June officially being the start of an English Summer, we all wonder how the weather will be this year, We are to have a family garden party at Hemingway on the 14th of this month so I am really hoping for a dry bright day. What a difference it makes when the sun is shining from the heavens and the coloured umbrellas are up and the ladies can wear their pretty dresses and the men can relax from the stress of their working lives with a cooling glass of beer. An English Garden on a sunny day can be the most perfect place in the world to unwind and spend time catching -up with loved ones. We plan some fun garden games for the little ones, a spot of cricket, for the not so little ones! A light ‘summery’ lunch but what we really need is the good weather, is anyone listening up there?Â
Author: Susie Page 23 of 30
  
A nice fat cauliflower picked-up in the local market for 60p, quick boiled until just tender and topped with a nice strong cheese béchamel, I like a really mature piece of good cheddar cheese for this job. Getting more flavour by adding a small amount of the juice from the cauliflower into the béchamel and then served with a few crunchy sautéed potatoes and a couple of large vine tomatoes does the job well! Good Simple Fare.
And For Dessert. Rhubarb, plucked from a neighbours garden! – in exchange for a little cake when baking – and just as fresh as fresh can be. Simply poached in little sugar water and served with some single cream – heaven in a bowl!
BTW: A new poem ” Pain and Marchpane” for those who like them posted on http://www.susiehemingway.blogspot.com
You’re just as sweet as almond marzipan
like marchpane on a silver platter,
your feverish eyes in twinkling glimmer,
tell me the story, in never wasted chatter.
I look in on the tableau,and my eyes
can read your heart,
your pain is like a serpent,
a limbless reptile beast,
who once again returns,
when we expect him least.
Come, bring the Charmer and his pipe
to lure with his music,
to draw away the carrying pain
as he worms his way in coiling.
Come! see if I can sway this serpent!
and charm him from this ‘marchpane’
I have the need to slay this beast
for my eyes can read your heart,
for my eyes can read your heart;
but YOUR eyes can see my soul…
All Rights Reserved.
Marzipan photo kind permission of Mitch Erickson
with thanks.
Sweet succulent home grown salad leaves from ‘Orchard End’ with baked red peppers and vine tomatoes, delicious.
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How wonderfully good is Lemon Curd, spread thickly on hot buttered toast, absolutely delicious and a wonderful pick-me-up at anytime of the day or even night! My Sister Jenny, who lives at ‘Orchard End ‘ in the Village, came up with this years winning jar at our Village Flower and Vegetable Show. Being an excellent cook, Jenny gaining the 1st Prize, was really no surprise to us all. I will from time to time, ‘blog’ some more of  her wonderful recipes. So for lovers of this really superb spread, I print the winning recipe below. Do hope you try it.
Lemon Curd – made with love.
Rind of 3 large lemons. Juice of 2 Large Lemons. 8ozs Castor Sugar.  4ozs unsalted butter. 2 large eggs.                                                  Â
Put lemon rind and juice, sugar and butter into a basin over simmering water. Stir until sugar has dissolved, Add the well-beaten eggs and continue to stir until thickened ( about 10 min’s) until curd coats the back of a wooden spoon. Pour into sterilised jars and seal. Allow to cool and store in fridge, Pretty cotton lids made from scrapes of clean linen and trimmed with pinking shears, completes the picture, … I did say store - Still you could always get the toast and butter ready!
         
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              Jenny.                                                      Â
As I try to read all the latest news regarding articles on Multiple Myeloma from the Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/ I thought this information might be worth passing on, it sounds at the very least, most interesting – take a look at http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2008-sct/4794.html – the intriguing contents are certainly worth a glance. Then of course discuss with your Specialist . I would be grateful for your comments on this.
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So many of our villagers are keen gardeners, their skills and knowledge are beyond my comprehension. Their knowledge is paramount and their gardens are sanctuary’s of peace and beauty, lovingly tended throughout the year. So when the special day arrives for them to open their unique gardens to us all, we hope for a sunny dry day. To wander the pretty green lanes, chatting and happy to view these priceless jewels is a joy. Â
Open Gardens. By Susie Hemingway.
How glorious the gardens
each and everyone
how extravagant and bursting forth
with riot of perennial fun,
we wandered down the sunlit lanes
on this our lovely ‘open day’.
The splendid evergreens and rosebeds wide
to narrow scented lavender surprise,
walkways of the greenest hues
from red, to yellows and to blues,
the pinks so soft upon your eyes,
geraniums potted on one side.
Hellebores in groups of six
herbaceous borders in pretty mix
cabbages, onions and chickens too!
fruits and herbs in stunning views
delphiniums lush in velvet blue,
sturdy potatoes in their pots!
leeks, carrots and shallots
Water features to cool and trickle
fish ponds, rock gardens and plants that tickle!
Many pots and nursery beds
perfumed scented, that turn your head.
Arbour’s, enchanting ‘rose cascades’
Ah! what a wondrous pleasant day.
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What a wondrous pleasant day…
All Rights Reserved @2008Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
 
