IAPM73: It’s about time

IAPM73: It’s about time

This is a podcast that i enjpy very much! Try it.....you'll like it!

First trip out for Bridgy Crochet and Knitters' Group

Saturday June 5th, was the first trip out for our group. We had a great time! The journey, and thank you Anita for driving, was smooth and comfortable! We arrived in style in the spacious people carrier. We were greeted at Get Knitted as soon as we arrived by Gail, shown where the important things were, like cake! We had a good look around, spent plenty of cash and then sat, knitted, crocheted and chatted!

We also want to welcome Mark to the group. He as been crocheting for about 6 months. He and Tequilla got on really well and they both spent time together comparing notes. We thought he was pretty brave to join all us ladies for the day! He has promised to come to next month's meeting and show us what he has made. We were sorry that there were some people who couldn't make Saturday, but we look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday July 3rd.For more details please email me:
carotrike@yahoo.com

Life Happens.............

Sorry I haven't posted here for a while. We had some shocking news lately, telling us that an aunt and uncle, my Mum's sister and her hubby, died within a few days of one another. I am not proud of the fact that although they, as do I, live in UK and we heard via another branch of the family via Australia! We have drifted into a scattered family who only communicate rarely and hardly ever meet. That said, we do visit one another if we are in the local area. I feel very ashamed that this has happened and the information came to us in this way!

On to happier things..........

Easter was a happy time for us. Dad came to stay and we went to the donkey sanctuary where his adopted donkey lives with his friends. It was a rather cold day and I was surprised to see so many people with their dogs. There was a couple there with thier family of golden retrievers.  wish I had taken a photo. The couple were having a snack in the yard and the dogs were obviously used to waiting for them. The ages ranges from about 15 years, to just a few weeks. All were excellantly behaved! They just lay cuddled up to one another.

A few weekends ago, we visited a little village on the outskirts of Exmoor. It fulfills the dream of those who would love to escape the rat race and exchange it for the peace and beauty of the countryside. It was so lovely that I recorded the birdsong and took some great spring colour photos. Here is the little church at the top of the carpark.

And this is the view from the church! Isn't it stunning?

We enjoyed ourselves so much that day; walking, looking at the natural world around us, eating cream tea and listening to the wonderful birdsongs, that we took DD#1 and her DH there just tow weeks later.

This is the small  and much photographed bridge and ford in the village of Allerford. There are one or two cream tea shops in the village, a Reading Room Club and an old school room that has been tirned into a very interesting museum ith a blacksmith's behind. Only a very small place, but so much to see!I have noticed the following pic on several calendars of The West Country, or Somerset.

The little packhorse bridge and ford in the village apears on many calendars illustrating South West England. The road comes sharply down hill, and then divides into an ajoining footpath/bridal way over the bridge. Just before the bridge, walkers pass under the little porch of the cottage.

Yet another church. Not far from the bridge, I wanted to add this pictur specially for any knitters out there. From this angle, it looks as though there are sheep in the churchyard! Yes, it really is that rural! Right nest door, cream teas are served. As we sat indoors (the weather had cooled slightly and there was a cool breeze), we watched the parrots on their perches and wathced several hawks and owls been taken to their respective places as the place doubles as a falconry centre.

What does this tell you about the goodness of a well made cream tea? DD#2 and I thought it was pretty good! And we're pretty tough crittics!

This picture gives you some idea of how the two little villages look. Selworthy is mainly owned by the National Trust and many of the cottages have thatched rooves. They still have their village green with the cottages looking as though they have been 'planted' around it. Just beautiful! Note the tall chimneys, all thatched homes have these to prevent sparks catching the thatch alight. The walls are about 3ft thick, providing a cozy home during the cold British winters.

That was our first visit.

Two weeks later, much warmer weather and in the company of DD# and her DH. He took this photo.

Reading left to right:DD#1, DD#3,DD#2,me andDH.

Just to bring everything up to date, we are into June. It hardly seems possible! Dad came over again and spent a few days here with little dog Billy. It was my half term, so we were able once again to spend some time together. We didn't go very far this time, but it was just good once again to be together. Dad spent much of his time reading a book just out by a friend of ours

Mike is a good friend of ours. Such a hard worker, as his his wife Jenny. They worked very hard when he had Newquay Zoo in Cornwall. He and Jenny always had time for a chat. DH and I, often took a special needs lad with us while D#3 had her Zoo Club meeting. We used to look forward to taking him and no matter how busy, Mike and Jenny always made hime feel special! Since then, Mike has been involced with many ventures, such as running Canonteign Falls in Devon and the charity for children, which was stated at the zoo, Marc's Ark. His book is full of pictures of the animals and people he has been involved with over the years.

