Monday 31 December 2012

Thursday 27 December 2012

RIP Sophie Lunn

Today is a very sad day.  My best friend had to have her little dog Sophie put to sleep!  My thoughts are with my friend Pat at this very sad and hard time.

I've known Sophie since I went with Pat to choose her as a little bundle of fluff over 11 years ago and I will miss her so much.

Sophie had been such a little fighter but today things just became too much for her little body.  I'm just truly thankful that this final act of love can be carried out so quickly and with such respect. 



Sunday 16 December 2012

Passport Photos - Arghhhh!

OMG they say the camera never lies but I certainly hope that is wrong!  We went into Snappy Snaps yesterday to have our photos taken as we need to renew our passports.  Had to wait for 20 minutes for photos to be processed so went for a coffee and cake (best part).  Then we went back to collect the photos.  Evidently because I had my usual large(ish) earrings in and my mouth slightly open they had to redo mine.  Allen went off to Tescos and I waited,  well when I was given the photos I nearly passed out on the spot!  I thought I was wearing quite well but if that photo is anything to go by..................  Allen's is perfect.  How can that be?  Men don't wear make up or do anything special with their hair.

Needless to say this picture will not be the one that I use and will never be seen by anyone ever!  I am considering having my hair and make up done and then going for another shot.  Vain or what I know but this will be on my passport for the next 10 years.

Why aren't you allowed to smile in a passport photo?  Does anyone know?

Anyway feeling better now although my voice has still not fully come back.  Allen is enjoying the quiet. :-)

Haven't really been doing very much apart from finishing off a couple of small presents.  Really need to get my act together.

That's it for now.  Thanks for reading.

Tuesday 11 December 2012

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas......

Well prepare to be impressed - Christmas trees up, house decorated and all feeling very festive! Can't quite believe it myself - quick pinch - it's OK it's not a dream.

Still have a few gifts to buy.  You know the ones.  The people you have no idea what to buy.  Hoping for a flash of inspiration some time soon.......

Allen and I went to Earls Court on Saturday night and the tournament was very, very good, although the smoke from the cannons played havoc with my sore throat.  Something like this tournament does make you think that a lot of people are going to be away from their loved ones this Christmas.  Note to self - count my blessings!

Things finally seem to be moving on the work front, so watch this space!

That's all for now.  Thank you for looking.

Sunday 9 December 2012

Saturday 8 December 2012

Cardigan in Action!

Here is a picture of the little baby cardigan I knitted for a friend's baby daughter - Krishni.


Doesn't she look gorgeous?  I'm really pleased with the result!

Allen and I are going to Earls Court tonight to see the British Military Tournament.  Just hope the throat holds out!

Friday 7 December 2012

Odds & Sods

What a great night at Odds and Sods last night.  Really had a fun time and it was great to have all the members there.  Stella, as usual, provided the pass the parcel and Hazel produced a sewing project for everyone.
 
The Christmas cards that members made to be swapped were gorgeous and hopefully I will have some photos to post at some stage soon.
 
Perfect evening - fish and chips or pizza + mushy peas mmmm. 

Evidently we had snow this morning (big flakes) and I missed it!
 
Today Allen had a days holiday and took me out shopping supposedly for Christmas presents!  I come home with a pair of boots and a pair of jeans :-), but we did manage to buy some pressies as well. 

Have a really sore throat and just hope I am not sickening for something!

That's all for now but thanks for looking.

Thursday 6 December 2012

More Physio Today

More torture this morning, but it will be worth it in the end I'm sure!  Couldn't get an appointment for next week so will have to work extra hard on the exercises at home.

Had a really good evening last night at the quiz night at The Sportsman.  People were very generous and lots of money was raised.  Not quite sure how much at the moment but a very good event.  Ellie and Dan worked very hard and it paid off in a very successful evening.

We didn't win the quiz but a few of the team were lucky in the raffle and I made a bid for and won a beautiful stained glass window hanger.  All in all a good night!

