In this week's blog, there is an especially large animal content.  Plus, a real treat.... we get to meet Commander Cuddles and his black, furry brother (un-named as yet)
But first, let's get the weirdest animals out of the way!

Sunday saw myself, Mr Cooper and son John heading for the Rare Breeds Show, at Singleton.
http://www.wealddown.co.uk/ I hadn't been to this event for a few years, and it has certainly grown.  Next year I will get there as soon as the event is open, to avoid a hugely long walk from the car-park to the show.  (I developed blisters doing this, having managed to survive the South Downs Walk!)

On the day when all the animals were created, I think a few were designed when their creator had been for a liquid lunch.  I think every home should have a pair of Alpacas, purely to make everyone smile.  Not only do they look bizarre, they are able to nibble their back hooves, and make mewing/humming noises.

Having been thoroughly cheered by the sight of several Alpacas, we took the rest of the event more seriously, and I set out to find the elusive Icelandic sheep.  They might not be elusive as a breed, but they are very difficult to find when a) you don't know what they look like and b) the pens show the entry number for their occupants, but not necessarily the breed.

Here one is, and well worth the search.  They are small, and their fleece is amazing....long guard hairs and a beautifully dense fleece underneath.  We had a good 'sheepy' chat with their owners/breeders, and son John is considering acquiring a fleece to spin.

Moving away from animal shows..........and towards creative workshops.

After the success of my last workshop, 'Create An Image Using Tissue Paper', it was time for  another. In fact, I was asked to supply another.  I decided that papier mache would be the next medium we would explore, as it is incredibly versatile, plus cheap and easy to do at home.  After a very enjoyable shopping session for the materials, I was looking forward to Saturday, when the girls were coming over.

Being creative can be draining, so I made a delicious lunch to help us along (plus a chilled bottle of white, of course).  I made a brie and walnut quiche from the second Ambridge cookbook. (As Jennifer Aldridge is a farmer's wife, there is still a tenuous link to animals here.....)

The quiche proved so delicious (it was described as Elizabeth's favourite, from the days when Nelson Gabriel had his wine bar) that I give you the recipe for it.  Sometimes in life we tend to overlook the simpler, more un-complicted things.  This quiche, all warm and souffle-like from the oven is definitely  a recipe where the outcome is far greater than its parts.  Try it, and enjoy!

Sadly, Nelson is no longer with us, and probably even more sadly, one of his good customers died a while back too.  Nigel Pargetter, the then boyfriend of Elizabeth.  Formerly known as 'Mr Snowy', for those of us may be no longer young in years, but still young at heart.

The papier mache Saturday arrived, as did the sun.  It proved to be too hot to work in my shed, so we moved into the kitchen to be creative in the cool.
Here we are all are, showing that working with papier mache is indeed fun, especially after lunch.  Birds, mirror frames, hearts and bowls were all created both from papier-mache and mod-roc.

Thanks everyone, I had such a fun day with you all.  We managed to laugh so much without even catching sight of a single alpaca!

As I had spent a week working inside, looking out at the glorious sunshine, Mr Cooper whisked me away when everyone had gone home.  He took me to the Hare and Hounds in Stoughton where I ate crisps and drank wine in the sunshine.  I also discovered their old sign which no longer hangs, but is hidden by plants, propped up in front of the pub.
I was pleased to see it again, as it is one of my absolute favourites.

And now for Commander Cuddles and his recently-named brother, Lord Snooty.  Commander Cuddles is a little bit smaller than his brother, and initially more out-going and friendly, hence their names.
 Here is an indistinct but historic photo recording the first time they both sat together on a human being since leaving their birth home, purring and snoozing.  Those legs belong to me, clad in my kitchen porter dungarees.  There are two kittens there, just count the ears!

And here is a clearer image, with Snoots (I think) in the background, and Cuddles, (perhaps), looking at something with his round kitten button eyes.  As well as an Alpaca, every household should have a kitten or two, every 7 years. 

Next week it is goodbye to kittens for a while and hello to Hunstanton, where I will be staying with my family, Mum, and my bros and their families, plus two boyfriends.  (Having re-read this, it sounds as if I may be tiring of Mr Cooper, and bringing along a boyfriend or two for added excitement, but no.  James and Jon firmly belong to Ella and Olivia respectively, and Mr Cooper is still full of excitement for me.)
 Is is always lovely to spend time with all the family, and North Norfolk is one of my most favourite parts of the England.  I think that is why I love where I live so much, as the immediate countryside is so very similar to that between Hunstanton and Sheringham.

