tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17678383627654150312024-03-13T05:01:05.813+00:00Just Click Your Heels 123justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-59781258105165552572012-12-31T19:57:00.003+00:002012-12-31T19:57:50.814+00:002012With only a few hours left to go of 2012 here is my review of the year.<br />
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One of the early highlights of the year was celebrating Mr C's grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary.<br />
It was lovely visiting Yorkshire, where they live. The day after the event we went to Howarth. How I love this place.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCSY2KbD3IY/UOHhFcEHaQI/AAAAAAAAAdU/xkP7UG3Y6zQ/s1600/60th+wedding+anniversary+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCSY2KbD3IY/UOHhFcEHaQI/AAAAAAAAAdU/xkP7UG3Y6zQ/s640/60th+wedding+anniversary+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Soon after this we moved in with Mr C's parents! A couple of months later we moved in to our new home!! On the day we moved in we found this lovely note from the previous owner.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8aTPYJrwRE/UOHh_8zkgOI/AAAAAAAAAdk/vF4DPI5gkxE/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8aTPYJrwRE/UOHh_8zkgOI/AAAAAAAAAdk/vF4DPI5gkxE/s400/DSC_0117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were most excited to own a garden! After living in our previous maisonette for 6 years we were craving an outdoor space of our own. I loved looking in the garden week on week and discovering all the flowers that were appearing.</div>
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We loved our new home but the initial delight was swiftly replaced with the realisation that there was much DIY to be done as there were (and still are) many parts where our tastes clashed with the previous owner.</div>
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Then in May we celebrated my Mum's 60th birthday in our garden.</div>
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In the summer Mr C had a business trip to New York and I had time off work to go with him.</div>
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When we got back we threw ourselves into DIY and re-did the lounge.</div>
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I love how on a blog you can state things so matter-of-factly. </div>
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Living through this was a nightmare!!</div>
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After having the room re-wired and re-plastered the rest was down to us.</div>
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Here is a shot of Mr C after he sanded the original Victorian wooden floor!</div>
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I have to admit that I wasn't very useful in the DIY department but I did supply plenty of tea and treats.</div>
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On my birthday Mr C fitted the skirting boards.</div>
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Gosh, I'm feeling exhausted just looking at all the work we did! Hope you're keeping up O.K!</div>
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This brings us to December.</div>
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Our home was starting to feel homely and 'us'.</div>
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Very exciting to open the 'Christmas box' for the first time in our new home, whilst remembering last year when we packed up the decorations for the last time in our old place.</div>
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And now we're up to date!!! Today is Mr C's birthday so in honour I baked my first batch of cake pops.</div>
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Well that was a whistle stop tour of my year!! </div>
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Strange, really, how a W-H-O-L-E year can be condensed into so few pictures and words but I haven't been blogging at all this year and wanted to be able to look back on 2012 in the future and remember such an eventful year.</div>
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In amongst all these fabulous moments there were moments of sorrow too. I always meant for this blog to be an upbeat place but life isn't always easy and I want my blog to reflect who I am and not just how I'd like to be viewed. So 2012 was also the year when I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis and suffered a compressed spine. </div>
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That's life for you.</div>
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justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-4913549798202265892012-03-24T18:09:00.000+00:002012-03-24T18:09:07.242+00:00A time of transitionThe end of March....already??? really?? This year is whizzing by. I've been absent from blogland for a while so this is a catch-up post, largely for my own benefit, but feel free to come along for the ride!<br />
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Lots has been happening in my patch.<br />
For starters............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_LkM6650uQ/T24HQMUMyCI/AAAAAAAAAa0/jMzvZIwcRNQ/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_LkM6650uQ/T24HQMUMyCI/AAAAAAAAAa0/jMzvZIwcRNQ/s400/DSC_0826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yep, that's right. We finally sold our house! Big high fives all round. We're currently living with Mr C's parents whilst we wait for our new house to be ready. So far, so good although hopefully our house will come through soon so we don't outstay our welcome. We've purchased a Victorian house so get ready for this blog to take on a Victorian restoration theme!<br />
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Mainly the last few months/weeks/days have involved us doing this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xk5fGWeLfw/T24Hkz7T5sI/AAAAAAAAAa8/ZpTL4L1r-vY/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Xk5fGWeLfw/T24Hkz7T5sI/AAAAAAAAAa8/ZpTL4L1r-vY/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Boy, oh boy was everyone right when they said moving is one of life's stressful moments.<br />
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In between the packing and general chaos that has been early 2012, we've managed to keep up some sort of life. I nearly said normality but, in fact, the bits below are more unusual than usual.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8yoRDMl6hE/T24Jqks72LI/AAAAAAAAAbE/stun50x2p7c/s1600/DSC_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o8yoRDMl6hE/T24Jqks72LI/AAAAAAAAAbE/stun50x2p7c/s400/DSC_0890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There was Mr C's business weekend in Frankfurt that I managed to tag along to......!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SgT2302Y0M/T24KHDEeK1I/AAAAAAAAAbM/l1F5sDgMJKQ/s1600/DSC_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SgT2302Y0M/T24KHDEeK1I/AAAAAAAAAbM/l1F5sDgMJKQ/s400/DSC_0932.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Valentine's Day was celebrated in our own low-key way!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9_hop4Re5U/T24K35xHH2I/AAAAAAAAAbU/HffrkO9XQ7A/s1600/DSC_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9_hop4Re5U/T24K35xHH2I/AAAAAAAAAbU/HffrkO9XQ7A/s640/DSC_0951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>A lovely weekend away in Yorkshire to celebrate Mr C's Grandparent's Golden Anniversary.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRkjsXcJQCg/T24MR95PJTI/AAAAAAAAAbk/mwz5rPo1U1k/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRkjsXcJQCg/T24MR95PJTI/AAAAAAAAAbk/mwz5rPo1U1k/s400/DSC_0087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now that our house has been packed away it's time for us to turn our attention to the allotment. Honestly, there's no rest around here! Today we had the most glorious sunshine and the planting phase began. Spinach, broad beans, spring onions, peas and radishes are in.<br />
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It's good to be back up and running though.justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-85730294326187483582011-12-31T16:55:00.000+00:002011-12-31T16:55:01.752+00:00Frappy Mirthday!A long time ago, at uni, we realised - almost too late- that it was our house mate's birthday. We didn't have a cake, we didn't have candles BUT it was all O.K as we had alphabet potato shapes. Unfortunately, we didn't have a H or B.....but not to worry we had an F and M. That's when 'Happy Birthday' became 'Frappy Mirthday'. It's stuck in my head over the years.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KobFQF_NZag/Tv87i6PbPOI/AAAAAAAAAaI/tkSdfhP2EKM/s1600/DSC_0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KobFQF_NZag/Tv87i6PbPOI/AAAAAAAAAaI/tkSdfhP2EKM/s640/DSC_0808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>*Luckily I had all the correct letters today!<br />
Anyway, today is Mr C's birthday.....and it's a BIG, SPECIAL one that calls for SPECIAL things and extra effort. So I decided to bake. From the photo yesterday (and the one above!) did you manage to guess what sort of cake it is?<br />
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Surely, you must have guessed by now?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJo4NtL3ihI/Tv878qNQ5RI/AAAAAAAAAaU/FvEdw438gj4/s1600/DSC_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJo4NtL3ihI/Tv878qNQ5RI/AAAAAAAAAaU/FvEdw438gj4/s640/DSC_0814.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>uh huh, you got it - RAINBOW CAKE! <br />
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It's quite fiddly and time consuming but totally worth it for the gasps of amazement you get as it's cut and boy does it taste good. I followed the tutorial over at <a href="http://pippaslongstockings.blogspot.com/2011/07/making-your-own-rainbow-cake.html">Pippa's Long Stockings</a> and it worked out well. I chose lemon curd (as it is ADORED in our family) to go in between each layer along with <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/basicbuttericing_73263">butter cream.</a> <br />
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Happy 30th Birthday Mr C! <br />
Happy New Year everyone!justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-46832570124392067762011-12-30T17:19:00.000+00:002011-12-30T17:19:01.551+00:00One weekCan you believe it? Almost a whole week has gone by. This time last week I was.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3YhZ-MFouY/Tv3tUJyTBGI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JZ2EdooxJbs/s1600/DSC_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3YhZ-MFouY/Tv3tUJyTBGI/AAAAAAAAAYs/JZ2EdooxJbs/s640/DSC_0684.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>.......at the allotment harvesting my Brussels sprouts ready for Christmas Day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kx-0cjAf6IA/Tv3tzuvLFvI/AAAAAAAAAY4/s2NQEt6nE2A/s1600/DSC_0685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kx-0cjAf6IA/Tv3tzuvLFvI/AAAAAAAAAY4/s2NQEt6nE2A/s640/DSC_0685.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>......and tugging my red cabbages out of the ground. You just can't beat braised red cabbage - delish!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0p5bYMKKooQ/Tv3ukdjcLqI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ljGavm8bshk/s1600/DSC_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0p5bYMKKooQ/Tv3ukdjcLqI/AAAAAAAAAZE/ljGavm8bshk/s640/DSC_0769.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>........gazing at the decorations on our tree, reminiscing and wondering HOW it was Christmas 2011. Didn't the year just fly by?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfVbZj9bPQg/Tv3wSbqGi_I/AAAAAAAAAZk/JRCR5ezJ9SA/s1600/DSC_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfVbZj9bPQg/Tv3wSbqGi_I/AAAAAAAAAZk/JRCR5ezJ9SA/s400/DSC_0709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>........imagining all the food that we would be tucking into the next day.<br />