That's it for today and thank you for looking.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Another Lazy Day!

I can't believe how lazy I have been today!  The most I have done is a little bit of ironing and walked Mattie (with another walk due shortly).  Just can't seem to get my head in gear.  I get quite cross with myself because there is so much that I should be doing.  Hey ho there is always tomorrow.

I've been kidding myself that I'm saving my energy for tonight for a quiz at The Sportsman pub, but not sure that I will be a lot of help, still there will be alcohol!

For those who checked my blog yesterday - Sophie is home for the time being.  The vet was very nice and supportive but said that really there is not a lot more he can do for her.  At least today she has been eating which has been a real problem.  I'm just keeping everything crossed.

That's it today and thank you for looking.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Sophie

Today I have spent the day keeping my friend Pat company whilst her little dog Sophie is in the hospital.  Sophie is quite an elderly lady now and has quite a few problems.  We are going to pick her up later today and hopefully will have results of blood tests etc to see what is going on. 

This is a picture of Sophie on holiday in October 2008.  I can tell you that she was not impressed with the sun glasses!

 
That's it for today.  Thank you for looking.

Monday 3 December 2012

Memories

Today would have been my mum's birthday (bless her heart).  She died on 1 August 1997 at the age of 79. I miss her terribly, particularly her sense of humour.  We spent so much time together just laughing.

Sorry to be miserable but I feel she needs to be mentioned.

Anyway the birthday card I was making yesterday, well I wasn't happy with it and took it apart this afternoon.  So now I'm left with a decoupaged topper and a card base that I've decimated.  I'm seriously thinking about buying a card!

That's it for today.  Thanks for looking.


Sunday 2 December 2012

Lazy Sunday afternoon

Have had a lovely day today.  Nice walk in the woods at lunch time.  Thank goodness the cold weather has frozen the ground so neither Mattie or I got too messy!

This afternoon I spent making a birthday card for a very special friend.  Must admit it didn't turn out quite how I wanted but I think it will be OK.  I will check it again tomorrow and see if I'm happy with  it or if I am going to start again.  If I am happy with the result I will post a picture.

Also worked on an idea that I have had for little presents for certain people.  More on that at a later date as well.

Went for another walk this evening and Mattie met one of his best friends - Missie - and they had a wonderful time.  Wish I could bottle that energy.  Bumped into someone from work - it's certainly a small worlds.  She was out walking her dog as well.

Lovely dinner cooked by Allen and a nice glass of beer.  Who could ask for anything more?

Hope you have all enjoyed your weekend and thanks for looking.

Saturday 1 December 2012

Christmas started.....

How smug am I? Christmas cards done! Two presents wrapped. This is the most organised I think I've ever been - long may it continue. But of course I haven't finished my present shopping and ideas are in very short supply. Never mind still really pleased that I started on 1 December!

That's it for today - written so many cards my hand aches :-) Thanks for looking.

Christmas started

How smug am I?  Chrismas cards done!  Two presents wrapped.  This is the most organised I think I've ever been - long may it continue.  But of course I haven't finished my present shopping and ideas are in very short supply.  Never mind still really pleased that I started on 1 December!

That's it for today - written so many cards my hand aches :-) Thanks for looking.

Friday 30 November 2012

It's always nice when......

you're meant to be just meeting a friend for a coffee and you end up having a nice dinner and a couple of drinks in the pub as well!  Very nice - thank you Susan.

Busy day today but not a lot to show for it (again).  Can't quite believe that it's Friday again.  It's amazing how quickly the time goes by when you're not doing very much!

Must knuckle down and make a special birthday card over the weekend - I'm running out of time.

That's it for today.  Thanks for looking.

Thursday 29 November 2012

Physio - Owwww....

Another session of physio today.  I always feel extremely sore afterwards but it is worth it.  My physio (Carol) said that she thinks I am doing incredibly well.  It's always nice for someone else to say it!

