Gigibird

Let me introduce you

2011-12-31T21:44:00.001Z

We have recently welcomed two lovely pussy cats to our home..

I am Boudicca

and you can call me The Dowager
They are both in their twilight years but still have their kittenish moments....

Thank you so much to those of you who sent me such kind words about Harry.

Harry

2011-11-13T00:17:00.003Z

25th May 1997 - 12th November 2011

Remember remember

2011-11-05T15:47:00.003Z

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot...

Bonfire or Guy Fawkes night…not much revelry or celebration in the Gigibird household….a noise sensitive dog put paid to that 14 years ago….Harry is deaf now but the enforced quietness has become a habit I don’t care to change….I’ve always hated fireworks –
I can remember my brother always making a Guy with his friends and begging with it about town which was common place back in the 60’s and 70’s (and before of course)…. I know my parents didn’t approve but that was yester year. Penny for the Guy?

My name is Harry not Guy.

West Dean Apple Fair

2011-10-03T12:40:00.006+01:00

Yesterday Nigel and I visited the annual West Dean Apple Fair as we are hoping to add a couple of apple trees to our bijoux patch.

Choosing an apple tree is a surprisingly complicated business as there are hundreds of varieties, sizes, desert, culinary.…and so I thought we should consult the experts to get it right.

After some tasting and questioning we have chosen Fiesta for our desert and Arthur Turner for a cooker both on M26 root.

We also consulted an ‘Apple Doctor’ with some mystery apples from a neighbour’s garden - I was so impressed with how swiftly with 2 questions he identified them to be Lane’s Prince Albert…a well behaved cooker.
There were lots of non apple related stalls to keep all happy and we returned home with artisan breads and cheeses as well as some apples grown in West Dean itself.

Bee HQ

2011-06-09T15:31:00.005+01:00

Even with hardly any rain my garden seems to have gone crazy with the bees loving the lambs ears and cat mint.

Poppies have self seeded along the wall which looks like the garden is trying to burst out of it's small confines.

In the Clouds

2011-05-16T22:04:00.006+01:00

I went up here today

Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth
I almost walked on the glass floor

Can you spot HMS Victory?

Later I ate what seemed like a fluffy green cloud.

Come into the Garden

2011-04-24T12:02:00.006+01:00

Have you noticed anything else in the front?

Thought I should capture the clematis Montana before it’s over – probably tomorrow.

New to me a very smart cat house.
Some of you may remember I have an occasional stray cat visitor who was dividing his time between me and his Mummy no.1 who lives in a near by road. Last winter she upgraded his sleeping quarters to what is essentially a luxury wooden chalet and very kindly gave me his old house.

A rare glimpse of stray cat aka 'Tommy'
I would like to think now the warmer weather is here he may start visiting me again but if he doesn’t perhaps someone else may take up residence...I am not talking about one of the cats from next door….although they are of course welcome to camp out of the mood takes them.

(Human) Pin Cushion

2011-04-18T12:16:00.004+01:00

I just couldn’t resist the allure of this capacious wicker basket this morning while I paid a visit to the village for a blood test appointment ( 3 attempts; I feel like a human pin cushion) …

.not sure how I can hide it before the man of the house returns….I will try and avert his gaze with custard.

Anyway it wasn’t just wicker that took my eye – another Persephone for my collection…and how could I leave the embroidered linen tray cloth when such subtle colours had been used?

All this treasure and I got to enjoy a large cappuccino with Baby mother while we watched the world go by in this glorious weather.

Spring Shoot

2011-04-06T13:33:00.003+01:00

Although it is an absolutely gorgeous spring day outside I am happily inside playing with my camera taking photos for the Florence Hope shop update and getting carried away with my props.

Theses little beauties are a recent acquisition ….Very old French linen stamps…..

I am constantly drawn to small objects…I’m happiest making little things…except my dinner – that has to be BIG

In the steps of Cnut

2011-03-17T21:00:00.004Z

This afternoon I found myself in picture perfect Bosham the alleged site of King Cnut’s encounter with some waves. – by the way that’s Cnut the Great not the other one.

Because of the exquisite location of the village it is a real tourist destination but this afternoon there was hardly anyone about.

Caveat venditor

2011-02-25T16:57:00.009Z

For the last week or so I have been dipping my toe in to the strange world of selling on Ebay.

Should I do a buy it now on this?

I started with a batch of Baby Mother’s Boden mistakes which made my first experience relatively easy as Boden seems a popular brand and I guess people know what they are getting….but out of the five items I sold I’ve got an non payer which has completely thrown me as I rather naively thought that people would pay as soon as bidding finished because that’s what I have always done….

Do I say I am selling this because my dog won't sit next to me if I'm wearing it?

My neighbour is having a similar experience with one of her buyers….
I am now reluctantly formulating my terms and conditions which has kind of taken the fun out of the selling process…

Do the "bobbles" illustrate the cardigan has some wear?

Laws of Attraction

2011-02-14T16:30:00.005Z

Last Monday a new pure wool, hessian backed carpet arrived at Gigibird Towers….we’ve waited a long time for carpet and since it’s arrival I’ve implemented a shoes off rule to the upstairs….but this morning I forgot to remove my Crocs I had just worn outside in my muddy water soaked garden….
Thankfully it hoovered up….and in a way I’m glad it was me that was the first one to leave mud on it.

Before
However my neighbour wasn’t so lucky…her new carpet wasn’t 24 hours hours old before it was ‘Christened’ by one of her cats over night… and they didn’t use Holy water

After
The sun has shown it’s face this afternoon so Harry and I went to look at the sea…still very cold but beautiful.

Arundel

2011-02-03T16:38:00.007Z

This morning my lovely neighbour and I took a trip to Arundel to have a coffee and a mooch around the shops.
I like Arundel in the winter.

Railings love.

Outside the new Florist's shop in Tarrant Street

Inside the new Florist's shop.....isn't he the cutest little dog.

Horay for February

2011-02-01T17:34:00.004Z

Thank the Lord January is behind us now.These cold, dark damp days are beginning to get to me even though I usually love this time of year.

Come on Spring where are you?

Watch the Birdy

2011-01-30T16:41:00.005Z

I had a feeling my intention to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch wasn’t going to go smoothly when the free 58 page bird book in yesterday’s Telegraph was missing….still I now know the identities of all my birds….so when we returned from our food shop I thought it would be a perfect time for me to look out to the garden while I was packing away and cooking dinner to count my little feathered visitors….
Jackson and Dandelion two of my neighbours cats decided to have a set too in the corner of my garden….so I had no birds; finally the cats took their quarrel elsewhere and slowly the birds popped in to see what I had on offer but numbers where lower than usual and the sparrows and starlings didn’t even show

Ready for action?.......

