Vegetarian Christmas

I'm terrible at not weighing/measuring anything but just mixing an array of ingredients! For vegetarians at Xmas: Chestnuts Choice of nuts Fresh cranberries Oats or breadcrumbs (optional) Carrots Parsnips Puff pastry (optional) Roughly chop chestnuts & nuts and mix  in cranberries .... Use a little oats or breadcrumbs to bulk out if needed! Add small diced carrots & parsnips... For quicker cooking these can be pre cooked until soft but bitey!  Mix together... This should bind without an egg making it suitable for vegans! Tip into loaf tin & into oven .... About gas 5 & around 30 mins to finish cooking the veg & soften the cranberries. When cooked it may turn out to slice but is fine being spooned onto plate! The same mix can also be placed in rolled out puff pastry & sealed to make a Chestnut Wellington! Accompany with usual veg but cook potatoes in oil not fat etc Pigs in blankets can be achieved using vegetarian bacon wrapped round vegetarian ssusages..... Cook in separate dish to meat ones!  Happy Christmas x

Vegetarian recipes

Indian Many Indian recipes start with garlic & onions as a base but I've had to adapt due to family dislikes!  The great thing is there are no hard & fast rules.. If you like using set recipes it may be hard at first but 'free' cooking using trial & error & a variety of ingredients is far more adventurous & unless you write it down or memorise you never have the same meal twice!  So I'm going to give a basic recipe that can be adapted as you go along... It's about continuous tasting... If you like it then there are no hard & fast rules to combinations!    Samosa starters or to accompany ... Cook a mix of small diced carrot & potatoes & peas..... When cooked place small amount of oil in a pan & add 1/2 tsp each cumin, coriander & gara masala spices...cook out & add veg to coat ... If too thick add a little water.... Cut Filo pastry into squares.... Place small amount of mixture in & fold over twice to form a triangle!  Cook in oven to filo instructions... Don't forget ovens vary so check!  Saag Paneer with squash: A little oil into a pan onto medium heat & add spices ... Can mix & match but if new to using try tsp mustard seeds... When start popping add tsp each turmeric, cumin, coriander, Gara masala (there are different mixes of these so check label) ... Once used to these you can adjust to taste & try different combinations introducing others!  Cook out but be careful not to burn... Add grated or sliced  Ginger, garlic (if wanted) & fresh chilli... I usually use red & slice thinly ... The more you use the hotter it will be but don't drown the taste... I use about a quarter. Cut block paneer into cubes & add along with cubed butternut squash... Turn to coat then add a tin of tomatoes & break up the tomatoes for more juice! Cook out at a simmer.... Squash should be soft ....Add small amount of water if drying out.... add a couple of good handfuls of spinach & wilt down... Choose whether you still want it crunchy or completely cooked out like Saag Paneer in restaurants!  Whilst cooking put rice on to cook...place rice in pan & cover with cold water... Measure by placing finger in pan & filling to knuckle level... Bring to boil & simmer.... Should be cooked when water gone... Seems to even work for brown rice... You can make various rices... 2 easy ones are lemon & coconut... When cooked stir in fresh lemon juice & zest (avoid the pith).... When cooked stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 tin coconut milk dependant on amount of rice... Warm through! This can be served with Poppadums & any Indian breads... If you want to make these tweet for recipes. Accompany with a raita... Chop fresh mint & cucumber into yoghurt & mix Also chop fresh ripe Mango  Mango lassi (mango n yogurt) is a lovely cooling drink to accompany To complete the meal ... Gulab Jamun for dessert!  I usually buy ready made but am attempting to make over Xmas!!!  If Vegan replace paneer with potatoes or other vegetable of choice! This recipe can be used with mixed vegetables or just a couple of vegetables .... Your choice!  To make a creamier version you can add plain yoghurt close to the end of cooking or coconut milk added with the tin tomato for a different taste!  I've cooked themed nights with food from various nations... Great fun!  Japanese To accompany place ice, grated ginger & fresh mint in a jug and cover with elderflower... Ready made or use dilute with water to taste!  Make a salad of baby spinach leaves, sliced crisp lettuce and basil leaves Just before serving dress with a mix of olive oil,  lemon juice,  good quality balsamic vinegar & a few drops of sesame oil. Dang dang noodles: In each bowl place about 1/4 sliced red chilli, grated 1/2 clove of garlic & thumbnail of Ginger, a few dashes of soy sauce, a teaspoon of honey, chopped green of a spring onion and a drizzle of lime juice Cook egg noodles to pack instructions, drain & add to bowl sprinkle finely chopped White of the spring onion on top. Allow each person to coat with bowl ingredients at the table My Thai noodles: Mix a few dashes of Soy sauce, tsp honey,  drizzle of lime juice, the green of a spring onion... This amount is for one so bulk up dependant on amount of people!  Place sunflower oil in a pan add grated clove of garlic, thumbnail of grated Ginger, 1/4 of red chilli and White of a spring onion,  grilling cheese can be cubed and added too for a 'meatier' dish, a handful of beansprouts and handful of cashew nuts... Again this is for one so bulk up! Add the above Soy sauce mix. Cook out until cashews start to soften!  Cook egg noodles as packet instructions,  drain and drizzle over soy sauce & sesame oil add to above ingredients, mix & serve Prepare vegetables in advance as this needs cooking last to ensure crispness!  Break broccoli into small florettes, thinly slice courgette, aubergine  & sweet potato, dab on kitchen towel to remove moisture. Make a Tempura batter with flour & ice cold water.. Add water to plain flour a little at a time as mixture should be quite thick & lumpy! Add a little salt & pepper. Chopped herbs can be added at this point or sesame seeds or crushed peanuts but plain batter is fine. When noodles are almost cooked for above dishes put a pan of sunflower oil on to heat or use deep fat fryer... If using pan do not fill with more than half oil...  To test whether hot enough drop a little batter in & if it cooks immediately it's ready Dip vegetables one at a time in batter & drop into oil... Only do a few at a time or they will stick together & temperature of oil will reduce for cooking. If they float on top before light brown you may have to flip over... Once brown remove with slotted spoon onto kitchen paper to drain. Once all tempura veg are cooked the other dishes can be assembled & everything should be still hot! Apart from the Dang Dang Noodles present others in serving bowls so people can help themselves!  A good dessert to follow is simple mixed fruit salad (apricots,  grapes, cherries, blueberries,melon, mango pineapple) with crushed nuts sprinkled on top. Mix a squeeze of lemon & lime add a drizzle of honey & balsamic glaze mix & spoon over before serving!  Preparation is key... Bowls can be prepared in advance for Dang Dang Noodles... Salad can be done ready to dress, veg can be cut ready for tempura & this can be cooked whilst noodles & My Thai is cooking... Noodles can be drained & placed back in pan with lid on while tempura is cooking! 

