tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46680259063449876352024-03-06T09:11:36.106+01:00COWBOYS & CUSTARDA childhood revisitedCowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-92031301100026325002014-06-03T11:39:00.000+02:002014-06-04T10:00:20.456+02:00Roll out those hazy lazy crazy days…..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well.. it has been a long time since I ventured into my blog to update my adventures.. and it all feels a bit alien to me. I have been busily immersing myself in village life and enjoying the beautiful season that flourishes outside my window. Now that we are officially in the Summer season… thoughts turn to lounging in deck chairs, cutting roses in the garden and walking through the sublime buttercup meadows with our sweet little Minnie dog.<br />
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This is a gentle step back into blog land to share with you my next adventure which takes place on the 6th & 7th of June in the very beautiful valley of St Catherine a hop and a skip from the centre of Bath. I will be joining some very fine stalls at the <a href="http://www.cabbagesandroses.com/">Cabbages & Roses</a> two day event and hope that you will be able to join me.<br />
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There will be toys galore and a big dob of nostalgia on Cowboys & Custard's Stall.</div>
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Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-64187754941745553372013-09-05T12:48:00.001+02:002013-09-05T12:52:56.986+02:00It's all go.....Please forgive the brevity of my blog posts of the last few months... the days might be winding down to Autumn, with that beautiful burnished light that comes with September sunsets and the bushes and trees laden with their abundant harvest.<br />
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I, however am busier than ever and rather than my usual tendency to hibernate and slow down with the season, I am finding 24 hours woefully inadequate to achieve all that I have and want to do. We won't even mention the 'C' word as that would send me into a tail spin with all the projects and work I have stored away for that occasion.<br />
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This Saturday we will be packing up the old jalopy and wending our way to Rangeworthy village hall for another vintage jumble sale. The boxes might just have to pack themselves this time, as the hours are ticking by and my time is running out! Do come along if you like a good bargain as I promise you there is something for everyone at these jumbles.. from Paisley quilts, to garden gnomes, much loved teddy bears, Enid Blyton books, chintzy tea sets and so much more!<br />
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Sunday I will be lobbing some heavy metal balls around... all in the name of The Biddestone Boules Tournament.<br />
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This fun event has become a firm favourite and this year we will be team 'Minnie the Moochers'... accompanied by none other than our lucky mascot.. Minnie herself!<br />
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We might not make it to the finals.. but sure as God made little green apples, we will be enjoying the bonhomie of the Boules brigade!!<br />
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<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-9267801013194648922013-08-24T11:10:00.000+02:002013-08-24T11:10:01.999+02:00There was a Fine Fair from Devizes .....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There was a fine fair in Devizes</div>
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Which drew people of all shapes and sizes</div>
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They came from afar</div>
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To the <a href="http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.co.uk/">Vintage Bazaar</a></div>
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And all had the time of their lives-es!</div>
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This time next Saturday, 31st of August.. my merry band of teddies and I, will be joining the good folk at <a href="http://thevintagebazaar.blogspot.co.uk/">The Vintage Bazaar</a> at the Corn Exchange in Devizes, Wiltshire. </div>
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The doors will open at 9.30 a.m and close at 3.00 p.m. Admission is £1</div>
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A good day is sure to be had by all!!</div>
<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-86904368399742973742013-07-12T09:19:00.002+02:002013-07-12T09:22:07.805+02:00Hot off the press ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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HOT being the word!! Tomorrow the mercury will rise to a sizzling 84 degrees F.<br />
Mad dogs, Englishmen and avid vintage jumble sale devotees, will be making their way to Rangeworthy Village Hall in South Gloucestershire, for another bundle of vintage bargains at The <a href="http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/">Vintage & Handmade Vintage Jumble Sale.</a><br />
Doors will open at 10.00 a.m until 1.00 p.m.. and the W.I will be there in their pretty pinnies to serve cool, reviving drinks to all of the hot shoppers!<br />
So saddle up your pony and trot on down to the best little vintage jumble sale in town... (and village)!!Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-31947156806421127832013-06-09T22:15:00.000+02:002013-06-09T22:15:00.199+02:00Jumble in a Box... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVr5jiZYgRx_B-lF-Zdko93R-pF-W2TtCqbrHsz5OeGemqeKby8RN1Y9_Z3RFEjnAGw8AZ30oFirsMd1kpkocO6gC9sqbZJ40moe2hrivUyVp3CqJZC5Fm9mhNJ8g9850mebop6wc3Z4/s1600/BOX+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Well it's been a long time... so long in fact that we have skipped from one season to another in my absence. Spring has begrudgingly turned a corner this week into something resembling summer.. <br />
