Memorial Wall at the National Aboretum, RTTW 2013

 We joined bikers across the UK, for this annual RTTW, at National Arboretum, 

this being their 6th year and our 1st time. 

 High on the raised area, not alot of chatter, just quiet thought.

 Each side, in the centre of these walls

 Poppies laid every where for remembrance, of units and individuals.

 The quietest part of the wall, nobody stopped, just walked past this spot, but for me it was the most thoughtful. There are no names here, the most recent have been added and here is space for the names of those to fall in our future. We live in a terrible world, and this part waits for sons, daughters and loved ones to be taken from us.

 Kev at the Guards wall, he is ex Welsh Guards, and the railing were taken from Chelsea barracks and placed here, with all 5 Guards badges displayed, The tiles at his feet are made from stone from all over UK. as planned more ex Guards met at this memorial, it was great to sit and hear them all catch up with each other.

 Above is at the service station along M40, where we joined the ride of respect towards the wall, on our route as we passed service stations loads more bikers waited to join us and below, just one large bike park in a huge field, it was fantastic to be apart of this ride.

 Loads of interesting displays all day, below The Red Devils coming into land after a breath taking display.

There are hundreds of tree's planted, our native tree's, with benches every where, with over 20,000 people on site we often felt alone, we sat listening to the events around us. Last year the event raised £72,000 for charity, so fingers crossed they have done well this year.

We stayed close to the site last night in a hotel, we were both very tired, you do alot of walking here, I did take my cross stitch and managed to do some, photo's next time.
I hope you enjoyed this post, for me it was a very special day.

Super quickie

Our tree has been trimmed, 

and it's looking good as is the rest of the garden.

 Shame the guy came in the morning instead of the afternoon as booked, our mad cat woman next door went off on a mad rant and accused him of damaging her plant. He did have a laugh with us, but agreed she is off her rocker. Oh well PC Bob agreed and went to have a word with her, so sad when you have neighbours like them.

The bike is out, we are away for the weekend, photo's on Monday, weather is looking dry and warm.

Paula, Purdey had a kidney infection, she is well now, but we will keep an eye on her.
Su has had her plaster off and is wearing a huge boot for the next four weeks, which supports her foot when walking, plus she can remove it to shower and bathe, today she is much happier.

Enjoy your weekend.

New start

I saw this last year on a blog, 

but the lady was not able to say where she found the pattern, and then a couple of weeks ago I found it on Pintrest, a set of 4 postcards. I have had to choose the colours myself, most are true, except the gold around the stamp. I purchased it from a recent trip to an old cotton mill and have wanted to use it.

 Another two squares on Grand Marquoir, just over 10 to go, I have some interesting squares to stitch on the bottom panel.

 My new chair has arrived, it is perfect for stitching as well as lazy evenings watching TV, Kev's is not built yet, his large recliner will go this weekend, the room already looks much better with small seating in. The stool is perfect, just the right height, can't wait until Sam claims it.

 Hubby has finished all the ground work, 

we are very pleased with the result, on Monday I have the day off and if it's not raining I want to sort my flower bed, it's much bigger, I want to spread out the plants and I have loads of bulbs to plant. Tomorrow the guy should be here to trim the tree, but the heavy rain is due.

 Grace sat on the wall watching me, nice to get this close to her, 

she is a pretty kitty.
Purdey went back to the vets, but now is on the mend, she had me worried for a while.

We have had another busy week, the garden took up most of the weekend, plus visits to daughter Su, who has her foot to knee in plaster, falling off high heels.
Saturday I took Josh and Sam out for chocolate cake and pop, plus a trip to the local book shop, loads of laughter and fun.
I have Friday off, Su has another hospital appointment and another x-ray, mum's taxi is booked again, fingers crossed she is on the mend.
Work is good, very busy, just finished my first 3 months, I am now permanent staff, but on a yearly contract, but my boss is very keen to keep me on.

So happy part of Hampshire here, looking forward to a good weekend away, camera is ready for hundreds of photo's, will blog about it on Monday, enjoy your weekend.

About time

I know it's just over 2 squares, but I enjoyed stitching

 So far so good, just 12 squares to go

 Up close, because this does look good.

This is for Fliss my daughter, not sure how she wants it finished. 

  I love every thing about this, the material colour, which was in my stash and the silk colour. These close up just show how perfect it all goes together. 

I have seen this mainly in Red on White, 

but one lady did it using bright primary colours

Our weather is dry and warm afternoon sun, which is a nice way to end to September. There has been alot of foggy mornings but we are missing most of it. Fingers crossed the weekend weather is good, get the garden path finished, and then we can plan more gentle projects.
Paula, not blue in the sitting room, it's not the sunniest of rooms, thinking more sage greenish, two shades.

I have enough tomatoes for chutney, will make two types, one with chilli and the other with apples and onions, but not tonight I hope to stitch again, hubby is away and I am having Pizza and relax.

Purdey is looking much better, still not quiet herself, but much better, she was lazing in the sun when I got home from work, which was very pleasing.