Hidden Gems Of York - York Nuclear Cold War Bunker -

Hidden Gems Of York - York Nuclear Cold War Bunker 

Since the teen went to university up in York we’ve been up there rather a lot on various mission s , fetching and carrying that we now feel rather local. So what can you do in York that’s a little more unusual and a little of the beaten track after you’ve been mesmerised by the shambles

and eaten all the Fat Rascals ?

 What about a nuclear bunker , I love nuclear bunkers they’re so cool and interesting ( they’re funky ) I think it’s ok to take children down but bear in mind it is under ground and do make sure  they’re ok in that sort of environment before you do go down, obviously there will be references to nuclear war and the inevitable injuries that it causes.

Protecting us from Nuclear fall out is the York bunker a couple miles from York city centre and I bet in all the times you have visited York you have never been here and I urge you to go.

It was built in the late 1950s and was active from 1961 all the way to 1991.It was one of 29 sites that notified good old Blighty (Britain) that it had been the subject of a nuclear attack also measuring the ensuing nuclear fall out.The dutiful task of this fell to the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) who are now disbanded.If the worst had happened, the ROC had the rather unenviable job of being cooped in this underground bunker for 30 days whilst completing their nuclear fall-out monitoring duties.

Thankfully the Cold War didn't heat up in that way and Mr T and I were rather happy we didn't have to check the radiation levels by "quickly nipping outside " in the height of 1960's fashion with the added benefit of just a scarf covering our mouths and then have a decomination shower which was basically just a couple of hosepipes. The Government didn't deemed it necessary that the ROC get those suits that you see in films of old as they were very expensive - eek

The Bunker is now decommissioned -the York Cold War Bunker is run by English Heritage, with entry comes hour-long guided tour. Adult tickets go for £ 11 or free if you belong to English Heritage

Portuguese Green Beans Fried

First time cooking Peixinhos da horta (fried Green beans ) in my own kamikaze style , yes I know the beans should be whole etc etc but I was cooking on a wing and a prayer.

Ingredients 

100 grams of plain flour ( though you could reduced the amount , it’s totally up to you)

3  eggs ( I only had 2 so added some milk )

Some salt and pepper 

Some herbs dried or fresh 

Salt

Seasonings

Method

Wash and remove the Green beans strings and cut the ends, then place them in a saucepan full of water and season with salt.

Cook for around 10 -15 minutes 


Drain and set aside

Mx the flour eggs and a little salt in a bowl and any other flavouring I threw in some chicken seasonings

Dip around 3 -4 green beans at a time ( My Green beans were a bit more chopped up but it doesn't matter )  keep going till all the beans are coated

Heat a frying pan or skillet up and gently fry the beans on both sides 

Set aside on a plate that has kitchen towel on

I served mine on a bed of chopped chicken but it pretty much goes with anything I think and it’s a quick and easy lunch or supper perfect for humid hot days . You could add some diced shallot to the batter just to make a bit of a change , it is I think a really adaptable recipe.

Fried Portuguese Green beans 

The Mysterious Adventures of Jack the Black Cat

The Mysterious Adventures of Jack the Black Cat

Ah, welcome back, dear readers! the enigmatic and charming Jack needs no real introduction, the black cat with a heart as dark as his fur and a spirit as playful as a kitten high on catnip.

Now, if you’re a long-time follower, you’ll know that life with cats is never dull. Jack, however, takes this to a whole new level. A creature of the night, he moves with a grace that would put a ninja to shame, slipping through shadows and appearing just where you least expect him. But don't be fooled by his stealthy demeanor; Jack is as playful as he is mysterious.

The Midnight Marauder

Jack’s nightly escapades are the stuff of legend in our household. It all begins as the clock strikes twelve, when most mortals are tucked in bed, dreaming sweet dreams. Jack? He’s just getting started. His emerald eyes gleam in the dark, reflecting the moonlight as he surveys his kingdom from atop the highest bookshelf. No curtain is safe from his pouncing paws, no loose thread escapes his notice.

The other night, I awoke to a meowing that would have even set Stephen King on edge as he couldn't be bothered to jump back over the gate to come through cat flap. So now Jack has a catsbo like an asbo but for cats and is not allowed out the front door past 7pm !

The Daytime Nap Master

When the sun rises, Jack’s energy seems to fade with the last stars of the night. His daytime routine is a masterclass in relaxation. He has a special spot by the window, where the sunlight pours in just right, creating a warm haven perfect for napping. Curled up in a perfect circle, his tail wrapped around him like a blanket, Jack becomes the epitome of peace and tranquility.

