The Secret To A Happy Marriage........

....... Compromise.

Since we moved here, our Kitchen window has looked like this...

Husband has always thought it looked a bit bare, whilst I like it like that. I want to see sheep and things whilst I'm practicing being a Domestic Goddess, and a blind behind a sink would just get filthy. A trip to the local haberdashery to find some fabric for the doors of our wardrobe led to a bit of a light bulb moment. Time to put Nan's faithful servant into use again.

You want the window dressing, I want to see sheep. OK. We'll do both.

and while the machine is out.......
Just in case you think we've gone Gothic, they are not black, it just looks like that. they are a dark plum sort of colour, to match with a colour in the curtains!

The World's Original Marmalade Awards 2011

Of all the places in the World, where would you hold the Original Marmalade Competition? Dalemain in Cumbria of course. as it is only ten minutes from here, in aid of a very good cause and a certain Jane Hayward was desperate to know someone involved; I thought I might as well enter a jar. At least I can say that I have been in a World competition.



There you go Jane. I did it all for you!

Oranges and Lemons

Yesterday morning I had a trip across the Uldale Fells to visit a friend near Cockermouth. After a very pleasant coffee and chat (and bringing home a monster carpet cleaner), I had the afternoon free to finish off some marmalade that I had started the afternoon before. This is my own 'Secret' recipe, never tried before, so I will await judgement eagerly! In the midst of all those oranges and lemons, there was time to make another batch of Mum's recipe 'Fruit Squash' which now gets made here frequently.
All that home made produce and today it's time to filter the first batch of elderflower cordial. At this stage it looks like something the horse passed. Let's hope it doesn't taste like it too!



Having freed up the bucket, another load of elderflowers have been picked and are now busy steeping into their liquid in the garage.
All that and time to clean half the sitting room carpet too (Thanks Bilbo. 'Red Betty' is brilliant!).

Domestic Goddess or Destruction Diva?

Only 174 shopping days left till Christmas(No I really haven't a clue, I made it up). It is however time to start the Christmas preparations as the first of the Elderflowers are ready for picking.
This years Elderflower Cordial will be even better than normal. This time, they were picked from our own drive.

Due to the popularity of this particular Christmas Pressie, I am determined to (try) to make more than one batch. Only one snag. I have forgotten to save wine bottles. Oh dear. There may need to be some serious drinking done in the next week or two to free some bottles up.

With Husband still on Light Duties due to his back problem, I decided to do a bit more in the garden this afternoon. The Rocket Launcher is no more............


Still plenty of hardcore to dig out and barrow round next door (it's great having neighbours who want all your rubble!), but at least all the pavers are up now.