Tuesday 17 October 2017

Getting Ready

What a difference a day makes.  I have woke to a beautifully calm morning, although still dark it is not yet 7 the noise from the wind and rain have stopped.  We were very lucky it didn't blast the Island as much as anticipated.  Ireland took the brunt causing endless damage and taking lives, my heart goes out to all those affected.  Normal services have resumed on the ferry too this morning.  Monday saw the first of the problems with the lunchtime ferry struggling to berth at Ullapool on the mainland and subsequent services cancelled.  I have yet to see the consequences and effects this would have on the Supermarkets and business's but I can guess.  Some flights were also cancelled but I am not sure of the extent of cancellations.  There were power cuts on the mainland but power was maintained here on the Island enabling me to tick somethings off my list.

I kept myself busy sorting out clothes and shoes for my forthcoming trip. I was going to pop my shoes into a plastic bag and then decided to make a couple of  shoe bags to keep my clothes clean.  My neighbour had given me some fabric the week before so it was perfect for the project.


Lined with some plain green fabric and finished off with a red ribbon.


Whilst the machine was out I made a few key rings for gift toppers out of some scraps of Harris Tweed.


I also added to the pile with some pom pom key chains, again perfect for a gift topper.


I then went on to make the Christmas puddings, making two large ones and two small ones.  I used the traditional Delia Smith recipe with a little addition of Port.



They are all now wrapped and ready to go.  All they need is reheating for an hour on the day.






The jam store was added to I made some blueberry jam, ready to pop into a small basket for my parents along with some other of their favourites.


Finally from the kitchen a little earlier than usual, the Christmas cake has been made.




This year I intend to top the fruit cake with a wonderful array of fruit and nuts and not the traditional marzipan and royal icing, but for now the cake is all ready and can be fed a little with some brandy.  Potatoes were popped into the oven whilst the cake was cooking and enjoyed with some cheese and beans, a wonderful Winter warmer.




The wrapping of the gifts is going well I am hoping to have them all wrapped ready to go by the end of the day.  |I am ever hopeful, maybe tomorrow is more realistic.

The birds are once again gathering in the garden so I will leave you with a couple of images to finish.



World weather conditions seem to be dominating the news at the moment, hurricanes, storms, fires, flooding and earthquakes.  Where ever you are I hope you are safe.  I once again thank you for your concern and comments, both Gerard and I were touched by your messages.  They were certainly well received and indeed appreciated.

See you soon.





38 comments:

  1. I'm glad things have settled down there today, we got some windy weather here but nothing too bad. You're so organised with all your Christmas makes, though I suppose you've got to be when you know that you'll be seeing family before the big day. I'm sure everything will be very much appreciated.

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  2. I'm so glad you are safe.
    We didn't see much of the predicted storm at all I am thankful to say.
    The shoe bags are a very good idea and one I might snaffle to take care of the too many shoes problem in this house.
    Hugs-x-

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  3. I am glad the storm passed without causing any damage but so sad for those affected in Ireland. I like the pom-pom key chains.

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  4. Glad the storm has passed and you're safe.
    xx Beca

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  5. Glad your are safe !
    Nothing stops you...always busy ;)
    Hopefully the birds are cool...not like in Hitchcock movie...
    Hug
    Anna

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  6. Glad all is well, wow you have been busy, I have never made christmas pudding, I really should start to think about the cake, time is passing quickly it won't be long before the big day is here.

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  7. Glad you are safe. You make the neatest gifts. You are so inspiring too.

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  8. I'm glad that you were lucky with the weather, the electricity and in getting so much done! So organised. I haven't even started my Christmas planning yet! You make Christmas puddings look so easy. I enjoy them but the rest of my family doesn't. Our Christmas Days are usually very warm so no one feels like hot pudding for desserts. I wish I was as organised and productive as you!

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  9. so glad you are safe and you are back to regular life. I am envious of all the crafting and making you are getting done!!!

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  10. Glad you came through the storm ok, I had you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  11. I am happy that you are safe! You have been busy, everything is so beautiful and the food sounds delicious!

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  12. Happy you are safe and sound, my friend.
    Again...wishing I could learn all those things form you!!!!

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  13. I'm so glad you and Gerard are fine and safe. You kept yourself busy as always I see. The shoe bags are a wonderful idea. I just popped mine into plastic bags when I went on my trip. Maybe making some shoe bags are in my future! All of your Christmas goodies look delicious. It always amazes me how organized you are my friend. Have a lovely day.
    Blessings always, Betsy

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  14. Hello, well you are right in the Christmas spirit aren't you? Very organised. I am glad you are all safe and managed to get some jobs ticked off your list. I can't even contemplate being so organised! xx

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  15. You really amaze me how busy you are and how much you make and how early you're getting it all done! How long will you be visiting your family? I know you will have a wonderful time. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  16. I'm glad Your safe and sound following the bad weather. Your kitchen must have smelled amazing this week. X

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  17. So glad that you are doing well! :) your kitchen must have the most heavenly scent :D can you share the recipe when you can?

