Friday 3 May 2013

nice spring things and an everlasting meal








The garden has been slow to wake up this year.  It's been looking a bit dishevelled. Like a little old man with a five o'clock shadow.  But then May came, the skies turned blue, the sun shone and all the roots and shoots and blossoms began to grow. The garden seems all fresh and new again...Well nearly.

I've been reading: The Summer Book by Tove Jansson, that makes me want to visit a Finnish island. Re-reading, The Russian Master and Other Stories by Anton Chekhov and dreaming about beautiful 19th century  muslin dresses. I'd forgotten how passionate and romantic and perfect for Spring his stories are. And An Everlasting Meal, by Tamar Adler, recommended by Tracey at Clover. How well she seems to know me. It suited me down to a T. Thank you.

It's making me do things a little differently, like roasting broccoli. Something I've never done before. In olive oil with a little garlic and salt and pepper. Then serving with peanut sauce that's much lighter than my usual coconut milk one. The sauce was recommended too, by Karen of Pumpkin Sunrise. It's lovely and zesty with the juice of an orange and lemon. I added warm chick peas to the broccoli and ate with a simple salad of radish and red onion, dressed with lime. 

I used my new sweet enamel jug. A gift from sister P,whilst reading card from sister J after carrying shopping home in bag made by sis B...I must takes some photo's and show you. She makes the most beautiful bags. 

I bought the Lida shawl pattern from Quince and Co and because it's ages since I've knitted any lace, I practised the pattern with a remnant of yarn. It seems easy so hopefully shouldn't take too long to make. (Famous last words...)

And I've been downloading the most beautiful photographs. I had an unexpected trip to an amazing museum...that inspired so many drawings and makes me want to make lots of beautiful clothes...I'll share the photo's later.

...the weather forecast is good and the bank holiday weekend and visitors beckon. Hopefully I'll have time to dash to the yarn shop before they come...

Hope the sun shines for your weekend too....
debx


8 comments:

  1. I knew the book was right up your alley Debby and I am so glad to hear you are enjoying it. I keep my copy on the sideboard to pick up and read when I have a spare minute or two.

    Love the new knitting project, Quince & Co. is such a favorite, always such lovely patterns and yarns.

    Enjoy your bank holiday, wish the US would jump on board with a few here, I could use a holiday.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm really enjoying it Tracey. I love her frugal use of food...I hate wasting anything. It's such a good read too. Thanks again

    I can't wait to start a new project, I seem to have been knitting so many socks. I hope I can find some yarn tomorrow, I'm much too impatient to wait for it to come in the post.

    I know we are so lucky with holidays. We have another one at the end of the month too...we're very spoilt for them.
    Have a great weekend.
    debx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Spring has sprung on your side of the world - thank goodness. Never roasted broccoli - an interesting notion - but with peanut sauce makes me want to try it too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been lovely thanks, especially the Bank Holiday weekend...but now it's snowing cherry blossom as the wind whips it off the trees. But it's all good...I love the constant change of the weather.

      I loved the roasted broccoli and might try cauliflower next. I wonder if that would go with the peanut sauce...
      deb

      Delete
  4. I'm glad that spring will come to your garden, that beautiful flowers
    The pattern of the shawl I think it will be very nice.
    I try to make roasted broccoli I always cook the potatoes boiled broccoli.
    Have a good week.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Montse. I hope to work on the shawl again this weekend, I love having a new knitting pattern to work on.

      I hope you have a good weekend too.
      deb

      Delete
  5. Loved that book, I need to re read it because it's full of info! I love Quince and co yarn very much! (I cook the broccoli but roasting sounds even tastier!!)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm really enjoying it Karen. It's made me re-think so many things.

    ReplyDelete