Well these are some of the things that I have been working on recently.


 
Penguin toppers - I have had this stamp for years

 
This Christmas card is for a swap at one of the papercrafting clubs I belong to

 
Thanks to Sheila for this card - poppy stamp is hers and she showed the group the background technique

 
Another stamp that I have had for a very long time

 
A few Christmas cards using peel offs

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Christmas started......

Well today I feel that I have made a little progress towards Christmas.  I have made a few cards and ordered a couple of presents.  Feeling quite happy with myself, now just have to keep up the impetus!

This afternoon I helped my friend Pat cut out some fabric for another quilt.  I always find it daunting cutting other people's fabrics.  Will I make a mistake, will I cover anything with blood.....  So far so good but not finished yet.

Not much else to share today.  Thanks for looking.

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Rain, rain go away...................

Yuck - fed up with getting wet and muddy whilst out walking the dog.  He doesn't care how wet or messy it is.

As promised here is a photograph of the sewing machine cover:


The colour hasn't come out that well (sorry) it's actually blue/mauve/off white check and the side panels are white the same as the appliqued hearts.  The back pocket holds accessories.  All in all quite pleased with this.  The blue/white things you can see on the left of the sewing machine are something that I am also working on.  More on those at another time.

I am making Christmas cards for the two clubs that I attend and then I really need to get my head in gear and start on the other cards!  Just doesn't feel like Christmas at the moment.

That's all for today.  Thank you for popping by.

Monday 26 November 2012

Murky Monday

Another horrible grey day!  I have to keep reminding myself that we are so lucky in comparison to others across the country.  Evidently we could get snow by Friday!

I finished off the sewing machine cover today but it is far too dreary to take a reasonable picture.  Once I can take a relatively good shot I will post it.  Although it's not as good as the one I saw on line, I am pretty pleased with it and I used up a bit of material (although you wouldn't  notice looking at what's left :-) ).  I added a pocket to the back of mine to hold the foot, knee rest etc.  Must admit it does look quite pretty sitting on my table and even Allen commented!

Not looking forward to the evening walk tonight, I know I'm going to get soaked and cold.  The wonders of owning a dog!

Nothing else to ramble about today.  Thanks for looking.

Sunday 25 November 2012

Ahhh Sunday

Had a lovely day today.  This morning we went to see my cousin and family in Hemel Hempstead.  Two lovely surprises when we got there, Mark (God son) was home from university and Alex (God daughter) has some fantastic news - she has an interview at Oxford!  WOW even if it doesn't go any further than that what an achievement.  She has to go through a really gruelling interview process. Must admit feeling very proud today.

Popped in to Hobbycraft in Watford on the way back - BIG mistake.  It felt like the world and his wife were there.  They have revamped the store and when I first saw it I thought it would be OK apart from where the tills are now.  It was heaving and the queues from the tills stretched right down the middle of the store.  Not a good experience.

It was such a lovely afternoon I took Mattie for a really long walk. I started off with hat, gloves, fleece and top coat and by the time I got to the top of the road the gloves were off and not much further up the road the hat was off too.  Had to unzip the fleece and jacket.  It was gorgeous and I was out for about an hour and a half.  Dog and walker suitable cream crackered!

Lovely dinner cooked by equally lovely husband.  I feel like one lucky lady right now.

That's it for today.  Thank you for reading.

Saturday 24 November 2012

Busy, busy, busy......

Although I seem to have been really busy all day I have nothing to show for it!  How does that happen?  Think I'm just trying to keep my mind busy so it doesn't keep going back to the other rubbish - it's not working terribly well.

This is some of what I did - the morning was spent cleaning etc.  Restocked one of the shops that Stella and I supply with the cards that we make as Bells & Birthdays.  Played around trying to come up with a design for Christmas cards that I need to make - messed around with something then lost one of the little stamps that I had been using.  Now it's too dark to look for it. 

