KC'sCourt

Tray Bakes.............. #1

2012-02-12T14:13:00.002Z

My version of tray bakes and you don't wash the mixing bowl inbetween!

Please ignore the butter icing, the icing nozzle was not big enough.

These Giant Fairy Cakes (fairy cakes in UK)/Cupcakes cooked in muffin cases.

Best to prepare everything before starting to mix.

Plain Cakes (front row)

Weigh one egg, then weigh the Sugar, Margerine (or very soft butter - but not melted) Flour the same weight.

Put the Egg, Sugar, Margerine, and three teaspoons water in to the mixing bowl and beat until very pale.

Sift in the flour and gently fold into the mxture.

Divide between four Muffin Cases

Cherry and Almond (middle row)

Weigh one egg, then weigh the Sugar, Margerine (or very soft butter - but not melted) Flour and Ground Almonds combined and Glace Cherries - Halved the same weight.

Half Teaspoon Almond Essence - optoinal

Cover the cherries with some of the weighed flour and coat them.

Put the Egg, Sugar, Margerine, and three teaspoons water and Almond Essence in to the mixing bowl and beat until very pale.

Sift the Flour. Gently fold in with the Almonds and Cherries

Divide between four Muffin Cases

Date and Walnut (Back Row)

Weigh one egg, then weigh the Soft Brown Sugar, Margerine (or very soft butter - but not melted) Flour, chopped Dates and Walnuts combined, Half Teaspoon Mixed Spice.

Put the Egg, Sugar, Margerine, and three teaspoons water in to the mixing bowl and beat until very pale.

Sift Flour and Mixed Spice. Gently fold in with Walnuts and Dates

Divide between four Muffin Cases

Cook for about 20 - 25 minutes 180 degrees or Gas 3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER

2012-02-05T09:51:00.002Z

My little boy is 26 today

Peter is second from left

Peter and his little boy Liam

Old Magazines

2012-02-01T17:40:00.001Z

We have quite a collection of these magazines.

This magazine was rather like the TV Times version of the Radio Times of today.

It ran from 1934 to the outbreak of war in September 1939.

They have many interesting articles of the Radio Personalities of the time

and the adverts are really fascinating! I have loads of others to show sometime!

The advert in the previous post was from another of these magazines.

(Click on pictures for a closer look)

This recipe caught my eye.................as I measure all my ingredients in exactly the same way!

Sell By Dates...............a new idea?

2012-01-26T18:28:00.001Z

We love looking at old advertising. Alex spotted this advert!

Cannot see the date.......but the Radio Pictorial magazine was dated 31 May 1935!

(click on picture to enlarge)

The young lad hanging out of the train carriage is Hughie Green.

He was featured in the ITV1 "The Talent Show Story" last Saturday.

Don't get angry.........

2012-01-22T17:20:00.000Z

Get crafting!

The first thing new owners of where I have been working for the last seven and half years did was to cut my hours! As you can imagine I was not at all happy, but with this extra time on my hands I have decided to craft if I get the ~~inspiration~~ motivation!

So this year I thought I would join in the Monthly Make with Annie!

I will do my best to make and show something once a month. I have loads of stash that needs using up and I need a good kick up the botty to get motivated.

I have promised myself to fill my shop with lots of goodies!

Here is my first make!

Meet Charlie and Daisy Mole

I found the pattern in a Vintage 1950's Needlework book and thought I would like to make them!

*********************

To anybody who knows I leave a comment on their blogs regularly and I haven't for a while. I have read all your postings but Blogger will not let me leave a comment on some blogs, and also if I want to return to a blog after I have read it once it just sits their as if to say you have read it once why do you want to read it again and then crashes!!

WHY........................?

2012-01-15T12:31:00.000Z

...................Did my Jam Tarts end up as bits of pastry with a dollop of Raspberry jam slapped in the middle?

They did taste good though!

ONE TODAY!

2012-01-10T15:49:00.000Z

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIAM

Our other little Sweet Heart is one today!

Ok where did that year go!!

Blowing Away the Cobwebs!

2012-01-02T15:50:00.001Z

The sky went black, it was only just before midday and the heavens opened! Two minutes later sun was low in sky and very bright. It was then we decided to go down to the sea just to blow the cobwebs away, back to work tomorrow after being off from the Friday before Christmas.

Since blogging I have never actually taken photographs of Minehead when the tide was in. This morning not only was there bright winter sunshine but the tide was in!

Looking towards Butlins (not in the picture)

