So that was April!

I've had another pretty slow and leisurely (perhaps lazy is the better word!) day today.  It has been a mixed day with periods of lovely sunshine interspersed with rain.  Quite windy as well.  I just couldn't be bothered going for a walk today.  I still feel very slow and sluggish so hoping this feeling will lift as I don't like it much, I also don't like the pain that seems to go with it.  It is funny when you go through a period of time with less pain (while on steroids) when it comes back you remember just how bad and awful it can be. Although I have weaned off them much slower this time, than back in December when I ended up having to go back on them, I still think perhaps it wasn't quite slow enough and I should have gone down to an even lower dose than ending on 2.5 mg.  I will try to ride it out for the next three weeks, and if still don't feel right, I will have to phone the Dr.  

I did however make another little bear this morning, and I am really pleased with him.

I sat and quietly sewed this morning.

The hardest part for me is sewing the soles of the feet into the legs.

My view as I sew is never boring!

I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful view, even when I don't feel the best, it is good to look out at this and smile.

These pieces are all ready to be sewn together.

I stuffed the stomach before I put the joint in, so had to undo it and then re-stuff and sew it up again!

Here he is next to the little wood carving I did in Rotorua last year.  How I have missed visiting 'home' and my parents this year.

I think he has a certain innocence about him.  

So although I feel  lethargic and not quite right and wish I could have ended the month on a bit more of a high, I can look back and think I really have achieved a lot indeed, and should be proud of myself.  It is not easy doing it all on my own in a new place, in 'lockdown' and not having time to have formed any new friendships and meet  people.  I am lucky that I have many hobbies, and enjoy being creative, it keeps me busy when not up to being out in the garden.  

Thank you to everyone who has been leaving such lovely comments and encouragement, I really do appreciate it.  Stay safe wishes sent your way.

Working Wednesday

Today I worked on finishing the TRDs I have been making.

This group three - all now dressed.  One is still missing shoes, as I can't quite decide whether to give her any or not.

This is group four.

These ones are a combination of group one and two.  (One missing that I gave to my neighbour)

A circle of tiny rag dolls.

The complete group, plus the cat I have made this month.

Some of these will eventually go in my Etsy shop, but I can't see that being for some time, as it will be when it is safe for me to go to the post office, and my NHS letter says that won't be for at least 12 weeks.

I have had this kit for years, so decided it was about time to make it up.

All the pieces are pre-cut.

Turned out rather a funny looking guinea pig!

This side is better.

The afternoon was drier than the morning, so once I had finished these, I went out for a nice walk.  

The ploughed and sown fields are starting to look green.

A pretty overcast afternoon.  Relatively mild, even though it was quite windy.

The sea was quite rough.  Not sure what my camera lens is up to - with the sea being curved!

In this one the curve is in the opposite direction.  Very strange.

Big vehicle carrier out at sea, and just to the left of it is a big oil tanker at anchor.

A bit far away to tell exactly what this bird of prey is.

He was really doing battle with the wind!

As I arrived home some seagulls were doing a circuit.

I managed to capture a couple in flight.

It seems incredible that there is only one day left in April!

Beautiful!

I just love this photo I took this morning on our group walk.  I wish I'd taken more, but was chatting so much, it was the only photo I took!  It was a beautiful day, cold but one of those really lovely mornings when everything looks so beautiful.  It was rather muddy in places though!

I can't believe it is already the end of November.  Time sure has flown by.  We have a busy week ahead... our younger son's PIP assessment on Tuesday, Percy's Chemo on Wednesday and my scan and then my car is going in to be serviced on Friday.  There was a group dinner on Friday but I think realistically I am going to have to miss it which is a shame.  (Thinking I have probably repeated myself here!) 

I'm looking after my son and daughter in law's guinea pigs for a few days and they brought some watermelon down for them.... this is one of mine Jay (Jeremy) enjoying a slice.

I made myself another little bear as I discovered 'Lawrence' is difficult to photograph.  I made this new one from a man's shirt I bought from a charity shop.  I made him a pair of trousers and knitted him a blue jumper.  

The little bear in front 'Potter' was made by a friend who sent him to me a few years ago.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and has a lovely Sunday.

Another Walk and Another Creation.

Once a month our local walking group do an extra walk somewhere out of the area.  Today was the second one I have been on and I enjoyed it very much.

The track started through woods on what was originally an old railway line but has long since been out of use.

The weather stayed dry all day which was good even though it was overcast

We enjoyed some good chit chat.

Admired some of the marvellous wood carvings.  This one has been turned into a fabulous seat.

We stopped for lunch and I got home just before 3 pm I guess, so was out quite a few hours. 

Yesterday I made a bear.  He was originally going to be a prototype or practice bear as I wasn't sure how he would turn out.

He has very long arms so he can cross them if he likes.

He is a blatant copy of a bear I have admired but can't afford to buy myself.

I have to say I am really pleased with how he turned out as I don't usually draw up my own patterns.

I love his little face.

He has a pair of shorts...again a prototype...I have since found him a cardigan to wear that I made some time ago and crocheted a quick scarf for him.

It is not such a bright green as it appears in this photo which I took with my phone, but slightly more khaki in colour.  The clothes will do until I can make some more suitable ones for him.