Summer Pastimes

 I have been missing in action once again and for that I do apologise.  It is a busy time of year with the garden and cottage.  We have been trying to get as many outside jobs done as possible before the weather changes and we once again are confined inside.  We have also had a trip to the mainland for a few days to trade in our old car and pick up a new one.  We drove up to Inverness and enjoyed a wonderful city break staying at The Royal Highland next to the station.  It is a Victorian building, with quite the grand entrance.  The rooms are a little tired these days but the service was exceptional.  The breakfast was mediocre but the afternoon tea and evening meal were a delight.  We booked a package which also included a free cocktail, so that was quite the treat sat in the lounge prior to our dinner.  I managed to get most of the shopping that I needed which we both really enjoyed, it has been a long time since we did any real shopping.  I must admit it was quite sad to see so many empty shops and a real gap now that Debenhams has gone.

In other news, my nieces children are now recovered from Covid and are doing well.  Thankfully it did not spread through the family.  They have been vigilant with the hand washing and testing.  I thank you for all your well wishes, they were appreciated.

I continue to dry herbs in readiness for the Winter months.  I have done extra this year so that I can include some in my little hampers.  There is a lovely smell of mint in the kitchen which I am loving.

I am always amazed how much is needed to fill a small jar, copious amounts are required.  I am thankful for the very large plant which is spreading rapidly and needs to be curtailed.  We are still enjoying rhubarb and also have loads in the freezer.  Lettuce/spring onions/rocket have been amazing and are regulars on our plates.

I have finally finished a shawl that I have been working on.  The final row seemed to take an age but was worth the effort as it cools down some of the bright colours.

These lazy hazy days of Summer are just flying by and a joyful reminder of why we moved here.  Each view/ landscape/seascape etched into my mind so that I can enjoy them time and time again.  The moorland is alight with colour and so my adventures with dying wool will begin.  I am eager to try some of the traditional methods.  Time will tell, but I am hopeful.

I am also enjoying getting back into the swing of mixing with neighbours and friends.  It has been a delight to once again chat and enjoy each others company, after the long separation of Covid restrictions.

I am going to close for now as I must get ready for my aerobics class, another step in the recovery to normality.  I will catch up with you all on my return.

See you soon.

Sweet Treats

I am a little behind with blogging at the moment, but I am slowing getting around to visit you all.  Nothing wrong, just life seems to be taking over.  Although Gerard has been having some nasty side effects from some drugs he takes.  He has now under the consultants advice stopped taking one of his RA injections and consequently is having a flare up.  Rest and healthy eating is the order of the day.  In fairness we do eat healthily most of the time.  We do have a tendency to have treats when we have visitors and we have had several visitors of the weekend.  Homemade desserts are the best, yum!

We have an abundance of eggs at the moment so I made meringue, so that I could add strawberries and fresh whipped cream to make eton mess.

I also made a strawberry tart with a homemade custard base, using more eggs.

Topping it off with a strawberry flavoured jelly.

Finally an orange cake topped off with butter cream icing and jellied orange.  The perfect addition for afternoon tea.

I have started to use the liners for my baking, so much easier than greasing baking trays.  I am all for an easy life these days.  I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen this weekend jam making and replenishing the empty glass bottles with basil oil.  Apricots were cheap in the supermarket this week and I managed to get some yellow sticker strawberries, making the jam much more cost effective.

Already to be labelled up.  Finally the rain has stopped so I am ever hopeful that I may be able to get out in a few hours and mow the lawn.  I also intend to pick some more herbs ready for drying.  I have an abundance of mint which will be useful for mint sauce.  The roof on the outbuilding is almost finished so next we are going to replace the windows and get the door put back on.  Once the structure is sound we will be able to make plans for the interior and build the raised beds.  It is slow progress but we are thankful progress is being made.  What are you working on?

As always I thank you for your visit and your uplifting comments.

See you soon.