as a fellow pale & freckled human, I wish you a giant sunhat & shades! thoroughly enjoyed the catch-up, the bit of travels, the scrumptious loaf and looking forward to read/see what you make from Egypt, yum.
The pics of the cucumber soup are my favourite 😍 so artistic! I also love the olive oil tear-drops! The name "soup" just feels so wrong though, since it's served cold. Surely there's some French name for cold soup? Or perhaps we should create a name... I also have cucumbers in my garden so will be giving this recipe a go. Thank you!!
Absolutely love a catch-up note and this is such a good example … a bit of everything, gorgeous photography, excellent recipes, bucket loads of energy, and a glimpse into your life. We often assume folk are reading every post and Note we send out but of course people are busy so a lovely retrospective is a great idea.
We’re counting down to the grandkids joining us on the farm for 3 weeks … the pool is scrubbed and re-sited, we’ve used the leftover sand (we made a sandy base for the pool to sit on) to make a beach … there’s a delivery of gravel due on Friday (ironically, I cycled a good few kilometres on gravel to place the order at the brico (a sort of French B&Q but MUCH better)) - I’ll be spreading that on the floor of the cave (the above-ground cellar) … it is a job I should have done two years ago but I got the wrong (dusty) gravel and lost heart! And the usual mix of actual cycling and Tour de France watching I love at this time of year!
Ahhh, thank you B 😊 that means so much. As much as I'm really enjoying pieces that push writing - I still love this kind of catch up, more 'free' style of post. And I'm totally with you on reading about 'life' and what people are up to. Almost like a behind the scenes.
Your plans for the grandkiddies sound INCREDIBLE! Love the sound of the makeshift beach - and 3 weeks is a good chunk of time to get as many hugs and adventures in, too.
Oof, I can’t imagine that journey was exactly pleasant… was that on your road bike?
(p.s: I’ve never watched a lick of the Tour de France! 🫣)
We’re excited about the family time … my son is learning to chill out - previous stays he’s wanted to be visiting here there and everywhere. We’ve gently encouraged him to see that there’s loads the kids can get from slowing down and hanging out around the farm. They’re bringing bikes and a trailer for Olivia and Fin, so we’re searching out playparks and water parks nearby. Yesterday’s cycle was part recce/part bimble/part last-minute decision to go and buy the gravel for the outstanding job. I mostly buzz around on my gravel bike so there’s no hassle if the route finder takes me somewhere a little more ‘rough and ready’.
That all sounds like the recipe for a great holiday 😊 Growing up on a farm I can 100% agree and confirm how great ‘hanging out around’ is - so the kids will have a blast no doubt!
Ahhh I see - I had visions of you teetering over every rock and stone on a road bike 😆
I have a road bike in the barn and I could do with a blast out on it. It’s a pretty old bike (maybe 12 years old) so next year I’m VERY tempted by an upgrade.
Loved the catchup. And can I just say, those are some excellent cucumbers. Well done, sir!
Thank you Claire 😊 I’m super chuffed I’ve actually managed to grow something from seed!
as a fellow pale & freckled human, I wish you a giant sunhat & shades! thoroughly enjoyed the catch-up, the bit of travels, the scrumptious loaf and looking forward to read/see what you make from Egypt, yum.
Thank you, love! Definitely could have done with a giant sun hat that weekend 🤣
Really excited about this Bake the World series - and I’ve got some cracking bakes for Egypt!
Perhaps I should do Vietnam next if you fancy suggesting some I should try? 😊
omg, totallllly come visit virtually!!!! 🩵🩵🩵
That cucumber soup is what one needs in these high temperatures. The photos are lovely.
Thank you Amela 😊 It was very refreshing! I added a few mint leaves as well too, which worked really well
These photos!!! Gorgeous, as always, Mark!
You’re so lovely - thank you Betty 😊
Your photographs are fantastic, Mark. The banana cake and cucumber soup look particularly inviting in this balmy weather.