Big Buns and Birds

2011-01-26T13:44:00.003Z

Morning coffee at the Bluebird Café….it’s one of the few places where dogs are welcome….and they let me and Stella in too

Look at the size of the bun…..we had to share it as a whole one each would have been too piggy although I think Stella was up for it.
This is the little bird that regularly visits my garden.

At first I thought he was a Redwing….but now I think he could either be a Song Thrush or a Mistle Thrush. Whatever he is I feel very honoured of his visits.
If you can tell can you let me know what he is.

Roasting

2011-01-25T16:50:00.003Z

Computer problems and poor light have kept me away….but I am returned with a new power adaptor…

I have recently discovered the delights of roasting bags.
My mother used to use them when I was growing up but I’ve never experimented until now…..

I’ve been using them to roast vegetables and they’ve worked extremely well…. The obvious added advantage is all the mess is contained so there is no washing up of oven trays…I bought mine from Lakeland but I’m sure they can probably be more cheaply sourced elsewhere.

To change the subject on you matters you may find more aesthetically pleasing I have started dressmaking classes with a friend.
Not much to show at present as we are still fitting our patterns….when we get to cutting the fabric I will take my camera.

My First Resolution

2010-12-18T18:47:00.005Z

I have already made a resolution for next year and it’s to do with Christmas cards…..if I had my way (bah humbug) I wouldn’t send any but as I hardly ever get my way the most dreaded task of Christmas – writing the Christmas cards has hung over me like a black cloud.
It hasn’t helped that ‘the list’ has been lost….so we have been waiting for cards to arrive and then send ours out which has meant a constant drip, drip, drip.
Last year when the man of the house was down to one ankle I gave him the task and well, all I can say it didn’t end well so it’s back to me (he was unable to chose an appropriate card for the recipient and would just work his way through a pack….and then couldn’t understand why I got upset…)

So my resolution is come November to get my cards out and write them and then early December send and then FORGET.

The clues are there

2010-12-02T15:09:00.006Z

Any guesses as to who made these footprints?

His route is revealed

Hello Baby

Now the reason I am not 'rescuing' this little baby hedgehog is because his footprints have shown that he is living in my neighbours garden amongst some patio slabs and then visiting me for a hearty supper so his needs are being met, food and shelter. I will of course keep an eye on him but for now he can continue to do his own thing.

Finally

2010-12-01T13:55:00.004Z

Finally the snow has arrived down in my part of the world.

I love how a little sprinkling of the white stuff transforms the landscape.

Of course by tomorrow I shall probably be bored with it and the inevitable inconvenience it brings.

Harry enjoying the snow.

Rude Fruit

2010-11-16T15:02:00.003Z

Does this look like a bottom?

Veni, vidi, vici

2010-11-09T21:41:00.004Z

Despite the gales and rain Baby Mother and I took a trip to Fishbourne Roman Palace.
Baby Mother can remember a school trip there where she dropped her purse and all her money fell on a mosaic floor so she jumped down to retrieve it and was accused of trying to steal some tessera….after 38 years we thought it was safe to return. We even got to handle some of the finds which was great fun – just like being in a Time Team episode.

Bones
Because of all the rain there had been some flooding of some of the mosaic floors, the worst of it in the baths!

We could actually see the water bubbling up from the ground
There were also 5 coach loads of children but to our relief very well behaved…one school in particular arrived in Roman dress, togas and Laurel wreaths including the teachers which did tickle us.
On my return Harry and I went down the beach so he could stretch his legs and I could feed the crows. They are such fun but trying to wrangle a bag of bread, camera and Harry the hound was nigh on impossible.

The Usual Suspects

Grand Day Out

2010-09-11T13:25:00.008+01:00

Yesterday I visited Petersham Nurseries in Richmond.

They knew I was coming.
I am currently under par but really wanted to visit while the dahlias were still out.
My friend Louise and I ate lunch from the famous Skye Gyngell’s kitchen.

The Mains
The interesting thing about Petersham is almost everyone has a dog with them and that was no exception in the restaurant. Personally I would rather have a dog at the next table than a small child so I didn’t have a problem but it was almost like being in France where dogs seem to be allowed anywhere.

Bread and water
The other thing that we both noticed was how most of the visitors looked very similar…30 something’s who didn’t have many facial expressions…..

I chose the pork
I was very inspired by the artistic overview – someone of incredible taste has created a beautiful oasis.

Very tasteful facilities
I would say however it is a restaurant with a bit of a garden centre rather than the other way round.

Fire!

2010-09-04T11:56:00.008+01:00

A car boot just yards away from me....these are the highlights....I have a few hours to hide it all before my husband gets back from work....

Fire bucket - 50p

Pretty picture - £2:00

Green Man - 50p

Tripods x 2 @ 50p each

The Phantom Returns

2010-09-03T16:43:00.003+01:00

Last weekend I bought some crinoline lady saucers for my hedgehogs and stray cat to eat from as I like them to have pretty china.

This morning when I drew the blinds I found the phantom had paid a visit and told me what he thought.

I suspect it is a fox but it keeps happening….. I soak all the saucers in bleach or Milton solution before they go into the dishwasher but really.
Perhaps it's like a bad restaurant review?

Rain Stops Play

2010-08-25T15:41:00.004+01:00

I am not moaning – I have been longing for rain for so long now it’s here I am enjoying it…..but it has stopped the tarting up of the garage.

For once I wanted to use paint I already had but sadly I didn’t like anything I had and was moaning about it to my neighbour when she gave me her left over Marston & Langinger ‘Pewter’ she had used on the front of her house. Perfect.

It reminds me of the blue/grey of Charleston Farmhouse.

I think my garage is starting to have ideas above its station…..

Bake Off!

2010-08-17T23:07:00.004+01:00

Did any of you watch tonight’s The Great British Bake Off on BBC2?
I had to watch when I saw that Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc were presenting, a long overdue reunion in my opinion as they are so good together.

Sponge Cake....I wonder if I'd get through to the next round?
I cried when the chubby blokes marmalade cake dipped and Mary Berry said, ‘it’s sunk’ and he replied, ‘ I’m sorry’…..
Of course I absolutely hate the competitive element and how some of the contestants ‘really want to win’

Minus points for being overdone?
There are 3 I now want to be eliminated as their naked ambition is not to my taste and the male judge is already getting on my nerves…. but an whole hour of baking fun and Mel and Sue I shall certainly be watching next week.
What the makers of this programme obviously using the Materchief template are missing is the solitary, contemplative nature of baking – the fact that cakes can’t be rushed and as some of us know that doesn’t end well.

