What a change once again in the weather. Today a storm is due to hit bringing gale force winds not good for this time of year and the garden planting. Whilst England have been enjoying high summery temperatures we are still barely reaching the teens. Due to the adverse weather conditions today the ferries have been cancelled and are likely to be cancelled at short notice tomorrow. I am once again thankful for a full freezer and store cupboard. We had another Tesco delivery yesterday, which went well it was so nice to chat to someone different for a few moments.
Gerard is down the outbuilding experimenting with chalk paint to finish the dividing wall, we are trying to use what we have rather than order more and have to wait. I am obviously doing this post and catching up with everyone whilst we have internet connection. I have a beef and ale casserole in the slow cooker and the smell of it is permeating throughout the cottage making very hungry.
Crafting has been a priority for the past couple of days, keeping me busy and entertained. The playmat is almost finished just needs the final hemming done. Toys have been added to the gift, it has been a real delight browsing patterns and books looking for something to play with.
Teething rings, a taggy blankie and a patchwork ball.
Such strange times that we are living in with our pregnant ladies isolated and new Mums not able to share their precious newborns with friends and neighbours. I must admit to feeling a little down now and again myself. I have to give myself a firm talking to as I have a lot to be thankful for. Not least been blessed with views of the surrounding crofts and new life frolicking in the glen.
The First Minister announced her plans for coming out of lockdown yesterday. Little steps at a time...I look forward to seeing how it all goes and hopeful that people will adhere to the new rules. I do hope that the goodwill and generosity remains long after all this is over. It is so nice to stand at a window or in the garden and have people waving or nodding. I am loving seeing the smiles...long may that last! How is this terrible pandemic affecting you? I am genuinely interested to know if your mental health has been affected.
Take care and stay safe.
See you soon.
These are all so pretty and cute! I am so glad I was not pregnant during pandemia, my son is 1 year and 7 months old and we wish to go out more and explore world , but we try as much as we can to stay safe home.Not easy after 2 months of isolation! What frightens me is scary news about kids in NY being ill and dictors don't know what causes that. Hope and praying all tge time fir this to be over. Stay safe everyone ☺
ReplyDeleteMy first grandchild is due at the beginning of June and it breaks my heart that I won't be able to kiss and cuddle him/her. Seeing loved ones on screen isn't the same as kissing and hugging them. But I know it's for the best and that one day, soon I hope, we can be with them again. The baby gifts you've made are gorgeous and will be very much loved. I'm spreading love and smiles by crocheting hearts and stars for people to take for themselves or to give to someone who needs a little love and hope. I've had some lovely letters, cards and little gifts, so I know they're appreciated. That makes me smile. xx
ReplyDeleteI love that you are making all of the projects for a baby to be! These are strange times but being busy with my hands makes the days feel like normal.
ReplyDeleteWell as regards mental health, I also give myself firm talkings to. It does not surprise me that we are feeling stressed and sad sometimes because God never intended for us to live isolated lives. Good food cooking helps some, doesn't it? I baked biscuits (not cookies) last evening for supper and found myself cheered. Yes, I feel bad for all the new parents who are not allowed to be with their infants in the doctor's office. Quite frankly, I consider that insane. How fun to be able to see the lambs and their dams out there happily communing.
ReplyDeleteWe've got the high winds here too today, such a change from the last couple of days. The lockdown has affected my family more than it has me really. Daniel and Jasmine are working from home and have had to cancel a trip to see Jasmine's family in Colorado. Eleanor is still working but she hasn't seen her boyfriend for going on twelve weeks now as he was having to isolate even before the lockdown came into force as he'd been in contact with someone with suspected coronavirus (which turned out not to be so). Mick's been working from home throughout. I find that some people are so complacent about it though, our neighbours have their family round more than they did before lockdown, and I've seen different families out together, no social distancing taking place. It really annoys me when most of us are trying to do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteIt's very windy here today, but not cold. We took the car for a run to charge the battery and filled up with petrol. We stopped at Fairhaven Lake, which was very quiet, and had a lovely walk. We are still sticking to the rules and regulations, though many people are either not bothered, or don't realise, that there are still restrictions in place. People are starting to get fed up and blasé about it. Keep yourselves safe and well. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteYour dinner sounds perfect, for a stormy day.
ReplyDeleteWe are in a delightful weather spell. the kind of weather, we would love to have last, all summer! But it won't.
Lovely projects!
Yes, we have to "give ourselves a talking to," when we get a bit "down." Because we do have so much to be happy about, even in the midst of this Wuhan Virus Horror.
It's best for our health, to not allow "down in the dumps" feelings, to linger. -smile=
Open up, please.
In my country.
With masks/distancing.
Compromised people
Stay home!
🌸💙🌸💙🌸💙🌸💙
I have the feeling to live on another planet only our move keeps me busy. My husband sees everything in black and doesn't walk enough. He has to go to a physiotherapist !Most of the people are not in their shoes and fight against the loss of energy or being lazy ! Everything is strange and different.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Lorraine. It was so nice to read your post today and see the sweet little lambs. Your blanket and toys are incredible. They look absolutely perfect and will be a welcome gift for any baby. You do such beautiful work. I wish I were a better seamstress like you are.
