A Meadow- In Minature

*   The scent of Spring is palpable and thoughts turn to all things green and new. The garden is beginning to awaken pushing hopeful green shoots through the soil, whilst birds chatter excitedly from our neighbour’s Holly. We’ve been entertaining friends from Canada in the last week, such a pleasure to take time to enjoy good food, conversation and visits to interesting places. Illness in one of our party saw us watching the TV during the day time and happening upon Alan Titchmarsh narrating ‘British Isles- A Natural History’. We were inspired by the scenes of the Yorkshire Meadows, which brought back memories of the holidays we spend there every May, we decided to have a go at sowing our own meadow in the back yard.

*   After seeking advice from my Father ( the lawn expert) we were informed that meadow flowers like nothing better than the poorest quality, stony soil and that the soil underneath our very ugly patio slabs would be a perfect medium. Monday saw us pulling up many of the patio slabs to reveal enough rubble to build a second home. Undeterred, we have dug down and combined the stones with some of the spent compost from my vegetable planters and then sown to about twice the density recommended. Fingers crossed, we’ll see how this turns out in the next few weeks.

*   After waving goodbye to our friends, we spent a night in the Lakes near Ullswater. A hike the following day took in breathtaking scenery, including a churchyard strewn with wild daffodils, a stunning rainbow forming over Ullswater adjacent to where the Green Knight’s castle is said to be from the legend of Sir. Gawain and the Green Knight. We rounded off our day by taking tea in a medieval tea room, complete with huge fireplace - marvellous !

Moments in March

*   Sadly we lost Mr. Rupert last week, our black lop eared rabbit. It seems such a short time since we were collecting the two brothers from the rescue centre and welcoming them to their new home. He will be very much missed by CC and I but especially Mr. Gerry his lovely brother. We have been spending as much time with Mr. Gerry as possible, eating breakfast in the garden and taking tea in the rabbit run.

My lovely boys

*   On a more positive note, CC and I visited the gardens at Sizergh castle and were so inspired by the kitchen gardens there. The snowdrops were a welcome sign that Spring is finally here and we spent a very pleasant hour exploring the vegetable patches and the formal gardens. Although the house is not open yet, the gardens are definitely worth a visit and the sunshine made the trip so very enjoyable.

*    Inspired by this kitchen garden and determined to grow more of our own food this year we made an early start on our little vegetable patch . This year I am declaring war on The Evil Slug! Every year we have tenderly raised our vegetables from seeds in our propagator, carefully transplanting them into the vegetable beds , watering diligently and waiting expectantly. In my naivety I believed that it was only fair to let our garden ‘visitors’ have some share of the garden goodies only to have them behave like the worst guests at a party, gleefully eating their way through every single seedling and leaving only a messy trail and a row of  sad-looking stalks behind. The butterflies have mocked my valiant ‘organic’ efforts by conducting what can only be described as an orgy in my Brassica patch, copulating at every opportunity and leaving us to raise their ravenous offspring on our little rows of carefully cultivated cabbages and broccoli.

*    This year will be different, we have launched a determined offensive with netting, egg shells and ( I’m ashamed to say) organic slug pellets. Every year my parents have dried our tears over our lost vegetables and brandished the tub of pellets, only to have us determinedly refuse and place more beer traps and up our nightly warfare. This time I’ll be taking their advice, the Evil Slug has had his last feast in my garden !

*   As today was Mother’s Day, we made a brunch of buttermilk pancakes, bacon , sausages and eggs for my Mother and walked off the substantial meal through the farms and along the sea shore.

In The Moment

Often we fail to appreciate the today, spending time looking forward or backwards. Today is a very good day, time spent with CC has been lovely, hearing him play his music and sing. An afternoon’s walk, followed by card making for a friend and a glass or two of wine to celebrate her birthday tonight. Enjoy today, enjoy the moment, that’s why it’s called the Present. XX

Winter Treats

*   The recent cold winter weather has brought some unexpected treats in recent days, beautiful winter walks and plenty of opportunities to sample some thoroughly stodgy fare. My friend Liza came to visit us from Sweden and we have delighted in having an excuse to increase our winter walks and sample some local culinary delights.

*   This week saw us hiking on the shores of Lake Windermere amongst a thick blanket of snow, stopping for a winter picnic of local delights, including Eccles Cakes and pork pies. Liza had brought us a present of mats made from sheepskin and I can honestly say that this was the most comfortable lunch stop we’ve ever experienced during a winter hike !

