Gifts and Another Birthday

One way or another I've recieved lots of good things lately so thought it was time I mentioned them. First of all, Vicky gave me this Brillante Weblog award. Thank you Vicky - it's always very flattering to get awards as I still find it somewhat incredible that anyone actual reads this ramble. Of course there are rules... post the logo, (done it) link to the sender, ( done it) and the inevitable pass it on to seven other blogs. But I just can't do that because I read so many which are all brilliant and brighten up my day and I would worry about who I was leaving out. So I'm opting out and passing it on to you all!

Also last week I received a belated birthday gift from my friend Diana who has been in Iceland visiting her son... these amazing little knitted mittens. That's a 5p coin beside them to show just how small they are. I think they are fanatastic - they appeal to my sense of the ridiculous!

Next up a gift to myself... I've recently discovered another lovely blog... Contemporary Embroidery. Karen makes the most exquisite hand embroidered silk cloths and I couldn't resist treating myself to this pin cushion from her etsy shop. She also sent two beautifully embroidered buttons. It makes me want to knit or sew something just to use the buttons.

But my biggest surprise of all this week came from Dot. We got to know each other quite a while back when Dot asked would I like to swap a sock creature for one of her dolls. Sock creature Sally Splatt went to live in Australia and I received Esmerelda, in return. We exchanged emails etc and as a result I sent a small parcel over for Dot's niece Phoebe who has similar problems to Jacob. I certainly didn't expect anything in return so imagine my delight and surprise when a parcel arrived on Saturday absolutely full of gifts. There was this beautifully stitched doll with two more smaller dolls in her pocket.

Also this hanging bird covered with stitch and beads and sequins - the detail is amazing.

And nestling on its back is another little doll.

As if that wasn't enough Dot also sent this wonderful stash of fabrics plus beads and buttons which I will put to good use. Thank you Dot - you are a kind and generous person - this was a lovely surprise to receive.

The last thing isn't really a gift but home grown veg always feel like a bonus! My purple podded peas (seeds from Celia) are ready to pick.

And this is the result... aren't they fabulous. I love the colours together... and they tasted pretty good too... steamed with broad beans and courgettes for dinner last night.

Did I mention a another birthday... oh yes... my blog is one year old today! I could get all philisophical and reflective at this stage but I'll spare you as I think I've written enough for one night! Sadly, no cake!