Spooky Stuff!

Meowww - This was the first product of our pumpkin!

And this delicious soup from the Dorset Echo mag the second! Both have been enjoyed this evening.
But now we've blown out the candles and the trick or treaters seem to have taken the hint. Two little Jammers in bed and some peace and quiet at last.

Late on Friday afternoon we headed out for some Halloween fun.
Nothing very spooky so far but just had to stop and appreciate how lucky we are to live where we do.

We had a brief stop on the Chesil to check the sun had gone to bed. Why? Because we wanted it dark, really dark for our little witches.

Where were we heading? Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens of course! We finally cashed in the third of our Abbotsbury tickets courtesy of Mr Tesco. The gardens don't appeal hugely to us so to make the most of the ticket we went to a floodlit evening. Children were encouraged to come in fancy dress and they did!

Eldest Jammer loved the Bugfest SW tent and got up close and personal with a whole array of creepy crawlies. I can't quite get used to my blonde girl with her black wig. I should though as it's probably how she'll end up. I started off in life very blonde!!

By the time we were bugged out it was proper dark outside. Want to come with us on a walk round the garden? Lanterns to the left please!

Down the steps and off we go.

The plants were lit with various colour lights and I got a bit snap happy with the camera...

We were supposed to be spotting pumpkins with letters to spell out something but as we went without a pen we didn't get far. C..h....?

There was much screeching to be heard and I think a lot of it was down to these two creatures.

Or maybe this lot?

We ended up at the laser show, they loved it... enough said!

Happy Halloween to you.
x

Reflections

It's been a relaxing but somewhat damp week here. We got off to such a nice dry sunny start then the weather went downhill. At least we managed a trip out to one of my favourite places, last Saturday was Apple Day at Kingston Maurward near Dorchester.

What now seems like an age ago I used to run courses here as part of my job. It was always my favourite venue and I loved arriving really early (for me) when it was very quiet and watching the geese by the lake and occasionally deer on the lawn. Now however a visit is pure pleasure...

First stop was the animal park for a bit of oohing and aahing, stroking and the compulsory asking to take them all home.

Once we'd put our foot down and said no we really didn't have room for a donkey (I know we're spoilsports...) the little Jammers were off and away to the gardens.

We pretty much followed them round.

Until we came to the best bit... the folly.
I love follies. You can't beat a good folly for a bit of posing and playing.

I have numerous pictures of my children in this one and always have to have an updated version.

This time Eldest Jammer insisted the grown ups must join in too, so much silliness was had by all.

Just time for a lap of the lake.

View of the folly from across the lake.

And a sword?... of course.

The rest of our week has mostly been taken up with visiting friends or having friends to play here so my making has been limited which is no bad thing. Just three pretty vintage barkcloth bags which my new 'chief photographer' has just captured in the garden this morning! She fancies one for her knitting whereas I might not part with the zingy starburst one, it's my favourite colour.

Taking my little witches to a Halloween event tonight then I'll possibly be at Bridport Vintage Market on Sunday if a) the weather holds and b) the van starts - he's been very naughty this morning!

Introducing Ruby

Today was a very unusual day; a child free day! The last time Mr Jam and I had a day to ourselves was over a year go so today was long overdue. I was heading to Lyme Regis anyway to deliver some of my stock for my friend Caroline's new shop. I persuaded Mr Jam he needed a day off, which he did and even persuaded him I should drive!

First stop was The Town Mill Bakery as Mr Jam has normally had several coffees at work by now. We loved the open kitchen, the communal tables and friendly staff (hope you're reading and thanks for letting me take photos!).

We were very restrained and resisted these, but had a great cup of coffee

before we headed off to meet Caroline at Ruby Rockcake. Caroline has been selling retro homewares through her regular stall at Bridport Saturday Market as well as at fairs. Now she's finally taken the plunge and opened a colourful little shop in Broad Street, Lyme Regis.

Ruby Rockcake is filled with well chosen retro goodies.

Spot my cushions and a fox!

Pretty displays on a vintage kitchen cabinet.

Scandi tea towels...

and retro china.

We took a wander down to the pretty Town Mill

and Mr Jam's brew-dar sniffs out the Town Mill Brewery

where we sample the Black Ven, chat to the friendly people and bring some beer home (of course).

Now I'm not really a lunch person during the week - yesterday was a bag of crisps, often it's some sweets! I'd have happily settled for an icecream today but Mr Jam insisted on something more substantial so we ended up in the Millside Restaurant...

... for a posh ploughmans.

A walk back up to the car with a quick dip into Ginger Beer.

By the time we left to go and pick up the little jammers from school the sun was in full swing. Just time for a quick stop for some views.

Here's my gorgeous boy - Charlie Charleston!!

Love these colours.

And finally my favourite view.

Enjoy your half term

x

Surprises!

Just a reminder about this lovely event tomorrow. Lots of great stalls and Chris and Sheena do fab food too!

I've been trying to make some more things to take with me this week but have been distracted by the garden. Having been without a garden for several years I am amazed at what we're getting in October. Strawberries for example. I picked this lot yesterday - a surprise for the jammers when they open their lunchboxes today!

Despite being decidely autumny now there are still surprising bursts of colour...

...including my new sofa cover complete with a few new cushions for tomorrow.
I loved making these little wallets so much

that I had a go at some bigger ones.

Perfect for all your special bits and bobs!

Might see you tomorrow!

x

Cheery uppy

It's been a funny old week here. Unfortunately we had a 999 moment when Mr Jam's dad was rushed to hospital on Monday night and things generally went downhill from there. Luckily he's been allowed home but it's all been a bit of a worry for Mr Jam. So today we treated him to a cheery uppy kind of day courtesy of Mr Tesco. We traded points for tickets earlier in the summer and have been waiting for a quiet day to visit Longleat.

All my jammers enjoying an autumn picnic.

Even though it was a day out for Mr Jam he did have to drive as my 2CV is decidely untigerproof! However he did brave the monkeys and the car came out intact. For the smallest jammers the highlight was not the monkeys but the nutter in the car in front who decided to stop the car and get out in the monkey enclosure. After that drama they spotted people throwing food at the giraffes and wanted to know why they weren't thrown out immediately!

The other creature who was looking cheered up was Anne the Elephant. Britain's last circus elephant was rescued in April but you can google her to read the full story.

After the safari park and the smaller animals we headed off to the play area. Usually my idea of hell but I did enjoy the mirrors. Here we are as the short fat family...

...then I seem to have got pregnant (with triplets by the look of it!)

but finally I think I like tall skinny best... if only!

So all in all a blurry kind of week with visits from Mr Jam's brother and then his nephew came up from Cornwall. I only managed a smatter of makes in all the chaos. You might recognise the flirty fabric wallets from Mollie Makes.
They will be coming with me on Saturday to the Bridport Vintage Fair. Details on the right hand bar.