tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82424149336931856632024-03-05T14:01:14.870+00:00Coombe Crafts Miniature BlogRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-2930828052922642452022-10-26T16:26:00.000+01:002022-10-26T16:26:23.960+01:00Such a Long Time...since I posted<p><i>I can't believe I haven't posted since April. I mentioned then that life was a bit fraught - storms causing damage to our house and devastation in the garden, then serious illness in the family. Hmm well, yes the year has been somewhat difficult since then, but I know it has for many, many people.</i><br /><br />So as a dear friend once said 'Let's Look on the Bright Side of Life'. Mother Nature has helped us through the year - gardening is the most wonderful distraction - and brings such lovely little surprises along the way.<br />When our huge, old and long fence fell down it took out three established clematis and three beautiful rambling roses, not mention a couple of shrubs and some plants we weren't able to rescue. My new wild garden vanished under a hard pan of earth. As the new fence went in, no apparent roots were left behind, we were sad but O.K. with that, one of those gardening challenges.<br /><br />After about three months, green bits began to appear alongside the new fence......two purple clematis came back to life, the American Pillar Rose started to climb back up the old Cedar and 'New Dawn' showed signs of life from the depths. Later the two shrubs began to appear and shoot. Such excitement! Meanwhile the 'dead' raspberries managed to pop up to produce a handful of berries. Lovely!<br /><br />As a little bonus we had a huge crop of 'free' tomatoes that self sowed themselves from the compost spread on one of the veg patches - which was just as well as the ones that were nutured and planted - rather too late - as usual in big planters were very poor this year. The nasturtiums have taken over though - cheery.<br /><br />Do you know this little poem by Dorothy Frances Gurney called 'God's Garden'? This is one of the verses, and you can Google the rest if it appeals to you.<br /><br />The kiss of the sun for pardon,<br /> The song of the birds for mirth, <br />One is nearer God's heart in a garden<br /> Than anywhere else on earth. <br /><br />So, here are the pics. to accompany all the previous tarradiddle:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs8O3LW9QovxOeNM3BWtlj1Gdw6YKW8uggRaDNB2hl77jXfK0LWYMW3QgcsCP8ZcITND3a65NcOMdolGHZq5KrmYH1HU8l_gzJBAo1A2c-JCY21VXk7aH4Po9eXRYvwZVOFOJwIf-x9F_TmaTIe47Yicw9X_zi9cwYxjyMLdqvFm1oWqotvu0PQvUOw/s648/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="486" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs8O3LW9QovxOeNM3BWtlj1Gdw6YKW8uggRaDNB2hl77jXfK0LWYMW3QgcsCP8ZcITND3a65NcOMdolGHZq5KrmYH1HU8l_gzJBAo1A2c-JCY21VXk7aH4Po9eXRYvwZVOFOJwIf-x9F_TmaTIe47Yicw9X_zi9cwYxjyMLdqvFm1oWqotvu0PQvUOw/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The wild garden patch.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5m2EvsPh95T-QIU-Aqde2rUBVbEsIxs20auSzXX9x4eyivl1mGhJAPVL2BY3p5pskwK5cPlGQN5xVlnhwXranUajEpKtOzOai0XaEVinubvpluXOvt8sLYh8wqGUO4LiqmT6U9FlyP9_4yfoLH1YpLPzkwqLzid4Sze7Uz3IlIcaYJR5IEaw7LN_gg/s1270/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1270" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5m2EvsPh95T-QIU-Aqde2rUBVbEsIxs20auSzXX9x4eyivl1mGhJAPVL2BY3p5pskwK5cPlGQN5xVlnhwXranUajEpKtOzOai0XaEVinubvpluXOvt8sLYh8wqGUO4LiqmT6U9FlyP9_4yfoLH1YpLPzkwqLzid4Sze7Uz3IlIcaYJR5IEaw7LN_gg/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nasturtiums break free!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF3PitwAPqnuZoZfFrMaEaz-eWqlXzQeyj7JpyVyKEmZIVoMaM17aG8YRbzXdxnXo4xdw_eOH2tB6sMQ8myXqxFY9qSUEjeF67IHa0y0_S4WVw13dMepiUudgR6qL7vcUWdC7hOiOE7p7XAzJiOoG2_HRd5sQXXO4zUDajrXjoAtj9AQocSY75MHpmQ/s1270/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="953" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF3PitwAPqnuZoZfFrMaEaz-eWqlXzQeyj7JpyVyKEmZIVoMaM17aG8YRbzXdxnXo4xdw_eOH2tB6sMQ8myXqxFY9qSUEjeF67IHa0y0_S4WVw13dMepiUudgR6qL7vcUWdC7hOiOE7p7XAzJiOoG2_HRd5sQXXO4zUDajrXjoAtj9AQocSY75MHpmQ/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>Clematis back to life and two pictures from the gravel garden</p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1r5SuA0RG6h8jPqxFXXYgLht9yW5BwrGm_zavlvqLYbRiJ7xKvJaJn_yckLir_TVLVQwuYr4wDZQFx6v0fjytbkd4UY0BH1fc2CXTeI3riF9ZtIn-kOCi2uWL7sQsGAxs4WslQ5H0xDR0GjyPtXmpP3cCznAQBfALg732o7SvFoecLCNqOl1OojPhA/s1296/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1r5SuA0RG6h8jPqxFXXYgLht9yW5BwrGm_zavlvqLYbRiJ7xKvJaJn_yckLir_TVLVQwuYr4wDZQFx6v0fjytbkd4UY0BH1fc2CXTeI3riF9ZtIn-kOCi2uWL7sQsGAxs4WslQ5H0xDR0GjyPtXmpP3cCznAQBfALg732o7SvFoecLCNqOl1OojPhA/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCKBfTQqIBDr6QaKLKB9nZD696872knn0nNsHfal9VTRFZB_epLlequmL5E4tJCQD2AYC9nms9Vae6-03MsnhJig8Ba0dW78wEkDe6HTlbtOJp1X_2a8d3QWdXWHxhrAUirlg4tOTjZQKuCbX-xhXZeMfOYP7EHP_dOZKzFwF9XZZ2LiF_Z_KZOGHsA/s1296/IMG_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCKBfTQqIBDr6QaKLKB9nZD696872knn0nNsHfal9VTRFZB_epLlequmL5E4tJCQD2AYC9nms9Vae6-03MsnhJig8Ba0dW78wEkDe6HTlbtOJp1X_2a8d3QWdXWHxhrAUirlg4tOTjZQKuCbX-xhXZeMfOYP7EHP_dOZKzFwF9XZZ2LiF_Z_KZOGHsA/s320/IMG_0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>And finally a little treat. I fell in love with a wonderful Edwardian
style doll that my friend Celia Thomas of ktminiatures.com had for sale
on her website. Then I saw her for real. She's mine now! We don't know
when she was made, or who by, if anyone knows do get in touch. There
are other really charming and interesting dolls house dolls for sale, as
well as other lovely vintage and antique goodies, do take a look!
Thanks Celia.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGChMHe9kjzpXnSbcTWO0NyBBpZPCvPKKxEllQgWbYoJ46OF7jDFWv41BTBBw0v2kCd5cWo3X2BDntamrCbzh_ais6bJ-LGkoc9kI37c2b825ixgPlFyeq2smWRB7pB2E-Yn3EnUAB-1n0n8J3rphs_9iSe6s1UK5rlUgQX82J2SAHWb5XhOUq8XenLg/s1105/IMG_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="839" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGChMHe9kjzpXnSbcTWO0NyBBpZPCvPKKxEllQgWbYoJ46OF7jDFWv41BTBBw0v2kCd5cWo3X2BDntamrCbzh_ais6bJ-LGkoc9kI37c2b825ixgPlFyeq2smWRB7pB2E-Yn3EnUAB-1n0n8J3rphs_9iSe6s1UK5rlUgQX82J2SAHWb5XhOUq8XenLg/s320/IMG_0214.JPG" width="243" /></a></div><br /><br />Thanks so much for looking - it's nice to be back.<br />Robin x<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-85060589357956534052022-04-26T16:11:00.000+01:002022-04-26T16:11:44.569+01:00Then Someone Brings You Flowers.....<p><i>Although I have been reading your blogs I've not posted for a while...life's been a bit fraught lately</i>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0BBuF3bdXbIW3l67eyssX3fMqC5nFoaUdjNQijfQ1xkpgWzgSSrsSwVJj2SDD63WWRT-NW0B_aONBxWgaMPxn-Jfs8UuIBN6ZJK4GjAl5jsFk4ScstFXeW9si826l1anVzRd3n0lJQT3PsXGHOH0boiOfAb5hAPQAZclPvAIEXJZJFkPKJTX6GlLOA/s1230/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1230" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0BBuF3bdXbIW3l67eyssX3fMqC5nFoaUdjNQijfQ1xkpgWzgSSrsSwVJj2SDD63WWRT-NW0B_aONBxWgaMPxn-Jfs8UuIBN6ZJK4GjAl5jsFk4ScstFXeW9si826l1anVzRd3n0lJQT3PsXGHOH0boiOfAb5hAPQAZclPvAIEXJZJFkPKJTX6GlLOA/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When there are days that are difficult, sometimes just a smile from a lovely neighbour, a phone call from a friend or a bunch of flowers from a special friend, makes everything so much better.<br /><br />Aren't these fabulous daffodils? A gift from a lovely friend; my other half immediately decided we must grow some next year. Rushed to online plant sales and we reckon they might be 'Tahiti'. Made a note for the autumn ordering.<br /><br />As things go - not too well this year - we have loads of planting space in our garden..... The awful storms earlier in the year ripped off some huge tiles from the roof, smashing through a velux window in our dining room!! Horrors! The next morning we found that our 150ft garden fence was mostly flat in our and a neighbour's garden. To be fair it was pretty ancient and my other half and our lovely neighbour had been propping and patching for a few years. You can probably imagine the devastation..........so much smashed. So many plants demolished by the fence and the big boots of the (wonderful) chaps who replaced it for us. I have discovered though that hellebores in full flower can cope with an overnight move to the veg. path and back again a few weeks later...who'd have thought it?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8MPY93Cnpn0CFdu0_7WHAyLyUHwqevV_b1dVAvfVQYhN5aabZIl6ASQOEpSTeQ1rls2UpS2cIcXhZZZoXfQ3Ty2OAb9MMYgCTFgrPCsNeuv8n_z5iETIrQE45TWcOA1I7zEVzMGxy3oL1jplY5XP5bPAkSFNAkAN4u88uRXOzv4-5XzMfjpWFpDrvg/s1296/IMG_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8MPY93Cnpn0CFdu0_7WHAyLyUHwqevV_b1dVAvfVQYhN5aabZIl6ASQOEpSTeQ1rls2UpS2cIcXhZZZoXfQ3Ty2OAb9MMYgCTFgrPCsNeuv8n_z5iETIrQE45TWcOA1I7zEVzMGxy3oL1jplY5XP5bPAkSFNAkAN4u88uRXOzv4-5XzMfjpWFpDrvg/s320/IMG_0172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is Exochorda 'The Bride' which escaped.<p></p><p>To compound our woes a very serious illness in the family has brought us pretty low. Then there was the horrific news of the war in Ukraine. Keeping busy and distraction is the only way to go!! Let's face it we have a garden to bring back to life which we are determined to view as an 'opportunity', not a disaster! And the bluebells have forced their was through the hard baked ground to cheer us up and bring hope.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMd_46UjeD6I8hDy2SX3z57znflFInvy6iM_Pc-FyS81ZC7ostKNy9QLgJTl6ZqqeadHZ8_j72FTX361WJbgqBcsYbKV-DK3tojsKJ75QrOsfHAPQCPhGVMZhH1eux9yVIZoI8M0C0v5ihLGNQEQYGTp87eYuZvbYoUUHLOhXj1BGFS1Yiy7H5O6y1g/s1130/IMG_0173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="931" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMd_46UjeD6I8hDy2SX3z57znflFInvy6iM_Pc-FyS81ZC7ostKNy9QLgJTl6ZqqeadHZ8_j72FTX361WJbgqBcsYbKV-DK3tojsKJ75QrOsfHAPQCPhGVMZhH1eux9yVIZoI8M0C0v5ihLGNQEQYGTp87eYuZvbYoUUHLOhXj1BGFS1Yiy7H5O6y1g/s320/IMG_0173.JPG" width="264" /></a></div><br />I might not blog for a bit, but I do read yours, even if I don't comment. <br /><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin <br /> <br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-15138683817872234102022-02-09T14:17:00.001+00:002022-02-09T14:17:08.306+00:00Is It Really Nearly Spring?? <p><i>Here in Oxfordshire the first snowdrops are out, daffodils are pushing through the soggy or frozen ground and finally in our garden the primroses are raising their delicate heads. At last!!