say I find them highly attractive, very sexy.
My book, at the moment, my latest mistress, is of course the MARCO PIERRE WHITE, boigraphy, I'll be back to it over my second cuppa in a mo'. I think it's out next week, it's excellent, but then again I'm a "foody" and I have an interest in a restaurant, so it's bound to be up my street. It's a rip roaring tale though regardless... and the language ! Oh my giddy aunt.
Yesterday he started talking about the restaurants that shaped his character both as a chef and as a man and how he came to work in each of them.
I decided I would LIVE THE BOOK, or EAT THE BOOK, so I made a reservation in the first one he ever worked in. I'm going in a couple of weeks time. Then, seeing as another of them was just around the corner from where I live, I went there last night ! It was superb of course but indigestion this morning, you're not kidding... I'm not even going to tell youwhat I had, it was very naughty.
I took the chef and the lady who runs our place along with me, they were blown away and couldn't wait to get back to work today, having been so inspired.
You know what they say, "IF YOU SHOOT FOR THE STARS, YOU GET THE SKY THROWN IN !"
Until tomorrow x.
P.S. Awesome posts yesterday, so blimin' useful, let's keep sharing.
What about the DRIVE TIME BLOG COOK BOOK, all profits to charity of course !
P.P.S. I really do think we should all grow our own potatoes for CHRISTMAS, we'd have to be some emergency back-ups though just in case.
Comments
Hi Chris
Just read yesterdays and todays blogs. Never been to a blog site before. Another first. My wife Jayne and I are off next week on a walking holiday on the Glyndwrs Way. We have been on quite a few walking holidays and they are just fantastic. Hope you and your mates enjoy them as much as we do. Walking in the countryside allows my mind to completrly clear in a way it never can anywhere else.
We both love the show.
Cheers John and Jayne
Great Sutton, Cheshire
Talking of spuds Chris, did you know that if you dig up early new potatoes June ish, put them in a tin and bury them in the garden you can dig them up at christmas and have them on the big day!!! (of course you have to remember where you put them) and there still fresh. Never tried it though but definately read it somewhere, I prefer to flash freeze mine. Hows the car by the by, out of the garage yet? Oh and I found all the stuff on moon gardening, good isnt it when you look for it though I'm convinced it wasnt there yesterday, but then I'm like that with most things that arnt under my nose, being a bloke you see. Have a good day.
Morning Chris,
what were you on last night to get dreams like that????
I know just what you mean about bookshops, they're great places aren't they? I sometimes come out feel that the knowledge and wisdom has seeped into my veins by some kind of osmosis. Love them.
My favourite all time bokshop has now sadly closed. It was called Dillons on New Street in Birmingham. You went through a normal looking shop front into a warren of shelves that would disappear around a corner, then up a few steps and then there would be another turn this way and that. Then when you left by the back door there was another door on the otherside of the arcade and it started all over again - bliss! I have returned late to work too many times after losing myself (sometimes literally) in there during my lunch hour. Sadly that was another lifetime ago...
When I return to the world of what my OH calls 'real' work (I'm a full time mom) my plan is to find a job in a bookshop or library, (get payed for doing something you love - wish someone had suggested that when I was younger, too dumb to see it for myself!) although we only have big chains round here now...anyway enough daydreaming, kiddies are stirring...have a great day,
S x
Right, drive time shlog cook book recipe 1:
Place fish that girlfriend bought in oven, watch her do stuff and wait 30 mins.
Open tin of peas, put in plastic jug and microwave for 3 mins.
dissapear for a short while and when you return it has magically appearwed on the table!
mmmm...my girlfriend is the best. I can't cook of course. I do try but it usually end in tears, my tears!
Todays Tip! Life can be made the most of when you have a plan but don't be afraid to be spontaneous every once in a while.
Okay Chris, can you please give me a shout out today? I listen just after half five till six fifteen. You could read my tip....please.
chris you said keep sharing? ok here goes...that was an intersting tip about the potatos, martin.
i know for a fact, that you can keep a lettuce stored as fresh as a daisy for at least a month, by placing it in a metal saucepan, and cover it with a tight fitting lid. i am full of useless information (no i think that tip is quite useful lol)
Morning Christophe
Been reading the blog occasionally and felt that today was the day to respond. I listen to the show from 5 past 5 to just before 6 on my drive home from work in Swindon to my home in Calne and love it! Thanks so much for playing Oblivious last night, I'm a real eighties chick and love hearing the stuff that is in my vinyl collection as I no longer have a turntable to play them on. Mark Radcliffe played I'm Falling by the Bluebells when he was covering the afternoon show t'other week and it prompted me to buy the cd from Amazon, now have it on full blast in the car when Rossy is on on the weekends!
Talking over bookstores, I work in the fiction buying department for a very well known high street retailer but still find my favourite book stores are little independants or better still second hand stores. There's nothing like the smell of old books!
Love the show, keep up the good work!
Gill aka Tiggy xxx
PS What would you do if someone actually requested the Sanford Townsend Band on all request Friday????
Hi Chris
I love hearing to other people's dreams, as long as they listen to mine!
Last night I dreamt I was with some old workmates and one of them told me to eat more bananas because the potassium would make me less stressed. Now I haven't been that stressed lately so I shouted at them that his was very patronising and I got completely wound-up!! Sigh...
Thanks for the new show Chris, for the last couple of weeks I have been 100 miles away working in Scotland and it takes me to the end of your show to get home. I know I should be at Lockerbie by the 2nd Fox the Fox and then I should be home by 7. Perfect.
Are here any plans to release any old TFI stuff on DVD? I really want to see Cerys doing Bulimic Beats again, with the harpist. I had it on video for ages but it'll be lost in the wardrobe top box now, so I'll probably never see it again :(
Keep up the great work!
Love from another proud ginge xxxx
Handy tips for life we get here! Chris, I agree about Paulo Coelho being great but samey. However... read The Zahir, it tells you a lot about him and is different. You can also find out more about him in 'Confessions of a Pilgrim' which is an interview with him.
Happy Wednesday, one and all
Hi Chris,
I live in Germany and have started listening to your drive time show over the internet (hooked up to the stereo). I'm really proud of you, your shows are so lovely, sweet and funny.
Reading your blog today I wanted to tell you that I too hated books when I was young. It was torture in school - being put off by "level white" which consisted entirely of pirate books! YAWN! The things we had to read for English I just didn't (King Lear, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, etc.) It was my cousin who gave me "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman which started me off in my late teens. Nowadays I even try and read classic German literature.
Do you remember which book got you started?
Look forward to your Wednesday show, even though I'll maybe not hear it until tomorrow.
Love from Germany
Good Morning Chris and all readers,
Reading a Blog for the first time - thought I would reply when the electricity went off - quick panic!! What to do - husband installed a new alarm system, what do I do - help help!
Fortunately after a couple of minutes the power returned - but it gave me pause for thought. Will the alarm go into overdrive? or turn itself off? Perhaps I should read the instructions! Have left this to my Best Beloved so far, but he does not enjoy the 'RTFM' method of installing or putting together - think I should spend some time today doing just that (RingTFM)!
At least the lap top is powered for a short period, but connection to the webwebweb is lost - I could continue reading past blogs, having grown potatoes for the first time this year I am interested to read about burying a tin for Christmas! ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ grown potatoes are just the best - I was amazed how different and good they taste!
I agree with you on the bookshops - and the previous blogger on small, independents - mmmm, love that 'bookish' smell.
Happy Days!
i love nights with dreams. it makes the night last longer eh? I slept like a log last night, can't remember what i dreamed of, but i woke up smiling so it must have been good.
Sun is shining, my bunnies are bouncing round the garden, the sunflowers are blooming and everything else in the garden is rosy.
Have a nice day.
Dogwithnobrain
Here's something for your garden that I learnt from my dad yesterday - wasps are your best friend. They eat all pests - and their eggs too. Not sure how to keep them in the garden though - they seem to prefer to hang out inside, round the windows...and the rubbish bins....x
Hi Chris (and drive-timers),
Interesting comments about books β I have been thinking about books and the demise of the second-hand bookshop over the last few daysβ¦
My Uncle and Auntie have a second-hand bookshop, they have kept one since the 70s but they tell me that business is terrible these days. I guess there are so many other distractions or ways to spend your time that books are missing out.
I have two children, a boy (10) and a girl (8). The lad tells me that he is not really a βbook personβ although my wife picked up a dinosaur fact book at the weekend and he hasnβt taken his nose out of it. Itβs really making me laugh β I went into his room on Sunday night to say goodnight and he imparted some little known gem about the Ornithomimus (have I spelt that right)??
Did you know that the Ornithomimus could run as quickly as an ostrich (40mph)?
To be fair the ITV programme βPrehistoric Parkβ has really caught his imagination and he is using his new book to research the animals he sees on television.
Question: How long do you think you should you let a child keep their imagination for?
My lad has asked if we can visit βPrehistoric Parkβ; the programme is so realistic that he completely believes that a safari park full of dinosaurs now exists. I just havenβt got the heart to tell him that it is fiction but I think I will have to say something before the end of the Summer holidays in case his peers at school tease him (although perhaps they believe it too β I donβt know). Like I said, he is 10 so I donβt want to spoil it for him β but I donβt want him to be gullible eitherβ¦
Back to books, my daughter is a real bookworm β we have just redecorated and furnished her room and she now has a lovely bookshelf area that she has set up like a little library. And to get back on topic (about second hand bookshops) we visited the antique market in town two Saturdays ago and picked up some old hardback Beatrix Potter books and a little yellow Rupert Bear storybook (they were a series that were only available from Woolies in the 70s if I remember rightly). During the week, the books were devoured and we went back last Saturday to buy some more. I find that old childrenβs books have so much character. I got a first edition of βThe Three Railway Enginesβ by Rev W.Awdry whilst we were in the market, (I have the whole set of these still from my childhood and they are actually out of print now), but the artwork in this edition from the 40s was completely different to the later editions. I was chuffed to bits to get it!
It is sad to think that children from the 40s to the 80s grew up loving Thomas, Edward, Henry and Gordon through beautiful, colourful artwork in little hardback storybooks and yet now they are only known as plastic looking model trains from a television programme that has become a massive franchise whilst the original books have gone out of print - it makes me mad.
Keep up the work on the great programme and blog!
Bye for now
Dan
Wolverhampton
PS
Regards the spuds β Iβm up for that (but will they grow during the Autumn in time for Christmas)? I will put some in at the weekendβ¦
We have an organic veg box delivered each week and my wife planted some pumpkin seeds in the Spring. We now have pumpkin plants all over the borders growing up the hedge and we even have half a dozen large pumpkins growing which should be just right for Halloween!
We also planed sweetcorn this year and the plants are now about 5β high with the first signs of hairy cobs of corn appearing!!!
Morning Chris.
Mmmmmwah!
