busybusybeejay

What a sweetie!

2012-02-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

This is Ruby,4,our youngest grandchild.We looked after her on Thursday and Friday while Mummy did two days supply teaching.Here she is at our house having a great painting session.She is such a good girl and no trouble at all.We had hoped to get her out for a walk but it was soooo cold she refused point blank to leave the house and suggested I went on my own and she would stay with Grandpa.I don't blame her it was perishing!We took her back each day in time to pick big sister Emily up from school.
There are celebrations in our house.Wales have just beaten Scotland in the Six Nations Rugby.I watched it until half timewhen the score was 3-3.I went to do my welsh home work and when I came back it was 27-6!Our son was actually at the match with five friends who are Scotland supporters so he will be feeling pretty pleased.I actually managed to do some sock knitting while the game was on with Ziggy asleep next to me.That is the first knitting since we have had him that has been done with him in the room.

What are you reading at the moment?

2012-02-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am in two Book Groups,one a little more serious than the other.These are what we are reading at the moment.Pure by Andrew Miller was suggested for my lighter Book group.It is a book I would never have picked myself but I am finding it really interesting.It is set in Paris in 1785 in and around a cemetery,a cemetery that has to be cleared!It won the 2011 COSTA Book of the Year and has had good reviews.
In my other Book Group this month we are reading John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.I used to be a great Steinbeck fan and it is now on the school curriculum.I am looking forward to revisiting it after umteen years and just hope it provokes a good discussion as I suggested it!!There are 8 in our group and we all choose a book.Coming up in the next few months are
A.S.Byatt The Children's Book
Nemesis .Philip Roth
Stranger's Child .Alan Hollinghurst
Death at Pemberley. P.D.James
Before I go to sleep. S.J.Watson
Gillepsie(and me) Jane Harris.
Have any of you read these?Some a bit heavier than others methinks!
Have you any recommendations?
Would love to hear.Barbarax

My postcard hobby and noswaith dda

2012-01-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

I thought I would show you some postcards from my collection.But first of all "noswaith dda" which is "good evening " in Welsh.I have decided to give learning Welsh another go.I did try a few years ago but gave up so here goes again.We are meeting every week,just five of us so far,with our teacher being a lady who was a Welsh teacher.As it is a U3A group it is free we just have to buy the course book.Wish me luck!

I have a recently new hobby of collecting old postcards and I thought I would share a few with you.The first one is a Mabel Lucie Attwell pc postmarked 1922.I tend to buy on e bay.Usually they go for about£5 but I bought one tonight for £1.04.

This is a WW1 pc posted in 1917 to a soldier serving in France.

This a 1901 Victorian pc .You were only allowed the address on one side and no other writing.
This changed in 1904.

This is an example of a Raphael Tuck pc.He produced loads in different categories but they are lovely cards.This was posted in 1906 from Bournemouth to Miss Wright in Sheffield.It says "I am suffering from mal de mer after a rough voyage".

One from my "comic" section.It is a Donald Mcgill from 1948.

It is a fascinating hobby,fairly cheap and a wonderful documentation of social history.

P.S.Ziggy is doing well.

What a week.

2012-01-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

No pictures today.What a week we have hadIit started last Friday when our 3yr old grandaughter had a nasty fall running from the car to the house.She cut her lip but didn't end up at the hospital.The same day I started with the most awful cold/flu which has knocked me for six.I didn't leave the house for four days.Saturday -our d's car failed it's MOT and cost £300+.Not what you want just after Xmas and you are on a tight budget!(Bank of Mum and Dad came to the rescue).Monday-my son in law had his car stolen in Liverpool..It seems they turned up in a tow truck,broke a window,took off the handbrake and towed it away.The police said he won't get it back.Tuesday -our 6yr old granddaughter was playing chasing games with said son in law,her daddy,when she crashed into a door and knocked out her top two front teeth!!They are,luckily,her first teethA trip to A&E was needed..We had a phone call to say could we go and collect Ruby and take her home and put her to bed.It's an hour's drive from here but off we went.Em was OK,no stitches needed.Thursday -Sarah had dizzy spells so we were off again.Thursday evening we were on our way to a wine tasting in my car when we realised I had a puncture.We had to change to our other car and C was changing wheels at 11pm in the pitch black because I had to take him into hospital on Friday and I don't drive our big car.
Anyway,he has had his op and seems fine.Its my birthday tomorrow so I am hoping for a better week!!!I know this is a boring post but it explains why I havn't been posting or commenting.Normal service will resume shortly!

Meet Ziggy

2012-01-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is the new addition to our family!Ziggy ,an 11 week old kitten,we have had from the local cat rescue.Hope he behaves himself!

Our 45th wedding anniversary

2011-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Today is our 45th,yes,45th wedding anniversary.I can't believe it.Where did all those years go.We had a slow start,exchanged cards,had phone calls from both our children and then out we went.It has been a miserable wet day so our planned trip of a drive through Snowdonia had to be postponed.Instead we decided to have a bit of culture and visit the Lady Lever Art gallery in Port Sunlight.We had lunch there and came back home via Brimstage Craft Centre.Then it was home and a late afternoon visit from our daughter,son in law and two gorgeous granddaughters Emily and Ruby.This was a real treat as we havn't seen them since Xmas Eve.Tonight we are having a meal out so all in all a great day.

Claire

2011-12-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

I presume my Secret Santa has got lost.Over the next week I will get together a replacement but as there were knitted items in it may take longer!

Secret Santa

2011-12-26T05:14:00.001-08:00

Look at all the lovely things I had in my Secret Santa box.Thank you Claire.I hope everyone is having a lovely time.It's a quiet time for us.Xmas lunch with friends yesterday and just C and me today.

merry xmas

2011-12-23T11:41:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas.I hope everyone has a happy and healthy time this Christmas.Enjoy your time with your families.Have lots of fun and laughter.

Claire

2011-12-20T15:23:00.000-08:00

Have you had my Secret Santa?I am getting a bit worried that it hasn't arrived!!

Back from Paris(and Ashbourne)

2011-12-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

The Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris.A very famous sight.Down either side there was a Xmas market.We stayed in the Ibis hotel in the Bastille area.It is certainly a hotel I would recommend with good restaurants nearby.We flew from Manchester with Flybe in their brand new aircraft.We were on its first flight since taking delivery!

A view down the Seine.The Eiffel Tower was in the distance but hasn't shown on the photo.Below Montmartre.

We love going to art galleries and had pre booked to see the Gertrude Stein Collection at the Grand Palais.A wonderful exhibition showing works by Picasso,Cezanne,Matisse and others which havn't been in an exhibition before.The Steins were great cllectors of art and supported young artists.If you have seen the latest Woody Allen film "Midnight in Paris" you will recognise this.If you havn't seen it -go.Its a brilliant film.

We also went to Musee D'Orsay which has a huge collection of works by Renoir,Van Gogh,Degas,Seurat etc.Wonderful

We also went to Galleries Lafayette.What an amazing store.Jimmy Choo shoes at 500 euros etc.

Every Xmas they do brilliant animated window displays which schoolchildren come to see.There are little platform/bridges so they can see better.This year's theme was Rock'n'Roll

Our trip was very enjoyable.We had great time but to finish a couple of photos from C's birthday weekend near Ashbourne

Ilam Country Park(NT).We had lunch here on the Saturday after a walk in nearby Dovedale

The whole family.I'm in the middle in the red jacket.So lovely to have everyone together

The morning of C's birthday surrounded by our gorgeous grandchildren-all still in their pj's.Now it is back down to earth after a superb week.

Secret santa

2011-12-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

Just to let you know that my Xmas box has arrived.I am saving it for Christmas day.I am sooo excited.We have had a brilliant weekend away for C's birthday near Ashbourne.What a lovely area.more next week as we are off to Paris in the morning.must get packing!

My strawberry tea cosy!

2011-12-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

I always make something for my sister in law and my stepmother for Xmas.In the past I have done scarves,hats,mittens and socks so couldn't repeat those and I really have lost my knitting mojo.I came across this pattern.I know it isn't Chrismassy(but the colours are right!)but I thought it might put a smile on their faces and most important it is incredibly quick.I started one at 5.30pm and it was finished by 7.30pm and I ate tea in between.I'll wrap them up with some fancy teas.

I am pleased to say I have finally got over my sore throat and cold.It is a good job because we have a very busy week coming up.Next weekend my OH has a landmark birthday.We are going away for the weekend.I have booked two cottages on the edge of the Peak District.He thinks it is just the two of us going for the weekend and that we are only meeting up on Sunday with the rest of the family.But everyone is coming on Friday evening and so we can spend the whole weekend together.There will our son,his wife and their three chidren,our daughter,her husband and their two girls and my brother in law.Twelve of us altogether.We aren't seeing them over Xmas so it is a pre xmas do as well.My only problem is the weather.Snow is forecast and everyone has to travel there.

We come back on Sunday evening and then on Monday we are going to Paris for three nights flying from Manchester.We intend to take in lots of art galleries and lots of good food and just enjoy the Xmas atmosphere of a big city.Should be good.

Beaded bauble

2011-11-27T10:57:00.000-08:00

From this.......

to this.It's quite effective isn't it.I was just playing about but am really pleased with the effect.Is this the time to get back into beading.I must say I don't feel like doing anything at the moment.I have a rotten cold and a throat that feels like sandpaper!

Two birthday parties in one weekend.

2011-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to our friend Judy's party.She was 70 but looks 50!We have known Judy for 45 years but don't see her very often as we have moved away from Bolton where she lives.Our two families used to do a lot together so it was great to catch up with them and their children.I gave Judy the turquoise scarf but she didn't open any presents last night.
Today was Ruby's birthday party.It is actually her birthday tomorrow but they have pretended it was today.She is 4 today.She had a play barn party with her little friends at lunchtime and then we went across for a party tea at their house.She had asked me to make a trifle which I duly did.We always have to have dancing,pass the parcel,musical statues,a winking game and anything that Emily and Ruby came up with.We laughed so much.These two girls are brilliant and a real credit to Sarah and Mike.It is a pleasure to be with them and they give us so much joy.We are really lucky.
We didn't go to bed until 1.30a.m so I think it might be an early night tonight!!

Which do I choose?

2011-10-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

We are going to a party in a couple of weeks time and I want to take a gift.I have recently knitted these two items and eventually got round to blocking them.(I hate blocking!!).Do I give my friend the shawl which she might think has "old lady connotations" or the scarf.Us knitters know differently and I often wear mine with the point at the front.

They are both knitted in Rowan Fine Lace.80%alpaca,20% merino.It is a lovely soft yarn and very pleasant to knit with.I am lucky that Stash Fine Yarns is not far from here so I can actually go and see the yarns and see the exact colour.

I have beaded the fringing on the scarf.It pretties it up and adds some weight.

We have had a visit to Quarry Bank Mill(NT) this week.We met Sarah and the girls there on Tuesday.We arrived at 11.a.m as it opened and only left at 4.30p.m.A really good day out.There were Hallowe'en crafts and trails and spooky things round the ground but the bit Emily liked best was the Apprentices House,trying out the beds,going in the kitchen etc.Wednesday they came over to us and did some pot painting with Grandpa.We took them to Ruthin to see the dog exhibition(posted about previously) so a bit of culture to add to the history.

