Christian's Blog

Introducing....

2012-01-20T19:33:00.000Z

Mr Milo, the wonder dog!!

Yes, he is here at Bramble Cottage and fitting in like a dream!

I have fallen for him big time. He is such a sweet natured pooch. Puppy dog eyes, feet that are too big for his little legs and the softest ears you have ever felt. Does that sound strange? Yes, it does, but anyway.....here he is!

I cannot tell you how happy he is making me. He is like my shadow after only 3 days. Good as gold usually and such a cutie the way he pads around the downstairs and always tries to get on the sofa next to me. Mum and I have agreed, no sofa or bed. I mean that!! I am not that house proud, but I have a very milky coffee coloured sofa and muddy paws prints aren't a good look. Yesterday he spent 30 minutes with his paws on and off the sofa and me being very strict. Today we came back from a 4 hour 'familiarisation' visit to my Mum and Dad's and he hasn't tried to get on the sofa once. I am positive he will when I'm not looking though!

We have had a few issues with him 'marking' inside the house. I did expect this as it is all strange to him! He has now pee'd in every room, so am hoping that is it!! Downstairs is fine as I have hardwood floors, but upstairs in carpeted so a bit more work. I say 'fine', but it isn't that appealing! He hasn't been neutered so that is one possible reason for it, but it is quite pungent, without going into details.

He has a check up on Monday to see Grant the vet, so we will discuss his dangly bits then. One friend commented on their size. As I said to Mum, he wasn't ashamed to get undressed in the showers at school. He is a big boy!!! However, they need sorting out. Poor lad. The pound in Ireland, put in a crate, shipped on a ferry, left at a foster home and then mine and I have him 'done'!! What a few weeks he has had! I planned to give him a few weeks to settle before the op, but think it needs to be done sooner.

He isn't remotely aggressive with people or other dogs. Very shy in fact, especially with people. He is slowly learning to trust and is coming on in leaps

and bounds on a daily basis!

I am off until the 29th of January, so have time to bond with him and take him to Mum & Dad's to get used them and the house. So far so good.

It was Jase's Birthday yesterday. A very special Birthday!!! I wasn't sure what to get him, so decided to make a quilt. I figured he would appreciate it and treasure it and he was gob smacked. You see, I have a dodgy back (as I may have mentioned once or twice) and sitting at a desk with a sewing machine for 2 solid days isn't really what a physio would recommend. I could hardly do 2 hours of Pilates as a birthday pressie for him though, could I?

We went to the Indian for dinner and had a lovely meal, then back here to a roaring fire and a bottle of red (Diet coke for me)!

So, he came round yesterday afternoon and met Milo for the first time. Within a couple of hours, Milo had settled into it and was fine. I am trying to socialise him as much as possible.

This is how the quilt started life......

Nearly finished.........!

I will take a picture of the finished quilt tomorrow as it is dark and I can't get a decent snap. Jase loved it so am chuffed!

My february roster is out and it is really good. I haven't looked that closely at it yet, so need to work out dog sitting duties! Looks fine so far though and I have a 3 day trip with Jase which will be nice.

Time to organise dinner and light the fire. I am frozen!! I've been feeling a bit run down for the past couple of days, so Beechams powders, Berocca and cups of tea are featuring highly in my diet. And the odd Creme egg. It is lovely lying on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket with a scruffy little dog on the floor within stroking reach. He loves it too. Content.

Update - Managed to get some pictures of the quilt!

The binding -

And for MrsH, the back! -

I always do basic 'stitch in the ditch' for quilting as I find it easier on my back. Maybe with the next quilt (although, every time i make one I say never again) I will try and more creative and do swirly patterns or something?

A flying visit yet again...

2012-01-15T21:38:00.002Z

Sorry, a really bad internet connection here in Glasgow!

I just wanted to post a quick update re the dog situation!

I visited a foster home near Bournemouth on Saturday and met Hank (named by the rescue centre) He is a scruffy bundle of terrier. Probably Patterdale, with several others breeds mixed in - I am thinking Dachshund and God only knows.

He came over from a rescue centre in Ireland where they are only allowed to keep dogs for 7 days, then they are destroyed......it's at that point that they are picked up by other rescue centres here, packed into crates and put on a ferry.

He is under 2, good with children, other dogs and very sweet. He no idea how to walk on a lead, don't think he has ever been walked :0( He was so shy and spent most of the visit under the dining table, but Mum, Dad and I feel for him!

Once the home check is done, I should be able to pick him up on Tuesday!! Mega excited now and busy trying to organise lead, collar, bedding, bowls, treats and food - not easy when you aren't at home.

Have to go to bed now, as up at the crack of sparrows, but will leave you with a picture of my new dog. He is now called Milo.

C x x

Can I take my crochet hook?

2012-01-04T17:20:00.000Z

You know some days you wish you'd stayed in bed? Well that applies to today.

After spending what seemed like an eternity in a grey 1970's building at the training school, when your brain is mush and every gram of life force is drained from your body, you would think that sitting an exam isn't conducive to good mental health. Unfortunately, that is what they make us do. I have done 12 annual checks now and quite proud of the fact that I know my stuff. Anal isn't the right word, some might call it that, but I know my job and have this weird ability to remember things.....until today that is.

I failed my annual check!! Stupid bloody questions about camping gas stoves in the cabin & allowing passengers on with 5 litres of medication??? Now, seriously, if you needed 5 litres of medication, shouldn't you really be in hospital rather than a plane? I know what we offer isn't fine dining, but would you whip up an omelette on a flight to Brussels?

The ironic thing is, all the questions about the aircraft I am licensed on, I got 100% right - believe me there are thousands of questions. However, you can get 9 questions wrong out of 50 and still pass I believe, but not 3 on the same subject. That's what I did.

I thought that I was coping very well with recent events. Splitting up with J, moving house etc - all pretty stressful stuff. My weight loss has proved that something is up. For me to not want to eat much, something must be awry!! However, I am pretty content I think. Bramble cottage is lovely (well, getting there), cosy and mildly warm, the hens are settled, work is better (as I have lots of leave!! *wink*) and generally ok with stuff. Clearly this isn't the case at the moment. I am so disappointed in myself.

The good news is, I have 2 days off now and have been taken off my Madrid and back on Saturday, to return to the life-force-sucking building and re-sit the exam. Now the pressure is on. Uniform is put away, pj's at the ready, kettle's
on, fire about to be lit and the dangerous goods manual is open. If you need to know about hydrocarbon gas hair curlers, knitting needles or radioistopic cardic pacemakers, then in theory I will know!

Diet coke, marlboro lights and a pizza are on stand by.....

C x x

A Bramble cottage update & more

2011-12-29T20:05:00.002Z

Hello everyone!

Back after the Christmas break, but still off work. The days are flying by and I have loads to do, but I need to learn and chill out sometimes. Blogger are playing silly buggers and have done something to my blog, so the layout for me typing is all weird. Apologies if this looks funny - we will see when I click 'publish'!

Christmas was lovely. Time spent with my family, including a 5 and 9 year old, who were so excited! Didn't have to worry about being off as my part time week started on the 25th December and I had a couple of leave days thrown in before for good measure. I know I have Christmas off for the next 5 years now!!

A friend popped over before Christmas with a present for me. I unwrapped it, thinking it was an eco sex toy! *don't look at me like that* It is a pastry case maker!

Start by putting your dough balls in the tin -

Use said tool to smush the dough balls -

et viola! Perfect cases for mince pies!! A clever little thing, made of wood so double points from me! I do like wood.

I needed to go to the local garage and get my levels checked. I wasn't quite sure what that meant, so just asked for a 'levels check' when I walked in. He said "You've just moved down the Lane haven't you"? It seems everyone knows everything around here. "Pop back home and have a cuppa, come back in a hour". So off I went. Returned later to be told my oil was fine, antifreeze and washers topped up and everything in order. "No charge" he said. I decided to bake some extra mince pies and gave the guys a couple of boxes, with some bottles of festive Stella Artois to wash them down with!

Onto the Bramble cottage update!

The kitchen is nearly done. Just some tiling, new lights and painting and it should be finished. Not quite sure when the tiling will be done as I haven't found tiles I like yet and funds are low due to Christmas splurging......but, the worktops are in and curtains made!

That wall might be part tiled to prevent splashes from the hob, but haven't decided yet. The wall will be painted 'box tree green' I think.

What do you mean I have a jar problem?

(the sad thing is, that is only a fraction of the jars I have).

...and the lovely solid chunk of oak is now fitted above Stanley the Rayburn!

I was very lucky this year! Father Christmas brought me lots of lovely things, but more importantly, things I needed! Take this rather smart 27" LED television for example! Fits perfectly next to the fireplace and is simple enough for even me to use!

Just the ugly 'black ash' shelving to ~~burn,~~ erm, replace and then the lounge is done!

My little tree is still looking good on the coffee table.

The wind has picked up today and it is cold. Will light the fire in a bit - have noticed the log pile dwindling rapidly, funny that.

Now, the Bramble Cottage girls!

Their run is up and erm, running!! They moved in a few weeks ago and seem happy enough....

The mezzanine level that they weren't too sure about at first, but now are up and down the ladder all day!

At vast expense, the fuse box was replaced with a proper RCD thingy-ma-bob, so I could finally get an outside plug! The blue disc heats up slightly, to prevent the drinkers freezing in the winter. The bricks are from my ugly storage heater in the lounge, so will hopefully keep both drinkers frost free!

The girls are enjoying their run. I am so pleased with it. With a tub trug and rubber glove, I poo pick a couple of times a week and it is so easy to keep clean. Looking out of my bedroom window today, I saw a fox in the paddock next door to my lane. It was massive! Pleased that the girls are safe, but there will not be any free ranging if I am not there.

I now have the dilemma of what to do with the rest of the garden?....The cement mixer is not a permanent feature by the way....although there will be a log store against the fence behind it.

I can probably get a couple of large raised beds in there, then put gravel in between. You can't see it, but the oil tank for Stanley is on the left, with a huge wooden support for a clematis that I want to remove. I will plant another one, but this is gigantic and hasn't been chopped back in years. The wooden support is about 1/2 metre away from the boundary fence, so that wastes space. I do need a productive veggie garden. It is something that I couldn't live without. Me pottering in the garden, hands covered in compost, whilst talking to the hens is something that makes me, me!

Talking of things I would like, I have been in discussion with Mum & Dad about getting a dog. I grew up with dogs and I would dearly love one, but work makes that tricky. Mum & Dad haven't had a dog for a few years and would like another one, but they go away to their house in Germany every so often......the solution? A DOG SHARE!! *squeals with excitement*

Dad isn't too keen, but will come round to the idea! I have been looking at rescue centres locally, trying to find a one year old scruffy mutt for a few weeks. I have researched insurance, costs, food etc and I can afford it. The plan is to have the dog here when I am home and drop him/her off on my way to work where s/he will stay when I am away. I will pick her/him up again on my way home....Seeing as I only work 14 days or so a month - many of those are very short days, it will work out well. A friend dogs shares and the dogs soon get used to staying in two different homes.

I am erring towards a Parsons Terrier - slightly taller than a Jack Russell terrier - I love their cute little faces & scrappy nature. Look at that face!

I mean, who could resist??

I am not rushing into anything (unlike normal)! I have seriously thought about it for months and wanted to have a dog for years. This is the only way I can do it. I have spoken to Jase and he is happy to help out if I need it. Friends down the road have also offered to help and one of my new neighbours have a new puppy which I have said I could look after if they are stuck. I am sure they would return the favour! Plus I had a couple attend a chicken course who run a pet companions service, just a couple of miles away if I ever need them. The problem now is finding the right dog. It can't be a puppy, as much as I would love one! At least 9 months - 1 year old would be best.

I watched The Edible Garden with Alys Fowler last year - she had a scruffy terrier called Isabelle, that would sit in her bike basket whilst she cycled to her allotment. Jase has visions on me doing the same!! It seems that most people in the village know me now, and know I have hens, so might as well live up to my slightly skewed reputation! Who cares? I'm just me. I could burst I am so excited about getting a dog.

Ok, so this was supposed to be a mini update, but I have waffled on. How unusual. At least I haven't ranted this evening!

If I don't speak to you before New Year, then I hope you all have a lovely time. I plan to stay in with the fire, enough M&S snack goodies to feed a small family and watch dvd's! Bliss.

I will leave you this evening with a picture of how my (little) *cough* fabric stash will look one day!

C x x x

Has he been yet....?

2011-12-25T08:38:00.001Z

Happy Christmas everyone!

I hope you all have a lovely day and Father Christmas brings you everything you wished for.

Am off until the 02nd January, so will update my blog soon!

Off to Family to stuff my face now!

C x x x

...and relax....

2011-12-07T17:19:00.011Z

Hello!

Right, 10 minutes to upload pictures and explain where I have been for the past couple of weeks! I seem to be stuck in a loop, where I sit down to update my blog and get sucked into the world of the internet, youtube videos, that are all linked and before you know it, you have lost 7 hours, your tea is frozen in the mug, (believe me, it does in this house) and you need to go and shave again....!

I always forget how manic things are at this time of year. Four Christmas fairs, coupled with moving house, builders in and work, have been driving me completely loopy. Loopier than usual.

Firstly, the fairs!

My little stocking & robin tree decs -

'Long sock' stockings were popular!

I sold so many hot water bottle covers!

I like adding little touches to my stall, like a wooden spoon in a mixing bowl with the mini cakes and filled stockings to show what Father Christmas might leave....

I did really well at the Weyhill Christmas fair this year. It makes all the hard work worth it. Old customers came back to see my wares and it was lovely to see them! One lady from Denmark bought so much from me! She even made me a felt heart to hang on my tree and fill with sweets! Will take a picture next time......

Work on Bramble cottage continues. It took Matt so long to dig out the area for the run, he worked so hard on it, but someone deemed it necessary to concrete in railway sleepers! They support trains for God's sake, you don't need concrete to support a bag of compost from the garden centre!!
You remember the garden as it was? Here well things have changed slightly -

and here -

I was sure I had taken a picture of the finished run, but can't find it now. It's dark, so will take one when I get a chance. The girls moved in with squeaks of excitement! It was so funny to watch. They are getting used to the ladder to take themselves off to bed, and only needed a bit of encouragement, with corn and a gentle shove to go up. It would appear that a couple of my hens suffer from vertigo.
As the eglus are on two levels (ground floor and mezzanine)!!, I asked matt to build a panel that slots in, so I can separate the runs for introductions. It works brilliantly! More pics to follow!

A neighbour saw the pile of sleepers in my parking space. She rolled down the window of her shiny black4x4 and I was greeted by peroxide blonde hair and ridiculously oversized sun glasses. "Those sleepers, I want them. I want raised beds for vegetables"!! She barked. Once the urge to say "I want, doesn't get" had passed, I explained that I hadn't decided what to do with them. She drove off leaving a cloud of dust in her wake and spewing gravel against my front door. Manners cost nothing. Another neighbour then knocked at my door and explained that a old lady down the lane was after some sleepers for her veggies as she had trouble bending down and wanted raised beds. "How much would you like for them, if you aren't keeping them"? £20, a hand shake and the deal was done. Nice.

The kitchen is 'work in progress' The base units are in, but still waiting for the worktops to be fitted. Matt had to move the electrics for the new hob & cooker. Chasing out walls, drilling and lifting floorboards....

It will be stunning, I keep telling myself!

A local company are making the worktops out of recycled floorboards. I have seen them and they will look amazing. Only slightly more expensive than standard Ikea block worktops, but they look old and more in keeping with the cottage. Need to make curtains to cover the front of the base units now.

The best news I have had all week is that Jase has found somewhere to live! We viewed a flat 2 weeks ago and they have now accepted his offer. Things tend to drag, but hopefully he will be in sometime in January! So pleased for him. I actually got a bit 'motional when he told me.

One thing I have learnt with old properties is that you cannot hang large pictures on the walls.....all my walls are 'out' so nothing hangs properly! I don't mind. Quirkiness is great. The freezing cold isn't. I am stunned at what a difference central heating makes to a house (obviously). With the Ecrap-omy 7 heating here, it is always cold. Time to move my bed into the kitchen to be next to Stanley the Rayburn. I have resorted to using a mini oil filled radiator in the spare room, as it is baltic in there. Polar bears have moved in. Can't wait for the real winter temperatures. At least I have lots of logs for the open fire.

The EDF saga continues. Another appointment missed and a £20 compensation cheque received so far. They will be here on the 15th December to remove my 'payment-dodging-chav' key meter. It is like an addiction, checking how much power I am using! Ooooh, 37p for the washing machine, the kettle costs 3p. I must get out more. At least when the other meter is fitted, I can't see how much I am using, The bill every month will be a shock.....The electrician will be here on Monday to install my new RCD consumer unit (fuse box to the layman, like me) & the outside plug for the hens' underfloor heating - joke.

6 large Christmas puddings made this week and many, many orders refused..... :0( I hate letting people down, but I can't make any more this year. Next year I will be more organised. I now have 13 puddings to deliver/drop off/post and that's me done! Had Bing's Christmas collection crooning away in the kitchen whilst I steamed the puds. Dead festive. So much so, that I bought a mini tree from the Fairground centre and walked it home, to a bemused look from drivers. Well, the tree is only 1.5ft tall. He looks great on my coffee table.
Next was the mantlepiece decs, only an oak beam inlaid into the brickwork, so after a few panel pins, dried orange slices, lights, floristry wire, hammered thumbs and lots of swearing, the lounge is decorated! Is 180 lights too many?? I won't look at the meter when the lights are on. Much.

Time to pack for work, wrap the last of the puddings and then chill out for the evening. I treated myself to The Polar Express dvd in the supermarket today. And a large bar of chocolate. *wishes there was a tiny font, so you couldn't read that last sentence*

Thanks again for all the positive vibes for the move. I'm settling in nicely now. Christmas is fast approaching...fa la la la laaa, la la la la......

C x x x

Friday....

2011-12-02T21:35:00.002Z

Evening All!

Sorry, been really busy with the house and Christmas fairs!

Kitchen is still a tip, chicken run looks amazing and I still have boxes everywhere.

Back to work in a day or two, but will upload pictures to my laptop now and try and get posting this week!

TTFN,

C x x x

The tin has been opened

2011-11-15T18:20:00.004Z

Evening everyone.

A busy week so far. Work got in the way for a few days, but have enjoyed my 2 days off. Waited in all day for EDF energy to come round and take out the awful key meter and replace it with a standard one. They didn't show up. All day listening for the door, unable to leave the house and for what?? The call centre staff were very apologetic. Not their fault, but honestly, now I have to make another appointment and stay in again. I hope they forget my first bill.

I took a few pictures of the garden and hens today. Work starts on the chicken run on Monday and I can't wait. The girls are all moulting now and have stopped laying for the winter. The past couple of days the temperature has really dropped and they have gone into winter mode. Eating more and sleeping lots!

A little picture of my garden gate (fascinating n'est Pas)??!

...and one of my tiny garden.

The walk in run will be at the end, where all the shrubs are. It should be just about the width of the garden, with a small lean to on the left. Proper roof and guttering, with an eglu on the ground outside and one on a table above it. Will be great when it is done as I won't have to worry about them when away.

The electrician has been and informed me I need a new fuse box with an RCD unit. All Greek to me, but it means that I can have an outside plug!! I need one desperately for the chickens. Not for their hairdryers, but for the new fandangled-electric-drinker-thingy that stops the water freezing. It is just a low voltage plastic disc, that the metal drinker sits on. The days of lighting a tea light in a jam jar won't work here at Bramble Cottage as I don't know the neighbours well enough to ask them to do it. When I am away it will make life so much easier.

I have now spent the evening talking to EDF energy. I should have stuck with Southern electric, but spookily enough, it is Southern electric that were supposed to take out the meter, even though my account is with EDF. I had no idea that electricity companies were so incestuous!! The lovely Melanie is going to call me back. I hope.

Fire is lit, Stanley is warming the kitchen and I have a few orange slices drying in the warming oven. The house smells like Christmas again.

I am doing a fair on Saturday. A local primary school, so have spent the day sorting out things for that. Need to bake lots of gingerbread men on Friday. They proved popular at the Michaelmas fair in September. Will be a challenge in the Rayburn.

Right, time to put the tin of Celebrations away. Stress with electricity companies forced me to open it. I think 15 Bounties, Milky ways and Galaxies will do for today. No will power. Shouldn't have bought them in the first place.

TTFN.

C x x x

Introducing Bramble Cottage!

2011-11-06T15:46:00.017Z

Hello everyone!

I am back! It has been a rough week and my back is knackered after moving. The day before we left Farm Cottage, we had water dripping through a light fitting in the ceiling! Emergency plumber called - a roof problem not a burst pipe! Luckily Rob our neighbour shimmied onto the roof like a nimble mountain goat and sorted out the problem.

Our buyer was on holiday until yesterday, so we moved everything out on completion date. I left the hens there for a couple of extra days, just to give myself a bit of time to settle here. Building on their walk in run will start on the 21st of November! So excited. It'll look fab and have a small lean to for me to store all their feed/bedding etc.

I got the keys for Bramble on Friday 28th at 11am. The removal company had moved everything in by 12 and then left with their cheque. Then followed 2-3 days of cleaning as the people had left the house filthy. They took lightbulbs, the fire grate, the door knocker and only left £5 on the awful electric key meter. They lied about the parking spaces, disputes with neighbours and barking dogs, not to mention cat hair in a sleeping-cat-sized mark on the bedroom carpet. That's right, they didn't even vacuum before they left. Peasants. I ripped the filthy bedroom carpet up within 2 hours of moving in. Mum took one look at the toilet seat and asked where the nearest Homebase was. I won't write about the state of the toilet seat. You might be eating.

It was an emotional time for Jase and I, but we will always be friends and there are no regrets. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 7 years. Time to go our separate ways, but we will see each other I'm sure. I have been told my beef olive recipe is the best, not to mention my lasagne and chilli, so he will be a regular dinner guest at Bramble Cottage!

Right, now I need to explain a few things. The decor (although it is ok, just plain white), curtains and light fittings are NOT my choice. They will do until I get organised enough to replace everything. Just time and cash being the major stumbling blocks.

Anyway, onto the pictures as I know you are chomping at the bit!

The view from the gravel track -

The bush on the left of the door has been dug up. Mum and I have planted 100 daffodil bulbs along the length of the house.

My kitchen with Stanley the Rayburn!

And now - not much better -

The plan is to have a worktop over the washing machine with a hob and oven next to it. Stanley is still in the fireplace and is doing a lovely job at warming the house!

The lounge with widescreen telly (don't laugh)!

