I wasn't going to do cranberry jelly this Christmas as so much of it gets wasted but when I saw the lovely shiny cranberries at the supermarket I couldn't resist. And then I found some ready made fresh cranberry jelly and decided to buy that instead of the other ingredients (that I couldn't quite remember anyway.) In the meantime the first cranberries were so far down in the bag that I couldn't get them out ('scan as you go' problem) so I brought them home and am threading them for birds. So far they seem to have attracted a squirrel.
Meanwhile, I had a long list of jobs for today as we are heading south tomorrow for dad's 80th birthday celebrations (belated to give everybody time to get home from university etc) - and I found I had to add 'vet' on to the list as Monty has been miserable for three days. Even the opportunity to play with Saski yesterday didn't get him moving and there has been lots of random yelping. Anyway it seems that the problem is in his neck and he has to take painkillers and rest completely for 10 days - only 5 minute walks on a harness, and lead-only in the garden. So this is going to be fun as when the painkillers kick in he really can't see why he shouldn't be chasing squirrels.
Three GT:
1. Monty is being cheeky again so the tablet must be working.
2. The kennel tomorrow will be a good place to rest (and if it isn't we won't have to deal with the fussing!)
3. Nigel's birthday today so we are off out tonight :0)
Well I think Monty is being very thoughtful...no walking over Christmas when perhaps you haven't as much time...you can all loll in front of the fire now!! Hope he is better soon...I don't like seeing them in pain.
I think these will look lovely on the bird table...Christmas pudding for birds...a great idea!
Happy Birthday Nigel!!
@happypat Yes - I have guiltily thought about the up side Pat!! And Nigel's dad isn't coming until late Christmas morning because of the weather forecast and he normally does a two hour walk to wear Monty out while I cook so it's quite handy!
Very sorry to hear about Monty - my sister in law's dog DJ had a problem similar to that one, and when the vet couldn't sort it she took him to a dog chiropractor. Fixed on the spot! But vet first I think.
Also know how you feel re cranberries, I do that sort of thing, buy all the materials/ingredients then run out of time!
You should thread onto a thin piece of wire and make yourself a cranberry heart. Maybe the squirrel is the cause of Monty's neck strain, could he have been climbing trees again? Glad you took him, he did look a sorry boy. Love your DOF here btw and lovely rich cranberry reds
Lovely bright shot. Buying the fresh cranberry sauce is a good option - though it might take less time to make the sauce than thread all these on a string for the birds!
They make a lovely photo! I was going to give you a recipe involving cranberries, duck breasts, port etc but as you've donated them to the birds................ If I have any left over i might try tempting a squirrel.
Those cranberries look very firm and good for a necklace but not to be worn by people! I think their dye might be quite strong! I wonder how Monty got a stiff neck! Hope it gets better with rest!
Oh my gosh, when my girls were little we would string cranberries for the birds. I haven't done that in years. Must start again with Harper's input next year! Thanks for the reminder, Judith. I love this shot. And a very happy birthday to Nigel! Also, good thoughts for poor Monty! Hope he's feeling better very soon. And good thoughts for you...how do you have time to string cranberries with all that you have going on?!! :)
@peggysirk I'm not actually sure which birds they will attract - they aren't native here so it will be interesting to see what happens. Without the dog walking I'm expecting total efficiency - I blame that for all my inadequacies!
Judith, if I recall correctly, about the only thing our cranberry garlands attracted were squirrels and 'possums. But it was fun making them and stringing them in the trees and feeling like we were gifting nature. :)
Pretty - I usually make my own and, yes, a whole pile of it sits in the fridge as we vow to eat it up with post-Xmas dinner meals and of course we forget and end up throwing it out. This year, bought a lovely small pot of locally-made clementine, port and cranberry jeely from the designers market and it was just right.
December 29th, 2013
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I think these will look lovely on the bird table...Christmas pudding for birds...a great idea!
Happy Birthday Nigel!!
Also know how you feel re cranberries, I do that sort of thing, buy all the materials/ingredients then run out of time!
Have a lovely meal out this evening!