Saturday 28 February 2015

Sunny walk Part 2

On a dull day like it has been today it is good to look back on the lovely sunshine and walk yesterday. So I thought I would include a few more pictures of the rest of our walk.
When we had passed over the Dundas Aqueduct we started the climb up the hill away from the canal towards Conkwell.


There was quite a climb out of the valley. I always find stopping to take a photo a rather surreptitious way of getting one's breath back! We did indeed on this occasion have extensive views up and down the Limpley Stoke Valley that were worth stopping to view.



We eventually dropped back down to the canal at Avoncliff where there is another aqueduct.


When you pass over the aqueduct there is a splendid view down the river toward the weir and old mills. We had been able to hear the weir virtually from the top of the hill.This is also the location of the Cross Guns pub where we stopped for a well earned lunch.



It was then a flat 2 mile walk back along the towpath to the cars. We were able to admire the many colourful narrow boats along the way.
















Friday 27 February 2015

A Sunny Day for a Walk

Our monthly walk and talk today was at Limpley Stoke near Bath. We started in lovely sunshine from the canal centre on the Kennet and Avon. 


There are a large number of narrow boats and smaller boats.


We walked across the Dundas Aqueduct where the canal crosses the river Avon and the railway.


The Limpley Stoke valley is quite unusual in that it has a road, railway, canal and river running through it.




Some of the boats appear to be well established at their moorings. One even had a little garden on the tow path.








Thursday 26 February 2015

Winter Photography Scavenger Hunt February Link Up

February seems to have flown by and there are only just over 3 weeks left of the Photography hunt. You can link up with Eileen here to see everyone else's photos. To remind you of the prompts the list is here.
I haven't done so many this month but you can see no.19 Street Musicians by clicking here. Then here are the others I have found.

No 11 Polka dots 
I found some polka dot cupcake cases and made some cherry cakes. They tasted as good as they look!


No 15 Bunting
I visited the Guildhall Market in Bath in December which I previously blogged earlier this month.


There was great bunting hung around the central dome. It also gives a great opportunity to show the Art Deco windows and lights.




So I think that just leaves No 14 Partly built new building and No 16 A Collection!









Wednesday 25 February 2015

Closed and Open Pairs

A bunch of daffodils (£1 from the supermarket. I can't resist them when I am shopping!) and a plate of Easter biscuits! Easter must be on its way. 



 There is more about Easter Biscuits here and I would still welcome comments. Today however I am looking at that tightly closed bunch of buds that I bought and am joining in with Helena's Pairs.

Here it is when I got home. Closed.



And in no time at all! Open.
                                                                               




Tuesday 24 February 2015

Lambing Time for Some

Since returning from New Zealand Kate has been working for another local farmer helping with lambing. Most days she is working 12 to 14 hours. I popped down to see how she is getting on. She was busy in the nursery!


I was amused to see amongst all the paraphernalia a "vase " of flowers that one of the other ladies had brought!


Meanwhile all the expectant mums were relaxing in the straw.




Monday 23 February 2015

A Difference of Opinion

Yesterday evening Farmer Husband declared that it was going to snow. Oldest Daughter disagreed. She was sure it wouldn't and bet her father £10 it would not. He did not rise to the bet. The following morning at breakfast oldest daughter was asking for her tenner. Farmer Husband was having none of it. He had not agreed to bet. Meanwhile as we looked out of the window the snow had suddenly begun to fall thick and fast. It seems husband would have won! It did not last long so I snatched a few photos when I went out to feed the dogs.





It was soon gone again!




Sunday 22 February 2015

Saturday 21 February 2015

Out for a Walk

Monty and I had some company when we went for a walk yesterday.


Tiggy decided to come to.


Coming for a walk seems to be a serious business.


With lots to investigate.



Fortunately he stayed at the top of the field when I walked down to the road.









Friday 20 February 2015

Changing Skies

There was a mist lying in the valley this morning.


The day was generally good but the sky was changing by the middle of the afternoon.


Dark clouds were collecting and rain was on its way.




Thursday 19 February 2015

Easter Cakes or Easter Biscuits?

I remember having Easter Cakes/ Biscuits as a child but when I got married I found that Easter Cakes were a real family tradition. The recipe that we use is an old family one passed down from my mother in law's granny! The result is a very "cakey" biscuit. 
They don't stay in the tin very long!

        

One of the essential ingredients is Oil of Cassia. This can be bought in local chemists, health stores and on the Internet. What I found interesting when I started looking on the Internet for it is how local this flavouring appears to be to the Bristoil area. I am very interested to know if you have heard of and/or used Oil of Cassia. Comments welcomed.

                        

When I asked my mother in law for the recipe I was given a list of ingredients and no method! I was given the tip to store in the fridge to make it easier to roll out. The mixture can be very wet and I have changed it slightly as a consequence.

1lb Flour
2oz Custard Powder 
12oz Castor Sugar
14oz Margarine (I usually use 12oz)
8oz Currants 
1 egg yolk and a little whipped egg white (I don't add any white)
5/6 drops of oil of cassia
Drop of lemon juice.

Cook at 160 C for 15 to 20 minutes.

The method I use is to cream the margarine and sugar. 
Beat in the egg and flavourings.
Fold in the flour until incorporated fully.
Knead in the currants.
Rest in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Roll out and use cutter to shape biscuits.
Bake on a lightly greased baking tray.
One little tip, don't overcook . They should be "cakey" in the middle.

Good luck! You won't be disappointed! 




Wednesday 18 February 2015

A Riding Pair.

I was debating in my mind what to use for Helena's Pairs today when my younger daughter asked me to come and take some photos of her riding. She has been busy practicing a dressage test for her AS level PE practical for an individual sport.
 So here we are:-

Trotting 


And cantering 


The faster she goes the more tricky the photography becomes. I did catch some with all her legs but I liked this one because the flow of the mane and tail show the speed more.


Tuesday 17 February 2015

More hearts.

On Valentines Day one of our friends treated us all at the card evening to some wonderful cupcakes.

                  

Today we had a busy time serving savoury and sweet pancakes to 75 people.



Tonight Emma has tried a little bit of art with chocolate batter in the pancakes.
Step 1



Step 2





Monday 16 February 2015

Early Pancakes

The pancakes are made ready for the pancake lunch at the church.


And we had a few tasters as my brother in law will be out of the country tomorrow.