ted and bunny

chocolate banana bliss

2012-01-29T18:31:00.000Z

It started with 3 over-ripe bananas in the fruit bowl. . .

followed by a thoughtful flick of cook book pages. . .

a meeting of eggs oil flour cocoa and sugar. . .

and ended with a VERY gluttonous afternoon tea

The question I have to ask myself

(with the hindsight of chronic indigestion)

is how many chocolate banana muffins

count as TOO many chocolate banana muffins??!

3 very ripe bananas

125ml vegetable oil

2 eggs

100g soft light brown sugar

225g plain flour

3 x 15ml tablespoons best-quality cocoa powder, sifted

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1 x 12-bun muffin tin

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and line a muffin tin with papers. Mash the bananas by hand or with a freestanding mixer.Still beating and mashing, add the oil followed by the eggs and sugar. Mix the flour, cocoa powder and bicarb together and add this mixture, beating gently, to the banana mixture, then spoon it into the prepared papers. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, by which time the muffins should be dark, rounded and peeking proudly out of their cases. Allow to cool slightly in their tin before removing to a wire rack.

back in the land of the living!

2012-01-20T11:19:00.000Z

Thankyou all for the kind comments, emails, phonecalls, hugs,

cards and cakes that arrived following my recent mishap.

I'm touched by such thoughtfulness

even though I don't really "know" any of you.

Pleased to report that I'm mending well in spite of feeling a bit

sheepish about my own stupidity!

Bruce is enjoying a winter holiday getting hairier,

muddier. . .and needless to say fatter by the day.

Enforced time indoors has seen me clearing through the

stockroom cupboards where I found these two

vintage magazines from opposite ends of the spectrum-

A 1975 Valentines edition of Jackie and a 1927 copy of Home Notes

such a contrast between the elegance and simple lines

shown in the fashions of the Twenties, and the funky fabness of

teenage life in the Seventies

The adverts in both magazines make great reading!

The topic of making an income from home is obviously

a timeless one. . .

which era do you prefer?

from ouch. . .to !!!!OUCH!!!!

2012-01-09T10:26:00.000Z

After the popping champagne corks at Christmas, our anniversary and New Year, my birthday at the beginning of January always falls a bit flat.
In 2011 I clearly remember saying "you know I'd really like to do something different for my birthday next year". . .

I woke on Saturday morning quite breathless and light headed and didn't put up much resistance when Mark said he was taking me to A & E.

X-Rays showed I had a punctured lung caused by my broken ribs and I spent a very un-jolly weekend strapped to an oxygen mask.

I've been allowed home today but must report back on Wednesday for further X-Rays to check its not collapsed any further.

A birthday to remember for all the wrong reasons- be careful what you wish for!

(and yes to all of you who've asked, I'm afraid Bruce did have a hand [or rather a hoof] in this mishap)

eating those words. . .

2012-01-06T09:07:00.000Z

. . ."this year is going to be such a good one". . .you recall reading that sentence in my last post. . .?
Famous last words.
I had an unfortunate little accident and started the year with 2 cracked ribs, and one side of my chest is magnificently multi-coloured (a black-and-bloob?)

You couldn’t make it up could you?
I’m sure I'd see the funny side of it if only laughing wasn't so painful!!

Looking forward to 2013. . .
Calamity Elaine
xx

2012- bring it on!

2012-01-01T11:26:00.004Z

Christmas Eve. . .The horses settled in their stables, the sound of rustling straw so perfectly apt for this evening as we bid them goodnight. Midnight Mass at our tiny local church, no more than 20 hardy souls in the congregation, puffs of breath rising in the air as we sing rousing carols and vie for warmth from the tiny radiator. Walking home afterwards guided by torchlight through the eerily dark woods singing schoolday words to the hymns. The cat coming to meet us, cream-tipped tail held aloft like a beacon to light the way. Drinking nightcaps in front of the woodburner.

Christmas Day. . .Champagne and presents. Carols on the radio. Cosily reading our books in front of the fire. Cooking Christmas dinner together and not eating until early evening. Downton Abbey. Heartfelt peace and goodwill.

Boxing Day. . .Traditional bubble-and-squeak lunch, getting together with friends. Returning fresh-faced from a windswept ride on Bruce and scoffing chocolate cake (me not him- he had carrots).

Our Wedding Anniversary. . .Soppy cards. Red roses. A "day out" to Swanage in the pouring rain. Waiting 45 minutes in a crowded coffee shop for toasted cheese sarnies, holding hands and laughing as we people-watched and got hungrier and hungrier.

New Years Eve. . .Walking along the beach at Lyme Regis with dear friends. Finding fossils, and skimming stones into the sea for their dog to fetch. Hearty pub lunch (like we needed more food). Staying awake til midnight and letting off a huge firework in the garden. Shouting "Happy New Year" into the darkness and toasting 2012 as it arrives.

New Years Day. . .this year is going to be such a good one- no Resolutions, just an aim to make to the most of every day and stop worrying.

Bring it on! xx

simple pleasures

2011-12-27T15:14:00.000Z

Christmas morning opening presents in front

of the woodburner, carols on the radio

croissants champagne and chocolate for breakfast

a blissful day spent snugged-up in our own little world

eating, drinking, reading and napping in front of the fire,

with a welcome twilight walk in the countryside

to stretch our lazy bods. . .

simple pleasures and simply perfect

I hope yours was as lovely

On the Stalk

2011-12-22T09:17:00.000Z

lots of lovely Farm Shops and Self-Growers locally

so we can buy gorgeous fresh veg-

my favourites at this time of year are brussels on the stalk

(even better since we've had a few sharp frosts)

and crisp leafy sprout top greens shredded and stir-fried.

As far as cooking goes

Ted likes sprouts boiled almost to a mush

(dare I say "just like his mum made")

and I like them lightly cooked with a firm bite

Sooooooo. . .

I've been roasting them!

Another dimension completely, they taste utterly divine!

Olive oil, a few grinds of black pepper. . .

mmmmmmmmmmmm

If I can fit them in the Rayburn oven,

I'm going to try roasting them on the stalk

on Christmas Day!

(PS I've also been roasting cauliflower- try it!)

(google images above, not mine)

Poignant reminders of Christmas past. . .

2011-12-18T10:29:00.000Z

I'll let the poignancy of these heartfelt mementos of a gentler age, now sadly passed, speak for themselves. . .

Wishing you all everything you wish for yourselves at this happy and reflective time of year xx

unfitflops

2011-12-14T10:10:00.001Z

I offered to check a friend's horse this morning as she was making an early start Christmas shopping (my friend, not the horse- although that does conjure up a fascinating image!)

Trudging across the uphill gradient of a very muddy, waterlogged 10 acre field in welly boots that were 2 sizes too big, avoiding molehills that resembled mini-volcanoes as the icy rain sheeted sideways and the horse sensibly refused to leave the shelter of the far hedge, I tried to distract my mind from thoughts of revenge and concentrated instead on the searing pain in my calves, and how hard my bum muscles were working to stabilise my floundering gait.

Eureka! I've discovered the rural equivalent of Fit Flops!

it came. . .and it went!

2011-12-10T17:49:00.002Z

thankyou for your sweet comments on my last post.

Yes you're all quite right, it was the humdrum of everydayness, the rainy (very) muddy days and November-into-December greyness that just got to me, but I'm pleased to report the crisp frosty landscape this morning with pink-edged sky was exhilarating, and as soon as the ice cleared I took dear Bruce for a wonderful wintery ride blessed by sunshine and birdsong, and told him all the things that were on my mind.

By the time we arrived back home any unwanted thoughts had disappeared into the fresh air (Bruce said if it didn't involve food it wasn't really worth talking about) and I'm back to "normal". . .albeit aided and abetted this evening by a glass of chammy- purely medicinal of course!

xx

boring boring. . .

2011-12-08T09:37:00.000Z

I feel quite well, quite happy and quite joie-de-vivre-ful.
Life is very good, very busy, very eventful and very stimulating.
But somehow I feel boring.
I have nothing to complain about; counting my blessings I know I'm the luckiest person alive yet when someone asks me what I've been upto, my recounting of what were lovely times spent doing lovely things sounds like a rollcall of day-filling at its most bland.
"Ahhhhh" they say with feigned politeness, heads tipped quizzically. "Ahhhhh, I see" but they don't see, not really.
I don't look boring, well not if you appreciate The Dressing Up Box Meets Refugee Chic mode of dressing, but inside those pink tights and 40s hats there's a coredom of boredom seeping through.
Middle age? Time of year? Lack of dancing on the table (don't think I can even get UP on the table!)
I'm not dissatisfied, I love everything I do and do everything I love, so why do I feel boring?

an economically moisturised face!

2011-11-26T12:11:00.000Z

A really successful tried-and-tested ££ saving tip-

I've changed my night time moisturiser

for a bottle of Almond Oil

costing just £2.50 from the chemist.

It lasts for ages, is wonderfully hydrating

for dry ("mature" [ugh I hate that word]) skin

and you can add a few drops of essential oil

to the bottle if you yearn for girly scent.

