Shropshire Girl

Not very much going on

2010-02-26T21:30:00.005Z

It's been nearly three weeks of sniffs and sneezes, a time when energy has to be mustered to just get through the working day and get home to collapse in a sorry heap. Not much of anything has been done, but an effort has to be made this weekend to prepare the house for a celebration next week. The eldest daughter will be 21 and she will come home from university to share a family meal with grandparents, aunt, uncle and little cousins. Unfortunately daughter number two will be absent, on a college trip to London to visit the BBC and the Houses of Parliament, so not something she can miss really. I'm sure her big sister will save some cake for her!

I have started the fleece, it spins nicely but I really need alot of practice so it's fortunate that it was so cheap.

I bought some gorgeously soft wool 'Hug' which knitted up extremely quickly into a nice chunky jumper for me. I tried to take a decent photo but the light was not helpful. The balls were on sale for 69p each so I am very pleased with the result.

Split Ply Braiding - having a play

2010-02-06T17:41:00.012Z

Last Sunday my friend Cath and I went to a workshop on Split Ply Braiding. I didn't know what to expect but had an enjoyable day sat around a table of like minded ladies, having a play with threads, learning how to make cord (lots of winding a contraption - aptly called a 'Cord Winder'!) and coming home with some samples of braiding, which I will make into key fobs.

Very basically it is a braiding technique using plied cords (often 4-ply) which actually go through each other. It is a traditional method for making camel girths, harnesses and similar items in India, but it has evolved into a craft technique that can also be used to create three- dimensional structures like hats, and belts and jewelery. A small tool, not unlike a latch hook for rugmaking, called a Grip Fid, is used to push through the threads in a way that braids a pattern.

The samples on the left are mine, and the other picture shows Caths. I was quite pleased but it won't be a craft that I will pursue, Cath on the other hand was much taken with it and bought supplies to continue at home. The expert was a very nice lady called Julie Hedges.
http://www.juliehedges.co.uk/pages/workshops.html

We all brought something for lunch so that was nice as well, my contribution was Lemon Cheesecake. Isn't it good to spend some time fiddling, experimenting with colour, learning something new and satisfying that need to 'play'? Even if it means that the ironing didn't get done at the weekend!!

A pleasant weekend.

2010-01-17T20:36:00.004Z

A relaxing weekend was needed and that's what I've had. Puttering around the home, some washing, ironing and a good amount of knitting. I also popped into a few thrift shops and I think I have found a few bargains.

In the Cats Protection League this lovely wool, all ready to spin. A whole bag for £2.50. I think I will spin, knit and felt a bag with it. I am not sure what type it is, is very soft - Merino perhaps? I am still a complete novice at this!

In the Cancer Research three balls of Click for £1.50 - lovely.

This is on the way to being a tea cosy, not for me though because my kitchen is blue and yellow! I might do a few of these I think.

I cannot believe how quickly the weekends go by. We will be starting a new project at work in the next couple of weeks and things will get even more manic than they already are. The weekends will be even more precious then.

A Return

2010-01-11T21:50:00.010Z

I was looking over my blog during the Christmas holidays and it confirmed to me that I have missed blogging. It was a time consuming hobby, what with posting and reading others posts. At the time I lapsed the demands on me were too much and something had to give. However, what I have come to realise is that the world of blogging was one that inspired me to do things, try harder and learn more. I also have missed taking photos which are a lasting record of my life here in Shropshire, one that I can always look back on and keep as a history for my children (and hopefully grandchildren).

Quite alot has changed since my last post. I hated my part time and well paid job, it took alot of effort and some considerable time to change, and when change came it was a big one! I now work 40+ hours a week in a stressful, lower paid role, but with really great people around me. I have made my choice but of course it means much less time to do the things that inspire me. Nevertheless I will do it gladly for now, and will attempt in 2010 to return to the things that give me pleasure.

Two plus points are that my new job is no more than 1/2 a mile from my front door, and the view from my office window is this . The hedge is gorse and blackberry, there is a gently sweep down across glorious farmland, and then up to Titterstone Clee. I never get tired of this view, it changes every day. Today the Clee is obscured by yet more snow clouds.

Finally, how brave are these little ones?

2008-11-21T19:38:00.006Z

My neighbour decided to get rid of this tree so down it came today, in portions. That handsome tree surgeon (yes he was very handsome!) is alot higher up than it looks. Now if only the great big fir tree that has over shadowed my vegetable patch could also be brought down. It blocks the sunlight and a super view. The tree is staying though so the veggie patch is being moved, that means the digging up of our lawn and alot of work.

Rather than work or Christmas preparation, some procrastination and play went on in the kitchen. The photos aren't great because of the sunshine streaming though the window - but these were terrific fun to make

I went to a Pampered Chef party recently and treated myself to this little decorating set. They are really easy to use and I am very pleased with them.
Pampered Chef Decorating Set

Marion

2008-10-28T13:18:00.017Z

A few days of precious holiday. I have decided that this break will be for me, how selfish is that? I have just felt lately that I need some time to myself, time to do nothing, perhaps finish a few ufo's, read, think, but mainly just see where it takes me.

This morning I have been puttering around, talking to the chickens, tidying the kitchen a little and drinking tea. Tea with chocolate traybake and a browse through one of my favourite books.

A few years ago I got a book out of the library. The only thing I could remember about the title was that it had the blurb 'Marion - the story of a medieval housewife' on the front cover. The story of Marion captivated me and stayed in my mind, so years later I decided to buy it. It took me 2 or 3 years to eventually find it, this time as 'Medieval Woman', by Ann Baer.

Poor Marion! To suffer the hardships and deprivations of a medieval life. Usually this time is written about from the romantic point of view of kings and knights and ladies. Marion knew nothing of those things, only the daily struggle for life on a subsistance level. The book follows a year in the life of the village, the daily routines interspersed with festivals that marked the seasons. The relationship which the serfs had with the hall. In Marions village the master was fairly benevolent, how people fared in under harsher stewardship I would hate to imagine.

Here is an excerpt from April

Peter had at last completed the plough he had been making to Rollo's orders, and today, as a sort of unofficial holiday, he was at home attending to the garden. Peterkin was with him, to Marion's pleasure, for she knew it sealed a relationship between father and son which she valued as part of Peterkin's training to be an adult. For the past weeks Peterkin had been out before dawn in all weathers, up in the new-sown fields, throwing stones and shouting at the rooks, and had returned home an exhausted wisp of a child, red-faced, red-fingered, re-eared and with a croaking voice. (Peterkin was around 8 years of age).

Today was peaceful and Marion felt content. With the top and bottom halves of the door open, the cottage was light inside. Marion had busied herself with sorting and tidying, stacking up her spools of spun wool, getting in logs, sweeping the ground round the fire clear of bits of straw, grinding some dried beans in the stone quern, always with half an eye on Alice who sat quietly on the floor sweeping up the dust into little ridges with her fat palms. The sun shone, but the wind, flickering over the new shiny grass had a chilly edge. Marion went out, pulling up her clothes, and squatted at the edge of the dunghill. She concentrated on excreting for a while, then her attention went to a bluebottle, newly awakened by the warm sun, which had landed on a dead leaf near her foot. She looked at its brilliant iridescent blue body, watched it stroking its front legs together. Then it flew to somehing vividly green nearby. It was the remains of a mallard drake's head, probably last year's, that had been thrown to Tibtab and which the cat had eventually abondoned. Old though it was, the brilliant green feathers still blazed with that strange unearthly colour in the sunlight. Marion watched the bright blue jewel walking on the bright green feathers, so strange, so unlike any colour in nature. If questioned, Marion would have said that both drakes' heads and bluebottles were part of nature, yet the very strangeness of these colours made her wonder if they were not supernatural, some lost angel's jewels or devil's snares. Just for the moment she wondered at the sudden flood of delight that these rare and glistening colours illuminated in her mind. It was not a thought that she would ever have tried to express. Then, realizing she had finished, she pulled some new-sprouted dock leaves growing by and wiped her bottom, for she had been brought up to be cleanly.

The goat had had her kid recently, a nice little nanny, at present sucking at her mother's teats. Marion filled up the goat shed water butt and pulled some more hay down to the goat's mouth level. She stroked the old nanny but did not touch her baby. Marion had already planned that she would allow the kid all her mohter's milk for a few weeks, then when grass was more plentiful, wean her, so that come summer the kid would be a perfect gift to the hall. A healthy nanny kid would be a valuable present and would free Marion from other obligations to the hall for some time. As the kid was weaned so Marion would steadily milk the goat and there should be plenty of milk and cheese for many months. The grass before the cottage already looked plentiful - perhaps she would get the goat out of doors next day if Peter would help tether her. It was all very satisfactory.

In these days of credit crunch and legitimate worry about the economy and the effect it is or could be having on us, reading this book again has reinforced in me how very fortunate me and my family are. To have good food, a change of clothes, warmth and the love of family, how wealthy I am!

Apples on an Autumn Day

2008-10-13T21:03:00.012+01:00

So, this is how to spend a very enjoyable, very tiring, Sunday afternoon.

