Flutterby Patch

On my desk Wednesday - Bunnykins and balls of wool

On my desk this Wednesday I have a sweet Bunnykins mug which was given to my daughter when she was very small. I'm happy to say it isn't chipped or cracked and has never been in the dishwasher so has retained its original vivid colours. Together with some balls of wool and needles you might have an idea about what is brewing. All will be revealed in my next post in a few days time.

 

Great fun! 'On my desk Wednesday' has a number of 'players' worldwide. All that is required is a shot of your desk and a bit of chat about the kinds of things you are currently working on. Click here for more details and a list of the other players.

The sun came out! 
I'm aware that we Brits are well known for moaning about our weather. Its a reputation we are happy to live with as the weather really is worth moaning about quite a bit of the time and anyway, moaning tends to make us feel a lot better. I live in England's north west corner, the land of lakes and mountains that many of you will have seen in the recent 'Miss Potter' film. Westerly winds blow a constant stream of rain clouds off the Atlantic and as a consequence we have plenty of rain. 

This year has been particularly wet and this week's weather forecast is gloomy to say the least, but this morning I looked out to see patches of blue in the sky and the sun shining on our lovely tulip tree. I hurriedly picked up my camera and captured the scene before it disappeared.

Within a couple of minutes grey clouds came scudding across and rain was falling yet again.

In autumn the leaves are a glorious butter yellow

 
The backs of the leaves collect rain drops that sparkle like diamonds when the sun comes out

A tulip tree (official name - Liriodendron tulipifera) is a native of eastern North America but it is grown all around Britain. In warm sunny conditions it will produce pretty cup-shaped flowers in June and July. Needless to say we have yet to see any! We planted this tree as a youngster 18 years ago. In 1992 visiting roe deer tore the bark from right around the trunk. Under normal circumstances this kind of damage would quickly kill a tree but I took the law into my own hands and stuck the bark back on with freezer tape. This waterproof layer protected the damaged area long enough for the tree to recover and now, as you can see, it is a handsome healthy specimen.

Major upheaval, good result.

A chance remark to my husband has resulted in many weeks of dust, noise and general chaos. This little stone birdbath outside our study window attracts all kinds of birds and its fun to watch them splashing and bathing, especially in warm weather (I wish). Last April, in a mad enthusiastic moment, I said to my husband "Wouldn't it be lovely to have a new French window in the study that would give us a better view of the garden".

When it comes to the possibility of DIY I can rely on my splendid spouse to make an immediate beeline for his toolbox and begin exploring all kinds of possibilities, especially if the idea requires demolition work and a new window certainly would. Along with the old window, large parts of the outside wall would need removing. The walls are solid stone and 2ft thick so the job would require plenty of stamina and staying power.

And so the idea began to take shape and a new oak French window was made by our clever local joiner. Cupboards, fireplace, radiator, wall sockets (and keyholes) were all sealed behind a protective layer of plastic and in August work started. Over the weeks dust has managed to find its way into every available orifice and now several weeks down the line it has invaded the entire house.
     


But thankfully we are on the home straight and the original oak floor, until now hidden by carpet. is being polished.

The walls have been painted and the new window frame has been varnished.

And after all the upheaval and expense I'm happy to say we love the result and do get a much better view of the garden. The birdbath, as you can see, sits centre stage. So now I'm looking forward to being able to sit down with a nice cup of tea and good book and watch the playful birds enjoying the birdbath as I first imagined all those months ago. I will invite you back when its finally finished.

Blackberry-laden hedgerows and busy mice

'It was a fine morning. The blackberries were ripe, the nuts were ready and the mice of Brambly Hedge were very busy'. So writes Jill Barklem in her Autumn Story.

No apologies for returning yet again to the wonderful world of mice, hedgerows and ancient tree stumps known as Brambly Hedge. In this beautifully depicted illustration from the Autumn Story you can see Lord Woodmouse using his walking stick to hook down a prickly branch laden with juicy black fruit whilst his little daughter Primrose picks up the berries from the ground.

 
Once the baskets are full Primrose makes her way back home but worryingly gets lost on the way and all the mice begin a frantic search for her.

Just look at those mice searching for Primrose on the shelves and in the cupboards of the magnificently named 'Store Stump'. One mouse is even searching in a bowl of blackberry and apple sauce... just in case! But do they find Primrose? If you haven't seen the book I hope I can tempt you to find a copy, I know you won't be disappointed.

The first stories were published in 1980 and there are now eight. These books are just the right size for little hands to hold.

 

I have a copy of 'The Four Seasons of Brambly Hedge' which not only includes the first four stories but also a detailed account of Jill Barklem and her work. Below you can see one of the pages showing illustrations and hand written notes from Jill's personal sketch book. What wonderful talent and imagination she has.

 
This post is dedicated to all you bloggers who are currently gathering seasonal fruit and veg and are busy baking, bottling, brewing and freezing in order to fill your store rooms. Particular mention goes to Suzanne at Blueberry Cottage who seems to have a succulent seasonal dish on the table every time I visit. Whilst reading her posts I can almost smell the tempting aroma's wafting from her kitchen.

You can discover more about Brambly Hedge on the official website. There are all kinds of treats. Visit the mice in their homes by clicking on areas of the map or print some of Jill Barklem's drawings for children to colour. There is even a bookmark to make. Have fun!