tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30553363628847294852024-03-13T19:09:00.264-07:00Ramblings From A Suffolk Girl.A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-49747810110686682582015-05-13T13:10:00.001-07:002015-05-13T13:10:00.707-07:00Loving my new bread makerI thought I would update regards to my bread maker I got. Thanks for giving me the nudge Sadie! <div><br></div><div>I love it I bought the Panasonic one a bit pricey but has by far had the best reviews. So far we have had fresh bread on three days since Saturday morning. One being a lovely white loaf the <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> other two are just a soft sandwich loaf perfect for sandwiches for Mr M to take to work and children's lunch box. (Not daughters though) my next Loaf will be a gluten free one just trying to find a good recepie that doesn't contain egg like most GF free loafs do.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I love the fact I just put the ingredients in the bread pan. Yeast in the dispenser set the programme and it does it all for me. I know it's very lazy off me and I'm sure lots of eyes are rolling and people tutting but I just can't seem to master the dough of GF bread so the bread maker is mainly to provide GF bread that isn't processed and full of artificial ingredients for my daughter. As I have spent quiet a bit on it I might as well use it for all our bread. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm glad I bought one though. </span></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-22278615390237334282015-05-08T13:02:00.001-07:002015-05-08T13:02:55.384-07:00If all goes well tomorrow morning I should have.....Fresh home made bread. I finally got a Breadmaker after many months of toying about it feeling guilty I should be doing it by hand getting cross at the bricks I was producing. Seriously I could have built a strong house with them. <div><br></div><div>The main reason I'm getting one is so I can bake fresh gluten free bread for my daughter. That hopefully won't turn out like bricks. I'm starting of with a traditional white loaf tomorrow though to get used to the machine then I will start on the gluten free variety. All the ingredients have been placed in timer on for fresh bread for breakfast. </div><div><br></div><div>I did invest in the most expensive one but all the reviews suggested you get what you pay for. I will let you know the results.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm down for the cricket teas tomorrow again and have made a lemon drizzle cake and tomorrow morning I will make chocolate orange brownies and salted caramel brownies. Along with egg sandwiches and tuna, sausage rolls and potato wedges. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-18368162083815144042015-05-04T01:50:00.001-07:002015-05-04T01:50:24.974-07:00What's been happeningIt's been quite a busy couple of weeks of after school clubs and cricket at weekends, though things are now settling down nicely and we are back in a routine. I do have to write everything down though as bound to forget something. <div><br></div><div>I also have a new car it was really needed my last car we bought at the auctions and was 6 months old and the clock read 6000 miles. That's was nearly 15 years ago and was our main car until 3 years ago then we became part of the two car family. I need a car to potter about in but don't do many miles. But the time came to replace it and back to the auctions we didn't see anything so popped into the local Ford garage and saw a nice little KA only 9000 on the clock and three years old. So I'm the new owner of this little car and I must say I love it.</div><div><br></div><div>If you have been flicking through the news you might have seen the new book eat nourish glow which seems to be the latest diet craze. You cut out all gluten, dairy and processed sugar this is nothing new in our household as my daughter has coeliacs and im boarder line she also is allergic to dairy and eggs so she has to cut these things out for her health and so she doesn't end up in hospital. She does have a bit of sugar in things though. All our meals are dairy and gluten free anyway unless I make a pie which myself and little miss don't eat. I'm always on the thinking that as long as it's homemade it's much better for you than shop bought with all the preservatives ( im sure you need a chemistry degree to understand what half of them are) they put in. Look at Mrs Berry queen of home baking she looks great and cooks everything from scratch. I wonder if the trick is just one small slice or biscuit not the whole cake or packet!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-36056200953488523902015-04-27T05:25:00.001-07:002015-04-27T05:25:51.557-07:00It's cricket season and boy do I know it.If you read my blog you will know I'm a huge cricket fan. Mr M plays I used to score but now do the teas.<br />
<br />
Well we have joined a new club this year Mr M fancied a change and wanted to play without the politics that the last club endured.<br />
<br />
So we have all gone to a new club. I am on tea rota and did my first tea on Saturday. It's split between to and we get reimbursed. ( last year I did the teas every week and the club didn't have enough money so it was out of our own pocket)<br />
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This week I did.<br />
Egg and Cress Sandwichs<br />
Tuna Sandwiches<br />
Sausage rolls<br />
Potato wedges<br />
Victoria sponge<br />
Lemon drizzle<br />
Chocolate orange brownies - this has been requested again.<br />
Melon.<br />
<br />
It all went very quickly and I had lots of praise.<br />
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Today I'm aching a bit as I played my first ever womens match. I didn't bat thankfully and I fielded well stopping the ball going over the boundary though I am feeling it today those short sharp quick sprints. I have played before at school with the boys and filling in on occasion for the men. I really enjoyed but having spent nearly all weekend at the club I'm going to have to say I will fill in when they are desperate as not much got done around the house and garden this weekend.<br />
