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Showing posts from February, 2013

Walks round reservoirs

In Texas, state parks are the main way of getting out into some countryside, and they are almost invariably centred around a reservoir.  Back in the UK, the network of public footpaths means that you don't have to go to a designated area to walk around.  However, a proper country footpath often involves mud, brambles, stiles and other such pushchair-unfriendly obstacles, so we have found that, even here, reservoirs are still quite useful, not to mention beautiful, places to walk. A few weeks ago we visited Staunton Harold reservoir, just south of here.  Rain and snow had fallen overnight and frozen, so the visitor centre car park was closed, and the circular southern car park, when we found it, was doing an excellent impression of a skating rink.  Having slid the car into a parking space, we skied gingerly down an icy hill, and a beautiful vista of the lake opened up before us. We might have been content to drink in the view for a while, but Toby took one look and demand

Shrove Tuesday

Yes, I know, it's been aaaaages!  I do apologise.  Moving countries has a way of disrupting blogging.  I will have to think of a new subtitle (suggestions on a postcard, please!) since this won't be a taste of Texas life any more, but I know some of my Texas friends will enjoy hearing about a taste of English life, and I hope the rest of you will too! English countryside. Settling back into your native country is not a particularly easy process, as we have found and many others we've spoken to have told us.  So I thought I'd try and make Shrove Tuesday a bit more of a celebration this year. I kept the main course simple and nutritious - shallow-fried fish, stir-braised cabbage with cumin, and sweetcorn - so that we could gorge ourselves on the obligatory PANCAKES.  While I can make crepes if I have to, American-style pancakes are so much easier.  A huge plateful soon diminished, accompanied with warmed golden syrup, fresh blueberries, butter and yogurt.