Primrose Patch

Under the Weather........

2011-10-15T18:32:00.002+01:00

My little hens are under the weather and so am I. Firstly, the hens are going through their yearly moult, they have shed lots more feathers than previous years and have been off their food. Consequentely, they have lost weight and look so scrawny. We have been giving them lots of tasty treats, and they are slowly showing signs of perking up.

I have also been under the weather; about 3 weeks ago I suddenly started feeling really dizzy, and after a visit to the Doctor and Hospital I have been diagnosed with Labrynthitis. It is an inner ear disorder which affects balance and vision. It is a really horrible condition and very debilitating. It is like having severe car or sea sickness all the time. Recovery is slow, I hope and pray I get back to normal soon. I'll be back when I'm feeling better.

A fantastic week........

2011-08-29T23:22:00.000+01:00

DH and I have just got back from spending a fab week on the Greek Island of Skiathos. It was a last minute booking and we were not sure what to expect. We were hoping for a week of sunshine, crystal clear waters, chilling around the pool, and evenings spent in a taverna with a glass of wine and some good food. Our apartment below was ideally situated, the view from our balcony overlooking the beach, and the little boat in the distance that took us into the town.

Relaxing in the evenings, these bean bag chairs are so chic........

We took this little boat every night into the town, and one evening we went to the open air cinema to watch Mamma Mia, which was partly filmed on the island. A real cheesy film but quite an enjoyable experience in the open air, we sat on deck chairs drinking beer and eating popcorn. Lots of folks got onto the stage at the end.

The jetty where the little boat brought us back to our beach and apartment.

A rare photograph of me taken on my birthday, our last evening. A perfect end to the perfect week. We could not have asked for more.

Lessons Learnt..............

2011-08-09T20:45:00.000+01:00

Sunday and our sales table at the market!! The weather was awful, but there seemed to be plenty of people milling about, trouble was they did not seem to be shopping for handmade craft items. This market seems to have gone downhill since it was taken over by the local council. It used to be run by a couple of ladies and to be honest it was much better then attracting quality traders. I better say no more in case I offend someone, needless to say it was not worth wasting a day standing in a drafty train station for 7 hours.....Lesson Learnt. ETSY shop to be set up soon.

It's been far too long........

2011-08-06T13:04:00.001+01:00

Yes, I know it has been 2 months since my last post, I find the summer months the most busiest of the year. The Garden, Allotment and Holidays seem to consume the spare time I have, the days and months just passing by. This year seems to have been busier than ever. I was away on holiday to Egypt in June, then a trip to London to middle son's final degree show, then another trip to London to pick up his belongings as he is now finished University. Speaking of which he got his final results last week and gained a First Class Honors. Well Done Rory, we are all so,so proud of you.

Getting back to Primrose Patch News, I decided a while ago to sign up to do a sellers Sunday Market at a local train station, I am sharing a stall with a friend and it is tomorrow. I have been beavering away trying to build up some stock, here is a peek at what I have been making.

I set the table up in the garden yesterday............... just to make sure I had enough stuff ( panic mode setting in)!

Minature bunting, lavender hearts, bookmarks,various crochet items and other bits and bobs.

The weather is looking pretty awful for tomorrow, luckily the market is indoors. I will let you know how it all goes next week.

A Grand Day Out..........

2011-05-31T16:04:00.002+01:00

I attended a workshop just over a week a ago led by an amazing Textile Artist Jill Flower, she makes Ruffs from recycled materials. Her work is fabulous and she was a great tutor.

The day was hosted by the Sunderland Branch of EG, they made me very welcome and I really enjoyed the day.

We made something on a less grandeur scale, flower brooches, everyone's were different and here are my attempts.

Royal Wedding.....

2011-04-29T15:26:00.000+01:00

We are having a quiet day here in the patch, enjoying the coverage on TV of the Royal Wedding.

We have cakes ........ and we wish

William and Catherine Good Health and Happiness xx

Good, Good Friday........

2011-04-22T11:57:00.000+01:00

Just popping by to wish you all a very......

Our tree is decorated, and the sun is still shining,

..... a few other decorations around the house.

The boys are now too old for chocolate eggs, or so they tell me, I'm hoping a big bowl of their favorite sweets will suffice.......

And DH has been up early this morning baking Hot Cross Buns.

Delicious spread with best butter, (no calorie counting today)....

..........well it is Easter after all. Have a great weekend.

At Last.........

2011-04-17T18:03:00.001+01:00

Sorry this post has taken so long to get here, the photos we took last weekend were rather rubbish, so I have managed to get these ones from my brother in law.
Well, we all had a beautiful day with no hitches, the weather was so glorious it really made the day even more special.
The happy couple with my Mum and Niece.

My mum who is now so frail, enjoyed seeing her last daughter married, she even managed the Reception but as soon as the coffee was finished I took her back to her Nursing Home, she was happy but completely exhausted.

The cakes were a triumph and the cake topper birds I made were very much adored by the bride and groom.

Here are a few close ups just so you get the picture, they were styled on the same theme as the heart favours in the last post, recycled lace and scraps of fabric.

My sister (the bride) found this horse shoe in her garden some months ago, so with a lick of paint and some handmade organza Flowers I transformed it so my niece could give it to her.

A lovely day and very fond memories.

Busy......

2011-04-07T23:43:00.005+01:00

Hello, Hello......just dropping by for a quick update. I have been very busy lately with very little time for blogging. I have also had a viral infection, chesty cough and pharyngitis which put me out of action for well over a week. I'm all better, but busy with preparations for my sisters wedding this Saturday. The heart favours I made are all bagged and ready as you can see, they have to be delivered to the venue tomorrow. I have cupcakes to pick up in the morning and a hair appointment in the afternoon. DS2 is arriving home from University tomorrow evening, I am so excited as he has not been home since Christmas. I shall be back with some photos of the big day soon. The weather forecast looks good for the next few days, enjoy the weekend and the sunshine.

Sunday Musings.........

2011-03-20T18:44:00.001Z

Do you ever get the urge to do some baking, I do. Sunday morning , I decided to bake some cakes for the family, Peanut Butter Slice. The middle layer is the Damson Jam which we made last autumn. I am not allowed any as I am still trying to battle the bulge but I am told they are delicious.

My sister's wedding day is getting closer and I have now finished the bag I promised to make for my 6 year old niece, who is going to be a flower girl. It is made with a plain base fabric,and I have applied layers of net, organza and old lace. A few little pearl beads and silk flowers. I hope she likes it

Here is a close up to show a bit more detail.........

For Japan with Love.....

2011-03-17T23:40:00.000Z

My thoughts, prayers and wishes go out to all those caught in this terrible disaster.

Reasons to be cheerful........

2011-02-22T21:26:00.002Z

The sun is shining here today and the signs of spring are on the way, the flower on my Amaryllis burst into a glorious bloom a couple of days ago

I had a girly day yesterday with friends for lunch ,lots of good chat, we had tea and homemade cupcakes in the afternoon. This cyclamen was a gift, thanks girls.

Happy Valentines Day........

2011-02-14T20:04:00.003Z

Looking around the Patch today, I find hearts everywhere....

on Greeting Cards..................

For wedding favours...........

As treats......

Cookie cutters.......

a door hanging........

on tiny little tin boxes.......

the bunting I made last year.........

Ribbons and trims..............

I hope you are having a lovely day.

Following on........

2011-02-02T13:47:00.006Z

........from my post yesterday, I thought I would try making some Oatcakes from the " Mother to Daughter" book. I often get hungry between meals and as I am trying to battle the bulge I thought these very low calorie oatcakes might just be the job to stave off the hunger pangs. They are literally porridge oats,bicarbonate of soda, salt, olive oil and warm water.

