***NOT In THE GARDEN**

Hi dotty, I have to agree with you, and soup is one of my specials too, always in the kitchen making something, all by guesswork, and I often add a dash of chilli to give it a kick. I always end up making too much so the freezer gets it for another day.

Daughter gave my OH a soup maker two years ago and he loves using it. When he was ill I had a go and was amazed how easy it was to make delicious, nourishing soup.
If you are trying to lose weight for any reason, soup can be your best friend. When I tried the 5:2 diet I had soup several times day and lost weight . now it is great at maintaining that weight.
Weight Watcher Soup recipes are surprisingly delicious. We no longer add celery as the "bits" are annoying. Love celery on its own, but not in soup!

Have to confess, DD, I am not making soup at the moment. I am DE-CLUTTERING. We haven't moved since 1962 and it shows. I start enthusiastically but that wears off. I watch the Hoarders on TV to give me impetus now.

It's nice that you are making healthy food. I am not a foody person and only eat chocolate !

To keep me sane (if that word can be applied to me !) I am studying local history and genealogy, and I also do water colour paintings and sketches.

I go down the garden every chance I get, or whenever Bella insists I go with her whatever the weather :)

Hywel I cannot believe you live on chocolate lol
Genealogy is a fascinating subject to study, and local history always throws up something you had no idea about!
Bella is obviously keeping you on your toes!
Eirlys I don't know much about soup makers, to be honest we would not have he room for another gadget in the kitchen, other than me!!I have made some of the weight watchers soup they are pretty good....good luck with the de-cluttering, having moved around a great deal we have very little clutter, you need to move lol!
Cinders good to see you, hope you are keeping well, I used to add a dash of chilli to my soups in the past unfortunately have to steer clear of anything too spicy or hot!!

I’m impressed Angela! I would love to know more about making soup . . . perhaps I need a soup maker, whatever is that Eirlys? I’m attempting to write an article about Pagnol’s Provence but keep getting distracted by all the plant catalogues which keep landing on the mat.

I love making soup but I got a bit fed up with tomato soup in the autumn. I sew, knit, embroider and in the last year I have taken up doing patchwork quilts. Nearly finished one as we speak. I am also on the village hall committee and the east Yorkshire HPS committee too. Writing presentations so I can give talks on gardening/plants to gardening groups is another 'too wet to garden' activity.

Seaburn I admire anyone who can sew or knit, I used to embroider when I was at school, but never do any now!!we used to belong to the HPS many moons ago,well done you on preparing presentations to gardening groups. my hobbies tend to be eating related or gardening or Annie Sloaning furniture!!
Sheila it is so simple, you would never buy another carton/tin again......so many flavours to create in the last few weeks we have eaten....
Broccoli and Stilton
Mushroom
Celery
Butternut squash
Leek and potato
Pea
Cauliflower and apple to name a few!
Plant catalogues are arriving thick and fast here too, good luck on your article....

We are about to decorate our bedroom so that will keep me busy for a little while. It will also give me the chance to sort out contents of the wardrobe and chests of drawers and decide what to keep and what to get rid of!! I don't like the disruption of decorating so I shall be much happier when everything is back in its place and we can have our little outings again!!!

I’m a soup maker too, leek and potato one fave and brocolli and Stilton my 2nd fave and a loaf in the bread maker to accompany. I make a veg one too that is very low in calories.

I read that Fennel is pretty much the best medicine you can give your tum Angela...so have you any ideas what would compliment Fennel in a soup?

Recently, I've been preparing two talks. The first was on my trip to Iran last April which I gave to the local Garden Club last Wednesday. The second is on local history for this Saturday.

I remember giving Charlotte a fennel drink in her bottle as a baby :-)

We moved two and a half years ago to a smaller place. Even though, we got rid of a lot of stuff before we moved we were still left with furniture , etc that we couldn't find a place for, so everything ended up being dumped in the garage! We had hired a skip just before Christmas as we had our bathroom done, so over the Christmas period I cleared out the garage and the shed and all the conifers that had been cut down earlier last year. I could only go out there for half hour stints because the dog (which follows me everywhere and sticks to me like glue) and I got too cold, but it's amazing what you can get done in half hour.

Also I was ruthless and just got rid of everything, as it had been sitting in the garage for over two years and we hadn't missed anything or needed anything, so it went. Keep going in now with a grin on my face to have a look at how clear it is, because it was a job hanging over my head for the last couple of years and it's finally done.

We cut down about 20 conifers of varying sizes last year which has left big gaps in all the borders, I've also taken out/cut down some shrubs that I wasn't keen on or needed cutting back, so the borders look a bit bare now. I've been 'researching' what to put in and 'designing' the borders and looking at plants I want to put in, so that's keeping me busy as I keep changing my mind.

