TARRAGON & THYME

After a busy first day back at work I was pleased to get home where I was greeted by a highly excited Jack Russell who leapt into my arms as I opened the internal door and then promptly tried to lick me to death.  Once she calmed a little Squeak then pottered down the stairs and promptly sat on me as soon as I sat down demanding her share of the fuss too.  Demetri he was out and about.  He has been in for supper but these light dry nights he comes and goes as he pleases he can always get in and he has a blanket that he can curl up on if he comes in. After egg and chips for tea with bread and butter and fruit and cream for pud I then wandered out into the garden again and got my hands dirty potting up some more seeds and also chucking out some rubbish and partly weeding the border.  Its nice to be out in the fresh air for a little while working with my hands just grounding myself down after the pressures of the day as it helps destress me.  I am hoping I can...

I have very kindly been awarded a Sunshine Award by Julie of Dragonfly Gems who has a lovely little blog  go on check her out.  Here is the link:  http://dragonfly-gems.blogspot.co.uk/ Thank you Julie it was a lovely surprise. As I understand it the Sunshine Award Rules are:   To Thank the blogger who nominated you (Julie nominated me and I have thanked her above as well as dropping her a thank you directly to her blog.    Now I must answer the following 10 questions about myself on the subject of my favourite things. My favourite animal: Love all animals but especially Cats and Dogs. Favourite number : 7 My favourite non alcoholic drink : Elderflower cordial Facebook or Twitter : Facebook My Passions : Cooking (especially preserving) and Crafts (various) Receiving or giving presents : I love to give but its also nice to receive. Favourite pattern : No  one specific one but there are lots of lovely ones so lots of choice Favou...

I have been pottering around in the garden this afternoon, sowing a few seeds not that I think that they will come to much but If I don't try I won't know.   The sun has been hot but the wind has been rough; a very variable kind of day. Two tubs of cress are sown as are some pea shoots for salad. I have also started some pot marigold off and some salad and beans.  I have had the dirt in my hands, my nails have had to be scrubbed with a brush as a consequence to remove all remnants.  But sometimes its good to do this as it is a very good grounding mechanism; we all need connecting to the earth and to the seasons.   Next year is going to be very different and hopefully the greenhouse will be back in full production if not here then maybe somwhere else.  I am getting very itchy feet at the moment.  Hopefully I will get some time to myself tomorrow night to plant some more seed up and if I can do a little each day if and when it comes through at least it is go...

    A Dream is a wish your Heart Makes (Song from Walt Disney's film Cinderella)

Since coming back from Walking Missy it has rained continually; even Demetri has come in soaking wet and I have had to towel dry him too.  After not being in the house very much whilst I have been away he is now dry and esconced on  the settee fast asleep.  He knows where his bread is buttered.  Having had so far all my plans put out of sync for the day I have been browsing. I love books - I always have and there is no way that I could get used to a kindle to read a book.  Its the whole experience, the feel the smell and just pure joy of reading that I love so much and the place that you put yourself in.  I have a lot of books that I use repeatedly and get a lot of pleasure out of.    However I was in the charity shop the other day and I picked up a couple of books that I hadn't got or seen before.  The main one is called the Ulitmate Christmas Cookbook, ISBN 1-897730-53-5.  I paid £2 for the copy I obtained although the pric...

We were up early this morning the pair of us; and so far it has been bright.  I went armed with my foraging bag which basically is a carrier bag holding a few more carriers, a roll of polythene bags, a pair of scissors and a pair of bright yellow Marigold gloves. .  I was intent on getting some Elderflowers for Champagne, Wine, Cordial and Curd and with it being bright I thought there might be a fair chance that they would be ideal conditions to pick.  OH had gone with the intention of checking to see whether there were any more puffballs, whilst I have been away he has had one or two but sadly there were none for the taking today.  Equally whilst we were out it started to rain quite heavily and so no Elderflowers today - I will have to go in the week as I want to put down quite a bit of Champagne and quite a bit of wine as well in readiness for Christmas.  I will possibly have to go in the week after work unless we go for another walk later on in the day....

