The Twilight Zone

Tag Tuesday (aka Valentine's Day)

2012-02-14T09:58:00.000Z

This week's theme is Valentine's Day - now there's a surprise!

White tag covered in hearts cut from the same papers as last week then gessoed. Images are from a sheet of scraps. Hearts are a button, a silver charm and a mobile phone charm (from a cracker). Lace and bow from stash. Finally I went a bit OTT with red paper roses.

And here's the card I made for DH:

Image and background paper are from Dezinaworld, bow and hearts from stash, sentiment is a DCWV rub-on.

He didn't get me a card..since I'm on a total "no spend" regime I asked for some books for my Kindle..:)

A Wonderful Giveaway...for book lovers!

2012-02-11T21:24:00.000Z

Tahereh Mafi, author of "Shatter Me" is having a great giveaway....6 packs of 3 books.....too good to miss for us book lovers!

Just follow the link below:

http://stiryourtea.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/contest-and-winning-and-free-books.html#.TzaqtBjbxBU.blogger

Tag Tuesday

2012-02-07T11:08:00.000Z

The theme for this week is "Hearts".
I happily sat cutting hearts from Creative Imaginations "Heart Collage" and Basic Grey "Kissing Booth" papers, stamping a background with a Clarity Stamp heart and a freebie heart from Craft Stamper, colouring with Spun Sugar and Faded Lipstick distress inks and finally adding hearts and ribbon from stash.

Scrap! Club

2012-02-05T18:13:00.000Z

Last Wednesday Pat and I went to A Maze of Memories for February Scrap Club.
The theme this month was "Fun Doodling".
Pat doesn't need lessons in this as she's turned doodling into an art form (she says it's the result of too many boring meetings!) but I appreciated the chance to practice.

Here's my LO with a series of 6 (cropped) pictures of DH and the boy paragliding in Tunisia some years ago.

The optional challenge for the month is to create another doodled LO. I started mine yesterday and finished it this afternoon:

A photo of me and the boy at Disney Florida..such happy memories..:)

I've also made three of my tags for Feb's Tag Tuesday...:). Making the most of my mojo!! lol

Bring in the New Crop (warning...lots of pictures!).

2012-02-02T11:54:00.001Z

I spent last weekend happily scrapping....my mojo has returned (after a kickstart from the WeScrap January challenges) and the crop not only let me indulge myself it also pushed me to use stash that I never thought I would. Most of the challenges were on the theme old/new...either documenting s'thing new in your life or using old/new stash.

On FB I'm a sucker for "Big Box"/"Santa's Stocking" sales. Great value but sometimes papers etc. that I'm not sure of or wary of using. The stash ban I'm on (someone totalled up just how much I'd spent on crafting last year.....eek!!) means that I'm having to use old stuff.....happily I had just the right papers for 8 of the challenges.....could have done more but ran out of suitable photos.

So without further ado....

Two LOs about our win in the Pub quiz last week (one for me, one for Audrey).
First one uses Sassafrass Lass papers and the second a Basic Grey "Out of Print" page kit.

Next is a LO about Penny's ATC Challenge using Girl's Paperie products from the WeScrap April 2011 "Whimsy" kit.

Next up is Nathan, the fifth member of the Quiz team. This was a colour challenge (kraft/teal/mustard) and I used Sassafrass Lass papers again.

These two (for two separate but similar challenges) had me turning my craft area upside down..I knew I had some docrafts "Oriental" papers, but where were they? I finally found them at the bottom of one of my paper units. The co-ordinating brads and eyelets were much easier to find! I also used my new TH "Butterflight" die. The images are from the Samurai exhibition we visited in Aylesbury.
And here's where DH helped....I knew there was a font called "Samurai" but didn't have it on my laptop. I managed to find and download it but could I get it into Word to use it for my title? No. DH kindly downloaded it to his PC and printed it for me. It's printed on Washi paper that has been in my stash for years.

This was for a scraplift challenge and I used Club Scrap "Scholarship" papers and Pink Paislee "Old School" embellishments.

And finally..a before and after challenge using BG "Out of Print" papers, chipboard,glazed brads and layered stickers.

If you've reached here....well done....and you deserve a coffee!!

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-31T17:25:00.000Z

This week the theme was "Lace".
White tag stamped with sewing images (by Andy Skinner and a freebie from a magazine), overlaid with silver dotted gauze. I then added a dress form cut with a TH die and a sash of Prima lace. Little black dress cut with a Woodware punch with a skirt of lace from stash. Finished with a lacy ribbon.
This is my least favourite tag...on reflection I would have missed this week and started on my Feb. tags.

Apologies for the non-appearance of a Rocking post last Friday. We had the last of the hospital visits and then I was wrapped up in the Crop on WeScrap.......I managed 8 LOs over the weekend (DH thinks I'm obsessed!).
I'll share them in another post..:)

Online Crop!!

2012-01-27T21:10:00.000Z

This is what I'll be doing this weekend...fingers crossed!!lol

My Creative Week

2012-01-26T16:13:00.000Z

Having started with tags and ATCs , and then some cards, I'm finally scrapping again...I'm on a bit of a roll actually...and thoroughly enjoying it!

I've managed to do something every night this week and have been happily sharing my table with DH and his jigsaws....we found four in another charity shop for 50p. each.

In reverse order...this is the LO I did last night for a "quilt" challenge on WeScrap. Found the inspiration in Scrap365 magazine. I used scraps from K&CO "Blue Awning" papers...one of my all time favourites and almost all used up....:( Buttons from stash, Prima flowers.

This is a sketch challenge for WeScrap. I used TH "Seasonal" papers and stickers and some Jenni Bowlin buttons.
Title cut on the Cricut using "Opposites Attract".

Next up we have the optional challenge for Scrap Club @ A Maze of Memories.
This month it was a scrap lift. I turned the sketch to suit a landscape photo.
Papers and stickers from a Colorbok Perfect Pages kit, EK success punch (paw prints), ribbon from stash.
Title etc. cut on Cricut using "Don Juan" and "Paper Pups".

Another sketch challenge made using Sassafrass Lass "Sweet Marmalade" papers and twined flowers. Photo is the boy with Ben, his favourite rabbit...and father of the five babies...yes, we had seven rabbits at one time.

Hopefully this tag has arrived safely....won't say any more other than..it was great fun to make!!

My final (for now, there'll be another one on Saturday!)..sketch challenge for WeScrap. Basic Grey "Curio" papers and flower. Other embellies from stash.
That's my ..."what on earth is he doing now?" look!!

And that's what I've been doing this week.
More to follow, I hope, as WeScrap is having an online crop this weekend.
Should be fun!!

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-24T09:50:00.000Z

"Vintage" is this week's theme.

I found the frame and image in my stash (downloaded and printed some years ago so I can't give credit, sadly).
I fussy cut the edges and the centre of the frame before attaching it to the image and adding some old lace.
A touch of bling, monographs from an old book and the last of my lovely pink ribbon finish it off.

Penny's ATC Challenge - January

2012-01-20T10:51:00.000Z

For January I chose the theme "Time Flies" as I can't quite believe it's already 2012 (and almost the end of the month).

Background stamped using Kaisercraft stamps (thanks to my Secret Santa!). Tape by Sir Tim.
Other stamped images (cut out and mounted on foam pads) were all freebies from Craft Stamper magazine.
Watch parts from stash.

Can't wait to see what the rest of the gang come up with.

If you'd like to join in check out Penny's blog http://thelinenshelf.blogspot.com/2012/01/come-and-join-new-atc-art-trading-card.html

Tag Tuesday, Scrap Club and my Christmas LO...

2012-01-17T16:47:00.000Z

The theme this week is "white"..so I cut a black tag (as you do!!) and white wings using TH dies.
Background is from Dezinaworld
The "white lady" is from a Steampunk selection by Plush Possum.
Button by Jenni Bowlin
Lace, ribbon, daisy and butterfly from stash.

My New Year LO from Scrap Club @ A Maze of Memories last Wednesday.
Had a great morning distressing, paint splattering and punching....used Kraft cardstock, core'dinations and Basic Grey "Cappella" papers. Brads are from my little box of odds and ends.

My list of what I want to do this year reads:

- exercise more

- learn the Argentine Tango (this one may be a tad ambitious as I've never even mastered the cha cha cha!!)

- stay calm

- scrap more

- find more new and healthy recipes.

And finally my Christmas LO.
The pages were prepared at Dec. Scrap Club...well they would have been had I got there....David wasn't well that evening...
Christina not only sent me the kit but she'd done all the cutting etc and sent me the sketch and instructions - thank you!!
All I had to do was assemble it and take lots of photos.
Papers, transparency and elements are Teresa Collins "Noel" collection.
The transparency forms a pocket and there are photos on both sides of the inserts.

The bulk of the photos were taken to reflect the fact that I "have a thing" for Christmas trees....we have them in glass, in different colours...all over the house.

In the top left photo of the second page (gold tree) you can see my lovely cards from Jo (Fiddlesnips) and the England Cricket team.

One other card that deserves a LO all to itself was from Virginia (Celtic House)..the sentiment was ..." Santa....define Good"...priceless!! And oh, so me!!

It feels wonderful to be crafting again...

Tag Tuesday

2012-01-10T11:57:00.000Z

The theme this week is "Snow Sports and Games".
I coloured a white tag with Stormy Sky and Tumbled Glass distress inks.
The two images came from a Christmas card and the ribbon was on a cracker two Christmases ago.
The three glass embellies and the spotty ribbon are from my stash.

Perhaps never throwing anything (that could be used for crafting) away is the reason I've run out of space in my craft area!

Snow

2012-01-04T19:31:00.000Z

This is my tag for this week's challenge on Tag Tuesday.
An American Crafts tag, embossed with snowflakes on the Cuttlebug then coloured with Iced Spruce distress ink. Blue snowflakes cut and embossed from sparkly scrap paper (again on the bug). TH tape and button. Ribbon and crystals from stash.
Image and title from "Home Words" 1883-84.

Admittedly more appropriate for this month in 2010 and 2011!! This year we have gale force winds and rain instead of snow....
not sure which I prefer??

What's Rocking My World Friday (and Christmas Part 2)

2011-12-30T17:04:00.000Z

Before my list of gratefuls ,as promised, part 2 of my Christmas.....

Lots of wonderful presents and good food and silly games on the Wii...
We didn't have Turkey this year as I found a recipe on Pinterest for Cranberry Glazed Ham......very, very yummy.
And it was the only day I had to cook!!! Out for pizza on Boxing Day and then an Indian meal on Tuesday...our now traditional meal out with the boy before he goes back to Uni.

Santa Max looking not very happy......oh, the indignity of it!! Silly hat!

The boy went back to Bristol on Weds and I went to Stoke Mandeville Hospital..twice. Consultation in the morning and then biopsy in the afternoon - it was pure chance that they had a cancellation that day - the biopsy wasn't that urgent (fingers crossed). That is why I have stitches in my tongue..sorry Gina, I wish it was 'cos I'd had my tongue pierced! lol Follow up appt. in three weeks...during which time I'll no doubt frighten myself by researching on the internet etc. etc. I may also lose some weight as eating/drinking is painful and I'm on the warm salt water diet for 7 days...bleugh!

But enough of the doom and gloom..... we have 2012 to look forward to..January is already busy with hospital/GP/blood test appointments for both DH and me.....and now I have a mammogram appt. too......yay!! And I still reckon a man designed that machine. :(

Gratefuls for 2011:

Family; friends (esp. my online/crafting ones); Kindle; good books; authors who are accessible and friendly on Facebook; Pinterest for new recipes (as I do get bored making the same things over and over); Man Utd for being Champions again; John Bishop for making me laugh; BBC1 for Sherlock and Zen;BBC4 for Spiral 3 and Montalbano; Sky Living for Bones and FX for NCIS; the England Cricket team for regaining the Ashes in Australia and for sending me a Christmas card.. :) and finally Max for being my constant (in both senses of the word) companion.

All that's left is to wish you all a very Happy New Year..will see you Rocking in 2012.
Hugs xx

So that was Christmas...part 1 (Secret Santas and Drunken Reindeer)

2011-12-29T11:51:00.000Z

Greetings fellow bloggers!
Hope you all had a great Christmas and are looking forward to 2012.....let's face it, it can't be worse than 2011...can it?!

Apologies for my absence from blogging but Christmas did not go as planned.
I did not go away but stayed home with DH and the boy.

The boy ventured into the attic to retrieve the tree (and decorations) so the house did look fairly festive.
DH put the lights on the tree and was responsible for the "fairy" on top....

..a drunken reindeer! This is actually one of Max's toys...:)
Well, it's different!!

I was naughty and opened my Secret Santa parcel long before the 25th...but I did think I'd be away...so I was allowed!

This was the lovely decorated box that my Santa (aka Virginia!) sent.

First I found this wonderful scarf......wonder how she knew I like purple?

Then a ready prepared Journal with a tin of prompts..I'll be starting on Jan 1st!

Then some handmade goodies....wonderful!!

And finally...some yummy stash in the form of stamps, rub-ons candi....oh wow!
Virginia you thoroughly spoiled me - it was such fun to open and you really know me well...thank you, thank you.

Thanks too to Carmen for organising the whole Secret Santa event - you did a brilliant job!!..

I'll be back with part 2 on Friday......the day itself and why I now have stitches in my tongue....

What's Rocking My World Friday (better late than never..)

2011-12-17T11:22:00.000Z

I'm back!!! Apologies for my absence but life is still nowhere near normal....I have, however, managed to find some gratefuls this week...

The boy is coming home today...yay!! Earlier than expected too.....probably 'cos a) he's run out of money (begging phone call received yesterday) and b) his girlfriend is going home today too. Whatever, it'll be lovely to see him and we can watch both footie matches together tomorrow..:) Just as well that I tackled his room earlier in the week....

Friends who have sent me wonderful hand made Christmas cards that have brightened my days. Apologies here for the lack of cards from me..I only managed to make 10 cards so that's all that were sent (now I know why Virginia made hers in Jan/Feb - sensible girl).

Other friends who let us join their Pub Quiz team on Thursday....it was a really relaxing night out and such fun....no, we didn't win (came 4th I think) but it was good to exercise "the little grey cells".

I'm still not feeling the Christmas spirit but have managed to do most of my wrapping and only have last minute pressies to buy and I can't get them until I'm in the NE.

David has started his rehab - he has 10 sessions in a gym under supervision. He came back from the first session very energised and took me off to Bicester Village to buy a dress for Christmas - totally unexpected.
This week's session didn't go quite as well due to blood pressure problems. The problem in his case is low blood pressure so his GP had to tweak his meds yesterday. Hopefully this will get rid of the dizzy/feeling light headed spells.

Another grateful....the low fat/low cholesterol diet....whilst challenging (in the sense of making it tasty and not too bland) we are both losing weight. So is Max.....D's answer to cigarette craving is to drag Max out for a walk....I haven't heard any complaints from Max!

The Wii has been "rescued" from the boy's room and is now up and running downstairs....so I'll have no excuse after Christmas to not try Zumba....oh, joy!

Tonight is the Strictly final......any of the three couples could win....but I have a liking for Harry (drummer with McFly)...fingers crossed.

Next week's post will come from a hotel room in the NE...weather permitting. I've been stockpiling books on my Kindle (and two more are pre-ordered for 23rd) so am looking forward to just chilling.....and to seeing my brother and his family.

Off to link to Virginia's blog...

What's Rocking My World Friday...on Sunday

2011-11-27T13:04:00.000Z

Sorry for the late arrival of this post but on Friday I just couldn't summon up even a shred of positivity.

Things are (like the weather) a bit brighter today.