:Courtesy of Ian Robson Photos.
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“For me it’s the breathtaking skies” my answer is always the same when asked, “and what brought a Southern girl to the Lincolnshire Wolds” These giant skies, the backdrop of this gentle, graceful green vista, is for me, the stunning beauty of this enchanting part of England.
I had for some time previously lived in an Oasis town in the Middle East and had become accustomed to the large skies of the desert and had embraced the wonder of such open spaces. So it was with delight, on one warm July day that I came across the charms of the Lincolnshire Wolds, and this place with it’s immediate sense of tranquillity stayed in my memory and heart and drew me years later to my home, in a lovely village which nestles in a valley, alongside the River Bain.
My home overlooks pastures amongst these peaceful farmlands and although now through trouble times – my husband is terminally ill with Multiple Myeloma see http://www.susiehemingway.blogspot.com  – I have at last found the tranquillity I craved.
I shall write of my life in this charming English Village and of the joy and sometimes pain each day brings. I am a Country Lady now and I shall remain so.
The View From My Window.
Hamada enjoying the Sun this week.
Such sad news came to us yesterday at Hamada’s regular clinic at Lincoln County Hospital. The result of the recent Bence Jones test – which is one of the markers used – is at 0.13 which means that, although Hamada underwent a Stem Cell Transplant last October he has only achieved six months remission! The beast is back and the Myeloma is active again. This is devastating news, and with the knowledge that at long last his white cell count is up at 4.05 and he was getting stronger against infections, we had so hoped his remission would have been much longer than this. Hamada has now been offered Velcade ( but not yet awhile), a proteasome inhibitor which is used for people who have previously been treated with chemotherapy and have relapsed. Therefore we will start once again with the battle to fight this wretched disease.
how simply sublime,
my days passed like a struggling river
pushing its direction to the sea,
the fast and furious moments sealed
in vaults of crashing tormented resolve
but stored with crystal clarity.
I stand on the islet like Ishmael
throwing all vehement thoughts in
the stream, torrents of anger,
this sense of sadness
I lay before you and
the currents carry them forth.
Two years, two years!
the river found it hard, the
dams and sluices got in it’s way,
but it’s power pushed them back,
do not give way, my troth intact,
my rage is rushing to the Sea,
for each tiny droplet of strength gathered
will fill the Ocean…
@ Copyright 2008
As the UK bank holiday approaches, we wish all our friends and family a fun spring weekend.
Hamada continues well without any serious problems to attend to. His recovery from his recent bout with pneumonia has been very slow. Most days Hamada returns to sleep, waking only for lunch and then he gets up in the afternoon. I believe he is getting a little stronger, but cannot manage more, he is still very weak. He enjoys some television, light reading and an occasional game of cards, still managing to beat us! He does enjoy all his meals eating really well, he has recently put on some weight and has now reach a remarkable 58kg. He does not venture out much, only for the Hospital visits, but as the weather becomes warmer the garden will beckon d.v. Love to you all from us both.
I have just finished reading the engrossing “Going for the Cure” by Francesca Morosani Thompson MD, which although written in 1989 is an inspiration to any patient with Myeloma.
In 1986 Francesca Thompson -a 42 year old orthopaedic surgeon, wife and mother – was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. In February 1987 she became the first patient with Multiple Myeloma to receive an anti-body treated autologous bone marrow transplant. It is written in the form of a present-tense, first person journal. There are many valuable insights about life as a myeloma sufferer and about the process of a stem cell transplant. I found it uplifting and compelling.
Can be found at The International Myeloma Foundation Los Angeles. or http:// www.amazon.com