Gingerbread Cookies

It was a return to two wheels for my journey to work this morning. The air felt damp and cold, but it was still, and my ride was pleasant enough, even if I'd had to brake abruptly in order to avoid a rabbit which darted across the lane just in front of me. It was still completely dark as I posted some of my cards at the village Post Office. Too early still, even for dog walkers. The sheep quietly grazing in the fields. A gentle start to my day. 

At work, it's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with cake, chocolates and other goodies appearing in the staff room on a daily basis. But at home, the biscuit tin has stood disappointingly empty since we finished off the cinnamon shortbread last weekend. I am happy to say this situation has now been rectified, as this afternoon I baked some delicious gingerbread cookies. Another quick and easy bake, these are a huge favourite of mine, especially around Christmas time.

All you need is:

75g butter

3½ tablespoons golden syrup

60g dark brown sugar

175g plain flour

¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Melt the butter, syrup and sugar in a pan, add to the rest of the ingredients and mix well together.

The mixture will be quite sticky, but cover and leave in the fridge for around 30 minutes, by which time it will have firmed up enough to roll out and cut into shapes. This quantity makes around 25 cookies.

Bake for around 10 minutes at 150° and enjoy the wonderful festive aromas which fill the kitchen.

Once cooled they can be decorated but we Lily prefers them just as they are. : )

J. X

Eleven Sleeps

Anticipation has increased here these last few days. Lily's excitement levels are rising, while I'm just clinging on until the last day of term. 

I walked to work this morning. I didn't relish the thought of peddling my bike against the gusty wind and rain. When the weather conditions leave a lot to be desired, I'm far better off on two legs rather than two wheels. Unfortunately, it didn't improve much as the day went on either.  

With each passing day, more and more Christmas cards have been arriving through the letter box. I love to send and receive cards, a tradition which seems to have fallen out of favour with many in recent years. When I was younger I used to think nothing of sending cards to almost everyone I knew, with little thought as to why I was actually doing it. These days, I write fewer cards, but I like to think they are sent with genuine good wishes and affection towards the recipient, especially this year.  

After helping Lily with her cards yesterday - I was put in charge of envelopes ☺ - it occurred to me that I really should get on with writing my own. And so, this evening, I spent a couple of hours working through my list of friends and colleagues to whom I like to send my heartfelt Christmas wishes.  

I had several designs of cards to choose from but they all featured the same thing - a snowy festive scene. There are some which I need to post, some to deliver myself, and the rest I will hand to the recipient personally.

Do you still like to send Christmas cards?

J. X

Christmas Wreath

Yesterday, following our long awaited visit to Hill Top, we took an afternoon walk through the woods. The rain had cleared since the morning and I'd wanted to gather some greenery to make my Christmas wreath with, while I had the opportunity.

While the sky still looked dark and grey, I could tell the sun was trying it's very best to break through the cloud. The ground wet and muddy beneath our feet, made me glad I'd decided to wear my wellies. 

It didn't take long to find what I was looking for. Some fallen branches to the side of the path provided most of what I needed. Then, with a couple of very small sprigs from a nearby fir, I'd got enough.

By this time, the sky had brightened and, although the sun was beginning to set, there was still enough daylight to allow us to finish our walk at a relaxed pace.

On returning home I disappeared into the garden for while, to gather some fresh rosemary. The forecast for today was not good, so I though it wise to be prepared. I don't enjoy going out in the pouring rain, so if I didn't need to, I wouldn't. I was satisfied I now had everything I needed, but with daylight fading quickly, I would wait for the morning to make my wreath. 

It must have been the quickest time in which I'd ever made a wreath. Kneeling on the cold floor and feeling chilly probably helped speed things up a bit, but it didn't take long at all until each little bunch of foliage was fixed to the wire ring, then the fir cones I'd collected last weekend were attached. With the scent of rosemary hanging in the air and my fingers beginning to turn black from the florists wire, I attached some red ribbon, and I was done.

And here it is. I'm really pleased with it and I have to say, out of all the wreaths I've made previously, this one is my favourite. 

This afternoon we've been keeping cosy indoors and I've been helping Lily with writing her Christmas cards to hand out at school tomorrow. I'm now rounding off my day with a small glass of Winter Spice Vodka. Cheers!

J. X

Hill Top

It was way back in July that we first visited the garden at Hill Top, former home of Beatrix Potter, and then at the beginning of November when our planned trip to view inside the house was thwarted by the announcement of a second lockdown. Not expecting we would make a return visit until the spring, you can imagine my excitement when The National Trust announced they would be opening it's doors at weekends during the run up to Christmas. So, after making a booking earlier in the week, this morning we drove out to Near Sawrey to take a look inside. 

The large front door was adorned with this beautiful wreath.

Decorated for Christmas and with a fire burning in the grate, the house had a warm cosy feel and appeared just as it would have done when Beatrix herself lived there. The dark wood panelling made the rooms appear quite small but they were larger than I expected.

The view over the kitchen garden from one of the upstairs rooms.

The dolls house, which belonged to Beatrix Potter. If you zoom in you can see some of the hand painted furniture and decorations inside.

The guide told me the pelmet had been embroidered by Beatrix herself, whilst in a Liverpool hospital, recovering from an operation.

The scullery.

Back in the garden once again. 

Can you see a friendly face in amongst the leaves?

This gorgeous little robin came to say 'hello!' 

I think the guide had been right in saying we'd experienced the garden at it's best during the summer and the house looking it's best all warm and welcoming, beautifully decorated for Christmas. 

This afternoon we've been for a walk in the woods to do a bit of foraging. Tomorrow I have Christmas cards to write, and I'm going to be making a door wreath of my own. 

J. X