Can you believe it?

Overnight someone slashed two tyres on our bigger car.We live in a quiet cul de sac in a small market town but we have a public footpath that runs up one side of the house.This morning the car had a definite lean.We called the RAC rescue who came and patched the tyres up so C could get it to a garage.We reported it to the police because we wanted a crime number for insurance purposes.We thought that would be that but this afternoon we had a visit from the police who said that at least six other cars had had tyres slashed and they were taking it seriously.Unmarked police cars out tonight and more men on the beat.We ended up wasting a day and having to buy two new tyres just because of mindless vandalism!

Thank you!

Thank you for all your good wishes on my birthday last Saturday.I had a lovely day with lots of presents,cards,phone calls and texts.
Last night we went to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for an evening with Alexander Armstrong,pictured above.I doubt whether anyone outside the UK will know who he is.In the Uk he is known as a comedian,actor and host of a show called Pointless.What is not known about him is that he went to Cambridge as a music scholar and is classically trained.He has released a CD a short while ago which is top of Classic FM's chart.The evening was amazing .He sang loads of songs,played the saxophone and piano a little.His backing group/orchestra were very good too.The whole evening had a kind of jazz feeling to it but he has an outstanding voice and did not hit a wrong note.We came out buzzing.It was the first night of a UK tour.Catch it if you can.

Book ideas Plus my birthday tomorrow!

I subscribe to the above magazine which is for readers and reading groups.It has now joined up with nudge-book.com  If you want some book ideas and you go on this link it will come up with different genres.At the moment it is asking you to vote but the book ideas are there.Worth a look.

It is my birthday tomorrow and the weekend has started now.It is really awful but I am sat here with it snowing outside,the heating on and a glass of rose in my hand and my book beside me!!!(the Wars of the Roses by Conn Iggulden).This evening is U3A quiz night.Tomorrow we are meeting friends for coffee and then out to lunch with our daughter and family.Sunday evening we are going to the Alexander Armstrong show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall(Xmas present from above daughter).During the day on Sunday we shall probably do the Walker Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool.Should be a good weekend.So much better when birthdays are either Saturday or Sunday.
I shall report back in on Monday.
Have a lovely weekend and take care if you are out and about on the roads.Barbarax

My latest creation

 I have just finished this shawl.I only got the wool on Xmas Eve so am quite pleased with how quckly I finished it as I tend only to knit in the evening while watching TV.

The pattern is called Hummimgbird  from the Knit Now magazine.The yarn is Louisa Harding Amitola  which is 80% wool and 20% silk.It was quite an easy pattern as there were plain rows as well as lacy ones.
I have now started a second one in a different colour way for my daughter for her birthday.This one is in lime green,dark green and shocking pink.Ilove knitting shawls,scarves etc but I hate blocking them!!!
I hope the New Year has started well for everyone.

Back to my childhood?

 I had this colouring book from my granddaughters for Xmas.I have had a colouring book for adults for a while but this one is much simpler and has a little saying with each coloring.Years ago when I was doing voluntary work inspecting residential care for the elderly(I was the ear and eye of Joe Public chatting to residents,staff,relatives etc)I had the idea for colouring books for people in homes.If I had pursued it I could have made a fortune!

 Here is one I have already done.I have a box of twenty crayons bought in WH Smith and you can blend them.Very relaxing to do.

   I have tried umpteen times to get this the right way around and just cannot manage it,so heads to one side.This was from my OH.This also great fun and quite addictive as you never know what it is going to be.They each take about twnty minutes.

Again,apologies,head on one side to view.


January 4th is always a sad day for me(my OH never remembers the day) but it is the day our first baby was stillborn.He was full term but had Spina Bifida,Club feet and Hydrocephalous.He died during delivery.This is over forty years ago but I never forget.I had the most dreaful time,on my own,as Partners were not allowedin.Thank goodness times have changed.