Winter creeping in.

During the spring and summer I have been very motivated (for me) and have been going out for a walk each morning, usually between 7 and 7.30am ... but now the mornings are too dark, today it hasn't really got light at all, rain wall-to-wall so I am going to have to change my routine. The thing I like about walking first thing is that it sets me up for the day, I feel more creative and I don't have to interact with anyone purely because there is nobody around. It is 'my' time and I will miss it. I am generally a big fan of Autumn and Winter, I prefer it cooler, love cooking stews and things in the slow cooker, and I like cozy nights, but there is always a drawback and I think I have found it! Never mind, roll on spring.

Cats and tin-openers...

To my knowledge, my cat has never been fed food from a tin, we never have tinned cat food...so why does he always go crazy at the sound of a tin opener?! Is it some kind of in-built reflex, something in his DNA, like when he watches birds and chatters at the window...he's never caught or eaten one yet knows he should. It may be a mystery among cat owners, but something fascinating nonetheless.

Shift work.

My husband works shifts, so as a result my own daily routine adjusts according to his schedule. For example this week he is on late shift, so I begin working when he goes to work, I actually quite enjoy this as it means every other week has a different feel to it, especially now the darkness of winter is looming. I will work, make things and write until the small hours, then start to cook so we can eat when he gets home, a bit of t.v to unwind before bed at some point during the early hours. We obviously do not get up early during late weeks, sometimes seen as lazy by some who have never had the pleasure of shift work! A certain number of hours sleep is vital, whenever they may fall, we are still working while these folks are snoring away in their beds. Lucky to be a natural night owl I guess...different story during his early shift weeks though ;)

Simnel cake - yummy!

Hello all, Easter weekend is fast approaching, the schools have broken up for the holiday and there is a LOT of chocolate around...but I can't eat chocolate (I know, torture) so, a good and yummy option is a traditional Easter simnel cake. Here is my recipe and article on Hubpages - enjoy!

http://gemmskylm.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-make-an-Easter-Simnel-Cake

Christmas and a computer-free day?!

Hi all, it's Christmas eve and I think everything is just about done! The last of the wrapping, cards all out and people seen, so now it is time to kick back, go and see some friends tonight, then eat a lot tomorrow. I am going to try and have a day without the computer too - it is but once a year after all, although I will still have my phone just in case.

I hope you all have a lovely day, peace and joy be with you!