The from Butlins to the Quay

It was 11.58 when this photograph was taken at the "human" sundial

Although there wasn't a train in the station. There was a surprise in the station shop. A surprise in which I had to do a double take, then I'm still wasn't sure until the lovely lady said hello, it was Hen. Lovely to see you all gain, hope you enjoyed your trip to Minehead and you didn't get too wet. After a little chat we said our goodbyes to them walked back to the car and drove home in time to see darkness arrive and the heavens open again about an hour after last time!

~~~HAPPY NEW YEAR~~~

2012-01-01T09:52:00.001Z

*~*~*~*Joyeux Nouvel An *~*~*~*Godt Nytår*~*~*~*Gelukkig Nieuwjaar*~*~*~*

*~*~*~*Glückliches neues Jahr*~*~*~*Buon anno*~*~*~Kalendis Ianuariis*~*~*~*

What are you doing this year?

I Don't make plans - they never work out if I do, I Never make resolutions - I never keep them!

When I checked back to last year I said I would set my self little tasks, well the little tasks did happen but not until about September when I stopped working on Fridays, I was able to get on and do things with that extra day at the weekend so still working on the little tasks.

A year ago I said I would just use from my stash of stuff, I did, but continued to purchase knitting yarn, mmmmmmmm...................note to self no more knitting yarn! Most of the time I went shopping with a shopping list, or better still sent Alex, he shops to the list - most of the time- 99% of the time, sometimes he bought in a treat, well as he said it was cheap! Have stopped going into Charity Shops, they are far too expensive, and I haven't seen many pretty dresses for Caitlin, very rarely seen any little boys clothes, some charity do not sell childrens clothes - as I was told by one managress when asked why - answer, "because we cannot be bothered"! Also now charity shops seem to sell lots of new stuff! I did go to the library a lot! With the exception of the lovely books I received as gifts from my good friend Jane, and she always seemed to pick the one I looked at and pined over - how do you do that? I haven't bought a book this year! Tip:: go to the library this time of year, all books seem to returned so the selection of books is great!

So all-in-all I think I will just take each day as it comes and just live for that day, but I have decided to do a craft fair this year, I will tell more about it another day, but it does mean I am going to have to start working on things NOW! Lots of sorting needs doing for this fair too.................

Now like last year I'm off to take the Christmas decorations down and write thank you cards!

My pretty Lillies new boss bought me for Christmas

Juicy Fig said she was going to try and blog everyday, I said I would try and leave a comment everyday!

Languages used at top of post

French, Danish, Dutch,German,Italian,Latin

Well its all over!

2011-12-29T11:14:00.003Z

How was your Christmas? All the blogs I have read recently you all enjoyed your Christmasses. Ours was very, very quiet. We knew it would be as we have already celebrated, so we just took it as an ordinary Bank Holiday. We didn't even have our Christmas lunch on Christmas Day! Not sure what happen there! Think it had something to with the chunky bread and smoked salmon we had about lunch time, we intended to have the cooked Christmas meal early evening, but the bread and smoked salmon was a bit filling! We enjoyed it even more the next day. We just chilled on Christmas Day!

I asked a my friend Thea to paint this picture for my husband

I decided to treat myself to a subscription for a magazine

It was lovely surprise our son Robert rang from Cambodia on Boxing Day, he was going to ring the day before but apparently the Vietnamese turn the international phone line off over night.........

I would like to share with you a line from his email which I read before the surprise phone call

*We watched the sun rise over the ruin temple, Anneka got bit by a monkey and we got engaged*

talk about dropping things into a conversation!

My Christmas Soup!

Heat about quarter pint chicken stock and finely sliced onion, carrots and Brussels Sprouts (they are only fairy cabbages really!) until soft and herbs of your choice. Add either tin of Tomatoes or packet of Passata then fill the tomato tin/passata packet up twice with water add to pan, add some frozen peas, I also added two large mushrooms, but you could add pasta instead, at the same time add any left-over cooked chicken. Make sure all the vegetables are cooked and the chicken is thoroughly heated through and serve.

Wish you Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T20:38:00.001Z

We purchased this sweet little vintage childs record player from Michele at the Vintage and Handmade Fair Chipping Sodbury at the beginning of December.

MERRY CHRISTMAS one and all!

Christmas does come early, its true!

2011-12-19T17:02:00.001Z

More of my advent pressies from Gill

Day 8 ~ Sweet Little Owl Keyreing

Day 9 ~ Christmas Essence

Day 10 ~ Candle

Day 11 ~ Pretty Labels

Day 12 Two Lollipops
Sorry I eat one before taking a photograph!

Day 13 ~ Sweetties

Day 14 ~ Small Slice of Handmade Soap

Day 15 ~ Felt Christmas Tree Decoration

Day 16 ~ Pretty Blue Eyeshaddow

Day 17 ~ Pretty Ribbon

Day 18 ~ Beads

Day 19 ~ Another Yummy Chocolate Teddy!!

Pretty Stocking I won from Ellie

Pretty Button Wreath I won from Kathryn

A HUGE thank you to Ellie and Kathryn

I'm very shy really!

2011-12-12T17:00:00.000Z

I don't know why but I do find it very awkward about showing off the things I have made, although I do show things on my blog I am very shy person really, blogging has helped me to get over some of the shyness though.

The craft shop I work in changed hands today. But for the last seven and half years Janet has always wanted to do a black and white window. This is her last window!

The two main pictures the Crinoline Lady and the Romany Caravan were designed and stitched by me!

A new era for me tomorrow..........

Well I thought they were a bargain......

2011-12-11T09:15:00.001Z

We needed to go shopping - the cupboards and freezer were running on empty! I haven't actually been shopping since the end of November when we needed a few bits for our family party, that wasn't a proper shop. There wasn't any cheappie flowers that day so I had to pay full price - £3! But yesterday in Morrisons I bought these four bunches for the grand total of £4. I still have all the ones I bought last month too. I do like a few fresh flowers, don't you.....?

Two mixed bunches ~ Lillies ~ White bunch

I'm here.............

2011-12-07T20:36:00.000Z

On Saturday went to the Vintage & Handmade Fair at Chipping Sodbury. It was my first visit and it was wonderful! The fair is organised by Jayne and what a wonderful job she did.

Sunday I started to feel unwell, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing and a hacking cough, and although I went to work on Monday morning, I really shouldn't have gone, but the morning was busy so it sort of took my mind off the sore throat. I slept most of the afternoon and and went to bed at 8 O'clock and slept right to till about 5am. Felt better and went to work on Tuesday and today, and I shall go tomorrow as I just have the cough now, the throat is quietening down, I have Fridays off, so I will be catching up on a couple of things.

Now I would like to say a very BIG thank you to Gill for my Advent Calendar

Day 1 ~ Three gorgeous buttons

Day 2 ~ I really enjoyed this cuppa!

Day 3 ~ Pretty earrings

Day 4 ~ Sweeties

Day 5 ~ Pretty parcel tape

Day 6 ~ Will grow these after Christmas

Day 7 ~ Chocolate Teddy
It has been spared because I go off of chocolate when I have a cold!

Happy Birthday ~ Merry Christmas ~ Bon Voyage..............

2011-11-27T09:28:00.001Z

Happy Birthday to our son Robert 29years old yesterday

Robert (centre) with his two brothers
year we had three boys in three diffrent schools!

The reason for the said title. We all got together yesterday, well it is only four weeks to the big day, Robert and Anneka are off on a six month sabatical on 20th December to Asia and Australia. So we thought we would start Christmas early!

Caitlin and Laim were allowed early Christmas present too!

Whilst everyone was together we took another family photograph

******************
Just thought I would add a footnote.......
This morning was just like Boxing Day -
all quiet and all over!!!

Thank you

2011-11-25T08:40:00.000Z

Just a post to say a big thank you for all of the lovely comments I was left after Wednesdays post. I also had a lovely enail too.

I still cannot find the infiltrater on my follow list (the blogs I follow - but I will!) and the two blogs I really don't want following me have been blocked, but they can still see me, that is the bit I do not like.........

So once again a very big thank you. I am going to draw a line underneath it all and just "Keep Calm & Carry On!"

I am Not Very Happy...........

2011-11-23T15:33:00.000Z

In fact I am quite ANGRY!

I posted my first post on 31st December 2007 I was so proud of my first post! I wasn't sure if I would keep on blogging but I have and feel so pleased with myself! NOW I am quite Cross! I have never had any nasty comments, and I certainly wouldn't leave any on any ones blog, but I have discovered I have two followers that I really do not want to associate myself with, and someone has also infiltrated my followers list. I have carefully looked through the list and clicked the stop following button on who I thought it was, but this particular blog has turned up twice since (this blog doesn't seem to have any followers and I don't want to leave a comment or send a email asking them to go away as I don't want to get into a conversation with them). All this has happened since blogger went wrong in the summer, when I completely lost my blog for about a fortnight.

I have been thinking of changing the name of my blog which means I am going to have to start from scratch, I don't really want to do that, or just change the name of my blog and hope these two do not notice. Some people say it can be unlucky to change the name of something, but I think I am may to have to. I am still happy to leave blog open to everyone, and I will not be moderating the comments (I can't at the moment it affects my husbands email address for some reason!).

I will give it till the end of the year and see what happens...................

Two things!

2011-11-20T15:21:00.002Z

One ~ Can anyone help me find out how to find the "Google Analytics Identifier" Field Number for Folksy. Aparantly this tell you (me) how many people have viewed an item in my shop. Also is anybody else finding them remarkably slow?

and

Two ~ Have you noticed, that Blogger now displays blog photographs in a new way, well if you go here Jan will tell you how you can return it back to the old way!

Button Style Brooch

2011-11-16T15:08:00.000Z

Stumpwork embroidered Pansy Brooch

Well they say its good for you!

2011-11-13T09:38:00.001Z

PORAGE OATS

Give this to me as a child and I would turn my nose up at it! We now have porage more or less every morning during the winter. Our sons weren't impressed by it, but the younger one liked it occasionally especially if he was desperately hungry! He even would make it himself when a teenager. I cook it in the microwave, I burn the bottom of the pan when making it in the saucepan! Start it the night before, but if not try and soak the porage for a least half and hour in a large bowl/jug in milk. (I make it with all milk).

For two people ~

Put one measuring cup of Porage Oats in a microwavable bowl/jug (about 3ozs). Cover with two cups milk (3 quarters of a pint) Either leave overnight in the fridge, or prepare about thirty minutes before cooking. Microwave for 5 minutes medium high power (I would experiment with your microwave timings because I found each microwave is different). This amount of time works for us. Add sugar one rounded tablespoon sugar. Add sugar to taste. I know you should have salt - never quite fancied that!! Do not add sugar before microwaving or the person who cooks it cleans the microwave!

I like mine with a little grated Nutmeg.

Vintage Needlework Magazine

2011-11-12T12:43:00.001Z

I already have a copy of this little magazine, which would have been quite expensive at the time.

I love the clear illustraions

My other copy cost £2, this copy was a real bargain and in far better condition too.

