Jenny Wren Crafts - Blog

4th Aug 2022

8/5/2022

Went to see the stage performance of Bugsy Malone this afternoon at the Rep in Birmingham. Wasn't sure what Birmingham was going to be like with the Commonwealth Games going on. Went on the bus as usual and was surprised to find Broad Street now open (It's been closed for ages) and the new trams running. Only buses, taxis and the tram allowed. Everywhere was really busy especially Centenary Square with the new bull that was built for the opening ceremony on display.

Bugsy Malone was very good, well worth seeing. The Fat Sam character was particularly good.

3rd Aug 2022

8/3/2022

Another lovely long weekend, this time with my sister Scarlett who came up from London to stay. She arrived on Friday afternoon and in the evening we went to see Elvis which was very good.

On Saturday we popped to see Mark and Michelle as Scarlett is thinking of getting a wood burning stove and Mark and Michelle already have one which they love. They were able to explain the ins and out and show pictures of the actual installation which was really helpful. We then went on to Stratford, a walk round the shops followed by a meal in Carluccios and Richard III at the theatre which was excellent.

On Sunday we went for a walk over Clent. Although it's on my doorstep I very rarely go there so it was nice and the views from the top are amazing.

On Monday we went to Kinver to the rock houses and a walk up to the the hill fort. The rock houses are now in the care of the National Trust but I remember going there as a child and scrambling over the empty ruins. Several of them have now been restored to how they would have been when they were lived in.

After a walk up to the hill fort (there's nothing actually there except more amazing views) we returned to the cafe at the rock houses for tea and scone. All in all a most enjoyable weekend!

23rd July 2022

7/23/2022

Lovely long weekend here at Winchcombe in the Cotswolds with Richard, Debbie, Brendyn and Olivia. First chance I have had to meet up with them since they got their caravan last June.

Arrived on Thursday and both got set up. Was drizzling with rain when I left the house but no rain when I got to the storage yard and no rain here. Lots of ducks. All females though which is puzzling.

On Friday Richard, Brendyn and Olivia went fishing in the lake on site so I took Debbie to Tewkesbury. We had a nice walk round the Abbey (amazing tree in the grounds), alongside the river and back up the high street. Stopped for a drink in the Abbey cafe and then popped in Morrisons on the way back.

Today we went to Bourton-on-the-water which is always nice. Busy as usual with a duck race on and some Morris dancers.

This afternoon Richard, Brendyn and Olivia fished and Debbie and I crafted and chatted and then in the evening Debbie and Brendyn fished, Richard watched and I stayed with Olivia and finished the front of my sweater. Just the sleeves to do now. Debbie and Brendyn had a contest which Debbie won with 29 to 25, though she did say that some of Brendyn's fish were bigger!

19th July 2022

7/19/2022

When I got back home on Sunday I was looking forward to seeing a nice tidy garden. I paid my new gardeners, Dedicated Gardening, for two garden services while I was away. When I pulled up outside I was speechless, they had done nothing! I even checked in the green bin which was empty. The garden was a jungle and just advertised the fact the house had been unoccupied while I had been away. I was very cross!!! Contacted the gardeners by WhatsApp to be told they had ceased trading. I said they owed me £50 for two services which they have said they will bring round on Saturday. We will see. In the meantime I need to find a new gardener.

17th July 2022

7/17/2022

Day 51 and the final day of my big adventure.

Had to work all day on Thursday and then on Friday morning drove back to Elmdale. Mark, Michelle, Anais and Roman joined me later and then Matt and Kay came on Saturday so it was a lovely weekend. Very warm so we just sat around, chatted and crafted.

13th July 2022

7/14/2022

Day 47 of my big adventure.

Wanted to spend some time in Bristol as I have never really been there, especially the waterfront areas. Drove to the Brislington Park and Ride and caught the bus to Cabot Circus. Walked though a park with a bandstand - Castle Park? alongside the river and then to Queens Square which was surrounded by quite grand houses. The corner of the square led to the harbourside with all the cafes and bars and boats. Had a nice cake and coffee.

12th July 2022

7/13/2022

Day 46 of my big adventure and a Happy 20th Birthday to Aniais!

Woke this morning to a distinct smell of burning, like a bonfire. Opened the door to make sure it was coming from outside, which it was. No visible signs of smoke so I figured I was safe and went back to sleep. Checked later to find it was a grassfire on Salisbury Plain. No mention of it later so assumed it was dealt with.

Working today but went for a nice walk along the canal towpath later.

11th July 2022

7/11/2022

Day 45 of my big adventure and still sunny!

Travelled up to Devizes this morning. Took about 2 hours. Have stayed at this site once before. It's situated alongside the Kennet and Avon canal but the canal is higher that the site so you can see boats going past between the trees!. You can walk along the towpath (about 3 miles) to the Caen Hill locks (or you can drive there as I did last time). 29 locks in all, with a flight of 16 close together.

Beautiful moon tonight but difficult to photograph. You can just spot it over the motorhome next door.

My sweet peas are growing!

10th July 2022

7/10/2022

Day 44 of my big adventure and sunny again!

Last day here in East Devon. Went to the Donkey Sanctuary this morning which was lovely. Was surprised that there was no admission cost but gave them a small donation anyway. So many donkeys and all very friendly. Really peaceful. Some of the donkeys had a collar on which gave their name and age.

Next stop was Beer but it was a very brief stop as the only parking was miles away so I carried on to Sidmouth. Better luck this time the car park was not too far out and I had a nice walk across the front and then sat on a bench in the sun to read. The beach is pebbly and slopes quite steeply down to the sea. So much in fact that a pleasure boat was able to nose in the the beach to let people on and off. Called in the supermarket and the petrol station on the way back.

9th July 2022

7/9/2022

Day 43 of my big adventure and another beautiful day.

Went to Lyme Regis which was a big mistake as it was absolutely packed. There wasn't a square inch of spare beach. Still away from the beach it wasn't too bad and managed to pick up a couple of birthday presents!