Sunshine & Flowers

We have been enjoying some brilliant weather here in Newcastle upn Tyne. It has been much warmer then 'seasonal norms' and my garden has suddenly sprung into life! Last year my mum advised me to leave the garden for a year and just wait to see what plants and flowers appeared, which is what I did and I kept a photo Diary. The intention being, this year, take some plants out, plant some new ones, get a Greenhouse, create a vegetable Plot etc etc. It kind of looks like, I may be too busy to do much this year. So the Photo Diary begins again. Here are a few of the lovely plants I can see as I type this.

Pretty and colourful aren't they?

But, lurking away in the bottom of the garden in an old sink, I found these.....

Yes, they are strawberries! Or strozzers as dad likes to call them! I am amazed, after all the snow and low temperatures and being neglected they are growing merrily away! Just have to keep the birds away, this year.

Last week was the Secret Spring Chicken Swap at the Tuesday night Knitting Group who meet in the Bridge Pub in Newcastle - It was sooo exciting, lots of beautifully wrapped parcels, lots of chickens and lots of gorgeous yarns. I think we caused a bit of stir during the parcel opening ceremony ( all parcels were opened one at a time so that we could all appreciate the contents ) the amount of oooos and aaaaaahs that we made!

Parcels, before opening.

Charlie, the chicken waiting for his pint.

Still waiting!

I made this little chicken for my swap partner not even thinking that it reveals my identity straight away! There are some of his extended family living at The Knit Studio. Never mind, I organised this swap and it was good fun watching everyone open their packages. My parcel contained a lovely silver badge enscribed I Love Knitting, and a ball of yarn - I love it. I am having difficulty taking a photo but will post as soon as I can - you will want one!

Comment Replies

Hieke You will be interested to know Her Magister, the Queen regularly attends the Saturday Morning Knitting Group and is available for photos!

Shiela Mittens has become very fond of his shoe box, Pebbles does try it out for size, but does not stay in long enough for a photo shoot!

Where Did It Go???

Okay, I have one question and one question only for today - where has the last 2 weeks gone? One minute it was the end of March and now it is the middle of April!!

It might, of course, be the fact that life Chez Makepeace has been extremely busy. Normally, in the evening (usually 9.00pm ish) after all the necessary chores are done, I have 3 choices.

1. Knit/crochet and watch TV
2. Check out Ravelry and all the latest on friends' Blogs
3. Post to my own Blog
No prizes for guessing which numbered choice has been winning lately.

So since my last post we have had Mothers' Day.

My flowers.

I also received a really cool bird feeder, which we have placed closer to the house as I really enjoy bird watching/spotting. I have to admit that when I first saw where it had been placed I thought to myself there is no way any bird is going to use that! However, with the help of Bird Seed with Aniseed generously supplied by my friend (see sidebar for link) we had a result on the first day - brilliant, I love it.
Euan, Sarah and I actually managed to spent the whole day together, managing to fit in shooting a few hoops in the back garden (aka mum trying to show that she has still got some of her old netball skills!) a trip to Tynemouth Market, and a few bargains found. Ikea for lunch and some impulse purchases. Morrisons for essentials and last, but not least Aldi for their 3Bird Roast which is family favourite - have you tried it?

A new pair of shoes provided the perfect place to squash a cat!

Mittens says - You see, I cannot be that big if I can fit into a shoe box!

Oh! I forgot to mention! We had a very special Royal appearance at The Knit Studio Saturday Knitting Group. The Queen! Yes, Her Magister graced us with her presence! Skillfully knitted by Meriel and sporting a very fine pearl necklace and Blue Ensemble. We are all taking bets now to see if Meriel has guessed the right colour of the Mother of the Groom Outfit!

As you can see, I was pretty overcome being so close to Royalty :-)
Photo courtesy of Meriel (Thank you)