The wonderful little door hiding my stairs! I have always wanted that!

My bedroom -

and now -

The spare room or 'sewing corner' as it is now known. Complete with an ugly sink in each room. Handy though!

Just half of what I have for the craft fair this year.

I have a problem with crafting....

The little built in cupboards in the spare room.

The one of the left is called my BA cupboard. All my uniform and work related stuff fits in, so I can hide it all away!!

The conservatory is so full of junk that I can't take a picture. Once the kitchen floor has been tiled, the carpenter (the lovely Matt) will start work on the work tops and units. I need a hob and oven to use in the summer as Stanley the Rayburn kicks out too much heat to use all year round.

Having lived in the area for 5+ years, I have discovered a wondered shop. Well, it is actually a barn. They use old floorboards and reclaimed timber to make the most stunning furniture. Old dressers, tables, bookcases etc all made from floorboards, windows or any wood they can get their hands on. I have ordered antique reclaimed pine work tops that they are making out of wide floorboards! The guy that runs it also makes shelves, so I have ordered 2 oak shelves for the kitchen - one above the Rayburn and the other for storing my small *cough* collection of Le Parfait jars!

I went in this week to finalise my order and told the guy that although his furniture is amazing, he needs to 'dress' it. The bookcases need a few books, the dressers need a plant, tea cups and saucers and a few gingham hearts would add to the appeal. He has asked me to come back and help him style the showroom as he admitted he hasn't got a clue! *rolls up sleeves and gets the fabric ready* The fact that his Brother in law works for Laura Ashley and is recently single had nothing to do with me offering to help...............but think of the discount. *wink*

Oil was delivered last week, so I got on my tummy (not easy with my dodgy back) and tried to light the burner. Something I will not be doing often as it is such a faff. Once lit, Stanley - yes, he has a name thanks to Susie - is so hot. I have turned him down to number one, but even then the heat is quite something! It will take some getting used to, as cooking on a Rayburn is alien to me, but the roast potatoes I did yesterday were lovely!

Logs were delivered today and the lovely man knew that my back was playing up, so stacked all the wood for me! I didn't have any extra cash in the house, so I gave him a jar of jam, some limestone flour for his hens who are laying thin shelled eggs and 3 chocolate snowmen for his children!

Taking of snowmen, I hinted about them in a previous post! 32 made so far, each filled with a bar of Dairy milk. I hope they will be popular!

It is less than 2 weeks until I am doing the Appleshaw school fair and I have to learn how to bake in my new oven. Shouldn't be that difficult I hear you say! Well it is! The temperature gauge either says 0C or 260C so a bit of guess work is in order. And a new temperature gauge!

All in all, I have to say I LOVE IT HERE. The beams, the quirks, steps, walls that won't allow you to put up a shelf as they are so out, the dreadful economy 7 heating - all of it is fab! It will take some time for me to get it the way I would like it, but so far, very happy. Mum and Dad have been great, coming over all the time and helping. Jase and Dad cleaned out the gutters, as the plants growing in there were getting unruly! Friends have been dropping in and it is lovely.

To everyone on here and Facebook, that have sent me cards and wished me well, thank you! Sorry it has taken so long to write my blog, but in fairness BT only connected my broadband 2 days ago!

I am back to work on Tuesday, boo, but I have to pay the mortgage somehow.

Will write more soon.

C x x

on the move.....

2011-10-23T08:27:00.002+01:00

WE HAVE EXCHANGED CONTRACTS!! Yay!!!

Moving date set for the 28th of October. Still waiting for work to give me the day off.......*rolls eyes*

Bramble Cottage will soon be mine. So excited, but a little bit scared and sad. The end of an era, but the start of something new. I hope I will be happy there.

Our buyer is going on holiday, so won't be moving in for a couple of weeks. I have decided to leave the hens here for a couple of extra days (cheeky, yes, but she won't know)!! At least then I have a few days to set up the run etc and to try and make the move as stress free for them as possible.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support over the past few months.

As soon as I can, I'll post pictures and update you all about my new home :0)

C x x

Christmas Fair...

2011-10-18T21:24:00.002+01:00

Just wanted to post a little reminder for anyone that might be local.......come along and say hello!. It is a lovely little fair and very festive! Parkers chocolate shop is well worth a visit and there are loads of usual present ideas in the various shops and stalls!

Mention my blog when you come and visit me and I might even drop a few extras in your bag! ;0)

Can you tell what it is yet?

2011-10-10T11:49:00.014+01:00

Well, not a lot going on here. Frantic calls to Estate agents, that are not being returned. No news from Solicitors - apart from the fact that our buyer STILL hasn't received her mortgage offer. My sellers are now starting to panic, so hopefully between all of us things should start moving when we start hassling the solicitors again. It seems strange that there is no urgency, as the sooner we complete, the sooner all involved get paid. You would think they would want that asap........

Christmas season has hit the shops! Yay!! I love it! It started with this, tucked away on the bottom shelf of Co op -

I love the simple Scandi look and fancy this for my house -

(which ever house that may be! No, think positively Christian)!

It started me off on a rollercoaster of Christmas this week. Firstly, cute little felt stockings for the tree -

2 pieces of felt, a couple of buttons and a simple blanket stitch all the way around. I have made 10 so far, just sat watching tv of an evening.

With Christmas carols playing in the office, there was no stopping me. I started on a lovely idea I saw on a blog last year, but can't remember where. Jase managed to sort the printer out and I printed these off onto card stock.

With the addition of red fleece -

(The chocolate is part of the finished item, not just a mid craft snack for me)! I will show you next time what I created! Keep guessing!

I went to Quilter's Dream last week and came back with a good stash of Christmas fabric.

The plan is to make mini bunting for the mantle piece to sell at the fair in November. Couldn't resist the blue flowery fabric - will make shopping bags with that.

The red and white fabric is stunning, although very expensive. I love Tilda fabric and designs, but it is so pricey. This was the last piece they had, so I made a few stockings out of it - along with my gorgeous fabric from Copenhagen.

I sold quite a few traditional 'sock' stockings last year and must admit that I prefer them to the other kind. Something oldy worldy about them.

Elsbeth and Agnes are still laying. Pru was very vocal last week - as she is being now - and to my surprise she laid an egg! A long torpedo egg as we call it. Cornelia is still dropping feathers everywhere, but has started eating more and rushing to the mixed corn in the late afternoon. The weather is turning now and the trees have started to drop their leaves. Not long before we start with frost in the morning.....

I mentioned the berries at the side of the house. An overgrown something-or-other bush, can't remember the name. Well, this time last year it had loads of berries and I warned Jase that it meant a harsh winter. Look at it this year!

It is going to be bad, the bushes know! They are providing food for the birds. Trust me.

The veggie garden is past it now. I think the temperature must have dropped quite low the other night, as my beans and potato plants are no more. I did manage to dig up the last handful of carrots - a stump ended variety, that did very well this year.

The rest of the garden I will just leave now. It is all dying back and after the aggro that our buyer has put us through (whether intentional or not), I refuse to tidy things up for her. I might still plant up some strawberry runners if I get a chance though.

At the weekend, we went to Basingstoke's Haymarket Theatre, to see The Eva Cassidy Story. It was so sad....but brilliant done. During the interval, I nipped to the toilet and got carried away humming one of the songs. When I came out of the cubicle, there was a man there, lucky for me, I spotted a hearing aid, so didn't worry too much. As I washed my hands, he came over to me and said, 'You can carry a tune well' I was mortified.

Last day off today - back in for 4 days. Starting with a stand by at 7.40 tomorrow morning. Mad rush to get all the jobs done that I should have done all week. Washing, ironing, packing, hen cleaning (the coop, not the hens) and calling estate agents, solicitors and removal companies. It is exhausting this moving lark. At least the sun is out today. I am sure I will be in the new house by November. I bloody well hope so!

I have been asked to write a chicken keeping guide, so that is keeping me busy. Great, as I can work from home, it's just the timing that is causing me problems. I love writing and it is nice to have a project to work on, but right now I am up to my armpits in chaos. I will get it done, as there is no immediate deadline. Nice to drop in and out and update as and when I can. Still waiting for that elusive magazine article that I want to write. One day maybe.

Better dash, hens are a-calling....might mean some eggs for me!

C x x

Is it October?

2011-10-02T12:11:00.005+01:00

It's a heat wave! 28C according to my weather station. Am I right? It IS October isn't it? *confused* Been wearing shorts for two days now.

Right then, we din't exchange contracts last week. Looks like we will do next week, but won't complete until the 21st of October and even that is pushing it. I am tempted to say the 28th now, as that will be my part time week again!

Felt dodgy all day yesterday/today. Weird stomach cramps - think it might just be nerves about the move etc, but not sure. Eating makes it worse, so just drinking lots and hoping it will pass. It got so bad last night that I went to bed at 9pm! Unheard of! Not ideal, but I will at least lose some weight. Been stuck at the 12/7 barrier for a while now......

Spent yesterday sewing Christmas stockings as you do. I am really pleased with them. They are long like old socks, more of a traditional stocking, as I sold out last year. You can just see one Here

WIth some of the money I made at the Michaelmas fair, I went to Quilter's Dream yesterday and bought some Christmassy fabric to start making mini bunting. £40 and a bag of lovely fabric & ribbons later, I set to work with Christmas carols playing on my laptop. Shame that it was 25 degrees C outside! A frost covered garden would have been more appropriate!

I forgot to post a picture of the Merry-go-round horses from the Michaelmas fair! So here you go!

There was also a new Florists at the Fairground Centre. She has set up her shop in an old Shepherd's hut which is absolutely stunning! Small but perfectly formed with bunting around the top. The Fairground needs a Florist and I am sure that I will be a regular customer.

Time for another dose of peppermint tea (if it is good for you, why do I retch with every mouthful)?? then back to the stockings!

C x x

Ok, so you wanted pictures......

2011-09-27T15:34:00.012+01:00

Hello World!

Firstly, an update on Bramble Cottage. We STILL HAVEN'T EXCHANGED CONTRACTS!! Last week I was at breaking point. All the searches and paperwork have been signed for the sale of Farm Cottage. Everything is ready for the purchase of Bramble Cottage, but our buyer hasn't received her mortgage offer yet! She only applied for it just over a week ago! We are supposed to complete on the 3rd of October, that has been moved to the 7th and she announced that she was going on holiday for 2 weeks! She is due back on the 5th October and hopefully we will exchange whilst she is away. I am not holding my breath.

Starting to panic about winter setting in and me not being prepared. I am a like a squirrel, must have stores in place. Oil for the Rayburn and a decent pile of logs are a must before November. According to the long term weather forecast and a couple of saddo websites I look at, the winter will be far worse this year. Lower temperatures and more snow. All to do with low solar activity and the Gulf stream. As long as I have oil, wood and plenty of food in, I will be happy.

I was really hoping to move on the 3rd as that gave me 8 days off to get settled. Moving on the 7th will be ok, as I am not due back until the 11th, so please keep everything crossed for then!

The garden is looking dreadful. Just haven't had time to get out there and tidy up.....too busy watching GLEE, packing, preparing for the Michaelmas fair and working the odd day. The pear tree lost a couple of branches due to the amount of fruit. I have picked 2 large bowls and there are still 40+ more to pick.

After a terrible week at work, when I was taken off a lovely 3 day trip to Germany, to be replaced with a delayed Moscow and back flight, I finally finished on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday were spent baking and making for the fair at the weekend. It went well, although not as well as previous years, I think people are just not spending money. I can understand why, but it does get you down a bit when you work so hard preparing and people comment on how nice everything looks, then they walk away.

So, pictures I hear you cry!

Using the piano to display my bags.....

I saw these adorable 'business cards' at a friend's house and had to make some for me. The cards I had printed a couple of years ago don't have the website details on them. These are perfect and make great bookmarks!

Saturday was quite busy and I sold a lot, but Sunday was really quiet. It was still well worth me doing the fair though. I have done 3 Michaelmas fairs at the Fairground now and usually take a few Christmas bits with me. This year I decided not to and had so many people asking where my Christmas stock was! You can't win. I promised them all that I would be back at the Christmas Fair at the end of November. I have already got advanced orders of Christmas cakes and stockings! Yay!!

I have plenty of jam available, plus 15 jars of mincemeat. I won't be making anymore this year, although a friend announced yesterday that she has quince bush, so I might do a few jars of quince jelly. The cranberry and orange jelly, with edible glitter went down a storm last year, so will make some more of that and a few people asked about onion jam, so that is planned too.

I really want to get into my new home and set up the craft room asap. I need to get started soon if I am to get everything done in time. Fabric is no problem, I have plenty of that (I keep finding more boxes tucked away, loaded with fabric that I forgot I had *oops*)

I received 2 emails yesterday asking me to attend schools fairs and one today for Sparsholt College. Appleshaw and Shipton Bellinger schools are a dead cert, as long as I can get leave. The Fairground Fair is the last weekend of November and I have booked leave for that, so I think that will do. I don't think I'll have time for anymore - or time to make anything! The plan for next year is to start preparing much earlier (I know I say that every year), but by August, I feel like I am running out of time to get stockings sewn and Christmas puddings made!

After spending 7 hours preparing Damson ketchup, to produce only 7 bottles I was a tad hacked off to say the least. Simmering, straining, chopping onions, spice bags, more straining then pureeing etc etc - 7 measly bottles!!!! They all sold on Saturday!! I jokingly said to Jase that I should charge £11.50 a bottle as they took so long. £3 a bottle and sold with 3 hours. Oh well, I won't be making it again. Well, maybe for me, but definitely not to sell.

I came up with an idea for potted basil. Very pleased with the way they came out. Just an old baked bean can, some craft paper and a daisy punch; simple yet effective.

Cornelia is moulting and as usual looks miserable and not herself. She is the only of my hens who is generally fed up when moulting. The others just get on with it, but she looks so sorry for herself. It must be hard work growing feathers back, but she isn't even interested in mixed corn. She does manage to get enthusiastic when I offer her raspberries though.
Shock, horror, Agnes has started laying again. I didn't think she would until Spring. Her and Elsbeth are laying 2 eggs every day/other day, so I do have some in my egg larder. Pru gave up weeks ago, but I don't think it will be long until they all stop for their Winter break.

No other news to report really. In Madrid now, back tomorrow and then Paris for the night. Home on Thursday and then 11 days off! Yippppeeeee. Only have the shed, garage, loft and kitchen to pack up now.....joy. I know, I know, it will be worth it!

Take care.

C x x x

A quickie...

2011-09-22T19:56:00.003+01:00

Hello!

Just a micro-update!

The Michaelmas fair is on Saturday, so I started baking today. Gingerbread men and hearts, plus hundreds of oat biscuits!

Fingers crossed that I will exchange contracts on Bramble Cottage tomorrow, for completion on the 7th of October. Not holding my breath, but hoping for then.

Not much else to report really. Busy sorting paperwork, signing things, sewing and baking, so not much different to usual!

Will write more after the fair and post some pictures.

C x x x

Miss Marple...?

2011-09-11T19:17:00.007+01:00

Evening All!

Another hectic week off for me.

It started with Mum, Dad, Brother and lovely Matt the carpenter visiting Bramble Cottage. Brother was there to look at the bathroom, (he is a plumber) and Matt was there with a very thick pad to look at the garden and measure up for the chicken run. Not forgetting, replacing the bathroom windows, sorting out the draughty back door, somehow building a kitchen, installing worktops, shelving in the larder and a built in cupboard in the spare room. I swear his eyes had pound signs in them!! I have asked for individual quotes for each job, so that I can get them done as and when finances allow.

Mum and Dad loved the house. They asked where the stairs were? - Behind the cute cupboard door! I have always wanted stairs in a cupboard!! So excited!!

Popped into Town yesterday. Never a good idea to go on a Saturday. Honestly, a bar of soap wouldn't go a miss with some of the people out and about. Managed to get hold of a new magazine - the sole purpose of going - called Craft Seller! Ideal for all those who sell their crafty things. I love it. Really appropriate for what I do, packed with great ideas! It even included a 'How to' by one of my favourite crafters Laura Clempson over at Cupcakes for Clara A cute little blue bird!

I even found myself in a sports shop. *Picks himself off the floor*. I needed some jogging bottoms - not for jogging, but for lazy evenings in the winter. Plus a new pair of jogging shorts and trainers for when I begrudgingly go to the gym at work.

2 pairs of jeans which are slightly buttock enhancing, were also purchased! An expensive 'quick pop into Town for a magazine'!

The weather has been dreadful, so perfect for staying in and packing, ready for the move. I have given at least 100 books to charity, pictures and clothes too. I still have another 2 bin bags full of clothes that no longer fit (yay) to take tomorrow. This weight loss lark is an expensive business.

I have to say, one of the funniest comments on my blog, was left by Alison last week - see here I actually laughed out loud when I read it! I am still waiting for the thick leather bound dossier to arrive, but I am sure that Alison is doing her best......several cups of tea and slices of cake, in pursuit of the answers about the Hungerford chef.

Thought it would be a good idea to keep a few boxes spare, to fill with things that I no longer want, but don't want to just give away. I heard about a car boot sale not far from here in Picket Piece, so went along to check it out. *remember brolly next time* It was really good and quite busy until the heavens opened, but I managed to find shelter under the doughnut stand. A cinnamon 'donut' and cup of PG later, I was ready to elbow the good people of Andover out of the way for something I wanted.

I didn't intend on buying anything. That is like me going into McDonalds for a bottle of water and not coming out with a cheeseburger, Filet-o-fish, small fries and a strawberry milkshake. Impossible, or maybe that's just me? I did find an old suitcase from the 40's/50's. A bargain at £6, plus a handful of embroidery silks for 50p. A good day's shopping.

The house move is going to be delayed I think. The lady buying our house hasn't got her mortgage through yet. Not surprising really as she still hadn't applied for it up until 3 days ago. Did I mention that we were all working towards completing on the 3rd of October? No? Well, that was the plan. Who knows when it will be now? It would have been great to move on the 3rd as I had another 8 days off afterwards, to get settled in and maybe even do some decorating. I will be calling my solicitor tomorrow to have a quiet word....

Agnes and Cornelia are dropping feathers everywhere. Corny always looks so miserable when she is moulting, barely eats anything, and generally looks unhappy. It does take a lot out of them, but I have added a tonic to their water and some spice to their food to perk them up a bit. I have discovered they will do anything for raspberries! My autumn fruiting rasps are giving me a handful or so every day. Any that are a bit soft, i throw into the chicken area, resulting in a mad scramble! I make sure that Cornelia gets a couple extra.
Pru has stopped laying, which leaves good old Elsbeth as always. 5 eggs a week for the next few weeks I hope. I think when the chicken run is ready and I have settled into Bramble Cottage, I might get a couple of hybrids to provide me with eggs through the winter.

Sorry I haven't got any pictures this week. The light has been grey and nothing came out very well. :0( I will take some of the fair which is in 2 weeks' time. Looking forward to that and have organised everything in boxes today. Just some oatie biscuits to bake the day before and maybe some gingerbread men if I have the time?

Better get a wiggle on. Need to light a candle for the tenth anniversary of September the 11th. The TV is off - after watching United 93 on the telly last night, I don't want to see anymore.

Be safe.

C x x x

A Damson Fest!

2011-08-31T20:12:00.007+01:00

Another busy week for me. Interupted by a couple of days at work, but that doesn't stop me!

I popped over to my friend's house at Ruby Cottage and left with a fair old bounty!

Apples, plums and damsons aplenty!! Literally more damsons than I could pick. The tubtrug picture above is about 5% of what was on the tree! I managed to pick some elderberries and wild crabapples on my way home too!

The raspberries are doing fantastically! Even though they are an Autumn fruiting variety, they are growing well and giving me a handful a day! I guess summer is over, so Autumn is on the way. The trees are starting to turn to gold and red, so not long until the first frost :0(

Getting there with the stall preps. Not long until the fair now. 24th of September is D-Day! A shame to waste the garden bounty, so made a few jars of apple and blueberry jam -

With some many damsons, I spent hours and hours destoning them in preparation for damson ketchup. A mind numbing job, but necessary. It took so long to prepare and after a life time, washing, stoning and sorting them, chopping onions and trying to scrub my hands of brown damson juice!! It was well worth the effort as it tastes wonderful with sausages!!

12 jars of plum and ginger jam -

and 13 bottles of damson cordial that I forgot to take pictures of!

Jase and i had to go to Hungerford to get his car serviced yesterday. I had to bring him back home as the garage needed the car all day. Shame to go so far and not wander around, so we had tea and croissants in a pub and then headed to Hungerford Arcade. I am not sure if I have mentioned this place before? It is an Aladdin's cave of stuff. Loads of little rooms filled with nic naks and lovely things! I am not to be trusted. Especially when I am moving soon, it seemed daft to buy anything.

That was until I came across an old quilt. The label said £57. Who am I to refuse such a bargain??
The man at the till said it was £51 as he 'was being nice'!! Made my day!!

Delighted with my purchase, we celebrated in the attic of the building - a small tea room serving breakfasts, scones etc. According to Jase, the chef was very interested in me. *confused* I said he was just being friendly, but Jase was convinced I was getting the eye and the chef kept staring. I must have had a bit of scrambled egg stuck to my mouth or something??

Agnes is finally over her broodiness. Cornelia is moulting and the other two are laying an egg every other day. Luckily nextdoor have gone on holiday, so I am bantam sitting the 3 balls of fluff. 3 eggs today! Woohoo....!

The survey came back on Bramble Cottage. Loads of problems, new windows and drain pipes needed, damp everywhere, but I don't care! It is lovely (or will be, when I am finished). About a month now until I am hoping to move in. Scary!

Right, time for bed. Up at the crack of sparrows tomorrow for a 7am stand by.

C x x x

Burying nuts?

2011-08-12T21:38:00.005+01:00

Hello!

Firstly, sorry for the typos that will no doubt be in this update. My fingers are freezing (who would guess that it is August) and I am watching The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on the tele......

Ok, so what have I been up to this week? The big news is that we have sold the house.....for those that didn't know. My offer has been accepted on Bramble Cottage (yes, I have named it already) and things are plodding on, with solicitors, estate agents and surveyors. I would love to move in the first week of October, but time will tell if everything goes to plan.

Jase and I went to the house last week as he hadn't seen it and I wanted to measure the windows and see if some of my furniture would fit through the doors. We managed to get a picture of the garden. There is at least another metre or so of land behind the stone trough - that is where I plan to put the hens. The lawn will go and be replaced with raised veggie beds. The working garden.

There is a small courtyard off the lounge, that I will gravel and put out a table and chairs. A few pots and that will be my garden.