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Blue skies and a rather bright orb in the sky have been celebrated here with lots of leafy walks ...<br />
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Young Minnie is sporting her very jaunty new Summer look... Gone is the hairy hound and in her place is a slinky skinny Minnie.. so much cooler dahling!!<br />
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It is hard to believe that it is nearly a year since we moved to this pretty village on the edge of the Wiltshire and Somerset border ..<br />
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Any visit to the great metropolis.. the nearby city of Bath.. makes me feel ever so slightly jittery.. Too many cars.. too many people. I feel much more at home with the chattering of Sparrows and the traffic of the Swifts that race overhead...<br />
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I relish the peace and endless beauty of this place as it changes every day and offers a serenity that I have never known before....<br />
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Though I have not exactly signed up to Jam & Jerusalem as part of my initiation into village life, I have made some lovely friends and enjoy the teasing banter amongst the various folk in the local shops. Wanting to contribute something to our new community, <a href="http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/">The Vintage & Handmade fairs</a> have added a new venue to their roadshow... and this coming weekend, June 15th, will hopefully bring a flurry of interest when we hold a vintage jumble sale in our local village hall...<br />
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If the sun doesn't promise to shine on Saturday.. there will be plenty to brighten up the place with a host of fabulous vintage stalls all offering some tempting vintage bargains.. So please come along if you can ... and when you have finished shopping.. take time to walk around this lovely village and maybe you will understand why my heart is firmly rooted here now.<br />
<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-29748118929102198802013-03-22T14:17:00.001+01:002013-03-22T14:17:24.870+01:00Come hell or high water ....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTqbDz2kIGdLyF4GQsdA5V7Nbo1q2F_Uraw_KIFcvjXmdQTDardH7GU9F74ePe-U_9SHAYeizZebCN7t_v9k-NH_2C2zr8K0fNRlCcL3Wile9qvZUmtEBCSrInkak2c76H-UG-tbt66c/s1600/free+vintage+image_rummage+sale+cats.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTqbDz2kIGdLyF4GQsdA5V7Nbo1q2F_Uraw_KIFcvjXmdQTDardH7GU9F74ePe-U_9SHAYeizZebCN7t_v9k-NH_2C2zr8K0fNRlCcL3Wile9qvZUmtEBCSrInkak2c76H-UG-tbt66c/s400/free+vintage+image_rummage+sale+cats.jpg" width="400" /></a> Despite a prediction of climatic gloom delivered by the nice weather man on television last night.. the show will most definitely go on! Tomorrow we will be piling the tables with vintage goodies at the <a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=rangeworthy&daddr=Rangeworthy,+South+Gloucestershire+BS37&hl=en&ll=51.573309,-2.450337&spn=0.010109,0.03592&view=map&geocode=Cfi6LbO5bKmgFTzyEgMdbpza_w&t=m&z=15">Rangeworthy</a> Village Hall and welcoming visitors from 10.00 a.m until 1.30 p.m.<br />
Put on your thermals and come out for a nice cuppa and slice of something delish and a good rummage amongst mountains of vintage jumble wares. Something to warm your cockles this chilly weekend!<br />
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<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-12997576577557310052013-03-16T10:11:00.002+01:002013-03-16T10:11:28.810+01:00A Spring in the step....Another grey and distinctly damp day has dawned again and all thoughts of dusting off the deck chairs or wielding a trowel in the garden, still seem a long way off ..<br />
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This winter has been a long dark haul and I for one, will welcome warmer brighter days and some splash of colour in the garden, to brighten the scorched earth look of our patch. There are some signs that the seasons are willing to move on, with the discovery of some very pretty Hellebores and Primroses and the dark jewel like flowers of the Crocus.<br />
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When we moved to this house last June, the Spring flowers had long faded and we were left with a wall of green.. mostly shrubs..which we ruthlessly dispatched to the great compost heap in the sky.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVswkRBzcYMmnw3QFELb_00yyWnN5txL7BnrUSpS7GGfFz9PZrrWcMkjjXk5o8IbIfPBPrC0KBwoqpjUy2mIxYFy6_IOCrmvo8Brx97ZmEL0_BT2pfIFiFrkswaUgDIkibxDFoB01eeA8/s1600/wall.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVswkRBzcYMmnw3QFELb_00yyWnN5txL7BnrUSpS7GGfFz9PZrrWcMkjjXk5o8IbIfPBPrC0KBwoqpjUy2mIxYFy6_IOCrmvo8Brx97ZmEL0_BT2pfIFiFrkswaUgDIkibxDFoB01eeA8/s640/wall.jpg" width="640" /></a> I was keen to unveil the beautiful stone walls that surround our small garden and provide a wonderful stage for some good old fashioned favourites... climbing roses, Clematis, Honeysuckle and anything else that I can persuade to grow vertically that can earn it's keep with some pretty blooms.<br />
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As the summer never really got off to a good start.. or any start at all come to think of it, I have not had the pleasure of seeing our new garden in full bloom.<br />
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Climbing roses were purchased and placed at the foot of a long dead apple tree, along with a Clematis Montana. A climbing rose which promised blousy fragrant blooms, was placed against a stretch of bare wall and fingers were kept firmly crossed for a swan song of flowers at the end of the summer.<br />
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Sadly after weeks of persistent rain.. any blooms that were brave enough to open, were soon drenched and bedraggled. This year I hope we will be rewarded with not only a swathe of fragrant flowers but also some warm sunny days to sit in the garden and take time to smell the roses!<br />
