tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24750985775667981912024-03-05T10:47:31.968+00:00CocopopiaA Cornucopia of Life on a Welsh IslandCoco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-49390557905848156742018-02-11T19:08:00.001+00:002018-02-11T19:08:52.218+00:00Winter Beachcombing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anglesey can be windy off and on all year round, but its in the winter months when the worst storms can hit. The plus side of stormy weather is that you can go out for a bracing beach walk afterwards to do a bit of beachcoming and see what the tide has washed up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sadly, sea creatures sometimes get washed up on the beach - sometimes they have already died at sea and other times they are found in time to be rescued. In November 2016, an Olive Ridley turtle was washed up on the beach outside the Anglesey Sea Zoo. It is amazing that she had travelled thousands of miles from more tropical climes and ended up practically at the front door one of the few places in the UK who were best equipped to help her. The Sea Zoo did a fantastic job in rehabilitating her, until she was well enough to be flown out to the Canary Islands in preparation for release back into the wild. Sadly, her health deteriorated for, as yet, some unknown reason, before the chance came for her to be released back into the ocean and she died in January this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I prefer beach finds that don't have a life and death situation. Items that I can put in my collection for future creative projects. I found some quite interesting things recently - some pieces of slate, a nice piece of polished sea glass, a striped shell and a pretty piece of old pottery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No beachcoming trip (especially in cold weather) is complete without a visit to the beach cafe - either before or after your walk (or why not both!!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was at the Surf Cafe in Rhosneigr - one of my favourite beaches on the island and visited more frequently than others by us as Mr Cocopopia likes to kitesurf and this is <b>the </b>beach for kitesurfing on the island.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been busy with renovations, but hopefully we can get back there again soon ...</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-33241690937150540112017-12-16T17:41:00.000+00:002017-12-16T17:41:24.459+00:00A Warm and Seasonal Welcome in The Heart of England<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been travelling around the country this month, doing a bit of Yuletide and pre-Christmas visiting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of days ago, we found ourselves at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesley-clinton">Baddesley Clinton</a>, which describes itself as a "secluded intimate estate set in the heart of the Forest of Arden, with 500 years of fascinating and unexpected stories".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being there on a snowy, December day was a particularly nice time to visit, made even more special by the colourful dried flower arrangements displayed around the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Volunteers have been hard at work during the year growing, drying and assembling the dried flower arrangements of garlands, baubles, wreaths and other arrangements which now adorn the house in an unusual but beautiful festive display.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This moated manor house has to be one of the nicest National Trust properties I have visited, due to its lovely, intimate, family feel, without being too big or too small. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Built as a family retreat in the late 1500s, t</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here are friendly guides on hand in most rooms who are able to reveal lots of interesting stories and information. And this house does indeed have some interesting tales to tell - stories of murders, ghosts, persecuted priests, the Gunpowder Plot, links with royalty, artists, love and loss - it has them all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in the area, and make sure you leave enough time for a walk around the gardens, a visit to the second hand book shop, plant centre, gift shop and restaurant (which serves particularly nice cream teas!)</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-58480119363997649082017-11-14T19:29:00.001+00:002017-11-14T19:29:21.880+00:00I've been busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year has been a frenzy of activity for us having packed our jobs in and relocated to another part of the country. Mr Cocopopia has worked solidly on renovating our new property for the past 7 months, and is still going strong, as we get closer to making our holiday annexe ready to receive guests. I've been trying to make a living with some (low-paid) freelance work and also managed to find a little part time job in a local animal centre. Its all been so full on that I've not managed to find as much time to blog as I'd hoped, so all that must change!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pumpkin in the photo sums up autumn for me. It cheerfully greeted guests at our doorstep for over a month but at the week-end, I had a bit of a pumpkin-fest in the kitchen as I converted it into portions of pumpkin curry, spicy pumpkin soup and pumpkin puree (ready for more soups, muffins and perhaps a pumpkin pie). I've even dried the seeds to use for planting next year and the rest has gone into the compost. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Its amazing how much you can get from just one pumpkin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Continuing with in a slightly melancholic, autumnal mood, as I was sweeping up autumn leaves in the garden, I came across this animal skull. I think it was probably a rabbit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather has suddenly turned a lot colder but clear skies at night are usually followed by spectacular, wow-factor sunrises.</span><br />