Take some good friends, with a few sacks of apples....

and one Scratter, ready to go.....

Place the apples in a barrel of water, a mix of varieties is always best....

Constantly feed said apples through the Scratter....

Buckets (and buckets and buckets!) of apple pulp result......

This then gets put through the Press, a little muscle power here helps.....

Phew! Now what is needed is more friends with more apples and another press

Oh and more friends with more apples!!!!!

The resulting apple juice (lots of it!) now ready for cider making, wine making (my choice) and for freezing to be savoured through the winter months.

Of course lovely food, good company, a lovely autumn day and lots of glasses of refreshing apple juice make for a perfect combination.

Broome Park Farm

2008-10-09T13:20:00.005+01:00

This is the home of my friend Cath. One day I will post about her - you have been warned Cath! She is one of those people who are so good at everything that you could really not like her!! Except that is not possible because she is truly lovely with it.

An awful lot of love, care and jolly hard work has gone into this home, it really was almost derelict when they bought it. This is the Georgian front half of the house, but in parts it dates to the 14th Century I believe, and it has been restored very sympathetically.

As well as being a farmers wife, Cath is a teacher so works outside of the home. Even so she has embarked on a B&B business, if anyone is thinking of visiting Shropshire here is a relaxing place to stay http://www.broomeparkfarm.co.uk/. Take a look!

And what about this for a view from the house

2008-10-07T14:02:00.008+01:00

Autumn is progressing apace, with rain and winds on a regular basis. During a quiet spell we went to collect crab apples from this old tree, it was smothered in apples this year. I made Crab Apple Jelly and Crab Apple & Mint Jelly. I really did not like the latter, the jelly was very perfumed, the mint was too strong I think.

One of the last blooms in the garden, I must look into getting more colour into the garden around the year, it's lovely in the summer but goes over very quickly. I am also in the process (very slowly mind) of digging up the entire lawn, next year will be serious vegetable gardening around here!

It is also that time of year when wrapping the shoeboxes is in full swing. http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/

I try to do a couple in the evening, a very energetic lady collects them and there is a community push to fill as many as possible. I wonder if there will be as many this year whilst people are worrying about their own finances.

Last week I popped into Worcester to get some birthday presents - October is heavy with birthdays in this family! Well I managed to miss my bus, and with an hour to spare I made a bee line for a little quilting shop I know - The Cotton Reel. So anyway, can't get out of there without buying something - no not possible, so here are the stockings I decided to make for the nieces and nephew. I cut them all out last night ready to sew. I shall embroider their names on the top and embellish with ribbons and buttons. Can you see the gorgeous ribbon at the bottom - Love Never Melts. AAaahh! Christmas plans ahead, mincemeat, Christmas cake and more sewing = I really love this time of year.

I have been enjoying this blog very much lately - http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/ I'm going to find a Pumpkin to try the Pumpkin Cookies, they sound delicious.

Bits & Pieces

2008-09-22T18:36:00.004+01:00

There has been much talk in blogland about homemade cleaning products. Some talk of being 'greener' and with some it is a cost issue. At the same time though I have read a few bloggers comment that they could not use homemade washing products because they cannot believe it cleans as well as bought box powders, or that they like a fragrance. Well this is what I have used for ages, it's cheaper, convenient - and it works!

The M27 rootstock apple I planted earlier this year has given me 7 apples this year which I am very pleased with, hopefully it will go bananas next year (not literally!) It is 'James Grieves' and a very nice apple to pick of the tree as I walk past.

Last night tea was delayed as I caught a glimpse of a balloon coming very close to the house. We get them all summer but this one was close. The photos are taken after they have skimmed over our house - over the hills and far away.

The Birds and The Bees (Butterflies too!)

2008-09-13T20:27:00.010+01:00

Today has been one of those glorious September days, you know the sort I mean, one that is even more precious because the days will soon be short and cold and there is a certain expectation in the air of change to come. I was so pleased to see bees in the garden today, they have been a rare sight this summer.

My buddleia was a busy place today. Unfortunately it has got to go - to make way for more dwarf apple trees. I will be planting another one on the front garden though.

I did title this The Birds and The Bees, so here are Gucci, Chanel and Dior enjoying an afternoon on the lawn, while we took opportunity of the weather to dismantle, clean and overhaul their house.

Tomorrow is forecast to be another fine day so I am going to try and get up to the top of the village where I have spied a Crab Apple tree which is dripping in little golden apples. I look forward to making Crab Apple Jelly, Mint and Apple Jelly and anything else I can think of!

2008-09-02T19:15:00.013+01:00

First of all may I say a big thank you to Teresa at Honeycomb cottage for giving me this award

and also Tracey at funkeymonkey for this one

As far as I can see the rules are the same:-

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.
On Simply Being
A Life Full Of Blessings
Codlins and Cream
faerie nuff
Lucy Locket
Contemplating Change
home matters most

Should any of you ladies not wish to participate that is fine by me, I just wanted you to know that visiting all your blogs is a pleasure. There are many more of course, the world of blogging is such an interesting and inspirational place, and I am thankful to you all.

Now back to photos.

Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, it will be more in the public eye as the film The Duchess hits the screens, I am sure it will be a huge success here and across the pond.

The day was beautiful, sunny but not too hot. The interior of the house is magnificent, just as I remembered it from years ago. Being very keen Austen fans we know that this is the house that Pemberley was based on in Pride & Prejudice, we could just imagine the divine Darcy strutting around the place! If any of you have the chance to visit I would urge you to do so, it is one of the finest houses in England.
http://www.chatsworth.org/

This is a photo of the side of the house, unfortunately we couldn't take one of the front, but open the link and take a look at just how impressive the approach is!

DD wanted to visit the Blue John mines, one of the reasons we went to the Peak District, we all duly climbed and trudged down deep into the earth, although many photos were taken only a few came out, and here they are

It was quite an ordeal coming back up from the depths! but apparently it was worth it. This particular hill in the Derbyshire countryside is the only place on earth where Blue John is found. I could only afford a small ring for dd, it is tucked away to be found in her Christmas stocking. Take a look at the website - there is a good little video there.

http://www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk/

2008-08-15T20:57:00.010+01:00

We have enjoyed our 'holiday' at home, relaxing and seeing friends etc. On Wednesday I went to see Mamma Mia - which is hysterical, well worth seeing for a good laugh! Anyway we decided to take an overnight trip to the Peak District, eldest daughter wanted to visit the Blue John Mines and we all wanted to see Chatsworth - I will post about those over the weekend. Our overnight stop was in Castleton - in the Hope Valley. Such a beautiful part of the country - and Castleton was very picturesque, as the following will confirm!

Miners cottages by the stream

Peveril Castle overlooks the village - we will walk up the hill next time we visit!

The Market Place

A view up the lane to one of the caverns

Lots of quaint little cottages to see.

Bargate Cottage B&B. This was a great place to stay. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, and the breakfast was very enjoyable. The hostess is super and I hope we get to visit again, maybe next year.

http://www.bargatecottage.co.uk/

The cavern in the village has a rather cheeky name, apparently Queen Victoria visited it and there was an attempt to change the name - but it didn't happen. Take a look a the website:-

2008-08-09T20:38:00.010+01:00

We have decided to stay at home this year and have what I think is being called a 'Staycation'. One of the local attractions is Witley Court, and in all the years we have lived here we have never visited - so we put that right the other day. Witley Court was one of the premier country houses of the Victorian period - but was devastated by fire in 1937. It is now an amazing ruin, but with one of the best fountains in europe - apparently!

Up to the main entrance with its tremendous columns, and into what was once an amazing entrance hall. In the Victorian age Lord Dudley was the owner, and often was host to the aristocracy, including the Prince of Wales, giving sumptuous parties. At Christmas it is said that he had the Christmas Tree in the 69ft ballroom hung with precious jewellery, from which the lady guests could choose a piece to take home with them! That's my kind of party!

When you go through the house to the back you catch a glimpse - and then

Dudley commissioned the leading garden designer W A Nesfield to provide him with a suitably grand srrounding, and James Forsyth created the magnificent fountain 'Perseus and Andromeda'. The main jet in this fountain reaches at least 90', and there are lots of smaller ones, all pumped from a nearby pool - in turn supplied by a reservoir over half a mile away and 100' above house level. I had been looking forward to seeing this amazing structure - but in reality it exceeded all expectations.

As if this is not enough there is something else worth seeing at Witley - and that is the Church.

http://www.greatwitleychurch.org.uk/
Although a tiny parish church it is said to be the finest baroque church in England - please enlarge the photos to see the exquisite detail, I was lost for words.

2008-07-24T11:34:00.006+01:00

At last a couple of days of warm (even hot!) sunshine. I took my cup of tea out into the garden this morning and spent a couple of hours weeding and cutting back. I am slowly clearing a bed so that I can put in some dwarf apple trees and David Austen roses.

When it got too hot I came in bringing these beauties with me.

