The mumblings of a crafty smallholder on Dartmoor, Devon

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Opps! Hello again

Hello Dear 2 followers, I know 2! How exciting!
I am back! I have just been sent an email by a dear friend, or should that be fiend? Telling me to get on with my blogging!
I've been busy in the garden-Well I say I, I mean We! We now have a new wall (v attractive stone built affair) A few less trees, more grass, and the pigs are now chomping away in the area that will be my raised beds (eventually!)
I spent a whole day sorting out the border opposite the house -It had to be weeded, dug over and planted up. It's looking lovely, just hoping the hostas survive the slugs!
The new chickens have started laying the most lovely tiny eggs. The alpaca will soon be mated (any good looking males around?) and the goats have started play fighting (they never grow up!)
I had a lovely phone call on Monday-I won the raffle at the local co-op! 12 bottles of wine (hic!) Perfect for BBQ's, we just need that shiny thing in the sky to re-appear!
Promise to return soon, I may even try to add picures ! x 

Sunday 3 March 2013

Poorly Peg, A Carboot Sale & a Needle Felted Owl!

Evening
This weekend was not quite like I was expecting at the onset!
Poor Pegs had a high temperature, cold, headache & sore throat yesterday, so we stayed at home. We had a relaxing day on the sofa watching The Sound of Music-I sang along!She looked bemused!
Mr Crow had to work, so he was mightly happy and amused when he returned home to find his supper cooked! (I never normally cook, if I can help it!).
This morning I got up bright and early and drove  to Exeter for the big outdoor carboot sale, I never really set off with exactly what I want in mind; but I usually have a jolly good idea!
I managed to purchase wigs for World Book Day, vintage fabric, clothes for Pegs and a few books. I was also pleased to purchase an old flute (a surprise for Pegs) it will however need an overhaul...Mr Crow was less than amused. I am hoping that it'll cost less than the £100 he is thinking it will cost!
I started a needle felting owl this evening (I had managed for once to complete my school work, before 8!) I should not, however have attempted to watch that dashing Mr Selfridge & needle felt for the 1st time ;) I stabbed myself more than once!
I'm looking forward to another fun packed, busy week...
See you later x

Sunday 24 February 2013

Being a grown up!

This last week Mr Crow & I have had time together, this is most unusual. We love spending time as a 3! A few weeks ago Peg suggested that we go out for a meal, without her, and that she was happy to have a babysitter! I did wonder if there was an ulterior motive!
So, go out we did, we had a very jolly evening in a nice restaurant locally.
As mentioned in previous post, we then had the opportunity to go to the theatre.The babysitter was called upon again (She was pleased as I think she rather likes looking after Peg!)
Today we had to take Pegs to an 8th birthday party at Kents Caverns, yet again we found ourselves footloose and fancy free for 2 whole hours! We chose to have a civilised breakfast in Torquay, and a wander around. It was nice; but I find myself wondering if Pegs is having a nice time, and buying her small items!
I hope you had a fine weekend?
     

Saturday 23 February 2013

Half term fun

This week has been half term down here in Devon. I had planned absolutely nothing! I like being unplanned. However, rather than the relaxing week I had envisaged for myself & Pegs, it was incredibly busy! The upside was that we had a lovely time, the downside, I/We need a week extra to catch up on all the other things I had planned to do.

We met friends, mainly hers, I drove her all over the moors to see people, and had a few impromptu treats! We also had a photoshoot outdoors with our Sasha dolls (we now have 7, and Pegs would dearly like another for her next birthday! We couldn't resist taking them out on the 1st sunny day we had!

On Saturday evening Mr Crow & I went out for a meal-By ourselves! I cannot recall the last time we had a grown-up meal out without Pegs! It was lovely; but a bit strange! The dog refused to let the babsitter upstairs without accompanying them, so he too listened to the bedtime story!

