Winter memories . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

One of the things I really loved to do as a child in the Winter time was to play out in the snow. We spent 6 years in Manitoba, living in a small town next to Lake Winnipeg, called Gimli, and it was very cold there in the Winter, with lots and lots of snow . . . but I can't remember ever feeling the cold. Perhaps children do not feel the cold like adults do . . . I am sure it was often -27*C or -30*C or even colder . . . with any wind chill added, that would have been very cold indeed. Our breath would puff around in the air about our heads like little chilly frozen winter clouds . . .

I do remember being bundled up within an inch of my life though, so much so that it was a wonder that I could move about with any freedom at all. There would be the ski pants, which were thick and insulated . . . the lining quilted and filled with stuffing of some sorts, probably wool . . . a thick wool coat, also lined with a quilted and stuffed lining. A thick wool cap with ear coverings would be on my head and a wool scarf would be wound about my neck and face . . . on really cold days only my eyes would be exposed, because . . . well, you needed to be able to see where you were going. I would have on my wool stockings (of course) and several pairs of socks and shoes and then my feet would be stuffed into these brown plastic winter boots, which were also lined and had wooley fur cuffs around the top of the insides . . . to keep snow from getting down into there I presume. On really cold days, two pairs of mittens were essentials to keep the hands from freezing. Thus attired, I would be set to go and could spend several hours outside playing with my friends.

Source: bonjour-celine.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

And play we did . . . oh what fun we would have, making snowmen and building snow forts, slipping and sliding on the frozen smooth roads which were pounded down to a lovely slippery surface by the many cars that would pass over them during the week . . . just perfect for sliding on. I can remember running as quickly as I could and then sliding . . . seemingly gliding across that smooth surface for miles . . . but it was probably only inches. You know children's imaginations . . . I remember one of the neighbors building his children a real live igloo in the back garden one year. What a magnet that was for the neighborhood kids. I can remember sitting inside it's icy coolness and looking up at the sky through the hole in the centre of it's roof. It seemed just like a magical place . . . all cool . . . and eerily quiet inside . . . the light tinted mysteriously blue . . .

The snow seemed to sparkle back then . . . it's surface glinted like a million diamonds underneath the light of the sun. It would get very hard on the surface and you could walk along it's hard crust without falling down into it. You could punch down into it if you tried really hard . . . which was a game in and of itself . . . I can still remember the sound that my boots would make when they punched down into it. It was a magic world . . .

Source: conversationpieces.co.uk via Marie on Pinterest

Often a neighbor would have built a snow slide in the back garden for all the neighborhood kids to use to slide down. This involved shoveling and stacking all the snow up into a huge mound. . .with one side angled at the perfect angle for a sled to slide down with some speed. That side would have been watered . . . along with a good length of snow in front of it, in order to get the most speed and length possible from such an endeavor . . . we lived on the prairies . . . there were no real hills to slide down. Improvisation was the order of the day. Once frozen solid it was like a huge icy slip and slide, that was just wonderful to slide down and across.

I can remember always envying the children who had what we called a flying saucer . . . a big metal disc sort of shaped like a flat bowl, with two leather or fabric handles at the sides to hold on to. Kind of like a big aluminium frisbee. These flew like the clappers and twirled you around at the same time! We had to make do with a flat piece of coloured plastic . . . I forget what they were called now . . . but I know that they were cheap and colourful. The exhilaration of sliding down was fabulous, and I can't remember there ever being any arguments. Everyone seemed to wait their turn and get along with each other.

Source: kevinandamanda.com via Marie on Pinterest

Other days we would go skating at the outdoor rink. In those days you could have an outdoor rink. There was none of the freezing and thawing that makes it almost impossible nowadays. The ground froze in November and stayed frozen right through to the spring. I lived on an airbase and long about the end of October the base would put up a fenced in area just outside of the school. It seemed huge, but probably wasn't much larger than about 3 back gardens . . . once the snow began to fall and the ground began to freeze, they would flood it with water, which would then freeze and provide the perfect surface for ice skating. They even strung electric lights across so that you could see at night. There were several covered shacks erected nearby, with seats in them so that you could put your skates on right on site . . . nobody ever worried about anyone stealing their boots. It just didn't happen back then. I can remember skating for hours on Saturday afternoons. It was so much fun!! All my friends would be there too.