Someone Precious

Today's blog was inspired by @ tearose68 and her blog 'Reasons to be Cheerful'. I don't often write/talk about myself, apart from food related, not even in real life! I'm known for being a listener so other people tend to unload themselves on me. I don't mind but having qualified in counselling am aware of the importance of being able to unload that burden elsewhere. So for me my rock is my daughter.  She is the one who has always been there to listen to my rants and ravings! As for Reasons to be Cheerful I can't think of a greater one.  I've delayed posting this blog but after last weekend there is even more reason. I've been really ill and Aisha has been nursemaid. Whilst feeling ill herself she has taken great care of me.  Once I was able to go downstairs I find more... I knew she had been washing and filling the dishwasher... But I walked into a vacuumed and dust free lounge with fresh throws on the futons, even a washed window and clean curtain,  then into a clean & tidy kitchen with bins emptied etc For those who feel this is a 'family' thing I don't agree... I know many who wouldn't do this! From the minute my daughter was born I was the happiest person alive.  I found being a single parent a blessing. I watched many couples confusing their children by not being consistent and using them as pawns when their relationship was rocky, I experienced this with my own parents. And yes I know there are great couples/parents out there doing a great job! Aisha always knew where she stood and I was there to comfort as well as chastise. Not that I had to do much of that. I don't know maybe I've been lucky but I believe our brilliant relationship is due to the fact that I have treated her as an equal. Comes from a background of 'children should be seen not heard' and have no opinion! Aisha & I have always talked about things at an appropriate level of understanding and made decisions together. No this did not equate to a spoilt brat but to an understanding of life, the value of money, non discrimination and I know she'd agree, in fact I'm asking her to read this before I post it!  I won't pretend it's been easy having to cope alone and initially on very little money. But the best things in life are free, it's about making use of them.  We spent the first few years of her life living by the coast. So we went on the beach a lot, picnicked in the park and supported all the local community activities.  There weren't nursery schools but we went to a mums & toddlers group and joined a swimming group. Many neighbours had children too so she was never isolated.  When she was two she was really ill and I was beside myself. This is when I lost my trust in doctors as I admitted her to hospital but she should have been there much sooner. I stayed with her and the nurses were amazing. In the opposite room there was a younger child suffering awful burns, I believe from a cup of tea/coffee who was alone....mum had the option to stay.  I've always found it hard to understand some mothers... as I've got older I've realised it's about the individual person rather than motherhood! When Aisha was three she joined a dancing class and was a natural. She exceeded her peers and progressed exceptionally!  In those days I was quite sylph like and in later years have realised that walking everywhere, climbing the hundreds of stairs and eventually dancing myself was exercise! At the time it was life. I didn't drive in those days and was healthier for it... daily fresh air!  As she got older she started school, joined Brownies and the swimming club.  Money was tight as I didn't work... Luckily I'm not a girly girl so buy clothes as needed not for fashion, have never worn much make up and am not very materialistic. I put together a lovely home though. I'd stopped smoking but still had nights out. Also I'm very handy so able to make things, decorate, DIY and garden. Also when living there I took a step further and grew vegetables, made wine, jam, pickles you name it I made it.  I never wanted Aisha to miss out as you can never recapture childhood!  I had a neighbour who admittedly had 4 children and little money but said that her two girls could not go to Brownies as she couldn't afford it... I believe it was 50p at the time.... priorities... she always had money to go out drinking!  I had some great friends but it was a few years before I even considered a boyfriend.... even then I only introduced Aisha when I felt things were getting serious. I hoped the broken relationships would never effect her and I always explained the situation.  At school she excelled being able to read & write before starting, you hear some schools discourage this but they welcomed it there. She was always very mature for her age and still is so lovely natured. She loved school and worked hard and always accepted my changing situations, like when I started work. She was a welcome addition for the child minder and helped with the younger children. We moved when she was still at primary school and she never once moaned about leaving her friends behind and her dancing. The summer before we left she was old enough to join the local Amateur Variety Association so we were both disheartened to find it was to stop due to loss of choreographer and producer. I offered my services as producer and the chairman found a new choreographer. That experience calls for a blog in itself. It was an amazing summer. We never did find another decent dance class. Aisha did join the local Brownies & we went swimming. She settled into her new school although she had to be given advanced work. There may be a National Curriculum but oh how this varies from place to place. Aisha made lots of new friends as that's the sort of person she is. I started work in education so I could spend the holidays with her. It was a struggle when we first moved as I had no work. Decorating etc went on hold so she could continue activities and we could go on holidays. We had some amazing holidays courtesy of the Family Rail Card that made travel much cheaper. Now when we pile up the car we wonder how we managed going on trains & buses but we did.  We holidayed across the UK in caravans, chalets, B&Bs and hotels with a few trips to Holland too and went away not only in summer but every half term. We even used to go away between Christmas & New Year usually to a cottage with a big log fire. This was made easier years later when I finally learnt to drive & got a car. Aisha then went to a performing arts college and had to work hard as all the lessons she missed for extra arts activities had to be completed in her own time.  She played a part in every yearly show  as well as being in the band and a separate dance group. She performed all over. Then on choosing her subjects she dropped the performing arts but continued in her dance group. We struggled for some time at that school for the correct academic level in some subjects and some teenagers would have given up. During this time I worked at the same school and colleagues knew Aisha, what a good person and student she was and continuously informed me to 'wait until she's a teenager'! I confidently told them she wouldn't change and they laughed! She never did, she never rebelled, never smoked, doesn't to this day like drink very much although she did and does go out but has never been horrendously drunk!  I can hear people saying ' I bet she got up to all sorts you never knew about' but that's just it she always had free reign and when I say we talk about everything believe me I mean everything!!!  She achieved all her GCSEs with high grades and came out top of that year. That year she also met her partner but didn't let it sway her, in fact she made him work harder! We had checked out two different sixth forms and she chose wisely, the one where she would be treated as an adult. Again she achieved well due to hard work. Aisha had to make the decision whether to pursue art or science excelling in both areas.  She completed work experience in an architect's office, even designed a light fitting and went out to sites with them but decided science was the way forward. At the end of year eleven we went to an open day at the university she had decided upon, then again the next year, by the end of the sixth form the lecturers were chatting like old friends. She still had to apply and to a number of other places but she achieved her grades and was accepted. I was so proud of her, she deserved this for all her hard work. This again was hard financially but we managed. Aisha loved it there and they were brilliant with the pastoral side too. I was happy she could still live at home! She completed a year and into her second one was taken ill. By this time I was onto my sixth job in education with flexible hours and holidays when I wanted fortunately. I was therefore able to spend a lot of time with her in hospital. It brought last time, when she was two, flooding back, it took me many years to talk about it as I'd nearly lost her! She took a year out from uni and recovered. Then back to it for her final two years.  During this time her partner moved in with us and as we were all out all day and all contributed to the mess so we all did our share. I taught him how to cook and bake and now his cakes are better than mine! He can also work a washing machine, dishwasher etc They started saving for a house, something I advised having rented many years myself before getting on the property ladder! Aisha initially wasn't sure which direction she would take but decided to teach so applied for the course and was accepted, more hard work.  As with everything she succeeded and now makes science fun for many young people. She seems to be loved by everyone, the kids even set up a face book page dedicated to her. After years of saving they fell lucky in the early part of house prices dropping and we all mucked in to get much of it decorated, carpeted etc before they moved.... Another new skill achieved by her partner!  Unfortunately soon after he lost his job but she coped with her strong confidence and high level of Emotional Intelligence!  He's working again now thankfully! Throughout this there has been times when I've been ill, at one point on a regular basis and she was there for me. Whether going for neighbours, calling family or cooking me meals. She cooked a full Sunday dinner at the age of nine!  So far she has achieved everything but she's strived for it. Her and her partner now have a beautiful house, a cat & a dog .... I'm just waiting for the 2 point 4  children!  We have an amazing relationship and although I still give advice, usually requested, I try not to interfere.  She has been there through all my moans & groans and we have both said that through discussion about my work it has given her a better understanding of SEN and behaviour enabling her to manage her classes well.  How ironic Aisha has just text me for advise while writing this! We see each other on a regular basis, go to glass class together and still holiday together too.  We text and speak every day and I can never imagine anything breaking the bond we have!  'Reasons to be Cheerful'! 

The Food Hospital

Seeing The Food Hospital has prompted me to blog. 
I'm not going to preach about being vegetarian or vegan only how many ailments can be remedied. 
I personally know someone who
was prescribed 3 inhalers, on stopping using cow's milk the inhalers were no longer needed. 
I personally know of someone with severe eczema who was on numerous tablets from their Dr .... Made no difference .... Stopped using cow's milk and no longer has it.... It flares up if excess cheese or chocolate is consumed!
For myself I  had stomach problems for years.... Diagnosed IBS & wanted to operate.... Stopped cow's milk and try to be wheat free.... No problems...If I have these as ingredients in ready made products I suffer the consequences!
Even cutting down or changing to soya milk, oat milk or rice milk can help. 
There is a good reason why dairy is an issue.... We are the only mammals who drink milk after being weaned and milk from another mammal.
We are constantly told what to eat & what not to eat  but this depends on individual diet... For instance as I rarely have processed food & don't cook with salt I have to add it on my food or my intake would be too low.... This was causing major cramps! 
Then there's chemicals.... We were never meant to have artificial additives and they are not necessary... Usually to enhance colour rather than accept natural colour or enhance shelf life! Many other countries do not have heart disease & cancers etc although as Western products are being introduced they are increasing... That's because many other countries eat fresh food. 
Of course these can contain chemicals through pesticides so it's about being aware about what you eat! 
Then there's chemicals in other products.... All the make up, creams, aftershave, deodorants, bath products etc etc
These don't just go on your skin but penetrate it... Absorbed by the body!
There are many natural products and I don't mean those that state they contain natural ingredients I mean those that are completely chemical free!
Everyone is entitled to live their life as they wish... Hence no preaching & yes I drink wine & beer & have take aways but in moderation! 
But it upsets me immensely when I see family & friends that I love dearly suffering when they don't need to! 

Oh yes I have got good genes so look younger than I am but if you saw the condition of my skin, the fact I have no wrinkles etc & no-one ever gets close to my age.... Must be doing something right! 

Just a footnote... I started seeing a naturopath because my doctor could not remedy an ailment....it was sorted within weeks! I'd also taken medication for another ailment for over 20 years... I no longer need to! 
It's not expensive to go but other cost is dependant on medication needed... All natural!
What price your health or your children's health??? 

When I met Jimmy Savile

When I lived in Scarborough and was unemployed I answered an advert from someone trying to set up a free newspaper. 
I contacted him and he met with a few of us who had replied. 
We all had different backgrounds, Andy was a teacher, Julian did amateur photography, I had a background in art and specifically graphics and knowledge of advertising and oddly can't remember either the name of the guy who advertised or his background!
The guy had the idea of setting up a free newspaper mainly aimed at the unemployed showing job vacancies and paid for through advertising.
This was years before anyone ever thought of introducing free newspapers!
We embarked on discussions with local businesses and many were willing to make the commitment to advertise when we were up and running.
We discussed layout etc and approached a local printer, we just needed the first one printing then once we had revenue from the advertising we could pay from that. It was to cost a few hundred pounds, can't remember the exact amount but it may as well have been millions as we were all skint! 
I wrote letters all over trying to get some sponsorship to no avail. How ironic this would have taken 4 people into work and off the dole queue! 
I eventually was interviewed by The Northern Echo, even did a photo shoot and they called me an editor but no-one came forward to support! 
We decided maybe we should write an article to sell to the papers.
Eventually we wondered whether Jimmy Savile would help as he lived locally in his mum' s flat.
Not sure who knew where he lived but I went round with Julian, the photographer. I was really nervous.
We knocked and yes he answered the door, no security intercom for him.
He invited us in....sorry no flat description, can't remember and too mesmerised and nervous!
We explained about the newspaper and asked if it would be possible to interview him with a view to selling the story. He wanted to help but told us that even if he spoke to us for free the tax man would assume he'd been paid. 
We told him we understood but he interrupted saying that if however we bumped into him somewhere that would be different. He told us he went jogging on the beach early in the morning if we wanted to find him. 
So we chose a day and said that we'd see him down there. I assume Julian gave him his phone number, years before mobile phones.... Yes you youngsters there was a time with no mobiles gulp! ...... as on the day in question I was woken very early by Julian knocking at the door. Jimmy was going earlier that day! 
I still wonder if this was Jimmy's way of seeing how serious we were! 
I quickly donned jeans and t-shirt, grabbed a coat, pen and pad and was off.
There was no possibility of not finding Jimmy at that early hour as the beach was deserted!
So onto the beach we went, both running alongside, Julian taking photos and me attempting to chat. Extremely difficult in those circumstances, even though I was sylph like and fit!
Jimmy said that we should go indoors away from the wind and cold so we went over to Jaconelli's ice cream parlour. It was before opening times but Jaconelli was in the shop and a good friend of Jimmy's.   
Can't remember all the details but did a general interview about his work, jogging on the beach, living in Scarborough etc! 
Then the hard work started trying to sell the story and photos but no-one seemed interested. I think one paper was willing to buy one photo for a meagre amount..... Ironic considering today's paparazzi!
Unfortunately people started getting job offers so we all disbanded...... I think Julian kept the photos.
One good thing came out of it Andy & I looked for a flat to share together and became life long friends!
Wish I had those photos! 

