The Summer Is Ending

 

Here are the last 6 months of tree pictures - from barely any foliage in April up to this week when we got back from Manchester. My tree has stayed pretty much the same shape all year
The ground below is looking very parched, and I think the leaves are just on the edge of turning to their autumn colours.
We were very conscious as we drove up  and over the Pennines last Monday that there were clear signs of autumn the further north we went - and when we came back on Friday, this was even more apparent. 
The fig tree crop is over, the children are back at school, and next Sunday will be Harvest Festival at chapel...
I am glad for our climate here in the UK, each season has its own special beauty. [but for me, Spring is my favourite, with  new birth, fresh starts, Easter...]

What is your favourite season? Why?

In Everything Give Thanks

These are the words of Paul in his letter to the Christians at Thessalonica. I was completely exhausted when we got back from Manchester on Friday night, and have developed a nasty cold. But I was thankful 

• For a safe journey
• For 5 superb days with the family
• For a lovely home to come back to
• For the neighbour who had put my wheelie bin back
• For good food to eat
• .... For so much more.

But I was feeling a bit flat - missing my two cheerful little boys, and sneezing a lot. "We may have post waiting for us" said Bob, hopefully. There was indeed a stack of flyers on the mat [no, I don't need new furniture, replacement windows,  a will or a funeral plan - and I am certainly not planning on moving house!] But at the bottom of the heap, a proper envelope, with a handwritten address. And inside, the most gorgeous card

My wonky photo doesn't do it justice. My friend had already emailed a thank you for the small package I'd sent her. This handmade thank you card really lifted my spirits - as did the message inside. 

In this busy world of texts and emails and WhatsApps, it really means a lot when somebody makes an extra effort to show their gratitude.

"Writing thank you letters " after Christmas or birthdays often felt like a chore when I was a child, but I am glad Mum drilled the habit into me, and grateful to others who say thank you sincerely.

Let us not take each other for granted. Every day, find somebody to say thank you too. And make it genuine, not just a perfunctory phrase mumbled in passing.  ❤️💚💙🧡🩷

Styal Style

 It is nearly thirty years since I went to Quarry Bank, the Victorian Cotton Mill at Styal in Cheshire, for the wedding reception of my dear friends Richard and Rachel. But we took George and Jacob on Tuesday [whilst their Mum and Dad were at work] 

Although the NT summer programme ended the day before, there was plenty to see and do. Out in the grounds and inside the mill, and in the owner's house

Well planned play areas, a good bridge for Pooh Sticks and tasty food

The mill was good to walk round, lots of "technical guides" explaining, and helping young ones to understand history and science. How the machines all worked, and how the workers [especially women and children] were treated so badly.

The boys were so well behaved and enjoyed the challenges - like following the Monty Moth trail. There was of course, the usual dressing up. A great day out, we were there over five hours!

Mish - Mash

In her book "Kitchen", Nigella ends many recipes with a paragraph entitled "making leftovers right". I fully endorse such notions of ZeroWaste and thrift. As we were going away to Manchester, I weanted to ensure I had used up as much as possible of our fresh produce. I checked the fridge and

I had a sweet potato, a regular potato, three small red potatoes, 1½carrots and a handful of beans.
Plus two brioche buns and the end of packs of peas and corn in the freezer. Further scrabbling around revealed a lock'n'lock with 'pineapple pieces' in it [bought in error by Bob who thought he was buying chunks to put on sticks with cheese, for the Shed Mardle] 
The leftover chicken from Monday had already been made into pie filling with mushrooms, a small onion and some of the stock - and I had a pack of puff pastry ready to encase it.
I thought I might make some sort of pudding with the brioche and pineapple, but had no eggs, and limited milk - but I did find a tin of custard lurking in the cupboard. The pastry was rolled out into a pasty shape and filled with chicken mixture, the root veg chopped and put to boil, with the green veg and corn in a steamer over them. The brioche buns were puttered and cut into chunks, and combined with custard and drained pineapple in a Pyrex dish. I mashed all the root veg together, with some butter - and served the lunch. Chicken Galette with steamed vegetables and root mash, followed by Pineapple Brioche Pudding.

