We had the most glorious sunrise on Tuesday morning, Dick called me out to see it - there was a layer of mist floating above the beck and the clouds were reflecting the early morning sun. I rushed in to get my camera as I thought it would be worth trying to capture this beauty before it faded. The only thing is, that this all happened while I was still in my dressing gown, so I apologise to anyone passing by who was surprised to see a mad woman in a red towelling gown, luckily we don't have too much traffic out here!
​Today is our fourth wedding anniversary, where did that time go? So to celebrate we've had a lovely trip to Dunwich, where Otto had a great time on the beach, although he's not keen on swimming in the sea, so just managed a couple of short paddles. Strange, as he'll happily jump in the beck at any time of year. We had lunch in the Ship, and then stopped for coffee at Southwold harbour, where Dick made a new friend. Those of you who know him are aware that he will speak to anyone!
​We also managed a trip to Fat Face, as you do, and although the fourth anniversary is said to be "linen", we opted for a woolly item each instead, which I felt was fair enough:
​I hope to see some of you at St Margaret South Elmham Village Hall on Saturday for the Art and Craft Fair (open from 10am to 1pm).

We had a good long walk with Otto on Tuesday. We set out suitably attired, we thought, for a fine morning. I suppose we were about a quarter of the way round when it started to rain, only  lightly, so we carried on regardless, not that there's any choice really when you're out in the middle of nowhere.  It continued to rain, not quite so lightly, but still not spoiling the walk, until I heard Dick say those immortal words "I'm a bit wet, but I'm not wet enough to have to change my pants". I knew as soon as he said it that it was tempting fate, I decided years ago that if there is a god he/she has a great sense of humour. Suddenly the skies opened, it was an absolute deluge. My showerproof fleece proved that it is only showerproof, I hate that feeling when you have water running down your back. Still, it did stop raining before we got home, it hailed.
​I know it's very early, but I have started thinking about my Christmas earrings for this year, particularly as people have asked for more choice than just the usual Christmas Trees, so this year we will have Angels, Baubles, Snowladies (not enough balls for snowmen!) and Christmas Trees. Not on the website yet, but if anyone wants to order ahead of time just send me a message.
​The Stud earrings have been flying out, so there will be new ones within the next few days, also there are a few new bits on the website, including lovely new sterling silver belcher chains.

I had a lovely long drizzly walk with Otto this morning, and finished off by coming back through our meadows, It was really dull and damp but there are still things of interest, we have a lovely crop of spindle berries at the moment, one of my favourites because they're so bright. There are also a tremendous variety of Toadstools. For some reason Dick, although otherwise intelligent, is unable to say the word "Toadstools"! He can say "toad" and "stool" separately with apparent ease, but when he puts both together it comes out as "Toodstoals". Poor unfortunate boy.
​I have a new app, a great little toy which allows me to make collages, it's great, I'll certainly be making great use of it on the website, but I'm thinking I could use if for postcards and flyers too. The flowery collage above shows pictures all taken in the garden in July, feels like ages ago. I'm quite pleased with it as it was only a little "play", I'd like to make a collage of each season at Howes Cottage, wouldn't they make great greetings cards? Or do I have enough hobbies?

Sorry to go all learned with the title this week, we did a lot of John Keats at school and I remember a surprising amount of his poetry, which is odd as I have a really bad memory for most things.
​The meadows are really changing at the moment, Autumn is here and although I never look forward to it, I love so much about it. The crunch of the Beechnuts underfoot is a particular pleasure, we have the most splendid Beech tree and I thoroughly enjoy walking under it to enjoy the sound and feel. The Autumn evening light is really beautiful, giving an almost ethereal feel, the berries are really bright at the moment, and this always reminds me to buy in plenty of red beads for the Christmas necklace rush.
​We have an amazing pear crop this year, I baked some last night and they were delicious so I shall now bore you with the recipe! Cut pears in half and scoop out the core, drizzle with golden syrup or (if you're rich) Maple syrup, sprinkle a few chopped almonds, walnuts or other nut of choice (this recipe contains nuts), bake for 20-30 minutes. Glorious. We had ours with ice cream, but I suppose that's not compulsory...
​I must just tell you of yesterday's excitement - only 200 yards from our door we saw a Kingfisher, always a joy, you just can't beat those colours.
​By the way, there are new items on the website this week, why not have a look.