First grateful is my SIL Judy (David's sister) who not only took him to his hospital check up on Thursday but has also collected D and Max today for an outing. It will do both of them good and I have some alone time..I had big plans for the "h" word then decided against.....I tackled the "i" word yesterday, which is more than enough for one weekend.

Mother nature is my next grateful. As I'm now banned from smoking in the house (D hasn't smoked for two weeks now - he's finding it difficult but is persevering) I had my coffee outside this morning and watched the seagulls and red kites gliding on the thermals. The red kites I was expecting but as we're about as far from the sea as you can get in the UK the gulls were a surprise. Beautiful sight anyway.

Amazon is my next one for excellent service. I ordered the boy's Christmas presents (from his wish list) last night at about 9 p.m. This morning I had an email telling me they'd been sent off and they'll be here tomorrow. Sorted! Now I just have to finish my wish list....

Royal Mail delivered this week too - I sent my Secret Santa parcel off on Friday and it arrived yesterday. I'm just hoping the other four parcels I sent arrive too. They also delivered parcels to me...crafty parcels at that!! The RAKs I won on WeScrap and Janet's blog. Wonderful goodies that I've a made inroads to - I've managed all of one Christmas card this week. :(

Friends are my final grateful for their emails and phone calls checking up on us.

What's Rocking My World Friday

2011-11-18T10:24:00.000Z

OK, Friday again and time to list my gratefuls at the end of a strange week..

Firstly I'm enormously grateful to the NHS....in particular the South Central Ambulance service and the staff of the Oxford Heart Centre (based at the JR hospital in Oxford).
They, literally, saved DH's life last Sunday when he had a heart attack.
He's home now with the right artery unblocked and with a stent in place to keep it that way.
You hear so many bad things about the NHS (and we've experienced them too) but in an emergency they ROCK!

Next up is the boy who came home on Tuesday to see his Dad and to help me.
It's been lovely having him for company...watching the football, working our way through the Twilight films (at his girlfriend's suggestion - think she must want him to take her to see "Breaking Dawn") and sharing housework etc.

Friends have helped too...by offering lifts, texting (even if I didn't recognise their # - sorry Jo!!), phoning to chat, emailing ...generally just keeping me connected to the world....bringing books for DH to read (he's so not used to sitting around and resting) and healthy treats.

I'm waiting for Sainsbury's to deliver as, apart from walking Max and hospital visits, I haven't left the house this week.

I've tried to craft but ended up binning my efforts....so not in the right frame of mind.

As yet, we don't know how long DH will be off work. We do know he's not allowed to drive for a week.

I'll update when I have more news.

And finally...people have said I must have panicked when DH was having the attack...
I didn't panic....'cos I didn't realise what was happening and neither did he..
Just got on and made the phone call.....

Wednesday Update

2011-11-16T11:39:00.000Z

A big thank you to all of you who have been in touch since Sunday.

For those of you who haven't seen my FB status...David had a heart attack on Sunday and has been in the JR Hospital in Oxford.

It was sudden and frightening but we were lucky that help arrived within 5 - 10 minutes of me making the emergency call. We didn't realise what it was (he had no pain) but knew it was serious. They call it a "silent" heart attack.

The blocked artery has been cleared and a stent inserted. He's looking so much better, albeit very weak and is due home today. He'll be off work for about a month and can't drive for a week at least.

Obviously some lifestyle changes are imminent too!

The boy came home yesterday to help out for a few days. It's lovely to see him just wish it was a nicer reason for his visit.

Max has been very subdued and bewildered at being left alone for longer periods than normal.

I'll keep you all updated as and when we have more news.

What's Rocking My World Friday on Sunday

2011-11-13T12:14:00.000Z

In memory of Uncle John, the Uncle I never met.
He was killed in North Africa at the age of 19.
We don't know where he's buried but his name is on a memorial in Libya.

My first grateful of the week is him, and the many others like him who have given their lives for our freedom.

Friends who have been keeping an eye on me by phone and email.

Family who have also kept an eye on me and have tried to help by issuing invites to stay.

The calming effect of crafting..this week I've been making Christmas tags and getting my fingers inky and messy and prompted this question:
Why do Glossy Accents become black when they dry on your fingers?

The pleasure of baking. I made the Black Magic Cake that I found on Pinterest....it really is a contender for "best chocolate cake ever". Thanks to my guinea pigs..DH and Pat's DH and son. :)

A Maze of Memories for Scrap Club where I did this LO last Saturday:

Things to look forward to....especially Christmas in the NE....train and hotel booked. :)

The boy - for understanding why I'll be in the NE for Christmas and not with him...first one without him which makes me sad but it was going to happen one day.

That's it for this week, which has been another week of very mixed emotions and intense discussion.

Off to link up to Virginia's blog.

What's Rocking Your World Friday

2011-11-04T20:10:00.000Z

OK....another Friday has rolled around and it's time to dredge for gratefuls in what has been a very rocky week.

First is family.....I had a brilliant weekend adventure in the NE....the party was a hoot, despite me being used as a guinea-pig for the punch*.
They were all waiting to see what happened to me before anyone else would drink it....well, I was still standing when we left at 10:15 and I even managed a couple of brandies in the hotel bar where my evening continued with lots of laughter, before a rather lovely end to the night.

Photo of all the mad costumes - this is the clean version...the light sabre was in a rather rude position in the next version!

Princess Leia's costume was finished off with a pair of army boots - very fetching!! Mark has just arrived back from 6.5 months in Afghanistan - he's a navy medic.

*The punch...I only found out late in the evening that it was pure alcohol..no lemonade or soda or anything resembling a soft drink. Funnily, I didn't have a hangover ....it's the mixers what cause the problems!! lol

Friends are next..from the one I met for coffee in London on my way home to those who have emailed and left supportive messages on FB.

Lots of thinking was done over the course of the weekend and decisions were reached.

Sadly, DH and I are separating after 30 years. No final decision on divorce has been reached and for the foreseeable future we'll still be in the same house (for financial reasons).

Obviously, this past week has had painful moments and lots of discussions.
We've spoken to the boy and he's taken it reasonably well, although he's concerned for both of us.

I'm sad but relieved at the same time...and trying to look forward.

The Devil Mistress

2011-10-30T09:32:00.000Z

The Devil Mistress makes her first appearance alongside Dracula (aka my little brother).

Dracula and the wicked stepmother (aka my SIL)

This was before the party......
Please ignore any photos that may surface on Facebook........I didn't realise the punch was totally alcoholic (i.e. no lemonade or anything soft) ....

More photos to follow (when my bro emails them to me).

I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all. :)

What's Rocking My World Friday...it is still just Friday..

2011-10-29T00:45:00.000+01:00

This post comes to you courtesy (well, not really...I've had to pay for Internet access) of a Premier Inn in the NE of England...they won't let me reveal the exact location for security reasons...

Before I start my list we have a winner of my birthday giveaway!!! My random number generator (aka Sir or He who must be obeyed...yes, he nabbed that before I could) chose 7...so congrats to Carole...you'll be getting a parcel in the post next week :).

And talking of parcels.....Max apparently received a parcel today..much to the bemusement of DH. Having read Penny's blog today I think I know who it's from - thank you Joanna!! Max sends lots of doggy licks...not only to your hands and face but also your ears (the ear licks are reserved for very special people). The mouth licks are reserved for me..usually at 6 in the morning..bleugh!

So, onto my gratefuls...
Old friends are first. I was taken out for a meal tonight by family friends that I hadn't seen for about three years as Doris has been battling leukaemia and wasn't well enough to make Dad's funeral. Good food, good company and lots of chat....perfect!

Parcels...for me this time! Two prizes arrived on Wednesday...my kit from WeScrap in USA and the art journalling DVD from Scrap 365 (this was pretty good as I only emailed them my address late on Mon evening). Haven't had time to do more than look at them yet.

Next are two of my favourite shops - Lush and Marks & Spencer who provided goodies for me to buy on Tuesday in Windsor. This winter I shall be wearing mainly purple...from top to toe and (after today) from the skin outwards. :)

I must mention Strictly...this year I wasn't going to get sucked in especially as I was out at a crop the night of the first show....but....I succumbed and watched the second show..I was absolutely blown away by Jason Donovan. His performance was amazing for a first dance. Apparently he spent all day Saturday practising and deserved to win..at least that's what ....shameless name dropping alert here......Brendan (Cole) said when I bumped into him in Waitrose on the Sunday.
Anyway, the show is keeping me amused on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Short break there whilst I amused the reception staff - went out for a last cigarette wearing my pj's (black flowery satin) and raincoat..this is as nothing to what they'll see tomorrow night when the Devil Mistress arrives back from the party..esp. since I found some earrings to complete the outfit...they're a bit OTT even for me.

Today I went to Dad's house for the first time since it was emptied -a really weird feeling seeing the rooms like that.

And now some confessions:
- I had to buy a birthday card for my nephew today...I know I'll be drummed out of the crafters' union but I totally did not have time to make one (ie. I forgot!!)

- I upgraded my phone on Tuesday and today I had to go into a phone shop to ask how to answer calls on it. I've been having to ring people back as I couldn't work out how to do it. How sad is that?! Apparently I have to "swipe" not "stab". And, yes, I had read the instruction book but answering calls wasn't mentioned.

I'm off now to link this to Virginia's post.

Look out for photos on Sunday. :)

Birthday Giveaway..a photo heavy post.

2011-10-25T09:49:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to ...ME!!

Yes, I'm 21..again. :)

Before I give details of the giveaway, I want to share some photos:

Anniversary/Birthday flowers..from DH

My cake..courtesy of DH and Waitrose....it's actually a very pale blue not white.

Present from Pat (before opening)...full of scrappy goodies, including a stylish magnifying glass on a chain.

Giorgio Bear from my brother and SIL.

Yes, I have a "thing" for soft toys...I even have my own Ewok (Star Wars).

Max helped me open my presents...the floor is now covered in scraps of paper that he had great fun ripping apart.

We went out for a meal last night..Indian. It was lovely and I ventured out of my comfort zone to try new dishes...Garlic Lamb....yummy!

If the weather holds we're off to Windsor for the day......yes, DH is taking me shopping!! Unheard of as he loathes shopping. M&S and Lush are where I'm aiming for..I have vouchers to spend!

And now for the giveaway.....

To go into a draw to win these goodies simply leave a comment on this post before Friday 28th.
A random number generator will decide the winner....
As I'm away over the weekend* I'll post the parcel next week.

* The hotel is supposed to have WiFi so I'm hoping to be able to get online.
I also know a bar where they have free WiFi..and onion rings. :)

And finally....thanks to Joanna who emailed last night to let me know that I'd won an art journalling DVD from Scrap 365 (new magazine) on Facebook...yay!!!
DH doesn't understand why you'd need a DVD for that.....

Celebration Time!!

2011-10-24T10:56:00.000+01:00

Yes...it's time to celebrate...

Today DH and I have been married for 30 years..
Which leads me to two thoughts...

Where are my pearls?
I'd have got less for murder...lol!

This is my card to him.

The celebration has been somewhat tempered by...me feeling like death warmed up since I had my flu jab on Saturday and the appalling events of Sunday afternoon....

I am seriously traumatised...to lose 1 - 6 is bad enough (and it's the worst defeat in my 40 + years of supporting) but to lose to City.....I was too numb to cry. Max did however get an extra long walk...he was happy.

A little good news today..I won another book for my Kindle..yay! Random number generators seem to like me at the moment. :)

So..in that spirit, I'll be back tomorrow (my birthday) with a giveaway...

Trick or Treat Blog Hop

2011-10-23T11:50:00.000+01:00

You'll find the details here

What's Rocking My World Friday - normal(ish) service has been resumed

2011-10-21T10:51:00.000+01:00

My first grateful of the week has to be ...my online friends.
Thank you so much to all of you who emailed me, texted me, left supportive messages on my blog or messaged me on other forums - I am so lucky to have you in my life.
Your support, advice, offers of help.....well, they made me cry, but in a good way. Thank you so much. I love you all.

Next up is the boy. He's taken everything in his stride, despite being somewhat bemused (and busy with his dissertation).

Max has played his part too...by taking me for long, convoluted walks (and yes, it is him taking me for walks, as anyone who has met us knows!) . We've made some new doggy friends this week including a beautiful, lively 4 month old called Anya. She's a breed I'd never heard of let alone seen - a Hamilton Hound. Swedish apparently and numbered only in their hundreds in the UK. Look out for her at Crufts.....I'd never spoken to a dog owner who shows at Crufts before..eek!

WeScrap deserves a mention for cheering me up too. I've managed to stay on track with the Fall contest (I really would love to win the Vagabond machine but enjoy the peace and quiet that my scrapping brings) and found out on Thursday that I'd won the September challenges....yay! Yummy new kit on its' way to me as I type. :)

Pinterest has kept me busy and I made the Cinnamon Roll Cake this week. Very nice it was too..but a little on the large side for two people...I'll halve the recipe in future. Next up is "Black Magic Cake".....allegedly (yes, "Have I got News for You" is back!!) the best chocolate cake ever.....I'll report back.

Amazon is next for continuing their 70% off jewellery sale....think I've sorted almost all the "female" presents on my list. :)

Bookstrand for keeping me supplied with books for my Kindle..

Bestest news of all...I'm going away...on my own...to a hotel next weekend. I'm off up to the NE to visit family and to attend a surprise Halloween party.
The costume has been sorted and is in the post.
What fun (?) I had finding it. Lots and lots to choose from (even Amazon sells them).
Two problems emerged....1.since full length costumes touched the floor on the models.....they'd swamp me. 2. the costumes that had straps (I'm always afraid strapless will lead to a "wardrobe malfunction") were all very short..so that discounted the....Victorian Vampire, Fallen Angel (complete with wings and black halo!), Bride of Dracula....
I'm going as a Red Devil....slinky red dress, red hold ups, horns and a trident that is also a crop (?)
Note here for Carmen...I did toy with the idea of Miss Whiplash but decided my height and curves didn't quite match the vinyl catsuit. :)

Carmen is organising Secret Santa for us bloggers.....I'm stalking my victim already!

I'm still planning on doing NaNoWriMo next month. I'm completing my profile and just need to put in details of what I'm writing. Once Nov. 1st is here there'll be a link to my page on the site and those who want to (yes, there are people mad enough) will be able to read my efforts.

An update. Lots of talking (that should have been done years ago) has taken place and things have settled somewhat. Changes may still take place but not without calm reflection (next weekend will provide time for that).
Monday is our 30th wedding anniversary and Tuesday is my 21st (and a bit, just don't ask how big the bit is!lol) birthday so we have things to look forward to.

Finally, thanks to the friend who "rescued" me when this all kicked off. I'll thank you properly when we next meet. :)

What's Rocking My World Friday..on Thursday

2011-10-13T12:06:00.000+01:00

Friday has been cancelled due to the after effects of some self-destructive behaviour on my part.
I walked out on Tuesday evening with the most bizarre list of personal belongings and although back again now the future is very much in the balance.
I'll be emailing some of you to update you.

Return of the Mojo and NaNoWriMo

2011-10-10T22:32:00.000+01:00

Yes, I really have done some crafting..... so thought I'd share.

First, a selection of cards for the crop on WeScrap...and for those who think I've gone over to the dark side, two of them are actually birthday cards:)

Next is a LO for the Fall Contest on WeScrap ( the one where you can win a Vagabond machine). We had to choose a LO in the gallery and do a sketchlift.

Here I am at Alexandra Palace. Important for two reasons..to remember the day and to show that I do in fact have legs and do occasionally wear girly clothes. :)
I used a Creative Imaginations kit bought ages ago from QVC - perfect colours I thought.

