Dream Country Chat

BEST BOOK KEEPING

Oh dear, have I touched a nerve asking what you buy obsessively. Seems like I am not the only one. Actually rather embarrassingly I too can list myself with Sue and Patti, Kim and co with magazines and books. This is the cookbooks AFTER I have taken 5 carrier bags of them to the charity shop. Like Kim I can look at them for hours fantasizing about the fabulous dishes I will create, then when opportunity arises I can't remember which book the recipe was in. Then like Sue i usually cook from memory. is it the pretty pictures that attract me?

Amazon just loves me, I'm very surprised that I am not on their Christmas card list.

At least nowadays I always buy the second hand copies whenever possible. But it really is an obsession. See book, must buy.

From horses to houses, cooking to crafts, self help to sewing, gardening to gifts, novels to nature. I have eclectic tastes in reading material.

Books live on shelves, floors, stairs, cupboards, tables and every nook and cranny.Why buy furniture when you can build a side table from books?

I love books. I know a couple of people who almost pride themselves on the fact that they have never read a book. 'Oh I never read', 'I'm just not interested', 'I just never find the time'. I've always been a bookworm. The first book I ever read voluntarily was Black Beauty when I was about 9 years old. Up til then it was just a case of school work reading. But Black Beauty gripped me completely. Suddenly I entered the world of the book. From then on pocket money went on every horsey book I could lay my hands on, from Jill and the perfect pony to Summerhays encyclopedia of horses. An obsession was born.

I read under the covers with a torch, just like they did in the famous five. I read on the bus to and from school. When I worked in town part of my fashion sense was always a big handbag - had to have somewhere to house whatever book I was reading. No journey can be completed without reading material of some sort. Can't read a book in the shower, I've always preferred baths anyway.So I am thrilled when I hear from my blogging pals that you too are just as mad as I am. The written word, the pretty picture, you too are sucked in by them and help to fill the coffers of that giant Amazon.
And magazines, well don't get me started on them. The joy of slippery, shiny, never opened, crisp, new magazine pages. What secrets and fun do they hold? What can I learn this month. A new decorating idea, a new craft, a fabulous recipe just calling out for a sudden visit to the shops to pick up that all-important ingredient, a fun story I long to be able to write myself, or maybe a mention of a wonderful new book that I really MUST HAVE.
Oops, off to Amazon again.......

Karon x

BLOGGING WITH REALITY

Yesterday I gave myself a little treat. Mr X was taking Idgy after school, so I got myself organised to trot off to Kilmarnock and run some errands and then visit the cinema.

Nothing so very unusual in someone doing that i guess, well for me there was. It was the first time I had ever been to the cinema on my own. I planned on going to the 5.20pm showing figuring there would be less giggling teenagers to laugh at this old lady going on her own.

I need not have worried. The cinema was almost deserted, and horror of horrors, the coffee machine wasn't working, so treat number two was wiped out (cappuccino of course) before I even got in there.

In fact I was the only person there until the very last minute when two other ladies (we were all of a certain age of course) turned up. At this point I had a sudden panic - you see dear reader I had bought a ticket for the standard seats in the back row, and seeing the cinema completely empty had upgraded myself to the premier seats - oh the decadence, oh the scandal, oh the comfort! But, had i chosen the one seat in the empty cinema that one of these ladies had paid for, I fairly quaked in that seat waiting to see where they would go. Relief, they were a few rows away, I could relax in my illicit comfort and enjoy the film.

 
                                   

'Julie and Julia' is pure joy to watch. Really a great film and Meryl Streep is just wonderful as the over-large, over-the-top, over-loud and totally over whelming Julia Child.

Hmmmmm the food, why had I not grabbed something to eat before I went in to the cinema. My tummy was groaning within the first five minutes of the film. After the first hour I was convinced that my cinema companions must surely hear my internal grumblings from their positions about fifteen feet away .

For anyone who hasn't heard about this gem of a film it is about a woman in New York who decides to cook her way through her heroines cook book in one year. This woman is always getting ribbed for not finishing anything, so this is her test to herself, to cook every recipe in Julia Child's book within one year. To keep herself on track she decides to write a blog about it. The film is a mix of both this story and also the story of Julia Child herself and how she got started with that infamous cook book.

