The Idle Duck

Spinach Bagizza!

2012-01-08T19:34:00.000Z

I just Googled the word bagizza and came up with nothing, so I'm claiming it!

With the local shop just a two minute walk away, it's tempting to nip down there of an evening to rummage through the marked down bakery items. A selection of bread rolls, thrown together in a bag for 20p isn't unusual, and we often have baguette for breakfast the following day.

Halved baguette also makes a great base for pizza though (or bagizza!), and these little goodies looked so posh, I had to take a photo before I let hubby eat!

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take a piece of baguette, halve it, and lightly toast the undersides.

Spread some passata or tomato paste over the (upside) surfaces.

Add garlic (crushed or sauce), spinach, cheese and herbs.

Flash under the grill.

And there you have it, easy...

...and I can't stop saying, 'Bagizza!'

A Mother and Daughter Project

2011-09-01T21:42:00.001+01:00

My daughter told me our blue room needed some warm colours in it; so, I presented her with a paint brush and told her to get to it!

A piece of MDF...

...some squiggly lines...

...and a few carefully filled in areas of 'warm' paint later...

...and dunnah!

An original work of art!

Definitely a fiery warmth about it, don't you think Archie?

'Yup, really feeling that heat!'

Well done daughter, that was fun!

1800 Watt Coffee Table

2011-08-04T23:26:00.000+01:00

Need a new coffee table? Buy a vacuum cleaner! Worked for me. My son got first dibs on the box, but once he'd climbed out of it and left it beside the sofa, I found it a handy place to put my coffee. The idea was born.

Rob was happy to help with the measuring, marking out and cutting - I think he still hasn't forgotten an occasion years ago when I miscalculated the size of our room and we bought a carpet 2 foot short. Ah well...

For some reason, the following picture amuses me!?

Some of the packing fitted back in neatly for the base - this helped to keep the box rigid.

Over to me. It took well over 20 minutes, a mug of coffee and a chocolate roll, to think of a way to stick the material to the box.

I suggested sellotape, but got a raised eyebrow from Rob. So, next best thing - staples.

And, of course, nothing can be made without a few dobs of glue.

Anyone for a chocolate roll?

Mission Butterfly

2011-07-21T22:04:00.005+01:00

Objective: find some butterflies. You ready Archie?

'You betcha!'

Great, can you see any in there?

'I found one!'

No, no, no, that's a Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar. You don't want to get too close to that, it will become the most poisonous moth in Britain.

'Oh, um, ok.'

Keep looking though, there's bound to be some here.

'I see one, I see one!'

Sorry, Archie, that's a Longhorn Beetle. Good try. Keep very still and quiet, one might land near us.

'There!'

Beautiful Archie - a Gatekeeper.

Another one!

A Speckled Wood, now you've got your eye in.

What is it, Archie, what have you seen?

A Red Admiral? Where?

A Day Out

2011-06-30T00:22:00.007+01:00

A bike ride, followed by lunch at the Roman Villa had been on our minds for a while; today was the day. The ride took us past these wonderful carvings, by Paul Sivell, a self-taught wood sculptor, who lives on the Isle of Wight.

After reading about this wetland area on Gift to Nature 's website, I wish I'd ventured deeper and am keen to explore more soon!

We amused ourselves for a good 5 minutes with this Bindweed mic and speaker system, then moved on to the corner of Sheep Lane, where butterflies love to play.

I managed to get a shot of a Meadow Brown as it paused for a rest and refuel.

A Marbled White paid a brief visit, but didn't stop for a photo. Luckily, Rob shot some lovely pictures of these, the other evening, in the meadow.

Next stop (and I had been eagerly anticipating this - as the food is good and the atmosphere relaxing) was the Roman Villa. It was 2pm and my tummy was definitely in charge, as my legs peddled faster and faster towards the Villa. Alas, a private party got there first and it looked like we would be heading home for toast.

However, refusing to be out-lunched, we stopped by a garage, picked up some sandwiches, and a couple of Belgian Buns, and cycled round the corner to this idyllic picnic spot.

We hopped off our bikes, and tucked in.

Old Swanny here was hoping for a bite of Belgian Bun, but I told him, 'No chance, this is a Private Party!'

Summer Solstice

2011-06-23T23:28:00.000+01:00

21st June 2011. The longest day of the year. The sun was in hiding, so we went off to find some lights of our own to celebrate. Bring on Sandown Pier.

Hope these two won enough for a nice cuppa tea.

Happy Dishes

2011-06-17T16:46:00.000+01:00

Nothing like a draining-board of colourful picnic dishes to make you forget the rain!

Not Impressed

2011-06-13T08:00:00.003+01:00

'Okay, so here's the thing; dogs have to go outside to, you know, even when it's wet and windy. And, no matter how much I plead with the boss, there's no getting out of it.'

'The rain looks very wet today, wetter than normal.'

'Just building up the courage.'

'And...I'm out!'

'OMG, this is too wild for me!'

'I'm outta here.'

