The Homely Yearhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/Our blog is dedicated to seasonal living - to enjoying the now; making things; the scents of home; sewing, and searching out bargains. we believe that much of the pleasure is in the journey..in the making and creating, even if in a simple way. en-UKhourly82000-01-01T12:00+00:00The Homely Yearhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/5f/676430d30b65532dd373d9d4b0fbdc_160x200.jpgLakeland rainbowhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/lakeland-rainbow-7391206/2009-11-16T23:46:15+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/lakeland_rainbow/4115872" title="Lakeland rainbow"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/872/4115872_bd82f7ff67_m.jpeg" alt="Lakeland rainbow"></a><br> This was a special moment! Near the end of a very soggy walk by Derwent Water, a shaft of sunlight...and a beautiful rainbow, its colours reflected clearly. Made all the trudging through mud and puddles worthwhile. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/lakeland-rainbow-7391206/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Lakeland rainbow
This was a special moment! Near the end of a very soggy walk by Derwent Water, a shaft of sunlight...and a beautiful rainbow, its colours reflected clearly. Made all the trudging through mud and puddles worthwhile.

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]]>Ready for bottlinghttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/ready-for-bottling-7371451/2009-11-14T12:09:31+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/ready_for_bottling/4107466" title="Ready for bottling"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/466/4107466_2aea70f56f_m.jpg" alt="Ready for bottling"></a><br> This damson gin is now a lovely colour and well ready for bottling. Hopefully, a nice warming tipple for cold winter nights. All you have to do is to strain through some muslin, into a jug. Put in a bottle and label. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/ready-for-bottling-7371451/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Ready for bottling
This damson gin is now a lovely colour and well ready for bottling. Hopefully, a nice warming tipple for cold winter nights. All you have to do is to strain through some muslin, into a jug. Put in a bottle and label.

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]]>Hot meals for cold nightshttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/hot-meals-for-cold-nights-7360794/2009-11-12T21:55:20+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/hot_meals_for_cold_nights/4102964" title="Hot meals for cold nights "><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/964/4102964_ef5576ee87_m.jpeg" alt="Hot meals for cold nights "></a><br> Can't beat the aroma of a beef casserole on the timer and cooking slowly when you come in from work. A good slug of red wine, plenty of mushrooms and a bay leaf or two...give it two and half/three hours and Bob's you uncle (whatever that means). </p> <p>Even better if it's left for a day for the flavours to develop. I like to put half in the freezer...and try to cook another dish at the same time to save on fuel.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/hot-meals-for-cold-nights-7360794/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Hot meals for cold nights
Can't beat the aroma of a beef casserole on the timer and cooking slowly when you come in from work. A good slug of red wine, plenty of mushrooms and a bay leaf or two...give it two and half/three hours and Bob's you uncle (whatever that means).

Even better if it's left for a day for the flavours to develop. I like to put half in the freezer...and try to cook another dish at the same time to save on fuel.

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]]>Too cutehttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/too-cute-7336026/2009-11-09T10:23:17+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/too_cute/4092085" title="Too cute!"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/085/4092085_8fcc7d51da_m.jpg" alt="Too cute!"></a><br> We spotted these in Llandudno and they were friendly, obviously used to much passing attention. Aren't they cute, though...think they know it! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/too-cute-7336026/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Too cute!
We spotted these in Llandudno and they were friendly, obviously used to much passing attention. Aren't they cute, though...think they know it!

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]]>A new additionhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/a-new-addition-7302417/2009-11-03T23:46:35+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/a_new_addition/4074069" title="A new addition"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/069/4074069_52a12eda74_m.jpeg" alt="A new addition"></a><br> Didn't expect to come back with a Westie from our local antiques/flea market...but you never know what you'll find. Already looks quite at home on our mantelpiece. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/a-new-addition-7302417/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>A new addition
Didn't expect to come back with a Westie from our local antiques/flea market...but you never know what you'll find. Already looks quite at home on our mantelpiece.

