tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15674842078686938352024-03-13T22:19:55.110+00:00Martin & the MagpieMartin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-64683323207434201822014-01-08T20:06:00.002+00:002014-01-08T20:06:31.649+00:00A week in......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">......and the seasons are changing ....for florists anyway!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We find as soon as Christmas is packed away for another year nobody wants red...... for a while anyway....it is whites and purples and spring....it as if we are all straining our eyes to see the first snowdrop.....a catkin...or a splash of winter jasmine......we have bulbs in every shape and size at the moment...bringing these lovelies into the house just makes you feel like we are only a whisper away from longer days and bright fresh breezes ..........</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the garden we are making plans.....our nights lately have been filled with a few anxious thoughts as the gales and rain has lashed our poly tunnel and newly planted shrubs...we have had our fingers and toes crossed that all will be OK ....we are busy planting seeds....and have just got the keys to our potting shed next to the garden.....lots to do here!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This will be our new workshop and from now on our courses will run from here, giving us all a bit more space and allowing us to de-clutter the shop......we can't wait!!</span>Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-33022703541842790852013-12-22T22:32:00.000+00:002013-12-22T22:32:30.728+00:00Thank You!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ..we are in the final countdown to Christmas....we are sorry that the posts have been pretty thin on the ground lately....the madness started on the 29th November and is still going.......we are so immensely grateful to all our fabulous customers who come into our little shop and tell us they love it....thank you for supporting your local independent florist, whether you are a regular, an occasional or a once while passing through visitor we want to wish you and all those you hold dear a most fabulous Christmas....and hope that all your dreams come true....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> With much love from Martin, Emma & Kay....xxx</span><br />
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Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-13731603145103925492013-11-23T21:01:00.001+00:002013-11-23T21:01:21.528+00:00bouquets and jelly moulds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> our penultimate wedding of the year..... a gorgeous wild array of rannunculus, scented roses and heather </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">rose heart wreaths on the door before the spruce and berries take over......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the winding down of our garden.....grapes left for the blackbirds.. and just another 80 roses to plant.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">part of our store of vintage pots, jelly moulds and other eclectic containers......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> all waiting for the martin & the magpie magic...</span>...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and one we made earlier........</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">how are your Christmas preparations going?</span></div>
<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-10601089571448314412013-11-09T18:39:00.000+00:002013-11-09T18:39:39.827+00:00To every season......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The seasons have moved on......</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">this is the last bouquet I picked from the walled garden.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We can't quite believe the bounty we have had this year while only really experimenting with 'growing our own'.....the first hard frost a week or so ago finished all that......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but here we are and the first of next years crop already sprouted and growing on....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> we are seeing the first of the spring flowers coming in....I know its November....but that is the flower industry..slightly ahead of ourselves...we are selling out of potted hyacinths every week so I guess everybody is ready for the change of season too!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is one of the humbling things about being a florist in a small town..you get to see all the milestones of peoples lives...the joys and the sorrows.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>'to everything there is a season......</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>a time to sow.....</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>a time to reap.....</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>a time to dance.......</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>a time to mourn...</i><i>........</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">a time of war...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">a time of peace......</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">turn, turn, turn...............'</span></i></div>
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<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-82779550381429048952013-10-22T11:59:00.000+01:002013-10-22T11:59:43.318+01:00The 'C' word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnkB6lxTSwM/UmZYaQftebI/AAAAAAAACqU/tQieMkKggYo/s1600/christmas+course+poster+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnkB6lxTSwM/UmZYaQftebI/AAAAAAAACqU/tQieMkKggYo/s640/christmas+course+poster+2013.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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I know it's a tad early...However I know how excited you all get about our Christmas (there I said it!) wreath course, so we are offering two dates this year.</div>