I had not crimped the pasty well enough - so it burst open. And I'm calling it a galette! The filling was a bit sloppy, so extra gravy was not needed. A very filling and satisfying lunch, mostly leftovers.
The tinned custard was Waitrose Essentials - and is way thicker and creamier than my usual supermarket budget range [also more expensive] It made a very unctuous pudding. Leftover galette went into the freezer, for a light supper on our return from Manchester.

Jill in Dorset - still waiting for you to email me about the Noahs ark panel!

Aftermath

Half Term Holiday week was fabulous - thirteen different family visitors - the girls and their families, Julian, my bro and SIL, and Bob's sister and BIL. They liked the kitchen  "Calm and tranquil" said Gaz. "Surprisingly tidy" said Steph. Steph, Liz and Julian quickly learned the new locations for stuff, and helped out with meal prep. The children were bright and cheerful - crafts and science with Grandma, stories and steam engines with Grandad...

Jess was eager to make floating flowers again. She explained it all to Bob. But 17 seconds is an awful long time for a three year old to wait...

Last September, when we were putting away the patio parasol, I noticed it was very ripped and holey round its top section. I made a new piece "So I will not have to repair it when we get it our again."

But when we got it out two weeks ago, the top was OK - but the rest was completely perished along its fold-lines where it had been packed away! 

See the holes marked in green. Steph brought us a new cover from Manchester IKEA and all was well again. We were grateful for the shade on the very sunny days.

Now all bedding and towels have been laundered, in the bathroom the little step stool has been folded and tucked away, and the pirate ship and ducks moved to the end of the bath [so they won't impede laundry on the drying rack]And we are eating p meals made of random leftovers.

The June calendar is surprisingly full - but for a few days I shall really miss them all. Their presence makes such an impact

Happy Birthday George!

Is it really 5 years since you were born? There we were in Lockdown, and Manchester seemed so far away. Five weeks after your birth we got to meet you briefly, but it was ages till we all got together properly as a family. And now you have almost finished your first year at school. You already know more about dinosaurs than I ever will, and your enthusiasm for life is wonderful. I am so glad that your teacher says you are "thoughtful and kind" - you always show so much concern for your little brother Jacob. Looking after the pair of you last November while your Mum and Dad were away may have been exhausting, but it was glorious fun. How you have grown! Have a fabulous birthday!

Let It Snow!

Here is my CoverStory sampler for January. I was inspired by my Christmas jumper, as I finally got round to altering the neckline  I thought it would be good to do some sort of snowscene. Over Christmas I saw [somewhere, can't find it now] a picture of a fabric collage of a snow scene using lengths of lace to give texture to the snow. I thought I'd do something similar.
I chose various bits of old lace for the background, including a very wavy edged piece for the upper slopes, and a more geometric design for the path along the bottom. I went for a blue sky with appliqued sun and lacy cloud - and I added white felt fleecy tops for the mountains and a felt snowman. Then I embroidered fir trees, a cottage and some people having fun in the snow.

My attempts at changing the contrast so you can see the lace have left a strange yellow streak down the panel.[It's a shadow on the original photo, it isn't on the fabric]

We have not really had much snow round here this winter. But the grandchildren in Manchester built a snowman on 5th January. George said his name is Steven the Snowman.

I am awaiting the arrival of Kirsten's stitching in the post. We're just over half way through this project. 3 more panels and then three months of finishing off and making up...

Happy Families

The Grandchildren are growing up fast. Steph and Liz work hard to give them good experiences, and get them out and about, so they can appreciate all the opportunities afforded them living in two great cities. And at home, they play games, do baking together,  and much, much more. Weekends are full of fun. And we grandparents really appreciate seeing pictures of their activities and hearing from the children about what they have been doing. They have all had a busy January...

And what have I been doing? Cleaning up the high chair and travel cot. The children can sit properly on dining chairs at mealtimes, and they all sleep in beds now, so we won't need these anymore. Tomorrow these two items will be going to the Dereham [Ukraine] Aid Centre. I understand that they are dropping 'Ukraine' fromn their name now, as they provide aid to anyone in the community who needs it. 