I am afraid you will have to make do with last year's pictures when the garden still showed some signs of life and new plants had been planted with hope in my heart that they would flourish.<br />
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Now as the Easter weekend approaches and some of you may have the urge to purge... Spring cleaning will start in earnest. We at The Vintage & Handmade H.Q.. have been having a bit of a sort out and will be taking our vintage chattels down to Rangeworthy village hall on Saturday 23rd March for another popular vintage Jumble Sale.. If you thought the Six Nations Rugby tournament had the best scrums.. just wait until you see the action at the jumble. Hope to see you there for a good old rummage!Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-91797471847296949762013-03-10T09:55:00.000+01:002013-03-10T09:55:02.666+01:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anne - Marie Lobert</div>
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To all mothers everywhere.. and absent ones too...<br />
Wishing you all a very<br />
Happy Mother's Day.</div>
Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-40147113808006493142013-02-16T19:38:00.000+01:002013-02-16T19:38:55.543+01:00The Vintage & Handmade Texile Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now hear this ... now hear this...<br />
On Saturday 23rd February 2013 at 10..00 a.m sharp.. the doors of Chipping Sodbury town hall will open once again to The<a href="http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/"> Vintage & Handmade Textile Fair</a> for another jolly jamboree of fine vintage and handcrafted wares. Tables will be piled high with a colourful and mind boggling collection of vintage Hungarian linens from Beyond France, pretty and practical haberdashery from Donna Flower, funky silver jewellery from Hazel Sutton, beautiful hand-bound books from Mud Rabbit, finest antique textiles from The Washerwoman, Sallie Eade and Geraldine Shepherd and many many more wonderful stalls. There will be oodles of quality vintage merchandise all comfortably housed in this attractive venue. Do come along if you can and join the happy throng.. and take the weight off your feet and purse with lashings of tea and yummy cakes all provided by the wonderful W.I ladies. Doors close at 3.00 p.m Be there... or be forever wishing you had! <br />
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<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-43462557110682518612013-01-22T15:54:00.000+01:002013-01-22T15:54:34.134+01:00Snow snow quick quick snow...I have just turned my head to glance out of the window.. and lo.. it is snowing again.. and don't we just love it.. well yes we do!!<br />
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Last Thursday night after retiring for bed with a head full of weather reports.. I slept fitfully.. as a child would on Christmas Eve anticipating the excitement of the morning ahead. Some time around 3.a.m I dreamt that I woke up to a grey city with rain soaked pavements.. and feeling some relief that it was only a dream.. I peeked through the curtains, only to be bitterly disappointed that the landscape looked pretty much the same as the night before.. i.e No snow!<br />
At 8.00 a.m I was delighted to wake to a pristine scene outside.. Snow.. and lots of it!<br />
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For Minnie, the experience of snow was nothing short of hilarious to witness.. the snuffling, snorting and romping in the snowy wasteland of the hills around our home kept us all amused and delighted.<br />
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I am sure this talk of weather is all a bit passe now.. but we at
Cowboys & Custard just love the stuff... well most of us... at
least. <br />
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Looks like the fun will be here for a few more days as the flakes continue to fall..Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-36128068024608824602012-12-31T13:50:00.002+01:002012-12-31T13:50:53.613+01:00Happy New Year to all..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before we turn our backs on this year.. may we reflect on all the good times that 2012 brought to us.. and may the bad times become a distant memory. <br />Wishing all of my blog followers, friends, family and four legged friends.. the best of times in 2013!</div>
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With love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Michele xx</div>
Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-18584042957294037342012-12-24T16:43:00.000+01:002012-12-24T16:43:05.581+01:00It's beginning to feel a lot like......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well here we are again on the eve of Christmas and I can hardly believe a year has passed since the last Christmas eve.. and oh what a year it has been!<br />
We had earmarked just the right spot for the Christmas tree to stand, down to the last bauble .. but then the arrival of our four legged friend somewhat scuppered our plans as to have a tree with all of the trimmings...<br />
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1 playful cat + 1 delinquent puppy + Christmas tree + fairy lights = Disaster!<br />
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So we have had to compromise with other sparkly decorations hung around the place and everything vaguely chewable, elevated to new heights!<br />
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With the fire lit.. the mince pies warming in the oven and tummies rumbling.. we are ready to welcome another Christmas day!<br />
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From all of the 'Custards' and Mr Pickles and Minnie the Minx.. we would like to wish you all a<br />