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Do you fancy making your door wreath? or a fabulous floral table wreath?</div>
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We will give you a tutorial on both and you can decide which you would like to have a go at. </div>
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We hope you are able to join us and surround yourself with floral beauty & lots of festive cheer!</div>
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If you are interested please feel free to phone us on; 01488 681062</div>
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email us on; martinandthemagpie@hotmail.co.uk</div>
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or comment on here and we will get in touch</div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-89179862180769856182013-10-13T14:12:00.001+01:002013-10-13T14:12:55.305+01:00The days go by.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(baby pumpkins and vintage finds)</div>
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(Dried leaf wreath..what a tongue twister!!)</div>
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(gorgeous rich autumn colours)</div>
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(last blooms of summer from the garden)</div>
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(what more sunflowers!!)</div>
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.......so fast and we have been very lapse on the blogging front......facebook and instagram are taking over!!!...do follow us on both if you can, you will get a daily heads up on whats occuring in our floral and gardening lives.......<br />
needless to say we are surrounded by the beauty of autumn..glorious colours of flowers.....stunning berries and foliage's not to mention our home grown pumpkins......<br />
in the garden we are planting and sowing like mad things for next year..already rannunculus and anemones are in....seedlings of stocks and larkspur, cornflowers and scabious are waving their little leaves at us....the foxgloves, hollyhocks and delphiniums we planted this year for next years flowering are good strong plants now and we have our finger crossed they survive the winter.<br />
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Our heads are now turning to winter......our stock for Christmas is ordered..we are already wiring cinnamon and oranges for our wreaths in an attempt not to run out, which we did last year..we are wondering if anyone out there wants to attend a Christmas wreath making course?? .....<br />
But first we have Halloween.....a window display to design......our 3rd Birthday!!.....a new website...........the list goes on....xMartin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-26890392060602407092013-09-16T21:25:00.000+01:002013-09-16T21:25:29.600+01:00musette & more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">last week...</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">vintage</span><span style="font-size: large;"> cut glass........musette </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">roses</span><span style="font-size: large;">........a wedding <a href="http://www.thebearhotelhungerford.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">surprise</span><span style="font-size: large;"> of the weekend....</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> the clearing of the old hot house revealed </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">grapes</span><span style="font-size: large;">....rather sour and with pips.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">today</span><span style="font-size: large;"> wonderful English garden (our garden!!) flowers in divine </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">antique glass.</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...finding foliage and seed heads in the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">autumnal</span><span style="font-size: large;"> hedgerows...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...keeping our fingers crossed the poly tunnel doesn't </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">blow away</span><span style="font-size: large;">.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...playing with </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">flowers </span><span style="font-size: large;">for images to go on our new website....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">.....pippins </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">donuts</span><span style="font-size: large;">......</span></div>
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<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-6681790639778782662013-09-08T17:10:00.000+01:002013-09-08T17:10:54.401+01:00Give us a clue.......<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">our lovely old walled garden was a clue a few weeks ago in the telegraphs general knowledge crossword.....always attempted hardly ever finished, but this was one clue we all knew.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every day we thank our good fortune to have been allowed to grow our flowers on this famous piece of land.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">more than once in the early morning or still sunlit evening we have felt that maybe we are not alone here...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and that the late <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Dodson" target="_blank">Harry Dodson</a> is watching us and shaking his head in despair at our flowery attempts!!!!</span></div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-28285483418462231202013-09-03T20:48:00.001+01:002013-09-04T07:30:11.633+01:00Playtime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGZIRGsbH50/UiY4bvtOXxI/AAAAAAAACms/U3bodm58QDQ/s1600/iphone3913+028-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGZIRGsbH50/UiY4bvtOXxI/AAAAAAAACms/U3bodm58QDQ/s400/iphone3913+028-001.