Saturday, May 28, 2022

Autumn.....All Wrapped Up♡

 


Hello lovely lovelies♡ Autumn♡ It's a wrap for yet another year. 

I have been absent through the month of May. I didn't intend to. I never do, really. It's never my intention to be absent for weeks on end, but I've been hibernating within the safe cocoon of my humble abode. My little, humble abode; it ain't much.....but it's home. =) A safe place from all ills, both here on the home front, and the ails of this sorry world. A sunshine-filled, little home on those sunny days with the sunbeams slowly creeping across the rooms, embracing...warming; and on those not so sunny days, a cosy fire to ward off the winter chills. Be it ever so humble, I love my little home. So, so thankful for my little home.

While I am on the subject of  'home sweet home' I have been leisurely reading a beautiful book about all things home. It was a Mother's Day gift from my Pete. It is a sumptuous book, both in photos, layout and words. It is a book which enthuses all things home, giving me a peek into others' culture and their homes. I am enjoying slowly turning page after page, delighting in the words and photos. I mean, what's not to love about a book where the title page for each chapter has details of running stitches scampering across the page and the number of the chapter in cross stitch?? Oh, how I love a book where the words dance off the page. Oh, how I love a book with a beautiful binding and cover. It is what attracts me to a book  in the first place; shallow woman that I am. Whenever I cross the threshold of a book store my eyes ricochet from shelf to shelf in search of gorgeous covers. Well....I am a visual gal, after all. =)


I have had my nose deep within many a fabulous book of late. Both fiction and non fiction. Many have made the month of May speed by. Oh, how I love to immerse my hours, my days; my thoughts, my imagination in the land of the literary world where gifted authors (and illustrators) spin their tales, their truths, and some, inking page after page of whimsical and magical illustrations which cause one's heart to smile. Two of my favourite books (not that I can choose a favourite, as I have loved them all for varying reasons) are ones which I suppose would be considered as 'children's books' but I think everyone of all ages would love them. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy and Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury. Both are poignant in words, thought and illustrations. Both are a must read in these times. Why, I bought three copies of each book; one for me and the other two for my two adult daughters. Do yourself, your child....indeed your grandchild a favour and gift them a copy. In this horrible, dark world of late these beautiful stories touch the soul. Besides, one is never too young to read a beautiful children's book....is one?? So love the power and insight that books bring into our lives. Indeed, books have always been the very best of  friends to me.

Elizabeth Gilbert, when she reviewed The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse said "The world that I am required to inhabit is this one. But the world that I long to inhabit is the one that Charlie Mackesy has created."  I must say I would have to agree. I happened upon an interview (one of many) here with the fabulous Charlie Mackesy. As I have said, do yourself a favour and buy this book. Let the beautiful words and delightful pictures hug you♡ 





Autumn♡ As always, it was alive with glorious, burnished colour. Truth be told, the trees here are still in the process of shedding their leaves. I suppose within a month all that will be left are the skeletal limbs of the trees against the wintry landscape. The dahlias were lovely for a good while and the hydrangeas changed into those lovely muted hues.  I must say the cosmos, too, hung on for dear life but have now been pulled out, the seeds sprinkling wherever they will in readiness for a gazillion flowers next summer. There were celebratory days during the autumn months.  There was  my Pete's birthday where cupcakes sent from my daughter via a courier were enjoyed in the Fernery. There was Mother's Day, and our wedding anniversary, also. Goodness, he and me.....us two; have been pedalling, in tandem, along the scenic roads of life for such a long time. Forty four years.....goodness it doesn't seem that long. Of course, perhaps if you were to ask my significant other as to how the years have passed during our matrimonial bliss, he could well give you an entirely different answer. =)








