Sorting cookery books

The weather has not been brilliant today , sunny patches with cloud. So foregoing the garden, I thought it was time I sorted out my Recipe books. These are from just one shelf. There are more.

They range from healthy eating (Terri) to practical, sensible, Mary Berry, Delia Smith and Good Housekeeping, a book which I often dive into (perfect scone recipe)

to a more eclectic selection of recipes from Canada, America, France and Italy. The photos in Frances Mayes (Tuscan Sun) book are enough to take me straight to the Italian garden where the table is laid for lunch. Can't you just feel the warmth of the sun, taste the wine, and imagine the chatter of the family as they sit round to eat together.

Tattered and torn these old books may be, but they are precious, one dating from my first forays into cooking, many years ago. They will always have a place on my shelf. One lacks a cover, one is burnt (!) and the most loved is my grandmother's book with her lovely writing.

My first buys as a new cook were Elizabeth David's books. They have such a flavour of the Continent, and I remember feeling very grown up if I managed to follow a recipe to produce a tasty dish.

But my favourite, though little used, remains my Grandma's Mrs Beeton. What an amazing well of knowledge for the young wife starting her first home.

 The pictures, again, are enough to make me wish for beautifully decorated tables, perfect linen napkins,  exquisite decorations , parties the like of which we shan't see again....and domestic staff of the Downton type!

 Look at this Dinner party table!

 There is something so evocative about the books, so many memories, recipes from friends, meaningful scribbles, torn pages, little reminder notes to myself. They will all go back on the shelf. I couldn't bear to get rid of any.

 I could just settle down for an afternoon's recipe reading!

Out for coffee

On a sunny morning what could be better than going for a coffee with a friend? This lovely little garden tea room is only a mile down the road from my house. It's sheltered by trees and there are shaded tables to sit at.

 It's a family affair, run by Mother and Daughter, both very skilled at making delicious cakes. You can eat in the garden or inside, both equally comfortable.

There is a wonderful collection of china mugs, cups and teapots to choose from.

While we sat and chatted, a very friendly little robin came and joined us. He is well known in the garden and will take crumbs from people's hands!

There are squirrels in the orchard behind the garden, and they put on a show, swinging from feeders, leaping from tree to tree, but never quite brave enough to approach.

We would really have liked to spend the day there, enjoying the sun, the delicious coffee (and cakes). I'm sure the lovely owners wouldn't mind!

Garden moments.

 Things are definitely improving! With no help from me, my Bible verse has reappeared. The colours are somewhere near the original and it's liveable with now.

Here is Sarah Bernhardt, my one and only Peony. She is finally in bloom, fluffing her feathers at me, and giving so much joy. There are so many buds just waiting to open.

The sun is shining this afternoon, but a storm is threatened for tomorrow!

I am going with friends to a Lavender Farm tomorrow, not too far away, so hope I will have some photos for you. Lavender has always been an important part of my garden, and my bees so love buzzing through the flowers.

This is a tangly little part of my garden, which is not at all regimented. I like the Cottage garden look, and these Geums, Delphiniums, Nemesia and Roses have given me so much pleasure.

Happy gardening!

Onward.

 Thank you for all your helpful comments. I am still ploughing on, trying to get back to a black font instead of pale blue, but at least my side lists are there. Mostly. My daily Bible quote has gone and no matter how many times I put it back, and save it, it does not appear.

I'm relieved to read that I'm not the only one having problems, though obviously it would be better not to have.

So here's one of my favourite roses, Gertrude Jekyll, for you. She is one of the sweetest scented roses that I have.

Happy weekend!

HELP!

 I am honestly at my wits end with Blogger.

This is not the lay out that I want and each time I alter it, it returns to the theme that it prefers. I have no idea how to reset it and if anyone can tell me I'd be very happy.

I seem to have lost my followers list so cant see any new posts. The colours have changed and the layout has changed.

What does one do?

Obviously, return to the garden and talk to the plants. It's more rewarding.

Later.......I'm crossing my fingers that at least this theme will stay where it is, even though it isnt what I want at best.

The flowers in the granite trough are Diascias.

D Day

On 6th June, Truro will be joining towns and cities across the UK to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D Day. This was a day when the Allied forces joined to launch the largest amphibious invasion ever witnessed. Canadians, Americans and British all aiming to defeat the enemy.

The day here will begin with a proclamation in the city at 8am by our Town Crier, accompanied by a Guard of Honour.

 This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial in the centre of the town, with the Mayor in attendance. Members of the Truro branch of the British Legion will be paying tribute to all those who lost their lives on the Normandy shores.

In the evening there will be the lighting of a Beacon with a tribute read by the Mayor. I'm thankful that this is being so well remembered.

Some years ago we went to visit Gold Beach, one of the key landing points on the coast. Somehow, even so many years later, there was an overlying impression of sorrows.

This amazing installation, overlooking Gold beach, represents the silhouettes of 1500 servicemen who died here. The figures were created this year in a workshop in Oxfordshire and have been placed on the beach for a short duration..

Such a poignant scene.

Blogger!!!!

 Thank you.

Your comments were so helpful, and it's  clear that working hard at the physio is key to success.

Now, Blogger has waved its magic wand,changed the look of my Blog, removed my Bible quote, again, altered the colours and generally made a mess.

Why?