We went to the theatre last night to see George Orwell's Animal Farm done in the form of a musical.It was OK but not brilliant.

As I have lost my mojo...and a harvest service.

2011-10-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we went to see our granddaughter in her harvest service.Emily is second from the right before it started.The rest of my photos were rubbish.They did the Tale of the Turnip and she was one of the narrators and did very well.We could hear her clearly and she was word perfect.The rest of the school provided music and songs.Lovely.

Here is Ruby waiting for it to start with her other granny.She was very good.

As I have lost my mojo at the moment and can't seem to build up any enthisiasm for a craft project,I have been "playing".I made this crochet bowl(thank you Bunny Mummy for the pattern).It took less than an hour and would look nice with some sweets in.

Then I made some brooches,experimenting with various thicknesses of wool.

I then went on to do some braiding,firstly with one strand and then

and then with three.It is so easy to do but what do you use the braids for!! Suggestions welcomed.

It has been a testing week.Literally.Eyes on Wednesday.Ears today.I passed both and can still buy reading glasses off the shelf and cheaply.My close and distant vision are good.Flu jab today.I hope there are no side effects as tonight C and I are doing a quiz.It is a new group that has started(U3A) and we volunteered to do the second one.It is really difficult pitching the level.Will it be too easy or too hard?

p.s.On the subject,again,on bags.I am more than happy to get rid of plastic bags especially in supermarkets but where you are buying,say,gifts,could we not have recyclable paper ones?

A bargain!

2011-10-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

A couple of months ago we lost our copy of Delia.How you lose a book of that size is a mystery.All we can think of is that it got put on the pile of Sunday papers followed by Monday and went in the recycling bag.Now ,C needs this book to make his perfect Yorkshire puddings( he is also renowned for his roast potatoes!).Look what I found in a charity shop yesterday and it's illustrated.All for £2.
The lady behind the counter asked if I wanted a bag.Now for most of you this would seem quite normal but not now here in Wales.Since october 1st you have to pay for bags in shops.All shops,garden centres etc.The lady in the charity shop had written to the Welsh Assembly to ask could she recycle bags and they said yes.It does take some getting used to always having a bag with you.The other day I went to a garden centre to buy some birthday gifts for a friend,candles ,soap etc.No bag unless I paid.

The rule about not providing plastic bags in supermarkets has been in operation in France for a while.

P.S. C also makes a very good crumble but that recipe comes from the Ladybird Cookery Book!!

A little jaunt through England and into France.

2011-10-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

We have had to cancel two trips to France because C was hospitalised twice but as we had a Eurotunnel ticket we decided to use it and go to northern france for a few days.
We set off on Sunday morning and called in Cambridge early afternoon to spend a couple of hours with our son and his family.As it is a 5/6 hour journey from here to Folkstone and Eurotunnel we sometimes do a hotel overnight.I picked a Travelodge near Whitstable(£15!!).Unfortunately the sat nav pitched us up on the opposite side of a busy dual carriageway to the hotel.Eventually we managed to get into Whitstable but the sun was setting(see photo above).

You could rent these huts for holidays,right by the harbour and beach.Wouldn't that be great.

Some more quirky huts.Whitstable looked a lovely place full of lots of independent shops.it is famous for oysters.It's a pity we couldn't spend longer here.The main reason for breaking our journey here was to go to Canterbury.We have never been before.We reluctantly paid £8 each to go into the cathedral but it was well worth it.An amazing place.

From Canterbury it was down to Folkstone and Eurotunnel(free with our Tesco vouchers).It is a very slick operation and so quick and no rough crossings to worry about!

I have posted lots of photos before of the area that we have been to so I have just picked a couple of different things we came across

We were staying in Abbeville and came across this bar cum art gallery.They change the pictures every month.The artists this month are Brigitte Sellier and Michele Bouvin.But what a great idea.Enjoy a drink and view the art.Very pleasant

On our way back up to Boulogne we stopped in Le Touquet.very Swish!We arrived at the Art Gallery five minutes after it had closed for a two and a half our lunch break!We hadn't time to wait but enjoyed the sculpture in the grounds

Our last call was at Hardelot Plage.It was so windy we could hardly stand up.I had read that there was a chateau here that an Englishman had bought in the twenties and made it look like Windsor Castle.

We were surprised when we got there to find this was on.

Next year is the bi-centennial of Charles Dicken's birth.He holidayed near here lots of times and the area was special to him.It was only 2 euros to go in and it was brilliant.Nearly 300 documents,manuscripts,items etc had been gathered together.They had reconstructed his dining room.His writing desk and lectern were there and so many original letters and manuscripts.it was a truly wonderful collection.it comes to England next year and i bet it is a lot more than £2 to go in!!

Back home last night but we had really enjoyed our little jaunt and found different things to do in an area we thought we knew well.Lots of good eating done and lots of wine bought.

A free day.

2011-09-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

We don't often get a free day when neither of us has something on.The weather here is glorious at the moment,really sunny and hot.So it was off to Conway(on the North Wales coast).We decided to walk the walls and from there you get a great view of Conway castle.It was completed in 1287 by Edward 1 to keep out the Welsh .It was only in the mid 1400's that the Welsh were allowed to live in the town.

Another great view from the walls.After we had walked the walls we visited the Royal Cambrian Art gallery which had an interesting exhibition by five different artists.We always have to take in art gallery if there is the opportunity.

From there we got back in the car and went round to the Marina to have lunch at the Mulberry pub.It was here during the Second World War that hundreds of men were employed in building the Mulberry harbours.These giant piers were then towed across the English Channel and saved many lives by acting as a vital landing point for men and supplies during the D-Day landings.
From the end of the marina you can see across to Deganwy(above) and looking the other way the edge of Snowdonia.

It was a lovely day out in glorious sunshine,such a bonus at this time 0f t the year.

More photos

2011-09-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

I took this photo this afternoon while I was waiting for a friend to join me in a tearoom/cafe im my town.Not a bad view from where I was sitting!

Back to the Food Fair for asecond time.This time with the family Ruby had the giggles with Grandpa.They were jiggling around to this group below.Their name "Peel Your Own Spuds"!!!Original.

Emily having a go on the trampoline.

Here is Jean Christophe Novelli.We actually found it quite hard hearing what he said.His accent was very strong(but my hearing isn't the best).

Mold Food Festival 2011

2011-09-24T06:39:00.001-07:00

We live in the small market town of Mold in N Wales.Every year we have a Food Festival and it is this weekend.It is very popular.Lots of tasting-food and drink.Lots of food /drinks to buy.

Just look at those cakes!

. Olives and nuts galore.

Honey.

Just look at these.

There was lots of live music to listen to while you had a coffee.

It was really difficult taking photos because it was so crowded.It's only £3.50 to go in.There were cookery demonstrations too.We are going again tomorrow because our daughter and family want to go.The chef tomorrow is Jean Christophe Novelli

A fun saturday and an interesting sunday

2011-09-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

We had our two granddaughters for the day on Saturday.Mummy and Daddy wanted to do some DIY without little helpers.We had great plans for getting out and about.A walk at Loggerheads,then hide and seek followed by an ice cream.Perhaps a trip to the farm park in the afternoon.But no-rain stopped play outside but we had good fun inside.Emily and Ruby get on very well together and are really good pals.We played games,built with bricks,coloured and laughed and laughed.They had brought a doll with them that you stuck a bottle with water in it's mouth and "wee" comes out the other end!Fortunately they had brought a bath to sit it in.What will they think of next.Well, I think they have.Jonathan Ross on his show had a dog that did "poos".You can imagine kids loving that.But best of all they love giving cuddles.We took them back at 5pm and all went had tea in the pub.A great day was had by all.

Today,in complete contrast we have been to Ruthin Craft Centre to see their latest exhibitions.One featured nine artists work using willow-baskets mainly but also some wall sculptures.All very nice and unusual.The other main exhibition was quite bizarre but made you smile.It was called "Reggie's Roller Palace".It is by Olivia Brown and to quote"a vintage take on the modern cult of celebrity alongside the branding and mass marketing that surrounds it,all seen through the eyes of Reggie(a rat) and over a 100 handmade canine spectators".
Olivia Brown is coming in October to give a gallery talk(free) which I may go to.On the same day there is Reggie's Celebrity Look -a-Like Pageant for Dogs!!Dress your dog as a well known idol and enter them in the competition to win an original ceramic dog.Dogs must be registered in advance and a photographer will do portraits.Well It's different!!!

I'm feeling sad today

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have been following a blog by a remarkable young lady called Rosie Kilburn.I came across the blog in an article in the Guardian some while ago.Rosie was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer in 2008.She died yesterday aged just 19.She set up a charity called the Knock on Effect.She was promoting the message that cancer is not about suffering,it's about surviving.Unfortunately she didn't.She was a lively young woman with so many hopes and plans for the future.She did a "vlog" last Wednesday and although she was breathless it was lovely to hear her voice.She was blogging even on Saturday showing off her new duvet cover.She was full of humour and I for one will never forget her.Such a waste.

Something like this really makes you think.Sorry it is such a glum post.

I've finished it-well nearly!

2011-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

I only started this one week ago!It is done in filigran lace no1,100gm,600m,100%merino.

It obviously isn't finished because it needs blocking.Also,I am going to add a beaded fringe on each end.We are going to a party celebrating a special birthday of a close friend in November.I normally don't buy her a present,just send her a card(we don't live close to each other)so I thought this would make a suitable present and she will really appreciate something handmade.

Our house has never been so tidy.The estate agent comes tomorrow to take photographs and then the house,well bungalow,will go on the market.

Stonyford Cottage Garden

2011-09-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

We visited this garden today and what a gem it is.It is situated in Cheshire on the edge of Delamere Forest.It is a small garden with a lake and streams but some very unusual plantingIt is £3 to go in but a season ticket was £3.50.Obviously too late in the season to buy that but next year we shall.Attached is a nursery with plants you can buy and they also do mail order.To think we have ,probably once a week, passed the end of the road to the garden and never visited.

I wish I had taken more photos.

It is now ten days since C's op and every day he is better.We should have been in France this week but it had to be cancelled due to his op.The trip has been rearranged for October when the weather won't be as good but you never know we might hit lucky.

I have done 20 inches of my scarf which is pretty good since last Tuesday.No knitting tonight as we are watching the French crime drama Spiral and I have to read the subtitles.I can't do that and lace knitting!

I've been shopping

2011-08-30T12:06:00.001-07:00

I had a visit to Stash Fine Yarns in Chester today.C left me while he went to do something else.Big mistake!I only went for some 2ply lace yarn and bought all this.Well,I had to do something while I was waiting for him to come back.The yarn on the left is really deep purple, a really rich colour.It is to make scarf/stole/? for a friend whose birthday is in October.I also thought I ought to try Regia's lace and couldn't resist two lots of sock wool.

