Thursday, November 17, 2011

Tea for two

'Just tea for two
And two for tea
Just me for you
And you for me...'

(Imagine it being sung by Doris Day, not me. She's sings it only slightly better. Ahem.)



A second Tiny tea leaves. I finished this one for my sweet niece whilst we were in France. A short while before I had sat with her Mama to choose the colour and buttons and she chose perfectly.



'Cause when we put it on her it just suited her little personality. Cheeky and happy and independent and loving. Cheeky chicken. We made the sleeves full length and despite (distant) measuring they are a bit long but they roll. And maybe it'll fit her next winter too.


In the meantime we managed to snap her and her cousin in the afternoon autumn sunshine in their matching cardi's. 


But best of all she'll be loved and snuggled and warm.



Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A spot to sit




So. Here we are in our final few days of this northern hemisphere journey. Another place to rest our heads. And another place to explore. This old Tudor style building has quite a history. In 1915 it, it's occupants and garden slipped about 150 feet down a cliff in a landslide by the sea, so they (whomever they may be?!?) pulled it back up in parts and transported it about 25 miles(40kms) inland to where it rests today. It is a magnificent house. With magnificent gardens.








And while we are lucky enough to spend our days here, we will share it with friends and family and make our own memories in this space.




Wonder full: something for the senses


Something to hear, something to see, something to smell, something to taste, something to touch, or something to know....
Something to be thankful for.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bit busy

We've had a lovely week with family. I apologise for not making it to this space. We had a fantastic night with a bonfire and fireworks for Guy Fawkes night.

Below you can see the completely enchanting cafe/shop called Hansel und Gretel where we sat for hot chocolate and strudel. We liked it here.


And further wandering around Bath lead us to the Royal Crescent, angels climbing up Bath Abbey the Roman baths and a torch tossing street performer.





We have so thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and spending time with Simon and Neena and the visits from Shirley and Richard. Wonderful people, wonderful conversation and wonderfully helpful and fun. 




And returning to this place has allowed us to see the changes in season. The different moods of these hills.



Today

I am: 




thankful that we are staying with caring and thoughtful family


excited by the thick fog (white cloud?) all around


pleased that I bought those Wellingtons (Gumboots) to walk in the woods




smiling at our little lady walking around in a hand-knit set 


knowing that I can now count the days till we depart and am deliberately not counting



looking forward to having my own laundry back


loving that we have the time to slowly encourage small children to walk back up that hill because we are still on holidays together




delighting in watching a big brother and his big sister be the best of friends and watching a baby and her Dada fall more in love now that she is a little less closely attached to her Mama




eager to find the perfect pattern for the beautiful yarn I found yesterday




saddened by the terrible car accident that occurred over here a few days ago




warmed by the thought of seeing family and friends in Australia sooner than we thought

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Wonder full: something for the senses


Something to hear, something to see, something to smell, something to taste, something to touch, or something to know....
Something to be thankful for.


Saturday, November 5, 2011

Au revoir



So, now we farewell our time in France. We have been so happy here.




(this is what happens when a three year old has the camera, mmmm, mmm)


We spent a number of evenings with cows down the road. Watching them coming in and being milked. And leaving with the delights created from their milk. (This is what happens when grown-ups visit a dairy farm in France with money in their pocket)




We had throwing lessons with wheelbarrows worth of apples fallen from the tree. 'The Boys' (young male cows) would come running to us. By the end a couple of them would eat out of our hands and dribble gallons of saliva at the same time.


We saw the Bayeux Tapestry and went to Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. We visited the beach at Dieppe where many men were lost in WWII and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. I found these visits difficult. It is hard to understand and comprehend what happened in these places. The Cemetery was an almost overwhelming experience. Such a peaceful and calm place, the path winds through the trees overlooking the beach, then you turn the corner and thousands of white crosses and stars fill the view. Startling and horrifying. 




We also had a bit of 'just being' time. Our big girl also mastered riding a bicycle and lost her first tooth. Monkey man continued to perfect his cricket skills and un petite fatty gained new words. her favourite being 'gook' (look) and pointing at anything and everything. 



We spent our evenings and night listening to Hedwig the resident barn owl, whom we are yet to spot but have heard walking along the roof. And much time enjoy the fireplace and warmth in the kitchen. These stamps were above the fireplace and they were too hard to resist so there was a little stamping.