Bring me sunshine....

After nearly six months of Winter, Spring has finally decided to put in an appearance. But as my father pointed out whilst chatting on the phone with me this morning, someone needs to tell the trees. They are all still looking rather depressed, devoid of any leaves, just plain old naked. Every branch empty, waiting for nature's permission to get dressed. I can't wait to see them flourish with new life, the greenest of green foliage, feeding the atmosphere.

The sunshine we've been afforded this weekend has been most welcome. I felt really motivated by it's arrival,  so decided to head out for a wander, destination unknown. There wasn't a cloud in the sky; just beautiful. I headed across country from Bedfordshire into Hertfordshire, travelling through some very picturesque little villages. Up over the Dunstable Downs, where kite flyers were in abundance as usual, and gliders took to the air, taking full advantage of the perfect conditions. Oh it was glorious to see so many people out enjoying the break in the weather. 

Instead of stopping at the 'downs, I decided to drive a little further on past Whipsnade Zoo, into the Ashridge Estate. A place where as a child, I spent many a happy day out with my family. Walking amongst the trees and eating the obligatory '99 from the van positioned conveniently by the Bridgewater Monument. A nice little earner for the Ice-Cream Man me thinks!

I had a lovely stroll, happily snapping away with my camera. It's a fantastic spot to picnic in the Summer, totally free and accessible to all. It was well worth the trip.

After getting thoroughly worn out with all the fresh air, I headed home to take up my usual position on the sofa for some hooky time. My patchwork is slowly but surely growing. I'm adding a few squares here and there. Bit by bit, I'll get there.

Isn't that the perfect spot to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon?! 

I think so.........

x x x x x x x

Going colour crazy, again....

Well hello everyone! Goodness me things have been hectic this last week and a bit. Feels like I've been M.I.A. or should that be A.W.O.L? Either way, I've returned to find an abundance of wonderful messages, and a flurry of lovely new followers. 

Thank you all SO much! x x x x x

On the hooky front, I've (yet again) found myself going 'cuckoo' for colour! I had a scoot through my 'go to' book for inspiration, Jan Eatons' 200 crochet blocks, and stopped on Page 76. I was instantly drawn to this lovely Sunray pattern, one, because it looked doable, and two, because it had a sunny theme. I did a tester in blue first, framing it in White. You may remember seeing it sneak into the frame in my last post.

My intention was to use a light colour for framing, but because I have a stash of Navy cotton to use up, I decided to go with that instead. I must admit I had my reservations about using a dark colour, but it's somewhat grown on me. Especially as it allows the colours to really 'pop'. What do you think?

Seeing as I've gone a bit bonkers for brights this week, I thought I'd add in a picture of some of my colourful crochet cushions, all sitting happily together. Each one part of my crocheting journey, all just waiting to be lovingly placed into that Split Screen V-Dub I've got my heart set on. 

Well, a girl can dream can't she............?

x x x x x x

A breath of fresh air......

Hello friends, do you ever get those moments when you want to scream 'Stop the world, I want to get off'? When everything around you seems to be moving at a hundred miles per hour, but in reality it's all just a state of mind? Well it's been a bit like that round these parts lately. I feel like I'm mentally moving at high speed, but physically can't keep up? I need to take a 'chill pill', as my friend Claire would say.

So what's a girl to do? Well, first up I thought a bit of much needed exercise wouldn't go amiss. Despite it  still being decidedly nippy outside, and there being zero motivation to leave the comfy confines of my humble abode, I made the effort. The idea was to take a short drive out into the countryside, stop somewhere pretty and take a walk. So with camera in hand, I braved the icy chill, and believe me it was f-f-f-freezing. The wind was howling! Why I bothered to brush my hair before leaving out I don't know. Let's just say I looked a little Worzel Gummidge by the time I got back.

It was well worth it though as I really felt the benefits afterwards, not to mention capturing some rather lovely piccies on route. All photos were taken only a few miles from home, but I can tell you I felt a million miles away. The temptation to stop in at the first watering hole was overwhelming though. A cosy corner in front of a roaring fire was very enticing, however I did not succumb. My plan was to make the most of the blue skies and sunshine while it lasted, so I dare not deviate and waste the opportunity.

I really felt I freed my mind of all the clutter on my wee meander, and once my little legs were thoroughly exhausted I made my way home. And what was the first thing on the agenda upon my return? Yes, you guessed it, a nice cup of 'Rosie Lee' (tea), served up in one of my lovely fine bone china cups, and some crochet of course. 

Just the ticket! 

x x x