Blowing the Cobwebs Away

Hello Everyone,

I went for a walk today. If we hadn't had one storm after another for weeks there would be nothing unusual in me taking a walk. But after a shower or two this morning the sun came out and I made a break for freedom. I exaggerate, of course, but it felt so good to get out, shake of what I call 'storm fatigue' and blow the cobwebs away.

It wasn't a long walk. Just a slow trot round the neighbourhood, up past a row of lovely little bungalows and on to an estate of housing that was spruced up just last year. Between each row of houses there's a green area. They are mainly laid out to grass but also planted up with trees. I noticed, as I drew near to this tree, that there was an awful lot of noise coming from the highest branches. Starlings - at least fifteen, perhaps more, were chattering away to each other. Probably enjoying the early spring sunshine as much as I was. Cheered me up no end.

I'm hoping to get out for a daily walk now that spring seems to have arrived at last and maybe see more signs that summer isn't so far away.

Take care and stay safe.

Christmas Card Club - Card 05/2020

Hello Everyone,

Happy Sunday to you all. March at last and, as the old saying goes, it's coming in like a lion! Enough of the weather, there's just too much of it at the moment! Instead, a much cheerier subject is today's Christmas Card Club challenge. The theme of postbox/mailbox has been set for us by Valery Anne - a tricky one for me as I don't have any suitable stamps. I think I might have a digital one saved on a disc somewhere but goodness knows where. Not to worry, my box of tricks came up trumps and I have several cards to share - the toppers of the first two were made by recycling old cards saved from Christmases past.

I'm not sure the images on the following cards count towards the theme but image of a robin delivering a card on the old Christmas Animals LOTV toppers is, I think, almost there.

All the patterned papers I've used for the backgrounds came from my stash of ancient paper packs. I have no intention of purchasing any new packs until I have made a huge dent in what there is already. Besides, they are all too pretty to be left neglected and forgotten.

These six cards bring my total to sixteen so far this year - not bad considering it's only  the first day of March!

I hope you will pop over to see what my teammates have created this week. You'll find a list of their names and links on my right sidebar - as always they are so much more creative than I will ever be.

Friday Smiles

Hello Everyone,

Happy Friday. Despite the, mainly, atrocious weather I have had lots to smile about this past week so thought I'd join Annie with her Friday Smiles.

I really enjoyed a cuddle from Ebony on a recent visit to my daughter.

She's big, massive actually, but very affectionate and a complete softy.

I had a foot care appointment in town on Tuesday which necessitated another visit to the Book and Bun - it's tough but needs must. I spotted this lovely little quilt hanging on one of the walls.

It perfectly sums up what the cafe is all about.

Directly opposite the cafe is a newly opened alteration shop. Olga's Alterations. Olga, who has recently relocated from another part of town, has put together two striking window displays. Unfortunately, the reflection from across the street spoil these shots but I thought I'd share them anyway.

I loved the old sewing machines and the antique wedding dress is quite stunning too. The tailors' dress-form dressed in an outfit made from men's ties made me smile. Olga tells me she sourced everything in the windows from charity shops, including that wedding dress!

After we had our lunch at the cafe we decided to go down to the shore, The tide was in and it was wild there.

Bitterly cold too.

Seems like there's another storm on the way, Jorge. Like the everyone else in the UK, we are now heartily fed-up with these storms and hoping Jorge will be the last. Despite having plenty to occupy and entertain me, even I'm starting to suffer from too much indoors and not enough outdoors. Spring really can't come soon enough.

Almost forgot this:

Who's up for the challenge!

Take care and, for those of you in the flooded areas, stay safe.