More happiness

Among the things that make me happy are flowers. DH used to bring me gorgeous Singapore orchids for years, which were kindly given to him when he worked at the airport. That finished when he retired, although he does occasionally come home with a bunch. So unless dear friends drop by with lovely blooms, I buy my own. This week it's been sunflowers, such cheerful things, gorgeous big yellow suns smiling at me when I enter the kitchen. Lovely!
And more happiness - I finally found my sashing fabric for my Kim McLean quilt! It appears to be a new-ish one by Kaffe Fassett, so I 

got onto it quickly. It has a rainbow of colours and will go well with my blocks, I believe. I've decided to make only the inner part of the quilt, not the borders, as it's huge (89x90"), and I'd rather it was a wall hanging than a bed quilt. This is block No. 10, 14 to go. Woohoo!
After several weeks of mooching around at home, I was heartily sick of it and decided to go out for lunch with DH. We went to Canteena and enjoyed their fare as always. I'm still in pain when walking or standing for any time, so will be interested to hear what the surgeon will say about that next week.
At least I've had time to read some amazing books. I especially enjoyed "We care for you" by Paul Kitcatt. One of those book you start and then can't put down! It's about a nursing home, its residents,  and a new concept in care giving. Fiction, but scarily pertinent.
Another good one was one of the latest Elizabeth George "Inspector Lynley" novels, called "A banquet of consequences". It's a door stopper, but kept me hooked. George is brilliant in creating a character who is mentally ill, highly disturbed, and manipulating everyone around her. One feels quite claustrophobic. The only criticism I had was a very unkind portrayal of DC Havers, more so than usual.
Lastly, I very much enjoyed delving into Phil Rickman's latest "Merrily" novel, "All of a winter's night". He's back on form here after a mediocre offering last time. I just wish Merrily and her bloke would finally get it together. You just want to bang their heads together! Do you get involved with the characters of the books you read? Maybe I need to get out more, haha!
Oh, and I read another Donna Leon mystery, "The waters of eternal youth". As usual, Inspector Brunetti is on the case, this time an old (cold) case. And as usual, the private Brunetti and his family are almost more interesting than the crime. I really think Brunetti needs a cat.