I am now starting to worry about getting logs and oil for the winter, the single glazed wooden windows and the lack of heating. I have the Rayburn - have I mentioned the Rayburn before??, yes, I HAVE A RAYBURN, in cream, it is stunning - and there are God awful-electricity-munching storage heaters in the lounge and bedrooms. The Rayburn should keep the kitchen warm and there is a fireplace in the lounge - hence the need for lots of logs. I won't freeze, but after the winter we had this year, I am not taking any chances. Time to start making another patchwork quilt; one that I can leave on the sofa.

I made the kindle case and it was picked up this week! I was happy with it and so was Bev!

I had lots of oranges, so decided to make candied peel. It is such a faff to make, but tastes wonderful. I plan to make lots and sell it at the Christmas fair in November, once each stick has been dipped in chocolate of course....!

The weather hasn't been that good this week or this summer in fact. A good year for fruit, but the veggies really aren't doing well. The little pear tree is nearly at braking point. I must thin out some of the fruit this week.

The blueberry tree I bought 6 years ago as a little green twig for £2 has gone mad. This is the second bowl I have had this week and there are plenty more left on the bush. I had some raspberries from the supermarket and made a couple of jars of blueberry and raspberry jam.

I finally have runner beans! Only a few but many more flowers appearing.

The autumn raspberries are fruiting already. Most are green, but I picked a couple of handfuls today. The hens got a few over ripe ones that I missed.

Jase and I picked up 24 boxes and 50 metres of bubble wrap today. That should just about do for my books and half my cookware. I should start packing soon, just bits and pieces that I don't need urgently. It would be a good time to declutter, highly unlikely I know. I like to hoard. Whether it is books, jams, bottled fruit or 'winter stores'.....I should have been born a squirrel. Popped in to visit my Mum and left with a couple of bags of apples and some oranges, so more candied peel started this evening. Will make apple and blueberry jam tomorrow. One I haven't done before, but fruit combos seem to sell well.

Cornelia must have heard me bad mouthing her in my last blog entry, she has been laying quite well - as have the others. Mum and Dad had 4 boxes of eggs last week and I have another 2 boxes full today. Cake baking is in order tomorrow.

A couple of days left until I am back at work. A nice 5 day block and then 3 days off again. It comes around so quickly!

Better dash, as I have a 'number 4' felt badge to sew for a young man's birthday on Sunday!

C x x x

Keep the vampires from the door..

2011-07-26T20:57:00.009+01:00

Hello!

I have 2 days off now, so time for a mega catch up! Where do I start?

The holiday was fab. Glorious weather, not a sniff of rain. Blue skies everyday and wonderful food, as always. We stayed in a friend's villa about 30 minutes from Faro - up in the hills. Not much mileage covered, just food shopping for lunch and a 5 minute journey to the restaurants.

We spent all day by the pool. Speedos were worn at all times (behind the high walls, so as not to scare the locals)......they will not be pictures of my tan line, as impressive as it is.

The villa is nestled in the hills, with just a few neighbours. Mainly locals, with dilapidated white washed houses, that have been added to over the years. One thing that I did notice, was the every spare bit of land had vegetables growing on it. a few tomato plants, potatoes, pumpkins growing down a drainpipe or a block of sweetcorn plants. I mean every little space, had something. We don't do enough of that here in the UK. Ok, so we don't have the same weather, but we could still do more.

We landed back into Gatwick at 2am, due to delays and finally got home around 4am. Woke up the next day to a damp patch in the lounge!! Just 3 weeks after the room had been decorated for the viewings! Typical isn't it?? Anyway, the plumber has now been and the leak is fixed. Just the decorators to come and 'asses' the damage and the carpet man to sort out the coir upstairs!!!

I picked up a few bags of garlic in the supermarket in Portugal. Huge bulbs with monster-sized cloves and fancied doing a pickled garlic recipe I saw on the t'interweb. Now, when a recipe starts with 'peel SIX bulbs of garlic', remember bulbs are the whole thing. If you have a fortnight to spare, then it is worth your while I guess. I of course had 12 bulbs to peel. Clearly I have no life.

The peeled garlic in all it's glory. Fingers and kitchen stunk! However, the picture does show off the lovely bowl I bought in Portugal.

After a bit of simmering in white white vinegar, sugar, water, peppercorns and chillis -

They need to stay in the fridge for a month to mature, so will be ready in time for the Michaelmas fair in September!

We had a viewing whilst we were away and she loved the house (despite seeing the damp patch) and came back yesterday for another look with her parents.....The estate agent has been very positive (aren't they always), so just waiting for the phone to ring. Trying not to get our hopes up.

I sold my first Christmas pudding of the year this week. A Lady from work has ordered one and paid up front. It is too early to mention the 'C' word?? According to the dancing Father Christmas on my iphone app, we only have 150 sleeps to go. Better get the sprouts on!

Now is confession time. I started writing this entry two days ago. Since then, the Lady that came round for a second viewing has made an offer. We have accepted. Farm Cottage is now sold (subject to contract - I could be an estate agent! )
Not really sure how I feel to be honest. Mixed emotions. Jase is in Scotland visiting his family, so I have arranged the solicitors, etc. Not a problem as I am here, but it is bringing it home and making it real. As one door closes, another opens, so they say. Sad though. Just the survey to get through. Fingers crossed.

Jase took a couple of pictures of me on holiday. Whilst I am more than happy to talk openly on my blog, hidden behind my lovely Macbook, anonymous to most, I have a real issue with photographs of me. They aren't many. And of those there are, I like very few. I thought this one was ok, so thought it fair to share and let you see the face behind the mutterings. Be warned, my legs look great when they are brown, if I say so myself *blushes*

I am still losing weight, but it is slowing down. Maybe because I am? 20 pounds lost so far. The above picture has not been photoshopped. If it had been I would have removed the pointed boob looking shape from my chest! What is that?? It isn't on me! I am still going to the gym when at work. 20-30 minutes jogging on the treadmill, whenever I can. I hate it. Seriously. It is awful and my body screams at me to stop, but I have to plod on. I even have short shorts - like proper runners have!! Think I am losing the plot. However, with brown legs, it doesn't look too bad. I draw the line at sweatbands.

Agnes and Cornelia are still moulting. Pru and Elsbeth are laying well and for some reason, Agnes has started laying again too. She should be concentrating on regrowing her new feathers, but you can't tell her! She simply will not listen. I am not sure how I am going to move the hens. Maybe send them on holiday for a week until I get the new chicken area ready?

Today has been nonstop phone calls to agents, solicitors and mortgage advisors. I am knackered. Thought I would sit down with a cuppa and write a quick update. In true Christian style, my updates are never quick and this has turned into an essay! At least I won't get cheeky comments on my blog for not updating in ages - you know who you are ;0)

Received a message on Facebook asking me to make a kindle cover! Plus possibly one for Hubby in a few months time.....now, what do I charge for a kindle cover? (you can't answer this one Bev)! The ones on Amazon are hideously expensive, £30-£50 each! I was thinking around the £12-£15 mark, but not sure? Ideas anyone? Is that too expensive or not enough. I was planned on making a few for the Michaelmas fair, but not sure.
I love mine but it was a real rush job before I went to work and needed something quickly. The design needs a rethink and slightly better padding. Can't help but like the way new technology meets cottage style gingham. Passengers who pop into the gallery for a drink, when I am sat for 30 seconds, often comment and ask where I got it from! I have my business cards handy at all times!

I need to crack on now and grab a bite to eat. I can hear the girls shouting for their treats, so had better see to them first!

C x x x

2011-07-24T18:59:00.002+01:00

Hello!

Sorry I have been away for so long! Holiday was lovely, very brown legs!!

Will catch up later, when I get 2 minutes to myself.

Just a short note to say I am ok!

C x x x

Thursday's mutterings

2011-07-07T12:24:00.003+01:00

Afternoon everyone!

Bit of an uneventful week really. A couple of house viewings that went well I think, but no offers yet. Still early days though.
Did a 3 day trip (lates, which I hate) then had to take leave in a vain attempt to put me back on earlies - that failed miserably as I got a late Oslo and back on Tuesday. On a positive note though, I was late back in the evening, so they couldn't use me on Wednesday!! I am now off until the 21st of July - back on earlies....yay!!!!

Holiday time is nearly here. We fly off to Faro on Sunday. Business class, confirmed seats, no staff travel malarky!! Weather looks promising, around 30C every day with cooler temperatures at night, so perfect for sleeping. Can't wait! Speedos at the ready (as mentioned before, there are very high walls around the villa and pool, so will not be scaring the locals).

Not really feeling motivated at the mo. The craft room, or 'bedroom 3' as it is now known, remains tidy for viewings. Don't really want to do any sewing for fear of messing up the room. Plus, I'm not sure what to make. I have to get my backside in gear as the craft fair is only a couple of months away, but still undecided what else to do for it. Need to make some more jammy things, but the fruit isn't ready yet.

The gooseberry jam just needs some fabric toppers, then it is ready!

Elsbeth is laying well, her little brown eggs, Pru still hasn't laid since her soft shelled egg last week, but is otherwise ok. Cornelia & Agnes are moulting. Poor Aggie is looking rough as old boots. Bald patches, no tail feathers and looking really sorry for herself. Funny how her and Corny are different breeds, but both born on the same day and both moulting. Mind you, they do go into the Eglu together when one is laying. Reminiscent of girls all going to the toilet together when in a night club. No sign of their handbags though. I am sure that the hens will be spoilt by next door when we are away!

Country living magazine arrived yesterday, but am saving it for the flight to Faro. The kindle is loaded with books, but might need to browse amazon before we go. It is an expensive business this ebook lark.

I am picking a good handful of mangetout every day. Not bad from a few straggly plants on the reduced rack at Homebase. Courgettes aren't looking so great. I have one left and that is under constant slug attack. Mum dropped over 4 cucumber plants to replace the one I lost, so they are dotted around the garden and gave one to next door.

Spent today catching up with weeding, deadheading and a spot of bimbling around the garden. The sun did come out, briefly, only to be replaced by black rain clouds the second I finished watering! Typical. No rain yet though, but loads forecast for the coming week! Shame I'll be in Portugal!

TTFN,

C x x x

Leave is granted!!

2011-06-30T10:03:00.010+01:00

Remember the sad little mange tout plants I rescued from Homebase a couple of months ago? They are doing well and have finally produce something worth eating. I reckon this lot would have cost more than the 98p the plants cost. And it is only the first picking!! Lots more flowers starting to open up and they didn't travel from Kenya either! Food yards, not food miles.

A little update on Simon the Squash. Yes, I have named him. Growing slowly, but as I have said before, cucurbits and I don't really get on. The cucumber plant Mum gave me has been attacked by slugs, my 3 courgette plants are looking tatty (Most annoying, when others post about their piles of courgettes and mine aren't even in flower), and the one pumpkin I planted in the compost heap has vanished.

I bought a couple of tiny Nasturtium seedlings from the garden centre a couple of months ago. 'Banana split' they were called. The plan was to make poor mans capers from the ripe seed pods. I had no idea it would spread like this!

You can see Mum's poorly Cue on the left hand side. Only a couple of leaves left.....

Seeing as the house is now on the market, I thought the patio bed could do with a tidy up. After I pulled out most of the weeds, it all looked a bit bare, so off to the garden centre I went (like I need an excuse). A couple of trays of dahlias and some bark, the bed looks much better. However, Earwigs love dahlias (as do slugs, but will come on to those slimy things later). I read about earwig pots, so decided to give it a go....

You do have to empty the pots every couple of days, but it is surprising how many you find.

I have buried jam jars in the soil and filled them with lager to entice the slugs. I refuse to use slug pellets as I don't want to hurt the resident hedgehog/wild birds. So far, the traps are working ok, but it is a vile job emptying them. Especially on a sunny day.

The garden is looking good, with the rose arch starting to come into flower.

...and poppies coming up everywhere in the front garden. No idea where they have come from, as I didn't plant them, but they are huge!

Earlier in the year we hacked away at the plum tree in the back garden. It was a mess and needed severe pruning. I didn't think we would get any fruit this year, but Mother Nature has been kind. Not as many as last year (thank goodness, as we had too much) but still a sizeable crop. More than enough for jars of plum jam and plums in syrup to add to crumbles in the winter.

My blueberry plant that I bought from a mail order catalogue a few years ago is really doing well. It is in a separate bed with ericaceous soil/compost and a few low growing cranberries. I keep it guarded by chicken wire and netting to stop the blackbirds eating their fill.

We had our first viewing yesterday. I sat in the garden reading whilst strangers walked around the house. Very odd feeling. No feedback as yet, but it just takes one person to love the house as much as we did.....time will tell.

Back to work tomorrow for a 3 day trip to Geneva and then Aberdeen. Managed to get leave for the 4th of July, just to wipe a God awful stand by from my roster. Also enquired about the 24th of September as I have been trying to get leave for that day for weeks. It is finally available, so I can definitely do the Michaelmas fair that weekend now! Excited or what!?!???!!! Panic mode will now set in, as I need to plan things to make for the fair.

As always I need ideas. Things that will sell well. Am doing jams and jellies as they usually do ok. Someone suggested kindle covers like the one I made for myself, but not sure? Ideas on a post card once again please readers....

Jase ordered some clothes for our holiday. They arrived in the post and I tried on a pair of his shorts. Size 32" waist and THEY ACTUALLY FITTED!!! I am not talking 'muffin top' either. Proper fitted. Sorry, sounding Welsh there, but they were a perfect fit. Have I mentioned they fitted properly?? I don't think I have been a 32" waist since I was 12. Needless to say, I was straight on t'interweb and ordered myself 2 pairs. Plus 3 polo shirts, in bright colours. Only a couple of weeks until Faro beckons. Can't wait.

We are getting one egg a day from Elsbeth. The others are on strike. Pru laid a soft shelled egg last week and was looking really bad. I thought we might lose her. Her knickers feathers were filthy, so I gave her a warm bath in a tub trug, then a set and blow dry. Still not happy. A dose of 'miracle vitamin drops' and she was right as rain. Still no eggs though. Agnes was broody for a couple of days, but has now snapped out of it. Cornelia thinks that as she is so pretty, she can lay when she feels like it. Looks like Waitrose might be getting my business soon.

Right then, time to clean out the hens, and get organised for work tomorrow.

C x x x

Robinson's have nothing to fear...

2011-06-19T17:47:00.013+01:00

Only a couple of days left until I am back at work, so time for a blog entry.

Been a strange week. Weather has been awful, torrential rain and wind hitting the house. The garden is looking lush now as the ground was parched, but thankfully it remained dry today for my Chicken keeping course.
Once tea and scones were finished and all chicken related chat exhausted (if that is possible)?? They left and I cracked on with the garden. The small bed outside the kitchen window needed sorting, so on with the kneeler pads, garden fork in hand and mustered the energy to get some weeding done. I planted several dahlias, seed grown mini sunflowers and zinnias. I am hoping the slugs don't find them. It will take a few weeks, but should be in full bloom by July hopefully.

You remember the tiny weedy mangetout plants I rescued from Homebase weeks ago? They are finally in flower! Absolutely stunning flowers, a lovely deep purple with lilac edge.

The pear tree is heavy with fruit and I will need extra support soon. The pears are only a couple of inches long, but already dragging the branches down. Looks like it will be a bumper year!

I picked the first of our strawberries this week. Only a handful but enough for breakfast with yoghurt. The plants are now growing everywhere and have taken over a corner of the veggie garden, but I don't mind. I can dig them up and pot them on when they have finished fruiting. You can never have too many strawberry plants.

The hanging baskets I planted up with petunias and tumbling tomatoes are doing well. One has been attacked by snails but is recovering slowly.

The currant bushes I planted along with the raspberry canes and now in fruit. Fruit can be singular or plural I suppose?! The fruit on my blackcurrant bush will not scare the Ribena industry.

That's it. Just a few. I think the wild birds have been at them. *Mental note to net the bushes in future*

Egg laying is still good, but the hens don't like the constant rain. You can hear them run for cover, boking away when the showers hit. The privet hedge provides them with plenty of cover and they spend most of their time digging around under the bushes, but when the rain is heavy, they head for the safety of the run.
I can never seem to get good pictures of the hens. They are as camera shy as I am.

Cornelia with her post broody bald tummy -

Elsbeth with that moody look of hers -

Now, when it comes to veg growing, I don't do too badly. Your basics, like courgettes, beans, spinach, potatoes, chard, tomatoes etc grow pretty well for me. In truth, even a badger with learning difficulties could grow runner beans, but you catch my drift. However, when it comes to pumpkins and squashes, I never seem to do well.
As soon as the sun comes out and the need for a fleece is a distant memory, I get the seed catalogues out. Cute little squashes and pumpkins stare up at me and i dream about harvesting hundreds of them and stacking them up in the shed for winter meals. In reality, I can't grow them. Sad, but true. Easy they are, apparently (without wanting to sound like Yoda).

I planted 8 'Sweet dumpling' seeds back in March. Nothing for weeks, so I left the pots outside as they were taking up valuable greenhouse space. Imagine my surprise when I discovered this little beauty yesterday!!

A lovely little plant only about an inch high, but a squash plant! Overjoyed, in my own sad little head. Simple things and all that!

The Estate agent came round on Friday to take pictures for the brochure. Felt a bit odd, well we both did, but it has to be done. The weather was awful, so he said could I take some outside pictures and send them to him when the weather was better?

This is my favourite picture. I have always liked the view from this corner of the garden, showing the brick work of the old part of the house against the new.

and this picture of the front garden, garage and outbuilding is nice -

Really pleased with the front garden, as it was all grass when we moved in. I put the path in along the outbuilding and garage and filled the beds. Hopefully, if the sweetpeas ever decide to grow, the hazel rods will be covered in blooms in time for viewings!

I think the house will go on the market tomorrow or Tuesday. Mixed emotions, but I am hoping that it sells quickly and for a decent price. I would like the new owner to look after Farm Cottage. Daft as it may sound. You all know I am a bit quirky and that comment just proves it!

C x x x

Autumn...

2011-06-12T17:07:00.004+01:00

It is bloody miserable outside and doing nothing to enhance my mood! The rain hasn't stopped all day. I know the garden needs it, as do my water butts, but why can't it rain all night and be sunny during the day? It doesn't feel like summer at all!

The hens haven't left the run all day, so I had to take their treat bowls in for them. Getting soaked myself in the process. They appreciated them though. 3 eggs so far, with Agnes on the nest when I went out. Maybe a full house today then?

I have my part time week now - not back until the 22nd........loads to do though with absolutely no motivation to do any of it! Not feeling down, just lack of energy, which the weather isn't helping with.

Visited my nephew for his Birthday and took over his presents. He is happy as he got a Play Station 3 (?? Possibly, not really sure) for his own room!! Not bad for a 9 year old. Wide screen telly and everything!

Lost another pound this week, but discovered an Easter egg hidden in the fridge, so surprised I lost anything. Not really eating chocolate at all, which is a shock to my system. Couldn't go a day without it before. I still have it hidden around the house, but not too fussed at the moment.

Freezing cold sat here at 5 in the afternoon. Got the hot water bottle out and as I'm not planning on leaving the house until summer reappears, I got into my pj's at 4pm. How decadent. Hardly! Veg prepped for dinner, stir fry with loads of garlic as I feel my body needs the antioxidants today. Blueberries and yoghurt for breakfast, so not doing badly. Apart from the chocolate Birthday cake I ate earlier. Fire is ready to light and a selection of dvds to watch later.

In other news, I have made an offer on the cottage, which has been rejected. I will offer more, but will bide my time. It has been on the market for a while, but have just noticed that they have had new pictures done. Remember Christian, if it is meant to be, it will be!! Did have a lovely long chat with the owner though. We plan to put ours on the market next week. If we get a move on and declutter ready for the pictures.

No photos today as it is just too grey out there. Will take some more of the garden and veggie plot when the sun comes out.

Right, oven is ready, so time for the spring rolls to go in. A Chinese themed dinner tonight! Might even add a couple of dozen pak choi plants that I still have in the green house

C x x x

Hide the cucumber

2011-06-02T15:26:00.005+01:00

Greetings from Hamburg everyone! A beautiful sunny day here. Managed to 'borrow' the internet in my room as I am above the free wifi in the lobby..........

Not feeling at all well today. Woke up at 4am with stomach cramps. Now, am slightly concerned as was in Frankfurt yesterday and had a Thai meal. Lots of veg and noodles.....Germany is on high alert with an E. Coli warning for salad veg. We have been told by the company not to eat anything remotely salad like! In an unrelated topic, I went to the gym yesterday and did 7 1/2 sit ups. Don't think the stomach cramps have anything to do with that?!?!?! Also managed to run for 23 minutes. 23 WHOLE minutes without stopping. Am still in shock. Had to have a ciggie and diet coke to calm my nerves afterwards and ignore the fact that my thighs are in spasm and I am walking like Mrs Overall.

Did a very bad thing on Tuesday. I looked at a Cottage. Not just looked, as in drove by, actually made an appointment and went in.....It is lovely. Built before 1616, but not exactly sure when. 2 bedrooms, cute lounge with open fire, conservatory (done nicely with 2 solid walls at each side and french doors), wonky walls, little steps, smallish garden, but doable for hens and a veggie plot, plus a courtyard garden off the lounge, with enough room for a table, chairs and plant pots. Oh, and the kitchen was stunning. VERY rustic, beams everywhere, a larder and this.........

A fully restored Rayburn, dating back to God only knows when! I am very excited about this cottage, even though ours isn't on the market. I probably won't ever live in it, but it means that there are houses out there that I can afford. Not the pokey new builds that I really don't like. It has given me hope. If this cottage is meant to be, then it will still be there when our house is sold, if not, then I will find somewhere else. Looking on the positive side of things helps.

However, if any of you are reading this and fancy donating please visit my webpage at www.buychristianhislittlecottagewithrayburnandwonkywalls.co.uk *wink*

No other news to report. 3 more days at work and then a couple off. I really should do some overtime, but can't face it. If my legs keep shaking the way they are at the moment, I might get stuck here for a few days. Not a problem, I have my new kindle with me. Sarah from the Omlet forum very kindly sent me a few books, including all the Harry Potters. I have read them all, but will reread them. I love the stories. I spent last week curled up in front of the fire watching the dvds last week. Magical stories (literally)!

Just finished reading Water for Elephants, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Couldn't put it down in fact. So annoying when work gets in the way of a good book. Have started The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud, which seems good so far. Need to get a reading list together before our holiday in July. Yes, we are going on holiday together. I told you we were friends!!! It'll be lovely, a few days in the sun with private pool, speedos if I dare, loads of garlic and prawns.....ahhhh.

