Time……. it always seems to move so fast. I start each day with the hope and prayer I’ll use it wisely. I want to finish each day knowing I’ve done what I should for that day and the good sense to leave what can be left for tomorrow. The balance of smelling the roses and a good days work. To have that sense of satisfaction, knowing my day was full and I’ve used that precious time well. It is a gift, each day is a precious gift. Sometimes we need inspiration or motivation and it can come in the most unlikely places, a book, a blog post, a visit from someone, or simply a memory. We need each other that is for sure, each story, each journey, those little encounters all mean something.
I was inspired this morning to bake these Bran Muffins from a new cookbook I purchased, The Tasha Tudor Cookbook. It’s funny how things happen. I came across a lovely photo on Social Media and someone asked if it was a photo of Tasha Tudor, so I looked up her name and she is the illustrator of the classic story “The Secret Garden” as well as many other stories. I saw this recipe book and thought I would treat myself to it. Around the same time a beautiful friend lent me the movie (latest version) of The Secret Garden, which I am very much looking forward to watching! Tasha Tudor sounds like a woman after my own heart, gardening, baking, cooking from scratch, chickens, milking cow and one of her quotes ” Everything in moderation, except gardening” Ha, love it!
I have just started embroidery! I thought I would show you the beginnings of my project! These lovely little kits come with everything you need to get started, they are made and put together by a couple of ladies in Melbourne, sister’s I think. I’m trying to tackle the French knot at the moment, for the flowers. I think they are a great idea, the fact that it’s not a major project, it’s something I can just pick up when I get the time suits me. And hopefully at the end I will off learnt more and ended up with a lovely picture!
This nest was such a joy to find! Down in my vegetable garden, I was working away, when I heard the sound of babies chirping excitedly as the parents fed them. The nest is amazing!! It took me some time to find the opening, (my eyes aren’t the best) however when I did, I very carefully took this photo of them tucked up safely inside. They are flying around now, hiding in my shrubs and tree’s, the parents are still feeding them. The added joy of gardening, all the visitors that come and go, or stay and call it home!
Well there has been an abundance of lemons, oranges and mandarins, so I have been busy making marmalade. Next I will be using up my tomatoes that are growing like crazy at the moment and turning them into Tomato Jam and Tomato Sauce.
It’s a lovely wet day here today, hopefully this whole area will get a good soaking. I rushed around yesterday fertilising and planting out, digging up and moving roses all in time for the rain that is supposed to fall today and tomorrow. I have been picking carrots and digging up fresh potatoes, ohhhh there is nothing in the world like a fresh potato!! I just love this time of year!
Tasha Tudor’s Bran Muffin Recipe
- 2 cups crushed bran flakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons very soft butter
- 2 cups buttermilk (I used the trick 1 tablespoon of vinegar per cup of milk)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses (I didn’t have molasses, so I used golden syrup)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (I used chopped up dates)
Preheat oven to 200 degress celsius
In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed bran flakes, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix in butter, buttermilk. eggs, molasses, and raisins.
Bake 20-25 minutes in greased muffin pan
For some reason I used muffin cases, I wouldn’t do this again, they stick to the cases. In hindsight I should have greased my muffin tin with butter and a dusting of flour. The next day they do stick less, live and learn! They are also very nice cut in half and buttered, which makes me wonder if I might try it as a loaf, but muffins make for a nice change and are handy. Or as Tasha Tudor would say “they travel well, store well, and are nourishing, filling, and invariably welcomed by visitors”.
What more could you ask for! xx
The Heart of The Home 
Beautiful post Joanna. Thank you. Diane
Thank you Diane🌻😊
Ohhh what a lovely post again my beautiful sister ❣️❣️❣️ Your whole heart shines out of what you are writing 🤩 I can close my eyes after i finished reading and just picture myself in your world ❣️❣️❣️
And thanks for the recipe too 😁😁😁
That’s so beautiful to hear! ❤️👒
I must tell you that I had the dream come true privilege of meeting Tasha Tudor at her farm years ago. We toured her beautiful gardens and barn with the goats. and her home outside. She came out to speak to us ,standing in the barn loft and barefoot, as usual, dressed as you see her in her books. She was in her nineties then. We peeked into her bedroom and there was a rooster standing on the foot of her bed looking back at us. There were so many people from other places . One couple near me from Japan were lovely to listen to. The man said ” Tasha is a lifestyle”. I so agree. We were invited to her memorial service later and to float a candle on her little pond in her honor. Couldn’t make that trip from NC at that time. Thank you for your blog. I enjoy it . I have most of Tasha’s book and earlier videos. We also met her son Seth and DIL Majorie and other family members . A most joyful trip.
It was so lovely to read your message Dollie! You’ve made my day.
Thank you so much for sharing, wow!! That sounds so special, what wonderful memories. I keep smiling everytime I think of the rooster standing on the foot of her bed xx
Sooo very beautiful from you once again Jo, actually I read each one over again..
You put the grace of Holy spirit in each one.. so nice to see your daily chores being
lived out. And I enjoy very much your girl’s eggs every day xx Annie lord’s blessings
Thank you so much Annie❤️