very <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> very</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Christmas </span>and a <span style="font-size: large;">very</span> good year to follow.<br />
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Wishing you warmest wishes of the season.<br />
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Have a wonderful time!</div>
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<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-80119321521973229752012-11-26T20:39:00.000+01:002012-11-26T20:39:45.144+01:00Never work with Children and Animals .. part IIThe last four weeks have been a steep learning curve for our family.. and may I say.. our long suffering Mr Pickles. Minnie the Minx has got all of her four paws firmly under the table and has transformed our every day lives as we once knew them. If Minnie is not busy chewing an illicit toilet roll.. she is chewing an illicit vintage teddy bear snuck from my office, or chasing a weary cat around the house or barking at the hoover for having the audacity to make a louder noise than herself. Minnie is certainly not a mouse.. and it has to be said.. she is a small dog with a whole of lot of attitude and a massive character.<br />
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A Moment's Peace</div>
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Whilst juggling card orders in the run up to Christmas and trying to craft some festive sparklies for <a href="http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/">The Vintage & Handmade Fair</a> I have been attempting to keep some kind of order and equilibrium with our dear little girl .. no easy task. Every box of vintage fayre destined for next Saturday's fair, has been elevated to a safe shelf or table where Minnie can't get her muddy little paws on them.. It has been a lesson in patience, cunning and persistence as we are both as stubborn as each other when it comes to staking a claim to a vintage toy.<br />
I hope that all will be safely packed and priced and ready to take to the fair by Saturday 1st and if Minnie isn't careful.. she will be the fairy on top of the tree at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall next weekend.<br />
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If you want to find that extra special vintage or handmade gift for this Christmas.. for your loved ones or just yourself then put on your warm hat and coat and come along to our Christmas Fair and get into the Christmas spirit next Saturday.<br />
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<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-81319149561085041272012-11-01T11:33:00.000+01:002012-11-01T11:33:21.566+01:00Never work with Animals or Children....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Take 3</div>
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The Vintage & Handmade Winter Jumble Sale</div>
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Rangeworthy Village Hall</div>
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Saturday 3rd November</div>
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10.30 a.m - 2.00 p.m</div>
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Free Admission</div>
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Teas and Cakes from Rangeworthy W.I</div>
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Puppy not for sale!</div>
<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-75817846863447594742012-10-16T10:36:00.001+02:002012-10-16T10:36:10.820+02:00Minnie the Moocher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a song being sung at every available opportunity, in our household. Call it a kind of fanfare for the expected arrival of our fine furry friend.. Minnie the Moocher. It is impossible not to think up a host of nicknames for this beautiful little girl who will be coming to live with us in just over a week's time. Minnie the Minx, Minnie Moo.. Minnie Ha Ha.. Minnie the Moocher.. and there will be many more names in time.<br />
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Pickles the cat has his own set of names for his imminent sibling.. but probably not wise to mention them on this blog. He is mightily unimpressed by the arrival of a dog bed, crate and a new set of toys that have little cat appeal. I mean... what good is a tennis ball and a chew rope!<br />
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Minnie is now seven weeks old and we have been very fortunate indeed to have known her from 10 days of age when she hadn't yet opened her eyes or even barely resembled a Border Terrier. </div>
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So here is our gal.. full of fun and mischief and already loved so much!Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-66043409292924572702012-09-19T19:08:00.000+02:002012-09-20T10:20:11.052+02:00Notes from a Country Convert.... After moving out to the wilds of Wiltshire, nearly three months ago now.. I have fallen head over heels in love with our new life amongst the leafy lanes and pastures that surround our home. It didn't take long to become bewitched by the rural treasures on our doorstep and after investing in some rather stout footwear and much needed wellies.. we soon settled in to a daily routine of walks.<br />
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On leaving the house we have to decide on a left or right turn..<br />
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The left, taking us up a hill into woodland just a few minutes from our door.. and further on to lofty fields that gaze down on village life...<br />
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The right turn takes us down to the Bybrook and fields where we have gathered new friends along the way.. Margot the solitary Swan and Henry the Heron who we often see fishing for frogs in the marshy fringes of the fields.<br />
