Sunday 9 February 2014

Friends to stay.

Here on the farm friends P and D have been staying for the week-end.   The weather has been pretty awful and they drove over the top of the Pennines, from the Lake District where they live through very wet and windy conditions.   They arrived for lunch yesterday.

For lunch we had a really lovely soup which was recommended by a blogging friend but sadly I can't remember for sure which one it was.   I have a feeling it was probably JoAnn, but thanks for the recommendation whoever it was - the soup was delicious.  The soup was for roast chicken with roasted vegetables and can be found at
http://www.againstallgrain.com/easyrecipe-print/5753-0/
In the evening friend W along with my son and daughter in law (only two and a half weeks after a new hip but doing very well indeed) came for a meal and we had a jolly, chatty evening.

During the afternoon the local Hunt came past.   Seeing the hunt is one of the farmer's highlights and he stood at the gate and watched. I grabbed the camera - sorry I completely missed the lovely hounds streaming along down the lane, well in front of the horses, but I just caught the Huntsman bending down to have a quick word with the farmer - remarking on the terribly wet fields and how they were therefore sticking to the roads as much as possible.

This morning, surprise, surprise, more gales and more pouring rain.  We went part of the way back with our friends, stopping in Hawes for a Sunday lunch of Roast beef with horseradish sauce, Yorkshire puddings, red cabbage, creamed leeks, roast and mashed potatoes and lovely gravy.  Too much beef on my plate has resulted in a lovely doggy bag, much appreciated by Tess!

The farmer is off into hospital in the morning for an operation on his face, to remove a sample for analysis - so an early start.   At present he is out feeding the cattle double rations so that he can leave them early in the morning.

One thing is for sure - when he comes in he will not need any tea after that enormous lunch - but then what am I going to do with the trifle which is left from last night?

16 comments:

Gwil W said...

The trifle? I've no doubt it'll get eaten. Have no worries on that score.

angryparsnip said...

What a lovely front yard you have, Beautiful ! It is so sunny and warm here in Tucson... and yes it is beautiful but if we don't get any rain soon we will be in trouble. The farmers are selling some of their cattle off because they can't afford to feed them.
As for the trifle... yes please !

cheers, parsnip

Pondside said...

Lucky, lucky guests at your house!
When we lived in Pennsylvania the hunt came through our property. I'll never forget the first time I saw it - had no idea of what it was. Quite a thrill!

Elizabeth said...

I remember the excitement of seeing the hunt -back in the early 50's.
The hounds were so amazing.
Your weather sounds rather dire .
I just read an old Granta article about potholing rather in your part of the world. Sounds like utter terror and misery to me but apparently thrilling for those who do enjoy it!
Best to the farmer.

Dominic Rivron said...

'Tis but a trifle - but if you have problems finding something to do with it, let me know and I'll see what I can do to help.

Bovey Belle said...

Nice to have friends stay. The soup looks superb - will check out the recipe.

I used to work in Hunt Kennels when we lived in Dorset. It seems a lifetime ago now.

Heather said...

That soup looks so delicious and I'm sure you'll have a few takers for the trifle.
I listened to the Countryfile forecast for the week and almost wished I hadn't! There is no let up for us yet.
It seems we have the same taste in tablemats - I have quite a lot of the crockery of the same design.

Cloudia said...

I heard the hunt in your post!


ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

=^..^=

Cro Magnon said...

How can ANYONE have too much Beef on their plate!

I've only hunted once, with The Old Surrey and Burstow. I wasn't a member, just a follower. It didn't grab me; I became an audience member instead.

ArtPropelled said...

I think the photo of your soup will attract many more visitors, Pat ..... and trifle.... if only I lived closer :-)
Hope all goes well with the farmer today.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful photo Pat - so civilised when compared to hunts in this country- the 'roo, rabbit and feral pig shooters with their rough utes, roo-bars and spotlights. Quite the civilised quintessential past-time and tradition over there amongst beautiful scenery no matter how soggy!
We do have hunt clubs here actually ( always seem 'transplanted' and foreign in this environment to me) and recently went to a funeral where members attended resplendent in their outfits.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Both the Farmer and his cows on double rations then. Hope all goes well at the hospital for him.

MorningAJ said...

Wish the Farmer well with his 'sample'. And I think a big bowl of that soup will make him feel better on his return.
Take care.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Only one small helping of trifle remains and I am sure the farmer will be able to manage that at tea time!
Thanks for calling

Golden West said...

You are sure to have abundant blossoms from all the rain you've had this winter! We are in the midst of the 3rd year of a drought and water rationing is being mentioned, much to our dismay...

Terry and Linda said...

Such a lovely English experience to get to share in. THANK YOU!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
*♥´¨) ¸.-´¸.-♥´¨) Happy Valentine’s Day¸.-♥¨) (¸.-` ♥♥´¨