....like the marmalade oranges which you've just spent hours upon hours (ok, a couple at least!)chopping and slicing until a blister appears on your finger!....
...and then you burn your hands because you've left the sugar warming in the oven too long....
......and then you remember that you forgot to remove the pips from the lemon and lime you've added to the pan to help the marmalade set.......
........but you have remembered to sterilise and warm your jars until they're glistening........
....and while you're waiting for the rolling boil, you can pop out and see how the animals(one horse, one shetland pony and a chicken!) are getting along in the snow-covered field.....
.....and then the moment of truth.....the mercury hits that all-important mark (whilst holding your breath at this bit because it could all go horribly wrong if that level isn't reached when it should!)......which then produces....
...the best looking (and tasting, if I may be so modest) golden hue this side of Seville!
....and on the way home....
....the sun decides to make an appearance at the end of the day creating some lovely pink hues, lifting the grey and dull gloom of the previous few days....
...and creating a beautiful sunset over the bay.
Some other hues have been created by my friend Betty among the colours of the most delightful lavender sachet, which she sent me as part of my Xmas parcel from her...
and I love it very much. Betty paints very expertly on to silk and the best news is, you too can be the proud owner of one of her creations because she sells them right here in her Folksy Shop, as well as beautiful silk scarves and paintings so it's well worth popping over to have a look. She's one busy lady because she's also organising a Spring Bouquet Swap, details of which can be found on her blog (link above). I'm joining in, are you?
Hope you're all taking care in the snow.
Huge Hugs and Thanks to all the lovely people who have been leaving their sweet comments recently. Makes my days.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps Everything pertaining to the marmalade was done at work, where the animals live too!
This is one of your bestest posts - lovely pictures - the view on the way home and horses - I love horses. I have never made marmalade but like it so maybe will give it a go. Do you use any sort of oranges? I will get the Spring swap underway at the weekend as interest is growing. Thanks for mentioning the Folksy - I only have two things in there at present so hope there isn't a rush ha ha! Betty x
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty. Seville Marmalade Oranges for making marmalade!
DeleteHome made marmalade definitely the best [if not available, then Keiller's Dundee] I love the way it sparkles like amber in the jars x
ReplyDeleteYou have been busy, Nana. I can smell the aroma of those oranges through the screen of my computer. Gorgeous, as too are Betty's creations.
ReplyDeleteIt looks scrumptious! Delicious! Colorful! Stay warm my friend,
ReplyDeleteMeredith
Wow Nana...how talented you are....lovely pictures and I am glad you explained about 'work' I thought I had missed the info about you having animals!
ReplyDeleteHi Nana!
ReplyDeleteOh, your marmalade looks PERFECT! I didn't realize there are so many steps involved.
Betty IS talented! I love her style, too.
Happy Thursday!
Oh homemade jam.....yummy, love the smell of it cooking. I worked in a small jam factory for several years and the smell of it cooking away on a cold Winter's day was just too nice.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sunset pics and Betty's work looks amazing, I'll head over to her Folksy shop and check it out.
Anne thanks for visiting my blog and commenting lovely to hear from you I was going to reply via email but you are a 'no-reply' commenter!! Anyhoo, my little Robin hanging isn't finished yet, so it's not priced and yes, the tartan fabric is from you....well spotted...it was perfect for the picture.
Claire x
oooh I love marmalade!
ReplyDelete