52 weeks of happy (48/52 & 49/52)

Two more weeks gone, so close to a year now.  My happy things for 52 weeks of happy.

Beautiful autumn skies.  Autumn is my favourite time of year, especially when blue skies and sunshine feature.

Artwork by the little fairy, one of many.  Now at playschool, she has found more outlets for her creativity.

Instagram.  A phone upgrade has meant I can play too.  Slightly bewildered at first.  Now, I have gotten the hang of it.  You can find me there @thelinencloud if you like.

Preparing for the longer nights.  Chopping logs and getting out the blankets and throws, ready to enjoy cosy nights by the stove.

Snippets of happiness here these past few weeks, joining in as always with the lovely Jen at little birdie.

Wishing you all a happy autumn.

autumn light

Some snapshots from our garden this weekend.

The garden is bathed in beautiful autumn light.  We spent a lovely afternoon enjoying the sunshine, outdoors in perfect temperatures.  Another reason why I love autumn.

The clematis is almost finished flowering.  The outer petals have disappeared but I love the spiky heart which remains.

The first apple from our tree.  A perfect, unblemished golden delicious.  There aren't many but they will be savoured. 

Fungi are popping up all around the lawn.  I am a little fixated with admiring them, wandering around peering at the ground.  I must look slightly off my trolley.

Hawthorn berries are weighing down the trees.  The birds will enjoy quite the feast and the firewood pile, the promise of cosiness and warmth until spring.

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend and that the sun is shining wherever you are too.

tuscan bean soup

Soup season.  One of the many reasons I love autumn.

Whilst having a browse for recipes using curly kale, I happened across a recipe for tuscan bean soup.

It is really delicious.  So delicious in fact,  I have made it three times already.  A definite success.

Lacking a few of the ingredients, I didn't add the parmesan rind and used butter beans instead of cannellini. But soup is forgiving.  It was enjoyed with some granary bread, a perfect warming meal for autumn days.

Give it a go.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

52 weeks of happy (46/52 & 47/52)

Another double dose of 52 weeks of happy this week.  I've been so busy with the little ones returning to school and countless school runs, time seems to simply disappear before my eyes.

I wish I could grab it and squirrel some away.  I expect things will mellow as routine takes over.  I'm looking forward to relaxing a little.  Maybe I'm kidding myself but I live in hope.

Anyway, my four simple happy things this week include one extra special serving of loveliness.  I became an aunt again.  My brother and his wife had a beautiful baby boy last week.  He is so precious and perfect.  A gorgeous new addition.

My sewing class is making me so happy.  I love it.  My teacher has a wealth of knowledge and is so generous in sharing it.  I get lots of one-to-one time with her.  Just perfect.

Taking part in Mezz's handmade card swap and receiving a parcel from Hannah from dainty and ivory.  It included beautiful cards and lots of pretty gifts.  Happy mail is just lovely.

Picking vegetables from the garden and trying new recipes.  Bean soup with curly kale, beetroot and chocolate cake, courgette fritters and steamed runner beans. All delicious.

Joining up as always with lovely Jen at little birdie and wishing you all lots of happiness in the coming week.

scaffolding

One of my favourite poems.

scaffolding by seamus heaney

masons, when they start upon a building,

are careful to test out the scaffolding;

make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,

secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.

and yet all this comes down when the job’s done

showing off walls of sure and solid stone.

so if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be

old bridges breaking between you and me

never fear. we may let the scaffolds fall

confident that we have built our wall.

Seamus Heaney will always be remembered for the warmth of his words in a particularly difficult time in Ireland's history.

He will be sadly missed on this little island.



home alone

All three of our little ones are back to school and for the first time in seven years I haven't got any of my sidekicks with me.  It feels strange and slightly wonderful in equal measure.

goodbye august

August was a beautiful month.  Warm with lots of sunshine.  There were rain showers but we were spared most of them during the day, the rain falling overnight.

