Busy weekend. Took the dogs over to Cosmeston on Saturday morning which was enjoyed by all. Then off to Newport for my Christmas present - a new sewing machine. Selected a Janone Quilters Companion which is lovely and then spent the rest of Saturday playing with it delightedly. Have done some of the sashings on the quilt with the machine, which is exciting.

Sunday over to Bath to see Claire, Basil and boys. An enjoyable day, with a visit in the afternoon to the American museum to look at their quilts. That was wonderful, very awe-inspiring and made me realise how far I have to go. So nice though to see some of the same blocks being used that we've been making. One of the quilts I liked was made up entirely of Dresden Plate blocks - very attractive. Admired the Christmas tree on the way out - gorgeous hand made decorations. Now I've got the machine I might have a go at doing something like that.

Andy and Booty behaved themselves impeccably - we were both so proud of them.

Yesterday Andy ate a plastic sieve and a pink sparkly emery board. He also tried to steal a pot of mustard. That dog is determined to live on the edge.

Quilting class went well. Both homework blocks completed and sashing started. We used rotary cutters for the first time - very sharp, very scary but good results. Used quilters square to ensure the blocks were square (amazing how they vary actually) and trim before attaching sashing. Was allowed to use the sewing machine. Again scary! Last time I used one was aged 11 in needlework in school, which I hated. This time around, much better. Also a testament to a very good teacher. Marianne is incredibly patient and explains things very well, so you feel you want to have a go at things. Seeing the sashings going on really brings home how near the quilt is to completion. Wow. Mission to buy Christmas sewing machine will be happening on Saturday probably. Watch this space. Also received requirement list for next term's quilt, so I will need to start thinking about that (and colours and so on) quite soon.

On Saturday went to Jessops and bought a new camera battery. Of course, immediately I did that, the weather turned and it has been very wet, misty and windy and therefore completely unsuitable for photos. Hmmm.

We went out on Saturday night to jointly celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary and Andrew's birthday. We went to Le Gallois which is one of (if not the) favourite restaurants. Had a delicious meal, with fine wine and people watching which is always an enjoyable pastime when out. The service there is excellent; unlike some other restaurants, they have not skimped on the staff/customer ratio, which means the service is prompt, efficient and friendly and never feels stressed even when the place is really busy. I like some of the details there too - the cutlery, which is an unusual design, the napery which always feels good in the hand, the bread (lots of good flavours) even the chairs are comfortable. The only thing which I can ever find to criticise is that the accoustics (like in many modern restaurants) mean that when it is busy, the noise level makes it difficult to have an intimate conversation. Sound seems to bounce round the room. Interestingly, the taxi driver who picked us up to take us home asked what we thought of it, and we responded very positively. He was telling us that he had not yet had a negative comment about it from any of his fares. That must be quite unusual for a restaurant.

Also on Saturday went to the fabric shop for a look in daylight at the sashing fabric to be used on my quilt. This week, the homework has been to finish a block of fans - scary curves and to make another block which should be easier featuring triangles. Fabric selection went well- have a pretty blue to act as the relief to the blocks with an outer border of a lovely cream fabric featuring a delicate print of roses and butterflies, similar to the highlight fabric used on the blocks. I also bought what is called a "jelly roll" of pre-cut patches to make up a patchwork quilt after Christmas which I am going to make as a gift for a special friend's birthday.

Sunday was the annual Greyhound AGM. Hounds were welcome - so off we went up the A470 to Cilfynydd above Ponty, taking the Aberfan turnoff and then coming back along the old road. We walked the woofs first so hoping to enhance their behaviour and in fact I was very pleased in general with them. One of the local ladies had made a huge cauldron of cawl, and before I could say no had brought over two bowls for us. I'd had a late breakfast before leaving home so was not hungry. Andy was eyeing it keenly especially when Andrew was slurping his. My initial thoughts were not to let Andy and Booty have any, but the lady who made it had a huge soft spot for Andy as she used to walk him often when he was up in kennels, and made a massive fuss of him when we arrived. She therefore didn't seem to mind a bit when Andy and Booty shared a bowlful with great enthusiasm. We were all in the huge function room of the inn, and the temperature was freezing! We got colder and colder as the meeting went on. Both Andy and Booty were commandeered as mobile portable hot water bottles. Andy did well as he was sitting on Andrew's lap, with his head and neck stretched out and his cawl lady stroking his head on the other side. It was quite funny to look round the room and see various hounds and lurchers being cuddled and snuggled in a variety of positions. The meeting went very well and finished about three so we were all very glad to get back in the car and get warm. Came home and Andrew made a lovely casserole of beef in Guinness with some roasted beetroots on the side and sprouts. Warming and delicious.

