it's growing, but I think I still need to double it!

Am typing this in my kitchen, rain hammering down outside, a coffee beside me and the whole house smelling of oranges as marmalade is bubbling away on the hob, it feels very cosy!

And hopefully this time next year I will be even cosier if that is possible, cause as you can see my quilt is growing.

If you remember this time last year I started my quilt in a desperate aim to use up my growing hoard of fabric that was started to invade our house.

Well starting with a super-king for a beginner might not have been the best idea.

 But 10 large squares in, I am really please. 

Think I need two more along the bottom so the whole thing is five squares long and then an extra row of five down each side so it hangs nicely over the side and it will be done!  So another ten to go........

Umbrella box

The other day I was sorting out some stuff in the tall boy when I discovered that for some reason I am the proud owner of a ridiculous amount of little collapsible umbrella,

 no idea how that has happened....

Well now they have a home, but the box needs a label so I don't forget again!!!!

So operation quick label!

I draw my designs out with a biro and then when its finish, remove the ink with Vanish

Before washing

after washing, see ink all gone!

I hand stitched up the sides and added a hanger with some ribbon from my stash

and attach it to the inside of the box.

Tah dah its done and hopefully i wont forget I have so many again!!!!!

17th Century Nuns Prayer

A little late I know!!!

When I took my pumpkin/squash photos in the autumn the colours worked really well with my copy of this prayer. I remember it being stuck inside my Mums kitchen cabinet, and then a few years back we were in Sherborne Abbey and we brought our own copy.  Do have a read of it below, as I do think that no matter what your religious beliefs or non beliefs, its not a bad guide to live by?

 

Lord, thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. 

Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. 

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. 

Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. 

With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. 

Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

 I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint-some of them are so hard to live with-but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the Devil. 

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people. 

And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Amen.

Interestingly there are people who express doubt at its origins, but it it is 17th century or alot more modern, I do think we can all take alot on board from it xxx

Vita's Uncle

At the top of Smith Street is the war memorial for the Great War (WW1), 

its a stark reminder of the sacrifice that 

alot of men made for King and Country. 

The man in armor stands tall and proud above

 the lists of names, guarding them for eternity 

but  the other day I happened to pay more attention to the back of the 

monument by the bike park

it was this plaque about the dedication of the monument that peaked my interest

The name of the Governor then is very unique,

 there cant be many with the famous name 

Sackville-West

A little bit of googling and turns out there is a very strong link between Guernsey and 

the famous Vita Sackville-West who created the stunning gardens at Sissinghurst.

Well, Vita grew up in the beautiful Knole Park in Sevenoaks 

but she was an only child and with the inheritance laws back then, 

the title and house could not go to the female line.
So her first cousin, son of Sir Charles inherited Knole Park.

Actually just realized it isnt a soldier standing there in armor but St George, just noticed the rather splendid dragon at his feet! 

What a brilliant face!!!!

And a Happy 2016 to everyone.