Biffsugar

Geraniumtastic

I never used to like Geraniums, I think it was the very odd smell.  But that colour is amazing.  When I was little, my friends mother used to wear lipstick that was this colour.  Unfortunately, most of it was on her teeth!

Bone of contention

There is a constant issue which raises its head from time to time in our house and that is my 'office'. 

 

As you can see, I use the term loosely.  It is really the dumping ground of the house.  There's the computer, the ironing pile, stacks of fabric and little gems I have accumulated from car boot sales and thrift shops.  Old clothes that the children have grown out of that I cannot bear to give away.  Chairs waiting to be reupholstered.  Generally it is a room full of dreams unrealised.

 

My husband hates this room.  Every now and again (more now, than again!) he will bring it up.  I get very defensive about my room.  I say it is my space to do whatever I want with.  The room does not need to be used for anything else.  If I moved out, he would only fill it with his vinyl collection - and we don't want that!  I say that one day this will be my proper space, that I will sort it out and it will be beautiful and inspiring but that for now it is fine.

I found a great description about female artists' studios here which says 'The studios of these creative women are like treasure troves full of jewels'.  I would like that. 

Clearly there is a long way to go but I kind of feel a change coming on.  I know the room isn't fine at all but there's something comforting about it to me.  I like the chaos of it all.  But I would also like to come in and sit down to my sewing machine and make something without having to clamber through piles of boxes and fabric to get there.

We'll see.

Elderflower cordial

I always wanted to make Elderflower cordial and last year came very close, but a heavy bout of rain finished off the Elderflowers before I got chance.

This year we were out and about, as soon as the first heads were fully out.

We picked around 30 heads in all and followed a recipe from Hugh (Fernley-Whittingstall for those of you who aren't on first name terms with him!)

In a 'Country Living' style we filled our baskets as we jollied our way along the country hedgerows.

 

 

Then back home again with our pickings.

 

 

A day later we had 2 litres of Elderflower cordial - for free!  (Well, apart from the sugar, and the oranges and lemons - mainly free!).  1 bottle in the fridge and the rest is freezing for later.

We gave the first glass to Sam to taste as it was his interest in it that spurred our cordial making enterprise.  However, he gave it a thumbs down - like he was the 'Man from Delmonte' or something.  He said it didn't taste like the one from the Supermarket.  The rest of us all thought it was delicious and indeed, over time, he has grown to love it to!