What I have been doing

Not much blogging thats for sure.
Late August saw us take another trip to the Isle of Man , a place we continue to be enamoured with. Lots of classic bikes ! Just our thing. One of my highlights has to be seeing Phil out on track at Jurby . Many thanks to Gary Lark and Jane South. Phil so enjoyed taking the Triumph Triple out that the grin remained on his face for many hours. Whilst out on the Benelli he got blasted by Micheal Dunlop on the Molnar Manx A real experience for him.

Micheal Dunlop and Me

I did quite well on my list of men in leathers that I wanted a photo of.

 

Conor Cummins

Conor was riding a Dunnell Manx which was of particular interest to us as we own a Dunnell Triton

Cameron Donald

My favourite was Cameron Donald who was absolutely charming.

Bruce Anstey

Bruce was as laid back as he has always appeared on the TV coverage of the TT. I guess this was slightly more relaxed than the TT.

As we had our car with us this time we were able to get about a bit more without having to trouble Gary.

Going back again in 2014 for the Classic  although not quite sure where we will be staying as Gary has sold his house.

Beltane Picnic

Managed to attend this years Southend Dolmen Grove Beltane picnic.

What a glorious day it was too. Probably the best,weather wise, so far this year. 

Took hubby ,daughter and grandson along too. I think daughter was a little wary of meeting some of my 'hippy dippy' friends as they are affectionately termed.

For the princely sum of £2 each we got 

Tribal Belly Dancers

Morris Dancers

Drummers

2 groups

a bargain I think.

Tribal Unity were dancing .Not easy on the uneven ground. They all looked so beautiful and colourful.

Sorry this will appear out of order as obviously the Beltane picnic was before Barefoot

Barefoot 2013

Barefoot 2013 was a pared down event. Initially there wasn't going to be one then it was just a gathering. Only camping and make your own amusements. Gradually it shaped into a proper Barefoot only smaller. No bigtop shows and not so many workshops or traders. The weather was forecast to be mixed so I was a little apprehensive. I was glad of the company of the lovely Lisa for the journey there and back. We had a trouble free journey up there no major queues on M1 just some slowing down here and there. Bumped into a couple of fellow ATS students in the services on the way up there.Actually got there before the gates opened! Set up camp no problem and even had enough energy to go to the Beginners ATS workshop with Denise and Shani. Got picked on to lead them at the end to prove the point that dancers that hadn't met or danced together before could do just that.Was very proud to do so. Got some henna done by the amazing Pauline Qu,is there no end to that lady's talent?This is the henna tattoo after 10 days which I think is pretty good going.

                                           

All in all a very relaxing weekend.So glad they went ahead with it as it wouldn't be summer without Barefoot.

Roll on next year.

Bit Distracted

 Ok so once again I have been a terrible blogger. 

The only thing that I can say in my defence is that I have been a little bit distracted. Mainly with this young man. I give you Archie George Metcalf born 8th October 2012.

Weighing in at a fairly hefty 9lb 5oz.

Gave us a few concerns at first but all is well.

A lively little bundle he is too and since Mum is now back at work we are seeing a fair bit of him.
I had forgotten how tiring it is to look after a 7 month old and lets be fair the last time I did it I was 26 years younger.

He is a delight and a really happy little soul

ALQS 7

Another Little Quilt Swap.

It's the first time that I have ever entered this quilt swap. I am guessing from the title that this has been done six times before. I am glad that for once I managed to get a challenge done on time. Just.

The  fabrics used are a mixture of African Shwe Shwe and Japanese shibori .The design was fabric led and developed after a workshop with Janice Gunner.

I have quilted it with cotton perle and sashiko thread and have embellished it with small beads. 

This quilt is 30cms square

I now have to hope that someone will like it enough to select it in this round of the swap.

Back to work and ufo

Back to work tomorrow after a week off.
Week went even quicker than usual.
Didn't get much done but........ I have one UFO that is no longer a UFO .Photos at a later date.

Went to Danbury open gardens today.Twice. The first time I could not get parked and came home. Danbury definately has it in for me lately.
Left it a bit and tried again and this time found the car park for the common and parked there. As I was further down the road than planned I visited the two gardens nearest. Two smallish but lovely gardens full of interesting and attractive plants. I would post a photo if I could work out how to get them off my phone( Peeeeeete I need help) 
Third garden was the one I really went to see and it was amazing. A large garden with lots of different areas.Some beautiful plant combinations. The owners must spend all their time out in that garden and it shows. Will have to thank Gil for putting me onto that one. Picked up a small Eleagnus Quicksilver which I have wanted since I saw it in Sally Player's garden oh must be over 6 years ago.  

Just about getting over the disappointment of the Senior TT not being run this year. Was really hoping for another John McGuiness win. Still safety first especially there as it is so dangerous even with good road conditions.