It's good to be alive ...

I woke up bright and early today, the sun was shining, the frost was glistening in the sunlight, and I knew it was going to be one of those days that make you feel glad to be alive.  As a childminder, I'm lucky to work from home, and this morning we walked to school with Ruby, and everybody we saw just seemed happier and more lively than usual. 

 Even though spring is not officially here for another month, the sunny weather seems to bring out the best in everyone.  Freezing conditions are forecast so we'd better make the most of it!

Come on in, the kettle's always on!

Signs of life are springing up everywhere in the garden ...

and the flowers are turning their faces to the sun, after their long, cold hibernation.

Another thing that makes me really happy, is being able to hang my washing out in the garden ... I love the smell of fresh, clean line-dried bedding ... no scented fabric conditioner can match that!

Sorry, these pictures are a bit dark, the sun comes round to my back garden a bit later in the day!

I'd just like to show you this little vintage peg bag I found in a charity shop for 50p ... complete with old, worn wooden pegs! I absolutely love it, and wonder who made it with love, and did they use the old curtains that were a bit worse for wear, or buy a piece of fabric specially for the purpose? I think it was probably the first, as it probably originates from the 'make do and mend' era ... if anyone recognises the fabric I'd be interested in knowing about it ...

(Not the Primarni towel behind .. I know all about that!)

This little owl came to live at our house this week, by very kind courtesy of Gilly.  She had blogged about some other owls that she had made, and I admired them and asked if they were for sale, as my Millie loves owls.  Lovely Gilly replied by email, insisting that she make me one as a present for my upcoming birthday! Thank you so much Gilly, once again I am swept away by the kindness of fellow bloggers.

I'm going to do my chores now, as I'm not at work until after school, then I'm going to get my crochet bag out (another 50p find) and carry on with the flowers I'm currently addicted to making, from this months Mollie Makes.

As the sun's shining, I think I'll have a little potter in the garden, and see if I can salvage anything from the destruction that my feathered friends have wreaked upon it!

A big hello to all my new followers ... you're always welcome here!

Recently I've been nominated for some awards.  The most recent one was from Ali for the Super Sweet Bloggin Award, and earlier this year I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Gillian and Hazel.  I'm always very flattered to receive nominations as I can't quite believe that anyone actually reads my ramblings, never mind award me for them, and I always have very good intentions to follow them up like a good blogger should ... but in reality, I'm sorry, I haven't organised myself yet, and I'm always worried in case I upset anyone by leaving them out, when they've been nice to me.  I really need to get a grip, but once again, thank you!

Have a lovely week, and I hope the sun shines for you!

Love Claire xxx