This copy cost all of 10p both from charity shops!

We will remember them!

2011-11-11T07:53:00.000Z

At the11th Hour on the 11th Day of the 11th Month

The Soldier

If I should die, think only this of me:

That there's some corner of a foreign field

That is for ever England. There shall be

In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;

A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,

Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,

A body of England's, breathing English air,

Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.

And think, this heart, all evil shed away,

A pulse in the eternal mind, no less

Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;

Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;

And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,

In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.

By Rupert Brook 1887 1915

last sonnet written1914

Step back in time...........

2011-11-08T16:41:00.001Z

1940's style brooch

SOLD

I knew there was a reason.........

2011-11-06T08:03:00.000Z

As to why I delayed in making my Christmas Cake.

On Friday morning while I was waiting for a friend to go for coffee with. The charity shop had just opend its door, (the only one which opens early on a Friday for Farmers Market trade). While I was waiting for Jill I went in and had a look just to see what they had definitely not intending to buy anything but on the shelf were these cake tins for £5 as you see never been used, twenty years ago I had the large ring and tray from an offer from a magazine for twice that which I still have!

I fitted in two large round cake cases into the medium size ring

and made my Christmas Cake. This year I soaked the fruit in the Brandy the day before and everytime I passed the bowl gave the fruit a stir. I also added a few Cranberrys and Dried Pineapple. I do not add nuts anymore as my DIL is allergic to them.

My Version

Weight of 4 eggs in
Butter, Muscavado Sugar, Self Raising Flour + one extra ounce of flour

1lb Mixed fruit (doesn’t have to be accurate near enough will do)

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 tsp Mixed Spice

4 oz Glace Cherries
3 Large Tablespoons of Brandy

Cream together the butter and sugar and eggs till very pale in colour.

Mix all of the dry ingredients fruit together and then add to the mixture.

Fold in gently.

Add the Brandy and stir in gently

Bake in a warm oven, 140°C (gas mark 1) for about 3 hours,

Test after about 2hours
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Original Receipt

Weight of 4 eggs in
Butter, Muscavado Sugar, Plain Flour

Plus 1/2 teaspoon of Baking powder
1oz of Ground Almonds

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Mixed Spice

6 oz Currants

6 oz Sultanas

6 oz Raisins

6 oz Mixed Candied Peel

4 oz Glace Cherries
2oz Blanched Almonds
Brandy, Port or Rum
　
Cream together the butter and sugar and eggs till very pale in colour.

Add the eggs one at a time slowly.

Mix all of the dry ingredients together and then add to the mixture.

Finally add the brandy, rum or port and fold in gently.

Bake in a warm oven for about 3 hours, test after about 2hours

600th Post

2011-11-03T18:16:00.000Z

My 600th post!

I wanted to celebrate this post with something else, but that will have to stay a mystery for a while longer! Here are a some pics of my other makes!

Well I didn't make this! I found it basking in the winter sunshine on one of my towels. If anybody knows what it is please tell..........

I made this Apple Crumble with apples I was given.

I use butter and demerara sugar for the crumble it gives a shorbread taste!

I made these brooches

I made these Vintage Style Wash Cloths

and these Christmas items

In the days before plastic surgery............circa 16 July 1937!

2011-10-26T18:34:00.000+01:00

In the days when it seems it was ok to really hurt peoples feelings by making them feel inadequate in the "womanly figure" department! Amazing really, were women really "pitied by women and ignored by men" if they were less than well endowed. Most intriguing though is what was the "something" that they would send you? As they used to say "answers on a postcard......."

Better than any prescription!

2011-10-14T16:48:00.000+01:00

After a visit to the doctors this afternoon, I had to collect a prescription from the chemist. So while I was waiting for it to be prepared I went to the news agents nextdoor!

Saw this magazine!

It is new to me as I have never seen it before.

It came with a free Tea Cosy. I bit small for the average pot I think though, or you can make one of two other items from the fabric.

The Lavender cushions are quite pretty.

Think I may try and make this for Caitlin as an extra Christmas present!

Apples and Tea Cosies!

2011-10-09T15:58:00.002+01:00

About three weeks ago my friend Jackie and a her sister popped over for lunch. We chatted and mooched around the charity shops. She bought with her a carrier bag of apples. I wasn't sure if they were cookers or eating apples, I forgot to ask so I treated them as cookers. So far I have made.......... I now suspect they are eating apples!

Apple Upside Down Cake

(I'm sure everybody has heard of Pineapple Upside Down Cake)

I used my usual sponge cake recipe but using two eggs.

Put the apples in the bottom of the dish and cover with sugar, then put the cake mix on the top.

About 40 minutes.

Apple Cake

Weigh three Eggs,

weigh the weight of eggs in Butter and Demerera Sugar,

weigh Self Raising Flour to the same weight as eggs and add another 3ozs

half teaspoon of Cinnamon

1 teaspoon of Mixed Spice

2lbs Apples - peeled and chopped (not too large and not too small)

80ml (eighty) Apple Juice

Cream butter and Sugar till pale.

Beat in the Eggs one at a time (if it looks like this don't worry!)

Sift the Flour, Cinnamon and Mixed Spice and carefully fold into mixture.

Fold in the chopped Apples and Apple Juice

Cook on 160 degrees for about an hour,

put in a skewer or knife and if it comes out clean it is cooked

(I don't have a large cake tin so I divided the mixture between two 8" loose bottom tins)

Eat warm with cream or custard or just have cold with a cuppa!

Which brings us nicely to these Tea Cosies which I have made!

They can be found here!

Jolly Weekend!

2011-10-02T18:09:00.001+01:00

Beautiful weekend, well in the Southwest anyway! Anybody would think it was a height of summer, but alas no it is 2nd October, something to do with the Gulf Stream! And it is very disconcerting that is is really hot and it gets dark by 7.30 and getting dark earlier every minute. Bit too hot for me I'm afraid, I don't do heat very well. We both had a wonderful weekend though. First of all we went to Taunton yesterday morning ~~just to look at the shops~~ I bought Liam some clothes (a fur lined jacket would you believe?) for part of his Christmas presents; I also tried to purchase cotton sheeting for the quilts I am making but the shop said they were ordering Monday. Then we had lunch, did a bit more looking round the shops. When the time for the carpark was up we drove to here and had a fun afternoon Great place for nostalgia in childhood TV. I can actually say I remember every Dr. Who since 1963 with William Hartnell (never thought then I would actually have a son who would appear in an episode of Dr Who) and although I personally was not allowed to watch much TV especially on days weatherwise like today, and I was only allowed to watch things approved by mum, and remember TV was not 24hrs then either I could name nearly every character!........Oh! I feel really old!

There was a different varieties of radios

and televisions in every corner and space possible

Muffin the Mule - one of the first television puppets

as well as many toys and games with a TV theme

as well as books and annuals

as well as radio annuals

I remember this character very well. He is called Twizzle. Twizzle had concertina legs who always helped his friends. Is there anyone else would like to remember Twizzle.......?

photo collection of the Man from Uncle

I have a blank wall in my kitchen, I asked for a large picture of David McCallum

Wasn't allowed one!

after afternoon tea and cake at the museum

we went to see Hen and her lovely family and wonderful cottage

I purchased this for Caitlin, but grany thinks she may keep it to be played with only at her house. The dollies are mine from when I was Caitlins age. I managed to find the knitting pattern to re-make the white clothes!

Yes that is a grass skirt you see on the black doll, but it has been there since she was created probably the early fifties!

This morning we went a book fair and bought these Caitlin and Liam

after lunch we went to the station to see what was there as it was a Steam Weekend.

...........it was Norton Manor having a photo-shoot on the turntable! Something us locals don't often see because they only seem to use it for special weekends!

Cornish Pasty's........................?

It seems the whole franchise is wrong!

someone else has complained about it too!

One Tiring Saturday

2011-09-25T12:47:00.000+01:00

photo taken just before opening!

Yesterday just before 8am my friend Janice picked me up to drive an hour and quarter to Exeter. I helped her on her stall till 5.30. A very tiring day but a very good one with good company.

Some of the kits Janice produces

I also chatted with Sue Hawkins her work is spectacular!

One of the exhibition pieces were these beautiful dresses.

My photographs do not do them justice!

The dresses as worn in Downton Abbey

Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham's dress

as worn by Dame Maggie Smith

Creative Stitches - Exeter

2011-09-20T17:10:00.000+01:00

I will be here on Saturday with my friends Bill and Janice on their stall C37 County Needlecraft,
I will be there all day! Come and say hello.............

Very embarrasing and Thank you.

2011-09-13T16:29:00.000+01:00

I would like to say sorry........... Why I hear you ask? It it's all very embarrassing. I am not very good at English comprehension, never have been but then I blame my senior school, and an English teacher called Miss Drake. I can still see her now in her low heeled shoes and tweed suit. Dare I say very 'old school' but this was 1967, I was eleven, first week in my senior school wanting to try hard for everyone and I was bored! It wasn't that I didn't want to learn, but excuse me I always thought in my naivety that English lessons were reading classics, which I did, not just Dickens and Austen in later life, but also read and enjoyed Children of Green Knowle by Lucy M Boston and Railway Children, and Five Children and It by Edith Nesbit and Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce - . I could carry on listing the books I have read over the years, but quite honestly you will get bored! I always thought it was getting the spelling correct, I was always top of the class for this, and knowing where the punctuations go. I just couldn't get on with English. Ask me to do a five hundred word essay, just like that, forget it! Tell me what did Hunting, Shooting and Fishing and Sex have to do with English….? I can still see the words on the blackboard now and this was only my first week. I tried my best! I have been known to cry out of frustraion because I cannot do it!

Well anyway for all of this, my last post. Instead of reading "Everybodies"it should have read "Everybody's" I gave my husband a good laugh! He is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to the English language so I don't usually allow him near my blog unless I specifically ask for help, which I invariably do, but on this occasion I was in a bit of a hurry to do the post! Well that's my excuse anyway..............

THANK YOU to Lizzie for this pretty Lavender Bag

The Great British Seaside Swap

2011-09-07T17:27:00.000+01:00

After putting everybodies names in a pot. I duly drew eveyrbody in turn and partnered the first person with the second person and third with forth and so on.

My partner was Michela

I had some really lovely gifts from Italy

Some jelly sharks - quite safe I eat them!

A giant rock lollypop - I have eaten it yet!

Lip Gloss in a pretty shell container

Some crafty bits.

Painting of an Italian Fishing Village now hanging in my craft room

A fish themed necklace

It is black and silver and I think it is amazing.

A white cotton bag........

.......full of shell beads and abolone shell buttons