My daughter makes lots of soup so we've had a soupmaker for quite some time now, its brilliant wouldn't be without it now, I naturally get roped in with the preparations, all her recipes are Slimming World and they are delicious, we make them up in large batches and freeze them, ideal for lunch during the winter months, we restocked the freezer just after xmas..
I do try to de-clutter every winter since I retired, sort through my drawers, cupboards and my shed but end up putting most things back, I am a hoarder which is not helped since hubby got rid of our trailer, was a lot easier to get rid of stuff when I had an empty trailer to fill up on our driveway. now I get frustrated because once a bag has been filled up I am stuck with it until hubby can take a trip to the tip, not an occupation he likes to do in the winter.
I am occupied part of my days caring for Brynner and Harriet, they need regular outside playtime, if not watching to see what she is up to Madam Harriet Fluffball would wreck my garden, lol. also I take a walk daily during term times around to my youngest daughters house to let her dogs out, I do admit I will be happier when its time to play in my g'houses again and can at times get moody with myself, then its turn my laptop on for a session of armchair gardening....

I don't believe in decluttering.

Hywel we've been in this house since 1974, so you can imagine have gained rather a lot of stuff, trouble is hubby is a hoarder also, not all my fault..

I like the idea of de cluttering but I find I keep putting most things back. Hubby isn't a de clutterer either. Most of his stuff is in the garage/shed/attic. my eldest is brilliant at the minimalist thing, the youngest never throws things out. even her clothes from early teens are still in the wardrobe.
I am the same with plants. when pruning I try to take cuttings and when splitting plants the other bits get potted up too. they do get sold and the profits go to charity. So technically they are not hoarded.

It's nobody's 'fault' Sue. Some people like living in an empty box, while others find emptiness very boring.

I'm usually in my workshop building something - building a birdhouse now for the godfinches. Butternut squash soup is one of my faves. Wish I knew how to make it, lol .

Bathgate soup is one of the easiest things to make, believe me, the most tedious part is chopping the vegs sometimes I just put them in the Magimix so that eliminates that....
You must show us the finished article......(the birdhouse) not he soup!!
I have decluttered the kitchen this January, it is only small, so it needs to be free of stuff!!
Lincs I had not heard of a soup maker, only two of us, so it is not a chore, I enjoy making a different one every three days........going to invest in an ice-cream maker though!!

Lisam, I am impressed you have been busy, so satisfying isn't it? I say if it has not been used in two years then recycle or chuck it......good luck designing your borders, put on plenty of photographs...........

Sorry I have to agree with Hywel on this one, would hate the thought of living in a clutter free, sterile home. I have knitting, sewing, books, books and more books, jigsaws (only done in the winter) and other 'stuff' about, which gets tidied when we know we are having visitors. Family know they might have to move a few books to sit down, but goodness knows what a chance visitor thinks! As for soup, it's tasty, very cheap and healthy and easy to make. If you read a recipe for one of the fancy soups it may put you off, but chuck it all in a pan and it's simple!

Dd my girls say that about my wardrobes and cupboards, they often say how long is it since it was used, in fact Sherryl who lives with us says ,"let me loose mum, you'll have loads of cupboard space"
I forgot to say before, I have my dads breadmaker, but never plucked up the courage to use it, seeing your pic reminded me, I cannot remember ever making my own bread but loved the smell and especially the taste of his, you've inspired me, I've promised myself to have a go at it....

Absolutely thank you!

I really wish people, including relations would mind their own business. If it belongs to you it belongs to you, and if you want to keep it, keep it. It's nobody's business but your own.

Hear hear Hywel! Each to his own. I tried decluttering my pan cupboard a couple of weeks ago, but culdn't bring myself to dispose of the ones I discarded because they might come in someday - so now the kitchen table needs decluttering too ...

I make lots of soup too but I use leeks instead of onions as they seem to be kinder on the tum. I make stock in the slow cooker from eg chicken carcases or marrow bones from the butcher. Then I just use up what needs using from the crisper. Last time it was cauliflower and mushroom with a sweet potato, a handful of red lentils and a dollop of plain yogurt. I did buy a soup maker but it didn't work so I sent it back. I cook mine in a pan and then liquidize it in the blender(you get no stringy bits of celery that way)

I haven't tried cooking with fennel but do have fennel tea every day at breakfast time.

Your comments made me laugh, Hywel! Agree, I'd hate a sterile, minimalistic room but there's little chance of living like that as far as we are concerned. However I am not that keen on dusting and when it becomes a real chore it's time to do something about it. For me clutter refers to things that I don't particularly like; definitely don't need; or even, in some cases, don't always work.
Took three big bags of stuff to a charity shop yesterday. They were pleased and so was I !

DD : you would find a soup maker really useful. Throw the ingredients in: press a button : done!

We grew fennel once and it did really well. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has an excellent recipe using fennel and potato, Karen. Some friends said they always added courgettes but I haven't tasted that particular soup. Must admit, fennel is an acquired taste. In its favour, supposed to aid slimming!

I like to be comfortable, not sterile, but I can't work in a cluttered kitchen, certainly not one as small as ours.....but the rest of the house, well the least said about that the better!
Luckily our daughters hoard far more things than we do, lol!! my Mother was a hoarder, I vowed I would never be the same, when she popped off, it was a nightmare, took us ages going through years of thingsll
I think the ice cream machine will come before a soup maker....I find it easy to just throw it all in a saucepan and then blitz it, like Stera, I make stock from the chicken carcase, and use up whatever is left in the fridge...
Lincs you must have a try the bread maker, it makes fabulous bread. made pecan and maple syrup rolls yesterday..... delicious!
I think I might get OH to grow some fennel, I love the flavour.......and very good for the digestive system.....

