Getting Back to Normal ...

... after the Easter holidays.

I've eaten too many of these!  So this week I have gone back to the gym, after a long break due to an injury.   We didn't get the chance to do any more walking over the holidays as it has rained every day.

  Sadly these blossoms are now fading as they have been battered by the heavy showers.

At least this rain will help rejuvenate our lawn, which is looking rather sorry for itself after my Husband treated it for moss and raked it.   The borders are greening up and are dotted with lots of spring flowers.  (Please excuse the compost bin - it has been moved forward temporarily whilst a post is being fixed behind it.)

The Wisteria is looking beautiful

 and I am happy to see that my lilac is going to bloom this year, after the severe pruning that I gave it last autumn.  I always associate this flower with the birth of my daughter, as from the maternity hospital window I could see a row of lilacs in full bloom.

 In the greenhouse my flower seeds are sprouting.

 Some of these seeds were given to me by Gem and Ros as part of swaps earlier this year.

 Talking of swaps, this is what I made for the latest one I participated in.  This swap was interesting as your partner had to make something and send the same materials to you, without your knowing what she had made.

  I received some checked curtain material which I turned into a picnic cloth.  I hemmed it into a square and appliqued flowers onto the corners, added some flowers that I crocheted and some vintage buttons from my Nana's button tin.

We just need some good weather this summer, so that we can use it!

Meanwhile, whilst I am waiting for the rain to stop I am enjoying these gorgeous ranunculus and tulips that I bought this morning whilst doing the groceries.

 I also picked two craft magazines to help inspire me for the current swap I am taking part in,

which is being hosted by Lynda of Hookin' With Laalaa.

Best wishes, Pj x