I have finished reading 'The White Queen'; those Plantaganet relationships were so complicated and each generation was a collection of the same names- Elizabeth, Edward, George, Richard etc. Hmm! bit of a new slant on the Princes in the Tower.....
Ridley Hall was the base for the walk on a beautifully warm day this week; scones, jam and cream meant that hill seemed so much steeper than if I had been in my sylph-like , pre Egg slimness. This home of the Bowes Lyons brought back memories of 35 years ago-of being announced as 'The Lady.....' on those stairs by David Mannion. It must be a 'how the other half live' experience for those students of Haydon Bridge High School who board here among the beautiful wood carvings. The grounds of the Hall and Beltingham Church provided a glimpse of Bowes Lyons life; yes! The Queen Mother did call in at times.
At last I was able to get in the garden though DIY stores did their damndest to stop me. I have planted up my first box of spuds. I think sweet pea pods are poisonous yet I have planted sweet peas , mange tout and french beans in sections along the squared fence; H1 had better watch out! Early on tonight he mentioned us going for a drink but after we had given lifts to Ds who were going on the gallivant, he declared a need to go straight to Asda for a takeaway- the drink had obviously disappeared from his starving?! brain, Grr! So much for still courting when you are married. I hear David Cameron and the Tory party might give us tax breaks in order to reward us for connubial bliss- it better be loads of dosh- don't you think, M?
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Monday, 5 April 2010
Happy Easter and traditions
Evening- the best part of the day; the sun is lighting the gable end of the house opposite us; not before time! We have had a lovely weekend, in spite of not because of, the weather....dull, rainy, quite chilly....
D2 arrived back in the UK and headed up north. D1 calmed down from the gruelling schedule she has kept up for some weeks now; D3 actually managed to get some time to come home!
I am off to watch the football and meet friends at the pub & will finish this later by which time we will know if Newcastle are going up!!!Huh! I am not so sure they will be Premiership quality but let's at least get up there! H1 has just said " Newcastle is promoted" I think I might have to eat an Easter egg to celebrate.
I am back and can't go to bed as I need to clean my teeth but I have too much chocolate in my mouth as yet- merely in the interests of clearing up again (does this sound like my post Christmas blogs?!)
I feel sad to have washed up 5 plates & flutes & now we are down in numbers again. We have laughed hysterically at Articulate and Cluedo and been out for a meal at Avanti again. We organised the wine,(p)egg hunt with P, bonnet & paste egg competitions and of course egg jarping- A and G always get to the semi finals then get dunched out by some 4yr old- but such 'high class rubbish' (to quote Fr J.) is all in the interests of English , nay, Northern , tradition- and good fun; age makes no difference as we all laugh together and create memories for the young.
We went to the Free Trade for a drink and view of England's most wonderful city (unbiased view); the ex Belle & Herbe (now Butterfly Can't remember) provided us with fab food; a game of bowling meant D3 won (to H1's irritation) whilst I kept them both up.
The boots and water proofs are dry at last; the house no longer looks like a chinese laundry.
Lots of friends are away on holiday it seems.
You know what? I think friends and relatives are transient... being made in and kept for certain times/incidents/stages of your life then disappearing again as you or they drop that interest or they no longer need you. Very few stay with you lifelong.
D2 arrived back in the UK and headed up north. D1 calmed down from the gruelling schedule she has kept up for some weeks now; D3 actually managed to get some time to come home!
I am off to watch the football and meet friends at the pub & will finish this later by which time we will know if Newcastle are going up!!!Huh! I am not so sure they will be Premiership quality but let's at least get up there! H1 has just said " Newcastle is promoted" I think I might have to eat an Easter egg to celebrate.
I am back and can't go to bed as I need to clean my teeth but I have too much chocolate in my mouth as yet- merely in the interests of clearing up again (does this sound like my post Christmas blogs?!)
I feel sad to have washed up 5 plates & flutes & now we are down in numbers again. We have laughed hysterically at Articulate and Cluedo and been out for a meal at Avanti again. We organised the wine,(p)egg hunt with P, bonnet & paste egg competitions and of course egg jarping- A and G always get to the semi finals then get dunched out by some 4yr old- but such 'high class rubbish' (to quote Fr J.) is all in the interests of English , nay, Northern , tradition- and good fun; age makes no difference as we all laugh together and create memories for the young.
We went to the Free Trade for a drink and view of England's most wonderful city (unbiased view); the ex Belle & Herbe (now Butterfly Can't remember) provided us with fab food; a game of bowling meant D3 won (to H1's irritation) whilst I kept them both up.
The boots and water proofs are dry at last; the house no longer looks like a chinese laundry.
Lots of friends are away on holiday it seems.
You know what? I think friends and relatives are transient... being made in and kept for certain times/incidents/stages of your life then disappearing again as you or they drop that interest or they no longer need you. Very few stay with you lifelong.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
April Fool / Maundy Thursday
At last - some sunshine after days of stotting rain.