Books ..... I often wonder if books affect our lives ..... even the direction our lives take.... I recently re- read, Moonfleet, which is a book I read at school when I was maybe 11 or 12 .... it's written in an old English style and is all about a young lad ( John Trenchard) who lives in a place called Moonfleet. He has a tragic early life but the book ends-up with him being washed ashore, in his home village from a shipwreck. He was being transported as a prisoner, pretty much, for crimes he didn't commit. I was so inspired by the book, when I was young, that I longed to see the scenery described in the book and experience first hand the villages and towns. The first time I read the book, I lived in North East Northumberland on a small farm, in a place called High Hauxley with my great grandma. A million miles away from Moonfleet to an 11 year-old child. Today; I live in Dorchester ( one of the towns in the book- one of the more evil towns, as, in the book, it was the place to which, people were taken to be hanged) Of course they've stopped all that now. ( I hope) If I was to say, I've also lived in Weymouth ( another town in the book) on the Isle of Portland ( again, mentioned in the book) and Lyme Regis ( also in the book) I shop in Poole ( in the book) and of course walk around the old village of Moonfleet ( or at least where it was).. most weekends you might start to think , this girl really was affected by the book. I'll go on to say that at age 16 I ran away from home, got on a train at Newcastle Central Station on the 3rd of January 1983 and got off the train at Weymouth about 12 hours later, and have never been "home" since. Yep: I think books can affect the way we think....... especially the young mind ....
I've read hundreds of books since of course ... Thatcher the Downing Street Years was quite inspiring, ( I'll make it to PM yet) the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy equally so....
Drivetime Cookbook ... Great Idea!!!!! about 100 recipes should be enough I think....... maybe you could call it call it " Get You ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Gourmet" or "Park it in the Kitchen"
Spuds ... nothing like growing your own.............
Last nights show..... and ......Body Hair !! ... I love it.. the more the better.... my other half ( also called Chris) is covered in hair... .. I love to rub his tummy ... Body hair is a what makes men, men I think............
Keep smiling
Rachel
x
PS .. Did you get your new boots?
Morning Christophe and bloggers,
Great blog this morning Chris - though I think the fantabulous dream was probably helped along by the indigestion (it's happened to me before). My dream last night was cool but very much based on my brain sorting through the events of last night so nothing weird enough to share.
Note for Gill aka Tiggy - if you still have your old 80's vinyls and you have an MP3 player, you can buy a USB Turntable to MP3 where you can copy all of your old vinyls onto MP3 - how cool is that?!
Laters potatoes,
C x
this week I am getting into a good routine! Get up 7.00am usually 6.30 but as the dog cut his paw on the Buckfast Bottle (cue shouting at the Buckfast monks and the neds who drink it) and we can't do our 'me and my dog are the only ones walking in this bit of the country at this time in the morning and isn't it a beautiful walk', get breakfast, say hello to the builders (windows in, it's looking good - larch cladding to go on the external walls - it's gonna be a wee beauty (new office and lounge), kiss my lovely husband goodbye, kiss hello to the 9 year old (the 12 year old is well crashed out), have breakfast then up to work! problem is I read the blog, then everyone elses blog and then I feel I need to say hello too!
Some weird dreams last night Chris - what the heck did you have to eat ( I had half a box of Roses)!
Books - love em - I usually read whilst cooking the tea as it's the only time I get peace! Bookshops - nothing better that sneaking in, getting a seat and reading (no children please)!
look forward to the show this evening! Play Belle and Sebastians 'boy with the arab strap' wot a cool song, Rhona (age 9, likes gravy) loves it too!
Hi Chris,
Just starting reading your Blog ~ awesome!
I love to start the day by reading the blog with a nice cup of tea. Just a few moments for me before the day starts. You have gotta be quick, otherwise the day gets you!
Loved the stuff yesterday about gardens, open doors and just getting the most from life. Thinking lots about just buying a small cottage with a garden: Lancashire or Devon?
Keep up the good work ~ its so great to have a different pace placed upon things. Life is short, so it is important to take as much as you can in.
Have a great day and I look forward to tonights show....
Regards,
Jez
Chris
On your food theme I have just sent you an e-mail, but thought I'd put the comments here to see what happens.
I drive past a pub on the A361 in Northants every day and they have a sign in the car park which intrigues me as to it's meaning. It proudly acclaims the pub serves PROPER FOOD. Not sure what this actually means. Do all other pubs serve food which is not proper, i.e. plastic imitation:
I can understand the concept of Trditional or Authentic food but not proper. Any thoughts would be great.
Top o' the mornin' to you
I'm just up ... urrgghhh, not a morning person... I was awake at 5.53 but zzzz.....
I forgot to mention courgettes in my allotment blog entry yesterday; came back from hols to one we'd missed, so cut it & it weighed a whopping 6 1bs 4 ozs! Not one to waste anything I gave it to a good cause. Tons of soup I expect.
Tomatoes are now turning nicely red. And potatoes for Christmas - a brill idea. There's nothing like homegrown sprouts though. Unless you're a 9 year old boy of course.
ttfn Val B.
Morning Christoph,
Books. Love 'em. When I was at school during the Cretaceous period there was a series of 16 featuring a brother and sister called Peter and Jane. Anybody else remember them? Book 1(a) was in really simple language and all the way at the end in book 4 (d), well, the language was still simple but there were more words on each page each of which was faced with illustrations of the rosy cheeked hero and heroine doing something to do with the page opposite. Something like that, anyway.
I tried to get into all the old classics, and since the 'high street retailer' for which Gill @ #7 probably works (as it's in Swindon, Greenbridge ditribution centre, if I'm any judge) carried them at about a quid each I bought a stack.
What's with Rob Roy? The eponimous hero doesn't turn up until half way through the book! Tom Jones turned out to be nothing like the character in the TV adaptation and Tess of the d'Urbervilles - well, what a little minx!
Jamaica Inn - fantastic!
Toodles.
:o)
Good Wednesday Chris, gang and bloggers,
I really liked your blog today including the surely cheese induced dream. Why does eating cheese produce weird weird dreams? Answers on a postcard from all scientists and knowledgeable people.
Also regarding your thoughts on books and bookshops i totally agree. When i was younger i didnt read all that much and found history boring. I was so bad at it my teacher told me if i took it for GCSE he would kill me. But now Ive grown up i find books, knowledge, history and trivia fascinating. I love books so much and Im now a freelance book designer so i get to work on books as well as reading them. Its a funny old world.
Word of the day: Quixotic- excessively chivalrous or foolishly idealistic
Dinner tonight- jacket potato. sorted.
Blog on
Matt
Hey y'all,
(sorry not American really, wife is, habit I have picked up!!!)
Great show, great blog. Would also like to hear "The Boy With The Arab Strap" - Belle and Sebastian are fab.
Jamaica Inn was fab. Another Daphne Du Maurier book that is wonderful is "The House on the Strand": coastal setting, excellent characters, time travel, fantastic descriptions. Also makes me want to move to coast, Devon, somewhere I can take long walks with the wife and the dog(which we can't have in current dwelling!); frequent locals only pub; get live chicken from local farmer to cook in pot etc...sorry slipped into "Withnail and I" mode...how I miss student days when I had more time to read.
Sadly do not have a garden but have planted herbs in pots outside front door. Doing amazingly well are chives, parsley (gone mental, fighting with lavender and winning), basil (flowers!, did not know this, beautiful to learn new stuff about nature first hand) and rosemary.
Must go, will be listening later. Keep up the good work everyone!
James.
Had to share this:
The fear of long words is:
"hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia"
Oh sweet irony...
Its only Blog and roll but i like it.
Matt
Hi Chris et al
I loke the idea of the cookbook, Here's my receipe...Toad in the hole
Get a dozen chippolata sausages (the ones that are about and inch and a half long that you use for Christmas). Alternatively chop a pack of bigger sausages in half.
Roast these in a hot oven (200c) using ovenproof bakeware. I use a glazed terracota thing which is about 30cm long and 15cm wide.
Meanwhile, crack two medium eggs into a bowl, add a cup full of milk. Whisk. Then add six heaped spoons of plan flour (the spoons you use to eat with) and whisk. Add more milk to bring the mixture to a creamy consistency.
When your sausages have taken on a bit of colour add a little vegatable oil. Put back in oven for 10 mins.
Then take out of oven and pour in batter mix.
Chuck immediately back into the oven and leave well alone till cooked (about 25 mins).
Excellent with a decent beef & onion gravy some green veg and a little dijon mustard.
A Blogging Lotto Wednesday christop
well on the food front yesterday i cooked myself a lovely meal
two pork chops(no bones just the meat)
a pepper
pasta
dijon mustard
1. tiny bit of olive oil into a frying pan
2. sear the chops both sides
3.remove chops and spread some dijon mustard over then not to much.
4.put back the chops and cook for about 15-20 mins depending on your preference of how you like meat cooked.
5.the pasta put into boiling water and simmer 10mins should do it.
6.the pepper wash remove seeds from and then slice into onion ring slices and it makes a nice salad granish.
and eat and enjoy (maybe with a cooled beer)
catch thy lot later or Hasta luego
the drive time cook book sounds a great idea
Morning one and all,
Just had my rice crispies and now slurping on a fine mug of tea, what a way to start the day.
I have to admit though i am knackered, my little boy is having these sizures in the night and just finds it so hard to relax, our consultant has called it Benign Occipital Seizures. The sooner we can get this under control the better!
Anyway Books....i was rubbish at reading stuff at school infact never did, my english teacher was pulling his hair out with me, that was until i was introduced to a fine book 'To Kill a Mockingbird' what a book! Now i feel naked if a have not got a good book to hand i have loads, could even open my own library.
Not sure i agree with the book store people being attractive though, to me they all look like they would appear in the X Factor auditions at the start...what was it you called them!
Liking the new Fox jingle thing.
Carry on!!
Denchy
Hi Chris and all readers.
I'm up for doing the potatoes for Christmas that sounds like an excellent idea. Has someone put an explanation on here of how to protect them from the frost? I'll have a search later.
My partner's a councillor (not the local government type) and is very keen on everyone getting good dreams. She says it good for your mental health to dream so I won't be having any problems in that regard as my dreams are often like little stories that I can control where they go.
There have been a few bits on here about walking holidays they are the best much better for you than slobing about on a beach I can only do that for so long then I have to go for a walk. Walking for me is only really good when you camp as well, with a big group of friends. You sit round the fire until the wee small hours watching the stars and talking about life. Then in the morning (5am) you're up again to make an early start on the climb. If your lucky you get to see the sun rise on the mountain but that doesn't always happen. I'm taking my children up Ben Nevis this year. They have already climbed Snowdon. The youngest is only seven but can walk better some adults I've met. She simply won't give up. We are going by train to Fort William it will be a real adventure. Don't worry every one all my children are fully kitted with boots and water proofs they could easily hold out for days if we got stuck.
Regards
Nick
Birmingham
That is why TFI should still be on!!
I would love to see that, that's the kind of thing that made it great.
Also, we need more monkeys dressed up as celebrities and naked parades!
I've ordered the MARCO PIERRE WHITE biography purely on the power of what you have said, its out on the 23rd August... Urgently reading my other bok so I'm in top condition to read it straight from the word go! Really looking forward... I've recently bought Matt Skinners Juice 2006, 100 wines you should be drinking! Its not really a book but a very good guide to learning a little more about wine! I find myself in almost geek status looking for the wine he suggests, much to the amusment of everyone on the shop that I'm looking in!