During this last little while I seem to have been hopscotching from one imagination to another; dreaming, thinking of more pretties to start, but alas, not a skerrick to show for all that time wasted dreaming. My knitting needles have been rhythmically knitting in a fashion, though. Both sides of the front are knitted and the back, too. The bands are done as well. Gosh, they were a bit of a pain. I can't tell you how many times I unravelled these, but finally they are done and I have been wearing my lovely kimono jacket around about town. I rather love the pattern of this one. It reminds me of a lovely knitted shawl with opening for the arms where cuffs have been knitted on. A buttoned-up-kinda-gal-that-I-am, I will cinch the front together with a variety of brooches. I will probably live in it this winter. For those of you who are interested in the pattern it is from a Patons book 'Women's Merino Collection'. My woolly kimono is so very comfy and very warm. So, so love it♡ 


For a very long time I have wanted to fashion a coat in the design of a patchwork quilt. There are many, many to be seen popping up everywhere on the net.  Honeybea and  Lady Lancaster, are a few designers that come to mind. Now, I don't have any vintage quilts here that are threadbare waiting for another life in a new guise, and I don't really want to cut into any of the quilts I have fashioned, so I thought I might play with fabric and patterns and see what I come up with. Such fun.

I'm excitedly waiting for the new Tilda collection Chic Escape to burst onto the market. June 1st is the day when this exciting event happens; so this coming Wednesday I will be high-tailing into my friendly patchwork shop and purchasing metre after metre of this new, gorgeous line. So, so excited! Have you seen Tilda's Chic Escape?? 'Tis gorgeous! Big, blousy roses....flowers...urns....peacocks.....so, so delicious. Why, I'm quite certain some of these fabrics will find a place to show off on my patchwork coat. I cannot wait to fashion a few quilts from these luscious fabrics, too.

So, there you have it. The month of May skedaddled along and with it it the last of autumn. The trees are still in the process of shedding their gloriously coloured leaves, but very soon with one blustery force the leaves that are clinging on for dear life will be swept from the trees in an almighty whoosh, falling to the ground forming crunchy, mosaic-coloured carpets to dance upon. Not that I will be dancing as winter doesn't enthuse me to dance; much more like sitting in front of the fire, reading a book or enjoying some hand stitching. Oh, and speaking about slow hand stitching I had better go and find a pretty to stitch joining in over at Kathy's place tomorrow. Perhaps some hand quilting......my Hydrangea Cobblestones has been left languishing of late.  But.......I did immerse myself in knitting throughout the merry month of May, so that is something, I suppose. After all, I did want to finish my woolly pretty in readiness for the Antarctic blast that will arrive at my doorstep, sooner rather than later.

Such a rather lengthy post, but I suppose that is what happens when one  has been absent for a wee while. I have had a pleasant month of May, a lovely autumn, tucked away here in my cosy, humble abode. Though, of course the cocoon of my little place does not stop the 'horribleness' of this world from filtering through......nor should it! I  need to be jolted from my safe and pleasant existence and be made aware and act upon others' tragic circumstances; to walk in another's shoes and cause change to happen. Sometimes though, it all seems impossible.

The world this week, and in particularly America has saddened me to my core. The murder of children and their teachers in Uvalde, and the racist murder of people who just wanted to shop for groceries in Buffalo last week; and all the tragic ramifications, is devastating.  How does one begin to fathom those who will not begin to nut out the vexed issue of gun control; to begin to try to put laws into place to stop the senseless carnage of their citizens caused by military style guns??  It seems to me that although the majority of the population want changes, there are those who by hook or by crook stop everyone from getting over the line. Mid term elections coming up.......make your vote count!! 

