Rain hangs about the place,
like a friendly ghost.
If it’s not coming down in delicate droplets,
then it’s in buckets
and if neither,
it tends to lurk suspiciously in the atmosphere.

It seems like it has rained forever, leaving no evidence of summer just wet soggy leaves and dog paw prints on every floor.🍁
My soul feels sad that summer is over, my body has awaken to stiff joins and pain, where a 40 something year old shouldn’t knew about and my mind dreads the months ahead.
Don’t get me wrong, I love autumn and the delicious colours, the scents, the cracklings of wood burning and the cold crisp mornings. What I dislike is this constant rain and damp air which creeps into my bones making me feel as if I’m in my 100s.

The rain has had a lot to answer for, it completely stopped work on “Operation Coffee Deck.” We we’re so close to finishing but still so far away.
My mind is full of panic that all the extremely hard work, energy and money that’s gone into it, is being destroyed by the constant down pour of rain.
If only the sky’s would give us a few days restbite so we could get the exposed joists covered, I would be the happiest girl on the planet. 🌍

 

Up until the rain came, our weekends were full on, working our little butts off in the garden.
It been heaven, spending that time together with the late summer sun warming our aching bodies and gentle breeze dancing effortlessly around us, cooling us as we worked our magic.
We’ve had plenty of yummy bbq’s, making the most of the fading summer sun and even tried out our new pizza oven (a present for Mark for all his hard work).
It wasn’t as easy as one would think but we think we may have cracked it. Well excited to give it another go, when the weather allows.

I must admit that even though the rain has stopped play, it’s given my hubby and me some quality time together, time for him to relax after working none stop over the summer.
For the last few weekends we’ve packed an over night bag, borrowed my Brother In-laws camper and headed to Stonehenge Campsite, for a night of relaxation.
It’s been bliss and just what the doctor would order.
To step away from the hassle and bussle of every day life, just for those 12 or so hours, has been bliss, especially as I’ll been feeling rather poorly of late.
We’ve watched countless movies, munched on popcorn and spent much needed time in each other’s company.
We’ve actually had conversations without mobile phones in hand. It’s been really nice. (Thanks Smithy and Kerry)

Stonehenge Campsite, is so cute and the staff are so friendly.
It’s clean, well spaced and very reasonably priced, only £25 a night and that’s with an upgrade to hard standing.
All electric is also included in that price.
They have a cute campers kitchen too and have just started doing food on a Saturday evening, which was very delicious.
We treated ourselves to stone-cooked pizza and chillie and chips (rice was an option to)
They also do breakfast and Sunday lunches. If you don’t have a camper or caravan, than they have the cutest little glamping huts, from festival pods to hobbit holes, to moon pods and more.
They really are cute and we are dying to try them out.

Mark now has his mind set on saving up to buy either a old camper or van to turn into our very own home from home, a little piece of paradise just for us.
My head is full of things to make to turn it into a calming, safe, comfy retreat.
The possibilities are endless, sadly money isn’t so it will have to stay a dream until we one day will make it a reality. (Fingers crossed 🤞)
All in all September has been pretty good.

Diabetes 🍫
How I’ve tried to stay on track but it’s far from easy.
I’m sure I’ll get there someday, I’m determined to, for now though I just have to take each and every day as it comes.

Crochet.🧶
Whoop, I’ve managed a little crochet time and its been truly wonderful, calming and therapeutic. How can one hook and a Skein of yarn, make such a difference to ones life. I would have never believed the magic crochet holds until I had experienced it for myself.
Crochet has become my saviour, my therapy and my happy place. I’m just so grateful I have it in my life.
So what have I made?
I finished and gifted the “Indiana Afghan” by, Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir, to my Sister Kerry for her birthday.
It turned out pretty well and thankfully Ker loved it.
You can read more about it here.

 

I also found time to start not one but three new projects.

