12 Sided Star

This is a project I have been doing which is taught by Linda Woodfield, Textile Artist.

It is a 12 sided star which is a lovely.  I have done it in reds, greens and Christmas fabrics, which have been sewn together after being stuck down on cardboard.  I placed little bells in the centre of each star.

My next job is to make smaller ones so I can have a few about the room.  I am going to do them in reds and creams which are the colours of my lounge.

Tuesday 13th November

I have been tagged by Dreamer of Living a Slow and Simple Life.  Dreamer was tagged by Robyn  at EssexHebridean.  So just for fun we are passing this around and would like people to participate.

The rules of the game are as follows:

• Write 11 things about yourself.
• Answer the 11 questions set by the person who tagged you
• Set 11 questions for the people you will tag
• Tag other bloggers (with less than 200 followers)
• Don't back tag.

11 things about me

1  I have a HNC in Business and Finance as well as IT qualifications

2  I have only been composting and frugal living for about 2 years but am loving every moment of it

3  Although I have poor health I don't let it dictate to me and I live my life as best as I can

4  I am well traveled, Singapore and Malaysia being 2 of my favourite places to visit.  I have a son who 

    lives in Bermuda so I visit there as well.  We scrimp and save to enable us to travel.  I never had

    the chance when I was younger so I'm making up for it now that we are both retired

5  I can see spirits, feel spirits and hear spirits.  They used to scare me but I now feel privileged to

   have such a gift

6  I have 3 brothers, 3 sons and 1 grandson.  God has blessed me with 3 grandaughters

7  I am fascinated with the Napoleonic wars and the Duke of Wellington

8  I am an avid reader, love painting, although I haven't done any for a while and I love creating be it 

   either home made jewellery or working with fabrics

9  I am terrified of heights but have gone up on a rope to 500 meters twice and 1000 meters once.

   Never again!!

10 I used to teach children how to play guitar and we have appeared on stage.  

11 I did my family tree and got back to 1616, I also did my husbands who are all from Ireland. 

     Records are difficult to access in Ireland and I ended up paying for some research professionally

     done

Dreamers Questions for me

How many siblings do you have and what was your position in the family?
I have 3 brothers and I am second in the bunch
What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Egg Mayo
If you could invite anyone to tea who would it be, and why?
The Duke of Wellington: I have a fascination with the Napoleonic wars
What would you cook for them?
Fish Pie
Given the chance to choose a different name for yourself what would you choose?
Kathleen
What one thing would you not like to live without?
John and if he doesn't count, my car as I couldn't get out without it
Which zodiac sign are you?
Capricorn
Who is your favourite author?
Georgette Heyer
If you could be a character in a film who would you be and why?
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
Chocolate or crisps?
Crisps
What is your favourite Christmas film?
Scrooge

My Questions

1  Who is your favourite personality from history and why

2  Chocolate or Crisps

3  If you could live in another time in history, when would it be and why

4  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why

5  what is your preference in music

6  Who is your favourite author

7  Do you collect anything

8  sweet or savoury 

9  Cat or dog

10 Do you have any children

11 Favourite food stuff

I have tagged Dan at  FrugalUK http://frugalityuk.blogspot.co.uk/

Lest we forget

A couple of special poems to bring the meaning of today into focus.  I have been saddened to read on a social network words of disrespect for our fallen HERO'S, two of which I claim as relatives

Ode to Rememberence

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

My First Marmalade

 I have helped my dear friend Dreamer to make marmalade but this is my first go on my own and I am really happy with the results.  I bought this tin online which was on offer, buy one get one free.    Love a bargain

 I added the ingredients of the tin to the pan, followed by 3/4 pint of water and 4lb of sugar.  Once it was at a rolling boil I reduced the temperature and after 15 minutes it had reached the setting point.

I bottled 7 jars, some of which I am using for Christmas presents with red onion chutney and pear chutney.  Before adding the lid I dropped some brandy into the marmalade.  Mummmm yummy. I know they will be welcomed as a lovely present

Red Onion Chutney

 

 I have decided to make a selection of Red Onion Chutney, Pear Chutney and Brandy Marmalade as Christmas presents for friends and family.  As I wanted a small jar for each of the preserves I decided to purchase ASDA Smart Price Mint Sauce as they were only 24p a jar, rather than spending a lot of money on jars.  

I re-heated the mint sauce to boiling and re-bottled the sauce in steralised jars to be used later.  My son and daughter in law will have a large jar as they use quite a bit of it.


Here is the recipe I used

2kg Red Onions
I cooking apple grated
375 mls red wine vinegar
375 g sugar
3 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
100 g sultanas
2 teaspoons of mixed or all spice
Salt & Pepper
Olive oil about 3 tablespoons for frying

I (or rather the OH) chopped up the red onions and fried them in the olive oil for about 1 hour.  I added all the other ingredients and brought it to the boil and reduced it to a simmer for a further 1 hour or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened.

When the the chutney is ready I bottled it and I managed to get 7 jars of chutney.  When they have cooled I will label them and they'll go away until Christmas.  Lovely with cheeses, cold cuts or even added to gravy.  I am rather pleased with myself as this is my first attempt and I know it tastes lovely.