Focus on the Positive.

A sunny, crisp morning here today, so let's start with a cup of my current obsession: mango, orange and cinammon tea. So good that I am getting through boxes of the stuff.



No cake to offer though. This dismal sight greeted me which means baking is on the agenda I guess. What do we fancy? Lemon cake is appealing at the moment and I wonder if it is the need for bright zesty colours and enlivening tastes in these dark, wet months that suggests it to me.



I have had a quick ramble through the garden inspired by Pomona's wonderful post today. She took us on a tour of the amazing vegetables in her own plot, the leeks and cabbages and so much more. Instead of making me rue the fact that our allotment and garden haven't produced as much as we had hoped this year, Pomona's take on things made me focus on what we did gain: wonderful carrots and parsnips, spinach and potatoes, blackcurrants and gooseberries just for starters. I won't labour the point as I have recorded it all in far more detail in past posts. What I am trying to say is that instead of always feeling we could do more, I actually am pleased with all we do manage despite being so busy. We always grow a lot of our own fruit and veg, make wines, cordials and fruit gins, cook with our own produce and so what's to feel bad about? Thanks for the inspiration Pomona x



So, what did my morning ramble reveal? The papavers have sent up masses of bright green leaves that will need a covering of mulch before the icy winter sets in and bulbs are already pushing their grey-toned leaves through the soil. Irises and daffodils can be found...



and in the long forgotten greenhouse I found these runner bean plants still winding their way of the bench.



Seedlings sprouts, purple sprouting broccoli (my most favourite veg though I love them all) and cabbages struggle on despite my appalling neglect



yet it fills me with hope that there is still time to do things as nature doesn't always follow the rules either.



Still some amazing colours to be found.



Further on at the end of the garden Red the hen is finally growing back some feathers after going through the moult. She is still a shadow of her former self, but so much better and will soon come back into lay. Ever seen a hen in moult? Think bad hair day; very bad hair day!



Back in the warmth of the house and the Christmas puddings are waiting for me to put fresh covers on them and stow them away until needed. The spicy, boozy, fruity smell is so gorgeous and brightens my day very nicely.



And on the worktop sits a very pleasing pile of embroidery waiting for me to add the finishing stitches



Hopefully the sun will last and the children and I will head off in search of views such as these from yesterday after school.



So beautiful.



Bye for now x