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-76998207794147502122017-09-22T13:43:00.002+01:002017-09-22T13:43:59.942+01:00Goodbye Summer Visitors - See You Again Next Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The last of our little Summer visitors, the Swallow family, left this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the older ones had already left last month, leaving just a few of the younger siblings behind to pick up strength before the long journey South.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is said that British swallows migrate to spend their winter in South Africa before returning back to the UK in April and May to raise their chicks and "enjoy" the British Summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They very often return to the same nest and we wondered what would happen when we moved here in the Spring as we had spotted 2 nests in our car port. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Around about May, we realised the swallows had not only arrived but also nested, when we noticed them flying in and out regularly and there was the chatter of 4 little chicks ("feed me, feed me, feed me").</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before long, they got too big for the nest and sat out on a beam, waiting for more food to arrive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shortly after that, they would take short flying trips with their parents, but return home late afternoon, tired out and ready to roost on the tv aerial, also in the carport.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">teenager swallows</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then they really started to enjoy the summer, skimming over the fields to catch insects, playing flying games with each other and socialising with other swallows from the neighbourhood on telegraph wires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But what about the second nest, which had remained empty? Well it seemed that Mr and Mrs Swallow had been reserving this for their second brood and in August, we heard the familiar chattering and this time there were 5 little chicks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and they grew very quickly - probably due to the abundance of food available for them in peak summer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before long, there wasn't enough room for all of them in the nest, so the largest one moved outside to a beam, and was soon joined by another</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pretty soon, they were all out of the nest and we were amused by the particularly large, chubby one ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of the swallows left last month and those remaining seemed to be waiting for the perfect moment when they were up to full strength and the weather conditions were most favourable - that day happened just a few days ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I just think its amazing that these little birds can make such an epic journey (apparently they travel through western France, across the Pyrenees, down eastern Spain, into Morocco and across the Sahara).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've loved having them around for the summer and are missing them already!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good luck little swallows on your epic journey and hopefully see you again next spring.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdg3xJRTLP2yXwuV8gsVV-_k7cQ1femDRND9GxNIzcPXgVzjsO8_fBjjFhyphenhyphen_9MagPq8ALehLhtKQHbOoReWUUBYTdTebVdcz1WM2BcbiMk3b0ElJtFdfQlxCfnZUAGtkXTiwlem2CgizV/s1600/swallows1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdg3xJRTLP2yXwuV8gsVV-_k7cQ1femDRND9GxNIzcPXgVzjsO8_fBjjFhyphenhyphen_9MagPq8ALehLhtKQHbOoReWUUBYTdTebVdcz1WM2BcbiMk3b0ElJtFdfQlxCfnZUAGtkXTiwlem2CgizV/s320/swallows1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-35235261024442144312017-08-20T17:06:00.000+01:002017-08-20T17:15:09.835+01:00On A Wet Wednesday Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMu-8B2tth0XVuLSka1XtG3puUT7eZSLbuEGY82Fi7iSDgnQs9BkeVn31u3AxTDgUUMjLhGon6PuonMiUM9uGSyKYO3myRph3OagCSiidbzCo4APmrj-UDNfkEjSSZPDljlo6pNC09F6O/s1600/trans8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMu-8B2tth0XVuLSka1XtG3puUT7eZSLbuEGY82Fi7iSDgnQs9BkeVn31u3AxTDgUUMjLhGon6PuonMiUM9uGSyKYO3myRph3OagCSiidbzCo4APmrj-UDNfkEjSSZPDljlo6pNC09F6O/s400/trans8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For such a relatively small island, there always seems to be so much choice of what to do on Anglesey, even on days when the weather isn't that brilliant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a recent wet afternoon, we decided to check-out the <a href="http://angleseytransportmuseum.co.uk/">Anglesey Transport Museum</a> - known locally as Tacla Taid and described as a "nostalgic wonderland" by actor Griff Rhys Jones. </span></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/eblj-atoNs0"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tacla Taid as seen on TV</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tacla Taid is the largest museum of its kind in Wales and whatever your interest - cars, motorbikes, commercial vehicles, farm vehicles and motor paraphanalia, it has it all.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BQ5tan_5XMNqw3ThpRVMm87Er1YdkpImUK2V2h7BTMp32YUcD_AGD0fuwUX73WXi1syYZIfJZB8Eiu0-lI0hin2R7Ugxe3Kx33j3lkpdhfhxa8ZMhcrmrIYStWEY5S8YC2KABbMyLgVy/s1600/trans9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BQ5tan_5XMNqw3ThpRVMm87Er1YdkpImUK2V2h7BTMp32YUcD_AGD0fuwUX73WXi1syYZIfJZB8Eiu0-lI0hin2R7Ugxe3Kx33j3lkpdhfhxa8ZMhcrmrIYStWEY5S8YC2KABbMyLgVy/s400/trans9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its not a particularly massive museum, but it is jam packed and the exhibits are well displayed and lovingly restored, so it is well worth a visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If there's time at the end of your tour of the museum, its always worth popping into the cafe which gets good reviews for its home-made cakes and other foods.</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-40604408866207960272017-07-22T18:41:00.000+01:002017-07-22T18:41:26.236+01:00DIY Rosewater Spray Mist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNxhNiWLoWAxij3RpJMlFKXSQbjyJD_tzLIIw8AN_CVrqnko22b8r6dDf9R7Gi9Rk4G3IRZ68V0m8NUiNbKFjGQcF1sezQzr3aO6mLlMd-7U6dbXLLHDPAjjTUncV_xWd7BXqf_Cz1hgw/s1600/rosewater4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNxhNiWLoWAxij3RpJMlFKXSQbjyJD_tzLIIw8AN_CVrqnko22b8r6dDf9R7Gi9Rk4G3IRZ68V0m8NUiNbKFjGQcF1sezQzr3aO6mLlMd-7U6dbXLLHDPAjjTUncV_xWd7BXqf_Cz1hgw/s400/rosewater4.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've found the hot and humid weather a bit unbearable recently, particularly when working at my desk or trying to sleep at night. I decided a spray mist would be a good idea and as we have so many lovely roses in the garden at the moment, I thought I'd put them to good use and make a rosewater spray.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03nUvSTP6hCd4Co_ES-wt2ydJoDMomFlaVbI0FeTl6EL9k60JLo9CoyRLtqi4eqmYZ8GTaVBuOk_9u04OsenN9d7BL7YAeE5VtmkRER6ZCProtcZ7eogGXqBve5JPtBqauEx4-c74fS8p/s1600/rosewater1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1600" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03nUvSTP6hCd4Co_ES-wt2ydJoDMomFlaVbI0FeTl6EL9k60JLo9CoyRLtqi4eqmYZ8GTaVBuOk_9u04OsenN9d7BL7YAeE5VtmkRER6ZCProtcZ7eogGXqBve5JPtBqauEx4-c74fS8p/s400/rosewater1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many recipes online but I went with the simplest and it seems to do the trick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took the petals of 2 roses, rinsed them through a sieve and place them in a saucepan, just covering the petals with some fresh water. Most recipes call for distilled water, but the water here in north Wales seems to be particularly soft and clean tasting so I decided to use that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gently brought the water to a boil and simmered it for about 10 minutes (lid on), until