THANK YOU!

Hope evervbody who joined in had fun

Downsizing

2011-09-06T17:23:00.000+01:00

I have decided to downsize my brooch collection

If you would like to see them please go here

We did it!

2011-09-04T18:14:00.002+01:00

We finally did it!

You at the back there stop sniggering

OUT!

We went to the cinema and watched a 3D movie.

We bought our tickets and glasses and sat and enjoyed

The last installment of the Harry Potter story

Oh wow! Would we do it again........? We certainly would!

I won't spoil it in case there are some of you out there who still haven't seen it yet, but some of the scenes came out into the auditorium. We were very impressed!

The Great British Seaside Swap

2011-09-02T07:55:00.000+01:00

Just wondering how everybody is getting on........?

Michela has posted and I have posted be blogging about them soon!

At the bottom of the road there is a rather large train set!

2011-08-29T18:43:00.000+01:00

I've blogged about the West Somerset Railway many times before, but there is just something about steam trains isn't there?

We now have a turntable at the station, because at one time the West Somerset Railway was famous for the engine to leave Minehead backwards!

This week we again had a "TORNADO" (a little video taken two years ago) visiting.

Read about Tornado here

Also on the station platform is this little model of the Hogwarts Express.

Don't Feed the Seagulls!

2011-08-21T17:09:00.001+01:00

Meet Cyril!

He is hand knitted and can be found here

Two Years Old!

2011-08-16T18:04:00.000+01:00

Caitlin was two last Wednesday.

On Saturday all the family gathered in Okehampton to see Caitlin's great-grandad and to celebrate Caitlin's bithday. Where has the last two years gone? Does anybody know?

We had an in-house entertainer. Uncle Robert taught himself to make balloon scultures.

He made the Little Mermaid. not too sure Caitlin was impressed, but we all were. He is self-taught and if we say so ourselves he is very talented.

We mustn't forget Liam. He slept for two hours, in amongst the chattering and laughter!

Vintage China

2011-08-08T17:05:00.000+01:00

Go here to find out more........................!

Family Tree Quilt

2011-08-07T17:58:00.001+01:00

In 2006 before I had a blog!

I made this quilt for our very good friends David & Jane

Made from twelve 'nine-patch' squares and thirteen plain squares.

The four corners are hand quilted ~

Jane has two tortoises, she loves Snowmen, collects Rocking Horses and has a Horse call Shiloe

Nine of the squares are hand quilted with Hearts.

These three show dates of birth of Jane and David and their son Alan

The wedding dates of David and Jane and their son Alan and DIL Annabel (I have just filled this heart today)

The dates of birth of their two grandchildren, Thomas and Erin (which I also added today)

One Heart has their Surname and the other is blank awaiting to be stitched sometime!

This quilt looks odd because of the way it is quilted. Only the plain squares are quilted.

(In 2008 I completed this quilt)

SWAPPIES and GIVEAWAY

2011-08-02T20:37:00.001+01:00

The swap pairs are................

http://sandies-patch.blogspot.com/ & http://everydayisannewbeginning.blogspot.com/

http://blog.suepops.co.uk/ & http://sewonandsewon-noelle.blogspot.com/

http://vintagefromthevillage.blogspot.com/ & http://madaboutbagsuk.blogspot.com/

http://atalefromtoadstoolhouse.blogspot.com/ & http://moonstruckcreations.blogspot.com/

http://www.feltbyrae.com/ & http://ourlifeinthewhitehouse.blogspot.com/

http://agardenjustoutsidevenice.blogspot.com/ & http://kcscourt.blogspot.com/

HAVE FUN!
Please may I leave each of you to get intouch with your partners?
If there is any problems please email me

*****************

The WINNER of the Giveaway is..............

Please email me your address
http://moonstruckcreations.blogspot.com/

Dolly Needs a Frock!

2011-07-31T20:23:00.002+01:00

Are you sitting comfortably then I’ll begin………..

Once upon a time last summer Grandma went to a boot fair and saw …….

A pram and a buggy

Grandma instantly thought they would make a lovely present for Caitlin. Caitlin was only just a year then and grandma thought her a bit small for them both, so grandma decided to give the buggy to Caitlin for Christmas with a dolly and a carrycot.

Grandma didn’t actually see Caitlin till after Christmas when her little brother Liam was born. Everyone had two Christmases and Caitlin got her presents late. Caitlin had grown so she was able to push the buggy around - empty! Whenever Dolly or a teddy were put in the buggy they instantly got tossed out! She prefered the buggy was pushed around empty.

Fast forward to Easter when they visited Grandma and Granddad, Grandma set up the pram for Caitlin to play with, really to see if she would fit the pram and that she wasn’t too short for it. This time Grandma found a teddy and put this in the pram so Caitlin could see what you are supposed to do. Teddy was pushed up and down the garden a couple of times, unceremoniously pulled out of the pram and dumped on the ground then put back much to the joy of everyone watching, but we all said we hope she doesn’t do that to Liam!

Grandma was happy that this year the pram would be suitable for Caitlin so she thought she would make another dolly for Caitlin. Grandma remembered she had a pattern for a very large rag doll, a life size rag doll in fact, but just couldn’t remember where on earth it was without upturning the whole house. Instead she scoured the internet and found a download for the same dolly as Grandma knew she had somewhere. This Dolly, being life size, would be the same size as Caitlin is now, so rather than printing it out on A4 paper she printed it out on to A5 and made dolly half the size and this size is more suitable for dolly's pram.

Dolly has been made a while now, but now needs some clothes. Grandma was going to the big town to meet a lady called Dee so while she was there she thought she would look in the shop that sold fabric. Grandma knew the price of cotton had shot up but didn’t think it was that expensive! Grandma was sad because she saw some really pretty fabric that had roses all over it but it was £12 per metre; even if she bought enough to make Caitlin a dress as well, she still couldn’t justify the cost. Then Grandma had an idea! She would look in the charity shops for skirts and dresses. She found one on the way home that day which was a skirt with the label ‘Liberty’s’

Then Grandma went to visit Caitlin’s Great Granddad and whilst there scoured the charity shops and found more skirts, she also went into a shop and bought Caitlin some pretty dresses for her birthday. Although it wasn't Caitlin’s birthday till August, Grandma thought it would be a good idea to give her the dresses when visiting Caitlin on the way home from Great Granddads. The dresses were huge, so grandma offered to exchange them, but Caitlin’s mummy said not to worry Then Grandma had a secret idea in her mind! You see while she was visiting one of the charity shops in Tavistock she came across a vintage dress pattern so when she came home, Grandma washed all the skirts and hung them out to dry. Grandma took all the skirts to pieces after they had dried,. pressed all the material and made this pretty dress for Caitlin.

Then she remembered poor Dolly needed a frock!

So...........Grandma made this dress with matching knickers!

And this white frock, also with matching knickers!

She also dressed the pram too ready for Caitlin’s second birthday.

Both dolly's frocks and knickers and Caitlin's vintage style dress and the quilt on the dolly's pram plus the pram bedding were all upcyclced, dolly herself was made from new material.

Just a Reminder

2011-07-27T08:04:00.001+01:00

The Great British Seaside Swap

If you would like to join in add your names below.
There are not many rules:~

1) You have to be a follower of my blog
2) Five items
3) The theme is the SEASIDE *

GIVEAWAY

I have two copies of this book. My friend Jane gave me a copy for my birthday back in April.
So if you would like a copy please leave you name below. Draw will take place on 1st August.*

* please let me know which you would like to be entered in otherwise I will put your name into both 'hats'!

Shop Revamp!

2011-07-24T17:33:00.001+01:00

I have revamped and re-named my shop - please take a look!

Evening Stroll Round the Garden!

2011-07-21T18:52:00.001+01:00

Daisy that came from a stock that once belonged to my grandmother. She planted the original Daisies when she was a little girl in the 20's and took a clump of them when she married and moved into her own home, she moved twice after marrying and took a clump with her, after she died mum and dad were building their new home in Dartmouth so they took a clump with them, and when they moved from there mum gave me a clump and in turn I will give a clump each to the boys as they set up home.

Sparrows in the treetops

Hole punch or Caterpillar.....?

Is it my imagination or is everything very early this year......?

Our Weekend

2011-07-18T18:13:00.004+01:00

On Saturday we went to Exeter, I wanted to go to here.

We had lunch in the Cathedral cafe, very nice it was too.

More images cathedral here

When we returned home there was a parcel waiting for me from Sue

I hung the pretty bunting up at my kitchen window, got the idea from Hen

Picked the only Sweet pea that flowered

Made some cakes, the recipe can be found here

The Butter Icing is 3ozs Butter - 5ozs Icing Sugar and a few drops of Lemon Juice to taste ( I used a fresh Lemon because that is all I had!) Beat all together and spread onto cakes, add sprinkles if you wish.

We have a Triffid growing in the kitchen!

A friend gave me a lettuce the other day complete with root, last time she gave me a lettuce I tore the root off and just put it in the fridge needless to say the lettuce went ~~limp~~ no better description really manky! So I decided to put this lettuce in a vase of water, as you can see it is trying to take over the kitchen! By-the-way the lettuce actually look like that, I think it is a 'Ruby Lettuce'.

My Day Lily in the rain

Boot Fair!

2011-07-10T11:09:00.002+01:00

We actually got to a Boot Fair this morning. We missed the first two of the season due to other activities.

bought this painted wooden trug/basket. It says £3 but got it for £2.50 because the lady new me! Grabbed this puzzle much to a dealer's annoyance for 50p

This book of cigarette cards for £3.

This book of cigarette cards also for £3

...and keeping with the radio theme these Uncle Mac books for 30p each.

More flowers in the garden

2011-07-08T13:20:00.002+01:00

Pansies with their funny little faces
This yellow shrub has a buzz!
In the warm weather it is full of bees

My Yucca reaching for the sky

I Just love the way the Yucca flowers look.

.......and these poor things just need to head for the compost bin!

CHANGED THE DATES!

2011-07-02T10:37:00.006+01:00

After re-reading the previous post some one pointed out to me that some people may well be on their "Seaside Holiday" too, so the dates have now been changed

The selection will take place on Monday 1st August and the swap will be by Monday 5th September. So if you thought about joining in and would like to change your mind please feel free. Same rules as before, as I'm starting again please leave your comments on this post for both swap and book - Thank you

There are not many rules:~
1) You have to be a follower of my blog
2) Five items
3) The theme is the SEASIDE

Swap for this book will take place on Monday 1st August, as I will have to contact you by email you will be able to tell me the best time to send it if you are on holiday.

A SWAP! A GIVEAWAY! and My bargain flowers!

2011-06-30T19:22:00.010+01:00

Has Summer arrived..........not sure they say its gonna rain again........... We love the Great British weather, and I think we love the Great British Seaside too! That is my idea for a swap, well not really I had a lovely swap gift from Tracy. She sent me some lovely goodies appertaining to the Seaside, so I have to admit that is what gave me the idea for this swap!

There are not many rules:~

1) You have to be a follower of my blog

2) Five items

3) The theme is the SEASIDE

If you would like to join in leave a comment below, start the comment with Swap#. I will make the drawer on the closing date which will be Friday 15th July and all parcels to be received by 1st August.

Now for the Givaway!