I used to hate reading, I could always find something so much more interesting to do, but I got hooked whilst at Uni, I could never understand why people said they couldn't put it down... My problem was picking it up in the first place until I read "Soft" by Rupert Thompson, a book about the dangers of Advertising, murder, decite it had the lot and I truely couldn't put it down... I was now in the club, allowed to tell people about this amazing book I had read, I now found that other people would tell me about their amazing books and its never stopped. I've now got so many on my list to read that there is not enough hours in the day to read!
I've just finished John Daley's "In & out of the rough" fantastic book, everything you read in the newspaper about him was no where close to the real John Daley! Great if you like Golf!
Anyway, must get on, Chris as usual brilliance at 6:03am and then again @ 5pm!
Cheers!
Well Chris, as i spent years working in a book shop I also agree the assistants are sexy!
I am lucky, I have always had a thirst for reading, I love spending hours browsing in a quirky book store in york!
There is actually a wonderful book store in Paris calle "little Shakespeares" It has english travellers working their, and it used to be you could get accomodation aslong as you work there and reada book a day. How wonderful. It is wall to old wall in books, old and new in all languages and all subjects. You will find it near Notre Damn!
Em 25xxx
Dear Chris and bloggers,
Woooowoooo this is great....start the day with a laugh, love the blog don't always catch all the show but do 'listen again' sometimes. Partner Martin, always listens though Chris, he's usually in the car tooing and froing. He wants to know whats happened to your dog? Hes looking forward to tonight with the chap about cabbage being good for you or something. (I will catch last nights show this arvo at work, sort of).
First book I read was grimms fairy tales but i think i was 12 or something, a late starter, have had trouble with reality ever since.
Last year we grew spuds and purple sprouting, only have a small patch, cant beat home grown spuds. PS was first tme don't know what I did with it, it grew huge, very leggy, 5ft plus, but edible bits were very tasty.
happy wednesday.
Linda.
good morning good mornin
this blog things addictive isn't it? i had a dream last nite i was on an egg hunt with bono from u2 ending in me havin quite an indept chat with a puppy who was sittin in a line with about 20 other puppies in one of the barns we were collectin eggs in. not sure what a dream interpreter wud make of that but it was quite entertainin and i agree that guy who said it makes yr nite last longer...it really does.
great idea about the cook book...i'l help with the bakin section...
just off to drive round 7 pubs - part of my job so wil blog on later...
ju x x x
ps yesterday a lady said how lovely every1 was on here and that she just wanted to b part of it and i feel the same, its very reassurin to kno that theres still some nice people out there.
A Very Good Morning to you Chris and to your fellow bloggers. What a lovely bunch of people we are!
Last night I had a fascinating dream that I was walking through my house and opening doors to rooms that I hadn't previously known were there. I found about 10 of them! One had a piano in and to my delight I discovered that I could play the piano! Another led to a Louis XVth style bedroom TO DIE FOR and yet another door opened to the outside and led on to.........you've guessed it........a huge mature and very well stocked vegetable garden! In my dream my next thought was to blog you and let you know that I'd found a lovely vegetable garden and you could help yourself to my veg anytime (ooh er missus!) but I couldn't find a computer anywhere. I then looked for a telephone and couldn't find one. It struck me that all this veg needed to be picked as it was ripe. Luckily my mum and dad and some friends appeared and we set about picking it all. I hope I can return there tonight........:)
I love my books but find it increasingly difficult to find a novel that doesn't disappoint me so I've turned to biog's of late. The last read was Cynthia Lennon's book. Being a fan of John Lennon I bought it on day one (June) to see what other bits and pieces I could glean about 'my hero' that I didn't already know. 20 pages in I was hooked but found that what I was reading was incredibly similar to my own life experience from the age of 15 to 28. It made me realise that I had got off very lightly. Luckily my wannabe rockstar ex husband had a good bite of the rock 'n' roll cherry but didn't make it to the big time. I cried like a baby through most of that book and gave my emotional self a thorough purging! I now see what used to be a painful pesonal history through very different eyes. Serendipity.
Anyway, my spuds go in today! I'm a virgin spudder and have opted for the 'two tier tyre' method as found on t'internet. I should yield 11 - 38lbs of tats from two halved 'seed' tats so I may be able to have you all to Christmas dinner! I have my camping crew coming for the pre-camp meet at mine this evening as most of them don't know eachother so I'll get the children to do the hard work for me (purely for their own education of course!).
Looking forward to this evening's show as always.
Love and moonbems,
Debs xx
PS Please ask nutrition man about beetroot nutritional qualities (not the nasty pickled kind). Been fascinated by it since it turned my wee purple as a kid. Recipes for beetroot most welcome. x
PPS Performed a RAK this morning. Bought two bags of maltesers instead of my usual one and gave one to the man in the queue behind me. Used this as a moment to plug your show as he looked about our age. He was delighted and promised to tune in! It made me feel fab! xx
Morning all.
I like second hand bookshops the best you always find real gems. The moon gardening topic last week reminded me of a gorgeous little book that I found in Hay-on- Wye, it is a diary of old folklore and the like that gives advice on which day of which month to plant stuff, pull up weeds, go blackberry picking etc.
With a second hand book you are always wondering who owned the book before you, what events has it been involved it, where has it been. It make for great imagination trips...
Jayne x
Hi Chris
Enjoyed your Blog, it's becoming a sort of ritual pick up post, radio on,feed fish, switch lap top on make tea then read blog, loved reading about your weekend of walking, I think you must have been in the alps, have you walked in Chamonix it is amazing scenery the walk to Lac Blanc is my top ten walk. Getting back to todays love the idea of eating homegrown potatoes at xmas, this is my first year of veg growing and am hooked, talked last night in pub about what to grow next year !!
Off to buy a paperback today love the feeling of excitement when holding an interesting book, love Philip pulman, sebastian Falks, Sarah Hall and travel books read a lovely book called The Piano Tuner cant remember who wrote it.
Look forward to some crazy tunes tonight
Jane
P.s wrote in the other day about putting some sparkle into a bluebell wood that I had painted, it worked I sold it yesterday, so had Indian to Celebrate
Hey Chris!
What about parsnips for Christmas too? Great recipe - parsnips in parmesan. Chop parsnips into slices, boil them until getting very very slightly soft, then in a bowl mix together grated parmesan and plain flour. Take out the parsnip slices and roll them in the cheese/flour mixture, then put on a tray and bake in the oven for thirty minutes - they're yummy! By the way, have found a brilliant website - www.allotment.org.uk. Lots of ideas for growing veggies (not just on allotments) and lots of recipes too. Oh, and the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ (of course) has a brilliant gardening website .
I love books - reading some Scottish traditional short stories at the moment which are fab as they're written in the Scottish dialect (is that the right terminology?) and they make for hysterical translations. The only thing that makes me sad in second hand bookshops is all those books that are never read - and all the authors who spent so much time thinking up those lovely words in vain. Which is effectively why I've stopped buying the Sunday papers - it takes too long to read them and I always feel it's a terrible waste that people have laboured over articles, just for me to chuck it all in the recycling bin eventually.
Take care everyone
xxx
Chris
I'm on a training course this week, away from home & fed up, but you are always so positive, a real inspiration to me at the moment. The Shlog really helps keep my spirits up!
I've tried to follow a variation of the motto you used today - If you don't aim for the stars you'll never get off the ground.
Thanks
Paul
Forgot to mention.....whilst walking in woods last night we came a cross a fat stick on a rope hanging from a tree across the ravine. It was really high too. Luckily nobody was about so just had to do it! Two forty year old women squealing with delight as we swung within inches of our lives over the perilous 3ft deep canyon below!
Dx
PS What did happen to your dog (see #32)? German Shepherd? Enzo?
Forgot to mention.....whilst walking in woods last night we came a cross a fat stick on a rope hanging from a tree across the ravine. It was really high too. Luckily nobody was about so just had to do it! Two forty year old women squealing with delight as we swung within inches of our lives over the perilous 3ft deep canyon below!
Dx
PS What did happen to your dog (see #32)? German Shepherd? Enzo?
fantastic blog - brilliant drivetime show, captures madness and irrascibility of tfi - cooking. you have to have to try hibiscus. book a table - no, bring your friends and book the restaurant - it has two michelin stars, is a better bet than marco pierre white and is run by french cook claude bosi. he's 33. genius! hibiscus is in ludlow. book it book it book it.....
Hi all
Debs (34) - reading about your RAK gesture reminded me of something similar that happened recently.
I was in a local supermarket and was raiding the frozen desert section when a chap appeared next to me and selected 2 lots of Maltesers ice cream lollies. Not really my cup of tea but it caught my attention as I had a 50p off voucher in my purse. So, I took it out and gave it to him to use. Meant to be, I think, as the voucher expired the following day! Admittedly, he did look at me like I was a complete nut or potential serial killer and backed away quite quickly but, when he realised that I meant him no harm, he thanked me and his face started to soften. Felt good.
Only mentioned it as it's gotten me thinking (not trying to blow my own trumpet or anything - especially as it's a bit naff as RAKs go). What happens to all those unused coupons and vouchers? Perhaps we could share those, Jenny & Debs, as part of the RAK idea from yesterday? A sort of Chris Evans' Blog RAK Swap Shop?
PS As you all may have realised, I'm pretty pants when it comes to anything practical so a step-by-step guide to growing pots in pots that will be raeady for Crimbo would be very much appreciated. Please include all the really obvious points (as they probably won't be so obvious to a gardening virgin like me). Ta muchly.
Take care. Wishing you all a fab and glorious day!
Morning!
Peter & Jane books!!! (# 21) Yes I remember them very well, βPeter and Jane played house under the tableβ etc etc etc. Have to admit itβs one of the reasons I love the Janet and John stories on TWβs show.
For all those books lovers out there I have this to say to you β go to Hay-on-Wye for anyone who has never heard of this wonderful place it has in the region of 40 book stores, and being situated within spitting distance of the Black Mountains makes for a great weekend of browsing and walking.
The cookbook is a wonderful idea; perhaps it could be combined with a growing your own fruit & veg book? We have some pots that were due to go into the allotment about 2 months ago, but were discovered hiding in a safe place over the weekend. They will now be going in the ground for Christmas and New Year.
Chris, I hope you have a wonderful week on your walking holiday next week, and I hope that if you have got new boots that you are doing everything but sleeping in them to make sure they are properly broken it. Blistered and bleeding feet are the quickest way to ruin any day.
One last thing, Happy Hump Day to all of those with the βnormalβ Monday to Friday type of employment. For all you others, hope your hump day comes soon.
Bye bye
the RAK idea is brilliant, its like the pay it forward idea from the movine...any1 seen that? its one of those films thats makes u want to change how u live...we shud start a RAK movement???
xxx
Chris,
If you're enjoying MP White's book, try Heat
by Bill Buford or the Anthony Bourdain Omnibus both books about food, cooking and the dark world of chefs.
Mange-tout indeedy
Ok blogger #21, smarty pants, you've found me out! How'd you know that????
Tiggy!
Chilli
400g Minced Beef
1 tin of baked beans
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
1 tin of kidney beans
1 large tube of tomato puree
2 Whole chillis chopped up very small
1 Green pepper chopped up
1 tea spoon of chilli powder.
Cook the beef first in a saucepan and pour off the fat. Add all the other ingredients and simmer for 15 to 20 mins. Stirring regularly.
