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There are many ways of describing the kind of experience you can expect to have at a supermarket. Frustrating. Expensive. Self-indulgent. Mildly annoying. But how many people, in all seriousness, have ever experienced something that could be described as uplifting and educational in such a place? Well, it happened to me today...

For those who don't know how we organise ourselves here in England, Morrison's is one of our 'big four' supermarkets. I was doing some 'basics' shopping there earlier today - you know the kind of thing: industrial strength deodorant, mattress protector, lard, anti-ageing toothpaste. As I passed the 'in-store bakery' I noticed a special offer; a large 'Apple and Winter Berry Oat Crumble' for only £1.85. Well, you know me and apples, right? I grabbed it and flung it into my trolley.

But not before looking down the list of ingredients. In a mulled wine sauce (scrummy) and under a crumble topping containing nutmeg, cinnamon and oats (scrumptious) were Bramley apples (yumyummy), cherries (slurrrrrp), blackberries (oo errr missus) and redcurrants (wowie zowie). Oh - and crasins.

Yes - crasins.

Curious, I wheeled my trolley over to the bakery counter and asked them if they could tell me what crasins were. They couldn't because they didn't know. Even though they had - according to the label - just baked something that contained them.

None of the other members of Morrison's staff had the faintest idea what crasins were, either. I asked two shelf-fillers, the fishmonger and the checkout girl (Lucy). The nearest guess I got was that it was a misprint for raisins.

And here's the uplifting and educational bit. When I got home and sampled it, I was delighted to discover that my Apple and Winter Berry Oat Crumble was mouth-wateringly delicious.

Furthermore - and although only one of the four online dictionaries I use included the word - I found out that crasins isn't a misprint at all. I now know what they are.

IF ONLY WE STILL HAD THE NIGHTSHIFT NEWSREEL...
This story would have been included...

A scientist based in the Wirral is hoping to prove that a 3,000-year-old artificial toe from Egypt is the world's oldest prosthetic body part.

Her name is Jacky Finch and she has spent ages examining the prosthesis. It's made of papier mache and glue just like the things we all used to do in primary school and has stuck snugly to a 50-year-old mummy's foot since 1,000BC - and presumably for some years before that, when she was the other type of mummy.

Jacky has been looking for volunteers who have lost their right big toe, so that she can test an exact model of the prosthesis at the Human Performance Centre in Salford University.

Any volunteers? If so...

CONTACT ME
Post comments on this blog or email me: truckshunters@googlemail.com

AND...
...don't forget the 'diarise' the next AGM at the Sunderland Winter Gardens on Saturday 21 March at 1400.

31 comments:

Hildie said...

You're nothing but a tease, Mr. Robinson. I notice you say that you now know what crasins are ....
and yet, you don't tell us!
Anyway, thanks to Google, I now know what they are too!

Hildie said...

p.s. Forgot to say that I'm okay for big toes at the moment, thanks!
Maybe it could come in handy for one of the Trockaderos. They will likely wear their toes out! I found some video footage of them on Youtube ....I was well amazed by the dying swan!
I'm needing to find Neville, to ask if he got my email address that night of the last AGM, as there's a photograph he's going to send to me.

Maureen said...

I'm wondering if Mr Robinson has gone dutch yet? His little friend has disappeared from the radio yesterday.

Hildie said...

At Christmas a friend of mine gave me a Raindow Candle in a box. Last night I opened the box and lit it.
Wow! It's beautiful, it changes from one colour to another in just seconds. I'm not kidding you, it's magic! Does anyone happen to know how it works?

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, the crumble (including dried cranberries - crasins) sounds yummy. Will acquire same when next in Morrisons methinks.
Hildie, No idea how the rainbow candle works.
Anyway, must let you know that I have been silent lately as have been dashing around arranging a week in Wales (Y'sa grace, del bach) so it may turn out that I don't get to Sunderland on 21st...devasted I am! However, they is a minute chance I may still make it so all is crossed.
Before I go, question....where's Loz?? Hope he's OK.
Off to feed puss cats x x x

Sid said...

