Dragons...and rain....and fire

 Heavy sharp showers today after a rainy night then pleasant morning. You can see the next eave of rain approaching!

and when I got there it was bright sunshine!

Conversations in French today, learning some phrases that don't get into an ordinary dictionary. 

I wonder if there is a French phrase dictionary? ( of the polite one anyway!!!)

It is a special book week in the library, ad half term here starts on Monday..

I must go back and hunt down the others!!

There was also a display  in the reference library about the fire service here and its history. There were three personnel when I arrived...and they agreed that they needed a "stop press" board...

Over the past five years we have lost a number of buildings that gave Ayr history and character.

Yesterday it was the turn of Hourstons department store.

Empty for a while, but apparently plans approved for its development and use while retaining its character and history.

The first photograph was by someone who happened to be in a nearby fairly tall building...they reported the fire first...Now tell me how a fire starts on the top floor ???

organising

 After breakfast today the man from the local fencing came to look st the job of putting in my fence and gates across the front. 

I should get a phone call with a quote, hopefully tomorrow.

I gave the studio  brief sort out today , mopped the floor, put the six foot long table with folding legs out there. (This usually was used at craft fairs and village carnivals)

it only just fits....but at least the stove isn't lit yet!!

Then it turned wet and cold, which is no incentive to stay there!!

I spent a lot of today watching track racing. Do I miss it...yes, in some ways.  It would take a massive amount of work to get back to it I think.  I think getting back to riding my bike regularly will be enough!

That will build energy for furthering my art career. Which is hard work building back up alone.

So, early night tonight...while the wind whistles through cracks and roars around the house!!

Cordially

 Ha!...read from the bottom up this time!!

This afternoon's entertainment!

Brambles (4 pounds) Elderberries (1 pound) (Blueberries (1 pound) A Thumb of fresh ginger, a couple of star anise

 two big cinnamon sticks and a dessertspoon of whole cloves...and half a pint of water.

All that was put in a large bowl over a pan of simmering water for about an hour until defrosted then softened...the rest you can see from the photos.

Escape!

 Well...just for the morning!

I'm not cutting pastries out completely!

A long black on its own is definitely  missing that something!!

Birthday card posting accomplished in town..back home for lunch!

The afternoon was dry enough to put the washing on the line, apples were sorted. I need the cardboard box liners with apple sized dimples...I could only find one in my box stash...which should be even further reduced! I'm planning which apples get juiced next...they aren't quite ready and may need some sweeter ones to balance flavour and acidity.  Some will be stored up in the bike/sewing room as that is the coolest frist free place.  After the upcoming bike jumble...for which sorting and boxing needs to be done.

There's always something.

I did start the new lino block while watching the Masters World Track Champs from London...watched my friend from Alloway win the 50-54 womens pursuit gold medal!

I'll call it a practice block...I'm not 100% happy with it.

If you want to see the action it is on all this week ..look at Youtube, look for Full Gas Cycling....

And the good news that next year it will be in Newport!! 4-10 October 2027 is already marked in my calendar!!

A long day

 I was up early-ish...and put the apple juice through a teatowel, then left it to drip in the jeely bag while I went to the gallery

which was a long damp day seeing not many people..mostly with dogs! You have a dog?...you walk....whatever!!

I put tbe juice through double thickness of pillowcase after I got home...and bottled then pasteurised it. Only seven bottles...and I can process four at a time....not economic sense to do four then three, but I didn't want it hanging around and starting to ferment!

After supper I started a batch of yoghurt with fresh starter. I'm not happy with how it has been turning out and if I can't sort that I might not bother for a while!

Juice!

 

5 litres of juice pressed....That took all afternoon and into the evening, with a few breaks!

Meanwhile it was windy and chilly outside with a few showers...the heavier ones looked to be bypassing here! 

The two plants with small peppers on them, and two pelargoniums came in to the kitchen windowsill. This will give me room to sort everything else that is left in the greenhouse. Then I can sow some radish and the like..if I can get Roundtoit!!

Earlier night tonight...I need to be up earlier to put the juice through the "jeely bag" and possibly bottle it. That can sit in the fridge until I get back from the gallery , then be pasteurised.

funny old day

 I ended up sleeping late after a long day...and missed a third of one of my favourite radio programmes..."out of doors"

I wish that I could sleep with the curtains open ..but some of the "security" flood lights from various houses at the back light up my bedroom...I hate missing daylight especially with the shorter days

Forecast checked...washing done promptly and on the line!!

Housework done..meh!!

I decided to see what the Coastal Artisans craft fair was like in Ayr...off on the bumpy bus . The roads are doing no favours to the buses sadly.

The fair was ...ok....but I didn't feel impressed. I'm not sure why.  They looked to be making some sales which is good anyway.

Then a bit of a wander

and a cookie and hot chocolate in the Beastie Brews café before catching the bus..