Serving suggestion: Allow every one to help them selves to the chilli and provide some wraps to eat it in plus some dry roasted peanuts to mix in its delicious.
Makes enough for six what you don't use can be frozen and used at another time.
Chris,
If you're enjoying MP White's book, try Heat
by Bill Buford or the Anthony Bourdain Omnibus both books about food, cooking and the dark world of chefs.
Mange-tout indeedy
Back again Christoph & Shloggers,
Looked up a recipe of mine which went down well.
Roast chicken breast in mushroom & white wine sauce.
You'll need:-
chicken breasts (1 per portion)
olive oil
butter
finely chopped garlic (to taste)
chopped onion
sliced mushrooms
water
dry(ish) white wine
chicken stock
basil
seasoning
flour
The chicken
1. Pre-het oven to 210C
2. Put breasts in an ovenproof dish and place in centre of oven
3. Cook for 40 minutes. Turn over chicken after 20.
The sauce
1. heat oil and butter together until butter is melted
2. Add onion and garlic and fry for 5 mins.
3. stir in mushrooms, stock and wine
4. Season and bring to boil.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. To achieve a nice consistency prepare a mixture of flour and about 100 ml cold water.
7. Stir this gradually into the sauce.
8. Pour sauce over chicken breasts.
This dish goes nicely on a nest of pasta with a nice crunchy salad tossed in posh vinegar of your choice.
Β‘΄‘±θ°ω΄Η±Ή±π³¦³σ±π!
:o)
Hi Gill,
Before I departed blighty's shores for sunnier climes I used to be a courier based in Swindon and had many a pick up/drop at G'bridge.
have a good day and a safe drive back to Calne on that terrible road!
:o)
Most of us fall into our careers by accident and quite often into a career that does not make the best use of our skills - I blame it on the advice we get whilst at school - no one ever asked me what I liked, what I thought I was good at or what made me feel good.
Careers advisor - 'what you want to do then lad?'
Me - 'dunno'
Careers advisor - 'take some general a levels then like Geography, economics and english and you can decide later'
As a parent I'm already getting my kids to explore their own feelings to help guide their future career path.
Great show.
ps.Baked beans on toast - little bit of salt on the butter and loads of lea and perrins on the beans - simply the best
Re #42 - RAK with money off coupons
I like to leave any money off coupons I won't be using on the supermarket shelves next to the product they are for, hopefully the next shopper can make use of it. How random is that?
Chris - I grow potatoes in 'layers' in a rubbish bin full of soil. They love it. Plant your spuds in the bottom and as the plant grows, keep adding soil to leave just the top of the plant sticking out of the top. Then as the plant grows taller, add more soil until the bin is full. Creates a huge soiled up root, stacks of spuds, doesn't take up loads of space, keeps all the water in (especially good when its been so hot). You never forget where they are and you can move them around the garden. I assume you will be growing mange tout inyour veg patch. thanks for the great show (i mean that, really!)
S
So many books, so short a life!
Thanks Ian #50, only been living in Calne since June so have not experienced the A4361/A4 in bad weather yet, dread to think what it'll be like then!
Hi Christophe laminey pie - remember you originally from GLR days on a great Satruday morning prog - there was a great game alled the pregnant pause - can't remember the rules
Agree about paul Coelho - I recommend 11 Minutes - curiously thought provoking and erotic at the same time
Blog 47 should add a couple of teaspoons ofcumin to his chilli and optional mushrooms for the last 2 mins (had this last ight)
Dreams as a result of last night's chilli left me counting old boyfriends (got stuck after quite a high number) but dreamt about one who was very much older than me and was investigating a crime dressed as Inspector Clusoe!
Re Blog 52 - great idea to leave your unwanted money off coupons on supermarket shelves for other people to use!
I don't know where the press gets the idea that your show is not popular (different to Johhny but still great) keep on enthusing - its ost uplifting
Sal
Ello Chris and Fellow Bloggers!
Ok, i admit, I've listened to the radio show every night on the way home, and continue to listen when i get home, but one thing i must also admit is that i'm a drive-time blog virgin!.. now before you all gasp in shock at such a monstorous statment and chant "where have you been!!!?" - Rest assured, from this moment on, i am a serial blogger!!...
Ok, now we got that out the way! - On the subject of books, like you Chris, i could never get into books as a kid. If it wasnt blowing up or going 200mph, leaping 500ft ravines or had someone shooting millons of bullets from a never ending gun... i want interested! - Personally i think i was spoilt as a child by The A Team.. didn't ya just love the A Team?!...
Anyway.. books were never my thing, i prefered films. That was however, untill just receintly when i was intorduced to a Mr. Adrian Mole!... from page one i was hooked! - here was a guy, who not only made me laugh out loud on a packed bus raising some strange looks, but also someone i could relate too!.. now since such time, i have now read 3 Adrian Mole books and i'm now on the last one.. The Weapons of Mass Destruction!.. nwo for all you other bloggers who haven't yet read Mr Mole, i urge you to give him a go.
It;s also one book i think would make a great comedy movie.. The question is.. who, among our various celebs and A-Listers, could Play Adrian Mole?..... Chris, Fancy giving it a go ? ;)
Listening to the show last night, how interesting was that chap telling you all the benifits of various veggies?.. I was mesmerised!... so much so i got home and the first thing i did was juice some carrots!.. Did i hear right that he's going to be on tonight aswell?.. i may have to pull over if he is!! hehe.
Also a quick note about You're Foxy Rebecca. It caused great crys of "It's about bleedin time" and "I'm not leaving the car till i hear what her suprise is!!" from my other half, she was dead chuffed that she's finally been given her own 'theme tune' and a cracking one at that !!
Ok, i best toodle off and do some work i guess now that i have finally popped my blogging cherry!..
Until next time... Bonjouirnio!
Mark :D
Sounds to me like there's a niche for a 'coupon share wall' in supermarkets, located just inside the main entrance/exit, where shoppers on their way out can leave their unused vouchers, especially those that will expire imminently, and those coming in can help themselves to whatever they fancy! You know, something like the customer boards that most supermarkets already provide for advertising cars/furniture for sale, rooms for rent etc, except that I think a metal board with mini fridge magnets would work better than a wooden one with plastic pockets.
Anyone from TESCOs etc reading this? If so, remember me - I will expect a not-so-small ommission for the idea! lol
Aarghhhh!! I just hate making spelling errors; the worst word to misspell too, as the sentence now makes little sense!! How daft am I! For 'ommission' in #59, please read 'commission'. Please forgive my doziness!
Howdy, (another American pick-up!)
back again. My wife is an amazing cook (she is part Italian, part Irish, alot Southern belle and hence can cook up a storm). I thought I would share a recipe for spuds (pots) as they seem to be the topic of choice at the mo!
She makes "twice baked potatos" which are gorgeous.
You will need 3-4 healthy sized baking potatos
125ml soured cream
Cheese - good sized block of (in place of "proper? red american cheese - not sure what she means, choose not to get into this discussion!) Red Leicester
One lengthy chive (from herb garden mentioned earlier)
3-4 strips of bacon (basicly 1 strip per pot)
Salt and pepper
(Milk possibly - depending on prefered consistency)
Bake pots in oven/microwave and oven depending on preferred method/time etc.
Once baked remove from oven and allow to cool completely. (We do not want any burnt hands!)
Cut each pot in half and scoop out most of the potato leaving a thin layer and skin all the way around.
Arange pots open side up on a baking tray.
Put spooned out potato in a mixing bowl.
Fry bacon until crisp (streaky bacon will give best texture and taste)
To potato's add chives (chopped finely), soured cream, salt and pepper, and a healthy (meaning heaped amount that is obviously not healthy) and whizz together with hand held mixer.
You are looking for a smooth but lumpy consistency. Add bacon and whizz a little more and then spoon mixture back into pots (arranged on baking tray)
Then cover each pot with some more cheese and bake in oven until till nice and hot and cheese is bubbley (not sure of speling here!)
She served them with some breaded southern fried chicken and sweetcorn. Delicious.
For vegies you do not need to add the bacon. And I have suggested but not yet tried adding a little onion (maybe spring) to the mixture. Could be good.
Oh, almost forgot, there will be more mixture than you need so my wife (Jennifer - not sure whay I hand not mentioned her name yet?) puts the rest in a small dish and cooks that next to the spuds, we waste nothing here.
Once again - great blog, great show.
Enjoy,
James.
An add-on from Shaun's entry about growing spuds in dustbins - if you can't stretch to one, you can use the same method with bin bags (not the really thin ones).
You start with them rolled right down and stab a few small drainage holes in the bottom (or just stick your finger through it!), place the seed potatoes in the bottom and cover them with about 6 inches of soil/compost. Then water to give them a start
Then, as you see the shoots breaking the surface, put a layer of soil over the top to cover them up. Roll the bag up as you need it.
Keep doing this throughout the autumn and make sure the soil doesn't dry out.
My favourite bit is sticking my hand down to find the buried treasure!
Can't do it this year as am just about to move out and don't get into my new place (3 counties away) until end of October - so please everyone enjoy it on my behalf, it is sooo satisfying!
this blog is starting to drive me nuts - it's so interesting reading about everyone that I am getting no work done and the builder needs paid -specialist roof going on today and new back door which means dog with sore paw (Buckfast bottle injury - did you get my message about those monks and neds)! - can have access to rear garden and need not be taken out of the front door, through the builders materials on the drive, through the extension then lead into garden! yipeee
agree with other bloggers - potaotes grow fab in containers! the big bin one sounds great must try that when the garden gets back to normal.
great use for potatoes, slice washed potatoes (skin on) place in a buttery casserole dish, add layers of potatoes, butter, salt and pepper then pour over milk (or cream for that extra heart attack)! cook in oven 180 for about 1 and 1/2 hrs till pots soft, yum, yum ,yum.......comfort food
Hi every body,
hope you all have a nice day, I have just written down Ian's receipe #49 - chicken in mushroom & white wine will be trying this maybe on Thurs will let you know how it goes! My dad grows all his own veggies, sunday dinner at my mums is wonderful!!!!
:o)
Hi everybody,
Enjoyed todays blog! Will be trying Ian's (# 49) receipe "Chicken & mushroom white wine sauce", later this week maybe Thursday.
Mark #57 did you catch the televised serial of Adrian Mole they did some years ago with Julie Walters playing Mrs, Mole if I remember rightly.
My dad had grown his own veggies for years his runner beans are delicious and sunday dinner at my mums is out of this world!!
:o)
Hi Chris
I love your blog. Fantastic.
Top tip for people who love food but don't enjoy cooking it (like me)- anyone ever come across a company called Food in Barnes? We are in the process of moving house and their stuff has rescued us- and it is really well priced. Mostly it tastes fantastic. If I had my way I would never go food shopping ever again- except for the naughty stuff they tell you not to eat when you go to the gym.....
