Making the most of the weather

The sun has been out for most of today, so I decided I had better get out and try and sort the borders,  especially the one where we lost the large shrub.  Its funny I don't actually miss it now and it does mean that I could move some plants around. There is still plenty of gaps and I need to decide what to put in them.  But for now its been weeding, cutting back and generally turning the soil over, and trimming the edges of the lawn.  My back and knees are letting me know I've been doing a lot of bending.  A soak in a hot bath is in order.

Chateau de la Ruche goes to BBC Countryfile magazine - this is their ad in a European Breaks feature

and this is my latest cast on, the socks are still in the making but its always good to have something else to fall back on.  Yes, another sweater for me.  I'm using Sirdar Harrap Tweed in a jade green

Yesterday was a dull day but we got out for a long walk, just under 10 miles.  We took a walk that we used to do when living at our previous home, but in reverse.  Starting at the St Ives Guided Bus and walking along the river via Holywell, Needingworth, Brownhill Staunch, Over, Swavesey and then back onto the busway path as we were running out of time (I was going to knitting group) and it was getting a bit muddy underfoot.

My completed Ellen cardigan, its very cosy, I wore it on Monday and I'm very happy with it.  I actually made this a size larger and longer than my last one as I wanted a more relaxed fit and it looks great with jeans

Tonight we are off to the theatre to see a production of Rebus - Long Shadows at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, we will pop into Yippee Noodle Bar for dinner.  I always have the same thing every time we go - Salt and Pepper Squid followed by Yippee Noodles, I'm always worried I'll be disappointed if I have something else, sad I know but I like what I like.

Tomorrow we are off to RHS Hyde Hall for a treat as its my special day, I'll be sure to take plenty of photos - bye for now

Saturday picture post.... and good news

Friday - soda bread

Roast vegetable soup

February socks cast on

Windy walking - its a shame you can't actually see just how windy it is today.  At points pushing me over, and believe me that's not so easy these days!!

We woke this morning to a slightly leaning shrub, planning to sort it once we got home from our walk, but alas by the time we got in it was like this.  The shrub was obviously pot bound when it went into the ground and the roots were very shallow, so I'm surprised it stayed up as well as it did.  Its a shame as I liked this one and I had wanted to keep some the plants from the original garden, but Peter was more than happy to cut it down and put it through the shredder.  Still I now have a large spot in the border that will need filling.  Cue trip to the garden centre

And now onto the big news -  for the past year Rebecca, Tim and the boys have been taking part in the filming of series 2 of 

Escape to the Chateau DIY, which goes out from next Monday 18th February.  Its on for 6 weeks, every week day at 5pm on Channel 4.  They will be featured from w/c 25th February.  To read Rebecca and Tim's news and share in the love for the chateau click on the picture below and it will take you to their Instagram page

Escape to the Chateau DIY

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Wired .........

No, I've not been drinking lots of coffee, today was the first monthly Thursday Flower Club of 2019, and we learnt how to wire flowers.  I'm not sure if it will be something I would do that often, as its a terrible waste of blooms but its good to know how to and to appreciate the work involved.  Its very time consuming.

 I have placed this on my kitchen windowsill in the hopes that it will dry out naturally, so that I am able to then keep it, I know the leaves will shrivel but I'm hoping the wire will keep them straight.  Only time will tell.

This week I shared on Instagram a new read and the yarn I plan to use for February's socks - yet to be cast on

I started this book on Tuesday morning, went to knitting group in the afternoon where I worked on my cardigan sleeve.  My knitting has not been out of the bag since, every spare minute has been spent reading.  The book is now finished and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I cannot remember the last time I picked up a book and just read.  It will now head out to France on our next visit, for our daughter to read.  Though I have a feeling she won't be picking it up anytime soon, due to the amount of guests booked in.  All to the good, guests mean more in the coffers for the next stage of renovations.

Dinner tonight has been cooked by Peter, third night this week he's done dinner.  I'm being spoiled.  He's even said he has plans for tomorrow nights so who am I to complain.  More knitting/reading time for me.

Now to decide what to read next. I have a pile of titles that we received for Christmas so plenty to choose from, though some of Peter's might not be my cup of tea.

Draughts be gone

 I finished the draught excluder.  I love it, it looks so smart and cost me nothing apart from time - well I say nothing, at some point I parted with cash for the yarn and filling but that was a good while ago.  Peter says it looks too good to put on the floor but why not have nice things in your home. No pattern just 56 stitches and a small circular, 4 colours alternated in anyway you like.  I finished off with 3 buttons - also from stash.

We've had another bright cold day today, so took ourselves off for a walk along the river.  It was good to see so many people out enjoying the sunshine, but not too many to spoil the quiet. I love the reflections of the trees in the river.  The water is so clear at this time of year.

Whilst I'm not keen on graffiti in public places, we were quite impressed with these under the guided busway.  Only visible to walkers and river users.  Goodness knows how much paint they used.

Back now to my cardigan sleeves. I do need to cast on my February socks and I'm thinking of another draught excluder for the patio doors, that would really shift some stash.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend

February

February 1st - We woke to another dusting of snow this morning.  All gone now as it was just the wet stuff and not too cold out.  I just popped out to the village shop for bread and it didn't feel too bad.  Its dull but I have some beautiful daffodils to brighten up the house

These below arrived this morning along with our two poorly littlies, we had them yesterday too.  Both have throat infections but are definitely on the mend.  We may do a bit of baking later if they feel up to it. They are currently snugged up on the sofa watching tv with Pops. The daffodil buds should be out just as the other go over thus prolonging the bright spots.

My draught excluder is coming along.  Much to my surprise my hall curtains arrived yesterday, so not the 3-5 days delivery after all, that was a bonus.  Peter put the track up and I pressed and hung them.  Whilst making the hallway darker, I hoping they will keep the hall a bit warmer.

The excluder is about halfway along and I'm enjoying making up the pattern and using up some of the chunky stash.  Not sure how I will finish the ends, I may draw them up and add a pompom or I may flat seam one end and finish the other with buttons.  I'll see how I feel when I get to that point.

Right time for coffee and a few more rows of knitting.  Stay warm x