Eden Project Cornwall

These are the Biospheres at Eden.
It takes many hours to get to see everything there.





This Junk Robot is just outside the spheres. He is made from recycled items discarded every day . Just click on the picture to see a close up.

The Mediterranean sphere was next amongst the grape vines, although you will find it very warm inside.

The last picture is of a spirit with some what a prickly nature.

We enjoyed a week in Devon and trips to Cornwall and Bodmin.
A lovely holiday.

Been together now for 43 years

And it don't seem a day too long.

How time passes, 43 years ago today and in similar weather conditions, we said I do and having tied the knot, set forth on a journey.What an astonishing trip we have had.
Two wonderful daughters and a loving grandson.
Two, plus two never to be forgotten, great dogs.
A great many lovely family and friends.
Its wonderful to look back through time, which seems so short and count our blessings.
Thank you to our daughters and grandson for making our life so full of everything worthwhile.
Thank you also to my other half who gets too little mention, for someone who is always there for me.

A Practical Tendency

I have thought about why I lock myself into crochet, indeed craft projects so much.
I started knitting at 6 years old. My first work was originally pink wool, which soon turned to a grubby yellowy brown, as I frogged it and restarted my project.
I recall being frustrated that I could not work with two colours.
My mothers work was so nice.

While hands and fingers fly in intricate moves
the mind becomes still,the quiet it exudes.
The nearer tranquility I try to obtain,
a sound, banishes my solitude and at oneness again.

Mothers Day

A guest and pups arrived yesterday and hand delivered an early Mothers Day Gift, flowers and card.

What a surprise I had, when I early peeped at my gift.

I hold a dream to own a Mini Cooper.

My gift is A Mini Cooper S Thrill experience.
I get to drive some laps, in a reimagining of the 60s classic, on one of four circuits,
on a date of my choosing. Wow, I am longing to arrange the booking.

I feel like Nana in Aliens in the Attic, when a device held by the aliens turns Nana into a super-ninja.
I hope to do my image proud and manage a good speed.

Thank you dancin'

February Lace

This is the last piece of Lace for February.

It was designed by Miyoshi Kuroi
Various stitches have been altered to my own liking.

Materials: 200gms Crochet cotton No 20.
Crochet hook Number 1.25 UK size.
The making of this cloth was spread over three weeks,
because it requires concentration to detail.

This pattern will lend its self to clothing
and I hope to apply it to a project soon.

It is pressed here although looks very good unpressed.

February Lace Lily

Designed by: Jeanne Fancello.
42cm/18" wide.
100gms 20 white crochet cotton .
No 1 hook, UK.
15 hours to complete.
The lovely cone accessories were donated by Dancin' from In The Pink,
whose blog is listed in my side bar.Please visit her blog.
To enlarge the picture just click on it.

Stoutshill Gloucestershire

Last week we took a break in Gloucestershire.

Our accommodation was at Stoutshill, Uley, near Stroud.
The first picture shows Stoutshill taken from the back of the building,
which dates back to the 1800s, and was owned by a large scale Wool Farmer.
His wool was processed, by some of the 11 mills in the area at that time.
Once processed it was spun to provide uniforms for the service people.
Red for the Army and Blue for the Navy.
There was a decline in wool manufacturing and eventually Stoutshill was sold.

This grand building of Cotswold stone, was converted in the 1900s to a boys Prep School.
History says that Stephen Fry and Captain Mark Phillips were borders here.
There are still Old Boys Open Days, which are well attended.
I am sure this is an indication that the school and staff were held in high regard by the boys.

We had two sunny days and the second picture is of the sunset on the second day.
Most welcome colours after the heavy frosts and freezing temperatures.
The third and sixth pictures are views from Uley of the countryside.
You can see over the River Seven and in clear conditions the Brecon Beacons.
Fourth is a village church with a very old Yew tree, nearby is a natural spring.
Fifth is the Village of Uley which nestles into the hills as do many villages in the area.

To enlarge the pictures just click on them .

Lace. 19-01-10

Hazel

Designed by:Miyoshi Kuroi
Adapted by :Bowledover
Hook UK 1.
Materials 80 grams No 10 cotton.
Diameter: 46 cm.
Time to produce 10 hours.

Lace 17-01-10

Peacock

Designed by: Miyoshi Kuroi.
Adapted by : Bowledover.
Material: 40 grams of Number 10 cream cotton.
No 1.5 UK crochet hook.
Size 37.5 cm diameter.
Time taken to complete: 8 hours.

Another lace delicacy which I have enjoyed making.

First Lacework in 2010

Buds

Fine Lace Delicacy:

Designed by: Miyoshi Kuroi.
Adapted by: Bowledover.

This is a 42cm diameter lace cloth.
Materials: 50 grams No 10 crochet cotton, in white.
Crochet hook: 1.5 UK size.
Time taken to make 8 hours.

I noted that over time I had lost contact with crafts on my Blog, and have spent time planning to redress this matter.
It feels as though I spent 2009 being productive, although the results left here as soon as they were completed.
Blogger will be my photographic portfolio this year.