Its been a busy day and I am now pretty shattered,  and it will not be long before I go up to bed - even if I don't sleep I will be resting. It has been a pleasant day all the same.  This evening it has been drizzling and it has gone chillier.  The honey bread did not come up as high as my usual bread recipe but it does taste very good - the sunflower seeds didn't fall out of the trap though.  Will have to have a look at that before I make another loaf tomorrow. I managed to get two bags of cherry tomatoes into the freezer and also a bag of green and yellow peppers. They are not in big bags so will squeeze into any little gap available in the freezer. I have also sorted some seeds out to sow over the next few days.  I have strawberries coming on in tubs and need to get a little salad stuff done  - sadly because of the weather I haven't managed to get much done this year but all being well that will be put right next year.  However I did manage...

Something lovely (well I think it is) and a recipe I go back to time and time again.  It is so simple to make and an ideal dish for your OH to cook (even when they are not used to the kitchen) and it is cheap too.  What did I have Hawaain chicken .  Here is the recipe here (sorry no photos still cannot find the camera) but take it from me it is delicious and an ideal meal to have if you have friends come round to supper too.  Here is the link: http://tarragonnthyme.blogspot.co.uk/2009/01/hawaain-chicken.html together with the recipe.  On paper it sounds an odd combination but it really does work and is very tasty. For afters we had English Strawberries a sprinkling of sugar and softly whipped double cream and it was scrummy. Right now we have tea out the way I will go and see how my honey and sunflower bread is doing. Catch you later Pattypan xxx

Whilst I have been away and with all the rain we have had the herb garden such as it is has gone ballistic so much so that I am going to preserve some of nature's bounty in ice cubes for use during the winter months.  The spearmint has really  put on a lot of growth as has the sage and thyme and lemon balm and the chives, so later on when it is quieter I am going to forage some of these goodies away.  I also intend to start drying the sage in bunches again for use during winter as it is something I use an awful lot of.  Will post instructions later on as to what I am up to.  We have roast pork for dinner tomorrow with hispi cabbage peas carrots and minted new potatoes and some roasties of potato, shallots, sweet potato and parsnip. I also intend to make a home made sage and onion stuffing too. I have picked up fresh English Strawberries for pudding for tonight and tomorrow just served with either Cornish ice cream or cream- umm yummy.  I think also som...

Just a quick post for this evening I am home after being away looking after my mum for the week.  We had fun and games at the hospital this morning as they were taking her dressing off; it was a four layer dressing and it was well and truly stuck mum nearly passed out whilst they were taking it off (a problem that she has and which had not reared its head for a while - the appointment should have been half an hour to change the dressing we were in there an hour and a quarter.  It would appear that the graft is beginning to take.  We will see what happens in the weeks ahead as mum has been recalled to see the skin specialist within the next fortnight.  Fingers crossed toes plaited that everything is going to be alright or PMA Positive Mental Attitude. I am back to work on Monday back into the fray; and I have  lot to do before then - OH is working all day tomorrow so will just be me Missy and the cats for tomorrow and I have a lot to do I think it will be an...

Solstice greetings to everyone.  The wheel has turned yet again another cog placed in the wheel of life. The year is creeping on and I feel slightly disconnected and out of sync. waiting for something although at this point not knowing what. I was up early this morning just as dawn was starting to creep in; mother was fast asleep I was hoping to see the dawn in full glory but the sky was overcast here in Deeping; and I had managed to get up.  I chose to linger for a while and was just on my way back when mum stirred in her sleep just before 04.00 a.m.    I crawled back into bed and hugged the quilt and the sheet.  It was later that we got the torrential rain  around 07.00 a.m. good for the plants in the garden after the stifling heat of the past few days and it also means that I don't have to water up for mum tonight apart from the tomatoes in the greenhouse which are starting to form and already have the significant tomato aroma.  It was the midd...

Hello Ladies and Gentleman This is the first time that I have had internet access since being at mum's.  Mum is doing well considering although finding it difficult to sit as the Doctor has ordered doing absolutely zilch with her leg raised on a stool.  She has been quite uncomfortable and sore bless her.  She is starting to improve; It has been nice to spend some quality time with her for a change, although I wish it was under slightly different circumstances.  I have been taking advantage of her skills in the frugality department and also the crafts department so have made the use of my time away with her.  I have managed to finish the blue and white throw that I started a little while ago, which is for her to throw over her legs to keep her warm whilst she is sitting.(think she is quietly chuffed with this)  I have also been driving her mad with me learning to knit a baby's jumper.  I am more used to hooking (crotchet) than knitting and so far i...