Another Brick in the Wall

2010-08-16T15:45:00.003+01:00

Two lovely builders arrived this morning exactly when they said they would and began to sort out part my garage wall which was bowing out.

Before
Sadly my garage wall isn’t a thing of beauty, no flint and handmade brick here but it does have potential and that’s good enough.

During
There are plans now to put up some trellis and perhaps plant a rambling rose….

Harry was a very good boy and only barked once….I think he’s checking for biscuit crumbs…

Hello Dolly

2010-08-15T17:38:00.006+01:00

I am a very happy bunny as I've finally got hold of a dolly tub.

Not quite Petersham Nursery yet but my back garden is work in progress. It suffers from the same problem as the front – levels all over the place. And crap clay soil. Apart from that………however Sarah Raven has clay soil and it hasn’t held her back.
The front is still looking very nice and has received a lot of patronage from my feline friends.

Dandelion unusually coy

Stray cat eating his second dinner.

Licking my Wounds

2010-08-07T23:17:00.004+01:00

I’m not sure how to start telling out about my day…
What is worse than a badly organized craft fair?
NOTHING.
For the first time in over a decade Florence Hope attended a craft fair.
If she had been selling £10 notes for a fiver I doubt whether she would have made a sale.

Setting up....optimism was already fading.....
Poor old Florence was looking for a crowd of people with impeccable taste and money to burn…..sadly none were to be found.

Bunting for Sam made by Florence Hope.

Coming along nicely

2010-07-31T21:31:00.005+01:00

Despite having no rain for what seems like months the front garden is doing very well. I have been watering with ‘grey water’ aka bath water which I lug out every few days….
With the exception of the borage (blew over and had rust) I haven’t lost any plants.
My hedgehogs don’t seem to have any problems walking over the gravel and despite Kevin the gardener’s prediction that the gravel would become a cat toilet it hasn’t…..but it has become a fox toilet….

Before

This morning

There are still a few gaps but hopefully by next spring they will be filled.

Stray Cat

2010-07-10T11:29:00.004+01:00

I have a new man in my life….

Isn’t he lovely?
He is my stray cat. Well it turns out he isn’t really my stray cat….I am officially his no.2 Mummy….he has another mummy who provides breakfasts and shelter but he seems to like my dinners.

Moments before his capture.....
He has forgiven me for getting him trapped by the Cats Protection who castrated him and gave him a much needed health check and micro chipping…..and has returned.
It turns out his no.1 Mum calls him Tommy and can stroke the top of his head which I am not allowed to do - she found him when she was feeding foxes and he kept turning up....
As this is the nearest thing I have to owning a cat while Harry is with us so I am delighted.

Pottering

2010-05-30T14:21:00.005+01:00

Bank Holiday weekend....so we've had a bit of rain...

Having a lovely time potting up a few plants and generally titivating in the garden.

Nothing like a good titivate.

Seascape

2010-05-27T14:39:00.006+01:00

It was so peaceful down the beach this morning….it had just finished raining and so many of the native naturally growing plants were covered in droplets of water.

Seakale in full bloom

The colour of the stems were so beautiful.

The rain also washed my newly laid gravel….

The garden is coming along.

Linden Barn, Hampshire

2010-05-23T21:54:00.007+01:00

Today I visited a most inspirational garden…..to tell you the truth it has been on my radar for a few years since it was featured in a housey magazine….I tore out the pages as I loved it so much…. Then recently I spotted it again on a brilliant website – Garden Collection….after a bit of research (Google) I discovered it was relatively near and opens under the National Gardens Scheme….
So this morning Nigel and I met the lovely owners and walked around their exquisite garden.

I am already planning another visit later in the season.

Perfection everywhere

The Summer House....

A hazel seat made by the owners....

Even the gravel was raked....

Beautiful details in every corner.

In the Detail

2010-05-21T22:35:00.006+01:00

Scotney Castle, Kent.

I wonder what was behind this door?

Moss on the boathouse roof

Lead grey paint- a perfect foil against the stonework

A perfect fit

Joy

2010-04-25T19:40:00.003+01:00

Yesterday en route to the supermarket we drove past a house with some old terracotta pots outside…. I thought the sign said for sale…..when I finally got my husband to stop and turn around and go back…..which proves I can get my way when it matters the note said free to a good home!!
There are even Long Toms amongst the pile – the perfect foil for my auriculas. I am still on a terracotta high.

Look how happy ‘Joy’ is looking even though she got rained on early this morning…….

Where's My Dinner?

2010-04-24T21:46:00.004+01:00

Nero was waiting for his dinner this evening.....with Jackson the cat.... who kept knocking my hands.... hence the rubbish photos....blame the cat!

I was surprised he didn't roll up in a ball with all of what was going on....

-Missed his pretty face-
I have re opened the front garden 'cafe' despite the garden not being finished....I found hedgehog poo under the bird table - a sure sign of visitation.

Visiting Pops

2010-04-18T18:10:00.007+01:00

Yesterday I visited an open day at Pops Plants, a specialist auricula nursery near Salisbury.
My lovely friend Louise and I set off at 7:30am to ensure we were the ‘early birds’
Needless to say some came home with us….as one can never have enough auriculas.
They are totally bewitching and addictive.

Everyone we met was as dotty as we were about them…..tips and advice was gleaned.

Old terracotta sets them off perfectly.

I am so pretty.

My new lovelies

Hogs are Back

2010-04-14T14:58:00.003+01:00

It seems hibernation is over in the hedgehog community and much to my relief and delight my little spiky visitors have returned.

I think this is a new face….I’m calling him Nero.
He has a very good appetite and looks nice and healthy

Let Me Introduce You

2010-04-11T17:06:00.005+01:00

These are my auricula babies.

It isn’t the first time I have tried to cultivate these beauties….but this time I have read several books, bought special compost and grit and lavished attention upon them….one of them, Beatrice hasn’t been well….a bad case of mould….but please don’t mention it in front of her. I am positive she will pull through
To get them ready for my photo shoot I updated the plant labels to pale grey which I think are a huge improvement on the usual white plastic.