<br />
Ah. I do love Christmas and they way it brings everyone together. I hope you all had a lovely time.<br />
Today I have been busy preparing for a certain someone's special birthday.<br />
Can you guess what I'm making?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHeWqL3sWdQ/Tv3yAMWsgAI/AAAAAAAAAZw/re8PGK0QQGU/s1600/DSC_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHeWqL3sWdQ/Tv3yAMWsgAI/AAAAAAAAAZw/re8PGK0QQGU/s640/DSC_0730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-66585555659037992942011-12-04T21:06:00.000+00:002011-12-04T21:06:57.418+00:00Feeling festiveHello! I know I've been gone for a while, but I'm still out there!<br />
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at home! We LOVE preparing for Christmas in our home and now that it is December it seems OK to start getting ready! I've been busy indulging in festive activities which all kicked off with my Christmas cake making.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gD73zVq_pcw/TtvZUsbjjoI/AAAAAAAAAXw/vBqSAct1w7o/s1600/DSC_0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gD73zVq_pcw/TtvZUsbjjoI/AAAAAAAAAXw/vBqSAct1w7o/s640/DSC_0638.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mmmmmm! The smell of the fruit steaming in sherry was truly wonderful! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMQEty--Ngs/TtvZJTDk78I/AAAAAAAAAXo/wsvPLHDJ-is/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMQEty--Ngs/TtvZJTDk78I/AAAAAAAAAXo/wsvPLHDJ-is/s640/DSC_0636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6uGU5uwgRI/TtvYwXzPaeI/AAAAAAAAAXY/6VyVOYnylls/s1600/307554_10150354739139588_505094587_7975433_1969356817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6uGU5uwgRI/TtvYwXzPaeI/AAAAAAAAAXY/6VyVOYnylls/s400/307554_10150354739139588_505094587_7975433_1969356817_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Icing the cakes is the fun part! I decided to make one giant cake for us and then lots of small cakes to give away to colleagues.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVduTx-6Dw8/TtvY9hG14iI/AAAAAAAAAXg/WfFokAiuiVw/s1600/DSC_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVduTx-6Dw8/TtvY9hG14iI/AAAAAAAAAXg/WfFokAiuiVw/s400/DSC_0556.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't they look sweet! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQAP8xKNero/Ttvb3dyBTVI/AAAAAAAAAX4/AJPAf43R3uY/s1600/298031_10150354739029588_505094587_7975431_2065040151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sQAP8xKNero/Ttvb3dyBTVI/AAAAAAAAAX4/AJPAf43R3uY/s400/298031_10150354739029588_505094587_7975431_2065040151_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My next crafty moment involved making a wreath for our front door. A local church was holding a 'festive florals' workshop. It was a great experience watching experienced florists work and learning lots of top tips from them whilst slurping down my first mulled wine of the year. Ah mulled wine, don't you just love it?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltW8QuhwSxY/TtvcMCOLDUI/AAAAAAAAAYA/5YW8yLo0WFM/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltW8QuhwSxY/TtvcMCOLDUI/AAAAAAAAAYA/5YW8yLo0WFM/s640/DSC_0650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>All the materials were set out for us including lots of lovely bits to decorate with. I was positively SQUEALING with excitement when I saw all the sparkly bits and bobs!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNRWv9Lf9mI/TtvdLeC-hvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/YPXnNyS_xH0/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNRWv9Lf9mI/TtvdLeC-hvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/YPXnNyS_xH0/s640/DSC_0656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbm81iJ6S50/TtveROelJzI/AAAAAAAAAYY/ozoY3I-62nE/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbm81iJ6S50/TtveROelJzI/AAAAAAAAAYY/ozoY3I-62nE/s640/DSC_0658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjwNHeSbpLA/TtveiL4luhI/AAAAAAAAAYg/dVWRnGsLnOQ/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjwNHeSbpLA/TtveiL4luhI/AAAAAAAAAYg/dVWRnGsLnOQ/s640/DSC_0668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not too bad for my first attempt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has definitely made me want to attempt more floral projects. A new year's resolution perhaps?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right, I'm off to put the lights on the tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you're starting to feel festive too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-61678379552273533232011-10-09T12:52:00.000+01:002011-10-09T12:52:24.350+01:00Pumpkin PatchDown on the allotment we've started clearing the raised beds before winter sets in. There's still plenty to harvest though and yesterday I enjoyed collecting the squashes and pumpkins on our pumpkin patch. After the spell of sunny weather the pumpkins have turned from green to vibrant orange. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3o5EAYyd8ik/TpGGxdZVpZI/AAAAAAAAAQo/T_68A9V9Ads/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3o5EAYyd8ik/TpGGxdZVpZI/AAAAAAAAAQo/T_68A9V9Ads/s640/DSC_0538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I enjoyed my break from the back-breaking digging to arrange them all in a pile. Quite a collection isn't it? Those pumpkins are destined to become pumpkin pies. Mmmmmmm! We love a good pumpkin pie in this household.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkK5eceRKZs/TpGHUksV74I/AAAAAAAAAQs/3YChZLif8-U/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XkK5eceRKZs/TpGHUksV74I/AAAAAAAAAQs/3YChZLif8-U/s640/DSC_0547.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I'm particularly looking forward to trying these Turk's turban squashes. They look so attractive and you can see how they got their name! Anyone got any recipe ideas?justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-78060088183454898552011-10-03T21:21:00.000+01:002011-10-03T21:21:12.282+01:00The surprises continue....If you read my last blog post then you'll know about my surprise anniversary weekend treat.<br />
Let me fill you in on Saturday's surprises. Come with me on my journey through the day and discover each moment of simple pleasure as I discovered it.<br />
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On Saturday morning I woke up and.............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ_stt8knP4/TooQM3gEeII/AAAAAAAAAPc/zUijlZlWvVs/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ_stt8knP4/TooQM3gEeII/AAAAAAAAAPc/zUijlZlWvVs/s640/DSC_0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Marvelled at the beautiful landscape in the morning light..........<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmCDd71m2SY/TooQotgQ_KI/AAAAAAAAAPg/yPqniBPSWhg/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nmCDd71m2SY/TooQotgQ_KI/AAAAAAAAAPg/yPqniBPSWhg/s640/DSC_0083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFIUuPpQ6cs/TooRakFJHAI/AAAAAAAAAPk/b3BY006aM5E/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFIUuPpQ6cs/TooRakFJHAI/AAAAAAAAAPk/b3BY006aM5E/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Fired up the stove for an early morning brew...............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmQVObYP9xQ/TooRxKmOv0I/AAAAAAAAAPo/L_6T-JFdGko/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmQVObYP9xQ/TooRxKmOv0I/AAAAAAAAAPo/L_6T-JFdGko/s640/DSC_0093.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Took delivery of a breakfast hamper............<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrAbbB-crW4/TooSKddshnI/AAAAAAAAAPs/c-P8jsBKss8/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrAbbB-crW4/TooSKddshnI/AAAAAAAAAPs/c-P8jsBKss8/s640/DSC_0098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Drank my tea whilst basking in the morning sun........................<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8cwuaVUSm4/TooSh0E1cSI/AAAAAAAAAPw/2AGxOfVWczc/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8cwuaVUSm4/TooSh0E1cSI/AAAAAAAAAPw/2AGxOfVWczc/s640/DSC_0108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Enjoyed my cooked breakfast.<br />
<br />
All that excitement and before my usual day had even begun!<br />
Well, next I was informed that I needed to get dressed ready to explore the farm and meet some of the inhabitants....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_EB44W1l9I/TooTI5Mw0OI/AAAAAAAAAP0/QniGZ_IE1os/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_EB44W1l9I/TooTI5Mw0OI/AAAAAAAAAP0/QniGZ_IE1os/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFuYprbyFW0/TooTaLCABSI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Mpocm1s6AZQ/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFuYprbyFW0/TooTaLCABSI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Mpocm1s6AZQ/s400/DSC_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYhX4yFIlHc/TooTpa6sXKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/-XDJLI260j0/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYhX4yFIlHc/TooTpa6sXKI/AAAAAAAAAP8/-XDJLI260j0/s400/DSC_0102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHL9_5xIlls/TooXIVz5jgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/A5dNzr2gYoY/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHL9_5xIlls/TooXIVz5jgI/AAAAAAAAAQk/A5dNzr2gYoY/s400/DSC_0191.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then it was time for another surprise activity down by the lake....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttO_Jeg7UlU/TooUJtcCYYI/AAAAAAAAAQA/pFwlIU9FYjA/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttO_Jeg7UlU/TooUJtcCYYI/AAAAAAAAAQA/pFwlIU9FYjA/s640/DSC_0142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we got there I saw that there was some equipment waiting for us......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZqLC91aKqk/TooUZiw5-eI/AAAAAAAAAQE/mVu1_httiL0/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZqLC91aKqk/TooUZiw5-eI/AAAAAAAAAQE/mVu1_httiL0/s400/DSC_0174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We managed to create this ....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKmC3606kVk/TooUzT8ITaI/AAAAAAAAAQI/FJw_90TQT6M/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKmC3606kVk/TooUzT8ITaI/AAAAAAAAAQI/FJw_90TQT6M/s400/DSC_0212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">.....and then we paddled to the other side of the lake to enjoy a delicious picnic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1VTQ0YUrZ0/TooVFlLmgEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/MD0gz8UrGGY/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1VTQ0YUrZ0/TooVFlLmgEI/AAAAAAAAAQM/MD0gz8UrGGY/s400/DSC_0215.JPG" width="400" /></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the late afternoon we headed back to our place for a cuppa.