Burnby Hall Gardens - Part 2

As promised here are a few more pretty photographs to cheer up this extremely murky morning.

I had never really noticed tulips until a couple of years ago, favouring daffodils as my Spring flower of choice.

Then after avidly following Jane Brocket's blog I got hooked and now I can't get enough of them.  She grows thousands in her garden and waxs lyrical about their fabulousness. (Is that a real word?)

I wasn't aware until I got home and looked at my photos that this colour combination of light mauve and peach had obviously grabbed my attention. I had several pictures of the same colour scheme. They are not colours I would usually use in my everyday life but I love them now and plan to make a blanket, jumper or some other object using this unusual combo. Obviously I need to listen to my authentic instincts more often.

I think lilac and deep rose pink look pretty good together too.  I'll be laying out my balls of wool and wondering what to make next in these delightful shades. 

If I was a budgie I would love to live here

Blue skies, birds and bluebells.

And last but not least this gorgeous little Robin who was singing his heart out.  He was happy to be out in the sunshine too.

Burnby Hall Gardens - Pocklington

We were feeling at a loose end on Sunday and although the weather promised to be wonderful we just couldn't decide where to go.  Eventually we decided on Burnby Hall Gardens.  We have been a few times but the gardens seem to reinvent themselves with the changing seasons.

 This time it was the turn of the Tulips to give us a fantastic show of colour and variety.

The colour combinations were inspiring.

Well it's time to go to work.  I'll let you see more tomorrow.

Pansies in a Vintage Tea Cup

I have been trying to bring Spring in doors and this is my latest attempt at creating something beautiful.

I chose the colour of the Pansies to pick out the flowers around the edge of the china cup and saucer I was given at the wedding we recently attended.
I wanted to use them in a way that would remind me of the lovely day.

I also put some Tulips in an old brown teapot.

It's surprising what you can do with a little imagination.
Have a lovely bank holiday Monday.

Old Moor - Dearne Valley - RSPB Wetland Centre

We've had a few days off and snatched a quick visit to Old Moor RSPB Wetland Centre.
If you are a regular to my blog you will know that this is one of our favourite haunts. We don't just go for the birds, there is also a lovely cafe serving food every day, a shop and it's a great place to have a good walk.

We were amazed at how many wild flowers had popped up since last time we visited.

Cowslips

Speedwell

Bluebells

 Bluebells always remind me of my Mum. She loves pictures of Bluebell woods.

 I love this area, spied from the garden birds hide.  It is so pretty and the patch of Comfrey in the middle attracts lots of different varieties of bees.  We would all do well to have a patch of this in our gardens.  I have bought some seeds and hope to grow some in the over grown bit at the bottom of ours.

 The garden fork left in the ground made a good perch for the birds flying in and out.

Hawthorne

The delicate blossom of the Hawthorne bush looked so beautiful in the little bit of sun that was around.

We really enjoyed this visit.  It felt just that bit more interesting for some reason and the flowers reminded us that Spring has definitely sprung.

We can't wait for Spring Watch tomorrow night on BBC2.

Heaths Country Store - Another visit

I managed to get over to Ollerton again last week and Heath and Co allowed me to take a few more photographs.
I seem to get more visits to my blog by people searching for Heaths Country Store than I do for Needlecraft Corner.  I can't say I blame them.  The shop is as lovely as ever but because they are winding down their stock of Stylecraft wool I didn't spend as much as usual.

The window is crammed full of qwerky bits and bobs

Knitted samples stand on tables with patchwork covers

Wool in every colour imaginable

Patchwork fabrics in the latest designs

Heaths artwork and even more wool

A cosy place to sit and contemplate

Dolly corner

Fabrics, baskets and much much more

A collection of vintage sewing machines takes centre stage

What a wonderful place.

Wedded Bliss

My lovely friend Sally got married on Saturday to David at a gorgeous little church in Owston which is near Doncaster.
It was a beautiful setting in the very quaint village with stone built houses that anyone would give everything to live in.

The weather spoilt itself rather but the day went smoothly and the Bride and Groom looked fantastic.

David is in the Army and was wearing his full dress uniform.

The bridesmaids were gorgeous in ivory with the Maid of Honour wearing the same dress in mink.

Dad and daughter playing stick the spoon on your nose!

The cake and flowers looked amazing. The blossoms on the cake were so delicate and looked very effective.

I will definitely be having a go at making something like this next time we have a celebration.

I just love this picture, it sums up the day perfectly.
Here's to you Mrs Robinson, and Mr Robinson too xx

Soul Craft for the Jaded Spirit

We're going to the wedding of my lovely friend Sally who is getting married to David this coming Saturday.
I'm really looking forward to it but as ever am disappointed that I didn't start the diet earlier.  Well actually I haven't really started the diet at all and therefore the dress I am wearing fits slightly more snug than I had hoped for.  Never mind I only have myself to blame.
However it has made me even more determined to get my act together.  I never want to feel like I do right now again.  It's ridiculous.  I have wasted years wanting to be a certain size, weight and shape and every time I decide to get on with it I start at my heaviest weight ever.  Surely that should give me the hint that something I am doing isn't quite working.

I have today read my daily meditation from my Simple Abundance book which suggests using soul craft to ease a jaded spirit.
Looking around and trying to make everything just that bit better.  Tidying, cleaning, refreshing etc.

An Englishman's home is his castle

Making your own space as lovely as possible by using and improving what you already have.
Well I can do that.
As far as my self is concerned, I have made an appointment to have my hair done.  I'm going to lighten it as well.  I have all the things I need to do my own gel nails.  I need to wax and pluck my face and to paint my toe nails.
The bathroom and kitchen are going to get the once over this week too so I reckon that's enough Soul Craft to be getting on with.
I'd love to know if you are feeling the same.  Maybe it's that time of year.

Bank Holiday Steam Train Ride

What fantastic weather we've had.  The sun has been so warm today. Quite glorious.

We decided to visit Shakerstone again for a steam train ride.

We had a quick snack in the Victorian cafe on the station before setting off for Shenton.  This was a twenty minute journey taking us through Market Bosworth.

Once off the train we strolled down to the Ashby canal and then on to the Cafe at Sutton Wharf.  It was absolutely heaving with people so we walked on returning to the station through the Ambion wood.

Nar cast a clout 'till May is out

A meadow of Dandelions

As always we had a wonderful day and enjoyed the holiday sunshine.