Trying to catch time

I don't know about you but time seems to be flying by in a blur for me. You would think that now I am retired I would have more time to spend time relaxing, but alas, it doesn't seem to be so. I heard so many people say before I retired - "you won't know how you had time to work". And they are correct! 

So as my time seems to have evaporated before me, this week I only have a short post to share with you. A little of my week.

Making French Marmalade. Made from carrots and lemons and sugar, it is my husband's favourite and simple to make. It is not as bitter as some marmalades. Here is the recipe from The Country Women's Association Cookery Book and Household Hints:

3 large carrots -  I've always thought this an odd amount - how much is 3 large carrots?
2 1/2 kg (5 lb) white sugar
4 lemons
8 cups water

Grate the carrots. Slice the lemons into quarters, dig out the seeds, and put through the mincer including the peel. Leave all in a basin overnight with half the water. In the morning add the rest of the water and boil for half an hour, then add the sugar and cook for 2 1/2 hours. Bottle immediately in hot jars.
This marmalade still seems very liquid when it starts to set, so please test as you go so as not to overcook.

Upcycling Christmas cards. I decided instead of buying new cards this year I would upcycle old ones. I bought a box of 50 blank cards from the craft shop, dug out my box of old cards, and here is my result! 

I've also started on a new project I saw on the web. My friend who runs a gallery would like some to sell at her Christmas bazaar at the end of November. I've made the cones from pages of old Readers Digest condensed books. I just need to put them together. When it's done I'll show you the finished project. Watch this space. 

 Da da! Wreaths. I was going to make you wait to see the finished product, but wanted to share. I finished these two this morning and have more to make. I just have to get the paper cut and the cones made. The rest is easy. Do you like them? If you are interested I could come back with a tutorial another day. 

These can be hung as Christmas wreaths on your door, or decoration on your wall. The first one was done with pages from an old Reader's digest book - I love the feel of the paper and the slightly yellowed look, and the second one is from the pages of a magazine.  

My flamenco class is preparing for a performance next Saturday night. But on Thursday our founder gifted us this beautiful bata de cola skirt. Isn't it gorgeous. We are all looking forward to seeing our teacher Nicole, seen here modelling the skirt, perform in it. 

I also make time to volunteer in our local school library once a week, have started going to an exercise class (got to get these old muscles stretching), and try to walk every morning (although that doesn't always happen). 

We have booked a short trip for early next year and this afternoon we are going to a Senior's expo! Gulp - yes I must be a senior..... oh no! not yet! 
ps - after going to the Senior's expo I am sure I am not in that demographic just yet - I'm not looking for a retirement village, a chair that will stand me up, or a walking frame. However we did catch up with some people we know and chatted to a couple of stall holders. 

Time for a relax I think and enjoy the summer that has suddenly hit us this weekend.

 
Thank you so much for stopping by. What is your week shaping up to look like? 

The candlestick banksias are starting to bloom

 I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week.

I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

 

Mosaic Monday 
Life Thru the Lens 

Lifestyle Fifty Monday Linkup 
Our World Tuesday
Through My Lens 
Image-in-ing
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global
Worth Casing Wednesday
Travel Photo Thursday
The Weekly Postcard