The garden relished the rainwater and slightly humid air.  The lawn grew incessantly and everywhere is lush and green.

Flowers are becoming fruit and the colours are deeper and more vibrant.  There are some beautiful reds and purples.  Buddleia, fuchsias, clematis and honeysuckle, a pretty combination.  The garden is changing along with the air. There is a crispness to the shortening evenings.  Autumn is just around the corner.

Summer was amazing this year and we enjoyed all it had to offer.  Precious memories of a summer enjoyed outdoors, simple, easy and free will ease us through the winter.

So hello then, lovely September.

I love autumn.  I can't wait to walk through a carpet of fallen leaves.  What can't you wait to do?

Joining in with Karin and Asa. 

52 weeks of happy (45/52)

52 weeks of happy.  Joining in with Jen to remember the simple things which made me happy this week.

Finding a sewing class.  At long last, someone to help me really get to know my sewing machine. An end to guessing.  I'm off there now for a lesson.

A surprise treat for the little ones.  We are going to see How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast tomorrow.  I can't wait.  I think they will love it.  We are all fans of his lovely books.

Crafting with the little fairy.  She will be in her element at playschool. Paint, glue, glitter and stickers on tap.

Relaxing in the afternoon with a huge mug of tea, reading my favourite magazines and indulging in a sweet treat, makes me very happy indeed.

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photo: Playing with vintage sheets from the lovely Heather at my little red suitcase meant more happiness.

lately in the garden

Abundance.  The raised beds are full to bursting with vegetables, we have been enjoying lots of home grown goodness and gifting some to family and friends.  The beetroot, my favourite is just ready for harvesting.

Courgette flowers.  I have been cooking courgettes at least every other day. The plants are producing them at an extraordinary rate.  Any recipe suggestions gratefully received.

A green veined white butterfly enjoying the flowers on the thyme.

The palest pink rose.

A sunbathing butterfly.  The leaves of the potato plant, the perfect lounger.

A snapshot of our garden taken today while wandering around in the sunshine, still enjoying summer but feeling change in the air.

I am happy.  Autumn is my favourite time of year.

Are you looking forward to the change of season?

52 weeks of happy (44/52)

I'm really not sure where this past week went in such a hurry.  I am on auto pilot most of the time now. Enjoying the remaining days of the holidays in a haze of exhaustion.  Nine weeks is a long, long time when you're looking after three busy little ones who seem to have an endless list of wants.

I'm not complaining though.  Summer has been wonderful and I am happily exhausted.   But, I may be running out of steam.  Thankfully Mr F is off for a few days next week.An extra pair of hands will make me very happy indeed.

We were invited to my uncle's 80th birthday party last weekend.  A lovely sunny day and a party in the garden.  An opportunity to catch up with my large extended family.  Happy smiling faces all around.

A visit to Mellon Fun Farm on Sunday with the little ones.  A happy day out, a picnic and lots to see and do.

Watching my second little boy conquer his fears.  Whilst his big brother revels in handling insects and animals, he has been unsure.  At the farm he found, picked up and played with a ladybird, nervous to begin with, but gentle and relaxed as he became more confident.  So lovely to see.

Joining in as always with lovely Jen from little birdie for 52 weeks of happy. It feels good to stop and take stock of the simple happy things.

52 weeks of happy (43/52)

Joining lovely Jen for 52 weeks of happy.  Late, as is becoming my habit.  I really must try harder. 

Beautiful red flowers on our runner beans. Even if they never produce beans, they have been worth planting for the flowers alone.

I am officially frazzled.  I spent a hectic day today, running from one shop to the next, gathering necessities for returning to school in two weeks time. New uniforms, school shoes, vests, pants, socks, the list goes on and on.  But I am very happy to have it all sorted and in good time, leaving the remainder of the summer holidays dedicated to having fun. 

Our new houseplant, a maidenhair fern, brightening a corner.  I love its lacy green fronds and the blue of the pot.  Two of my favourite colours.