A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-66067314566715463672015-04-01T08:38:00.003-07:002015-04-01T08:38:55.024-07:00Choices and bakingIt's been a day of baking today I made a white loaf and some flapjack. Tomorrow is a chocolate cake that is suitable for my daughter who has to be dairy,egg and gluten free. I just won't tell her it has avocado in it!<br />
<br />
As some of you know I have an allotment and after having my tools taken I'm really questioning about carrying on with it I have till Friday to decide.<br />
<br />
I enjoy having my plot even though at times it's very frustrating I'm near the water tap and people have no qualms about walking over my plot as a short cut. The fact we can't have a shed makes it easier for things to get taken despite having a locked plastic box (surprisingly easy to break into so I have learnt) part of me wants to give it another bash the other part is thinking why bother. I still want to grow my own and have just enough room in my garden for pots filled with peas, beans, salad leaves, radishes and courgettes. though I don't have space for brassicas, carrots or potatoes. Though I would beable to get a small green house to grow a few tomatoes and for pottering about in Which will be a lot easier to manage with the children playing outside. I'm always on tender hooks at the plot as some of them are a funny bunch and don't seem to like children about.<br />
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Any advice or suggestion greatly appreciated as I'm a little confused and lost what to do. A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-53680767731397986152015-03-31T01:40:00.001-07:002015-03-31T01:40:18.660-07:00A big gapWell I haven't posted for nearly two months, I have no excuse I really haven't been up to much at all.<div><br></div><div>I have been down the allotment but have had second thoughts about keeping it on. We have had a spate of burglaries and my tools have been stolen twice. We are not allowed sheds as it distracts the view so I have kept my tools in a low level locked box which the thieves smashed into. I know I could take the tools down every time I go but sometimes I will pop in for an hour before school pick up so I don't really want to be carting tools to school and back. </div><div><br></div><div>We have just returned from another ski holiday to the french Alps it was a great week and fantastic to spend time with the family. </div><div><br></div><div>Last nights wind has completely destroyed two fence panels and it looks set to get worse! </div><div><br></div><div>Other than that I'm at a cross roads if what to do. But I'm also quiet happy pottering about at home but I'm not really focusing on anything at the moment.</div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-27387650362662091082015-01-27T11:59:00.001-08:002015-01-27T11:59:43.186-08:00ChangesWell it's been a while, though I have been busy. Most who read my blog will know I returned to being a student, so for the last month I have been busy beavering away completing assignments for a early years course for it all to be cancelled yesterday by the college. I have been cross with them but there is nothing that can be done budget cuts and long term sickness from the tutor meant that the course has been postponed for the foreseeable future. I have a refund there is nothing else I can do. I choose this course as it fits with my family life and it could all be done at home with me completing a 350 hour placement in a early years setting which I have started. <div><br></div><div>So now I'm stuck and confused as what to do I loved being a stay at home mum, but wanted to do something test my brain and work towards what I wanted to do at 18 be a teacher for those that don't know circumstances meant I had to turn my placement at university down. </div><div><br></div><div>So what do I do now i want to be and need to be about after school for the children I never had that and want to be there for the children especially as they do so much after school and in the holidays but I want to do something to keep my brain ticking over as I'm still only in my 30s. I'm fortunate that I don't need to work my husband works very hard so I can stay at home look after the children and keep the house running but you never know circumstance could change. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not going to rush into things and take my time but any ideas would be good. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-51832509600037075112015-01-05T08:00:00.001-08:002015-01-05T08:00:37.455-08:00From the Mountains to the SeaSo a couple of days ago I was over 2500 meters high up a mountain today it was a visit to the beach. A brisk walk with the family along the coast which certainly blew the holiday fog away and wake us up a bit. <div><br></div><div>It was grey and the sea was quite calm with a brisk wind, the beach was deserted with everyone going back to work the cafe was all closed up until the weekend so we made the most of our last day of the holidays looking for Amber amongst the pebbles we didn't find any and throwing stones into the sea. I always find a trip to the coast always makes me feel better. It was a late night watching the last three episodes of series one of Broadchurch I spent most of time in tears so not sure what series two has In store when it starts tonight. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4lP0jKVRJnu1SnBHCVgOrtEwVE1-UY-yntmVvXQEMskUfboYVzxPph5N2bewAWw94SiTxutmx56TJasyoSo2NTnKvzeKBZH8VnhEQNV9o9Z_1pqnlVfoNM4pwoBBHTyrGUvYRDxkiVM/s640/blogger-image--640504280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4lP0jKVRJnu1SnBHCVgOrtEwVE1-UY-yntmVvXQEMskUfboYVzxPph5N2bewAWw94SiTxutmx56TJasyoSo2NTnKvzeKBZH8VnhEQNV9o9Z_1pqnlVfoNM4pwoBBHTyrGUvYRDxkiVM/s640/blogger-image--640504280.