I have over the years accumulated a few things that were starting to clutter my kitchen, so I have recently bought a cupboard which fits perfectly behind the back door in the utility room and all my 'stuff' is organised on it. The two recent additions are a new-to-me Kenwood, the previous one blew up trying to knead bread dough! and a Kenwood slicer, I love this! I can bake 4 loaves, slice and bag them and put them in the freezer, or slow cook a ham, slice and freeze for sandwiches, hash or ham with parsley sauce.

Efficient but not pretty! So here is a picture of one of my favourite things. This little dairy cow sat on my mums butter dish until it got smashed.

2008-07-15T22:06:00.005+01:00

Second daughter played with her camera today and took these artistic shots.

Clever hen - chewing

And the other two!

They enjoy our company more than anything else, and certainly more than our Marrans did. They are Warrens and we have the three, which I thought would be enough for our needs. They have today each laid an egg for the first time. Second daughter has an affinity with them for some reason, going as far as to proclaim herself 'the hen whisperer'.!!!

We only have a small lawn to keep them on but so far it has not been trashed, we move the ark everyday. I decided on the Boughton Ark from Forsham Cottage Arks - this one:-

http://www.forshamcottagearks.com/poultry-housing/cat-prod-boughton-chicken-housing.htm

It's swish hen housing, a bit pricey but very good.

2008-07-13T13:47:00.010+01:00

I decided to have a blogging break and it lasted a little longer than I had anticipated.

Life carried on, children to see to ~(even though teenagers now they still need parents in so many ways) GCSEs and broken hearts. 86 year old mum to ferry to and from hospital and do things for. Paid work to endure (!) and the endless tasks that go with trying to live a simple life.

Such as:-

Growing flowers - beautiful and productive

Knitting - several things, including trying out the extreme variety

Home entertainment - my beloved Jericho, bought for me by my daughter, using money I had given her to go shopping to treat herself.

More photos of bales!!! Taken by husband just over the road from our house. Spending time in our local environment more as petrol costs rise.

Looking after the tomatoes in the greenhouse, polytunnel, veg patch and dotted in and amongst the flower beds. I have never seen so many flowers on my tomato plants before. I am feeding them with Black Jack which is a labour of love as the smell is foul!

Picking fruit, fruit and more fruit. I labelled my jam this morning and have so far made 28lbs this year. It is stored away in a spare coolbox at the back of the pantry, for judicious use over the coming year.

Strawberry jam - my favourite.

Learning to make sausages, this being our first attempt. Plain pork are these but the next will be spiced. This was soooo much fun too, a very good, fun and cheap evening entertainment.

Getting my Warrens, they were bought 4 weeks ago as POLs and this morning one of them laid an egg! They are much smaller than my Marans were and are VERY tame. They have the run of the garden some of each day but spend most of that time trying to get into the house whenever the door is left open.

I have also spent alot of time researching on the internet and reading of text books. I do not like the way that the economic situation is playing out one little bit. I know there have always been economic downturns and cycles but this time it feels different. I read somewhere that this is not the end of the world, but the end of a world. This feels true to me so I am endeavouring to learn and hone my skills so as to be prepared for what life throws our way.

2008-02-21T19:17:00.005Z

I bought a little frame from the local charity shop, when I took it apart this little watercolour posy came out from the back, I don't think it is that well done but someone took some time over it and I cannot bring myself to get rid of it so there it sits, on a shelf.

No craft work done this past fortnight, instead some minor alterations and some decorating, I always feel like a change at this time of year as I am sure lots of us do. Anyway my lovely fireplace has gone from this:-

To this:-

We have oil fired central heating and the oil is getting far too expensive now. So we decided to have a log burner to help conserve our oil. We can keep it in all day and night, I like the fact that I can go to work and leave the fire in! In case anyone is wondering it is a Clearview Stove - Pioneer 400. Manufactured in Shropshire - yay!! We have decorated the bedroom, but that is for another post!

An exciting (for me!) thing to happen this past week was to 'win' an old kenwood Chef off Freecycle. I had tried twice before so it was third time lucky for me. It came with lots of attachments and is in good working order. I want to make sausages and mill grain as well and I have found a chap who can supply these attachments too. I have passed several things on through Freecycle but this is the first time I have got something for myself.

My good friend Cath has a B&B in a lovely old farmhouse, she does wonderful cooking with her own hens, eggs, pigs etc , sometimes she shares one of her pigs with me, hence the need for a sausage maker and mincer. I have just thought that maybe I will take my camera next time and show you around her place. There are so many things at the moment that I think would make a good post.

Snowdrops galore

2008-02-10T10:22:00.001Z

I had to work yesterday morning, it was such a lovely day though that I decided to stop by this place to visit. Several people were enjoying the glorious sunshine and 'The Snowdrop' weekend.

The most notable piece of information I have found about St Mary's, Burford, is that it is the resting place of Elizabeth Plantagenet. She was the third child of John of Gaunt the 1st Duke of Lancaster and was born in Burford in 1363. She had three husbands:- John Hastings, 3rd Earl of Pembroke; John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter; John Cornwall, 1st Baron Fanhope and Milbroke. She had 5 children with John Holland and 2 children with John Cornwall. There is a monument to her at the Church which I couldn't get a photo of this time, she was buried there in 1426.

Burford itself is a tiny parish of 1108 souls according to the 2001 census. It is the southern most place in Shropshire, and furthest from Shrewsbury the county town. This Church is next to my favourite Garden Centre - Burford Gardens, which deserves a post all of its own soon. Luckily for me it is only about 3 minutes from my place of work so nice to go there during my lunch break occasionally.

Every year the friends of the Church have 'Snowdrop' weekends where they welcome visitors to see the carpets of flowers, and offer refreshments in the Church to fund raise. These photos give an indication of the prettiness and peacefulness of the place, but what is missing is the sound of the birds. They are certain it is Spring and were singing as if their lives depended on it. I only hope they are not too far down the nesting/producing phase as there is still plenty of time for Winter to bite back and remind us it has not finished with us yet.

It was one thing to go and see the snowdrops, many different varieties, but it was quite another to see primroses, daffodils, periwinkle and tree blossom out - not to mention these shy and gently lovelies flowering away to their hearts content under an ancient yew.

I took HPC with me too!

I hope you are having a peaceful weekend.

2008-01-27T18:07:00.000Z

Today seemed like a spring day so we decided to take a ride and pick up mum for lunch. The sun was shining, the birds singing - but the wind still had a sting in it.

We lunched at The Stiperstones Inn, we could all only manage one course, I would recommend anyone walking in the area to have a meal there, very good portions at a very reasonable price.

StiperstonesInn-ShropshireStar

Afterwards we bimbled along through Snailbeach, The Bog, Hyssington and ended up at the independent supermarket in Churchstoke that is 'Harry Tuffins'. Whilst I chaperoned mum around the shop ~(first time out in ages and still a little fragile) Ian and daughter 2 went around the animals. How many supermarkets do you know that have a 'country park' tagged onto the side of it for the amusement of bored children and surplus husbands?

I found some lovely paper - it looks ideal for craftwork but I don't know what yet!

And a final photo for Anna, HPC's eyes were out on stalks in wonderment of the beauty of this county of mine!!! - I wonder where the next visit will be?

2008-01-15T18:24:00.000Z

Well I have taken a slightly longer than anticipated Christmas break. Was it a good one? Well it had its good moments for which I am thankful, but an 86 year old mum having a mishap (a freezer drawer accident), and a 64 year old big sister breaking her back in two places (actually did this at the end of November but obviously still incapacitated), together with tooooo many shifts at work and I didn't know which way was up!

Thank goodness for a return to something like normality, although I think the new normality will involve lots more driving to and from mum.

One bright moment was the arrival of Hillary P Cushion. Thank you! thank you! thank you Anna! He has settled in well, although we are having lots more rain again and he didn't look impressed this morning whilst gazing out at a very soggy garden.

Together with HPC came the most gorgeous little quilt, some lovely Christmas stickers and......posh chocolate! I had had a particularly bad day at work and came home to this!! I hope that the PIF parcel I sent off gave someone a lift too!

I promise I will treasure my goodies Anna, and I can honestly say that your handiwork really is as wonderful as it looks in your photos.

2007-12-11T19:45:00.000Z

The sunrise was spectacular this morning, as was the amount of sparkly ice over our cars!

This was the view from our bedroom window, the farm over the way is where we currently get our free range eggs from. I hope to re-introduce chooks to the garden in 2008.

A non crafty day in this household today, instead I attempted to get my Christmas cards done, and made apple sauce with the last of the apples from our ancient tree.

I had a visitor too. We have plenty of pheasants around the garden at the moment, I wonder if they know it is safer in my garden than out in the 'firing line'

Christmas - The countdown begins!

2007-12-01T19:48:00.000Z

1st December - the day of our Christmas fete. Lots of the stalls were inside the church and it was too dim and far too crowded for photos. I did manage to get a photo of my lovely friend Rachel striking a very silly pose, she makes 100's of wreaths every year and she had a table in the entrance taking orders.

