Another non-gardening week last week.
Preparing for our new carpets to be fitted involved taking a desk apart. Whilst doing this a large piece of wood fell on, Martyn’s foot. The result was a badly grazed shin and a bruised foot. This meant that he could only manage to wear a certain pair of shoes that were unsuitable for gardening or walking anywhere muddy.
My sister had a fall and needed a visit to a local minor injuries unit and I had a bit of a problem with my knee which, fortunately, seems to have sorted itself out. All in all, Ruby was the only one operating on all cylinders.
We also had to go shopping to kit out our guest bedroom, so were being kept busy with non garden related activities.
Fortunately, neither Martyn’s foot nor my knee stopped us from walking so, as we couldn’t do much else, we paid several visits to Nostell, something which met with Ruby’s approval.
The only problem was that, due to Martyn’s footwear, we had to keep to the paths and avoid any muddy or wet areas.
It was very windy so I’m not expecting the leaves to stay on the trees for much longer.
The lone cygnet is still on the lake. The parent birds are being very tolerant and not chasing him or her away.
Flocks of black headed gulls have now arrived on the lake swelling the numbers of resident water birds.
Canada geese can also sometimes be spotted flying overhead and also browsing in some of the fields.
Ruby has a new hobby. She has become a squirrel spotter and is bemused when they ‘disappear’ up a tree.
We have to keep her well away from the wide variety of fungi that are now growing. I don’t think she would try to eat them but I wouldn’t want to risk it.
I have absolutely no idea what varieties of fungi we spotted or whether any are edible or poisonous but they are interesting to photograph.
The field where Ruby usually has a game of chasing her ball is now fairly muddy so we had to find another location that was not only free of mud but also cow pats.
That brings us to some of last week’s meals.
I made a bean casserole that used some of our leeks and garlic. 
I also made a turkey chowder into which went some of our potatoes, an onion, garlic, parsley, and frozen sweetcorn and red pepper. Instead of single cream. I used oat cream which seemed to work well.
Finally, I made a chicken and leek crumble, which used some of our shallots, a leek and some parsley. It was based on the linked recipe, however I made a base sauce using chicken stock as the milk was completely absorbed by the chicken during poaching.
That’s all for this week as always keep safe and well until next time.
Goodness, you have all been in the wars, I hope all are now well. Loving all the photos, Ruby does look grand. Ahh, bless the lonely little cygnet.xxx
Martyn’s foot is still sore, Dina. The cygnets is still there and was hanging out with mum and dad. I’m surprised that they haven’t chased him/her away.
Sue, I hope your knee and Martin’s foot are better now and you’re both fine. It’s nice to walk outside and I like your photos. I want to cook a turkey thanks for the recipe.
My knee is better, Nadezda but Martyn’s foot is sore still. Ruby gets us out when we would otherwise stay indoors.
Oh dear Sue – it sounds as if you are all going through the wars. Mind you it’s a good chance to press on with the non gardening related jobs. I hope that everyone is improving as a new week has unfolded. Fungi are always fascinating to look at and photograph but probably like you I only know very few by name.
At least things haven’t happened at a time when it is busy as far as gardening is concerned, Anna
Oh dear! As a neighbour and I were only discussing this morning, getting older isn’t funny, is it? With all the aches and pains and falls and things it seems to bring with it. At least you managed to get out and do some walking. Lovely photos, especially of the fungi. Hope Martyns foot heals quickly and also hope your sister recovers soonest. At least your knee seems to be better.
But you don’t have to get up on a morning and go to work, Deb
Oh dear! As a neighbour and I were only discussing this morning, getting older isn’t funny, is it? With all the aches and pains and falls and things it seems to bring with it. At least you managed to get out and do some walking. Lovely photos, especially of the fungi. Hope Martyns foot heals quickly and also hope your sister recovers soonest. At least your knee seems to be better.