Sunshine

At last, a few sunny days to share with friends.  Spring seems to have finally got its act together and we managed to spend time out enjoying the fresh air.

We’ve been to Cardiff, to walk around the grand government buildings

to appreciate the details on the smaller but no less grand pierhead building

and the undulating roof of the Welsh Assembly.

There was art to amuse

and retail therapy on hand if we felt the need – on this occasion we didn’t, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t be long before we do.

Happy Christmas!

The best kind of Christmas present is one which lasts.  Even better if, having opened (and already enjoyed) my own present, I get to share someone else’s too.

Edward gave Mark a CD of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain for Christmas and bundled inside the package were two tickets for their concert in Bath, last night. 

Brilliant!

We loved the carefree spirit, the surprises, the laughs and above all, the sheer musicianship – it was a truly great night out and we left with huge smiles on our faces, humming a weird but amusing assortment of everything from “Anarchy in the UK” to “Take me back to Sorrento”.

Magic.

Tada!

About time too.

I’ve completed two crochet granny squares, one of which meets with my approval.  It’s only taken me a couple of years and the advice and guidance of three very capable teachers to achieve something I am sure I used to be able to do when I was twelve.

My first granny square was worked using a 4mm Aero inox hook.  Though I was ok about how it squared up, I wasn’t so fussed about the colour changes and the way it highlighted the “step up”.

I also noticed how quickly my hand began to ache slightly, possibly because I was gripping the hook too tightly, though I was doing my best to keep everything more loose than I normally do.

So I went walkabout and found another hook, this time a Clover one, size 3.5mm.  I found this much easier on my hands, far more comfortable to use and whipped off another square in no time.  I looked closely to see where to change colours, surprised to find that the best place to change is well before the step up. 

Putting the two squares together, it’s interesting to see how much that 0.5mm difference in hook size makes.  I prefer the smaller, tighter one to the loose and floppy and feel I can claim, at last, that I can crochet granny squares!

What next, I wonder?