Monday 25 May 2009

Lake District Flowers




































We just returned from a delightful few days in Cumbria, the Lake District. We stayed at the Swan Hotel in Newby Bridge and visited Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, Hawkshead, Cartmel, Skelworth Bridge. It has to be said that the stunning views have to be some of the best in the English countryside, pure unspoilt nature.

Thursday 21 May 2009

William Wordsworth


I wondered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of golden daffodils
Beside the lake, beneath the trees
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way
They stretched in never ending line
Along the margin of a bay
Ten thousand saw I at a glance
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company
I gazed and gazed but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or pensive mood
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude
And then my heart with pleasure fills
And dances with the daffodils.

Lake District

Swan Hotel Newby Bridge
The Swan Hotel Pool The Swan Hotel Spa The Swan at night
We are about to go away for a few days break to the Lake District, Cumbria, so no blogging for me for a few days.We will be staying at The Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge which is at the south end of Lake Windemere. www.swanhotel.com We last stayed there about five years ago and enjoyed the walks and the beautiful scenery. We also spent a Christmas at the The Lakeside Hotel which is in the same area and from where the steamers and boats sail. The trip up to Grassmere is very enjoyable and worth taking. The poet William Wordsworth (1770 -1850) is burried in the local churchyard in Grassmere. His "Daffodils" poem has to be one of my all time favourites.

Monday 18 May 2009

Jack Vettriano - Artist

Elegance The Lady
TheBeach

Saturday 16 May 2009

Tito today




English Pub



Here is an English gem, The Cross Keys pub in Grasby, North Lincolnshire. www.crosskeys-grasby.co.uk
We have some very nice local pubs serving freshly cooked food in our area but the Cross Keys is certainly a cut above the rest. The menu is excellent and varies on a daily basis serving meals with locally produced products. Ian the chef certainly deserves some praise and the restaurant has wonderful views across the Lincolnshire wolds which is a bonus. The menu is on their wewbsite, take a look as you might be tempted.

Thursday 14 May 2009

Calico Roses


I have been so impressed by craft work on the many blog sites I have looked at, in particular Tracy's flowers, which reminded me that I made some calico flowers for my City & Guilds, many years ago. I dyed the calico into various colours, then cut and formed petals and leaves. At the time I remember enjoying making them so maybe I will try again in the hope of perfecting the next ones.

Sunday 10 May 2009

Lorna's Birthday


Lorna's birthday this week, made her a pinboard to coordinate with her new kitchen. They will be going away for the weekend to The Black Swan at Helmley in North Yorkshire.

Thursday 7 May 2009

Day in the garden

Wisteria
Tito & Montana
Montana
Lilac
Geranium
Blue bells
Bird House
Quite a theraputic time in the garden today as it was such a beautiful warm sunny day. Afterwwards went for a relaxing swim and steam at the gym.

Wednesday 6 May 2009

Sewing today

Pin Board
Busy day, finished the spotted curtains and the pinboard for Julie. Spare fabric left over so made her some table napkins and a tea towel as the cotton fabric was appropiate. Very satisfied to see them finisihed.

Tuesday 5 May 2009

Harriet


My neice Harriet entered her first talent contest tonight, Class Act at the Wortley Hotel which is organised through all the local schools. She sang a Miley Cyrus song, The Climb. It was fabulous and note perfect. We knew she would get a place in the final...... and she did. The final is on 19th May at The Wortley again so we will all be there to support here once again. It was the first time she had ever sang in public or to an audience. Pure talent !!!

Sunday 3 May 2009

May Day


May Day in Hemswell


Today I visited a friend who lives in Maypole Street, Hemswell. The original Maypole is a permanant fixture in the centre of the road. It was already decorated with ribbons in preparation for the dancing which will take place tomorrow by the local children.

Such a pity that most of the village traditions have now ceased.

Saturday 2 May 2009

Today I Like

My lovely tree of blossom
Hair cut - Sue

Valentine for Julian London Eye - February 2009 How true Beach Art - Portugal 2007 Afternoon Tea Christmas 2008 Christmas 2007 Gerbra So right