mooooo...

We had to stop for these friendly cows crossing the road on our way back from Scarborough today. This one was about a metre away from the open car window, an inquisitive chap.

Scarborough was sunny, very windy and terribly British today with people of all ages braving the gusts to walk or play on the beach.

I discovered that I'm not all that fond of crab. This one looks rather butchered after my attempts to extract the meat! I'll stick to prawn or crayfish salad in future!

recycled cotton...

Just for info... the recycled cotton is by Sirdar. Only £2.20 per 50g ball (roughly). It comes in 8 colours, this one is 'Russet'.

new project...

I have nearly completed my long waistcoat but it's one of those projects that requires concentration so I am only working on that when the house is empty and quiet.

I couldn't resist starting this vest top using the recycled cotton I bought whilst on our short break.

I wasn't 100% sure about the colour choice until I had done a fair bit and now I definitely like it. It's a sort of pale terracotta.

The pattern is from the special issue 'Simply Crochet' by the Simply Knitting magazine team. It works up nice and quickly because the cotton is Aran weight using a 5mm hook.

I'm going to try and modify the pattern a little and not make it a round neck but a camisole style with thinner straps and no bow (ew, bows are not me!). Even with these modifications in mind, the garment may well end up in *E's* wardrobe rather than mine.

and the hotel...

I can't say I would highly recommend this hotel. It was undergoing refurbishment. From a wonderfully old regal building to an Ikea nightmare. Such a shame. The room was clean and fresh but the paintwork was terrible!

...and which genius put reading spotlights just where you want to rest your head against the headboard?

belated photo's...

I've just realised that I forgot to post the rest of our 'short break' pics. It seems a long time ago now.

Lyme Regis (can you see the ammonite lamp post design?), New Forest Ponies, Poole Harbour.

petal shower...

We've had torrential rain, thunder and lightening here in Lincolnshire today. Harvey and I drove back from his grooming session in the storm. I don't think he was too impressed judging by the speed he shot into the house and straight into his bed.

My poor Linaria has taken a battering and the stone frog has had a petal shower.

soggy herbs...

Wet and soggy herb garden today. love having this little patch to tend to daily (the dandelions spring up every night without fail). Using the herbs in yoghurt dips, in omelettes, with sweet potatoes, rosemary with chicken, pesto sauce...

Definitely the best gardening triumph this year, well ok, the only gardening triumph this year.