Hello everyone, I hope you are all keeping well. The answer you seek Hildie regarding your colour changing candles can be found via Google. The answer is technical, but interesting.
I'll pass on the crumble, unless I absolutely have to have some, maybe with custard....I'm still trying to lose the few pounds I put on over xmas.

Hildie said...

Hi Sid
and thanks for pointing me in the direction of Google. I now know all I need to know about Rainbow Candles.It's something to do with
fibre optics .... that'll do for me. I recommend you try one .... it's fascinating to watch. I'm looking forward to my visitors on Friday night, I'm going to wow them
big time!
Hi Ellie,
it's great to hear from you! Hope you've sorted out your week in Wales. Who's going to mind the cats? Or are they off to Wales too?
I heard from Loz today, he is nearly better. He's been left with one of those coughs that just hangs on and on.

Anonymous said...

Evening all,
The rainbow candle sounds like a good present for my sister (who moves in and looks after my cats and house when I go to Wales) as she is nuts about candles. Loz has been poorly a very long time indeed - we need him.
Who did Maureen mean about Ian's little friend disappearing from the radio. I'm tuned in elsewhere at the moment so missed whoever it was going.
I'm off shopping in the morning - hunting the crumble, would you believe!!!

Hildie said...

Happy Hunting in the morning, Ellie, hope you find the Apple and Winter Berry Crumble ... it did look delicious! I keep thinking that I bet Ian had those girls at Morrisons in stitches, when he was enquiring as to exactly what crasins were. When you're off to the shops I'll be off to school in the morning. It's Red Nose Day, of course. The class, of Year 1 and Year 2 children, I'm teaching are going to school in fancy dress. I'm contemplating going as a doctor .... keep it simple that's my thinking ... a white coat and some stethoscopes should do the trick! The older children are going to school in pyjamas and are telling jokes in Assembly, so my day should get off to a good start!
Will you still be able to blog from Wales?

Hildie said...

IF ONLY WE STILL HAD THE NIGHTSHIFT NEWSREEL
.... this little story would be winging it's way to Ian.

Fire crews have been called out four times to rescue apony - because it's legs are so short people think it's stuck in the mud.
The pony's stumpy legs are so out of proportion with it's body that people assume she is sinking in the salty marshland where she grazes by the River Test in Southampton.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have now nicknamed the 2ft. 4ins. pony "Shorty".
Fire Brigade animal resue expert, Anton Phillips, said, "It looks like a cross between a Shetland pony and a New Forest pony - it has a Shetland's little legs and a New Forest pony's long body." "From 200 yards away it does look like it is trapped in the mud, especially when it is stood next to New Forest ponies which are twice as tall."
Owner, Sandra Whitcher, said, "The emergency services have been out so many times that they must know their way here by heart. We might have to put up a sign so ramblers know she isn't stuck. The only problem is that one day she might actually get stuck and the Fire Brigadr won't turn up!"

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie,

That was a good story. Where did you find it? I've had one of those rainbow candles and they're lovely.

Ellie, Ian was planning to go on holiday with Paul, who now works for Smooth Radio. The Paul and Ian shows on Radio Newcastle were infamous! Radio Newcastle has slipped downhill since then!!!

Loz, you sound as though you've had a really rough time. You seem to have had that bout of 'flu which keeps on going for a couple of months. I hope you soon return to good health.

Anonymous said...

Oh how I remember the Paul & Ian Shows - fabulous then and yes, Vivienne, you are absolutely right. Radio Newcastle was something special but now its rubbish and that is so, so sad. I don't understand why they don't have a presenter early in the morning (Ian) 'cos lots of folks I know listen to the radio 5am ish while getting ready to go to work. The Music Only policy is cr...not very good at all! Then at 6.30am they have about 4 of them on with Mike Parr!!! I know Sid told me that Mike will leave in May, but I wish the organisers would listen to the listeners!!
Well that's made me feel better - as they say; nowt like a good moan!
I'd better go and have a cup of tea!

Anonymous said...

