Was that it?

Well if that was Christmas ... I hope the New Year is better.

Regular readers will know of my ongoing tooth problem (long term plan is to have a gold crown) .... thought it was sorted for Christmas but no!

Christmas Eve the tooth "went" again. I did manage to eat Christmas dinner but that is the last proper meal I've had this week.

I have never known pain like it - upper and lower jaw, down into my throat, up into my ear...

It took me 11 phone calls and two days to get an appt. with an emergency dentist through NHS Direct. Only problem is .. they don't treat just advise!

She told me I needed to get my tooth seen to! She prodded and poked (increasing the pain) and said she wouldn't give me antibiotics as the abcess was leaking (it was a mouth ulcer not pus!) and she wasn't allowed to prescribe stronger painkillers as "I could buy them over the counter "- rubbish said the pharmacist!

For this stating of the obvious and no help I had to pay £16.50.

After yet another sleep disturbed night I finally managed to contact a private dentist at 15:30 yesterday - he was due to finish the clinic at 17:00 but agreed to see me (I think he could hear the distress in my voice).

I'd been leaving messages on the wrong number - someone somewhere has a series of increasingly desperate pleas for treatment!

This dentist was wonderful - he drained the abcess and removed the nerves from my tooth and applied a temporary dressing - end of pain! Mouth a little sore but only to be expected.

Thought that was it - until I got up this morning - I look like a lopsided hamster - the right side of my face is swollen. Happened to have a check up with my GP this morning and he's put me on to two lots of antibiotics - one of which is so strong I can't have alcohol - not even a chocolate liqueur. So much for a "happy" New Year.

In the midst of all this I was walking Max on Boxing Day and managed to hit one of the few remaining bits of ice - ended up flat on my back with a bemused dog hovering over me.

At least I haven't over indulged this year - think I've probably lost weight in fact. Every cloud.....as they say!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A ridiculously early post - but you know what little ones are like!
OH and I were woken at 02:30 this morning (and gave up trying to get back to sleep at 05:00). Max started barking as DS came in from his party.
We were never up that early even when he was small and still believed in Father Christmas.
Oh well - more time to enjoy the day!

Merry Christmas everyone - hope you all have a fabulous day.
Christmas sparkles and hugs.
Sue xx

My Boy is Home!

DS finally arrived home at 7 p.m. yesterday after a long journey by train and bus. OH arrived back from St Albans (3 1/2 hours instead of 1 hour to do that trip) just in time to collect him from the bus stop.
As he couldn't bring much with him I thought I'd escaped the "washing" but no ....that's all he brought!
He did bring some books so that he can catch up on his reading - ooh, a pig just flew past the window.
He managed to eat with us but then it started - phone calls, doorbell, groups of young men and by 9p.m. he was off into town...
Today he didn't surface until 2.30p.m. (obviously catching up on a term's worth of sleep) and was out by 4p.m.
The washing hasn't appeared yet - he hasn't been in long enough to unpack!

I've had a busy day - dentist again (he still hasn't fixed my tooth properly), battling round Waitrose, dog walking in the sun and snow (quite pleasant as it wasn't so icy) - forgot to take my camera though!
Tomorrow I'm off to ASDA for the final bits and pieces with Audrey. Don't want to have to go out on Thursday as I have cooking and trifle making to do.

And how's this for a Christmas present? My friend Pat has recently acquired a kitten for her son - he's a cute little thing called Lord Nibbler (DS tells me he's a character in Futurama) - well today she took him to the vet's for the "snip". Poor little soul. Do you think this "gift" will catch on?lol

Christmas Overload!

Have spent the afternoons of the last 10 days watching Christmas films on the Hallmark Film Channel (have now seen them all as they rotate them). Think I've now had enough, although the film I saw this afternoon did help me finish the ironing (what joy!).
Still have four cards to make for hand delivery and presents to wrap.
Having decorated all my gift bags (Kraft bags bought on ebay) and made all my own gift tags it was only when Parcel Force collected my parcels for the NE today that I realised I hadn't taken photos - doh!
Instead here's the card I made today for the Dec. Card Tag on wescrap.
That little widget tells me 8 days to go and still the tree and decorations are in the attic, no mince pies have been made, still have shopping to do - help!

Winter Wishes

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Passing on the Award

After careful thought I am passing on the award to the following lovely ladies:

Dianne and Diane who make the most wonderful cards.

Janet who is a great crafter.

Ingvild who is a true inspiration with her vintage LO's.

Tania - it's great to see you blogging and crafting again .

Enjoy the award - you all deserve it!

Haven't yet managed to take photos of my cards - but I will!

Another Award!

Val has given me this award - many thanks!

Pleased I make s'one smile!

I'm beginning to feel better - even made it to the vampire this morning!

Have managed to make some Christmas cards and a present for my brother and sil - I'll upload photos later along with my chosen recipients for this award.

Oink!

Well I need s'thing to cheer me up!
Haven't felt well for a couple of days now but was due to go for my blood test this morning - thought I'd better ring the surgery for advice and to cut a long (being passed from helpline to helpline) story short, they think I have Swine Flu as it's doing the rounds in Thame. Because of my other meds my GP had to issue a prescription (had to check that I could take it) for Tamiflu.
Audrey kindly collected it for me, lent me an easy read and took my important letters to be posted - Thanks Audrey!
I'm off back to bed again (as I don't feel quite so ill lying down) but in DS's room - we now have Sky multi-room in there so I can watch the football etc.
Hope to be back blogging soon.
Sue xx

Finally!

