tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82249554692432793712024-03-13T02:53:09.415+00:00BT - The Crafty GardenerBT - The Crafty Gardener: The Daily Life of a 'Blow In' to Ireland from the UK, how we try and tame 5 acres and live with the weather - plus my family and crafting exploits.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.comBlogger496125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-88255488339919861072012-06-05T13:34:00.000+01:002012-06-05T13:34:03.403+01:00<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">DJ Kirby - Author - Book Launch Special</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, it's all a bit different today. Author DJ Kirby has penned another super novel, following the success of 'Without Alice'. Everyone enjoys a good read and today it's raining here in Worthing - a perfect day to curl up and partake of DJ Kirby's captivating novel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About 'My Dream of You'</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crime of Passion or Cruel Twist of Fate? One summer's day, Betty let love carry her a step too far. That exquisite sun dappled afternoon became one of her best memories, but also the catalyst for the worst experience of her life. Now elderly, Betty has been running from her past since she was a teenager, and it's about to catch up with her. Will the experience be as awful as she fears, or wonderful beyond imagining?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have had the pleasure of reading My Dream of You and thoroughly recommend you purchase a copy and share my experience of this page turner. The characters are well drawn, some to love, some to hate but all utterly believable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Dream of You has been published today as an e-book by Punked Books and is available from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00873018Y">Amazon</a> UK, the cost being £1.53. Also available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Dream-of-You-ebook/dp/B00873018Y/ref=sr%201%202?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338712689&sr=1-2">Amazon US</a> for £2.40.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below are some of the comments by others who have read 'My Dream of You':</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"DK Kirby writes with compassion and energy, creating characters you can really care about." Sarah Salway (Canterbury Poet Laureate)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Evocatively written, My Dream of You is an absorbing read filled with interesting characters, plot twists and emotion." Talli Roland, bestselling author of 'Build a Man'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"A tale of motherhood, of hope and of love. Truly touching.' Caroline Smailes, author of 99 Reasons Why.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About Denyse</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do go and find out more about Denyse on her <a href="http://djkirkby.co.uk/">blog.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">COMPETITION </span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">To celebrate the launch of 'My Dream of You', Denyse is holding a competition with some wonderful prizes on offer. It's easy to enter. Just go to DJ Kirby's blog (link above) and all the details are there together with the list of prizes. Just to whet you appetite, the first prize is A Bothams of Whitby champagne afternoon tea hamper custom made for the launch party. Mouthwatering contents include:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apricot and Orange Tea bread</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Butter Rice Madeira Cake</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Apricot and Almond Jam</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">750ml bottle of Fratelli Berlucchi (2006) Brut</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A signed copy of My Dream of You</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">plus more......</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Go there NOW and get your name in the hat. You have until midnight today, June 5th, to win one of the super prizes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> is <a href="http://djkirby.co.uk/">Denyse's website address</a>.</span><br />
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<br />BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-38999904336967769112012-05-06T09:11:00.002+01:002012-05-06T09:33:00.670+01:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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The View below is taken from our meadow. The cottage is hidden in the trees!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please click on this to get the full effect.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>Big News</b><br />
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At the end of the month, Jim and I are moving back to the UK. Possibly for a while, possibly for good, we'll see how it all works out. We are renting out our lovely cottage and have found the perfect family to look after it for us. They have horses, 2 huge dogs and lots of other assorted animals. Also 2 lovely children, a boy and girl, and they all fell in love with our cottage the first time they visited.<br />
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When we moved here, neither my big son nor Jim's children had any offspring. Jim now has 3 small Grandchildren and my big son has added 2 Grandchildren to my collection! We are keen to be good grandparents and the travelling back and forth has become a bit of a chore, reason one for our decision. Also the house we have in the UK needs some updating, reason two.<br />
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Of course at this time of year, our garden is at its best and we have sat outside and felt sad at leaving, but we are also both excited about the new challenges ahead. So at the moment it's packing, sorting, throwing out, etc. We have also been working hard at transforming the last room here into a super bedroom or two. The previously cold, damp room with a ladder to the upper level has now been dry lined, has a wooden floor and a super staircase, made by Jim of course. I have filled, sanded and painted. Here are some photos of the end result.<br />
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Garden</h3>
I have also taken some photos of the garden. It looks so lush and green in its best spring attire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMDaWNF-Lu0/T6YMfYpF9AI/AAAAAAAAOq4/E87OAEyaRhw/s1600/28+arch+and+cherry+with+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMDaWNF-Lu0/T6YMfYpF9AI/AAAAAAAAOq4/E87OAEyaRhw/s400/28+arch+and+cherry+with+road.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows the arch and cherry tree and on the right is<br />
the living willow fence and the road up to the meadow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doorus bird station and small rockery </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bee on one of the azalea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rhododendron is coming into full flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning these buds had frost on them</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cottage from the back at sunrise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am painting the cottage red and white</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this view of the steps up to the<br />
parking area </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy came to see what I was up to!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Kh-Eoem-FA/T6YodLw5KNI/AAAAAAAAOsg/Cf13XX8XxrE/s1600/017+Rockery.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Kh-Eoem-FA/T6YodLw5KNI/AAAAAAAAOsg/Cf13XX8XxrE/s400/017+Rockery.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Large Rockery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frost had just melted on this aquilegia</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sleKEZbcKiY/T6YpzBhWn8I/AAAAAAAAOtA/Xf8wp82_w-k/s1600/023+Lough+Graney+at+sunrise.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sleKEZbcKiY/T6YpzBhWn8I/AAAAAAAAOtA/Xf8wp82_w-k/s400/023+Lough+Graney+at+sunrise.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Lough Graney at sunrise today</td></tr>
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We have had some beautiful weather lately, while the UK has been awash. Perhaps Ireland is trying to tell us something! It's gorgeous this morning too.<br />
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I am off to Suffolk for Jack's 7th birthday on 14th May. I'm really looking forward to seeing him and Kitty - it seems far too long since my last visit.<br />
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I hope all is well with my blogging friends and I apologise for my infrequent visits. Maybe I'll have a bit more time with our little garden in Worthing.<br />
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Blogger has all changed and it's driving me potty. I hope you can view it all properly. <br />
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<br />BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-23794353894578106662012-03-09T16:31:00.025+00:002012-03-19T13:03:39.290+00:00Lovely walk with Buster - photos.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAIn3fd3tkw/T2cuNRQHVjI/AAAAAAAAOp4/6VZImhF_SQY/s1600/19%2BPanorama%2BFlagmount%2Band%2BLG.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 94px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dAIn3fd3tkw/T2cuNRQHVjI/AAAAAAAAOp4/6VZImhF_SQY/s400/19%2BPanorama%2BFlagmount%2Band%2BLG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721592657101674034" border="0" /></a><br />Flagmount reflected in Lough Graney, County Clare. Please click on the image for full effect.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Hello again. Rain rain go away. It's an awful day today with thick drizzle and mist and wind. No chance of any gardening in this. I have managed to do quite a bit of weeding and digging over the past week or two between the showers.<br /><br />Buster's wound has healed very well, although he then split the skin between his back paw. He's just hopeless. We took him out on the lead for a few days so that he didn't run off and that has now healed too. On one of these walks I went to our local lake, Lough Graney and the water was still and the sky mostly blue. I let Buster off by the water and he was fine. As soon as I showed him the lead he came back to me. I was pretty amazed I must say. So, here are some of the photos I took:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNJF3mq5RNM/T2cejh0GpJI/AAAAAAAAOmE/c4_FIFQZnMk/s1600/25%2BBuster%2Breflected%2Bon%2BLough%2BGraney.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oNJF3mq5RNM/T2cejh0GpJI/AAAAAAAAOmE/c4_FIFQZnMk/s400/25%2BBuster%2Breflected%2Bon%2BLough%2BGraney.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721575447318668434" border="0" /></a><br />Buster reflected.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VRyFBtIKKQ/T2cfRP51xII/AAAAAAAAOmU/k73SHuiTqpQ/s1600/36%2BRocks%2Band%2Bclouds%2Breflected%2Bat%2BLG.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VRyFBtIKKQ/T2cfRP51xII/AAAAAAAAOmU/k73SHuiTqpQ/s400/36%2BRocks%2Band%2Bclouds%2Breflected%2Bat%2BLG.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721576232784872578" border="0" /></a><br />Rocks and clouds in the lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lapBcoZCptU/T2cftrvcHsI/AAAAAAAAOmg/zwPzLqxVnsM/s1600/43%2BMoody%2Bclouds%2Bover%2BLG.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lapBcoZCptU/T2cftrvcHsI/AAAAAAAAOmg/zwPzLqxVnsM/s400/43%2BMoody%2Bclouds%2Bover%2BLG.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721576721293778626" border="0" /></a><br />The evening was drawing in and these rather moody clouds arrived. You can see the fishing stand on the right.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xw5ph9E2dzA/T2cgMfGmAMI/AAAAAAAAOms/0AmFY0R6hkg/s1600/40%2BBuster%2Blaps%2Bup%2Bthe%2BLG%2Bwater.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xw5ph9E2dzA/T2cgMfGmAMI/AAAAAAAAOms/0AmFY0R6hkg/s400/40%2BBuster%2Blaps%2Bup%2Bthe%2BLG%2Bwater.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721577250477179074" border="0" /></a><br />Time for a drink.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXxdgHK5dbA/T2cgsJH3JSI/AAAAAAAAOm4/H_594G30bps/s1600/22%2BFlagmount%2Breflected%2Bfrom%2BKevin%2527s.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 227px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXxdgHK5dbA/T2cgsJH3JSI/AAAAAAAAOm4/H_594G30bps/s400/22%2BFlagmount%2Breflected%2Bfrom%2BKevin%2527s.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721577794332730658" border="0" /></a><br />Flagmount hill reflected.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x20o_CQpRik/T2chGAuKWvI/AAAAAAAAOnE/ogmdDV3QrHw/s1600/44%2Btwo%2Bmoons.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x20o_CQpRik/T2chGAuKWvI/AAAAAAAAOnE/ogmdDV3QrHw/s400/44%2Btwo%2Bmoons.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721578238754052850" border="0" /></a><br />Two moons.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WExV1PFa9f0/T2chfVXpbpI/AAAAAAAAOnQ/2OMa-vW-w7I/s1600/45%2BCows%2Beyes.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WExV1PFa9f0/T2chfVXpbpI/AAAAAAAAOnQ/2OMa-vW-w7I/s400/45%2BCows%2Beyes.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721578673793494674" border="0" /></a><br />On the walk back, the cows in Kevin's barn were curious. Their eyes shine in the flash.<br /><br />This post was actually started some time ago. Now the weather is much improved and we've had some lovely mild sunny days. I love the garden at this time of year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dublin</span><br /><br />Jim and I took a 2 day trip to Dublin. The first day we wandered around enjoying the sites and sounds and in the evening we went to the Bord Gas Theatre and saw Madam Butterfly by Opera North. It was quite beautiful - the orchestra played the glorious music perfectly and Butterfly herself was superb.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAOdhkueeq4/T2ciuf1lCfI/AAAAAAAAOnc/-LWoznV0GW0/s1600/1%2BRed%2BPoles%2Boutside%2BTheatre%2Bin%2BDublin.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YAOdhkueeq4/T2ciuf1lCfI/AAAAAAAAOnc/-LWoznV0GW0/s400/1%2BRed%2BPoles%2Boutside%2BTheatre%2Bin%2BDublin.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721580033813055986" border="0" /></a><br />These poles are outside the theatre, which is on the quayside. The poles lit up at night.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2i2cAwdBO0A/T2cjPSgFfqI/AAAAAAAAOno/ruxiHh0yFpA/s1600/5%2BBord%2BGas%2BTheatre%2Band%2Bpoles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2i2cAwdBO0A/T2cjPSgFfqI/AAAAAAAAOno/ruxiHh0yFpA/s400/5%2BBord%2BGas%2BTheatre%2Band%2Bpoles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721580597168930466" border="0" /></a><br />The Theatre, build during the 'Celtic Tiger' years, is a triumph.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHJgEjXJvVg/T2cjzTxs1TI/AAAAAAAAOn0/5xKqaiPIjw0/s1600/9%2BStrange%2Bbuildign%2Band%2Bboat%2Breflections.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OHJgEjXJvVg/T2cjzTxs1TI/AAAAAAAAOn0/5xKqaiPIjw0/s400/9%2BStrange%2Bbuildign%2Band%2Bboat%2Breflections.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721581215986537778" border="0" /></a><br />We walked along the River Liffey into Dublin centre. What a weird building the one on the left was, here it is reflected in the water, together with an old boat.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JsrBGHtWII/T2ckeWrgICI/AAAAAAAAOoA/usgVE--iTss/s1600/12%2BHarp%2BBridge%2Bover%2BLiffey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JsrBGHtWII/T2ckeWrgICI/AAAAAAAAOoA/usgVE--iTss/s400/12%2BHarp%2BBridge%2Bover%2BLiffey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721581955500220450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">An amazing bridge, shaped like a harp, straddles the Liffey. Can you see that old chair in the foreground?<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwN28mUpEcI/T2clBtmEOWI/AAAAAAAAOoM/d0VTgMmp2WA/s1600/13%2BChair%2Bon%2Blanding%2Bstage%2Bby%2BLiffey.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwN28mUpEcI/T2clBtmEOWI/AAAAAAAAOoM/d0VTgMmp2WA/s400/13%2BChair%2Bon%2Blanding%2Bstage%2Bby%2BLiffey.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721582562946857314" border="0" /></a><br />I would have liked it!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62p75oQnR2k/T2clh7G7J_I/AAAAAAAAOoY/SMkwwtVcCdk/s1600/24a%2BBarbed%2Bwire%2Bview%2Bblack%2Band%2Bwhite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62p75oQnR2k/T2clh7G7J_I/AAAAAAAAOoY/SMkwwtVcCdk/s400/24a%2BBarbed%2Bwire%2Bview%2Bblack%2Band%2Bwhite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721583116330149874" border="0" /></a><br />Jim laughed at me when I became excited about this barbed wire! I have made this black and white. You can see the famine ship in the background.<br /><br />A cup of tea had to be taken at Bewleys:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgtvSQM_Gj8/T2cmsaODZBI/AAAAAAAAOok/vYxOVyFjrhU/s1600/37%2Bme%2Bwith%2Btea%2Bat%2BBewleys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kgtvSQM_Gj8/T2cmsaODZBI/AAAAAAAAOok/vYxOVyFjrhU/s400/37%2Bme%2Bwith%2Btea%2Bat%2BBewleys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721584395991868434" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, I'm growing out the colour in my hair at last. I actually quite like my grey!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ZzYJeMkcQ/T2cnEeDeRMI/AAAAAAAAOow/KnoBkEFE6Lg/s1600/42%2BJim%2Bin%2Bbig%2Bshopping%2Bcentre.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ZzYJeMkcQ/T2cnEeDeRMI/AAAAAAAAOow/KnoBkEFE6Lg/s400/42%2BJim%2Bin%2Bbig%2Bshopping%2Bcentre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721584809338094786" border="0" /></a><br />Here's Jim in a huge shopping centre at St Stephens Green.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFAdahzLWE/T2cniA-GCqI/AAAAAAAAOo8/Pwxr3BZFbFA/s1600/IMG_4371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFAdahzLWE/T2cniA-GCqI/AAAAAAAAOo8/Pwxr3BZFbFA/s400/IMG_4371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721585316926982818" border="0" /></a><br />Here I am during the interval of Butterfly - you can see the poles lit up outside.<br /><br />The following day we met up with some friends of Jim's from the Horticultural Society and spent the day looking at and learning about trees in Ireland. We were whizzed from one place to another in a coach. It was a fun and interesting day.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0D-5OEIwlg/T2cpONaiqzI/AAAAAAAAOpI/Jt_IR-s2kn4/s1600/Wicklow%2Bmountains.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0D-5OEIwlg/T2cpONaiqzI/AAAAAAAAOpI/Jt_IR-s2kn4/s400/Wicklow%2Bmountains.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721587175693396786" border="0" /></a><br />We drove through the Wicklow mountains, which were quite spectacular. It was a much sunnier day though quite cool in the mountain air.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hOUIE3Jv2_o/T2cqO8_vqLI/AAAAAAAAOpU/upiA--ChS7Q/s1600/Straight%2Btrees.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hOUIE3Jv2_o/T2cqO8_vqLI/AAAAAAAAOpU/upiA--ChS7Q/s400/Straight%2Btrees.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721588287977531570" border="0" /></a><br />We looked at how straight and fast certain trees grow for commercial use. At this place, called Avondale, 1 acre plots had been planted with different trees as an experiment - 100 years ago. What forward thinking.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQWwSxo5E24/T2cr8jnS9eI/AAAAAAAAOpg/nH_Zgmnp-rI/s1600/Most%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bgroup%2Bat%2BAvondale%252C%2BJim%2Bon%2Bleft.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQWwSxo5E24/T2cr8jnS9eI/AAAAAAAAOpg/nH_Zgmnp-rI/s400/Most%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bgroup%2Bat%2BAvondale%252C%2BJim%2Bon%2Bleft.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721590170949711330" border="0" /></a><br />Most of the group at Avondale - Jim is on the far left. Jim drove us home after that, via various mountain paths and pretty scenery. It was very late when we eventually arrived home, but we'd had a super 2 days break.<br /><br />I will put the full sets of photos on Facebook if anyone would like to take a look.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-34155032787391775072012-02-29T13:12:00.028+00:002012-03-01T00:45:21.388+00:00Crafting and Gardening Plus...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY_4S-bY1xE/T07B2MFAsOI/AAAAAAAAOlY/CTnQ_AkjXD4/s1600/Yule%2Bpresent%2Bfrom%2BK.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY_4S-bY1xE/T07B2MFAsOI/AAAAAAAAOlY/CTnQ_AkjXD4/s400/Yule%2Bpresent%2Bfrom%2BK.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714718113879077090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >A Gift From my Daughter. See end of this post.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Hello everyone, I can't believe it's almost March. Have you proposed to anyone today? It's 29th February and of course it only comes around every 4 years, rather like the Olympics.<br /><br />It's Jim's birthday on 6th March, another one already, 66 he'll be. Poor old thing sounds like a real 'old man' this morning. I took a trip to the UK to visit Jason, Sam, Jack and Kitty and brought back the usual cold. Nature took it's course and Jim duly caught it too. It's a real nasty with a hacking cough that just leaves you exhausted. I hope his clears up soon.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >UK Trip to Suffolk</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />I visited Jason and co during half term week to get the most children time.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ItN4s1ML0o/T05Jhq6iqdI/AAAAAAAAOhc/XmFO2JotRYw/s1600/4%2BRiver%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsnow.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ItN4s1ML0o/T05Jhq6iqdI/AAAAAAAAOhc/XmFO2JotRYw/s400/4%2BRiver%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsnow.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714585819984079314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The UK had had quite a lot of snow. We didn't have any and it was quite a surprise to see it from the air. It was also very cold. I love the river in the above photo.<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2q59GGb-DVU/T05J-vYaE3I/AAAAAAAAOho/hWhnNwKfBRI/s1600/9%2BKitty%2Bin%2Bnew%2Bdress%2Band%2Btop%2Bfrom%2BGrandad%2BKen.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2q59GGb-DVU/T05J-vYaE3I/AAAAAAAAOho/hWhnNwKfBRI/s400/9%2BKitty%2Bin%2Bnew%2Bdress%2Band%2Btop%2Bfrom%2BGrandad%2BKen.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714586319399293810" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here's Kitty in a lovely dress and jacket, bought for her by Granddad Ken. We were ready to go and visit Jason's Granddad Ivor and Nanny Maureen for the day.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UC6OpDGycWw/T05KgHXIpgI/AAAAAAAAOh0/VmZC97dTuYo/s1600/16%2BKitty%2Bshowing%2Bme%2Bher%2Bsweet%252C%2Bcool%2BJack.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UC6OpDGycWw/T05KgHXIpgI/AAAAAAAAOh0/VmZC97dTuYo/s400/16%2BKitty%2Bshowing%2Bme%2Bher%2Bsweet%252C%2Bcool%2BJack.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714586892772091394" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Kitty showing me the sweet Great Granddad Ivor gave her, Jack chilling!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcYM0w8d4c0/T05KxGwq2CI/AAAAAAAAOiA/ZQn6WcDHOb0/s1600/18%2BJack%2Band%2BKitty%2Bplayed%2Bhorses.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AcYM0w8d4c0/T05KxGwq2CI/AAAAAAAAOiA/ZQn6WcDHOb0/s400/18%2BJack%2Band%2BKitty%2Bplayed%2Bhorses.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714587184668530722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The children played 'pantomime horses' under this lovely blanket that Maureen had crocheted. Sam looks on bemused!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_pwLnWf9-8/T05LIAZDMII/AAAAAAAAOiM/hlYZVdS3aao/s1600/11%2BIvor%252C%2BJack%2Band%2BJason.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_pwLnWf9-8/T05LIAZDMII/AAAAAAAAOiM/hlYZVdS3aao/s400/11%2BIvor%252C%2BJack%2Band%2BJason.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714587578095841410" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Ivor chatting to his Grandson Jason - they are very close. Jack in the middle engrossed in his Lego.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd5xObic9wo/T05Lv4PpHjI/AAAAAAAAOiY/ON22Odxe0_Y/s1600/25%2BJack%252C%2Bminus%2Bfirst%2Btooth%252C%2Bwith%2Bhis%2BDS.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xd5xObic9wo/T05Lv4PpHjI/AAAAAAAAOiY/ON22Odxe0_Y/s400/25%2BJack%252C%2Bminus%2Bfirst%2Btooth%252C%2Bwith%2Bhis%2BDS.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714588263103667762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Back home and Jack is welded to his DS! Note he has lost his first tooth. He had fake tattoos on his arms from the school's Valentine's Disco!<br /><br />Finally Kitty, princess indeed:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9prP-qyC18/T05MMdXkibI/AAAAAAAAOik/LhS8O3nMbd8/s1600/26%2BKitty%252C%2BPrincess%2Bindeed.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9prP-qyC18/T05MMdXkibI/AAAAAAAAOik/LhS8O3nMbd8/s400/26%2BKitty%252C%2BPrincess%2Bindeed.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714588754105371058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Ooops, perhaps I over indulged on the photos of the Grandchildren a bit. Ah well, it's my blog!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Ireland</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Back to Ireland and our weather's been quite mild but wet, as usual. I have managed to get out into the garden quite a bit though. Even at this time of year, it seems full of weeds. I had a walk round this morning and it's lovely to see everything bursting into life. One of our magnolia trees is just about to flower and the other one is covered in buds. The daffodils are all out and I picked some to put inside. They are so bright and cheerful, even on dull days.<br /></span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hM-Ro6Kx6VE/T05RELYwF9I/AAAAAAAAOiw/3R7zDmQgYBE/s1600/5%2BDaffs%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bfireplace.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hM-Ro6Kx6VE/T05RELYwF9I/AAAAAAAAOiw/3R7zDmQgYBE/s400/5%2BDaffs%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bfireplace.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714594109397669842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Daffodils in the fireplace. The photos (on the fireplace) haven't made it to the wall yet!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Animals</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Buster has had a trip to the vets with a tear in his chest. It's gradually healing up but of course he keeps licking it! Sandy is just Sandy! Lolling about most of the time with the odd trip outside. I knelt down to take a photo of my chicken and they both appeared behind me on the floor. I quickly snapped them holding hands? LOL.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zNr9Kxv7fU/T05R99TvGCI/AAAAAAAAOi8/UejLS_HrsT4/s1600/4%2BBuster%2Band%2BSandy.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zNr9Kxv7fU/T05R99TvGCI/AAAAAAAAOi8/UejLS_HrsT4/s400/4%2BBuster%2Band%2BSandy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714595102050949154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Jim is now well underway in the end room. He has dry lined the walls and put in the 2 new double glazed windows. Now he's building the staircase. Not an easy job and because he's not too well he's had to take it slowly. Lots of thinking time!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FO6xgHmvVfs/T05S_HseWxI/AAAAAAAAOjI/IlDc8IAlTNM/s1600/9%2Bnew%2Bend%2Broom%2Bstaircase%2Band%2Bwindow.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FO6xgHmvVfs/T05S_HseWxI/AAAAAAAAOjI/IlDc8IAlTNM/s400/9%2Bnew%2Bend%2Broom%2Bstaircase%2Band%2Bwindow.