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>On our way home we called into the Farm Shop to stock up our freezer with meat. I love this farm shop as the freezers are stocked with local good quality meat. I now have 3 drawers full of various cuts and joints of beef, lamb, pork and chicken along with mince and some sausages. Hopefully it will keep us going until at least the end of March but it will require planning and organisation to make sure nothing will be left lurking at the bottom and to stop unnecessary buying. </div><div><br></div><div>I don't make New Years resolutions as I never keep to them and I don't drink very often or smoke to try to give up or cut down. But the one thing I really want to do is make the most of my collection of Cook books I have which I got three more at Christmas. Two Tom Kerridges books and a book about Eastern cooking called Persania so I'm going spend time every week planning and cooking diffrent things that the whole family will enjoy. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm also of to my first ever concert this month I'm going to see ( big drum roll) Queen featuring Adam lambert at Nottingham. I'm really excited. I'm writing this last bit with no keys showing on my iPad it's amazing how my fingers seem to know where the right keys are. Hopefully it will fix its self auto correct is helping. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkACduzwYcPSuv91CELUgSPjk3NpZX3XjnVK93eYXcrGXPiMflRySiD853i-xE7YTKdk_XRMTJToLtsfyA4d6kIkCwz1CBSAyaFXisXgQNp1rS6_CFV-DSQrzGAQ0ImC0UUFHHa6OfxZY/s640/blogger-image-56030057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkACduzwYcPSuv91CELUgSPjk3NpZX3XjnVK93eYXcrGXPiMflRySiD853i-xE7YTKdk_XRMTJToLtsfyA4d6kIkCwz1CBSAyaFXisXgQNp1rS6_CFV-DSQrzGAQ0ImC0UUFHHa6OfxZY/s640/blogger-image-56030057.jpg"></a></div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-44983969189195254912015-01-04T10:30:00.001-08:002015-01-04T10:30:02.363-08:00A few little snaps from FlaineJust a few little pictures from our holiday in Flaine. It was great at times tiring and tough but we loved it. We could have done with more snow and fortunatly we arrived at the resort before the snow hit last Saturday which was the only snow full. We are all very greatful we didn't spend a night in a French sports centre where many stranded travellers did. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIXyct2ot2LojGcdhFF1vWA7HEPm6GKBRSaDD89hjPjzY0lhFTSImqTUlpUprNmadHX5fguOPJfnn-JhBlfEJfMfVLysM2gASoZxaMaH6mPV49YyN2thVQHnB149YyTBfcMm43inQvmg/s640/blogger-image-139166158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIXyct2ot2LojGcdhFF1vWA7HEPm6GKBRSaDD89hjPjzY0lhFTSImqTUlpUprNmadHX5fguOPJfnn-JhBlfEJfMfVLysM2gASoZxaMaH6mPV49YyN2thVQHnB149YyTBfcMm43inQvmg/s640/blogger-image-139166158.jpg"></a> Ski school</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNO5qc-tvikm_fzl1SFF19iGOJt8H4lYpiQG10vAWJ3N5gRmx-h7YbuE2d4HFxiBYKauORvLkbKZ5TxD9lkyyJUPQsCA6SMrMAFin4A3D3qaXPzg7qSXyTUp6-DajjLXD5Ff17bbuogU/s640/blogger-image--351899281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNO5qc-tvikm_fzl1SFF19iGOJt8H4lYpiQG10vAWJ3N5gRmx-h7YbuE2d4HFxiBYKauORvLkbKZ5TxD9lkyyJUPQsCA6SMrMAFin4A3D3qaXPzg7qSXyTUp6-DajjLXD5Ff17bbuogU/s640/blogger-image--351899281.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the run into the resort from our apartment</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B57Tprj-nftfn5u36DHo1Wf6g86UIM-L-mO7PisEIPCs7oyMK4Sw-H_Sm5iyJFnNFK-2LQZpLkMGRyhMwjFmjjdim42HMgEe-IJEnVJW0T2DchFqPUJvYmb9ERqvNh6t_TxpIW121EA/s640/blogger-image--324718831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B57Tprj-nftfn5u36DHo1Wf6g86UIM-L-mO7PisEIPCs7oyMK4Sw-H_Sm5iyJFnNFK-2LQZpLkMGRyhMwjFmjjdim42HMgEe-IJEnVJW0T2DchFqPUJvYmb9ERqvNh6t_TxpIW121EA/s640/blogger-image--324718831.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU06gc9xcNKK21F6nKF57JCvpwTXtz8fD99IbOYql6YnorJMD0rU-xR5ghWTshwPZ159liQjxcOuHhNT4gxF_GYs2RjoDbsl2n9RWfp_VhSf1-uBqCJNZURw4gotIEtc-ZqRVkGD5rZE/s640/blogger-image--1540364055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYU06gc9xcNKK21F6nKF57JCvpwTXtz8fD99IbOYql6YnorJMD0rU-xR5ghWTshwPZ159liQjxcOuHhNT4gxF_GYs2RjoDbsl2n9RWfp_VhSf1-uBqCJNZURw4gotIEtc-ZqRVkGD5rZE/s640/blogger-image--1540364055.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Part of the resort from the bucket lift the trees make it a lot prettier than the concrete buildings we were staying in more traditional chalet style apartments but a ski down from main centre.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEovPECN6DqO_399btrI9R4t1ub926k7eLvWGQJi5WeelU8exXx6slthPYOiIhSx0iVe_zgDccpoA5SmS0bwWfDv-XpNFg8pOxzruyJ_M3ZWi5iKLYpLU8hDbGrq4RcLUpVJP6pTNN8yQ/s640/blogger-image--1901279372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEovPECN6DqO_399btrI9R4t1ub926k7eLvWGQJi5WeelU8exXx6slthPYOiIhSx0iVe_zgDccpoA5SmS0bwWfDv-XpNFg8pOxzruyJ_M3ZWi5iKLYpLU8hDbGrq4RcLUpVJP6pTNN8yQ/s640/blogger-image--1901279372.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Right at the top 2500m we can see Mt Blanc but the cloud spoilt the view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZErTqRJeUL8xa1ncZrBGop36VP1vxZ-v27NaEO3KKGLXFSYycpk8Po6OZWwhOpZn_JB6xsNhGeZQndH2aq5Vo7dfu9_EkvPvwN3e-DQ4dikDXpOmtIsM3qILCaeby8TuVeqeI5uITYc0/s640/blogger-image--1063538563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZErTqRJeUL8xa1ncZrBGop36VP1vxZ-v27NaEO3KKGLXFSYycpk8Po6OZWwhOpZn_JB6xsNhGeZQndH2aq5Vo7dfu9_EkvPvwN3e-DQ4dikDXpOmtIsM3qILCaeby8TuVeqeI5uITYc0/s640/blogger-image--1063538563.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-91160497641794267652015-01-04T00:47:00.001-08:002015-01-04T00:47:10.703-08:00Back all in one pieceWell we made it to the top of the mountain and back again all in one peice. We had a great family ski holiday but it was very hard work rushing the children to ski school for 9.00 but it was great and the children picked up skiing easily my son more than daughter but he was more confident and had no fear. Not good for me though. I did find it hard being away so soon after Christmas I missed all the little things we do between Christmas and New Year. We were also in bed asleep so didn't see the New Year in. Skiing is very tiring. <div><br></div><div>Most things are washed and packed away now for our next ski trip not sure when that will be we were looking to go again at Easter but those plans are put on hold now and looking into a nice family summer holiday somewhere. </div><div><br></div><div>Today the decorations will be coming now I don't feel festive and all and the house seems a little cluttered and it's all back to work and school on Tuesday.