Butternut, Butter Bean, But A Lot More Besides*

 

A warming autumnal casserole, to bung in the slocooker and forget about till teatime...

Quantities for 2, but easy to double up
INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp oil
• small onion, peeled chopped
• clove of garlic, peeled, finely chopped
• sprig of rosemary, finely chopped
• 250ml stock
• 4 pork sausages, each cut in half
• 300gm butternut squash, peeled, cut in 3cm chunks
• can of butter beans
• 150g chard - well washed*
• salt&pepper
• 2 heaped tbsp breadcrumbs
• grated parmesan/vegan parmesan [optional]
  

METHOD

• Heat 2tbsp oil in a frying, stir in the onion, cook gently 10 mins, and rosemary and garlic cook for 2 minutes.
• Transfer to slocooker. 
• Put 1tbsp oil in pan, and turn up the heat - brown off the sauages for 5 mins
• Transfer to slocooker.
• Pour half the stock into frying pan to deglaze then tip that, plus remaining stock into slocooker
• Rinse the butter beans under the tap, and add to slocooker, along with the squash cubes.
• Cut out the chard stalks, slice into 2cm lengths, cut leaves into bite size pieces, add to cooker.
• Put slocooker on high, and leave for at least 3½ hours. Season to taste with s&p
• Just before serving, toast the breadcrumbs in 1tbsp oil till crisp and golden, season with salt
• Serve in warmed bowls, stir in parmesan/VeganP if desired. 
• Sprinkle with breadcrumbs
• Enjoy!

It doesn't look as vibrant once cooked, but it tasted good.

* This recipe was loosely based on one I read somewhere, but modified to use up stuff I had in the fridge/cupboard/raised bed. Do make sure to wash the chard really thoroughly. I found a tiny snail clinging to the back of one leaf.  I may name this dish

  "Sausage Casserole Sans Escargot"

 

Dancing The Foxtrot?

 SLOE,       SLOE,      QUICK,       QUICK,       SLOE !

On Friday, Bob was delivering two Shed Aprons to a lady in the Retirement Community up the road, and she told him there were lots of sloes in the hedge by the footpath on the other side of the fence. Julian and I went on Saturday, armed with lok'n'lok boxes. But there is no longer access through the fence - just a padlock and barbed wire. We drove round the complex,  hoping to walk up the footpath that way. But that appears to be closed off at the minute [we suspect part of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone Project aka NOWZ]

Disappointed  we went back into the village and down a lane where I found sloes a few years back. The bush was still there - but someone had picked it completely clean apart from THREE fruit. Never mind...

You have to be quick to get a sloe round here!

Margaret And Grace

Do you ever find yourself doing something ordinary, and out of the blue, a memory comes flooding back from years ago An incident long forgotten flashes into your mind as fresh as if it were yesterday..

.Storm Amy brought down fruit from our two trees. I collected the windfall, and then picked all the remaining fruit. I had two large bowls full of apples and pears, some a little bruised, and many of the apples with insect holes. And my peeling machine was still in use at my friends house...

Without my gadget it would take forever, especially with all the cutting away the damaged portions. Was it really worth it? So many imperfect fruits -why not just tip the lot in the compost bin?

And I remembered a day in 1982. Bob was a student, Liz was 6 months old - and in the flat upstairs lived another student family. They had just had a second child, and were on the point of moving to a larger flat. I went upstairs to offer help. The weary young Mum said "Can you deal with these apples? An old lady at church sent them to us a couple of days ago. I don't want them, I haven't got enough time to look after the children, get ready to move and peel a load of rotten apples!" She handed me a heavy plastic carrier full of fruit. I carried them back to my kitchen. I was grateful - we were living on the breadline, and free food was wonderful.

I put Liz down for a sleep, then went back to the bag. I tipped it into the washing up bowl. 80% of those apples were bruised, or worm eaten...I wept with frustration. Why would somebody think that was a suitable gift for anyone ? Especially  for a busy mother moving house. It was insulting, and thoughtless...I was about to bag them up again and put them in the bin when somebody knocked at the door. It was Margaret, the wife of one of Bob's college tutors. "I've just been upstairs visiting the new baby, and thought I'd call and see how you were. Are things going OK?" 