My friend Jane gave me this book for my birthday. Whilst visiting my dad, I was rooting around the charity shops in Tavistock and came across another copy in brand new condition.

If anybody would like a copy of this book please leave a comment below, start the comment with Giveaway#. One rule you have to be a follower of my blog. If you would like to join in in both please leave two comments.

Cheapie Flowers...........

Our monthly trip to Tescos, and I bought these two bunches

This bunch of pretty Tulips

And these Gladioli - yep! 30p

They were £1.79

Then £1.50

This were they on Tuesday afternoon

The Tulips - the camera didn't do them justice they are a delicate shade of mauve

Today!

Thought I would show you our vintage kitchen table. We inherited it. Well I say we it was actually Alex's mothers. His parents bought the table just after they moved into their first home in about 1960. The flaps fold down to the size of about 12" (30 centimetres)! The table has seen everything from doing the wallpapering the loads of Christmas Dinners to being a dumping ground! We suffer from "Flat Surface Syndrome"

Kitchen #1

2011-06-28T17:20:00.005+01:00

Sunday - hot sunshine, I wasn't feeling well, I felt dizzy and nauseous not all the time but if I exerted myself I had to sit down shortly afterwards. I put it down to the weather, it was rather heavy and stormy and I felt like it the next morning too, but as soon as it started raining I was fine! Anyway enough of me! I thank Alex he did most of the work! Seven years ago, and things move very slowly in our house :~P we had a new kitchen, it is pale yellow, we chose yellow because we have an east - west house built in the very late fifties, so the sun is in the front in the early morning and at the back most of the day. Due to the lack of funds things came to a halt...........
Bare floorboards! They even had a wide black line painted around the edge of the floor so that lino or a rug is placed centrally in the room! At this point I have to say we swapped rooms the kitchen was built in the large dining room and the old kitchen which only held the sink and a cooker, fridge and couple of cupboards. I got a bit fed up with the floorboards, they just got filthier and grimy. I have even been known to get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floor, but getting a bit old for that now LOL! Alex found the yard broom and scrubbed the floor ready for Monday.

Two nice young men came and laid down some hardboard, didn't take them more that an hour and off they went saying see you tomorrow!

Today the two nice young men returned, I now have lino and metaphorically speaking I can eat my dinner off the floor :~)) You won't believe how happy I am! Now I just need Matthew to return to put the bases on the cupboards and it will be nearly finished! I say nearly finished! You remember I said it was an east-west, well the sun shines in the large window so I need a blind up the window, I have to time preparing the evening meals to coincide with the sun moving round at the moment, no excuse, the blind has been standing in the downstairs loo for about seven years!

The Roses in My Garden!

2011-06-27T12:38:00.003+01:00

White Roses

Red Roses

We have three of these Red Standard Roses

This Red Rose, in the paint box the colour is Vermilion!

I actually know the name of this Rose. It is called Silver Jubilee. Our friends David and Jane bought us this Rose for our Silver Wedding Anniversary six years ago, it is late flowering this year it normally flowers the week of our anniversary!

The day between!

2011-06-23T18:13:00.002+01:00

I was going to make this cake yesterday the day between our 31st Wedding Anniversary and my husband Alex's birthday today.

I was short of one vital ingredient which you cannot get very far without EGGS!

I needed a break!

2011-06-20T14:44:00.007+01:00

Sorry its been so long I just couldn't put one little grey cell in front of another! My poor little brain just couldn't do what I wanted it to do. I even went off crafting which it quite unusual for me! I did take photographs and on a couple of occasions I did try to write this post, but my body just walked straight past the computer!
Alex and I went to stay with my dad in Okehampton for a couple of very busy days, and came home more tired than when we went, we now need another break to get over that one. I did take some knitting with me to start something but didn't get very far with that either. Now I have had a break perhaps I can now create things. Trouble is I have been reading too many crafting books so now my brain has gone into overdrive again as it works faster than my fingers!

Before I go any further I would like to thank Tracy for my lovely Summer Swap gift. It arrived just before we went away. The name of my blog is a play on words, my surname in fact, but like Tracy our house also resembles the name, or perhaps more like Steptoes Yard in our case but some how I don't think I would have been able to get away with calling my blog that!!! I would love to see what Tracy does with the buttons! Please feel free Tracy to knock on my door when you are next this way...........

On Thursday we packed a few things and travelled to Okehampton to stay with my dad. If you know Okehampton you will know it is a small town on Dartmoor always damp (every time we visit it rains!) and not much there, but I saw these three little piggies. Back in Medieval times pigs were allowed to roam and scavenge the street during daylight hours.

Also on the end of some Terrace Houses is this relief picture.

Thursday dad wanted to visit mums memorial.

Mum died too soon.

On Saturday Alex and I travelled to Tavistock just thirty minutes from Dads.

I read on Sal's blog

about a Vintage Fair at Tavistock town hall.

We left quite early just really to get a parking space as the car park gets full quite early.

After we looked round the Pannier Market, we went for a hot chocolate, well it was a very damp morning for middle of June! Then we mooched around the town a bit, and went t0 the Vintage Fair and then back for a last look in the market.

I found the Craft shop and made a purchase which I will tell you about another day!

Yesterday.............

2011-06-08T16:29:00.003+01:00

Yesterday afternoon was delightful! It was spent with Dee . Sometime ago I joined a button swap. When I read the list of partners I couldn't have been more pleased. Dee only lives three quarters of an hour away in Taunton. We were due to meet Saturday, but it was postponed so a few emails later we arranged to meet yesterday. Alex and I enjoyed a lovely lunch and natter about 'retro' and years gone by, we all seem to have the same interests.

Except I had an embarrassing moment, but I didn't realise this until I got ready for bed. I had left some of her gifts behind, there they were on the bed where I had left them staring back at me! Have you ever looked at something and you know there is something wrong but you cannot put your finger on it...........well.............so please Dee please forgive me.

*************************

Despite all my recent moaning about blogger. I have started a new blog! I had been thinking of starting one for a while so here it is!

Just pottering!

2011-06-01T16:48:00.004+01:00

Haven’t done much recently - been a bit put off by Blogger! I can’t leave messages on blogs that have ‘select profile’. So if you have this sort of comment box and I normally leave a comment please please don’t think me rude. I can leave comments if the owner approves the comment first and I can leave a message in a comment box like mine.

Saturday evening meal was Paella. The recipe is the Wartime Housewife's and very nice it was too although I did not have any Turmeric.
Out of three dozen scones I made on Sunday I had one nearly perfect one which was eaten while still warm from the oven! Oh....they weren't for us! My boss Janet asked me if I would make some for the Cat Protection Cream Tea. I said I didn't mind doing it as long as someone picked them up. Think they made over £300 Sunday afternoon.

Finishing off the Button Swap I joined. My partner Delia lives near me so hopefully we are meeting up on Saturday.

And making a Rag Doll for a certain little person's second birthday in August

This is quite interesing!

2011-05-25T18:03:00.001+01:00

Hello again..........I'm Back..........Anybody there...........?

2011-05-24T16:52:00.006+01:00

Its not true that I have been put away for a couple of weeks! Its been very frustrating not to be able to blog! I got pretty miffed I tell you. You don't actually miss something till you haven't got it anymore! I do hope I still have you very lovely followers, and many many thank yous for all your support.

Well anyway would you like to have afternoon tea and a special cake with me.........?

It isn't quite BANOFFEE PIE and it isn't quite MILLIONAIRES SHORTBREAD it is a cross between both!

Make a biscuit base with Digestive Biscuits

I only had about 200grms of Biscuits - crushed finely

(use liquidiser or rolling pin and poly bag)

melt 100grams Butter and add the biscuit crumb

Push into the bottom of dish

When shopping the other day I saw this, but......if you cannot get this,

(buy a tin of condensed milk and put the tin of condensed milk in a pan of boiling water, (do not open the tin) and allow to boil for 2 hours . Make sure the pan doesn't boil dry. When done, remove the tin and leave to cool. When cool open the tin, the contents will have caramelised. Spoon the toffee onto the biscuit base.)

From here the decision is yours. I didn't put the bananas on top of the toffee because there is only two of us, and this would have lasted three days, don't think the bananas would have kept that long so I just topped the toffee off with melted chocolate (Cadbury's Dairy Milk).

Cut and serve with sliced bananas

**********************************************************

My son text me the last Thursday (18th May)

told us to watch BBC Local News (BBC Points West)

Robert is the Clown Fish!

One Whole Pound!

2011-05-11T20:07:00.004+01:00

I had lunch with my friend Val today -
she needed to go to a charity to pass a message on
so I strolled up with her you understand!
I spent £1

This box of pins 50p

As I was putting said purchase in my bag

I noticed the original price label

And I saw these three glass buttons

in the back of the draw 50p

I didn't need to go shopping!

2011-05-08T12:20:00.005+01:00

I really didn't need to go shopping again yesterday, we only needed bananas. As we were going to the to the Garden Centre which is near Tesco, we popped in, to get said bananas! I also bought this packet of chicken pieces.

In the box there was four drumsticks and three thighs..........

Made Chicken Korma.

Started it off in the pan then put it in a casserole dish to

finish off for the evening meal.

Inverted the casserole lid and baked two drumsticks

to have cold with salad for lunch today

Froze the other two for another day!

Served it with Spinach I bought on Tuesday. The Spinach was perfect in colour and texture despite in being three days old.

Wash the Spinach shake the water off, then melt a tablespoonful butter in a saucepan with grated nutmeg and ground pepper. When melted tip in the spinach and put the lid on the pan, turn off heat. After about a minute take the lid off the pan and the spinach should have collapsed into the butter, stir into the butter and serve.

Sorry eat my tea before I took the photos!

While we were in Tescos I saw these!

Aren't they bright and cheerful!

Put the flags and bunting out!

2011-05-05T13:27:00.004+01:00

My blog disappeared yesterday. All of a sudden it vanished! I was working on it and there it was gone!

It flung me into panic mode, what do I do? I had no idea, I'm not computer literate, I tried setting up a new blog, it wouldn't let me do that either. It said there was a blog already set up with that email address, and it wouldn't let me do it with my other email address either - no idea why but it wouldn't. I kept getting the page where it said I had to put in my mobile phone number - my mobile phone number is a closely guarded secret with only a few people having it. But I gritted my teeth and put the number in and voila here I am again!
I would like to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who gave me support yesterday. I was quite upset in the thought of losing a three year on line diary.

