"We are both like Snow White, but in different ways." pondered my niece, Izzie, last week when she came to stay. With her glossy dark hair, fair skin and rosy red lips I could guess at her own resemblance but me? "Well, I look like Snow White and you act like her" she offered. Cute. That girl knows how to charm me. Snow White is my favourite of the Disney princesses and although I'm not keen on the idea of cleaning and cooking for a small army of dwarves, I love how she keeps that cosy cottage so pretty and cosy, with the help of bluebirds of course!
We were re-filling my bird feeders at the time. I am a nature nut and although we have a small garden, living in quite a rural area means that I can entice various species if I get the right food. Unfortunately, birds do not have the best table manners (finches are the worst!) and the seeds they drop seem to be providing a continual feast for a fat little field mouse. (I like to think there is only one; the same missy every day. I realise the reality is not so cute...). I need to get out there more often with my dustpan and brush. Said fat little field mouse was in the garden yesterday afternoon. She was driving Lizzie crazy. as she nipped between bushes, the shed and the log store. I am torn between letting her nest in the garden and encouraging Lizzie to catch her (yep, not so Disney). She is very fat and I absolutely do not relish the idea of a gazillion small rodents in my living quarters. I am going to send Andrew out for a humane trap this evening.
We've had hedgehogs every night, too. They also drive my dog insane but hedgehogs are my favourite wild animal. But then, as I type that, I remember bats and badgers which I also love. Ahhhh summer. I love it.
I have been crazy busy finishing up orders from the Summer Brocante at the end of June and the very last Cabbages & Roses overdresses will be sent out this week. I also took a few orders for bespoke embroideries at the brocante, which I finished last week. I will be attending the Cotswolds brocante at the end of September and the Winter brocante in Sussex at the end of November. I'll put details on here in the events section when I get a minute but I'd love to see you there.
I am off bird-watching with my dad this evening and really looking forward to it. He retired earlier in the year and I've been wanting him to come with me for ages; it was him after all who I take after with my love of nature. I have packed a pair of binoculars, a field guide and a notebook and made a quiche for us to eat when we get back. What a lovely way to spend a summer evening, hey?
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and that your weather is appropriately seasonal. It is hot hot hot here and I love it. A proper summer.
Love
Nicki
x
PS The kitchen and dining summer sale is still going strong over in our little shop. It will continue until the end of August so snap up a bargain quick!