Hooky Roses

In between darning in my granny squares, I have been making a few Crochet Roses. The pattern is from the lovely Lucy at Attic 24. It's such a super pattern and she explains things so clearly trying out something new is a complete joy. I'm mostly using leftover yarn, different brands and weights but keeping to various shapes of pink. I think I need about the same again for what I have in mind...at least it's something different in between the darning! I do love this Crochet lark - it really is quite relaxing and the end result is something pretty for our home. 

Celebrating in Norwich

This week has been such a great, no, truly special, week in Norwich. It started after work on Wednesday with the Olympic Torch reaching the City Centre. We went with a few Friends and stood in between The Forum and St Peter Mancroft Church. Boy was it busy! The city was completely heaving and there was such a good joyous atmosphere. We were really fortunate to be at the front, by the railings with a good view. It was a glorious evening with brilliant blue skies - not a rain cloud in sight!

The Torch Bearer that we saw was Simon Stokes. The London 2012 website says the following about him;

"Simon is a local church minister and is blind. Over the past few years he has done several amazing things to raise money for Bowthorpe Community Trust Workshop - a charitable organisation which works with trainees with learning and other difficulties to help them acquire work skills and gain a feeling of self worth. Simon was sponsored to do a parachute jump a couple of years ago and more recently ran the Beachy Head Marathon accompanied by his guide dog Tigger. Simon has been an inspiration to the community of Bowthorpe over the past five years, not only in his work with the Workshops but also in his work with the local Youth and Community Centre, local schools, the Bowthorpe Forum, amongst other things - in addition to his work with our church."

After was saw the Torch and nearly being bowled over by one local TV Reporter, Mike Liggins, we had a wander around the city and got to see quite a few more Torch Bearers all posing for photographs as well as Chickens on Stilts (I kid you not!). We then headed back to our friends house for fish and chips and a Movie in their Garden Cinema - simply perfect.

Then on Thursday night, we headed back into the City at half ten to see the 3D Projection on the Castle. It's a six ish minute animation to celebrate Norwich's culture and heritage. It was nice to see so many people out  and enjoying the show. I took a video, which will hopefully work!

It was completely amazing, that we stayed and watch it again and then went again on Friday night! It was just so clever and I loved the fact that everyone clapped at the end. Proper community spirit.

On Saturday, we were fortunate enough to be involved in the Lord Mayors Procession. We were at the very end by the Wig and Pen Pub collecting the money from those who walked the route all in aid of Future Projects. Here is a little about them from their website;

"Future Projects was created by two volunteers in 2000 in response to large groups of young people congregating in the NR5 area causing anti social behaviour. Today we employ c30 full time and part time staff and cater for a much wider client base to overcome social exclusion and enrich people’s lives. The Project works with hard-to-reach groups and empowers individuals to reach their full potential through a range of long and short term projects including; Community Radio station, Community based professional recording studios, bespoke short skills and training courses, Key Stage 4 school for children with SEN or those having difficulties in mainstream education, youth engagement projects and post 16 support advice and guidance. Situated in the NELM area; an area marked by significant disadvantage in learning, skills, employment, health and crime indicators Future is increasingly becoming a driving force for social change in the area. The project is now based in a purpose built studio and education block which houses our state of the art radio, media and music suite and education facilities".

Not only did we get to help out a truly wonderful charity, but we also got the best view ever of the parade.

There were a few surprises whilst we collected the money - there were plenty of rubber bands, glow sticks and bottle caps donated. Quite unexpected! I loved how happy the paraders were despite the long walk, in the surprisingly warm evening, they had just completed, especially the dancers who were still merrily dancing away! I just quite simply love the Lord Mayor Procession and it was made even better this year by being involved. I just hope there was lots and lots of money collected for the Charity.

After the Procession finished we thought we'd escape the heaving city so went for drinks at the rather lovely Fat Cat Pub.  We pretty much all had soft drinks as we were so thirsty, despite the amazing Cherry Beer that they serve. By this time it was nearly nine and we were all hungry - a cheeky takeaway was just the ticket. After we polished off our food, we headed up to Mousehold Heath to watch the Fireworks at the Castle. I love watching the Fireworks from here as it seems like the city is on fire. There's always quite a crowd too which adds to the atmosphere. Here's a snippet of the Fireworks towards the end...

It really has been an amazing few days in Norwich - I've enjoyed it all and I feel so fortunate to live in such a great City. The City Council really do an amazing job; their events team are brilliant. I have had a ball!