the water wasn't too discoloured. Once it was cooled, I sieved it again to get rid of the petals and dispensed into a recycled cosmetic spray bottle, with the surplus kept in a jar in the fridge for top-ups. Its good to keep the spray in the fridge too so its cool when you use it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a great way to cool off and feel refreshed when feeling hot and bothered and the gentle rose scent is a great mood booster too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rosewater sprays are not cheap to buy, but making your own is a really low cost way of doing it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06DyclfibnHAzRgbPSTT02Frcs-D6rO15x3lVr2vQPc3ZvT0tYgQxgXHiIdZgVe5QJD6KB86AVz-m0mSbcncEGkljvUatOOxe2OhtoQRINg31kq6tMyYeN1elVf3EQ3T_vo2hPfONn6D/s1600/rosewater2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG06DyclfibnHAzRgbPSTT02Frcs-D6rO15x3lVr2vQPc3ZvT0tYgQxgXHiIdZgVe5QJD6KB86AVz-m0mSbcncEGkljvUatOOxe2OhtoQRINg31kq6tMyYeN1elVf3EQ3T_vo2hPfONn6D/s400/rosewater2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-65222976275136243652017-07-07T18:18:00.000+01:002017-07-07T18:18:37.443+01:00Puffins and Seals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLUqU7xOhY3aAqzXnoN3zX_dUhtso2Me6edCXYF3jDI0k9EE3g8nq_xfXJczBShLyO-GCUbLrKA4jGGkOAgME5PKYCtfBxuhbBuWzfTxQ8jEJFb6MUDYlmCeBsRKINqDZya-VCVic9C7q/s1600/puffin7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLUqU7xOhY3aAqzXnoN3zX_dUhtso2Me6edCXYF3jDI0k9EE3g8nq_xfXJczBShLyO-GCUbLrKA4jGGkOAgME5PKYCtfBxuhbBuWzfTxQ8jEJFb6MUDYlmCeBsRKINqDZya-VCVic9C7q/s400/puffin7.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's now been 3 months since we moved and although our pace of life is slower and more relaxed, being self-employed and starting up a new business has swallowed up most of our spare time. We've taken the odd cycle ride or walk here and there, but never really had a proper day off. So, for the sake of mind, body and soul, we put together a pic-nic and set out for a boat trip to <a href="http://www.puffinisland.org.uk/meet-the-birds">Puffin Island</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKwFIx-7aJp6ezAuKCnXZftJOWHeL8B76f1GOTlhCOuBgqxAKAmEJF2UmVe3xg3Cr2hlJNflV6PcnXHKstTQdGCISso9hFZarSYHrdlqb5q4UtjtLOSrDyKFXGb1V7RmC6MQM_gzFGAki/s1600/puffin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKwFIx-7aJp6ezAuKCnXZftJOWHeL8B76f1GOTlhCOuBgqxAKAmEJF2UmVe3xg3Cr2hlJNflV6PcnXHKstTQdGCISso9hFZarSYHrdlqb5q4UtjtLOSrDyKFXGb1V7RmC6MQM_gzFGAki/s320/puffin4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather was good - warm and dry. It was a calm day so the water not too choppy and we had clear views of Snowdonia in the distance as we chugged our way down the Menai Strait towards Puffin Island.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVYdfwdQ0FQ2os5mHGSTWGbAI9xBWfiPvP0o-7o8Fk-RWPBjRT1eBl6ZkZR1MxWfMHnx1kc81mPNDr79Zpavnht-WFPA3AZEWFL5MIOR8ImM0cq2YWiqsKAgJjfYoBREvpEjyuYAqUjVk/s1600/puffin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVYdfwdQ0FQ2os5mHGSTWGbAI9xBWfiPvP0o-7o8Fk-RWPBjRT1eBl6ZkZR1MxWfMHnx1kc81mPNDr79Zpavnht-WFPA3AZEWFL5MIOR8ImM0cq2YWiqsKAgJjfYoBREvpEjyuYAqUjVk/s400/puffin5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLzwfgMzVL_T7csmLTJhjxB5iD4GahyFxwNKhvFB_2Ot-X5t98QiDuhB9xvaKs-xKcOCRbGfWKH5vbX5lJ4uS4ekZF3bDfcdzsHpp5z9gUTQFhLHxKYKd0JSXizI2nK6_x7dPgXVVu-cS/s1600/puffin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLzwfgMzVL_T7csmLTJhjxB5iD4GahyFxwNKhvFB_2Ot-X5t98QiDuhB9xvaKs-xKcOCRbGfWKH5vbX5lJ4uS4ekZF3bDfcdzsHpp5z9gUTQFhLHxKYKd0JSXizI2nK6_x7dPgXVVu-cS/s400/puffin6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are no inhabitants on the island, just loads of different bird species. Some birds make it their home all year round and some just visit for the breeding season before they fly off again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You would think, by its name, that Puffins would be on the island all year round but, no, these guys are only here from March/April to July. We chose our dates well because in another 2-3 weeks they'll be gone. The puffin population decreased significantly a few years ago because of a rat problem but now the rats are gone and the puffins are on the increase again. They are quite difficult to spot because they prefer to nest higher up in the cliffs and on the land (some nest in old rabbit holes). We did see a few bobbing around in the water though.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSh1MXnRglDoMynn3MbMtPM6oRNffJp_m3j9F4bhk5YElhde8FZsqaZt72hORmlG3rR_j-A_bwBkdmCJUWR8CoekXsZsvKroCbU5RDxc7uQF0MPKo6pM1KdbyePrhP9ZDwMjrMaomYrST/s1600/puffin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1600" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSh1MXnRglDoMynn3MbMtPM6oRNffJp_m3j9F4bhk5YElhde8FZsqaZt72hORmlG3rR_j-A_bwBkdmCJUWR8CoekXsZsvKroCbU5RDxc7uQF0MPKo6pM1KdbyePrhP9ZDwMjrMaomYrST/s400/puffin2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as the birds, there are the mammals. We saw some grey seal pups and their mums, enjoying a spot of sunbathing on the rocks</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymysCtFSDIgxwED6mjff_5SPoDOKvyY5Hnrs2Kqas5LDQ63aGf1BWEY8kLK9LFfH0Lp7go97FstEz-vzlRcltOiW9XCk4nm0uf9eY8KRchjJFD1cHHwkG1VVSBgIZniVr6VjDQ3CgoqR7/s1600/puffin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymysCtFSDIgxwED6mjff_5SPoDOKvyY5Hnrs2Kqas5LDQ63aGf1BWEY8kLK9LFfH0Lp7go97FstEz-vzlRcltOiW9XCk4nm0uf9eY8KRchjJFD1cHHwkG1VVSBgIZniVr6VjDQ3CgoqR7/s400/puffin1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also saw some porpoise but they are very shy so you have to keep a close watch for the few seconds when their fins pop up out of the water (never enough time to get a photo). It was lovely to see a mum and her young one swimming close to the boat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a great trip but we found out later that some people who had gone out on the Rib Ride boat on the same day had spotted some dolphins playing in the water and not shy at all about leaping out to say hello. It's a shame we didn't see them ourselves, but a good excuse to go back another day ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgpBgI3dO013UKs2gcVJOhDPISTiKVcucRaMYjOq_MEZz3hiSGPAqZ_2am1o330qhG213NlXU5taWJZslbAsSA5h7pzNr6_NEIIA3E6L1rdAFGoQTdT_IoUAFv20rfIB5oszHkqaMmEwg/s1600/puffin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgpBgI3dO013UKs2gcVJOhDPISTiKVcucRaMYjOq_MEZz3hiSGPAqZ_2am1o330qhG213NlXU5taWJZslbAsSA5h7pzNr6_NEIIA3E6L1rdAFGoQTdT_IoUAFv20rfIB5oszHkqaMmEwg/s400/puffin3.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-49313020705256912642017-06-21T10:12:00.000+01:002017-06-21T10:12:21.991+01:00Happy Midsummer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anglesey has a deep ancient history and is rich with ancient monuments from Neolithic/Bronze Age burial chambers, dolmens and standing stones. There are mystical locations with stories to be told and magic to be felt everywhere, whether it is linked to old legends or present day breathtaking views. In time I hope to visit many of these places and share my experiences with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the weather has been so perfect, we took a midsummer bike ride this week to some sites which are practically on our doorstep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started off at the Bodowyr Burial Chamber</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Neolithic Age dolmen just outside the village of Llangaffo. Accessed via a field full of grazing sheep. You can see the views of Snowdonia in the background.