Ball & Chain

I can honestly say that this Saturday was glorious for quite a few reasons. My man and I were celebrating 12 years of this marriage malarkey. We've been best mates for 14 mind you. I've never stuck at anything quite this long so he's definately the man for me. 

We planned to head off to the coast with the added hope that there might be a vintage market for me. The sun did the right thing and shone and shone some more all day long. We parked up by the pier and then headed inland in search of a money machine.

Opposite the money place was a big sign announcing Vintage Market Here. Well I was off like a terrier down a fox hole in search of goodies. The market turned out to be run by a couple of ladies I know of old. After some pleasant chat (with me being polite, but straining to have a look see) I found a few wonderful things.

I grabbed a delicate pink swan and another pastel jug to add to the growing pile. Most exciting of all were the pink and yellow cotton mix M & S curtains. Tons of fabric for clothes making, bag making, quilting or just hanging at the window as they were made for.

With my finds all bagged up I rushed outside and we headed coastward again. We were so lucky to get a table at our favourite beach hut nestled in a sunny spot. Hot chocolates and cheese toasties with the smell of the sea and the sun on our faces, pure bliss.

After lunch and with the promise of icecreams at the next cafe up the prom, we raced up the steps to head to the canons on the hill.

I can't think of a more perfect way to spend a sunny anniversary in April.

Back at home the postie had delivered a magazine that had intrigued me when I saw it on Millefeuilles so I was able to snuggle up with a coffee for a read. Pom Pom Quarterly is far more expensive than any other magazine I've ever bought, but there's a good reason I was tempted. Not only is it beautifully packaged, but really it is just full of knitting patterns, all of which I want to make (therefore making it the same price as pattern books really). The cover cardigan is one I'll definately be having a go at, although it's quite a complicated pattern so I'll have to really concentrate for once.

I was also impressed by the personal touch. It had been wrapped in pink tissue paper and had a thankyou note tied to the front signed by one of the editors. This added to the delight of receiving this quirky wee mag for me.

This cardigan is knitted all in one piece, with the sleeves then being worked as you go along. The raglan is stunning with the floral motifs and I adore the cable patterned rib. This really deserves exactly  the right yarn so I won't rush into this one, besides I have a pink cardi to finish first before I get all distracted again.

After a restfull moment with Pom Pom, it was then time to watch Dr Who while we waited for nanny to arrive. We headed off to a favourite veggie restaurant of ours, one where I take an age to choose a meal because it's all so delicious. Sipping G & T's and laughing with my gorgeous man brought a very good day to the perfect end.

Waking this morning I found the sun was shining still. My goodness me we're just not used to this. I made some choccy cookies and then dragged everyone into the garden for a big clearup. When Little Bun and I chopped the trees near the henhouse we found a big pile of eggs. The maths are simple. We have three hens, but get two eggs every day so we knew they were being laid somewhere else, we just couldn't find them.

We chopped, swept and tidied so much that my arm muscles are very painful indeed. All in all it was a good spring day when new fabric is drying on the line, plans are being made and cookies are there to be munched all day long.

Hope you're getting some of this happy weather too.