Yuccky weather..

Thank goodness we got out in the garden yesterday. We cleared out the shed (at long last ) and painted the benches. Dad re-did the teak oil on the wooden table and chairs. I planted up the hanging baskets and have also put in some sweetpeas. We were going to take everything to the tip today but it was too wet. My last job in the garden for this year is to paint the two gates and the old water pump, which I will use as a feature. Hopefully , now that the garden is quite full and has plenty of perennials, we won't have to spend too much on it in the next few years.

Last Sundays crop was a very productive one. I can't belive I actually did 4 LOs! Everyone enjoyed Willows class and we had some fantastic work on show.

This pigeon appeared in the garden about 2 weeks ago. It is a racing pigeon and has a ring on its leg but, has obviously lost its sense of direction. Poor thing looks quite lonely but at least it doesn't seem to be having any problems feeding and seem to have made itself at home!

I have been very good this week, three visits to the gym and lots of dog walking. Not sure if it is doing me any good. I have the 'sniffles' and a horrible chesty cough.

Here is Michael watching the rain pour down. His game of golf was cancelled. All say 'Ahhhh'.

Goodness...

where did the last two weeks go?

We had a good w/e away and the weather was, in the main, good to us. We didn't really move very far once we were there. The little town was interesting to wander around. We took a boat trip on Sunday, followed by a BBQ. There was a nice pub on the waterfront and we also ate there on Saturday evening. Lots of chat and far too much food!

The sunny weather in the last week encouraged me out into the garden and I finally found a new table and chairs for the patio. Some of the plants I put in a few weeks ago are begining to bloom. I particularly like this Loncheria ( sp?) a type of evergreen honeysuckle.

Last weekend I was at Knuston Hall on a patchwork course. Lovely setting especially in the beautiful sunshine. I was very busy though. I made some progress with Ethans tool bench quilt and completed two cushion covers, a small bag and this project which is to be my special table mat. Now I have to make one for Michael, he wants a red one! I am buzzing with other projects that I want to do.

Another full weekend coming up. We are off to Kailas' 3rd birthday party on Saturday. Sunday is the Olney crop. Willow is going to show us some of her techniques. I think the LO will be very different from my usual style but i'm looking forward to having a go.

Nearly packed...

for our weekend away. We have a good assortment of clothes to cover all seasons and will enjoy ourselves whatever.

Had a great evening at the stampin'up party on Monday and of course I had to buy something. Beverly was there and regaled us with anecdotes about her Paris trip. She was really on form and had us rocking with laughter. Talking of stamps, the 'Tilda' Magnolia stamps seem very popular just now. I have to say that I am reminded of hippo's each time I see them and I just itch to give them a mouth of some kind.

Had lunch with my friend Rose on Tuesday and we were asked to leave the Pub! No, we hadn't misbehaved. Just nattered so much that we forgot they shut at 3 p.m. We had a small crop here in the evening, six of us. I am enjoying using the Becky Fleck Page Maps, they are really helping me to get LOs done.

Ethan has his new glasses and thinks he is the cats whiskers, I have to agree. Mind you Grandad and I are in his bad books because we are going away in the caravan without him! We will be arranging a weekend to take him as soon as possible.

Hope you all have a good Bank holiday w/e.

The UKS cyber crop took place this weekend and had some great classes. I managed to do one LO class and my first entry for the 25th day album.. The weather was too nice to spend all day inside and so I will catch up on a few others at a later date.

Sasha and Jet were here for a sleepover last night and will be here untill Lindsay finishes work today. I bought a few more plants from the garden centre yesterday so must get them planted out.

I have a busy week, must get to the Gym for a few classes,caravan to pack for the weekend, a lunch date on Tuesday,Stampin' up party tonight and a small crop here tomorrow night. Of course all the everyday , cooking, cleaning, shopping to do as well. The ironing is calling, bye for now.

So many photo's.

Today sees the start of UKS Cyber crop. I like to join in when I can, it does help me to actually get some scrapping done. Can't stand all the pre crop chat and nonsense though. Still, I have decided to join in one of the warm up classes by Shimelle. I haven't made the actual album yet but have started on the 20 or so photo's to be taken on the 25th of each month to record what you were doing, where you have been and how things change month to month. O.K. they are not great
photo's as such but I am looking forward to seeing the project unfold.

Another project on the go just now is a quilt for Ethan, depicting a tool bench with all the tools hung on it. I think he will love this as he is always wanting to help Grandad with the 'jobs'. several other smaller projects in mind too.

