October Happy Things

Autumnal Flowers

Cherry Vanilla and Coffee Fudge

Caramel Apple Crumble

The loveliest road name

Oh so attractive Bowling

Autumnal Coffee Date - Spiced Pumpkin Latte and Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate 

Fallen Leaves

Ceramic Pear

Apples Galore

Autumnal Mushrooms

October has been a very sad month, but there were some good bits too.

Sadness

I've been quiet. I have lost a dear friend. He was just 31, the same age as me. My heart is broken knowing we shall never see him again. We met at University where 16 of us lived in two corridors, one of boys and one of girls. Half of us married half of them. We've been friends since we were all 18 years old. We have such a shared history. There won't be 16 of us any more, someone will always be missing. The funeral was last Friday and terribly tearful but we shared many good memories.  If you are ever in a dark place, please call the Samaritans, I wish he had.

Inspired by Ada

On the 17th of September, I do believe that I declared here on this blog that I wouldn't be rushing into making another patchwork blanket any time soon. Today is the 3rd of October and I have been putting together little hexies for a few days already. I don't think I have much resolve! You see I was quite simply very inspired by Ada over at Vintage Sheet Addict that I quite simply had to have a go myself. Her blanket is absolutely stunning and it really did motivate me. I am finding hand stitching far nicer than working on the sewing machine. It is far more relaxed, quiet and peaceful.

I bought a couple of charm packs an absolute age ago from Hometown in Rochester. They are from the Urban Cowgirl collection from Moda. They are just my colours and I just simply had to buy them. And now I have a reason to use them. I added a few fabrics from my stash and set about cutting lots of squares. I didn't immediately cut up all the fabrics from the charm packs just in case I made a massive error or something...cautious as ever! My very kind Husband has worked on the hexie templates for me. I will concede to knowing my limits of ability and that type of thing is very much one of them. He is so clever and worked out how to cut them out using Craft Robo. I do adore that man!

And now I sit in the evenings as the dark creeps in sooner each night with hot Tea and a basket filled with my hexie blanket supplies quite enjoying making another patchwork blanket. It may be a while until it's completed, but I am loving it so far.

Day Four

Our last morning waking up in the Tent saw Bright Blue skies and an autumnal crispness in the air. The tent was still pretty wet from the last few days, so we thought we would leave it where it was for the time being and go for a walk. Considering the days weather, there was only one place we were ever going to go...

Back to our beloved Stanage Edge. To walk up here is a complete joy and we spent entire morning there walking, climbing the rocks, and sitting enjoying the views. Taking in every last minute.

This photo of my Husband has to be my favourite of the holiday. He looks like he is on top of the world and I do think we was terribly brave sitting up there. I will treasure this image for a very very long time.

 Eventually though we knew we would have to leave one of the best places in England as our tummies were rumbling and we did have to head home at some point.

On our way to lunch, we did a quick stop at the Derbyshire Craft Centre at Calver Bridge. Look at this wonderfully seasonal window display. It was such a treat of a shop with lots and lots of things that I like to purchase. But I was very restrained and bought a ceramic Pear and a couple of autumnal mushrooms for our  autumn mantelpiece. 

We decided to have one last visit to Bakewell with the hope that the Lavender Tea Rooms would be open, which they were! I love love love this tearoom - the menu is fabulous and they serve their tea in mismatched china - completely delightful. I had the Club Sandwich and my Mr had another English Breakfast. We sat outside despite the slight chilliness to the air and I adore the fact that they provide blankets for the seats outside.

Before heading back to the camp site, we picked up a Bakewell Pudding, well it would be rude not to have, to have once we got home to Norfolk. And very nice it was too! Thankfully the tent was dry when we got back to the campsite and we were all packed up and ready to hit the road in just an hour.

It may have been camping, only for four days of which two were quite miserable weather wise, but I wouldn't have swapped this time for anything. It was a remarkable holiday and I can't wait to go camping again!