Well the weather continues to be
grim although we have been offered a little respite from the rain this weekend.
Temperatures though are struggling to get above 11-12 degrees (Celsius) whether
it is dry or sunny. Still nice to enjoy the garden even if it is cool. The
flowers are colourful at the minute and the one plus of the cooler weather is
the absence of biting midges. Flowers currently out are Tulip, Wisteria, bolted
cabbage, Pieris and Bluebell. One of the neighbours saw a magazine article on
grouping lots of different flowers in small jars and vases and took some of each
for here arrangement. Cabbage flowers are individually quite attractive and
en-masse when in a field of rape breathtaking. I think my favourite would be
rows and rows of lavender in a field in France – that must be an amazing sight.
Who knows next year when I have the time I might even go and have a look. See
her arrangement below – looks good and I love these 2 dolls. I can remember
when women were like this and generally the better for it.
So tell me now why did I build
the summerhouse? I bought a lamp for it the other week. I had thought to maybe
take a week off last week but cancelled it due to the poor weather. So now
shall wait till the Queen’s Jubilee week and take that off instead. I’m trying
to be prudent with my works holiday allocation this year and achieve maximum
benefit from them. Why do we do that? Especially when all the signs point to
the impending implosion of the financial world and really the natural inclination is to enjoy it while you can.
Ran out of jam at the weekend so
made some blueberry frangipane jam – not really sure about it but should be
good for Bakewell tart bases and sponges. The ground almonds give it a coarse
texture. I added them to get a set as I don’t think blueberries on their own
have an awful lot of pectin in. I’m not even sure one can add ground almonds to
jam but I did and it worked. Jam is so easy to make that it never seems worth
buying it anymore. Here’s the recipe if anyone is interested
600g blueberries
600g sugar100g ground almonds
Wash blueberries and add to pan
with sugar and heat till a rolling boil is achieved. You can’t walk away from
jam or it will burn. Boil mixture to setting point, (you need a jam thermometer
for this) and then add ground almonds. Pot into clean, oven heated jars and
seal; and that’s it.
The queen is in Accrington today
so expect more pictures from the visit. Let’s see how close they get this time.