Sacred Space by Helen Shrimpton, which is a present for, I can’t tell you yet sorry. I think she reads my blog so I don’t want to ruin the surprise.
Sacred Space, was a crochet Along which has just finished, I’m well behind as I started super late but that’s ok because I’m enjoying each and ever stitch.
You can find out more information about Helens, gorgeous pattern by clicking here and I’ll share all my info and photos when it’s finished and gifted.

I also started a Corner To Corner blanket for my twin Sister Hayley. She has had her eye on one I made my hubby, for a while now so when I gave her the option of having her own, she jumped at it.
Corner to Corner crochet isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I really enjoy the simplicity of making one, especially when you are making a complex piece and your brain needs a little rest or you want to binge watch a tv series or a good old film, it’s really perfect for doing just that.
The only down side, if I had to pick one, is all the ends.
I’ve been good so far and have been weaving them in as I go.

Both projects are going at snail pace🐌 because life is still being a whirlwind and on top of that, I’m determined to get some Granny Squares made.
Talking about Granny Squares I’ve made a few for Mums “Nuts About DNA Afghan”
You won’t believe it but I’ve finally got past the 100th square, I’m on the home straight, whoop whoop. 🙌
Making Granny Squares has to be my favourite pastime especially when I’m working with Scheepjes Stonewashed.
The squares I have made throughout September didn’t disappoint.

“Imagine” by Polly Plum, you can see more photos and get all the information here.

 

“Savannah” by Polly Plum, you can see more photos and get all the information here.

“Mrs. Lukas” by Diana Krenz, and yet again, you can see more photos and get all the information here.

 

I also continued the mammoth task of joining the squares, 12 squares by 12 squares, after an afternoon of joining I bagged her up ready to take to my Mums the next day to try her out for size and double check our calculations of 144 squares was indeed right.
It wasn’t.

12 squares long, hung and piled on the floor. 😫
We’ve recalculated and believe that it now only needs to be an 11 x 10 square layout.
I’ve got some unjoining to do and only 8 more squares to make.
I really am on the home straight.

I’m eager to get it finished for Mum, she so excited, but I also don’t want it to be over.
So much love and life’s little memories have been stitched into every square, I don’t want it to end.
It’s definitely going to be bittersweet when I make that last stitch and weave in that very last end.

If you don’t know already, I’ve started a new series all about Mum’s “Nuts About DNA Afghan, were I will be sharing all the information and colour orders for each and every square.
Each post will be short and sweet with links to the square and designers social media, my colour order and ant modifications made.
As I have made rather a lot of squares, I think I’m going to do say 5 squares at a time, just to keep the posts to a minimum and to catch up.
With every new square made staring at square 100, I will share the information as I make them.

You won’t believe it, I actually got my “Havana Afghan ” wip out and spent a little time working on her. You may remember Havana was a Crochet Along by Tinna Thórudóttir Thorvaldsdóttir. The trouble is now I don’t want to put her down.
I’ve only so far completed the first two patterns and started the third but I’m in love.

Yesterday I was a tad naughty and started yet another project but I’m going to call this one a colour test for a blanket that will one day either go in our dream camper or in our summerhouse, which I’m hoping will be done up over the winter months so it can be used in every season and will no longer be a dumping room for bmx’s, tools and god knows what else.
Instead it will be my little heaven. A place of tranquility where I can crochet in calming sunlit surroundings.
I’ve somehow got to talk Mark into doing the work, no easy task I can reassure you, his mind is firmly fixed on his dream of a camper.
Anyway my new project will be made souls made up of the absolute gorgeous Tropical Delight square by Susan A. Stevens.
It has to be one of my all time favourites and I have wanted to make a blanket out of this square for as long as I can remember.
Tropical Delight, is a time consuming square, full of texture and outstanding beauty.
I just love, love, love making it.
My test square is finished but not blocked and here’s a little sneaky peak for you.

Before I sign off, I have to warn you that this months Crochet Crush, post may be a little late but I promise to get it to you as soon as possible. It’s well worth the wait, it’s gorgeous.
Until then, have a wonderful day.
Too-da-loo.

🦋🦋🦋