Tarts for 'Five on Friday'.

Happy Friday everyone, I'm joining with Five on Friday today with tarts, shopping, pub lunch and theatre night. 

Using up some pastry from making the chicken pie, teen 2 and I put together some jam tarts. The 'mixed fruit jam' is homemade by Debbie in the village - very nice it is too. The recipe is based on this one.

Holidays wouldn't be complete without buying supplies for 'back to school / college'. I'm not going to gloat as there's still the shoes and few trousers for college to get, but whew! It's good to be better organised than previous years. So with the supplies out the way, we popped into Tesco and picked up another Hairy Dieters cookbook - Fast Food here. I need to look into their breakfast granola cereal. So many cereals contain nuts, pumpkin seeds - (packaged seeds often say may contain soya), stoned fruits, barley or state may contain soya. All are not good for me.

A healthier beverage than too much fruit juice. I'm not keen on squash and preferring to drink water from a glass, I was pleased to see these bottles in Wilkos for taking out and about. I used to take a few slices of lemon to work many years ago. I'd keep adding water to it throughout the morning. A bit too posh really but this one I like. You can cut up whatever fruit you like and off you go. 

Not really sure how the diets going really, keep forgetting to weigh myself. M and I need to lose 5 lb each and generally reduce high refined sugars. Sorry the photo is dark, we were walking back from a lunchtime pub meal with the teens. It was overcast that day, then we rushed round making some Millionaires Shortbread for film night. I know that doesn't 'fit' in the same sentence of diet chat but... 

The dark brown cow / bull? - sorry I'm such a townie, has one horn up but the other pointing down. 

Thursday evening, teen one and I set off for the local theatre to watch his girlfriend in 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrel'. We took a detour into town due to the air ambulance dealing with a road traffic accident. The play had a good plot and a twist at the end. We enjoyed an ice-cream in the interval and offered congratulations at the end. A you tube clip offering a flavour of the show here and a film trailer here. 

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Have a good weekend
Cathy x

Fast Blog

Summer holidays

A few of the new pots M had planted up in the spring. 

Looking at these bright flowers in the garden, I'm reminded how fleeting a British summer can be. This year's summer vacation has turned into a stay-cation for our family. For the first part of our holiday, which was the church camp, M was in a lot of pain. Dosed up on paracetamol and awaiting a scan to rule out a hernia, teen 1 followed M's instructions and successfully hitched the caravan to the tow-bar. Then followed an incident with our gate and the reverse procedure back onto the drive. M really couldn't manage, so teen 1 and I escorted him back inside to rest.

After resting M thinks he may have pulled a muscle from twisting and cutting up logs in the garden. These were from the 2 large Sycamore trees we had cut down. We also cancelled our second camping holiday - booked in The New Forest. The plan was to take the teen's bikes so they could be more independent. We planned to visit our old church in Hampshire and my Mother-in-law. Sitting for a prolonged length of time on a car journey was out of the question for M, so we stayed at home.

Determined to enjoy some degree of a stay-cation, we relaxed and pottered about at home. These Sweet Peas were grown from seed from my parents garden. I was hoping we'd have a more abundant display, as they're perennials we're hoping to see more of them next year.

My quiet corner for some peace in the garden when it's too windy to sit outside. The tomato plants are dominating all the space at the moment. M has some dahlias, lupins, nasturtiums and carnations growing in there too. They'll all be transferred into the borders at some point. I noticed he's cluttered up my chair as well, the camera never lies.

Talking of cameras, this one is new to me, a birthday gift from M. I had a list (when don't I) of what it must do and slowly I'm getting used to it. I wanted one that although was point and shoot, had a program mode. M previous Canon camera I used was bulky and a pain to upload photographs as it wasn't compatible with the laptop. On this one Canon powershot SX620 HS, you can program - white balance, vivid colour, close up, auto exposure or program and flash on / off. There are many more features but these were the main needs.

Behind the greenhouse, the teens have loaded the crates M built with logs, ready for the winter.

Teen 2 has been busy helping M clear this border of removing stacked logs and weeds. The plan is to clear all the borders of weeds and plant up with anything worth keeping in the cleared spaces. A sort of garden shuffle. Until we know exactly the cause of the pain M experienced, he's taking things slower. He's looking into sourcing parts for repairing the caravan, though any repairs will need to wait a bit.