Elspeth and Virginia

2010-03-30T17:34:00.004+01:00

By now I’m sure you have all read of the untimely death of writer Elspeth Thompson.
The manner of her death – suicide was a complete shock – it actually made me feel sick and shaky as I did a few weeks ago when I read some of the newly available letters of some of the Bloomsbury group –where Virginia Woolf returned home the day before she committed suicide soaking wet – probably a failed attempt of drowning herself. The pain, anguish and desolation they must have felt upset me so much.
Mental health issues still have huge stigmas attached….and sometimes patchy treatment available.
I enjoyed reading Elspeth’s weekly column in the Telegraph and lately her blog; she seemed a charming gentle soul.
I guess this is a sober reminder that depression can be as serious as a physical illness such as cancer.

Bitter in Lewes

2010-03-11T19:35:00.003Z

A very belated trip to Lewes on a bitterly cold day….it was freezing.
Just as we were returning to the car Harveys brewery across the river were letting off steam (I think) which I found very pleasing to my eye although the yeasty hop smell that pervades the bottom half of the High Street is a bit of an acquired taste.

On the way home we stopped off on top of Ditchling Beacon and for the first time I noticed a dew pond across the road.
I love seeing these unusual manmade features on the landscape… since I learnt how they were made many, many years ago.

Coffee Morning

2010-03-05T14:43:00.005Z

According to Constance Spry I should have made a plain lightly fruited or seed cake for morning coffee….the type of cake with a low percentage of fat – delicious fresh but not a keeper….instead I opted for a Victoria Sandwich with butter cream and strawberry jam and mocha fairy cakes more of an afternoon ‘fancy’…..very rich and even though I say so myself, very nice.

When I tuck into to homemade cake I wonder how we all put up with some of the stuff we get offered in coffee shops…I often daydream about visiting a tearoom where they bake fresh everyday….I wonder if any exist?

Front Garden WIP

2010-02-22T14:21:00.002Z

The front garden – work in progress….at the weekend my lovely neighbour and I planted my box balls and a pot bound bay found its way into the front as the new pot I bought specially for its re-potting was too small…
Sam did all the work really – I stood about pointing which I have to say I excel.

Alpine Auriculas

2010-02-17T16:10:00.003Z

These are my auricula ‘babies’

I have read 4 different books on the care and cultivation of auriculas so I have great expectations.

The moss was so pretty I just couldn’t remove it.

Happy Monday

2010-02-15T18:40:00.007Z

Last night I saw an advert for B&Q – box balls half price….music to my ears…so this morning I twisted the Lame One’s arm and low and behold we visited the Bognor branch.
No one there knew anything about it so I first found an employee and got him to do a price check they were £4:99 as advertised…so I bought 5!!

If that wasn’t enough excitement for one day we then traveled to Ferring to Benton Weatherstone to study aggregates….we are having shingle not grass in our front garden…

As you can see there is a lot to choose from.

We might be having a bit of concrete wood for the hedgehog feeding station….currently under negotiation….

The fun didn’t stop….as we were in Ferring we had lunch at the Bluebird Café which is dog friendly. Nigel wants to return – not in half –term I might add with Harry…I’m not so sure. There were lots of lovely well behaved dogs sitting under the tables being all dopey which he never is so I’ve suggested we just go for a coffee so if it all goes pear shaped we won’t have to leave the full English when we get banned!

Returning home I spotted a charity shop I’d never visited…I was told to be quick…..so I was

I almost squealed when I saw tied bundle of old fabric samples.…..they are so beautiful….

Cake

2010-02-10T16:29:00.000Z

Fancy a slice?

Coffee and Walnut Sponge

Wood

2010-02-06T14:36:00.006Z

Making me very happy today….this pile of apple tree trimmings…..earlier this week I spied them out of my bedroom window and knowing my neighbour has a shredder knew the fate that beheld them….I intervened saving him the trouble and effort…over the fence they came and now into our garage to season and be ‘processed’ by the man of the house.

Which brings me onto the subject of being proactive and keeping your eyes peeled for gardening activity that may produce a by product unwanted by one but valued by another. I am not normally forward by find it easy when I know what I want is probably destined for landfill.

Last year a neighbour who has sadly passed away came to me enquiring if I wanted his apple wood trimmings…..he knew we had a wood burner and even knew what time I lit it as he could smell the wood smoke… after spending a year in our garage it was a dream to burn.

Even had some beautiful lichens attached.

New Shoes

2010-02-02T18:06:00.002Z

Making me deliriously happy today – new shoes

The subtle blue accents are particularly pleasing.

Proud Mother

2010-01-28T20:22:00.002Z

I am very proud of this little bay tree.

When we moved to our run down old bungalow it was a mere twig growing in the front garden. I recognized its potential and let it grow and a few months ago it had its first grown up hair cut.
Now we’ve had the front landscaped it ended up without a position in the new scheme (suckers being the issue)…..so this morning we – that would be me and my assistant Nigel the Lame potted it up.
I do hope it survives its root trim (can you trim roots?)
Nigel the Lame doesn’t like it being positioned by the front door where I feel it adds a touch of class (desperately clutching at straws) because he says we won’t be able to get our bins past it on bin day.
I bet Sarah Raven doesn’t have this problem.

Split Pea and Ham Soup

2010-01-22T13:17:00.003Z

After yesterdays stock making today I made my split pea and ham soup.
My neighbour is right in saying only attempt this if you don’t have a life as although the wonderfully deep, favourful bowl of soup was a delight I couldn’t make this if I was doing other things which involved leaving the house.
There are lots of recipes online for pea and ham soup, I used yellow split peas as Waitrose didn’t have green – on researching the difference apart from the obvious colour yellow apparently gives a sweeter flavour. The general rule is using half the weight of vegetables in peas.
The ham stock and using the bone again in the soup as it cooked today made all the difference.
I think this would be a great choice if you had a large gathering as all the compliments would make up some way in the hours it takes to make!

We had ours with rustic bread.

This morning I chopped all the fatty skin up and popped it onto my bird table....it was very gratefully received and has all gone.

Hamy Hock

2010-01-21T13:21:00.002Z

I am boiling a ham hock.
There is apparently an art to boiling bacon.....not too fast a boil or the stock will be greasy and no one wants greasy stock do they??

I have a notion of making pea and ham soup.

Going all Cranford.

2010-01-15T10:58:00.004Z

I didn’t realize until I knitted myself a pair just how warm wrist warmers are.
Seeing the ladies of Cranford wearing very dainty wrist warmers inspired me to break out the knitting needles and have a go.
I have tried and failed to knit the now famous ‘toast/toasty’ as I’ve lost dexterity over the last few years so all I did was cast of 40 stitches (cast on more if you want them longer) and knitted until I had enough to meet around my wrists, cast off and sewed up leaving a hole for my thumbs – it was as easy as that!

