Wednesday 24 July 2019

Catching Up...

My goodness the time is just flying by and whilst we are not having the high temperatures that the mainland are, we are enjoying some summery weather.  Lots of outdoor jobs are getting done, doors are been painted or replaced on the outbuilding.  The roof is finally finished and some windows have been replaced, it is a slow process.  Never the less we are pleased with the progress.  I am hoping to get the lawns cut once again today, they are growing so quickly.  We have also brought some more tyres down from the outbuilding to grow some more spring onions and such in.  Slowly but surely our plans are starting to come to fruition it is a nice feeling.

Once the weather turns we will  finish some of the jobs in our little cottage, the kitchen floor still needs to be laid but one day at a time...

Sadly the weekend did not go as planned Gerard needed to dash down to England so we didn't make it to the HebCelt but there is always next year.  I hear it was a great event bringing lots of people to the Island.  The Ferries were full and accommodation fully booked.

We did manage to get to An Lanntair earlier in the week to view the art exhibition, a real feast for the eyes.  Let me give you an idea of the talent of this man:








It was a wonderful display that evoked many feelings.  I would like to go and have another look when next we are in town so that I can fully appreciate the exhibition.



The easel and paint trolley along with some sketches made a real focal point and added another dimension to the wonderful display.

The weekend flew by and I was able to catch up with a lot of jobs and did some baking for the freezer.  I had apples and rhubarb that needed using so I made crumbles in readiness for those cooler days and the need for a warming desert.



I made some date slices and really enjoyed them using a recipe I found on a blog that I follow but for the life of me I can't remember which one.  If it is you let me know and I will be quite happy to link this post.  I must admit they were very moreish and a healthier option for a sweet treat.  I have just been reminded that it was indeed DC from over atfrugalinnorfolk.blogspot.com that shared this amazing recipe.  Just look for date slices under her menu tab.



With the abundance of eggs that we have, I thought it prudent to make a couple of quiches for the freezer.  It is always handy to have something quick ready for those days that I don't feel like cooking.  Generally hospital days.  Pasties were also added to use some vegetables up that had been loitering at the bottom of the fridge for awhile.




Well of course there was a sweet treat, I always have something ready in case of visitors.  Meringues were the order of the day, all that is needed is some whipped cream to sandwich them together.  Or, maybe some strawberries all ready for Eton mess.




I will leave you today with an amazing sunset that we are enjoying here on the Isle of Lewis, the beautiful array of colour behind a shadowy building is a stunning sight.



My apologies for not answering some of the questions you asked, I will catch up with you all soon.  Hope you are all well and not suffering too much in this heat wave that seems to be encompassing not only this Country but all over the World.  These extreme temperatures are a worry that is for sure.

See you soon.


33 comments:

  1. When I read how busy you were compared to us here in Belgium, you can't even move a finger ! it is so hot today we have 38°, for blogging just enough energy all shutters and windows closed and with a fan. It must be wonderful that you have sunny but supportable weather and you probably will never get 30° !!

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  2. You have been busy but are stocked up now with delicious things to eat. The paintings look really good.

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  3. Lots of good baking. I think the date slice recipe was the Cranks version, from my blog.

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    1. Yes it was thank you for reminding me, I will try to link it now. They really were tasty, such a grat recipe.

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  4. Oh yum, those baked goods looks amazing ☺

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  5. I could definitely do with cooler temperatures, I couldn't move yesterday for the heat and we're forecast more of the same today and even hotter tomorrow. You have been busy with garden jobs and all that cooking, it all looks delicious. What a beautiful sunset.

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  6. You sound busy and happy. That's wonderful that you made time to see the art exhibit. The sunset is divine...

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  7. I do enjoy reading about your life in Scotland....I'm wondering if it is possible to enlarge your font a little? It takes me a while to read the tiny print.

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    1. I am not computer savvy but I will certainly ask my daughter for some advice on how to do that and give it a go.