Amazing how I comment that there isn't any other news to report and then waffle on for 3 more paragraphs, isn't it??

My weight is slowly coming down, but then I am back to eating again. Just much less food and less often. Stable at the moment, but hoping it will come down again. Not being silly about it, just eating when I am hungry and trying to eat the right food (apart from here in Germany, remember, salad is banned)!! Now 12 stone 12, which is fine if you are 6'3. I am however, not. Sorry, 4 paragraphs.

Right, better dash!

C x x

Polly put the.......

2011-05-29T12:34:00.016+01:00

Morning!

What a week that was! My Birthday was on Thursday last week, and I received some lovely things! A Fantastic Le Creuset kettle from Jase. Most would be quite horrified at getting a kettle for their birthday, especially as we have split up and are going our own way, but I was delighted! He knows me so well. It sits on the hob, takes about a month to boil, but whistles when ready! It looks great on the Rangemaster, but would look even better on a cream Rayburn.

The lovely Kate sent me a cushion! It matches the chimney breast wall perfectly!

My nextdoor neighbours bought me this handmade chicken pot and saucer! Have popped a voila in for now, but need to find a small house plant for it. It was made by Jane Hogben I love her stuff!

My family clubbed together and bought me a kindle! I did ask for vouchers towards it, but they bought it for me anyway! I decided to whip up a quick case to protect it for my 3 day trip. Didn't really want to spend £30 plus on a leather one. It is by no means perfect, but it does the job well. Next job is a case for my Macbook.
A close up...

Work was chaotic to say the least. Made it back from Milan and took off for Newcastle. Circled around the airport once and then headed back to Heathrow. Newcastle had been hit by an ash cloud from the Icelandic Grimsvotn volcano. The passengers were not best pleased.

The following day I ended up with stand by at the airport, Zurich and back which was ok, as it kept me on my next trip the following day. One flight out to Frankfurt. Then the storms hit Heathrow. The evening flight in was cancelled so I didn't have to get up at 4am to fly home. Instead we brought the later flight back. Finished off my week with a Milan and back which was fine. Finished by 1.30pm and off for 3 days now.

The garden has gone nuts this week. No only the plants, but also the weeds. Jase and I spent 30 minutes spreading bark chippings all over the beg garden, so that looks nice and tidy now. The back garden is another matter.

The pak choi plants in the greenhouse are ready to be planted out. Not quite sure where to put them yet. I am sure the pigeons will find them wherever they go.

The strawberries in the patio planters sent runners everywhere last year and as I result, I have them all over the veggie garden.

They are doing so well, I'll just leave them in situ.

Mum and Dad bought me some kohlrabi plants back from Germany, which I have now planted with defences. If it isn't the pigeons nicking the leaves, it will be the cabbage white butterflies, so hopefully the 'cage' will stop them. I tried hanging up old cd's but I think the birds like my choice of music, as it didn't deter them.

The Little Dorrit sunflowers are coming along nicely, I have about 12 plants doing well. Apart from the white/green fly! Of all the plants to go for in my garden, they attack my little seedlings. I have now put a French Marigold amongst the pots to try and put them off.

The little gem lettuce seedlings I bought in and now ready to be eaten. Glad I only bought 7 as they will soon become slug city if I'm not careful. Strange how some haven't been touched and others are a lattice work of holes. Stunning colour though!

And finally, the raspberry canes that have appeared everywhere. Even a couple of metres from the bed they are planted in. I have pulled up a few and repotted them.

There is a redcurrant and white currant bush in there somewhere too. A bit of thinning is needed I think.

All in all, feeling ok at the moment. Have looked at a few houses on RIghtmove.com, which I really must stop doing. Found one a couple of miles away in Weyhill, down an unadopted road. Very sweet little house, 2 bedrooms, open fire and a cream Rayburn, within budget, but tiny garden. I need a decent sized garden for the hens and veggies. Oh well, will keep looking. Our house has now been painted inside the odd room that needed it. We plan to hire a skip as we have so much rubbish to throw away. Once that is done, Farm Cottage goes on the market.

A sad time, but necessary. New doors opening, and a fresh start for both of us.

C x x

Very Buzzy Boy...

2011-05-15T16:18:00.010+01:00

I don't know what has gotten into me. 2 posts in a week. Unheard of! Am making the most of my time off, chilling, whilst also getting through a couple of lists. Mental lists. Nothing too exciting!

Had the estate agents in this week to value the house. One in particular didn't get a chance to finish her tea after the valuation. The cup was whisked away and put in the dishwasher. I thought it quite subtle. My face said everything when she told me the price. Won't be using them to sell our home. The other 2 were more realistic. A spot of decorating and decluttering to do and we will put it on the market.

I am tormenting myself with rightmove.com, it is getting out of hand. Houses aren't added every 20 minutes, so why am I checking? It is good to know what is out there, but what's the point until this house is sold? It looks like i will be heading into deepest darkness Wiltshire at this rate. As long as I am close to the A303, it'll be ok for work. If you know of a little cottage/terraced house with parking, open fire and a garden, please let me know!

Still busy pottering around the garden. I realised we haven't got any courgette plants, so picked up a couple in the garden centre today. It is so windy here at the mo, hopefully the cloches will give them some protection?

Also got two more Gardener's delight tomato plants to replace the couple I lost to frost. Couldn't resist getting 2 more Cosmos 'double click' for the cutting bed. It is filling out nicely now. Still have the zinnias to plant up and the multi stemmed sunflowers.

I have planted a few lettuces in with the flowers and a handful of beetroot seeds scattered around. Plus a wooden tray full of runner beans that I have no where for. I planted them up for the Appleshaw fair, but they hadn't germinated in time. If you need 50+ runner bean plants, let me know! I don't want to throw them away.

I repotted the sunflowers yesterday as they were looking slightly overcrowded in their little pots. They still look really weak and spindly, but fingers crossed they will do ok. Next door would like a few pots too.

Tomorrow's job is to repot the zinnia seedlings. I have quite a few! Nearly all of them came up, but I can't be ruthless and only pick the strong ones!

I have never done this well with flowers. I always thought them tricky to grow from seed, but they aren't. The only trouble is keeping on top of the watering. I don't like asking Jase or next door, but struggle sometimes when at work on a 3 day trip. Now they are larger, I can risk leaving them outside when I go to work. The watering sprinkler system should make sure they are ok, without flooding them.

Was slightly worried by Pru this morning. She was sat on the nest for ages and still hasn't laid an egg. She seemed a bit withdrawn and her knicker feathers were filthy. Think that has something to do with the amount of savoy cabbage I fed them yesterday! Anyway, still no egg, but she is busying herself in the dustbath, so can't be that poorly!

I still have 7 days off, which will no doubt fly by! Need to make scones tomorrow as Mum & Dad are popping with with my Aunty and Uncle from Germany. But for now, I will put my feet up and finish off my book.

Will leave you with a picture of the latest garden visitor. Loving the pollen on my chive flowers!

C x x x

Flying snails

2011-05-11T19:00:00.000+01:00

Well, I have finished work for a bit now. 12 days to be precise. I love it! After a very long day yesterday, they couldn't use me today, so I am off until the 23rd of May! For once, and you might not believe this, I have absolutely nothing planned! I am going to chill out, try and avoid making endless lists and enjoy the peace and quiet at home.
Jase is away visiting his Mum and Sister in Scotland, due back on Saturday.

Things are good between us. I don't really want to go into details here as that would not be fair, however, we are good friends, there is no one to blame and life will sort itself out.

I have found time for reading! Forgot how much I enjoyed curling up in the armchair and reading a good book. I am currently reading 'The Edible Garden' by Alys Fowler which was a Christmas present. I usually flick through books like this, but am loving her style of writing and enthusiasm for vegetable growing.

Managed to get a few rows of beetroot in the ground today, plus some weeding, hen house fettling, two loads of washing done and dried, the fire cleaned out and built and some biscuits baked. See, I told you I was taking it easy! *wink*

The peas I planted 6 days ago, in a pot on the kitchen window sill for 'pea shoots' are about an inch tall! Must plant some more tomorrow to get a continuous crop. They are so tasty when added to salad and give a lovely pea hit - funnily enough!

3 weeks ago I weighed 14stone 2 pounds (no, I am not 6' 6", so it isn't good). By no means a record high for me, but a high none the less. My weigh has been gradually creeping up over the past few years. A struggle that I will never win, but have resigned myself to the fact that 'six pack' and 'Christian' will never be used in the same sentence. Who wants a six pack anyway?? It is just skin stretched over muscle. I have that already, albeit with a nice insulating layer of fat in between. This morning I weighed 12stone 13 pounds. 17 pounds lost in just over 3 weeks. The easiest diet I have ever done!

Now, before you all start having a go (I have been invited to so many Barbeques at my Mum's, I think she is worried), I am eating. I just eat when I am hungry and when I feel like it. The portion size is dramatically reduced. I realised that I have been eating far too much for the past few years. HUGE portions, leaving me bloated and feeling icky. Not anymore. Little and often works well for me.

The broad beans I planted ages ago are now in flower!

It would appear that I wasn't very thorough digging up last years potatoes, as there are quite a few coming up.

I planted up 2 hanging baskets and popped a tumbler tomato in the middle of each. We'll see how they do this year!

The cutting bed is going well, with the cosmos plants producing a fair few flowers. They have only been in a couple of weeks, but have loads of buds. They are called 'double click'.

The greenhouse has been a haven for snails all week and I seem to spent all my time throwing them into the paddock. They have eaten half my pak choi plants, loads of sunflowers, a couple of dahlias and some kale. Sneaky little blighters. Will hunt in the garage for copper tape, as I know there is some amongst the piles of stuff!

Baby pak choi

Cannot for the life of me remember what this plant is called. I bought it a few years ago and love the thistle-like flowers.

The garden has been so dry for most of April, but we have had several torrential down pours this week. 2 of my 3 waterbutts are now full again! The back garden is starting to fill out nicely and the lupins I bought a few years ago, never fail to impress.

The little Concorde pear tree was in mega blossom mode this year and now look what we have!

There are hundreds of pears on the tree, but I have been thinning out the smaller ones to allow them space to grow. I know that in June they will lose a few, but am helping out early.

Cornelia seems to have snapped out of her broody phase and is bimbling around as normal now. No eggs from her, but she will lay again soon I hope. I like her huge, dark brown eggs. Agnes and Elsbeth are all laying well, although Pru has slowed down a bit. She still lays 3-4 eggs a week, but is getting on a bit at 4 1/2. Elsbeth is the same age, but her eggs have always been so small.

I have lit the fire, and am tempted to get into slobby mode. Will tuck the girls in and then lock up for the night. Have a small collection of dvds next to the tv and might veg out this evening. It is cold in the evenings, not that I need any excuse to light the fire!

C x x x

One more day..

2011-04-26T23:11:00.007+01:00

Good evening everyone.

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for the lovely messages of support. The past couple of weeks have been very difficult for me. I know that everything will be ok, but there is always that nagging doubt sitting on my shoulder. Enough now, on with the blogging!

The Appleshaw fair was last Saturday. A lovely little village, just a couple of miles away. The fair itself wasn't that busy, but it was lovely sitting in the sun on the Village green, absorbing the atmosphere. I really like that village.

I've had time in the veggie garden this week. Things were really bad in there. I have neglected it all winter, so there was a fair it to do.

I started with the long bed. Dug up more bamboo! The roots go on for miles, but I got most of them. Mange tout and purple podded French beans planted. Couldn't resist the beans, being purple, they just had to be planted!

Next was the shallots and carrot bed. I have never grown carrots that successfully, but those that did manage to get to the plate were perfect, albeit small. No carrot root fly in sight, so the companion planting works well!!

I still have loads of seedlings in the mini greenhouse. I simply cannot plant one or two seeds. It has to be a tray. Or two. Sometimes three. The seedlings are so cute. Is there something wrong with that sentence? I think there might be, but putting tiny little round seeds into dirt and watching them grow is amazing. Who knows what I am going to do with 48 pak choi plants. The Chinese takeaway down the road might want some!

Not sure if I have posted a picture of our bench before? Our neighbour made it for us a few years ago as a Christmas pressie. It is tucked away in the garden and is more decorative than practical, but I love the way mushrooms are growing on it! It fits in really well in the corner and brought back happy memories for me today.

Whilst Jase was painting the utility room skirting boards today (he always gets the best jobs)!!!, I finished off an order for my crayon rolls. 2 little initials finished now, so I can post them off.

It was a tad chilly this morning, but having been in shorts all week, I didn't want to put jeans on again. My 6pm, we were freezing, so lit he fire. Daft when it have been 26C all week, but needs must. Had a small dinner as my appetite hasn't been that good all week. I have lost nearly a stone which, trust me, isn't a bad thing, but I do need to start eating again properly soon. Returning to work on Thursday, so will be thinking about decent packed lunches again.

The girls are all laying well, usually 3-4 eggs a day. Cornelia keeps threatening to go broody and it is only a matter of time before she does. Little piles of mottled black feathers keep appearing in the nest box. The occasional weird squawk from the chicken area......all bad signs. No doubt she will wait until Jase and I are at work, before she clamps here mighty bulk to the nest box!

I can't stop making the felt badges!! I got some more lovely felt from Quilter's dream last week, so have cut out a few more badges.

The fire has died down now, so time to sign off and head up to bed. Only one more day before I head back to the dizzying heights of Heathrow airport again. What a joy! Thanks again for reading!

C x x x

A bit of sun

2011-04-22T14:30:00.006+01:00

OK, can't dwell on this, so thought it time to update with some nice pictures! The weather has been glorious all week, so here is hoping it continues.

Firstly, the Appleshaw Plant and Spring Fair is tomorrow! I planted up pots and pots of runner and french bean seeds, to sell at a pound a pot. So far there is evidence of ONE seed having germinated. I can't sell pots of soil and a plant label, can I??? Never mind!

I finished off several sets of red, white and blue bunting for the fair!

I have potted up lots of strawberry runners to sell at 50p a pot. They are Cambridge I think!

Out and about last week and we needed some bits from Homebase. I couldn't leave this poor little pot of Mangetout to get thrown away. With a bit of TLC and some seaweed solution, they are all doing quite well now.

I simply cannot be trusted when seed packets are on a 3 for 2. I know, I know, bad, but will brighten up the garden when they grow!

Thanks for all the lovely comments you have sent me. Really special. WIll leave you with a little picture of the blossom on my pear tree. It is starting to drop now and the pears are forming. Will be a bumper crop this year I think!

C x x x

Hello......

2011-04-20T16:55:00.003+01:00

Difficult time for me at the moment, so won't be around much.

My life has taken an unexpected turn. I am single again after 7 years with a lovely man.

I will be back!

C x x x

Possibly another addiction

2011-04-09T20:10:00.008+01:00

March has flown by and here we are in April already! Had a busy few days at work and at home. Just tomorrow off now and then back to work for 4 days. *whispers* I then have 13 days off!!!!

I spent a wonderful day in Copenhagen last week and discovered a shop just minutes from the hotel!

It sells an array of gorgeous things! Mainly garden related, but one of those places where you could (well I certainly could) spend hours looking at everything! I was particularly taken with the tins. I think I may have a tin problem!

Jase and I have been pottering in the garden. Garage and shed painted, plum and ornamental cherry pruned back and I gave the outbuilding a lick of 'Hunter's green'.

I picked up a couple of oil lamps for emergency power cuts! So cheap I couldn't resist! Need to find clear lamp oil now, so will pop into Town tomorrow and have a look in the hardware shop.

I have also been invited to attend the Appleshaw Plant sale and Spring fair on the 23rd of April! Preps are now under way to get organised for that. I have been asked to bring my eglu along to show it off as the organiser thinks it will be really popular! Now I need to think about what to take along that is springy (maybe a made up Christian word)?? Need to get a garden gazebo as it is an outdoor event. Argos has one and I have vouchers, so will get it tomorrow. Sunday is a good day to go shopping in Town. Most are still asleep, so I can potter around without the usual people stopping randomly in front of me! Oooh, how I hate that. People should be fitted with indicators and brake lights! Enough ranting now.

Time I headed to bed, another sunny day forecast tomorrow and i have seeds to plant.

C x x x

p.s If you are reading this Lauren, you bag is in the post!

Adopt a Panda....?

2011-03-25T20:32:00.009Z

...I might as well, judging by the amount of bamboo I have dug up today. A tip for you; No matter what the label says, bamboo will invade every square centimetre of your garden. It is a evil thing and must be destroyed. Forget 'slow growing dwarf variety', the damn stuff pops up everywhere. Even through your industrial strength weed suppressing membrane.

So, today was warm and sunny, so I started the chore of clearing the garden. The bed I can see from the kitchen window is always a good place to start. It spurs you on to do the rest when you see one area neat and tidy.

Just the box hedging to trim into a neat little hedge and a few more plants to get and then it is done!

We spent last weekend at a lovely house in Kent, not far from the coast. It was a friends 40th birthday and his sister and Other half arranged a great weekend. On Friday evening we visited Chapeldown Restaurant and had a truly wonderful meal. I started with wild mushrooms on toasted brioche and a fried duck egg, then pollock in wine batter with 3 fried chips (that is fried 3 times, not 3 chips - as if frying them once wasn't bad enough)!! with cheese and biscuits for dessert.

Saturday daytime, we headed across the border to Rye for a wander around the antique shops.

Being as poor as a church mouse at the moment, I of course found loads of things to tempt me. The temptation proved to be too great -

I love vintage tins and these were a steal at a little ram shackle antique shop. My bartering skills were on form! We also picked up two miniatures wooden chairs, a wooden coat rack for the utility room and a large clock for the kitchen!

I saw this cute little bone china jug and couldn't resist -

The daffs are tiny, no idea what type they are as tete a tete are much larger than these. The flowers are only a cm or so across. The jug is hand made by a local potter. I have no problem paying a little extra for something that is hand made and beautiful.

Saturday evening was spent playing a murder mystery game, set in the 1960's. Jase and I were given the roles of woman, which proved to be interesting. Full costumes were expected. Make up was optional, but in for a penny........Lets just say I cannot go to Primark in Manchester for a while. The black dress, shoes, padded vest and bolero jacket are going to charity now. I will keep the wig. *wink* A really fun evening!

Jase left for work around 1.30 today, so I dug over the beds, and managed to get my first veggies in the ground. The hens helped dig over a couple of raised beds, searching for worms and slug eggs. Planted some leaf spinach around the strawberry plants as well.

Broad beans are now in!

Our plum tree is laden with blossom again, but I am secretly hoping that we don't get as many plums as last year. We had buckets full! Stunning to look at though -

The hens are laying well, 2-3-4 eggs a day, nice to fill up the egg boxes. They are loving the sun as well and will all lie down with wings out-stretched to soak up the rays.

Tired now and my back is sore. Spending 2 days at the Ideal home exhibition for Omlet hasn't helped. Lovely to talk chickens for 2 solid days though. Even popped to the stall next door and ducked my feet in a tank of Dr Fish. Strange experience, but lovely smooth feet now!

Bye for now!

C x x

Bundles of fun!

2011-03-15T11:37:00.009Z

Morning All! Yes, for once I have time during the day to write my blog. You see I am in Oslo with work and have 3 hours to count down until pick up from the hotel. So here I am, swigging tea from a ridiculously small hotel mug.

It has been a weird week. Late starts, arriving at hotels at 11pm. Felt like I have been in a permanent state of fuzziness since Friday. Can't get my head around getting up at 8am, I am more used to 3-4am starts. Will swap any more lates if I get them next month.

So, I managed to get a few more crafty things done. I finished off some bunting for the shop last week. The flags were cut out ages ago, but just need some spare time to sew the whole lot together.

Vintage garden floral bunting -

Jase and I visited Southampton to get my new Iphone replacement. Unfortunately, I have lost all my numbers and several pictures as I hadn't backed up the info. Have now learnt how to do it and am religiously plugging it into to my laptop to store things. It is becoming an obsession. Just one more to add to the list. We also bought a new desk lamp for the office/craft room/my oasis of calm. The light in there is bad, so I needed something to make night time sewing a bit easier. The new chunky chrome lamp looks great.

I would still really like to convert our brick outbuilding to a craft room. It has power and light in there (along with numerous empty boxes, lawn mower, hundreds of jam jars, fridge/freezer and more junk that I am prepared to admit) and would make an ideal room for me. Too much money to sort out at the moment, but one day maybe. Just a bit of insulation, a few new power sockets and some shelves. Perfect.
In the meantime, I will make do with the office and desk. which is slowly getting more organised. One end of my desk -

...and the other with unfinished projects - Lots more bunting to sew together!

...and my inspiration on the chimney breast wall!

Spent yesterday in Stockholm, so doing a bit of a Scandi -tour this week. Managed to pick up some Christmas red fleece from a fabric shop, for a project I am working on. More of that later, nearer the festivities....! Also saw these cute little bundles of embroidery thread in a basket and had to have them. At 80p each it would have been rude not to.

Not a bad picture from my phone.

One flight home later today and then tomorrow is my last day before my Part time week off! Have a few plans for next week, including helping out at the Ideal home show, a friends 40th murder mystery party and a chicken course. Need to crack on with a few things craft wise next week to keep me happy.

We are having the utility room refitted this week. Jase has been lumbered with the massive task of emptying the room ready for the new worktops and cupboards. I will crack on with the new curtain to cover the boiler when I get back.

Just realised the time. I am leaving here in just over an hour, so better get a wiggle on! That's what happens when you get sidetracked with Facebook!

C x x x

How much longer?

2011-03-07T17:13:00.005Z

6 days of work now done. Not the hardest working block I have done, but getting up between 3-4am every day took it's toll. I got home around 11am this morning, checked the hens, cleaned them out and headed upstairs. Such a waste as it was a stunning day, blue skies and quite warm, but my bed beckoned. Nothing like sleeping in your own bed. I crave it when away. Woke up at nearly 3pm and felt bleary eyed, hair standing on end and fuzzy. Must have slept well.

3 days off now and heading to the Apple store in Southampton tomorrow, to get my iphone fixed. We will pop into IKEA on the way and see what delights they have to offer. Need some pillar candles and that's about it, but we'll see what we come home with.

A laptop genius friend is coming down on Wednesday and Jase has a kidney scan on Thursday - after a bout of suspected kidney stones a couple of weeks ago. So that is the next few days off planned! Back to work on Friday for 6 days. Can't wait.

I have made several more felt number and stitched extra large safety pins to the back, will post pictures when I get a chance.