</i></p><p><i> </i><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSs-gVcsqVeNPmOdAKZdz-6IjuWE77LptK2HLg_WSRMVnr2QYZAJM2hRAAbDfyT7FkQmoNFFRF0HXGQylzOWndUt_c9R-k6KSnk7zR05_zoJwR3mJmMyqtlUkJyxU2hFUFbaOJKD5FKbdP3pzwoVDBA424PeuAaLPGrjZ2AE3TftI3HVYEMLGPdmXPfQ=s1113" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1113" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSs-gVcsqVeNPmOdAKZdz-6IjuWE77LptK2HLg_WSRMVnr2QYZAJM2hRAAbDfyT7FkQmoNFFRF0HXGQylzOWndUt_c9R-k6KSnk7zR05_zoJwR3mJmMyqtlUkJyxU2hFUFbaOJKD5FKbdP3pzwoVDBA424PeuAaLPGrjZ2AE3TftI3HVYEMLGPdmXPfQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Every year I buy the first English daffodils which are such a cheery herald of spring. They are likely to be Cornish from a county I love and lived in for several years. Late winter or early spring brought forth daffodils in abundance; from gardens, the foot of hedges and verges to glorious golden fields of them.<br />The story goes that during the second world war the daffodil fields were dug over to grow much needed produce but rather than throw them out the growers poked them onto any verge, foot of hedge, nook or cranny where they might survive. And they did! I'm told that in more recent years it has meant that old cultivars were rediscovered and brought back into culitvation.<br /><br />In my conservatory hangs a (amateur I think) watercolour of round cottages in Veryan, another lovely Cornish reminder, bought for next to nothing at a local Car Boot Sale near here. Legend has it that 'back in the day' the local vicar worried about the lack of work for the men in tough times, paid them to build these cottages and a few others. Round, so that the devil couldn't hide in any corners, and with crosses on the roof-tops to signify their link the The Church. The cottages inspired me to handbuild a number of my own in 1/24th to 1/12th scale. 'Blackberry Bottom' pictured is in 1/24th scale. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7mBbs6rmjNiOALA9EJg2zxI1NCCZqsTlQodZsCk6yN6eUPWcrvw3krme1SIKhD-zxTys2sSh4al6Mzc6NcmNIgsjEMkjPtWenpjihH9hNIrN5chHkymxY9JYJ4vQy_iTVNo8CFw327cKAVtl95UXzflQtMZpiK2mh_5mZGdzmnvNQojJplzEU8G2fow=s568" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7mBbs6rmjNiOALA9EJg2zxI1NCCZqsTlQodZsCk6yN6eUPWcrvw3krme1SIKhD-zxTys2sSh4al6Mzc6NcmNIgsjEMkjPtWenpjihH9hNIrN5chHkymxY9JYJ4vQy_iTVNo8CFw327cKAVtl95UXzflQtMZpiK2mh_5mZGdzmnvNQojJplzEU8G2fow=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQWnR2ehZ7arQDodMJ3hdnD0HhGkDyR6OhoQ6wp_aNRfQtfMUmjv8HZztwNKlANH0Ku5LQpaQcBV1WUg0hVqJkD650dxuJClqurejFxhnFOqS8anpk6eW0TNY7Y5fmyvD7kUwTNdpwmCvyrlVZkHh605JSgu4HDL3131gW2LaiWJFeCdwZ8M-9NHcIXA=s1125" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1125" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQWnR2ehZ7arQDodMJ3hdnD0HhGkDyR6OhoQ6wp_aNRfQtfMUmjv8HZztwNKlANH0Ku5LQpaQcBV1WUg0hVqJkD650dxuJClqurejFxhnFOqS8anpk6eW0TNY7Y5fmyvD7kUwTNdpwmCvyrlVZkHh605JSgu4HDL3131gW2LaiWJFeCdwZ8M-9NHcIXA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Back to the conservatory which comes into its own at this time of year. Once again our wonderful Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) is coming into bloom. I've made my own attempts in miniature but you can't beat the original which is now 40 years old and ...can you believe it.....grown from seed.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMyZ3t9tTHwh_vgvJNmNNoL34xxjGhPv_bl52vKsRCk3NUyWL_SGlyaf9BhlwMuMhMmhaNfm8zlnwNRfpsqKEI2LMPPnKdO46ASm8YDatU70NWsIhHnab19ng_gJdr1O8a-_lKzTWXAIl0el0DoBZ8ehGLjsxEd8EGDTOLvVlyKd_qy19ibG86KPqpKQ=s1296" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMyZ3t9tTHwh_vgvJNmNNoL34xxjGhPv_bl52vKsRCk3NUyWL_SGlyaf9BhlwMuMhMmhaNfm8zlnwNRfpsqKEI2LMPPnKdO46ASm8YDatU70NWsIhHnab19ng_gJdr1O8a-_lKzTWXAIl0el0DoBZ8ehGLjsxEd8EGDTOLvVlyKd_qy19ibG86KPqpKQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />In the background of the picture you can just see a miniature 'Willow Man' which I made some years ago from an armature fashioned from a wire coat hanger and wrapped in raffia painted (many times) with wood stain. We used to drive past the original just outside Bridgewater in the West country on a regular basis. Created by Serena de la Hey in 2000 and standing 40ft tall in open fields it has always seemed to me to be as iconic as Anthony Gormley's Angel of the North, which is truly awe-inspiring. Sad to see it is deteriorating and no longer in open fields - I hope it can be saved.<p></p><p>Also tucked up on the shelf are a couple of Flower Fairy plates - crab apple and hawthorn. I had more, but downsizing meant relocating some to the charity shop, but I kept these two favourites. My plant- loving, gardening Mother loved the books and passed it on to me and then the next generation of girls. How lovely to see that they are still so popular.<br /><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin x<br /> <br /></p><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-80703997306051302002021-12-20T22:27:00.000+00:002021-12-20T22:27:31.993+00:00Wishing You All A Very Happy Christmas<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1PTx0O__DK_xNN5FjwY9BH3nGUPQTy4jEEcEitIBqx-c9bwoAwbhqcpGXobW_3uoMuSxXs1ChnZqnuklGM8IQ9ddoJzFQI7OwNitzX-xOMizgs3QIjkrRGSxwFZyfxRydGCKTrwZvTZY5b9dgCJB-9pwCNFYCaNPgwxpi-om-8P3JWXvHkBoEWy-frA=s582" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1PTx0O__DK_xNN5FjwY9BH3nGUPQTy4jEEcEitIBqx-c9bwoAwbhqcpGXobW_3uoMuSxXs1ChnZqnuklGM8IQ9ddoJzFQI7OwNitzX-xOMizgs3QIjkrRGSxwFZyfxRydGCKTrwZvTZY5b9dgCJB-9pwCNFYCaNPgwxpi-om-8P3JWXvHkBoEWy-frA=s320" width="238" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once again it will be a difficult Christmas for many but I hope that you will find some joy and happiness, however you celebrate it.</p><p>I sincerely hope that 2022 will be a much better year for us all, and thank all the very many people who are doing all they can to keep us safe, and hope that they too remain safe.</p><p>Children bring fun and happiness at this time of year so I hope you like this little card made by lovely little girl.</p><p>Robin xx<br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-46080180334134988232021-11-01T12:56:00.000+00:002021-11-01T12:56:20.260+00:00First the squirrels...now the fox!<p><i> Oh my word...my last blog was back in July.....so without actually meaning to, I've taken the summer off.<br />The ongoing covid pandemic still affects the lives of most of us, of course, so like everyone else we've seen less of our extended family and missed regular 'outings'.....but Hey! We've got a super garden and that's where we've been.<br /></i><br />You might remember my moan earlier in the year about the local squirrels 'out to get me', digging up my bulbs and burying nuts - hazel, horse chestnut, almond and walnut - which they forget, so consequently sprout like mad all over the garden. A couple of weeks ago I was happily pruning (hacking back) one of the willows when I turned to find a beautiful young fox gazing at me, as bemused as I was!<br />We chased each other around the garden for a bit and he vanished. He obviously liked the place and came back that night to dig a humungous hole and tunnel right on the edge of my lovely wild patch. <br /><br />Beautiful as he was and a delight to see, I don't want him living in my garden so I hopped to Google and found that preventative measures include lion poo, male predator urine and jeyes fluid. Not having a handy lion I resorted to used cat litter (well, while not an obvious fox predator, our cat Sammy is male...) and we had jeyes fluid in the shed. Great! That worked. So he dug another hole. Tried it all again and that worked too. So he dug another!! Then I bought some expensive anti-fox treatment and grabbed some bits of smashed up concrete from a neighbour who was conveniently digging up a path. Lobbed the concrete into the holes, sprayed it all with the posh stuff, raked back all the spoil and stood back. <br /> <br />So, far so good!!!! Such mad fun in gardening!<br /><br />We've spent a lot of time cutting stuff down and have enough sturdy hazel poles to build several natty pergolas, and shredded lots. It gave us room to create a new wild patch and enjoy the tiny cyclamen coming out now. Our old rusty owl has moved into it, having been buried under a bush for at least a year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGuEtTvkAu8QVaMq70SFskH6ndRqeFYFr60TTH-DccXHTryj_RZG0OlzLUSWiQ1fIICOi65CFwWEQyyOsIBaR4TrHBQf5WzdMy5XCT-70lM0cRfnPi2xT9tXTAu7yZqt86Eo2pSlBbbOe/s1125/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1125" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGuEtTvkAu8QVaMq70SFskH6ndRqeFYFr60TTH-DccXHTryj_RZG0OlzLUSWiQ1fIICOi65CFwWEQyyOsIBaR4TrHBQf5WzdMy5XCT-70lM0cRfnPi2xT9tXTAu7yZqt86Eo2pSlBbbOe/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimclRmcG2TFo1ssrPaxn1OTBRk02Ls-q0QUj8VRhloYhMZ5t9e66mV0WERlCkmKl2VkgFqXDEqGNBGlgecevIHIstmjWe5enFo6aIxDKzs-dpkuMZKRdNUp6W8uGJzxAX-_z6n51hAQH-C/s1270/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1270" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimclRmcG2TFo1ssrPaxn1OTBRk02Ls-q0QUj8VRhloYhMZ5t9e66mV0WERlCkmKl2VkgFqXDEqGNBGlgecevIHIstmjWe5enFo6aIxDKzs-dpkuMZKRdNUp6W8uGJzxAX-_z6n51hAQH-C/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>The garden isn't big enough - no garden ever is if you're a keen planter - so I dug up a bit more lawn. Very satisfying. Plants have moved, bulbs are in, the (outside for the summer) indoor plants are back in and I just need to rescue geraniums before the frost comes. <br /><br />Meanwhile I see suspicious holes just where I planted bulbs...those pesky squirrels again.... <br /><br /><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin <br /> <br /><br /><p></p><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-67092118193235816492021-07-18T17:35:00.001+01:002021-07-18T17:35:38.994+01:00 It's Been Ages.....<p><i>.....since my last blog, but I see I'm in good company because it does seem that many of us have been taking a mini break. So I don't know about everyone else but I've been gardening - for weeks - avidly watching Wimbledon tennis and the wonderful England fotball squad....and.... well just messing about I suppose!