I am so grateful for the years I have had these items, and been able to use them for our little ones. Now it is good to pass them on to bless other families.

Being Consistent

I've always felt that it is important to be consistent when working with children. It is not fair to them if you are frequently changing the rules, or acting one way one day,and differently the next. We have tried to keep to the boys' regular routine in Manchester

Cuddles.and stories in the morning and at bedtime, teeth-cleaning, please&thankyous, etc etc. And they have responded well and been a delight to look after.Now we are in London with Rosie and Jess, and doing our best there. 

But I wish to have a rant about child safety equipment. Why do they apparently make no attempt whatsoever to be consistent?

Why do the manufacturers of buggies, carseats, and stair gates choose such a diverse range of mechanisms?

I just get used to unfolding the double buggy, when I have to operate the single one in Manchester, which is quite different from the one in London....

Then there are the car seats, front facing,rear facing, isofix, not isofix...

And stair gates that must be clicked or squeezed or lifted [possibly one handed as you are carrying a baby]

And we persevere, because we take our role as grandparents very seriously.

As Bob was reminded in IKEA on Monday, with great power comes great responsibility. 

We are gradually getting to grips with it all, as we stay in our daughters' homes - including learning to use a piece of kitchen equipment which many busy young Mums find indispensible nowadays...

It's challenging, abd tiring looking after children [more so as we get older] but it is truly a privilege to spend time with them.

Steph and Gaz are home safely now, after a brilliant 40th birthday celebration holiday. 

My Prayer For This Month

This weekend up in Manchester caring for the boys, then midweek, down to London to look after the girls. This prayer is very apposite. [And Lord, please look after both sets of parents as they travel abroad, and bring them home safely]

Close Parking

The first thirteen properties in the close have dropped kerbs, a drive with space for at least one car to park off-road AND a garage. We are fortunate to be on the corner [round the bend !] and so we have plenty of space. The remaining ten have no vehicular access, but at the end of the Close there is access to their 10 garages - two rows of five. Built in 1973 they are rather small, and 80‰ of them do not contain cars The turning area at the end of the Close will take half a dozen cars parked perpendicular to the pavement, and residents often double park. It is mayhem at weekends, and when the bin lorries, tankers full of heating oil, grocery deliveries, ambulances or hearses arrive they often struggle to get out again. And such vehicles come most days. 

From my kitchen window I see all the cars parked in front of Cornerstones. I did a double take one day this week

They were actually touching! These belong to the members of the same family. 

Two days later, another family member added his car. Three in a row, bumper to bumper. 

Their mobile catering van takes up 1½ spaces at the end of the Close. When these bungalows were built nobody envisaged ordinary families having more than one small car. 

Fortunately I'm not too bothered by all this. Other residents write regularly to complain to the Parish Council. 

When neighbours ask why I'm not complaining about the cars outside my home, I politely explain that I do not own that space. And if I were living in a Victorian property in Manchester or London the parking situation [and 24 hour passing traffic] would be infinitely worse. 

I am grateful for my home, and my car. Romans 12 verse 18 has wise advice for those seeking to be good neighbours 

Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.

Down The Alley...

... or jitty, ginnel, twitter, snicket,gunnel, loke... We have some fabulous dialect words for those little paths here in the UK. Sadly in some parts of the country they have become very neglected. In areas of dense housing, the paths running behind the rows of terraced houses are real eyesore. Too narrow for modern bin lorries, residents keep their wheelie bins in front of their properties. And the alleys are unused, unloved and ugly

So well done to the people who try to make a difference. Some of the residents in these Manchester houses have been collaborating to turn a eyesore into an eye-catching display. Rotting rubbish turned in a place of beauty. All the residents are asked to make a small contribution to the cost, and those with gardening skills put it all together. And because it is so lovely, it discourages littering and people take delight,in maintaining it.  And George and Jacob can enjoy going home safely walking among the flowers to their back garden gate.

What is your local word for alley? Are there any "Community Garden Projects" near you? 

