Blog Awards

I have been tagged 3 times in the last few weeks by Maisey's Attic, Jo at The Good Life  
and finally Sue , Lavinder Lady.
I have resisted so far largely because I am aware that some people dislike being tagged and I do not wish to offend anybody. However I have decided, in the spirit of the gesture, to list the 7 items about myself that the awards called for without actually tagging anybody. Hope that's OK.
So here goes.....

No 1: I am the eldest of seven.

No 2: I am the daughter of a dairy farmer who has bred an award winning herd of Ayrshire cows with international acclaim. He started with sixteen cows milked by hand in 1963. This is my brother  (with Sandyford Clover 10)  who has taken over now Dad has retired.

No 3: I was the lead violinist of the junior section of my local youth orchestra aged eight. (You would hardly believe it if you heard me play now.)

No 4: I would love to be able to play the harp.

No 5: My last baby weighed 10lbs 10oz and was born at home. Afterwards, the two midwives, who were both friends, sat on the bed eating bacon butties with me. It was the best experience.

No 6: I am fascinated with hot air balloons and would love to take a journey in one.

No 7: I once won a Radio 1 competition about John Lennon with my brother.

I hope you all found that entertaining!

Thanks to all who tagged me.

Forgotten to add....

...that I saw my first swallow over the weekend.

(not actually this one)

A heartwarming sight watching it dipping and swooping through the air.

Weekend: Part 2.....

Well it's all been a bit damp here today, very showery. So not much gardening I'm afraid. The plants have stayed in the cobbled together Heath Robinson affair outside my back door that is my porch-come-greenhouse.....

But we did manage to dodge the showers long enough for my girl cub to take part in the St. George's day Parade......

And the band were brill, real rousing-spine-tingling-glad that I'm English-and gladder that I'm Northern kind of music.....

(and just look at the lovely stone buildings on our cobbled high street, such beauty despite the rain!)

Even so, here is a picture of my lovely birthday bouquet earlier this week to cheer you as it has cheered me this week. 

Plus I'm showing off what I think is a bit of an arty farty photo for me!

Weekend: The Story So Far.....

Friday evening letting off a bit of steam...

Saturday morning sneaking a sip of Mums tea....

Saturday afternoon a spot of potting on.....

and planting out.....




and admiring the show so far.....



It's going quite well thus far. Hopefully more tomorrow.
Happy Saturday one and all.

St. George

Good old St. George, believed to be a Roman Christian from Cappadocia, when travelling across Libya in the 3rd century, came upon a town being terrorised by a dragon. In order to save their sheep, the townsfolk offered up their maidens to the dragon instead (big of them eh!) However, George arrived in time to save the kings daughter,Cleodolinda, from the jaws of the dragon and in honour, the town converted to Christianity.

Imagine being this patriotic.....

Now that's what I call a brave man!

St George he was for England,
And, before he killed the dragon,
He drank a pint of English ale
Out of an English flagon.
G.K.Chesterton.

Happy St. George's Day.

Happy Birthday Ma'am

I think she is wonderful.

I'm proud to be British.

Knit and Crochet Combo

This is my lovely eldest wearing the first ever proper garment that I knitted as a teenager approx 30 years ago.

It is 100% pure acrylic purchased in Littlewoods.

I can't remember who I actually knitted it for but my Mum did wear it over jeans. She died two years ago and it was still amongst her things. She kept that tatty old sweater all those years I presume because she loved me and on this day 45 years ago I was her firstborn.

And the crochet....

These gorgeous little flowers, looped on a hair grip, which are quick and easy to do are courtesy of the fabulous Lucy over at Attic24. Check her out if you love colour and crochet. Her tutorials are the best I've seen for crochet. I keep urging her to write a book.

Footnote: She came home from school and had had so many comments about the sweater I am compelled to show you the pattern. 

 I think I chose it because the model resembles Nigel Havers who I have always fancied a bit!! 
Who would have thought acrylic would ever be vintage?