Wind ,Rain and Rough Seas ,with a little stitching for good measure

Well here we are and we are deluged by rain and horrendous wind. The beach defences at Portland have not been able to hold back the sea and the area known as Chiswell has been flooded. The little inn that we went to last year for my birthday in the pic below.

has a picture from yesterdays paper showing the sea battering the wall to the front of the picture , the inn has had its downstairs and upstairs windows broken by pebbles being flung at them. 

I just hope the beach holds as I think we may have problems if it was flat. It has been there for a good many years so I think we are pretty safe. I somehow do not think I shall be going there for my birthday this year.Talking of which thanks Michelle I have put the little gift and card away . I still get excited at birthdays except I wish they wouldn't come round quite so quick and the three score years and ten is looming it will be here before I know it. Age to me really is just a number and I shall start reversing the years when I get to that age or perhaps I should start now..Those of you who have been hit by these storms I am thinking of you and wishing for a little spring sunshine to dry all the puddles ,that have become lakes,up. Stay safe all.

Now before I start sharing pics with you can I THANKYOU for your continued comments it does mean so much to me to see them appear. So now on with the show. 

The header pic is Portland of course and here is a photo of the sculpture that is named"The Spirit of Portland"it is a fisherman and a stone-mason.

This stands on the road up to the top of the Island,which is not really an island as it is joined to the mainland by a road now which runs alongside Chesil Beach. Another view of the same sculpture.

Taken last Saturday by Martin as I was watching the Rugby and so he went out to take photos-note the blue sky!!!!!!

This was Weymouth Beach last Monday ,we had been shopping and thought we would show you a relatively calm day ,there were lots of dogs enjoying themselves.Speaking of dogs ,Ollie was 11 this week and when we went for our afternoon walk in the fields ,his friends he meets everyday, came rushing over not to wish him a happy birthday but for the dog biscuits I keep in my pocket.!Scuse the pic of me .

This is Blizzard the ever hungry one, wherever we are if she is in the field she finds us. More often as not followed by the "gang".

Bailey the running staffie is usually a close second. Red coat is Poppy, a rescued lurcher, Sky is a rescued greyhound. Boomer the beagle, Oodles is a cross as is Dennis, and Mollie. Reva is Baileys mate and lives with him. Haven't got a clue what the owners names are but know all the dogs.

Seems they all know me too and gather round for their treat. Can you notice who is missing , Ollie!, he goes off when its bedlam and does his own thing.

I will get Martin to take a better picture of me than a well bundled up short woman in loads of clothes and a stupid hat and walking boots. So my friends I expect you would like to see a little stitching and a little stitching you shall have. Here is my  last Saturdays progress on Rosey.

While out shopping I bought some fabric which will make Rosey into a cushion.One day! 

Also this came this week and although the green looks grey it a lovely sage green with slate blue and brown trees. which I am using to back my 12 days. 

Speaking of the little stitcher and the 12 days , Sally and I start the 3rd day tonight, but these are the first 2 finished.

1st day,day of gifts Had a disaster when finishing this I have not used this method before and did not get it straight, for those of you who know me ,also know I do not do straight, so I am pretending the tree on the left has a lean cause of too much snow. Could not adjust it as the glue had set.I am not doing it again so it will stay. The next one is Day 2 The Day of warmth, I love the little descriptions that come with each one. 

As you know I am having a Christmas winter theme all year this year apart from any exceptions I may make. This is another finish this week, My man in red. Prairie Schooler 2004. There will be more of these throughout the year.

This is stitched over one. I am looking to do 1999 next. I wandered off a little there ,nothing unusual about that I hear you say. I was showing you this last weeks progress. After Rosey last Saturday ,on Monday I was stitching with Sally on the penultimate (whoo long word there) , sheepie and here is Gratitude ready for their border on Monday.

I shall be sorry ,as will Sally, to see this series end. Got to get thinking head out of the dusty cupboard and dream up a way to finish them.

