Rocky & Co

Hens are at last completely free range. We love watching them & they are becoming really friendly. Problem is that 5 are cockerels & the plan was to put them in the pot. Now 2 are a little cranky so I have no problem roasting them. The other 3 - well, I'm thinking of keeping 1 & finding good homes for the other 2. I just can't kill something that's eating out of my hand. Didn't expect to feel like this but they're sort of cute. Time will tell if my heart or my stomach rules! How we'll ever kill a pig will be interesting to see. We'll probably all end up vegetarians with an animal sanctuary!

Center Parcs

Center Parcs at the Lake District in England was great fun for the kids. Lots of outdoor activities & the hot tub at our chalet was well used. Swimming pool was the main attraction & I plucked up the courage to don a bathing costume to assist Davey - he wasn't allowed to take the younger 3 on his own. Actually, I probably wouldn't have let him even if those weren't the rules. The embarrassment of walking into the pool on a daily basis has given me the courage of continuing when we came home, so 3 times per week I've started doing 30 mins at our local pool.

Celebrity Status

On the way to the Lake District, we stopped off at Gretna Green. While sitting on the edge of the fountain, we were asked by a Chinese lady if she could take our photo. She was mesmerised by Jo's blonde hair. ( I remember the same thing happening several years ago with DS4, while in England - obviously the Chinese don't see blonde hair too often). Next thing we knew, all her friends (from a bus tour) were running over sitting beside us & taking our photos - it seemed like ages before we could escape. They were really sweet though. Davey, as usual was off side & was laughing his head off while I tried my best to smile & accommodate.

Holidaying

We've been on holiday to the Lake District in England & getting back into blogging has been really difficult - trying to convince myself that doing the ironing is more important than updating my blog. Actually, for the 1st time in months I managed to put the ironing board in it's proper cupboard yesterday. Now that might not sound like a major achievement to anyone but to me it is a great accomplishment. Laundry in our house is usually like Mount Everest but working through 'flylady's' policy of 15 mins at a time it has gotten under control. There are now seats to sit on again. (I like to iron in the living room with everyone under my feet).

Brevity of Life

Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Proverbs 27 v 1

This morning we received the sad news that one of our employees had taken a brain haemorrhage last night and by lunch time today he had passed away. Yesterday he was at work, as large as life, looking forward to his daughter's wedding on Monday. Obviously everyone is totally shocked. It just brings home to us all, how short life is and how unpredictable. We can make preparations for daily life but it's really the preparations that we make for our death that are the most important. Some people don't believe in an afterlife but the Bible teaches that we all are just passing from this life into eternal life.

I'm reading a book at the moment called 'The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus', by John R. Cross. It is a clear and simple explanation of the world's best seller - the Bible. The back cover states : "Wars have been fought in its name, scandals have been precipitated by it, politics shaped and reshaped at its word. Theologians have both defended and reviled it. Skeptics have done the same. If you are a typical member of the human race, you have often been perplexed by all the "fuss" surrounding the Bible. The question remains, "What does it really say?" This is a book that explains the greatest of Bible themes clearly & logically. Rather than focusing on one part - and missing the whole - the author chronologically binds together the entire text into one great universal drama, looking at events from the perspective of those who experienced history in the making. The results are sometimes comical, sometimes frightening - but always true to the intent of the text.

When you are done reading it, you may find yourself believing "the Book" like you never have before. Or you may decide not to. The author's objective approach leaves that decision up to you."

If anyone reading this blog would like this book and they can't locate it themselves or financially can't afford to buy it, please email me direct & I will try my best to ensure that I get a copy posted to you.

Email - dorothy.2004_874@fsmail.net

Cinnamon Scones

1lb self raising flour
3oz caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
3oz butter
3oz white fat
1 egg
some milk
soft brown sugar

Method - Sift flour, add caster + BP. Rub in butter + fat. Add egg + enough milk until consistency is a floppy dough. Roll out to 1/2" rectangle. Melt a little butter & brush over dough then sprinkle with cinnamon & brown sugar ( I sometimes add a layer of sweet mincemeat at this stage - delicious ( or apple )). Roll like a swiss roll & cut into slices 1" thick. Cook at 180 oC for 10 - 20 mins. Serve hot with more butter on top + fresh cream. I frequently substitute the white fat for more butter or else just use any other scone recipe instead. WARNING : Not suitable for anyone on a weight reduction diet!!

Thought for the Day

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Road Block

One of the things I really enjoy about living in the country is that the road blocks don't annoy me as much as the ones in the town. We just take it in our stride & enjoy the scenery.

For a change I had my digi camera in the car as we were just returning from a birthday party in Cookstown.

The Chase

Shadow (our Golden Retriever who doesn't retrieve) has been sizing up the hens since their arrival. She never leaves their pen & the other night, actually pushed the gate open & was lying in with them for a short while. We were surprised that she didn't attack any, though she seemed to be really jittery when we caught her. I decided that she was just interested in them & maybe would even protect them from foxes. How mistaken I was - tonight, just before serving dinner we heard the hens squawking - she had them all out of the pen & was chasing them madly around the garden. Next she zoomed out of the garden, across the fields, with a Light Sussex in her mouth & myself in hot pursuit. Three fields later, she shoved it under some bushes & when I caught up with her, she ran off. It looked dead but on closer inspection was still alive - just. Took it back to the ark & it seems to have a broken wing & is still in shock. Will see tomorrow what we'll do with it. Jo's 'Partridge Pecan', which is a lovely, tiny hen with feathers right down to it's toes is still missing. Hopefully, it'll be roosting in the trees & will turn up tomorrow. Needless to say, we had to leave dinner 'til later & I was late for church - again - having run a mini marathon!

Camping

Where else in the world would you have to camp indoors? Just when you think it has stopped raining, it rains again.
The boys bought a tent in Tescos for £4.97 - I thought this was a great bargain but come to think of it, how do they manage to sell so cheaply? Not sure that I agree with their really low prices - it must mean that somewhere in the world, people are working for pittance, which means that by buying the stuff, we're endorsing this practice. Would be interested in hearing your comments on this.

'Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven' Colossians chap4 v1

Paul's Birthday

Paul was 7 during the week & not to forget Davey who was 49 on the 20th - almost 1/2 century. Paul decided on a quiet celebration this year, so we just took 1 friend to Leisureplex & Pizzahut. 'Eclipse' the dutch rabbit was his Birthday present.

Ulster Folk Park

Monday week ago, saw the Home Educators at a trip to the Folk & Transport Museum. It's been awhile since we've been that direction so it was good to see the reminders of the old way of life in N. Ireland. The simple way of life back then really appeals to me (without the hardship of course & preferably with a Marks & Spencers close by (sorry PW)). The kids enjoyed the transport end & it was good just to meet up with all the mothers for a chat.