Lazy Days

Today was breezy, beautiful and warm.  The sky was a lovely blue with mostly no clouds.  I was supposed to be going to have an eye test, but the cheeky people phoned (just as Catherine was walking down the aisle towards her Prince - had they nothing better to do?)  to cancel it. Never mind!  Paula had asked me if I would like to go to a local RHS garden for a craft fair.  It was really lovely to see all the amazing things that the artists had created.  Some of the things were really wonderful , some expensive tat!  Lots of beautiful glass ware was evident and a couple of textile artists with both interesting and very clever art work.  I fell in love with a couple of pieces in blues and aquas and a dash of gold... until I saw the prices.. even the unframed pieces were £95.00.  A little rich for my pocket.




Glass sculptures, some of which were stunning!

 We walked around the three tents, stopping to ooh and aah at various pieces.  I did buy a couple of hand made and embroidered earings for presents, and chatted with the store holder.  Turned out she was a teacher for adult education.  We talked about how long it took her to create one of the wonderful handbags she had... at least a day and that was for one, without added decoration.  She had some lovely items... made me feel very inadequate.. but only in an arty way!

We walked into the gardens, where we saw the azaleas in bloom alongside the bluebells and the fragrance was splendid in the warmth of the day; stopped for tea and cake (a pattern forms in my posts I'm sure you can spot what links most of them good reader) and then took ourselves back to the car park, having spent a very leisurely 2 hours there.  What a grand way to unwind from the previous day's efforts.



I was dropped off and saw DH had just arrived from taking his mum to the bank and a local nursery for plants.  HIs dad, who suffers from Alzhiemers, was in a fettle as he felt that he'd been locked in (he was staying home to look after the dog, but had difficulties in remembering which way to turn the back door key to go and let her out.) 15 trays of plants had taken up the room in the car and so he'd been asked to look after Sammi, whom he adores.  He finds it hard to let MIL out of his sight and so we think it is this that upset him, but he is still having many more difficulties than a year ago.  Oh it's so very sad.  It won't be long before he can't be left at all.

DD came and took us out for a super lunch at our village cafe.  We had a very pleasant hour with her too.  I do not know how he does it but the proprietor always remembers his customers names.  He says it is by association although I expect it would just be too much unless you are a regular visitor.  I am - for a much needed latte after work and sometimes a florentine too. 

 

We then had a visit from our brick layer who also does patios.  " Yay! At last!" I sent a huge prayer of thanks to the Being above who had found me someone to 'do!'  Alex made a few suggestions for both our front and back gardens which then sent us on a merry trip to a local stone yard. 

Oh the yummy materials... The yard has changed a lot since we last trod its grounds.  There are patios and paths laid out so that people with no imagination  (that's me) can go and see what the stone in all its various incarnations of colour and effect can give.  It was lovely and I'd soon drooled over some wonderful effects.  Alex is going to be a very busy man all too soon.... I HOPE!  DH and I shall be working all God's hours to pay for it but,  it will be worth it.  The patio is going to be very expensive but at least it will finally get done.  (We bought the Cotswold stone for the dry wall, 2 years ago!!!)  Oh and whilst he's at it, why not give us a quote for the drive and a couple of retaining walls in the front garden and a low wall to edge our front garden?  Gary, our gardener, will not be too happy, having just tidied up the front for us, he'll now have to dig the plants up sooner, rather than later!  Oh Joy! 

Night folks and oh yes, Happy New Month!  Is it really May?  http://teaontuesdays.blogspot.com/

A Royal Wedding Day Street Party

Well, didn't it all go brilliantly for the Royal couple?  It was such a nice day.. Ok the weather didn't exactly hit the highs of previous weeks, but it was dry and and warmish for the best part of the day.  I watched the ceremony then dashed out to help the guys  who were up ladders putting out bunting etc... they did a sterling job and so the road was ready for the party in short order!  Tables, chairs and paper everything were ready to go at the drop of a hat.  We had only to say the word. 




The table ware was given by local shops which was really very kind... my friend had recieved a welter of plates, cups, flags, tablecloths etc all free!  Thank you, to the very kind shop keepers.

People began to emerge from their homes and soon the air was redolent with the mouthwatering aromas of barbequed food. I used two, that for some reason were not up to the cooking... kept flaring up which of course meant that the food cooked too quickly and burnt.. one was gas and it didn't matter what I did.  So, eventually, I just 'chucked' a load of burnt offerings out for the fox to enjoy.  Sad really! 

