Wednesday 12 November 2014

Midweek miscellany


So a whole week's flown by yet again. I think someone may have commented on here that time seems to go so much faster as we get older, and that definitely seems to be the case with me.

Thank you for all your comments on my last post - both about the photos and for the get-well wishes. Unfortunately I'm still full of a cold but to be honest I'd far prefer that to a stomach bug or similar. I don't mean to sound all Pollyanna but you have to look on the bright side, don't you?


Speaking of silver linings, it's very grey and wet here at the moment. Today's pretty awful weather-wise but we pluviophiles know there's pleasure to be had from being cosy indoors and watching the rain through the window.

Plus, Joe's weekly morning at nursery is on a Wednesday so we're not stuck indoors going slowly mad thinking of things to do.

I've had a few mini projects on the go this past week. First up: making no-sew cushion covers from old scarves (more on that here, if you're interested). They're fine for purely decorative purposes but not really any good for sitting on so they're propped prettily on the bed for now. I'd like to find a good long-term project for using my vintage scarves as they tend to be squirreled away in a cupboard.


My hyacinth bulbs are coming along nicely (they are best-suited to life in a cupboard - for now, at least). I've hidden them from Joe behind lots of jars and vases.


The wet weather held off until the past day or two and we've managed some walks. I usually take him for a wander through the village, around the churchyard and back home. There's a tiny park with swings and a little slide but (of course) he always makes a beeline for the puddles. 

We also do two or three playgroups each week. He gets to interact with other toddlers, to let off steam and to play with loads of different toys. I get to drink tea and talk to adults. 

Yesterday we observed the two-minute silence. It was fairly dignified despite Joe loudly repeating 'Climb on Mummy' and attempting to scale my legs the entire time. Luckily he wasn't the only noisy one.


Switching subjects: I've always wanted a Dala horse but have never had the luck to spot one at a car boot sale or charity shop. I did look some designs up on Pinterest and drew one. I then made a lino cut, printed it and have framed my new piece of Dala art. Here's a close-up of a slightly blotchy practice print. I'll share a photo of the framed version in situ once the light improves.


The geraniums in the kitchen are flowering again. I'm pleased. They're a rich crimson colour so look (prematurely) rather festive. Everything growing outdoors looks pretty dreadful to be honest. The whole place has been ravaged by the wind and rain and I have no intention of heading out there and sweeping up.

We're eating lots of hearty fayre: soups, sausages, potatoes galore. Jay made a potato and leek dish the other evening from the Diana Henry book I mentioned last week. It was a kind of Eastern European-Mediterranean crossover: mint, dill, olive oil. I loved it. Even better, there were leftovers for lunch the following day. Definitely one to add to our 'regulars' list.

I've been given a Sharon fruit. It tastes of very little, if I'm honest. Much nicer are the accompanying Medjool dates: plump, sticky and fudgy. You could almost tell yourself they're virtuous. As in, they're not cake or chocolate.

I hope you're having a good week despite the howling winds and driving rain...


10 comments:

  1. We're having a bit of respite from the howling wind and lashing rain but I don't think it will last.We seem to have had non-stop rain for about three days. The roads and fields are flooded and everything is pretty soggy. Great reasons to stay in and crochet. Or drink tea. Or whatever takes your fancy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The dala horse print looks brilliant! Hope you're feeling much better (and I think you're right a cold virus is better than a sick virus!). LittleR wasn't silent at all on Sunday during the remembrance minutes (in the supermarket) she was pressing her nose and making a buzz noise! I do enjoy your your miscellany. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've seen some vintage scarves framed and hung as beautiful wall art. A good way to enjoy them everyday without damaging them if they're precious. I've always wanted a Dala horse too. Have you seen the prices they reach on EBay and the like. Mad! I absolutely love your Dala print. I bet it is beautiful framed. Hope you are feeling better. Stay cosy. Bee xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. All I can say is thank the Lord for waterproof trousers on a school run! Your cushions look gorgeous. I always whip the cushions out from behind the boys rear ends when they sit on the sofas. I like them to look plumped all the time. Sam thinks I'm weird.
    Leanne xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Sarah, your lino print looks great....it's not something I've ever tried, but I would love to give it a go. Your window boxes still look cheery against the gorgeous stone.
    A great idea with the silk scarves too.
    We saw some sun today....after a heavy downpour. Wind and cloud is forecast for tomorrow....and I'm going walking .....just hope it doesn't rain.
    I had SO MANY colds when the boys were small.....hope you feel better soon.
    Jacquie x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely horse print, clever you. I'm just coming down with a cold, sigh, but like you I'm happy it's nothing worse. I used to like going to playgroups, I miss it a bit now. A group of us still meet up on Thursday mornings actually.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your no sew cushions and beautiful dala horse print. Looking forward to seeing the finished picture.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It sounds like a lovely week! A great use for your scarves!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dates are most definitely not cake, but have you ever tried making a gluten free cake, or even better, brownies with them? Yum!

    I'm a fellow pluviophile but the lack of light for photography on a gloomy, rainy day of Dala horse prints or anything else, is an unwelcome downside of loving the damp days isn't it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the cushions, full of such luxurious colour and texture. And the print is fabulous - I also adore Dala horses. The two I have were souvenirs from Denmark but I'd so love to stumble across one in a charity shop one day, for 50p...that would be nice! I hope you're feeling better now, and that your having a lovely weekend. xx

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...