Thursday this and that . . .

Source: smg.photobucket.com via Marie on Pinterest

(This is a picture I took at Hever Castle several years ago.)

I was sitting here painting yesterday afternoon, and as I puttered away I thought about how, despite all of the labour saving devices which we have in our homes nowadays . . . we somehow seem to have less time on our hands than ever!

It seems like I am always finding excuses why I couldn't get this done, or that done . . . and it's always because I didn't have the time.  And yet . . . as I have that thought, I am reminded that only two years ago, I worked full time (sometimes MORE than full time) and I somehow managed to get every thing done then???  However did I do it?

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"You will never find time for anything.  You must make it."
~Charles Buxton

I guess the truth is that we don't find time just laying around waiting for us to fill it up.  Like all the good things in our lives that we find worthwhile  . . . good books, good food . . . good friends . . . finding time, just takes a bit of effort.

We do have time on our hands . . . we just choose to spend it in other ways.  The days haven't gotten shorter and time hasn't really sped up . . . we've just made different choices in what to do with it.  I know, I seem to be pretty good at finding time to waste!!  (I don't think discovering the game, Angry Birds, has helped!!)

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We've had a neighborhood cat spending most of it's day sunning itself in our garden lately.  It drives Mitzie up the wall.  She can be found chasing it out at least 10 times a day, but the thing doesn't learn . . . it comes right back again.  I think it knows that she is no real threat.  Actually I think she wants to play with it . . .  I don't mind the cat really, but it keeps parking itself right under the bird feeders, which I don't like . . . and I saw it using the rhubarb patch for a toilet yesterday as well, which I found rather annoying!

I saw about 6 full sized tadpoles in the fish pond yesterday as well!  I was thinking that they had all been eaten or something, but they're really quite shy and hide as soon as a shadow approaches.  I managed to catch a glimpse of them though, so that was pretty special!

I have been enjoying the sunny, warm weather we've had over the past few days.  It had turned colder last evening though . . . so I have no idea what to expect from today.  So far it's dry at least!

 

I was working on a different project yesterday.  I've done so well with my Very Royal Teaparty Booklet that I am doing a new one, The Great British Picnic.  I'm having ever so much fun putting it together and yesterday afternoon, I was working on some more watercolour illustrations for this one.



It'a quite enjoyable actually.  I love to cook as you know and I love to write about cooking and food and eating!!  And what can be more fun than a picnic!





There is something pretty special and fun about eating "Al Fresco!"  Somehow eating food outdoors can turn the simplest of fare into a beautiful feast!  Anyhow . . .I would love your impressions on this latest project.  I want it to be the best that I can, so any advice or constructive criticism is appreciated!  Thanks so much!

Speaking of food . . . I made this delicious salad for our supper last night.  Well, we had some grilled fish and potatoes along with it . . . but this salad was so good, I could have filled up on just this.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today . . . Layered Chopped Salad for One.  (Very easily multiplied up!)

And now some food for thought . . .

“Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said that in your patience you possess your souls. Or, to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls. Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than in the receiving that we grow the most. This was true in the time of the Savior. It is true in our time as well, for we are commanded in these latter days to “continue in patience until ye are perfected.” 
~President Dieter F Uchtdorf

Have a wonderful Thursday!  I hope you find enough time to do all that you want to do today! ☺

 

The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY, May 22nd, 2012...

Outside My Window...
It is looking like we are going to have another beautifully sunny day!  That makes two in a row!  I don't  know if I can stand it! Yesterday was so gorgeous.  You just can't beat England on a sunny day.  It's the best!

I am thinking...
I am not really thinking about anything much this morning.  My brain is amazingly empty for a change!  Should I be worried?

I am thankful for...
 A seeking heart that was teachable and open to change.  Were it not so I would not be where I am right now in my life . . . spiritually, physically, emotionally . . . I am so grateful for that.

From the kitchen...
Well . . . um . . . there's not a lot except for some leftover cheese and marmite scones.  They were rather good I have to say . . .

I am wearing...
Blue nightie and I'm in my bare feet!  Yeppers, I took my words seriously the other day!

I am creating...
 I have a few irons in the fire.  

Source: redheart.com via Marie on Pinterest

I'm crocheting this afghan.  It's coming along very nicely.  I am waiting on some material to arrive so that I make this:

Source: craftinessisnotoptional.com via Marie on Pinterest

And I've been drawn to the idea of making these:

Source: ravelry.com via Marie on Pinterest

Of course, I also have a few little drawings running around in my head as well.  They're just waiting to pop out and I hope to get at least one done later today.  Oh . . . and I'm thinking about my next cookbooklet that I want to do and illustrate, "The Great British Picnic."  In the meantime, the Tea Party one is still available.  You can access it in the kitchen!  It's in the upper right hand column.  Oh, and I've been also asked to do a display for in our Relief Society Room for the month of June!

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course and then tomorrow night I have my RS Presidency Meeting.  There is a Youth Car Wash at the chapel on Saturday.  I want to get some Visit Teaching done this week as well.  In between that I am planning on just enjoying my week as it unfolds. 

I am reading...

Source: google.co.uk via Marie on Pinterest

I Don't Want To Fight, by Lulu
I have only just started this, but I can say it is compelling reading from the outset.  After having watched her interview on Pierce Morgan's show last week I was completely intrigued at this fascinating woman and I wanted to know more.  I knew her from when she was a pop star when I was a young teen.  She was pretty and always had a hunky male pop star on her arm.  She had a voice that rocked.  But . . . she is much, much more than that and I wanted to learn more.  I am thoroughly enjoying this book thus far.  Oh, and I think she's looks better now than she ever has!  It's not fair! lol


 I am hoping...
I am hoping that everything goes very well for my daughter's wedding.  I am a bit nervous about it and understandably so.  I just want everything to be perfect for her.  She's waited such a long time for this to come about.  I don't think there will be a dry eye in the house!!

I am hearing...
Nothing new really. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. The birds are singing. The odd car drives by. The clock is ticking. It's very quiet actually . . . a typical early morning.  The SUN is shining!

Around the house...

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

Put your hand up if you like this!!  Me too!!  I have always adored red and white and gingham.  I love, Love, LOVE white furniture, and old tables . . . and I love, LOVE French Country anything.  So . . . there you go, it stands without reason that I quite simply adore all of this.  Just look at the feet on that table!  Aren't they just beautiful???  And that chandelier quite simply takes my breath away . . . however after having to put up with the chandelier that I used to have to dust every day in the conservatory of the Big House, I can say, I'm most happy to live without it.  Those kinds of things are nice to look at, but a big pain in the arse to clean!

One of my favourite things . . .
I love baby anything . . . ducklings, goslings, puppies . . . kittens.

Source: Uploaded by user via Marie on Pinterest

They are all so adorable.  I think God made it that way on purpose.  He knew they would need extra special love and care and he made them adorably cute so that one couldn't help but care for them.  At least that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it!

Something new about me ...
I used to smoke.  I started when I was 17 and I quit when I was 34.  I am not sorry I quit.  It was the best thing I ever did for myself.


One of my guilty pleasures ...
I love chocolate.  Not cheap chocolate.  Expensive chocolate.  If one is going to indulge, then why not indulge in the best????  Thankfully it's not something I feel the urge to indulge in very often, but when I do . . . I want the best.  For me that's Hotel Chocolate.  That reminds me . . . I haven't had any of that for a very long time now!!

Source: rosiescribble.typepad.com via Rosie on Pinterest

Pet Peeves...
People that can't wait to pass you when you are driving in the car and put your life at risk by passing when they shouldn't!  I just want to shake my fist at them.  It really makes me angry.  Nine times out of ten, when you get to the next set of lights . . . they're sitting there right in front of you . . . so all that hazardous passing really didn't get them very far after all did it?


 Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

“Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations.

We will receive the joy of forgiveness in our own lives when we are willing to extend that joy freely to others. Lip service is not enough. We need to purge our hearts and minds of feelings and thoughts of bitterness and let the light and the love of Christ enter in. As a result, the Spirit of the Lord will fill our souls with the joy accompanying divine peace of conscience.” 
~President Dieter F Uchtdorf 

If we expect to be forgiven . . . we must first learn to forgive.  I think that the person who is hurt the most when one refuses to let go and forgive . . . is yourself.  Carrying that pain in your heart like a stone.  We must learn to release it . . . and just let it go.  It's a good thing . . . 

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:
 
“To be happy is easy enough if we give ourselves, forgive others, and live with thanksgiving.  No self-centred person, no ungrateful soul can ever be happy, much less make anyone else happy.  Life is giving, not getting."
~Joseph Fort Newton (1880 - 1950)


The acceptance of this truth marks a turning point in most people's lives.  Therein lies pure joy and contentment.  This is what life should be.

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!

 


 Cooking in The English Kitchen today . . .  Cheese and Marmite Scones!
 

Monday . . . Monday, a day to just be . . .

Source: cozycanadiancottage.blogspot.co.uk via Marie on Pinterest

Oh my, but the sun is shining gloriously outside my window this morning! It looks like it's going to be a fine day . . . the  kind of day that makes one feel grateful just to be alive!

The kind of day that is just perfect to explore the gift of sacred idleness . . . and I know . . . I am blessed to be able to have that luxury, to be able to spend a day, any day I choose to . . . in blessed , sacred . . . idleness.

When I first got up this morning and came downstairs to let Mitzie out, I stepped out onto the back pation for a brief moment, letting the coolness of the early morning air wash over me.  Sun dappled patterns of light and shadow danced across the paving stones . . . a dance I had not seen in a while.

Source: lovemydress.net via Marie on Pinterest

A beautiful concerto was playing . . . birds singing, bees buzzing . . . all in perfect harmony, and . . . like me . . . enjoying the early morning stillness.  It was all I could do to break myself away from it and come back inside . . . but I had to because . . . the chill of a cold Spring is still in the air . . . and it's not quite warm enough just yet for lollygagging in the garden on early sunny mornings.  One must wait until later in the day for that . . . still . . . that one brief moment was enough to get my day off to a most beautiful start!

It was that kind of moment that resonates in your soul . . . the perfect beginning to a day when I plan to do absolutely nothing at all, but simply enjoy it.

"Work is not always required . . . there is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected."
~George MacDonald

Today . . . I'm just going to BE.

 

Look at this positively delightful picture my son sent me yesterday of my eldest grandson! Yes, another milestone has been reached . . . the loss of that first baby tooth!  I think the Toothfairy was making a special visit last night!  It's hard to believe that he is already old enough to be losing his teeth . . . it seems like just yesterday that he stole my heart completely at his arrival on this earth!  But then again . . . he is six now and so . . . these things will happen.  First days of school, lost baby teeth . . . all these milestones being reached one after another.  I cannot wait to see him in just five or six weeks now, along with the rest of my family!  Good times!

The milk float just arrived across the street from our house.  I can see it arriving every morning.  It glides silently down the street . . . with only the odd tinkle from the milk bottles making any noise.  Yes . . .  the milk arrives in small pint sized bottles over here.  That is a sound I thought I would never hear again . . . it is a sweet sound that I enjoy, tinkling milk bottles, hearkening back to my childhood.  I am glad I am an early riser.  I get to enjoy all these simple luxuries and pleasures that most people miss out on entirely!


What sights or sounds pluck on your heart strings and resonate in your soul?  Please do share with me.  I'd love to hear them.  Blessings shared are more than twice enjoyed you know.  


I wish for each of you a happy day and beginning to your week.