I did enjoy the contact with the neighbours especially those we were only on nodding terms with.  Even DD came, having phoned up to ask if she and two friends could come.  She was soon down with the younger and older residents who decided to hold impromptu games of cricket and finally her favourite... footie! 

We were the only party in the area who had music, thanks to our good neighbours who made a super selction which appealed to both young and old alike.  Photographers abounded... un-official and reporters for a local paper.  Needless to say DD and friends were of the photogenic persuasion and were soon snapped.

Sadly, the party began to wind up and before too long, there was not even a popped balloon to show it had occured.  Everyone swept,carried, took down or binned! The clear up was efficient and although a few items have ended up in our house, I'm sure it won't be long before they are claimed.

I have just spent a good hour editing this TWICE.  What is it with the touch pads on lap tops... they are just so sensitive!  I give up.  We had a great time and everyone enjoyed themselves.

A Long and Busy Day

An early start and a drive to the common after dropping DH off at the station, began a rather hectic rush to get ready for work as the phone rang as soon as I got in.  I was called to one of my 'regular schools near the airport.  I enjoy going there and had a super day doing D&T.  We were making moving monsters homes! ' My' TA is a lady I have worked with before  and we get on well.. we should as we share our christian name and a sound alike surname. LOL  So, the class had an hour's drama session before lunch and so as not to be twiddling my fingers, I went to see the lovely reception class I had taken for a couple of weeks before Christmas.  The smiles that lit up quite a few children's faces was just what I needed... a real pick me up.  That they actually remembered me was lovely... it has been over a term since they saw me last, after all.  We made crowns to celebrate with, for the Royal Wedding Lunch tomorrow, which is being held in the school.  It will be lovely as everyone has been invited to eat with the children!  Fish and Chips no less.

DH and I went to see the Shaolin Warriors this evening after a lovely meal bought for us by DD... first one ever.  (She had fallen down our stairs prior to going out and had hurt her other wrist, the non-broken one!!! It was quite a tumble and she did cry.. something she is not usually apt to do being quite a toughie at heart. Holding utensils was quite a feat.. I ended up cutting her meat up, which she was quite embarrassed over but needed help with.) Anyway, if you get a chance to see this troupe, do!  It was not only entertaining, but well presented.  The training must be incredible.. there were a couple of youngsters in the troupe.. very capable and impressive.  Their actions, timing and 'story' telling were excellent. 

I will try to get to a local quilt group tomorrow evening but I want to be in a good state for our street's Royal Wedding party on Friday.  I'm currently headachy which is not a good sign... the volume in the theatre was extreme, shall we say?  Plus I have a runny nose... again not a good sign!  So fingers x... wont Blog for a few days until I have something to report.

Enjoy yourselves!

Early to rise.....

Early for me, is before 7.00 am.  Today, after the Easter weekend, I knew I was going to have to be up to take DH to the station to pick up tickets for the week ahead.  What did he do?  He walked!  I should be grateful to him as it was a kind thing to do... but you know how, when something is at the back of your mind, you just do not relax.  I slept fitfully, heard him open the curtains (which he cannot do quietly to save his life!!!) and then just before 6.00 am, my eyes flew open and I leapt out of bed, got washed, dressed and yelled, " Ready!" in record time, only to find no one there.  I eventually found my mobile and restrained myself as I told him how upset I was to find him gone.  To top it all, I then felt a stress headache come on so to stop it from becoming a full migraine, I took tablets, which make me feel lousy anyway.  Grr!  Still, the dog needed walking and so I was on the Common in time to see the sun glimmering behind the trees and the clouds.  It certainly was a lot cooler than the last few days! 

Feeling somewhat more at peace with myself by the time I got home, I then decided to have breakfast, do some much needed washing and then the phone rang.  No work but had a long chat with Ruth about my availability and anything else that came up including what she might be doing over the summer for a holiday.  Walking in Italy seems to be the thing!  The Lake District possibly for us!  Happy thoughts!  Depends when MIL is to go in for her hip replacement I suppose, bearing in mind what happened yesterday.  We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

The builders are back next door to finish off the steps and I have just remembered I promised them a cuppa... so off I will trot!   More later! 

One Sunny Easter Sunday...