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]]>Or.....should I walkhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/or-should-i-walk-7281054/2009-10-31T15:39:21+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/or_should_i_walk/4060395" title="Or.....should I walk"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/395/4060395_87516f99b9_m.jpg" alt="Or.....should I walk"></a><br> This train does from Llanberis to the summit of Mount Snowdon. What a wonderful exhausting experience that walk/climb is. And no, I didn't do it this time...too late in the day to start out (well, that's the excuse) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/31/or-should-i-walk-7281054/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Or.....should I walk
This train does from Llanberis to the summit of Mount Snowdon. What a wonderful exhausting experience that walk/climb is. And no, I didn't do it this time...too late in the day to start out (well, that's the excuse)

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]]>Finished at lasthttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/finished-at-last-7250182/2009-10-26T23:42:55+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/finished_at_last/4045847" title="Finished at last"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/847/4045847_35a2531b6e_m.jpeg" alt="Finished at last"></a><br> At last the two wardrobes are done...complete with door catches...always seems to be the one job that's left for ages. Shame the rest of the house isn't looking so good...sorting out the plumbing and central heating just now, so carpets and floor boards have had to be lifted.</p> <p>And all this while Noreen's sunning herself in Llandudno...alright for some! Not that I'm envious, or anything. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/finished-at-last-7250182/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Finished at last
At last the two wardrobes are done...complete with door catches...always seems to be the one job that's left for ages. Shame the rest of the house isn't looking so good...sorting out the plumbing and central heating just now, so carpets and floor boards have had to be lifted.

And all this while Noreen's sunning herself in Llandudno...alright for some! Not that I'm envious, or anything.

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]]>Alison and Emilyhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/24/alison-and-emily-7234480/2009-10-24T11:19:09+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/alison_and_emily/4035614" title="Alison and Emily"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/614/4035614_090dad65f3_m.jpg" alt="Alison and Emily"></a><br> Spotted at a local ploughing match...Alison and Emily. Aren't they magnificent? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/24/alison-and-emily-7234480/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Alison and Emily
Spotted at a local ploughing match...Alison and Emily. Aren't they magnificent?

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]]>Cosmoshttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/19/cosmos-7204008/2009-10-19T22:17:07+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/cosmos/4021112" title="Cosmos"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/112/4021112_a48e395ff2_m.jpeg" alt="Cosmos"></a><br> Most flowers in our garden have faded by now. But a few cling on well into autumn...not least these cosmos. Sown from seed, they've definitely been worth it.</p> <p>Next year I must remember to sow the white one (think it's called 'Purity')<br> as it's especially lovely. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/19/cosmos-7204008/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Cosmos
Most flowers in our garden have faded by now. But a few cling on well into autumn...not least these cosmos. Sown from seed, they've definitely been worth it.

Next year I must remember to sow the white one (think it's called 'Purity')
as it's especially lovely.

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]]>Chocolate Brownieshttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/chocolate-brownies-7193472/2009-10-18T13:19:10+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/chocolate_brownies/4014939" title="Chocolate Brownies"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/939/4014939_e527652f05_m.jpg" alt="Chocolate Brownies"></a><br> 3oz, 75g self-raising flour<br> 6oz, 175g good dark chocolate<br> 6oz, 175g butter<br> 6oz, 175g unrefined sugar<br> 2 eggs<br> 1 tablespoon cocoa powder<br> Melt most of the chocolate, by putting into a bowl over a saucepan of steaming water.<br> Chop remaining chocolate into little pieces.<br> Cream butter & sugar.<br> Gradually add in eggs, mixing well.<br> Fold in flour & cocoa powder.<br> Mix in chocolate bits.<br> Put into a buttered baking tin & bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes. When cool, cut into squares. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/18/chocolate-brownies-7193472/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Chocolate Brownies
3oz, 75g self-raising flour
6oz, 175g good dark chocolate
6oz, 175g butter
6oz, 175g unrefined sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Melt most of the chocolate, by putting into a bowl over a saucepan of steaming water.
Chop remaining chocolate into little pieces.
Cream butter & sugar.
Gradually add in eggs, mixing well.
Fold in flour & cocoa powder.
Mix in chocolate bits.
Put into a buttered baking tin & bake in a moderate oven for about 30 minutes. When cool, cut into squares.

