Sunday 18 April 2010

Wot i did in my hols .....

Do you remember those obligatory essays that would always follow a school holiday? I can think of no other way to bring you up to date with my adventures than to write an account of what I did in my Easter hols which are sadly drawing to a close when my boys return to their suits and studies tomorrow.
The start of our holidays was spent consuming chocolate with relish and gay abandon as I had miraculously managed to give it up for Lent.. the double chin had receded and I was feeling positively virtuous.. but two weeks on.. the excess baggage has returned and I am a fallen woman.. eating Oreo's, Kettle Crisps and Brie toasted sandwiches without remorse or conscience.
Easter Monday we set off at the crack of dawn, leaving a note and can opener for our cat to help himself to any tin he could reach in the cupboard (would I?.. cat was fed and watered by neighbours before you call the R.S.P.C.A) and we headed for the beautiful Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall for the second Homespun Fair hosted by Jane and Christine. It was strange to be a visitor this time as I was fortunate to attend their first successful fair in August last year.
Arriving bang on time to see a queue forming outside.. we filtered in to the pretty hall and I set eyes first on Nicky's fine family of bunnies ...

.. before working my way around the hall to be greeted so warmly by dear Viv and her husband... Jane was busy putting the finishing touches to her delicious stall, Amanda from Shabby Chick was sitting amongst an impressive display of vintage finery.

Lizzie, Leonore and Clare were also familiar faces and were soon lost in the rapidly filling hall by a sea of people eagerly parting with their pennies..
I failed to take more photos as I was too busy soaking up the friendly buzz in the hall and spending some precious time catching up with old friends..
Mr Custard meanwhile had wandered off as he still isn't sure he 'gets' the vintage concept .. so I caught up with him down in the pretty village of Portscatho where we ate our hot, scrummy pasties sitting in the harbour trying to avoid the opportunist seagulls.
No visit to this pretty corner of Cornwall would be complete without stepping in to the delightfully bijou and pretty emporium of the Sea Garden owned by Christine...

.. Such a delightful shop crammed with wall to wall loveliness.. vintage finds, desirable jewellery made by Christine herself and so much more ...

It was not long before we had to turn our car around and leave the happy throng behind..but we will be returning in August for the next Homespun Fair.. with a laden car full of Cowboys & Custard clobber as I will be attending the next fair.. can't wait!!
With the arrival of good weather I have virtually taken root in the garden for the last week and have completely fallen in love again with my lofty plot, in my usual fickle way! The winter seemed endless and left the garden looking sad and bereft.. A few days of welcome warm weather have worked wonders for the plants and now the gaps are closing up and the bare brown earth is gradually being carpeted with perennials and Spring bulbs..
It is our intention one day to up sticks and move to the country where Mr Custard is keen to keep chickens, grow his own veg and own a bee hive.With this in mind.. I suggested we dig over our embarrassingly overgrown veg patch and start this idyll by planting our first bed of broad beans etc.. Well.. Mr C's idea of gardening is to sit and strum the guitar sipping something cool... whilst I sweat and toil over the soil...

SO.. one sweaty afternoon later... this presentable patch emerged and now I have a family of broad beans, two rows of shallots (under the soil)one artichoke, rhubarb and some giant garlic (under the soil) sitting happily alongside each other...

Last weekend Jayne and I trundled off to the Dairy House Textile Fair in Semley ... a very successful event organised by Sue. A very enjoyable visit and once again many friendly and familiar faces were there.. Lizzie who was a blur of activity, Niki from Nostalgia, Donna Flower, Helen Roskell... were all there with their beautiful stalls enticing a happy crowd of buyers and visitors. Sadly I forgot to take my camera so you will have to visit Sue's blog to see the wonderful photos of the day.
I am sure this event will be one of many and has put Semley firmly on the map!!
So.. This has been an eventful and very happy hols... with even a touch of decorating thrown in.. a bathroom that was crying out for a lick of paint ..

Wonders will never cease... I even picked up a needle and thread for the first time since my clumsy efforts in needlework lessons at school... and created this..

Using my own badges, cowboy charms and buttons.. Not sure this was for my own amusement or whether it will sell... but I did enjoy this late foray in to the world of sewing...


Last but not least.. we discovered a small pocket of paradise only a hop and a skip from our home and I look forward to sharing this jewel of a garden with you in my next blog post..
I will leave you with an appetiser.. The gateway to this beautiful place..

So.. Miss.. this is wot I done in my hols...
Do I get a gold star?

26 comments:

KC'sCourt! said...