On Wednesday I was stitching (catching)snowflakes in The Meadow, this was in the Parlour over at NH.

The fabric needs an iron sorry.

Last night saw a new start , another wintery design which I shall perhaps show you next time as I have only done a roof. So have I bored you to tears yet.

I may be back a little sooner than usual next time I may have birthday goodies to show. A rather large cardboard package came this week but it was nabbed by Martin and made its way to his hidey hole before I could investigate further , I do know he has a couple of books for me (I did mention subtly (not) that I would like or even need them.

Martin has his craft and art organisation that he is the chairman of ,their Have a go day is on this weekend and so he will be out.Anyone can go along and have a go at the various crafts i.e. Stained Glass, textiles e.g. felt making , needlefelt, anything to do with textile, lacemaking, art, beading, rag rugging and lots more. I am hoping to get a little baking done as G,S and Ella are hoping to get down on Sunday.

 The tribe will be here on Tuesday as usual, it was quite amusing last Tuesday. I did all Alfies 7 favourites, He had 2 digestive (not chocolate, )biscuits and a drink when he got dropped off here from school. Then I did Lasagne the Tuesday favourite,apparently no one does lasagne like me , I think that may be flattery. He had garlic bread peas and chips and a second helping of chips with that and then I did apple crumble and custard. Kate was sitting opposite him and she could see him desperately trying to eat the last couple of spoonfuls. She said he looked at her and pointed to his forehead and said Mummy I am just too full. He was ok after a sit down quietly.Kate took the 2nd lasagne home for Jack with garlic bread and pudding which he demolished at 11 at night. I do like to feed them all well. So shall I offer you a piece of Kates favourite Lemon Cream Pie..

I shall be making this for Graeme ,Sue and Ella this weekend if the weather does not prevent them from coming. It is a little frustrating that I can no longer eat things like this, I usually have yoghurt . I must think on the bright side as I am 3 and a half stones lighter now. Iwas hoping to get to 4 by Sue and Graemes silver wedding in April but it is coming off so slowly now.Ella has a hockey match in Weymouth ,more like a mud fest. AND I have just looked up from this and it is Raining!!!!!!

So on that depressing note I will try  to uplift you with a pic of the little bit of spring I have in my kitchen.

Pussy willow and daffs would could be nicer. Enjoy your week and thanks for staying with me. To my birthday twin who has not got a blog ,Angela have a fabulous day . 

Take care all and keep safe and dry.

Love Barb 

The sun sets.....on another day

Hello everyone, yes I captured the sun setting while out walking with Ollie the other evening, it was rather a magnificent sunset and I for once had my camera with me. This is looking over the fleet to Chesil Beach in the background. Since then we have had still more rain and as I speak it still is .

These were taken the same evening , I was really pleased with these too.I wish I could paint. So after causing much merriment in certain quarters this week, I took the dogs medication for epilepsy as well as my own. Don't ask me why , I think senile dementia is setting in, I did not know if to call the vets or the drs. No one home with me so not able to get through to drs I called the NHS helpline who after finding out what was wrong connected me to a clinician. She was quite concerned as Ollie is on quite a high dosage ,so she had to phone the Poisons unit in Cardiff and would call me back . Ok Now I start to panic, perfectly calm before she said that. Anyway not long to wait before she called and said I was below the toxic level. Phew!! But I may feel sleepy. I had phoned Martin to tell him and hmmm I could almost hear him sniggering.
He then told Kate dd, so then it began. Kate texted him at work and asked if he wanted her to come and let me out at lunchtime. Lots of other comments as you can imagine. They are now out of my reach.
Tests at drs are no different than last time but she is still needing me to have a scan. So I wait and she will see me in 6 weeks for more blood and hopefully results of the scan. Still having pain in that area so I am needing to get it sorted. Thanks for all your good wishes and I am sure I will be fine.
Well I have a few bits of stitching etc to show you. Today was reveal day over at the Christmas Challenge held by Christine at Needlecraft Haven. She had chosen The Little Stitcher Design a freebie . Here is mine.