I took Mattie for a long walk in the rain and he had a lovely game with a couple of his friends.  Now I will have the wonderful smell of wet dog all evening - it's worth it though as it makes me smile to see them running around with not a care in the world!  Now wouldn't that be nice?

Now just thinking about dinner and most probably a beer, or perhaps a large G&T, mmmm choices...... then  laer on I will be sewing.

Hope you're all managing to keep warm and dry.  Thanks for looking.



Friday 23 November 2012

Freaky Friday

Not really, just thought that would be a good title for a  post!

The stupidity regarding my phased return to work continues.  You wouldn't think it would be so difficult to return to work would you?  Anyway moving on.......

This week I have been working on a cover for my sewing machine.  At the moment it has a great big rigid plastic cover or I use an old computer cover which is quite bulky.  When I've been looking through various sites I found this tutorial.


This lady is so clear in her instructions and it is well worth checking out some of her other tutorials.  I don't think mine will look anything like hers but hey it has used up a bit of material so there will not be so much for Stella to raid :-)  I will think about posting a picture once it's completed, but it does rather depend on how it looks!

That's it for today.  Thanks for looking.



Thursday 22 November 2012

Bond - James Bond

We went to see Skyfall last night and I really enjoyed it.  Took my mind off the crap that is going on at the moment.  Wasn't expecting such a sad ending though!

Is it just me or is Daniel Craig just gorgeous?  Someone had told me that he looked really old in this film but I didn't think so.


Well today will be spent chasing up on the e-mails I sent last night and trying to get some information on employee rights etc.  I could do with help from Daniel Craig right now!

The only other thing is Physio at 11.30 (note to self - remember to take the pain killers before you go).

That's all for today - thanks for looking.

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Tuesday 20 November 2012

D Day + 1

Well I am still waiting to hear from employer regarding "phased" return to work!  Hope they come to some sort of decision soon as there are only two possible days left this week that I could return to work.  Physio on Thursday so that day is ruled out as I am always in a lot of discomfort following the session. 

Just read my entry for yesterday and can't quite believe that the sun was so bright when I look out of the window today.  I hate grey days!

I have nearly finished the Christmas present that I mentioned in a previous post.  Had a bit of a mare with it though and had to redo two parts grrrr.  Sorted out the problem (note to self - read the instructions all the way through!)  Does any one know how to get rid of glue from fabric?

I am now just about to start something else that I have been waiting to do for a while, just need to motivate myself to move away from the sofa. 

Motivated and about to move.  Thanks for reading.

Monday 19 November 2012

D Day

What a lovely sunny day.  I'm sitting here typing this and enjoying the  sunshine pouring through my window.  Should really be making an effort to get up and do something, especially as I may be returning to work on a "phased" return basis.  Just waiting for my employer to come to some sort of decision! 

I have so many things that I would like to make and alongside all the new ideas I have all of the UFOs!  I don't know if you are like me but I am always happy to start something new, but not so good at finishing things (I think I must be easily bored!)

Did anyone else watch The Secret of Crickley Hall last night?  I found myself becoming more and more scared as it went on.  Not sure if I will watch the next episode on my own.

That's it for today.  Thank you for looking.

Sunday 18 November 2012

Autumn Leaves

Well I can honestly say that autumn has arrived!  Spent most of the morning tidying up the back garden which was absolutely covered with leaves from a neighbour's tree.  Managed to fill up two brown bins.

The woods are just beautiful at the moment, covered with a carpet of leaves that must be about 6"deep.  Perfect for trudging through and kicking up in the air - just love it.  The leaves that are left are beautiful colours but I don't think they will be on the trees for too much longer.

The afternoon was spent visiting Hazel.  We had a lovely time discussing what we will be making for our fund raising for The Meningitis Trust. We are hoping to have a stall at a craft fair next year (September/October time).  We are giving ourselves plenty of time to prepare.