Could you pop by and say "hello" to...

2011-08-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Could you pop by and say "hello" to my daughter.She joined the blogging world yesterday but hasn't any followers yet.Her blog is Proud as a .........
I'm sure she would appreciate it.
We are having our house valued this afternoon and are going to take the plunge and put it on the market.watch this space!!

Jane Brocket's blanket

2011-08-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

The blanket isn't finished yet as I have to do the edging.We had our son and his family staying this weekend and Angus got up rather early and then fancied a snuggle on the sofa.So out came Jane's blanket.All the grandchildren spent ages deciding which were their favourite squares!We had a lovely weekend,our daughter and family joining us on saturday for the day.I can't believe how much food we got through.There was lots of laughter and fun-the recipe for a great time.i just love having them all together.it doesn't happen very often.

40 minutes and we are here..

2011-08-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

in Llandudno.This the West Shore .School holidays and it would be impossible to park on the other main shore and promenade.Just look at this beautiful,deserted beach with wonderful views.There is a promenade to walk along with benches,a children's play area,a lake with swans(and ugh seagulls) and very little else.There is a grassed area between the prom and the road for ball games and picnics.They were setting up a small putting course and there were buckets and spades for sale but nothing else.No great temptations for children.And there are clean toilets.We had lunch in the only pub/hotel on this side and then went to Conway.

This is Conway Castle from the car.

We parked and went down by the harbour.It was quite busy with lots of people taking boat trips either up the river to get views of Snowdonia or out to sea to see the coast.

What are all the people on the left of the photo doing?They are catching crabs!You could buy a bucket,a line and some bait all for £3.

We are so lucky to have all this so close to home.We were back home by 3.30pm full of sea air and a lovely lunch.

Ruthin Craft Centre.

2011-07-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided to visit Ruthin craft Centre.It is only 10 miles away,a lovely run with breathtaking views into the Vale of Clwyd.
The picture on the cover is a tapestry done by JillyEdwards

Another woven piece.
Jilly Edwards is one of the UK's leading tapestry weavers.She is renowned for her use of colour and tje way her pieces look like paintings.The whole exhibition was stunning.

There also works by ceramicists.This one by Anna Lambert.

A third exhibition was by Eleri Mills.I didn't take to her work really.Not my kind of thing.

The craft centre is quite small but they have had lots of schools visiting and there was fourth exhibition of work that had inspired the schoolchildren.

This was my ice cream-coffee- from our visit to Parkgate on the Wirral this afternoon.You have to have an ice cream(or fish and chips) if you visit Parkgate.Everyone is eating one or the other!!

We are trying to keep busy until C's op but straying far from home just in case there are complications.We feel a bit in limbo as this next hospital visit is hanging over us.

I have abandoned my Ifigenia shawl until I can clear my head and concentrate.

An update.

2011-07-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

C came home on Monday but now has to wait for an operation.He is classed as "urgent" but as three out of the four urologists are on holiday it will probably be six weeks. so bang goes our French holiday in September.He is very upbeat about it all and has been to his Philosophy group this afternoonIt is totally beyond me but he loves it.
Sarah had her diabetic appointment this afternoon and has been reassured she will live beyond 50(remember last time's fiasco)!
I have bought the latest Posh Yarn shawl kit but am completely daunted by it.I can't even cast it on!I will not be beaten I promise you!I also need to get some socks cast on.I like to have some socks on the go but fancy a different pattern(a job for this evening).
I have now done and crocheted together 150 squares from Jane Brocket's latest book using all left over wool and it looks great.
I just thought I would mention what our son and his family are doing for their holiday in case any of you fancied the idea.They have exchanged their house in Cambridge for two weeks with a couple who work in Barcelona but have a holiday flat with a pool by the beach which is where they are..It is within walking distance of a supermarket so they havn't had to hire a car.I had a text from him this morning saying they had taken the local bus intoTarragona.When you have three children package holidays are just too expensive.They booked cheap air tickets into Barcelona and that is there only cost.Last year they did the same in northern France.

Catch up time.

2011-07-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

We had a brilliant holiday in Croatia.We were staying in a hotel just a 10 minute bus ride from Dubrovnik old town.The flights were on time,the hotel was great and we loved the place itself.
This is the view of Dubrovnik seen when you go up in the cable car.

It is not big but has lots of streets like this.

A cool place to shelter from the sun and listen to some music.

This is taken from the coach window on our way back to the airport.We actually visited this island.It has an interesting botanical garden.

I have lots more photographs but no time.We came back on Sunday and landed at Manchester airport in torrential rain.
We were on a high .We had had a brilliant holiday but then in the early hours of Wednesday morning C woke up and found he coudn't pass urine.He was in agony so it was straight to A&E.We were there 2 hours before they catheterised him to relieve the pain and then 3 hours until they could find him a bed and there he has been since.He is on different medications for 48 hours and then they will see if the problem has been solved.If not,it is probably surgery.I went back to visit last night and this afternoon.Our daughter has gone tonight and I will do both tomorrow.By the time I get back from afternoon visiting I only have an hour here and then it is time to go back.

So our wonderful holiday seems a lifetime ago.

comments

2011-07-09T06:34:00.000-07:00

I have found that I can't leave comments on certain blogs.The only way round it is to not tick the "stay signed in" box.It is a nuisance having to sign in each time but it does solve the problem(just in case anyone else has it).
just about to leave for manchester airport.We havn't been on a package holiday for years and I feel very stressed sorting out luggage weight,hand luggage etc.I'm used to just throwing everything into the car!
The netbook is being left at home!

It's coming along nicely.

2011-07-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

I decided to follow Sarah's(Knit along with me) advice and crochet the squares together.I still have another 50 to add and some wool left.I do feel I have got rather addicted to making them!Other things are being neglected like housework.

Family things have settled down but we are still very worried about our daughter.I think the consultant saying to her last September about only living to 50 has had a profound effect on her.She sees him again in three weeks so C is going with her.Let's hope someone can convince her he didn't mean it and as long as she looks after her diabetes she will live a long life.Once these ideas are planted in your mind it is hard to get rid of them.

We are off on our travels again on Sunday.We are having a week in Croatia staying just outside Dubrovnik.I just wish I wasn't so worried about Sarah.Before that I have the dreaded mammogram coming up on Friday.

Also I think I got caught speeding yesterday.I was only doing 31 or 32 mph but Flintshire has zero tolerance!I am waiting for post to arrive.

My latest little project.

2011-06-30T11:49:00.001-07:00

This is one of the projects I took to France.It is a pattern from Jane Brocket's The Gentle Art of Knitting.It takes about 20 minutes to do a square.The plan is to use up all my odd bits of wool from blanket clubs etc.(I just can't throw it away).

This just a few of them.Each one is exciting.You are never quite sure how they will look until you put the border on.

I have done quite few-over a 100!can you imagine how long it is going to take me to sew them all together.

This is my next project-making wacky tea cosies for everyone for xmas.

I also took a 2ply shawl to France which I finished but havn't blocked yet.Photo later.I knitted one sock between La Rochelle in france and home.

I have had a pretty awful week.When my children were growing up they were very close to my brother's four children.our son and his family are coming up here in the summer and I thought it would be a good idea to get everyone together.They all have children now so it would be a big gathering.Both my two were very keen but it has been met with little enthusiasm by P's lot.I intended us to meet half way but my niece wanted it to be a picnic in a park by her,(her sons would only come if the local football team were playing away),another niece couldn't come but has sent me some pretty awful e mails suggesting I re read her messages etc and generally not a nice tone to them.One nephew has not even answered my e mails.The other one is the only one that was "quite " keen.So ,I have decided not to bother.What i thought was a good idea has severely backfired on me and left a nasty taste in my mouth.Families!

Then to cap off an awful week my SIL had a word with that he thinks our daughter is depressed.it seems she was in tears last night saying she couldn't cope etc ,etc.We have seen her this afternoon and although she wasn't her usual bubbly self she didn't seem too bad.He says she is putting on a brave face for us.I really don't know what to do for the best.Suggesting she goes to the doctors might make things even worse.

Sorry to have gone on .

We're back from France.

2011-06-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Actually we have been back over a week but we have been so busy.We had a full day trip to Dudmaston Hall near Bridgnorth with our Art Appreciation Group.It houses great collection of modern and contemporary art plus wonderful sculptures in the garden.We had a night out on Thursday with a gang of our local friends then Friday is was off up the M56 to meet up with 5 of my college friends and their husbands.We meet twice a year and it is amazing after all this time( I won't say how long!) that we are all still alive and with the same partners.Saturday morning saw my brother in law coming to stay until today.He spends most of his time in Kenya but also has a UK base in Newcastle on Tyne.Sarah and family came over on Sunday to join us.So it has been pretty hectic dealing with all this and trying to catch up with mail,washing ,garden etc.
We had a good time in France.The weather was mixed but not the rain we expected.In fact, no rain until the last day.We are off to Croatia on July 10th for a week.The first package holiday we have done in years.I'd better get together another set of books.Any recommendations?

Away for two weeks.

2011-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

We are off to France tomorrow for two weeks.Folkestone tomorrow night,taking in Knole(NT) on the way.It is an awful journey for us from here in North Wales.We have to cope with traffic!!Friday night will be in Chartres staying at the Ibis right by the cathedral.Then off to Ballan near to La Rochelle for two weeks.I have just looked at the weather and basically it is going to rain,rain,rain.Let's hope it doesn't last for two weeks.I have a pile of books,CDs,cross stitch,knitting,puzzles etc.

Two gardens

2011-05-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

Two gardens in two days and what a contrast.Today we visited Eaton Hall garden just outside Chester.Eaton Hall is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.He used to be regarded as the richest man in England and this is his place.They open the gardens three times a year for charity.This is the courtyard.

The chapel.

This is the view back to the house.It isn't the nicest looking house but has been improved by putting a pitched roof on replacing the original flat one.

There were smaller lakes and in the distance a huge lake.Just look at these sculptures!

This is the Dragon Garden and pond.

The building on the left hosts the Camellia Walk but it was past its best.How about this in your garden?

Beautiful flowers.Many varieties of iris.

Superb peonies.

There is a fab exhibition of carriages.You can just imagine getting into these in a novel.

This is a magnificent state carriage.

So that was Eaton Hall today.I forgot to mention the walled kitchen garden.really interesting.It was £5 to go in,all going to charity.It is well worth a visit.It is open again on 24th July and the 28th August.

In contrast yesterday we visited a garden open under the NGS scheme.A private garden on a housing estate.Such a surprise to go through the side gate and see all this.

This is a hen house.

Looking down the garden.

A little hut for the children to play in.

This was the owner's piece de resistance.His own Bothy at the bottom of the garden.A log fire was burning,a stained glass window installed,two armchairs and a selection of beers.What else could a man/woman want.

Another garden tomorrow?Maybe.I love looking round gardens.

Help.Problems!