“May brooks and trees and singing hills join in the chorus too, and every gentle wind that blows send happiness to you.” ~ an Irish Blessing




Cooking in The English Kitchen today . . . a delicious Double Crusted Blueberry Oat Crumble!



 

Poetry Saturday . . . Rectory Garden

Source: ladylimoges.tumblr.com via Rahna on Pinterest

The flowers have a festive air,
Like people going to a Fair,
They nod and wave and kisses blow,
Like Punch and Judy at a show,
Flirting quite shamelessly I fear,
With all the people passing near.

Source: tumblr.com via Rahna on Pinterest

A clump of crimson hollyhocks,
Made passes at the four-o'clocks,
While poppies shook their silken heads,
Above the quiet pansy beds,
As if to flaunt their richer hue,
Like human people often do.

Source: nestprettythings.tumblr.com via Rahna on Pinterest

Love-in-the-mist was very shy,
Far too demure to catch your eye,
While zinnias came out bold as bold,
To show their shining hearts of gold,
Michaelmas daisies gave an air,
To all the flowers growing there.

Source: bumblebutton.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Tall spikes of lavender gave room
To a tall lily's stately bloom,
Delphiniums with bright pretense,
Stood guard along the garden fence,
While plain old-fashioned pinks just grew,
Among the rosemary and rue.

Source: bumblebutton.blogspot.com via JENNY ENVY on Pinterest

But once I heard them . . . plain as plain . . .
Thanking the Lord for sun and rain. 
~Edna Jacques

Source: bumblebutton.blogspot.com via Janice on Pinterest

A lovely sweet poem this Saturday . . . for a rainy spring day.  Hoping that the flowers in my garden don't take offense at the onslaught . . . there's been a bit too much rain and cold temperatures this Spring.  I hope they have their 'brollies out!

We are off to the chapel this morning as there is a Baptism and as Ward Missionaries we really ought to be there.  It's at 10:00 am.  I always love going to Baptisms as they quite often remind me of my own and prick a tender place in my heart.

Then this afternoon some dear friends are coming and the Mrs and I will share a time of crafting while the Mr's talk and do whatever it is Mr's do when they're together . . . and then we'll share a delicious repast of either a late lunch or an early supper, whichever we want to call it.  The best part will be the time spent together!! 



This is one of my favourite scriptures.  Yesterday as I painted another little Amish Girl, it came to mind and so that is what I used for the words on it.  What do you think???   I love these little Amish Girls . . . but then, I've always been quite fond of Amish anything!

Must dash as I have a bazillion things to do before the Toddster wakes up, so I'll leave you with a thought shall I?   Why not!

"No man consciously chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for the happiness that he seeks."
~Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851)

Now that's some food for thought . . . hmmm . . .



Baking in The English Kitchen today . . . Warm Blueberry and Almond Muffins!

 

Wednesday ponderings . . .

Source: inspirationlane.tumblr.com via Kim-Rae on Pinterest

Here in the UK, we're now experiencing that beautiful time of year which I like to call Lilac-tide.  Spring is in full thrust and all the daffodils are long spent, bluebell woods are blooming profusely, the ground cover a wide carpet of blue, such a beautiful smell . . . but my favourite of all, the lilac is in full bloom and the air is filled with their sweet fragrance . . . ane never more beautiful than after a spat of rain.  Through dripping branches fragrance drifts and thrushes call . . .

Source: google.com via jillian on Pinterest

The garden across the way has a beautiful big lilac tree and it's branches are heavily laden with blossom . . . it drips and hangs over their hedge, almost onto the main pathway and I am sorely tempted to clip a few blooms to bring into the house so that we can enjoy nature's air freshener in here for a few days.  I wonder . . . would anyone notice?  Best not hazard it.  I think I will ask Todd can we please get ourselves a lilac bush to plant out front.