Ooops! Was so busy moaning I forgot to answer Hildie's question: I don't know if I will be able to access the blog while in Wales - depends on the signal strength up those mountains where my daughter lives ~ if I can, I will but....

Sid said...

Hello everyone, glad you enjoyed your moan Elle. I share the same views about Radio Newcastle. Last week I sent off a letter to the Director General of the BBC in London and asked him to look at the general running of Radio Newcastle. The listening figures for the station are down, and the number of presenters that have left over the last 18 months or so is unbelievable.
When/if I get a reply, I shall let you all know what transpires.

Hildie said...

Just dropping by to say hello, before I pop out for a hair-cut. Remarkable, isn't it, how we all share the same views on Radio Newcastle? We mere listeners. Why on earth should we matter?! They aren't counting me in their daily listening figures anymore, so that's one down! I hope the Director General reads your letter with interest, Sid. Now to another matter ..... is anyone able to make the AGM at Sunderland on 21st. March? Ellie is the only person I have heard say that she is a possibility. Audrey was keen to go, but found out that she would be in Nottingham that day.
I am available that day but Sunderland is a bit far from Dipton ... I could make a nearer venue but, of course, would not expect it to change if others were able to get to Sunderland. I just thought it was worth running the question - who can make it to Sunderland? - past you all. Hope you don't think I'm trying to organise you, it's just that it all seems a bit up in the air.
Now for some limericks written by the children at school yesterday ... they tried hard ....
There was a young stiker from Reading,
Bumped his brow on a door at a wedding.
It made his head swell,
But he said "Just as well, 'cos now I'll improve on my heading!"

There was a young player from Tottenham,
His manners he'd gone and forgotten 'em,
One day at the docks,
He took off his socks
Because he complained he felt hot in 'em".

And the best (?) joke I heard the children tell on Red Nose Day
was , "What do you call a dinosaur that's about to explode?"
"Dynamite!"

Off for that hair-cut now!

Anonymous said...

Morning everyone -
About the gathering on 21st - I have been planning my journey but heavens knows how long it will take. Metro into Newcastle then out to Sunderland....
If you change the venue I won't mind, but I thought the Laird decreed where we would meet??
However, Sunday is Mothering Sunday and if I am a very lucky Mum I may get a visitor on Saturday/Sunday so that would stop me attending. However it may sound, I really am looking forward to meeting the team and ESPECIALLY the Laird himself. Oooer - as he says.

Maureen said...

Sounds like a good idea to consider a different venue Hildie if Ian is fancying some company. I'm sure that he'll understand your reasoning. I'm afraid, although I'm probably the nearest, I will be at work so won't be able to make it either. Loz, I hadn't realised that you were still 'under the weather' I wondered where you'd got to, hope that you are feeling better soon.
I wonder how many more people have dropped out of the Radio Newcastle listening figures? I find very few of their programmes of interest now. The silly thing is that the ones I do listen to are also on at daft times, like Paddy McDee late at night and Simon Hoban and Antony Simpson early Saturday morning. I find the mainline, every day programmes just so boring! The planners at Radio Newcastle have definitely lost the plot as to what their listeners want to hear, or do they care?

Vivienne said...

Hi Everyone,

I mentioned in an earlier Comment that I'm hoping to get to the Winter Gardens on Saturday. However, I would prefer a venue in the Gateshead/ Newcastle area. I was thinking that travelling to Sunderland via the Metro would be easier than driving and trying to find a parking place.

As Ian appears to be on holiday at present, it may not be possible to change the venue this time.

mim said...

Hi,

I used to listen to Radio Newcastle all day but only listen to Mike Parr now. I loved the Paul and Ian show. Is Mike Parr leaving ? Oh I hope not!!If so where to?

Love Margaret

Hildie said...

Apologies, Vivienne, that I missed you from the head-count for the AGM. I've got you and Ellie ticked on the list now! We have to do this before a school trip, make sure everyone goes to the toilet then do a head-count! We have a lot of fingers crossed when we're doing the head-count ready for the journey back home!

Hildie said...

