So much for bird poo being lucky...

Since my last post I have had sciatica, my blood pressure has hit the roof, I've had another bout of iritis and my knee is hurting more than ever. I spent 3 hours in the eye clinic waiting room last week and this week toured the hospital car parks searching for a space for about an hour , after which I gave up and went home.

On Tuesday Sasha managed to get into the spare room and root out some chololate that was for Christmas. She suffered no ill effects and we checked with the vet. Of course she is a very refined dog and only eats the best 'Hotel Chocolat' no less ! Jet also had to see the vet as he had developed conjunctivitis. Never a dull moment in this house!

Still, on a happier note I have enjoyed two workshops at 'The Poppy Patch' which are now work in progress and have completed this snowman hanging.

Chrismas preparations are coming along, about half the presents have been purchased and I am gradually filling the freezer with scrummy homemade fare. Here is Ethan giving the puds. a stir and making a wish a couple of weeks ago.

Of course Christmas cannot really arrive until after the 11th in this family as we have Beverlys' birthday to celebrate first.

We took the plunge this week and have booked a holiday for next September. We are off to the Masai Mara & Mombassa. Half safari and half sightseeing and beach. Next decision is wether to take the early morning balloon flight over the reserve.

50 years old

No, not me but the M1 motorway. I don't remember the actual opening day but I do recall travelling on it during it's early days. No traffic jams, in fact, not a lot of traffic at all. But, what impressed me most were the loos in the services. They seemed truly space age simply because a floor pedal operated the water taps. Oh, what sophistication. By the way , did you know that the first road works started just one week after the opening? Seems like not much has changed!



We have been on a couple of visits in the last few weeks. Rachael and I met up with our friends Claire and Sheena and the children at Chiltern open air Museum. Luckily the weather was fine and we managed a picnic. The children enjoyed trying out the old fashioned games and toys and they all hand made a candle in the workshop. The adults were very taken with the post war prefab. house. It reminded me that the last item came off ration the month before Iwas born. Now that really does make me seem old!





Last Sunday we travelled up to London to Broadcasting House. We were taken on a tour of the radio 3 & 4 studios. All very interesting and I particularly enjoyed playing the part of BBC announcer and the butler in a short mock up recording of a radio play.





I've been busy making some more christmas cards and over the last couple of weeks I have completed this Santas Raindeer wall hanging.














On Thursday I parked at Tesco just under a small tree with only a few branches. When i returned the car was covered in bird poop! I really mean covered, roof, bonnet, windscreen and side windows. Oh well, it is supposed to be lucky, I wait in hope.....

Oh my

I hadn't realised that it was so long since I updated. So what's been going on?

Well, we enjoyed our trip to New England in September. There was a lot of travelling but of course we expected that given the size of the states in the USA. I think our favourite day was the cable car ride up to the top of Cannon mountain. The weather was beautiful but at the top there was a bitter wind. The views were worth the chill and just look at me standing on a ledge!

We visited many familiar sounding towns and villages, Bath,Plymouth, Sandwich, Boston to name a few. Some were very modern and others didn't seem to have changed much over the last 200 or 300 years. Martha's Vineyard was very pretty especially the 'gingerbread ' houses.

The leaves were just begining to turn to their Autumn colours each day we could see a difference. Anyway there is so much to tell, you'll have to speak to me if you want to know more.

The first weekend of this month saw me with 20 other 'girls' at our Scrapbook retreat. We all had a good time and the workroom looked fabulous decorated with all the finished Layouts , cards and Mini books. What a great bunch of girls, funny, talented, caring and accepting of other peoples beliefs and opinions. Roll on next year!

This last weekend we went to see 'War Horse' at the New London Theatre. Wow! what a production. Very different to the big musicals but every bit as good in it's own way.It's hard to describe really but I for one kept forgetting that the horses were not real. It's certainly one to see if you get the chance.

I've been busy making cards and a few novelties . Tomorrow I'm off to a workshop, hopefully to use up some of my fabric scraps and have started a wall hanging of santa's raindeer. Photo's to follow.

I'm sure there must be lots more to tell so I'll try to get back to more frequent postings.

Bye bye

to my car. Yes, i know it's a Rover and I should be an old bloke in a cap to be driving it ,but, I like it. Still , it seems that any operation to make it well again will cost more than it's worth so off it goes. So it has been decided that Dad and I will share his car. Hopefully there won't be too many problems. He doesn't use it too often and we will share expenses. It's also a Rover so I'll still be wearing that cap.


