"With Pomp, Power & Glory the world beckons vainly, In chase of such vanities why should I roam?While Peace & Content bless my little thatched cottage,And warm my own hearth with the Treasures of Home."*Beatrix Potter

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Spring Lambs & the Cottage at Easter Time.


Spring has come to the cottage garden in it's loveliness.
Winter has departed & now the garden is softened with young green buds & leaves just about to open. It will not be long until the wild cherry trees in the grave yard behind the cottage garden are full of their beautiful dark pink blossom.
In the nuttery near the farm it is Primrose time & in the garden too. This delicate pale yellow flower smells so fresh & brings back fond memories of Springtime as a child.
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The Spring lambs are being born at the farm in the village, it is such an amazing sight to see these little bundles an hour after their birth.
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Mary doing her vintage puzzle from the 1940's, this was one of her gifts from us for her birthday.
Both of the girls do love vintage toys & games.
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A touch of Easter on the kitchen dresser.
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Easter touches on the Parlour mantle.
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I finished the little patchwork knitting bags for the twins for Easter.
I remember having this book as a child, the girls are so excited to get started.
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Making Easter fairy cakes for Easter Sunday & some for the villagers.
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The girls made five pretty plates to take to our friends from church who live in the village.
It brings such joy to my heart to see how full of life & happiness these little girls are & how much they want to give to other's.
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The village farmer rung us up so we could come & see the first Spring lambs & watch how the new mother's tend to these little lambs in the first few hours of life.
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There were lots of smiles.
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The sheep in the back ground are waiting for their lambs to be born.
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The twins making Easter cards.
Our dear friend Maggie from Ireland sent these craft kits for the girls to make.
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Easter Morning.
The air was damp for the egg hunt but it did not dampen the girls enjoyment.
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Soon this apple tree will be full of blossom.
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The Easter Lunch Table.
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Dene & Ellie made this pretty Easter cake.
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We had such a special Easter Sunday shared with Dene & Ellie & Harry & Kate.
After lunch we went again to the farm to see even more new born lambs.
These are Lincolnshire Longwool sheep, their babies are so beautiful.
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The sun came out & Daisy took this photo of us having a lovely walk around the farm's little lake.
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Empire Cake for Sunday Tea on a new cake stand I found at an antique shop.
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8 oz self raising flour.
4 oz margarine.
4 oz sugar.
4 oz sultana's & 2 oz's glace cherries.
1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice.
1 egg 
1/8 pint of milk.
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Rub the margarine into the flour.
add all the other ingredients 7 mix with milk & beaten egg.
Grease a 6 inch tin & line.
Bake at 350 o for 1 1/2 hours.
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I finished reading a set of Amish novels by Beth Wiseman & enjoyed them so much.
Now I am reading another Nella Last diary. As soon as I started I was back in Nella's life, she has such a beautiful way of talking about nature & her beautiful day trips to her beloved Lake District.
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Two beautiful books that I found for the twins.
They are about how we used to live one hundred years ago in a town house & in a country cottage, of course the cottage book was our favourite.
The illustrations are beautiful, there is so much to talk about in these books.
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Apple Crisp.
I had some apples to use up so I did a family favourite.
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Thank you dear readers for your lovely comments, each one is read & loved.
Enjoy the beautiful Springtime.
Fondly Michelle 
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59 comments:

  1. I make a cake very similar to your Empire cake but call it Hazell's Fruit Cake in honour of my late dear friend who gave me the recipe. I often add a tablespoon of jam or marmalade as er her recipe and it makes it extra moist. About your girls loving to give; what came to my mind is that children are naturally kind and generous but it is their parents that either nurture these lovely qualities or kill these virtues dead by their own example and attitude.

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    1. Hello Attila,
      Hazel's fruit cake sounds nice & a lovely way to honor your late dear friend.
      Yes children are naturally kind.
      Fondly Michelle

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  2. The lambs are adorable! How special to have been invited to the farm to see the mums with their new lambs. Love your easter decorations and the lunch table looks very inviting. Our easter hunt was in the wet too, although hot and humid in our part of the world :)

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    1. They are dear friends at the farm & want villagers to be involved in what they do, it is wonderful there.
      Thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  3. I used to love lambing time - but not the getting up in the night to check them!
    Your Easter table looks yummy.
    Ah, Victory wooden puzzles - I remember them well, I loved jigsaws when I was little, they were always played with so much that the boxes fell to pieces and we would end up with just the lid and the pieces in a plastic bag. I'm glad there are still some around in good condition for todays children

