Weekend

 A quiet weekend, where we continue to enjoy a jigsaw that seems to be never ending.  It remains on the dining table and as we pass it do a few pieces here and there.  We have a new book of crosswords that we are also enjoying.  Crafting still remains a major part of my day, this time cards.  I have made a few for the card box which I can add the sentiment to if I need a card in a rush.

The snippets of card/paper stock not wasted I went on to make some fridge magnets for the 'doorstep blessings'.

Sunday, I walked down to the outbuilding to refill the peat bucket and check on the chickens.  It was bitterly cold and the ground solid as it had frozen overnight.  As I looked around it was quite amazing that not a soul could be seen.  There was the odd rustling as a sheep moved through the longer grass that was not frozen and a sigh from the wind hitting a rugged fence or building.  It was a joy to be outside and enjoy the deafening silence and the stunning beauty. You could see the wisps of smoke coming from the chimneys  and the smell of burning peat permeating around the village. I may be in lockdown but I can still enjoy the never ending beauty that surrounds me.

I set up a cosy corner for us to enjoy afternoon tea together, using the roses that Gerard had bought for me as a focal point.  It was nice to reminisce about some of the places we have had afternoon tea and compare some of the amazing treats we have eaten over the years.  This I must admit was a lot of leftovers but we enjoyed it none the less.

There was sausage rolls and mincepies from the freezer, leftovers from Christmas.  There was also a small plate of sandwiches using the pork leftover from Sunday lunch.  Along with coleslaw leftover from our Saturday meal.  No scones but a sweet treat of mandarin trifle which I must admit was very tasty.  A pot of tea was also added.  A little extravagent but it felt quite decadent and indeed the treat that it was meant to be.  Are you adding little treats to your day?

I thank all those that left comments and well wishes on my last post, it was greatly appreciated.  Take acre and stay safe wherever you are in the World.

See you soon.

Wreaths

Slowly but surely our little cottage is being transformed into a Christmas haven.  I have been adding little bits and pieces each day and moving things around for the perfect look.  There is still a major gap in the decor the TREE.  Unforunately we had a very unwelcome visitor to the attic earlier in the year, a tiny mouse.  Tiny in stature maybe but it did cause a lot of damage to our beloved Christmas tree.  Everything was checked and sorted at the time but as there was no damage to the box we didn't check the tree.  The damage was discovered when we opened the box, it had eaten its way through all of the berries and cones.  I am sure you can imagine the mess.  Consequently we have no tree as yet...

I love a wreath at ay time of the year in all its guises, let me take you on a little tour.

This is the one that greets you if you enter the cottge through the front porch.  Made from an old curtain to match the pelmet made for the window.

Whilst this will welcome you into the kitchen if you enter the cottage via the side porch.  Made from the excess trim from the process of making Harris Tweed.

In the bedroom I have one hanging from a cupboard made from scraps of Harriws Tweed.  The second one is a momento from our daughters wedding, crocheted with love.

I enjoy the process of making them and using different materials to experiement with texture and style.  Here are the three hanging in the main room of the cottage.

Each one a fun make and adding to the ambience of our home.  The final wreath today is one that was made for the table an Advent wreath.

Each Sunday, we celebrate Advent by enjoying afternoon tea together and focus on the lighting of the candles.  This week I made some very tasty cupcakes using a tradional sponge mix and then adding mincemeat.  The topping is a cinnammon icing with a pecan, the other one a grated peel and the juice of a clemantine.  The taste of Christas in a mouthful.

Bark was made using plain, milk and white chocolate topped with dried fruit and nuts with some broken candy canes.  Very tasty and a great addition to the orange and cranberry trifle.  It is a tradition that has been passed on to our daughters who now in turn enjoy the process with their own children.  I love that family traditions are passed down through the generations.  Have you any traditions that have been passed on?

Christmas is fast approaching and I am enjoying each and every moment.

Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.