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LY1_SJjBioI/TooVYVlZ0jI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Q2ZOgr81Q78/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LY1_SJjBioI/TooVYVlZ0jI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/Q2ZOgr81Q78/s640/DSC_0266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next the girlies baked bread to make pizza bases........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4iX9MyyAYI/TooVuuGT_bI/AAAAAAAAAQU/JjsQ0c2FffI/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4iX9MyyAYI/TooVuuGT_bI/AAAAAAAAAQU/JjsQ0c2FffI/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whilst the boys got the camp fire ready.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lXj86xy_HU/TooWHPYF6nI/AAAAAAAAAQY/6cf2SZJ6XQk/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lXj86xy_HU/TooWHPYF6nI/AAAAAAAAAQY/6cf2SZJ6XQk/s640/DSC_0269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop was the wood furnace to cook our pizzas.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kVO9hyjVoY/TooWieM07eI/AAAAAAAAAQc/QCKIaVowWNM/s1600/DSC_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3kVO9hyjVoY/TooWieM07eI/AAAAAAAAAQc/QCKIaVowWNM/s400/DSC_0337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before enjoying another camp fire meal.............</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB-lR4iUALA/TooWxcesDtI/AAAAAAAAAQg/lu9c90_qQVI/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB-lR4iUALA/TooWxcesDtI/AAAAAAAAAQg/lu9c90_qQVI/s640/DSC_0367.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It was a pretty perfect Saturday in my book.justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-28353095207192737802011-10-02T17:11:00.004+01:002011-10-02T17:56:28.718+01:00Top Secret. Shhhhh!It's hard being the only one not in on the secret but also very exciting! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kH7MlrNYkrY/ToiGgEqHpMI/AAAAAAAAAOs/2xLsKtzXR6k/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kH7MlrNYkrY/ToiGgEqHpMI/AAAAAAAAAOs/2xLsKtzXR6k/s400/DSC_0239.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>This weekend Mr C and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Mr C planned a surprise weekend away (such a lovely idea!!). I knew we were going somewhere and that some of our friends were coming, but I had no idea where, how, when or what we were doing. My goodness, I pressed Mr C, begged for clues, tried to guess, guess and guess what we might be doing or where we could possibly be going! He would not budge on it and was very determined that this would be a S-E-C-R-E-T despite my best efforts at sabotage. On Thursday night I was told to pack a bag and I can tell you it was HUGE as I wasn't given any clues as to what I would need so I packed an outfit for every occasion. No, really I did. I could laugh at the 'posh frocks' and heels now!!<br />
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On Friday night I was on strict instructions to leave work on time and be ready for an adventure! Gosh, I was excited but a little nervous too. We got in the car and we were off....hooray!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VshpOm2KgbE/ToiGPrAcsZI/AAAAAAAAAOo/OpdGsRf30J8/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VshpOm2KgbE/ToiGPrAcsZI/AAAAAAAAAOo/OpdGsRf30J8/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The guessing game continued for most of the journey until we pulled up at......<br />
A FARM!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PICAC4lA6hk/ToiIs_MvqDI/AAAAAAAAAPA/HqJ78Cawu5Y/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PICAC4lA6hk/ToiIs_MvqDI/AAAAAAAAAPA/HqJ78Cawu5Y/s640/DSC_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMdGtJQXVHE/ToiI-QM6SzI/AAAAAAAAAPE/mUtH3QX_9tM/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMdGtJQXVHE/ToiI-QM6SzI/AAAAAAAAAPE/mUtH3QX_9tM/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut86DesRnzU/ToiHIpWIIJI/AAAAAAAAAOw/6-FBkYW0PzA/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ut86DesRnzU/ToiHIpWIIJI/AAAAAAAAAOw/6-FBkYW0PzA/s640/DSC_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This tent was to be our home for the weekend! At this moment I realised how well my husband knew me as I couldn't have chosen a better venue myself!! It was peaceful, beautiful and back to nature. No electricity and no distractions. BLISS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyBzJwryvzM/ToiIBR_alwI/AAAAAAAAAO4/KQrk48ERSN0/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyBzJwryvzM/ToiIBR_alwI/AAAAAAAAAO4/KQrk48ERSN0/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We set about lighting the stove, the paraffin lamps and the candles to get the place ready before our friends arrived.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoD_K1OJtfg/ToiIX7zMCQI/AAAAAAAAAO8/tSoZyqXdobo/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoD_K1OJtfg/ToiIX7zMCQI/AAAAAAAAAO8/tSoZyqXdobo/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUbdywMr9Bs/ToiHq2BGjiI/AAAAAAAAAO0/-TrOJXflePc/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uUbdywMr9Bs/ToiHq2BGjiI/AAAAAAAAAO0/-TrOJXflePc/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbVCFqzklPU/ToiJj0Xi7LI/AAAAAAAAAPI/GPO04AOCwv4/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbVCFqzklPU/ToiJj0Xi7LI/AAAAAAAAAPI/GPO04AOCwv4/s640/DSC_0035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The Farmer came to check we were OK and bought us a basket with ingredients to make a beef stew.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z6hXoLRByw/ToiJ_YmJ2GI/AAAAAAAAAPM/fMS8d-DaCLI/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Z6hXoLRByw/ToiJ_YmJ2GI/AAAAAAAAAPM/fMS8d-DaCLI/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I did the food prep whilst Mr C got the fire going outside ready for us to cook on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS-HEbYSKlQ/ToiKeZ_xQVI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/Krv6Y2YSLbU/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS-HEbYSKlQ/ToiKeZ_xQVI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/Krv6Y2YSLbU/s400/DSC_0062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our friends arrived, night fell and we sat around with glasses of red wine, chatting, laughing and star gazing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCogamRYLbo/ToiK2eaLZ4I/AAAAAAAAAPU/lRrKkk-IeGo/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mCogamRYLbo/ToiK2eaLZ4I/AAAAAAAAAPU/lRrKkk-IeGo/s640/DSC_0057.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>Of course, the stew was followed by marshmallows roasted over the fire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YIdZoLTtkE/ToiLKYBndGI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qf1Pi1gtCo0/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YIdZoLTtkE/ToiLKYBndGI/AAAAAAAAAPY/qf1Pi1gtCo0/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>If, like I did, you thought all this was exciting enough, just wait for my next update! There were still many more surprises to come!!!justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-88365817225497452132011-09-24T19:58:00.000+01:002011-09-24T19:58:12.123+01:00If you go down to the woods today......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you go down to the woods today.....you'll find sloe berries ready to make your sloe gin for Christmas. Slurp. Hic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzr5gMfjcw0/Tn4fFBCNDdI/AAAAAAAAAOU/EEFabtp8XnE/s1600/DSC03337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzr5gMfjcw0/Tn4fFBCNDdI/AAAAAAAAAOU/EEFabtp8XnE/s400/DSC03337.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend Hannah and I went out today armed with plastic bags and Tupperware boxes to collect as many of the berries as we could. Hannah is very knowledgeable about forageable things and had seen these berries a few weeks ago in a wood near her house. Last year, I bought some preserving bottles ready to make the drink but I didn't know where to look for the berries. B I G thanks to Hannah for sourcing them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These ones are a cross between sloes and plums but we also collected some smaller pure sloes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp7oXJf90JA/Tn4gL6sfZ0I/AAAAAAAAAOY/0VfXFk5dEHQ/s1600/DSC03327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lp7oXJf90JA/Tn4gL6sfZ0I/AAAAAAAAAOY/0VfXFk5dEHQ/s400/DSC03327.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ouch! The hawthorn was a bit prickly!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've got to prick the berries with a cocktail stick before placing them in the freezer. Then, after a few days, I'll be able to add the sloes to the gin with some sugar and then patiently wait til it has been flavoured. The gin should make some lovely Christmas pressies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so lovely to walk and talk and catch up on each other's news.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We sat and marvelled at the autumnal colours and found lots to interest us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdQoUKgileA/Tn4egKl6t1I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/QTULxnsVXsA/s1600/DSC03325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SdQoUKgileA/Tn4egKl6t1I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/QTULxnsVXsA/s400/DSC03325.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4La37hJBE9Y/Tn4kCNeajiI/AAAAAAAAAOk/VHnK2vg9WSc/s1600/DSC03349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4La37hJBE9Y/Tn4kCNeajiI/AAAAAAAAAOk/VHnK2vg9WSc/s400/DSC03349.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've known Hannah for practically my whole life, she's older (and wiser!) than me by only 2 days and we've been as close as can be and then far apart, but through it all we've turned out to be pretty similar in both personality and interests. We both have a love of simplicity, nature, crafting, homemade items, quilting, preserving and baking to name but a few. When we became best friends at school (aged around 7 I think?) we used to sit in the playground sewing together and it's such a joy that decades on that friendship has lasted and that we're still creating together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friendship is a beautiful thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-78706339885117808872011-09-18T20:04:00.000+01:002011-09-18T20:04:42.417+01:00Happy moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has been a busy week at work but there have also been happy, simple moments in between the busyness of everyday life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1) Getting on with my blanket! I've kept to my stripe a day promise and it's starting to look blanket-like rather than scarf-like! Here I am doing it on the train...