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  18. So glad to hear your safe and well, I thought about you during the storms, hoping you were missing the worse of it. I love how you make your little finishing touches, the key rings and Pom poms xx

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  19. Very glad that you fared well in the storm...they can be most intimidating. I am sorry that Ireland got slammed. Yes, so many weather events around the world. Happy planning!

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  20. I love the way you wrapped the Christmas Puddings. So very elegant!! Imagine, more than 2 months until Christmas and you're almost done.
    Don't you love the gorgeous colour of Blueberry jam? That's what's on my morning toast these mornings. I love it ALMOST as much as Marmalade. Take care, GM

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  21. So glad that the storm did not do too much damage to your area. Thinking of all those affected in Ireland. It has been a terrible season for disaster. You have been busy preparing some wonderful treats and gifts. Everything looks so pretty and delicious! I'm sure they will be fondly appreciated! xo Karen

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  22. I've been wondering how you were getting on with all this stormy weather. You've kept yourself busy whilst indoors though. I wonder if the birds know that all that tasty cooking has been going on!

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  23. I heard about the hurricane and thought it was quite unusual...we don't hear much over hear about folks across the pond getting hit. So sorry to hear about the loss of life and property but glad to hear you fared well through the storm. I am so impressed with your preparation work for Christmas already! Oh, if only I was that organized!

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  24. As another reader commented, I too am amazed at how busy you are and how much you can accomplish in a day. I am inspired to get busy with some holiday preparations too! Also happy to read that all is well there following the storm.

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  25. So glad you are safe, dear friend :) You do get a lot done in little time! Your shoe bags are adorable.

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  26. I am very happy to hear that you are all right. You have been a busy lady. I wish I had more of your gusto and enthusiasm :)

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  27. So good to know you are safe after Ophelia visited!
    As ever I am so impressed at your forward planning and baking!

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  28. You really are productive and such a variety of things you make. The rest of us are just getting use to fall, and you're already half way ready for Christmas! Somehow I think if you had lost power, you two would have made it through with ease!

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  29. I'm glad the storm didn't affect you much. We're having the first storm of the season with rain and wind today and worse tomorrow! I'm working on getting items back into place after the celebration on Sat. Wow you have got lots of goodies made for Christmas. Good idea. Years ago I made baked goods to give as part of a gift and was well received. I have a few jars of jam I made as well. My son and family like that instead of stuff. Time and love equal good gifts! Take care!

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  30. Wow ! even with the strong wind and maybe danger coming up you use your golden hands and make such beautiful things ! My husband would kill you for a Christmas pudding ! He ate it for the first time in 1999 when my son lived in London and ever since I have to rake my brain how to get a Christmas pudding. Fortunately nowadays I find them nearly in all supermarkets but certainly not so good as yours !

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  31. I think Mother Nature is telling us all to get it together, she is the real boss after all. So glad you were spared from the storm, those poor people in Ireland.

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  32. You are truly a homemaker extraordinnaire! I cannot even fathom making all that, and so quickly. You amaze me at every turn!

    I am so very thankful you remained safe during the harrowing storm events. We are praying for all those affected, there are so many!

    Blessings to you always.

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  33. PS:

    Do you know you are a no-reply blogger? Somewhere in your settings someone doesn't have the ability to reply to your comments through the email system...so if you ask a question or anything one may not write you back a reply. Sometimes folks don't know, so I thought I would tell you. If you wanted to change that set-up there are many things on the net if you Google it. ♥

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  34. woah.. nice! you work from home?

    Maybe you’d like to see my new post: White with sea pastels

    Don’t forget to follow me on Google Plus

    Much Love
    Akanksha
    Fictitious Fashion

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  35. I thought I'd left a comment on this post, but must have got distracted. Some wonderful puddings, I bet they will be lovely and tasty. Can you come and help me get organised please?! ;-)

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  36. I'm glad to know that all is well with you. Reading your two recent blog posts I'm amazed how much you get done each day making preserves, crafting and sewing. I expect you use tried and tested recipes and you are proficient at using a sewing machine which helps. Your family are blessed because you and your husband are good at practical activities. I'm sure family and friends will appreciate all the gifts you're making for the Christmas festivities. Wishing you a very peaceful weekend.

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  37. So glad you are safe and pray that others who suffered are being comforted and provided for. All your industry is inspiring! You have awakened fond memories of my mom making fruit cakes as Christmas gifts. I bet your house has been smelling especially wonderful :) xx

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  38. As I'm reading from end to beginning, I don't what happened. I'm guessing storms, so will continue my backward reading. At least, I know you're fine, because I just saw all your jams and puddings and cakes, etc. wrapped and ready to go. Must go see what I missed.

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