A Dinosaur named Rupert

ART
I've been waiting to do this artist/illustrator for awhile. In fact any that I follow on Twitter, but I choose Karl Newson because I won a childrens book which was illustrated by him back in February for World book day. Yes those Twitter competitions do work (so keep trying)!! The book in question was 'Rupert the Dinosaur', which tells the story of how Rupert evolved into an animal we see today. The story is great, I had a sneaky read it before I took it down to my Niece and Nephew, I couldn't resist. The illustrations in it are great, bright, fun and fires the imagination. Enough about the book that they both enjoyed, let me tell you about Karl Newson.

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Karl's creative process is covered in Tea and Cake whilst listening to 60's music and day dreaming about the day when he climbs that ladder to the moon. Doodles and stories about his characters cover his desk along with the odd custard cream and pencil shavings. As well as creating illustrations for two Rupert books, he has also done the 'Beastliest Bear' with another book on the way called 'The Bear Extraordinaire'.
For more about Karl here you go.

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COVERED IN WEEDS
Things are looking great in the garden at the minute. My Higgledy seeds are poking through, the Grape Hyacinths are on their last legs and my pinky red Saxifragra is in full flow. The Veg is still alive and still has it's leaves. The blossom on my Pear tree and the Cherry tree has fallen and fingers are crossed for fruit as I have seen a few species of bees landing. I've already got a fruit pie with custard made in my head!
Two weeks ago my friend comment that her Saxi had died and commented how lovely it was. So in true friend style I said she could have some. I have a few of varying sizes doted around the garden, so I gave her a pot full. Along with an Aguilegia (pretty much a seedling), and a small cowslip. In return (didn't expect) she gave me a cutting of Winter flowering Jasmine, Honeysuckle and a climbing rose. All are now stuck in the ground hoping that this time next year they will have grown roots. Have you swooped plants/ seed exchange with a friend/family member. Plant Sharing – who are you going to share with today?

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BEER
Thornbridge – Halcyon Imperial IPA 7.4%

I didn't bother sniffing this one I just got stuck in. It is a lovely golden honey colour in the glass. Halcyon is quite hoppy, bitter on the finish with lots of flavour. A tropical citrus and pear hoppiness engulfs your taste buds, with a bit of malt lingering around.
I do like this beer of theirs, but I think I am a Jaipur girl.
Thornbridge have a wide range of beers and prove popular with anyone who tastes them and I wouldn't be surprised if you've already tried at least two of theirs and you've already got a favourite. I have a L'Eroica Britannia waiting for me in the fridge to taste. Because I'm not deciding on my favourite till i've drank at least six of their beers.
If you want to learn more about this 5 year old brewery based in Bakewell England just click here.

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Whitehaven Cumbria

MUSINGS
Busy month at the Brewery. We keep running out of beer, re-stocking and then running out again. I'd hate to see what June, July and August is going to be like. I'm working my like cotton socks off and from now till the end of the month I only have Bank Holiday Monday off. I don't work weekends except when there is a food Festival on and May seems to be jam packed. This weekend It's Whitehavens Western Lakes Home & Garden Show and Hutton in the Forest Plant and Food Fair on Sunday. On the 23rd and 24th May its Ullverston Food Festival. And then the week after that we are at Holker Garden Festival 2015. If you are in the area come along and say hi and tell my boss he needs to get a bigger brewery for an extra fermenting Vessel. Why? Cause he keeps winding me up and telling me I'm not working hard enough and it's my fault we keep selling out. Well of course we sell out, I make it! I just wish my home cooking was just as good.
Is there a Food festival or Plant fair near you this month? Link it up on here and share it to the world (even if you are a food / drinks company).

It would be great if you could share the blog lovin or even better leave a comment, be it a beer you've tasted and thought was great, an Artist to share with everyone. Flowers that have appeared as if by magic in your garden (namely because you forgot they were there). Or what's great about your local food/plant festival.

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Tunes of the week..
You tell me what is wurling around in your head this week.  Introduce me to something I probably haven't heard for awhile or never.

Thanks for dropping by. Have a great weekend and a productive working week. See you this time next week.