Learning to fly on the wings of love . . .

Source: thelittlecorner.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

When I was about 6 years old, I got my first and the only bicycle I ever had as a child. I had a little job cleaning telephone booths and saved up the money I made by doing so to buy it. Way back in the olden days not alot of people had telephones in their homes, so there were a lot more telephone booths scattered about. I guess there must have been 6 or 7 of them in our small sub division in Gimli, Manitoba, and each week I would go around to them all and clean them. I would wash the floor, pick up any garbage, etc. I got $1 a week and to a 6 year old that's plenty of moolah!

I started when I was 5 ( I know amazing eh? How many 5 year olds would do that today!) I saved and saved and finally I had enough money, not only to buy myself a Brownie uniform, but also a bicycle! A brand new CCM bicyle! It was blue, with a blue and white seat. Nothing spectacular by today's standards, but it was pretty special to me! I also had enough to buy myself a little red bicycle horn with a fantastic propeller on the front and a red wire basket to match!

Source: stumbleupon.com via Marie on Pinterest

My dad taught me to ride my new bicycle in the back garden of our small two bedroom house on Willow Drive. It had a lovely sloping grassed area with a nice big fence separating it from the train tracks, so it was pretty safe there . . . and well cushioned should I fall down.

My bicycle was a full sized bike . . . so it was quite a stretch for my little legs, but I perched myself up on it's seat and my dad ran along with me, holding onto the back of the seat, countless times. I sat there . . . my little face grinning, the wind blowing through my hair and adrenaline pumping through my veins. I knew I was safe, coz dad was holding on . . . I was flying!

He did this over and over again, and then finally, when he thought I could manage it on my own, and my confidence was built . . . he let go. I flew down the back garden straight as an arrow . . . the only wobble occuring when I realized he was no longer hanging on. But then . . . recovery . . . I could do it. I was riding my bike . . . all by myself!

Source: yama-bato.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

That was only the beginning of many adventures! Before too long, I was cruising up and down the gravel roads and back lanes of Gimli with all the confidence of a well seasoned bicycle rider and new world adventurer explorer! I had a few spills from time to time . . . but nothing could keep me down for long. My job cleaning the telephone booths also got alot easier beacause I could now lug all my "tools" around in my little red basket. Going to the store for my mom became alot easier too!

That bicycle meant the world to me and I had it for a very long time . . . well into my teens. I'm not sure if the reason it was so special to me was because I had bought it for myself, with money I had earned, or if it was because of those golden memories of my dad running alongside of me, pushing me along. I suspect it was a little bit of both.

Source: hannasform.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

My dad did that alot for me in my life . . . run along side of me . . . pushing me. Holding on when I needed him to and only letting go when the time was right. Encouraging me to succeed, and then applauding me when I did . . . commiserating with me when I didn't . . . but mostly loving me. He calls me the apple of his eye, and that is special to me. I'm sure he has pet names for my brother and sister as well . . . but I am the apple of his eye . . .

"Keep me as the apple of the eye , hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
~Psalm 17:8

That is what a good parent does. Thanks Dad.

Here's a nice quick lunch that, aside from the cheese . . . I like to think it a tiny bit healthy! It has lots of vegetables in it and is very tasty. It makes a change from a regular grilled cheese sandwich!



*Tortilla Veggie Melts*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

This is a delicious way of getting your kids and husband to eat vegetables. You can use the vegetables as described or be inventive and use leftover cooked veg such as broccoli spears or sweet corn. Great as an accompaniment to soup, or on it’s own as a light lunch or snack. It’s real easy to increase the amounts and feed more people.

4 wheat flour tortillas
2 tsp olive oil
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
1 small onion, chopped
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup shredded strong cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded gouda cheese
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 200*C/400*F/Gas mark 6. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet and saute the onion and carrot for a few minutes, until the onion is tender. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach and turn off the heat. Addthe garlic granules, Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.

Place two tortillas on a large baking sheet. Divide the vegetable mixture in half and spread over the tortillas. Divide the cheese evenly between the two scattering on top of the vegetable mixture. Top each with another tortilla.

Bake in the pre-heated oven until the cheese is melted and oozing out and the top is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into quarters to serve.




Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Pizza Puffs!

“The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service.”
― Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Wednesday Ramblings . . .

