Monday 24 February 2014

What a beauty!
For years I used a trusty old treadle Singer sewing machine then it became lost in the mists of time - due mainly to a few house moves.  I'm now the proud owner of this lovely machine thanks to the generosity of my friend and neighbour Mary - thank you Mary!
The side plate and back cover are beautifully decorated.

These pretty motifs would work well in quilt designs.

Best of all - it actually works!



Wednesday 12 February 2014

What a lovely day for a walk - dry and sunny!

These trees are looking fabulous against the approaching rainclouds in the background.
Apley Hall with its splendid towers, spires and chimneys.
'Our' beautiful bridge over the swollen River Severn.

Built in 1905 under the instruction of Mr. Foster to enable his tenants, their friends and employees to cross the river to reach Linley train station.


Over the bridge the former railway track between Bridgnorth and Ironbridge has now been made part of the national cycle network.

The track is full of potholes at the moment but the 'muddy' reflections in the puddles are wonderful!


These willows specially grown at Apley in a meadow between the river and the cycle track are destined to become cricket bats.  The variety is 'white willow' and it's used as it's strong, shock resistant and light in weight.
This is just one casualty on the estate, sadly uprooted in recent storms.

There are many buzzards in the grounds and today they were out in numbers calling and soaring in the sunshine.