Spring is almost here - Yay!!!

It's that wonderful time of year when the anticipation of warmer days is heightened as the snow melts away and the tiny buds appear on the trees and those first spring bulbs are able to poke their heads up through the frozen ground.  Outside the kitchen window we have had dozens of blue jays and little chickadees, fighting over the corn and sunflower seeds we feed them every day.   The first raccoons have been spotted on the barn roof after their long winter sleep.  Driving home late yesterday 4 deer leapt across the road in front of us and we had to come to a complete stop as they gave us a puzzled look through the windscreen, but as yet no sightings of chipmunks or bears in the garden.  Soon I shall be happily folding away my 'Dreadmill'  Treadmill and venturing outside in the fresh air for my early morning march up the hill.  Yes I am glad to say au-revoir to the winter once again!  
Not to count my chickens though, because although it was beautifully sunny today it is still minus 1 and there were a few little snowflakes blowing around the house, but the worst is over I am sure.
It is over a month since I blogged but I believe I am not alone in neglecting my ramblings, sometimes it can be difficult with nothing to report of real substance.
That said, Craig is still actively looking for some paid employment or a business venture after being out of work for over 5 months.  Our house is officially going on the market this week and a signboard shall be planted in the front garden.  Mixed feelings on that, as we have so many very happy memories here in this house (many of which I have shared on here over the years)  But, with Jemma almost done with her second year at Uni and planning on a years trip to Korea, leaving in June (scary but exciting)  Amber going into her final year of high school in a few months we honestly can't justify living out here in the country in a home that is far too large for the two of us.  It is time to move on and it is the sensible thing to do.  I feel confident that someone will fall in love with the house, just as we did, but it may not happen very quickly as houses in this part of valley are slow to sell.


I have been dabbling in a new venture on Etsy over the past couple of weeks.  I opened a second shop called 'Silk Secret'.  Selling mainly vintage nightwear and lingerie with a few feminine dresses as I find them.  One of my weaknesses over the years has been collecting pretty camisoles, French knickers and nighties - Ooh la la!!  Yes I admit to having a collection stashed away in various pretty boxes on top of my wardrobe.  I prefer silk of course - hence the name of my shop, but silky type material is also acceptable if the cut is nice.  I shall be scouring the thrift stores over the next few weeks too and then yard sales in the summer time.  It's quite a process to first find something, examine it properly, gently hand wash, iron and do any minor repairs if need be.  So take a quick look and tell me what you think.  
Here are a couple of little things I have sold since opening: