WEEKEND.................

It's been a rather relaxed first week back at school, I have to confess. Everything has been done that needed to be done, but pretty stress free and no excess! That's meant there has been some knitting time each evening; sometimes not much, but a little is better than none.

I have managed to complete this little cardigan for Evie's baby brother or sister, due in the middle of May. I've used this pattern (Anderson by Lisa Richardson) several times before and love it, although this time I've left off the pockets and the rather strange shaping that seemed to make the stitching look rather uneven and, in my opinion,  added nothing to the overall shape or interest of the garment. The yarn is Rowan many merino silk, which is warm, lovely and soft and seems to wash and wear really well. I've made the 3 to 6 month version and only used two of the suggested three balls of yarn. Bonus! It's quite tricky to see the buttons, but they have simple blue and white stripes on just the perfect matching blue. Just right for summer!

After an initial Spring burst of activity, which saw daffodils and magnolia in bloom, there seems to have been a lull in the garden; until today, that is! All the rain of the last week and the glorious Sunday sunshine today, seem to have joined forces to wake up the bluebells and sleepy winter pansies. I just love the sight of bluebells and we have little clumps in random nooks and crannies of the garden. Just lovely!

My pal Josiekitten uploaded an Instagram pic this morning of some scrummy looking homemade ginger cookies. I have to say, I could almost smell them! So, whilst the fancy took me and Mr Snoops had disappeared off to the local garden centre to buy some Growbags for the greenhouse, I set to work......... before the urge to cook disappeared. I have to say I don't often have that particular urge! They wouldn't win Masterchef, or even get me an audition for the programme, but they do taste good.

 The sun has shone out all day long today and we made the most of it with a trip to Whitlingham Country Park, one of Oscar's favourite places and only a five minute drive from home. He can sniff, run, chase his ball and swim to his heart's content.

 I can't imagine life now without our beautiful little companion!

Have a good week!