The longest day

Well, my dears, the longest day has come and gone all too swiftly. One has, however, made good use of the light before it begins to fade by a few minutes each day, and will continue to do so for as long as possible. The painting has thus come on in leaps and bounds, the second and third coats applied each evening after one had returned from one's professional toil, and the male guardian was away toiling. It is a most beguiling colour of many shades, dependent on the time of day and light. One is really rather pleased with it. White, flat sheen woodwork will complement it in a way that is becoming to this old house and some, yet to be found, material destined for the window coverings. Why it really is quite exciting my dears.

The male guardian and I have spent a relaxing morning before he was once more duty bound to his professional toil. Once he had departed, the winter bedding was collected from one's niece in the dry cleaning establishment she runs most efficiently in the small local town and is now airing on the line, absorbing the sunshine. The cashmere, inherited from one's late mother, has been hand washed and is lain upon a flat surface to dry outside, in preparation for careful storage before the winter months arrive. The linen is flapping in the breeze and windows are wide. I am also assisting a colleague in drying rose petals for her impending wedding, such is the plentiful supply from ones garden, and am duly keeping an eye on their progress as I enjoy a restorative cup of tea before once more donning one's overalls to return to the task of painting woodwork. As busy as a bee, dear souls, for there is much to do and enjoy in this life and I am making the most of the fine weather whilst one can for 'tis, after all, good old Blighty. 

Summer fruits

Whilst 'tas been a while since we have had time off together, it was finally achieved for the male guardian and I over the last few days, thankfully. One has oft commented on the simple pleasures, and 'twas these simple things one looked forward to during this precious time. The ability to lie on past our normal hour of rising, partaking of a leisurely breakfast together, and choosing how to spend our days. Inevitable chores were undertaken, along with tasks upon the list of projects to complete the upper floor of our home. More ceilings and walls have been painted, the latter in a most becoming and restful shade that will be complemented by white woodwork. The spectrum of colours available to choose from has grown exponentially over the years and there are some very becoming shades to suit an old country property such as ours. As with all things, it takes time, interspersed as it is with our professional toil. 'Twill be most satisfying when the jobs are completed and the upper floor is much updated, something that has long been on our list of things to do.

The estate gardens have also received some attention, weather permitting, for 'tas been overcast but warm and drizzling; that light, refreshing warm drizzle that is most welcome on a sticky, warm day spent decorating the upper floor. It is most delightful to see the roses, peonies, nepeta, hydrangeas and all coming in to their own, what a glorious sight to behold. 

The range of vegetables and fruit available is at its finest and one does confess to making the most of the fruitful time of the year. Why, the larder is fair overflowing with all manner of healthy options to choose from, much to one's delight. Good, simple food to fuel one through the various projects one is involved in, inbetween which one is gradually making headway on the summer cardigan for my seamstress friend - I have at times feared ''twas in jeopardy of becoming a rather cool winter garment, which really would not do, dear souls, dear me no. 

Sewing Bee?

Do three people make a sewing bee? Hm, a literate conundrum but ne'er mind for one is required to rise early to prepare for a day of patterns, fabric, lessons, laughter, lunch and fun. Two ironing boards and irons, three machines, sometimes an over locker, three pairs of glasses (for we are all ladies, ahem, over the age of consent, shall we say), scissors, pins and all the ecoutraiment required for such a day, as well as the all important yards, or should that be metres, of fabric, washed and ironed in preparation. A little something for a light lunch is always on the agenda, therefore, some rather lovely cheeses from the local delicatessen are placed in the larder upon the cheese board, lush baby plum tomatoes of quite the sweetest taste sat in a bowl beside the cheese, and further light morsels make up  the lunch preparations. Good tea and coffee are a must, as well as a slice or so of homemade cake to go with our afternoon refreshments. Joining all of these things is the prescence of two good friends. There are few rules for the day bar the banning of talk about our professional toil for this is a day to forget we are professionals and have fun and laughter. So good for the soul, and a bonus for one's wardrobe and skill set. What, dear souls, is not to like.

As the day wend on, it was clear 'twas a good day for some, t'others struggled, but our seamstress friend kept us moving forwards with laughter, merriment, and patience in abundance. The quick unpick was yielded on more than one occasion, needles threaded and re-threaded, highs and lows came and went. At the unexpected early arrival of the male guardian a state of mass undress was a near miss as we tried on our garments in various stages of completion. Dear man, patience is his middle name and he idled in the front hallway awhile whilst our en masse deshabille was corrected. There is little left to complete bar the use of the overlocker, hems and cuffs to complete for which a date has been set. Despite the anxst this particular fabric caused, we are nearly there. We have learnt some new skills, understand the complexity of fabric a little better and certainly are aware of the experience of our dear seamstress friend who patiently guided us through this particular garment, for which we are extremely grateful. After a restorative cup of fresh coffee and a little morsel of tasteful moreishness, they were on their way to their respective homes. Such a delightful way to spend one's downtime, in the company of likeminded friends, ending the day in the company of the male guardian who is so delightfully charming to one's friends. One is most fortunate indeed in the choice of one's soulmate, do you not agree.

Technology and tasks

Whilst one is not perhaps the most technical of people, I do so enjoy some of the advantages my electronic devise does afford me. Whilst my darling twin sister and her partner live, literally, half the world away, I was able to enjoy their company for several hours this very morning whilst the male guardian is at his professional toil once more. Oh, how we did laugh, gossip, plan and reminisce. How the time did fly for there was so much to discuss. Sat comfortably with a large cup of English breakfast tea within reach and the ever present garment on the needles; tempus fugit indeed. My dears, it really is just the ticket. The picture was as clear as if they were sat in the same room and the joy of shared hilarity so much nicer when one can see the mirrored enjoyment in their faces. Oh, how I did enjoy it, why, it fair set me up for the day.