Source: splendidwillow.com via Marie on Pinterest

It is hard to believe that 2011 is now winding down rapidly towards it's end . . . it seems like just yesterday it was a year that was young and full of promise , which we all greeted with joy when it was all fresh and new!

I cannot let it pass away without a thankful thought . . . of all the happy times and all the blessings it lay at my door. I will not dwell on any of the disappointments or hopes that missed the mark . . . for what would that change?

Nothing at all . . .

I think that is the secret to a happy life . . . to dwell on the good rather than the bad . . . on the things we have the power to change rather than on the ones we cannot . . . on the simple pleasures each day brings to us in a myriad of beautiful ways . . . on blessings found, rather than on treasures lost . . .

Source: enchantedserenityperiodfilms.blogspot.com via Jac on Pinterest

We've had a very enjoyable couple of days. We got caught up with the Christmas Special from Downton Abby that we had recorded on Sunday Evening! Oh my but it was some good!! Just brilliant in fact! I love Downton Abby. If you're never watched it you really must get yourself the DVD's and get caught up. It's probably one of the best television series that has come out in recent years!

Yesterday we were privileged to have a young woman come to our home and be taught by the missionaries. We've had her at our home many times before. She's such a lovely young woman and brings such a special spirit with her. I'm really excited as she is going to be Baptised this Friday evening. That is such a special time and I've been asked to give a talk at her Baptism as well, so guess what I am doing today? Yep! Writing a talk and you know that old saying "It never Rains but what it Pours???" Well, I've also been asked to give a talk in church on New Years day, fifteen minutes! Soooo . . . I shall have to put on my writer's hat over these next few days and get cracking!

Source: jasmine-marie.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I was thrilled and excited on Christmas Eve to have been featured over on my friend Miranda's page, A Duck In Her Pond! I've known Duckie for a long time now, since my days over on AOL Journals way back when! If you would like to go and read what she wrote about me, do hop on over HERE to see. While you're there, I do hope you'll also take a gander at her brilliant writing! Why she is not a famous author already I do not know, as she certainly should be!!

I also won a brilliant prize in a Giveaway over on Random Thoughts of a Great-Grannie Grandma! A fabulous MyMemories Suite V3 Digital Scrapbooking Software set! I can't wait to get started on using it! Many thanks to Sandy for hosting such a fab giveaway. I was so chuffed to win!! It is not often that happens! In fact this was pretty much a first and a great way to end the year, feeling a winner!

I am not one to make a lot of year end resolutions . . . I just strive each year to be a better me. This next year though I want to be more creative. I used to do a lot more creating when I was younger . . . oh, I know . . . I paint almost every day, but I want to do even more. There is this yearning in my soul that I can't quite put my finger on . . . I just want to make some things for our home . . . I don't know what though . . . quilts, wall hangings, etc. I am always seeing new ideas and thinking to myself I would love that . . . so why not??? I think 2012 will be the year I create even more!

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I'm just rambling now and so I'll leave you with a thought . . .

Life offers compensations for our troubles and our care.
Consolations shed their light around us everywhere.
Things that make life worth the living;
Blessings great and small.
The things through which God speaks to us . . .
Take comfort from them all.
~Patience Strong

After all that baking I've been doing lately, I felt the need last night to eat something that at least appeared on the surface to be good for me. We all need to get more fish into our diet and not the kind that is covered with batter and deep fried either. I have been preparing this delicious dish for years. It is easy and always turns out lovely. You can decrease or expand the amounts very easily according to how many people you want to feed.




*Tomato & Herb Crusted Haddock*
Serves 2
Printable recipe

Haddock is such a mild and sweet fish. It is one of my favourite types. Cheese and tomatoes go very well with it. Just be careful not to overcook your fish. It should just barely flake beneath the tines of your fork and still be moist. You can have this lovely meal on your table in less than half an hour depending on what you serve it with.

2 thickish haddock filets, about 4 ounces each
1 slice of bread, crumbed into soft crumbs (I use my blender for this)
2 ounces of cheddar cheese, finely grated
2 TBS finely chopped flat leaf parsley
4 sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
a drizzle of olive oil

Pre-heat your oven to 200*C/400*F. Lightly butter a shallow gratin dish.

Wipe your haddock fillets and place them, right side up in the prepared dish. Season with some salt and pepper.