On The Rebound

In the morning Claire was suffering.
John wanted to know who she had been on the phone with. Claire hadn't realised he didn't know. He asked if it was Roger, a very good friend of Claire's. Well more than a friend as he had asked her to marry him and John knew this. They had spent a lot of time together but only as friends although after a great night out and a little booze, they had made love. John didn't know that! It had been very tender love making and Claire was quite sad that he was someone she couldn't settle down with. She was never attracted to 'nice' men. 
Had she been clear headed and not bowled over by love she would have realised that John obviously was concerned deep down. She just assured him it had been her friend Jackie.

Things were fine for some time. The Central Heating was close to being completely installed so the decorating would soon give something to occupy Claire's time. A lot of the issues arose around her lack of focus and time on her hands, she had always worked. 
Once the house was more organised she was going to set up her own business.
No worries about school holiday time as John would be home.

Claire knew John had a few female friends in the city. Not long term friends but those he had met from placing an advert in a lonely hearts. Not a newspaper but in Private Eye.
She had many male friends so had no problems with this. Although they were all back in the town where she used to live. 
The problem was that he went running to one in particular each time they argued and revelled in letting her know.
It became obvious that she wanted more than friendship. John's explanation of his rebuff was that he realised he was in love with Claire. 
She didn't see it the same way as he still met up with her. 

The issues with the children became problematic as they relayed everything to their mother and she said that they could no longer go to Claire's house. 
John started spending weekends with his children at his flat.
Claire felt his ex partner was manipulating the situation and that they should wait to have the children until she changed her mind. She had to realise that this was their life and the children needed to accept that.

John suggested they see a counsellor.
Claire had never needed to do this but John had been before with his children's mum. She started to think that she wasn't the problem it was obviously John who couldn't cope in a relationship.

She finally agreed and they saw the qualified nurse at the local surgery.
She was lovely. She spoke with John first, then Claire then both.
She said that they would need to have agreed rules for all the children, stick together and not be divided. They should tell their mum that they would have the children but no longer at the flat, at the house. They should wait until this was agreed. 
She was saying all the things that Claire had said so surely john would now listen. He wanted them to see a professional.
How wrong she was. On leaving John said that he didn't know why she had said that and it wasn't the sort of counselling he had been trained in. 
Claire wanted to discuss it further but he was going to meet his friend, Shirley. 

Claire walked home refusing a lift. What was she doing? She knew if she was back in her little town surrounded by family and friends she would have finished the relationship already. Was she holding on because there was no-one else around? 

John had been staying at his flat and didn't return to the house that night.
When he did Claire wanted to discuss everything saying that she had gone to the counselling as he wanted yet he didn't want to take that advice either. He hated the fact that she had said the same as Claire.

Claire was very intuitive and was quick to assess people. He knew she had been right about his ex partner, something he tried to push to the back of his mind. She had been right when she said that his friend was really a friend of his ex and when visiting the cottage she was taking his ex too. Then when he changed the lock she came to collect all the gifts she had given for the use of the cottage to give to his ex. 
She had been right about so many things that John had had to agree with but he wouldn't agree this time.

Eventually he said that it was over but Claire didn't want that, she still loved him, she had left a content life behind for him. On later reflection she realised it wasn't really that she wanted him she just didn't want to be stranded.

It had only been a few months and now was the time when the bills started rolling in. This included a huge phone bill from John's children phoning their mum.
She had no spare cash, no job and had not been in this position since Sam was a baby.
She had to start over again.

On The Rebound

Everything went well over New Year. They had fun on New Year's Eve, although John completing first footing and all singing 'Auld Lang Syne' were a first for them.
Claire and John had a few drinks but weren't drunk. John's children seemed bemused by this as they had obviously witnessed both parents in a drunken state usually! 
Patrick or Paddy as he was known often commented that his mum drank hundreds of bottles with John amused. Claire reiterated that this was Paddy's perception of his mum. John did eventually agree that she never went a day without alcohol! 
Claire was happy to show a different lifestyle to his children.

Into January the arguments started and rather than sort things out John would run back to his flat. 
This affected arrangements to go out for Sam's birthday. Claire did however manage to arrange a party at home for all Sam's new school friends. 
She was determined Sam would not suffer for her choice of partner. 
Claire knew that although she had had some great times in her childhood, it was the bad times she remembered more. She wanted good memories for her daughter. 

John usually came back with his tail between his legs and they sorted things out. 
Claire wasn't good with emotions and usually her way of making up was by making love. John continued to want to analyse the relationship, the fact that he was taking a counselling course didn't help. 
Claire insisted he didn't use her as a 'client'.

The children came over regularly every other weekend. 
Then one morning Sam woke to find some of her things in Sarah's bag.
Claire had a discreet word with John knowing there must be a reason behind this. After all they had all had to cope with their mum and dad splitting, their mum now with a long time friend, having to move house and now Claire and Sam living with their dad.
Unfortunately John's defensive attitude blew everything out of proportion. Claire needed him to chat to Sarah and ask what was wrong but John decided to tackle this in front of everyone. Of course Sarah was going to deny it, then the tables were turned to make Sam appear a liar and Claire wasn't going to accept that. Sam didn't lie, she had no need to. Claire and Sam had always discussed things age appropriate! Sam hadn't tried to cause trouble she had just mentioned it to her mum. 
Claire was fuming at how this had been dealt with.
John suddenly wanted to leave it after causing major problems.
Claire was so angry and reassured Sam that she knew she was telling the truth. 
Sam had to then share her bedroom as in the new house Emily and Sarah shared her room whilst Paddy had a sleeping bag in the spare room.
He often woke in the night having wet the bed so Claire knew how the situation was affecting John's children. She couldn't understand how John didn't see this, quite worrying that he was not more knowledgeable of children especially having been a teacher! 
Fortunately Emily was fine with Sam and Paddy was oblivious,  in his own little world, as always.

Once all the children were in bed Claire started drinking wine refusing the meal that John had made earlier. 
She hadn't been drunk for a long time and at the time didn't realise that it was John turning her to drink. No wonder his ex partner needed so much. 
How blind love can be!
She felt very isolated, didn't have the sort of relationship where she could phone her mum or her sister. In fact history showed her mother would have blamed her. 
When she suffered domestic violence she had said that Claire must have driven him to it with her sharp tongue.
As a child she told her mother another child had hit her so she marched her round to the house. The girl's mother said that Claire had hit her daughter first. Her mother believed the woman and Claire was chastised. Her mother always put other people before Claire and her sister. The only consolation was that Claire knew how not to bring up her daughter.

It was late but Claire went to her bedroom and phoned a friend she had known for many years. Later she wondered what waffle she had ranted on about but her friend didn't mind, a true friend!
Whilst on the phone John appeared at the door with two balloons, left over from Sam's party. He was completely naked with one balloon covering his backside and the other covering his front. Under normal circumstances Claire would have found this funny but she was in no laughing mood! She described the situation to Jackie on the phone stating he was an absolute idiot. 

When she finished her conversation John came up to bed. 
They chatted and Claire was so drunk the love she had overshadowed the anger. She kissed him and wanted to make love but he refused. She couldn't believe it, she had never had anyone refuse to make love with her. Especially as her love making was something many men had never experienced before. She knew she had shown John many new ways.
She was totally aghast. John knew this and said that he realised she had obviously always used her love making to make up with her partners but he couldn't after such a big argument. 
This was a totally new concept for Claire, yet more analysis rather than go with your heart. 

On The Rebound

The house was not what Claire expected but she was great with D.I.Y. and decorating. This was short term, house exchange then buy the house, sell it and John's flat and buy another house! 
She had lost her job and had moved within a month!
Everything was rather rushed including telling all the children.
Sam would have to change schools and leave her dancing classes.

They all spent a day going round primary schools in the city and to a secondary school they had heard about.
The head teacher at one school was in a panic as they were already over subscribed in that year group. Claire explained she loved the school but wasn't going to put Sam in such a large class!
There were many discussions to be had on visiting the schools. Many where heads were making such ridiculous statements that John had to intervene and explain he was a lecturer training teachers! 
At least there was full agreement about the schools Sam would not be joining, she was very bright!
Eventually one was decided upon and the secondary school explained the admission and interview process! 

Claire and Sam had a farewell party in their local where a bloke was on holiday from near to where they were moving, explaining it was a decent area!
Claire had only viewed the house once! 

They finally got moved and as John cleared the rubbish from the back, Claire started stripping the wall paper. 

Sam's bedroom was the first to be decorated but everywhere else was on hold as John fitted central heating. 

They spent time between the house & flat. 
Sam left one school on the Friday and started her new one on the Monday. She loved it but it soon became obvious she was one of the brightest there.
Claire had assumed National Curriculum meant the same everywhere but didn't realise this meant different schemes in different authorities.
Soon Sam was complaining that the work was too easy.
Claire went in to see her teacher and they soon discovered the maths Sam had achieved already was way beyond the level that would ever be achieved in the school. 
Sam was placed on different schemes and allowed to make progress.
It was a difficult situation but as Sam made new friends so did Claire.
There was nothing she could get on with at the house until the central heating was complete. 

John's children came to stay every fortnight and progression was made with Paddy and Emily and Sam grew closer. However Sarah soon started stirring.
She made comments about Sam going to the cottage more than her. John said that this was ridiculous as Sarah had gone for years but ignored Claire's comments about her perception. She could see that Sarah was jealous of the situation.
Then she started with Claire saying she thought she was a certain age then adding she was wrong that was the age of Jenny, John's previous girlfriend.
She then would leave her items at home making John have to collect them as she desperately needed them. 
Claire could see it was so she had her dad to herself and took him away from her. 
John pandered to her so Claire had no chance!
She was certainly an attention seeker. At the seaside she went on a pony knowing full well she was allergic. Spent the rest of the day with half closed eyes and a streaming nose, success achieved, full attention. John read this as some sort of martyrdom!

They spent many weekends at the cottage and the winter nights in front of the open fire were very romantic. 

As Christmas approached Claire became rather worried. Although John paid for food, the house was in Claire's name and being extremely independent she insisted on paying the rent etc. This was out of some extremely small savings.
She had started buying Christmas presents earlier in the year as she always had done so had a few things and was determined Sam would wake to her usual sack full. Enough had changed for her this year she wanted Christmas to be the same as ever! 
It didn't help that they had so far been unable to find a decent dance school. They all wanted to place her in groups linked to age rather than her very advanced ability!

