Keeping Busy

We are managing to keep ourselves busy and have family and friends who keep in touch with us so are a wonderful distraction.  For that I am thankful, I wonder about the isolation on so many who have no one and the effect this must have on their mental welfare.  We are blessed and are grateful.  We stood outside last night at 8 along with millions of other around the UK and clapped for our key workers.  It was such a feeling of unity, united in our appreciation.  Long may that appreciation last when this is all over.  Talks have started about strategies for coming out of this lockdown, I fear our expectations may be a little too high, but I am hopeful for some normality.

In the meantime our normal goes on...

With a walk along the front of the cottage to keep the plants watered.  I love the dappled sunlight and the shadows, watching me, watching you!

We have added some violas and pansies which should give some early colour, hopefully.

The potatoes have done well and are getting to the stage of poking through the soil, ready for some more earth very soon.

We have cleared all the weeds and rubbish from the herb tyres. They look really healthy and are coming back now with gusto.  I am so pleased.

Mint, I showed you this before.  It is prolific and has spread around the outside of the tyre.  Not to worry, another job to add to the list.

The chives and parsley are also outside in tyres and have come back and growing well.  The sunshine here this past week, have given them a spurt.  It is a real delight to see their great comeback.

We have transplanted 6 tomato plants into grow bags in the garden room, we are hopeful.  The tomato seedlings have been a little disappointing thus far but we haven't given up yet.  We have done well with the spring onions seeds, they are almost ready for potting on.

In the house all is clean but not always tidy.  The windows have been done this week both inside and out .  It was quite the challenge when the sun was on them.  Vinegar worked really well on those stubborn smears.  We have a machine, which really does save all the hard work.  The windows are done in seconds, worth every penny.

The front lobby has had a bit of a change around with a new valance curtain made and a couple of chairs added so that they can be lifted into the front garden to sit.  The original chair that was in there has been given a makeover.  A coat of paint and a new seat.

I am working on a new wreath for the door.

A rag wreath that is looking quite shabby at the moment, I am hoping that it will improve as I go along. 

I am getting quite inventive with food, replacing one ingredient for another.  I am concerned at times that we are over eating, particularly as I had done so well losing a little weight.  I am keeping away from the scales.  Time will tell on that one.  The store cupboard is going down....

The weather is due to change again on Sunday with a forecast of rain.  So it is my intention to catch up with my journal and card making.  I also have several sewing projects that need doing.  I have plenty to occupy my time and for that I am extremely grateful.  I still have ample supplies so all is well.

I hope that you are all managing to keep busy and that you are able to keep in touch with family and friends.  I thank you for your visit here and your uplifting comments.  Take care and stay safe in these uncertain times.

See you soon.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

We have had several showers throughout the past couple of days and a couple of heavy downpours.  The garden is once again looking a vibrant green and thoughts are now turning to harvesting the few things that we have managed to grow this year.  We planted a new variety (to us) of carrot which is purple, there was obviously not enough depth in the double tyre as they are deformed.  However the taste was divine, sweet and a delight if a little disconcerting due to the colour.

We enjoyed some with our meal last night, definitely a variety we would try again. PURPLE SUN.

The beetroot looks to be doing well, I will harvest a little when I have more time to establish how well it is growing.  We are at the cardiac rehabilitation today so time is limited.

The mint is prolific so a good job it is contained.  I use it on a daily basis adding it to the new potatoes.  I intend to harvest a big part of it to dry it out for Winter use.  We had two varieties this year, a peppermint one which I had intended to use in tea but this has been a rare occurrence.

Parsley and chives are also regularly used so again I will be bringing some in to dry.  I did think I might freeze some in icecube trays to add to stews/casseroles.

It will be interesting to establish which method gives the more intense flavour.  We are now on our second growth of rhubarb but not enough to freeze for later use.  We do need to plant some more as we do like rhubarb as an addition to jam and for use as the base of a pie/crumble for a Winter dessert.

Not a lot growing in my garden but a start has been made.  The materials have been ordered that are required to restore an old outbuilding into an indoor garden.  They will take 2 weeks to be delivered from the mainland, so exciting times ahead.

What have you got growing in your garden?

As always I thank you for your comments and interest.  In answer to some questions regarding the rugs that I have been making, yes I do add a liner to avoid slipping.

See you soon.

Five On Friday

The mini heat wave was indeed mini, a short lived sunny interlude which was enjoyed immensely but we are back to a typical British summer.  Cloudy and showers with sunny intervals seems to be the forecast for the next few days.  I am leaving shortly for a visit to my daughters and to see Bertie for the weekend so I will catch up with everyone on my return.

Summer means reaping the harvest of the garden and spending copious time weeding, to that end my five on Friday post is once again garden orientated.  This week I have chosen to share five herbs that I enjoy in my garden.  I use a lot of herbs in cooking, so they are a great addition to the kitchen.

First up is mint, we have tried many varieties but favour the common garden mint which is a perfect accompaniment to new potatoes.

 

Lemon thyme is another favourite that I use a lot.  It is great chopped up in scrambled eggs for something a little different, a thyme butter is perfect for rubbing on chicken or pork for added flavour.

 

 

 

 

 

Chives is next up, it has been a little slow to get established but I do have several pots.  It is my go to herb for salads in lots of forms but particularly potato salad.  It is great with cheese and adds flavour to sour cream for baked potatoes.

 

 

 

I have several containers all around the garden of lavender and I must confess I rarely use it for cooking but I grow it to dry out for gifts.  I dry the flowers and use to make lavender bags for the airing cupboard and drawers.

 

 

Last but not least is basil, a great addition to any Italian style meal it goes particularly well with tomatoes so is great added to any tomato based sauce.  Once again I grow it in pots and is a great asset to the kitchen.

 

 

Five herbs that each have their own personalities but are a great addition to even the simplest of meals.  Have you got a favourite go to herb?  I am once again joining Amy at Love Made My Home for the Five on Friday post, pop over and see what everyone has been up to.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, I will catch up with you when I get back.

 

See you soon.