Marty

And a somewhat belated "Hi, Gary!" back at you, as well. And good to hear the bitch is better.

A somewhat belated "Hi, Albert!" back at you, young man.

So is the Sad emoticon I used in reaction to that post blue, or purple?

You're beginning to sound like a certain former US presidential candidate who kept threatening to put his rival in prison after the election...

He's only talking about the hair on his head, Albert.

Have a virtual hug...

Oh look, Albert! Blue flowers!

On May 1st, the Irish Government published a five stage roadmap to ease restrictions in place due to covid-19. Each phase of the roadmap (every step is located three weeks apart) consists of a menu of options which will be considered by the Government as it gradually opens up economic and social activities. The reopening of barbers and hairdressers is part of phase four of the roadmap, currently scheduled for July 20. This late opening is because hairdressing is not considered an essential service. If there's a spike in covid-19 cases during any of the phases then some of the restrictions may be reimposed. My hair is a mess at the moment...

Here's a plaque for clo to hang on her kitchen wall...

Excellent news, Gary! And happy Tuesday to you, as well.

Hi, young Albert.

My garage man reopened yesterday, so I called in today to book an overdue service for the car. He was telling me that a motor parts factor had delivered him some parts earlier. Apparently that firm had only been allowed to reopen yesterday as well, and in the afternoon yesterday the depot had received an unannounced visit from the HSE (Health Service Executive) to make sure they were following correct social-distancing and hygiene regulations. Nice day here, as well. Clouds and sun, but more sun than clouds. Currently about 16°C (61°F). Made testing out my new lawnmower more pleasant than it could have been.

Naughty, clo! Go sit on the naughty step, and wash that filthy mind of yours with carbolic soap!

Thanks, Albert. Although I normally wouldn't add any fruit, nuts, or sugar to a soda bread mix, and certainly not egg or butter. What the recipe in this video seems to be making is a cake, rather than a loaf of bread. I wonder if the narrator has ever eaten real Irish soda bread. After all, she compares what her recipe would turn out to be like a large scone. That's not what Irish soda bread is. I counted around ten separate ingredients in the video. The recipe in the one I linked to has just four: flour, salt, bread soda (bicarbonate of soda), and buttermilk (or soured milk) - okay, five if you count the two types of flour separately. Buttermilk is readily available in Ireland. It's not sold much in England, so my sister normally adds a tablespoon of lemon juice to fresh milk instead (to replace the natural acidity in buttermilk, which is needed to release the carbon dioxide from the bicarbonate of soda, and so make the bread rise in the oven).

Some of them look good, but I really expected Irish soda bread to be included! https://www.independent.ie/life/food-drink/brown-soda-bread-26868390.html

I just realised I forgot to bake my bread tonight. So I'm doing an Albert, and making no knead bread. Actually, I've added all the ingredients to the breadmaker machine, and set it to actually bake the bread this time. Usually I put it on the Dough setting, and then give it a second knead before letting it rise again in a bread tin and baking it in the oven. I'll just have to suffer there being a hole in the bottom of the loaf after I remove the paddle this time, but at least I'll have bread ready for my breakfast in the morning.

I'm about to have my cocoa, and then go to bed.

Greetings, young Albert!

You say the nicest things, Albert! I think you weren't the only one to fall for it.

Hi, Gary! Great to hear Cookie's on the mend.

Sorry gang... Although I really did think I'd dug up a genuine revolver, when I picked it up I found out it was a toy gun made of moulded plastic. I have to admit though, that caked with who knows how many years of soil, it completely fooled me initially.

And, in other news... 11 firefighters injured in explosion at hash oil factory in Los Angeles https://www.thejournal.ie/los-angeles-firefighters-cannabis-factory-explosion-5101074-May2020/

I'm considering contacting the authorities.

Whilst I was turning more ground for my vegetable plot, I came upon a buried arms cache. I'm wondering whether it's a relic from the War of Independence that the Irish rebels were fighting against the British forces between 1919 and 1921...

*groan....*