And that's not all;

after you've massaged all those wrinkles

dab the leftover oil on your cuticles!

If I was very clever. . .

2011-11-20T10:56:00.001Z

I've no great desire to replicate Nature's beauty

in paints or pastels

or sculpt organic forms with pottery and woodcarving

but if I was very clever (which alas I'm not)

I'd just LOVE to find a way with beadwork

and gossamer thread

to recreate these exquisitely be-decked dewdrop webs. . .

fungi cobwebs lichen & oak trees

2011-11-13T10:47:00.001Z

fungi, cobwebs, lichen, and oak trees losing their leaves. . .

all signs that despite the unseasonable warmth,

November is still doing what it has always done

creating a wonderful Autumnal dampness

that allows the woodland to flourish

and us to become reflective before the onset of winter

1925 Radio Times Christmas Number!

2011-11-03T09:58:00.001Z

I just thought I'd show you this fabulous,

original Christmas Edition

1925 Radio Times that I've listed on

tedandbunny ebay this week!

It's got the most wonderful advertisements,

articles and stories. . .

and of course,

being the "Official Organ of the B.B.C"

all of the wireless programme broadcasts

for the family to gather round and "listen in"!

A nostalgic trip back to a gentler age. . .

all it needs now is a vintage

hand-embroidered Crinoline Lady

Radio Times cover!

I finished it!

2011-10-24T18:30:00.001+01:00

Back in August I wrote a post about my return to knitting after a lengthy break away, making this waistcoat from a vintage pattern . . .

I'm really proud of myself this evening because after a few hiccups and a fair amount of unpicking (the left side ended up 2" longer than the right because I'd miscounted stitches and my first attempt at buttonholes was awful) I actually finished it, and it fits perfectly!!

And my next project. . .a cute little trilby style hat and matching scarf in tweedy grey boucle.

Thankyou for all your helpful hints and encouragement- there's no stopping me now!

The Nimbus Patent Hat Retainer

2011-10-19T09:33:00.004+01:00

Unashamedly plugging an item I've got listed on eBay!

at a reduced SALE PRICE!!

(I don't pimp my stock very often,

so I hope you'll forgive me!)

Ages ago we cleared the store rooms behind an old shop

that had originally been a drapers and millinery emporium

and found, wrapped in brown paper tied with string,

a pile of these old cardboad advertising placards for

The Nimbus Patent Hat Retainer.

They sold successfully and I thought they'd all gone

until tidying out my own stockroom last week,

I found 8 remaining that I'd put to one side

because the corners were slightly scuffed.

I've listed them on eBay this week with a reduced

buy-it-now selling price of just £6.95 + postage

Really quite quirky- I've never seen a hat retainer

and would love to hear from you if you have one

in your collection-

they date circa 1930s and are true Vintage Originals!

bad hair day...Bruce's Mohican!

2011-10-16T10:05:00.000+01:00

As far as I know, Bruce's mane has always been

"hogged" in traditional cob style-

(I think overseas readers call it roached)

in the 7 years I've known him its not been any different

to the photo above.

A quick up-&-down with the clippers once a month

keeps the hair short, and he's never minded having it done.

A couple of months ago I wondered what he'd look like

if we grew it out, and instead of the Hunter/Show Cob bristle,

he had a mane and forelock.

As you can see, it's been quite quick to sprout

and he's got a little clump of hair between his ears

which will eventually (hopefully!) grow down to his star

Unfortunately, the rest of the mane is rather alarmingly

growing UPWARDS Mohican style. . .I'm not sure when

it'll start to fall over his neck, and whether the hair

will be fine enough to train to one side or

look like an unruly birds nest!

Growing-out a style is always such a pain isn't it?

I'll keep you posted with it's progress!

(apologies for the poorly posed photo,

but when a chap's got an itchy nose. . .)

no words needed. . .why I love my morning walk

2011-10-07T08:07:00.001+01:00

I hope you enjoy whatever you do this weekend, making the most of this lovely Autumn

Kit, waiting for her "friend" to arrive. . .

2011-10-02T10:37:00.007+01:00

I couldn't figure out why Kit had taken to sleeping

on the laundry basket stool I keep under the washing line. . .

but cats don't normally miss a trick. . .

and eventually her "friend" flew in.

But by then Kit was long gone because she had other prey. . .

which she left for me to find on the front porch!

teds. . .for no other reason than I love them!

2011-09-25T09:36:00.000+01:00

looking back through some old posts to try and locate

a lost blog address, I found this pic of

the Careworn Teddies

lined up for their group hug photocall.

Originally bought to sell on. . .

(who was I trying to kid?)

but of course they're all still here aren't they,

proudly wearing their patchy, much-cuddled plush

and overly stroked mohair on bodies mis-shapen from

being hugged so tightly, limbs akimbo,

pads and eyes odd or replaced,

paws bare from the comfort of so many hand-holds.

Do we see faults and damage?
nah- we see the medals of love

they both received and returned

Daft, soppy and sentimental ? Moi?

Sylvia at Cosiness

2011-09-20T08:16:00.000+01:00

Last year when I had my first Giveaway,

Hennypenny picked out Sylvia's blog, Cosiness

for one of the runner-up prizes.

Sylvia was one of my very first followers and I've long followed her

blog because I absolutely ADORE her exquisitely staged

and exceptionally skillful photographs artfully

enhanced with simple garden flowers.

I sent Sylvia some vintage ephemera and a very pretty little set

of antique doilies, hand crocheted in a beige cotton

which seemed to suit the sepia tones of her pictures.

These photos from her post "Cracked" show the delicious way

she used her prize as a setting for the wonderfully

distressed leather collar box.

"Cracked

A leather collar box,

a crochet,

polish, the sweet smell of nostalgia.

From a bygone age

memories come flooding back. . ."

Thankyou Sylvia. . .so lovely.

why this tree cost me a new camera. . .

2011-09-15T09:39:00.000+01:00

When I first started blogging last year I had a very basic and

rather elderly Kodak camera, which suited my very basic

and rather elderly camera needs. . .at the time!

Out walking in the fields near home one morning,

I noticed that ferns were growing in the moss and leaf mould

along the top of a branch on an old oak tree,

something really wonderful which I'd never seen happen before.

The Old Faithful didn't "do" distance pics and I really

wanted to share it with you, so I took the plunge and upgraded,

taught myself how to use the new beast. . .

only to find that over the summer the ferns had dried out and died off!

This evening after the wet weather I went to look once more

and found a fresh and quite surreal sprouting

and was also blessed when I turned the corner to find

a young deer happily grazing!

Thanks for being my reason to aquire a whole new set of skills

and a great deal of PLEASURE!

waste not want not!

2011-09-11T18:06:00.000+01:00

If you remember my post last month about our

1950s telephone line conductors attached to the fallen oak tree

you'll see we found a useful way of preserving the past-

the conductors remain with the house and the front gate stays open!

(how long before Kit makes it her new sunbathing spot!)

Alderholt Vintage & Handmade Fair Sunday 11th September

2011-09-07T09:57:00.000+01:00

Alderholt Vintage & Handmade Fair
Sunday 11th September

I've recently been sent news of an event that looks like being fun!

Alderholt Vintage & Handmade Fair is being held on Sunday, 11th September, 10am – 3pm at Alderholt Village Hall, Alderholt, Dorset, SP6 3RB

Lots of local sellers, lots of buyable goodies, music, activities, and a very pretty country setting- what more could you want?

A community event with various nostalgic and upcycling activities to include:

Vintage cars to view
Various music and dance from the mid to late 20 century (including live music)
Free recycling craft activities to keep children happy
Free story reading for children
Other activites including childrens rides and lovely teas.

Alderholt is fantastically placed on the border of Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire and on the edge of beautiful Cranborne Chase, The New Forest National Park, the Jurassic Coast and southcoast resorts like Bournemouth (with it’s eclectic Pokesdown and Boscombe area) and Swanage. Local towns like Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Wimborne, Blandford Forum and Romsey are all well worth a visit and Salisbury, with it’s world famous Cathedral and architecture, is only around 20 minutes drive away.

A perfect family day out- enjoy!

getting comfy, tortie style

2011-09-01T12:21:00.000+01:00

Sometimes. . .

no matter how hard you try. . .

its just impossible. . .

to get really comfortable.

Of course,

a hard wooden bench

isn't quite what a very spoilt cat is used to

even if it is in the sunshine.

Another 8 lives like this one please!

as you see from the photo below, she was soon back inside

finding somewhere to settle that was a little more cushioned!

at last, my kinda quilt. . .

2011-08-25T10:02:00.000+01:00

By now, you must all have realised I'm not a particularly girly girl. . .

I admire ditsy and lacy, and perfectly staged Cath Kidston and Country Living photo-shots for the prettiness they provide in an otherwise rather Grown Up world, but my own style of furnishing and fashion is a little bit quirky, a little bit bright (I adore accents of red), more than a little bit vintage, a little bit risky (but it works- Victoria and Abstract can be more than just a play on words), very tactile, very eclectic, often very faded (and I mean VERY faded), all mixed together with a large dollop of humour!