</i><br /><br />With nothing vaguely interesting to report - covid has meant we're all missing family and friends and trips to the cinemas and theatres, I shall fall back on the flowers that always lift my spirits. The following pictures are of the garden over the last few weeks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOT8SfsQtpB0-KNuOVobsPhTuRcufQYNXH7T7xTEiCgc4jtK9cgOD0M51Tb16Y8PQs8IaGrSPFfSU0WNTuTj5h4DRKp9SgFDBJaWd8E9ZLpXRm9ie6BKBJazbByD1n6plIVrAz0zluvw7/s2048/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOT8SfsQtpB0-KNuOVobsPhTuRcufQYNXH7T7xTEiCgc4jtK9cgOD0M51Tb16Y8PQs8IaGrSPFfSU0WNTuTj5h4DRKp9SgFDBJaWd8E9ZLpXRm9ie6BKBJazbByD1n6plIVrAz0zluvw7/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VbnZ897eRo1DS_wpdorXvllU8-WD59XSEHgEF3hdwssJO3VH9VLRDbDRUVQu51vmHRvLJjMGOdvk1I0MgoJmaJr_bB4Vrv95iOdlKd8bgIdnqgVkSOTGCv0Ew1EfWfqdZpjJ2mBIV4am/s2048/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VbnZ897eRo1DS_wpdorXvllU8-WD59XSEHgEF3hdwssJO3VH9VLRDbDRUVQu51vmHRvLJjMGOdvk1I0MgoJmaJr_bB4Vrv95iOdlKd8bgIdnqgVkSOTGCv0Ew1EfWfqdZpjJ2mBIV4am/s320/IMG_0083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCYMzjNFnz_8GO_QKt8IVW3MOIEn_2qrF8aeIIGrSPYphPuMhv0DOz84X1JcwX70VcKM_y3TqY0anBoS6KwPKUprbpffe6Xb7wOOP9rHrHQsnDOa5za25U4Fitdys8u-dzo63i5oym5Qq/s2048/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCYMzjNFnz_8GO_QKt8IVW3MOIEn_2qrF8aeIIGrSPYphPuMhv0DOz84X1JcwX70VcKM_y3TqY0anBoS6KwPKUprbpffe6Xb7wOOP9rHrHQsnDOa5za25U4Fitdys8u-dzo63i5oym5Qq/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc-U7L0yot7iplVFGrvf7UNl3mjeznWFnd7Hpf9NL77jb6hDl97egyUenIFqhCkAM3ciq8CD_FTYrgbT2pzKS5lhw5mLhHiJoFJF3XI5Cqx2cHudjsBlCuJgaN4eIAQ11YfwvLvMAYQ84/s2048/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc-U7L0yot7iplVFGrvf7UNl3mjeznWFnd7Hpf9NL77jb6hDl97egyUenIFqhCkAM3ciq8CD_FTYrgbT2pzKS5lhw5mLhHiJoFJF3XI5Cqx2cHudjsBlCuJgaN4eIAQ11YfwvLvMAYQ84/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmt20tYp7-L-Timeqk0mP1pUx7V8O_4FbtkbO6PkvUNzThFrjagedcjSUn8nYcaIP3K-bp7HHiNDUKaOh4U20vBmMXs7cnzQI4BATWYRgoX2peXahPOdTcK8U3zS4NSmEKo_8rbH8W_DB/s1296/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmt20tYp7-L-Timeqk0mP1pUx7V8O_4FbtkbO6PkvUNzThFrjagedcjSUn8nYcaIP3K-bp7HHiNDUKaOh4U20vBmMXs7cnzQI4BATWYRgoX2peXahPOdTcK8U3zS4NSmEKo_8rbH8W_DB/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZDvjze619y3Iq1wKTFuurP3HLL6fEeFKPW_Bm-bGWRAReO7tHx3SYxGnqdf6vJIYUM9Z6pd1TCpqTjzAKS8KtOe3LSlGTSZyo-kgdMxassp5XLuX0-GxVVuskTmdxyEO8LYrwRgvvJ49/s2048/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZDvjze619y3Iq1wKTFuurP3HLL6fEeFKPW_Bm-bGWRAReO7tHx3SYxGnqdf6vJIYUM9Z6pd1TCpqTjzAKS8KtOe3LSlGTSZyo-kgdMxassp5XLuX0-GxVVuskTmdxyEO8LYrwRgvvJ49/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7FeO8TAZAy806bBmrsN-oZtZWzyD2zyXDDu8aYNDV4SnNEC-9n9jFZoCQjA6Rp0un_hCCos3Vpo-I6LI9_5JPeqfKHaABH3C-YSj6Dhz0vVY_e1qJy9g8FOpsTKbz94gYT0I1kc6DxDm/s2048/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7FeO8TAZAy806bBmrsN-oZtZWzyD2zyXDDu8aYNDV4SnNEC-9n9jFZoCQjA6Rp0un_hCCos3Vpo-I6LI9_5JPeqfKHaABH3C-YSj6Dhz0vVY_e1qJy9g8FOpsTKbz94gYT0I1kc6DxDm/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gdz9WGmxQCM-WGQcAJeLMoNueuMTtSgw2H_zlbaMoCwIlwy2FVLkbB5tStL8cf1Gfq64ETrom02nGuW9bvPu6Lni77Y7cUTjcGDfyB6T3YDGQGDNv1tkl0LCfsrtUEA6LXf9QeAceTvu/s929/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="929" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gdz9WGmxQCM-WGQcAJeLMoNueuMTtSgw2H_zlbaMoCwIlwy2FVLkbB5tStL8cf1Gfq64ETrom02nGuW9bvPu6Lni77Y7cUTjcGDfyB6T3YDGQGDNv1tkl0LCfsrtUEA6LXf9QeAceTvu/s320/IMG_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLpYhZpgQijoqN-dqZouiChEIhlglBV8zX6V1zL87sdoiXKBu4mmaOVTIA1lqPVJpHSuI2bI2Un7w-LLIlAbfR7FKBItWqAEx7qcfpCuGqXbpCY6SK2MGjrPUEJkEB6poopNmHx0_5Rbs/s977/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="977" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLpYhZpgQijoqN-dqZouiChEIhlglBV8zX6V1zL87sdoiXKBu4mmaOVTIA1lqPVJpHSuI2bI2Un7w-LLIlAbfR7FKBItWqAEx7qcfpCuGqXbpCY6SK2MGjrPUEJkEB6poopNmHx0_5Rbs/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>And finally - Mother Nature does do it best! Hollyhocks have escaped from a nearby garden and wonderful wild Willowherb make such a beautiful combination at the back of a car park.</p><p> Thank you for looking. Stay safe in these difficult days.</p><p>Robin <br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-63869144131709342212021-04-22T16:28:00.000+01:002021-04-22T16:28:34.654+01:00The Squirrels Are Out To Get Me!<p><i>I do enjoy seeing the cheeky little squirrels running around, scrambling along the fences and tight-rope walking the telephone wires.....but....I wish they'd stay out of my garden.</i><br /><br />Early in the year we spotted, to our great surprise, three very healthy broad bean plants coming up in the front garden. It didn't take much working out to figure the squirrels had buried them as they do nuts - and forgotten them.<br />So I dug them up and replanted them in the back garden where we planned to plant a row, and they are thriving. In a rare moment of assisting the vegetable chief (husband) I actually planted the bean seeds alongside for him. Eventually up popped three shoots. They didn't appear to grow - someone - which had to be a pesky squirrel, had dug up the beans and left the now wilting shoots.<br />No more shoots appeared....because the little blighter had dug them all up!!! We've planted some spare ones in pots to plant out when they are actual plants - we'll beat them yet!<br /><br />I don't have a nice patch of newly planted daffodils....or tulips either! Two years ago they robbed me of 25 new frilliary bulbs! Every time we dig we find lots and lots of walnuts, and conkers (horse chestnuts) neither of which we have in our garden. We do have little hazel nut trees - but never can never find a nut on our own tree (and small walnut and conker trees) and we have to be really quick to grab our almonds before they do. I'm told that scattering polo mints deters them - I'm not convinced.<br /><br />As I say, they're fun little animals to watch but I wish they'd stay out of my garden.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhXIWduP4O3VxNhPDUKDm7hJAxYPKuzqOKKngXax_VT7PLpQjDt5TXJaCw7vEln9Cpyki36FPRN0dST0ew_UOJtO0p7bCIl3mQTcIDsOgsxalZeTucvM3ybFerBLW1XAp10aL1p6o9EGE/s1162/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="839" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhXIWduP4O3VxNhPDUKDm7hJAxYPKuzqOKKngXax_VT7PLpQjDt5TXJaCw7vEln9Cpyki36FPRN0dST0ew_UOJtO0p7bCIl3mQTcIDsOgsxalZeTucvM3ybFerBLW1XAp10aL1p6o9EGE/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" /></a></div><br />They didn't spoil Mum's basket though and once the crocus had faded, up came these lovely miniature 'Tete a tete' daffodils. Thankfully the frillaries already established in the wild patch are spreading naturally and they obviously don't like bluebells.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqrFqhLOAqzdkK8n91DiMeBVlG0h70r0lf43ar67gk5Sshu4rJNEAHfrvIu3ssjz7IT30KpI0dZfgvIgBeWTXNNn36RHdCc9WPWuHAjSfFM81ZI2MOh_wDUaGYdx0S2bFHCbRGV4VSsas/s1296/IMG_0057+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqrFqhLOAqzdkK8n91DiMeBVlG0h70r0lf43ar67gk5Sshu4rJNEAHfrvIu3ssjz7IT30KpI0dZfgvIgBeWTXNNn36RHdCc9WPWuHAjSfFM81ZI2MOh_wDUaGYdx0S2bFHCbRGV4VSsas/s320/IMG_0057+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomFffnOEs7vmnst2ekw9uEcfYekBVamxEwmS1fF9NHo3U0Y-p3KB14gQpDzatMLgwx5a9IasCKjG40Q4NBJV0FHVF6SJ49S7AG4YiK3sHbDGGb_kksM-APTgQVfR507qolcYDsXQ_jweh/s1166/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomFffnOEs7vmnst2ekw9uEcfYekBVamxEwmS1fF9NHo3U0Y-p3KB14gQpDzatMLgwx5a9IasCKjG40Q4NBJV0FHVF6SJ49S7AG4YiK3sHbDGGb_kksM-APTgQVfR507qolcYDsXQ_jweh/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />At least there is one garden that the little pests can't get to - the 1/24th Herb Garden Celia Thomas and I created as one of our workshop projects a few years ago.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRP26lBK62hOaWeSWaIcidEoqS7C5zc-_vwbwOtbKhv0IcpO4ELQfDe5U9a-sW9cJbMIr8oEAsAuhVRWUCqudiVr3XM0BJRLFAuRPVKf2_zxBzJFj78HtDN8aNK6TwtGrb6fv8_AWGjNn/s717/IMG_0054+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRP26lBK62hOaWeSWaIcidEoqS7C5zc-_vwbwOtbKhv0IcpO4ELQfDe5U9a-sW9cJbMIr8oEAsAuhVRWUCqudiVr3XM0BJRLFAuRPVKf2_zxBzJFj78HtDN8aNK6TwtGrb6fv8_AWGjNn/s320/IMG_0054+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin <br /> <br /> <p></p><br /><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-4566239252800386432021-04-01T20:42:00.000+01:002021-04-01T20:42:55.143+01:00HAPPY EASTER<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh6547WuAyiw_2EQZa7C0yxO1haJoyEe9FL4tY-qQUtpdC6_WNlxWAFEgrUVMdv8FQQLPWRGzh_PD4d37HzUDBJ-2AhL46c22T-3V2v4RhiRtf17ghQNaDRFV8Q1Fvy_G9j0fGRsXrRdl/s1166/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh6547WuAyiw_2EQZa7C0yxO1haJoyEe9FL4tY-qQUtpdC6_WNlxWAFEgrUVMdv8FQQLPWRGzh_PD4d37HzUDBJ-2AhL46c22T-3V2v4RhiRtf17ghQNaDRFV8Q1Fvy_G9j0fGRsXrRdl/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Wishing you all a very Happy Easter - wherever you are and however you are spending the weekend.<p></p><p>Stay safe - take care.</p><p>Robin x<br /> </p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-23245049347035895482021-03-16T15:04:00.000+00:002021-03-16T15:04:02.065+00:00 The Unconscious Gardener<p><i>It occurred to me when I was planting up my Mum's old basket, pictured below, then again when the first crocus began to bloom that I don't ever remember learning about gardening...somehow or other it led me to being a really keen gardener. It got me thinking...</i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j-yGDkTPqo3rbUYqnYsOK2ulYI-9mIUdxCO4t3sweln7X6xFF3-YDuqKxxXxrrp5ZXx3fMQ_bBjPzSPQJqZw0DQRXh8aGz9VBXRU8bMguWAfzkkzwGC9TuF65rJ5dMEd1eSCerRCLdJ9/s2048/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j-yGDkTPqo3rbUYqnYsOK2ulYI-9mIUdxCO4t3sweln7X6xFF3-YDuqKxxXxrrp5ZXx3fMQ_bBjPzSPQJqZw0DQRXh8aGz9VBXRU8bMguWAfzkkzwGC9TuF65rJ5dMEd1eSCerRCLdJ9/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br />Back in the day when I was a girl in the 1950s/60s - SO many years ago now!!! - most families had a garden and gardened - fruit, veg and flowers...the old cottage garden principle. A little of what you fancy does you good! As a product of wartime austerity and make do and mend principles, as well as her own upbringing it was second nature to my Mother to plant seeds, take cuttings and split plants - garden centres didn't exist until well into the 1960s, although specialist nurseries did exist, and I learned grafting from my rose grower Uncle.