That was the month that was August 2024
A month of theatre, dining with friends gardening and DIY, plus some fabulous easy fish dishes and a tasty dessert
Hello friends
and welcome to my monthly look back behind the scenes of what’s been happening both on the blogs and real life.
This month has been very much home-focused, a time for some cooking, for fun, meeting up with friends, theatre, leisurely lunches and a big helping of gardening and DIY.
I spent a week at our holiday rental cottages, gardening mostly. Blessed with good weather, it was lovely to be outside so much and I have left the garden in very good shape for the coming autumn. My sister joined me for a few days, and we treated ourselves as a reward for our hard work to a lovely lunch at The Bell at Saxmundham, a gastro pub which we don’t get to, nearly often enough.
One of the delights of staying in Suffolk is the darker night skies, something we don’t get in London, and my visit coincided with the annual Perseids meteor shower. On my first night alone there I sat outside on a warm evening watching shooting stars which streaked across the sky every few minutes. It never fails to feel special.
Back in London, I have been to two shows at the theatre. The first was Fiddler on the Roof at the open-air theatre in Regents Park. It has been many years since I have been there. It was a hot and humid night in central London, perfect for sitting outside and we had a great picnic beforehand. Whilst not the most gripping production of the musical I’ve seen (and I’ve seen it a few times) The songs are great and the outdoor set was just a perfect backdrop for the show.
The second visit to the theatre was to see Kiss Me Kate at the Barbican. While it is not a favourite of mine, this production was superbly acted. Adrian Dunbar ( of Behind the Lines) played the lead and he was exceptionally good. I didn’t know he could sing so well!
Last Friday, I had a deliciously long lunch with a friend over at Kings Cross, after which I was too tired to work for the rest of the day! This week, I had friends over for an evening barbecue in the garden, making the most of the last of warmer weather. There is nothing nicer than getting together with friends over a meal and dining al fresco.
As for DIY we have converted my tiny old office box room into a useful storage space with a large cupboard that now stores all of Mr Bs tools in one place instead of being spread in various cupboards around the house. His cycling bits now have a home, and we now have a space for coats, etc., taken out of our tiny hallway. But best of all there is room to store our bikes and for the first time in 30 years our hall is bike free.
As for the blogs not much to report that you don’t know already. its been predominately a month of working on the back end and updating old posts. Dare I say it I am now beginning to think about the festive season and will have some new posts winging there way to you very soon. Meanwhile, this week, I thought I'd share 3 easy fish recipes.
And finally. The month was topped and tailed with the delightful news that both my boys have become engaged to be married. Mr B and I adore their partners, so we couldn’t be happier. One is planning to tie the knot in autumn next year or the following spring, the other is not decided yet but sooner rather than later. Happy times!
Until next time
Have a delicious week
Seared salmon with watercress sauce - Recipes Made Easy
If you are looking for a quick and easy fish dish with a summery flavour, seared salmon with watercress sauce is just what you are after. The fresh zingy watercress sauce works perfectly with the salmon and is so simple to make.
Salmon and Prawn Risotto – Recipes Made Easy
Poached salmon and prawns are added to a creamy risotto in this delicious easy salmon and prawn risotto. It makes a great fish dinner.
The optional addition of smoked salmon adds extra glamour to the dish which would make a great starter or main course at a dinner party.
Pan seared salmon with spinach and beans - Recipes Made Easy
Ready and on the table in less than 30 minutes, this pan seared salmon with spinach and beans makes a perfect mid-week meal.
Have You seen?
Baked Bengal Curds with Macerated Berries – Only Crumbs Remain
Think of this dessert as an easy baked cheesecake. With creamy cheesecake like curds, colourful berries and contrasting texture courtesy of the almond crumble, this traditional Indian dessert of Baked Bengal Curds is certainly one to try. It is naturally gluten free.