I know, I know, what do I, someone who lives in Australia, know about the political dealings and subterfuge of America?? Obviously.... not much. I admit I continually shake my head in befuddlement of the political machinations of the US. In Australia, here in Tasmania, we had a massacre 26 years ago at the hands of a lone gunman bearing a RK-15 rifle, which caused the government to put in place new gun legislation. Thirty five people were murdered and 23 injured. What happened at Port Arthur  caused our government at the time to move in twelve remarkable days. The gun lobby here, too, was powerful, but thankfully they were "outpaced, outflanked and outwitted" by a very determined Prime Minister and his cabinet; and others. I might say at this juncture it was a bipartisan legislation where both sides of the hallowed halls of parliament unanimously concurred. Here in Australia, as a collective, we never wanted to experience carnage such as Port Arthur ever again. I am continually nonplussed that America does not act upon the tragedies that is the continual massacres. In what universe is it okay for an eighteen year old to be able to stroll into a store and buy military assault style weapons??!! He can't legally buy beer but he can buy an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle......REALLY??!! Time after time I watch the conferences after each tragedy and see pro-gun governors....senators, mouthing senseless platitudes. Quite frankly their thoughts and prayers....their platitudes for the families, spilling from their mouths is outrageous!! Shame on them!! Enough said!

Should I say have a lovely week, lovely lovelies?? Somehow, it seems shallow. The paradox of these days; deep sadnesses living alongside the small joys of our everyday life remains, as ever, such a conundrum to me. Indeed, my heart is heavy these days. Heavy-hearted by the stupidity and disgusting, self-serving nature of some of those in power, and their evil. Heavy-hearted by the murder of innocent children and adults, just going about their everyday lives.

Nevertheless, I do hope you find joy in the small moments, this coming week. We have to grab those moments of joy with both hands. Hoping all you lovelies way up yonder are enjoying your warm, sunny days. As for me I brace myself for Jack Frost to blast in. I suppose I shall wrap my new knitted woolly ever so much closer to ward off the chill. =) Hoping your day causes your heart to smile a little, however difficult that may be♡ Such a mix bag this week. So, so very thankful for the cocoon of my little home; and so, so very sad for all those families whose lives have been shattered. I cannot for the life of me imagine waving  my 'babies' off to school, kissing them, hugging them, wishing them a lovely day; and them never returning home ever again. It is beyond me. It causes me to weep; to sob. I am so sorry, my lovely American friends that you are going through tragedies such as these, yet again♡

Perhaps when next you visit my little place, I will be in a cheerier frame of mind. Perhaps next time, normal transmission will return........... 



PS My husband has just bought a book; probably another sad book to read, but then, other people's stories inspire me. I consider these stories, as hard as they are to read, need to be chewed upon; digested slowly. Why, though I have read many peoples' memoirs of the Holocaust, I have never read one from the perspective of the dressmakers who sewed to survive. Should be an interesting read. 


Anyway....on that note, it really is goodbye from me♡



53 comments:

  1. oh my the knitting is impressive , my mother was a knitter of epic legend she did complex cable but was baffled by the length of the human arm and an addiction to neon nylon . My downfall on the knitting front is socks , i cannot produce pair...lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kate. Haha....my mother, too, was addicted to neon nylon. I seem to remember her knitting many, many coathangers with it. Like your mother, mine too was an epic knitter. She was always knitting a garment for somebody. She knitted the most amazing fair isle patterns. You know, I have never knitted socks. I rather love complex cables but I do think knitting socks would be the undoing of me. =) Kim Xx

      Delete
  2. Gosh Kim my head is spinning after reading your words and all so true the world indeed is a very sad place right now, I too sit cosy in my home and feel quite guilty when I think of all the suffering and carnage that is going on around the world. I find solace in the ordinary everyday things, they keep me from falling into deep despair, I feel so helpless and so very thankful to have a safe home and environment.
    Well done on finishing your beautiful kimono, there's an awful lot of knitting gone into making of that it looks so warm and cosy. A belated Happy Birthday to Pete those cup cakes look delicious and congratulations on your wedding anniversary. I have never read those children's books but now you have got me curious I will look them up. I love the sound of the coat and the new Tilda collection and I can't wait to see what develops. Have a lovely weekend. xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Kim ! Congrats to you and your husband for your 44 years of marriage ! You are a lovely couple !
    Beautiful post.... Your pictures are gorgeous and I love your china with match
    flowers...
    Your kimono looks comfy...and will be needed soon...
    I'm like you...love my sweet home and my books...I'm presently reading a story about the mistress of Rembrandt.
    Have a cozy weekend around your beauties and books !
    Hug
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your new sweater is gorgeous! It will keep you cozy and warm in the cold months ahead.
    Happy Anniversary, Kim and Pete! 40 years is a milestone to celebrate!
    We agree that « thoughts and prayers » will do nothing to stop future gun violence in the US. Changing the laws regarding gun control is the only answer.
    Take care and enjoy a cup of tea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree with you more that changing your gun control laws is the only answer. Thank you for your sweet wishes to Pete and I. Why, I think I will enjoy a cup of tea, in a pretty teacup, of course, right now. Kim Xx