'Make way, coming through.'

'I'll try again later.'

'Much later.'

Meet Crusoe

2011-06-10T22:20:00.000+01:00

Introducing Bunny

2011-06-09T23:12:00.000+01:00

Experimenting with Artweaver.

Shadows

2011-06-08T15:56:00.000+01:00

Amazingly a bird flew by at that moment. Watch out for Shadows Part Two, where we'll try and make some shapes using our whole bodies. Just need some more sunshine!

The Studio

2011-06-03T12:06:00.000+01:00

I've started another blog - got bloggin' fever at the moment!

On The Little Studio On The Corner I will hang photos that I have tweaked in some way. Please visit if you have time.

Thanks.

Those Piggy Back Days

2011-05-30T00:17:00.000+01:00

Walkies!

2011-05-25T16:45:00.002+01:00

A shake of the lead and we're off to one of our favourite places - 'The Fields'.

'Archie, Archie, where's Daddy?'

These fascinate and amuse me; the contrast of architecture and that, to me, they look like giant garden forks pinning down a couple of rascal bushes that were running around the field.

The fields are scattered with this beautiful Southern Marsh Orchid, whose own architecture is astonishing.

The Headless Man

2011-05-22T16:48:00.001+01:00

Thought I'd have a go at drawing with crayon. I was so happy with the result up to this point that I was too scared to do a head - in case I messed it up!

Maybe next time I'll be less cowardly!

Dinghies

2011-05-20T11:07:00.003+01:00

I really wanted to have a go at capturing the colours and textures of these dinghies with crayon, but, with a dog on the end of a lead in one hand, and only a camera in my bag, it was a case of a quick snap and straight to the beach for a roll in some seaweed. Archie - not me.

Experimenting

2011-05-18T14:27:00.005+01:00

I downloaded a couple of photo editing programs yesterday, to find the best way of watermarking my photos. I've had lots of fun playing with them today, not stopping with watermarks, of course.

The above was done with Photoscape

Waiting Room

2011-05-16T14:21:00.000+01:00

This couple caught my eye today and I couldn't resist drawing them.

(medium - biro on notebook; twas all I had with me)

Box Lid Art

2011-05-07T21:52:00.001+01:00

I’m not a great fan of conventional wall decorations; I get tired of pictures, and picture frames, quickly. If you were to look around our house, you would see a lot of bare walls. ‘One day,’ I tell myself, ‘One day, I’ll do something interesting with that wall.’

I was recently given a cute little box of delights for my birthday, and thought how the lid looked like a stretched canvas. I balanced it over a nail on our bedroom wall, and so began a new hobby: Box-Lidding? Lid-Hanging?

Another lid and another wall later:

I need more, and bigger…

Denim Box

2011-04-05T23:49:00.001+01:00

After a fruitless search around the house for an attractive box to put drawing paper in, I realized I’d have to make my own. So I gathered,

chopped,

glued,

and smoothed into place.

And for the base?

A posh piece of card.

Dunnah!

The Characters You Meet

2011-02-12T16:29:00.001Z

Found these ghostly fellas on the beach the other day. They just love chasing each other round my moon lamp.

Today I added this little one to my collection; ain’t that a face to break your heart!

This one makes me think of the Iron Giant (Ted Hughes) or, from certain angles, Winston Churchill.

Flooded

2011-02-05T12:36:00.001Z

First bike ride of the year. Got to this point and wished we’d thought to pack a dinghy!

Had to make a slight detour. Hubby went ahead to test the waters. “Try peddling back and forth on the peddles rather than all the way round, save getting your feet wet.”

Easier said than done, was concentrating so hard on keeping my feet out of the water I nearly rode off the edge. If only Hubby had been holding the camera!

A Day In The Kitchen

2010-10-19T11:14:00.001+01:00

Some days I just have a need to knead. So, fresh bread for breakfast…

…Cheese and Thyme Biscuits for lunch (very naughty)…

…and, well, seeing as the calories have gone sky high today anyway, how about some Oaty Biscuits for a mid-afternoon snack.

All these scents are too much for a certain doggy…

“Oh pleeeeeease!”

All In A Row

2010-10-06T00:47:00.001+01:00

I love the lines in a kitchen

but this has to be my favourite!

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Teddy Gets a Jumper

2010-10-02T00:40:00.000+01:00

Teddy had been feeling the cold a bit recently so I knitted him a little jumper!

Trouble is, now he’s got a bit posh and not only has he taken the best seat by the fire but he keeps asking for his pipe and slippers! Cheek!

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LOL!

2010-09-27T16:35:00.002+01:00

So it's not going to make a lot of coleslaw but...

...what a character!

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Swan Lake

2010-09-21T17:38:00.005+01:00

As Autumn approaches, a warm, sunny day becomes a rare treat. Actually, it has been a rare treat all Summer!

We decided to make the most of this one by hiring a couple of swans (that sounds odd!) and peddling around the local lake.

Well, some of us were peddling, others (now, who do these boots belong to?) were taking it easy.

