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Friday 25 April 2014

Brighter Outlook Today

Firstly a warm welcome to Dawn McHugh and Primroses Attic, welcome aboard. I haven't checked to see if Dawn has a blog, that is my first job once this is posted. I have been following Primroses Attic for a little while, she fills me with envy, three lovely little dogs and a home in Cornwall.
I have sailed away from the doldrums and have a better and brighter outlook today. I am off to Wales in the morning to check out the house that I intend to rent. It will offer no surprises, I have checked it thoroughly and had several conversations with the owner. I am taking it for a 6 month period, that will give me time to explore properly and find a property to buy that fits me like a glove. Umm, that may be a bit difficult as my wish list includes the following,
Huge kitchen with walk in pantry and solid fuel oven.
Decent size garden, about half the size that I have now.
Small lounge so that I can not hoard.
Two bedrooms, quite enough for 1 guest or 2 Grandchildren.
A Library and swimming pool within walking distance.
At least 2 good shops for yarn and fabric, and a couple of charity shops.
 A "junk" shop would be good as well.

Of course  I do not expect to get it all, a large kitchen will suffice and I can live without a solid fuel range. The next 3 are important and the last 3 will be found somewhere not too far away.
I will only be a 20 minute drive from Swansea and 30 minutes from Carmarthen. Then there will be frequent trips to Cardigan to see the family.

I took the advice offered by you lovely people yesterday and did this.



My first attempt at a bird, the beak is a bit skew wiff and the flowers are not balanced but it is in my window and will fly to Wales. This is thanks to Attic24 and Bunny Mummy.


A few flowers, inspiration as for the bird.


A pair of roses and a daisy that needs another round of petals.


Two more roses waiting to be sewn up.


Every bunch of flowers needs some leaves.



Of course all this hooky means that I needed some more yarn. I am happy with my finds but am keeping my eyes open for some more greens.

I am aiming to make some garlands, I will use the tutorial from Attic24 as a guide. I try hard never to make a complete copy. In truth that is not correct, I find it very difficult to make a complete copy, I just have to fiddle and tweak, add bits and remove things. Change colours and sizes and often the finished article is nothing like the inspiration.
 Recipes are a prime example, I start off with good intentions then if I do not have one ingredient I do not go and buy I use something else. Thus Chicken casserole may well end up as Barbecue Pork ribs.

Reasons to be grateful.

1. I am off to Wales in the morning.

2. I will see my new, albeit temporary, home tomorrow.

3. Followed by a visit to James, Cerys and the children.

4. It is raining gently so I am confined to the house. That means more hooky. sigh.

5. I have lost 5lbs without really trying.

I was so pleased when I jumped, make that stepped gently, on the scales this morning. I know it is simple, just put the fork down, but it is not easy. All I have done is cut out all picking while cooking and all nibbles between meals. I had fallen into the habit of a sweet treat every evening, that has stopped. My stock of chocolate will go to James and the sweet stuff will be restricted to Sunday lunch pudding. I have 4 jars of mincemeat left, 2 will go into cakes next week for my neighbours and 2 will go into cakes for my new neighbours. Once I have unpacked I will have an open house day to meet as many as possible. I will then ask for recipes for Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes.

On the subject of recipes, I read a few posts about No Knead Wholemeal Bread recently. I thought that I had bookmarked them but now can not find any. If one of you has posted this would you direct me to the post, I am itching to try it out.

Ooh look, it is well past cup of tea o'clock. I am off to put the kettle on and once armed with a brew look up Dawn.

              TTFN                                                 Pam








17 comments:

  1. Hi Pam!
    Glad to see that you are feeling more cheery! Don't forget to indulge in lots of snuggles with Ben!
    Pugs and Kisses,
    Nancy, Romeo, Elvis and LarryPug

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    1. Ben is always ready for a snuggle and if one isn't offered sidles onto my lap and takes one.

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  2. I'm glad you are feeling better today.
    Wish I could lose 5lb without trying * Big Sigh*

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    1. I think the blue devils were here yesterday. I am struggling today, it is grey and gloomy and hot buttered toast with home made jam is on my mind. i just don't want it on my waistline.

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  3. Sounds like things are working out for you once again! Enjoy your trip 'home'!

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    1. I am packed and ready, I have stirred things up and everything is on course.

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  4. If you do not find them here: https://www.google.com/search?q=No+Knead+Wholemeal+Bread&oq=No+Knead+Wholemeal+Bread&aqs=chrome..69i57&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=0&ie=UTF-8 continue to base of page and innumerable suggestions!

    Have a safe and successful trip.

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    Replies
    1. Many thanks Rupert, I have found several versions of the recipe and method. The one that I am searching for was a tried and tested blogger recipe. I know that I am being picky, but hey ho if it doesn't show itself I will have to go with what I have.

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  5. Well done on loosing 5lb! Glad you're feeling a bit brighter x. Have a safe trip tomorrow x

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    1. I aim to lose another stone, I can not "see" weight in Kilos. i am packed and ready to go.

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  6. Glad your feeling better today, I hope you have a great time with the family x

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    1. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I feel like a new woman, but i do feel more positive today.

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  7. Great news you are off to Wales, we have had a turn round on our house sale as well so I may be joining you in Wales end of May June time.
    I was interested in your mention of using up mincemeat in a cake I would like to see the recipe if possible, I have a couple of jars lurking in cupboard.
    Have a good trip and say hello to Wales for me :-)

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    1. I just read your post, I will keep my fingers crossed for everything to go well. I will look out my recipe next week and post it. I took it from an old Mary Berry book so you could possibly find it online.

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  8. Hello Pam, I bookmarked a no knead wholemeal bread recipe on The Quince Tree blog about 2 weeks ago although I haven't tried it yet myself. Good luck for your move to Wales x

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    1. Thank you so much, that is exactly the one I was talking about, I now have it bookmarked.

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  9. Glad you are feeling brighter. Well done on the weight loss - I think we all know the theory, but eating less & moving more is not so easy to put into practise! Love the crochet. Have a good trip to Wales, Vee x
    PS I too have searched out the bread recipe & am keen to give it a go, so thanks for the tip, Vee x

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