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then we got back onto our bikes and travelled towards the village of Llanddaniel Fab</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">St Deiniol's Church at Llanddaniel Fab - built in the 19th Century so quite a long time ago by today's standards but very modern by Neolithic standards!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the pretty village of Llanddaniel Fab and on to the Bryn Celli Ddu burial chamber, one of Anglesey's best-preserved ancient monuments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a strong Druid association with the island, both in its past history and present day culture and it is traditional for the Anglesey Druid Order to celebrate the Summer Solstice here, as they were just after 4.00am this morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Summer Solstice!</span></div>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-29085804783830756692017-05-30T20:03:00.000+01:002017-05-30T20:03:28.559+01:00Rhubarb Rhubarb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tucked away at the bottom of the garden, there's the most massive rhubarb patch I've ever seen. When I tried to grow rhubarb at the old house, it always fared badly because the leaves always got munched away by the slugs and snails so the stalks never really grew that big. But here, its a different situation altogether as the natural predators seem to have kept any slugs and snails in check and the rhubarb flourishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fortunately we love rhubarb and have been enjoying rhubarb and apple crumbles, rhubarb muffins, rhubarb compote (delicious with creamy Greek yogurt and Mr Cocopopia says it adds an extra kick to his weetabix, muesli and yogurt combo he has for dessert in the evenings). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also found a great recipe for rhubarb and ginger jam <a href="http://farmersgirlkitchen.co.uk/2012/06/rhubarb-ginger-jam/">here</a> on the <a href="http://farmersgirlkitchen.co.uk/">Farmers Girl Kitchen</a> blog. So simple with only 4 ingredients and no fancy jam-making equipment required. Absolutely gorgeous jam!</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-28081044077570279782017-05-09T18:03:00.000+01:002017-05-09T18:03:07.537+01:00Car Booting - Winning and Losing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having completed a house move, we are now broke. Even so, there are lots of little things on our wish list that we are hoping to find at a reasonable price, which is why we took a trip to the car boot sale on Sunday morning, plus it was an excuse to get out and about for a bit. On our list we had a hand mower, a cruet set and cutlery for the dining room, a cucumber plant, mortice lock, masonry bit, cable clips, wok and picture frame. We also wanted to get an idea of pricing as we're planning to do our own car boot sale in the near future to raise some cash from unwanted items - and boot sales are a top way to recycle any unwanted items (one man's trash is another man's treasure, or so the saying goes).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'd got about two thirds of the way around and not found anything we were really looking for (although some nice things we weren't looking for and had to resist!). And then I spotted my first treasure tucked away on a sheet on the ground to the side of a stall. The most gorgeous little cruet set of blue and white mixed glazes - perfect. But Mr Cocopopia was wandering off into the distance and the lady on the stall was busy chatting to a customer and wrapping something up. I thought I'd just take a moment to go and call Mr Cocopopia back and give the lady a chance to become free. The set had been sitting there for at least a couple of hours and nobody else had been looking at it so it would be perfectly safe. Well on that I was wrong because when I returned just a few seconds later, my heart sank as I saw the lady on the stall wrapping up the little cruet set. That was my little treasure found and then lost in just a few seconds. I learnt my lesson the hard way on that one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But all was not lost because shortly after, I came across the perfect little hand mower (pictured above). This was probably the item I was least expecting to find - it looked almost new and I paid £10 for it. Then Mr Cococopia found a door handle (not on the list, but very welcome) to match the handles in our house, which are slightly unusual and could be difficult to match. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, I came across a man selling veggie plants and found a very healthy looking cucumber plant. I was never able to grow cucumbers at the old house but we now have a greenhouse so I think this one will be ok. I paid £1.20 for it so if I only get 3 cucumbers of it, it will have paid for itself - but I think it will do better than that!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's coping this little plant will be able to provide a summer full of cucumbers</span></td></tr>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-37142229132096886742017-05-01T18:47:00.000+01:002017-05-01T18:47:55.102+01:00The First of May - Spring Colours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YlHGrBkZZxUDRcwFGZ2XyvUgVnbo4nhx0NTo7mwkvxwxOGwRv9M1NlW02XK99K-PH5LJ5L9ACWTwqe9yHDwIU88yaQZwYbzQNhaadxRnBdWMlPIBZrYCucDlJpSRIPZQm2NHcL4BSQBh/s1600/cherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YlHGrBkZZxUDRcwFGZ2XyvUgVnbo4nhx0NTo7mwkvxwxOGwRv9M1NlW02XK99K-PH5LJ5L9ACWTwqe9yHDwIU88yaQZwYbzQNhaadxRnBdWMlPIBZrYCucDlJpSRIPZQm2NHcL4BSQBh/s640/cherry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a week of some wet and windy weather and seeing snow fall on the tops of the mountains and the need to wrap up warm in fleecy jumpers and thick socks, today it's the first of May and it seems that Spring has arrived at last.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sun has been out and the colours in the garden are wonderful. The previous owners did a brilliant job of making sure that when one plant had played its part, there is always something else waiting in the wings, ready to take over. I love seeing the green shoots coming up and wondering what they're going to turn out to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tulips are nearly finished now but I love their bold bright colours and the secrets they hold when you peep inside the petals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The big and blousy rhododendrons are now almost finished too, but they did a good job of providing some early pollen for the bumble bees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next to arrive are the irises. With their long stems, its a wonder they survived the winds this week. I never seemed to have much success growing flowers at our previous house as everything seemed to get demolished by slugs and snails but I suppose there are a lot more predators here, which means the flowers are able to grow to their full potential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I look forward to seeing what's next ...