Source: dreamywhites.blogspot.ca via Becky on Pinterest

The hedgerows are filled with bloming hawthorn and may blossom . . . when one travels through the rural areas, it is as if we are driving through a green tunnel, tinted here and there with pale pink and white froth and the air sings with the petals which drift along on the spring breeze, for all the world looking like snow falling.   Can there ever be any more beautiful time of year??  I think not!

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A bit of an upset again yesterday as I realized that once again, my e-mail had been compromised.  Having done all that I can,  I am hopeful that the problem has sorted it self. Only time will tell.  I fear that Todd may have the problem now though as he was sitting in his chair last evening with his lap top and he said to me . . . "Why did you send me a page about viagra?! . . . as he is sitting there looking at the link he opened up!  I told him, shut that page now!  I said to him, what have we been trying to sort out all afternoon, and why on earth after that would you go and open up that link that my e-mail sent you!!  His reply . . . well, it was from you so I thought it was ok!  DOH!! MEN!!    Anyways, he changed his password right away and logged out, so hopefully it didn't stick.

I was ever so encouraged by all the positive feedback from my little cookbooklet!  It really made my day to get such a positive response from all those who had purchased it.  I did put a lot of my heart and soul into it, so I am ever so pleased that it's been appreciated!



(Don't forget to turn the music off down below to watch this video.  You'll love this.  I did!)

We had the Missionaries for supper last night.  We do so love having them in our home.  They bring such a wonderful spirit with them.  We have a new one now, Elder Starr . . . whom Todd has christened Elder Twinkle!  He's a very tall American!  Before they go they always share a special spiritual thought with us and yesterday was no exception.  It is always so refreshing to have these fabulous young people in our home, who . . .  at a time in their lives when most young people are only concerned with carousing and having a good time . . . have given up two years of their lives to serve the Lord and their fellow man.  During that two years they will not see their families.  They will only speak to their families twice a year . . .  a telephone call on Christmas Day, and another telephone call on Mother's Day.  A mission is a sacrifice of love given both by the young person serving, and by their families who give them up for two years.  (18 months for girls.)

In a way I think it is a special protection given them by the Lord . . . this call to serve a mission.  He takes them during those very vulnerable years, when many could go astray . . .  tucks them under His wing and sets their feet upon higher ground.   I think it's all pretty marvelous . . . and I think that if you asked most of them in years to come, which were the best years of their lives . . . most, with very few exceptions, would say . . . when I was on my mission..  They leave their homes as boys, at the age of 19 . . . and return as men at the age of 21, having experienced fantastic growth, strengthened testimonies, and being spiritually and emotionally prepared for all the rest that life will throw at them in the years to come.  It's all pretty amazing to me.  (When a young woman serves a mission call, it is for 18 months and begins at age 21 if they so choose to serve, and many do.)

What's even more amazing is that as I just wrote that last bit, I looked up and saw the missionaries on their morning jog passing by the front of our house!!  Talk about co-incidence???  Or is it God-incidence???  I think the latter!  (They only live around the corner from us and their landlord is our landlord too!)

 

We're off this morning to have Mitzie, puffed and fluffed.  We take her to the same person that bred her.  They also happen to be dog groomers and specialize in Spaniels.  We did take her to a different person once, and were not happy at all with the results, so we stick with the place in Neston.  They're ever so good.  I'm not sure Mitzie likes it all that much.  She's always very happy to see us at the end of it all!  She always smells so nice and looks so pretty when they are finished with her.   The walls of the waiting area are filled with portraits of her ancestors, each of them beautiful dogs, in their own right, and it's not hard to see where she gets her beauty from!

I shall leave you now to get on with your day, as ever with a nice thought to carry you through the coming hours . . .

“Since the beginning of time, love has been the source of both the highest bliss and the heaviest burdens. At the heart of misery from the days of Adam until today, you will find the love of wrong things. And at the heart of joy, you will find the love of good things."And the greatest of all good things is God.”
 ~Dieter F Uchtdorf

 


Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Steamed Cherry Bakewell Pudding . . . with custard sauce!