BLANKET, FINISHED AT LAST!

So, at long last, I have finished my granny square blanket. Oh yes, it has taken a while! I started it back in July 2012 when I was on a long car journey to our holiday in the Orkney Islands, the first time I'd crocheted since the 1970's. I did struggle with it at first and ended up casting it to one side for many months. Finally this summer I decided enough was enough, picked it up again and really got to grips with it. The pattern is by Drops, the wool, Drops Delight. I didn't quite follow the pattern in the end but I'm pleased it's finished and I'm very pleased with it. I intend keeping it in the lounge, it'll keep my feet cosy as the winter evenings creep in.

Hopefully it won't be too long before I crochet something else, though probably not another blanket, at least, for a while. I'm looking out for some ideas to inspire me.

I've also knitted these fingerless mittens and I've already completed one of another pair. A friend gave me the easy to follow pattern and the wool I'm using is Sirdar, Click, double knit.

It's nice to knit something that is finished so quickly for a change, just a couple of evenings in front of the tv and they're done.

Earlier this week we had a very foggy morning here and walking Charlotte & Jessica to school we saw the most amazing spider webs. I couldn't resist taking a few photos and the girls intend to use some of the pictures for halloween next month. I don't know what for yet but, they said that they will be very useful.

It certainly is a sign that Autumn is well and truly upon us.

 This weekend has seen me out in the garden, cutting back shrubs and tying up hardy plants that though straggly now are still giving such a lovely display of colourful flowers.
A visit to my daughter in law Jo this morning saw her bringing in the last of her homegrown veg from the garden. I returned home laden with tomatoes and an enormous overgrown courgette.
This week soup will be on the menu here and hopefully some for the freezer too!

JUBILEE WEEKEND!

Our family was away on holiday last weekend, so we felt quite, "home alone!"

Even though we live alone anyway, it was strange not getting the odd phone call or having one of them or all of them dropping by. Despite the most dreadful weather, we still managed to enjoy the jubilee weekend. 

                                       

Whilst watching some of the royal festivities on the tv I completed knitting Jessica's waistcoat and nearly finished Charlotte's. Once they're done, I've just got to crochet the ties for both of them.

The yarn for the waistcoats and the new yarn here was purchased from Yarn Therapy in Chelmsford, discovered by Diane. I bought this yarn to crochet some granny squares, I also treated myself to a new crochet hook as well. Haven't started yet but will be very very soon!

I managed to dash out in the garden for a short time to prop up my drooping plants. Drooping not because of lack of water but because they'd been battered by it along with the help of gusting winds. I took the picture of this clematis because I didn't think it would last. Amazingly it did and has, still looking stunning today.

We spent a lovely evening with Miriam and Dave. Miriam cooked korean lamb on the bbq, which was really nice and for dessert I rolled out yet another chocolate swiss roll with raspberries.

And we also managed, when the weather did try to brighten up, to take an evening stroll along the seawall to Mill Beach.

A very relaxing weekend!

IS SUMMER ON ITS WAY AT LAST?

I'm sitting here this morning with the window open to hazy sunshine, the birds are singing and at long last, it is WARM!

Could it really mean that summer is on the doorstep, I really hope so. I'm sick and tired of still succumbing to turning the heating on in the evenings. It was lovely last night, we didn't close our patio door until gone 9pm and Michael even had to go out and water our vegetable garden as it dawned on us that we hadn't had any rain for a few days.

These are some pictures taken when we were out and about at the weekend.

Saturday evening at Wivenhoe, Essex

Sunday in Whitstable, Kent

Sunday in Herne Bay, Kent

AND this little book,

I have had for absolute years [as you can tell from the price!] but, thought I'd lost it!
On Saturday morning, while Michael was out helping our son build his garage/shed I had a choice of two jobs to keep me occupied, garden or loft. I chose the loft!
It is fairly organised up there, since I took it over as part of my domain and organised it! We do however seem to hang on to things that we really have no further use for, so up I went to have a rummage.
In a suitcase that contains some oddments of wool, a half finished jumper from the 1990"s, some odd knitting needles, a few postcards from America that my parents sent in the 1980"s, I found, right at the bottom my crochet stitches book. I have been looking for this everywhere, so I was really pleased! Now, I have everything in place to get back into crotchet.
I also managed to collect a black sack of rubbish for the dustman and a few items that may well find themselves on ebay in the coming few days.
After my descent, feeling pretty grubby and with a veil of cobwebs, I was still able to get out in the fresh air and do some gardening as well. Two great achievements for one Saturday morning, result!