miss marie's miscellany

Tulip

I planted lots of tulips in the autumn, and of course they are now coming up and looking fantastic. I love tulips, the more in the garden the better, I think.

 
 

Last week I spied this parrot tulip; I couldn't quite remember what colour it would be, so I waited expectantly for its petals to unfurl.......

A few days later, it was looking decidedly rosier

 

Then after my working trip away at the end of last week, I returned home to this beauty

 

 

I'm very glad I braved the freezing cold to plant all those bulbs, what a treat to have all this colour.

More of those lovely tulips to follow soon :-)

 
 

 
 
 
 

 

April collage

Time for another monthly round-up; during April there has been a trip to Liverpool, the garden has started to come to life, colourful crochet, time spent with friends and family, and the Knitting and Crochet Blog Week rounded it off nicely; all in all a good month with plenty to be happy about:-)

 

 

Comfy chair

 

Today's topic is my favourite location for a spot of hookiness. If weather is cold, it's on the sofa with all my bits and bobs close to hand, the radio or TV on, and a cup of tea. 

 

If weather is good, then I head outside into the garden, settle down just outside the back door which is a sunny spot and listen to the birds or the distant sounds of my neighbours. I have crocheted in bed, which I quite liked, in a car which I didn't as I felt car sick afterwards, on a train which was good, making a long journey pass tolerably. But the comfy chair. inside or out, is  the best!

Colour my Saturday

Some colour from the last couple of days to brighten up a grey Glasgow Saturday.

Purple primula, I love these flowers, they've been cheering up the garden beautifully for a couple of weeks

 

At my friends house - a line-up of all these lovely Russian dolls

 

Tulip, also looking very fine in the garden

 

 

And a peek at something I'm making just now, reveal will be coming very soon.                   

I wish you a happy weekend, with many good things:-)

 
 
 

 

Pleasing purple

Looking gorgeous in the garden right now is the pulsatilla or Pasque flower

 

So pretty- I love the wispy leaves and the delicate purple flowers with their orange centres.

 

A favourite at the moment. 

 
 

 

March collage

Time for another monthly round-up, is it just me or has March flown past? 

Good stuff; lots of crochet, as well as my recent reveals you can see some new stuff in the photos which I've been trying out and will post about soon, getting started in the garden and some lovely flowers beginning to show themselves, my trip to Aye Write and Creative Stitches 2010, the best green boots ever, so comfortable.......and my giveaway (which I very stupidly forgot to photograph; Jenny did a great job for me!)

Bad stuff; yet more snow at the start of this week......I'm not going moan about it too much but I've really had it with the white stuff, enough is enough! Let's hope April will bring more clement and seasonal weather!

 

 Have a good (and prank-free) day :-)
 

Spring is sprung

Despite the weather forecasters predicting snow this week (?!) the garden is starting spring into action with much greenery and flowers-in-waiting to be seen. In fact, on closer inspection, I find several flowers out already, primulas and azaleas. I went round snapping away yesterday, none of these were anywhere to be seen a couple of weeks ago, and how welcome it is to see daffodils just ready to open their yellow faces to the sun and azaleas with pink frothy petals already in bloom.

 

I've found this winter hard going, so cold and unforgiving, and it cheers my spirits to see all this new growth, time to look forward to lighter and brighter, warmer and sunnier days.  (I hope !) .

Sunny afternoon

Today is the Vernal Equinox, when the day and night are the same length. Officially, the first day of spring. And right on cue it's been a lovely day here, perfect for a spot of gardening. And a bit of relaxing too. 

After quite a bit of digging,weeding and clearing, things are starting to unfurl, raise their heads in to the sunlight and grow.....at last!

It's been a long time coming, with such a long, cold winter, but finally the colour everyone needs is starting to burst through. Good for the soul.

And after all that toil, a chance to enjoy some warmth outside. Lovely to sit with the sun on your face, coffee and mini chocolate brownies and a bit of hooking!

 

Have a great weekend :-)

Hocus crocus

It's ages since I was able to post some gratuitous flower photos, but finally, things are happening in the garden. I love crocuses, especially these purple ones; the petals of these have such a gorgeous lustre.

 

It's cheering to think that this is the start of things growing and blooming, that soon, what is now dormant and uncared for, will be a feast of colour and scent. It's time to make plans, sow seeds, tidy up, ready for the coming months. Exciting!
 

 

Making me happy today

It's Monday and March 1st already and there are nice things to show from today and the weekend.

Green shoots appearing in the garden;  despite the cold, spring is on its way and I found myself out pottering in the garden yesterday for the first time this year

 

 

A peek at what I'm making just now.

 

 
 Finding these in trouser pocket about to go in the washing machine! Happy days!

 

 Lemon, sunflower seed and blueberry muffin with coffee

 

Some views of the hills surrounding Glasgow which I took this morning when I was in the north of the city.

Looking north - I think this hill is called the Sleeping Giant, today he has a snowy blanket!

 

Looking south, at the cranes at the Govan shipyards and to the Ayrshire hills

And after day upon day of unrelenting grey, the sky is so blue today

 

Happy Monday,whatever it brings you :-)