The school summer holidays have arrived here. Amy is excited and busy making all sorts of plans to be out with friends, while I'm doing my best not to feel panic at the thought of 43 days to fill with activities for Toby. Previous experience though has taught me to take each day as it finds us and go with the flow as much as possible, so in some ways I feel prepared and he does have a few CHIPs club and respite days booked in so I'll definitely be putting my feet up with my knitting on those days. As usual we're holidaying at home but I'm happy with that. With the new room at the end of the garden and the weather being so hot and sunny it feels just like being on holiday in the Mediterranean but without all the hot and bothered hassle of actually getting there 🙂
The warm weather paired with lots of watering has really helped the plants grow here. My little mixed bed of herbs, vegetables and flowers is doing very nicely…
and I'm really pleased with the rusted iron plant support which is forming a frame for dwarf french beans to climb.
H has worked so hard and completed all the paving and laid new grass.
And the room itself is now completely finished and getting lots of use. It feels like a little haven of peace and a place for year round holidays for us all.
So that's us for the holidays, what are you up to?
Whether you're venturing afar or staying at home I wish you happy times. I plan to pop in from time to time so hope to see you soon x
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PS: If you're a bunny knitter and have made one from my patterns then please come over and join the little cotton rabbits ravelry group. At the moment we're have a fun and friendly contest 🙂 with the theme of bunnies on vacation.
little cotton rabbits 
it’s looks absolutely stunning now lovely, so much fun to be had staying home. Hope Toby (and yourself) have as much of a stress free break as possible. I’m sure Amy will have a super break too… the thought of eating outside is uplifting, lets hope the weather keeps up for you :o)
hugs
hello grogeous xxx
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Wow. That looks truly amazing Julie, like it’s been there forever. H has done a wonderful job with the landscaping, blending everything together so well. As usual, your veg is looking lush and gorgeous. Thanks for the heads up about the competition. I didn’t know what to do for it, but the perfect opportunity arose this morning (!!). Tulip and I couldn’t resist a timely entry. Happy Summer.xx
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Your new room is beautiful Julie and you are so right, with such lovely accommodation and the fantastic weather it will feel like being away! Enjoy!
Lovely garden produce too!
V xxx
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Lovely gardens and your new room is stunning!
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your garden room looks lovely – a good knitting room nice and bright, ali
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I really like the way the cottage came out. I’m hoping my garden will be as lovely as yours next year.
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Hope you have a stress free, peaceful summer holidays.Will keep in touch re knit days.
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Oh Julie — it’s gorgeous. It turned out so pretty and the garden is beautiful too. How perfect. Have a wonderful holiday!
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The room turned out so nicely. It looks very relaxing and comfortable. Your plants are looking lush and healthy. I hope you have a good break.
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Have a good summer. Take each day as it comes. Or as my grandma used to say ” don’t burden today’s strength with tomorrow’s troubles”
Looking forward to you popping in. Xxx
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it looks truly beautiful, wishing you a very happy summer in it xxx
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Just beautiful. It looks like a haven to relax in and just put your feet up. Serene and cozy.
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Ahh, just looking at your garden is relaxing! Wishing you the best of summer holidays!
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Happy holiday, you garden room is just beautiful a peaceful retreat for all of you in your beautiful garden…Sarah x
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It’s looking fabulous Julie … everyone’s hard work has really paid off! I do hope that you have the most fabulous summer at home 😀
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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I hope that your holiday at home runs smoothly, both for Toby and the rest of the family over the next 6 weeks. Fingers crossed that the weather also stays good for Toby, so that he can have lots of outside play times! I must also say that the garden room is looking even more fabulous, if that is possible now that it is all kitted out. x
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Oh, Julie! Your garden and garden room look so amazing. I do hope you all find some time to spend out there over the summer, doing the things you love to do. xx
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Beautiful, what a gorgeous room, garden and lovely touching words in your blog. I hope you get chance to have some time to relax and make and chill out on your holiday at home. Just lovely. xx
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I have been following your blog now for a while without commenting. I looooove your bunnies and I want to thank you for your open words how it is to live with an autistic child. I think it may help other parents with special kids that they do not feel alone out there – because feeling isolated is a often a topic. My niece is special as well with in my opinion some autistic parts – but not as heavy as Toby. I see what my sister in law has to manage every day and if I could give an award I would give it to her and all mothers / families out there with special kids!!
Regards,
Erika from Vienna / Austria
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Have a wonderful holiday at home, your garden is so stunning beautiful, it looks so well loved and tended, it wonderful having extra space in the garden to escape to, that’s why I love my Summerhouse so. I so glad you have some time to relax with respite days, so important, wishing you all a sunny fun filled relaxing summer.