Finally, we have an altered mirror that I did last night. Bought at Ally Pally along with the Decopatch papers and glue. It's destined for s'one's Christmas stocking. :)

And ,yes, that is my torso in the mirror..still in my pj's.

How has my first non-smoking day gone? Weeeeeelllll, it started badly, when I sat down with my coffee and automatically lit up...oops! This did not go down well with the person assigned as support and encouragement (remember we're using the "stick" method as opposed to the "carrot"). A further lapse (due to an emotional moment) has seen my punishment doubled. :(

Add to that the fact that I've been eating industrial amounts of chocolate, I'm almost out of wine and have cleared the drinks cabinet so well that I'm down to the whiskies (bleugh) and Tia Maria ...not a good day.
I'm really going to have to watch my weight - I can't afford yet more new undies and clothes..going naked ,whilst comfortable, isn't really an option - I don't think Thame High Street is ready for that..damn, I don't think our street is ready for that!

I learnt via Facebook that I'm going to be a great-aunt again next year courtesy of my nephew (who I've threatened to disinherit if he doesn't drop the "great"). Since his partner has two boys from her marriage and he has a boy and girl from his last relationship..that will make 5. Wondering what the odds are on it being a girl?
DH's niece is also expecting next year for the first time. My SIL is so looking forward to being a Grandma...why??? I've told DS I'm much too young.

And finally...NaNoWriMo.....what is it you ask?

November is write a novel month (or at least 50,000 words of a novel) and I've signed up to do it.
It's something I've wanted to do for a while so when I saw it advertised on breakfast TV (I knew getting up early was dangerous) I decided to go for it.
Now I've just got to decide what sort of book to write...

Diary of A Middle Aged Housewife aged "old enough to know better"...based on my blog?
Erotic romance? In which case what's the British equivalent of cowboys?
Murder and mayhem?
Decisions,decisions...

Interview With.....Myself!!

2011-10-09T01:00:00.000+01:00

Amy wants us all to interview ourselves although I'm not quite sure why..

Carmen answered all the questions so I thought I'd better follow suit....in case she comes up with another new name for me....the latest is Sexy Susie Sue...I think that's an improvement on her last two for me...

1.what is your name and stuff? and any other good information. like bank account details.My name is Susan. My middle name is Jane. I only ever get called Susan when I'm in trouble...Most people call me Sue (whether I want them to or not) but I also answer to Susie, SusieJ, mother, Miss, Nick's Mum (when shouted in the High Street).I do not answer to "deaf bitch" under any circumstances as one year 8 pupil found to her cost. :)

2. what is super hot about you? don't you Dare skip this one. answer it.My sense of humour, my sarcasm (polished to a high degree) and my all round general loveliness. I am, however, under no illusions that others can see my hotness. :)
3. don't lie or cheat: what is under your couch right now?Probably crumbs.... not much room for anything else..though there could be the odd coin or pen
4. when was the last time you shaved your legs?Yesterday morning...I'm not answering for other body parts on the grounds it might incriminate me.
5. what did you have for breakfast?Two cups of strong black coffee , two madeleines and my usual round of vitamins and other assorted goodies. :( We'd run out of bananas, my usual breakfast.
6. if you could choose a new name, what would you name yourself?She who must be obeyed

7. have you ever had plastic surgery?No and I never will as I'm growing old disgracefully
8. are you afraid of the dark?No, spiders, frogs, birds in enclosed spaces yes, but the dark, no
9. are you a hermit?okay. Amy checked wikipedia and if this is right: "In modern colloquial usage, the term "hermit" is sometimes used for anyone living a life apart from the rest of society, or who simply does not participate in social events as much as is common, regardless of their motivation in doing so."Then i might be a little bit.but not too much.
10. why do you blog?To communicate, to share, to spread joy and laughter...Why should my family be the only ones to suffer? lol

The End.

What's Rocking My World Friday (the censored version)

2011-10-07T10:45:00.000+01:00

Great..it's Friday again..oh, joy,...one week nearer to (dare I say it?)..Christmas.

Speaking of which..two links for you.
My first gratefuls of the week are June at Dezinaworld who has branched out from her fabulous vintage downloads into goody bags...perfect crafty stocking fillers.
And Carmen fellow crafter,reader and wine drinker who is organising a Secret Santa swap for her regular followers - I'm in!

Next is the blog "When One is Not Enough" which makes fascinating reading and where I won a book for my Kindle this week - a free book ...yay!

And still on all things internet, my cyber friends who I'm getting to know better and better and some of whom I'm meeting in real life. I met one this week (this is the friend who distracts me on a Wednesday, although usually via email/text) and the meeting was everything and more that I could have wished for. Hopefully I'll be meeting at least two more (Penny and Joanna!) in the next couple of weeks. Thanks to Virginia, Queen of the Rockettes, who emailed the link for her gorgeous mini-book. Thanks too to Joanna who "suggested" the following for my fancy dress (I'm still working on getting to that party)..."a virgin for a vampire"....interesting on so many levels...I did think of going as Jacob from Twilight but there might be a problem with me taking my shirt off..

Which leads neatly into my next grateful...which is... that even at my age I'm able to learn new skills, to have new experiences and to make new friends. I don't think I need say any more on that.

Pinterest is next as this was the week that I finally made something rather than just pinning. I made the "buttermilk-blueberry breakfast cake" and it was delicious..sadly, I had to eat most of it myself as apparently "there were too many blueberries in it"..is it possible to have too many blueberries??

Sky Movies for showing "New Moon" again yesterday afternoon - it saw me through the "i" word.

Haven't heard from the boy this week..well not since he was on his way to the pub to watch the Arsenal match on Sunday..oh, dear...

I've tormented the other Arsenal supporter in the house (Max is a Man Utd fan, despite what the others say!!) with my Man Utd hoody - well he won't let me put the heating on. :(

Things learned this week:
1. Be careful what you wish for...last week I complained about the heat...I didn't mean for it get this cold. Still, it means I can swap summer pj's for my winter ones....I'm particularly fond of the red ones with reindeers. :) And I can dig out the fluffy bed socks - my feet are always cold. Such a glamorous look..

2. Ironing is bad for your health.
I could hardly walk by yesterday evening..standing and ironing was not a good idea esp. after unaccustomed exercise the evening before.

3. It is a bad idea to make appointments for Weds. morning even if it is to see your GP.
That would probably have been OK had I been able to come straight home, but I'd sold a book on Amazon so had to go into town to post it. Extreme nausea and dizziness meant a taxi home (money I could have used for stash!).
I have to go for my flu jab tomorrow at the special clinic. :(

Next week is give up smoking (again) week.
The "it's for the good of your health" approach and the "carrot" approach haven't worked....so this time it's the "stick" approach..
I'll let you know how I get on.

A final word at the start of what is going to be an emotional weekend.
I'm still grateful for the things I was grateful for this time last year.
It's the first anniversary on my Dad's death and I still miss him so much...he was the one who introduced me to cricket (from being a toddler) and football. From him I also got my love of crosswords and quizzes and he was the one who taught me to read.
Love you Dad xx

WeScrap Autumn Challenge...just look at the prize!!

2011-10-04T09:20:00.000+01:00

Yes, this is indeed the first prize in a month long challenge.

Check out http://www.wescrap.com/

You'll meet an amazing group of women (well, I'm a member aren't I? lol) - we have fun, do lots of creating, swap tips and techniques and have monthly challenges and weekly sketches.

If you do decide to join and take part in the challenge please mention my name - we'll both get extra entries to the draw for the big prize - can't be bad!!

What's Rocking My World Friday (and yes, I do know it's Saturday)

2011-10-01T14:59:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the late posting but, as I spent yesterday in a fog of pain killers and a miasma of Deep Heat (blimey, it does what it says on the tin - it's hot!and it stings!and it smells!), had I posted yesterday it probably wouldn't have made much sense.
I've been having problems with my right knee and lower leg, so haven't been sleeping much. As I wanted to go out last night, drastic action was called for...a day spent reclining and reading and resting...

So, on to the gratefuls for this week.

#1 has to be Amazon who replaced my poorly Kindle.
The on/off button had stopped working (probably from overuse, I hear you say..you may well be right) so I emailed them on Tuesday morning. Within half an hour they were on the phone to me and my replacement was in my hot little hands by Weds. lunchtime. That is what I call excellent customer service. All the books from them that I'd archived were immediately available (a bit of a shame as I'd planned a cull lol!) all I had to do was download the others plus books from other sites.
The poorly Kindle was collected yesterday, free of charge, unlike D's tax form on which postage had to be paid. :(
They also deserve a mention for having a 70% off jewellery sale this week. I have started my Christmas shopping..earrings are the gift this year..now to decide what to get for the women on my list. :)

#2 is A Maze of Memories for a wonderful crop evening yesterday. I managed a double LO and a single. Christina had provided the usual kit with the added bonus of a sketch...being me I used the sketch for one LO and the kit for another (I think the idea was to use them together but Christina knows me and Pat well - we live to deviate).
And, because the weather is totally unseasonal (more of that later) our usual red/white wine was replaced with Pimms...yummy and very healthy with all the fruit...it must have counted as one of my 5-a-day. :)

Here are the LOs plus one I made earlier (always wanted to say that!!). All are for the Sept. challenges on WeScrap:

I know I left it a bit late to submit them but cut off time was midnight ECT.

Not being able to work out what time that is here I was up until 01:30

#3 is friends and family.
The boy kept me occupied on Tuesday and Weds. evenings...texting him the scores from the Champions League matches.....lectures have started again and he's busy.....it was very thoughtful of him to keep me busy too. :)

Pat for taking me to the crop last night..I'm going to miss her as she's off to the USA on Weds....Virginia and thereabouts this time...next year it's Canada. She will of course be on the lookout for scrapbooking shops.

Carmen for sending me her review copy of "Painted Pages"...awesome book...and a surprise in the post...I couldn't remember ordering anything and was having a mild panic at my "loss of memory". :( Thanks Carmen..once my cards are out of the way I'm going to experiment.

Other friends for their emails,texts and phone calls which have kept me occupied and away from trouble (they wish!). :)

My nephew's partner/girlfriend/fiance (those who follow them on FB will know their status changes on a daily basis - two weeks ago they'd split up) for inviting us to a Halloween Fancy Dress party in Durham to celebrate his 30th b'day. I keep forgetting that he was born a week after D & I got married.
Still working on getting there as someone doesn't want to drive that far and doesn't seem keen to let me go on my own. I don't know why as I'm perfectly well behaved (just forget the karaoke incident in 2008 and the asking of two heterosexual men if they were "partners" - oops!):( My little brother would look after me I'm sure.

#4 is WeScrap for organising a two day card crop in honour of World Cardmaking Day which is today.
The first four challenges are posted and by the end of the afternoon I should have 1 b'day card and 7 Christmas cards made.

So that's how I'm going to spend today - TV with sound off tuned to Gillette Soccer Saturday, Radio 5 Live on (as long as it's our match) and making some cards.

Questions of the week:
What is the right size glass for Rose wine?
My everyday glasses don't suit - the white wine are on the small side and the red wine are enormous, seriously, you only get three glasses from a bottle.
Carmen and I are determined to help Virginia achieve her dream of a Christmas tree made from empty wine bottles..as seen on Pinterest.

What is with this weather?
Total agreement with Carmen here..we should be back in jeans and sweaters, not being forced to wear girly skirts and things.

Book of the week (as recommended by the Sunday Times):
"A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness

Daemons,vampires,witches and set in Oxford (at least that's where it starts). I have it on my Kindle (£4.99)but it's also available in paperback (for £3 more). I'm really enjoying it.

Almost kick-off time so I'm going to make a coffee and get myself settled at my table...when I've found my Christmas stash..

A Grand Day Out (and I'm no longer a virgin)

2011-09-26T16:32:00.000+01:00

Yesterday (Sunday) was a much anticipated day out...the day of the Stamp and Craft Show @ Ally Pally.

Pat drove us up to London (well, she has a car and I don't and although I can drive, I don't).

We stopped at IKEA on the N Circular and I am no longer an IKEA virgin.
That place is massive (as in size and not the other meaning) and busy..I think Dante had just visited when he wrote his "Inferno".

I did buy some odds and ends..

all of which are destined to become Christmas presents (though I may keep one of the notebooks for myself). I have a cunning plan for the frames, thanks to Pinterest.

The show itself was worth a visit..much nicer than the NEC..busy but not too crowded and the crafty people had time to chat.
Purchases were of course made:

Papers by Webster's Pages,lots of TH like embellishments (but not as expensive) and a Zentangle book - I'm hoping to improve my doodling skills or just have a change from Sudoku. :)

Card supplies, Christmas ribbon (like I really needed any more) and a mirror that is going to be covered using Decopatch and will end up under someone's Christmas tree.

Photos were taken by Pat but I won't get my copies until Friday. I plan on doing a LO as yesterday was noteworthy in that a) I wore a dress b) you could see my legs c) I elicited a "You look nice.." from D. Talk about "steps back in amazement.."

I'd had enough well before Pat but managed to find activities to keep me out of mischief...
One of them was watching the people/choirs arriving for the filming of "Songs of Praise". Judging by some of the party hats being carried it may well have been the Christmas episode (but I could be wrong).

We deliberately took the wrong turn that we found on our last visit and made it home in just over an hour..if only we could remember it on the way there as it cuts out lots of the fiddly parts of the journey.

Back home normal service was resumed- back in jeans and my Man Utd hoodie to walk Max.

I nearly came a cropper while walking him. I've always sort of looked down on people who walk their dogs while texting or chatting on their mobiles as not paying enough attention to their pets.
Well, guess what? I was texting last night (it was a fascinating conversation and we both had plans so couldn't text /talk later) and almost got hit in the face by a rogue football - I looked up at the last minute and managed to avoid it. Max came rushing over (he was off lead) and we (the boy who kicked the ball, his father and I) all thought it was to check up on me. No, it was to chase the football. That puts me in my place.

I'd been planning to watch the rerun of the Singapore GP but got sidetracked by the T20 cricket.....so wish I hadn't...I'm not used to England losing cricket matches...
Only two positives in the game for me:
Borthwick had the best bowling average, he took his first wicket in an England shirt, pulled off a great catch and had second highest batting total.
Stokes made the most runs.
These two are both Durham youngsters and as the signs say when you enter the county, "Durham A First Class County". Others say "Land of the Prince Bishops". Seeing those signs on the A1M means I'm almost home.

If you've made it this far you deserve a coffee (or s'thing stronger).
Hugs xx

What's Rocking My World Friday (with pictures and sex tape)

2011-09-22T22:25:00.000+01:00

Apparently this blog is being brought to you by"The Cougar". This is my new nickname, courtesy of Carmen......mmm, at first I didn't know how I felt about this but then realised that yes, all the men in my life are younger than me*, so it probably fits. :)

So, gratefuls for this week...

First has to be DH being away for most of it.. I know this may sound odd, but with him working from home so much we're always in close proximity and since Dad died I don't get my weekends away (to chill, be silly, live it up, hear rock bands etc etc). It is possible to have too much of a good thing.

So...while he's been in Edinburgh (2 days), Newcastle (today) and Leeds (tomorrow) what have I been doing?
Get the boring stuff out of the way first....yes, the "h" word. I took the opportunity to do stuff that I can't do when he's home...bad idea! I thought the "h" word was dangerous and now I know it's true...my back is killing me ..
Didn't have to do the "i" word..the basket is empty ...

I've been able to...
- watch football on the main TV rather than in DS's room
- eat what I want, when I want..or not eat if that's what I feel like
- have MTV playing without complaint
- have a drink without being tutted at (he's virtually teetotal as he drives so much :()
- play as much as I want (and boy, have I played..)
- not go to the supermarket as I haven't run out of anything

I have missed him, of course I have, and will be pleased when he's home tomorrow night...but it's been wonderful just having myself (and Max) to please. And Max is easy..a couple of walks a day, food and cuddles in bed..

