My Place and Yours.........

Well Hello Everyone.............


Joining in with Cherie and this weeks theme Introducing Yourself............


Ok a few words ............


Well i think I'm a normal sort of nearly 50 yr woman who enjoys most things in life .............

Love spending time in my garden, growing veggies and cooking.


Love going for long walks......with my husband and dogs.


Love catching up with my children,family and friends...........


Love all things Italian and saving madly for my next trip.............

                                                 


That's me on the right enjoying the most perfect lunch in a little hill top village in Tuscany. Opposite Kerry in red and Ralph who along with his wife Sue (not pictured) took us on an amazing 7 day walking tour.


Ciao !!! 

My Place and Yours

More than three and its a Collection says Cherie.


Ok so this little collection was given to me during the week by a friend to say thank-you.

Just the most beautiful soap made in Florence ................................
brings back wonderful memories....................


Now I know you said 3 Cherie but this little collection was part of the gift so its sort of in the collection...............

Two beautiful picture frames with two of my favorite pics, yes you guessed it 
                                      Italy !!!!     






Ciao  x                                                                                               

JaM Surprises....................

Taking Just a Moment to share those special things noticed, consumed,created or brought during the week.....................................

What fun opening my Winter Op Shop parcel.......from the lovely Jackie


Beautifully wrapped with the sweetest little gift tags.........I've already recycled them into book marks................

Vintage gingham apron with little heart pockets and a warm and soft scarf in my favorite colors.

Following the Winter theme a great casserole pot, recipe book,

mug and I'm not sure how Jackie new but a few of my favorite

flavored Coffee sticks !!

Thanks Jackie for taking the time to choose me such lovely gifts

and thank you Jody for organising the swap.

Blue sky and a little sunshine ..............

Joining in with Jody and JaM.

JaM.........Winter Cheer!

Winter has now settled in our little valley...........................


There's plenty of wood stacked on the veranda and the dogs are staying close to the back door waiting to sneak in when they can...................


Early morning walks in the drizzle and then home to hot tea & toast.






                                       ***************






Someones doing their best to brighten up Winter in our neighbourhood. 

     Pulling a few weeds and planting more garlic cloves..........love garlic


                                                     

                                                    


          

                                               
           Watching a bird feed on fruit (medlar) just about to be picked .
                                         

                                                       
    There's plenty of creating going on...................


     but you can't have a peek.................


     its for someone special..........




     Sharing Just A Moment with JODY and friends................


    
    
      

JaM..............

Three days ............... No Work Commitments
                                Nice Weather
                                Time to myself
                                Time to Create.


A bit of shopping, a bit of cooking, a bit of gardening and then some quiet time on the sewing machine. (although i must admit I'd love to be joining in  at Jody's studio....) 

                                                
My kitchen bench is just perfect for cutting out patterns, its nice and high and easy on the back............................

My first Piece of Cake tunic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

                            Yep, I'm happy with that!!  Thanks Jody!




Then time for something totally new........................


A Workshop on Drawing in Black and White.


I couldn't believe 6 hours could go so fast and that i would learn so much!


I have been trying to draw/ paint over the last 6 months but had hit a bit of a stumbling block.
With a wonderful teacher and a fresh approach i achieved some really good results.
The key as with every thing is PRACTISE, a little drawing everyday.......

                                                
Seed Pods in Ink.




Joining In with JODY  and her storm of creation!

JaM

JaM  


Things have changed a little at JaM................


But staying the same........Sharing Just a Moment....   


Something  Noticed   Consumed  Created    Bought




Winter is a busy time of the year for us, such a popular time for people to escape to the country and enjoy a break from city living............


While the weather has been mild hubby and i have been cutting up and stacking firewood for the coming cold months.


I've weeded the gardens, planted out veggie seedlings, mowed lawns, divided up some iris, cleaned out the chook pen again and added fresh straw so the girls are comfy and warm.


I like to make sure the cottages are cosy and inviting for our guests so every now and then I change things around, add a picture, fresh flowers or books.


So its been a creative week in readiness for a busy month ahead.

A wreath of grape vines for a rustic look.

Gingham always looks fresh and red warm..............

 A little wire candle holder with bird on top peeks in the window..........

                                                                            
   Treasures for children(big kids too) to sort through..............




 Then i thought it was time to freshen up our cottage..................

Lucky for me there's a vineyard close by so another wreath......

I've made about eight so far!

                                                                                                                                        

Or not to Stitch

Oh the plans I had once we were out of the Caravan and into the house.........


Mmmm don't know where the days/weeks have gone but other than taking up a pair of jeans(and that was this morning) i haven't got do to any sewing at all.


 Last week(well about 10days ago) i set the machine up on the kitchen table with all my bits and pieces with  a quilt beside it ready  to go...............


But when i do have a moment to spare i choose to cook something,  read, get out into the garden  or take the dogs for a walk or sit beside the machine and blog!!!!!!!


Last night Hubby did point out he was getting a bit sick of seeing no table and he would like to eat at it please............


I just don't feel like sewing, does anyone else feel this way sometimes?


What i did want to share with you today is a new addition to my kitchen.


Hubby offered to help some neighbours clean up all their rubbish and put it in a huge skip as they were moving house and the new owners wanted everything gone!!!
The cottage had been used for a weekender with lots of odd bits and pieces, the kitchen had been decked out with "old stuff" from op shops over the last 15 years ............" would i like to come and have a look just in case there was anything i would like"      

Ok so I can't show you everything today but here is my favourite thing so far,
yes its a Le Creuset long handle skillet it even has a brass hook on the end so you can hang it up. 
I just love it and haven't stopped cooking with it although it did take me 4 days of on and off scrubbing to get all the cooked on food off it and now you can see the beautiful red enamel.............