Sticky Jam

After the fruit and veg picking I got to work making some raspberry jam. I got a really simple recipe from here and it really was so simple. They're right when they say homemade is best. Walking the dog in the park I have spotted the late blooming blackberries. After my raspberry jam success, I thought I'd give this a go. I only managed to pick around 150g of blackberries, and without planning or editing the recipe the result was a sticky disaster! Cooking is as much a science as it is an art! Nevertheless, if you abide by the recipe, homemade jam comes out a treat.

Park Life

Spring has Sprung

...or maybe even Summer! Who knows, but what I do know is the temperatures have been in the mid 20s - surely this is unusual for April in the UK? But you can't complain.

Here is a picture my brother Alex took of Puck in the park yesterday, and what a beautiful snap it is. So may this lovely weather last... (thundery storms are forecast for tomorrow!)

nonsuch park, originally uploaded by alexdowle.

White Stuff

It arrived over night on Tuesday and for the first time I saw the bad side of snow - commuting! Delayed and cancelled trains, stranded on freezing platforms, bus and tube combinations... but today I could just enjoy it taking le chien out for a walk. It's all melting now and a work out for the calves but Puck enjoyed it! Now to keeping warm...

Flower Hammer

  

Last night on The Edible Garden, they did some Japanese leaf printing called hapa-zome. All you do is pick some leaves or petals, place them between two layers of natural fabric and bang them with a hammer. The juice and colour will dye the fabric, all you have to do is iron it to set. So today whilst I was out on dog walk, I picked a variety of leaves and petals and had a go myself when I got home! Also my seeds arrived so this weekend I will get planting!

The High Line

The High Line is a park on Manhattan's West Side, a park with a difference. It is situated on old railway tracks 30 feet off the ground and has been turned into an urban oasis!

images via the high line

For my current project we are masterplanning a derelict site in Dover and so I'm looking at difference precedents of urban design. I think this idea is so different and such a good example of 'Make do and mend', taking what we already have and making the most of it!

Five Today

Our beloved family dog Puck is five years old today! Don't you think he's the most gorgeous canine you have ever set eyes on?! I'm glad you agree! I was just about to take him on a lovely walk in the park... but the heavens have opened!
Photos by my brother Alex Dowle (except head on the decking, that's mine!)