I was asked by a friend over for coffee today. She was de-cluttering her under-bed drawers. She had her late mother's [100yrs old when she died in 2016] and her late aunty kitty's [similar age to her mum] linens. There was also several pieces of lace that belonged to her great grandmother and probably even older than that. There were hand made lace collars, cuffs and décolletage pieces as well as embroidered Irish linen tablecloths and tray cloths.

I brought them home as I love them. Some are going to be framed on black velvet. my OH raised an eyebrow and said what more clutter? he does admit they are gorgeous.
Hywel I agree other people should not try to make you rid yourself of your treasures. unless of course they make living unsafe or unsanitary. Have you seen any of the programmes on hoarders?

I have watched those programs on hoarders very frightening! more a medical condition when it becomes as bad as that!...........I can understand you admiring the work that has gone into the lace Seaburn, I would, but I wouldn't keep it! would sell it and buy plants for the garden lol!!

I have been busy, and thinking! I should point out that as I am probably the oldest person on GOY that is the main reason for this attack on clutter. I want to see things go to people who will appreciate them.

For instance in an online "free" website a local woman has asked for beads, ribbons, embellishments, buttons. She has four small boys and lives not that far away. She is coming this afternoon to pick up my old craft/needlework items. I no longer need them and I suspect she makes cards to sell, so good luck to her.

I have a bag of crocheted doylies and tablecloths, hardanger work, ribbonwork collars and cuffs, a hand-knitted silk tablecloth, all so pretty but never used or even seen. A lot were done before electricity was installed and I recall a Thursday afternoon was craft afternoon for my mother and her two sisters. She used to get samples of hardanger work from London and copied the pattern before posting the "sample" back. I wouldn't know where to start!!

I do agree with you Eirlys, I have given my girls and grandchildren, bits and bobs , jewellery etc now so that they can enjoy it whilst they are young enough .......rather than waiting until I pop my clogs!!
I just keep a few
I pieces from my Mother that we both love, nothing priceless, the majority has gone to the local charity shops, of which there are many.......

We used to sponsor a child and sent money every month. That ended when he was 18. I justify not giving money now by donating items that should sell.

I am busy e-mailing offspring to ask if they would like various items. The needlework isn't going to be popular, I fear. Maybe a vintage shop would be interested. If not the charity shops will benefit.

Apart from working full time for a construction company, I am a costumier in my spare time. I make and embellish costumes for burlesque and cabaret performers in the UK and have also made several things for US performers. I am usually covered in glitter and take over dining room table when I am rhinestoning ! I love crafting and get real satisfaction from seeing something I have made on stage.
:)

Hello Dd....Happy 2018!

Well, a day like today with rutted ice and snow from last evening, I tend to cook too....fruit loaves. I see what's left over from Xmas baking and add whatever takes my fancy!
Last week, along with the raisins, I put in orange zest and juice, marmalade and black treacle...Yum! Today, I've added lemon and ginger to the dried fruit....shall test it later.. I usually half the cakes, freeze one half and still have some on the go when friends pop round...xx

New at this.....your spare time occupation sounds fascinating, would love to see some of your costumes, I can't sew for toffee.....so I really appreciate someone who can....
Hi Janey, I just love a fruit loaf, your recipes sound delicious, especially the marmalade......do you have a basic recipe to start with?

The last costume I made was a gnome so I guess thats sort of related to gardening ;)

Here's the recipe Dd....its one Ian's Grandma used to make, a boil in the pan one.

Fruit Loaf

2 cups water
2 cups sugar (I use soft brown or demerara)
8oz butter
1lb mixed fruit
2 tablespoons black treacle or golden syrup
5 cups S.R. Flour
2-3 eggs

These are the basic ingredients.

I usually add cinnamon, mixed spice or ginger, orange juice or lemon juice instead of all water, orange or lemon zest...marmalade instead of golden syrup. Anything you think will compliment each other.

All in the pan except flour and eggs and spices if you are using.
Bring to the boil steadily.
Simmer 15 mins.
Leave to cool. (I usually place pan in a bowl of cold water
to speed up the process)
Blend in flour and eggs.
Cook at 300F/150C for 2 1/2 hours.

These amounts make 2 medium loaves.

Scrummy with butter and cheese!

That sounds delicious !

Janey..... thanks I have saved it to my desktop......will probably make it next week...xx

It is Nat and so easy to make!

I'm sure you'll enjoy it Dd, whatever you add or don't....just very simple and tasty...?

Good, I will have to substitute the butter unfortunately, so will use coconut oil instead....

Xx

What an unusual method for making a cake! Will definitely give it a go -thank you! Recipe now on the desktop too.

Stera it is similar to a boiled fruit cake recipe I used to make, which was very popular a few years back!!