Sunday walk and Day 31 of 365

Day 31 of 365
The Fochabers boat race!!

We had hail stones again today and when they had gone off for a while we took Mossy round the "Estate" to see the neighbours! He loves the snow and was running about like something demented.
The neighbours were at home but didn't invite us in for tea!!

Maybe that had something to do with Moss tearing up and down their lawn like a bat out of hell. Mad mutt!
We're not sure why the boats are miles away from water and on the front lawn but one things for sure if it snows tonight they're going to be full of snow again in no time. Maybe they should have turned them upside down in this weather.....just a suggestion :0)

Apple Crumble cake

Blogging for Scrapbookers Day 28 was to share a tutorial. I never got that far!! so today I thought I'd share a recipe with you that my good friend Carol gave to me and which I love.

Apple Crumble Cake

6oz soft butter
6oz self raising flour
6oz caster sugar
2 large eggs
1tblsp of cinnamon
2 small apples

Crumble mix
4oz cold butter
4oz caster sugar
6oz plain flour

Pre-heat oven to 180c (160c for a fan oven), Gas mk 4. Grease and line an 11 x 7 inch tin.

Mix together butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon, eggs and chopped apples. (I used my Moulinex Masterchef I got as a wedding present nearly 15 years ago and would be lost without!!)

Mix crumble mixture together till it resembles bread crumbs.
Spoon apple mixture into a tin. Sprinkle over with crumble mix and press down.

Bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into small squares and EAT!!

I love the look on the dogs face on my cup. It looks like he's just about to tuck in :0)

BfS - Post your favourite January photo

Blog your favourite picture taken this month. With or without reasons.

It comes to us all!!

Lastly for today is my trip to the Optician!! Guess what? Yes you guessed it the "Over 40s eyes" have arrived and I now need glasses for reading and using the PC!! It's not too bad just yet but enough to make my right eye feel fuzzy at times. Wasting no time in looking for a pair of frames I ummed and ahhed for an hour (with no help from John who didn't like anything I picked up as he said he wasn't used to me wearing glasses and they all looked odd) before finally settling on a burgundy pair of FCUK. I get a voucher from work as they're for VDU use and I also get 'buy one pair, get one free' so they work out at £35 a pair!! I just have to wait for work to send me the paperwork (as they were too slow in sending it through for today) and then I can go and get them made up. The lovely girl in the shop said I would feel alien wearing them for a while and I think she may be right. I don't mind though as I think they're "Well Funky" :0)

Day 30 of 365

As I've been scrapping/cardmaking today it seemed only fitting to have a craft related picture so here is my box of brads. I think I may need some more blue!!!!

Scrap Weekly

I'm a few weeks behind on this as well but as last weeks challenge, to scrap with tags, was my sister's challenge I thought I'd best get a move on and get it done.

So here it is. Two tags used instead of paper and a photo of me for my ongoing Book of Me.

Making more cards

I obviously got a bit of mojo back last night, as today, while the washing was on, I popped upstairs and made a few cards. I challenged myself to using two bits of card and two bits of patterned paper. That way I just had to make do with what I had which cuts down on the faffing about looking for paper to match this that and the other. Today's paper was the lovely Penny Lane - Abbey Road (very Beatles orientated don't you think?) I managed two Birthday cards and a For You card with loads left over. John's valentines card is made using my Favourite papers, October Afternoon. (He won't be looking on here so it's OK to show it.)

This post also covers day 11 of Blogging for Scrapbookers which was to get ahead and make some cards. I'm only a few weeks late with this one!!

I made something!!

I can't believe it. I've actually made something with paper and card!! It's the first time in ages as normally anything I make is made of wool.

Tonight I came home from work and made a card for my friend at work who, after 2 years of covering a maternity/temporary post, was offered the job today and accepted.

Just a shame it's a rubbish photo, but I was so pleased to have made something I wanted to blog it straight away. I'll have to take another picture tomorrow in better light!! You get the idea :0)

Day 29 of 365

Today at school/work we had a Caribbean day to raise money for Haiti. Both staff and pupils had to wear bright colours, flowery shirts, bright trousers etc and give a donation for the charity. We only have half the school in at the moment due to the Prelim exams but we still managed to raise £500.

This is me and my friend Elaine showing off our stripey scarf and gloves. What a laugh we had trying to take this photo. I was determined to take it myself so I could say that I took all 365 pictures this year!!
I don't like close ups as they show way too many wrinkles!!!

Favourite picture of the week (so far)

My Loon

Day 28 of 365

** The joy of being 13 **

Gotta gel the hair!!

A Just Because Present

Sometimes you have one of those days when everyone takes you for granted. At home and at work. One of those days when you think "Why do I bother" and then you get an unexpected, 'Just Because' parcel in the post. And even better...inside is a lovely Cath Kidston handbag from your lovely sister. I know we now have matching bags but as she lives 600 miles away I think we can get away with it.