I'm back!

Seems so long since I last blogged.

The new page was started about a month ago at the October Friday Crop at AMOM. I finally managed to finish it yesterday.

Photo is of my parents in 1997 (they were visiting us for N's 8th birthday). Papers are Basic Grey "Ambrosia" - love this combo of navy and dark orange (reminds me of a dress I had way back in the 70's - yes, I really am that old!).

Nice to be crafting again - I've even made some Christmas cards - now have 10 ready.

David and Max came up to Dad's to collect me. Dad is improving every day - planning to visit again before Christmas.

Since getting back we've been busy with the house and finances - neither were helped yesterday when D. managed to cut through both the hot and cold water pipes in the bathroom while repairing the floor - ouch! The emergency plumber was Italian (well, Sardinian - as he insisted) - and very expensive!

Still only have limited access to the garage due to broken door and the necessary part being obsolete - now saving for a new one. This means I can only do limited washing (both washer and dryer are out there) - thank goodness N. is away and doing his own washing now.

N. finally has a new phone so I can contact him if necessary. Hoping to visit him in Bristol in the next couple of weeks when D. makes a work visit - apparently I can take him out for a meal - I wonder why?lol

Today D. is going into the attic to retrieve my Christmas Craft hamper . I actually forgot about it last year so bought new papers etc - well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

Happy crafting everyone.

p.s. if I owe you an email I'll be in touch in next couple of days.

Thanks and Hugs.

Many, many thanks to all of you who sent birthday wishes - either by card,via blog or on Facebook - it was really cheering to know you were thinking of me.
I had a quiet day (apart from playing Hide and Seek with my great-nephew) but pleasant. Cake was provided by M&S and sparkling wine by Asda!
Crafty gifts? Well, I spent my b'day money from Dad on the Don Juan cartridge for the Cricut and in November I'm off to Butlins in Bognor with Pat for a scrapbooking weekend.
Dad is still very tired and weak - he's napping a lot but at least I can make sure he's eating properly.
Suffering craft withdrawal symptoms so may make some Christmas cards tonight - I have a small (and somewhat limited!) stash here. Will pop to Asda (Dad's "corner shop") and see what mags I can pick up for the freebies.
My brother (who is in big trouble for telling everyone I was 60 yesterday - def not true!!) is coming for tea today - will be nice to have a catch up gossip.
Misssing OH and Max. Also DS who I've only heard from by email - telling me he'd lost his phone - which explains the strange text message I got when I texted him to remind him to put his clocks back!

My Dad and my Birthday

Well, it looks as though I'm not having a birthday this year.
Dad has just come out of hospital and was telling me not to worry about going to see him. Different story tonight - apparently he can' t do anything for himself. Phoned my brother "You need to come up and see him" Phoned my nephew "He needs looking after". Soooo will be taken out to lunch tomorrow by my "girlfriends" and then will have to get a train up North on Friday.
Upset as DS was coming home this w/end - first time since going to Uni and I've had to tell him not to. Also with the postal strike etc. I'm not going to have cards. Petty I know at my age - but if we don't have b'days what have we got?!!"!
OH had just invited me out for a meal too!
Knickers! as my mother would have said (she didn't swear!).
Also, apologies to Christina - I did try emailing you to say I wouldn't be able to make the card class on Tuesday but it was bounced back as undeliverable - I can still only reply to your emails and not email you directly. Hopefully will see you on the 31st. for the "four letter word" LO - as it's a Christmas present I'm going to insist I need to be home for it!....but you know what families are like!

Updated LO and Friday Crop

Friday evening saw Pat and me at AMOM for the monthly special crop evening.

Had a great time and some wonderful chocolate cake.

I spent some time doing more stitching on my LO for Module 6 of the Design Course and added my journalling.

I managed 75% for this one - lost marks because I hadn't used a neutral colour to "ground" the LO.

I used the mini challenge kit (Me and My Big Ideas papers) to do a companion LO of my Mum.

Still not sure about scrapping with black and white - Pat loves it and she did a truly fabulous LO.

My SIL asked me to make a couple of cards for special b'days she has coming up. Here's the first for a friend's 60th.

Dad is having a scan on his bladder today. If it's clear he'll be allowed home and I shall be going up to the NE some time this week to look after him (need to get rid of my streaming cold before I go).

Design Course Module 6

Have just submitted this LO for Module 6 Colour.

Very specific brief (had to use analgous colours with mid-tones that have mid - saturation).

This module was easier in theory than practice! Achieved 100% on the quiz but it took me ages to work out my colour combo - had to use a colour wheel which I'd never done. Ah, well - we live and learn.

Photo is of my Dad in Sept. last year. Did some stitching too as I hadn't done any for a while.

Just waiting to see what mark I get and if I've passed the course.

I wanted to scrap this photo as my Dad is ill at the moment - in hospital in Sunderland and having an op as I type.

No point me going up yet as the hospital is 25 miles from his house and I wouldn't have transport. I shall be going up to look after him when he comes out of hospital.

Design Course Module 5

This module was Layout Design. I achieved 80% on the quiz and 78% for this LO.

Part of the brief was to use a non-scrapbooking source as inspiration. Well, my eye was caught by a Dior ad in the Sunday Times - just 5 photos of different sizes scattered across the page and the word Dior. Apparently this was not a good source to use as the photos are too far apart - although my use of bright colours does add some "unity" to the page. I like it (which is the main thing!) and I think Nicholas looks ever so cute - must bear that in mind when he comes home with his washing (for w'end of 25th for my b'day)!

