Today was the first fete of the season – at Aune Valley near Loddiswell. But this was to be no ordinary fete, oh no. Aune Valley is a local farm shop, so the emphasis was on local produce – beautifully displayed in a marquee festooned with bunting and balloons ……
We arrived early, so I was able to take these photos – just half an hour later and the marquee was packed. I am very fond of our local fruit juices – and rather like fruit scones too!
I love a savoury cream tea – soured cream and chilli jam from the South Devon Chilli Farm, whilst Rosie was very taken with the idea of presenting cup cakes in icecream wafer cones ..
But the most exciting part of the day was yet to come …..
Here to judge the children’s cake competition – and open the new Farm Shop cafe was the very famous …..
…. star of the Great British Bake Off – MARY BERRY!!! Her space was reserved ….
So while we awaited her arrival we sat on a sunny slope overlooking the valley and nibbled on some handmade fudge
And then Mary arrived. She was so pleasant and friendly, stopping to talk to lots of people and sign copies of her books too.
Looking just as lovely as she does on TV. Altogether a very exciting afternoon!
by Helen on March 23, 2013
Brrrr ….. I am reliably informed by my trusty radio that we are experiencing the coldest March for 50 years! It certainly feels like it – and just lately I have been wishing that I owned hamsters, gerbils, a goldfish or anything at all that doesn’t need a walk! But … I don’t and so, because I love my dogs, I wrapped up warm and we set off on our daily expedition. Ben’s paw is much improved – unlike the weather which was grey and misty with a biting wind – and both dogs were feeling very cheerful all wrapped up in their woolly black coats!
With no zips or buttons to let in the cold air! As we walked, the mist grew more dense ….
…. the air grew colder – and then we came to the muddy part of the path …..
… and it started to rain! So I regret to report that at this point I wimped out – and said to the newfs (who were revelling in the conditions – you can see here that Daisy is up to her knees in mud and ooze) “We’re going home now.” So we did … and I was delighted to return to my warm spot next to the Aga to thaw my frozen fingers and toes!
Can you spot the cushion on my chair? That’s from last month’s magazine – and very comfy it is too! Which sort of brings me to the second part of this post – what’s in the April magazine. Lots and lots is all I can say!
As well as all the Bustle & Sew projects, Rosie makes a welcome return with some totally scrumptious Creme Egg brownies for Easter, there’s an interview with the talented (and award-winning) Ruth Bowman of Flutter-by-Bears who also shares some bear-making tips – and loads more too. And as always, the end of the month is a great time to subscribe because for your first payment (just $1!) you will receive the March issue straight away – together with the April magazine when it’s published next week.
And your free copy of ” The Stitcher’s Companion too!”
Super-bargain time!! And perfect to snuggle down in the warm and enjoy – whilst planning your Easter stitching! To learn more and subscribe just CLICK HERE.
by Helen on January 14, 2013
Rosie came to visit this weekend and, after the vet advised that Daisy would be quite safe below the high water mark, where the beach is washed twice daily, and away from other dogs (her innoculations are not yet complete), we decided to introduce her to our very favourite beach … Lannacombe. Ben took charge …..
“OK, youngster …pay attention now – just watch and learn .. “
“Woooo ….. hoooo …… theees issss what you doooooo …….”
“Eeeeek, he’s a long way away … not too sure I can do that yet. Come back here Big Bro!”
“Nothing to worry about, little one … perhaps you’d rather roll around on the sand?”
“Pose nicely now … our humans love to take photos of us”
Soon Rosie was carrying a very sleepy baby dog back to the car.
And that was Daisy’s first trip to Lannacombe.
by Helen on November 27, 2012
At last the December issue of the Bustle & Sew Magazine is finished and safely uploaded. I’ve mixed Christmas projects with some for games and toys, as well as the Fantastic Fox cushion I showed you back at the beginning of the month. Publication day is Thursday, so not long to wait!
Ben always gets very bored and fidgety in magazine week. This is because I have to concentrate very hard on all the computer stuff, and so he does not receive the amount of attention that he feels is due to such a handsome animal as himself! But at last everything was done and I called him to get ready for an afternoon walk in the woods. He was anxious and eager to get going, bouncing all around the hall – and eventually surpassed himself by coming down heavily upon my foot…
.. and then refusing to move until I gave his big furry bum a good push! Ouch! But he was far too excited to care. It’s looking very wintry up in our woods. Most of the leaves have fallen, but at least the rain has finally stopped and I was able to catch a good shot through the trees….
The sun was low in the sky, so I didn’t delay to take more “artistic” snaps, but hurried on after my impatient friend who hates waiting for me to take photographs ….
But perhaps it’s just as well we did hurry along (although I was limping slightly!). When we emerged from the shelter of the woods into the path through the fields on the other side, this was the view we saw ….
And we made it home just in time before the heavens opened!