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714596221530561298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the new, bigger windows and the staircase rises phoenix like from the ashes! Jim's gone off today to buy some more wood and supplies.<br /><br />The sun's shining so I'm off out until later.<br /><br />Hm, much later, it's now 11.40pm. I didn't come in until it was dark, then had some chores to do. Jim was back quite late too, then it was dinner time and the evening just goes.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Crafts</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Equinox Doll</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I made an Equinox Doll for a swap with the Milliande Art Community for Women, which Jim posted off for me today.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d18IZqr6rkk/T064Np384EI/AAAAAAAAOjU/LzXCx3vje6c/s1600/4%2BFinished%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d18IZqr6rkk/T064Np384EI/AAAAAAAAOjU/LzXCx3vje6c/s400/4%2BFinished%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714707521898078274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here she is outside in the garden. I made a basic rag doll then adapted it for the Autumn Equinox. I thought she was going to Australia, in fact she's headed to the USA.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nu3hEKi4YNI/T064pkPhL8I/AAAAAAAAOjg/sBS71u_ub54/s1600/5%2BBack.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nu3hEKi4YNI/T064pkPhL8I/AAAAAAAAOjg/sBS71u_ub54/s400/5%2BBack.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714708001422651330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This is her back with a 'cloak' of red, black and gold. I must say I was quite pleased with the end result. I hope the recipient likes her too.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Pete The Slug</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Yes, I know, you think I've gone crazy. A pet slug? Well, it happened like this. I had an old piece of chicken wire and decided to do something with it. I played around with it and made a shape, which I then covered in papier mache and painted. I decided it looked like a sea creature and covered the back and sides with my hand made paper beads - a bit of a labour of love. Then I varnished them. The front I made into a mosaic with cut up food containers. One of the black pieces has 'Pete' written on it for some reason, so thus the name. Finally I covered the underside with dried leaves and seeds from our garden. Everyone says it looks like a slug so Pete the Slug he is!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxgXAlTfB0g/T066PJF4VvI/AAAAAAAAOjs/fqgWU62rn94/s1600/IMG_3971%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxgXAlTfB0g/T066PJF4VvI/AAAAAAAAOjs/fqgWU62rn94/s400/IMG_3971%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714709746481125106" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvmJ6vxBq6c/T066ZlqdjLI/AAAAAAAAOj4/cVXHH0nj-JA/s1600/IMG_3972%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvmJ6vxBq6c/T066ZlqdjLI/AAAAAAAAOj4/cVXHH0nj-JA/s400/IMG_3972%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714709925949443250" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGX175lmBQM/T066lk9qRVI/AAAAAAAAOkE/Hg41OZgjp8Y/s1600/IMG_3973%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGX175lmBQM/T066lk9qRVI/AAAAAAAAOkE/Hg41OZgjp8Y/s400/IMG_3973%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714710131919963474" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5rctvxSwVM/T066yDZJoxI/AAAAAAAAOkQ/d1HmNd0BQfA/s1600/IMG_3974%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5rctvxSwVM/T066yDZJoxI/AAAAAAAAOkQ/d1HmNd0BQfA/s400/IMG_3974%2BPete%2Bthe%2Bslug.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714710346246759186" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">All these leaves have stuck to him while he's trailed along! I am going to try and make some sort of 'tentacles' come out of his rear end! That sounds rude but isn't meant to. At the moment it's just a hole and you can see the inside. In the meantime he sits on our strange table 'Boris' to be admired, laughed at etc.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Rug</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />I am also making another woolen latch hook rug and here it is so far:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cgcqgY3Gmw/T067rBcw6eI/AAAAAAAAOkc/TfIQoNtky28/s1600/4%2Blatest%2Brug%2Bin%2Bprogress.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cgcqgY3Gmw/T067rBcw6eI/AAAAAAAAOkc/TfIQoNtky28/s400/4%2Blatest%2Brug%2Bin%2Bprogress.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714711324977588706" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am a bit of a sucker for Autumn colours! It's taking rather a long time but is soothing to do in front of the television. I just use any of my wool and chop it to size - ish!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Chicken</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />You may just have wondered what I was talking about when I mentioned that I was taking a photo of my chicken. On Sunday 26th Feb, I went to an all day workshop and there we made a papier mache chicken. It was great fun, the tutor, Krystyna Pomeroy, was lovely and helpful and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable day. All this happened at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ennis-Creative-Arts-Centre/191603237557929?sk=wall&filter=2"> Ennis Creative Arts Centre</a>, which is now based in Tubber. They do classes on all sorts of things, knitting, crochet, altered clothing, sugercrafting to name but a few.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are the photos of the day:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vyu3My9lbw/T06-oKWbLoI/AAAAAAAAOko/WkiITOVaoXc/s1600/11%2Bchicken%2Blady.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vyu3My9lbw/T06-oKWbLoI/AAAAAAAAOko/WkiITOVaoXc/s400/11%2Bchicken%2Blady.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714714574362193538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Krystyna demonstrating a technique.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4axU4r1qHY/T06_HXbnKbI/AAAAAAAAOk0/GPjCcP5g9V0/s1600/18%2Bchickens.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4axU4r1qHY/T06_HXbnKbI/AAAAAAAAOk0/GPjCcP5g9V0/s400/18%2Bchickens.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714715110449555890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Chickens on parade. Mine is the 3rd from the left without eyes!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbFbW_7Ekug/T06_dGMWWhI/AAAAAAAAOlE/9jOR8faCOBk/s1600/19%2Bchicken%252C%2Bmine%2Bblind.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbFbW_7Ekug/T06_dGMWWhI/AAAAAAAAOlE/9jOR8faCOBk/s400/19%2Bchicken%252C%2Bmine%2Bblind.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714715483779258898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />A close up of the chickens.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BrDIAfWoJg/T06_2vk0GzI/AAAAAAAAOlM/1eIaAfMol2Q/s1600/15%2Bchicken%2Bleader.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BrDIAfWoJg/T06_2vk0GzI/AAAAAAAAOlM/1eIaAfMol2Q/s400/15%2Bchicken%2Bleader.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714715924384455474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Krystyna checking out one of her photos at the end of the workshop.<br /><br />My chicken, now complete:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_SvEt_LKi0/T07EMqCWTxI/AAAAAAAAOlk/lfcrhh5q8_c/s1600/1%2BMy%2Bchicken.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_SvEt_LKi0/T07EMqCWTxI/AAAAAAAAOlk/lfcrhh5q8_c/s400/1%2BMy%2Bchicken.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714720698901352210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Yule Present from my Daughter<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Can you stand a little more?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span><span><span style="font-size:130%;">I had thought, before Christmas, that K was making something for me but nothing appeared so I thought no more of it. Well a few days ago she posted on her Blog and on Facebook about the present which is now completed. She has been working on it for a long long time and - well, you will have seen how lovely it is from the photo at the start of this post. Here's a reminder:</span><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY_4S-bY1xE/T07B2MFAsOI/AAAAAAAAOlY/CTnQ_AkjXD4/s1600/Yule%2Bpresent%2Bfrom%2BK.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY_4S-bY1xE/T07B2MFAsOI/AAAAAAAAOlY/CTnQ_AkjXD4/s400/Yule%2Bpresent%2Bfrom%2BK.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714718113879077090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">It will of course be framed and take pride of place on the wall. K also said these lovely things:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >'I wanted to add but wasn’t sure how to word it… with every stitch I thought of all the lovely memories, the good and treasured ones; holidays, trips, visits, conversations, hugs… I wanted every stitch to be filled with those precious things. To share how special she is to me. I’m hoping she’ll feel it when she sees it. The piece is filled with my love for my momma, properly stitched in magic! xxx'</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Well, there really isn't much to say after that is there? Lucky me.</span><br /></span>BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-23814053085051615922012-01-20T18:22:00.021+00:002012-01-20T21:06:03.729+00:00How Does Our Garden Grow?Even though it's Winter here in Ireland, it's been really mild so far, in sharp contrast to last year when it reached -16 and killed off quite a number of our plants.<br /><br />This year we have, in January, daffodils out!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFkpN-jr_Cg/TxmxgDhQ0wI/AAAAAAAAOeM/BF4hD9sNi-U/s1600/31%2BDaffs.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFkpN-jr_Cg/TxmxgDhQ0wI/AAAAAAAAOeM/BF4hD9sNi-U/s400/31%2BDaffs.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699781967672824578" border="0" /></a><br />We also have some crocus and narcissus blooming - how strange it all is:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLRbK67IQf0/TxmxzkYMXBI/AAAAAAAAOeY/omSFiUpq1mY/s1600/1%2BNarcissus%2Bout%2Bin%2BJan.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLRbK67IQf0/TxmxzkYMXBI/AAAAAAAAOeY/omSFiUpq1mY/s400/1%2BNarcissus%2Bout%2Bin%2BJan.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699782302910667794" border="0" /></a><br />In fact, this narcissus was out at the end of December and several more have since joined it.<br /><br />We have had a lot of rain and wind. One morning we headed off to Ennis and the bottom of our drive had been washed away and turned into a stream! We had to bump across it. During the next couple of days I barrowed some stones down and it's now all filled in - until the next deluge I expect.#<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT5FkmETOpU/TxmyVWQsyEI/AAAAAAAAOek/PnSSBaR51dw/s1600/5%2Brain%2Bdamaged%2Broad.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wT5FkmETOpU/TxmyVWQsyEI/AAAAAAAAOek/PnSSBaR51dw/s400/5%2Brain%2Bdamaged%2Broad.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699782883236694082" border="0" /></a>Our drive goes off to the left.<br /><br />Back to the garden..<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l8soIzaXLOY/Txm2fvD29BI/AAAAAAAAOfU/xVozoT0LS7U/s1600/IMG_2612%2BPolytunnel%2Bsized.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l8soIzaXLOY/Txm2fvD29BI/AAAAAAAAOfU/xVozoT0LS7U/s400/IMG_2612%2BPolytunnel%2Bsized.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699787459738924050" border="0" /></a><br />Here is our poly tunnel with the evening sun shining through it. We have had wonderful produce from inside. For our Christmas dinner we had home grown carrots, chard and a few brussels - gorgeous.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bawPQuu_bio/Txm31J8HTII/AAAAAAAAOfs/Ch5TMgQiRdI/s1600/IMG_3755%2BJim%2Bwith%2Bveg%2Bon%2BXmas%2Bday.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bawPQuu_bio/Txm31J8HTII/AAAAAAAAOfs/Ch5TMgQiRdI/s400/IMG_3755%2BJim%2Bwith%2Bveg%2Bon%2BXmas%2Bday.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699788927243078786" border="0" /></a><br />Here's the chef Jim with the carrots and chard.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbRDpFu4hgM/Txm5Qq-2zNI/AAAAAAAAOf4/Wy_U7V4Mo3Y/s1600/IMG_3754%2BBuster%2Bwith%2Bhis%2BXmas%2Btoy.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TbRDpFu4hgM/Txm5Qq-2zNI/AAAAAAAAOf4/Wy_U7V4Mo3Y/s400/IMG_3754%2BBuster%2Bwith%2Bhis%2BXmas%2Btoy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699790499481046226" border="0" /></a><br />And Buster with his new Christmas tiger! His friend Max, a local Labrador, came and called for him and they went off to play! Here's Max:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSDSfHmKDaA/Txm6NkVJfvI/AAAAAAAAOgE/uSF_xRDWVZI/s1600/IMG_3760%2BMax%2Bcalled%2Bfor%2BBuster.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSDSfHmKDaA/Txm6NkVJfvI/AAAAAAAAOgE/uSF_xRDWVZI/s400/IMG_3760%2BMax%2Bcalled%2Bfor%2BBuster.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699791545667518194" border="0" /></a><br />You can see how fast his tail is wagging - it's a blur.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y09GK9yo9tI/Txm1b26-SJI/AAAAAAAAOfI/Lr1hT4_qtY0/s1600/IMG_2608%2BNasturtium%2Bsized.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y09GK9yo9tI/Txm1b26-SJI/AAAAAAAAOfI/Lr1hT4_qtY0/s400/IMG_2608%2BNasturtium%2Bsized.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699786293618034834" border="0" /></a><br />Nasturtiums tumbled over the wall in our front garden - this was in October before they became too straggly and I pulled them out.<br /><br />Just to remind me what the garden looked like in the Summer:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UG1kDfafJGA/Txm8zfQ94sI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/tskX5C4-oEQ/s1600/IMG_1908%2BGaren%2Bsized.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UG1kDfafJGA/Txm8zfQ94sI/AAAAAAAAOgQ/tskX5C4-oEQ/s400/IMG_1908%2BGaren%2Bsized.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699794396166087362" border="0" /></a><br />All lush and green.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Birds</span><br /><br />We have been feeding the birds as usual throughout the Winter and there seem to be dozens of them permanently in our back garden. I took a bit of video yesterday so I'll see if I can download it for you.<br /><br />It's been dowloading for about half an hour and still not worked so I'm afraid I've had to give up on it. Maybe it was too long. I'll try again next time. Suffice it to say there were goldfinch, chaffinch, great tits, siskin, coal tits and greenfinch. We also have 2 very large resident magpies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Home Improvements</span><br /><br />Jim has finished the new staircase and banister which leads up to his new office. It's quite small but it's warm and cosy up there.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CknYub4iBzk/TxnKzLC_6DI/AAAAAAAAOgc/Nhyf3WztEAs/s1600/IMG_3893%2BStaircase%2Bto%2BJim%2527s%2Bstudy.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CknYub4iBzk/TxnKzLC_6DI/AAAAAAAAOgc/Nhyf3WztEAs/s400/IMG_3893%2BStaircase%2Bto%2BJim%2527s%2Bstudy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699809783901579314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />New stairs and banisters. My doorway is on the left.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHckzdgtytw/TxnMbihpXcI/AAAAAAAAOgo/9jL95eIzqNk/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jHckzdgtytw/TxnMbihpXcI/AAAAAAAAOgo/9jL95eIzqNk/s400/IMG_3895.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699811576910536130" border="0" /></a><br />As you go up the stairs this is what you see. Jim's office chair on the right.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNUlv8CU9p0/TxnNWb42nlI/AAAAAAAAOg0/KF-ZhR1729k/s1600/IMG_3897%2Bhot%2Bpress.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cNUlv8CU9p0/TxnNWb42nlI/AAAAAAAAOg0/KF-ZhR1729k/s400/IMG_3897%2Bhot%2Bpress.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699812588741107282" border="0" /></a><br />The cupboard contains the hot water tank and is a great airing cupboard, or hot press as they call it in Ireland. Jim has made all this - what a clever boy he is! He also raised the centre of the ceiling as prior to that, he couldn't stand up in there. You can see it in this photo.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6z4paNTn-o/TxnN3o18TDI/AAAAAAAAOhA/IW4nfxsvgao/s1600/IMG_3903%2BNew%2Bstairs%2Band%2Bcupboard.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6z4paNTn-o/TxnN3o18TDI/AAAAAAAAOhA/IW4nfxsvgao/s400/IMG_3903%2BNew%2Bstairs%2Band%2Bcupboard.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699813159154240562" border="0" /></a><br />Downstairs again and we now have a new kitchen cupboard. I can at last put my hoover away! It's also the store for cat and dog food, which used to hang about all over the place. We recycled these doors from our old shower room.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9GKcOVNUrE/TxnOe6JUolI/AAAAAAAAOhM/wzF--L2CPMc/s1600/IMG_3906%2Bstaircase%2Bwith%2Bducks%2Bbet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R9GKcOVNUrE/TxnOe6JUolI/AAAAAAAAOhM/wzF--L2CPMc/s400/IMG_3906%2Bstaircase%2Bwith%2Bducks%2Bbet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699813833813828178" border="0" /></a><br />Our 'flying ducks' are a bit of a joke! I used to buy boxes of china and odd things from the Worthing auctions and sell them on ebay. These ducks were in one box and got badly broken. Jim stuck them back together and they became part of our 'bad taste' collection! They look rather good flying up the stairs!<br /><br />The last room to do in the cottage is Jim's old office at the opposite end. It has always been damp and dingy in there so we have new, larger windows to go in. It has an upstairs too, which was reached by a ladder, so another staircase to build! The walls will be dry lined and the floor will be laminated wooden boards, in keeping with the rest of the cottage. It would make a marvellous room for a teenager with the upstairs for a bed and downstairs with a settee maybe. <br /><br />Right, that's it for today I think. I have some papier mache on the go, so am going to give the pieces another coat. Have a great weekend everyone.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-25234591235419108042012-01-14T10:39:00.025+00:002012-01-14T12:12:55.372+00:00Crafting, Knitting, Crochet and Messing About.Gosh, two blog entries! I thought I'd do a post on my various crafting exploits. For Christmas, I made my Granddaughter Kitty a 'Jessica' doll and I also made on for a lovely friend Beverley who lives in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Batley</span>, Yorkshire for her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">niece</span>. Here are the two in question:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI_7XNRu5d0/TxFdkYy2AWI/AAAAAAAAOag/BiQCTvk5maU/s1600/1%2BKitty%2527s%2BJessica.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SI_7XNRu5d0/TxFdkYy2AWI/AAAAAAAAOag/BiQCTvk5maU/s400/1%2BKitty%2527s%2BJessica.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697437883312767330" border="0" /></a><br />I ventured into purples for Kitty's doll.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgNL7JemHlA/TxFdVpzdkPI/AAAAAAAAOaU/yII8YW1AM-M/s1600/4%2BKitty%2527s%2BJessica%2Bgetting%2Ba%2Bhelping%2Bhand%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgNL7JemHlA/TxFdVpzdkPI/AAAAAAAAOaU/yII8YW1AM-M/s400/4%2BKitty%2527s%2BJessica%2Bgetting%2Ba%2Bhelping%2Bhand%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697437630180724978" border="0" /></a><br />Jim holds Kitty's Jessica for a photo!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gs10bBgeSDE/TxFeAxSO0HI/AAAAAAAAOas/qmWVDIadZ5M/s1600/IMG_3530%2BHannah%2Bfor%2BBev.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gs10bBgeSDE/TxFeAxSO0HI/AAAAAAAAOas/qmWVDIadZ5M/s400/IMG_3530%2BHannah%2Bfor%2BBev.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697438370923204722" border="0" /></a>Bev's niece's doll.<br /><br />I also knitted quite a few pairs of slippers. See 'Knitting' below.<br /><br /><br /><br />I belong to a great women's group called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Milliande</span>. We often have 'swaps' of all sorts of things. Before Christmas we did a '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">witchel</span>' swap and here is mine:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAN_fCAPQqo/TxFgWvkDSqI/AAAAAAAAOa4/NFC4vRxeeKA/s1600/Witchel%2Bornament.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAN_fCAPQqo/TxFgWvkDSqI/AAAAAAAAOa4/NFC4vRxeeKA/s400/Witchel%2Bornament.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697440947441453730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjFYTQaK_D4/TxFggjPzMKI/AAAAAAAAObE/9u4EL-G0lew/s1600/Witchel%2Bback.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjFYTQaK_D4/TxFggjPzMKI/AAAAAAAAObE/9u4EL-G0lew/s400/Witchel%2Bback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697441115933978786" border="0" /></a>I adapted a cardboard cut out that I already had as I was short of time and it went off to Canada.<br /><br />My latest swap with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Milliande</span> is for 'pins'. These are sort of little brooches with a maximum size of 2". Here are the 3 I've made so far:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzg3jit21ZU/TxFji5ITyMI/AAAAAAAAObc/zXA9yfVBJlI/s1600/47%2BPin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 352px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rzg3jit21ZU/TxFji5ITyMI/AAAAAAAAObc/zXA9yfVBJlI/s400/47%2BPin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697444454702762178" border="0" /></a><br />This started out as a collage of all sorts of material on top of black felt. I think melted it with a heat gun and put some cellophane on top which I also melted! I found the lovely glass button and added that to the top and did some sewing in thick gold thread. It's quite funky I think!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNebNnpEnn0/TxFkG5ZqQmI/AAAAAAAAObo/1oxGb7CP0q4/s1600/34%2BPin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xNebNnpEnn0/TxFkG5ZqQmI/AAAAAAAAObo/1oxGb7CP0q4/s400/34%2BPin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697445073250828898" border="0" /></a><br />This pin is a little collage of papers, tissue and a curtain screw! I then sewed with pink thread on the top and added beads and the other glass button I found.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRINg3Orde4/TxFp3anp2tI/AAAAAAAAOb0/79H8QcVSUds/s1600/IMG_3873%2Bpin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRINg3Orde4/TxFp3anp2tI/AAAAAAAAOb0/79H8QcVSUds/s400/IMG_3873%2Bpin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697451404359752402" border="0" /></a><br />This one is rather like a shield. The silver centre was a large earring which I straightened out and cut in half. Jim made holes in it so that I could sew it to the felt. The background is a bit more of the collage in the first brooch.<br /><br />Finally, this little one is just one inch square!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcTpOvn7lU8/TxFqZ82n0aI/AAAAAAAAOcE/qYKB83dRym8/s1600/IMG_3870%2Bpin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcTpOvn7lU8/TxFqZ82n0aI/AAAAAAAAOcE/qYKB83dRym8/s400/IMG_3870%2Bpin%2Bfor%2BMilliande.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697451997664891298" border="0" /></a><br />I only have to make 3 so now I have one spare.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crochet</span><br /><br />I have finally learnt how to crochet - well, a little bit! Here is my first Grannie square:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bKR87i1HY4/TxFq2XqTvtI/AAAAAAAAOcQ/hmRK7M645gk/s1600/IMG_3875%2BMy%2Bfirst%2Bcrochet%2Bgrannie%2Bsquare.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0bKR87i1HY4/TxFq2XqTvtI/AAAAAAAAOcQ/hmRK7M645gk/s400/IMG_3875%2BMy%2Bfirst%2Bcrochet%2Bgrannie%2Bsquare.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697452485897338578" border="0" /></a><br />Now I am crocheting a headband. I rather like the effect of the colours (lovely wool bought from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">WoollyGathering</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tuamgraney</span>) and the spike stitch that goes over the row below. I haven't finished the headband yet!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVGR0BEgTM4/TxFrvAPbpTI/AAAAAAAAOcc/WrpxqM-iAMs/s1600/IMG_3878%2Bcrochet%2Bheadband.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 190px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVGR0BEgTM4/TxFrvAPbpTI/AAAAAAAAOcc/WrpxqM-iAMs/s400/IMG_3878%2Bcrochet%2Bheadband.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697453458863138098" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQhwLZrv2ec/TxFr_LB6tEI/AAAAAAAAOco/zkMBOzQoiOQ/s1600/IMG_3877%2Bcrochet%2Bhead%2Bband.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQhwLZrv2ec/TxFr_LB6tEI/AAAAAAAAOco/zkMBOzQoiOQ/s400/IMG_3877%2Bcrochet%2Bhead%2Bband.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697453736637150274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Knitting</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Bev</span> wanted a pair of slippers for her Mum who has quite swollen feet, so I made a wide pair with a slit down the front and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">apparently</span> she just loves them! Another pair went to my daughter and another to my sister in law Miranda. Here is the first pair I made:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjQr7EFE7nI/TxFg524KRhI/AAAAAAAAObQ/sFWvkjSjheo/s1600/Slippers.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KjQr7EFE7nI/TxFg524KRhI/AAAAAAAAObQ/sFWvkjSjheo/s400/Slippers.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697441550700267026" border="0" /></a><br />I think my daughter K has this pair. I found the pattern online and adapted it for size. Jim and I have a pair too and they're really warm and comfortable if not a fashion statement!<br /><br />I did finish Jim's jumper quite quickly. The sleeves were too long but I soon adjusted those and he wears it quite frequently. I haven't a photo of it on it's own but here is Jim wearing it. We (the knitting/crochet group) met up one day in a cafe in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Killaloe</span>. Jim knitted a square!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWWDR5Jg700/TxFuYp4JNxI/AAAAAAAAOc0/fLgj7wrLDBQ/s1600/Jim%2Band%2BGina%2Bknittin%2Bgat%2BThe%2BWooden%2BSpoon%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tWWDR5Jg700/TxFuYp4JNxI/AAAAAAAAOc0/fLgj7wrLDBQ/s400/Jim%2Band%2BGina%2Bknittin%2Bgat%2BThe%2BWooden%2BSpoon%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697456373437642514" border="0" /></a><br />You can see Jim's sleeves turned up!! I was knitting a pair of socks. They still aren't finished because I was supposed to do 'Kitchener stitch' for the toes and still haven't done it.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FRyfhxbqv4/TxFu8Xb3WUI/AAAAAAAAOdA/jrsJvZ2JXSE/s1600/IMG_3874%2Bsocks%2BI%2Bmade.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FRyfhxbqv4/TxFu8Xb3WUI/AAAAAAAAOdA/jrsJvZ2JXSE/s400/IMG_3874%2Bsocks%2BI%2Bmade.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697456986962483522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Messing Around</span><br /><br />I love recycling as you probably know and I have collected all sorts of attractive carrier bags. I found a magazine article on fusing them and had a play. Here is my first piece:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFGYNlF5WF4/TxFva_fm6TI/AAAAAAAAOdM/87gpuSZZtGM/s1600/37%2BMelted%2Bplastic%2Band%2Bsewing%2B3%2Bsquares.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFGYNlF5WF4/TxFva_fm6TI/AAAAAAAAOdM/87gpuSZZtGM/s400/37%2BMelted%2Bplastic%2Band%2Bsewing%2B3%2Bsquares.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697457513111677234" border="0" /></a><br />This is melted carrier bags plus a bit of wool and some stitching over the top. I called it '3 squares' and rather like it!