Not Just Any Green Salad...

First harvest of left over mixed salad leaves and baby gem lettuce. Too many to plant out. First bbq of the year today whoop whoop :-)

Easter bonnets (and chocolate overload (already!!))

George adored his easter bonnet. We had fun making it together and he was so proud!! Mummy was melting when he walked out on parade at nursery - so cute :-). 

While mummy is away the boys will play..

George was fully entertained by his big cousins on mummy's final cooking day!

Is the food any better?

Judging by the ginger and rhubarb cake I made at the weekend - N O!! Broke the most important rule of baking. Never ever ever ever change the ingredients. I was waiting for the Tesco shop to come and was an egg short and a bit of milk down so thought I would make do. Big mistake. No photo attached!

Stupidly I didn't tale pics of most things I cooked, amongst the 40 hours of cooking last week, taking pics was a bit overlooked.  I was really inspired by the bread, pastry and pasta making and will definitely be experimenting with some of that. And trying to improve my soufflé skills, meat preparation and cooking, sauce making ... the list goes on. Rather than feeling complete after the course I feel like I've opened a can of worms - so much more to learn! But I am very proud of myself for getting through and most importantly enjoying the week. Here are some of the bits I did take pics of - some on iphone so bad quality...

Medium rare venison stake with port and mushroom sauce, Boulangere potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli.

George loved the Foucasse Bread - like a sourbread and yum. Didn't last long!

Braised Guinea Fowl with mushroom, madeira and chesnut sauce.

Pasta made from scratch by me with clams and sauce (Pasta Volange)



Ready Steady Cook!!

I'm now more than half way through my week long Intermediate cookery course aty Leith's school of food and wine. Totally out of my comfort zone in many ways but learning loads and looking forward to putting my new skills to the test.  It was hard making my first trip into london, parking the car and looking at my last bought train ticket on Feb 24th - little did I know how my life was about to change.  But I have picked myself up and stayed strong for the most part. A quickie before the foodie bit - my mum in law (again) made me these beautiful aprons for the course. A bit like a comfort blanket for me. Definitley on the Winter-to-do list. Learn to sew!! Aren't they so lovely:

A taster of the food that hubby has been dining on so far this week ....

More to come later ...





1 ladybird, hours of fun

My mum in law

A year ago my mum-in-law had just been diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time.  She battled again last year, at times the fight was almost too much to bear but, thank god, once again she won. Patty has been my rock in many of my own battles and never more so than now. Watching her fight and learning the power of a positive mind has given me such inspiration. Yes, we can infuriate each other, but thank God I have her. I wrote this 1 year ago this week:

For Patty

You are my mother in law and one of a kind

Just like your wonderful son, you're an amazing find

The love in your heart overflows to all near

But the demon in your breast gives you such fear

To be in your breast, it just seems so wrong,

That place that snuggled your gorgeous sons

Life's not fair, this shouldn't happen to you

To someone I so admire, for all that you do

You're a mother, my friend, my mentor and inspiration

Why this is happening bears no comprehension

But be assured, I promise you it's true

This cancer won't get the better of you

The spirit of your love and affection which knows no bound

Is in a place that for the cancer, can't be found.

It will be hard to say goodbye to your precious breast

But with courage, you WILL shoo off, your unwelcome guest

We will try to help you every step of the way

And never be ashamed when you have a god awful day

If all day long you feel sad and ratty

Please promise me you'll tell us Patty

Tears will be shed and pain will be felt

But that smile will return and make us all melt

The warmth of us together and a great big cuddle

Will sometimes help life seem less of a muddle

So we'll be there for you Twenty Four Seven

The angels won't take you yet to heaven.

Mother's Day Heaven

My favourite place in the world.

How stunning are the frayed white tulips?

Homemade cards are so the best. Also note the pink and yellow 'flowers' made by George :-) Thank you to all my boys. I love you more than you could know

And thank you to Harry for his gift from the sky:

What is it about Men and sheds?

Hubby + Shed = True Happiness!  I have also been very impressed with the woodwork skills that have been coming out of garage.  A new sand pit for George, Seed stands and a potting table for me. Like I said to him this morning, I feel like I'm getting real value out of those marriage vows!!

Thursday night treats...

Scallops with butternut squash and potato mash and spinach. Nigella carrot cake muffins (possibly my fave cakes in the world).  I forgot the decorative walnuts (for next time) but oh so delicious...

Little beauties...Potatoes, Shallots and Red Onions are in!!

The last few weeks have been a busy time, mainly of digging, on the allotment. Everyone is helping a little, even my very pregnant twin sister!  There is something about being up there in the soil, nurturing the ground for to get the best out of it that just consumes my thoughts and gives me a sense of hope and positivity. I never thought that 4 weeks after losing Harry I could ever feel excited about anything but thinking of my lovely little seedlings poking through puts joy in my heart.