This and that

Released! We managed to get the car out today and were able to drive to the supermarket to stock up on larger items we haven't been able to carry when we went on foot last week. We then walked into town for some other items of shopping and I can't tell you how much I appreciated being able to walk, for the most part, properly and not to be tippy toeing along like an old lady!! There were still lots of patches of slushy ice here and there but in many places the pavements were clear - you just don't appreciate what you've got till it's gone do you!! No photos as didn't take the camera and anyway it really wasn't very photogenic all that grey slush and with a bitingly cold wind taking photographs would not have been high on my agenda either!

Marmalade Rose who has a blog I have always admired for its creativity has issued a 20 minutes a day challenge and I have joined in. The idea is to do something creative for 20 minutes each day even if you don't know what to do - just do something - and it's working!

I decided to incorporate some photos or images into my crazy patchwork and this is a pilot piece. I printed out the centre scrap and then added toning fabrics and embroidery round that. It is on its way to a friend now as I popped it in the post this morning. I am inspired to try doing a photo next time and maybe to do a sort of scrapbook collage of photos .... you never know where it might lead do you once you start? Taking decent photos at this time of year is difficult especially as the conservatory roof - I usually do my photos in there as it is lighter - has a coating of snow so is no lighter than anywhere else just now. There I go again bad workman blaming his tools and all that!

Following on form my bird feeder post on Sunday (many thanks to you all for your comments - you obviously liked that post!) my 20 minutes last night was spent crocheting a similar bag which I am planning to line with fabric and make into a little drawstring bag. This photo shows some of the possible lining fabrics I have - which do you think? Watch this space to see if it works.

Noticed the squirrel having a go at the string bag at lunchtime - he had it in his paws and was trying to make off with it but of course it is joined to the branch and he couldn't! A crowd of small birds were sitting on the ground beneath picking up the bits that were falling to the ground. Again the photo is not good as it was too far away and through the glass but if you look carefully you can see him on the branch!