:)
Chris
love the show,love the blog
bookshops are superb! I agree with someone who said you can spend ages in there,i do,no matter which country i visit on holiday,i always go in,and im in there ages,dont know where the time goes,im sure if you could put peace and quiet and words in a bottle it would be fantastic medicine,no one would ever be sick
walking - i live in Holmfirth,moved there 2 yrs ago,and its fantastic for walking,2 mins from my house and im in thecountryside,it doesnt get any better than that,one of the reasons i moved there for peace and quiet and fresh air,trying to get some peace in my life when i leave work,already im happier becos of it!
giving some serious thort to this planting pots.i only have a small garden but that doesnt seem to be a problem by the looks of it,so i have no excuse
great blog,great show chris
seeya
john
The recipes idea seems to be really taking off and many sound absolutely delicious. But I can't help thinking that it detracts from the flow of the blog when every other entry is a recipe.
Perhaps a separate area should be set up for posting and organising the recipes so we can refer to it easily when looking for culinary inspiration?
Favourite book of all time is the Magus by John Fowles, helped by a lifelong love of Greece, partic the islands. Have read and re-read - probly owned about 7 copies as people never seem to give it back when lent (I don't lend it any more) The kind of book that you change viewpoint the more you read it. fab,
have a book on interpretation of dreams somewhere too but think the answer will be "biological causes"
fab shlog, can't listen tonight as going out!!! miracles will never cease
Wow! I'm another 1st time visitor to this blog, infact I've only recently started listening to Radio2! Loving the Chris Evans shlog thing!! So on the books thing, I've always had problems with books. I was a great Steven King fan, then lost interest, preferred to watch the films!! But now I am 28 I'm getting in to the reading thing more and more. I am a fan of 'true life' books so it seems! Just finished reading a real harrowing book by Kathie O'Briern called 'Don't Ever Tell' - couldn't put it down! Prior to that I read a book in 2 days - which for me is a miracle as I usually take weeks to read - it's a time and a 'sends me to sleep' thing!! Anyway it was 'One Child' by Tory Hayden, and being a teacher myself I really connected with it.
On the potatoes thing - my husband always comments that I am a girl of 'simple' pleasures and love nothing more that a good load of spuds with my dinner - offer me a choice between A La Carte veg n stuff, or spuds in any variety and I'll go with the spuds every time!! And my nan makes the best 'proper' chips in the world cooked in LARD!!! Great between 2 thick slices of white bread!!
hi all,
Recipe book sounds an excellent idea! Will ask the shortbread king for details.
Really looking forward to the veg man tonight. I wonder if he will talk about the benefits of seeeds? They are real power houses of energy.
Off to enable Random Act of Kindness - love the coupon idea and the Maltesers - if everyone did one thing each day would the world not be a better place?
hugs
jenny
This 'shlog' is becoming a FULL day event. By the time you read all todays blogs, refresh the page, there is another half dozen added. Brilliant.
Have the kettle race anyway, might not work on the radio but I bet it would be a giggle anyway.
Keep 'shlogging'
Hi eveyone, just been to France for a couple of weeks, here is a brill recipe that our French neighbour GILES made for us one night , MINT OMELETTE..
12 eggs, (2 each) small pot of fromage frais or can use goats cheese if very fresh, or any grated cheese really, salt, pepper, a few handfuls of fresh chopped up mint leaves, just mix everyting together and fry in a little butter....serve with new potatoes, green salad and a nice chilled rose wine... delish...
hi all,
tried to post a comment and it hasnt appeared. Hope it is just a glitch
so
looking forward to veg nan tonight. Hope he talks about the benefits of seeds.
Off to enable a RAK
hugs
Jenny
hello,
1st time blogger but reg slogger!
loving the idea of the cook book, heres a real quick easy one ready in about 20mins and dead good.
pack of posh sausage ( I like the pork and apple ones!) chopped into qtrs fried in a pan with a chopped onion.
Meanwhile back on the ranch, peel and slice some spuds, (so the look like fat crisps) and boil in water and a stock cube.
when its all cooked, stick the saus and onion in an oven proof dish with the spuds on top with a little bit of the stock dribbled over them and grate cheese on top.
stick under the grill til melty and brown...... mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
This is my hubbies fave tea!
The books, I also didn't read to much at school until "to kill a mockingbird" came along it's obviously a good book if it can have that affect on people at an age where theres soooo many other cool things to be doing. I still have my copy from school and read it at least once a year! Love Wilfred Owen too.
hayho, back to work!
Hi Chris,
As a first time blogger(is that the right term?), I don't really want to be negative, but is it just me that finds other peoples dreams tedious.All listeners must have been in a situation where a partner, colleague etc has rattled on about last nights crazy dream, all the time feigning interest etc.
Dreams seem to fall into the category of "You had to be there", which of course is impossible, unless of course you were in the dream. You see what I am getting at.
The other thing I have noticed over the years is when people tell you that they dreamt about you, what they are really saying is "I didn't really dream about you, but if I tell you I did, then you might realise that I secretly fancy the pants off you"
As I write, more and more dream thoughts are entering my head and I'm thinking, "Can - open - worms - everywhere" I need to stop, now.
Just progessing my earlier thoughts on discrete area for recipes and linking to Chris' comment on doing a book for charity...
If a 'recipe area' of some sort was set up, people could donate recipes, and then if folk like a recipe, they could make an 'honesty' donation to say thank you.
Obviously a charity would need to be decided upon, although this being the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ, Children in Need seems the most obvious.
May be unworkable, but had to empty my head and put it 'out there' in case others thought it might be 'do-able!'
Chris - your blog is so fascinating. Great to have you in multidimensional format as it's very seldom we get to learn about presenters beyond their shows and the Media's representation.
I guess my fascination comes from the fact that you always seemed so off the wall and crazy, but now we can all see that you are actually pretty normal and live your life by values that we all aspire to.
Keep up the fabulous work, you make us all smile and keep our minds stimulated with your schlog. I can't help thinking that the blog is just the beginning and that an incredible amount of things could happen as a result of such a positive-feeling place.
Right, really must get some work done now...but,
Thank you, Sir!
Bonjour,
Dreams are odd things are they not? They say that there are answers in there somewhere (if only we knew what the questions were?!) The last vivid dream i remember, I was in the old school gym ready to play Basketball again which I loved at school but though I searched I couldn't find a ball that wasn't flat and that would bounce......... what was all that about?
Bookshops....... there is a great old bookshop in Oundle if you are ever up this way, Like Sass was saying (no. 4) it disappears round corners and up stairs , could stay in there for hours. I found a really old 5 inch thick version of "Mrs Beetons book of household management" in there for forty quid. (Especially handy if you need to know what the duties of your Footman should be......)
I love books but don't often finish them as there is something exciting and inviting about a new unread book( the same as an empty notepad with a beautiful cover and an unused, full, brand new box of ultra sharp coloured pencils).
I mostly buy cookbooks and love everything about food so if you want to do a drive time book of FABLOGOUS recipes, I'd buy it old bean!!
One more thing...... planting potatoes..... in upstanding compost bags. once ready you can cut a whole in the bottom so the soil runs out(might be a good idea to place the bag on an existing flower bed or over a large container). The potatoes are harvested without needing a fork and therefore you don't end up with large prong holes in them like I did!!
Well once again, a pleasure reading, till we blog again.......
Liecex
Hey Chris et al...
...back again. (School holiday's too long - can't believe I am saying that as it was a certain pull factor to becoming a teacher in the 1st place!)
I would like to echo the positive praise of To Kill A Mockingbird.
It is a fantastic book. I too, like Becky, post 74 read it at least once a year. It continued for me a never ending journey through the literary world when I was in school. It is one of those books where I discover something new every time I read it. Truly inspired!
I am now listening again to last nights show to write down some of the benefits of vegies. As on holiday I have time to experiment in the kitchen so I think I will try and add some of the vegies mentioned to meals over the next couple of weeks.
Maybe the vegie fanatacism could be married to the recipe idea and the recipes could be organised by the veg that they are promoting???
Cheers
James.
Hi Chris
I had a wonderful dream, met an old boyfriend who hurt me bad and he introduced me to his beautiful wife and beautiful daughter, I indtroduced him to my husband ....ROBBIE his face was a picture!!!
Then got rudely awakened...
LOVE THE SHOW
Txxxxxx
ref blog 57........ how old did that just make me feel!
Adrian Mole was made into a series in the 80's I used to watch it when I got home from Brownies, then it was bed time!
Hi Chris
Spud growing, well we have a couple of nags and my wife said to take the poo and the bedding and put it in a the bag that the bedding came in and grow some spuds. I have to say I was a bit dubious about it but in the end did it. Kept topping up the bags as the sprouting leaves appeared until the bag was full. they have grown like triffids and we have had some of the spuds already and they are excelent. We are also growing tomatos and a pumkin with the horse poo and bedding mix but with the bags laying on there side (the bedding bags were slit along the one side). We have also tryid runner beans but the slug have made a meal of them but we are getting some beans. Well it is all seemed a waste of time at the start but we have got spuds, a pumkin which at the moment the size of small football, tomatoes and beans. All thanks to recycling what we feed them, what they sleep on and the bags that the bedding comes in. Not forgetting my wife whos idea it was.
Good shlog by the way
Steve
PS bought a telescope by the way, to do alot of star gazing, waiting for it to arrive with baited breath but it has been delayed for a week.
Potatoes for Christmas!!!!!Great way of growing potatoes, even in the smallest of gardens, using old car tyres. Place 1 tyre on the ground and fill it up with soil/compost. Place 2 or 3 potatoes in the soil, about six inches below the surface. When you see the potatoes growth showing through place another tyre on top and fill again with compost. Keep repeating this for about five tyres high. Remember to water well.Not only a good way of growing pots but also a good way of recycling old tyres!!
Great show!!
Fasinated by the piece on vegtables last night. Can youtry and get in a few more refeences to fruit and veg when your talking to him today e.g. " thanks very much you've been a peach!"
I never get time to hear the answers to the Fox the fox questions. Can they be put on this website?
Chris,
Loved the blog about looking for a new house. Im just looking to move at the moment and you have inspired me to look for a house to love and enjoy and not just take shelter in.
Glad to hear you have purchased a bug - I owned a baja beetle in my late teens (didnt set a good first impression with the now in-laws though).
Cheers,
Adrian
Hi Chris,
or bloggerty blog blog as perhaps we should all adopt. Get your drift with the book thing mate, i'm indepted to my english teacher from college, King Edwards Stourbridge, never been able to spell and didn't read much at school. She must have spotted something in me when she noticed I had a mind that saw through what was in front of most readers through to what the writter meant, however the best thing about books over TV is that the writter lends you the words and the tale we all put our own interpretation into it, thats the most wonderfull thing about all art. I read classics mostly and consider my self very well read for 34, have attempted recently autobiog's oliver Reeds and Eroll Flyn's being amounst my favorites, both being just the top blockes.
My missus doesn't read much which is sad, I do try to keep on at her as there is just so much experiance within the pages of every book, sadly to say when I see a book shop she huff's and puff's as I tend to spend hours in them. Really like the ones that have sofas in for you to get in there and read and relax, that's what all good book shops should be like.
Anyhow that's about it. I'm growing a beard for xmas as I haven't had one since I met my missus 7 years and 2 kids ago, she told me I had to shave it off before she would go out with me. We got married 4 weeks ago in Barbados so I think I'll try a beard now for xmas, if she complains or runs off i supose it really isn't love after all.
So there it is I'm growing a beard for xmas as my garden is too small for potatoes!!
