Monday 31 January 2011

Knitting.. some Stitching.


This is supposed to be Abi Ballet Bear from my 'Knitted Bears' book by Val Pierce
Finished up looking like Ballet Bears Mother. Overstuffed, I fear!
I'm hoping a little someone might like her for their birthday.

Saturday 29 January 2011

Knitting .. not Stitching.



It occurred to me today while I was sorting out for the umpteenth time that I never do any stitching. All I do is move things about and tidy up. I collect - and don't have room for it all - and I can't get near my sewing machine without shifting a load of stuff.
While I was moaning about all of this this my huz pointed out that I had made the paper biscuits recently and that was 'art.'
Also I've been knitting cupcakes.....but now I'm getting STITCHY fingers.

Thursday 27 January 2011

The Dentist.


I don't think anyone likes going to the dentist but just sitting here, in this clinical waiting room, would make you nervous.

And down that passage on the left hand side..... that's where the dentist hangs out.

Wednesday 26 January 2011

Ratatouille Soup.

What could I do with a frozen packet of Tesco's 'Mediterranean chargrilled vegetables with cherry tomatoes'?
Insructions were to roast in the oven, but they weren't good cooked that way.... so I used them for soup instead .




Ingredients:
  • 750g pack Tesco frozen Med. veg
  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 pint water
  • dried basil
  • ground black pepper
  • 1 Knorr veg stock pot.
  • Lamb bone (left over from Sunday roast)

    How to make:
    Peel sweet potatoes and roughly chop.
    Put all ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to boil then simmer for 45 mins.
    Remove bone and blend soup.

    Tastes good now!

Thursday 20 January 2011

Afternoon Tea Workshop.

This years title for our craft group exhibition in May is 'The Elements.' We will all work on our own towards that.
But also, I like to see a group activity because I think it brings us all together and we have some fun. That was what today was all about.

decorating the biscuits
Sharon
Ferrero Rocher knitted covers!
Mary and Sylvia
Sylvia's cross stitch teacup tea cosy (work in progress)
Janet
and the iced biscuits!


Thanks to everyone for taking part.

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Afternoon Tea.


Time for a bit of creativity........ or is it 'crazytivity'?
Getting paper pulp biscuits ready for icing tomorrow!

Tuesday 18 January 2011

House of the Year.


Watching House of the Year (episode 3) on BBC1 last night I was surprised to see Craigdun Castle featured.
I knew it as Peter Stott Martin House.

My first job was residential as a nursing auxiliary here, in the late 60's early 70's, when the house was run as a holiday home for people with MS.
The photo I have posted is a postcard and my bedroom was above the front door.
Later on I upgraded to the posh bedroom, the two windows 2nd floor up on the right of the house.
That room had a washbasin and wooden shutters and a desk that my sewing machine sat on -because even in those days I was sewing and used to make some of my clothes.
And up in the tower, that they talked about in the show, we played table tennis.
It never dawned on me that I was living in a castle!

Sunday 16 January 2011

The Sketchbook Challenge.




I've been following the Sketchbook Challenge wondering should I have a go. The first sketchbook I did was on my hols last September. I really enjoyed doing it but why is it when you look at other peoples work it makes you feel like you're not good enough? I'm still thinking about it.

Or there's this I read about on Liz Plummer's Dreaming Spirals blog.

Friday 14 January 2011

A bit of baking.

The cake front left is a Tesco recipe Brown Banana cake although my bananas were more black than brown. I added some dark chocolate chips left over from Christmas. Haven't tasted it yet.

On the right are two wheaten bread loaves made from Myrtle's recipe. Really pleased with them.

The cake at the back? Well that's Delia's all -in- one sponge and it's going to be Iggle Piggle by tomorrow!

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Soup for the Soul.


Soup --- I could eat soup for lunch every day and never get tired of it.
This is a carrot/parsnip/red lentil/red pepper/tomato puree and chilli concoction.
Yum-Yum!

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Post Christmas Blues or a Christmas Blues Post.

Juicy fruits
and I like this abstract taken by my grand-daughter today.


So hard to get going after Christmas and since I've been unwell all I seem to fancy eating is soup and fresh fruit.
The clementines and the black grapes are so juicy and colourful and make me feel healthy but I know it won't be long before I'm looking for cake!

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Time to put Christmas away!


Putting the decorations up is lovely but putting them away is a chore.

My whole family has had the worst Christmas ever.

  • 'flu
  • Snow and freezing weather conditions
  • Heating problems
  • Lack of running water
  • Cancelled trip to England
  • 'flu still ongoing


We had good times too but I'll be glad to see the back of Christmas.