2011-05-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am having problems posting comments on some blogs.It just keeps returning me to signing in,I sign in ,type my message,press post comment and it goes back to signing in again and so it goes on.I can't find any help on blogger.Has anyone else had this problem and what do I do?

message for Kathy

2011-05-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

Kathy-I have tried five times to leave a comment on your blog but I can't make it work so I hope you read this.Regarding your last post I think you have been amazing over the last year.I have followed your blog and you have been so positive.Not long until half term and then a summer holiday without daily visits to Clatterbridge.Enjoy.

What a relief

2011-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Mike had his appointment yesterday and it was good news.They had thought the tumour was attached to his carotic artery but the detailed scan has shown it is not.it is around it but not attached.Also they don't think it is growing because it is not releasing hormones.So they are not doing anything just monitoring.We are so relieved because surgery would have been risky.I got up this morning feeling such a load had been lifted.

Today's distraction-Conway

2011-05-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had a trip to Conway today.Conway Castle was built for English King Edward 1 between 1283 and 1287 and is now a World Heritage site.It has 8 towers and is very impressive.

look the other way from the castle and this is the view.

A huge sculpture of mussells!!

We then went and had a pub lunch.We need distracting this weekend as our son in law has his appointment at Christies on Monday when they will discuss what they are going to do about his brain tumour.It is crunch time.We are all very anxious and he has only been given 3 days notice of the appointment suggesting an air of urgency.I am so worried.We will go over and look after 3yr old Ruby so Sarah can go with him..They are due to go on holiday next weekend.

My Spriteling shawl

2011-05-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's finished!At long last.It wasn't the easiest thing I have ever done but I did enjoy the mystery

I can't believe that I went to an exhibition at The Lowry in Salford(Greater Manchester) yesterday and didn't take any photographs.There were 400 paintings,sketches,pencil drawings,water colours etc all by L.S.Lowry.They have gathered things from private collections which have never been seen in public before.it was brilliant.Too much to take in really.We went on our way back from visiting my stepmother in Bolton who starts radiotherapy today .I also dropped in on a friend I hadn't seen for 15 years.She nearly had a heart attack seeing me on her doorstep.We exchange xmas cards and news.It was just as thought I had seen her last week.Lovely.We plan to meet up again soon now she has retired.

She's bereft.I'm bereft!

2011-05-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago C decided he would cut down the ivy which relentlessly was always racing towards the guttering at the back of the house.He sawed the bottom main stems off and then noticed he was being watched.A blackbird sat on a nest.She was unpeturbed by all the sawing and shaking.Work was stopped.We decided she was a single mother because there was no sign of Mr Blackbird.She sat and sat and sat.Eventually the eggs hatched and Mr Blackbird returned and they shared the feeding between them.It has been fascinating watching,seeing three little beaks getting bigger and higher in the nest.And then this morning they were gone.She has spent all day walking up and down the lawn, stopping and listening.We presume they have just flown the nest.Does anyone know if she will come back to the same nest again and have another brood?Our interest now shifts to another nest in the ivy round the corner of the house.There we have a wren's nest which is very exciting.

Hmm-that's interesting!

2011-05-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Our daughter and granddaughter were over today for hair cutting.The lovely Rachel comes to our house and deals with the three of us.After lunch we popped out and on coming back onto the drive a little voice (Ruby aged 3) was heard to say " hmm-that's interesting",her very words!She thought the three flowers above were all the same plant.I think that is quite good for three.We had to explain about the different plants and they had different leavesShe doesn't start school until Sept 2012 which is such a shame.She can already read a dozen words,write her name ,do one to one counting to ten and hold very adult conversations.We think she is very bright but we might be biased!.Unfortunately since then the flowers have been battered by rain.I should have taken the photo at the time.Such a shame.
On Saturday Ruby was presented with a certificate and a £10 Hobbycraft voucher for coming a runner up in an art competition held in Cheshire.650pictures were entered and Ruby came in the top 15.Her photo is going to be in Cheshire Life magazine.On Sunday Emily,6,was presented with her medal and certificate for passing her ballet exam.We went along to this-3 hours of little ones doing their exam pieces with some Zumba thrown in.Em was in her element doing ballet and two lots of Zumba.Sarah was a very proud Mum this weekend(and we were proud grandparents).Yesterday saw us going to our Social History group to hear the county Archeologist (that doesn't look right)talk about hill forts in our area.Very interesting.The afternoon saw me having coffee with a friend and C going to his French Conversation group.
Craft wise-I am up to date with my Spriteling Shawl KAL-its not perfect',my Debbie Abraham Blanket project and myJane Crowfoot Crochet Blanket.I have knitted about 12" of a cashmere scarf which will be Xmas present for a close friend and am part way through a pair of socks.I have treated myself to Jane Brocket's new book-The Gentle Art of Knitting,hoping there will be some interesting things to make.her books are always lovely.

can anyone help me?

2011-05-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Can anyone help me and tell me how to upload photos in one go and not individually?Also (see my latest blog) how to stop huge gaps between photos.It looks so silly.Apologies!!

What a beautiful garden!

2011-05-01T06:29:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we decided we would risk the traffic and visit Bodnant Gardens near Conway in N.Wales,about a 45 minute drive from our house.It is a 5o acre garden with views towards Snowdonia.Bodnant was only the second garden to be given to the National Trust(Hidcote was first)without a house.It was donated in 1949 by Henry McLaren and is still managed by the Aberconways.

A new Head Gardener was appointed six years ago and has done lots of new planting like the tulips and cherries above.

The herbaceous border to the right has also had lots of new plants.

BUT this what Bodnant is famous for-its azaleas and rhodedendrons.They are magnificent and have to be seen at this time of year.The azaleas in our garden are just coming out so we knew we had to go soon.We are so glad we did.

The Aberconways house can be seen in the background.

Yellow paeonies.

You go down into a narrow valley with a stream running through and enormously tall trees and of course azaleas and rhodos.

It truly is wonderful.

here I am taking a rest and taking it all in with huge orange euphorbias in front of me.

I can well recommend a visit if you are in the area.next time I'll photograph more areas of the garden because there is lots more to see!!

HAPPY EASTER

2011-04-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

HappyEaster.The sun is shining and we are having a quiet day.We have never made a big thing of Easter as our daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was four and from then on Easter eggs were off limits for her.
I am sure lots of you will be having big family get togethers in this glorious weather.Enjoy.

Thank you

2011-04-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

Sarah-thank you for my Easter card and gift.It really brightened my day.I must say I am enjoying this wonderful weather.Our son and his family are on holiday in Devon for a week.How lucky they are with the weather.
We have spent quite a lot of time in the garden and it looks better than it has done for a while.we have put golden gravel on the patio and today treated ourselves to two huge pots and a cordyline and a phormium to go in them.
We went to see the film Black Swan last Friday.How depressing.We wished we hadn't bothered.yesterday was a gallery visit for Art Appreciation,tomorrow is Reading Group-The Long Song by Andrea Levy,Friday is a theatre visit-Journey's End and then a quiet Easter weekend.Here in North Wales we stay off the roads when it is a holiday weekend!!
P.S.Just have to mention I had two of my reviews published in Newbooksmag this month.It feels quite good to see your name in print.I don't get paid,just keep the book.

Mystery Kal

2011-04-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

I have signed up for the Spriteling Mystery KAL.I must be mad because I am already in two blanket clubs.BUT I need distracting at the moment.My step mother had a malignant tumour removed from her bladder two weeks ago.She is 84 but has never been ill in her life,never taken antibiotics and is very acive.She was told yesterday that they hav'nt got it all and she can opt either for 6-8 hour op to remove the bladder and then she would be catheterised for ever or four weeks /5 days per week of radiotherapy.She has opted for this. Our son in law had a CT scan on his brain last Monday to finally decide what they are going to do about his brain tumour,whether to operate or not.He is Daddy to a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old.The results will be with his consultant on Monday and then we just have to wait until the multidisciplinary team meets and discusses it. So you can see why I need distracting and keeping busy.Off to the cinema tonight to see Black Swan. So you can see why I need distracting!

Cambridge again

2011-04-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

We were back in Cambridge again last week.Ella finished school a week before her brothers so we were asked could we go and look after her(and it turned out a friend too!!).We visited Trinity College(above) and were persuaded by the porter to visit the Wren Library which is open to the public and we were so glad we did.It was completed in 1695 to the design of Christopher Wren.Famous past pupils include Isaac Newton.Most of his library is here,plus his writings and diagrams,his walking stick and even a lock of his hair.A.A.Milne attended Trinity and his manuscripts for Winnie the Pooh,House at Pooh Corner and others can be seen.There were medieval manuscripts to see.It was really interesting.A hidden gem.

Across from Trinity St Johns can be seen and of course,people punting.

This is Christs College.

On our last morning we decided to take Ella to the Orchard tea Rooms at Grantchester.A group of students asked Mrs Stevenson of Orchard House(pictured above in 1910). whether she would serve them tea in the orchard.This was in 1897 and that started a great Cambridge tradition and it became a popular venue.You could punt there from Cambridge.In order to supplement income the Stevensons took in lodgers and in 1910 it was Rupert Brooke.Friends came to visit and became known as the Grantchester Group and spent much of their time here.

From l to r-E.M.Forster,Rupert Brooke,Wittgenstein,Bertrand Russell,Augustus John,Keynes and Virginia Woolf.

The Stevensons' publicity card.1910.

Ella sat enjoying the sun(and scones,clotted cream and jam).You sit in the orchard in deckchairs.Bliss!

This is the original tearoom.As you can see ,nothing grand at all but alive with tradtion.

Do visit if you are in the Cambridge area.

A trip to York

2011-03-31T11:49:00.001-07:00

We decided to have a couplpe of days in York Oh dear!!Typical!York Minster on its side.Just turn your head to one side.I suppose this is the most famous building in York.We only went into the entrance because they wanted £9 a head to go in.I would make a donation but not pay that much.

From there we went to the Treasurer's house.Frank Green owned this house from 1897 and created 13 different rooms from four centuries of history.He gave the house to the National Trust in 1930.He cared about it so much that he threatened to return and haunt it if any of the furniture was moved. This what we really went to York for.To see David Hockney's Bigger Trees Near Warter.It is huge-the size of a side of a house.it is the biggest painting hockney has ever produced.Measuring 12 x 4 metres it is made up of 50 different canvases which show a scene near the east Yorkshire villafe of Warter.he painted each canvas,photographed it and put it on a grid on the computer.it really is amazing and so audacious to attempt such a progress.We could see faults but overall it is very impressive and well worth a visit.

This is only a postcard.photos were not allowed.

This is where we stayed.Lady Anne Middleton's Hotel.It is a collection of six listed buildings including Skeldergate House which a hospital in the 17th C.It was originally built as a refuge for 20 widows of the Freemen of York.There is also an old organ factory,Cromwell Hous

e,Chaplin House,two Joseph terry cottage and 56,Skeldergate which is an old town house built in the18thC.There is accomodation in all those buildings and it just yards south of the river right in the centre.We just parked the car and walked everywhere. On the way to York we decided to visit Fountains Abbey.We had never been before and were duly impressed.It is magnificent and we were so glad we visited.

