It never rains in Southern California,

That's because it is all in the UK right now, I took these when Ben and I went for a paddle this morning.

Water pouring out of a garden, this is not a drainage channel, it is very silty and is run off from the high ground behind some houses.

It is pouring off the pavement and some of it is going straight down a storm drain.

Then a few yards away it is bubbling up from another 2 storm drains, around a corner and turning into a river on the main road.

This is the side of the road that I live on, and that is the front of my car, I wish it was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

But at least the water is running down hill and disappearing into the drains further down. So far nobody has been flooded although those who live opposite me are keeping a close watch, they have been flooded in the past, more than once.

On a more cheerful note I have selected the 2 books to go, that will make room for my new ones.

I realised that I have 2 copies of the Fat Quarter Makes, and I have made all that I want to from the Star Quilt book. Anyone interested?

I am remiss in showing the gifts from the 12 days of Christmas swap.

Day 7 was a ball of squishy soft yarn, I am almost certain that it will become a pair of fingerless gloves.

Day 8 was a sweet treat, chocolate and nougat, the chocolate WAS delish and the nougat will be enjoyed later. I love it but can not remember the last time I had any.

Day 9 was a packet of hand made cards, lovely and I may send them out or I may put them in a frame and hang them in the sewing room for inspiration.

Day 10 was a cute Owl key ring, I have a favourite leather bag from Australia and am going to attach this to it as a bag charm.

And now for a confession, I have a small pile of stars ready for the next section of wall, but..... I was trawling round Attic 24 and clicked on her snowflake pattern. I was Hooked, he he.

So, last night I had a little time out to do what took my fancy ( take time is my mantra this year) and made these,

I have pinned them out and sprayed with starch, when they are dry I will decide if the next bit of garland will be flakes or stars, or maybe a mixture of them. Any ideas?

The rain has all but gone so we will be off out for a decent walk soon. I just need some milk today and can pick some up from the local C K,s .

It will be a bit dearer than Lidl but no petrol cost evens it out.

I have planned meals for 2 weeks using what is in the fridge, freezer and pantry and apart from milk and some fresh veg there is no shopping involved.

I will be in Pontardawe as usual on Friday evening and will have a saunter around Tesco. I will check out the RTC section but will only buy if there is a real bargain that I can freeze or use in my meals rather than dip into the freezer.

Oops, I nearly forgot, When I walked yesterday morning I popped into C K,s for some wood glue (cheapest place I have found it) and picked up 4 blocks of Lurpack salted butter for 50p a pack. It is in the freezer, there were around a dozen blocks but I wanted to give someone else a chance. It was not my favourite butter but at that price it is now.

The time has come, for that walk.

                            TTFN                                      Pam