I have just had one out of the oven and they are very nice. And I am sure they will be lovely with a chunk of mature cheddar and some pickle, but that is not allowed on the diet. Oh well, just a tiny bit, I won't tell the lady at the slimming club!!!!

February......

2011-02-01T14:13:00.001Z

It's here and I am so pleased, It feels like we are leaving the winter behind and spring is just around the corner. I am patiently waiting for the crocus's in the garden to flower so I shall content myself with this image until they show their colourful flowers........

I bought this book from a well known book discount stores last week, it was very cheap. It is one of those books with lots of information, handy hints and tips, old and new. A bargain.

Having finished the favours last week for my friends wedding it is time to start thinking of the next ones. My sister is getting married in April and I am going to make favours for her wedding. It is a smallish affair, I have 20 to make. She is having a bit of a vintage theme, so I have started to make the fabric myself with silk and old lace , it is filled with dried lavender ,this is the prototype.

Keeping Busy........

2011-01-26T15:06:00.001Z

I have had the last 2 days off work and have been kept busy making these hearts. A friend at work is getting married in 2 weeks and asked me to help her out, she is going to put them on the wedding buffet table as favours for the ladies. It is a smallish wedding with about 50 guests. She asked me to make twenty two. Not too many but enough to keep me busy for a few days. I have stuffed half of them with lavender and the other half with petal scented wadding. They have been edged with sequins, some little gold and glass beads hanging from the centre of the heart and a organza ribbon to hang . If I have time I am going to make a ring pillow........... better get back to the stitching.

More pages from the Journal........

2011-01-14T22:38:00.002Z

....... pages, it feels good to get the paints out again. I'm really enjoying putting this together, each page has a different theme.

the Journal is entitled "things I love", which are.....

My Family, Hearts, Cupcakes, Sewing, Flowers and Gardening, The Sea

Robbins.

Enjoy the weekend.

Making the most of..........

2011-01-13T23:03:00.000Z

What do you do when you have a weeks holiday in mid January, take it easy, get creative and do some exercise. Well I have been doing all of the above and have thoroughly enjoyed my week off work. Starting the day with .....porridge and fresh fruit, an hour at the gym, coming home and having a relaxing shower using my lovely new Jo Malone soaps. Putting my feet up with a hot chocolate and my fix of the monthly magazines. That's the morning's taken care of..........

I have spent the afternoons in the studio getting creative. Before Christmas I signed up to do an online-journal workshop hosted by.kiwicarole. I have been preparing papers and fabrics and collecting bits and bobs.

I have started to put the pages together, the first page is all about hearts.

I have really enjoyed this week, it has been so relaxing and just what the Doctor ordered after the busy busy
time before Christmas. Tomorrow is my last day and I shall be doing it all again....bliss.

A Year at the Patch 2010.............

2010-12-31T22:02:00.001Z

Another year nearly gone and a new one begins, to say goodbye here is a snap shot of 2010 here in the patch......... wishing you all good health and happiness for 2011.

******* HAPPY NEW YEAR *******

Happy Christmas........

2010-12-24T20:00:00.005Z

As you can see we still have lots of snow here, these photographs were taken earlier today.

The good news no more forecast for the next few days, but more due later next week.

It looks so pretty doesn't it, I can relax for a few days with no early starts to work.

I have found the most wonderful recipe and I am calling them posh "Matchmakers", I made some and took them to work last week, they went down a storm, here are the steps and a link to the recipe http://bradleykitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/chocolate

The kitchen will be filled with a wonderful smell and they make lovely gifts.

Give them a go, you will be so impressed.

Wishing you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

A Fine Day Out ..........

2010-12-13T19:27:00.004Z

As Saturday morning dawned DH and I left the house at 6.30am for a trip to York christmas shopping. The journey usually takes a couple of hours and with it being Christmas we thought the park and ride might be busy, so we decided to leave that little bit earlier, "the early bird catching the worm" and all that.... the dawn broke en route

The roads were quiet, and we arrived well ahead of schedule, the streets were deserted and some of the shops were just opening their doors.

York Minster at 8.45am

The streets did not stay quiet for long..........................as you can imagine.

This lovely little gift shop was full of felted Robbins first thing in the morning, I went back at the end of the day to buy one and they had sold out!!!!!!!!

Some of my favorite shops are in York, Kath Kidtson, The White Stuff, Little Bettys below with lovely cakes and treats, and the White Company.

A brand new Jo Malone store had just opened the day before, I treat myself to a bottle of perfume and the lady who served me gave me a free sample too. Wow, I was in heaven, it couldn't get much better. Late afternoon we needed to rest our weary legs ,a welcome cup of tea and cakes in the church, with a great Gospel choir singing carols. Dragging ourselves into the crowded streets we did a little more browsing and a took a look at the ice sculptures, they were fab.

An early tea and home by 9pm, I was happy but exhausted.

Picture Postcard......

2010-12-06T16:52:00.002Z

I took this photo about a week ago, this is our village green it looked so pretty and picture postcard.

But on a practical note this weather is a nightmare to most people. Luckily I managed to get to work most of the week, but on returning home after a late shift last Friday night I got stuck on our estate road, the snow on the road was still deep and it had turned to icy slush. Apparently I was not going fast enough to get through it and the car just stopped and stalled. Trying to move was impossible, the wheels just went into a spin. It took about six people to push me into the drive, exhausting..... Is there any sign we are over the worst, I don't believe the weather forecasters anymore. I didn't get to Harrogate either, but looking forward to a day in York soon, weather permitting !!!

Here we go again........

2010-11-25T12:12:00.012Z

Well they said we would not have a repeat of last winter, but does this look familiar!!! This was the scence in my garden this morning. I think we have had at least 5 inches since yesterday and more is forecast over the next few days. My plans to go to Knitting and Stitch today have been cancelled, lets hope I can now get there on Sunday.

I have just topped up all the bird feeders and I am sitting cozy in my studio, making Christmas Cards and watching the snow fall, it all looks so pretty. My concern now, how will I get to work first thing in the morning!!!!

I got this present yesterday from Dave, thank you I love it. It has pride of place in the studio.

I feel so lucky sometimes.......

2010-11-23T17:43:00.001Z

Lovely presents from the states, thank you to my friends in New York, two gorgeous Japanese knitting and crochet books, I can't wait to get started on some of the projects.

I'm off to the Knitting and Stitch Show at Harrogate this Thursday and Sunday weather permitting. I hope to come back with some goodies......

A Day to remember..............

2010-11-14T11:12:00.001Z

It is remembrance day here in the UK. It is a special day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts during the last Century. Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day, because it is traditional to wear a poppy. They are sold by the Royal British Legion, a charity dedicated to helping war veterans.

Wreaths are laid beside war memorials all over the country. People also leave small wooden crosses by these memorials in remembrance of a family member who died in war. At 11am on each Remembrance Sunday a two minute silence is observed at war memorials and other public spaces across the UK.
A national ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen lays the first wreath at the Cenotaph. If you can find time please spare a moment today, to remember them and everyone else who has been affected by wars and conflict.

Normal Business Resumes.............

2010-11-07T13:41:00.021Z

Is it really 6 weeks since my last post. The loss of my little chicken really threw me sideways. I know it is silly and just a chicken but it took me weeks to get over the shock of loosing her, I think it was because I was not here when it happened.

Anyway moving on to happier things. I finally got this lovely japanese crochet book from the states which is jam packed with such gorgeous patterns.

I have been addicted to making these very sweet covered coat hangers. They are so easy to make and I think they will make very nice christmas presents.

I have the second book on order and hope to get it very soon.

Sad News........

2010-09-21T20:04:00.000+01:00

Sadly my youngest Hen passed away at the weekend........

Blackie 2/5/2008 - 20/9/2010

I don't know why, and I feel so upset I was not here. I have had a couple of days away and was going to post about my trip but that will have to wait until another time.