ReplyDeleteWe're having strangely cold weather here too. It's 39F right now. The winds yesterday were blowing a gale here too and they're still blowing but not quite as strong.
I dither back and forth between being so frustrated with this virus and wanting life back as usual to being content to be either at home or sitting in my trailer. It's a strange new world we're living in. Just this morning I heard of 3 more restaurants in our city and a nationwide chain store that are closing because of this virus. It's terrible. Those are peoples jobs and livelihood. When I let myself dwell on it I get very depressed. God is in control and I try to turn it over to Him daily.
Hello to Gerard and hugs to you my dear friend.
Blessings,
Betsy
A post full of sweet things like new lambs and baby gifts. Because I'm still teaching on line, I haven't had as much time to sew and craft as I would have liked, but I did finish a little dress for an almost 1 year old who is coming to visit this weekend. Our province is opening up and we are allowed to expand our social bubble to a few more people. That's family for us!
ReplyDeleteOur sunny summer weather has disappeared into dark clouds and spatters of rain and wind, but the wind is not gale force.
Stay cozy in your cottage. Those are lovely makes. Where did you find the wooden teething rings?
It's very windy here today as well but not gale force. Your craft making is beautiful. On the whole I am fine. I have lots to do so never bored and lovely walks nearby. I do miss little gd who lives a few minutes away but tell myself she is safe, well and happy and that is a lot to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteRainy and chilly here today.
Always enjoy seeing your lovely projects!
Stay safe and well, and have a nice weekend!
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ReplyDeleteIt has been blustery here all day. I'm not sleeping well and wake up feeling sort of sick, not exactly depressed, but sad. Then I find something to focus on, a practical activity. Today it was washing which dried quickly in the windy conditions. Afterwards a bit of sewing up of my crochet squares for a blanket, some cooking etc. Time passes. I wish I had a sewing machine, but I did make a face mask by hand which I was pleased with. Your makes are amazing. Stay well and safe. I think being cautious about going out and about is the best way forward. I shan't be going out where there are crowds this weekend.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing what you are doing with sewing projects. Sheep are nice to see as well. Megan and I were just chatting about moving recliner out of her office room and putting in the new rug she got early this week. She ordered it from Costco a week prior. We are doing well. I start working 3 days next week. Even though our county is opening up slowly, churches have yet to be open. Only virtual church. President Trump wants the churches opened as they are essential! I am so thankful he said that and hope they open soon...in a couple weeks. 10 weeks is a long time not to be in real time church!!!Keep on praying that it happens!! We are having warmer weather this weekend. Dry though.
ReplyDeleteTake care and be safe. We are! Hugs~Becky
she is putting her recliner back in the office.
DeleteThe play mat that you made is so sweet and will no doubt get a lot of use ( eventually).
ReplyDeleteIt's cool and cloudy here and I'm wrapped in a blanket. You wouldn't think it is the middle of May.
Two factors have made these weeks of staying home easier for me. I'm basically an introvert and like my solitude so that hasn't been a problem. I do love seeing my kids and grandkids and they all live in this area. With the exception of one daughter who works at the hospital and the rare time she comes now we sit outside and maintain our distance. The others members of the family are in our "bubble" and although we gave up hugs we've still been seeing each other weekly and in some cases more often. For the truly isolated it must be very very difficult.
Stay well. GM
Crafting has been my antidote to anxiety in these difficult times. Lots of hand sewing - workng in my Baltimore quilt - I am now on the final border which is being hand-quilted. I did one side of the border today and can't wait to start on another tomorrow - then I am stuck until more white fabric arrives. Lots of work on the charity quilt, which will go to grace the bed of a lass coming out of a care home with NOTHING, and I have also returned to a x-stitch project, which makes for a nice change from quilt making.
ReplyDeletePlus the garden is coming on a treat and my eldest daughter (who lies with us now) and I have been baking and trying out new recipes.
We are still in lockdown, but I am longing to see our other daughter and our son again.
Those baby gifts are adorable and I am sure will be received with joy.
Blowing half a gale here today - I am sure you had the Full Gale where you are!
Yes, although the sun has been shining again today the wind has been quite strong …
ReplyDeleteLovely to see your crafts and the beef and ale casserole sounds delicious.
Have a good weekend.
All the best Jan
Hang in there......."this too, shall pass".....at least we all hope so. For my husband and I, we keep our hands and minds busy and have not been too affected about the pandemic..except to say that we worry for our loved ones near and far. We are mostly shocked to see this kind of thing happen and what it has done to so many people. We hang on to our faith and keep hope for better days. You have created such a wonderful play mat! I love the colors and the fabric you chose. So sweet!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the stormy weather you're expecting, I hope your plantings and veg survive okay. We've had a few weeks of horrible gray wet rainy weather and I'm ready for the sun to come back. You're lucky to have lambs for neighbors instead of having houses crammed together closely. I'm so happy we have 5 acres of land to live on. I hope your sun returns soon. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteIt has been rainy here for the last three days. sun pokes out from the cloud now and then. Chilly weather and a few days with some high winds. Some fine gifts you have crafted and love the playmat.
