Needles, pins and thimbles

Recently I went to an exhibition of vintage sewing equipment. Just the sort of thing I loved in my mother's wicker sewing basket as a little girl. Cards of white calico covered buttons  named 'The Imperial' and 'The Night Owl'. Cardboard reels of waxed linen  thread called 'The Sentry', used for sewing buttons on to my dad's army uniform. A wooden darning mushroom I remember her using to darn her stockings...The packet of needles with Flora Macdonald on the front. These are all displayed in deep picture frames in my sewing room now, along with a button hook  and a treasured set of Braeloo ribbons for replacing the straps on ones petticoat.... But here is one of the things from the exhibition which I so wish I owned.....and you never know what will turn up in all the charity shops I visit...

Mud, baths and life

Barney's legs don't all work together any more. Sometimes the back ones get in a tangle. Often the front ones trip over themselves. Most of the time I pretend I haven't noticed... its a question of his dignity and doggy pride. He doesn't know he's getting old. In his mind he is still chasing those rabbits at full belt, tail waving like a big flag... But today was different. Today he took himself off to the bog when I wasn't looking. And got in. And couldn't get out. So after a struggle to get him out and me not in, if you see what I mean, we tottered home. For a bath. Not a popular move with someone... but hey, there are fish skins for tea and life is not so bad...

Important recycling

Today I have been doing important recycling. At my local charity shop. I am aware its an addiction, I can't walk by without going in. And I know that lots of you have the same urge. Its next to the level crossing in Lincoln and when the barrier is down I could wait patiently for the train to come. But also I could do some recycling....all those lovely things which have been donated by kind people...So here is my gorgeous new (to me) skirt... its saving the earth too...

In love

He follows her everywhere, they are often found in our garden. Clearly he adores her. He invites her for long walks through the daffodils and occasionally they go swimming together. He wears his best jacket with a green hood and a very dashing pair of yellow socks, all to impress her. But she flirts , pretends she can't see him, walks off in a huff, looking for someone better....Maybe they will settle down in the end and have a family. After all, he is a fine handsome chap, a girl could do worse.....

Mothers' Day

Bunches of daffodils, lunching out, chocolates? No, the best pressie is tickets to Crufts best in show day. So daughter and I set off for Birmingham NEC for a day with hundreds of dogs. They come in all sizes and colours. One reminded me so much of our previous spaniel...we spent a long time chatting to her...

Business opportunities sprang to mind. Should I make quilted coats for chilly terriers or stylish bibs for munching St Bernards? There were crystal studded collars and tartan leads, beds which looked so comfy...after a long day being on best behaviour some people got so tired they went to sleep...

We had such a lovely day and everyone seemed so happy. Even the dogs who didn't win. So if you have a St Bernard who would like a bib, just let me know!

Stripes

During the cold weather we all need woolly jumpers. These come in lots of colours and patterns. Some of us are tall and slim, but those of us who are  smaller and curvy know that horizontal stripes may be not such a good choice. But when the stripes are in lovely pinks and the jumper is a perfect fit, then we should just enjoy being cheerful and warm.... at the Unravelled Knitting Day, Farnham Maltings.....

Illusions

A lady called 'Mouse' is worried that her blog http://mousenotebook.blogspot.com/ gives the impression that she lives a perfect life. and her life is not perfect, it has up and down days just like the rest of us. But she takes beautiful pictures and makes lovely things and likes to write about them and her blog is full of interesting thoughts. Now I wonder any of you think I live the perfect country living life here in muddy Lincolnshire?  Is my house a spotless haven of calm and order? Well I'm just going to show you two things. My ironing pile and the piano lid.
















Because its important not to give a false impression, to create an illusion...   And yes I did buy a Country Living magazine today and drifted off to a sunny, dust free place over my lunch time soup. Because we all need a rest from reality now and again.