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e56ks9ZZ2Cs/TnY6-1O0IMI/AAAAAAAAAOA/EZK6xtzw27Q/s1600/DSC03307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e56ks9ZZ2Cs/TnY6-1O0IMI/AAAAAAAAAOA/EZK6xtzw27Q/s400/DSC03307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2) Lighting my new candle! I saw this when I was shopping with my Mum. I loved, loved, loved the fact you could buy a glass shade to go on top. It smells like autumn and creates a lovely glow in the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aZA2tDWExU/TnY5Rs3YTuI/AAAAAAAAANY/D_-iIMnvUcQ/s1600/DSC03289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aZA2tDWExU/TnY5Rs3YTuI/AAAAAAAAANY/D_-iIMnvUcQ/s400/DSC03289.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tDynfyNXSY/TnY5cLxaa2I/AAAAAAAAANc/01gt0A9IiTA/s1600/DSC03292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4tDynfyNXSY/TnY5cLxaa2I/AAAAAAAAANc/01gt0A9IiTA/s400/DSC03292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3) Going out for wine with the girls on a lazy Sunday afternoon - there's nothing like chatting away the time with close friends. Love this wine bar in Covent Garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vTHE6ILDwY/TnY6jlI1DtI/AAAAAAAAAN4/uR2c6MV2sxg/s1600/DSC03310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vTHE6ILDwY/TnY6jlI1DtI/AAAAAAAAAN4/uR2c6MV2sxg/s400/DSC03310.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPgiumyOGFY/TnZAEbTn_KI/AAAAAAAAAOI/rtVW-FO5sxs/s1600/DSC03313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPgiumyOGFY/TnZAEbTn_KI/AAAAAAAAAOI/rtVW-FO5sxs/s400/DSC03313.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZNWkkFYg_8/TnY6tA-6qMI/AAAAAAAAAN8/e4_57lMhu6s/s1600/DSC03309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZNWkkFYg_8/TnY6tA-6qMI/AAAAAAAAAN8/e4_57lMhu6s/s400/DSC03309.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4) Cooking! One of the best things about having the allotment is that we can grow weird and wonderful things that cannot be purchased in the shops. I saw seeds for spaghetti squash and HAD to try it. Really, a vegetable that looks like spaghetti - who wouldn't want to grow it????!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't imagine it would actually look like spaghetti but here is the proof!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPdJXVse0vM/TnY55U86ROI/AAAAAAAAANo/hu9rG_MzWzM/s1600/DSC03300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPdJXVse0vM/TnY55U86ROI/AAAAAAAAANo/hu9rG_MzWzM/s400/DSC03300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqkMzarx0N0/TnY6H9hUUiI/AAAAAAAAANs/itjWIYLphdU/s1600/DSC03301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqkMzarx0N0/TnY6H9hUUiI/AAAAAAAAANs/itjWIYLphdU/s400/DSC03301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eprZcIO04eM/TnY6RDIiNgI/AAAAAAAAANw/lZ-8aIfkCdg/s1600/DSC03306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eprZcIO04eM/TnY6RDIiNgI/AAAAAAAAANw/lZ-8aIfkCdg/s400/DSC03306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just invented a tomato/feta/seafood sauce and we ate it as if it was spag bol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delish and low carbs so good for the waistline too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5) Getting given a diary as a pressie from my Mum. She certainly knows what sort of things I love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This really makes for eye candy of the highest order. I can't wait to show you the pictures, month by month......If I can wait that long!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So many happy moments to be found in between the craziness of my day to day life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so glad I can record these things as a record for the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all are enjoying your small, happy moments.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-26306700623725551212011-09-12T17:43:00.001+01:002011-09-12T19:44:51.874+01:00Wave that flag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It had been like this for much of the past week......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQSjeRCarvQ/Tm0MOFi4eSI/AAAAAAAAAMw/0aIBUx8mhYs/s1600/DSC03207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQSjeRCarvQ/Tm0MOFi4eSI/AAAAAAAAAMw/0aIBUx8mhYs/s640/DSC03207.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, on Saturday I had my fingers crossed for blue skies as we were off to....</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you guessed yet?......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last night of the Proms in Hyde Park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a great evening it was! Pimms and wine in our glasses, flag waving, patriotic singing and picnic eating in abundance. A night of celebrating being British.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hl7z3KeOieU/Tm4xAR8P_iI/AAAAAAAAANE/BY0j85PL3nM/s1600/DSC03240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hl7z3KeOieU/Tm4xAR8P_iI/AAAAAAAAANE/BY0j85PL3nM/s640/DSC03240.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ca4BnzYqM/Tm4w3JDe81I/AAAAAAAAANA/9lp7Al0HCMo/s1600/DSC03237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ca4BnzYqM/Tm4w3JDe81I/AAAAAAAAANA/9lp7Al0HCMo/s640/DSC03237.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I've been going for the last 11 years and wouldn't miss it for anything! It's a lovely way to end the summer in the open air. A highlight for me was explaining the genius (!) of Rolf Harris along with his didgeridoo and wobble board to a Mexican friend who was visiting London. I'm not sure he quite followed what was going on whilst the rest of us loudly sang 'Tie me kangaroo down, sport'.....!<br />
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Sunday was a homely day. I went down to my allotment plot to collect my veg for the week and found that I still had lots of beetroot to eat up. Hmmmmm......what to do with them all?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECSnXyaNJFc/Tm4y4aqlAzI/AAAAAAAAANM/Tv5k86UpTto/s1600/DSC03269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECSnXyaNJFc/Tm4y4aqlAzI/AAAAAAAAANM/Tv5k86UpTto/s640/DSC03269.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MToo2BSTuKw/Tm4zWiVlSfI/AAAAAAAAANU/cg3i8srg9Dw/s1600/DSC03272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MToo2BSTuKw/Tm4zWiVlSfI/AAAAAAAAANU/cg3i8srg9Dw/s400/DSC03272.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fancied trying something a little different and stumbled on this beetroot and chocolate cake by <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/6222618/Nigel-Slater-recipe-an-extremely-moist-chocolate-beetroot-cake-with-creme-fraiche-and-poppy-seeds.html">Nigel Slater. </a> What could be better than chocolate cake that actually counts towards your 5-a-day?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's really gooey, chocolate-y and well, just plain-all-round-YUMMY!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you, too, have plenty of beetroot lurking about I would recommend giving it a go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10AhIz8KrnA/Tm4zMmunqiI/AAAAAAAAANQ/ifg17ENCtL8/s1600/DSC03281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-10AhIz8KrnA/Tm4zMmunqiI/AAAAAAAAANQ/ifg17ENCtL8/s400/DSC03281.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I enjoyed mine served with creme fraiche and poppy seeds as Nige (do you think he'd mind me calling him that?!) suggests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope you all had a lovely weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-24551542432706018722011-09-04T12:41:00.000+01:002011-09-04T12:41:58.801+01:00☀ Just when you think it's all over...☀Just when we think the summer is over and autumn is creeping up on us, out comes the sun to say <em>'not yet, summer's not quite over yet'</em>. Hooray! After some distinctly autumnal days we've had a few extra days of glorious sunshine. Of course, you have to make the most of any such weather round these parts and where better to go than the seaside????? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e33VbnEHFdg/TmNcv7a3feI/AAAAAAAAAMA/xT0FDZ0zGTc/s1600/DSC03178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e33VbnEHFdg/TmNcv7a3feI/AAAAAAAAAMA/xT0FDZ0zGTc/s400/DSC03178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last week my friend Ab, her little one, Flori and I headed to Hastings for a girls day out. I didn't manage to get many pics because little Flori kept us on our toes. Yes, we were dashing here, there and everywhere to keep up with her. Before you knew it she'd be off having seen another dog (She ❤'s dogs) although she insisted on stroking the dog on the 'wrong' end! Ewwwww.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE0e4zbwMU8/TmNGVyJfF2I/AAAAAAAAALs/If3m9bUyk-8/s1600/DSC03177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE0e4zbwMU8/TmNGVyJfF2I/AAAAAAAAALs/If3m9bUyk-8/s400/DSC03177.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>When Flori had reached a sugar low and, quite frankly, so too had the grown-ups (!!!) we stumbled upon this rather quaint little tearoom in a children's bookstore. Cute isn't it?? Pink milk was on the menu along with smarties cookies. YUM!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khTdt_naps4/TmNceRW4E9I/AAAAAAAAAL8/GFpknlOvrag/s1600/DSC03195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khTdt_naps4/TmNceRW4E9I/AAAAAAAAAL8/GFpknlOvrag/s400/DSC03195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yesterday was another ☀ day so we jumped in the car for an impromptu late afternoon trip to catch some early September ☀. It was hot, hot, hot! Mr C wanted to take me somewhere special, somewhere he knew I would love so.....destination Whitstable it was.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWlJ1Hgqa9g/TmNey_rTHHI/AAAAAAAAAMI/nh8vvYz2LYw/s1600/DSC03183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWlJ1Hgqa9g/TmNey_rTHHI/AAAAAAAAAMI/nh8vvYz2LYw/s400/DSC03183.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>On the journey I got on with my ripple blanket. I'm doing well with my CAL one-a-day and it's growing at a rate of...well....ripples!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GZuDNs63Wg/TmNfL01N5wI/AAAAAAAAAMM/6f2epaz0qZo/s1600/DSC03188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GZuDNs63Wg/TmNfL01N5wI/AAAAAAAAAMM/6f2epaz0qZo/s400/DSC03188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Fresh seafood was on the menu for our lunch and oh my, it felt soooo summery!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IakIhRrNec/TmNfjL5wKJI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/bptxvYmNGD4/s1600/DSC03187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3IakIhRrNec/TmNfjL5wKJI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/bptxvYmNGD4/s400/DSC03187.