Old for Newish............

2010-09-11T23:11:00.006+01:00

The basket on my bike finally broke last week. It is a very old bike and I am very fond of it. I purchased it in 1982 when I was a student nurse and used to cycle to and from the hospital.

It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and DH has been waiting for me to decide what he could buy for me, so I asked for a new basket for my bike, please. My bike is quite old and I am not sure if it is made anymore, so finding the exact basket has been difficult. We were out shopping this morning in our local town and DH got his eye on a basket in the window of a charity shop. It was a snip at £10.00. We were not sure if it would fit, but we decided to take the risk and buy it. It fits perfectly on the bike and having a handle means if I want to go shopping it will be very useful detaching it .

I went out for a bike ride this afternoon to test it out, perfect........

We stopped of at the allotment on the way home and picked the last of the beetroot and some onions.

Last days of Summer 2010.........

2010-09-10T21:18:00.004+01:00

Bamburgh Castle last weekend...........

Sunset this evening.......

Let the Autumn begin....the leaves turning golden and red, walking on crunchy leaves,darker mornings, garden fires, making blackberry jam, fruit crumbles, home made soups, beef stew and dumplings, pumpkins, fireworks, fluffy dressing gowns and slippers, hats and scaves, evenings spent watching tv and knitting, christmas lights.......

Rose Hip Syrup..........

2010-08-31T22:20:00.003+01:00

Following on from the post yesterday, the Rose Hip Syrup is ready. It was a bit faffy to make but tastes delicious.

Two bottles from the above batch, its takes me back to when I was a little girl and we used to have it on rice pudding at school dinners. I'm showing my age now. I'll have to make some rice pudding soon.

The End of August...........

2010-08-30T23:28:00.005+01:00

Where has this past month gone, I can't believe it is nearly September . I suppose if I look back it has been a busy month. It is the peak holiday season, with the schools having their summer vacation.

Here is a quick look at what we have been up to. The beginning of the month brought the tall ships race to Teeside, so we took a day trip to Hartlepool. The sailing ships are so beautiful and graceful, I always like seeing them, also visiting the festival was the BBC " Bang Goes the Theory" team, we sat and watched a half hour presentation on how to make science fun, and it was.

A week later we began our main holiday and took off in this Motorhome, destination Isle of Skye, I had not realised how far away it is and it took ages to get there. We only had a week on the island but we managed to see most of it. The weather was mostly good, a couple of very heavy showers, but within a few hours we were back to lovely sunshine again. The light levels are fantastic, there is so much open space, unbelievable.

DH is a bit of a Malt Whisky connoisseur so a trip to a local distillery was in order. Talisker is one of his favourite whiskies and it did not disappoint.

This is the view just down from the distillery, now would that be just lovely to wake to this every morning.

What a view, fantastic.

Wildlife everywhere, this little robin was used to visitors I think...

and the seals get hundreds of visitors each day.

The main town on Skye is Portree, with it's pretty coloured harbour houses, we had the best Fish and Chips ever, from the shop on the Harbour front.

I took some wool away with me and whiled away the time travelling making some pretty pink bunting, which is nearly finished

and some liquorice allsorts...........

The nights are cutting in now and it is rather chilly in the evenings, I feel the Autumn nip in the air. The berries are turning red and we have lots of hips on our dog rose bushes. So I am going to attempt to make some Rose Hip Syrup for the first time. I shall let you know how I get on. Back to work tomorrow so normality alas returns .

It's finally finished

2010-07-25T18:43:00.001+01:00

My summer bunting is finally finished, I can't believe how long it has taken.

It's up in the studio......

I have been making cushions out of tea towels and added them to my bought ones.......

Looks Like I have got a collection going on, oh dear!

We have a visitor........

2010-07-14T16:10:00.003+01:00

Woke up this morning and found this little chap/chapess on the lawn......

I think it is just a baby bunny, it has been enjoying the clover in the lawn all day. I don't know what the chickens make of it but I think they should watch out. He/she seems quite tame and it has been coming right up to the studio doors. I know rabbits are pests and they eat everything in sight but I am a soft touch for cute furry things.

Speaking of soft touch, I was out and about last week and found this little girls dress in a charity shop, I don't know what I will do with it, it's a size 3years.

I just couldn't resist it..........

New York Day Three......

2010-06-21T08:00:00.002+01:00

Morning coffee at a local cafe, soooooooooooo relaxing, I could really get used to this life style.

A short ferry across the Hudson to Govenors Island, this once little island used to be a military base - home to the US Army and Coast Guard, now a great public green space.

We sat and watched the Red Bull Air Race, it was won by a Brit.

New York Day Two.........

2010-06-20T19:55:00.002+01:00

We started off the day with a trip to a local flea market, lots of vintage stuff for sale, unfortunately the purchase of anything big was restricted due to baggage allowance. Much to DH's delight.

Then on to Coney Island to watch, The 2010 Mermaid Parade......... held every year to herald mid-summer Solstice, everyone gets dressed up in fancy dress and parades along the sea front. They were some terrific costumes, which were mostly hand made. The atmosphere was great, and people were happy to stand and pose for photographs. The weather was glorious too, which made the day even more special.

New York Day One..............

2010-06-19T00:31:00.013+01:00

We are staying with family who live in Brooklyn Heights, they live close by the river and the Brooklyn Bridge. This is the view from the end of their street.........

Day one we spent shopping and soaking up the sights. The Magnolia Bakery in Greenwich Village

Famous for its appearance in "Sex in the City".

There is always a queue and today was no exception.

Then onto Bryant Park to visit http://www.kinokuniya.com/ a Japanese Bookstore, the selection of craft/knitting and crochet books is amazing, alas the book I wanted was out of stock. I will get it in the autumn when my brother-in-law visits the UK.

We then walked what seemed miles to"Gracious Home" a shop which sells all sorts of household items, our mission, to buy a Dehydrator, we have been wanting one for ages. I shall show you more about that later. Exhausted and a bit jet lagged, we found a great pub and saw the second half of the England/Algeria match. The evening ended with a superb meal here http://thegroceryrestaurant.com/.

Ready for the off.........

2010-06-16T22:31:00.059+01:00

The hair is done, the toe nails are painted and the ironing is done..........

Add caption

The bags are packed...........................

And I am off to ........................

DH and I are off to stay with family for a long weekend, to soak up the New York Atmosphere and do a little shopping!!!!!

Oh for the Love of football..........

2010-06-15T20:26:00.002+01:00

I was out and about today doing last minute holiday preparations and I stumbled on this. I had to do a double take, I could not believe my eyes. Luckily I had the camera on me. I turned the car around and pulled over, one of the local residents told me that once a team is knocked out they will remove their flag from the roof. Lets hope the England flag stays up a bit longer.

A bit further down the road, I find this Church, just look at the steeple, do we need divine intervention to help us win the world cup.....I wonder.

Mooching Along...........

2010-06-08T20:26:00.010+01:00

This new book from Jan Messent is just lovely. It has been keeping me occupied a lot recently.

Have you ever had days when you feel you are getting nowhere. I am trying to think what I have been up to since I last posted, and the answer is not very much. Am I just mooching along I ask myself. My summer bunting is moving at a snails pace too. I must get a move on, as summer will be over before its finished.

The garden is starting to fill with colour again after the spring bulbs have finally finished flowering, I always seem to have a month with no colour until the summer blooms burst forth.

It's summer I think..............

2010-05-18T15:31:00.005+01:00

The weather here today is glorious, it feels like summer is here. I don't want to say it too loud as you know it could be the "kiss of death", and we could be back to sub zero temperatures in a couple of days. If the weather forecast is to be believed we are in for a hot snatch....fingers crossed.

