All things considered, it worked pretty well and tastes very good indeed (perhaps not for breakfast though, like I did, feeling a bit squiffy now). The chocolate is a little inclined to break off the edges, but I think that's because I might have had the ice cream wafers wrong side up. Very, very rich … Continue reading That slice

Nothing like a place in the sun on a cold and frosty morning. Especially after a quick trip out onto the icy grass.

Decided this evening to cook a vegetarian pizza. Rosemary from the garden, roasted pumpkin cubes (from home grown pumpkin), carmelised onions and garlic, last summer's semi dried tomatoes and homemade ricotta. Amazing how tasty such vegetarian things can be…. rustic but delicious.

It's hard to catch a photo of these two at play as they move so fast. Young Truffles the kitten has had no-one to romp with. The other two cats despise her because she is so enthusiastically playful. However, Poppy the puppy has no such qualms, and is very keen to join in any game, … Continue reading The games they play

Sleepy, rainy afternoon; perfect conditions for making a triple batch of halloumi and time to bottle off the sparkling rhubarb. Poppy the new puppy has worn herself out playing with kittenTruffles, so for once she is still enough to take her photo.  That's my neck pillow, so you can see how tiny she is. While … Continue reading Rainy winter afternoon

You wouldn't think that there would be much produce about at this time of the year. However, look what has come our way just this last couple of days - hazelnuts, apples, olives, pink peppercorns and medlars (they are not rotting despite outward appearances - they are bletting in readiness for making medlar liqueur). Then … Continue reading Winter Harvest

So here is the new addition to the family - Courtney gave her to Robert. She came with her name, Poppy, which suits her well. Truffles the kitten would love to be friends, but when she smooches Poppy, the puppy jumps enthusiastically wanting to play dog-style, and then Truffles runs. After that the chase is … Continue reading New addition to the family

Yesterday there was dense fog, now this morning the frost has moved in. It's a little chilly, but my goodness it's pretty. These photos were taken an hour ago - but now you can barely see past the edge of the verandah as the fog has returned. This all bodes well for the quality of … Continue reading And then there was frost…..

Bit chilly and foggy this morning? Yes indeed. It was minus 3 outside earlier, and not much warmer now by the feel of it.  It's the thickest fog since we've been living here. Rosie the middle cat is keeper of the fire - she sits meaningfully in front of it when she considers it needs … Continue reading Foggy Valley