I told her I was annoyed about the rubbish apples - and she gently suggested I made a cup of tea, whilst she had a look at them. Maybe the old lady didn't realise how bad they were, she said, and wanted to give a gift to young people training for ministry. If they had been in the bag since Sunday they would have deteriorated, some were imperfect, but not all. Perhaps we could salvage enough for a pie or a crumble. 

While I made tea, then pacified the baby and changed her nappy, Margaret worked cheerfully. She. peeled and trimmed, and soon my biggest saucepan was full of chunks of good apples. She swept the cores and peelings into the bag, and tied it up to go in the bin.

I felt very humbled. I'd seen a bag of imperfect apples, and felt annoyed and ungrateful. She had seen someone's thought and generosity, and found the good and useful fruit.

She had taught me a lesson in grace, that I have never forgotten. 

Good Hare Day

Two weeks ago we realised we needed to cancel our holiday. On the Sunday afternoon I decided to do a jigsaw to cheer myself up. A few months back, my lovely BIL Kevin had given me some puzzles which had belonged to his late Mum,  Ruth. I chose this Angela Harding 500 piece square one.

It was fun, but challenging. 

It took a few evenings, and I was glad I'd used my felt mat so I could roll it up and put it somewhere safe when the family arrived. 

Once it was finished Bob said how much he loved the picture, and I did too. It shows two beautiful Irish Hares on Rathlin Island [Details here] We decided to frame it. A couple of coats of Ravensburger Puzzle Conserver, and a spare picture frame and here it is on the wall. Thank you Kevin, I love it!

Knock, Knock, Gnocchi!

I bought a bag of gnocchi on a whim in the Co-op. Liz had said she cooked some in the oven, so I asked for the recipe. So easy, and so tasty, so we ate it all up before I'd remembered to take a picture. 

In a large bowl, toss the gnocchi with a punnet of cherry tomatoes,** peppers cut intolerant chunks, onion wedges, a few garlic clives7, a chopped courgette and/or aubergine.  And a generous glug of olive oil, plus salt. Mix together, to coat everything in the oil. Pour onto a large rimmed baking sheet or roasting dish.

Cook at 200° for about 30 minutes till the gnocchi is crispy.  Serve sprinkled with parmesan and basil.[picture from the internet]

I have eaten gnocchi in the past which has been cooked in water like regular pasta. But this way of cooking fresh gnocchi adds a crispy shell. Bob said it reminded him of cooked chestnuts. 

A quick recipe needing minimal intervention. And one which lends itself to being adapted for whatever veg are in the fridge.

**I typed my shopping list on my phone in a hurry. I was amused to see an error. I quite like the idea of a punnet of CHEERY tomatoes.

Have you tried any new recipes lately?

Thank you Liz for this one.

Fit To Bust!

A popular idiom meaning 'with energy and enthusiasm'. Yep, that's my approach, most of the time. Admittedly there has been diminished energy round Cornerstones of late [once the girls left on Sunday] , but still enthusiasm. It being Thursday, I thought I would share 3 more tips relating to my recent koromogae activities. Apologies to any blokes, this is a rather girl-oriented post!

first I mentioned briefly on Tuesday about turning hangers, but did not explain it very clearly

At the end of the season, any hangers not turned round will show the garment has not been worn. When I replace garments, I turn the hangers and put them to the right of the rail. Unworn clothes end up all on the left.

second prolonging the life of my slippers. I love my Moshulu slipper boots, but the inside linings have worn badly at the heel. Cheap foam insoles cost around £2.50 or more. I had a brainwave...

I bought table protector for the dining table, years ago. And trimmed it to fit. The trimmings went into the Great Stash in the loft.  It is the perfect stuff to cut into shape to line my slippers! And if it only lasts one season, I have plenty more of it for future winters!

third I have had an issue with bras. I am very fond of the 'tee-shirt' style. I like that layer of padding which gives a good, smooth line under finer garments**. 
But maintenance of these is difficult, and I realised some no longer 'fit to bust' properly. 

The problem is that if you fold them in half and tuck one cup inside the other [as recommended by those Folding Women who have perfect underwear drawers] for storage, or to put them in those nifty little lingerie washing bags, you end up distorting the padding. After a while, the top edge starts to curl outwards, and ruin the smooth line.

Then I had this brainwave, and all those years studying topology found a practical purpose.

Twist the bra in the middle, through 90º, then tuck the right side into the left side, with minimal distortion of the padding.

