Making Christmas wreaths.

Last Sunday I did a mini course with Coralie (my daughter, for anyone who doesn't know me) We each made a needle felted Christmas wreath.

The course was held in Peterborough, in the basement of a lovely shop which I had never seen before, called Art in the Heart.  If you are ever in Peterborough, stop by as they have some fabulous goodies.  I could have spent a fortune but luckily for me, (or rather Simon), we arrived just as the course was starting and by the time it ended the shop was closing.

Despite the fact that Coralie claims she had told me it was needle felting, I was under the impression that we were making bog standard wreaths with foliage, pine cones and berries.  You know the kind of thing. You can pick them up in the supermarket for about £15.  Once I realised what we were actually doing  the cost made more sense.

To be honest I wasn't sure what to think as I have never tried needle felting.  It turned out to be a brilliant afternoon with my daughter and we both enjoyed it very much.  There were only 4 of us and the tutor, Eve Marshall, was excellent.  It tuns out that she lives a few villages away from me and she does lots of classes so I may have another go in the new year. 

Having never done any needle felting I was a little apprehensive as to how it would turn out and if I could actually get it done in time.  Well, I am actually thrilled with what I produced.  A bright, colourful wreath complete with a Robin (my favourite bird) and I made it all myself!  Here's a few photo's 

Here are the finished wreaths

The blue one above is Coralie's and the red and green one below is mine.  I have it hanging on my living room door.

The actual process of needle felting is fairly easy.  It is the artistic side of things that I would struggle with I think. It is very relaxing and you can do it whilst having a good old chat. Just don't lose concentration because it flipping hurts if you accidentally push the barbed needle into your finger!  Yes, I did do that several times.  I also broke a total of 4 needles!  Not to worry as Eve, says she factors broken needles into the cost of her beginner classes!!

So what do you think?  Have you tried needle felting before?  I purchased the materials to make a second Robin so I shall definitely be giving it another go.

"C" is for Coralie

Day 3 of the A- Z challenge so it is the letter “C”. Seeing as I have been thinking so much about blessings recently, I have decided to keep this easy today. I am also aiming to make it shorter as apparently that is good!.

“C” is for Coralie. Coralie is my 2^nd child and eldest daughter. She is an incredible woman who I am terribly proud of. Many of you know that she hasn't had the easiest of rides with her health.

She suffered for many years with all kinds of women’s problems and other stomach issues. This culminated last year when she was very ill and had several lots of major surgery. Some of you know the details. I won't go into it all here.

The wonderful news is that she is finally back to full health and ready for anything. In her words “I feel like I can do anything now” I know that she can.

One of her many pursuits is cycling. She got into it seriously a few years back. She has done quite a few rides for charity. This October is her biggest yet. She is doing the “Cycle Africa Challenge” in aid of women’s cancer charities. They are Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, Breast Cancer Care and Ovarian Cancer Action. It is a huge challenge. I am so proud of her. Did I say that already?

Here are a few photos of her on her bike.

 

 

 

If anyone would like to donate a few pennies to this cause then you can visit her Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/coralie-c-huson/

At the bottom of this blog post I have copied Coralie's own words from her page. (in Pink)

Children are one of the biggest blessings a person can have and I have been blessed 5 times. Coralie is one of those blessings.

Story

I read recently that 1:4 people will encounter cancer at some point in their lifetime. I don’t know how such a statistic is calculated but it is scary. I am one of 5 children, that means one of us will be affected by cancer, or one of my 5 nieces and nephews. What a thought. I figure we all need to pitch in and do something about it.

Some clever people carry out research into medicines and procedures, some people wear a ribbon or a band in support of a charity, some donate monthly or put coins in a collecting tin. Me? I am going to cycle many long and sweaty miles across Tanzania to raise money for women’s cancer charities.

 

Many of you know how much I love my bike, how much I enjoy being out on the road. But make no mistake, this is a big challenge. 9 days away from my boys, 9 days of heat, (I hate being hot!) and six solid days of cycling in a different climate, on different terrain, with a group of women I have yet to meet! I can't wait, but what a challenge!!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.

Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Just Giving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I am thankful for whatever pennies and pounds you are able to donate. They are going to a good cause.

THANK YOU.

Jilly

Thursday 14th March

Just realised that I haven't been here for 2 weeks. I have read blogs from time to time and I have had good intentions but other stuff has got in the way. I know I have said it before but I really do need double the hours in my day.  I am just so busy.  The sewing and Etsy shop is taking up time and also my volunteer work with the dogs is taking more time too. 

So what is new?  Best news ever is that our little, tiny grandson, Jackson has had his feeding tube removed.  Yay! He is now 8 weeks old and weighs 5lb 1oz so he is doing fantastically.  Remember that he still shouldn't even be here for another 2 weeks. 