The Bell Inn Brass Band played jolly festive music, Cath (in the Christmas hat) played and then had to do a quick change in the ladies loo to join in the Crooked Steeple slot. It was sooo cold today!

Poor Rob could hardly play, his hands were numb with cold!

Santa was in his grotto, and was going to turn the lights on at 4pm, we didn't stay this year though. We needed to get in to the warmth.

Here is the view down the street to the Market Hall and church, past the local butchers.

Punch & Judy and various stalls were in the Market Hall, but again I didn't take photos. However, here are a couple of photos of our Millennium Embroidery - isn't it fab? Every organisation in the town took part in supplying something for this piece and it hangs in the Market Hall. I did the black and white paper shop in freestyle cross stitch. Soon afterwards the owners retired and it closed, so it is already a little piece of history. I love the Church and the view underneath.

Did I mention it was cold today? So glad we got a fire in, and just as we got home it started to rain.

And finally, I saw the lady who organized the Christmas box wrapping - she told me the final number we managed to ship was 1,325!!!!!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.

2007-11-22T14:10:00.000Z

Just a quick post to say two things.

Firstly Happy Thanksgiving to all blogging friends across the pond. May you all be having a wonderful and peaceful day.

Second - I have discovered Tom Baxter! I was sitting in the car yesterday waiting for daughter 2 to get her stuff together before heading for school. This came on the radio and I was smitten. I had to search for the song as soon as I came home, it is soooo lovely. In fact it sums up how I feel about Ian. I'm sure most have experienced that heart thumping knee quaking kind of early love, I couldn't imagine as a young girl what being together for 25 years could possibly be like, I'm sure I thought it would be a little bit mudane actually. How wrong I was! Indulge me and press 'play'

Advent Calendar

2007-11-09T22:46:00.000Z

This is a photo of my eldest when she was 4, with her Advent Calendar. I cross stitched 24 little pictures and then made bags which hang from brass curtain rings, each year these are filled with Quality Street or Roses, with a tiny present in the 24th. It is stretched over wood and is quite heavy. (Three years later I made another for daughter 2)

Anyway, she asked me how she was going to get it to uni and bring it back with her for the Christmas Hols. I decided that this was impractical, so it will be waiting for her when she gets back, I made her this mini one to take back with her this weekend.

A pretty box (I found a whole set of these - packed like a russian doll - all inside one another, at a Car Boot for £1!!)

24 red felt bags, with gold trim glued and pegged til dry

Cute choccy santas and father Christmasses

Bags decorated and filled, for some reason there was an extra father Christmas at this point, oh well!!

Packed into the box, the final touch was a liberal sprinkling of tiny glittery stars after this photo was taken. I hope she likes it.

Bread

2007-11-04T19:23:00.000Z

We went to Worcester yesterday and I found these wonderful scales. I have wanted a new set for ages and these were in Cookmate - £25 reduced to £15. I like the big stainless steel bowl and the face is big enough to read really easily - I was one happy girl today when using them for the first time.

I make our bread on a weekly basis. I use 1/2 wholemeal 1/2 strong white and although I have a bread maker I always hand make. Bread is getting more expensive as I am sure alot of you will have noticed. Our local bread shop is on the market, the business has been there since the 1800's, I wonder if customers are going to the supermarkets instead. I get my flour from a local bakery, it comes in small paper sacks (about 15lbs) and the last lot cost me 33p 1lb. I keep my flour stockpile in a second fridge in the utility, wrapped in plastic bags it keeps for ages.

After I have kneaded it, it goes back in the bowl to rise. At this point I put a cereal box 'inner' bag over it. When a cereal box is emptied I take out the inner, pull it apart at the seams and wash it. Then it gets used for breadmaking (below), for wrapping things in the fridge, lining cake tins and wrapping our sandwiches for packed lunches. It can be used over and over again

As well as the weeks bread I also made a traybake, waiting to be iced, for packed lunches this week, and a Weetabix Cake to make the most of the electricity used to heat the oven. Weetabox Cake is really easy - and very very tasty. The receipe is below if you want to try it.

WEETABIX CAKE

2 weetabix

1 cup raisins or sultanas - whichever you have

1 cup sugar

2 cups self raising flour

1 cup milk

Mix all ingredients together, put in a loaf tin and cook! I told you it was easy!!

(Notice no fat or eggs in this one).

Well I am off to watch Top Gear with Ian - and wrap the last 1/2 dozen Christmas boxes. I told my friend that they were last, but she gave me a wicked grin and said - 'yeah - until next year!!'

Christmas Boxes

2007-10-28T17:47:00.000Z

For a couple of weeks now my house been in a production line of Christmas boxes. You see after a very pleasant meal and a couple of glasses of wine I got into conversation with a dynamo of a woman who every year organises a local push for the Operation Christmas Child campaign. She was bemoaning the fact that this year she had lost one of her 'wrapping ladies.' Well feeling very mellow (after the aforesaid meal) I said - 'Oh I can wrap a few boxes for you' - AAArgh! This woman is wonderful but relentless! I have lost count of the boxes I have wrapped but I keep getting a bin liner of new ones to do every few days!! Even so I am sure I am not doing an adequate amount, there were 1090 filled last year!

Operation Christmas Child is a very worthwhile cause. My two daughters have for years filled one every year, just to reinforce the true spirit of Christmas. I am sure everyone has heard of it by now -http://www.samaritanspurse.uk.com/ there is a page on the site that takes you to knitting patterns for beanies and puppets. I think I will do a few throughout the year next year so that I have a 'stock' done in time. Goodness knows I have enough spare balls of wool and oddments.

The only other thing of note around here is that I have been painting the front lawn! Actually its the colour of our downstairs loo - but I only used it to mark out where we are going to make new beds. We have decided that the front lawn has to go. For one thing it is a pain getting the mower round to the front all the time, and also we are cutting down on electricity usage. There will be four corner beds, a central circle and gravel paths inbetween.

Thank you to those who kindly left encouraging comments about my eldest leaving home. I am pleased to say she is doing very well, cooking lots of nourishing and frugal meals and studying hard already. She is coming home for Armistice weekend, she said she couldn't not go to the memorial with her dad. Awwwww!

2007-10-09T16:42:00.002+01:00

Hello, I have ventured back into my blog after a somewhat longer than anticipated absence.

Initially I had some computer issues, and then after eldest daughter departed for uni I threw myself into 'other things' to take my mind off her leaving. Well, busy though I am it didn't work and I am missing her very much!

Anyway, I shall be emailing one or two of you later to thank you for your concern, how nice the blogosphere is with women like you in it!!!!!

Just to show you I have been a little bit busy.... a few photos......

6lbs of blackberries picked on a beautiful summers afternoon. I mashed them and made them into a large demijohn of wine. This was busily fermenting away and we were looking forward to a glass or two at Christmas but it was not to be. Someone (not me!!!!!!) managed to smash the aforesaid demijohn and it took me ages to get a gallon of sticky liquid up off the laundry floor!

Then eldest daughter left for uni.... here are the two best friends come to say goodbye, they have been with her since the age of 5. They have been through thick and thin together but are now across the country from Southampton to Manchester. I sneaked this photo - one for the album I am keeping for her.

I have managed to get to one carboot - there is another this weekend which I hope to get to. I got a lovely mixing bowl and this cute pyrex to add to the collection!

A week last Sunday we went to Upton on Severn . Some of you might know that it was severely flooded back in the summer. They organized a 'Cheer Up Upton' weekend and we went to show our support. I think we definitely need a 'blue' in our side, don't you??

I hope to post regularly now, I can't wait to see what you are all doing for Christmas and I am sure there will be some glorious posts coming soon from you all about that.

Shrewsbury

2007-08-26T18:39:00.001+01:00

The summer holidays will soon be at an end and already there is a hint of autumn in the air, especially in the mornings, yesterday was quite misty until the sun burnt through. Hopefully we will have an Indian Summer through September, I think we need one after the wet summer.

Finding time to blog is difficult ~ and I often find that I have forgotten to take the camera with me on our days out! On Thursday I went with daughter number 2 to Shrewsbury for a day out. We let the train take the strain - only a 1/2 hour journey - and spent a really enjoyable time together. She is getting serious one to one at the moment with daughter number one on holiday in Paris.

As you can see, Shrewsbury is well worth a visit, although too much to see in one day with a wonderful Abbey (do any of you remember the Cadfael series on TV?), Castle, Museums, a gorgeous park and some smashing shops.

The photo above is of Castle Street, the walk up into town from the station, it's only a couple of minutes.

This is Grope Lane (I think were the Butchers used to trade), there's a Fish Street as well - one can't imagine how smelly these places would have been in medieval days!

Above photos from http://www.pbase.com/
One of the main shopping areas. Just along from here was the cafe we went to for lunch. It was very 'Victorian' with flowery wallpaper, a dresser full of china knick knacks, lacy table cloths and pretty pictures. The food was not so dainty - a chicken tikka baguette for daughter and a BLT for me, together with a pint of coke each!!

