It's the Little Things

Nanny's Dabbodillies

Little Sam, just two years old, paid me a visit at The Old Smithy the other day, which he often does with my daughter-in-love, Tania. "What's that Nanny?" "It's Nanny's table Sam," "Why/" "because Nanny needs a table for when she is teaching" "What's that?" "It's a bolt" "Why?" " Grandad had to fix the table together when he made it and he used lots of bolts" "Why?" You get the gist. All this was delivered at machine gun speed, much faster than I can type it, or you can read it. Suddenly, he stopped, staring at the jug of daffodils up on the windowsill, his little face a picture of puzzlement.
"I got those dabbodillies at my house but mine are in grass!" That's my boy, attention to detail. They will remain dabbodillies now, for me.

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The newe Mums!

Spring is in full swing here in Rutland - Dabbodillies, lambs and the lawn needs mowing! I have been busy, very busy in the garden and overhauled the mint bank. We have quite a scrappy piece of garden where the previous people had compost bins and it's always been a bit of eyesore. So this weekend I set to and demolished bin number 1, with Trev's help, and dug all of the nettles and cow parsley out. In so doing I discovered a cobbled stone floor, which was probably the base of an old soakaway drain, but it looks wonderful uncovered. So I extended the bank around the end of the cobblestones ( with the contents of the old compost bin!) and I hope the mints will spread their roots around in the space. I'll post a picture soon.

Of all the things you can grow I think herbs are the most useful, especially if you don't have much space.They are fantastic value for money - either grow from seed, or buy small plants - they soon lush out into beautiful plants which just keep on giving. I even use the herbs that come in the pots from the supermarket. Cut off what you need then keep them moist and they will soon sprout again. Get them used to the outside gradually, then plant them out. Two for one!

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Don't forget it's Easter this weekend - how could we with all of that lovely time off - and the weather looks set fair for once. I am hoping to make a start on a small summerhouse - Ok, OK, shed - that I am going to tell Trev is for him but I will end up taking over - you know the way we do.

Forget Easter Eggs, why not make your nearest and dearest a lovely gift of fresh Lemon Curd and some fresh scones? There isn't anything better in this World and I have the perfect recipe on my recipe site. Make several batches as you are sure to want some too. I haunt our local charity shop as they have a lot of pressed glass from the 40's and 50's. I buy sugar bowls and small dishes and store them up. When I make Lemon Curd as a gift, I put it into one of these pretty dishes with a little card including the storage instructions. Try it - you'll be hooked.

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