I adore the thought of quilting, covet many of the fat quarters and feedsack prints used, am in awe of the the exacting handiwork involved and appreciate both traditional and vintaged-up versions of classic templates.

My own quilt collection consists of 19thC and 1960s crazy quilts, each irregular fabric edged with feather stitch embroidery, and antique shattered-beyond-repair part quilts, purchased (some may say unwisely) because I'm drawn to the stories these threadbare stalwarts could tell.
My favourite amongst these was bought because it still held the hexagonal templates- Georgian copperplate invoices- in an era when paper probably cost more than silk, and I display it template side up

With this odd preference for imperfect over pristine, I've not been inspired to want want WANT a modern quilt. . .until I saw the masterpiece that is The Penguin Book Quilt belonging to Lynne Goldsworthy from Lily's Quilts, over on Katy Jones' blog I'm a ginger monkey

Now all you Crafting and Quilting Queens are probably familiar with both the the book Modern Blocks in which Lynne's quilts are featured, and the magazine Fat Quarterly which Katy and her team produce, but for me this is the start of something new. . .

Having innocently taken-up my knitting needles once again, where will the journey end?
I feel more than a little inspired to have a look through the Fabric Stash Cupboard and put together a few ideas of my own. . .

now look what you've made me do!

2011-08-19T09:13:00.000+01:00

So here's the thing. . .

I'm not ashamed to admit I started blogging to publicise my eBay sales and website (believe me, in order to spend even MORE time at the computer it needed strong justification)

But then it started to get more interesting. . .

I looked at the blogs of those who encouraged me and found kindred spirits.
People who led lives as busy as mine, who liked vintage pieces, furnished as I did, enjoyed the daft things I enjoyed, had mishaps with recipes, upsets with life, disappointments and triumphs and weren't ashamed to laugh at themselves.

Some were longstanding eBay buyers who've become Real People. Many bloggers I've enjoyed actually meeting and many I know I'll never meet and that doesn't matter either. Sharing random emails with an acquaintance-who-isn't-quite-a-stranger-but-isn't-a-full blown-pal can be supportive, caring, funny and informative because no baggage comes with it. What you read is what you get.

Soooo. . .

I don't bare my soul on my blog because I don't do that in real life. I try to keep happy and upbeat because I think life's too short to do otherwise, but I do tell about my Thoughts now and again because through blogging I've realised the value of airing and sharing.

Among the blog network of like-minded people I was encouraged to run Vintage at the Village Hall and buyers came from miles away cos they'd read about it on my blog and I was amazed how many others posted publicity for me, and sent messages of support when they saw the shimmer of doubt that "I'd taken on too much"!

Wanting to capture the beauty of where I live and share things that come into my life meant buying a camera more advanced than I ever judged myself capable of using. I learnt because I had an objective, and now I love photographing!

I struggle with technical issues but feel great pride in the computer skills I've developed- many of them patiently explained after "how do I do this" appeals, posted and swiftly answered.

Looking at all the crafting things you do encouraged me to hand make Christmas gifts, and the tried-and-tested recipes you post have taken the doubt out of dabbling with unfamiliar ingredients!

And now. . .

after a break of some 25 years I've begun knitting again- Another fine mess you've got me into!
It's all garter stitch, the wool is knobbly and forgiving and although its a vintage pattern the shape is simple enough even for me!

But then. . .

the bloggiest thing of all happened

I had to make a knitting bag to put my work in, photograph the whole lot and tell everyone what I'd done!
thankyou from the bottom of my heart- I couldn't have done any of it without the support of all you fabulous people xx

thankyou Mighty Oak

2011-08-15T14:58:00.000+01:00

Although this magnificent oak tree had remained standing
in the field near our house for some years,
he was alas quite dead
and became unstable due to a creeping fungus.

The sad decision was taken to fell before. . .
well before he fell

I couldn't bring myself to watch as he came down
but the noise was deafening as he crashed and broke
and his huge branches were swiftly dismembered with the chainsaw.

A prostrate tree is indeed a sorrowful sight

Walking over to pay my respects last night,
I was amazed to find embedded in his thick mossy bark
old white china and copper wire conductors
which brought the telephone line to our house
back in the 1950's!

How VERY modern our little home must've seemed back then
connected to the outside world for the first time
(we still have the original bell box in the hall-
it rings loud enough to waken the ghosts!)

The wires had quite a distance to travel
via their tree supports and were probably
quite vulnerable to high winds and storm damage.

Of course, the one good thing to come from
tree felling is a huge heap of Winter Warmth :0))

PS I wonder what our first phone number was?

now why didn't I do that?

2011-08-07T10:26:00.000+01:00

Two years ago, suffering (as we all do) from creaking Old Age, my very elderly washing machine began the slow descent to the scrap heap.

I hate changing appliances- it takes years to figure out the controls (yes I know, reading the instructions would help!)
I dread the upheaval of fitting non-standard sizes into an existing space, and finding the salesman is a mere CHILD speaking an incomprehensible teccy language

And of course, you've never quite got the required ££s without something else taking priority (like those GORGEOUS boots in the shop window!)

So we limped on with a tacit understanding that most programmes were out-of-bounds, but Boil Wash was a possibility (an onerous 3 hour cycle at the last attempt) and Woollens could be achieved by deftly switching Speed Wash to Delicates at exactly 9-1/2 minutes past first rinse.

Not a bad compromise once you accept that hanging out un-spun clothes is an arm toning exercise and the surrounding lawn stays verdantly lush!

So, when Ted offered to do the washing during a particularly hectic week I explained the nitty-gritty in great detail; the 9-1/2 minute rule, the precise dial wiggle required, the gentle hand, the EXACT way the drum had to be loaded and the reverential Closing of the Door ceremony.
Perhaps it was unwise to omit the prayer ritual, but then hindsight is a luxury in which we shouldn't wallow!

It's surprising how the aroma of boiling Delicates can seep into your consciousness even when you're rummaging at the back of your girl-shed.

Rushing into the house I discovered Ted sitting amid a lake of sudsy water in the utility room, surrounded by some very small smalls, mangled sweatpants and discoloured tees, trying to wring out a sports bra that had shrivelled to the dimensions of a catapult (did he think if it was drip-dried I might not notice??)

They say that sometimes in a marriage words need not be spoken.
This was one of those moments.

I made a cup of tea. Ted said he was "going out".

Back in my shed, stomping about in a this-is-what-happens-someone-else-does-something-for-you-and-tries-to-help-but-just-makes-more-work sort of way, I heard noises in the drive as a LARGE box was unloaded from the pick-up. . .my lovely husband had gone straight out and bought a new washing machine :)))))))))
No teccy knowledge required- he'd just asked the nice man in our local shop what was the best value, easiest to use and in stock now.

Here it sits in all its glory.
I've read the instructions. Its easy-peasy! Its great! It washes all sorts of things on all sorts of programmes (I'd forgotten there WERE so many) it fits the existing space and actually, I think I like it more than those pre-season boots!
And I love my husband ;o)

PS you see the piece of board blocking the gap at the side?
blame Kit for bringing in a mouse last night. . .the machine had to be pulled out, mouse removed and released back into the garden. . .

PPS the freezer is making some very strange noises. Do you think. . .???

starting August as I mean to go on!

2011-08-02T08:45:00.005+01:00

My best friend Julie arrived yesterday morning in her smart little silver and red Sports Car

(it always amazes me that such an unashamedly "townie" car survives the bumpy 4 x 4 track to our house!)

With the roof down on account of the unseasonably sunny weather (!) and feeling just like Thelma & Louise on an impromptu adventure, we set off along the winding Dorset country roads to have a picnic on Stoborough Heath

Overlooking the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle and watching steam trails from the Swanage Railway disperse above the trees, we lunched on smoked salmon sarnies and fresh fruit salad, raising a toast to our girly giggles with glasses of elderflower presse

Arriving back home, we sat in the garden drinking tea and eating muffins, because despite spending all day together, we STILL had stuff to talk about (and yes, I did text her when she'd gone!)

A perfect day, a perfect start to August and a perfect friend. . .what more could anyone want?

wishing you all happy sunny and enjoyable days in August xx

"Beer Bush"

2011-07-29T09:08:00.004+01:00

we have this shrub growing prolifically at home-

it seems to appear in new locations almost overnight

we've named it the Beer Bush because that's exactly how it smells!

needless to say, this alcoholic aroma makes it a firm favourite with Ted ;0)

intertwined with honeysuckle and roughly clipped,

it's pretty enough to form a natural hedge alongside the garden

also growing like a weed is Rose of Sharon

which does look similar but has different

leaf and root system.

I'd love some help identifying the shrub's real name. . .

update

thanks everyone for your comments and emails-

lovely to know the plant is Hypericum,

and as the garden is a tad gloomy

surrounded by overhanging trees

and with minimal sunlight

it's rather fitting to be "ring-fenced" by St John's Wort.

Nature really does know what she's doing!