John and Claire bought a few presents for Sam and his children. But he seemed to want to limit Sam's presents based on the fact that he wasn't getting as much for his and that he wouldn't be there on Christmas day. 
Fortunately Claire was able to manage a few more but feared for her ever depleting funds! 

When Christmas did arrive John was determined he wanted Sam to wait and open her presents with everyone. 
On Christmas morning she bounced on the bed with her first present opened. She had done this every year. Immediately John moaned and started sulking. Again bells started ringing for Claire, who was the child!
All day he moped around, hardly taking any photos and Claire loved her Christmas photos. 
Her mother and step father came round from the hotel they were staying in, refusing to stay at the house. It broke the ice a little and although Claire was unable to get exactly what she wanted for Sam, as usual Sam loved all she did get plus a sack full from grandma! 
Sam wasn't spoilt, Claire did buy her lots of presents for Christmas and birthdays but nothing of great expense. This was due to Sam's attitude as she never asked for things. Even at school her list would be one item for her collection, around this time it was My Little Pony plus surprises. This was when other lists comprised of TV, videos etc.
Christmas was ok but spoilt slightly by the start. As usual Claire did everything with very little help and was treading on egg shells around her mother. Why did she put herself through this year after year. 
Then no relief on Boxing Day other than no cooking but a wonderful buffet spread that took hours. 
Her mother used to stay for just the two days until M&S deferred their sale to the 27th! Oh how she had her priorities so right!!!

Christmas over with the rest of the school holidays to enjoy together. 
John's children were due over new year, their mother nearly had a heart attack on realising John was willing to stay home on New Year's Eve! 

Tonight's tea

Small amount of sunflower oil in frying pan add 1 small onion sliced, 1 large garlic clove sliced or crushed, as much fresh red chilli as you like... About 1/3 for me, few thin slices of ginger, then add various spices....about a teaspoon each of Cumin, coriander, garam masala & turmeric plus pinch of asafoetida and a cardamom pod opened and seeds added to pan. 
Add chunks of paneer, 1thinly sliced courgette, half a tin of tomatoes plus juice, some shavings of creamed coconut, a little water and finally a couple of handfuls of spinach.
Cook out until sauce has reduced down.

Cook rice to accompany.

I had nothing else in but could have mango chutney, poppadums and naans or chappattis too! 

Enjoy!!! 

This would give about 2 servings... Adjust for more or add other veg! 

Amendment

Yes I can't add up there were six children not seven!

On The Rebound

Somehow they all managed to sleep in the cottage.
It was a lovely time for the seven children as they all walked along the rocks with John amongst them as Claire and her friend Caroline straggled behind in deep conversation!

The sea air was so refreshing and the sound of sea gulls each morning a lovely alarm. 

The second night they all went to the family pub for tea and a drink.
Caroline took her two children back over to bed and a little later Emily took  the others as John and Claire finished their drinks. They were about to leave when John over heard a nearby conversation. Some local older men discussing how they hated hearing children swear.
On leaving the pub John commented that maybe some people did find it offensive. Claire added that it was more than concern about people being offended it sounded awful hearing children swear.

They all travelled back to Claire's house in the two cars and spent the last couple of days going to the park and the beach.

Summer holidays were over and soon it was phone calls and weekend visits.
Now John would sometimes collect Claire and Sam and take them to his flat in the city where he lived.
It was only small so Sam had the futon bed and they slept on the sofa bed. When all the children were there the three girls shared the bed with Patrick on the floor.

They often ate out and John introduced them to some lovely restaurants.

Everything was going fine even if he wasn't the love of her life.
She still often thought about Neil but rarely saw him!

At one point John told Claire he loved her but wasn't in love with her and felt she was in love with him but didn't love him. Now he was saying he was in love with her.
At times she found it all analytical!

Claire took the lead in their love making. John had some experience but had never made love with the light on! 
She introduced him to many positions not realising she was mirroring her love making with Neil. 
Once at the cottage she was sitting on the step with The Joys of Sex hidden within another book so as not to upset the passing tourists. Her and John had fun looking through it but their differences became apparent after turning a number of pages saying "I've done that, I've done that...." to his response "I've not!".

There was a first between them though when they often shared a bath, making love each time. 

Soon things were to change as Claire lost her main job. She still had her other two but these didn't add up to many hours. 
Not wanting to be idle she started some local voluntary work.

Then one day she saw an advert in her local shop, someone wanting a house exchange from the city where John lived.
She phoned the number to find it was the daughter of someone already on her street, someone she knew.

She told John and they decided to view the house. It was strange they had never discussed Claire moving to be nearer to John yet they never questioned this new venture.

On The Rebound

John frequently drove over to stay with Claire and on many weekends they then drove over to the cottage.
Claire and Sam first met John's children there. 
Their mum and partner were staying in another cottage but the children spent their time there with their dad.
There was Emily, 13; Sarah, 9 same age as Sam and Patrick, 6!
Sam immediately found an affinity with Emily being more mature. 
They seemed nice children with good manners.

As it neared the summer holidays Claire suggested the children stay over a while at her house.
John met half way with their mum to collect them.
Although Claire had a three bedroomed house it was difficult with one boy.
Emily and Sarah shared a room and Patrick ended up in a sleeping bag on the floor of Sam's bedroom.
It was fine as they all appeared to get on well.

It was meal times when Claire realised Patrick had never been taught how to use a knife and fork properly! Emily tended to help him a lot and even John's attitude was that he was a boy! 
Claire said that he needed to learn and must be struggling at school. 
There were other things too she noticed Emily tied his shoe laces and Claire asked if he'd been shown how to use the loo as most went on the floor! 
John didn't know and although he had been split a while from their mum Claire felt he should have noticed! 

Claire believed in everyone doing their bit but when drying pots Patrick came close to dropping things. John's attitude was to say he shouldn't do it but Claire said to give him cutlery to dry but no sharp knives.

Although Claire had done her share of babysitting when younger and run a crèche for a Gingerbread group she had no other experience than raising Sam. However she knew enough and was horrified that both John and his partner had been primary school teachers and owned a nursery!
She was later to realise the nursery was left to staff and half the time so were their children whilst they lived their own individual lives! 
This opened Claire's eyes to further understanding John and she had mixed feelings! 

The children stayed a few days but they could only go out locally as there was not enough car room for four children. Luckily the beach and a huge park were within walking distance.
Then they returned home.

Claire worked three part time jobs so Sam usually went to her grandmas but as John had all the holidays, being a lecturer, it meant Sam could stay home sometimes! 

They had a great summer going out to many different places.

Claire's friend was having relationship difficulties so travelled up from London with her two children to stay a week and Claire took time off work.
John stayed over at the same time and they all arranged to stay a few nights at the cottage meeting John's children there.
They met up at another small seaside village, Robin Hood Bay and when Sarah found out where they were to meet said to her dad "not f*****g Robin Hood Bay father"! 
When John relayed this to Claire she was totally shocked especially at John finding it comical. He just couldn't see it as a problem. 
Claire never heard him swear and she never spoke such words within hearing distance of Sam or any child! 

Claire had learned a lot about the life John had had with his ex. Apart from leaving their children to their own devices with Emily taking on the mother role a lot of the time, they appeared to have like minded friends and been cocooned in their ideas, opinions and ideologies!

John knew plenty about his subject but not so much about general knowledge and life in general!

Through things he said it was obvious the man his ex was now with, Jake, a long time friend, and his ex had been having a relationship for many years.

When she fell pregnant with Patrick they had not slept together for a long time and yet she suddenly decided to sleep with him once. Then she was pregnant! On seeing Jake it was so obvious he was his father and John agreed still wanting to hide from the truth! 

Time to blog about food again

Thai mixed veg.

When I cook I grab ingredients and chop straight into pan but can all be made ready first!

Drizzle sunflower oil in a wok/pan then add finely sliced carrots, stems of broccoli, sliced green beans, broad beans, thinly sliced pepper, sliced courgette, asparagus tips, a little fennel...they can all go in together... slithers of Ginger, slithers of chilli, squeeze half a lime and lemon, a few dashes of soy sauce, some shavings of creamed coconut and a little water... Stir every now and again. 
Cook either Ramen or rice noodles to accompany! 

Other veg could be swapped or added too!
I didn't use garlic or spices but you can experiment! 
Could add peanut butter or tahini to make a satay sauce! 

Enjoy!!! 

On The Rebound

Claire was devastated when her relationship ended. She had really loved Neil. He was over ten years older than her and she felt safe, secure and loved when he was around but it had all gone wrong. 
As they lived in the same seaside town she often saw him but he didn't frequent the local pubs so she could avoid him when out socialising! 
The months passed when she met someone else, she was later to realise this had been on the rebound but it was to change her life!
Although John lived in a city some miles away he had a cottage close to the town where Claire lived. 
They initially met as friends but started a relationship. At first she couldn't get Neil out of her head and when parading around town with John hoped to make him jealous! 
But the more she saw him the more she liked him.
It wasn't long until he invited her to the cottage, it was by the seaside but one that had been a little fishing village tucked away on the east coast.
The cottage was very messy with a hotch potch of furniture but she loved it, especially the open fire where they would later make love.
It was such a peaceful place, the sort where artists would retire to. There were often many visitors but it wasn't commercialised!
That first morning Claire woke to the sound of seagulls. 
John made her breakfast and then they went for a walk along the rocks with it's sea pools.
That night he made her tea and they snuggled up to soft music. 
On Sunday after a walk that took them over a river, flowing to the sea, via stepping stones, they went to the pub directly opposite the cottage for Sunday lunch.
Claire really loved this place.
That evening was back to reality and the long journey for John to the city where he lived and worked.

Claire had a daughter and John had two daughters and a son from a previous relationship. They lived some distance away and although a difficult situation Claire later encouraged him to see them regularly.

On one of the weekends John stayed over they went to the Sea Life Centre. Claire's daughter, Sam, was only young but was interested in everything stopping to read all the information boards.
After a long time walking round they went to the cafe. John expressed how shocked he was that Sam was so interested and well behaved! Claire started to wonder what his children must be like!