There’s something almost magical about watching a cat sleep, don’t you think? The gentle rise and fall of his tiny chest, the occasional twitch of his whiskers – it’s as if he’s dreaming of his nocturnal adventures, perhaps reliving the glory of his latest sock heist.

The Feline Philosopher

But Jack is not just a creature of action and rest. He has a contemplative side too. Sometimes, I catch him staring out of the window, eyes following the flight of a bird or the rustling of leaves. In these moments, Jack seems to ponder the mysteries of the universe. What goes on in that clever little head of his? Is he plotting his next adventure, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world around him? Perhaps a bit of both.

Jack’s introspective moments remind me to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There’s something to be said about finding joy in the simple pleasures – a sunny spot, a quiet moment, a gentle breeze.

The Heart of the Home

Jack, with his mischievous antics and serene naps, has woven himself into the very fabric of our home. He brings laughter with his playful pranks and peace with his purring presence. Every day with Jack is a new adventure, a new chapter in the delightful story of living with a cat.

So here’s to Jack, the black cat who lives life on his own terms, teaching us all to find joy in the night’s mysteries and the day’s quiet moments. If you ever find yourself with a feline friend, cherish their quirks and love them dearly, for they bring magic into our lives in the most unexpected ways.

Until next time, dear readers, may your days be filled with purrs and your nights with wonder.

Paws and whiskers, [NinjaKillerCat Blog]

Jack Black The Cat Happiness factor

I have a cat I used to have two but now we’ve just got Jack and he’s always just been there as the cat my son has grown up with.I am sure the cat called Jack is happy in his heart , Jack at times does look like some sort of tortured hipster artist or poet who is desperately seeking their muse .The aimlessly wondering in then meowing and the staring into the middle distance are the signs of a true artist as your best work is done when you just stare and it is never just aimless staring .


Then there is the cat food first it was the posh stuff hand blessed by Monks in the Le Loire valley ( this strictly may not be true ) , Jack soon went off the posh stuff just after we had bought a case of 72 pouches , I mean obviously Jack is a blossoming restaurant critic and is yearning after a Michelin star meal I suspect , and will utter four letted tirades if everything is not up to his high standards. But now Jack likes Tesco cat food that is gravy based and touch wood he seems to be holding firm on this , so should I stock up on this cat food.


Jack would be a life observation comedian to delivering startling truth observations on life but he wouldn't be deemed rude as he would be good old happy Jack ( tongue firmly in most on the happy part ).Jack announces himself in a room sometimes and you have to work out he precisely wants and it often turns into an Alan Carr gameshow style programs ( does anyone really actually watch the, , it is time that I can never get back )

And when you have a cat you really do pander to its needs from a day bed in the front door to leaving on Classic FM for it to making sure it has its Teddy bear for bed time .I say Bed time but this usually signals having to let the cat out the front door and 2 minutes later opening to let it back in again.

Summer Smoked Trout New Potato Salad

Summer daze smoked trout potato salad ideal for those summer days eating Al Fresco upon your terrace ( in my case my decking )

Summer I admit is rather confused at the minute and I have worn my winter coat this week . Summer will be here I'm sure of it ~ halycon days are the long fun filled days we remember from our childhood.

Smoked trout new potato salad

Ingredients

Smoked trout
Mixed salad
Bacon bits

Jackies Vinaigrette

1 0z light olive oil
4 oz white wine
1 clove chopped garlic
1/2 Dry mustard
1/8 Cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp Brown sugar

Method 

Make the vinaigrette in advance of frying the bacon and warming the smoked trout through.

Cook the new potatoes enjoy for 2 people put to one side.



Combine 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper,1 clove chopped garlic ,1 Tbsp Brown Sugar ,1/2/tsp dry mustard 1 oz of light Olive Oil , 4 oz of white wine vinegar in a suitable bottle / container that will allow you to drizzle over the salad.



Fry the bacon bits till lovely and crispy , I got my bacon bits from the village farm shop and they were £1.65 , then if you wish also warm through the smoked trout ( you don't have to but it does gives a beautiful roundness to the dish. next mix them together . Combine this with the cooked new potatoes.

Just popping to the village farm shop

Place on a bed of mixed salad.

Drizzle over the Jackies vinaigrette

And enjoy

Hopefully outside.