the bird lady

Monday I did my usual stint at Mustard Seeds,  we were quieter this week but of course everyone came in all at once and it was chaos.  This little coffee shop continues to flourish and bring so much joy to these pensioners in our village.

Afterwards I walked home instead of my usual lift home, I had the camera with me  as I wanted to take a photo of our new tablecloths and menu sheets, looking all new and fresh.  

As I passed the mere I spotted "the bird lady" feeding the birds .
This lady calls every day to feed the birds.  They were all enjoying their food when all of a sudden the geese looked across the water...

 

and then took off, everyone followed

 

 

I was pleased I had my camera with me.

I noticed the newcomers were stood observing from a distance looking very regimental

As I left, I noticed the big guys approaching, not sure if they had anything to do with it. 

 Watching the birds behaviour fascinates me, especially the swans.  This mere is such a lovely place and I never take it for granted.  I feel very fortunate it is literally just around the corner from where I live. 

A quick catch up

A quick hello, I am still here ploughing through my September sewing tasks and clearing and rearranging the garden ready for the forthcoming winter.


 My mini wardrobe is coming along and I am on my last piece.  The blouse is finished, washed and in need of a press. It look like nice and fresh on the hanger I am pleased with it especially the yoke insert.  I will show you a proper photo when I do my review for it.
Im now ploughing on with piece 4 a grey skirt, change of colour and fabric, so much for my detailed plan. 

 
I had a great weekend, on Saturday my friend had a stall at a craft market in our local town.  She had decided to de-stash, and I offered to help her, and on Sunday I was in my garden, my sons partner came around and we got so much done. 



 Saturday was a lovely day, (I so love September, my favourite month).  The sun was out and there was a jazz band playing, the market had a lovely vibe.   My friend did well considering it was aimed at a certain few, it amazed me that some people told me they had never used a sewing needle.

Of course I bought something, 2 pieces of fabric, the grey that I am using for my skirt and some patchwork cotton with swimmers on, I like the colours and its fun,  but Im not too sure how I will use it I have 2metres 20 any ideas?

 

Drama in a sleepy Village

Well its not often something interesting happens in our village, but last night something did.  

Picture the scene, we had not long finished our tea and I was just settling down to do a spot of sewing, when my daughter came through the door after an early evening jog. 
"I dont know whats happening down at the station but there are load of police vans there" I thought nothing of it, because nothing really happens in this sleepy village. 

Five minutes later my daughter comes down stairs saying her friend was stuck at the railway station, because the trains had been cancelled due to a bomb found near the railway line. More precisely the railway line at the end of our road.

By this time people were looking out of their front doors, not sure if it was all possible, traffic was blocked off.  Then the bomb squad came whizzing past.  Thankfully we were not evacuated and no one was hurt.

It turned out that the local village gardening committee had been digging up a flower bed close to the railway and found an inert 2lb bomb from WWII.
  Amazing its been there over 60 years.  Today everything is back to normal,  its almost like a dream.  

Village Show

On Saturday it was our village's 75th Village Show.   There are lots of catagories to enter.  Flowers, Photography, crafts, vegetables and food.  Open to all age groups.

Everything was maticulously arranged by the organisers

The Silverware was polished

There was some fine specimens on show 

Some were artistically displayed (blurry photo sorry)

 my quilt is on the left.

Its a shame to eat this little guy!

Me.   I won 3rd prize.  My friend pipped me to 2nd place with her bear.


At the end of the day items not collected were auctioned off , proceeds going to the village hall and its upkeep.  
It was a good day.

Last night we went for a 10mile bike ride with a stop halfway for refreshments, it was lovely to be out enjoying the summer.  Today, it looks like another beautiful day.   
Summer really feels like it  has well and truly  arrived.  
Must fly and enjoy the day.

Enjoying June

Well how was your jubilee weekend?  On Monday I took a stroll up to the local village hall as they were have a tea party.

Stopped at the mere to take a pic of the signets while I could.  Not usually possible when you have a dog with you.  A couple of years ago whilst walking the dog, minding my own business, I got chased up the main street by a goose.  Scared the pants of me!!