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]]>A change for the better?http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/14/a-change-for-the-better-7171076/2009-10-14T22:32:14+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/a_change_for_the_better/4003610" title="A change for the better?"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/610/4003610_27d1e6339e_m.jpeg" alt="A change for the better?"></a><br> The way the colours of hydrangeas soften is very appealing...prettier than in summer - now green, but still tinged with pink around the edges. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/14/a-change-for-the-better-7171076/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>A change for the better?
The way the colours of hydrangeas soften is very appealing...prettier than in summer - now green, but still tinged with pink around the edges.

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]]>Another bit of the pasthttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/13/another-bit-of-the-past-7161151/2009-10-13T16:10:57+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/another_bit_of_the_past/3998885" title="Another bit of the past"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/885/3998885_40b8ed6c57_m.jpg" alt="Another bit of the past"></a><br> It seems to be our week for looking back. I'm always fascinated by written acounts from the past, wondering what their lives were like, so this makes for interesting reading </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/13/another-bit-of-the-past-7161151/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Another bit of the past
It seems to be our week for looking back. I'm always fascinated by written acounts from the past, wondering what their lives were like, so this makes for interesting reading

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]]>Ready for off...http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/11/ready-for-off-7149312/2009-10-11T22:58:18+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/ready_for_off/3993043" title="Ready for off"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/043/3993043_34c295e1a2_m.jpeg" alt="Ready for off"></a><br> ...on the Churnet Valley Railway. </p> <p>The three little ones we took really enjoyed this train journey - but probably not quite as much as us slightly older ones, who could reminisce about steam trains (not that I ever had the chance to travel on any...Les did though). </p> <p>This was the first time I'd been through Leekbrook tunnel, though I've seen steam trains on their way through many times. Even getting covered in bits of soot as we watched it go was fun.</p> <p>Good cup of tea in the station tea rooms as well. I can recommend it as day out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/11/ready-for-off-7149312/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Ready for off
...on the Churnet Valley Railway.

The three little ones we took really enjoyed this train journey - but probably not quite as much as us slightly older ones, who could reminisce about steam trains (not that I ever had the chance to travel on any...Les did though).

This was the first time I'd been through Leekbrook tunnel, though I've seen steam trains on their way through many times. Even getting covered in bits of soot as we watched it go was fun.

Good cup of tea in the station tea rooms as well. I can recommend it as day out.

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]]>A simple beautyhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/09/a-simple-beauty-7134308/2009-10-09T22:33:25+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/a_simple_beauty/3985800" title="A simple beauty"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/800/3985800_b1413fec6a_m.jpeg" alt="A simple beauty"></a><br> Sometimes, (and especially right now when everything seems all doom and gloom) we need to appreciate simple things, such as the flowers on this orchid...so gorgeous! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/09/a-simple-beauty-7134308/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>A simple beauty
Sometimes, (and especially right now when everything seems all doom and gloom) we need to appreciate simple things, such as the flowers on this orchid...so gorgeous!

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]]>Real austerityhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/08/real-austerity-7125827/2009-10-08T17:12:45+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/real_austerity/3981522" title="Real austerity"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/522/3981522_7dc13728d8_m.jpg" alt="Real austerity"></a><br> As the politicians trip over each other talking about austerity measures, finding this reminded me of the people who really must have known what that meant. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/08/real-austerity-7125827/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Real austerity
As the politicians trip over each other talking about austerity measures, finding this reminded me of the people who really must have known what that meant.

