A Harry Potter Extravaganza

Over a month ago now, I mentioned here, about a Harry Potter themed murder mystery party I was preparing for my aunty's 50th birthday party. 

My aunty's kitchen was transformed into the Hogwarts Great Hall with candles and goblets. 

Albus Dumbledore headed up the table, with the Gryffindors at one end; the Slytherins at the other.

Neville Longbottom, Professor Trelawney, Hermione Granger and Professor McGonagall puzzle over the murder mystery clues. 

Professor Umbridge decides some order and discipline are needed!

Much fun was had by all, with the exception of Molly Weasley who, not only had to cook dinner for 15 people, but was also found to be guilty of 'murdering' Harry Potter. What larks!

The lovely Jo over at the delightfully creative Tanglefrost wanted to know the recipe for Butterbeer. There were a couple that we found, although sadly didn't get to try the traditional one. It sounds absolutely delicious though, so I may be making it for a cosy night in in the near future!

The first is a kiddie-friendly non-alcoholic version but oh-so-very sweet that only a teeny tiny amount will probably make your fillings hurt!

* For every 4 glasses of cream soda (or club soda) you will need 1/4 glass

 of butterscotch syrup and 1/2 tbsp butter.

* Heat butter and butterscotch syrup over a low heat (or in the microwave) until the butter is melted and the mixture is bubbling slightly.

* Stir the warm mixture into the cream or club soda.

A more traditional recipe for Tudor 'Buttererd Beere' can be found here and sounds absolutely delicious.

Maybe I will brew a batch before watching the new film next Friday...11 days to go!

A Journey across Exmoor

Last week, B and I took a journey into the wild, with some family and friends. 

Starting from The Exmoor Centre, a camping barn to the South East of Lynton, we walked along the river, deeper into the moor.

Along the way we adults got our feet well and truly wet, tentatively tip-toeing across stepping stones, while the kids (and dog) bounded and splashed ahead.

This was our goal...

...a tumble-down cottage lying nestled into the hillside, accessible only by striding across the remote moorland. No roads lead to this memory of a dwelling; it can only be reached on foot. 

Yet this cottage is one of the few reminders that people once carved out a life for themselves on the moor. B's ancestors resided in this very shelter: a shepherd, his wife and children, totally isolated and several miles walk across moorland from the nearest small settlement.

B and his family are working hard to try and preserve this piece of fascinating social history, before it is lost forever. Their endeavours can be followed at the charity's website, Friends of Hoar Oak Cottage. 

While wandering, I could not help but wonder what daily life would have been like out there, in the 1800s. Cold, hard, ruthless - that is undoubted. We take so much for granted today.

Less than 200 years ago, children would have piled onto the lone family horse and trotted 5 miles or more to  reach school every day; men would have worked tirelessly in harsh physical conditions to keep a roof over their families' heads; women would have scoured and searched the moorland for wild food to supplement what they grew and raised.

 I worry that for so many young people today, who find their food in neat, clean packages in a supermarket - or worse still, delivered to them in a polystyrene box - all sense of how their ancestors lived and worked is being lost.

If you would like to learn more about this beautiful, unspoilt landscape and how you can enjoy it, visit The Exmoor Centre website. Feel free to wander over and take a gander at the Friends of Hoar Oak Cottage blog on Tumblr. There you will find lots more photographs and information about their fascinating project.

A New Arrival

One of the reasons I have been a bit quiet on the blog front over the past couple of weeks is this little munchkin...

Meet Sydney - the newest member of our family!

Sydney was one of a small litter that a friend's cat had three months ago. As they needed homes, my Mum decided to take one in, hoping she would be a companion for our cat Cleo, who has been on her own for about six months now.

Step by small step they are getting used to each other and while I was at home visiting, as I'm sure you can imagine, much of my time was taken up playing with both cat and kitten.

After all, who could resist that little face?

Even when it cheekily sticks out a tiny tongue!

Time

'You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by.

Yet some of them are golden only because we let them.'

J.M.Barrie

I must apologise for the lack of time spent writing my blog over recent weeks - a combination of work and wanting to spend my precious 'golden hours' with family has led to an unintended hiatus. I have, however, been stopping by each day to read your thoughtful musings. 

Today actually marks the 150th birthday of J.M Barrie, the creator of 'Peter Pan' - a story which focuses on one boy's attempts to halt the passage of time, to avoid ever having to grow up. While there are times when I too desire time to stand still - so I can relish a moment or catch my breath - there are also instances when I appreciate time's flight. 

When I can look back at a weekend all too quickly gone, I know that it has slipped by in a blink of an eye because I have made the most of every hour and become lost in those moments, enjoying the company of loved ones and friends. For that I feel truly blessed. 

Journeys

I have struggled to find words of my own throughout this toughest of weeks. My dear dad departed this world, taking another path to continue his journey. 

Myself and my family watched and waited, praying for him to find peace. Each moment of our day became another step closer to a new, alien life; every word spoken was another emotion experienced. We have all grown and changed within this short time. 

Seeing a loved one battle with an illness which robbed them of the ability to experience life as they once did makes my future path all the more clear. I shall no longer put off those things I want to do; I don't want to say they can wait another year. Life is for living and precious little time we have to do it. 

I will spend more time with my family.

I will enjoy my happy, healthy relationship.

I will make the effort to be creative and express my thoughts.

I will find the time to relax and nurture myself.

I will love with my whole heart.

Loss

Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, 

answer that the flower withers, 

but the seed remains  ~ Kahlil Gibran.

Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight
~ Rossiter Worthington Raymond.

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven 

where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us 

to let us know they are happy  ~ Author Unknown.