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Stravaiging
Chocolate Orange Bread
Because we all need a little escape, and hiding in a chocolate infused bubble works briefly.
Falling leaves, slowing down
We are all just creatures, all of this planet, and only nominally in control of our bodies at any time. And if we are also all stardust, why do we expect so much of ourselves and of others? Isn’t it a feat that we can tie our own shoelaces, let alone use mobile phones and TV remotes? Why do we push onwards, feel guilty about extra coffee breaks or not ticking adequate numbers of things off lists? Where are we trying to get to?
The Border Tart’s Retreat in March 2025
This post is solely about the retreat I am planning for March next year. It is now open to all and there is a copy of the application form below to download and complete, if you would like to participate. It sets out the cost per attendee and the payment schedule.
Mellowing?
I've been musing on my age. Not in a mournful way but choosing to embrace some of the changes the passing years bring.
Tart Retreat in 2024
This post is solely about the retreat I am planning for May next year. It is only open to newsletter subscribers so if you are a blog subscriber only then pop over to the website home page and sign up for newsletters to be eligible.
Blooming?
Summer takes me by surprise. Every day recently I have woken to the suggestion of, or actual, sunshine. It seems such a long time since the northern UK had this long a spell of warm weather. The many light hours are enriching and full of promise with early mornings and late evenings the loveliest.
Back to Lewis
The week before last was spent in the Outer Hebrides. We drove up to Ullapool, building in dog walking stops and a late picnic lunch at the edge of a forest. The crossing takes two and half hours across the stretch of water known as the Minch. It can be challenging around each equinox with high seas running but we travelled in reasonable comfort, thankfully.
Cake is always a good idea
Yesterday I had a wee cooking session and one of the outcomes was Mozart Cake.
Messy, unfocused, curiously stressful.
WARNING - Stream of consciousness ahead.
Two Northumberland Beauties
In October I wrote about being in Yorkshire. In that same North of England trip I also caught up with two rather talented women who run businesses closer to home.
Surfacing
Books. My little world would be much smaller without them and I know I am far from alone in that feeling.
Glimpses of the Past
Last week I had the good fortune to be in Halifax.
Courgette Cake Season
I like cake. Specifically I like interesting cakes/loaves with lots of flavour. (No Victoria sponges here, thank you, and buttercream about once a year)
Blissful Blues
I'm encouraging you to share the calm and beauty of natural indigo today, with a collection ranging from traditional boro to contemporary weave and block print.
Close to home
You may know I have a soft spot for the church on the corner that I pass so frequently when out with Bruce. More specifically a fondness for the churchyard itself.
Exploring Berwick
Ok, I am biased. I don't live far from this most northerly English town (although in another country) and have always had a soft spot for it. As with so many places, its once thriving main street (Marygate) is a sad shadow of its former self but there are many gems to be found.
Time and Tide and Tapestry
In April we travelled to Orkney for a week of wild weather and wide horizons. Catching up with old friends was fun, and for me seeing what I recognised after three decades away was always going to be interesting.
Banana Bread - because it makes the world go round
I have been meaning to post this recipe here for a while as I am often asked about it. While I have only ever baked it with gluten-containing flours, I am sure GF whizzes can use their choice of flours and add more 'milk' and an egg to help bind ingredients. It is such an adaptable recipe that it might be worth an experiment or two.
May Days
I walk through my little village almost daily, generally at the other end of the dog lead from Bruce. We head for quiet lanes and field margins. Our pace is dictated by his mood or mine. Occasionally he will forego smelling every blade of grass and stone wall voluntarily; other times require persuasion by one means or another.
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