So I leave you with a view taken half a mile from my house, and next week I will join you again with many more views, from in and around Sunny Hunny.  (You have been warned!)

But first, a small burst of culture for you all. 
David Mitchell wrote the brilliant 'Cloud Atlas' and also this novel.

I did think 'What's going on here?' at the end of the first chapter, but changed that very quickly to 'What is going on here is amazing!  And amazingly weird.......rather like our fuzzy friend, the Alpaca.

Enjoy your week ahead........I hope any weird happenings are also pleasurable, and sunshine and fun are still big parts of your weekly life.
See you all very soon now. 

Every year I go to Wimbledon when the tennis is on, catching the train from Southbourne station, packed lunch and plenty of water in my bag.  Am I heading for the centre court?  No, my destination is for the 'Wimbledon College of Art', where I will hand in my entry for the Jerwood Drawing Prize.

Here is this year's entry,  'Almost Naked And Surrounded By Life'.

And so far, for 4 years now, I have always had to make this trip twice, as any un-selected work has to be collected the following week.  I did say to the official who received this year's entry from me, "I hope I don't see you next week," to which she quietly smiled.  But most likely I will be seeing her on Saturday, as I arrive again at Wimbledon College of Art to re-wrap my work before catching the tram, train one and and train two back to Southbourne station.  However, fingers crossed!

I did deliver some more artwork though, which I know I do not have to collect in a week's time.

Keeping up the very pleasant task of giving my nieces and oldest nephew an 'Un-Christmas' present,

I dived into my plan chest to unearth a trio of mermaid prints for Olivia.

When I met Olivia's then boyfriend and now fiance Jon, I admired his line-work tattoos, some of which featured mermaids.  Going by the feeling that I love mermaids, Jon loves mermaids and Olivia, and Olivia loves Jon and most probably mermaids too, I chose a set of three mermaid lino cuts. They have a coloured, lino-etched background too, (really fun to do, involving wax and caustic soda.  Not only do you get a great effect, but you can use the residue to clean your drains.  Result!) and line-work mermaids printed over this.

'Mermaid One', an un-Christmas present for Olivia.

'Mermaid Two'  a 'congratulations on graduating' present for Olivia,

and 'Mermaid Three', an engagement present for Olivia and Jon.
To add to their collection of mermaids. (They've got one now, even if they didn't have one before!)

And going from creatures who use their beauty to lure people, to a creature who is depicted sometimes as just hideous, and sometimes as hideously beautiful, Medusa.

At Trinity, in Winchester, for the past 3 weeks, we have been working on creating the head of Medusa, using papier mache.  Instead of using snakes as her hair, I incorporated my 'Fun with Fruit' theme, and created hair inspired by fruit.  In particular, the banana, the satsuma and the lime.

It is always a learning curve to work in a different way, or with a different medium.  Rather like with some of my early paintings, I did no planning as such, but rather let the head evolve as it was made.  Now it is almost complete, I realise that with more planning and studies, I could have improved the shape of the face by having ears, and a defined chin.  Next time, before applying glue and newspaper to the balloon, I will apply some thought, and some ideas to paper.

The day after visiting Wimbledon, we travelled to see Mum, and also brother Mark, Ella and big boy Jem.  We had planned to dine out that night. and after having sampled some of the wares from Maccaloo on our previous visit, we all decided to dine there.  http://www.maccaloo.co.uk/
There is a good up-beat feel throughout the restaurant which is obviously very popular.

Here is little Snowy enjoying a selection of beers, and also a most beautiful jug of water too.  Being a young and sensible sort of dog, Snowy has been brought up to drink responsibly, unlike his owner who came of age in the 70s!

A lovely time was had by all....and it was hard to choose what to eat.  I enjoyed my steak but did like the look of Mum's fish, my second choice. (Four of us chose steaks, and they were all cooked longer than requested, a rare came out as medium rare, and medium rare appeared as medium to well done.) The 'Duo of Creme Brulee' ran out just before we made our pudding choices, but this slight disappointment was more than made up for me and Ella by the 'Malteser semi-freddo'.  It was rather large but Ella and I managed to eat it all.

