Weekend

My goodness I am late in posting this weekend post but, internet problems prevail once again.  You may have noticed my intermittent reading of your blogs, I catch up when and if I can.  Gerard had his birthday on Saturday so we had a takeaway from the local Inn.  They delivered too so made for a nice treat for us both.  It was very tasty and quite large portions so certainly value for money too which is always a bonus.  One of our neighbours dropped off a very tasty victoria sponge along with candle and a very special brownie cake was delivered from one of our daughters.

Two enormous tubs of sweets were also delivered from another daughter and her little family.  A treat that will go on forever.  I have cut some of the brownie off and popped it into the freezer to have later it is such a shame to waste it.  He was certainly spoilt by us all.  We enjoyed another family quiz with the whole family using our wonderful technology before it all crashed.  I was so thankful for that.  We are certainly blessed with the love of a good family.

The weather has not been great, temperatures have dropped quite dramatically.  Gerard and I have done a little work in the outbuilding but not as much as hoped.  We are trying to divide the very large building into two.  One to make a workshop and storage area for all the tools and the other side to make an area for a table tennis table and such, a games room.  Hence the wall...

We managed to get the potatoes earthed up, which is adding more soil up around the plant into a mound to enable the growth of more tubers.  We are using potato sacks to grow them which are plastic although, I must admit do look like paper.

For some reason I had an abundance of red cabbage and pears so they were cut and made ready for the slow cooker.  Making a wonderful side for later in the year, it is a perfect accompaniment to both chicken and venison.  I seemed to have over ordered on the carrots too so I chopped some up for the freezer rather than waste them.  I have managed to get more Tesco delivery slots, one Thursday and then another for 3rd June for which I am very grateful.  I have started to preplan menus but still struggle to get the amounts right.  Although I am not complaining I feel blessed not to have to go out and in fairness the local store will deliver so we are better off than most.  It will be interesting to hear what our first minister has to say about lifting some of the restrictions, we seem to be a couple of weeks behind England which is leading to some confusion nearer to the borders.  The ferries here are still only taking authorised passengers to and from the mainland and bringing in lifeline supplies.  I am not sure the true impact of that as we haven't been to the supermarket but there does seem to be shortages in some areas particularly baking ingredients.

A little goes a long way it is amazing how far I have been able to stretch a lamb joint given to us by our dear friend and neighbour.  It was roasted about 4 weeks ago and we have had three further meals from it.  It was carved and put into gravy for the freezer and then reheated again in the oven.  As tasty as the first time it was cooked.

It went very nice with a cucumber, onion and mint sauce that I made.

All in all a very nice weekend in spite of the chaos caused by this pandemic.  Although not together with family as hoped or planned we were together in spirit.  Thinking of each other across the miles.  Hope all is well with you, take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Weekend Bliss

Mt goodness how time is flying by!  The days are already starting to shorten and each day it is getting a little earlier for darkness to descend.  In fairness we are still enjoying the balmy days of Summer and the bounty from growing crops and of course mutton or lamb from the freezer in preparation for the next slaughter and sale of lambs.  Already the sheep have been sheared and the fleeces sold.  I do think it is sad how much the crofters do get for the fleeces, when you consider all the hard work.  I am still working on my fleece and enjoying the process.

Sunday we enjoyed some roast lamb given to us by a neighbour, the generosity never ceases to amaze us.  A long slow roast with a garlic and rosemary marinade and it fell apart.  It really was tasty and enjoyed with some fresh mint and spring onion from our little garden.  We have grown three varieties of potatoes so these were also served whilst we gave each variety a taste test.  We enjoyed the process.

Cauliflower cheese, carrots and green beans served as side dishes making for a very tasty traditional Sunday lunch.

Desert was a fresh strawberry sherry trifle which did taste as delicious as it looked, a real treat for the week.

A sprinkling of chopped nuts adding to the texture and giving it a lift.  A strawberry cake made and shared with neighbours for afternoon tea.  It was so much fun to visit and catch up with our neighbours adventures who have been enjoying a tour of the art galleries around the Island.

Yes, I did enjoy a small slice but did work hard in my aerobics class to work it off.

Work continues outside in small bursts and then I come inside and work a few rows of my crochet project.  I am kept busy and for that I am thankful.

A quiet and reflective weekend enjoyed with friends.

See you soon.