All set for the weekend?

Weather
In our house before we consider what to do at the weekend, we first check the met office for an up-to-date weather forecast.  The good news is that it will be largely dry during the daytime this coming weekend...great for all those getting out and about for Halloween or Bonfire evenings.  It will be windy at times - so that is a happy husband for me because he will no doubt squeeze a windsurfing trip in at some point. 

Children
Next on our list of considerations is whether the kids have any commitments.  As it is half term, there are only two things on, so if we do man-on-man marking then that leaves lots of spare adult time.  Oh, while we are on the subject of kids, the wee darlings have been busy carving those pumpkins I blogged about last week:

...and one of them is currently icing some skull biscuits to give away to doorstep callers.

Food
No weekend is complete in our house without some quality food to share around the family table.  As it is Abbey Leys farmer's market (https://www.facebook.com/AbbeyLeysFarmersMarket) this coming Sunday from 10am that is sorted too.  Come Sunday morning, we will be heading down there to buy some truly wonderful grub.  Janet and Tim invite a coffee van every month, and when he isn't available, they lay on hot drinks under a gazebo - so you are always assured of a cuppa to go with your food buys.  They are opening up the old shop for customers to use as a place to eat and drink, or keep the kids busy for a while with a kids activity. 

This fabulous market is very different from those labelled 'Artisan'.  You won't find ornate signage or much gingham bunting.  What you will see is really good food and drink that you can buy from the people who made or farmed it.  That makes a massive difference for lots of reasons.  You can ask the producer any questions you like, which I frequently do; the food hasn't been hanging around in a food chain for ages so it is really fresh; there are minimal food miles; and since the farmer gets loads of direct feedback, the food is top quality. 

Coupled with a hot cup of tea and kids activities, I know what will be top of my list for the weekend.  Hope to see you there.

Lisa Reid