Ups And Downs

The biggest up and down is Blogger. I have been trying to post this for over two hours! Thank you for all the kind comments about Jess and her dress. We're fortunate to see so much of her and Rosie. Steph is really good about sending pictures, and having video chats with the boys in Manchester, even if we cannot get together quite as often. 

Our grandson George was 4 in May. A few months after he was born, during lockdown, Steph asked Bob to make a Pikler Triangle for him.

Bob produced this lovely climbing frame. George soon became very adept at climbing the rungs, and sliding down the slide. The slide can be fixed the other way up too, with handholds to assist climbing. Pictures below show George as a toddler. He continues to enjoy it, as does Jacob. 

On Monday Steph sent us a brilliant little video loop. The triangle combined with the ball pool providing hours of fun... 

I do hope you can see this! It really makes me giggle

A Great Grandson

Is it really four years since George Robert B. arrived? We were in Lockdown, and life was so complicated for everyone. Our first Grandson - since joined by his little brother Jacob. Manchester seems so far away at times- we are grateful for WhatsApp and the ability to chat there. George is growing fast, and enjoys food, family life and having fun!

We hope you have some wonderful birthday celebrations - you decorated your Minion Cake beautifully. And we know you will be including Jacob in all the excitement. In four short months you will be starting school!

We are so proud of you, and we love you so much. Thank you for all the joy you bring!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

  

In "The Wizard Of Oz" Dorothy skips along and finally gets to the Emerald City and finds the Wizard. On her journey, she meets the Munchkins. 

In the book [pub 1900] Frank L Baum describes these people as the same height as Dorothy, and dressed all in blue, their favourite colour. Hollywood ignored these details when they made the film.

We were asked at Craft Group to contribute some cakes or savouries on Sunday [the event raised over £500 towards the upkeep of the Village Hall] 

On Saturday afternoon I stood in the kitchen wondering what to make. I decided fairy cakes are easily manageable. I got out my 1996 Dairy Book, and spotted a recipe I have never made before - Munchkin Cakes. It only needed one egg, and I had all other other ingredients, [apart from crystallised Orange and Lemon slices.] So I set to and made a batch.

       INGREDIENTS

• 100g butter
• 100g sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• grated rind and juice of ½ orange
• 200g self raising flour
• 100ml fresh milk
• 75g apricot jam
• 75g plain chocolate, melted
• crystallised citrus slices to garnish

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 170º
2. Melt butter and sugar over low hear for 2 mins, stir occasionally 
3. Add egg and orange rind, beat well, 
4. Fold in flour, gradually add milk and orange juice
5. Spoon into 16 paper cases [2tbsp per case]
6. Bake for 25 mins till risen and golden brown
7. When cool, scoop out centre, place tsp jam in hollow.
8. Replace lid, ice wirth melted chocolate
9. Decorate with orange or lemon slice.

I grated the rind with the microplane and stirred it through the mix. Having no slices, I put gold stars on each cake. The cakes were fairly uniform [wouldn't win BakeOff though] 

I kept back the wonkiest pair for us to sample later,

Conclusion - they taste just like Jaffa Cakes!

I may make these again, when my little Munchkins from London or Manchester come to visit.

Running, Repairs

 

In 2015, Steph ran the London Marathon. Today, nine years and two babies later, she will be running the Manchester Marathon. We are so proud of her.

I would have loved to have gone to support her today - but we had already committed to being at the annual Repair Café here in Norfolk.  I will report tomorrow on both events!

Sorted!

It's the beginning of April - so I did my wardrobe sort. The bag of summer clothes came down from the loft, and everything from the wardrobe and the bags was put on the bed. All the hangers went into a laundry basket. 

Then I did a ruthless sort of all the clothes. The large box and the bag on top were filled with garments I won't wear again. They have gone to the Charity Shop.

Ones that were too small, or I didn't actually like, or I had duplicates of. Steph gave me some black trousers, which fit me better than the ones I already had. No point in having the spares.