Let's walk away from gastronomy now, and veer towards literature.
This is the book that was chosen for our book group,

There are the rave reviews on the back of the book, which made it seem all the more enticing.
My advice to you...........
Don't waste your time reading this, unless you also enjoy reading Elle, or the Daily Express.

Instead, take a trip to Midhurst and visit the excellent bookshop there. It is a step into the past, in all the right ways.  http://www.wheelersbookshop.co.uk/  If you are my age and have always loved reading, just take yourselves back to your favourite childhood bookshop.
 By all means choose your own book, but this is one I can heartily recommend.  In fact, I am trying to read it slowly, to prolong the pleasure, whilst wanting to read it quickly as I want to know what happens.  As I love Cold comfort Farm, it was a joy to find that Stella Gibbons had written more, and I look forward now to reading the rest too.

Mr Cooper has had an exciting time, involving books.  We have 2 piles of books in the house, one is the 'keep' pile, and one the 'get rid of' pile.  Mr Cooper, with a rush of enthusiasm, took all the 'get rid of ' pile to the charity shop.  He had forgotten that some we had planned to sell, as two in particular are worth more than my car. Luckily he was able to retrieve  them the following morning.
Here is the title page from one of them, a book I have owned since I was 19.

But having lost the 'book of Beasts', if only for one night, I now want to keep it, as it has been the inspiration for quite a few paintings and needlepoints.
Here is 'How to Steal a Tiger Cub', which has been a needlepoint and a painting.

  Absence does make the heart grow fonder......perhaps I should disappear for a day or so myself.

Oh and by the way, I spent a pleasant morning a few days ago now, returning to Wimbledon College of Art, to collect my rejected work.  All went like clockwork, and I was there and back, courtesy of Southern Rail, in just over 4 hours. The fastest time ever, so all was not totally lost.
 Oh well, I shall see how "Almost Naked But surrounded By Life' fares in the National Open Art Competition.  http://www.nationalopenart.org/

Wishing you all a successful week ahead, and if you lose something, may you either find it again, or realise that you don't actually need it anymore.
Have a super-fun weekend too!
Looking forward to catching up with you shortly. And don't forget to follow the advice from little Snowy....enjoy a selection of beers, alongside a lovely jug of water.  "Woof woof!"

Is there a theme to this week's blog?  Possibly cats, but definitely flowers!
Last week, at the end of our South Downs Walk, (yes, I have made a complete recovery, thank you) my little brother Mark came over for the night with Jem, and also a very old friend.

I bought this cat for Mark many years ago, as it reminded me of his exceptional cat, Roger.  Roger had eyes like glass buttons, was extremely naughty, and once he, according to Mum, actually flew.  Now it has emerged from Mark's loft, and has been given to my son John.  He is not having it in his house quite yet, as I am enjoying having it for a holiday first.  It is very cheering having a mad black cat sitting on the kitchen table, grinning away.

There is one thing from the South Downs Walk that I must share with you.  Don't worry, no more photos.  'The Camping Cookbook' is one of my most favourite cookery books (along with many of the others on my shelves) and Annie Bell is definitely one of my favourite food writers.
Flapjack was needed as sustenance on the walk.  Usually, I reach for Delia and her recipe, but I could not find her....

So I reached instead for Annie Bell, and her deliciously chewy flapjack recipe.  What a stroke of luck that was!  I will never reach for Delia again in preference to Annie Bell. I have included the recipe for the flapjacks below, as they are the best flapjacks  I have ever made or tasted....high praise indeed!
  I know Werner agrees with me, as having eaten them each day on the walk, he took the recipe home with him, and is now walking and munching around Suffolk and The Alps.

That will be the only reference to that week of walking.
This week, my regular walk has been much shorter, and also a walk that has been much neglected this year.  As the date for the submission for the Jerwood Drawing Prize draws ever closer, I realised that as well as registering for the event, I needed to actually start and finish the drawing!  So most days have found me walking to my shed, where I have been drawing whilst listening to Radio 4, and it has been so good.  Much better than filling, wallpapering and painting, I felt complete and proper again.

The composition for this year's work is roughly based on a previous work called
 'Naked and Surrounded By Cake'.

  Each year, my entry for the Jerwood is quite autobiographical, and here is my drawing after a couple of sessions.  It is called 'Almost Naked and Surrounded by Life'.
 I think when you are approaching 55,' almost naked' is a lot kinder to the viewers, and I do love any excuse to wear an over-the-top apron!

