So back on the Medieval Carpentry course in September, one of the carpenters, Gavin, had an axe with a wooden carved cover. I saw it and thought this was such a great idea.
I asked him if it was okay to copy it and make one for a magazine article. He was fine with it.
I love every season of the year.
They all give something to me. Autumn rolling it removes a bit of guilt in the evenings when I think I should be doing something outside. And a Sunday like this was just perfect for spending a day together at home.
This morning we got some apples in the dehydrator, then picked our first proper harvest of quinces in the 14 years of having a tree here. We wanted to see what we could do with them, so cooked them three ways. I'm looking forward to trying the results.
Milestones in life keep passing by. This last week my mum turned 70.
She's always been there for me over the years, to chat to and advise me, I don't see her as this old as she's just so sharp and active. It's almost a shock to see my parents turn this age! I think many of my loves in life come from her, my love of crafts especially, my love of growing things and probably my love of cooking and food.
I can remember, clear as day, mum and dad's 40th, it honestly doesn't seem that long ago. I always think looking back and knowing my parents at the age I am now is really eye opening, I often think about what the children will remember of me, and all the silly things I do.
And I often think about the brilliant upbringing I had from mum and dad, and I think this weekend, surround by my siblings and their families, it's lovely how well we all get on, and that's a testament to our parents.
A bit of a photo dump from the weekend before last. There's some great ones in here!
The weekend was run by Adam Lynch and Pete Eyles, recreating some formwork for medieval vaults using traditional techniques. I'm really kicking myself that I didn't go for the whole week.
Adam has been a good friend over the years and we've frequently spoken to each other about our trade and he's even lent me a few tools when I've been experimenting with hewing and cleaving timbers.