Yet Another Storm

Another day, another storm.  The past few days have been trying to say the least as one storm disappears another one arrives.  This time, this storm has no name but it has arrived with a vengeance.  Gale force winds with intermittent rain.  Downpours with almost horizontal rain would be more precise.  Snow was predicted for last night but thankfully this did not materialise here on our little Island although I understand there has been plenty on the mainland.  There was a mild frost with signs of a hail storm but nothing too serious.  I smiled as I looked out of the window to admire the green shoots poking through.  Daffodils making there entrance wowing us with their beauty and determination whatever the weather.

Wood has been chopped and our store cupboard is full so we are thankful.  Once again the ferry is either cancelled or disruptions expected.

The hens are roaming around at the moment but scuttle back into there cosy home as soon as the wind picks up.  They are a joy to watch and so much fun.  They are all still laying so eggs have been plentiful all winter and for that we feel truly blessed.

I do take some eggs to my neighbours on a Saturday and call in the local store for anything we need for the weekend.   There are no stores open on a Sunday as this Island still practices observance.  We actually quite enjoy this and don't find it difficult but I am sure there will always be some that would like change.

I have a carrot and sweet potato soup all ready just in case there is a power cut.  A loaf of mixed seed bread has just come out of the bread making machine.  It smells delicious and is always a temptation for me but I am trying to be strong and resist for a little longer.  Until it cools and can be cut a little thinner anyway.

Finally, an orange cake made and some fairy cakes ready for visitors after church tomorrow.  I used Tesco's Italian Mixed Peel which is a mixture of glace lemon and orange peel, perfect for the topping.

As always I do thank you for you visit and your comments.  I do hope the weather is behaving a little better where you are.  A warm welcome to new followers I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life. 

Just to reassure those that asked we do have mobile phones with us and never put ourselves in any danger when wandering around.

See you soon.

Sweet Treats

I am a little behind with blogging at the moment, but I am slowing getting around to visit you all.  Nothing wrong, just life seems to be taking over.  Although Gerard has been having some nasty side effects from some drugs he takes.  He has now under the consultants advice stopped taking one of his RA injections and consequently is having a flare up.  Rest and healthy eating is the order of the day.  In fairness we do eat healthily most of the time.  We do have a tendency to have treats when we have visitors and we have had several visitors of the weekend.  Homemade desserts are the best, yum!

We have an abundance of eggs at the moment so I made meringue, so that I could add strawberries and fresh whipped cream to make eton mess.

I also made a strawberry tart with a homemade custard base, using more eggs.

Topping it off with a strawberry flavoured jelly.

Finally an orange cake topped off with butter cream icing and jellied orange.  The perfect addition for afternoon tea.

I have started to use the liners for my baking, so much easier than greasing baking trays.  I am all for an easy life these days.  I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen this weekend jam making and replenishing the empty glass bottles with basil oil.  Apricots were cheap in the supermarket this week and I managed to get some yellow sticker strawberries, making the jam much more cost effective.

Already to be labelled up.  Finally the rain has stopped so I am ever hopeful that I may be able to get out in a few hours and mow the lawn.  I also intend to pick some more herbs ready for drying.  I have an abundance of mint which will be useful for mint sauce.  The roof on the outbuilding is almost finished so next we are going to replace the windows and get the door put back on.  Once the structure is sound we will be able to make plans for the interior and build the raised beds.  It is slow progress but we are thankful progress is being made.  What are you working on?

As always I thank you for your visit and your uplifting comments.

See you soon.