Admirers

Janet has had a spam e mail. It says she has 'numerous authentic admirers available' and to send a cheque to get their addresses. But  Janet says she bets they won't be any good at doing the ironing, so doesn't think she will bother. We wondered what they might look like, these admirers... tall, dark haired, with a twinkling eye and a pencil line moustache, would they Sweep Her Away on a cruise? We are sure they wouldn't be safe in taxis, as granny used to say...So here is a vintage paper pattern for a silk dressing gown for just such a man, so you will be able to spot an admirer if you get a message like Janet...

Support your local shop

Its good to support your local shop. In Lincolnshire we have lots of farm shops. This week I bought asparagus from a outside a backdoor, putting the money in the honesty box, so much easier than the serve yourself machine in the supermarket... no bossy voice... no unexpected item in the bagging area either! Soon it will be strawberries  in lovely recyclable cardboard punnets, black currants, raspberries, and the jam cupboard will be full. But recently I found a new place to buy eggs. From very happy hens. Whose business was doing very well, earning lots of money for new furnishings in the nest box.....Well you'd buy from them too wouldn't you!

Hippo and quilt exhibition

At the weekend we went to Uppingham. For the quilt exhibition and the real ale, not both at once... The quilts were displayed in the church and each pew had a least three beautiful quilts draped on it. The colours were fantastic. The level of skill was huge. I had a lovely time looking round. But someone was outside, not invited in, but with a rainbow quilt to snuggle under..... I thought you might like to see him... he was standing outside the Goldmark gallery.

Another Mary moment

Mary Newcomb was a rural artist who painted pictures of the strange and wonderful things we see in everyday life. Jill and I have started to collect 'Mary Moments' which  we happen upon during the week. They may be  very simple things, or quirky, or funny, but they add delight to our days. So when I was in Southwell on a very rainy day I spotted this Mary Moment outside the bank. I wish I knew what the dogs were called but for now I think it was something oldfashioned like Sid and Mabel. They look as though they are waiting for the bus to come...

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...