The clocks have gone back and it’s time to keep snug in front of the fire. A pot of tea and a pile of drop scones are what’s called for. Also known as scotch pancakes, and very similar to Welsh pikelets, drop scones are easy peasy to make. This recipe will make about 20. Ingredients:…
DetailsThere is no mantelpiece above the fireplace in the cottage – just a simple brick arch where only the smallest things may cling, like stranded climbers on the ledge of a cliff. Accidents are not unheard of. However, the piano stands on the opposite wall. It is tall and the wood dark and glossy. Over the last few months it has…
DetailsA cup of tea and a slice of lemon drizzle cake is about as comforting as it gets. This recipe is simple and almost foolproof: Ingredients: 6oz/175g butter or soft margarine 6oz/175g caster sugar 2 large eggs 2 lemons 6oz/175g self-raising flour 5 tablespoons milk 4 tablespoons granulated sugar Method: Beat together the caster sugar…
DetailsLewesdon Hill is just one of the many Iron Age hill forts in West Dorset. Located just south of Broadwindsor, 8 miles north of Bridport, and now owned by the National Trust. It is the highest point in Dorset at 279m (next door hill fort Pilsdon Pen is a mere 277m). Each hill fort has it’s own…
DetailsAn increasing number of crinoline ladies have been appearing in the shop of late. For example, there was a batch of vintage embroidered fabrics made up into cushion covers. Amongst them were the delightful crinoline ladies shown here. It was the first cushion to be snapped up. The hunt is on for more. There is a small selection of vintage china is…
DetailsYes it’s almost that time – to get back to school, college and work. But to soften the blow Girl’s Own Store have a few of items to add a little cheer. Who wouldn’t want to pack their sandwiches into one of these lunch boxes? Made from recycled plastic in 3 great retro prints.…
DetailsThese vintage dolls were made in Poland, where they were produced from the 1950’s onwards in large numbers, although no two ever seem to have the same outfit. The faces are hand painted and so, although they are usually looking to their right, they all have a slightly different expression. This, of course, makes them…
DetailsAlthough the main garden is a very good size it is detached from the cottage. Outside the back door of the cottage itself there is only a narrow passage which runs the length of the short terrace. Not much scope for gardening here you would think. Along one side of the passageway there is an old stone wall,…
DetailsSome things are just impossible to resist. In this instance it was a tin plate wind-up toy (complete with key) just 15cm high. She was a bit of a mystery when bought a short while ago (on Bridport market, of course). Wind her up and she glides forward a little, pirouettes in one direction, then glides off in another…
DetailsThere is a Rosa rugosa hedge in the garden. Although the flowers are more or less over for this year, it is from now until well into the autumn that it really comes into its own. Never have you seen such large and luscious rose hips. They are the size of cherry tomatoes, glossy and plump.…
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