This swan has lost it's passengers!

"Don't worry mate, I'll help you look!"

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A Glimpse of Summer

2010-06-01T19:50:00.002+01:00

It was the last day before the kids half term holiday so we packed a picnic, grabbed the rug and set off on our bikes for one of our favourite spots.

It'd been a while since I last went out on my bike and the hills seemed very, well, hilly.

Of course it was worth all the huffing and puffing and eventually we were able to refill our grumbling tummies and rest for a while in the long grass.

Bliss.

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Going, Going..

2010-05-26T12:49:00.004+01:00

I've never been successful at icing cakes but that wasn't going to put me off making a tray of fairy cakes yesterday. T'was just what I fancied with my coffee and I knew they would light up my daughters face when she came home from school.

Trouble is, they were a bit small and so this morning we have a dilemma.

Who is going to have the last one?

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Clickity Clack...

2010-05-24T20:21:00.002+01:00

...Omi's back!

Which is doubtless more exciting for me than anyone else but it rhymed so I had to write it! Feeling a little inspiration again, so I thought I'd dig out the old knitting needles and make a phone holder for my daughter.

The loop was fun to make, having never made one before.

...and the button looked so cute I had to take a photo of that too!

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Camping in March?

2010-03-12T19:57:00.002Z

When my son asked if we could go camping on the weekend it didn't take me long to come to a decision! Not wanting to disappoint though, I suggested we put the play tent on his bed. He is far too long to fit in the tent whole but at least his tummy and head could go camping.

"G'night Teddy"

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I Can't Stop!

2010-03-08T14:35:00.003Z

After discovering for myself the satisfaction of carving wood there was no stopping me! A quick rummage among the lopped off rose branches in the back garden and I relocated to my husbands workshop (the undecorated back room), my next project tucked under my arm.

With my husbands guidance I chose this Draw-Knife to experiment with.

A bird head appeared out of nowhere...

It seemed to be watching me, I carried on regardless.

The nagging guilt of dishes unwashed became but smiling wisps of cloud way above my head, the children's continuous demands dulled to whispers in the back of my mind, I was entranced.

There, a bit rough around the edges but I like him like that. Makes him look wild and gives him a bit of character, don't you think?

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Whittling

2010-03-07T20:10:00.006Z

About 15 years ago my husband bought me a small red Victorinox penknife which I carried around with me everyday without fail, until a year ago when I mislaid it. My pockets felt empty without it and so I pretty quickly bought a new yellow one which has been my pocket mate ever since. I have always found the scissors and tweezers useful but until yesterday had not appreciated the pure joy of whittling with the tiny knife.

I had been watching an episode of the Mastercraft series on BBC iPlayer with my husband and felt suddenly desperate to play with wood. To create. To sculpture. And so I grabbed the nearest thing to me, which fortunately was a pencil and not anything or anyone precious and took out my penknife with a surge of excitement.

I tentatively laid my blade into the pencil and I was obsessed!

After scratching off the yellow and black coating I cut out a spiral all the way down the pencil.

Definitely the beginning of a new hobby...

...I'm off to find a bigger piece of wood!

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Singing in the Rain

2010-03-03T14:36:00.003Z

"I'm singing in the rain,

Just singing in the rain..."

Actually, my daughter is, I have to hold the dog and the camera, and am slightly more concerned about what the neighbours think than she is!

Chocolate Orange Pancakes

2010-02-16T20:34:00.005Z

It's been a cold, wet Pancake Day here on the Isle of Wight and I don't mean it's been a day of cold, wet pancakes! Having woken wondering where Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday originated, I was pleased to find a link to this article on my homepage (the BBC website) when I turned on my computer this morning.

A section taken from this article goes as follows:

Shroving is an English tradition that is several centuries old. It originated as the way the poor survived through the difficult time in the New Year before Spring. Little food could be found at this time of year, even the ingredients for a basic pancake was more than most could afford. There was only one way that the food needed to survive could be gathered; by begging. Not only pancakes were asked for, any donation of food and money was welcomed. Gradually, over years, this expression of the needs of the poorest developed into a more relaxed, and enjoyable, tradition, until eventually it was mainly children who took part in what had become a yearly ritual.

Fortunately we didn't have to send our kids out scrounging from the local gentry. I made a batch of "normal" pancakes, then after a rummage in the food cupboard made another batch replacing 15g of flour with cocoa and squeezing orange juice over instead of lemon. Made an interesting change and went down rather well with a glass of Apricot Wine!

Hope you all had a lovely day!

A Makeover for Archie

2010-02-10T16:02:00.002Z

My daughter finally persuaded me to take Archie to the groomers.

Hmm Are you sure about this?

I don't DO wet!

Alright, alright, don't laugh!

This is it, the new me. What do you think?

Pose? What, like this? Can I move yet?