</div><div><br></div><div>I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year I'm now going to try and catch up with all the blogs I have missed reading</div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-30219952817884844822014-12-22T08:15:00.001-08:002014-12-22T08:15:39.975-08:00Catch upWell the school uniforms are washed ironed and ready for January. Not that I'm wishing the school holidays away it's only the first day. No I am super organised this year as we go on our holiday for New Year which is supposed to be a ski trip but so far not much snow has fallen in the Alps but we still have a few days yet. So please everyone can you do a little snow dance. ❄️❄️<div><br></div><div>Well like most it's a busy few days we are going to see a pantomime, we have been for our traditional fish and chips by the sea. Done our yearly carol concert in the church and all presents are wrapped so now it time to relax a little and enjoy the time with our families. It's strange this year as we go the day after Boxing Day so we haven't had to do a big food shop and when we come back it will be straight into the work school routine and I will start studying. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been reading everyone's blogs but not really had much to say maybe I'm being to reserved I could say lots but unsure what's interesting to others and what's not. </div><div><br></div><div>Cooking a roast chicken for tea so we can have chicken soup and pie over the next couple of days. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-38517544506730713552014-12-14T12:11:00.001-08:002014-12-14T12:11:35.383-08:00Technical problemsApologies to those who like reading my blog post but even though I have been publishing them it doesn't appear to be loading so you can read. It's all sorted now as I have changed the application I have been using.<div><br></div><div>So what have I been upto well I started my volunteer place two weeks ago in a school and I love it though is very hard work both mentally and sometimes physically. I currently do three days a week and finish in time to pick my own children up. Which is very important that I'm still about for them. Studying starts in February so now I'm just getting organised but it's amazing how being out of the house three days makes me much more organised at home with ironing and cleaning being done at the start and end if the week. Meals are much more thought out and I'm making use of the slow cooker. </div><div><br></div><div>We are getting into full swing of Christmas and our holiday for New Year just hope they have more snow falling as snowfall not been that great so far not ideal for a skiing holiday. </div><div><br></div><div>I have been reading most blogs and you all do seem a busy lot and Sue at Simple Suffolk Small Holder I have today made a big batch of leek and potato soup after reading yours.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-27489165273057127872014-11-30T13:10:00.001-08:002014-11-30T13:10:59.852-08:00Catching up.It's been a rather busy couple of weeks and as of this week things will change in our household. Last week I had my interview and start my voluntary job on Tuesday to be a TA in a small village school. I'm doing this to work towards a diploma I start in February so it's all change. I'm doing volunteering because I can fit it around my family as that was really important to me to make sure what I do doesn't mean I have to rely on others to look after my children. In the long term I hope to beable to earn some money but at the moment the way it will work will fit in fine with us.<div><br></div><div>Today we took the children to Duxford and I was very impressed with the imperial war museum we went on a concord and various other planes and saw many war planes along with land warfare exhibitions. The children enjoyed it throughly and it's something we would love to go back again and visit. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHuG3KJU5s-34vw3fAUmlMo8JxWahNfQjxRd3y0ktRbTMouynSw0Il-MZ-rJpyz_uY6zSZ3kcrMcwapJC2iWm3D7V8ACeiV40H6XPTviEntPBl23UxvcO3uBJalB4KdZmm6Ww-QrJ8Tc/s640/blogger-image--324676294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHuG3KJU5s-34vw3fAUmlMo8JxWahNfQjxRd3y0ktRbTMouynSw0Il-MZ-rJpyz_uY6zSZ3kcrMcwapJC2iWm3D7V8ACeiV40H6XPTviEntPBl23UxvcO3uBJalB4KdZmm6Ww-QrJ8Tc/s640/blogger-image--324676294.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHLbbVn_NdASrwHefjS721ttNCfXBVa8vZRmqnwHOTkBLfEr_Wwmah4ThdtNpSgPUGo04zYMLnhDI-Kl1ZE4YRKrZL7ousa2lAIxc1QA7ibIN7hJsLOe2VSQy23LlgtuXHWnFTpmuEio/s640/blogger-image-475308379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHLbbVn_NdASrwHefjS721ttNCfXBVa8vZRmqnwHOTkBLfEr_Wwmah4ThdtNpSgPUGo04zYMLnhDI-Kl1ZE4YRKrZL7ousa2lAIxc1QA7ibIN7hJsLOe2VSQy23LlgtuXHWnFTpmuEio/s640/blogger-image-475308379.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBgkxwuCudshNH-mY0SSnzAFhgE2oK3Or6PLHF85sjplikXNqtIZkYwWQIuUoaeE3AmOcKOcXAWM8u2QSgTb-ACzcpx58X8OHKPLNjiUEokc_IXPwzGJP6AnQN3v2Wbv7f_Ty3L5n6IQ/s640/blogger-image-2038838014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBgkxwuCudshNH-mY0SSnzAFhgE2oK3Or6PLHF85sjplikXNqtIZkYwWQIuUoaeE3AmOcKOcXAWM8u2QSgTb-ACzcpx58X8OHKPLNjiUEokc_IXPwzGJP6AnQN3v2Wbv7f_Ty3L5n6IQ/s640/blogger-image-2038838014.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rc1doSlG42I46wDzzS3CXUW2-rc34AHELr_EGMVqDYgIxjunV3rF8YSd5mPyQVJqCgUfHoFhGkFvUESek7cB1TiJ3X84N9S3skCHAzfQePdrXTQBSN_gvCX8-2F8dpxhRnM_lRQG-Ik/s640/blogger-image-1632022672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rc1doSlG42I46wDzzS3CXUW2-rc34AHELr_EGMVqDYgIxjunV3rF8YSd5mPyQVJqCgUfHoFhGkFvUESek7cB1TiJ3X84N9S3skCHAzfQePdrXTQBSN_gvCX8-2F8dpxhRnM_lRQG-Ik/s640/blogger-image-1632022672.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took so many pictures but not all turned out ok.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This week as I'm back to "work" it's now military organisation I'm only doing 3 days but those days at home have been planned so I don't get behind. Tomorrow is ironing baking and housework and groceries are being delivered. All meals are planned as well as lunches I'm hoping it will work like clockwork so it still gives me UK e to enjoy the weekends with the family.