The Gift.

My Mum bought this Bible for my Dad more than 25 years ago. For 25 years my Dad has used this Bible at his Church and for his study and reflection. I recognised it on the table at their home always as 'my Daddies Bible' This year my Mum bought my Dad a new Bible. A couple of weeks ago they asked me if I wanted the old Bible.

My Daddies Bible now sits on my bedside table and I will search for the wisdom and guidance he found in the well worn pages of this most precious gift.

Whatever you do this week, may your God walk with you.

Shelly.

Spring has Sprung.

The clocks have changed to Summertime. The sun is shining and there is washing out on the line. The garden has started to show off it's first colours and the birds are busy nest building .

This is the first of the Camellia buds to open.

All along the fence the greenery is coming to life.

I am so delighted to greet the Spring this year.

After an early walk this morning I had this..

try it for fresh Spring breakfast:

Slice some fresh Tomato on to a plate, season with Black Pepper.

Add some pieces of creamy Goats Cheese.

Lightly poach an Egg , sit it on top, season again with Black Pepper and some fresh Basil leaves.

Add a slice of wholemeal Soda Bread.

(works well on large flat lightly cooked Mushroom too.)

Shelly.

Big Norfolk Sky!

We had a lovely weekend in Norfolk....

Visited the historic market town of Wymondham.

A lovely lunch in the Tea Room.

Also visited the very popular Burnham Market, the sun shone all day and the Norfolk big blue sky was very much in evidence.

A place to sit in the sun....

Peeking through gates at the beautiful old flint houses...

Browsing around the wonderful shop 'Norfolk Living'....

I wanted to buy the whole of this 'potting shed'!!

Lunch at the very popular Hoste Arms was truly divine...

Warm Goats Cheese and Caramelised Onion Tart with a bowl of hand cut chips!

Spirits are restored.... all is well..... Spring arrived just in time.

Have a great weekend.

Shelly.

Easy Dinner for Two

Things have been really hectic lately with not much time for posting! The Spring is still taking it's time and my mood has been somewhat 'melancholy'

Going for a weekend away in Norfolk this coming weekend so will take some pictures and I am hoping the sun will shine to lift my spirits.

This was last nights easy dinner for 2 but it is great if there is a crowd too.

Fry the mincemeat (chicken pieces work really well too) with chopped onion and garlic ,when cooked add tin of chopped tomatoes and a packet of Fajita spice powder and simmer till dark and thick in consistency.

While the pan is cooking prepare bowls of what ever salads you want, a bowl of grated cheese, a sour cream or salsa or similar dressing (I used thick plain yogurt with mint and chopped cucumber) when everything is ready warm through the tortilla wraps and place all the bowls and the pan on the table and then wrap up a little of everything you want in the tortilla.

Its a great 'hands on' help yourself way of eating.

Hope you have a good week.

Shelly.

Signs of a change....

Standing in the kitchen this morning the sunshine was streaming through the windows.

These little primulas were basking in the sunlight.





I freshened up the dresser with some cream pots and jugs.

Walking round the garden there they were..... new shoots stretching up towards the sunlight.

Fresh green veggies for lunch.

and look.... the Spring Fairy in a ring of Spring bulbs.

How these small rays of the sun can lift my spirits and make me look forward to the Spring months ahead.

Shelly.

A touch of Valentine Red

On the table.


In the living room.

In the dinning room.

In the bedroom.

In the kitchen!

In the garden.

In your heart.

Happy Saint Valentine's week.

Shelly.

(pictures 2-6 Country Living March 2011)

February Blues....

"One month is past, another begun,

Since merry bells rang out the dying year,

And buds of rarest green began to peer,

As if impatient for a warmer sun;

And though the distant hills are bleak and dun,

The virgin snowdrop like a lambent fire,

Pierces the cold earth with it's green streaked spire.

By Hartley Coleridge 1842.

I find February a most difficult month..... the appeal of cozy evenings indoors is wearing thin and I find myself waiting for real signs of Spring.

February blues (maybe that should be greys; the same colour as the sky!) have really got a hold on me this week. I have been so busy with work and family commitments that my usual routines and good intentions have been seriously neglected which has just added to the 'grey mood'.

But...today I had the day all to myself... so I had a quick clean up to freshen up the house, had a long bath and turned it into a home spa.. face and hair treatment packs, mini manicure etc.... Bliss.




I needed to get back menu planning, I have let it slip for the last couple of weeks and our meals have been a lot less healthy and they cost a lot more! So I checked the cupboards and the freezer and have planned for the week ahead.

The Sunday roast is in the oven and the rest of my February 'beat the blues' plan includes:

• Sorting out my photographs and updating my albums.
• Get out walking, even on a grey day, and look for the Snowdrops and Catkins emerging from their Winter shelter.
• Make some skin nourishing Aromatherapy oils, I love essential oils and making my own lotions and potions.

I am also planning to cook some lovely Spring dishes from Sophie Dahls recipes.

( from Miss Dahl's Voluptuous Delights - see side bar)

Here's to chasing the February blues away...

Shelly.