One of the unexpected spinoffs of Andrew's early morning departures for his clients is that I generally find it very difficult to get back to sleep for a short time and find myself getting up early. This morning it was 6, so I was in the park with the woofs by 7.30. One of the benefits is the wonderful bird life to be observed and enjoyed at that time. This morning, as it got light I watched a buzzard at very close quarters and usually have a grandstand view of a couple of herons. The buzzard was amazing up close - normally you only see them from below, with that very distinctive "fingered" wing shape. It was a real treat to see it perching just in front of me on a low tree branch before flying off.

Should mention that our wedding anniversary was last Thursday. Ten years!! I can honestly say that being married to Andrew is the best thing I have ever done, I'd do it again like a shot and I can heartily recommend being married. Andrew's parents sent us a beautiful bunch of freesias in the post from Guernsey. We have them in the bedroom and every time I walk past there is the most wonderful scent. Have just realised that it reminded me of Chanel No. 5.

On the weekend Alastair and Jennifer (A is Andrew's cousin)visited Cardiff to see some friends and came to us for a leisurely lunch on Sunday. I tried out a new recipe - a garlic and parsley flatbread, served with a Vietnamese chicken and mint salad followed by a winter fruit compote (or compost as we always affectionately refer to it). The flatbread was topped by three heads (yes whole heads) of garlic that were roasted in foil parcels, drizzled with olive oil. When cool each clove slipped out of its skin, golden and slippery, a bit like squeezing toothpaste. You then whizz that up with some olive oil and loads of parsley to form a green goo which you lavishly smear on the dough, bake quickly and then apply to face. Guaranteed to repel vampires but absolutely delicious.

There were a couple of small pieces left when we were tidying up after A & J left for the airport. I was stacking the dishwasher while Andrew put the pieces on a plate and stored them on top of the microwave. While my back was turned, our crafty food thief reached up, pounced and ran upstairs with his spoils. Unfortunately the stealth element was ruined by the plate smashing to the floor, so we were both torn between catching and shouting at our miscreant and clearing the kitchen floor of dangerous splinters. Andrew was not happy as he was looking forward to them for his supper later.

The weather is now much colder. Frost this morning and the dogs are wearing their thick fleecy coats when we take them out. Garden looking good but I am missing my camera. I will do a longer post on this when I have some photos to post.

Hello, all. Firstly, many apologies for the hiatus in posting. Things have been a bit topsy-turvy. Also, my digital camera battery has given up holding a charge and I haven't as yet replaced it. So no very recent pictures. This is frustrating in a number of ways as I want to photograph the growing collection of quilt blocks, the garden, the greyhounds (as always!) and the beautiful autumn we are having with some spectacular colours.

I am also considering changing my online presence - possible options include a craft-focused website as well as or instead of the blog. I'd welcome comments and feedback. Email me on Kathryn_woodhouse@btinternet.com if you want to share a view, make a comment or be kept informed of any new addresses.

So, quilt blocks. The latest one to complete is called a "Nosegay" which is an unfortunate name. It is very similar to an eight pointed star and if I make it again that is how I would prefer to do it. But set in to one corner is an icecream cone shape which represents the bunch of flowers, with diamond shaped "blooms" radiating round. I realise I am not describing this very well, and it would benefit really from a photo, so I will try to remedy the battery situation asap. This was the hardest block so far (even harder than the Dresden Plate) but in a curious way, the most satisfying. Class tonight, and we will be doing another block using applique embroidery (that should have an acute accent, I realise).

I have decided that I like quilting and will be carrying on with the class after Christmas which will be venturing into machine quilting. Then things will be really able to take off and I have a few plans for making some quilts as gifts. I am also eager to do a classic patchwork one - the shop has some lovely pre-cut patch assortments which are very (allegedly) easy to piece together especially if you have a machine. I don't at the moment, but we are researching one as a Christmas present. Our tutor has been giving several of us in the class some pointers as to what to look for as a few of us want to buy one. More on this as it develops.