Yarndale

Anyone going to Yarndale in Skipton on Saturday?

A few days in the Cotswolds(UK)

 We decided on a little trip to the Cotswolds as a bit of a distraction from Ziggy.We stayed in the Premier Inn between Evesham and Broadway.This is Broadway.So picturesque.

 Another view of Broadway.Unfortunately the weather wasn't brilliant,in fact very dull,so the photos aren't the best.

 Bourton on the Water.Another pretty little village.Can you believe they already had a Christmas shop!

 Bourton again.

 We always try and visit a NT property when we are on our jaunts.This is Chastleton House near Chipping Norton.It is a Jacobean country house built in the 1600s and remains virtually unchanged.The atmosphere inside was wonderful bit it was quite a hike from the car park.Even worse going back -uphill!

 We always try and do a garden or two as well.This is Hidcote, the fulfilment of an American's English fantasy.It is full of garden "rooms".I would like to have seen it earlier in the season.

Very close to Hidcote is Kiftsgate a privately owned garden,much smaller than Hidcote but well worth a visit.
We are still missing Ziggy and I expect it will take quite a while to get over it.

I am feeling very sad tonight.

I am feeling very sad tonight as our cat ,Ziggy, died today.We think he was either knocked down or fell off the roof.He was always on the roof and used to come down via the patio table.He was less than two years old and such a wonderful, loving,friendly and funny cat.He was great with our grandchildren and they loved him to bits.They were here today and kept calling him but he never came.It was only late this morning we found his body at the side of the house.We couldn't tell them today.We were too upset.We pick them up from school on a Tuesday so no doubt we will have to tell them tomorrow.R.I.P. Ziggy.You were a great cat and we will never forget you.

Happy Days.

 Sarah,our daughter, came to stay for a few days last with Emily and Ruby.They only live 40 minutes away but wanted a little holiday at Grandma and Grandpa's house.How much can you fit into three days- a lot.The first day we went fossil hunting and then to Denbigh Castle.The second day ,with a poor weather forecast we headed for the seaside.Even though it was cold you just have to paddle in the sea and make sandcastles and have a picnic.This at Colwyn Bay.We then headed over to the West Shore at Llandudno where there is a super play area for children(and one for adults!)

 The faster you spin the funnier it is!

 This little chap was a star!They picked him up ,carried him round in bags,brushed him and played with him and he loved it.He is so good natured and very funny,chasing flies and butterflies in the garden.We had a super few days including a huge chinese takeaway where the girls tried lots of new things.We are so blessed to have them.

Finally,here are my three bunnies I have made.Although I have followed the same pattern they are all different.Sarah has asked me to knit two more for a colleague who is expecting twins.Along with promises to make stripey blankets for my Cambridge grandchildren I shall be  very busy !
P.S.I decided not to write about our French holiday when I know so many people can't afford to go away.It didn't feel right.

Yarndale Granny Bunting.

Lucy at Attic24 has organised Yarndale which is taking place in Skipton in September.She has asked for contributions of granny bunting to decorate the venue.I have gone for a "colours of the rainbow" theme.I have done a solid one for each colour and 8 rainbow ones.I decided on this theme so that hopefully I can spot mine on the day I go.Lucy likes a softer palette so I hope she doesn't think mine are too bright.They are winging their way to Skipton now.
My next blogpost(I havn't done one for nearly two months) will be about our recent holiday in the Loire Valley in France.A week of total self indulgence!!Wonderful.

Azalea time.

 Our front garden is full of azaleas.These two are in flower at the moment and I just think they are the most wonderful colours.I should have taken the photos yesterday when it was sunny not today when it is pouring down.

This the most beautiful pink colour.More photos when others come out.
My stepmother died yesterday.We went up to visit and I had been holding her hand(warm) and talking to her when I realised she wasn't breathing.She had obviously just slipped away in her sleep just before we arrived.Quite a surreal situation to be in.She was 86 and had never been ill until two years ago when the Big C got her.

Ruby Rabbit.

Here is Ruby Rabbit.I am thrilled with her but can see her imperfections.It makes you realise how talented Julie over at Little Cotton Rabbits is.Since she released the pattern last there is a whole gang of little rabbits being made all over the world.The power of the internet.
Now, to change the subject all together.Do you ever feel that you are the one doing all the caring about others but when you need a bit of TLC no one notices.Last week a cousin of mine died.She was only 70 which is relatively young these days.We are waiting for a phone call to say my step mother has passed away.It is a very complicated situation because she was only married to my father for 5 years and he died in 1981.Since then she has been in the family home.My brother and I have no idea what is going to happen to the house.She has two sisters who are doing a wonderful job looking after her at home.We should be going on holiday in 10 days time but I don't think that will happen.My friends know all about this,my OH does, my children do but no one thinks about me.This making me sound very selfish but I am the one on the phone all the time asking them how they are.
Anyway, sorry about the moaning but I feel better.It won't happen again.Honestly!