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    1. I love Victory puzzles too, this one is of a wonderful orchard & garden.
      Thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  4. Oh such lovely Spring photos.. Yes, it has surely come to England but we have to wait for a bit more.. smile.. Your pictures are all so inspiring.. Loved the lambs.. xo

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    1. I hope you do not have to wait to long for Spring.
      So glad you liked the photo's.
      Fondly Michelle

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  5. So much to comment on, Michelle! I'm always finding interesting looking books to check out here--like the country mouse one. Your Easter table looks fabulous and I must tell you I have a copper pot just like yours! The only marking on the bottom is a little squiggle. It has the same "acorn" on top, the same handle, the same shape. I found it in an antique shop here in town. Your little girls are adorable in every way. You must feel tempted to keep them "wrapped" so they don't grow anymore! But, they'll be just as special at all their ages. Having girls really makes a difference. When boys grow up and get married you don't "feel like a mother" anymore. Seeing the new newborn lambs was indeed special. I'd love to see more of Bobby and George, by the way. Are they getting along together well? Do you let George outside? It's not safe to let our cat out here. The cat I had before was attacked in our yard by a neighbor's cat.

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    1. The County home books are lovely Cathy, we love animals in vintage clothing in books.
      Oh I do feel temped to keep them just as now, I said that to them the other day but then they would not have their own children & enjoy all the wonderful things that this world brings.
      George is an indoor cat at the moment, we took him out twice on a lead but he just shook & did not like it at all. I am worried about him being outside & he is happy indoors. George & Bobby get on so well but then Bobby is so gentle.
      Fondly Michelle

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  6. Such a beautiful post, full of spring wonderment. The jigsaw puzzle brought back some lovely memories and the Easter tale was a real delight.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, we love vintage puzzles here.
      Fondly Michelle

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  7. Dear Michelle,
    Thank you for sharing your Spring-I am still looking at snow banks and a whole lot of brown, but it will come soon. I love the sheep, what an interesting breed, Are they for meat or their wool, do you know? I hope wool! Such a lovely table you all set:-)
    Blessings,
    Suzanne

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    1. I hope Spring is not to long in coming for you.
      I am unsure what the sheep are for, I will ask if we get the chance. They do have so much wool & so curly.
      Enjoy this beautiful day.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Andy asked this morning, they were breed for wol but the price of wool is so low now that they are just bred to keep the bread alive. This morning one of the Lincolnshire long wool sheep had one white baby & one black one which is very rare.
      Fondly Michelle

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    3. Sorry I mean't breed alive.

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  8. I still have one of my childhood wooden puzzles. I used to love spending ours with puzzles.

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    1. We are always on the hunt for new old puzzles, the modern one's do not have pretty pictures on them really.
      Fondly Michelle

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  9. Your Easter Lunch table looks so lovely and I'm sure was enjoyed by all.
    I like to watch the lambs a few weeks after they are born. They seem to group together and have a good fun in the evenings. Such fun to watch. :-)
    Enjoy your Spring days,
    Anne ♥

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    1. Thank you Anne for your lovely comment. Watching the lambs is wonderful, new life is always beautiful.
      Fondly Michelle

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  10. dear michelle,
    lovely spring photos.......love your easter table,
    i have both mouse book,too.it is wonderful.
    have a wonderful week,
    regina

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    1. Thank you Regina for your nice comment, Spring is a wonderful time.
      Fondly Michelle

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  11. How lovely to see so many signs of spring and new life about you! The little lambs are so very sweet, I am sure your daughters enjoyed the chance to see them. The quilted knitting bags you made are adorable! It is always such a pleasure to enjoy a "visit" at your lovely home. : )

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    1. We are very lucky Sarah to have the lambs over the road.
      Thank you for your lovely comment, I did enjoy making the bags, I girls love handmade things.
      Enjoy this beautiful day.
      Fondly Michelle

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  12. Another charming entry. I love the patchwork knitting bags and cannot wait to see what the girls knit. I've heard of, but never baked, an Empire cake. Yours looks so delicious, as do those cupcakes! What a lovely idea to make the gift baskets of Easter goodies for neighbours. Your tables of food looks simply amazing. So many lovely things to comment on! The wooden jigsaw, the lambs, the books ~~~ all perfect.