Voila! Push the back panels into the cups, and you can store or put in a washbag without damaging the garment's structure.

You read it here first - how mathematicians make their bras last longer!
Three ways to better manage your wardrobe at minimal expense.

**Before I had children, I was size 32AA. I remember being on holiday with a female friend, lounging by the pool, and a guy asked "Where do you come from, Ang?" Quick as a flash, my mate responded "She's from Norfolk, where everything is very flat"

Making Space

It has been very satisfying to declutter a few more things recently. I have seriously reduced the assorted children's toys - and this unit was almost empty. I decanted those few things, and this went to a CS Monday [having first checked the boys in Manchester do not need it] 

Then yesterday my bag of surplus clothing went to a different CS.  Julian is coming on Friday, so I need to tidy the back bedroom. I suspect there will be some more stuff to go from there. It is very satisfying. Personally, I find my home grown veg bring great joy, so they are staying.

Jacob seems to like his pumpkin, and Jess is just relentlessly cheerful as she comes out of school! So many people in my family have names beginning with J [for Joy!]

Next task is to get the remaining summer clothes vacuum packed and put away in the loft.  I must sort out some baby wool - a nibling is expecting, and this great-aunt needs to get knitting...

Why does Great-aunt sound so much older than Grandmother? 

There's Actually A Word For It!

We are grateful for all the kind words and good advice. We decided that as it was a sunny day we would go out somewhere. We drove to Fakenham, and parked by the library - where I found 3 interesting craft books. Then we crossed the road to Taylors. This place has changed hands since our last visit. Bob had a breakfast brioche and I had scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Good service, a generous portion of fish - but the eggs were not as good as NEPO [North Elmham Post Office/Tearooms]
We drove on to Wells Next The Sea. This place has gone very upmarket. I do not know how the locals manage. We looked at a few menus at the eateries...Sausage and Mash in a Yorkshire Pudding was £18.50. Not eating in a place like that!!

We decided to drive on to Sheringham and check out the new Priscilla Bacon Hospice Shop. This meant driving through wonderful Wiveton. Bob found some CDs at the junkyard, and I discovered some very quirky package labels [which the lady let me have for nothing - I could see she thought nobody else would buy them] We went across the road to the Hall and had a cuppa [Bob had cheese scone, I had tea cake] 

In Sheringham there wasn't anything in the PBHS that interested me. In the Sally Army Shop I bought some West Wing DVDs[because I recently decided I wanted to watch them again. Martin Sheen made a good President] This little pepper pot was £1. But who is he? I left him on the shelf, then another lady bought him. Who is he? I asked- but none of us knew! And where is his salty other half?

It was a truly lovely day out together, driving up through the country roads to the seaside, and along the coast road, then home again.*** We were home soon after 3, and Bob settled down to sort out his  CDs, whilst I decided to do my summer/winter clothes swap. I had discovered earlier in the day that the Japanese actually have a word for this biannual ritual [that's twice a year, not biennial which is every two years. I checked it up]
 衣替え koromogae 
Literally meaning changing of attire [or furnishings] this custom has been around for 1000 years, and traditionally the Japanese people pack away their summer clothes on October 1st, and get them out again on June 1st. If school children have summer and winter uniforms, these are the changeover dates.

When I hung up the summer clothes, they start with hangers 'the wrong way round' and if I wear something I turn the hanger. At the end of the season I can see what has not been worn for 6 months. That stuff goes in the CS bag, along with other items I really do not like any more, or that do not fit me. 

I have been practising koromogae for years without realising it had a name [since before I got married]
Do you do a regular clothes swap? 

** Very grateful for towns which have good Blue Badge Parking, and seats where pedestrians can stop for a rest. I was saddened by a conversation I had in one shop. I remarked to the assistant that Wells prices had gone up, and he said that Holt is even worse - the town is now split in two he said. The obviously wealthy people [many are wealthy second-home owners, or visitors from London]  and the much poorer people [who have lived there all their lives and cannot move] . His friend helps run the Foodbank, and says they really are not very well supported, yet so many people are dependent on their foodparcels. Lord, help us to be more generous.

The Children Cheer Up Their Grandparents

Let's be honest, I woke up feeling a little bit flat on Saturday morning. I should have been greeting the dawn from a hotel room in the South of France. But we both determined to get over it, and get on with life. We enjoyed a proper English breakfast, and then I finished off seven more aprons. 

