This and that.

Hello again!  It's been a couple of weeks since my last post - sorry about that! I've not been shirking, honestly!  I've been sanding our bedroom furniture before painting it.  We've been doing the bedroom up bit by bit, and had decided to change the whole look by painting the drawers.  However, when I'd ordered the new carpet, I suddenly realised time was running out to get the painting done.  Cue frantic sanding and painting.  I'll post a photo when I get it all done.

We went to London for a weekend break.  It's always exciting, and now the train can get you from Carlisle to Euston in just over 3 hours!  We had a night tour on an open top bus, which was really interesting, and also went to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.  We saw the Painted Chapel at the Naval College, which was beautiful.  It's classed as the British Sistine Chapel, quite rightly.  We also went to the Tower of London, which is always a good day out. There was an exhibition of wire animal sculptures, which were stunning.

This elephant was so realistic, and is actually made from chicken wire.

Well you can't go to London and not have a photo of a handsome guard!

This dragon sculpture in the White Tower (at the Tower of London) is made from all sorts of weapons - fantastic!

I couldn't resist taking a photo of the detail on this beautiful helmet.

I also had a wildlife "emergency" the other day.  We have a housemartins' nest in the eaves of the house, above the bedroom window.  When I went to hang some washing on the line, I spotted a chick just sitting on the lawn - obviously not right for a housemartin.  Now, I know you're not supposed to interfere, but there are a lot of cats round here, and I was worried that our dog, Daisy would get out and upset things.  So, I gently picked it up and put it into the borders in the front garden.  Silly thing kept coming to sit on the path by the front door.  I decided to ring the RSPB for advice.  They said to put it outside on our bedroom window ledge, near the nest.  I was really worried as it was SUCH a windy day.  However, the RSPB man obviously knows his stuff, and after the parents realised it was there, and fed it, it soon took off.  I thought you might like some of the photos I took - 

It was absolutely gorgeous, but clearly camera shy, as it kept putting its head under its wing!

I bought some gorgeous wool the other day and crocheted this cushion panel.  I'm quite pleased with it.  What do you think?

Apart from the cushion panel, I've not done anything crafty (unless you count the painting!), so I thought I'd show you some of the lovely things the very clever ladies from my class have made. (The class is now on summer break, so I hope they're all getting inspiration for next term - no pressure, Ladies!)

Kath made this beautiful cushion in autumn colours.  I think she's done it really well.

Linda bead embroidered this gorgeous panel which she's planning on turning into a bag.  Stunning!

Dilys took inspiration from a greetings card to make this wall hanging for her new grandson.  The detail in it is amazing.  

Well, it's now very late, and I really need to get to bed - just as well you can't see me yawning!.  I've got loads of ideas fizzing around in my head at present, so hopefully, some of them will make it into reality and I can show you.  

Nighty night,  see you soon,

Love,

Gill x