So what else has rocked my world?

Friends who seem to have discovered a way to make Wednesday not such a trial. I may not get much done but I certainly feel better (and more positive) for their phone calls and texts..so thanks to Pat and Phil (another transplanted Northerner) for cheering me up.

Parcels!! Yes, my toys arrived (fun!)but I also got my prize from WeScrap for the "Deal or No Deal" Challenge. Four of us tied for 1st place with 14 points so extra prizes were awarded ..

Lots of crafty goodness there.

The demo day with Lindsay Mason at A Maze of Memories on Saturday. Loved the techniques and Lindsay is a lovely person, but I have to say, the stamps we used weren't really my thing. Here's the card I made:

I do have one friend who is very religious and will appreciate this card.

Man Utd....for two good wins over teams that I hate us playing..Chelsea and Leeds.

Sadly, the Durham boys were third in the Cricket 1st Division.. but not by many points...it was tight at the top.

Experimenting with candles and pegs and things..

Question of the week:
Why, oh why, have female singers re-introduced the "gym knicker"?
Yes, you Pixie Lott and you, Nicola, from Girls Aloud. It wasn't a good look when we had to wear them (ours were bottle green) and it's not a good look now!

Book of the week:
Actually, six of them, the "Wilde" series by Chloe Lang.
Girl falls in love with 5 brothers (cowboys Joanna!!) and gets to marry them all.
They range from a very sweet youngest to a full on 24/7 Master, the eldest. Much too good to be true..but we can dream. :)

So there you have it.. a week when the first Christmas card was made (along with a b'day card for N's girlfriend Vicky) and I had time to please myself for once - bliss.
I'd just like to wish a certain someone Happy 40th Birthday (no names, no pack drill) and leave you with the promised sex tape....

Pinterest has a lot to answer for!

*Despite his claiming to be "a child bride" DH is, in fact ,only 8 months younger than me.

One more task to accomplish then I'm off to bed.

A - Z of Me

2011-09-22T00:42:00.000+01:00

Got this from Carmen and thought it might be fun:

A. Age: 21 and a bit (just don't ask how big the bit is)

B. Bed size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: I HATE all housework but especially the "i" word

D. Dogs: 1 a Lab/Collie cross called Max - he's a big softie..all 30+ kilos of him

E. Essential start to your day: COFFEE! I do not function without at least two cups - black and strong

F. Favorite color: Blue, red, purple..

G. Gold or Silver:Gold

H. Height: 5' (and half an inch - that makes all the difference!)

I. Instruments you play: None

J. Job title: "Lady of Leisure"/homemaker/reader/scrapbooker/dog walker

K. Kids: 1 boy - I use the term loosely since he's now 22 and 6' tall.

L. Live: transplanted Northerner living in the South

M. Must haves: Coffee, books, wine, stash for scrapbooking

N. Nicknames: haven't got one and I feel deprived :(
O. Overnight hospital stays: too many to mention - they don't let you out that fast after a C section

P. Pet peeves: Rudeness. Cyclists who ride on pavements and don't follow the Highway code (yes, it does apply to them!!). Bad/sloppy grammar. Reality TV. Too much packaging on goods.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Nobody puts Baby in the corner.." from "Dirty Dancing"

R. Rhubarb or Custard: Rhubarb

S. Save or spend: Sadly...spend

T. Tea or Coffee: Coffee

U. Underwear: Hi-legs

V. Vegetable you hate: asparagus and artichokes

W. What makes you run late: The internet. My Kindle.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: I think only my brain hasn't been X rayed/scanned

Y. Yummy food that you make: Old English trifle. Pavlova. Eccles cakes.Chilli. Lasagne.Steak and kidney pie (suet crust).Squash gratin.

Z. Zoo animal: Meerkats. giraffes

So, now you know lots of "useful and interesting" facts about me...why don't you try it?

What's Rocking My World Friday (with pictures)

2011-09-16T01:00:00.000+01:00

Another week, another Friday,another win (and a draw) for Man Utd and another list of gratefuls...

First has to be D's employers for the weekend away (to mark his being with the company 30 years).
We had a lovely and mainly restful time in North Wales - stuck to the coast, so I still haven't seen Mount Snowdon but we def. want to go back. It won't be to the same hotel though....much too expensive for our budget but bliss to stay in.

This is a side view of the hotel "proper" - most of it dates from the 16th century. We ate in the dining room on our first evening..it was all very quiet and silver service - felt like we should have dressed for dinner (and yes, I do have some posh frocks and an evening skirt - a hangover from when I used to interpret at Civic Balls and the like). The food was delicious but "nouvelle cuisine" i.e. beautifully presented but small portions. Needless to say we ate in the bistro the next night - much more us - and then had room service on the last night.

This was our cottage, The Bailiff's House - we even had our own private garden

There were interesting walks for Max in the adjoining woods so he was in his element.

Max is my next grateful, for his ability to spot dog lovers and make friends. He ended up on his back, having his tummy rubbed by strange women in Llandudno and Conwy...he's so easy!

M&S security dept. have to be next for alerting me to the fact that my card has been "compromised"....they phoned me Thurs. afternoon to check that a couple of payments were genuine..sadly they weren't. It got a bit embarrassing when he checked my latest purchases to make sure they were genuine, ebooks from USA fine (he didn't know what sort of books they were) but one was an order for some toys...
So that's me with no card for at least a week...no shopping then :( Just hope it arrives before Ally Pally on 25th.

I am not grateful for the cold I brought back from Wales..I normally only sneeze that much after copious amounts of red wine. :(

Friends are high on my list again this week. Carmen deserves a special mention for a) her lovely email and b)her link on FB to the "purple song".
Others have sent me funny and/or "instructive" emails, kept me occupied via text (so sad that they stopped me doing any of the "h" word) and generally cheered me up by phoning and chatting.

Things to look forward to this weekend:
Demo day and "Make & Take" with Lindsay Mason at A Maze of Memories on Saturday.
Man Utd v Chelsea (actually I'm in two minds as to whether I am looking forward to this) and Indy Car race on Sunday.

Music of the week:
"Called Out in the Dark" by Snow Patrol - great song and video with the rather lovely Jack Davenport..sigh..

Question of the week:
Why, in films and on TV can women go to bed wearing full make up and get up the next morning without a smudge? When I do it I wake up looking like a Panda.

I think that's it for this week, so I'm off to check in with Virginia.

What's Rocking My World Friday....Dressing like a grown-up and stumbling in heels.

2011-09-08T22:34:00.000+01:00

Another week has gone by and I'm actually very pleased that this one is almost over.
Difficult to think of any positives although there must have been some...

Erm..I had my hair cut on Monday, different hairdresser (mine was on holiday) and the new girl actually made a better job of it..not everyone can do an inverted bob.

Oh, yes...I solved the Max/ weekend problem (at a price) by changing hotels..the new one is even better (and has a spa) and has 200 acres of garden/parkland/woods...yes, Max is coming with us. He's still sulking about us leaving him behind on Tuesday and not collecting him until Weds. afternoon.

Ooh, I got to stay in a Holiday Inn at Elstree on Tues. night. Sadly, all the Travelodges/Premier Inns we tried were full..it was such a hardship...NOT!
Nice meal (that wasn't cooked by me) and a comfortable bed.

The funeral went as well as these things ever go...unfortunately the aftermath has been unpleasant - to the extent that we saw a solicitor today. He just confirmed what we knew - too late to do anything (by 23 years, which is when D's father died and his will mysteriously went missing). My MIL was D's stepmother (his Mum died when he was only 7).

I dressed like a grown-up for the funeral..including tights and heels..yes, I wore a dress. The heels weren't too bad on Tuesday but I forgot to pack flats for Weds. After stumbling around St Alban's (literally) for an hour, I retired to the public library and spent a happy half-hour checking my emails etc. My legs and feet have still not recovered...the physio knew what she was talking about when she warned me off wearing heels too often...but I love pretty shoes!

I'm grateful for the people who have emailed and phoned to offer support and have threatened all sorts of things to cheer me up and de-stress me when my routine is back to normal. The jury's out on whether I'm looking forward to all of them :)

Song of the week:
Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger" - great video

Book of the week:
"Selected Poems" by Robert Frost. I love poetry :) And it does make a change from my "normal" reading.

Surreal moment of the week:
Just now when I dashed upstairs to google "bras" to find out when they were first developed. It's surreal because at the time we were watching a documentary on the formation of British Rail and the end of the steam train.*

I'm posting this early as I'm tired and going to bed soon and I have to pack for our weekend away in the morning. Normal service will be resumed on Monday evening..although I'm taking my laptop with me..ostensibly so that we can play Bejeweled but really 'cos I get withdrawal symptoms if I can't log on.

I'm leaving you with another gem from Pinterest:

And I bet you're singing it now!!

Do check out the other Rockettes and have a great weekend..whatever you're doing. :)

* The question was prompted by an advert for the sponsors of the programme not the programme itself.

Say Cheese!

2011-09-03T19:58:00.000+01:00

Title of today's LO.

Made for a sketch challenge...a little bit brighter than my usual work but the papers seemed to fit the photo. DS Nick and Vicky at Glastonbury (and no, we don't know who the man in blue is but there's been a whole thread on FB!).

Not content with Glasto and then Serbia, the pair of them are off to the Isle of Wight for Bestival next weekend.

Which has left us with a problem..they were supposed to be here, looking after Max! My SIL (DH's sister) can't (or won't) have him...the hotel does accept pets so I'll have to contact them...guess he's coming to Snowdonia with us..that was not the plan.

Was going to do the "i" word today but rain stopped play.

Watched the football last night and ended up with tears streaming down my face..it wasn't that bad but the second half was so boring I decided to finish the book I was reading...bad move as it was a real tearjerker, although I did feel better for having a good cry.

Plan for this evening...red wine and another LO..I'm trying to get ahead on the Sept. challenges as I'll lose next weekend.

And how's this for service?
I ordered some stamps from Chocolate Baroque on Thursday afternoon and had them in my little paws by lunchtime yesterday..and it was free p&p.

Right, off to see how many points Durham got today.

What's Rocking My World Friday...halo demolished, gratuitous eye candy..

2011-09-02T02:21:00.000+01:00

OK...it's Friday again..very, very early Friday but I can't sleep... and I'm going to have to dig deep this week....

It's not been the best of weeks as I've been almost permanently in pain. It's all right the hospital saying that fibromyalgia treatment is a question of "mind over matter"....but if they don't teach me how and refuse to prescribe drugs (some sufferers are on morphine ..thankfully I'm not that bad) I'm going to take it into my own hands.... halo totally smashed.. this week I've had chocolate (bliss), red wine (even more bliss) and cream cakes...yummy!!

No alternative therapies on offer this Wednesday, sadly, so I spent most of the day lying down and reading.....
This week's books are totally to blame on Joanna...yes, I've been reading about cowboys..Yee ha!! Modern cowboys, 19th century cowboys...who cares? ..they're all hot...at least they are in the books I've been reading. :)

Puppies are my next grateful...pay attention as this may get complicated..amongst my Facebook friends I have two with exactly the same name. One is my SIL (brother's second wife) and one is someone I came across via the Andrex puppy (how sad is it that one of my FB friends is the Andrex puppy?) both of them bear my maiden name (and yes, that does complicate things when I'm amongst family). The one who's not my SIL has two dogs - Clyde, a lab/collie cross, and Chloe, a golden retriever. They've just had puppies...10 of them...and they all take after their dad....they're black with the odd white marking. They're now nearly three weeks old and absolutely gorgeous. I want a mini Max!!

Pause here whilst I unwrap a bar of Lindt Creation Hazelnut deluxe...it was on offer at Waitrose and I couldn't resist..mmmmm..dark chocolate and nuts...heaven.

So what else springs to mind?
The football on Sunday - I took no great pleasure in the result (Man Utd 8 - Arsenal 2) as it was embarrassingly easy and I felt for the boy. Spoke to him before the match to say, "May the best team win" and his reply was, "You're going to win. Frankly I'd be happy if we kept all 11 players on the pitch.." ..they didn't..I must be feeling sorry for him, I've just ordered all his course books for the year through my Amazon account.

Cricket.. my boys made the semi-finals of the 40 over competition (no advertising here..well, I can't actually remember the name of the sponsor) and England won the T20 match v. India...exciting final over..still can't forgive them for the way they've treated Collingwood but Durham are benefitting.

Music this week is stuck in the 80's. For some reason I'm singing ..."up where we belong.." with eagles flying etc etc...

I have managed one LO which I'll share:

The boy and Vicky - they've seen it on FB and like it. All papers,ribbons,stamps and embellies - Little Yellow Bicycle "Love Letters" and can you see that I've just bought a heart punch??

Website of the week "Chocolate Baroque" as featured (with a discount code) in Craft Stamper - I had to buy..honest (it would have been rude not to).. Steampunk Christmas here we come!!

My friend Audrey deserves a mention as she's going to look after Max while we're at the funeral on Tuesday and then doing "whatever"on Weds. I suppose I'll just have to shop....

Can't think of anything else so I'll leave you with some gratuitous eye candy:

Hugs xx

Little Miss Sunshine

2011-08-28T14:52:00.000+01:00

Yep, that's me (it says so on my trainer socks so it must be true). Although to the rest of the family I'm "little miss bossy" and I have the keyring to prove it.

Finally have a date for the funeral - 6th September. Gives me time to get my hair sorted and make arrangements for Max. It's not until the afternoon, so DH wants us to stay in a hotel overnight as he has sites to visit in Colchester and Ipswich. Saves him a journey or two. I will have to find myself something to do....craft shops anyone? I like Colchester but wasn't impressed with Ipswich on my one and only visit......since that was well over 20 years ago, it may have changed..hopefully.

I promised you a double LO and here it is:

Photos of my maternal grandfather during WW1. Papers by K&CO "Life's Journey". The postcards (HMS Calypso and the island of Malta) are in cellophane and can be flipped to read the messages (both written to his father). Cellophane is sealed with paper cut on a TH die.
You probably can't see but the football team and the photo with the mascot are from when he was on HMS Ark Royal. I know he went to Odessa to help the White Russians during the revolution but not much more sadly.

This a LO I made last night for week 3 of Deal or No Deal? I had to use either naked (or nekkid*) chipboard or Kraft paper on my LO:

Photo of DS aged about 11 with my parents. The papers are called "Kraft Obsession" and are by Sultane (a French company).

I'm planning to do more scrapping over the long weekend. I have some photos of DS Nick and Vicky (from over the summer) to play with. :)

Sportswise...Button is currently running 3rd in the GP; it's only an hour and a quarter until the football (I cannot believe that L******l are top of the league); Indy car at 9:30 tonight.

Will I still be "Little Miss Sunshine" this evening?

*"nekkid" - southern USA pronunciation. I really am reading too many American novels.

And I leave you with another little gem from Pinterest:

What's Rocking My World Friday (and a slightly more shiny halo)

2011-08-26T00:05:00.000+01:00

Before I start on the gratefuls...some answers to questions posed and a request....
Since you asked sooooo nicely Joanna..here are close ups of the double LO..

Virginia, I tried to get a picture of a mandolin but the only ones I could find were the really expensive, flash ones that have safety features so that you don't slice your fingers......obviously not like mine.
A few weeks ago you also asked about the "red herrings". In English I had a knack/gift/penchant ?? for asking questions that on the surface appeared perfectly reasonable. Five to ten minutes into his answer the teacher would discover that we were in fact way off topic. What can I say, it's just the way my mind works and it's still annoying people today....