Place the bread crumbs, cheese, parsley and sun dried tomatoes in a small bowl and toss them together until they are well combined. Divide them between the two fish filets, piling it lightly on top of each. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and then bang them into the pre-heated oven.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and you can gently flake the fish with the tines of a fork. Remove from the oven and serve. I like to serve them with some oven roasted greek potatoes and some lightly steamed green beans on the side.



In The English Kitchen today I'm preparing a Salad of Baby Gems with a Blue Cheese Dressing!


“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, November 29th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
It is cold, dark and damp. It's also really windy. I am wondering what the odds are on having a White Christmas. Probably not very good, although last year we did have one, which was most unusual!

I am thinking...
I am thinking about my father. I haven't heard anything concrete yet, and am assuming that no news is good news. From what I can make out from the note my Aunt left on my brother's facebook, he has had the pacemaker fitted successfully, but for some reason they don't want him to use his left leg. (Perhaps they did an angiogram at the same time?) I don't know. In any case he is in a room with two other patients (I think) and was not allowed home yesterday??? (I would think that would be natural after heart surgery.)

This is the problem that you get when people who speak two different languages get married, and then don't make sure their children can speak both languages. My brother, sister and I are groping around in the dark here as we just don't understand what's going on. We are using online language translators, but they leave a lot to be desired at times! If you could keep up the prayers I would very much appreciate! Thanks! (I think today was the day he was supposed to have a biopsy done on his prostrate. I don't know if they are going to go ahead on that or not.)

I am thankful for...
The tender mercies of my Heavenly Father. I experience them every day in big and small ways. I know He has never forgotten me and never will, even if I don't always like His answers.

From the kitchen...
There are some tasty Cinnamon Scrolls (see English Kitchen) but not a lot else. With this darned cold I haven't really been doing a lot of cooking!

I am wearing...
Pink nightie (M&S), Pink jim jam bottoms, pink slippers, aqua robe. Layering for warmth and comfort. I wish I could wear my night clothes all day, but alas . . . I do like to leave the house occasionally and so I must get dressed.

I am creating...
I did this yesterday afternoon:




It's about sisters. I quite like how it turned out. It's just in time for anyone who may want to give their sister a special Christmas gift of a print. It is also available as a card for that special sister in your life. Just send me a message to find out how.

I am going...
We have no plans for this week at all. I have no meetings and we will just concentrate on getting better. Todd went to the Doctor yesterday and is on anti-biotics as well. I am feeling somewhat better so here is hoping that he soon will be as well. The Doctor felt he also had a touch of Bronchitis. Of course we both saw totally different Doctors and got two slightly different diagnosis. We have exactly the same symptoms . . . but mine told me I had blocked eustacian tubes and a post nasal drip and Todd's told him he had a cold and a slight case of bronchitis. Go figure.

I am reading...



The American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld

On what might become one of the most significant days in her husband’s presidency, Alice Blackwell considers the strange and unlikely path that has led her to the White House . . . and the repercussions of a life lived, as she puts it, “almost in opposition to itself.”

A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice learned the virtues of politeness early on from her stolid parents and small Wisconsin hometown. But a tragic accident when she was seventeen shattered her identity and made her understand the fragility of life and the tenuousness of luck. So more than a decade later, when she met boisterous, charismatic Charlie Blackwell, she hardly gave him a second look: She was serious and thoughtful, and he would rather crack a joke than offer a real insight; he was the wealthy son of a bastion family of the Republican party, and she was a school librarian and registered Democrat. Comfortable in her quiet and unassuming life, she felt inured to his charms. And then, much to her surprise, Alice fell for Charlie.

As Alice learns to make her way amid the clannish energy and smug confidence of the Blackwell family, navigating the strange rituals of their country club and summer estate, she remains uneasy with her newfound good fortune. And when Charlie eventually becomes President, Alice is thrust into a position she did not seek–one of power and influence, privilege and responsibility. As Charlie’s tumultuous and controversial second term in the White House wears on, Alice must face contradictions years in the making: How can she both love and fundamentally disagree with her husband? How complicit has she been in the trajectory of her own life? What should she do when her private beliefs run against her public persona?

In Alice Blackwell, New York Times bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld has created her most dynamic and complex heroine yet. American Wife is a gorgeously written novel that weaves class, wealth, race, and the exigencies of fate into a brilliant tapestry–a novel in which the unexpected becomes inevitable, and the pleasures and pain of intimacy and love are laid bare.

