Nearly a new year.

Finally....back, and upright, after a horrible flu-ey cold/cough that hit on Boxing Day.

I'm so thankful it stayed away for Christmas day.

We had lovely times, starting with the early Communion service at our little tiny church in the valley, family with grandson on Christmas Eve , arriving with a luxurious hamper full of Cornish goodies. More family on Christmas Day ,with grandaughter, arriving with half the meal and an extra friend who was suddenly alone for the day!

These exquisite roses arrived from family up in Stockport, and below is a very poor photo of the hamper, taken in the evening. As you see.

How generous our children are. My very sensible daughter, knowing I do not need any more 'THINGS', sent us a voucher for the theatre in Truro, so we look forward to choosing a concert. I had the extra pleasure of being able to Skype with her on Christmas day, now I've found the webcam.

And the Christmas cards! I'm going to sit and go through them soon and give myself time to appreciate them.

Nearly a New Year, may it be a happy and peaceful one for us all.

Christmas

I send my warmest wishes for a truly blessed Christmas time to all my friends, wherever they may be.

I'll be back after the holiday.

May the peace of Christ be with you in this busy time.

Candles and things.

Referring to my last post on memories of childhood Christmas preparations, Floss asked me about candles on our tree.

I've had to search places like Ebay to find photos of the candle holders, but these are pretty much what we had to hold our candles.

These are the holders that clipped on to the branches.

Floss, we did very occasionally have the candles lit, but only with a grown-up standing by. How magical it was.

As these were the post war years, all our gifts were home made, as were our cards, and I remember spending hours doing little sewing projects, and rushing to Grandma to get needles threaded and wool untangled.

On Christmas Eve our little wooden crib came out, with all the characters. the straw had to be found to make the stable look right, and then, all was done.

All the traditions had been observed.

This year my 24 year old grandaughter will be with us, and has already mentioned the Monopoly tradition!

A pause in Advent, 3

Linking with Floss in A pause in Advent,

and thinking about Preparation.

Preparing for Christmas, for us as children meant;

the whispering,

the list making,

the muddly wrapping up of little parcels, then hidden in a wardrobe,

the making of cards for all the family, covered in glitter,

The searching out of big woolly stockings to hang at the end of the bed,

Decorating the pine tree that somehow just arrived, and we even had real candles in little tin holders,

sitting by a log fire with only the tree lights glowing,

The singing of Carols with my aunt playing the piano,

The waiting. The hoping.

The scents, the scents of pine branches, of oranges, of the one cigar that my grandfather smoked in a year.

The preparing ourselves for that wonderful season of Christmas.

Oh, to return just for a moment to those innocent days.

Deep sadness.

There are no words.

Presentations.

Our Church is in its Interregnum period, waiting for the appointment of a new Vicar. Similarly, our church in France went through the this, and I know from experience what a responsibility lies with the church council and churchwardens in their choices.

Today the whole church was invited to listen to presentations by three shortlisted Vicars.

How different they all were.

Each one came from a different area, one from a large town parish, another from a smaller area. It cannot have been easy to face a church full of people, all of whom were probably making notes as to the spirituality of their talk, their family situations, their availability etc. Not to mention checking out their clothing, haircuts and so on.

Each one did a ten minute talk and then answered questions from the congregation.

This afternoon they were shown around the parish, and tomorrow there will be in-depth interviews.

We wait with bated breath.

(As Michel Roux on Masterchef often says, 'I know which one I want')

On the Piazza.

The annual Primestock show took place in Truro this week. I think it is one of the  few cities where the 'animals come to town'. The show is held in huge marquees on the Piazza, which is a large open space bordered by the river on one side, and shops on the others.

As we arrived we were intrigued to see a separate tent given over to beautifying the cattle. Hairdryers were buzzing, combs were tidying tails, and the animals were looking very smart.

Below are the sheep having been judged.

It's a day when people come from far and wide to view the cattle. There are stands of farm produce, floral art, crafts and photography. Later there is a fundraising auction for a farming charity.

I think this one was Champion of the show!

Since 1902 the Primestock show has been part of Truro's history, and was for some years held within the City Hall. Then in 1985 Health and Safety regulations came into play and it had to be moved.

In 2002 the Piazza was adopted as its final showplace, with parking nearby making it easy for everyone to enjoy this farming tradition.

A pause in Advent 2.

Today is the second Sunday in Advent.

If you have the traditional Advent wreath in your church you will see that a purple candle, often known as the Bethlehem candle, has been lit.

It reminds us that it was a King who was born in Bethlehem, however lowly his place of birth was.

