I phoned the dental centre at 8.02am, and asked for an emergency appointment. I had to give my name, what the problem was, and say if I was in pain (foolishly, as it turned out, I answered truthfully and said no). I was then told that someone would phone me back to let me know if I could have an appointment today, but as I wasn't in pain it was unlikely - those in pain would have a higher priority. What?? I was told to phone back this morning for an appointment ...... no, the receptionist insisted, I wasn't told that at all. I was very slightly cross after this conversation - did this mean that I would have to phone up every morning, and unless I lied and said I was in pain, there was little chance of getting an appointment? I may not be in pain, but I am worried that the thin section of tooth where the filling fell out might break off. Then, just after 9am, a bright and breezy phone call to say that I couldn't have an appointment today (no pain!), but I had an appointment for tomorrow (hooray).
On to happier things! We went out for lunch to the Woodside Garden centre, which has a wonderful new website. We sat next to the window, as usually there are lots of birds on the feeders, but because of the strong winds, there were very few birds about. But I did manage to take some photos
After luch we had a stroll round the garden centre, which is set in an old walled garden. There was a display of wonderful garden sculptures (there are details on the website) .......
......... and this large seedhead caught my eye - a cardoon
On the way home, we saw potatoes being harvested by large machines - very different from when the potatoes were harvested by hand, which was backbreaking work known as tattie howking
Back home, I went in to the lounge for something ..... and saw a nuthatch on the peanut feeder. I rushed off and got the camera - but just as I got back to the lounge, a big bully-boy sparrow attacked the nuthatch and drove it off. However it did briefly come back, and I took these (not very good ) photos
slightly blurred
a nice view of its bottom!
a slightly better view
When I googled nuthatch for a link, I discovered that there are dozens of them!!
I was out at knit'n'natter this afternoon, and this gave Malcolm the chance to have a go at baking a tarte tatin ...... and he took photos!
caster sugar and a little alcohol
bubbling away to turn into caramel
apples and brambles added ......
....... then dotted with butter
the puff pastry put on top and tucked in round the edges
after 30 minutes at 190 degrees
turned out on to the serving plate
the healthy option - low fat creme fraiche!
The tarte was delicious - I just wish you could somehow reach into your computer to have a taste!!