On our way to lunch I suggested I showed her the oldest building known as Bear Steps (1300's). It is now a little gallery and tea rooms. I was very pleased to discover that they had an exhibition taking place by the Shrewsbury Spinners and Weavers. Lunch was slightly delayed whilst I had a brief chat with the ladies, and purchased a drop spindle from them for £2.50.

Above is the Bear Steps front and back.

One place we did not have time to visit was the Dingle. The Dingle. set in the park is a 'quarry' which many years ago was turned into a spectacular floral garden. This is a picture taken in Spring but it is an amazing place year round

Alas on our way back to the train station I noticed a shop that stocks Cath Kidston, I think a return visit is necessary.

So anyway, today I got the drop spindle out and had a go, amazingly I managed to produce a passable yarn - finer than I can on my Ashford for sure! Daughter 2 took this 'action' shot.

2007-08-12T22:55:00.000+01:00

O Dear, back to work today after a wonderful week off. We didn't go away, just days out, but what beautiful days they were. After Aberdovey we went to the Stiperstones to pick Whinberries.

Now you may have gathered that I do not like my photo being taken, but Ian managed to catch me with my bottom in the air! Click on the photo for a lovely view = ha! ha!

Whinberries (Bilberries) quite simply make the most delicious pie. They are small, fiddly and take an age to pick, but in this sort of surrounding that is ok.

Back home I sorted out all the little bits of twig and dried leaf, and found I had enough for 2 pies and one crumble. As a kiddie I loved to stick my tongue out after eating pie as it turns purple for a while!

I am soooo pleased to have been given this award by Gill at Lucy Locket.

Started by Bella-Enchanted, the award is to be "awarded to those that are just nice people , good blog friends and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world". Thank you so much Gill for thinking of me, and I agree with you in that I am also in awe of many blogs I have found in recent months, there really are some inspirational, kind and lovely ladies out there.

The following 7 blogs are being awarded the 'Nice Matters Award' by me. I only wish I could choose more!

Rosevintage

and Rubyred

These ladies all have lovely blogs for different reasons, be they gardening, craft, thrift or interesting hobbies, but as well as this they are all nice people, I visit frequently!

Aberdovey Lovely

2007-08-08T18:52:00.000+01:00

Our annual day on the beach. Aberdovey has a nice beach, some nice shops and some very nice Bora Brith!

Glorious views of the hills across the Dovey estuary

My girl is 15 on Sunday, but one is never too old to dig holes!

And her mum will never be too old to fly a kite!

2007-08-04T15:50:00.000+01:00

I like to shop as locally as possible. This has not been as a result of the new trend in sustainable living, traceability, air miles, carbon footprints etc, it's just how I have always done it, as did my mother and hers before her.

My fruit and veg come from a small farmshop, Richard there stocks produce as locally as possible. Milk comes from our nearest farm (which is wonderful enough to do a whole post on!). Any groceries come from a small independent grocery store in Tenbury. I try to stay out of supermarkets as I do not generally like the way they operate (~of course I do understand that others do use them, each to their own).

Today I did my meat shopping and Clive kindly let me take some photos.......

Here is Heath Farm Meats in Bagginswood (sounds like something out of 'The Shire'!) . Clive and Clare own it, they produce all the beef, lamb and pork themselves, the chickens come from another local producer, and their dad provides the eggs. The 'shop' is in the farmyard and opens 4 days a week. Nothing is too much trouble for these lovely people and their meat is superb. They take their animals to the abbatoir one or two at a time and send them off with as little stress as possible, this improves the texture of the meat.

It's nice to pull up a chair and have a natter while they are preparing your meat, it makes an occasion out of shopping.

This is the rebatched soap (well some of it, I couldn't wait!) mentioned in my last post. It is very, very easy to make. I got the recipe from Rhonda at Down to Earth. I have been really impressed with this lady's blog, lots of sensible thinking going on over there! Anyway here is the post soa p

They look a little 'rough' but I like them. I used lavender oil and next time I shall use more because the scent is not that strong. The hearts were cut using a biscuit cutter. I have some nice cellophane bags and ribbon so later in the year I will be making Christmas presents!

Another blog I have discovered recently is bean-sprouts, I like this girls attitude! One day I shall keep bees and her accounts of bee keeping have had me in stitches.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

2007-08-01T21:03:00.001+01:00

Well the floods have gone and poor old Tenbury is looking very drear. When the floods first happened it was all very surreal, and then when they went everyone seemed upbeat and energised about getting back to normal as quickly as possible. Two weeks later and more than 50% of the offices and shops are gutted, part of Market Street pavement has collapsed into the brook and people are looking fed up and a bit worn out. I shall be showing my support by doing as much shopping as I can in the town. This must be the scenario played out in several towns across the country.

On my way to and from work I often thank my lucky stars that my commute is so scenic. I thought I would share a few shots with you. The journey is 9 miles through agricultural countryside.

We went down my road this evening and Ian took these photos. This fine weather the last two days has caused the farmers to work madly trying to get hay and haylige cut. Ian loves taking photos of bales (?).

Most of the way the road is very narrow, and very bendy, with three narrow bridges, two woods, one hamlet and...

This gorgeous little church.

The road wends along its way, you can just see it on the right of this photo. At this point I am usually looking out for a large school bus coming down the hill in the morning.

On the crafting front very little has been done recently. Mum sent me loads of wool odds and ends so I have been knitting beanies for the Christmas Box appeal.

One thing I have discovered over the last week or so has been the number of 'green' blogs in blogland. This really interests me and I am looking at ways to 'simplify' my life so I shall post about them next I think. I used a rebatching soap recipe I found on one of them yesterday to make 8 bars of soap, they are on the drying rack now and they smell lovely - I used lavender oil.

Floods of 2007

2007-07-22T14:56:00.000+01:00

Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire

21st July 2007

Teme Street (above photo)- 4ft deep. Third flood this summer. Extensive damage done to buildings in Market Street - Victorian (newly refurbished) toilet block swept away. Ancient bridge over the Teme River now has cracks in buttress. Similar stories throughout the UK.

A thank you from me

2007-07-17T20:48:00.001+01:00

I was so touched that so many of you took the time comment on my last post and I do apologise for sounding quite sorry for myself! Anyway as I said I have already given myself a good talking to and those teddies will soon be finished! Thank you so much for your support.

To give myself a project I have signed up to Pay It Forward Exchange. Anna had said she was going to do it so I jumped at the chance of getting a present from her, she is a lovely lady and I love everything she makes. So here it is:-

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week... LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

One of my favourite bloggers is Sue over at vintagetovictorian I have just bought some of the Perle Cotons she has available. I asked for 10 colours I could use for embroidering roses and look what she sent me! I was so pleased - they are perfect for what I had in mind. Thank you Sue! Here they are together with a couple of very pretty plates I got yesterday.

I had a bit of a scary time today, as I have said my daughter goes to school in Tenbury Wells and after more torrential rain at midday there was a flash flood. There was literally a river raging down one side road into the main street where there was about 3ft of water. I managed to park up and walk all the way round to get her, but there were fire engines rescuing people and police everywhere. The amazing thing was that in the 45 minutes it took me to get her the whole thing had receded, just leaving people standing in shock and bewilderment. I feel so dreadfully sorry for the shopkeepers who were flooded out a couple of weeks ago and were just getting back on their feet. I've just seen it on the 10 o'clock news.

When I got home the rain had stopped so I went into the garden for a breather and snapped my Lucifer which is in full bloom, my black Geum and my greengages growing bigger - just look at that sky!

I'm back and quilting

2007-07-14T16:46:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I have posted, I have been low and the last couple of posts were scrubbed rather than published and inflicted on you all. I think it is mainly due to a daughter leaving home for university in September (already dreading that), a crummy job, and others, old college friends, reminding me by their successes that I am puttering through life not realising my initial potential!! All my said puttering just seemed so pointless for a while there.

However I have 'got a grip' (again) and thought I would tell you about a couple of my favourite shops.

'The Treasury' in Kidderminster was the most fantastic craft shop for cardmaking and scrapbooking and was filled to choc-a-block with scrummy papers and glitters and stickers and embellishments. The couple who owned it were lovely always with a warm welcome. You had to go when you had plenty of time because they would demonstrate their latest stock and offer a cuppa - really terrific. It is appalling what has happened, the only blessing being that no one in the flats above were hurt. I heard that the building will be demolished now, but I hope they manage to reopen. So sad.

Photo from Kidderminster Shuttle

'Totally Patched' in Bewdley is just gorgeous. Not big, but on a couple of floors in a lovely higgledy piggledy building. Last Saturday the smashing owners had their '18 month of trading celebration' with 25% off fabric!! That was enough for me and daughter to go, but when we got there we found a quilt exhibition as well - staged on the third floor and roof terrace, together with cakes and coffee. I had asked Ian to take a photo - I didn't realise till we got home that he had snapped us as well!

Ian wasn't bored while we browsed, he took lots of photos, here is one of the Severn in Bewdley, not in flood anymore!

I bought material for a quilt - my first attempt, daughter bought some green material to back a patchwork Christmas cloth she did last year.