We had hoped to take my in-laws out yesterday for a drive then lunch, but as it happened MIL was really not well and I ended up taking her to the hospital for a checkup.. Good job I did as they think she is experiencing some symptoms of Angina. Luckily it was not a heart attack.. She had been up all night, but would not call us (we had already been for a family meal that evening but she thought we both looked tired) or for an ambulance as FIL has Alzheimer's and she would not leave him or call anyone to look after him as it was so late. I had only left her at 9.00 so was not best pleased.  We have had this out with her before last year, too many times to count really... she has had fibrilations???  (of the heart) several times last year, but is on tablets for it now and had severe diverticulitis in August. Each time we were fortunate enough to have popped over in time to discover these things before they became too critical.


DD is coming over after work this evening, for a barbeque. She enjoys her work in a nearby prison, but recently broke her wrist, so she is on light duties. She plays ladies soccer and was landed on by a rather heavy person whilst her arm was underneath her. She broke the same arm as a 5 year old whilst she was at gymnastics.. so she has a weakness. She is really worried as she will be going to NY to play in the interforces Games (firemen, police etc) which are held biannually - this will be in August. Fingers x she will be well healed by then and fit. Anyway, I couldn't believe how busy ourt local stores were as I was out by 9.45.  Heaving comes to mind.. and all I needed was coleslaw and some beef burgers as DD doesn't like 'real' meat! Sigh!  Still, I managed to spend a hefty amount of money on what I didn't need but liked the look of.  I really need a lock and key around my purse!  It would help my weight too and that is no laughing matter as 3-4 stone need shedding - SOON!

I have been reading lots of books recently, many I have had 'stored' on the shelf until I have had time to get to them. This weather, plus the hospital visits I have recently had (my father had pneumonia a few weeks ago so no work for me, but lots of time to sit making sure dad was breathing - eating- gently exercising- making his doctor/hospital visits for blood tests and x-rays) have allowed my pile to gradually be whittled down. I have read the first two of the Cobbled Court Quilt books by Marie Bostwick, courtesy of one of my friends and just couldn't put them down. The third is on order! Also Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street and Cedar Cove series have given me much pleasure. I enjoy many different genre and author; from Kathy Reichs to Isaac Asimov. If the book grabs my interest on the first few pages.. I know I am set for a great read.

Heat and Plants don't mix!

It was hot last night.  I kept waking up.  So at just after 7.00 I gave up the pretence of trying to sleep got up to take Sammi for a walk.  It was quite amusing to see DH so wrapped up in the quilt, with his head buried under the pillow to 'hide from the light'.  Anyway, it was deliciously fresh out but not so much that I needed a jacket.  On the way to the common, I noticed a sign saying 20% off all plants this weekend at a local nursery, so thought that after the walk I would go to investigate.  Sammi had a wonderful meet and greet with a few new friends but did her usual disappearing act just before the end of the walk.  HOw does she know we are almost ready to leave?  I vary the way I walk every day and even the common land I walk on every few days, so it isn't as if she can tell by the route I take.  Ten (sometimes even twenty) minutes later she returns wagging her tail and at full pelt. Grr! Checked out the nursery but it wasn't going to be open until much later and I need bedding plants not shrubs, which was what was on offer basically.  Sigh!

Planted up lots of the pansies and weeded out some more of the interminable grass from the front garden.  Our road is holding a street party so I want it to look 'reasonable'.  Not in this lifetime it seems!  Having laboriously cleared bags of rubble from our sunken front garden last week, next door is having new set of front door steps built and the builder began today.  Where did hubby want the excess rubble to go... yep, in our front garden.  I give up!  The pieces are so large I will not be able to move them unaided and so there they will remain.. exactly where I moved the last lot from.  Still the planting looks pretty with the orange and purple of the pansies.  They are called Volcano Mix.  Really lovely and slightly fragrant too. Our gardener will 'kill' me though... he wanted me to only plant in the pots as he wants to move everything come the autumn!  I don't plant properly!! Nothing is where it looks right so... move it he must!  And I will let him too as I can't do it.  Arthritis, sciatica and bruised ribs (from a fall I had a few weeks ago) just don't let me bend the way I used to!  Half an hour and that is it for me... I can't stand upright for the rest of the week! Sigh!

The builders refused all form of drinks having their own, and worked from just about 8.30 through to 2.30.  I could not blame them for finishing then - (it was just so hot) as I had had to dive into the shower after my brief time out planting.  I had vowed to put the hose on later but decided the new brickwork would not appreciate a dousing.  So a few sad drops of water from the watering can were ministered.  A few sad and droopy plants greeted me on my return from MIL (been round for dinner) so lesson learned.  Plants and heat don't mix!  Plant early or late, but water them in well straight away!!!