Thank you kindly, Annada 😊 Can 💯 recommend the cold cucumber soup - it’s so refreshing!
The Milky Bars are on me.
The pics of the cucumber soup are my favourite 😍 so artistic! I also love the olive oil tear-drops! The name "soup" just feels so wrong though, since it's served cold. Surely there's some French name for cold soup? Or perhaps we should create a name... I also have cucumbers in my garden so will be giving this recipe a go. Thank you!!
Hehe thanks lovely! It was such a joy to make (and eat) using cucumbers I’d grown myself from seed 😊
Hmm, I think basque is the french word for a cold soup? Which I suppose makes it sound fancier!
Let me know if you try it! ❤️
Catch-up post with all the charm and kindness we have come to admire, and appreciate about you Mark.
Thank you for including my date square recipe - I am particularly honoured to be included in amongst this talented group of writers and creators.
You do have a real flair with the written word, and your photographs make food look so glamorous (yes, I know I keep harping on how good they are!)
Thank you Mark.
You are just the loveliest Thank you Sheryl 🥹 You’ve made me blush!
And you’re very welcome! It’s such a good recipe. Will for sure be using tahini a lot more in my bakes now as a result.
Marvellous! And thank you again for your kind words. Crazy how much your words, voice and photography have developed in such a short time!
Thank you kindly, Mark 😊 On all fronts - you've been a big part of that growth, as you know! Next challenge... sourdough
I definitely like the idea of the catch-up free style note. Here for it
Thank you Giovanna! 😊 Appreciate it x
Absolutely love a catch-up note and this is such a good example … a bit of everything, gorgeous photography, excellent recipes, bucket loads of energy, and a glimpse into your life. We often assume folk are reading every post and Note we send out but of course people are busy so a lovely retrospective is a great idea.
We’re counting down to the grandkids joining us on the farm for 3 weeks … the pool is scrubbed and re-sited, we’ve used the leftover sand (we made a sandy base for the pool to sit on) to make a beach … there’s a delivery of gravel due on Friday (ironically, I cycled a good few kilometres on gravel to place the order at the brico (a sort of French B&Q but MUCH better)) - I’ll be spreading that on the floor of the cave (the above-ground cellar) … it is a job I should have done two years ago but I got the wrong (dusty) gravel and lost heart! And the usual mix of actual cycling and Tour de France watching I love at this time of year!
Ahhh, thank you B 😊 that means so much. As much as I'm really enjoying pieces that push writing - I still love this kind of catch up, more 'free' style of post. And I'm totally with you on reading about 'life' and what people are up to. Almost like a behind the scenes.
Your plans for the grandkiddies sound INCREDIBLE! Love the sound of the makeshift beach - and 3 weeks is a good chunk of time to get as many hugs and adventures in, too.
Oof, I can’t imagine that journey was exactly pleasant… was that on your road bike?
(p.s: I’ve never watched a lick of the Tour de France! 🫣)
We’re excited about the family time … my son is learning to chill out - previous stays he’s wanted to be visiting here there and everywhere. We’ve gently encouraged him to see that there’s loads the kids can get from slowing down and hanging out around the farm. They’re bringing bikes and a trailer for Olivia and Fin, so we’re searching out playparks and water parks nearby. Yesterday’s cycle was part recce/part bimble/part last-minute decision to go and buy the gravel for the outstanding job. I mostly buzz around on my gravel bike so there’s no hassle if the route finder takes me somewhere a little more ‘rough and ready’.
That all sounds like the recipe for a great holiday 😊 Growing up on a farm I can 100% agree and confirm how great ‘hanging out around’ is - so the kids will have a blast no doubt!
Ahhh I see - I had visions of you teetering over every rock and stone on a road bike 😆
I have a road bike in the barn and I could do with a blast out on it. It’s a pretty old bike (maybe 12 years old) so next year I’m VERY tempted by an upgrade.
Fun times.
I’m failing to think of a witty comment, so you can have a hug instead 🤗
That’s fine by me.