Sunshine and showers

What do you do when the weathers still incredibly hot and it's way too sticky to be stitching.... sit outside in the shade and read a book of course.

This one was recommended to me, she's one of Karen's favourite authors, Karen has read all of Diana Gabaldons books. Does anyone else like this author? and what do you think to her books? i'd love to know. This one caught my eye in the Age Concern charity bookshop. It's the first one that she wrote and i'd been told you need to read them in order. The title is so perfect for a stitcher don't you think, i wonder if there is any cross stitch in it LOL

The challenge at Stitch /& Stash last month was this design by Les Croniques de Frimousse. I managed to stitch mine before the end of the month but only made it up into a simple pinkeep this weekend. Not a challenging finish, but at least it didn't end up in the 'never get finished' drawer with a lot of others.

The wording looks a bit wonky as i used DMC linen threads for the design and there are 'slubs' in them so it doesn't look so clear - note to self.... don't use linen threads when there is wording in a design, it looks awful.

2010 is whizzing along, it'll soon be time for the annual Fruit & Veg show. I thought i'd better make a start on the sampler for the winner of the Best in Show. I have the pleasure of stitching this every year and another lady from our cross stitch group makes other things for other winners. I found this lovely pansy alphabet in the old charts i'd pulled out of magazines. This one is World of Cross Stitching but it doesn't say which issue anywhere on it. If anyone knows please let me know and i'll update the post just in case anyone is interested in using it themselves.

With the weather being so hot recently, i've had the back door open most of the time. Look at this furry intruder. His name is Treacle and he belongs to next door. It seems he has a preference for the biscuits that i put out for Mr Moe and Midge. Just look at him licking his lips and preparing for a fast getaway after being caught in the act. I bet he was off to let his 2 sisters know there were plenty left for them!

The weather here has finally turned, instead of the sweltering heat and muggyness (is that a word?) today we have some much needed rain. Its been quite heavy at times and fantastic and so much cooler. My garden desperately needs it and so does the allotment. Yesterday DH trimmed back the blackcurrant bushes and i've made a dozen or so jars of blackcurrant jam to fill the store cupboard for the coming months. Not so good for the waistline but oh so yummy on hot buttered toast.

Thanks for visiting and reading my ramblings, i hope there was something you found interesting