The weekend will be busy with the cyber crop, and sorting out the shed and garage. Michael has a plumbing job to do on Sunday and assuming the weather stays good tomorrow he will be checking over the caravan ready for our trip away next week.

Exciting Saturday afternoon!

I know I won't be popular for this but MMMAAAHHHHAAAAA !!!!

We had a family meal for Dad last Friday to celebrate his 84th birthday. He does so well. Still working two days a week and always ready to help out where he can. Here he is blowing out his candles.

We spent last weekend working in the garden The weather was perfect for the job. We cleared all the weeds and dead stuff, trimmed bushes, put slabs down to enlarge the patio and also smartened up the bed by the house wall by laying slabs and cobbles. I have a new water feature and have installed a compost bin in a secluded corner. There is still work to be done but none of it quite such hard work. Two benches have to be repainted and I am going to buy a small round table and two chairs for the back patio where we like to sit with a coffee when the weather is good. We are also wondering if we should invest in a chiminea so that we can make more of the summer evenings that may be a little chilly. I will take some photo's when I get a few mins.

We've been out and about during the school holidays. Walking the dogs, visiting garden centres and onThursday we spent a lovely day with Liz, Nicola and Kaila. Ethan and Kaila play very well together even though there is a 21/2 year age gap. It was lovely for Dad to see both his Great grand children together.

We have friends coming for dinner tonight. I feel very organised as I prepared the main courses yesterday and am just about to lay the table and have a quick hoover round. Our friends are bringing the starters and the puds.

Those of you who read Rachaels blog will know about the house and her comments about manners.. Neighbours who moved in just over a year ago rarely manage to aknowledge us or any of the other neigbours.. Each week on Sunday morning they place their rubbish bags (ready for Monday collection) outside our house on the edge of our lawn. This has annoyed me for months so last week I moved it back into their driveway behind the wall. Hopefully they will get the message or am I being petty?

Strange...

There are strange comments on my last two entries. No idea what they mean and I'm not going to click on them. Anyone any idea?

Have now deleted the comments to be on the safe side. Thet were from very odd names and seemed to have a link in them. They were both from different names but said something like " look here please".

Good weather....

has got me in the mood for working in the garden. The sunshine has been lovely and I have decided the garden needs a really good sort out. I'm not rushing , just a few hours here and there. One corner has been cleared of all the straggly plants and the bed will be removed to enable the patio to be enlarged. I have lots of plans but will have to get it done bit by bit. At the weekend I am hoping to get Michael to the garden centre to look at water features. The old one has fallen apart and I have my eye on a slate pile.

We had a lovely day with our friends last Friday, the weather was very kind and we all enjoyed a walk in the woods especially Ethan who of course ended up covered in mud.

Here are a couple of photo's of the angels and the small runner/quilt I made last week. I am definately getting better at finishing projects.

At the Olney crop on Sunday I managed a LO and a '7 gypsies' portfolio of Michael and Ethan washing the car. I really enjoy these crops, they are not over organised, everyone does their own thing but if you need help someone will alway be willing to help. We have a great bunch of ladies and there is plenty of chatter and a fair bit of laughter !

Michael was suprised to see this little bird had flown into our bedroom. I saw something similar in a shop in Cornwall, priced around £6. I made this one for about 50p! I was suprised that Michael even noticed it was there.

Most of the family have recovered from their illnesses but Lindsay has the 'bug' now. My back has been causing a few problems, pains around the top of my leg and pelvis. Doc. says I need to see someone to pull me about (Physio, ? ) so I will see how it is after the weekend. Good excuse to buy some new knickers !!

I have been busy sewing this week. On Monday I had a day out and started a small hanging which I will post when it's finished. I am also in the middle of making some sweet little angels again piccie when finished.

Just look at these dogs all snuggled up. Jet and Sasha love to share or is it a two headed dog ? Yes, I know Bonnie shouldn't really be on the bed but she snuck up there and you know they say 'Let sleeping dogs lie', she looks so comfy. Considering how high the bed is and the fact she is nearly 11 years old, she does really well to jump up.

Rachael, Ethan and I are off out for the day. We are visiting our friends Claire and Sheena and Sheenas little ones, Alex and Olivia. Ethan and Alex are just a year apart in age and they get on so well even though we only get to see them 2 or 3 times a year. Ethan is so excited and I know we shall have a lovely day.