A family reunion and party

This was the party that I had to cater for on 14 September - 70 people! What a busy time and a big THANK YOU to Chris, Phillip, Ruth, Lisa (aka Daughter) and Neil for helping. It was a great success and Neil's mum had a fabulous time with all her lovely family and friends - a special day.

A group photo

Th e Hall where the party was held

The food was a great hit!

Lynne cutting her "not quite 80" Birthday cake - no I didn't make it. Big thanks to Tracy for picking it up

Close up of the cake

Deliciously Ella - a new blog that has helped me in the kitchen

 Deliciously Ella - a blog that was recommended to me by my friend Britta who I visit veggie places to eat in London.

Ella.

Everything in her recipes are free from gluten, dairy, sugar, meat and all refined and processed ingredients. It's all about embracing the incredible foods that your body loves and what you can do with them.  Ella says that "It’s truly amazing to see what you can do with these simple ingredients and how you can so easily create an incredibly healthy version of a typically unhealthy dish, from brownies to cheesecake and even pizza! " I have found that her recipes are very easy to follow.

I have 2 friends coming for supper tonight and I am trying her Blackberry Apple and Maple Crumble - it smells amazing and can't wait to taste it as I can have this dessert as there is no processed sugar in this crumble. 

Blackberry Apple & Maple Crumble

A lovely read....

My friend Alison send me this last night with the comment "A lovely read x"which is exactly what it its -

They're  written by Andy Rooney , a man who has the gift of saying so  much with so few words.    Enjoy.......

I've  learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. 

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me,  'You've made my day!' makes my day. 

I've  learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful  feelings in the world. 

I've learned.... That being kind is more  important than being right. 

I've  learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child. 

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when  I don't have the strength to help him in some other way. 

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life  requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. 

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a  hand to hold and a heart to understand. 

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around  the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me  as an adult. 

I've learned.... That life is like a roll  of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it  goes. 

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give  us everything we ask for. 

I've  learned.... That money doesn't buy class. 

I've learned.... That it's those small  daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've  learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and  loved. 

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change  the facts. 

I 've learned.... That when you plan to  get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue  to hurt you. 

I've learned.... That love, not time,  heals all wounds. 

I've learned.... That the easiest way for  me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter  than I am. 

I've learned.... That everyone you meet  deserves to be greeted with a smile.. 

I've  learned.... That no one  is perfect until you fall in love with them. 

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher. 

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost;  someone will take the ones you miss. 

I've  learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. 

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom  that I love her one more time before she passed away. 

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft  and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them. 

I've learned..... That a smile is an inexpensive way to  improve your looks. 

I've learned..... That when your newly  born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist,  that you're hooked for life.

I've  learned.... That  everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the  happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. 

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with,  the more things I get done. 

Today the last quote really resonates with me as I have a big  to do list! 3 overnight guests, dinner for 5 and preparation for Neil's mums "not quite 80 " party tomorrow for 70 people - not much!!! Must get cracking!