I haven't seen Jase since Tuesday, nearly a week now. He will be home tonight and we both have days off together. Plans are underway for the utility room, when next door get back from holiday. Looking forward to seeing the back of the work tops that have been residing in the lounge for months. It will mean stacking the contents of the room in the lounge, but should only be for a couple of days.

I am now doing 3 days at the Ideal Home Show in Earls Court. The 22-24 March on The Omlet stand, so pop in and say hello if you are there. I will be the one sucking a Strepsil - always get a sore throat from talking too much. Not usually a big talker......! *wink*

I got my new laptop this week after the ibook really started to play up. This new MacBook is lovely, slightly bigger but very moochy to the touch. I won't go into details about setting it up and trying to 'migrate' all the info from my old laptop, lets just say there is reason my Mac wizard friend is visiting on Wednesday.

Jase flew to Larnaca this week and came home with a huge bag of Seville oranges and grapefruit-sized lemons. Marmalade and lemon curd are in order I think. When I get 2 spare seconds.......

No eggs from our hens today, but 3 from next doors'. We have a couple of boxes now, so will take those to Mum & Dad's later this week. Looking forward to my part time week on the 17.........counting down the days.

Country Living magazine has landed on the mat, so time to light the fire and chill out.

C x x x

Count to ten....

2011-02-27T09:13:00.009Z

After a week off, it is nearly time for me to return to work. Couldn't tell you what I have done all week, but managed to fill my days with pottering, cooking, cleaning and general bits and bobs.

A few weeks ago I went to the Opticians, for an eye test and contact lens check up. My contacts are not due to vanity. I prefer my glasses, as they make me feel more comfortable and less exposed to the World. Sorry, that is baring my soul somewhat,isn't it? Should I be lying down on a couch somewhere chatting to a therapist holding a clipboard? Anyway, I digress, so unlike me. I was diagnosed a few years ago, ahem, at 16 with Kerataconus, Which means that I have to wear lenses to protect my corneas. To be honest, I haven't really worn them in over a year and the sight test confirmed it! The vision in my left eye is worse, so back to the lenses! Just a pain with work as it means taking so many little bottles of cleaner and saline etc with me.

Had to go into Town as we had run out of toothpaste, what a bad house Husband I am. Had a bimble around the charity shops, but obviously February is a bad month for people decluttering. I did pick up a small pot of tete a tete daffodils from the market. My favourite little flower.

Jase has been away for what seems like weeks, but in reality only a few days. He came home last night, but left again at the crack of dawn. Actually, it was 4am, so Dawn was nowhere to be seen.

I've been playing around with felt all week. My new wonder material. Bought some from The Felt Fairy - her website, not a real fairy - and have been making badges for children. You know the tacky plastic ones with a number on? I've come up with a neat idea which I love!

Cut out felt numbers -

Using a blanket stitch, my new favourite way of hand sewing, sew the raw edges together and stuff with wadding.

A giant safety pin on the back and ta-daaa, a wonderful birthday badge! Will put a few in my shop later. See how they do.

The bantinies next door are still laying so well, I have so many eggs. Lucky as mine aren't really that bothered! Elsbeth is laying a couple every week, Pru likes to keep her company when she is on the nest and lays the odd egg when she feels like it. All are now crouching when you get close to them, so a good sign. They are stuffing their faces with pellets and I seem to be topping up their feeders every other day. I think it is time to add a couple more hens.........*whistles*

When next door are back, our neighbour Rob is going to refit the utility room. The work tops have been sat in the lounge for weeks, units in the garage along with the new sink. Can't wait. New wall units will mean the end to the current work top being covered in cluttered Le Parfait jars. I have a problem with Le Parfait jars. According to Jase. Wall units will mean more storage for bakeware too! Might need to go to Lakeland.

The next job on the list is to make a curtain to hide the boiler. Already have some sage and cream checked fabric from Laura Ashley that will be perfect for the job. Just hope I am away when the building work starts! Rob very kindly made me 12 wooden hearts that I want to turn into blackboards. The plan was to sell them at the Garden fair in May, but that being cancelled I will take them to the Michaelmas fair in September. Just need a dry day to paint them.

Life in the garden is springing up everywhere. I still haven't tackled most of it. The weather this week hasn't been great and it is fair to say that I am not happy gardening in a waterproof poncho. Back trouble has also meant no digging. Excuses, excuses I know. The broad beans are coming along nicely though.

After plodding on with my old Ibook, it is getting too much. Things keep shutting down, I lost all my pictures for a few hours and couldn't log onto the t'interweb yesterday. Jase fixed it, but the time has come for a new laptop. Jase is getting me one today at the airport and bringing it home tomorrow. I haven't got any money for a new one, but it is never a good time. A couple of months of paying interest on it via the evil credit card is my only option. I never buy things that I can't afford, but needs must. Dreading copying over all my book marked pages - that'll take me a day!

Time to make lasagne and chilli for the freezer. Another banana cake to bake as the 'nanas are past their best.

Bye for now

C x x x

Up and running.....

2011-02-15T14:06:00.006Z

...Well not me, obviously! I don't run. Unless a bus is about to hit me. Or there is only one sausage roll left on the plate.

MY ONLINE SHOP!!!!!

Not the kind of website I would like, but cannot afford to spend hundreds on one like the gorgeous online shops I browse through. All my items for sale will be on the above blog from now on. *smiles* Had my first order within an hour! Thanks Hazel.

In other news, I managed to lose all my pictures from iphoto. One minute they were there, next, iphoto was empty. The language was blue and just glad the chickens were tucked in bed. I have found them, but not in iphoto anymore. No idea what happened.....so I quickly plugged in the back up hard drive I got for Christmas and downloaded them all to be safe. Wish I had done it sooner. You know when that panic starts to build in your throat?

Just back from a lovely 3 day trip to Madrid and Copenhagen. Fabulous crew and a real pleasure to work with. Lots of fun and a real laugh. Went out in Madrid to TGI Fridays, I know, not really absorbing the local culture, but sometimes it is nice to stagger 3 yards to the nearest place. No one went out in Copenhagen, but I sat at the desk and munched my way through an Itsu veggie salad and a Galaxy smooth bar! Figuring I deserved it after the low cal salad.

Next door's bantams laid very well while I was away and I have collected 6 eggs. Tiny little toy eggs, but they are very welcome here in the barren egg kitchen. 4 more weeks of looking after them, so should have a good stash! Having said that, I was stunned to find that Miss Pru had laid. More torpedo than egg shaped, but will taste great. 3 out of 4 had bright red combs, so fingers crossed they will all start again soon.

Took a couple of pictures before I left for work, just before the laptop crashed! The snowdrops and daffs are coming up really quickly.

...And the vintage coloured felt I ordered arrived. The colours seem very bright in this picture, but they are more muted.

After someone mentioning chocolate fudge brownies on Facebook, I couldn't resist making a batch! Mum & Dad took some home and I planned to take some in to work for my crew. I did take a few in, but scoffed the lot in my room. *Hangs head in shame*

I had run out of walnuts, so used chopped nuts instead and they tasted great.

Feeling tired now after getting up around 4am for the past 2 days. Have a cracking book at the moment - see 'currently reading' on the right........ - think I will light the fire early and snuggle down to a good read.

Bye for now!

C x x x

Disappointed

2011-02-11T13:13:00.001Z

Just had an email to say the Vintage and Garden fair is cancelled. No reason given! 'We hope to see you at the Michaelmas fair in September.....'.

Grumpy now. Glad I made sausage rolls earlier.

Eggs on the way?

2011-02-10T22:25:00.011Z

I know, I know, I have been really bad at updating my blog, Just don't seem to have any time for anything at the mo. Having a laptop that has decided to shut down at the drop of a hat isn't helping. I need to remember to keep saving as I type, as I have lost this post twice already!!

After a 5 day block at work, my lips are cracked and I have a sore throat. Thank goodness I am off for a couple of days. Shame I have a 7 day block to return to on Sunday. Sigh.

The hens got a rather large handful of corn this evening. I haven't been around much this week and they have been missing their bed time treat. Unsure if it was the sun setting, but their combs were looking a brighter shade of red tonight. I am hoping that means they will all start laying soon.

Sat here munching a small plate of cheese straws that I baked earlier. It was peeing down all day, so felt like doing a spot of baking. Ran out of milk, so headed off to the shops for basic supplies and picked up some lovely sausages from the butchers. Plan to make sausage rolls tomorrow.

On my last day off, I spent the day sewing 48 double sided bunting flags. That's something you don't hear very often! Rather than making 9 and sewing up the bunting, I realised that I need to do things on a larger scale. All country cottage style fabric, they look really good. Now most of the work is done, it won't take long to make up the bunting. I did make one special set though.......Jason's Sister is due to give birth any day now (well, she was due on the 5th), so I made some especially for the Baby's room. She has rubber duck thing going on and I managed to find some cute fabric, along with something babyish.

Not the best picture, but how lovely are the little ducks??

Jase flew up to Scotland tonight as his friend's Mum passed away. He will be back on Sunday, ready for work on Monday morning.

Feeling a bit run down tonight. Lips are cracked and throat sore. Just glad I am off for a couple of days. Lip balm at the ready (it is never too far away from me) and had berocca to wash down the cheese straws. In a moment of weakness in Co op today, I relented and bought a Cadburys creme egg. It has been chilling in the fridge all day. It is calling me now.

Will try and update my blog more often, but as I have a new blog to update, I might not be as good as I usually am. Yes, a new blog! I have been asked if I sell the things i make and having set up a dreadful website, that I now can't seem to update, I have decided to use Blogger to start a selling blog. So much easier as I use it already.

Time for my chocolate egg and then bed.

Night night!

C x x x

**new blog details on the right hand side now, Hazel**

Answers on a postcard please.....

2011-01-26T21:30:00.004Z

OOOh, what to do?? I have just received an email from the Weyhill fairground craft and design centre, asking if I would be interested in doing their Garden Fair in May??

Linky thing, click here

What do you think?? I would need to come up with ideas of things to make that are more outdoorsy (is that a word)? Flowery, picnics? Bunting etc? Seed kits? Any ideas you crafty lot? What would you expect to see at a Garden fair?

I am really excited as they must like me to keep asking me back......I think. I would love to do this full time, but mortgage will not allow at present (or in the foreseeable future *wipes tear from eye*)

Please help!! Any suggestions, email me at Christianscottage@btinternet.com or leave a comment please.

Hope you can help!

C x x x

Happy Wednesday

2011-01-26T18:14:00.009Z

Finally some time to write. I have no idea where my time goes, but, like my hairline, is just does!

Am off now until the beginning of February. My next roster is ok, not the destinations i requested, but all in all, not bad at all.

On Monday night, we drove over to Woking to see Hairspray at the theatre. I had no idea what it was about, just knew that Michael Ball had played a part in the West End show. I have to say it was fantastic! A really lively, feel good, show. It made me want to start singing again. Very much recommended (the show, not my singing).

Spent yesterday, scraping out the soiled muck from the chicken runs and topping up with nice fluffy bedding, that will be covered in poop in a matter of days. The girls seemed to be enjoying themselves, scratching around the veggie garden to stop them getting under my feet. Pru hasn't laid any eggs since the 3 at the beginning of the month. Bright red comb, but still no sign of eggs. Elsbeth crouched down in front of me yesterday, a sure sign that she is thinking of laying again soon. Fingers crossed.

I also managed to get a bit of gardening done. Nothing like getting your hands in fresh compost and planting some seeds. I have decided to plan my garden more carefully this year (time permitting)......We always end up with a glut of something or other, so successional planting is the term this year! Just remembering to plant a few seeds every few weeks. I went to the local garden centre to get a new broom and some netting (to stop the cat that has moved in behind our house) and couldn't resist some seeds!

Broad beans, pak choi, purple beans, swiss chard and curly kale - lots of which will be for the hens. I have to plant it early or by August I have forgotten. I am after large established plants that will survive the winter this year. Daft, but packets of seeds make me smile. Dried up little things, that burst into life and feed us. Amazing really.

I found my little wooden plant pot maker in the shed, dusted it off and got to work. I found The Independent makes superb pots, but any paper will do *wink*

Broad beans are now sown and in the green house.

The green house hasn't faired to well over winter and the zip is broken. It won't cost much to replace, but it annoys me as I only bought it last year. I still have the fleece cover, so might make do with that this year. I need to rebuild the cold frame (I say rebuild, it is only stacked up bricks), as I have used most of the bricks as supports for the hens' drinkers and a few other jobs.

After many hours of sewing (and unpicking)!!, the table runner is done! I really like it and think it brightens up the wooden coffee table. I think Jase is worried that the house will turn into a gingham patchwork nightmare, but it looks good where it is.

Been quite a good week so far. Apart from my newly discovered Ritz cracker addiction. To add to the other addictions......just something about them, They are so tempting. Especially with Waitrose crab pate......

Jase celebrated his birthday last week and got the Wagamama cookbook. I have been to the restaurant a couple of times and love it, so today I went shopping and bought all the ingredients for my favourite meal. Amai Udon noodles. Took minutes to prepare and was absolutely delish. I am not one for following recipe books, always adding a few bits and pieces, but it tasted exactly like the restaurant.

Loads of pak choi, mange tout, savoy cabbage (instead of the leeks as per the recipe), with tofu pieces and king prawns. Topped with a handful of dry roasted peanuts and a squeeze of lime.....mmmmm nom nom nom. Reasonably healthy too I think*.

*Not including the Ritz crackers I had as a starter.

The temperature has dropped again and we are due a ground frost overnight. Hens are locked up tight in their eglu and happy. I plan to start worming them tomorrow, as I haven't done it for nearly 4 months. They don't seem to be affected but that could explain the lack of eggs. A week of medicated pellets and they will be done for a while.

Fire is lit, The Day After Tomorrow on the dvd player, you can't beat a good disaster movie. A small bar of Green & Blacks extra dark chocolate consumed, for health reasons you understand.

A mega list of jobs to do this week, as always, but nothing too pressing. I want to start on my next patchwork quilt for the spare room, but am patchworked out. Something else will pop into my head no doubt and I'll crack on with that.

Time to get back to the dvd and the end of the world as we know it......

TTFN,

C x x x

Lunatic asylum

2011-01-13T15:52:00.003Z

You know you get that feeling sometimes that you should have stayed in bed? Today is one of those days. I popped to the post box with 2 letters in hand and as I dropped them through the slot, I saw my shopping list disappear too!! I do worry about my sanity sometimes. Like the time I couldn't find my wallet. Turned the house upside down and it was no where to be seen. Decided to chill for 5 minutes and make a cuppa. Lo and behold, wallet sitting in the fridge. Obvious really. Anyway, I disgress, so unlike me!!, shop from memory I thought. Bad move.

Decided to go to Quilters dream first, as I needed some curved safely pins, as you do, and some red fabric for binding the table runner that I am yet to make. £24 later, I left and headed to Sainsburys. I am usually a Waitrose shopper, just because their fruit and veg is better quality and owing to the fact that I refuse to shop in Tesco due to their ever increasing greed to dominate the planet. Walked into Sainburys to be confronted with hundreds of Hot Cross buns! I am still getting over the excesses of Christmas, waistline wise as well as with the Mastercard. Do they think us stupid?? Packets upon packets of buns stacked up, next to Cadburys Creme eggs!! Easter is months away. I hate supermarkets and the way they program our minds into purchasing certain items. I won't stand for it. No way. In protest I only bought one packet of 4. *wink* Toasted two when I got home and smothered them in butter, the sort of thickness that you leave teeth marks when you take a bite. Delish.

Funny how everything really important on your list is forgotten the second you drop it into the post box. Will need to go out again tomorrow.

The big news this week is that Pru started laying again. Her comb has been looking rather red this week, but I didn't think for a second that she would lay until February. 2 eggs so far this week and whoopers too. She is a good girl. Hopefully the others will get the hint. The 6 eggs I bought today will have to last as I don't want to buy anymore. Even free range, pampered, naturally roaming in woodland, apple eating from organic orchard, hens' eggs cannot compare to our own.

Their run is decidedly filthy by my standards. I am sure they have no issue with it. Waiting for a dry day to shovel the soiled mess out and give it a hose down. Weather forecast doesn't look promising for the next week, so might have to wait until my week off.

Jase got the results of his latest MRI scan and it showed that his tumour is shrinking!! It really is the best news we could have hoped for and a wonderful start to the New Year.

I think it is veg planning time again! I love this time of year when it is dark outside, I can light the fire and sit with my seed catalogues, a Yankee candle burning and pour over pictures of vegetables. Strange that my veg never looks as good as the catalogues promise, but I still enjoy growing them.

I did plan to start off broad beans and sweetpeas in the autumn, but didn't get 'round to it. The mini plastic greenhouse has taken a battering over winter with one of the zips broken, will need to fix that before I start sowing. The hens were allowed another few hours in the veg garden to help dig over the beds. Please ignore the heaving breathing at the start!! I am not a pervert.

Am making bubble and squeak for dinner, as have loads of left over sprouts and tatties. Jase won't be back until late this evening, so cooking for one! Girls are tucked up in bed, fire is ready to light and 2 loads of washing are hanging up drying. A good day so far, with loads of jobs ticked off.

C x x

Technology...

2011-01-02T13:23:00.004Z

The New Year hasn't started off too well. Due to a blip with Iphone software, the alarms have stopped working worldwide. I found this out at 9.30 this morning when I woke up and was due to be at work at 9am!!! I called and the first thing that was said is "do you have an iphone"?? They knew, but I didn't.

That means that day one of my annual check (3 days total) is up the wall and I can't just turn up tomorrow, I have to have it re rostered, potentially screwing up my entire roster for January. It was a nice one too. Ho hum, such is life. No point dwelling on it, it is done now. I just hate being late for anything. It isn't me. Anyway, onwards and upwards so to speak. Just annoyed as I even polished my shoes. Properly, with polish, cloth and brush, not your shiny sponge thing!!

I spent most of New Years eve tidying the veggie garden with the hens. It is rare to let them out of their 'chicken corner' but every now and again I give in and let them run amok around the raised beds. They seemed to enjoy them selves and did a grand job at digging over the beds and exposing buried slug eggs (yuck) to feast on. 5 large tub trugs full on old veggie bits, raspberry canes, strawberry leaves and runner bean plants all loaded into the compost bins, which are now full to bursting.

I also raked up leaves from the lawn and filled the leaf mould bin too. My back was killing me and yesterday was a case of gently does it. Today I am fine! Weird. I can cope with that.

I have stacked the fire ready for tonight (or this afternoon if I can't get any warmer) and am thinking about dinner. Not sure what culinary delights I can whip up, but might just settle for a jacket potato loaded with butter. A healthy start to the New Year and all that??!!

Facebook is becoming addictive, mainly scrabble, but also looking at what everyone is up to. I must stop updating my status 4 times a day!! Who cares if I have just eaten a bar of chocolate?? As if it would be ONE bar?!

Right, time to check my roster to see what delights I have been given tomorrow. Fingers crossed it is something good......

C x x

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T22:38:00.004Z

Evening All!

Just a quick post to wish you all a wonderful 2011, I hope you are all happy and healthy for the coming year.

Off to bed now as have my Annual check at work. 3 days a year of jumping out of mock up planes, dealing with heart attacks, child birth and everything else cabin crew. Enough to rip almost all of your life force from your body. Wish me luck!

C x x

Only a couple of days left...

2010-12-30T14:40:00.006Z

Afternoon everyone!

Things are starting to return to normal again this week. After a vile 10 hour drive back from Scotland, we are now settled again at Farm Cottage. Still a few things to tidy away and then we'll be back to normal. We had a very relaxing time at Jase's Mums and I have convinced her of the evil that is roast potatoes cooked in goose fat. It is a slippery slope.

Jase's laptop decided to give up the ghost this week, so he is on the look out for a new one. He has decided to abandon Microsoft and go for a Mac (Yay)!!! He won't regret it. The only trouble is, we were planning on redoing the utility room in the New Year, looks like that will have to wait for a bit due to finances. The 3 metre work top will have to stay in the lounge for a bit longer I guess.......

Now I have more time, I can show you what I have been working on for weeks as it was given to my Mum for her Birthday a couple of weeks ago.

I started with the idea of making Mum a lap quilt, but got carried away with the nice fabric and it ended up large enough for a double bed! Really wish I hadn't done the quilting as tram lines either side of the seams, as this used up 500m of thread and caused my back to go into spasm a few weeks ago. Couldn't post the reason why in case Mum read it! Hee hee.

The back is lovely fabric from Quilter's Dream which Mum loves!

=

I have one more Layer cake left so might make a quilt for the lounge. That can be my project for next year as it takes so long to make. Something cosy for the sofa on a cold winter's night.

The hens are fine, well looked after and spoilt (judging my the amount of corn gone from the tin) by next door. Elsbeth is still moulting, but her dark grey feathers are looking good. I need to do a thorough clean in the run at some point. It isn't too bad, but with a week of snow, they didn't venture out much. The thing that amazes me most is the amount of poo they produce. HUGE quantities in a matter of days. I have 3 compost bins (that are all due for a turn) full to the brim with chicken ****.

Father Christmas was very kind and sent me lots of lovely things. I am a complete bookaholic, so that is always a safe bet with me.

Jase decided to get me an external hard drive to back up all of my pictures - something I never do. Will have to sit down and work out how to use it soon. Am slightly concerned at the noises my laptop is making. The fan seems to be on quite a lot. Maybe it has something to do with my new addiction (no, it isn't an addiction, just new I keep telling myself). Facebook. So many people are surprised that I haven't been on sooner, but I have been trying to avoid it if I'm honest.

Jase got in from work a couple of hours ago and is having a nap. Time to wake him up with a coffee, so better dash. Still stunned that 2010 is nearly over.

Stay warm and cosy.

C x x x

Road trip

2010-12-22T18:19:00.005Z

What a week it has been!!

It has been so cold this week. Loads of snow flurries and the coldest temperatures that I have seen since moving here. It dropped to -13.1C the other night!! I have double wrapped the outside taps with bubble wrap as extra protection when we are away and look like a market stall holder in my fingerless gloves.

Preps are now complete for our trip to Scotland tomorrow. We have decided to take my Mini for the trip as it will have better grip on the road than J's BMW. Jase bought new windscreen wipers today and I have checked the tyre pressure, oil etc ready for an early start tomorrow. I nearly asked him to pick up emergency flares in case we got snowed in enroute, but thought that was going too far.

All presents wrapped and delivered to Mum and Dad's for the rest of my Family. Hens cleaned out, nextdoor briefed on care! (Candle under the drinker and lots of corn to keep the hens happy).

Having received numerous emails asking me to join Facebook, I finally gave in and joined last night. I have lots of friends already and have a couple of games of scrabble going. It will be nice to catch up with people!

