This And That

 We had a few days of snow, which made for a beautiful Winter Wonderland.  It was a treat to wake up and see everywhere white and untouched.  A delight to know that the gritter had been by so it would be relatively safe to drive if needed.

The storm did bring with it some strong winds which knocked down most of our gates and a window in the outbuilding.  More jobs to add to the list once the weather picks up.  As you can see from the photo, the windows are in dire need of cleaning.  Top of the list for when the weather calms down.  The snow didn't last long but it was fun to reminisce about snow days when our daughters were younger and the fun we had when they didn't have to go to school.

The mornings are bringing some stunning skies, along with some substantial rain but not a problem when we don't have to go out.  We are warm and cosy with the stove lit and have plenty of hobbies to keep us busy.  We do feel blessed and are thankful for our craft supplies.

Work on the dolls house continues, the lighting is now in place.  The roof and ridge tile is now complete.  We have started to explore the flooring and decoration, doing a little research in the process.  It is so nice working together on something.  We have also made plans and the inevitable list for the garden.

Work on the 'doorstep blessings' continue.  I have made some tissue holders and lavender bags for this weeks contribution.

The idea is to let the recipient know they are not alone and are been thought of during this time of Covid.  It is a Church initiative that I am supporting.  It is in itself a gift for me too as it is giving me something to work on.  I didn't do any baking this week as I am trying to lose a few pounds and it is too much of a temptation to have goodies in the cake tin.  Chicken and fish has featured in a lot of our meals this week thus far, with plenty of vegetables and salad.  We have a healthy balanced diet in the main but of late a lack of exercise is becoming  a problem.  At least we are aware of it and can make a few changes.  Has the lockdown made a difference to you with your weight?

The baby blanket nears completion, the squares are now complete.  It needs to be stitched together and the ends sewn in.  Finally the border will complete it.  I must admit it has been a joy to sit and crochet a couple of squares a day, it was quite amazing how quickly it grew.  I do like to have a crochet project on the go.

What are you working on?

Hope all is well with you and that you are able to keep yourself amused in these difficult times.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

The Beauty That Surrounds Us

 I have been missing in action for awhile sadly, I have been nursing a case of self pity.  I gave into a dose of it over the new year celebrations or lack of them and it has taken me awhile to get my head out of the doldrums.  Normal services will resume now that I am back to been thankful for everything that I have and do recognise that we are luckier than most of the UK as living on this beautiful Island makes us tier 3 whilst mainland Scotland is in enhanced tier 4 along with England, which means yet again lockdown for most.  Whilst I am thankful for the technology that keeps us all together, particularly family it is not quite the same as seeing them and giving those amazing grandchildren of ours a huge hug.  I am clinging to the HOPE that the vaccine will help bring the day nearer that we will see them.

Anyway onwards and upwards, another chapter begins...

I have been asked by our Grandson to help him with his school project which he is doing on Scotland and living life on an Island.  We are both excited about it and have been making plans of little videos he wants me to make.  He has such faith in my capabilities with technology, I can but try.

I have had fun helping with the Church calendar.

I have made a start on a crochet project, a baby blanket.  The plan is to crochet 2 squares a day and so far I have stuck to this and I have enjoyed the process.

It is also my intention to give the craft room a good sort out and finish any projects left unfinished.  I suspect there might be one or two, but in fairness I do not recall anything in particular.  I want to have a sort out so that I know what craft materials that I have.  It is my intention to use everything out of the stock cupboard before I purchase more. 

I have already made a start with the art stock.  It was a joy to open a few additions on Christmas morning.  Water colour pencils have been added to try in my journals.  Along with craft books which are always a pleasure.

I was so blessed at Christmas it would be impossible to make a list of everything, but I was truly thankful for each and everyone who sent me cards, gifts and messages both by email and post.  I feel humbled by this amazing blogging community and the generosity of its members.

To finish I would like to share the beautiful sky that we had yesterday morning.  It was a bleak, dreary what locals would call a dreich day but when I pulled back the curtains I was met with this:

The last picture a bit of a blur, but blogger won't let me take it off.

I was met with such beauty, so in the grand scheme of things what have I got to be downhearted about?  I need to stay focused on what I have and what I can do not wallow in what I can't.  Hope all is well with everyone and that you are coping with the lockdown or whatever the restrictions are in your part of the World.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.