The Cloisters.

We just had two nights in York.We are home until Sunday when we are off to Cambridge to look after our 11 yr old granddaughter who finishes school a week before her brothers.

Anglesey Abbey and Prince Charles

2011-03-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday evening we had a phone call from our son in Cambridge asking if we could go down for a couple of days to help out.His wife works in HR part time and they were having to make people redundant.It was all going to be very stressful and involve long hours.They have three children all in different schools in different locations in Cambridge so off we went.
Having delivered the children we then had the day free and decided to go to see the Winter Garden at Anglesey Abbey.It was featured on Gardeners World last Friday.

We have seen it before but wanted to go again.We thought it was busy in the car park but put it down to it having been on tv.We walked through the silver birches(above) which are spectacular and then the cornus,again amazing.We saw loads of hellebores,snowdrops,scillas etc The lovely bark on this silver birch and then we saw two policemen.We had also seen in the ticket offfice lots of photographers.We got chatting to the police and asked what was going on.They seemed very surprised that we didn't know Prince Charles was visiting(opening British tourist week or something).At this moment we could hear a helicopter and see it landing in an adjacent field.

We strolled but were stopped by garden staff and told to wait a minute and through a side access to the garden appeared Prince Charles(see bottom photo).There were about a dozen of us and he shouted across "so good of you to come and see me" !!!!Most people were by the Abbey waiting to see him.He then went to the mill and finally to the Abbey and we could get on with our walk.

Our second day in Cambridge we visited the Fitzwilliam Museum and Art gallery and walked in some college grounds.

Back home on Wednesday lunchtime and then two hours later off to our daughter's as it was her birthday and we were invited to the party tea.Dancing and games followed.Book group this morning and off to see Ballet Rambert at Theatr Clwyd this evening.Whoever said retirement was dull!!!

I thought Spring was here...

2011-03-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

but it has been very cold here in North Wales today.Isn't this Hellebore gorgeous?I love the colour.I have a clump of them in the front garden.

I planted this pot up months ago.Every time we had a severe frost they drooped and wilted and I thought that was it and they were gone.But no ,each time they bounced back and are still going.

These are very pretty anemone blanda.They are quite a deep blue,much bluer than the camera has shown them.I was told years ago that they get paler every year and eventually end up white but mine havn't and they have spread.

So there are some signs of spring but not in the temperature today!

How cute is this?

2011-03-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is my youngest granddaughter dressed as Fifi (Fifi and the flower tots TV prog).She had to go to nursery dressed up for World Book Day on Thursday.Her sister,Emily, went as Angelina ballerina in a

tutu but by the time I had got the camera out she had changed into her leotard ready for ballet.Mum,a teacher,went as Burglar Bill.

A good time was had by all!

Happy St David's Day

2011-03-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy St David's Day from North Wales.Lots of people wearing daffodils today and children in Welsh costume.We live by Ysgol Glanrafon which is a Welsh language primary school.I have tried learning Welsh.I did two years but it is very,very difficult.I have doneFrench,German,Italian and Spanish in the past but Welsh is far more difficult to pronounce and learn.I am not welsh but have lived here since my twenties so really feel part of Wales

We love living here and would never move!We have beautiful scenery both coastal and mountainous,have Chester 20 minutes away and it's not too far to Manchester and Liverpool for airports.

Some of my recent purchases.

2011-02-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

I bought this last week in a place where there are lots of little stalls/displays.(Lady Heyes at Frodsham).I thought it was quite pretty and as you can see I didn't pay much for it.(nb their spelling of brooch!).I have a display cabinet that is fairly tatty but my Grandfather made it and so I can't get rid of it.It is in a corridor at the back of the house.I have a collection of Midwinter crockery in there,some old embroidered teacloths,Coronation mugs etc.I bought this,immediately lost it but thankfully found it again this morning(after going through the bins twice and then discovering it was where I thought I had put it!)

This another purchase this week from the British Heart Foundation charity shop.I think it is so pretty.The cost-£2.50.

At this point I would love someone to tell me why some photos go on their side!Help please.
As I have blogged before i have a new hobby of collecting old postcards.They are cheap to buy and to post but are a wonderful source of social history.

This one says"How's good old Dartmouth?I'm

sure you miss me very much!

Thanks so much for my

pretty garters-what a shame

frocks are longer I shan't have t

the chance of showing them!!

but I will do my best!

May 1931 bring all that is

good to you

with love Smithy(?)

It is addressed to a Miss Dedman c/o N.U.W.T Conference.(? National Union of Women Teachers)

This is one of my oldest cards ,bought this week on ebay.It is dated 1900 and has Queen Victoria stamp.At this time only the address could be on one side.Any writing on the other.This changed in 1904(I have learn't so much).The picture is Constable's Flatford Mill.This it seems was common to give access to the public to works of art.

Finally ,I have some children/comic cards including some Mabel Lucie Attwell.I thought I had picked one of those but it isn't.

So,I hope you like my purchases of the week and all very cheap but give me so much pleasure.

I'm still cycling!

2011-02-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

We bought an exercise bike 5 or 6 weeks ago.Everyone said that the novelty would soon wear off but I have to say that there have only been a couple of days when I havn't been on it.Those were days whenI had probably done a walk.Today is is grey and bitterly cold so not a day to be out and about.At first I read to relieve the boredom but have now taken to listening to the radio.On a Sunday I usually listen to Open Book with Mariella Fostrup at 4 o'clock.I thought Sarah Dunant was on today so started cycling at 4pm and just kept going.I must have got it wrong because she wasn't on but before I knew it I had done 5 miles.Unfortunately I havn't lost any weight but my legs and tum are much firmer and my walking is much,much better.

Snowdrops

2011-02-15T11:13:00.001-08:00

I love snowdrops.There is place local to us where the snowdrops are spectacular.They are in the grounds of an old house but you can see them over the wall.We took our daughter to see them yesterday(it was soooo cold) but they were a bit disappointing this year.

Can you see them in the background in the sunlight.Normally they cover the whole area.In our garden this year we have had very few snowdrops,probably a quarter of what we normally have.Has anyone else noticed this?Is it a bad year?

This is in the same spot.I love the reflections.

I had this parcel of bamboo yarn this.The flash has made it look shinier than it is.It is called "sea green" and is gorgeous,so soft.It is from Allison at Sugar Hippo Luxury Handpainted Yarn.Look her up on folksy.She has some great yarn.

Erddig

2011-02-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

This where we went yesterday.I forgot the camera.Typical.So this is a postcard.Erddig is just outside Wrexham in north Wales about half an hour from our house.We are buying our daughter and son in law National Trust membership as a joint birthday present so went along to Erddig to do it.The house isn't open yet but the grounds are and it was a beautiful day.The house is fascinating.It is an early 18th century country house showing typical upstairs/downstairs life.It is well worth a visit when it opens from March 12th.We had a lovely walk round the grounds,in glorious sunshine.Today it is grey and wet.Roll on the summer.
I have just realised that i havn't blogged this week so havn't reprted back on our trip to Birmingham.We really enjoyed Think Tank.I don't think it was huge surprise to Matt that we were there.We had a lovely meal in Pizza Express,put the children to bed,left Ella in charge of the boys and then we went and had a lovely chat in the bar.Sarah and family joined us on Sunday in Sealife and then we had a wonderful meal in Cielo's Italian restaurant,all 11 of us.Wednesday was Matt's actual birthday.He had a day off work ,a real treat for him.We had bought hom lots of memorabilia from his birth year and money for bass guitar lessons.Will he ever grow up.A great weekend was had by all.

New blanket yarn/unfinished projects

2011-02-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

Before I start can I apologise for all my photos being sideways on.I havn't a clue what has happened.It takes so long to upload them I can't face starting again so here goes.

Above are the contents of package number 2 for the Debbie Abraham's blanket.Lovely colours again and the patterns look quite a challenge but before I do that I must finish.....

A cardigan in cotton for Ruby-one sleeve and one front to do.I suppose this could wait but I know if I put it away it will get forgotten.

Only this done on a pair of socks.Can you pick out the spiral pattern?It is so easy but really looks quite effective.This some 4 ply wool I had in my stash and feels quite hard compared to specialised sock wool.

This another pair of socks on the go.The pattern is Spring Forward and the yummy yarn is Posh Yarn sock wool.

If anyone can tell me what to do about photos turning on their side when they are correct in the camera,I would appreciate it.Also any quicker ways of loading photos.

I have been ten pin bowling today.Great fun.And I have done 4k on the bike but I am putting weight on!!

Tomorrow- coffee in the morning with a close friend.A talk by the conservation officer of Loggerheads Country Park in the afternoon and then up the M56 to meet up with 5 college friends(and it is a long,long time since I was in college!!)plus their husbands and mine.We meet twice a year in the same pub people travelling from all over Lancashire,Cheshire and North Wales.

Saturday we are off to Birmingham to meet up with our son and his family.He has a special birthday next week,overnight in a hotel and on Sunday our daughter and family join us.It will be a good break for Matt as he has been working incredible hours on the new newspaper "i".Have you seen it?

The pier is such a sad sight

2011-01-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

We woke up to cloudy skies but the forecast suggested if we went west it would be better so a trip to Colwyn Bay was on the cards.Blue skies when we got there but very,very cold!This is looking over to Rhos on Sea

The pier is such a sad sight.It opened in 1900 and at one time had a theatre seating 600 on there.Over the years it has had several fires,various owners and is just derelict at the moment.Its current owner has been declared bankrupt.However I have just been reading on the internet that a group with the help of the local council are hoping to restore it.They are hoping for lottery funding amonst other things.That would be so good.I came home feeling really sad about it but now feel more optimistic.

Can you spot the oystercatcher?There were loads on the beach but too far away.

In my last post I was saying about having a review printed.This morning's post brought me a novel to review by 15thFeb.It is not in paperback format but on A4 spirally bound,not the easiest to read on my exercise bike(my knees are sooooo much better).I have to read Sister for my W&H reading group by 11th Feb.Today's by the 15th and Half of a Yellow Sun for my U3A reading group on the 20th.Don't know how I am going to do it.

review in print

2011-01-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

I subscribe to a magazine called newbooksmag which is for readers and reading groups.I volunteered to be a reviewer and every so often you get sent a book to read and review.Not all reviews get printed but my last one was and there is something good about seeing your name in print.I am also in two reading groups so sometimes I do feel "help,I've too much to read .I want to knit/crochet".It's a good job I'm retired!
Following on from yesterday's post I managed 6k on the bike last night and again this afternoon.I have only had the bike for a week but already feel much better and fitter.

My new toy!

2011-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have treated myself to an exercise bike.I have had trouble with my back over the last few weeks so Iwent to see a physio.She diagnosed an injury to a ligament in my lower back which she thought was caused by me favouring my better knee over the other one.I need to build the muscles up and hate just doing exercises so I thought a bike might be the answer.I have had two replacement knees in the past two years and had my check up at the hospital last Thursday.I am their star patient.They are amazed at the range of movement I have and my walking is great but only when it isn't slippy underfoot.I take my book on the bike and cycle away.A couple of chapters and I have done three kilometres and burned some calories,not many ,but a few.