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xybSrrxYoAE/TxFvxS2aG6I/AAAAAAAAOdY/tq7N7HGrc3Y/s1600/38%2BMelted%2Bplastic%2Bpart%2Bof.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xybSrrxYoAE/TxFvxS2aG6I/AAAAAAAAOdY/tq7N7HGrc3Y/s400/38%2BMelted%2Bplastic%2Bpart%2Bof.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697457896264702882" border="0" /></a><br />A close up of one section.<br /><br />The second piece I made turned into a document wallet! I'm not sure how that happened. I lined it with dark hessian.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djcGDzj5E48/TxFwHFaRF2I/AAAAAAAAOdk/ircdWVUM_64/s1600/42%2Bmelted%2Bcarriers%2Bwallet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djcGDzj5E48/TxFwHFaRF2I/AAAAAAAAOdk/ircdWVUM_64/s400/42%2Bmelted%2Bcarriers%2Bwallet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697458270614132578" border="0" /></a><br />Front.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjSIv-meLSQ/TxFwSjEmVMI/AAAAAAAAOdw/XPK5YVGBdNg/s1600/41%2BMelted%2Bcarrier%2Bbags%2Bwallet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjSIv-meLSQ/TxFwSjEmVMI/AAAAAAAAOdw/XPK5YVGBdNg/s400/41%2BMelted%2Bcarrier%2Bbags%2Bwallet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697458467554874562" border="0" /></a><br />Back.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2pzBPDhpbk/TxFweYMLgcI/AAAAAAAAOd8/kQzoPEW9MK8/s1600/43%2BMelted%2Bplastic%2Bwallet%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2pzBPDhpbk/TxFweYMLgcI/AAAAAAAAOd8/kQzoPEW9MK8/s400/43%2BMelted%2Bplastic%2Bwallet%2Bclose%2Bup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697458670792311234" border="0" /></a><br />Close up of a section.<br /><br />I had a lot of fun making these and still have lots of bags left!<br /><br />I think that's enough for now. I haven't mentioned all the beads I made or the dozens of key rings and fingerless gloves I've knitted....<br /><br />Until next time.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-61809489050284419992012-01-13T08:17:00.018+00:002012-01-13T09:27:39.648+00:00Crafting, Christmas, Catching Up...Yes, I am still alive. I am determined to start blogging again properly in 2012. There - I've put it in writing now.<br /><br />August was my last post and how can I possibly fill in all that's happened since then? I'll just try some edited highlights instead.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bxEr6XBORE/Tw_4EzPvxDI/AAAAAAAAOaI/afjAoM7B_0I/s1600/Jim%2527s%2Bpainting%2Bsized.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bxEr6XBORE/Tw_4EzPvxDI/AAAAAAAAOaI/afjAoM7B_0I/s400/Jim%2527s%2Bpainting%2Bsized.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697044815006385202" border="0" /></a><br />Jim has been going to painting classes and this is his first painting since he was at school. It's Lough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Graney</span> from our gateway and I think he made a pretty good job of it!<br /><br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Family</span><br /><br />Kitty and Jack seem to grow daily. I last visited them in December and of course a few photos were taken! Kitty has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">recently</span> moved into Jack's old bedroom, which is now all pink and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">girly</span>. She loves it of course and keeps running round the space in the centre - which she couldn't do in her tiny first room.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVkYeMDW3kk/Tw_qa2PyG-I/AAAAAAAAOXs/m6a0ux0EFIE/s1600/Gina%2Band%2BKitty%2B2.tif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVkYeMDW3kk/Tw_qa2PyG-I/AAAAAAAAOXs/m6a0ux0EFIE/s400/Gina%2Band%2BKitty%2B2.tif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697029800606178274" border="0" /></a><br />Me and Kitty. Jason and Sam had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span> Christmas party in the local hall and we were waiting to be ferried to the venue.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v242Q148lLY/Tw_rA628JgI/AAAAAAAAOX4/S45E1ekpf_8/s1600/Kitty%2BNursery%2Bphoto%2B1%2BDec%2B11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v242Q148lLY/Tw_rA628JgI/AAAAAAAAOX4/S45E1ekpf_8/s400/Kitty%2BNursery%2Bphoto%2B1%2BDec%2B11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697030454679184898" border="0" /></a><br />This gorgeous photo of Kitty was her nursery picture. I want to eat her!<br /><br />Jack is doing very well at school, with a reading age of 8 (he is 6). Here he is having a hug from his Daddy Jason:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8PrrnIkG2k/Tw_viUfPmBI/AAAAAAAAOZA/EvOaJp6W-tQ/s1600/37%2BGorgeous.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8PrrnIkG2k/Tw_viUfPmBI/AAAAAAAAOZA/EvOaJp6W-tQ/s400/37%2BGorgeous.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697035426541312018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim's Family and Grandchildren </span><br /><br />Before we headed up to Suffolk, Jim and I stayed a few days in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Worthing</span> and saw his 2 daughters and their families.<br /><br />Here, Jenny is reading a story to Sonny. He is always smiling and an absolute delight:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCG2hOOfskY/Tw_tc75hlKI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/Y4L6RNYIn7M/s1600/IMG_3541%2BMum%2BJenny%2Breading%2Bto%2BSonny%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oCG2hOOfskY/Tw_tc75hlKI/AAAAAAAAOYQ/Y4L6RNYIn7M/s400/IMG_3541%2BMum%2BJenny%2Breading%2Bto%2BSonny%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697033135018054818" border="0" /></a><br />Older daughter Ali now has Poppy and Thomas. We bought Thomas a new set of clothes for Christmas, and here he is modelling them recently:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0jWslNmous/Tw_t6jUJKwI/AAAAAAAAOYc/R3oHa3QsiGk/s1600/Tom%2Bin%2Bhis%2BXmas%2Bpressy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0jWslNmous/Tw_t6jUJKwI/AAAAAAAAOYc/R3oHa3QsiGk/s400/Tom%2Bin%2Bhis%2BXmas%2Bpressy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697033643814890242" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't he super?<br /><br />Poppy is quite the young lady now and we had a wonderful if rather full on time at their house with Poppy, Sonny and Thomas.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7AJkmfWro0/Tw_unFngKBI/AAAAAAAAOYo/qg-LdkjjItw/s1600/IMG_3553%2BPoppy%252C%2BSonny%2Band%2BTom.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7AJkmfWro0/Tw_unFngKBI/AAAAAAAAOYo/qg-LdkjjItw/s400/IMG_3553%2BPoppy%252C%2BSonny%2Band%2BTom.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697034408937138194" border="0" /></a><br />Poppy, Sonny and Thomas on the settee.<br /><br />Poppy is as pretty as ever:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkSZ2V6AvsY/Tw_vAGWryUI/AAAAAAAAOY0/CFxroLdkWbg/s1600/IMG_3551%2BPretty%2BPoppy.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkSZ2V6AvsY/Tw_vAGWryUI/AAAAAAAAOY0/CFxroLdkWbg/s400/IMG_3551%2BPretty%2BPoppy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697034838631762242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daughter K and family</span><br /><br />I visited K and family in Chesterfield and spent a too short a time there. Luisa had to go to London for the day so K and I hitched a lift and went to London Zoo! I hadn't been for years and we had a lovely time - although the weather wasn't great. After the zoo, we visited K's dad, my first husband Ken in South London. He has lost weight and, since being diagnosed with diabetes, is feeling quite fit. Let's see what photos I can find:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTTAIoWbYT4/Tw_xSGGIt6I/AAAAAAAAOZM/G5jmLub3GW8/s1600/42%2BBury%2BStation.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTTAIoWbYT4/Tw_xSGGIt6I/AAAAAAAAOZM/G5jmLub3GW8/s400/42%2BBury%2BStation.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697037346823255970" border="0" /></a><br />I caught the train from Bury St <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Edmunds</span> station to travel to Chesterfield. When I went to the zoo, I left my camera behind, so no photos of that trip!<br /><br />Well, I can't seem to find any so here's one of K, Rachel and Luisa.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maLwvneslrs/Tw_zCGz8nMI/AAAAAAAAOZY/b1cOoG_spW4/s1600/K%252C%2BRach%2Band%2BLu%2Bon%2BRach%2527s%2Bbirthday%252C%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maLwvneslrs/Tw_zCGz8nMI/AAAAAAAAOZY/b1cOoG_spW4/s400/K%252C%2BRach%2Band%2BLu%2Bon%2BRach%2527s%2Bbirthday%252C%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697039271160749250" border="0" /></a><br />Poor Luisa is still not right from her operation. A day was spent in hospital yesterday for various tests. She is still in pain and has difficulty keeping food down.<br /><br />Son Ben is still in Spain running his bar and has been reunited with long term girlfriend Hayley after a short time apart. I'm really pleased for them. I can't believe Ben will be 28 in February!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Animals</span><br /><br />Buster is still as daft as ever - here is a photo of him with Jim. True love!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGPqlFXMoQo/Tw_1XsG9HjI/AAAAAAAAOZw/NdhTG6mb3Tg/s1600/IMG_3358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGPqlFXMoQo/Tw_1XsG9HjI/AAAAAAAAOZw/NdhTG6mb3Tg/s400/IMG_3358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697041840973094450" border="0" /></a><br />Sandy is also going strong. He spends much of his time curled up in his bed in front of the fire!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W37PAl8mpZY/Tw_2PBzCH9I/AAAAAAAAOZ8/BYGsZpQdXjU/s1600/Sleeping%2BSandy%2Bsized.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W37PAl8mpZY/Tw_2PBzCH9I/AAAAAAAAOZ8/BYGsZpQdXjU/s400/Sleeping%2BSandy%2Bsized.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697042791687921618" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been doing a lot of crafting - making things for Christmas then learning crochet and just playing about! I think that's for another day though.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-67295548959016719282011-10-05T08:32:00.015+01:002011-10-05T09:34:52.289+01:00I'm Still Alive - Catch Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2l_BDw-T9vk/TowM9lFDPTI/AAAAAAAAOUY/omNbrj2yfDQ/s1600/124a%2BBeautiful%2BKitty.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2l_BDw-T9vk/TowM9lFDPTI/AAAAAAAAOUY/omNbrj2yfDQ/s400/124a%2BBeautiful%2BKitty.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659913083762720050" border="0" /></a><br />Kitty, August 2011.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-52qdHTCgCks/TowMquVP4SI/AAAAAAAAOUQ/jrEZ5XkaSq4/s1600/124a%2BBeautiful%2BKitty.jpeg"><br /></a>Hello everyone. Yes, I'm still here and feeling guilty as usual for my lack of posts. I still spend as much time as I can outside but as the days become shorter I should be able to be more reliable in my blogging efforts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Knitting</span><br /><br />Every Thursday morning I go to a group in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tuamgraney</span> called '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Woollygathering</span>'. We sit and knit and chat and I really enjoy it. We had a sock making workshop a couple of Saturdays ago, but it wasn't long enough so we're going to have another two. I'd love to make a proper pair of socks. My current project is a jumper for Jim - a Jimmy Jumper! I've done the back and about half the front. Photos when it's completed (2012)?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crochet</span><br /><br />In the same group, in November, we are having 6 weeks of crochet. I'm very excited about this as it's one of the crafts I've never tried. It's about time I learnt.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beads</span><br /><br />I seem to have made thousands of beads! I will put them for sale on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span> soon. If they don't sell, I'll have to string them up around the house as Christmas decorations! I've also made quite a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">keyrings</span>. I've hung various things from a single ring. They can be hung on a bag, your phone, anywhere really. Just a bit of fun.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visitors</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sam, Jack and Kitty</span> came over in August and we had a great time. The weather wasn't wonderful but it could have been worse. We did manage to go to the lake and have a bit of a splash around on their first day. They loved it.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GffL88pBE8/TowLp7oyUWI/AAAAAAAAOUA/tYVna549ZpA/s1600/059%2BJack%252C%2Bme%252C%2BKitty%2Band%2BSam%252C%2BLG.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GffL88pBE8/TowLp7oyUWI/AAAAAAAAOUA/tYVna549ZpA/s400/059%2BJack%252C%2Bme%252C%2BKitty%2Band%2BSam%252C%2BLG.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659911646709174626" border="0" /></a><br />L - R, Jack, me, Kitty and Sam. A distance shot to show the lake and lovely surroundings. The children are far too photogenic so it's hard to pick individual shots. Here's one of Kitty in her lovely 'wet suit'.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrcI-29rTDw/TowMOkW53pI/AAAAAAAAOUI/IlXKfUEhdmw/s1600/101%2BHere%2BI%2Bcome.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QrcI-29rTDw/TowMOkW53pI/AAAAAAAAOUI/IlXKfUEhdmw/s400/101%2BHere%2BI%2Bcome.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659912276115316370" border="0" /></a>She is just adorable.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sU-HLXmrLpA/TowNtI0PKUI/AAAAAAAAOUg/s8A2V9ee2nc/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sU-HLXmrLpA/TowNtI0PKUI/AAAAAAAAOUg/s8A2V9ee2nc/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659913900809726274" border="0" /></a><br />We went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Galway</span> and nearly got blown away!! Jack, Sam, Me and Kitty in the pushchair.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-7tdJIYglw/TowOgNbzJ8I/AAAAAAAAOUw/eiOMREbTNW8/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-7tdJIYglw/TowOgNbzJ8I/AAAAAAAAOUw/eiOMREbTNW8/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659914778222733250" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LpVcuKOk-Xw/TowOMh7OTlI/AAAAAAAAOUo/cXAQWE7Q3G0/s1600/003.JPG"><br /></a>The children enjoying helping Grandad Jim dig up, wash and dry potatoes. Look - sunshine!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThgS2OXCJuc/TowP2qMiEpI/AAAAAAAAOU4/i6eV9On67ZE/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ThgS2OXCJuc/TowP2qMiEpI/AAAAAAAAOU4/i6eV9On67ZE/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659916263412077202" border="0" /></a><br />We went to a family day in a local wood. Jack learnt all about his senses. Here, grandad talks Jack, blindfolded, through an obstacle course. They were very good at this.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgNF9eFrHN0/TowQvYQvT1I/AAAAAAAAOVA/TeVytPu0CIE/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgNF9eFrHN0/TowQvYQvT1I/AAAAAAAAOVA/TeVytPu0CIE/s400/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659917237850427218" border="0" /></a><br />We visited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Clumber</span> Park and sat on about every rock we could find!<br /><br />I took this rather splendid photo of Jim:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3jYdzSZouo/TowSYI5TCjI/AAAAAAAAOVQ/lV-tB-KvhX0/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3jYdzSZouo/TowSYI5TCjI/AAAAAAAAOVQ/lV-tB-KvhX0/s400/030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659919037611838002" border="0" /></a><br />That hat is rather chewed as Jim ran over it with the lawnmower!!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQea8tTy38c/TowRxqfc0SI/AAAAAAAAOVI/DthBHcufjD0/s1600/009%2BA%2Bwalk%2Bto%2BLough%2BGraney.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQea8tTy38c/TowRxqfc0SI/AAAAAAAAOVI/DthBHcufjD0/s400/009%2BA%2Bwalk%2Bto%2BLough%2BGraney.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659918376615334178" border="0" /></a><br />We walked to Lough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Graney</span> - Buster came too. More sunshine!<br /><br />On the last day we made camps in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sunroom</span>, made and ate cheese straws and generally played indoors. It was a super visit - come back soon!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Arrival</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vU_5tlbFu9A/TowS9oVDthI/AAAAAAAAOVY/zQGQL8dml-k/s1600/IMG_0088.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vU_5tlbFu9A/TowS9oVDthI/AAAAAAAAOVY/zQGQL8dml-k/s400/IMG_0088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659919681704932882" border="0" /></a>Jim's daughter Ali had a baby boy, Tom, a brother for the lovely Poppy. Jim and I have both been to visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71ZBrC9lH6o/TowTuv0nLoI/AAAAAAAAOVg/GOuCIp0tcbA/s1600/IMG_2833.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71ZBrC9lH6o/TowTuv0nLoI/AAAAAAAAOVg/GOuCIp0tcbA/s400/IMG_2833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659920525529919106" border="0" /></a><br />Here I am in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Worthing</span> having a cuddle.<br /><br />Enough in one go I think! Today it's very windy and a bit drizzly. The Summer has been pretty awful here this year. Our outside vegetables have struggled but Jim produced lots of goodies from inside the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">polytunnel</span>.<br /><br />Blogging = must try harder.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-89710663466997455502011-08-10T18:34:00.019+01:002011-08-10T20:24:39.673+01:00The Gort Show,7th August 2011Gosh, how quickly has The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gort</span> Show come around again? Jim is on the committee and has been attending meetings all year so it's been on my mind getting things ready for entry into the crafts section. I only entered 5 photographs too as I had decided to have a bead stall at the show.
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<br />I didn't do quite as well as usual but still managed to make a profit. Jim did very well in the flowers section too. Between us we seemed to have a fistful of winning tickets.
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1h13EeEB5kE/TkLCUqBpGEI/AAAAAAAAOSI/jvd_uU_cdUc/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1h13EeEB5kE/TkLCUqBpGEI/AAAAAAAAOSI/jvd_uU_cdUc/s400/IMG_2302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639283343555631170" border="0" /></a>
<br />Here the judges are examining my rag doll Jessica. It's clear they preferred the knitted dolls best as she came 3rd. Archie, my male doll, received a 'Highly Commended'. I'll enter a knitted one next year!
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<br />There was one section for 'any crafts not entered in another section' and it was clear that the judges didn't have an understanding of the more modern crafts. A friend of mine entered a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nuno</span> felted scarf which was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">absolutely</span> beautiful. It took about a week of hard work to make but didn't get placed at all. Time for some new, younger judges I think.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpLZDHaQYjg/TkLFcsi4WvI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/gzofGzPvHOM/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpLZDHaQYjg/TkLFcsi4WvI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/gzofGzPvHOM/s400/016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639286780205751026" border="0" /></a>
<br />Here are some of Jim's entries. His winning sweet peas on the left. His winning potatoes on the right and below at the bottom, his winning plate of pansies. Didn't he do well? The photos taken inside are rather 'yellow' but that's the lighting in the hall.
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<br />I hardly took any photos as I was busy on my stall outside. I have been making beads from paper/old magazines/old cards etc. I made some up into jewellery - bracelets and necklaces - and had a lot on display in an old printer's drawer.
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWlaEk7mdEE/TkLOjvZur6I/AAAAAAAAOSY/mxTlDQiD1-U/s1600/Me%2Band%2Bmy%2Bbead%2Bstall%2B2.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWlaEk7mdEE/TkLOjvZur6I/AAAAAAAAOSY/mxTlDQiD1-U/s400/Me%2Band%2Bmy%2Bbead%2Bstall%2B2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639296796836409250" border="0" /></a>
<br />Here I am serving a young lady who wanted to make a bracelet for her mum. She loved it and it was a pleasure to fulfil her wish. I made some beads while I was there and people were fascinated by the process. Most people thought the beads were bought when they first saw them. I missed not being about to look around the show but really enjoyed the day.
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<br />Here is a bracelet and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">earring</span> set that I made - it came 3rd in the jewellery section:
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJF8ita3J78/TkLVuwbtr1I/AAAAAAAAOTQ/7ZaQvv3B96g/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 211px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJF8ita3J78/TkLVuwbtr1I/AAAAAAAAOTQ/7ZaQvv3B96g/s400/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639304682673123154" border="0" /></a>
<br />I made the beads out of an old valentine's card from Jim!
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<br />And a couple of bracelets:
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPO1q2NnVBU/TkLV87PHTpI/AAAAAAAAOTY/wUDPFVcnAX8/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPO1q2NnVBU/TkLV87PHTpI/AAAAAAAAOTY/wUDPFVcnAX8/s400/031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639304926091234962" border="0" /></a>
<br />The weather was pretty good until about 4pm when the heavens opened! Jim got some good shots of soggy people:
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcjC5b8xVfg/TkLPaRHgURI/AAAAAAAAOSg/7hJ5aYluPME/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcjC5b8xVfg/TkLPaRHgURI/AAAAAAAAOSg/7hJ5aYluPME/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639297733599711506" border="0" /></a>
<br />I love this photo of a clown running one way and the child running the other! We waited for a while for the rain to stop, but when it wasn't happening, packed away and went inside the hall. At least I managed to get a look at all the exhibits.
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsyG2AX7jUw/TkLQqQCLDmI/AAAAAAAAOSo/lfEhnsmuSBs/s1600/005%2BSoggy%2BStallholders.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsyG2AX7jUw/TkLQqQCLDmI/AAAAAAAAOSo/lfEhnsmuSBs/s400/005%2BSoggy%2BStallholders.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639299107698445922" border="0" /></a>
<br />Look at those puddles.
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<br />Jim managed a quick look around and watched this heavy horse pulling his master around:
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0XTsI0Zgmk/TkLRYg_v77I/AAAAAAAAOSw/EV_QN1vji0o/s1600/IMG_2318.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U0XTsI0Zgmk/TkLRYg_v77I/AAAAAAAAOSw/EV_QN1vji0o/s400/IMG_2318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639299902525665202" border="0" /></a>
<br />Unfortunately there were a few rumbles of thunder and the horse became too spooked to continue.
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXAMpCuR9yM/TkLSIXRFK2I/AAAAAAAAOS4/hTfQJ1eBXNQ/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXAMpCuR9yM/TkLSIXRFK2I/AAAAAAAAOS4/hTfQJ1eBXNQ/s400/024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639300724547726178" border="0" /></a>
<br />I took this shot of a collie dog on his way home - I wonder if it won a prize?
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<br />The next day, Jim went back to the show hall to help clear up. He took a few photos there too. This is the best one of 3 of the stewards rolling the blue <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tack</span> off the photo display boards!
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjpvjLEUOtI/TkLSqZkL55I/AAAAAAAAOTA/6RIWf1PrGKU/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjpvjLEUOtI/TkLSqZkL55I/AAAAAAAAOTA/6RIWf1PrGKU/s400/028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639301309280282514" border="0" /></a>
<br />They were all rewarded for their efforts with lunch at the Lady Gregory Hotel.
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<br />I'm still sorting out the beads and equipment at home.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Work in Progress in the Cottage</span>
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<br />Jim has been very busy making a staircase at one end of the cottage. We did have a roof ladder leading up to the little room upstairs in the roof space but it wasn't very easy to use. He is also building a storage cupboard at the bottom - just opposite the door to my study. I'll see if I can find a photo of it:
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsUq8iIFhv0/TkLUaMwUDKI/AAAAAAAAOTI/2V7ywSKQcvs/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsUq8iIFhv0/TkLUaMwUDKI/AAAAAAAAOTI/2V7ywSKQcvs/s400/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639303229986835618" border="0" /></a>
<br />It has progressed further than this. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">banister</span> is now finished and he has clad the end wall of the cupboard with tongue and groove pine. On the left you can see the entrance to my study. The upstairs room can be a spare bedroom or Jim may use it for his office while he attacks the final room to be 'done up' at the exact opposite end of the cottage. Currently this is used as Jim's office.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Forthcoming Visit</span>
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<br />On 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> of this month, my daughter in law Sam and the grandchildren Jack and Kitty are coming to stay for a few days. I'm quite excited at the prospect but do hope the weather is kind to us. It's absolutely tipping it down today.
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<br />Here are a couple of photos from my last trip to Suffolk to visit them:
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4vehOYX_w4/TkLWtznEqiI/AAAAAAAAOTg/yguMfJt_U1E/s1600/IMG_2006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4vehOYX_w4/TkLWtznEqiI/AAAAAAAAOTg/yguMfJt_U1E/s400/IMG_2006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639305765857831458" border="0" /></a>
<br />Gorgeous Kitty - how she has grown! This was entered in as 'portrait of a child' but didn't come anywhere!
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nso96VPvMY/TkLX9_3vN7I/AAAAAAAAOTo/Ndrup2ufW54/s1600/IMG_2018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nso96VPvMY/TkLX9_3vN7I/AAAAAAAAOTo/Ndrup2ufW54/s400/IMG_2018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639307143538489266" border="0" /></a>
<br />What a grown up young man Jack has become. He is now 6. Here he was getting ready to go to the Theatre Royal in Bury St <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Edmunds</span> for his first public performance. He belongs to a drama group and performed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">incredibly</span> well. I was very proud of him. He played a chef and had to wear one of Daddy's ties.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buster</span>
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCFYUpUGCyA/TkLZ5K_JJ9I/AAAAAAAAOTw/Mg4QyD15B30/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vCFYUpUGCyA/TkLZ5K_JJ9I/AAAAAAAAOTw/Mg4QyD15B30/s400/IMG_2128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639309259646248914" border="0" /></a>
<br />He's still with us. He still goes off wandering with is friend Max the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">labrador</span> but has so far returned.
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<br />I think that's enough for today. I'm sorry I've been absent for so long. Thanks to all those who keep visiting. xxx
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<br />BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-52945039358624667112011-07-06T15:15:00.015+01:002011-07-06T16:30:51.735+01:002 Month Catch Up. Crafting Photos.Gosh, 2 months and I haven't done a blog post. What a failure. The trouble is that it's light until about 10.30pm so I'm often in the garden until then which doesn't leave much time for much else.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crafts</span><br /><br />I have also started attending various workshops in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tuamgraney</span>. We met for a few weeks each Thursday to do knitting. I learnt how to cable and made a 'Dressage Vest', which I am very pleased with I must say. Here is a photo of me knitting it:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMgiPOcqSb4/ThR2GLQ0LbI/AAAAAAAAOPI/0begOf6SOGY/s1600/20%2BMe%2Bknitting.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMgiPOcqSb4/ThR2GLQ0LbI/AAAAAAAAOPI/0begOf6SOGY/s400/20%2BMe%2Bknitting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626251682967203250" border="0" /></a>And wearing it:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-AiKHq2ibk/ThRwmZufKGI/AAAAAAAAOOg/REa7CL48j04/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-AiKHq2ibk/ThRwmZufKGI/AAAAAAAAOOg/REa7CL48j04/s400/012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626245639535798370" border="0" /></a><br />Then at the same place I did a '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nuno</span> felting' course. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nuno</span> felting is felting wool onto another material. It was great fun and my final project was supposed to be a wall hanging but it hasn't made it to the wall yet!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voq0RJ9HVcw/ThRxzrP2vsI/AAAAAAAAOOw/L_RMZf6fedI/s1600/001%2BMy%2Bnuno%2Bfelting%2Bbefore%2Bit%2Bshrunk%2Blots%2521.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voq0RJ9HVcw/ThRxzrP2vsI/AAAAAAAAOOw/L_RMZf6fedI/s400/001%2BMy%2Bnuno%2Bfelting%2Bbefore%2Bit%2Bshrunk%2Blots%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626246967089086146" border="0" /></a><br />This is the wall hanging before I had worked on it and shrunk the wool a lot. It then pulls in and the material goes crinkly! Here we all are at the end of the course with our efforts:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-wmqC4I5-o/ThRy1-sKVvI/AAAAAAAAOO4/LgnYl3WCUQg/s1600/Nuno%2Bfelting%2Bcourse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-wmqC4I5-o/ThRy1-sKVvI/AAAAAAAAOO4/LgnYl3WCUQg/s400/Nuno%2Bfelting%2Bcourse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626248106179450610" border="0" /></a><br />It's a wonderful atmosphere at the workshops and I'd recommend them to anyone in the vicinity. Next we are doing a few weeks of crochet. This will be a great adventure for me as I've never done any. I can't wait. <a href="http://www.woolly-gathering.blogspot.com/">Here is a link to their blog:</a> There are a few more photos of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nuno</span> felting on there. I have since made a blue wall hanging and various other pieces for fun.<br /><br />I have made a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wall hanging</span> out of my stash of material which is for the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">sun room</span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n60cYNDM1fI/ThR8ERMb4MI/AAAAAAAAOPQ/7pu_F3ZMzeQ/s1600/Wall%2Bhanging.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n60cYNDM1fI/ThR8ERMb4MI/AAAAAAAAOPQ/7pu_F3ZMzeQ/s400/Wall%2Bhanging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626258247269474498" border="0" /></a><br />I also made a felt scarf but it's too itchy so it's become a wall hanging in the bathroom!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwg5jJ0lHjU/ThR8vHPt0SI/AAAAAAAAOPY/PhZlx-O44qg/s1600/Wall%2Bhanging%2Bin%2Bbathroom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vwg5jJ0lHjU/ThR8vHPt0SI/AAAAAAAAOPY/PhZlx-O44qg/s400/Wall%2Bhanging%2Bin%2Bbathroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626258983333253410" border="0" /></a><br />I quite like it in there! It has some sequins and stars sewn on here and there.<br /><br />A felt experiment with a chiffon scarf:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6pso2MUCbU/ThR95hRpzBI/AAAAAAAAOPo/mRalU2gREYw/s1600/Chiffon%2Band%2Bfelting.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6pso2MUCbU/ThR95hRpzBI/AAAAAAAAOPo/mRalU2gREYw/s400/Chiffon%2Band%2Bfelting.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626260261631020050" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, a small mat made from wool and felted, then I backed it with chiffon and net and added buttons too.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1MP9HjXECQ/ThR-dw6fWNI/AAAAAAAAOP4/326skNPSzK8/s1600/Felted%2Band%2Bback%2Bwall%2Bhanging%2Bor%2Bmat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1MP9HjXECQ/ThR-dw6fWNI/AAAAAAAAOP4/326skNPSzK8/s400/Felted%2Band%2Bback%2Bwall%2Bhanging%2Bor%2Bmat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626260884304124114" border="0" /></a><br />My step <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Granddaughter</span> Liane had her baby Coco on June 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> and she asked for a 'Jessica' doll from me, which I duly made, this time with dark hair:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb3URH_Wulc/ThRxbhzoozI/AAAAAAAAOOo/NxGcLsVsWXY/s1600/1b%2BJessica%2Bfor%2BCoco.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eb3URH_Wulc/ThRxbhzoozI/AAAAAAAAOOo/NxGcLsVsWXY/s400/1b%2BJessica%2Bfor%2BCoco.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626246552237941554" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Coco with Jessica:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1D-YTwM3BYo/ThR0-ZBKqGI/AAAAAAAAOPA/fgg-JeFp-lk/s1600/Coco%2Band%2BJessica.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1D-YTwM3BYo/ThR0-ZBKqGI/AAAAAAAAOPA/fgg-JeFp-lk/s400/Coco%2Band%2BJessica.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626250449709082722" border="0" /></a><br />They were about the same size and as you can see, Coco has almost as much dark hair as Jessica! She's growing fast, as they do of course.<br /><br />I have also been making beads and a pair of curtains for the patio doors in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sun room</span>. Phew, no wonder I haven't had much blogging time and I still haven't got onto the garden work we've done. I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">that'll</span> have to wait for another day - or week - or month!BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-74332061742002025672011-05-30T07:00:00.018+01:002011-05-30T08:06:37.416+01:00Another Wedding? Kirsty and Kerry, May 7th 2011<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wedding</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AL038aEsLwk/TeMzh0N1aKI/AAAAAAAAOMc/gGUqP79BoCk/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AL038aEsLwk/TeMzh0N1aKI/AAAAAAAAOMc/gGUqP79BoCk/s400/034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612386216679139490" border="0" /></a><br />It was the wedding of my Granddaughter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kirsty</span> to her partner Kerry on May 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> - a truly wonderful day for us all. Here is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kirsty</span> looking stunning in her amazing dress, with my daughter K walking her to Kerry.<br /><br />And here's me, Jim and Jack and Kitty, big son Jason's 2.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ZHigZRjGE/TeM0b1bYqZI/AAAAAAAAOMk/XNgqvQomez4/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ZHigZRjGE/TeM0b1bYqZI/AAAAAAAAOMk/XNgqvQomez4/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612387213436823954" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbjEHmMV6YM/TeM04EZSdZI/AAAAAAAAOMs/PaC2i3KVtxs/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbjEHmMV6YM/TeM04EZSdZI/AAAAAAAAOMs/PaC2i3KVtxs/s400/056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612387698490897810" border="0" /></a><br />The Bridesmaids. 3 of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kirsty's</span> friends plus Lina, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kirsty's</span> young sister, looking far older than her 13 years! She's the one looking directly at the camera.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4M9DJU1ji0/TeM1clxtrGI/AAAAAAAAOM0/W3xuUkhGllw/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4M9DJU1ji0/TeM1clxtrGI/AAAAAAAAOM0/W3xuUkhGllw/s400/045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612388325927005282" border="0" /></a><br />This is my favourite photo of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Kirsty</span> and Kerry. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kirsty</span> is just so photogenic. Yes, Kerry is a woman in case you're wondering.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07WUc84F6sw/TeM1_mZdzcI/AAAAAAAAOM8/pW3n2G1PgRU/s1600/080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07WUc84F6sw/TeM1_mZdzcI/AAAAAAAAOM8/pW3n2G1PgRU/s400/080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612388927389158850" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kirsty</span> showing her 'something blue'. Proper 'Sex and The City' shoes. Aren't they fabulous?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6cV--l_X4I/TeM2ml4Az4I/AAAAAAAAONE/Wm7I72F_bLM/s1600/058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6cV--l_X4I/TeM2ml4Az4I/AAAAAAAAONE/Wm7I72F_bLM/s400/058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612389597263744898" border="0" /></a><br />The 'Best Person' on the far left was Luisa. I'm sure many of you remember that she almost died last year after an operation that went wrong. Wow - look at her now! Then lots of ushers, including my son Ben, who came over from Spain for the occasion. Ben's third in from the right and next to him is my Grandson Tony (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kirsty's</span> brother).<br /><br />A kiss for Gran from Kitty. She's just adorable.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAepH5ENu6U/TeM3Z9VU5eI/AAAAAAAAONM/e6ul49sysxE/s1600/087.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAepH5ENu6U/TeM3Z9VU5eI/AAAAAAAAONM/e6ul49sysxE/s400/087.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612390479734040034" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EfjUi1rb04/TeM3z9L2MpI/AAAAAAAAONU/YGyKouks6G8/s1600/092.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EfjUi1rb04/TeM3z9L2MpI/AAAAAAAAONU/YGyKouks6G8/s400/092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612390926370878098" border="0" /></a><br />It was lovely to see Ben again and get lots of hugs from him!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2fzgEDFFJU/TeM4nwHj_NI/AAAAAAAAONc/IYOAU-BJWtU/s1600/137.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C2fzgEDFFJU/TeM4nwHj_NI/AAAAAAAAONc/IYOAU-BJWtU/s400/137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612391816216444114" border="0" /></a><br />More hugs from Big son Jason and his lovely family, Sam, Kitty and Jack.<br /><br />Of course we all took hundreds of photos! If anyone wants to see them all they're on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Facebook</span> and here is the link to the album:<br /><br /><div>http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150609817515235.684738.676090234&l=a538737897</div><br />I warn you, there are about 140! It was a fabulous day in all respects and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kirsty</span> and Kerry loved every moment.<br /><br />Jim and I had stayed for a couple of days in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Worthing</span> house with Jim's daughter Jenny, husband Matt and gorgeous son Sonny. We hired a car and drove up to the wedding then drove back down again after a night in the hotel where the wedding was held, then breakfast with those who stayed.<br /><br />We took a leisurely drive to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Worthing</span> on the Sunday 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span>, visiting the house and gardens of <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/audley-end-house-and-gardens/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Audley</span> End</a> en route. We have been there before but only viewed the gardens, but this time we toured the house too. It's a lovely place with sweeping gardens designed by Capability Brown.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKsy8kxRNu0/TeM-QJajkcI/AAAAAAAAON8/fCfxR5I8S9w/s1600/178.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKsy8kxRNu0/TeM-QJajkcI/AAAAAAAAON8/fCfxR5I8S9w/s400/178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612398007759901122" border="0" /></a><br />We spent ages photographing a coot and its babies on the river! They must have been only a few hours old as you could still see eggs in the nest when Mum got up and turned round.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0V3OzhL5j90/TeM8m12pA6I/AAAAAAAAONs/7Fmd8DsnYGc/s1600/245.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0V3OzhL5j90/TeM8m12pA6I/AAAAAAAAONs/7Fmd8DsnYGc/s400/245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396198622725026" border="0" /></a><br />They were so cute!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsGdmKGhyjk/TeM9DANksaI/AAAAAAAAON0/5B3ARJuGbPQ/s1600/235.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsGdmKGhyjk/TeM9DANksaI/AAAAAAAAON0/5B3ARJuGbPQ/s400/235.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612396682439602594" border="0" /></a><br />Back at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Worthing</span>, Jim went to the park with Jenny and Sonny. He loved the swings.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BwlIaH8tHs/TeM70tW6w9I/AAAAAAAAONk/JuWqec8SipE/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BwlIaH8tHs/TeM70tW6w9I/AAAAAAAAONk/JuWqec8SipE/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612395337348727762" border="0" /></a><br />On the Monday we visited Ali, Joe and Poppy. It was a very full visit!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiGSpRQc8AE/TeM_6FNxi5I/AAAAAAAAOOE/fIc5eXnhCm4/s1600/207.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiGSpRQc8AE/TeM_6FNxi5I/AAAAAAAAOOE/fIc5eXnhCm4/s400/207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612399827698682770" border="0" /></a><br />Jim pushing Ali and Poppy on one of the park rides. Since then, Ali and Poppy have been over to Ireland to visit us - more of that on the next post.<br /><br />As Monday wore on, I didn't feel at all well and in fact I had a bad stomach for a week! It seems several people at the wedding were also poorly so maybe we all picked up a bug. Here I am at home again on the Tuesday, sleeping on the couch with Buster!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MB1POlgUCg/TeNA7_es58I/AAAAAAAAOOM/FCNYHxdldYQ/s1600/375.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MB1POlgUCg/TeNA7_es58I/AAAAAAAAOOM/FCNYHxdldYQ/s400/375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612400960030435266" border="0" /></a><br />We have been working hard in the garden and have lots of photos - for another day I think.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-30051285363301413272011-04-29T23:41:00.027+01:002011-04-30T02:00:43.348+01:00Mostly Garden...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYoLEoh45t0/TbtazU_vO8I/AAAAAAAAOJI/s76xpCbz0zc/s1600/002%2BSteps%2Bup%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bparking%2Barea%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYoLEoh45t0/TbtazU_vO8I/AAAAAAAAOJI/s76xpCbz0zc/s400/002%2BSteps%2Bup%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bparking%2Barea%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601170399421217730" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-thLiEbL4PO4/TbtXRVvMLvI/AAAAAAAAOJA/aw1hDbj_gPs/s1600/002%2BSteps%2Bup%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bparking%2Barea.jpg"><br /></a>One of my favourite parts of The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Deenery</span> garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKUeqY8AtA/TbtSOczVKJI/AAAAAAAAOI4/3XOjd1oRPy4/s1600/068%2BMe%2Bworking%2Bon%2Bthe%2B%2Bback%2Blawn.jpeg"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">William and Kate's Wedding Day</span><br /><br />Did you watch the wedding? I did and thoroughly enjoyed it too. It was fun seeing all the guests arrive and the fashions. Then William and Harry looking splendid in their uniforms. Finally, the moment we were all waiting for - Kate and the dress! She looked wonderful with that waist nipping flattering choice. The pretty lace top showed just enough and her hair was beautifully natural. A lovely ceremony. I have a feeling this royal marriage will be a total success.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Around The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Deenery</span></span><br /><br />Our washing machine finally gave up the ghost, so we had to buy a new one. I love new white goods! Then our fridge/freezer (which was here when we bought the house) started leaking water over the floor, so that provoked a rethink of our kitchen design. As it happens, we had a larder fridge up in our barn, which Jim manfully cleaned until it sparkled like new. We thought we'd try it out in our utility room, which is just off the kitchen, and see whether it's too much of a pain going in and out of there. It fits a treat next to the new washer and it's no trouble to use, so there it will stay.<br /><br />We took the old washing machine and an old big television to the tip on Thursday, just the old fridge/freezer to go next - then we'll have more space in the little lobby off the kitchen/diner. Jim has plans for that area.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Knitting Group</span><br /><br />Jim spotted details of a group of ladies who meet up each Thursday morning in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scarriff</span> (not that far from us and where the tip is), to knit and sometimes do other crafts. We went along 2 weeks ago. It's a lovely flexible group of women who simply knit and chat and learn new things. I loved it and bought some ridiculously expensive wool and a pattern to make with a cable running down one side. I've never done cable stitch before so I've now learned a new skill already.<br /><br />The 2 'leaders' of the group also do other courses and in 2 weeks are starting a course on mixing felting and fabrics, which I have signed up to join. It's for 6 weeks and should be great fun. The weather's been so gorgeous that we've sat outside for the 2 weeks I have attended so far.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Garden</span><br /><br />Again, because of the weather, we have spent a lot of time in The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Deenery</span> garden. The biggest project has been the back 'yard' area, left in a complete stony mess after the builders had finished the extension. We have kept putting it off because it seemed such a daunting task.<br /><br />Easter seemed a good time to attack this job and after 4 days of hard shovelling, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mattocking</span> and stone shifting, a new lawn has been made and seeded. Here are some photos - no grass yet of course!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoBKDLNCnFE/TbtFFE3j1mI/AAAAAAAAOIg/sBu28z3sXFo/s1600/023%2Bnew%2Brockery.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HoBKDLNCnFE/TbtFFE3j1mI/AAAAAAAAOIg/sBu28z3sXFo/s400/023%2Bnew%2Brockery.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601146515073783394" border="0" /></a><br />A 'before' photo! The rockery (also part of the project), was half built here but we hadn't done any levelling or brought any of the many many barrows full of our home made compost down from the allotment area. Jim did the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">barrowing</span> and dumping of the compost and I sorted it and spread it out.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-esS3DCl_4d4/TbtF_A2RHvI/AAAAAAAAOIo/BbJbnc892DY/s1600/024%2Brockery%2Bin%2Bprogress%2Bplus%2BSandy%2Band%2BJim.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-esS3DCl_4d4/TbtF_A2RHvI/AAAAAAAAOIo/BbJbnc892DY/s400/024%2Brockery%2Bin%2Bprogress%2Bplus%2BSandy%2Band%2BJim.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601147510427033330" border="0" /></a><br />Jim had just moved a large stone for the rockery. Can you see Sandy on it? Since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">BlackJack's</span> death, Sandy spends a lot more time with us. He's more like a dog and if we're working outside, he's usually not far away!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKUeqY8AtA/TbtSOczVKJI/AAAAAAAAOI4/3XOjd1oRPy4/s1600/068%2BMe%2Bworking%2Bon%2Bthe%2B%2Bback%2Blawn.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zxKUeqY8AtA/TbtSOczVKJI/AAAAAAAAOI4/3XOjd1oRPy4/s400/068%2BMe%2Bworking%2Bon%2Bthe%2B%2Bback%2Blawn.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601160969768478866" border="0" /></a><br />Me working on the lawn - about half way.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd7apRtWKWY/TbtCZrv1-rI/AAAAAAAAOH0/KM7gkWIKwZE/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd7apRtWKWY/TbtCZrv1-rI/AAAAAAAAOH0/KM7gkWIKwZE/s400/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601143570572901042" border="0" /></a><br />The grass in the foreground leads to the arboretum. The rockery needs some plants now!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0jkKZ5LEHk/TbtCvj2xt6I/AAAAAAAAOH8/OW0D-mstCWY/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0jkKZ5LEHk/TbtCvj2xt6I/AAAAAAAAOH8/OW0D-mstCWY/s400/006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601143946411620258" border="0" /></a><br />The view across the extension.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RPULrSmWAg/TbtDCLNorYI/AAAAAAAAOIE/3LTd6hUdlZ4/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RPULrSmWAg/TbtDCLNorYI/AAAAAAAAOIE/3LTd6hUdlZ4/s400/009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601144266214124930" border="0" /></a><br />There's me at the end of the house to show some perspective. We also have a new bird feeder - that pole on the right!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g0mMWEi_Peg/TbtDxrEy0sI/AAAAAAAAOIY/J42QfzyGLWo/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g0mMWEi_Peg/TbtDxrEy0sI/AAAAAAAAOIY/J42QfzyGLWo/s400/013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601145082220827330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NL0Z9xkUns/TbtDb4NfoYI/AAAAAAAAOIQ/xYQ5xg_s210/s1600/017.JPG"><br /></a>Here is the view from the other end of the extension, from behind the wall we built last year! Jim's also finished the steps from the 'patio' to the gap in the wall. I am now on the bench at the other end. We had a large sherry to celebrate! Now we have a large pile of stones to shift then we can finish the corner where the stones are. We may gravel that area as the ground there is very solid and my washing line is also there. I can't wait for the grass to grow!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Garden Stuff!</span><br /><br />We have moved the arch from the centre of the arboretum to the side. It's much better there and already has a clematis growing up one side of it.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ysUoO8oFTEo/TbtHEtIGh-I/AAAAAAAAOIw/xSE2Qozhkrg/s1600/016%2BArb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ysUoO8oFTEo/TbtHEtIGh-I/AAAAAAAAOIw/xSE2Qozhkrg/s400/016%2BArb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601148707723970530" border="0" /></a><br />The cherry tree on the right has been absolutely weighed down with blossom.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim's Photo Session</span><br /><br />Lots of photos as Jim had a walk around the garden a few days ago.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5R8xGV-8NM/TbtbCE4xMZI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/lALBlJd-C4I/s1600/018%2BGorgeous%2Btulips%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5R8xGV-8NM/TbtbCE4xMZI/AAAAAAAAOJQ/lALBlJd-C4I/s400/018%2BGorgeous%2Btulips%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601170652795056530" border="0" /></a><br />Dazzling scarlet tulips and pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">narcissus</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJqvR1C6u7k/TbtbfftusWI/AAAAAAAAOJY/yRNSN8z9q_I/s1600/026%2BDown%2Bto%2Bthe%2Barboretum%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJqvR1C6u7k/TbtbfftusWI/AAAAAAAAOJY/yRNSN8z9q_I/s400/026%2BDown%2Bto%2Bthe%2Barboretum%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601171158212718946" border="0" /></a><br />The Fairy Hill on the right and path down to the arboretum<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GocbcxJd0Y/Tbtbrg6AAPI/AAAAAAAAOJg/qShBgatxWyY/s1600/030%2BAmazing%2Blilac%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_GocbcxJd0Y/Tbtbrg6AAPI/AAAAAAAAOJg/qShBgatxWyY/s400/030%2BAmazing%2Blilac%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601171364691050738" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful lilac - and it smells wonderful too.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuvZ7EMnAO0/Tbtb6WHjSuI/AAAAAAAAOJo/lr_eZ1Xpi8Y/s1600/037%2BRose%252C%2BRodo%2Band%2BCherry%2Btree%2Bbeds%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuvZ7EMnAO0/Tbtb6WHjSuI/AAAAAAAAOJo/lr_eZ1Xpi8Y/s400/037%2BRose%252C%2BRodo%2Band%2BCherry%2Btree%2Bbeds%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601171619493137122" border="0" /></a><br />Rose bed, rhododendron bed and cherry tree bed<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQKaTJnbYt4/TbtcLjxPiWI/AAAAAAAAOJw/Zdj4HpGD5e4/s1600/046%2Bamazing%2Brododendrom%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQKaTJnbYt4/TbtcLjxPiWI/AAAAAAAAOJw/Zdj4HpGD5e4/s400/046%2Bamazing%2Brododendrom%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601171915215440226" border="0" /></a><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rhodo</span> flowers are enormous. They start pink then gradually turn yellow.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LOhTDiZGWg/TbtcftFjDaI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/XDZRUdNWQpc/s1600/053%2BCherry%2Bblossom%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LOhTDiZGWg/TbtcftFjDaI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/XDZRUdNWQpc/s400/053%2BCherry%2Bblossom%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601172261313908130" border="0" /></a><br />The cherry blossom<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuO7QrrjCuI/TbtcvO047vI/AAAAAAAAOKA/6XpDFWSCVeo/s1600/062%2Bgorgeous%2Bleaf%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuO7QrrjCuI/TbtcvO047vI/AAAAAAAAOKA/6XpDFWSCVeo/s400/062%2Bgorgeous%2Bleaf%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601172528068882162" border="0" /></a><br />Gorgeous new maple leaf<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yeKCzIq9bjk/Tbtc7KtAD-I/AAAAAAAAOKI/alyHWesVBZo/s1600/072%2Blovely%2Bpots%2Bof%2Bbulbs%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yeKCzIq9bjk/Tbtc7KtAD-I/AAAAAAAAOKI/alyHWesVBZo/s400/072%2Blovely%2Bpots%2Bof%2Bbulbs%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601172733120483298" border="0" /></a><br />A lovely pot of bulbs. The white and green tulips are particularly special<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxEh0wZEvF0/TbtdMWgHc6I/AAAAAAAAOKQ/ct2hpVcHN-g/s1600/094%2Bblack%2Btulips%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxEh0wZEvF0/TbtdMWgHc6I/AAAAAAAAOKQ/ct2hpVcHN-g/s400/094%2Bblack%2Btulips%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601173028345443234" border="0" /></a><br />I love my black tulips<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDG8TywNCBk/TbtdcOa-qfI/AAAAAAAAOKY/cEmie4oFMJI/s1600/099%2BTulips%2Bgalore%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDG8TywNCBk/TbtdcOa-qfI/AAAAAAAAOKY/cEmie4oFMJI/s400/099%2BTulips%2Bgalore%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601173301054319090" border="0" /></a><br />Tulips galore and yellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">alyssum</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG7ZdTURSk8/TbtdtknBylI/AAAAAAAAOKg/5-vLeSZdVd8/s1600/Cornflower%2Band%2Bbee%2Bsized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG7ZdTURSk8/TbtdtknBylI/AAAAAAAAOKg/5-vLeSZdVd8/s400/Cornflower%2Band%2Bbee%2Bsized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601173599068211794" border="0" /></a><br />A bee on the white cornflower<br /><br />I think that's enough for one day. I do hope you've enjoyed this garden catch up. <br /><br />On Wednesday Jim and I are off to the UK until the following Tuesday. My granddaughter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kirsty</span> is getting married to her partner Kerry on Saturday May 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> so it's a big occasion for all the family. Oh what a lot of photos there will be!!