Speaking of anmals,we are now following a family of swans on the local canal. We are so fortunate to have such a great resource so close to home, within walking distance! It  quite beatiful (once you get away from the rubbsh around the town).

Pictures of the swans to follow...

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HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Here's a little present I knitted for a friend who keeps chickens! She needed cheering up so this little hen which she has named Bambam in honour of her son, who used to tap the top off his eggs and shout Bambam (he was a Flinstone fan!)

I thought she was a good way of wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

                   

Dad comes to stay tomorrow with his little dog Billy, the Jack Russell. The older we get, the better Dad and I get along! It is a joy to have him stay!


 
 
 
 

Billy is a rescue dog.

He was very badly beaten with a golf club by a previous owner and his back leg was badly broken! How cruel some people can be! He is lovely and in his way loves yarny goodness! Here he is trying to climb into my knitting bag to have a nap on a previous visit!

 

And so to Cornwall...........

Today we travelled to Cornwall to spend the day with Irene, my Mother-In-Law's 80th birthday. Steve, Em, Bec and her boyfriend Marcus, all travelled down, setting off at just before 8am From here in Somerset. We generally stop off near Oakhampton for a break and then travel on to St Austell.

Lunch was at 1pm at the Carclays. Usually there is a great view of the bay below, but today wasn't worth the photo! It was so hazy. Maybe next time!
 Our Great Nephew was there today and as no one seemed in a rush to leave after the meal, he sat in hs high chair and entertained us during conversational lulls! He began by getting his Dad's attention (His Mum couldn't join us a she had to work...) but he knew exactly how to play to his audience! First he kept throwing his toy cars on the floor. He would then say a cute little 'uh oh' and then smile endearingly at his Dad. Then he made out he was trying to undo the strap on his chair and made us all laugh with the funny faces he was pulling! He was really a very well behaved little person as he sat there from 1-3pm! He's not even 2 years old yet!

Irene had some great presents, although she hasn't opened them all yet, her birthday isn't until Wednesday. We all had a great time with everyone. Once again we didn't come home empty handed. Irene has always given the girls orange juice to bring home, ever since they were babies, today was no exception. Then there were the local papers and also some home baked cakes, one a fruit cake, was for Steve, the other, a banana cake was for Em.

A grand day out!
Thanks, great parents!

MOTHER'S DAY!

Today was a day of surprises! I was given a dear little basket of spring flowers, tiny daffodils, irises and hyacinths from my husband, a bunch of tulips and hyacinths from my eldest, a pair of earrings from daughter #2 and a bottle of wine from daughter #3! Thank you all so much! I love them all!

I think the greatest surprise of all, was a visit from Jan! She was hiding in the livingroom when we came back from church Great to see her again! I snapped this just as she was leaving. 

We went to a local garden centre for lunch and she bought some veg seeds for her garden. She is holding, amongst other things, a copy of  Hillier's Guide for the Ammature Gardener. This book was much prized by Steve, who was given it by someone who he use to garden for, back in his roundsman days.. He said wistfully that he misses the gardening on days such as today was. Spring feels as if it is really beginning to happen and the light is changing, no longer the weak sunny winter light, but the type of light that feels stronger adn has the promise of warmth about it..

Here are my lovely cards         

                                    

                        My Beautiful flower basket from my husband

My lovely fowers from Jan.

There was also a bottle of Blossom Hill wine from my youngest. Thank you everyone! Thank you also for lunch and the great walk along the canal afterwards! I had a brilliant day.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING?

Today has really felt like the first day of spring! The light here is changing,the sun is getting stronger and there was more warmth in the sun before the wind got up this afternoon. The greatest test? As I rushed into the town early this morning, I needed to take my coat off before I overheated!

Later, as I travelled to Wells by bus, I counted 11 mqgpies in a field, obviously they feel it is time to display and a green woodpecker flew right at the side of the bus as we travelled along a country road! I gasped, but I think I may have been the only person who really saw him! I think they are beautiful! Below is a link to the RSBP web page where you can see illustrations of the bird, listen to its call and watch a very short video (unfortunately it looks as though it's raining, but it gives you an idea.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greenwoodpecker/index.aspx#

I visited Wells market again today and, wow! What a difference! Two weeks ago the weather was cold and there was hardly anyone around, today with the sunshine, you couldn't move for the crowds and there were queues (lines) for everything! I bought some black pudding for Steve from the Lancastrian stall. It tastes better if you don't know what goes into it! Some potato cakes, another Lancashire delicacy that I miss my mother-in-law making on our weekly Sunday visits!

http://thefoody.com/vegetable/potatocakes.html

Mother-in-law used to prepare them, place them in the fridge and then, when it was nearly teatime, she would put them in the AGA cooker. Then when they were ready, we would eat them lightly spread with butter. Yum!

