It hasn't been a very nice day today - cold, wet and windy. So these photos are to cheer me up - but I hope you like them too!
This little tree is in our front garden. I'm glad I took the photos on Monday when the blossom was at its best - it has been a bit battered by the wind and rain since then.
I love the way the flowers start off a deeper pink, then turn paler as they open out.
That's better!
After our lovely lunch yesterday, we decided to take the long way home and take in a bit of local history and scenery. Our first stop was here
to see the statue of William Wallace (we didn't walk on to see the Temple of the Muses - we're saving that for another day).
I would have run away very quickly if I had encountered him on the battlefield!
We were brought up on tales of William Wallace and his defeats of the auld enemy. You might not appreciate the scale of the statue from the first photo, so this one shows you just how big it is!
Our next stop was at Scott's View. I hope you can read at least some of the information on the 3 plaques (I think you will get an enlarged version if you click on them)
and now for the view!
Unfortunately it wasn't the clearest of days, but it is still a spectacular view across to the Eildon Hills
Looking down to the River Tweed gives you an idea of the drop down to the valley (did I mention I don't like heights?!)
I forgot to post this photo yesterday - yes - it's Malcolm's socks
Have a super weekend, love, Anne
This week, we have had a change to our usual routine, doing the housework today instead of tomorrow, and going out for lunch today instead of yesterday (oooh - we are just such little devils!!) So, it was off to St Boswells, to lunch at The Main Street Trading Company - a wonderful mix of coffee shop, books, gifts and antiques (and did I mention books?) We arrived a little early for lunch (we are always early!), so first we relaxed with a cuppa and the papers
After including a photo of wild garlic in Tuesday's post, it was one of those funny little coincedences to find that one of the soups on today's menu was chickpea and wild garlic! Of course I chose that, while Malcolm had the pea and ham ..... and we also shared a wonderful venison sausage sandwich
After lunch, we had a browse round the shop
a good selection of antiques
lots and lots of books
more books and gifts
and a wonderful selection of children's books.
Did I buy I book? Oops, I spent all of this month's pocket money and bought two!!
I read Mimi's column every Sunday in You magazine, so I'm looking forward to reading her book
I could have bought this book just for the beautiful baby on the cover!! The patterns are gorgeous and the whole layout is delightful - a book to pick up and browse through, as well as use!
We had a bit of a detour on the way home, to take in some history and some stunning scenery - come back tomorrow and I'll tell you the rest of the story!
..... but I am the proud possessor of O Level Spanish! When I was in 6th year at Airdrie Academy, I was allowed to compile my own timetable. This was easily done with the few subjects I was going to sit exams in, plus lots of 'free' periods - which we had to spend 'studying' in the school library supervised by a teacher. I was on the way to the office to hand my timetable in, when I met the Rector. Now, he probably wouldn't have spoken to any other 6th year pupil, but unfortunately, he knew me - he had taught my Dad (one of my Latin teachers had also taught my Dad), my sister has been at the Academy before me, and my brother was there, 4 years behind me. On finding out why I was wandering the corridors, he had a look at my timetable - and declared that I would have to take another subject. He suggested that I went to see one of the other Latin teachers and ask to join his O Level Spanish Class. Now, I was not at all pleased about this, mostly because I did not want to learn Spanish, but also because I had previously been taught by this teacher - he was best known throughout the school for putting his hand in his trouser pocket and scratching!!
However, I did study Spanish for a year and somehow managed to pass the exams. But I didn't actually learn to speak Spanish (apart from the minimal amount for the oral exam) - I merely learned to read and translate it.
I have long since forgotten it all, but that didn't prevent me from buying these two wonderful magazines on holiday
and this wonderful knitting book
but even if I could still remember any Spanish, it wouldn't help me with this magazine .....
...... which is Italian! I had only looked at the wonderful photos of the needlework projects - it was Malcolm who actually looked at the text, didn't think it looked like Spanish, then saw that the adverts were for Italian products and shops!
This morning I had a potter along Hawick High Street. First stop was the bank to pay a bill, but after that things improved! A quick trip into WH Smith to buy the papers and this month's Sew Hip magazine, then on to the Shelter charity shop, where something was calling to me as I went in the door - buy me, buy me
nineteen balls at 50p each - how could I resist!
lovely colours and textures, with a little glint of silver - I think this could be a throw.