You certainly do get a Gold Star! I always remember having to write what we did in the holidays, but by the time I got to my desk that first mornin gback I could never remember a thing - never much good at writing anyway:-(! I love the gingham cowboy cushion
Julie xxxxxx

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hi Michele

You've had a great holiday! Cornwall, gardening, Sue's fair, a secret garden nearby... Just my kind of holiday! I love Cornwall, especially that area. I usually stay in a cottage in Helford Village and explore nearby villages and creeks. I do hope I can visit the next Homespun Fair, I know I'd love it.

It was lovely bumping in to you and Jayne at Sue's fair ;-)

I love the cushion!

Have a lovely weekend

Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Amanda said...

It has been lovely weather, glad the holidays were the two weeks after and not the usual one before and one after. Enjoy the last day.

Unknown said...

Most definitely a gold star - in fact I think you get two gold stars.
Viv
xxx

Anonymous said...

Sending another star from Ohio.

JuicyFig said...

I can't imagine a nicer holliday - don't they call it a bussmans holliday? ;~)

Mr C looks so over worked on that photo!

Kath
x

Annie said...

It sound like a wonderful holiday, doing all the things you enjoy and relaxing too. I loved Cornwall when I visited a few years ago and would really like to go back and explore some more. Perhaps I could try and coincide with a visit to the Homespun Fair.
Ann x

hens teeth said...

An all round blissful couple of weeks M.
Sun shining, Spring springing, seaside and gardens, jobs done, a stunning cushion made and a lovely post to boot! x

Frances said...

Your fabulous report has really let me have a bit of a virtual holiday. Thank you!

It's been fun to see all that you did. And I do look forward to seeing more of that garden just glimpsed in the final photo.

Best wishes!

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Gold Star indeed and as one who has never been to Cornwall perhaps you should sign up for your local tourism board. You done a good job!!

BusyLizzie said...

well done on the gardening. I too have been inspired over the past week, and it helps take away the stress of waiting for snow boy to get a flight home! xx

Country Cottage Chic said...

Two gold stars & a sweetie for you!

;-)
Jayne

Rubyred said...

Definitely worthy of a gold star madam! You have been a busy gal gallivanting here and there, how wonderful! I love your cushion and have no doubt you will sell it!
Rachel x

Unknown said...

The fair looked wonderful, I may have to find dthe next one. Kx

VintageWantsNotNeeds said...

My my you were busy, sounds like you had a great time. My sister would love the cushion she was a Cowboy fanatic when she was a wee one.
Debbie

Unknown said...

Cripes you've been busy Michele! Thank goodness for this glorious, fantastic weather...perfect for all those vintagey fairs. Lucyxx

Ragged Roses said...

Gosh you certainly pack it all in old girl! Lots of lovely days out there, hope they continue for you and those beans of yours grow and grow...
Mx

Ragged Roses said...

Gosh you certainly pack it all in old girl! Lots of lovely days out there, hope they continue for you and those beans of yours grow and grow...
Mx

Clare said...

A* a very good essay!
Lovely to see you at Portscatho...how I managed to restrain ( well slightly!)myself at Christines shop I don't know1Look forward to the V and H

OhSoVintage said...

Thought I was going to read that you'd been to Coverack since you were in Cornwall, Michele.
Ruth x

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka said...

I will absolutely give you a gold star!
Wonderful reading and for a moment I thought I was there too having the most lovely holiday;)
Thank´s for the pics you sent to me, true darlings all of them!
Lots of love
Becky

The Vintage Magpie said...

A Gold Star indeed! I love your cushion! It was great to see you and Mr C at the fair... hope you bought some goodies.. I came home with the little dog on wheels on Jane's stall, I couldn't resist him!
xx

Anonymous said...

Wow what a fun post! The veg patch looks like it's going to be a smasher! I have included some of your pics from Homespun, and showcase what looks like it's going to be a fantastic day for the Vintage and Handmade Fair on my blog fleamarketchic.wordpress.com. Hope you don't mind, it is all done in the friendliest of motivations!
xxSadiexxx

Emma Herian said...

Hello lovely lady!
I reckon you deserve oodles and oodles of gold stars!
Looks like youve had lots of fun on your hols!
As for your sewing skills, I reckon you should take that straight to the headmistress who will make you star of the day...Its fantastic and really sums up Cowboys & Custard!
Emx

A time to dance said...

I gave up chocolate too and lost half a stone!...its now back on!! your pictures bring happy memories of our trip to cornwall and the friends that we made. I think Mr C looks very cool...was he singing to you as you worked?

Louise said...

Do let me know your new address Michele! You lucky thing, a visit to lovely Cornwall and getting to mooch around all those lovely stalls too. I did chuckle at the thought of your snacking binge, and Pickles trying to get his paws in the tin! Good luck with the good life! x