<br /><br />Just a final note. I am thinking of all my blogging friends in the South of the USA. Such awful suffering from the 'twisters'.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-70022381150089410702011-04-16T23:10:00.017+01:002011-04-16T23:43:17.038+01:00Chichester Photos, Catch Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1o8klHGzgMM/TaobKP1QGSI/AAAAAAAAOHk/La4ZVXOjr4s/s1600/222%2BFront%2Bgarden%2Balmost%2Bdone.jpg"><br /></a><br />Gosh - almost a month since my last post - that's terrible. The trouble is, once the weather improves and the days get longer, I spend so much time in the garden, there isn't much left for blogging.<br /><br />I spent 2 weeks in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Worthing</span>, travelling to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chichester</span> and back each day on jury duty. It was a very interesting if rather harrowing time. The case to which I was assigned was domestic violence - and pretty nasty. Still, it was good to see how the British justice system worked and how different it all is from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tv</span> court cases. The jury were a lovely bunch of people from all walks of life and mixed ages.<br /><br />The weather the first week was amazing. Really warm and I had to buy some new clothes as I was too hot in my jeans! I took advantage of the late afternoon sun to take some photos around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Chichester</span>, which is a lovely old Sussex town. Here are a few examples:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AchU3QN5X7E/TaoV1zLz9gI/AAAAAAAAOF8/k7VaKln84gM/s1600/113%2BCathedral%2BSpire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AchU3QN5X7E/TaoV1zLz9gI/AAAAAAAAOF8/k7VaKln84gM/s400/113%2BCathedral%2BSpire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596309500978263554" border="0" /></a><br />An unusual view of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chichester</span> Cathedral.<br /><br />Behind the cathedral is a lovely garden, called 'The Bishop's Garden'. I spent quite some time walking around it:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUdsQs2BiAI/TaoWR3xZIKI/AAAAAAAAOGE/r1uY5Ithhm4/s1600/76%2BTower%252C%2BBishop%2527s%2BGarden.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUdsQs2BiAI/TaoWR3xZIKI/AAAAAAAAOGE/r1uY5Ithhm4/s400/76%2BTower%252C%2BBishop%2527s%2BGarden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596309983245967522" border="0" /></a><br />A tower in the corner of the garden.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB-7pV4wIfc/TaoWgOtkjtI/AAAAAAAAOGM/4VwstP0d8KM/s1600/83%2BCathedral%2Bfrom%2BBishop%2527s%2BGarden.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CB-7pV4wIfc/TaoWgOtkjtI/AAAAAAAAOGM/4VwstP0d8KM/s400/83%2BCathedral%2Bfrom%2BBishop%2527s%2BGarden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596310229922123474" border="0" /></a><br />The cathedral from the Bishop's Garden. The sun has turned the bricks a wonderful colour.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcb_E71Gz1k/TaoW-e-RZjI/AAAAAAAAOGU/qPkJPEumMck/s1600/135%2BThe%2BBell%2BTower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcb_E71Gz1k/TaoW-e-RZjI/AAAAAAAAOGU/qPkJPEumMck/s400/135%2BThe%2BBell%2BTower.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596310749683213874" border="0" /></a><br />The bell tower is close to the cathedral.<br /><br />Also in the town is the Market Cross - a splendid piece of architecture with lots of carvings around it:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wHNrn53rro/TaoXakI81OI/AAAAAAAAOGc/6mzU6IPiHNQ/s1600/178%2BThe%2BMarket%2BCross%2Bsign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wHNrn53rro/TaoXakI81OI/AAAAAAAAOGc/6mzU6IPiHNQ/s400/178%2BThe%2BMarket%2BCross%2Bsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596311232106517730" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTFREILVeJM/TaoXvVCIYgI/AAAAAAAAOGk/zgurdm0G-ig/s1600/142%2BMarket%2BCross%2Bstraightened.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lTFREILVeJM/TaoXvVCIYgI/AAAAAAAAOGk/zgurdm0G-ig/s400/142%2BMarket%2BCross%2Bstraightened.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596311588828635650" border="0" /></a><br />The Market Cross. Below are some of the carving around the cross:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUNmWjRSJLI/TaoYBtEr1oI/AAAAAAAAOGs/t9Im6q88gZQ/s1600/171%2BAngel%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmarket%2Bcross.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yUNmWjRSJLI/TaoYBtEr1oI/AAAAAAAAOGs/t9Im6q88gZQ/s400/171%2BAngel%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmarket%2Bcross.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596311904519444098" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0cxxNgS2gU/TaoYRHiAeUI/AAAAAAAAOG0/-_OJ0rPByOY/s1600/174%2BCarvings%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmarket%2Bcross.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D0cxxNgS2gU/TaoYRHiAeUI/AAAAAAAAOG0/-_OJ0rPByOY/s400/174%2BCarvings%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmarket%2Bcross.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596312169319790914" border="0" /></a><br />There were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">plenty</span> of super shops in the town. This pretty window caught my eye:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt8yb1DwkRk/TaoYobQ1ycI/AAAAAAAAOG8/SzYRBlr8S5w/s1600/46%2BChiminea%2Bshop%2Bwindow%2Ball%2Bhearts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt8yb1DwkRk/TaoYobQ1ycI/AAAAAAAAOG8/SzYRBlr8S5w/s400/46%2BChiminea%2Bshop%2Bwindow%2Ball%2Bhearts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596312569753487810" border="0" /></a><br />I stayed at our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Worthing</span> house, where Jim's daughter Jenny, husband Matt and son Sonny are staying. Poor Sonny had an awful cold that went to a chest infection and felt very sorry for himself:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRUMNimoNvs/TaoZP8F_MQI/AAAAAAAAOHE/WIZ-OvSz8cA/s1600/224%2BPoorly%2BSonny%2Basleep%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bsettee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRUMNimoNvs/TaoZP8F_MQI/AAAAAAAAOHE/WIZ-OvSz8cA/s400/224%2BPoorly%2BSonny%2Basleep%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bsettee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596313248581234946" border="0" /></a><br />He slept a lot on the settee. The day I left he was showing signs of improvement thank goodness.<br /><br />I also saw Poppy, Ali and Jo and we went and fed the donkeys, which Poppy loves to do:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZIRdF7Nn1E/TaoZzFVmcFI/AAAAAAAAOHM/j0WRwq70QSE/s1600/196%2BAli%2Band%2BPoppy%2Bfeed%2Bthe%2Bdonkeys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZIRdF7Nn1E/TaoZzFVmcFI/AAAAAAAAOHM/j0WRwq70QSE/s400/196%2BAli%2Band%2BPoppy%2Bfeed%2Bthe%2Bdonkeys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596313852358062162" border="0" /></a><br />Poppy has grown quite a lot and is a real charmer:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpS6pNxMHJY/TaoaBW8OahI/AAAAAAAAOHU/8tvVuOe2naU/s1600/210%2BAli%2Band%2BPoppy%2B-%2Blovely.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TpS6pNxMHJY/TaoaBW8OahI/AAAAAAAAOHU/8tvVuOe2naU/s400/210%2BAli%2Band%2BPoppy%2B-%2Blovely.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596314097601636882" border="0" /></a><br />Ali and Poppy. We indulged in rather a splendid cream tea!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCnbojieafY/TaoagIr3P-I/AAAAAAAAOHc/vKqsn1pOeqU/s1600/220%2BHarrow%2BRoad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCnbojieafY/TaoagIr3P-I/AAAAAAAAOHc/vKqsn1pOeqU/s400/220%2BHarrow%2BRoad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596314626350858210" border="0" /></a><br />In stark contrast to our 5 acres in Ireland, this is our tiny little garden in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Worthing</span>! It goes as far as the large pink flowering tree. There is also a paved area at the side of the house and a small front garden. I spent the time I was there rediscovering the front garden, which had disappeared under a sea of weeds! I took this through the upstairs window so there is some reflected light, but you can see the results of my labours:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1o8klHGzgMM/TaobKP1QGSI/AAAAAAAAOHk/La4ZVXOjr4s/s1600/222%2BFront%2Bgarden%2Balmost%2Bdone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1o8klHGzgMM/TaobKP1QGSI/AAAAAAAAOHk/La4ZVXOjr4s/s400/222%2BFront%2Bgarden%2Balmost%2Bdone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596315349823789346" border="0" /></a><br />Jim and I have been very busy in our garden here in Ireland, but I'll leave that for another post. I'll try and make it soon!BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-4831344165726284512011-03-19T15:27:00.025+00:002011-03-19T17:03:43.583+00:00Holiday to UK and Athens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb9EKM0xhKc/TYThR9MY5xI/AAAAAAAAOF0/Ir-28aiIt2o/s1600/Graffiti%2Bcopy.jpg"><br /></a><br />Hello everyone, I know I know, it's been ages since I posted. I haven't been able to get organised since my return from holiday - mainly because the weather's been good and I've been gardening most days. Plus I had another rag doll to make for my son in law's Goddaughter! Now it's finished. I'll try not to make this too long...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Worthing</span></span><br /><br />First up was a trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Worthing</span>, Sussex, where we stayed until we flew out to Athens. I did take a few Sonny photos! Here are just a couple. He is such a charmer but mum Jenny says he has turned into a toddler overnight with his behaviour!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVjaO-DAwXQ/TYTMzgrRhMI/AAAAAAAAODM/BtXA0J9iHp0/s1600/026%2BSonny%2Blooking%2Blovely.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVjaO-DAwXQ/TYTMzgrRhMI/AAAAAAAAODM/BtXA0J9iHp0/s400/026%2BSonny%2Blooking%2Blovely.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585814623163090114" border="0" /></a><br />He is such a character. He now does a 'smile' on demand for photos - it's very funny:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aBeEifh3eE/TYTNM9vSIeI/AAAAAAAAODU/7tVusa5yFiQ/s1600/020%2BSonny%2527s%2Bbest%2Bsmile.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aBeEifh3eE/TYTNM9vSIeI/AAAAAAAAODU/7tVusa5yFiQ/s400/020%2BSonny%2527s%2Bbest%2Bsmile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585815060461265378" border="0" /></a><br />I spent quite a time taking photos around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Worthing</span> as the sun set. Here's a couple of them.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjeP-FMfyx0/TYTOBHGDD2I/AAAAAAAAODc/XRrkDRxyUfA/s1600/107%2BEvening%2Bsun%2Bon%2BWorthing%2Bbeach%2Band%2Bpier.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xjeP-FMfyx0/TYTOBHGDD2I/AAAAAAAAODc/XRrkDRxyUfA/s400/107%2BEvening%2Bsun%2Bon%2BWorthing%2Bbeach%2Band%2Bpier.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585815956325863266" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Worthing</span> Beach and Pier in the warming evening sun<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXbBiUdHVXI/TYTOXkehVeI/AAAAAAAAODk/0F-3GwYIb08/s1600/116%2BJogging%2Bhome.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fXbBiUdHVXI/TYTOXkehVeI/AAAAAAAAODk/0F-3GwYIb08/s400/116%2BJogging%2Bhome.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585816342170260962" border="0" /></a><br />Beach huts and the promenade. Joggers going home.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Athens</span><br /><br />The trip to Athens, as I've mentioned previously, was to celebrate Jim's 65<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> birthday. Jim has been twice before and it was his choice, whereas I have never been there. On the whole the weather was OK - a cold wind sometimes blew in exposed places and on the last day it tried to snow! But we had our fare share of sunshine and wrapped up warm.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoP-X859zZw/TYTPkEYKTkI/AAAAAAAAODs/liPjfs2YWDc/s1600/145%2BAcropolis%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bhotel%2Bwindow.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoP-X859zZw/TYTPkEYKTkI/AAAAAAAAODs/liPjfs2YWDc/s400/145%2BAcropolis%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bhotel%2Bwindow.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585817656403578434" border="0" /></a><br />The Acropolis from our hotel balcony. What a view! The hotel was quite central and just what we wanted. I'd recommend it. It has a roof garden, where I took the same view at night:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqdIcnfbUis/TYTQCLIsjmI/AAAAAAAAOD0/nWwx0llANFQ/s1600/166%2BAcropolis%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Broof%2Bgarden.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KqdIcnfbUis/TYTQCLIsjmI/AAAAAAAAOD0/nWwx0llANFQ/s400/166%2BAcropolis%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Broof%2Bgarden.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585818173613837922" border="0" /></a><br />The streets around our hotel were really busy and bustling with life. Street sellers were on every corner. There were the newspaper and sweet stalls, the ones selling gloves, hats and scarves (they did a good trade) and the fabulous ones selling bread and huge iced doughnuts and Danish pastry type things. They were really cheap too.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o3ANae6pfk/TYTR6hZXpDI/AAAAAAAAOD8/Hq1YliypedA/s1600/656.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--o3ANae6pfk/TYTR6hZXpDI/AAAAAAAAOD8/Hq1YliypedA/s400/656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585820241173652530" border="0" /></a><br />This stand was in the square near us every day, selling strong Greek coffee. You can just see the brass urn in front of the bald chap walking past.<br /><br />We saw colourful market stalls:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZrRF7iqDMM/TYTTGdbuyuI/AAAAAAAAOEE/hM9-G0TLv24/s1600/155%2BDried%2Bchillis%2Band%2Bfruit.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YZrRF7iqDMM/TYTTGdbuyuI/AAAAAAAAOEE/hM9-G0TLv24/s400/155%2BDried%2Bchillis%2Band%2Bfruit.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585821545779874530" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZUaT8bgpjk/TYTT05wp_lI/AAAAAAAAOEM/KXnXjm2e0Dk/s1600/325.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZUaT8bgpjk/TYTT05wp_lI/AAAAAAAAOEM/KXnXjm2e0Dk/s400/325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585822343657815634" border="0" /></a><br />And a horrid smelly fish market full of my most hated food! Also a huge meat market with lots of 'heads' for sale. I did take a photo but won't post it here!<br /><br />Lots of lovely Churches:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDxB7xUc14/TYTUdy-7PMI/AAAAAAAAOEU/3PSWCm9NIDg/s1600/149%2BSuper%2Bchurches.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMDxB7xUc14/TYTUdy-7PMI/AAAAAAAAOEU/3PSWCm9NIDg/s400/149%2BSuper%2Bchurches.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585823046213254338" border="0" /></a><br />(this was taken from our hotel window).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cAQWYBO0I/TYTVBRYmrOI/AAAAAAAAOEc/51fX1WldDRY/s1600/292.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7cAQWYBO0I/TYTVBRYmrOI/AAAAAAAAOEc/51fX1WldDRY/s400/292.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585823655669443810" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LY1Un8blmQQ/TYTVoJ8jWrI/AAAAAAAAOEk/o0NhZFhRsqs/s1600/448.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LY1Un8blmQQ/TYTVoJ8jWrI/AAAAAAAAOEk/o0NhZFhRsqs/s400/448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585824323687635634" border="0" /></a><br />This one was actually a mini church where ladies sold 'God' things, statues, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMDFBUW1op4/TYTWQmz9jgI/AAAAAAAAOEs/AWdN404JtsQ/s1600/552.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMDFBUW1op4/TYTWQmz9jgI/AAAAAAAAOEs/AWdN404JtsQ/s400/552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585825018630999554" border="0" /></a><br />Many many ruins!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkJ8etvjFKo/TYTWp7dQIQI/AAAAAAAAOE0/hY5Wt5Hnbfw/s1600/175%2BTemple.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkJ8etvjFKo/TYTWp7dQIQI/AAAAAAAAOE0/hY5Wt5Hnbfw/s400/175%2BTemple.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585825453669622018" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gta4G_jK7J8/TYTW5PlKeNI/AAAAAAAAOE8/zU7TygfwFjo/s1600/197%2BTemple.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gta4G_jK7J8/TYTW5PlKeNI/AAAAAAAAOE8/zU7TygfwFjo/s400/197%2BTemple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585825716769552594" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3R27G6BdBbY/TYTXNrPGBrI/AAAAAAAAOFE/55d7oso91nM/s1600/221.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3R27G6BdBbY/TYTXNrPGBrI/AAAAAAAAOFE/55d7oso91nM/s400/221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585826067790562994" border="0" /></a><br />The huge amphitheatre below the Acropolis.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3jKSPMU4k4/TYTX_up8xDI/AAAAAAAAOFM/V1WtCqyqp_g/s1600/382.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3jKSPMU4k4/TYTX_up8xDI/AAAAAAAAOFM/V1WtCqyqp_g/s400/382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585826927701967922" border="0" /></a><br />The Temple of Olympian Zeus<br /><br />And a close up of the pillars:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BE_0RzX35-U/TYTYk-KQEAI/AAAAAAAAOFU/n7lLDGt1Gso/s1600/391.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BE_0RzX35-U/TYTYk-KQEAI/AAAAAAAAOFU/n7lLDGt1Gso/s400/391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585827567519141890" border="0" /></a><br />The weekend we were there was carnival time so we saw lots of people dressed in strange garb. At one point we met a whole group of cyclists all dressed up and holding up all the bad tempered car drivers!<br /><br />We had a meal in a different taverna each night. The first one (recommended in Jim's super Athens book) was amazing. It was run by a young couple and the meat was cooked in traditional large metal containers. The menu was all in Greek so the couple took us to see all the food and made recommendations. It was all delicious. A group of mostly men was on the other side and one of them played an instrument like a dulcimer and also sang. He was very good. The owners suggested we move over to sit by them, which we did. Another 2 chaps fetched guitar type instruments and we were royally entertained for a long, lovely evening. We did get a bit smoked out - even though smoking is officially banned in public places - many Greeks don't take any notice.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MB93wzwFUA/TYTbObPtzsI/AAAAAAAAOFc/G5UsUqInxvE/s1600/169%2BThis%2Bhandsome%2Bchap%2Bplayed%2Bvery%2Bwel.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MB93wzwFUA/TYTbObPtzsI/AAAAAAAAOFc/G5UsUqInxvE/s400/169%2BThis%2Bhandsome%2Bchap%2Bplayed%2Bvery%2Bwel.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585830478724583106" border="0" /></a><br />The star player.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim's Birthday</span><br /><br />On the eve of Jim's birthday we tried a restaurant off the main square. It was fast, full and great fun and decorated for the carnival. We sat for a long while and a large party of Greeks came in but couldn't all fit around the table. We moved so that they could all squash together and received a bottle of wine for our trouble. At just gone midnight I went to the head of the large gathering and asked if they could sing 'Happy Birthday' in English. I started it and everyone joined in. Jim was chuffed to pieces! The waiter then brought us a couple of shorts - and the bottle (40% proof). A few minutes later the waiter again appeared with a cake and a candle (purchased from Starbucks down the road) and we had the whole 'Happy Birthday' again! It was excellent - a perfect birthday celebration for Jim.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqXEhzgxDJo/TYTdQd2neXI/AAAAAAAAOFk/-1IQKGOISXA/s1600/419.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqXEhzgxDJo/TYTdQd2neXI/AAAAAAAAOFk/-1IQKGOISXA/s400/419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585832712807610738" border="0" /></a><br />The waiter with cake and candle! The table behind joined in our celebrations!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bXCaZvhUoc/TYTduajydhI/AAAAAAAAOFs/k24HDDCnyz0/s1600/420%2BJim%2Bjust%2Bafter%2Bmidnight%2Bon%2Bhis%2B65th%2Bbirthday%2Band%2Bme.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bXCaZvhUoc/TYTduajydhI/AAAAAAAAOFs/k24HDDCnyz0/s400/420%2BJim%2Bjust%2Bafter%2Bmidnight%2Bon%2Bhis%2B65th%2Bbirthday%2Band%2Bme.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585833227319408146" border="0" /></a><br />Jim and me on his birthday.<br /><br />One of the things we noticed about Athens was the amount of graffiti. It was everywhere and a real eyesore. Also the lack of money with many houses in a very bad state of repair.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb9EKM0xhKc/TYThR9MY5xI/AAAAAAAAOF0/Ir-28aiIt2o/s1600/Graffiti%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb9EKM0xhKc/TYThR9MY5xI/AAAAAAAAOF0/Ir-28aiIt2o/s400/Graffiti%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585837136446809874" border="0" /></a><br />Now I have picked some of my favourites! I loved the stuff by 'Sonya', the black and white but as you can see, most of it was just the usual rubbish. It's a problem they really need to solve. Even some of the statues had it on them.<br /><br />I'm going to make a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Facebook</span> album of all my photos a there are many many more! Do pop over if you have time. I'll pop a link on later. <br /><br />All in all it was a great holiday and I loved Athens. Jim had a super time too, which was the most important thing.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-1582473118786100442011-02-26T14:20:00.007+00:002011-02-26T14:47:04.769+00:00Bye Bye BlackJack<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjV6ovgOhsM/TWkR6zmsPQI/AAAAAAAAOC8/OZrJBkmS5xU/s1600/Blackjack%2Blooking%2Bsuitably%2Badorable%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bjV6ovgOhsM/TWkR6zmsPQI/AAAAAAAAOC8/OZrJBkmS5xU/s400/Blackjack%2Blooking%2Bsuitably%2Badorable%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578009315457645826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAsuzNxxtvs/TWkSJUO6HZI/AAAAAAAAODE/sntBBJMpAnQ/s1600/BlackJack%2Blooking%2Bappealing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAsuzNxxtvs/TWkSJUO6HZI/AAAAAAAAODE/sntBBJMpAnQ/s400/BlackJack%2Blooking%2Bappealing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578009564734430610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IinuoZIyjIc/TWkRbqNZMZI/AAAAAAAAOC0/Bg99Y0hqWmY/s1600/2%2BArtist%2BTrading%2Bcards%2BI%2Bhave%2Bdone%2Bfor%2Ba%2B%2527Spring%2527%2Btheme.jpg"><br /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BlackJack</span> as a kitten, December 2007.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWblQ4-3Znk/TWkRG3EDEPI/AAAAAAAAOCo/-INbvuwLQ4M/s1600/Bookmark%2Btrio%2Bcopy.jpg"><br /></a>Just a quick post today. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BlackJack</span>, our 3 year old black and white cat, had to be put down yesterday. The crystals in his bladder hadn't shifted and he also had stones in there and eventually he couldn't wee at all, so he was in pain. The last day and night he kept crying and had stopped purring. Jim and I took him to the vets, who agreed there was nothing further to be done for him. I held and stroked him and the vet was very kind and gave him a sedative first. He was only 3 but was very friendly and home loving and we miss him. Poor Sandy doesn't know what to do with himself as they've been together since birth. He has given us a lot of pleasure in his short life and we did all we could for him.<br /><br />We buried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BlackJack</span> in our rose garden, where a rose had died and we will buy a new one to put on top of him.<br /><br />On a happier note, it's Jim's 65<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> birthday on March 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> and we are going to Athens next Thursday (from the UK, where we go on Tuesday) for a few days, which should be lovely. I have never been. Jim's been before and it was his choice to re-visit.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crafts</span><br /><br />I have made 3 bookmarks and 2 Artist Trading Cards for a swap:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWblQ4-3Znk/TWkRG3EDEPI/AAAAAAAAOCo/-INbvuwLQ4M/s1600/Bookmark%2Btrio%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWblQ4-3Znk/TWkRG3EDEPI/AAAAAAAAOCo/-INbvuwLQ4M/s400/Bookmark%2Btrio%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578008423032885490" border="0" /></a><br />And the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ATCs</span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IinuoZIyjIc/TWkRbqNZMZI/AAAAAAAAOC0/Bg99Y0hqWmY/s1600/2%2BArtist%2BTrading%2Bcards%2BI%2Bhave%2Bdone%2Bfor%2Ba%2B%2527Spring%2527%2Btheme.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IinuoZIyjIc/TWkRbqNZMZI/AAAAAAAAOC0/Bg99Y0hqWmY/s400/2%2BArtist%2BTrading%2Bcards%2BI%2Bhave%2Bdone%2Bfor%2Ba%2B%2527Spring%2527%2Btheme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578008780359676306" border="0" /></a><br />The theme was 'Spring' as I hope you can see!<br /><br />So that's about it for now. I'm off into the garden as the sun is shining.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-31865002699334548292011-02-22T16:10:00.021+00:002011-02-22T17:16:31.534+00:00UK Trip to Chesterfield.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr1jRUR383I/TWPsrzYWfRI/AAAAAAAAOCg/Z7SBb4jW5Ks/s1600/091%2Bsnowy%2Bmorning%2Band%2Bsky.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaG4oXSD-tg/TWPr1A6JJgI/AAAAAAAAOCY/5sYIt7Y8C8U/s1600/122%2BLiane%2Band%2BAmy.jpg"><br /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trip to Chesterfield, Derbyshire</span><br /><br />What fun I had too. I stayed with my daughter K and her two wives Rachel and Luisa. K and I went to see the play 'Equus' at Chesterfield Pomegranite Theatre on the Thursday night and it was simply superb. As an added bonus, after the play, the cast all came to the bar for a question and answer session. As a thespian myself, I really enjoyed that and K and I had a great informal chat with the director and the leading man who played Dysart.<br /><br />During the day on Thursday, K, Rachel and I went into town as it was the second hand market there. We wandered around the stalls and Rachel was amazed at how long we were out - 4 hours! It's a novelty for me to go as in Ireland I haven't found much in the way of car boot sales or second hand stalls. I picked up a few bits and pieces for my craftwork for pennies. Here are a few photos of the day:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sy4vPCx1VA/TWPkDeuDkwI/AAAAAAAAOAg/qJUs9IOcsnQ/s1600/021%2BChessy%2BMarket.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Sy4vPCx1VA/TWPkDeuDkwI/AAAAAAAAOAg/qJUs9IOcsnQ/s400/021%2BChessy%2BMarket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576551512051782402" border="0" /></a><br />I rather liked this splendidly colourful zebra.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03zZvwbUrAc/TWPkVegx75I/AAAAAAAAOAo/8lxqbML7Pyc/s1600/025%2BK%2Bwith%2BHulk%2Bhand%2Bon%2BChessy%2Bmkt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03zZvwbUrAc/TWPkVegx75I/AAAAAAAAOAo/8lxqbML7Pyc/s400/025%2BK%2Bwith%2BHulk%2Bhand%2Bon%2BChessy%2Bmkt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576551821233745810" border="0" /></a><br />K bought this splendid 'Hulk' hand for Lu - I love this shot.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3O8kUnORgrQ/TWPkpBXJomI/AAAAAAAAOAw/21jGp9Kk4Z8/s1600/029%2Binteresting%2Bstall%2Bon%2Bmkt.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3O8kUnORgrQ/TWPkpBXJomI/AAAAAAAAOAw/21jGp9Kk4Z8/s400/029%2Binteresting%2Bstall%2Bon%2Bmkt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576552157006111330" border="0" /></a><br />Fun bits and bobs - I like the tiles very much.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcyZaRNagqM/TWPk8Gc4a2I/AAAAAAAAOA4/MC2XqK4_tSw/s1600/037%2BK%2Band%2BRachel%2Bin%2BYates%2Bfor%2Blunch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qcyZaRNagqM/TWPk8Gc4a2I/AAAAAAAAOA4/MC2XqK4_tSw/s400/037%2BK%2Band%2BRachel%2Bin%2BYates%2Bfor%2Blunch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576552484789840738" border="0" /></a><br />K chatting to Rachel who was flicking through one of her purchases from the market. We had chips for lunch with melted cheese on top. Delicious!