Happy New Year

Happy New Year to my Friends, Followers & Family,

hurray let’s get on with it!!

The Old Pill Factory–spruce up!

I thought it would take more than today, so I didn’t take my camera, so phone pics & poor light today, also non of the shop, sorry, but I hope that you like the new look.

Florence’s exciting days

Dressed in her best red satin bow, Florence was eagerly waiting for the customary unwrapping, “is there a parcel for me Mum?”

Not only a bag of treats from Gran, but also a hamper

what a lucky girl!

“What are we doing tomorrow Mum?”

“We are going to walk through the woods to the top of a Welsh Mountain Florence”

Past the wind damaged trees and galvanised wire, look back to the coast in the distance,

onwards old lady, to the top,

Breiddon Hill is an extinct volcanic hill on the border of Shropshire & Powys, at 1199ft. which by definition makes it a mountain. On route to the summit there are ruins of an Iron Age Hill fort, which may have been the site of the last stand of Caractacus, the British chieftan who lead the revolt against the Romans. At the summit is a monument, Admiral Rodney’s Pillar, built by the Gentlemen of Montgomeryshire who supplied the oak wood that was shipped down the Severn to Bristol to where Admiral Rodney's fleet was built.

So not only did Flo have a lovely walk with spectacular views, she learnt some history.

What a lucky girl.

Christmas Dinner Family Style

This fantastic photo is I think from late 19th/early20th century, taken in Bridge Street Evesham, not only do I think that it is a wonderful historical record, it was my families business, could this be a link to Tom training to be a Game Keeper, could you say

“it’s in the blood!”

looking back/looking forward

I suppose that people read blogs to be inspired by lovely things, so if that is the case do not read on.

I am very lucky. I live in a lovely place, we are all healthy, I have a very faithful old dog, I have a lovely lifestyle (on a budget), I have people around me that love me, I am free to come and go as I please. So why is it at this time of year I do not enjoy the festivities? About two weeks ago I had had enough, I want it all to be over and the New Year to be here.

Perhaps I shouldn’t think of people that are no longer here, my Grampy & Gran (with my Mum), are mentioned by us probably each day, Trixie has been gone for 18 years, I was expecting “our Tommy” as she called him, but she never got to see him, in fact I am now crying as I write this. My Grampy, who I spent a lot of time with as a child, going to Steam Fairs, farm sales, car auctions…..He did get to meet Tom and loved him dearly, an only great grandson of an only granddaughter of an only daughter.

Don’t misunderstand me, I have found a partner who has changed me and finally I am happy and content, we are a very small family and very close and none of us are lonely, I love being me.

So as soon as boxing day comes and I take Tom off to the wilds of North Wales, the new me starts. Some of my inspiration has come from Tom, he has turned his troubles around and is on the last leg at college and is a very confident young man now with dreams and aspirations. My Mum doesn’t interfere but gives me good advice when she can see that I am flailing, and Michael stands by me and encourages me, and inspires confidence in me.

After dropping Tom off, Michael, Flo and myself will carry onto the coast, probably Aberdovey for a lovely walk and then home ready for the next day as I am stripping out my unit at The Old Pill Factory.  I am hoping to do more fairs next year having plucked up the courage to start networking with people.

Thank you to my family past & present

A new year, new look, new attitude!

Icing inspiration……

Icing Russian style.

Decorations and a new home for Tweedy–Woo

Yes I know that I am not fond of pink, but my rose scented candles inspired this arrangement. The silver plate tray was for sale, however the scalloped shell edges spoke to me…….pale pink roses and vintage baubles complete the look.

 

Mum, Florence and I  have been foraging and found these lichen covered fruitwood branches, hey presto a decorative tree, and who has decided to roost in a new spot? Look closely and it’s Tweedy-Woo…..

Tweedy is a dear little chap handmade and given to me by my amazingly artistic friend Woo http://www.thedevilmakeswork.co.uk/ click  and have a look at the lovely things that she creates.

 

I finally managed to find some “crown” lights in Tesco and make this decoration for my Mum to have on her mantlepiece, she will have it on to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Finally my kitchen has some deer and a reindeer antlers. I do have an outside decoration but it isn’t fiinished yet as the in-house electrician hasn’t wired an outside plug yet!

 

Burne-Jones @ Winchester Cathedral

 

For some time now I have been travelling to Winchester but haven’t managed to visit the Cathedral. One of the reasons that I wanted to go is to see the Gormley sculpture “Sound II” in the crypt, which was closed today due to a funeral.

HOWEVER, what I didn’t know is that there is a small chapel off the main nave which has four stained glass windows, designed by Edward Burne-Jones and crafted in William Morris’s workshop, they are absolutely beautiful. The colours are so vivid and the foliage design throws a gorgeous green hue into the chapel.

My pictures do not do justice to the colours so please make the effort to go, the Cathedral is beautiful & these windows are the icing on the cake.

New finds…..

Mum and I went for a day out this week, and I found these lovelies.

All vintage

a long piece of pale pink embroidered silk

Sanderson hunting scene

and the most fabulous 50’s panel, South of France, Venice?

  

Even though there is too much red in this for me I may have to keep the smaller panel for a huge cushion, it is just so happy and sunny.

Lastly I found this lovely off white Edwardian garland, the lady told me that it was a bridal waist corsage. It is very small and I can wear it as a headband or neckpiece. Should I keep it, sell it or split it down for individual flowers?

The Old Pill Factory today

Our lovely Scandinavian style window

The Old Pill Factory is now providing an upholstery service, the sofa & chairs are covered in the new range of fabric from Annie Sloan

Father Christmas I would love this desk and the large jar at the back

beautiful vintage Aquascutum winter coat

I hope you enjoyed your visit today