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]]>Old season, new seasonhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/old-season-new-season-7106777/2009-10-05T22:42:10+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/old_season_new_season/3971058" title="Old season, new season"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/058/3971058_a27b63e1ea_m.jpeg" alt="Old season, new season"></a><br> Some bargain pansies ready to go in pots...only £1 a tray from a local greengrocers, reduced because they hadn't got many flowers. They'll be fine though, once they're planted up. </p> <p>And a couple of bunches of bare rooted wallflowers. Got to empty out all the planters first, most of them are well past their best and sadly neglected. I run out of steam as they do! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/05/old-season-new-season-7106777/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Old season, new season
Some bargain pansies ready to go in pots...only £1 a tray from a local greengrocers, reduced because they hadn't got many flowers. They'll be fine though, once they're planted up.

And a couple of bunches of bare rooted wallflowers. Got to empty out all the planters first, most of them are well past their best and sadly neglected. I run out of steam as they do!

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]]>Vintage runhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/vintage-run-7095883/2009-10-04T14:02:08+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/vintage_run/3964695" title="Vintage run"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/695/3964695_efd47afd89_m.jpg" alt="Vintage run"></a><br> Frightening the wild life ,and bringing villagers to their doors to have a look, a bunch of local farmers and tractor fans went on a scenic run last week. Boys will be boys..... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/04/vintage-run-7095883/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Vintage run
Frightening the wild life ,and bringing villagers to their doors to have a look, a bunch of local farmers and tractor fans went on a scenic run last week. Boys will be boys.....

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]]>Alpacashttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/alpacas-7089661/2009-10-03T11:07:59+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/alpacas/3960778" title="Alpacas"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/778/3960778_26cf76a6d4_m.jpg" alt="Alpacas"></a><br> Saw these on a fairly nearby farm. I have to admit my ignorance on them is profound. Are they related to the sheep family, or the goat family? Are they kept for their wool!? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/10/03/alpacas-7089661/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Alpacas
Saw these on a fairly nearby farm. I have to admit my ignorance on them is profound. Are they related to the sheep family, or the goat family? Are they kept for their wool!?

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]]>September sunflowerhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/30/september-sunflower-7072806/2009-09-30T22:48:59+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/september_sunflower/3953159" title="September sunflower"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/159/3953159_6570b89bde_m.jpeg" alt="September sunflower"></a><br> I've been watching this plant grow in one of our troughs for a few months now. Eventually I realised it was a sunflower but don't know how it got there...wasn't planted by us! And on the last day of September it's open...what a little beauty! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/30/september-sunflower-7072806/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>September sunflower
I've been watching this plant grow in one of our troughs for a few months now. Eventually I realised it was a sunflower but don't know how it got there...wasn't planted by us! And on the last day of September it's open...what a little beauty!

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]]>Sweet peashttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/28/sweet-peas-7058034/2009-09-28T22:22:52+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/sweet_peas/3946447" title="Sweet peas"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/447/3946447_4aad08e513_m.jpeg" alt="Sweet peas"></a><br> A lovely gift, don't you think? A friend arrived with a bunch of sweet peas picked from the garden...it's great that they're still flowering! Wish you could enjoy their scent too...it fills the house. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/28/sweet-peas-7058034/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Sweet peas
A lovely gift, don't you think? A friend arrived with a bunch of sweet peas picked from the garden...it's great that they're still flowering! Wish you could enjoy their scent too...it fills the house.

