The Joy of Rain

 

 

I wish I could still get this excited about the rain!

Charleston

Well the creative air and history of Charleston certainly had some effect on me during my visit but, unfortunately, not in the accepted way.  

From the Charleston website

As I walked around, I kept picturing how lovely the house could look if all those childish compass circles and crosses were painted over, a few walls knocked down, the curtains replaced.......... Whoops! 

 

I loved it when I visited about fifteen years ago so my tastes have changed - or perhaps I've watched too many home improvement TV programmes?! 

 The tea and cake can stay though.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

 

Rather than all the interesting planting in the numerous themed 'rooms' at Sissinghurst, it was the tubs and planters which inspired me the most. 

 

Some were beautiful in their own right or had been combined with just the right plants or were simply positioned in just the right place or a combination of all three. Unfortunately, I only managed to take hasty snaps, just good enough to keep as reminders and inspiration for my own garden.  

  
My little girl's priority, however, was to find the next beautifully manicured lawn so that she could practice her forward rolls!  Next time, I'll go alone!

Lavender Blue

 

 

We arrived at Mayfield Lavender just after it had opened for the day so for a while had the whole field to ourselves.  The bees were humming, the sun was shining, the perfume filled the air.  We tramped up and down the rows, then rounded off our visit with a lovely fairy cake sprinkled with lavender.  

Macy - Rowan Kids

 

 

 

 

This little top, Macy from Rowan Kids, was a delight to knit. I couldn't wait to finish it so for once there was no dithering at the sewing-up stage! 

It has been so useful this summer as an extra layer of warmth (yes, it's a typical UK summer!) but without creating bulk or restriction.  I'm definitely going to make this one again.

My ravelry write up is here.

Meadow Border

 

 

The beautiful meadow border at Polesden Lacey. Wispy and delicate, yet bold and strong, these photos don't do it justice.

Whoosh!

 

 

 

 

Whoosh! 
And then the 2012 Olympic test event was all over. 

MillaMia Per Body Warmer

 

 A very quick and satisfying knit.  Ravelry write up here.

Creepy

7am Tuesday

7am Wednesday

I thought I must be imagining it but no, this bramble really has been moving while I watched. That's 10cm in just 24 hours! 

Blueberry Muffins

My small person took advantage while I was distracted by photography! 

Oh these blueberry muffins were good, even if I do say so myself!  Another one from Mary Berry Simple Cakes.  I don't usually buy blueberries as they are ridiculously expensive, flown in from all around the globe and often taste horrible. The home grown ones are in the shops now and are a bit more affordable so I see lots more blueberry muffins in our future!