I feel guilty for not writing. I’m not writing because I don’t really have anything uplifting to say.

Good thing: Doctor declared my ear infection from 19th April clear on 20th May.

Bad thing: On 22th May the ear infection came back.

Good thing: 26th May got me more antibiotics to replace my regular ones and now it feels a bit better.

Very good thing: Do not have to increase steroids! Yay!

Bad thing: Still horribly depressed and having to work each day to make myself get out of bed.

Good thing: Pulmonary assessment went really well. I am too far advanced physically for the rehab programme. The physiotherapist is going to work with my one-on-one to improve my exercise. She’s referred me to a dietitian. Hopefully both of them will help my case and my chest doctor will leave me alone re: my weight.

Good thing: Horatio is home!! Our schedule is completely fucked, but he is home and safe. He had a fabulous time.

Good thing: I get to see him on Saturday so he, Weasel, Doodle and I can go see Depeche Mode!!!

Very good thing: Depeche Mode!!! This will be my fourth time seeing them and I am so very excited. The O2 Arena has facilities for hearing aid users too so I am going to rock so hard. Well, assuming my ear infection lets me wear my hearing aid.

Bad thing: Forgot to get Mal’s sewing machine while we were there last weekend.

Good thing: Finishing knitting Weasel’s skirt, it is blocking as I type. Once it is blocked, I’ll stitch the sides and knit the waist band and she’ll be good to go.

Bad thing: My house is messy and I cannot seem to get it together enough to clean properly.

Good thing: Going to make Shepherd’s Pie this weekend I hope. I discovered that if one saves some liquid from the sauce and pours it over the mashed potato it enhances the flavour.

Bad thing: Just got an e-mail, the Depeche Mode gig has been postponed. Dave is ill. Sad. Hope he feels better soon.

Good thing: Our tickets will be valid for the new date.

Bad thing: I want to talk to someone about it. I tried Horatio’s mobile and he didn’t answer. Weasel is in meetings. BlanketGirl is still asleep. I couldn’t think of anyone else to call.

Bad thing: Horatio may not come this weekend now.

Good thing: Made refried beans last week. They turned out beautifully. In fact, recipe here at the bottom so those disinterested can skip over:

Crock Pot Refried Beans

2 c dry pinto beans, rinsed
1 c dry black beans, rinsed
1 red onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 jalapeño, de-seeded and minced
5 c broth [I used vegetable, but beef or chicken would be fine]
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp thyme
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

My original recipe says 8 hours on high, but I cooked mine for 23 hours.

Stir once in a while. If liquid is running low, add more. I didn’t need to add more.

After everything is done to your taste, drain the beans and run 1/2-2/3 through a liquidiser and stir in the rest of the whole beans. Alternatively, just use a potato masher on the whole lot. Add back some water if needed.

I saved the juice left after I drained the beans. I used it to flavour the Quorn for chimichangas. I’m sure it could be used for other things too.

It was quite mild still, I think next time I’ll add more jalapeño, cumin and I think I’d like more vinegar.

I got three portions out of this – two are frozen and one got eaten straight away.