Well I hope it does; I am at Mother's looking after her.  If I get chance to post I will hopefully normal service will be resumed shortly, but if not please bear with me. Catch up soon Pattypan x

Things have been a tad hectic here this morning with trying to get OH to work despite a madly prancing Jack Russell barking excitedly and showing her displeasure at him leaving. in between me getting his shirt ironed etc and just being Missy.; full of fun and always laughing she is always grinning a happy little dog who just wants to play. Peace is reigning now she is cuddled up on the settee with me pretending to be asleep. Now its down to me with the mundane nd the routine to get myself sorted and then to wend my merry way to work, the last day until the 25 June 2012.  I am just sipping a cup of tea and savouring the quiteness of the morning now that peace has been restored.  I like peace and quiet in th morning just to come too gracefully.  I am uneasy at the moment, can't quite put my finger on it but we will see what we will see. The sun is out so it bodes well for a nicer day.; a new day to explore and discover new situations new people all new situatio...

Its a bit overcast here this morning; but at least it is not raining although it is still damp.  |I know the moisture does the plants good but I tend to seize up when it is damp and have problems moving about with ease.  Although overcast it is bright  I am hopeful of a better day all round. Pills seem to have worked for OH; he had them just gone 8 p.m. and was a jibbering fast asleep heap when I popped up to check he was okay.  He cannot remember me going in or the convesrtation I had with him - now I could really be mischievious here and tell him that he had promised this that or the other and I really could have pulled his leg.  However I was just grateful that he got some sleep.  He feels a lot better and looks a lot better this morning.  Its me that woke up at 5 a.m. again I hope this is not going to become a habit. Not a good one as I could be getting some serious sleep. I am hopefully meeting my friend Debs today for lunch' a trip to ...

Its normally flaming June  (No not my mother in high dudgeon) Its been a cold wet damp day which started really early for me 5.00 a.m. as OH could not sleep and wanted to talk; he has been having difficulty sleeping through the night only perhaps getting an hour or there and then waking up and not being able to get back to sleep.  It was decided that he would go to the Doctors just to be on the safe side- and he has been given a short term presciption of sleeping tablets to see if it will kick start some good sleeping habits for him - he is near enough out for the count now so have left him to get some decent shut eye. Just after posting this morning Demetri turned up tired, wet but all bushy tailed and wanted some grub; he has been in and out since but I think he is hunkered down in the dining room at the moment just pleased to have some company and stay in the warm.  At least he is safe. Have had a busy day at work non stop, but that is par for the course these days...

Its raining again as a suspected from the soft drizzle of last evening it is now gaining momentum as the tap tatppety tap of the rain landing on a hard surgace becomes more rythmic and noiser; traffic is going through puddles and you can hear the hiss and the roar in the house despite the double glaxing. Night has moved into day - another busy day ahead = we have members of staff returning from holiday and others starting their leave.  I have three days to get through before going to my mum's.  Bless her heart has her operation on the Thursday and her birthday on the Friday; shall have to make a  fuss of her. Must get ready for work now - hopefully the rain will not last too long. Demetri still has not put in an appearance - willo have to see if he turns up. Take care wherever you may be and I hope you have a good day Pattypan xx

Here in Peterborough it is raining again;  we haven't got the hooley just gentle rain falling in the dark velvet of the night; just gently falling - I suppose it is best overnight but I have a feeling we may have rain again in the morning. I hope not as I have to walk to work just hope I can find a brolly.  I am waiting for a loaf of bread to finish for OH's pack up for tomorrow it seems to be coming up well and will probably be done just past midnight.  Demetri is still not in and is nowhere to be seen; I shall leave the window on the latch for him to come and go if he wants leaving biscuits and water down for him although I am slighly concerned I have not seen him as he usually pops in for a fuss at least. I have sorted through a pile of socks to pair up and put away and have a pile that have no partner; not just one or two a whole stack of them.   I just don't know where they get to I think the washing machine has a gremlin that gobbles them up. I have my ha...

Its been a busy day today after the pastie session earlier on today.  They were extremely tasty but next time I make them will add a wee bit more pepper.   Since then I have been packing the clothes back into the walk in wardrobe the two 6 foot free standing pine wardrobes and the two double freestanding hanging rails.  I have also stripped the bed and put fresh bed linen on and also washed the nets and the windows and hoovered round the bedroom again.  I now have the undie drawers and the chest of drawers to sort out and re-pack so that everything can be found quite quickly.  Then once all that is done I have a plastic tub a large one that I now store the bedlinen in.  I am sadly missing my linen cupboard but I can't have it all ways although Ideally I would like both a large walk in wardrobe and a large linen closet; but not here.  Then all I have to do is polish again and then get the rugs down and we should have a completely done bedroom....