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KxA5djg0hU/TWPld80k_LI/AAAAAAAAOBA/TwTZJzMzIdc/s1600/065%2BColourful%2Bscarves.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KxA5djg0hU/TWPld80k_LI/AAAAAAAAOBA/TwTZJzMzIdc/s400/065%2BColourful%2Bscarves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576553066320428210" border="0" /></a><br />A colourful rail of scarves.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JhUFjZrikA/TWPlxeNtmeI/AAAAAAAAOBI/WCTtnlRtri4/s1600/063%2BFoot%2Blong%2Bhot%2Bdogs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JhUFjZrikA/TWPlxeNtmeI/AAAAAAAAOBI/WCTtnlRtri4/s400/063%2BFoot%2Blong%2Bhot%2Bdogs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576553401701734882" border="0" /></a><br />Wow, foot long hot dogs! We managed to resist but they sure sounded good.<br /><br />The following day we walked round the market 'proper' and I can't remember which day some of the pictures were taken! Not that it matters. This splendid shire horse and cart were there on Friday:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7fUihaxFSI/TWPmXbD8hSI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/Lv1z027MtIM/s1600/058%2BLovely%2Bhorse%2Band%2Bcart.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7fUihaxFSI/TWPmXbD8hSI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/Lv1z027MtIM/s400/058%2BLovely%2Bhorse%2Band%2Bcart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576554053690492194" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUcVjOl_QRM/TWPmkbQCb8I/AAAAAAAAOBY/pqyPDzsDZP8/s1600/059%2BHorse%2Bturned%2Bto%2Blook%2Bat%2Bme.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUcVjOl_QRM/TWPmkbQCb8I/AAAAAAAAOBY/pqyPDzsDZP8/s400/059%2BHorse%2Bturned%2Bto%2Blook%2Bat%2Bme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576554277079510978" border="0" /></a><br />When I called his name, Ben, he turned and looked at me! What a fantastic face.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yth1CsNSC8I/TWPm6DpxtvI/AAAAAAAAOBg/2nHZAsddvgQ/s1600/068%2BGhostly%2Bhorses.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yth1CsNSC8I/TWPm6DpxtvI/AAAAAAAAOBg/2nHZAsddvgQ/s400/068%2BGhostly%2Bhorses.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576554648702138098" border="0" /></a><br />A carousel was there but all covered over. I can imagine the ghostly horses riding round during the night!<br /><br />The main feature of Chesterfield is the church, known as '<a href="http://www.chesterfieldparishchurch.org.uk/">The Crooked Spire'</a>. Here you can see why:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBjczQ2XyBY/TWPnu5mBtJI/AAAAAAAAOBo/z6uX_DKBusA/s1600/081%2BChesterfield%2BCrooked%2BSpire.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBjczQ2XyBY/TWPnu5mBtJI/AAAAAAAAOBo/z6uX_DKBusA/s400/081%2BChesterfield%2BCrooked%2BSpire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576555556535121042" border="0" /></a><br />There are many lovely old building in Chesterfield too.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEdAnvedLXw/TWPoZvjCbRI/AAAAAAAAOBw/DRLbzN9juSA/s1600/033%2BOld%2BChessy%2BBuilding.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEdAnvedLXw/TWPoZvjCbRI/AAAAAAAAOBw/DRLbzN9juSA/s400/033%2BOld%2BChessy%2BBuilding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576556292572605714" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2xY4XhZkHY/TWPon-J_5EI/AAAAAAAAOB4/u9kcG2Yyt_I/s1600/075%2BCo-op%2BBuilding.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2xY4XhZkHY/TWPon-J_5EI/AAAAAAAAOB4/u9kcG2Yyt_I/s400/075%2BCo-op%2BBuilding.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576556537012282434" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qF1mMlHQnw/TWPo5TvVUZI/AAAAAAAAOCA/sfQgXemxPXE/s1600/077%2BSuper%2Bold%2BChessy%2Bbuildings.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0qF1mMlHQnw/TWPo5TvVUZI/AAAAAAAAOCA/sfQgXemxPXE/s400/077%2BSuper%2Bold%2BChessy%2Bbuildings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576556834863796626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span><br /><br />Another highlight of my visit was a wonderful carvery meal shared with 11 of my family. We were there from 1pm until after 4pm and never stopped talking and laughing.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxwORYfhlu4/TWPpjyCewsI/AAAAAAAAOCI/JXguPTuJTd8/s1600/097%2BKyle%252C%2BLu.%2BRachel%252C%2BChris%252C%2BRachel%252C%2BRanda%252C%2BK%252C%2BLina%252C%2BKirsty%2Band%2BTony.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wxwORYfhlu4/TWPpjyCewsI/AAAAAAAAOCI/JXguPTuJTd8/s400/097%2BKyle%252C%2BLu.%2BRachel%252C%2BChris%252C%2BRachel%252C%2BRanda%252C%2BK%252C%2BLina%252C%2BKirsty%2Band%2BTony.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576557564551676610" border="0" /></a><br />We all look a bit 'at sea' in this photo! L - R. Kyle, Lu, Rachel, Chris, Rachel, Miranda, K, Lina, Kirsty and Tony's hair!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBR2oHyWPpg/TWPqJPGS3hI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/ZxNaa1wNTe8/s1600/098%2BA%2Bmotley%2Bcrew.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBR2oHyWPpg/TWPqJPGS3hI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/ZxNaa1wNTe8/s400/098%2BA%2Bmotley%2Bcrew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576558208007462418" border="0" /></a><br />This is a better shot, taken by Tony. I am in it too! Kirsty and Kerry (top right) are getting married in May, so that will be my next trip to the area. The lovely lady at the top of the table is Miranda, my ex sister in law. We all still love her. The 'Rachel and Chris' on the bottom left are Miranda's daughter and fiancee.<br /><br />It's a meal out I will remember for a very long time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday</span><br /><br />Sunday was my going home day but Kirsty came over again to visit me and take Lina to stay with her for a few days, as it's half term week. Liane, my step Grandaughter, also came with her son Connor and carrying her new baby, a little girl, due in June:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaG4oXSD-tg/TWPr1A6JJgI/AAAAAAAAOCY/5sYIt7Y8C8U/s1600/122%2BLiane%2Band%2BAmy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaG4oXSD-tg/TWPr1A6JJgI/AAAAAAAAOCY/5sYIt7Y8C8U/s400/122%2BLiane%2Band%2BAmy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576560059624269314" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Liane eating a healthy apple with her little 'bump'.<br /><br />We had a bit of a surprise one morning, when the garden was covered in snow! It had mostly gone by the end of the day, luckily:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr1jRUR383I/TWPsrzYWfRI/AAAAAAAAOCg/Z7SBb4jW5Ks/s1600/091%2Bsnowy%2Bmorning%2Band%2Bsky.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lr1jRUR383I/TWPsrzYWfRI/AAAAAAAAOCg/Z7SBb4jW5Ks/s400/091%2Bsnowy%2Bmorning%2Band%2Bsky.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576561000885681426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It seems very quiet back here in Ireland! BlackJack is much better and it's been quite easy to give him his medicine.<br /><br />My toe has repaired itself well, thank goodness, and only wept once - when I wore high heels to go and see Equus!<br /><br />Yesterday was a lovely day and I did lots of garden clearing but today the rain is back. As I have cystitis anyway - I'm having a quiet day and not doing much.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Gina/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-71740069123027017322011-02-11T02:10:00.014+00:002011-02-12T01:38:37.908+00:00Poorly BlackJack - Poorly toe.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBNYt_hGslQ/TVSbzbU8xXI/AAAAAAAAN-w/_11M74jIzDc/s1600/Untitled-1%2BThe%2BCats%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HBNYt_hGslQ/TVSbzbU8xXI/AAAAAAAAN-w/_11M74jIzDc/s400/Untitled-1%2BThe%2BCats%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572249946775405938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BlackJack</span> and Sandy Playing and Fighting in the garden.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Poorly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BlackJack</span></span><br /><br />Poor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BlackJack</span> has a suspected urine infection. I took him to the vets yesterday and they injected him with some antibiotics and gave me some to take home. Today he's been crying on and off and trying to wee but just leaves little drops of blood around so I rang the vets. I took him straight in and they kept him there overnight. Were going to catheterise him and test for the bug so they can treat it. Poor little thing. I told them to be very careful with him. Every time I picked him up he started purring straight away.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Poorly Toe</span><br /><br />I went up to the shed in the dark 2 nights ago and smacked my big toenail really hard on the top step. I thought it hurt and when I looked it had torn the top of the nail away from the toe. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AAAAH</span>! I even took a photo of it for you all!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8A-U0U0kUv8/TVScqmQrwmI/AAAAAAAAN-4/BVM3QHe9ahM/s1600/066%2BPoorly%2Bnail.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8A-U0U0kUv8/TVScqmQrwmI/AAAAAAAAN-4/BVM3QHe9ahM/s400/066%2BPoorly%2Bnail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572250894603108962" border="0" /></a><br />I have since managed to soak it and cut the nail a bit so it is less vulnerable. Today it hurts slightly less and is less swollen too. I have been wearing socks with sandals - not a cool look but needs must!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1rdlTIXf34/TVXhpo8r-RI/AAAAAAAAN_4/NcoGd8XquAg/s1600/008%2BSexy%2Bsocks%2Bwith%2Bsandals.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1rdlTIXf34/TVXhpo8r-RI/AAAAAAAAN_4/NcoGd8XquAg/s400/008%2BSexy%2Bsocks%2Bwith%2Bsandals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572608219423701266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cat Update</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="messageBody"><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BlackJack</span> is back from the vets. He makes crystals in his bladder and they bung it up. Have to give him cranberry juice every day for the rest of his life and antibiotics now for a while. If it clears the crystals, all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ok</span>. If not it's very bad. I have bought pure cranberry juice for him - only half teaspoon a day so good if it works. Fingers crossed everyone.</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />New Rag Doll<br /></span><br />I took Bridget, the new rag doll I've made, up to Ann <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Brodericks</span>. She just loved her. I had tea and fresh brown scone with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Lovely! As the sun was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">shining</span> when I left, I walked over to Ann's car parking area and took the following joiner of the view. Do click on it to enlarge for its full potential.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_dpQo7U7fI/TVXetYKbOcI/AAAAAAAAN_Q/jgUvSPf523M/s1600/Untitled-1%2BView%2Bfrom%2BAnn%2527s%2Bparking%2Bspace%2Bcopy.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 66px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_dpQo7U7fI/TVXetYKbOcI/AAAAAAAAN_Q/jgUvSPf523M/s400/Untitled-1%2BView%2Bfrom%2BAnn%2527s%2Bparking%2Bspace%2Bcopy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572604985102514626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Post</span><br /><br />On the <a href="http://milliande.ning.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Milliande</span> Art Community for Women</a> we have a section which is called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">RAAKs</span> (Random Acts of Kindness). You can add your name and be sent/send a piece of art to anyone or all on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">e list</span>. I received my first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">RAAK</span> a few days ago and it's a lovely Valentine's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ATC</span> (Artist Trading Card).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aARILQq_5Ko/TVXf3EoNpFI/AAAAAAAAN_Y/gJNryZcKxTo/s1600/064%2BRaak%2Bfrom%2BRainbow%2BPainter%2BMilliande.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aARILQq_5Ko/TVXf3EoNpFI/AAAAAAAAN_Y/gJNryZcKxTo/s400/064%2BRaak%2Bfrom%2BRainbow%2BPainter%2BMilliande.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572606251169064018" border="0" /></a><br />This lovely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ATC</span> is from Rainbow Painter in the USA. She is trying to send one to everyone on the list - and it's a long list! I have since received some more things but haven't photographed them yet. I shall have to send some off myself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Gort</span> Rain</span><br /><br />We have had quite a lot of heavy rain recently and on the way back from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Gort</span>, I stopped and took this photo of one of the rivers in flood:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_fFyj0zdwc/TVXg24a_dXI/AAAAAAAAN_g/2BAb2AbumS4/s1600/003%2BRiver%2Bin%2BGort%2Boverflowing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_fFyj0zdwc/TVXg24a_dXI/AAAAAAAAN_g/2BAb2AbumS4/s400/003%2BRiver%2Bin%2BGort%2Boverflowing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572607347404010866" border="0" /></a><br />It has subsided a bit today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Naughty Cats</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZbE2bv0-eU/TVXhJZ9XO_I/AAAAAAAAN_o/mp3AQyWxn2g/s1600/005%2BBad%2Bcats%2Bon%2Bour%2Bbed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZbE2bv0-eU/TVXhJZ9XO_I/AAAAAAAAN_o/mp3AQyWxn2g/s400/005%2BBad%2Bcats%2Bon%2Bour%2Bbed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572607665644190706" border="0" /></a><br />Both happily asleep on our bed. Bad cats!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSP_1pcPZaQ/TVXhYY-8ZCI/AAAAAAAAN_w/JuVdzqcCGxI/s1600/006%2BNice%2Bhere%2Bisn%2527t%2Bit%2BBlackJack.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSP_1pcPZaQ/TVXhYY-8ZCI/AAAAAAAAN_w/JuVdzqcCGxI/s400/006%2BNice%2Bhere%2Bisn%2527t%2Bit%2BBlackJack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572607923080422434" border="0" /></a><br />Sandy just looked at me and stretched. 'Nice here isn't it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">BlackJack</span>'!!<br /><br />I soon chased them off.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visit to Daughter</span><br /><br />On Wednesday I am off until the following Sunday on a visit to see my daughter and family in Chesterfield, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Derbyshire</span>. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again.<br /><br />I am in a rush to make another 'Archie Doll' for K and so far only have a head and body!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZCormP15UU/TVXiRMjiurI/AAAAAAAAOAA/o97QlMEC0Lo/s1600/012%2BA%2Bnew%2BArchie%2Bhead%2521.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uZCormP15UU/TVXiRMjiurI/AAAAAAAAOAA/o97QlMEC0Lo/s400/012%2BA%2Bnew%2BArchie%2Bhead%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572608898996812466" border="0" /></a><br />His face is rather cute though! He has odd ears.....!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Garden</span><br /><br />Before I was indisposed with my toe (which bled again this afternoon), I started doing the back yard and have taken a little collage of photos for you to see:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygjf4o2-Ebo/TVXjMJxWY9I/AAAAAAAAOAQ/ifszAkwwz0k/s1600/Untitled-1%2BNew%2Bproject%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygjf4o2-Ebo/TVXjMJxWY9I/AAAAAAAAOAQ/ifszAkwwz0k/s400/Untitled-1%2BNew%2Bproject%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572609911861699538" border="0" /></a><br />The wall you can see has been made good on the right and then there will be a rockery which will go round the other side too. In front of the wall will be a gravelled area and we will move the bird table there and the bird bath. The rest will be grassed to tie in with the lawn you can already see. The left of the wall needs making good for a couple of feet. I think it'll look great when it's done. I'll have to wait until I come back from K's I think when my toe should be all healed.<br /><br />That's it for today. I'll try and do another post before I leave for the UK. Must get Archie finished...BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-5797134505455143112011-02-07T00:08:00.020+00:002011-02-07T00:50:29.919+00:00Another Suffolk Trip. New Rag Doll Completed<span style="font-weight: bold;">Suffolk Trip</span><br /><br />Hi everyone, I had a great few days in Suffolk. We went to a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">playbarn</span>, shopped, lunched, went out for a ladies night and meal, lunched, had tea..... actually a great deal of eating happened!<br /><br />Just a few photos to show you. The rest are on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebook</span> if you're interested.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU84mHP4ZRI/AAAAAAAAN8o/SN7nk9wN9Gw/s1600/043%2BKitty%2Band%2Bsmarites%2Bat%2Bplaybarn.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU84mHP4ZRI/AAAAAAAAN8o/SN7nk9wN9Gw/s400/043%2BKitty%2Band%2Bsmarites%2Bat%2Bplaybarn.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570733491512435986" border="0" /></a><br />Kitty at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">playbarn</span> with smarties.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU841s-a7NI/AAAAAAAAN8w/FU6Z_WfdXFk/s1600/046%2BReady%2Bto%2Bgo%2Bout.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU841s-a7NI/AAAAAAAAN8w/FU6Z_WfdXFk/s400/046%2BReady%2Bto%2Bgo%2Bout.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570733759337786578" border="0" /></a><br />Sam and I ready to go out for a meal with lots of other ladies. It was great.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU85MTxmIiI/AAAAAAAAN84/0KzmocQtxj8/s1600/064%2Bour%2Bpudding.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU85MTxmIiI/AAAAAAAAN84/0KzmocQtxj8/s400/064%2Bour%2Bpudding.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570734147710100002" border="0" /></a><br />My delicious pudding.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU85xohZB8I/AAAAAAAAN9I/0Y6jOYWdJGI/s1600/050%2BFood.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU85xohZB8I/AAAAAAAAN9I/0Y6jOYWdJGI/s400/050%2BFood.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570734788934436802" border="0" /></a><br />Ladies who eat a lot!! I'm right down the far end. It was Sam's birthday on Monday 31st so this was our excuse to celebrate. We went on Saturday night.<br /><br />On Sunday it was a trip over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dereham</span> to see Nanny Maureen and Grandad Ivor - this time we ate in a pub! What shall we have today? It was roast dinners all round:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU86bvXHlMI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/pT0Xh4OaQxQ/s1600/079%2BMau%2Band%2BI%2Bchoosing.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU86bvXHlMI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/pT0Xh4OaQxQ/s400/079%2BMau%2Band%2BI%2Bchoosing.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570735512324904130" border="0" /></a><br />Jack loved his:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU86-_kvClI/AAAAAAAAN9Y/24c44Q2CxAI/s1600/081%2BJack%2Bloved%2Bhis%2Broast%2Bdinner.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU86-_kvClI/AAAAAAAAN9Y/24c44Q2CxAI/s400/081%2BJack%2Bloved%2Bhis%2Broast%2Bdinner.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570736117972404818" border="0" /></a><br />And Kitty enjoyed pouring the gravy onto each and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">every plate</span> with the cute little gravy boats!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU87c-6YuII/AAAAAAAAN9g/e7wIxZgCPKU/s1600/094%2BKitty%2Bin%2Bthe%2Btrolly.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU87c-6YuII/AAAAAAAAN9g/e7wIxZgCPKU/s400/094%2BKitty%2Bin%2Bthe%2Btrolly.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570736633190856834" border="0" /></a><br />We had a quick whizz round some shops, Kitty rode in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">trolley</span> with Jack pushing - a recipe for disaster! Sam behind.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU877olpKxI/AAAAAAAAN9o/IhDFX_Ejtg4/s1600/101%2BKitty%2Bbasket%2Bcase.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU877olpKxI/AAAAAAAAN9o/IhDFX_Ejtg4/s400/101%2BKitty%2Bbasket%2Bcase.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570737159774219026" border="0" /></a><br />Kitty at home with a basket hat!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU88NiDx8eI/AAAAAAAAN9w/MH8l3uNsKlg/s1600/104%2BJack%2Bon%2Bbouncy%2Bthing%2B-%2BCopy.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU88NiDx8eI/AAAAAAAAN9w/MH8l3uNsKlg/s400/104%2BJack%2Bon%2Bbouncy%2Bthing%2B-%2BCopy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570737467259220450" border="0" /></a><br />While Jack played on his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">space hopper</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU88z9sXQ2I/AAAAAAAAN94/PSODm8SkdUQ/s1600/116%2BJason%2Band%2BJack.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU88z9sXQ2I/AAAAAAAAN94/PSODm8SkdUQ/s400/116%2BJason%2Band%2BJack.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570738127512224610" border="0" /></a><br />Jack having Daddy time before bed and some Gran time, below!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU89I364deI/AAAAAAAAN-A/Qe3KgM0UQaQ/s1600/120%2BA%2Bgran%2Bcuddle.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU89I364deI/AAAAAAAAN-A/Qe3KgM0UQaQ/s400/120%2BA%2Bgran%2Bcuddle.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570738486739760610" border="0" /></a><br />On Monday, guess what? We went for lunch! This time Jack was at school so it was just Sam, Jason, Kitty, Rene (Sam's Mum) and me. We went to the Harvester and I enjoyed a superb fish and chips. Kitty wasn't really hungry so Jason quickly eat his dinner then entertained her inside and outside:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU89qHXLPcI/AAAAAAAAN-I/dU4tun901m0/s1600/126%2BKitty%2Band%2BDaddy.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU89qHXLPcI/AAAAAAAAN-I/dU4tun901m0/s400/126%2BKitty%2Band%2BDaddy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570739057820646850" border="0" /></a><br />Here they were dancing to the background music!<br /><br />Sam had a '<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">WI</span>' for her birthday and we all had fun playing on it. Sam and I both enjoyed the tennis. I can play much better on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">WI</span> than in real life!<br /><br />My photo of the trip is this one of Sam and Kitty having a love in:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8-NgMS1nI/AAAAAAAAN-Q/3mkjFMGFTis/s1600/105%2BSam%2Band%2BKitty%2B-%2Blovely.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8-NgMS1nI/AAAAAAAAN-Q/3mkjFMGFTis/s400/105%2BSam%2Band%2BKitty%2B-%2Blovely.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570739665781315186" border="0" /></a><br />I left early on Tuesday morning. At Shannon airport I waved to Jim in the queue for the plane I had just arrived on - he was heading to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Worthing</span> for a couple of days! It was Thursday before I picked him up back at Shannon!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Doll</span><br /><br />The new doll for Ann Broderick has now been finished. I'll probably take it to her tomorrow (Monday):<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8_CACvquI/AAAAAAAAN-Y/bJr3aVpbcJs/s1600/011%2BBridget%2BDoll.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8_CACvquI/AAAAAAAAN-Y/bJr3aVpbcJs/s400/011%2BBridget%2BDoll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570740567684393698" border="0" /></a><br />Meet Bridget (as she's Irish).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8_QDn7ksI/AAAAAAAAN-g/CcujSgljzn4/s1600/012%2BBack%2Bof%2BBridget%2527s%2Bhat.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8_QDn7ksI/AAAAAAAAN-g/CcujSgljzn4/s400/012%2BBack%2Bof%2BBridget%2527s%2Bhat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570740809163838146" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the back view. I put a little plait and bobble on the end of her hat for a change.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My new table</span><br /><br />I never seemed to have any space in my office to work so Jim converted an ironing board, which I don't use for ironing as it's just too big, into a work table. I love it!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8_6i0puXI/AAAAAAAAN-o/oQkR7OUzd_g/s1600/016%2BMe%2Bwith%2Bmy%2Bsuper%2Btable%2Bcome%2Bironing%2Bboard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TU8_6i0puXI/AAAAAAAAN-o/oQkR7OUzd_g/s400/016%2BMe%2Bwith%2Bmy%2Bsuper%2Btable%2Bcome%2Bironing%2Bboard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570741539093199218" border="0" /></a><br />He's fixed a board to the top and it still has the pointed section of the ironing board, which I can use to iron the seams on the dolls' dresses, etc. What a clever boy! I have another order for a rag doll so I'm just sorting out the material.<br /><br />I think that's about all the news apart from the incessant rain we've had for a few days. And lots of wind. <br /><br />Happy Monday everyone.<br /><br />Oh, the 'River of Stones' has finished and I have submitted 10 of mine for inclusion in the book they are going to make of them. I'll be happy if one is picked. xx<br /><br />Here's a link to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=676090234&aid=620109">Facebook photos</a>BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-80310302726952119072011-01-26T01:37:00.020+00:002011-01-26T02:33:00.301+00:00Gardening and Catch Up<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garden<br /><br /></span>I've been carrying on with the bramble and blackthorn clearing, in spite of the frost and ice on the ground! Jim came and did some too a couple of days ago and we cleared quite a large area.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT97sPT1qCI/AAAAAAAAN7I/rk1SWIqpWeM/s1600/003%2BIce%2Bpuddles.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT97sPT1qCI/AAAAAAAAN7I/rk1SWIqpWeM/s400/003%2BIce%2Bpuddles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566303664407423010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">An icy puddle, left by a footprint. Isn't it pretty?</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT979LqlxyI/AAAAAAAAN7Q/gZ9s34txvU8/s1600/004%2BClump%2Bof%2Bash%2Bnow%2Brevealed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT979LqlxyI/AAAAAAAAN7Q/gZ9s34txvU8/s400/004%2BClump%2Bof%2Bash%2Bnow%2Brevealed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566303955486885666" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">That's frost on the ground! These spindly ash trees were totally buried in bramble and blackthorn - we can see that they were planted in a little clump now. Poor things have been eaten by deer several times.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT98aQ-zfqI/AAAAAAAAN7Y/KcpvLMKp07s/s1600/010%2BJim%2Bpulling%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bblackthorn.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT98aQ-zfqI/AAAAAAAAN7Y/KcpvLMKp07s/s400/010%2BJim%2Bpulling%2Bup%2Bthe%2Bblackthorn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566304455130054306" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Jim tugging away at a blackthorn. I did take a photo of him holding it up but it was blurred!<br /><br />I had a bonfire last night, even though it was damp and eventually rained. Jim went and had a walk round there today and it was still smoking!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Spare Bedroom</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Jim has finally assembled the unit for the spare bedroom. It's no great thing of beauty but is just what's required in there. Somewhere for our guests to hang their clothes and put bits of clothes.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT98wHbKoHI/AAAAAAAAN7g/yx2kvKAGiXM/s1600/013%2BNew%2Bstorage%2Bin%2Bspare%2Broom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT98wHbKoHI/AAAAAAAAN7g/yx2kvKAGiXM/s400/013%2BNew%2Bstorage%2Bin%2Bspare%2Broom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566304830521778290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT990COrRHI/AAAAAAAAN7w/68s9j4uy8WI/s1600/014%2BIn%2Brelation%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bdoor.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT990COrRHI/AAAAAAAAN7w/68s9j4uy8WI/s400/014%2BIn%2Brelation%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bdoor.