It is the candle of love and peace.

Our prayers are so much for world peace and harmony between nations.

Christmas wreath.

This is a slightly 'skewiff' photo of my homemade wreath--which cost me nothing to make.

Obviously I wasnt holding the camera straight....

I looked in the Garden centre and wasn't prepared to pay £12.99, so came home and cut back my Clematis montana. The long whippy stems were perfect for making the circle.

Then I cut some fir branches, tucked them in and secured them.

The glue gun came into play as I added bits and pieces.

There we are, cost- nothing. I have boxes of ribbon and bows, so it was easy to decorate.

Maybe I will now learn to take photos.

Parcels.

This week I had the pleasure of opening two parcels, both sent from the USA.

The first one contained a bag that I had ordered from Terri at Hearts in Service

 She is a crafter and I've often admired her Etsy shop. When this bag appeared in the shop I just knew it was for me! It's beautifully made and will be so useful.

The second parcel was a win! Amy at Pinehurst Cottage offered this little village on her giveaway, and to my surprise I won it.

It will look sweet amongst Christmas decorations.

Christmas workshop.

Our local quilting shop 'Coast and Country quilting' was running a series of one hour workshops yesterday. I can't normally get away for a full day, so that was perfect for me, especially as the workshop was on making Christmas things. Eight of us gathered together, were welcomed with coffee and cupcakes, and put to work.

I chose to make this dear little booklet, though there was a choice of Christmas decorations also..

All the materials were provided. All we had to take was our workbag with pins, thread, scissors etc. It was fiddly, but looks so sweet when finished, and is just right for putting a few Christmas recipes in to send to a friend.

Mine isn't quite finished yet. I think I'll try to make several of them as little gifts.

A pause in Advent

I'm linking today with Floss , who for some years has invited posts on our thoughts about the season of Advent.

I read an article in the Telegraph about Advent calendars recently. Apparently there are dozens of varieties, chocolate, candie canes, pockets full of goodies etc. You can send a Calendar to your child, to your aunt,

to your friend and to your pet.

They are even calendars called Countdown calendars to appeal to all faiths.

I didn't find one reference to the Christian meaning of Advent, a season when we prepare ourselves for Christ's coming as a baby into the world.

There is something very special about making one's own calendar, with  children.

Did you know that one of the first Advent calendars was produced in Germany in 1908, just a simple card with 24 pictures on. Later the pictures became doors to open to see the date. There were, in those days, Calendars with Bible verses.

I don't think chocolate figured much.

A meal with friends

It's not all that often that we go out to a restaurant for a meal, but this week we had a special offer of 50% off the total price at our local Table Table.

We were so very thrilled that our dear friend who has had a big operation, felt well enough to make her first outing with us.

She is doing amazingly well, waiting to hear if Radiotherapy is on the cards, praising for the blessings so far.

We went for an early sitting so that she wouldnt be tired, and enjoyed our time together.

She told me that every day she snuggles up on her sofa by the fire for a rest...with the 'comforting quilt' that I made for her . Her neighbour called in and wants one too!

I'm very happy that she likes it.

Wet, wet.....

Photo taken by Rick Carpenter

I've just been to the school with our group from Church, to take the 'Open the Book' assembly.

To get there I had to make a detour of several miles. The Church lies at the top of a hilly road, with a ford at the bottom. The ford, of course, receives all the torrents that hurtle down the hill, and is completely impassable.

I wasn't going to be like the many motorists I've seen on TV driving through feet of water and having to be rescued.

Everybody had managed to get there though one lady had taken 45 minutes...she lives 5 miles away.

The main road to Falmouth is closed due to flooding making parts of the creekside road unstable. Trees with overhanging branches are being cut back on the roads near us.

Time to build the Ark?

A little flood.

I heard this morning that our local Patchwork and Quilt shop is having to close for a couple of days, due to flooding.

Fortunately it isnt too bad, and they had enough warning to be able to move fabrics onto higher shelves.

They are called Coast and Country Crafts, situated between Truro and Falmouth. so if anyone was hoping to go to their sale today.....I'm afraid it isn't happening.

I do hope they haven't lost too much. It is a small shop, but crammed with wonderful things.

It's too easy.

It's all too easy.

Every time I open a newspaper I see advertisements for hampers, for deliveries of Christmas turkeys, salmon, cakes.........

You don't need to do anything except click a button on the computer, and pay of course, and wait for delivery.

What has happened to the joys of preparing things together?

My children and I used to make puddings at Half term, Novemberish. We'd buy the ingredients and have a sort of assembly line chopping prunes, grating lemons, mixing suet, and making a wish as we stirred.

