I've been AWOL.

Over the weekend of 30th October to 2nd November I had the most fabulous weekend. I belong to an amazing group of women over the age of 50, called The Silver Tent, there are globally over 7000 members, all Wonderful Wild Women With Wisdom Worth Sharing. (Please contact me if this appeals to you). The Silver Tent has now been going for 10 years, and a birthday party was arranged, held near Tavistock, in Devon.

I travelled down with two friends, and we had the most amazing experience.

A pyjama party on the Friday Evening. 

A celebration of members who have passed on, a couple of talks and a session of archery during Saturday daytime.

A bonfire to celebrate Halloween on Saturday evening, followed by a sing-along.

A talk, followed by a climb to the top of Bren Tor on Sunday morning.

Birthday cake and a game of pass the parcel on Sunday afternoon.

A 70's style disco on Sunday evening.

And on Monday morning a presentation on the future direction of this fabulous group of women over the next 10 years - which all sounds very exciting.

Superb catering by the venue, and at short notice as the booked caterer had a stroke the previous day! 

I was the official photographer for the event, but I wasn't aware of that until I got there, so I only had my point-and-shoot Lumix and my phone, however I was able to take over 400 photos, and have spent more than a week sorting them ready to show. Don't worry though, I'll only be giving a flavour on here! Enjoy.

 

October Photographic Hunt : Stationery

Eileen at A Bracelet of Days hosts our monthly photo hunt, and this month the subject was something very dear to my heart, Stationery. I am addicted to stationery, and probably have far too much, but hey ho, at least it keeps me off the streets.

Here is my selection. The first is taken in Tesco and all the rest at home.

 

Thanks Eileen, I wonder what November's subject will be.

October part 3

The virginia creeper is looking fabulous this year, such a vivd and bright few days in this corner of the yarden

 I love that there's a gap between the two houses opposite me where I can see a field which quite often has sheep in it, although recently I've spotted deer instead.

 My dear (see what I've done here?) friend Kate goes to what she calls Flower Club, where each month she has to make a display for a given title. Once she's shown me hers, I try to have a go myself. This month's title was Autumnal Colour in the Garden, and here's my go

 

GM and I love vegetable samosas. Recently, a new shop has opened that we walk past on our way to the bus stop when in town, so we popped in to see if they had any authentic ones. They did. Delicious, and well loaded.

 Sadly, our neighbours at 41 have moved away. However, they left me a magnificent home-made planter trough, which fits nicely across in front of the lounge window, which is a bit of a suntrap during the summer months, watch this space.

 I just happened to be passing the garden centre, and accidentally found myself in the carpark. So, naturally, I had to go inside, and there were some hellebore plants, which I had been meaning to get anyway, so this is the one that chose to come home with me.

 A couple of my friends were talking the other day about hiking sticks, and I thought they sounded like a good idea, so I've bought myself a pair. So much more support and easier to use than a single walking stick.

 And, finally, my latest jigsaw puzzle, a Wasgij, is complete.

 Yesterday we were hit by the first storm of the season, Storm Austen, and today following closely on the heels of Austen is Storm Boelo. We've had plenty of rain, let's hope the summer's shortfall is well on the way to being recovered.

I hope October is being good to you. Thanks for reading. 

Mid-October

The weather is still mostly mild, and quite often sunny, a very welcome bonus, even though it's most likely all down to Global Warming. Things are ticking along nicely, both inside 43 and in our larger world.

4 more book cover blanket squares have been completed

 GD5 had a Victorian Day at school, I was able to provide her with her apron, hat and shawl

 

I'm still managing to walk in excess of 3 miles most days, I just happened to spot this the other day, and you probably know I'm a bit of a number freek - it's not the final total for the day, just happened to catch it when checking how much further I needed to walk.

 

My cosmos plants were not happy during the heat of the summer, and are only now just starting to open, they are definitely one of my favourite flowers,

 

and, as usual for this time of year, the Virginia Creeper is showing its farewell quite magnificent colours. The photo really does not do it justice.

 GD7 had her birthday party slightly ahead of her actual birthday, which is tomorrow. It was a fun time for children and adults alike

 Thanks for reading. How is your October shaping up?

 

October, ten on the 10th

It's the 10th of the month again, and here are my ten photos, plus a bonus one. I hope you enjoy. It would be great if you joined me.