</div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-11878057123018985392014-11-15T13:14:00.001-08:002014-11-15T13:14:14.711-08:00Things happen for a reasonTwo posts in as many days. <div><br></div><div>It's been a rather damp day in Suffolk this morning was spent watching my Son play football the hubby was ref. This afternoon was spent going for a walk and I took this lovely picture of the castle in our home town. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs097LG4QNSCAIo3lwX7BA7uNkZ__HhXLx1DC0U7S08KA2wYmebBmWFeFhgAemuLquOi2xbm8rOc5silBrSVN902F7hhnZx_me5jzsLbI4wDGblc8lP08SBax-jO3xE0yV3yV2Qh-ArbQ/s640/blogger-image--1323746159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs097LG4QNSCAIo3lwX7BA7uNkZ__HhXLx1DC0U7S08KA2wYmebBmWFeFhgAemuLquOi2xbm8rOc5silBrSVN902F7hhnZx_me5jzsLbI4wDGblc8lP08SBax-jO3xE0yV3yV2Qh-ArbQ/s640/blogger-image--1323746159.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well as my post suggests I belive in everything happens for a reason. Most of you who read my blog will know I was bought up in foster care some people thinks it was because my family couldn't cope with me mainly because I was a naughty or delinquent. Very few really give it some thought and make judgements without knowing the facts for those who are wondering though it's not really relevant it was because my mum put me in dangerous and unsafe situations. Why am I bringing this up well it links to my post from yesterday in which I said I was going back to be a student and to study. Well why now? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Why didn't I do it when I left school maybe you're thinking I didn't get the grades I was in care I must be stupid. (Though I'm sure most of you would never think like that) but that's the type of things I have come up against all my life. I had to fight to do A levels as when you hit 16 they really want you out of the system I fought hard and won I proved everyone wrong and gained very good A levels but this is where my dreams came stuck. I really wanted to be a PE teacher had a place secured at uni but no support as to getting there or where I would go in the holidays. Scared and confused I turned it down got a job well 3 in fact to survive. I don't regret anything that happened as I would never have met my husband and never would have had my two children. Yes I might have met someone else ect but that's not the point. I still get comments from old school friends or acquaintances like I've done well considering or I never thought you would end up like you have. A bit patronising but I'm sure they mean well but I'm no diffrent to anyone else. ( we own our home my husband works hard so I can stay at home with the children ect) So now I'm ready to embark on my dream and will work my way to be a teacher. Which I'm very excited about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Apologies for the post and I hope I haven't offended anyone or you think I'm talking about my readers I'm not just people who I have come in contact in my life.</div></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-34316770081188172052014-11-14T09:32:00.001-08:002014-11-14T09:32:41.368-08:00I'm still aboutThere is no real reason for the lack of posts except probably pure laziness. I could use the excuse that I have been busy with Beavers and the Remeberance parade or the fact I'm deciding about my future and might be returning to be a student. It could be that illness struck the house and it could also be I decided to redecorate my bedroom. Though it's probably a concoction of all the things so to all you lovely people who read my posts I'm sorry and will try and post more.<div><br></div><div>As you can see I have been rather busy lately training and running Beaver Scouts which I love this has made me have a hard think about what I would like to do and I am in the process of returning to study with the view of working in the classroom I have a interview in a couple of weeks at first it will be voluntary but hopefully in the future will lead to a paid placement. The course I wish to do is distant learning but does require a placement in a school. I have already been turned down for the children's school even though I regularly volunteer but they are only excepting students where they gain some government financial help. Maybe it's best I go to a school where I don't really know the parents and my own children don't attend. </div><div><br></div><div>It's been a really grey dull day in Suffolk today and far to wet to get down to the allotment but hoping to go this weekend just have a little bit left to dig over before winter and hopefully can put beds in to make it a bit neater and organised.</div><div><br></div><div>Even though I haven't been posting I have made time to read everyone's else's blogs I follow it's always nice to hear what people are up to. </div><div><br></div><div>Till the next time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS5lXPS2XquD2kJbgs7td7eWyw2H2BsJIKGdDiYNAPKuzkbiHGcgDq8vHrNKf8t-UI-fLwPmfVJGcLcg_2-q077bc1XdTluP99bxO5S5ovBwKMVF57edwJ97nCsW40bxfujTUI02AHHU/s640/blogger-image-2084727663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS5lXPS2XquD2kJbgs7td7eWyw2H2BsJIKGdDiYNAPKuzkbiHGcgDq8vHrNKf8t-UI-fLwPmfVJGcLcg_2-q077bc1XdTluP99bxO5S5ovBwKMVF57edwJ97nCsW40bxfujTUI02AHHU/s640/blogger-image-2084727663.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-81281684229621081662014-10-28T11:43:00.001-07:002014-10-28T11:43:38.958-07:00Slowcooker or from the oven?Out from the depth in the cupboard came my crockpot it hasn't been used for a while so after a quick dust and rinse out I set about making a beef casserole with some "taste the diffrence" beef that had been lurking in the freezer (I did defrost it overnight) we had it for dinner tonight after it had been cooking away since 8 this morning we ate at 5.30 in stock, onions,garlic,carrots,celery, tomato purée a small amount of red wine and a hand tied bunch of fresh herbs. <div><br></div><div>It was ok meat a bit tough though. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Here's the problem it just doesn't taste as good as when I use the same ingredients in a my well know cast iron casserole dish in the oven cooked on about 140c for about 4 hours.