Grateful Friday

The autumnal weather is bright and cheerful. The nights are drawing in, but instead of feeling forlorn there's a resigned acceptance. A thought of Christmas and winter evenings curled up with a friend and a glass of wine. So, on this autumnal Friday in September I am grateful for:

1. Our party this Saturday. The first one with H as an official resident, and therefore, host. We'll be making our W14-famous canapes and cocktails. Hope you can come!

2. My bike - the cycling weather is (dare I say it) perfect. A cool breeze, a slight nip in the air and not much rain. Long may it continue.

3. Cinnamon porridge with sultanas and brown sugar, made with soy milk. It keeps me going til after lunchtime.

4. The return of my social life. I was purposely 'not around' much in August, choosing instead to fill up my introvert's energy quietly at home. September is still a new term for me, though I left formal education years ago. I still feel the need for new shoes and a pencil case.

Have a gorgeous weekend everyone.

Raspberry Jam

We finally got round to making the raspberry jam I alluded to earlier. The raspberries have been ready for weeks and time was ticking on! I have to say I really enjoyed this foray into preserving this time. I have been known to get stressed about all kinds of jam-related things, such as if it's really set or not, but the jam thermometer and previous experience is making it all a much happier activity.

The morning started with a trip to the market for 4kg of berries. That's quite a lot... especially when you have to carry them home on a bicycle with 4kg of sugar as well. We managed and they got back in one piece. Then the fun began!







22 jars of ruby-red properly set jam goodness. Yum.

Grateful Friday

On this rainy day, the first Friday in September, I am glad to be grateful for:

1. The gocco postcard swap I'm taking part in next month. Thanks to Lisa for organising! I just have to think of an idea for my card.

2. The Sunday Cycle Picnic (scroll down for more info) this Sunday at London Fields. We have been getting ready this week and I'm praying the weather stays dry... Please come along, you'll be most welcome.

3. Listening to Rosie Thomas this week. I love all her music, especially her album 'When we were small'. It's quiet and dreamy and blends extremely well with the pitter patter of rain on the window.

4. Homemade raspberry jam on toast.... ooooo it's the best jam I've ever tasted!

5. Visits from old friends from Asia this week. We met up last night and ate kao ya (roast duck) at Four Seasons in Bayswater. It still makes me laugh that they come all the way to London and want to eat Chinese food, but it was a good chance for me to eat some real Chinese for a change.

Have a fabulous weekend!