I have also bought this material - I have no idea what to do with it - I just wanted it!

I also have a growing pile of smelly teddies to stuff, I'm afraid they are lying in piles all around the house at the moment.

I went with friends to Ludlow last night for a Thai meal - really lovely! We were a little late though because one of our friends we were picking up lives on the other side of a ford, with yesterdays rain it was once again too dodgy to cross - which meant a detour and delay.

Rain, we've had enough for now.

Rain

2007-06-30T11:04:00.000+01:00

My hubby and younger daughter are doing a paper round at the moment - in torrential rain! and my eldest daughter has gone on a post A level camping trip with friends - probably in torrential rain. I cannot make up my mind whether this is stoic undefeated spirit - or just a tad stupid! I meanwhile am in the warm, at the computer with a cup of ovaltine - nice!

The last week has been dreadful. We are very fortunate to be free of flood risk at home, however I work and daughter goes to school in Tenbury Wells which was very badly hit and constantly on the TV along with the poor folks in Yorkshire. What utterly amazed me was the speed at which small, teeny tiny streams became raging torrents. We could not get into town and the school was closed and used as a refuge centre.

The atmosphere in the town was a bit surreal afterwards, people cleaning up after the waters had gone were all pulling together and jolly, but it was a bit quiet as well, like a morning after a really heavy night. The bridge was closed until it could be assessed so there was hardly any traffic, so the only noise was from the fire engines pumping out all the cellars in the high street.

And now there is torrential rain yet again.

In a small sunny break in the weather this week I went next door and harvested the lavender. The house is empty and the owner is ok about it but I still felt a bit 'naughty'. The bunches are now hanging in the conservatory and drying nicely.

Two of the shops to be stranded in the flood were my charity shops! The Sue Ryder is closed but the Hospice fared slightly better and was open for business yesterday - well I had to buy something didn't I? To show my support. A lovely bit of lace, two egg cups, a book, a pair of shoes and this little chap.

I must now get on with some housework so that this afternoon I can sit and sew - some faces I think are badly needed around here!

Another Collection

2007-06-20T20:52:00.000+01:00

I am sure I am not the only one whose foray into blogging has made them more aware of their surroundings. I am often looking at thinks now from a 'I could blog about that' perspective. It has also made me notice that I have collected things without even realising that that is what I am doing.

I have two daughters, and looking around my house I have realised I have collected 'two girl' ornaments and pictures, here are one or two;

This was a cross stitch which took me two summer holidays to do, at a time when my eldest would take her teddy with her everywhere, I often used to dread the thought of losing it. At 18 it stays under her pillow! but is still there when she needs him, minus one arm rubbed off!

I love this rather large print in our living room. We used to take holidays in a chalet near Minehead and walk on the beach every day. My eldest was very feminine, with skinny legs and a penchant for hats. My youngest was a tomboy who couldn't be bothered with dressing up and had a robust appetite! At 14 she has become as lanky as her sister though. As for mother, well I often have that far away slightly bewildered look in my eye - and my hair is always a mess! Can you tell why I love this picture?

A Small Confession or two - and Poppies

2007-06-12T11:19:00.000+01:00

#1 - I do not like my windows, would much prefer diamond panes to look out onto the world through. They are much too big and modern. I have therefore let my virginia creeper drape itself down over them, but should I cut it back a bit? - or am I just too lazy?

#2 - I was going to do this hexagon blanket to single bed size - but I have got tired of it, and anyway the colours are much more suitable for a baby blanket, don't you think? that is how I justified doing a small border around it and saying 'enough'. It shall be washed and stored away for when a grandchild comes along

#3 - Ian got up early on Sunday and went photographing things - like barley fields and poppies. My confession here is that I did not want him to because we were having company for lunch and I was busy and needed some help. When I saw the photos though I could understand his point. They may have been nicer with blue skies but this was early with the mistiness just burning off. Don't you just love poppies? With more set-a-side and fallow around here they are becoming a familiar sight once again - along with the White Campion in the second photo. Enjoy:-

Blogosphere is missing something

2007-06-03T09:35:00.000+01:00

Smell! If only I could show you how good these smell. Old old roses from years ago, planted by the first owner of this house. Every year I think I will replace them - they are in the way and quite ugly much of the year - but come June and I remember why I don't. The scent is pure heaven.

On the other hand though, as far as smelli-blogs go, I would not inflict the smell of my comfrey tea on anyone! I keep chopping them down and they keep growing, just to make an evil brew which the tomatoes love

Pooo - what a whiff!

I was up early taking photos of the garden this morning, it is all so blowsy, the rain has produced abundant growth but has also spoilt many of the blooms. As well as smell I would like blogi-sound also, the hum of the bees in this bed was quite mezmerising this morning.

I posted some time ago that I was going to give up the struggle with the vegetable beds, well I am going to go more 'natural' , like my woodlandy bit at the bottom. However, I spy a nettle in the middle of this which is a little too natural methinks! I have quite enough of those at the back of my compost bins thank you very much! The fairy in quiet repose was one of a few given to me by my 'gang' on my 40th, I like to keep moving them around so they don't get bored!

I do not know if Ian is completely comfortable with the whole 'natural' look though, he came face to toe with one of the residents yesterday and got a slight shock. I think the Slow Worm was possibly less scared and slithered off discretely into a woodland geranium.

http://www.naturephoto-cz.com

More Treasures

2007-05-26T17:54:00.000+01:00

It's been a really busy week and I haven't had time to keep up with everyone, but I will endeavour to have a good read tonight. In the meantime thank you to those who commented on my last post, yes I am perfectly recovered, as for watching my op I do have a strong stomach - not alot can make me queasy thankfully.

No matter how busy I still find time for charity shops, these were my finds this week. The china brooches and necklace will be used for crafting, I won't copy but loved the photo frame that Niki showed recently. The little vase will be for WI 'flower of the month' and I couldn't resist the cross stitch hankies.

This adorable picture came from the Cats Protection League for £2! You can't tell here but it is really quite big.

A fortnight ago Ian took me to Worcester as a birthday treat i.e. an amble down the antique/junk shop street and lunch at a lovely little organic cafe. I did not spend all my birthday money but I did buy this - isn't it gorgeous?

The cloth I am using as a backcloth is my first ever cross stitch, done 21 years ago in my first year of marriage. Hubby being in the military was away alot in the first year, and I was a long way from home, so this kept my sanity. It has a heavy crocheted border too which I did during my lunch hours at work.

Now I was tidying up the garden, but the predicted Bank Holiday weather stopped me, I must get rid of the rubbish before a yellow patch appears on the lawn. I commented a couple of weeks ago that my Wisteria has never flowered - well it has now, a few feeble small blooms - lets hope it's better next year. Being rained off I shall try to spend some time this weekend clothing my rather naked ladies! Hope you are having an enjoyable/exciting/relaxing/content weekend, whichever is needed. I may hit the Ludlow Antique Fair tomorrow, or the Burgage Car Boot on Monday choices choices!

I've been tagged

2007-05-19T17:51:00.000+01:00

Gill tagged me the other day for 7 weird things about myself. I have had a hard think and these are all I can come up with!

1. I have hairy toes! Wow I can't believe I am telling this. Yes proper hairy they are - or should I say would be if I didn't attend to them. Ian calls them my hobbit feet!

2. Every weekday I travel down a windy NARROW country road and always meet at least one tractor and a great big school bus coming in t'other direction. And everytime I squeal like a loon.

3. I find it impossible I tell you to spy a magpie and not say 'good day to you Mr Magpie', it's something to do with old superstitions.

4. I like gardening, I think I am quite good at gardening, so why do I kill every houseplant that enters this home? Particularly bad when mother-in-law gives me so many!

5. I clog dance - nuf said.

6. I cry when I am angry, which totally gives off the wrong signals. When my ex-boss ripped me off I cried. He said "I am sorry that I have upset you" to which I replied "I am not upset - I am **%$*"** FURIOUS" (at which point he bolted for the door, and later that day I told the company what they could do with my job). This is connected to the final point

7. I had half a lung removed on the 25th May 2005. This was due to a really really rare tumour (10 per 60 million), and no folks, I have never smoked! Best bit is that the surgeon gave me a DVD of the op (taken from the inside of my chest cavity) which I sat and watched with a huge bowl of strawberries and cream.

To go with this post is one more little 'strange' thing. As I said previously I love gardening. Well our house is built on an old 'inhedge'. This was an enclosure where the drovers penned their flocks when halting overnight. Whenever I dig I always find bits and shards of clay pipes which I HAVE to collect, wash and save (don't ask me why?). I like to imagine the chaps in their rustic clothing, checking their stock before turning in for the night, perhaps breaking a pipe and throwing it to the ground, for me to pick up again a couple of hundred of years later.

Precious Bane and Shropshire

2007-05-12T16:19:00.000+01:00

Now I am not the most eloquent soul though I wish that I were because then I could fully express my love of Shropshire. This largest inland county has a quality to it all of its own, with plains, hills and valleys so beautiful it can make your heart crack. To the north is the Shropshire Plain with meres and vistas quite different to the south. My passion though is for South Shropshire. I was brought up here, my father was a true countryman who worked all his life in the woods and was only truly at home outside amongst nature. As a child I went with him and roamed about absorbing the spirit of the woods and valleys.