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566305997358318706" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here you can see it in relation to the door. The draws in it are tiny! They'll just about hold pants and socks though!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gorgeous Lina</span><br /><br />My daughter K and 2 Granddaughters went wedding dress shopping for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kirsty</span>, who is getting married on 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> May. Lina played dressing up:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT9-WHOqL-I/AAAAAAAAN74/d6RtjqsRFZk/s1600/Lina%2Bat%2Bwedding%2Bdress%2Bshop%2Bsuperb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT9-WHOqL-I/AAAAAAAAN74/d6RtjqsRFZk/s400/Lina%2Bat%2Bwedding%2Bdress%2Bshop%2Bsuperb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566306582815977442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Isn't that just the best photo? K took it of course!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Luisa</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />K posted a photo of Lu on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span> on 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> January and I thought I'd show you how well she is doing.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT-AY6rsWsI/AAAAAAAAN8A/_aD4Tugytds/s1600/Lu%2Blooking%2Bat%2Bher%2Bwork%2Bcomputer.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT-AY6rsWsI/AAAAAAAAN8A/_aD4Tugytds/s400/Lu%2Blooking%2Bat%2Bher%2Bwork%2Bcomputer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566308830010956482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Luisa sitting at her work computer (at home). Just dipping her toe in. She looks so well! I can't thank you all enough for your prayers, candles and good vibes. I truly thought we'd lose her.<br /><br />And here's a photo from today:</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT-A5T42-yI/AAAAAAAAN8I/HctBzfxawPA/s1600/Lu%2Bin%2Btown%2521%2B%2BWoo%2Bhoo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT-A5T42-yI/AAAAAAAAN8I/HctBzfxawPA/s400/Lu%2Bin%2Btown%2521%2B%2BWoo%2Bhoo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566309386532879138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In Nonna's (Chesterfield, reasonably new swanky <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">eaterie</span>), actually out of doors being sociable!<br /><br />Gosh these photos make me smile!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Art</span><br /><br />I've been dipping in and out of various projects. I've made 7 woven rectangles towards the rug I'm making out of them. That will be going in the spare bedroom when it's finished. Photos then.<br /><br />I'm making another rag doll for Ann Broderick, my coffee morning friend, as she'd like one for one of her Granddaughters:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT-B6pNavQI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/y9iyTrOZHl8/s1600/016%2BNew%2Brag%2Bdoll%2527s%2Blegs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TT-B6pNavQI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/y9iyTrOZHl8/s400/016%2BNew%2Brag%2Bdoll%2527s%2Blegs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566310508947750146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">What do you think of it so far? LOL! Ah well, it'll be done soon enough.<br /><br />I'm off to the UK on Thursday until Tuesday to see Jason, Sam, Jack and Kitty. It seems like months since I've seen them as our December trip had to be cancelled of course. It's Sam's birthday on Monday so we (Sam and a lot of mums from school) and I are all off for a meal on Saturday night. That should be great fun.<br /><br />On the downside, I dropped my hearing aid on the kitchen floor and broke it. Now I am using my old National Health one that sits outside my ear and makes my ear sore. Plus it's nowhere near the sound quality of my other one. Ah well, I'll have to get sorted out with a new one. More expense!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stones<br /><br /></span>I had a bit of a disaster with my daily stones. I had been collecting them in a 'note' on Facebook and it's just disappeared! Luckily I'd posted quite a few on here and some on my FB profile, so I've gathered up those and put them in a document. Here's a couple:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the darkness, the bonfire crackles. Tiny flames lick the damp wood. Yet it smouldered slowly all night long.<br /><br />Sandy, our huge ginger cat, sat in my Thorntons cardboard box. But not before he'd attacked it and eaten one of the flaps. Crazy cat.<br /></span><br />Have a great week everyone.</span>BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-7772733245999915912011-01-20T18:09:00.019+00:002011-01-20T19:50:33.528+00:00General Catch-Up's Back Art, Garden, Surprises...<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Post<br /><br /></span>Through the post today came 2 lovely surprises. In our postbox was a lovely postcard made by <a href="http://artsyendeavors.blogspot.com/">Lisa of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Greenbow</span></a><br /><br />Lisa is a wonderful artist and has an interesting blog called </span><span dir="ltr"></span><a href="http://artsyendeavors.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Artsy Endeavors</a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This is the postcard she made:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTh7i5Td_WI/AAAAAAAAN5Q/Kr3gTsvGc28/s1600/IMG_5727.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTh7i5Td_WI/AAAAAAAAN5Q/Kr3gTsvGc28/s400/IMG_5727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564333179044494690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I just love getting art through the post. Thank you Lisa. I haven't sent mine yet - on its way very soon.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> Surprise</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">A courier driver rang to ask for directions to our house. Jim and I were racking our brains to think what we had ordered. We always find it easier to go and meet the drivers up at Broderick's Furniture store on the main road, which Jim did.<br /><br />Well, the big box had Thornton's written all over it but I thought maybe whoever sent it had re-used a box. But no. Inside was this lovely box, some superb green tissue paper and a little note from my daughter<a href="http://dk-leather.blogspot.com/"> K</a> saying she had '<span style="font-style: italic;">Supplies because you ran out - <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">intolerable</span>! Hope they don't take too long to get to you. Love and miss you Momma.</span>' What a lucky Mummy I am, and here is my present:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTh898OWRXI/AAAAAAAAN5Y/zDdbPYzRGcY/s1600/IMG_5726.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTh898OWRXI/AAAAAAAAN5Y/zDdbPYzRGcY/s400/IMG_5726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564334743196419442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The box contains all the best bits of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Thorntons</span> from their continental chocolates to their amazing toffee (which can remove your teeth)!! Thank you thank you K. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">xxxxx</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spare Bedroom</span><br /><br />Jim came back from shopping yesterday with a 3 section storage/wardrobe for the spare bedroom. We have been wanting something like this for some time but just needed to find the right piece, the right size, at the right price. And indeed now we have it. As often happens with boxed goods, none of the instructions made sense but Jim managed valiantly to put it together, with a little help from his able assistant (me). We struggled through into the room with it this afternoon, where he is finishing it in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">situ</span>. I will take a photo when it's all done.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim's Health</span><br /><br />Jim is feeling much better thank you everyone. The antibiotics seem to have knocked the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">abscess</span> infection on the head - I just hope it's sent it away. We shall have to see.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">His heart still goes a bit weird now and then but knowing there isn't any damage to it, he isn't worrying about it so much.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garden</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I have struggled on with some of Jim's help to remove more brambles and blackthorn. It is really looking much better now and it's good to reclaim the land back from intrusive plants and shrubs/trees.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiGvDMMfMI/AAAAAAAAN5g/WzAXnKxPSoQ/s1600/005%2Bcleared%2Bpath%2Bof%2Bbrambles%2Band%2Bweeds.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiGvDMMfMI/AAAAAAAAN5g/WzAXnKxPSoQ/s400/005%2Bcleared%2Bpath%2Bof%2Bbrambles%2Band%2Bweeds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564345482484677826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This is the path from the last post on my blog - now all clear of brambles and blackthorn. The hedge to the right is thick blackthorn and we have trimmed it back to try and keep it a bit contained. The trees to the left are mostly willow.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiHVbazm1I/AAAAAAAAN5o/6fw3roN-pAM/s1600/006%2BEntrance%2Bto%2Bbluebell%2Bwalk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiHVbazm1I/AAAAAAAAN5o/6fw3roN-pAM/s400/006%2BEntrance%2Bto%2Bbluebell%2Bwalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564346141823441746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you follow the path round and up in the meadow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">direction</span>, there is a little entrance to our bluebell walk. This had become quite overgrown with bramble and Jim spent some time clearing the blackthorn, while I finished the bramble yesterday. Turn right and this is what you see:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiH5mBoMcI/AAAAAAAAN5w/GpLwlABc4-o/s1600/007%2Bturn%2Bright%2Binto%2Bbluebell%2Bwalk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiH5mBoMcI/AAAAAAAAN5w/GpLwlABc4-o/s400/007%2Bturn%2Bright%2Binto%2Bbluebell%2Bwalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564346763145916866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In the spring, the bluebell walk lives up to its name and it also has primula and some lovely ferns and violets too.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiIdIl4T3I/AAAAAAAAN54/Inf57y3X6gU/s1600/008%2Bbluebell%2Bwalk%2Bgoes%2Bup%2Btot%2Bthe%2Btelegraph%2Bpole.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiIdIl4T3I/AAAAAAAAN54/Inf57y3X6gU/s400/008%2Bbluebell%2Bwalk%2Bgoes%2Bup%2Btot%2Bthe%2Btelegraph%2Bpole.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564347373720194930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In this photo, at the brightest part of the sunlight you can see the telegraph pole. The last section to the pole is very overgrown with brambles and will take some clearing.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiI_ObYE4I/AAAAAAAAN6A/XNCu7Tu3hGk/s1600/009%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Binside%2Blooking%2Bout.%2B%2B1%2Bof%2B2%2Bpiles%2Bof%2Brubbish.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiI_ObYE4I/AAAAAAAAN6A/XNCu7Tu3hGk/s400/009%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Binside%2Blooking%2Bout.%2B%2B1%2Bof%2B2%2Bpiles%2Bof%2Brubbish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564347959402304386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This is from the inside of the entrance to the bluebell walk out onto the meadow. There is my bag full of tools as usual and a huge pile of rubbish too, in the sunlight.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiJxPuJAXI/AAAAAAAAN6I/RIgpOs3GI1A/s1600/012%2Btree%2Brescued%2Bfrom%2Bbrambles%2Band%2Bgrass.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiJxPuJAXI/AAAAAAAAN6I/RIgpOs3GI1A/s400/012%2Btree%2Brescued%2Bfrom%2Bbrambles%2Band%2Bgrass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564348818742903154" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We have just rediscovered this lovely tree. It was covered in grass, brambles and blackthorn.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiKf06WabI/AAAAAAAAN6Q/n6JjL3VAFVc/s1600/013%2Bblackthorn%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bcleared.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiKf06WabI/AAAAAAAAN6Q/n6JjL3VAFVc/s400/013%2Bblackthorn%2Bto%2Bbe%2Bcleared.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564349619000207794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Above is the next section of young blackthorn to be cleared. The right hand tree is a silver birch, newly revealed and just along from the evergreen in the photo above.<br /><br />I took a photo joiner to show the work to be done!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiK_q0R4pI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/o-Q2vpgLKSA/s1600/Untitled-1%2BMeadow%252C%2Bblackthorn%2Band%2Bbramble%2Bto%2Bclear%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 157px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiK_q0R4pI/AAAAAAAAN6Y/o-Q2vpgLKSA/s400/Untitled-1%2BMeadow%252C%2Bblackthorn%2Band%2Bbramble%2Bto%2Bclear%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564350166046204562" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you click on it and enlarge it, you can see my hat hanging in another silver birch tree to the left of the photo. The telegraph pole is clear and all the humps and bumps on the meadow need cutting down too. Only 3 acres of that to do!! To show where this is in relation to The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Deenery</span>, I take a quarter turn to my left:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiMPmweuTI/AAAAAAAAN6g/aQXQBmM6B5A/s1600/019%2BBrambles%2Bto%2Bright%252C%2Bhouse%2Bin%2Bdistance.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiMPmweuTI/AAAAAAAAN6g/aQXQBmM6B5A/s400/019%2BBrambles%2Bto%2Bright%252C%2Bhouse%2Bin%2Bdistance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564351539346061618" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Can you see The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Deenery</span> in the distance? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lol</span>. And my shadow - the sun was very bright. All the bramble in front of me is yet to be cleared - you can see it creeping across into the meadow. To my right is the telegraph pole.<br /><br />Can you see the large evergreens down by the house? The other day I called at Mrs Broderick's charity cafe up on the main road and took a photo of where we are from there. You can't actually see the house but you can easily spot the trees:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiNyYSJAZI/AAAAAAAAN6o/20x9VQI9baA/s1600/003%2BOur%2Btrees%2Bfrom%2BMountain%2Bcafe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiNyYSJAZI/AAAAAAAAN6o/20x9VQI9baA/s400/003%2BOur%2Btrees%2Bfrom%2BMountain%2Bcafe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564353236267762066" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;">Of course the angle of the trees is different but you can see where we are!! This is taken with the camera on full zoom. Here is the same view with the zoom retracted:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiOgzvuo3I/AAAAAAAAN64/8GE1fLFu_Q8/s1600/002%2BTrees%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bhouse%2Bdead%2Bcentre.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TTiOgzvuo3I/AAAAAAAAN64/8GE1fLFu_Q8/s400/002%2BTrees%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bhouse%2Bdead%2Bcentre.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564354033913602930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Our trees are about in the centre, showing up against the background of Lough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Graney</span>. I do hope I haven't bored you with all this! I find it fascinating to see where we are in relation to the surroundings.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Stones</span> - A River of Stones (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">aros</span>)<br /><br />I am a little behind with my stones, but have done some since my last post.<br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Day 11, January 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">aros</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I don't know what to say today</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I've not been out - at home all day</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I've looked at the cats and then the dog</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>My mind is in a total fog</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>So this little verse is today's contribution</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I know - it's a very poor substitution.</strong></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Day 12, January 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">th</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">aros</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I stopped the car and gazed at the stunning views; green patchwork hills, an amazing palette of colours and Lough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Graney</span> shimmering in the valley. 'Gosh' I thought, 'It's not a bad place to live.'</strong></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Day 13, January 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">aros</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Rain lashes the bedroom window. Birds cling on to the nut holders defiantly.</strong></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Day 14, January 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">th</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">aros</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><br /></span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>I gardened until it was dark, then the light of the moon cast shadows as though it were almost daytime.</strong></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Day 15, January 16<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">th</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">aros</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><br /></span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>As with yesterday, the moon's light bathed everything in its pale splendour, but neither I, not my camera, could capture this astonishing beauty</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><br /></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I think that's enough for today. I had a day inside today to let all my scratches heal! I'm going to start making another rag doll for Anne Broderick, who wants one for one of her Grandchildren. Plus I was determined to do a blog update. Part one completed. Hurrah.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Love to all.<br /></span></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p>BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-26457995835098993532011-01-13T00:05:00.015+00:002011-01-13T00:48:29.016+00:00Christmas Cards? Garden, Artist Doll.Oh I've been very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">industrious</span> lately. Since the Christmas cards have come down, I absent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mindedly</span> did a collage with some of them:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5CP9yzdkI/AAAAAAAAN34/frdLrK5YKsc/s1600/118%2BMade%2Binto%2Ba%2Bcollage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5CP9yzdkI/AAAAAAAAN34/frdLrK5YKsc/s400/118%2BMade%2Binto%2Ba%2Bcollage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561455431902262850" border="0" /></a><br />Then I started thinking about next year's cards - yes really - and cut out a 'tree' template. I cut several trees out:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5ChCywL1I/AAAAAAAAN4A/TROpstzKpJU/s1600/119%2BXmas%2Btrees%2Bcut%2Bout.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5ChCywL1I/AAAAAAAAN4A/TROpstzKpJU/s400/119%2BXmas%2Btrees%2Bcut%2Bout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561455725302001490" border="0" /></a><br />And here is my first card! It needs some writing on and maybe a bit more glitter, but the idea's there. What's the betting I can't find them by next December?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5CyIfNpMI/AAAAAAAAN4I/-TNSEgKK0lg/s1600/120%2BCards%2Bdone.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5CyIfNpMI/AAAAAAAAN4I/-TNSEgKK0lg/s400/120%2BCards%2Bdone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561456018888434882" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Artist Doll</span><br /><br />A lady who saw my 'Santa's Helper' doll on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/raggybaglady"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Etsy</span></a> shop asked whether I could make her an 'artist' one. She teaches art at school and wanted it to sit on a cupboard. Well, I had a go and haven't charged her yet. I hope she likes it when it arrives:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5DmC5DHtI/AAAAAAAAN4Q/UHfAu9R1-Yw/s1600/108%2Bphotomerge%2Bartist.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5DmC5DHtI/AAAAAAAAN4Q/UHfAu9R1-Yw/s400/108%2Bphotomerge%2Bartist.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561456910739381970" border="0" /></a><br />She wanted the smock to be plain so that she can splodge paint on him!! What fun eh? I do hope she approves.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garden</span><br /><br />I mentioned that we've been trying to clear some brambles from the path to and from our little wooded are (well, one of them). I took a photo just to show what we've done so far:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5Ec9leUeI/AAAAAAAAN4Y/aGhLCKQWScI/s1600/113%2BWoodland%2Bwalk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5Ec9leUeI/AAAAAAAAN4Y/aGhLCKQWScI/s400/113%2BWoodland%2Bwalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561457854207906274" border="0" /></a><br />Not a wonderful photo as it was very dull and rained soon after I had taken this. The carrying case on the left was a present from Jim for me for Christmas. It's brilliant. I started off with 2 coats and hat, but as you can see, I shed one coat when I started to warm up. Much more to do in the other direction though. You can see a bit of the bramble in the foreground. Blackthorn has also grown up all over the path and has to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mattocked</span> out. It's hard work but good fun.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dotee</span> Doll</span><br /><br />I made this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dotee</span> Doll for Jim for Christmas - he seemed to be the only person without one.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5Fc0VsauI/AAAAAAAAN4g/2oogUl_6pyU/s1600/110%2BJim%2527s%2BDotee%2BDoll.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 182px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5Fc0VsauI/AAAAAAAAN4g/2oogUl_6pyU/s400/110%2BJim%2527s%2BDotee%2BDoll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561458951237429986" border="0" /></a><br />She was made from a Christmas tea towel and embellished with stars and sequins. Her 'tail' consists of 3 pieces of raffia with a snowman, spring and heart button attached at the bottom.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5F2sg9BvI/AAAAAAAAN4o/BoqSVYr7dCM/s1600/111%2BJim%2527s%2BDotee.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5F2sg9BvI/AAAAAAAAN4o/BoqSVYr7dCM/s400/111%2BJim%2527s%2BDotee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561459395813770994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sandy</span><br /><br />We think Sandy now thinks he is a dog and has taken to lying on the mat just like Buster, his head right down and even one leg out the back - it looks most odd!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5GageYE2I/AAAAAAAAN4w/bQLOMDkOse4/s1600/103%2BSandy.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5GageYE2I/AAAAAAAAN4w/bQLOMDkOse4/s400/103%2BSandy.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561460011057025890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5GysADbvI/AAAAAAAAN44/tQfy9cGqc-Q/s1600/102%2BSandy%2Bsleeping%2Blike%2BBuster.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5GysADbvI/AAAAAAAAN44/tQfy9cGqc-Q/s400/102%2BSandy%2Bsleeping%2Blike%2BBuster.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561460426467929842" border="0" /></a><br />He certainly believes in getting comfortable.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today's Stone</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aros</span><br /><br /><br />I took Buster for a quick walk down to the lake. It was really misty and almost dusk. I noticed the following:<br /><br /><br />The farmer's gates no longer swing<br />Bound together now with wire and string<br />Young cows huddled close in the barn nearby<br />With curly coats and winsome eye<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visitors</span><br /><br />I forgot to mention that we had Wolf and Melanie for tea a couple of days ago. Sunday I think. Jim made hot scones again and they went down a treat. We sat in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sunroom</span> and chatted for well over an hour and drank 2 mugs of tea each. I managed to throw the first one all over the floor. Melanie bought me a present, which I have since used:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5J92nZMoI/AAAAAAAAN5I/ETmM8oOsTjo/s1600/109%2BI%2527m%2Bin%2Bthe%2BGarden%2Bsign.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TS5J92nZMoI/AAAAAAAAN5I/ETmM8oOsTjo/s400/109%2BI%2527m%2Bin%2Bthe%2BGarden%2Bsign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561463916830732930" border="0" /></a><br />Wasn't that thoughtful of her? I put it by the kettle when Jim had gone to bed, not feeling well and I had done just what it says here!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim</span><br /><br />Today Jim took himself to the doctors and came back armed with strong painkillers and strong antibiotics. It seems he has an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">abscess</span> above the tooth he had root filled before Christmas. That could be the reason for his heart <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">arrhythmia</span> as any infection can set it off in some people. Fingers crossed. He is so fed up with being ill. On top of everything else he is now full of cold.<br /><br />As a goal to getting better, he has booked us a 5 day holiday to Athens in early March to celebrate his 65<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> birthday.<br /><br />Love to everyone - we could do with some sunshine here.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-65161324965963404812011-01-11T13:08:00.006+00:002011-01-11T13:30:33.619+00:00New Cushions, New Projects.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cushions<br /><br /></span>I had bought a bed set a while ago for our king sized bed. It included one of those 'runners' that goes across the bed towards the bottom of the quilt - but it was pretty useless as it just fell off all the time! So I dismantled it and made cushions/pillows out of it - now we can sit up in bed and watch the birds or do the crossword puzzle in comfort.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSxXShNzXXI/AAAAAAAAN3w/UuVQGa0Nbfc/s1600/024%2Bour%2Bbed%2Bwith%2Bcushions.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSxXShNzXXI/AAAAAAAAN3w/UuVQGa0Nbfc/s400/024%2Bour%2Bbed%2Bwith%2Bcushions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560915615561244018" border="0" /></a><br />The little one at the front came with the set, the other 4 are the ones I made. They're a bit slippery though and every time I tried to take the photo the one at the front slid down!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gardening</span><br /><br />We've been managing to do a bit of gardening here and there. Tidying up and mostly bramble clearing. It's amazing how much they grow when you're not looking at them. I did about an hour yesterday, but was completely pooped. I need to get my energy levels back up again.<br /><br />I'm off to do a bit as soon as I've finished this - hopefully I'll last a bit longer today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Projects</span><br /><br />Well, one of my projects was the bed cushions, so I can tick that one off. Also I need to make some bigger cushions for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sunroom</span> settees as the ones we have are very old and flat. I could do with being able to get some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cushion</span> 'innards' really, but haven't seen any for sale in Ireland yet.