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have recently been asked to make a Carmen rose bouquet for a bride of ours ....not something we get asked for every week..so we decided to sharpen up our rusty Carmen rose making technique! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a lot of wiring involved......but some of us really like wiring........we practiced on lovely red roses from the garden.......</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkqdCgnK1y0/UiY4zt4_HMI/AAAAAAAACnE/Vx2icxH3rdM/s1600/iphone3913+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkqdCgnK1y0/UiY4zt4_HMI/AAAAAAAACnE/Vx2icxH3rdM/s400/iphone3913+040.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">..we all decided it looked fab.....and incredibly, it lasted really well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">seeking inspiration on pinterest we happened upon flower jewelry........in as long as it took the glue gun to warm up these were made....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I managed to snap them before our Monday girl took them home!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dark flower is 'Black Knight' scabious from the garden......it's so beautiful......</span>Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-67547146727766754032013-08-26T21:13:00.000+01:002013-08-26T21:13:03.508+01:00flower repeat flower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">...our sweet peas just keep on flowering.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we bought this little miniature wardrobe a few weeks ago and just can't decide whether to re-paint it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">what would you do?</span></div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-62124542041104067512013-08-21T21:51:00.001+01:002013-08-21T21:53:25.184+01:00Hello sunshine<div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vEINVUYvGiE/UhUn8N_pUGI/AAAAAAAAClw/Yt_kWGif1o0/s640/blogger-image--956072331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vEINVUYvGiE/UhUn8N_pUGI/AAAAAAAAClw/Yt_kWGif1o0/s640/blogger-image--956072331.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh you beauty... In your sunshine patch, growing at a lightening speed. You are worth the work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hello sunshine...Hello Red Eclipse </div>Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-70748970473726680422013-08-16T21:39:00.000+01:002013-08-16T21:39:38.770+01:00Mix & Match<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_oGl8Gd61o/Ug6K1JRYI8I/AAAAAAAAClA/dEcSmzP36Tk/s1600/iphone16813+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_oGl8Gd61o/Ug6K1JRYI8I/AAAAAAAAClA/dEcSmzP36Tk/s400/iphone16813+035.JPG" width="365" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">we spend our days creating........the summer has been good to us,,,,,,,,our tentative start in flower farming has been a steep learning curve but we are so pleased we have grown flowers we can sell...they are mixed in with our normal lovely stock of flowers....but there is a small joy in seeing them there....</span></div>
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the next beauties to flower.......sunflower red ruby...can't wait to see her!!</div>
<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-56845147755264593312013-08-13T19:45:00.001+01:002013-08-13T19:45:20.463+01:00Splendid Succulents<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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An order for fifty planted succulents in terracotta pots makes for a pretty photo shoot!</div>
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I got a little carried away...</div>
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I love the writing on some of the pots. There was 'marrow' 'kale' '& melon'...sounds like an interesting potting shed to me. </div>
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Some moss and a few shells work a treat on these. I wish I could have taken them all home!</div>
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Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-5754023017193934932013-08-10T16:34:00.000+01:002013-08-10T16:35:42.146+01:00Harvest Festival<div style="text-align: center;">
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When we took on this massive walled garden of ours, we knew that it was originally the kitchen garden for the 'Big House' on the estate. However we didnt realise in the bleak midwinter when we saw it, just how much it is still producing. Bearing in mind the land has had no-one working on it for 8 years. Mother nature still amazes us. We have started to harvest the small amount of veg we have, however it seem this earth is good to the humble fruit n veg.... </div>
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One whole wall once had trained fruit trees...however they have broken out of their restrictive wires and have been allowed to create mayhem... they are amazingly full of fruit, each tree seems to be a different variety of pear. The 'Big House' must have loved Pears!!</div>
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This building would have been the hot fruit house....it has the most amazing grape vine going through it...the acid green is neon at the moment. The fig trees grow 3 foot through the plastic roof, tantalizing us with is huge fruit, which we will be unable to reach to pick. </div>
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There are blackberries, a whole coffee cup here...craving apple and blackberry crumble anyone?</div>
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Our little onion patch turned out to produce 91 white onions and 116 red onions....how long do you think they will last us? Stunned by the amount is an understatement.</div>
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The youngest member of the team, eats more than he picks...he had peas from the pod today...they were a huge hit. These stringless beans are tastier cooked however, but the teething toddler disagrees.</div>
