Settling into a new garden

Every day in a new garden is an adventure.  We discover new and exciting things everyday.  I don't know what this flower is called but it looks almost like it is painted.

There are several roses dotted throughout the garden.  They are not roses I would have chosen but they suit this space and I am thrilled with them.

We are waiting for our fruit to ripen and I think the birds are waiting for them too.  We have apples, apricots and cherries.  Our lemon tree has finished fruiting but has lots of new fruit on it.   The idea of having a productive garden is also new to us.  We have added a vegetable garden and a little plot of herbs.

Speaking of birds - I discovered this nest today when I was pruning.  Mother bird is sitting on the eggs so I was careful not to disturb her.  There are several nests in our garden and the birds here are different from the birds in our previous garden. 

Sometimes we even manage some time to sit and relax.  This palm makes it feel like a resort in our own back garden.

 The lower part of the brim is covered in wool tops to represent the sea and the rest of the brim is covered in texture paste and shells.  Once it was dried I sprayed it with yellow ink to represent sand. 

 The crown is surrounded by beach huts made of paper and painted.  The top is painted green and topping it all is a lighthouse.

I have been decorating a summer hat for a display at our art group.  We were asked to decorate a summer hat and or thongs (flip flops) for our annual display. 

It has been a slow process but I am pleased with the results. 

Planning a new knee

Today I visited the surgeon who will do my knee replacement.  He is well known as an orthopedic surgeon and operates in a hospital just ten minutes from our home.

I do feel nervous about the surgery but at present I can hardly walk for more than five minutes.  I look forward to being able to take long walks again.


Anyway in the meantime the garden continues to delight.

Beautiful gifts from dear friends.

 Today I received a parcel in the post from my friend Linda.  I have never had hand knitted socks before and these are gorgeous,  warm and comfortable.   Linda and I have been friends for several years although we have only spent time together on two occasions.  Our love of textiles, photography and the countryside underpins our friendship and I will treasure these socks. 

Yesterday I also received a gift from a friend.  Norma and her husband John are preparing to move home and when we caught up on Sunday Norma mentioned that there were a few things that she had put aside for me - would I like to pick them up before they move?    There were threads and needle and scissors and a very old book.  The book had been passed down to Norma from her mother and is very old. 

I am looking forward to reading this book and it will be passed down to someone who will appreciate and love it.

Do you have any old needlework books that you treasure?