Bathing Beauty

2011-07-24T08:19:00.002+01:00

On a warm sunny morning

(yes I know they're a bit scarce in July)

take a horse who's spent the winter snuggled in heavy rugs

and spent the spring and "summer"

rolling in the mud and dust

equip yourself with the Essential Kit:-

plastic brush to remove scurf, tail comb to de-tangle,

large bottle of shampoo,

sudsy sponge, clean towel, hosepipe

rubber-blade water scraper (just like a window wiper)

and an expensive bottle of spray conditioner

(I wouldn't pay that much for mine!)

lather well

(yes, he had to close his eyes lest the soap got in!)

rinse well

taking time to have a quick drink while it's on offer

and remove excess water with the scraper

(he hates this bit)

swaddle in towels, and I keep a special "wicking rug"

for this purpose- it's filled with shredded tinfoil

which brings moisture to the surface whilst the

cotton fabric stays dry and warm.

Now round to the back end where that tail gets

some hairdressing treatment worthy

of a Because You're Worth It ad

and dear Bruce's "personal little places"

have a wash'n'wipe

(his reaction was perhaps to be expected

but I've spared you the photo!)

and after rinsing, the best way to drain a tail

is hold it firmly at the top and spin it round

like a propeller!

It's then sprayed with "leave-in" conditioner,

combed through and left to drip-dry naturally.

Clean enough do you think?

PS to see what happened when I turned him out in the field

straight after his bath, you might recall this post :)

my 5 a day

2011-07-20T09:14:00.001+01:00

just lately, when I climb into bed at night
I've tried to stop myself going over all the things I
didn't tick off the list
didn't finish
didn't achieve
didn't do well enough
didn't do properly
didn't like doing
had to re-do
have to do tomorrow
and the day after
and the day after that. . .

and instead I think about
5 nice things that happened to me
during the past 24 hours

The only trouble is. . .

there's SO MANY nice little things
once you start to think about them,
do you reckon it's ok
to make an overflow list?

very VERY quick tomato soup

2011-07-17T16:00:00.002+01:00

this is SUCH a fab and easily adaptable recipe
for tomato soup that's easy and cheap to make,
and just as great served hot or chilled- with the blustery wet weather this weekend hot soup is back on the menu here in Dorset!

Fry a red onion until soft but
not browned
(you could add some garlic or chillies here if you want)
add a stick or so of celery and/or
the green leafy celery tops
1 large tin baked beans
2 large tins tinned tomatoes

bring to the boil, lower heat and
simmer until everything is soft
add basil
(I strip a whole plant cos I just LOVE basil!)
or a handful of mint leaves or
tabasco or worcestershire sauce
if you like a peppy soup
and simply blitz it all in the food processor

If it's a little too thick I add some water saved
from boiling the potatoes

season and serve with
sour cream, plain yoghurt
or just as it is!

Enjoy!

Vintage Country Fayre

2011-07-15T10:40:00.001+01:00

SUNDAY 17th JULY 11am - 5pm
VINTAGE COUNTRY FAYRE WEST COMPTON DORSET DT2 OEY

This looks like being a really fab day out with lots of Vintage themed stalls- a "real old fashioned fair" in a beautiful country house setting.
All the details are here. . .have fun!

Mrs Malone

2011-07-10T14:53:00.001+01:00

I first found this poem as a child, and catching a rare sight this morning of a reclusive neighbour who gathers waifs and strays, I found myself muttering "room for one more Mrs Malone".

When I read the beautiful Derek Walcott Love after Love post from Gena at These Foolish Things I thought it might be quite nice to share a poem now and again. . .do you have a favourite?

Mrs Malone by Eleanor Farjeon

Mrs. Malone
Lived hard by a wood
All on her lonesome
As nobody should.

With her crust on a plate
And her pot on the coal
And none but herself
To converse with, poor soul.
In a shawl and a hood

She got sticks out-o’-door,
On a bit of old sacking
She slept on the floor,
And nobody, nobody
Asked how she fared

Or knew how she managed,
For nobody cared.
      Why make a pother
      About an old crone?
      What for should they bother
      With Mrs. Malone?

One Monday in winter
With snow on the ground
So thick that a footstep
Fell without sound,
She heard a faint frostbitten
Peck on the pane
And went to the window
To listen again.
There sat a cock-sparrow
Bedraggled and weak,
With half-open eyelid
And ice on his beak.
She threw up the sash
And she took the bird in,
And numbled and fumbled it
Under her chin.
      'Ye’re all of a smother,
      Ye’re fair overblown!
      I’ve room fer another,'
      Said Mrs. Malone.

Come Tuesday while eating
Her dry morning slice
With the sparrow a-picking
('Ain’t company nice!')
She heard on her doorpost
A curious scratch,
And there was a cat
With its claw on the latch.
It was hungry and thirsty
And thin as a lath,
It mewed and it mowed
On the slithery path.
She threw the door open
And warmed up some pap,
And huddled and cuddled it
In her old lap.
      'There, there, little brother,
      Ye poor skin-an’-bone,
      There’s room fer another,'
      Said Mrs. Malone.

Come Wednesday while all of them
Crouched on the mat
With a crumb for the sparrow,
A sip for the cat,
There was wailing and whining
Outside in the wood,
And there sat a vixen
With six of her brood.
She was haggard and ragged
And worn to shred,
And her half-dozen babies
Were only half-fed,
But Mrs. Malone, crying
'My! ain’t they sweet!'
Happed them and lapped them
And gave them to eat.
      'You warm yerself, mother,
      Ye’re cold as a stone!
      There’s room fer another,'
      Said Mrs. Malone.

Come Thursday a donkey
Stepped in off the road
With sores on his withers
From bearing a load.
Come Friday when icicles
Pierced the white air
Down from the mountainside
Lumbered a bear.
For each she had something,
If little, to give—
'Lord knows, the poor critters
Must all of ’em live.'
She gave them her sacking,
Her hood and her shawl,
Her loaf and her teapot—
She gave them her all.
      'What with one thing and t’other
      Me fambily’s grown,
      And there’s room fer another,'
      Said Mrs. Malone.

Come Saturday evening
When time was to sup
Mrs. Malone
Had forgot to sit up.
The cat said meeow,
And the sparrow said peep,
The vixen, she’s sleeping,
The bear, let her sleep.
On the back of the donkey
They bore her away,
Through trees and up mountains
Beyond night and day,
Till come Sunday morning
They brought her in state
Through the last cloudbank
As far as the Gate.
      'Who is it,' asked Peter,
      'You have with you there?'
      And donkey and sparrow,
      Cat, vixen and bear

Exclaimed, 'Do you tell us
Up here she’s unknown?
It’s our mother, God bless us!
It’s Mrs. Malone
Whose havings were few
And whose holding was small
And whose heart was so big
It had room for us all.'
Then Mrs. Malone
Of a sudden awoke,
She rubbed her two eyeballs
And anxiously spoke:
'Where am I, to goodness,
And what do I see?
My dears, let’s turn back,
This ain’t no place fer me!'
      But Peter said, 'Mother
      Go in to the Throne.
      There’s room for another
      One, Mrs. Malone.'

Scents of Smell

2011-07-07T07:40:00.002+01:00

So here's the thing. . .

you do the washing, Persil fresh

all nice and clean you hang it on the line

sunny morning (with any luck)

breath in

smell

honeysuckle and grass

perhaps a hint of rain on the breeze

and touches of woodsmoke left from last night

(even though it's officially summer)

end of the day its dry

unpeg

smooth some creases

iron the rest

put it back on the bed

plump the pillows

drape the eidy

climb into bed all sleepy and nice

remove that elusive peg

(there's always one isn't there- like the teaspoon in the sink)

bury your nose in the pillow

breathe in the linen

go "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

honeysuckle?

grass?

breezy rain?

woodsmoke?

fresh?

clean?

Persil?

what IS that smell

is that what sunshine smells like?

sun & grass & rock & roll!

2011-07-02T10:51:00.005+01:00

Now don't you just feel like doing exactly the same thing? Wishing everyone rock n roll happiness enjoying the sunshine xx

going with the flow

2011-06-28T09:06:00.002+01:00

In a reflective mood (possibly [nay probably] after one glass of wine too many!) it occurred to me that although things don't always "go to plan",
if we go with the flow rather than railing against it (after all who made the plan anyway?). . .

I was writing this yesterday when
WHOOSH!!!!!! TOOOOOOOOOOOOTAL BLACKOUT!!!!
in the form of a power cut that lasted all day!

Staring aghast at the black screen, thinking of all the "stuff" I 'd yet to cram into my electricity-dependant day, it dawned on me that maybe I oughta take heed of what I'd written :)

Un-showered and with a bad-hair-day-headband covering the worst of the worst, I returned the mountain of washing to the laundry basket, ignored the hoovering (never difficult) phoned instead of emailed, wrote a letter to accompany some photos I would normally have scanned (rather nice actually SPEAKING & WRITING to people) saved a whole heap of time drinking water instead of endless pots of tea, sat in the garden to hand-hem some fabrics, concocted a delicious fruit salad for a friend's Birthday Tea instead of baking a cake and I even managed to SORT OUT MY SHED- I can't remember the last time I saw the floor, let alone swept it!!
I rubbed-down a bookcase by hand (pleasingly Mindful) and whilst doing so changed my mind about the intended paint colour- an inspired choice because I'd forgotten I had some fabric to match- and cleaned, oiled and serviced the 2 old Singer sewing machines I "re-discovered" in the shed, ready for sale.