Look Miss Matty at all that dust!
Apologies for the poor images – it is nigh on impossible to photograph your own hands when holding a camera….and the man of the house didn’t seem able to point and press….

Just like that!!

Ice Station Zebra

2010-01-09T13:04:00.004Z

More snow over night meant rather surprisingly I was able to get Harry out this morning– it gave the ice a bit of grip.
Only dog walkers and a few mad joggers were about which was a shame as it was so beautiful down the beach with the sun dancing on the snow.

Stella was telling me she has a flock of redwings devouring her pryacantha and I noticed the bush over the road had been picked clean.
My birds are keeping me busy with their demands for warm water and food, food and more food – if you do nothing else for your birds give them water as soon as I defrost the water bowl they are there drinking.
As Harry and I were leaving the beach I noticed a rusty chain with the broken sign….waving in the sub zero wind it looked liked industrial bunting if of course such a thing exists.

Winter Walking

2010-01-07T14:27:00.003Z

We didn’t get the 30 – 40 cm of snow predicted but we have enough to cause mild mayhem.
This morning Harry and I rounded up our neighbour and headed west walking on the frozen pebbles of the shoreline.

An Eskimo got in the way!

I think beach huts are attractive all year round.

Currently

2009-12-31T12:47:00.002Z

Currently enjoying

Full fat milk

Oatmeal instead of porridge for breakfast

Boots Original Formula face and body products

Campion on TV (BBC2)

Log man cometh (hopefully)(fingers crossed)

2009-12-18T11:12:00.003Z

I wait in a very Country Living kind of way for half a ton of seasoned logs.
As the only person able to walk on 2 legs in the Gigibird household I have been slaving in the garage making ready for the log man’s delivery; however with overnight snow I am fearing a telephone call to say he isn’t coming but as he lives a stone’s throw away from me I know he has to come home sometime and he had better have my logs with him.

Harry and I got out early for our daily constitutional and it was lovely with just a few other dog walkers enjoying walking on crisp Virgin snow.

Sunday

2009-11-29T14:54:00.002Z

Granny the oldest ‘paperboy’ in town arrived this morning with milk as well as the Sunday Telegraph…she rallies in a crisis….unless her Sky isn’t working in which case I put my technical head on and turn it off and on again….
Yesterday my boiler decided to throw a hissy fit and stop doing what boilers should do – after a night of no heat (not necessarily a problem) and no hot water (tragedy) my plumber rang and talked me through fixing it - turn it off then on again.
The patient is improving slowly…..his spirits are being keep buoyant by Fraser DVD’s and me being ever so nice….but there have been a few hiccups - Harry accidentally knocked the cast one morning in his eagerness to get to the porridge bowls…..and there was also the incident at the top of the stairs when he fell on his plastered foot but we don’t talk about that…..

Only another 3 weeks.....................

Crow Woman

2009-11-19T13:58:00.003Z

Yesterday as the weather has been so lousy especially for birds and wildlife I took some stale bread down the beach for the crows.

Harry soon cottoned on to what I was doing so tried to get in on the act…..I think he got hold of a slice.

Today I was followed to the beach by 3 crows and as I walked along the prom I could see my shadow being followed by a cloud of crows waiting for me to dish out my bag of bread.
I better prepared today breaking it up in manageable pieces so I gave Harry some so he didn’t take on the crow gang.
I have to say unlike seagulls they are quite respectful and kept their distance.

Breaking News

2009-11-14T12:24:00.002Z

We are experiencing some extreme weather down here in the South –
After seeing to my patient (more later) I wrapped up and braved the beach. I’m glad I went when I did as it’s now raining and wind with rain is my least favourite weather combination.

Photo: Big sea today
Naturally it was only mad dog walkers down there….

Photo: See how his fur is blowing in the wind...
Anyway back home and back to my nursey duties…. the man of the house fell over at work on Tuesday and went and broke his left ankle….
He is on crutches and has to have his leg raised all of the time.
My 78 year old mother has become our personal paper ‘boy’ – she arrived this morning with a scarf tied round her hat to stop it blowing away!
Because I don’t drive and Nigel can’t everyone has rallied so we getting by but without friends and neighbour I don’t know how we would cope.

November

2009-11-04T19:37:00.005Z

Baby mother and I paid a visit to the East Beach Café for cappuccino and carrot cake….giggling like a pair of teenagers while outside a crisp sunny November day wowed us.

We were both disappointed by the cake - underwhelmed.

However the sea put on a great show.

Tennant Wanted

2009-11-01T23:04:00.001Z

I have no idea if a hedgehog will find it an attractive home….
Straw inside to make it cozy, and a little ‘patio’ in front for fun.

Do you think I should name the house?

Start the Week

2009-10-27T14:37:00.004Z

99p for a faded double sheet….

It has made me giddy with anticipation of what I can do with all that patterned loveliness.

A previous charity shop find - a hand embroidered pillow seems a perfect foil for a crafty project.

Arundel

2009-10-20T19:56:00.003+01:00

Late lunch in Arundel with my husband

….a new Italian deli on the way.....

I wonder what colour they will choose?
Popped in to one of the charity shops with some donations and of course found a few treasures to go home with– a lovely lambs wool jumper for Nigel which fits him like a glove and a very plain lampshade (£1) that I plan to customize – if it all goes disastrously wrong I have lost nothing.
I reluctantly left a beautiful Jaeger suit – very retro but I had to be honest when my heart missed a beat on finding it – when would I wear a turquoise wool skirt and jacket? Never that’s when.
Collected Monty Don’s book about his depression from the library – The Jewel Garden, A story of despair and redemption…..very interesting.

Saturday

2009-10-17T22:32:00.002+01:00

Harry and I popped to a garage sale this morning – tip: take a dog it’s a great conversational starter and ice breaker.
Anyway I managed to find some great pieces – silicone muffin tray, spring form cake tin, books for Nigel, wire coat hangers (free)…everything seemed to be 50p….
I got home to find Nigel waiting to go to the garage sale! So I returned sans dog avec husband and on the second look found 7 beautiful lettuce green linen napkins ripe for re-using- 50p.

Baked potatoes in the oven, fire roaring away – I am loving autumn.
Having some crafty thoughts involving green linen.