I did ask if it was OK to resubmit my LO for Module 4 but didn't get a reply - I'll take that as a no then! I'll upload version 2 for you.

It's uploaded at the start of this post - sorry if it's confusing - haven't worked out how to move pictures around yet!

Also stressed as we've been without internet access all morning - didn't realise just quite how much I relied on it!lol

Indian Summer

That was the title of this morning's class at AMOM.

We used the new Basic Grey papers called "Indian Summer" funnily enough!

Had a lovely time tearing paper,stamping and cutting,embossing etc. The title was cut on the Cricut using "Don Juan" (must get this cartridge!).

The photos were taken in Thame earlier this week - the stunning Virginia Creeper is in Waitrose car park and the clothes are in CC (used to be called Country Casuals).

Journalling is hidden under the embossed leaf (top left of LO).

It was nice to meet up with Jan and Diane too. Jan was doing the class and Diane was cropping. They stayed for the afternoon Hero Arts session too.

I got my mark for the Module 4 LO - a disappointing 57% but as I didn't really understand the concept of "space" I was pleased to get that. Now, thanks to Christina at AMOM, I have a better understanding and plan to redo the LO.

Design Course Module 4

First a quick report on Module 3 - my LO achieved 89%.

That more than made up for only getting 70% on the Module 4 quiz - Space. I really couldn't get to grips with this but have submitted the LO anyway.

I used Basic Grey "Cupcakes" papers and alpha. The embellies were in my stash - know they came from USA but can't remember who made them!

I've also submitted the Quiz for Module 5 Layout Design.

Now, this one I like! We have to use a non-scrapbooking source of inspiration.

I once made a Christmas card with lots of ribbons and flowers based on an appliqued towel so will have a rootle around the house!

I think I could get used to this having the house to myself - Max and I have had a lovely quiet time. I've done lots of the "h" word and lots of scrapping. Bliss -apart from the "h" word!

Update - I have destroyed this page as I really didn't like it and only got 57% - I honestly didn't know what I was doing. I may try it again as, thanks to Christina at AMOM, I now know what "negative space" is! Don't know if wescrap will let me re-submit it - I can only ask.

Design Course Module 3

This is the LO I did for Module 3 - Typography.

The brief was to create a LO using the computer for the title and the journalling bearing in mind all the info given in the tutorial.

I used some of my Club Scrap papers and one of their stencils (with white Stazon), buttons from stash and some cream paper flecked with red for the title and journalling.

Now on to Module 4 - Space. This is def. the most difficult (so far!!). I've submitted my quiz and hope to start the LO tomorrow - will have the house to myself as OH is in Scotland for a couple of days.

Design Course Module 2

Have just submitted my LO for Module 2 "Unity".

Achieved 90% on the quiz - so I'm getting better!

This time I used Core-dinations papers, lots of eyelets, ribbon from stash, a sparkly brad , Bo-Bunny journalling tag and Thickers for the title. Thought it was about time I did s'thing with my photos from my night out clubbing! (The brief was to use 5 photos).

Haven't heard from Nicholas since Weds. when he rang up for suggestions for tea - his turn to cook again and they were sick of pasta!lol

Update on this LO - I only managed 75% as one of the required elements wasn't clear on my LO.

I did manage 100% on the Module 3 (Typography) Quiz though. Will hopefully do the LO for that this w/end.

Design Course Module 1

To fill my time now Nicholas is safely at Uni, and also out of interest, I've signed up for a four week online scrapbook design course.

Module 1 was "Visual Design". Only managed 75% on the end of module quiz but was really pleased to achieve 89% for my LO.

I used Prima "Rue 88" papers and flowers, Unity stamps (thanks for the recommendation Ann C!) and Sizzix "Mango Tango" for the title.

The photo was taken (without my knowledge) when I was visiting my aunt last month. The view really hasn't changed in the last 40/50 years - hence the title!

I'm now working on module 2 "Unity" - have submitted the quiz and have my photos ready for the LO - itching to get started but suppose I'd better do some of the "h" word first!

Hanging on the telephone.

I haven't had chance to miss Nicholas yet as we've spoken on the phone every day!

I had to phone him yesterday as the text I'd sent telling him where he needed to register (the most important bit of paper that was ,of course ,left at home on Saturday) was met with the reply "What?" - think I need to improve my texting skills! He'd found a pub and was watching the Manchester derby .
Today he phoned me and I had to go online for him to find out times etc of registration tomorrow. He has his computer with him but no internet yet - apparently the vital lead (?) was missing from his room and it's going to take them a week to replace it - not very efficient or helpful.
He has a container full of pasta and sauce in the fridge apparently. He's used to me buying fresh from Waitrose (250 gr.) and cooking it all. I'd sent him with a large bag of dried penne and he'd cooked the lot ! I know he was cooking for 2 ,his friend (who'd travelled down on Friday and happens to be in another flat on the same floor) and himself ,but honestly! Oh well, he'll learn!

I had an excellent Sunday - the Manchester game was the best I've seen all season - esp. as we won! England also managed to win a cricket match (at last!!). Trust Durham to prepare a wicket that we could do something with (can you tell I'm from Co. Durham and more than slightly biased!lol).