I had a fabulously productive, completely unplanned and deliciously sunny day.

Sometimes, you surge forward like a big wide river swishing along on a strong current, swirling and lapping over anything that might interrupt the flow, driven to reach your destination.
And sometimes you meander at whim, filling little tributaries along the way, spreading outwards instead of forwards with less force, less oomph and less sense of direction.You probably cover the same amount of ground and use the same amount of water, but maybe you think because you've not reached a destination it's not as good.

By the time Ted came home from work I'd made a huge salad for tea and set the table in the garden.
"nice salad. . .but no minty potatoes?"
"we had a power cut this morning. It's been off all day"
"did you check the trip-switch???"

Giveaway Winner (and yes, I was wrong)

2011-06-25T09:40:00.001+01:00

ok. . .so I admit it. . .I was wrong

I said we'd have sunshine by the time the Giveaway ended and. . .

we've STILL got rain
(but the forecast for tomorrow looks more hopeful)!

The lucky winner drawn yesterday for the Giveaway is Jill at Nice Day at Rosies, so please send me your address and the bag will be on it's way!

Wishing you all a fun-filled weekend whatever the weather, and as always, thanks for your support and lovely comments xx

catapilla dreaming...& Rainy Day Giveaway reminder

2011-06-23T09:51:00.000+01:00

Harriet at Catapilla Designs was one of my very first customers
on eBay, and with each purchase over the years
notes emails and chit-chat have been exchanged,
but it was only recently we discovered eachother's blogs!

Catapilla Dreaming is DEFINITELY "our" type of blog
as Harriet writes about her daily life on Bere Island Co Cork in Ireland,
gardening crafting knitting and needlework. . .
pop on over and have a look- I think you'll love it!

DON'T FORGET!! I'll be making the draw
for my Rainy Day Giveaway
on Friday evening 24th June
so if you want to enter
click this link now
xxx

rainy day giveaway :))

2011-06-17T09:24:00.002+01:00

are we a tad fed-up with such a lot of rain in June?
Yes!

do we ever need an excuse for a Giveaway?

Nah!

shall we cheer ourselves up?
You Bet!

Last year I had an un-accustomed attack of craftingness

and when Shirley sent me a lovely batch of

Vintage French faded fabric scraps

I made them up into shoulder-tote bags

for girlie Christmas presents.

Clearing out the linen cupboard yesterday (rainy-day job)

I found this last bag tucked away. . .

It's lovely to give

it's lovely to receive

It's always appreciated if you want to join my other followers

or put the Giveaway link on your own blog

but this Giveaway is open to everyone,

and I'm more than happy to send Overseas.

Either leave a comment below or email me directly if Blogger is still

being difficult, and say what your

favourite and least favourite Rainy Day jobs are.

The winner will be drawn out of this very bag

next Friday 24th June

by which time the

SUN WILL BE SHINING AGAIN!!

a name please. . .

2011-06-15T09:05:00.000+01:00

this rather exotic "wildflower" creeper has begun climbing the wall

next to Bruce's stable and I'd love to know what it's called. . .

roses & thorns

2011-06-08T16:28:00.002+01:00

"Some people are always grumbling

that roses have thorns,

I am thankful that thorns have roses"

Aplhonse Karr

I wish you could all breathe in the heady scent

of this exquisite old rose. . .

Many years ago we were asked to do a

House Clearance at a once grand property due to be demolished

to make way for a development of luxury homes.

The neglected garden had returned to wilderness

but outside the drawing room window, barely visible

through a blanket of ivy grew this solitary standard rose

on a gnarled stem the size of a sapling

with thorns as thick as coat hooks.

The last man left standing,

valiantly flowering as if there would be no tomorrow. . .

(well, would you have left it there?)

Vintage Windbreaks. . .

2011-06-04T11:54:00.001+01:00

Because I know how difficult they are to get

because I know how much you love them

because they're useful

and faded

and evocative of picnics spent sheltering from the wind

eating egg sandwiches garnished with cress

Because they're perfectly English

and perfectly useful

and perfectly Vintage in a REAL Country Living way

and because they remind of us a

gentler age, now so sadly past. . .

Because of all these reasons I hope you'll forgive

a blatantly Pimping Post

advertising the two 1950s deckchair-stripe canvas windbreaks

I have listed on tedandbunny Ebay this week. . .

xxx

Morning Rush Hour (Dorset style!)

2011-05-29T15:07:00.002+01:00

early morning rush hour. . .

Dorset Style!

roads continually grid-locked. . .

overhead speed cameras. . .

traffic warden on the prowl. . .

screen wash at the traffic lights. . .

boy racers. . .

Diversion. . .

and crossing the central reservation!

men at work. . .

single carriageway ahead. . .

verge trimming. . .

Happy Holiday Weekend. . .and HELP!!

2011-05-27T16:26:00.001+01:00

How lovely to have "White for Whitsun" shoes advertised

for the Whitsun Holidays in 1950

(or as we now know it "Spring Bank Holiday")

Hoping that you all have a really lovely weekend whatever you wear

and wherever you are xxx

I have some probs with Blogger at the moment-

if I try to leave comments I'm constantly re-directed to sign-in.

My followers gadget is invisible to me

on my dashboard, blog and everyone elses blog. . .

so I can't comment nor can I welcome my new followers

cos I don't know who you are.

If anyone has any ideas. . .

. . .!! ;O) xx

2011-05-24T08:09:00.001+01:00

If I were to write a new post!!
I wouldn't end each para
like this!!
would I???!!!

So how come :))
when I leave a comment :((

I have. . .dot dot dots
(. . .all over the place. . .)

dn't chek my sppeeling
put [these] inside (these)

say SOME things very BIG
and "some things" with inverted commas
and leave xxs for people I've never met???

Even me grammar's been and went
(and my one claim to fame was O level English)!!

Soooooooooooooooooo (I use such a lots of oooos lately)
if you find a quietly refined "comment"
signed
Yours Sincerely
Ted and Bunny
(Mrs)

you'll know it's ME
trying extra hard to type with one hand
and not use the !?":;[O](ooo) keys!!!!

(. . .but I'll STILL leave the xxs!!!) ;O)

wundaweb

2011-05-19T11:12:00.000+01:00

I'm sure Dorset isn't the only county

afflicted with hordes of Ermine Caterpillar Moth

and although they've turned the hedgerows into

a slightly surreal experience

everything seems to recover once they leave,

with no harm done!

(although Bruce insists they're FAR too scary to trot past!)

butter DID melt. . .

2011-05-17T07:36:00.002+01:00

Kit, sitting on the upstairs landing windowsill

enjoying the early evening sunshine

looking like Butter Wouldn't Melt. . .

as the mass of feathers that alas was once a bird

lay downstairs awaiting discovery.

Cats.

wow! Vintage at the Village Hall...what can I say?

2011-05-10T20:39:00.001+01:00

the 2nd Vintage at the Village Hall was an outstanding success,

and I'm not ashamed to admit I'm absolutely shattered!

Before I crawl into bed with my hottie

(yeah I know its May but I'm in comfort mode)

and sleep sleep sleep, I just wanted to tell you

that the pics are over on the Village Hall blog,

and to thankyou for the wonderful good luck wishes

and messages of support.

I'd never have done it without you all!

ps 150 un-iced cupcakes in the photo

awaiting their frosting. . .at 5.30 on Sunday morning!!

MISS DOLLY'S COMING to VINTAGE at the VILLAGE HALL!!

2011-05-06T09:52:00.000+01:00

You all know HOW much I love vintage caravans

and this last-minute news is so totally fab

I just HAD to let you know. . .

Miss Dolly has been undergoing a little cosmetic procedure

(as many ladies "of a certain age" are known to do)

and we weren't sure if she would be ready in time

to come to Vintage at the Village Hall on Monday

I'm so excited that Anna can bring her

and will be parked by the front door,

so you can admire her to your heart's content!

She's a 1950s Carissima Car Cruiser

and she's AVAILABLE TO HIRE!!

Vintage at the Village Hall manni makes her debut!

2011-05-04T07:59:00.001+01:00

The window display at the Tourist Information Office

in Wimborne Square to promote

Vintage at the Village Hall on May 9th

(there's more pics to see if you pop over to the Fair blog)

Not long to go now and I'm getting a bit busy

with last minute preps and baking,

so probably won't have time to write again until after

"the day"

Thanks to everyone for your support and good wishes-

I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing those of you

who are able to come, and I promise to take

lots of pics for everyone else

I'm no gardener. . .

2011-04-30T18:34:00.002+01:00

I have to admit that I'm no gardener

and I've even been banned from using the secateurs

since the infamous Bunny Scissorhands episode :(

Our garden is very large, very shaded, regularly invaded by deer

and completely ransacked by two fat chickens!

My in-laws lived here before us

and m-i-l planted this magnificent azalea in 1980

In spite of my neglect, poor soil and minimal sunlight

it flowers every year without fail

turning what was once a landscaped rockery

into a waterfall of white

Thankyou, Betty xx

PS the biggest culprit!

