Spring is in full swing here and the days are lengthening and warming up nicely. The plum tree blossom is now just faded confetti on the ground, but for a few weeks it was a glorious sight, especially when illuminated by the ghostly light of the full moon or warmed to a rosy glow by the rising sun. Do you see the red kite gliding overhead? It was only a few years ago that these majestic birds returned to this area, but now we see at least one every day and sometimes as many as six circling high overhead, they are wonderful to watch.
Here we’ve been plodding on quietly and keeping to familiar and comforting routines. There have been lots of walks in the woods with Toby, some pottering in the garden and some knitting of course. I’ve been wanting to use this beautiful hand-dyed yarn for a while and have spent far too long browsing on Ravelry and pondering which would be the right pattern for it and I’m very happy with the one that I finally chose. The pattern is simple and relaxing to knit, just what is needed right now, and it’s knitting up beautifully. The yarn is ‘Honey is Cool’ Falkland Merino 4ply hand-dyed by Ocean Rose and the shawl pattern is ‘Hollows’ by Melody Hoffmann.
Lastly, as you can see there is a new little friend emerging from my needles. He’s a little shy at the moment, having not yet been knitted any clothes to wear, I’ve been really indecisive about what to dress him in but I hope to be able to finalise his outfit from a couple of ideas that I’ve been working on and share the patterns soon – I’ll keep the blog up to date with developments.
Thanks for visiting here with me, I hadn’t intended to be absent from the blog for so long but finding the time seems to have become a little more difficult and sometimes it doesn’t feel like I have anything interesting or relevant to share. I do however plan to be here a little more often, so hopefully see you soon and until then I hope that life is treating you kindly, J x
little cotton rabbits 
So pleased to see you back in circulation – I was hoping everything was going all right with you and yours and it was the Winter hunkering down that was keeping you busy. The “new little friend” looks awfully cute!!!
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Good to hear from you again Julie. What little cutie is this popping his nose out, cannot wait for a formal introduction 💕
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Moley looks delightful. Moles are smart dressers though – he needs a waistcoat!
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Awe you always have something interesting to say Julie, lovely to have you back.
Over the years your plum blossom has been a sure sign of spring. How wonderful to see red kites every day, I would love that.
Your little mole is so sweet, looking forward to seeing his outfit. 🙂
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Lovely to hear from from you, I was getting worried. I’m so looking forward to meeting your new little friend. My granddaughter is already thinking of a name 🤣🥰
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Even if it was only a photo and just a paragraph, it is always a joy to receive in my mail your new posts 💚👌
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Always enjoy your posts, Julie! Never fear. You are always interesting.
Little moley is adorable, and we will wait patiently for him to appear in his entirety as time allows you. Thank you! Your posts are always a welcome read.
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I am glad to read you again, I admire your wonderfull pics, their atmosphere.
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Hello Julie… we marveled at the same moon. Life still has beautiful moments. Glad to see you see that too. Can’t wait to meet & make the new member of the LCR world… beautiful escape from our own.
With love, Lori From Vallentyne 🇨🇦
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What an adorable mole friend! Your photos are lovely, as always. Thank you for sharing!I think your posts are always fabulous.
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Lovely to hear from you Julie. I’ve always wanted to see a Red Kite they are such beautiful birds. I love the little mole so very cute. Could I suggest some Wellington boots or perhaps open toed sandals to accommodate his or her burrowing paws?
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As soon as I saw the mole I pictured him in a red and white Edwardian swimsuit!
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The mole is gorgeous! He does have an expression that suggests that he is embarrassed to be caught with no clothes on. I am pleased to hear that you will be writing on your blog more often as I always enjoy your posts however, little you feel that you have to report.
Best wishes
Jane
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Mister Mole needs coveralls and a teeny hat with a light on it!
We have a pair of red-tailed hawks that circle above daily. They’re probably stalking our chickens!
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what a lovely post! Mr Mole is so sweet, I can’t wait to see him once he is dressed.
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Thank you for the update! Your pictures and insights are always so welcome. I can’t wait to see what this new little one will wear!
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Feel confident that anything you have to share is welcome. The simple beauty that your pictures and knitting reflect are just what helps soothe the soul.
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Hello Julie,
Oh my gosh, that little one is a dream coming true. So sweet!!! You made my day 🙂
Have a good Spring time!
Love Carolien
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I think you have written this content very thoughtfully, and it is great that every person has some skill in life and you also have a skill, using which you write a beautiful post. I am very happy to see your post, hope you will keep writing such posts in life. you are the best post writer.
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I always love seeing your beautiful photos and hearing about your daily life and walks with family in the woods. You write so beautifully, even about simple everyday things. And I’m so excited for the little mole pattern!
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I always look out for your posts. So happy when I see you have written and sent some photos.
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Glad to see you again – I’ve looked out for your posts.
I’m not sure about Mr Mole – a smartly dressed chap I think – but I can remember digging up one of his relatives from our lawn many years ago and relocated him nearby!
I would very much like to knit him.
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A mole! He’s wonderful, I shall look forward to seeing him emerge. Lots of pear and cherry blossom here and the apple has just flowered as well, it’s just glorious out there. Red kites are fantastic aren’t they. We rarely see them here, but there are plenty in Wales now. We went to Gigrin Farm at Rhayader in Wales where they feed them and it was an utterly amazing sight. CJ xx
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I don’t read so many blogs but yours are one of them. Love your blog! I want to knit that little shy guy immediately. Xx
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Julie it’s lovely to read your news – you always have interesting things to say! I am loving the plum blossom recently here too it is so welcome after what seems to have been a long and cold winter, so much so that the plants are a bit later in flowering here this year. My vote goes for a waistcoat for little Mole – and maybe a small knapsack?? Have fun and I can’t wait to see what you finally settle on. Best wishes to you and yours. Sandra.
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I`m not into reading so many blogs but yours are different. Loved your post! the Graphic Design is awesome
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Oh Julie, he is adorable! I had promised myself to do some crochet and cross stitch after an intensive fox and rabbit knitting period but think I might have to make an exception for this lovely creature. Sending you hugs xx
Alison
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I cannot wait to see your little mole fully clothed, lol!! He already looks adorable. I’ve just returned from England with my husband and son. I have to say that we got really lucky with the weather. We only had rain once in the entire 8 day trip and it only lasted for a few minutes. We had such a wonderful time there and I feel like I can appreciate your posts even more now that I feel like I can see your landscapes much better now.
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Lovely to see you back and your gorgeous new creation.
I have 3 generations of Ukrainian people (Grandmother, Mother and 8 year old boy who’s 8th birthday was the first day of war) coming to stay with me as soon as we can get all the arrangements made. I’m sharing your blog with them so that they can see beautiful photos in a world gone crazy. I appreciate your beautiful nature pictures when my life is off balance, and the family tell me that they love to keep rereading your blog.
You bring such calmness, joy and closeness to nature whenever you write.
Stay safe and well.
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I would love to know what cream colored item you are knitting. Thanks for sharing your cute critters once again.
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