The Intrepid Explorers

We are certainly getting out and about now that the weather has picked up and we have the beautiful Spring days that I remember from holidays past.  We work on the house for a couple of hours and then do a little more exploration of our local area.  The crockpot has become invaluable putting it on in the morning and just leaving it to do its thing until we are ready to eat in the evening.  It is so much more than stews and casseroles, the gammon joint was a huge success.  A great hit was chicken braised with red cabbage definitely something that I would do again.  I did it with 2 chicken breasts but the recipe suggests thighs or drumsticks.

 

Along with the chicken add 1 chopped onion

                                              500g cored and shredded red cabbage
                                              2 apples peeled cored and chopped
                                              4 fl oz red wine

Cook for about 6 hours, it was delicious.

 

I mentioned in an earlier post that it had not all been plain sailing, one of the issues with our move was that we couldn't get the wardrobes out of the old house.  During our 20 years there we had altered the bannisters on the stairs...the removal men tried everything but to no avail.  Needless to say our clothes remained in boxes making life a little difficult.  We managed to buy some wardrobes from the local charity shop and have painted them to match the other furniture.  They are a work in progress needing sanding back a little to give them more the look I am going for.  The chests have been repainted and I will  decoupage  the drawers that have the stag head handles.  A work in progress but at least it is liveable for now.

 

 

The curtains were the only ones that we had two pairs of in the same colour and will be changed when I find what I am looking for.

We have explored the local villages and found hidden gems, The port of Ness was a delight.  We sat there for quite awhile taking in the stunning views and simple beauty.  Next stop over this beautiful ocean America.

 

I feel blessed that I am living the dream and am so thankful for the glorious beauty that I am sharing with the love of my life.

 

The sun setting over the croft, does it get any better than that?

 

 

A lazy day is planned for today, catching up with emails and writing some letters.  What are your plans?

 

See you soon.