Still no chance of a quilting session until I get some clearance done in the room.  Taking the In-laws out tomorrow, but goodness knows where.  They can't walk (MIL is about to go for a hip-replacement so it will be a drive and lunch somewhere.  The AA Pub Guide is at the ready! It's a good one too as was the last one, but 7 years out of date! Guess we will just point the car in our usual fashion and see where it takes us.

Bletchley Park

Today was a gorgeous day, but it bagan begrudgingly with me agreeing to go to Bletchley Park. It was DH's birthday last week and poor thing was very unwell... the first time ever on his birthday. Needless to say we did not get to celebrate. So I said I would go with him today and after dropping the dog off at my in-laws, off we drove.

Well, I found to my surprise that I actually enjoyed the visit, from listening to the pre-tour chat in the Mansion - to walking round the site with our guide and actually listening to what was being said. It was fascinating to hear about how the Enigma Machine worked and how we came to get a hold of and understand the cyphers etc. Turin's Bombe was also amazing and I found myself walking round and round the working model watching as it 'did its stuff'. I have taken loads of photos and will actually get to scrapbook them. We were told we could photo what we liked as long as it was not for publishing... so can't use any here, I suppose.

I can't immagine how it must have been for the people who worked there. We were told of one elderly lady who was being interviewed with her daughter present. She had worked in the building which dealt with Japanese code breaking. Her daughter had incredulously asked why she would have been working in the building and was told that as she spoke Japanese, she should have been there. That was the first time her daughter had known she could do so. One visitor, in our 'group', had enquired about her father's job. He had actually worked with our guide and so it was obviously important to her. We were told of how the female personel in their hut had complained that when the weather was bad and they had just had their hair done, then it was ruined. So a little tunnel was built between the huts so they did not have to go out in it, but could still pass on their information. All these little annecdotes bring it home that real people worked here and despite the reasons they were there, they still had their normal everyday concerns and lives to lead.

We had lunch in Hut 4 - fish and chips (yes, finally I am back on the subject of food see previous yrs posts!) with a generous portion of veg. A white magnum followed and completed lunch admirably. I actually balanced that out with a diet coke but DH had an Old Speckled Hen Ale. He never drinks at lunch time and he certainly doesn't when driving. So, guessed where that was going to lead me driving home. B y the time we left though it was a lot later than we intended and after 5 hours and lots of water and a cola, I suppose it was ok for him to drive. We got back to pick up the dog, having tea with my in-laws; then I drove; taking her for a walk on the Common on our way home. A quick hot chocolate drink for DH as he is still not up to parr, fed the cats and now on the computer instead of going to bed. We are out for a family dinner tomorrow which could end up quite late (and it is the first episode of the new Dr Who series tomorrow!!!! Hope Virgin Media don't have any problems with tv and internet THIS weekend (for recording purposes).
Goodnight.

Busy Day

Today has been one of those 'get round to it' days'! I should be doing the ironing, I should be doing some cleaning, I should be re-organising the craft room, I should be clearing out the conservatory and well the dining room too... but it has just been too hot and several other things have kept me from my tasks. Firstly, I watered the front garden as our gardener was coming and well, frankly, the ground would have been too hard for him to even pull out a weed. As it was an hour's watering was not enough when it came to planting , never mind weeding. I think a pudding basin will have to suffice next time! Still, it is lovely to have someone else pamper you for a change. I came away feeling lighter and more able to face the world.

After a quick flit into the local Italian cafe for a take-away latte, mozarella and tomato panini and the most yummy florentine, it was a quick head for home to get on with my work. On my way back I saw an old friend whom I hadn't seen for a good 6 months so naturally stopped for a chat. Then, I re-toasted my panini (is it double n - mum always said I was a poor double letter speller?) and sat reading A Thread of Truth by Marie Bostwick. Truth be told, I just had to finish it off, it was that good and as I was munching my lunch, why not use the time profitably?

Well, then our gardener arrived and he wanted to know what was needed, so spent a while discussing scenarios with him and his partner. We + my neighbours, are having a Wedding Street Party in our road, and so I want the scruffy front tidied up. He did a grand job and will complete it next week. I had purchased a large number of ground cover plants, and knowing that I want a complete renovation of the front garden he would not let me spend money and his time, doing what he felt was un-necesarry. He is such an honourable man, I trust him totally. Fingers x the garden will look good for next week once he has finished.

