TARRAGON & THYME

We are lucky in Peterborough in that we have two or three £1 shops. The one I utilise the most is down Bridge Street in Peterborough opposite our old Woolworths for those local to Peterborough. It is a mine of offers all for a £1 - it is very much you pick up what they have in on the day but they do on a regular basis have certain basics they keep in although the names may change. They also do a selection of the old style sweets like Raspberry Ruffles or Mint Chews (the white ones that you chew and chew for ages) Large bags of jelly tots(ideal for putting on top of butterfly cakes with some cream or icing), mixed bags of sweets all sorts of craft and doilies and tablewhere tinned stuff batteries etc. etc. etc. I stocked up on toothpaste today 125ml tube (the medium to large one) £1 a tube OH likes Aquafresh and I like the MacLeans but they also had Colgate. I also managed to pick up some hair conditioner and some Knights Castille soap - don't see that very often (its a very goo...

Its been a long old day today at work and it has been miserable and wet n horrible.No wonder I hurt. But we need the water. Was the only secretary in this morning and lots to do. Its been a long old evening as well. Have spent five hours on the computer drafting a statement for my OH for his Tribunal claim against his old company in order that he can take it to his solicitor and then I have had a benefits form to fill in. Very tired and only had chance to do some quick checking to see if everything is okay. This poorly weather is forecast for the week. I do hope that we don't have any severe flooding anywhere like we did last year. I do feel so sorry for anyone who is caught with this sort of weather as it causes so much damage and bedlam. I could really do with a holiday but don't suppose I will get one yet again. Its three years since I went away to Cornwall. I absolutely love it down there. One day - even if it is only a small holding to rent. Ah well can dream. Sorr...

I didn't sleep well last night courtesy of our new neighbours. They are a young couple but seem to spend most of their time watching television in their bedroom which is on the front of the terrace where ours is. There is only a thin party wall between the two properties. However they seem to have one of these big screen tv's on the wall in the bedroom and at 5 a.m. this morning it was still on full blast. And if it is not the television it is bump bump bump loud repetitive stereo on with what purports to be music. I think I am getting old. I love all sorts of music but this is not even headbanging stuff - just weird I wouldn't even give it the description of music! So have been a little out of sorts today not feeling as though have been firing on all cylinders. Unusually this afternoon I went up and had a lie down and fell asleep. Trouble is when I woke up about an hour later I felt even worse than what I did before that will teach me to nod off. Have done a bit o...

My Lilac bush at the bottom of the garden is in flower and doesn't it look magnificent it smells lovely too. Apparently it was one of my maternal grandmother's favourites. My paternal grandmother also had it in her garden both lilac and white. This reminds me of the song "We'll Gather Lilacs in the Spring Again" by Ivor Novello We'll gather lilacs in the spring again, And walk together down an endless lane, Until our hearts have learned to sing again, When you come home once more. And in the evening by the firelight glow, You'll hold me close and never let me go, Your eyes will tell me all I want to know, When you come home once more. (musical interlude) And in the evening by the firelight glow, You'll hold me close and never let me go, Your eyes will tell me all I want to know, When you come home once more. Now I am showing my age! Or if you want a more up-to-date version Lilac Wine written by J. Shelton The version of this song I know is by Elkie Br...

I am apologising for becoming somewhat of a gardening bore, but this blog is as much a record as to what I am up to - my failures and achievements as much as anything else. The footprint where I have trod. I just love it when a plan starts to come together and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel rather than the wood from the trees. Well here is the first part of the garden that got overhauled yesterday. Its a small start and I still have a long way to go but at least its neat and tidy and has room to take the new seedlings that I am currently bringing on. I thought if I did a chunk at a time of the garden it would be more manageable for me and at least I would see where I was going. Don't look too closely at the bottom end of the garden that is still a tip - but we will get there. I am hoping to do some hanging baskets and flower bags/pouches herb bags as well as adding different herb plants as this is to all intents and purposes the herb bed. I have another Angel...

Well its been a very busy today for me today. I was up early and went out into the garden to sow some more seeds as my others are all coming through and will shortly go into the cold frame after being split. Will have to do that with the herbs tomorrow. Have done some Lemon Grass seed, Borage seed, Cabbage, Tomatoes yellow and red, Aubergine, yellow round courgettes, green round courgettes. I also managed to find my plant labels I knew I had had some just couldn't remember where they were. I found them in the greenhouse together with some green hanging plant bags which I didn't know I had. It was a little chilly first thing here this morning and I had to wear a cardigan and it was blustery and the blossom from the trees was flailing in the air like wedding confetti but the sun was shining. As the day progressed it got warmer and I was able to take my cardigan off eventually. Then I started. I attacked the small garden that leads up to the back door which was a complete an...