A woman who really knew how to write was Mary Webb, and she also had a great love of this area.

Her most famous work is 'Gone to Earth' which was made into a film in the early 50's with Jennifer Jones playing the lead role. It was filmed on location and my sister in law had many relatives who were extras. A few years ago they showed the film in Pontesbury Village Hall and she was amazed to see her now elderly (and in a few cases deceased) relatives from before she was born!

My favourite Mary Webb has to be 'Precious Bane'. Briefly it tells the story of Prue Sarn who has a hare lip and by country supersition is cursed and 'hare shotten'. If I can persuade one person to read this book then I will be delighted. It has the most beautiful ending of any book I have ever read and the narrative is in the old Shropshire dialect.

'Tabor on, owd nag!' says Kester, and we were going at a canter towards the blue and purple mountains. 'But no! I said. 'It mun be frommet, Kester. You mun marry a girl like a lily. See, I be hare-shotten!'

The hills were she set her masterpieces are my hills, Callow, Stiperstones, Linley, Rhadley, Corndon. Here they are.

Looking from the left is Bent Hill, Rhadley, Linley and Corndon.

Corndon from the Devils Chair, Stiperstones.

Bent Hill. The little blob (you can click and enlarge) on the left is a small circular wood, planted by my father to commemorate his employers wedding anniversery one year, it's called 'Clares Ring'. Dad passed away 11 years ago, his ashes were buried in the woods in the valley below, amongst his beloved oaks.

Me - walking down from the Devils Chair, deep in memories, shedding a tear for dad, not knowing Ian was taking my photo.

I live further south now, which is very very pretty and a gentler landscape, but my heart is here and always will be.

If anyone is interested here is a link to Mary Webb country.

Red White & Blue

2007-05-10T13:30:00.000+01:00

My gorgeous red hawthorn.....

White 'Jersey Cream' clematis........................

My Ceonothus, badly damaged by weight of snow this year but recovered well.

The lovely Gill at Lucy Locket has tagged me for 7 Weird things, I shall have to have a think about this as I am a very ordinary person. Gill I shall put my thinking cap on right now!

Last night I went to my first meeting of our WI. Now my daughters think I really am having a mid life crisis- clogging, blogging and now Jam and Jerusalem too. At the tender age of 44 I enjoy the more senior ladies calling me and my friend Cath 'the young ones' hee hee! We had a very enjoyable time with 'show and tell'. Believe me the standard of craft work there was excellent, from ceramics, lace, knitting, crochet, painting, quilting to smocking, baking and preserves. A judge came to give a very informative talk on show standards and now we are fired up for some competitions.

Every month there is 'a flower of the month' competition, whereby ladies bring a flower and there is a 1st, 2nd and 3rd gaining 3, 2 and 1 points respectively. At the end of the year the one with the most points gets a prize. (I came second last night with a sprig of the hawthorn pictured above)

This is a little postcard found in a little beyond help frame in - you guessed it - the Hospice Charity shop. I bought it for 20p, cleaned it up and put it in a new fram, it is so cute, you can't really tell unless you enlarge the photo, but it is printed to look like embroidery, very realistic at first glance.

Upton On Severn

2007-05-07T14:24:00.000+01:00

Upton On Severn Folk Festival 2007. What a wonderful day we had. It kicked off with a grand procession through the town, about 40 or so 'sides' all dancing, huge crowds and an amazing atmosphere. Once we had all processed we ended up outside 'The Swan' pub on the banks of theRiver Severn. Here there was dancing all afternoon, each side vieing for a 'spot' with lots of good banter and fun.

I have put a few photos up, some of my favourites, I have just noticed that most of them have blackened faces, whereas most of the sides didn't - that must say something about me!??

These guys were really good fun, one or two of us ended up with black on our faces from having a kiss or two!

This lot were one of the best sides in my opinion, really good, colourful, musical - and funny.

And here we are - Don't we look good? and now you can see the trollen cords where they belong. I'm not going to tell you which one I am!

This is the first of what I hope to be many dance-outs for our side. It is all very english and perhaps just a little bit mad.

2007-05-03T17:13:00.000+01:00

I love my local hospice charity shop. I must spend a fiver in there every week. This was a steal at £2.00 don't you think? Already up on the wall in the sitting room.

This cactus is indestructable! I'm sure it's the one that flowered at Christmas and now again it is a show. I thought they were either Christmas or Easter cacti. I had the brainwave of putting it on one of my glass cake stands to show the flowers off, I just hope no one knocks it off.

Our next 'dance out' is at Upton On Severn next Sunday and I have one more cord to plait on my trollen. I have to admit it is getting tedious now. Due to the success of our Market Hall appearence we have a slot on local radio tomorrow. I won't get to hear it because I will be driving to work, but the sound effects should be good - lots of bells and stomping!

I've also recently finished a jumper for my eldest, it is lovely wool called 'Click', and being on huge needles it was very quick to do. However being really stretchy and holey it was a s**** to sew up so cannot face knitting another for daughter number two. She will have to have something else.

With the left over wool I am attempting to crochet a beanie for my daughter, but I haven't got a pattern so don't know where this will end!

Corners of my home

2007-04-27T16:43:00.000+01:00

Being as nosey as I am I have really enjoyed seeing bloggers homes in 'corners of my home' posts, so I thought it only right that I did one myself. This is the plate rack in my dining room, it was made for me by a young local man. I am not sure about the black and green teacups and saucers being on there but they were left to my mil by an elderly aunt of hers. She has passed them on to me now and for the time being they ought to be on display - if you know what I mean! I have already posted about the pretty little lamp. There is a brass utility lamp on there as well, made during WWII, it is designed to not topple over and cause a fire - there were toys like that weren't there? Wibble wobble men or something.

The plate top left with the 'frill' round it was made by yours truly. I used to belong to a ceramics club on a military base and made soooo much stuff (most of which is packed away in the attic - including a full tea set with pink roses which I shall never use).

It's my birthday today, am I spending it in a lovely way? No, work all day, and this evening I am taking my daughter to the fair to meet her beau (14 - first boyfriend - both so innocent and very sweet) It's too far to come home so I shall be sauntering the street, chips perhaps, and some candyfloss definitely if I can go to the fair without her spotting me! Then back to the car to sew crochet hexagons together till it's too dark to see (would I look daft with a lamp? mmm......)

How's This?

2007-04-25T21:00:00.000+01:00

I grew up in a farmhouse, one day my brother came in, having spent some time poking around by the old muck heaps, (as little boys will given half the chance) with this little gem of a lamp. Of course we didn't know it was a gem because it was covered in yuck. After a thorough clean we presented it to our mum for Mothers Day. She has given it back to me and I treasure it. The wonder of the thing is how it survived in a muck heap intact - including the glass.

How's this? Many thanks for the tips, I really appreciate the help (and will get better at this one day!)

Help!!!....

2007-04-24T11:50:00.000+01:00

Could anyone tell me if these photo is big enough, and if they can click on it to enlarge? And if the answer is 'no' let me know how to post bigger ones?

I grew up in a farmhouse, one day my brother came in, having spent some time poking around by the old muck heaps, (as little boys will given half the chance) with this little gem of a lamp. Of course we didn't know it was a gem because it was covered in yuck. After a thorough clean we presented it to our mum for Mothers Day. She has given it back to me and I treasure it. The wonder of the thing is how it survived in a muck heap intact - including the glass.

A Good Weekend

2007-04-23T18:25:00.000+01:00

Well our first local dance out happened on Saturday. It was not very good as one of us (not me thank goodness!) had stage fright and completely blanked out on all the moves. However, inspite of that (or perhaps because of it) we had a lovely applause and a good laugh. I may get some photos later this week and if I feel very brave I shall post one. Our next appearance is next Sunday for a 70th birthday party and then the week after at Upton On Severn for a Morris Dancing Festival.

Sunday dawned damp and I nearly decided not to attend the first Car Boot here. But by 1.30pm it was a bit brighter and so off I went and very pleased I am that I did. I got a beautiful embroidered tablecloth which I will boil up and see what happens. Some paperweights to re-do, a sweet cottage picture (I offered a pound for this one but the lady said no, have it for 50p because the frame is tatty! Didn't need to be told twice!). I also got this little embroidered picture because she looked lonely in a box under a table. A lot of work went into this, does anyone know a 'U' who would appreciate it?

I came home to attend the tommy toes, yes they are growing in buckets this year. Gardeners Delight and Ailsa Craig, 9 in all. I haven't grown Ailsa Craig before so don't know what to expect from them. Finally, thought I would post a piccy of the local free range eggs, they are double yockers at the moment. The farmers wife keeps an honesty box at the farmgate, £1.70 per dozen, utterly yummy.