After a quick stop for a cuppa (I resisted the scones - with difficulty!) the last stop was at Morrisons for a bit of shopping. Hooray, the first British strawberries have arrived
They look, smell and, most importantly, taste absolutely fabulous, with a lovely texture. Compare them with these ones at the Sunday market in Pollensa
these ones might win a prize for the biggest strawberries ever, but they don't have a lot of flavour and even when they appear very ripe, they are still quite hard. Home grown is definitely best!
After an enjoyable lunch of homemade leek and potato soup and toast, we headed off to Harestanes for a walk. Unfortunately the weather wasn't as good as our last walk there on Easter Sunday, but it was nice to get out in the fresh air (instead of doing the ironing!). Last time, the bluebells were just starting to flower, but now they are starting to go over. However, the carpet of blue under the trees is lovely
The smell from the wild garlic was quite strong in the rain, and the flower shone white against the wet leaves
Malcolm had to keep stopping for me to catch up, as I was sidetracked by another photo opportunity - like this tiny purple flower (it's about the size of a shirt button!)
suddenly, we came to the end of the woods and came out on to the road, to see this wonderful view
as we turned round to retrace our steps, I had to take this photo - there is just something appealing about old fence posts and walls (or am I just weird?)
on the way back, we had a slight detour to the Woodside garden centre for a cuppa
it was raining when we came out, so Malcolm kindly held the umbrella over me as I took photos of the wisteria
and the tree peonie
If you are thinking about coming to the glorious Scottish Borders for a holiday, then I can recommend this cottage owned by local artists Hugh and Lindsay (you've met Lindsay already - the organiser of the Woolgatherings). Do have a look - the cottage is well-situated not only for exploring the Borders, but also for crossing the border into Northumberland, which has numerous wonderful castles to visit, including Alnwick Castle, with its wonderful gardens.
This has turned out to be a marathon post - especially as I keep pausing to watch a fascinating programme about the 'six degrees of separation'!
It has been a really miserable day here. There has been a heavy mist, which at times has turned into drizzle - and it has been cold! So obviously I needed something for today's post which would cheer us all up. I was standing looking out of the kitchen window at the miserable weather, when I realised the answer was right in front of me - my lovely orchids! (you will notice I haven't taken photos of them in situ, but rather on top of the bookcase in the lounge, so that there was a plain wall behind them)
This is my newest orchid, which I just bought a few weeks ago. It is just so lovely, I couldn't resist it (and it was a special offer!)
The markings on the flowers are wonderful - I think it would make a lovely embroidery.
These last two flowers have been hanging on for weeks - again the markings are lovely.
This pale pink one has been in flower for a couple of months, but is starting to fade - you can see the bottom flower is getting ready to fall off!
Just starting to flower, this one is a strong pink.
But as you can see, the markings on this one aren't as strong.
Isn't this one superb - and with a butterfly just landed on it! ...... oh all right, the orchid is real, but the flower spike is silk - it just adds a bit of interest until the orchid flowers again!
I hope my orchids have provided a little bright spot for you in this grey day!
After my success with dealing with my Ipod shuffle yesterday, I decided to go for broke on the technology front! I had read and reread the instructions for putting a link to flickr on the side bar .... it's really strange, you know what the words mean individually, but when you read them together, your brain freezes and you might as well be reading a foreign language!! So I told myself - you're a big girl, you're (reasonably) intelligent, how hard can it be? Then I remembered the advice I give people when teaching them patchwork - don't read the instructions from start to finish, you'll only become totally bewildered - just start with the first step and when you've done that move on to the second step ... and so on. Well ... it worked, and I now am the proud possessor of a link to my photos on flickr!!
And here is a little tease that might make you want to see more ....
I hadn't intended to do a post today, but we had such a wonderful walk in the bright sunshine this morning, that I thought I would share it with you.
We went to Harestanes which is just off the A68 at Ancrum near Jedburgh. There are several walks, a visitor centre ..... and the Crafts Courtyard Designers.
But first, the walk
Who is this handsome man who keeps appearing in my photos!
