Weekend

It's been a hectic week. We exchanged contracts on the house, finally, and now have to find a place to rent. So yesterday morning Jay took a couple of hours off work and we went and viewed one. It was awful: smelly, grotty and no outdoor space for Joe. Depressing.

Still, onwards and upwards I suppose (didn't stop us drinking celebratory beers in the garden last night - the legal stuff was a big worry and it was such good news to hear things are progressing as they should).

And yes, that picture up there is the dress I made (finished on Tuesday). It has pleats and everything. I've even worn it - twice - so it's now in the washing basket but I promise there'll be some photos of me awkwardly modelling it soon.

I'm now suffering from sewing fatigue. It was emotional.

I'm also pleased to announce I'm now a member of the blogging team over at Garlic and Sapphire, the Sarah Raven Kitchen and Garden site. My first post is here if you'd like to see. 

I was so excited to join as I do love writing, especially about the outdoors. My notebook is filling up with hastily scribbled-down thoughts and ideas for future posts.

I've been taking photos of the garden and, all being well, it's the last spring I'll be doing that at this house. Actually it's just occurred: our completion date is June 20th, so the first full day at the new place (wherever that may be) will be the longest of the year. We'll have to have a Pagan celebration!

The weather this week has been glorious for the most part and today I took Joe to Kenyon Hall Farm. The strawberry fields are currently in flower and if this sunshine continues they'll have a bumper crop. Fruit picking is such a nice thing to do, and the strawberries there taste heavenly.

It was really warm so we walked the perimeter of the fields and explored the hedgerows. The scent of the hawthorn blossoms was quite potent in the heat, and Joe loved playing with the mown grass. We also had the customary toy tractor ride in the polytunnel but it was stiflingly hot and stepping back out into the fresh air was lovely.

There's a trip to the market in Ramsbottom tomorrow for some seasonal fruit and vegetables, then another house viewing and later on we're entertaining. 

And it's my birthday on Sunday. Jay, Joe and I are heading over to Gisburn, Lancashire for a family lunch and I'm really looking forward to it: there's a little family-run Italian restaurant where they welcome little ones and the surrounding countryside is really beautiful. I fully intend to eat lots and drink a glass of something sparkling.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.