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]]>Damson jamhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/27/damson-jam-7048637/2009-09-27T13:06:26+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/damson_jam/3940775" title="Damson jam"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/775/3940775_e855a7119b_m.jpg" alt="Damson jam"></a><br> Get your jars ready, by thoroughly washing and settomg to dry in a very low oven. Use a very large saucepan, or preserving pan.<br> Wash damsons & remove any stalks. For each pound of fruit, allow a pound of sugar. Put damsons in pan, and put to side of hob, until a little of the juice has been extracted. Boil for half-an-hour. Gradually add the sugar & bring back to the boil. Stir frequently, removing as many stones as you can. To test for set, remove a spoonfull & place on a cool saucer, when you tilt to the side a skin should form on the jam. When jam ready, remove from heat and pour carefully into a jug, and then the jars. Cover with clean lids, or wax discs & cellophane covers. Label </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/27/damson-jam-7048637/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Damson jam
Get your jars ready, by thoroughly washing and settomg to dry in a very low oven. Use a very large saucepan, or preserving pan.
Wash damsons & remove any stalks. For each pound of fruit, allow a pound of sugar. Put damsons in pan, and put to side of hob, until a little of the juice has been extracted. Boil for half-an-hour. Gradually add the sugar & bring back to the boil. Stir frequently, removing as many stones as you can. To test for set, remove a spoonfull & place on a cool saucer, when you tilt to the side a skin should form on the jam. When jam ready, remove from heat and pour carefully into a jug, and then the jars. Cover with clean lids, or wax discs & cellophane covers. Label

Comments

]]>Damson Ginhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/damson-gin-7037523/2009-09-25T11:37:36+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/damson_gin/3934433" title="Damson Gin"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/433/3934433_695c874e9a_m.jpg" alt="Damson Gin"></a><br> 1 bottle gin<br> 2lbs, 900g damsons (washed & dried)<br> 1lb, 450g sugar<br> Prick all the damsons with a needle. Put in the kilner jar. Add the sugar. Add the gin. Put lid on. Shake frequently for about 6 weeks. Strain & bottle. Improves with keeping. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/25/damson-gin-7037523/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Damson Gin
1 bottle gin
2lbs, 900g damsons (washed & dried)
1lb, 450g sugar
Prick all the damsons with a needle. Put in the kilner jar. Add the sugar. Add the gin. Put lid on. Shake frequently for about 6 weeks. Strain & bottle. Improves with keeping.

Comments

]]>Making friendshttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/making-friends-7034406/2009-09-24T22:25:01+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/making_friends/3933425" title="Making friends"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/425/3933425_18d581f3dc_m.jpeg" alt="Making friends"></a><br> Sam was very pleased to see next door's cat...and cat seemed to like all the attention. I can only agree with Sam's observation, 'Ah, cute!' </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/24/making-friends-7034406/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Making friends
Sam was very pleased to see next door's cat...and cat seemed to like all the attention. I can only agree with Sam's observation, 'Ah, cute!'

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]]>Busy with fruithttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/busy-with-fruit-7025523/2009-09-23T16:23:07+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/busy_with_fruit/3928534" title="Busy with fruit"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/534/3928534_10550b56b1_m.jpg" alt="Busy with fruit"></a><br> Both Margaret & I seem to be up to our eyes in fruit at the moment. It all has to be "dealt with" though! It has been an exceptionally good year for damsons & plums, so for some recipes/ideas, watch this space over the next few days. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/23/busy-with-fruit-7025523/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Busy with fruit
Both Margaret & I seem to be up to our eyes in fruit at the moment. It all has to be "dealt with" though! It has been an exceptionally good year for damsons & plums, so for some recipes/ideas, watch this space over the next few days.

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]]>Just one slice...http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/just-one-slice-7021084/2009-09-22T22:46:13+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/just_one_slice/3926115" title="Just one slice..."><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/115/3926115_3443a79030_m.jpeg" alt="Just one slice..."></a><br> ...is all that's left of the pie, and not a very big slice, either! I meant to take a photo before so much disappeared, but wasn't fast enough...guess I'll just have to make another. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/22/just-one-slice-7021084/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Just one slice...
...is all that's left of the pie, and not a very big slice, either! I meant to take a photo before so much disappeared, but wasn't fast enough...guess I'll just have to make another.

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]]>Autumn fruitshttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/autumn-fruits-7013538/2009-09-21T23:00:13+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/autumn_fruits/3922747" title="Autumn fruits"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/747/3922747_6a6ba1a34f_m.jpeg" alt="Autumn fruits"></a><br> Fish and chips...eggs and bacon...apple and blackberry...some foods are just right for each other. A pie, I think, and maybe some blackberry icecream. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/21/autumn-fruits-7013538/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Autumn fruits
Fish and chips...eggs and bacon...apple and blackberry...some foods are just right for each other. A pie, I think, and maybe some blackberry icecream.