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Mazie, can you see their tufty heads peeking through? Martin doesn't like it...hahaha more for us then :)</div>
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Our lazy tomatoes, and the colour pop of marigolds in the petit polytunnels</div>
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Talking of colour...look at these red beauties! They are perfect for mash.</div>
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I think Christmas presents will be pretty predictable this year</div>
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Red onion marmalade? Yummy.</div>
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Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-72878988091812000962013-08-05T21:01:00.000+01:002013-08-05T21:01:06.425+01:00Top Tip <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILR_IfCdfjA/Uf_9kzu7xOI/AAAAAAAACiM/TvYDKAqfyh4/s1600/euc+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILR_IfCdfjA/Uf_9kzu7xOI/AAAAAAAACiM/TvYDKAqfyh4/s400/euc+shower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Image via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/331085010075915533/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Part of the joy of being a florist, is constantly smelling of eucalyptus...It is a regular visitor to our shop adorning many a bouquet! However it often only really bought and asked for at christmas...the silver/grey foliage works so well for that frosty look, and it will scent your house beautifully.</div>
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However recently I saw this Pin on Pinterest...and I do not know why I had never thought of it before? </div>
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Really simple...hang from your shower rail, out of the water stream and the steam will do its work! </div>
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The benefits of Eucalyptus are great!</div>
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~Antiseptic</div>
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~Deodoriser</div>
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~Mood enhancer</div>
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~Mental Clarity</div>
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The last one is obviously the most important to this sleep deprived Mama of a toddler!!</div>
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The added bonus is that it will look pretty too! </div>
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Happy Days :)</div>
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Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-19039242098297674722013-08-03T15:12:00.000+01:002013-08-03T15:12:33.355+01:00Bounty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we had started our gardening venture last year we would have been washed away.....this year we are sizzling in the hottest temperatures ever......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, we like a challenge!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The zinnias have started flowering....at least they like it hot....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> the first cucumbers harvested and the tomatoes are going on apace..</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> courgettes...beetroot and of course sweet peas... if you are near the shop we have fresh cut sweet peas in daily at the moment...they sell out fast though....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the view from here......we must have counted 50 bees on this finished crop of cornflowers and clary sage...we are leaving the plants in until the bees have had their fill and seriously thinking of putting a few hives in next year....Martin & The Magpie Honey anyone??</span></div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-90293507997810594932013-07-27T22:58:00.001+01:002013-07-27T22:58:36.097+01:00This Weeks Review<br />
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A few new vintage items are making an appearance...this fab typewriter is in full working order, perfect for that novel you have always wanted to write! </div>
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The colour pops have been showcasing well this week...These cute kiddies chairs with the lush green ferns and stunning mini orchids in 1950's green glass.</div>
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Or this turquoise dresser with white orchids and red peppers...the fallen from our fabulous plants we had in this week...they flew out the door. The lovely people of Hungerford sure adore their veggies!</div>
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The soft delicate tones for a beloved Nan</div>
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These gladioli could not have been any redder!</div>
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Someone has developed a love affair with the vintage rocking horse...{No we don't have any more space at home for him...sorry Auggy x}</div>
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The colour clash...oh how we have fallen for you. Orange, hot pinks, and reds, with a touch of purple. </div>
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The only thing that would make it better is a deep red dahlia with her many petals!</div>
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Green, white and blue a classic! I wonder if Kate got and giant poppy heads in her bouquets?</div>
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Lush green is always a winner to the florist.</div>
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This week we had buckets full of British grown flowers arrive for a wedding....we have battled with another week of heat by having fresh flowers each day...Martin celebrated his Birthday with a huge chocolate cake, and a fabulous day off....we have rescued too many bumble bees....and consumed quite a few yummy ice creams!!</div>
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Happy Weekend!</div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-57051180961822963632013-07-22T11:13:00.000+01:002013-07-22T11:13:37.782+01:00Evening Heat<br />
