Tuesday 30 April 2013

Bristol Weekend

Well I thought after the Belfast weekend I wouldn't have much to blog about but still have managed to cram a few more things into another week.

Last Thursday saw a tragedy when our microwave died after 28 years of use:( I was very sadded as it felt part of the family. We know for sure its age because we lived in America for one year and the church Mr P was working at as a leaving gift gave us the money to buy a microwave when we returned to the UK. In those days not many people had microwaves but in America nearly every home had one and they were shocked to hear that we didn't own one!


Well I guess its having a well deserved rest in the heavenly scrap yard.

Saturday morning spent time with my dad at Dobbies, Atherstone eating their yummy cooked breakfasts and drinking lots of tea whilst catching up on all our news. I love going there as they have a pet store and I can become a little kid again going all gooey over the rabbit cages. They also have an amazing amount of fish tanks and there they sell fish that I can hardly believe they are real because they look like something I would have coloured in a colouring book.


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This is my favourite sort of breakfast. The fruits were lovely. The reason for going was No 3's hubby was being baptised and he wanted Mr P to help at the service. So it was a real privilege to go.


Followed by lunch out at a local carvery with some other friends. It was lovely to spend some time together.







Don't like rubbing out their faces but thought you might like to see "Nemo" now 30 weeks brewed!






















Well what with all this gallivanting the cookery book challenge has been suffering. During the last few weeks I have only accomplished 2 recipes - oooh heck.


I forgot to take a photo and this was all that was left. Recipe that used lots of eggs as not cooking much and the girlies laying well meant I had a bountiful supply to use.


Looks a bit better in this picture!


Today I managed to use a recipe for a sauce out of another book. Strange how one gets cravings for some food but I suddenly realised I was desperate for a plat of veggie troubles and a cheese sauce. I remember mum used to cook cauliflower cheese with sauté potatoes - used to love that dinner.


Mr P ate at church today - he took one look at my dinner and said "where's the meat?" I thoroughly enjoyed it.


I made the Mornay sauce, variation.






This book No 2, son, borrowed when he was at university as it is good as a reference book for many cooking techniques.
























43 books used. 84 books to go. 244 days to go to the end of the challenge.

Friday 26 April 2013

Through The Keyhole

Thought you might like a nose at some of the cute things in my daughter's home in Newtonards. It is their very first home that they are buying. So are rightly proud of it. I recognise some of these fabrics - mmmmm me thinks they have come from The Fabric Guild, Leicester. It was rather strange to see this settee again. It used to live in Leeds and now on its third home.


This has to be my daughter - just look at these cookery books, but' she's only just getting going!


I like the tea cosy that she's knitted - well cute.


And this tea cosy was knitted many many years ago by an aged distant relative who died a few years ago. To me it still looks relatively new.


Never thought of putting flowers in jam jars - sad I know but don't they look effective. I was hunting around for something to put my daffs in as Asda was selling them rather short.



This picture I made  a few Christmas's ago.


I love this clever use of stencils and the scarf on the right was knitted by No. 3.



As a family we have moved so many time, due to Mr P's job so this picture is rather symbollic of our lives.



My daughter inherited this hand made quilt, sorry but her bedroom was quite dark.  Isn't it lovely.


Isn't the scallop edge gorgeous.



I always love hearts. Hearts, gingham and baskets - love of my life!










This is Brenda - I know a strange name, but this was my teddy. My grandma made it for me and then I abandoned her in the attic. When No 1 was a child she found her and claimed Brenda for her own. Note the squashed up nose - this is where I lay on her as a child and cried myself to sleep!  Aaaagh. Her clothes have changed over the years.










Talking of attics I have Attic 24 or Lucy to thank for the desire to crochet and this has stimulated the desire for my daughter to learn to crochet too.












I have no idea how my daughter managed to squeeze this light into a suitcase when she went to visit Peru.































 Love this cute mouse that No 1 made, especially love the tiny cardigan.




















 Daughter like mother - bags, baskets full of UFO's or WIP's.






These were only some of her bags - I found many more! A girl after my own heart.


 Sock monsters - such a good way to use up worn out old socks.

The basket underneath is just full of wool!






Just in case you forgot - she is married and there is a boys room full of guitars, amps etc.





























I love this living room with its large corner sofa and the open fire - so relaxing. It must be time for Mr P and I to replace our settee, as it is wearing out fast.




Well it is time to wish you all farewell from Northern Ireland.


Thursday 25 April 2013

Belfast Weekend - Day 3, Sunday.

Well after the mad last two days order of the day was a quiet, gentle walk around the National Trust property - Mount Stewart. But as we enter the grounds we get directed to the over flow carpark - mmmmm. As we get out of the car I begin to notice that it appears we are the only people without a dog.  After checking with one of the attendants we've arrived on a day when there was a dog show and a free open day to the public! Not going to be a quiet experience.


I'm not a big doggy fan but I did enjoy watching the dogs run this course - but I quite enjoyed it when the dogs were naughty and did not obey all the rules!





Golly this dog is more the size of a horse!







So many dogs.









These berries were so pretty.










Not sure I've ever seen double daffodils like this before.








Just love spring when all the blossoms start appearing.









Blossoms are just sooo dramatic.







Love curly trees.































What a monster of a dog - Newfoundland I believe, but with a bib?



























Couldn't find any clover with four leaves.


The garden had a lot of topiary - pretty good eh. Anyway after all this walking we'd built up an appetite and the restaurant did not disappoint. A lovely range of freshly cooked food. I chose vegetable and pasta crumble with wedges. The sauce was divine - rich, creamy and cheesey. I could not eat all the food - so much.




After a big lunch time to walk it off. Back out side in time to see some rosettes being handed out. So lovely to watch people being very happy.


I didn't realise Cruella De Ville was coming!


Well we did actually get to go inside the house, but sadly most of it was closed off because of essential repairs. But inside they are the proud owners of two very large paintings that are wrong.


Have you any ideas what is wrong with this picture?


Well apparently it is impossible for a horse to stand like this (re the back legs).

Spot the mistake with the next picture - bit easier to guess.



Have you guessed?


Well have a look at where the man's hand is - must have a very long arm!



This is the view from Mount Stewart - Strangford Lough. They have a telescope and a live camera observing the nests, saw some seals, sooo cute.


Can see Scrabo tower at the top of the hill.




And after a wonderful day how best to finish the evening with a glass of red wine. Which glass was mine? Sorry about the quality of the picture.

Next morning I flew back home :(  Thanks to my daughter and son in law for a lovely weekend.