Shortbread

2010-01-25T13:50:00.006Z

Having eaten through several packets of shortbread over the Christmas season, you would think we would have had enough. Time to get down to those New Year Resolutions, you know the ones, "eat less biscuits", "be stick thin by the summer". But when you need something small and sweet, isn't it better to have home-made? So, with that thought taking away all the guilt I happily reached for my mixing bowl and flour and began my first attempt at shortbread, which went as follows:

Ingredients:

175g/6oz plain flour

pinch of salt

55g/2oz Caster Sugar

115g/4oz butter

Method:

Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas 2. Grease a 20cm/8" round tart tin. Mix the flour, salt and sugar together. Rub in the butter. Work it into a soft dough. Lightly press it into the tin. Mark into 8 pieces with a knife. Prick all over with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 - 50 minutes until the shortbread is firm and lightly coloured. Sprinkle with sugar and allow to cool slightly in the tin. Cut into portions and place on a wire tray to cool completely.

Easy peasy!

Time to try it out...

Hmm, tell you what, not wasting my time with shop bought ones again!

Give-away!

2010-01-20T10:26:00.003Z

I've just entered a give-away on one of my favourite blogs. If you like beautiful art and you're quick you might just get in before the draw tonight. clairedulalune is a beautiful, quirky blog full of stories, art, mystery and laughs. So, if you've got a few minutes grab yourself a coffee and head over there.

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A Quick Sketch

2010-01-16T00:55:00.005Z

Just realized it's been over two months since my last post! So here's a quick sketch from my book just to get my toes back in the water, which is exactly what my kiddies were contemplating one cold winters day a few years ago.

Water Walkers

2009-10-27T15:30:00.006Z

Oh to be a kid again! If the park had been empty nothing would have stopped me from kicking off my shoes and joining my children in an attempt at walking on water in a big plastic bubble.

I might have found the "Get inside the plastic bag Mrs and I'll zip you in" bit slightly disturbing but I would have had a laugh as my hair stood on end when the air rushed in through the blue tube.

Still, it was great fun watching my children fall on their faces...

...and at least I didn't look like a gerbil.

Secret Weapon

2009-10-16T13:45:00.005+01:00

Summer Salad

This salad has been my favourite lunch throughout the summer. Now the days are cooling off it seems a silly time to share it with you but we might have a warm day or two yet. I lost over a stone during the summer and this was my secret weapon:

Fill a plate with mixed salad leaves. Throw on some chopped mushrooms and halved grapes. Sprinkle over 15g of grated medium cheddar and 10g of toasted sunflower seeds (a couple of minutes in a pan on a high heat does the trick there, no need for oil). That's it. Oil or dressing is unnecessary as the grapes add enough moisture.

If you have a go, let me know what you think.

Blackberry Skies

2009-10-09T22:03:00.004+01:00

All through the night, your glorious eyes
Were gazing down in mine,
And with a full heart's thankful sighs
I blessed that watch divine!

I was at peace, and drank your beams
As they were life to me
And revelled in my changeful dreams

Like petrel on the sea.

Stars - a poem by Emily Bronte

Though I must confess, this is not a photo of the night sky, rather a bowl of blackberries. Magical though, don't you think?

Stress Buster

2009-08-05T20:23:00.012+01:00

First, paint a target on an old vest or t-shirt and put it on a willing child...

Next fill a watergun...

Take aim and fire...

Squeals of laughter for everyone!

Archie's Song

2009-08-03T13:54:00.008+01:00

My little dog Archie decided to have a sing song this morning. Made me laugh so I thought I'd share it with you.

It's The Holidays!

2009-07-29T14:01:00.005+01:00

Just wanted to wish you all a happy summer.

Making Memories

2009-07-17T09:43:00.016+01:00

After a couple of busy weeks and with the prospect of seven more as the kids summer holidays approach, husband and I thought a romantic picnic was called for. We set off for the lanes where we hopped over a stile, laid out our (not very romantic) picnic mat...

...in a corner of a field and tucked into our baguettes. Gentle rain began to fall from a blue-white sky. No rain cloud, just soft, cool rain and brilliant, burning sunshine. So there we sat, hot and wet, trying to keep our lunch dry and wishing sunglasses came with windscreen wipers. But romantic? Oh yes, magic. Now, if we had the children with us we would have to play the mat game...

Haha, no chance! A cloud giant seemed to be taking a rest...

... so I thought I would too...

...while hubby disappeared into the hedgerow with his camera.

Bugs and flora caught on camera, sun caught on my shoulders, it was time to pick our children up from school and so begin the holidays...

An Outing For Dory

2009-06-22T18:06:00.009+01:00

I'm certainly glad Dory (my new Dawes Kingpin) came with a big basket as we needed every inch of it yesterday on our trip down the cycle path. Originally the basket was on the front of the bike but I loaded so much weight into it my steering went a bit crazy. So, for the safety of everyone around me, myself and, most importantly, my lovely white wall tyres, I moved it to the back.

After forty minutes of snaking through the countryside, in sync with the river beside us though a tad faster, we arrived at "Picnic Bridge". That's our name for it, I've no idea what it's really called, if it has a name at all, but we always stop here for our sandwiches, our legs hanging over the side...