Blue

2007-04-20T19:11:00.000+01:00

I like blue, in fact I love blue. It's blue for me in home and garden, and this is the best time of year for blues. Pansies are adorable with their little faces so hopeful. Bluebells and Pulmonaria in the woodland patch go well together, and clematis climbing over the arbour look - friendly! The boldest blue soon is the Ceonothus, just about to break out, it will be a mass of vibrant blue over the oil tank.

Of course I like pink and white as well ~

Ian likes orange, but I do the gardening - so this is the only orange he gets

More blue, edging this time on my hexagon blanket-to-be. I'm about 1/4 of the way through I think, and then sewing it all together will be reserved for afternoons in front of a good film!

Tomorrow I am dancing in front of our Market Hall, what possessed me to do this I do not know. I just hope I don't make a complete idiot of myself in front of LOTS of people I know! Wish me luck! Have a lovely weekend.

Happy Sunday

2007-04-15T10:52:00.000+01:00

I have finished the lacing in blue and can pass it on tomorrow at practise. The photo above is of my waistcoat which shows you how it is used. We each have a different colour which is picked up in the skirts, sticks and hankies. Mine is a lilac but is looking a little washed out in this photo.

Below is a photo of my car boot finds last week. The two cushions were £1.50, Mrs Beeton £1.00, two lovely tins for 60p (one old, the other not - but will be one day, and in the meantime ideal for storing ribbons). My bargain though was the two pillowcases and a bolster, really yucky for £1.00. I thought that I could salvage enough material out of them for doll making, but after a really good boil they turned out like this! Does anyone know what age they would be? They are made of really thick good quality cotton, as is the bolster (not shown)

Today is beautiful here in Shropshire, I intend to get out and plant some lupins and poppies, and we need to extract a rampant bullrush from the pond. If any energy left we will take a walk on the Clee Hill and then roast beef for later.

On a final note, can I thank everyone who has been so kind to stop by and leave such encouraging comments. I have been blogging for nearly a month now and I must say I have found it so very enjoyable - thank you!

Lark Rise to Candleford

2007-04-12T08:58:00.000+01:00

I have been asked about my Lark Rise To Candleford collection so thought I would do a post on my favourite book.

Flora Thompson was born in 1874 and Lark Rise tells of life in a small Oxfordshire hamlet in the 1880's. The book she wrote about rural life in the 1880's is so special on a number of levels. It describes social history for the agricultural class, by someone who was a keen observer of the little things. It is written in a wistful, but not sentimental fashion, and is VERY readable. The turn of the seasons and the traditions (including the slaughter of the pig every year) are very well documented also.

Flora is 'Laura' in the book (I named my eldest Laura - I wanted Flora but husband said she was not to be called after a spread!) Her beloved brother Edwin became Edmund. Flora I believe had a somewhat melancholy life, Edwin was lost during WW1 and her son Peter in WW2, she never got over Peters death and her heart failed in 1947.

My collections consists of the Royal Grafton commerative plates, various books (here is a sample) and the Lark Rise Portfolio of 12 prints. Caverswall did various thimbles and china pieces which I am on the look out for, and there is also a series of houses (The End House, The Post Office) which are a bit like Lilliput Lane houses - haven't got any of those either (yet).

Here is an extract. I read Lark Rise for the first time at around 14 years of age, and being an old fashioned country girl myself this inspired me to be one of those skillful women!

In nearly all the cottages there was but one room downstairs, and many of these were poor and bare, with only a table and a few chairs and stools for furniture and a superannuated potato-sack thrown down by way of heathrug. Other rooms were bright and cosy, with dressers of crockery, cushioned chairs, pictures on the walls and brightly coloured hand-made rugs on the floor. In these there would be pots of geraniums, fuchsias, and old fashioned sweet-smelling musk on the windowsills.
The interiors varied, according to the number of mouths to be fed and the thrift and skill of the housewife, or the lack of those qualities, but the income in all was precisely the same, for ten shillings a week was the standard wage of the farm labourer at that time in that district.

And just to leave you with a crafty finish - I am still Trollen, it's getting longer, I don't know exactly how long she needs it, so will just carry on till the end of the skeins!

Decisions

2007-04-10T08:57:00.000+01:00

I had a wonderful Easter break with visits to garden centres, farm shops and car boots - I managed to find time to get in the garden, and I finished painting my shelves as you can see.

I have had some time to think as well and I have decided that I must stop trying to be a superwoman and accept that I can no longer do as much as I could. Two years ago this May I had major surgery (and a dreadful few months). The energy has not come back as I had hoped it would, so somethings have got to give. I have reduced my working hours, (by changing my job) and I have come to the reluctant decision to give up my allotment and also grass over my vegetable garden at home. Hopefully one day I will feel better, who knows? In the meantime I must be kinder to myself rather than beat myself up about it all.

On a more cheerful note, here are two photos of all the things I have bought from my local hospice charity shop in the last month. I boiled the pillowcase which was very grubby and yellow, it came up snowy white but as you can see I had not ironed it yet! (20p), likewise I boiled the table cloth, it is so pretty (50p), a paperweight which I altered (50p), a lovely 'scoop' (what are they called??) for sweeping the table (£2). The picture was £2. I will take photos of this weekends car boot finds for the next post.

Bluebells & Hearts

2007-04-06T13:55:00.000+01:00

My bluebell collection is in its infancy but I thought I would show you a few pictures of my favourite flower after Posy posted about them the other day. (lovely photos Posy) . The plate is from my Lark Rise To Candleford stuff (another collection!) The picture behind is a recent purchase from Niki at Nostaglia at the Stone House. I love it Niki thank you! This gorgeous cup and saucer was a lucky find in a junky type shop, it's Aynsley from the 1930's

Blue and yellow are the colours of spring for me, so just to continue the theme here is a french knot heart recently completed. I used DMC embroidery silks on calico and then framed it in a pretty blue frame. I love doing French knots so this will not be the last project. Sorry that the photos ae quite dull, will have to experiment a bit more.

Have a peaceful and joyful Easter one and all.

Just Trollen along

2007-04-04T18:04:00.000+01:00

All other work suspended today while I make lacings for our 'kits'. You see at the tender age of 43 I joined a newly formed Morris Dancing side. Question - why does everyone crack up when I tell them this? The usual reaction is 'Morris Dancing!!!??? Ha Ha Ha splutter splutter' I don't care though, it's keep fit, a laugh and a good excuse to visit hostelries! (which probably cancels out the keep fit bit)

The lacings are for our waistcoats, each one of us has a different colour - (we look very pretty but I will post a photo only when I know you better!! ) As I have a Trollen Wheel this task has fallen on me. I believe the first Trollen Wheels were scandanavian (viking) and made of bone, but that's only what I have found on the internet. It is a very easy task, quick, and can be done whilst watching TV. I use embroidery threads and wind them onto clothes pegs which make them very easy to handle. Once they are all wound on I weigh them down with a little padlock and then start the weave. Simple!

Daffodils

2007-04-02T23:06:00.000+01:00

Another beautiful spring day here in Shropshire, our Easter daffodil Cross is looking splendid, although the photo is a little hazy and does not do it justice. On Saturday I bought the collected works of John Clare for 50p. I love his poetry and a school friend of mine married a descendent of his. Whilst browsing through the book I found these few lines.

The Sunshine bathes in clouds of many hues

And mornings feet are gemmed with early dews

Warm Daffodils about the garden beds

Peep thro their pale slim leaves their golden heads

He was writing in the first part of the 19th Century, and this poem is entitled 'MAY' !!! How the seasons have changed, poor John Clare would not recognise our weather patterns now.

Saturday Pleasures

2007-03-31T18:21:00.000+01:00

We went to Bridgnorth this afternoon which is always a pleasure. The church there has a funny top to the tower, it always makes me think of another church perched on top - can you see it?

After Cream Tea at the Museum of Childhood I picked up a tatty set of shelves to revamp for my lentil jars in the kitchen, and a little Easter postcard.

Curry for tea and then see what my evening has in store! Hope you are having a good weekend.

2007-03-29T19:31:00.002+01:00

Hello and welcome to anyone who spends the time to check out my blog - a new venture.

For a couple of years now I have been looking for a magazine that would suit me, it had to have inspiring stories, homecraft articles, beautiful photography, REAL people (not celeb gossip), luscious cookery and gardening ideas. I did NOT want loads of trivia and advertising. Needless to say my search was fruitless. Country Living and Prima were the nearest but not quite right. Then about two months ago I literally stumbled across the world of blogging. I cannot believe how wonderful some of the blogs are that I have found and read, every day if I can. The creativity is boundless, as is the enthusiasm and I feel sure that the warmth of so many of you is genuine - I will never buy another magazine again.

I hope to get to know you, learn from you and hopefully give a little as well. Please bear with me on this learning curve as I am not very IT literate and cannot take photos for toffee (husband Ian will have to help in that dept methinks!)

My first attempt will be to show you Irene, my latest rag doll, she cost very little to make, and incase you were wondering the hair is my first and very wobbly try at spinning (I have just bought an Ashwood Spinning Wheel - another learning curve!)