I have only just started this book, but so far it is a can't put it down type of book. I've had it in my bookcase for a couple of years and have only just now picked it up to read. I wish they had a Kindle version as it is a thick book and my arthritic wrists struggle to hold it in bed, but I shall persevere as it is that good!

I'm about halfway through this book and it is still holding my attention brilliantly!

I am hoping...
That Todd and I will be able to shake these germs and get back to feeling normal soon! Christmas is almost upon us and we want to be well. Mostly though, I am hoping that my father recovers well and will be ok. Keep those prayers coming! (thanks!)

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds as the world wakes up around me. Every day sounds. Peaceable and comforting. My everyday sounds in any case. Our Mantel clock makes a noise as the hands move around it's face . . . not a tick tick, but a low rumbling. I miss old hand wound clocks. These modern battery operated ones are just not the same. I would love to have a Grandfather clock, but one might look a bit out of place in this small house . . . the dancers on our cuckoo clock don't work anymore either . . . I wonder if a clockmaker could fix that?

Around the house...

Source: warrengrovegarden.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I just love a good old fashioned screen door. I know this isn't the time of years for screen doors, but I do miss them in the summer time. There is something about the sound of a screen door opening and closing that is so homey and comforting. They don't do screens of any kind over here. When your doors and windows are open . . . they are just open and any insect can fly right in. If I ever had the money I would have my doors fitted with screen doors . . . good old country wooden ones that creak when you move them and that snap shut! All gingerbready trimmed and beautifully painted white.

I am looking forward to...
I am looking foward to Christmas! It is my favourite time of year. Not the shopping part of it . . . I hate to go in the shops this time of year, they are so crowded and crazy . . . I just love the music and the old Christmas films . . . the food and the decorations . . . and the true meaning of the "Holy" days we will be celebrating. It is all so very wonderful and magical to me.

If I could change one thing it would be ...
Everyone would come to know the peace, power and the saving Grace that the knowledge of the Saviour brings. What a different world it would be were everyone to embrace this truth and live it.

One of my favourite things...
Watching old American Sitcoms. We have a few and whilst they are old hat to me, they are all new to Todd. It's interesting to note how many American Sitcoms were based on British ones, taken over there and Americanized for the North American taste. Take "All in the Family" for instance. It was based on a British Sitcom entitled, "Til Death Do We Part." Similar characters, slightly different format. I find it all very fascinating.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
N-O-T-A-L-O-T!!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

I have always loved reading and always will. A good book can take us to places only dreamt of and inspire feelings in us we could never imagine. Inspirational, uplifting, enlightening, mind expanding, entertaining, educational . . . all these are the hallmarks of a good book.

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

"The cause of most of man's unhappiness is sacrificing what he wants most for what he wants now." ~Gordon B Hinckley

I guess that is why patience is considered a great virtue. The best things in life ARE worth waiting for.

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!

Have you ever seen the book, “French Women Don’t Get Fat, The secret of eating for pleasure???” Well, I don’t want to get in a debate about whether French women get fat or not (let’s just say I have been to the continent, and um . . . I did see a lot of fat women, and they weren’t speaking English) but anyways, this salad could have something to do with the reason they may or may not get fat. Oooo la la . . .



*The French Wedge*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

It couldn’t be simpler and you can have it on your table in less than 10 minutes. What can be tastier than a crisp wedge of Iceberg lettuce, sliced avocado and baby plum tomatoes with a tasty French vinaigrette? One with the addition of toasted walnuts and crumbled Roquefort cheese, that’s what!!!

¼ cup walnut pieces
1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
1 TBS sherry vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
½ head of iceberg lettuce
4 ounces Roquefort cheese, crumbled
½ hass avocado, peeled and cut into ¼ inch slices
8 baby plum tomatoes, cut in half

Heat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Place the walnut pieces on a small baking tray and carefully toast them in the oven, tossing them regularly for about 5 minutes. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn. Set aside.

Whisk together in a small bowl the mustard, sherry vinegar and the salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, while whisking to emulsify the mixture.

