Fruit Cake From a Friend

A friend Rose, who comes from S. Africa, made me this lovely fruit cake. I had said that I love fruitcake but rarely make it.

It's interesting it seems that all my friends from former British Empire countries, ie Jamaica, Tobago, S. Africa all like fruit cake. Americans do not; at least on the whole.

My husband does not like fruitcake, but my son taking after his mum, loves fruitcake. The E-mail card sent out over the holidays from work said "Orange you glad we didn't send you a fruitcake?' I said I like fruitcake.

So I'm enjoying this one.

Christy

My writing journal with my photographs from the Isle of Skye

My photography journal of the Isle of Skye.

click on the link above and view my writing journal

This is what I have been working on. I have made a writing journal on Blurb, with inspiring photographs I took while on the Isle of Skye. If you click on the link above you will be able to view it.

I'm pretty happy with it. One boo boo, but you'll have to look hard to find it.

So that's been my 20 minutes a day doing something creative, I hope it counts.

I hope you like it.

Christy

P.S. If you'd like to buy a copy you may do so via Blurb

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

I learned something the other day Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas. This is the Hummingbird you see in our area. Eastern seaboard. Their wings beat 53 times a second. So fast in fact and they are quite small, that you sometimes hear them and think it's an insect. If you put out a nectar feeder and plant the right flowers and shrubs you can attract them to your garden. I have sometimes seen them on my butterfly bush.

In winter they migrate to Mexico and Central America. They double their weight to fly over the Gulf of Mexico, over 500 miles, a nonstop flight of over 18 hours.

The smallest hummingbird can be found in Cuba, it is the size of a bumble bee.

So not everyone gets to see a hummingbird, and they are delightful.

Christy

Guitar Case Saga

Marmalade Rose had a great idea of spending 20 Minutes a day creatively.

So I'm working on this. Creativity is I think a great outlet for the inner soul, it's needed in our hussle and bussle of everyday life.

I started this guitar case a little while ago for my son. I had no pattern and worked to my own design of putting it together Quilted red fabric for the lining, thin foam in between and upholstery fabric for the outside. I even found old Gibson tape for the handles.

The problem I'm having is stitching the thickness of fabrics together, so have had several thoughts on how to do this. So I've spent my time on serging the edges, in itself problematic. It's rather a love hate relationship with my serger.

It's a work in progress so will keep you updated. Hope it all comes together.

These photos were taken at night, so sorry about the colour. Sitting by my old Husqvarna, which purrs along.

Christy

Patio and Pond

I never did post about my lovely patio; which my 15 year old son made for me. While I was away last September, visiting my family in UK. My dear boy Rob, with some help from his dad, put down this patio for me. He insisted it be done correctly, with the crushed stone base and sand tampered down. You buy the stones all pre-cut for the circle. He did a great job.

I never really got to enjoy it last autumn, so hope to do so as spring and summer come.

American Robins are larger than the British Robin and a more orangey red. We do not seem to keep too many fish in the pond, but the wildlife love it.

Below they are on the tree drying themselves out on a cold winter day.

Christy

Glass What?

I bought the glass cottage at a thrift shop along the harbour in Portree, Isle of Skye. I just liked it, it reminded me of crofts and cottages. It's hollow inside. I asked my sister what she thought it was used for? BB said I have a swan like that which is hollow and someone said you set it in jelly/jello as a decoration. BB gave me the swan so now I have the pair. But I'm still not sure if that's the answer or they're used for decoration or something else.

Anyone know?

Christy

Rob with friends New Years Day

A belated post, of Rob with friends, playing 'Apples to Apples.'

Here they are sittng in the kitchen.

Christy

Winter Walk

On Saturday we at last got out for a walk, at the Farm Park near to us. There is a creek that runs through the park, or as they would say in this area 'crik'. It was very peaceful sitting by the creek with a cup of coffee.

When ever I'm by Stony Creek, my mind always wanders to thinking about the native Indians, who must have lived in this area, many years ago. I think they would have been the Lenape.

My husband took these two photos of the picnic pavilions. They really have a lovely line. I love the way he over exposed these.

Christy

Out in the Snow

Bo bringing in the firewood.

I bought the Nepalese hat for Rob, when I was in Scotland, but I don't think he likes it, but his dad seems to have adopted it. It's wool with a felted lining and very warm.

Out cleaning off the cars.

Christy

Making a Guitar Case

I started making this for the boy, a guitar case, but it's proofing to be harder than I thought. The main problem is sewing through all the layers, lining, foam and outer material. Three layers, plus three layer, being six layers. So I'm not sure where to go. But I've put so much work into it, that I must press on. I have serged one side and have to do all the other pieces.

What do you think of this vintage Gibson tape I found for the handles, I went back and bought some more, just because it is vintage.

Zips for .25 cents each, great buy.

Well now I've shown it, I have to finish it.

Christy

Cream Cabbage Soup

I had half a cabbage in the fridge, so Bo asked if I'd make cream cabbage soup. I haven't made it for a long while and don't know where the recipe went. So just made it from memory. Saute a couple of onions in olive oil. Add thinly sliced cabbage and cook slowly, wilting it. Push to side of saucepan. Add some butter and enough, I use cream of wheat, to thicken the soup, slowly add milk and chicken stock. Cook slowly. Add a little heavy cream at end of cooking, stir in.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and bacon bits if desired. This is a great tasting, inexpensive soup to make.

Christy

Friendship Set

This is a set my dear friend C surprised me with. Isn't it just lovely. I love the nineteen twenties girl on the cup and plate.

Best friends are there for you when times are hard, a girl needs that.

Also it brought back memories, of visiting Corby in UK, mentioned above.

Eventually I got to have a cup of tea and a biscuit. Those maple leaf biscuits are from Canada and very good.

Christy