I am doing two blanket clubs at the moment,one crochet and one knitting.This is keeping me busy but I am learning so much.I will put some photos on here when the light is better and I can show you my progress.
Yesterday my daughter came over in the morning with Emily and they went ,with C,to Theatr Clwyd to see "Mole in a Hole".(I had to pass because of my back).The company is called Oily Cart and is based in London.It was done in the smaller of the two theatres .In the performing area they had erected a yurt(the mole hole) in one half and limited the audience to 50.All three of them came home amazed at the experience.It was advertised for 3-6 yr olds.Emily is 5.There were snails trails,waterfall,puppets and lots of interaction.It has been here for 10 days and was fully sold out.We booked tickets in September.If it comes to your area find a 5 yr old and have a great experience.I just hope it isn't one of those subsidised companies that it is going to lose out with budget cuts.They are based in Wandsworth and do lots of work with severely disabled and autistic children as well as their touring productions.
The afternoon saw our SIL and Ruby joining us .We all had a walk at our favourite Loggerheads followed by hot chocolate in the cafe.
I think it is time for a chapter or two of Trespass by Rose Tremain and a cycle on the bike.

My birthday

2011-01-17T09:03:00.001-08:00

It was my birthday yesterday and it was a really special day.C and I went out for a meal on Saturday night which was lovely.Sunday we were invited to our daughter's for tea.
It was bad day weatherwise with torrential rain so no out door activities were possible.I have a new hobby which is collecting vintage postcards,birthday cards,xmas cards etc.I mainly buy on the internet but decided a visit to some antique emporia might be a good idea.Before that we went to Bridgemere garden centre.Can you believe how busy a garden centre can be in January!!Lunch there and then onto Dagfields.It was still pouring down but we dashed from building to building and I managed to buy some postcards.
Then it was off to Sarah's where the little girls were dressed in their party frocks.We played games,had pass the parcel,lots of balloons and of course the dancing.We always have to have dancing!!Party food followed and then......

here comes the cake

Emily had chosen a Tinkerbell cake.I had a lovely time and S had gone to so much trouble.I had lots of presents as well.21 cards including one in Russian from a penfriend in Novosibirsk.

This was my present from our son and family in Cambridge.A Cath Kidston knitting bag.They phoned and sang Happy Birthday.

This a jewellery wrap that Sarah bought me which is so "Cath Kidston" but she bought it in the Cancer Research shop.A whole range they are selling.Must look out for them.

This was one my presents from C.I have already started one of the patterns.

I really count myself lucky and blessed to have such a loving and caring family who gave me a great day.

A trip out-Snowdonia

2011-01-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

A good forecast for today so having had quite a bit of snow here we would venture into Snowdonia.our first stop was Betws y Coed.This torrent of water was amazing.

Looking the other way from the bridge.

I managed to buy myself a great waterproof,windproof jacket
while stopped here.

What a disappointment.We had more snow in Mold!The view is still great though.

Looking towards Snowden.
It was soooo cold.

These were sheep pens at the edge of the lake.Lots of them,all made from stones.

Lunch then called but lots of places were closed.

We drove down towards Caernarvon and then via Bangor to Conway.This is Conway marina where we had lunch in the Mulberry pub.There is a very interesting story from the war about this area,a story for another time.

So much money moored here.

Then onto Conway itself and it's magnificent castle.We also went to the art gallery in Conway.

Looking the other way downstream.

Then it was home and a nice cup of tea.A really nice day out and some good fresh air.

Yesterday I had my first Debbie Abraham's Blanket Club parcel.I just love the colours and it's cotton.

I have actually done the first square and am thrilled with it.I think this is going to be a good project.

My January "splash of colour"

2011-01-06T11:50:00.001-08:00

It doesn't look to bright on the photo but it is!I wish i could take you on a colour journey through this wonderful Cath Kidston book.It was a Xmas present from my daughter in law.It is full of so many stitching projects but how am I going to fit any in with my Debbie Abrahams blanket club about to start and in 2 weeks time the Crochet Blanket Club.Less housework I think(not that I do mch anyway).
I hope you like my "Splash of colour".

January 4th-a sad day.

2011-01-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

January the 4th is a sad day for me because it is the date when our first baby was born-stillborn.C should have gone walking today with his walking group but at the last minute decided not to go.He never remembers this day but I was glad he was around.It is many years ago and my big regret is that I never saw the baby ,you didn't in years gone by.You didn't even get a photo.He had multiple handicaps.It is a long and complicated story and I was treated very cruelly by medical staff.
So I decided we needed to get out of the house.Off to Parkgate on the Wirral for a brisk walk(one of my NY resolutions).It was really cold but blew the cobwebs away.Then I felt like an art gallery visit so we set off for the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight.Now C spent most of his working life on the Wirral as Science /General Inspector for the education authority and knows it "like the back of my hand".Not this morning.We did an incredibly tortuous route to get there but made it in the end and it was a bit of a nostalgia trip for him.We had lunch there and looked at the paintings.There was a special exhibition of Old Masters Drawings.My favourites are the Pre Raphaelites-Rossetti,Millais,Bourne Jones.
From there we popped into Chester to do a bit of a search for ideas for C to get me some books for my birthday next week.
Now we are back home and I am fine.Tomorrow is another day but I will never forget the little boy we never got to know.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone.Have you made NY resolutions?

I intend to lose some weight.

I hope to stay hospital free( having had a fairly big op last January and an emergency trip in October).

I intend to walk more.

We plan to take more holidays including a big one either to the USA or Russia.Some city breaks,Krakow being high on our list.A couple of trips to France and perhaps some short GB breaks.

Being retired one suddenly realises that you have to do these things NOW and not procrastinate.

We may also move house.

But most important of all I want to value and enjoy every single day.

A winter garden on our anniversary

2010-12-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

Today is our wedding anniversary so we decided to have a little trip out to Dunham Massey in Cheshire.It is a NT property and last year they opened their winter garden.We have been to the NT winter garden at Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge which is spectacular.The winter garden at dunham is in it's infancy and a little delayed by the recent severe weather.

Poor ducks scrabbling around on the ice.

I am sure this was even more spectacular a few days ago.

Red cornus alba stems.

Silver birches.

Hydrangeas and ?

An amazing tree.

The Well House.

We had a lovely trip out and then ate out locally tonight.Just settling down now to watch The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone.Hope you have a happy and healthy Xmas.

Above and below are the two hanks of yarn that were in my secret santa box.The one above has been hand dyed by Allison and is gorgeous.It is laceweight pure alpaca and in the most beautiful shades called Forest Fruits.Even C ,who shows little interest in yarn,said "wow that is lovely and so soft".Watch out other companies Sugar Hippo is one to watch.

The one below is fyberspates 4ply "forest".The photo doesn't do it justice.It is a lovely soft green.

How cute is this gingerbread house!

This has already been used when I took a sneaky afternoon nap to ready myself for 5 days of 5 grandchildren.

Also in the box were hand creams-very special- Burts Bees and some festive hand soap.

So thank you very much.I loved all the items but my favourite is the hand dyed alpaca.

secret santa

2010-12-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait any longer!Sarah and Allison had opened theirs so I thought why not open mine.Thank you so much -gorgeous yarn,hand cream,hand soap and more.Photos tomorrow.Now not going to Cambridge until Thursday.a lot of snow has been forecast for here overnight.
Hope you are feeling better Allison.

secret santa

2010-12-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

My Secret Santa box has arrived and it is huge.I can't wait to see what is inside but I am restraining myself until xmas day.We are anxiously watching the weather as we are off to Cambridge on Wednesday.The one thing I am dreading is freezing fog.Not too much snow here but it is bitterly cold.

Terry Pratchett Discworld

2010-12-16T11:38:00.001-08:00

Our not very stylish tree.We shall be away over xmas but I still like the tree up and leave the curtains open so passers by can see in.

More lights on the mantelpiece which is opposite the window and can also be seen.

I have finished one edging on my Debbie Abrahams blanket.You end up with 273 stitches on your needle and that is just one side.Three more to go.The 2011 blanket starts on Jan 1st so I had better get a move on!

Closer detail of the edging.It was rather daunting but does look good and will bring the whole blanket together.

It was my reading group this morning and the book we were discussing was Small Gods by Terry Pratchett.We had a good Q and A session but I didn't particularly enjoy the book.It was funny but not my kind of thing.Have you read any?

FRom there we went off to Bolton to meet my brother at my stepmother's to exchange presents.When we set off it was +4 o .Then it started dropping,right down to zero and as soon as we got there it started snowing and sticking.We quickly scurried back home but the forecast for the next two days is bad.Hopefully we will make it to Cambridge on Wednesday.

All the presents are wrapped!

2010-12-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Apart from C all the presents are bought and wrapped.Some friends of ours are moving house at the weekend and are bringing their wine collection,houseplants etc to our house tomorrow so I needed everything out of the way and in bags ready to go to their different destinations.
I have sent off my secret santa box and hope the recipient will enjoy opening it on Xmas Day.I shall cetainly keep mine for the big day.
We shall be in Cambridge and had booked to go out for Xmas dinner,12 of us.My son had an email yesterday to say they had decided not to do it.Fortunately they have managed to book somewhere else.Not easy for 12.My DIL would have been in a panic if we hadn't managed somewhere else as she is working until Xmas eve but we would have all joined in and helped but crisis over.

How exciting!

2010-12-09T11:22:00.001-08:00

How exciting.I won Kathy's giveaway(postcardsfromthepp).I thought it was just a book but is was a whole goody bag, all beautifully wrapped and a gorgeous handmade card.When I opened the first package(above) this lovely book was in it.I can't wait to read it.

There were lovely Christmassy things.

This photo decided to go side on!

And a candle and an owl to add to my collection.There was also a chocolate snowman,hot chocolate kit and some needles.I was so thrilled and so much thought had gone into it.Thank you so much Kathy.It made my day.It needed cheering because among the xmas post C had a tax demand for over £400.He is one of the losers in the inland revenue mistake.I hope I am not close behind.You work hard ,pay your taxes and then when you retire they tax your pension!Then they get it wrong and they want even more.

Hoar frost

2010-12-07T11:07:00.001-08:00

I havn't seen hoar frost like this for ages.This what I what I was talking about yesterday but I hadn't got the camera with me.Today we were off to Chester/Wirral again.Yesterday we were looking after Ruby while Sarah had tests for Addison's Disease at the hospital.We expected to look after Ru for an hour but it turned into three as they were running late,someone had a heart attack on the unit and the tests just took longer.What do you do with a three year old for three hours when it is minus 5!We went to a garden centre where we knew they would have toys out plus a cafe.We then went to a supermarket cafe for lunch.She is so good but never stops talking.We couldn't get a word in edgeways..Her favourite word of the day was "actually".She wanted to know in the garden centre toy area where the bike was.The assistant said they hadn't put it out this year.She had remembered from last year!!She was three a few weeks ago.S's husband had his appointment yesterday at Christies to find out what they were going to do about his brain tumour.They kept him waiting for 90 minutes and then told him the panel hadn't had time to discuss his case!You can well imagine he was furious.Mike is totally laid back and very calm but he lost his rag and insisted on seeing the professor which he did.The prof had the 2 registrars in and tore a strip of them ,in front of Mike,for getting him there and then nothing to tell him.They have promised he will hear in the next 2 weeks.I think the worry and the not knowing is getting to all of us.The only consolation is that they mustn't think it is high priority but we just want to know.I try to put it to the back of my mind but it is difficult.