And yes, we did add the sixpence, which I am reliably informed is now forbidden due to health and safety rules!

Off we'd go to the local butcher to order our turkey, which we would collect later.

Did we need the prawns, smoked salmon and oysters? No.

Simple joys, not to be forgotten.

Floods etc.

A friend of mine caught the last train out of Paddington to Cornwall this week. It travelled as far as Wiltshire, and then everyone had to alight and get on to a very small trian to Bristol. Standing room only meant that they were packed in like sardines.

Fortunately she was by a door, as when they reached Bristol it was announced that there would be a coach, first come-first served, to Exeter. She ran, and caught the coach but many were simply left behind.

They reached Exeter and took another train for Truro, which went very, very slowly due to the possibility of landslides.

She told me of the horror of looking out at the sheets of water, of broken river banks, of cars stuck in water.

She reached home by midnight. Apparently there have been people who have never made it home.

And there is more rain to come tomorrow.

Sadness for those people whose homes are ruined, who have lost a family member, who are marooned in a hotel because their homes are under water.

Thankfulness that our little home is on the high part of a close, very unlikely to ever be at risk.

City of Lights.

Last Friday was the scene of the 'City of Lights' festival in Truro.

It signals the switching on of the Christmas lights in the city, and is a tradition going back several years.

 The 'lights' are lanterns made from withy and tissue paper, fragile yet amazingly shaped. This year's theme was 'Kings and Queens', and you might recognize Queen Victoria below!

 The lanterns are made by professional artists and also by schoolchildren, who have one of the artists working in school on the chosen themes. The evening is attended by thousands of people every year.

I'm not sure who this was meant to represent!

You can judge how large these creations are. The nice thing is that many are kept from year to year, hanging in local galleries and other places to be enjoyed throught out the year.

Hobby Craft.

A new shop opened in Truro last month.

Hobby Craft!

I went there for the first time today, and was like a child in a sweet shop, open mouthed, amazed!

 I don't think I have ever seen such a collection of craft activities featured in this shop. There is something for just about every hobby possible! Even cookery utensils took up a wall of shelving.

The only thing I bought was a glue gun, as one does, but I could have had any amount of scrapbooking stuff, knitting wools, bridal favours, stamping things, artists materials....and on and on. It spreads over two floors, and you need a week to take it all in!

I shall definitely go back to look, probably not to buy, as I felt some of the things were very expensive, and with a bit of imagination one could use what one has to create the same things.

Now I have to create an Egyptian king's collar for School assembly,(using buttons from my tin rather than expensive shiny things temptingly arrayed on the shelves!)

Photos by Towan.

The greenhouse!

We ordered the greenhouse weeks ago, and have been waiting anxiously for it to arrive. Finally this week the day came when it was erected and glazed. The man who did it for us took most of the morning and was very careful. We chose a shatter proof glass in case of falls.

It seems quite large, 8 x 8 feet, but it will soon fill up with all the things my husband is planning to put there. I think he will spend a lot of time happily planting, thinking, planning and just enjoying his bit of the garden.

Eat-together Sunday

Twice a year our Church has what is called 'Eat together Sunday'. There are various families who act as hosts in their own homes, and anyone who wishes can sign up to be a guest.

In all there were around 120 people taking part yesterday, all grouped in tens or less. We were told who our host would be, and  asked to bring a dish and given guidance as to what would be suitable.

Mine was 'something with apples....and custard'.

So, no, Mrs Beeton didnt figure, but I didnt take any photos of the day itself.

Twelve of us meeting in a lovely home a few miles away, were treated to a choice of Beef Stroganoff or chicken, with roasted vegetables and jacket potatoes. This was followed by my Apple Crumble (with custard, naturally), and a wonderful chocolate roulade made by a new member that was gone in a flash! We also had fruit salad and cheese.

The meal was great, but the fellowship was even better. Twelve of us, some who hadn't met before, or had only vaguely seen each other at a service. It gave us a chance to chat, to get to know people more closely, and to eat a very good lunch!

...the best laid plans....

Well, they say that the best laid plans often don't work. Sadly we didnt get to the Christmas Fair.

Ill health intervened, and it was best to stay at home.

so all I can show you is the little lap quilt that I have made for a friend who is just home after a rather frightening operation.

I wanted it to be a comforter, something she could put over her knees while she rests, soft and cosy. I chose Moda colours which are gentle, and did it as a disappearing nine-patch design.

There are many imperfections, but I know she will only see the love and prayers which were stitched in.