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]]>Beautiful morninghttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/beautiful-morning-7001272/2009-09-20T11:41:28+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/beautiful_morning/3915811" title="Beautiful morning"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/811/3915811_9aa9578929_m.jpg" alt="Beautiful morning"></a><br> The sunrise this morning was spectacular, and I hope worth sharing with you all. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/beautiful-morning-7001272/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Beautiful morning
The sunrise this morning was spectacular, and I hope worth sharing with you all.

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]]>Back to normalhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/back-to-normal-6993438/2009-09-18T22:50:30+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/back_to_normal/3910932" title="Back to normal"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/932/3910932_46d9137b6f_m.jpeg" alt="Back to normal"></a><br> It's taken absolutely ages to paint the conservatory. We've done inside and out and, as it was stained before, it needed four coats of paint. </p> <p>So glad it's finished...just the bedroom windows now to match. At least we can have a comfy break...it's lovely and warm if there's a bit of sun. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/back-to-normal-6993438/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Back to normal
It's taken absolutely ages to paint the conservatory. We've done inside and out and, as it was stained before, it needed four coats of paint.

So glad it's finished...just the bedroom windows now to match. At least we can have a comfy break...it's lovely and warm if there's a bit of sun.

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]]>Muesli and banana biscuitshttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/muesli-and-banana-biscuits-6979939/2009-09-16T23:08:19+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/muesli_and_banana_biscuits/3904508" title="Muesli and banana biscuits"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/508/3904508_35efcabc2e_m.jpeg" alt="Muesli and banana biscuits"></a><br> This recipe makes substantial biscuits, a bit between a biscuit and a cake. The inspiration came from the bits (had been oaty clusters in their original form) of muesli left in the bottom of the packet...didn't look like anyone wanted it for breakfast. Les doesn't like muesli, but he does like these!</p> <p>4oz/110g butter<br> 2 tbsp golden syrup<br> 3oz/75g light brown sugar<br> 8oz/225g self-raising flour<br> 30z/75g oat muesli<br> 1 banana chopped into small pieces<br> half a teaspoon mixed spice</p> <p>Melt the butter and golden syrup in a large saucepan. Stir in the sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.</p> <p>Place spoonfuls of the mixture on greased baking trays and bake at 150C, gas mark 2 for 12 - 15 minutes until golden.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/muesli-and-banana-biscuits-6979939/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Muesli and banana biscuits
This recipe makes substantial biscuits, a bit between a biscuit and a cake. The inspiration came from the bits (had been oaty clusters in their original form) of muesli left in the bottom of the packet...didn't look like anyone wanted it for breakfast. Les doesn't like muesli, but he does like these!

4oz/110g butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
3oz/75g light brown sugar
8oz/225g self-raising flour
30z/75g oat muesli
1 banana chopped into small pieces
half a teaspoon mixed spice

Melt the butter and golden syrup in a large saucepan. Stir in the sugar. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Place spoonfuls of the mixture on greased baking trays and bake at 150C, gas mark 2 for 12 - 15 minutes until golden.

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]]>Worth wating forhttp://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/14/worth-wating-for-6964282/2009-09-14T22:42:08+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/worth_waiting_for/3896605" title="Worth waiting for"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/605/3896605_f0deedca0c_m.jpeg" alt="Worth waiting for"></a><br> I really admire plants that wait until September to flower...this lily has only just come out...looks too delicate to survive as it starts to get colder, but just keeps flowering away. </p> <p>Such a bright shade of pink...can't help but notice it! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://thehomelyyear.blog.co.uk/2009/09/14/worth-wating-for-6964282/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>Worth waiting for
I really admire plants that wait until September to flower...this lily has only just come out...looks too delicate to survive as it starts to get colder, but just keeps flowering away.

Such a bright shade of pink...can't help but notice it!

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