In 1509....

... Henry VIII became King.  Did you know that? I'd imagine a number of you did.

I like dates, being a History teacher.  I also like mugs.  The other day I dropped one of my favourites.  One which bore the above fact, and which was given to me as a gift from a colleague after organising and executing (excuse the pun!) a school trip to the Tower of London.

Picture taken from the HRP shop

Many who know me and my family would say that it's not really a big shame to have one fewer mug in the cupboard, but I like that so many of them are of particular sentimental value.  So, I thought I'd share the date, and remember my lovely mug!

In a similar vein, and knowing me well, Al made me this mug for a birthday or Christmas past...

It has run a little in the dishwasher after many uses, but it has a comprehensive list of all the Kings and Queens of England and Britain from 829 to present day.  It's quirky, and I like it.  (Incidentally if you want one, you can buy these particular ones on the website where Al designed it!)

Today I made potatoes gratin à la Julia Child (have you seen Julie and Julia? I do so love that film!).  I thought I should be 'good' and try out another recipe, as I can tend to stick with a few meals that I know well.  It was yummy though- I recommend it.  We had it as a main meal rather than a side, and I cooked the version with eggs and ham (using the second half of a smoked gammon joint I'd frozen a week or so back).  Simple, thrifty and tasty!

This afternoon was one of those beautiful, cold and clear ones that smelt of the approaching spring.  There's something about seeing sunlight streaming in the windows that lifts the spirit, and Elysée loves any opportunity to race around the garden.  Lovely.

I'm now on my last centimetre or two of the hood on my cabled cardi, and then begins the long task of sewing it up, weaving in the ends and doing the borders.  I wonder if I can finish it tonight... 

Enjoy your evening, whatever you're doing!

Cx

Is spring approaching?

Today was another beautiful day.  It makes such a difference to how you feel doesn't? I certainly feel cheered by the blue sky and aeroplane tracks.  That was especially nice after a night when my toddler woke up a number of times (teeth/cold/just because?!)

We have some beautiful flowers starting to spring up around the edge of our garden- most notably Snowdrops...

And Crocuses (croci?).

In keeping with the cheery weather and spring-like feel, I've been trying to finish off a project that I started last summer! (very remiss- I am usually quite good about finishing one thing before starting the next... well, within reason!).  This project is the Bird Mobile from the Cath Kidston Sew! book.

I thought that this would make a lovely little addition for hanging above the crib for when the little one puts in her appearance.  I'm also making another one in tandem for the shop.

In other news, I had to undo about 60 rows of my cable knit cardi (grr!) because I'd been inaccurate in measuring my arm holes. Oh well, you live and learn... I'm almost back to where I was before I undid it all...

I made some lovely "Coffee Kisses"- recipe c/o my Nanna, which made for a delightful Crafternoon with one of my friends yesterday...

I can post the recipe if anyone would like it.

And, isn't this a lovely mug? My Dad gave it to me- he'd been given in as an "anniversary edition" for his school, but they have lots of mugs at home, and I was rather taken by the classic Emma Bridgewater shape and design.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend.