Weekend Review - Summer has arrived

Yes folks, summer is here and boy are we happy to see her.  Some might say its hot, but I'm not going to complain.

So the weekend.  Saturday, we popped into Cambridge so Peter could get a haircut and I went and did a bit of shopping.  Actually quite successful.  Regular readers will know I don't 'do' shopping, so when I do I make it worth while.  Then back home so that I could finish rubbing down my craft table and get the first coat of paint on.  Drinks and dinner in the garden... bliss, then an early to bed for our early start on Sunday.

Here are a few Cambridge views for you

Cambridge Quayside with the traditional punts

River Camb towards Jesus Green

Jesus Green with houseboats - and ducks

Sunday - London to Cambridge Bike Ride - as I said an early start as we had to be at Picketts Lock on the outskirts of London for a 9am start.  Rachel and Peter were part of the YOT group taking 9 young people on their first experience of a long distance ride.  They had built their bikes and this was their opportunity to try them out. 

Once I got back to Cambridge - after a 20 minute sit on the M11 due to a vehicle fire - if I hadn't stopped for a break and a hot drink I would have missed this - I did have better fire pics but they were too blurry. I spent the day KIPing (KIP for non knitters is Knitting in Public).  I managed to knit the whole front of a jumper for Rufus, most of the time standing.  Not one person commented, lots of smiles but no comments.  I know the lady from Breakthrough Breast Cancer took some photos of me, so I may turn up on their website at some point.

7 of the 9 young people completed the ride with 2 dropping out around the 20 mile mark. It was a beautiful day, but maybe just a bit too hot by mid afternoon. It was a slow ride for Peter and Rachel which I know they found frustrating but worth it if helps give some troubled kids a new interest in their lives.

 

http://www.jointhegossip.com/

Weekend review

Another weekend has been and gone.  The weather actually wasn't too bad and we managed to get quite a few jobs done, along with some knitting.

This table belonged to Peter's nana, she used it in her kitchen, preparing all family meals on it.  I can't imagine having just that space to work on.  The top was really horrible having been changed a number of times, last being nasty green formica.  It's sat in our stable for years awaiting a new lease of life.  It will finally be my work table - I have taken over a corner of one of the spare bedrooms to set up my sewing machine.  I have a large bookcase for all my knitting patterns, books etc.  I plan to sort out my stash of yarn and materials to make them easier to access.  With the new top on, its just down to me to get it rubbed down, painted and clean up the handles.

I did another fun job, took apart the waste under the kitchen sink and cleaned it all out.  It was one of those fascinatingly gruesome jobs.  I actually managed to get it all put back together with no leaks.  My boss says he will have me plumbing up sinks next - I work for a kitchen design and installation company!!

The cardigans for Baby Jones#2 are now complete.  I won't knit anything else until we know what it is.  Not long to wait now, due at end of this month. Exciting! 

Whilst driving home today the Jeremy Vine Show had an item about knitting in public this is an article from the Telegraph - can you believe people complained about this. I didn't actually hear the phone-in part of the show, but it amazes me that people would find it a problem, very short sighted.


Lots of weeding and clearing up done, grass cut.  We are a bit lacking in colour at the moment.  Down the left side will soon have bursts of pink and yellow.  The far bed on that side has lots of daisies due out, but will need lots of work.  The brooms have got really large and need a good hack back as they are hiding other plants.  So much to do so little time.  I managed to be out there all day yesterday and only got 7 bites, which don't seem to be causing me any problems at the moment.  I am off to Hampton Court Flower Show this week, so hoping for some inspiration, this is the last of my birthday presents.  I love having my birthday spread out over the year.