ReplyDeleteWe have been busy in the yard mostly here. I have been watching my grand children and making sure they keep up with school work. I go and shop with caution but it hasn't gotten me down. We like our rides out and take the kids to the park to ride bikes. I don't watch much t.v. because I don't know what to believe as every news stations or doctor or scientist say something different each time I watch. So I make sure not to touch face, wash hand frequently and just use some common sense. I also pray.
Happy Week end to you
Your handmade gifts are lovely the recipient will be thrilled. So many difficult times for families with new babies and small children also grandparents having to distance themselves at a time when most needed. It is hard somedays to keep cheerful but like you I count my blessings and carry on. Take care:)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful things you have made, someone is going to be thrilled to get them. I am sure that not being able to travel to your family or go on holiday has got you down especially with the internet playing up. I think the pandemic has made us all see things in a different light, things that were great before have not worked very well in lockdown, but other things like the kindness and support are better. I decided to concentrate on getting fitter which has definitely helped but I am missing meeting family and getting further afield now that it has been going on a while.
ReplyDeleteIt is stormy here, not very inviting to venture out.. pyjama day I think. Your play-blanket is lovely, as are the wee toys. Lucky baby!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful handmade gifts and blanket. Cute teething rings. Taking a short walk and getting to see the beautiful animals grazing in the open space will help to cheer you up. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour handmade gifts are adorable. It is pouring rain here today. I am doing fine with all stay-at-home orders. Sure I am missing my children....we haven't seen them since February, but we want to stay healthy for future visits. I am keeping busy with many crafts. It isn't so bad.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely and cute creations for newborn baby !!!!! You really are a talented woman !
ReplyDeleteHave a shinny weekend !
Hug
Anna
I made a similar play mat for my first grandson...now 25! He loved playing with the different bits on it.
ReplyDeleteI hope lockdown is released very gradually. Sadly here in Cornwall we are already being besieged with camper vans all breaking the rules.
It's always lovely seeing what beautiful handmade items you are working on, Lorraine. I'm sure the ones in this post will be welcomed and enjoyed. While we also are thankful for remaining well and have everything we need during this virus crisis, I will confess to become down heartened both by the restrictions and more so by the mask wearing in outdoor spaces and those wearing plastic gloves outside seems way over the top. That said we do mask up in public spaces, shopping etc. but never when outside to sit and and walk. Some days staying home seems the best so I won't be stressed out by things seen which includes people tossing used paper masks and plastic gloves on the ground -- how safe and careful are they being?
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous gifts they are so bright and fun. We are ok here in lockdown, we are quite stay at home people anyway in our free time so nothing much has changed. x
ReplyDeleteWe too have had a rainy chilly spring, but today we welcomed sunshine on our walk. I am a homebody so staying home is not that bad for me, though I really miss my children and grands! It's hard to believe I haven't hugged them since January. Like you say there is much to be thankful for! Thank goodness for Skype!
ReplyDeleteYou asked the question, Lorraine. Here's my answer:
ReplyDeleteIn some ways,the effects of lockdown have been minimal for me - after years of being housebound and needing to socially isolate as the usual mode of living with a chronic illness, I am used to it. My children too are well practiced in hygiene and infection control so no worries there.
On the other hand, my anxiety levels have been huge - not because of the virus per se but because of human nature - there will always be those people who are dishonest or in denial believing that harm couldn't possibly come to them or the attitude "I'm alright Jack so who cares about anyone else" and then you have those who feel they are above the laws and don't follow instructions.
At times, it's been hard to do anything more than the bare basics of survival and I suppose that is the anxiety manifesting itself. It's weird as I have never suffered anxiety before like that.
Crochet has been an excellent antidote.
I am amazed at how productive you are with your crafts. Thank you for sharing all the things you make. Your projects inspire me with new ideas and motivation.
You make such pretty things, like the play blanket. It's so cute! I really can't tell much difference in our lifestyle now because of COVID 19. We are such homebodies anyway. I do miss getting together with my daughters and my sister, and looking around in thrift stores. Hope the storm doesn't get too bad. It's good that you enjoy crafts and cooking. Take cae.
ReplyDeleteI would love to look out my window and see those beautiful sheep. Your baby gifts are so wonderful. Staying safe is so important, yet so many people in my country are not being smart, so they endanger everyone. Please take care.
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteHow on earth did I miss that you live in England? In my mind you lived in USA! I am enlightened. ~smile~
I like the toys you added. What kind of ring do you use for the teething rings? They're adorable! I'd love to make something like that for a baby gift. I assume that the fabric is cotton?
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
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ReplyDeleteWe've had some windy days here too in Suffolk but very hot, and so our garden is dry as dust. Hubby has watered most evenings. And you continue to make and sew like me, what do people who don't sew or craft do in this lock down, its keeping me going.
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