Today I was meant to be somewhere but it was cancelled at the last minute so an unexpected day at home. I have been trying to get some studying done, but it has been difficult as you can imagine, the lure of sitting in the sunshine doing a bit of hooking in my comfy new chair. It's now late afternoon so I better get off and try to put a few words onto paper, I am writing a 2500 word reflective commentary in relation to a current Nursing Practice. I am attending a Ear, Nose and Throat/Head and Neck Cancer Management Course which when completed and if I pass will give me 20 credits towards a degree in Practice Management. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts......

More about the jumbled letters .........

2010-05-15T17:22:00.019+01:00

They will eventually become........

Primrose Patch :: Summer Bunting

I hope you can see a bit more detail on the lettering, I am stitching each letter in co-ordinating coloured embroidery threads. When they are finished I will applique them onto fabric triangles. Not sure at the moment what fabric to use. The idea came from something similar we did for the guild last year. It is such an easy project and it looks very effective. I made a name quilt for my niece's birthday last year using a similar method.

A New Book......

2010-05-12T17:02:00.016+01:00

Book buying is one of my weaknesses and I have been a bit restrained on that front of late, until this book caught my eye............

It is very feminine and girly, lots of flowers and fine wispy things. It is based on the authors inspirations, looking at her Natural World creations. Some lovely designs

and a free sample pack containing sequins,beads and foils.

I have started a small project which can be done while watching TV in the evenings. Can you guess what I am making!

He's Finished................

2010-05-08T17:45:00.007+01:00

It has taken a few weeks but William is now finished. He is definitely a one off and I am quite pleased with the final results. His proportions are a little strange and I am not sure if it is me or the pattern. I followed it precisely but I think his arms are a little too long, I am thinking it all adds to his charm and uniqueness.......what do you think?

Here he is, sporting a hand knitted jumper.

I have really enjoyed the process of making him, this being my first attempt I would be keen to make another one using my own design. I shall have to put it on my to do list...........sometime in the future, me thinks.

Another weekend....

2010-04-24T21:01:00.002+01:00

Another week has slipped by and the weekend is here again, it has been a busy old week, attending a day course on Monday, my main job and another temporary job. All in one week. This has left me with no time for crafting and blogging. Today is my youngest son's birthday, he is 15 and fortunately he is at that age where all he wants to do is go into town with his friends. While he was away enjoying his birthday treat at the cinema, DH and I wandered up to the allotment, more weeding and tidying. This is such a mammoth job, back breaking work. A little more progress, but still a long way to go......

We celebrated our sons birthday this evening with a meal at home, his choice Bang Bang Chicken, and I made a traditional Victoria Sponge Cake, filled with Wild Cherry Jam and whipped cream.

Woke up this morning to the smell of fresh bread.....

2010-04-17T13:17:00.007+01:00

DH is continuing to make sourdough bread, he now has a constant mix of Leaven on the go. He can russel up a batch of bread with not too much effort. He was up at the crack of dawn, and had these buns ready for our breakfast. They were lovely and very nice served with butter and homemade Blackberry Jam.

I am off to the Alnwick Spring Show this afternoon, and looking forward to it. Then onto a very nice Pub by the sea for Supper to celebrate Ds2 Birthday. Have a great weekend and enjoy the fab weather.

My small stash of Amy Butler fabrics........

2010-04-16T21:22:00.002+01:00

I have had this small stash of Amy Butler fabrics for some time now, sadly not enough to make a quilt ........

but just enough to line this very useful shopping bag. I love these fabrics, so bright and uplifting.

I think I will be buying more soon.

Have you ever seen as many weeds in one place.....

2010-04-14T14:59:00.030+01:00

Well I suppose it is that time of year again when heavy back breaking gardening is needed. The allotment is one of those duties that is essential if we are to plant any veg this year. Have you ever seen as many weeds as this.......

I am quite ashamed it is this bad, and DS3 cannot believe it either!!! I managed to bribe 2 of my sons to lend a hand.

Armed with all the essential equipment, we made a start on the raised beds.

Two hours later, we had made some progress........ Our energy levels low and quite exhausted, we called it a day. It is back breaking work and my back was certainly sore. Best not to do too much in one go. Hopefully, I will be able to get the boys to come back and finish the digging at the weekend.

Thinking of the weekend the Alnwick Spring Show is on this Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th at Alnwick Gardens, entrance is free to the show but normal admission prices to the gardens. The Alnwick Embroiderers Guild is having a stand again this year and this is a piece I am putting forward.

It's a piece I did at a workshop last October with Val Stoddard. It is a contemporary version of a Carpet Page, from the Lindisfarne Gospels.

New Sewing Machine

I am now going to relax and rest my sore back by doing a bit of light sewing on my new machine , I got it a couple of weeks ago, and have not had much time to play with it.

It does lots of automatic stitiches which I need to explore.

William the Bear.........

2010-04-13T20:27:00.007+01:00

I have been working on William for a week now and he is taking shape, I hope I will be able to reveal him soon. He is looking pretty snazzy. Just a few finishing off things to do and he will be ready to meet you all.

Fine Weather..............

2010-04-11T18:08:00.008+01:00

The recent fine weather and the glorious sunshine this weekend has brought out all the daffodils, it is lovely to see some colour in the garden at last. I feel the cold weather is definitely behind us now and spring is here.

The seedling we planted a few weeks ago are coming, it looks like we will have lots to do in the coming weeks.....

Potting on.... These little shoots are cornflowers, we may have got a bit carried away.

We have promised to share our tomato plants with friends at work, too many for us. I made the containers from newspaper, so they can be planted straight into the ground and will rot down.

The doors of my shed have been open all weekend, it must be spring...........

Some sewing bits and bobs.........

2010-04-07T21:02:00.003+01:00

Fabrics and threads bought at Fashion and Embroidery last week. Some nice gingham, a twin needle, Sari scraps , and lots of Madera threads. I think I am going to be busy on the sewing machine.......

Easter Greetings.....

2010-04-02T11:09:00.004+01:00

:: Happy Easter ::

Hoping this is the start of spring and warmer days. Relax and enjoy the long weekend. I certainly am.

My recent trip...........

2010-04-01T20:44:00.002+01:00

The Country Living Show was great, lots of lovely Spring and Easter goodies. It really made me feel spring is here at last . Although, I saw lots of lovely things I was very restrained in my purchases and resisted the temptation to spend, spend, spend. I did however make one special purchase which I could not resist. I met a lovely local girl called Emily who was selling the most wonderful kits to make teddy bears and animals.
Her company is http://www.emilys-ark.com/

I fell in love with William, the little fellow below. I now cannot wait to start making him.
He reminds me so much like Ted, the bear I recently repaired.

Then onto Birmingham for http://www.ichf.co.uk/fashion/ Fashion & Embroidery.

They were displaying some of the costumes worn in the Film " The Duchess".

The work was fascinating, so much detail.

Even dresses made for pregnant women

Afghanistan Inspirations

The exhibits were of a very high standard, alas the photography does not do them justice.

My day complete, I was ushered out of the building by Storm Troopers visiting from another exhibition in the NEC.

Not enough time to blog.....

2010-03-31T22:28:00.003+01:00

Since coming home from my break away last week I have not had a minute to myself. Hopefully my life should quieten down soon and I can get back to blogging nice things.

I will be Showed out......

2010-03-24T23:12:00.004Z

Going away for a couple of days, firstly spending two nights with DS2 in London, whilst there I am off to http://www.countrylivingfair.com/Spring and I am sooo excited.
On the way back home I am off the the NEC in Birmingham to www.ichf.co.uk/fashion, this event is usually held in Harrogate, in October, but this is the 21st year for this show so they have moved it to a bigger venue,can't wait for this show too. I'll be back next week to show you all my purchases.

Thinking of Summer.......

