Sometimes

Sometimes pictures aren't always needed. Today I have been butchering a lamb and I really don't suppose many people want to look at pictures of that. I know there are some readers who might like a how-to (and more who do not) but in this case I think that is best left for someone with better credentials than me. Besides that, I was home alone today and butchery and photo taking of said butchery are not the best activities to perform solo. Answering a ringing phone isn't good either I can assure you.

 

This is a much nicer picture to look at. And it is a good indication of the size of our Scottish Highland cattle. They are quite a tiny breed and have the sweetest temperament. Well ours do anyway.

Ewes in the yard. All except Essy that is. She is 11 years old and does whatever she wants and doesn't care. That's the privilege of old age I guess.

My current reading fodder is No Impact Man by Colin Beavan. The library had to borrow it from another library and I'm glad they could get it because I really enjoyed it and am reading it again. I'm not sure if I should buy the book or not though. Would the environmental impact of buying the book be  negative or positive? It is definitely make you stop and think material. I saw the documentary a few weeks ago and it was good and the book even better. I'd like to give the No Impact Project a go but I'm sure no one else here would be overly keen.


I've left my blogging for late in the day today. So now it is time to make dinner. Pies. Lamb and rosemary or chicken and leek.
Tracy

Taking it easy

I'm taking it easy this afternoon. I've got a bit of a weary feeling which I think might be from low iron (now that I can recognise the signs). So off to bed early with a good book, The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan in fact. I find I don't read a lot of non-fiction anymore. Cook books and gardening books dominate.

 

 I made a small tote bag recently to post off in a gift parcel. Now I'm moving on to making a picnic blanket/quilt for another friend and perhaps a table runner or two. That's a good thing about winter evenings. There is less daylight to spend working outdoors so some of those craft projects can take centre stage.

And just to show you how  things really are here. I turn my back to do some exercising and what happens to my water? I'm a little concerned about how many times this has happened in the past and I haven't known.
Tracy

Town again today

We had another trip to the doctors today and although Tim's blood pressure is still higher than it should be and he is still feeling off colour, he is definitely looking better. He is sweating less and the aches and pains are becoming more localised. I'll admit, I was worried for a bit. He has been given this set of shifts (4 days) off work to rest and recuperate.

 

 

Not now though. With a mind put at ease, the town trip (I hope it is the last for a while) wasn't too bad and I made the most of it. A coffee in a cafe.

 

 A trip to the library to pick up some reserved books that had come in and also a few magazines to read in the evening. The library would have to be one of my favourite places to visit. So much for so little/nothing unless of course you return your books late. Lots of new recipe inspiration in this stack.

 I also bought a bundle of linens from the op shop. For the princely sum of $1, I brought home a set of six napkins and seven doileys.

I suspect they were all embroidered by the same lady. The work is so neat and they are in great condition. I bought them because I will use them and I will love them. And although I don't know the real story of where these came from, I can imagine that they were lovingly stitched by someone who is no longer with us and that her family didn't want them. Which is a sad thought. Of course the reality may be that the maker just got sick of them and decluttered them out of her life. Anyway, they are here now and I am eager to let them shine on my old furniture or on my teatime table.

Thanks for reading and for wishing Tim well.
Tracy

Veg Every day

My fantastic new birthday gift, River Cottage Veg Everyday cookbook. I love recipes that put vegetables front and centre. Too often they are just the side dish. Not in this book. No meat, sometimes a little dairy or eggs and some recipes are totally vegan friendly. I'm not a vegetarian by any means, I farm sheep afterall, but someone like me who grows a lot of vegetables it is a great book. It would also be good for someone who wants to jazz up their vegetable portions.

Asparagus are right here, right now vegetables. They don't last long and if you let them go too far, that's the end for the season, they put on their feathery leaves and it's no more for the kitchen. Consequently when we came home from our trip, I picked 450grams for one meal for two. Last night it was another 300grams for our pizza. The recipe is on page 185 and is delicious and simple. A lovely dough, a couple of onions sliced and sizzled until brown, asparagus, mozzarella, a little parmesan and a hot oven.

No asparagus tonight. Snow peas and coriander are calling and I want a curry.

Tracy