Thanks Sib it really made my day. :0)

Day 27 of 365

"" Trying a new angle ""

My place to relax at night.

Day 26 0f 365

~~ Getting to grips with the self timer ~~

BfS - How's the New Year so far?

For me the New Year is going great. John has a new job, Samuel is doing well in school, the snow has gone, the dog is better and I've booked a holiday for the summer. The only down side so far is the insurance claim for the damage to the hall which is taking for ever to get sorted. But you can't have everything and hopefully that will be all done and dusted in the next few weeks. Lets hope the rest of the year carries on in the same way :0)

Day 25 of 365

** Today I booked our summer holiday **

We're off on a cruise of the Mediterranean for a week.

Day 24 of 365

A difficult choice today with so many great vintage shots to choose from, but I've finally decided on the old till (cash register). It still has pre decimal numbers on it. Back when money was worth something!!

A trip down memory lane

We had another treat today and popped along the road to Baxter's where we had breakfast. They make the most delicious pancakes that are very filling and their full Scottish breakfasts are well worth the money.

It was just a shame about the weather. More rain!! I know. We're never happy. Don't like the snow and ice and don't like the rain either (even though it gets rid of the ice!!). You watch it will be too hot in the summer and we'll moan about that too!!

Anyway......... after breakfast we stopped and had a look at the "Old fashioned Shop". Inside is a replica of the original shop opened in Fochabers in 1868. John and I were laughing at some of the old devices used for cutting cheese, shaping butter, weighing sugar etc and at all the old tins. Samuel thought it was funny that his Dad and I could remember seeing those things when we were kids. Everything nowadays is prepacked in plastic and doesn't quite have the same look.

Knife sharpeners, loose salt and huge bars of soap waiting to be cut are all out on display. There was also a bottle of Camp Coffee which we laughed at as John still drinks that today.

Old tins of sweets and chocolate, including my favourite Cadbury's. If you look closely you can just see Samuel's reflection in the back of the cabinet.

And old biscuit tins from years gone by. The packaging was all so vibrant and colourful in the "old days". I wonder what will be on display in 100 years time?

Day 23 of 365

** Breakfast in bed- an unexpected treat **

Day 22 of 365

After having to take the bus to work every day last week it was bliss this week to be able to drive.

BfS - Share a recipe

On the 25th January it’s Burns Night and the only way to celebrate it is like every other good Scot. Haggis Neeps and Tatties(mashed Swede also known as turnip and mashed potatoes) of course.

Portions: 6 Portions
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 40 minutes per 500g of haggis
Ingredients
Haggis
• 1.2-1.5kg haggis (look for the best quality you can find, it is now found in many butchers and supermarkets around the world or order it in if you have to)
Tatties
• 600g mashing potato, peeled and roughly chopped
• 60ml milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• salt
Neeps
• 600g Swede (turnip), peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
1. Haggis: Place the haggis in a large saucepan and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a strong simmer then reduce the heat to a gentle steady simmer and cover the pan. Leave the haggis to cook for 40 minutes per 500g.
2. Tatties: Place the potatoes in a saucepan and cover them with cold water, bring the water to the boil then reduce it to a strong simmer. Leave the potatoes to cook for 20-30 minutes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pan. Return the pan to the low heat and dry the potatoes for a couple of minutes. Add the butter and milk to the pan and mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher. Add a little salt to the potatoes and beat them to a smooth mash.
3. Neeps: Place the Swede (turnip) in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Place the pan over a high heat and bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a strong simmer and leave the Swede to cook for 20-30 minutes until they are tender. Drain Swede and return them to the pan. Place the saucepan over a low heat and cook the Swede to dry it out for a couple of minutes. Add the butter to the pan and cook them with the Swede for a minute. Mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher. Season the Neeps with a little salt and pepper and beat it until smooth.
4. To Serve Haggis: Remove the haggis from the pan and cut it open with scissors or a knife. Serve the Haggis accompanied with Tatties and Neeps and your choice of greens. Drizzle a little of whisky over each serving of haggis (optional). Serve.

Can't wait for mine :0)

BfS - Favourite supply

Now, I should be saying that my favourite supply in the new Basic Grey papers or a new stamp I have for scrapbooking, but as my efforts in that department have been extremely limited just recently, I'm going to have to admit that my favourite supply at the moment is Pure Merino wool and my crochet hook.

I'm on a mission to get back into scrapping just as soon as I find my mojo!!!

Day 21 of 365

** Samuel's thank you letters **

Day 20 of 365

Today was the turn of the Macro lens. I love it. You can get so close to your subject. I still have to learn a bit more about focus as some pictures, today didn't come out properly.

This is the inside of one of the flowers I bought 3 weeks ago and which are still going strong in my kitchen. I don't know what they are but if they last that long I'll be buying some more!!

Day 19 of 365

** The first thing I switch on in the morning **

Day 18 of 365

~~ An easy one for today. Cooking tomorrow's supper. Venison casserole ~~

Day 17 of 365

** It has to be the Birthday Boy in action **

How did that happen?