<br />As soon we were judged safe in charge of an old kitchen fork we would be pricking out seedlings and planting them into wooden trays cadged from the greengrocer or market and lined with newspaper (plastic mushroom boxes are a wonderful modern equivalent). When they became too ancient they went on the compost heap or provided kindling for the fire. I suppose we must have just been talked through the names of the plants, and wild ones when we went for walks, and it has stayed with me. <br /><br />I have to say I am amused to be 'lectured' on recycling, upcycling etc.....it's second nature and I'd hazard a guess our generation have probably always done it quite automatically. Plastic pots were 'new' - then we used and still use clay pots, some of mine must be 90 years old - because we were making our own from old tin cans, cut down plastic bottles and newspaper twisted round a wooden block. It would also have been a heinous crime to throw a sweet paper onto the street!<br /><br />So - from an 'unconscious gardener' to a full time miniaturist - but we are all doing the same aren't we? Thinking 'outside the box'...how can I turn this into that? How can I make a chair/bed/washbasin out of....all these bits and pieces?<br /> <br />If you don't have much of a garden how about making your own miniature version (it will never need weeding) or a greehouse or a conservatory?<br />With a little imagination and practice, super flowers and plants can be made from paper or the many great kits available and it is surprising how much dried real plant material can be used. Of course as we all know, tea leaves and coffee grounds make great soil and cardboard, paving stones - polystyrene packaging can be carved or indented for walls and all sorts of small containers covered in glue and sand to make authentic looking planters.</p><p> The following pic. is part of the back wall of my mini conservatory. The wall itself is simply polystyrene indented to make 'stone' and liberally painted. Most of the plants are paper, some printed and some real leaves copied and reduced. There is some dried plant material in there too...and the pots are purchased, home-made from paper and clay, as well as beads and even a cartridge case. Following is the conservatory itself. Everything is possible!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikDVnJl5LNECcOtG94DpNHqindxW4nmmW4XGOe54gI9SRhNlbVF8TrwPCxTIoXhsO0AZ5qKHC61YF1YpOx6_uyGH-kkddEXsEtfx7PNXMCjut-c61GwN9Qd0aIDMHiCkZcrFkB_QP-e-V/s604/IMG_9316+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikDVnJl5LNECcOtG94DpNHqindxW4nmmW4XGOe54gI9SRhNlbVF8TrwPCxTIoXhsO0AZ5qKHC61YF1YpOx6_uyGH-kkddEXsEtfx7PNXMCjut-c61GwN9Qd0aIDMHiCkZcrFkB_QP-e-V/s320/IMG_9316+-+Copy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWsipAX1mMr50BqkthAMomI9F4MJOfHi2Xzb8bM-AcBaHXXt25kN8fU9u62DVQ4WVSnCtJ9N4Ll0bqP1fi_v0kqiwE-uJZ94E8IyYsQJuvT_N-Z4YJL8Hq6PwOF5yfN8EwXelyKkEyrcB/s2048/IMG_9337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWsipAX1mMr50BqkthAMomI9F4MJOfHi2Xzb8bM-AcBaHXXt25kN8fU9u62DVQ4WVSnCtJ9N4Ll0bqP1fi_v0kqiwE-uJZ94E8IyYsQJuvT_N-Z4YJL8Hq6PwOF5yfN8EwXelyKkEyrcB/s320/IMG_9337.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />This year for the first time in ages I've been planting flower seeds and having been given lovely flowers for Mothering Sunday, carefully removed side shoots from the carnation stems which I've planted as cuttings. It's been successful in the past and as my Mum would say, 'they've got two chances!'<br /><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin <br /> <br /><br /><p></p><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-53884186076569149572021-02-23T11:54:00.000+00:002021-02-23T11:54:56.911+00:00 Spring Is On The Way!<p><i>At last I feel that Spring is coming - the garden, emerging from its frozen weeks, is waking up at last and it's a delight to walk up there each morning and see what else is flowering. It has even been possible to start a little proper gardening again - although it remains very soggy.</i><br /><br />The miniature iris (Katherine's Gold) are just lovely as are the purple Reticulata just beginning to emerge in another pan, alongside is a pot of tiny hoop daffodils which I've planted in with Ophiopogon (Black Lily Grass) which still looks good with tiny purple flowers and then black berries, when the daffodils die back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBneDkR6NPTwizq_eo3E0IxStGmrwNIUUPLVeY8qhde572g6Nul3TuV0IbrlO0nBVS_YHhgKOo8wZtsm31zu0WYpnuO3-zRMLKbP2TJ3Qnyn3t4s73J4UAoxyxPBXp1lkis-u7auIllcT/s2048/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBneDkR6NPTwizq_eo3E0IxStGmrwNIUUPLVeY8qhde572g6Nul3TuV0IbrlO0nBVS_YHhgKOo8wZtsm31zu0WYpnuO3-zRMLKbP2TJ3Qnyn3t4s73J4UAoxyxPBXp1lkis-u7auIllcT/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFeij6H3SoMmm_2m42q_tC8z5WowX4U1JpY6hoLWIJkuHSah0HHbS1wMnEU64ETVaTq5PdEBDmdMrhl1sMTKiy2_aTLda4pO9kKmTFoOpbCt-rGVxfg1jZb876sxvLdQtlzzACy0GBjXR/s2048/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFeij6H3SoMmm_2m42q_tC8z5WowX4U1JpY6hoLWIJkuHSah0HHbS1wMnEU64ETVaTq5PdEBDmdMrhl1sMTKiy2_aTLda4pO9kKmTFoOpbCt-rGVxfg1jZb876sxvLdQtlzzACy0GBjXR/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In the wild patch snowdrops are finally flowering and more primroses are out. The little 'wild' crocus are spreading all over the garden which is wonderful. Some plants are naturally promiscuous, seed and spread like mad - miniature cyclamen are another also hellebores which, when they eventually flower are full of surprises as the colours and markings vary so much.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18lY8lnMGWzRct2ffn47ayViaoC1dGU8d3BIYajhXGwjclyyJs3pWDa_6Db4I39BmQKrE_W8CnunH_x48JHacoBJCVgekKtQaMyScBtKorW-VpxIc4yUDBVuZKX9XXYm8a6uYGpUWh_9d/s2048/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18lY8lnMGWzRct2ffn47ayViaoC1dGU8d3BIYajhXGwjclyyJs3pWDa_6Db4I39BmQKrE_W8CnunH_x48JHacoBJCVgekKtQaMyScBtKorW-VpxIc4yUDBVuZKX9XXYm8a6uYGpUWh_9d/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qlcfr6mtzHsk8BAE5rXEILXV7_ivsDjlVTn5zyp81Y4X5Sj2g0wigxDE68O112e9Hi6wRiDuMj1UH2Fu7JhYI9vbF13AMQGIGYPnBl2LZcCEKiTsqtwTe9UDMVCFqZ6EeSkiIqnuiYh2/s2048/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Qlcfr6mtzHsk8BAE5rXEILXV7_ivsDjlVTn5zyp81Y4X5Sj2g0wigxDE68O112e9Hi6wRiDuMj1UH2Fu7JhYI9vbF13AMQGIGYPnBl2LZcCEKiTsqtwTe9UDMVCFqZ6EeSkiIqnuiYh2/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8URhu-aJM6Mms0t03TmO6sthGhZH4pnBOLMPHytg6tKDoY8G03c5ktAjOgulFIGTQ4n1PLqLw3VOlTEX2364YMJhzFaCqxQnWq_D5CmiLaM7NltaEFD8bN1h1g814gyR-heaoCWXuetqc/s2048/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8URhu-aJM6Mms0t03TmO6sthGhZH4pnBOLMPHytg6tKDoY8G03c5ktAjOgulFIGTQ4n1PLqLw3VOlTEX2364YMJhzFaCqxQnWq_D5CmiLaM7NltaEFD8bN1h1g814gyR-heaoCWXuetqc/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />When I retired from full-time making miniatures I finally found time to create a few projects for myself that first spring, inspired by the primroses, I created 'Alice Down the Rabbit Hole' and it is still a favourite. The idea had been in my head for years and when<b> Sandra Morris of Towerhouse Dolls </b>created 'Alice' it was just a question of 'when'. I found the perfect plastic rabbit, which afer several coats of paint, some clothes, spectacles and watch became my White Rabbit.<p></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyLMjtJY-1wUxvtR-IDuGUsKGKyDwDdz8UGOOIX585K0ee0V49VI6yTQMzAziMtjf5SNzHM-ItDK2Vsucf2Tcc7K7ONTVF5sChEY9ZnIT7g_esSYZlwjxP_FTPmRtiOu09m12Xv-ZmCOX/s671/IMG_8918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyLMjtJY-1wUxvtR-IDuGUsKGKyDwDdz8UGOOIX585K0ee0V49VI6yTQMzAziMtjf5SNzHM-ItDK2Vsucf2Tcc7K7ONTVF5sChEY9ZnIT7g_esSYZlwjxP_FTPmRtiOu09m12Xv-ZmCOX/s320/IMG_8918.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />The Primroses, ferns and ivy are all made from paper and of course I'd lots of bits and pieces to make the bank and hole.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-77n8VJwtb1toJr5Zb4k_tFeRgXccPcmo8wGi0b1OoyDrjRCnnnUQtjzmBwwEQzPb25BcKN4PjfU7SKC9lE0CEuJd_Ksd8Qq3oC5jn2ZLr6my-aVi-AUlRQNHkAkwgzB4ZY_UnQL9LiIt/s931/IMG_8922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="931" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-77n8VJwtb1toJr5Zb4k_tFeRgXccPcmo8wGi0b1OoyDrjRCnnnUQtjzmBwwEQzPb25BcKN4PjfU7SKC9lE0CEuJd_Ksd8Qq3oC5jn2ZLr6my-aVi-AUlRQNHkAkwgzB4ZY_UnQL9LiIt/w400-h244/IMG_8922.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I hope you'll enjoy seeing it again - or perhaps for the first time. After a lifetime of creating and making I confess my mojo has waned somewhat and my passion for gardening, which had had to take a back seat, is my current obsession.....there again, the ideas don't just go...and I do stll have lots of bits and pieces.....but not much shelf space left.<br /><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin <br /> <br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-2380682212850530932021-02-12T16:39:00.000+00:002021-02-12T16:39:28.038+00:00What a Picture...What a Photograph!<p><i>Does anybody else remember Tommy Steele in Half a Sixpence....or am I just the oldest? Anyway, that phrase from the song in the musical of the same name, came to mind at crack of sparrow when my lovely other half woke me up to see the most stunning sunrise! It was worth it!!</i></p><p><i> </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtlmxkhZ0mXCuVjLqvurI3dUccDos5SEMVq_3sEbNia1dm-g6V4kH2qmSpysYs4wmnfhJnFCg5FhUDT1XkJKiLphqz4ABgZljIaXamzg3mPn-VD3VXVzM6YsdRGMKrSsq6dlOkCV24OeM/s1296/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtlmxkhZ0mXCuVjLqvurI3dUccDos5SEMVq_3sEbNia1dm-g6V4kH2qmSpysYs4wmnfhJnFCg5FhUDT1XkJKiLphqz4ABgZljIaXamzg3mPn-VD3VXVzM6YsdRGMKrSsq6dlOkCV24OeM/w400-h300/IMG_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><br /><br />Moving on....sad I know, but I don't feel I've had a winter until I've seen a proper bit of snow. Here in Thame we've had the odd flurry...not a lot. I appreciate that elsewhere you've probably had too much and are heartily sick of it.<br />Illona has posted some lovely pics of hers in the Netherlands.<br /><br /><a href="https://minimumloon.blogspot.com/2021/02/sneeuwwit-en-bloedrood-snow-white-and.html">https://minimumloon.blogspot.com/2021/02/sneeuwwit-en-bloedrood-snow-white-and.html</a><br /><br />This is my offering - pretty though. Poor old owl is beginning to look quite vintage, although he isn't, as his paint gives way to rust. I like it!