It is no wonder there were not many overweight kiddies in those days . . . we all spent our days outside, winter or summer . . . playing and running and just moving about. Hot or cold . . . it made no difference. We very seldom were indoors. I can still remember how in the wintertime everyone's cheeks would be so red and cold when we came back in from playing outside . . . how the inside of our scarves would smell like wet wool . . . and the line my mother always kept up which stretched from the furnace in the utility room to the wall . . . which is where all the mittens and scarves, caps and extra socks would be hung to dry until the next time. Our heads would be all sweaty from all the exertion of play and extra layers of wool. It always felt extra warm and cosy indoors after having been outside . . . looking back with my rose coloured glasses . . . it felt like family should feel . . . warm and safe and right. I have no other explanation for it . . .

Source: fotocommunity.de via Marie on Pinterest

Oh, I have enjoyed going back in my mind and thinking back on those days this morning . . . thanks so much for humouring me. I would love to hear about your childhood winter memories. Please do share!

We were not in town for very long yesterday. All of a sudden my knees which have been doing so very well for these past 6 months gave out and I was in agony. It was all I could do to hobble back to the bus. I will be calling the Doctor tomorrow to get an appointment for more shots. I was in serious pain and still am today. I'm ok sitting, but it's when I get up to move that it starts . . . it's quite difficult going up and down the stairs . . . I kept the wheat bag on it all evening and in bed, and am going to go and heat it up again so that I can apply it once more. I have had a good run of relatively painless movement these last few months so I mustn't complain . . . hopefully a couple more shots will knock it back for a few more months. I do so want to go to my daughter's wedding in July, but cannot imagine being able to manipulate the airports and sitting on an airplane for the 6 hours it requires with knees like they are right now. I will be going on my own so Todd will not be with me. I will be staying off my feet as much as possible today!

Here is a delicious and easy supper that even my pasta hating husband enjoys, from time to time that is . . . he grumbles a little bit . . . but he tucks in anyways, and often has seconds. It's very simple to make and very tasty! From the Big Blue Binder, of course! (Only the best recipes are in there!)



*Cheeseburger Spaghetti Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

All the flavours of your favourite cheeseburger baked in a spaghetti crust.

For the Crust:
6 ounces uncooked vermicelli or spaghetti
1 large free range egg
1 TBS prepared mustard

For the filling:
1 pound extra lean minced beef
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 cup cooked real bacon pieces (about 4 slices)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
9 burger slice pickles

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spray a 9 1/2 inch glass pie dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well. Beat the egg and mustard together in a large bowl. Toss in the cooked pasta. Toss together to coat evenly, then press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared pie dish, pushing the mixture up the sides to form a crust.

Crumble the meat into a large nonstick skillet. Add the onion and sprinkle with the seasoned salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain well. Stir in the bacon and tomato sauce. Spoon this mixture evenly into the spaghetti lined pie dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.

Bake for half an hour. Top with the pickle slices and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additonal 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve.

I like to serve this with a nice tossed salad on the side and some crusty french bread.



Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Apricot Bread Pudding.

Ha Ha Ha . . .

Source: google.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Anyone who ever meets my eldest daughter Eileen, cannot help but fall in love with her. She is such a special spirit and despite any handicap she has had to learn to cope with, she is one of the most handi-capable and happiest people you could ever want to meet. She has the loveliest laugh. It peals out like aa church bell tinkling in the early morning air, inviting all who are within it's earshot to share in her love and zest for life.

In thinking about her beautiful smile and laugh this morning, I am reminded of that old saying . . . "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you." Indeed it is true, the sound of laughter echoing across a room can be quite infectious.

I have heard laughter described as being "God's Sunshine," and the happy times in life are what most of us like to keep in our mind and reflect back upon. Fun and light-hearted moments should be prescribed as a part of our daily lives, to be taken at least once daily and in company of friends. What a difference that would make in the world.

Source: google.com via Katie on Pinterest

The study of laughter is known as "gelotology," and people who study it are called "Gelogologists." (You learn something new every day!) They have come to surmise that there are many reasons people laugh . . . We laugh when we find something funny, and when we are embarrassed or when we want to avoid a difficult situation. We also use laughter to build friendships with people. For example, we are 30 times more likely to laugh in front of other people than when we’re alone.