I made mine into a needle cushion with a Kelmscott Needleminder ,I did enjoy this one and hope to get Februarys done too. I have managed to get Quaker Diamonds framed too and here it is sitting on the mantle shelf.

I also have finished Kindness the Little Sheep Virtues and here it is.

Tomorrow sees the start of Gratitude with Sally. On Fridays talking of Sally ,last week Sally finished her Jardin piece and this week we started out 12 days by the Little Stitcher I did not get much done but this is the progress I made.

I finished the Jardin piece and backed it with pink fabric ,here it is on the wall.

On Wednesdays in the Parlour I have been stitching In the Meadow and here is how far I have got in building my snowman.

Then my ufo with Miss Julie and Mr Stick was practically non existent , I am going to frog the letters I have done (another one of those ,why did I do that moments)as they are totally the wrong colour (dark). Here is Rosie anyway and next time I hope to get a little more done to show you.

Also hope for a better picture next time. I have stitched a little on my man in red but he is so small it is not noticeable yet, so save that for next time too. 

I have started Gillian the tortoise for Caitlin grandaughter who is 16 but loves tortoises and turtles. Ours is not to question why? So the colours I have chosen are.

I think she looks rather sweet. Caitlin said I had made her day when I showed it to her. Alfie saw a scarf he wants me to knit him from the same magazine. Katy Jacks girlfriend wants a penguin ,so I am on the look out for a pattern. Why do these things snowball.

The tribe came over for dinner this week so we were 9 and it looks like 9again on Tuesday next and then 7 on Thursday. It is so lovely being a nanny.

On the book front it gets no better I am afraid it is a weakness of mine. I have read 4 books this year and at the moment I am reading one that came this last week.

The Storyteller. I think this one may take a little longer to read. I have just put in a request to Martin for my birthday which I saw on Jacquis blog Bunny Mummy. It is A Fine Romance by Susan Branch. Will show it you when it arrives. Bit early but it may be hidden.

Now in the voice of Cyril Fletcher (who remembers him) Pin back your lugholes . This is the Squirrel Ode by my daughter Kate that I have been promising to show you for ages and this last week she found it.

The Lament of a Squirrel.

My name is Cyril Squirrel Esquire,and this is my tale of woe,

For I have been evicted,left with no place to go.

I'm a very well trained animal , (rodent is such a nasty phrase),

and I am looking for a nice new home in which to spend my days.

I was living in a lovely place,kept me warm and dry at night,

then evicted without notice ,what happened to squatters rights?

I'd been a model house guest,no wild parties ,music always low,

To find myself out on the streets it really was a blow.

The couple I lived with are humans Graeme and Sue,

I loved them both so dearly,I thought they loved me too.

Graeme fed me every morning,breakfast delivered without fail

I knew that I could count on him ,come rain or wind or hail.

THEN one morning I had a shock , my breakfast wasn't there ,

Graeme hadn't served it , had he ceased to care?

I don't know what I did for the situation to turn grave,

It seemed to stem from the day I popped my head out of the loft and gave a little wave. 

My fears were soon to be confirmed a man came to get me out, 

Please do not evict me ,was all that I could shout

I didn't get time to pack my stuff-had to leave a lot behind

Perhaps one day I shall return, perhaps they'll change their minds.

I've thought of how I could persuade them,perhaps to let me stay,

Maybe part time work at Sainsburys so I could pay my way?

If this is not to be though,whatever shall I do?

Have you got a nice warm loft,could I come and live with you?

I'm not worried about insulation,if its dry its fine with me,

After all ,its got to be better than going back to a bloody tree!!

written by Kate for her brother Graeme who was having problems with a squirrel.

Hope it made you smile. Something from me to you .For staying with me this far.

