Chives ahoy, stitching and rescue reminder

May 8, 1945. VE day. I was six, lived in a street like this, in a town like this,  and we had teaparties in the street like this. With tea! English kids, tea drinkers from an early age. Note the moms in their pinnies, one with her copper tea kettle, ready to do tea warm ups.

Normally women wouldn't be seen in the street in their work aprons, but when you're serving a streetful  of kids, large families then, with cake and sandwiches and tea, you need your pinny.

My mom kept reminding me it wasn't over. There was still Japan. She wasn't up for celebrating, one son lost in combat, one recovering in hospital in North Africa, one about to be in the middle East at the founding of Israel. But kids had a great time. 

Back to the present.

The chives have flowered, despite beating rain and wind

And the stitching continues. You'll see a couple of the original threads are gone. As I progressed, I decided they were out of character for what I was trying to do. They'd served their purpose to delineate sections, and I removed them, lightening up the whole thing.

Still a long way to go. I'm stitching all over at once, moving from section to section to keep the design and stitches and colors balanced. 

Now and then I look at images just to remember shapes and colors, not to copy, just look at. Here's one I've been studying today for ideas and colors

It's a lovely sight even if you don't need it as reference.

And if you need study references, here are some murine mycologists

Happy day everyone, off to walk in the warm again sun.

And remember May is the month of kittens, many born around now, shelters packed. Good time if you were thinking of adopting a kitten. Adopt don't shop!

Stitching, renovating, Misfits and cabbage

Early morning start on stitching today and I really enjoyed just doing whatever suggested itself. I've left the book fabric intact for now, so I can see the different pages as they emerge. 

After trotting up and down a flight in search of floss, I finally brought down some of the floss drawers to where I was working on the sofa

Picture is sideways, and the little rug you see on the left is that piece I wove a while back, which saw me nicely through the winter.

While I stitched I listened to Norman Baker, former member of parliament and cabinet minister, examining the finances and secrecy of the British royals. 

The title refers to one of the classic questions put by royals at receptions, to their guests.

It's a good analysis of the general economy of the country and the extent to which the royals seize income and gifts, while spending carefully. 

This surge of stitched book interest is the result of getting some artworks sent out into the world, some on their way soon to blogistas,  when I get to the post office. 

I've picked out a couple of things I think you'll like. The mental space they're leaving causes new energy and ideas to flow, so thank you. 

Misfits came, too, minus a couple of items, but I'm not near starving. The swiss cheese was going on top of the second cabbage casserole, the cheddar into it.

The chocolate covered almond bits are highly nutritious (!) vital dietary component.

Later, here's the casserole 

The top was browned and it was pretty good. That's the cabbage sorted.

Later Gary came over to bring me in to see his latest renovation, or endless renovation. He seems to be rebuilding the entire fireplace wall now. Not sure why, it may be one of those one thing led to another situations that happen to him.

Happy day everyone, I hope good things happen to you today.