It has been a week since my last blog post, I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. I have been filling my days well despite the terrible weather outside. Finally, we woke this morning to no rain so I am hopeful that we will be able to get out for a good walk. We have had some terrible weather this past week certainly not conducive to a walk by the sea. A couple of storms have also hit, making it impossible for the ferry to run. It seems very early in the season so I am truly thankful that we have a good store cupboard.
The Christmas cake has now been made, I really enjoyed the process. The smells are so evocative of Christmas with the aromatic spices and fruit. The dried fruits were left to soak overnight before all the wet ingredients were added.
Another thing ticked off the list. It is now wrapped ready for the occasional feed of brandy. The Christmas music we are putting on more and more and we are watching the occasional Christmas film. The preparations are coming along nicely with some secret craft work still going on. I must admit I am really enjoying the process. We intend to get the decorations out early next week and start to sort them out. We have so many that really do need to be passed onto others as we are now in a much smaller home.
Pyrography is a traditional folk art which we have started to explore. So over the past few days we have been experimenting on some kindling and then progressed to a few wooden spoons. They are going to be attached to some cookie mix and used as gifts. Whilst not brilliant we did enjoy the process and they are made with love.
The Christmas cards have now all been made and written, even the stamps added so the list is going down quite nicely. I intend to post them a little earlier than usual as I anticipate a surge in postage. With all the new government announcements about the festive period I am sure a lot of people will feel better about what they are allowed to do. It was the uncertainty that was upsetting people. Not everyone is going to be happy but at least we have guidelines now.
I have been enjoying going through some of my old recipe books looking for some familiar recipes but also something new to add to the repertoire. I came across a few new additions that I want to try. I have also started a new jigsaw puzzle that passes away the time. I have been experimenting with paints both water colours and acrylic and again enjoying the process. I love the idea of mix media projects both paint and sewing which I am experimenting with a little. Have you tried something new lately? Every day is an adventure as I fill my day with a new craft project and the joy that brings.
Time is running away with me once again so I will leave you for now and get on trying to tick off my endless list of jobs awaiting me. Take care and stay safe in these very uncertain times.
See you soon.
I do love t read your posts, your home sounds so cozy and comfortable. If it wasn't for the dreaded Midge, Tony and I would move to the far north of Scotland in the blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteNever Christmas has started so early ! Even in Brussels on the market place (Grand'Place) the 18 m high Christmas tree has been put up and decorated ! Normally it's never before 1st December. The empty streets have also their light decorations. People are hoping that the shops will open for Christmas but we are not yet sure. I haven't done anything yet, I had given all our old Christmas decoration away and wanted to buy new once for the new home, but as the shops are closed I am afraid that our Christmas tree will look a little empty this year.. I ordered some things on Internet, but the post has so much to do that they had to hire 2100 people to help out because the Internet purchases have increased so much. It's nice that you can keep yourself so busy, I have a terrible lack of energy !
ReplyDeleteWe plan to decorate a little earlier this year, and talking with friends and family they do too. A little extra seasonal cheer has to be a good thing :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Your Christmas cake is going to be wonderful as you and Gerard celebrate the most glorious season. Your upbeat attitude is always wonderful to read about. Stay safe and well, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThat Christmas cake sounds divine. I've never made one. It sounds like what we call a fruitcake. That's good news that you have plenty of food during the storms that you've been having. It makes all the difference to have delicious meals during times like these...
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas cake, but I'm the only one who does. So I dont bother to make one now. Yours looks as though it will be delicious!
ReplyDeleteMore than 40 years ago our youngest daughter asked for, and received, for Christmas a woodburning set. She made a variety of items before losing interest. I wonder if what you're trying is similar.
ReplyDeleteI have my fruit soaking and would have made my Christmas cake today but there was no 3 hour time when my oven was not being used. It will have to be done tomorrow.
Sorry your weather has been so awful. Hopefully it will improve.
The title of this post could be "Enjoying the Process." It is always fun to see what you are doing because you never stay idle, that's for sure. You know how to enjoy this festive season.
ReplyDeleteMy husband used to do a bit of wood burning, and perhaps I should get him doing some more. Great idea to personalize the spoons.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I love your wood-burned spoons! I'd rub some mineral oil on them too.. it will make them look super wonderful. I've been wanting to make a home made fruit cake, too.
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*H*A*P*P*Y* * *H*O*L*I*D*A*Y*S*!*!*!*
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((hugs)), Teresa :-)
I'm always in awe at your preparations for Christmas. I only wish I was as organised. X
ReplyDeleteChristmas caje sounds so intriguing to me! Every year I prepare long maturing Polish gingerbread - 2 months before Christmas. Love your photos, have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteYou're always so busy with your crafting and your baking, it's nice to fill your days doing things you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteYour post gives me the Christmas feel. I love fruit cake. I have a feeling our Christmas will be quiet because the pandemic situation over here is stable yet.
ReplyDeleteI have to say following all your prep for Christmas over the last few posts is so inspiring! You are so well organized and I thoroughly enjoy reading about it. keep well Amanda x
ReplyDeleteYour posts are so warm and filled with the spirit of Christmas. You make me want to get busy. You really do make every little task sound like fun. I need to be more like you.
