On my desk - a sewing machine and some fabric

On my desk this Wednesday you'll find my sewing machine and some pretty floral fabric that I bought last week. I've been looking for a blouse in shades of plum and pink for some time but have had no success.

And so I'm making myself a blouse. I've been making clothes and toys since I was fourteen so I've had plenty of practise. Making pretty little dresses for my daughter when she was small was most gratifying as she loved everything I created for her and with no prompting would enthusiastically show off the fruits of my labours to friends and family. Good times!

 
After buying the fabric I was delighted to find that two of my necklaces were a perfect match. On the other hand, I suppose if they hadn't been a good match I would have had an excuse to go shopping for a new necklace. Hmm! That would have been fun!

Welcome sunshine

The sun has occasionally shown its face this week and and when it has we have taken the opportunity to get out and about. October is a month when a lot of new book titles arrive on bookshop shelves and my husband and I like to use it as an excuse to take a trip to the excellent Bluebell Bookshop in the nearby town of Penrith. There are several routes we are able to take but this week we opted for the speedy motorway route as we didn't want to get snarled up with the many visitors that have descended on the area for the school half-term holiday.

It doesn't take long to reach remote open countryside. No holiday crowds here, just the sound of the wind and the giant windmills. This wind farm is one of a growing number that are springing up in our county making the most of the high ground and the constant wind. Like them or loathe them, wind farms appear to be here to stay.

And here we are on the motorway. This believe it or not is our end of the busy M6. It has wound its congested way round Birmingham and ever northwards; by-passing Liverpool and Manchester whilst all the time depositing its heavy load of vehicles  And now, heading towards the Scottish border it has become an open road. Not only can you enjoy magnificent scenery as you travel but you also have the option of stopping for refreshments at the award winning Westmorland Service Station which has an excellent farm shop and the reputation of being the only English service station to be built and run by local people.

And in no time we have reached Penrith. I will be there for a longer visit some time soon but for now we head past the market cross and on toward the charmingly named Angel Lane.

Angel Lane contains a variety of shops all neatly tucked into a higgledy piggledy collection of old buildings. The one I'm heading for is on the right and painted blue.

 There is an inscription over the door of the shop dating back 245 years. I've never quite understood its full meaning but I love its quaintness.

 
And here we are at last. I can't wait to get inside and have a good root around. The shop is on two floors and as you enter the aroma of coffee rushes to meet you. It is served throughout the day together with homemade cakes and biscuits. In the large area devoted to music there is a piano which, when I arrived, was being put to good use by a young man taking a piece of sheet music for test run before buying it. As usual the Bluebell Bookshop didn't disappoint and I was able to make several suggestions to my husband about which books would make great additions to my Christmas stocking. Not too long to wait!

 
Apart from an excellent bookshop Penrith has a number of shops I like to visit. The little wool shop always has something to tempt me and recently I bought this gorgeous yarn. Its a mix of silk, kid mohair and lamb's wool from Japan and is knitting up into a lovely scarf in muted shades of lilac, purple and olive green.

All too soon its time to go home. But just look at this! On the homeward journey the skies opened and the car received yet another unscheduled wash.

In our mountainous region the weather can change rapidly. A couple of miles further on and the rain stopped and the setting sun peeped over the hilly horizon.

Event abandoned

Over the weekend our news bulletins were telling us how a huge group of 2,500 mountain racers in our area were forced to abandon their challenging race due to gale force winds and torrential rain. Many were stranded on high ground and local mountain rescue teams and helicopters were out in force for two whole days. Fortunately this was a well organised event that takes place each year and the competitors were all well equipped which is just as well as many of them had to spend the night in the mountains. There were a few injuries but thankfully no loss of life.

What a difference a day makes

And now the weather is beautiful. This is the bay at Bowness-on-Windermere close to where I live. A much visited place from Easter through to the end of October.

During the weekend storms the lake level rose several feet and the road was completely flooded but that didn't bother the gulls, ducks and swans.They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and today the many visitors ensure the birds are kept well fed. 

The wooden ticket offices are still flooded and jetties are still submerged

The little train that ferries visitors to the various beauty spots is kept very busy throughout the season. By next week the crowds will have returned home and the train will be empty.

and the area will breath a sigh of relief and settle down for a peaceful winter break.

Comments

[Redwood House]

Good morning Eli,
what a wonderful post I feel as if I have had a trip around the lake district. Penrith looks fab my nearest neighbour has a daughter that lives there and she is visiting this very week, she love it up there and goes as often as she can.
I do hope you will show us your lovely blouse when it is finished, love the fabric.
I do envy your knitting skills that wool is beautiful I am always so tempted by the wools you see lining the walls of shops the colours and textures are so wonderful but alas not for me.
I know what you mean about books I can't resist them and if they are accompanied by coffee well!!!!!bliss.
Jan

[Martha]

What a beautiful part of the world you live in! I would LOVE to visit that sweet Penrith...I loved the hutches outside the petshop and the bookstore sounds divine - not to mention a YARN shop! Wow. The mountains in your area are just indescribably beautiful! Thanks for the wonderful pictures. :o)

[clarice]

Sighhhhh, it is sooo beautiful where you live. Just stunning. Clarice

[carolyn]

I'm sure I could spend hours in that bookshop.

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

I love the fabric you chose for your blouse. It is so pretty and the necklaces go perfectly with it. It is wonderful that you have been sewing since you were a girl. I enjoying sewing too.

Oh, you live in such a beautiful place. Thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful country with us, and the charming shops! I love that bookstore and could spend hours there. I love to read. I hope your hubby will fill your stocking with your favorite finds.

The yarn you found is so pretty. I love the colors. You knit beautifully!

The mountains and lake are so gorgeous! I enjoyed all you shared about each spot, and the "ride" with you so much Eli!!!
Love, Paula

[Suzanne]

Eli you are making me want to hop the next plane and visit you--what beautiful country! A delightful book shop, oh the quaint ones seem to be disappearing here in favor of the large ones like Barnes & Noble and such. I have that yarn too--love Noro. Hey when you have a minute could you explain the old money system before pounds sterling. What is a pennith, a crown, bob, and such. Hope not too much to ask:-)