2010-03-15T18:14:00.007Z

Our trip to the garden centre yesterday was very enjoyable, we went to a one a bit further away and it was so lovely visiting what I call a proper "Garden Centre" like they used to be years ago. These days I find they are more like department stores selling everything, but not much in the plant and seed line. This year I have decided to grow lots of tall flowers for cutting, to bring into the house. I spend so much money on cut flowers at the supermarkets and florists over the year. In order to achieve this I think I need a bit of help propagating all the seeds,so I treat myself to an electric propagator. This will hopefully speed up the process.

The seeds are all planted and I now just have to be patient and watch for the tiny little shoots to pop up. Exciting!!!! I shall keep you posted on their progress.

Mothering Sunday.......

2010-03-14T15:23:00.011Z

Wishing you a Happy Mother's Day, I hope you all had lovely day.

We took off early to a nearby garden centre for morning coffee and delicious home made cakes. We bought a few purchases for the gardening season, which I will post at a later time. Before I go some lovely eye candy for you. Since our trip to Paris I have been wanting to make some Macaroons, they are taking the shops by storm. To my delight I got my eyes on this magazine at the supermarket recently,so last night I had a go at making them.

Ta dah......the results,

They are made with ground almonds,egg whites and lots of icing and caster sugar, which when cooked are sandwiched together with a butter cream filling. I find them very sweet and half a one is enough. Not for the calorie conscious!

Back to Normal......

2010-03-02T21:39:00.027Z

Hello there... I have had a couple of weeks off work and we have been away. The first week was spent skiing in the French Alps in a small town called Embrum. The nearest slopes a 15minute drive away to .....Les Orrs a smallish family, friendly resort.

The boys were in their element, I myself find it so exhausting and need to take my time.

. The boys are now very good at Snowboarding.

Scattered over the mountain were some fabulous ice sculptures, they are so intricate. Not such a good photograph, but I hope you will get the gist.

We ended the holiday, taking the train to Paris ,where we spent a couple of days sightseeing.

This is the ceiling of the department store in the Galleries Lafayette, beautiful isn't it.

We patiently queued for 2 hours to take the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

The view from the middle station, you can see for miles.

Notre Dame, we were lucky to witness a service being held there.

Our final week was spent at home,catching up with bits and bobs. We managed to buy a load of Seville Oranges and Blueberries. Several hours later we have a good stash of Jam and Marmalade for the coming months.

DH is still baking his Sourdough Bread, and it is so delicious.

Our eldest son turned 21 midweek, so we paid him a surprise visit at University. I cannot believe I have a son this age. The end of the week culminated in a visit to Pins and Needles at the Arena in Newcastle. A couple of book purchases, of course.

And a few other non essentials, I could not resist.......

Back to reality, with a bump.

A week Early........

2010-02-07T16:58:00.023Z

I said a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to bake some Cupcakes from my new cookery book, http://www.primrosebakery.org.uk/ . Today I decided to try the Rose Cupcakes, it is a bit early for Valentines but these heart shaped silicone cupcake bases have been in my store cupboard for ages just waiting to be used.

I made too much mixture for the six bases, so I used a few spotty paper cases .

Finished off with a Rose flavoured frosting and dried rose petals.

Whilst I have been tinkering with my cupcakes ,DH was dabbling in a spot of bread making. He is trying to master the art of "Artisan Bread Making", and is under the guidance of http://danlepard.com/ his book is titled - The Handmade Loaf.

He had to create a leaven from flour and water over a period of 5 days, it then starts to ferment and is used as the natural raising agent instead of yeast.

Wholemeal Sourdough

Ta - Dah......

2010-01-31T20:42:00.015Z

Ted is finished..........
He looks quite smart I think, he now has new clothes, a pair of pants and a very swanky jumper. Well I thought he deserved a complete makeover, after all, he is nearly fifty. I didn't have a pattern for the jumper so just made it up as I went along, I had a few problems with the shaping for the armholes and neck, but got there in the end.

I decided he needed a nice bag to sleep in, so got the machine out and used up materials from my stash. A very simple drawstring bag.

He looks in good shape and may now live to see another generation grow up.

This has been a lovely project to work on.

I feel so privileged to have been part of "Little Ted's" recovery. I will miss you.

White on White.......

2010-01-30T22:25:00.004Z

Today we woke to more of the white stuff, I had an early start for a long day at work . The drive in first thing was difficult, as none of the roads had been gritted. It totally took me by surprise.

This has been one of the longest patches of snowfall we have had in years. Only one more day left in January, I am praying for a less white February.

Flowers and Candy......

2010-01-24T17:02:00.021Z

Anemones are one of my favorite spring flowers, they remind me of my eldest son, my other half brought a large bunch of these flowers into the hospital when he was born, it was February 1989, nearly 21 years ago. Can't believe my little boy is coming up to this age.

I have been a bit restrained on the book buying front of late but this week I have succumbed and bought two lovely sewing books, one by Poppy Treffey, I just love her work and was very impressed when I visited her stand at the 2009 Christmas Country Living Show. The other one is a Japanese Book, showing 120 designs to stitch. Like all books from Japan it is written in Japanese but luckily they have very good diagrams/instructions to follow, so hopefully I will manage.

My other indulgence buy was a book on cupcakes, from the famous http://www.primrosebakery.org.uk/ in Primrose Hill London.

No relation.

I just love looking at the luscious pictures, real eye candy. I am looking forward to trying some of these recipes out.

And finally some treats of my own, Last Friday's Treats in fact (22nd January) which are still sitting in my fridge, I forgot to take them into work. Everyone was dissapointed, sorry folks. Such a fool, can I blame my age on this one!!!! Hope I remember to take them next week.

Coconut and Pecan Iced Chocolate Layer

A Little more Progress.........

2010-01-20T16:58:00.007Z

Slowly but surely Ted is looking better, (at least I think so). He now has velvet paws, claws are being stitched on and he will soon be finished.

On the Mend........

2010-01-16T18:11:00.002Z

I managed to snatch an hour today to start the repair on Ted. I started by making some paper templates of his paws. I have decided to cover his newly stuffed paws with a layer of felt first, before applying the top layer of brown velvet. I have purposely not overstuffed him as his fur is so worn I do not want to put too much pressure on his already worn out body. He looks better already I think.......

New Year.......New Ways

2010-01-14T20:26:00.001Z

I gave up on New Year Resolutions years ago, and I found trying to start them on January 1st quite impossible. It takes me a couple of weeks into the new year just to get back to normality. This year has been even more difficult because of the cold weather here in the UK.
A must this year for me is adopting a more Healthier Lifestyle, so with this in mind I made a very large bowl of Tabbouleh and some home made Smoked Salmon Pate. For the Pate I blended the smoked salmon with cottage cheese, it is surprisingly very nice.

Getting Back to Normal..........

2010-01-12T14:34:00.006Z

Well the big thaw is on and I am sooooooooo pleased. It is quite amazing how quickly all that snow has begun to melt and so far no problems with all that excess water. It is raining and normally I hate the rain but it is a welcome relief. A few more days and hopefully it may all have vanished. The chickens are liking it too, they are now out, and I have even had a couple of eggs from Jill . Getting back to normal also includes our household, DS2 left on Sunday for the new University term, so we are now down to three.
Also being back to normal will give me a chance to have a look at Ted, I have got some stuffing now for his paws, so I better go and make a start......

I Just want it to Go Now.......

2010-01-06T16:28:00.000Z

.........and so do the chickens. They have hardly been out for weeks, opting to stay in their house all day. Jill popped out today but was soon heading back into the warmth. We have had another big dump of snow during the night and it took us 2 hours this morning to clear the drive and road in front of the house. The skies are blue now and it looks so picturesque but I just want it to go. I have had enough of the bad road conditions and anxiety of getting to and from work.