Today I've been to the dentist and not much else. The injections knocked me for six and as they're wearing off I'm in a bit of discomfort. What did I have done you ask? What wonders did he perform? He simply replaced the missing bits of teeth with fillings. Not exactly earth shattering or rocket science. My question is ... why couldn't the emergency dentist have done that last Monday? He could have saved me from a week of sore mouth and problems eating.
I think it all comes down to money. The dentist last week didn't seem too impressed that I'm a Denplan patient, i.e. covered by insurance and therefore he couldn't charge me the earth. What happened to the "caring professions"? When I was at Uni there was a big Medical Dept. and the ones studying to be dentists had opted for that rather than becoming Dr's as it was more of a 9-5 job. To me that's like becoming a teacher because of the holidays. My father always said to choose a career because of what you'd be doing while at work not the time off.
And on those wise words I'll leave you.
Sue xx

He's Gone!

Well ,I behaved myself today - was only allowed to accompany Nicholas and OH to Bristol on the understanding I didn't get emotional!
Had a good journey down and fortunately two of his friends were waiting for him at the student flats - they helped unload the car - just as well as his flat is on the 6th floor and he had loads of stuff.
His room is pretty basic but the kitchen and living area are well equipped. Got him settled and he was obviously keen for us to go as he wanted to go and buy tickets to a music festival - social life beginning already! Have had one phone call - " Mum, what's my pin number?"! He'd already cooked his first meal - pasta - I'm sure he must have some Italian blood as he'd quite happily live on pasta!
OH and I wandered around for a while and had coffee. Really vibrant area - think he's made a good choice as far as social life is concerned. Took me back 30 odd years!
So, I didn't get emotional or fuss too much.
Feeling proud that he's made it this far but will no doubt find it strange not having him around. Max seems to be missing him as he's not his usual cheery self.
Have a LO to do tomorrow as I've been tagged and have 72 hours (now down to 48) to do it and pass it on.
Will upload the result when everyone taking part has finished.
Off to bed now to continue reading "The Lost Symbol" - a real page turner.

The Wanderer Returns

Nicholas finally arrived back at 7:30 yesterday evening. Apparently the battery on his mobile died en route to Croatia.
He was shattered after a week of very little sleep and 33 hours on a coach - just about managed to stay awake for the Arsenal match.
I did manage to get some sense out of him:
The music festival was brilliant and Croatia is beautiful.
Nicest country travelled through - Switzerland (despite getting lost in the Alps!).
Most impressive duty free - Luxembourg.
Worst country - Italy (due to a four hour hold up at the border while sniffer dogs etc. did their job!).
He's decided to wait until Saturday to travel to Uni. Gives him time to recover and me time to do his washing!
As for me this has been a mixed week.
Managed to break two teeth last Saturday - not in pain as such, just very uncomfortable and diff. to eat. My dentist is of course on holiday this week and the emergency dentist prodded and poked, took X-rays, then decided he wasn't going to do anything. Gave me a letter for my dentist and told me to make an appt. for next week. What a waste of a Monday morning!!
Rest of Monday and all day Tuesday was spent on the ironing mountain - it is no more! Took me that long as I had to keep having rests - my arms and shoulders were not amused at all this activity.
Max has had an ear infection (silly dog keeps poking his head into hedges - you'd think he'd learn!). He is also now officially on a diet (revolting dried food) so his exercise has been upped - don't know what it's doing for him but it's wearing me out!
Lots of football (good results) and cricket (less said the better about England but well done to Durham on retaining the Championship) have been watched with more to come as Man Utd are on T.V. on Sunday and next Weds. Also have an Indy Car race this w/end (that will keep OH happy!).
Will now have to venture to Waitrose as DS has cleaned us out of fruit juice and milk.
No time (or energy) for crafting I'm afraid - hope after this weekend things will settle down.
I have some special cards to make before I can start scrapping.
Watch this space!

More Questions from Donna!!

Thanks to Donna for getting me to think first thing on a Monday!

What do you know?
Ok here are 10 questions to get you thinking.

Get your thinking caps on - you might win a prize!

1. What word is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed? Queue


2. What mammal can’t jump? Elephant, hippopotamus,sloth,sea cow.

3. Who blink more – men or women? Allegedly women.


4. What colour would Coca-Cola be if it didn’t have any food colouring in it? It would be a clear liquid. Apparently there is a rumour that it would be green.


5. What bird can see the colour ‘blue’?
All birds can see the colour blue. The myth that only owls can see blue is just that - a myth.

6. What are the 6 official languages of the United Nations? Arabic, Chinese,English,French,Russian and Spanish

7. In 2002 what was the most popular boat name in the US?Liberty


8. Who has appeared most often on the cover of ‘Life’ magazine? JFK (?)


9. What is the name of the first 30 minute cartoon to be aired on prime time television?The Flintstones

10. How old was the youngest pope? 18 (John XII 955-964)

He's Leaving home - Part2 - I think he's already left!

No updates since he told me he was in Switzerland - don't know if he's avoiding me (OH says I fuss too much - more of that later!) or can't get a signal.
Texted the scores throughout last nights match - no response - let's face it England don't win by that margin too often - it deserved a reply.
Didn't bother telling him the scores of the Women's Euro Cup Final (DS thinks it's like watching League 2 teams or the old 4th Division for those of us that know our football!! This is despite the fact that Arsenal Ladies dominate the English game).
I resorted to phoning tonight (as opposed to texting which I'm useless at) and still no response.
I can only cling to the old saying "No news is good news" - which doesn't help when grandparents are asking for updates (well, my Dad is -only grandfather my son has).
I'll detail my "fussing" tomorrow - most Mums will see nothing wrong with it - they'll think it normal i.e. part of the job description!