Talking of Dad, last Friday he had a fall when he left our house, dragged himself to a wall so that he could get up and never said a word to anyone. We only found out on Saturday when we noticed he looked very uncomfortable, he did then admit that his shoulder was painfull.Trying to get him to allow us to do things for him is a major job. Mind you , I admire his 'can do' and 'cup half full' outlook and I hope I can be the same. He is finally finishing work at the end of the month, not bad for 85!





We had a good week in Cornwall at the end of last month. The weather was fairly good, just a few day time showers, a bit breezy but a fair amount of sun. We managed a few outings. to the beach and visited some of the lovely small towns and villages. I love this photo of Ethan and Michael playing tag at Flambards.





We all enjoyed dipping in the rock pools at Trebarwith Strand and Portscatho.














Craft wise things have been a little slow around here although I have made a few cards and spent last Monday at our Bedford group making pin cushions. I have dozens of projects in mind but am making the most of the dry weather and looking forward to our New England holiday in September.





Rachael, Gary and Ethan are in Florida at the moment and on Saturday Beverly and Lindsay fly off to Majorca. i am so lucky to have them all close by most of the time. It feels quite strange to think of them spread out around the world and I hope they all have a brilliant time, but, I will be pleased to see them all back safely .

I don't think so!

I hate watching sport on TV. It just seems so boring to me. Where is the fun in watching a group of people hit a little ball into a hole or, kicking a larger one into a net big enough to drive a car through? Why would anyone want to watch noisy cars zooming around in circles? Conversely what a yawn to see twenty odd men (or women) bowling or hitting a very hard ball and then seeing how many time they can do a quick dash up and down a very short pitch. Don't even mention the 'sport' of darts. Still each to their own.

Anyway, last night I was all ready to see the one programme that I will probably watch all week and guess what? Yep, cancelled because of the flaming tennis !! Still it didn't seem to worry Michael too much. He turned to another channel and found something he thought might be very interesting to see. It was a charming and informative showing of the dissection of an elephant !!

He was quite suprised when I rapidly left the room!!!

Sunny days

Oh yes, I do love sunny days, I had lots of jobs to do today most of which would be more comfortable in cooler weather but no complaining from me. Went cycling early this morning and the breeze was lovely. I am managing the 2 circits of Emberton park fairly easily now so maybe another week and I'll try for 3.

.

We had a very pleasant week on the Isle of Wight. The cottage was exactly what we needed. A downstairs bedroom and shower room for Dad and upstairs, a bed and bathroom with sloping ceilings. There was a pretty garden and travelling around was easy. We visited Osbourne house, a bird sanctuary, rode the steam railway, explored villages and walked the beach promenades. Even managed a little geocaching . so a full but relaxing break.

Last week I took two trips. The first was to Marlborough and then on to a canal boat pulled by a horse. So very peaceful and a delicious afternoon tea as well.

The second trip was on a big red double decker bus around Milton Keynes. Organised by the council (free) and with a commentary we were taken all around the Milton keynes area. It was interesting to see how the area has grown and will grow in the future.

Rachael and I did our bit for charity on Saturday baking cakes and (wo)manning the stall at a fete. The stall took over £100 so we were very pleased.

On Sunday after visiting a garden centre ,we planted up Beverlys patio area and she made us a delicious light lunch. Mixed salad leaves, mozzerella, fresh peach and parma ham with a squeeze of lemon juice accompanied by fresh warm bread. Yummy! I arrived home to find we had been invited to Rachael and Garys for a BBQ. Lovely day!

I have completed the 'Hungry Catapillar ' quilt for Carolines new baby ( which appears to hanging on for cooler weather before it makes an appearance ). I showed the prospective grandparents this morning and managed to almost reduce them to tears! They were thrilled with it. Result!!

Hope the sun keeps shining!

I'm improving...

Yep, I certainly am. I'm now managing to cycle twice around Emberton Park with no stops.Plus, cycling from and back to Rachaels house. I can even get back up the slope! Will soon have to up the number of laps.

Two Saturdays ago Michael used his christmas present. I went along as spectator and photographer. We spent a brilliant day with Eagles, Hawks and Owls. Michael got to hold them and we were given lots of information about the different types and then he was able to fly them all. The staff were all so pleasant and determined to give everyone a really good day. Michael enjoyed it so much I think next Christmas I will buy him a 'Hawking Day'

We are loving the sunny weather and hoping that it will stay around for next week. We are off to the Isle of Wight with my Dad. I have been before but as an adult on school residentials so this time will be a chance to look around at our own pace. Lindsay will be there for the weekend so we shall meet up with her to say 'hello' to Squirral.

No finished craft projects to show this time but a few in the pipeline, so photo's at a later date.

I've got the wobbles...

