I have lots to share with you today, so in case I forget later, I'll start with the wonderful presents I received. The first one was from Judi (no blog), who had called in at Hancock's of Paducah (a world famous p&q shop, for those of you who don't quilt!) ........ and not only did she get a catalogue for me, but she bought me some Ghastlies fabrics!! Now I have no excuse ...... I must add these fabrics to the ones I already have to make something special!
The second parcel was from Vee ........ a piece of beautiful fabric, and one of her exquisite needle felted bears
The bear is tiny - here she is with my engagement ring, to show how small she is
Quite some time ago, I had signed up for Vee's "pay it forward" ....... but poor Vee was struck down by illness and needing surgery before she could send out her gifts, so I had actually forgotten all about it, and had to email her to check on the rules. It's quite simple - having received my gift, I now pay it forward ........ if you would like to join in, all you have to do is let me know (I'll include the first 3 to leave a comment or email) - I have a year in which to send you a small gift, then when you receive it, you send out gifts to a further three. (I hope you followed that!)
Now for being back in the old routine ....... early this morning (6.45) I headed out for a walk, which I do in the summer instead of using the implements of torture fitness machines. The sheep across the road were just stirring
The air was full of the scents of summer
It was already warm, and the Minto Hills were hazy in the distance
This little snail was meandering along
Everything is so much greener than it was 3 weeks ago when we went away
did you spot the rabbit sitting in the road?
On the way down the hill, this Jacob's ewe was peering through the gate .........
........ then on the way back, she rounded up her lambs and moved away as I approached
However, she obviously decided that I wasn't a threat, and came over to the gate
But as soon as I turned the camera to the lambs, she moved back to guard them ....... you can just see her in the bottom left of the photo
We had our usual trip into Hawick this morning, and had a look in the Oxfam Shop. They had lots of these little jars, full of buttons. They were only 99p each ....... some kitchenware shops charge at least that just for the jars!
As always , I bought some patchwork and craft magazines in Majorca (I will be sending one to Rachel as part of the giveaway prize!)
This cross stitch book was free with one of the magazines
If you were wondering where in the garden I have been taking these photos ....... it's our little love seat on the deck
When we came home, we were delighted to see that we had new neighbours ...... a pair of tits have moved into one of the bird boxes in the back garden (but not one of Malcolm's lovingly crafted ones, but one which was really bought as a garden ornament!) This afternoon in the summer house, I set up the camera on the tripod, with the big lens on ....... then I waited and I waited and I waited!! Eventually a little head peeped out .......
...... then after another long wait, the other tit swooped in
popped its head through the hole for a blether
paused
then flew off
I still have lots of holiday photos to show you, but a lot of them are shadow shots (you know you are a shadow addict when you carefully arrange your cake, cup and teapot to create a shadow shot!), so I'll be posting them over the next few weekends.