ABC Wednesday....H!

Phew! We arrived home early Monday afternoon. This is where we toured. Monday A Rouvignies Tuesday B Clamecy Wednesday & Thursday C (St. Christophe Nr Limouges with Dorothy) Friday D Saint Witz Saturday E Dordrecht, Holland
View Larger Map Over the next few weeks I will be sharing the events of the holiday, I worked right up to the last minute of Saturday on various wedding commissions and yesterday on my return there was an e-mail waiting for me referring to the current wedding commission I am working on. I also have some table designs to develop for 2 wedding fayres in October as well as promotional and marketing work for Jon's business so straight back and picking up the reigns of business! Watch this space!

F is for...France!

On Sunday teatime we will make our way to Newcastle Ferry Terminal where we will sail over to Ijmuiden, Netherlands.

On Monday we will make our way through Holland and Belguim, arriving teatime in Lille

On Tuesday morning we will ride from Lille towards Limorges, depending on the distances we may well stop over night somewhere along the way! We are travelling on the motorbike together with our friends Jon and Trish! We will be staying for a few days in Limorges at our firends, Keith & Dorothy's home. We are so looking forward to it all! I am sure we will have fun!

ABC Wednesday.....E is for...Eating!

This morning as I watered my tomato plants in the greenhouse what should be there to greet me but 2 ripe tomatoes! Timing as ever spot on for ABC Wednesday! Our lettuces were ready too!

Hmmmm! Looks like something else enjoys home grown veg!

Lunch was served!

Nothing tastes anything like it! E could have been for eggs, but the girls haven't obliged yet! Watch this space! We are! To see more eclectics visit the ABC blog via the badge on my sidebar!

ABC Wednesday....D

As many of you will know I design wedding stationery! My website is here I thoroughly thoroughly enjoy what I do and it is an important part of the contentment which I have in my everyday life. I am currently working on a seating plan which I must say is the most dramatic commission I have ever undertaken! My client wanted her guests to walk into the reception and be wowed by what they see! Well today I have been so so excited as the concept started coming together! I will be working throughout Wednesday and Thursday as my clients are coming on Thursday evening! I so so so enjoy a challenge! I will share photographs after the wedding as I know many of my clients and friends read my blog so I do not want to spoil the surprise! Watch this space, There is a guestbook on my website, so do feel free to leave a comment!

B

B is for Bee Luxury Hotel! We were all set to clear out the log shed and use it for the chickens. As I leaned into the shed I heard a distinct buzzing! Our neighbour is a bee keeper so he came over to assess the situation. Bumble bees! We will leave them to their luxury accomodation! This is why the new hen house was built. The arrival of the chickens is imminent! I am sure you can guess what my C is going to be next week!

B is for my Baskets. I used the seeds produced by my nasturtiums from last year! I love colourful baskets and at a cost of nothing the results are Beautiful!

B is for Brocolli....sprouting type. This is one of my favourite vegetables which I am growing in my raised bed.

Next year I will grow more vegetables, this is my first attempt! Although we have nearly 1/3 of an acre the size does daunt me and I have to make separate areas easier to manage. My ABC Round 5 is all about our efforts to lead a more sustainable way of life. The great inspiration for this came from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a talented writer, broadcaster and campaigner, widely known for his uncompromising commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food. His books, journalism and series for Channel 4 have earned him a huge popular following. Hugh started living in the original River Cottage in rural Dorset in 1998, determined to start growing and rearing some of his own food. His steep learning curve was documented in the Escape to River Cottage series (1999), which won him a big audience. Following this success, and the publication of The River Cottage Cookbook (2001) which won several awards, he was able to establish River Cottage HQ near Bridport in 2004. Originally a collection of mucky cow sheds, the property was transformed into a rustic, welcoming venue with a professional kitchen, thriving vegetable garden and small collection of livestock. It became the location for a range of River Cottage events and courses designed to promote the “grow your own” philosophy and provide an environment where people could discuss, eat and learn about really good, well-produced food. It was the base for the fourth series, Beyond River Cottage (2004) In 2004, Hugh published The River Cottage Meat Book to wide acclaim. It has become the definitive meat cookery manual for a new generation and won the André Simon Food Book of the Year Award in 2004. Hugh and the team are now moving onwards and upwards. In 2006, we relocated to a new, permanent home on the Devon-Dorset border – Park Farm. Until recently, this was a traditional, family-run farm. It had fallen into disuse, but the River Cottage team are restoring it to its former state of busy productivity, raising livestock and growing a huge range of fresh produce to supply the kitchen and the new, improved range of events. The latest River Cottage series, The River Cottage Treatment was broadcast in November 2006, to much acclaim, and The River Cottage Fish Book will be published shortly. Hugh's latest project could involve taking on the supermarket giants as he opens his own River Cottage shop and canteen, near Park Farm, selling local, seasonal food. Hugh continues to write journalism, including a weekly column in The Guardian. He lives in Dorset with his wife Marie and their children, Oscar, Freddie and Chloe. He is Patron of the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA). He is passionate about animal welfare and his Chicken Out Campaign brought awareness to the plight of intensive farming!

