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Monday 21 November 2011

A Weekend of Flowers, Texts & Cheese



As I think you may have gathered by now, I began my weekend last Friday with a trip to Manchester's Christmas markets and it certainly didn't disappoint. We ignored anything to do with the festive season and concentrated purely on food. All our favourites were back, so we were able to buy a black ham, Mozart chocolates, brandy snaps, nougat and a bounty of french cheeses. However, as an extra surprise, new to us this year, is a stall selling mini Gaperon's. And what is Gaperon? It's french, it's cheese, it's dome shaped, it's made with garlic and it's wickedly moreish. I was put onto it by Inky Fingers herself, fellow francophile, Cath. Even in France it isn't easy to come by. So I was quite the happy chap to have found it.



Saturday, I had planned to spend the day crafting at our local crop & I even had my plastic crate packed to the brim and ready to go. However, on waking up to a sunny day, I was itching instead to make the most of the outdoors (apologies ladies if you're reading :) ). At this time of year, you have to make the most of it, as we may never see the sun again until Spring next year. So we took ourselves out into the countryside for an autumn stroll.

The plus side was that I had a date with another group of crafty friends, in Padgate, on Sunday and I didn't even have to think about packing as I still had my full crate sitting there on the table top. I spent the morning on a project which isn't finished yet but if I can find time this week, I'll finish and blog on here. What I do have to show though are these homemade flowers. The ones on the left are a fringe technique using cotton fabric. The ones on the right are from paper, die cut, flower shapes with a dab of puffy paint on the edges (I found a tutorial here).

I left early so that Nick & I could get one more dose of exercise in for the weekend but it wasn't early enough to make the most of the daylight. For the first time in a long while, we strolled through woodlands and by the side of the river, in the dark. We could just about make out the paths to walk on. It's certainly very atmospheric, as everything is still and quiet. It was two very weird and interesting hours.




Finally, I wanted to share a text I received at the weekend from my younger brother, who as I type, is in Vietnam, helping out the with the Red Cross. As you can see, for those who don't know already, I own a brick for a phone. It's hardly ever switched on and I'm terrible at being contacted through it. But with my sibling off in foreign lands, it is useful to switch on every now and again, to check for messages. As you can see, he has the same adventurous spirit towards food that I have. Only difference, is that he's stayed slim over the years.

Well that's my weekend. Not a lot of time spent creating. More talking, walking and eating. Hope you all had an interesting few days too. I'm guessing for those of you over the pond, there's been a heap of preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving Day.

Enjoy your week. Paul xx

10 comments:

alexa said...

Wow, lots of interest in this post! Glad the food market was so delightful - always nice to have something delicious to nibble, especially it's not porcupine-shaped. Glad you enjoyed the fresh air - though you might get your knuckles rapped by the Croppers!

Paul B said...

Haha I think you're right Alexa. i'm wearing padded gloves in preparation.

Cath Wilson said...

Ooh, I'm drooling - NOT a pretty sight, lol! Good for you - some things you just have to do! Not sure about the porcupine - there are SOME limits and the French put me off some things, like cuisses de grenouille and escargots and even prawns! Very productive time with the flowers - they look really interesting x

cockney blonde said...

We also did a Christmas market this weekend, at Chatsworth and it was a gloriously sunny day and we too indulged in the food stalls, oh and the drink ones too, lol, x

olive said...

it was great to see you on Sunday even though didnt get much chance to chat!!! loved your flowers Paul, they are even more amazing in real life...... xxx

Jeanne J. said...

Paul, Sounds like you had a FABULOUS weekend!!! I totally agree with you - grab all the sunshine you can - when you can! You can sit indoors later! Your walk sounds wonderful - especially heading back in the dark - you must have lost track of time! I am still jealous of your food finds - I need to be more proactive in searching out some delightful treats!

Dotpat said...

Sounds like you had a fab weekend Paul, reading about your cheese makes me feel hungry. Love the flowers would love to know how to do the the fabric one's pretty please

Emma said...

I'm surprised your ears weren't burning on Saturday when you went AWOL!!! Glad you had a good day though, & I do lke the sound of that fromage!

Paul B said...

Well dear Oscar did say that the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about lol.

Ann B said...

"We ignored anything to do with the festive season and concentrated purely on food."
I like your style Paul - sounds the best idea to me. That cheese looks yummy so will have to keep an eye out for it when we visit the market next week. Love your flowers.