At long last, actually last Saturday (I just didn't get round to taking the photos!) I have finished my Ravelympic attempt! Here is the result

I need to improve my photography skills, I know, but it gives you an idea. Although I finished after the Olympics had ended, I did manage to finish within 2 weeks. I just had SO many other things going on that I couldn't start on the correct date.

Tonight we are watching John Betjeman traveling by train within Norfolk. The intersting thing about it is that it was filmed in 1962. The title, should you not be able to find it on BBC iplayer, is John Betjeman Goes by Train. I am sure there must be a DVD. Just the social content is interesting, although I don't know the area at all.

This afternoon, Sue and Tess returned for another crochet lesson. They are the sisters who crocheted together on the sofa at out last club meeting. They are both lovely ladies and full of fun! They have now progressed from chain to double crochet. Both went away happy and ready to practise what they have learned.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all who are going to celebrate on Sunday March 14th!

FIRST BIKE RIDE OF THE SEASON!

Today was a good day! After church we were all trated to lunch by the pastor and his wife!
Then it being a lovely sunny day, we went for our first family bike ride of the season. Only a short distance today, but just lovely. Quiet country roads and lovely sightings of spring birds. There was a farmyard where we saw a huge flock of starlings. Two crows were displaying over one of the grassy fields. Little longtaile tits were swooping along by the side of the road, next to a field of thatching reeds. They are such sweet little birds, they remind me of ping pong balls with tails. The following is a page from the RSPB page, just in case you don't know what they look like.
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.rspb.org.uk/images/birdid_tcm9-201183.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdidentifier&usg=__WDBZESfbjmELvnhazwY5ti6vcjY=&h=400&w=450&sz=37&hl=en&start=18&itbs=1&tbnid=PALqqs5WY7Z6SM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drspb%2Bbirds%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1

Also, if you Google 'Chilton Trinity', you can see images of where we went today. It is SO rural and yet, only a short drive from a major motorway and a very busy town! It's great here, we have it all!

MARCH KNIT CLUB

As promised Anita brought her wheel today. This was a first for us. I believe she is the only member of the group who spins at present (of course this may change!). Here is a lady who loves the creative process from start to finish! She purchases dyed fibre, but the rest is all her own work. She spins, hand or machine-knits or crochets and produces some wonderful garments!

We all loved the soothing sound of the wheel as it spun, so soothing!Sorry, Anita, next time I'll make sure I catch you spinning, not adjusting!

Two new ladies came today. Sue and Tess. Here they are showing that they have learned a new skill, crochet! As it was Sue's birthday today, I thought she ought to have a cake! I know what you're saying.............any excuse!


 

                                               

  So of course, it had to be chocolate. 

                                               

  Once again Patricia was creating more of her lovely baby crocheted jackets, hats, bootees and leggings. They are so perfect. All in beautiful colours. She was working in a self-striping yarn today, but when crocheted, it is varigated.

 

Another friend, is in the process of moving and donated this yarn to us. It arrives in a box just labelled 'wool'. I opened it at the club today and discovered she had put the yarn into colour groups! I was just expecting a bin liner or something similar inside! It was a lovely surprise. Anita who workswith young people who have had a rough time took some of the yarn for a young girl who is desperate to knit something, yet has nothing. She was found trying to knit using a pencil and crochet hook because she had no needles! Those of us with a stash and all that goes with, such as needles and pretty stitch markers let us count our blessings! We are always adding fibre, I talk as much to myself here, but maybe sometimes we need to think more of what others may be in need of! The colours in these little bags look so lovely, maybe they could be used to bless more desperate young people!

I wish I had something of my own to show you this time! But alas, so near yet sofar still unfinished! I am pleased with how my ravelympic cardi is shaping up. Howevver the yarn is an unknown quantity to me being 30% wool and the rest Draylon! It is very soft, but I am just a little conserned that it is prone to felting or pilling! Pictures will be up as soon as it's finished.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON STROLL

Today we revisited Clevdon. The first time we went there was for Steve's birthday, with D#1,#2,#3 and son-in law.

