Reasons to be Cheerful – Hearts and Flowers Bunting

I really should have written this yesterday, a glorious day when the sun shone and I was feeling bright and positive, very ‘hearts and flowers!  Today has been a ‘tupperware box‘ day, and I’ve been as grumpy and growly as Higgins with a new bone.

I will get out yesterdays photos and try to talk myself out of the glooms…

The day started beautifully, and despite the low temperatures managed a slow thaw during the day.  I spread bird seed under the cherry trees and had a lot of visitors, chaffinches, sparrows, tits and a robin, three blackbirds and to my delight, a song thrush.

Also a mystery guest, slightly bigger than the thrush and blackbirds, and rounder with feathers in shades of grey.  It didn’t get close enough to see properly, and I only managed these slightly grainy shots with the zoom…

 

Anyone got any clues? (Edited to add: Celia, of Purple Podded Peas, has enlighted me…A Fieldfare, thanks Celia!)

We went for chilly walk…after a disagreement about wrapping up warm to go out…

and despite the fact that by 4 o’clock it was freezing fast…

It was still very enjoyable…

and in the evening I made lots of little crochet flowers and leaves then sewed them together with the hearts from this pattern to make a Valentine’s Day garland.  What do you think?

hearts and flowers bunting

hearts and flowers bunting detail

hearts and flowers bunting on dresser

So I hope you’ll join in with some reasons to be cheerful  to dispel any negative thoughts floating around.  I must finish to get ready for this month’s Knit and Stitch meeting, that should cheer me up!

So do join in via the Linky below where you can leave a link to your blog, or by using the comments list.  It’s always lovely to hear from you.

See you soon x

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About penny

I live in Norfolk, England in a cottage on the edge of the Norfolk Broads where it can be peaceful and beautiful, or wet and muddy, or occasionally wild and windswept. With me is husband Tim, Henry the elderly and opinionated tabby cat, and Higgins, the miniature dachshund with a massive personality. You’ll find me chattering on about wool and textiles, knitting and crochet, recipes, books and patterns, exhibitions and shopping and of course, the adventures of a small dog! Planet Penny has a Facebook Page, you can find me on UK Handmade and I am featured on Channel4/4Homes Favourite Craft Blog List.

20 thoughts on “Reasons to be Cheerful – Hearts and Flowers Bunting

  1. Magic Cochin

    Penny, it’s a Fieldfare 🙂
    You can tell by the slate grey head and chestnut brown back.

    I don’t blame Higgins for wanting to stay indoors – it’s jolly parky isn’t it!

    Celia

    Oh thank you Celia! I did think that anyone was going to know, you would. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the garden before, it must be hungry!

    Penny xx

  2. Stocki

    Ha ha Penny.. you do make me giggle! That photo of Higgins is a classic… you can just imagine what he is thinking can’t you! The valentines garland is very sweet… lovely! BTW – your square for The Beautiful Blogger Blanket 2012 arrived safely a couple of days ago (thanks so much)… it is even better close-up than in pictures.. I’ll be blogging about it very soon.:)x

  3. Crochet with Raymond

    Hello Penny!
    Love your garland, it is totally beautiful and full of loving goodness!
    I’m still in awe of how chilly it must be in the UK right now, looks all cozy. Hope you’re having a fab day XXX

  4. Toffeeapple

    Ha, Celia beat me to it! At least you know now. There are lots here, Redwing too.

    I’ve been feeling the same as you today, I think it is because more snow is forecast and I can’t get anywhere when it is lying around. Mind you a picture of disgruntled Higgins has cheered me somewhat!

  5. Carol

    http://smileattheflowers.blogspot.com/2012/02/times-of-our-lives.html we had a very cheerful, happy Monday.
    Love your Valentine garland, we’ve just bought a (small) dresser and I’m looking forward to playing with it.
    Oh Higgins, what a face, you really didn’t want to go out did you? Our Rosie cat asks for the door to be opened, puts her nose out, sniffs, looks at the white stuff, turns round and trots off back to bed.
    Keep smiling that will make you feel cheerful.
    Carol xx

  6. Kathryn

    Aw Higgins didn’t want to go outside but he was ok outside. Hearts and flowers are pretty. My clever sister!

  7. Mrs. Micawber

    Oh Penny, these photos are just what I needed right now. That lovely sunrise, Higgins all sulky despite his cheerful red jacket, Higging shaking his ears, and your beautiful plates and cheerful garland. They do my heart good.

  8. Faith

    It has been bitterly cold here but we’ve still not had any snow.

    I’ve been thinking to buy Chester one of those coats as I’m sure he would be a lot happier (once out!)

    Your garland is beautiful, love the little flowers in it, I think I may make one just like it, so pretty!

  9. Penelope

    Aww Higgins you make a classic “do I really have to go out photo!” Bless, he does look happy out though. Your heart garland is really pretty Penny, I love the combination of pink and red together, there is certainly nothing UN-cheerful about them. I wish we still had a local stitch, knit and natter evening, Wa Wa Wool is only having a day time one now. I did my Patc workshop last night and it was so nice to chat to like minded ladies …oh and have tea and cake too :0) Keep snug and warm xxx

  10. Annie

    What a sweet garland … and it matches Higgin’s coat 😀

    Love the tupperware box analogy … it was like that here today too 🙁

  11. Ginnie

    Higgins is the cutest thing ever! And the action shot, ears flying – adorable. Love the Valentine garland. You are so talented, Penny!

  12. Peeriemoot

    My almost-namesake Ginnie (I’m a Ginny) has said almost word for word what I was going to say – that’s spooky :-D. Higgins’ ears are just the best!

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  14. Jennfer Crewe

    I love that garland. I seriously thought about trying to make it then realised i wouldn’t even be able to source the buttons let alone the yarn here in my small Aussie town

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