...and in this photo perhaps you can see why. It is idyllic here. Peaceful, beautiful, and it's where we are finally allowed to tuck in to our lunch! Idyll indeed!

8 Inch Chip!

2009-06-15T19:58:00.010+01:00

A World Record?

Nah, just googled it and found a photo of a chip about a quarter of an inch longer than mine. Even so this one was pretty impressive at exactly 8 inches long! Can you imagine the potato this came from?! Just managed to get a photo before my daughter ate it. Yes, after a stroll on the beach and a walk home past holiday makers tucking into fish and chips, there was nothing for it but to put ideas of a healthy vegetable bake on the back burner and serve up the tradtitional seaside tea of fish, chips and peas. For my husband at least, I'm a vegetarian so I had a quorn burger, chips and peas.

There, does that make you think of the seaside?

Paw Prints at Sunset

2009-06-09T23:19:00.011+01:00

The sea smoothed away the foot prints, nudged the sand back into place, polished the beach then retreated for the night. Much like the office cleaners who dusted, vacuumed and emptied rubbish bins for a clean start in the morning. Of course there is always one late worker who chucks a screwed ball of paper in the empty bin before heading home and a puppy with far too much energy who makes hundreds of tiny paw prints on the shiny sand while tiring himself out for bed.

Chocolate Roll and a Tiny Camper

2009-06-03T18:05:00.017+01:00

I dream of having my own camper one day, so my husband and 7 year old son made this one for me...

out of a Cadbury's Chocolate Roll box.

Husband turned the box inside out, cut, folded and stuck it into shape...

then son coloured it in.

So now I can pretend.

Meet Dory...

2009-05-26T20:17:00.010+01:00

This week my luck was in, I found (actually my husband spotted it and showed me) a beautiful second-hand Dawes Kingpin Shopper for sale locally. I fell in love with it instantly and by that evening it was standing next to my other bike, a heavy off-roader, which my daughter had been after for some time. Today, after filling the little basket on Dory (my name for new bike, after Dory in Disney's Nemo, who makes my sides hurt laughing. Dawes - Dory - well it works for me!) off we set, husband on his new (to him, also second hand, also found this week) Elswick Sovereign Centenary, daughter on my old bike (at last!), son on his Little Urchin, and me feeling like an art student (apparently this bike is extremely popular with them) on Dory. We set off for Brading Roman Villa a couple of miles away from our home in Sandown on the Isle of Wight, where we stopped for ice-creams. Once refreshed we were off, peddling along some hilly country lanes, stopping now and then to take a breath and enjoy the view. I love to look into the sky, especially on days like today when the clouds are white and fluffy and they all seem to look like baby animals.

Chines and Piers

2009-05-22T09:50:00.014+01:00

Early morning found me bustling around the house, throwing toys, doggy things and food supplies into a big canvas bag in preparation for a day travelling the length of the Island with plans to stop frequently to explore. A couple of chines, a picnic lunch, and a run on several beaches later and we found ourselves at the far end of the Island, with a takeaway coffee in our hands and the sun setting in our laps.

Needless to say, we all slept well that night, Archie here couldn't wait for his bed and fell asleep the moment he got in the car for the return journey.

Oopsology

2009-05-20T00:16:00.006+01:00

I've just started another blog; Oopsology the study of Oops! If you see the funny side of mishaps then my sketches might bring a smile to your face. Here's one to tempt you over.

A Quick Sketch

2009-05-17T12:10:00.011+01:00

My 7 yr old son burning up
some excess energy on the beach.

Chipizza

2009-05-13T10:29:00.011+01:00

I made this recipe up when I was craving pizza and had neither the energy nor the time to make dough. It's as versatile as your imagination makes it. As with pizza you can put any topping on that takes your fancy. It's quick, easy and looks great on a plate with a bit of salad. Below is the recipe for the one pictured. If you make one I'd love to hear what toppings you tried out.

Ingredients:

Oven bake chips
Tin of chopped tomatoes
Pataks curry paste (I used coriander and lemon) or herbs/spices of choice
Onions
Garlic
Mushrooms
Green beans
Grated cheese
Olives
Black pepper

The quantities of all the above depend entirely on you - how many it's for and how much you like, no measuring or weighing needed.

Method:

Spread chips in a roasting dish in a single layer and cook according to instructions on the packet. Meanwhile cook the vegetables you've choosen, in my case, I fried the onions, mushrooms and garlic then steamed the green beans. When the chips are nearly ready heat up the chopped tomatoes and stir in the herbs and spices. Remove chips from oven, pour over the tomatoes and spread them out. Add the vegetables and then the cheese. Throw on some olives, wave the pepper grinder over and pop it back in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes. I served mine with a handful of rocket leaves and a glass of chilled white wine.

Lucky Me!

2009-05-08T10:29:00.009+01:00

Rain lashes against the kitchen window, wind howls down the chimney, husband throws open the back door and stands there, soaked, dripping, smiling, and holding out a little bunch of flowers he'd picked for me on the way home from walking our daughter to school.