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Oysters for the Mr. A bit too slippery for me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EH_WJKIGHz0/TmNhSrhtyvI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Zn7Li3GKxiY/s1600/DSC03193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EH_WJKIGHz0/TmNhSrhtyvI/AAAAAAAAAMc/Zn7Li3GKxiY/s400/DSC03193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After our late lunch the sun was beginning to set and the sky was delicately painted with brush strokes of subtle colours. We sat and watched the unfolding scene, enjoying quite possibly our last seaside sunset of the summer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCtlt9pLBgY/TmNiIKnlcHI/AAAAAAAAAMg/U6tYnm0AojU/s1600/DSC03196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCtlt9pLBgY/TmNiIKnlcHI/AAAAAAAAAMg/U6tYnm0AojU/s400/DSC03196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZK_ZSciCD4/TmNidcp5G4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/0XDvSOuyc1Q/s1600/DSC03198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZK_ZSciCD4/TmNidcp5G4I/AAAAAAAAAMk/0XDvSOuyc1Q/s400/DSC03198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1DQRp7Fzj0/TmNit189wiI/AAAAAAAAAMo/ldY0IblQU-g/s1600/DSC03201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1DQRp7Fzj0/TmNit189wiI/AAAAAAAAAMo/ldY0IblQU-g/s400/DSC03201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was just time for one last summery ice cream before we got in the car and headed for home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-78223339350156981072011-08-31T15:55:00.000+01:002011-08-31T15:55:32.093+01:00Tea break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello there! Grab a cuppa and join me on my tea break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7P4biAtkGo/Tl5CaTV6RxI/AAAAAAAAALI/1I5e38DNav0/s1600/DSC03171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7P4biAtkGo/Tl5CaTV6RxI/AAAAAAAAALI/1I5e38DNav0/s320/DSC03171.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to admit that today's tea break is a happy affair as I'm drinking from my NEW mug (see my last post for news of my newly discovered pottery love ♥). What is it about new things? This mug just feels GREAT and drinking tea from it is making me deliriously happy. Weird, huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yL4bWqBTmAY/Tl5EvqJR8MI/AAAAAAAAALQ/RL-QNCGl1mM/s1600/DSC03157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yL4bWqBTmAY/Tl5EvqJR8MI/AAAAAAAAALQ/RL-QNCGl1mM/s400/DSC03157.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry I'm a bit blurry - Mr C was driving rather too fast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm thinking about my road trip from the weekend and want to show you some shots of the non-beachy/non-pottery (!) scenes in Sussex. It really is a beautiful place.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGC_HC1lUlY/Tl5FQmpm-WI/AAAAAAAAALU/W13gBgbWVh0/s1600/DSC03160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGC_HC1lUlY/Tl5FQmpm-WI/AAAAAAAAALU/W13gBgbWVh0/s400/DSC03160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep hills!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stopped off in the village of Alfriston which is well worth a visit. It is full of character with cute-sy shops, art galleries, old fashioned pubs and tearooms. Need I convince you more?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TouIxMRxoyE/Tl5FuUETcMI/AAAAAAAAALY/FRBVg_vutCM/s1600/DSC03111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TouIxMRxoyE/Tl5FuUETcMI/AAAAAAAAALY/FRBVg_vutCM/s400/DSC03111.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDkvwVnaWNc/Tl5F3WF3faI/AAAAAAAAALc/auuxDGCE24Y/s1600/DSC03110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDkvwVnaWNc/Tl5F3WF3faI/AAAAAAAAALc/auuxDGCE24Y/s400/DSC03110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is this post office?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The boys were flagging after being dragged into various gift shops and art galleries and then my friend and I saw them looking out of the window before running out of the art gallery and down the street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What could they possibly have seen?????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQcz8nyspkw/Tl5HnyWN6BI/AAAAAAAAALg/wNzrv5bcXIo/s1600/DSC03107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQcz8nyspkw/Tl5HnyWN6BI/AAAAAAAAALg/wNzrv5bcXIo/s400/DSC03107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A vintage car show was in full swing on the village green! The boys were like kids in a sweet shop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, we couldn't leave for the beach without having a cream tea could we?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFfhS1VwzU8/Tl5JAJ6OLWI/AAAAAAAAALo/8FVF3H-H1XQ/s1600/DSC03114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFfhS1VwzU8/Tl5JAJ6OLWI/AAAAAAAAALo/8FVF3H-H1XQ/s320/DSC03114.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could certainly manage a few of those scones right now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJap8t-y9BM/Tl5EVAl-XqI/AAAAAAAAALM/RfVS8OXUG00/s1600/DSC03161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJap8t-y9BM/Tl5EVAl-XqI/AAAAAAAAALM/RfVS8OXUG00/s320/DSC03161.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I'd better get back to my crochet. This blankie has turned out to be a bit of a beast, a HUGE undertaking and it is taking me F O R E V E R. Maybe I was a little ambitious with making a king-sized bed cover?! A few stripes back I almost considered sticking with a stripy scarf but I mustered up some enthusiasm from somewhere to Keep At It. Has anyone else felt like that at the 1/3 of the way point??? I've signed up to a one-a-day project <a href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/one-a-day/">here</a> to motivate me to complete the striped beast! I'm aiming to do 1 stripe (or at least 1/2 stripe) every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wish me luck!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-3551024221982244862011-08-28T19:08:00.000+01:002011-08-28T19:08:41.882+01:00Happiness comes in blue and white ♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was in heaven yesterday with a trip to a warehouse filled to the brim with Polish Boleslawiec pottery. I haven't ever wanted to collect something as much as I want to collect this! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXr0g0QzLrU/Tlp7o_9FkFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pxmm7zoyB0k/s1600/DSC03102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXr0g0QzLrU/Tlp7o_9FkFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/pxmm7zoyB0k/s400/DSC03102.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">♥ Pottery love ♥</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took some convincing to get Mr C to come along to the factory (Partly because it involved pretty pottery and mostly because it would mean forgoing the eagerly anticipated Saturday lie in). With the help of a couple of super friends we managed to strike a deal - the pottery warehouse for the girls followed by beach/beer/cakes for the boys!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jrxj0fbvGQ/Tlp7yA5aI9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/eAyLMBIhxVE/s1600/DSC03101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_jrxj0fbvGQ/Tlp7yA5aI9I/AAAAAAAAAK0/eAyLMBIhxVE/s320/DSC03101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the heart patterns in the middle and on the right? Those are my favourites!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got up nice and early (quite a feat), picked up our friends and headed towards East Sussex. Whooo we were on our way! Road trips rock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9Lpfekvo0s/TlqCNHyFwPI/AAAAAAAAALA/6EYUZro35QA/s1600/DSC03156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9Lpfekvo0s/TlqCNHyFwPI/AAAAAAAAALA/6EYUZro35QA/s400/DSC03156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After some tea drinking and shop browsing I filled up my basket and made some purchases. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjELqeHyzAg/TlqB6y6TsQI/AAAAAAAAAK4/BADwJQGOieY/s1600/DSC03099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjELqeHyzAg/TlqB6y6TsQI/AAAAAAAAAK4/BADwJQGOieY/s400/DSC03099.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a few stop offs for lunch/beer/antiques/cream teas in picture perfect villages (another post coming on that!) we headed towards the sea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The blue and white theme stuck with us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFwgOgimGKI/Tlp6vYLOkBI/AAAAAAAAAKY/6Jg4r0emWc4/s1600/DSC03144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFwgOgimGKI/Tlp6vYLOkBI/AAAAAAAAAKY/6Jg4r0emWc4/s400/DSC03144.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7UL6-v2UIJE/Tlp6Z0ndLSI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kMtSnv8YVCQ/s400/DSC03150.JPG" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXkkhUTlBtE/Tlp7NxQpaTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/1piMuemSSmk/s1600/DSC03148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXkkhUTlBtE/Tlp7NxQpaTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/1piMuemSSmk/s400/DSC03148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD5SeRiTYak/Tlp7XJQcOOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/cvEw_e7fSDg/s1600/DSC03149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SD5SeRiTYak/Tlp7XJQcOOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/cvEw_e7fSDg/s400/DSC03149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FQqFSS-130/Tlp7gNwDx4I/AAAAAAAAAKs/ph-ITKsysxE/s1600/DSC03137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FQqFSS-130/Tlp7gNwDx4I/AAAAAAAAAKs/ph-ITKsysxE/s400/DSC03137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Maybe colour themed days are the way to go, along with compromises! What a fab day out we had.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-11833262217182709402011-08-24T22:01:00.000+01:002011-08-24T22:01:03.768+01:00A bit of elbow greaseThis morning started with a delivery of wool. What a super way to start the day! I'd placed the order after running out of wool half way through my 'burnt orange' stripe only to find out that this colour is now DISCONTINUED. Shock Horror! So I've stocked up on each colour just in case Debbie Bliss gets rid of any other colours. EEk!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUd3ME3E7a0/TlVcwBN2RFI/AAAAAAAAAKE/eSh5Zp_q394/s1600/DSC03096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUd3ME3E7a0/TlVcwBN2RFI/AAAAAAAAAKE/eSh5Zp_q394/s400/DSC03096.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbZqKDFvAbg/TlVkE7MzF6I/AAAAAAAAAKM/VAbC1fRTR9g/s1600/DSC03089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbZqKDFvAbg/TlVkE7MzF6I/AAAAAAAAAKM/VAbC1fRTR9g/s400/DSC03089.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>If only the rest of the day had been so super.....<br />
Over the last few days I have been on a cleaning frenzy. We've decided to kick ourselves into action, get our house on the market and make our 'good life' dreams come true. If you remember, one of my resolutions this year was to move to a new place before we become lost in the jungle of our belongings! Ahh, I dream of the day that I can open a cupboard without it depositing its contents on me!!<br />
<br />
Well, I cleaned everything in sight and scrubbed and polished like I was auditioning for a part in 'Annie'. However, no matter how much I cleaned there was always more to do.<br />
Me: Surface, I've just cleaned you, how do you have dust on again already????<br />
Grrrr. Does anyone else find it so frustrating?<br />
