Amidst the chaos of builders and kids I snatched some dyeing time yesterday.  It all looks rather brown here, but actually there are some rather good shades of pink and green.  I'm also spinning away so will hopefully soon have a good stash of creative yarn.  I have ordered a jumbo flyer because I should like to have a go at creating some bulky art yarns.  I've never used a large flyer before - so should be interesting.  By the way I went for a bike ride last night along the sea front. It was brilliant - I haven't ridden a bike for years....but I hate to say it - I had strange pains in my right knee in the night!

We spent the day at Portsmouth yesterday and really enjoyed time on The Victory - Nelson's ship.  The children were most interested to see the actual spot where Nelson fell.....their imaginations were going 19 to the dozen!!  There was so much to see - and the good news is the tickets for entry are valid for a year!!  I'm sure another visit is on the cards....

Freedom ceremony: How sad is this??  Yesterday we went to the local pet shop and while we were there saw piles of plastic boxes full of live bait - waiting to be torn apart by snakes etc.  Emma felt so sorry for these hapless creatures so she bought a box of crickets in order to free them!!  So off we went up to the downs and there held a freedom ceremony!!  O>K>  Maybe they won't have survived long, but at least they would have had a few moments of pleasure......

Circles seem to be today's theme, ending up with a varied assortment of offspring in the local park!!  A friend found these round basket plates in a local charity shop, so I was trying them out for display....I think I need a lesson in displaying textiles!!  I never know how to do it.....!!  The sun didn't appear yesterday - but is shining this morning.  Enjoy it!

Why do I love spinning?  I ask myself this question a lot, and the only answer I come up with is that the slowness of it, the feel of the fibre and the rhythmic movement all add up to a wonderfully relaxing and calming pastime.  It certainly doesn't make sense in any financial or productive terms - but spinning somehow enables me to tap in to the history of women through the ages who have sat at their wheels.  I guess weaving has a similar effect on people but spinning does it for me!

After yesterday's'un-pretty' pictures I thought I would treat you to these two beauties.  My friend has a very small garden - but it looks amazing.  She is extremely clever with plants and flowers and most things (including this rose bush)grow in tubs.  I think I shall learn a lot from her!!

Not a pretty sight but this is our garden at the moment.  The conservatory/extension is underway.  It's a little tricky trying to keep the dogs off newly laid cement....maybe little paw prints will be set in stone for years to come!!  We have been looking for interesting finds under the rubble - but nothing so far.....Needless to say, I'm not being very creative at the moment - but my time will come!  Have a good day!