Too Young

Janet was about sixteen when she met Simon, he was twenty. She always seemed to be asked out by older men.
He lived on the next street so they had often seen each other but met up properly when Janet was out with friends at The Crown. They got chatting and would often meet up there amongst a crowd. 
When he found out she was good at Art he asked her to design a logo for his mobile DJ van. He wanted to call his business Aquarius. 
Janet found a small picture of a water carrier and checked it was what he wanted. She squared it up and made an enlarged drawing. Simon then took the design to be spray painted onto his van, he paid her too. 
One Saturday night he asked her to go with him to the club where he was working. She asked one of her friends to phone and tell her mum where she would be. 
They travelled in the van and it was an amazing night, she'd never been to a club before due to problems with transport. All the girls kept gathering round and asking for requests. Janet was pleased that she was the one with Simon and he wasn't interested in anyone else.
The club closed at one but when they arrived at his house it was nearly two in the morning. Immediately they turned into the driveway Simon's mum came out saying that Janet's mum had been round and she was livid!
Simon walked Janet round the corner immediately but still lingered long enough to give her a good night kiss. 
When Janet was in the house her mum started with the usual ranting and raving but when asked if Janet's friend had phoned she had. That was how she was able to go to Simon's house! She was fuming that Janet was out so late but at no time said that she had been worried. No it was all about control and not wanting her to go out with friends even though she knew she couldn't stop her. She knew this because when her sister was the same age and went out she once called the police! A lovely police woman came round who then listened to their mother ranting about how there should be something they could do to stop it. Her sister never even stayed out late! The police woman questioned what she expected the police to do and that as she was sixteen she could leave home if she wanted to and do as she wished. She did the following year! 
Janet continued seeing Simon and on a couple of occasions went to clubs with him but told her mum in advance knowing she could do nothing. After that she was always asleep when Janet returned home! 
They had been seeing each other for a few months and managed to sleep together on odd occasions when she came home from school and he had the house to himself!
Then out of the blue he asked her to marry him, he was ready to settle down and start a family and wanted his wife to be Janet.
She was so shocked! He told her he knew she needed time to think it over.
She spoke to friends at school saying that she felt too young, hadn't known him that long and had plans for a career! 
When Janet next saw Simon she had to tell him she wasn't ready to settle down. He said he understood, she was still young and he was willing to wait. She explained that she intended moving away as soon as she could. 
She never saw him again apart from at a distance.

Before Janet moved away she met someone else. 
Tom was a Royal Marine so older than her. He came from a nearby village where she went with friends to drink.
He had been to many countries already. He was tall, dark and handsome and not long after they started dating he took Janet to meet his mum. She let them stay together when Janet stayed over. Even Janet's mum approved of him not that she had met all of her boyfriends. 
He had a car so they were able to travel around. 
They had been together a few months when Janet was told she had been accepted at a college in London and would be leaving. 
Tom was due to go on duty in Ireland and even though he was an officer would still be involved in the fighting. They both hoped to continue the relationship.
When Janet was in London she had a special number to call so was only charged local rate to call Tom. 
It was a terrible time with all the bombing. One time she phoned he had been in hospital having glass removed from his back. He had been close to where a bomb had exploded. 
He wrote regularly and sent Love Is.. characters with his own Love Is... quotes. It made Janet's heart melt. 
But as time went on Janet found the long term relationship a strain. Eventually she met someone else. 
Then out of the blue Tom turned up, he was staying a few days with a friend in Knightsbridge not far away.
Janet had to quickly make excuses for not seeing her new bloke that weekend.
Tom and her had a great time and she wasn't sure what to do.
They continued to write until one day she told him she couldn't continue the long distance relationship.
He was very upset and the next time he was on leave went to see Janet's mum saying he loved Janet and could she do anything.
Janet was upset to hear this but realised she had made the right decision. Tom was ready to settle down but she wasn't.
She often would look at the Love Is... he had sent her and the fabulous love letters along with the photos of him in uniform his mum sent her. She would always cherish them. 
Then one day her new boyfriend saw them, he was very jealous and told her to throw them away. She had started falling in love with him and didn't want to lose him, so she did.
She would regret that action forever. 

Tonight's Tea

I often come home with the dilemma of what to have for tea. Unless I have something specific in mind I usually just grab ingredients and hope it works. I only ever remember one meal that didn't! Can't remember what I put together though!!! Lol
Tonight I grabbed a pan and put in a little sunflower oil then added chopped onion and a clove of roasted garlic.
I then thinly sliced half a courgette, podded some lovely fresh peas and rough cut some broccoli spears and added. Once this had cooked out a little I moved it to the side and added a little bulgar wheat and risotto rice and let it absorb the oil. A shake of bouillon and a small amount of water to plump up the rice then more water. I then added a small tin of sweetcorn, some fresh tomatoes chopped and half a tin of lentils.... Yes the pan was very full! The last ingredients were shavings of horseradish, a sprinkling of sea vegetables and a swirl of peanut butter! All cooked out and water added as needed! 
Now some of you may be questioning some of these ingredients but no taste was over powering and it all worked!

People often feel they have to follow recipes but if you like all the ingredients it's likely you'll like the finished dish... You can keep taste testing too!!! 

Loving Life

Susan's friend, Jill, was seeing Croc'c cousin, Matthew. They were either all out together or the two girls were in their local. They met two more bikers and would often go riding with them. 
Soon they saw these two new blokes on some nights and Croc and Matthew on others. Then sometimes it was a game of hide & seek if they all ended up in the same pub. 
Eventually Susan told Croc she had met someone else and he was very upset. She didn't want a serious relationship. 

Susan didn't sleep with everyone she went out with she just wanted to have fun.
Jill started seeing a non biker called Stuart who Susan rather fancied. This meant they often went their separate ways as Susan still went around with the bikers. 
Then Jill met Shaun and was seeing them both. Although Susan had done the same in the past she really liked Stuart and didn't like Jill treating him this way. 
She would chat to him when Jill wasn't there and there was obvious chemistry. 
Eventually Jill told him she didn't want to see him any more and he started going out with Susan. 
This brought about a completely different set of friends, all older and some with cars. 
Stuart lived in yet another area driving around to many places. Having a car was ideal if not a little uncomfortable. They used the back seat for making love, yes this was no longer sex as she was falling in love. 

Susan was trying to get into art college but a local one would not accept her due to the little amount of work she had to show. In the sixth form they had a set drawer for art work but her folder contained less than half. Someone had obviously removed it and her art teacher was very annoyed. 
Being a very academic school her choice was frowned upon with her careers teacher, a French teacher she despised, suggesting she find a job rather than attend an art college. It was expected students would attend university!
Eventually she found a course in London and was fully supported by her art teacher. The school should have promoted the fact that she was the only student from there who had ever applied and it was the only course of it's kind. 
She was accepted. 

The biggest wrench would be leaving Stuart. Everything was fine at first then he said that he didn't believe a long term relationship would work. This was because his best friend and girlfriend had split up when she had got settled into university. He then started seeing someone else. Susan and many friends knew it was to cover the fact that it wasn't what he wanted. 
They both went to a party and he spoke to all the girls but not Susan. They stayed over and she shared a settee with someone else in the hope he would be jealous, they just slept. 
The next day it was obvious Stuart was upset and they did go out together a few times after that but he insisted it wouldn't work so Susan made a clean break. She believed this was her first true love. 

Croc often used to turn up at the house under the pretext of showing his new bike or crash helmet or brought a friend to show his.
But Susan was no longer interested.
She was about to embark on a new life! 

Loving Life

Many of the bikers at the pub would travel around on an evening and although some had girlfriends there were many spare pillion seats.
Susan would travel on the back of whoever had a spare seat. She had no fear of speed and found it easy to lean when going round bends. 
They would go to surrounding villages meeting up with many other local friends. 
Sometimes they went to parties and stayed over night. 
One of the bikers was a fireman and Susan often went on the back of his bright yellow Laverda. He took her to Carnaby races and not only did the spectators all stare but the race riders all came over to take a look! It was the biggest bike there! Susan felt great that she was part of this event.
Although never in a relationship with this bloke, Martin, they spent a lot of time together. She once walked miles hitch hiking with him to collect a different motorbike. 
He also took her scrambling. 

Because of the biking gang she met so many blokes and one in particular she started to see on a regular basis. His name was David, known as Croc, many bikers had nicknames. 
He lived in a nearby village and used to come and collect her even if they were spending the evening in the village. 
Many evenings were spent at his home as although he worked he didn't have much money.
Susan loved where he lived, a large farmhouse, no longer with any land attached. 
It had a typical farm kitchen and this was the heart of the home with a huge open fire. Then, in a room off, his two grandmas stayed mainly bedridden with his mum taking care of them. The others in the house were his dad, uncle and and two sisters.  His auntie often visited with her husband. Off the first room was another room, the 'best' room where Susan and Croc would spend a lot of time. 
There were two staircases with bathroom and four or five bedrooms. With a toilet downstairs Susan never really ventured up unless she stayed on the odd occasion. They did not sleep together though.
Croc had a large family and they all slowly met her. She really liked him and loved the freedom of riding off wherever they fancied, sometimes just the two of them but mainly in a large group! 
Croc did go to Susan's house but they never spent all evening there, she preferred to be elsewhere! 
It was very difficult for them to spend time alone then they went to a party. 
Plenty of drink flowing and as the evening came to an end all those staying said one of the bedrooms was for them. They all knew how difficult it was for them to be together!
A whole night alone in the same bed! Susan was still not very experienced and although Croc was a little older he hadn't had many partners. They fumbled around a little but he kissed her gently and found all her sensitive parts around her neck and ears. Their hands moved around exploring until he was between her legs and she holding his hard, throbbing member. They couldn't wait and soon she was astride him guiding him in between her legs eased by the moistness. They rolled over so he was on top thrusting at times then gently pulling backwards and forwards to slow his final eruption. Susan always insisted on protection now which meant he didn't need to withdraw too soon. 
Afterwards they laid breathless for a while until she reached over and soon they were entwined again. 

The next morning they were tired but walking round with huge smiles. Their friends never commented and left their night together private. 

