A Grey Walk and A Colourful Surprise

Hello Lovelies,

Gosh it's been a busy week. No time for my little blog.

On Wednesday I spent the day wrapping prezzies and doing last minute shopping....so that  I could squeeze in one last group walk before the Christmas holidays.

The forecast was for cloud, but no rain.....and that's what we got. The day was grey with just an occasional, tantalising glimpse of the sun...........

It really didn't matter as it was still a joy to get out in the remarkably mild, but still deliciously fresh air. I  enjoyed the wintry landscape............



along with  the companionable chat and the exercise...........

It's just a shame my camera doesn't cope well with the low light levels ....most of my pictures turned out all blurry and very disappointing.

Lunch as in a churchyard as usual...simply because there are plenty benches to sit on ....I do like a church view.........

and once again there was generously shared and delicious home baking, that tasted even better after the exercise............



It was so mild I didn't even feel cold, but I wore this Christmas Pudding hat on the return leg of the walk .....to add a touch of festive fun and colour to the grey day............

It's just a shop bought version....there were loads around as I dashed from shop to shop on Wednesday and I couldn't resist picking one up for a couple of pounds, in Home Bargains

After a very pleasant nine mile walk I dashed home to carry in with the jobs on my list....then my neighbour knocked on the door, grasping a delightful looking parcel........

I know she was intrigued by the name on the envelope, but I don't think she even has the internet, so I didn't try and explain my "nickname" 

It looked so lovely sitting on the coffee table that I hesitated over opening it....enjoying the anticipation.

Then inside there was even more prettiness. Crinkly tissue paper parcels containing what I knew would be thoughtful gifts.........

Slowly I unwrapped each one, ooohing and ahhing and grinning broardly.....

This wonderfully happy delivery came from a lovely blogger I met up with at Yarndale. Jones is much younger than me and a busy mum of the cutest baby boy. She is at at super busy phase in her motherhood journey right now....and has no time to blog, and yet she had found time to send me such thoughtful gifts....I was very, very touched (there were happy tears).

I love this colourful cotton reel postcard with it's Skipton connection.........

It's a linocut by a Skipton artist Helen Peyton.

As is this card, which is the same one Lucy had in her studio. It was one of the MANY things that made us smile when we visited .............

In the third parcel there was this sweet little chicken hook.....isn't it adorable..........

and in the final package ....the most precious thing.....a gorgeous handmade decoration......

I LOVE it Jones, It's beautifully made....and backed with matching felt ........

Look at that wonderful hand sewing.

This happy chap leapt onto our Christmas tree, where he is making me smile daily.........

Jones tells my you can find the free pattern HERE.

It's a new site to me and there are loads of free patterns to enjoy. I'll enjoy having a proper look around when I get the time.

Apparently this little pattern is quiet addictive...Jones sent me this photo to prove it....where they are "cooling" in her kitchen :0)

Thank you so much for such  happy, colourful and thoughtful gifts Jones...you chose perfectly.

It makes me quiet emotional when I think of  the brilliant friendships I'm blessed with in all areas of my life....they enrich my world daily.

I'll wish you, my lovely bloggy friends and readers,  all the joy of the festive season. I have so much still to do and I'm looking forward to Christmas eve, when all the jobs are done....or it's too late to do any I haven't managed to get around to.

In case I'm not able to get back here till after the big day.....

♥♥♥HAPPY CHRISTMAS ♥♥♥

Jacquie x