Cheers Krisie T
Reading all these comments is great! Isn't sharing nice!! (As I tell my kids at school!) So the dreams thing - I find that I go through for nights on end where I don't dream - or maybe just can't remember them, and then I'll have nights on end with all the wierd, wonderful and fantastical dreams ever!! I wonder what it is about our character that dictates the type of dreams we have? If it is anything to do with character? And where on earth do they all come from?? Aren't our brains fabulous!! Have you ever had one of those recurring dreams? I used to have one when I was younger - very odd. I'd dream that 2 'Quentin Blake' looking characters would jump out of a picture on my parents bedroom wall and chase me down the hallway! The only way I ever escaped was by shoving the telephone table in their way and they'd vanish down a black hole, then I'd wake up!
keep bloggin' it,
Rachael - aka ladyfozz!
Aurevoir,
A quick question, when wanting to grow potatoes in the Bin do you just throw in some old left over potatoes you find in the back of the Kitchen draw or do you have to buy some speacial seeds?
Le petit dejeuner
Denchy
Oh my gosh! I'm in again....
Abi @ 42 - You're good at this RAK stuff. Will check your blog real soon and get in touch.
Re potato growing I have researched and have a plan to grow potatoes in tyres (saves digging). I'll write details on your blog. x
Alexandra @ 43 - I've spent all morning trying to find seed potatoes and none of my local garden centres have any until January! I know that I can seed my own but have real impatience issues! Plus I have booked hunky male friend to assist with planting ceremony on Sunday and really do not want to put that off! X
Ian @ 49 - I am soooo having that chicken in white wine and 'shroom sauce tomorrow. Thank you. X
Paul G @ 52 - Love your RAK! (ooh er....?!).
TTFN
Dx
afternoon sir,
loving your blogs fella but just dont understand how you have so many thoughts at such an early time in the day.the only thing i think about at that time off the day is coffee and more sleep!!!!!keep up the good work christophe your doing a top job.
bonjour for now.......
jim,birmingham.
I hate reading second hand books, broken spines, pages curled down, etc..
Needs to be brand new for me, then I know I am the first to read the book, just one of those things.
Have a good show
Debs,
It is a bit out of season for seed spuds - which really are your best bet. You can use ordinary spuds but I would think results will be variable.
Where is Alan "the hunk" Titchmarsh when we need him?
Details about RAk on my blog.
www.jennysdays.blogspot.com
At this rate we will be overtaking the Togs!
hugs
jenny
Honey veg kebebs:
Makes 6:
2 x corn on cob
2x courgettes
1x red onion
12 x button mushrooms
1x red, green and yellow peppers
Runny honey of the squirtible kind.
Cut all veg in to chunks, thread on to wooden skewers 2 pieces of each veg on each skewer - make your own pattern....
Drizzle with runny honey and grill or bbq until golden. Repeat honey drizzle when turning for extra sweetness! Take about 10 mins to cook and are scrummy!!!!!
Ladyfozz.xx.
Oh forgot to mention on RAK's i was down in Torquay last week and a homeless bloke gave it the old spare any change for some food thing. Now usually i ignore this and being a sycnic think that this will be spent on drink or drugs......
So what i did popped into a sandwich shop and brought the bloke some food instead, everyones a winner!
On returning to work a collegue had brought me in a massive bottle of Tabasco Sauce and some curry paste to make some delicious red thai curry!! How's that for a randum act of Kindness.
Ciao for now.
Denchy
In theory you need to use specially grown seed potatoes to get the best results.
Seed potatoes in the UK are grown in the far north (especially Scotland) as the air is purer, higher up and therefore less risk of bugs and diseases (they affect yield, not humans!) etc.
I have done it with old, shop bought spuds, but wouldn't recommend it due to the risk of not having such a high yield. If you do though, make sure it's a variety you like! For the Christmas ones, make sure you plant small 'new-type' varieties, so that they'll be ready in time!
If you can't find them in the garden centre, try the net.
A couple of sites worth trying:
www.dobies.co.uk
Looks like www.thompson-morgan.co.uk have sold out, but may still be worth enquiring if no luck with the others.
Happy spudding, fellow bloggers!
Hail my fearless fellow bloggers of the bloggiest blog! What a great day!
Getting back to books...I am a bookie (as well as a foodie) and am often found trolling local bookshops for treasures. I love re-reading books but can't stand to watch a movie or tv show more than once...wonder what that is about? All of my Jane Austens are tattered but I keep going back to them like old friends.
Being a 'singleton' I will admit that I keep an eye out for that elusive man of my dreams. I am certain that I will find him in a bookstore. Where else can he be?
As for potatoes, that gets me thinking about beef stew. It is getting to be that time of year! I am always looking for a great recipe, so if anyone has one to share I would be ever so thankful.
Have a great day!
Shame the half tyre turned into a rainbow - you could have grown an awful lot of potatoes in it!
cheers
John
I read the article and I've been there.
Hi Chris
Food & books &... holidays too?
I've just come back from France after two weeks chugging along the Canal du Midi in a narrowboat - so thanks to Rick Stein and his cookery programme for that holiday idea. Not that I did much cooking on board, but I did enjoy some serious investigation into local food and wine from La Somail to Carcassonne and back.
I recently read chef Nigel Slater's book - Toast. You may have read it, it's been out for a while. If you haven't, it's a touching account of Nigel's childhood stirred by the memories of the food he ate at the time. It's well worth a read.
Jan
How I wish I hadn't found your site, it's now occupying too much of my time!! I'm in a hurry, but have nevertheless sat & read 3 days of blog! If I wrote responses to everything that I'd like to it'd take me another 3 days! Here's just a few - not necessarily in chrono order: 1. The Magus is a brilliant book, I too read it years ago & had forgotten all about it. 2. It's really sad about Camden Market, such a cool place to visit. Who wants to hang out in a shopping mall (maybe americans?)! Can't you mention it on your show & get everyone to complain? 3. What did you sell in your shop? 4. I'm very depressed hearing Xmas mentioned already whilst it's supposed to still be summer. I like to enjoy the seasons as they come, not think ahead to how they will be - cold! That's it, I have stuff to do. Will be back to read more later!
I really enjoy reading your blogs. This morning I particularly found your dreams of interest. I have been interpreting dreams now for many years.
If I maybe so bold as to say. The tyre you speak of represents what was important to you in the past. The rainbow represents a new beginning.
Fishing represents searching. You are not content with some things in life .. catching a horse, rather than a fish represents the desire to change things from the old to the new.
Good luck
love the show
First car (first job where I've had to get a car!), so you're my first drive time show where I'm ACTUALLY DRIVING, so I'm just LOVIN' YOUR WORK!
Re the bookshops, you gotta go to the one in Dornoch next time you're in Skibo heheh (....oh come on, it was in the local press...!... and you could do with better advice on where to go for a drink next time from what I read....!), there's a beautiful friendly cat who sleeps in his bed on the counter all day...every bookshop should have one...
Re bloggers #74 and #78...To Kill a Mockingbird is quite possibly the best book ever written and had a profound effect on me when we studied it at school. And it's one of those books where the film is just as good (and Greg Peck is just fantastic in it)
Is it true that Harper Lee never wrote anything else after TKAM? Or have I just imagined that?
And you can't mention Peter and Jane books without mentioning Pat the dog!!!
Great blog as always
Sarah x
I'm glad I am not the only one who has obscure dreams....most folks' dreams are so straight forward that I think they're fantasy half the time :-)
Anyway, the real reason why I am posting. Some kind person sent me the URL to your blog this morning and I have really enjoyed reading through all your entries. You make me want to ditch my ipod for a radio so I can listen to you on the way home from work :-) In fact, I'm going to dust off my old gadget and tune in tomorrow....i
Out of interest, do you write your own blog entries? Sure, they're your own thoughts right? But do you really sit there and type them up?
Laters, D x
My tomatoes are not juicy! the plants are healthy, totally organic, own spot in the sunny garden, not going to try taytos til my matoes start behaving.
Sad of Guildford.
Love the show Chris
hellllllllllllloooooo first timer here
Sebastisn faulks Birdsong, Freakonomics and my very favorite at the moment is Bollocks to Alton Towers a celebration of the uncommonly british day out! what a read maybe we should have a blog on the uncommonly british day out like The Gnome reserve in Devon lol
Hi Chris
The show is fab, your co presenters (is that what they're called?)are great and you've revolutionsed the journey home and dinner time in the Thomson family kitchen. My 19 month old daughter Esme is learning to dance to the music you play and my four (nearly five) year old son Joe is learning all about 'stuff' from you -listening intently (trust me that's a virtual miracle).
I don't suppose daniel #14 could tell me what the fact book is called. My dino knowledge has hit a plateau and prehistoric park is testing my knowledge to the limit, plan to swot up and impress 4 year old with new found knowledge.
Thanks Chris X
Oh my gosh! I'm in here again. Prpoer addicted I am.
Just have to say....
Abi @ 42: I'll be growing potatoes in tyres - see www.rhs.org.uk/education/documents/growingvegetables.pdf
What a great RAK opportunity you had. I hate the fact that in our increasingly paranoid society the natural immediate response to a RAK is that this must be a nutter before me! Now in Debs world.....(I'll have to save this shamelessly long rant for another time...:) x
Alexandra @ 43: I have spent two hours on web seeking seed spuds and cannot be supplied with any before January. Please please please may I have two or three of yours? You can e-mail me at debsariesgirl@hotmail.com for my address. I know that I could seed my own souds but I have book a hunky male 'friend' to assist me with my 'three tier tyre' potato growing system and I really do not want to cancel him! :) I would be so very grateful..... x
Ian @ 49: I love your RAK! (ooh er....) x
Debs xx
Debs xx
Hi there
I have some really good potato pots that I bought from a gardening mag - you can put up to 6-8 potato tubers in each one and cover with compost. Once the green leaves start to show you put in some more compost (which is the equivalent of heeling them up in the ground). You keep doing this for a period of weeks until the plants are at the top of the pot then leave them to grow and flower. Once flowering is over, potatoes are ready, they have sliding doors on the sides which allows you to retrieve as many potatoes as you like - fab when you don't have a field to put your potatoes in.
On the subject of books - Stephen King, the Green Mile, film is excellent but book is amazing - read it at least once a year.
Fabulous show Chris and the gang
Karen xxx
Sebastian faulks - birdsong best book ever - here I amagain when i should be working!
potatoes in containers - use an old compost bag turned inside out! they are fab!!
love Dot
PS we now have a back door and dog with sore paw is enjoying lazing int he sum!
Loved today's blog Chris...
I must admit to originally being very unsure of you taking the wheel at drivetime (no offence) as I was/still am a huge Johnnie fan.
But I confess, I absolutely love the programme, you're doing a sterling job and I'm sure Johnnie is v.proud - so, I've accepted you then, which is the only explanation I can think of for my bizarre dream I had the other night that I was kissing you and very nice it was too, thank you....or is it all this gardening talk?
keep it up Chris!...oh know!
re 109 spelling poor.....need a mars bar and a can of coke to wash down last nights half box of Roses......
should have read dog is enjoying lazing in the SUN ( I know all you clever bloggers would have got that)! it's got too hot and he is now under my feet in the office - wow and I'm in Scotland - does warm and sun go together here? It sure does!!!!