The last lot of snow fell two days ago and since we have had a mini thaw during the day, but again freezing temperatures at night.

Before I go, just wanted to say a quick Happy Christmas to you all. Thank you for all the lovely comments all year. *Smiles*

J's Mum now has wifi, so I will try and log on over Christmas. Depending on whether I can move or not after the copious amounts of chocolate I plan to consume.

C x x x

Snow day!

2010-12-18T08:24:00.006Z

Woke up early for work this morning to be greeted by a blanket of white.

There was no way that Mortimer the Mini could drive in this. The temperature dropped to -7.1 last night and the country lane was frozen solid. The snow is falling so thick and fast that I think it will continue all day!

I was due to work at 6.45 this morning, but had to call in and say I couldn't make it.

Some snowy pics -

I love the way that snow collects in the willow hurdles!

Not sure what to do today really. We were planning on visiting Mum as it's her birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!! The weather isn't looking too good though, as 2 inches of snow has fallen in about an hour.
Jase is due to land back from Copenhagen at 9ish and will then have to get home somehow! Not sure how the main roads are this morning as I didn't get that far. The lane is thick snow on a thick layer of ice. Gritters down the lane?? Don't make me laugh!

Think I will build the fire for later, then get dressed and do some Christmas wrapping. Might even out on my wellies and walk to Co op for some provisions. We aren't desperate for anything, as I made sure we had plenty last week when snow was forecast. If we do make it to Mum's, I wanted to bake some hobnobs for my Niece and she always requests them! Have run out of porridge oats though, shock horror!!

I have been to let the hens out, but they were less than impressed. Another tea light placed under the drinker and some mixed corn to warm up their little tummies! Don't think they will be out today.

The saddo weather websites that I am addicted to, are forecasting heavy snow for this area all day. Judging by the snow so far, we won't be going anywhere for a day or two.

Better get dressed and start getting organised. Am tempted to shovel the snow off the driveway, but might leave that until later. Staying in with the fire lit has much more appeal!

C x x x

Life is like a box of chocolates.....

2010-12-14T16:37:00.008Z

Evening All!

Been a busy few days, what with Christmas preps and sorting things out.

Waited in all day for a delivery, which didn't arrive! No point getting annoyed, as I did manage to get the decs up! We won't be here for Christmas, but I still wanted a little tree. Melvin is sat next to my armchair, fully adorned with Christmasness!

Went into the loft and dragged down several suitcases and boxes looking for my favourites decorations. All out now and the boxes put back. The fireplace is now done and a few extra lights up. Much to Jase and the electricity monitor's dismay!
You can't see the lights on the mantle, but they are there!

I cleaned out the hens today, only one eglu as they are all having sleepovers together for the winter. Elsbeth's feathers are growing back nicely, although quite dark. They are eating lots and desperate for corn by the late afternoon. I caught Cornelia on top of the run today, peeking over the fence to see where I was. Next door will be looking after them when we go away.
In return, we will be hen sitting later this week when they go away for a few days.

All presents are here/on their way, so no major panics as yet. Can always pop to the shops next week for emergency bits if I need to. The mammoth task of wrapping is set for tomorrow before work and next week before we drive up to Scotland - weather permitting. It is forecast for loads of snow and cold temperatures until the New Year now. Not really sure what to do, but we have decided that if the snow is bad, we will stay here for Christmas.

Seeing as I stayed in, I decided to make some chocolate truffles - having read the recipe on the Omlet forum. Made 3 batches, 2 with brandy and one with orange juice and zest. I rolled some in cocoa powder, dipped some in melted chocolate and some in dessicated coconut. I wore my CSI gloves, as Nigella puts it, but still managed to get chocolate and cocoa everywhere!
Think I have made too many, as I now have plates of truffles all over the kitchen!
Not quite sure why I said I have too many. Must be coming down with something! Saying that, my ears do feel weird and have done for a couple of days. Can't shake that fuzzy feeling.

Anyway, a plate of truffles ready to bag up for Christmas!

Had a visitor today, who picked up the Christmas hamper she ordered. Have a few more jams to wrap up and a couple of puddings still to deliver at work. I have 2 large ones left, as I am not Carol Vorderman and seem to have mental blocks when it comes to puddings. I am sure they won't go to waste. *wink*

Jase is due back any minute, so need to light the fire and think about dinner. Not as cold today, but forecast to get colder tomorrow and Thursday.

Stay wrapped up and warm!

C x x

Just a little extra

2010-12-09T13:56:00.003Z

I'm back home now!

Hens cleaned out, tea light under their drinker, spring greens hanging up and pellets topped up. They are happy hens.
They seem to be getting on quite well at the moment. They all sleep together in the same eglu which makes locking them up at night easier. Agnes is still a bit timid when it comes to bedtime, and is always the last in.
Will be leaving for work at 4am tomorrow, so will light a candle and pop it under the water. Have asked next door to keep an eye on them.

Came home to a cold house, even though Jase left the thermostat on 15C. Couldn't wait until it was dark and am sat here, fire lit with a hot chocolate. Not your 'Options, 40 calories' hot chocolate either. Oh no, this is Cadburys, artery clogging delicious, thick chocolate. I felt the shivering was burning calories, so it doesn't count.

Wrapped a few presents for a secret santa and will post them next week. Collected more logs to fill the basket in the lounge and am now wondering what to have for dinner. The fridge is like Old Mother Hubbard's so not sure yet. There will be something in the freezer.

Only one chocolate door to open on my calendar, so the mice must have eaten the others!

Time to make up the Hens' porridge before they head off to bed. Hen pecked? Me??

C x x x

Seeing stars

2010-12-08T17:10:00.006Z

Ok, so here I am in Copenhagen. Sat at the desk with a pile of Christmas cards to write and complete lack of enthusiasm. I have lost my list of people I would like to send cards to, which doesn't make things any easier.

I did another fair last weekend and managed to hurt my back again. Stacking jars of jam with fabric things in my plastic trays seemed to work better, rather than lifting a couple of really heavy crates. It was a school fair and people were being extremely careful with money, which I can understand. Luckily my mincemeat will be good for a year or two, so no problems there. Unsure if I can use 18 jars up before the 25th?

Due to the success of my mini mince pies at the first fair, I made another few batches for last week. After cutting out 90 bases and stars, I couldn't cope with any more. My eyes started to go funny! Sold several bags though:0)

The snow finally hit the village on the 1st of December, which seemed appropriate! Only a couple of inches, but enough to transform the area.

Our little lane -

Logs were delivered on Saturday, a day early, so as I was at the fair, Jase stacked most of them. He went to work and only left a few for me to do. Perfect size logs, so no extra chopping to do. I seem to spend my life chopping up kindling though. We go through a fair amount to start a fire. Tricky, as there is nowhere sheltered in the garden to do it, so it tends to get done done the side of the house where the North wind whistles.

Report from home that the candle under the hens' drinking is working! Trouble is, the tea lights only last 4 hours, so need replacing at least once a day. Fine, if we are at home, but tricky if we are away. Ebay has come to the rescue as I have ordered 30 8 hour tea lights!! Perfect for next door to light and forget about, if we are both at work overnight. I have ordered another galvanized drinker, which should be here tomorrow. Will lend it to next door as they are struggling too.

I have just called housekeeping for a kettle. My feet are like blocks of ice and need my hot water bottle! The Scandi's do love their solid wood flooring, which I like, but when you think you have frost bite on your toes, you need at least a bit of shag pile under your tootsies!

Wake up is at 4.45 tomorrow morning, but just one flight home. Might get some cards written in the afternoon. I check in early again on Friday for another night away. Looking forward to getting home, as I have 3 windows to open on my advent calendar; unless the mice have eaten the chocolates!

Stay safe and warm.

C x x

A fair update

2010-12-01T14:45:00.009Z

Blimey it is cold. The temperature has been below freezing for 3 days now and it is currently a balmy -0.9C! The house has never been this freezing. A hat and scarf are needed everytime I go outside. I called my Gran in Kent and she said she had never seen snow like it.

The hens have taken to all sleeping in one eglu at night. I usually shuffle them around with 2 in each eglu, but at the moment I don't blame them. The orange eglu is redundant most nights. I have also started locking them in at night as it is dropping to -5.

Their water keeps freezing (hardly surprising) and I have taken a top tip from Kate and bought a galvanised drinker from Scats. It is sat on 2 bricks with a tea light in a jar underneath. It stops the water freezing - so far so good. Day 2 and it hasn't frozen yet! Next door's bantams have been moved into the greenhouse for a bit of protection.

The country (well a lot of it), is covered in snow. More snow than has been seen in 60+ years according to the news. We haven't seen a sniff! Ok, we had an icing sugar dusting the other day, but it was more like a hard frost than snow. I feel cheated. Although, I would rather it arrived after Saturday, as I have a Christmas fair to attend in the afternoon. Talking of fairs! I have been given a nudge to post about the Weyhill Fair I did at the weekend. (ok Hazel? *wink*)!!

Saturday started very early and cold. A biting wind was whistling around Hampshire and I was hoping it didn't snow! The fair opened and it was quite a slow start, but things did pick up and I had a really good day. A friend was on bacon roll and tea duty, so that was great! I was freezing, but remembered to take my little hot water bottle with me, so managed to fill that from the urn in the kitchen.

Here are the pictures! The tables were covered in cinnamon sticks, gold coins and candy canes to add a festive touch....

The gardener's shortbread cut from a watering can cutter! I love these! 2 sets of elf skittles sold too!

I have sold around 20 of these little Christmas cakes so far!

A couple of days before the fair, I decided to make some cranberry and orange jelly. When it was ready, I stirred in a few sprinkles of edible glitter and the result was fantastic. Deep ruby red jars with a hint of sparkle! The campest thing I have ever seen! Hee hee. I made 10 jars and saved one for Jase's Mum when we go up to Scotland for Christmas. I sold all 9 jars at the fair quite quickly, so made another batch today as I had cranberries left. I dashed to get my hair cut today and the Hairdresser asked if I could save her a jar! Will definitely make it again next year!

The glitter didn't come out well in the picture. So here is the pan with cranberries and orange rind instead. Not as festive :0(

All ready for Saturday and hoping the snow stays away. Due back to work next Tuesday, so it can snow then! ;0) Heathrow didn't cope too well this week and I heard that they closed Gatwick all day today. Jase went to Athens today and said there were lots of cancellations.

Ordered another load of logs which should be delivered on Sunday. We are going through them quickly as it is so bitter outside. Thermals will be needed when we stack that lot. Who cares about fashion? I look like Mr Potato head in a knitted beanie, where as J looks like a burglar/convict. *sniggers* The sky looks heavy with snow, but not a flake yet. It is forecast for tomorrow, but who knows when/if it will reach us.

Some stunning pictures posted on the Omlet forum - cannot believe that we have missed it all! It is getting dark now (only 3.40pm) and I have 20 minutes to go until my 3 Christmas puddings finish steaming. They have been on since 9.30 this morning!!! I unexpectedly sold 4 large puds at the fair, so have to make another 3 for orders that came in weeks ago. One large bowl of dried fruit, soaking up brandy on the kitchen table for another day or two and then I am all done with Christmas puds. I have lost count how many I have made this year!

Christmas cards to write (mind numbing, my worst job at Christmas) but think I will take them with me to work next week.

Thanks for all the well wishing for the fair *smiles*

Wrap up warm and fingers crossed this little corner of Hampshire gets some snow soon. I have a 25kg bag of salt and 2 snow shovels that are desperate to get to work!

C x x x

The White stuff?

2010-11-22T19:23:00.007Z

Hello and a very good evening from Glasgow! I can smell deep fried pizza wafting into my hotel room.

Spent a shocking night in Dusseldorf yesterday, clock watching. Finally fell asleep at 2am ish, only to be woken by all the telephones ringing at 3.45 to announce I had an hour until pick up from the hotel. Grumpy so and so today.
Arrived in Glasgow around 12.30 and headed to the shops. Managed to get a few Christmas presents, some lovely boxes in John Lewis, thanks (or not) to one of the girls on the crew. What is it with JL's and lovely things?? I am so weak.

We had lunch at Wagamamas and I ordered some udon noodle thing with a peanut and lime topping, tofu and prawns. Delicious. Back to the shops for a few bits from Paperchase (another favourite shop for lovely wrapping paper and 'stuff'). Pick up tomorrow is a more reasonable 5.45am, which to most is horrific, but after 3 flights tomorrow I am off for a while. Good job too, as the Christmas pudding orders are flying in!!

I made coconut ice for the fair the other day. All bagged and ready to go! Traditional pick and white.

....and the more unusual lavender and white -

Looking sightly grey in the photo, but it is a lovely colour really.

My confectioners spirit was in full flow, so made peppermint creams to add to the pudding basin that will display the sweets for the fair. After spending a few pounds on Waitrose 'natural' food colourings, it seemed appropriate. (How is ground up beetles to get red food colouring, deemed natural)??

All in all, the preparations are going well. I have ordered 5 pounds of fresh cranberries from the grocer at the market and hope to make some kind of orange and cranberry sauce to sell too. Might need the addition of cointreau to get the customers purchasing my wares. I think it should go down well, being as it is a Christmas day staple.

We haven't had any eggs all week, so think that is it until next year now. The hens deserve a break and can recharge their batteries over winter. Bought another 6 eggs from a deli, stunning dark brown shells, from happy hens the owner keeps himself. £1.80 for 6. I think that's pretty good!

Back is slightly niggling again today, not helped by lack of sleep and irritability all day. Just had a hot bath and my constant companion, the hot water bottle, is by my side *smiles*.

I managed to get my head out of the window here in the hotel. Damn these non smoking hotels! I will have my wicked weed. There is a security chain only allowing the window to open slightly, but with the flexibilty of a contortionist, I did it. It's like being at school, having a sneaky fag behind the bike sheds! Noticed another couple of brave souls defying the rules too; lights off, curtained pulled close behind them, trying to hide the glow of the burning ciggie! With the hotel being on a main road, the sight of me in bed time attire -tshirt and Coca cola lounge pants- isn't the nicest for passers by.

Early to bed for me as have a long day tomorrow.

Hope everyone in blogland is well? I hear we have snow forecast for later in the week? After my fair please. I have been harping on about it for long enough, and whilst the idea of 2 foot of snow appeals, I would like to do it. Although, should we be snowed in, we have plenty of jam and mincemeat!!

C x x x

The roster's are out!

2010-11-18T21:56:00.006Z

Evening All!

Well, my back has survived the week. Day one at work was touch and go, but a spot of shopping in a craft shop, soon helped. ;0) I have discovered that I don't need to heated seats in my car. A hot water bottle wedged between me and the seat works wonders for the long drive to work. Beware though, when the stopper isn't in properly. Trust me.

Been busy today baking yet more mini Christmas cakes. I have sold so many at work that I was running out for the fair. 9 more made today, so will wrap those tomorrow. Ran out of dark brown sugar, so the Christmas puddings I was planning on making today will have to wait until tomorrow.

The egg drought has hit us. We had to buy a dozen yesterday. Yes, it is sad, but I need them with all the baking I'm doing. We obviously buy free range, but look at the colour of the yolks!
Elsbeth's is on the left.

My hens don't spend very much time on grass, as their chicken corner is now wood chippings, but I do give them fresh greens a few times a week. The colour isn't that clear in the photo, but the shop bought eggs are so pale. They are all well, feathers still dropping every so often, but they seem fine. The rain has turned their corner into a mini swamp, but their runs are still relatively dry.

Having watched Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall thingymabob on the tv making bread, I decided to bake bagels for the first time. Making a dough and then popping mini bagels in simmering water is really strange, but it worked well. Dipped in sesame and poppy seeds as a final flourish!

Jase very kindly bought me an advent calendar. Cadburys chocolate naturally. You have to have a chocolate one. Looking forward to December the first now!

The best news is that the December roster came out this evening and I am off for Christmas!! I can't believe it. Off from the 19th Dec - 02nd Jan. Woohooo. It means I can go to Scotland with Jase and spend Christmas up there. Not really looking forward to the drive, but Jase's car has heated seats which are the best invention for bad backs.

Just realised the time! It's nearly midnight so I'm off to bed!

Have a good weekend everyone.

C x x x

Oops, I did it again....

2010-11-06T16:43:00.005Z

I spent most of yesterday at the dining table sewing. The office is great for sewing, now that the desk is clear, but I had lots of things to do, so decided to take over the lounge/dining room. I started at 9am and by 6pm had nearly finished. I pushed the sewing machine away from me and felt a ping. Not a good ping. My back went into spasm and I couldn't move.

People complain about their backs and I had never really given it much thought, until 4 years ago after a very hard landing at work. I say landing, a controlled crash and whack into tarmac is more appropriate. I had around 8 weeks off at the time and my back has never been the same since.

I just take things easy, lift correctly and take pain killers when it is really bad - which luckily is rare. However, yesterday I was in absolute agony that it made me cry. I took some tablets (pain killers and anti inflammatory) and walked around with a hot water bottle tucked into my pj's. I couldn't sit, stand or do anything really. At a complete loss as what to do. Even deep breathing hurt and it was all too much. I just wanted it to end.

Called NHS direct only to be advised it would be a 4 hour wait for a nurse. Disgraceful. I hung up.
Going for a pee was interesting. Won't go into details, but never before has flushing the toilet caused me pain.

I stayed up until 1am as I was scared to go to bed. It also meant I could take more pain killers.

Thank goodness I woke up and things were looser today. My back is still tight, but no more shooting pain and I can move quite freely and pee when I want to! No more putting it off for fear of flushing!!

Mum and Dad came over today and bought me milk, as I had run out. The raspberry jam doughnut helped comfort me too. Dad filled up the coal bucket and emptied the bin for me. I daren't drive, just in case I have to brake suddenly and risk it kicking off again.

So today I cut out fabric toppers for spiced Christmas nuts and numerous jars of onion jam. Anything I can do standing up is fine. Sitting is still a problem, well, getting up again is! It is starting to tighten again now, so going to have a hot water bottle surgically attached to my back.

Elsbeth has started laying quite well - we've had 3 eggs so far this week. I filled up their food and grit today and noticed a grey tail feather. Looks like she has decided to moult now.

Pleased with the fair preparations. Lots done, but still more to do. Got a letter today confirming my table and position in the hall. Will give myself a break for a day or two and I don't want to push it. My first 'order' is ready to go and the second one is nearly finished.

Better make myself something to eat. Jacket potato and prawns I think. Then light the fire and chill out until J comes home.

C x x x

A little update.

2010-11-03T17:35:00.010Z

My back has been niggling me for a few days and today it came to a head. Really sore so I gave in and took tablets. A hot shower helped, but it started to seize up again shortly afterwards.

I spent today doing crafty things. I finished off my crayon rolls -

And the inside -

All the Christmas cakes are now wrapped and tucked away in the utility room until the fair.

Thinking of the fair, I wanted to do more gifts for gardeners as they proved popular last year. Having been into town yesterday and picked a watering can cookie cutter, I made some shortbread and decided to put them in a plant pot!

I made a little watering can tag to tie on the bag. I really like it. Have a few more pots, so will make 5 and see if they sell at the fair.

I also took a picture of the garden basket I bought at the antique's fair. Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

I think it'll look great filled with little gingham hearts or bags of sweets.

Jase made a double batch of onion jam today. He used the food processor to prevent any tears, but the fumes coming off 1.4kgs of onions had me sobbing! 9 more jars made though!!

More logs needed on the fire, so better see to it.

C x x x

It's dark out there.

2010-11-01T21:55:00.007Z

Evening All!

I can't believe it is November already! That time of year when I plod around the house changing clocks, excited that Christmas isn't far away, but hating the short days.

I have been receiving complaints about not updating my blog, apologies! Lauren & Lottie! *wink*

Been busy today. Had a dental appointment at 11ish so left the house early and popped to the new Hobbycraft in Basingstoke as it was on the way. My dentist asked if I had given up smoking as my teeth were much cleaner than last time i went. I was honest and told her that I had a very good toothbrush. She asked if I flossed? Again, brutally honest, I floss like a lunatic a week before I am due an appointment!!
Let's just say that I had an expensive day. £70 at the dentist and *cough* rather a lot at Hobbycraft! It is safe to say that I was quite excited as I walked in the door. The Christmas fairies had stuffed the shop full and I wasn't sure where to begin. I got lots of bits to adorn Christmas pressies, just need a solid week to do it all. If you need baubles, just let me know.

Met Mum and Dad for lunch and headed off to an antique centre where I picked up a wire basket for holding, erm, stuff. Will look good on the stall. It was too nice to resist.

Got home around 3.30pm, via the garage. A light came on my dashboard and thought it best not to ignore it. After a reset and test drive, all is well and it didn't cost me a penny. Mind you, I have spent a fair amount on Mortimer the Mini there, but it was nice not to have to get my wallet out. Will take them some mince pies before Christmas as a thank you.

Right, fInished the last batch of mincemeat today. Another 11 jars and hopefully, that'll be it for this year. More mini Christmas cakes baked too.

All double wrapped ready to go in.

Little brown, boozy, gorgeous fruit cakes.

I'll wrap them up tomorrow and tuck them away in the cool utility room until needed.

The girls are fine, bald and patchy, but fine. We had an egg from Elsbeth this week. A tiny one, but an egg! I had to hang my head in shame in Waitrose. I bought eggs. 2 boxes as I need them for baking. Buying 3 boxes of eggs in 4 years isn't too embarrassing when you keep your own hens, is it? They aren't as nice. Pale yolks and watery whites. Our own eggs are better. Roll on spring when they start laying again.

Jase is due back tomorrow, early evening and then has 3 days off. I am really hoping to get the garden at least started. Was tempted to get a gardener in, but that would be cheating. Our garden isn't huge, but enough to keep my busy at the best of times. Horrendous when I let it slip.

Friends stayed at the weekend, hence me spending hours sorting out the office and making it habitable. It is now spotless and a pleasure to sit at the desk (which is solid wood, I had forgotten due to the amount of crap covering it) and get sewing done. I am trying to keep it that way. We will see.

I am exhausted. Been busy and need to go to bed. Been feeling much more tired than normal. I'm hoping it is just the weather and clocks going back and not the glandular feeling thing rearing it's ugly head. Anyway, off to bed now.

Night night!

C x x x

Baltic Thursday

2010-10-21T07:50:00.006+01:00

It is perishing this morning! Woke up at 6am, Jase had left for work and I decided to get up and use the day wisely. Last day off before a 6 day block and a long list of jobs to do. It was -4 in the garden and felt only slightly warmer in the house. Heating is now on, despite being dressed for an Arctic expedition.