</span></div>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-8579469109388598812017-04-25T22:10:00.001+01:002017-04-25T22:10:10.204+01:00From East to West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6Jfx4MydY4Oj-Z5G6ol9VcmGta7QDMDULhmotSV9zOZOu1I-cR_XwBa-dGk737B-bt9gOp-XC20PZGjPK_2wZviWWSsewm5tB2Aa_ShSCj_khRCfeJ4QpbN-55XLThoVOE_LI53xuRmw/s1600/morning+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6Jfx4MydY4Oj-Z5G6ol9VcmGta7QDMDULhmotSV9zOZOu1I-cR_XwBa-dGk737B-bt9gOp-XC20PZGjPK_2wZviWWSsewm5tB2Aa_ShSCj_khRCfeJ4QpbN-55XLThoVOE_LI53xuRmw/s640/morning+snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are always so many changes to expect when you move house and sometimes there are the sort of changes that you forget about and then pleasantly discover. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our old house faced North/South which meant one side of the house was always sunny, bright and warm (as long as the sun came out at some point during the day) and the other side of the house was always dark and a bit on the cool side. As for the East/West sides, we were in the middle of a terrace so nothing to write home about there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, our new house faces East/West, which means when we pull back the bedroom curtains in the morning we are faced with the brightness of the day and it is very uplifting. The sun warms the house as it slowly moves around during the day and by the time it reaches the back of the house in the evening, we have an evening display of glorious sunsets (as long as the sun is not hiding behind clouds).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning we were greeted by not only sunshine but overnight snow on the mountains. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morning view towards Snowdonia, courtesy of Mr Cocopopia</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This gradually melted during the day (until a second snowfall in the afternoon) and then there was another glorious sunset.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are just so in awe of how beautiful it is here in North Wales and how much yet there is to explore.</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-13321477556258979582017-04-16T11:36:00.000+01:002017-04-16T11:36:14.474+01:00We Have Arrived At Last<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've been here a couple of weeks but its been too hectic to blog (and we've only just managed to get internet connection in the past couple of days anyway). Still haven't finished unpacking and still managing to sort out utilities which has proved more complicated than expected (we have a little annexe which has a different supplier to the main house and we're changing suppliers for both as the current suppliers are way too expensive, but at the moment I'm dealing with 4 different energy suppliers and its very complicated!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's plenty to do but we're slowly getting there. Hopefully I'll be able to share with you some of the more interesting things such as the house and garden (its massive and full of interesting things!), local wildlife, frugal living (now a necessity since the move) and getting out and about in this beautiful location - not just the island of Anglesey itself, but we're very close to Mount Snowdon and the Snowdonia National Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, if you are celebrating Easter, I hope you're enjoying the Easter week-end.</span></div>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-4658011025302956262017-03-28T23:14:00.000+01:002017-03-28T23:14:27.920+01:00It's been a long time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>a new front door awaits us (but ours will be slightly less grand than this one)</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh it's been such a long time since I last blogged, slightly over 2 months in fact.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been immersed in the world of moving house and the trials and tribulations of being in the middle of a "chain". We have always been committed but there have been times when the parties on either side of us have threatened to pull out, so its been pretty stressful, I can tell you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All spare time has been spent completing documents, chasing up information and trying to organise lots of different things. As the moving date has got closer, there's been loads of decluttering - at first it was difficult but once you start, it becomes quite liberating. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here we are, with just over one day left in our old house and we <b>need more time</b>!!! Both Mr Cocopopia and myself have caught chest infections in the run up to the big move, which hasn't helped, as we need all the energy we've got to keep things running smoothly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I just wanted to drop by to update you on our situation and to let you know that the Cocopopia blogspot will very soon be coming from a new location in the UK and with a slightly different slant on things. There are exciting changes ahead ...</span></div>
Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-75642491282236598142017-01-22T14:16:00.000+00:002017-01-22T14:16:55.859+00:00Freezing Cold In The City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having an end of December birthday means its sometimes difficult to go anywhere because so many places close down for the holiday and public transport is on reduced service. This year even more so due to the ongoing train strikes in the south east of the country. There wasn't a train strike planned for this week-end so we decided to head up to London for the day. Even without an official strike day, there were still problems with the trains, but we managed to get there anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was absolutely freezing but we managed to find a reasonably priced Thai restaurant for some warming lunch before heading to the Odeon Studios in Leicester Square for a bit of escapism with fantasy drama <i>Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. </i>Honestly, the seats in that cinema are so cosy I nodded off, until a loud crash in the film woke me up again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We managed to squeeze in a visit to The National Portrait Gallery before finding ourselves in Trafalgar Square, looking particularly pretty in the early evening with the coloured lights from the surrounding buildings, fountains and traffic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One particular stunning sight was the planet Venus shining brightly between Nelson's column and the George IV statue (looks like a spec of dust on the photo below, but it was really bright to the naked eye). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-52871463045249847762017-01-07T14:12:00.000+00:002017-01-07T14:12:51.726+00:00We'll Take A Cup of Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing you all a (slightly belated) happy new year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote, "We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet", repeated several times in his poem Auld Lang Syne, which is sung all around the world at New Year. Symbolic of love and friendship in times past and with optimistic hopes for the future, so I'd like to echo these sentiments to you, my readers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As January seems to be all about new ideas and healthy starts, my cup of cheer today however, comes from a teapot rather than a bottle. My tea of choice is <a href="https://www.whittard.co.uk/tea/type/oolong-tea/milk-oolong-oolong-with-flavouring-loose-leaf-tea.htm">milk oolong</a> which is quite difficult to track down, but I found it in Whittards. It's creamy, buttery and caramel-like and doesn't require milk which means you're not adding any extra calories. The natural sweetness of it hits the spot for sweet cravings so is a good way of getting back on track if you're trying to cut down or even give up on sugar. </span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-47818239605589329662016-12-30T12:30:00.000+00:002016-12-30T12:30:14.513+00:00Tropical Twixmas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twixmas - the period between Christmas and New Year, and it seems to be looking very unseasonal at the moment in our English garden. On Boxing Day, for the first time ever, I found myself spending a couple of hours working in the garden. There was a need to get out into the fresh air, burn off some calories and keep the garden under control until we move. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It does seem a bit unsettling though to be out in the garden in a t-shirt on boxing day. This was what it was like around the same time 4 years ago ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The thing is, if we don't have enough frost and cold weather, nature gets confused - the population of bugs and pests in the soil isn't kept under control, some plants start to flower and bud too early, and some creatures wake up too soon, thinking spring is here already. Is this what global warming means, will all the seasons just merge into one? I hope not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's warm enough for the slugs and snails to remain active - winter flowers used to be safe from night-time nibblers, but not at the moment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But on the positive side, at least I've had a chance to clear out and compost the veg patch, ready for spring (which the birds seem to appreciate as any lurking slugs become exposed to the surface).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I've just checked the weather forecast for the next few days - cold, dry weather is on its way - frosty nights and cold, crisp, sunny days, that sounds good to me!</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-39318453985932395242016-12-27T20:17:00.001+00:002016-12-27T20:17:07.358+00:00Post Christmas Reflection and Sherry Trifle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do hope your Christmas went well and whether you celebrate Christmas or not, that you have managed to have at least found some breathing space during the busy month of December and have found time to relax and find peace and happiness wherever you are. The end of the year is always a good time to recharge the batteries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Christmas was very quiet this year as lack of annual leave meant us staying at home and doing our own thing. Mr Cocopopia joined a group down on the beach for a spot of Christmas morning kitesurfing. He said that the gentle waves and the sunshine on the sea made him feel happy and content - almost a spiritual experience in itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of our family Christmas traditions was my mum's sherry trifle which she only ever made at Christmas - and it was good (mind you, she was always pretty generous with the sherry, which might have had something to do with it). Sadly, mum is nolonger with us and I did try to recreate one of her trifles last year and failed miserably. I decided not to bother this year but Mr Cocopopia had also become a big fan of my mum's trifles and said he would try making one. Well, his chocolate orange trifle did not disappoint - and is unusual that it contains a thin layer of solid chocolate. I've already put my order in for next year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're interested, he found the recipe <a href="http://www.mumsnet.com/food/recipe/2281-Chocolate-orange-trifle">here</a> courtesy of Mumsnet.</span></div>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-86183368168056981002016-12-18T15:17:00.004+00:002016-12-18T15:17:55.241+00:00Homemade Festive Door Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkV9DApVM5GP2rFc9NqWabg26zw5Z0Awy-O3Wji-i374sHSkZ5e9R2xMScRv4Hv2dfduNWQpDmHLqbPMcdAXt-4fPo8U8LuUz212_pggFzQwaEZYLZRC6wv-JE9572DWZlQ4j3-FjMFaw/s1600/wreath7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkV9DApVM5GP2rFc9NqWabg26zw5Z0Awy-O3Wji-i374sHSkZ5e9R2xMScRv4Hv2dfduNWQpDmHLqbPMcdAXt-4fPo8U8LuUz212_pggFzQwaEZYLZRC6wv-JE9572DWZlQ4j3-FjMFaw/s640/wreath7.jpg" width="555" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've never put a festive wreath on the door before but have always felt that if ever I was going to have one, it would be one that I had made myself, and I'm quite pleased with how my first attempt has turned out, bearing in mind I have no floristry skills and didn't really know where to start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But start I did, by collecting an assortment of materials:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A plastic ring for supporting plants (which I used for the base of the structure)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">an assortment of ribbons</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">some baubles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">some green garden twine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pine cones and fallen pine branches (gathered from the forest)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">rosemary, sage, ivy, eucalyptus and lavender sprigs gathered from the garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lavender wouldn't normally present itself in a winter wreath but due to the unseasonal warm spell, I managed to find a few sprigs which were still growing and had flowers on them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Here's what I did ...