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The greatest thrill for me is discovering the Kingfishers that flash like neon darts along the mill stream.. Such a treat to see these dazzling little birds.. and miraculously I managed to spy one sitting on a water duct pipe.. and with hands shaking I took this blurry photo. It looks all the better if you squint at it...<br />
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It had been our dream for at least ten years to move to a quieter world.. a less frenetic pace and a place to watch the seasons change before our eyes..and we have surely found it in this beautiful corner of Wiltshire.<br />
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Instead of the traffic drone from city streets at night, we now have an owl that sits in the tree opposite and actually says.. To wit, to whoo... Something I always thought of as some kind of pastoral myth. The hedgerows are ripe with Elderberries and Blackberries and foraging has started in earnest.. with our freezer slowly filling with berries ready for a spot of jam making.<br />
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The garden has had a bit of a makeover with cottage garden plants replacing the shrubs we inherited which hid this beautiful stone wall..<br />
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The climbing rose has already romped up the old dead apple tree, closely followed by a Clematis Montana..<br />
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I can't wait to see the plants burst into life in the Spring and fill up the gaps.. with a whole host of Narcissi, Tulips and Alliums which have recently been planted.<br />
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Life is good.. life is rich and there is so much more to look forward to.. Christmas for a start! Sorry to mention the C word so early.. but one has to think about where the Christmas tree is going to stand this year. Isn't that one of the first things people think of when buying a new home?<br />
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There is something even more exciting on the horizon.. something with four legs and a little wet nose.. Next month we will be welcoming a new member to our family and I will be busy refereeing a very disgruntled cat with the arrival of a Border Terrier puppy called Minnie... She is only three weeks old so has a lot of growing to do before we can bring her home where we hope to have primed Pickles the cat in how to get along with a new sibling!<br />
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Life will never be the same again .. but it will be better and we hope to be fitter with even more reason to go walkies!<br />
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The summer was eventful to say the least.. with a house move.. a visit to the wonderful Homespun Fair down in Portscatho, where old friends and new friends mingled amongst a host of vintage treasures. Hello Mandy if you are reading this.. It was lovely to meet you at the fair.<br />
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Then we had The Vintage & Handmade Jumble sale in Rangeworthy.. a popular event with bargains galore to be found. On September 2nd The annual Biddestone Boules tournament was a date firmly etched on the calendar and in true Gallic style, team Cowboys & Custard embraced the bonhomie of the games and had a wonderful day.. lobbing boules. <br />
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I am beginning to feel a shift in the gears even though the season is slowing down for hibernation time.. This move to village life has given my creative flow a good kick where it was badly needed.. and I have recently revived my bookbinding skills to make a collection of books.. ready for <a href="http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/">The Vintage & Handmade Textile fair </a> next week.<br />
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It should be a wonderful day .. one I am very much looking forward to with new and old friends gathering to showcase their fabulous talents and vintage wares amongst 40 stalls.<br />
Do come along if you can.. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.. Saturday 29th September 10.00 a.m - 4.00 p.m.. Hope to see you there!<br />
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P.s Thank you for all of your warm and friendly comments on my previous post.. They were greatly appreciated! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQtb7E2Xbv8waA8v6VG5fS5y0XIWF0O8oJt0mZwiiHlPx7A0iEwBqE9c7DsXABvD0H2gATKfq15CmfMoNcklcfCezgUhwc2Ih4Fym5Kca3idv0xAw1MR98qG5L4VcuuLjS68JN5oLk7Y/s1600/books.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-61729314183100867772012-08-22T15:13:00.001+02:002012-08-22T20:53:25.407+02:00A Jumbling we will go.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSJt2Be9F04zFc-kLls0msu712hff2HW27Sq33dr7WTxSRr-aoS9GenLrw3inVDdoSEbODk09ebjGzHWBmbur2dFwGc-Kq4P1rJ572RNjf86CTC5KgxzEL7Bs6yGbMX4isrQplFnyLtQ/s1600/jumblesale2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSJt2Be9F04zFc-kLls0msu712hff2HW27Sq33dr7WTxSRr-aoS9GenLrw3inVDdoSEbODk09ebjGzHWBmbur2dFwGc-Kq4P1rJ572RNjf86CTC5KgxzEL7Bs6yGbMX4isrQplFnyLtQ/s640/jumblesale2.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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I am not sure there is such a word as jumbling but it sounds just like the kind of thing that will be happening at The Vintage & Handmade Jumble Sale at <a href="http://bristol.myvillage.com/place/rangeworthy-village-hall">Rangeworthy Village Hall</a> this coming Saturday .. The hall will be awash with oodles of lovely vintage wares and when the rummaging has got too much for everyone.. the wonderful W.I ladies will be administering tea and cake to revive the eager shoppers.<br />
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So.. if you want to dodge the rain and find an alternative to another soggy Saturday afternoon indoors.. come on down to Rangeworthy village hall from 10.30 a.m until 2.00 p.m to hunt for that vintage bargain item you have always wanted! Admission is free ... so even more pennies to spend on some jumble!<br />
