Shawl

I've been bitten by the shawl bug. I've often admired other peoples creations in blogland but didn't see myself as a shawl wearer, but when my friend visited a few weeks ago she was knitting an absolutely beautiful red shawl and I was inspired. I hunted around for something that appealed to me. I didn't fancy anything too fancy or lacy. I eventually found this gorgeous pattern that was just right. It was really easy to do even the crochet edge which looks a bit daunting.What do you think, isn't it beautiful?  

Here's a sneak preview of my next project, what could it be? I will make a start on it this afternoon even though I still haven't finished my African flower hexagon blanket. I'm not ignoring it completely it is coming along nicely. 

Yesterday was Geo's 12th birthday! How has that happened, I can't believe time has passed that quickly. Anyway he had a lovely day and as requested the family favourite Nigellas chicken and sweetcorn pie was made for birthday tea. I also made another favourite Rocky Road. It never lasts long in this house especially when his friends descend on us. I never buy it from shops or cafes as I'm always disappointed as it doesn't taste as good as this one (hope you agree). Anyway here is the recipe so you can try it for yourselves.  

Rocky Road

45g Macadamia nuts

100g Marshmallows

100g Glace cherries halved

50g Dessicated Coconut

250g Chocolate ( I prefer Cadbury's )

Toss together in a big bowl the nuts, marshmallows, cherries and coconut. Melt the chocolate and pour over the other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Line a square tin with non stick liner and fill with the mixture and smooth over the top. Place in the fridge until set then cut into pieces. Enjoy.

The garden is looking good now, the corner that was revamped is filling up nicely The cosmos are almost ready to flower. 

The Dahlias are looking beautiful.

The veg patch is very full now, except the patch that Hazel keeps making a beeline for when she escapes from behind her fence. She's such a handful.

The tomatoes are doing well outside. I'm really pleased with them, I wasn't sure at first that they would cope with the conditions in the garden, it's very windy but they are proving me wrong and swelling by the day. These are a variety called Marmande. They are a large tomato, but I'm also growing the small Sungold which will be yellow, and also two plants of Black Cherry which I've never grown before so that will be interesting.

Last year I grew a lot of Alpine strawberry plants and they are doing fantastically well, I can't keep up with the picking. They out- perform normal strawberries, but I'm running out of ideas of what to do with them. All ideas gratefully received.

Better get started on the new project then. Back soon.