Chris come walking up here it's gorgeous but bring your midgie repellant (Avon Skin So Soft as they are killers)! and where I live we have a fab little Italian restaurant - you can see our extenison!
A POTATO RECIPE
For all you bloggers who are thinking of growing your own potatoes - here's a great way to cook them.
No need to peel, just wash the potatoes.
Chop into fairly small chunks
Place on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil
Chop up some rosemary (which you will all, obviously, be growing in your gardens next to your potatoes) and garlic and sprinkle over the potatoes
Grind some salt and pepper over potatoes
Cook in fairly hot oven for about 35mins or till browned.
Very tasty!!
PS - Love the show Chris, keep up the good work!!
John's abso-bloody-exactly right about a good walk. This weekend it was my birthday, which was nice. Was up & down Pen y Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales before lunch time. Best start to a day! That coupled with a bacon & egg sarnie for breakfast just about sent me over the edge.
Chris, what's your fave walk & breakfast combo?
P.S. I too am a ginge!
Daniel #14 would like Sheffield Park railway in Sussex, which runs steam services daily (we went on it on Monday) and has days when Thomas the Tank Engine visits.
I haven't checked that this has not been mentioned before but there IS a society for RAK called the Karma Army set up by Danny Wallace. www.joinme.info or www.dannywallace.com
There's a book by him which suggests 365 ways to make the world a nicer place by RAOK.
Example: give a slice of your pizza to the delivery man (mind you, I hope you're the only one to do so otherwise he'll feel rather ill by the end of his round - or maybe he can sell all the slices to the next customer!)
Another example: post a packet of seeds through a letterbox of someone with a particularly nice garden
Jill x
Changing the subject...Best teacher I ever had was Johnny Ball.
He put the fizz in physics. He'd make a great guest for the show...the man is a genius.
What's the latest on the Radio 2 boy/man band ?
Growing Potatoes? - Be careful not to eat the green tomato like fruit on the top..very very poisonous !!
Hello Christophe and bloggers - just a question (non-recipe related I'm afraid!)
Seeing as a lot of you are early risers, do you reckon you are 'born' a morning person or do you become one?
If I got up at 5 or 6am every day (even going to bed at 10pm) I would be a walking zombie! I barely make it out of bed for 8.30am and am normally late for work (they're used to it by now!)
I'm sure not a lazy person so why can some people do early and some not? Is it your genetic makeup or can you train yourself?
C x
Hey Chris,
This is the 1st time I've read a blog (I've been wondering what they are!). SO I felt a post was required.
On the subject of books I enjoy reading. The only problem is finding the time for reading. I traditionally used to read when I went to bed but a couple of pages in, I would be falling asleep and book would be waving at my wife to be!
Just out of interest when do people find the time to read? Maybe I should set aside a time slot every evening to do some reading.
Keep the recipes coming. I particularly like the toad in the hole one in blog #25 as it is a favourite of ours.
Keep the good work up Chris. I really enjoy listening to the show as a recent convert to drive time.
Regards,
Lee
The best book I've read recently is The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Nifenegger. I read it when I was on holiday and became totally absorbed by it!
I like bookshops with cafes in them because you can borrow the books whilst you have a cup of coffee then put them back on the shelf!! You can get through a short book in a few days' worth of coffee breaks!!!
Anji xx
I have become initiated in the ways of the veg plot, digging out 2 in my garden with my Dad back in January.
We were full of ideas of what to grow, and do you know the miracle is those ideas are now 3d, totally edible vegetables!
This miracle never ceases to amaze me, and we grew some spuds which were lovely, so yes, I will join you more than happily in growing some for Christmas.
Is it just a Dad thing though, that when things go well they 'adopt' them?
Its been a hell of a day, but just back to my desk, had a quick read, and thought I would comment.. If you keep blogging daily, I'll keep commenting daily..
slightly less careing about one in 140 odd commenting, but Its my bit to play, in shloging!
thoughts for the day..
1) day before yesterday, you made a big thing about Fox the fox, only being told in the show, then yesterday, you blog what the question is gona be.. she could have read your blog?? ( I assume she did ) and had all day to get the answear??
2) You think books are all knowing, all clever... write your own!!!! be part of the clevverness!
3) i forgot what the third one was, I assume it was somthing witty, and clever.
Untill tommorow!
N
Hi Chris,
I'm another Blog Virgin or "Blirgin" I have started listening to radio 2 on the web at work recently and finish at 5 so i start the wind down listening to the show then get in to the car which is tuned to radio 2 aswell and listen on the way home.
Great blog today, dreams are always an interesting subject to talk about, they can be so weird but you don't have to justify them unless your name's Sigmen,
Yes growing our own potatoes would be good for Christmas but what about some neighbour turkey farms, One garden per street with a bunch of turkeys in, now thats an idea, right time to pack up and think about heading to the car.
Keith, Aka Max.
Hi Chris,
REMEMBER ME take a look at the link below!!????
Nice blog! you have a lot to dream about. If you remember your dreams it means you arent sleeping well though.....hmmm
Would appreciate it if you checked out my website!!
www.myspace.com/laurakelltheguitarhoare
Mwa, guitarhoare x
Christophe!
Love your show and the blog - so I guess I love your shlog! Wahey!
Bookshops are marvellous places and you are so right, the small independents are far better than the huge ones. They do have a look of Harry Potter too don't they? I love the smell of new books too - they are a kind of tactile experience for me. I love the way that the book feels in my hands and will often buy based on the cover only. I've attempted explaining that to people but they do think me a tad bizarre!
To go to the subject of your walking holiday next week (Tuesday's blog) I've just attempted to walk to and from some shops 'near' to me and wore shoes that I thought were ok but obviously weren't! I tell you Chris, the ONLY thing to remember on your walk are Compeed Blister Plasters! I'm now going on a walking holiday with my sister - it was meant to be a biking holiday but I can't hire a bike nearby! So I'm now going to buy Boots in Nottingham out of Compeed Blister Plasters! ;)
Have a good sleep and keep having those wonderful dreams! They are magical and make mine seem utterly mundane now!
Oooh Pomegranate Juice is lovely! But I'll look at my bottle now! Beetroot is also lovely! YUM!
Right, off now to check my Pomegranate Juice bottle!
Golden dreams!
lots of love
Clare
xxx
Hi Chris,
Can Broccoli fight Cancer?
I read somewhere that:
"Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore made an unexpected discovery -- broccoli sprouts grown for three days contain from 10 to 100 times more cancer-fighting compounds than mature broccoli does, ounce for ounce. (The compounds -- isothiocyanates -- help prevent breast and other cancers in animals and probably humans.) "
Is this true? It's like eating cress.
Yesterday you mentioned prunes have Cancer-fighting properties. So which is best?
Thanks, P.
Oh, just checked my bottle! Pom (am I advertising?) is not classified as a drink but states it's 100% juice and there don't seem to be any added sugars. It's a bit tart tasting but it's really good and a lovely shape bottle! :)
Love
Clare
xx
Oh Chris you poor thing! I was reading your post re dreams last night (I actually came on to see about the spuds thing)
Are you thinking of taking a "risk" in your career or love life? Dream suggests that your very unsure of some action you are about to take hence the race track and tyres BUT I would say go for it because there was a rainbow and the fireworks at the end which can only mean absolute happiness how lovely for you so.... if its a career move or idea do it if its romantic (I favour this one) dont hessitate put the past hurt behind you and do it it will be great and children will follow! It was a great dream
Anyway back to the spuds Im about to go to ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔbase and buy a bin do I put any old spuds in or what??
Love the show
xx
Good recipe for drive time shlog cook book.
Squeeze the juice of two limes, half a teaspoon of sugar, big slug of vodka, pour over ice in big glass and top up with ginger beer.
Sometimes I dont even bother with the ginger beer!
xx
Great blog, Chris, but I'd just like to take issue with the guest on your show this evening and the comments he made about vegetarians and oily fish.
I've been a vegetarian for 23 years and have never eaten oily fish or taken an animal-based supplement. My daughter is now 12 and has been vegetarian all her life, again with no oily fish or supplements. She has, throughout her school life, always been one of the top 2 or 3 in her year, and has never been slow in developing. She started sitting up at 4Β½ months, was walking by 9 months, talking by 18 months, and she recently scored an A in her 11+, one of only two children to do so in her class of 30. And guess what - the other child who scored an A was the only other vegetarian in the class!!
Great Blogs everyone, I think the xmas spuds thing is a great idea, i think i'm gonna go down the bin route!
The fruit and veg guy rocks, what a great guy! More stuff from him please!
Great show chris, makes the commute so much better!
Thanks!
Hi Chris..
Watch this space!
vanStraten is character. Just do the Internet TV stuff A.S.A.P.
Sorry that I have not tuned in earlier.... Glad your back....... and in good form.
Bram...
Hi Chris,
Just wanna say - great show! My life is so crap at the moment, worrying about my son whose been really poorly, but your show cheers me up!
I'm gonna do the xmas tatties thing definitely and will be off to buy a bin at the weekend!
Love the nutritionist too - I'm joining our local Rosemary Conley class tomorrow morning: Useless Fact - it's actually in the church hall where John Lennon met Paul McCartney - St Peter's, Woolton Village, Liverpool - believe it or not! How cool is that?! I'll be imagining the scene as I'm pumping and grinding to the music!! (Oh okay, more like grunting and groaning than pumping and grinding!)
Wish me luck!
Beth x
Hi,
Not sure if this is the right place for a question relating to the show, but I'm going to ask anyway! The fab veg guy mention some veg that was good for athlete's foot. I think it was garlic but can't remember precisley what, can anyone help?
Love the show Chris and look forward to reading the blogs.
Thanks
Caroline
(possibly the only vegie 'Butcher')
Hi Chris.
I am lucky and have a large garden, with a nice big veggie patch. In this patch I am growing lots of veggies for Christmas (spuds included) but I was thinking about your potato project and wondered if you could try Parsnips in containers aswell. They like good stone free soil which would be easy to achieve in a tub, and apart from watering them and possibly a little weeding, there wouldn't be any work involved after planting until it is time to pull them up and roast them!
Anyway, love the show.
Mary
England kicking off now, just in case you've forgot.
Tom.
Hi Chris,
My mum's started growing stuff in pots this year and had great results. Top tomatoes, perfect potatoes and suberb strawbs - what can I say, try it!!
Love the show.
Hayley
PS say hi to mum Jo - she's just broken her wrist so won't be doing much at the mo!!
Evening Christophe...
don't get to the blog until later in the day so I get the delicious indulgence of reading both your blog and those of 'the listener'. As I scan through them, I'm thinking, 'what an inspiringly positive place this is to come at the end of the day'. I had a rough day today at work - pressure, slow computer network, lots of people wanting a bit of me right now, and there's just not enough of me to go around!!!
So, the stressed out Susie got into the car and drove home to the cheery sound of the show. By the time I got home my grumpiness had diminished, and now all the chores are done I've settled with a cuppa (listening to your sister channel 6 Music) to read the blog. On rough days my faith in the kindness and humanity of the human soul is restored when I read some of the responses above. MESSAGE TO ALL - KEEP THE POSITIVITY. IT DOES WONDERS FOR THE SOUL. There ain't no space for bad tempered negative vibes here.