Cut the lettuce half into two evenly sized wedges. Place each quarter on a chilled salad plate. Arrange the avocado slices next to the wedge and scatter the plum tomatoes over top of the avocado. Rewisk the dressing and drizzle it over top of each wedge. Sprinkle on the walnut halves and the Roquefort cheese. Enjoy!



Baking in The English Kitchen today some deliciously flakey Lemon Glazed Cinnamon Scrolls!

Friday Ramblings. . .

I put it in a safe place, of that I'm very sure,
I knew it was important to keep it quite secure,
So, why, now that I'm searching in every little nook,
Do I know I'll never find it until the last place that I look??
~unknown

This made me chuckle because I do this same thing all the time!! I am always putting things somewhere to keep them safe and then not being able to find them when the time comes I need them, my place of safety having become a little bit "too safe!" I suspect I am not alone in this either!



Yaaaayy!! We've finally almost finished the craft room. I still have a ways to go, but I can finally walk around in there without stepping on anything! What a chore it was and I'm afraid that Todd and I almost bit off each other's heads at one point, but at least we've made great inroads and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!

We had frog spawn in our pond this spring and we watched it hatch into what seemed like millions of tadpoles and then those millions became only a few, one of which was quite large the last time we saw them, and we could definitely see some legs on them . . . . and then even those few disappeared and we began to despair. We thought for sure that they had either been eaten by birds or the gold fish in the pond . . . we weren't sure if they ate tadpoles or not. I know too, though . . . that tadpoles will eat each other! (I know . . . ick!!)



Just look at what Todd found in the grass by the pond yesterday!! Isn't it cute! A sweet little frog! Of course I had to snap a picture before we set him back upon the rocks to sun himself. To say we were both thrilled is to say the least! We know that at least one survived and have our fingers crossed now that he doesn't get eaten by a bird or cat, or something else!!



Good news on Mitzie's weight loss too! She has managed to lose 400grams in a month, so is on the right track! I thought after the cheesecake episode last week, she would surely have put some on, but she has not. Relief!! I hate going to the Vet and being lectured on her being overweight. We spent a bomb on a special dog food for obesity, so I am glad to see that it is working. She doesn't really like it much, but I mix a little bit of something she does like with it in the morning and then a bit of raw minced beef in with it at night and so far so good!



I know how she feels though for I have had a week of total lack of control on the eating front. I suppose it started with my trip away . . . although in all honesty I didn't really over do it on any day, but did eat a bunch of things I should not be eating . . . like a cooked breakfast, thick chips cooked in pork fat (YUMM!!), a candy bar, some indecent Guu Naughties, a handful of Hotel Chocolate Chocolates, a packet of crisps to name but a few things, culminating in a packet of light crisps yesterday and a carvery meal. OH, and let's not forget the quick lunch we had at McDonalds the other day. I wonder why it goes like that . . . you have one foot on a banana peel and then it's not long before you are sliding down that slippery slope! Oh well, as they say, if you fall off the horse, hop back on and so . . . I am!



I read on the News yesterday about a woman who had lay dead in her apartment for over 8 years! Her only relative being a sister in law that she had fallen out with, who finally after 8 years had tried to get back in touch. The police found her skeleton remains. I think that is such a sad statement on society today!! It breaks my heart that someone could be dead for that long and not be missed. I think we are all guilty of it on some level however . . . we try not to be intrusive on our neighbours lives . . . in fact sometimes we barely speak to each other and if we don't see one for a while, we assume they are on holiday. I think we need to try to be a little more friendly and a little more intrusive. I think there must be a happy balance to be found in between being a nuisance and being a pest!



Finally, I was pleased to read of a friend's good news this morning. A friend of mine had had a positive smear test last month and had been in bits since, with worry, as anyone would be. Something like this happening to someone you know and love, is scary for everyone involved. Yesterday she had good news when she went for her colyscopy. It was only inflammation! Whew!! I think as we get on up into our fifties and our sixties, these little scares happen more and more frequently, and I have come to really be grateful each morning when I get up and nothing is wrong! I have come to value the treasure and joy to be found in each day, no matter how small, and to realize that each day that comes to me is truly a blessing indeed. Our days are numbered and it's up to us to make sure each one counts!

And I have babbled on long enough this morning, I know . . . so will end now with a recipe as I always do. Today a delicious Chicken Salad with a Mexican flavour! Something a little bit different and a great way to use up any leftovers you may have in the fridge after the Sunday lunch! If you wanted to, you could add a drained tin of sweet corn or black beans to this with most delicious results, or not . . . it's all up to you! I'd just scatter them over the lettuce before adding the chicken.



