Making the most of the weekend

After a painting stint in the kitchen yesterday, we can finally say we have no more bare plaster left.  Yay!  In its place we have ivory and pale yellow painted walls which we are more than happy with.  In fact, the kitchen now looks quite bright and cheerful and part of the house rather than the bit that got left out.  I do need to put another coat of yellow on the walls but after that, I think - and I say this quietly - we may have finished the painting.  Phew!  It's been a bit of a slog but the end is now definitely in sight.  

When I put the brushes down, I pick up my sewing needle and continue with the curtains.  I sew most of my curtains by hand and although it takes time, I really enjoy it.  Hopefully they should be ready to hang this week.

Last night we walked into town to watch the illuminated carnival procession.  It was good to see lots of people out to support it and everyone had a good time. 

Apologies for the poor photo.  This stilt-walker had everyone gasping - he was SO tall!

 Although there were a reasonable number of floats, bands and walking groups, N and I found ourselves reminiscing for the days when the annual carnival was the highlight of the year.  Everyone, it seemed, was involved in one way or another.  All the locals youth organisations (Brownies, Guides, Scouts etc) has a float, as did locals businesses, pubs, TGs and WIs, churches and so on.  Nowadays it seems that insurance and health and safety have taken over and few groups can afford to enter a float.  It's seems such a shame;  I have so many wonderful childhood memories of being involved in local carnivals.  Anyway, we met up with a number of friends and ex-colleagues, so a good time was had by all.

Today we downed tools for the day, packed ourselves a picnic lunch and drove to Gurnard.  It was a beautiful day, and we had a lovely walk along to Cowes and back.  Plenty of others had the same idea; there were lots of people on the Green, making the most of a warm and sunny day.  It was, as always, a delightful way to pass a few hours.