'If the stars should appear but one night every thousand years how man would marvel and stare.' - Emerson Two weeks ago I went on a retreat at Pluscarden  Abbey near Elgin. The Abbey is the only Medieval monestary in Britain that is still in use. The monastery is inhabited by Benedictine monks. It is … Continue reading Monasticism and a sky full of stars…

Last week we broke the Banchory beast!! The  10km 25 obstacle mud extravaganza! I was last over the finish line and skipped 1 obstacle but I was so pleased to have completed it. All of team AKR did an amazing job. I was on a high all of last weekend which positively prepared me for … Continue reading Three B’s -Banchory Beast, Brain Biopsy and Baking with Rosehips

This week I was gifted a rare four leaf clover! I've been reading up on the folklore and superstuitions connected to these lucky little rareities.  There are so many beliefs about the power of these exquisite miniature weeds. My favourite belief is a story that dates back to biblical times. Legend has it that when … Continue reading A four leaf clover – a memento of paradise

Today I picked all my beautifully black elderberries and made a delicious yet medicinal syrup to boost my immune system over the winter months and hopefully (fingers crossed) avoid getting too many cold/flu type things. Elderberries are crammed full of immune boosting vitamin A and C - although the stems are pretty toxic if eaten … Continue reading Elderberry syrup and potatoes

So on Sunday I made it to the top of Bennachie - which I haven't managed since before my accident, yay! It was a very different experience walking up it with a prosthetic leg, at parts it was challenging and at points I was scared. My balance is progressing but it is not as good as … Continue reading Bennachie, blueberries and too many plums to count

The path runs straight between the flowering rows, A moonlit path, hemmed in by beds of bloom, Where phlox and marigolds dispute for room With tall, red dahlias and the briar rose. 'T is reckless prodigality which throws Into the night these wafts of rich perfume Which sweep across the garden like a plume. Over … Continue reading The Fruit Garden Path

Yesterday I found an old batch of hazlenuts in a kitchen cupboard that I had totally forgotten about. I was craving something sweet so I used them to make Nutella.  So yummy. I also have been brewing and bottling my essential oils. The house smells really good during the 6 hours that I had them … Continue reading Homemade Nutella and essential oils