Here's the bread rising nice and high in the bread machine Well I did it and yes the Waitrose flour certainly makes a difference with the loaf. I think I am going to be using their flour from now on. I also added some milk powder to this batch and I am still using the loaf today - it has stayed fresh because I have kept it wrapped up in a tea towel. I have some cloths on the go at the moment made out of gingham check which are just simple cloths hemmed to put over the bread once it has done - a much lighter cloth as I found the tea towels a tad too heavy. And here it is all cooked and ready

Here are some more pieces that have been completed Tabby needlepoint panel for picture or cushion inserts Wild Rose Needlepoint for cushion insert Sweet Peas Needlepoint for cushion insert Pansy panel for cushion insert Duck Panel for cushion insert Ribbon Weaving Tourquise and white Ribbon weaving Pink and White Ribbon weaving Pink and Cream with tiny seed beads sewn on Wildflowers panel - this was one of the first pieces I ever did Anemone Long Stitch Panel I love the bright colours on this piece

I have been watching this new series on Channel 4 and I have to say I am charmed and everything Kirstie is recommending resonates well with me. Just because it is old doesn't mean to say that it has no aesthetic use or practical use. In fact I take a great deal of pleasure in picking up bits and bobs or small pieces of furniture for next to nothing even if they do need restoring. My Treasures as I call them. To me that is making something live again with a little bit of time and TLC. The other part of it is that not only am I acquiring often beautiful and pretty pieces but I am also making a home with items in unique to me. You have probably gathered I love making things, cooking things and growing things. I have for years collected pieces of china and glass. Sometimes you can find very unusual attractive glassware for pennies and then I mix it all together. I am currently collecting pale green vintage glass pieces. I would like more small pieces of furniture to do up - I ha...

On Sunday my partner and I were taken out to lunch by my mum. My brother also came with his wife and their two boys, my nephews and we really had a lovely day. Its not often I see my brother and his family so it was nice to play catch up. We both work full time and so have little spare time as such. Although I speak to Mum every night and go often to see her as often as I can. Its a while since I saw the boys, and the eldest is now 5 inches taller than his aunty and the youngest is not far off me. Although I don't see my brother that often - he is a very good brother and I know that if I needed him he would be there. The same as if he needed help I would be there for him. Family values that have been instilled in us since we were small by both our parents - no matter what our differences. We then went back to mum's for a cup of tea and a natter and it was all very pleasant. I am lucky to have the love of a good family.

Well I must be doing something right - the beans are starting to come through and I also have Thyme seedlings and nasturtiums poking through the soil as well as the other beans starting to move the soil. Will see how it goes

Well I made this loaf last Friday night when I got home from work in the bread machine. I used a different recipe from one of my many books - recipe as below. This loaf was made using Allinson bread machine yeast and Allinsons white bread flour. The recipe was for the largest sized loaf and yet it only seems to have made a medium sized loaf. I am putting this down to the flour as I have noticed a vast difference between the flours. The best flour so far has been the Waitrose Canadian Extra Strong White Bread flour which can also be used to make pasta. It nearly came out of the pan and the resulting bread was very light and tasty. I am going to have a go and play some more. As the loaf above although not bad, seemed a little heavy. Here is the recipe I used. Next time round though I am going to use this recipe with the Waitrose Extra Strong White Plain flour and see if there is much difference between them - I think there will be. WHITE BREAD This is an all purpose white...

Here are some of the more complicated pieces I have done >

Good Morning the sun is out and invading every nook and cranny it can it speaks of warmth but at the moment the wind is a tad cold it still has that edge to it, but hey at least its cheerful. The wind is bobbing through the branches of the blossom trees at the bottom of the garden, the cherry, the elderflower, the lilac and apple blossom I am hoping it will warm up a tad as I want to sow some more seeds today. First I have to do battle with a new cover for one of my mini greenhouses which should be interesting. No doubt the assistant gardeners will put in an appearance before I go into battle. My cats are very fussy and company orientated and still full of fun and very mischievous. I also have the sheets whirring round in the washing machine and then to go out on to the line to have a good blow. Installs the laundry with such a lovely fresh smell. And clean sheets - its one of those things that cannot be bettered and is akin to new made bread. I have eaten had a lovely home made ...

THE MOON BOAT TO DREAMLAND BY HUGH WILLIAMS I found this print a few years back; it was dog eared on the edges and was in the back of a local Charity shop unframed. Very unloved and tattered. I loved the picture as soon as I saw it. I think I paid about £3 for it at the time. Turns out it is a 1930's print. So I bought it home, tidied up the dog eared edges and re-framed it in the pine frame; gave it a little bit of TLC. Doesn't look too bad I don't think and adds that little bit difference to my home.

My first and only attempt at glass painting thus far A home made wreath. This wreath is made by prodding tiny squares of fabric with serrated edges (little tiny squares of fabric) into a high density polystyrene base. The squares are packed in tightly together. This particular one is white, green and pale pink and the fabric used is acetate lining.