We still have no word on when my MIL's funeral will be - I'm guessing sometime next week.

So, onto the gratefuls..

A*****l for reaching the Champions League...hopefully this will have put a smile on the boy's face...he was threatening to stop watching football altogether.
Man Utd for the second half of Monday's match - awesome (forget the first half).

"Un Village Francais" - three episodes of this saw me clear the "i" word...one of the reasons my halo is sparkling again. :) Only have one episode left now and I'm wondering how many series they're going to make - this was the second and we haven't reached the end of 1941 yet.

Wednesday...which most of you know is a lost day for me usually. This week I had the best Weds. for over four years. Normally no-one contacts me, just leaves me be. This week was different..a flurry of emails, texts and phone calls, some suggesting "alternative therapies", quite took my mind off the nausea and I actually felt human by lunchtime. Max was the beneficiary as he had an extra long walk. Thank you to those concerned. :)

Other reasons for the sparkling halo - no chocolate or red wine has been consumed*, I totally resisted buying anything from the QVC Christmas Craft day and I didn't moan/flounce out of the room when DH made me switch over from the cricket. Probably a bit late to be asking this..but how did I manage to marry someone with zero interest in sport apart from motor racing?

* some white wine has been consumed..well, I had to taste it before using it in my bolognese sauce.

Only one kitchen incident this week and that was today when I smashed the handle off a mug. Fortunately just an everyday one and not "Drama Queen" or "I'm having trouble dealing with the fact that Edward Cullen is a fictional character".

And, I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. Since the choice of belly dancer was cruelly taken away from me in my 20's, I've decided I want to be a femme fatale. Not too sure of the full job description but I think I could do it.

I have finished another double LO but I'll save the photos for my next post.
Hugs xx

Back on a More Even Keel (well, as even as I'll ever be).

2011-08-23T11:05:00.000+01:00

This a much happier post as I've come to terms with my MIL's death and have tried to stop thinking about the anniversary coming up (one of them at least...I'm still dropping "pearl" hints about the other one...sadly, I think the hints are falling on deaf ears).

Sunday afternoon was wonderful. It was ever so quiet and I was able to spread all my stuff out...I'm not the tidiest of scrappers. It was also lovely to see my friend Jan and have a chat and a laugh.

I managed to finish one double LO, a single LO and almost complete a second double. All were for the monthly challenges on WeScrap. I can show you two of them - the other still needs a title adding.

This was for a "recipe" challenge and I managed to use up all my primary school photos.
A companion piece "Growing Old...Disgracefully" is to follow.

This one was for a "Keep It Simple" challenge. Photos of my uncle during WW2 - journalling to be added by either my aunt or my cousin.

So what else has been happening here?

Some excellent sports results in both cricket and football (3 - 0 and, with my immaculate timing, I completely missed the first goal).
A prediction that West Brom will win this weekend - I've put Stoke to win in the Sky Sports competition that I take part in. After only two weeks I'm joint 6th with -3 points....b****y Arsenal have let me down both weeks. Actually, bearing in mind what happened during the World Cup, I jinxed them.

Kitchen incidents of a harmful nature - 1.
Accidental stabbing of hand with fork (preparing jacket potatoes). No blood spilt.

Parcels to get excited about - 3.
All arrived at once yesterday...my Man Utd membership pack and some clothes from the sales @M&S online.
What does it mean when the thing that excites you about your new pj's is not the lovely colour (red), nor the lovely price (£5) but the fact that they have a gorgeous, broad cream bow and ribbon round them?

Burning questions:
Why do egg yolks always break when you need them whole (frying and poaching) but stubbornly remain intact when scrambling or making omelette?

Dare I take my Kindle into the bath with me? I'm a bit wary after the paperback incident last year (answer to question posed then - 3 days).

If Oprah says something is it true?
I ask because Carmen (who has disappeared again!) did the quiz I linked into last Friday's post and Oprah said she's "an Artist".
She also said that I'm "intellectual and nurturing....."
We both think that ,if Oprah says it, it must be true. :)

Today I really, really must tackle the "i" word. I've run out of excuses and displacement activities. Although..... I do need to make a sympathy card....mmm.......nah, that won't take all afternoon....

A Not So Happy Post

2011-08-21T22:27:00.000+01:00

Today's post was supposed to be a happy one about my afternoon spent cropping and with photos of the the LOs I did.

Sadly, my step- SIL phoned this evening to let us know that David's stepmother (my MIL) died at lunchtime. She'd been ill for a while but it was still a shock.

I had to phone DS Nick and tell him. He was quite shaken as she was the last of his grandparents (he only ever had three as D's father died before he was born).

It's also brought my Dad's death back to the forefront of my mind. I'm not in a happy place right now and don't know when I'll feel up to posting again.

Hugs xx

What's Rocking My World Friday

2011-08-19T10:25:00.000+01:00

Another rocking Friday means another week has slipped by in the blink of an eye.
So what are my gratefuls for this week?

I had the house to myself (apart from Max) yesterday!! Woohoo! Time to do all the things I can't do when DH is working from home...like hoovering (bleugh!) and other more pleasant things..like have MTV playing all day..and other naughty stuff..

DS Nick is high on the list for the laughs and hugs.
Conversation between him and me whilst MTV was showing Beyonce's "Wedding" video:
Me: I want a new body for Christmas
N: yeeeees...?
Me: Yes, I was thinking of JLO but now I think I'd like Beyonce instead.
N: (whilst looking me up and down) Be realistic Mother.
It was the "mother" that got me. He very, very rarely calls me that. The last time was when I took Vicky to the card class and he told me a. to look after her and b. to behave myself. He knows me too well....though I'm hard pressed as to how he thought I could misbehave at a craft class. :)
The house is still quiet since he and Vicky went back to Bristol but I'm getting
used to it now (and secretly enjoying it).
I'll need to use his room on Monday evening for the football (Man Utd. v Spurs).

Max is next for the way he joined in a game of frisbee with two total strangers yesterday. He's been used to a stream of boys through the house while N. was growing up and thinks that he knows all the older teenagers/20 year olds we come across - this can lead to inappropriate behaviour. Not the leg humping sort as he's been "seen to" (and guess who took him to the vet's for that...the boys refused for some reason) but more the "ooh, a ball/frisbee..I'll just run off with this and get them to chase me" sort..

Jamie Oliver for his Punchy Pork Chilli recipe (which we love and hadn't had for a while) - I made it yesterday. Don't think you're meant to have naan bread with it but that was what was in the fridge. I forgot to get the garlic bread out of the freezer, which is in the garage and it was raining..

Speaking of which...I was going to do the "i" word yesterday (had got the film choice down to "Mamma Mia" or "Dirty Dancing") when the rain stopped and the sun appeared. Good time to walk Max thinks I.....hah! Half way through, the heavens opened and two drowned rats came home. Such a good look and perfume..eau de chien trempe. Much too late to do the "i" word then.....

Other people's blogs have entertained me this week. I found this link on Sue Sykes's blog and did the quiz: Who Am I Meant to Be?
Apparently, I'm intellectual and a nurturer and teacher was one of the jobs I should do - there's a surprise!

Question of the week:
Why do batteries run out at the most inopportune moments?

Realisation of the week:
I should not be allowed anywhere near sharp objects (as people do not like blood in their cheesy potatoes). I sliced my thumb while using a mandolin to slice the potatoes. N. kindly took over (for the reason in the brackets above).

Music of the week:
David Guetta's "Little Bad Girl" for the video
Emeli Sande's "Heaven" for this line..."Oh, heaven I wake with good intentions, but the day it always lasts too long.." So me.

Things to look forward to:
Cropping on Sunday
Football on Saturday & Monday - yes, I'll watch A*****l v. L*******l.
May watch the cricket, but it's a dead rubber really.

I'll be reading real books this week as I've exceeded my (self imposed) monthly limit on Kindle. So back to murder and mayhem instead or erotic romance. DH will start worrying again...he thinks I'm planning the perfect murder as that's normally all I read.

Have been busy on Pinterest this week and found this little gem:

And on that note I'll leave you and log in with Virginia, the Queen of the Rockettes...

Nearly forgot....welcome back Carmen!!!

The Day Out..that wasn't and some more crafting (thrown in for free)

2011-08-16T11:13:00.000+01:00

So, yesterday, supposed to be the day I met Joanna and Penny and saw Tracey Emin's work for myself, in London, a grand day out, sun was shining.....only I didn't make it. Three hours sleep (couldn't get comfortable) and one swollen foot put a stop to my gallivanting. I could scream - literally.
I'd like to blame the "power walking" I did on Sunday...but I know it's a flare up. I've learnt to not plan outings.....friends phone up on the day and if I'm fit I go....less disappointment that way. :(
Penny has another outing in mind.....fingers crossed....I'm not even going to mention where to in the hope if that if I don't think about it, I'll get there. :)

Ah, yes, power walking...I didn't set out to do it..honest.
DS Nick accompanied me to Waitrose so that I could not only do my shopping but also the vital "going back to Uni food parcel shopping". Bear in mind he's a good foot taller than me (and I only have little legs) and you'll understand why I had to power walk to keep up. Then it was time for me to walk Max (after the football of course) or should I say it was time for Max to pull me round the estate in search of lovely smells and his doggy friends. Ouch!

Nick was supposed to go back to Bristol yesterday but is still here. Bonus, so is Vicky, his girlfriend. She was at the Wilderness Festival, somewhere in Oxfordshire, and it made sense for her to come here (she arrived at midnight Sunday). They'll travel back to Bristol together...either today or tomorrow...uncertain because A*****l are on TV tonight....and N. wants to see the match. I don't mind watching them either as it's preferable to most of the rubbish on TV at the moment (and it will keep me away from MTV, which will be a relief to the rest of the inmates).

Now for the crafting...
WeScrap are running a Deal or No Deal Challenge at the moment - great fun!
My week 1 suitcase had the challenge "use a tip or technique from the site (worth 3 points).
I chose to do "entwined flowers" as posted by Bev.
It's also for the Scrap Club August challenge, a scraplift:

I used Sassafrass Lass "Indie Girl" papers.

My week 2 challenge was to do "a photo collage using at least four photos" (worth 4 points). I'm also entering this for Sue's "Leave Your Legacy" challenge:

All materials Club Scrap "Scholastic".

And finally another "Joy Fold" card. Made last week but had to wait for it to be received before showing it:

Made using one of my favourite lines - Basic Grey "Ambrosia".

I forgot to mention that I've treated myself to some new perfume. CKOne "Shock" for her. I did like the "for him" version but went with "her" as it's very summery - smells like burnt strawberries (don't ask).
And it didn't cost me a penny. I used my Advantage card points at Boots (instead of saving them up for Christmas shopping). I know how to live the high life!

Things not to do when half asleep (all learnt this past week):
- grab a can of shaving gel instead of deodorant - messy.
- switch the coffee maker on but not at the socket - you can't understand why, 10 mins, later there's still no coffee.
- try to do Sudoku - esp. in The Times - you'll just mess it up.

I shall leave you with another gem from Pinterest (and I'm sure I saw a man on there the other day!):

Carmen....are you there?

2011-08-15T08:39:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to welcome Carmen back to the fold...and if she's not re-connected, some foot stamping and name calling (of phone and internet providers) will be occurring.
Carmen you have missed some wonderful posts and lots of interesting descriptions of me - your input has been sorely missed.
Hope the house move went well, your stu-stu-studio is up and running and you're ready to join the world of blogging again.

What's Rocking My World Friday

2011-08-12T09:35:00.000+01:00

Friday..again ..and another week has passed in, seemingly, the blink of an eye.

So, onto the gratefuls.

First this week has to be the boy. For his hugs and his help. He's shopped for me, walked Max for me, collected my prescription for me and keeps asking if there are any more jobs he can do. He's also in charge of lunch for the two of us today - tuna melt paninis (yummy!!). It's been lovely having him home for two weeks (he goes back to Bristol on Monday) especially having someone to watch sport with (DH is purely a motor racing fan). He's not happy with the way things are going @A*****l but is enjoying the cricket - aren't we all?

Next up are the WeScrap girls. Yesterday I received a parcel of crafty goodness from Ally

Some cute Canadian stamps in there and....peanut butter cups....they didn't last long....very, very tasty. :) Thanks so much Ally - you certainly brightened my day.

Later on yesterday I logged into Pinterest to find that Sue (Sykes) had posted something especially for me:

I don't think any comment is needed apart from ...thanks Sue, you know me too well!

Next are my other online friends. I'm meeting Joanna and Penny, fellow crafters and bloggers, on Monday (riots and trains permitting) to see the Tracey Emin exhibition "Love is What You Want".
Thanks go to Virginia, the Queen of the Rockettes, for her lovely comments on my posts, her tips re the "i" word, her descriptions of me and the title for my graduation LO - "Made It!"
Hopefully on Monday we'll have Carmen connected and back online amongst us - missing you girl!

Ah, yes, the "i" word. I managed to clear half of the mountain on Tuesday thanks to Sky and "New Moon". I know I have the film on DVD but it's not quite the same as coming across it in the listings and watching it without planning. It did help that I missed the bits that made me cry (in the book and every other time I've watched the film) so I wasn't sobbing over shirts etc. This afternoon I'm hoping to clear the rest by using one of Virginia's tips (don't think I'll be using the same tip for the Christmas cards V.!!).

I've managed to do some more crafting since Scrap Club but can't show the results yet - a birthday card and a secret project.

I've also got my phone back! This was achieved by the simple expedient of buying the boy another (really cheap - £ 15) phone. Yes, he's had to change his network and number but he doesn't seem to mind. :)

Things to look forward to...
- another weekend of sport - cricket, football and Indy Car
- my day out in London
- not having to play hunt the laptop after Monday.

Things realised this week...
- for the coffee maker to work it needs to be switched on at the socket (I'm useless without my coffee) - wish it had a timer.
- 36ins is a bit too long skirtwise, for me at least. I bought a beautiful flowery skirt (online in the sales) and can't see my feet when I'm wearing it. More hippy chick than "Little House on the Prairie" though so I'm keeping it even if only to wear at home. :)
- a picture can float about your worktable for weeks but will disappear he evening you actually want to use it. :(
- using Sleep Easy bubble bath during the day is not a good idea unless you really do want to collapse onto the bed and have a nap.
- books are more reliable than people. They don't promise things,get you interested and then abandon you, well not usually. And if they do you can just stop reading.

Think that's it for this week. I know next week will be depressing for a few days (when the boy leaves) but hopefully other things will come along and cheer me up.

A Tuesday Post (with free puns)

2011-08-09T10:29:00.000+01:00

Following Virginia's lead, thought I'd be organised (for once) and share my scrapping and happenings rather than saving them all for Friday....I'm really trying to avoid the "i" word as the size of the mountain is unnerving, especially as I'm sure I cleared it last month. Note to self, stop washing everything that doesn't move...as per the mother's version of "If it moves, shoot it. If it doesn't, paint it"..."If it moves, feed it. If it doesn't, wash it".

Had an (almost) great Sunday of sport. We beat City in convincing fashion (WTG Nani!) and Dario Franchitti (he's from Edinburgh, as you can probably tell by the name) was second in the IRL race, thus extending his overall lead to 62. Only one blip...the Durham boys went out of the T20..well, Collingwood was injured.

Last night saw me at Scrap Club @ A Maze of Memories.
Had a totally fun evening - lots of laughs, lots of scrapping,some stash buying and...cakes, kindly provided by Linda who has her b'day today.

First up is the LO I did for the July optional challenge (there really was nothing on TV Saturday evening):

The boy's first visit to Silverstone (think it was the touring cars).

