Crochet and a Trip Home

Not much has been happening around here (apart from crochet as usual) although I did sneak in a trip home for my mother's birthday.

The granny square in my last post became two granny squares, and then the two granny squares became a granny cushion.  I'm quite pleased with the end result, especially the red edging, which finishes it off nicely.

Harrogate was, as usual, beautiful.  I love how the town seems to snuggle down when you're in the bottom-of-the-hill bits.  The place was also festooned in the biggest hanging baskets I think I have ever seen!

And of course, where'ere I go, crochet cometh with me.

What have you been up to lately?

A most delightful addition

As you know, I like tins.  Not so long ago, it was my birthday and I got possibly the best tin ever from my mother.  I should explain a little bit first...

I was born and raised in Harrogate.

I could happily eat my own bodyweight in fruitcake.

Betty's is my favourite place for tea and cake (preferably a fat rascal).

All of which makes this the most perfect birthday present...

The cake has long-since been devoured, but it was iced (like a Christmas cake, with a layer of marzipan too) and had 'Happy Birthday' piped across the top of it.  It was also utterly delicious.

One of the most endearing things about Betty's is that they make everything by hand and whilst there are tearooms dotted around Yorkshire, they are all within driving distance of their bakery in Harrogate.  It does make me a little sad that there'll never be a Betty's down here in London but thankfully, they do mail order!

Home

This week, I popped home for a few days.  Home is Harrogate and this time of year is my favourite time to visit.  The queue for Betty's is considerably shorter than in the summer and the Valley Gardens are beautiful in their autumn shades, as well as being far quieter than in the height of tourist season. This morning was foggy and cool and later turned crisp and bright.  The perfect morning to go for a walk with a camera...