I loved the whole thing, the story, the characters, the food, locations, humour, friendship, everything. Hmmmmm well okay, not quite everything, there was just one thing I hated. Oh God, you guys are going to think me so prissy to say this, but what the hell, this is me here. I hate, hate, hate people eating with their mouths open and making noises when they eat. It totally grosses me out, uuuugh! Anyway the husband in this film called Eric (unfortunate choice of name from my view as same as Mr X) did this all the time, ok so maybe they were just highlighting this to show how fabulous his wife's cooking was and how much he was enjoying it, but uuuuugh for me, yukkk.

Now when the film finished I got up to leave and my companions a few rows in front also got up and we started to chat. The usual 'what a great film' sort of stuff. Then one of the ladies said to me, 'are you going to start a blog now?'. Well of course I told her I already had one and told her how to find this drivel exciting page. They both said they would take a look at dream Acres Diary.

into the realms of realitySo hello ladies, if you are out there reading this then you have brought my blogging.

Have a nice weekend wherever you all are.

Karon x

BAG ME A BOOK

I have been very remiss on my blog in that I haven't updated my book list for months. Well I thought I would update it now by driveling on a bit about the books I am devouring at the moment.

Maybe devouring isn't quite the right word for the first books. Hmmmmm learning French (again). How my old French teacher would laugh if she saw me hesitantly reading out 'je vois la lumiere' and other such gems. But hey, it has to be done. I am now on the idiots guide to speaking french. Have tried two other systems of books with Cd's and just haven't got anywhere. I like the idiots guides for their fun approach and little fun comments, so thought their french book might just do the job. You know, I think it might just be the book for me............

Yes, yes, I know, great big expensive design type book. Oh but is it lovely. Just crammed with the most beautiful photos of fabulous French interiors. Not one of those frighteningly posh interiors books, it is the little junk pieces that this book focuses on, you won't find pages and pages of towering high ceilings and curtains that you need a mortgage to buy. The book is called 'The new French decor' and it is by Michele Lalande. I just bought it on Amazon second hand and in perfect condition.

For sheer fun reading in the bath and at bedtime, this book is hilarious. I picked it up at the village gala day a few weeks ago on the little second hand book stall. Just grabbed a batch of books in the hope that something might just be a gem. Well this is hilarious, realistic and with a few tears too. If you are one of those people who are frightened of the f'''word then it is not for you. But if  you're not, you'll find it so very, very funny.

Now children, lets guess which book I finished first? Yes it was the funny one, very closely followed by the big shiny one with all the pretty pictures. Hmmmmmm that just leaves us struggling along with the French book. I am determined, I will do this, and at some point in the not-too-distant future (I hope) I shall be able to confidently assure anyone 'That the postilion has been struck by lightning' and other useful phrases......................

Karon x

SLIDING DOORS ON ROMANCE

I have been rummaging through my dvd box and digging out movies to watch in the evenings. These past two days I have been adding a touch of romance to the living room with 'Sliding Doors' and Nights in Rondanthe'. Both have been cheapo supermarket buys that l have been meaning to watch for ages and just never got around to.

Well last night l got out a bottle of wine, some serious cheese, crackers, an apple and chocolate and settled down to some romance.

Was really surprised by Sliding Doors, l hadn't thought it would be so funny. But with John Hannah in there l should not have been surprised at all. It was a really good film. A case of 'what if' taken to extremes. You have the leading lady (Gwyneth Paltrow) getting on her train in the morning. In one scenario she just misses the train and thus misses catching her horrible boyfriend in bed with another girl. However in the other scenario she gets on the train and of course walks in on them. It is difficult to describe, but the two stories run simultaneously and it is really good. Some great wit from John Hannah and a nice ending. What more could you want.

Feel a bit like a film critic here, but what the hell. The other film was 'Nights in Rodanthe' with Richard Gere. Boy that man has aged so well. I honestly think he looks so much better nowadays with his silver fox hair and more rugged profile. However that didn't stop me lusting after him way back when he was an officer and a gentleman. Anyway, back to the present and Rodanthe, a small coastal place in USA where Gere goes for a weekend to sort out a legal mess. Fabulous house, you can watch this film for the house alone. It is a wooden inn built on stilts on the beach. All higglety pigglety with balconies, shutters, different levels and the most amazing interior. Anyway, there is a storm, a romance and a serious tear jerker. You know whats coming but what the hell.

Chomped my way through all the food, slurped the vino and generally had a slob out evening. It was great.