The apples on our tree.  Autumn is on its way.

I hope you are having a happy week enjoying the simple things.

magpies eye

I love necklaces.  I rarely go a day without wearing one.

Bracelets however I could live without.   They are always in the way of getting on with things.  I can't be bothered taking them on and off.

Recently while browsing in a charity shop, a sparkle caught my magpies eye. Little aqua faceted glass beads strung on a stretchy bracelet.  As I said earlier, not really my cup of tea.

But the beads were so pretty I was persuaded to part with my pennies.

I had a plan.  I snipped the elastic and released the beads.  I found a sterling silver chain in my jewellery box and strung three beads on to it.

Et voila.  A pretty new necklace and lots more sparkly beads to play with.

lately

Busy summer days crammed full of simple pleasures.  The weather has been great. Cooler now but with sunshine most days and very little rain.  Just infrequent showers which blow over quickly.

We've been pond dipping, bug hunting and butterfly chasing.  We have enjoyed countless walks and picnics.

We've made some new friends this summer.  The little ones have two new playmates and I have found a lovely friend in their mum.  They live really close by and we have spent happy days, out and about.

Yesterday we all went to the local county show.  An annual agricultural event. The little ones had a great time visiting the animals.  We saw rare breed cows, sheep, pigs, poultry and pet rabbits.

We watched the competitive judging of the pedigree cattle.  The animals are so impressive and very beautiful. We watched one getting a shampoo and blow-dry before it was shown in the ring. They are so well cared for by their handlers.

We had a wander around the exhibition hall marvelling at the competition entries.  So many cakes, vegetables and flower displays and the children's craft entries were amazing.

We finished off the day with the most delicious ice cream from tickety-moo, a local dairy farm which milks jersey cows.

We are now well through the holidays.  School starts again in September so we plan to have a few more easy-going summer days before routine takes over again.

The little fairy starts playschool and for the first time in seven years I will be home alone for a few hours each day.  I will miss her constant chatter but I think it will be good for me.  I just hope I won't be too lonely.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer break and cramming in lots of fun.

52 weeks of happy (42/52)

Linking up with Jen for this weeks happy things.

Little mushrooms and toadstools appearing in our garden.  They are amazing, so delicate and perfectly formed.  I am a little fascinated by them.

Making blackcurrant jam.  I had convinced myself it was going to be very difficult but happily it was fun, although topping and tailing the blackcurrants did try my patience.  I'm hoping it doesn't resemble cement when we eat it.  I love the way the jam stained my wooden spoon.

Beautiful coloured threads.  One of my aunts was having a de-stash and thought of me.  Embroidery skeins, tapestry wool and crochet hooks were gladly rehomed.

A gift from my mum.  She saw me admiring this little brooch on a day out recently and went back to get it for me.  A really thoughtful surprise.  My mum is lovely.

Wishing you all a happy week and thank you so much for your comments.  I love to read them.  They make my day and you make me happy too.

goodbye july

July has been a beautiful month full of sunshine and happiness, spent outdoors enjoying the garden.  What summer should be.

Our garden has been blooming happily.  New flowers appeared as the temperatures soared.  Honeysuckle, marigolds, pansies and sweet william are all helping to add colour to our garden.

The colour appears in pockets here and there amidst a sea of green, so next year the plan is for bigger colourful displays.  I will enjoy seeking inspiration over the winter ready to act next spring.

The vegetable garden deserves a mention too.  It has exploded with growth this month.  The rain showers over the past few days seem to have amazing powers. Courgettes are appearing overnight, the cabbage are enormous and there is lots of lovely little blooms on the rocket, potatoes and herbs.

I love to sit and watch the bees and butterflies merrily flitting from one plant to the next enjoying the bounty.

Joining in with Karin and Asa.