      Delete
  5. Living in the US is very hard at times - the politicians will not listen to the peoples voices and yet so many people keep reelecting them to office - the majority of people do not want guns in the hands of unstable people but no one listens and yet these people get reelected. I and most of my family are so against this violence - it is so awful. On another note I love your knitting and the sweater with the one button is that elbow length sleeves or longer? I don't know why I ask I have not learned to knit well enough to make one that looks good. I have been trying to get back to my routine after we traveled to the eastern part of the country to be at my husband's sisters bedside as she died over a week ago now. I am still tired!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kim - lovely to see a blog post from you. Belated Happy Anniversary! I smiled so broadly to see the picture of you and Pete, as well as Pete with his cupcakes! Your kimono is displayed with such flair, with the scarf, etc. Not a surprise, coming from you! I enjoy reading, but it is usually a last choice for me among the many other things that might occupy my day. As for events in America, I could not agree with you more. It is another example of how the political system is broken. We must keep trying for change even when it seems hopeless.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your new shawl/sweater is just lovely. You'll be so warm and cozy this winter. The gun lobby here in the US is just too powerful. Their comment on the situations, It's not guns that are the problem, it's the people who use them." I just shake my head. Enjoy reading in your fernery!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I sit here, after reading your lovely post [love all the flowery and knitterly bits a lot], and wonder how our Country got taken over by all these--and here I really don't know what to call them??!! "Sheep?"--[but as a knitter I don't want to malign poor sheep who provide us with such yummy wool ,and dare I say lamb chops, too?]. Did I/we do something wrong? Did we not pay attention? I know who (or is it to whom?) I would trace it back to in the recent past--but maybe even waaay back, there were signs that we as a country missed?

    I will spare you anymore of my gloomy thoughts and forebodings, but yes. What has happened? That is the question...and can we stop it, change it?
    I feel like we are being steamrolled here.....

    [And so, I sit and stitch and sew and ponder...and prepare to V O T E in the next election...and watch us burying our dead...]
    Memorial Day Weekend has taken on a newer and
    more devastating meaning...
    hugs Julierose

    ReplyDelete
  9. ¡¡¡Por fin escribes Kim!!! ya tenía ganas de leerte y ver tus fotos y lade vuestra boda, me encanta💙💙 nosotros llevamos 45 años casados, también toda una vida y en la foto actual estáis estupendos, felicidades Kim por tantos años y la celebración con preciosas tazas.....
    También soy amante de la lectura y es en verano, pronto ya, en las horas calurosas cuando más leo, pero la costura y el tejer...... son mi pasión.
    Lloraremos aterrorizados las tristes noticias mundiales y nos refugiaremos en nuestros hogares rodeados de nuestros tesoros.
    Muchos BESICOS.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely post Kim, lots to think about, the things that happen in the US are very very sad, and I hope change can come soon. I was reading a post by a young Mum in the US yesterday, every day she sends her beautiful children off to school and every day she worries they might not come home. Not a good way to live.
    Congratulations on your anniversary and Pete's birthday, lovely photo of you both, the cup cakes look pretty yum too. Your knitted kimono is stunning, it certainly will keep you warm in the cold months. Lovely garden photos, I too would be staying at home! In fact I try very hard to stay home :-) So many beautiful books, I am off to have a look for them, I haven't heard of them before. I recently read The Happiest Man on Earth, in a similar vein to the Dressmakers book, had sad parts but boy the author was determined to be happy and enjoy life. Very up lifting. Have a great week Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I envy you for being able to savor the calm and coziness of your beautiful home and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. Lovely photo of you and Pete. The US is indeed in even greater disarray and despair and many of us wonder if there is any hope of restoring our country to some semblance of unity and balance. It has been a discouraging and confounding month when we should instead be enjoying of spectacle of spring bursting forth. Thank you for your thoughtful words. You have eloquently expressed what so many of us feel as we ponder the recent senseless events that are tearing us apart. Enjoy your cozy nest and say a prayer or two for those who are grieving and for the brave souls in the Ukraine.
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Kim

