Christmas Pressie Preperations!!!!

I was really out of sorts this morning as I had to go for my follow up appointment with the specialist. Anyway the reason I was so nervous is, the op! hasn't worked and I still have the problem! I have mentioned in a previous post what I had done, it is a very painful operation and because I never, ever wanted to go through it again I have improved my diet 100%! I have lost 1 1/2 stone and I must admit the specialist noticed, he said 'I was a shadow of my former self'. I think he exagerated, but never mind I was thrilled!

Anyway he was, shall we say totally befuddled, when I told him what was happening, and he sat very quietly and shuffled and re-read all my papers. Mark was with me and he said the same as me, it was as if he was thinking 'what on earth can I do now!'

So I had more (very painful) injections, I have to take antibiotics and some steroids and go back and see him in 2 weeks! If this doesn't work I have to go back to theatre and he said' Mrs Woodlands if you thought last time was painful, this will be far worse'!!!!!!! So I am stuck between the devil and the deep!

So I came home and got on with what I like doing best...... making....... so look what I've been up to this morning..

8lb of Medlars

Quartered and put into a pan and covered with water bring to the boil and simmer for 1hr 30mins


put the contents into a jelly bag and strain overnight! Oh alright I started this yesterday!!!

Measure what is collected and for every pint add 1lb sugar

Boil until setting point is reached, spoon off the scum and put into sterilized pots!

the colour is amazing. Unfortunately it only has a shelf life of 6 months... if it lasts that long!

I cheated on the next one I went to the super market and bought little bottles of Olive Oil. Soaked the labels off, opened them up and filled them with Garlic and Rosemary. I would have used Chillies but my Mum is not keen on 'hot' but I think I know someone who would like it???

I still have to label them and will post a pic when done. Yes I could have bought bottles and oils seperately, this just worked out more economical for me!!

Then the cakes needed marzipaning!!

Whilst I was out getting bits and pieces after picking Tori up from school! It came to me, so I now know how I'm doing the Christmas Cakes! There will be nothing rustic about them either!!