HAWKSBURY UPTON

We had the best day today, minus the fact I didn't wear my wellies and should have. We introduced Connor (10) to the Bristol Ramblers and went for a wonderful country hike through Hawkesbury. I really hope when we move back to Canada the country walks will be just as fun but I know I'm being spoiled living here with the most amazing views, history and farm animals. We walked past this house today and there must be hidden cameras catching our reactions to these shirts, seriously?! Steve commented this is my dream country life with a different colour turtle neck for each day. *grin* 

 We walked through a field full of sheep and saw
some sweet little lambs. 

HARRIS

Have you ever missed someone so much your heart aches? This is how I feel about Harris. He was such a huge and wonderful part of my life and I miss him everyday. He didn't pass away; he lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a very special family. Every time I think of his heavy breathing during the night I laugh. I sometimes wish I made different choices and he was in England with us, but I know he's very well taken care of and happy. I miss you H! xoxo

SPRING BREAK BOOKED

We have been looking at places to go for spring break and fate took over.

Originally, we thought we might do Greece-Athens, Santorini and Crete- but decided it would be best done in warmer temperatures.

I knew I wanted to fly from Bristol and so, I surfed easyjet  looking for the lowest prices and Geneva came up! Last week I posted this. After booking the flights I found accommodation right on Lake Geneva in Vevey. Riviera Lodge has great reviews and great family room prices. We were hoping to get a few ski days left in the season. Last year we went to Austria, it was perfect. We just caught the last of the good ski mornings and spent the afternoons sightseeing, let's hope for the same in Switzerland!

LEARN TO LOVE YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Since moving to England I've become a bit cushion obsessed and purchased quite a few, so when I saw that hardaker and pope  were doing this workshop I quickly sent Jo an email to see if there was still space.

I'm all registered for the learn to love your sewing machine workshop next week.  It will be very exciting to learn more about sewing and to meet Sarah & Jo, I have been following their blog for a while.

 I'll make sure to post a pictures! xoxo

Learn to Love Your Sewing Machine:

If you are a little uncertain about how to use your sewing machine this is the workshop for you. We will teach you how to love your sewing machine, building your confidence and showing you tricks of the trade to help you with any sewing project. We'll spend the morning looking at techniques and after a yummy lunch you can put your new skills to the test when you design and create your own cushion cover. This workshop will cover the following:

• understanding your sewing machine
• button holes
• zips
• piping
• applique
• tips & tricks

The day costs £50 including lunch, coffee, tea, cakes and all materials. At the end of the day you will go home with a techniques file and a full set of instructions for completing or recreating your piece.

For further information about Hardaker and Pope workshops click here or contact us at hardakerandpope@gmail.com

WOOD-FIRED OVEN

Oh my goodness imagine the loaves of bread husband would make with this Williams-Sonoma
Wood-Fired Outdoor oven!

 This would definitely fire him up! With a hefty price tag of  $4,999.00 we will just have to dream about it for now.

What a beauty!

MARCH 1

I didn't forget, just on vacation...  " a pinch & a punch for the first of the month "  I hope spring comes soon for my Canadian friends who have been shovelling a lot of snow! xoxo

BRISTOL IN BLOOM

 I was walking through the university residence which is behind our house and took a few pictures of our first signs of spring.

WELLY WEDNESDAY WALK WITH BRISTOL RAMBLERS

A few weeks back Steve and I joined the Bristol Ramblers walking club to train for the 40 mile keswick2barrow in May.  Today, I went out on my own with the Ramblers and did a 6.5mile walk near Siston Common. After a few times around the roundabout and a few not so nice words about my GPS, I eventually found the starting point.  I had a great time talking up a storm to some awesome, more experienced Bristolians!  Funny enough, I met a recently retired man that used to work in the same office as Steve. (They even met once... small world!).  I learned about Turkey, The Magna Carta, Squatters rights, footpath surveying, Bristol prisons, children and grandchildren.  I was given some great marital advice: "If you see signs of the smallest olive branch, take it!"

All of the ramblers had one thing in common- making fun of my footwear.  That is, until we came across a long mile or so of mud!

Happy Welly Wednesday & Happy March! xoxo

DEVON BOUND

We are headed to Devon to enjoy a few days away in a cottage. I hope the weather is sunny & bright for our long coastal walks. I can't wait to be by the seaside and smell the salt air! See you in a few.. xoxo

"Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be." Grandma Moses

WE PICKED UP OUR WEDDING PICTURES TODAY!

ON THE LIST

ROSEMARINO BISTRO

This morning I met up with Eva & Leo for our traditional breakfast at the Rosemarino Bistro which opened in October after months of me trying to peek in the window and watch skateboarders take advantage of the front step. It's super convenient, as it's right around the corner from our home.

Aspiring young restaurateurs,  Mirco Bertoldi and Sam Fryer have done well. The breakfast menu is fantastic. I love their range of Eggs Benny, it was a favourite  in Canada but it has been hard to find here.  For such a high end neighborhood, there are not many "must go" spots, and in my opinion, this is one of them. My only complaint is the basement, it does not have the same warmth or atmosphere that you get upstairs. If you go, hopefully you will get a seat on the top floor, which might be hard since this restaurant looks like it's becoming the new Clifton hot spot!