I drew a rabbit and fawn whilst the boiler was being serviced.

The boiler man turned up an hour and a half late.

And I know it’s daft but

I couldn’t really settle until he came

and then I couldn’t really do anything

because he was here…

I have three new loves this weekend- it’s been a good one!

1. Tom Ford’s Cafe Rose perfume. I haven’t the words to describe a scent, but it’s beautiful. A lovely and un-expected gift from Tony (thank you duty free airport shopping!)

2. Laura Mvula. I will be playing her album non-stop when it arrives.

3. Thyme infused gin and tonic. Delicious. I got the idea here but switched herbs and used Hendricks gin (mad website!)

Really good and really cheap too. Although, I only ever eat the red, black and white ones. These are all waiting to be eaten by a boy.

Betty brought me this stick today. She obviously wanted me to throw it for her and was quite bemused when I put it in my pocket instead.

The boys had a similar reaction when I started taking photos of it.

Tony and I will celebrate twenty six years together next week.

Feels like forever and yet not long enough.

So, I’ve made us a cushion.

And a very simple PDF of the letters for you. I haven’t written any instructions but I have sewing tips for the applique.

Did I ever show you my coasters? I can’t remember. But I made them ages ago for a couple of English paper piecing * workshops I taught. Simple, pretty and time consuming.

Woe betide anyone who spills a drink on them.

* Flossie tea cakes is the place to go for paper piecing advice.

So, here’s my fabulous new ring from Azulado. I love big rings!

And a new dress may have fallen into my shopping basket yesterday. And I’ve been spending too long admiring these.

Surely I need some handmade clogs?

Did you know that B &Q have free woodworking classes? The boys made bird boxes at the weekend with proper power tools. They were both pretty proud of themselves.

I’ve taken to eating my porridge with a sprinkling of cinnamon (and a lot of brown sugar). Very daring of me, don’t you think!

fleeting beauty right by the washing machine

I had a lovely time sewing and watching this programme about Robbie Burns with one of my favourite singers Eddi Reader. I’ve seen her live and her voice gives you goosebumps. Beautiful.

More beauty can be found in this little Irish film found through Toast.

beauty is within grasp