Snapshots

 I've had a bit more brain band-with these past few days, so have managed to plan food for the next day as well as following a couple of recipes.  I still cannot remember conversations that I've had earlier in the day which at times proves to be interesting 😂

Bolognese with Polenta Topping.

Rhubarb and Apple Crumble with Dairy Free Ice Cream.

I made enough crumble on Monday to serve two days, so we are having the other portion for dessert this evening.

Pip is in the throes of studying for end of year tests and so life is a bit full on for her at the moment.  We have been looking at different study techniques and learned about 'The Feynman Technique' today:

In her hurry to get sorted this morning poor Wilbur was left on guard duty in the bathroom:

We have an epic drive to Manchester tomorrow for a specialist appointment for Pip, it's just over an hours drive but we plan on breaking the journey for a rest stop for me and please God all will go well ❤️

A Birthday Post

 " Hey Mum just think in four years time you'll be sixty and to think you don't look a day over one hundred!!" 😂😂😂. Little Miss PJ AKA Pip certainly has an epic sense of humour!

My birthday was on Thursday so I'm a little late in posting but the small things we did that day are still taking its toll two days later, of the joys of post exertion malaise 🤪

Since there was no chance we were going to make it to Holy Island for my birthday, Dave brought the island to me ❤️. He arranged for a parcel to be delivered containing our favourite coffee from the island and the newly written, 'A Taste of Holy Island' cookbook, written by Victoria Mundy.  We had the pilgrims coffee for breakfast and from the book I made the St Cuthbert's Cake - we first tasted that cake on our visit to the Island last year and my home made version did not disappoint. Victoria co-owns the coffee house and roastery with her husband Andy and you can learn more of what they do at their website found here Pilgrims Coffee

For lunch we visited Booths Shop and Cafe and Pip very kindly pushed me in the wheelchair, this meant I was well enough to enjoy the meal and also be involved in purchasing items for the cake.  Having said that being upright does me no favours and so towards the end of our cafe stay, I put my legs up on the chair next to me to stem the blood pooling in my legs and feet.

By the time we arrived home I was shattered but five minutes later some friends popped by and then there was a chat with our daughter Sr Emma, (she always rings on mine and Dave's birthdays) and a quick Whats App video call with mum.  My brain was well and truly frazzled at that point, but cakes don't make themselves so into the kitchen it was, and despite crazy heart rates and adrenaline dumps it was worth it 😊

I was also blessed with a cornishware blue and cream mug from Dave, flowers from Ben and two other friends, the country living magazine from Pip, a handmade phone case holder with cross body strap, some natural scented body spray and from my long standing friend Ros (who often pops by to read) a beautiful lavender and pettigrain candle, sea weed face mask and some delicious fig and vanilla, rooibos tea.

Yesterday and today have been rest days, with doing as little as possible but I had a lovely surprise in the post from my dear friend Eva, thank you Eva for such a beautiful and thoughtful gift ❤️

Ben's flowers are in the middle, with friend's flowers either side.

Close up of the bouquet.

Eva's lovely gift ❤️. The poppy's will work well in the front garden and I'm going to have fun adding some flowers in honour of Our Lady in that space too 😊

One birthday down and one to go and this time it's the big Two-Zero!