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Christmas has gone all too quickly and here we are beginning a new year. These are difficult times so more than ever we need to appreciate home comforts, good food and share our love in whatever way we can. It’s a good time to feel renewed and hopeful for the future. I hope you allContinue reading “Happy New Year”

Just a couple of days and it will be Christmas. I hope everyone is feeling prepared now and looking forward to it. Things are very difficult for everyone this year so it’s probably more important then ever to appreciate the small details that contribute to the bigger picture. My own preparations are going quite wellContinue reading “Keep Calm and Carry On”

We’ve had a few nice days this week so I’ve managed to do a bit of work outside. The polytunnels had become very humid with the damp air and mild temperature. The slugs were having the time of their lives, so I thought, “Right! Must get out there and tackle them!” I removed all theContinue reading “Sprigs and Sprouts”

The tree has been decked with its finery and the cards have begun to arrive in the post. Our tree may not be the most sophisticated but it’s loaded with many happy memories. The big baubles are 50 years old and so are some of the the little bits and pieces which I made withContinue reading “Festive Flan and Log Fires”

The Christmas cactus is beginning to flower. A timely reminder to get on with things. So much to do at this time of year yet food still has to be prepared for everyday. Life goes on despite the season. I bought some peaches last week. They said “ripen in the fruitbowl”. It would have toContinue reading “Cakes and Cashews”

Winter has arrived. The garden is wet and cold but there are compensations. Lots of nice winter vegs to eat for example, safely tucked away in the polytunnels. Lovely leeks, carrots and parsnips make hearty, warming soups. I love walking down the garden to fetch good things to cook. Although many of the perennial plantsContinue reading “Rainy Days”

I haven’t put the decorations or tree up yet. Don’t want to peak too soon. I am still busy in the kitchen though with my Christmas preparations. I made cranberry sauce today. I really dislike that jam-like stuff in jars which is supposed to be cranberry sauce. I love the sharp tang, colour and textureContinue reading “Swiss Rolls and Knitted Fruit”

The frosts have kicked in although we have been lucky this year. The weather has been very mild. Even though the plants will finally give up their flowers it’s nice to see those wintery scenes. Frosty Morning The crisp, curled leaves Lie frozen on the garden path. Their steamy breath rises In the morning sun.Continue reading “Frost and Fire”

I’ve had a few things to do over the last few days. The garden needed attention. The brown drooping leaves were looking sad so I spent a little time cutting down the perennials. The woody aster stems with their fluffy seedheads are ideal for starting the fire so I save those along with marjoram sprigsContinue reading “Busy Days”

Christmas is only a month away so my thoughts are occupied with seasonal things. I have almost knitted a sixth Christmas cracker from the pattern in Landscape magazine. Because our son used to work at Christmas we usually have a get-together the weekend before. We have a festive feast and exchange our presents and thenContinue reading “Christmas Thoughts”