"We're on our way!" Liz messaged us. Their plans had changed, so they'd decided to make a lightning trip to Norfolk to cheer us up. I hadn't see Jess since August - how has she grown so much in 4½ weeks at school. She likes maths best, and she knows all about phonics, she told me!

Liz suggested that as we had a 'free' week, we should try and go out places, perhaps find somewhere different to enjoy a coffee."Perhaps with a cookie?" volunteered Jess, adding "or maybe a cupcake?" then, triumphantly "You could even have a macaron!"

In August we took Rosie to an art exhibition in Norwich - paintings by Thelma MacFarlane, the late mother of my Fiona. Fiona was enchanted by Ro's appreciation of the pictures, and her ability to explain what she liked, and what she thought the artist was trying to portray. Bob had a favourite. So he bought it - and Rosie stood for ages in the hall, looking at it and telling me about it. [I made a video to send to Fiona] I loved listening to her critique - sounding just like her Auntie Steph did 30 years ago.

That really cheered me up. And Jess and Rosie came in the kitchen with me to make three chocolate bars from a craft kit. For Grandad, Mummy and Daddy. Sadly the 'leave in fridge for 40 minutes to set' instruction was wrong. Grandad was presented with a very sticky offering. We left the parents' bars chilling overnight, and they were fine on Sunday,

Lunch with the family here was delightful. Can you believe that stack of marshmallows on Ro's Hot Chocolate? Jess was unstoppably cheerful, didn't stand still long enough for a photo. But we did get lots of hugs from them both.

And up in Manchester, George and Jacob went to Tatton Park with their friends, and sent us pictures of all they were doing.

I feel very blessed to have this loving family around me - we had lots of laughs and good conversations. And plenty of time just to sit and relax. "Mummy says we have to cheer you up, because you couldn't go on holiday!" they told me.

I am cheered, and feel greatly loved. "Your friends are so kind" said Bob, reading all the lovely comments and good wishes on the blog. 

Thank you family, thank you friends! Or should I say "Merci beaucoup!"

It's All About Grace

The calendar picture for October. It is a quote from Joseph R Cooke, a "Methodist Unitarian" preacher [1775-1811] who wrote two books about God's grace.

I confess I cannot quite work out the picture.  

At first I thought the bear was showing the dog his burnt fruitcake with a sad expression. Then I decided the dog had a sad expression too, because she'd left a trail of muddy footprints. Each creature realising they were imperfect.

Then I decided the bear was bringing the dog's food to her - even though she had made a mess, the bear was gracious and forgiving.*

When our girls were much younger, I had two posters in my kitchen:

The first was a sad little girl holding a plate, and a cake upside down in the floor in front of her. The caption was "God loves us, even when we mess things up"

The second picture was an incredibly untidy house, stuff all over the floor and furniture, rampaging children and a frazzled mum. The wording -"God bless this mess!" **

All of us mess up sometimes. But God continues to forgive us, to love us, and to bless us. And that is his Amazing Grace. 

I need to work on my "Grace-Face" I think😘

* Why does the bear have clothes but the dog doesn't? [Am I overthinking this?]

** The poster was a gift from my Dad to remind me that even in the midst of chaotic,  busy, family life, God cares.

The Tenth Tree Picture

Can you believe it - 10 out of 12 pictures have been taken. A few leaves are yellowing, there are definite signs of autumn in the foliage around the field. 

It was a much greyer day yesterday morning

Here is the first photo from the beginning of January 2025. Sometime in the next 12 weeks, all those green leaves will fade and fall and My Tree will look bare again.

But the basic shape of the tree and its branches has remained constant. Each month it has been beautiful in a different way...

 

Plane Speaking

For our joint 60th birthday gift, our daughters treated us to a holiday in Sicily "a proper trip on a plane" they told us. This is the year in which we are 70 - so we decided to treat ourselves to another foreign holiday. This morning we were due to be driving to Stansted and catching a plane to southern France. We had a week booked in Perpignan in Languedoc. But here we are, still at Cornerstones...

I had diligently re-read Kate Mosse's book Labyrinth, to remind myself all about the persecution of the Cathars in Carcassonne. Bob carefully researched the dishes of the region. Foreign travel means finding out the local people and their culture [for me the history, for him the food!]
We booked with Ryanair, and luggage was planned to an absolute minimum. I bought a tiny tube of toothpaste in Boots. 