    So missed your blog.
    Pete certainly finds some lovely presents. Your kimono jacket is wonderful will have a look at the patterns. Don’t know if this is something I could achieve.You have some beautiful china, so pretty. Agree with what you say Kim, it is such a sad sad world at the moment.
    Have a great week. Best wishes Kay c XX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kay, I do love to drink tea from pretty teacups. =) Have a look at the pattern, you might be surprised to find that it isn't as difficult as you might think. As for the world it seems to get sadder with each new day, doesn't it?? Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely Kay. May this week be a pleasant one for you. Kim Xx

      Delete
  13. Hi Kim
    Many congratulations on your recent 44th Anniversary and thanks so much for sharing your wedding photos with us, and the current lovely photo of you both. And congrats too on finishing your gorgeous cable jacket, well done.
    Robin and I certainly remember the massacre in Point Arthur, and how shocked we were when the news came out. Only 12 months previously we had been sitting in that same cafe where the young gun man started firing his weapon. What if, we thought, we had planned our Tassie trip a year later? It could have been us.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy Anniversary! Those cupcakes look tasty. I so enjoyed your post. That Home book looks wonderful. Oh my, I think that kimono jacket is fantasic. The pattern is beautiful. I am continuously saddened by the USAs fascination with guns. I still can't believe that the assault weapons ban that we once had was let to expire and not renewed. The majority of our citizens want the ban, but many of our politicians in power are beholden to the NRA. It is sickening. I no longer want to work in a school as it is nerve wracking. I like the idea of a patchwork coat. I am sure yours will be colorful. Enjoy your reading and stitching!
    I hope to see another post from you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It sounds like you have found delightful things to keep you occupied as your season changes. The sweater looks lovely and the books sound interesting. Happy birthday to your wonderful husband and happy anniversary to you both!! Yes, we have had another terrible tragedy here in the U.S. Such a senseless and heinous act! As a retired teacher, the end of the year used to be a fun and exciting time. These days, there is always a bit of trepidation as one never knows what idiot will attempt something horrible. I agree that there is no reason for anyone outside of the military or special police to have weapons like he had. He should not have been able to purchase those items, especially all of that ammunition. What did they think he was going to do with it?! Our government doesn’t want to take any responsibility or accountability toward this and so, again, we mourn. So, so sad! On that sad note, take care, dear Kim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It does beggar belief that a youth could purchase the military assault weapon and all that ammunition with no questions asked. You would think many alarm bells would have sounded. It is just so, so sad. As a retired teacher you would be gutted. Thank you for stopping by and blessing me with your beautiful well wishes. Kim Xx