I reckon that we have raised nearly £1,000 so far so here's to the next £1,000!

Enjoy what's left of the weekend and thank you for visiting.



Saturday 17 November 2012

Good day so far.....

Today is going well amid cleaning, washing, ironing etc still working on the Christmas present project and I must say it is coming along well (smug smile!) 

Went for a lovely walk down the woods with Mattie, for those of you who don't know him - here he is!

 
It was lovely and the sun even made a brief appearance.
 
Just a brief word on last night's meal which was very nice.  Susan and I had a great time and it was nice to be out and about.  The only downside was when the waitress came and plonked the bill on the table and said that the table was required in five minutes!   As you can imagine I was pretty shocked by this and we hadn't even had ice cream!!  So we had to go to the pub which was a real hardship as you can imagine :-)
 
Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday.  Thanks for looking.

Friday 16 November 2012

Ahh Friday!

Not sure where the time goes but another week has just flown by - scary.

As promised here is a picture of the glittered Christmas tree.

 
The picture doesn't really show the glitter off that well but it is really sparkly.  I have made another one which I am going to finish off differently.  Firstly I will spray with whatever colour I choose and then use spray glue and add the glitter.
 
 
Here is a picture of the scrapbook page I was talking about yesterday.  These are my God children Luca and Theresa.  (Apologies for the bad cropping).  Allen and I took them on a trip to London last year.  The butterfly you can see to the left of the picture is actually a little card containing the journaling.
 
Tonight I am out for a Thai meal with my friend Susan and I am really looking forward to that.  I hope everyone has something nice planned for the weekend.
 




 

Thursday 15 November 2012

Progress

Well I've made fairly good progress on beginning the Christmas present so I'm very pleased about that as it is quite complicated (well for me anyway). 

Feeling pretty cream crackered today as I have made three visits to Watford General in the past day and a half.  Two for me and one for a friend.  They will start thinking I'm a member of staff soon :-)!

Croxley Papercrafters was last night and we had a good time.  We all brought along the completed scrapbook pages that we worked on last month - BIG thanks to Katherine (click here for her blog) for sharing the sketch and for all her help.

That's it for today - thanks for looking.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Christmas Present

Well today I sorted out the fabric for a Christmas present for a friend.  Need to start working on this otherwise I know I will run out of time.  Pictures of this project will not appear until after Christmas as I wouldn't want her to visit my blog and see it.

Actually used my sewing machine today!  Just made a very quick cover for my new cutting board that I bought at Duxford.  Had to buy a new board as my old one was quite warped because I had been storing it on it's end.  I will be laying this new one flat and it will live under a big dresser in the spare room.

I am still working on the Christmas tree so no picture yet.  I'm quite pleased with the result of spraying silver and glittering.  Not sure I will have time to do much more to it today as I am off to the hospital (again)!

Enjoy the sunshine.


Tuesday 13 November 2012

Mission Accomplished

Today I am very pleased with myself :-).  I have finished the little baby jacket and the baby wreath.

 
Original Pattern

 
Front

 
Back

 
 


 
Baby wreath

 
Close up of bootees knitted by my mum-in-law
 
 
Another thing that I have been playing with lately are Christmas trees made from old magazines.  There are loads of links to these on various websites. 
 
This particular one was made from an old Cotton Traders catalogue.  I have made another one which I have sprayed with silver paint and glittered.  Once dry I will post a picture.

 
 
That's it for today.  Thank you for visiting.


Monday 12 November 2012

Finishing stuff!

I was reading a blog yesterday and the lady was saying that she was only going to blog when she finished a project.  If I made that same decision I would never be here at all but it did spur me on to try and finish all the UFO's I have hanging around the house.  Maybe it won't be all the UFO's but some of them, well a few anyway. 

Today I am finishing off a baby jacket that I knitted ages ago - just needed a button and a button loop.  Why oh why would that take me so long to do?  Answer  - I don't know.  I am also finishing off the baby wreath that I mentioned a couple of days ago.  When these are both done I will post pictures as evidence.