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IfI_uZ4GnmZ29aw2CbKvdNRAQDLCFAvS7e0K2OjOxeRVfHeHDs8d4kToAM4n4xCSOwzYby5MJ8_qgdIXmISeDAAyzklOJKsdJFrBw5Grhu9XhWvPVR-0TEldT3xBajhUJZDh4fUnezwZ/s1296/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IfI_uZ4GnmZ29aw2CbKvdNRAQDLCFAvS7e0K2OjOxeRVfHeHDs8d4kToAM4n4xCSOwzYby5MJ8_qgdIXmISeDAAyzklOJKsdJFrBw5Grhu9XhWvPVR-0TEldT3xBajhUJZDh4fUnezwZ/w300-h400/IMG_0021.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />In my very frozen garden the helibores are slow to come into flower, but I do love them and I'm indebted to the lovely blogger who, a couple of years ago told me how to ensure they lasted in water. I'm so sorry that I've forgotten who that was, but I thank you once again. So, pick the flowers and split the stems longways from just below the first bud. They last for ages. Before that wonderful tip I'd snipped off individual flowers and floated them on a shallow dish of water - and they do look lovely. I had to stop that as my daft cat assumed I'd decorated a water bowl just for him and drank the water!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLkeeoX7R4v4tvG20flHb_g8ZvhIbD5iyhMhjm3wbGUDHHcGQYkKBx3lQepVZMBTqaFrup-8dMCXTzUrTYh7p0YukDQgmnYnxj-PhetI6tUcMhrzfLlVpNmFjhBZc2TSUvM89bLFZSfCS/s1158/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="894" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLkeeoX7R4v4tvG20flHb_g8ZvhIbD5iyhMhjm3wbGUDHHcGQYkKBx3lQepVZMBTqaFrup-8dMCXTzUrTYh7p0YukDQgmnYnxj-PhetI6tUcMhrzfLlVpNmFjhBZc2TSUvM89bLFZSfCS/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cmjwlapiQMsOvI4PAqu3uqbWZY7GneJAvjRGcy2qrZoKxAmP_Om8r_AmgepzJ6HFikEWC_7kPWWbEpINTPGxuWBf5lUmsMQ6mJwRm3B_nh7FN0AenMgt12VVsGlpgLGFeGpMI67P8976/s1296/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cmjwlapiQMsOvI4PAqu3uqbWZY7GneJAvjRGcy2qrZoKxAmP_Om8r_AmgepzJ6HFikEWC_7kPWWbEpINTPGxuWBf5lUmsMQ6mJwRm3B_nh7FN0AenMgt12VVsGlpgLGFeGpMI67P8976/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />If you read Celia's story of the miniaturists Ralph and Bertha Wright Part One you'll be happy to know that Part Two is up on her blog now, and it's just as fascinating.<br /><a href="http://ktminiatures.blogspot.com/2021/02/part-two-story-of-bertha-ralph-wright.html."><br />http://ktminiatures.blogspot.com/2021/02/part-two-story-of-bertha-ralph-wright.html.</a><br /><br />Stay safe, and thank you for looking.<br />Robin <br /> <br /> <p></p><br /><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-47522388795586551032021-02-01T14:12:00.000+00:002021-02-01T14:12:59.426+00:00The Story of Bertha and Ralph Wright - their miniatures revealed.<p> <i>Every once in a while, something truly exceptional comes along. This story is just such a one and has been researched and written by Celia Thomas who we all know as both a talented miniaturist and expert in vintage and antique dolls houses and artefacts, with the unique help and co-operation of Bertha and Ralph's familes. Enjoy!<br /></i><br />Bertha Wright was an accomplished artist and sculptor on the fringes of the Bloomsbury Group and, it seems, an extraordinary lady who together with her husband Ralph led a most interesting life so their story brings annecdotes and memories from 1918 onwards. Clearly their work as miniaturists was well regarded; most fascinating of all perhaps are the most unusual and detailed picture boxes which were exhibited as well as being commissioned from 1930s.<br /><br />The story for Celia began back in 2016 when she acquired some unusual miniature dolls and furniture which set her off on her quest to learn more. Her research over the years has, with the generous help of Bertha and Ralph's families and others, drawn many strands together and provided a wonderful readable story about the life and times of 'Bad Aunt Bertha' and fantastic details and pictures which have never been seen before, of the exciting miniature treasures. <br />I've been lucky enough to hear snippets of the story while Celia has been researching so I was over the moon to see it finally published on her latest blog.<br /> <br /><a href="http://ktminiatures.blogspot.com/2021/01/part-onethe-story-of-bertha-ralph.html">http://ktminiatures.blogspot.com/2021/01/part-onethe-story-of-bertha-ralph.html</a><br /><br />So if you're looking for a lovely distraction from the covid pandemic or the miserable weather - put the kettle on, make a cuppa, settle down and enjoy!<br /><br />Thank you for looking - Stay safe <br />Robin x<br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-66716816090471327102021-01-22T10:52:00.000+00:002021-01-22T10:52:37.643+00:00 I was just wondering......<p><i>.....what little thing can start the day well. In these rather difficult and sad times it is hard to avoid the latest news but often something quite small can banish gloomy thoughts and just start the day well.</i><br /><br />I must admit my best start to the day is throwing open the back door taking a gulp of fresh air (or rain) and deciding how soon I can have a wander round the garden, seeing how many primroses and snowdrops are out and check out the bulbs popping through.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzRuCS3uyVMbdV6c4C_B9sQwH15eZTAgGY-pdWypOvxle4a0mVBPsdisuVAHsYmymQN678oHHhEbkFqQMTaX-SiwyW03p7HvdQzhLKRYXxa1BxxwT7p0nv-PYWKmr9mtehrIdaEh_yqhx/s1296/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzRuCS3uyVMbdV6c4C_B9sQwH15eZTAgGY-pdWypOvxle4a0mVBPsdisuVAHsYmymQN678oHHhEbkFqQMTaX-SiwyW03p7HvdQzhLKRYXxa1BxxwT7p0nv-PYWKmr9mtehrIdaEh_yqhx/w300-h400/IMG_0016.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />This morning, catching sight of a another orchid in full bloom in front of a backdrop of a picture that reminds me of Cornwall and a vintage tin advertising stand above which the coloured glass and bits and pieces were caught by the early morning sun made me smile.<br />To top it all our Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) is out and this year reaching for the sky with an indoor climber scrambling up it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNyHkMOh5z93xZG6XBpmTeOY2hH2t5PdV2BLv4iDvbXaf7oiZ6evokD5kxNrsE5oB32y-qd7hY8358Y-Hd4aE_sIRV-JtxVfv3iGJcI3HEBNKo63nGhyphenhyphen5cjlZbuPvcQ1GoPMqVjpDmWJ5/s1296/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNyHkMOh5z93xZG6XBpmTeOY2hH2t5PdV2BLv4iDvbXaf7oiZ6evokD5kxNrsE5oB32y-qd7hY8358Y-Hd4aE_sIRV-JtxVfv3iGJcI3HEBNKo63nGhyphenhyphen5cjlZbuPvcQ1GoPMqVjpDmWJ5/s320/IMG_0019.JPG" /></a></div><br />Out in the garden I'm thrilled that a lovely double Helebore is blooming because with some trepidation I had moved it in the autumn and they hate being moved.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1dLUGz5DW4ZNWG1BRzh99uFBUuuNsVLKrJKAd99szcMEbDc_hixD4QVn5QCE_SCbaNRLoLHCCG0EkZHiwb6hRKqEij3bVgK5YKFPUkPqJIcsZ_ozwV7Za7dLEvlIj889MASzlJpVX1rV/s1097/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1097" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1dLUGz5DW4ZNWG1BRzh99uFBUuuNsVLKrJKAd99szcMEbDc_hixD4QVn5QCE_SCbaNRLoLHCCG0EkZHiwb6hRKqEij3bVgK5YKFPUkPqJIcsZ_ozwV7Za7dLEvlIj889MASzlJpVX1rV/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Of course a phone call from family or friend is a super start to any day - or a letter. We write and receive so few these days don't we? Maybe it's just that it's stopped raining......or someone brings you a cup of tea....or has baked you a cake (I love cake)?<p></p><p>Sadly, as we're mostly at home and not shopping, managing to get an online grocery delivery slot is a GREAT start to my day. Yes that is truly pathetic I know!<br /><br />Reading your blogs would be a good start to the day, but I try to leave that till later, or the washing up and ironing would never get done. So Blogger friends - what are some of yours?<br /> <br />Thank you for looking - Happy New Year. <br />Robin x<br /><br /> <br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-82609969431527306732020-12-31T10:23:00.000+00:002020-12-31T10:23:59.283+00:00 HERE'S HOPING FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR!<p><i>The New Year is coming in, filled with hope for us all, after perhaps the most difficult and saddest year we can remember.<br />May we wish that all your hopes and wishes, dreams and ambitions are fulfilled and that you and those you love have a Happy New Year.<br /></i><br />Well, to say that Christmas was 'different' is probably the understatement of the decade - having said that, I hope there were times of joy, and friendship and perhaps some moments of fun for you too. Most of our family were separated from each other so we were fortunate to be able to share the day with one son, and see another and his family for a short time. Thank heavens for modern connectivity so that we can all remain in touch to some degree.<br /> <br />So......I forgot the crackers (next year then), and forgot to switch on the Christmas tree lights until Boxing Day. Our very large chicken tasted great, and is now casserole, soup or frozen. The wine held up.......still not had the Christmas pud....The chocolates will last a long time, and Santa brought us Christmas stockings for the first time in living memory.... we did at least cut the Christmas cake.<br /><br />In our house all Christmas trappings are removed on New Year's Eve so that the next year starts anew - the law according to my Granny. I suspect that with a large family she was just desperate to have a clear up, but it works for me.<br /><br />Today's modern miracles are being achieved by scientists, medical researchers, amazing volunteers, medics and nurses, ancilliary workers and the frontline workers, be they in an ambulance or a supermarket. Thank you.<br /><br />Thank you for looking - Happy New Year. <br />Robin x<br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-65607945261206123502020-12-20T14:40:00.000+00:002020-12-20T14:40:03.856+00:00HAPPY CHRISTMAS<p><i> It's that time of year again.....and what a strange, difficult and often sad year it has been.<br />However, let's look forward if we can with optimism.</i><br /><br /><br />We should like to wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and BRIGHT NEW YEAR!! May all your wishes for 2021 come true, and you and your families stay safe.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcUgVoEgzM7Ou5tNGaVeArLXp_0KjMJxKlXRygW213bQlIZgdw8IOldlZwrh70buMQqkPQdhU6oawJjUI7L_L1kw7Hxl1-JrPQPWnGNbjN8xC7ZiLHajouHPvzY2v0kNREjcmfZPLG72f/s2048/IMG_0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcUgVoEgzM7Ou5tNGaVeArLXp_0KjMJxKlXRygW213bQlIZgdw8IOldlZwrh70buMQqkPQdhU6oawJjUI7L_L1kw7Hxl1-JrPQPWnGNbjN8xC7ZiLHajouHPvzY2v0kNREjcmfZPLG72f/s320/IMG_0910.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrbTskG1TdJymHatTpjuUdRjb7G74sBRLnRX-LF4wnVlwa4GhaafOQoQ_l3ispPoo9XVQtOuOKG_koFU_hhC5MkLUiiNaZ6IsBdULzOWJwxmWFXQUgm53NHJYHhm3qacRE6DmHmeURz1W/s951/IMG_0895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrbTskG1TdJymHatTpjuUdRjb7G74sBRLnRX-LF4wnVlwa4GhaafOQoQ_l3ispPoo9XVQtOuOKG_koFU_hhC5MkLUiiNaZ6IsBdULzOWJwxmWFXQUgm53NHJYHhm3qacRE6DmHmeURz1W/s320/IMG_0895.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><br />Two Christmas cards for you this year, especially commissioned from our youngest
