Bloomin' Marvelous

The blossom has been quite breathtaking this spring. Keep reminding myself that despite all the uncertainty and chaos of things am still lucky to be here, and should take time to appreciate it all.

Pants

Why is it that people keep telling me off for referring to my sons underwear as knickers. 'Only girls wear knickers!'. He's only 2 and a half - what does it matter? When he complains, then and only then, will I back down, he can call them what he likes, boxers, pants, underwear, y-fronts (heaven forbid). But until them, I'm standing firm and telling him to: put his 'knickers'on, to keep his 'knickers' on and to get his hands out of his 'knickers'!

Builders Merchants

My lovely friend David came to stay for a few days. Helped fill the gaps while the kids were with their father. 9 long days, but haven't laughed so much in years. Endless photo opportunities as we scouted round the builders yards collecting prices for imminent renovation project.

Check out my fashion... Check out my style.

Toes with a bit of Bling.......

Egg Bound

2 eggs a day - not bad.

Big Fatty Hair

Astou chose the Silkie as she said they had 'big fatty hair' like her and Madani. Only trouble is one of them's got a bad leg and looks like it might croak any minute!

Chicken Run

Went to the market again and got some more chickens. They're not really settled yet. Got 3 Wyandottes, 2 Silkies and I can't remember the name of the other one, a cross between a pheasant and a chicken!

Easter Bunnies

They've been, they've been, they've been.
They came and went and the dog ate most of the chocolate!

Don't count your chickens before they're massacred!

Went to market - bought some lovely chickens. Had just got them all settled in nicely, was getting a couple of eggs a day. When my friend came round for a coffee one morning - her dog ripped them all to shreds in less then 2 minutes. Neighbour had to come and cut the cockerill's throat to finish him off, as I coudn't face it. Him and his wife then plucked them for me and helped me to cook them. Was chicken casserole and 'coq au vin' for the rest of the week. Didn't tell the kids what they were eating, but did tell them that 'Tulip' our dog's sister had killed them. All Astou did was sulk as she'd wanted to see the bodies and all the blood and gore.

Bats in the belfry

Was taking the tiles off the barn roof when came across this little critter!

Yo! Kinky Afro

Just thought Astou looked cool here!

Smile

Know it's not the way to do it - no posts in nearly 3 months and then a flurry. But kids are with their dad for a week so have finally got a second to myself. Despite the rain in Belgium we did get to see Lily Allen. It was pretty crap actually - why am I surprised - no smoking and full of 16yr olds. Maybe I should accept that I'm no longer one of the kids. Still hung around tour bus and got a poster for Astou - is it wrong for a 4yr old to have a pop idol already? Especially when I have to sing loudly and badly over all Lily's expletives!

Brussel Sprouts

Went to Belgium - took the train - all it did was rain.

Birthday Wishes

We wanted to wish our lovely friend Kyohei a very happy birthday. We hope he will come and visit us soon. xxx

22 Avenue Armand Blanc, 16700 Ruffec

Two little ducks - Quack Quack

Not much to ask

I can do it, a few minutes every day, surely I can?

Where to start?

So much happens on a daily basis that is of such quality and interest that it would be selfish of me not to share it!

Our daily bread!

HELP!

How can the best bread machine turn out such a monster?
Where am I going wrong?

Ok so I'm using French yeast, but it's English wholemeal flour, with lots of lovely seeds in it.
How can mixing flour, water, salt, yeast and oil be so difficult?

Silvana at Landcroft House has much to learn both from my culinary skills and my food photography.