Lately ...

For the past two months or so the world outside has been wet and miserable.

We have a very soggy garden.

Even our poor dog tries to avoid the puddles on our local walk.

I don't venture out anywhere without my wellies.

The Welsh hills have completely disappeared from the view from our bedroom, shrouded in mist and gloom. It has rained nearly every day since the middle of November. 

 Where has all the colour gone?

I've been trying to cheer myself up with Paperwhites and candles....

And daffodils on the kitchen window ledge ....

bring instant cheerfulness ....

and I've spent each evening dipping into a basket of soft, colourful wool

Inspired by the wonderful colourful world of Lucy at Attic 24, I've taken up crochet and I'm really thrilled with my super bright Blooming Flower Cushion.

 Sadly it's going off to live in my daughter's new house, not mine. 

Simple pleasures to lift my spirits..... roll on Spring ..... or just a dry day!

There's a Starman waiting in the sky ....

Ground Control to Major Tom ...

Farewell to the man whose music was a constant in my life.

.....may God's love be with you xxx

Reasons to be cheerful ....

It's not raining.

The sky is almost blue.

I didn't have to go back to work today....

... and there's a vase of tulips in the living room.

Look out - here comes another year ...

 Wishing everyone
 a 
Very Happy

no resolutions

no plans 

no diets
no new gym memberships

Can we just be happy please?

love Kathy xxx

This Christmas ....

We already knew Christmas wouldn't be the same this year. 

My husband's Mum had been very ill for the last few months. We had made tentative plans for hospital or hospice visiting on the day, but sadly she passed away in the middle of December and her funeral was the day before Christmas Eve. We felt out of step with a world filled with frivolous fun. We spent much of the month opening cards, not knowing if it was going to be a Christmas greeting or a message of condolence. It felt surreal coming home each day to our house all festive with decorations and lights which I'd put up at the beginning of the month. 

In the end we had a very simple Christmas. Fewer presents .... we couldn't do much actual shopping, so we just chose a few gifts online. I ran out of wrapping paper and gave things in the bags they came in. I only managed to send half of my Christmas card list. For the first year ever, we had shop bought mince pies and Christmas cake.

On the day itself it was just the two of us and our two grown-up children. No turkey (nobody really likes it anyway), just a normal roast with extra trimmings. No fancy table settings. We still pulled crackers and wore silly hats.

We spent time together in front of the TV watching repeats and eating far too much chocolate, while the rain battered down outside. We were thankful that our part of the 'North' wasn't flooded, and we felt sad for the poor people who have lost everything.

On the few dry days we got outside for a walk with our dog to stretch our legs and re-connect with the elements. 

We had a 'no-frills' Christmas.

And it was still lovely. 

I think we learned that Christmas brings along a magic all of its own even when you're feeling sad.  

And all that fuss counts for nothing at all.

Graduation Day

There were times when we thought this day might not happen, as our son has been really ill for the last two years of his time at Aberdeen. 

But he hung in there and got his 2:1 in English and Creative Writing. 

He graduated with his girlfriend last Tuesday.

They met on their second day of uni four years ago and have been together ever since

We had a lovely relaxed day, in warm sunshine, in the grounds of the ancient buildings.

And we got to have our 'proud parents' photographs after all. 

I'm so proud of my boy who has succeeded against all odds, and so grateful to the young lady who has been quietly by his side during a difficult time.

Five on Friday

Today I'm joining in again with Amy at  Love Made My Home's  link up 'Five on Friday'.

Click on the link on my sidebar to join in.

Our new garden continues to delight me. As one plant finishes, something lovely is waiting to take its place. 

I love the soft pastel shades of this iris.

 I think alliums are becoming one of my favourite flowers. Such an explosion of colour for so little effort. Just throw a few bulbs down in autumn!
The seat was broken on this old wooden bench and it was beyond repair. Rather than throw it away, I gave it a coat of paint and now it's a great support for a clematis montana.

Recently I offered to make a cake for a special occasion. Considering I'd never iced a square cake like this before, I was surprised myself at how well it turned out.  Many thanks to a brilliant little tutorial I found on youtube. (The topper was bought on-line).

And here are the happy couple..... my Mum and Dad enjoying a small family party in their honour!

Don't forget to pop over to Amy's blog and see what everyone else is sharing this week.