      Delete
  16. Kim, I did miss you recently, and as we took our walk yesterday, I was actually thinking of you down under, and wondering if the cold has set in with the start of June. Happy Anniversary, and Happy Belated Birthday to your beloved Pete. You both look so well, and it is no shock to me that you finished your lovely kimono - it's beautiful! My sisters bought me The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse last year for my birthday. ♥ Yes, I recommend it! And I will gladly take your recommendation for the newest book Pete bought (The Dressmakers of Auschwitz). I know my sisters will love it. Take care, be well, and stay cozy. I love my home too, and appreciate your gratitude for yours.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Happy anniversary to both of you. It sounds like you are ready for the winter months ahead. The garden has certainly changed in appearances. Reading and stitching will occupy your cold days ahead. Your cables are glorious in your new shawl sweater. That looks like it will keep you quite toasty.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice to have you back (we missed you). there are many sad things happening in our world at the moment. Your knitting is gorgeous. I have looked at the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse and the illustrations are fabulous. Ive just finished reading Phillip Pulmans Le Belle Savage and it had some great pen and ink illustrations. It really makes the words come alive!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I plan to look up those books. I love reading children's literature as I guess I am a child at heart. The place settings for your cupcakes are gorgeous and remind me of socks I have seen wear. I suppose I am a shallow person as well as I prefer to think about all things art. I feel if I add even the smallest amount of beauty to this world I have made it a better place.

    ReplyDelete
  20. What marvellous photos to cheer us all! Love your newly knitted sweater... the cables are amazing! The button is divine and must have a story of it's own!
    Happy Slow Sunday Stitching!

    ReplyDelete
  21. So glad to see you back Kim, I have missed you. I too have found myself lost in books this month, especially when I first got COVID which luckily for me because of my immunizations and booster didn't amount to much. Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday to Pete. Those cupcakes look delicious! John and I were married for 45 years, we got married in 1975. I love seeing the pictures of you and Pete! Hard to get my head around you being in the Autumn season and we are having red flag warnings again today for gusty winds and fire danger. I agree about the gun issues, it is senseless. Hope you have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kim!
    I have missed you dear friend! Hope you are well while hibernating and enjoying the books to read you have gotten/ received!
    Stay happy and safe where you are separated by oceans from all the tragedy in the USA! I love the photos of the flowers and you and hubby! Welcome winter as a time to plan a patchwork jacket for spring and enjoy the merino sweater!
    Kathi

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Kim, I miss you.
    Happy Aniversary to you and Pete.
    Love your woolly kimono.
    These books about World War II I would like to read
    but I'm sure I'd need to have tissues next to me, because the tears will fall.
    Treblinka was a book I read years and years ago and that I will never forget.
    More sad days for all of us. What is going on with the Humans?
    Here the ones that were supposed to protect the citizens just did the opposite, while the president is the first to set a bad example and encourage the carrying of weapons.

    ReplyDelete
  24. It's lovely to see your place in autumn - the beautiful flowers and trees and the coziness of your home. Happy Birthday to Pete and Happy Anniversary to you both! Looks like you've been reading some wonderful books, too. As you can tell from all of your commenters, most of us are sad and angry about these continuing events, and want change, but there never is any. It is definitely befuddling. Hugs from across the world!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your face in your wedding portrait looks like one from a Dutch painting-maybe Van Eyck tho he painted in Belgium. Interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Amazing pictures... I miss you. Very sad this tragedy in Texas. A world without God... Sending prayers...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's a lot to be sad about Texas, Maristella. Some of the politicians there are reprehensible. The 'Lone Star State' is one I wouldn't move to any time soon. Too many crazy gun-toting crazies for my liking, and much too many elected officials with unbelievable and sad ideologies. Yes, genuine prayers are needed to cover the grieving families. Not the insincere, empty prayers that spill out of the mouths of Greg Abbott, Ted Cruz and the like. I should stop now, for I fear I will get into trouble. =) Thank you for stopping by, lovely Maristella. Kim Xx

      Delete
  27. How wonderful that you have had such an enjoyable relaxing month while at the same time enjoying so many of your favorite activities. Your jacket is beautiful. Super cute little bag on the table as well. I wish you a very blessed and enjoyable month of June, dear Kim.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Let's try this again. Geez, operator error. :(

    You, Kim, deserve a hiatus from blogging. I will admit that your blog is FULL of so many thoughts and ideas. The things that intrigue me are amazing. It is filled with books, words, events (even world events), knitting, fabrics, color, fabulous photos, Pete...