Next is the LO from last night, which is technique heavy..masks and misting, stamping and perfect pearls, edge punching, ribbon....

The theme was a"Special Occasion" and I discovered how few recent photos I have of me ..so it was back to 19?? and my graduation photo. I still need a title for it - all suggestions gratefully received. And, there are "mistakes" as I managed to botch a couple of things. Can't decide whether I'm happy with it or not...

What about the stash shopping I hear you ask? Well (and I can't quite believe I did this)........I bought my supplies for this year's.....Christmas cards. In order to avoid a repeat of last year, when half the people on my list got e-cards (there were extenuating circumstances), I thought that if I start now I might get them all made in time for posting. Even worse though is what I bought - I'm doing "cute" this year....I can't resist rabbits, esp. rabbits in snow scenes (although in my experience, domestic rabbits aren't that keen on snow - well, ours weren't).

Other exciting news.. Max has a new cousin. He's called Nigel, he's a chihuahua and he lives in Durham with my nephew's girlfriend. He looks so cute and very, very small (esp. compared to our 30k boy) in his photos on FB. :)

Hoping the riots in London get sorted as I'm due to meet Joanna and Penny there next Monday to visit the Tracey Emin exhibition.

The ongoing saga of how best to describe me continues. It has moved on since Friday, the latest being "flamboyantly eccentric" - I think that means I've got to an age where "...frankly my dear,I don't give a damn" to quote (or misquote?) Rhett Butler.

And I'll leave you with an other find from Pinterest :

Quick question - is Pinterest a totally "female thing"? I don't think I've ever seen anything posted by a man on there.

Rocking Your World Friday (with gratuitous eye candy)

2011-08-05T03:34:00.000+01:00

Groans..not another week..and not another 2 a.m. posting..at least this time I have had some sleep, just not enough.
Eye candy first.
Thought I'd follow Joanna's lead with her random pics of David Tennant...

Double chocolate mocha cupcakes. :)

Now for the gratefuls:
The dreaded s***r test is out of the way for another five years (unless it didn't work and has to be redone). The nurse and I had a good moan and decided that yes, it probably was a man who came up with the instrument of torture. At least it's not made of metal these days.

Our local Indian takeaway that delivers. I was going to take the boy out last night as D. was supposed to be away (in Ipswich) but he came home. Totally disrupted my plans but at least we ate well...the fridge needs refilling (as expected). When do boys stop eating so much?

Amazon for delivering "The Watchtower" on time - won't spoil the story Gill but it's set in France this time.

MTV for record of the week - Emeli Sande "Heaven" - very soulful voice. Sadly, not released until 14th, so can't download it to my Sync list.

Sky+ - I wanted to watch the Proms last night on BBC 4 but wasn't allowed control of the remote - at least I was able to record it.
I'm also working my way through the eight episodes of "Un Village Francais" that are on there - my usual lunchtime viewing has disrupted of late by various sporting events.

My blog followers for their lovely comments. I enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing the posts. I can be "me" on here, or at least the "me" I used to be before life etc. got in the way. I'm trying to reclaim this part of myself, in keeping with my word for the year - laughter. I know I'll never be the naive 17 year old who left home for Uni again (too much has happened, both good and bad) but her memory lives on, even if her thought processes could be (and have been) described as "irrational"*.
Special thanks to Diane who sent me hugs (after Tuesday's post) in the form of a wonderful card. It made me smile. :)

Descriptions of me that have made me laugh (usually contained in the comments mentioned above ). It was Noel Coward and devilment this week - goodness knows what Carmen would have said if she'd been online. Missing you C.- can't wait for you to be connected.

The anticipation of parcels.

Random thoughts:

How do I get to watch all the sport that I want to see on Sunday since at least 25% of the household will object (Max just watches what I watch - another reason for him being "favourite boy")? I may have to commandeer the boy's room. Football, T20 cricket and IRL - bliss.

Is silk rope like the tiebacks used on curtains?

I chickened out of the Asian noodle and prawn recipe - I really didn't like the look of some of the ingredients. Made Penne with Tuna and Prawns instead. I did discover that amaranth is red though.

Moving yet joyous moment of the week - Edwin van der Sar's testimonial match. Just hope it doesn't take Fergie as long to find a suitable replacement as it did when Schmeichel left.

I think I need to cut down on my caffeine intake. This morning's coffee was very, very strong - so much so that D. only had one cup, leaving me with three. I forgot that I was using Strength 5 and put the usual number of scoops in. I thought it was lovely at the time but I was bouncing of the walls by 11 a.m.

I think that's it for this week. And, as you've made it this far..some more eye candy for you:

Ryan Reynolds.

* I am claiming this as my favourite description of me since the day my A Level English teacher said that I was the best producer of red herrings he'd ever known. :)

Aaaaaaagh!!

2011-08-02T20:31:00.000+01:00

He's been home less than 24 hours (it was well after midnight when we picked him up from the station) and already we've played...hunt the laptop, hunt the landline phone, make the mobile disappear and use Mum's towels 'cos we haven't noticed the clean ones laid out in the bedroom. I love him to bits but it's like having a whirlwind in the house. He's out now, so I've retrieved my laptop from the black hole that is his room - you think I'm joking? New DVDs have gone into that room and never been seen again..and goodness only knows what happened to my Beatles CD...I just know he borrowed it (thought I'd put him off by making him watch "A Hard Days Night"...but no) and it hasn't been seen since.

On top of the other one doing my head in by working from home so much ( I need my own space) and what happened this morning..it's all too much.
I don't like needles, they make me feel faint (I know I've been taught to inject myself but have been back on tablets since last year when I was travelling to Dad's on the train so much)...so I don't enjoy my six weekly blood tests, especially when my veins don't co-operate...loads of prodding and blood taken from both arms saw me heading straight home instead of my planned trip into town. :(

Short break there to close doors and windows...the heavens have opened and we've lost our satellite signal.

I did manage some scrapping this afternoon - another challenge LO. I know the deadline was Sunday, but the site owner decided to do some upgrading and no-one's been able to log on since - moral.."if it ain't broke....."

A photo of my Mum from the 1940's. For Sarah's coulour palette challenge.

And now...I haven't done one of these for a while, so here goes..

Currently -

Listening to - news on Channel 5 (sooo not my choice) sudden change..DH has disappeared so it's back to the Download Chart on MTV - RESULT!! Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People. :)

Eating - nothing - still have dinner to prepare

Drinking - brandy and ginger (purely medicinal, to tamp down the nausea)

Wearing - a silk kaftan and my reading glasses (too hot to wear anything else - honestly)

Feeling - nauseous, frustrated but surprisingly happy

Weather - raining

Wanting - someone else to cook dinner

Needing - hugs

Thinking - how many weeks until "Breaking Dawn" is released? MTV news showed some clips..Jacob taking his shirt off (Team Edward until Jacob takes his shirt off), the wedding, the pillow biting scene......apologies to those of you who are lost here (probably male) - only true Twilight fans will understand this.

Enjoying - having my boy home. Apparently he's here for a couple of weeks before he goes back to Bristol. Immediate doubling of the grocery bill but I do (like Baldrick) have a cunning plan - he can work off some of the money he's borrowed by helping me spring clean..a few months too late but I never said I was houseproud. :)

Question for you - am I a bad mother because I haven't been to Bristol since we took him for his first term? I didn't see the house he was living in last year and probably won't see the new one. Or, am I simply letting him live his own life (he is 22 after all)?
I wonder sometimes as I see other mothers fussing and making a point of visiting their offspring at Uni and said offspring coming home for weekends - I don't think that's normal, to me it's clingy. Benign neglect is my parenting style and I don't apologise for it. I look back to when I was at Uni and I never went home during term time and hardly ever phoned - well, we didn't have mobiles then. Showing my age - sorry!

Ooh! Just seen an advert for a new film with Harrison Ford ..sigh, my all time hero. Since Star Wars..I even have my own Ewok. :)

I hope this post has pleased my followers (apparently some of them rely on me??? fools!).

I'm just happy that people keep reading and that Royal Mail have delivered my parcels..sooo.....

Joanna is reading erotic sci-fi on her cruise (apparently her teenage son suddenly showed an interest in reading when the book arrived and he started reading it out loud to her - she soon put a stop to that)

Virginia is reading "Sleeping Beauty" and has avoided the "hot drink incidents" that befell Carmen and I ( tea, in bed, with her partner in Carmen's case and coffee, fortunately alone, in mine). Let's just say this is Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice and the action starts on page 2.

And Gill is reading "Passion" (fallen angels) in Scotland.

I shall leave you there, wondering what I'm going to read tonight - Amazon have sent off a book I really can't wait to read - it should arrive tomorrow, but what if it doesn't?

Today's quote. For masters everywhere. :)

Yesssss!!!!

2011-08-01T00:06:00.000+01:00

Finally the crafting drought is over! Three LOs this afternoon plus a card last night.

Before I show you the card I just want to point out that it was made with the recipient (my step SIL) in mind. It is totally not my personal taste - I don't do cute.

I love the technique though - it's a Joy Fold Card.

On to today...I had a wonderful day crafting and chatting...

All three LOs are for challenges on WeScrap - well, they would be if I could get onto the site - they need to be submitted before midnight - amazing what having a deadline can do!!

This is for Victoria's challenge "Quick and Coordinated". I used the July "Vanity Fair" kit and , yes, I did it within the 30 mins. allowed.

This one is for Jen's "Scrapping out of Season" challenge. Christmas in July. Photo is of Max's cousin Sam, the border collie, opening his presents.

And finally "Sketchy Saturdays" for 16th July. Photos of me and the clock I made last year. It actually keeps very good time..well, it would if I hadn't broken the mechanism whilst trying to change the battery a couple of weeks ago - on the lookout for a replacement.

My halo is slipping too. :(

Had some red wine last night and had chocolate this afternoon - I've been craving chocolate for days and was OK at home..but I knew there was a tin, in the fridge, at AMOM with delights such as Crunchie and Bounty and Toffee Crisp...which to choose? Crunchie of course. :) I was addicted to Toffee Crisp when pregnant with DS and haven't been able to face one since.

And talking of DS...he'll be home tomorrow..which means I'll be playing "Hunt the Laptop"...again! Even worse..he'll take over my mobile phone. I've tried to put him off..it has a pink case (which will apparently ruin his street cred) and a ringtone he really, really hates (JLo "On the Floor) but to no avail. Only plus side is the appearance of lots of males on my contact list...downside of this..I've watched them all grow up.
I can hear people asking why I let him get away with it. Basically, if he used the landline our bill would treble and I never use my full allowance of either texts or minutes. I renegotiated my monthly contract when I was looking after Dad (after only five days there I had the most horrendous bill for going over my limit) and haven't got round to changing it back. Let's face it, your phone contract is not the first thing you think about at a funeral.

I was going to wear a skirt (again!!) today, I was going to be "pretty in pink", then thought "sod it" and reverted to type...crop trousers and navy blue.. my favourite colour - :)

I've found some more great sayings for "My Thoughts" on Pinterest..here's today's:

I'm not saying who it's intended for..but if the cap fits...

Rocking Your World Friday

2011-07-29T08:49:00.000+01:00

Friday again, but a much more reasonable time this week. Sitting here with my coffee (strong and black) in my favourite mug (Drama Queen) and thinking back over the week.

So what am I grateful for this week?
It is now 5 mins later and I'm still thinking..I know there are things but my brain is refusing to cooperate..a bit like me and authority really.

Erm, erm..oh, yes. Books (again? I can hear you groan)..yes, again. New author alert for Carmen...Sophie Oak. Two great series and lots of humour - "Bliss (Colorado)" and "Sirens". And yes, there is lots of what you described me as (twice). I don't know why you think of me that way and I'm sure that Joanna will be able to tell you that I'm a picture of innocence after we meet up on 15th..oh, look, a pig just flew past the window.
Good luck with the house move Carmen - will miss you online until you're re-connected.
And, just to show that my brain has not turned to complete mush, I've been reading George Orwell this week too - "Down and Out in Paris and London".

Phone calls are next ..specifically phone calls from friends that cheer me up :)

And... I bought a dress this week ..and it's a short one (just below the knees)...why is this momentous? let's just say I have a problem with dresses, I'm short waisted so they don't often fit properly and I'm always fidgeting when I wear them. This one is designer no less - George @ ASDA is a designer isn't he? I have to admit that I also bought a pair of black linen trousers (much more me and no, I'm not going to admit how many pairs of black trousers I now have). Couldn't resist them as they had my name on them - "Perfectly Petite". Well, one out of two ain't bad - I'll let you decide which one. :)

Pinterest has been keeping me amused and busy this week - I keep coming across wonderful sayings..

This one is courtesy of my friend Diane.

Recipe of the week...Heston's Ice Cream Sandwiches with Salted Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream - heaven.
I'm going to try another Waitrose (where's the commission?) recipe on Saturday if I can get my hands on some amaranth. I know it's a plant ..

Cricket has mainly been good this week. England won, my boys lost to Somerset but are still top of Division 1 thanks to Notts. who beat Lancashire. Two points in it and five matches to go.

Bejeweled 3 has been occupying me, a lot. Poor Max had his walk an hour late yesterday as I lost track of time. This new, improved version (I lost Bej. 2 when my computer was poorly) has a badges board and I only need one and a half badges to complete it. The whole badge will happen when it happens but the half is driving me nuts...it would help if I knew what I was doing. I've somehow managed to achieve bronze and silver but still need gold and platinum. I could read the instructions, I suppose, but the fall out to being the only girl for two generations is the very masculine trait of not "doing" instructions.
N.B. The need for achieving badges is in no way, shape or form related to being a Brownie or Girl Guide. I was never either - I was too subversive for them and they were too "organised" for me.

Surreal moment of the week : drinking coffee from a Christmas mug. It was either that or an Arsenal mug and that is soooo against my religion. Other mugs were clean (I'm not a total sloven) but were still in the dishwasher.

Upsetting moment of the week: a tiny dead bird in the garden. I think it fell from the nest, at least that's what I'm hoping, rather than being savaged by one of the three million cats we have around here. OK, a bit of an exaggeration, but the cat lovers round here don't stop at one cat, oh no, they have two or three or four.....why?

Things to look forward to:
Sunday - cropping all day at A Maze of Memories
Monday - the boy will be home from Majorca (very late so I may not see him until Tuesday)
Tuesday - the six weekly visit to the vampires
August - Charity Shield, return of the Premiership - lucky socks and new shirt ready.

And the final grateful is Sky for letting me have MUTV for £1 a week for six months. Just don't tell the Arsenal supporters in the house.

Rocking My World Friday (and a slightly tarnished halo)

2011-07-22T03:24:00.000+01:00

Another Friday and time to look back on the week that was - not sure 2 a.m. is the best time to do it but I can't sleep so I may as well.

This week has been much better than last due in no small part to my first grateful and that is family, in particular my boy who turned 22 on Monday (the weather was definitely better 22 years ago - we were having a heatwave).

It was wonderful having N home with his girlfriend. He's gone back to Bristol now but is threatening to come home again in a couple of weeks via Majorca.
He left his room tidier than it was,unfortunately, and I can actually see the carpet...which means...a little more tidying and I'll be able to start Zumba on the Wii. This is in place of the Pole Dancing lessons I wanted to try - apparently I'm nowhere near fit enough. I do have a back up plan though - my nephew's girlfriend has a pole in her living room (I kid you not!) and has been properly trained....

Good films are next on my list. The four of us watched "The King's Speech" last Friday - I thoroughly enjoyed it and can see why it won at the Oscars (and it has Colin Firth in it..sigh).
Saturday was Harry Potter part 1 - a bit long and tedious I thought but at least I stayed awake to the end. :)
Sunday was Harry Potter part 2 in 3D - wow! Amazing effects and really fast paced - the three of us loved it. Sad that it's the end though.