I spotted these icicles hanging from the conservatory roof, I hope the gutters don't break with all the weight of snow.

I cleared a path to my studio,the snow is so fine and powdery.....

There is talk that provisions are running out in village shops, I have been creative using up lots of the excess food bought for the holidays. DH bought a box of plum tomatoes before Christmas
so before they go off I have been making Tomato Sauce, I just made the recipe up and hoped for the best. This is how it goes.........

Chopped onions
Chopped Red Pepper
Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Thick Balsamic Vinegar
Teaspoon Brown Sugar
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Dried Basil

(You need to adjust the amounts, depending on how many tomatoes you have.)

I baked it all in the oven for about 40minutes, at 140*c.
Blitz it in the food processor and voila. Ready for Homemade Pizzas or Pasta sauce. The kids just love it as sauce.

Any finally, Little Ted is still waiting to be repaired, but he is going to have to wait until I can get to the shops to purchase the correct stuffing for his paws.

Keep warm and safe wherever you are...... Posting this fromy my cosy Studio, it is now

-3 degrees outside.

.... Happy White New Year......

2010-01-01T13:07:00.013Z

Happy New Year to you All , Wishing you Good Health and Happiness.

2010 is finally here and we woke up this morning to this.....
We are definitely in a winter wonderland here today, there must be at least 6-8". It has been snowing on and off all morning with severe weather warnings out for our region. Today is a stay at home day, and thankfully no work commitments. DS1 returned to University yesterday as he is off on a weeks Snowboarding Holiday today. I still have my other two boys at home, they enjoyed a bit of sledging or is it "snowboarding" on a nearby field. As I walked round to open the chicken house this morning these are the scenes that greeted me.....

The roof of the Hen enclosure, chicken wire covered in snow.

The Garden

The birds struggling to find food........

I Have a Visitor...........

2009-12-30T15:32:00.004Z

I have a visitor, he is called Ted. He belongs to my boss at work, she was given him when she was born, he will be fifty next April. Isn't he so cute, I just love him.

Have you noticed his little feet and paws. Poor old chap has lost his stuffing and his velvet pads. I have been asked if I will be able to repair him. I am so delighted to help this gorgous little Ted in any way I can.

He needs some emergency surgery, which will take place over the coming weeks and I am going to keep you posted on his journey to recovery.

Sunday Baking........

2009-12-27T20:09:00.004Z

I had a request from the boys to make some Sweet Mince Pies. I had fully intended to make some on Christmas Eve but I ran out of time due to all the other things that needed attending to. I had no plans today, and when DH and the boys went out for a bike ride I decided to have some treats for their return........ Cherry Trifle, Florentines and Sweet Mince Pies

They went down a treat........

Perfect Weather..........

2009-12-26T17:44:00.008Z

Christmas day has been and most of the UK is bathed in snow, here in the North we have had snow for over a week now, and sub zero temperatures. It was lovely waking up on Christmas morning to see it still around.. The sun shone all day with bright blue skies. We went out in the morning, deciding not to take the car out, instead opting for a short walk down by the old church and across the snowy covered fields. It was mighty cold but we soon warmed up, it took about an hour just long enough to work up an appetite for lunch.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas .......

2009-12-24T22:03:00.006Z

It is late and Christmas Day is nearly upon us ........

Here's wishing you all a Happy and Peacefull time.

Christmas Decorations......

2009-12-20T16:33:00.021Z

Decorating the tree yesterday took most of the evening. I took time off to watch the Strictly Ballroom final, I have been following the show all season and was so pleased Chris and Ola won. A triumph for the underdog. Anyway back to our tree....... now finished

Below are some of the some decorations I have made this year

for my new paper Christmas tree.......

The paper snowflakes hanging at my studio windows are great to make and very addictive.

The idea came from a fellow blogger http://bugsandfishes.blogspot.com/2008/12/snowflake-curtain.html check it out, they are so, so simple to make and look fab. We had our Christmas Breakfast/Lunch at work last Friday and I got a few of the girls making them. All you need is paper, pencil and scissors, and something round for a template. I now have another stash to stitch and hang, so I must get on.

December Song.......

2009-12-19T14:09:00.004Z

The Christmas tree has been bought, we went to a local Country Hall where you take your own saw and are directed into a field full of Norway Pine Trees. We were lucky as we found one we both liked straight away, not too much squabbling this year, within minutes it was down and voila, in the car . It only cost us £16 and we got a free cup of coffee in the tea rooms.

Must get it inside as it is snowing heavily,hopefully back tomorrow with it decorated in all its glory. I will leave you with a song I am liking at the moment.

The First Snow of Winter.......

2009-12-17T22:07:00.014Z

From late summer to the first snows of winter, where oh where has the past 3 months gone. I seem to have got out of the habit of blogging due to one reason or another. I have almost forgotten I have a blog and have been quite happy to be a voyeur of other blogs.

Last week a friend at work reminded me that I have been an absentee on the blogging front and was I going to start again, she is keen to see some of the christmas decorations I have been making of late. I hope to decorate our tree this weekend and will take some photos, until then here is a sneak preview.........

The first snow of winter arrived this morning, I was rushing first thing but just had time to snap a few pics.

See you at the weekend........

At Long Last.......

2009-09-23T22:16:00.009+01:00

after 3 months of no blogging, (where has the time gone,) I need to get back into a routine, I know I work better when I have an orderly life. I blame my star sign... Virgo. Holidays, a full house and illness in the family has upset my routine, hence my blogging block. Where to begin ...... well I might as well start with welcoming you to visit my new space.

About a month ago I reached my big half century birthday, and my present was this gorgeous, fantastic shed. A space for me to be creative, to have all my things around me and if I make a mess no problem, I can walk away and clear away at my leisure. Not that I have made a big mess yet. It feels too new at the moment and I just want to enjoy the newness of it all. It was all built and lovingly put together by DH, his present to me. If I say so myself he has done a fantastic job, don't you think so............

I have shelves with storage for fabrics and a desk to work on. I have decorated it and everyone says it reminds them of a beach hut. It is my girly space all pink and florals.

I have lots more photos but will keep them for another post, I promise.

Mid Week 5 A Day............

2009-06-10T19:20:00.002+01:00

A day off work and a few friends over to lunch. Thought I would make a summer fruit salad.

We started with salmon , asparagus, new potatoes and salad.

Followed by a lovely summer berry fruit salad. So ooooo refreshing. We have chatted all day and drunk tea, exchanged ideas and caught up with our news. A relaxing way to spend a day off work and unwind. Off now to clear and tidy all my mess in DH1 bedroom...he comes home from University at the weekend and at the moment his bedroom looks like a bomb has hit it. Roll on next month when I hope to purchase my shed....................

Add on to the above post, the shed is for me to work in, so I can make the biggest mess possible!!!
No more worries putting everything back into the loft when my son needs his bedroom back during the holidays.

Sweets and Treats.......

2009-06-05T11:52:00.004+01:00

This weeks report........ well not much has happened here in the "patch" other than working. It seems to consume my life sometimes. The days I work are long, and an even longer day this last week, a 14hour shift. Hence, tiredness and catching up on lost sleep seems to be the order of the day. The good weather ended mid week and it has been miserable and cold, making for snuggling up and watching the TV most evenings. Not very productive I hear you say, yes, I totally agree. Even Friday Treats were not homemade this week, I resulted in buying bought ones which were not as nice as "proper homemade", they were very dry and full of additives and e numbers. Please make your own next time came the cries from colleagues.

I have entered into www.snapdragongarden.typepad.com/ deal, to receive a free badge
in exchange for a photograph of me wearing it. She has some wonderful designs and I choose the cupcake one, naturally. I have duly taken the photograph of me wearing it and emailed it to Jane. Hopefully it will be seen in the catalogue she is putting together.