Today was a good day apart from being stuck in traffic following a fire and a crash on the motorways.  Never mind at least I'm home safe.

That's all for now.  Thank you for looking.

Sunday 11 November 2012

Surpise Visitors

Our friends Pat and Bob who live in France are in the UK at the moment and called in to see us today.  We haven't seen them for well over a year so it was a lovely surprise.  The fact that they brought French chocolate biscuits with them obviously helped!

Remembrance Sunday

For all the brave men & women who gave their lives in the last two world wars and all other conflicts over the years that have taken loved ones from our lives - for without your sacrifice we would not be here today living our lives as we do. 

Sadly I was not lucky enough to meet my uncle Fred who was reported missing in action after his plane crashed during the second world war.  Unfortunately he was never found. 


Lest we forget

Saturday 10 November 2012

England v- Fiji at Twickenham

Well this is where I should have been today but feeling pretty yucky so not going to make it.  At least the ticket hasn't been wasted and Allen is on his way with his sister and a doggie walking friend.  Hope they have a great time.  Gutted!

More tomorrow.

Friday 9 November 2012

There's always someone in a worse situation......

I heard today that a friend of a friend fell and has broken both wrists!  She will be undergoing operations today to have plates and pins inserted in both wrists - poor thing.  Can you imagine being able to do anything at all in this situation?  It's bad enough injuring one arm.  I wish her a speedy recovery.

I visited my mum-in-law yesterday and picked up the bootees that she knitted for me for the baby gift that I am working on.  She is 85 and knits a lot of blankets for various charities. The bootees were lovely and I think she was very pleased to be knitting something different.

Next stop was Hobbycraft for some ribbon and anything else that might take my fancy!  BIG mistake, Hobbycraft Watford is undergoing major reorganisation and I couldn't find a thing.  Eventually managed to find some ribbon that will do the job. 

Must admit haven't done anything crafty today and don't think I will somehow. 

Hope everyone is having a good day.  Thanks for looking.

Thursday 8 November 2012

Variation on a theme!

After a hard start to the morning with intense physio I made it home safe and sound but very achy!. Just going to have a quick rant about the car parking at Watford Hospital.  Building works are taking place and I do realise the necessity of this work, but why do they have to cordon off most of one of the car parks when they are not even doing anything in that area?  Nightmare and be warned do not even try to get parked if you are going in the afternoon.  Rant over.

Wanted to share a project that I have been working on which is where the title for this post comes from.  My friend Hazel found the project in a book called Stitch with Love by Mandy Shaw - link to her blog is here http://dandeliondesigns.typepad.com/ . 

In this book there are several lovely projects but the ones that I have made are "loosely" based on the Christmas Wreath.  Mandy's example uses plain linen and felt decorations.  I have since made three wreaths just using Christmas fabric and ribbons (see picture). Not that pleased with this photo but it will give you a bit of an idea.



I then decided to make one for a friend who has just had a baby girl.  I used pink and white fabrics and have asked mum-in-law to knit some bootees that I can hang in the centre of the wreath.  I know this must be hard to imagine but I will post a picture of the completed item very soon. 
 
Note to self - Learn more about uploading photos etc.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

My first ever post

Well I have finally decided that perhaps I should join the blogging world.  Not sure that anyone will want to read my ramblings but hey you never know until you try!

So what have I been doing today?  I have spent an enjoyable time with my friend Stella cutting out material for a quilt that she is making.  We were doing relatively well until we came to cut up one particular material and for some reason it proved impossible to obtain a straight edge!  Tried everything and we could not work it out.  Hit my stash and guess what nothing matched?  Can you believe if so much material and nothing suitable? So the decision we came to - dump the problem material and buy some more!  Well you can never have too much material can you?

So I guess Stella is now online buying more fabric - lucky thing. 

Hope you weren't too bored with my first post.