*   The woods around the shores of the lake were truly stunning , sounds were muffled by the layers of snow and the air was crisp and clean. We descended into Near Sawrey and spent a few moments showing Liza the home of Beatrix Potter. In the garden a trail had been prepared for junior visitors, this was just delightful, especially if like CC and I, you love rabbits !

*    On the home front we have adopted a cat from our local rescue centre, she is an absolute treasure and sits contentedly purring on every available lap. As you can see,she has CC trained perfectly already!

*   The cold weather has also brought the perfect excuse for baking, we made a large batch of bread using ‘The Cook’s Book’. Frankly, although comprehensive in its methods, I’ve rarely encountered a more complicated recipe for such a simple item ! In the past the only bread I have made is Soda bread, which is child’s play and I heartily recommend trying this to enjoy with homemade soup or spread thickly with butter and honey.

Recipe For Soda Bread

1 tsp Baking Soda

1lb white bread flour (450g)

400ml Buttermilk

1 level teaspoon of salt

- Preheat oven to 230C

- Sieve flour, salt and baking soda into a bowl.

- Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk.

- Spread your fingers to form a large fork shape and use these to mix in the buttermilk, drawing flour from the sides of the bowl. the dough will be a very sticky consistency – do not overmix !

- Gently roll into a large ball with floury hands. Pat gently into a round approx. 2″ high.

- Place your dough on a lightly floured baking sheet, with a sharp knife cut a deep cross into the dough. Prick the four triangles made with a knife ( to let the fairies out !)

- Put in the oven for 10 minutes. Turn the heat down to 200C, then bake for a further 25 minutes.

- The bread is ready when you can tap the bottom and the sound is hollow.

- Wrap in a teatowel immediately for a softer crust.

 

 

 

Viable Dreams

*   Walking along the river bank at this time of year is often a rather messy affair, boots sink into the squelchy path and clothing is dotted liberally with muddy spots. Despite the type B conditions( ( seriously squelchy on a scale from A ( over the boot and lower leg) through to G ( dry and dusty)) Saturday found us walking along the Wyre river and admiring the many tiny moorings found here.

 

*   The boats make an impressive display of ‘make do and mend’ as jetties are fashioned from an impressive assortment of recycled items. Consumer culture is not evident here as people pass the time pleasantly sailing along the river, then returning to enjoy cups of steaming tea and the obligatory biscuit in their self-crafted huts. Milk crates, wooden palates and assorted plastic items are repurposed into bicycle baskets and jetties, little is thrown away and new goods rejected in favour of items costing nothing save the effort in bringing them. These are not the yachts of rich men, enjoyed infrequently and with little pleasure, they are an oft-enjoyed pastime, hard won through diligent labours; summised very aptly with the name of one boat ‘Viable Dreams’.

The Last Of The Light

*   This time of year gives a unique opportunity to witness a dazzling array of sunsets ,CC and I were lucky enough to see the last of the light on Beacon Fell, watching the sun slowly slip Westwards. The light filtering softly through the trees lent the forest a magical atmosphere and the fresh smell of the damp pine soothed and uplifted our spirits.

*   Watching the sun set over the sea an elderly couple, waiting patiently and silently, clearly enraptured.  I couldn’t resist taking their picture,the two of them still and content in the moment ; an inspiration to us all.

Crossing Over

*                  Despite the short length of our winter days, our walks in the countryside have been wonderful this month, guided by my Mother ( the mountain goat) we hiked accross Bowland, passing some rather unusual crossing points for the river. We were a little suprised at this Ford though (where the road goes through the water). I don’t think I would fancy driving through that with our little car !

*     Another windswept day saw us exploring the coastline near our home and a short walk took us out towards Fluke Hall, an old medieval building in the next village. The views of the bay never fail to lift the spirits and the sight of horses using this ancient highway is always a welcome sight. The Bay has been used as a crossing point for centuries, although it has always been a journey fraught with perils as the tides move quickly and the sands can be tretcherous to those who stray from the channels.

*               Long winter evenings bring a chance to knit and sew and the plumeting temperatures prompted me to make a cover for Gerry and Rupert’s water bottle, to prevent their water from freezing. A little effort whilst listening to the radio, so much nicer than the ones available in the shops. CC and I have also cleared out our utility room, I made a sink skirt to hide all the unsightly bins for the rabbits, I’m rather proud of it !

*       I end with a couple of pictures of Gerry and Ruper enjoying their Christmas dinner. A very Happy New Year to you all.