garden

I guess it's a bit like planning a quilt.....we are in the process of planning our patio garden.  Once the conservatory/extension has been built (and builders have now started) we'll need to get the garden sorted.  Whilst I love the grass/trees/flowers etc.  it is just not practical for us - we'll never have a lovely lawn when it is continually being trampled by four-legged canines....and the mud in the winter becomes unbearable.  So .....patio type garden it will be...watch this space.  Meanwhile, I still love the house.  It works really well - it's great to feel settled at long last!!

Maybe I'm being influenced by blackberries  (see yesterday's blog) but these colours are quite unusual for me.  I've decided to have another go at producing a whacky jacket - so here are my first bits.  I really enjoy the challenge of creating pieces that fit - rather like a jig saw puzzle.  I'll keep you posted on its' progress.......

On yesterday's dog walk we spied blackberries....need I say more? Except to say they were delicious!!

Butterfly Sensation was the name of the walk-in exhibition at the NHM.  I think I must have a butterfly-friendly smell or something because there was always one perched on my arm/head/shoulder bag !!  Anyway, we had a great day in London - and if you ever get to the Museum you must pay a visit to the Cocoon - an amazing state-of-the-art building where the research scientists work.  There are loads of exhibits and lots of information.  And of course we paid our regular visit to the dinosaurs!! 

I loved this quilted book at the Quilt Exhibition......each little pocket was beautifully stitched, the the colours were fabulous.  Very inspiring......This morning we are off to the Natural History Museum and plan not only to see the dinosaurs, but also to go into the butterfly tent.  Should be interesting, and hopefully we'll get some good photos!  

Had a great day at the Quilt Show yesterday.  Loads of good work and lots of textile goodies.  The definition of a quilt is interesting....we didn't quite come up with an answer to the question "what is a quilt and what is an art piece?".  Certainly there was a broad spectrum of finished pieces.  As you can see, the bottom picture shows a collage of books.....absolutely fascinating!  Anyway I feel inspired to push the boundaries out and am thinking of books...not sure what I'm thinking - but I'm sure something will eventually emerge!!

One of my favourite times of day is when I go for my early morning dog walk.  Yesterday was no exception........isn't it glorious?  And I'm so lucky to live in such a beautiful place !  (you must get tired of hearing this).  Today (7th) is my birthday - and so we're going out for a birthday lunch...I remember two years ago I was on a Disney Cruise and we cruised in to a port in the south of France where we were met by my brother in law (who lives there) and had a great day.  Not quite so great today - but still good - and a great day tomorrow, when I leave home early to go up to the Quilt Show in Birmingham.  Have a good day x  (I can't understand why my computer insists on putting me one day behind....I can assure it's Wednesday 7th August!!!)