Hi everyone,

 

It has been a very long time since I last did a blog post. It was in fact early autumn, since then I started a new job and life has been very different. One year on sadly  my shoulder is still not entirely healed from inflammation, but every day a little bit stronger ;) Which means I have starting sewing and stitching. I have missed it all so incredible much! Meanwhile I have been inspired by different creative Instagram accounts, like Woodfolkknits, who made me a beautiful par of knitted mittens a couple of weeks ago (seen above). The mittens are made from a maritime wool and feature a traditional Maritime/Maine pattern known and flying geese or crow's feet (heritage wool from Briggs and Little wool). I am very inspired by the talented knitters seen around, the fantastic patterns they create and also beautiful wool fabrics, specially tweed and tartan wool fabrics from England, Scotland and Ireland. I appreciate the growing love for traditional skills, great craftsmanship and natural living everywhere I look, especially since these ingredients are a big part of my own life as well.
 

The gifts are carefully wrapped, all the shopping is done, even the Christmas tree is up and twinkling. I just need to bake a pudding and send a couple of cards I forgot last Friday. Feeling very warm and fuzzy, here's to a Season filled with warmth, comfort and good cheer.

 

 God Jul - Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noël !

 

 

~ Aina ~

Eating al fresco while still enjoying my last mackerel, I realize it has been far too long since I have been checking my blog. Not have been posting for two long months it is time for a little update.

 

Summer lingers on and it has been far too much of a joy welcoming the sun back, which has been often absent during the winter months draining me from every inch of an desire and energy. Now It feels wonderful being met with sunbeams when waking up looking out on our garden, giving me plentiful of ideas and positive thoughts to carry out. It can be a challenge living so far up north, but the very special thankfulness you then have makes every spring and summer month so very precious.


I am definitely happy about the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables available, giving me ideas for new recipes, although the old are still very much reused. A summer favorite is Mackerel, homemade fresh pesto and new potatoes, tossed with some olive oil, herbs and salt. So yummy !

Photos © Aina - Modern Country

Summer I love you so very much.

It's just the little things... holding hands with my sister, taking a nap after dinner.
The hammock provide the perfect place to slip away.


~ Aina ~

    

Last week we experienced another snow storm and were covered by 20 cm of snow. But today when strolling around my garden I could feel the spring in every breath of fresh air. I was amazed to see that the apple and plum trees were full of clusters of buds. Within a few weeks these buds will burst and the flowers will fill the garden with wonderful scent and I will be there to capture the magnificent sight.

 

Have you seen any signs of Spring yet ?

      

    

 

Hi everyone, it was certainly a long time since we last spoke. I hope you had a great start to the New Year. I am slowly mending from an inflamed shoulder and overworked arms. It really has a visible influence on my energy level to be able to do more, and I am more cheerful now that I can make plans which I can accommodate with gratifying thoughts. I have to get used to blog again also, after 8 years one should think I would know ? However I have to confess, is is increasingly hard for me to think of something new to blog about, and since many now also are on Instagram I have been left with the thought of leave this little space behind. How do you feel about Instagram versus blogger ?

 

I am not on Instagram yet, however I do read a few. One I do visit regularly is Nigel Slater`s little inspiring place. His images are mouthwatering and recently he reminded me of something, it is certainly time to order in some vegetable seeds!  And so I did. As always I go for the easier grow, like herbs, tomatoes and cucumber. This year however I have been a little brave and will try to grow spinach also. I think it is such a useful and versatile vegetable. I like it best steamed, but often I pick the leaves as I use in salads. It is delicious with fish. And, in addition spinach is hugely expensive here in Norway, always great to save a few pennies..