It is also interesting to note that children can laugh up to 200 times a day, whilst adults, on average, only laugh up to 20 times a day. That could be why kids have more fun! They also say that laughing is good for your health. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Laughter is the best medicine’? It has been scientifically proven that laughter benefits our health and our immune system, in particular. Laughing is good for you. It relaxes you and makes you feel good by releasing chemicals into your bloodstream.

Source: mybodypeaceofmind.tumblr.com via Danell on Pinterest

All science aside . . . I happen to think that laughter is just plain good all round. It brings joy into our lives and into the lives of those around us. It helps us to feel good and can get us through some very tough times. They say that the happiest people are those who can laugh at themselves. I like to think of laughter as a way for the soul to dance. There are some days I'm sure my soul must look just like Gene Kelley in "Singing in the Rain." And that can't be bad.

“A day without laughter is like living in darkness; you try to find your way around, but you can't see clearly.”
― Emily Mitchell

I have to say that we thoroughly enjoyed the film "War Horse." If you haven't gone to see it you really must. It was beautiful and very moving. I even cried at one point. It was beautifully filmed and the story was quite inspiring. If you only go to see one movie this year, I highly recommend this one. Tuesdays is cheap day at our local cinema. You get in for just about half price. The theatre was filled with grey and wrinklies, of which I guess I am now one when I really think about it! How did that happen???? I guess it kind of sneaks up on you! The only down side to our afternoon was the old man who sat down right in front of Todd and kept his stocking cap on throughout the whole movie. It was standing straight up and added at least 4 inches to his height. I kept hoping he would take it off . . . as any gentleman would . . . but he did not. Oh well . . . what can you do . . .

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone. Be well, be blessed, be loved . . . and . . . don't forget to laugh!!

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Terrie on Pinterest

This is one of my favourite ways to prepare chicken. You can buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself, or you can buy chicken already cut into pieces. The nice thing about the crumbs is that you can make up the whole batch and then only use what you need, storing the remainder in a container in the freezer. That way you have a chicken coating mix ready to use whenever you need it. It uses potato flakes so it is gluten free, which is great for anyone who is on a wheat and gluten free diet! (Note: do remove any crumb mixture which you plan to freeze before coating your chicken.)



*Crisp Oven Fried Chicken*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

The flavour and crunch of fried chicken without any of the hassle or mess!

1 1/2 cups of mashed potato flakes (dried)
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup of butter, melted
1 large free range egg
1 TBS water
3 to 3 1/2 pounds of chicken pieces, skin removed if desired

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with foil wrap and then spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the potato flakes, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and mix all together well. In another bowl combine the egg and water, beating that together well also.

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then roll them in the potato mixture, thoroughly coating them on all sides. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is fork tender and the juices run clear.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Plum Fudge Puddings!

Summertime memories on a Winter's afternoon . . .

Source: themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Todd and I love watching old television shows. We often tune into the Gold Channel on the telly and we have lots of dvd's of old sitcoms, which we watch frequently. (It is surprising that despite having SKY television, there is often nothing on the tube to watch or at least that we feel like watching!) Last night we watched some Country Files that we had taped over the holidays and then we watched an episode of Leave It To Beaver just before we retired for the night. It was the one where Beaver and Wally go camping in the back yard.

It's raining cats and dogs. Beaver says to Wally that Eddie told him that if you touch a tent on the inside when it's raining it starts a leak. He touches the inside of the tent to see if it's true . . . and sure enough . . . it starts to leak. "That's crazy!" says Wally, and then he touches the inside of the tent. Sure enough up springs another leak . . . and then it came to me . . . something I had forgotten entirely . . .

Source: flickr.com via Enifur on Pinterest

The memory came rushing back and filled my mind with the smell and sound and all the joys of days gone by. One year, when my brother, sister and I were young children . . . my parents bought us a tee pee. It wasn't a really fancy one . . . with bright colours or anything, or with sticks poking out the top. Ours was orange, and it had the black silouette of an American Indian printed on the outside.

