Colourways

Hello

Thanks for calling in.

Here are the next three colourways for my Cosy Harmony blanket.

Here they are with the other two.

They all seem to be blending together well.  Only 9 more colourways to go!

Cheerio

V&A Afternoon Tea

Hello

Thanks for visiting.

Back at Richmond station, I was saying my goodbyes when excitedly I was whisked off on the tube, destination unknown.

The V&A is easily reached by tunnel from South Kensington underground station.

The Green Dining room with it's high ceiling is beautifully decorated by William Morris whose company received the commission shortly after the International Exhibition of 1862.  The blue-green scheme was influenced by Gothic Revival and medieval styles and has a number of the organic motifs that made Morris' name.  It was the perfect setting for their Victorian Afternoon Tea

How delicious it all was too!  The perfect amount for two.

Passing the more public dining room, I couldn't resist a photo.

One of the exhibits that caught my eye was this electric Jaguar E-type used by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their wedding.

It was the train for me though after a wonderful day.  Thank you.

Cheerio

Petersham Nurseries Shop

Hello

Thanks for popping in.

Petersham Nurseries Shop, near Richmond on Thames, is an Aladdin's cave full of exciting ideas all inside a glasshouse with twinkly lights in abundance and on top of that floated the sweet fragrance of jasmine.  Let's have a look around.

Small glass vases heaped together on a mirrored table.

Fancy boots just the ticket to keep your feet warm and dry on a Winter's day.  A table balanced on a tree trunk.

A chandelier  sets it all off.

Characterful cupboards full of treasures.

Slender dipped candles

Scented jasmine

Convex mirrors giving a great display.

Silver birch branches used as a screen. Bouquets abundant.

Such a beautiful place to wander.

Cheerio

Surprise Treat

Hello

Thanks for calling in.

A trip to Richmond is always a treat but even more so when it's a special, surprise, Christmas treat organised by our youngest.  It's so beautiful. 

A brisk Wintery walk in the sun and it's time for a coffee break at Petersham Nurseries,  a favourite stopping place.

The fountain splashed and tinkled in the outdoor cafe, a bit chilly but wonderful to watch the clouds and light change.  Imagine the bustle in the Summer.  Plenty of seating indoors for less hardy types!  There's cake too, lots of it.

There's plenty to see even at this time of year.

Tomorrow we'll peak inside their beautiful shop.

Cheerio

Five Life Improvements

Hello

Thanks for calling in.

Another anxious week goes by but at least there are signs of more certainty and improvement in the air as a new normal begins to take shape and the realisation that more of a balance is needed.  Here are this week's five.

1. Art at the Park - Mahlia Amatina, an Artist with Asperger's Syndrome,  has exhibited her work sharing the sensory experiences of life on the autism spectrum,  using colour, line, shape and form through tactile and interactive art that explores the creative side of neurodiversity.  

According to the leaflet accompanying the exhibition - 'Neurodiversity refers to neurological variations of the human brain, meaning that the brain functions, learns and processes information differently.  It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent (more than 15% of people in the UK).  . . . Each person has a range of associated characteristics which varies from person to person and can also change over time.  No two people will be the same.  These variations include dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism spectrum, Tourette's and more.'

2.  Caroline Crawford was also exhibiting artwork in her Sensescence collection, where she depicts the process of absorbing sound and translates it into the visual through sight and touch.

3. The joyous explosion of Spring.

4. Waiting for the watersports and reflecting.

5.  Another colourway completed.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Cheerio

The Park by the Shops

Hello

Thanks for calling in.

Luckily the shop by the park isn't scheduled to close, unlike two others that I use from time to time - that's a Sainsbury's and a Lidl, on top of the Waitrose mentioned previously -  so the park by the shops is back on the agenda for a visit now and then.

It was packed with birds.  All the usual guys were there, the grey heron, a couple of cormorants, gazillions of Canada geese, Egyptian geese, coots, moorhens, mallards.  No swans though but maybe they have swanned off to warmer climes.

Catkins were out.

Crispy beech.

The Italian Garden was planted with primulas, just the odd flower out though.

A few rose hips.

No fishing in the lake at the moment but plenty of beauty to admire.

The year is off to a good start.

Cheerio