Some pretties that are on my window sill. Take care have a wonderful week and I will try and stay off the dog biscuits and out of his medicine cupboard . 

Much love Barb.x

Hello everyone,
I know the header is not stitch related but with the weather we have had here recently the photo of Pom Pom rock that I took on Boxing Day ,can not be taken again. It was demolished by the sea, it is the stack you see in the foreground, it has been there for a great many years and is no longer. I hope you have all stayed safe and dry during this past few weeks,and for those out there in the U.S of A, hope you had a warm snuggly something to cuddle in to.
Well I have been stitching and have one finish to show you and one almost ,the first is Positive thinking the final stitch was put in on Saturday last.

I have now to decide how to and what to back it with , I have really enjoyed this one and I know you will probably see many more popping up over blogland as others finish theirs.
The other almost finish is this one.

Just have to do the outer border and attach the buttons. Today was a red letter day as the postman brought me the last sheep in the series. Joyfulness. However much as I think this is the best of the flock and I am itching to start it, I still have Gratitude to do first.

Wonder how Sally did with Kindness last evening, I am awaiting the first calendar girl from LHN so I can start those when I finish the sheep. Again Sally and I will be stitching together although she is doing the Frosty Forest ones. I mentioned that it was a red letter day today , I received the Merry Merry Be chart from June ,it looks awful familiar so perhaps it was a chart I have stitched in the past ,but I will be stitching Junes never fear as I think my girls may be getting a couple of stitched ornies this christmas, oh lor it only seems 5 minutes since last Christmas.!! 

Anyway I was lucky enough to win this from June and she so kindly sent me these goodies too.

A lovely butterfly which will remind me that summer will soon be winging its way ,a lovely scented sachet, some polka dot buttons and I am sure I shall find a use for the polka dot ribbon too. Thankyou so much June for making this lady very happy. 

Today saw the arrival of my last order of last year (oh lor how can I exist for a whole year now,apart from the girls I signed up for before the ending of the year) from the U.S. This is Country Cottage Needleworks Snowmen Trio.

From New York Dreamer this is Frosty night.

Itchy fingers again.Last week I started my new start in the parlour over at NH and oh I am liking this one. I think I shall have to buy a bigger house!

On the winter theme again this is In the meadow by CCN, well it would be wouldn't it, as Parlour theme is Little House Needleworks in the Country Cottage with sometimes The Sampler Girl. 

So from now onwards you will be seeing things I have had in my stash being shown the light of day.Don't you just love the colour of this fabric, it is Week dye works Scuppermong and we can now get this fabric in the UK whoo hoo. It is so nice to stitch on too,albeit a bit pricey now. Oh well perhaps a hint or two to family as to what birthday wishes are. I would like the other 2 Scrooge charts from Gaynor and I love the new LHN one Hands to work but that one would not get done until next year. Where would we be without our stitching one asks. 

I have also got 2 new books ,what more I hear you ask!!!. Well I saw the Longbourn one and as it is about life below stairs in the Bennets household well as the children would say it was a nobrainer. "If Elizabeth Bennet had the washing of her own petticoats" ,Sarah thought,"she would be more careful not to tramp through muddy fields."

Have I got you hooked now.

The other one is one of a trilogy. I need to read more this year. 

 I would like to thankyou all for your kind wishes for my health - has anyone seen a voice belonging to a Barbara as I have carelessly lost mine. Chest infection and the winter cough and cold to blame. The blood results have been diagnosed by gp and inflammation levels are high  and something else which I have forgotten. Anyway still awaiting scan and have had repeat bloods yesterday with a gps visit next Monday. She want to keep reviewing them so more to come. Just let me finish all my cross stitching stash and I will die happy - that will be when I am about 150. 

Well my dears I think that is about it for now , I have to go pop a card in the post as my eldest is going to be 46 on Thursday ,he wont thank me for telling you that. 

Take care all and thanks for the comments they mean a lot. 

Much love Barb.

