Kenilworth in Bloom

Here are just a couple of the very many photographs I took. By the way, my lips are sealed as to the results!

Just over a couple of weeks ago, I spent three days judging the entrants for the back garden category of the Kenilworth in Bloom 2009 competition. Together with fellow judge David Gillmore, and Committee member Sue acting as our Secretary, we covered all the entrants. From small to large, from querky to conventional, the gardens were a tribute to their owners efforts.

It has certainly got us thinking on what improvements we would like to achieve here. When we first moved in, we had a general cutting back, and over the next few months, we shall be on the next phase.

Laminaria Shoulderette Completed

This is a great pattern, and even with the hemp yarn which has no give in it, the 'piquant' Estonian Lace stitches, were manageable. The cast off with double yarn, works very well, and I shall use this on other projects with fine yarn.



Having washed it, I played the equivalent of floor based stretches and gymnastics to get this blocked out. Sadly quite a lot of colour ran from the yarn, and when I had finished the stretching on my wires, found that I had pink colour soaked into my white tee shirt.

The neck shawl, which I like to call a tucker, has dried beautifully, and the texture and crispness of the yarn, keep the fine stitch detail.

I took it to the new Knitting and nattering group at the Almanack in Kenilworth this morning. It was great to see many new faces. These knitting groups are great places to make new friends, find new knitting inspiration, and being right in the window at the Almanack, we are certainly on view, so hopefully most of the knitters in Kenilworth around during Thursday morning will soon be popping in.

I was so pleased to hear, yesterday, that one of the knitting groups I used to go to in Swindon, is vibrant and continues to attract many knitters.

Festival of History 2009

At the suggestion of my Daughter in Law, we met up at Kelmarsh Hall on 26 July, to spend an interesting day out together at the Festival of History. The extent and the variety of the events ranging from Roman to Second World War, was more that sufficient to keep us entertained all day. Having looked through the Show Guide, I feel that two days would have been better, and having the Show Guide in advance, would have meant missing fewer excellent events.

Brian, Veronica's father, was particularly interested in the Roman Imperial Army. We watched a large band of soldiers as they demonstrated fighting techniques. The skill of the riders was particularly noteworthy. We watched gladiators fighting with various techniques. In other arenas there were horses, mules and a camel, demonstrating the roles of animals in War. As part of the re enactment of a second world war scene, there was even a flying spitfire.

After spending some time browsing the period stalls, I found a replica brass cloths pin. It was made by this 'Roman Soldier', and his wife was the stall holder. Brian bought some interesting herb plants to add to his collection back home.

As we walked around we found the The New St George Waits playing in a large tent, where there were chairs. They were playing English bagpipes, of which I have been a fan for a long time, hurdy gurdies, woodwinds etc.

We were really lucky with the weather that day, and so must have been the organisers. To have a weekend with two goods days of weather is pretty remarkable this year. On our drive there and back, the combine harvesters were slowly cutting their way through fields of wheat.

Ladies who lunch

Whilst persuading my friend Penny that she ought really to check whether she would get a state retirement pension, I joked that when she did get her pension, which in my experience there would be one, she could take me out somewhere lovely to celebrate.

It really does pay to check out what pension is due, and to remember for parents that from 1978, for years during which family allowance is claimed, credits are given to the parent to whom the payments were made. Also now only 30 years are needed to receive full pension. Penny was truly surprised and delighted with her arrears and her new pension.

We certainly had to mark this and Penny organised a wonderful day out. Although raining, the drive out to Ettington Park Hotel. The house is interesting and the location stunning. Part of the old church remains in the grounds and they also have some striking cedars.

The exterior is clad with a patchwork of stone, not randomly strewn but decoratively set in layers. The French and Italian Gothic Style reminiscent of John Ruskin, together with the interesting carved stone friezes, made this an interesting though rather strange house.

After a lovely lunch in large Drawing Room with views across the lawns, we sallied forth in the rain, and stopped at Compton Verney. There we had a browse round their shop, and tea and shared cake, before heading home.

Thanks for the treat Penny.

Feeling on top of the World

During all the rainy days, when one is more or less housebound, if getting around means getting on your bicycle, it is amazing what little jobs one finds to do. This little Clanger had been feeling a little horse and had been loosing its voice for some time. The sound was so dreadful, I had felt it was terminal.

For ages, I've been popping into any toy shop to ask if they had Clangers. I bought this one for Mr S years ago in Woolworth's in Cirencester. This little Clanger went under the knife, or more precisely scissors, and with a new battery returned to life.

She is now feeling so much better, that she had to pose for this picture.