And a small wheeled cabin bag which fits into the airline specifications [as new, £4 in CS] We also bought Holiday Insurance from SAGA. It was not cheap, but as a proportion of the total expense, not unreasonable.
I am so glad we did. There is no way Bob could have managed the trip. The GP said that even if his pain meds worked, he probably wouldn't feel like doing too much, and wouldn't get the full enjoyment of the holiday. And there is no way I would leave him in the hotel and trot around medieval cathedrals by myself.
So once we realised last weekend that a plane to the South of France was not going to happen this month, we cancelled, and started the business of claiming on the insurance. 
I am happy to report that Hertz repaid car hire in full, and Expedia refunded 50% of the hotel costs. SAGA are sorting out the rest for us [the GP said she would confirm the genuine medical grounds for not going] 

Once Bob gets his treatment sorted, we will attempt to arrange another holiday. And we now have a quiet week ahead of us with nothing in the calendar. Lazy days and easy meals, and time together in Norfolk. [which is exactly what our holidays used to be like before we retired here] And next weekend, we the family are coming.
I absolutely hate flying anyway, so that is one experience I am happy to live without. 

Thrifty Thursday

 My apple peeler is still at my friend's house. Her family are using it daily and eating more apples than usual. The youngest particular likes the fact that the apples are corked [ie cored!]  So I am back to using my traditional corer and potato peeler.

But last week I saved the bits into a lok'n'lok which I kept in the freezer till it was full. Then I used them to make a true ZeroWaste preserve; "Compost Heap Jelly" This recipe comes from HFW's 9 years ago on Sue's Blog [THIS Sue - there are so many Susan's in Blogland] Thanks Sue

I made four little jars of jelly from the cores and peelings which would normally go into the compost. That's Thrifty Tip #1

I do the initial stage by putting peel etc in a pan, covering with water and bringing to the boil. Then I tip everything into the slow cooker, and simmer for a couple of hours. TT#2

And when I finished, I put the resulting slushy brown purée into the compost anyway! TT#3

You need a jelly bag to drain everything. Spend £10 or more on a metal one from Tala or a red plastic one from Lakeland. I make jelly about once every five years - so I have improvised my own jelly strainer from stuff in the house. No cost! TT#4

Begin with an old, clean teatowel. Place a stool upside down on the worktop, and drape the teatowel over the top, fastening the fabric  securely over each leg with an elastic band. Put a bowl underneath. Let it drip for a minimum of 3 hours.

Do be patient [500ml came through in first hour - but by the evening, it was almost 700ml. Do not be tempted to squeeze or push - that will make your jelly dull and cloudy.

Final kitchen tip is about vinegar bottles. I like my Sarsons 'table' bottle with its sprinkler cap. But that costs five times as much as vinegar in a large bottle with a plain top. Unfortunately the Sarsons cap does not unscrew. The trick is to stand the empty bottle upside down in a jug of boiling water for 5 minutes. Then wrap it in a teatowel and carefully ease off the plastic cap. Refill the bottle and pop the cap on again.

This is such a simple thing and can save you £10 or more per litre! Thats TT#5

And now - totally unrelated - I enjoy flicking through glossy magazines - especially ones relating to recipes, gardening or crafts. But they cost upwards of £5 a time. And I don't want to keep them. But because I belong to Norfolk Libraries, I can download the Libby app free and borrow loads of magazines to read on my tablet or phone. 

A different free magazine every week = £300 a year saved. And not just magazines- there are books and audiobooks too. 

Absolutely brilliant. TT#6

That's half a dozen tips to help you save money this autumn.

Have you got any good moneysaving tips to share?

As The Needle Dances On The Cloth...

