Fred aka Grumpy Rugger Fred

I won't deny I'm trying my best to stay in a decent shape, but the light (and the gym pump) definitely are helping

Isn't it amazing what a bit of good lighting can do? Also I need to tidy up the beard

Yuup, it sets quite fast, you need to work fast. On one hand, it kinda makes me want to get some more toys to get better finishes, but in the other I won't be baking cakes all the time, so I can't really justify the investment (and I have a tiny kitchen already full of stuff)

Yeah, it was burnt sugar (caramel) frosting, and it wasn't easy to work with it. But hey, people seemed to really like the cake m, so that's all that matters to me

I made burt sugar cake for baker's club yesterday, and people said they loved it. Honestly, was a pain in the ass to make, but if people liked it, I'm very happy.

Alive and kicking

Yesterday I made xialongbao dumplings for the first time. Not bad, but I need to keep practicing, my pleating is bad, and they were not soupy enough

Much needed tidy up

Guapoooo

Treated myself to a homemade dinner of chicken dumplings and noodle soup. Comfort food ftw in this rainy day

As part of #NoScreenSunday, I'm painting miniatures tonight

Amazing day of rugby today, and as usual, celebrating with a hot soak

I joined the village bakers club, so I'll be baking (and socializing on real life) more. My first contribution were empanadas criollas. Not bad for a first attempt, but already thinking on ways I can improve them.

I don't have a plastic problem! You have a plastic problem!! 😂😂

Aaaand back to Manchester and very happy to be in my own bed

Coming to Spain means churros

I'm sure Nurse Darwin is doing a great job keeping an eye on you though

Oh fuck, I'm so sorry to hear that, hope you have someone to help and support, and the doctors are patching you up. Biggest of hugs

Back in Spain for the week

Just people being cunts in general and without any kind of provocation. Too many in a too short amount of time, out of the blue. I guess my good luck couldn't run forever. Or maybe I should just delete the apps again and go back to my cave.

It's been a really bad day in the apps. I was doing great, had been back for a month and it had been nice, mostly chit chatting with nice people, having a cheeky coffee here and there. But today has been a shit show and enough that it's making me question it all again.

Wouldn't it be nice if my brain shuts down and lets me sleep?

Definitely not at my best (and full of pasta bake), but I felt good after tonight's late workout. I always say, and it applies to me too, that fitness is a marathon not a sprint. I'll get where I want to be, eventually. No rush (and no need to rush either).

AF 🥶🥶

Good. Still need more people

Let's try again. I'd like to run an aD&D campaign this year, starting April-May (so plenty of time to prepare). Would be one session a month (preferably on Sat or Sun), so relaxed in terms of schedule. If you're in Manchester (or adjacent, or willing to travel) and interested, give me a shout.

Mandatory #RuggersOnPlanes selfie. I don't make the rules!! It's been a nice trip, but it's time to go back to grey and rainy Manchester.

Happy New Year y'all! Hope you have a great 2026 full of joy.

It's needed sometimes. Big hugs.

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