Mail delivery.

Mail delivery.

Every time that I write a comment on your posts it is sent back to me as 'delivery to the recipient failed permanently'.

This is a new one to me, and I wonder if anyone else is finding that the same thing is happening?

So please don't think I am not reading your posts. I'm just not able to comment.

What a nuisance.

A work in progress.

Easter is over.

The reminders stay with me in the form of some beautiful vases of flowers, the remnants of some tiny Easter eggs and a fridge full of leftovers!

I thought it was time to dig out some old, very old, sewing. This pretty tapestry was begun around 20 years ago, to my shame, and put away , brought out, a few stitches made, put away.......

So now I really need to get on with it.

It is a  Tapestry that I planned to make into a cushion (pillow), and I started off with great enthusiasm, choosing colours that went with my armchair covers.

Where did that enthusiasm go?

I may have to hunt down some more of the wool as certain colours seem to be running out.

I keep telling myself that there isn't much to do!

Maybe pressing it gently would be a good start.

Easter thanksgiving!

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ 

He is Lord, he is Lord, 
he is risen from the dead, and he is Lord! 
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess 
that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Reflections.

Holy week. The week leading to Easter Day.

More and more I feel that this time for me should be one of reflection, of pausing whenever possible to think of the events of this week.

 On each day the Gospels tell us a little more of the story, the anointing of Jesus, the foretelling of the betrayal, of Judas planning the betrayal,and of Peter's denial.

Maundy Thursday reminds us of Jesus' command to love and serve each other.

The horror of Good Friday, followed by the unbelievable discovery of an empty tomb.

So much of the Passion week sums up the life and teachings of Jesus.

There is sadness and joy mingled as the week comes to Easter Sunday.

I need to spend some time simply thinking about that great sacrifice made for us.

Photo taken in a little church in the Loire Valley.

Purely as an aside, I read today that even Easter eggs are losing a Christian connection, having the word 'Easter' removed and being known as 'chocolate egg' or even 'egg'.

I despair.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday.

Hosanna to the king of Kings!

And a few bits and pieces from the garden,

complete with rabbits.

Spring at Trelissick.

Spring is coming to our local National Trust garden, Trelissick.

The wonderful pale pink Magnolia is in full bloom and can be seen from many viewpoints.

Daffodils and primroses are out amongst the trees.

Snowdrops are just about over as are the little wild cyclamen.

Trelissick is getting ready. There is an Easter Egg hunt in the grounds, followed by an April Daffodil show when hundreds of different varieties will be on show in the Stable yard.

The above picture is of The Water Tower which stands in the grounds watching over us as we come and go. It is now one of the many holiday cottages owned by the National Trust.
The Tower was built in 1865 as a water reservoir for the main house. It's an amazing Victorian building with four stories, one room being on each floor.
The Trust tells us;

 How typically Victorian for such a utilitarian building to be designed with such style and embellishments that it resembles the legendary tower of Rapunzel! 

The 'cottage' is advertised as being a 'perfect place for a romantic getaway'.

With 50 steps up a steep spiral staircase I think I would be exhausted after climbing up and down them!

However, the interior does look very elegant and has been beautifully furnished.

This is the circular bedroom.

What a unique kitchen!

There are two more floors, with bathroom and sitting room....all circular too.

What do you think?

Would you like a holiday here?

Mothering Sunday in England.

I was treated to a very lovely bouquet this morning. It is Mothering Sunday here in England, always the 4th Sunday of Lent, in celebration of mothers. Many churches here will have prepared little posies for children to hand to their mothers during the service.

I read a little about this day, not to be confused with Mothers Day generally celebrated in the US in May, I think.

It began around 400 years ago at a time when servants in the 'big house' were given a day off to visit their Mother church. This might be the Cathedral in a town or a local village church where the family had worshipped for many years.

It was to be a day of Refreshment, once even known as Refreshment Sunday and also Simnel Sunday. 

Often it was the day when a Simnel Cake was baked to celebrate the reuniting of families during the somewhat austere time of Lent.

The cakes might be given to the servants to take home to their mother.

Servants would not have had time off automatically and might not have seen their family for many weeks or months.

I don't remember any mention of Mothering Sunday in Downton Abbey!

Now it has become a very commercial day, which is a bit sad, with shouts from the media to 'buy a gift to tell your mum she's the best in the world'.

I read an interesting article in the Telegraph by a mother who was fed up with the hype and wished that her children would come to see her whenever, rather than feeling pressurised by a day called Mothering Sunday.

For those of us whose mothers have passed on, it is a slightly bittersweet day of remembering, and wishing for just one more time to carry a little posy of flowers.

**********

My husband dipped into the basket of names and picked out a winner of the little Easter bag. 
It's Marleen!
Marleen please send me your address
and I will mail as soon as I have it.

Giveaway

Just a quick run in to say that I would be happy to offer one of these little paper bags as a giveaway. (See my previous post)

It may not be the exact design as this photo,

but it will be suitable for Easter.

Very short closing date so that it can be whizzed into the mail quickly.

Enter by 6th March please.

Open to all my friends.

You are such encouragers.