Our wildlife survival outpost is attracting the usual eclectic mix of characters at the moment. From the locals (the Blue Tit Group, the Great Tit, Robin, Nuthatches and Squirrels) to our visitors from -further afield (a family flock of Long-Tailed Tits and the occasional Jay) we have a thriving community of creatures that we are… Continue reading Nature Notes: January 2023
The Covid Diaries
It only took three years, but finally the Dread Plague that’s stalked the world has caught up with us. On the one hand, at least it has taken this long: we’ve been vaccinated and we know what we’re doing with it. And it’s much less of a killer plague. On the other, though, so annoying.… Continue reading The Covid Diaries
Notes From My Office: January 2023
Normally at this time of year I reflect on the year just gone and think about my plans or goals for the year to come. Still being in the early baby-bubble, I haven’t really got much further than keeping Tiny alive and trying not to go insane through lack of sleep or the constant feeding… Continue reading Notes From My Office: January 2023
Christmas Fudge
My normal go-to homemade festive gift is truffles, but this year I thought I’d branch out and try something else. Partly, this is because in the November Tesco magazine there was a recipe for what they called Microwave Speculaas Fudge. (If you don’t have a microwave, though, don’t worry: this can be made just as… Continue reading Christmas Fudge
Sleigh Bells Ring
I haven’t been much in my craft room for the last month or so. I’m not sure how often I’ll get in over the next few. Probably sporadic crafting for the foreseeable. However, with the arrival of a baby-sling (the Koala Cuddle Band; takes babies from 2-9kg/4lb7oz to 19lb13oz) which is suitable for my lighter-than-average… Continue reading Sleigh Bells Ring
Notes From My Office: December 2022
I haven’t been in my office since mid-November. Currently, as you may have noticed, normal routines have been disrupted on the rather large scale and we’re only just beginning to fight our way back to some semblance of normality. A couple of weeks on the sofa doing very little is enough. I had hoped to… Continue reading Notes From My Office: December 2022
Nature Notes: November 2022
Only a day late, but better than never, especially as M provided this in good time and I failed to schedule it like a sensible person. Normal service should resume shortly. Probably… With the cold weather well and truly upon us the garden has changed roles from a (semi) productive fruit garden into a wildlife… Continue reading Nature Notes: November 2022
A Musical Birthday
I know: Fridays are for festive cards, not birthday cards. However, in my defence, the musical note die came with (not as part of, admittedly) the musical stamp and embossing folder from Simply Cards and Papercraft 236. So sort of festive. The paper was discovered in a pack from a previous magazine, though I've no… Continue reading A Musical Birthday
Banoffee Granola Flapjack
It’s been a while since I last shared a recipe. I haven’t baked much in the last year – or since I was back to working full time after furlough – and most of the (few) cakes made recently have been of the cheat’s variety: packet-mixes. Don’t get me wrong, very handy for a quick,… Continue reading Banoffee Granola Flapjack
The Gold Stag
As with last week’s card, I started this one with the background paper. Partly this is because I’m a bit tired of staring at stamp sets which don’t change (though I have a new festive set arriving shortly which may help with the general disinclination malaise). In the end, though, I didn’t do any stamping… Continue reading The Gold Stag
Life Ever Crafting 