Having set up the tent for teen 2 in our place at the campsite, we visited him daily to provide his lunch and hang out and chat with the other campers. He ate with the other families there and though he'd originally planned on being alone (boring) in case people spoke to him, 2 of his friends joined him. They sang their hearts out karaoke style to music on his phone. I wished I'd given him a small campus burner as he loves his tea and was eating with people that never drink tea or coffee! Another family made him a cuppa one morning much to his delight, though they may not have enjoyed the singing the previous day.

Everyone had a fantastic time and there's talk of doing another one next year, they all joined in with the wide games and man hunt. Teen 1 and I enjoyed practicing on the site's golf driving range. Lots of chat and relaxed afternoons before we came home to comfy chairs and beds.

As weird and sad as it sounds that we didn't go away on holidays this year, we did all pull together as a family. Teen 1 especially showed a level of understanding, strength and determination that was admirable, particularly in sorting out the caravan twice and covering it in tarpaulin - not an easy task. We've played a few games of Rummikub as a family, particularly teen 2 has enjoyed 'leaving his room' for a very addictive game. This particular set was purchased from ebay after failing to find one in a charity shops.  

  

QT was determined to be included, he's had a very bad week with flea trouble. I treated him a week ago with Frontline from the vets. It's useless, 35 fleas later either burned in the grate, spliced in half or drowned after combing, things are improving. We've collected more room spray from the vets today and more treatment due in 3 weeks time. Sorry if you've started itching! Thankfully he's a good natured boy who likes being brushed and combed. He knows the next step is Dreamies cat biscuits.

NB the drowning method seemed to be the most effective. A small bowl of soapy water a flea comb, or in our case an old metal nit comb, a tissue and then flush it all away. I think the poor lad is feeling a bit bemused as he's never been so well groomed.

 You've gotta be kidding me! 

No. If I don't look, you can't see me. 

Craftwise, I've been quietly continuing with my crocheted blanket, I can see the end of this particular project and it's making me think of - what's next. The scarf, lighter and smaller has been taken out and about to be worked on too.

The rest of the holiday will be spent trying to fit things in such as shopping for school and college clothes, shoes and coats. Swimming and other activities continue as normal.

Thank you for reading, I hope you have a lovely summer whatever you do.
Do leave a comment and follow if you've enjoyed reading.

Five on Friday - Wooden gifts for hooks and needles.

I've not blogged for a while and found myself missing being in touch with you all in blog land. It was my birthday on Monday, Yay! 38 again (she lied). I've lost count of the years that I've celebrated my 38th birthday. It's a good sounding age and I'm sticking with it until I forget how old I really am.

I'm joining with Five on Friday again with some wooden craft items that were gifts once a while ago.

First up is a wool tree given to me by my husband for my birthday this week. It's been put to good use already.

Next is a needle case and pin cushion from my in-laws. I think they were both bought from Bosham craft centre some years ago. My Mother-in-law used to sell her hand made pottery lamps and planters - fired at home, in the craft shop upstairs. If ever you're visiting West Sussex do have a look in the little shops there. They are frequently changing vendors as different ones leave and new ideas take their place. Bosham harbour itself is a lovely place to visit, a bit muddy in places if you try wading out. Langstone harour nearby in Hampshire which is also well worth a visit if you like strolling along picturesque harbours.

Bobbin lace, wow this takes me right back. My first Christmas present from hubby, 29 years ago. I bought him a sea-grass wooden stool kit that year, which we still have in the lounge. When we lived in Kent, we'd visited a craft place and saw a lady sitting with her bobbin lace pillow working away. After chatting with her about my bobbin lace, I think she had designs on me taking over from her in demonstrating how bobbin lace was done. It was a voluntary thing with most visitors over the weekends and holidays.

Whilst in Birchington, Isle of Thanet, Kent, I ran a small group called 'Needles and Lace'. It started once a month at the local church, a bit like a knit and natter group, but for any crafts using needles or lace work. I took my bobbin lace cushion in one evening so that everyone could have a go. It's quite relaxing, whilst working in 2 x pairs of bobbins - sticks with beads attached.