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started off by wrapping some red ribbon around the ring and securing it with some twine. The next step was to start applying the greenery to the ring, starting with the thickest sprigs first, to give a good base, overlapping them and securing them with more green garden twine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I carried on building up the layers, wrapping in some of the softer leaves such as the ivy and the eucalyptus. The berries were provided courtesy of the ivy and then I added in the pine cones and the baubles. It was a case of stepping back every now and again and checking that it looked "balanced".</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs11vRbzdQdF7LHrRhNWBH8e1ukhHP4ej5VfrtD6lbqYKIhqXWNW33jDJSovojrySksV7ndJz4UCwZ8irbnnJTa6SZOLmzKOF_p4VgpxYRC0Fhef7kF-ihxxstAdDMwTWs-BKM0Uc8GPg-/s1600/wreath3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs11vRbzdQdF7LHrRhNWBH8e1ukhHP4ej5VfrtD6lbqYKIhqXWNW33jDJSovojrySksV7ndJz4UCwZ8irbnnJTa6SZOLmzKOF_p4VgpxYRC0Fhef7kF-ihxxstAdDMwTWs-BKM0Uc8GPg-/s400/wreath3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm really happy with how it turned out because the plants are all natural and gathered by myself and not only that, the mixture of rosemary, sage, eucalyptus and lavender provides a lovely fragrant and welcoming entrance to the front of the house.</span></div>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-51206737541496549452016-12-10T13:30:00.000+00:002016-12-10T13:30:16.766+00:00Its Hygge Time Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqyzX5b1RDNmsXK0fKEqcGC8Zo0HYcM4fdW7lsdW0-rdowgHvwDbJFW50RNYqBg2TMfHyLvAUparUYXm2fXSCHO2yXRYBHM2cZIgU7RFkNL2XzzkmBZFKvVGVXH4sPrgShnZFMPJRPeQI/s1600/decembcan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqyzX5b1RDNmsXK0fKEqcGC8Zo0HYcM4fdW7lsdW0-rdowgHvwDbJFW50RNYqBg2TMfHyLvAUparUYXm2fXSCHO2yXRYBHM2cZIgU7RFkNL2XzzkmBZFKvVGVXH4sPrgShnZFMPJRPeQI/s400/decembcan1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Around about this time last year I wrote about Hygge <a href="http://cocopopia.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Hygge">here</a> . The idea has well and truly caught on now and just today an e-mail dropped into my inbox from Zoopla about homes that have the Hygge factor. At the week-end I was in W H Smith's and there was a whole promotional section of books on Hygge for that ideal Christmas gift ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although in the Northern hemisphere we're now in the darkest month of the year, there's something nice about a winter sunset and getting indoors to light up your home with some comforting and festive lighting.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December Sunset</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lighting a scented candle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Subdued lighting, gently light corners, hidden shadows, unexpected reflections - the perfect background for settling down to some ghostly tales ...</span></td></tr>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-50568513092666368912016-12-05T18:56:00.000+00:002016-12-05T18:56:12.130+00:00Eye Eye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Sunday it was one of those cold, crisp days where you just want to wrap up warm and head out to enjoy some winter sun. We got on our bikes to cycle into Brighton and head over to the Marina for brunch - something we haven't had a chance to do for ages. On the way through, we had a look at the new <a href="http://britishairwaysi360.com/">i360</a> which opened in the summer - a new landmark for the city and the opportunity to get up in the air for a bird's eye view. It's something we really have to do before we move away from the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It actually opened in the same year as the 150th anniversary of the opening of the West Pier, which sadly is now in a very sorry state. <i>(Note - the i360 tower is neither bent nor leaning inwards, it is just a strange and unwanted effect from my camera lens).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the way back, the London and Surrey Mini Owner's Club had gathered on the seafront for their festive "Donut Run". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A good excuse to decorate their vehicles in a festive manner, drive their favourite cars, have a catch-up and eat donuts on the seafront.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-81001600907825777602016-11-26T19:48:00.000+00:002016-11-26T19:48:17.803+00:00The House Presenting Still Goes On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_2K6BCOHccdp8ybtEyPIOLtz4BHgt_zMdF21Q8A-2J-2VQErqQOz9NZxoGk4YQapAvgGKIBZ0AV7KXCpK1uuLyha0rBZcszcrCQyc0iSRQP7CHMmeWl7lf9UDsHj3BQmTKqmuzdGRn4J/s1600/novrose1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_2K6BCOHccdp8ybtEyPIOLtz4BHgt_zMdF21Q8A-2J-2VQErqQOz9NZxoGk4YQapAvgGKIBZ0AV7KXCpK1uuLyha0rBZcszcrCQyc0iSRQP7CHMmeWl7lf9UDsHj3BQmTKqmuzdGRn4J/s640/novrose1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We haven't managed to sell our house yet but have certainly had a lot of interest in the short time that its been on the market, so I'm trying to stay optimistic that we may have a sale soon ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, its as good an excuse as any to buy myself some fresh flowers on a regular basis. This week's delights are some pretty yellow and orange tipped roses which add a cheerfulness to the hallway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It can be tricky trying to get washing done and dried (or quickly hidden away) between viewings. We don't have a tumble drier and the days are too short (and the weather too bad) to put things outside on the washing line.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They say every picture tells a story, so I'll leave you with some pics from last week when I had a little helper (or was it a hindrance) getting the laundry from the laundry basket and into the washing machine. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">are we doing a coloured wash today?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'll just find a few more socks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Just got to get them in that round space now</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Room for 2 more t-shirts?</span></td></tr>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-45890748534060590602016-11-21T15:08:00.000+00:002016-11-21T15:08:39.129+00:00Ten Reasons Why I Like Using A Slow Cooker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Last winter my Slow Cooker Challenge lacked effort - but not for want of trying. I actually used it pretty often but quite a few of the recipes were variations on a theme and I didn't want to get too repetative. However, I've almost perfected the Moroccan inspired dishes and found that, in addition to getting the spices balanced, it also helps to include a tablespoon of almond nut butter and also some diced sweet potato (thickens the sauce) and then at the end, so it doesn't overcook the flavours, to add some lemon juice and freshly chopped coriander (I think this is called cilantro if you live in the USA).</span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I promise to get some more recipes on here soon ....