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Well it is safe to say that the Summer is here...it might only last two weeks so we are soaking it all up! The heat in the Walled garden is immense...not a smidge of shade to be found. The sweetpeas are finally flowering, and we now are stocking them in the shop...the dream is finally becoming a reality and we couldn't be more thrilled.</div>
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Our plant sales man for the shop kindly gave us some of his New Zealand spinach...perfect eaten right off the plant and such firm leaves...he has 30 acres.... and we thought 2 was hard work!</div>
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The first courgette was harvested and roasted...the smallest member of M&TM devoured it in surprising speed, so has the official seal of approval.</div>
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Evening gardening is the only way in this heat. however this energy zapping sun has us watering and weeding in record speed...and we harvest in the cool of the morning. </div>
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Fresh for the shop today is clary sage, ammi, cornflowers, mixed ageratum and sweetpeas! Why don't you pop in and treat yourselves to a bunch. You can be safe in the knowledge that they are the freshest, most locally sourced and grown flowers around<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">.</span></span></div>
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The drive home is glorious...the golden wheat fields and ripening oilseed rape fields remind me of my childhood...and the warm air blowing in our faces is very welcome after the gardens heat.</div>
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We are so proud that our dream is blooming into something so exciting...the hard work is paying off...now all we need is a cover for our rather mahoosive polytunnel and we can get working on next years master plan!</div>
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Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-38950103899905472702013-07-19T21:41:00.000+01:002013-07-19T21:41:22.339+01:00Downton Abbey and all that<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiQSAM7Scn0/Uemf6BGV-TI/AAAAAAAACds/hqpV2ZWVFC4/s1600/awedding13713+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiQSAM7Scn0/Uemf6BGV-TI/AAAAAAAACds/hqpV2ZWVFC4/s400/awedding13713+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK we won't mention the sweltering heat.........yet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">English sweet peas were the order of the day last week......lots of vintage cream-ware tureens for a trip to a Downton Abbey style party......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dark burgundy and cream for a birthday bash..........</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our days are spent in front of the fan...eating ice creams and wishing for icy gin and tonics..... we are tiring of the pastels pinks and lilacs of a breezy summer day and have filled the shop this weekend with the dark....the dramatic...the reds and oranges..clashing peach and cerise....hot....vibrant...high summer mardi gras colours.....arriba aribba!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great weekend...xx</span><br />
<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-56349520387179987872013-07-16T22:25:00.001+01:002013-07-16T22:25:35.292+01:00escaping the heat....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The answer is to start early....cutting flowers in the walled garden at 7am.........the suns high and its already pretty warm....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At last the sweet peas are flowering their hearts out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bunches now available in the shop!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my <a href="http://www.floretflowers.com/blog/" target="_blank">Erin </a>moment!!</span></div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-2075880507180404182013-07-10T21:16:00.000+01:002013-07-10T21:16:39.160+01:00a day out with roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I went on a 'how to grow roses' masterclass at the wonderful <a href="http://greenandgorgeousflowers.co.uk/" target="_blank">Green & Gorgeous</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was so much fun and totally inspiring, we had tea from china teacups, a delicious lunch, made a scented rose bouquet, generally chattered about flowers, flowers and more flowers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and went home hoping that one day our cutting garden would look like this!!</span></div>
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Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-59998710997203701122013-07-05T22:22:00.000+01:002013-07-05T22:22:49.015+01:00There have been times....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">over the last month when we thought that we would never see a flower in the garden this year......</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsbJFmk3Ov8/Udc0FadlGII/AAAAAAAACb4/6AsQvukJ630/s1600/garden5713+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsbJFmk3Ov8/Udc0FadlGII/AAAAAAAACb4/6AsQvukJ630/s400/garden5713+002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">but look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">after a cold and very shaky start we have got flowers.......not many....yet.... but its a start and boy are we proud...the first few are trialing in our homes to check on vase life.....so maybe in a week we can sell some to you!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We have larkspur in the most lush colours.....scented stocks and cornflowers...the sweet peas are nearly there...sorry...but excited just doesn't come close!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We are already planning for next year with the first of our seeds arriving in the post this morning...foxgloves...hollyhocks.......aquilegia.......to name just a few.....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the list of work to do gets longer daily but picking that first stock and smelling the scent this evening was just heaven.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you all manage to enjoy the summer sunshine this week end.....x</span><br />