Popped outside and defrosted the girls' water. They seem less than impressed by the frost. Poor Agnes and Cornelia are bald as coots and must be cold.

They are not neglected hens! just typical that hens moult when it gets colder!

Made 9 jars of mincemeat yesterday and 8 jars of crabapple and clove jelly. The jelly is still liquid today, so will have to reboil it again later! Bugger. It is a beautiful clear amber colour and looks fab in the jar. Ho hum, that'll teach me to rush it.

Received an email yesterday asking me if I was interested in attending a local school Christmas fair? It is the week after the Weyhill fair, so will do it! Need to crack on with a few more crayon rolls and stockings I think. Just wish I could stop time and plod on at my own pace.

Crunchy frost in the garden and the sun is just coming up over the long field. Stunning. Might grab my camera and thermals and pop out to take a few pictures later. Once my list is finished.

So glad we had a log delivery. Winter has started properly here now. Loads of oil for the heating, logs and a full cupboard. Happy and content.

Have a good day!

C x x x

EDIT -been out dressed in my pj's!!

Frosty leaves on next door's wild roses -

The sun coming up over the field.

Stunning leaves on my blueberry bush.

A Bare Lady

2010-10-17T18:32:00.006+01:00

One more day at the mad house and I am off for 3!!

Tomorrow is a Tripoli and back, one of the longest days we do. Vile, but will be over before I know it.

I got up this morning at 4am - cutting it a bit fine to be at the airport by 6.20. Luckily there wasn't any traffic (why would there be at 5am on a Sunday, normal people are in bed) and I made it in record time. I will not be posting the record here *looks around anxiously* The one shocker was the thick layer on ice on the windscreen! Glad I still had deicer in the car. Yes, I know the best thing to do is use a scraper, but when you have to fly down the A303, it's freezing cold and you just want to leave, the pump action bottle is the best thing. At least I don't use the aerosol type. Doing my bit for the Planet.

I spent a very happy day in frankfurt on Thursday. All day in the town centre in a craft shop. Bought loads of bits and pieces for Christmas and for the Christmas stall. I was like a ferret up and down every aisle, picking up odds and sods and popping them in my (two) baskets! Spent far too much, but who knows when I will be back again? Got some lovely patterned Christmas card to make my cellophane jam hampers and some small baskets to plant up cyclamen plants for the fair. Will post pictures where i get a chance.

Agnes is looking odd. I thought at first that Jase had swapped her for another Buff Suusex. She has bald patches on her back, neck, chest and backside, no tail feathers and when she bends over, it makes me blush! The poor hen. A serious moult, so have started to add tuna to their afternoon mash.
Cornelia was out of sorts yesterday and i was a little worried about her. She seemed disinterested and vacant (more so than usual). I got back from work today to discover why. Beautiful black and ginger laced feathers everywhere. She is moulting too now, hardly surprising as she is the same age as Aggie. Slightly concerned that they aren't eating much. They need their pellets to help regrow their winter coats, feathers, you know what I mean.

I relented and put up the chicken netting in the posh garden last week. I say 'posh' garden, but Carol Klein would be shaking her head in disbelief. It has had no attention in months and is in desperate need of digging, weeding, cutting back and tidying. The girls loved rootling around, digging up ants' nests. We have a small door cut into the willow hurdle to let the hens into the garden. For some reason, Cornelia ducks down and crawls through, a la commando, even though there is plenty of head room!

I have discovered a bar of Green and Blacks dark chocolate, with 'inherent warmth from crystallised ginger'. No idea how that one managed to escape my beady eye. Time to release it from the paper prison and feel the heat. It is freezing here again tonight. No point lighting the fire as I am off to bed soon. Up again at 5am. It's currently 4 degrees and dropping. Another frost forecast. Winter is coming!

I will sort out the veggie garden this week. The hens can help and be on slug patrol. The parsnips, chard and spinach are under enviromesh, so they can't attack those. The strawberry, raspberry, runner bean and tomato plants can all come out now. I planted out more spinach seeds, but think it is too cold for them now. Always forget to get an extra row of spinach in for the hens over winter!

Need to get my hair cut on Tuesday. It is growing sideways and starting to resemble a hedge. A wispy, uneven hedge, but a hedge nonetheless. It was fine yesterday. Weird.

Jase announced that we have friends staying next weekend but the office is currently being used as a stock room. That would imply order, but far from it. I put the futon and bedding away, to give myself more room for plastic boxes of Christmas stuff for the fair. I now have to find somewhere for it all and make the bed up again. Still it is a good excuse to declutter - something I have been meaning to do since we moved here 4 1/2 years ago.

It is 7.30 now and my eyes are starting to droop, sad that at 36 I am thinking of going to bed. Been up at 4am most days this week and do need to sleep. Wishing I could hibernate for a few weeks and wake up refreshed, just in time for Christmas!!

One more piece of Green and Blacks (for the health benefits) and then bed! Apologies for the rambling nature of this post. Will go back and edit to make more sense, when I can keep my eyes open.

C x x x

Edit - I have no will power. Save me from the chocolate.

Too late.

Meant to mention the reappearance of my hip bones after a long absence. Won't bother now. The chocolate has ruined the moment.

The Scout motto?

2010-10-08T22:01:00.003+01:00

You know when you start surfing the tinterweb and before you know it you are looking at sites that are fascinating. I started reading survival forums and websites today. It was amazing what some people are preparing for. The term 'preparedness' was banded about and I am still not sure if it is a proper word or grammatically correct, it just sounds wrong. According to my online Dictionary - a state of readiness, esp. for war : the country maintained a high level of military preparedness. So there you go, it is a word. Still odd.

The long term weather forecast is for another very cold winter. How they can tell is beyond me, but I do love a panic theory!

Anyway, I am not planning to dig an underground storm shelter, board up the windows or start wearing camouflage tops and combats, but I started thinking about snow. That is the kind of eventuality I am planning for. When the snow hit in February this year, we had no vegetables in the house. I know that veg isn't high on a list of priorities and normally I wouldn't be that bothered, but when you haven't got any, you crave them. A bit like chocolate.

The country came to a stand still. People were panic buying, (what is it with wanting 14 loaves of bread)?? and generally things started to go wrong. We are quite remote here, only a few miles from a small town, but with country lanes on both sides, we are snookered when it comes to deep snow. We have lots of logs (delivered this week and all neatly stacked), candles stashed everywhere and a camping gas stove in case of power cuts (we don't have gas here).

I am not that concerned about food, we usually have a fair amount in the house. The tin cupboard will ensure we are ok. Although not quite sure how chickpeas, dried porcini mushrooms and Ambrosia custard will work out, but we'll manage.

In February, there were reports of drivers stuck on the M3 overnight. That is a 30 minute drive from us!! *shock*. It got me thinking, what if we got stuck in the car? I insisted that Jase keep a blanket in his car and he now has a pair of decent boots in there too.
I have hidden a small plastic box in my car, containing 2 emergency space blankets, 2 bottles of water, cigarettes and lighter (don't judge me), a first aid kit, HUGE bar of dairy milk (obviously), torch, blanket, scarf, gloves and a hat. I'm ready!

I spent today tidying the lounge and trying to find a home for metres of fabric. I managed, but don't open any cupboards for fear of avalanche!

Mum and Dad are popping over tomorrow, so will bake some biscuits in the morning. Didn't feel like it today as was too busy dusting the wooden blinds in the spare room. What a horrible job that is. Which is why they were so dusty; I never do it.

Time for bed now, after a pretty lazy day I am exhausted!

Night night,

C x x x

It hurts

2010-10-08T13:02:00.007+01:00

Hello there!

After I woke up to a glorious day yesterday, put on my old jeans and tshirt, I headed out to the chicken area with spade in hand. I put up the netting in the back garden and opened the little door for the hens to escape. They seemed happy digging in the lawn, although Jase wasn't!

After a few hours of moving eglus and runs, scraping up old droppings mixed with aubiose, I was nearly done. 6 bags of the finest chicken muck you could want! I put most of it in 2 raised beds ready for next years pumpkins and courgettes, the rest is bagged up ready for freecycle.

When the runs had been sprinkled with powdered disinfectant and refilled with fresh bedding, I dug over the soil part and knackered my back! A couple of bags of woodland chippings and the hens were back in.

Spotless eglus and runs (not for long)!

Agnes decided to watch the action from the top of the dust bath house -

The third lot of washing is in the machine as I was running out of pants. Cannot understand that commando thing! House is relatively tidy, Just the last few bits of fabric to find a home for and the fire place to clean. I want to bake some biscuits tomorrow, so we have a plentiful supply in the house for our guests, and need to bake some scones for my chicken course on Sunday.

My back is really sore, but a few hours of pain are worth the end result. The hens are happy scratching around, exploring the new perches I put up. A couple in each run and a few in the privet bush in their corner of the garden. I have a corn on the corn to hang up for them later.

Eggs have really dropped this week and we have only had 3 so far. Appalling from 4 hens. Pru hasn't laid for 2 weeks as she is moulting and Agnes is looking a bit moth eaten today. Her orange feathers show up really well against the wood chippings, so I guess that she is moulting too.

Autumn is definitely here. The trees are turning shades of amber and gold, and evenings are getting colder. My pumpkin is finally starting to change from green to orange, slowly!

The veggie garden is looking tired, but still getting lots of raspberries every day. I have a large bag of them in the freezer to add to desserts later in the year. I might even make more jam with them? Think I will have to leave the big garden clean up until later this month. My back cannot cope with it today.

I cooked another few Christmas puddings the other day. I think everyone is starting to think about Christmas, as I have had a few orders in already.

This one is wrapped and ready to go!

Pretty isn't it? Makes a lovely present in my opinion. *grins*

Now, need to crack on and get the lounge tidy. Will not be doing any lifting or hoovering today. Might do a bit of sewing if I can sit down for long enough.

Bye for now.

C x x

Should I build an ark?

2010-10-03T11:57:00.009+01:00

HELLO EVERYONE!

Sorry I haven't blogged since the fair. Woke up on Monday and felt like death warmed up. Cheese grater throat, headache and runny nose. Not the best look, but had to go back to work on Tuesday and only just finished my working block. I now have 10 days off, the joys of part time! Still blocked up and achy, but getting better.

Ok, so the fair went well and was quite busy, but I have realised that people are being careful with money at the moment. I did make a fair bit, but have lots of things left, so am definitely attending the Christmas fair at the end of November *smiles* One lady was very interested in everything I had and we started chatting, she said she couldn't think about Christmas until at least November and was hoping that I would be back for that fair. I do see her point. I had a few Christmas things out, but jams and things are seen as hamper fillers apparently, so didn't sell too well this time.

I am planning to make up a few mini hampers, with jams and candles wrapped up nicely. That way people don't have to worry about putting a hamper together, I will do it for them!

Ok, the stall. Two tables this year, which gave me much more space. I decided to have a 'Christmas corner' at one end.

My wood working skills came into practise and I cobbled together a stand to display the shopping bags. With enough bags on it, you couldn't see the bodge job I made putting it together.

The crayon rolls proved to be popular and I will make some more for the Christmas fair.

The Scottie dog brooches that I made last time were mounted onto small parcel tags and proved very popular, everyone was picking them up and looking. Not many sales, but they take so long to make, I am not prepared to sell them for nothing. I put some business cards into an old plant pot and lots were taken!

Sunday was definitely busier and I made quite a few sales. The rest of the stall holders were lovely inside the Hall and many bought things from me too. I sold so many oat biscuits and fruit cakes after Yvonne and Jase thought to put out samples. Saw some 'old' friends who returned to visit me too! *wink*

My stall was next to Mad Maggie and her plastic bag weaving equipment! I also had my tarot cards read, and she was very good without being too vague about things. It would seem I need to be more confident in what I do and maybe consider teaching! Now there's a though........

Ricky and Janet from Quilter's dream popped in and made the huge mistake of telling me they would soon be stocking East of India ribbon! Noooo, I do not need more ribbon.

Anyway, it is pouring with rain today and has been for a couple of days. The roads are flooded and it doesn't seem to want to stop. The chicken area is a swamp, which is irritating as the plan was to clean out the whole area this week. They aren't huge fans of the rain and are spending most of their time hiding in the run. Pru hasn't laid for a couple of weeks, but is losing feathers, ready for her winter coat! Jase is back to work on Tuesday for 5 days, and I have lots to get on with. A few more orders to complete, namely a tea cosy, and a couple of ipod covers. Plus a few small Christmas puddings to steam.

I forgot to post pictures of my borlotti beans which did well this year. All dry and ready to add to winter stews! I love their unusual colours.

Now that October is here, I have started thinking about Christmas. Not that it takes much to get me festive. I have a few idea about what to get people, but am struggling with one or two. The same as every year!
I picked up my Christmas book again and looked through the pages. The wrapping ideas are so nice and get me in the mood. I think a few home made presents will go down well again this year. At least I enjoy making them.

Jase's Sister and Brother in law are coming down from Scotland next weekend, so need to get the house ready and do some serious blitzing of the dust bunnies! The lounge is nearly free from fair related fabric and sewing machine bits, but the odd loose thread is still to be found on the carpet/sofa/cushions/kitchen!

Thanks for all the lovely comments and well wishing for the fair!

C x x

It's show time!

2010-09-25T07:27:00.003+01:00

Hardly slept a wink last night. The Michaelmas Fair is today at 10am.

We set up the stall last night, to take the stress out of today.

Absolutely freezing this morning, just 2 degrees. Better get a wiggle on as sandwiches to make and need to pack the last minute biscuits and cakes. Wish me luck!

C x x x

Anyone for squash?

2010-09-10T15:08:00.014+01:00

I usually handle stress quite well. I am a rare breed that CAN multi task. This is due to the fact that I have several things on the go at any one time. More due to a chaotic brain than good planning! However, my brain is aching at the mo, with things to do/plan for the fair. I have so much stuff, but worrying that it won't be enough. I plan to make biscuits the day before, plus mini fruit cakes next week, but it is just fitting everything in.

Today, I woke up at stupid o'clock and got ready. In town by 9am and picked up potatoes and other bits for dinner.
Headed to Quilter's Dream for felt. They didn't have any, so I ended up being incredibly naughty and bought more fabric. I have the self control of a starving dog in a butcher's. These are 'charm packs' apparently. They are beautiful, complimentary colours. Will cut each one into four to start another quilt off.

Got home and made several beef olives for the freezer and then noticed a few over ripe bananas. I am trying really hard to not throw any food away, so decided to bake an apricot, sultana and banana (funnily enough) loaf! It turned out pretty well. Although it doesn't look like that now. A couple of slices were consumed, just to make sure it was cooked.

I heard a racket coming from the hens and dashed out to see what was up. Elsbeth had laid an egg outside again, which Pru was tucking into, orange yolk dripping from her beak! Elsbeth is nearly 4 and still laying most days, her shells are getting thinner and break on impact with the ground. Pru is a nightmare when it comes to fresh eggs! Touching wood here, but she doesn't eat any that are laid in the nest boxes. I placed a rubber egg outside and watched as Elsbeth guarded the egg, pecking any hen that came near her. Shame she doesn't protect her own!

The sweetcorn is ready for picking. I had one the other day and it was so, erm, sweet! I only have a few cobs, but worth the effort.

The pear tree is groaning under the weight of all the fruit. I have supported a few branches with string to stop them snapping off.

I have several pumpkin/squash plants dotted around the garden, but no longer any idea which is which. I think one is a patty pan, as that rings a bell! Answers on a postcard please......

The swiss chard, spinach and parsnip bed was being ravaged by sparrows. I have now covered it over and hope that, with some fleece, it will survive the winter. The chard and spinach is great for the hens, as you can pull a few stems off, hang them up and watch the raptors tear pieces off. The vitamins do them good over winter too.

I have planted some leaf beet 'orange fantasia' in the green house, but it is taking it;s time. Will plant it out when it is a bit bigger. I might have to cave in and get some winter veg seedlings from the garden centre, as mine don't seem to be doing too well. No one needs to know!

Once all the cooking, baking and hen cleaning was done, I sat down with a cuppa and a slice (or two) of cake to chill out. The postwoman knocked on the door with a few parcels. Country living magazine for me, a couple of Christmas presents (yes, I have started shopping already) and a book that I have been waiting for from Green Metropolis. I have been after it for ages!

I have finished the scottie dog brooches! 14 made and ready for the fair. They take so long, but look cute, so will hopefully sell.

Jase has just called to say he has landed, so should be home in a hour. Better sort out dinner and the hens' treats before they start bokking!!

Have a good weekend!

C x x x

A Robinson's Factory?

2010-09-08T20:07:00.008+01:00

Am now on days off and spending it preparing for the Michaelmas fair in a couple of weeks. I found out today, I have 2 tables at the fair, so it means that I can take more stuff with me. That is if I have enough to take. I am now seriously worried if I have made sufficient 'stock' (doesn't that sound business like)???

I don't have to worry about jam/jelly!! I made 22 jars of apple and damson jam the other day and another 13 jars today. So we have 40 ish jars of plum related jelly, 16 jars of onion jam, 8 jars of chutney and 35 jars of apple and damson jam.

I bottled the last of the plums from our tree.

3 jars boiling away to steralize them. I used a cinnamon syrup this time and didn't bother to stone them first. Will squirrel them away for later in the year, when I fancy a crumble.

I also made 6 jars of Jumbleberry jam. A mixture of raspberries, blueberries and elderberries from the garden, with blackberries from the lane. It is delicious! I might keep it for us. I went brambling again yesterday, but got caught in a down pour and decided to call it a day, plodding home looking like a drowned rat.

The last of my blueberries were picked for the jumbleberry jam, but the raspberries are doing really well. I planted Autumn Bliss as autumn raspberries grow on this years canes. It means that I can cut them down each year and don't have to worry about tying in this years' canes for fruit next year, like summer fruiting varieties. A quick chop and mulch every winter and they are done!

The runner beans have nearly finished and we did quite well with the crop this year. I only planted a few plants as we can't seem to keep up with the masses of beans they produce. I cannot stomach runner bean chutney and the freezer is packed so the few handfuls of beans we did get were perfect. The pumpkins and winter squash are coming on too. The small fruits are staring to swell nicely.

I did a lovely trip last week and 2 of the crew saw the pictures of the things I am making. They placed orders!! Quite a lot actually. I have made a tea cosy today, but the rest can wait until after the fair. I need to crack on and make a few Christmas cakes soon as I already have orders stacking up. They proved very popular at the Christmas fair last year.

Apart from the above, I am plodding on as always. Still getting tired, which is a slight cause for concern. I am fine one minute and exhausted the next. Mum mentioned diabetes, but I was one step ahead of her and googled that months ago. The NHS website is scary, it is amazing what you could have! Best not to look. I think it is just the aftermath of being ill a few weeks ago. No more trouble with tonsillitis luckily! I have lost over 1/2 stone, which can only be a good thing.

We had an oil delivery last week so winter preps are well under way. The chimney is being swept next week but I still need to organise a log delivery (preferably when I am away and Jase is here *wink*) and then I'll be happy. Bring on the snow!

Time for bed now, as have been busy all day. A couple of chapters left of my book, so will retire now and finish that off. I hate finishing a book. Especially when it is a trilogy.

Night night,

C x x

Saturday

2010-08-21T08:34:00.004+01:00

Morning!

Jase was up at the crack of dawn and I woke up at 7.30, stumbled out of bed, let the girls out and made a cuppa. Lots to do today.

Day 2 of 3 off and need to get on with some sewing, so a very quick update on the blog was called for.

Cornelia has decided to start moulting and her neck is bare, except for a few tiny quills where the new feathers are starting to grow back. She did decide to start laying at the same time. Most unusual for a hen, but she is quirky like me. 2 huge very dark brown eggs this week and she was sat on the nest when I let them out this morning. Her eggs were getting lighter, so nice to see she has recharged her ink cartridges! The others are fine and laying well.

I managed to get hold of some Bubble jet set 2000 liquid from Quilters dream!! You soak cotton fabric in it and then leave it to dry. You can then print on it with any ink jet printer!! I now need to sort out a logo and can then print out my own labels!! Dead exciting (well for me anyway)!!

I fished out my old mini stencils and made a few tags for the chutney that took an age last week.

Just something a bit different to the usual labels.

Received my first email of the year with an order for 2 medium Christmas puddings from a Lady at work. Must get on with that. Might prepare the fruit today and start it on it's week long soaking in brandy. I have lots of ceramic bowls ready as bought extra last year.

The raspberries are starting to colour up, the sweetcorn looks great and I need to dig up the potatoes soon. Tomatoes are filling the fridge, along with massive supplies of beans. The courgettes are doing ok, but not as well as I'd hoped. Probably for the best. My borlotti beans are actually doing well as it would seem the mice haven't discovered them this year. I think next door's new cat might have something to do with it.

Mum and Dad have gone to their house in Germany today, with my brother, niece and nephew. Don't envy that car journey! Hopefully it will stay nice for them.

Better get my backside in the shower and start sewing. Not long until the fair. :0)

Have a good weekend.

C x x x

What's that smell?

2010-08-09T17:12:00.005+01:00

I decided to use up more plums today and attempted pear & plum chutney. Now, as a reasonably competent jam/jelly maker, I thought chutney would be simple. What a faff! Meticulously cutting up pounds of pears, plums and onions (even though I said I wouldn't do onions again)! into equal sized pieces, then simmering away for a few hours. A whole jam pan full of what looked like cat sick, the house stinking of vinegar and me, with the patience of a hungry dog, stirring away for an eternity.

"This chutney should be cooked in around 2.5 - 3 hours" Ermmmm, no! 4 hours later it finally resembled a brown chutneyish mush and I put it into jars. How many jars did I get from a mountain of fruit? 8. And a bit!! We aren't talking large jars either. The small 1/2 pound size. I will be selling it at the fair for around £7 a jar. Hee hee.

Pretty uninspiring brown stuff in a jar, but a fabric topper will transform it! Only 8 weeks until it is ready. It does smell good though.

Whilst watching the chutney with hawk eyes for fear of burning, I cut out some toppers for the onion jam I made the other day.
Only a few at a time, in between stirring.

The weather has been odd today. Kind of will it/won't it, rain thing going on. It didn't rain, well it hasn't so far. Nipped out quickly to get some vinegar for the aforementioned chutney and returned to the Citylink man delivering my paper bags for the fair. 100 should do it! He says anxiously.

I picked our first tomatoes yesterday. Small and juicy with a few hundred still to ripen. Have a recipe for green tomato chutney that I was planning on making, but maybe not now.......

His Lordship will be home soon, so off to start dinner, once I have removed a broody bantam from her nest.

C x x x

No more tears.