Clare xx
http://summerhousebythesea.blogspot.co.uk/
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Hi Julie! Your garden room and garden itself are so wonderful!!! I’m so happy for you that you have this nice little space to retreat to…the walkway looks great too!!! Cheers for H. I hope the holidays are filled with quiet times for you!! Maire xxx
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What a haven your garden looks – hope it sees some happy times this summer!
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Your new room is beautiful and looks as if it’s always been there!
When I have time off I usually prefer to spend it at home relaxing and doing the things I never have time to do otherwise.
I purchased your bunny pattern (thank you for sharing) but have yet to master the very first stitch! I will take my yarn and needles down to our local knit shop and get the help I need, I can’t wait to start knitting those darling little dresses!
Enjoy your holiday and I hope you find plenty of ‘me time’ to sit and knit 🙂
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Stunning garden – looks a real haven away from the hustle and bustle. Hope you have a wonderful summer and manage a little ‘me time’.
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Beautiful Julie – your taste in decorating is really lovely – warm, cosy and welcoming. I hope that you all get to enjoy happy times together these holidays.
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What a wonderful little haven the garden room turned out to be – I’d be out there all the time if it was in my garden! And aren’t you lucky that we actually have some summer to enjoy it in! Have a good few weeks, hope all is peaceful and serene.
C.
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Hello Julie,
This post is a feast for the eyes. First, I was marvelling at your lush herbs, observing the different shades of green, and then I saw your new room. Oh my! It is absolutely perfect an, living in rented accommodation I cannot tell you what a thrill it gives me to see a proect such as yours coming to such beautiful fruition.
I wish you many well-earned, peaceful hours of knitting in there this summers.
Hugs from France.
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I’m so sorry for my typos in the above message, Julie! I seriously think the heat is making the keys stick!
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YOUR GARDEN IS SO LOVELY YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO GO AWAY.
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What a beautiful respite space! And your garden is gorgeous.
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Beautiful photos, as always, and the retreat room looks wonderful. Welcoming and warm. Well done.
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Your garden looks amazing Julie, wish I had space for something like that. I’m currently in the process of building a small garden wall to house plants and its back breaking work, so well done H for doing all that, is he available to do mine? haha 😉 There looks to be a beautiful weekend to enjoy it. Hope its a great one for you all x
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that room is just stunning! we’re in Italy to my parents…which is everything but calm… but fun!
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I love your toes!!! You have the cutest feet! 🙂
Your yard looks just lovely. Your H has done a beautiful job and your gardens look a heck of a lot more splendid than mine. We went away on vacation for two weeks. Yes, two whole weeks. Can you imagine that? The weeds and hot sun did not go on vacation…. I came home to wilted dead flowers and weeds thriving en mass. Sniffle. Hoping I can bring my beautiful flowers back from the near dead and get the weeds under control. One can hope…………..
Good luck on your summer holiday. I’m so glad you have your peaceful room to escape to when you can. I hope you are able to escape there often! Much loves and hugs to you!
xxxxxx
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Julie:
I came across something and thought you should see this… Someone wrote a song in tribute to his son who has downs syndrome and autism. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oil-house-records-announces-the-release-of-country-artist-tim-sweeneys-ground-breaking-music-video-featuring-american-sign-language-on-youtube-190829231.html
Thought you would like to see this…
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I am comforted by the number of comments here – always a healthy number. I am so immersed in genealogy right now, the days just seem to flow into one another without my having a moment to pull my head out and get a breath. I want to knit a bunny. But I have this – just one more question, just finish this line – thing going that’s a lot like playing solitaire with cards. I long to sit in your room. Simple, sleek, elegant – every line of it speaks peace. Peace is a concept I’m afraid I do not readily understand. Interesting that you, too, have been so warm. We went from five days in total over 100 degrees last year to 19 of them, most in the last month, here. The upside of the weather is that there seem to be few mosquitoes. Then again, three of them found my left elbow somehow this evening, so perhaps I should have left that bit out. The grass is so lush and lovely, and the French beans and their pumpkin spined ladder charm me. I send you hope for Toby-peace. And I lOVE vacationing at home. I think about it the same way you do – except I say to myself, no cabin in a mountain wood could be more lovely than this, and I don’t have to drive and pack and worry over the details . . .
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Your room is just gorgeous Julie! I love your blog. It is about lots of the things that are important to me too – family, knitting, home. We love to holiday at home too, or go camping, which is sort of taking home with you really. I wish you peace and happiness.
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The beds look amazing – very much in the Good Life style! Well done for all the hard work that has gone into making such a lovely corner of the world, and I hope you get to enjoy it all summer. Also, a big thank you for adding my little blog to your list – it was a very nice shock to come back to the world to find that!
Maggie x
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