</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ten reasons why I like using a slow cooker</span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its a way of preparing healthy food</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It saves time in the kitchen - means you can go off and do something else instead</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can be set up to cook while you're out so your food's ready and waiting when you get back home again</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can make several portions at a time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A good way of using up leftover veggies so avoiding waste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Home cooked food from scratch is nearly always cheaper than convenience foods</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In terms of energy, is said to be more economical to use than a conventional oven</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although uses low energy, still gives off heat and makes our postage stamp sized kitchen very cosy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Slow cooking creates better flavours</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The aromas that fill the house are better than any scented candles</span></li>
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<br />Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-40942012340145823632016-10-31T23:09:00.000+00:002016-10-31T23:09:00.833+00:00Autumn Is Well And Truly Arrived<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qllq2PsT4_tqpdhRooq70L2cT2jhfPs74zOLYq3t49OeA54FrImng5RezGSz9edZjO4kN2mglC4VdHPhNw9o1_4Wv5VYn4NHhJo0sxDTb9Er43as2OtgVn9TQ0_prcl1YeeD6TJT1wCY/s1600/autumnpark1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qllq2PsT4_tqpdhRooq70L2cT2jhfPs74zOLYq3t49OeA54FrImng5RezGSz9edZjO4kN2mglC4VdHPhNw9o1_4Wv5VYn4NHhJo0sxDTb9Er43as2OtgVn9TQ0_prcl1YeeD6TJT1wCY/s640/autumnpark1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was necessary for me to leave the house this afternoon to allow a potential buyer a chance to have a look around. So I wandered down to the park to soak up the autumn glory. Trees are beautiful all year round but its in the Autumn that I think they're at their most beautiful. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLxXcx6Suh56cHQBH4nLde39urGRBf6pzNCzDYovxkelu_BsyxWZlusXSMuAh03D3xFP4hkv5NWrR77MwFjfvCzIIh4lmSmfK6KQO900rcbc9E0YyCzrr02uYzIaCpwiy_1rU3gBRwCAh/s1600/autumnpark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLxXcx6Suh56cHQBH4nLde39urGRBf6pzNCzDYovxkelu_BsyxWZlusXSMuAh03D3xFP4hkv5NWrR77MwFjfvCzIIh4lmSmfK6KQO900rcbc9E0YyCzrr02uYzIaCpwiy_1rU3gBRwCAh/s400/autumnpark2.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I walked, I could hear the crows in the trees - with their stark sounding call heralding a change in the season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Despite it being Halloween and November tomorrow, it was unseasonably warm today and as I walked along, a beautiful Red Admiral butterfly danced around me. I tried to capture it with my camera but it didn't want to stay still for long enough and I wasn't quick enough. I read that autumn Red Admirals are the offspring of the Red Admirals which arrive in mid-summer from the continent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then I checked out the secret beehives.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kMz1XYhDhRpwJmM2ajIUfrPggNZW90CZRyn81U-hfeyf0z_JhIod91eTn26rxwR03qhJWoA1VGS-vg_cmovtF-YBrnv_Wtr7iSRmXbsqHGVMfLuVGknFQWFc62fYxnUKJyEkQUwOk2Vm/s1600/autumnpark5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kMz1XYhDhRpwJmM2ajIUfrPggNZW90CZRyn81U-hfeyf0z_JhIod91eTn26rxwR03qhJWoA1VGS-vg_cmovtF-YBrnv_Wtr7iSRmXbsqHGVMfLuVGknFQWFc62fYxnUKJyEkQUwOk2Vm/s400/autumnpark5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbUNwCkYvvz9-4uaE4s2nE4s8yblJbfGUOVrkM_L3ixlVnsSe45jQaf8ZUTXB057GQuMCQqmz2W9_H7AaWUsinVe3iri-5evN6jwSa2g4_j6hS-090uoCQHPGchgdRWQcuRgjgstpJ1mz/s1600/autumnpark6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbUNwCkYvvz9-4uaE4s2nE4s8yblJbfGUOVrkM_L3ixlVnsSe45jQaf8ZUTXB057GQuMCQqmz2W9_H7AaWUsinVe3iri-5evN6jwSa2g4_j6hS-090uoCQHPGchgdRWQcuRgjgstpJ1mz/s320/autumnpark6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were fenced off and so I had to photograph them through the fence. I've not seen as many bees around this summer and have been concerned that they are struggling, but I was very happy to see that all 4 hives had active populations flying in and out of their little front doors, using the last burst of warm, dry and calm weather to stock up their larders before tucking themselves in for the winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess we'll be doing the same soon as I've heard the temperature is going to drop quite noticably towards the end of the week. Time to dig out my fluffy socks.</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2475098577566798191.post-5630357238359308632016-10-20T15:16:00.000+01:002016-10-20T15:16:06.975+01:00All Systems Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nb7Mo3Knr2KcA6YloxzWEmyWpuMZrM-z1KeJP6eYifg3RKY2BSB5K9Ug66ColaDg02dEWNonS72bXZy_m0ObHkaONTXROH6-7Yp2Esj3-WKzz_f-RqymPXi7kerlu-WZDRhtrX7A5UPB/s1600/moving3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nb7Mo3Knr2KcA6YloxzWEmyWpuMZrM-z1KeJP6eYifg3RKY2BSB5K9Ug66ColaDg02dEWNonS72bXZy_m0ObHkaONTXROH6-7Yp2Esj3-WKzz_f-RqymPXi7kerlu-WZDRhtrX7A5UPB/s640/moving3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the beginning of September, I hinted that we may be moving. Well now things have moved on and we are definitely moving and our house is up for sale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There hasn't been much time for blogging because its been a full on job clearing, cleaning, repairing, re-decorating and general all-round tarting up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've reached a stage now where, still from perfect, we feel we are happy to be "on the market". Very unlike me, I've become a bit OCD with my house cleaning and suddenly there are flowers all over the place, both inside and out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQnyDI9uiTSbd9BA93LMYGZIIG6leSYshDws5iLego0xqWsed_TZn50PDjC0u7FTDrZv5rm2zj8o3zuRf0xi1wd3WqDnkG0w-DmyLe6s2Ylm_Lpi4oSLM6CUAR6gGe244n3OFmU5hIVM/s1600/moving5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvQnyDI9uiTSbd9BA93LMYGZIIG6leSYshDws5iLego0xqWsed_TZn50PDjC0u7FTDrZv5rm2zj8o3zuRf0xi1wd3WqDnkG0w-DmyLe6s2Ylm_Lpi4oSLM6CUAR6gGe244n3OFmU5hIVM/s400/moving5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few select items are on show and the rest are all tucked away. The best linen comes out for viewings whilst the faded, stained or threadbare items are kept hidden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is quite stressful, this constantly having to be on stand-by, but I keep the vision in my head of where we are moving to (I'm keeping you guessing for the moment!) and it makes it all worthwhile.</span></div>
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Coco Jaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02015915605380208673noreply@blogger.com0