A loving spoonful

Our kitchen is a hive of cottage industry! The understairs cupboard is filled with jars of home pickled onions. On top of the fridge is a huge bowl of home made mincemeat, from which I take much pleasure in stirring every time I pass. Their is a huge pan bubbling on the cooker, filling the air with wonderful aromas, apple, onion and vinegar. My eyes are stinging and my throat is sore.


But I love it!

We really are doing well with our Christmas gifts. Anyone who recieves a gift from Philip and myself should know that much love was put into the making of it and much fun and satisfaction was taken from it. I only hope that each and every recipient will enjoy eating or using their gifts as much as we have enjoyed making it.

I am trying out so many new crafts this year, I only hope I am capable delivering the goods. I wonder if Santa Clause and his helpers have as much fun whilst making their gifts! I think our job is easier though because we are giving what we think our loved ones will enjoy. Santa has to make his gifts to order.


Appologies for writing about the festive season so early. In the past I have not even wanted to hear the word "Christmas" till Decmber is upon us, but this year I am happily making plans, writing lists and making gifts. Although when it comes to my two grown up sons I have to admit I am completely stumped. Oh well I have got time to come up with the perfect gift.

Getting Pickled!

This morning I have achieved another first. No, I haven't walked on the moon or discovered a cure for the common cold. But I have pickled my first onions, well Philip and I did them. Philip is a pickling veteran but this is my maiden voyage in the world of pickling. The house smells of vinegar and onions and so do my hands.

It may seem silly to some , but I have a wonderful sense of achievement and pleasure from my morning's work. I am easily pleased.

What makes this all the more pleasurable is that our pickles will be given as gifts at Christmas (sorry I know it is very early to be thinking about Boxing day Eve.)

Usually I refuse to even think about the festive season untill December is upon us, but this year I am excited already and it's still October. We have decided to hand make all the gifts we will give to our friends and family. I have always wanted to do this and we have some great ideas. What I like about this kind of giving is that each gift will be personalised to the friend or family member. Which means we spend a lot of time thinking about each of our loved ones and their interests or personality. It's fun and reinforces my appreciation of them all. I am blessed with great friends and a wonderful family.