Spring, away from our Cottage!

We are at Easter and the weather has somewhat turned... We have had a glorious start to Spring here at the cottage and the lambs appear to be doing very well.  We love it here at the Cottage but occasionally we'll set off to see the rest of the world again...


Just before the weather changed we had sometime on our hands and set of to see Spring away from the cottage.  Now, I am quite a solitary lass and not one for joining organisations, I do however have a membership to the National Trust who I believe do great work in maintaining wonderful landscapes and history for the generations to come.  


We set off for Croft Castle in Herefordshire (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle/), which is the type of Trust property I love, wide spaces, lovely walks and beautiful countryside, oh and the ubiquitous tea shop in which to get an ice cream!  The flowers are spectacular, here are some for you to see:

There is a superb old castle and lovely little church.  I must say though my favourite little area is the walled garden with its flowers, fruit trees and little old buildings:

The very next day we set off again from our cottage and this time visited another favourite of mine Westbury Court Garden in Gloucestershire:  (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/westbury-court-garden/) 


This is a very different entity and I love it.  It s a very structured and formal garden based on a Dutch design and is the last one of its kind in the UK.  Its not what I normally am attracted to but this one has a special feel.  Again Spring has made it a lovely place to waste an afternoon.  I hope you agree: 

I hope you enjoyed the lovely weather and lets hope it returns soon!

Happy Easter to all x

The loveliness of Spring!

How fortunate to be in the countryside whilst Spring explodes. The bees are buzzing and the birds busily nesting.  We saw the Bats who roost in the barn, we think they are out of their hibernation now.  The Chif Chaffs are singing constantly.   Below is the wonder of the Magnolia coming in to bloom, how lovely...

Recently I shared my glorious view from my little cottage.  I did reply to those who commented that I was not lucky enough to be the owner by merely a tenant here.  Our decision to move here was initially to get out of the big smoke of a Northern city and have a gentle pace, which we have succeeded in doing.  We also harbour a hope and dream of becoming self sufficient one day, as do a lot of others.  We are fortunate here to be able to absorb and learn from what is happening around us.  Here the owners grow their own vegetables, have ducks and horses and a little flock of sheep.  I have been watching the flock closely and now they have had their lambs.  I had a little walk up to see them, not too close as I don't want to upset them.  They are lovely and such a cheerful sight...

Above is Mum, she's a Ryedale, basically a big cuddly teddy bear.  Below is one very curious lamb, one of the wee ones, who had just had a drink...

... and my favourite.  Obviously finding the unusually warm March sunshine a bit tiring..

Hope you are all enjoying Spring too x

Yummy favourite easy dinner...

... this is one of our staples, quick and easy and best of all extremely yummy!

We are VERY liberal with our parsley and parmesan cheese and why not? 

Sorry for the blurry imagine, too excited to take enough pictures!  Anyway what follows is all that was left after 2 excited and hungry folks had attacked the dish!

The recipe can be found at http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes/25/baked-tuna-risotto and is by the wonderful Bill Granger.  I love to just look at his books nevermind cook anything!  There are comments with additions and suggestions.  We have always just stuck to the ingredients as set out by St Bill however we do bake for longer to ensure that courgettes go all gooey. 


Have a wonderful week x

Remembering Japan...

...wishing continued love and well being to all in Japan on this the anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami. 


My little Japanese doll...

My view...

...aren't I lucky?  This is the view I wake up to daily.  It is particularly lovely at the moment with the spring flowers.  The snowdrops are abundant and the daffodils are beginning to bloom.  Our little pond is full of frog spawn, although I have not been able to get a good picture.  


I hope you enjoy my view, as I do. 

A little step towards the East

A few years ago we made a trip to Kalkan in Turkey.  I was not  sure Turkey was for me but the colours and sights changed that.  


Kalkan is a beautiful and exotic spot, which we thoroughly enjoyed.   

My favourite place

Sharing my favourite view.  Hope you enjoy...

Tiffin

I love to bake.  I find it very relaxing and cathartic.  I'm not sure I'm that good at it though.  The best thing is when you've finished you get to eat them! 

Below are some of my success stories...