Mine has become all a bit disheveled in it's box in the wardrobe. Generally speaking when you make up and align your bobbins, each pair should look identical. All the bobbins line up, the first end pair on the left 1, 2, is the working pair, working with 4 bobbins numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 you cross the bobbins in sequence taking the first working pair along to the end of the line, like this. The basic stitch 'cloth stitch' is the simplest to start with. After the first pair on the left reaches the other side, you insert a pin in the pre-marked card to hold the thread and continue back again. There are many videos on youtube if you're interested in seeing some lace being made.

My late Father-in-law made me this wooden table as a gift one year. It is well made and something that I'll treasure for ever. It sits alongside my arm chair and as it's a table too is often laden with all-sorts, such as a cup of tea, hand cream, box of tissues etc.

Thank you for stopping by to read, please leave a comment and if you enjoyed reading, please follow.

Fast Blog

Book reading

Apart from continuing with crochet work, recently I've been spending time reading. It's probably because it's summer and not wanting to be buried under the woolly blanket that I'm crocheting.

First off was the June book club read. I thought it'd be wise to read this one first before turning to my other books. Below are some questions for the book based on a generic set I found on-line. This book is part of a set called 'The Four Seasons Collection' the series is found here.

A Spring Affair  Questions

1. Your experience - what are your thoughts about the title? How would you describe the book eg how did it make you feel? Were you engaged with it immediately or did you take a while to get into it?

2. Describe the main characters, their motivations, inner qualities. Are they justified, do you admire or approve of them?

3. Are the main characters dynamic - changing or maturing by the end of the book? Do they learn about themselves, how the world works and their role in it?

4. Discuss the plot - is it interesting, a fast pace page turner or does the plot unfold slowly. Were you surprised by anything, or was the story predictable?

5. The books structure - Is there a single viewpoint or shifting viewpoints?

6. Did you enjoy this book and would you read anymore of Milly Johnson's books.

                                                  

Last week I read 'Summer in Orchard Valley' details here. It's a typical Debbie Macomber romance novel. An easy quick read that I've read before but wanted to re-read as it's a summer title. The book is split into 3 parts with each of the sisters featuring in a separate book. I love Debbie's books so will often fall back on her many many titles. They are not by any stretch described as deep, strenuous or meaty, instead they are comfortable and familiar.

Next I read Summer Wedding bells which continues with two of the characters from 'Summer in Orchard Valley' for details see  here. For now I'm working my way through my own bookshelves and TBR pile. Apart from the book club read which is Anne Tyler's A Spool of Blue Thread, I'm continuing with some more Debbie Macomber books for the summer. Then I'm hoping to read some of the books below.

I've been watching the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency film and series. There are some available on You tube and the DVD's are available to buy through Amazon. I've read the first four books and want to read more in the series. For more titles and details in the series see here. It's such a shame that it's sadly no longer produced on TV. If you've seen them on TV you'll have met Precious Ramotswe the detective, Grace Makutsi her secretary sporting her 97% pass mark at the secretarial college and Mr J L B Matekoni the wannabe husband of Precious and local car mechanic / manager.

Thank you for reading, do let me know if you've read any of the books I've spoken about. Or leave a book recommendation that you've read. It's raining at the moment so having prepared tonight's dinner of lasagne, baked chocolate brownies and made pastry ready for the pasties for tomorrows dinner, I'm off to catch up on more reading.

Cooking

M bought me some Chrysanthemums, these ones had been dyed some interesting colours. It reminds me of the kids science experiment, where you stand some celery with the leaves left on, in a jug of dyed water. Slowly they 'drink' up the dye and the leaves change colour. Something pretty and cheerful as I've been absent for a while.

Thank you and welcome if you've recently starting reading my blog. It's mainly about my craft work, in particular crochet but you'll also find some knitting occasionally, cooking, books I'm reading and my beautiful 16 year old Maine Coon cat QT who is moulting lots at the moment.

Today QT is hanging round the kitchen, after a roast chicken at the weekend I wanted to use up the leftovers. As soon as the carcass is out the fridge he appears. This is no surprise really, but he'll be disappointed, as he'll not be getting any chicken. I find if he has any chicken, he'll be fussy and refuse his own cat food. 