When I got up this morning the first thing I was greeted with was not good morning sweetheart are you okay but Trish will you make some pastry!  Did I miss something somwhere?  Ah well - as a result I have been kitchen bound  pottering for most of the morning - makes a change from the irnoning board. As a result I made a load of shortcrust pastry earlier on as we got some skirt beef out of the freezer yesterday and were intending to make pasties then; however the skirt beef had other ideas as it did not properly defrost.  This time I am quite chuffed with the pastry as it has come up better than it has before but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.   I make very short pastry- just the way it comes up - my mum has told me that I make pastry like her mum did.  After my last attempt when it went far  too short and did not even make it to rollking out properly  I asked my mum what I had done wrong and it turned out as I was m...

It has been a quiet day here today I have been busy with the ironing still have a bit to do; note to myself really must get in a routine with this.However I have been introspective my thoughts elsewhere remembering my father as it is four years since he passed. Four very hard long years.   What really distracted me today though was I heard a motorbike and thought it was him rolling up like he used to do when he was out and about for a ride just popping in for a coffee; for a moment my heart was in my mouth and then I realised that it was a friend a neighbour over the road and not my dad and then my heart sank for a different reason.  He wouldn't want us to be morbid - which I haven't been just still remembering him for all the right reasons and in my own way.  I have spent most of the day on my own as OH is on his computer which leaves me to my own thoughts and ideas and an ever decreasing pile of ironing. The wind has calmed down to what it was although it is a ...

Honest I only just sat down for a cuppa and I was nabbed just like that.  Spare lap comfy seat I am grabbing some of that whilst she is sat down - she won't dare move once I am on there.  Squeak decided I was fair game, she hadn't had a cuddle for a day or so and was for that moment in time going to make the most of the fact that I was on my own with no other interference (i.e. Missy or Demetri being about).  So she sat on me and wouldn't budge.  When she want's something she can be quite persistent. Anyway cuddle over (I wouldn't want her any other way) tea nearly drank and I am deciding what to do next.  I think I am going to get on with the ironing pile - it is slowly coming down but there is still a fair way to go. It was really rough last night - I was starting to fret as Demetri had gone out and hadn't returned, but he came in at the last minute.  I then lost Squeak I thought she had escaped whilst I was getting Demetri in - but the little madam d...

I feel loads better than I did yesterday although the weather has been pretty miserable.  Its blowing a hooley out there and we have had rain again today ugh! OH has not been too well today (not the same thing). We had chicken stir fry for tea with noodles.  I was starving so it went down extremely well and was very tasty. I am deep in the middle of a big pile of ironing at the moment (now the wardrobes are tidied out I thought it was about time I started to attack it and then get everything sorted and put away so that I can find things again.  I am watching a film at the moment which I haven't seen before "Mona Lisa Smile".  It is quite good and it is helping pass the time.  Once the ironing is done and put away I will start the lounge and get that all nice and tidy again - then that is the front of the house sorted. Well I better get back to the smoothing board Catch up soon I promise Rowan -  I intend to have the hottie bottie again tonight t...

Morning everyone, My early night did some good and I slept right through although I am still headachey this morning.  It is wet bustery and blowing a hooley this morning and I hope everyone is keeping safe.  Full Moon, spring tides, transit of Venus, all sliught variables that affect this weather of ours.  Its just I am getng fed up with the rain I could do with a little warmth in my bones again.  I got the hot water bottle out again last night and got myself cosy under the quilt and I am glad I did.  Just have to wait for this weather to blow out. Just keep safe wherever you are and have a good day I have to trot off to work now for another busy day Love to everyone Take care Pattypan xx

I am not feeling too well - I have a splitting headache and so I am off for an early night Take care - especially to my friends in the South West (especially with the weather as it is) and to everyone else wherever you may be. Nighty night Pattypan x

I am a bit down in the dumps today as we have rain again; so far it has been a very damp year and although we need the water it is getting me down a tad.  I just wish the warmer weather would put in an appearance soon.  We have had several urgent downpours today and the roads and drains have flooded out as the drains haven't been able to cope with the volume of water. I am so grateful that I did not have to walk home tonight. It has been heavy going at work as I have attempted to have a go at a couple of things to do with work that have never had to do before.  It is a steep learning curve and although it seem to be one step forward two steps back; I am hoping that I will get there eventually.  Fingers crossed toes plaited! The pancakes I had for breakfast (made two large ones with the mix I made up last night) were delicious and I served them with a fresh mandarin orange whizzed up in my kitchen whizzy thing and served it as a sauce.  I did not strain ...

