Mum came over in the afternoon and we all ate together with a yummy pudding courtsey of mum (altho' she lives nearby, and we see her and dad regularly when they are here, they spend about half the year in South Africa so we go for quite long periods without seeing them - in fact she left this morning to join dad and will be there until the end of March. Getting to spend time with them is cherished. Can't blame them but do miss them - already. Dad is even more impatient about Scottish winter weather so he headed back a week ago after a brief visit to see family for Christmas).
Then John and I headed off to the cinema while mum babysat. It was lovely to have time to ourselves and chill out for a while.
And on to the important bit.....presents! I seem to have hit the jackpot this year with some lovely, and at the same time, useful pressies. I have photographed some of them - really need to work on this photography lark as I keep ending up with pictures far more suited to selling on ebay than looking pretty on a blog.......or hopefully one day soon for sale online.....gulp.
I absolutely adore opening parcels. Even when I know what's inside and ordered it myself. If possible I'll delay opening them until I can sit down in peace and quiet with a cup of tea and savour every moment. But, to challenge my patience and sense of humour, the kids had absolutely no intention of letting me open things my way (slowly, systematically in between sips of hot tea). Oh no, three busy little hands, especially the smallest pair, dived in - tearing paper, scattering cards, and generally causing chaos. And having so much fun. Maybe they'll have learned to do it my way by the time they are 37.
But who can complain when they received this lovely lot? The bag is from Beth Rowland who's folksy shop is erin. She kindly made this bag with a longer strap so I can wear it across the body. There's really no way I can get by without two hands. In fact I could do with more but I don't think she could have helped there. The bag is fantastic and will be used as my everyday one. Filled with raisins, spare nappy, tissues etc etc. Would love to travel light but I'm useless at it. Maybe one day.
Next up is a stunning pile of fabric from saintsandpinners. I have used them a lot and love their fabrics and their quick friendly service. The green and orange are Park Slope and are old favourites (green must be sold out - perhaps I got the last bit?). The others are new to me. I particularly love the Alexander Henry bird seed - but have no idea what I'll do with it. I have a plan for the rest but the birds just seemed too pretty to resist.
Next bundle came from volksfaden who I've used once before and again are quick and friendly. The top three are Prints Charming. I have heard so much about the quality of their fabric and the intensity of their colours. Its all true. Simply stunning.
Next up is a knitting kit from here. The wool is an angora mix and so soft and a very pretty colour. May be somewhat of a challenge to make (for me - not insinuating anything about anyone ele's knitting skills) but I'm happy to take up that challenge.....just as soon as I have made Islay's, much smaller but still taking ages, top.
And finally I have a new bird feeder which will hopefully get the birds a bit closer to our house. Dad was seriously shocked when he heard that mum had bought me dried mealworms but I'm not the sort of girl to be bothered by a tub of mealworms on her bed before breakfast. Not keen on slugs and worms but mealworms are just fine. And the birds will love them.
Finally, definitely this time, I thought I'd show a picture of the chest I used to take the photos on. Its very bashed and battered but it has pride of place in our sitting room. It belonged to my grandad's sister (I think) and just belongs. And bashed and battered fits in very well with this house. In fact the chest, at about 100 years old, is a real spring-chicken in comparison. The house was built in the 1700s probably around 1750. We love it but it definitely has 'character'.
2 comments:
Grrr trying to leave a comment but blogger playing up, so sorry if you get this twice.
Love this post, I also like to take time in opening parcels, ideally with a coffee to hand, even when I know what's inside. Some great fabrics, some of my favourites there. I also love the trunk, I like furniture and objects with a bit of history.
Really enjoying reading your blog BTW and thanks for your comments over at The Linen Cat.
Bethx
Beth
Thanks so much. I really enjoy your blog and it has been a huge source of inspiration to me.
I have been quite shy about actually doing anything other than talk to myself on my blog but thought it was really time to start being brave about letting people know it was there....feeling a lot braver after your lovely comments.
Juliex
Post a Comment