It smelled like a strange mixture of canvas, wax and petroleum. We thought it was cool. You could sit in there, in the orange twilight and block out all the outside world. Things seemed quieter in there. Things seemed special in there. In there, we were Indian Princesses and Princes. I remember laying in there with my face pressed against the grass (it wasn't a fancy one . . . there was no floor) and I would daydream about what it would be like to be a real Indian.

Of course it was my childlike imaginations of what a real Indian was like . . . not the reality. These imaginations had evolved from having watched hours of Saturday afternoon matinees at the local cinema, and Cowboy films with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans . . . Hop Along Cassidy . . . and of course Sunday Evening hours spent watching Bonanaza. Some days I imagined myself to be Annie Oakley, pigtails flying in the wind as I practiced my sharp shooting for the imaginary Wild West Show.

Source: betterphoto.com via Enifur on Pinterest

Sometimes I just lay in there and read . . . in my own private orange lit oasis. It made playing house better. We didn't have to stretch a blanket over a skipping rope across the front porch anymore. We had an actual dwelling, and many a salad composed of grass, dandelion heads and chickweed was tossed inside it's confines. . . . plastic babys were lulled to sleep . . . and imaginary husband's were chastised and told to take their feet off the coffee table.

We used to beg our mother to let us spend the night outside in it, but . . . of course . . . we were never allowed. I think she knew it would be a sleepless night for her. A night where we would want to come crawling back into the house at three or four in the morning. Besides we had no sleeping bags . . .

Source: theconstantbuzz.com via Enifur on Pinterest

Every child should have a tee pee to help fuel their dreams and imaginations. Things so ordinary are sadly lacking in today's mad rush of video games, television and computer technology. I suppose a child today would probably find it quite boring actually. The child which lives in my memory though, would love to go back and once again feel the innocence and the lack of urgency that runs our modern lives . . . once again to smell that odd smell . . . once again to be an Indian Princess in a small, small world . . . if only for a day or a moment or two . . .

I wish you Summer memories
To warm each Winter's day,
And all the hope and joy of Spring,
When Winter slips away . . .
I wish you many blessings
Along the path you tread,
And all the love of all the years
To light the way ahead.
~Iris Hesselden

Source: tumblr.com via Enifur on Pinterest

Isn't the mind a wonderful thing? I do believe that I actually was back in that old orange teepee for a few minutes! Did anyone else have a teepee??? I know . . . I am a big daydreamer and time waster . . . but I can't help myself. I think all creative people are like that, don't you?

I haven't had one of these delicious treats in years. My, but it's so very good to revisit an old friend like this after such a long absence . . . I love delicious friends such as these . . .


*Aunt Ferns Coconut Cookies*
Makes about 4 dozen
Printable Recipe

Aunt Fern was my ex husband's Aunt on his mother's side. She lives in an rambling old farmhouse set amongst huge old oak trees in the beautiful countryside of rural Prince Edward Island, and these cookies are exactly what country cooking is all about. Crisp, buttery, wholesome and moreish as the British say. I bet you can't eat just one!

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flaked coconut
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped pecan nuts (not in the original recipe, but something I like to add)

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Line some baking sheets with aluminum foil and then spray them lightly with cooking spray.

Cream together the butter and the sugars, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Stir this into the creamed mixture. Stir in the coconut, oats and pecan nuts. Mix well.

Drop by tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly browned.

Remove from the oven and let sit on the baking sheet for several minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling.




Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Golden Rice and Chicken Pilaf!

“What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are — and who we will become.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, December 20th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
It is cold, dark and damp. That is winter in the UK. Only rarely do we have snow . . . but we always have wet. ☺

I am thinking...
I have decided to attend my children's weddings irregardless of what a certain person may wish. I know that it is really "them" who don't want me to go, but I am just going to have to put on my thick skin and go. My mom talked to my daughter and she really wants me there and so I will not disappoint her, no matter how uncomfortable or unwanted certain other people may try to make me feel. My daughter's feelings are the most important feelings. I am her mother and nobody can change that no matter how much they may want to do so.

I am thankful for...
The love and support of my oldest son. He has always been there for me, even when he may have thought I was making poor choices or he didn't agree with my actions. He has never judged me or found me wanting. He has always only ever loved me and always will. That means the world to me.