Well, then I remembered I had to order a part for my cooker (the press in knob has broken) and the telephone number DH had given me was incomplete, so of course I had to look it up on line. That led me on to look up my email, then saw I had replies to various mails and also comments on Tea on Tuesdays blog I share, so... yet another wonderful set of distractions. So here I am, at just after 5.00pm and I still am no nearer my tasks. Good job I am on holiday! Oops so will DH be tomorrow, so best be off before I am once more committed - to the work force!

Once upon a time...

I have decided to edit this post as it was the first after a very long hiatus.  I felt an explanation was needed here.

Summer 2009 - I signed up with several agencies once I left my last school.  It was no easy decision as I had really lost my confidence.  I also had discovered that the Head had not written the references hoped for...  Luckily, three of the agencies took me at face value and although I did not start working until the latter part of October, work I did.  I had a lovely class for just the afternoon in a small school and they were just so sweet, I suddenly felt enabled and capable once more.  I have luckily gone from strength to strength and happily now only work for one, almost full time.

January 2010 saw MIL being taken in to a London hospital as it was discovered she had 2 small tumours in one lung.  This was all successfully sorted but we had to move in to look after FIL.  We were gone a month.  Luckily DD was living at home so she saw to the cats along with our neighbours.  MIL was supposed to have had her hip replacement in the exact same week, but of course this was cancelled as it was non-life threatening.  It was all very awkward due to the weather turning snowy, the day of her op and so it was put on hold.  She was lucky and had it done the following day ( many didn't), my birthday, so Dad (whose birthday it was also), FIL and DH all went out for lunch.  It was really pleasant too. Hospital visits resumed and FIL coped really well as we travelled up by train and underground.  It is sad to see, a year plus later, how much he has deteriorated.  MIL is due to have her hip op soon... we are waiting for a date and then it will be back with them again for another month!  This is likely to be more difficult as she will need much more assistance with physio and personal care.  So, this has all been amongst my reasons for not having much to write up in my blog, and to be very honest, I forgotten I had even done it until recently. Apologies dear reader!

DH left his workplace after finding himself in an untenable situation, so stressed and eventually, unwell.  I suggested he leave.  This he did, despite the building industry being hit by the recession and ten months later was still unemployed.  I had begun to work almost full time at this point, with just the odd day off here and there.  Once does what has to be done and I did it with pleasure.  All the time off I had had with my job share was there to be paid back, happily.  Eventually a job has turned up for him and it looks like it will be permanent... fingers x. So, explanation over.. back to the original part of the post...

I was once an ardent scrapbooker... What happened? Quilting is what happened plus a little thing called work!!! I suddenly found myself unemployed.. not because I was made redundant but joined sseveral agencies; although I am now with one only; my work life is full and I have NEVER been busier before. It is both amazing and demanding, but I love it. My confidence took a denting and I actually began to believe I was useless in my profession. I am still amazed to have employers asking for me by name and it is gratifying to know I can't be as bad as I had begun to believe.

Anyway, moving on and upward. I discovered quilting and it is all to my friends that I shower my gratitude. I have been blessed with a wonderful group of friends http://teaontuesdays.blogspot.com/ who have supported me throughout my 18 months of mental turmoil. I had just begun to quilt when it all started and it really was only going to be 'just the one'. Since then I have made them for my daughter -twice - she didn't like the first one as much as I had hoped so made another to go with her bedroom colours... and in true style moved out shortly after; then back, out, back and out again several times over- anyone else had that 'experience'? I also made one for my very best friend in the US; and one for our neighbour - then a modern quilt using pinks, grays and white, based on the original modern sampler from http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2011/03/mod-sampler-redux.html ; for his daughter's 18th. I also have made several table runners for good measure but also to try out new techniques. And still my good friends encourage me and keep my spirits up when I'm flagging such as when darling husband was out of work for 10 months (but he is temping now, so money is not too much of an issue).

I still have much of my scrapbooking stash and have joined several on line classes, so will keep doing it when I can. However, I just can't resist the wonderful colours and fabrics that are around at the moment. DH says we don't have a storage problem, we have a collection problem.... LOL. He is of course correct, but I won't let that little 'issue' become a big one. Nod, agree and move on! One day I will organise myself and the collections! Until then.. you'll be the first to know!