granddaughters. Hmmm, yes we think it's Christmas pussy cat too - hope it gives you a smile.<br />Thank you all for lots of lovely blogs to read and a real spirit of friendship.<br /><br /><br />Thank you for looking. <br />Robin xRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-49893125977357851292020-12-04T14:29:00.000+00:002020-12-04T14:29:41.412+00:00It's Just a Chair<p><i>Back in the day...the 1950s I expect....a lovely old chair, an American style rocking chair was transported by train in the baggage van from Newcastle-on-Tyne to a little market town in what was then Berkshire (it's now Oxfordshire). In those days there were numerous small branch lines, so it came via Oxford and Swindon, almost to the door.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6zxFYAN7bpmJ0XqU8Gb5u20cGAo_p6ajg-XpnSpuq6oPOX-nKcnH9zdILu7hzPtxk3DTRYvVRMp2CneAve1264gu48MtWTr_dWIlTQMH06ahHVFjXB11anzkd8Oe62RaEByiT3v_Hqj1/s1171/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6zxFYAN7bpmJ0XqU8Gb5u20cGAo_p6ajg-XpnSpuq6oPOX-nKcnH9zdILu7hzPtxk3DTRYvVRMp2CneAve1264gu48MtWTr_dWIlTQMH06ahHVFjXB11anzkd8Oe62RaEByiT3v_Hqj1/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i> </i>I'm assuming the chair is late C19th and I've no idea where it was constructed, but I remember it as a child and somewhere under that uphostery on the back was glued an old newspaper in far eastern script. The back panel and seat were actually carpet - some kind of junk type boat featured on the back. It's been recovered and a cushion added a few times since then.</p><p> Anyway.....it originally belonged to my Geordie Granda, came to my Dad and the family and in due course came to me. (Back in the day, like The Railway Children my sisters and I would sit on the fence and wave at the steam trains as they went past.......yep I'm ancient!) <br /></p><p>We moved about a bit - downsized - and one of our sons and his family gave it a home for many years.....but now, short of space there, it has come home to me again. It's had a full life so needs a minor repair and a polish but it's so nice to see it again!! I would say how lovely it is to sit in it - but our mad cat has declared it HIS!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZipvx7FYc3IJTdRBLVUhaSQtwfXc9GPpbmuK2rvee1NIIOUnMCXyBG15jxH45NzMzYEtuVLO5lgLpo-4Tukoe8EBy-6qpoB7Bekb0L3JK88-DFHxNEVor7bEsu_SDJTbJfKpuQW7dNmt/s1242/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZipvx7FYc3IJTdRBLVUhaSQtwfXc9GPpbmuK2rvee1NIIOUnMCXyBG15jxH45NzMzYEtuVLO5lgLpo-4Tukoe8EBy-6qpoB7Bekb0L3JK88-DFHxNEVor7bEsu_SDJTbJfKpuQW7dNmt/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" /></a></div><br />Although during our Coombe Crafts days, my other half created many beautiful miniature chairs, he never attempted one like this - I wonder if anyone else has?<br /><br />In our soggy and chilly garden the winter-flowering jasmine is putting on a wonderful show and the 'Freckles' clematis presents a discreet but modest show on the other side of the archway. I've just noticed the first spring bulbs pushing out their noses, so maybe spring is not as far away as we think. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpT7O4EfmpsGv6NyJzqvPxLPzgUUssDKxR50_rGsSatfqjQy4fnwc5wTBc3LYaHHwHN1YY9oqI1qO3pPh-8TqS1H7Eq9m_6nYqf55VaPzSmYJZFzvEB4Gm_FbE2ItUT8RcSDYuEhqB1Hv/s1296/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpT7O4EfmpsGv6NyJzqvPxLPzgUUssDKxR50_rGsSatfqjQy4fnwc5wTBc3LYaHHwHN1YY9oqI1qO3pPh-8TqS1H7Eq9m_6nYqf55VaPzSmYJZFzvEB4Gm_FbE2ItUT8RcSDYuEhqB1Hv/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_FRzpM91Wl4x3GWd_3F4h4fiNuba8RvFK82hbmyyOR0jg1MutffNnHzXofiwTGWbU35Z9_eAQ8Pn2JLF3kJaIjZhy7W-gttScWSAHGglmYvrDFcP1c2guvW3AXqmV_X1CWlDd_7vzmGE/s1084/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="861" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_FRzpM91Wl4x3GWd_3F4h4fiNuba8RvFK82hbmyyOR0jg1MutffNnHzXofiwTGWbU35Z9_eAQ8Pn2JLF3kJaIjZhy7W-gttScWSAHGglmYvrDFcP1c2guvW3AXqmV_X1CWlDd_7vzmGE/s320/IMG_0013.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p><br />Thank you for looking and stay safe. <br />Robin x <br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-42290088883796900602020-10-28T20:36:00.000+00:002020-10-28T20:36:55.646+00:00 I was thinking about plants and my miniatures.....<p><i>I expect if you've been reading my blogs for a while you'll have worked out that gardening, and creative arts and crafts, but predominately miniatures, have been passions since I was young. Although it's mostly gardening at the moment.<br /></i> </p><p>Growing up with a mother who somehow passed on a love of plants both wild and cultivated - and their latin and common names - without her daughters ever actually realising it, to creating my own gardens, we all became 'gardeners'. Our family was like that - and painting, drawing, making things...whether it was a pair of gloves or a dollshouse...it must be in the genes. <br /><br />So many of you seem to be both passionate miniaturists and gardeners. From reading your blogs I'm convinced that there is a direct link between visualising a garden - even when it's a bare patch of earth - and visualising a dolls house and its 'people'and accessories, even when it's just a box or a kit!<br />So - stick with it..... the following picture (I expect you've seen one like it every year...sorry) is our glorious Continus in its autumn foliage. The leaves are almost like animal skins, or exotic plants, so vivid. So a few years ago I scanned, reduced and used miniature paper copies as exotic leaves in my miniature conservatory. It's how you see it - isn't it? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqogVJ4PMimbsuz6yHiIh9fpYYTp2DhYcSrVihC1x75hAYJ2JAKt8B60axxyjMeLoB2hJQBgmySuYAY8ngbUf1za8H415nMzBgFEaIKUosaWBwOxJGwzDl92pjHaDgKfcJBd2zf6OuqMkG/s1296/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqogVJ4PMimbsuz6yHiIh9fpYYTp2DhYcSrVihC1x75hAYJ2JAKt8B60axxyjMeLoB2hJQBgmySuYAY8ngbUf1za8H415nMzBgFEaIKUosaWBwOxJGwzDl92pjHaDgKfcJBd2zf6OuqMkG/w400-h300/IMG_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUs2tP7xUrKU6ecgHYeuiJ2_3d-BhDlMKkI9TbeLZc3vYb_-UZX2kBlu-I-_4UJ_NF8YT83Zma-VxT8HzWnUSCbgHzgw6bzlws3PMCR51z5XZmjm9_lhL_IdQnr6mWFTD2gbvdhNjSawR/s939/IMG_9320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="939" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUs2tP7xUrKU6ecgHYeuiJ2_3d-BhDlMKkI9TbeLZc3vYb_-UZX2kBlu-I-_4UJ_NF8YT83Zma-VxT8HzWnUSCbgHzgw6bzlws3PMCR51z5XZmjm9_lhL_IdQnr6mWFTD2gbvdhNjSawR/w400-h308/IMG_9320.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu8zmf1o2Hd-uUANld-Ro9IY4tEYuK-tTCeSXJ88hDtQEI6uEz86N1z1yqHDKElOgwdVuuqkwRbDSEBg5eKwKEbpPV0dCk5zpb6PJoDbDuqz9bK-JNF-Ou-y3BIf3JNjkkd00hbOzC_kR/s896/IMG_9336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="673" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBu8zmf1o2Hd-uUANld-Ro9IY4tEYuK-tTCeSXJ88hDtQEI6uEz86N1z1yqHDKElOgwdVuuqkwRbDSEBg5eKwKEbpPV0dCk5zpb6PJoDbDuqz9bK-JNF-Ou-y3BIf3JNjkkd00hbOzC_kR/w300-h400/IMG_9336.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p><br />Back in the day (and historically) fresh foliage was preserved in a mixture of glycerine and water, fresh flowers in dry preservatives like silver sand or borax or even washing powder!! Oh yes I tried them all! Thinking small I preserved tiny flowers like forget-me-nots and lychnis, tiny grasses, seed heads and ferns which I used in little arrangements before the brilliant floral experts pushed the art to a whole new level. Illona and Jan Southerton.... are two of my favourites who spring to mind using completely different materials and techniques. Of course now there are lots of lovely commercial products like coloured foam, scatter, fibres, papers, polymer clays and silks that make life easier for all of us, but it is so satisfactory to start from scratch and develop your own techniques and find your own way, I think.<br /><br />Finally I can't resist showing you a picture of one of the little robins that accompany us when we're digging and weeding - having filled up on worms, he/she is having a bath in one of our mini ponds.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lYGxX0IH6mQXBHel4vGAufV1X3iG4ECySpg_mW-TAAouZZ46Fa9M91Mx7YnoDvIZY3O7837uY69qkuRZqoD8H5CxuPSX-VActK1pU8xATYL0Dg3-TlP_sCCnWY5BN5UA7yAdA4BKq-e9/s1296/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lYGxX0IH6mQXBHel4vGAufV1X3iG4ECySpg_mW-TAAouZZ46Fa9M91Mx7YnoDvIZY3O7837uY69qkuRZqoD8H5CxuPSX-VActK1pU8xATYL0Dg3-TlP_sCCnWY5BN5UA7yAdA4BKq-e9/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Anecdotally, gardens and outside spaces help many of us cope with the restrictions of the pandemic; I'm sure hobbies and crafts have played a major part too in keeping us 'sane'. Your many and various blogs have been fun, inspiring, and informative - thank you all for staying in touch. Stay safe.<br /><br /><br />Thank you for looking. <br />Robin x<br /><br /> <br /><br /><p></p><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-79982035856429666272020-10-01T14:37:00.000+01:002020-10-01T14:37:19.699+01:00 Mending Fairies' Broken Wings<p><i>The white fairy has been in my gardens for many, many years and has moved with us - but she is now elderly and quite fragile. She took a bit of a tumble and lost a wing - out came the glue. As if in sympathy the other fairy flew out of the willow tree and landed badly - broken leg - more glue.</i><br /><br />It seems the right time to relocate them to safer perches. So the white fairy smiles at us near the back door and her friend is guarding the gravel garden alongside our mad hare.