Work ethics

This weekend it was cold on our beaches in Lincolnshire. The wind whistled across from the north sea and we wore jumpers and jackets as we strolled along looking at the beach hut exhibition. But some of us were carrying on with their jobs stoically. Giving delight and raising a smile on the faces of small children. Carrying on  work with a long tradition; a job description  little changed for fifty years. At the end of the summer season there is a  prize for the best turned out employee, maybe with the most  professional attitude to their work.... and then there is a long holiday, a chance to relax, run round a field, eat lots and reflect on a job well done... So here they are Buzz and Bart , two chaps from a team of seven, cheerful, brushed, saddled, and waiting to be ridden....

Hidden talents

We  have been  in the middle of a major redecoration of our dining room for some time. Well actually it feels like years... woodchip wallpaper has been scrapped off and Mr Johnson the plasterer has magically made the walls smooth and mended 100 year old surfaces. Its all white, wonderful and I know ever inch of the terracotta floor tiles personally... they have been pressure washed, scrapped, scrubbed, oiled, beeswaxed, polished....and now they shine. But best of all is the new dresser. I showed husband a picture and he went into the garage and five days later look what he had made! And painted it too when I thought my arms would fall off from all the polishing... and its got lovely big wooden handles too... I'm very pleased and I promise never tease him about his garden gnome again...

South Common summer fete

At the end of July local people organised a summer day fete on our common. It wasn't a commercial affair, no burgers or ice creams, nothing to buy really, but lots to do for families. There was pond dipping with the conservation students, archery, guided walks, willow weaving, wood carving, just country things.... Best of all were the three teams of heavy horses, who turned the cut grass, stood to receive all compliments so graciously, and were the stars of the day. Eight legs completely in harmony as they cornered at the end of each row without any tangles too!

 












It was a lovely day, so good to see people just sitting under the trees, watching, chatting to their neighbours, playing with the children and remembering childhood memories of the common. Max and Jill ran a children's art competition and pictures were drawn of the things they could see. It was simple celebration of our wonderful common.

Celebrations

  It seems more important  than ever that we should celebrate the things we are good at. Last weekend the Impish Quilters held an exhibition of quilts they have made in the last few years. The display was the village hall at Hackthorn, a beautiful setting with a duckpond, stables and and pony gymkarna going on in the next field. The sun shone, the cakes were amazing and we had 150 visitors . Outside the quilts fluttered in the breeze and inside they hung from the big quilt stands made by Geoff. The skill and talent of the makers was very apparent, quilts, cushions and Amish dolls filled the hall in a riot of colour. Watch out for any local quilt shows near you - they are always worth a visit! This a photo of my friend Jill's quilt.

Families

Families are things to be treasured. But sometimes they get forgotten and time goes by. Then maybe by chance you find them again. Everyone is  looking a little older and some are not always in the best of health. But they are still loved, deserve care and attention, they may become good friends with new children one day... So in the next few days I will be attempting the first total body transplant for a member of our monkey family..... he has a nasty case of stuffing disease! So now and again look in your attic and just check that your own families of treasured teddies are ok!

Families

Families are things to be treasured. But sometimes they get forgotten and time goes by. Then maybe by chance you find them again. Everyone is  looking a little older and some are not always in the best of health. But they are still loved, deserve care and attention, they may become good friends with new children one day... So in the next few days I will be attempting the first total body transplant for a member of our monkey family..... he has a nasty case of stuffing disease! So now and again look in your attic and just check that your own families of treasured teddies are ok!

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...