Thursday, January 17, 2008

Odds and Ends

It seems there hasn't been anything very exciting around here to write about. But, I thought I'd put up a few pictures and perhaps everything combined will turn into something of an interesting post. :)

I was just putting this lovely teacup away yesterday -- it is from Michael's Grandmother, who passed away last year. It's a bit different than most of the others I have because of the little flutes around the edges.

Tea was enjoyed by all on Tuesday when Grandma came for the day and Auntie C made an appearance. One of our current favorites is cut up apples sprinkled with cinnamon. "Almost" as good as apple pie.

I concocted this chutney to go with our pork roast on Sunday. It's made of apples, yellow raisins and dried apricots that stewed in some vinegar, white wine and brandy, and I added some cloves and a dash of brown sugar. It's actually quite good on toast as the vinegar is not very strong.


Grandma brought over an old motorcycle calendar from last year. She and the kids cut out all the motorcycles and the boys (and Rachel) have been playing with them ever since -- driving them, "selling" them and trading them.


Here is Auntie C sporting her darling little hat that she came up with herself.



And here is the latest stack of books from the library. Michael kindly makes a weekly run past the library to pick up any books I have on hold and return whatever is due. This stack is mainly on my new research subject "lace."

I am pleased to say that I finally took the plunge and went driving for the first time in 6 months this week! Yeah! I did just fine and hope to continue.

8 comments:

Lovella ♥ said...

Oh I'm delighted you had some visiting, yummy delights and a bit of a drive . .all wonderful things.

Heather Anne said...

Pretty tea cup - I have many similar, but not one the same - at first I was sure I did, and I HAD to look, but it is slightly different. Mine are rarely used now, but they were my hubby's grandparents every day dishes and they are so pretty. I find that with the fluted design and wide mouth they let the tea get chilled too rapidly for my taste - perfect for young tea drinkers though, whose mouths are more sensitive! Thanks for sharing your tea time!

I have a foodie question for you, if I may! I would love to make chutney, but we are totally temperance - no alcohol at all in my kitchen (unless you count the vanilla extract!!!) Can you make chutney without spirits? By the way - it isn't a matter of faith, it is a matter of family history - breaking the bonds of alcoholism requires absolute abstinence in this case. I used to really enjoy the wonderful combination of pork roast with apple chutney, but haven't found a non-alcoholic recipe!

Monica said...

Glad to hear that you are back behind the wheel:)
I love tea cups. I used to collect them from antique stores, but sadly they were broken in one of our moves. I hadn't thought about collecting them again. But your picture inspires me to consider it.

Amy K said...

The chutney was delicious! And I'm glad to hear your first time out driving went well! I'm so glad you're recovering and feeling better!!

Alaina said...

So glad to hear you were able to drive! And your tea party looks delightful as well as the chutney!

I have something for you over on my blog. :)

SueJ said...

Driving again mustbe areal sign that you are really 'on the mend', so great news. A lovely homely collection of photos too!

landgirl said...

Lovely tea cup. I l;ike to htink of all hte fingers that might have tracved the flutes along the edge and the conversations that accompanied them.
Also excited about your lace project. You meniton bobbib lace, but do you know about crochet lace or Irish lace or Youghal lace? It is often 3-dimensional and was taught by the nuns to some of the women enduring hardship as a result of famines and upheaval In Ireland. I read about it in a crochet magazine and then saw examples of it in the National Museum in Dublin. I am just now reading Women's Work: the First 20,000 years about textiles in the paleolithic and up to the Iron Age. Fascinating, well researched and still very readable.

Unknown said...

I should make one slight correction H -- I did have a hat pattern for that hat! Unfortunately I can't take the credit for that cute creation! =) Thanks for the faith in me though! =)