Ramshackle and Lovely

2009-05-06T00:07:00.032+01:00

I just love these ramshackle, mix-match, old beach huts. In a world where the coast is increasingly being turned over to ostentatious marinas, hotels and seaside apartments, it's good to see these modest, well-loved shacks, reclining at odd angles, as if in deck chairs, looking out to sea.

This one is particularly interesting, with a garden wall made up of driftwood, old nets and bottles, rocks, ropes, shells and other flotsam. Being a female with a curious mind, I can't help but wonder what's behind the closed doors. A cabin of sea treasures I'd bet.

Lug Heart

2009-05-01T19:38:00.006+01:00

I came across this lugworm cast last weekend while walking along the tideline of a local beach. Of course I had to stop and take a photo. I'm a sucker for romance, and there was evidently a little worm in there bursting with love and eager to record it in the sand. There were hundreds of lugworm (Arenicola marina) casts dotted over the shore. I saw a few of them move but never actually saw a worm itself. Curious to see what they looked like I searched at ARKive and found this short video. I must admit to being rather squeamish and now that I know what they look like I'm rather glad I didn't meet one face to face. Nevertheless, I think this cast is a beautiful gesture and I hope his lady lug appreciated it.

Lugworm - overviewBBC Natural History Unit

Eavesdropper

2009-04-28T11:08:00.006+01:00

While sitting on the seawall the other day, hands cupped round a plastic takeaway coffee cup to keep warm, these characters caught my eye. A woman on her mobile phone trying to have a private conversation while Mr Baggy Shorts hides his big ears under his even bigger hat. Irresistible! Coffee forgotten, out came the sketch book...

What On Earth...?

2009-04-27T14:01:00.006+01:00

This was one hell of a beasty! I was on the beach yesterday with my family; kids playing, puppy running around and husband busy taking photos, when I looked down and saw something moving in the sand...

Mum, Look At Me!

2009-04-25T20:17:00.004+01:00

Here's my daughter balancing on an old wooden barrier
at a harbour near our home. I had about thirty seconds
to sketch her before she fell off.
I had a go myself but barely lasted five!

Idle Duck's Carrot Cake

2009-04-24T16:12:00.015+01:00

Not a good choice of cake to put in your pocket and take on a walk but if you plan on sitting in your garden with a cuppa then this is the recipe for you.

Ingredients:

175g/6 fl oz sunflower oil
175g/6oz light muscovado sugar
3 eggs, beaten
175g/6oz grated carrots
85g/3oz sultanas
55g/2oz dried apricots, chopped
grated rind of one orange
175g/6oz self raising flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
200g/7oz full-fat soft cheese
100g/3¼oz icing sugar
2 tsp orange juice

Method:

Preheat oven to180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 9" square tin. Beat the oil, sugar and eggs together in a large bowl. Stir in the grated carrots, sultanas, apricots and orange rind (save a bit of the rind for decorating the top later). Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a seperate bowl then stir into the carrot mixture. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 40 - 45 minutes. Set the tin on a wire rack for a few minutes then turn out to cool completely. Mix the cheese, icing sugar and juice together and beat until smooth. When the cake is cool, spread the frosting over the top. A bit of creative swirling, throw on the rest of the rind and you're done.

Serves 16

Scrapped Jeans and Pompoms

2009-04-23T18:12:00.018+01:00

I'm not skilled at sewing, but this little bag turned out okay and was fun to make. I'd been going through my childrens old clothes, thowing some out, packing some away carefully with misty eyed thoughts of future grandchildren, and putting some aside for charity shops when I came across a pair of jeans my son used to wear when he was 2-3 years old. The knees were worn through but the rest was fine. I couldn't bear to throw these out as he'd looked so cute in them, and with all the pockets it was begging to be made into a small bag. So, out came the scissors and off came the legs. Next I turned it inside out and sewed up the holes. Then I cut lengths of denim from a larger pair of scrapped jeans and platted them to make a shoulder strap. Stuck a pompom on one side and a carabiner on the other and that's it. Incidentally, while browsing blogs recently I came across Camp Creek Blog where there is a very detailed post called Make A Field Bag From Recycled Clothing and is well worth a read if home-made bags are your thing. I'm also intrigued by New Bag at Life Is and am looking forward to finding out how it was made.

Just One More Corner!

2009-04-21T21:33:00.007+01:00

Do you ever come across a footpath and just have to see where it goes? And an hour later, after many promises of just one more corner you realize you are incredibly tired, incredibly hungry and incredibly lost? It's the bane of the curious I suppose, and if you're like me, a path like the one I sketched above is just too irresistible.

Idle Duck's Peanut Butter Bickies

2009-04-20T13:16:00.010+01:00

Here's a little biscuit packed with energy for those long walks by the sea.