Collecting

On our travels, we have been collected embroidered patches. One day I want to make a big blanket with them all on there - almost like a Travel Blanket.  One big snuggly memory of all the places we've been. I love embroidered patches and I always get excited when we find one. We did very well on our last holiday with a total of 7. We now have about 30, but I think it's going to be a very long way into the future before this blanket comes to fruition, but I just can't wait!!!

Darning

380 Granny Squares. They all need the ends darning in. So far I've done 30. I think this blanket will still be a long time in the making! I am loving how neat they look with no wiggly ends and they will look even better once they've been blocked. Right, back to the darning...

An exceptional weekend

We have had a most wonderful weekend. Our first port of call on Saturday was Sew Simple for the Boy to pick up some weaving supplies before we headed to Horstead to the Recruiting Sergeant. We've always heard how great it is and I'm so glad we finally went. It's amazing. We couldn't decide whether we wanted to sit outside or in and I'm so glad the Boy went for in as within five minutes of sitting down the heavens open and boy did it thunder down. Their lunch menu is extensive, so much choice. We kept it simple with a BLT and Cheese and Ham Panini. It was so very tasty, the coleslaw and salad was quite simply superb. I'm looking forward to going back for dinner soon.

After lunch and with very full bellies, we went to AG Meale and Sons to pick some Strawberries. We try and do this at least once a year as we both really enjoy PYO. Fortunately the weather had cleared and the skies were blue again. I love picking Strawberries here as they are raised up on tables which means no back ache! Hurrah! Whoever came up with idea deserves a medal. We spent about 40 minutes picking and just enjoyed the quiet and the warmth. It's such a serene activity, one I've adored since being a little one.

And boy, did we pick lots and lots! We ended up with about 6kg. We went to the very end of the tables and found the biggest juciest Strawberries. And boy are they good! When we got home, we spent an age preparing them, mostly for the Freezer so we can make Smoothies for breakfast. It was so nice sitting round the table with my Boy doing something so simple. We also made a Strawberry Flan to take round to our friends later that day - it was hard to resist not tucking in there and then though!

We bought some Sweet Williams, for my two best friends who have both got new jobs. I'm so pleased for them both as they were jobs that they really really wanted. I made sure that I took off all the leaves as they honk when they've been in water for a while and tied them simply with some ribbon.

We spent the evening at our friends in their Garden Cinema. Summerhouse and Projector equals an amazing evening. We drank Pimms, ate Popcorn, had dinner and dessert. We had a fire and toasted Marshmallows. It was so temperate that even at 11pm it didn't feel cold. Their summer house is pretty epic though as there are armchairs, lighting and evening Wifi. It really is the most lovely way to spend the evening. I think it might be one of my favourite things to do with my friends.

This morning, we headed to Heydon to the Little Vintage Lover Fair. A complete bargain at a £1 entrance. There was so many things to look at, admire and want! I love that some people had gone to town with their outfits - so very pretty. I'm glad I wore a dress and did my hair!  I have never seen so much vintage clothing in one place, so many racks to look through. There were so many stands both inside and out of the World War One Hut. It's such a great fair.

We've been to Heydon many times before as we used to have Friends who lived in the next village over, Wood Dalling before they moved to Melton Constable. I love the charm of this village - it's so unspoilt. There haven't been any new buildings built since the 1880's and there is a wonderful cohesion to the village. Today it really did look most spectacular in the sunshine and the pretty blooms in front gardens.

We were also treated to seeing the Norfolk Military Vehicle Group.  We saw them rolling into Heydon and then they parked just where had. Each and everyone of these vehicles were spectacular. Such labours of love and completely immaculate. I could drive around in any of these babies!

We were very restrained with our purchases today, sometimes when there is so much to look at, I almost fail to see! My Husband bought a very lovely pure Wool Tie and I got another Brooch for my collection and the most beautifully shaped Basket.

We then headed home for an afternoon of domesticity. Along with the boring stuff like Laundry and Tidying, we also got in some baking time. Hmmmm Cherry Bakewell Cupcakes! I love these. We then had a roast dinner - we haven't had a roast for an absolute age, so it felt like it was a real treat.

This weekend really has been exceptional. I have loved every minute of it! Time outside, with friends, with my husband, vintage shopping, baking, domesticity and happiness.

June Happy Things

Gorgeous Turkish Delight smelling Peonies

Our holiday to Northumberland

Pretty garden flowers

380 Granny Squares

Yummy Pancakes at the Diner

Goodness that is Coffee Cupcakes

Giant Frilly Poppies

Hatching Fabric Plans

Beach Time in Northumberland and Kent

 Puffins!!!

Going to Scotland 

Jubilee Celebrations

Strawberries