Loving Life

Susan had always loved life, she hadn't always had it easy but was able to overcome the obstacles with her bubbly personality.
Although she had gone to an all girls school she had always had more male friends. She found them easier to talk to without the bitching. They could speak openly. 
She had started going to her local pub at fourteen in times when no-one really asked about age as long as they were making money. Although she went with a school friend, Jill, they soon made friends, all of whom were older. 
The police once raided but the only person they questioned was a lad who was over eighteen. Susan and Jill innocently carried on their game of Pool and left their drinks on the side. 
They didn't go very often as money didn't stretch too far and Susan had cigarettes to buy too. She was introduced to them by another school friend, Carol when she was twelve. They often sneaked out of school at lunchtime to go to the pub, removing ties and hiding uniforms under coats.

One weekend there was a barn dance in the village where she lived and some of her friends from the pub went. Luckily the school and pub were in the nearest town so Susan's parents never heard of her antics, they just thought she was visiting friends after school on the evenings she went out. In later years she realised they probably didn't care where she was.
At the dance Susan spent a lot of time with Michael, known as Winnie for reasons never fully explained. At one point he lifted her up and as he slowly brought her down again he pulled her closer and kissed her tenderly. Her whole body quivered, this was her first kiss that she would cherish forever. 
They saw each other many times after that, either in a group at the local or walking round town when he waited for her near the school gates. Always out of view of the very strict teachers who watched everyone ensuring no ties or berets removed or skirts hitched up on leaving. 

When going out at lunch time it was like a commando raid with someone at every gate plus many more look outs! 

Susan and Michael never got embroiled in sex both knowing it just wasn't the right time, she was too young. They stayed friends. 

Susan's family moved into the town making it easier for her and her sister to get to school. They now walked instead of the long bus journey! 

The local pub was known for bikers who came from surrounding villages. Susan got to know many of them. There was another biker who passed her house every day but didn't go to that pub. After a while she plucked up the courage to wave. 
Then one day he stopped as she walked down the street and she trembled not knowing what to say. He rode a 
beautiful Triumph Bonneville and although she couldn't see much behind his crash helmet, he was good looking. 
He invited her to a race meeting the following Sunday and she said that she'd love to go.
As soon as she walked away she knew she couldn't, her mother would never let her. 
She did her best to avoid seeing Phil as she didn't know what she would say to him. Then one day he rode up beside her and she explained, he said it was fine and would she like to go round to his house sometime. 
He lived three doors from a house where Susan used to often babysit. As he had to often stay in with his younger brother it was easy for her to say she was babysitting at another house. 
By now Susan was sixteen and couldn't believe someone of nineteen could be interested in her!
They talked a lot and kissed but no more. 
After that she went many times until one day when he led her up to his bedroom. It felt right, not forced, not rushed and she was ready. 
He slowly undressed her and she climbed into his bed. She wasn't shy but unsure what to expect. He kissed her and stroked her breasts then laid on top of her and gently pushed his penis inside her raising his body, ensuring his weight was dispersed.
She raised and lowered herself as he thrust further and harder until he withdrew. They had not used protection. 
He asked if she was alright and she then told him she had been a virgin up to that point. He couldn't believe her at first saying how natural she was.
Susan knew she was going to enjoy being sexually active. 

She went round many times after that but was still going to her local pub and meeting even more people.
It was never a serious relationship, she was too young to fall in love but the sex was amazing! 

The Bright Lights Beckoned

Ann went to stay with some of the girls from work and was made welcome into each family home.
Friday lunch times down the local pub became longer and longer with their boss coming to get them a couple of times. Then not a lot of work was done in the afternoon! 

Time went by and the violence didn't stop! Steve punched Ann in the stomach at a family party because she said something he didn't like. The family separated them and Steve was spoken to but no-one listened to what Ann had to say!
She had had enough and it was getting harder to go out alone on an evening living there.

At her work Christmas party she enjoyed the company of John, the security man. He made her laugh and she felt comfortable with him. 
A little later they made their way through the building to the top offices of the store.
There they had sex, it wasn't love making it was raw sex and Ann felt free!

The next day at work she was suffering carpet burns numbed the previous evening by the alcohol. She wasn't sure how John would react but he chatted as normal. 
After that they managed to go out a few nights and Ann was having fun again. This was straight after work and she didn't stay late so was able to make excuses to Steve for her lateness! 
The only time she could have sex again with John was when she stayed after work and they toured the building together ensuring security. There were plenty of places with soft settees on display, no more carpet burns.
Ann really liked John but nothing serious.
She was now twenty and knew she was not willing to accept a life like this. 

Steve and Ann continued their arguments and she continued her nights out with friends, she had stayed in contact with girls from the hostel and sometimes went back there for the night. 

During one big argument Ann yelled that she had slept with someone else. She wouldn't say who and risked him hitting her again. Instead he was numbed, he couldn't believe it and became upset.
Ann still loved Steve and told him so but she couldn't be with him any more.

Over the next few days Ann arranged to move back to the hostel, she couldn't get a three bedded room so moved into one with five. By now she had a lot more to move and very little space!
Ann often felt herself looking over her shoulder but only bumped into Steve a couple of times after that.
It was hard for her as this was her first true love. 

Ann started feeling really tired and her doctor told her she needed to go home to rest again. She returned home but didn't get much rest running around after her step father who had lost his job. Then a relative was taken ill and she went to stay with her until she ended up in hospital. 
Ann was deemed fit to return to London and got back to a phone call to say her relative had died. Work were very supportive and gave her leave to return home. 
Steve contacted Ann to ask if he could attend the funeral and he did. By this time family knew what he had been doing but Ann told them to say nothing. Not that they had been supportive to her over it! 

She returned to London, to work and to friends.

She went out with John a few times but nothing serious.
She had made many new friends at the local pub through darts and one of them asked her out once Steve was no longer around but she wasn't interested. In the end she introduced him to a friend and they started seeing each other. 
The three of them started flat hunting and eventually found one at the other side of London. It would mean a longer journey to work but there was a direct bus route, Ann had given up using the tube a long time before. 
They lived on the ground floor of a house with bathroom, separate toilet, large kitchen and two bedrooms. A woman lived upstairs and had to go around the back to use the shared toilet. They rarely saw her but told her she was welcome to cut through the kitchen and bathroom but she never did.
When she moved out they went to look round. Two bedrooms and a tiny kitchen and she'd told them she'd had four children whilst there, now all grown up! 

Having a place of their own meant they could invite people round and have parties including Ann's 21st! She certainly made up for missing out on her 18th! 
She still saw John on odd occasions but had many other admirers who wined and dined her and came bearing gifts! 
After such a confining relationship she spent a lot of time seeing different men and enjoying uncommitted sex! 

Soon the landlord said that he was refurbishing all his houses and flats and would move them until complete. For some time her flatmates had been considering leaving London and this brought the decision forward! They left and Ann felt it was time to move on!
She handed in her notice at work and to her landlord! 
Another chapter in her life closed. 

The Bright Lights Beckoned

Ann continued putting up with Steve's family because she loved him but there were regular arguments. Ann would just take herself off with friends and enjoy herself. She still sometimes saw Sharon and Steve knew nothing about their friendship! Although Ann worried for her as she was taking heroin... She had an admirer, a technician at the dentistry college who would get it for her. She had moved from soft drugs to this and stopped injecting in her arms as her boyfriend checked them! So injected in her legs, far more dangerous!

College finished the following summer and Ann immediately started work where she had gone for work experience. The rest of the team asked her to apply, they all got on so well!
This gave another aspect to her life and new friends! 
Every Friday they all went to the local pub at lunch time as they were paid. 
Then Ann would buy a little something for the two young nieces and nephew.

Steve did hit her again followed by an apology and friends telling her to leave him! 
After a couple of years together they got engaged, Ann was now eighteen! Her birthday had passed without much fuss as Steve had told her she couldn't go out with her friends! She just celebrated with them the next time they argued!

They discussed getting a flat together but Steve took charge of looking and never found anything decent! 

They still had fun but their relationship was strained and it was difficult making love with family around so much.
Ann had to see her doctor about something and he could see she was quite down! She talked about her difficulties and he suggested she go away somewhere with Steve!  They had both stayed at Ann's home but did not sleep together under her mum's roof!

Steve booked two nights away in Kent. 
They went the following weekend. It was a lovely hotel, not that they saw much of it hidden away in the room. Steve ordered room service including a bottle of Champagne! 
Food played a part in they're love making that night! Placing it on each other's body to lick, suck and consume topped off with Steve drinking Champagne off Ann's concave stomach. It was the best love making, so much time to spend on each other! They were able to kiss long and hard, then slowly kiss each other's body from top to toe. Then with a searching tongue found every sensitive part taking each other to such heights! They made love then drank more Champagne then made love again. This lasted all night, both nights.

They returned full of love for each other but back to the same home situation and comments as they had been away, together! 

Quick addition

So busy talking food I forgot to mention the fabulous service from the minute you walk through the door until leaving! Paced well, never intrusive and not rushed! The cocktail guy makes fab ones too!

It's time I blogged about food again!

I'm often tweeting about @yo_yo restaurant @Shipley, recommending and have put a review on Trip Advisor.
I go to a lot of really good restaurants across Leeds & Bradford and many across Britain when away! 
I am vegetarian and it is so hard to find good food.... Even harder now I'm going vegan! 
Italian food isn't too bad although no dairy based sauces from now on and luckily I know a good Indian restaurant that's completely vegetarian, a runner up on the F Word! 
I recently went to a French restaurant a winner on the F Word. Great service and fabulous food but only one vegetarian choice!
I'm not sure how many restaurants realise how many people they are ostracising and the money they are losing out on. 
I've lost count how many times I've entered a restaurant read the menu then departed often explaining with no offer to accommodate! 
I have returned to good restaurants but none so much as Yo Yo's over a short period of time!

This is Asian fusion food and the vegetarian choice is immense with Thai, Chinese and Japanese! 
We always start with the vegetable combo of samosas, filo pastry triangles filled with mixed vegetables and selected spices, deep fried and served with a mint yogurt (properly filled too),
dim sum, a dumpling pastry filled with mixed seasonal vegetables and soya sauce, steamed and then pan fried
and tempura, seasonal vegetables deep fried in a light tempura batter served with tempura sauce big enough for 3 to share! There are over 20 choices for starters!
Recently this has been after a strawberry daiquiri to wet the palate! 