Finally some sweets that I have not had for such a long time,I find these very moorish and love the fact that when you take one it is a complete surprise every time as to what flavour it is you have chosen. A real sweet treat.....on that note I shall leave you and hope to feel less tired and more energised in the coming week.

Summer is here.....

2009-05-31T20:42:00.004+01:00

The rhubarb is ready for picking in our allotment, it is a favorite of mine. I like it stewed with Greek Yogurt for breakfast.
Today the weather has been fantastic, bright blue skies and hot. With very little breeze, which is unusual for us. I have been really lazy enjoying the rays. I finished another crocheted cupcake and made a Rhubarb Fool.........summer is here at last.

Hope you all enjoyed the lovely hot weekend too.

Three is the Magic Number.....

2009-05-30T18:29:00.003+01:00

I seem to do and have lots of things in threes. Just looking around the house I find, 3 metal buckets, 3 Kath Kidston tea cups, 3 Coffee cups, 3 Cake Tins and 3 Cheeky Monkeys. Not forgetting my 3 lovely boys and my 3 adorable hens.

Friday Comes Around again...........

2009-05-29T20:08:00.002+01:00

I have been racking my brain this week as to what to do for "Friday Treats" then I remembered that I had seen a recipe ages ago for Diam Bar Cake, doing a bit of research on the Internet I found a recipe for Diam Bar Crunch, that will do nicely.

Below on the left Diam Bar Crunch and for good measure I made some more Oreo Truffles, but instead of coating in melted chocolate we have shredded coconut and cocoa, I also put in a little amaretto liquor. I feel I cannot stop making these treats, as we all look forward to them after a long hard week of work. Hummm what to do next week.........any suggestions??

And finally Lucinda is back laying again after her "Broody Episode", this was her egg the other day.

Listening to......

2009-05-22T20:13:00.002+01:00

I downloaded this CD from the known Store"every little helps". It is a faboulous CD, late night music does not get any better than this.

http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/melody_gardot - Baby I'm A Fool, hear her here.

Friday Treats, this week were courtesy of a fellow blogger http://driftwoodblog.blogspot.com/

they were enjoyed by all , thank you.

CHEERIO SLICES

Change of Plans......

2009-05-19T15:15:00.003+01:00

I said in my last posting that I had the Friday Treats organised, well I had, Malteaser Cake was made in readiness, but a slight change of plan. Thursday dawned and knowing that some of us at work had a very busy ahead of us, I decided we may need some "sweet sustenance" at some point in the long shift we were about to embark on. So the Friday treat last week became the Thursday treat....

So, not wanting to upset the others expecting the Friday Treat I got home very, very late last Thursday night and made more treats...... Rice Crispie Cakes. Much enjoyed but everyone.

This week I have been busy with small projects, knitting and crocheting cakes. I have really enjoyed doing them, they are quick to put down and so easy peasy to pick up.

Off to enjoy a cuppa and the visual "no calorie" feast of my cakes.

I forgot to mention last week all is now well with Lucinda, she decided to give up on her broodiness and is up and about with the others. Now we are waiting for her to start laying again.

What has been happening in the Patch lately ...........

2009-05-13T17:05:00.006+01:00

Can't believe another week has gone by. Well, I have a couple of days off work and I am determined to catch up. These photos were taken last week so here goes.

I am seeing Red,Red,Red...........our new sofa was delivered last week and it just fits, we did measure the space it had to go into but we had not appreciated how much it would jut out into the room. We are so pleased to have comfortable seating at last. I am hoping to make some new cushions, but in the meantime I got my eye on these in Morrison's of all places, inexpensive and colour co-ordinated.

This got me thinking, I have a lot of RED in my home at the moment. Looking around me I find..........more red things.

On these bright and sunny days my diet changes and I long for fresh fruit, salad and vegetables.

I am enjoying healthy breakfasts when I am not rushing out at the crack of dawn.

And in the evenings, home made Cesar Salad, the dressing made with the hens eggs, look how yellow the yokes are .

Since my crocheting workshop with Vanessa I have been busy making a few flowers, with different wools. I want to incorporate them into jewellery at some point.

I saw this pattern book in John Lewis and couldn't resist making these little beauties from it.

The garden is "springing" into action, or should I say "summering", the Clematis has been out for a week now, the peonies are bulging and the oriental poppies just waiting for warmer days. Our seedlings are growing well, we will be ready to plant them out soon.

A freebie in this months "Easy Living" a Kath Kidtson plastic bag and a fantastic offer, 15% off everything in the catalogue. I have ordered myself a bag, resistance is not one of my strong points.

I have started taking treats to work on Fridays, and last week we had Rocky Road from the 4 Ingredients Cook Book,Turkish Delight, Marshmallows Macadamia Nuts and Chocolate. This week's treat is sorted already we are having "Malteser Cake".

I am constantly drinking tea while blogging, I am ready for another cuppa now and a sit down to read................

This magazine I bought yesterday.

And finally a big Hello to all my new blog-sphere friends out there, it is lovely to have your company.
Catch up with you all again soon. x

Start of a New Month..........

2009-05-02T22:01:00.009+01:00

Lately I have found it difficult to post, I think it is due to lack of time. On the days I work, I find the evenings pass so quickly. I usually get home about 6pm, then there is supper to prepare with various other domestic issues to attend to. Blogging takes time, so I thought the other day I need to make more effort. I have seen these posters appearing on other blogs and thought ah-ha...

Watch this space, hopefully I will have some work to show you soon.

Today I have been doing a creative crochet workshop, the tutor was http://www.rachelhendersoncrafts.co.uk/ , I had a great day.
I also got to meet with a fellow blogger http://www.doyoumindifiknit.typepad.com/ , she has a fantastic blog and is so talented.

I have also been keeping busy doing a spot of decorating this week. We have a new sofa arriving soon and thought a fresh new look to the conservatory in readiness for the delivery.

I have just finished the last of the painting this evening and..........

the day was rounded off with a refreshing glass of my favourite summer tipple.

= Cheers =

Where has the week gone.........

2009-04-26T21:10:00.005+01:00

Can't believe a week has gone by since I last blogged, where has it gone. This week I have -Worked 3 days, took middle son for a Sushi Lunch, bought this book

and made "Blondies", the alternative to "Brownies", made with Peanut Butter and White Chocolate, very Moorish. Sorry no photographs, but all eaten within a day. Speaks for itself...... Lucinda is still sitting in the nest, we have tried everything to get her out but she is having none of it, quite a stubborn girl..... the other two chicks have enjoyed a week of fine weather, lounging on the lawn taking in the rays.

We have nurtured our seedling and drunk lots of tea.

Both sons now back to University. And finally on Friday we celebrated youngest sons birthday.
Hopefully more time next week to blog and craft.

Happy Primrose Day........

2009-04-19T21:06:00.014+01:00

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:-

PRIMROSE DAY
Upon the death of British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli (Lord Beaconsfield), on 19 April 1881, Primrose Day was instituted in his honour, as the primrose was his favourite flower. Queen Victoria sent bouquets of primroses to his funeral. According to a contemporary account:
"The coffin lies on its bier in an alcove leading out of the modest hall of Hughenden Manor. But of its material, one might almost say of its dimensions, nothing can be seen. It is literally one mass of floral beauty. Here are wreaths from every member of the Royal Family in Britain bouquets of primroses sent by the Queen, with an inscription attached to them, saying that they came from Osborne Hill, and that they are of the sort which Lord Beaconsfield loved.
Two years later, a bronze statue of Disraeli, Lord Beaconsfield was erected at Parliament Square, and it became customary to decorate it with primroses every year on the anniversary of his death. Often at Easter the woodlands of Britain are seen carpeted with wild primroses.

Thus we have Primrose Day......

