what a cracking day, Grommit!

Today is my middle niece's birthday (it's my father-in-law's too but since he didn't get anything pretty - just boozy - I'm concentrating on her gift!) and if you remember her elder sister was given Bumble mouse and a matching picture for her birthday in March. Now since the girls are only 14 months apart in age, I like to give them things that are the same but different. And plus, Lucyfer (her family nickname) isn't really a mouse girl. But I wanted something for her new bedroom, too. And, I think I mentioned before, we had a week coz I forgot. Folksy to the rescue with a sock dragon and a pyrography trinket box!

Fab, right? The dragon is a really good size, about 9 inches high and bought from Starcross Crafts. I do love his wee bum button. The box is really cute and felt lined, big enough for one or two treasures and was from Burning Desire. Both had brilliant shipping times and were very reasonable. I do love dragons, though.....she has others.....

It's been a beautiful day here weather wise, too. So much so that my back garden finally got itself some TLC. Poor thing was looking very neglected. It still is - but at least it's weed free! We have plans for it later in the year once the wee loo is finished (that needs a post of its own - why are things never easy in this house?!?) I picked up a washing line to let the cats out, too. So I could be weeding and they could be free roaming. Jones LOVED it and was out for an hour and a half. Rolling, tangling himself around things, chasing bees.

 
Wee Temple is much more timid. But he was happy sniffing around until something spooked him. I think it was the foot pump for Chook's paddling pool (yes, it really was that warm!) and when he plucked up the courage to come back out he didn't like the toddler next door's squeaky voice. So he is a work-in-progress with the great outdoors. Funny, since he was the one who kept trying to escape - he actually succeeded on Sunday and we had a few frantic minutes scouring the garden for him! He was hiding between the wheelie bins. Bearing in mind he'd jumped out our bedroom window. Lunatic cat. This photo is yesterday - pre grass cutting and with his smart lead on.

I found these photos while looking for something else, too. My brother's Liberty pocket squares! The pattern is in the Liberty Love book. Pattern? For a hemmed square?

Well, yeah. Coz the corners are mitred! Fiddly but worth it.

One last shot of our lovely warm evening, my weeded garden and my upside down Chook.

It's to rain tomorrow. Back to the wee loo then! If Spouse isn't in Northern Ireland (like he's supposed to be) and if we can find the leak!