Marty

That film was certainly harrowing, but I think it told a story that needed to be told.

But the bad news is that the Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health in Ireland has suggested that restrictions may be extended beyond the originally planned date of Easter Sunday... https://www.thejournal.ie/covid-19-restrictions-ireland-easter-sunday-5069476-Apr2020/ It will probably be a wise decision if it happens, but it doesn't make things any easier...

There was good news for the children of Ireland (and maybe some of its adults too) this morning after Health Minister Simon Harris confirmed that the Easter Bunny is classed as an essential worker.... https://www.thejournal.ie/easter-bunny-simon-harris-5068604-Apr2020/

I'm a perfectionist, I think. They say that very often an artist's biggest critic is him or herself.

The quintessential English gentleman.

I decided to head out after dark with Trusty Nikon and a tripod to try and get a photo or two of tonight's full moon. The sky wasn't particularly clear, with clouds drifting across the face of the moon, so I'm not really happy with any of the shots I took. This is probably the best of a bad lot:

It's not exactly a requirement, but it certainly helps if you are... Hi, Caz!

I was partial to Patrick Macnee in the role of John Steed.

Well... I only really came in to get a coffee and a bite to eat. Time for me to head back and do a few more hours gardening, methinks. Catch yous all later!

That made me think of the following song: The song lyrics were written by British officer Frederick E. Weatherley and the music by Haydn Wood in 1916. "The song was invariably sung by British soldiers who had left behind a sweetheart when they enlisted (or were conscripted) for the Front in France and Flanders. However, the song was written by Weatherley after he had conceived an affection for a French widow while receiving protection at her home in France." (Quote is from: https://www.firstworldwar.com/audio/rosesofpicardy.htm)

Hi, clo! Looks like you're further along with the gardening than I am, clo. But then again you're a good bit further south than I am. And don't you be bullying that poor wee cat!

Hi, Gary!

Monday of next week, or the week after? Seriously, though, if you're asking that question because you're on some sort of lockdown until then, don't be surprised if the authorities extend the lockdown...

One of my neighbours, who sometimes works offshore, tells me it will be a "pink moon" and it will be at one of its closest ever distances from the earth, so will appear up to 25% larger than it often does.

Sad news indeed! Although she apparently died of natural causes, and nothing related to coronavirus. She had a good innings! I remember when I was at an all boys secondary school in England, she was responsible for many wet dreams by lots of my school chums.

Sweet dreams, mi amigo!

Happy Tuesday, all! (Or is it Wednesday already in Bucket-land? ) (Sorry, no picture to accompany that salutation. That's Gary's department ) Reasonable day here. Periods of sun and clouds. Currently around 11°C (52°F). Gonna head out into the garden.

I've used half-and-half sultanas and raisins in the past when I've had no dried mixed fruit. Sometimes I add glacé cherries as well.

Improvise?

Coming up to midnight here, guys... I need my beauty sleep. Catch yous all tomorrow. EDIT: Oh dear! I read the clock wrong. It was actually coming up to 1am...

The dried fruit I use is the standard Dried Mixed Fruit that is sold in the UK and Ireland. Basically 50% sultanas, 18% raisins, 18% currants, and 14% chopped candied citrus (orange and lemon) peel.

Then I'd be inclined to suggest you use one and a quarter US cups. (Or reduce the baking time, and maybe use a smaller tin)

I've just checked, and the cup I use holds 300 ml of water.

You're more than welcome, my friend. Hope it works for you.

You'll probably be glad to know that the recipe is almost American, as it used "cups", instead of ounces or grammes (that's what makes it so easy) Ingredients I cup of All Bran (flakes or buds) I cup of mixed dried fruit 1 cup of sugar 1 cup of cold tea or milk (I use tea) 1 cup of self raising flour (or plain flour with two teaspoons of baking powder or bicarbonate of soda - I use baking powder) Spices to taste (I use one teaspoon of cinnamon and one of mixed spice) Method Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) Line a standard 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment In a bowl combine bran, mixed fruit, sugar and cold tea (or milk) Cover, then leave in fridge overnight Remove from fridge and sift in mixed flour and spices and mix till it has a dropping consistency (Add a tablespoon of water if necessary) Put into lined bread tin Bake in oven for one hour Test after 45 minutes by inserting skewer into centre of cake - if skewer comes out clean the cake is done Allow to cool in the tin. Can be eaten sliced, as is, or spread with butter. Easy-peasey! (Just make sure you line the tin, or it will be difficult to remove)