</div><div><br></div><div>The diffrence seems to be the gravy in the slow cooker it comes out quite watery and even a little bland. From the oven the gravy is thicker has much more taste and the meat is even tender. </div><div><br></div><div>Am I the only one or is it my cooking. My reptoir of slow cooking recepies are very limited regarding the slow cooker but I have stacks I use for the oven one pot meals. I have tried chicken in the slow cooker children hated it and to be honest it wasn't great from the oven same dish children can't get enough. </div><div><br></div><div>Reading this back it's starting to sound like a very middle class problem or something you might here in a very well know upmarket Supermarket. </div><div><br></div><div>But I don't want it to become one of those gadgets that just sits I the cupboard gathering dust and it's very useful to have something straight to hand with a bit of planning if we have been out all day. </div><div><br></div><div>Maybe I should invest in a couple of slow cooker cookbooks as a few more won't hurt in my vast collection I already have.</div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-55786102697659642602014-10-25T13:43:00.001-07:002014-10-25T13:43:41.471-07:00Visiting a new place.I'm still here and I have been reading lots of your blogs but I really haven't had anything to say at all. I think it's because I'm at a real loss as what to do and in a way I'm feeling a little low. I'm a stay at home mum which I love and I know many people would give anything to be in my postion. Just lately when I have dropped the children at school done all the housework popped to the allotment not much to do now though. I'm at a loss until I pick the children up again and it's like that everyday from Monday to Friday. It's like I need to do something but not sure what and it needs to fit in with family life. <div><br></div><div>Anyway today we all visited Langard Point in Felixstowe it's right by the docks and there is a lovely little cafe that overlooks the River Orwell as it's just come in from the North Sea and you have a clear view of the large container ships being loaded and unloaded. There was a brisk wind and we went for a walk around the old fort it does look an interesting place something we will go back and visit. Though just walking around some old towers that face out to the sea was enough to occupy my son today. He spent much of the time hiding and being a boy he was playing at soilders.</div><div><br></div><div>It's nice to visit somewhere diffrent and the wind was good to blow away the cobwebs and the sun was just enough to lighten my mood. Best of all it was just good enough to spend some family time together.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuuD5PWNK99EQIC9poBuvrZqZa_VSXIovTgl4R2QyBZ-e_E5E524gHhk33fuRBnetzzdFgz3AJ4GnlDMBp97l0nX5-sowG6oPAC74QMlhd2zVSBUHgfCJ5oQPvt-IiNNxBLp14ImpKDI/s640/blogger-image--1759734861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuuD5PWNK99EQIC9poBuvrZqZa_VSXIovTgl4R2QyBZ-e_E5E524gHhk33fuRBnetzzdFgz3AJ4GnlDMBp97l0nX5-sowG6oPAC74QMlhd2zVSBUHgfCJ5oQPvt-IiNNxBLp14ImpKDI/s640/blogger-image--1759734861.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjpjUo5_VHdTzx4_9-Kd3tlQjJgCqLXOSVuxrwD3QJJLSuyGuOjuMcitxpjoF-HSa27uAqYZryEu8erz7pInCWyMw3CvP4l6m8oZe9fAn2fsyyFp1FGgjiWVbi5yi5qFTf-xOSd-4UI4/s640/blogger-image--833834776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjpjUo5_VHdTzx4_9-Kd3tlQjJgCqLXOSVuxrwD3QJJLSuyGuOjuMcitxpjoF-HSa27uAqYZryEu8erz7pInCWyMw3CvP4l6m8oZe9fAn2fsyyFp1FGgjiWVbi5yi5qFTf-xOSd-4UI4/s640/blogger-image--833834776.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5rk2PbrCjMK5mD87BvjL5qAkNmVEB6ErFEemwQxpoZxUidUmrEn_nVvotkROgFvzlQo6ir_DZaWr2FFgBHQeWB2dRU09b3z6782hu2Bvil-_qJBBeDBtykcc1oRveKkS2R9ozWOZhr4/s640/blogger-image--1413632207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5rk2PbrCjMK5mD87BvjL5qAkNmVEB6ErFEemwQxpoZxUidUmrEn_nVvotkROgFvzlQo6ir_DZaWr2FFgBHQeWB2dRU09b3z6782hu2Bvil-_qJBBeDBtykcc1oRveKkS2R9ozWOZhr4/s640/blogger-image--1413632207.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-45317177537019277692014-10-05T12:06:00.001-07:002014-10-05T12:06:47.612-07:00There's no such thing as a friendly game of cardsI love playing cards. It's the one thing I remember that was fun from a childhood filled with uncertainty and fear. My Nanna taught me how to play things such as rummy, patience,sevens and crib. It helped no end with my maths. <div><br></div><div>I still play cards with my children especially things like old maid and donkey but now they can also play sevens my sons favourite and Newmarket which I had never played before until last year. Last night we had a card night as my husbands Nan is staying and she's a tactical card player could be somthing to do with age but she also likes to accuse people of cheating. </div><div><br></div><div>We play with pennies and I won a few hands so I came back with more than I went with. The children surprised me they are starting to get a really good and my daughter can be very shrewd whilst playing sevens holding key cards back actually she came home with £4.00 worth of pennies she only started with £1.50 worth. </div><div><br></div><div>But must importantly it's about spending time with the family and having fun and laughter and for my children its special for them to have time with there parents,grandparents and great grandparent. </div><div><br></div><div>Looking forward to Christmas as that's when the next cards night is likely to take place. I best start adding to the penny jar.</div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-17435289517095695562014-10-03T13:49:00.001-07:002014-10-03T13:49:10.610-07:00Reading other blogsI love reading other people's blogs it's a chance to be nosy which I'm terribly interested in things other people do. I love the tips people give and I love people opinions whether you agree with them or not. It's a bit like prying in people's diarys but in this instance the people don't mind otherwise they wouldn't blog would they. <div><br></div><div>I don't get many comments on my blog posts (I'm not fishing for any) but people do read my ramblings which Im pleased about. I'm not as consistent as other people blogging but I'm hoping to be better at it though sometimes I really have nothing to say as I usually have just stayed home and done the housework and read. </div><div><br></div><div>Though I do love cooking and baking so will probably pop a few food posts up along the way and those who know about my allotment it is finally starting to take shape with proper beds being constructed from wood planks I scavenged from a friend which has saved me a few pennies. Much to my husbands delight.