frayed at the edge

Blooming orchids

We may be in the middle of winter, but I still have orchids flowering on the kitchen windowsill.  This one has been flowering now for months

 

I bought this one recently in one of the local supermarkets - it only cost me £5!

 

this one isn't doing too well - it has only managed to produce three little flowers, which haven't managed to open properly

 

I have solved the problem of the too-hot chilli chocolate - I grated some into my hot chocolate this morning, so that it was tasty but not fiery

 

when we had our afternoon cuppa at patch'n'chat, we were joined by a customer and her husband ...... fortunately there were plenty of Annette's delicious fairy cakes

I forgot to show you the prize that Caroline won for the best suggestion for a New Year's resolution.  I gave her a selection of magazines from my stash, three Australian and two Spanish.  I think she has already bookmarked several projects!

 

we are heading over to Berwick in the morning.  Today's weather has been much better, so we are hoping that continues over the weekend and we will be able to go for a walk on the beach.   I hope you have a geat weekend, love Anne

 

An early start!I

Determined to take a nice selection of photos for you, I made an early start, catching this young robin in the bath just after 7am

 

I water the house plants every second Friday, and was delighted this morning to find another orchid has flowered.  It is just a teeny, tiny one, but the markings are striking

 

the lilies in the hall are going over and will soon head for the compost bin (please note that I managed to avoid getting my reflection in the mirror!)

 

 

the horses in the field across the road were having a leisurely morning

 

at patch'n'chat this afternoon, Margaret was working on another of her fabulous applique quilts (click on the photos to enlarge them to see the wonderful details of her embroidery)

 

Annette wasn't in the shop today, so we were worried that we wouldn't get our usual Friday cake ....... but all was well, as this wonderful raspberry and cream meringue roulade had been purchased from Border Meringues, whose shop is only a few minutes walk from Borderland Fabrics

 

back home, we had tacos for dinner ......... I liked the colours of the platter of accompaniments

 

 

at this point, I saved what I had written so far, as I had just taken some more photos, and wanted to include them  We started with a little bird having a bath after breakfast , and now we have a large one having a bath after dinner!

the forecast isn't too good for the weekend, but I am sure that won't stop us from having a visit to our lovely new holiday home.  I hope you have a good weekend, love Anne

 

A trip around the .......

........ there is a patchwork block called "trip around the world" (which the students will be doing next week).  I can't take you on world tour, but I can take you on a trip around the garden!  

The peony is a beautiful deep, deep red

 

a pretty shrub that I can't remember the name of!

 

these flowers smell slightly of garlic

 

a bud on the climbinng rose

 

another stunning clematis (that's my hand holding the flower up, which shows how big it is)

 

this little clematis just goes on and on flowering

 

the "alien" clematis flowers look somewhat more normal now!

 

the climbing rose on the back wall has been swamped by ivy, and has one lonely flower

        

 

this is a miniature rose, which we have had for years.  It was in a pot in our last garden, and is now planted out in a border

 

now that we have enjoyed the garden, let's pop into the kitchen, to see how the orchids are doing.  This first one might look a bit shabby, but it has been flowering since last December!

 

the orchids did very well last summer, and it looks as if they might even do better this year

 

this is the best orchid I have ever had - but I can't claim any credit for it, as my orchids have to thrive on neglect!

 

I have one last delight to share with you ........ the Friday cake.  A most delicious apple cake - there was some discussion as the whether we would prefer custard or ice cream with it!

 

I won't be sewing over the weekend, as we are doing something special - I'll tell you all about it on Monday.  I hope you all have a great weekend, love Anne

 

As I was saying .....

...... way back on Friday, two of my orchids started to flower while we were away

 

last weekend, when we were watching Star Wars, I googled Harrison Ford to see how old he is (I think he is 71)  The article also mentioned that he is married to Calista Flockhart, which had me reminiscing about the wonderful Ally McBeal ....... you know where this is going, don't you!  Yes, a few taps later and the box set was winging its way to me

 

on Friday at patch'n'chat I was working on my Sheena Norquay sampler ........ it's not long now until Abbey Quilters' exhibition, so we are all busy trying to get things finished.  I spent the afternoon working rather a lot of French knots

 

however, just as I was flagging, I was revived by a delicious cupcake with chocolate topping

 

we didn't go for a walk yesterday morning, partly because of the weather, and partly because my knee is still a bit sore.  I don't think I told you what happened ....... I think I just took an awkward step, and it felt as if all the bits of my knee went in different directions (yes, it was as painful as it sounds!).  My leg buckled under me and I ended up in an inelegant heap on the floor!  However a sore knee didn't stop me from enjoying some excellent sconnage for lunch - we shared a cheese one and a lemon and raisin one - delicious!

 

I heard from Tracey at the College on Thursday that it had been decided to have the samprer quilt class go ahead, whether or not someone else signed up for it, so I was busy yesterday writing out more of the instructions (one day I will manage to be tidy!)

 

it started to rain .........

 

......... and got heavier

 

........ and heavier

 

until I thought I was going to have to ask Noah to lend me his ark!

 

I'll be back tomorrow with some sewing.