Land Girls

2009-10-13T19:44:00.006+01:00

I am very exhausted after a rather lovely day in Brighton.
I thought I was just going here

If you are local to Brighton I highly recommend this current exhibition – some very touching and funny stories about life on the farm during the war.

We also (naturally) ended up visiting and perusing many a nice shop and Cath Kidston.

Fired Earth being very creative with paint.

Jigsaw playing with scale.

Daytime Visitor

2009-10-11T14:08:00.003+01:00

Look who we found in the garden this morning –

Duncan Grant our regular hedgehog visitor.
Strictly speaking you shouldn’t really find hedgehogs wandering about during daylight hours but by the way he scoffed the saucer of mealworms I don’t think he is sickening for anything – my own theory is he was looking for somewhere to hibernate near to a really good food source.

Table Manners! He liked his new Zodiac saucer I picked up in Oxfam on Thursday.
In the end he popped under the fence into my neighbours garden where a hedgehog house is waiting for a suitable tenant.

Vintage Finds from Lewes

2009-10-10T20:01:00.004+01:00

I’ve decided I have to make the most of my lovely new printer and so today I scanned some vintage finds I bought in Lewes on Thursday.
I have a bit of an obsession with old photographs….I am always on the lookout for something that takes my eye. I get very sentimental especially over animals and err, well everything really.

Sisters - don't you just love their footwear. So sweet but how sad this little photo ended up for sale.

Such a pretty little girl - I guess she must be long gone....

This is one for my cookery book collection....

Shopping List

2009-10-08T19:40:00.004+01:00

Carrots

Apples

Salad

Skipping

2009-10-07T14:22:00.004+01:00

Sarah Raven’s article in Saturday’s Telegraph about growing winter salad in polystyrene boxes inspired me– I think I liked that she was using polystyrene which let’s face it is hard to love.
“Find a friendly fishmonger, greengrocer or wine merchant and ask them if they have any decent sized – at least 8in deep – wooden or polystyrene boxes or crates.”
I can’t imagine her sniffing around the bins at the back of Iceland but they are throw away items that are perfect for the job.
Returning from this mornings walkies I saw one of the men at the nearby nursing home throwing some polystyrene packaging into their skip….
This isn’t the first time I have found treasure in this skip and whenever I have asked for the odd thing the men always seem interested in what I am going to use the pallet, box, polystyrene for….

The prospective seed tray was straight forward enough but my other use was found to be amusing –

Any guesses?
An art deco hedgehog house!

Another Winner

2009-10-03T14:34:00.003+01:00

I have just tried another recipe from the excellent Cakes – regional and traditional by Julie Duff.

Berkeley Buns, a rich concoction of ginger and cherries with a hint of spice – they are really, really good.

My tip when choosing a recipe is to note the flour butter/fat ratio – in this case the butter is 50% of the flour – the same in a Victoria sandwich so I realized they would be rich and would keep better than say a rock cake or raspberry bun. Not that they will last long – Harry and I have already eaten 2.

No 22

2009-10-01T16:12:00.003+01:00

Feeling a little under par this morning I thought I would get away not taking the boy out……but he had other ideas and after several hours of giving me the eye I gave in and went out.
Anyway we were walking along when I noticed this freshly painted lamp post.
The colour took my eye – a true clear olive green – and then the numbers appealing to my love of fonts and graphics.

I love how colour inspires and excites even when it comes packaged as a lamp post.

Friday Afternoon

2009-09-25T15:19:00.003+01:00

Raspberry bun and coffee....hitting all the right spots

Thursday

2009-09-24T14:16:00.005+01:00

Cloudless sky

Still sea

Another beautiful September morning.

I returned with some beach combed finds

Seakale seed pods, the smallest piece of drift wood and a rusty piece of flint

Oh Joy

2009-09-22T16:40:00.003+01:00

For some time now I have wanted a printer that actually works and after a bit of research I bit the built and let Nigel buy me a new all singing and dancing wifi 3 in 1 printer, scanner and photocopier.
Today I multitasked – I was able to watch Monk on TV, copy a photos of some raised beds from the internet and print them off without getting off my fat derrière!
Technology is great.
I should add that my computer savvy neighbour was needed to set it up….but as the song says we all need good neighbours especially if they can trouble shoot and do technical stuff.

Photo - That's my boy....prettier than a printer.
Tif has covered hers....

Monday

2009-09-21T11:44:00.007+01:00

The beach was beautiful this morning.

I know it’s a cliché but the sea was calm as a mill pond.

The seakale scattered across the beach has produced lots of frothy seeds which from a distance looks like little puffs of smoke

Charleston Revisited

2009-09-16T22:34:00.008+01:00

Sometimes – well quite often actually I have nothing to write about that I feel would interest anyone least of all myself but occasionally I have so much I don’t know where to start…..I wondered if I should call this post, my week in paper bags, my week of bric-a-brac, my week of cake, my week in postcards, my week in museums. And it’s only Wednesday.
Yesterday I attended an interesting talk at Charleston about the textile archive they hold – currently on display in the shop a small exhibition of intriguing pieces normally wrapped in acid free tissue paper; Dr Wendy Hitchmough the curator discussed the Omega workshop, Bloomsbury’s lost clothes collection (yes there were clothes) but for me the best aspect of the evening had to be the unsupervised access to the house – wondering in and out of the rooms as the sun faded giving the interior a muted quiet ambience,– looking out towards the garden the house felt that perhaps the long gone inhabitants might return.

Photo: The garden in its autumn ‘clothes’

Photo: Lichen

Photo: Louise left, Gigibird right.

Photo: For the F&B fans this colour is Bloomsbury Blue/ Grey – not on the shade guide.
If you want to see the house at it's best look out for events and talks - limited numbers with time to see all the details that can be lost when numbers are high.

A Sooty Sweep Visits

2009-09-07T15:22:00.005+01:00

As my thoughts turn to the joys of autumn and cooler days this morning my lovely chimney sweep arrived to did what chimney sweeps do.

Photo: Mr Firkins with his 'gear'
With rising fuel prices I plan to use the wood burner as my primary heat source. We are lucky that Nigel can pick up old pallets for free – so in affect free wood to supplement our logs but pine makes a lot of tarry soot so it’s especially important to get the chimney swept.

Photo:Action shot

Cloud Spotting

2009-09-01T21:58:00.004+01:00

Very bracing down the beach this morning - autumn is very definitely in the air….

All was going well until in the blink of an eye Harry managed to get not one, not even two but a whole bunch of horrible thistly burrs stuck in his ear.
His silky spaniel fur is like a fuzzy felt board so we came straight home so I could cut them out – he now has odd ears….

