Another week has flown by where I have easily filled my days. I am thankful for the harvest the garden room has produced and we have finally pulled the last of the tomatoes. There were still a lot of green tomatoes but I didn't think we were going to do any better with them so gave in and made green tomato chutney. All ready to go with some tasty meat and cheese over the holiday period.
Also from the kitchen is a citrus loaf, meringue, apple and blackberry crumble top tarts, a quiche and finally a trifle.
I have been blessed with gifts not only in the post but doorstep gifts and visits to the garden. My dear blogging friend Betsy, sent me a beautifully knitted pair of socks. I am in awe of her and anyone else that can knit socks it is such a skill, one of these days I will master the art. I live in hope that one day Betsy and I will meet up and it would be nice to sit and learn how to master the skill of sock knitting. They have such an intricate pattern and the colour is a delight, screaming Autumn. I am so excited to give them a test run and wear them.
Scones, magazines and a family of ladybirds appeared on the doorstep and we have had the joy of over the wall chats with neighbours.
I fill my days easily with a craft project or two, I have several secret projects on the go and am enjoying the process. Have you started any Christmas crafting?
As more and more rules are been put into place as the Covid numbers rise, my parents anxiety levels rise so we have decided to go for a visit in the hope that this will be uplifting for them. They do need some jobs doing so that is also the perfect reason to go. It will be good for me to know that they are ready for both the Winter and for Christmas. Who knows what the next round of restrictions will bring so better to go now in case we are unable to later. A few days away will do us good too.
Hope all is well with you and that you are coping with the Covid regime of restrictions, it is strange times that we are living in. I do thank you for your visit here and know that your visit and comments are greatly appreciated. Take care and stay safe.
See you soon.
It's a pity that you live so far away I mean with the sea between us ! You could come and show me how you cook these delicious dishes (I would eat all !) I aam really fearing Christmas, if it doesn't get better then we have to celebrate alone without son and family it would be the first time in 51 years of marriage !!
ReplyDeleteI have so many green tomatoes and I wasn't sure what to do with them! Thank you for the green tomato chutney idea. I am going to try that out! My husband also requested some fried green tomatoes. :)
ReplyDeletedreading Thanksgiving and Christmas alone
ReplyDeleteI love the pattern on those socks. Please could you ask your friend for the name of the pattern. I'd love to knit a pair.
ReplyDeleteCherie, They are the Hermione pattern and it's free on Ravelry. The yarn is a Stroll Tweed Fingering weight from Knit Picks but I forget the colorway name. It looks more difficult than it is! I hope you try them.
DeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Thank you Betsy. The nights are drawing in and it's sock knitting by the fire season.
DeleteLove the food photos! It all looks so amazing. I am in awe of people who can knit socks too. It all looks so complicated. I'm sure your parents would love a visit. My mum seems okay but the days are all blending together and I wonder how she will get on once winter hits and she can't get out as much (not that she goes far right now).
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty socks, and I'm always an admirer of the things you whip up in the kitchen. I hope your visit to your parents eases their anxiety. These are such difficult times. We have been very fortunate here on Vancouver Island with few cases of the virus. We are all careful and gatherings are small (and lots of disinfecting goes on at school), and I am thankful.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on the trip to your parents. The COVID restrictions can be quite stressful. Your baking and canning looks quite delicious. Those socks are a wonderful gift. I can't even think about Christmas yet. I have no idea what we will be doing about gifts. Nothing homemade this year.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well with your visit. Our planned granddaughter visit probably won’t happen now:(
ReplyDeleteThat was kind of Betsy, who I've met a few times, for sending you those lovely sox.~~~~sweet! Nice color! I was able to go in person event this a.m. and good to see 3 friends among others I don't know. Foggy part way through Salem so I had to turn on my wiper blades. Still misty when I left close to noon. We've not been clamped down yet, and hopefully not. Still need to wear masks/face coverings. Trader Joes doesn't not have a waitning line and own bags are allowed in. You made me hungry just persuing your food you made,. YYMMMM!!! I need to make pumpkin banana bread soon. Take care! Hugs and blessings!--Becky
ReplyDeleteOh it will be good to ease your parents' anxiety. Glad that you are going for a visit and a bit of a work detail as well. They are blessed to have you and you them.
ReplyDeleteNo, no crafts for me, but I have started gathering wee things.
A pleasant journey for you...
Meant to add that those socks by Betsy are incredible. I can't even imagine the skill it takes.
DeleteAs usual your baking looks wonderful and always inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your parents will love having you come and spend some time with them. It's sure to help them cope during this stressful and lonely time.
The socks gifted to you look lovely!
My those are gorgeous socks! My daughter has gifted us with her hand made knitted socks. They are so warm on the coldest of days! All of your baking is making me hungry. I hope you find your parents well. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHello to the two of you! I can almost smell the delicious scents coming from your kitchen Lorraine. I'm amazed at the wonderful things you come up with to make.
ReplyDeleteI feel for your parents. I can't wait to see our kids, it's been a year since I've seen them except on the computer screen. We were supposed to see all of them this summer at various times and with COVID that obviously didn't happen. I hope you are able to go see your parents and ease their minds a bit. Maybe an early holiday celebration with them?
I'm SO glad you like the socks and that they'll fit you. I thought of your poor cold feet on those blustery winter days and thought a pair of socks would be perfect for you. I love to make them to share with the people who I know will love to wear them too.
I hope you and Gerard have a lovely Sunday my dear friend.
Blessings and a "virtual" hug,
Betsy
You were busy in the kitchen today! My limit is two things, something for dinner and something sweet for afters. Tonight it was cauliflower casserole and lemon cheesecake squares. Enjoy your visit to your parents. Hope they stay well.