3 days til The Vintage Bazaar!!

2011-04-27T11:54:00.001+01:00

YAY! just 3 days to go until The Vintage Bazaar in Frome!

This FABULOUS event, organised by Lizzie and Clare was an outstanding success last year, and the line-up of sellers for the April Fair looks even BETTER than before (if that's poss!)

I'm so SO excited about visiting- finding all your favourite vintage stalls under one roof really is shopping heaven!

10 am -3pm at the Cheese & Grain in the centre of Frome, with easy parking. . .and there's lovely shops in Frome to visit afterwards ;0)

YAY! my Making Mojo returns!

2011-04-25T11:32:00.000+01:00

Two wise friends gave me two pieces of advice recently-

one said I was on work overload and needed to take a breath

and the other said I was too old to wear a mini-skirt (boo)

Because I always do as I'm told (yeah!)

I've taken a few breathers this week and have to admit

I feel far less cluttered, much more focused

and my creative mojo has returned from exile

bringing many exciting new ideas for home and work :))

As for the mini. . .

it had a vintage mini makeover :))

a suitably shabby seat

2011-04-22T09:12:00.000+01:00

Well, you all said I should do this more often

and who am I to ignore friendly advice?

So I found myself a suitably shabby seat

for early morning reflection. . .

and got a suitably stung bum in return!!

P.S. . .my favourite tree of all, the magnificent Chestnut

is already full of flowering candlesticks

while some of the smaller trees are only just starting to

find their leaves. . .

I did NOTHING (and I don't care!)

2011-04-19T10:55:00.000+01:00

This morning began like most mornings do. . .

up early/strong tea/more strong tea/check emails/check never ending to-do list/make Ted's sarnies for work/clean out chicks and muck out Bruce.

But then a strange thing happened. . .

I sat down on the edge of Bruce's water trough, felt the full warmth of the morning sun on my face, watched the horses enjoying the new spring grass, listened to the birds singing like their hearts would burst (and heard the first cuckoo), saw two deer in the far field and a fox loping home after a night on the prowl.

I've got SO much to do at the moment, and I did nothing.
I just sat. And you know what, I don't care. I might even do it again :))

He whisked his last. . .

2011-04-16T10:02:00.000+01:00

1976 - 2011

in the middle of Nigella's Guinness gingerbread recipe,

his little motor failed him

Valiantly struggling through a dozen lavender muffins

before sparks flew and he shuddered to a halt,

burned out but not beaten.

Should I spend mega ££'s and buy one of these?

or just go back to the Good Old Days?

He'll be a hard act to follow with his smart little

70s white plastic bowl.

Moulinex Minor, whisked away before his time. . .

EASTER GIVEAWAY WINNER...

2011-04-15T10:29:00.001+01:00

I just needed an Easter chick to draw the

Giveaway Winner. . .

In the end I did it myself. . .

and the 1st name drawn out was lovely Jee

who wants the chick sent to her daughter.

Please email me Jane

and it'll be "winging" it's way in time for Easter :))

unlike these two who are so plump they can hardly move!

There isn't a slug or snail to be found anywhere in the garden. . .

alas they've also eaten all the flowers!!

"our" Little Owl

2011-04-11T09:25:00.002+01:00

conversation last week at Bruce's stable:

Joanne: there's a little owl nesting in the hay barn

me: wow! what type of owl is he?

Joanne: Little. . .

Yesterday morning when I put Bruce out

there he was- happy to pose for photos on the roof!

Joanne said she thinks she's seen two of them

so hopefully there'll be some little Little Owls!

Send-a-Friend an Easter Giveaway!

2011-04-05T07:07:00.001+01:00

ok, so here's a bit of fun for Easter. . .

Send-a-Friend an Easter Giveaway

the cute little vintage felt chicken is the Giveaway prize,

all you have to do is leave a comment and say

who you'd like me to send it to. . .and why!

He's light enough to fly anywhere around the world

so overseas readers are VERY welcome to join in

The draw will be on Friday 15th April

and of course the person who leaves the Giveaway comment

will also receive a little Easter gift for entering :)

I'll contact the winner after the draw for the friend's address

and any message you'd like me to put in the parcel xx

Dairy House Open Day 10th April!!

2011-04-03T11:16:00.001+01:00

Just one week until the

Dairy House 2nd Annual Textile Open Day

Sunday 10 April from 10 am to 4 pm

Not only has Sue Meager spent the last few weeks planning for

the Textile Day

but the dealers have also been playing "musical rooms" at Dairy House.

Some have swapped rooms and the end result has

been worth the upheaval!

The main entrance has moved once again and is now via the double doors

straight into the large main room, creating a much better first impression

which will also help avoid some of the bottlenecks

experienced at last years Open Day.

The ten visiting dealers in no particular order are Loveday James, Donna Flower, Niki Fretwell, Helen Roskell, Chloe Cyphus, Caroline Bushell, Tamsyn Gregory, Tracey Hewlett, Justine Smith and Diana Marx. They will be joining 10-15 Dairy House dealers who will be 'in residence' on the day.

If last year is anything to go by there will be much fun and frivolity, laughter and merriment!

Do remember, though, that if you are thinking of visiting Dairy House to look for furniture or other antiques rather than textiles, these will be available for sale as normal.

see you there next week! xx

err. . .excuse me?. . .APRIL??

2011-04-01T11:54:00.000+01:00

err. . .April 1st?

but where did March go??!!

FOUND!! Young Bruce. . .known as Ned!

2011-03-30T09:01:00.001+01:00

After Bruce's episode of over-exuberant high jinks,

I decided to seek professional help (psychiatrist!!) with his training

as we were obviously not on the same wavelength.

Quickly assessing the deteriorating situation Kirsty set us

team building and bonding exercises reinforced with a

more positive approach to schooling.

Overly protective about lameness recurring

I was being far too lenient with his workload!

Schooling has produced dramatic results as we've both

found better balance and co-ordination and as he

builds muscle tone in all the right places, Bruce has rediscovered

the most AMAZING, floating paces- something forgotten during

galloping and jumping of his 10 years hunting!

Determined to find out about his past, I set to work

tracing his early years in Ireland.

Registered with the Irish Sports Horse Society as

"Look Who's Talking"

(he obviously ALWAYS flapped his lips about!)

I tracked down and contacted

an earlier owner, who was overjoyed at receiving

info of a horse she parted with in 1999.

Hilary bought him when he was 4 to produce

as a show cob. He won many prizes at country shows,

was placed 3rd in his class at the prestigious Dublin Show

and subsequently sold to an English dealer.

She fondly remembers him "having a fantastic step

and being very light to the ground"

and enclosed the above photo taken when he was 5. . .

and his name was Ned!

been busy!

2011-03-25T09:39:00.001Z

Preparations are getting into full swing for

Vintage at the Village Hall on May 9th,

and giving a refreshing facelift to some

items for sale has been really enjoyable

outside in the lovely sunny weather this week. . .

The gaudy gold of this 1960s cheval mirror

has been tempered with a fresh off-white,

rubbed back to reveal a shabby glimpse

of times past

I love the ornamental scrollwork, and I can just see

a DELICIOUS pair of shoes being displayed

on the drawer at the base!

This old travel trunk was covered in rather tired blue vellum

so I've turned it into a Map Chest with panels from

Vintage 1950s travel guides, lightly waxed

for added protection

it has brass capped corners and clasps, metal studs and

nautical rope for handles.

There's a useful lift-out tray inside which also got the map treatment!

This dinky little pine scrub-top table means

even the smallest kitchen gets the Farmhouse Look,

and best of all the legs un-bolt for ease of transport!

The legs and skirt have been painted and waxed,

the top simply sanded and left bare.

I've not removed the old ink stains and signs of pre-love-

we all know it's what makes these vintage pieces SO unique :)

I'd better get back to work now. . .

Bruce in the buff!

2011-03-22T12:04:00.001Z

Sun shining. . .birds singing. . .breeze gently breezing. . .

cue Bruce's first day out in the field without wearing his

warm and waterproof rugs!

Mind you, come rain or shine "room service" still has to

transform his bedroom from this. . .

to this!

(which reminds me the sitting room floor

STILL needs vacuuming- maybe if Bruce lived indoors

housework might get done!)

"Visitors"

2011-03-17T11:33:00.001Z

To say I'm ridiculously sentimental would be

a gross understatement.

Keeping family treasures and mementos is acceptable

but how do I justify an irrational penchant for

the mundane things unknown people have written?

Ordinary people. Ordinary things.

Shopping lists. Comments in the margin of completed recipes.

Thankyou notes. Diary entries. Postcards.

Inscriptions on the back of photographs.

So when I found this Guest House Visitors Book

at Shepton Fleamarket last year

I knew fate had placed us together-

true love across a crowded stall!

With leather-bound spine, faded board covers

stitched pages and and marbled fly leaf,

the front is simply inscribed

"Visitors"

(my fingers linger over the gold blocked letters as I type!)

and the inner page is dated 1928

She ran a Guest House; People left a comment.