Photo: Click to see those nasty little....

Arundel Gallery Trail.

2009-08-26T22:02:00.006+01:00

Stella and I paid a visit to the annual Gallery Trail in Arundel.
The quality of the art and craft work varies but it is a very pleasant way to spend a few hours entering mainly private homes and viewing the art work as well as having a real good shonk inside some rather swanky houses.
Stella treated herself to a row of houses by Victor Stuart Graham and he very generously let me take some photos- the light was lousy but here are my best photos.

Photo: I love VSG use of colour

We had a bit of a giggle as I found a Farrow and Ball shade guide in my handbag (like you do)and so we started to guess what shades people had chosen to paint their houses and doors….and then check if we were right….we are a sad pair.

Photo:Any guesses?

Tonight's Special

2009-08-24T22:01:00.006+01:00

Monday is a good night for TV
We – that is my husband and I are really enjoying the Swedish Wallander (BBC4)
We (there I go again) are rather fond of sub titles and my husband can often be found in the World Cinema section of HMV scanning for tragic true stories of terrible things that happened in the war.

I digress- here is finally proof that all my efforts with the Hedgehog Feeding Station have paid off

This little hog didn’t seem to mind me snapping away.
I did see he/she had a tick on the side if his/her face…..I may recruit my neighbour to help me remove it….

Lucozade for Bees

2009-08-21T14:36:00.004+01:00

I found a beautiful large bumble bee resting on my potting table today.

I decided to make him an energy drink and it worked.

I fed sugar water through a sponge and it worked beautifully

If you do want to leave sugar water out for bees make sure you follow a recommend ‘recipe’ – brown sugar gives them diarrhea!

Getting in touch with my inner Crunchie

2009-08-20T19:45:00.003+01:00

I did a bad thing today – well as it happens I did one then did another one.
Firstly I spent far too long on several online sweet shops…..it all started to get out of control when I actually went to find a credit card…..but thankfully pulled myself together just in time……..but then I had a notion…..I could make sweets!
Before you try and pre-order Gigibird Rock I made honeycomb or as Nigella likes to call it Hokey Pokey.

Photo: WOW
I did have a go at this last year when Nigella made it on TV and it was a disaster but after a bit of research I think I know why today’s attempt was a resounding success – you can stir the sugar/syrup mixture while it’s heating and the bicarbonate soda should be fresh as it loses it abilities the longer it’s around – I know how it feels.

Photo: Perfection!
I saw a recipe suggestion to serve it with chocolate mousse and I think that would work very well.

Warning

2009-08-18T22:11:00.002+01:00

The following photo may offend the aesthetes amongst you.
True what you are looking at may resemble an old plastic laundry basket with a paving slab on top but is in fact a hedgehog feeding station.

I needed one in a hurry and if I say so myself I am rather pleased I was able to re-use, recycle old tat from my garden.
Hedgehogs have already visited as they left me a little present….so today I bought them mealworms which they apparently love.
If you would like to see some hedgehog action then pay a visit to a lovely blog, Hog Blog,(see blog of the week) that has lots of video action which is very amusing.

Green Fairy

2009-08-16T19:19:00.004+01:00

Old fashioned green household soap.

As soon as I took it out of its packaging a wave of childhood memories of my Granny and her spotless time warp kitchen came to mind.
There was always a block of green household soap in constant use and a bar of Palmolive….upstairs in her underwear draw bars of Camay hid amongst her delicates.
Nigel wanted to clean a pair of trainers and the green bar of nostalgia was just right for the job.

Doing the Rounds

2009-08-15T21:41:00.002+01:00

I am pleased I baked yesterday as first Stella then Baby mother called round for coffee, cake and chat.

Photo: Always best shared with friends
Stella had been clearing out and so I received a ginger cat door stop I had apparently given her years ago and a green tablecloth she borrowed which I had forgotten about. She left with my silicone spray (for lubricating her sewing machine and the Motoring section of the Telegraph for her husband)
Baby mother came with a backlog of You magazines which I love (despite hating the Daily Mail) and some cat-nip treats (for my neighbour’s cats – her cats had turned their noses up at them) and left with Antique and Home magazines (Stella’s originally) and some perfume (CK Summer) since becoming menopausal I can’t wear anymore.
The You magazines will go to my neighbour after I’ve read them.
I love how we all disperse our bits and bobs to one another – we have always done it.

Lavender

2009-08-12T19:51:00.003+01:00

My neighbour has wonderful lavender that is alive with bees, butterflies and moths so I thought I would pop round and take some fantastic photos…..someone tell those bees to keep still! Out of the 18 photos I took I don’t have one in focus bee.

This little fellow had his britches full of pollen

Baby P

2009-08-11T17:25:00.001+01:00

As all UK readers will be aware more details of the Baby P case have been published in today’s papers.
What has upset me the most is how his mother did nothing to stop the appalling abuse that was metered out to him by her boyfriend and his brother and how despite being taken away by the Police Social Services let him return to the family home to be tortured and eventually murdered.
Doing nothing condemned that little boy to his terrible short life.

Eave’s Dropping

2009-08-10T23:26:00.005+01:00

I love listening to other people’s conversations – I like to think it’s because I’m naturally inquisitive!– I can pick up delicious gossip in shops….while I’m ‘holding’ on the telephone….. walking Harry even sitting in my front room with the windows open but on Sunday the tables were turned when an old lady couldn’t help but comment on the conversation Nigel and I were having in Waitrose about the type of cat food we were going to donate to one of his customers who is having coffee morning for a local animal sanctuary.
I chose a pack of kitten food and was telling Nigel how old cats could eat it as well as kittens….she asked if she gave us the money would we mind taking a pack from her.
So she gave Nigel £2.60 and we popped another pack in our trolley while having a chat about cats.
It was a lovely moment.

Photo: Jackson, my neighbour's most recent rescue cat.

Jackson was found living under a bush....now living like a Lord thanks to Cats Protection

Windfall Apple Cake.

2009-08-07T15:32:00.002+01:00

My first use of the bag of donated apples….

I started with a Marry Berry recipe but then went off piste….it turned out very well; Nigel had his warm with custard and then the next day we had it cold with chantilly cream.

The Raven called Sarah

2009-08-05T15:06:00.004+01:00

I picked up a copy of this month’s Waitrose magazine and was taken aback by a photo of the new slim Sarah Raven.
I’ve never thought of her as fat rather large boned but there she was smiling at the camera wearing skinny jeans!
And she has grown her hair thank goodness which has transformed her face – in my opinion.