This recipe for chicken pie is simple to make however you like really. You could buy ready made shortcrust or puff pastry. I made some shortcrust pastry whilst M cut up the vegetables and striped the chicken carcass.

The recipe calls for some asparagus cup of soup but any vegetable one will do. One thing I always forget is to only use half a cup of boiled water. The mushrooms etc produce plenty of liquid too.

QT's waiting again by the dining room table, for 'our' pie to come out the oven. This is his subtle, not really interested look. 

So onto my crochet and a quick blanket update, a bit more has been done since I was last on here. Sorry I've been absent from my blog lately, progress is slow on my blanket too. I don't tend to take it with me anymore when I go to knit and natter as it's just too big and bulky on your lap, especially in the heat. Everyone wants to keep taking a look each time, or ask questions and look at the attic 24 blog pictures too. Instead I've taken smaller projects that take up less space in the bag and aren't generally too much of a distraction.

It reminds me of when I used to take my cross stitch to work at Boots many years ago. After my lunch I'd sit and do some cross stitch before going back to work and then someone wanted to look through the pattern book or magazine you're working from. Promptly ending the sewing session!

It's looking very blue at the moment, time to reach for the sky! The turn of the blue yarns, a welcome change from the many greens. I really must get this finished, it's my birthday soon and I want to do another crocheted blanket. When we were away recently in our caravan I took my coastal cushion and it looked very much at home. I'm planning on taking the blanket away in the caravan the next time too.

I've been reading a lot lately but will talk about books next time.
Thanks for reading, do leave a comment below, I love to hear from you. Remember to add a photo of your craft work on my facebook page, I would love to see what you're making.
If you've enjoyed it, please follow.
Cx

Thriving, sorting and reading.

Some beautiful flowers that M bought me recently. I've cut out the pollen stems as I'm not keen with QT about. He doesn't tend to go on the dining room table but... cats, they're a law unto themselves.

My orchid plants, I'm both amazed and pleased that they're both alive and well a year later. More impressively they've both flowered again. Usually the only safe plants for me to care for are Christmas cactus, see here for more photos of orchids.

I've been having a good sort out of my wool and other craft storage. Unfortunately I can't keep everything altogether all in one room, there just isn't the space. There's some in the lounge that I'm currently working on, some stored in the bedroom and some colouring in the front porch. Then there's craft books on the landing bookcase and magazines in the dining room. The new storage unit has cotton yarn in the top lift-up flap, then below 4 pull-out drawers for other yarns here. There's more yarn in the storage box on the shelf and an ottoman in both the lounge and the bedroom, both are full of craft stuff too.

As my crochet blanket is getting too big to carry about with me to craft circle, I've started crocheting a few other smaller projects. This beautiful One-Skein Chevron scarf I saw when browsing Thistlebear's blog and instantly loved it, the lacy wavy lines are easy to do, here is the link to her blog. Jennifer crochets her beautiful scarves for teacher's end of year gifts, which I think is a lovely idea. The pattern is by Dena Stelly and can be found here and the yarn I've used is Stylecraft special aran, in pale rose, seen here.

I will definitely be making this scarf again but will take Jennifer's advice and use a larger hook size next time. I started off using a UK 5mm but in future will use a 5.5mm hook. I did crochet a few rows in the bigger hook size to compare and it looks much better. I will of course unpick those few rows and continue to the end. If you look closely at the photograph, you can see the wider part. It's an inch wider too.

I've finished the book for the book club early this month and am feeling quite pleased with myself. I finished it at the weekend and have seen on Fantastic fiction that it's part of a set, though I'm not sure if the characters appear in all or whether it's just the titles that link together conveniently. The series is called Four Series and the titles can be seen here. I will need to put some questions together for the newsletter.

I booked a table in our usual pub in the village for the family and teen 1 & 2 friend who stayed with us over the weekend. The meal was their Friday night fish n chip special and as usual it tasted really good. My family pull my leg about always being in there but 10 times a year and another for the WI Christmas meal along with any family meals is hardly 'always'.

As I'm not behind on the book club read (for once), I've been able to catch up on my own books. Could this new leaf turning over be a regular occurrence, oh I hope so. A full list of Katie Fforde's books are here.

Thank you for reading, do leave a comment.
Cx