The joy of food, especially home cooked, is next. The Thai green curry was yummy - thanks to N & V for cooking it.
I made Delia's strawberry and vanilla Pavlova again and it was just as good as the first time..and,no, Christina, I haven't forgotten..I'll email the recipe this weekend.
The "cake in a bag" from Waitrose (I should be on commission) turned out beautifully - chocolate and hazelnut this time.

The internet has proved helpful this week both in the ordering of books and the finding of new friends - how did we manage without it? N is indeed studying Fascism next year so he wanted some background reading - Hemingway and Orwell on the Spanish Civil War. The books were here in time for him to take them with him - probably because Amazon didn't use Royal Mail. It took 5 days for a card from my brother to arrive even though it was posted 1st class. I know Newcastle is North of here but it's not that far North.

And now for the tarnished halo. :(
No chocolate has been bought or chocolate biscuits (much to N's disgust) but red wine has been purchased and drunk - slapped wrist. In my defence it was in reaction to my decision to clear out the drinks cupboard, starting with the cooking stuff - there were quite a few bottles with only one or two glasses worth in them. So over the space of several evenings I had the delights of sherry ( trifle), Spanish brandy (various uses) , ginger wine (sauce for ginger sponge) and Cinzano (risotto). I needed some normality.

Surreal moment of the week #1
V. wearing one of N's T-shirts. What's odd about that? It was a T-shirt bought in Florida in 1998 when he was 9 years old and it fit her..perfectly. Women will understand this ..any men reading may not.

Surreal moment of the week #2
Edith Piaf sitting between Muse and Rammstein (very heavy metal German band - and yes, it's mine). Max knocked a CD rack over and I made the discovery when putting the CDs back. I'm a bit OCD with books etc. - they have to be in alphabetical order by author/artist and then chronological order.

What I have learnt this week:
- to make a pop-up card. V made two (well, I had to check the shop for new stock and I only needed one) and really enjoyed her first ever class. Thanks to Christina and Rachel at A Maze of Memories for a great afternoon.

- when it says on a bottle of Cinzano "make a long drink with your favourite mixer" they do not mean American dry ginger (bleugh).

- confession may be good for the soul but it's also a pain in the butt.

- I can look at photos of babies and not feel broody. I've suspected this for a while as I never really felt broody before.

- the joy of being organised. I have parcels ready to post tomorrow: "Black Swan Rising" and "Passion" will be heading for Scotland (Gill);"Sleeping Beauty" is off to Yorkshire (Virginia - remember the hot drink warning!);cards for the Poppy Appeal are also heading for Yorkshire (Janet) and finally..Joanna I'm going to risk Royal Mail and your surprise project will be heading down to Kent ...Yee Haw!

- things to look forward to..German GP, IRL from Canada, test cricket(please let it be more lively than today - I had to resort to MTV again)

That's enough rambling from me. Hugs (especially to new friends).xx

Rocking Your World Friday

2011-07-15T09:14:00.000+01:00

Another week has flown by and what a strange one it's been. It started with a migraine (after months without one) and me on auto-pilot, which saw me sending emails with totally inappropriate sentiments (there are some emails that should never be sent with "Hugs xx"). I just hope the recipients appreciated the love.

Next came two very upsetting days which saw me wanting to run away from home. I seriously think that if I hadn't been expecting DS home later in the week that I would in fact have gone. I still have a key to Dad's house (it hasn't been sold yet) so could have gone there - no furniture or anything in it but I'd have coped. This led to the realisation that not only do I miss him, I also miss my weekends away. The chance to be "home" again (DH hates when I say that but even after spending half my life down here, I'm not a natural southener and the NE is still home) and all that entails (wild nights out and catching up with friends) kept me grounded.

Wednesday was a day of quiet reflection (9 yrs to the day since Mum died) as, let's face it ,I'm not much use for anything else on a Wednesday.

And then the good stuff started!

My boy is home!

He phoned from London on Weds. afternoon to say he was back in the country and would it be OK if he and girlfriend came straight up to us - he was 24 hours earlier than expected. Wonder what he'd have done if I'd said no? Further texts and calls followed asking me a) could he borrow...? yep, the bank of Mum and Dad is open again and b) could I look up train times? Just as well I did as he would have ended up at the wrong station. He wanted to go to Paddington (trains for Oxford) but needed to go to Marylebone (trains for our local station which happens to be in Bucks.).

I am so grateful for him being home for the following reasons:

- he arrived early so I didn't have chance to tidy his room

- I had my lunch made for me yesterday

- someone other than me emptied the dishwasher

- he refused to let me do his washing (?!!)

- he and Vicky are cooking for us tonight (Thai green curry - prawns)

- Vicky and I are going to a card class together on Saturday pm.

- the three of us are booked to see Harry Potter part 2 in 3D in Aylesbury on Sunday

- that means I have to watch part 1 this afternoon

- I get to make Delia's improved pavlova again (by special request of DS)

- comfort food - they'd been eating junk whilst away so I made chicken casserole last night.

He won't be here long as he has to be back in Bristol by 22nd so I'm making the most of it.

I'm amazed that the tiny scrap I had almost 22 years ago is now a thoughtful and caring young man. He's also now taller than his Dad (which he didn't get from me).

No crafting this week although I have found a use for the pegs that were left over after I'd altered the clipboards for Christmas. :)

And now for the questions thrown up by this week:

What has Liz Hurley done to Shane Warne? And why????

Why when you lose weight* does it always come off the bits you don't want it to? In my case my boobs - it's taken me over 20 years and a pregnancy to get them like this.

Was it very daring of me to wear one of my shorter skirts yesterday? You could see my ankles and....ooh, 2 inches of leg. It's not my legs I'm hiding by the way it's my knees.

How many times in one day can MTV show the top20/40 and is it sad that I watch most of them?

What is the difference between the top 20 and the Urban top 20?

* I am not trying to lose weight but the self-imposed ban on buying chocolate/red wine/chocolate biscuits is having unforeseen results.

That's it for this week.

Do check out my fellow Rockettes.

Monday Funny - this one is priceless!

2011-07-11T16:37:00.000+01:00

From my friend Alwyn in Canada - we were at Uni together (longer ago than I'm willing to admit!).

CURTAIN RODS --- PRICELESS
On the first day, she sadly packed her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases.
On the second day,
she had the movers come and collect her things.
On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining-room table, by candle-light; she put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar,and a bottle of spring-water.
When she'd finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimps dipped in caviar into the hollow centre of the curtain rods.
She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.
On the fourth day, the husband came back with his new girlfriend, and at first all was bliss.
Then, slowly, the house began to smell.
They tried everything; cleaning, mopping, and airing-out the place.
Vents were checked for dead rodents, and carpets were steam cleaned.
Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which time
the two had to move out for a few days, and in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting. Nothing worked!
People stopped coming over to visit.
Repairmen refused to work in the house.
The maid quit..
Finally, they couldn't take the stench any longer, and decided they had to move, but a month later - even though they'd cut their price in half - they couldn't find a buyer for such a stinky house.
Word got out, and eventually even the local realtors refused to return their calls.
Finally, unable to wait any longer for a purchaser, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.
Then the ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for having the house.
Knowing she could have no idea how bad the smell really was,
he agreed on a price that was only 1/10 th of what the house had been worth ... but only if she would sign the papers that very day.
She agreed, and within two hours his lawyers delivered the completed paperwork.
A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home ......
... and to spite the ex-wife, they even took the curtain rods!
I LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU?

Rocking Friday Update - a slightly tarnished halo.

2011-07-08T17:33:00.000+01:00

Yep, my halo is tarnished, my self control has been lost...

Here is a photo of the culprits:

I couldn't resist them - they were half-price in the sale and they fit beautifully (size 4). I did battle with the little voice asking if I really needed four pairs of red shoes (hell, yes!!) for all of, ooh, must have been 20 seconds. And they've got bling! The perfect scrappers shoes.

I only went out for coffee with Pat..came back with these and a bottle of gin (it was on offer in Waitrose) which I managed to buy without accosting any random males.

Now a couple of answers to questions posed by Joanna:

1.The vibrating strawberry sponge - nothing to do with where I live. It came home with me from the NE after one of my weekends away. All I'm saying is hen party , Ann Summers, rolled back to Dad's @3a.m.

2. The erotic sci-fi - my hysterics had nothing to do with gravity or the lack of it, they were caused by (and how do I put this politely?) the,erm..."appendages" of the humanoid aliens and what they could do with said appendages.

I'll leave you to ponder that one. :)

What's Rocking My World Friday

2011-07-08T10:19:00.000+01:00

Friday again - eek! The way the year is going by I may have to mention the "C" word and start cardmaking - sooooo not in the mood.

This is a long one so you may want to settle down with a drink - preferably not a hot drink.
First grateful of the week is the Internet and the various people it has put me in contact with:

- the WeScrap girls who are planning a weekend crop in May next year in.....San Francisco.....if only!

- Joanna who has come up with the idea of going to the Tracy Emin exhibition. Not so bothered by TE but looking forward to meeting Joanna. :) J. my project for you has cleared the planning stage and goes into production today. :)

- Carmen who made me laugh with her wonderful (if slightly overstated) description of me. C. I'm still giggling!

- Valerie who keeps coming up with funnies to brighten the day and who has a wonderful way with tags.

There are others but they know who they are and I'd have to change their names to protect the guilty. :)

Amazon has been brilliant again this week - ordered the books DS wanted for his b'day on Monday and they were here by Weds. Either he's studying Italy next year or I should be worried about him. Two books on the Italian Mafias (who knew there was more than one?) and one on the rise of Fascism.
Also didn't know you could order random things from Amazon, such as toilet seats.

Google search engine for showing me exactly where DS is - in a fortress in Serbia no less. Two years ago it was an island off Croatia. Also showed me who was playing - Arcade Fire..jealous!

Waitrose for their recipe cards. This week it was Scandinavian Chicken - it was nice but I think I was a bit heavy handed with the fresh rosemary - not the only thing I'm heavy handed with unfortunately. Also picked up another "cake in a bag" - chocolate and walnut this time. Keeping it for DS's b'day on 18th.

The Apprentice for finally getting rid of the lying bitch that is Melody. And she did lie - she totally lied about the replies given during the task in France. And I should know.

And finally, Max for making me laugh. It is now official - he will eat anything given half a chance. I put some cake crumbs out for the birds and 20 secs later he was there and had them all hoovered up. I sort of knew he'd eat anything already. As a puppy he chewed up a strawberry vibrating sponge before I'd had chance to use it. :(

Things to look forward to: one day cricket tomorrow; two motor races on Sunday - British GP, which we used to go to until they started charging silly money (Silverstone is just down/up ? the M40 from us - I really do have no sense of direction) and Indy Racing from Toronto;Scrap Club - Monday evening session this month as Pat is off to Bruges tomorrow; new neighbours moving in on Tuesday.

Books read this week (and I do mean proper books this time - I gave my Kindle a rest): "Passion" by Lauren Kate - this will be on its' way to Gill in Scotland soon- now have to wait a year for the final part of the story;"Smokin' Seventeen" by Janet Evanovich - as funny as ever and only have to wait until October for #18.

Self control update: No chocolate has passed my lips, no wine has been drunk since Tuesday,no stash has been bought. Can you see my halo?

Next target: to stop accosting random men in Waitrose and have the patience to seek out a member of staff when I can't reach something. It's not much fun being only 5ft tall - esp. when the other humans in the house are all 6 footers. Even Max is taller than me when he stands on his hind legs and puts his paws on my shoulders.

Things learnt this week:
- Chris Brown and Justin Bieber does work as a pairing (great song and video)
- abstinence does not make the heart grow fonder
- Sunderland really will be Man. Utd reserves next season
- never again will I plan to cook mince on a Wednesday - bleugh.
- stripping the bed when all you want to do is crawl back in is not a good idea - you'll end up on the couch and feel even worse.
- a visit from the window cleaner heralds rain.
- channelling "Little House on the Prairie"* is not a good look, even if you're only walking the dog in the rain. Comes of owning only ankle length, floaty skirts and a shorter raincoat.
- in one week I achieved 50% of skirt wearing total for the whole of 2010.

* This label was first applied to me by some girls at my last school - don't think they meant it as a compliment.
Do visit the other Rockettes.
Off now to link to Virginia the Rocking Queen. xx

Thursday Funny

2011-07-07T12:54:00.001+01:00

Another funny via Valerie in Germany:

A woman devised her own system for labeling homemade
Meals she stored in the freezer. Instead of calling them
Chicken Parmigiana or Meatloaf, she labeled them
Whatever, Anything, I Don't Know and, her favorite, Food.

That way when she asked her husband what he wanted
For dinner, she was certain to have it on hand.

Issues of Self Control

2011-07-04T15:43:00.000+01:00

On Friday it was suggested that I may benefit from exercising more self control over certain aspects of my life (response:smiles sweetly, grits teeth and says thank you R).

In the course of a largely sleepless night I pondered whether I could in fact use more self control in other situations. I am known for rushing headlong into things without thinking and instant gratification is my middle name (actually it's Jane, but you get the drift).

So...starting on Saturday a new regime came into being. Since then I

- have not bought any of the new Basic Grey lines despite them being even more lush in real life than on the internet.

- limited myself to two glasses of red wine on Saturday evening

- limited myself to one glass of red wine Sunday evening (OK there was only one glass left in the bottle but the thought was there)

- have not sworn at the person who rang me 5 times in three mins. this morning despite me saying I wasn't interested and hanging up. Sign that I was really, really annoyed? The fact that I almost swore at him 'cos I don't swear, ever. "Knickers" is my "go to" word for expressing annoyance and the occasional "bloody" can be heard during football matches but there are words in the English language that I have never said....mainly four letter words beginning with f,s,c..... Just the way I am.

- did not buy chocolate despite fruit and nut being on offer - and chocolate apparently being better than sex. :)

- lost self control in the wine dept. and there is now a bottle of Rose chilling in the fridge.

- the above is actually another form of self control as I know I need to relax this evening or I will say s'thing I regret and can't take back to someone who has been winding me up all weekend. Don't think it's deliberate but I. HAVE. HAD. ENOUGH.

Will tell you on Friday if I've managed to keep this up all week.....

Update on DS who promised to phone before heading off to Serbia. Text message from the airport (he was bored) with list of suggestions for his b'day.

He will be home for his b'day, probably with girlfriend, which means...I'll have to tidy his room. I washed his towels and bedding and then quietly closed the door on it. Apart from the odd watching of Champions League football I haven't touched the room since. Knickers!!

Hugs xx

Stashbusters!

2011-07-03T12:46:00.000+01:00

I spent all day yesterday at A Maze of Memories where Christina was running one of their regular Stashbuster sessions.
The idea is that we all take our own stash (in an attempt to actually use it rather than just stroke it - lol) and they come up with ideas for cards, LO,mini books etc.

It wasn't overcrowded and quite a few us stayed all day, with others coming in for the morning or afternoon sessions.
We chatted,laughed and generally had a really good time. We also had lunch from the Farm Shop and I got to chat to my new next door neighbour,Elle, as she was working there for the day.

And amidst all this joy we did actually do some crafting!
I spent the morning making cards for the Poppy Appeal:

Poppy paper by K&CO, stamps by Hero Arts, border punches - EK success.

In the afternoon our table was joined by Jan - it was lovely to see her as our paths don't often cross these days.

I made an envelope album:

Front cover - I need some small magnets for the closure.

