Mick Aston

Have just read that he died today, very sad, I did love him  :(

My moon moment................

When I went to bed last night there was no sign of the full moon at all - thick cloud blanketed the sky completely. I drifted off to sleep..............  I woke suddenly at 1.46am to be greeted with the sight of the beautiful moon shining brilliantly, framed neatly by one of the small panes in my window; the room was flooded with moonlight (I leave the curtains open at night usually).  Breathtakingly beautiful, I actually said 'Wow!'.  I made my wish. Wisps of dark grey cloud scudded across, and a little under 15 minutes later, she disappeared from view again.  When I woke again at 5, there was the most beautiful lavender coloured cloud  in view, never seen one like that, I watched until it dispersed and it turned into a beautiful summer morning - sunshine and a fresh breeze, trees whispering and birds singing. I feel privileged.

Solstice blessing

I wish you all you wish yourself, Your share of love and peace and health; Good friends with loving, thoughtful ways To help you through your darker days. Sun and laughter, lots of kisses, Much success and few near misses; Make the best of every day Embrace your life in every way. Blessings.

Good and important article here

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/10124801/Nigella-Lawson-Are-you-in-a-controlling-relationship-How-to-spot-the-signs-of-manipulation.html?fb

A tale of two valerians.............

There is a profusion of flowering False Valerian (centranthus ruber) at the moment, both in my garden and many others, also some escapees into farm buildings, old walls etc - lovely billowy mounds of pink, darker pinky red and pure white. I love them all, and I think they're beautiful flowers and plants, although some folk class them as weeds. Not my picture, I found it through Google images, but it shows how beautiful it can be. NOT to be confused with the herb valerian which is used for medicinal purposes   As you can see, quite a different plant altogether. There's lots of info on usage etc on the net for the herb valerian; the centranthus is purely an ornamental plant.   Thought I would just post a seasonal reminder, hope you find if useful :)

Lemon, courgette and poppy seed cake

I made this the other day, and it was a great success. Quick and easy, and it keeps well for several days if you can. 6 oz soft butter 6 oz granulated sugar 3 eggs, beaten 6 oz self-raising flour milk to mix if required 1 medium courgette, grated zest and juice of one large lemon 1/2 tbsp. poppy seeds Cream butter and sugar,  add eggs, mix well; add flour and milk if required to a dropping consistency. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Turn into a prepared loaf tin and bake for 35 - 40 minutes in a hottish oven. Cool on wire rack. Put the kettle on :)

Keep on keeping on

'' We all stood there and said 'Someone should do something', then we realised we were that someone. You've got to fight for what you want and believe is right with passion and commitment; look back and be proud that you did, even if the outcome is not what you wished for/intended. Where would the world be without the triers? Just my thoughts. x ''  I posted this in one of the new Scrabble group threads on FB, who are campaigning to bring back the old and proper version