From the kitchen...
ohhhh . . . there's those three little elves . . . naughty, Naughty and Naughtier!

I am wearing...
Pink nightie (M&S), Pink jim jam bottoms, pink slippers, aqua robe. Layering for warmth and comfort . . . again! Hmmm . . . I seem to always be wearing those on Wednesday's . . . perhaps next week I will surprise you and be wearing something different!!

I am creating...
I might as well show you this. The person it was intended for is obviously not interested now.



I had done this for someone by request, but they have not answered any of my e-mails so I offer it up to you now. I thought it turned out quite nice. What do you think?

I am going...
Not a lot on this week, thank goodness! I have one more sister to Visit Teach. She has children so I want to make some cookies to bring to her. I will get Todd to go with me if I can. My regular partner has had a fall and hurt her arm so she cannot drive. I might try to get into town one more time before Christmas and bring my camera this time because I want to show you the Christmas Village outside the town hall and the Chester Wheel is back again this year, but in a much nicer place.

I am reading...



Cross Stitch, by Diane Gabaldon (first in the Outlander series)

It has been a very long time since I have read anything deemed to be historical romance, although at one time I read a lot of them. I was particularly drawn to stories with either vikings or scotsmen wearing kilts in them.

The novel is not easily classified by a single genre. On one level, the work is a romance novel with a focus on the romantic relationship between the two main characters. The book could be described as a work of historical fiction with a detailed account of 18th century Scottish clan life. The novel could also be considered fantasy with a plot propelled by magical time travel as the main character, a woman named Claire, journeys from 1945 to the 18th century.

Cross Stitch(published in the US as Outlander) is the first novel in a series of seven by Diana Gabaldon. The book focuses on two main characters, Claire Randall (née Beauchamp) and James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser, and takes place in 18th- and 20th-century Scotland. It was awarded the RITA Award for "Best romance novel" of 1992, so it's not a really recent novel.

So far, whilst it isn't what I would consider to be "great" literature, I am finding it to be somewhat of a page turner and quite entertaining. I think we all need to read something light once in a while. I just skim over the mushy parts . . . where they would have held my interest when I was younger, I just find them boring now. Funny how that goes . . .

I am hoping...
That Todd feels completely better by Christmas. He hasn't been very well for about a week now. I've had him on a strict diet of applesauce, poached chicken, rice and flat gingerale. He felt better yesterday finally and I am hoping that continues. It has been such a worry for me. We found each other so late in life I don't want to lose him now!

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds as the world wakes up around me. Every day sounds. Peaceable and comforting. The odd sound of a car as it passes . . . the clock ticking . . . Mitzie chewing on her bone . . . the keys tap-tapping. Home Sweet Home. I also have Michael Buble's Christmas album playing in the background. Did any of you watch his Christmas special?? I really enjoyed it. He is quite a character!

Around the house...

Source: thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I just think this is soooooo cute!! I couldn't do it on my stairs of course, as they are carpeted, but what a fabulously unique idea! Not that I want real mice in my house . . . or course!!! Little paper ones would be ok though. I've always wanted a mice hole though, in one wall. A little door that you can open and then when you peer inside you see a perfect little mouse house, with furniture and everything. I think it would be quite wonderful. Yes . . . I love little doors in garden hedges or on tree stumps too. They make my imagination tick!

I am looking forward to...
The Carol Service at our church on Christmas Eve. It is one of my favourite services of the year. I love the special feeling that is present, the music, the excitement of the children . . . tis one of the things that helps to make Christmas spiritual and precious.

If I could change one thing it would be ...
Everyone would follow the Saviour. I mean really follow the Saviour and truly exemplify his teachings, love the word of God, love their neighbour . . . try always to do as Jesus would do. If that was the case, there wouldn't be too much in the world that was unpleasant would there?

One of my favourite things...
Is writing this daybook. I look forward to it every week. I hope that you look forward to reading it as much as I look forward to writing it!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



This is our little fur baby before her grooming session last week. She looked like a little furry Yeti! I must say she isn't all that impressed with my picture taking is she?