<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-32099087097751092552012-07-18T16:25:00.000+02:002012-07-19T11:33:42.679+02:00Butter on paws...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgGFaEgDew7S3UoIqtLgfaGnELmP8KFgnfQWR5notwG3PitICamZNOBLl7CNg6RqG87vo066QmG3VYJO_ZHfCpeg9Z-pGP9-m8zPmNjz1T3y5lR85V0UNgzfr7aNIbrt9BAgpgbC59ng/s1600/Netherby+front+door.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgGFaEgDew7S3UoIqtLgfaGnELmP8KFgnfQWR5notwG3PitICamZNOBLl7CNg6RqG87vo066QmG3VYJO_ZHfCpeg9Z-pGP9-m8zPmNjz1T3y5lR85V0UNgzfr7aNIbrt9BAgpgbC59ng/s640/Netherby+front+door.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> There is a belief that if one butters the paws of a cat when
moving it to a new home, that it will not stray from it’s new abode as it is so
busy licking the butter from it’s paws. Well, I managed to forget this little tip and it was some days
after we were ensconced in our new home that Mr Pickles found himself daubed in
best Anchor Butter.. much to his delight and bemusement as he had already
tasted his new environs by escaping on day two of our move and legging it down
the lane despite my calls and bribes with a box of cat munchies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am glad to say he returned and has not ventured further
than the wall at the top of the garden to flirt outrageously with the pretty
kitty next door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So… we finally moved home.. despite the months of fearing it
would never happen, we arrived at our new/old home on 22<sup>nd</sup> June. The
day was predictably stressful and made more so by a timely phone call from our
solicitor to say that the monies for transfer could not go ahead due to Nat
West bank having a monumental cock up in their system. As the last item had
just been loaded onto the delivery van we were pretty determined to go ahead
with the move… come what may and were lucky enough to have had the luxury of an empty house to move into
with the blessings of the vendors. So, it was that we arrived at our pretty
house and set up home as squatters for the weekend until Nat West managed to
rectify the problem on the Monday morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Waking up to this on our first day in the cottage we pinched
ourselves believing that we were on holiday and it was all a rather surreal
dream....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTntLlGS2XooLwwPoF3UavnurZ2FgGtdJYlWEqlYX-Wn1Pok16-_9OqY8S-BYHEuUrUbKq1AaIkcwPaWT1G2YuV6yf-DTgAlnNiR1cpnA97x4wQrW4CdHl2D1wkBdufKemZvEN0N5dBDs/s1600/kitchen+window+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTntLlGS2XooLwwPoF3UavnurZ2FgGtdJYlWEqlYX-Wn1Pok16-_9OqY8S-BYHEuUrUbKq1AaIkcwPaWT1G2YuV6yf-DTgAlnNiR1cpnA97x4wQrW4CdHl2D1wkBdufKemZvEN0N5dBDs/s400/kitchen+window+2.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Three weeks into our new home and we feel not a crumb of
regret or backward glance to our time in Bath. We miss our old friends and
neighbours though they are only 10 minutes down the road we have also gained some lovely new friends and neighbours here as was testament by the mass of cards and
bottles of welcome wine that were given to us on our arrival. </span><br />
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We have swapped the nocturnal sounds of sirens and nighttime revellers for the
din of a screeching owl and the morning racket of Sparrows and church bells. A
good trade off I think!</div>
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The terrace which is a wonderful sun trap.. or would be if the sun shone! <br />
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The toy collection is feeling very much at home already.. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So here is a glimpse of some of our Hobbit house.. as we have named
it. It was built in the early 1700's and we feel we are very fortunate indeed to be
it’s custodians for the next chapter in it’s life!</span></div>Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-34440819041019076852012-06-11T11:39:00.000+02:002012-06-11T11:39:23.245+02:00Heaven in the rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every summer I eagerly look forward to the NGS National Gardens Scheme little yellow book of local gardens to visit in the balmy (!!!) summer months. Yesterday we took time out from the bubble wrap and cardboard boxes to visit one of these fine floral havens and donned our wellies and Souwesters to visit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazelbury_Manor">Hazelbury Manor</a> in Wiltshire.<br />
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Despite the weather's attempt to thwart any enjoyment outside.. we had a wonderful time wandering around the heavenly gardens of this beautiful historical home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb01ZoHbzjs-PR9HCIUtTZ6V4H73iAFKg5y_YDl5VTNl-ooIDLuGoZwn-ephzyTza3VC0BLd2cn5niGvMKpeV675uR_o9hfUQqMpOfVeNynOn6YI_6u7oiGIsYJADllFL5i3sDyWq2Qik/s1600/DSCN9430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>At every little twist and turn there were beautiful borders brimming with my cottage garden favourites, vibrant red Poppies, frothy green Alchemilla Mollis, dainty Aqualegias, dusky Lavender, perfumed Old English Roses, pompom Alliums crammed into every border to delight the eye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRtFvde4KvqYdP867v4YbFxy5NW7CDuDC_bRRLAolWvaofHF3GPDqzH9_AItJVU7CL753pG3_l6qEwZWHhiBaB-64933FgnqYSH2W6Zx2qVvVvErdASsJeVbRruEpvBDR_I409mgP9mA/s1600/DSCN9428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Despite the more refined planting .. I was totally dazzled by this gorgeous display of the humble Foxglove.. hundreds of pastel spires filled with buzzing bees, intoxicated on their rich pollen.<br />
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The rain added a new dimension and also brought out the jewel like colours of each plant against the grey sky.<br />
