Focusing on the fact that this week is just four days long and unlike the week after Easter, I concentrated really hard so as not to lose track of just when Wednesday is this time! It's been a fantastic long weekend so I'll need to remember that when I'm working on my coursework this weekend... Onto the good times!
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♥ Three day weekend snacking... We have a glorious tradition of popping to Marks & Spencer just before boarding the train to visit my mother in law in Norfolk and picking up an abundance of treats for the weekend. Percy Pigs for the train, naturally, then Nachos and delicious gluten free mini bites to snack on over the course of the next few days. There's something about visits to my mother in law that makes me feel I can just relax and snack with impunity, that feeling of Christmas time snacking as if whatever you eat doesn't count in any way, until 1 January (or in this case, the train back to London) at least!
♥ Friendly donkeys... A trip to Norfolk wouldn't be complete without a visit to the three little donkeys in a field close to my mother in law's house. These chaps (/ladies, I don't know - I respect their privacy) are always in the same spot, sometimes vocal sometimes not, but always close to the gate and keen to be fed from the long grass that grows opposite.
♥ Sunday lunching... On Sunday we decided to eat at a restaurant a short drive away, beside a river and aptly called the Water's Edge. The restaurant has wonderfully large windows, enabling you to look out at the boats passing outside while sipping your wine - bliss! We had let them know in advance that I needed a gluten free option and the staff were fully briefed when we arrived, with a manager coming over to say that the roasts could be served with gluten free gravy and any of the other options made to suit as everything is cooked from scratch. Tempting though the roast was, I opted for the wild mushroom risotto with a parmesan crisp and it was oh so delicious, followed by the largest slice of flourless chocolate cake.
We then walked along the river and then along through the fields nearby to walk off some of that lunch. The sun was shining through the trees, butterflies were fluttering around us and we stumbled across the prettiest little bluebell glade. It was perfect!
♥ Gluten-Free treats... Another week, another new gluten free treat discovery. This week it was excitedly falling on something from the new Mr Kipling range in our local Tesco. I'd seen various bloggers in the gluten free community sharing these new delights but hadn't spotted any myself so I couldn't just walk past the cherry bakewell now, could I? It was so delicious, went down a real treat with a cup of tea on Monday evening with the return to work looming ever-closer. Yum, can't wait to try more from this range! Any sign of a gluten free Viennese Whirl? Now those I really miss.
♥ Do let me know what's made your week a little rosier by leaving me a comment below or dropping me a tweet (I'm @happygoluckycat) or better yet, why not join the fabulous bunch of #WonderfulWednesday bloggers? Pop over to their blogs for a dose of mid-week happiness - Sally, Michelle, Helen, Kate, Jo, Samantha, Kerri, Laura, Sarah, Peta, El, Laura, Sarah, Mimmi, Jasmin, Martina, Lynsey, Katie, Debbie, Kelly and Em (I think that's everyone - shout at me if you're not on the list!) - and then join me in counting down the days until the weekend. It's in sight! ♥