A moment in life captured forever

Some struggling with the inkiness of the pen

some neat no-nonsense comments, some expert calligraphy,

politeness, gushiness. . .

what was the significance of the leaf pressed

twixt two pages?

did "Anita" stay the weekend?

(and was she wearing her best gowns furs mantles and lingerie)?

Many visitors returned year after year on the same dates,

a testament to both extreme comfort and routine!

some lodged during the working week

and went "home" at weekends

but every comment praised comfort

kindness and attention to detail.

These were unsettled years leading to the start of WW2

and the Guest House finally shut it's doors

at the end of November 1940

did He get his call-up papers?

did She feel she couldn't manage alone,

lighting the fires. . .cooking breakfast

(how did Wartime rationing work away from home)?

The world had changed irrevicably since

those heady days of opening the front door

and opening The Book!

Part of me wants to know what happened next.

Part of me doesn't. . .

Sandie at Rag Rescue

2011-03-15T19:25:00.001Z

one of my very first eBay customers was the lovely Sandie

and although we've never actually met,

over the course of 10 years we've chit-chatted via email

before discovering eachothers blogs

Last year I bought a huge bundle of smocked dress panels

from the estate of a lady who made children's clothes

for Liberty of London in the 1950s

and who better to see the potential of these works-in-progress

than Sandie, who runs the most amazing on-line shop

Rag Rescue

Not only does Sandie sell a dazzling array of

re-cycled old fabrics and vintage embellishments,

she also felts

and used little smocked panels to make up the birds in

this wonderful picture for her grand daughter-

more details and pictures are on Feltissimo

I just SO love it when something old

begins another life as something new!

to most, it would appear to be. . .

2011-03-12T11:38:00.000Z

to most, it would appear to be

just a shabby old wooden fence

fallen into a state beyond repair.

But to me, it's an invitation to imagine

all the grand carriages that would have have majestically swept

through ornamental gates to the house beyond. . .

Storecupboard Staples are a Girls Best Friend :)

2011-03-09T11:42:00.000Z

On early morning autopilot making sandwiches/drinking tea/answering emails

Ted says it's Pancake Day, will you make some later?
yup no problem

On early evening autopilot trying to finish the too-many things I've started before curfew time/drinking tea/answering emails

Ted says ooh pancakes for tea isn't it
err. . .yup. . .no problem. . .if you cross your fingers when you lie it doesn't count ;o)

For a chuck-it-in-and-hope-for-the-best cook like me, I summoned Delia's batter recipe and I did TRY to follow it to the letter, honest!
No one told Martina we needed large eggs and she's still on wintertime mediums so I splashed in some extra milk.
Savoury pancakes would solve the what-to-make-for-supper dilemma so I added a sprinkle of chili flakes.
(Now I'm back on familiar territory hoping-for-the-best!)

Pancakes cooking on the electric ring, between flips time for a scout around the larder.
Oil into the wok, sliced broccoli florets, spring onions, punnet of mushrooms.
Half a tub of hummus, black olives, crumbled feta cheese.

Fill the middle of each pancake, fold the sides over and put in an ovenproof dish.
Pour half a jar of pasta sauce over the top, sprinkle with grated cheese
(I only had Edam so it was more a splat than a sprinkle!)

Served with avocado and watercress salad.

If I say so myself it was blimmin' lovely, with enough batter to have lime and icing sugar pancakes for pudding. . .yes, I admit it-
I forgot to get lemons and caster sugar doh!

a new career?

2011-03-08T07:08:00.001Z

Just like the hippo
he so resembles
Bruce LOVES
to roll in the mud. . .

which is fine. . .

because if he continues
to be
so naughty
out riding. . .

he can always start a new career. . .

as a male model :))

eventually, the Giveaway Winner was picked. . .

2011-03-05T09:31:00.001Z

I asked The Boys if they'd like to do the

Giveaway Prize Draw,

but they couldn't decide who would choose,

and who could actually read the winning name. . .

so I asked Henny but she said no, she'd done it before

and Martina had been so jealous she'd sulked for a week. . .

Kit said she was FAR too comfy to even bother

with the pieces of folded paper

(the look says it all). . .

and Bruce ate them (then wished he hadn't). . .

so. . .

I asked around for someone to

pick a winner. . .

(hmmm. . .)

and then decided best do it myself. . .

. . .the first name out of the hat (or saucepan, to be entirely correct)

to win the Birthday Giveaway prize. . .

is. . .

Ivy Black

please email me your address and the package will be on it's way :))

Thankyou so much to everyone who entered,

and for all the kind comments

left on the giveaway post xx

last day to enter the Giveaway!!

2011-03-04T06:35:00.001Z

Today is the last day to leave a comment
and enter my
Birthday Giveaway
before the winner
is drawn tomorrow!

Thanks and good luck
to everyone xx

Birthday Giveaway!

2011-02-24T18:29:00.001Z

at the beginning of this week I had an unexpected email

which began with the sentence

"I have purchased a few lovely things from you on eBay

over the last nine years (yes, it really is that long!)

and I came across your blog

through my good friend Julie's blog (The Cloth Shed)"

Nine Years? I thought. . .no surely not. . .but when I double-checked

the truth was plain to see- I started selling on eBay 10th Feb 2002!

The email was from Abby,

and yesterday she started her own blog My Spotty Pony

Thinking about starting blogs

I checked the date of my very first post. . .March 5th 2010

two birthdays- a great reason for a Giveaway!

So. . .this gorgeous glass and mosaic butterfly bracelet

is looking for a new home. . .

. . .along with a sweet little floral-framed Gisela Graham blackboard

and 1930s drawn threadwork and applique traycloth.

All you have to do is leave a comment and the winner

will be drawn on 5th March

This giveaway is open to everyone- overseas followers included :))

If you'd like to follow my blog or put the link on your

sidebar, that would be really lovely xx

Hooray for Cinnamon and Basil!

2011-02-23T10:34:00.000Z

I love basil and cinnamon and having recently discovered that they're both excellent "mood lifters", I'm trying and use them as much as I can during these dreary February days.

Not long now til Spring, but I feel a tad jaded and determined to use all the help I can get!

I scatter basil with extravagant abandon over anything remotely savoury and make tomato and basil soups and pasta
Cinnamon goes on my breakfast porridge and in apple crumbles, but that seems to be the extent of my know-how with this cheerful duo.

Any other ideas gratefully received. . .

PS has anyone tried putting basil in the juicer?

Bad Boy Bruce!

2011-02-20T11:14:00.001Z

I've been rather pre-occupied of late and for once

I can't blame it on the pressures of work.

Feeling rather well,

Bruce has been behaving more like this

than this

and while I really do appreciate that

from time to time

I'd very much like to know what he's plotting next!

We all love a badboy

but I'm fast running out of Rescue Remedy!!

Fading Grace blog

2011-02-17T14:36:00.000Z

I think you'll all agree from looking at these pics

that the lovely Sophie over at Fading Grace

has a great eye for buying and displaying textiles,

clothes, and the vintage oldies that we all love!

I really like her blog and hope that you'll pop over and have a look :)

Sophies own words sum it up perfectly. . .

I love old

frayed

patched

mended

peeling

scuffed

mossy

pre-loved

and

faded things

Fading Grace

My Perfect Valentine

2011-02-16T07:33:00.000Z

I got a beautiful card for
Valentines Day
(far too soppy to show you the real card here!)

and the scrummiest bottle of chammy
(hic)

I didn't get any flowers. . .

but that was cos Ted had been reading
my blog. . .

. . .and so I got a TRIFLE instead :)))))))))

yay! I just SOOOO
love my husband!!

Welcome to La Belle Maison blog!

2011-02-13T09:39:00.009Z

Just before Vintage at the Village Hall last November

I noticed an ad in our Dorset paper for a newly opened

French Interiors and Shabby Chic shop.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity of meeting a like-minded soul,

I quickly emailed an invitation to the owner

and received an enthusiastic reply.

Visiting the shop last month I was delighted to see such a selection of

beautifully painted furniture, textiles and decorative pieces

and although I'd love to keep this little gem as a personal treat,

now that Jeffinie and John have started a blog

I know the secret will soon be out!

I can't wait to read about their adventures in France sourcing stock,

and see "before and after" pics of how John

gets the painted pieces looking so utterly delicious-

the link is La Belle Maison if you want to pay them a visit :)

ps I tried to post this yesterday but had a hiccup- apologies if you couldn't access the link

not to be trifled with!

2011-02-11T08:37:00.001Z

If I say so myself, I make an exceedingly good trifle. . .

fat squares of jam-sandwiched home baked sponge, sodden with intoxicating liquor. . .

deep red, icing-sugar sweetened fruit puree. . .

golden yellow custard (I'm afraid it HAS to be Birds, made from powder not a carton). . .

billowing clouds of whipped cream concealing deliciously plump raspberries. . .

topped with the most Retro and colourfully kitsch "hundreds-&-thousands". . .

and served in my mother-in-law's frosted yellow vintage pressed-glass bowl, on a cloth of starched white lace.