It is an interesting place. Typical of Victorian 'seasidieness'. But there must have been money there at one time as there are many fine houses.

We enjoyed the Poet's Walk as mentioned in the Somerset Teashop walks. We finished up at Scarlets, which I would recommend for tea, coffee and hot chocolate. They also do good food.
I am just reallising that I should have taken more pictures! The archway looking out to Wales on the opposite coast, is part of a little shelter was for looking out for the ships sailing in with cargoes of sugar. I would think that would have given a better idea of how grand the place is! Having said that, the pier is tiny! It was rebuilt not so long ago. As part of the fundraising for the build, there are numerous metal plaques, both on the decking and above the benches on each side of the walkway.

WHEN CROCHET ATTACKS!

The purple is the correct version, the cream is my attempt, under construction!


Do you ever listen to The Knitmore Girls podcast? Wll, if you do, you will have heard the section of theirs called 'When Knitting Attacks'. Yesterday, I sat down to finish a rather brave attempt, a much praised attempt at making a top without a pattern, just a completeed shop bought garment to copy. Hold the praise everyone who said I was brave! I got bitten to the bone by last night! I worked all afternoon on the top, as just like many Ravel-ers, I signed up for Ravelympics I have been trying since Monday to get this thing finished and was so close by last night! But then I discovered that the back was not centred properly! Oh no! I have now had permission from DH to put it down for a while, (I don't really need his permission, but it just made me feel good when he agreed with me that I need to take a break from said top for a while) as I think I drove him mad last night! So to the lady for whom it will one day be foinished, my greatest apologies, but it has to be right for you orit won't hang properly!

Friends

Today, My new friend Anita is coming over to collect her beautiful shawl which has been blocking on my table this week. I love the way that craft, knitting, spinning, crochet and all things fibre i giving me so many new friends, not just here in the UK, but worldwide!



Such a clever knitter!






























Yesterday Steve and I had a great time visiting Wells and Glastonbury. I discovered that he has many friends in both places. Customers who visit the shop, yes, but more than that, friends. They all wanted to chat, taking time out of their busy trading lives to do so! Friendship is the greatest thing!

On Saturday, I am off to another knitting group at Weston Super Mare, where I have also been made to feel very welcome!

BUISNESS TRIP, NOTTINGHAM WAY

Steve and I had to make a trip to Nottingham recently. It was really for buisness, but all expenses paid and we had a great time. On the way we noticed this church looking rather forboding at frist, atop a hill near the motorway. We decided it needed futher inspection.

There is quite a strange, or at least, it seems so to me, canopied pew. This has now been moved to the side of the interior of the church, but once stood in the centre. It was where the Lord of the Manor once sat, with his family. Other members of the congregation must have found it difficult to see what was happening nesr the altar, such is the size of the private pew.

As can be seen below, the pews still have their little doors on.I guess this would keep the winter
draughts to a minimum and keep children who might otherwise run around contained.

Coming out into the sunlight again, although the day was crisp, with a feel that the night might be frosty, we imagined the feel that rain or mist would give to this high hill...

and thought it would become quite brooding in atmosphere!

The weekend proved fun, a great hotel to stay in, a good meal in the evening. Our only regret was that we hadn't taken our swimming things as we could have made use of the hotel's pool!

CHRISTMAS 2009

Christmas 2009 was not at all the way we had planned it to be! DH and Bex had a bad bout of flu, we didn't bother to tell anyone as we had heard that Tami flu makes most people feel worse and we thought that as with any virus, the Doc would just say to go to bed and let the bug take it's course. Bex spent several days asleep in the dark in the living room (it was warmer there than in her attic) and DH even took some time off from the shop! Unheard of! AND he had to be persuaded at that! However, it was the first time in 6 years and he has been working non-stop, six days a week. About the only plus in all this was that I had more knitting time, hence the socks and sweaters below, it felt wrong going off and leaving them! The shop was covered, as Daughter #2 volunteered to take care of everything! She was an absolute star! Thank you SO much!

So we did not visit DH#1 over Christmas as planned, but at New Year, which meant that we could spend longer with her and her DH.





Left are the slipper socks she requested for Christmas. They should have been crocheted but I couldn't get the tension correct, so I ended up knitting them.







































We spent a great time on New Year's Eve playing games on their friends Wii, I failed miserably at scoring very much, but had a good laugh.