*Mexican Chicken Salad*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

Quick and easy and a delicious way to use up leftover chicken!

1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
2 TBS chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
2 TBS sour cream
2 TBS good quality mayonnaise
2 tsp taco seasoning mix (from a packet)
1 spring onion, washed, trimmed and chopped
2 tostada shells
3 cups of shredded lettuce
1/4 cup of chunky tomato salsa
1/2 medium avocado, peeled and sliced

Lightly toss together the chicken, coriander, sour cream, mayonnaise, spring onion and taco seasoning mix in a bowl. Combine well. Lay a tostado shell on each of two chilled plates. Top each with 1 1/2 cups of lettuce and then half of the chicken mixture. Drizzle each with 2 TBS of salsa and then garnish with some avocado. Serve immediately.



If Mexican isn't quite your cup of tea perhaps I can tempt you with a bit of Thai, over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Fruity Chicken Curry!

Little special days . . .

I love the little special days that dot
The year's long length, like nosegays set to catch
The highlights of a common round of days,
Like marigolds set in a garden patch,
Making a little zone to stand apart,
Warming the lonely cockles of a heart . . .

What a gorgeous day we had here yesterday. It was still cool, but . . . the sun shone brightly up in the sky and gave us the reassurance that, indeed, Spring is just right around the corner.

The Laundry was hung out in the garden to dry . . . the first time in ages we have been able to do that. It was sweet, after all the grey and gloom of winter . . . oh . . . I know winter is not completely finished with us yet, but it is nice to have these little respites, is it not?



Everything looks different on a sunny day. Problems seem to drain away, and you feel as if you could handle just about anything that life would throw at you! The world seems a much happier place, and it puts a jolly mood on just about everyone. Strangers nod hello in the street, children skip, the bus is filled with chatter . . . even dogs wag their tails a little more enthusiastically I believe . . .



Todd took himself off into town for a nose around, and I stayed home to work on my sketching for the craft company. It wasn't long before I got a text from him saying that he was watching a parade. There was a soldier's parade in Chester City Centre, and he was watching them march by. Oh, he did enjoy that so!! He was a soldier in his younger years, and has many fond memories of his time in the services. Our soldiers work ever so hard, and put their lives on the line often, in the cause for freedom. We need to support them as much as we can.

He said the city was filled with buskers too! Oh I do love buskers! They add so much excitement to a city don't you think? Every street corner rings with music and song! There used to be a jolly older fellow who would play his accordian outside WH Smith every day, come rain or shine. He was one of my favourites. His music was so uplifting. You felt like lifting your skirts and dancing right there in the street. He has not been there in a long while now . . . perhaps he went on an extended vacation . . . nevermind, there have been plenty of others to take his place.



Mitzie and I kept the homefires burning . . . me sketching quietly at the dining room table, and she . . . playing on the carpet next to my feet with her toys . . . a cosy, cheerful companionship. I stopped every once in a while to have a game of ball, or go-find . . . it kept us both happy.

I love to play music when I work . . . joyful, uplifting music. I have my favourites, and right now it is Mindy Gledhill's Anchor album, Rumer, the latest Take That album and Bob Geldof's newest muse . . . I also have a collection from the National Trust, which has 3 discs which play country garden music, country walks and seaside tunes. I think that one is my absolute favourite one of all. As it plays, I go gambling off through the countryside in my mind . . . tis no surprise that most of my work yesterday involved flowers of one sort or another!



There was a part of me that envied Todd his walk about the town . . . but there was a larger part of me that was quite happy where I was, all cosy and warm . . . and enjoying the sunshine in our own back garden . . . puttering about, and doing the things that bring me some of the greatest happiness in life. Creating, and singing and playing with that warm little puppy of ours, who is not so little anymore . . . but just as sweet. She is smelling oh-so-nice after her grooming the other day, and looking so sleek and beautiful. Right now she is cuddled up against my back, and I can feel her warm sides rising and lowering with each little puppy breath as she sleeps . . .