2010-08-08T11:53:00.008+01:00

I finally have my days off and have very been busy. I got an email from the Weyhill Fairground, offering me a stall in September! Lucky I have been preparing for it for months as 6 weeks isn't enough time.

Managed to get leave at work, so have the weekend of the 25th/26th September off now. Will try and get the week off before it too, to give me time for last minute baking etc.

Jase and I spent 1/2 an hour picking plums.

..and another 1/2 an hour picking the squashed ones off the lawn. Very windy last night and a few more pounds have fallen overnight. The blackbirds and Bluetits seem to like them!

One basket went into the pan.....

.....which resulted in these..... -

......and these! -

I have another 5 pints of plum juice in the fridge and a huge basket of plums on the porch. Plum and pear chutney is the next job to do.

Decided to go for a more savoury jam as well. Rachel Allen's onion jam is delish, so I made one or two jars! After peeling nearly 3kilos of onions, I'd had enough.

I did manage to make 17 jars though. Lovely with cheese on toast or added to gravy! Have labeled them and just need to add a fabric topper.

Have made a list of everything to take with me to the craft fair. Have quite a bit of stuff and will bake oatie biscuits the day before, as they went down well last year. Still not sure if I have enough, but time is now limited so I won't have a chance to make much more. If I can get the week before off, then it will be 'sewing central' at the cottage.

Cornelia is no longer broody *smiles*. Exactly 21 days since she started, she snapped out of it. What a text book chicken! She hasn't laid yet, but insists on keeping Agnes company when she goes into the eglu to lay.

We are looking after next door's bantams again and Marigold is broody (for a change)!.....Lily is laying, but Lavender appears to be moulting. I am turfing Marigold off the nest a few times a day, but she is a determined little fluffy Madame.

The house is back to some sort of normality. I said to J the other day, that it was cluttered, making my mind cluttered. He stared at me blankly. I know what I mean. The office (my dumping ground) is such a mess that I can't see the bed. I have to get it sorted out as it is getting me down. The lounge is reasonably ok and just needs a quick dust and hoover. Kitchen is getting there slowly. It is clean, but the table attracts paperwork that needs filing away. I popped into The Range and picked up some plastic storage crates, so at least my craft fair stuff is neat and tidy.

The shed is full of old layers pellet sacks and general stuff that should have been thrown away a while ago. It will get a spring clean before autumn. He says hopefully!! Am tempted to give it a fresh lick of paint, as it hasn't been done since we put it up 4 years ago. I'm thinking forget-me-not blue as I have a can in the outbuilding.

Enough waffling on, Mum and Dad are on their way over as I haven't seen them for weeks. Better clean the downstairs loo!

C x x

A little white lie somewhere...

2010-07-30T21:17:00.013+01:00

Finished my 6 days at work now. I actually finished on Wednesday, but was helping out at the Omlet stall at the New Forest Show yesterday. A very long day, but good fun. At the end of the day, I was given the thrilling task of catching the hens from the run and 'popping them into the box'. Erm, yes, easier said than done. Crawling into the run to the sound of Quin from Omlet giggling!
I do have to say, I have never met such Kamikaze chickens before! They were jumping everywhere to escape my clutches, but I caught them in the end. Only 1 6" scratch for efforts.

The holiday was wonderful, we were both desperate to get away. Stress at work has been awful, so escaping to Portugal was great. We did very little, just sat my the pool (in speedos)!! and went out for dinner in the evening. *Those of you that know me will be relieved to hear, that there were very high walls around the villa, so my gut hanging over the speedos, didn't offend the locals*
**Those of you that don't know me - I am fortunate to have the body of a God. I can eat what i like and never gain weight - I am proud of my 6 pack, 30" waist and broad swimmer's build shoulders**

When we got home, we discovered Cornelia was broody. According to my neighbours, she was clamped to the nest the day after we left. She is still broody 18 days on, with no sign of snapping out of it! She is very unimpressed when grabbed and turfed off the nest and will fluff herself up and sit on the ground.

The courgettes are doing well. I have already picked quite a few of these round ones -

I'm picking blueberries every day. The netting and chicken wire I put up earlier in the year has thwarted the blackbirds attempts at fruit poaching, but as a result, the weeds are bad in that bed and the cranberries are suffering. Will weed next week.

My onions were in a bed, not covered by the watering system and have really suffered. It has been the driest summer since 1957 (according to Gardener's World, I am not that old)!! Do you think they have gone to seed slightly??!!

The milder weather has been a hit with fruit trees though! Our pear tree is full of fruit and I might need to support a few branches.

We have thousands of plums on our tree. This is the first year that it has produced any fruit.

I picked about 6 pounds today, which I cooked and will make Plum and Ginger jam tomorrow. Only another 60+ pounds (minimum) to go! I have some rhubarb in the freezer, so will do a few jars of plum and rhubarb too.
I made 3 jars of raspberry jam (Mum, don't tell Dad, a couple of jars are going in his Christmas hamper) and it is delicious. Looking forward to more raspberries later next month, as the raspberry bed is a jungle of canes.

Sorry to mention Christmas, but now is a good time to think about jams, jellies and chutneys for presents. I have been squirreling the odd jar away every now and again.

I didn't manage to pinch out the growing tips of the runner beans, so might need a recipe for bean chutney. They are too tall now, I can't reach.

My best success this year is my sweetcorn plants. After a slow start with mouse protection in the mini greenhouse, it is doing very well. I have rigged up a mini sprinkler today, which should keep it well watered for the next few weeks.

Also planted out more spinach and chard to see the hens through the winter. I think I will redo the veggie beds this year. Double the height and bury the watering pipes will make it more attractive. I might even paint the wood dark green to blend in better. More jobs to add to my list.

Only a couple of months until the Michaelmas Fair (scroll down a bit, I am not doing junior cupcakes, hee hee). They usually expect 6,000 visitors over the weekend, so I need to get a wiggle on with my fabric things.

Need to go to bed now, so speak soon!

C x x

The Wanderer returns

2010-07-23T19:20:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone! I'm back from Portugal. Just a quick hello as back at work now, but will update again soon.

5 more days at work and then off, so will find the time to blog then.

Hope you are all well?

C x x

Herbs a go go

2010-07-02T22:29:00.006+01:00

Evening!

Had Mum and Dad over for dinner tonight. They have just left with 18 eggs and a jar of jam. Mum is angling after a quilt as was quite rightly stated by SusanK!

I have one more day off and then back to work for 5 days. Then we are off to Portugal! Can't wait. Speedos were ordered on the t'interweb and arrived safely. Let me explain. Speedos are awful things and I would never wear them in public. However, when it comes to sun bathing by a private pool, with a very tall white wall around the house and gardens, I am prepared to give them a go. They set my 6 pack off nicely. Well they would if I had a 6 pack.

My rings arrived from ebay, so have finished off my little birdhouse keyrings -

Thanks for the suggestions, I am still working my way through a few more ideas. Think I will have enough bits and bobs for the stall. Still haven't got the day off yet, but working on it.

We had a 4 egg day today!! Cornelia was making a racket and spent much of yesterday on the nest. Well, she came through and gave us a full house!

The garden is doing so well, which is great as I have been away for 6 days. My sweetcorn is actually growing properly!! Albeit stumpy little plants, but thickening up nicely and keeping everything crossed that I will get a few cobs. The herb planter outside the kitchen window has gone nuts.

Feeling ever so slightly rough again, but nothing that Jason's Beechams powders won't cure. He swears by them. Just a head cold, but haven't felt normal since the beginning of May and getting hacked off with it now.
Getting my iphone has cheered me up though. I spent yesterday downloading 'apps' for it, including a word search, sodoku, grow your own veg, claratyn's pollen counter and Ikea!!! I love it! I am quite disappointed there isn't a Laura Ashley app. Maybe that is for the best.

Just a quickie tonight, as off to bed now with a Lemsip.

Have a lovely weekend.

C x x

Ideas please

2010-06-28T14:44:00.006+01:00

I went back to work on Friday and wasn't really looking forward to it. It turned out to be a wonderful trip, with great crew that had me laughing constantly for 3 days. We all went out in Vienna and had a lovely meal in the park. Then flew onto Glasgow for the night and went out again. I was absolutely exhausted by the time I got home at 7pm last night.

Getting back into my uniform was a struggle after 6 weeks off. I don't think I pigged out too much whilst off sick, but the lack of exercise obviously took it's toll. When I say exercise, you know what I mean. It's not that I missed going to the gym, as I don't go anyway, but the lack of dashing around, weeding, hoovering and general things means that I am spreading. Not in a good way. Nearly garroted myself when I put my tie on.

Was up at 5am this morning and am now in Milan, in the scorching heat, with my mosquito spray at the ready! The place is full of them. My solar powdered mozzie repellant gizmo is charging by the window, in case I decide to go out for dinner later.

I was tinkering with ideas for the craft fair and thought about peg bags? Would you buy one? That is the problem I am having at the moment. Deciding what to make, so if you have any ideas, then please leave a comment!

I went into Marlborough last week and popped into Dible and Roy. Couldn't resist this gorgeous dotty fabric! I made 3 bags and want to keep them. Hee hee. Not very manly though!

When I got home last night I went into the garden to see the progress the veggies were making. The runner beans are now in flower, with the borlotti beans slowly catching up. The strawberry bed is doing really well. Jase picked a bowl full and I got a fair few too.

The netting is the only way to stop the blackbird eating them! I have had to cover the patio planter too, as Mrs Blackbird is sneaky and pecks away at any red strawbs she sees.

I made one more batch of elderflower cordial, so now have 12 pretty glass bottles for the stall. Need to think of some way of wrapping them? Might just use a fabric topper and nice label.

Jase has been off work sick this week. After a lovely week 'glamping' in Scotland, he came home with a bag of washing and a stinking cold. He sounded better this morning, but still not right. He is now under strict instructions from me to do nothing, drink lots and not to go back to work until he is better.

I have finally received my PAC from O2, so can now get my new iphone from Vodaphone. Will pop into the shop in the terminal when I get back from Milan tomorrow. Looking forward to entering the 21st century finally!!

Decision made, need to have a quick shower now and will pop out with the crew for a pizza I think. Shorts and tshirt at the ready!

Have a lovely week in the heat. Remember, the hose pipe bans will start soon! *wink*

C x x

The last square....

2010-06-17T19:31:00.015+01:00

It's that time of year again. Elderflower cordial time!

I have bottled this batch and it is tucked away in the outbuilding fridge. Will make another batch later in the week.

The garden is doing well and with a couple of major showers, hasn't needed much watering. The weeds seem to appreciate the water!

I had some some basil seeds so planted them in a tin in the kitchen -

We have loads of pears on the little tree I planted a couple of years ago. Hopefully they will make it and I can bottle some this year.

I have been feeling much better this week. Still not 100% but much chirpier than the past couple of weeks. Am off until the 25th June and then it's back to the grind stone for 6 days. I spent most of this week sewing and sat in the armchair trying to take it easy. Managed to get a few projects done.

Strawberries!

Which are a bit riper than our own!

A couple of fabric bags like this -

Paper bookmarks, made using lovely patterned paper for scrap booking. I have made about 20 for the stall in September. (If I can get leave)!!

and yet more egg cosies -

BUT the big news is, I have finally finished my quilt. Thanks to Ricky and Janet at Quilters dream, who showed me how to do the finishing touches!

I am sooo pleased with it. It has taken me ages, but for a first attempt I think it looks great. I'll have to start another one now, as the finished result looks so good. Enough blowing of my own trumpet!

The girls are laying ok. Ish. Cornelia has laid one egg in 10 days. Shame as her eggs as dark brown and huge. She was the only one not camera shy yesterday. The others scarpered under the privet hedge.

I popped into the Weyhill Fairground to speak to them about the Michaelmas fair in September. I have to do both days (which is fine) and I have asked for the same plot as last year, but with an extra table. Kind of a 'L' shape stall if possible. Last year, there just wasn't enough room for everything I had made, so I hope that I can get the extra space this year. Jase is worrying me, telling me to make loads of stuff, but I am concerned it won't sell. I think the crayon rolls will be popular. As will the bags, but unsure of what else to make. I think the wheat bags will go down well again, as they seemed really popular last year.

Made several more Scottie dog brooches and they sold like hot cakes last time round. They are really fiddly to make, but everyone loves them. I have sent my egg cosies to Omlet to put in their on line shop, so we will see if they sell. I need more confidence in what I do.

I have cut of loads to take on holiday with me. Sitting my the pool sewing away to my hearts content. Will take some scottie dogs too.

We are both really looking forward to our hols this year. 10 days in a friend's villa. Confirmed seats both ways, so no worrying about 'will we get on' etc. We both need a break from the stresses of life and this will do it. Less than a month to go! Yayyyyyy.

Right, better dash. A few last this to do before I tidy up the lounge. Fabric scraps get everywhere!
I am visiting my Gran in Kent tomorrow, so have made her a bag and will fill it with 1/2 dozen eggs and some chocolate biscuits I baked today.

Nigella's chocolate biscuits. Naughty but nice! I did save a couple for when Jase gets home tomorrow. Well, there were more than a couple, but quality control meant that there aren't that many left. *blushes*

Nighty night all. Hope you are all ok?

C x x

p.s Ooooh, I forgot to mention the new look (as if you hadn't noticed)! What do you think. I like the fresh look to it. Have changed a couple of fonts after feedback saying it was hard to read, so hopefully that is better now?

The Blood bank

2010-06-08T11:44:00.009+01:00

Good morning! (just)!

Hello peeps and sorry for not blogging in a while. Still off sick and have just returned from the hospital for blood tests (6 vials in total, convinced they are selling it)!! Doctor thinks I might have had glandular fever as am still so exhausted. Best thing is rest which I am finding very hard to do. Things are getting better and I do have more energy, but am still taking it easy. If I do too much it floors me for a couple of hours and I have to have a nap. Me asleep in the armchair a la 'old man', is a regular sight!

I have been busy (not in a run-around-flat-out kind of way), making a few bits and pieces this week.

I started with a tea cosy and managed to finally work out the best way to applique letters!

I love the daisy fabric which I bought from Quilters Dream along with lots of other designs I have spent far too much money on. One of which was this Japanese woven cotton, which I made into a crayon holder -

and the inside -

Continuing with the daisy theme, I made a small iphone case (I will get mine eventually)!

On the way back from the hospital, I popped in to see Ricky (hello)! and picked up more 'traffic print' to make a few more crayon rolls. Seemed a shame not to, as it was kind of on the way home. Needless to say, I picked up more that I ought to as always. I do have lots of nice fabric to make a few more rolls. All will be sold at the craft fair in September, if I get a wiggle on.

I sold a bag to the lovely Sarah last week. She saw it on here (the grey bag with white leaves hanging on my door). I added a padded gingham heart as I try to do with everything I sell. Nearly ran out of them, so made another 20 or so this week.

I need to finish them off with a loop of embroidery thread, so they can be hung up and then I'm done. That is a job to do when the tv is on and I can sit and sew.

Time is ticking and I wish I was feeling 100%, as I have so much to do. The garden is a jungle, well covered in creeping buttercups at least, and needs a thorough weeding session. The weather was great until yesterday when the heavens opened. At least my water butts are full again. We have 3 and need a couple more. The outbuilding and garage both need guttering and then we can have another 2 butts. 5 should be enough.

The veggie garden is looking quite lush, with raspberry canes coming up like triffids. The onions have gone to seed, so need digging up, but the radishes are being consumed (by me) and have planted more. The greenhouse is nearly empty (not that it is a huge Kew gardens affair) with just a couple of pumpkin plants to go out and the swiss chard to find a home for.

I discovered a chickpea, couscous and green lentil salad recipe and am eating it all the time. Soaking chickpeas overnight and then boiling them is a faff, but the salad is lovely. Add a few cubes of feta, some raw cashew nuts and a creamy dressing and you are practically eating a health food. Nearly. Taking of which, my chickpeas are ready, so time to get lunch organised.

Have a lovely week everyone and will post again soon with more pictures.

C x x

P.s The Girls are all fine. Getting 2-3 eggs a day, but once again Cornelia is only laying when it suits her. When she does grace us with an egg it is a whopper, so mustn't grumble.

The Chicken Whisperer

2010-05-23T08:49:00.014+01:00

Monday didn't start too well. I woke up feeling the worst I have ever felt. Tight throat again and the same hacking cough, but pain further down my throat. Then I tried to talk. And couldn't. Now you have to understand, some people are quite quiet and can happily plod through life without too much conversation. I am NOT one of those people. A quick phone call is always an hour. My 2 hour chicken courses last at least 2 1/2 hours. You catch my drift? Hee hee.

So, I resorted to a croaky whisper. After lots of help from Jase and NetDoctor.com (the internet is amazing, if a little scary), Laryngitis was diagnosed. Rest, no caffeine (which includes diet coke, could things get any worse)???, no talking, no smoking, lots of fruit tea (makes me heave) and more rest. By Monday afternoon I called the Doctor's and had a very quiet conversation with the receptionist. The Doctor was busy, but managed to call me back and spoke to Jase, who went through my symptoms. Yes, Laryngitis. No antibiotics as it is viral and wouldn't do any good.

By Wednesday, my Birthday, I felt better but was talking in a voice akin to Barry White. Woke up to a blackberry and nettle tea (heave) and opened my pressies! Determined to not let it get me down.

Jase got me lots of dvds, mainly because he bought some months ago and put them away for safe keeping and forgot! Sounds just like me! The complete set of Dinnerladies, Avatar, 2012, The Inbetweeners and a new electric toothbrush that sonically removes the skin from the roof of your mouth. Also got a new compost scoop to shovel chicken bedding, a large cloth bag filled with books, a propogator, bookmark, ribbon, a wooden hanging chicken and money towards my new iphone, if I ever get round to getting one! More chicken cards than you could shake a stick at. What is it about that expression?? Never understood it!?!

Next door made me a teddy bear! He even has a chicken in his apron!! (she based him on me, always wearing an apron when I pop over).

View her other bears at Lovelock Bears

The propogator was set up before breakfast and filled with sweetcorn and squash seeds before the toast had popped up! Unbelievably, the seedlings are up already! I love my Propogator!

Will sit down later and read through My new Allotment book and see what I should have done in May! Desperate to get outside and do some weeding, but for once I have to stop and rest. The smallest thing exhausts me and I am getting slightly concerned now. If I am not feeling better by tonight, then I will go and see the Doctor tomorrow. Just to confirm it is laryngitis.

The garden is in bloom and starting to look summery. I was brave and bit the bullet as far as frost was concerned. The tomatoes were planted out (but with fleece at the ready, just in case). I have 5 more plants upstairs on a sunny windowsill and 10 more plants in the greenhouse.

The spinach and strawberries are coming into their own and flowering well. The enviromesh is now left off as the sparrows don't seem that interested.

My little rainbow chard seedlings will soon be ready to plant out. Not sure quite where to put them as the veggie garden is already planned. Might tuck them amongst the flower borders as they are striking plants.

Rob next door made a dust bath house for a lady on one of my hen courses. Here is it!

I have just received an email from her friend who would also like one. I should get commission!

I had to cancel my quilt stretching session at the local Quilter's Dream and was quite disappointed. But there is no rush (sorry to start with a 'but') - I will get it finished soon. I decided to play around and make something, just to sit and sew really.
A little hen change purse!

Her little tail doubles as a zip tab and I have lined the purse in green fabric. Couldn't find an egg fabric as that would have been ideal!

Next door are away and we are bantam sitting again. 2 of the 3 are now broody and clamped to the nest 24/7. I keep going over and turfing them off, but within 2 minutes they are back again, grumbling away. Once Lilly, the White Pekin, has laid I shut off the nesting area, but they still find somewhere to brood.

Loved this picture of Lavender and Marigold!

It was scorching hot yesterday and the girls weren't happy. They spent most of the day under the privet hedge avoiding the sun. I made sure they had extra water and put another shade over the run to give them more protection from the sun. Cornelia's egg drought is over and we have had 4 large dark brown eggs from her this week. Just seen that she is sat on the nest, so it might be five!

I did a chicken course yesterday as was feeling better on Friday night. After 2 hours, I was exhausted and wished I had cancelled it. Nice group though and happy to cuddle a broody bantam! Once everyone had left I slept for 2 hours.

Looks like it is going to be hot again today as it is 21C already and only 9.30. Umbrella is up. Caffeine free diet coke is chilling and books are waiting for me. *smiles*

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

C x x x

Quilting Kraut wink

2010-05-13T19:49:00.009+01:00

Last week was pretty much a write off, as I was under strict instructions from the Doctor (and Jase) to take it easy. Not possible for me I'm afraid which is probably why I ended up with tonsillitis in the first place.
Spent my time pottering around, which is my favourite pastime. Manged to get a few bits of sewing done though!

A little car pencil case with button wheels -

A new tea cosy and matching egg cosies -

I have been thinking about the Michaelmas fair at the craft centre and realised it is only a few months away, so got cracking on things for the stall.

Little tote bags -

and a more flowery one.....

I went down to the craft centre and had a chat with one of the ladies that runs a shop there. They have 2 shops available at the moment (I say 'shop' - I think they are all converted stables)! All really prettily done with wooden shutters in different colours and tubs of flowers outside.

I would love to run my own shop, but can't see a way to do it at the moment. Such a shame as the rent is quite reasonable, but need the security of my current job. Maybe one day? Anyway, we got chatting and she mentioned a quilting shop just a few miles down the road. I couldn't believe my luck! Acres of beautiful fabrics and a quilt stretching service! Have booked in for next week to get my quilt laid out perfectly with wadding and backing, to tack in place. Really excited that it will be done soon. It has been sat on the dining table for weeks taunting me.

The lady that works there is German, so we had a very long chat about food, Christmas markets and gravy! Yes, gravy. Best not to ask.

They also run quilting classes as well as other fabric related stuff, so might book in for a class or two! I have a strange feeling that I will be a regular visitor.........

In Milan at the moment and just back from a lovely meal with the crew. All older, experienced people who are a joy to fly with! We are off to Stockholm for the night tomorrow and then I have 10 days off!!!!

After scraping the windscreen this morning, I am hoping that is the last frost, as my runner beans are reaching for the sky and need planting out. Tomatoes are doing well too and have flowers on my pea seedlings. They all need to go out asap. The sweetcorn on the other hand is pathetic, so have bought another packet of seeds and will try again.

The girls are all well and laying ok. They are being wormed at the moment, so less treats and that always puts them in a bad mood. I think they are withholding eggs until they see green veg again.

Off to bed in a sec as up again at 4.30 tomorrow morning.

Sleep well everyone.

C x x x