He's Leaving Home - Part 1

Well, DS set off for Croatia tonight - away for a week, 2 days at home, then off to Uni. Guess he's trying to break me in gently to the "empty nest".
The mood he was in tonight I'm not going to miss him!
Talk about trying to teach your grandmother to suck eggs!
Looking back, not only was I going on long coach trips at his age (I lived in the NE so had to travel for hours to London before moving on) I was living in France doing my year abroad ....you'd think this meant I knew what I was talking about .... but no! Wasn't even allowed to help with the packing - now, everyone knows that women do this better, squeezing things into impossible spaces so as to get that all important, totally unnecessary item in - but not my son!
Even my farewell call of "Don't do anything I wouldn't do.." (which, let's face it gives him pretty much free rein- short of GBH and murder) was met with just a grunt.
My craft room is about to become a reality!!lol

The Forgotten ATC!

When I knew I was meeting Bev last month I made an ATC to commemorate the evening. True to style I put it into my handbag and forgot to hand it over ! Doh!

She has now received it so I can post it on here.

Lovely to meet you Bev and I think I've found a craft shop for us to visit next time I'm in the NE!

Val's Quiz

Thanks to Val for getting me thinking!
1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know
the score or the leader until the contest ends. Boxing

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward? Niagara Falls

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables? Asparagus and Artichoke

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside? Strawberry

5. In many liquour stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle? Bottle put over pear whilst on the tree and still growing.

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters " dw" and they are all common words. Name two of them. Dwarf and dwelling

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them? Colon,comma,full stop,exclamation mark,question mark,semi-colon,quotation marks.

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh. Paw paw

9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter "S." Socks,stockings,shoes,sandals,slippers,snow-shoes

52 Q & A Weeks 31-35

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Mosaic 1

This is the class I took on Saturday at A Maze of Memories along with Diane and Jan (Pat came up to crop).

This is the third time that I've done this class - do you get the impression that I enjoy it?!

It's the most difficult of the mosaic techniques but very rewarding - it does get easier with practice!

Photos are of various flowers and butterflies seen in our garden over the last few weeks.

The beautiful butterfly in the bottom row is a Peacock (thanks Google!!).

25 Things About Me

Have a go at this:
1. Name: Susan
2. What are you most afraid of? Birds in enclosed spaces
3. What do you drive? Nothing - don't like driving
4. Have you ever seen a ghost?No
5. Where were you born? Bishop Auckland
6. Ever been to Alaska? No
7. Croutons or Bacon bits? Croutons
8. Favourite day of the week: Saturday
9. Favourite restaurant: Prezzo
10. Favourite Flower: Freesia
11. Favourite sport to watch: Football
12. Favourite Drink: Wine (red or rose)
13. Favourite Ice cream: Raspberry ripple
14. Disney or Warner Brothers: Disney
15. Favourite fast food restaurant: KFC
16. What colour is your bedroom carpet? Rust
17. How many times you failed your driver's test? Twice
18. What do you do most often when you are bored? Read
19. Bedtime: Any time between 9p.m. and 3a.m.
20. Favourite TV show: Bones, NCIS, A Town Called Eureka,Match of the Day
21. What are you listening to right now? The tv in the background (football)
22. What are your favourite colour? Red, blue, purple
23. How many tattoos do you have? None
24. Do you have any pets? A dog and a Cockatiel
25. If you could own any animal what would it be? – Meerkat

Another award!

Thanks to Valerie and Tracy for this lovely award!

The conditions of the award are:

I must post it on my blog (done).

I must continue to make people smile (I'll try - promise!)

I must pass it on to 5 friends and notify them (will do that tomorrow)

I must say who awarded it to me (done)

I must list five things you don't know about me - eek!

1. I am afraid of water on my face and have never learnt to swim.

2. I once had lessons in Urdu.

3. I hate frogs and toads (have been known to jump into the middle of the road to avoid them)

4. History was my second subject at Uni. (at one time I was planning to be a History teacher)

5. I bred rabbits (not intentionally!)

-

I am passing this award on to Ann - I love hearing about her family; Diane - who makes me smile at AMOM; Sall - who loves animals so much; Stickhead - who makes me laugh out loud and CC who provides inspiration .

Interesting list - copied from Donna with thanks!

Highlight the ones you've done:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Been lost for words when answering a child's question
10. Sang a solo11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a soppy girly film and cried all the way through
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Made snow angels
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts clas
s59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Been on the television
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Another award!

Many thanks to Ann for giving me this award - it's much appreciated!

Rules of the award are that I must pass it on to 5 people and list 5 things I am addicted to.

I am passing this award on to: Valerie for her inspirational creations; Diane who makes fab cards often using what other people have thrown away; Stickhead for making me laugh and for telling it like it is; Tracy for all her wonderful animals and Maria for supporting Portsmouth - she actually deserves a medal not just an award!

Five things I am addicted to?

Stash

Man Utd

Strong black coffee

Reading (esp. murder mysteries)

Red wine

None of these will surprise people who know me well!

My Week!

A week of ups and downs (normal for OH as he works with lifts! lol).

I had the pleasure of meeting a cyber friend in person on Monday evening - Bev who lives about 7 miles from my Dad. We had a great evening chatting and hope to meet up again next time I visit the NE. Hope you had a fabulous time in Florida Bev (and managed to avoid Space Mountain!!)

And yes, as you'll see in the photo - I have gone blonde - well partly! After having subtle highlights (and a red streak) that weren't noticed (had to point the red streak out to OH after a month!) I decided something more "drastic" was needed - thanks Tracy for a great cut and for taking "ten years off me"!