Every bush in the garden is covered with buds, and the Camelia by our front door is getting ready to burst into bloom . . . each branch tipped with a pale pink bud just ready to explode in a riot of brilliant pink blossom. I remember last year how it greeted us the day we moved into this house . . . and how very welcome it made us feel. It doesn't seem possible that it has been almost a year already . . . but it has, and that is good.



Oh, I do love my little life, where every day is a mixture of work and play . . . of joy and sorrow . . . of peace and tranquility, and yes . . . sometimes noise and bustle. Easy day is a special little nosegay which marks the days of my life, each one as something special to be treasured . . . each one a gift. And that is how it should be. These little highlights of my common round of days brings me joy and happiness, for it is the little things that truly bring the most meaning into our lives, and the things that truly count.

Each day is richly embroidered with them. Oh . . . I am so glad that I have a heart that sees and knows these things to be true . . .

"They watch them dance and think them crazy . . . but . . . they do not hear the music."

I hear the music and . . . I dance.

Here's a quick and tasty meal for two! You can quite easily multiply it to feed more though, and I am thinking that if you really want a pizza flavour for it, you could add some chopped peppers, and olives and maybe even some pepperoni, if that strikes your fancy!



*Pizza Chicken and Pasta For Two*
Serves two, but is easily multiplied
Printable Recipe

Love pizza? Love chicken?? Then you will love this!

3/4 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 small chorizo sausage (the dry kind) peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
a pinch of dried crushed red chilie peppers (optional)
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1 medium bell pepper, trimmed and cut into strips
1 cup of tomato pasta sauce (from a jar, pick your favourite)
1 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan Cheese

Cut the chicken pieces into one inch chunks. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. (Spray with some cooking spray first) Add the chicken and chorizo. Cook, stirring until the chicken is browned. Add the onions and peppers. Cook and stir to soften. Season with the salt, pepper and crushed chili peppers (if using). Pour over the tomato sauce. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a slow simmer, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. (Do not allow to cook dry. If you think it is reducing too much add some more tomato sauce.) Meanwhile cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and place in a large pasta bowl. Pour the chicken mixture over top and sprinkle with the cheeses. Serve immediately.



Over in The English Kitchen I am being very naughty with Rolo Pretzel Turtles . . .

A few of my favourite things . . .

I’m not really a person that puts a lot of value on things, preferring instead to place my value in things that are not of this world, things seen and touched with the heart. Nevertheless there are also some things that I have that I get a great deal of pleasure out of and enjoy having around. Like raindrops on roses, or whiskers on kittens . . . these are a few of my favourite things . . .

The feel of the sunlight on my face on a warm summer’s day. I love to sit out in the garden for a short, mostly in the shade, but occasionally I do get great pleasure of sitting out at the picnic table, face upturned, eyes closed, while the warmth of the sun cloaks me face in it’s passion. Have you ever noticed that it has a smell??? I have . . . It’s not easy to describe though, and I don’t think I’ll try . . .



Holding a newborn baby up on my shoulder, so that it is snuggled in under my chin and close to the small of my neck . . . That has to be heaven on earth. I could sit there for hours gently rubbing the contours of its tiny back and feeling it’s warmth tucked up into me . . . Once it starts crying though . . . back to mum it goes!

The feel of my dog Mitzie’s soft furry tummy as she rolls on to her back to let me have a scratch or a rub. Along with that goes the way she lovingly glances up at me while I do it . . . all trusting and so full of pleasure and gratitude, that it just oozes out of her liquid brown eyes and melts my heart . . . Stepping out of the tub on a cool winter’s morning and into a huge fluffy bath towel that I have popped onto the radiator just before I stepped in to the tub . . . warm, cosy and enveloping . . . it is just like a welcome home hug . . .



Crawling into bed with my socks on, and only after I am settled, taking the socks off . . . I just love the way my feet feel beneath the coolness of the smooth sheets. It’s a pleasure that’s really hard to describe . . . but it just feels really, really, really nice.

While I’m thinking about bed . . . crawling into a freshly made bed, with crisp clean sheets that have been hung out to blow in the wind all day. I snuggle right into my pillow and breathe in the freshness of the outdoors and the smell of sunshine . . . oh, it is soooo nice!

Walking into the house and smelling freshly baked cookies or bread. Actually I just like to smell food cooking period. It’s funny . . . when you are cooking it yourself, you rarely smell it in the same way, unless you go out of the room and come back into it. I always love the smell of other people’s dinners cooking as I walk down the street or sit out in the garden . . . somehow it always manages to smell delicious and inviting, and it always makes me hungry . . .



