Toodle Doo for now!

Well, today we are off on our travels. We will be driving part of the way down to Gatwick this afternoon and then the rest of the way in the morning. And then it's off to Canada. I can't believe that the time for my trip is already here! It's come up really quickly!

I am really excited at the prospect of seeing my family, and am really hoping that I will be able to see all of my children. It's been three long years since I have seen any of them. The last time I was there I got to see four of the five of them, and one of my (then) two grandsons! I did not get to see my middle son or his wife and son. since then two more grandsons have been born and, God willing, I will see all four of them and all five of my children! Happy Days!! I know I will see the biggest change in my mother . . . she's not been really well these past couple of years. I hope to be able to do lots of things for her while I am there, and try to make up in some part for my absence in her life.



All my bags are packed. Instructions have been left with the caretaker of our little place here, for plant watering etc. The house is tidy and clean. (I hate coming home to a messy house, don't you?) The fridge has been emptied of anything perishable. Prayers have been said. There's not a lot left to do now, except begin the long journey.

I shall miss you all ever so much. No computer at my mom's house I'm afraid, so there will be no e-mailing or blogging . . . how ever will I cope without my daily catching up with each of your posts and the sharing???



Nevermind . . . I'll make up for lost time when I get back. Be prepared for lots of cheesy photos and what I did on my summer holidays posts!

Take care and try not to miss me too much!! The time will probably go far too quickly and I'll be back before any of us know it! Love and hugs to you all!




*Warm Potato Salad*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

Delicious and quick to make, this is a fab potato salad with a light dressing! It tastes best served warm or at least at room temperature.

1 pound new potatoes
1 TBS Dijon mustard
1 TBS grainy mustard
2 TBS rice wine vinegar
2 tsp sherry vinegar
2 spring onions, minced
4 tsp olive oil
2 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste



Put the potatoes into a saucepan and cover with some lightly salted water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to medium and then continue to cook until tender, some 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size of your potatoes. I never peel my potatoes by the way. I love the added flavour and texture that the skins give. Drain when tender and then let stand in the colander with a tea towel over top, just until they are cool enough to handle.

Cut each potato into halves or quarters and then place them into a warmed serving dish. Whisk together the mustards, vinegars and spring onions. Whisk the oil slowly in to make a thick dressing. Stir in the parsley and season to taste. Pour this dressing over top of the warm potatoes, mixing it in gently and then serve immediately. Delicious!



In The English Kitchen today, small Chocolate Amuse-Bouche. Two-bite-sized little chocolate indulgences. Fudgy, moist and covered with a moreish chocolate ganache. Fabulous.

PS - I have set up a few posts to come up while I am away, every couple of days or so. I had a bit of problem with some of them, so the pictures may be a bit wonky and the text also in some. Blogger was so not co-operating when I did them, so they won't be up to my usual standard, although I like to think that the content will be! There's even a surprise guest post, so do come back and visit every so often in my absence!