weekend round up & link up

Happy Monday, friends! I am linking up with the lovely Mary Beth today on her weekly weekend link up. 

1) This weekend saw some good, hard labour in our garden - John reached a milestone in his pick-axing of all of the rubble and rocks, and reached a point where he is happy that our ground is ready for some soil so that we can bring some life to this barren piece of land that is our 'garden'.

2 & 3) Making Cranachan. The sweet smell of raspberries simmering with orange juice is the perfect Summery scent to fill your kitchen with on a sunny day. I had been planning on making Cranachan all week long, but it didn't happen until Sunday afternoon, when the cream was threatening to turn if I didn't use it. I was thankful to have friends as neighbours who were happy to help me out with eating the Cranachan. (Look out for the recipe later this week.)

4) After Church on Sunday, I wandered around a part of the city that I don't often to go anymore, and these beautifully bright watering cans caught my eye in Butler's. (A lovely shop if ever you are in need 9of something pretty for your home.) I was slightly tempted to buy one in every colour, but resisted and bought a pretty bowl instead to add to my growing collection.

5) On Saturday morning, I discovered a new restaurant that had opened up nearby, while perusing a Bristol Magazine. River Cottage is part of a family of restaurants run by the well know British chef, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall.  By the time I had finished reading the article about River Cottage Canteen, my mouth was watering, and I was excited by the prospect of dining in a beautiful Grade II listed building. A quick phone call later, and we had booked a table for that evening. It was a lovely place to spend our last evening together before John flew to Alaska for the week.

6) In preparation for John being away this week, I carried on a tradition that has been a feature of our relationship since the early days, of writing letters to hide in his suitcase for him to discover and read throughout the week.

7) I relished a two hour coffee shop session all by myself after taking John to the coach station to start his journey to Alaska. Sometimes I love taking the time out to read, write and reflect in a coffee shop. I know I can do this at home, but there is something refreshing about being in a different setting that I love.

8) A glimspe of my blue spotty skirt, which is one of the few items of clothing that fits around my growing belly. The only disadvantage is that even though it has been keeping me cool in the sunshine, it does nothing to respect my dignity when a little gust of wind comes along and does its best to whip the skirt up for all to see my underwear. Needless to say, I have been walking around the city like a penguin with my arms glued to my side, and am extremely grateful for the selection of maternity clothes I purchased today which will do a better job of protecting my modesty and dignity.

9) Speaking of dignity, the school chickens have played their role in embarrassing me just a tiny little bit today. Having fed the hungry chickens at 10am this morning, it wasn't until I was lying in the dentist's chair at 3pm this afternoon that I spotted some chicken poop adorning my ankles. Oh the horror. Still, I'll let the chickens off, as they do a great job of providing eggs for me to bake with. I love beginning my week with my children and our chickens at school. Today, the chickens were particularly entertaining - it seems they enjoy chasing butterflies!

How was your weeken? I'd love to hear about it! Did you go adventuring or eat anything delicious? Feel free to share in the comments section.