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Sadly this fabulous garden with it's stunning Laburnum archway topiary, rooms of roses and lily pond is only open once a year but as we are soon to be neighbours, I am hoping I can vault over one of the stone walls and pay a few clandestine visits to this special corner of Wiltshire!Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-81576453078986180112012-05-17T14:52:00.003+02:002012-05-17T15:32:06.761+02:00The Original Vintage & Handmade Spring Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw786NY6dZuUHYQNkK3Ez-_KNyr94Kvkc4vq_kZb2GnzcsRPaxWk4AG_wEB0vU7kL3JfRmfSUaSSSiY7oQRo6cZvsk0SJzZ3kgN6WjUFoFAmSRhGLQcBmmp1OlDz9sCYsncUVqcS42tU/s1600/spring+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw786NY6dZuUHYQNkK3Ez-_KNyr94Kvkc4vq_kZb2GnzcsRPaxWk4AG_wEB0vU7kL3JfRmfSUaSSSiY7oQRo6cZvsk0SJzZ3kgN6WjUFoFAmSRhGLQcBmmp1OlDz9sCYsncUVqcS42tU/s320/spring+postcard.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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With little more than a week to go before the next <a href="http://www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk/">Vintage & Handmade Spring Fair</a> my boxes of vintage toys are being given a Spring clean and teddies and bunnies alike are being spruced up for their big day. </div>
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Dust off your shopping baskets and come and join the happy throng on Saturday 26th May at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.<br />
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There will be the usual tempting collection of stalls to please all purses at this next fair including our regular and very popular stalwarts such as Niki from <a href="http://nostalgiaatthestonehouse.blogspot.com/">Nostalgia at the Stonehouse</a>, Lizzie from <a href="http://www.thewasherwoman.blogspot.com/">The Washerwoman</a>, Donna from <a href="http://www.donnaflower.com/">Donna Flower,</a> Elaine from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1169772194">Kitsch and Curiou</a><a href="http://www.kitschandcurious.blogspot.com/">s</a>, Viv from <a href="http://www.hensteethart.blogspot.com/">Hens Teeth</a>, Jo from <a href="http://hestanesta.blogspot.com/">Hesta Nesta</a>, Maud from <a href="http://www.beyondfrance.co.uk/">Beyond France</a>, Sal from <a href="http://www.salssnippets.blogspot.com/">Sal's Snippets</a>, Jane from <a href="http://www.fannyadams.me.uk/">Fanny Adams</a><a href="http://www.fannyadams.me.uk/"> </a>and many more!<br />
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'Billy's Buns' tea room will be providing delicious refreshments throughout the day to offer some much needed sustenance as shopping can be very tiring and thirsty work. The doors will open at 10.00 a.m sharp and close at 4.00 p.m. Mr Custard will be meeting and greeting on the door, entry being £1 for adults and children free. We look forward to seeing you there.<br />
<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-61536405979280299332012-05-14T09:55:00.001+02:002012-05-14T09:55:18.339+02:00Joyful and Triumphant... with blisters.<br />
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We are home now.. rather red faced from so many hours in the dazzling sun on Dartmoor.. but with a great sense of pride and achievement.<br />
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Our boy done good and he and his team limped back to the finish line at 2.55 p.m yesterday, having walked 40 miles on their first day, camping close to their 8th Tor on Saturday night.<br />
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To see them come over the brow of the hill on the last leg of their journey was incredibly exciting and moving and yes.. we did shed a tear or two. It was impossible not to.<br />
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The crowd that had gathered throughout the morning on Sunday were so supportive and stayed to clap every team that made it back to the finish line.<br />
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The Kingswood 55 miles team receiving their gold medals.. Well done boys.</div>
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I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Well done to all of the teams that took part.. you are an inspiration!<br />
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Thank you all for your lovely comments of support for my boy's Ten Tors challenge.</div>
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<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-78208411133025460072012-05-12T11:45:00.000+02:002012-05-12T12:27:49.731+02:00Ten Tors 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-style: italic;">If today was not an endless
highway,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">If tonight was not a
crooked trail,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">If tomorrow wasn't such a
long time,</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Then Ten Tors would
mean nothing to me at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">At 7.00 a.m this morning, approximately 2,400 teenagers set off across Dartmoor in teams of 6, to walk 35, 45 and 55 miles over the next 32 hours for the <a href="http://events.exeter.ac.uk/tentors">Ten Tors Challenge.</a> My son is one of them! After months of training in all weathers, the gods of Devon are smiling down on the participants today as the skies have changed from every shade of grey, to skies of blue, for this weekend's epic challenge. Tomorrow I will be waiting at the finish line for my boy and his team to stagger home and collect their well earned medals. I will be clutching a hankie and trying very hard not to cry with pride and embarrass my boy, who will have walked an incredible 55 miles over some very challenging terrain, up to ten tors and camped out in the wilds to achieve his goal.</span></div>Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-16205922834534402842012-05-03T09:32:00.000+02:002012-05-03T09:32:30.917+02:00Something to make you smile...I just had to share this with you if you haven't already seen it.. It brightened up a very dull and wet day and made me smile... lots!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-22bv8uFRLI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-39453569706600307142012-04-28T13:59:00.000+02:002012-05-02T12:04:46.881+02:00It's been a while ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box frame by<a href="http://janeandthehappycrow.blogspot.co.uk/"> Jane Winton</a></td></tr>