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    1. Good Morning Deborah,
      Thank you for your lovely comment, the knitting bags were fun to make & the girls love them.
      The neighbours loved the fairy cakes.
      Fondly Michelle

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  13. The Nella Last books look so interesting. I'll have to add them to my must read list.

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    1. The Nella Last Diary's are wonderful especially the first book.
      Fondly Michelle

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  14. Gosh, you know how to lay on an Easter Feast - that looked wonderful : ) I still have a couple of puzzles (vintage now like me!) from my childhood. A few pieces missing, sadly, but I still love them and can't part with them.

    What lovely thoughtful gifts for your girls, and i am sure they will love knitting and making things as much as you do.

    There are lambs along our valley, but the farm we live next door to is a Dairy Farm, so we see young calves - sometimes within moments of being born.

    Spring has now arrived properly here, after the recent warmer weather, and everywhere is SO beautiful.

    I will copy down the recipe for the Empire Cake later.

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    1. We saw little calves this morning on a drive to our nearest town, they are so beautiful.
      Thank you for your lovely comment, it is going to be lovely to see what the girls make, they have never knitted before & will need a lot of help.
      Enjoy this beautiful day, we are out in the garden after lunch.
      Fondly Michelle

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  15. Hello Michelle, I loved seeing your beautiful pictures of your Easter holiday. You have such a talented way of writing and sharing. It's such a calming feeling to read your blog and be transported to a wonderful place.

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely words, I do enjoy doing the blog.
      Enjoy this glorious day.
      Fondly Michelle

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  16. Hello sweet Michelle! Thank you for another delightful post full of charm and extra sweetness :) I simply love the way you write and share your little corner with us.

    I believe you asked how old my son is and he is 7-years-old :) Have a lovely weekend, my dear! Hugs!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie for your kind words, I am really enjoying doing the blog.
      Your son is just a little bit older than the twins, I love how little one's find such delight in things.
      Enjoy this lovely day. It is coming to an end here in England & the sun has shone all day for working in the garden.
      Fondly Michelle

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  17. What a beautiful post! Your English country life is just perfection! The permalink is a copy and paste of www.thecharmofhome.blogspot.com, or what ever party's address you are joining. That way your readers can also find their way to the party and they know where you are joining.
    you put that link in your posts and I will feature you at Home Sweet Home! I just love the idyllic English country setting you share on your blog!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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    1. Thank you so much Sherry for your beautiful comment.
      Thank you for the information too.
      Enjoy this beautiful day, we have been gardening all day in the sunshine.
      Fondly Michelle

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  18. Beautiful post. Your life looks very charming. I'm sure you can savour the simpler things in life with what you've described. I love your vintage house too and the Easter table is absolutely wonderful.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, we do enjoy the simple things in life.
      Fondly Michelle

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  19. Hi Michelle
    Your Easter lunch table looks positively brimming with goodies!
    I love the vintage puzzle, and I love how your girls love to do things and make things for others.
    I am reading Jambusters at the moment ( in anticipation of the new ITV drama Home Fires starting soon which looks wonderful! ) and Nella Last is mentioned in this book making me want to read her diaries, I loved Housewife 49 which are based on her diaries.

    Have you seen the vintage children's books illustrated by Eloise Wilkin? I bought a few for Julia, and they're just wonderful! The illustrations in them are among some of the best I've seen. The vintage books you bought for your girls look lovely.

    I have you have a lovely weekend x

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    1. Thank you Melanie for your lovely comment.
      I have read Jambusters & I loved the more personal diary parts about day to day life in the country. I read that book before the Nella Last diaries which I love, although I do love the first book the best, it had different authors.
      I will look up Eloise Wilkin, are they old books, we love Rene Cloke here.
      Just made cheese puffs & am just about to go & plant some beetroot seeds with the girls, the sun is beautiful again.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Hi Michelle
      Yes, I like the personal diary parts of the books best too.
      I am really looking forward to Home Fires starting on ITV.
      Some of the Eloise Wilkin books are quite old, 40s and 50s, I have photos of some of her books on my blog, a few posts back.
      I'll have to look up Rene Cloke.
      Oh yum, cheese puffs! Love them!
      Hope you all enjoyed gardening xx

