A Lake District Adventure

In a brief break from baking, The Kindred Spirit and I took a holiday in the Lake District (like other fashionable people.)

We stayed at High Wray Farm, which I would highly recommend - a lovely B&B on part of the Claife Estate (formerly belonged to Mr William Heelis, husband of Miss Beatrix Potter,) with excellent food, rooms, and an excellent hostess - nothing was too much trouble.

The welcome was warm (as were the rooms, which is always appreciated with Lake District weather!)

We sampled Grasmere Gingerbread and explored as many National Trust treasures as we could, including Hill Top (Miss Beatrix Potter's house,) The Beatrix Potter Gallery (housed in what was Mr William Heelis's office,) Allen Bank (an unusual property where you can touch everything, because only the shell is original, following a fire a few years ago, but the very first tennant there was William Wordsworth,) William Wordsworth's grave (quietly unassuming,) and admired the beautiful scenery of Lake Windermere and its surroundings.

Well worth a visit, and one I hope will be repeated.

Garlic Harvest

I've been growing garlic for a few years now. I first grew it in a pot on a balcony in the East End of London! It is easy to grow and pretty tolerant to novice gardeners, but no-one needs to know that.

One of the traditional, and attractive, ways to present garlic is in a braid. However, before you can get to braiding, you need to get rid of all of the dirt, mud, roots and excess flaky bits.

Beware, this is a rather dusty, messy business, so make sure there is newspaper down or you have a good dustpan and brush. Then braid away! I used the instructions here.

Finally, take gratuitous photos!

All Quiet

It's been rather quiet for a while. Partly because I've been working crazy hours. Partly because the Ballerina and Maharajas' wedding is nearly upon us and partly because I don't have anything finished to show you!

This last weekend I ended up the victim of an impromptu photoshoot. The Wildlife Photographer and I went for a wildlife walk, but there was no wildlife to be seen, so I became the object of the camera's lens whilst gathering wild grasses. I have no pictures from the shoot to show you, but here are the wild grasses I gathered. Much more beautiful, clothed by God.

(please excuse the blur, forgot to adjust shutter speed)

To The Zoo!

Rhino

Elephant

Zebra

Flowers of the back garden

As for man, his days are like a flower of the field; the wind passes over it, and it is gone, its place knows it no more. (Psalm 103:15&16)

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30)

Beauty

"Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

And God said... " When I bring the clouds over the earth, and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh" Genesis 9:14+15

Everything's Coming Up Roses

Or carrots,

strawberries,

tomatoes and garlic. Actually.

With the fruit of her hand she plants a vineyard...

"From your lofty abode You water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your work. You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth..." Psalm 104 v 13 & 14 (ESV)

Planter, organic top soil and seed compost, and Gardener's Delight tomato plant from Growing Concerns, strawberry from my mummy's back garden. Flowery gardening set a much valued present from an old housemate.

A beautiful sunset

Before Christmas I had the wonderful privilege of going up to Fort William for a placement. This sunset across the waterfront at Caol reminded me of the wonder of creation, and the faithfullness of my Father God who wonderfully provided a loving church family for me, and gave me lovely new friends up in Caol.