What Katie Did

Autumn Sunshine

These two girls watched as I climbed to the top of Herbie's Hill the other day when the sun was so gloriously autumny.
Rewarded at the top of (the quite small) hill with views like this

It's another day like this today so I am off to sing in Allendale Village Hall with this bunch - we heard them sing in Hexham Abbey last night so we are in for a treat today when we get to join in. I might cycle!

I did cycle, it was a treat - shape note singing, African chants, Georgian love songs and even song with its own dance! If you get a chance to hear this group please do! Northern Harmony from Vermont, check the link for the schedule.

I didn't cycle back though - its all up hill. I cadged a lift from the chior's coach driver who put my bike in the boot, took me to the top of the hill then let me off to free wheel all the way home! A perfect day!

Oh how I love Oxfam!

As I have said before, I work one afternoon a week in the local Oxfam shop. I sort the children's books and restock the shelves. And I buy so much stuff! Yesterday, I deliberately didn't take any of my cloth shopping bags as I was sure I wouldn't bring anything home. But I didn't need them because the huge assortment of old plastic flowers came in their own enormous suitcase.
Just the thing for winter!

As I have also mentioned, Geoff laughs like no-one I have ever known - so completely and sometimes I think - dangerously.

Yes - He is watering the plastic flowers, though the nasturtiums are real.

Here is a jam update - Owen and Geoff made crab apple jelly

Lots of crab apple jelly - it set really well and Owen is so proud of it!
And I made a tea cosy and had a trip into Corbridge to buy a matching tea pot - picture of that to follow because it's dark and I can't get a decent picture.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Big Shed Tidy Up

I forgot to take my camera to the knitting day we had yesterday at Annie's house so you can't see great pictures of everyone rolling felt balls, eating great food, enjoying Annie's wonderful (tidy) house, learning how to knit cables (thank you Anne) and generally adoring baby Angus!

Sorry, but thank you for your hospitality Annie.

But I had a big shed tidy day today and here are some photos of the 'after' effects - I would have been too embarrassed to show you any 'before' ones.

Have you gathered that I like pink?

Here is the sewing machine corner - lets take a closer look at that fantastic cotton reel rack shall we.....

I asked my Dad if he could knock together a bit of wood with some nails in to hold a few of my cottons - I should have known that he would create a fabulous design and expertly crafted alternative! Exactly what I wanted! Thank you Dad!!

one of my many 'works in progress' this is rug wool, knitted up quite loosely then washed on 60' with the jeans - originally meant to be a throw - looking like being a cushion - how often does that happen!

Finished this the other day Ali - its about 8'' by 8'' - needs finishing - of course - with some nice backing and a hook. Anyone like to suggest what they think it is? It isn't supposed to be anything in particular - but what do you see?

And finally - by popular demand - one of the 'things' I made at the Julie Arkell weekend from the last post. I hope it makes you laugh as much as it did my boys - all three of them - Geoff quite spectacularly - in that way you know he does Martha.

Looking forward to Tuesday when my girl comes home.

Where does the time go?

I can't believe a week has gone - thank you for all the lovely comments - Dad has the proper name for the amazing blue flowers - I know them as 'ornamental thistle' but Dad has the real name - echinops ritro. He is also asking for news of the lathyrus odaratus. Ashamed to say I had to Google that to discover he meant sweet peas. When the weather is bright enough I will organise a picture, but don't get too excited.

Thanks too for the vegetable compliments! We have been enjoying garden produce for a while now - there is nothing to beat it!

Wendy - a tutorial! What a great idea - I will apply myself to that one as soon as I have a spare afternoon!

And my lovely Martha - good to hear that the course has started. Sorry you are so hot - today we had torrential rain - just as Geoff had gone to dig up the remaining broad beans!

Some news and photos of life in the north this week. On Wednesday, we helped Pauline move into her new house. She had told us a little about it but neglected to say who the neighbours are.

These alpacas are in the field next to her house. I didn't shift much furniture after I discovered these guys!

Knitting on Tuesday was lovely. I am trying to post pictures of what everyone was working on and I am jinxed! I'll have one last try!

 

 

 

One to five from top left -

1. Marilyn - loopy scarf for one of her three gorgeous girls
2. Annie - lacy scarf for her gorgeous girl
3. Dorothy - another jumper for her grandson Angus, because he hasn't got many clothes! (ha!)
4. Angie - visiting from Chichester with a very complicated bit of knitting
5. My socks - on the last few rows ready to be wrapped up for Roe's birthday tomorrow.

Here is todays Saturday Sky taken by Owen out of the bedroom window.

and as if Owen didn't have enough talents, take a look at this Martha.....