The Garden Fence - proper Old Style support and chat!

mothernerd

Congratulations burtha. Do you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or something simpler? I have been helping make traditional wedding cakes for 61 years and I can post the fruit cake recipe (in Christmas cake/ 2 tier/ 3 tier sizes). With your timescale a fruitcake could be made now and stored (in a tin or we just left them on the tops of wardrobes, maybe wrapped in a clean tea towel) until you want to decorate it. Sponge or chocolate sponge will be okay in the freezer until it's time to decorate (only a few days before, the fruit cake can be decorated well in advance). 

If you're not great at icing (or too nervous) there are lots of simple ways to decorate. Doing something simple very well can often work better than something overcomplicated. Mum used to do corner pieces, Napoleon hats (for the middles of the sides) and Juliet caps (done over a large old lightbulb) for the centres. She also made baskets of roses and crinoline lady cakes and many many birthday cakes - mutant turtles, daleks, rabbits, bears etc. I find handmade icing roses very easy (pull a small piece of icing off. squash it into a flattish petal shape, curl the edges a bit and stick petals increasing in size around a centre to build it up. I did a plain bottom tier cake for my m-i-l's 40th wedding anniversary with 40 dark red roses adorning it. Another simple idea is to use a tiny vase of freesia in the middle or decorate with real edible flowers.

I'm having a fairly relaxing day. It was 'two years to retirement' yesterday. I had arranged for the manager of the food bank to collect lots of stuff rather than me take it a few boxes and bags at a time. I've frequently been very poor but just for now I have food so will use the food my mother no longer needs to help feed people in need.

Had a visit from a friend (our families have associations over 4 generations). He apologised for taking so long to come round but he has had problems getting his head round it. He said my mum was a very special lady and although we never lived in each others pockets, she was always 'just around the corner'.

I gathered all the evidence I needed to go to close mum's bank account and arrange for the funeral directors to be paid from her account. Couldn't find my passport - I'd had it when I went to the DSS on Tuesday. Went home and search down the sides and behind the cushions on the couch I'd sat on. Finally went to the Building Soc anyway (somewhere between frantic and tears by this point). Had loads of supporting evidence to prove who I was but no photo ID. After a final search I spoke to the man I saw on my previous visit (before I had the death certificate) and he said he hadn't time to sort things then but made me an appointment with him on Monday morning and even if I don't find my passport meanwhile, he will use his discretion (think he's the assistant manager) to sort it for me.

Printers close early on Fridays, so missed them by 7 minutes. Tired and in pain so found a bench, phoned for a taxi and then walked up to meet it when it was due. Flopped in a chair with a drink and  a plate of sausages (was going to be a butty but sausages were enough). 

DS2 and his gf arrived with unexpected presents - salt and pepper grinders, a large candle. a heat/ cold wrap and a large fake book (talking family bible size) which is to hold papers. The pregnant lady and myself started on the non-alcoholic wine and DS2 had brought some beer. He wasn't thrilled with my selections for mum's order of service so the photos came out again and we told family stories and history.

They ordered takeaway (I have the leftovers so more easy meals, I'd bought some ys sandwiches for 50p each earlier) and it was nearly midnight when they went. Going to do a small food order (hoping there are cheap slots available tomorrow), just drinks and breakfast yoghurts, maybe some bread and a few bits. Otherwise lazing and sorting out bric a brac.

Nargleblast

Sounds like the perfect wedding, Burtha, not a hint of a Bridezilla anywhere.

Ming, you mention hanging around the Fence or something like that. I now have the perfect new ID for you. It sums up your nature and pays homage to your Scottish ancestry.

Ye Auld Bat.

weenancyinAmerica

Ming, have you considered being a set of bagpipes? 

silvasava

Just coming out of lurkdom to congratulate Burtha and the Frog.  Lovely news, and well deserved for you to find happiness for you and your family.

I still have a small collection of Ladies Day  hats for anyone who would like to borrow one? 

MingVase

Nargle and Wee nancy - I do not think you are entering into the spirit of this discussion with the PROPER ATTITUDE!!

Nargleblast

Yep, definitely Ye Auld Bat.

Nargleblast

A bagpipe-playing Auld Bat as well.

Suffolksue

A Batty Bagpiper !

burtha

thankfully , cake is now sorted .  I'm calling favors in lol . my eldest dd best friend is now starting out with her own cake making business. so cheaper rate in payback for all of the mums taxi duties / the holding of hair back after a night out / the breakfasts / tears of sorrow / laughter and counselling over the years.   
plus she's be at the wedding anyway   
so I just need to buy / make a topper now . 

so I'm getting there x 

ivyleaf

Brilliant news burtha! many congratulations🥰