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    2. Wow, I have impressed myself and managed to enlarge the font, hope that helps.

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  8. looks like a wonderful way to catch up with baking and eggs and life. I admire you time in the kitchen and your food planning, I tend to skimp on that area of my life because I don't like to be in the kitchen, however, I do like (love) good food.

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  9. Wow! You two are very busy and accomplishing so much. Make hay while the sun shines is true for you! Smart thinking about stocking the freezer and using your wonderful eggs.

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  10. oooh the pasties ;) can you tell us how you make them and what goes inside?

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  11. He is lovely isn't he? I say he because there were 2, he was the brighter of the two as is usual in the bird world, the male is more colorful. I "think" it is a red finch. I have not seen the pair since then. He posed so pretty quite a while. Thank you for always visiting and commenting, it's so nice to visit with you.

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  12. Our weekend heat wave has finally broken, thankfully!

    Oh those foods you are freezing, look wonderful! How lovely to have them, in the freezer, for the future. -happy sigh-

    And how nice, that you have many casseroles, to freeze them in.

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  13. Hello my dear Lorraine. My, oh my! You always seem to get so much accomplished in a day. That exhibition was wonderful. I would like to go and see it several times too, in order to absorb everything.
    You inspire me with all of your cooking too. I'm afraid I rely too much on take out for those busy days of appointments. Your food is much healthier and I'm sure tastes SO much better than any fast food.
    We had horrible heat this week too, but a storm came through last night and cooled the air. Tomorrow will be warm again. I'm enjoying it while it lasts.
    Wishing you and Gerard a lovely evening my friend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  14. Did you get the thunderstorms we had down here in Wales last night? We haven't had any like that in a long time!

    Your baking looks so delicious. I'm hungry now :D

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  15. I hope Gerald is doing okay and his visit was not due to his issues. You are getting so much done, well done on all of that!

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  16. I'm sorry you had to miss the HebCelt festival; I know you were looking forward to it.
    As usual your baking looks wonderful. I wasn't aware that quiche could be frozen. You'd think I'd know that but I didn't. Now I do.

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  17. Lot of lip smacking food. :D

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  18. Wonderful paintings, I can see why you want to go back and see them again. All your cooking and baking looks wonderful:)

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  19. You are always so busy. It sounds as if the outdoor jobs are progressing well and I look forward to seeing the result. It has been very hot and humid here, but then we've had rain during the night. There's been some work done in the garden with some rearranging of one corner which needed a makeover. I hope Gerard is well.

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  20. Lovely to hear that you are managing to get all the jobs done that you want to get done.
    I can't even think about cooling or baking at the moment it's just too hot.
    Hugs-x-

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  21. O my goodness!! everything looks so delicious!! Great sunset!! I too have lots of things that i want to complete. Keeping a list keeps me focused!
    Love it!! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit and to leave such a sweet comment!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  22. You are indeed busy preparing all the baking and food. Hope next time you will be able to attend the festival. Hope Gerard is alright and well. Lovely paintings at the exhibition. Take care.

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  23. I really enjoyed seeing Donald Smith’s work. Oooo, all that delicious food! It’s too hot here to cook and we are getting a bit tired of cold fare, so yours looks extra good.

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  24. I'm sorry you had to miss the HebCelt festival … and hope that Gerard is ok.

    Your baking looks delicious, and that sunset is wonderful.

    Do take care

    All the best Jan

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  25. You always feature the most lovely baking! The exhibit looks quite interesting, and I'm always impressed by all the activities that go on on your lovely island. The sunset photo is beautiful.

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  26. Wow you do such a lot of baking, it all looks great. Do you ever have a minute? x

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  27. OH to be in your kitchen! Everything looked amazing. I just made hawaiian banana nut bread last night. I love food, lol.

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  28. How wonderful to be cooking and storing foods away for days when you don't feel like cooking, Lorraine. But I wondered how large is your freezer to be able to handle the quiches and other foods you prepare to store away.

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