A perfect day!

What a lovely weekend! The sun has been shining and although a little premature there has been a definite air of Spring. The sun has actually had some warmth, the birds have suddenly burst into song and the primroses are emerging in the woods. No doubt it won't last but it is good to enjoy it whilst it's here.

I had a good day in Sevenoaks on Saturday, meeting my friend Jude first. We went to the Grace Barrand design centre to see the exhibition "Select" which had some interesting pieces. Then after a very nice lunch at the centre we went to the Embroiderers Guild to give a talk to about sixty ladies - think this could be the start of a double act! In the evening Stewart and I went to friends for a traditional Burns Supper of Haggis, neeps and tatties. (Julie has given a lovely description of this tradition.) Stewart even wore his kilt!

I was going to tell you this was him... but I would be fibbing! Sorry if the bare bum offends but I think it's quite nice! (You could always quickly scroll down the page!)


Sunday was another glorious day which was spent with my Mum and Dad but this morning we woke up to a damp foggy start and almost didn't go ahead with our trip to the seaside. But I'm so glad we went because this was Aldeburgh when we arrived. Who would believe this was England in January!




We had a long stroll along the beach where there were plenty of boats and fishermen. I loved the colours on this boat.



One of the reasons I wanted to visit Aldeburgh was to see this sculpture by Maggi Hambling - one of my favourite artists. It is called "Scallop" and is a tribute to the life of Benjamin Britten and his life on the Suffolk coast. I don't think it was particularly well received when it was erected on the beach but I think it is stunning!




The words are cut out of the stainless steel and read "I hear those voices that will not be drowned" - a line from the Britten opera "Peter Grimes"

This picture below, of Stewart standing beside it gives you some idea of the scale of the piece. There is a sign inviting you to sit on the sculpture and contemplate the sea.

As you can see, I was rather taken with it! After that long walk it was time for lunch... we found this rather promising fish and chip shop.

As the weather was so good we were tempted to sit outside and eat our fish and chips straight from the paper... But there there were so many of these chaps hovering about we sat inside the restaurant instead. They were the best fish and chips I've tasted in a long time!

And to round off a rather perfect day, when I got home there was a surprise package waiting for me! Inside was this lovely card (I would like the pattern for that bunny!) and a fat quarter of this cute fabric - a present from Angela. Angela doesn't have a blog (yet!) but is a frequent visitor to this and other blogs - as is her other half Neil (better known as "admin") Thank you so much Angela - it was a lovely surprise!