ReplyDeleteOh the delicious looking things you create! The socks look so very cozy! Hugs from chilly Pennsylvania, where Covid is on the rise.
ReplyDeleteI love the lady bugs, they will make a wonderful addition to your garden in the spring.
ReplyDeleteThe socks are gorgeous, and now you have made me hungry with all you baking.
God bless.
Your kitchen has been very busy! Everything you made looks absolutely delicious. I am in awe of Betsey's sock knitting too. I've knitted a few pairs of simple pattern socks and I don't find it easy and it takes me forever to knit them! Betsey's socks are beautiful.I know how you feel about visiting your parents. We went to visit our daughter in early September because although we have planned to go there for Thanksgiving we were afraid that restrictions will be in place again by then and we won't be able to go. I fear we are seeing the beginnings of round two of COVID here and will be in lockdown again in the near future. I hope I am wrong. Stay safe and well.
ReplyDeleteThose socks are just gorgeous. I love the pattern! This is a strange time. I was able to take a short trip to Catalina Island last weekend, and it was marvelous. Enjoy yours.
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to receive a pair of Betsy's handknit socks! She is so giving and generous. She crocheted a big lace doily for my baby grand piano that is a treasure of mine. I want to make a citrus loaf!! I'm glad you're going to see and help your parents. Treasure them while you still have them. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteThose socks are gorgeous!,
ReplyDeleteDelicious food photos and beautiful pair of socks.
ReplyDeleteYou're making me very hungry seeing all your delicious culinary successes! Yum! How nice to have a flurry of presents, I love the ladybirds. Enjoy your trip, stay safe.
ReplyDeleteYour baking looks delicious, mouth watering. You won't want to go back to bought socks once you've tried hand knit, they just don't compare. Lovely wool socks are so warm too, just what you need in the winter months. Enjoy your visit with your parents, it will do you all good to see each other in these uncertain times.
ReplyDeleteA busy bee outside and inside :) Yummy food, great socks and thinking about others...Hope your parents are doing weel.
ReplyDeleteStay safe, covid is everywhere...
Hu
Anna
Those food pictures made me hungry! 40 years ago, in my childhood, I remember helping my mom make and can green tomato relish. It was delicious! Those socks are beautiful. Can't wait to see your projects too.
ReplyDeleteYour food looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteThe socks are terrific.
Love those ladybirds.
Enjoy your visit with your parents.
All the best Jan
The socks are so pretty! Isn's Betsy just the nicest person. I too would love to meet her in person. You write the nicest posts. Always so enjoyable to read. I, as usual haven't started anything for Christmas. Hope you have a nice trip to visit with your parents.
ReplyDeleteHere in Wales, I think there is going to be a full Lockdown announced tomorrow, to start after a few days, so we are trying to get as much away to the Tip and the Charity shops whilst we can. In the normal run of things, I would have been doing lots of car boot sales to try and get some money back, but this year the charities will benefit fully.
ReplyDeleteLovely socks - your tootsies will be as warm as toast in those.
Nothing happening with crafts as I am busy packing stuff away, but next year will hopefully be different. I LOVED all your baking - you definitely used your day well. I so enjoyed this post.
I am impressed with your cooking. It looks delicious. I love your socks too.
ReplyDeleteAll the food looks wonderful and only wish that blogger could add scents to smell those wonderful baked treats you have showed here Lorraine. Certainly being far from family is so difficult even under the best conditions, but so much harder now. Wishing you both safe travels when you go to see your parents. To answer your question about Christmas crafting, I don’t do any but so admire those who do Like yourself.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a safe visit, I love how you fill your days with baking cooking and crafting! A well filled life :)
ReplyDeleteOh! my you do have wonderful neighbours! I just love those ladybirds!! What a tantalising view of all those delicious looking goodies. Betsy's socks are really lovely and such a pretty pattern....lucky you :-) Have a great time with your parents. Safe journey! Amanda x
ReplyDeleteWow, looks so delicious..
ReplyDeleteWith chutney, baking and cosy handknitted socks you are all set for the season! It is a worrying time, isn't it? I saw my parents in July but they are locked down in Wales and we are all fearful that we won't be able to see each other at Christmas. x
ReplyDeleteHello....i've been away from blogging for months due to a sick computer, and no one to fix it until now...covid affects everything. I missed your posts, as they are always delightful. Love the socks that you received! every dish that you made looks delicious!! Have a nice visit with your family. Debbie xo
ReplyDeleteThat is some cook up! You are on the ball. We were due to have my aunt and uncle to stay this week but Rotherham has moved into tier three so it is all off - such a shame for my children who see them as an extra set of grandparents and we couldn't see them in the summer. :(
ReplyDeleteThe socks are such a lovely colour!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you were baking for an army! What a fantastic array of wonderful delicious food! The tomato chutney looks fantastic, as do all the lovely sweets! I pray your journey to see your parents is blessed and special in every way, and praying that the covid cases go in the other direction. The socks from dear Betsy are gorgeous, she is such a talented dear lady! Many blessings to you Lorraine :)
ReplyDeleteoh my, your baked goods look so delicious! I am working on a few christmas gifts in between times watching the grand girls and helping with their school work while mom and dad work. They have to work and we have to go on no matter what. Just thankful for every day and making the most of it.
ReplyDeleteSo much deliciousness coming from your kitchen! The socks you received are so beautiful and knitted in is friendship and love, I am sure. I have started some hand-painted Christmas cards to give at Christmas. It’s hard to get in the mood since I have moved to the
ReplyDeleteSouth and all of a sudden ... it’s Christmas! I hope you enjoy your visit to your parents.
Your baked goodies look so delicious! How pretty those hand knit socks are. Your friend certainly is talented. Yes, this has been such a sad year. Enjoy your visit with your parents
ReplyDelete