The first week of austerity, as Mr Cooper is without his regular job.  After a deep discussion on saving money, I have agreed to buy the gin in future.  This should keep our heads above water!

Talking of water…..a long time ago, Mr Cooper said he would buy me a swimming costume when I was able to swim two lengths of crawl without a break.  Today, I managed to do just that, spurred on towards the end by the thought that if I succeeded,  I wouldn't have to do it again for a while.
 Here is my new costume!

And another has been promised, when I can swim four lengths of continuous crawl.  Well, that won't be for a little while.  If it could be in breast-stroke or back-stroke, I could have many new costumes!

We embarked on another money-saving scheme, last Wednesday.  As Mr Cooper is not working on Wednesdays now, we went to The Gribble, to redeem our voucher. (Basically, I had to drink a bottle of wine at lunchtime, in order for Mr Cooper to get 25% of his next bill, when he lunches there next week with Jim and Dave.)  What a hardship!
 http://gribbleinn.co.uk/  Have a look.  A beautiful pub, with its own brewery!

 Last time we went to The Gribble, for reasons best known to ourselves, I pretended I was a world famous artist, flying to New York the next day for my exhibition.  And Mr Cooper, rock guitarist, was taking a break from recording his latest album, prior to touring. We both ended up laughing so much  that I nearly had to go outside to compose myself.
Just in case anyone thinks a liquid lunch is a good idea, just make sure you are not having to work the next day………...

On Tuesday night after work at The Greyhound, I found John busily sharpening a selection of woodworking tools ready for the next day, using a diamond honer.  He is helping to construct the Saxon longhouse at Butser Ancient Farm, using only the type of tools that the Saxons had (they did not have a saw!)  http://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/
 I said he should stay over at The Gables soon, and he said that Wednesday would be great, then gave me a leg of lamb to cook for the occasion, from a Manx sheep that had been trotting around Butser Ancient Farm not too long ago.  If you ever have the chance to eat a Manx sheep, please take it.  A small animal, with very little fat, and a great flavour, especially the back legs!

Here is one, looking a little sheepish.

So all we had to do was buy the veg, and dig up another potato plant!  Another cheap meal in our first week of austerity.  I don't think opening a bottle of red to accompany the lamb helped with how I felt the next very long day a work.  Especially as both John and Mr Cooper didn't want any!

I am working on my next commission, again from Nigel White.  He is preaching for the first time on the 9th August, and I am creating an image of the crucifixion of Jesus, which will be present at the event.  http://www.missiontent.co.uk/
Luckily last year I created a piece of work for a friend, which made me learn about a whole new technique, and one which I will be using in the work for Nigel.

I can't show you anything about my latest commission till after the 9th August, and I can't show you my other completed commission for another week or so.  But I can show you a creation from last week, ready for my trips to Sheringham in July, and Puglia in September.

It was lovely to see Juliette and Colin over the weekend, as they were staying just down the road, at a campsite between our house, and the Travellers Joy.
 They went to the Festival of Speed at Goodwood, an event that makes you very thirsty, both before and afterwards. It was great to be able to chat without having to break off to wash pots and pans, and mash potatoes, if it is Tuesday. (Chatting makes you thirsty, too)

I spent part of the weekend starting to de-clutter, beginning with a very dusty exploration exploration under the spare room bed. After a productive two hours, I took a load of clothes to the charity shop, some with sadness.  I put on some clothes for the last time, and was tempted to keep them.  But I decided I had, as a member of the 'Young at Heart' club, to dress nearer my age, not my chest size!

Then one trip to the tip, with less sadness, and then I discovered 3 paintings I had totally forgotten about.  Much happiness!  I painted them after my beautiful cat Fluffy died after having been hit by a car.  I found here on the verge opposite our house. The three paintings are designed to by hung one above the other, and show her ascent into Fluffy Heaven.  The top one, Fluffy Heaven, is not quite complete, as she will be surrounded by all the things she would like to find in heaven.  Namely, milk, cream, and mice.

Here they are, in heavenly order…..

Having re-discovered them, I will now complete 'Fluffy in Heaven'.  I was going to say it will provide me with a little light relief from creating the crucifixion image, but really, I think working on both concurrently will fit together really well.

And on the keeping- awake front, I have managed to stay awake fairly successfully in my evenings at home this week, by avidly knitting.  The front and back are complete, and the first sleeve has been cast on.

Should be finished ready for autumn.

Have a great week, whatever you are doing.  Looking forward to joining you all next weekend.