We had an amazingly brilliant day with a friend up in the medieval perched village of Gorbio....near the Italian border. The sun shone and we had a lunch to die for. My goodness it's going to be hard to get back to normality in a couple of days. Never mind - I can dream on. In fact, today is the sort of day that I shall remember during the long, dark, winter months. I hope I've stored up a lot of inspiration for creativity ..... I'm keeping my fingers crossed
We had a big storm this afternoon....but since then the air has cleared and the sun has shone. This is the view from the bedroom window in my brother-in-law's home and a view of the harbour. I love it here in France. Tomorrow we shall be visiting a friend who lives on the Italian border......I can't wait to see the medieval village. I have taken loads of photos.....so watch this space!!
As promised, here are two images of Old Town Nice....I love the shops here....the colours, sounds and smells titivate the senses!!! For some reason, we just don't seem to get our act together in the U.K so far as presentation is concerned....of course there are exceptions.....but we do seem to lack colour. Mind you I can't talk as I'm decorating my home in neutrals!!
Well - here I am in the south of France. As you can see, there is no sun, but it's lovely and warm. Sadly we had to go to a funeral this morning - so not the best start to a week's holiday. We were able to catch up with a lot of old friends though - so even though it was a sad occasion, the emphasis was on celebrating the life of our friend... My foot is at last beginning to work .... I'm so pleased because it means I can go on my favourite walks in Nice....hopefully I'll get some good photos!
I'm sure in his next life my cat would like to be a ball of wool.....as soon as the knitting comes out he gravitates to the wool basket and makes himself extremely comfortable. His names is Wooster - his brother is called Jeeves but has recently been re-named Larry because we're always saying "he's as happy as Larry!!"
After Sunday lunch yesterday I couldn't resist taking these pictures of our friend's fabulous house. The garden is to die for, but what you can't see here is that the lawn is peppered with deep holes. Apparently there is a local badger on the loose and at night he comes and snouts for beetles!! Not sure what will happen to the lawn.........(or the badger!) 
I've no idea who knits these wonderful garments....but I love them!! They are so whacky and bring a smile to my face. I should be most interested to know how many people even notice them. Lots of people seem to walk past without a backward glance......not me....I have to stop and take photos and have a good look. Keep going knitters!!
Almost done!! As you can see, the conservatory is almost finished. The long passageway is ideal for extra dog beds and the whole space is absolutely fantastic. It is also lovely and warm as we have put in two radiators. We want to be able to use the space the whole year round. Already I have spent many hours sitting in the light, bright room - with my foot up! The good news is that it is daily improving, so I should be able to go away next week without crutches!!
Two of my favourite photographs - these will fit in well with my 'blue' art class tonight. Thinking about it ......I think I am feeling a bit blue. It is the sudden loss of the sunshine I think. We have had such a glorious summer - but it went overnight. Suddenly dark clouds, rain and chilly..........but hopefully I'm off to the south of France for a few days next week. Maybe the sun is still there??
Tomorrow I am going to an art group and the title of our evening is 'Blue"......so here goes - blue fleece spun into gorgeous blue yarn. Must get my head around more blue ideas. I once went to a stunning art gallery and saw an installation by Yves Klein....it was simply a rectangular box on the floor full of the deepest blue pigment.....absolutely stunning! 
Why am I always surprised by the beauty of nature? Every time I stop and actually look....I see amazing patterns and designs. So often I look and don't really see. I suppose it's a bit like in the counselling world where we talk about active as opposed to passive listening. Probably the same applies...i.e. active looking as opposed to passive looking! On the other hand if I was so busy actively looking at objects and details I would trip over more often!! Which brings me back to my foot....it's healing well and today I plan to go for a short walk in town. It's really weird, I am having to train my muscles to work again. Only three weeks out of action and they have almost forgotten how to function!! 
As a background to my life and its various activities.....I knit! Here is my latest bag which I shall display at the forthcoming Exhibition of the Lewes Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers. I always enjoy meeting fellow enthusiasts of all things woolly! Today I'm on a training course for much more serious stuff......I like to keep a work/play balance !
You may remember that a few weeks ago I had a spell of enthusiasm re. beach huts. Well - over the last couple weeks, while I have been sitting with my foot up - I have completed a small weaving. I have to be honest, I am never too keen on my woven pieces, but I do so enjoy the actual process of weaving. The good news is, my foot is slowly improving, so today I plan to go out crutch less. Roll on the day when I can get back to dog walking.....hopefully not too many weeks away!
You.ve probably had enough of seeing these jackets, but this is to give another example of the good camera on my phone. I've also added one of my painted silk scarves.....I'm now planning the next knitted piece and have managed to spin some yarn with my left foot. (Right foot is still causing grief so crutches still in use). It's really sad that summer now seems to be over isn't it? Still, it has been amazing and hopefully the memories of the sun will keep us all going for a bit x
Our boy Jeeves has been very excited to discover a new escape route from the bedroom...on to the new conservatory roof. Last night Jack filmed him and we discovered he goes straight to our neighbour's house....knocks on the kitchen door. Lo and behold a few minutes later a small bowl of delectable catty meat and was brought out, which he devoured. We wondered why he was getting fatter!!!!
A more mature model today (!) - but here is the completed art-to-wear jacket no. 2. Actually it is very comfortable so I am sure I will wear this in the winter. I guess now I shall have to start planning no. 3.....I might even think about making them to sell. At least I have learned a lot making the first two - I will probably simply the shape if I am thinking of making to sell. Meanwhile I am somewhat frustrated because I can't spin or dye yet due to wrecked foot. Although it is healing I am so aware that one wrong movement could put me back to square one....so crutches are here to stay for a little longer!
The other day my eldest granddaughter modelled a felted knit jacket. Today I thought I would show you my youngest granddaughter modelling plaited strips of dyed fabric as a hair piece (don't worry - she won't be left on her own with them!!) I have now got to decide what my other three grandchildren can model....although come to think of it I don't think the 19 yr. old soldier would be too impressed with that idea!!!