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Something that cheered me up was seeing this little visitor outside my back door as I weeded the roses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnxfogntXzo/TlVWah4L91I/AAAAAAAAAJw/ohIx-ry1Rpo/s1600/DSC03067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AnxfogntXzo/TlVWah4L91I/AAAAAAAAAJw/ohIx-ry1Rpo/s400/DSC03067.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>After the estate agent had taken his photos of my pristine-for-once-why-can't-it-always-look-like-this home, I decided to go out for a walk in the afternoon sunshine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUGMQuzBKqU/TlVWkN8OIRI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/bFmF79pgQaQ/s1600/DSC03068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUGMQuzBKqU/TlVWkN8OIRI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/bFmF79pgQaQ/s400/DSC03068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The reality of moving has made me appreciate the area that I have been living in. We have some lovely green spaces which I all too rarely visit. Today I took the time to breathe it all in, every detail and the views from the outskirts of our commuter town were chicken soup for my soul.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFa5zndr46g/TlVYhKZnR8I/AAAAAAAAAKA/wbVn-unMVX4/s1600/DSC03073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JFa5zndr46g/TlVYhKZnR8I/AAAAAAAAAKA/wbVn-unMVX4/s400/DSC03073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the distance there, if you squint, you can see Canary Wharf on the Old Smoke skyline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5cA6uowSMA/TlVYHP0hRZI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/YLERgl9Ivk0/s1600/DSC03072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5cA6uowSMA/TlVYHP0hRZI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/YLERgl9Ivk0/s400/DSC03072.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>On the way I found some more cherry plums and happily made my way home greedily eating them.justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-87675042199917280492011-08-19T19:10:00.000+01:002011-08-19T19:10:52.716+01:00Sew Happy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Do you remember your first glimpse of my quilt the other day? Well just in case you have forgotten here is another sneak peak.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwym2uT9xfU/Tk6awowgHuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/EDb4kBeJBjw/s1600/DSC03048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fwym2uT9xfU/Tk6awowgHuI/AAAAAAAAAI0/EDb4kBeJBjw/s400/DSC03048.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Ohhh aren't the colours scrummy together?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0x3q3qN8qw/Tk6bC_pJSbI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Tq7Rp_GX0fQ/s1600/DSC03049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0x3q3qN8qw/Tk6bC_pJSbI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Tq7Rp_GX0fQ/s400/DSC03049.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>I loved seeing it go through the sewing machine, hearing the machine whizzing away and feeling the cotton in my hands. When I looked up I had to smile at the delightful bundle that had been created.<br />
My craft wingman/partner in crime, also known as 'Mum!', came over today for some girlie sewing and chat and what a lovely day we had! Of course, we could not be expected to work without a tea break and so we enjoyed a fine brew accompanied by freshly baked-still hot from the oven-gooey in the middle-biscuits. Delish! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smqw-A3bgqc/Tk6ik-Q5HnI/AAAAAAAAAJY/iJvOW8cmH1Q/s1600/DSC03051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smqw-A3bgqc/Tk6ik-Q5HnI/AAAAAAAAAJY/iJvOW8cmH1Q/s400/DSC03051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Refreshed from our break we got right back on it, fired up the machine and upped the pace. If you'd have blinked you'd have missed it...well maybe not quite, but close.<br />
So.....would you like to see what it looks like now?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAm6Jp0CwYM/Tk6kVRM-qSI/AAAAAAAAAJg/QqzzFQJFfGg/s1600/DSC03057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAm6Jp0CwYM/Tk6kVRM-qSI/AAAAAAAAAJg/QqzzFQJFfGg/s400/DSC03057.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYecDByMSho/Tk6k0DSmD8I/AAAAAAAAAJk/QyhdX_csZP0/s1600/DSC03059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYecDByMSho/Tk6k0DSmD8I/AAAAAAAAAJk/QyhdX_csZP0/s400/DSC03059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQEMF6x8pGs/Tk6j6Ktd7LI/AAAAAAAAAJc/KTd0W3vhSq4/s1600/DSC03056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQEMF6x8pGs/Tk6j6Ktd7LI/AAAAAAAAAJc/KTd0W3vhSq4/s640/DSC03056.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Whoo!! It's not quite finished and ready for its final reveal yet but it's pretty close.<br />
I just can't believe that I M-A-D-E T-H-I-S! (With some top tips from Mum!). I'm sew happy!justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-8519381160746636722011-08-18T09:51:00.000+01:002011-08-18T09:51:03.220+01:00A, B, Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X8PB4AMy7Q/TkrcsTpNW9I/AAAAAAAAAIM/WaQTVE_RBoU/s1600/DSC03042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X8PB4AMy7Q/TkrcsTpNW9I/AAAAAAAAAIM/WaQTVE_RBoU/s400/DSC03042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ah, Whitstable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sea air, oysters, vintage shops and salty chips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perfect n'est-ce pas?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--h94PyndUYc/TkreWMQyJPI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/hck3X21HeyY/s1600/DSC03027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--h94PyndUYc/TkreWMQyJPI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/hck3X21HeyY/s400/DSC03027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My workmates and I met in our local coffee shop before setting off to Whitstable for a day out. I haven't mentioned my collegues before but they are lovely and I'm lucky to have made so many firm friends at work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started off our day of F-U-N with another cuppa and some oysters, well some of us had them </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(the brave ones!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVlsMGMFyP4/TkrepTQeluI/AAAAAAAAAIU/JnWUyOoKbHU/s1600/DSC03021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVlsMGMFyP4/TkrepTQeluI/AAAAAAAAAIU/JnWUyOoKbHU/s400/DSC03021.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zToZS1IRgJc/TkrfsvFHFXI/AAAAAAAAAIc/0nyiEBPle64/s1600/DSC03025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zToZS1IRgJc/TkrfsvFHFXI/AAAAAAAAAIc/0nyiEBPle64/s320/DSC03025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3qjJr-qvYs/TkrfjMq5HfI/AAAAAAAAAIY/0O8U9QwySw0/s1600/DSC03026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e3qjJr-qvYs/TkrfjMq5HfI/AAAAAAAAAIY/0O8U9QwySw0/s400/DSC03026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whitstable, for those that don't know, is a seaside town in Kent, Southeast England. It's a fantastic place to go if you like quirky and vintage and, in my opinion, shows the British seaside in its best possible light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The shop keepers have all done a fantastic job on their shop fronts and the town is very picturesque and picture-perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCaNHsagHU8/TkrhOqCdAfI/AAAAAAAAAIg/oMnyLnQq6Y4/s1600/DSC03028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCaNHsagHU8/TkrhOqCdAfI/AAAAAAAAAIg/oMnyLnQq6Y4/s400/DSC03028.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ND2DTgnOy4/TkrhY6u5RKI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wEJka1eof6M/s1600/DSC03040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ND2DTgnOy4/TkrhY6u5RKI/AAAAAAAAAIk/wEJka1eof6M/s400/DSC03040.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are vintage clothing shops, art galleries, cupcake shops and tearooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jV3kOYd87hY/TkriL5xe3OI/AAAAAAAAAIo/RNUHenKhZ5o/s1600/DSC03029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jV3kOYd87hY/TkriL5xe3OI/AAAAAAAAAIo/RNUHenKhZ5o/s400/DSC03029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Not to mention street art in the form of knitted bicycles! It was entertaining to watch people go past the bikes and look in wonder as they realised they were knitted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk6JlZlm9Hs/TkriVWIkuII/AAAAAAAAAIs/w4nkheQLhWo/s1600/DSC03043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sk6JlZlm9Hs/TkriVWIkuII/AAAAAAAAAIs/w4nkheQLhWo/s400/DSC03043.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Plllllllleeeeeease can I move to Whitstable' my mind was saying after it had dreamed about decorating a cottage like the one in the picture above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For now I guess I'm going to have to make do with daytrips!</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-47818586028727311442011-08-16T19:29:00.000+01:002011-08-16T19:29:18.792+01:00Home Sweet Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2YW84Czqv4/Tkkm8RNx99I/AAAAAAAAAHw/nM8_Acs0u7w/s1600/DSC03001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2YW84Czqv4/Tkkm8RNx99I/AAAAAAAAAHw/nM8_Acs0u7w/s400/DSC03001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There's something special about walking through your front door after being away on holiday...the familiar, comforting sights and smells after your senses have been bombarded with new, foreign stimuli. As soon as we touched down at Gatwick it was like I had a whole new appreciation of how beautiful our country is, how green and luscious and mild. <br />
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We have spent the last week cocktail drinking, snoozing, reclining, reading, sunset gazing, sight seeing, star gazing, swimming, scuba diving and food munching in sunny Cyprus. It has been a lovely holiday but so HOT! My word, it has been up to 42 degrees during the day and 25 degrees at night. I've practically thrown myself into the pool/sea at every given opportunity! <br />
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Are you sitting comfortably? Good. Well, here are a few of my favourite snapshots of Cyprus.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvVtFRQCsk4/TkkoQN5tASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/fV8crfFOzWY/s1600/DSC02857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvVtFRQCsk4/TkkoQN5tASI/AAAAAAAAAH0/fV8crfFOzWY/s400/DSC02857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7Ka7bPDcjM/TkkosuyOznI/AAAAAAAAAH4/YuRt7Ehi_8U/s1600/DSC03006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F7Ka7bPDcjM/TkkosuyOznI/AAAAAAAAAH4/YuRt7Ehi_8U/s400/DSC03006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXqbH1LWmeg/TkkpTy7T69I/AAAAAAAAAH8/U4YPIvHM4u0/s1600/DSC02760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXqbH1LWmeg/TkkpTy7T69I/AAAAAAAAAH8/U4YPIvHM4u0/s400/DSC02760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXhqU1Q8yh0/Tkkpvddqz3I/AAAAAAAAAIE/XEILcgWoI-U/s1600/DSC02998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXhqU1Q8yh0/Tkkpvddqz3I/AAAAAAAAAIE/XEILcgWoI-U/s400/DSC02998.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxoV0lLPzBA/Tkkp5AjIO6I/AAAAAAAAAII/ydpLqNXgGsI/s1600/DSC02758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxoV0lLPzBA/Tkkp5AjIO6I/AAAAAAAAAII/ydpLqNXgGsI/s400/DSC02758.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxkCmj7opjo/Tkkpl6F5MXI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ANeblVMTPX8/s1600/DSC02865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxkCmj7opjo/Tkkpl6F5MXI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ANeblVMTPX8/s400/DSC02865.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We had a lovely time but I'm also glad to be home, back to the place where I belong.justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-64505852526397350042011-08-15T14:48:00.000+01:002011-08-15T14:48:28.742+01:00L is for...Lindy Hop! <br />
