Hippos and roses – a day of two halves

Yesterday was crisp and sparkling, so I decided to take the Newfies up to Blackdown Rings – an Iron Age Hill fort just north of Loddiswell – about 20 minutes from home.  The views from the top are stunning, you can see for miles and miles… 

walk01

 Though Ben and Daisy quickly lose interest – they’re eager to hurry along to their favourite part of this walk…  Soon after their invasion in 1066 the Normans built a motte and bailey castle on top of the old iron age earthworks and although all traces of their building have long since vanished (it would have been a wooden structure) a whole series of pits and hollows remain …..

walk03

 Which in the winter months fill with clear, fresh peaty rainwater.  THIS is what the Newfies adore.  

walk02

I think Daisy in particular has been watching too many nature programmes!  I am sure she’s pretending to be a hippo – and of course she isn’t content with swimming around once, but has to go back and do it all over again just to make sure I’m watching her!  

And yes, that is a brisk and bitter wind you can hear throughout this video – very sorry about that!  It was just a bit chilly down in the shelter of our village, but very cold indeed up on Blackdown Rings with a bitter north-westerly blowing straight from Dartmoor!  I was very pleased to return home, and begin work on the new blind for my kitchen window.  I’m redecorating, as you know, in honour of Rosie & Dan’s wedding.  My Cornishware jars look very pleased with their newly refurbished home ….

Kitchen redec well under way!

When I went into Kingsbridge to purchase header tape and blind cord for my blind, I was delighted to find 3 1/2 yards of vintage Sanderson fabric – the same that my parents had for their bedroom curtains way back in time!  And for just £5!  So I snapped it up – it works brilliantly with my pink gingham ….

Kitchen redec well under way!

I’m using it for a trim down the sides – and also for the lining – my blind will look just as pretty from the outside as in.  It’s still a work in progress, but I’ll be sure to show you when it’s done.

Kitchen redec well under way!

Perfect to show off on Rosie’s wedding day!

4 Comments

The views are amazing! I’m sure you had your work cut out for you wiping paws when you got home though:)
Love all the roses in your kitchen: I’m sure everything will look beautiful in time for the wedding.
Speaking of roses, I just adore the rose applique in the latest issue. I may have to tackle that if I can get to grips with my free motion foot.
Have a wonderful day:)

Jenn @JennsCraftyWorld

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I enjoyed the pictures from Blackdown Rings and found the history shared very interesting. I love history and you’re certainly surrounded by fascinating places…
The redecorating of your lovely home is very inspiring, and although I have nothing as exciting as a wedding to encourage me, I’m hoping to do a bit of ‘polishing up’ as spring approaches. I’m looking forward to seeing your blind, as I’ve never attempted to make one but would love to try. Beautiful fabric, by the way!
X Linda

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