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<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-58122511097231574572013-07-03T20:26:00.000+01:002013-07-03T20:26:23.600+01:00Dare to be Different<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk1A4OuIB0w/UdRy129luxI/AAAAAAAACaw/q-UIgv2i-8k/s800/hadcaf+window+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk1A4OuIB0w/UdRy129luxI/AAAAAAAACaw/q-UIgv2i-8k/s400/hadcaf+window+005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> This month our town has an 'arts fest'...lots of films...talks...courses....walks.....music....and other wonderful things to do.......go to the <a href="http://www.hadcaf.co.uk/" target="_blank">HADCAF</a> website to see the full programme... so filled with the artistic spirit we decided to dress our shop for the occasion!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As regular readers will know its impossible to take a photograph of our window...but we have done our best..so try to ignore </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. the reflection</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. the strip lights in the shop</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3.the photographer who needs her roots doing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. any other distraction</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swreZgl1d4c/UdRy9FhFsUI/AAAAAAAACa4/BiCSR6Sta6U/s800/hadcaf+window+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swreZgl1d4c/UdRy9FhFsUI/AAAAAAAACa4/BiCSR6Sta6U/s400/hadcaf+window+011.JPG" width="217" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The plan was to make a tree inside and out which somehow connected....we used the sturdy kiwi branches for the outside which come in fantastic swirly shapes......and arching birch for inside...encased them in some lengths of bark...then we made mock cages from more twigs and foliage......</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt4Otx8mBfk/UdRzCN8jYtI/AAAAAAAACbA/brBnAe61gB4/s800/hadcaf+window+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt4Otx8mBfk/UdRzCN8jYtI/AAAAAAAACbA/brBnAe61gB4/s400/hadcaf+window+012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">......then borrowed the latest trend for suspending flowers upside down (?).....yes this is true.....a cross over between floristry and art...and there we have it.......</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC3CmhOJFgM/UdRzKPCR4HI/AAAAAAAACbI/XIsfMFb9Tzw/s800/hadcaf+window+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC3CmhOJFgM/UdRzKPCR4HI/AAAAAAAACbI/XIsfMFb9Tzw/s320/hadcaf+window+014.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>
....<span style="font-size: large;">this one is a close runner up to the now famous and much copied pom-pom window of earlier this year in that so many people have come into the shop and commented on it......we just love that........</span><br />
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<br />Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-26147788717016496922013-07-02T18:56:00.002+01:002013-07-02T18:56:48.855+01:00Our aim....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">.....is to try to please and make the flowers just how you dreamt them to be...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ..a woodland garden basket.....hedgerow flowers.....oak apples....entwining sweet pea tendrils from the walled garden.... baby pears on branches.......peonies and garden roses......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ....a posy that would float......we made a base of hollow delphinium stems....added some moss.....entwined ivy and crossed our fingers....it worked in the sink.....just hope it did on the river....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> people sometimes get fuchsias and freesias mixed up......but no this was to have fuchsias in ...they were so pretty....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">whats your favorite??</span></div>
Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1567484207868693835.post-8930582071757389592013-06-23T21:09:00.001+01:002013-06-23T21:09:01.863+01:00just a picture...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An3Fl5oDpzs/UcdRtvR9r9I/AAAAAAAACZ4/eBDnzMAq6Po/s1600/wedding21613+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An3Fl5oDpzs/UcdRtvR9r9I/AAAAAAAACZ4/eBDnzMAq6Po/s400/wedding21613+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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from a Friday wedding....<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Flowers:</span> Sweet Avalanche &,Garden O'Hara roses, Sarah B's peonies, hydrangeas, phlox, lavender, rosemary.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Venue:</span> The gorgeous Donnington Grove Country Club, Newbury.<br />
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Its been a full on week......the races.....the family over from <span style="font-size: large;">The Netherlands</span>,....a babies first steps....<span style="font-size: large;">vintage stock</span> buying forays......dear friends new baby <span style="font-size: large;">girl.</span>....a wedding....finding out the <span style="font-size: large;">350 </span>dianthus you just planted are ground loving not tall cutting!!!...the early starts....the <span style="font-size: large;">humidity.</span>....the wondering just when will the <span style="font-size: large;">sweet peas</span> decide to clamber up the trellis under their own steam.....<br />
next week...<span style="font-size: large;">just bring it on.....</span>Martin & the Magpiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352030016792246029noreply@blogger.com0