Something new

One of my resolutions for this year was to learn something new. And while I already know how to knit, this definitely counts as a new variation if not a completely new skills.

So what is it? It's Moebius knitting and while it doesn't look like anything special, it's really quite freaky - you knit both sides of a twist at the same time and where you start from ends up in the middle of the piece rather than at an end. I know I'm not describing it very well, but effectively you knit, in one go, a moebius strip - a twist with no end and only one side. Hmm! Maybe you'd better just tune back in to see the finished article in a few days!!

And in case you think I'm neglecting my crochet, I've also started to dabble with freeform crochet - the ruffled items above being exhibits A and B. They're examples of hyperbolic crochet and incredibly easy to create - just keep doubling the number of stitches each row/round until you're happy with the end result. Hours of fun!


And now, time to get up and go snow shoeing! See you later, blog readers.

Here's how my garden grows!

I promised to keep you posted on my backyard garden is coming on this year, so here it is.

As you can see, my new roses are starting to flower already and it's all starting to settle in nicely.

Let's hope I can persuade someone to water it while I'm away next week so that it still looks as good when I get back.

Oasis

I may only have a concrete backyard but not only is it my oasis, it's also proof that you can 'green' just about anywhere.

I had an interesting discussion on that very topic this week at work. We were discussing how we respond to a consultation on what could be seen as just another Government initiative - Central Scotland Green Network. On the face of it the idea looks like just another worthy environment type thing. But the real beauty of it is that it connects and exposes the importance and value of green and open space to well being, happiness and economic prosperity. So it's not just about green for the sake of it (valuable though that is) but green space as a key benefit for communities, and an important right for everyone.

So, what's that got to do with my back yard? Well, on an individual scale it proves the point. You don't need a garden to have green space. And you don't need lots of space to grow stuff. And it really does help make a space into a place.

Mission accomplished

Tubs are now all planted up and looking promising. I finished them off this evening but did most of them late last night, finishing up at 11pm. Oh, the joys of summer evenings!

Watch this space for photos of the garden over the summer as it grows.

Warm enough to sit outside

At last, a first real glimpse of spring. It's finally warm enough to sit out in the spring sunshine on my back step and remember what it's like to be warm outdoors again.

Long may it continue, although I suspect it may just be a false start and we'll get some colder weather again before spring starts in earnest.

But meantime I'm going to enjoy it!

UPDATE: I managed to stay outside until 5 pm and am now back inside with a cosy log fire going. The bliss that is spring - warm enough during the day to sit out, cold enough at night for a real fire. Mmmm

Last preparations

On the home strait now for getting the flat ready for the arrival of my long awaited visitors! Beds all changed, shopping all (nearly) done and just the last bits of cleaning still to do.

The cat is asking whether she should leave home. I've told her that as long as she stops shedding fur she's free to stay. She is packing her suitcase as we speak.

But seriously I'm so excited. Only one more night and then they're here.

Oh, and ifyou think the duvet cover in this picture is looking a bit, well melted, yes, the colours did run. I now have a pair of pretty pink pants too - not to mention pink socks, dishtowels and pillow cases. Grrr!

And while we're doing entrances ...

Here's a pic of my front door.
(and those dustbins again!!)

Guided tour is now pretty much complete.

My back yard

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, today's blog is a quick picture of my back yard.

Taken from the kitchen window in between rain showers and featuring my bargain table and chair set. Also visible are some of my new pots, planted up today in the rain and looking very pretty. I'm slowly disguising the concrete!

Also just visible is the hedge I tried to trim last weekend. Unfortunately as those who know me will realise, I was too short to trim the top properly and now it just looks like it's had a run in with a bad barber! Short back and sides but a bit straggly still on top!

Wild harvest

Sitting out in the back yard today and I realised that the strawberries are ripening fast.

I've already had the first three in a fruit salad. It looks like I'll be having strawberries and cream for pudding before too long.

Sadly I don't think they will last another 2 weeks until big sis and the wee one get here. All the more for me then!

My new garden

Ok maybe not as big or green as the last one, but definitely more manageable!

Please excuse the rubbish bins sneaking in to the top of the pic. It's a bit difficult to get the shot without them. Unless of course I moved them and I didn't think of that!

The flowers just looked so pretty when I got in tonight that I thought a blog was called for. Hope you enjoy.