Tuesday 16 February 2016

A Mixed Bag


I seem to have so much to show you today of events over the last few days. Sorry I know this post is going to be picture heavy but hope you will stay with me. We have had a few glorious days with bright sunshine and frosty mornings where you just want to get out and walk in the countryside.


The first such day was last Thursday so we set off to St. Mary Bourne, I am sure regular readers will recognise some of these views but the great delight this time was the River Bourne. It has been a dry river bed since the end of May last year but the water is now flowing again, a welcome sight.



















Two weeks before when the river bed was still dry





What a difference two weeks make!























Now for a change of activity - over the weekend I completed the second of my charity blankets, this is another Sunshine International Blanket of Love which will be donated to a local residential care home.









You might remember me showing you these squares on my blocking board ready to be joined. I have tried a new way (to me) of joining this blanket using the continuous flat braid join which I have to say I really like and now I have got the hang of it I will definitely be using it again. It is great to be able to join the whole blanket plus crochet the edging without having to break the yarn and sew in those dratted ends!


Blanket number 3 is in process but I will keep photos of that back to show you next time.


Yesterday dawned another cold and sunny day so we set off for Hedge End where there is a big retail complex. Because of my weight loss I needed some smaller size clothes (how great is that) so we spent the morning shopping and spending far too much money before stopping off at one of our favourite eating places, the Brigadier Gerard at Horton Heath for a delicious lunch.












Having eaten far too much what better way to walk it off than go for a walk in Stoke Park Woods on our way home.


















And finally (you might be relieved to hear) we get to this morning where we enjoyed a walk around our local patch.


I love the sunlit tangled branches on the tree below and the crocuses and snowdrops in the park were beautifully displayed in all their glory with the sun shining on them.















I hope I haven't bored you completely so if you are still here many thanks for reading and viewing my blog. Until the next time .....

16 comments:

  1. Definitely not bored- I enjoyed all of that. Especially great were the comparison pics of the Bourne in wet and dry states. Congrats on your weight loss, you must be very chuffed. I loved the crocus pictures- I've just bought some more for the garden because I think the mice have had all of last years! And btw that blanket is BEAUTIFUL- you are SO clever. x

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  2. Your posts are never too long, Jan, as your photos are so pretty! And just look at the crocuses! We are covered in snow here so they are a welcome sight :)

    How great to have an excuse to purchase a new wardrobe! All that walking is paying off--congratulations!

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  3. Absolutely not boring, I so enjoy seeing your walks. Plus your walks really pay off. They help you stay healthy and I get to see your lovely country. Enjoy those new clothes! Your blanket is beautifull. I will have to try that joining method. Have a good week.

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  4. I think those trees in photo number 7 look like the whomping willows in the Harry Potter movies!

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  5. Pressed publish before I'd finished! Your crocheted blanket is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The creamy white lace work looks incredibly difficult to me! I so wish I could do this!!

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    1. Rachel, believe me that edging is nowhere near as difficult as it looks. If you can crochet trebles (or dc's in US) and chains you could do this edging. Pattern for edging comes from Edie Eckman Around The Corner book, pattern number 93.

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    2. I can do all the different stitches...just I cannot fathom out patterns!! But I will certainly look it up and persevere. One day I will do it!!!

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    3. It's now in my Amazon basket!!

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  6. Don't worry about me I love looking at the photos! Great to see the river running again. Another excellent blanket, so much easier joining it all together that way. x

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  7. Isn't it wonderful to get out and about again in the sunshine? We too have enjoyed days out waling and shopping as the crisp, clear weather lifts the spirits at this time of year. Your photos are lovely:)

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  8. Never boring! I love your photos and am marvelling that you have had a dry river bed when we have had incessant rain for weeks and weeks. I can count the dry days on the fingers of one hand! My blog has foundered because of the inability to get out and about with my camera.

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  9. This was a lovely post Jan, I loved to see all your photos. It looks like you are having a wonderful week ! Fiona x

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  10. Bored? Hardly! The more pics the better from such a lovely place. I gravitate towards blogs that have more photos than writing.

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  11. I wasn't bored at all - great walks and lovely photos! Great to hear you've had to buy new clothes - it must be feel really good and very satisfying!

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  12. Your blanket is stunning!!!! I am sure that it will be so appreciated and loved!! xx

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  13. Lovely shots; love those crisp mornings. Great tour - good smile fodder! The pub looks good...

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