</div><div><br></div><div>I have enjoyed people's posts and comments regarding stoptober and whilst I admire those who can and are organised enough not to beable to spend on groceries throughout the month I would find this difficult because I have done this in the past and have found I spend much more in the month where I do a large shop at the beginning than doing a weekly shop. Doing a weekly shop where I have stuck to a list means I'm not doing little top up shops in weeks three and four which means I end up doing a very large shop again because everything runs out at once.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow we are getting together with family for a card night I can't wait as I love playing cards Newmarket is my favourite as well a sevens. The children are quite good at this and it does get quite competitive especially as we are playing with 1p,2p and 5p coins. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-44633608980961190432014-10-02T11:33:00.001-07:002014-10-02T11:33:27.671-07:00Cooking from the booksI have many cookbooks and I love reading them but very rarely use them and I seem to have got in a rut of the same foods every week. So while I was ironing and catching up on Jamie's comfort food which I have the book. I thought I would cook his curried fishpie we were going to have fish anyway and I must say it went down a treat. I did have to modify it to make it dairy and gluten free to suit my daughters diet. (She is very allergic to this things) the only thing I did was not make the sauce with the milk and used cornflour to thicken. <div><br></div><div>I really enjoyed cooking this with the help of the children and seem to have got my interest back in preparing and cooking for enjoyment not just because we have to eat. </div><div><br></div><div>The other thing I have done is make bread rolls I have dabbled with baking bread before but never have been successful. I went to make the packed lunch for Mr M and children for school and realised I had no bread in so using Paul Hollywoods how to bake book I have made 12 white rolls they are currently cooking in the oven.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm going to be more organised with my cooking and vary the things we have and not be scared to try new things if the children don't like it I will try again. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow is beef casserole but I will be baking as we have no cake in the house at all.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-51716511591752892014-09-28T12:13:00.001-07:002014-09-28T12:13:14.578-07:00A city break and a change in dietI have been away for a few days to Barcelona with Mr M. We had a lovely time but I missed the children so much so we won't be repeating it anytime soon. Barcelona is a lovely city and we did a couple of excursions one to see Gaudis work the unfinished cathedral the Sagrada Familia this is an amazing sight and hopefully it will be finished in 2026 which is 100 years after Gaudis death. It's amazing from both inside and out. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/546.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_546.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/547.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_547.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/548.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_548.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The outside tells a story starting from the birth of Jesus to his crucifixion.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/549.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_549.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/550.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_550.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also visited the monastery on Montserrat Mountain this was such a peaceful and tranquil place and is the home to Benidict Monks. We happened to see a couple but they keep themselves to themselves and there living quarters are kept very private from the the tourist attraction. This is also home to a black Madonna which was found in the caves of Montserrat mountain however she's is made out of popular wood and therefore become black due to the wood oxidising. The views were spectacular along with the buildings. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/551.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_551.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/552.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_552.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/553.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_553.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/554.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_554.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/555.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_555.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I ate some amazing food and we spent time strolling around the gothic quarter and going in a huge covered market where there was so much fresh produce it kind of puts some of our markets to shame.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/556.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_556.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/557.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_557.jpg' border='0' width='15' height='20' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Also moored at the harbour is Steve Jobs super yacht. It's an amazing boat but is such a shame he didn't get to see it before he passed away. It now belongs to his estate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=14/09/28/558.