My most favourite thing of the whole week, was getting a message from a friend to say his brother was in 'High Society' in Plymouth, and there were spare tickets! It was Fabulous! I met his lovely brother Daniel Boys, and Michael Praed (those of you old enough to remember may recall  he was Robin Hood!) I even got to go on stage (after the show) I danced up the starirs! (badly)

I eventually got to start a new quilt! It isn't finished; but I am really pleased with the start!I laid it all over the kitchen floor; but it was in the way! It is from a book I purchased for my birthday. I cut out the 300+ semi circles in January!

Pegs went to Westpoint to see Madagascar with her Brownie group, so I went off to treat myself to Crystal Therapy! I've never had this before; but have had other complimentary therapies. I booked an hour long session-I was there for over 3! I definately needed re-aligning! I felt drained afterwards; but today, feel much more like my old self! I also slept like a log (almost unheard of)   

Saturday 5 January 2013

He's behind you!

Hello there, Today we are off to the Panto!
I think I am more excited than the 2 girls I am taking!
I've beem a panto fan for years. Having a January Birthday, my sister & I always went to the panto for a birthday treat!More of that later!
Today however I have started tidying my scraps. I got 'Sunday morning Quilts' book for Christmas (off myself) It suggests that you have your scraps in sizes! So the other day daughter Pegs & I went to Trago (Our big cheap local shop) and bought 10 large lunch boxes (these were cheaper than crafting boxes) Today I have managed to fill all 10 (a few more needed) I also found lots of half finished projects (I need to make these top priority!!) and Daughter Pegs school name tags -How I searched high and low for these!! My Office is still a tip, but at least there is now a small space ;)  
Enjoy your Saturday (what is left of it!) x

Thursday 3 January 2013

Tidying up

This morning Daughter Peg and I went out to feed the animals. We currently have 4 Alpaca in one field and 3 others in the neignbouring one. The chickens were clambering on top of each other whilst our home grown cock (Wiggy-Guess why!) was stood atop the henhouse shouting with all his might. He is the smallest of our birds; but definately the loudest!
The goats standing on their hind legs leaning over the gate to welcome us!
The pigs-Hamsterdam, Jamaica & Lucia were trotting around their newly furrowed field, drinking from the shelll shaped paddling pool.
Whilst out we spotted our neighboours kittens-boy & girl. Pegs decided to entice them by waving branches, and swaying them about. They took some convincing. Whilst she was kitten whispering I collected fallen logs and twigs on our giant tree stump.
Luckily I had my camera with me and managed to take 160 photos in the space of 1 hour!
On return to the house Pegs had been (unbeknown to me) collecting giant fir cones, which she had squirreled away on the front door step! She wants to decorate them-I am thinking  of spraying them in bright Spring colours.
We filled up the bird feeders and came in for an indoor picnic lunch.
I had left the lounge windows slightly open and the kitten boy, being daring threw himself up and over (high jump style) into the lounge! He was quickly removed amid cooing from Pegs! (Much heavier than I thought he'd be)
Daughter Peg is currently sat practising piano ready for her lesson tomorrow... I meanwhile am supposed to be upstairs tidying ;)
Enjoy the rest of your day x       

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Bird feeders

Outside our utility room there is a tree, well actually it has been well trimmed so it's now a tall stump! In that tree we have placed 4 bird feeders. I take great delight each day observing the birds whilst loading the washing machine and washing up (we have a dishwasher; but I often choose not to use it just to get a chance to stand watching the birds!)
Just this morning (after a lazy lie in-Pegs had to be woken at 9:20!!) I stood fascinated by the Blue Tits (there is all weathers) the Sparrows and the Nuthatch. I must try to get my camera at the ready next time!
The Robin hops by most days too. My Dad loves robins and each year my daughter usally chooses a Robin themed gift for part of his Xmas box!
The cheeky squirrel sometimes runs aong the back wall; but more often than not he is on the hedge opposite performing gymnastic feats.
Enjoy your wednesday-Here's hoping you're not back at work like poor Mr Crow! x