Over the past few days it has been impossible to notice the change in colour of the leaves on the trees in our garden, and also the number of fallen leaves. I was sad to discover this today, though. Years ago, when Euan was about 10, he would enthusiastically collect literally hundreds of conkers at this time of year. For school playground games, for playing with at home, for baking in the bottom of the Rayburn or simply just because he could! Sarah was just 2, and wanted to copy whatever her big brother did. I decided, in a moment of madness, to get them to plant up a couple of containers with some of the spoils - one container each.
No-one was more surprised than me, when both containers started to display signs of growth! The result, our very own potted conker trees! Obviously, when we moved house they came with us and they are as much a part of our family as the cats. The ownership of the containers has blurred over the years and there is an unspoken competition over which will grow the tallest, have the most leaves etc each year.
What amuses me, is that no matter how small the tree, the leaves are a standard full grown tree size! Amazing. (and a bit odd).
I, personally, use them to let me know when Spring has arrived = new buds, or Autumn has really begun = orange leaves, then no leaves! This year, one of them has skipped a stage - and has jumped straight into the bare and interesting look. I have to admit, I feel a little sad.....
Moving onto buttons.... my last post about Button Tins has sparked a number of memories amongst my friends and readers. Today I have heard about people colour sorting Grandma's buttons, following patterns in the carpets, threading them all together with a bodkin and thread, to name but a few. What is interesting is that for everyone, the thought of a button tin brings back happy memories of childhood and relations who are perhaps no longer with us. Maybe I should start a National Button Tin Celebration Day? The whole day could be devoted to sorting, sifting, rattling, threading and just stepping back in time. Meanwhile, here is a photograph of one of my many button tins. Enjoy!
What a very busy week! I think I have travelled over 1000 miles this week and it is GOOD to be home.
I have visited Create in Ilkley, Liss Wools in Liss and Kangaroo in Lewes (see side bar for links) and as always, had a great time, met some lovely ladies, chatted, tutored, crocheted and knitted.
On Friday, I took mum and dad to Eastbourne Marina where we enjoyed the last of the summer shunshine whilst enjoying the view.
My drive home today, was, for once, without incident and it took only six and a half hours. I did feel sorry for the people stuck in the huge traffic jam leaving Newcastle on the A1, that I passed in the way. Especially as I guess most of them had been taking part in The Great North Run - congratulations and well done to all participants. I always have a huge admiration for everyone who takes part in this, or any other races. Running is not, and never has been my 'thing'! Although if there was a 'yarn bargain' involved I might be persuaded. Seriously though, I have watched with interest the increasing number of runners I have seen, gradually building their stamina and fitness for this race, when driving in or around Newcastle and I salute their commitment and dedication.
Whilst staying at mum and dad's I noticed once again, how, when I stay there I seem to morph into a teenage daughter who has lost the use of her legs! Er dad, I'll have a cup of tea if you are in the kitchen, would you get me a biscuit while you're there??? Are you getting the picture? The long journey home gives me a lot of thinking time - and I shall be trying harder not to be THAT daughter next time I am there.
After reading this Blog, I realised I had forgotten to post a photograph of the only item I was lucky enough to obtain in the recent Auction. It is a beautiful patchwork quilt, in blues and creams, all hand stitched with care. It is in pride of place in The Knit Studio and looks fab - what do you think?
Our beautiful Edwardian home is back on the market. What this means to me is
a) all my projects have to be tidied away
b) all my stash has to be hidden from view
c) all my knitting books and magazines have to be put back on the bookshelves when not in use
d) my little table which is normally a jumble of needles, yarn, ball bands, notes, scissors, etc has to be empty - nothing on it - at all!
It's a nightmare for a Knitter as you can imagine. The whole thing of keeping a tidy and presentable home whilst working, knitting, designing, relaxing and being part of a very hectic household drives me crazy - just in case you get a phone call from the Estate Agent with those words 'We'd like to arrange a viewing'! I have been known to put my ironing pile in my car just to get it out of the way, how bad is that?
But, it has to go - we need a smaller home - I need to de-clutter and de-stash - and I hate it.
But, it does mean I may get to have a garden again. It will also mean when I get home from my travels I will not feel that all my time is spent IN the house, house working. and there you have it. The living, being, knitting, creating, sitting quietly with one or two cats make it a home - the hoovering, polishing, cleaning, fixing make it a house!