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It certainly has been a while since I approached my blog without some apprehension as my ability to string words together these days is a bit of a challenge. Where I once prided myself on my multi-tasking abilities, for example ironing a pile of shirts, whilst cooking up a two course supper and talking to the cat about the state of the economy, I now find the simplest tasks, focus all of my concentration and take ten times longer. Why is that I wonder? Is it the fact that as I grow older, greyer of hair (thank you Clairol for your subterfuge) and longer in the tooth, that the grey matter inside my head doesn't function as well; or is it that life is getting more frenetic .. read that as frantic? I do admit that the last 10 months have been mostly absorbed with our attempts to move house and all that it entails. As anyone, who has been through this 'Top ten most stressful life event' will know that it does require nerves of steel, super human reserves of patience and a jolly good hoover. Our house has been preened and dusted, tweaked and adjusted to try and please the slow stream of anonymous visitors through our door since last June when we innocently put our house on the market thinking that we would be packing our tea chests a few weeks later. Wrong!!! The housing market and process of buying and selling has fallen into black hole since we last sold and bought and using the usual cliches.. it has been as painful as pulling teeth and as frustrating as pushing jelly up a hill. BUT... on March 13th we had, not one.. but two, offers on our house... totally out of the blue.<br />
Rather like a pregnancy, I have been reluctant and most superstitious in announcing this news as until the ink has dried on the contracts... anything could happen. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting a little brighter by the day and we hope.. pray.. that we are able to start packing boxes with gusto.. in the next few weeks. I'll keep you posted!<br />
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Other news..<br />
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Last month I had the pleasure of a day trip to London to visit the <a href="http://www.selvedge.org/blog/">Selvedge Fair</a> and say hello to a few familiar faces and good friends. This small jewel of a fair was packed with an abundance of original works from far flung and not so far flung places.. <br />
I was smitten with the work of <a href="http://www.madeinhastings.co.uk/maker/claire-fletcher/">Claire Fletcher</a> from Made in Hastings and her adorable paintings and illustrative works and had to give this little bunny a home..<br />
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He asked me to take him home with me.. honestly!<br />
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I also had the pleasure of finally meeting lovely Emma from <a href="http://www.silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/">Silver Pebble</a> who had a fabulous display of her dainty silver jewellery pieces.. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sorry Emma .. borrowed this image from your blog!</td></tr>
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There were was a wealth of talent packed into the hall from designer/makers showcasing their work including these lovely cards ..<br />
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and needle felted birds.. <br />
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The icing on the cake for me was to visit my friend <a href="http://hensteethart.blogspot.com/">Viv</a> with her delicious display of embroidered bunnies, brooches, bags and more.. </div>
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After feasting my eyes and setting my heart a flutter at the fair we then hot footed it into the heart of the metropolis and pounded the pavements, doing rather a lot of window licking on the way and finally ending up at <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/">Liberty & Co</a>. where I was keen to see Cowboys & Custard cards in situ and have a snapshot for the scrap book... </div>
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Now I shall attempt to publish this post which in itself will probably take a while as Blogger has helpfully changed all the settings, format, widgets etc etc in my absence.</div>
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Signing off but hopefully for not too long!</div>Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4668025906344987635.post-56419206194321841552012-04-08T11:03:00.004+02:002012-04-08T11:05:20.470+02:00Easter Greetings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwJI-9Sgc8-R4A1-2qYYbYKRSYuaUBvh9p3jHBg7dircYv6Ex4ztZoPjrolNElv03AeVScrhzT-Apu7pc1HILiEjfpDPd1vH1DA_Fl9Na08KWzGYtA0LC7cfzO1ud5hYYTrKFHgy0Drk/s1600/easter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwJI-9Sgc8-R4A1-2qYYbYKRSYuaUBvh9p3jHBg7dircYv6Ex4ztZoPjrolNElv03AeVScrhzT-Apu7pc1HILiEjfpDPd1vH1DA_Fl9Na08KWzGYtA0LC7cfzO1ud5hYYTrKFHgy0Drk/s400/easter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728953352150769426" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> I would like to wish all my blog readers and visitors a </div><div style="text-align: center;">Very Happy Easter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully I will return with a basket full of news for you soon..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Cowboys and Custard Mercantilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13043221646753782790noreply@blogger.com10