Language is always evolving and I discovered a new word today, in fact I am one of these or rather WE are these!  An "Isher" is apparently someone who trys to be as self sufficent as possible within limited means.  i.e. self sufficient-ISH.  I like it :0)

I'm sitting here tippling on some crabapple brandy a friend of mine sent me, 2007 was apparently a VERY good year for crabapples ;0)  It's REALLY nice so I have plans now for the several little red gems we have ripening away on our little tree.  We planted a Malus 'pink glow' in memory of Maud so whenever I quaff some of our home-made crabapple brandy, I shall think of you sweetheart xxx

So, what have I been doing lately?  Well, still continuing to attempt to make delicious things in the kitchen, made some pasties tonight using some produce from the allotment; potatoes, carrots, swedes, turnips and onions.  We have a bit of a glut so I think I'll just blanch most of the rest of the veg and freeze it and I have plans for the onions!  I'm going to make onion marmalade, delish with cold meats!!!!  
I managed to knock out a custard and apple tart the other day that was absolutely gorgeous, even if I do say so myself! :0)  The apples were some that we foraged for last Autumn; I peeled, cored, sliced and froze them.  I thought it was about time I used them as it'll be time soon to start foraging for this years crop!  The custard was made with our girls' eggs.  Got one bag of apples left to use, now what shall I use them for I wonder!!!? :0)

Managed to fit in a little bit of green crusading on the side too ;0)  Hands off our green space!  We've foraged wild cherries from this bit of land and lots of dog walkers use it and kids play on it.  The good news is, it's now staying as green space! :0)

Submitted a recipe of mine to a competition to win a day at River Cottage, not heard anything back but what the heck, the entry was delicious! :0)  If you want the recipe, click on each photo.  

Well, that just about wraps it up for now I think, besides...the crabapple brandy is starting to make me feel far too mellow-ISH to stare at this computer screen any longer!  If I think of anything I've missed, I'll let you know anon-ISH! :0)

We've been married 3 years today.  We're not making a big deal out of it because we've been together for 19 years and always consider our anniversary to be Christmas eve, which is when we officially hooked up! :0)  We're having fish and chips round at mums, so that'll be nice.

To be honest, I don't really feel particularly in a celebrating mood because Maud, who came to live with us in Oct 2007 with 3 of her other ex battery sisters, passed away yesterday.  She'd recovered from peritonitis but then contracted gapeworm and despite treatment, she eventually gave up the fight :0(

 We had the pleasure of her company for almost 2 years. She started out as a bit of a bully but after a while she became an absolute joy. She was top chook and looked out for the other girls as well as keeping them in check.  She was the only one who would sit on my knee, in fact she favoured that over scratching around in the garden. It got so I couldn't sit on the bench without her jumping up on my knee. I'm going to miss that with all my heart!


Night night my angel, I hope you enjoyed your time with us and doing all the things you were deprived of early in your life. You're going to leave a massive hole in my heart but I am glad you're out of pain now and passed away in peace, with your sisters around you.

xxxxx