For mains I've had Pad Thai Noodles, stir fried Thai noodles in a pad thai sauce with mixed vegetables served with mango slices and sprinkled with peanuts; Vegetable Thai Green Curry, mixed vegetables in a Thai aromatic herb green curry sauce and Vegetable Noodles, Chinese egg noodles stir fried with seasonal vegetables in soy sauce.
I've still to try the Thai Red Curry although I believe this is much hotter (think that's the right way round!).
I'm looking forward to trying the sushi, yes there is vegetarian sushi too! Its Futo Maki, Japanese vinegared rice rolled in seaweed with cucumber, kampyo, takwan (pickled raddish) and spinach.
My mouth is watering as I right this... a description of the ingredients doesn't do justice to the food! 

Then there's the desserts, so far Ultra Chocolate Something, a changing dessert with chocolate and a generous helping of vanilla Ice cream; Yo Yo's Ice Cream Tempura, deep fried vanilla ice cream in a tempura batter topped with chocolate and caramel sauce, this was amazing and so different! and Lemon Grass Crème Brulee, baked cream and egg yolks with lemongrass topped with caramelised sugar, served chilled, I'm going to miss this as a vegan.... 
Maybe I'll chat to the chef about alternative dairy.... a challenge! They already accommodate for gluten free! 
Then I've usually had a mini bottle of Champagne all making a very special evening at a reasonable price!
My daughter and her partner have tried other dishes too and as she can't eat certain ingredients they are very accommodating and have tofu too! 
There is a prime time menu and collect & go! 
I would highly recommend and I don't advertise for free very often! 

If you do go please mention you saw this here by @hugefoodlover!

Enjoy! 

The Bright Lights Beckoned

Friends in the hostel told Ann she shouldn't see him again. Jan was very concerned for her. Ann wasn't sure what to do, she had never experienced this before and loved Steve deeply.
She remembered her mum talking about women being hit by their husbands when she was dealing with divorce cases. At the time she could never understand why they had stayed with them so long and let it continue.

Steve came round with flowers, a ton of apologies and vowing it would never happen again.
Ann believed him. 

The relationship continued and although they only ever went to their local pubs they sometimes went for a meal and travelled across London in competitive darts matches.

During that first summer Ann went home to spend the holidays but there was a strained atmosphere. Although her place was kept open at the hostel she only paid a retainer and couldn't afford the full rent during that time. 
She phoned Steve, he spoke to his mum and it was agreed she could stay there.
There was a spare room but this was for Bruce and Val when they stayed so she had a bed in his mum's large bedroom. This was by no means ideal but it meant they could often spend part of the night in Steve's room. 
When the holidays ended Steve asked Ann to move in completely and she did. She paid his mum but the cooking was left to her. 

The routine continued and at weekends Ann found herself sharing the bedroom with the two nieces too. 

At times it was hard to juggle everything, college work, going out, the strains of his family and giving Steve the attention he craved. It was hard trying to complete work on an evening. Then Ann was taken ill and her doctor said that she must go home and rest or he would hospitalise her.
This meant going home to her mum and step father not the ideal place to convalesce! A break from the intensity of Steve and his family but the added worry of missing college. 

The local doctor said she was fine to return to London after a few weeks but she didn't feel rested at all. 
She returned to the mayhem. 

At college Ann had started a project studying her favourite artist but she could never catch up and her tutors said that she had other projects she could submit for her final. 

Everything with Steve and his family continued as always. 

The Bright Lights Beckoned

Steve knew how to treat her, how to pleasure her.
Ann had had sex before but not like this. She had her first orgasm with him and he introduced her to oral sex. 
This relationship was long term. 

Val invited Steve and Ann to stay at their flat. Immediately the rest of the family hounded her about sleeping arrangements, Val ignored them.
This was the first opportunity for Steve and Ann to sleep together in the same bed. 
When they made love they were able to take their time. They were able to slowly peel each others clothes off, they could not completely disrobe at his house! 
They kissed, tongues entwined, then Steve started to move down Ann's body, her ears, neck, arms slowly moving to her breasts, tongue moving down to her stomach. Ann then kissed Steve on his ears, neck, arms, down his chest with tongue licking gently down to his stomach. She then turned around so she could continue down as he did the same. Kissing, licking, nibbling, sucking, each sending the other to reach ecstatic heights. 
Sleep did not encompass them until the early hours then they were woken a few hours later by the children. 

College was exciting and challenging, especially being within the same building as a fashion school. They shared the catering facilities and Ann viewed many an unusual design being modelled by their maker.
She was sometimes invited to stay weekends with friends who lived at home where she was given a warm welcome.
Steve was never happy when she went away but Ann was glad of the break as often it was stifling. Steve expected to see her every night and all weekend. The only time Ann spent time with friends was when they argued. She sometimes instigated this to have a break! Never for long as Steve often hunted her out which at times was embarrassing when he came questioning who she was with. Friends from the hostel were all female but through playing darts she had made male friends too.

Then one weekend an argument broke out between Steve and Ann at his house. One of his sisters lunged for Ann saying she was upsetting their mum who wasn't even in the same room. Ann ran from the house to later be told Steve stopped the chase. This was irrelevant as when he met up with Ann he hit her. She screamed so loud someone opened a window asking if she was alright, unknown in London. She said she was and as she ran from him a police car pulled over. They asked where she lived but she didn't want him to be in trouble. As she got to the hostel she felt safe and ran to the room to clean her bloody nose. 

The next day the police called and tried to persuade Ann to press charges but how could she when she loved him so much.

The Bright Lights Beckoned

From the first date, a drink in the pub and getting to know each other, they met up every night. He was a little older, lived at home and had a big family, none still living at home. 
Although they usually went to local pubs, often playing darts, if they wanted a night in it had to be at his house. Males were not allowed in the hostel.

Steve's mum was a lot older than Ann's, in fact he had a sister similar age to Ann's mum. He gave her money for food but many times she didn't cook anything and gave him money back to get a take away usually Indian food. 
After a short while Ann offered to make the odd meal and substituted take away with home made Indian food. Usually chicken with spices, rice and chapattis from a recipe in a book she bought. Steve was well known at the Indian restaurant and when they went Ann would chat about the meals she made and they were quite shocked stating they made their chapattis exactly the same way. They were always given a free glass of wine even when ordering take away. 

At weekends his two sisters, Shirley and Carole, nicknamed Billie and brother, Bruce would come with their families. Same routine each time. On a Saturday all the women went to Church Street market, sometimes with the children in tow. Shirley's  husband never stayed around and Bruce sometimes went fishing taking the children with him. Steve and Ann would sometimes join them. Sometimes they went to the market but never went their separate ways.
On Sundays the women all stayed home to cook dinner and the men went to the pub playing darts, Ann went with them. She joined them all for the meal, far better than the hostel food. 

There was another sister living in America. She had gone there on holiday with a friend and stayed, eventually marrying an American man. 

Ann enjoyed the homely, family environment. Although it had it's problems. One niece, Diane, a little younger than Ann was quite obsessed with Steve and her mother, Shirley, wanted treating like a queen. She was the one close to the age of Ann's mum. Then there was Bruce. Ann was informed to keep her handbag in sight, no further explanation until Steve said that he was prone to stealing money!
Steve and Ann often took the other two younger nieces, Kelly and Dawn  and nephew, Matthew, to the park, either Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens. A little bit of open space that was a haven from the hustle and bustle! 
Bruce's wife, Val, was a lovely person and Ann warmed to her but she did have a problem. She had to be told to have a bath and the aroma was rather unpleasant! 
It was hectic but fun on those weekends other than times when they tried to interfere in Steve and Ann's relationship. 
Dawn was only young but used to often talk to Steve about his ex girlfriend knowing it was upsetting for Ann. If there had been any hint of words between Steve and Ann his mother would tell them all. The sisters then took Ann aside and informed her she had upset their mother. Nothing was ever said by them to Steve and Ann felt trapped at times having no family close by.

Steve had proposed to Ann after only two weeks and the relationship built. 
It was difficult to have time alone, they had to wait until Steve's mum went to bed. They were then left with the sofa to make love on.
Steve was not her first but this felt right, love making rather than just sex.
They were constantly listening in case his mum came back down for a drink or saying she couldn't sleep.

The Bright Lights Beckoned

At seventeen Ann couldn't wait to leave the constraints of home. She had a good relationship with her mother but not her step-father. 
They'd just left as she settled into the hostel that was to become home in the big city of London. 
She unpacked her few belongings and decided to venture out! 
It was a warm evening and music filled the air. Suddenly she recognised it, somewhere Queen was playing. She followed the sound unaware of where she was going and reached the gates of Hyde Park just as the music ceased. A loudspeaker announced free LPs to anyone collecting rubbish but she needed to find her way back. 

She had been placed in a triple room but one bed remained empty. The other girl, Rita was lovely and they soon became friends.
Ann was a student amongst other students, civil servants and those who stayed short term. She made many friends.

The food was never very tasty but included in the rent and after tube fares she couldn't afford food as well. Her grant didn't stretch far. She also had to buy books and equipment, cigarettes and booze! 

Ann had the weekend to settle in and say hello to a few fellow boarders. 
Then on the Monday she started college. 
She was the only student living away from home even though it was the only college offering the course she wanted.
It meant she had two different groups of friends.

Ann was used to living in a friendly area and found it easy getting to know people.
She did know of someone from school, her sister's age, but only the name of a pub where she may be found!
The following weekend she found the pub but Sharon was not there. People in the pub said that she would be in later so Ann sat alone with a drink. 
Yes she was only seventeen but had been going to pubs for the last two years. She didn't look her age but was never questioned.
Soon Sharon joined her and they found plenty to talk about. This would be the start of many more nights and weekends drinking together and introductions to new people.

As Ann got to know more girls at the hostel they ventured to a few local pubs. At one she often played darts having played in her home town.
One evening she was out with Debbie, a very beautiful, leggy dance student, Marilyn another beautiful, blonde, busty dance student and Jan, the first lesbian Ann had ever met. 
This particular night there were a group of blokes who asked to join them playing darts. They all had a fun evening then shortly before leaving one bloke Steve took Ann aside and asked if she would go on a date with him. She was quite taken aback. She had had a few boyfriends and recently split with Stuart before leaving, him believing a long distance relationship could never work. It had never been very serious. But here she was alongside beautiful girls and he'd asked her. 

