More treasures..............

A quick tip trip was required on Sunday morning to get rid of the bottles from Bean's birthday party on the Saturday, so I took the opportunity to relieve them of these rather lovely items. The crock is stoneware, in quite good condition, but needs a good scrub - not a problem! The candle glass is a great size - takes the biggest candles; the mirror is brand new, still with its labels on, and I've been after the miniature tins for a long time for making wee gingerbreads. Cost? 3.00 for the lot. We like a bargain :))

My perfect flower

Here it is, my perfect flower:



It's kitabelia 'Chalice', and it's the most beautiful flower I think. I grew the plant quite a few years ago now, from seed and it thrives in my garden, beside a small white rose, and near to the path so I can see it every time I pass. I love the freshness of the colours - simple white with bright emerald green. It flowers on untilo teh first frost, followed by generous seed heads.
I think there is at elast one other variety of kitabelia, but I need to do some more research.
It would have to go some to beat this beauty, though. What do you think?

Problems.........

Having a few problems with Blogger here, so sorry fot intermittent postings. When teenaged computing guru gets herself out of bed, I'll get her to have a look for me lol

Late summer...........

Late summer is one of my favourite times of year; main thing for me is the perceptible change in the light - it has its own unique quality which I find impossible to describe. It's still hot here, but an unpleasant heat, tiring, languid, stultifying, resulting in a lack of much done during the days. I'm busier in the mornings and evenings at the moment, when it's cooler, especially in the kitchen with the stove on 24 hours. I do the basics during the day, and cooking, ironing etc in the evenings.
Much to be done with produce - I'm just about to start on a mountain of courgettes donated by a friend - I think chutney for Christmas presents will be A Good Thing To Do With It :) There is a lot of fruit ripening too, which will be lovely - raspeberries, apples, the last of the blackcurrants and gooseberries, then the crab and cider apples come in ready for the autumn cider fest :)
The garden is very dry and looking a bit sorry for itself; the threatened rain hasn't materialised, and much as I hate thunderstorms, we could do with a good big one to get rid of the sultriness and heavy air.
Thoughts are turning to autumn now, and gearing up for getting ready for winter. I never wish my days away, but living like we do, there's alwasy looking ahead and preparations to be done, all part of the circle.
It's a good life :)

MrsL joins the 21st century.........

.........and gets a brand new laptop. I'm sure it has bells and whistles, but I haven't found them yet lol I need to ask my children..............

Summer's End chutney

Thought I'd re-post this as it might help with seasonal gluts of vegetables; use any veg/fruit you have, just keep the vinegar/veg/sugar ratios the same; add spices and seasonings as you desire.
Summer's End chutney


6lbs of fruit/vegetables
3lbs tomatoes - green or red, or mixture of both
4lbs soft brown sugar
1 lb dried fruit
2 pints vinegar
herbs and spices to taste

Chop all vegetables finely and place in pan; add rest of ingredients and simmer slowly for several hours until thickened - when you draw the wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan, it should be thick enough not to run in and fill the space made. Stir occasionally during cooking time. Spoon inot hot, clean jars and seal immediately, or leave until cold and pot up then. Label date, and store somewhere cool and dry for about 3 months before using.

A bit like a car boot sale.............

.........without the car and without the boot lol

OH was up in the loft yesterday, and he brought down the few boxes of my stuff left up there; I do this about once a year, and offload some more things - I'm down to only one box now, with my granny's lovely teaset in, so that won't be going anywhere, and a few other small bits and pieces.
It all got put on the bed and I spent a happy half hour rediscovering things :)), sorting through and keeping things out for use.
Also, I did it with a cup of tea to hand :), and no money requried, so all in all, much better than a car boot lol