Hi Everybody - yes, I know, late again, this is getting to be a habit, I'm sorry. Lots of stuff happening re mum, and hours and hours of official paperwork re her move and also the house sale. Also a difficult time too, getting mum settled into her new home, not all wonderful I have to say and quite draining for all of us. But we take each visit as it comes, took mum to lunch at Sandringham the other day which was nice for both of us I hope and will give her something to talk and day-dream about.
The garden is looking its best at the moment, and the veggies are doing well; we had our first strawberries today they were really juicy and tasty. I am drawing a veil over my garlic growing and shall in future just keep on buying it from the market - much simpler!
Following our two week extravaganza that was Open Studios - which went well, thanks to all who came to see us, we did reasonably well though numbers were down on previous years - Yvonne and I popped down to Northampton to see a textile exhibition at the Charles Rennie Mackintosh house. Unfortunately apart from a couple, the exhibition photos I took have not come out for some reason. However, the ones I took of the house have so here are a few views of this magnificently conserved dwelling; the 'Thirties' is not my favourite era I have to say, but I did enjoy the tour.
After a lovely lunch in the cafe we strolled through the city in the sunshine, popped into Waterstones and made a few purchases, and then partook of a cooling cuppa, before making our way to the home of Yvonne's friends who live just outside Wellingborough. We stayed overnight at their beautiful mill house, it was totally fascinating. They keep a narrow boat on the River Nene which runs under their house through the mill. I was entranced by the whole place.
Jim and I had a day out along the North Norfolk coast on Friday, beautiful weather. We stopped in Wells and strolled round the quay, then drove further into the village proper and had lunch at a lovely pub. Another stroll after lunch brought us inevitably to a fishmonger, and we chose some sea-food for our tea. A lovely laid-back day, which unfortunately resulted in only one photograph as my camera battery died!
Mind you, it is a jolly nice photo, as I'm sure you'll agree, of Himself contemplating the boats in Wells quay.
I will try and not let it be another fortnight before I blog again! And I will catch up later on my blog reading and commenting - so much has passed me by, so I'm looking forward to seeing what you've all been up to. It has been a very busy time, and of course Open Studios took up time and energy. I sold some cushions and a large quilt and some little bits and pieces so was quite pleased; also have two commissions, and also invited, on the strength of people liking my work, to take part in two really nice craft fairs, more of which later. So, enjoy the nice weather, and catch you later.
It seems that you are managing to enjoy some quality time despite the pressures with your Mum's situation. Your garden is looking good and I enjoyed yet another vicarious visit. The Charles Rennie Mackintosh looks really interesting and I can see inspiration for a couple of quilts, though certainly not in back and yellow for me.
ReplyDeleteLovely pic of Jim and it sounds like my perfect day out.
I'm so pleased to hear that your work at the Open Studio was valued and appreciated. Well done and well deserved too.
Jo x
Hi Jo, thanks for popping over - yes, '30's style quilts are not for me either but I do appreciate the designs. GArden will go to pot in a few weeks - every year it is the same!Lxx
DeleteMr. Poirot would be most enchanted with the 1930's house I am sure, you didn't see Miss Lemon hanging about did you? We were in Wells on Wednesday, did our walk there so I could pick up some sausages!
ReplyDeleteIt was very in that vein, Dc, Miss Lemon would have been very at home. Yes, I like Wells but prefer away form the seasidey bit to be honest. Lx
Deletewell done lynne on your open studio venture - you did really well but you must have been a tad broken hearted when one of your quilts sold ( although i know the idea is to sell!!!) - i think i would have been!!!! sounds as though your feet are barely touching ground at the mo - was the queen at home when you called in? and what a lovely house by the river - i wish you a good week ahead xx
ReplyDeleteHi Lynne - to be honest I was pleased to see that one go, it has been hanging around for a while since it came back from Holland, went some years ago into the European Quiilt Festival at Einhoven, and has since been taking up a lot of space! Lx
DeleteAh well Lynne, time passes and you had very much to do .... I hope your mum will be happy in her new home.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks lovely !!!!!
Love the pictures of the Mackintosh House and those of the river ;-)
Love to you.
Hello Els, yes lots going on at the moment, was lovely to take a break I could quite easily have stayed at that house on the river! Lx
DeleteYour garden's looking beautiful, Lynne! I the CRM house called/in Durngate? If so, I've had a leaflet about it for years and still not got around to visiting.
ReplyDeleteHi Jayne. Yes, it is the one in Durngate - and well worth a visit; even I enjoyed it and as I say the 30's are not my scene. Lovely lunch or afternoon tea on site. We parked in the St John's carpark, short walk in the sunshine. Lxx
DeleteI loved the tour around the CRM house, what beautiful room settings and such vibrant colours. Your garden is looking very pretty indeed. I think all the rain we've been having of late has paid off, everything looking lush and colourful. I hope your mum is settling into her new home. It's surprising how much effort and hard work has to go into moving home and even more so when it's for someone you care about dearly. Take care. Patricia x
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia - sorry away in Wales and off-line, hence delay! Yes everywhere is lovely, even after a week of neglect! Lxxx
DeleteLynne, your garden looks fabulous, I thought to start with it was a bit of Sandringham!! I hope your Mum is settling well, it's a huge transition I know. And I hope you're doing ok with it too.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been up to Wells for ages, it's so pretty.
Keep us informed about the craft fairs, I may be able to pop along, cricket permitting!
Well, we go from day to day with mum, Jay, she is never going to like being out of her own home but I hope she will settle a bit more. The first craft fair is at Leatheringsett I think the last w/end in August - BAnk Holiday. (Cricket ???) will put full details on blog later on. Lxxx
DeleteGood Morning Lynne, Your your garden is a delight, so pretty. I am always amazed at the flowers and the greens of your English gardens. Our desert (dry and hot) weather supplies us well with some varieties, if we pour on the water. Seattle about 180 miles away is more in tune to your weather conditions and they grow lovely gardens there.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts and seeing how you get out and about and enjoy the jewels around you. My daughter is like that. She is always going somewhere and doing something fun. I so admire that. You are an inspiration in so many ways.
Here's to a wonderful week . . . enjoy :)
Your blogging sister, Connie :)
P.S. Why are you quitting garlic?
My Steve is looking so forward to planting a small crop this fall.
Any suggestions?
Hi Connie, Oh dear, I have tried and tried with garlic, I really have! To no avail, so I shall give in and just continue to buy the stuff! My friend in Yorkshire grows it very easily and is always cheering me on but I obviously do not have the back! Better luck with yours! Lxxx
DeleteNice to catch up with what you've been up to Lynne and glad things are getting a bit more settled. My brother and family and my dad are all staying in a cottage at Wells later this summer so am sure we'll all have a great time! Your gardener's done a good job this year! xCathy
ReplyDeleteHi CAthy, hope the weather holds on for your family holiday we have just had 4 brillliant days on Wales, hot sunshine everyday fromfirst thing until sundown. Yes, I',m pleased to report the veggies are doing well - Himself has done us proud! Lxx
DeleteYour garden is looking spectacular Lynne. And I think I too would have been enchanted by a house which straddles a mill race.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with your Mum just now x
Hi Annie, it was a beautiful spot, I loved the whole thing because I love water and boats and stuff. Quite idyllic - but not when the river floods of course! Mum is ok, she has a couple of elderly ladies in similar circumstances to herself and they sit near each other and 'chat' though the conversations are a little odd at times! I still hate her being there and she is still sad she isn't at home, but we take it day by day, thank you for asking. Lxxxx
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