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Just a quick aside relating to butterflies.  I have a lovely friend who is involved with butterfly conservation and she asked my little ones to take part in the Big Butterfly Count.  You can still take part and it isn't just for little ones.  Follow the link to find out more.  It is a really worthwhile and fun thing to do.  My eldest was in his element.

flapjacks

At the request of the lovely Lazy Daisy Jones here is my flapjack recipe and a warning.  These are the flapjacks of my youth.  Delicious, sticky and sweet.  

They have a distinct lack of seeds, nuts and the like but feel free to tinker with the recipe if you would like to add some.  I do, sometimes but usually I stick to tradition and use the recipe of my childhood.

flapjack recipe (makes 16)

ingredients

150g butter

75g soft brown sugar

3 tbsps golden syrup

75g quick cook porridge oats

175g jumbo porridge oats

method

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees celsius ... grease a 30cm x 20cm baking tin and line with baking paper

Put the butter, sugar and syrup in a saucepan and melt together over a medium heat until combined

Add the oats and mix until coated and turn out into the baking tin and spread evenly over the base

Press the mixture out with the back of a spoon

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes

The baking time will depend on your oven but the delicious smell and golden coloured top usually give the game away.  A shorter baking time means a stickier flapjack.

Remove from the oven and trace cut lines into the flapjack.  I get about sixteen out of a tray this size but you can divide it up into as many as you like.  Then leave to cool in the baking tray.

When cool cut up into squares using the guidelines and enjoy with a hot cuppa.

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Sometimes the outer edge can be a little overdone.  I trim this off and eat it with natural yoghurt.  Very moreish.

We are partial to a slightly sticky flapjack but if you prefer them crunchy, put them back in the oven after switching it off.  This allows the stickiness to dry out a little.

The flapjacks keep well in an airtight container for up to a week.  They never last that long here though. I can't even get a picture they disappear so fast.

Hope you enjoy them Daisy. 

52 weeks of happy (41/52)

We're almost half way through our summer holidays.  Most days we don't have a definite plan.  Free and easy, we let our mood dictate what we get up to.

The sun is still shining although we have had some amazing thunderstorms.  As our summer days roll into weeks we are loving every minute.

Joining Jen for 52 weeks of happy, my four simple happy things.

Blackcurrants.  Gathering the shiny, ripe fruit alongside the little fairy as she said 'just the black ones, not the red ones, leave them for birdies'.  I think I will make some jam.

My new bowl, a bargain find.  I love the blue flowers around the rim.

Making flapjacks, sticky and sweet.  Another childhood memory to share with my little ones.

Meeting up with my cousin and her three girls.  A catch up and an opportunity for our wee ones to become firm friends.

I'm off to a car boot sale tomorrow.  Fingers crossed I find some treasure. Wishing you all a lovely day whatever you get up to.

52 weeks of happy (40/52)

Enjoying another happy week of summer, joining in with Jen for 52 weeks of happy.  Like many of you, I've been outdoors enjoying the garden.

Bug hunting with the little ones.  They love chasing butterflies around the garden and are entranced by the bees, trailing them from flower to flower and asking all sorts of questions about how they make their beloved honey.

I've loved watching my eldest riding his new bicycle.  He has now mastered a big boy bike, riding without stabilisers and is pleased as punch with himself.  He was so determined to learn. 

The vegetable garden after a late start has just exploded with growth. Beetroot, potatoes, courgettes, rocket and cabbage are thriving.  I'm looking forward to cooking with them soon.

The ease the summer sunshine has brought to the school holidays.  Past summers have been a frantic dash between rain showers, trying to organise wet weather fun.  This year the gorgeous sunshine has ensured the first few weeks of the holidays were stress free and I have been a very happy, chilled out mama.

For all of you just starting the school holidays, I hope you all have a lovely break filled with long days of sunshine.

summer days

I have been a lazy blogger of late.  Finding the lure of the sun hard to resist and so spending less time with technology.  I expect a few of you are in the same boat.  Gently enjoying summer days.