Ouch! My legs were like jelly. I booked my Hubbie and I on a 'learn to lindy hop in a day' course a while ago and last Saturday was The Day! I was so excited as it was one of my new year resolutions and I was amazed that I managed to convince Mr C to come! I love swing music and the whole day was so much fun from start to finish (5 hours of dancing - woah!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RSqeBv3jbs/TkkiDxSIo5I/AAAAAAAAAHo/sXzbrP9rcaA/s320/DSC02718.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
We started the day with 6 beat lindy hop, followed by 8 beat lindy hop and then the Charleston to finish the day. Both Mr C and I loved dancing the Charleston best, although our attempt to recreate the dance at home in front of family was 'interesting!' and not entirely representative of the fabulous teaching! There was alot of 'your foot should be here' and 'you moved too early' in our front room performance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBwEH-415lM/TkkjZDt57mI/AAAAAAAAAHs/AhXkLrDw8gs/s1600/DSC02719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBwEH-415lM/TkkjZDt57mI/AAAAAAAAAHs/AhXkLrDw8gs/s320/DSC02719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm definitely going to try to go to more lessons as it's a great style of dance. If you fancy learning then you can find information <a href="http://www.swingpatrol.co.uk/category/events/">here.</a> Maybe this workshop should come with a health warning as, a whole week later, my feet are STILL dancing all by themselves; it's seriously addictive.justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-35613849606653307892011-08-02T18:27:00.000+01:002011-08-02T18:27:40.310+01:00Blissful momentsMoment 1) Sewing my first quilt, yes, MY Quilt! I haven't quite got the required patience when the sewing machine goes a bit bonkers and starts to chew my work up but luckily my Fab Mum does. I'm starting to piece it all together and the colours are B-E-A-Utiful together. I can't claim that the whole experience has been blissful but the standing back and seeing something you have created is!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y_10eDjCOQ/TjgvIzWB9qI/AAAAAAAAAHg/xsvc8AEbgrI/s1600/DSC02711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y_10eDjCOQ/TjgvIzWB9qI/AAAAAAAAAHg/xsvc8AEbgrI/s400/DSC02711.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Looking at my sunflowers. Aren't they just so cheerful? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk16OKI-0VE/TjgvVF85c_I/AAAAAAAAAHk/IWkjU1tbcco/s1600/DSC02670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk16OKI-0VE/TjgvVF85c_I/AAAAAAAAAHk/IWkjU1tbcco/s400/DSC02670.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) De-podding my home grown broad beans. I love that the pods are all furry and squidgy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKIw3gcrFSk/Tjguhyib3DI/AAAAAAAAAHU/JOp_VpZQf_o/s400/DSC02688.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></div>4) BBQs! The smoky smell is divine as it wafts past. Mmmmm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SlLvd7gFKw/TjguYG3BH0I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/c4SXOmZKZ0I/s1600/DSC02691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SlLvd7gFKw/TjguYG3BH0I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/c4SXOmZKZ0I/s400/DSC02691.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) The sight of locally foraged cherry plums. They grow by our train station and the colours are incredible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwx4icPoysc/Tjgu_HM2AqI/AAAAAAAAAHc/rkWnw4CqATg/s1600/DSC02698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wwx4icPoysc/Tjgu_HM2AqI/AAAAAAAAAHc/rkWnw4CqATg/s320/DSC02698.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwp77-I6aZ4/TjgurRC-rpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/r0Wb9GR2Vng/s1600/DSC02695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwp77-I6aZ4/TjgurRC-rpI/AAAAAAAAAHY/r0Wb9GR2Vng/s400/DSC02695.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So many lovely moments. Summer is wonderful.</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-69770347651975551042011-07-31T11:18:00.001+01:002011-07-31T11:19:31.599+01:00Happy Days!Gosh, I didn't realise I'd been away from my blog for quite so long. It has been busy round these parts, infact I'd almost go as far as manic. We've barely been in our house for more than an hour before we've been out and about again (inevitably arriving late as usual...). We've been enjoying BBQs, coffees, dinners with friends, superhero fancy dress parties, birthday events, weddings, food festivals and, of course, time down on the allotment. Phew! I feel exhausted just recounting the events :-).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--N_704VRX_8/TjUoSxGUt4I/AAAAAAAAAG4/oMdtB0inmvU/s1600/DSC02628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--N_704VRX_8/TjUoSxGUt4I/AAAAAAAAAG4/oMdtB0inmvU/s320/DSC02628.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo is from Ben and Jerry's ice cream festival where you could eat unlimited amounts of ice cream for free. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmw8cxs2_z4/TjUolwBGnJI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Bp65MIRxVns/s1600/DSC02677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmw8cxs2_z4/TjUolwBGnJI/AAAAAAAAAG8/Bp65MIRxVns/s320/DSC02677.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo is from Foodies Festival in Battersea Park where I tasted and discovered elderflower liquor. It has now become my tipple du jour. This creation made me smile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I thought you might like to see how the allotment is doing. Lots of crops are in season and we could practically live off the produce! We've managed to produce 15 courgettes (well, they look more like marrows really don't they?!) a week.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPEl5att_I/TjUlh-yIuiI/AAAAAAAAAGs/j9EL0p_jfgU/s1600/DSC02666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCPEl5att_I/TjUlh-yIuiI/AAAAAAAAAGs/j9EL0p_jfgU/s400/DSC02666.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I've had to get creative with my use of courgettes in the kitchen to keep things interesting. We've had them stuffed, fried, made into fritters, raw in salads....you get the picture! I even tried a courgette cake and it was delish.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcuUps3nBcw/TjUmplIZ_TI/AAAAAAAAAGw/juKsNnCHp2I/s1600/DSC02624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcuUps3nBcw/TjUmplIZ_TI/AAAAAAAAAGw/juKsNnCHp2I/s400/DSC02624.JPG" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>If you also are at a loose end with courgettes coming out of your ears then here's the link to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/16/nigel-slater-courgette">Nigel Slater's courgette cake</a>. YUM!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgLPxOJFVZo/TjUn06Nd_UI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9PkmNro_rXM/s1600/DSC02667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LgLPxOJFVZo/TjUn06Nd_UI/AAAAAAAAAG0/9PkmNro_rXM/s400/DSC02667.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div>The lavender is just so beautiful and seeing the bees so happy makes me feel content. I heart bees.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgJKF2JmwCw/TjUpvjPsAcI/AAAAAAAAAHA/T0ZmBXN5uO8/s1600/DSC02678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgJKF2JmwCw/TjUpvjPsAcI/AAAAAAAAAHA/T0ZmBXN5uO8/s320/DSC02678.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've had a LOT of runner beans and broad beans too. Runner bean cake anyone? Hmmm that's going too far I feel.....:-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anAyq7fIVxg/TjUqJ_fo3lI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Y425KnEfYpc/s1600/DSC02684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-anAyq7fIVxg/TjUqJ_fo3lI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Y425KnEfYpc/s400/DSC02684.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div>This is my runner bean living arch. I had this idea of creating it as a feature and it actually worked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1uy1ivw9o0/TjUqhc0rmXI/AAAAAAAAAHI/Yukp6HYYua0/s1600/DSC02683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1uy1ivw9o0/TjUqhc0rmXI/AAAAAAAAAHI/Yukp6HYYua0/s320/DSC02683.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div>Blackberries already nearly ready! Hasn't anyone told them they're too early this year?! Wait til autumn fellas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6makfNwW1E0/TjUq-sXRyWI/AAAAAAAAAHM/WZYuTeU1BuU/s1600/DSC02672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6makfNwW1E0/TjUq-sXRyWI/AAAAAAAAAHM/WZYuTeU1BuU/s400/DSC02672.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></div>Corn on the cob soon! Whoo!<br />
I hope you enjoyed your browse through my allotment.justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-6528894206902521382011-06-22T17:14:00.000+01:002011-06-22T17:14:23.217+01:00I've never seen these before...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The allotment plots are looking so cheerful at the moment. I'm in love with these flowers (Californian Poppies I'm told). I've never seen them anywhere before, have you? They have grown wild and the different shades across the plots look sooo beautiful. I'm drying some pods out so that I can keep the seeds and scatter them in my garden one day. My fingers are crossed for my <em>own</em> garden as we've been living in a flat with a shared one for the last five years. My dream garden definitely includes these beauties!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DflUAkq8sbQ/Tf-mrsL601I/AAAAAAAAAGI/ME_nbOURzPE/s1600/DSC02590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DflUAkq8sbQ/Tf-mrsL601I/AAAAAAAAAGI/ME_nbOURzPE/s640/DSC02590.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SL5Zx--YZzg/Tf-m3ngilzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ddwXRJexeec/s1600/DSC02591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SL5Zx--YZzg/Tf-m3ngilzI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ddwXRJexeec/s640/DSC02591.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn4YnfAuqW0/Tf-nBJxE6dI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/7wEcuL9rYz8/s1600/DSC02592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn4YnfAuqW0/Tf-nBJxE6dI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/7wEcuL9rYz8/s400/DSC02592.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEbk8ik2SUU/Tf-nLNMcXxI/AAAAAAAAAGU/5mvEmgjGD2U/s1600/DSC02593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEbk8ik2SUU/Tf-nLNMcXxI/AAAAAAAAAGU/5mvEmgjGD2U/s400/DSC02593.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgPQG4Pa0qk/Tf-nVC1wcxI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Z9Mfx2It-b4/s1600/DSC02607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgPQG4Pa0qk/Tf-nVC1wcxI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Z9Mfx2It-b4/s400/DSC02607.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wLwIUn-cLKc/Tf-nexAsKSI/AAAAAAAAAGc/Qzsq7kTVElE/s1600/DSC02608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wLwIUn-cLKc/Tf-nexAsKSI/AAAAAAAAAGc/Qzsq7kTVElE/s400/DSC02608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10Nq0MmpT1s/Tf-noIf-GMI/AAAAAAAAAGg/80qRxuTTydQ/s1600/DSC02610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10Nq0MmpT1s/Tf-noIf-GMI/AAAAAAAAAGg/80qRxuTTydQ/s400/DSC02610.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Isn't nature just wonderful?<br />