Lets veer away from my drawing now, to focus on another art work that embraces this week's flower theme.  My son John, after quite a bit of research, went to Salisbury to have a very effective rose tattooed on his forearm.  If, like me, you are loving the result, make your way to 'Timeless Ink' in
Fisherton Street, and ask for 'little Sam'.  http://www.timelessinktattoostudio.com/

Leaving behind drawing with needles and ink, and returning to drawing with pen and ink.
With Mr Cooper away this week for the experience of a lifetime, on The Eiger, with his friend Werner, I was able to crack on, or sketch on, and my drawing took shape pretty quickly.  This was just as well, as it needs to be completed and framed by next Friday, when I take it to London.
Sadly with Mr Cooper away,  I was missing my resident art critic.  A tough job, because if I ask what Mr Cooper thinks of my days work, if the answer is 'brilliant' I then say 'You're not just saying that are you?' If he says 'It's fine' the answer would be 'you don't like it, do you?  Only fine?'  And if there are any suggestions made, will I will act on them, but only after being distraught at being critisised.  He probably timed his trip to coincide with the Jerwood deadline!

As son John was with me for a couple of days,I put my pen and pencil away as our thoughts turned to important matters. ' Let's make some elderflower cordial'.   Each year I think about making some, and each year I leave it too late.  This year we were almost too late, and had to walk for a couple of miles to collect sufficient blooms.

Pausing only to admire the dog roses (note the seamless links to flowers) which took our mind off the nettle stings we gathered whilst trying to gather those just out of reach blooms, we slowly filled our bags with blooms.

And, just like I say each year after Christmas, I am determined to be prepared the following year, for a more pain-free and efficient harvest.  After 24 hours mingling with sugar, water, citric acid and sliced lemons, the elderflowers turn themselves into the most delicious cordial.
 And as it is then strained through muslin, all the bits, including the odd insect, are left behind, leaving only a clear, fragrant liquid.

I am going to try some with Prosecco to celebrate the returning of the roving Mr Cooper.  I will let you know what it tastes like.

The drawing is almost ready to be framed now, apart from those all important touches of colour.  You will have to see the final result next week.  It's always good to have something to look forward to!

And now, back to cats, with flowers in a supporting role.
You may have thought that the pottery Roger was a little unusual, perhaps not to everyone's taste (could be a view shared by Mark, as its been in his loft for many a year)
 Well, I love him, and have even found him a freaky friend.
It just doesn't do to look at their eyes too closely!

 Just drawing to a close now, and looking forward to the return of Mr Cooper, who not only is my art critic, but quite often, my freaky friend I have fun with.  That is when he is not following me round the house with the hoover, telling me that I create mess.
I hope you have some fun on the horizon, with or without your very own freaky friend.  In fact I hope you spend much more time having fun than doing the hoovering!
Will catch up with you all next week.

This week there is a theme of travel.  Travels by car, by coach and then by foot, as me and Mr Cooper valiantly attempt to walk the South Downs Way in a week.

But firstly, I know you must be looking forward to more news of our latest 6th wedding anniversary.........there will be a slight disappointment on that front, as we only had 2 ceremonies all those years ago.  so no more wedding photos!
But to cheer you up, let's look at our wedding artwork instead.

I created and produced this lino-cut to be the design on our invitations, and the order of ceremony.
If you love this style, and your wedding is being planned even as you are reading this, you will be happy to hear that  commissions are gladly undertaken.  Or, why not propose to someone, just to I can design you invitations?

Back now to travel, and a visit to Mum's, in the comfort of my 16-year old Volvo.  This is a journey I have made so many times, and during the last 5 years we have taken to stopping for refreshment at the Stratton Arms in Turweston, near Brackley.
Do not even think of calling in there unless you totally love a pub with tables for drinkers to sit at, visiting real ales, filled rolls on the bar for £1.50, and always the right pint glass for your choice of beer.  Plus, no fruit machine or anyone playing with their phones.  And joy of joys, they were serving Everard's Tiger, just the right accompaniment to my ham salad roll.

And the 'joy of joys' feeling did not stop there.  The village where Mum lives has only one pub left, and their wonderful Indian restaurant closed a couple of years ago.  Recently, a new sign had appeared outside the closed restaurant......'Opening soon, Gastro Pub' and when we drove past the sign had changed to Now Open.  So the 3 of us hastened there to have a pre-dinner drink and to be generally nosey.  We ended up sharing a starter and relaxing in lovely surroundings being looked after by friendly, efficient staff.  So, joy of joys, a place where we can eat out with pleasure, in the village.