Not a brilliant picture they were heading back to the island

A few houses were decorated



I arranged to met a few friends and there we took tea  "Bettys" style, with 50s music.  



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We arrived early, which was just as well as later on people were queueing down the street for a seat (abit like Bettys except no tourists). 





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I loved the Childrens bunting along the walls

 

The menu of the day was cucumber, ham and coronation chicken sandwiches, followed by fingers sized cakes.  Very nice indeed.

In the evening we went to an event on the local school field, tug of war, stalls, wellie throwing, etc finished off with fireworks, forgot the camera DOH! 

Hope you all enjoyed you 4-day bank holiday weekend.

Ending on a personal high note for moi, I visited an Art Gallery and I showed the owner some of the handmade bears that I created, She loved my work and wants to do a display of them at Christmas. I am so excited at the prospect of my work being in her gallery. So I have been very creative over the last week or so, here are a few so far. They are made mainly from german mohair, with  hand knitted alpaca knitwear and vintage fabrics and lace, some have accessories to go with them, I havent finished them yet.  

Hope you like them

Knitting Mitts

Many thanks for the comments on  the old back, it  seems to come and go.  After a visit to the docs  he was a young and very thorough student doctor who kept looking in his book,  (not reassuring).  I came away with no conclusion,  feeling 101 and told to take lots of painkillers.!!!

Mustard Seeds the small cafe I volunteer at  had a makeover, over the Christmas peiod.  How it shines.  We continue to go from strength to strength.  I thought I would share some photos.

This beautiful original fire looks wonderful

We sell a wide range of fancy coffees with free biscuits and toasted teacakes

My long awaited deliveries arrived.  Yippee!!!  The printer is marvellous, I have been printing off lots of free knitting patterns from Ravelry and Garnstudio, getting me motivated, including this one

The wool I am using is Lima  wool, which came with my other wool.  They are  for my mother in law.  I have altered the patterned throughout as I thought the hearts and pattern were lost in each other abit,  Im very pleased so far,  but I think I need to use shorter needles if Im to do some more of these.

Not bad for a first attempt at stranded work

This is the wool for my sons cardigan, its so soft.

 actual colour Royal blue

I know I harp on about Drops wool but it is such good value, Im not an acrylic fan at all, but wool can be quite costly.  The Drops range is very reasonable and good quality, please check it out, Id love your opinion and recommendation if you've used any of their range, Im always on the look-out for quality wool at the right price, so any links would be appreciated.

Ive also been bidding on Ebay again.  As usual I am never lucky with Ebay, and this recent win wasnt without its hiccups, but Im drawn to Ebay  like a wasp to an open jam jar.  I shall show and tell you more when my new baby arrives!!

Wonky Donkey

Hows your week been for you all out there.   Its been a nice week here.  Monday as usual I went to Mustard Seeds,  we had skeleton staff, so it was very busy.  I came away with a few nice tops from our table top counter.   Such bargains two sets of Per Una tops all new with tags.  Here is my favourite of the two
   

OOps! I should of ironed them first.  This does look better on than off.

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Originally £29.50 down to £15.00 down to £3.00. I paid £2

Ive also been busy finishing my Nativity and the rest of the herd. Take a butchers.  2 Sheep and a Donkey with a wonky back leg.

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Despite one leg shorter than the rest I think that wonky donkey is adorable

Here they all with the shepherds.  I will show you them all when then take up residence near Christmas. Pop back in.


Today was beautiful while out with Milly I took some photos so come for a quick walk round my village.

through the fields and over the bridge where in the summer trout and kingfishers can be spotted

through a cut where they have started on the new waste  pump.  hopefully no more floods again,leading onto....



This lovely leafy road.  I like this part of the walk  there are some really nice houses along here.


Onwards to the church

Dating back to the 11th century this beautiful church stands proud in the heart of the village

Past "cat country" Milly's on all alert here and homeward bound.  Did you enjoy that Milly?

I think so