Colour

I really enjoyed 'The difference a day makes'

and have just started 'Wrapped up in you'

 I have purchased these lovely primary colour cottons

these will be used for the backs of my bunting

Two packs of small winter pansies

18 plants for around the plot

 My cyclamen are way behind

so these 6 will cheer my pots up.

Yesterday was a stormy day, we did get a few sunny spells, but most of the time it rained. So we popped out for a few items, and to start looking at Christmas gifts. I shop early to avoid all the rushing around crowded shops nearer to the big day.
The plants above have been added to my stash list, with a couple of spray pots another £15 was spent.
The fabrics came out of my Christmas fund, as these cottons will be used in making our grand sons bunting for part of their presents, I did get more than I require but some will be used for lining bags, I will also use some patterned designs from my stash. I have in my mind how I will make them, it's just a case of getting started. I also got a few smaller zips so I can make a couple of small bags, these as well will be part of Christmas presents.
Last night I had a go at putting my Christmas cards together, I do like to make most of mine. Back in the spring I used loads of silver card for our daughters wedding invites, I purchased packs of mixed silver and gold, so for my Christmas cards I will use all the gold card I have.
We are watching a couple of small camper van's on sale on various sites, we both agree it would be fun to be able to have loads of weekends away together, we are not in any hurry, but will keep an eye on what's about. This afternoon we will pop and see one, not sure if this is the one.
Later I will plant my pots photo's next time, now I have housework to sort.

Back to real life

My stash list is not great reading 

after my shopping trip with my sister

I've saved £165.25 on last years spend so far

It's going to be hard to hit the target of £200

I have about £25 left for the year.

To cheer myself up, I picked a few flowers from the garden

The sweet peas scent is beautiful, lovely colours

 The plant from Tenerife is doing well

Taken from the top, it looks much brighter now. I held the clear cup which formed the top beside the plant to see how much it has grown. Because it was filling the clear top, I got some clear plastic and made a ring around the plant, and the put the clear top back on. I won't do anything with this for a few weeks, other than leave it on our sunny windowsill. I want the plant to get stronger before I think of re-potting it. 

 I managed to do a bit of stitching, I have completed two more boxes

just need to fill them now

I will wait and do December's box when I see the design, I am thinking if the design is Christmasy (is that a word), I will do the box in a different colour. I am hoping my daughter will like this stitching, I would like to frame it and put on the nursery wall, but only if she likes it, if not I'm not sure what to do with it. 

How quickly has September flown by, our garden is slowly going over, having a week away did not help, no dead heading done. The outside tomatoes have been removed, they were looking past their best, the plant in the greenhouse has loads of flowers on, so I am still feeding them, I can only hope they grow, they produce a small fruit.
I love all the seasons for different reasons, Autumn is the time for coming home in the rain and into a warm dry house, because our climate is changing the leaves stay on the tree's longer, and the russet colours are stunning. We also turn our minds to the glitter of Christmas, whilst I love the glitter again we will have our much smaller budget, and have a family celebration, after all that's what Christmas is about, sharing with those you love, enjoying happy times.

Last look

We spent a day in the Parque Nacional, and El Teide

The air up here was thinner, so not too much walking around

we took a guided tour by coach, and learn't loads of interesting information

 The volcano in the back ground is the highest point on the island
It last erupted back in 1909, and now is dormant 

everywhere was barren, this location is often used in films depicting other worlds

They also make Audi car advert's here, the roads are long and straight. 

 We traveled down towards the south side of the mountains 

at this point we are above the cloud line, 

it was just like you see from an airplane window.

 Very surreal, but stunning
so clean, white, fluffy and huge

 The peak of El Teide, way above the cloud level

 We travelling through the cloud

the pine forest was like this most of the way down 

 It felt as if it was a set on Hammer House of Horror

Later in our week
We went to Jardin de Aclimatacion

it was created in 1792 to collect different species of tree's and vegetation. 

 Just a few photo's of the stunning things growing there

 What a wonderful water feature

 The tree's are huge and up to 200 years old

Most of the plants are past their flowering stage, but it was a beautiful place, loads to see, a pleasant afternoon with loads of shade. Hubby and I took loads of photo's on both locations.

So now back to normal routine, work and home. It's much cooler but as yet no heating on at home, I am hoping not before the weekend, when it will be October, we do not have a working gas fire in our sitting area, and I won't use our electric fan, so if we feel cold the heating has to be used. we have put our thicker quilt on the bed, I do love the weight of the quilt, keeps us both warm.
My thoughts are turning to Christmas presents, I have asked Dawn for help, she is doing me some names for making bunting and also a book cushion for our grandsons, Once I have the material with the letters on, I can make the bunting for their bedroom. I have a couple of bags to make, and a couple of small makeup/craft pouches. I am also thinking of picking up my cross stitch, I am a couple of months behind with my Joyful World and I want to finish my Christmas Tree.

Back home

We arrived home last night,

 our SIL had to drive through heavy rain on our way home from Gatwick

This post is the crafty side of our holiday

I got these so very cheaply, these are mine

I also got some for my sister.

 Yarn bombing

 Taken to a new level, granny squares at their best

 We also went to La Orotava

where lace is hand made

 I love to see this work

 So fine, this was a table cloth

 Old photo of ladies working together

 My other love plants

This came home with me

 It's looking good after the journey,

now to nurture it and let it grow. 

It's on my sunny windowsill

We had a great week on Tenerife, spent most of our time resting and reading, I got through 4 books by Erica James, The Real Katie Lavender, The Hidden Cottage, Summer at the Lake and Paradise House.
We did loads of walking all down hill, with taxi's back to our hotel. Puerto de la Cruz is the oldest resort on the island and lovely to visit. The coast line is rugged, often tumbling down to the sea, where the waves crashing against rocks sound and look amazing. Our hotel on the edge of town, high on the hill side gave us wonderful views of the mountain, volcano and the shore line. We ate out most days, enjoying the Continental way of people watching.
I got packet of seeds, to give me new challenges, I have had a tour of my garden, all is looking well, the rain last night has helped everything along. I picked a small bowl of tomatoes, and have loads of peppers and chillies almost ready for harvest. The contents of my green house are all looking great, a nice watering this morning set every thing going again.

Both Purdy and Grace are pleased to see us back home, our youngest daughter has been looking after them both.

Whilst away we got the happy news we have another grand son on the way, due is February 2017, daughter had her 20 week scan, which gave them the sex of their baby and confirmation all is well. With the cost associated with having a baby these days, it's sensible to know in advanced which sex it's going to be.