The other day a friend came round for coffee - she brought with her a quilt to show me. A beautiful piece of collaborative stitching. Following an accident, her husband had to spend some months in hospital in Yorkshire. Friends from their church made a quilt for his bed - lots of individual patches to remind him of those who were praying for him, thinking of him - and special embroidered motifs and stitched Bible verses symbolising memories and friendships. It was truly special, and I felt so privileged to have the opportunity to look at it and examine the details and the careful work involved in a true labour of love.
Yesterday I spent the entire day making another batch of Shed Aprons. I bought a trolley-bag for my latest machine in Lidl a couple of days ago. It's a lightweight one, just to make it easier to wheel my bag from room to room [I store it in the back bedroom, but usually work at the dining table] Bob took the day very easy, lots of resting [and I had my earplugs in as I worked, listening to vintage crime dramas on radio 4 extra]

Here's a lovely poem called October Quilts. I will make another quilt sometime. But right now in between Apron Sewing all I can manage is a couple of small squares each month for the TwoByTwo project. But as the poem says "Each square holds a story sublime"

OCTOBER QUILTS

In the midst of fall's warm colours
Lies a craft, tender and bold
A tapestry of memories, stitched together
Stories in threads, yet to be told
October quilts, with each block pieced
Breathe life into the autumn air
A symphony of textures and hues
That only the heart can truly share
With every stitch, a moment captured
A memory woven in time
From golden leaves to crisp apples
Each square holds a story sublime
The scent of pumpkin and cinnamon
Infused in the fabric's embrace
As the needle dances on the cloth
A masterpiece takes shape with grace
Squares of flannel, denim, and silk
Layers of warmth and comfort entwine
A labour of love, each quilt unique
A treasure that will forever shine
October quilts, a soothing refuge
For chilly nights and cosy days
A work of art, handcrafted with love
A symbol of autumn's peaceful ways
So let us gather 'round the fire
Wrapped in these quilts, so dear
As we revel in the joys of fall
October quilts, we hold them near.

by Dashaun Rashod Snipes

Back, Again

The main issue which has complicated things over the past week has been Bob's worsening back pain. On Thursday and Friday, he was struggling to get out of bed, and to walk to the bathroom or lounge. The GP has been incredibly helpful, and upped the pain meds significantly.  But that means he's a bit woozy some of the time and cannot drive. And planned activities for the next few weeks have been severely curtailed.

I don't cope very well when the people I love are in pain, and I feel so impotent and unable to help. Thank you everyone for your concern, and the comments here, and all the emails etc. We are both grateful.  Taking each day as it comes.

Yesterday evening was lovely - Bob's sister and her husband have been in Norfolk for a couple of days and came over for a meal. It was so good to chat, and laugh together.

I took this picture of a beautiful rainbow shining over the Close. We have so much to be thankful for.

Walrus, Eric, And Paris.

When I was a supply teacher, in the early 90s, it was not unusual to return to the classroom after lunch and find an enthusiastic pupil waiting to put up a sign for me. This was before interactive whiteboards and so much taught using screens. Many notices were fixed with blutac onto the drywipe board. And these three signs were very popular, and all meant roughly the same thing.
WALRUS  was Writing and listening, reading and understanding
ERIC meant Everybody reading in class
PARIS meant Please, all read in silence
I expect other schools had similar acronyms, for that blessed quiet 20 minutes at the start of afternoon school, when children had their heads down reading and teachers and classroom assistants could get other tasks sorted. It helped to give children the idea that doing some reading every day is a good idea - at school, and then hopefully again at home [maybe with support from family members] 

One phrase popular at the moment is "My chapter book" - ie the book from which I read a chapter each night. Steph tells me that this one is George's current favourite. 
As we get older, it is sometimes harder to maintain a regular reading habit - life so often gets in the way. I am being much more disciplined lately - no screens after 10pm. So no sitting up in bed 'doomscrolling' or even reading magazines or flicking through Facebook or Pinterest. Instead I am going back to a chapter or two of a library book each evening. 

I am very grateful for the Norfolk Library Service, and especially the mobile van which comes once a month to the next road.
Our local Mobile Service is celebrating its centenary this year. The driver told us that their great celebrations got overtaken by all the hype about the Castle refurb- but they had a party for staff, and got a whizzy new electric van, which has a timeline of photos dating back to 1925 along the side.

Thank you to all the team, especially our local driver, Mark [aka BookMark] So many of the elderly folk in our village cannot  easily get into Dereham  or Norwich, but the monthly van brings the books they want to the end of the road.

On Thursday we were on the van, and my friend Jane told us this great story;
Last summer she had been picking flowers and pressing them inside some books. Inadvertently she'd used one of her library books. A couple of days after the van visited, she had a phone call from Dereham Library "Please can you come in and collect something?" Mark was sorting out the returned books on the van, and found the pressed flowers. He worked out that Jane had borrowed that book - so he carefully removed the flowers, put them between two sheets of card, and left them in the town library - having asked the staff there to phone Jane and tell her where they were!! That is the sort of Gold Star service we get round here!! 

