Out and About

Yesterday we went across town to get another box of grape juice for Mr P's home made wine.  We could have had it delivered, but on a sunny day it was an opportunity to take a drive out and return home by one of the many scenic routes.  While Mr P was in the specialist brew kit shop I did some window gazing.  The gift shop had gardening, home entertaining and outdoor living items on display.  I like the fox pattern on the sandwich bag and the bag with the hares on it. 

On the way back home we stopped at Beauchief Abbey which I've written about before, but it seems ages since we've been there.  The country lanes, the golf course opposite and the fields were looking beautiful in the afternoon sunshine.  The abbey was closed, including the churchyard, but I took a walk in the grounds and along the lane.

Close by is the Abbeydale Industrial Village where in normal circumstances you can take a guided tour of the houses on the site and learn about Sheffield's metal working past in villages outside the city.    I have been there, but a long time ago before we moved to Sheffield and found it very interesting.  It's a shame that the pandemic has meant that many museums and other cultural sites have been closed to visitors.  

Now the place is silent although the site keeper was there and briefly spoke to me saying that the place was closed.  Hopefully this living museum which used to host events and give tours will open again so that more people can find out about their local heritage.

Here are views of the village and the mill pond which is more of a lake than a pond.  I saw people walking along by the water which must be pleasant.

Finally we ended up in nearby Dore village which has two pubs and is a place where we shall go to again.  I had another stroll around by the church and village green while Mr P sat and had a welcome cool drink. It was rather strange to go to a pub again and we sat outside in a quiet area and enjoyed our refreshments.

Another photo along the lane by Beauchief Abbey.  I hope you enjoyed the drive around some pretty villages in our area.  Thank you for your visit.  Have a good day and I'll catch up with all your news soon.

Flowers and Stitching

I love being surrounded by flowers and plants and the month of May was an exceptional month for them in different forms.

Our granddaughter arrived on my birthday with a bouquet of flowers that had been bought by her on behalf of her cousin and his girlfriend who live far away in Berkshire.  She thought I would like a bright selection.

Our granddaughter and her boyfriend also brought us these orchids.  Aren't they a gorgeous colour?

From our daughter-in-law I received this cushion that she had made decorated with crocheted flowers. The embroidered panel had once been given to her by my late mother and it was thoughtful of her to incorporate it into the design of the cushion. 

Above, if you look closely you'll see Bobby, our granddaughter's first soft toy dog.  Because of much cuddling the top of his head had become worn and his eye needed a few stitches to secure it in place.  She asked me to do a few repairs on him.

I darned the delicate net fabric covering the soft material and stitched on his eye. (Before and after photos). When our granddaughter comes to collect Bobby I'm sure she'll be pleased with the result and also happy to have him back with her again. 

Here is the embroidered tablecloth that I showed you in my last blog post.  Now I shall start another project as I have two different tapestry pieces to work on.

May has been a good month for rhododendrons and these are the ones under the birch trees in the local park.  It was a damp day.  When I came out of the library I found that there was drizzly rain so I didn't stay long to take photos.

This little robin came and landed at my feet.

Yesterday our eldest grandson and family came to visit on their way up to see the other grandma who lives further north in York.  The sun was shining and after lunch we had a lovely time in the garden.  No photos of the family this time, but instead a photo of the pot plant (a bromeliad) that they gave us.  We were also given a stand for the mobile phone that we can use when we do face-to-face phone calls.

Thank you for your visit.  I hope you have a lovely June.  I understand that it's officially Summertime!