Well actually they are getting better. I've started riding a bicycle for the first time in about 20 years. I'm trying to go out with Rachael 2 or 3 times a week , she jogs around Emberton Park while I ride. The first time felt so weird and I managed to scrape my arm on a wall on the way back.. I suspect it was because we were so busy talking ( there's a suprise!) and I wasn't paying attention. I certainly need to build up the strength in my legs but it is really quite enjoyable.


Craft wise I have made a few cards and have enjoyed using water colour pencils for the first time. Last Sunday was our MK Scrappers crop and this is one of the LOs I finished. Looking at my LOs, they all seem to end up looking quite plain but I'm happy with them. The photo's are the main focus and I try to journal a little. I'd love to produce LOs with more embellishments but I can never seem to justify the cost.


I am now working on a quilt for my next door neighbours daughter who is expecting her first baby next month. Picture before too long I hope.

Last Saturday I attended a Flower Festival in Westminster Abbey. It was to mark the Golden Anniversary of NAFAS ( National Association of Flower Arrangers). So many beautiful arrangements, traditional and contemporary. Sadly, we were not allowed to take 'photos but I am hoping to borrow the CD and will be able to take some from there.

Another photo' opportunity next Saturday when Michael spends a day with some' big birds'!

3

What a change...

this time last week the weather was beautiful. It was so lovely to see all the children playing out on the field not far from my house. It reminded me of how childhood was for those of my tender age!

We had a weekend away with friends in our caravans. We only travelled about 50 miles away but it always seems like a different world and so relaxing. Unfortuately Mick and Noreen were unable to join us after all as their Grandson was taken into hospital to have his appendix removed. Poor little soul he is only 4 years old. They wizzed down to Plymouth to look after his sister and of course check for themselves that all was well. He is recovering well. So there were only 4 of us this time. What a difference to the early years when we all got together and often had more than 15 Adults and children to amuse and feed!!

Still we spent a very pleasant time wandering around Marlow taking a boat trip on the Thames and buying christmas gifts from the french Market! On Sunday the men went off to play golf so Rose and I spent a few hours feling like Gulliver in Lilliput otherwise known as Beckonscott Model village. Monday found us walking in the gardens of Cliveden House.

So what have I been up to craftwise? Another small cushion for Beverly to use up the fabric, a few cards (photos's next post) , an exploding box and a fabric tote which isn't quite finished as I went off the idea, the instructions were pants. Food craft wise (Yummy yummy )strawberry, lemon, chocolate and summer fruits ice cream.

Dad has had a stair lift installed, whilst he manages very well the stairs were beginning to be a bit of a problem and as watching him come down them nearly gave me a heart attack it's one less thing to worry about. Michaels parents have returned safely from their South African trip and appear to have had a good time.

Without going into details, isn't it good when you discover that 'Mum (and Nana) really does know best'?

Useless

I am useless at this blogging thing. Photo's never end up where I think I have put them and I can't get the writing to go down the side of the photo's . I think I need a tutorial!!

long time again...

since I updated.


My hospital appointment confirmed that the problem I have with my fingers and ankle and knee is arthritis. The consultant gave me the option of having my index finger joint fused and seeing how other things go. I've decide to wait a while as I can live with it at the moment. I'm hoping the problem doesn't get worse too quickly but I'll deal with that if and when it happens.



I bought myself a new potato peeler, the old fashioned type, sort of semi-circle with a blade at the bottom.,. It works really well and is so much easier on my fingers. NOT so easy on my thumb though. I took a chunk out of my left thumb on Friday and couldn't believe how much it bled. For 4 hours every time I took pressure of it drippedand 5 wrappings and a (clean) tea towel were soaked. It stopped at last but I have it well wrapped up as it is so sore.



I have been busy sewing and here are a few photo's of my latest projects, a cushion for Beverlys spare room, a pencil case. Actually I made another which now has Etans ' rock collection in it! The last one is supposed to be a 'mug bag' to hold a mug when travelling to crops etc. but of course it cna have many other uses.

At last..

It's finished!

Here are the photo's from my Mothers day treat.

Sorry Claire....

still no photo' of Ethans quilt but I'm nearly done. Just one side of the binding to finish.





Rachael and I had a trip to the Hobbycrafts show last week. We enjoyed our day out but were a little dissapointed by the smaller than usual amount of stallholders. My favourite stand was Craftwork cards where I bought a couple of stencils and here is a card I made using one of them.



The following Sunday Beverly, Rachael and I went up to London to the Country Living exhibition. Such pretty stands, they made me want to completely redesign the house. Dream on!!

Rachael and I both won a prize on the Higgardy Pies stand . Rachael will be receiving a box of pies and I have an apron and a bag to come.



