Puppy

 I would like to introduce Jacko. He doesn't belong to us but to my daughter.

he lives in a house with three cats. But seems to  be holding his own.

I am not a big fan of dogs but he is rather cute.

On Christmas morning we took him for a walk on the beach at Seaton Carew

 He bounded along the beach

and got as near the water as he could without getting wet.

The following day we all went to  Wynyard Woodland Park. He enjoyed trotting along the muddy pathways.

more rain

The rain is back and I don't know how people that live in vulnerable areas cope. Michele at Soggibottom is making a very good job of it though. Today the sun has been out for a bit. I had almost forgotten what it looked like. During the week the birds came despite the rain

The finches seem to really like and often are quite bedraggled. Although this particular chap is looking quite handsome. I am almost ready for Christmas. The machine will be packed away for a few days Thank you if you have visited over the year.

Ducks ducks ducks

On Tuesday John had the day off as he has to work today. We took some stuff to the charity shop ( mainly my school work clothes) had some lunch and then went to Lister Park and Cartwright Hall.

We went mainly to see the sculpture by Anish Kapoor which has returned for a short visit. We walked through the park and were excited to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker up in the trees. Its the first time we had ever seen one. We walked through the park to the lakeI had brought some bird food so we were very popular.

 Three little ducks all in a row.

 looking for food

part of the lake was frozen but the gulls didn't seem to mind.

Along the path we saw a little mouse. he scampered into the shrubbery.
Although it was cold the sun was shining just right for a winter stroll.

When we arrived home it was time to open my swap ornament package. This is the lovely snowman I received. Thank you Terri

and this is my contribution.  I love ornament swaps

it's beginning to look even more like Christmas

The snowmen and santas are out to play

 Eddie the elephant ( a pressie last year)  is enjoying himself.

 There is a new robin in a woolly hat

 The x stitch pieces go up in the same places every year.

 The tree is not quite complete

And winter Mother Nature is in her corner.
Last Saturday we went to Texere it doesn't open very often on  a Saturday. It is a glorious place. The braid society were doing demonstrations

I had a go at this. it took me  a little while to get going but once you get into a rhythm it grows quite quickly.

I do have a little cardboard version that I had for Christmas one year. I pick it up every now and again and it's almost finished.
A couple of weeks ago I bought the latest copy of Popular Patchwork and just had to make this

I had all the fabric in my stash. I am hoping it will be finished to hang this Christmas.