Now these certainly bring back memories of when I was growing up and learning to cook. I used to have to earn my pocket money by tidying and looking after my own bedroom, doing my own ironing and helping mum out in the kitchen on a Sunday morning when she used to cook Sunday Dinner and do the baking for the week. These were a favourite make the original recipe coming from my Mum's pocket sized Be-Ro book. These will soon disappear and become a firm favourite 100g/4oz butter 75g/3 oz caster sugar 1 egg yolk few drops vanilla essence 150g/5 oz self raising flour dessicated coconut Grease two baking sheets Cream butter and the sugar together until pale and fluffy; then beat in the egg yolk Add the vanilla essence and then stir in the flour to give a smooth dough and divide into 24 portions. Form each piece into a ball and roll in the dessicated coconut until covered. Place the balls on the baking sheets and bake in the oven at 190 degrees C/375 degrees F or Gas Mark 5 for 15 to 20 m...

I have had a bit of a depressing day today and the day seems to have dragged somewhat. I have had dinner tonight but have the munchies again which isn't good and I fancy Cinnamon Toast. I absolutely adore this as I have a sweet tooth in any event, but a dose of this when I am having the blues really perks me up. Now I always keep at least one large jar of cinnamon sugar already prepared in my pantry and I use the scented sugar in tea cakes and apple and cinnamon muffins amongst other things. But you don't have to have this ready prepared - its just something I use a lot of. All you need is some slices of bread - however many you fancy then for every teaspoon of cinnamon you add two tablespoons of caster sugar and mix them together until well mixed. Toast the bread on one side only then generously butter the untoasted side of the bread sprinkling liberally with the cinnamon sugar. Pop back under the grill until the mixture begins to melt. Cut into fingers and serve immedi...

I am starting to use up what is in the freezer in readiness for putting in new supplies as the new seasons goodies fall upon us. I have just put a couple of batches of forced rhubarb into the freezer so I think I am going to be well set up for crumbles etc for the forthcoming months. I still have quite a bit from last year to use so in an effort to use some of this up and free up a little bit more space for the new goodies in the freezer I am going to make some Rhubarb and Ginger jam. This quantity makes about 3lb 1.1kg (2 1/2lb) trimmed rhubarb (frozen or fresh) 1.1lg (2 1/2lb)sugar juice of 2 lemons 25g/1 oz fresh root ginger 100g/4 oz preserved or crystallised ginger, chopped 1. Put the Rhubarb into a large bowl, alternating in layers with the sugar and the lemon juice. Cover and leave overnight. 2. Next day bruise the root ginger slightly with a rolling pin and tie it in a piece of muslin. Put the Rhubarb mixture into a preserving pan with the muslin bag; bring it ...

Here are a few more pictures of some of the stuff I have done over the years A Cushion panel insert A Long Stitch Scenic View panel A Long Stitch Humming bird panel A Needlepoint Pansy Cushion Cover A Cross-stitched rose panel for a bed cushion A cross stitch panel I hate to have idle hands so it is a way of keeping me occupied and busy.

I love curds of any description but this one looks particularly pretty as a filling for a Victoria Sponge cake and it is so much more yummier than bought curds. Ingredients Makes approximately 2 x 9 oz jars 4 limes 200g/7 oz sugar 60g/2 1/4 oz unsalted butter 2 large eggs beaten 1.Wash and dry the limes and grate the zest. Squeese the limes reserving the juice. 2.Place the zest, sugar, butter and eggs in the top of a double boiler or a small heavy based saucepan (I use a pyrex bowl over a pan of boiling water making sure that the hot water doesn't hit the bowl as it can cause curdling) Stir over a low heat until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved. 3.Once the sugar has dissolved add the lime juice. Increase the heat a little and cooke, stirring until the curd has thickened enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. 4. Ladle the mixture into warm sterilised jars and seal. If not using immediately. The curd can be stored unopened for 1 month in the refrigerator. Once open...

Following on from my post yesterday when I was sowing seeds I managed to get the following seeds sown Nasturtiums Dayglow mixed Stoechas French Lavender Chives Mint Coriander Basil Thai Basil Moss Curled Parsley Oregano Chervil Dill Marjoram Summer Savory Penny Royal French plain leaved parsley Parcel Basil Sweet Genovese Angelica Sage Lovage Rosemary Thyme Alpine Strawberries Isabel climbing bean Andante Dwarf bean Gold Rush Yellow courgettes Marrow Pattypan squash Sunburst Broadbean Bunyards Exhibition That's just for starters there's still more to go. I am hoping to get a few more seeds sown tomorrow evening when I come back from work and am going to aim to do a bit each night. Its actually lovely to be in the open air after being cooped up in an office all day. I can breathe. I am hoping to start the transformation this weekend - mind you I have a lot to do and not many pennies to do it with. Now where did I put those Pot Marigold seeds. >