Ducklings 2011

First Swim

 

Yesterday afternoon we saw the first ducklings of 2011 in our garden. It was such a gorgeous day with  brilliant sunshine so perfect for a first swim. Watching the mother duck lead her offspring into the water from the bank was  a very special moment.

She has thirteen  tiny fluffballs at the moment.The sounds they make as they glide along in their family goup is wonderful to hear.

Now we feel we need to be vigilant as last year  magpies  killed all but one duckling from one  brood. It was so sad to witness but the female duckling grew and stayed with us all summer becoming very tame to feed.

I can't help but wonder is this the same  female as she does seem very familiar!

I will keep my blog updtaed with images  because they are so cute to watch grow.

Last years ducklings

Tadpoles 2011

Tadpoles recently hatched 2011

The tadpoles have  almost all hatched now and are moving around quite quickly in our pond. This afternoon in sunshine it was fascinating watching the formations and clusters of black wriggling shapes. 

I think they are line dancing in the photograph below!

Line Dancing Tadpoles 2011

Spring Garden 2011

 Spring Garden 2011

Just sharing a walk in my garden this afternoon. A wonderful place for inspiration as an artist and to paint.

Gorgeous Daffodils surround the cottage

Muscari line a border making a beautiful splash of blue.

Dwarf Tulips giving a vibrant shock of colour in another border.

The old, huge Camelia tree that stands at the front of our home is now covered in amazing white flowers

Friendship Egg Tree

Friendship Egg Tree

This is such a wonderful idea. Every year I hang egg ornaments on branches from the garden which I bring into my home  to place in a huge vase or jug. This is my egg tree. I  do this before every Easter and each year my tree gets prettier as the ornaments on it grow in number.

The painted eggs are often given to me by friends and stored safely until each new year. They are easy to make or buy from many stores. I used to paint goose eggs to give away  to friends by painting them and decorating them with scenes of primrose or easter rabbits. Now I am  sorry to say my free time is limited so I keep a look out for new unusual eggs to buy to give away each year.

It's rather a nice thought looking at a tree  and thinking of people who have touched your heart.  Buying eggs to remember special friends who can't be with us anymore is also a lovely way to remember them. 

I think everyuone should have a friendship tree!

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Fruits of Cooking

Fresh Fruit Salad

I have two rather poorly pets at the moment so I am finding myself spending time in the kitchen and near where they are rather than working in my art studio constantly. This morning I made a fresh fruit salad which led to an idea for my next dish and invention.

I placed pork steaks in a dish with slices of fresh pear, added seasoning and fresh ginger. Next I made a simple stock from juices of the pork and added  a small amount of ginger cordial.The aroma is fabulous when combined. I've pre baked the dish so that tonight I can reheat and have a relaxed evening with my convalescing four legged family.

I feel as though I am turning into a Delia Smith or Nigella Lawson this week!

They are back!

  March 2011

This morning I looked out of my window to see two Canadian Geese on our lawn. Last year they had beautiful goslings that were so delightful to watch. I raced for  my camera and one happily posed for me whilst waiting for food.

My joy was a little shortlived when I remembered how much mess they made but the happy memories to come  I am sure will make up for it!

Pheasant Pate

Pheasant Pate

Freshly made this morning

Having realised I had pheasant in the freezer that needed to be used I decided to cook pheasant pate. This recipe is so simple and  very low in cost to make. A pair of pheasant cost five pounds at our local village.shop. 

I roasted the defrosted pair until they were tender. I then took all the meat off the bones, which will be used for pheasant soup, and minced it with two chopped onions. Next I added one chopped hard boiled egg and some melted butter. Adding my favourite seasoning came next with lots of freshly ground black pepper. The  last addition of sour cream until the consistency was just right left me with enough pate to fill six suitable dishes. Four will go into the freezer to be used when guests arrive in a variety of forms for appetisers. One is a gift for a wonderful friend and the other will be demolished pretty quickly by the look of it.

This morning I had banana and blueberry muffins in the oven which smelt delicious, the bones from the pheasant were in a large pot simmering in preparation for the pheasant soup I will make later today and  I was in the middle of making the pate when a caterer arrived as I have a special birthday party in our garden this summer.  They must have thought catering was my own profession as the kitchen smelt fantastic at this point!

Now it is time for me to enjoy the sunshine and paint in my garden,what I have been longing to do all day