More film ideas please, what can you recommend?
Have a great weekend
Karon  x

ENCHANTED APRIL

            

I have been waiting till today to put in this post, just wanted it to be April when l put it up. This has to be one of the most beautiful and heartwarming films you could ever hope to see. I saw it on tv back in early 1990s and adored it then. Imagine how thrilled l was when it was released on DVD here just a few weeks ago. I hit Amazon like a rocket. Have already watched it twice.

Enchanted April is just that, enchanted. According to the Amazon it is so mellow it can slow your heartbeat. Well l have to agree with that one, no purple prose there, it is true. If you want a relaxed, beautiful and charming film to while away the evening, this one is for you.

The book is just as good. But get into the film and just enjoy being enchanted in April.

Karon  x

COOK BOOKS

with Mr Amazon, so this was the perfect gift for me. Rather like James Bond having a Last week my lovely friend Rosemary gave me a super birthday prezzie - an Amazon gift voucher. Now Rosemary and l go way, way back and she knows me really well. She knows my book addiction and my ongoing love affairlicense to kill, l hit Amazon with my license to buy,with totally free conscience that l wasn't spending yet more money.

short', one of those 'you can do it', 'go for it gal' types of books. Anyway in there she highly Anyway my book choice came about as l had read another book last week (wouldn't you know it!) by Janet Street Porter called 'Life's too f***ingrecommended Nigel Slater and his cook books.

After a lurk round Amazon to see what he was all about, l decided on the 'Real Fast Food' and 'Real Fast Puddings'. They arrived yesterday and l am thrilled with both of them. Nice simple little paperbacks the size of a normal novel, they have no fancy photos, just plain text and lots of info.

Don't be put off by the idea of loads of solid text tho, he writes in such a chatty manner that you really get into the recipes etc and can easily imagine what the food looks like.

I particularly like the store cupboard hints. Being someone who has cupboards full of little used foodstuffs, l found his pared down listings really useful. Why have l always been tempted into all those extra fancy (and expensive) ingredients (too much Nigella l fear).

So my next Spring Cleaning task will be inside the kitchen cupboards to see what l can streamline.

Thanks Rosemary.

Oh by the way, do you like my new logo and look?

Karon  x

GILMORE GIRLS

Ok l am giving you an admission here, a bit of an 'about me' moment. I love 'The Gilmore Girls'. For anyone who has missed out on this nugget of daytime viewing let me fill you in;

Set in a perfect small town in Connecticut (Sorry can't spell that one) the story features a Mum in her thirties and her 16 year old daughter. Their relationship and off beat style are the main focus and the crew of slightly whacky characters that abound in the town just spread out the fun. There are touching moments too and the story lines are not heavy going.

I guess you could say it is 'froth', no substance, nothing serious, waste of time for many folks. But you know, for me, l love it. ~It is a dash of lighthearted fun, takes me out of myself and whatever l am working on and lightens things up a wee bit. The music is great too, the photo above shows the cd case of the 'music from the series'. It includes songs by John Lennon, Carol King and Louise Goffin, P J Harvey, Bjork, XTC and lots of others.

I know in USA the series ended in 2007 but E4 has it on just now and started right from the pilot episode just 2 weeks ago. So if you want to escape to somewhere pretty and fun for an hour go look up Channel E4 and check out Stars Hollow where the Gilmore Girls live.

You see this is what happens when you lose your HQ where you work without TV in the background. Where you live in the land of Radio 2 while you beaver away with the sewing etc. Just now l am holed up in the kitchen with laptop and sewing in full view of the dreaded TV.

Now you might just have noticed a few changes to my blog layout. I spent last night trying out different looks and moving things about. Have finally updated the list of nice blogs to visit and even added more books to my list. Have even managed to add categries, but still have to put each entry into the right one. 'About time' l hear you cry, well yes l agree, l have been a tad lax over the past year. Actually l didn't know how to change many things and had completely forgotten how to do others. Now all l need to do is work out how to do my own banner/photo for the top of the page. Can anyone help with info/suggestions?

Ok, Gilmore Girls addiction off chest, admission of inability to work blog also off chest, am now lighter in mind and able to pull on my joggers and go for a run.............

Karon  x

INKHEART

Aha, bet yu thought l had joined the ranks of the 'No time to blog', no such luck dear reader, l am still here.