When I woke up this morning I realised that the day had arrived!! I woke to being the Mother of a teenager!! How did that happen? It was only yesterday we were bringing him home from hospital and I was worrying about what we were supposed to do with him once we got him home. Mind you I still wonder what to do with him most days so nothing has changed there.

Here he is, 13 years ago today and only a few hours old. This is my favourite picture. As soon as we unfolded his blanket he stretched out and he still sleeps like that now.

And here he is today. Looking very grown up and very fed up with me sticking a camera in his face every five minutes!!We took him and his pals bowling this afternoon and Samuel just had to wear the Ferrari t-shirt he got for Christmas, which John bought in Italy last year. It's his favourite (at the moment) and if he's anything like a true teenager I'll either have to prise it off him or I'll find it on the floor in his room before it gets anywhere near the wash basket!!

After bowling the rest of the afternoon was spent on the X-Box and then once his pals had gone home it we sat down to a lovely roast dinner. Obviously made by John as I don't cook!!
No Birthday, no matter how old you are, is complete without a cake and this year Samuel picked a chocolate one covered in Smarties, Rolos and Munchies (a lad after my own heart!).

I'm now looking forward to the next stage - the Teenage Years - I hope I can cope as I'm so not ready for them. Can you see my grey hair already? I'm having it disguised next week as I really don't want that much grey on public display!!

Day 16 of 365

** Today was the much needed car wash **

Today's colour

My colour for today comes from my sister who sent me this lovely, colourful, crafty card. I'm gradually getting more colour throughout my home but it's going to take some time. I do like modern looking rooms where everything matches but at the moment I don't feel it's cosy enough for me so I'm adding a few subtle colours as I go.

Ruth thanks for the contents I'll get onto it straight away :0)

Day 15 of 365

** No Homework Friday **

Day 14 of 365

Everybody has one of those days where you crave something. You just have to have it. Today mine was chocolate. But not any old chocolate. Oh no. It had to be Cadbury's Dairy Milk or nothing!! I'd rather do without than eat some other brand!!!!


So what did I do the minute I got home? Yep you guessed it. I was straight over to the shop and came home with this................................Ah bliss :0)

** Enjoy **

BfS - Post an old picture

Post a picture from years ago and write something inspired by the photo.

I wasn't going to do this one but seeing as when I got home from work today and checked my sister's blog and found this delight waiting for me I thought I'd better prove to you that that photo was a one off!! This one taken 4 years later (with only marginally better hairstyles) was taken at Poulton Primary School. Which I believe has had to close in these days of cut backs!!

I loved that school. It was so old fashioned compared to primary schools of today. The bell between classes was a hand bell rung by a pupil, the stone stairs were worn away from years of use and we were made to walk up one side and down the other holding the banister in case we slipped and the Hymn sheets used to hang from a rope on the walls and were lowered every morning so we could read them. My friends and I always missed out the word Love in the hymns for a laugh :0)

As for inspired!! Well it inspired me to get a hair cut and wear my braces (retainer)!!! I'm the one on the left in the blue dress that was my absolute favourite. It was, of course, a hand me down but I didn't care it was new to me. I remember wearing that dress the day I got made a prefect (at the tender age of 11).

Aahhh memories :0)

Day 13 of 365

So here we are half way through the week already. I feel as though I've been back to work for ages instead of 3 days. Probably because I'm having to leave early to get the bus to work. The side roads in the village are still thick with ice and I'm not scraping the bottom of my car along it just to get to the main road. That plus there is no parking at work anyway as the car parks are still snowed in!! The buses started off half and hour late but today that's down to only 5 minutes so that must mean the thaw is working!! Yey!!

One drawback I've noticed from having to stand out in the cold waiting for public transport is the cold plays merry hell with your lips! That's why I need plenty of today's photo...........

** Essential **

Day 12 of 365

££ The weekly shop ££

Knitted lovelies

I got these knitted lovelies from my sister, Ruth at Christmas and I was so grateful for them at work today. They are woolly wrist warmers and were very much needed. The school heating is on the blink and our office only has one small heater which is no use to man nor beast. I had my wrist warmers on and my friend Elaine had her fingerless gloves on and it was still cold. As we are having a new school built in the next year the Council won't change the heating (they have a point) but couldn't they at least fix ours?

They are already in my bag for tomorrow :0)

Lucy at Attic24 has a crochet pattern for some so I might make myself a pair for when these are in the wash!!!!

Trees!

If I'm honest with myself I'd have to say "I'm sick of all this snow" but on the other hand I have to say I love the effect it has on the trees.

It's only for a few weeks a year.......

but the effect is has on the landscape is amazing.

I'm quite happy for it to be here so long as I don't have to go out in it. Shame that doesn't work as it was back to work today. On the bus as the car is still snowed in!!

Who would have thought I'd do a post about trees?