ABC Wednesday...A is for..Apples!

Apple Tree, our Garden

Round 5 of ABC Wednesday begins! With it, a new theme. This round is all about me taking stock of our way of life. Like many others we strive towards a more sustaunable, self-sufficient life and I want to use my journal to document part of our journey. A is for Apples. We have 3 apple trees, 2 very mature ones and a 20 year old Discovery tree, bought for us on our 1st wedding anniversary by Jon's parents. I often make chutney from any bruised dropped apples but this year I am going to try something different. I do have 16 demijohns to occupy remember! lol! Apple Wine Ingredients - 3 1/2 lb Apples - 2 1/2 lb Granulated Sugar - 1 Gallon Cold Water (8 Pints) - 2 Lemons - 1 Orange - 1 tsp Wine Yeast - Yeast Nutrient - Pectic Enzyme Method Wash and cut apples - do not peel or core, mince if possible. Put into a plastic bucket[1] and pour 1 gallon of cold water over them. Cover bucket[2] and leave for a week, but stir well every day with a plastic spoon[3]. After a week, strain liquid through muslin into another bucket. Add 2 1/2 lb of sugar and juice and grated rinds of washed lemons and orange. Stir well until sugar is dissolved. Add the yeast[4], yeast nutrient and pectic enzyme[5]; then cover bucket and leave for 24 hours. It will then be ready to strain and put into fermentation jar[6] (squeeze until dry). Can be used as a non-alcoholic fruit drink straight away( as if) or if left for 4 months will turn into clear wine....we will be leaving ours AT LEAST 4 months! Do you have any recipes for apples?? Do share!

ABC Wednesday...Z is for.......

zest [ zest ] noun Definition: 1. hearty enjoyment: lively enjoyment and enthusiasm zest for life 2. exciting and enjoyable quality: an exciting or interesting aspect of something that makes it particularly enjoyable "If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind." Norman Vincent Peale I have a real zest for our life, who we are, what we are about and where we live. Each day I try to appreciate the environment in which we live in, the impact of our day to day living and the wonderful world around us. An action such as this does not cost anything, sometimes I simply sit and look out of the window but mostly it is when I am out walking with Wilma I take in the very essence of what is on our doorstep!

Up Handale Lane yesterday I fed apples to the horses!

Yes, a new addition!

The horses opposite the new foal were waiting for attention!

Mother and foal! Doesn't she have her mum's walk?

Up close for a stroke of her nose!

The dot in the distance is Wilma!

This little rabbit quickly scuttled off!

Further up the lane the Honeysuckle perfume was quite wonderful on this sunny day!

The brambles which I will pick for my winemaking later in the year!

Heading back towards home Mother and foal walking through the field

The dot in the distance is Wilma, on her way home.

More horses for apples! The red tiled roof in the distance, centre of the photograph is our house!

Until another apple feed the horses make do with grass!

So, end of ABC Round 4! Last week it was decided quite categorically to carry on with ABC Round 5. This will take us into a 3rd year of the weekly project. It has been so much fun and I have been thinking about what I will do for Round 5. I like to have a theme or focus and I have decided that Round 5 will be based on our strive towards a more sustainable self-sufficient life. All my photographs/thoughts will be based on our little piece of land here in North Yorkshire where each day my zest for life is re-kindled by all I see around me. To feel the beauty of nature absorbed into my bones inspires me to improve all we have.

I have many friends who are like-minded one in particular, Brigit Strawbridge has been a total inspiration and her concept The Big Green Idea is awesome! Check it out, it may be coming to a town near you!

Earth I am the Earth And the Earth is me. Each blade of grass, Each honey tree, Each bit of mud, And stick and stone Is blood and muscle, Skin and bone. And just as I Need every bit Of me to make My body fit, So Earth needs Grass and stone and tree And things that grow here Naturally. That's why we Celebrate this day. That's why across The world we say: As long as life, As dear, as free, I am the Earth And the Earth is me. Jane Yolen

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ABC Wednesday.....Y!

Y is for YUMMY!

Auntie denise's home made plum jam + Nephew 3!

yummy?

lick every last finger!

yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmy, delicious!

Clean plate now!

I make plum jam, or conserve to be exact! If there are big pieces of fruit in the jam it is a conserve, according to Margatert Pattern!I use the damsons/plums from our own garden.If I can do it anybody can. 1 kg plums, 1 kg sugar! Put plums in pan, simmer away (this releases the pectin) add sugar until it dissolves,bubble away for a while... getting scalded by the mixture! Test...saucer business, brings back memories from school! Pour into hot jars, seal with waxy paper! To join in the ABC lark, go here

ABC Wednesday XXXXXXXXXXXXX

My Menu Planning!

Today I had fun in the kitchen and cooked various meals which I then chilled and portioned up in containers which I put in the freezer.