For a little while now I have had a gadget in my kitchen which I call my Kitchen Whizzy thing; this is what I used to make the smoothie we had for breakfast yesterday; it comes with a couple of different sized blades a cross blade which is like the blade in the bottom of a Kenwood Chef liquidiser and a flat blade which supposedly is good for whipping cream.  Needless to say I got the wrong blade in the bottom of the whizzy thing but it still made a very rich thick creamy chocolate mousse which we had for tea on Tuesday evening. I shall post the recipe up later in the week.  The official name for the Kitchen Whizzy thing is the Amazing bullet and it is ideal for just doing bits and bobs for the two of us. I have made another smoothie for tomorrow morning this time banana for OH.  I am having strawberry again as although I love bananas I have a food sensitivity to them which causes a lot of discomfort.  so its best to steer clear of them.  I have also made th...

Its been a hectic day today - I have only been home a little while as I was out at the monthly meeting of the Pyschic and Spiratual Fellowship.  It was a very good meeting with our guest speaker this month being Moira Hibbert a Minister with the SNU It is always a delight to see Moira work as she really is tenacious and likes to give all spirit a voice. Since being in I have finished off the bread loaf that I started before I went out; I hardly had chance to grab more than a sandwich for tea before having to disappear out. I have also ironed OH's clobber for work tomorrow; the bread is primarily for his pack up.  I have also prepared a batter mix for pancakes for breakfast tomorrow.  Its another early start with me having to walk in again,, but that is par for the course at the moment.  Monday coming because of the shift OH is working I will have to walk in and walk home but on a positive note the exercise will do me good.  Tomorrow night will be time to pl...

Last evening I went for a little wander again on the Internet as you do when you have a few minutes just looking and having  a mosey.   Well that was after I had put on a loaf of bread for general use as we are well and truly out of bread.  Anyway back to the Internet.  There seems to be a bread or associated bread product theme developing here. I am always amazed at the ingenuity of people trying to solve a problem with whatever project  or task they have in mind as in the home made bread proving box referred to in my earlier post Equally I thought a heat pad was to apply pressure and heat to a physical injury - I have never thought of using it to prove my bread but it is an original solution to a direct problem. Where did I find this little gem, by surfing the Internet a week to ten days ago and I came upon this site whilse I was cruising through Pinterest. http://thepinkpeonyoflejardin.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/another-use-for-electric-heating-...

Well I got three medium sized pizzas for tonights tea out of the mix; after all that I could only eat one half of mine as I was stuffed (unfortunately I don't have a very big appetite these days) so OH finished it off for me.  They were very tasty.  The bonus is that we have cold pizza for lunchboxes tomorrow with some salad.  Not sure what we are going to have for tomorrow nights tea - shall have a think on that one.  I am out tomorrow night so I will need something nice and quick.  We had home made chocolate mousse for pudding as well.  I still cannot locate my camera - so am unable to give you photos but it was very yummy.  OH liked the pizza and the pudding I like it when I am in the mood to cook  and also get to play trouble is when I get into the swing of things time seems to pass really quickly and I end up running out of time.  Pity I have to work.  I could have so much more play time. Right have to get ready for tomorro...

After brilliant sunshine this morning, we have had rain and now it has gone dull again and a little chilly.  I am holding fast to not putting the heating on so am wrapped up in layers to keep myself warm.   It was full moon last night and as is so often the case because of the position of the house I don't often get to see her unless I go out specifically into the street to see her which I did last night..  It was a beautiful full moon and not a cloud in sight bringing to a conclusion yet another cycle.  I just wish I was in the countryside where there is less light pollution to see her fully in her glory like down in Cornwall or up in Scotland. Well the bedroom is nearly done well and truly bottomed out.  I am back to work again tomorrow; and as I did not feel like doing too much for tea this evening we are having home made pizza and being as I have quite a few ingredients in it makes perfect sense to make use of what I have.  I posted about pizza...

