Aaaah – that huge sigh of relief for many parents, the peace once the offspring have returned to school. Bliss for some of us, anyway, and which we have surely earned! But onwards – before we know it we’ll be wanting to consider Christmas, especially if we’ve a mind to make things, both for gifts and for our own homes and families. So what’s the best way to make use of this month?
Blackberries for a start, before the devil spits on them (or whatever that old wives’ tale is) – the brambles hereabouts seem to have gone from ample to dwindled in the space of a week. Or was that just me taking my eye off the potential harvest during those manic pre-term days? Two obvious things to make with any fruits you find – jams and liquors. If I can rummage sufficient, I’ll be tackling the latter this year.
Soaking dried fruits and preparing for the rich Christmas puddings, cakes and the mincemeat – this is a good time – not too soon and not too early (though I’ve made perfectly fine mincemeat mid-December, but who needs another thing to be doing that month!?).
And perhaps keeping an eye open for scraps and containers, and ideas ahead of time, if other members of the household can bear it (or is it just mine who throws his hands up in horror at yet more “junk” 😉 ). I bought a very pretty top in the sale for just a few pounds, and on realising that it’s really not me (you know those buys…) figured I would make something lovely with the fabric instead.
For the past dozen or so years, the very idea of thinking about Christmas before November has had me throwing my hands up in horror. But now the youngsters are more independent, and I have just a little more time to allocate elsewhere than the school run, perhaps I can get a headstart on it all without going mad. We shall see…
What are you up to this month? And what do you suggest for September? We’d love to hear from you…