I really did get rid of a lot of stuff this time. And all the things which went back into the wardrobe were hung with hooks 'the wrong way round'. When I wear a garment, it is replaced with the hook the right way - so come October, I will know which garments just never got worn. 

I think that I am not quite sticking to the 'rule of 5' idea [explained here]  as Steph gave me a dress and a coat as well, when we visited Manchester. and Liz passed on a dress last week. But I have definitely got rid of more than I have gained [a jacket and three dresses, as well as a two skirts and some tops]

But I like doing the summer/winter swap - I find things I had forgotten about. I actually wore sandals this week for the first time in months.

It feels good to have the wardrobe tidy and organised.

Do you sort your wardrobe on a regular basis? 

I should probably sort out my shoes next, if only to avoid any more oddness. Did you see 'Beyond Paradise' last night? He was wearing ODD SHOES - I was definitely ahead of the curve there!

Kitchen Sink Dramas

A few random thoughts from the kitchen. Not particularly dramatic, but products I have started using recently and I think are worth mentioning.  I do not want to 'monetise' my blog, and get paid for advertising - but if I find something I think worth sharing, I like to review it here. Starting at the sink

Here in East Anglia, we have a dialect word for cloths/rags used for
cleaning around the home - dwile [believed to come from the Dutch word dwell meaning mop] There's even an old pub game dwile flonking, where you flonk [or fling] your wet rag from the end of a stick. 

I have been concerned about the plastic particles in microfibre cloths and was looking for a greener alternative. And I chanced upon the Swedish Dishcloth, the ultimate ecofriendly dwile! These were invented by an engineer, Carl Lundquist in 1949. They are made of cellulose - wood pulp - they are highly absorbent, easy to keep hygienically clean, and when you have finished with them they can go in the compost bin. They do not smell bad like some dishcloths do, and they rinse easily.

I had read some reviews  and decided to buy a pack for myself at Christmas. I bought a pack of Wettex [the original Lundquist brand] and started using my pink cloth on Jan 1st. On Feb 1st I got out the green cloth too. It's useful to have two 'on the go'

• they are incredibly absorbent [tested with ¼cup water, they had a 98.3% absorbency rate]
• when wrung out thoroughly, they dry surprisingly quickly
• they are easy to sanitise [run through washing machine, or lay on top rack of dishwasher, or rinse thoroughly in hot water and blast for 30 secs in microwave]
• they are good for use when washing up, wiping counter tops, cleaning the hob, washing windows...

I hang mine over the tap at night, and in the morning they are dry and fresh for use again. I am definitely sticking with these

Second thing is food related- specifically cheese alternatives. I have never really eaten cheese, it upsets my stomach, although as I have got older, I have discovered I can manage soft 'farmhouse' cheese [cottage, ricotta, philly etc] 

But sometimes I have wanted to umami taste, and  saltiness of parmesan sprinkled on a finished dish. "Nutritional Yeast Flakes" aka nooch have proved a good alternative. You don't need much to make a difference.

Even tastier is "Vegan P" produced by The Pasta Factory, in Manchester [a restaurant and deli] It is a mix of chopped almonds, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts and sunflower seeds, with added nooch, nutmeg and salt. The downside of this is that I can only get it from the wholefoods supermarket at the end of Steph's road! The company don't sell it mail order. [Bob gets his parmesan in a wedge from Lidl. It keeps for ages in the fridge]

Finally - yorkshire puddings. I am aware that this is a very divisive issue. But I like a few small puffy puds with my roast lunch [does not have to be beef - I like them with chicken, pork etc]

I'm not very good at making from scratch [unlike Liz who makes wonderful yorkies] and although the precooked frozen ones are brilliant, they do take up a lot of freezer space [esp when you consider they are mostly air]

I am completely hooked on Aunt Bessie's bake-at-home Yorkshires. I served these at Christmas and they worked perfectly. Each comes in its own little recyclable foil dish and they puff up splendidly alongside the potatoes and parsnips. Our last-minute-lunch-guest on Sunday was impressed. 

If you are an air-fryer-user then they cook well there too.] 

furthermore they are vegetarian, and minimally processed.

Have you found any good kitchen related items recently?