One of the downs was that my Dad was ill while I was out meeting Bev - it's difficult living so far away from him - I try to speak to him on the phone every day but it's not the same.

Another down was the effect the journey home had on me - 5 days later I am still aching from hauling my luggage about and have been unable to craft (or sadly,iron) due to swollen hands.

Man Utd's defeat at the hands of Burnley on Weds. evening did not help -come on boys - Burnley?!!!

Thursday was a good day - Nicholas passed his A Levels and will be off to UWE in Bristol next month. It may have taken him a bit longer than his peers but he got there - we are very proud of him (and fighting over who gets his room! - just joking N.!!)

When I'm able to craft again I shall be uploading my work here.

I've ended the week feeling very down - even beating Wigan 5-0 hasn't cheered me up.

Lets hope my trip to Tesco today has a positive effect!

A Blast from the Past.

Yesterday my Dad and I went to visit my Auntie Grace (his eldest sister) for tea. The whole afternoon brought back many memories from my childhood. We were picked up by my cousin and his wife - I was a bridesmaid at their wedding in 1964.

As a child I remember Sunday teas were done on a "rota" - we would visit my grandparents one week, Auntie Grace and Uncle Bob another week and of course they'd come to us.

Grace loved baking and there would always be the most fantastic spread. Well, at 89 she still loves baking and the spread she put on yesterday immediately brought back so many memories!

I was also amazed at how little the view from the back of her house had changed in the intervening 40/50 years. Only difference I could see was a wind farm in the distance.

p.s. Some of you may notice a "slight" difference in my hair colour - all will be revealed tomorrow!

School Days

Missed the class at AMOM yesterday as I was still feeling ill - shame as it was good one.

By the evening I was itching to scrap - was inspired by the LO on the front cover of the Sept. issue of Creating Keepsakes.

Used WRMK "Nonsense" kit and some buttons from stash (I only have a few!) plus a pencil I found lying around.

Photo is DS in his first year at Barley Hill School.

OH Then!

As OH was taking me to yesterday's class he asked what I would be doing.

On hearing "Me Now", he asked if he would ever be featured?

Soooooo - when I stayed to crop I did this LO of him using photos I'd printed off a few weeks ago.

We don't have many of him as a child (these were scanned in from photos his sister has) and we're not sure of dates - guessing 1955?

I used K&CO "Sweet Pea" papers - cut out the animals from the second sheet and mounted them on foam pads.

Stitched on some random buttons, name from a doodlebug alpha sheet (double takes - boldly blue),embellie by K&CO -Small Wonders, boy tags.

Me Now

This was the title of the class I did at AMOM today with Jan and Diane.

We used Magenta papers (Swirly and Bold flowers) and Bazzill cardstock.

The flowers were made using Spellbinders dies.

The journalling is hidden in the "petals"

The photo is mounted on a hinged matt so there is space underneath for more photos/journalling.

Friday Night Crop

Pat and I spent a lovely evening at A Maze of Memories on Friday. Pimms was on offer as well as birthday cake for a fellow cropper.

As usual Christina had prepared a mini-challenge kit.

This time the papers were from Making Memories - the "Just Chillin'" (girl) Collection. Prima flowers were also in the kit.

As I wanted to do a double LO I had two of the kits. Added some Bazzill and Basic Grey "Lemonade" papers for background and title (made on Cuttlebug using Sizzix "Catty Corner" dies).

Photos are all from the mid-fifties.

Happy Birthday Nicholas

Happy Birthday Nicholas!

My baby is now 20 - don't know where the years have gone.

I made a "Warholised" card for him - not really appreciated first thing (led to the comment: "you've done this using pictures you shouldn't have and I've asked you not to"!)

Apologies came later - he admitted he liked it - he's just not a morning person.

However, I really have taken note - won't use him for scrapbook pages (unless it's a really old photo).

Point was really brought home to me last night at the monthly crop - a young female asked to see the LO I was working on - said she knew "the boy in the photo from somewhere" - turns out she was in the same year as DS and had dated one of his friends. All DS's worst nightmares come true!

Soooooo! In for a penny in for a pound! Pic of card has been uploaded!

Attitude

That was the title of this morning's class at A Maze of Memories.

We used Prima papers - Rebellious Collection - and embellished with lots of doodling and punched shapes.

The title was supposed to be hand drawn and cut but as my fingers weren't cooperating I cheated and cut it on my Cricut (used Alphalicious).

I've used this photo before - it's the only one Nicholas will let me use (he hates me using photos of him for scrapbook pages!).

In deference to that I will add the journalling just before it goes into his album!

Prima July Bap

Decided to try the Bap on Prima's blog as I finally managed to get my hands on a petite fleur vine (I had seen so many lovely LO's using them).

All product (including stamps) is by Prima apart from the lace which came from a charity shop (via Pat).

Can't believe that the 2 day old in the picture will be 20 later this month (I was 35 at the time!) - where does the time go? Hopefully he will be flying the nest later this year to go to Uni in Bristol - fingers crossed for the right grades at A Level!

Not much else has been going on as I have a very painful and colourful left arm - at my blood test last week the nurse really hurt me (first time in nearly 2 years) - then my arm swelled up and bruising appeared - opinion is that she nicked a vein and it's been bleeding under the skin! eek!

Last week was too hot to do much but I wish the sun would reappear - my joints do not like the damp weather!

Just hope it's sunny in Cardiff tomorrow.

Good luck boys for the first Test Match -get those Ashes back!