I am now contemplating changing the name of my blog, it won't be far from the name of this one, my dear friend Jane came up with a name yesterday whilst trying to set up a new blog. It will be like starting a new exercise book, do you remember doing that in school? Getting to the end of an old exercise book and looking forward to starting the new one.

Old Idea with a New Twist

2011-05-01T08:22:00.009+01:00

What has happened to the lovely weather? This time last week we sat in the garden albeit under the gazebo, but we sat in the garden! The wind has got up and the gazebo has been put away for another sunny weekend. Robert and Anneka are coming today because they couldn't make last week so we will have to eat indoors - oh well............

I have been extremely naughty despite of what I said!

I have added to my collection via Ebay.

This one came with its collection of threads,
but not sure I would finish it.

This one was designed for when television became popular

This one belonged to my mum, probably nanny too,
as you see it reads "knitting leaflets"

The new twist!

I made this one!

I would like at this point to say thank you to

Helen who renewed

my interest in embroidery

Using a fifties embroidery transfer belonging to my Nanny,

and vintage Irish Linen to embroider the design on,

I stitched it myself using traditional embroidery stitches.

Please enlarge the picture to see the stitches.

It can now be found here!

William & Kate

2011-04-29T13:51:00.001+01:00

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

Our Easter Weekend

2011-04-25T15:50:00.006+01:00

This weekend has been absolutely wonderful weather-wise, lets hope it continues for a good while - does anyone remember the summer of 1976 - I was working in the West End of London at my very first job then but that is another story for another day!

Good Friday we got up early and did the Tesco run - we were in the shop quite early to beat the crowds we were home and the shopping put away by ten!

I made some cup-cakes using this recipe and I cut the marzipan into tiny pieces, in fact it was what was left-over from the the previous cake.

I made some potato cakes made from left-over mash potato from the night-before and we had them with sausages and bake beans!

I read a lot of blogs that are being frugal, and save money and pass on tips so I thought I would show you some of my tips............

I use clothes pegs to close packets in the freezer and cupboards for packets of pasta and rice and biscuits

French Bread grated for breadcrumbs and freeze and these can be used from frozen

Because we live in a soft water area, I just use one tablet of soap powder so the box lasts me twice as long

I stand the washing up liquid upside down to get that last drop

and the shampoo bottle!

On Saturday Peter and Steph and children visited - Peter was roped in again to re-roof the shed, again!

Liam in the shade

Caitlin and mummy enjoying a book after playing with water

On Sunday Michael and Lizzie spent the day with us

Monday I completed a bit more stitching for Helen for the Bustle & Sew Magazine

Planted Petunias in the hanging basket

Sweet Williams in the tub

Sweet peas in the chimney

Waiting for the Lettuces to grow

Admiring the wallflowers

David and Jane popped round with a Clematis for me to put in my garden

Thank you. They joined us for a cuppa in the garden

Now back to work for three days and we do it all again next weekend

Hope the weather stays the same Robert and Anneka are coming then!

Well thats is for another year!

2011-04-17T13:09:00.005+01:00

I would like to say thank you for all the Happy Birthday wishes on Friday.

I had a lunch with my friend Sue last Wednesday,

and Friday my friend Jane came to visit with a box of Cream Cakes,

so Friday afternoon we chatted and eat Cream Cake and drank tea.

These few flowers are a gift from my garden

Easter Cactus from Jane

And these arrived Friday afternoon from my son

Michael and Daught-in-Law Lizzie

Jane also gave me this book and a tin of biscuits

This morning I was welcomed by this lovely picture in a

email of my grandson Liam

Today is MY Birthday NOT yours!

2011-04-15T08:04:00.008+01:00

........................to me!..........

When were at my Dads the other week, we watched Breakfast News (we’re not normally an early morning television watchers, but it was on while waiting for Dad to get ready for his hospital appointment.) and this group were on. They are Kitty, Daisy and Lewis and are a young group of siblings. If you like the Rock n Roll style of music, we recommend a listen. They specialise in using old analogue recording equipment.

We returned home after a long day and “googled” them and found they made Vinyl Records - yes good old vinyl records. I said to Alex that as I didn’t know what to buy him for his birthday, I would buy him one of their records.

This arrived yesterday on the EVE of MY Birthday! Mmmmmmmmmmm!

I knew it had to be Alex's birthday present

as this was the only thing we recently ordered from Amazon!

Such a very large box for such a small item...........

Alex didn’t know what to buy me, but there were a couple of craft books I wanted, but I will have to wait for them to be delivered!:-0

They look just the same...........

2011-04-13T16:07:00.005+01:00

Eleven months ago I took this photograph, same road and approximately at the same time of day . This road we go down every morning, when the white Cherry Blossom is out that is all that can be seen and after twenty-one years it doesn't get any better than this!

Card Making

2011-04-08T18:31:00.004+01:00

I have a motto "Make Much of Time" . It is actually an old sampler motto, but I have adopted it. This afternoon I decided to create some cards as I wanted to try and create something different! Not sure if these are different, I call them my Collage Cards.

They can now be found here

Simnel Cake

2011-04-02T18:34:00.004+01:00

I'll to thee a Simnell bring'Gainst thou go'st a mothering, So that, when she blesseth thee, Half that blessing thou'lt give to meI'll to thee a Simnell bring 'Gainst thou go'st a mothering, So that, when she blesseth thee, Half that blessing thou'lt give to me circ17thCentury

Tomorrow is Mothering Sunday. Originally the Simnel Cake was made for Mother's Day by girls in service who were given the day off to visit their mothers. The name is believed to come from a brother (Simon) and sister (Nell) who wanted to make a cake for their mother. During the Middle Ages the custom developed of allowing people who had moved away to visit their home churches, and their mothers, on the fourth Sunday of the Christian festival of Lent. The Simnel Cake signifies the end of Lent which is a period of fasting and repentance culminating in a feast of seasonal and symbolic foods. This cake is now made for Easter. On the top of the cake, around the edge, are eleven marzipan balls to represent the true disciples of Jesus; Judas is omitted. Marzipan Weight of 3 eggs in their shells Butter, Caster Sugar and Flour 1 lb dried mixed fruit 1 tsp ground cinnamon. 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Apricot jam (or any jam that happens to be open!) Line a 7 inch cake tin with parchment or greaseproof paper (like you would a Christmas cake). Divide the almond paste into three and take one portion and roll it to a round the size of the cake tin. Cream together the butter and sugar and eggs till very pale in colour. Mix all of the dry ingredients together and then add to the mixture. Fold in gently. Put half of the cake mixture into the tin, smooth and cover with the round of almond paste. Put the remaining cake mixture on the top of the marzipan smooth the surface carefully. Bake in a warm oven, 140°C (gas mark 1) for about 3 hours,test after about 2hours Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin. When cold roll another third of almond paste, again to the size of the tin. Make the remaining almond paste equally into eleven balls. Once the cake is completely cold, remove from the tin and brush the top of the cake with jam and cover with the disc of almond paste. Place the eleven balls of paste onto a heat proof dish and grill till brown. Place the marzipan balls evenly around the edge of the cake.

One Week at the end of March!

2011-04-01T15:21:00.008+01:00

One week ago today just as I was opening the front door after returning from work the telephone was ringing. Me - Hello....... Cynithia - I have your dad for you......... Dad - (very slightly slurring speech) What are you and Alex doing on Monday? Me - Working why? Dad - You can take me to the hospital! Me - Why? Dad - I have an appointment at 9.40am at Exeter and Cynthia can't take me! Me- Not sure I can, why? Dad - I had a funny turn this morning? Me - Why didn't they take you to the hospital Dad - I don't need to go till Monday Me - Can I speak to Cynthia.............. Me - I don't understand, if he has had a stroke why hasn't he gone into hospital? Cynthia - I took him to the local hospital this morning, they say he can go home the stroke was very slight, unnoticeable, and rest for the weekend, they have made an appointment for him on Monday I can't take him and he is not allowed to drive (by law you are not allowed to drive after a heart operation or a stroke for four weeks) They have changed his pills. Me - Ok - let me see what I can do. Couple of hours and two phone calls later....... Cynthia - Hello Me - We have Monday off can take dad to the hospital. Cynthia - OK, your dad has booked the room for two nights for you anyway. Me - Ok I will be on my mobile phone all day tomorrow, and we won't we arriving until late afternoon, I not sure what time. Saturday morning, we decided to go to Totnes as planned, the reason being, we hadn't had a phone call over night so decided everything was OK. Everything was he rang me to tell me Cynthia was taking us out to lunch. It takes about one hour and fifty minutes from Minehead to Totnes, some of the journey is on the motorway. Up in the sky we saw a weather balloon . We didn't arrive in Totnes till about 10.30 and parked down by the Quay and walked up the hill as usual calling in the charity shops, managing to kit Liam out for the summer, poor Caitlin didn't fair so well this time which is quite unusual for Totnes! Eventually got to the market and the Civic Hall and to the Nostalgic and Mix Fair run by Lesley. Helen presented me with this lovely gift for the birth of Liam She is having a giveaway on her blog just now, and also the issue 3 of her next magazine is out too, which the next part of her embroidery of Bear has been stitch by me.

I purchased some old magazines from three different stalls.

After lunching at Greys Tea Shop, we continued mooching around the shops. One shop which sells mainly musical instruments I found a set of postcards featuring the drawings by M. C. Escher. I find his work fascinating, and the drawings always turn on a puzzle-page somewhere!

After four hours in Totnes we went on to dads, to find him well. I cooked tea, he didn't want much, but when he saw my Cheese-on-Toast he was hungry! Sunday Cynthia took us to her golfclub for lunch, and afterwards we sat in the sunshine in the local park chatting, then came home.

Monday up bright and early to take dad to Exeter Hospital. We set the sat-nav, because we were approaching Exeter from a different direction from our normal way. If we followed the sat-nav we would have gone down a one-way street the wrong way in a bus lane! We soon recognised where we were and turned off the sat-nav and followed the signs. Arrived at the hospital and eventually found where we had to be, saw the consultant and who was very pleased with him, he didn't need to change his prescription again, and chatted to him asking him questions like have you any children, yes - this is my daughter and my son-in-law and I have great grandchildren! Then he had to go for a CT scan, and a blood test, when all of this was finished he took us for lunch in the hospital restaurant. Exeter hospital restaurant for lunch isn't too bad, can recommend it.

After dropping dad back home and a cup of tea we came home.

Weather this week hasn't been too bad, in fact the sun has been out this afternoon. Went into the garden took some photos to suit the sunshine!

Don't know what this is called - mum used to call it "Billy Buttons"!

Primroses

Forthsyia

Dandelion

Celandine

While at the Fair I bought this old fashioned string bag

circa late 1960's early 1970's for 50p. - mum used to use them all the time.