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    3. I can't wait either Melanie, I didn't know about it so thank you. I watched the trailer on the internet, we do not watch a lot of tv so I missed seeing it advertised.
      Fondly Michelle

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  20. Oh my Michelle, all of these images just lift me and warm my heart!!! What lovely times and celebrations!! It is a pleasure to come over and visit! What a wonderful table you have set,and decorations are so pretty!!
    Your twins are such little lovely BLESSINGS!!
    And the lambs!! What a grand day!!!
    Sending warmth and love, Many Blessings and JOY, Linnie

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  21. Hello Linnie,
    We have had internet trouble here, sorry for my late reply.
    So glad you enjoyed your visit.
    Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.
    Fondly Michelle

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  22. Hi Michelle, I am slow commenting although I read your post as soon as you posted it. It has been busy here with the little ones visiting so I am pretty tired by nighttime.
    I loved reading about Spring in your part of the world and the lambs are one of my favourites. Along with chickens I would love at least 2 sheep.
    The knitting bags you made are sweet. How are the girls making out with their knitting? They are so sweet and so generous.
    Your Easter table looks lovely and so yummy.
    We are finally getting some nice weather and the snow is slowly melting. It will be awhile though before my tulips and daffodils show their pretty heads
    Happy Spring and Happy planting.
    Mary

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    1. Happy Spring to you too Mary, I am so pleased you are finally getting some nice weather.
      Are the little one's Grandchildren.
      The girls love making things & are always doing something.
      Enjoy the rest of your day.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Yes Michelle they are my grandchildren. Easter weekend had my 3 year old granddaughter and my 1 year old grandson visiting (we will be adding anther girl to this family in July) then another 4 year old grand daughter and 3 more grandsons were here as well. The next week 4 of the above were here as well. I love having them all around but I do get tuckered out. We do lots of crafts and baking like your girls.

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  23. I enjoy reading your blog; thank you for posting. Your pictures are always so lovely and inspiring, especially the foods you prepare! Someday, I hope to attempt knitting in the round, so that I can make some tea cozies that are half as lovely as yours; though I must first acquire a tea pot!

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    1. Hello Mallorie,
      The tea cosy is done in two hales, both a square with tapering off at the top. They are nice & easy, I am in the middle of doing one now for Spring.
      Thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  24. Always a joy and pleasure to have you join Roses of Inspiration. Thank you so much, my friend. Enjoy the upcoming weekend. Hugs to you!

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  25. I feel like I am with you in your quaint home when I read your posts. Thank you for the bit of peace you offer. Have a lovely weekend!

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  26. I have liked dear Michelle very much the photos with the lambs, meets charming. The table of pascua is delicious. It is very nice to see the girls to do his sponge-cakes to give, is an act that demonstrates his good heart for the others. He has still had Patchwork's bags precious. I am admired Michelle, do not be how it has time to do so many things, must get up early very much. An embrace. Mari Carmen

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    1. Thank you Mari,
      I never have enough time to get everything done, there is too much in my head! Yes we are up early with the twins.
      Enjoy the rest of your day & thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  27. Michelle,
    Your new kitchen cabinet is absolutely beautiful! I have always loved those. How nice to have all your baking needs right at hand. I am always inspired to hear about your baking. How much time do you spend on it? I love to bake, but there never seems to be enough time. As an American. I love the British tradition of tea!

    Your garden flowers are lovely. So many different colors. I was interested to see your Magnolia. Very pretty! It is different from the Magnolia we have here in the south United States. do you know the scientific name for it by any chance?

    The photo of Bobby in the sunshine is so cute. What breed of dog is he? I love that he and George get along. :-) Your red sweater is lovely! What a blessing that you can knit so well. It's a good skill to have.

    Thanks for sharing! Enjoyed it as always! God bless!

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    1. Hello Jennifer,
      Thank you for your lovely comment, I love hearing from my readers.
      Oh I spend so much time baking, I live in my apron and with having a fairly large family I have to keep those cake tin full! I enjoy it so much & love vintage recipes & everyone loves to try them. I love afternoon tea too, the girls love to use their cake forks.
      I am sorry I do not know the name for the Magnolia, it is a very common one in England.
      George & Bobby get along so well, Bobby is so laid back & lets George rule the roost. Bobby is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, the Queen has some.
      I am a basic knitter & each time trying a harder pattern, I learned a few years back.
      Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day, the evening is drawing in here in England.
      Fondly Michelle

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