I may even do some of the "i" word whilst watching!

Strawberries and Cream

That was the theme for the June challenge on docrafts scrapbooking forum.

Set by Millstone Sue, the rest of the challenge was to handmake all embellishments.

Thought I'd managed it ... but, oops! shouldn't have used any ribbon or buttons!

The photos are of my great-niece, Katie, who is 22 months old.

She didn't quite get the hang of ten pin bowling - took great delight in kicking over the skittles and shouting "Goal!" That's what comes of having a football mad Dad and older brother!

Happy Father's Weekend

Yesterday was OH's birthday and today is Father's Day - so he's been spoilt!

I bought him a camera as he keeps "borrowing" mine - usually when I need it! Case in point - I wasn't able to take a photo of the Dad word album I made for my Dad for Father's Day (it should have been ready for me to take with me last weekend when I visited him but I ran out of time!) - had to post it on Friday.

Thanks to Royal Mail for delivering it on time!

All this last minute crafting meant I had to make a really quick b'day card on Friday evening - photo above. Used my bargain Cuttlebug folder (£1.75) for the first time and some stickers from WHSmith. Paper was from scrap folder.

Tonight it's Tandoori mixed grill for OH (delivered to house - so bonus for me too!!) . I did cook him steak last night and he had a lovely b'day cake - Top Gear (with bonus "I am the Stig" stickers).

I've been working on a LO of my great niece today for the June Challenge on the scrapbooking forum of docrafts (as set by Millstone Sue). Glue should be dry on my handmade embellishments now so I'll go and finish it.

An Award!!

I've only been blogging for a few months but have just received an award! Yay

Conditions of the award:


I must thank the person who gave me the award, list their blog and link to it.
I must list ten honest things about myself.
I must put a copy of the Honest Scrap logo on my blog.
I must select at least seven other worthy bloggers and list their links.
I must notify bloggers of their award.

Thank you Ann and Gill for giving me this award.


The ten honest things about myself ?


Diffficult .... but here goes!

1.I'd rather be living in France than England

2.Manchester United are my abiding passion and have been for 40 years.

3.I didn't want to be a teacher but ended up doing it anyway - and loved it!!

4. I haven't driven a car for over 10 years and don't miss it - I never wanted to learn in the first place and hated it.

5.My ideal job would be in publishing - I love books (esp. Murder mysteries)

6.My favourite pastime used to be cooking - the worst thing about arthritis is that I can no longer stand for hours in the kitchen experimenting.

7.I really hate being deaf - I miss so much

8.I wasn't bothered about having children but am so pleased I had Nicholas - I wouldn't swap him for the world.

9.Our dog Max is my bestest friend - I swear he thinks he's human.

10.I am a shopaholic.

My 7 worthy recipients for this award are:

Tracy Brown (Crafty Tracy)
Diane (Diane's Rambles)
Sue C (Sue C's Crafty Blog)
Dianne(Crazy Craft Shed)
Alyson (Crafting to Stay Sane)
Joanne (Take Life by the Hand)
Ingvild Bolme (My Paper Art by Ingvild Bolme)

Update on Max

My poor boy is not himself tonight. Off to the vet's first thing where they sedated him to take x-rays and blood. Still very wobbly when I collected him and not at all happy with me - why is it always me who has to take him to the vet?!!
Reasonable news on the health front - his spleen is slightly enlarged but not misshapen - sooo no meds but serious weight loss is called for. This should also help his heart murmur and general energy levels. Have to take him back in 4 weeks to be weighed. Wish us luck!

I'm tired tonight as I took the chance to vaccuum downstairs without incessant barking and Max trying to fight the hoover!
This was on top of the extra washing (making the most of the lovely weather!).
Reminds me of the housewive's motto:
"If it moves, feed it - if it doesn't ,wash it"!
Based on the Army motto:
"If it moves, shoot it - if it doesn't, paint it"

Two Classes Today

Managed to do both classes at A Maze of Memories today.
Had real fun doing a Heritage LO of my Dad this morning and made my first Christmas present this afternoon - a decorated clipboard.

Used Core-dinations cardstock and K&CO paper for the LO - also lots of twine!

Used Basic Grey "Wisteria" papers and gems on the clipboard. Handmade the flowers using stamps and punches. Cheated on the butterflies by adding them from my stash rather than making them (couldn't hold the scissors any longer!).

End of the Year

Well - it's the end of the year for my album!
I've just completed the final LO for my Year Album detailing ordinary, everyday life over the past 12 months.

It's also the end of the football season. Not going to say much except we blew it big time and the better team won on the night. I am soooooo disappointed and feeling very flat right now.

Roll on next season.

End of the Year

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We Are The Champions!!!

Wow! What a week!
My "Night with the Stars" was fabulous (as soon as I work out how to create my own slideshow Iwill upload pictures) but tiring.
Think I'm about 30 years too old for clubbing but at least I've tried it.

Then yesterday Man Utd. won the Premier League for the third year in a row - well done boys!

Now , we just need to defend our European title.
Good luck for 27th May in Rome.
Hoping for a good game as Barcelona are a classy team too!

Not much crafting done this week (in fact not much of anything) as my arthritis has flared up again. Hope to catch up on my 52 Q&A tags this afternoon.

My Night With the Stars - Postponed!