More hoar frost pictures.

Some wintry scenes

2010-12-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken this afternoon about 5 minutes from our house.We had been to Chester this morning where the frost was amazing but I had no camera with me!We grabbed the camera when we got back and these are quite good at Loggerheads.

Llanferres.

Little jobs

2010-12-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

I find it very difficult to do little finishing off jobs.I finished a waistcoat for Emily and a jacket for me weeks ago but have just never got round to blocking them or sewing on the buttons.My Debbie Abrahams squares are finished but not joined together.This afternoon I switched on Radio 4 for Weekend Women's Hour and I got cracking.Ok the buttons aren't on but they are pressed and I havn't done the edging on the blanket but it is all in one piece.Things are moving forward.
I sat there thinking about all these lovely crafty blogs I read and how productive people are.I came to the conclusion that a lot of them are stay at home mums so have all day to themselves.I have all day to myself,being retired, but I have a husband who is here too.Now he isn't the kind of person who expects me to do things with him.We both have many different interests and hobbies but he is around!I never get a whole day to myself.I shouldn't complain as he does most of the cooking and he can iron too!!( but he's not very good at DIY.)
My latest project Ican't say much about as it is hopefully going in the Xmas box.

I'm off to Posh Yarns website now to see if I can spot some wool as Harrogate was so disappointing on that front.

Thank goodness....

2010-11-26T08:08:00.001-08:00

Thank goodness we decided not to go to Harrogate today.The other night I decided to check the hotel we were staying in( I am sure I had done it before).The recent reviews were awful!Syringes found in rooms,a bra in a bed,never anyone on Reception,doors not locked and people thought it was quite scary.C said we were not staying there.The only problem was I had gone past the cancellation time so I wasted £65.That decision having been made it meant we could go any day so a snap decision was made to go yesterday.It took us less than two hours to get there.I spent three hours in the show and spent a fortune.One thing I bought was the bookmark above.I thought I would do it for Sarah for Xmas,it having hearts on it.Michael Powell was actually selling his own stuff so it was good to meet him.Coming back took us longer because we had to get round Leeds and Manchester in the rush hour.

This is for the Xmas tree from a Canadian company

A new yarn to me.It makes fabulous scarves and comes in fabulous colours.

This was something I spotted.You can make lots of things with it.It's French knitting on a larger scale.I did buy other things but don't want to bore you.

Thank goodness we did go to Harrogate yesterday!It is snowing here and sticking!We live on a hill and any ice and snow we struggle.As it is we are sat here,hot chocolate in hand,watching the tennis,knitting on the go and feeling warm and toasty.

Sarah,Claire and Allison-I met Kerrie's( Hipknits) mum.I was so tempted to say all sorts of things!!

Xmas shopping

2010-11-24T11:22:00.000-08:00

Two days of xmas shopping!We still havn't finished.I like to do armchair browsing to cut down the choice but you still have to go and look and feel etc.Toysrus was one of our ports of call today.We bought two things.The man in front of us at the till spent£794!!We want to get the five grandchildren sorted out first and like to come up with our own ideas but they already have so much it is so difficult.Main presents are sorted.Then they will have a game and something to make.Three parcels each as we will all be together this year.Then it is the adults.......

Our granddaughter Emily is very excited about the Royal wedding as it is on her 6th birthday.It means a day off school but I sense a princess party coming up.

Two more visits to the theatre in the last week."Blackthorn" and "Ill Met by Moonlight".Both very good.Nothing else booked at the moment but we may go and see Dylan Thomas's "A Childs Christmas in Wales" if we can get tickets.

This Friday we should be going to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate but there is snow forecast.The plan is to set off on Friday morning and go via Skipton and the Dales and end up in Harrogate in a B&B which I have booked.I will go into the show and C will do his Xmas shopping and we will head back late afternoon on Saturday.I havn't been for a number of years because of my knee ops so I shall be so disappointed if we don't make it.

Sarah has had a good couple of days,less nausea and as a result feeling better in herself.

Any ideas of what I can get my OH for Xmas welcomed.It is his birthday on Dec 11th as well.

Two theatre visits in one week.

2010-11-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday evening we went to see the Richard Alston Dance Company and it was brilliant.They did three pieces-Movements from Petrushka.The music was by Stravinsky played on a grand piano.The second was Out of the Strong.The music Piano Concerto No.6 by Prokofiev again played live on piano.The third was Shuffle it Right danced to Hoagy Carmichael music.All three were really good.Dance is really well supported at Theatr Clwyd and it was almost full.

On Saturday morning we went to the other extreme and took our two granddaughters to Charlie and Lola!Ruby has never been to the theatre before and we thought she may freak out as it was in the main auditorium.She sat on my knee and in the first half kept sneaking the odd kiss but both of them were totally engrossed.Every detail was related to M and D later.We didn't think it was particularly good but what do we know.The kids all loved it.

The weekend ended with Ruby's third birthnday today.See her in all her finery surrounded by all the remnants of present opening.We just went along for a party tea.The main party had been at a play barn yesterday.S coped really well and does seem to be on the mend.Me,I'm ready for a soak in the bath and a few chapters of Jane Austen's Persuasion which I have to read by Thursday.

Update on Sarah

2010-11-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on S.she had an appointment with her GP this morning.Her husband was supposed to be going into work late.he had told Em he would take her to school.He took Ru to nursery and then went to work!!Completely forgot.It was only when he opened his diary in work he realised.He raced back and got there just as she was about to go in.She was so furious that he had let her down by not being there for her and letting Em down she went in on her own.Men!!The GP was very sympathetic and has changed her medication and reduced the dose.He wants to see her again next week and if she is still nauseous they will go back to the old regime.It seems she got very upset and he again will see how that is next week and if she is still low will consider anti depressants or talking therapy but she said to him "I don't need that.I have got my mum".She thought at one point he was going to give her a hug!We then met up in Chester.She wanted a top to wear over xmas.She tried on loads but I eventually treated her to 2 tops in M&S.She fitted into size 14 and they both looked great.I think she was amazed and that will have done her a load of good for her self esteem.She was very tearful all day but I think she will come out of it.Fingers crossed.

Worries about our daughter and my new car.

2010-11-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

This my new car.Well,it isn't new.It's a 57 reg but it has only done 15,000 miles.Previously I had a C3 but it was 7 years old and we knew we would have to spend on it for the MOT.It really is an indulgence running two cars now we are retired but C and I have different interests and are often going in opposite directions.So we opted for this Toyota Aygo.£20 road tax and very economical.The trouble is I am not sure I like it!It sounds like sewing machine on wheels.I daren't admit to C I am not too sure.I will get used to it but I did love my C3.

On a more serious note.We are very worried about our daughter.She is a Type 1 diabetic and has been since she was three.She is now 38.A few weeks ago she changed hospitals and consultant.The new one made some comment to s that she would only live to 50.He has since withdrawn this and says she miscostrued what he was saying.This may be true but it is in Sarah's head.He also sent her to ,what she calls,a "fat" clinic.Not a good idea for low self esteem anyway.Plus as well her usual injections of insulin he gave her tablets which have made her nauseous.He insists she stays on them.She has two little girls and it is hard.We think she is sinking into depression.I am going over to see her tomorrow and hope we can have a good chat and stop her getting worse.Em will be in school and C will take Ru out.She has an appointment with her GP on Weds and hopefully she will let C go with her.

Splah of Colour November

2010-11-04T13:05:00.001-07:00

My "Splash of Colour" is about keeping warm and cheerful!
This just one of my "stash" bags.

This what I am making with some of that wool.

And, of course, socks.This is just a selection of what I have made but for my OH the more colourful the better.

Just hope these keep our spirits up during these grey months.

What a glorious day

2010-11-01T12:14:00.001-07:00

After a fairly quiet weekend we were back on grandparenting duties again today.Sarah had a training day in school so we had the girls over to us.We took them to Loggerheads Country Park which is about 10 minutes in the car from our house.With their wellies on off we went.

It was such a glorious day and it was "raining " leaves.

It was warm enough for Emily to take her coat off.We collected loads of leaves ,went home sorted them,did wax rubbings etc.Hot dogs for lunch.

Then it was off to the play area.Ruby wearing one of my creations and carrying another.I have made Emm one of the short sleeved cardies in a dusky pink.S was in Next last week and one of the staff asked where she had bought it.I was so chuffed.

A final look at the glorious Autumn colours.

We delivered them back at 4pm after a fun and laughter filled day.

How to lose 3lbs in 4 days!

2010-10-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Four days in Cambridge looking after the grandchildren!We had to try and think of things to do that would interest a 4yr old ,a 7yr old and an 11 yr old.
Fun at the farm.We went pumkin carving.I have never done this before and it is really difficult.They also had lots of other activities.
Tractors.

Go karts.They also had a "Shriek Shed".I thought I had better try this first and it really was quite scary.It was pitch black.I only got round by holding onto the coat of the lady in front of me.There were daggling things,noisy things etc.Only Ella and Grandpa went in.I thought it might give the boys nightmares!

Another day we went Ten Pin Bowling which they could all do.That was great fun.

We also went to Wicken Fen(NT).They have a boardwalk there which is about a mile all round.They had organised a "Who killed Mucky Mole" trail which was good.

We had the usual walk into Cambridge and Ella chose to go to Starbucks.Poor Fin had a rugby school day and it poured down all day.

We had many visits to the park and games of football and played so many board games.I taught Ella how to crochet.very difficult as I am left handed and she is right handed.

We got back last night at 9pm absolutely shattered.The children had behaved well for us.(better than for their parents where they get away with murder!).We laid out the rules at the start-no fighting, no arguing etc.We had a lot of fun and really enjoyed it but it is the non stop all day which we are not used to.We are busy at home but at least can take a lunch hour.

We rest this weekend and then have Ruby and Emily all day Monday.We have never before done such a stint of child minding.Enjoyable but tiring.

message for Allison and Sarah

2010-10-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sarah -did you get my e mail address up date?If you didn't it's the same as before but not dsl.pipex.com but talktalk.net.Could you send it to Allison,please?

Allison-I can't seem to be able to send you an email.It's blocked.

I would love to do the Xmas box again.

A few days in France

2010-10-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

A 90 minute flight from Liverpool took us to Nimes in Provence.We hired a car while we were there so we get out and about.The first place we visited was the Pont du Gard.It is an amazing feat of Roman building taking water from Uzes to Nimes.

Then it was off to Avignon to see the famous bridge of "sur le pont Avignon".

Also les Palais du Papes.

