All the 4's...

Gulp, I'm another year older today!

It does seem that the older I get, the faster the time flies, but the months and years of my fifth decade have been largely enjoyable ones...My girls are older and more independent and I am beginning to discover who I really am...

Last year was a tougher one, so I've recently learned to take a step back from working so hard; to limit the time I spend on my PC and sewing machine, and to enjoy the company of friends and family much more. Time is precious and moments need to be savoured...housework can often wait til tomorrow...

Our home is one in which we feel comfortable; not due to expensive furnishings and finishing touches, but to the souvenirs surrounding us that serve as a reminder of a relaxed holiday, vintage trinkets bought for pennies on days out together, family keepsakes, or gifts from friends and relatives.

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I've had a lovely Birthday so far and been spoilt...I had several pressies to open this morning...

A beautiful old poem in an oval frame, entitled 'The Rose'.

A sweet vintage embroidery of a crinoline lady in her garden. And this fabulous wax and plaster half-doll in a satin dress.

A German china wall pocket, barbola brooch and a glass tea pot stand printed with roses.

This healthy wisteria plant from my friend Debbie, is to replace a passion flower that we lost during the heavy snow earlier this year. It is a rare variety called 'Black Dragon'.

I've had some very pretty cards this year too- some were from my lovely customers and bloggers, which was so kind! Thank you!

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Hubby has ordered a simple little wooden summer house for my Birthday, to go in our back garden. I can't wait for it to be delivered in a week or two. It will mean a lot of work leveling the plot and making new paths, but I am really looking forward to having the retreat to decorate!

Call me bonkers ;-)) but in my mind I have it finished exactly like the pretty card above - Of course I'd need to wallpaper the walls in a dainty floral paper, but I can't really see hubby agreeing to that! - Not the most practical option in a garden retreat... I'd have shelves holding floral china, giving the spiders plenty of options for building webs in and around! And rugs on the floor for the woodlice to munch on! Quilts and eiderdowns would soften all the Lloyd loom chairs and rosey cushions would add extra comfort to prolong each visit; ideal for mice to build cosy nests in! Of course the birds would probably be completely confused by all the flowery furnishings too and would build their homes amongst the framed prints and tea cups lined up along the shelves!

I suspect I shall have to scale down my dreams of my ideal haven (which realistically would probably only last a few days before the wildlife moved in; not to mention my hens!) - but having somewhere to escape to for 5 minutes with a cup of tea, is equally as enticing!

I'm being taken out to dine here this evening...so time to get my glad rags on...

Niki x

UPDATE: 6th May

I can certainly recommend the food at 'The Moody Goose, at The Old Priory' - absolutely delicious! The kind of place where you are made to feel special.
And you all made me feel very special too! - Thank you for all your kind Birthday wishes!
Niki x