love those cupcakes

Atonement

Atonement, the newly released film of Ian McEwan's excellent novel, was partly filmed on the beach in the town on the north east coast where I work.  These are photographs taken by the Husband one evening during filming.  The scene was Dunkirk during the second World War.  The part in the film where the James McAvoy character runs up a grassy bank and then views the whole beach was being filmed as we watched.  Interestingly, the "grassy bank" is actually on the back of the yellow truck at the top of the first photograph.

 

These guys were in the sea, which is perishingly cold whatever the time of year, for a long time.  Hopefully they had wetsuits underneath those uniforms.

Only problem is, I won't be able to watch this film without being reminded of w.o.r.k.

Holiday time

Zeb, our elderly Dalmatian, has gone on holiday to boarding kennels, the Husband and kids have gone on holiday to Spain and I'm still here.  How come?  I have an interview on Monday for a job I really want.  So, it was a choice of missing the opportunity to go for it or lose several days relaxing in the sun with my nearest and dearest.  It was a difficult one but, when there's a chance of moving on to doing something you like (or might like better than what you're currently doing) for seven hours every day Monday to Friday there's really no contest.  So, I can look forward to the weekend on my own putting together a Powerpoint presentation (oh joy) .  The strangest bit is not constantly tripping over the dog who associates me with food (I wonder why?) and shadows my every move in the kitchen.  I miss the family, too, but I'm not constantly tripping over them so it's different.

Cupcakes

I love to ogle the pictures of cupcakes made by Crumbs and Doilies.  Unfortunately, I live too far away from London to actually try them, though this is probably no bad thing given my propensity to consume vast quantities of cakes! So, inspired by the pictures, I made these for my friend's daughter's 16th birthday party.

   

The birthday girl wanted a lilac and silver theme and I think she liked the results (looks and taste-wise).  With enough sprinkles and sugar flowers, I could make these all day every day.               

Getting crafty

Maybe it's a sign of advancing years but, lately, I've had the urge to find my creative self and have rediscovered the gentle art of knitting along with some sewing.  Well, that last bit isn' t quite  true. I've gotten as far as cutting out a skirt from some gorgeous fabric bought from Purl in NYC but I've forgotten how to use the sewing machine, it's been years since it was last plugged in and it's anyone's guess where the instruction book is.  The knitting has been more successful. 

I'm using a fairly simple pattern from this book by Louisa Harding and have almost completed the second sleeve. I haven't knitted for many years but I think it's a bit like riding a bike, you never really forget how to do it, though it might be a bit wobbly to start with.  The test will be whether the final article looks anything like the picture in the book. And, more to the point, whether it's actually wearable.  But  why this sudden need to be crafty? What's that all about?