GROWING MOSS

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.  

Psalm 107:1

Christmas shopping

The weather is very cool today. Apparently this is the coldest beginning to summer in over 50 years. I don't mind. I love the spring weather (although autumn is my favorite) so I am happy for the coolness of spring to continue a bit longer.


Christmas decorating

Daughter J is a sculptor. She created the small white sculpture under the cloche on the left, and she also gave me the snow-globe  on the right. You can change the picture in the snow-globe.

 

 

These were added to my sideboard with the nativity scenes and a few glass,silver and gold balls.

I tried a couple of runners but didn't have just the right one so I shall have a look in the shops tomorrow. I think some tall candles may be in order also.



In the garden

A bit of rearranging in the garden yesterday led me to look closely  at this giant pitcher as I moved it.

 I was delighted to see moss growing on it.

I love the way the moss is following the pattern. This pitcher and stand used to be quite a bright, light blue, but I am rather pleased at the way they are weathering. I hope moving them to a new position won't inhibit the moss growth.

This morning there was a spider web in my letterbox. I am surprised with all the junk mail that comes every day at this time of year that there was time for a spider to spin a web.

The poor spider won't have his web there for very long.

There are several types of webs

• Spiral orb webs,
• Tangle webs or cobwebs
• Funnel webs
• Tubular webs, which run up the bases of trees or along the ground
• Sheet webs
• Dome or tent webs

After some brief research I  have ascertained that this is a sheet web.

Work in progress

I have just about finished the crocheting of the elephant But I have stuffed some of it and am not quite sure how it is going to look.

I have stitched the head and body together.This is my second go at the trunk. It is a bit tricky.

Interesting sites


1.

 This resort is worth a look. I would be very worried about waves coming up, but with the lavish huts they must be pretty sure of the water. Click here to see some beautiful and interesting pictures. 

2.

 This article suggests eating protein to ward off the afternoon snooze. Click here  to read more.

3.

  Click here to read about  this beautiful house in the snow.

CONFESSIONS OF A FLAKE ADDICT

It is not smart to stuff yourself with sweets

nor is glory piled on glory good for you. 

(Proverbs 25:27 The Message.)

I smiled when I read this in my bible reading today. Last night I had "stuffed myself with sweets" after Manna House . I provide puzzles for the clients and when they complete them they receive a chocolate - a mini Flake.

I have to confess that last night I came home and finished off quite a good number of the Flakes that were left. I didn't have any dinner after this so it was probably not too bad calorie wise, but it was certainly not healthy or conducive to weight loss.

I annoy myself by continually doing this! You would think that now I am a grownup I would be able to resist. My problem is that I run our of good primal food. I hate grocery shopping and am always convincing myself that I have enough food left and I don't need to pop into Woolworths for a few things. Last night I should have popped into Woolworths!!

Anyway. I laughed when I read this verse this morning and I am going to learn the first line off by heart - not that I don't agree with the sentiments already. I know that mini Flakes are sabotaging all my good work on my primal diet.

Talking of the primal diet, I tried to substitute coconut cream for yoghurt on my frozen blueberries. It didn't taste half as good and there was no calorie advantage, so am staying with the yoghurt. Dairy foods are allowed in moderation, but I would like to reduce my intake a little.

Frozen blueberries and yoghurt

Frozen blueberries and yoghurt is very delicious. I have it with a touch of  stevia . Stevia is a natural sweetener which is very low in calories. Blueberries are extremely high in antioxidants and I'm sure this is the reason for my good health. I have a bowl of blueberries and yoghurt each day. Whenever  P :-) comes for dinner it is what he is served up for dessert. (Occasionally for a special treat he gets something a bit less healthy with a lot more sugar, but not often.)

This morning I needed to pop into Balgownie Village for a couple of things. It was a small coal miners' village a hundred years ago.

Balgownie Village

The hotel is over 100 years old.

Balgownie Hotel

When I had done my shopping I visited daughter R and Jasper.

 

Jasper is a Miniature Foxie  and my grand-dog. I love him to bits. He is always very excited to see me. When R is away he comes and stays at my place. He is great company and I would buy myself a dog except that I am out to much. A dog needs company and I am out all day and often into the evenings.

While I was at R's place she showed me this menu below.

R is an artist and she designed the logo for this takeaway shop. I think it is simple but elegant.

As I sit and write this there is a weak sun shining through the trees outside my window.

It is the end of the first month of spring. But the weather is cool and windy today. The swimming season starts officially this weekend. The lifeguards patrol the beaches again until Easter. But I think it is going to be a very chilly introduction to the swimming season.