    Did you know that skerrick is chiefly Australian? I had to look it up. Always a treat to learn a new word. And, I've learned about many books. How do you find time to do all that you do? See, that's why you need a hiatus.

    I, too, can't understand the whole gun thing. What happened in Uvalde with all the killings can't be undone. How awful can it become before laws are enacted. Even one death should be TOO much but there are many who don't give a _ _ _ _. Until THEIR children, their families, are impacted, I don't think they'll really care. I am saddened and sickened by all the gun violence. Once we had a ban on assault weapons and some idiots got rid of it. I know I shouldn't have started on this issue...I just get so radical and think 'they' should all be shot.

    Hope your work on the patchwork jacket is going well. It'll be so fun to watch your progress.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have been meaning to buy that Charlie Mackesy book for awhile now Kim ... I keep seeing it pop up everywhere. A wonderful post again today but autumn is not quite done & dusted here yet. Some of our leaves are just beginning to fall & the persimmons are not quite ripe. I well remember that Port Arthur massacre - it seems like it was just yesterday, it was so horrid.
    Enjoy your patchwork jacket design & work ... that Tilda range is quite lovely. xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh & I forgot to say ...... happy anniversary Wishes to you both. xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh, welcome back Kim! I missed having your posts greet me on Sunday mornings! First of all, congrats on your anniversary and I wish many more for you and Pete to celebrate together! I've just bought myself a ton of books (we have a huge book fair in May) - I couldn't resist the discounts, but I am eager to find the books you recommend - that page you posted is a fab teaser :) Also, compliments on the fantastic kimono - it is gorgeous! The stitches (and you are a master at that) are impeccable! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a busy month you have had. Congrats on all the happy going on's. Your knitting is just lovely. It is a sad state of affairs here in the USA, I agree. I admit I am happy the kids are off school at my house until August. Too much crazy going on.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Happy Anniversary! Beautiful flowers. Lovely shawl/sweater - love the color, the look and the big button. And ooh... those cupcakes look yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I, too, sit and listen and shake my head at the carnage in the U.S. and the useless words that do nothing to change their gun laws. Why? On another note, happy 44th anniversary (we are at 45 yrs.) and wonder, like you, where the time has gone. Love your new kimono style sweater and you will be cosy in that. Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Such beautiful photos of a lovely time of year. Reading and knitting sound like a very relaxing way to ease into winter.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Happy 44th anniversary to you and your Pete. I loved seeing your wedding pictures and your up to date one! Happy Birthday to Pete in the fernery with the yummy cupcakes and pretty china. Your newly fashioned kimono is just darling. Yes, the senseless taking of innocent lives is beyond disturbing, Kim. How I feel so for the grieving families in losing their beloved ones. Yet, we have to keep finding joy in our lives and for our families.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Winter has arrived early here, although we still have all the autumn leaves flying around :) Happy anniversary to you and hubby! 44 years -how wonderful! I am thankful we live in Australia and that the things you mentioned were put into place after the horror of Port Arthur. I don't think any of us will forget that day. I can't imagine it happening with the frequency it does in the US. I've had a blogging break too, but ready to get back into it :) I always enjoy reading your varied posts and seeing your lovely pictures - stay warm! xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kim it sure sounds like you have been very busy the month of May, Happy Anniversary to you both, may God grant many more years together to come!
    Your knitted shawl looks wonderful, I only tackle blankets, scarves and washcloths to knit :) that has some wonderful stitches. How exciting a new line of fabric coming out, I get the same way with new papers :)
    I don't think they will ever get pass this gun law stuff, the lawmakers add so many other junk to the bills and that causes it to not go through, all we can do is pray that they come to their senses that's for sure, I can't imagine if the other shootings haven't stopped this I don't know what else could.
    Yes we are hot here today was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, I would like it to be in the 70's.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The photos in this post are beautiful, Kim, especially the flowers. I enjoyed seeing your list of books, which I'm going to try to find here in the U.S. I have already read Dressmakers of Auschwitz and The Boy, the Mole... but the others are new to me.
    How fun to see photos of you and your husband as newlyweds and recently.
    The tragedies with guns... sorrowful. And the tragedy of people with mental health challenges (and their being able to get guns). I wish both could be addressed successfully, sooner than later.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dear Kim, it's spring here and everything is unpacked :-) the first rose has blossomed in the garden and the dalia bulbs that I planted in the ground make me happy with their green... I'm so excited to see how they will bloom :- ))) I really enjoyed your post again...
    and first of all I would like to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart on your 44th wedding anniversary. It is so beautiful. I'm also well past our silver wedding anniversary with my dear husband and yes, life has become more leisurely... although we always find new hobbies and that's just wonderful :-)))
    and I ordered "Big Panda and Little Kite" in the bookstore. Thanks for the nice tip, dear Kim.
    Your kimono turned out great... I love the blue and I love the different braids - it will get you through the winter very well :-) You did a wonderful job!!!
    And yes...
    We will capture the moments of joy with both hands.
    Hug of Viola

