A Grand Day In!

It's been one of those weeks - nothing has quite worked out the way it was planned, but it has been good, nonetheless. This enormous bunch of beautiful alstromeria were given to me by our youngest daughter and her husband and the lovely beads below were from her older sister. They are most unusual, some of them are covered in fine fabric which looks a little like the wonderful Japanese patchwork fabrics, while others are cover with fine cord wound round the bead. There is a wooden one, opaque ones like mini crystal balls and metal ones.

I also had chocolates and gift vouchers as well as an indoor plant, and that was just for Mothering Sunday. Yesterday was my birthday and the gifts kept coming. I always feel sorry for my offspring with the two occasions coming so close together but I was showered with goodies and fuss on both days. These lovely handmade toiletries were from daughter No3 - I shall rival Cleopatra as I bathe in goats' milk, honey and oatmeal!

Daughter No2 gave me the beautiful slice of agate seen here on our windowsill - it looks wonderful with sunlight shining through it. Our son and his wife gave me a digital photo frame which is a bit scary as I have to find out how it works. The instructions look fairly straightforward so I might be able to do it myself.

Daughters 3 and 4 had planned to take me out yesterday, but life took over and prevented that so it has been postponed until next Monday - more treats to come. I stayed in instead and received a steady stream of visitors all day which was very enjoyable and in the evening my husband took me to our favourite country pub where the food is excellent, and we had a delicious dinner. I am just about to order part of his gift - Jan Messent's new book due out next month 'Celtic & Viking Embroidery'. It just goes on and on!