And it was pleasure too that we admired Mum's side garden, which had been sewn with wildflower seeds 3 years ago, and now, each spring, a slightly different wildflower spectacle appears.

Enough of floral rhapsodising, let's get back to the important issue of food......
........followed by a little light  culture.

We went to the Bluebell pub in Glinton for our Sunday lunch, and very good too. http://www.thebluebellglinton.co.uk/ We all had different and delicious starters and mains, and having read the dessert menu, all opted for the same one.  Pimms jelly with macerated strawberries and a mint granita, superb.

After such a gastronomic couple of hours, we hastened over the road to compensate with a visit to Saint Benedict's church for our afternoon's culture.  http://www.glinton.net/church.html
There are some lovely gargoyles to be found on this church, but the last in the line is with a difference.  Apparently there was a bit of a disagreement about the money the stone carvers were owed, so they left the church with this rude memento.

And then inside, to marvel at the huge spider that lives in the belfry.
Luckily, it appeared to be resting, so all was well.

Then back to west Sussex, to check all our equipment, and prepare ourselves for the week of walking.
We were joined for this by Susie and Werner, who also stayed with us for the duration.  I had, of course, planned ahead (along with KBO, another invaluable motto is 'Preparation, preparation and preparation') and filled the freezer with nutritious and delicious dishes, and filled my fridge with the accompanying vegetables.  In fact, I was so prepared that I was going to use the evenings to create the beginnings of a significant artwork. (Ha ha)

It was a very long and tiring week, but well worth it, the countryside was absolutely stunning throughout, and so different every day.
Below will follow a very brief description of the week's walk, punctuated by some images.

Day One, Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Cocking road, 13 miles.
Bit of a worrying start to the day.......

..........but the rain stopped in time for us all to complete, and mainly enjoy, the first leg.
My coat is no longer waterproof!

Day Two, Cocking road to Whiteways car park, 9 miles.
Being in a small group, with some friction going on, does not make for a very pleasant day .
Plus, we paid good money to do this!
My shower-proof coat is not very showerproof!

Day 3, cocking to Whiteways car park, 9 miles (though it was really nearly 11)
Much more enjoyable, perhaps I will make it to the end.  Mr Cooper thinks so too!
Too tired to do anything more than produce the evening meal.
Have bought a new coat from Chichester, at the end of the day.

Day 4, Whiteways to Washington, 9 miles.
At last, a pub at the end of the walk!  Good job I can drink a pint quickly.....here comes the coach.

Day 5  Washington to Devil's Dyke, 12 miles.
Absolutely stunning again, especially Devil's Dyke.
A pity the pub there is not as good as the view.........another rapid pint consumed.
Some parts of my body have stopped hurting as others take over.  Why are we doing this again?

Day 6, Devil's Dyke to Newmarket Inn, 13 miles.
A beautiful day, and at the end of the walk we enjoyed a pint outside by the propane gas tank, watching  workmen doing their best to unblock the drains.  Luckily we managed to use the facilities just before we couldn't!

Day 7, Newmarket inn to Alfriston.
We ended up bu being at the highest point on the ridge, passing by the two ariels, when we were caught in the worst thunderstorm I have ever experienced.  And no, we didn't crouch down, having discarded our poles....we walked extremely quickly for the last 5 miles, becoming saturated as we did so. ( My coat worked, but not my boots or shorts.)
 Apparently Alfriston is a beautiful village full of tea shops and pubs.  We were so soaked we would not have been allowed in them!  Perhaps we will return one day.

Day 8, Alfriston to Eastbourne, (11 miles) which felt a lot longer.
After a steep climb, we saw the sea, towards which we were heading, hurrah!

So, so beautiful, but thank goodness there were only 7 sisters.....

and two light houses before Beachy Head.

Then downhill all the way to the best cup of tea ever, at the end of the walk. (Better even than beer)

Then onto the reception at Sussex University.
After a week of being in the countryside and away from much of civilisation,  (apart from those of us who are wedded to their smart phones!  Why do you need to read the news when you are in idyllic countryside?), it was indeed curious and amusing to see this sign on the toilet doors.

I just wish the sign had also described what the toilets were there for, which was not to double as changing rooms!  However, after queueing for 20 minutes to watch people emerge in pretty evening blouses......I was able to claim my free drink, collect my certificate and sit and enjoy the buffet...
albeit smelling slightly.  If only I had bought a change of clothes with me.  I could have taken the time to express myself differently and emerge as another.