Reason for no blog on Sayurday - weather. Yep, that horrible rain l mentioned on Friday got worse and worse. It was having such a nice time that it brought its friend the wind along as well. Between the two of them Friday night was kind of wild to say the least. It was a bit like being in Kansas and clutching Harry instead of Toto. All that was missing was the 'twister' and the ruby slippers. Enough to say that the telephone line and storm not happy bed fellows, something had to give - the phone line.

Anyway back to 'normal' now and l can tell you about the weekend. Clutch that coffee cup and read on........

Idgy and l had a last minute gift to buy (there is always someone who pops up at this time of year saying they have a gift for your offspring and will be round on Christmas Eve. It is at this point that you curse the fact that they have three offspring (they always do) and you have one. How to find a prezzie that will do for all three of their children and not be a sugar laden tin of sweets. A trip into town was called for. I did warn Idgy that as it was last Saturday before Christmas it would be mayhem. 'Look for a parking space, this will be stressy'. Even l had to admit that parking was easy - car park half full. Shops, well quite a few people about but no major queue to pay. So much for all the dire warnings on the radio this morning that it would be the busiest day of the year in the shops.

We decided to make a day of it and went for pizza and then onwards to the cinema to see INKHEART. If you are looking for a family friendly action and adventure movie this Christmas then go see this one. It was wonderful. The fact that there is a ferret (called Gwin who has horns - and yes of course we have already tried that on Harry but it didn't work) with a big part is neither here nor there. Actually it had the best part we have seen for a ferret. Lets face it, the one in Golden Compass wasn't real and the one in Harry Potter was very active (what a dancer) but not a big part. This little guy was a hero, he stole keys, tripped up baddies, all in all more of a star than your average A-lister.

It was a good fun film and one adults can enjoy as well as children. I do love it when you take kids to the cinema and find that the entertainment is actually geared towards you (the payer) as well as the child. So much better than sitting rigid for two hurs as some meaningless and badly drawn cartoon character runs around gleefully on film knowing it has just pocketed all your cash to watch it.

Anyway, after the cinema we popped into Iceland. I'm sorry but all those adverts on TV finally got to me and we had to buy some of those party nibbles. Actually as part of our 'It's Christmas lets treat ourselves' day, we bought ourselves a box of American Party Treats and scoffed them in front f the fire while watching Titanic on dvd. I cried buckets at the end as usual and Idgy took advantage and stole my mini hotdog.

It was a nice day.

Karon  x

WHITE CHRISTMAS AND ALL TIDIED UP

It really is a winter wonderland here in Ayrshire just now. Temperature is minus 10 up here on the hill and everything is frozen and white. So very pretty but so damn cold and slippery as hell.

Yesterday l did the finishing clear out on HQ and the place is now completely bare, stripped to the bone, and so very strange and unreal for me to look at. Is it possible for it to look more empty than it did when it was newly built three years ago, it certainly seems that way. It is squeeky clean and has an echo, l don't lie it at all. I have to stay out for two weeks then can move back in as hopefully the mice will have moved out never to return. Actually it is too darn cold to be working out there just now anyway, l am only moaning for the sake of it..............

I am pleased to report that l managed to clear the diningroom yesterday. Yes, l have found the floor in there for the first time in months! Have even dismantled the display Christmas tree (of course l couldn't work out how to dismantle it when l was carting it about for 3 weeks in the car and had a 6 foot tree tickling my ears whenever l went round a corner) and packed it away in its box for another year. I appear to have moved my mess from one room to another. There is no way that anyone could get into the spare room now with all my HQ stuff in there. Ho hum, one day l will get it all back out to HQ and be organised again. In the meantime it looks a wee bit like Aladin's cave in there. All in all, l was pleased to get everything sorted and cleared, l feel we are getting our home back.

When Idgy got home from school we snuggled down in front of the fire with a basket of pop corn and watched White Christmas. This is our tradition. I have watched this film every year since l was a little girl, now Idgy does the same. Last year we were lucky enough to see the stage show in Edinburgh, starring Lorna Luft (Liza Minelli's sister) and Ken Kercheval (Cliff Barnes in Dallas). It was fabulous. We went with my Mum and it really was one of those days to remember, a treasure in time.

So what's on the agenda for today. Running! ok maybe more of a slither and slide. Wendy is home today so l am running to her place this morning for hot coffee and a good chat. Feel l have been so out of touch these past few weeks. Must catch up. After that l will be holed up in the kitchen hugging the aga and working on my new designs.

Keep warm wherever you are.
Karon  x