It is also DS2 Birthday, Happy 19th Birthday Dear Son........late morning we went for coffee to http://www.kirkharlecourtyard.net/ and had some yummy cakes.

.........Birthday Boy on the right...........

We then toddled off to Bolam Lake Country Park and had a lovely stroll around the lake in the afternoon sunshine.

Alnwick Spring Show........

2009-04-18T19:47:00.003+01:00

The Alnwick Spring Show is on all weekend at Alnwick Gardens and the guild has a stand

I have been there this morning to take my turn doing an hour marshaling, it is a good show and worth a visit.

We eventually catch up........

2009-04-15T22:49:00.012+01:00

A few months ago I had dinner with my neighbour and some old friends, one of the friends now lives in the states. She was over on Holiday and brought us all a present. When she handed the packages over to us we were confused as to what she had given us. It all became obvious very soon.

A HANDBAG HANGER, SAVES IT DANGLING ON THE DIRTY FLOOR

We were all so thrilled to receive such an interesting and useful present, we were commenting on the fact that we had not seen anything like it here in the UK, we were also wondering when we would see them for sale here. Well ,whilst visiting my local Garden Centre the other day I got my eye on these............

I suppose it was only a matter of time!!!!!!

When the Chickens are Naughty......

2009-04-14T20:22:00.004+01:00

We have been installing some" Chicken Proof" edging around the lawns in order to prevent them scratching and covering the lawn in all sorts, this may not prevent it but it's worth a try.

I bought this Bamboo edging at Wilko and I rather like it, I think I may have to go and get some more.

This is Lucinda,remember last year she was surrogate mother to six babies, well she is broody again. It started about 4 days ago, she just wants to stay in the nest and gathers the eggs that the other two have laid. I am fighting a loosing battle as every time I pick her up and put her outside she just tries to get back in. I had to close the door of the coop today to stop her going back in. Luckily the other two had already laid. I think I shall just have to persevere!!!!!!

Team Work in the Primrose Patch.......

2009-04-13T20:12:00.001+01:00

We all set off laden ed with..............

To tackle this........

As you can see a long overdue chore and a must now if we are to grow anything this year. I figured if we attack the job in numbers we could all dig it over in a matter of hours.

And this!!!!!!!

Horrible weeds............

And after 3 hours of back breaking digging we end up with this.................not bad. See more hands make light work.

A minor miracle........Thank You Family

It was very,very hard work but so, so satisfying. We have planted 2 types of early potatoes, and have a bed of strawberries .

I think we are all going to need Ralgex and a long hot soak in the bath tonight, just hope we can walk straight tomorrow.

A Family Easter Day.........

2009-04-12T18:49:00.005+01:00

Good Morning and Happy Easter. We have woken to a bright and sunny day, I feel a spring in my step and warmth in my heart. I have decided after all these years that Easter is one of my favourite times of the year, I much prefer it to Christmas. It has a more relaxed feel to it, I have sent cards, shopped for a turkey and the trimmings, bought Easter eggs for friends and family.

I even had time to crochet a few Cherry Blossom Flowers for my Easter Tree

We were going to stay at home today and catch up with a few household chores, but our youngest son asked if we could go out to the beach. The roads around here are a nightmare on a bank holiday, snagged up with the the day trippers. We decided to go to our nearest beach a 20min drive away.

This is the view that greeted us......gorgeous isn't it

The sand is so fine and silvery........

We took a picnic and a big flask full of tea.......purrrfect

DH and middle son braving the North Sea, they had a competition to see who could stay in the longest, DH won.

Look at this fantastic weather

::Greetings from a happy Primrose Patch::

The afternoon was complete with a traditional ice cream..........heavenly

Hope your day was as good as mine. x

Happy Good Friday........

2009-04-10T11:26:00.006+01:00

Wishing you all a Happy Good Friday

We started off the day with making these::

Chocolate Brioche

Out of the oven, a little burnt but tasted delicious....... Off now for a little retail therapy.

Have a great day.

New Books.........

2009-04-09T21:56:00.004+01:00

These books arrived last week but I have been so busy lately to look at them.

We have a long holiday weekend coming up and I am hoping to sit down and enjoy them.

The Party >>>> Part Two......

2009-04-07T21:48:00.008+01:00

Finally some photos of our guests, hoping they had a good time.......we certainly did. DH received some lovely gifts and he thanks everyone.

The Party >>>> Part one............

2009-04-06T15:19:00.009+01:00

What a great weekend we have had, it started early on Friday morning when I went to pick up these little beauties. 50 in total, don't they look sooooooo delicious, the smell is just divine all sweet and sugary, wondering where to buy them, well here http://www.lottiemcphees.co.uk/

DS2 arrived from Uni later in the afternoon, lovely to have him home. We worked so hard all day to get things ready for tomorrow.

This is the fruits of our labour by 4pm on Saturday afternoon, nearly there.
I am especially pleased with the cupcakes and stand, it takes pride of place in the middle of the table.

We seem to be very relaxed and orderly waiting for people to arrive, phew we made it.........

Working hard in the Kitchen.......

2009-04-03T22:14:00.004+01:00

What have we been up to today.........

Baking,Preparing and Collecting........boy this is hard work. Still lots to do tomorrow. A sneak preview of some of the goodies for the party. I think you can guess what sort of Birthday Cake we are having!!

Dear Hubby 50 Years Old Today........

2009-04-02T17:09:00.017+01:00

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
Well you know what they say, the sun shines on the righteous. It has been the most gorgeous day you could have imagined. We started quite early with fruit juice and tea in bed, then card and present opening. There was a fab present from a very dear friend, a DVD boxed set "Best of the Old Grey Whistle Test". If you are of a certain age you will remember this programme with fond memories, it was hosted by the late great John Peel, Bob Harris and Annie Nightingale. It was on BBC2 on a Tuesday evening. Oh the memories!!!!!!!!!!

We got ourselves sorted and drove 30minute into the Northumberland hills. A steep walk along the edge of the forest and we arrive at a Nature Reserve, look at the colour of the sky. We were in t-shirts, incredible for this time of year.

Snapshots from our day...........

DH recons we walked about 4miles, not bad for a couple of oldies. It was followed by a pint of Guinness and a packet of crisps at a nearby pub. This evening it is just the three of us, going out for a meal. Saturday however, is the big day, we are having a party here at the house. Preparations begin in the morning......... you will find me in the kitchen for the next two days. By the way, the Truffles are delicious.

New Book and Truffles.......

2009-04-01T21:08:00.004+01:00

This book was the No1 bestseller last year selling more copies than Harry Potter, it is written by two women from New Zealand, and each recipe uses 4 ingredients or less. In preparation for the "Big Celebration" tomorrow I thought I would try these Cookie and Cream Truffles. As I am short of time these were ideal and took seconds to prepare, stage one .......

Oreo biscuits and cream cheese blended together, rolled into balls, here ready to chill in the fridge for an hour....
Stage two,roll in hot melted chocolate and drizzle with melted white chocolate.

I have been out shopping.........

2009-03-31T18:39:00.001+01:00

I saw these doorstops in our local Department Store, aren't they cute. Ideally I would have liked to make my own but they were quite inexpensive and for the effort and cost it is easier just to buy them. I am going to use them to keep our new doors open leading to the conservatory. I am liking the crochet flowers......

Over the last couple of days my monthly and bi-monthly magazines have arrived, I am too busy atm to read them, still getting things ready for our celebration.

Getting ready for Celebrations.......

2009-03-30T20:27:00.003+01:00

Later on this week we have a celebration in the Primrose Patch, I bought these flowers in preparation. I couldn't resist the gorgeousness of them . I just love the colour combinations. More of our celebrations later in the week.

Remember the Pussywillow I bought at Christmas, here it is still flowering, amazing.