PHOTO: The lovely Ms Raven
While I still have Ms Raven in my thoughts her autumn catalogue arrived yesterday which is always nice to look through but her prices are eye watering – a set of zinc planters took my eye (£44.95) and I felt temptation enter my thoughts….but I googled zinc planters and found exactly the same set on 2 websites for under half price!
I have been given a bag of cooking apples so I must away and find recipe inspiration. I am thinking apple cake – the man of the house can have it warm with custard.

Less is more, more or less

2009-08-03T19:50:00.005+01:00

After reading about Sue’s day I feel rather guilty writing about how lovely mine has been but now I’ve started I’d better finish.
As the man of the house had a day off I let him buy me breakfast in…..Lewes.

Then I let him drive me around Sussex dropping into Ditchling for a mooch before traveling up to the Beacon where to my delight an ice- cream van was waiting.

On returning home we popped into the village where waiting for me in one of the local charity shops was this tablecloth.

It has very simple machine stitching but beautifully simple. And it was made with a lovely piece of linen.
Calling in to the pet shop I asked if they had hedgehog food.
You may think I have money to burn when I buy hedgehog food for £4.45 but I am told it’s the best thing for them…..my current hedgehog better not get run over if I’m going to invest so much in him….and if I use some of my precious logs to make him a little winter retreat he had better use it….come winter….
Tonight I’m going to taste test my hedgehog food next to my cheap 49p Brekkies and see what my local wildlife/ Dandelion the cat prefers.

China was bought in Lewes....but I will keep that for another day.....

Murder Most Fishy

2009-08-02T15:51:00.005+01:00

Nigel called me into the garden this morning and said I had better see something…..I thought by his tone a dead frog….worse a dead bird…..WORSE a dead fish covered in leaves at the end of the garden! His little fishy guts were hanging out.
Funeral arrangements were hastily arranged and he has been laid to rest in my ‘cutting garden’ –a plastic pot covers the spot….until I can find something tasteful.

PHOTO: Happier times at the pond
I am pretty sure it is the work of a cat and my finger pointed straight to Jackson who has a history since being put on a diet of supplementing his rations with frogs and birds….but his mummy has given him an alibi for last night – the new double locked cat flap was in lock down.

PHOTO: The prime suspect has been ruled out....
This is the first fish we have lost and I am loathed to resort to netting but if the perpetrator has a taste for death he/she may return.

PHOTO: RIP little fish....who's hobbies included swimming and eating.

Concerning Cakes

2009-07-31T14:58:00.004+01:00

Last night I spent a very enjoyable hour reading one of my favourite baking books deciding what to make today.
I had settled on Berkeley Buns, a ginger and cherry concoction but as I’m having my neighbour over for tea who has an aversion to ginger (strange girl) I am turning instead to an old stalwart Raspberry Buns.

As you can see Harry isn’t very interested in the theory of baking however he pops his batteries in when they come out of the oven.
These simple little buns taste lovely and what I like about them is the ingredients are always to hand.
They are best eaten fresh.

I recommend this book by Julie Duff if you are a baking fan - probably not for a beginner.

Outside Thoughts

2009-07-29T11:40:00.005+01:00

Edward Scissorhands/Stella visited yesterday and gave my bay tree a bit of a trim.
I love topiary and I definitely want more…and a knot garden but that will probably never happen but a girl can dream

A glimpse

Apologies for the garden pest being in the way

Mottisfont Abbey but one day........

Delightful Finds

2009-07-28T16:28:00.010+01:00

I am not really a fan of look at what I found today posts but I am going to show you what I found this afternoon so I apologize in advance at my Cheshire cat grin I am currently wearing.
I popped into Arundel this afternoon with the intention of buying something but ended up with all of this (and more)
I had no idea there was a book written about me….

Ha ha ha I just had to have it.

Lovely Sanderson linen union curtain and only £5 – definitely destined for Stella to make a bag – the red is perfect.

Another book which is full of exquisite woodcuts which you will be seeing a lot of in the future.

Even the cover has a lovely font

For £1 I couldn't leave this behind

Miracles might happen and it could make me organised!

Sunshine and Showers

2009-07-27T14:10:00.005+01:00

My daily walks with Harry give me so much pleasure and this morning’s little gaunt was no exception.
Dodging the rain we nipped out and were rewarded with the beautiful clear air you get just after it has rained.
On my return I fed the birds and unusually the ‘big’ birds ( seagulls and crows)didn’t steal all the choicest bits so Mr Blackbird had his fill of insect suet a specialty of the Gigibird house.

PHOTO: The colours of the seaside always delight.

PHOTO: Elephant grey sky

PHOTO: Mr Blackbird with his beak full.

Hanker

2009-07-24T15:14:00.003+01:00

I forgot to mention there was a bit of a to do down the beach a few weeks back….. 3 beach huts burnt down!
I am quite distressed to see that gaudy colours have been creeping in the tasteful section….I should like to think it was a bolt of lightning wiping out the bubblegum pink huts but talk of the beach says vandalism of a pyrotechnic nature….

For some time now I’ve had a hankering for some new crockery as my Cornish Ware has been slowly diminishing due to me being clumsy and so have decided on something new….
I keep going to this website but I can’t decide which I like the most, this, this, or this?
And then should I have blue or red?

Scones For Tea

2009-07-22T19:24:00.004+01:00

When Peter Bowker the writer of Last night’s Desperate Romantics pitched his idea of mixing the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood with Desperate Housewives he should have been shown the door; he should have been locked in the village stocks and made to regret such an absurd notion but no, some idiot obviously high on drugs or I don’t know what said yes that’s a great idea.
I am at a complete loss that this series was given the go ahead.
I don’t know if I can bare another episode in case Lizzie Siddal takes Effie Ruskin to one side and suggests she has a Bazillion to save her marriage.
Today I made scones for tea.

The Noble Scone
The man of the house would have liked clotted cream as would I but as I didn't have any we had them with lashings of butter and jam of our choice.

Scones – I make no apologies for using imperial measurements….

8 oz self raising flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 oz sugar
2 oz butter
1 egg beaten with milk added to make 5 fl oz

Oven – HOT

Rub butter into the dry ingredients then add most of the egg and milk mixture and bring it all together .
Don’t bother using a rolling pin just thump a few times and either cut into squares or triangles or use a cutter. Dab remaining egg mixture on top
Place on baking parchment lined tray and cook for about 10 minutes.
Cool on a tray for a few minutes then devour.