In the bag is a clue as to what I have been making Tea Cosies!

I will be showing them very soon!

I also saw this Ladybird basking in the sunshine in the garden too

Memories

2011-03-24T15:56:00.003Z

Tuesday afternoon, reading blogs, drinking tea, I ventured into Millie & Dotties Emporium there in the Nursery was Knitting Nancy. There she sat staring at me from her box, she took me back to when I was about 6yrs old Christmas 1962. I unwrapped presents there was Nancy, the exact same one as I was looking at. I used my Nancy then quite a bit, then as you do I grew up..........but recently I have been using my Nancy again for making the cords to join mittens together so they don't get lost for my grandchildren.

This is the second time I have found my childhood at Milly & Dotties! The last time was an Enid Blyton book.

my Knitting Nancy you can actually spy her here in draw nine

This one I bought here to put away for Caitlin for when she is older

I purchased Knitting Nancy. I couldn't wait to receive my parcel!

I felt like a child getting excited for Birthdays and Christmas!!

She was waiting on my doormat this morning.

I was so pleased

Look what I can make...........

Perfect Day

2011-03-19T17:56:00.003Z

Today was absolutely perfect. It did start rather early with a brand new washing machine being delivered at 7.45am! It was plumbed in almost immediately, well when Alex had eaten his breakfast, so I was able to finish my weeks washing, our dear friend Jane did the clothes earlier in the week for us. Then we had a lovely afternoon with Caitlin and Liam, well I say today was perfect, granny must be getting old she forgot the camera!

I also finished this brooch, can now be found this on Folksy

I don't have a sweet tooth - honest!

2011-03-13T16:39:00.005Z

I made this, this morning

Egg Custard Tart

because I had eggs left in the fridge

at this point I would normally put leftover

pastry in the freezer.

I don't know what came over me
because..............

I also made a Treacle Tart.

I buy a French Stick just to make breadcrumbs

my son thinks that is
sacrilege and says it should

only be used for *bacon and baked bean rolls* - don't ask!

But this bread makes decent breadcrumbs and made

a nice centre to soak up the treacle.

and with the leftover pastry I made a dozen Jan Tarts.

*Bacon and Bean Rolls cut the end off of the French Stick enough that you think you are going to eat. Pull out the soft white bread and eat while bacon is cooking and the baked beans are warming through being careful not to put your fingers through the crust, this must be hole free. Fill the cavity with the beans and the bacon. Eat and enjoy*

I understand you can only feed two people with this because you need the ends, apparantly it doesn't work with the bit in the middle! But this bit can be used for breadcrumbs!

My son Robert invented this while being a student. I have never tried this recipe so I really don't know what it is like but I understand it is very nice

Please come in and see........

2011-03-11T16:00:00.005Z

"Little Shop on the Corner"
has now moved to
new premises here

Frugal

2011-03-02T17:45:00.003Z

I read a lot of blogs recently about being frugal, and when I go food shopping I am very careful what I purchase. I have even stopped buying from charity shops except for clothes for Caitlin and Liam where I can. I have to admit I have purchased a couple of 'unnecessary' items but I had earned the money by repairing a necklace for a customer at work and selling a couple of pin cushions and a cross-stitch pattern.

I do like to have flowers in a vase.

Do you remember these?

I do like to make my flowers last!

I didn't quite get a bargain as last time!

but I did save 75p

I bought the flowers yesterday,

I put last months flowers in the compost bin

YESTERDAY!

I hope they last as long

The Amaryllis, Tulips and Irises did not last as long as the Chrysanthemums though!

Thing come to those who wait!

2011-02-27T10:30:00.011Z

I have always loved to craft, mainly with cloth and thread. Whenever I saw a haberdashery shop as a child I had to go in and look. I preferred them to toy and sweet shops and mum didn't mind looking because she liked to do a bit of sewing and embroidery too. I have been crafting (preferring material crafts rather than paper crafts), since I was able to handle scissors, needles and fabrics. At a very young age I discovered libraries and craft books. I had to make do if I wanted to create something and had to use what was available. There was always fabric and thread and a huge tin of buttons and beads at home which I loved just to tip out on to the carpet and sort!

As I got older and received pocket money I would buy yarn for crochet or knitting, mum taught me the basics of how to knit and crochet and I taught myself to read knitting and crochet patterns. I bought fabric and thread and borrowed needlework books from the library. I had a fantastic school-teacher (who as they say changed my life) when I was about 10yrs and she patiently taught the whole class to cross stitch on Binca and to make felt toys, in those days the school provided everything!

I am self taught in embroidery and other craft activities, and someone once said to me that you cannot learn Bobbin Lace from books. Well to me that is a 'red rag to a bull' so I did just that! If there is something new I would like to learn, I try and seek out a book designed for children as these books always seem to always work! I also taught myself Tatting travelling on a train to and from work in the seventies from Southend-on-Sea to London, a 45minute journey.

When I married and started a family, I started crafting more and more. I said I would love a large needlework box where I could separate things into different compartments, well I thought that would never happen but, when we moved to Minehead twenty years ago, we had trip to Taunton our nearest large town and walked into a charity shop and there it was for £5. I brought it home in the boot of the car and left it in the hall, where it stayed for many years being used as a dumping ground. (when one draw got full, because there was no-where else for the crap to go, we started the next draw!) I don't know how many times I sorted it and tried to use it for its intended purpose.

Forward a few years and boys left home one-by-one and there was an empty bedroom. I thought "that's my craft room" Well, it is what is described in housing blurb as "the box room".

Alex painted for me and put shelves up etc. I thought to sort it gradually, that didn't happen. Alex proceeded to dump my stuff in the room not sorting it leaving that to me. In the end I just put the books on the shelves and filled another shelving unit with stuff that needed sorting. By last Christmas I must have been in the room about eighteen months and think all my stuff has congregated there. From the 1st January I set myself a little tasks, just an hour a day when I would go in there and have a sort, emptying the draws of all the stuff that is in them and set about using it for its intended use!

Draw one

SCISSORS

and other cutting equipment

Draw two

NEEDLES

lots of different needle for different uses

Draw three

PINS

Draw four
appertaining to my old and new
SEWING MACHINE

Draw Five
REELS of COTTON

Draw six
General HABERDASHERY

Draw seven

PATCHWORK

Draw seven

PENS and PENCILS

and hole punches

Draw nine

VINTAGE!

Draw ten

RIBBON

Draw eleven

LACE and BRAIDS

Draw twelve

BIAS BINDING and ELASTIC

Draw thirteen

BUTTONS and CHARMS

Draw Fourteen

MIXED BEADS

Draw fifteen

JEWELLERY FINDINGS

Draw Sixteen

SEED BEADS

Draw seventeen

CHIPPED STONES BEADS

Draw eighteen

BEADING THREADS and WIRES

Draw nineteen

SEQUINS

Draw twenty

LARGE SEQUINS

Draw twenty-one

WOODEN, PLASTIC and

OLD PEARLY BEADS

Draw twenty-two

CERAMIC and DECORATED

GLASS BEADS

Draw twenty-three

BELLS and BEAD KITS

Draw twenty-four

ITEMS

that can be found here

### TIP ###

I save these little packets.

Do you recognise them?

They can be found in the box with new shoes

or in the bottom of a new Handbag, well don't throw

them away, they are great for keeping moisture at bay

in things like needles, and pins and scissors.

At last Spring is springing in my garden

2011-02-23T15:02:00.004Z

Forsythia

Celandine

Crocus

Wild Primrose

Primrose

Caraway Seed Cake

2011-02-20T09:20:00.004Z

There are many recipes for Caraway Cake or Seedy Cake. Caraway Seeds are very good for the digestive system, but do not put too many the recipes as they will leave a nasty medicinal musty taste. Caraway is a type of seed common to both cake and biscuit recipes of the Medieval and Tudor periods.

Caraway Seed Cake is another Victorian cake, but it is actually older. In the older recipes it is more of a ‘bread’ type recipe which goes back hundreds of years, with a variety of seeds as their main ingredient, and using suet, lard or other fats, they did not use butter. Some seed cake recipes call for ground almonds to be added, and there is no harm in adding them if you wish, but ground Almonds can be a bit over powering. Ground Almonds have also played an important part in British recipes from the Medieval period.

Here are my two recipes plain and simple::
Recipe One::
Follow the Victoria Sandwich recipe and adding one and half teaspoons of Caraway Seeds (or add to your taste, but remember not too much)

Recipe Two::
Follow the above recipe but take out two ounces of flour and add two ounces of ground almonds. (I only work in imperial measurements for cooking)

****************************************************************

Here is a recipe from 1861 From Mrs. Beeton’s ‘Household Management’

A Very Good Seed-Cake: INGREDIENTS – 1 lb. of butter, 6 eggs, 3/4 lb. of sifted sugar, pounded mace and grated nutmeg to taste, 1 lb. of flour, 3/4 oz. of caraway seeds, 1 wineglassful of brandy.
Mode.—Beat the butter to a cream; dredge in the flour; add the sugar, mace, nutmeg, and caraway seeds, and mix these ingredients well together. Whisk the eggs, stir to them the brandy, and beat the cake again for 10 minutes. Put it into a tin lined with buttered paper, and bake it from 1–1/2 to 2 hours. This cake would be equally nice made with currants, and omitting the caraway seeds.
Time.—1–1/2 to 2 hours.

It's Official..........

2011-02-16T18:04:00.005Z

................Christmas does come more than once a year!

Jan has sent me this beautiful RED Scarf - I love red and this is just perfect, it is lovely and warm too.

I only sew the the loose ends in and the buttons on!

2011-02-08T21:09:00.007Z

Do you remember this jumper I made last summer. I have just finished a jumper for Liam it is for 3 - 6 months. I have worked it out to knit all in one. Have a go...........I can assure you once you have knitted like this you will never go back.........well I haven't especially for the baby garments. I still haven't actually knitted socks YET! BUT............here is my pattern for this jumper.

Following these instructions - Cast on 120 stitches - RIB (Knit 1 Purl 1) for 10 rows, then continue knitting straight for forty rows.

Put a marker on the (wrong side of work) on right-hand side and fip the knitting over.
Continue for -
BACK - work back and forth (60 stitches) for 35rows starting with a purl row (85 rows including 10 rows rib)Next row Rib 17 stitches turn work and work on these 17 stitches for 7rows cast off loosely. Put the next 26 stitches onto a stitch holder and work on last 17 stitches - Rib 7 rows and cast off loosely.

BACK NECK - With right side of work facing up pick up and knit 8 stitches down side of neck, knit across the 26 stitches on holder, pick up and knit 8 stitches up side of neck. Rib 7 rows cast of loosely Sew in ends.

Re-join yarn at marker and continue thus::

FRONT - work back and forth (60 stitches) for 20 rows starting with a purl row (70 rows including 10 rows rib) Next row Knit 22 stitches, knit 2together turn workNext row Knit 2together, knit to endContinue this way until 17stiches, knit straight until same amount of rows as back (85 rows including 10 rows rib) Next row Rib 3 rows Next row Starting at shoulder edge Rib 5 stitches, yarn over needle knit 2together rib to neck end. Rib 3 more rows cast off loosely. Put next 12 stitches on stitch holder and work on last 24 stitches thus::Knit 2together knit to end.Next row knit to last 2 stitches, knit 2 together Continue this way until 17 stitches, knit straight until as first side.Next row Rib to last 6 stitches yarn over needle knit 2together rib to end (ending at shoulder edge) Rib 3 rows more then cast off loosely

