Thursday 24 June 2010

Midsummer

This summer has been beautiful, thus far. More continuous sunshine than we have seen, for several summers. Today has been 23 degrees celcius. The roses are wonderful. The honeysuckle, too.The garden is a pool of perfume. So, take time out to savour it all, and give thanks for Midsummer.


The bees have been busy...we are up to twelve colonies. Not only are the colonies expanding, but it looks as though we may get a reasonable crop of honey, too. Although it doesn't do to 'count your chickens', as the saying goes. I live in hope!


It was Mother's birthday last week, so Nicky and I, and our menfolk, gave her afternoon tea. (Her choice). Freshly made sandwiches, cheese scones, fairy cakes, and strawberry-and-cream sponge sandwich. We managed to find some of the old-fashioned cake stands, to dress the table nicely. ( As a family, we have lots of that sort of thing, it's just a matter of rounding them up). A very summery thing to do, and such fun.
I have been looking at Puppy adverts in the local press, and Gun shop window. I miss not having several dogs around, and Poppy is getting lonely. She was always the 'little sister', after all. Springer spaniels, working cockers. Hmmm.

Monday 14 June 2010

Red is the colour....

Finally, I have finished the Kidsilk Haze scarf. A little more adventurous than usual, I began with a provisional cast-on. Once the main body was complete, each end had a row of simple eyelet lace, followed by five repeats of scalloped lace. Then a very loose cast-off. After blocking, it looked very nice.

It was Close Knit last week, so as usual, cakes were made. A large batch of these heart-shaped fairy cakes were quick to make, although the icing was supposed to be red! I just could not make it take any more colour. I read later that gel tints give a deeper, truer colour. Ah, well. You live and learn!

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Farewell, Lovely Boy.

Babur came into our lives as a much desired gift, from me to Best Beloved. From the beginning, he was the apple of B.B.'s eye, and knew it. When ever B.B. stopped, to read, watch Television, make a phone call, or just sit and stare, Babur was on his knee. A huge character in the slim, lithe body of an Abyssinian cat, he was always ready for a walk. And he could always be enticed in for food.
Over the last month, he had not been himself. On the 28th May, after two days of rapidly deteriorating health, he released the gossamer thread holding his spirit to his body.He was fourteen years old. He leaves a huge hole in our family life. Poppy was aware of his departure, and has been very quiet.
We are childless, but not from choice. Everyone needs someone to love, look after, cherish. So we filled the void with four-legged dependants.


Now there is one less.