And a month goes by

And another month has passed. I mentioned in my last post that September would end with a funeral, which it did. Sadly we said a final goodbye to my sister-in-law. I am going to miss her loads.

October saw our 37th wedding anniversary, a day I share with my cousin, who was 18 on my wedding day, so we shared the anniversary day with him which was lovely. Stopped off at a Costa near Sailsbury on the way home which completed the day lovely.

The day after our anniversary we went to the heritage centre in the Forest of Dean. We've been there before, and I love it there. The weather was a bit rubbish, bur we managed to see what we wanted to see in-between downfalls :-) After visiting there, we had a scenic drive home through the Wye Valley. So beautiful. Then a couple of days after that, we went to a Christian meeting in Bath, then met up with my brother and had a dinner at a local pub together, which was lovely :-) On the way home we stopped by a farm shop and treated ourselves to a cream tea. All very yummy :-)

Yesterday was so lovely, and the colours of the trees are so beautiful that hubby and I went out with our cameras and ended up at Lacock. My mum had given us some money to have a meal as an anniversary meal, so we had a meal at Lacock, which was a bit disappointing. A lot of money for what we got, two small pieces of quiche and a tiny bit of salad, which came to just under £6 each, and the quiche  had been heated in a microwave so much that there wasn't must flavour. I would have liked a baguette with it, and a little more salad. Sadly as well the dressing was already put on the sald, and mine was drowned in it. Far too much. Much better to put some in a pot so people can take what they want. I love the ice cream they sell, but I don't think we will have a meal there again. We'll just enjoy their ice cream, and their lovely tea which, I can highly recommend :-)

I've realised today that my mind is more un-organised than I give it credit for lol. I was going to post some cards off to America today, got up town and realised I'd forgotten them. Then had a total mind blank on what I was supposed to be buying. Had to text the hubby and ask him to get the things I'd forgotten!!!! I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to have to write a list of to do's and to buy!!!

The last four weeks has been very enjoyable, apart from the funeral. I have met up with a fantastic lady, and a few weeks back we went for a walk, which was lovely. She knows a lot about wildlife, and was sharing her expertise. Loved it. We're meeting up quite regular now. We haven't had another walk, but we met at a local cafe for a coffee, and will be meeting up for coffee tomorrow :-) Also this weekend I had another spinning guild meeting at which I was given a spinning lesson by the lovely lady who patiently taught me the drop spindle. I feel very chuffed, I did produce a fairly acceptable yarn. At least not bad for a beginner. Don't think anyone will be rushing to buy it, but I was impressed.

Here is the wheel I used for my first spinning attempt. Yes. I'm bitten by the spinning bug. So much so I've now ordered my own. I am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of an Ashford Kiwi. I think that's the right name lol. Apparently the best one for a beginner to start on, which will no doubt serve as such until my hubby makes me one, which he's biting at the bit to do :-) Then I'll be the lucky one and have two :-) So exciting :-)

On the food front, I've got a bit slack with the baking. I'm aiming to have a baking day on Friday. I've been quite good at not throwing stuff away, and using up left overs quickly. Some things sadly ended in the bin because I took too long to get to them, but nothing much.

Tonight I'm doing a roast pork. One of my girls and her hubby is coming to eat with us. Looking forward to that :-) Then Wednesday I have my biggest girl and her hubby coming over for what we call a 'games and nibble night' we usually play Trivial Pursuits, and then maybe another game if there's time :-)

Knitting

I finished the baby cardigan for my daughter's friend. I forgot to take a photo though. Will see if my daughter could take one and send it to me.

I made a pair of fingerless gloves for my eldest. her last pair had worn out from hold her dogs lead.

Last Saturday I went along to a local spinners and weavers guild and joined it. A very patient lady sat with me and showed me how to spin using my drop spindle, and now I am producing something that is a lot better than impressive rope :-) I still have a very long way to go before I am producing something remotely near calling yarn, but, my efforts have vastly improved :-)

Spider

This little sweetie was in our garden Saturday morning. Took the photo and posted it on Facebook for our youngest to see. She hates spiders :-)

Dyrham Park

Outskirts of Bowood

An insect camouflaging itself on a bit of bark 

Sadness

Last Sunday a group of us went on a walk around the outskirts of Bowood house. It was a lovely walk. Weather was good, and company great :-)


Thursday the 25th, which was my eldest daughter's wedding anniversary, was the day we said our goodbyes to my sister in law. Although a sad occasion, it was a very well thought out funeral, and wasn't morbid at all. My brother, who was marvellous all through my sister in laws illness, kept it very 'light.' I'm sure if she could have watched, she would have approved.


My newly married daughter and her hubby came down for the funeral, so it was lovely to have them here with me for a couple of days. They went home on the Saturday, and Rich and I didn't feel like hanging around the house, so we went off to Dyrham Park, and we're so glad we did because the deer were in a very photogenic mood. Apparently the the stags are getting ready for the rutting season, so they were out strutting their stuff. Young, not fully grown stags were also doing a fair share of showing off, almost as if they were doing a practice run for when their time comes. One young chappy was having fun throwing a stick around with his very small, yet to develope antlers :-) Another stag decided to decorate himself in the hope a female would admire his efforts. He covered his antlers with grass. Looked around to see what effect he was having, saw not one lady deer was interested, so ended up eating it lol.

Yesterday we went to the Game and Country Fair at Bowood. First time I've ever been there, but you can be sure I will go again next year :-) The weather was great, and it was a fantastic day :-)


I didn't take that many photos. Here's a cute one I did take though.

Cotswold Wildlife Park