Margaret, good morning!
it looks like we were posting at around the same time. I'm sorry to tell you Mike Parr is definitely leaving in May. He is going to do a breakfast show in Cumbria.
I loved the Paul and Ian Show too.
At the bottom of me, I've never really forgiven Radio Newcastle
for the fact that it isn't there any more! It should have run forever.

Maureen said...

Yesterday at work we were talking about summer approaching and someone said 'and we often get the blue bus outside, that's great entertainment' Not anymore you don't ...
Can you imagine that? I could have been popping out with cups of tea and sandwiches for Paul and Ian, ah, happy days. Like you Hildie, I still bear a grudge as to the total disregard to the listener's wishes exercised by Radio Newcastle. I wouldn't leave the house until Ian and Paul had finished!

mim said...

Oh Hilde,

What a blow that is. I'm afraid I stopped listening so much when Julia Hankin left, she was my "best friend" in the afternoon, then Paul and Ian going was the last straw. I don't want to be nasty but the new presenters they have are not to my taste at all. Oh well I will have to find an alternative. I catch Paul most days on Smooth.

Thanks for the info.

Love Margaret x

Hildie said...

Hi Margaret,
while I've got my list out ... would you like your name added to those going to meet up with Ian next Saturday?
I am so pleased with my son today!
He has added some music tracks onto my phone - The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Elbow - I've been waiting a while for him to do it for me --- BUT, not only that! He has fixed the washer for me!

mim said...

Hi Hilde,

I would love to go but I live in Blyth, don't drive and have my third eldest son home from Germany that weekend. I have four boys ,my eldest Mark has just bought his first house and is about to move out(28) my second eldest Dominic lives in N. Shields and drums with the Pete Donegan Band (26) Michael is doing a PHD in Ulm, Germany(24) and Tom civil engineering in Leeds uni(22) he's home for good in May and has a job lined up so you can see I am often busy. I hope to get to meet you all soon though!

Love Margaret x

Maureen said...

Hi All, I hope everyone's well, we haven't heard from Inga lately, she must be back from 'vacation' by now, do you think things will be returning to normal now as the weather improves?
Ian must be back too as I'm sure that I heard Paul back on tonight.
Hildie, I bet you are pleased to get your washer repaired, I know that my heart sinks when something breaks, and you are thinking how much is that going to cost?

Hildie said...

Hi Maureen
... you know Inga used to tell us that she sometimes listened to Radio Devon? Well, one night last week, I tuned-in to Radio Devon and sent in an email saying hello to her - it was pretty much a shot in the dark - just on the off chance that she was listening. The presenter read out the email and, believe it or not, she heard it ! She emailed the programme to say hello to me, and she said she is very busy at the moment, so I guess that's why we aren't hearing from her here on Truckshunters.
Hi Margaret
I see what you mean about being very busy, with four sons, but very lucky too!
I heard Paul saying that Amsterdam had been very expensive, but that he and Ian had had a good time when they were away.

Anonymous said...

Dear All ~
I'm really sorry but I won't be able to go to Sunderland on Saturday. I was looking forward to meeting everyone, especially Ian but I will be visited by my son to celebrate Mother's Day. He's driving up from London on Saturday morning and will be staying until Sunday afternoon. Such time spent with him is rare and precious so forgive me if I give this meeting a miss. I hope you all enjoy it very much and will someone please give Ian a hug from me.

Maureen said...

Thanks Hildie, good to hear that Inga's ok, I'm sure that she will rejoin us when she can. Ellie, I hope that you have a lovely weekend, as you say, time with family is very precious. I'm sure that Ian will understand.
I wonder where himself has got to? If we'd known we could have started some quizzes or stories like the old days. Anyone remember Sheffield Town Hall, or the Highland cow? What a laugh! I bet Ian couldn't believe his eyes when he got back from holiday to that lot! (Worth a quick check in the archives to our new friends who don't know what I'm talking about)

Sid said...

I printed off the very first story we did. When I get the feeling I need a laugh, out it comes.
If you get round to reading this Gilly you are missed so much.

Ian Robinson said...

I think I'd better start listening to BBC Radio Devon...