FRONT NECK With right side of work facing up pick up and knit 18 stitches down side of neck, knit across the 12 stitches on holder, pick up and knit 18 stitches up side of neck. Rib 7 rows cast of loosely Sew in ends.

Make sure right side of jumper is on the outside

SLEEVES (both alike) (Start and finish rounds at shoulder, the decreasing is under the arms)
Overlap the button rib on shoulders and making sure you have both pieces of work together put the knitting needle through both layers (make sure the needle goes in centrally of the seven rows) and pick knit 3 stitches and continue thus:: on first circular needles pick up and knit another 27 stitches (approximately 3 stitches every 4 rows) to underarm. On second circular needle start from under arm pick up and knit 27 stitches and the 3 stitches through the 2 layers of button rib (Join both ends as per instructions for the main body)

Turn jumper inside out so working on wrong side.

Knit 15 rows

Next row knit (on first circular needles) knit 27 stitches (SKPSO slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) knit 1 (on second circular needle) knit 1 Knit 2together knit 27 stitches (58 stitches all together 29 stitches on each circular needles.

Knit 5 rows

Next row knit (on first circular needles) knit 26 stitches (SKPSO slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) knit 1 (on second circular needle) knit 1 Knit 2together knit 26 stitches (56 stitches all together 28 stitches on each circular needles.

Knit 5 rows

Next row knit (on first circular needles) knit 25 stitches (SKPSO slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) knit 1 (on second circular needle) knit 1 Knit 2together knit 25 stitches (54 stitches all together 27 stitches on each circular needles.

Knit 5 rows

Next row knit (on first circular needles) knit 24 stitches (SKPSO slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) knit 1 (on second circular needle) knit 1 Knit 2together knit 24 stitches (52 stitches all together 26 stitches on each circular needles.

Knit 5 rows

Next row knit (on first circular needles) knit 23 stitches (SKPSO slip one stitch, knit one stitch, pass slipped stitch over) knit 1 (on second circular needle) knit 1 Knit 2together knit 23 stitches (50 stitches all together 25 stitches on each circular needles.

Knit 5 rows

Next row (on first circular needles) Knit 4 stitches, knit 2together, Knit 4 stitches, knit 2together, Knit 4 stitches, knit 2together, Knit 4 stitches, knit 2together, knit 1 stitch repeat sequence on second circular needle

Knit 10 rows rib cast off loosely. Sew in ends

Sew on four buttons at shoulders

Yarn used for this garment is Stylecraft - Merry-Go-Round, shade 3120 Blue/Yellow

This pattern is for personal use only. Please do not use it for commercial use. If there is a mistake I apologise now, please leave a comment and I will try and rectify it.

Don't think I shall poke anyones eye out!

2011-02-03T12:39:00.002Z

I had a look round some charity shops yesterday looking for clothes for Caitlin and Liam. I usually find lots pretty dresses some with labels such as Monsoon or Laura Ashley but these are usually party type frocks, but just recently alas nothing and what some charity shops did have were just heaped into a wire tub for you to rumage over like in a jumble sale. I was not impressed. When asked if they had any dresses or dungarees the reply was oh....we are not stocking childrens clothes anymore because they are just too fiddly!

I did see the above knitting pattern which is an Aran style knitting but in double knitting yarn instead of the usual thicker aran yarn which I think is more suitable for little people. The lady on the counter said to me would you like knitting needles? I thought this was a strange question but didn't say anything, she went on to say we have to keep them under lock and key - I must have looked at her a bit strangely by this time because she went on to say we have to because of 'health and safety' and that is why they are sold in sealed packets now. I did correct her by saying not all knitting needles were sold in sealed packets because the ones sold in the shop where I work are sold on card!

Sorry for the moan I just had to get it off my chest!

Old Fashion Classic Cake and more flowers!

2011-01-30T14:11:00.004Z

I made a classic Victoria Sandwich Cake this morning. It got me thinking last year Simone did a Friday Cake Bake so I thought I would do a 'Sunday Old Fashioned Cake Bake' once a month. I will make an 'old fashion cake' and try and find a piece of history about it. Would anybody like to join in? The recipe for this cake is here

Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861), one of Queen Victoria's (1891-1901) ladies-in-waiting, is credited as the creator of teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs into her dressing room.
Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields. The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.
Queen Victoria adopted the new craze for tea parties. By 1855, the Queen and her ladies were in formal dress for the afternoon teas. This simple cake was one of the queen's favorites. After her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861, the Queen Victoria spend time in retreat at the Queen's residence (Osborn House) at the Isle of Wight. According to historians, it was here that the cakes were named after her.

On Tuesday 18th January I did my main shop and bought some cheap flowers which I actually still have. This week I bought some more! I wonder how long the flowers will last Chrysanthemum's and Carnations seem to last a lot longer than their sell but dates and some flowers do not last as long. This time I bought Irises, Tulips and Amaryllis which Morrisons seem to sell as bunches I have never seen them anywhere else in bunches!

My flowers, the ones I bought on 18th January are back left
(The secret is change the water regularly and cut little of the stalk at the same time)

I feel so privaliged!

2011-01-27T17:48:00.003Z

Do you know I feel so privileged to be doing this. Just on one meeting at the This n' That fair at Totnes last year and lots emails. Lovely Helen has asked me to share the stitching of one of her projects for her magazine - out today!

All the information and details can be found here

Had a weekend at home!

2011-01-23T10:03:00.004Z

Normally on a Saturday, we would get up, breakfast and go out, sometimes just for the sake of a bit of change of scenery!. This Saturday I decided I didn't really want or need to go out (its all part of my economising), and concentrate instead on 'special' trips during the year which I will blog about if I get there! Alex popped out for a couple of items, we had already been to Tesco last Tuesday afternoon for the big shop, as now there is just us two, we only go when we need to, when cupboards, fridge and freezer and on the verge of empty! They had lots of offers on fruit and vegetables that afternoon and they must have just had a delivery because everything was so fresh and appetising, I just filled the trolley with fruit and vegetables!

As I had just read a post on The Quince Tree. I decided to have a go. I chopped celery, carrots, onions and garlic for casserole/soups packs and in separate packs I put finely chopped peppers, onions and garlic, ideal for Pizzas, Bolognais Sauce or anything else you can think of.........

I made a Vegetable Casserole/Soup yesterday. I make casseroles because I can put them in the oven and forget about them for a couple of hours and go and do something nice! Something involving crafting! I made the casserole with one of my frozen bags of vegetables to which I added Swede, Butternut Squash and Potato which were not frozen, Ground Pepper and lots of Italian Herbs and cover the vegetables with just water and put in the oven about 150 degrees centigrade till all the vegetables were soft, then served in warm bowls and fresh crusty bread.

While in Tescos bought these flowers

Well they do last just as long!

Cold and Fresh!

2011-01-21T15:15:00.002Z

I wouldn't say it was cold..........

but the ice was standing upright on the car

this morning!

The grass looked like it has had a fine covering of snow!

Everthing was white and still!

Yesterday............

2011-01-17T16:59:00.002Z

...................we went to see this little person

Caitlin

and her little brother

Liam

Last week I made Caitlin
this carrycot and bedding for her dolly

and this mini shawl for her dolly too.

The English Language

2011-01-14T18:12:00.003Z

After buying this cake for Alex to take to work share the celebration of

the birth of our Grandson on Monday

We noticed the wording on the box

"Finished with edible decorations and candles"

does it mean we can eat the candles too..........?

2011-01-11T08:00:00.004Z

Alex and Julie would like to

announce the arrival of our

Grand-Son

little brother for Caitlin

............another gorgeous little person............

Elevenese!

2011-01-09T11:06:00.002Z

MINCEMEAT MUFFINS

Just made these - and very nice they are too!

Eat mine warm with my cuppa!

The recipe can be found here

I used butter in the basic mix

What do I do................?

2011-01-08T12:36:00.007Z

Underneath the pile of lovely juicy pears is a saying

"Look to the future, never mind the past"

I love Vintage, I love looking round

Charity Shops and Antique Shops

what do I do..............?

....................................and Museums!!!

So this year I have decided to do this............................

After reading Jan's blog,

and having already mentioned in a

conversation with her that..........

1. Use from stash.

Not to buy anything at all until 1st January, 2012.

(may need to buy reel thread or wadding to finish

a project - acceptable)

2. Be careful about what I spend.

Just purchase what is needed foodwise.

3. Only buy from charity-shops if I really need the item -

think very carefully first.

Pretty dresses for Caitlin - acceptable

4. DO NOT BUY anymore books

I have enough!

Search the particular out at the local library

can use Taunton Library and return locally

I'll let keep you posted on how I get on...................

KC'sCourt

Tray Bakes.............. #1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER

Old Magazines

Sell By Dates...............a new idea?

Don't get angry.........

WHY........................?

ONE TODAY!

Blowing Away the Cobwebs!

*~*~*~*HAPPY NEW YEAR*~*~*~*

Well its all over!

Wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas does come early, its true!

I'm very shy really!

Well I thought they were a bargain......

I'm here.............

Happy Birthday ~ Merry Christmas ~ Bon Voyage..............

Thank you

I am Not Very Happy...........

Two things!

Button Style Brooch

Well they say its good for you!

Vintage Needlework Magazine

We will remember them!

Step back in time...........

I knew there was a reason.........

600th Post

In the days before plastic surgery............circa 16 July 1937!

Better than any prescription!

Apples and Tea Cosies!

Jolly Weekend!

One Tiring Saturday

Creative Stitches - Exeter

Very embarrasing and Thank you.

The Great British Seaside Swap

Downsizing

We did it!

The Great British Seaside Swap

At the bottom of the road there is a rather large train set!

Don't Feed the Seagulls!

Two Years Old!

Vintage China

Family Tree Quilt

SWAPPIES and GIVEAWAY

Dolly Needs a Frock!

Just a Reminder

Shop Revamp!

Evening Stroll Round the Garden!

Our Weekend

Boot Fair!

More flowers in the garden

CHANGED THE DATES!

A SWAP! A GIVEAWAY! and My bargain flowers!

Kitchen #1

The Roses in My Garden!

The day between!

I needed a break!

Yesterday.............

Just pottering!

This is quite interesing!

Hello again..........I'm Back..........Anybody there...........?

One Whole Pound!

I didn't need to go shopping!

Put the flags and bunting out!

Old Idea with a New Twist

William & Kate

Our Easter Weekend

Well thats is for another year!

Today is MY Birthday NOT yours!

They look just the same...........

Card Making

Simnel Cake

One Week at the end of March!

Memories

Perfect Day

I don't have a sweet tooth - honest!

Please come in and see........

Frugal

Thing come to those who wait!

At last Spring is springing in my garden

~~~HAPPY NEW YEAR~~~