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ReplyDeleteLove those spoons!! Sounds like you are spending your time enjoying yourself!! I am doing the same!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteStay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Interesting Christmas cake. I like your spoons with inital on it. We had a good thanksgiving time today and delicious food this week some made by a friend who has been here a few days. I am working on some cards for Christmas soon and I put up lights in front windows that were in a Ningxia Red glass bottles that look like wine bottles. I need to replace batteries in one of them as it's been used more than the other 2. It's not quite as bright, light wise. We are in a "freeze" for 2 weeks were no indoor dining at restaurants thru Dec. 2. Take out, curbside, or drive through. Sad! Freeze is from the governor here in Oregon. It is always good to have food that one needs stocked up. I do that as well, just in case of a disaster. Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteWonderful. It's so satisfying getting all those things ticked off the list. Your cake will be delicious with all that brandy added. Love the spoons, ready for stirring the cake next year!
ReplyDeleteI have just seen an old lady making this cake, which is delicious. I hope the weather is good there.
ReplyDeleteSandra xXx
I plan on Holiday cards in the coming days. Like you I want to be sure it gets out in time. I also have to mail all the Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteYou're always so organised and it's interesting to hear about your makes and your cooking. I'm drifting along keeping to our quiet routine and focusing on simple tasks and activities. I'm thankful I can get out for a walk when the weather is suitable and appreciate the comfort of a warm home. Wishing you a good weekend and possibly a walk by the sea.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness you're busy! I love your spoons. My mom used to make wooden gifts and she used mineral oil to season them and protect them. Added a bit of sheen as well.
ReplyDeleteWe have our 4 day Thanksgiving weekend. Had a nice small dinner and have a lot of leftovers to use up. I made my moms cran-raspberry swirl dessert and it was as good as hers. My apple pie didn't do so well, the tin pan folded up and it looked like an empanada. Tasted good but boy did I get upset.
Most of the weekend will be at home as our daily rates are very high, 5047 Thursday and the hospital ICUs are filled. That's just LA County, not the state. I will just continue to watch my streaming services and read my Kindle.
Next weekend my daughter who is quarantining in Illinois will come home to CA for a month. She will be the decoration mistress and make the house cheery and holiday ready.
Wishing you good weather and a cheery stroll. 🍂🍁
It sounds as though you're certainly busy. How lovely to learn a new craft. You did very well. I'm not sure I'm quite in the Christmas mood yet though I am working on crafts. It just seems it will be different this year, but hopefully we'll all come through it in good health and be able to celebrate together next year.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I was unsure what you meant by a Christmas cake, Lorraine, but then realized it was fruitcake, which I enjoy in small bits. My holiday card writing sill be started and completed next week. If you email me your name & address to the email on my blog, I will send you and Gerard a card. This year, more than ever, holiday notes and cards seem more important to keep in touch.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have everything well in hand - as usual! You are right about the uncertainty being upsetting, at least we know what the Christmas rules will be now. I have spent several hours this week in discussion with my sisters and daughters, trying to work out who will be spending which days with whom. We're not there yet but at least some decisions have been made. We'll be decorating early this year to lift our spirits. Take care. x
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what we have been doing too! Both the working out who to be with and putting decorations up earlier than normal, need every bit of cheer possible this year
DeleteWow, you have been busy. My husband and I just got down all of our Christmas boxes yesterday and put up the outdoor decorations. I promptly had to remove my nativity last night as we are supposed to have high winds with a massive rain storm today. I hope your weather has continued to stay sunny.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. You have inspired me to try a new craft when we moved (in my case it is going to be lino cutting). WHEN we have moved, and unpacked and drawn breath anyway!
ReplyDeleteI don't make a Christmas cake OR C/pudding any more (only mum and I ate them) so our Christmas cake is Chocolate Roulade, made on Christmas morning. Slices are drizzled with crushed raspberries from the garden, picked on a hot summer's day and frozen.
Sometimes it is just about the process of making something. My Christmas cakes are soaking very nicely. Jo x
ReplyDeleteHow nice that you are making a traditional Christmas cake, sometimes it is about the journey, sometimes it is about cake.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Loving the process, the warmth of it all, for the past few years instead of brandy I soak my fruit in rum and a little apple juice too. I think enjoying the process is all part of it for me. Sending hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteHope this finds the weather treating you a little better! The spoons are so wonderful! Will make a wonderful gift! You have been so busy and I love reading of all you are dong. The Christmas cake sounds so delicious!
ReplyDeleteJust love those wooden spoons, you are so inventive with your gifts.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Yum! Bet your Christmas cake smelled so wonderful wafting through your home while baking! Would love to you post (or email) your recipe. I have never made one.
ReplyDeletePlease stay safe, stay well, and stay hopeful...
May your Advent Season be truly blessed.
You've certainly been productive, I've not cooked a Christmas cake for years as we are always gifted one from a friend, I do miss the smell of them baking.
ReplyDeleteLindas colheres de pau. Uso muito por aqui. Adorei o bolo.
ReplyDeleteBjos tenha um ótimo sábado.