Mothers day arrived a day early for me as I was invited by my three girls to dinner at Rachaels. The table was beautifully laid with hand stamped table mats and place cards. there was a basket of hyachints, some smellies, three lovely cards and a voucher for a facial. Pride of place was given to a cake specially made by Rachael. Of course all of this was lovely ,as was the meal but the best gift was the time and effort that had gone into the whole evening. I certainly have the best three daughters in the world. I love you girls.

It seems that blogger won't let me load any more photo's at the moment so I'll be back soon.

little things mean alot...

Things like an unexpected visits and hugs from daughters and best of cuddles and Paddington sandwiches with the bestest Grandson in the world.

Feeling a bit better today x

Grumpy Old Woman.

Just one of those days when you feel fed up just because you do. I'm going to have a moan so sorry to my 2 readers, bear with me I'm sure I'll be my normal cheerful self tomorrow.

At what age do people stop looking aghast when I say I don't go out to (paid) work ? When we had our girls it was our decision that the home and family would be my job. We have never claimed any money for our family other than the Child benefit. I have never regretted that decision and have loved and still love every moment spent with the girls and as a family. I have so many precious memories especially of things I would have missed had I left them in anothers care for a large amount of time,I have until 18 months ago worked part time for the last 15 or so years.Anyway in conversation over the weekend I got 'the' reaction. You know the one... WHATEVER DO YOU DO ALL DAY ?

Well I happen to be a fairly interesting person. I have hobbies and a home to keep. A garden to look after. Dogs to walk.. I sort out all the little things that life throws up . I run a craft club and attend others ( sometimes as the teacher) which often involves a good few hours of work in preperation. I cook meals from scratch most days . I keep an eye on our accounts and arrange our social life. If we entertain it's me that does all the extra work. If someone wants an errand run, who do they ask? I keep an eye on my elderly Dad ( not sure if he would like that term) and help out with his housework. When the girls were small, who helped at school? Who collected children because Mums and Dads we caught at work? Who was needed when other kids were poorly or in the holiday when they were stuck without child care?

Just because work isn't paid in money at the end of the month doesn't make it less important. If I did all these things and got paid for them the tax man would love me! It also means my husband has only to worry about his job and can relax when he comes home.

O K I'll stop now, you must be getting bored. Just having a day feeling unappreciated after a few days of not feeling too good .

Back soon in a happier mood. x

another month...

Yes, it has been another month since I updated! We have been having trouble with the computer and are waiting for a new one so have to put up with this tempremental one until it arrives.



We have had our new front door fitted and it looks very smart ( will post a photo' soon). Now we have to paint the garage door to match but that will have to wait until the weather improves.



I have enjoyed the snow, it looks so pretty but now it has been around for a few days I'm getting a bit tired of it and hope it soon melts away. Still here are a couple of photo's taken on Thursday.






Yes Michael did have part of the day off work.
He couldn't get the car off the drive so Ethan was thrilled that Grandad could join in the fun!












I have been busy with some crafting this week. We made some of these items at our craft club and Ethans' quilt is progressing well. Just have to quilt it and sew on the binding.This is the weekend of the UKS Cyber crop and I have managed to have a go at a few of the classes two of which are pictured here.











The colours don't look very good here, they are better in real life. I hope to have a go at a few more classes and challenges tomorrow.












It is also Michaels' birthday tomorrow. Rachael , Gary and Ethan came to dinner this evening. Rachael had made a super Golf Bag cake which I'm sure there will be a photo' of on her blog and Ethan had made one that was decorated as a gift. Tomorrow Beverly andLindsay will be here.


Back soon. x

Two months!

I can't belive it is two months since I last wrote! The run up to Chrismas was of course busy. I managed to make a few cards ( forgot to take photos') also made some new decorations and one or two gifts. Actually my friend Rose and I managed to make 6 Princess and the pea beds with covers and rather large peas!

The dolls were bought and we added a copy of the book. They have been well recieved by all the little girls they were sent to.

Christmas itself was spent with family, 25th at Rachaels , 13 of us and Boxing day here at home ,15 of us. We had a good time and the TV was hardly in evidence at all. The men watched for about an hour or so and the rest of the time we played various games and chatted.

We had a great evening on Saturday at my brothers 60th birthday party. I can't belive I have a brother of that age but of course I am a fair bit younger than him! Here he is as he arrived. Yes, it was a suprise party and he certainly was.

It's is quite nice though to get back into some sort of routine and make plans for the year. First job is to get the new front door installed. It is ordered so shouldn't be too long. We need new inside doors throughout the house so hopefully will get those changed this year. The garage door needs painting and the garage MUST be sorted properly.

Yesterday we booked a holiday to ' New England in the Fall '. A 10 day tour which will take us to Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod and the White mountains. Looking forward to this so much.

Happy New Year to you all. Let's hop we all keep smiling.