*Sign of contentment*justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-25324384895956303282011-06-20T20:46:00.001+01:002011-06-20T20:51:09.059+01:00Bursting into lifeI've been a busy bee of late and am enjoying my first evening in a week at home, chilling. Soooo nice to put my feet up and have a cuppa. The allotment is looking F-A-B and it's getting exciting now that there is produce to eat and more on the way. Here are some pics so you can see how it's all coming along.<br />
(Ignore the weeds...!!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrmzBvn9uT8/Tf-e2fYPYiI/AAAAAAAAAFk/EWCUSTXQESI/s1600/DSC02599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XrmzBvn9uT8/Tf-e2fYPYiI/AAAAAAAAAFk/EWCUSTXQESI/s400/DSC02599.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eat your heart out Mr McGregor!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYiNF25ZxYc/Tf-fOMX_A4I/AAAAAAAAAFo/UArP9nI-WSc/s1600/DSC02594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYiNF25ZxYc/Tf-fOMX_A4I/AAAAAAAAAFo/UArP9nI-WSc/s400/DSC02594.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where's the Green Giant?</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eTVzwBro3Y/Tf-fZuJhxhI/AAAAAAAAAFs/g9rvU-V-Ru0/s1600/DSC02597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eTVzwBro3Y/Tf-fZuJhxhI/AAAAAAAAAFs/g9rvU-V-Ru0/s400/DSC02597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8akOvWglNA/Tf-fkUVaK_I/AAAAAAAAAFw/yMyW_1_Q-IQ/s1600/DSC02589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8akOvWglNA/Tf-fkUVaK_I/AAAAAAAAAFw/yMyW_1_Q-IQ/s400/DSC02589.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberries are making their way into my morning cereal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIR4Y07yp-E/Tf-fuYxnvHI/AAAAAAAAAF0/F8xfaQ-5gwk/s1600/DSC02603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIR4Y07yp-E/Tf-fuYxnvHI/AAAAAAAAAF0/F8xfaQ-5gwk/s400/DSC02603.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender pouches as pressies for friends this year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glqYdqYi8aY/Tf-f4NTkN2I/AAAAAAAAAF4/9ZMcxAAaQ6s/s1600/DSC02615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glqYdqYi8aY/Tf-f4NTkN2I/AAAAAAAAAF4/9ZMcxAAaQ6s/s400/DSC02615.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLEJsk-CbBs/Tf-gfmHv4eI/AAAAAAAAAGA/06j9S64vOxE/s1600/DSC02595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLEJsk-CbBs/Tf-gfmHv4eI/AAAAAAAAAGA/06j9S64vOxE/s400/DSC02595.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sunflowers are almost ready. Woop!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRa-GTg52Gg/Tf-gCKh0lQI/AAAAAAAAAF8/xGjB5CPh2X8/s1600/DSC02596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRa-GTg52Gg/Tf-gCKh0lQI/AAAAAAAAAF8/xGjB5CPh2X8/s400/DSC02596.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So proud of my runner beans. They didn't grow last year but are making up for it now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Can't wait to cook something using the gooseberries! Mmmmmmmmmmm.<br />
<br />
Last week Mr C was away on business so I spent the week catching up with friends. Lovely it was too! One of the jobs I wanted to do was to find elderflowers to make cordial. It was on my to do list and when I saw <a href="http://atnumber98.blogspot.com/">Rebecca's</a> post on the cordial I knew I had to do it. I'd been looking for weeks for the tree but, knowing me, I was worried I'd end up making cowslip cordial. BLEUGH! <br />
<br />
Well.......eventually I FOUND THE FLOWERS! OK, that's a lie. My friend Han found the tree.....right outside my back door!!! *Can you believe it was there all the time whilst I was googling pictures of the flowers?!*<br />
<br />
There are lots of recipes out there on the web and I followed a pretty standard one. I decided to freeze the cordial in ice cube bags so each time I want a drink all I have to do is pop one cube in and add fizzy water. It will last for at least a year in the freezer and makes your drinks lovely and chilled. Mmmmm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCZt5v_XL8E/Tf-hxmb5bPI/AAAAAAAAAGE/fuv31OlUFDw/s1600/DSC02619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCZt5v_XL8E/Tf-hxmb5bPI/AAAAAAAAAGE/fuv31OlUFDw/s400/DSC02619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The last flowers are still on the trees so there's still time to make cordial!justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-81951725457159279262011-05-31T13:03:00.000+01:002011-06-01T09:28:15.658+01:00Fancy a cuppa?Oh what a dreary day in London it is. <br />
Bleugh.<br />
I've been busy the last few days on a little crochet project. I'm still rippling my heart out on my giant blankie but I fancied a mini project that I could start, and thankfully finish! Oh, I could hardly put it down. My fingers were working overtime on this one.<br />
What is it, you ask? Well.....ok then.....here it is.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3_YE8gtZE0/TeTVdsxK9JI/AAAAAAAAAEs/-bVqCDEL3nk/s1600/DSC02582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I3_YE8gtZE0/TeTVdsxK9JI/AAAAAAAAAEs/-bVqCDEL3nk/s400/DSC02582.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div>A tea cosy!!! This was a joyous little project! The basic pattern came courtesy of the brilliant Alice at Crochet with Raymond which you can find <a href="http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/">here</a>. I used some left over Rowan wool and a gorgeous Liberty button. Do you love buttons too? They make me feel so happy. <br />
<br />
Last night I went out in London and happened to walk past Liberty. It has the BEST haberdashery department I have ever seen and is packed with amazing eye candy of the crafty variety!<br />
I managed to escape with only a few *modest* purchases including this assortment of buttons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svaPBc6s2jg/TeTVDf6HFbI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ffDOq8w9Vi4/s1600/DSC02576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svaPBc6s2jg/TeTVDf6HFbI/AAAAAAAAAEo/ffDOq8w9Vi4/s400/DSC02576.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh they make my heart leap!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remember as a child that sorting my mum's button box was the ultimate treat! She had (and still has!) this huge old-fashioned tin full to the brim with interesting buttons. I loved touching them, counting them and looking at all the shapes and colours. They still haven't lost their charm for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyhoo, I'm desperate for a cuppa to cheer up this dreary day (see the light in the next photo, tsk!!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See you later!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Liz x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iMHXMgBbX0/TeTYwEFmseI/AAAAAAAAAE0/XtT7r1A1nf4/s1600/DSC02579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0iMHXMgBbX0/TeTYwEFmseI/AAAAAAAAAE0/XtT7r1A1nf4/s400/DSC02579.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767838362765415031.post-49814120187060154922011-05-29T23:29:00.000+01:002011-05-30T00:01:51.105+01:00Ripe, strawberries ripe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7wTSIigaDI/TeLFlqw-YsI/AAAAAAAAAEk/BSvDsfgwpIE/s1600/DSC02561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7wTSIigaDI/TeLFlqw-YsI/AAAAAAAAAEk/BSvDsfgwpIE/s400/DSC02561.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />
As a child I had the part of the strawberry seller in our school production of Oliver! "Ripe, strawberries ripe!" was my one line (I was so proud!). Today, as I picked my strawberries down at the allotment, the song sang out in my head. The unusually warm weather has led to a bumper crop of the delicious things this year..WOOP!<br />
Check out my beauties! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJxs2Q30A2E/TeKjAUtY_dI/AAAAAAAAAEU/55MvQfd7eVg/s1600/DSC02560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJxs2Q30A2E/TeKjAUtY_dI/AAAAAAAAAEU/55MvQfd7eVg/s400/DSC02560.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've had about 300 strawberries over the past 3 weeks! It's hard to believe that something soo sweet is actually good for you. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the slugs and snails seemed to be chomping through more than their fair share I decided to pick all the ripe ones today and managed to pick 1500g worth!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VGFDZ5EvEs/TeLD0puBWwI/AAAAAAAAAEY/WFTHeLGZ5iY/s1600/DSC02556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VGFDZ5EvEs/TeLD0puBWwI/AAAAAAAAAEY/WFTHeLGZ5iY/s320/DSC02556.JPG" t8="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What to do with all those strawberries????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KN5orY8TSXo/TeLEtUuRA1I/AAAAAAAAAEc/1gQ7YyjayP0/s1600/DSC02565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KN5orY8TSXo/TeLEtUuRA1I/AAAAAAAAAEc/1gQ7YyjayP0/s320/DSC02565.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first ever attempt at making jam!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The jam pan has been somewhat a cause of tension in our household. We live in a small maisonette. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you open a cupboard be warned, something will fall out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our usual scenario begins like this.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mr C: ARGH! OUCH! All your things are cluttering up our cupboards! What's this? A jam pan?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But you've never even made any jam! Can't you give it away to someone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0ScHtrQGvU/TeLE7eiwvnI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UgM6kjP7YYM/s1600/DSC02567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0ScHtrQGvU/TeLE7eiwvnI/AAAAAAAAAEg/UgM6kjP7YYM/s400/DSC02567.JPG" t8="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I'm pleased with my first attempt! And now the jam pan can stay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bring on the preserving!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Any ideas about what to do with the next batch of strawberries??</div>justclickyourheels 123http://www.blogger.com/profile/16308447616315661320noreply@blogger.com2