Just about poking my head above the parapet now, after a hectic 4 day weekend, filled with Fairs and Auctions. When I DID have a quiet moment, I began a new book and am now just a couple of chapters from the end. I can recommend it - I love Ann Cleeve's Shetland series the best of her writing, because of the continuity.
There weren't many stands outside at the Carmarthen Fleamarket on Sunday (a dire forecast, which came to pass with terrific heavy rain at about 10 to 11). I had a wander round before the doors (and later heavens!) opened, and found two lovely old butter print (stamp) made in Sycamore and naively but expertly crafted. Sycamore was used as it withstands being washed regularly. The other butter print was sharper and will be sold - this one stays with me so I can enjoy it for a bit!
Some friends of ours had this little painted pot (copper underneath the paint) on their stall. I just fell in love with it and they did me a good deal, so it is home with me now and waiting for a suitable sized pot plant to go in it. I think it's painted by the same talented lady (from Whitemill I think) whose work I have seen in the area on other things like breadbins and coal scuttles.
We were given a well-made nest box by the folk who have the Shoot on Next Door's land. Keith got the ladder out and with a little adjustment to the size of the nail hole, got this fitted ready for the nesting season. I'm quite excited, as I've never had a nest box before. I should imagine the Blue or Great Tits will be fighting over it.
The butter prints, like the gingerbread ones, fascinate me. Would you call it treen?
ReplyDeleteArilx
Yes, they're treen. Any portable decorative objects made of wood come under that heading.
ReplyDeleteThanks BB
Delete"Cold Earth" isn't out here until next month--I've reserved my copy at amazon. I hope the author is back on stride--I was a bit disappointed in the last book, found I didn't much care about any of the characters involved.
ReplyDeleteYour dear little painted pot reminds me of the years when I was taking lessons in decorative painting--it was a soothing craft.
It's MUCH better than the last one Sharon, and you will enjoy it. I didn't know you used to paint as well as all your other skills. I have promised myself to join an Art Class WHEN we move (I've been saying that for 10 years now . . .)
DeleteLove the nesting box, please be sure to take some photos.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
I will do Parsnip. I keep casting an eye over it to see if anyone is interested yet!
DeleteLove your finds
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky and have inherited several nest boxes around the cottage. Also found more in the workshop waiting to be put back up, including a 4 hole terrace for sparrows(?). Mrs F told us a Kestrel nests in box that was put up for owls, look forward to seeing what happens this year.
Any house news?
Hi Sue - good to see you back with your new blog - I will check it out later after Cheltenham (we NEVER miss that race meeting). Our House Sparrows here live behind the barge boards "front of house". I hope you get lots of birds using your nest boxes - I intend to get some more up quick but the daft pastel painted things with heart shaped apertures and windows and picket fences did NOT fit the bill! As for the house - they were as keen as mustard and then found out that they COULD buy it and ran a mile . . . Dreamers . . .
DeleteWhat a darling of a pony has just greeted me! plump, dirty and a wicked look in his eye, love him/her - could be pregnant...
ReplyDeleteMare I am pretty sure - she's in Lady P's broodmare band. Though Lady P now in a care home, she won't dream of disbanding her stud, and they are cared for by her next door neighbour G, and one of the folk who have some of her ponies to show, brings her down when the weather is good on a Sunday to come and see them all. Not sure if this lot are being bred from any more, or just have the figures still of their broodmare days.
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