Ingram Valley presented us with rain and a wonderful day; D1's class were a joy once again. Farmer James showed us how disability means nothing- Moss & (3-legged) Sam the sheepdogs brought in his flock to whistles & childrens' wows at the speed they travelled outby.We learned about horses, cattle (& a HUGE bull called Caleb)and watched lambs being born & wrapped in plastic coats like sausages; however if the forecasted weather arrives and if the snow is as bad as the forecast then Jim says he will lose many of his newborn lambs.
We 'cashed in' my raffle prize from the Rag Ball & went to the Tyneside Cinema; friends had recommended 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Yikes! an excellent film but it was rather sexually explicit. I really like the Tyneside with its Arte Nouveau decoration & history.
The Ouseburn is right up to flood level- will the new bridge lifting stop it backing up? Blockpaving has a lot to answer for-it so removes the interception layer which slows down flow & decreases(ie speeds up) the lag time of surface water back into water courses (water delivery to streams etc formerly spread across several hours, now hits the water courses very quickly). Why doesn't Newcastle Council provide subsidised (recycled of course) plastic eggbox type surfacing which allows grass to grow through while allowing parking on top of it?
We went walking at Bolam/Shaftoe Crags with the group; the sun came out as we stood to eat lunch watching herons and swans on a temporary pool. Our waterproofs are now whizzing around in 'inky' water in the washing machine.
Ingram Valley presented us with rain and a wonderful day; D1's class were a joy once again. Farmer James showed us how disability means nothing- Moss & (3-legged) Sam the sheepdogs brought in his flock to whistles & childrens' wows at the speed they travelled outby.We learned about horses, cattle (& a HUGE bull called Caleb)and watched lambs being born & wrapped in plastic coats like sausages; however if the forecasted weather arrives and if the snow is as bad as the forecast then Jim says he will lose many of his newborn lambs.
We 'cashed in' my raffle prize from the Rag Ball & went to the Tyneside Cinema; friends had recommended 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Yikes! an excellent film but it was rather sexually explicit. I really like the Tyneside with its Arte Nouveau decoration & history.
The Ouseburn is right up to flood level- will the new bridge lifting stop it backing up? Blockpaving has a lot to answer for-it so removes the interception layer which slows down flow & decreases(ie speeds up) the lag time of surface water back into water courses (water delivery to streams etc formerly spread across several hours, now hits the water courses very quickly). Why doesn't Newcastle Council provide subsidised (recycled of course) plastic eggbox type surfacing which allows grass to grow through while allowing parking on top of it?
We went walking at Bolam/Shaftoe Crags with the group; the sun came out as we stood to eat lunch watching herons and swans on a temporary pool. Our waterproofs are now whizzing around in 'inky' water in the washing machine.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
The Lake District
I have committed the unforgiveable- I wagged it from my writing class to go to a birthday celebration; I am stuck; I am writing between genres & even writing to the one I prefer is coming out childish rather than for children.
We went to join 'The Gang' at the Lakes via coffee at the Sharrow Bay . We mooched round Keswick and lunched & coffeed (again). Our B&B was a delight again- with new owners who were somewhat surprised to have all nine of us- but they managed wonderfully. The meal at The Farmers was poor but Saturday's meal at the Derwent Lodge made up for it. We walked round Crummock Water, Buttersmere and LowesWater with the biggest, packed lunch and smashing weather. We also did just 7 miles in the Newlands valley.
With all these scones, packed lunches and evening meals I am looking for a missing waistline
The snowdrops have now gone over as have the crocuses but the daffodils bob golden and gentle in our borders welcoming in the hour which did a spring forward during the night; the days will be longer now; the sun is coming back- as is D3.
We went to join 'The Gang' at the Lakes via coffee at the Sharrow Bay . We mooched round Keswick and lunched & coffeed (again). Our B&B was a delight again- with new owners who were somewhat surprised to have all nine of us- but they managed wonderfully. The meal at The Farmers was poor but Saturday's meal at the Derwent Lodge made up for it. We walked round Crummock Water, Buttersmere and LowesWater with the biggest, packed lunch and smashing weather. We also did just 7 miles in the Newlands valley.
With all these scones, packed lunches and evening meals I am looking for a missing waistline
The snowdrops have now gone over as have the crocuses but the daffodils bob golden and gentle in our borders welcoming in the hour which did a spring forward during the night; the days will be longer now; the sun is coming back- as is D3.
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Gibside beetroot cake recipe
200g Plain Flour
3/4teasp baking powder
3/4 teasp bicarb
3/4 teasp cinnamon
1/4 teasp salt
175g soft light brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teasp vanilla essence
300ml oil
225g grated beetroot
Mix dry ingredients. Mix eggs,vanilla & oil; mix into dry ingredients; fold in beetroot (yes bright pinky purple).
2lb loaf tin.180 for 40mins then reduce to 170 for 20 mins. Ice with an ordinary glace icing when cool. Mmmm!
Alice in Wonderland 3D was a very good alternative to rain and was enhanced by a trip to Frankie & Bennys. P&I sat in the car at Bolam sheltered from the rain watching a host of birds coming down to feed on seed; sunshine drew us out to walk round the lake to view swans, moorhens, geese and ducks- all feverishly showing off to attract a mate. Wallington walking group has also left the utility full of clarty boots drying.
