SouthseaScene

A fried skate or ray wing (I don't know which) can be really delicious. It's also a fish dish that doesn't have any bones to deal with. Great for someone who hates dealing with the bones. Pat dry the wings on kitchen paper. Then dust with plain flour mixed with Paprika powder, salt and pepper. Then shallow fry for 5 minutes on each side or until the edges are dry and crispy. Serve with mash, jacket potatoes or simply with steamed vegetables for a very quick dinner.

My latest National Trust magazine has just arrived, full of information on the various properties and activities they are offering this summer. Here are my favourites for the ones near us The Great British Dog Walk (really?) at New Forest Commons Sunday 21 May, 11 am to 4.30 pm Fun for the family promised with adult tickets costing £10, available from 01844 348101 Family trail at Hinton Ampner Saturday 27 May - Sunday 4 June, 10 am to 5 pm Explore the grounds during the half-term holiday Suggested donation of £1 Rose season at Mottisfont Throughout June The roses will be in full bloom and there will be free talks with the gardeners at 2 pm daily Feast Festival at Waddesdon Manor 17-18 June, 10 am to 5 pm Experience music, dance and interactive theatrical performances while enjoying fabulous food and drink. Entry £5 for adults and £2.50 for children 30-hour record Millathon at Winchester Mill 17-18 June, 10 am to 4 pm Watch the millers attempt a new record of

I had the chance to travel to Venice recently and was totally in love with the city. It has been on my bucket list for a long time and I kept talking about it, so my husband said...how about it? I'm a well-read traveller and like to check out what the place has to offer before I go. Our public library in Portsmouth is great at stocking up travel books. In fact, borrow one with a map and you don't need to buy any when you get to your destination. It's good to check out places you may want to see, or any that you may skip. Travel books also have useful information on opening hours and advice about buying entry tickets to museums and attractions. However, information changes all the time and so do try to find the latest information online too. Websites like Tripadvisor will have feedback from recent visitors and so more up-to-date. But don't be swayed too much by online reviews. People's tastes are different and what is bad for others, might be good for you. 1.

Today turned out to be so hot, I was completely overdressed in my spring coat. The air was still and dry. It feels like it's finally time to dust off the barbeque. I had left work early to go to Robert Dyas to buy some hanging baskets and was looking forward to spending the evening gardening. Alas, when I put down my chopsticks at the end of the dinner, I noticed the pitter-patter of rain on the conservatory roof. No gardening tonight. Such is the unpredictability of spring weather!