I had total comfort food tonight - veggie/organic sausages 'drizzled' with organic baked beans and organic chopped tomatoes, and topped with a splashing of worcester sauce - a new slant on an old favourite. Utterly soothing and pacifying. Good satisfying food like that is one of my naughty pleasures....
Time for that second cup of tea, and a bit of strong dark chocolate...mmmmmm
Take care - enjoy the book.
Best - Susie (just one of your rather smashing band of listeners...!)
x
Hi Chris,
Sat in my garden listening to tonights show thinking about every1 growing potatoes and veges etc. We only moved in a month ago and the garden hadn't been touched for about five years and had a shack in it that the unabomber would have been proud of so it's taken this long to get it looking like it has a lawn in it. It also has a Pine tree that Bob Ross (the Joy of Painting) would have been pleased to paint.
Anyway my thoughts turned to scarecrows. What if they could be combined with motion detectors and could move themselves when anything came near.
Then I thought what if you invite your friends round for a BBQ and let the kids (age restriction apply) watch Jeepers Creepers while the 'oldies' were outside enjoying themselves. Then just as it was getting dark you could send the kids down to the vege patch to get some tomatoes for the salad. Then just sit and wait for the screeming to start. Video camera is essential as this could be a potential earner - ie www.Break.com.
Stephen
Ps every1 seems to go on about myspace in the media (I'm beginning to suspect that they're microsoft funded) but I've found tagworld much easier and more versatile to use
Hi Christoph!!
Glad i'm not the only one who has mad dreams! the other night i dreamt i was visiting you in hospital but there was a pub on the ward and my friend Ant was behind the bar!! very strange!.... THEN! .... last night i dreamt you were going to get me a job at radio 2 and lots of other strange stuff i can't remember or really shouldn't write down for fear of being taken away by the men in white coats!! Its good to have mad dreams though - so i was told! - it helps clear out your mind of all the observations of the day .... and i'm sure they mean something!!
a-n-y-w-a-y!
Great show tonight
Keep blogging
Lots of love and mad dreams
Karen xx
Hi Chris
Just read Stehens post with his scarecrow idea. It reminded me about Scare Crow Week up here in the wilds of the north - you have to be quick to catch it. The idea is that you make a life size Scarecrow of an animal, cartoon character, famous personality etc, etc (Β£2 to enter) and display it in Lanehead, Cowshill, Wearhead, Ireshopeburn St. Johnβs Chapel, Daddry Shield or Westgate as near as poss to the A689.
See the link below for more info and pics of Scare Crows.
The competition is judged on Saturday 19th August - then you can take your Scare Crow to the show on Saturday 26th August to show it off.
My daughter is a postie up there and has seen some great crows.
Got to watch Gordon Ramsey now .. bye..........
Sue
Shit! I'll keep mine short so you dont have to read too much more cherub.
Sorry I missed the last few days (as if you noticed), I've been overwhemingly tired from working on a ridiculously long shoot at the weekend.
Paolo is rock - sample some Ken Wilber or Krishnamurti to really blow you away. My fave bookshop in London is Watkins off St Martins Lane. Very hippy, full of weird n wonderful stuff and they have a wicked 2nd hand bit downstairs. The staff fit your description to a 'T'.
Anyways - off to watch Big Brother, followed by Love Island (now have skyplus to defeat silly tv ratings war), whilst gorgong on magnums.
Lovin ya and leavin ya, until tomorrow c'tophe xx
Not very original , but heartfelt- I really enjoy your show and look forward to five o'clock. I relax and listen while cooking the tea and it's a very nice feeling after a busy day. See, not original, but true. x
I have just dug the last of my new pots and they were delicious. Nothing better than fresh from the ground, a bit of a scrubbing boiled with mint and served with garden peas ( also my own grown) and butter. Can also recomend beetroot. Is dead easy to grow , just pull up, boil for half and hour ( dont break the skin) then peeled ,sliced up with tomatoes, fetta cheese and fresh salad leaves. HAve missed your show last few nights as been to Germany to visit best mate who's hubby has gone to Afghanistan. Spare a thought for all those wives girlfriends and loved ones who sit at home waiting.
LAst night dream involved me saving life of a hampster who was drowning in a dog bowl, God knows where that one came from. Keep it up Chris for all us Blogonomists who love hearing about your day
Saz
x
Hey Chris. And fellow drive-timers.
I have no recipes. No dreams. And no books. Nothing at all to bring to the party. I just wanted to say thanks for making the drive home more than bearable. teetering on the enjoyable in fact.
Kisses all round.
Nik
Hi Chris,
You just must read "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne! It will certainly leave its mark on you and make such an impact on you. I will let you guess what it is about from the title. I can't begin to tell you the gamut of emotions that ran through me when I read the ending. Please, please read it and tell your listeners about it. It is compelling!
Annette x
Dear Chris
Love the show, I listen as I'm zipping along the road in my car after work on the way to nursery to pick up my two year old before ariving home to the madness of tea, bath and mini-battles over mini-Smarties. I've been through a hideous divorce over the past couple of years but I've jumped back on the saddle and am loving my trek through each week/each year of life and I'm so with you on your feeling of just keeping it simple. So, here's to loving what you've got, looking after what you've got to keep it all good and keeping your eyes and your arms wide open. It's life - you never know what might happen! Yeeha! Here's also to those who try to get it right, but it's just a little bit wrong. Me - "Have you heard this great new band The Fratelli Brothers" instead of "The Fratelli's", friend's mum talking very seriously about "Hubba the Jubba" instead of "Jabba the Hut". It's a coming of age thing.x
Try reading.....
The tea leaves or explaining on your show (guest apperance) how to!
Love your blog!
You write well - don't stop.
Love the dreams - good mix of daily play back, imagination and parallel living - very special to dream about animals - keep them coming!
Share your obsession for books and on the concept of their smell - you can't beat the smell and touch of a glossy table top Magazine!
Be good to yourself
Gillie in Hamps x
Hey Chris
Well done England, what a great start for Mr Terry.
Have a look at this website sometime,
Sweet dreams
Linda
Chris, I was just saying to my kids the other day that I really like the way you link the records you play to the guest or topic you're talking about. It often makes me smile. As they weren't really listening to me, I thought I might as well come and say it on here.
Love the show especially as it follows on so brilliantly from Danny Baker on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ London Radio. I'm afraid I don't listen to Steve Wright as he clashes with Danny but at least I'm keeping it within the Beeb.
This Blog thing is a good idea, it's been interesting reading through other people's posts too although I have to admit I can't bear hearing people recount their dreams - sorry! Gravy, on the other hand, is something I'm very keen on. So is my daughter; Gravy is her teddy's name.
Keep on keeping on,
Vivien
Chris
All this talk of books I hope you'll be attending the Guildford Book Festival this year, in October. It was great last year especially the evening with the crime writers, Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham etc.
A good book to read is one I read in the 70's Pierrepoint's biography now a film with Timothy Spall. The book certainly changed my view on capital punishment, as they say if you want advice on a subject ask an expert and Albert certainly was.
Hi Chris
I am listening to your programme at 11pm, and now I want to raid the fridge for beetroot!!
Fantastic listening.
Sleep well.
Lynda xx
I am sat at my laptop, stealing a quiet moment when the rest of the house is asleep! I have recently had my 2nd child (she is 4 months old) and this has given me time out to really sit and think!
I am in the lucky position that my father left me a farm (not that lucky in that my father passed away!) I am not going to ramble on about how bad farmers have it - don't worry!
Having worked hard and played hard in the marketing world....I have gone through a bit of a meltdown etc (much like you Chris but not in the public eye - thank God!) and I am now on the other side..........on the brink of what I feel will be a great adventure. All the talk of veggie patches etc has inspired me to make this posting as I have so many thoughts about what to do with my farm.
At the moment I am installing a cross country course for horses....to give other riders the opportunity to experience the beauty of the British countryside (well my bit of it!) I want to set up a shop (& box scheme) selling home reared meat (so I know where it came from and what has gone into it!), I want to set up an education centre, (with animals!) to illustrate to children where food comes from, I want to have an area for rural traditional crafts and most recently I have bought a poly-tunnel (small) to start growing veggies the organic way (home consumption to begin with!). However, at the moment I am doing the boring stuff - like wrangling with the local council to get planning permission - yawn!
Any way enough of my ramblings for now - just one thing though if you are looking for a bit of a greener life style (I haven't even started on this - my windmill, water wheel etc) I can recommend Jamie Lee Grace's book - everyone should discover soap-nuts!
Keep on bloggin'
JJ
Chris
Just imagine the size of the potatoes if you grew them in the gigantic dunlop tyre!
Love the show
Mandy
Derbyshire
Danny Kaye!! What a funny and talented man. Court Jester is a funny film! Honest.
ThRew out pomm juice drink because of your expert.
Chris
Just read your comments about books - I devour books of all sorts and it has been costing me a fortune. Then I discoverad the web site readitswapit.co.uk absolutely brilliant. You just register all the books you have read and don't mind passing on to someone else and then arrange to swap them with other members on the site. For the cost of postage you get a new book. All the books I have swapped have arrived within a couple of days and many of them with a little note from the person sending it. Could even be a way of starting up a whole new friendship!! I was one of the people who complained when you got the drivetime slot but you have converted me!! Enjoy your hols.
Jackie
If you want a total idiots fool proof - cheap-easy thing to grow..go get an old bag of spuds,,you know..with the eyes sprouting..dig up the garden patch & place them in the ground - about 6 ins. apart...(15cms - for you sub 40s)..leave a few months..then hey presto...a 10 to 1 return on your investment..
PS..I tried it with tenners...it dont work - so dont bother..however...I never tried it with Β£50s..
Ian if you ever do decide to plant the odd fifty squid (which as a keen horticulturalist I urge you to do) then give me a call and i'll keep an eye on them for you. I'm a good old sort really........
Hi Chris just wanted to say it a beautiful day to be happy, new to the blog but enjoying
Afternoon!
Eee I've missed you on the old drive time Chris... super as Mark Goodyear is - he seems to have gone posh. Good to know you had some part of your holiday up here in the Lakes! We holidayed in Blighty this year too - its all the rage dontcha know.
Still reality check - back on the road afterwards too and the dulcit tones of Sally Traffic to guide me through.
Had a pivotal moment last week whilst driving up the M6 watching all the matrix signs, prophecying doom and gloom. Delays, lane closures, 6hours to next junction etc. But just as Bruckner reached a crescendo (I abandoned Radio 2 for 4 and the proms) - as I approached the junction where "Queue Caution" was about to hit, all the warning signs went out! The road was clear - 2nd movement moves to huge finale - and all the way home without a further hitch...
Pretty well stuck in one place this week - still look forward to the next time!
Good look and welcome back.
Cath
Why do they spead mills and bills on war went they can feed the the world with some food that some kid in africa or asia or america even in south america had never test it.but they want to make it with nuclear of weapons.so you tall me who is the teacher
Hello medvedi!
I'm your KING!
I can't be bothered with anything these days, but shrug. I just don't have anything to say recently. I haven't gotten much done recently. Nothing seems worth thinking about.
I hate to be to be retentive but marlin is spelt marlin not marlyn...