Here is to a year of Friendship ,and as you can see albeit slightly blurry Friendship sheepie is finished. I did the sheep in whisper thread this time and this evening I shall be starting Kindness along with my friend Sally. We are having very wild and woolly weather here and the sirens were going off the other night over on Portland to say they expected the sea over. Fortunately it was not as bad as feared ,but still warnings are out as the wind and high tides are set for a few more days yet. I do hope you are all safe and dry.
I am not having a good start to the New Year but hope it  will turn out to be nothing to worry about. I cracked a rib and had to attend the out of hours doctor at our local hospital . Seems they are more concerned about my liver and told me to see my g.p. today to arrange an ultrasound scan and blood tests. So as you can gather I am a little bothered.!!
I saw the gp this morning and she took bloods poked and prodded and agrees with other dr so is referring me to hospital . Hey ho more tests. So on painkillers and have to be a little careful on what I do. The rib was caused by leaning over my chair to pick up a thread - there was me thinking stitching was good for my health!
Enough now. I am going to stay positive and as Kate dd said it may be you have injured your liver by your broken rib . Hmm trying to stop me fretting I think.
Well I said last time I had a new coat from DH for Christmas , a few of you thought my old coat (found in the back of a cupboard ,as it was put there cause I couldn't fit into it. So here is a pic of my new coat.

I will have to take a look at the camera as this is a bit blurry too. I thought you may like to see bits and pieces I was lucky enough to receive from stitchy friends .

Julie my stitchy friend , sent me this lovely Portmeiron botanic garden piece.

Here it is in situ on my dresser.

Thankyou Julie so much I love it. Next from Sally I had this coaster ,which made me smile as a Northern born lass I heard this so much as a child . As it features sheep too it could not have been a better choice . Thanks Sally.

She also sent me a little angel that I have attached to my key ring so I see it everytime I go out and come back.

I have more things than keys on this keyring. From my Funky friend Christine over at NH  I had this ,oh I will be knitting Heather in the near future. 

Thanks Christine. Needlecraft Haven has become a really good friend to me and I treasure the friendships I have made there. From Clare who hosts the Haven I had some delicious smelling goodies and I will put it to good use Clare ,thankyou.

Even has my inital on it ,are you impressed I was. Another friend Angi from NH (no blog)sent me a lavender filled cushion with my name on . Thanks so much ladies.

My fellow Janeite friend and birthday twin Angela sent me a sweet little Jane calendar which has now replaced last years . Thanks Angela. 

I hope I have not missed anyone sorry if I have blame the painkillers. Thankyou all so much for thinking of me.

Well I have been doing a little counting and last year I read a total of 32 books . Finished 39 pieces of needlework. I feel quite content with that, I know some people have achieved more and well done to you, I shall see if I can improve this year. I have made plans to have a Christmas /Winter theme this year apart from a few ufos and a the Calendar Girls auto ship. Still have 3 (miscounted last time)sheepies to do and the Jardin Prive Sal to finish. Talking of which here is progress ,almost there.

I have another little start ,not really much to show with the  main theme being christmas this year ,this is the man in reds' cloak.

So not a lot of stitching to show you this time. I will have 2 new starts this week, one on Wednesday in the parlour over at NH . Kindness this evening and another new one to share with you next time. Busy busy got to keep busy. I do have 2 more new books to peruse at some point . 

If you find Colin Firth before me let me know lol.These came from Ollie dog at Christmas, he has just gone walkies with Martin . Not in fit state to walk far,will see what tomorrow brings. I am also on the wagon this year I am going to try and stay on as I have more stash than my lifetime will allow. I do not make resolutions for the simple fact I do not keep them so I do not hold a lot of hope for this one -only time will tell. 

So my friends for all your friendship ,comments and general chit chat last year I thankyou so much, heres to this year being even better. Take care keep dry and warm and fed with a little stitching or a book at your elbow is my wish to you. 

Much love Barb.x