Ingredients:

115g/4oz butter
115g/4oz peanut butter
115g/4oz golden caster sugar
115g/4oz light muscovado sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/2tsp vanilla essence
85g/3oz plain flour
tsp baking powder
115g/4oz rolled oats
pinch of salt

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Put the butter and peanut butter in a bowl and beat together. Beat in all the sugar then gradually add the egg and the vanilla essence. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and oats then stir. Spoon table tennis/ping pong sized portions onto greased baking trays, spaced well apart and flattenen slightly. Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool on the baking tray for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool off completely. Try not to eat them all at once.

Fabulous View Ay What!

2009-04-19T14:50:00.012+01:00

Knackered and thirsty after a long bike ride, I sat on an old wooden bench to catch my breath, and enjoy the sea view. It was stunning, so I rumaged in my bag for note book and pen to capture the moment on paper. Alas, on looking back up, six backsides had replaced the seascape, so there was nothing for it but to draw them instead.

To save or not to save...

2009-04-18T19:42:00.019+01:00

My husband won a family trip to a Sea Life Centre a few months ago, and realizing the tickets would soon be out of date we packed our bags and had a day out there yesterday. I'm not sure what my thoughts are on places like this, same with zoos or animal parks. The captivity of wild animals seems wrong to me. Don't these animals have a right to a natural existence? Or is it a good thing that humans are saving some of these endangered species and breeding them to bring up their numbers while exhibiting them for us to learn about? I was particularly taken with this Fly River Turtle, also known as the Pig Nosed Turtle for obvious reasons. They are found in rivers, swamps, lagoons and mangroves in Australia and New Guinea. A long way from home then, now living in a tank on the south coast of the UK, and as this video shows, that tank is so small it's hard to swim around without bumping into things. Having said that, he was a friendly little fella and seemed to love the attention.

2 Minute Sketch

2009-04-15T17:17:00.010+01:00

My son playing on the beach.
4 years ago! Rediscovered
this little sketch while sorting
through an old cupboard today.

Jewels Of The Sea

2009-04-14T14:58:00.012+01:00

It makes me cross to see broken beer and wine bottles left on the beach to be trodden on by tiny people while building sand-castles or by dogs having their daily run. My own children now join my husband and I in picking these jagged bits up and putting them in the nearest bin. Fortunately the sea takes a good deal of it too, throws it about and sand grinds the edges to make stunning jewels to bring home. We like to fill jars with them and stand them in a sunny spot.

Driftwood

2009-04-13T02:26:00.015+01:00

I saw from the beach, when the morning was shining, A bark o'er the waters move gloriously on; I came when the sun o'er that beach was declining, The bark was still there, but the waters were gone.
from the poem 'I Saw From The Beach' by Thomas Moore

Works of art offered to us by the sea, each piece an original. Can't resist bringing a few bits home now and then,either to put to work like this grotto-like chunk we have holding some heavy books upright, or just to add some shape and interest in an unused space. Rambling Rob found an amazing driftwood sculpture, see his Season of Sea Mists post on The Coastal Zone blog. If only I could get a piece like that home!

Archie Running Free

2009-04-11T13:20:00.015+01:00

Archie, my 9 month old Westie X Lhasa Apso puppy, loves the seaside. Here he is enjoying the wide open space, navigating the puddles and sliding on the seaweed. There's a lot of wind noise so you might want to turn the sound down while this is playing. Oh for the energy of a puppy!

Candle Lagoon

2009-04-09T19:56:00.013+01:00

I found this tealight holder in a charity shop a few months ago and was instantly entranced by it's aquatic colours. The little orb gives out a magical glow and puts me in mind of The Little Mermaid, when she's in a lagoon with Eric, trying to get him to kiss her. A beautiful scene, and Sebastian always makes me laugh.

Chocolate Mint Fudge

2009-04-08T13:37:00.015+01:00

If you're in the mood for something sweet, I recommend this home-made fudge. It certainly hits the right spot for me, whether eaten leisurely at the seaside with a friend or quickly sneaking a bit, head squeezed in the food cupboard so no-one can see! The recipe comes from The Dairy Diary and was introduced to me by my sister, who I blame entirely for the tight feeling in my waistband.

INGREDIENTS:

300mls/(English) half pint milk
450g/1lb light brown sugar
100g/4oz butter
100g chocolate, broken into pieces
1-2tsp mint essence

METHOD:

Pour milk into saucepan, add chocolate and slowly bring to the boil. Add sugar and butter. Heat slowly, stirring all the time until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Bring to a fast boil, cover pan with a lid and keep boiling for 2 minutes (keep an eye on it!). Uncover and continue to rapid boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a little blob of the mixture, dropped into a cup of cold water, forms a soft ball. If using a thermometer (I don't) the temperature should be 116°C/240°F. Remove from the heat, stir in the mint essence then leave to cool for 5 minutes. Beat the fudge until it just begins to lose it's gloss and becomes thick and creamy. Pour into a greased 18cm/7inch square tin. When cool mark into portions. Cut with a sharp knife when firm and set. Enjoy!

