The laburnum at the bottom of our garden, in full bloom Beneath it, the clematis montana smothering a viburnum.
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Clematis Montana
Monday, April 25, 2022
A modern stained glass window in memory of a local pharmacist - note the pestle and mortar and the many medicinal herbs featured.
We have seen dippers on the river at Caldbeck over many years. This one was happy to pose for us.
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Then, another short drive took us to Dedham where we had a cup of tea, admiring this wonderful white wisteria, well out even this early.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Nayland
A walk along the River Stour from Nayland to an interesting church at Wissington. Water meadows, lambs and views that Constable might have painted - what could be better?
Along the river, plenty of evidence of storm damage with trees down and trunks splintered. But that did not detract from the general peace of the area.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Hereford and Ledbury
Ledbury has an unusual church with a detached bell-tower. We are in the Welsh Marches here; the tower would have been a defensive structure.
Outside we looked up and my husband spotted a new bird for our list: a peregrine falcon.
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Christmas Knitting
So I was pleased to se this one finished: it had turned out well, I thought. Then I gave it a bath preparatory to blocking. Oh dear - the sheepy quality of the wool now made its presence felt. In fact, it stank. I put it out on the line to air and then repeated the wash with a rinse using part vinegar. Now it smelt of sheep and vinegar. A third wash and a rinse with bicarbonate of soda. The smell was now in abeyance, but I would not trust it in a rain shower.
What to do? This is scarf number 2. It is a set of Regia Ombre 100% Merino, knitted using the shape of Afetos without the lace panels. I made the transitions less stark by putting in some stripes at the changeovers. This feels lovely and looks quite sophisticated.
But, crucially, it has no smell.
Tuesday, November 09, 2021
Leiston Abbey
Now managed by a combination of English Heritage and a young persons' music charity who run courses here, the abbey contains some complete structures. This one is a patchwork of brick, flintwork, beach pebble and rendering.
The abbey itself was clearly a vast structure.
The Lady Chapel has been made weatherproof and may well be used for services, concerts, weddings...