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, dear Viola, for your lovely words. You have sprinkled sunshine into my overcast and freezing day. It's freezing here today. Your spring sounds wonderful; ever so colourful with all the flowers blooming; and warm. =) Enjoy! Kim Xx

      Delete
  41. Congratulations on your anniversary, Kim.
    Your knitted jacket looks so warm and chic. I also love the scarf you paired with it too. Ah books...such a great love of mine. I love the jackets.
    I do hope they change the laws in the U.S. So heartbreaking to keep hearing about these senseless tragedies when the laws could easily be changed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The scarf paired with my knitted woolly was a gift from my daughter whom I haven't hugged for three years, as she lives in San Fransisco. I wear it a lot because not only is it a beautiful scarf but when I wear it, it is as if I hold my daughter close to me. As for all the senseless tragedies in America, especially of late, perhaps action will be taken to begin change. I hope so. Thank you for stopping by and blessing me with your lovely visit and words. I wish I knew your name. =) Kim Xx

      Delete
  42. Kim as usual I have so enjoyed reading your thoughts today. Yes it's easy for us hear in Australia to close out the horrors others in the World are enduring but we must keep them in our prayers and remind ourselves how it could so easily happen here.
    Love love love your beautiful knit and gorgeous colour
    Even now Winter your garden is still so beautiful
    Happy anniversary 💕💕💕☺️

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Kim, I am late to the party as always, LOL! Happy belated anniversary!
    I admire your patience writing so much on your blog, all very interesting, and yes, I agree with most of it. So many bad things going on in the world. Love, love your jacket! I think your choice of colour was so good too. Take care, xx

    ReplyDelete
  44. Happy Anniversary Kim to you both and love the pic of you both . I also love your jacket it will keep you toasty warm,take care lovely lady 💕🤍💕

    ReplyDelete
  45. I KNEW there was a reason I was saving this post to read when I had time to savour it. So much, just so much, to read about and enjoy.
    - the photos, of course
    - the, now belated, birthday wishes for your Pete ... and anniversary wishes too (we're approaching our 43rd in September)
    - the books, oh the books - always fascinating. 'The Boy, the mole, the fox and the horse' is going on my list to search for at the library. Sometimes one of those drawings comes in my facebook feed and they're a delight. Didn't know until now that there's a whole book of them
    - speaking of books - have you read 'The Gown' by Jennifer Robson? I think maybe you have, but if not, I know you'll enjoy it
    - and to see a lovely picture of you and your Pete - so nice!
    - AND, not to be left out, your knitted jacket (sweater, here in Canada). Perfect to keep you warm and fashionable!

    ReplyDelete