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj7M-Q3YFJqRu2p3VncroO2ZUMQJVDYnK4EH_oPuhsJFuAnTrJFYw-fCouzrj_oln1G_t2vWChcVH7JHPWlAbYhf0JHgxob-gX03EsZfLD1FEYO06JbUJB3yGpBFLiWqj7XSuyL-oFVuW/s1296/IMG_9997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioj7M-Q3YFJqRu2p3VncroO2ZUMQJVDYnK4EH_oPuhsJFuAnTrJFYw-fCouzrj_oln1G_t2vWChcVH7JHPWlAbYhf0JHgxob-gX03EsZfLD1FEYO06JbUJB3yGpBFLiWqj7XSuyL-oFVuW/s320/IMG_9997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHCEtNDVt7EicgfR-YNq7Nekz4ik4cKnjv-mDzzYHUjqDcu5bKQRzcFShl_fouWT17RFyCitSpf4en1gwlJqH-Qkk550yrVy51c58AeQ7jV9rxUW_rCGIsFSGVinADyYQyCGTejqI0pgU/s1159/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHCEtNDVt7EicgfR-YNq7Nekz4ik4cKnjv-mDzzYHUjqDcu5bKQRzcFShl_fouWT17RFyCitSpf4en1gwlJqH-Qkk550yrVy51c58AeQ7jV9rxUW_rCGIsFSGVinADyYQyCGTejqI0pgU/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> A rainy, gusty few days brings new delights into our autumn gardens and as we tidy up for the winter a little robin is usually twittering along near us helping himself to the last blackberries and scratching for worms. These little birds are so tame many people hand feed them, but we've resisted the tempation as we have a cat and don't want to tempt providence.<br />As we've been pulling lovely carrots, parsnips and leeks (which taste so good straight from the garden) there are plenty of worm-filled patches to scratch in.<p></p><p>This picture of our lovely yellow clematis (tangutica I think) is a perfect example of 'be careful what you wish for'. It looks glorious now, and will do when the fluffy, silky seedheads follow - and it covers the fence, nearly the whole long length of it......and a beautiful rambler rose......two bush roses, lilies.....and our lovely neighbour's shed!! I wanted it to clothe the fence but not take over! I was brutal last year and cut it back HARD, and look at it.....oh dear, must be more brutal!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8wIxrMXIyDJcewJ8GOdFJ8ZBl7fo_YGTklZofsDyF9hkZu8t_cT7nJto2gDe7GPuqCTq-Tqzje5YFnDvm1-_u69ZTDmPic_8zttSdosiJ6cS9nACFYyHFgcwwawY-rLMW1rAjq14Yqh5/s2048/IMG_9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8wIxrMXIyDJcewJ8GOdFJ8ZBl7fo_YGTklZofsDyF9hkZu8t_cT7nJto2gDe7GPuqCTq-Tqzje5YFnDvm1-_u69ZTDmPic_8zttSdosiJ6cS9nACFYyHFgcwwawY-rLMW1rAjq14Yqh5/s320/IMG_9999.JPG" /></a></div><p>The passion flowers also go mad, but are more restrained. They are still blooming their socks off - we have two - and the ornamental fruit are setting and will soon look like orange balls which I can dry and bring inside. Fortunately our two neighbours love it too - one has happily trained it along his clothes line and the other encourages it to scamble through his shrubs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLYP8b2TQwFSR9ZVTl52MUEVOTN8tSJHCLRPlLXzvl1OyRG4ApHgUtMe4QZjqSFlZ4m2FqI04Cb86PCBqLpgatrML0qLM7oE5kL07Nt0S-cXXczmPPjoyaJLK_pMqt4ej1cmmKwCXsv2l/s1296/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLYP8b2TQwFSR9ZVTl52MUEVOTN8tSJHCLRPlLXzvl1OyRG4ApHgUtMe4QZjqSFlZ4m2FqI04Cb86PCBqLpgatrML0qLM7oE5kL07Nt0S-cXXczmPPjoyaJLK_pMqt4ej1cmmKwCXsv2l/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>As an antidote to the virus I've been slightly extravagant in ordering spring bulbs online and happily planting pots of tulips, tiny iris reticulata and pale pink grape hyacynths (muscari) to cheer myself up. I hope you've all found something cheery to do too and that you stay safe in these worrying times.</p><p>Meanwhile these sweet little cyclamen definitely cheer me up!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWo54XvEuyolbyNQ_SxPPw3b1T0RhclMiNTjaQfMCjLXQtHb_SooVio2iY2x6e3RPO3MrzRtWFig8evoCAu9Q4teANx2ZoXSTX0z6hXFR6Pv2sNcTxOHHE_V7O35JBNcZ9CCqU8kYofHO/s882/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWo54XvEuyolbyNQ_SxPPw3b1T0RhclMiNTjaQfMCjLXQtHb_SooVio2iY2x6e3RPO3MrzRtWFig8evoCAu9Q4teANx2ZoXSTX0z6hXFR6Pv2sNcTxOHHE_V7O35JBNcZ9CCqU8kYofHO/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /><br />Thank you for looking. <br />Robin x<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-62865166967603778642020-09-09T19:59:00.001+01:002020-09-09T19:59:32.107+01:00 I Dug Up the Lawn!<p><i>So what do you do if you're a keen gardener, running out of space and have plants that need moving or dividing?<br />It's obvious isn't it - you dig up the lawn!<br /></i><br />Most of our pandemic has been spent in the garden, and we're truly grateful to have one because not everyone does and the recent months must have been so much more difficult than ours. As I do often blog about it you'll know how important it has been. There's always something to enjoy and more importantly lots of things to do.<br /><br />When we moved here it was something of a blank canvas so we were able to create the garden we wanted but there was one shrub/tree that filled us with excitement - the Magnolia Grandiflora Exmouth!! Every year it has bloomed most wonderfully, plate sized flowers with the most glorious lemony scent. It's actually quite tricky to photograph because all the bees and insects love it and it's often full of them.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_drYmvyiLVLugjskBZOF7By9u28ng7wp4YURJWDxlvvqOfDxS42Gr7kubU7LVX9ZZ27vjOcY3DiOqAwE2QJTn1nY9kbTtwlMCKKHVW5nCnCJ7vwP32hSxwOocy0XHAdQRWH-gkpXDd6bc/s1296/IMG_9994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_drYmvyiLVLugjskBZOF7By9u28ng7wp4YURJWDxlvvqOfDxS42Gr7kubU7LVX9ZZ27vjOcY3DiOqAwE2QJTn1nY9kbTtwlMCKKHVW5nCnCJ7vwP32hSxwOocy0XHAdQRWH-gkpXDd6bc/s320/IMG_9994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />So the bearded iris in the main garden stopped flowering because frankly they were swamped by everything else. Last autumn I dug up a patch of the lawn in the small front garden, moved some and they flowered brilliantly. But still loads left!<br />I resisted digging up any more this spring because the patch left just about took my Granddaughter's little mini if there was a lack of parking space - which was the case when everyone was staying at home - but she's back at Uni now and so I've dug it up and moved the rest!! It was a scrappy little bit of grass and my husband is delighted to give up mowing it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidDWme6DcnLDejIa-MjXYRdS3f_9xBcmE_y-zcvMaxvYxANgLecJt20ZOhdLHYuxwSQWC_NvWUw2K-jouwRYwxvMtC5FlPhmsnPrEElvVAiUrrpSjPsCp19Z2hEDgt5VU7Dwy7ssuSS9V/s1296/IMG_9995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1296" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidDWme6DcnLDejIa-MjXYRdS3f_9xBcmE_y-zcvMaxvYxANgLecJt20ZOhdLHYuxwSQWC_NvWUw2K-jouwRYwxvMtC5FlPhmsnPrEElvVAiUrrpSjPsCp19Z2hEDgt5VU7Dwy7ssuSS9V/w400-h300/IMG_9995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I was properly discombobulated to find that Blogger has updated me - help! Some of your blogs now redirect me and don't just appear on my reading list. So now I have to see if I can cope with putting up this new blog - fingers crossed.<br /></p><p>I hope you're staying safe.<br />Thank you for looking. <br />Robin x</p><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-41157128861281550732020-07-20T19:58:00.000+01:002020-07-20T19:58:49.987+01:00Random Ramblings <i>I don't know about you but our very necessary restrictions to keep us as safe as possible during this dreadful pandemic is definitely turning me into a random rambler.......one moment I'm repeating myself to my long-suffering husband, and the next I'm frantically out there with the secateurs furiously pruning a shrub. I can't seem to create a new routine.<br />There are, of course, loads of things I could do, (ironing/spring cleaning) but I flit to one and then another instead.</i><br />
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So the blog will reflect this. A camera is always close by. Click on the images for a larger pic.<br />
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Sammy is perfectly happy in lockdown - nothing much alters his routine unless someone is late with his lunch!<br />
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The garden has been our lifesaver, and providing you like rampant wild gardens, has been looking wonderful. Strawberries a bit of a disappointment - but Hey, you can't have everything! <br />
A drop of rain turns our Cotinus (Smoke bush) into a wondrous be-jeweled delight.<br />
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In the conservatory my orchids have been hit by a disastrous attack of mealy bug and I am distraught on a weekly basis. Yes I know in the scheme of things it's not the end of the world, but........it is to me.<br />
Thankfully other plants have mostly managed to escape the deadly scourge and 'Harlequin' Streptocarpus is one of my favourites.<br />
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Many years ago we acquired a lovely set of hanging shelves from my grandparents' home, scraped off years of paint and use it to display our favourite pieces. This box features two dressers I painted and distressed for a collection of 'ancient and modern' and a few handmade pieces of my own. I hesitate to list the current wonderful miniaturists because I don't want to leave anyone out. I'm sure you'll recognise them.<br />
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The antique dresser on the right, which is also filled with beautiful glassware is from around 1880 and belonged to the tall girl in the photograph, who was a much loved aunt. She in turn would have inherited it from her mother.<br />
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I hope you're staying safe.<br />
Thank you for looking. <br />
Robin x<br />
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<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-70207715759382108582020-05-29T12:34:00.000+01:002020-05-29T12:34:41.641+01:00There's A Fairy At The Bottom Of My Garden<i>Yes there is...there really is and she's overlooking our vegetable patch, so I hope she'll see off the greenfly and the squirrels!</i><br /><br />For many, many years a little old white fairy has been keeping an eye on things but as we all know, it gets a bit harder as we get older..............<br />
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I've recently had a birthday and clearly someone in the family decided the white fairy needed a little help. So here she is, sitting happily in the ancient willow just keeping an eye on things and waving her magic wand over the shrubs bursting into bloom.<br />
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<br /><br />My youngest granddaughters don't need much of a nudge to get creative. I'd sent a few little tiny cut out paper houses to construct, which they enjoyed - but Hey! - anything Granny can do, we can do better! And didn't they just! So proud of them.<br />
