Renovations.

Our old front door worked very well for a while... until it stopped working (a couple of years ago). Now we have a new one, it even opens.
And a dark, blank wall has given us a view.

Hugo's family portrait - some of us are naked (Jonno and Archie) - some of us are not (Kate and Hugo).

I am loving our renovations getting into full swing. It is hard to do anything at the moment as every time I turn around there is a new door or window or wall. The electrician is here, I had better go and pretend to put a knife in a powerpoint near him... or maybe not.

Painting and Drawing.

Busy boy.

A very unfinished 'Rolling Boulders'.
And Hugo's 'The Whole Family'.

A little crochet brooch made last night while watching 'Larkrise to Candleford'.

Today I had some time to myself so I started getting tucked into a new painting that is going to be auctioned off at the school ball. I had completely forgotten how long it takes to paint something. A whole day and I am still only part way through.

Now it would be my pleasure to write and write about something interesting however, the cat has vomited next to my bag and I must clean it up before paper planes fly into it. Archie very bravely made a start voluntarily (!!!) but started gagging half way through. I am so proud he took it onto himself to deal with it though. Gloves on.

The Last Roses.

I made myself begin pruning the roses today. The rose above 'General Galliani' is always so hard to cut into as it produces year round flowers that get smaller and creamier as time goes on. I had to remind myself how big, fat and raspberry red they will be in the spring and forced my secateurs into action.

And here are a few sneaky peeks of a table I am renovating. The oilcloth was tacked on with little thumb tacks that were extremely fiddly. I then solved the problem by sticking a piece of blue tack on to the hammer, wedging the thumb tack in and giving an almighty whack. One hit and it went all the way in. Have a cosy Sunday night, xxooxxooxx.

A Morning.

We have had a very quiet and dare I say, peaceful morning. Hugo watched the cows walk past and struck up as many conversations as he could, all the while playing with his farm set in the mud. Archie took on the challenge of learning to sew, making Hugo a stocking which he then embroidered. I sat down next to my big boy and continued with my new sport of tucking tails.

So, so, so nice... particularly as we were off to a very exhausted and slightly cranky beginning to the holidays. Yesterday I didn't even realise this would be possible. But it is!!!

Pippi Longstocking... By Rose.

My niece has been reading my copy of the Lauren Child illustrated, 'Pippi Longstocking' and she drew me this beautiful picture. It is now officially one of my all time favourite things in this world. I want to keep it forever. Even when she is famous.

At the moment it is resting on the desk but I think it will have to go up on my bedroom wall.

Right now I am tucking in millions of tails,

And thinking about the sorts of bodies I need to give to little heads like this.

AND making ginger crunch.

And trying not to eat too much.

The Doctor and the Rabbit.

This almost rabbit is not quite finished but as you can see, it has some severe medical problems (aside from having no legs and arms yet).
Thank goodness for Dr. Hugo. He just does look so reliable doesn't he???

Little hands working out what to do.

Some good light is needed and a quick examination.

That's the way, stuff all of the intestines back in.

Fixed.

The Old French Cupboard.

My new cupboard sitting patiently in the shed while we finish our renovations.
It will eventually be the toy cupboard. I love the wire on it but not all of the boy's toys are as appealing as the wooden ship up top.

So, I decided to make curtains for inside the doors. Hugo wanted to keep birds in there so I thought the fabric pictured above from Ink and Spindle would do the job.

I think it worked.

Wahoo - I achieved something creative and practical.

Have a warm and cosy Sunday night! xxooxxooxx.