Visiting Wildlife

The other day I noticed Fergus staring out of the patio door windows. Not absent mindedly staring into the distance, hoping for great weather, but in a fixated manner.
I know my pets and their behaviours - most of the time, I hasten to add - so I knew there must have been something interesting to see outside. Often it is a bird coming near the window. This time it was a frog.
Excuse the filthy windows. We have a lot of salty rain which makes them greasy.

If the weather hadn't been so rank, Fergus surely would have gone outside for a closer inspection of Mr or Mrs Frog.

Not so much of a visitor, but our  pheasant in residence. We see him most days, strutting about and pecking some delicacies from the soil. He's a lovely looking chap and I hope he's here to stay.

When he is 'alarmed' he scutters in between the bushes and I believe that is where his home is, if they have a home, that is. I don't want to go and look as I could disturb his peace and then he might find another home.

It's such a great feeling to be able to live in a place like this, where you have wildlife visitors and residents so close to home. Amazing !

Patricia xxx...x

PS  A rainbow and...

...two cats napping

The Ruination of the Dogs' Mattresses

 Dogs in general, ours definitely, like to create a hollow den to sleep in. If you're not looking for 5 seconds they will have dug a hole in the garden, larger than themselves and they'll be cosely making their bed by the time you think "something's up, they are just too quiet".

Blackie often does the same with his cushion/mattress. He'll be scratching away, trying to create that perfect den. Unfortunately the covers are not tough enough to withstand the strong paws and nails. And then you get this ! Both of their cushions had a large tear with some of the stuffing spilling out over the floor.
Repairing them or making new covers wasn't on my to-do-list, but what can you do ?

 You stuff the stuffing into old pillowcases, tie them tight and start the washing machine tout de suite and keep going till all is clean. Of course the tumble drier was very been busy too.

While the laundromat is in full swing, you get your act together, also old cotton sheets, 2 old throws.

Make a slipcover from the cotton sheets to size, leaving an opening to stuff the stuffing into.

When filled to your satisfaction, close the opening.

Using old throws to make a removable pillowcase is the way to go. This is all about recycling and reusing what you have. Plus, these throws are strong enough (I hope) to withstand some wear and tear. One part is kept longer and folded over to keep the pillow in place.

And here they are. But that's not all. I laid an old fake fur throw on top. Ideal for scratching and making dens.

I think I've finally gotten over the cold/flu/whatever.  The motivation was there yesterday to get these cushions redone. I cleaned the floor in their room (garage) too. Everything fresh, even me.

Patricia xxx...x

Collection of Artwork

Over the years we have acquired quite a collection of original works.
Some we bought, some were gifts from people who have touched our lives at one time or another. I cherish them. I even put most of them in mounting board ages ago. Wrapped them well for them to be framed in the future.
Picture framing was a part of my art supply business way back when. Now, after all these years, I have no idea where to get framing materials in or to the area where I live.
Obviously nothing will fit into standard size frames.
While rummaging in my craft room I unearthed them and looked through. Some are still okay. But unfortunately the etching prints show some foxing and in some cases severe foxing.

It breaks my heart and I am very disappointed in myself for not taking better care of them.

I'm afraid the severely affected ones will need professional help. But who ? where ? How to find someone ?
One of the downsides of living in the sticks, I guess.
Anyone out there who can point me in the right direction ?

Patricia xxx...x

Gruesome Twosome

Patricia xxx...x

Wot's This Then ?

Is it a quiche ? Is it a sorta Spanish omelette ? A frittata  ?

Call it what ye will. I needed to use up eggs !
We're obviously not keeping up with our chickens. They are laying more eggs than we are prepared to eat on a daily basis. While I try to come up with a recipe that uses a hundred eggs in one go, they keep on accumulating in the pantry.
Sunday was the day I hard boiled fifteen eggs to use in an egg mayonnaise - salad type of thing.
But I also wanted to make something that would do as  dinner. Not too much fuss as I was still in the grips of a flu. With the feeling of a boa constrictor squeezing the bejeesus out of my chest, the only thing I wanted to do was lay down and play dead.
Unfortunately my appetite never dies so I set to work. Cooked everything in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan assisted)
Line a roasting tin with baking paper (my tin is 21 x 36 cm)

First step
Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.5 cm disks
• 3 medium sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 0.5 cm disks
• olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Provençale or Italian dried herbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Preparation

• Put the potatoes, oil, herbs and spices onto a baking tray toss around that you have an even coating of oil and spices.
• Put the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and set aside.

Second step

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, peeled and sliced in rings
• 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, sliced (in rings or  lengthways)
• olive oil
• 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Provençale or Italian herb mix, 1 tsp smoked paprika

Preparation

• Spread the veg out onto your tray with olive oil and spices

•  In the oven with it ! For 15 minutes

• Set aside

Third step

Ingredients plus of course yer roasted veg

• olive oil
• 200 grs goats cheese, sliced
• 12 eggs
• splash of milk
• salt to taste
• a small bunch of coriander leaves

Preparation

• Take your roasting tin with the baking paper and drizzle with olive oil
• Layer with potatoes, other veg and goats cheese

• Beat the eggs with the salt and milk. Add the chopped coriander leaves and pour over the veg.

• Place it in the hot oven for 30 minutes or until the eggs have set.

• Leave to rest for 10 minutes before lifting the 'whatever-you-gonna-call-it' out with the lining paper.
• Slice and serve however you like.

I obviously made enough to have leftovers the next day.

A great meat free meal it was too. And while the written down recipe seems long, it was ready in no time (except for the hour in the oven)

If you don't like goats cheese, use another cheese.

If you don't like cheese, don't use any.

If you don't like coriander, use parsley or nothing of the sort.

If you don't like eggs, tough luck !

If any of my friends in the area want some free eggs, come and get some. I'm not going to start a delivery service. Capiche ?

Patricia xxx...x

Remember ?

Remember  the Christmas presents ?

I think I can now show you some of its contents.

 An insect/bee house for my brother, who loves this kind of stuff.

 A beautiful cushion for my mum, who loves chickens.

 For niece and nephew retro toys that are probably more loved by adults than this generation's children.

 This little bear in its sleeping bag, knitted by Pam Muller was just what I thought my niece Sarah would adore. Apparently, it hasn't left her side since.

For my sis in law I had a couple of fat quarter bundles of fabric and a notebook, which I forgot to photograph.

I got all of the pressies in The Green Chair in Sneem. Fantastic little shop !

Patricia xxx...x

Colour of the Day.

Patricia xxx...x