The Olympic Flame Burns Brightly...

Yes today was Walsall and Wolverhampton's (to name but a few) turn to have the Olympic torch pass through.

And seeing as hubby also has a fun day at work I went in with him.

(It did mean I also got lots of my own work done too, so much for a day off eh!)

The torch was running a little late but we picked a spot and waited, after all I won't get to see it again in my life time I doubt.

Walsall was absolutely packed and had a great feel to it with strangers all having a laugh and a joke together.

(Even sharing cake too)

Eventually the torch arrived and was lit for the waiting runner;

And before you knew it had passed us by;

The streamer cannons were great touch.

After all the excitement I am now off to get ready for a wedding reception of one of my dear friends.

Till tomorrow.

X x

Busy Busy Bee....

We have been very busy with the allotment what with constant weeding, feeding and of course the harvesting of goodies too.

Even if we have not been enjoying the weather the allotment has been pleased with the rain.

(although a little sun to spur things along would be appreciated next)

We have a never ending supply of lettuce;

Regular people have vests of flowers. Me, I have glasses of lettuce!

I'm very content with them, free frugal food what not to like?

Our mange tout are going strong;

And they make a great addition to any meal.

And the rhubarb is flourishing;

Rhubarb crumble, compote and rhubarb and custard cake will be made from this lot.

We have also been observing my inlaws as they retrieve swarms of bees which was quite an experience.

Heres Andy in his get up;

My inlaws have 6 colonies of bees now which is great as we are kept in honey, which as you know is expensive for the organic stuff.

It also means that we are supplied with bees wax candles too;

How sweet are they?

X x

Providing Your Our Colour...

Just for a change our delightful British weather is quite frankly pants.

Big brown manky Y Fronts to be precise.

I was sure I needed to build an arc in order to get home from work this afternoon as one of car parks got well and truly flooded!

So in an attempt to brighten up my own day, (which in its self would be rather dull) I pulled out a colourful dress to make me feel better.

Nothing too special,  but enough to add a little brightness;

And I refused point blankly to add black tights;
(Although I did end up with dirt all up my legs due to the rain!)

Even though looking at the picture they really were needed.

(I mean those legs are far to lilly white!)

X x

Prom 2012....

Yes saturday saw Ashleigh have her end of year Prom.

They did lots of preparation,

But it was well worth it as they made it all look stunning.

As for the girls themselves, well they looked amazing!

And lets just say Ashleigh slept almost all of Sunday, so I've a feeling the after party was amazing too.

X x

Let The Show Begin....

Last Friday was Kassies fashion show for part of her uni course;

And this time I made sure I took my camera!

I am so proud of what she has achieved;

Its not been easy.

She's had to give up full time work and only work part time, which considering she is saving to be able buy a house with her boyfriend is a huge thing.

And she is lucky to have such a kind understanding young man who also loves her to bits.

X x

As Requested......

Following on from one of my last posts many of you asked about the recipe for the garlic and onion jam.

Well it's not quite a combination you would have on your toast first thing in the morning, although it might be good for a cold or hangover! But I can assure you it is really tasty.

So with out further ado here is the recipe:

Garlic & Onion Jam

Tastes so much nicer than it looks, trust me.

Ingredients needed

2 large Spanish onions (about 1 lb), coarsely chopped

                                                  6 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

A good glug extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt or to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Method

In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the onions, garlic and olive oil. 

Cover and cook over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft, golden brown and slightly caramelized, about 1 hour.

Transfer the onion mixture to a food processor or blender and puree. 

Stir in the lemon juice, salt and pepper. 

                 Scrape the jam into a small non corrodible container and let cool completely.

 Once cooled the jam can be covered and stored in the fridge.

I would love to hear from you if you do make it.

I do hope you enjoy it!

X x

Last Exam Of School...

Today sees Ashleigh sitting her last GCSE exam.

And I can't quite believe she has finished school!

It doesn't seen five minutes since she was starting nursery;

Then infants;

Then Juniors;

And finally secondary;

Next begins a whole new chapter.....

6th Form!

And at Ashleigh's request we went out for a meal to celebrate the end of exams.

Now, other than a two day 6th form induction, she has a very long break until she starts 6th form in September.

Thankfully we signed her up, at her request that is to take part in a three week challenge so that will fill a little time.

As will our two week holiday.
(18 days and counting!)

Can't wait!

X x

Ps. As requested the Garlic and Onion jam recipe will posted tomorrow for you.

X x

This Year, This Weekend..

So what did we do the weekend?

Lets just say it was a total contrast to last year!

Well I cooked lots;

Lasagne

Onion Soup
Tastes so much better than it looks.

Pizza base
Which has been frozen.

Shortbread and chocolate sponge
(only half seen here)

And I do mean lots!

I plaited onions;

We have lots more at the allotment too

These have been hung in the garage to dry
(I smelt quite funky after doing these!)

No I've not gone crazy honest.

We celebrated Fathers day;

Home made onion and garlic jam for Andy.

even spent an hour or two up the allotment;

And we generally chilled.

A fantastic weekend which was much needed.

X x