Thursday 23 September 2010

random things

My week has been busy and my brain is scattered. My 'to-do' lists seem impossibly long... and I'm heading off in the morning to meet all my family in Dorset for a long weekend to celebrate my father's birthday.

We've rented a manor house (there are quite a few of us) near Burton Bradstock and have planned a weekend of relaxation, cooking together, walking and exploring, and a birthday lunch here. I've been looking forward to this for months...and of course Walter is coming too. I'm also hoping to do a little fossil hunting.

This morning the postman delivered a lovely gift from Gina - I was lucky enough to win her last giveaway, to celebrate 500 blog posts. A beautifully wrapped parcel revealed this exquisite little pin cushion jar. The detail in Gina's work has to be seen up close to be truly appreciated. I need some inspiration to sew - lately all I've been doing is repairing my jeans.

In addition, Gina sent this tiny little hand-made notebook in rich autumn colours, decorated with little leaves. It's quite beautiful. There were also some of Gina's postcards, which I've not had time to photograph. My battery was flat, and I kept having to recharge it for a couple of minutes in order to take any photos at all. Thanks so much, Gina!

To continue the random theme, a new dahlia. This is Kenora Macob, otherwise known as the 'dinner plate' dahlia because the blooms are enormous.

It has that beautiful deep red colour that I love, and is much shaggier and more untidy in appearance than the Rip City. I planted a couple of tubers, and they've been slow to flower, but worth the wait.

See, I said it would be random. I'm all over the place. Must go and pack. Back next week.

14 comments:

dragonfly said...

Have a wonderful weekend - I've got wanderlust mixed with lazy-itis so who knows where I'll end up this week!

Gorgeous dahlia btw.

Simone said...

I love your random post! I bet you will have an enjoyable weekend away with the family. The giveaway things look beautifully made. Dahlias are fast becoming my favourite flower. These dark ones are exquisite. (Glad you gave Walter a mention!) x

Tilly said...

Have a great weekend and happy birthday to your dad. What gorgeous items for a giveaway.

harmony and rosie said...

Have a fabulous time, will be thinking of you and I hope the weather's kind to you all. Absolutely stunning gifts, lucky you!

K x

Marigold Jam said...

Random is good! Love the little notebook and that dahlia is beautiful too. Have a good time here in the West Country and hope your Dad enjoys his birthday. Hope the weather is good for your trip to the Hive.

Jane

kristina said...

Have a wonderful long weekend! And the pin cushion jar is simply exquisite. K x

Gina said...

Have a fabulous week away. And thank you for your kind words. The dahlia is beautiful.

Diane said...

Have a great weekend - I'm thinking of Dorset for next summer - that cafe is sooooooo on my list! xxxxx

Petit Filoux said...

Lovely goodies you won there!! Have a nice time in Dorset, it's such a lovely part of the country

...Nina Nixon... said...

A beautiful, beautiful giveaway - have a lovely break and a relaxing time.

Nina xxx

A Bun Can Dance said...

Hi Diana
I hope you're having a wonderful time in Dorset and plenty of beach time and fossil hunting :-)
Gorgeous things from Gina - lucky you. Those huge dinner plate dahlias are amazing aren't they? My Dad has a few growing too. I can't imagine how a plant can put so much energy into producing such a big and heavy flower! The miracle of nature!
Happy days to you,
Denise x

A time to dance said...

Hello Diana, I am sorry I havent been in touch, I have been so busy I have neglected my blogging pals...(see latest posts) hope you are well...I am very very jealous of your lovely gifts from Gina, she is so clever.....

Reading Tea Leaves said...

I do like a random post! This comment is late I know, hope you and Walter had a wonderful time with your family in Dorset.

Exquisite dahlia.

Jeanne
x

Julia said...

Hello

What a lovely, lovely gift. And what a completely beautiful dahlia, I think they are amongst my most favourite flowers in the world!!
Enjoy yourself in Dorset, sounds like its going to be wonderful!

Love Julia x x x