Sunday 20 June 2010

Twenty Days of June

Hello! It's still hot and sunny here, we're having a lovely June! It has, though, been a busy month so far and I've realised I've not actually posted about any of the things we've done in June yet, so here goes...

At the beginning of the month we had our local Gala day. A big part of this is a procession through the village with a costumed parade, pipe bands, and decorated floats.

Here is our float:

The nursery is celebrating its 25th anniversary, hence all the silver. We chose an orchestra theme as the children have recently been learning about musical instruments during their sessions at nursery. It's a community nursery so parents are heavily involved, all the decorating of the float was carried out by a group of parents. Many evenings have been spent drawing, cutting and foiling cardboard shapes, but it was all worth it in the end as we won first prize! By the way, the instrument silhouettes (you can see them best in the top photo) were drawn round my double bass and cello - so having these things taking up precious space in your house does sometimes come in useful! I actually had a "proper" concert that evening so as soon as I was off the float I was straight out to the afternoon rehearsal (after a quick costume change of course!).

The a few days later...

...we celebrated A's 5th birthday.

Rather a large and filling cake for just four of us but we managed.

We had a garden party for her friends a couple of days later at which I annoying forgot to take any photos. I made a chocolate fudge cake for the party but it wasn't one of my best - the icing was too runny, but it tasted OK.

I did remember to put the bunting up...

... A's teddy relaxes after the party.

I've not had time for any Saturday morning bike rides in June, but I did get out one evening.

I didn't stop to take many photos, here's the only one I liked, Ben Lomond is in the distance.

A's nursery also had their summer outing. We went here. Again the weather was brilliant and the children all had a lovely time. We didn't have very long at the park though, meaning that there's plenty we didn't manage to see or do which justifies a return visit soon.

Now back home and a little view of the garden. I bought a new parasol from B&Q and I'm rather liking the summery stripes - they match the green ladies mantle, pink peonies, blue sky and yellow sunshine!

While we're about it, here are three more favourite June garden photos...


Also in the garden...

...my blooming African Flower blanket, and...

...well, I just thought I'd have a little crochet photo shoot. On the chair furthest back is may latest completed project - N's cushion.

Adding the red and lime really jazzes things up. Of the three round cushions I have done this is my favourite which was rather unexpected as they're not the colours I would have chosen for myself.

On impulse, I decided to enter the cushion into the industrial section of our local agricultural show (held yesterday) along with...

Empire Biscuits...

Tablet...

and a plain iced chocolate cake.

The results...

...First prize for my cushion - woo hoo! Third for the empire biscuits (better than last year), highly commended for my chocolate cake, and just commended for my tablet (worse than last year which I was a little disappointed by but it's quite soft fudgy tablet so maybe the judge just prefers the hard sugary type).

All the children at A's nursery enter a drawing to the show, A's picture of a cow came second which was fantastic for such a large entry (I should confess here and say that my cushion was first out of, ahem, two entries, haha!)

The vintage tractors were A & N's favourite show feature, you can see then having a go an the far left.

Today we had the nursery garden party which was rather fortunate as I was able to put all my excess baking from the show on the home baking stall. Unfortunately, I then went and bought at least as much again! I was on lucky dip duty, I wrapped 59 prizes in one evening, why can't I wrap Christmas presents as quickly!

Well, if you've managed this far you're doing great! I'll reward you with some yummy crochet pictures(!)

Deciding which African Flower centers to use next.

A close-up of the blanket so far.

And that's all for now! Phew.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cushion most certainly deserves a First Prize - it's gorgeous!!! Loving your AF blankie too!

Ruth
xxx

periwinkle said...

congrats to you all on your winnings and your african blanket really is beautiful

Yiota said...

That is one very long post! Now, let's see: first and foremost, Happy Birthday to your little girl; she's three months younger than my son.
Congratulations on all the awards; the float looks beautiful and so does your crochet!
Love the pictures, especially the ones with flowers (of course!)

Helsie said...

Looks like you are having a lovely summer and making the most of the weather. I too love your African Flower blanket. The colours are beautiful.
Cheers
Helen

tammykingdon said...

Beautiful photos and an insight into what appears to be a beautiful life - thanks for sharing. I'm loving those cushion covers!

Lesley said...

Wonderful to catch up with all your news. Thanks for all the cake and crochet - it all looks beautiful. Prizes well deserved.

Anonymous said...

It's lovely to read what you've been up to, super busy by the sounds of things. I think the cushion deserves a win regardless of the number of entires, it's my fav colour combo yet.

I once again have crochet envy with your African Flower blanket, I must make some time to start learning to crochet.

Bethx

Diane said...

What lovely summery photos - great to see you all enjoying the weather. I could have helped you out with the cake if you had said!! xxxx

Dawn said...

Wow! You have been busy. Looks ike you have better weather than us, too.
Love your round cushions, must put that on my to do list.

Julie said...

What a lovely re-cap. I have spent many an evening making float decorations - none this year but should be doing it again next year for Islay...it always takes such a long time.
Your baking looks brilliant as does your crochet. Well done for your prize winning.
Good to hear A's party and birthday went well. Juliex

Anonymous said...

What a happy cheery post. Your fab birthday cake is making my mouth water! Congratulations on your splendiferous show results too.

silverpebble said...

I am positively SWOONING at your blanket. Really it takes my breath away. Oh my goodness, I have a massive attack of the wanties.

Cathy said...

Hi Anne. Totally in love with that crochet blanket. Your very bottom photo of it is quite gorgeous. What a fabulous sight that will be when it is completed. You and the family have had very busy times. Congrats for that amazing float. Btw stop putting delicious things to eat on your blog. You are ruining my diet...lol.

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