I have won a ticket to the After Show Party for the Soap Awards!!
This was originally supposed to be Sat 2nd May - the same day that Man Utd play at Middlesbrough. I was going to visit my Dad and go to the match with my cousin but gave that up for a night out in London with hotel and everything.
Phone call tonight and ITV have put the event back until 9th May. I can still go but it's too late to re-arrange things for this weekend! Damn! Shall just have to make do with Sky!
Will be staying at the Cumberland Hotel nr Marble Arch (actually know it as it's very near where OH's old Head Office was - very handy for Oxford Street!).
All I have to arrange is transport to the hotel and once booked in (between 2-3p.m) everything is in the hands of 888.
Party is taking place at the Cristal Club (must Google it!).
I have my outfit - went to Bicester Village last Weds. with Audrey - we looked in just about every clothes shop and I still ended up getting the first outfit I saw that I liked!
Looking forward to this even though I don't actually watch any soaps! Used to but stopped some time ago apart from the odd bit of Hollyoaks when DS has control of the TV.
I shall report back, take photos and do a LO.

Oh dear - part two!!

What a sad weekend football wise!
I fear the FA Cup is now Chelsea's.
Our youngsters did well (boy, did I feel old when they said the ave. age of our team was 22.5).
Berbatov is not fit to wear the shirt! His penalty was pathetic and showed about the same level of interest as he did when he came on as a sub.
Can't believe I was sooo excited when we signed him - he must make up for it sometime - mustn't he?!!
Must go to bed now as up at 5 for our boat trip.

Oh dear!!

Commiserations to all the Arsenal supporters amongst you - you were robbed! Well, the ref certainly didn't do you any favours!
No comment yet on what Wembley is like.
Just hope our match produces a better result!

I shall be uploading a photo of the LO I made at crop on Friday evening, using the mini challenge kit at A Maze of Memories (all papers and flowers etc by SEI).

I also prepared my pages for a double LO for tomorrow (20th) as part of my year album - only one month to go after this - can't believe I started this project 11 months ago. Tomorrow should be interesting as Pat, Audrey and I are taking a trip across the Channel. It's a "Car Park Shopper" trip! We don't actually get off in France - just stock up on board with life's essentials (!!) and come straight back - fingers crossed for a calm sea.

Hello to any docrafts buddies reading this - for some reason my posts aren't showing up.
Sparkles to you all!

Good Luck to the Gunners!

As a Man. Utd fan I'd like to wish Arsenal and their fans good luck for the semi-final this afternoon.
Reason for this? My son is an avid Arsenal supporter and he will be there at the match.
His good friend and fellow Arsenal supporter won 5 tickets to the match! Lucky thing!
I shall have to make do with the TV for our semi-final tomorrow.
Will report back on what the new Wembley is like.

Blog Candy

Please visit "This and That" clarkyj's blog to view the lovely candy she' s offering!

Happy Easter!

Just want to wish you all a Happy Easter.

Have had some time to craft this week and the health to take advantage of it.

Decided to try a Prima challenge which meant using lots of their lovely flowers! The result is shown here.

Used Caliope papers, felt die cuts and crystals as well as the flowers. The photos are of the Camellia in our front garden.

If you click on the picture you can see it all in more detail.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today the plan is to chill and craft - will report back later if I'm successful!

Had a great day out at Olympia with Pat yesterday - yummy stash!

This week have made a special birthday card and more ATC's - can't post all of them yet but can post the ATC I made for Pat as a souvenir of Olympia.

Another lazy Sunday!

Have spent a quiet Sunday "craftily" pottering.

Managed to finish a birthday card and made only my second ever ATC.

Also did my tag for week 10 of the 52 Q & A challenge. We had to name 5 films that inspire us creatively - not too difficult - esp. as one of them was on TV last night!

Now just have to finish the LO I started in class yesterday,"Playful Pages". I left early to be home in time for kick off - wish I hadn't bothered as the result was a nightmare - I still haven't got over the shock!

Heritage Page

Despite missing the class on Saturday I managed to do a Heritage page - started at crop on Monday and finished yesterday.

I'd never seen this photo of my Dad until he gave it to me last month - my Aunt had it apparently. One of his first memories is seeing this displayed in the photographer's window - well he does look cute!

Auntie Grace also passed on some more photos - so plan to do more pages along the same lines!

The healthy new diet for OH (he has very high cholesterol) got off to a bad start! We had fresh Tuna steak last night - neither of us was impressed and have both felt unwell since lunchtime. Only DS is OK - he ate his cold when he got back from the pub!

Hoping to make a couple of cards tonight as DS has commandeered the TV to watch Arsenal. Since my game is also on Sky I'll have to wait for the highlights!

Celebration Time!!

We've done it!

Man Utd won the Carling Cup on penalties after a very tense 2 hours of football.

Well done Spurs for a hard fought game.

Well done all our penalty takers and a special mention to Ben Foster, our goalie, man of the match.

I was of course wearing my team shirt and my hoodie - I'm sure that made all the difference!

SusieJ

Todays Burning Questions.

1. Will Man Utd live to regret not getting an away goal last night?

2. Was it a man who designed the mammogram machine?

3. Can I get away with giving my "boys" a weightwatchers recipe for tea?
(it's French Sausage Casserole and it does have Brown Ale in it)

4. Should I give up red wine for Lent?

Answers 1-3: probably! 4: Nah!

First Christmas Cards of 2009!

Finally feeling fit enough to craft - yay!
Trying to catch up with card challenges set by Loretta on the Docrafts Forum I decided to make Christmas cards - to keep up with Christmas Challenge set by Gina (on the same forum).
Also kept to a New Year Resolution by using up scraps of paper left from other projects and recycling bits from cards received last year.
SusieJ