Revised paragraph

She suffered heartache until she moved the next year!!!

The Mistress finale

Move, move how could she move, uproot and leave her family and friends! 
But this was the love of her life and he was willing to give up everything. 

They continued as always, lifts to school and work with breakfast at the same hotel. 
Evenings out dining, to shows and concerts and those wonderful times at home. 

Then Charles said that he had a meeting arranged with his brother about selling the business as he part owned it.
Jayne had to tell Alison as they may be moving quite soon! 

When Charles saw Jayne that night it wasn't good news. His brother totally refused the sale of the shop and gave him a lecture about his relationship being a 'whim'. 
Jayne couldn't believe it!

Their relationship had been fine and although she had fallen in love she would never have shared the fact.

They should have just been able to continue but Charles spent much of the time debating how he could change his brother's mind... He couldn't sell up without his agreement! 

Somehow the fun started to leave, the relationship was more serious and Jayne was unsure if that's what she wanted. Was this a sign of the future as a couple and no longer that special something! 

They saw each other a few more times but they both knew it could no longer work!
It was hard saying goodbye and it pulled at Jayne's heart strings to see Charles around town! 
She went into the shop a few times to see him but their love could never be rekindled! 

She suffered headache until she moved the following year! 

The Old Croft Skye

How could I forget the delectable home made vegan treats we came back to each day! Coconut & fruit biscuits, fruit cake, chocolate crunch and walnut cake!
How will I manage without them!

The Mistress

What had started out as a light hearted relationship was turning to more. Jayne was falling in love knowing it could lead to nothing. She couldn't believe she had found someone whom she felt so comfortable with, who she could talk to and such great sex.
She would never dare to tell Charles for fear of scaring him away.

The nights out were amazing, so many different places but nights in were fun too. Charles always came bearing gifts of wine, sometimes chocolates and the sexy lingerie that always fitted so well and added spice to their love making.

Jayne often led him to bed and stripped leaving the snug fitting teddy and stockings. She would tease him by not letting him touch while she lightly stroked his body arousing him. Followed by her tongue gently licking finding all his sensitive spots and still she held his arms so he could not touch.
She let the straps fall from her shoulders and caressed her breasts still making him watch but make no movement. 
She sat across him slowly moving backwards then raised herself onto his pulsating manhood and finally she let him touch her. 

Charles always wondered how she managed to make him ready again so soon and they often made love all through the night until he left at dawn.

One night Jayne got such a shock when Charles told her he loved her and she took time responding. She wanted to know why he had told her when it could lead to nothing. He told her he wanted more. She didn't raise the subject again for some time.

Alison got on well with Charles the few times she saw him but Jayne was wary as she had had broken relationships before. 

A few people started to ask Jayne questions about Charles as his car was often seen outside her house. She was to tell them they were just friends.

During festival time Jayne took Alison on one of the floats. Everyone was in fancy dress and Charles was there as always helping organise things. He was dressed in a toga and Jayne was able to give him a few wry smiles and this time they could speak briefly as it would have been more unusual not to! 

She would have loved to have shouted to the world they were together but still had to be discreet. 

Their love making was never dull and often different, sometimes very romantic, sometimes passionate and sometimes very raunchy.

Then one evening Charles told Jayne he wanted to sell the shop and take her and Alison to a nearby city.
Her head was in a whirl! 

The Beautiful Isle of Skye

Well I'm just back from the Isle of Skye. Having visited very briefly on the way to and from the Isle of Harris/Lewis I wasn't so impressed. The Isle of Mull being the first island I visited, a few years ago, the standards were set. Mull is amazing with ever changing scenery & weather and small enough to explore nearly completely.

Anyway back to Skye. How wrong I was.
Firstly we stayed in a vegetarian B&B as the only guests in an end of the property where we could come & go as we wished! I'll post some photos on Twitter soon!
With 6 options for breakfast we were spoilt for choice, with healthy cereals to start, fair-trade orange juice and toasted home made bread with marmalade & Rowan jelly! A great start to the day.
Cooked breakfast with vegan option of saute potatoes instead of egg & both with home made paprika & herb sausages, field mushroom, baby tomatoes and home made baked beans. Or wonderful Scottish porridge with a variety of fresh fruit or plump sultanas. Another choice of Scottish pancakes with fresh fruit, yogurt & warm golden syrup. The two we didn't sample were a bockerglory of fresh fruit, granola & yogurt and cinnamon French toast with warm golden syrup & fresh fruit! Vegetarian heaven!

We looked at the map but never went where we expected always finding roads/tracks shooting off to who knows where! 
After a long drive I'd intended we stay local and sit relaxing & reading the next day but the island was calling!
I know already I'm not going to be able to remember all the names but hopefully description will suffice!

We ventured along most off shoots apart from south of Kyleakin opposite the Kyle of Lochalsh where the bridge reaches the mainland! Yes bridge which is strange having always had ferries to book and time for! However nearly every road runs close to a loch or the sea so you're always aware that it's an island!

We went along Waternish, Trotternish & Minginish and everything in between and around.
The one thing to make sure of is a constant tank full of petrol just in case.

The Cuillin Hills are an awesome sight with many roads leading towards them. At one point I thought we would drive right in Batman style! 
Seeing them more than once means a different view in different light, either the sun bouncing off them with bare rock or water glistening from afar or tops hidden in low clouds like rolling mist and the colours changing dependant on grass, heather, bracken or waterfalls. 

One day we went to Dunvegan known for it's castle owned through the centuries by the Clan McLeod. Who also owned St Kilda until handing it over to the National Trust of Scotland. I'm presently reading a fascinating story about this.
We didn't visit the castle although managed to capture a distant photo. 
Through visiting the Tourist Information there we discovered the 2 churches walk something we aimed to complete but have left for another time!
We did go on many walks however. One such walk was at Glen Brittle. Someone had kindly circled it on a map at the B&B. 
We got the final space in the parking area and watched people don walking boots, thick jackets and backpacks. Not us. I've walked miles over various terrain in my trusty flat shoes. We did however don jumpers and lightweight jackets. With hindsight we maybe should have taken water but we survived! We headed down a steep grassy slope with scattered sheep towards the Cuillin Hills and quickly detoured towards the sound of splashing water... A run of numerous waterfalls leading into beautiful clear pools, some big enough to swim. Decision made we were to return with swimsuits. Ironically had we not taken them with us we would have stripped there & then and swam in bra & knickers as we had before in finding remote rivers. 
Instead we walked further towards the hills turning only when the sun beat down so intensely we needed water! On returning to the car we knew we had walked far enough in such heat and would return. 

And so we did on not such a sunny day. We firstly drove to the end of the road, most roads are T roads but very long & winding with stupendous scenery. There was a 'beach' and a campsite and the wind was fierce and the rain started just as we approached the car. Looked like the swim was cancelled. I quote beach as we later found there are some sandy beaches but well hidden and not as many or large as those on Mull with the green blue Atlantic lapping at them! 
Anyway as we made our way winding back up to the parking the rain eased and the wind dropped a little. We had to chance it. We took a different route with no specific pathway leading to the top waterfall that we had not visited before. This was the place, secluded, sheltered and quite warm. With costumes on we tiptoed slowly into the Fairy Pool... I wish that was my description but that's what they're known as. I walked quite far and was able to have one of the falls splash over me, yes it was freezing but so invigorating. We didn't venture right into the pool as many stones were slippery and it wasn't as deep as we first thought. But the experience was just as rewarding. As we left we dried and threw on joggers just to go back. Once at the car we changed and closed the doors just as the heavens opened again, what timing. Next time we will return with appropriate footwear. 
On chatting to Sam at the B&B we discovered Kate Rew swam in the pools as part of her wild swimming. Having checked it out since it appears there are larger pools further up the glen... Another reason to return! 

Most places were deserted bar a few distant folk apart from along the Trotternish peninsula. Here you will meet up with coaches, mini buses & cars taking many tourists to a number of areas of interest. Lealt Falls with fabulous waterfalls & a very precarious steep, winding & narrow path down to the remains of a grinding & drying factory for diatomite and a loch! Sorry no we didn't venture as the wind was howling and that path was very narrow! Then there's the Old Man of  Storr, a single rock standing solitary and tall away from the rest.  Then onto Kilt Rock and many more. We eventually left the tourist trail as it was becoming a bit of a convoy! 

On another day we did find Coral Beach with a little sand but mainly rocks and shale with very large shells to collect. It is also a point to view seals and we wonder had we gone further maybe we would have seen them but hunger was calling.
However seeing a hovering bird overhead on closer inspection it was either a sea eagle or hawk. We were to see many over the days. 

We mainly took food back to the B&B as this meant we had more free time to explore. One night however was a pizza from a lovely Italian restaurant in Portree and the meal I blogged about at Cafe Arriba also in Portree. 

Having seen the signpost to Braes many times, we turned left and down yet another narrow winding track (road) leading to a dead end! This is where Raasay can be seen across the water. 
All surrounding islands can be seen from various parts of Skye. 

Staffin Bay was popular with parking on the pebbly beach and a great photo opportunity with the white rearing waves crashing into jutting jagged rocks.

I know I've missed all sorts like the road from the B&B with a solitary primary school & river. 

I've also not mentioned the many sheep, some sheared, some full fleece all with lovely long tails, no docking there. And the remote cottage industry where fleeces are naturally dyed, a haven for my daughter to buy wool to crochet.
Then there were the cattle especially the highland ones with lovely long locks  with many calves as they're hardy enough to calf all year round. Many were blocking the roads/tracks that remind you of the slow pace of life. 
 
And the distillery at Talisker where we bought 10 year old whisky as a present.

Then there was the long journey to find the place that sold goat's cheese & soap... Just a little shed at the back of an ordinary house... We drove past it twice!

Also the fabulous soap shop in Portree with all natural ingredients perfumed with oils and soya wax candles! 

In conclusion I have to say all scenery was spectacular & I'm not sure I've done it justice so please check out these places on the Internet! 

Although a long drive the Scottish mainland continues to impress but unfortunately no time for stopping apart from a food break & the loo!
There are the motorways that help the journey along then the tip of the Lakes & into the Dales. 
Home & back to reality!
Luckily I have the memories, the photos, the soaps, the candles and the few post cards I got!