We managed a trip to Arles and then into the Camargue and actually did spot some flamingoes but they were rather a long way away!

These are les Jardins de la Fontaine in Nimes where we had a hotel.

The arena/amphitheatre in Nimes.

We had a lovely time.It was very sunny but the Mistral was blowing so out of the sun it was cold.Find a sheltered place and it was lovely to feel warm sun on your face.

Our only problem was the French strikes.We encountered demonstration/marches in Avignon and Nimes but the worst worry was whether we would get back.There were no flights on Tuesday and so had the worry that if our flight was cancelled on Wednesday how would we get back with no petrol/no trains etc.Thankfully our flight was ok.We were an hour late but I have never been so excited about seeing a Ryanair plane.The flights only cost us £75 for two return including everything.

So we are back and off again on Sunday to Cambridge .

owls again

2010-10-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

I told you I would show you my favourite owls.Here they are!Bet you didn't think they would look like this.When Sarah was about 6 my in laws took her and Matt to some church event to give us a bit of a break.We gave them some money to spend and S knowing my love of owls spotted this salt and pepper set.My MIL was mortified because one had an eye missing.I was so touched and have treasured them ever since Yesterday in a garden centre S was looking for something to put on the top of a sweet jar for something at Emily's school.We spotted a Xmas pudding,crocheted, for £6.99.I told her not to buy it I would have a go at making one and this is one I made, making it up as I went along.It stands about 4 inches tall and I feel pretty pleased with it.

Bitten then by the Xmas bug I made this little snowman.

I did promise to show some more owls but the ones I wanted to photo are in the garden and it's gone dark.

I,finally, got signed off from the clinic today 5 weeks after my abscess op.On Friday we are off to Nimes for 5 days.Fingers crossed nothing goes wrong although we are aware the French are striking at the moment over the raising of the retirement age.We may get stuck in France!!

Do you collect anything?

2010-10-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Owls are the first thing I started collecting 40 years ago(I had 2 photos and I have loaded the wonky one!).OK there is a dog in there but that has a special family meaning.I will show you some more tomorrow that have aspecial meaning.

I also have a small collection of Wedgwood Limited Edition Clarice Cliff plates.I love these.I have them on a wall at the end of the hall and you see them as you come in through the front door.

My grandfather was a carpenter and also a woodwork teacher and he made a bureau cum display cabinet for a competition which he won.My stepmother didn't want it in the house anymore so we stored it in a shed for a while.My brother was a Methodist minister and lived in fairly large houses so he had it for a number of years.Then he retired so back it came to me.We really havn't space for it so it stands in a corridor at the back of the house by the utility room but at least it has a home.
I decided to try and find the Midwinter pottery we had when we first got married and this is it.

I then bought this one(all off e bay).This is the crockery that my brother and his late wife had when they got married.

Then I bought this set because it was the one that my best friend at the time had.

I bought this because I liked it.

I must hunt out some more.There is still room in the cabinet!

a birthday present

2010-10-07T09:14:00.001-07:00

It is the birthday of one of my friends next week.She is really difficult to buy for.I usually spend ages looking for something but never seem to hit the spot.I would never give her anything i had knitted as she just wouldn't appreciate it.Anyway I spotted this teapot and decided to get it for her plus some fancy teas and a reading journal as she is in two reading groups.What would you think if someone bought you a teapot as a present?Have I got it hopelessly wrong?May have to rethink and keep it for myself!

Yesterday I had to play "mummy" for my daughter.She had to have a wisdom tooth out and is terrified of dentists.She doesn't like the injection.This is someone as an insulin dependent diabetic injects herself four times a day.She goes into total meltdown and has been known to hyperventilate.Actually yesterday she was OK.I just prattle on and try and distract her.She realises how silly it is afterwards and came out and said this is ridiculous.I have had two C sections and wasn't nervous of them at all.It's a funny old world(but the tooth was huge and had a hooked root).I was just glad I could help.

This weeks finished projects

2010-10-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a beret I knitted last night for Ruby from scraps of wool I have stashed away.

You can tell I feel the cold weather coming.

Socks for me.This Regia self striping wool is brilliant to knit with.

Socks for C.These are knitted in Lana Grossa merino.80% wool.20% polyamide.

I have now started some gloves.I have never knitted gloves before and I think they may be a bit fiddly.I couldn't resist Posh Yarn on Sunday and bought two lots.Some lace weight and some sock weight.

Someone asked me the other day what was the happiest period of my life so far.It certainly was n't school.I went to a very small primary school and was the only one to go to my grammar school.College was OK.I loved being a mum.Having lost our first baby the happiness Matt and then Sarah brought was amazing.There is only 13 months between them so it was hard work but I loved family life.I enjoyed teaching immensely( I didn't go back until the children were in school) until National Curriculum and the dreaded SATs came in.They were so ridiculous when they first arrived.I love being retired and now being free to do what I want when I want after all those years of juggling work and family.I love being a Grandma.I'm sure I will add more tomorrow.

So many things to be thankful for.

What has been your happiest time and what makes you happy?

Something new.

2010-10-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

Llandudno with the pier in the background.

Llandudno West Shore.

For my birthday (Back in January) my daughter bought me an hour's session on a potters wheel.This is something I have never done before so Idecided Ihad better go and do it before the voucher ran out.Gill was lovely and very patient with me but was thrown a little when I told her I was left handed.It was very much geared up for right handers.I had a great time and got better as the hour went on.I produced three little pots which are now being fired and I pick them up in three weeks time.Photos then.I did get very dirty.It was good job I had brought a change of top as I was picking my granddaughter up from school and taking her to ballet.

We have been to the theatre this week.We saw Barkin',a black comedy by Frank Vickery.It was very good and I have such admiration for the actors who are probably paid peanuts.We go again on thursday to see Dancing at Lunghnasa.

Yesterday,as the sun was shining ,we ventured to Llandudno and had a walk by the sea,had our lunch out and visited an art gallery.Of course by the time we got there the sun had gone in.I did take some photos but they are very dark.The photos should have appeared here not above!!

What else have I done this week.Three coffee dates with different friends.I have also joined a gardening club .

Food and Drink Festival.

2010-09-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our town's Food and Drink Festival.We managed to get there soon after it opened when it was quite quiet.Over the two days 11,000 people visited.Unfortunately I didn't get to take many photos as we had 2 little ones in tow and a pushchair.This year there was lots more tasting which was great and ahuge array of stalls,most of them local producers from here in N Wales.We tasted cheeses,sausages, cakes and lots more.

There was foreign food as well.Loads of different olives.

There was live music all day too.

We had lunch there.Emily chose ostrich burger!

Look at all these pies!

This was a pork pie topped with Blue Stilton which C bought.Very yummy too.

Here are some other things we bought.Different kinds of sausages for tea.Three cheeses and an apple teabread for afters.

All in all a great day.The icing on the cake was the weather.Clear blue skies and wall to wall sunshine(but it was a bit chilly).

Burglars!!

2010-09-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

The audacity of some people.Last night someone broke into the shed in the garden of my daughters's next door neighbour.They stole a set of left handed golf clubs climbed over the fence broke into S's shed (or possibly just opened the door.They aren't sure it was locked!) left the first set of clubs and took Mike's right handed ones plus some old fishing tackle.They then climbed over the next fence ,let the dogs out at the front,climbed another fence and broke into a conservatory,using the golf clubs and stole a TV before the burglar alarm went off.The poor mum,with 3 small children ,was on her own.Her OH works abroad.S and M were very lucky as their patio door lock is broken and they could have just walked into their house.

I am still going to the clinic for dressings but hope to be discharged either tomorrow or next week.We have booked a little break to Provence.We can only find a five day slot in our busy schedule so are flying,Ryanair,to Nimes for five nights.We have booked in at the Ibis and will hire a car.If the weather is bad there are lots of places to visit.The challenge will be packing for 5 days in carry on luggage.Lots of scarves and wear as much as you can !!

It's Mold Food Festival this weekend.It gets to be a better event every year.Brian Tilsey is here this year.We went to the Cambridge Food Festival last year and Mold's was much better.Sarah and the girls are coming for the weekend while Mike goes to see his mother in Cockermouth as she has been in hospital.

Is it time to move on?

2010-09-21T08:19:00.001-07:00

Ruby having lunch with Grandpa today.Every six weeks the lovely Rachel comes to our house to cut my hair,Sarah's and Ruby's.We had to have a picnic lunch because Rachel was busy cutting and blow drying in the kitchen.How many jigsaws can a girl do?She isn't 3 until November but spent an hour doing these ,with some help.I was amazed how many jigsaws we actually had!

Now about my heading.

I ,along with Sarah(not daughter),Allison and Claire started blogging when we were let down by HipKnits knitting club.The idea was to share ideas,projects etc.I am just wondering now whether anyone wants to read the ramblings of a retired teacher,mother,grandmother,crafter etc.

I think it might be time to give the blog a break.

Chirk Castle.N.E. Wales

2010-09-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is where we went yesterday.It is about a 30 minute drive from our house.Completed in 1310 Chirk is the lastWelsh castle from the reign of Edward 1 and is still lived in today.features from its 700 years history include a dungeon and medieval tower,a long gallery and state apartments.The laundry was in a separate building and was fascinating detailing how the jobs were distributed according to ranking.

Everything here is bilingual.All bills ,communications etc and brochures as above always come in both Welsh and English.I have had a go at learning Welsh but it is a very ,very difficult language to learn.

This is the Salooon, a lovely room.

This just part of the garden with Nepeta "Six Hills Giant",roses and topiary yews.Unfortunately rain stopped play in the garden and we had to run for cover.Its a NT trust property and as we are members we can go again.

I have to confess I forgot my camera so these are scanned postcards which are probably better than I could take anyway.

Do you like my flowers?

2010-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Do you like my flowers?C is very good at buying me flowers and always seems to pick the right moment.I love sunflowers.They so remind me of holidays in France and huge fields of sunflowers.I can remember one particular year we were camping and from the campsite to the beach passed fields and fields of them.

I am doing the Debbie Abraham's Mystery Blanket Club.You receive five squares a month to knit and we have just five more to do to complete the blanket.It has been a real challenge and I have learnt so much like knitting with beads and sequins.However they all have to fit together so the one on the left above has got to become a square the same size as the right hand one.I think the sewing together will be a problem as blocking doesn't seem to help much.

This is the latest sdhawl that I have just finished.It is enormous.I just kept knitting.I didn't want to waste any wool.Will I ever wear it?Don't think so but I got great satisfaction doing it.

This is the latest sock wool I bought from RKM in Chester.The colours have come out very poorly.They are purples and khaki and will be for C. who was complaining this morning he had to wear shop bought socks as all the hand knitted ones were in the wash.

Finally,I am feeling much better.I went to my reading group this lunchtime.This is my less serious group where we talk about the book for about 10 minutes and then just chat way.We meet in a Costa coffee place.I had hoped to be discharged from the clinic today but I have to go back twice next week and once the following week for dressing.It is making us realise now that it was quite serious.M&S meal deal for tea!