Cowslip studios.

It's many years since I went on a six week quilting course at Cowslip Studios. Situated just outside Launceston, there are regular workshops, exhibitions and this weekend....the Christmas Fair.

There will be so many craft and sewing stalls that I won't know where to look.

PS, Edit; I'm only going to look, not to sell!

            I'll be there on Friday, and wondered if anyone else from the
                         Westcountry might also be there?

Disappearing 9 Patch

Helsie asked me how the Disappearing 9 patch worked, so I thought I would show you some photos from a baby quilt that I made some years ago.

You begin by sewing nine squares together. The centre one will finish up as four small squares, so I've learned that choosing a bright colour for that makes the squares 'pop out'.

                             Then cut into half with a rotary cutter.

                    Cut again, this time into quarters.

                 Then use your imagination and turn the quarters as you wish
                        to make an attractive all over pattern.

                       This was my finished baby quilt, made with Laura
                           Ashley and Cath Kidston squares.

                             The one I am sewing now has softer colours
                                 but I loved these bright pinks!
                              And, the nine-patch has disappeared.

Remembrance Day.

The Kohima epitaph.

When you go home

Tell them of us and say,

For your tomorrows

We gave our todays.

Gardening with a difference.

The Cornwall Blind Association is one with whom we have recently come into contact due to my husband's sight problems. The association is founded on a belief that life need not stop because of sight loss. Their services aim to provide the support needed to live each day to the full.

Which is why we were at the Duchy Agricultural College today, where the monthly meeting of 'Gardening for the partially sighted' was being held.

 The college is huge, but this building, the Business centre, is in the grounds, and provides light and airy rooms for a group of around twelve people to meet. Today there were two lecturers demonstrating the correct ways to sow Sweet peas. There was a quiz on identification of plants, and a general discussion on what to be doing in the garden in Winter.

 Here the lecturer is showing how to pinch off the leggy tops of the plants, something I have never managed to get right.

And here is one of the group, the Guide dog. At least two of the group have Guide dogs who come with them and sit quietly through all that goes on. Although I didnt stay for the whole time it was obvious that it is such a good way of spending time with other people of the same interests, who are determined to keep those interests developing.
Next month there is Christmas lunch added on!

sheltering.

Linking with Pamela at Our sheltering Tree.

Today she writes about the many ways in which we can shelter our friends, family and neighbours.

I'm cooking for a dear friend who will be going into hospital shortly for an operation. It seems a practical way of offering support, to give her two or three meals that can be kept in her freezer for when she needs them.

There is vegetable soup, cottage pie and beef casserole.

So far.

              I'm also starting a lap quilt for her, in soft gentle colours. This
will be a disappearing nine patch, a design that I like very much. I'll show
                          you more as it progresses.

A night away.

Our friends from France have sold their house and are buying one near Bude, north Cornwall. They came over to sign documents on the new house this week, and we went up to Tavistock to visit them.

Normally we just go up for the day, but decided to have a night away, staying in this lovely town-centre hotel. It is built on the site of a Benedictine monastery, within easy wandering distance of the town. Nice to be spoilt with a beautiful room and super breakfast!

 

It was good to see them and to hear all about their new home-to-be.

We drove back in the pouring rain over Bodmin Moor, which must be one of the most forbidding areas. Glad to be home.

Church flowers.

Here is our little church set deep in a valley near Truro.

Many years ago people came up the creek in their boats to worship here. There is only one nearby farmhouse now.

                        Unlike many churches, this one is left open all the time.

It's quite dark inside, so the Chrysanthemums made a bright splash of colour for the service tomorrow morning. While I was arranging the flowers one of the other ladies on the team did the brass cleaning. She was amazed when I told her that we could never have used Chrysanths in France, for there they are considered to be flowers to comemorate the dead.

The church only has two services a month, but people always fill the pews.

Vegetables by the road.

The sneezles and wheezles are on their way out, and normal life resumes.

Thank you for your good wishes.

This weekend I'm doing the flowers for our tiny church in the valley nearby, so off I went to this marvellous roadside stall.

The family started the stall 40 years ago, with a simple farm trailer from which they sold cauliflowers.

 Over the years the stall grew, other farmers brought their produce, and it has become a very popular place to shop. All the vegetables are locally grown, which I'm happy about. Today they had huge bunches of bronze and red Crysanthemums, which will be perfect in the church.

                                    Cauliflowers, leeks and Swedes.

                               And also locally made organic bread,
.                                               fresh eggs and cream.

It's good to support our local growers, and the vegetables are so much fresher than in any supermarket.