Don't the birthdays of our children cause us adults to feel the age too? balloons & special treatment at Avanti helped us all feel happy & have a lovely night. I wish I got as many greetings!
3/4teasp baking powder
3/4 teasp bicarb
3/4 teasp cinnamon
1/4 teasp salt
175g soft light brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teasp vanilla essence
300ml oil
225g grated beetroot
Mix dry ingredients. Mix eggs,vanilla & oil; mix into dry ingredients; fold in beetroot (yes bright pinky purple).
2lb loaf tin.180 for 40mins then reduce to 170 for 20 mins. Ice with an ordinary glace icing when cool. Mmmm!
Alice in Wonderland 3D was a very good alternative to rain and was enhanced by a trip to Frankie & Bennys. P&I sat in the car at Bolam sheltered from the rain watching a host of birds coming down to feed on seed; sunshine drew us out to walk round the lake to view swans, moorhens, geese and ducks- all feverishly showing off to attract a mate. Wallington walking group has also left the utility full of clarty boots drying.
Don't the birthdays of our children cause us adults to feel the age too? balloons & special treatment at Avanti helped us all feel happy & have a lovely night. I wish I got as many greetings!
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Deer, Daphne and our Lord Collingwood
England is covered in snowdrops; multicoloured crocus are carpeting lawns eg at South Gosforth roundabout- multicoloured except in my garden wherein I planted a mix 2 years ago but this year they have come up mainly purple!
H1 could see why Admiral Lord Collingwood has always been my hero after attending a talk on him this week; the Discovery Museum has an exhibition on him at present for the 200th anniversary of his death; a Northumbrian to be so proud of- and who loved his country and his county!
Gibside provided P&I with lots of forestry clearance, 3 deer sightings, the best cheese scones- and once again we had their beetroot cake; I dislike beetroot but this is delicious- why don't the National Trust sell this recipe- how to use up beetroot (ugh!) and local produce (without air miles); I shall blog it for you.
We walked from & to St. Oswald's Tearoom near Heavenfield (my favourite place) amid snowdrops particularly near Middle Brunton woods.
P cooked 'The Ladies' a beautiful meal; where do women get husbands who do much of the cooking?- and have the kitchen completely cleared up by the time the guests have gone; I think I should put H1 in in part exchange. When I used to do dinner parties I couldn't even get H1 to do the wine- so last minute & silently (& under pain of death if his weeny contribution was not made)), he used to put white wine in the freezer then forget about it till the bottle cracks all over the freezer.
Carlin, Palm and Paste Egg Day are the Sundays coming up- I need to learn how to cook the traditional carlin peas which used to get put out in North East pubs on this day. What design should I think up for my pace egg?
I planted my Christmas gift from M- a Daphne- in the garden; it was giving the garage a beautiful perfume.
H1 could see why Admiral Lord Collingwood has always been my hero after attending a talk on him this week; the Discovery Museum has an exhibition on him at present for the 200th anniversary of his death; a Northumbrian to be so proud of- and who loved his country and his county!
Gibside provided P&I with lots of forestry clearance, 3 deer sightings, the best cheese scones- and once again we had their beetroot cake; I dislike beetroot but this is delicious- why don't the National Trust sell this recipe- how to use up beetroot (ugh!) and local produce (without air miles); I shall blog it for you.
We walked from & to St. Oswald's Tearoom near Heavenfield (my favourite place) amid snowdrops particularly near Middle Brunton woods.
P cooked 'The Ladies' a beautiful meal; where do women get husbands who do much of the cooking?- and have the kitchen completely cleared up by the time the guests have gone; I think I should put H1 in in part exchange. When I used to do dinner parties I couldn't even get H1 to do the wine- so last minute & silently (& under pain of death if his weeny contribution was not made)), he used to put white wine in the freezer then forget about it till the bottle cracks all over the freezer.
Carlin, Palm and Paste Egg Day are the Sundays coming up- I need to learn how to cook the traditional carlin peas which used to get put out in North East pubs on this day. What design should I think up for my pace egg?
I planted my Christmas gift from M- a Daphne- in the garden; it was giving the garage a beautiful perfume.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Mothering Sunday
Linked to the Feast of The Annunciation, to Lady Day, to when folk went on an annual visit from daughter churches back to the Mother (main )church for services: also when offspring 'in service' (or agricultural labour) were given time off once a year and went back to visit their families particularly their mothers (& picked wild flowers en route for home for a gift). Now rather commercially exploited.
D2 rang several times. D1 visited. D3 packed a picnic & we went awalking round Greenhaugh. Northumberland is drifted with snowdrops; we saw an adder dozing in the sun under a hedge row (that is early in the year). We took on getting through a herd of winter-coated heifers- with 2 new calves- quite risky. We were 'attacked' by two labradors. Then encountered Thorneyburn church of St Aidan's where we stayed for a lovely Mothers' Day service & got spoilt- chocolate & flowers! We visited the Holly Bush pub; with great hospitality and a fire we were reluctant to leave - and will go back. Hitting more urban areas a large fox crossed in front of the car giving us an 'I avoided you-you didn't avoid me' look.
Gifts and tea completed a brilliant weekend.
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