My good morning hug from Todd. I am usually up several hours before him, but when he does wake up and comes down stairs, that’s always the first thing we do . . . give each other a big hug and a cuddle and a kiss. On the rare occasion we have forgotten ie. because the telephone has rung or something else has interrupted our routine . Those are the days that just seems to get off on the wrong foot for some reason . . . but, here’s the good part . . . sooner or later one of us realizes what’s been missing, and we always get the hug in then . . .

Sitting in my chair, quietly listening to my favourite music, with my eyes closed. I love gospel music and I could sit and listen to it for hours. When I do, I feel closer to God and in communion with him . . . kind of in a way similar to when I am praying, which is another of my favourite things. Different and yet somehow the same . . . it’s always a good feeling.



Watching kittens and puppies at play . . . indeed watching baby anything at play. I think that God must have made baby animals and birds and people cute on purpose. That way he knew someone would take care of them and love them. I cannot for the life of me understand how anyone can be deliberately cruel or mean to any of them.

Cooking . . . just cooking. I love to cook and I get a great deal of pleasure from it. It’s not so much in the eating . . . although,trust me . . . I get plenty of pleasure out of that as well . . . but I don’t really even have to be the one who’s going to eat it, I just really enjoy the cooking aspect of it. To me it’s like solving a puzzle or putting together a jigsaw . . . the more complicated, the better. I get a real sense of satisfaction when I have accomplished what I have set out to do, and people are happily eating it and enjoying it . . . that’s where the satisfaction comes . . . the satisfaction of a job well done . . . a feeling that can’t be beat, well almost anyways . . .



Listening to the laughter of a child. It always swells my heart and brings a smile to my own face. Is there anything on earth more contagious or infectious? I think not! I once found this laughing baby somewhere on the internet. It was attached to an elastic, and as you twirled it around with your mouse the baby laughed and laughed. You just could not sit down and do it without coming away with a smile on your own face…children’s laughter . . . great soul medicine . . .

Sitting down at my computer every morning and putting down my thoughts and fancies for you all to read . . . and then, later on, hearing that little ping when someone leaves their comments. That’s one of my guilty pleasures, and an intrinsic part of my day. It’s a selfish thing really . . . but a writer has to write and the words must be read . . . I like to think it’s a win/win situation . . .



I could go on and on. There’s just so much I get joy and pleasure from in this life. I guess I’m really lucky . . . I love the smell of the pavement after a heavy rain, and the smell of the soil after digging in the garden . . . warm soft freshly baked white bread with butter melting into it’s fragrantly yeasty goodness . . . I’m just a person that loves and enjoys the small things in life,the simple things . . . the things that are free . . . and thankfully, I’ve been really blessed with these things in abundance!

I cooked these the other day just so I could take this picture and share it with you. I have always wanted to serve scrambled eggs inside their own shell. You don’t get a lot to eat . . . but, when you are talking about delicious . . . even a little bite, is one of life’s many pleasures.



*Cheese and Chive Scrambled Eggs*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

This is one of my favourite breakfasts and sometimes even a nice light supper for two. The combination of chives and cheese is really delicious! Be careful not to overcook. Over-cooking just makes the eggs rubbery

3 extra large free range eggs
(I think when you are going to eat eggs on their own, you really deserve the best that money can buy)
3 TBS single cream
1 ounce strong cheddar cheese, grated
2 TBS snipped chives
2 knobs of butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Put a non-stick skillet on medium heat to warm up. In the meantime beat together the eggs, cream, cheese and chives in a bowl. Drop a knob of butter into the heated skillet. Once it starts to foam tip in the egg mixture. Let it sit for about 30 seconds or so and then using a wooden spatula start to bring the egg from the edges into the centre, folding and turning slowly as the egg begins to cook. (You can’t rush scrambled eggs) Cook only until the egg is mostly set, but still moist and then remove from the heat and throw in the last knob of butter, folding it in. Taste and then season. Sometimes the cheese gives it enough flavour that you don’t need any seasoning at all! Serve warm with lots of buttered toast and crisp bacon to your most favourite person.



Over in The English Kitchen today, Tasty Oven Braised Lamb Shanks!