New Skills

You would think that if I was learning something new it would be something good -  like paper piecing or the like. But no, today I had the pleasure of learning how to trim the ends of wires, and then crimp them, and then place them in these little terminals, etc. Exciting! No, not really but essential to our business and a way that I could help himself when usually I can't help him with that sort of thing.

So, no sewing to report.

We did go for a walk together, to a magical little place that is just a couple of miles from where we live. It is a peaceful little string of three ponds between some fields and accessed by a public footpath. I think of it as magical because at this time of year there are always so many dragonflies there. I cannot express the feeling of standing motionless and having one land on your arm. It makes something light up inside me.

I would like to bedazzle you with photos of dragonflies - but I'm just not that good. We walked through some more fields and up into the woods. There the girls discovered a Geo Cache. If you have kids and have never done it before, it is an amazing way to get them to go for a walk. It's like a treasure hunt on a larger scale. They have to look very hard for many of these cache, and they are everywhere in the world. Anyone can do it. It doesn't cost anything. It gets you outdoors. What more could you ask for?

Inside many GoeCache boxes you will often find small toys, or key chains and the like. The idea is you take it and leave something new in exchange. Helen had planned ahead and brought a selection of small things with her though we hadn't realised. It meant she got to put in some of her treasures and walk out of the woods with this -

A Wee Grufalo

I have to say that the Grufalo is the coolest thing we have found in a GeoCache yet. But I can recommend Geo Caching as something fun to do with your kids if you are at a loss some weekend. Though you will need a GPS receiver to play this game. I think if you have a smart phone you can have this function - through an app or somehow. (You get a clue who in this family does not have a smart phone and does not have the GPS function!)

Despite having no sewing to report I do have a little bit of fabric to show you. First off, more of my bee blocks have arrived.

By Lolly (aka Laura Jane)

By Ceri (aka Ceri)

Thank you to both of you. They look absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait until I have all the blocks and can just play with layouts. Almost there.

Finally, I got a hugely wonderful surprise in the post yesterday. One of my very first bloggy friends, and certainly one of my best bloggy friends, is Annabella of Life's Rich Pattern. I offered to do a favour for her and in return she sent me these incredibly FQs. I was gobsmacked - to use a great expression from my northern roots. I am also incredibly thankful because I love these fabrics.

Delighted by Riley Blake

I have chicken satay to go on the bbq, taking advantage of more of this nice weather. Last night's bbq went down a treat and the girls liked the earlier falling of darkness because apparently it is a lot more fun to toast marshmallows over the glowing coals in the dark. I agree with them. We'll do it again tonight.

If you are looking for the giveaway it can be found here. If you want to sign up for the Modern Christmas Tablerunner Swap then today is the last day you can do it. Please go to the Flickr site and sign up and send me the details or it will be too late. And it is the most brilliant group of people.

Susan