This is her after the grooming session. She always looks like a different dog! The white in her coat is always more noticeable, especially the white on top of her head. I like having her all bathed and sweetly groomed for Christmas. I had wanted to get her some reindeer antlers for Christmas but was not able to find any and so . . . she is antlerless. I don't think she minds, do you???

Source: blog.styleestate.com via Marie on Pinterest

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others."
~President Thomas S Monson, (First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2011, Because He Came)

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!


Here's a delightfully delicious cake that originates in Nova Scotia. I believe the recipe came from a Community Cookbook at one time. It's been in my Big Blue Binder for years. It would be great for Christmas sprinkled with Christmas Sprinkles I think!



*Sour Cream Cake*
Serves 10 - 12
Printable Recipe

This is an old recipe which hails from the southern shores of Nova Scotia where I am from. Dense and moist is falls somewhere between a pound cake and an ordinary layer cake. The Lemon glaze is it's crowning glory.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups caster sugar
6 large eggs
3 cups plain flour, sifted
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup dairy sour cream
GLAZE:
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
the juice of 2 lemons

Pre-heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Butter a 10 inch tube pan and lightly dust with flour, shaking out any excess.

Put the butter into a large bowl and cream it with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Continue to beat it as you gradually add the sugar, beating it all in well. Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and a pinch of salt. Stir together the sour cream and the vanilla.

Add the flour to the creamed mixture in thirds, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Do not over beat, or the cake will be tough.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not open the oven door while it is baking. The cake is done when it is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. If the cake is not done at the end of the hour and a half, bake for an additional 15 minutes before testing again.

Remove from the oven to a wire rack and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing from the pan onto the wire rack. Let cool completely before glazing.

To glaze combine the icing sugar and the lemon juice until smooth. Spoon over the cake and allow it to drizzle down the sides.

If you are like me and like a bit of magic, sprinkle fairy dust and magic over the top before the glaze sets.



In The English Kitchen today, some delicious Porkie Pies . . . delightfully tasty littel butter cream topped date tartlettes!

Poetry Saturday . . . Children's Song

Source: iheartfaces.com via Marie on Pinterest

We live in our own world.
A world that is too small
For you to stoop and enter
Even on hands and knees,
The adult subterfuge

Source: prettypic.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

And although you probe and pry
With analytic eye,
And eavesdrop all our talk
With an amused look,
You cannot find the centre

Source: mypansyeyes.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Where we dance, where we play,
Where life is still asleep
Under the closed flower,
Under the smooth shell
Of eggs in the cupped nest
That mock the faded blue
Of your remoter heaven.
~R S Thomas

Source: google.com via Marie on Pinterest

Don't you ever just wish you could be a child again, if only for a moment . . . and be able to recapture all the innocence and joy that was yours before you knew the world was round, and the reality of life punched a hole into your balloon? Every once in a while I catch a little glimpse but it is fleeting at best . . .



I did a bit of a self portrait the other afternoon. I fell in love with it. I do seem to lose myself in another world when I am painting and creating. It's all quite lovely. I suppose it is then that I escape and run away into childish thoughts and dreams . . .

As usual it is available as a card or a print.

If you could spare a few happy thoughts or prayers for our good friend Sybil (A Day in the Life) right now. She's had a hard year filled with great loss, and has just had to have her much beloved pup Dee put down. If you could pop over and give her some positivity that would be lovely, and I know she would appreciate it so very much. It is so heartbreaking when we have to say farewell to our furry family members and we feel their loss as keenly as we would any family member. Sybil is a dear sweet friend and it grieves me that she should have to suffer yet again another blow . . . Sybil, we love you and are carrying you in prayer.

When my kids were growing up I made this tasty supper dish at least once a week for them. They loved it. It’s an old recipe given to me by the mother of a friend out in Alberta when we lived there. It’s called Goulash, but I always told the kids it was called Monkey in the Middle . . . probably because I always put it into the middle of their plates and surrounded it with rice or noodles and a vegetable on the outside. They couldn’t wait to devour it. I’m not sure if that was because it was so delicious or because of the name . . . most likely it was both. This is another recipe from my Big Blue Binder.