Alas, one's chores awaited but, much boosted, they were soon complete as the mind wandered  joyfully over our conversations as I worked. A trip to the small local town for some necessities did not take long and preparations for a day with my elite sewing bee are well underway for we meet on the morrow. During my visit for necessities, I took the opportunity to pop in to the small, but perfectly stocked, fabric shop. Oh, dear, dear, for they have had new stocks and the choice of summer fabrics is quite amazing. The will power was sorely tested but thankfully one did not buckle under the strain, merely memorised information filed for later use, as one does. Such a riotous palette of colours and patterns, I have no doubt, dear souls, that the next visit may not go so well.

One was required to visit the dry cleaners where one's niece runs a very tight ship indeed and provides a very admirable service to her local customers, with a prompt and reliable service. Then on to the most important hardware store for necessities and a tempting bunch of sweet Williams. My dear late Father used to grow them when I was a child and my late Mother always appreciated a bunch or two when in season. A resplendent bunch now sits in one's home emitting the most evocative spicy, sweet scent of years gone by. Alas, dear souls,  one must not sit idling for there are cakes to bake and supper for the male guardian to prepare therefore on, on is the motto of the moment. 

Progress

Dear reader, no sooner had one finished a garment than thoughts of others were soon to be seen drifting through one's head. Thus found me, the very next day, cutting out not one, but two dresses in preparation for a little light crafting.  My dears, those skills which one had so diligently learnt were put to the test, but one has been taught well and no calamities ensued. This evening, after cleaning away one's decorating ensemble, the trusty sewing machine was bought forth. Dear souls, just three hours later all that was left to do was the hem of a summer dress, designed to keep one cool. I am uncertain who is more delighted, my dear seamstress friend who taught me or myself. Oh dear me, this is such a delightful pastime, the possibilities are endless. 

The painting continues, and will continue a while yet before 'tis complete, but one can already see the effect. T'will mean some furniture chess to ensure all rooms are undertaken, especially to have new floor coverings laid, but ''tis a small price to pay to have the upper floor of our home as has been long envisaged. Alas, one's home is rather like the fourth bridge, no sooner than you have completed, than you are required to start again. Thankfully, as the male guardian and I tend towards the classic items, new furniture is not required and one has long been able to produce curtains and blinds.

Our dear neighbour, who adjoins our land, has returned the front boundary to its original status and taken down a rather large, unruly and somewhat unsightly hedge planted by a predecessor. It's removal has opened up the view as ''twas originally built and oh, the difference 'tas made. 
The garden is blooming with blooms abound; the roses are glorious, acquilegia are everywhere with the hydrangeas preparing for the supporting act. Oh, how I do love a English country garden, especially one that we can now appreciate from every room. 

The joy of Completion

I have, dear souls, completed the summer dress I started last weekend. My dear seamstress friend did spend the morning with me overseeing the completion, and finishing, of said garment. As, always, I find her tweaking of a garment invaluable for a tuck here, a correction there and one has the perfect fit. I feel myself most fortunate to spend time in her company, for not only does she have a quick mind and sharp wit, she is a most diligent teacher. If she asks to see something, one really does feel that twist of anxiety, but knows that a job well done will be praised and, those a little less than perfect, will elicit the most practical and helpful of advice and guidance to make it right. As she was taught by her Mother, I am being taught by her, that good finishing of a garment is de rigeur. Once complete, one is required to press the garment one final time, then don it and stand, twist, turn and sit under the gaze of the perfectionist. It is however this attention to detail and perfectionist stance that ensures one is left with a garment that one is proud to wear and, importantly, will last for many years, if cared for correctly. One's wardrobe has grown exponentially since we commenced our sewing soiress and most enjoyable they are too. Oft times, it is peaceful and quiet with all bar the combined thrum of two or three machines bent on the production of a garment apiece, other times there is a tuition talk and, at others, the delightful chatter and laughter of people enjoying the company of like minded people. A simple, but practical pastime, spent in the presence of like minded people, how very civilised, my dears.  

Busy, busy.....

Well, dear souls, once more one has been busy and productive, aside from one's professional toil. Painting, sewing, gardening as well as the ubiquitous garment growing upon the needles. Windows have been thrown wide to take the very best possible advantage of the glorious weather we have been experiencing and, oh, such a glorious time 'tas been. One really does enjoy being busy, for one has a proclivity for getting things done. The garden has well and truly burst into life and the fledgling yew hedge has put on such a spurt of growth that there is a palpable difference in height. The delightful and architectural thistle, recently planted, has also put on growth and already 'tis attracting bees in good numbers, much to one's joy. We are unfurling from our particularly long winter to enjoy every moment possible of a British summer. As long, my dears, as the temperature does not suddenly increase exponentially, for that would just not do.

My dear seamstress friend and I spent a delightful day cutting out garments and sewing over the weekend, whilst the male guardian was at his professional toil. Three garments cut out to practice one's cutting skills and a new summer dress commenced in a most becoming fabric. My dear friend completed a garment in half the time it took oneself to complete the top of the new summer dress. One can only dream of such expertise and speed. 

Another day was spent painting, painting, painting and we are nearing completion, whence the production of the soft furnishings commence. Regular watering of garden planters now feature as a regular requirement with the promise of great rewards in due course. 

No doubt the Australian contingent of the family are lamenting the decrease in the temperature, marching as they are t'ward winter as we do Summer, with June in barely a week's time. It is, however, notable that temperatures largely appear on par in both countries. One does so like the temperature we are currently experiencing, so comfortable in which to work, do you not agree.