Opened up. There are five envelopes (in alternating shades of burgundy and cream) into which you can put photos,seed packets,whatever.
I used Pink Paislee "Butterfly Garden" papers and embellies.

So, what am I up to today...have been watching the cricket but it's slow going and England keep losing wickets. I removed myself from the room on the offchance it was my presence affecting them...this usually works - there have been football matches where I've missed every goal using this technique.

After that I have some of the "i" word to do....but it may well be left until tomorrow as I started a 6 week workshop (online) called "Colour. Or is itColor?" run by Nic Howard (she's Australian hence the spelling question). This week's colour is red so I'm dying to get started.

And now a message for Joanna who queried my "erotic sci-fi". Normally sci-fi is not one of the genres I read but I've loved the other books by Tymber Dalton so gave them a go. Now let me just say that if they hadn't been so well written (and they'd have to be well written to get me to read them in the first place) and I hadn't already "bonded" with the characters, there were scenes that would have had me ROFL in hysterics at how unbelievable they were. I'm still giggling now. :)
And still with Joanna - I have a project in mind for you and your love of cowboys. Apparently there's a song called "Save a horse,ride a cowboy"..imagine what I could do with that. :) Well it makes a change from vampires and fallen angels.

Hugs to you all and thanks for dropping in.

A Blog Award

2011-07-02T18:12:00.001+01:00

Many thanks to Valerie who sent me this award.

The rules are that I must share 7 things with you about myself and pass the award on to 8 other bloggers (who must then do the same).

OK ...
1. I hate "h*******k"
2. I really, really hate "i*****g"
3. I'm planning a trip to the NE so that I can go and see "Breaking Dawn" with my nephew and his partner (they don't know this yet but having seen "Eclipse" with me I'm sure they'll be up for it)
4. It is now 45 years since I started supporting Man Utd. Blame George Best.
5. #4 makes me sound ancient but I'm still only 18 inside.
6. I stopped growing (upwards) aged 13 - I never grew into the school coat bought for me that year.
7. I retired from teaching aged 42. :)

And now for 8 people worthy of this award:
Virginia - for organising Rocking Your World Fridays.
Carmen - for being my partner in crime with regard to books (esp. For Sleeping Beauty!!).
Janet - for being first and foremost a friend and also an inspirational crafter.
Slightly South of Sanity - for the funniest blog around - full of parenting tips and surreal adventures.
Bev - for being a talented scrapper and a great member of the WeScrap DT.
Ally - who guided me through my scrapbooking design course and has since become a friend.
June at Dezinaworld for her wonderful downloads and inspiration - she has also become a friend.

And last (but by no means least) Joanna who introduced me to the world of collage and mini-books and who has the second bestest dog in the world. Sorry Rosie-Mae but Max holds the "bestest" title in our house - you're a close second. :)

Rocking My World Friday ( with bonus items)

2011-07-01T03:24:00.000+01:00

I'm working on a project called grounds for divorce...I'm not really, this is the song that has been stuck in my head all week since watching the BBC coverage of Glastonbury..which reminds me..my Elbow CD has gone missing along with the Beatles #1's and Kings of Leon..mmm..think they're probably in Bristol.

Another week has flashed by, and I don't seem to have achieved much, but I do have some gratefuls.

Warning here...Carmen, if you're reading this, step away from the tea. I don't want to be responsible for any more hot beverage incidents!

First has to be old family friends who took the trouble to phone me on Thursday to check if I was OK. I feel blessed that they thought of me despite their own problems (my Mum would have been 80 - can't believe it's 9 years since she died).

Next is definitely books that make me cry. I know this is an odd grateful but I've been emotionally fragile for a few months now and have felt like bursting into tears at the slightest thing..so....three afternoons this week I've found myself sobbing my heart out, over the written word. Wonderful stories (if a bit naughty) and great characters.
I do actually feel better for having cried but can't believe that two of the stories were SciFi, not a genre I'm fond of (unless you count fancying Harrison Ford in Star Wars) ..OK ..they were erotic SciFi.

The power of daydreaming is next. I've been casting the films of books that I've recently read.....so far I have one with Yannick Bisson, Bradley Cooper and David Boreanaz as the heroes...sigh...keeps my mind occupied whilst doing the "h" word.

DS is up next. Had a long chat to him on Weds. and discovered that he hadn't seen any of the acts I saw on TV from Glastonbury.
But..the big question..as posed by Joanna was " the muddy washing".

Me: What have you done with all your muddy clothes?
DS: I've already washed them.

Result!!!

He's off to Serbia on Monday for 10 days (music festival) via Budapest and should then be home in time for his b'day.

And now for the bonus items.

Question of the week:
Why do female tennis players grunt like pigs every time they serve/hit the ball? Or squeal like stuck pigs in the case of Sharapova?

Tip of the week:
Do not try to melt butter in a microwave in a plastic bowl. The butter will get so hot that it "explodes" and the bowl will tip over, leading to melted butter all over the microwave and surrounding worktop. (Don't ask).

Recipe of the week:
Lemon,pistachio and poppy seed cake as supplied by Waitrose. In a bag like their Christmas cake, so the only things I had to provide were lemons, eggs and butter. It was wonderful. :)

Explanation of the week:
Scrap Tag is a scrap version of Chinese Whispers. The organiser chooses a LO and sends it to #1 who scraplifts it and sends her version back to the organiser, who then sends that to #2 and so on. Really fun and amazing to see how the original changes. I was second to last in the most recent one and my LO bore no resemblance to the original.

Rock Cakes - the saga continues:
Yes, I've been baking rock cakes again. Nice as Delia's were they weren't as DH and I remembered them.
Cue the Bero baking book (I have two copies - one was my Mum's and one was my Gran's) Much nearer to the original...well they would have been had I had any currants. I had to use raisins, but hey, what's a little dried fruit between friends?

Hero of the week:
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for beating Federer @ Wimbledon and not being afraid to show his delight.

Virginia - I haven't forgotten you - will post "Sleeping Beauty" to you next week.

Gill - I'll email you over the weekend. :)

Carmen - thanks for the TB recommendation. You'll be pleased to know that my "research" continues apace and it's likely to yield results soon. :)

Scrap Tag Reveal

2011-06-27T09:19:00.000+01:00

This is the LO I made for the Scrap Tag last week. I used Crate Paper "Prudence" papers, alpha and rub-ons with buttons from stash.
I was second to last and it's amazing how the sketch developed from the original.
Same photo as for my Father's Day LO - this one is for my brother.

With regard to my last post and comments left....
Joanna, as far as I'm aware I won't be getting the Glastonbury washing (thank goodness). We're not expecting DS home until his b'day mid-July - by which time he'll have been to another festival in Serbia.
The last para. of the post is a bit dodgy!lol
And Gill..I'll email you. :)

What's Rocking My World Friday

2011-06-24T23:42:00.000+01:00

It is still Friday, so I'm not "really" late with this post...I do have a good reason though...I was waiting to try s'thing and report back (and please get your minds out of the gutter, it was nothing like that!!).
And so....

First this week is the Goddess that is Delia Smith. Her strawberry pavlova has been a family favourite for over 30 years.It gets made between Christmas and New Year, using the egg whites left over from the custard in her trifle.
She's only gone and improved the recipe!!
A recipe card idly picked up in Waitrose, all the ingredients handily in one place...and we had it for dessert tonight. It's now a strawberry and vanilla pavlova with mascarpone and creme fraiche instead of double cream and strawberry puree dribbled over the top. OMG - it was orgasmic. And there's more for tomorrow. :)
Note here that I did try Heston's lemon tart and I liked it but it was waaay too big for two people - def. one for when DS and his friends are home.

Next is the joy that comes from hearing from DS five times in as many days. Two were phone calls wishing David Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday.
One was a phone call telling me not to expect any phone calls 'cos he was off to Glastonbury (very last minute). Next came a phone call asking to "borrow" some money (chances of us seeing it again - nil) as he was running low after paying for Glastonbury and still had the weekend to get through. Finally came a text message thanking me for said money and his battery was low so I wouldn't hear from him until next week. I've heard from him, I'm happy, he's only young once and he's having fun (plus I remember my Uni days :)).

Then we have the surprise parcels in the post that shouldn't be surprises. I have certain authors that are more than favourites - I buy all their books - so as soon as I hear of a new one (often months in advance) I pre-order on Amazon. This week I received my fallen angels book "Passion" as expected and was all set to abandon Kindle and read it (before sending it up to Scotland and Gill) but I'd got another book the day before "Smokin' Seventeen" by Janet Evanovich and couldn't decide which to read...so, I'm back on Kindle for the moment.:)
I'd completely forgotten about this one (probably ordered sometime last year) but I love the whole series. Would you be surprised to learn that this is book 17 in the series? No? What gave it away?
Love all Janet's work - very funny and with characters you care about plus a sarcastic streak that appeals to me.

Next is the joy that comes from no longer having any grey hair, even it is only temporary. Had highlights done today in three shades of blonde and feel brighter in myself - sad that I didn't get my red streak but it was going to cause too much fuss and waste time. Why, oh why, is it that you no sooner find a hairdresser who cuts it just how you like and knows all about its' quirks, than they up and leave and you've got to "train" another one.

I've even managed to do some scrapping but can't show it yet as it was for a scrap tag and I've got to wait for the reveal.

My final grateful is an example of "you don't know what you've got until it's gone" - in this case pain inhibitors. Amongst the cocktail of meds I have to take every day is one that I've never been sure about, I've never really understood what it does...until I ran out last week. I now know that it inhibits pain. I do my prescription renewals online so timed the latest one for collection on Tuesday when I'd be at the health centre for my blood tests. That left me without said tablet for four days. Never again as I really noticed the difference. :( I'm grateful that I now have a supply of them. :0

Hope all my fellow rocker and rockettes have had a good week and I leave you with a message for Virginia and Carmen.

I've been studying the subject we talked about by visiting websites and blogs (purely in the interests of research you understand) and have come to the conclusion I'm not what I thought I was. I think I'm a switch (at the softer end of the spectrum). :)

A Thursday Funny

2011-06-23T11:55:00.001+01:00

Many thanks to Valerie in Germany for posting this and making me laugh.:)

A Florida senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.

"Amazing!" he thought as he flew down I-75, pushing the pedal to the metal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw the highway patrol behind him, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. "I can get away from him. No problem!" thought the elderly gent as he floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120 mph.

Suddenly, he thought, "What on earth am I doing? I'm too old for this nonsense and pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the trooper to catch up.

Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the driver's side of
the Corvette, looked at his watch and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a good reason why you were speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go."

The man, looking very seriously at the trooper, said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back."

"Have a good day, sir," said the Trooper and left.

Another Crafty Post! Yay!!!!

2011-06-21T15:25:00.000+01:00

These two projects took me all weekend but I did at least manage some crafting.

The first is a birthday card for David - he was 21 and a bit (quite a big bit!) yesterday:

Card and papers from stash. I used my new TH embossing folders and Nestie Labels 16. The image is from Crafty Individuals. Most of his cards were car related - wonder why?

The next is for a challenge on WeScrap. We had to use only black and white for the background.

This was a bittersweet LO to do. It was the first Father's Day without my Dad and I thought this was a fitting tribute.
Photo is of him in his 40's and the journalling will be attached to the back in the form of a letter to him, bringing him up to date and telling him how much and why I miss him.
Papers and rub-ons by Daisy Bucket "Little Black Dress", flowers by Making Memories "Sweets", heart button from stash.

I'm listening to music on my laptop at the moment - have discovered the shuffle button so it's a weird and wonderful selection. So far we've had JLo, Snoop Dogg, Russell Watson, Chicago,Foreigner,Elgar,Rumer,Take That , Satie and currently Carl Orff, "O Fortuna".
A slightly more "highbrow" selection than MTV. :0)

What's Rocking My World Friday

2011-06-17T23:05:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the lateness of this - I'm not quite sure what happened to today, it sort of got away from me. Oh well, it is still Friday so on with the list...

#1 has to be DS for passing his second year exams - pleased and proud Mum here. :)

#2 MTV again. I must try and limit my viewing of this. Whilst the various chart shows do provide good background music they're having a bad effect on me.. I've found myself singing "I want to make you Sweat" on more than one occasion this week and joining in the arm waving on the "Beautiful People" video. Since Snoop Dogg and Chris Brown are not people I think of as role models (and the arm waving unsettles Max) I fear I may be losing it. Some would say I've lost it already.

#3 Good books that have kept me occupied during the rainy weather. This week I have been reading about vampires, fairies and shapeshifters. I can recommend "Black Swan Rising" (and many thanks to Gill for sending it to me) and can't wait for the follow up in August. Can also recommend the "Triple Trouble" series by Tymber Dalton - identical shapeshifting wolf triplets - yum!!
Next week it's fallen angels....

#4 Friends who left me some lovely supportive comments on my last post - I'm not looking forward to Sunday and they did help. Thank you all.

#5 the writers of Bones. I know the last episode of the current series went out last week but we only watched it tonight and what an ending! All nicely set up for the next series...I had to laugh though, David had totally missed the sleeping together bit of the previous episode (how, I can't imagine as he watched it with me) and was therefore totally flabbergasted.
Same must be said for the writers of NCIS too. Can't wait for series 9

I think that's it for this week.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
No crafting to show you - I did make the two new home cards I needed but forgot to take pics before I sent them. :(

What am I doing right now?

2011-06-15T23:17:00.000+01:00

Weds evening 23:15

listening: to my Amazon MP3 downloads - everything from Adele to Chicago to JLo to Snoop Dogg
eating: nothing
drinking: gin and orange (purely for the vitamin C of course!)
wearing: black leggings and black "hanky hem" top and pink fluffy slippers - spoil the look but I have cold feet!
feeling: sad but energised (first Father's Day without a father)
wanting: to dance
needing: a weekend away to really relax and have "me" time thinking: how proud I am of DS (he passed his Second Year exams and passed them well)
enjoying: the music and being alone in the computer room
learning: to pace myself and not feel guilty if things don't get done
wondering: when my mojo will come back
procrastinating: clearing the "i*****g" mountain
loving: MTV and TV5 Europe
anticipating: new neighbours next door (after 16 years)

And finally....a Crafty Post! Yay!!!!

2011-06-12T13:15:00.000+01:00

Some crafting has been done and it feels wonderful!

Scrap Club was great fun yesterday at A Maze of Memories...a lovely sketch to work from and fun photos of Nick, friends to chat with and show off my red, sparkly trainers to, a yummy lunch taken home from the farm shop.....an almost perfect Saturday (no football to watch, hence the "almost").

Sorry about the glare but it's so dark here (and wet and miserable) that the camera automatically used flash. I'm sure I must have done, but I don't remember doing a LO before with no patterned paper.

The next LO is one I've been working on for a couple of days. This one is for my brother as it's the football team from his final year at Junior school. He's on the left (in "real life") of the Captain and my Dad is the teacher at the centre of the back row.

I used the Adorn It "Soccer Collection" again and added ribbon from my stash.

I was going to go to AMOM again today as Pat is working up there but I slept late (still not dressed) and it's still raining. I have some cards to make today so will snuggle at home instead.

Great motor racing weekend...the Le Mans 24 Hour race is almost over, we've had a double-header from the IRL and there's a F1 race this evening. David is a big fan, esp. of F1. I spent my year in France in Le Mans and have actually been to three races - spectacular at night. We used to go to Silverstone for the British GP but it became way too expensive....like most sporting events in the UK.

I really need to do some food shopping but can't face the thought of Waitrose today......might raid the freezer and see what I can come up with..probably not a lot as I'm running it down to defrost and clean it. Could be beans on toast for Sunday dinner.

I hope you're all having lovely,crafty weekends.
Hugs xx