WIP wednesday.

There we go again, another week gone by and no posts from me, its not just my blog my journaling is also falling behind. I think I need to review my work days as I am loath to log onto my PC at weekends after having spent the whole week working on it. I am pretty sure with a bit of pre planning I could fit a couple of posts in per week. 

The past week has been a busy one, no trip away last weekend but some socialising was had. The biggest thing this week was seeing my lovely youngest son graduate. What an achievement it was a very proud moment.

In other news I have joined Louise Tilbrook's a summer of books and yarn, go check it out here. I thought it may be useful to get me back on track with reading and knitting. I am going to resist the urge to cast on a new project, I almost did ! but focus on a WIP. The book prompts were:

Summer of Books and Yarn weekly prompts

Week 1: Something from a bestseller list

Week 2: Something with summer or beach in the title

Week 3: A book from an author you've read before

Week 4: A book with a location in the title

Week 5: Something non-fiction

Week 6: A blue book - or a wildcard

Here's my books, all from my too read pile

The wild card was planned to be a purchase , which is lucky as I may have bought one on Tuesday shortly after signing up ! I blame it on Asda, popped in with no 2 son and just happened to walk past the books and one caught my eye

The result is this, it will be week 1 & 2, bumping the wild card up to week 2. 

My knit project is my Richmond Hill sweater, I am almost at the end of sleeve 2 and then it will only be the body to do, should be able to finish this in a week. [To note I didn't join the KAL when it came out, but did so a month or so ago] Which is good because I may have become addicted to my Trouville knit

I have just started the last section of the pattern then its just strips all the way... This really is a joy to knit and is going to be a fun sweater to wear, 

I've not read anything this week and not really done much else that is blog worthy.  You may be lucky next week as I may have a trip or 2 to add to my blog.

WIP Wednesday.

I appear to be failing miserably at trying to reduce my pile of knitting projects, if anything the pile is getting larger 

In addition to the pics I also have a granny stripe blanket , a sleeveless jacket and a hat stashed in project bags.. 11 projects... I really must not cast on anymore.... I also need to get updated pictures and work out what I can finish quickly to reduce the numbers....

The Hedge Witch, book 20 this year.

 Were now half way through the year and I'm about to start reading my 20th book. Last year I read a total of 37 books, I think I may match that this year . 

This book was not from my to read pile but I just had to have it on publishing day.

 The Hedge Witch.

This is a novella that links with her book, Threadneedle, which I loved. Its a magical Fantasy and the first of what I think is going to be a trilogy. Currently this is my favourite genre, alongside Cornish chic lit of course.....

As we are not away this weekend I plan some garden reading time sat in the shade with a long cool drink. 

A mini break to Lundy Island.

This was a trip 2 years in the making, Covid had scuppered our plans twice so we were eagerly waiting to finally get back to Lundy. Sadly the island does not permit dogs so Rosie had to stay at home with the boys.

As it was an early morning sail on Saturday we stayed the previous night in Bideford 

We went to a fabulous seafood restaurant  in Bideford and wandered around a while before heading off for an early night in one of the local BnB's

On Saturday 2nd July we set sail for Lundy Island. The day started wet and cold but despite this the boat was full. A combination of day trippers and holiday makers.

The crossing was moderately rough but luckily this time I didn't feel too sea sick, sea bands and tablets and standing up all the way in the middle of the boat.

Its a long steep climb up to the top of the island but the views are worth it. Once at the top we headed to the island pub for a refreshment and to wait until our accommodation was ready.

Whilst we waited my friend and I walked down to the castle whilst the men stayed with the bags and their pints. The weather had cleared and the sky was blue, which made for great views.

We had planned a quiet evening in the accommodation, made a curry and sat and enjoyed our view. Bliss. For those that don't know Lundy, its completely TV free, there is very limited phone signal and the electric is from a generator so is switched off at midnight. Its a real escape to recharge your batteries.

Sunday was a glorious day so we headed out after a slow start to explore the island. The island is a working farm and the animals, all bar the cattle roam free. We were also lucky enough to spot the puffins, although through the binoculars so no pics of them.

We finished our walk at the pub for a very refreshing pint as we were very hot and tired. 

Monday Morning was another slow one with an after lunch walk 

We headed back and cooked up a bolognaise for supper and spent the evening playing games and reading.

Before we knew it Tuesday had arrived and it was departure day. We didn't sail until the evening so had another full day on the island. I will admit my legs were blooming aching so it was just a  gentle day with reading in the sun with just some small walks around.

Before we knew it it was time to walk down to the jetty and wait to board to come back to Bideford.

Because of the late sail time it was a wonderful sail back into Bideford. This time I managed to get a seat outside on the top deck and was lucky to watch the sunset with a gentle breeze.

We docked at 9.30pm and after a very well managed departure from the boat we were on the road by 10pm and then finally home by midnight.

I had the most amazing time, we were so lucky with the weather which meant we  were able to get out walking everyday. I now feel refreshed, although sun burnt, and happy. Lundy is one of my most favourite places and although the main activity is walking the views are spectacular. Its nice to shut off the noisy fast pace of life and just relax. There are another activities if you are more adventurous, snorkeling, climbing etc.. but I am more than  happy with walking and reading...