Saturday, 7 December 2024
One New Decoration, Two New Words
Friday, 6 December 2024
I Fell Into A Brown Study...
- Decent fresh coffee
- Drinking chocolate with added cocoa
- Chocolate mousse
- Boeuf bourguignon
- Steak and kidney pie filling
Thursday, 5 December 2024
Seasonal And Sustainable
Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Christmas Creations
First of all, thanks for all your wonderful memories of retro foods. I have visions of CS up and down the land being overwhelmed by donations of your long forgotten fondue pots! I found a blogpost from 2017 with some retro recipes including prawn cocktail.
I have been busy with the littl'uns this week. After Ro and Jess went home on Sunday afternoon, I got busy preparing for Brownies [Monday] and Little Acorns Toddler Group [Tuesday]
With the Brownie I did two tried and tested crafts - 'baubles' and 'Napkin Santas' - with the Toddlers, we were using this year's Bible Society toddler materials - and they suggested the little party hats for the children.
I made the santa napkins half size using cocktail napkins, and fixed a hanging loop to the top so they could be hung on the tree. Full size ones can be used as part of your Christmas place setting. My tutorial for them is here
I recycled last year's Gardener's World Calendar to make the strips for the baubles, they were very colourful and these KS1 children made them with minimal help.
Bob and I are now turning our attention to ensuring we have enough stuff to sell at the Charity Craft Fair on Saturday.
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
Next Week, A Fondue?
On Sunday, before returning to London, the family came for lunch. It was strictly a 'leftovers' type meal, and I wondered what I had to add to the ham and coleslaw Liz would be bringing. I wanted to make it a bit more festive. I decided to go full on retro and make a party hedgehog. I prepared the body [one large potato wrapped in foil, with googly eyes from my craft box] whilst Bob cubed the cheese and cut two pineapple rings into chunks. I remembered I had half a jar of olives in the fridge [Ro likes olives]
It caused great amusement. Jon asked if we were in a production of Abigail's Party. I said these hedgehogs were everywhere back in the 70s, the height of sophistication. Bob quoted Homer Simpson [if it's on a cocktail stick it is free food]
Rosie suggested we should give the hedgehog a name "Something interesting like Billy...or perhaps Hecuba?" [where does she get these ideas from?!]
Jess just plodded on enjoying her nutella sandwiches. As you see, I'm still in my best new pjs [Thank you Julian!] The wreath on the door is one made two years ago by Rosie, using a kit from Kirsten [thanks K]Are there any retro foods you miss?
Monday, 2 December 2024
Magic And Sparkle
Sunday, 1 December 2024
Advent 1 - Circles
Last Sunday Pastor Nick led us in this prayer. I thought how many circles are around us at Christmas - baubles, plates of food [cakes and puddings] our circles of friendship, and our family circle, and this spinning globe where we all live...may we be held in the circle of God's love
CIRCLE US LORD
Saturday, 30 November 2024
Casting Off...
There were two days when I only managed a brief 10 minute knit [looking after grandchildren was keeping me rather busy] but in total I've knitted for over 60 hours not counting today, And my generous sponsors [thank you all] have helped me to raise over £450 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. My JustGiving Page will be open for another two weeks, and I'm hoping to pass the £500 mark.
What did I knit? One of my Christmas Projects, and a lot of little mini-jumpers. But the second project [a knitted nativity] has languished untouched. I realised that I didn't actually like it! Mary, Joseph and Jesus were knitted in Dorset, but not sewn up. I may just complete those three and make a little stable - without the collection of angels, animals, shepherd and magi outside...
I have enjoyed the challenge, and the opportunity to promote a very worthwhile cause. And the weather has certainly proved an encouragement to stay inside.
Friday, 29 November 2024
Remembering...
November is a month for remembering, and I chose that for the theme of my CoverStory piece. Yes there is the acknowledgement of those who died in the service of their nation - we wear our poppies, on the 11th [Armistice day/Poppy Day] and on Remembrance Sunday [the 2nd Sunday of the month]
But for me it also a month to remember two precious family members I have loved and lost. Cousin Gillian, who died on Remembrance Sunday 2021, just a few days after her 65th birthday. And Gill's Mum, my Auntie Peggy. She died in March 2023 - but her birthday was November 17th.
So I decided to stitch poppies. I used nets and voiles in shades of red and overlaid the whole piece with a pale scarlet voile.
Thursday, 28 November 2024
Sew Busy
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Shut That Door!
The guys took out the old door [and took it away], got the new door from the van [and stood it on the gravel to check all was well] Then they fitted the new door and cleaned up beautifullySo very bright and cheerful. I love the patterned glass - and the way the light coming through sparkles on the wall.
Tuesday, 26 November 2024
It's That Time Again...
All was ok till I went to the loo at midnight. The motion sensor triggered the nightlight. And I jumped, because I'd forgotten he was there, and thought a small child was hovering in wait!
Bob wants to strengthen some of the frames before I dress them - but I hope to have everything ready for Sunday and the beginning of Advent, so the Cornerstones Tableau is in place.
I have moved him into a corner for the time being!
Monday, 25 November 2024
Oh Christmas Tree!
Sunday, 24 November 2024
Empower Her!
The Mothers' Union is running a new campaign
Saturday, 23 November 2024
The Things They Say...
Friday, 22 November 2024
Girl Friday
Thursday, 21 November 2024
Unexpected November Knitting Challenge
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Being Consistent
Why do the manufacturers of buggies, carseats, and stair gates choose such a diverse range of mechanisms?