A new lease of life ...

Well after last weeks shameful bloggy meltdown in the form of mathematics sickness I somehow drew a new lease of life from it.

Very strange.

I finished typing and then suddenly had a spurt on my blanket.  

 

In fact I haven't just done a few rows - I've done twelve. That's 3 hours in total. And I have fallen back in love with it.

The easiness that allows my mind to travel is just lush.

And the colours.

And the conversation while I am doing it.

And the fact that I have weaved into that blanket so many emotions and experiences. It has been a friend to me over the past few months. I couldn't thank it enough! So I persevere!

I have also decided what I am to do with the new yarn. I am making a picnic blanket. Inspired by this amazing blanket on the beautiful Edith Florence blog (check it out!).

I am working my way through the ever so amazing 200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix-and-Match by Jan Eaton and trying all the ones that catch my eye. They turn out pretty big which was surprising. But I am enjoying the challenge of reading a pattern and learning new skills.

The hens have been loving the sunshine. Lots of pampering sessions by having dust baths in the evening sun to cool down and lots of egg laying. And I don't just mean lots of eggs, I mean huge eggs. Eggs that a human would struggle with! Double yokers in abundance! When I collect eggs this size I just look at the hens in disbelief. Looking for clues of which brave hen has embarked on giving birth to such monsters! I am surprised they are still alive!

To try and show you the sheer size ... I have put one of the monsters next to a normal size egg ....

I have also put the Dear Fatty by Dawn French to bed now. I struggled with it. It was a bunch of letters addressed to various Friends and family and it just didn't keep me reading.

I felt really guilty for putting down a book, but after a discussion with Mr Staples, he assured me that putting down a book was okay and it was not a crime. I then felt ready to start One Day.

 So really a very eventful and productive week. Lots of rows, squares and pages ... and not forgetting the Olympics. Which has been on at all times! I can't wait to go to London to see it all for myself on Saturday.

I am marking the occasion with my bunting and also some red, white and blue sweet peas which my Nanny gave to me!

Kate xxxxxxxx

Books for the Summer

I have happily compiled my books for this summer. I aim to start on 01.07.2012 and finish them by 10.09.12. The end of my holiday.

I have chosen a wide selection and can't wait to read each and every one of them.

It's just a matter of deciding which one to start with.

Do I start with 50 Shades of Grey? Probably, seen as I feel like I am the only living woman who hasn't read it yet. And with multitudes of conversations with a "Grey" theme I feel that it is only a matter of time before the plot of the book is spoilt .... although my jist of the book so far is there isn't much of a plot ;) Am I right girls?

Then there is Thank You For The Days, a book written by one of my favourite 6 Music DJ's - Mark Radcliffe. It is not a biography as such - more of a compilation of wonderful starry encounters and silly mishaps. Chapter's entitled 'The Day My Mother Hit Me With a Golf Club' and 'The Day I Went to Kate Bush's House for Cheese Flan', and 'The Day Mick Jagger Was Taller Than Me' make me want to launch straight in. But somehow I think this one for a holiday. A holiday where you need short, sweet and satisfying chapters.

I have also chosen Perfume by Patrick Suskind. I had this book almost 7 years ago and was told it was a must read! It has sadly been on the back burner since then as I was reading a good book at the time (although I can't remember what it was) and I forgot all about it. Then, last weekend Craig watched the film on TV while I was out. He said I would love the film and I said "Woooo there! I have the book". And you know what the rule is ..... read it before you watch it! So I blew off the dust and have put it in the "to read "pile.

On a similar note is One Day. I was leant this after reading Starter For Ten on my honeymoon. I thoroughly enjoyed Nicholls style of writing and subjects. I practically read it cover to cover in three days. I then went straight into One Day and I just wasn't feeling it. I needed a break from the author's style to make it fresh and thought if I left it a while I would just enjoy it more. So the time has come! One Day .... I will read you one day this summer ..... I promise!

Finally, Dear Fatty by Dawn French. This was recommended by my sister-in-law who knows I love all things Dawn French. I have read snip-its and let me tell you this book is no laughing matter..... it is a roll around on the floor in stitches - until your sides burst - matter!!!! This, I think, is a perfect evening read.

So there you have it, my to read list. Will any of you join me with any of these titles? If you do then let me know. I'd love to discuss these books with you. Also if you have any suggestions for future reads ... I would love to know!

xxxxx