The last proper summer we had was in 2006.  The year our eldest was born.  I can remember him sleeping peacefully in his pram by the open french doors.

Seven years on, I think we deserve this perfect summer.  My sleeping baby has grown into a little boy who loves being outside enjoying the sun with his younger brother and sister.

After playing in the garden on Saturday with a makeshift sprinkler, the garden hose tied to a tree, the little ones wished for a visit to the seaside.

  

So on Sunday, we packed a picnic and set off for a day at the beach.  We visited Murvagh Blue Flag Beach in Donegal.

The weather was lovely.  Not too hot with a welcome breeze.  We paddled in the water, built sandcastles, collected shells and watched kites swirling through the sky.

Later, my insect loving boys searched for crickets in the grass behind the sand dunes.

All in all, we had a fun, easy going day.  The kind of day we hope to enjoy many more of before summers end.

52 weeks of happy (38/52 and 39/52)

Joining Jen for 52 weeks of happy, a double dose of happiness this week.

Our school holidays are well underway. Just one of many happy things right now.

The weather. Glorious sunshine and blue, blue skies and in the evening skies marbled with pink hued clouds promising a beautiful day tomorrow.

Adventures in sugar paste.  I had an evening of fun creating decorated cupcakes as gifts for the boys teachers.  They are a little amateur but I was pleased with how they turned out.

Reading Roald Dahl books in the sunshine with my boys.  I loved these stories when I was younger and iI  I have enjoyed their familiarity.  Reading outside in the shade is a great way to while away an hour or two when the sun is hottest and energy levels have taken a dip.

I do love summer, especially summer bathed in sunshine.  Maybe it's a case of rose tinted spectacles but weren't our childhood summers just like this.

Hope you are all enjoying yourselves and to our friends in the southern hemisphere I hope winter is mild and equally enjoyable.

weekending

What glorious weather, a truly gorgeous weekend.  We have been spending as much time outdoors as possible.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the patio.  Why is it that food always tastes better outside?

We had a lovely afternoon yesterday at a family fun day organised by our local community hall, a beautifully restored stone schoolhouse.  The little ones bounced on castles, played with balloon swords and flowers and enjoyed a vintage tractor parade.

The big ones watched a skittles game, while enjoying a barbeque and a few beers.

This morning I decided to paint the play house.  It was in dire need of freshening up.  I am so taken with the pretty new colours I think I might move in.

A touch exhausted, I collapsed into an armchair to watch Andy Murray win Wimbledon, catch up in blogland and now I am set to be unnerved by tonight's episode of The Returned.

Hope you all have had a lovely weekend and are all set to enjoy more lovely sunshine this week.

nature in the home

My red nature in the home contribution. 

Apples are a favourite here.  The fruit bowl empties as quickly as I can fill it. Every shopping list has apples on it.

Red varieties are our favourite, braeburn, royal gala and pink lady but we are partial to the odd golden delicious or granny smith.

Do you have a favourite?

Linking up as always with lovely Lou at littlegreenshed.

mile a minute

Thanks to Jane's investigations I can now reliably inform you that my climber is a russian vine, also known as mile a minute or fallopia baldschuanica.

If you pop it into a search engine you will find lots of articles about Russian vine.  It is often problematic in urban areas due to its spread and growth speed.  It grows incredibly quickly and is often used for screening buildings or garden eyesores but when left to its own devices it can invade neighbouring gardens causing problems.

In our garden the vine is growing on a trellis which screens our fuel tank and behind our garage.  The climber isn't a problem here as we live in the countryside and have no immediate neighbours.

Mr F has given the plant a very ruthless cutting back each year and so far it has been easy to manage.

This is how it looks at the moment.

Despite its faults Russian vine is very pretty and providing you have the room and motivation to cut it back, it really serves its purpose and more importantly, the bees adore it.  So for now it is here to stay.

Thanks again to Jane for her help in identifying the climber and also Sabrina for taking the time to search. I really appreciate your help.