Its a lovely morning here in Peterborough sun is shining and as usual I have loads to do but hey its only the depth that varies with me. Last night's recycling expedition did not work out too badly; I have two cotton shirts OH does not want anymore so it is a start and I have some navy, black and white cotton tea shirt fabric that is destined to be recycled into yarn.  The polo shirts I was particularly looking for in respect of doing  clippie style rug - OH had already disposed of them so I kind of dipped out there, but hey never mind its a start and can be added to very gradually and then re-purposed and used to make a mat of one description or the other; and now I know what I am looking for I can keep my eye out for more.at very little cost apart from time and effort..  The thing is I start off one one craft and end up with it developing a mind of its own and taking me in a slightly different direction.  The scrap bag is becoming more valuable by the minute a...

Its been a busy day and it hasn't finished yet.  The weather after bright sunshine this morning has been very variable one minute sun the next black clouds and rain.  I was hoping to get elderflowers this weekend but that will have to wait until the forthcoming weekend.  I am determined to make at least a couple of batches of elderflower champagne this year.  I have located quite a few missing bottles - they were not where they were supposed to be, but at least I have found them. We have had an early tea tonight home made chips, scampi, baked beans and onion rings served with bread and butter,  It went down very well. I have a short meeting with OH in a few minutes as we have a date with his wardrobe i.e. sorting out what is good and what can go to the rag bag.  I daren't tell him I have designs on his outcasts in an effort to recycle old clothes into something that will be useful in the house.  Cotton tea shirts are going to be re-cycled this way:...

Good morning.  It would be nice just once to be able to come too peacefully in my own time without a Jack Russell landing on me desperate for fuss and determined to get me up playing bouncy bouncy everywhere and not being too gentle with where her paws land!   Its a lovely day here in Peterborough the sun has his hat on and there is no rain.  It has rained again all night, but it is so nice to see the sun again.  I didn't put the heating on last night even though it went really cold I just threw another quilt on the bed as I don't do cold very well and its always lovely to cosy on under a quilt  so comfy. Demetri escaped again last night.  Not the most fortuitous night to escape; I left the window open for him but it would appear that he did not come in until about 6 am.  When I got up he was on his blanket under the table and looked a pretty sorry sight - completely knackered desperately trying to get some shut eye and there was us lot rovin...

After I posted last night I was busy minding my own business, pottering on the internet and listening to the TV. [ I have started a baby jumper and done the rib, so it will be a case of pick it up put it down until it is finished every time I get a few minutes to spare. I am not renowned for my knitting skills; its not that I can't knit I just tend to really end up momentum as it doesn't grow as quickly as crotchet.] All of a sudden a very wet cat came charging in (Demetri) and howling for his supper.  Up until then I had no idea that it was raining he was drenched poor little chap.  I soon got him sorted out and snuggled down for the night. It then rained all night; and its done nothing but rain again all day today if I stand still too long I will end up going rusty.  Needless to say it hasn't stopped me pottering about doing a bit here and there although I have slightly deviated on what I had planned. Its been a caravan day and caravan days are usually wet days...

No peace for the wicked (although I am not quite sure what I have or haven't done!)  I am trying to make the best time and use of the time I have to get the house nice and tidy prior to me disappearing to my mum's to look after her Removing furniture and items from my bedroom - I am in the process of having a major bottom out;  Curtains are going to be washed tomorrow and re-hung - the carpet is going to be cleaned and the wardrobes and chests of drawers  polished with beeswax and then sorted and any suitable items being put aside for the local charity shop.  I am also going to go through OH's wardrobe and sort out those items he does not want any more.  I am hoping that there are some shirts he doesn't want anymore that I can re-utilise in the patchwork bag and hopefully make a good start to a quilt (am thinking jelly roll here).  I have also located a small tray embroidered tray cloth which I am going to turn into some lavender sachets I have already dec...

It is a dull grey chilly Saturday morning here in Peterborough a distinct change from the lovely weather we have had during the week and the intermittent rain.  I don 't really do grey - it is a nothing sort of colour it tends to get me down (there was grey wallpaper in this house when we moved in which has been replaced with bright pinks yellows and golds, whites lilac and purple and pinks and greens - as I love colour) but it does play its part as it helps blend all those other colours we have in our lives it fills any nook and cranny and helps hold the bigger picture in place in this rich mixture of our sometimes simple sometimes very complicated lives. The bigger picture  - what does that mean it is something often that we know is there, but it does not always become clear or reveal itself easily  as it is made up of lots of little bits that independently don't mean much but when blended together well it can create something fantastic.  We are all works in p...