Happy Halloween

Halloween is such a big thing over in the States. Not what Im used to in my village in Wales. Decorations start going up at the beginning of October. Its so strange sitting outside, sipping iced tea, and watching the neighbours decorating their houses. Im usually bundled up against the cold

Yesterday, I made some English Scones and decided to take some round to Mrs L next door. As with the other neighbours, the house had been decorated, with a particularly large object sitting on the porch swing. As I got near to it I whispered out loud.....'Boy are you creepy'

And the Darn thing sat up !!!

I ran....

How was I supposed to know there was a motion sensor inside?

Happy Halloween

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Chats on the Farmhouse Porch ~ 115

Well ladies its that time again. Lets make our way over to Everyday Ruralty and see what questions Patrice has for us this week

Do you have any special plans for this week?

Not really..just spending time with Mr D is special enough. Although I am looking forward to Thursday for my first US Halloween. I have a cauldron full of candy ready for tick or treaters
.

What's the most relaxing thing you do?

I run a deep. hot bubble bath, light some candles, put on some music, grab a favourite book.... and soak!

Have you ever worn a wig?(play, dress-up, or for real)

I was once in the chorus of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" at school. We had to wear the hottest and scratchiest wigs. I head still itches when I think of it

 Do you have an office or special place to use your computer? 

Our main computer is in the bedroom...but the laptop we use in the living room. I would love to have a study with book lined walls...and a nice desk to work from

What are your favourite kind of socks?

That's easy...Novelty ankle socks..the cuter the better

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

The Pumpkin Patch...

Mr D and I went to buy our Halloween Pumpkin today at the Pumpkin Patch. Blazing sunshine... not a coat and scarf anywhere to be seen. Im just loving Halloween in Caliornia

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Sunday Thought ~ Psalm 107:1

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

My First Cornbread..

Last weekend, Mr D and I had a lovely meal out at Marie Callenders. It made a nice change to have someone else cook for me. It was also the first time I had tasted cornbread...and I must say it was delicious. I'm now a fan and will be making it myself 

  Marie Callender's Style Cornbread

 

This recipe is the closest I could find to the Marie Callenders taste...Its moist and sweet  with a cake-like quality and it turned out excellent

1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/3 cup oil

• Mix dry ingredients together in large bowl.
• Mix wet ingredients in another bowl 
• Mix with dry and stir till combined.
• Pour into ungreased 8x8” pan 
• Bake 20-25 min at 400°F.

Love and Hugs 

Phoebe x

Happy Birthday to Me

Its my birthday. Another year older, but not sure if Im another year wiser.

Its my first birthday in the US. Ive had a wonderful day, mainly because it was spent with Mr D who has thoroughly spoilt me. Cards and presents arrived from my family back in Wales, Mr D's mother telephoned from Washington and I had lovely long chats with my children on Skype.  It seems so strange not being with them on this day. 

To celebrate I didnt have the traditional birthday cake. Mr D presented me with with my very first pumpkin pie, adorned with a very large fifty one candle. He said he didnt want to put all the candles on, because the fire brigade would have to be called....cheek

And by the way....Pumpkin Pie is delicious

Love and Hugs 

Phoebe x

Sunday Thought ~ Matthew 17:20

 

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

What I Miss...

Since I landed in America...I have discovered  that a few things are different over here. There are some things that are everyday back in the UK..but I cant buy here. Maybe its the area Im living in. Dont get me wrong, I love everything about California, but here are a few things I miss

 

Tinned Heinz Baked Beans..

lovely on a piece of toast

 

Yellow Dusters

I can find every kind of duster imagiable..

but not my favourite yellow

Crumpets

or as my Dad used to call them..Lightcakes

Galaxy Milk Chocolate

One word....Yummy

Stocinette Dish Cloths

Again...every type of dish cloth ..but not my favourites

Real Bacon

All I can find here is thin streaky bacon..

which burns so fast...sorry Mr D

Salad Cream

I know there always mayonnaise....but sometimes...

and finally........PG Tips Tea Bags

Liptons is just not the same

Love and Hugs
Phoebe x

For You..

I have been feeling a bit down for the last couple of days. Not depressed, just missing my family back in the UK. Still...they are only a skype message away so I need to stop feeling sorry for myself. Im where I want to be...and for that Im grateful.

I took time out to read through all of my Fabulous Friends blogs, which I must say are wonderful. But, one thing has struck me, and that is how many of you are struggling. Many of you, in different degrees, have health problems or ailments. Others have money worries, leading to fears for your future and that of your children. Some suffer from painful memories or are struggling to come to terms with a devastating loss. Some are making gigantic leaps into the unknown. Many are just stressed by the day to day routine, especially as it's Thanksgiving, and Christmas is just around the corner.

It makes me so sad, and some posts I have read have literally broken my heart. But, my Fabulous Friends, you are just that.... FAB-U-LOUS (Thank you Craig Revel Horwood) Whatever life may throw at you, you find a way to fight your way through it. You are funny, intelligent, brave, caring and extremely talented. Your recipes are a marvel, your crafts are amazing and your homes are a dream.(I confess a little jealousy at some of them). You are all a total inspiration to me

One thing I ask. Please, never be ashamed to have a little moan...or a big one. We are privileged that you have allowed us to share in your lives, whether good or bad. After all, what are friends for, but to provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Its better than letting it fester inside.

So.. to all my Fabulous Friends..whether you need one or not

From me to you

 

Love Phoebe x

Sunday Thought ~ Psalm 61:2

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Plea for Prayers

I dont ask for things often, but today I am .

My father in law who has been diognosed with stomach cancer. 

He is already at stage 4, so we know its not good. 

So I ask for your prayers for him, his wife and his family. 

For strength and for faith...

and for peace of heart

Thank you

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

What a Good idea - Bookmarks.

When old books are completely beyond repair, use the spine as a lovely old bookmark.

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

Sunday Thoughts ~ Psalm 118:24

Love and Hugs 

Phoebe x

What a Good Idea - Rustic Table Runner.

Sew lace to burlap to make rustic yet pretty table runner. Simple and effective

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x

For Your Convenience...

Now heres something I have never seen before...

A Drive-through Store

You dont have to get out of the car

Height of convenience?..or Height of laziness?

Only in America

Love and Hugs

Phoebe x