As I put a pile into the freezer I make a note as you see above. I then go through the diary and allocate a meal for a date, ensuring there isnt duplication in any week.

Here you can see how it works in the diary.

All in all what with current freezer contents and todays cooking session results I have sufficient meals now to last until our holiday. We leave on 31st.

I even have something planned for the night we return.

It takes me about 20 minutes to sit and plan the diary but it is time well spent.

At the beginning of each week I go into the garage where the chest freezer is and take out the meals for the week, which I put in my other freezer in the kitchen.

The time it saves is amazing!

Instead of pondering over what we are having for any mealtime I just refer to the diary!

I had a shopping delivery today and I had planned to have a cooking session.

Next time I shop I wont need to spend as much.

When I worked full time I was on a monthly salary.

The first week was a good week but by the time we reached a the fifth week in a long month my money managing let me down and I would find myself scrounging from mum's freezer.

Now we have our money paid every 3 months so I am really sitting down and working out some systems. By using my menu planning it does help me manage our budget and certainly illiminates any food waste.

I must admit I was worn out after such a session, especially following our hectic weekend, but now all is done and I can concentrate on othet chores!

To see more ABC's visit the ABC Blog!

ABC Wednesday....W

Is for WORK!

I have been working really hard in the garden. Behind my greenhouse was an area of weeds which has now been cleared and I now have a manageable area of raised beds which I will be planting with some young vegetable plants later!

This is the view from the area, overlooking the grazing field next door to us. Often the horses come right up to the fence and peer over to see what I am up to.

More work to do......You can just make out Joe's shed here, well next to it is a spare smaller shed. We have decided to keep chickens again, so now I am concentrating on getting the area sorted, beyond the goose shed. Once the area is fenced off and ready we will get the hens....watch this space!

More work here too. The area behind the greenhouse is in need of some making over, again it is on my list of work to do!

My tomatoes are doing really well, infact today they are enjoying the sunshine as I have left the door open.

And yes, more work this week. I have to get the patio area all spruced up for our BBQ on Saturday. It is my birthday next Tuesday so we always have friends and family round the nearest Saturday!

W is also for..........WELL I had better stop blogging and get out in the sunshine and WORK!

ABC Wednesady....V is for View!

Port Erin, this time last week!

I dont know about you, but when I am getting in the mood for an approaching holiday I will say to Jon....."This time tomorrow....etc etc!" So last week when everybody had been dropped off at the various kennels and cattery as Jon and I sat together in a quiet house I said..."Jon, where will we be tomorrow?" Jon replied...."Isle of Man dear!" "Why are we going to the Isle of Man Jon?" "To the TT dear!" "Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh!!!"

Sounds quite daft really but then that's the kind of person I am! Many of you know only too well! lol! So yes, this time last week this was the view which greeted us each evening outside our hotel.

Ofcourse, we were blessed with exceptional weather. The Saturday prior to our journey saw the races cancelled due to torrential rain. Sunday, when we set out the sun shone and continued to do so throughout the week. On the Wednesday as Jon and I sunbathed in the hot sun of the grandstand, others were experiencing hail stones in Ramsey! lol! yes Babooshka, the sun shines on the righteous!

Ofcourse the holiday was absolutely fantastic, great to meet up with Babooshka! My how we laughed as we sat in Parliament Square!

Returning home on Sunday yes, a little low in spirits but the sun was shining and our neighbours met up with us in Hawes and travelled home with us on their own motorbike. I couldn't help realise yet again what lovely countryside surrounds us, so by the time we arrived home I felt glad to be home.

The house was very quiet but all returned to normal on Monday after we had collected Wilma, Elsie and Ella.

So as our life fits back into a routine I feel quite excited about events to come....tomorrow I am attending a ladie's Ascot Function ran by Teesside Hospice. My friend won tickets so I will be dressing up in my best clothes and donning an exceptional hat which I will share with you later! I will take my camera along so I can share with you the details later! There are invitations to send out to my birthday BBQ on June 27th, a couple of weeks after which we will be at the Road Races up in Scarborough and there are plans to make for the first week of September when we tour France on our motorbike, together with our friends John and Trish!

So how can I feel low after such a great time with so many wonderful things on the horizon!

For some time now I have been debating about setting up a blog for the duck and now I can share the new blog, purely for his adventures from the back of a motorbike. You can see it here!

Happy ABC Wednesday!

Watch this space!

ABC Wednesday....T is for....

Well it could only be one thing! The TT! Isle of Man TT where Jon and I will be travelling to on Sunday! The races take place on public roads, closed for the events, hence the term Road Racing. This is the same type of racing which takes place at Olivers Mount Scarborough! We know lots of the riders but here are some significant ones................... John McGuiness. Current holder of the Senior TT Trophy!

Ryan Farquer who we know from Scarborough and is one of our particular favourites.

Guy Martin, tipped to win last year but mechanical problems prevented his victory!

This is what I love about Road Racing! The relationship between riders and spectators! Do you think F1 racers would pose for the camera with a duck? Exactly! Follow the races on ITV4!

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