<br /><br />I have also embarked on trying to make a large rug for the snug floor. The theory was to weave small sections and then sew them all together. Having said that, I have just made the first one and it took ages - so watch out for photos of the completed rug in about 2013!<br /><br />I have, believe it or not, already designed my next year's Christmas Cards! I was playing around with Christmas paper and bits of sweet wrappers and came up with the idea. How crazy is that? Mind you, by next Christmas I'll have forgotten both what my idea was and where I've put the prototypes!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Little 'Stones'</span><br /><br />Here are the stones I have done since my last blog post. It's getting harder to remember to do them each day. To find out about this project, click on the link over on the top right hand of my blog page.<br /><br /><br /><p>Day Seven, Jan 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span></p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><br /></span></p><p><strong>Fairies dancing up and down the wardrobe door through a crack in the curtains. Mesmerising</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p> </p><p>Day Eight, Jan 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span></p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><br /></span></p><p><strong>Soft rain bathes the verdant lawns. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Maghera</span> hilltop hides under a blanket of mist</strong></p><p><br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I still have today's to do</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim</span></p><p><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jim's still not on top form. Now he's all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">achy</span> and his heart is still all over the place. Time for a trip to the doctors soon.</span></strong></p><p><br /><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I hope everyone is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span> out there. Thinking of the poor inhabitants of Queensland, Oz, who are suffering so much in the floods.</span><br /></strong></p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-71838997301154924762011-01-07T02:21:00.013+00:002011-01-07T03:39:28.947+00:00Birds Galore 7 January 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ_Lv61JNI/AAAAAAAAN3o/rCt7NJqtpiI/s1600/074%2Bbirds%2Bfeeding%2Bgrrenfinch%2Bgoldfinch.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bird Watching</span><br /><br />We seem to have more birds feeding in the garden than we have for ages. Both Jim and I love watching them. We can open our bedroom curtains in the morning and enjoy their little squabbles and fights to get the best place on the feeders. Recently we have had a pair of redpolls. We did have one last year but this is the first time it's reappeared - and with a mate. I did take some photos but mostly through the window, so they're not wonderful.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ5slDagsI/AAAAAAAAN3A/sV2MdvX-XOE/s1600/019%2BRedpoll.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ5slDagsI/AAAAAAAAN3A/sV2MdvX-XOE/s400/019%2BRedpoll.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559264596803093186" border="0" /></a><br />This is the best shot of the redpoll - you can see his red cap and red chin and chest. In shape he's like a siskin but not the same colour.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ6JdQkuyI/AAAAAAAAN3I/eScji4cCQWw/s1600/022%2BRedpoll%2Bmale%2Bgood%2Band%2B2%2Bgoldfinch%2Bgood.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ6JdQkuyI/AAAAAAAAN3I/eScji4cCQWw/s400/022%2BRedpoll%2Bmale%2Bgood%2Band%2B2%2Bgoldfinch%2Bgood.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559265092927011618" border="0" /></a><br />Now this one made me laugh. The redpoll is in the middle of these 2 wonderful goldfinch! How cute their red faces look. They are probably our most plentiful bird at the moment.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ6_gP8L2I/AAAAAAAAN3Q/5c1LZsm1x4Y/s1600/015%2BBirds%2Bfeeding%252C%2Bgoldfinch%252C%2BRedpoll%252C%2Bgreat%2Btit.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ6_gP8L2I/AAAAAAAAN3Q/5c1LZsm1x4Y/s400/015%2BBirds%2Bfeeding%252C%2Bgoldfinch%252C%2BRedpoll%252C%2Bgreat%2Btit.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559266021442596706" border="0" /></a><br />Here you can see 3 goldfinch, the redpoll and a great tit. He's the one on the right hand side of the left hand feeder! I like the goldfinch holding onto the top of the feeder. Maybe he's on watch duty.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ7yr6kEaI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/HJhKvFG8Xkg/s1600/035%2BRedpoll%2Battacking%2Bblue%2Btit.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ7yr6kEaI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/HJhKvFG8Xkg/s400/035%2BRedpoll%2Battacking%2Bblue%2Btit.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559266900747489698" border="0" /></a><br />Although very blurred, I love this photo of the redpoll chasing off the poor little blue tit below!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ8TWdECpI/AAAAAAAAN3g/0eAog4ZXNaA/s1600/045%2Bsiskins%2Band%2Bgoldfinches%2Bgood.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ8TWdECpI/AAAAAAAAN3g/0eAog4ZXNaA/s400/045%2Bsiskins%2Band%2Bgoldfinches%2Bgood.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559267461922294418" border="0" /></a><br />Here we have 4 goldfinch and 2 siskin. The siskin are the one on the top of the right hand feeder and the one below. As you can see, they are bright green and yellow, although the female is less colourful. They often feed upside down then lift their heads up either to swallow or check for trouble.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ_Lv61JNI/AAAAAAAAN3o/rCt7NJqtpiI/s1600/074%2Bbirds%2Bfeeding%2Bgrrenfinch%2Bgoldfinch.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TSZ_Lv61JNI/AAAAAAAAN3o/rCt7NJqtpiI/s400/074%2Bbirds%2Bfeeding%2Bgrrenfinch%2Bgoldfinch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559270629853963474" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, on the right hand feeder we have 2 Greenfinch. The one on the right is the male and on the left is the female, much more dull of course. 3 Goldfinch are there too. I'll list the birds that we have visiting most often:<br /><br />Goldfinch<br />Chaffinch<br />Greenfinch<br />Blue tit<br />Great tit<br />Coal tit<br />We have long tailed tits fly about but they don't come to the feeding table.<br />Siskin<br />Redpoll<br />Pied wagtail<br />Hooded crow<br />Robin<br />Magpie<br />House Sparrows (not often)<br />Hedge sparrow (dunnock)<br />Blackbird<br />Thrush of various descriptions. Of course other birds fly around but don't come near the house and then we have the summer visitors such as the swallows and house martins.<br /><br />I must set my Canon rebel camera up on a tripod and try and get some better shots when it's warmer.<br /><br /><div class="mbs mbs uiHeaderSubTitle lfloat fsm fwn fcg"><h2 class="uiHeaderTitle"><a href="http://ariverofstones.blogspot.com/p/river-of-stones.html">A River of Stones<br /></a></h2>I have joined this group and each day of January you are invited to write a 'stone'.<br /><br /><h2 style="font-weight: normal;" class="title">About a river of stones</h2> <div class="widget-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;">A</span><i> river of stones</i> is an international project started by <a href="http://www.fionarobyn.com/biography.htm">Fiona</a> & <a href="http://www.purple-clouds.com/">Kaspa</a> to encourage people to engage with the world through writing a short observational piece every day during January.<br /><br /><a href="http://ariverofstones.blogspot.com/2010/12/welcome.html">Join us!</a> </div><br />So I did! I'm not sure whether the links in the above paragraph will work. Please click on the 'badge' on the right entitled 'A River of Stones' and you will learn a lot more detail about the project.<br /><br /><br />Day one, Jan 2nd 2011 <span style="font-weight: bold;">My first 'Stone'<br /><br /></span></div><div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p><span style="font-style: italic;">A great tit rides the merry go round half coconut to get the fatty seeds.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></p><p>Day two, Jan 3rd 2011</p><p><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">The sun hides his face behind a cloud - but lights up the hillside with its glorious beams.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p>Day Three, Jan 4th 2011</p><p><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">A photo smiles at me - my heart leaps with joy - for Jack - a special boy.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p>Day Four, Jan 5th 2011</p><p><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Melted cellophane, vegetable nets, scraps of cotton and paper - reborn as a usable postcard. Recycling rocks.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Day Five, Jan 6th 2011</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Golden Christmas coins spill onto my desk - would that they were real - in either guise they make my mouth water.</p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p>It's an interesting little discipline to do each day. I have a 'notes' section of Facebook and am posting my stones on a note each day. If you'd like to follow them, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#%21/note.php?note_id=490910609682">this is the link:</a><br /><br /><br /></div></div>I will post the next few I have written on each of my blog posts too.<br /><br /><br />Jim and I went to Limerick today to do a little shopping. Oh the excitement of it! Apart from that, life goes on. All the Christmas decorations are down and packed away. I am making cushions for our bedroom out of the useless bit of 'throw' that went across the end of the bed. It just used to fall off each night so cushions will be much more useful. I will take a photo when all 3 are done. The first one is already on the bed.<br /><br />Have a super Friday and good weekend everyone.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-6055656366178061162010-12-31T19:00:00.022+00:002011-01-02T02:23:45.723+00:00New Year's Eve 2010 ATCs & Postcards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_eV3K-OBI/AAAAAAAAN1k/8x4vG302ISc/s1600/2%2BMe%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bromper%2Bsuit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_eV3K-OBI/AAAAAAAAN1k/8x4vG302ISc/s400/2%2BMe%2Bin%2Bmy%2Bromper%2Bsuit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557404932367071250" border="0" /></a>Me wearing a romper suit - one of my Christmas presents from Jim!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_d-sbfizI/AAAAAAAAN1c/MMPA-Ywb_Wo/s1600/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bmeadow%2Btowards%2BFlagmount%2Band%2Blake%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 54px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_d-sbfizI/AAAAAAAAN1c/MMPA-Ywb_Wo/s400/View%2Bfrom%2Bour%2Bmeadow%2Btowards%2BFlagmount%2Band%2Blake%2Bcopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557404534346582834" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The view from our meadow towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Flagmount</span> and to the right, Tipperary hills.</span><br /><br />Hello everyone. Can it be NYE already? Guess it must be. We're not doing much to celebrate - I'm in my office and Jim's in his! Mind you, we did do some gardening earlier which we both really enjoyed. It's lovely to get outside now that all the frost has gone. I did some weeding, digging, rock moving and path weeding. Jim attacked a load of blackthorn that is threatening to take over up on the meadow.<br /><br />It was a quiet Christmas at The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Deenery</span> but we enjoyed it. We had a walk round the land and opened our presents:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR406oh8INI/AAAAAAAAN0M/mUrzBqSlxuk/s1600/001%2BPresents%2Bready%2Bfor%2Bopening.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR406oh8INI/AAAAAAAAN0M/mUrzBqSlxuk/s400/001%2BPresents%2Bready%2Bfor%2Bopening.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556937172138598610" border="0" /></a><br />2 piles of presents, mine on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the left</span>! I have a new phone and had a box of Thornton's chocolates:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR41cztljiI/AAAAAAAAN0U/O6EzdNTPjc0/s1600/016%2BNew%2Bphone%2Band%2BThorntons.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR41cztljiI/AAAAAAAAN0U/O6EzdNTPjc0/s400/016%2BNew%2Bphone%2Band%2BThorntons.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556937759255793186" border="0" /></a><br />This is the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> box! Jim bought this in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tesco</span> yesterday as it had been much reduced - which is more than can be said for my waistline after I've eaten them all! I have charged up the phone but that's it so far. I'm not good with new things and instructions..<br /><br />I also had a lovely warm hat - of course now it's too warm to wear it! I'm sure some cold weather will return before our Winter's end.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR42WPHDMQI/AAAAAAAAN0c/IZG66CZHCA4/s1600/044%2BMe%2Bwith%2Bice%2Bcrystal%2Band%2Bnew%2Bhat.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR42WPHDMQI/AAAAAAAAN0c/IZG66CZHCA4/s400/044%2BMe%2Bwith%2Bice%2Bcrystal%2Band%2Bnew%2Bhat.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556938745862893826" border="0" /></a><br />How splendid is my hat? In my hand is an ice crystal. I've been amazed at their beauty, like little works of glass art. Here is a little pyramid of crystals:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR421CJ5LzI/AAAAAAAAN0k/zCJ3OqTbcz4/s1600/049%2Bice%2Bpyramid.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR421CJ5LzI/AAAAAAAAN0k/zCJ3OqTbcz4/s400/049%2Bice%2Bpyramid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556939274961104690" border="0" /></a><br />Do click on this photo and enlarge it.<br /><br />Here is a photo looking down on a whole heap of ice crystals on the meadow:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR43rrUApeI/AAAAAAAAN0s/C9li31Mk8RY/s1600/051%2Bice%2Bcrystals.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR43rrUApeI/AAAAAAAAN0s/C9li31Mk8RY/s400/051%2Bice%2Bcrystals.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556940213722326498" border="0" /></a><br />Again, if you get the chance, click on this photo.<br /><br />Buster and Sandy came with us on our walk:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_ToJa63-I/AAAAAAAAN00/dP-wipmENjA/s1600/042%2BSandy%252C%2BBuster%2Band%2Bme.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_ToJa63-I/AAAAAAAAN00/dP-wipmENjA/s400/042%2BSandy%252C%2BBuster%2Band%2Bme.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557393151875538914" border="0" /></a><br />I had some treats in my pocket for Buster.<br /><br />We walked all round the meadow admiring the frost on the ground. Buster and Sandy came all the way. Then we heard Blackjack coming up the path. He was a bit late to the party! He decided to try and frighten us by arching his back and puffing himself up! It didn't work:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_UnQhI_JI/AAAAAAAAN08/aGG4MHcjai8/s1600/077%2BBJ%252C%2BSandy%252C%2BBuster.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_UnQhI_JI/AAAAAAAAN08/aGG4MHcjai8/s400/077%2BBJ%252C%2BSandy%252C%2BBuster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557394236112436370" border="0" /></a><br />Buster 'what's he doing Mum'? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lol</span>.<br /><br />They all tried to get through the cat flap at once. Crazy animals:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_VVo_PwQI/AAAAAAAAN1E/A2Z2M8vrMGw/s1600/079%2BAll%2Btrying%2Bto%2Bget%2Bin%2Bat%2Bonce.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_VVo_PwQI/AAAAAAAAN1E/A2Z2M8vrMGw/s400/079%2BAll%2Btrying%2Bto%2Bget%2Bin%2Bat%2Bonce.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557395032955142402" border="0" /></a><br />Here I am with my Christmas Dinner:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_dRKYiR9I/AAAAAAAAN1M/nVcjcPqqUhY/s1600/084%2BMe%2Bat%2Bchristmas%2Bdinner.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 321px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_dRKYiR9I/AAAAAAAAN1M/nVcjcPqqUhY/s400/084%2BMe%2Bat%2Bchristmas%2Bdinner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557403752113260498" border="0" /></a><br />It's now 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nd</span> January - I didn't finish the other night so will try to do so now. Tonight a couple who live by the lake came for tea at 5pm. We made scones and banana bread and had a tin of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cadbury's</span> Chocolate biscuits and large mugs of tea. It was lovely to entertain someone having been on our own all over Christmas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Art and Craft</span><br /><br />Between Christmas and New Year I made some postcards with all the bits and pieces I'd saved from sewing, wrapping and sweet eating! I think they came out rather well:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_fiNWB2uI/AAAAAAAAN1s/DCNhl6yoPWE/s1600/008%2Bpostcards.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_fiNWB2uI/AAAAAAAAN1s/DCNhl6yoPWE/s400/008%2Bpostcards.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557406243989084898" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_fxdfmLfI/AAAAAAAAN10/aB1lezwXgj0/s1600/009%2Bmore%2Bpostcards.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_fxdfmLfI/AAAAAAAAN10/aB1lezwXgj0/s400/009%2Bmore%2Bpostcards.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557406506022219250" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_f_7p4tCI/AAAAAAAAN18/Pmoyv9dH4Bo/s1600/010%2Bmore%2Bpostcards.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 203px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_f_7p4tCI/AAAAAAAAN18/Pmoyv9dH4Bo/s400/010%2Bmore%2Bpostcards.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557406754636608546" border="0" /></a><br />Then I cut up an old art project into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ATC</span> sized pieces. Some of them are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">ok</span> as they are and others will need some more adding to them. I think they turned out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ok</span>:<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_gY4DaHLI/AAAAAAAAN2E/vBoETXNdxBY/s1600/011%2BATCs.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 152px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_gY4DaHLI/AAAAAAAAN2E/vBoETXNdxBY/s400/011%2BATCs.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557407183166643378" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_go7AbisI/AAAAAAAAN2M/HB53MfsVOdE/s1600/012%2BATCs.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TR_go7AbisI/AAAAAAAAN2M/HB53MfsVOdE/s400/012%2BATCs.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557407458837367490" border="0" /></a><br />These are all for swapping if anyone would like one or more of them. Just leave a comment here or email me.<br /><br />That's it for now. Wishing everyone a very Happy, healthy and artful New Year.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8224955469243279371.post-46860299910494265702010-12-24T20:15:00.012+00:002010-12-24T21:04:26.218+00:00A Little Drama in The Deen House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUFUkQjaYI/AAAAAAAANyc/ojE7Unz936M/s1600/035%2BFrosted%2Bleaf.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUFUkQjaYI/AAAAAAAANyc/ojE7Unz936M/s400/035%2BFrosted%2Bleaf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554351566320003458" border="0" /></a><br />A frosted leaf at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Doorus</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Little Drama</span><br /><br />The best laid plans of mice and men..... Jim's not been feeling too well for about a week. He suffers from heart <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arrhythmia</span> and high blood pressure, both of which he takes medication for. We went shopping to Limerick on Wednesday and in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tesco</span> he said he'd had enough and needed to go home. Once there he fell asleep.<br /><br />He woke at about 11pm and felt awful. His heart felt as though it was swollen and he could feel that his blood pressure was high. He looked ashen when he came to me and said he thought we ought to visit the hospital. His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BP</span> was 177/something too high! So off we went in the car to Limerick where we knew they had 24 hour Accident and Emergency facilities. It was white with frost and thick fog drifted across the roads. We arrived about midnight and Jim was taken almost immediately into 'cubicles'.<br /><br />Sticky leads on the chest, hooked up to the heart and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BP</span> monitor, his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">BP</span> reading 180 now. I could watch on the monitor every time his heart missed a beat. They took a trace and showed it to a doctor. They asked the usual questions. Any pain? Any tingling or pins and needles in the arm? Their fear was clearly heart attack, as was ours.<br /><br />To cut a long story short, after an all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nighter</span> in A & E, Jim's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">BP</span> was down and they took several blood tests. Apparently if the heart is damaged, it gives of an enzyme which is unique to the heart and so far the blood tests didn't show any of this particular enzyme. At about 6am, they said they were going to keep him in and do further blood tests. I drove home at this point, having left the dog and cats on their own and unable to do much else. Jim was looking happier too and I knew he was in the right place.<br /><br />Both lots of blood the next day were clear of the heart enzyme so at least we knew his heart was undamaged. The end result was that a very few people with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">arrhythmia</span> are very sensitive to anything else going wrong with the body and that can set off a particularly severe bout of it. It's possible Jim had an infection of some sort without really being aware of it. So - thankfully no heart attack and 'keep taking the tablets' for his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">BP</span> with maybe the addition of some aspirin each day.<br /><br />I had tried to catch a bit of sleep in the morning but phone calls and texts mostly prevented it. Visiting was 3pm onwards so I got ready to go back and hopefully collect Jim. There he was sitting in a little 4 man ward awaiting the final result of his latest blood test. All was well and home we went - no alcohol and take it easy was the order of the day. His heartbeat was still a bit erratic but certainly much better than it had been the night before and his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">BP</span> was down to its usual level. It was all a bit frightening but at least we weren't having to spend Christmas in hospital and no lasting damage had been caused.<br /><br />We had been hoping to travel by car to the UK on 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> December to visit our family from Yorkshire to the South Coast, but all logic told us that wouldn't be wise in the circumstances. The weather has also been dreadful both in Ireland and even more so in the UK, so we sadly had to cancel our trip. I have all the presents here all wrapped ready to go and it'll be sad not to be able to watch everyone open them - but it can't be helped. Hopefully we'll be able to go over some time later in January and have a 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">nd</span> 'Christmas' with our families.<br /><br />Jim is now quite relaxed and feeling much happier. We will enjoy our Christmas at home and just chill out for a few days, which will also be lovely.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUJXM6BosI/AAAAAAAANzc/h6_3jDPdNW8/s1600/193%2BJim%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bhospital%2Bbracelets%2Bon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUJXM6BosI/AAAAAAAANzc/h6_3jDPdNW8/s400/193%2BJim%2Bwith%2Bhis%2Bhospital%2Bbracelets%2Bon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554356009637618370" border="0" /></a><br />A happy Jim back home with his hospital 'bracelets' still on.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weather</span><br /><br />We have had a bit of snow but lots of frost. Limerick was just amazing. The whole world seemed to turn white there - it had clearly been much colder than at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Doorus</span>. It was stunningly beautiful to drive through. The trees were all white and the fields too, just like a Christmas Card. As I drove home from the hospital, the car lights shone on all the frost, lighting it up like diamonds - absolutely breathtaking.<br /><br />Naturally I did manage to take a few photos here and there!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUF3yxJr9I/AAAAAAAANyk/V86xgF2BhgU/s1600/070%2BFrosty%2Brope.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUF3yxJr9I/AAAAAAAANyk/V86xgF2BhgU/s400/070%2BFrosty%2Brope.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554352171510247378" border="0" /></a><br />Frosty pole and Lough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Graney</span> in the distance.<br /><br />Lough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Graney</span> is partly frozen and during last night (our sleep patterns are a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">topsy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">turvy</span>) Jim and I could hear really strange 'booming' noises coming from the lake. Today we spoke to a local and he had heard it too. We think it's from the ice but it was very strange.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUGvKPEuOI/AAAAAAAANys/gskptSjIAa4/s1600/frost%2Bseed%2Bhead.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUGvKPEuOI/AAAAAAAANys/gskptSjIAa4/s400/frost%2Bseed%2Bhead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554353122702571746" border="0" /></a><br />This is all frost, not snow. Jim took this photo this morning before he went to bed!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUHO_t03UI/AAAAAAAANy0/msCce5S2_HI/s1600/117%2BWorld%2Bof%2Bwhite.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUHO_t03UI/AAAAAAAANy0/msCce5S2_HI/s400/117%2BWorld%2Bof%2Bwhite.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554353669634579778" border="0" /></a><br />A world of white - Limerick, on the way to the hospital.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUHpx80ZEI/AAAAAAAANy8/o3TcdYqQ7yQ/s1600/162%2BStunning%2Bbeauty.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUHpx80ZEI/AAAAAAAANy8/o3TcdYqQ7yQ/s400/162%2BStunning%2Bbeauty.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554354129795834946" border="0" /></a>A weeping willow straight out of Narnia.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUIFMVM07I/AAAAAAAANzE/5najmO7pAFA/s1600/132%2BWeeping%2Bwillow%2Bwhite.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUIFMVM07I/AAAAAAAANzE/5najmO7pAFA/s400/132%2BWeeping%2Bwillow%2Bwhite.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554354600733889458" border="0" /></a><br />Isn't that beautiful?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUIfWdqPMI/AAAAAAAANzM/xXNX_5hpeXA/s1600/178%2BFrosty%2Bfences.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUIfWdqPMI/AAAAAAAANzM/xXNX_5hpeXA/s400/178%2BFrosty%2Bfences.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554355050130324674" border="0" /></a><br />Has such a mundane fence ever looked so pretty?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUKAk8Db8I/AAAAAAAANzk/digN6CP3QrM/s1600/165%2BBus%2Bshelter%2Bcobwebs.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUKAk8Db8I/AAAAAAAANzk/digN6CP3QrM/s400/165%2BBus%2Bshelter%2Bcobwebs.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554356720463212482" border="0" /></a><br />Bus Shelter Cobwebs<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUI3G8sRII/AAAAAAAANzU/RXjqCIOEuds/s1600/190%2BHospital%2Bfrost.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W519nQsOij0/TRUI3G8sRII/AAAAAAAANzU/RXjqCIOEuds/s400/190%2BHospital%2Bfrost.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554355458282374274" border="0" /></a><br />A tree in the hospital grounds.<br /><br />I do hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year. See you all after Christmas.BThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16800917080090010655noreply@blogger.com20