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/14/09/28/s_558.jpg' border='0' width='800' height='800' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I was certainly glad to come home though I have came home to the news that like my daughter I have coeliacs disease. It's not entirely surprising as I have shown symptoms for quite a few years though this has been put down to various other things. I eat pretty much gluten free but I will miss bread and I don't like the gluten free alternative so it's going to take a bit of getting used to. <br /><br />I'm now going to try and catch up with all your blogs and news.<br />A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-63735599281695944092014-09-18T08:24:00.001-07:002014-09-18T08:24:28.448-07:00Could it be summerIt's been a lovely day in Suffolk today and one could be mistaking that it could quite possibly still be summer. If it wasn't for the fog first thing in the morning, the turning of the leaves and copious amounts of berries on the hedgerows once a sign we are in for a cold winter. I'm not sure how much of that is true.<br /><br />I have spent a lovely morning cycling through the countryside with a friend in total we cycled 59k we did stop for a cheeky coffee and cake at Pump Street Bakery in Orford. Which defeats the object of burning all those calories off. <br /><br />A morning at the plot tomorrow and housework and sorting out my craft area as I'm desperate to get back into sewing some bits but at the moment my work station has rather a few muddles on it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-14496163068556805522014-09-17T12:47:00.001-07:002014-09-17T12:47:39.899-07:00A morning on the plot.I spent a good couple of hours on the plot today clearing the courgette plants. A tip for next year I do not need 7 courgette plants as I physically can not eat that much. It's only me who eats them! <br /><br />I also picked two pumpkins which we will keep for the end of October and carve I have left on on the plot raised of the ground to stop rot. <br /><br />It felt good to be back at the plot and I have drawn a line under this year and starting from scratch as of today. It's nice to make a fresh start and plans for next year and what and how much to grow. <br /><br />To Sue and Suffolk Small holder I have taken your tip and covered half with black plastic until I'm ready to do something with that. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-40793927284061981132014-09-14T13:12:00.001-07:002014-09-14T13:12:42.407-07:00Weekends are back.Cricket season has finished which means we get our weekends back, no more preparing tea, washing up and serving tea well for a few months anyway.<br /><br />I have been busy in my own little kitchen experimenting with making gluten free bread so far the results are not great. It is either to hard or completely flat I think back to the drawing board on this one. Though I have just ordered some Teff flour which is supposed to be very good for gluten free baking.<br /><br />I have been putting my new mixer to good use and have made some cheese and sage scones, a normal bloomer which was a bit under baked in the middle and I have some fruit soaking in some tea for a fruit loaf to bake tomorrow. <br /><br />I love baking though it means it has to be eaten I will put some in freezer and most will go into lunch boxes as my children won't or in the case of Little Miss can't eat school lunches.<br />A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055336362884729485.post-55927600352288600312014-09-08T09:13:00.001-07:002014-09-08T09:13:40.000-07:00Allotment UpdateFor those who read my blog/Ramblings maybe wondering why I'm a bit short on the updates regarding the allotment. Well I have a slight problem which means I very seldom go now.<br /><br />The problem is my children are very reluctant to go ( full blown tantrum and tears from son) I know I'm his mum and probably should force him but I think this could make it worse and no one would enjoy the time there. <br /><br />Just at the start of the summer holidays we were harvesting beans and Little M went to fill the watering can up he came back in tears. I had no idea why and he was crying so much, lots of cuddles later it came out that a lady who owns a plot about five down from us had told him of for running across her plot a few days ago running her crops. My son who denied it and I know my children they tell little white lies and they are not perfect but I know he didn't do it I know this because.<br /><br />1. When said incident happened we were not even at the allotments <br /><br />2. I only have one daughter and one son the incident was caused by two boys who were brothers.<br /><br />Despite my son telling the truth and denying it he was then apparently called a liar. He's only 7. This upset me and now my son refuses to go. There isn't a lot of space to play for children so I always give them small jobs to do.<br /><br />I'm now not sure whether to give up my plot as during the summer school holidays it has been very hard to get to the plot which means the weeds are taking over and crops have been ruined. <br /><br />It's now very over grown, during term time I can go while the children are at school and now Mr M cricket season has finished I now have more time at the weekends.<br /><br />I love growing my own veg and my garden isn't particularly big enough to have a plot I can grow bits in tubs and some bits in one small bed. <br /><br />The two boys have been caught as they have been seen running across numerous plots while playing chase I know they are only children and playing. Though I do believe their mother should at least set them some boundaries especially around other peoples properties. <br /><br />I'm still awaiting for an apology after the other boys were caught as I did confront the lady saying that if she had a problem with any of my children she should have come to me first. I have no problem with people telling my children of if it's deserved but I do wish she had her facts right first as she was only told about two dark haired boys running across her plot and didn't actually see it happen. My son is fair haired.<br /><br />I'm not sure I handled it correctly or am dealing with my children the right way but I know that growing my own veg at the plot isn't as fun anymore.<br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />A Suffolk Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11296640218139306978noreply@blogger.com1