But there is always next year.  I would be curious to do it again, and walk from Eastbourne to Winchester, but this time I would do it alone (unless Mr Cooper wanted to repeat the experience.)

Back to normality now, hurrah!  I am looking forward to starting my significant artwork, whilst not looking forward to starting to prepare the last room for decoration.
 Well, as my dad used to say, you've got to take the rough with the smooth.
I hope your smooths this week are positively silky, and your roughs only a little gritty.
And you are only out in the rain through choice!  See you all next week, KBO!

A weekend of walking, mainly in the sunshine, and celebrating another wedding anniversary, our garden wedding.  So firstly, why all the walking?  Well, in less than 2 weeks time, we are walking the South Downs Way in 7 days (hopefully) as, for the first time, we are part of the South Downs Annual Walk. http://www.southdownsway.com/  An excellent scheme...we turn up in Chichester each morning, then a coach takes us to that day's starting point, then returns to pick us up later, from that day's finishing point.  No carrying clothes, or staying overnight in B&Bs, all as civilised as walking 12 miles each day can be.

It was very handy for our fitness having our walking week in Malham.  Here we all are, fresh at the start of it, with Kevin next to me, and Werner next to Mr Cooper.  Werner is joining us, with his wife Susie, for the South Downs walk.

And here are Mr Cooper and Werner, towards the end of the week!

Many people, as they picked their way around Werner's recumbent form, on their way into the Lister Arms, said "I want a pint of what he's had".

Back in sunny West Sussex, our first walk of the Bank Holiday weekend did involve pints, or rather half-pints.
We set off  with a spring in our step, to the cider and sausage festival, at the Stag's Head in Westbourne.  http://www.stagsheadwestbourne.co.uk/  When we saw the list of ciders, we decided that a half pint of several was the way forward, and my absolute favourite was the perry.

Anyway, after 9 halves between us, and several sausages later, we walked home, without the spring in our step.  More like a floating sensation.  Another benefit from those 9 halves was that the already beautiful countryside became even more beautiful, and indeed  we found beauty everywhere!

Never have two concrete fence posts been artistically appreciated so much!

Back now  to another significant event of the weekend, our garden wedding anniversary.  
Here we are, 6 years ago, enjoying our wedding ceremony in our garden.

And here we are 6 years to the day, in the garden of the 'Hare and Hounds', Stoughton, http://www.hareandhoundspub.co.uk/enjoying a refreshing pint after our Sunday morning walk
(5 miles, with hills and everything).

A brilliant place to be on a sunny day, especially after a fairly rapid walk through the beautiful West Sussex countryside.

And the countryside in May is looking at its best.................

.............with all the verges looking positively bridal, very appropriate for our day of celebration.  

Mr Cooper had given me another 'Happy Anniversary' card in the morning, and I had given him a slightly modified one, which he had received 18 days previously.  Apparently that is not an acceptable thing to do!  I even added a bar of chocolate, but that didn't count, as it was one Mr Cooper had purchased.
Sadly it is a little more than the thought that counts, there has also to be appropriate actions.


Bank holiday weekends have to end, and work beckons once more.  That, or the increasing overdraft.
But how lovely it was to return to my little damp and slightly smelly corner of the kitchen  to find a bottle of Beaujolais nestling next to the plunger, plus tulips and a knitting magazine!  Thank you very much for my anniversary presents, Juliette, they really made my day. Mr Cooper is very interested in one of them.

I do think that a knitting magazine brings a different element to a busy kitchen.  Amidst the bustle and fury, Juliette and I were there discussing the merits of 2-ply versus 4-ply, and when chunky is positively a good idea.

And to crown it all...

......................here is the crown that with makes its sparkly debut at Southbourne's Women's Institute.  At least I can't complain that my life is monotonous, and my work is tedious.  Lots of fun can be had with a bottle of PVA and a selection of sparkly bits.

Lets hope we all have a good week ahead of us, with a good selection of 'sparkly bits'.  And may the 'worky bits' be ,at the worse, slightly tedious, heading towards 'positively uplifting.'  If you do feel you need to be uplifted, just wear a sparkly crown for a while.  One that you have made, of course.

See you all next week, eat lots of vegetables, drink lots of water and have plenty of fun too.