*Mrs McNevin’s Goulash*
Serves 4 - 6
Printable Recipe

I have an old blue binder that holds recipes that I have collected from friends and family and magazines throughout the many years. This one is a real treasure and I never make it but what I don’t think of Mrs. McNevin. The mother of a friend of ours, she was so kind to me, a young bride living far away from the bosom of my own family. She took me under her wing and treated me just like one of her own. This deliciously spicy stewed meat goes very well with rice or noodles.

2 pounds of stewing beef, trimmed of any fat and cut into cubes
2 TBS cooking oil
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
½ cup tomato catsup
2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
1 TBS soft light brown sugar, packed
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika
½ tsp dry mustard powder
¼ cup flour
1 cup water

Pre-heat the oven to 160*C/325*F/ gas mark 3. Season the meat lightly and coat it in the flour.

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet and add the meat. Brown it very well on all sides. Add the onion and garlic, Cook for a few minutes longer until the vegetables are softened and quite fragrant.

Add the catsup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, paprika and dry mustard. Stir it all together well. Stir in the water.

Tip it all into a casserole with a lid and then put it into the oven to cook for 2 hours or so, until the meat is very tender and the sauce is thickened. Delicious!



Over in The English Kitchen today, you will find some deliciously scrummy Fruit and Nut Flap Jacks!

The Twilight of the year . . .

How beautiful are the grey-blue twilights of October. I sit at the window looking out at the first stars that appear . . . pricking through the dusk, but all too soon darkness falls . . . a golden crescent moon hangs in the sky . . .

It is time to lower the blinds and draw in the curtains . . . time to light the lamps.



Oh, it is lovely in the evening . . . the time when one can rediscover the joys and comforts of home, softly lit rooms . . . the hearth all cosy and warm . . .

The wood snaps and crackles and the air is filled with that familiar scent . . . it is the smell of autumn . . .



One can sit and watch the flames for hours . . . a blanket covering the knees tucked up underneath you, a good book for reading on your lap . . . a soft light over head.

The flames flicker and cast their magic spell about the room . . . they sing a song . . . home . . . home . . . sweet, sweet home . . . a place to perfectly catch the mood of the season . . .



Such is the tranquility of spirit that comes only at this time of year . . . at the twilight of the year . . .

Have you ever felt that you were standing upon the precipace of something big?? I feel like that right now and it is altogether exciting and a little bit frightening as well. Only time will tell . . . but . . . wish me luck and say a little prayer or two . . . hopefully all will be revealed soon . . . soon . . .



Off to puppy school today. Mitzie is coming along ever so well. She is friendly to everyone she meets, and quite affectionate. She's laying next to me right now and it is such a lovely feeling. I was missing that . . .

Here’s a little delicacy I picked up through the years. My mom would make this sometimes when we were kids and it was always a real treat. Of course her's only had salt and pepper for seasoning. She discovered this recipe way back when we were living in Germany in the 1950’s. She always did it with veal which was not something she could often get. I like to make it with turkey or chicken breasts, or even pork fillets pounded flat. It’s always delicious.



*Wiener Schnitzel*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Traditionally made with veal steaks I more often than not make this with turkey or pork. It’s easy to do and always delicious! Serve with some lemon wedges for squirting over the finished dish!

1 pound of turkey cutlets, or pork fillet
(cut into 2 inch thick pieces)
(if you can get it veal cutlets are very good)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 tsp sweet paprika
Garlic granules
Salt and pepper to taste
1 TBS parsley flakes
2 tsp lemon juice
1 large egg
Oil for cooking

Pound the meat until it is about ¼ inch thick. Season each piece lightly with salt, pepper and garlic granules and set aside.

Beat the egg together with the lemon juice in a shallow dish. Put the bread crumbs along with the paprika and parsley flakes into another shallow dish. I like them up on the counter in a row….first the plate of meat, then the dish with the egg and finally the breadcrumbs.

Into a large skillet pour oil, approximately ¼ inch deep and heat until the oil bubbles when you drop in a few bread crumbs.

Dip your meat, one piece at a time, into the egg and then into the bread crumbs, coatingwell. Fry in the hot oil until golden brown on each side. Place on a paper towel lined baking tray and keep warm in the oven until you are finished cooking them all.

Serve hot with lemon wedges. Delicious!



In The English Kitchen today, some scrummy Buttermilk Scone Muffins!