Screens are useful, and the ability to find information quickly can be a blessings - but lets not ever forget the benefits of the printed page. And always remember the importance of passing the habit of reading on to future generations. 

Thank you for all the kind words yesterday. The service went well at Church, and Bob and I enjoyed a quiet afternoon. Things are resolving slowly, and I will explain later.  But your love and prayers are greatly appreciated ❤️

Answered Prayers

The last few days have been a little unsettled. I will explain later, but things are certainly much calmer now. A good friend, who knew what was happening, wrote out Psalm 91 for me. It was the Psalm for the week in her Hannah Dunnett book. But she felt verse 15 was particularly suitable for us. I am grateful for her love and prayers - and reminding me of encouraging verses is a always a boost.
Today I am taking the service at Chapel as our Pastor is preaching down in Suffolk. My sermon text is Philippians 1v5.

It is good to remember that God is with us - and that we have many friends, near and far, who care about us. I am so grateful for these blessings.

A Square Granny?

I do hope I am not one of these- but I do love a neat Granny Square. Kirsten has niftily incorporated her crochet skills [way better than mine] into her patch for this month's TwoByTwo. One advantage of this latest collaboration is that we only need to exchange small envelopes each month, saving quite a lot of postage costs! Mine arrived on Tuesday, containing this set of treasures

• An English Heritage postcard - vintage picture of a horse being shod. I love that old word shod!
• One of K's handpainted watercolour bookmarks, 
• A very beautiful 'art' tin, with a sliding lid containing peppermints. Yes I know they look like aspirin. They aren't!
• The patch for the month

It is a lovely piece of purple linen [beautiful quality - I keep stroking it!] K tells me it is from a fabric sample, just large enough to do the two patches [perfect!]
The square is crocheted in leftover random dye sock yarn, with a very fine hook [previously used by her Godmother with perlé cotton to make table runners]
There is running stitch round the outer edge holding the chains in place, and in each cluster of triples, an extra stitch to hold it to the backing.
My two squares thus far have involved adding stitches to embellish printed fabric. Now I am thinking about some sort of appliqué work.
Another bonus of this project I have just learned another keyboard shortcut - if you type Alt0233 you get an accented é like this. This will prove a useful timesaver for typing French words. 

Once again, thanks Kirsten!

More Busy Bees

In September we were in Manchester looking after the grandchildren. I love that the emblem of Manchester is a bee, representing industry and community. For our second collaboration, when Kirsten and I worked on evenweave Aida cloth, I sewed a bee on a golden honeycomb of Spanish work [aka blackwork] 

As we visited Quarry Bank Mill, in Styal, this time round, I bought a Fat ¼ of cotton fabric, printed all over with bees.

I used 2 strands of brown, charcoal grey and yellow DMC floss to cover the printed bee, in backstitch, satin stitch and French knots. 

With iridescent Guterman Sulky, I did backstitch wings.With a reddish brown DMC I outlined some honeycomb in double running stitch.
Using the waste canvas technique I stitched "Quarry Bank" in dark brown. Then I cut the fabric and made up the two squares 

You cannot see it on the photo, but when you move the patches, those wings really sparkle and catch the light. 

I am rather pleased with this month's squares. But it is not straightforward...
In Victorian times, Manchester was known as Cottonopolis, because so much of the UK's supply fabric was woven in the city.
This is a difficult subject for me - I really struggle with the fact that the wealth of so many was built on the labours of slaves - both the unemancipated black workers across the Atlantic, and the poor white men, women and children working long hours in dangerous conditions in the mills like Quarry Bank. Even philanthropists like John Rylands, whose money paid for libraries, public baths, schools, chapels and more, and who offered "Free grown Cotton"  and showed some support for the Abolitionists, still made so much of their wealth on the backs of the poor.
We cannot rewrite history, and it is hard at this distance, to understand the actions of others. Did they know all that was happening out on the plantations, but choose to ignore it? How could the owner of Quarry Bank Mill live right next door with his young family, at a time when children were being injured, mutilated and killed by the unsafe looms? 
But we can make an impact now by thinking about where and how our clothes are produced today, and asking the difficult questions about fair wages and safe working conditions. My little squares are a reminder of our responsibility in this.