grumpy

this evening I cycled home in the pouring rain without coat(it was warm this morning), a collapsed brolly and a soaked new tote, yes that lovely Mieke Willems one...only to find Andrew having piano lessons. I have to say I felt like Eminem in dire need of anger management training....however even though it's autumn in the garden I have got peppers see, I really do!!! and another funny story is that Anne got these little green floral cups on her visit to England for the allotment, brought them over on sunday and I thought...mmmmh? familiar? and see... they are the same design as the dish photographed in Reno. this dish used to belong to Rachel's grandma, so I find it especially special that we have some ceramic siblings of the Reno dish at our little house. coincidence? what do you think?

just crackin'

It was just great to be back at our garden especially as the dahlias have had a chance to bloom! Anne has erected a fence around the bed, so our friends the rabbits are now locked out of this mcdonalds of floral edibles. in my absence the butternuts have ripened and almost look like a Ben Nicholson painting (she said pretentiously) in our little house quite pleased with my new flowerpress, found after a not so fruitful charity visit how amazing is this potato nativity scene? hope it keeps until Christmas? by that time we will have some wise parsnip men from the east to complete the tableau. but best of all; Anne's mum has got us both our own Wallace and Gromit slippers...how toasty will these keep the grumpy grannies of an evening? Oops! Oh hello....I think we might have some furry squatters? but all too soon it was time to go home sneakily snapped a reassuring picture of a cosy older couple on an evening stroll and realised that life is just crackin'

the world according to IJm

Andrew and I hopped into the car this morning and headed for the capital where studio IJm is having an open studio exhibition this weekend. not only do I love their work, but I also love following the Mieke Willems blog and they are showcasing their work and pop up shop. the amazing String Gardens conservatory almost brought tears to this old cynics eyes are you reaching for some paint pots yet ? I am definitely recolouring that dreary ol' vicarage. good morning sir! as we left I noticed that the garage down the road had done a little styling of their own. perhaps IJm rubs off? got home to find Archie furious for excluding him from our little trip and as I am a bit of a sucker for some merchandise. I got myself some Mieke Willems merch. one cool cauliflower tote and an egg cup featuring a slightly more convivial cat than Archie

reno pressies

quite pleased with that little gift wrap if I say so myself.............

snap!

I think this floral game of snap should keep the grumpy grannies in fighting spirit over the winter at the allotment. with a small dram of scotch and a crochet plaid covering the knees we should be fine me thinks?

a lovely afternoon

hard to imagine, as at this moment the windows are rattling in the wind and I can hardly hear myself think with the thunderstorm which seems to be right above our house, but it was actually gorgeous today. so we grabbed our bikes and went for a cycle ride...... enjoyed the hazy light saw a cute pair of bikes and relaxed with a cuppa and a cheesy scone at our favourite tearoom....it was perfect

souvenirs

even if there is no time, there's always time for a good old rummage at a flea. Reno has the best flea markets, but time, money and luggage space conspired to put a large spanner in the old cart wheel. so instead of the crate I would have filled, here are the tiny treats I managed; some great old pics. including a bizarre series of photographs featuring a trumpet in a suitcase in a field. David Lynch anyone? a sixties mexican charm bracelet;how funny are the tiny sombrero and slipper? a cross eyed owl brooche so Andrew can pretend to be part of the brat pack (or is it prat pack?) for my collection a celluloid party girl in feathers and some more pot holders!