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<br />As I said, the little fairy waved her magic wand and the garden is bursting into bloom again. I was all set to include a pic. of my glorious Wisteria but a late frost put paid to that and badly singed the grapevine and the fig tree.....they'll all survive but only a few figs this year...pity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqhNDPbQz2amnilKac8Q_UzEecHPM-qV0cz9BcPdbakBcWd4jpAVYSB_uG2OZFKxXdvxqFO-bj8kmURna8rGKNUeLch2DvhNgAmVesrw_okEkFiklfvZ67mQMbXbLiafhVErQo6KwQHWg/s1600/IMG_9954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1077" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqhNDPbQz2amnilKac8Q_UzEecHPM-qV0cz9BcPdbakBcWd4jpAVYSB_uG2OZFKxXdvxqFO-bj8kmURna8rGKNUeLch2DvhNgAmVesrw_okEkFiklfvZ67mQMbXbLiafhVErQo6KwQHWg/s320/IMG_9954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Variegated Ceanothus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc9EBzeDQ3RJDF3Zlq7wQ7z2184yEOR-Vgpd-iEWHTrAWuQ_NYfna1y6FNdDZqR056bzLdQqy-Bz62v7JvOlV0U37f8G8_AYT_oEigpJeYF0pAt4XwZyhOJ8SP3CnS7gU25OrAO3_XpeJ/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc9EBzeDQ3RJDF3Zlq7wQ7z2184yEOR-Vgpd-iEWHTrAWuQ_NYfna1y6FNdDZqR056bzLdQqy-Bz62v7JvOlV0U37f8G8_AYT_oEigpJeYF0pAt4XwZyhOJ8SP3CnS7gU25OrAO3_XpeJ/s320/IMG_9955.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Hawthorn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weigelia</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosa Albertine</td></tr>
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<br /><br />Thank you for looking. <br />Robin x<br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-39827518937931198822020-05-06T22:38:00.000+01:002020-05-06T22:38:38.410+01:00V.E. Day and Those Who Continue to Protect Us Today<i>This week we are marking Victory in Europe 75 years ago and the courage of those who defended us, while remembering the ones who did not come home and those who were still in the conflict in the Far East. So as we remember them and the civilian services at home and the many in the community, it can't help but remind us of those many thousands of people across the globe defending us again in this awful global pandemic.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />Over the years, most often for specific commissions, I have created a lot of World War 2 characters.<br />
I have loved making them all. So I thought I'd share some with you - not all the pictures are great but I do hope you'll enjoy seeing them as we pay tribute to those who did their best to keep the rest of us safe.<br />
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<br /><br /><br />Thank you for looking - stay stafe.<br />Robin x<br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-42912536160180716562020-04-20T15:29:00.000+01:002020-04-20T15:29:13.681+01:00Flying Frogs.......a bit of a distraction<i>So we had some much needed rain for the garden, which did mean it was too soggy to go weeding or planting, so my lovely other half decided to clear out the shed - in miniature days, his workshop. He presented me with a battered cardboard box.</i><br /><br /><br />Inside the box was a flying frog and a flying horse - both of which had 'flown' very happily in our conservatory in Cormwall some twenty years ago, then later for a few years at our home in Buckinghamshire. Age and yet another move had meant that the frog had lost a wing and the horse was very dilapidated to say the least - so the question was, should he dig out his tools again and me, my paints...or dump them? Yep, we were both in need of a distraction in our lockdown days!<br /><br />We both enjoyed getting back to our respective craft skills and they fly again! Flying high the cracks and fillers and dodgy paintwork, which is close but not perfect, to the original remind us of lots of happy days and little children on grown-up shoulders twirling them about.<br />
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<br /><br /><b>Exochorda,</b> <i>The Bride </i>also reminds me of our happy days in the far west, which is where we first saw it. It's a really lovely, early flowering shrub and I love it. It took me years to find one but it's been very happy here in Oxfordshire and cheers us up when it flowers in early April.<br />
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<br /><br />Another thing reminding me of very happy days, was reading my friend Celia's latest blog...<a href="http://www.ktminiatures.blogspot.com/">www.ktminiatures.blogspot.com/ </a>in which she goes back though her archives. She reprises projects we made together for magazines or our workshops.<br />We loved every minute and are proud of our work. Do take a look. The one I think we loved the most, and put our hearts and souls into, was our W.W.1 Bunker which you can view as a video - it's in the R.H. column on this blog. It was sold to raise funds for The Red Cross and I believe is now in a museum in France.<br />
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Just a couple more pics. from the garden....<br />
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<br /><br />Thank you for looking - stay stafe.<br />Robin x<br /><br /><br /><br />Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-75506385011707484212020-04-09T10:30:00.000+01:002020-04-09T10:30:05.186+01:00Happy Easter......Let There Be Rainbows<i>I'd like to wish you all a Happy Easter, however you may be marking it. It occurs to me that at this time when we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Christ we are seeing the great sacrifices of so many thousands of wonderful people across the world for the rest of us so that we may stay healthy and safe. We owe it to them to do our best as well.</i><br /><br /><br />Apparently all around our town and many, many others in U.K. children in particular have been making rainbows to go in windows so that passers by can be cheered up by a positive, hopeful sign. I think it's a wonderful idea and wish we could see them all - but it's important to take the message to stay at home seriously, so we do.<br />I understand teddy bears are beginning to join the rainbows, and as we all know they are happy creatures.<br />
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<br />Our young Granddaughter and her Mum made this super rainbow together - isn't it lovely.<br /><br />When I was a little girl our Mother would take us on a once a year walk to The Grove a local wood on a big estate, open to all families only on Good Friday. We went there - such a very special treat - to pick the primroses that grew thickly in the mossy undergrowth beneath the trees. We picked as many as we could carry to give to our Mothers and Grandmothers for Easter. I'm guessing that the tradition harked back to the days of youngsters being in service at the grand house, when they were allowed to pick the flowers to take home to their Mothers for Easter.<br />
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<br /><br />Today everyone gives flowers to those they love - still a loving and welcome gesture of affection.<br />
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<br />We can't give flowers to all those safe-guarding us but it is Thursday so we shall be back on our doorsteps this evening to join the clapping to show our appreciation.<br /><br />Thank you for looking<br />Robin xRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8242414933693185663.post-79491848958076402432020-04-02T16:16:00.000+01:002020-04-02T16:16:18.303+01:00Poetry Please<i>Many people are suggesting lovely, clever, cheery or interesting things we can be doing to while away the time while we are stuck at home. To be honest I'm not a great keep-fit enthusiast at the best of times so I'm avoiding the work-out each morning.</i><br />
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<br />Writing down our 'life histories' and those of our parents for the next generation is a good one, as is a massive clear-out of cupboards......I must get around to that one......<br />Inventing new recipes is a must as we trawl the bottom of our freezers and the back of food cupboards. The most inventive I've heard recently was a layer of left-over mashed potato on half a frozen Margherita pizza. Yummy apparently........<br />Of course as enthusiasts we can all finish off those miniature projects or start new ones.<br /><br />Inspired by one friend, three of us have exchanged our favourite poems, which was just brilliant. It also brought to mind particular memories or annecdotes which we all enjoyed as well as the poems.<br />This was mine:<br /><br />WARNING by Jenny Joseph<br /><br />When I am an old woman<br />I shall wear purple <br />With a red hat that doesn't go, and<br /> doesn't suit me.<br /><br />And I shall spend my pension on<br /> brandy and summer gloves<br />And satin sandals, and say<br />we've no money for butter.<br /><br />I shall sit down on the pavement<br /> when I'm tired<br />And gobble up samples in shops<br /> and press alarm bells<br /><br />And run my stick along public<br /> railings<br />And make up for the sobriety<br /> of my youth................................<br /><br />There are several more verses, so I'll let you Google for the whole poem. I've always thought this was very inspiring and made me determined to grow old as disgracefully as possible!!! I've got a red coat and purple hat - do you think that counts?<br /><br />I've loved the poem for years, but it also reminded me of a great friend in U.S.A. who passed on to me several commissions from 1/24th scale collectors like her who were also members of The Red Hat Society. I must admit I had to do some research as I'd never heard of the international society which, inspired by the poem, was founded to encourage social interaction between ladies 'of a certain age' for friendship and laughter. Google it do, some brilliant pictures!<br />Anyway the upshot was that in late 1990s I made lots of mini Red Hat ladies which was huge fun. Sadly before my digital camera or computer so no decent pictures to look back on.<br /><br />So - maybe you and a few of your friends would enjoy swapping poems - or even share one on your blog.<br /><br />But tonight I shall be on my doorstep with many, many others clapping and cheering for our wonderful N.H.S. staff. A tiny way to express our thanks for all they are doing for us.<br /><br />Thank you for looking<br />Robin xRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645745567704043687noreply@blogger.com6