Author Archives: Earthy Homemaker

The weather has been a little kinder the last few days. The return of sunny spells is very welcome. The Crocuses have flourished, offering up their faces to the sun and looking very beautiful. Their satin petals look like they have been painted with the most delicate strokes of colour. At last the Daffodils haveContinue reading “Inspiring Flowers and Tricky Knitting”

What a week it’s been! Extremely wet and windy. The Clematis arch blew down and a storage trunk which holds wire netting had its lid ripped off. Fortunately, we were able to re-erect the arch and the pretty flowers seem undisturbed. It’s amazing how flowers withstand the storms and are still beautiful. The Snowdrops areContinue reading “Stormy Weather and Meaty Treats”

These are difficult times for many of us. We need to hold on to the things which make our lives meaningful. For most people that means the love of family and friends, the small comforts of home and the pleasures of a garden. If we’re fortunate to have those we can retreat from the worldContinue reading “Garden Notes and Parsnip Cakes”

At this time of year a warm kitchen is the best place to be. Often called “the heart of the home”. I love it on a Winter day with rain lashing the window. I had some parsnips to use up so I thought I’d try them in my cake squares. These are not guilt-laden cakes;Continue reading “A Warm Kitchen and Spring Flowers”

The Snowdrops are increasing by the day. Such a welcome sight. Winter so far has been kind and new activity in the garden spurs me on, knowing life out there is going on apace. My collection of oriental Hellebores are so pretty. They look delicate and yet they flower despite the cold and lack ofContinue reading “Filling Food and Misty Mornings”

It’s been an exciting week. We had some much-needed work done in the garden. When we moved here 20 years ago most of the garden was covered in concrete, much of it old, broken crazy paving. Over the years we removed a lot of it to produce growing areas. Some of the ground though wasContinue reading “A Garden Miracle and Nutty Cakes”

Halfway through January and time to use some of the stored fruit and preserves. I brought some apples from the shed and made my apple and cinnamon squares. These make a lovely pudding on a wintry day and freeze well so there is always cake available. Although the apples look blemished they are good underContinue reading “Preserves and Painting”

The first Snowdrop to show its lovely head has appeared in the garden. So pure and redolent of the beginning of a new year. Seed packets have arrived so lots to look forward to. The beautiful Hellebore which always flowers first is bursting with blossom. Others are showing fat , lovely buds. The Garrya catkinsContinue reading “Fresh Flowers and Food”

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. Time now to believe we can make a new beginning, shed the old life of last year and look forward to a fresh start, renewed optimism and determination. Of course, it’s not always easy but “hope springs eternal” as the saying goes and it’s this renewal which lifts our spirits andContinue reading “Old Life and New Life”

Another Christmas is over but the enjoyment lingers. The food was delicious, the wine was full of fruity notes and warmth and love completed all of it. But there is still time to savour the pleasures of the season. My lovely husband surprised me with a bouquet on Christmas Eve. He’s not usually one forContinue reading “Christmas Past and Pleasures Yet to Come”