The Dairy Diary recipe uses vanilla essence but I find mint works well with the chocolate. You could also try orange!

Happy Boat

2009-04-06T20:29:00.008+01:00

This cheeky little boat caught my eye twelve years ago while out with a brand new set of acrylic paints, easel and an enthusiasm that had me leaping from the car and mixing paint before my husband had finished saying, "let's stop here"! Don't cast too critical an eye over this painting, just lean back in your chair (assuming your chair has a back to it!) and enjoy the sunshine.

Sea Dogs

2009-03-31T23:52:00.011+01:00

Apparently certain types of seaweed react well to moisture in the air and therefore can be used to forecast the weather. If the weather is dry, the seaweed will be dry, but if there is a lot of water vapour in the air the seaweed will become moist and is suggestive of rain on it's way. We tried this out once. My kids had brought some Laminaria saccharina pets (see photo) home from the beach and after a few days, when the games had run out, we hung the seaweed in a tree near the back door. My memory is a little hazy as to whether or not the seaweed was accurate at forecasting rain but oh boy can I remember the stink! These slimy sea dogs are, in my opinion, best left on the beach. The saccharina in the name refers to the sweetness that sometimes forms as a deposit on the surface when drying.

Idle Duck's Spicy Rockcakes

2009-03-29T14:08:00.018+01:00

Everyone who has tried one of these rockcakes has asked for the recipe and they are an absolute favourite with my husband and kids. Whenever I'm in the mood for baking, the family all shout for these. If you try them out, let me know what you think.

INGREDIENTS

225g/8oz plain flour
2tsp baking powder
2tsp mixed spice (this is the magic ingredient)
115g/4oz butter or marg (extra for greasing)
85g/3oz light muscovado sugar
85g/3oz mixed dried fruit (I mostly just use sultanas, but it works well with dried apricots too)
1 egg
1 1/2 tbsp milk
2 tsp demerara sugar

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Sift (if you want to, I don't bother) flour and baking powder into a large bowl add the mixed spice and stir. Rub in the butter using your fingertips. Stir in the muscovado sugar and dried fruit. Beat the egg with the milk in a seperate bowl or jug then stir into the mixture to form a dough. Spoon small heaps onto a greased baking tray and sprinkle with demerara. Bake for 15 - 20 mins. Makes 9

My Daft Daughter!

2009-03-28T19:52:00.017Z

Here's a couple of funny videos of my daughter making chin faces and singing daft songs. Made me laugh so I thought I'd share them with you.

A Page From My Sketch Book

2009-03-26T23:21:00.013Z

I just loved trying to capture the curves of these boats, course I couldn't resist also drawing the echoing curves of the man looking over Tenby harbour wall. I've no idea why I drew him with a circle of hair like that. I must have been thinking about the monastry on Caldey Island which was only a short amphibious ride away - maybe he was an escapee or perhaps he was an ordinary bloke wearing a hat. The man in the centre isn't my best work either but that's what sketch books are after all, attempts to capture, experiments with shapes and styles and reminders of lovely days out.

Cosy Fingerless Gloves

2009-03-25T01:25:00.007Z

These gloves have become as essential to me as my underwear. (Almost). I originally needed them for walking my dog, as getting tiny chunks of dried apricot and cheese (my puppy's favourite treats) out of my coat pocket wearing fingered gloves proved a sticky, fluffy, frustration. I've since discovered driving is safe with my non-slip fingers and typing is no problem. I found the pattern here, chose some gorgeous multi coloured wool and made these in an hour which was amazing as I'm a beginner knitter.

Flapjack in your Pocket

2009-03-23T12:43:00.013Z

When you're out and about and the old rumble monster wakes up, if there's no cafe in sight a flapjack in your pocket can save the day. Here's my recipe, if you try it out, please leave a comment, let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

200g/7oz rolled oats
55g/2oz dried apricots, chopped
2tsp cinnamon
55g/2oz plain flour
115g/4oz butter or marg (I use olive spread)
2tbsp golden syrup
85g/3oz light muscovado sugar

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Grease a square dish, I use a 22cm sq roaster. Place rolled oats, cinnamon and flour in a bowl and mix. Mix in the apricots. Slowly melt the butter, syrup and sugar in a pan. Pour onto the dry ingrediants and mix well. Pour into dish and smooth top. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Mark into portions (I do 12). Leave to cool in tin. When completely cold cut out with a sharp knife. Enjoy.

Who...me?

2009-03-22T23:45:00.011Z

Idle Duck takes a break from idling.

Skimming Stones

2009-03-21T14:15:00.005Z

It's irrestible isn't it? You're strolling along the shoreline, spot a round, flat, smooth stone so you just have to pick it up and try to beat your skimming record. My best score was at Woolacombe Bay in Devon, where I managed eight hops. Usually though, all I acheive is a plop. Tile and slate make winning skimmers as they're lighter and flatter than stone, but that's probably cheating! The world record is currently held by Russell "Rock Bottom" Byars at an incredible fifty one! Leave a comment if you like, let me know your best score.