And then of course, there's always the Co-op confection; two spoons plunged greedily into the plastic bowl while watching telly and sharing a bottle of wine. . .:))))))))))))))))))))))))

Simple Treasure Pleasure

2011-02-07T08:32:00.000Z

I found this sweet treasure in a box of old tools at a Garage Sale this weekend; why she was in there we'll never know, (nor why I decided to look at tools in the first place) but I'm sure she was pleased to catch the attention of a sympathetic soul and be rescued from her unladylike confinement!

She's been sitting on my desk ever since and I have the urge to write a story about her

I have no idea how old she is or even why I like her so much

How can something so small and simple be SO full of character and charm and what is it exactly that draws us to certain things?

I've never felt much of an affinity towards new things, nor wanted to replace decorative items as Fashion Whims chop and change- I'm surrounded by objects because I love them, rather than commodities to create an impression.

As I'm the only one in my family with a hankering for the Vintage Feel I do wonder how it happened?

I must just tell you this little story because it'll make you smile. . .

I'm a bit older than Ted (not a Mrs Robinson difference, but definitely "a bit").
When we got married a long-standing acquaintance told me how lucky I was to find "someone who also appreciated older things"

Now how would YOU take a comment like that?!!
xx

careworn & castout, but loved once again. . .

2011-02-03T15:02:00.000Z

not much to buy at our local flea market on Saturday

but I seemed to attract sad teddies

and because no-one with a soppy heart like mine can

resist a careworn bear, they all came home with me. . .

and joined "the others" on the upstairs landing chair

(which, incidentally came from our local tip!)

Easy to spot the impostor. . .but Podgie is

so cute he counts as an "honorary bear"

What is the correct name for a group of teddies?

Chilblains!

2011-02-01T08:47:00.000Z

At the risk of sounding like I live in a Dickensian novel,
am I the only person in this Modern World who suffers from
something as archaic as chilblains?

We can send people to the moon,
shoot messages across the globe in the blink of an eye
and even create a recipe
for risotto that doesn't need constant stirring. . .

so how come I'm sitting here with hideously red itchy cracked fingers
that resemble a bunch of malformed sausages,
and upstairs in my closet the shiny new boots that
were unbelievably reduced in the sale
glare at me with all the disdain of a smartly-dressed townie
mocking the country bumpkin wearing "old lady" shoes
because troubled toes won't fit into anything better.

Every year I try all the remedies
Every year I wear gloves and mittens and socks that
could've accompanied an Antarctic explorer
Every year I get chilblains

In fact this year, even my chilblains
have got chilblains!

a TOTALLY unselfish act :)

2011-01-28T07:36:00.001Z

ok, so here's the thing. . .

you have a friend, a very good friend,

and she's feeling a bit miz

with a cold and stuff

So you bake her a cheer-up apple crumble

even though she DOES SAY she's lost her sense of taste

and you DO KNOW she's on a post-Christmas diet

You take it out of the oven and put it on the dresser

You go to the fridge to get some lunch

but

You didn't go shopping yesterday

You look at the piece of toast

no marmite

no cheese

no peanut butter

no tahini

It was a thoughtful thing I did wasn't it?

A completely selfless act of kindness

She'd thank me if she knew wouldn't she?

But I'm FAR too modest to ever tell her

aren't I?

oh, what took you so long?

2011-01-26T10:46:00.000Z

I feel like I've been waiting forever for the first sign of snowdrops. . .

to me, their optimistic fight against the worst of the Great British Freeze marks the beginning-of-the-end of winter (yes I know we still have the grey days of February to go) and lights the beacon for primroses and daffodils to start pushing through, followed by bluebells. . .and the warm, light-filled days of summer. . .

is it just me getting older or have the past couple of months been a tad wearying?

Vintage at the Village Hall- NEW DATE!!

2011-01-23T10:06:00.001Z

The new date is set for the next

Vintage at the Village Hall

and all the news and updates will be on the V V H fair blog

I'm SO excited and

look forward to seeing you all!! xx

Rita in Grazia

2011-01-20T14:17:00.001Z

A while back, we did a House Clearance of a flat above a hairdressing salon which opened in the 60s and ceased trading some 30 years later.
Rita had run the salon, living alone in the flat (up 4 flights of stairs!) well into her eighties.

It's strange "meeting" someone after their death and discovering the minutiae of their life without prior permission, and difficult not to form an impression of character through closets of clothes, choice of ornaments and personal mementos.

Rita seemed feisty- a truncheon buried beneath the bottom stair in case of intruders, reports from the neighbours of a fierce old woman pouring a bucket of water from an upstairs window over a yob urinating against her porch when the pub closed.
Wardrobes filled with exquisitely stylish clothes from the 50s and 60s- she had been whippet thin with a penchant for elegant tailoring and pencil skirts. . .and no doubt the obligatory beehive hairdo.
In the back yard was a tiny dog's graveyard- for all her business acumen and independence, obviously a lady with a heart.

The salon had red-&-white checked lino, decaying red Formica workstations and heavyweight hood dryers.
In the cellar was the original signboard from the shop front.

It took all week to clear the contents working from the attics downward, salvaging anything precious and disposing of the massive accumulation of rubbish.
The building was to be sold and the Agents wanted it clear and clean.

We tackled the salon early on a Saturday morning. Within hours it was empty- the debris swept away leaving only the chequered lino to mark its jaunty past.
Then we brought the sign up from the cellar, tuned the radio to Sounds of the Sixties and squirted a can of hairspray all around. . .you could almost hear the click-clack of stiletto heels on the floor!

The sign was eventually bought by a fashion-shoot stylist in London, and I received an email this week to say it was photographed in Grazia magazine.
I bet Rita would've loved that!

the difference between men and women. . .

2011-01-16T17:40:00.001Z

Standing looking at items on a stall, I overheard a couple talking today at Shepton Mallet Fleamarket. . .

him but I don't know why you have to start choosing a mirror for the bathroom when we haven't even bought the house yet

her AAARRGGHHH!!!!

So, the difference between men and women is still just as wide. . .!!

The Hearth Rug's Tale. . .

2011-01-13T17:34:00.003Z

I just love the way things work out. . .

Many years ago at our local fleamarket I bought some lovely antique handbags from a lady, asked if she had any others and was invited to her house to browse the vintage collection she was selling.

Over the years our paths criss-crossed, she moved

to the village next to mine and we became friends.

Last year she bought a 1930's house to renovate and asked if I'd like the furnishings that had been left in situ- some pretty chintz curtains, brocade cushions and a sweet little hooked wool hearth rug.

I listed the rug on tedandbunny eBay auctions where it was bought

by Tanis, who sent me this lovely picture of it

cosily installed on her narrowboat Cair Paravel

She summed it up perfectly in her email

". . .its good to know eBay works well in such ways.

Its about ordinary folk connecting and doing business,

moving things that still have history to gather. . ."

would anyone like an HP21 ink cartridge as a pressie?!

2011-01-11T18:55:00.000Z

Would anyone like an HP21 black print cartridge?

I bought one from Staples in a last ditch attempt to see if my printer would work properly, took off the seal at the back to try it but alas the printer was already dead.

I can't take the cartridge back, my new printer is a laser jobby and I hate waste!
It's never been used. . .sooooooooooo, if it's the right size for your printer and you'd like a New Year pressie, please email me your address and hey presto it'll be winging it's way to your desk before you can say 30 copies please! xx

I love Nigella!

2011-01-09T17:55:00.001Z

I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a long-standing love affair with Nigella!

Don't get me wrong- Delia is great, and if you want a recipe to be 100% surefire then follow her directions
TO THE LETTER and you get exactly what you set out to bake.

But Nigella. . .she doesn't seem to mind if you go off on your own tangent and come up with something completely different to the picture on the page- in fact I think she's even quite pleased!

Because I've never got the right ingredients at the time I actually feel in the mood to cook something new, Nigella's recipes provide perfect inspiration to use what's to hand in a different way to the norm, and I have a total affinity with her hatred of throwing away ANY leftover food
(not that leftovers are ever a problem in our house!)

I can read a cookbook like other people read a novel, rolling and stirring and mixing in my mind as I turn the pages, and Nigella writes as if she was sitting beside you chatting over a morning coffee- the recipes spring to life even if you know it's something you'd NEVER actually make!

I'm so pleased to have been given Kitchen for my birthday. . .but looking at the gorgeous cake recipes, I wonder if Ted had an ulterior motive :))

Positive Passwords

2011-01-05T17:28:00.000Z

I'm the firmest believer in Postive Thought.

Knee-deep in trouble, I try to keep my focus on an ok outcome (i.e: a car CAN be mended!) and grab any little mantras that might re-enforce some positive thinking.

Sometimes in the midst of muddle, I've written it all down and made a corresponding list of small coping steps to climb out of the mire.

Writing Things Down is such a great way to legitimise thought which I guess is why diaries and blogs are such precious tools.

Having noticed how much time I spend typing passwords I've decided that from now on, instead of family birthdays and the ilk, all mine will be Positive Affirmations- making a useful action out of a meaningless moment, because why waste an opportunity!

Surely it's better to say lifeisREALLYgr8! than @+**!!00abc