Sunday, June 15th

I've started a new project. It's one of those lovely designs
from My Aunt's Attic, where all those amazing free designs
are on offer to whoever wants them. Once again I'm using
red thread (DMC #304) and it's being stitched on 32 count
Lambswool....I think. This is roughly one weeks work,
usually done in the evenings on our front stoop, to
relax and get some air after a long day.


And remember I said that I'd been addicted to Ebay in last
weeks post?? Well, here are the results, so far. I'm thrilled
with the Lizzie Kate designs here. They are so cute, and so
colourful. The Bent Creek is a bit too primitive for my taste
but came with the lot. Perhaps I'll pass it on to someone
else who likes this style of design. Note: that's Rupert's ear
to the left of the picture. I barely snapped the photo in time.


These two designs were also a part of the package. I love
designs which show the change of seasons, so the one on
the right is great for that. The Chessie & Me chart is a
pretty house design, with lots of fancy stitches.


And this is my monthly bits from Stitching Bits n Bobs.
More beautiful Crescent Colours to sigh over, and keep
away from Rupert.

Yesterday I had the privilege of being invited to a dance
recital being put on by one of our local dance studios.
Little Naomi, from across the street, was participating
in her first dance recital and asked me to join them. I
was delighted to do so. I've never been to one of these
things before, and was quite impressed with the level
of professionalism. The event ran like clockwork.

Naomi, aged 6, is in her first year of ballet. I wish I
could show you the pictures of her in her white tulle
dress, trimmed in pink and silver, with her hair in a
bun, and white tights. She looked adorable.

The dancing was wonderful to watch. The teenage
girls were amazing, so graceful and poised. The
tweenage girls were also amazing to watch, whether
they were tap dancing or doing a type of gymnastic/
dance combo. And the little ones....well, I'm sure you
can just imagine.

Clustered on the stage, somewhat bewildered and
a little directionally challenged, but always sweet
and adorable, they bounced on their toes,
waved their arms and ran around in almost
circles. Their teacher just off stage prompting and
encouraging when necessary.

The audience full of proud parents, relatives and
friends provided enthusiastic applause and shouts
of delight as each dance was performed. I was so
glad that I got to go and see it.


After one week I am amazed at the growth in my pots.
The past week was mostly moderate temperatures and
we had some heavy rains on Friday night, and a few
sprinkles throughout the week which kept things well
watered without too much effort required on our part.
It's not going to be too hot next week so things should
continue to be stress free for the garden. The weather
forecasters are predicting a hot summer, but so far we
have only had five days of muggy weather to tolerate.



Here's one of my straw flowers. These are strange but
wonderful plants for the garden. I have three colours
in my pots this year. Red, Yellow and White. The
flowers are great because they change appearance as
they grow so you always have a mix of blooms in
different stages of growth and bloom. No fragrance
to them but that's okay. Other plants can provide that.
The odd, straw like texture of the flowers is always
a surprise for someone not familiar with the plant.

And this is my current read. Another recommendation
from Jaimie's book blog, and Barbara has read this one
too. Both enjoyed it immensely, and though just half
way through it at this point myself, I too am enjoying it.
It's the sort of Victorian drama that hints at what one
of the Bronte sisters might write, with a hint of the
world that Dickens wrote so eloquently about as well.
There's thieves and rogues and an oppressed heiress,
and a dank, brooding manor house, and twists and
turns which keep you guessing. Lots of well researched
period detail and language to make the story come
alive in your imagination. I'm loving it!

Rupert's been full of beans this morning. If he keeps it
up Phoebe is apt to tackle him and teach him a few manners.
Here he is "mountain climbing" at breakfast time.

Happy Father's Day!! To my own Dad who is always with
me in spirit, and to all the other dads out there in blog land.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Have a great week everyone. Cheers!!