[pffftt. winter evenings.]

I popped into my local Aldi yesterday. They have a whole range of Christmas chocolates and sweets on display

[lilies]

That sounds easy enough. Thanks for your advice.

[lilies]

This year, for the first time, I have grown some lilies in tubs. They have now gone Brown. What do I do now to ensure that they grow next year? Shall I cut them back or leave them? Take them inside or leave them outside? What about watering them in the winter?

[pffftt. winter evenings.]

[quote user="NormanH"]I also do a bit of writing, just for myself.

[/quote]

If you don't mind me asking Norman, what sort of things do you write about?

[pffftt. winter evenings.]

I am definitely a spring/summer person. I love being outside. Gardening, the lakes, walking in the woods, bbqs. I have a couple of big vegetable gardens and grow as much as I can in them and spend loads of time there just pottering around.

This time of year is good for looking for mushrooms and the weather at the moment is great.

For me, I can't wait for the winter months to be over and done with. As soon as the House Martin's and Swallows start getting ready to leave ( I have 25 nests around my house and barns) I know that winter is just around the corner.

The good thing is, that here, there are still seasons and for some reason time goes by very fast.

What season do you all prefer and why?

[pffftt. winter evenings.]

I just looked at the clock thinking it was around 9.45. It was 8.15 :/ What do you all do (keeping it clean of course :) in these dark winter evenings. Do you have winter time hobbies?

I hate the change over from Summer to Winter and it always takes me a while to adjust :(

[alternative for ouble cream]

Thank you for your replies. I will try both suggestions. I don't have any problem trying the creme crue, it's just a matter of finding it.

[alternative for ouble cream]

I want to make a white chocolate ganache to cover a cake. As it's practically impossible to buy fresh cream here in France ( unless anyone knows different ) I am looking for an alternative. Can anyone suggest another cream that will have the same results or does anyone have another suggestion for a similar covering?

[New forum member]

Thank you NormanH.

[New forum member]

Thank you. Just spent a while browsing through the various topics. Some very interesting and informative threads here.

[New forum member]

Ha ha, I see what you mean. Some of the houses do look a little sad. I think that after this place, my renovating days will be over :)

[New forum member]

As a new forum member as of today, I thought I'd just pop up to say hello to everyone.

I have lived here in France with my family for eight years now and have a smallholding in a lovely little village in the Limousin, which we are still renovating.