Jenny Wren Crafts - Blog

28th May 2022

5/28/2022

Welcome to day one of Jenny's big adventure!

First stop Westhill Farm Park, Nr Highbridge, Somerset with Mark and Michelle. Not the best of journeys down the M5, crawled from J14 - J22. Then when I arrived on site I caught the motor mover on a tight mini island and knocked it out on line. The man from the site freed it for me but I think it needs attention.

Weather has been lovely and sunny and we are lucky to have the end two pitches again. A family of swans with 6 little chicks has taken up residence. The photo shows them settling down for the night, the chicks all huddled together.

26th May 2022

5/26/2022

On Monday the guys to do the loft arrived bright and early at 8.00am. Firstly the electrician wired up and new light and then he left and Richard from Access4Lofts fitted a proper loft hatch which drops down and has a pole to open it. He also added some additional boarding and lots of really thick insulation. Job done!

21st May 2022

5/21/2022

Cardigan is all finished. It's very warm and soft.

17th May 2022

5/17/2022

Spent a lovely weekend in the van with Mark, Michelle, Anais and Roman. We got the vans out on Friday morning and then Mark went home to work. Anais and myself stayed but I had to pop out to get my hair done in the afternoon. We all arrived back at about 4.30.

The weather on Saturday was really warm and sunny. Went to Coughton Court before lunch and then for a walk round a little nature reserve in Studley in the afternoon. The rest of the time was spent sitting outside in the sun.

At Coughton Court I was fascinated by the story of a coat that was made between sunrise and sunset on the 25th June 1811 in Newbury, Berkshire. At 5.00am two sheep belonging to the owner of Coughton Court were sheared and the wool given to a Mr John Coxeter who by 4.00pm had spun, woven, dyed and pressed the cloth. It was then given to a tailor who cut out the coat and had it made up within 2 hours and 20 minutes. The whole operation took 13 hours and 20 minutes. The coat is on display and there is also a painting of the proceedings which apparently was attended by 5,000 spectators.

10th May 2022

5/10/2022

Seriously behind with my posts!
Last Tuesday 3rd May was Roman's 15th birthday. Packed the caravan away in the morning and went home. Joined Roman for tea and then bowling.

Mark and Michelle popped in on Saturday morning and the new gardeners came. They were really thorough and made a great job of it. Dug out all of the weeds and neatened the edges of the lawn.

This is the plant I bought for the back garden. The gardeners suggested that they get a couple of railway sleepers and build up the soil behind them and then replant the existing and new plants.

While I was away in the caravan I saw on Marketplace that someone was selling some DVD sets of classic comedy series so I bought them and collected them when I got back. I now have the complete series of - Blackadder, The Likely Lads, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Fawlty Towers, The Good Life, Porridge and To the Manor Born. I already have Keeping up Appearances, Yes Minister, Yes Prime Minister and Allo Allo.

Still trying to use up my massive collection of yarn. My current project is a navy cardigan in super chunky. Have done the back and two sleeves, working on the two fronts and then the collar and button bands to do. Very thick, soft and warm.

2nd May 2022

5/2/2022

Cloudy today but not windy and not raining. Went for a short walk from the site along a public footpath. Really pretty with lots of bluebells and other wild flowers including violets, forget-me-knots and mallow. It's really peaceful and quiet here. Met up with Matt and Kay who were taking their Patterdale Terrier, Patti, for a walk in the dog pram (if that is the right term). She is old now and can't walk far. The site wardens have made a little fairy house from an old log.

Mark and Michelle went home after lunch as Roman has school tomorrow. I am staying till tomorrow. Went to the Hop Pocket this afternoon and came back with a nice plant for the garden that will grow in shade. No photo as it is in the car. I have some new gardeners coming on Saturday as my usual gardener has not been in touch this year so I guess he must have retired. I will get them to plant it for me and take a photo then.

1st May 2022

5/1/2022

Not so sunny today. Rained in the night and was drizzly this morning. Mark and Michelle braved the elements to do their daily 7.5k run before lunch. After lunch we went to Ledbury for a walk round. Love the old buildings and the little street up to the church.

On the way back we drove across the downs to admire the view.

30th April 2022

4/30/2022

Back in the 'van' again, this time at Bromyard Downs. Mark, Michelle, Anais and Roman are with me. Arrived yesterday after tea and Mark's mate Matt and Kay joined us later this afternoon. Have been here before a couple of times but usually later in the year to pick damsons at Brockhampton which is opposite the site. It's nice to visit at a different time of year, and see the blossom, the blubells and the little lambs.

We are on the upper level (it's an old quarry) and have a nice little corner in the sunshine.

This morning we went into Leominster which is a pretty market town with lovely old buildings and a market square. Unfortunately most of the town was occupied by a fair which filled the tiny streets so only one photograph.

This afternoon we went to Brockhampton (National Trust) which is one of my favourite places to visit. Lots of lambs.

19th April 2022

4/19/2022

Last full day here today so we have stayed local and enjoyed the sunshine.

Yesterday we went to Stafford as Mark and Michelle needed new running shoes and there was a Sports Direct there. Managed to come out of the shop with a pair of trainers for myself as well as they were so light and comfortable.

We had a walk round the town but were surprised by the amount of vacant shops.

Quick update on my crafting projects. I am trying to work my way through my huge stash of yarn and had a couple of part balls of James C Brett Marble. I decided to do cushions, the same as the one I did for the conservatory. So far I have done the fronts and am working on a back for the red one in a plain yarn. Quite slow to crochet as they are all front and back post trebles. Nice result though.

17th April 2022 - Easter Sunday

4/17/2022

A lovely sunny day here at Uttoxeter Racecourse. No, not here for the racing, staying at the caravan site which is in the middle of the track. Mark, Michelle, Anais and Roman are here too. We have been here since Wednesday lunchtime. I met up with Mark on the way quite by accident at junction 11 of the M6 which was rather useful as my sat nav had stopped working and although I had written down directions it was nice to have someone to follow. Check out what's parked next to me, so cute. 1967 apparently so I overheard.

On Thursday we all went to Bakewell. Always a pretty town to visit. Photos courtesy of Mark as I forgot my camera.

On the way back from Bakewell we stopped off at Dove Dale. Quite busy with a long queue on both sides to cross the stepping stones.

On Good Friday we all went to Shugborough Hall. We were lucky as the private apartment of Lord (Patrick) Lichfield was open to the public. Fascinating and included some of his photographs. No photos allowed though. Another beautiful day and we had a picnic in the grounds.

Saturday we just chilled in the sunshine and went into Uttoxeter for a walk round. Nice little town.

Today we have been to Kedleston Hall, which features in the film The Duchess.