The path we followed is part of St Cuthbert's Way, which goes from Melrose to Lindisfarne - at 100km, just a little too far for a Sunday morning stroll.
These ferns are bursting with life ....
.... but this amazing old tree hasn't stirred yet.
Malcolm spotted this little bit of fallen branch encrusted with lichen - the shadows show how sunny it was!
You can see Mr Duck at the top of the photo - but did you spot Mrs Duck towards the bottom?
If only you could smell this photo of wild garlic!
The first bluebells - my Dad used to play 'The Bluebells of Scotland' on the violin - our dog used to howl along with him - and the dog was more tuneful!!
The end of the walk, with the Harestanes buildings in the background.
In the shop area of the visitor centre, I spotted some of Uncle Roy's products - they are a real taste of Scotland. I love their Moffat Meadows salt, but haven't yet tried their chocolate mustard!!
We then had lunch - delicious broccoli soup, which was served with crusty bread - and a little bowl of grated cheese to sprinkle on top of the soup - yummy.
Lastly, it was into the courtyard to visit the little craft shops, my favourite of which is the most wonderful handbag shop - the handbags are absolutely gorgeous, and I was very fortunate when Malcolm gave me one the Christmas before last - do click on the link, then drop heavy hints to husbands/partners for future presents!
Last night, it was off down that road to Chesters again - this time for this month's Rural meeting. We were going to learn about painting on glass. I really wasn't to sure about this - I just can't draw or paint - no matter how many times I am told everyone can draw if they just try!! However, I paid close attention as Sheila explained how to do it ....
Now please don't laugh too much when I show you my painted glass!
Oh go on then, it deserves to be laughed at. This is actually one of the things I doodle - a little pansy. Sometimes when people see my sewing, they say ' oh, I haven't the patience to do that' ..... well, I discovered I don't have the patience for painting on glass - tracing the design, sticking it inside the glass, then painting it - my doodle was enough for me!
Today, Malcolm and I headed up to Edinburgh, to visit the newly opened Hobbycraft store. There is an amazing amount of stuff - but I have to agree with my friend Tricia, who thought that although there are supplies for lots of crafts, it tends to be the basics, rather than specialist supplies - which I guess we will still have to get online. Malcolm got some art supplies, but this is all I bought ...
However, I made up for it when we went to Borders!
Did you notice that both these books were written by a Debbie - do you think if I change my name to Debbie I will miraculously become a fabulous knitter?!
Yesterday, it was off down the road to Chesters for another Woolgathering, organised as always by Lindsay . I spent the day stitching away on 'Sunset' - but it doesn't look much different, so instead I'll show you Lorraine stitching away on her entry.
As always, there was lots of knitting and sewing, but also we had Anke first carding fleece from one of her own sheep ....
.... and then spinning it .....
When I got back home, Maolcolm's sisters Jennifer and Judith had arrived for a visit. After a lovely dinner (cooked by Malcolm) we went out for a walk. These primroses were glowing in the early evening sun
I think this is a little wild violet - but to the right of it is a nasty stinging nettle!
Of course, we had to stop and admire the lambs - it's amazing how much noise these tiny creatures make!
Later on in the evening, when perhaps wine had been quaffed, I managed (after numerous attempts!) to take this photo of Malcolm and his sisters
It turned into a very late night, as they looked at old family photos and reminisced about their childhoods.
This morning we went into Hawick for a wander round the shops - I bought this sock wool to knit a pair for Malcolm (I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't knitted any socks for him, they have all been for me!!)
I haven't used this brand of sock wool before - as you can see from the label it's German. I will be knitting the socks when we are on holiday, so I'll report back when we return.
Last week I forgot to show you this delicious lace yarn, which I received from Helen
If you haven't already done so, please do check out her website to see her wonderful wool (you can see the website address on the ballband).
Having finished three things last week, I decided I was allowed to start something else. Next on the to-do list was a shawl, so I made a start on Saturday evening - I didn't get much done, as it took me so long to wind the skein in to a ball!
Eventually, it should turn into a swallowtail lace shawl - I downloaded the pattern from here. I have problems reading charts, so I think there may be naughty words said and even tears shed, but I am determined to do it!!