The Village Summer Fair

Hello. The weather held out for us today, as you can see we had sunshine. It was a typical village summer fair, people came out to support their local charities. There were games to win something, stalls to buy something, music to dance to, food to scoff, and lots of chatting with friendly people. I think I probably saw all the people I know in one afternoon. I was dead chuffed when someone stopped by to say hello and said she reads this blog. So, hello again blog reader, it was nice to meet you. 

The ever popular WI home made cake stall.

The refreshment tent was busy as usual. Enjoying a cuppa on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

We did very well on the stall, I got Janet to take this photo just as we were starting to pack away, hence why there are gaps on the table, it was full when we started. I sold 11 out of 13 shopping bags, and one lady bought five cat beds. Janet and Sue did a tombola which did very well..

So, it was a good day all round, we made quite a lot for the cat rescue, and it was fun doing it.

Tomorrow will be another busy day. I'll be up early filling the Summer House with my art, must be ready to meet people at 10.30 when they start arriving.

Thanks for popping in, enjoy your Sunday. we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Unconventional money saving

Hello. While most girly girls have a collection of makeup to pretty themselves up, I have a collection of useful bits and bobs which may come in handy when I am playing with wood and building things. I have the normal hammers and nails, screwdrivers and screws, drill, spirit level, stanley knife, sand paper, tape measure, and suchlike, and bits of hardware recovered from things I have taken apart. You never know when you might need these things. 

I have a cardboard carry box to contain things I might need in the garden, found last week at a small garden centre I sometimes pop into, it was free. Their prices are a whole lot cheaper than the huge garden centres which sell everything you don't need. It's sturdy and just the right size. For the screws and other bits I have cut down juice drinks cartons which fit nicely, leaving room at the side for drill and screwdrivers. No need to buy a tool box, there are plenty of free ones out there. 

Yesterday I was looking for a piece of wood suitable for mounting the plaque onto. I didn't have one exactly the right shape and size and I didn't fancy spending time with a saw and making one. Then I thought of an idea. Why does it have to be a couple of inches larger than the plaque, and oblong, it could be any shape. My friend Bob made some large flowers to advertise the Summer Fair, and he gave me the ply offcuts.

The result, I used the same paint that I used to decorate the sponsors name. Haven't painted any flowers on it, I don't think it needs it. I like it, it's quirky, different, and fun. It has a wire across the back to hang it up.

A few more jobs to do today, nearly there. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

One happy kitty.

Hello. I know you like fuzzywuzzy happy ending kittykat stories, and as I am busy, Janet has kindly written this report on our latest re homing. 

This is the story of Marmalade/Millie.

Marmalade, who is about eighteen months old, came into rescue having been discovered straying in a very small village in Lincolnshire.  A family who had been feeding her (and named her Marmalade) unfortunately were unable to keep her as they were in rented accommodation where regulations stipulated pets were not allowed.  

She was not micro-chipped and despite efforts to trace her owners, including a message on the local radio, no-one came forward. The family were very sad at the need to re-home her as they had become very attached to her. 

We took Marmalade to the vets to ascertain whether or not she was spayed and as no scar could be found it was assumed that she had not been done.  A couple of days later when she was operated upon it was revealed that she had indeed already been spayed.  Marmalade soon recovered from the operation and was put up for adoption.  There was a lot of interest in her but for one reason or another, mainly close proximity to busy roads, we were not entirely happy that the right home had come along. 

Eventually she was homed to a wonderful family who had recently lost their elderly cat and who are at home most of the day.  She has a garden to enjoy in a peaceful safe location.  Marmalade (now Millie) is a very special girl with a wonderful temperament.  She is so placid and enjoys lots of affection and has instantly settled in her new home. Her new family adore her and she is being thoroughly spoilt. The picture shown is Millie in her new home.

Aaaah, what a pretty cat, a bit like my Mayze, though by the sound of it, completely different temperaments.

I'm getting there with the garden, have extended the slabbed/paved area, painting all done. I was hoping to get the grass cut this afternoon but it is raining. Maybe later, or tomorrow. Couldn't find the Shed of the Year plaque, I remember putting it away thinking I wouldn't need it again. Found it at last in the office under some paperwork.Now I'm making a wooden back for it so I can hang it, I don't want to drill into the front of it, so I'll screw it on from the back. I keep thinking everything is ready, then find something else that needs doing.

Thanks for the story, Janet.

Thankyou all for your lovely comments about my art.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Adventures in needle felting

Hello. Here it is, my new artwork. I've taken the photo's without glass in the frame to eliminate reflections. The frame was 50p from a car boot sale, I have painted it with Crown silk emulsion shade apple tree, a very pale green. It suits the picture perfectly. I haven't used a mount because I don't think it needs one. Overall measurements are 23" x 12".  

This is where the background stitches have been changed, they now go up and down instead of across. Much better.

It was a lot of stitching but I think it's worth it. I find hand sewing very therapeutic, it's something I can pick up at odd times and play with it.

Preparations are coming along nicely in the garden. Hedge cutting yesterday, grass mowing and weeding today. A bit more paint on the back of the garage, a door to paint, flower beds to top up with compost. Three days and it will be ready.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip