And we are back!!

 It's been a while since I posted last, I really don't know where the time has gone or where my creativity has been but we are back from our camping adventure in South Wales, I'm tired but I feel refreshed and ready to get back into my work room (not relishing going back to the day job any time soon though!) Apart from the car being full of sand and needing a clean, all the camping gear is sorted and put away and the house is sort of up together..........I think we are finally back to normal!
 

Lots of beautiful walking for me and the dogs

Rock climbing for the kids under safe tuition from my brother who has been doing this for most of his life, tears and wobbles but huge sense of satisfaction at having done it and they wanted to do it again!!

And Barnaby turned into a mountain goat I think!

Lots of fun had by all on the beach, the camp site was virtually on the beach too!

And the weather was with us all the way....what more could we want??

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud!

I've just returned from my favourite event of every year.....The Larmer Tree Festival. Glorious weather for the first few days and then the rains came, but the festivities continued and the music was as good as ever.

 We pitched our tent in lovely sunshine overlooking the Dorset/Hampshire downs, I love being up here and on a good day you can see as far as the Isle of Wight!

The trees were suitably decorated as usual and this year there were 9 permanent little woodland doors placed in memory of special people associated with the Larmer Tree festival, I only managed to find 3 though!

Alice and Lauren all togged up for 50's revival night at Saturday dress up, the wellies were the finishing touch! and as I was working on the gate I decided to go as me!....a product of the 50's in my 50's thought that would have to do!

Waiting for one on the bands on the main stage
All was well and then on my shift at the main gate the heavens opened........

My colleagues at the gate...still smiling!

And then this happened..........

 Wellies are definately the fashion item of the day.... But a wonderful time had by all and I'm told we haven't got as bad as Glastonbury yet!!

Nearly finished!

I know I've been a bit behind in keeping news up to date but I have been productive...honest! My workroom is in real need of a good sort out and all the unfinished projects need a priority order but I have nearly finished the costume for the little Jumeau 'Intrepide'.

Just need to to finish off all the trims and style her wig.

Updating club blog.....

I've spent a bit of time today updating our club blog www.gdssouthernbelles.blogspot.com. We did get a bit behind in keeping it up!

Tableau by our Chairperson Jean

The Southern Belles have been going strong since 1993 and I am a little bit proud as the only remaining founder member that we are still such a strong doll club. and at a recent convention the Southern Belles did rather well in the competition......I'm feeling a bit like Mother hen!

Top prize winner by member Elaine - well done Elaine

My Baby turned 14........where did the years go?

My little girl turned 14 yesterday, I still can't believe where the time has gone........Still I think she had a lovely party with her friends, we had a day of sunshine and.......downpours! a bit of a soggy picnic and I'm rather glad I didn't fuss too much about the housework beforehand as the garden is now firmly walked into the house!!

And Happy Fathers day to my dear old Dad, my parents made the effort to travel from Devon to wish their Grandaughter a Happy Birthday. I love you all!

Time flies..........

It's been a very busy few weeks, but we have been out a bit and my longstanding renovation work on this house is very little by little getting sorted..........
It has been Salisbury festival over the past few weeks and we have enjoyed both the opening ceremony and the closing with a few events in between.

 Aerial ballet way above the Market Square in town against the darkening evening sky, simply stunning

 And the closing ceremony in the cathedral grounds...enjoying the music from several bands and up for a boogie!

And of course the closing firework display.....All in all a lovely time had by all! (and the weather was good too!)

What a lovely day............

Birthday flowers.

It's my Birthday, not that I'm counting any more but I have just had a simply lovely day. The weather has been beautiful and sunny despite forecasts for rain. I've been for a lovely long walk with my two favourite boys, I've been rummaging in my fabrics and laces to find the right colour for this 16"Jumeau I made last year, A naughty treat (A custard tart) for lunch and the day isn't over yet, my daughter informs me we have to go to my friends up the road at 5.30 but she won't say why......I've got a pretty good idea though!

I'm so lucky to live right in the English countryside

Alfie did try to bring half a tree home, he was a little upset with me when I made him leave it at the gate!

Barnaby at the watering hole.

16" Jumeau 'Intrepide' ready to dress

This 2 way Thai silk looks lovely on her, matching her eyes just right!

And some antique lace to finish off, looking forward to getting started on designing and making her dress.

Struggling......

 I am really struggling to get back to normal after our wonderful holiday, so tired and the time is just wizzing by! I did get my goodies that I bought while away into my workroom, no idea what these will end up as but I liked them.......

I think a few oriental doll costumes, or things with an oriental theme!

The Batik will probably decorate some summer outdoor tables when the garden is sorted out.

My biggest sadness at the moment is the loss of the 500 odd photos i took of our holiday, it seams the memory card was corrupted. They are in the hands of an expert right now to see if they can be saved I do hope so........



We're back!!

 I'm so sorry to have been away for so long but we have had such a wonderful time. We've been holidaying in Malaysia but mainly being there for the wedding of my lovely niece Kate to Rowan. Malaysia was the place of choice so that family and friends from both UK and Australia and the Philipines could all be there.Is there a more perfect setting for such a (not so royal ) wedding?

 This is the first of the official photos, we haven't seen any more yet.....I think they will be quite dramatic!

 Proud Grandpa with his two grandaughters, Kate, my sisters daughter, and Alice, my little girl all grown up!



 The island of Langkawi, is simply beautiful.

Winter Ramblings.......

 

After complaining about the weather I have just been on a lovely long walk with Barnaby...... and the sunshine has been glorious and faintly warming and I feel a whole lot better for the exercise and the vitamin D!

I am very fortunate to live in a lovely part of theUK. Old Sarum is an ancient manmade fortress built 2000 years ago when the Romans were here. you can find out more here

 Salisbury Cathedral from Old Sarum

 

March is here....please let it be Spring!!

It's been a long old Winter here in Wiltshire, I'm really hoping we have turned the corner now, more daylight and more sunshine let alone warmer temperatures. and there is evidence.......

  

I've had a busy few weeks, sorry I haven't posted but I haven't made anything to show you all yet. I had two weeks away from work but as usual having been back for a week it feels like I never was away........how is that? BUT...I have much more space in my workroom, I had a coffee morning and redistributed a lot of doll making stuff and it feels good too apart from having a great time just chatting and talking dollies, wish I had remembered my camera!

  

Then we had half term week which was full on from day one, trip down to the grandparents in Devon, meeting up with old friends and day trips to the beach and the shops!

I have been doing a bit of stitchery, my lovely niece is getting married in April so I have started a crazy quilted photo album cover all in silk which is a bit tricky to photograph in poor light with out all the reflections, I'll post updates as I achieve a bit more.