Saturday, we walked over Greenham Common. The snow still lay on the ground and had frozen the previous night. If you know the common, you will know there is plenty of water and boggy ground there. When it is not frozen, you have to pick your way carefully, but today was fine, it was all icey but the grass and moss stopped it being slippery. My DH and son-in-law spent almost an hour throwing stones at the ice on the surface of some of the deeper pools. It must have been really thick as it took so long, with many hefty stones to break the ice or even to crack it









Left Thank Ravelry for the February Lady's Sweater! I just want to make more and more! Maybe Ravolympics will see me making another, maybe in a multicoloured yarn.

KNIT CLUB AT HOME!

Today we met for the first time at my home as the place where we usually meet is closed on a Saturday for a while. We had such a great time! A new lady came for the first time today and said as she was leaving that she hadn't known quite what to expect, but had found us all really friendly, she was SO impressed that she is coming back a week on Monday to block a beautiful shawl she has made!

We now have partners in the USA! Jacob's Reward Farm have joined up to increase our numbers! We have virtual knitting sisters! Yay! Hi, Cindy and all you others who meet in the Red Barn! You can view a link to them from Followers on here and from there you will also find their podcast! There are great things happening on the farm!

Just 3 days later than Bexie's birthday, is mine, so we usually have a joint special meal. Yhis year we have my Dad staying with us, so he was able to join in.

During the same weekend, we had a visit from Jan and Jim again and went to Wells to See Ellie's jewellery work in a new gallery.

Jan and I bought some bits and pieces from the wool shop. Then it was back to our town to purchace the netbook Jim had reserved for me, for my birthday. I just want to say, if anyone who contributed reads this, and you know who you are, thnk you very much, I love it! And it's great not to have to beg someone else for the loan of their computer for a few hours!

Sunday we went to Montecute Village amid raather a lot of Somerset mud! Unfortunately Bexie had left her shoes in someone else's car and wasn't really dressed for the occaision, but I am happy to report that she remained upright!

Although it had been raining lots and very windy, there was still some colour on the trees. The water you can see at the bottom of the hill, is supposed to be there, it's a pond. There were quite a few fish in it too! But the most unexpected animals we found were a couple of alpacas!

More about birthdays!

Here is our girl on her 18th birthday, wearing a brand new watch from Grandma and Granddad! She is also wearing a scarf Ellie gave her. Her boyfriend took her off for the day as a relative of his was being Christened at a local church.

Here's the cake that Em made her sister. Note Shawn The Sheep on the top! It was yummy!

Sorry it's been a while

Yes, sorry, it's been a while. However in November, we have a birthday season and it's been a busy few weeks with lots going on at the weekends...............and it's not over yet!

It begins every year towards the end of September, with our wedding anniversary (this year we clocked up 32! Not sure where the time went, but it was anything but uneventful!

Things around my home.

Oct 30th

A Bit if Boasting.......

I created this version of my family tree when I took a City and Guilds Embroidery Course a while ago. The design work took forever and was supposed to be done before I began work on the actual piece but........ well you can guess!

This was another piece for the same course, based on peacock feathers. I used different metalic organza layered on top of each other and then frayed them. The base is dyed silk.

A Bit of nature.............

I opened my curtains this morning and there were birds from end to end of this lamp. Of course by the time I grabbed the camera most of them had left. But this was the only one they chose from a whole row down the street. It made me wonder why. Was the view better from there? Were they interested in who was opening the curtains (I don't suppose so for a minute!), or was the light on for longer than all the rest and therefore still warm?

Remember the trip to the arboetum? Well, maybe I could have saved some cash! Or maybe because we went there, my eyes have been opened to some of the beauty around me? All these were very local, the first just outside my bedroom window.

Some of the trees on my walk into town. Ok they aren't maples, not bright red, but so varied in colour.





A Bit from My Best Frieend's House..........

I am cheating now, really! She isn't mine, but I wouldn't mind if she was! This is Miss Millie, my friend's little cat. She rules ok? There will be more tales from My Best Friend's house! I have told her she should charge entry to the managerie!

A Bit of a Scare for Some..........

Speaking of animals...well sort of, this is not really the cuddly sort! Look what tried to walk into my house, through the back door, today!

Just to give you some idea of its size, my sliper has slipped into this frame.





A Bit of the Future?.........



Steve and I have always wanted to live on a narrow boat, we already live near a canal. Could this be our future returement home?



All the people I love are getting something I have made for Christmas, wiht the eception of those who have specifically asked for something different. Most gifts are now complete. I am not sure why I am this organised this year. Maybe it has to do with the two fibrey events I have attended in 2009? Anyway, I am modelling a sock that is going to a member of the family, with its twin, of course.