New Arrivals, A Different View, and Bad Kitchen Management

Barney has arrived! (I was lucky enough to win Barney in OWOH last month) He was exhausted after his long trip from Oregon, but is settling in nicely with some of the other friendly residents. Isn't he handsome? Paula of On A Rainy Night is the clever person who made him. Thanks Paula! I don't think Barney is the type of gnome to sit around all day doing nothing though, so we may be hearing more from him in the future. But for now he just wants a rest! New and tiny little buds on one of the trees in Forest School. I am sorry to say I am not sure which tree this is though!

At one point in the afternoon yesterday, we laid down on the ground and looked at the blue sky and the branches of the tree. I was taking photos by holding the camera in the air. I got a couple of good ones of the kids laying down and this one up the hill into the sun.
It was such a peaceful moment, and unlike the other day's walk, was much quieter. Some noisy crows made a few appearances, and one of the girls, Maimuna, was doing a brilliant crow impression. The children also made see-saws, by putting long branches over the large climbing log. What fun!

The caramel I made the other day is now mainly in the freezer, awaiting inspiration-I thought maybe a sticky toffee pudding or something-though thanks Linda Sue for your idea. I did dip some nuts into it, though drew the line at making balls! I cheated and bought some shortbread biscuits, spread some (very spreadable consistency) caramel over it, then dribbled chocolate in patterns on top. Millionaire's Shortbread! Pretty tasty, if a little sickly. That was three days ago. The chocolate was still there when I got home tonight, and I was struck by how slovenly I am. I did wash up all the other stuff last night and the kitchen is fairly tidy, but somehow this defeated me! I do like the little spoon against the tiles though.

Is it wrong to buy oranges for their wrappers? I have saved them in my collage box. We had lovely ruby orange juice from two of these but the third one had gone off. Again, very bad management. To make up for it, I have just had some chocolate that needed eating up-no wastage there!

Sorting

I spent a surprisingly pleasant hour or two putting back our food into the new kitchen cupboards. My Dad has spent the last week or so installing the kitchen and has done a lovely job. As I was putting the food away I was amazed at how many diferent types of rice Andy has stock piled-risotto, paella, sushi, long grain, pudding and a few more I can't remember. Andy obviously treats food supplies like I do art supplies-covering any eventuality.

Then I came to the tinned fish. The tins are so pretty. The ones you can buy in France are even prettier.

I liked this noodle packet. It looks very cartoony. We have about eight of these.

Then I came across some of the things I wish he would throw away-I honestly think we are never going to eat this little jar of cockles. Or this-it is a tin of razor shells that Andy bought in Madrid seven years ago. Seven years! I can't imagine what the contents are like. He is watching me type-Andy-throw them away!

I have put the spices in alphabetical order. I even wrote their names on top with permanent marker. Now they need never be messy again. Next I must deal with the huge pile of other kitchen stuff in the back room. We have managed without it for ages so what is it for? I am going to be ruthless and give lots to the charity shop.

If you ever come round I promise I won't offer you Navajas or cockles. Maybe rice though...