Spring Things...

 

I'm just about back in to "work" mode after my short Easter holiday - being taken out for lunch in the sunshine on Monday by Oldest Son didn't really help (!) We've finally been allowed a look at milder more pleasant weather here in the UK (I hope it doesn't prove to be just a glimpse!!) and I actually spent lots of time sewing in the conservatory yesterday. Happy Days!

A short while ago I was approached by Helen Dickson, who has a beautiful website: Bustle and Sew  which is jam-packed with sewing projects, tips, patterns, and where you can also find her lovely blog about sewing, crafting, and life in Devon with a gorgeous Newfoundland dog! Helen very kindly invited me to contribute photos and an interview, all about Flutter-By Bears, for her Bustle and Sew ezine (scroll down and click "expand" on the first mag' preview of contents, for the Springy April issue) I was very impressed with the variety and number of patterns, clear instructions, and other articles, which Helen includes in her ezine for subscribers - so I was delighted to take the opportunity to spread the Beary word, and maybe introduce some new potential arctophiles to our wonderful world!

Zero temperatures or not, the birds have been busy as .... er bees (?) in my garden in the last couple of weeks. We've definitely got a nesting pair of blackbirds and Robins sharing our climbing wall ivy.Good-o! I love watching all the scampering - and taking convoluted alternate routes back to the nest each time they nip "to the stores"! I've re-instated the live webcam link on my sidebar too, to the Nottingham Trent University Peregrines. Last year I was utterly addicted to watching this nesting pair, and it was a total emotional roller coaster; the constant awful rainy weather meant that only one chick survived from four eggs - but he was a real champion. There are eggs in the nest already so I'll be crossing my fingers and tuning in constantly for a first peep of tiny damp chick. You can't get more Spring-y than that!

Ruth XX

Website Update

Ah, what a pretty Spring scene - the only difference here is that those chickies would have to check their reflections in the shiny ice all over the ground!! I'm afraid it's freeeeeeezing cold here in the UK, and all the snow and blizzardy winds are starting to make me feel quite grumpy! In fact I'm looking forward to the start of Easter at the end of the week so I've got good excuses to go and bake chocolate cakes and whip up gooey desserts, and generally wallow in calorie-laden indulgence......a few extra pounds'll keep the cold out won't it? And watching the Four Men appreciatively scoffing something from my fair hand always cheers me up too (but then I'm easily pleased, lol)

I've managed to get a little update done on the website; four new bears are looking for a lovely new home. Here is just one of them; a 3" panda called Won Ton. It's a good job he comes with his Ultrasuede green chilli - a bit of spicy food is just the thing for keeping warm in all the sub-zero temperatures. I think he looks like a little shar-pei with that slightly hang dog expression. A bit like my two little dogs every time the back door is opened for them!

I suppose the weather might improve before all the bank holidays which are approaching. If not, it's still a good opportunity to turn up the fire, settle a dozing doggy on your lap, and get on with creating some more little chaps who really do want to venture out in to the world ;0)

T.T.F.N  Ruth XX