Seen from the Road

Really must clean my scanner screen!

This lovely castle is seen from the road as I head north towards Leith Hall.

Harthill Castle was built in the 1600s by a branch of the Leith family and was burned down again by one of them in the late 1700s in an effort to escape his creditors.The family also boasts the 'Violent Laird' but I could find no more upon him, disappointingly.

The castle looms out of woodland on the slopes of the range of hills that includes Bennachie. It is a serious fortification for, despite being pink, it is seven storeys almost without windows. In the 1970 the castle was rebuilt from a gutted ruin and is now a home. It is spectacular inside, the height of luxury and buildings in the grounds include a winecellar with secret door to a gambling den and a dancefloor which parts to reveal a swimming pool.

April Biography

April's biography is Risotto with Nettles by Anna del Conte. I started reading this because of my Italian cookery project. It has recipes, but is also a very honest and powerful read, especially regarding her experiences in Italy in the war. The recipes are fantastic too and have inspired me to try making my own pasta.

Marvellous Marvel

I love the Marvel Avengers Films. Characters you come to know and love embroiled in fiendishly complex and insanely exciting plots. Action, romance, humour and even 'personal journey' (if that is a big thing for you).

I went to see Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier at the weekend and really loved it.  I won't comment forther other than to say that it is edge of the seat thrilling and the Captain America/Black Widow team up is brilliant and touching.

For no prize, identify this Marvel motif.

Recipes for better living

These ate the two recipes I use most. They are both fresh and healthy and easy.

Pesto sauce: buzz together parsley or basil or rocket or a combo of these with pine nuts or walnuts, olive oil and lemon juice. It should be mostly leaves. Great with pasta or gnocchi.

Hummous: buzz a tin of chickpeas with a clove of garlic, half a lemon of lemon juice, two spoons tahini and water to thin to dip consistency. Tahini is a nutty sesame sauce.

Make lots of both, you can keep them in the fridge or freeze them. Not salty or oily like the ones you buy.

The Unseen Revealed

Finally, that mythical creature revealed, the Washing Up Fairy. This is especially for the ladies in my work, who struggle with the believers of the washing up fairy.

Sew and Sew

One of my friends is getting married. As she doesn't want a big fuss she said 'not to buy anything to wear specially'. So I made something instead.

As she is going for a retro theme, I made a 1950s style dress. I think I overengineered it a bit with many layers, intefacing ,boning etc, it is more like a girly armour. But my most complex sew to date.

My current project is a bit different, I am restoring a rather abused 1950s cocktail dress I brought at Armstrongs in Edinburgh, my favourite vintage shop. More on this later.

Biog of the Month

This month's biog is a book I got for my birthday.

Ava Gardner - Love is Nothing is a gripping and insightful account of this brilliant and feisty Hollywood star, who does not enjoy the fame she deserves.