Life on the farm (picture heavy)

Pooch and I started the bank holiday on the farm. We'd been to the one at Mudchute a while ago and it was ok but a bit boring. This one was very different. It wasn't huge but you got so involved. As well as all the pens with geese and cows and donkeys and things there was also a huge enclosure where there were goats, sheep, hens, geese and more wondering about being patted and hugged by the public (and fed - you could buy the right food from the shop). The animals there were obviously very used to this and at one point a huge goat came up to me and just leant against my legs until I stroked it.

The biggest pig you ever saw. A sign on the pen said 'Beware - this pig can bite"

A huge pig enclosure where they were all rooting and snuffling and snoozing.

I did love the saddle backs. So did Pooch, although for different reasons. Pork was on sale in the shop.

Pooch said this was my pig equivalent. Eating straw while lying full length and practically asleep in the sun.

Goat climbing frame in the middle of the open area. The goats obviously loved it.

My friend the leaning goat. Rectangular pupils were very striking.

Compulsory sheep shot needed on any self-respecting knitting blog.

More photos on Flickr if you aren't bored already.


The cruel physio has forbidden knitting AND sewing machines after I hobbled into his office on Tuesday looking like this. but without the healthy glow.

So what's a girl to do but finally get on with some Bargello that she's been meaning to do for years.

A little ebaying has resulted in the necessary tools and I'm this far into a needlebook cover.

I do love it but it is rather hard on the finger tips. My middle finger and thumb are HURTING. Just not used to the abuse. But I can hold it up in front of me without it hurting my shoulders by being heavy and without it causing me to bend and hurting my back. Pooch has been sympathetic about my old woman aches and produced a mahoosive bunch of flowers.

So pretty!

Before I sign off I wanted to highlight a blog I've started reading called Tangled Crafts. I came across it when googling Bargello pics and have since bought one of her Zines. It includes a pattern for some doodle bargello and is exceptionally well made and has lots of fun things included with it. Plus it arrived inside a repurposed paper lunch bag. I end up with loads of these in my intray (some mine, some from the boys who like to pretend I collect them) so am very impressed with this bit of recycling.

Her zines are available from Etsy and Folksy - links on her website.


Lastly - view from the back window yesterday evening a la KnittheKnits with her field.

It was absolutely bucketing down at the time so decided not to rush out to find the gold.