That reminds me, big congratulations to my friend Pam and her daughter Stephie.  Stephie has just given Pam another grandson.  Little Adam. 

I have a headache today.  It started yesterday and I can't get rid of it.  Hence, I’m doing some blogging rather than anything else. I have the TV on in the bedroom and am just watching “This Morning" and there is this really weird man, David Icke, who thinks the world is a hologram. Apparently we are all being controlled by members of the Royal family!  Weird or what? 

I actually do think that we are controlled by many forces and organisations but the Royal family?  No. Our governments, the church, yes, Royal family, no.  Speaking of the church reminds me of the election of the new Pope. Now there is a controlling organisation if ever there was one.  The Catholic Church. Oh yes, you better believe it.  Did you see all the faithful waiting to learn the name of the new head?  Sheep. Most have no idea who this guy even is but they will revere him anyway. 

Coralie posted on her Facebook page yesterday, "Dare we hope for a slightly more progressive thinking Pope? One who can lead the Catholic Church into the modern world?"  There is no way that will happen.  They are not interested.  They just want to stick with the old ways. They want to stay in control.  

My response was “Dare we hope for someone who will put an end to the sexual abuse that is so rife throughout the Catholic Church?”  Interestingly, Coralie deleted that.   I find that interesting in itself.   Coralie is someone who would normally welcome debate.  Seemingly my opinions are not appropriate for her page.  Hmmm, makes me really wonder.

So, Pope, Francis the first.  He is a very conservative, 76 year old. Is he going to change anything?  Is he heck?  That is why he was voted in.  They will never dare risk anything else.  He is anti-gays, anti-abortion, and anti-euthanasia need I go on?  Interesting that he is also a Jesuit.  Anyone recall from their history lessons how the Jesuits became so powerful at the end of the 18th century that they were suppressed?  Hmmm, power and control. 

OK, my brain is hurting, and I am waffling and not being coherent. I think you have realised by now that I am not impressed.  

For anyone that doesn't know, I was christened at my parent’s local parish church.  (Common C of E).  After my marriage, in a very misguided attempt to be accepted by the outlaws, I was confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church.  Our children grew up in that faith and at primary age they went to a Catholic school.  I have never believed. Simon has never believed. We were both just trying to fit in with his family. It didn't work. Nothing will ever work there, but that is another story.  

Basically as we got older we realised that there was no point in pretending to be something that we are not.  We have not attended church for years and never will again. (Weddings and funerals excepted). Simon believes very strongly that the church is just an organisation that controls the masses for their own purposes. I mostly don't even bother to think about it. If I am anything, then I am probably a sort of Pagan.  But I prefer not to define myself.  I am me and I believe in balance and good and..........oh  my goodness what a lot more drivel.  This is what happens when I have a headache!

I am being driven crazy buy Alfie.  We were all 3 of us on the bed.  Alfie was in Simon’s place at the top of the bed next to me and Loulou was at the bottom by my feet.  I got up to go to the loo and Alfie followed me.  Of course Loulou then saw her opportunity and moved into the prime position.  Alfie is not pleased.  This happens all the time.  I wish he would just realise that I am only going to be 2 minutes and stay where he is. He then tries to get on my lap which doesn't work with my lap top.  I have moved to the chair and he keeps trying to get up here with me. I might shut them both downstairs for a while. I think I need to close the curtains and lie down quietly.   Stupid headache.

At least I managed a blog.

MIA again

I have just looked back at my blog and it appears that I have been missing in action again for well over 2 weeks.  Time flies when you are having fun!  Time flies when you are busy too but I have had some fun along the way.    So where to begin with my update?  You know me, I won't possibly be able to remember the whole 2 weeks.

I guess Jackson is a good starting point as my last blog was about him being back in the NICU.  He is now 5 weeks old.  Incredible.  Of course he wasn't even due to be born for another 5 weeks yet.  He is doing really, really well now.  He was moved out of NICU last week on to SCBU.  He is now out of his incubator and just in a "hot cot" which they are turning down day by day.  He only has 2 wires now, a heart monitor and a temperature  monitor.  He still has his feeding tube although he does now have a sucking reflex and is beginning to feed from Mummy.  It is slow progress as he finds it hard to suck and breath at the same time. He weighs 4lbs now. All his test results are now fine. The heart specialist is pleased with him.

Here are the latest photos of our little guy.

These next 2 were just taken yesterday.

Last week was the school half term break in Lincolnshire.  As always it was really busy.  Simon spent one complete day moving cars around.  His truck has gone to someone to do some work that for some reason he can't do. His dragster is now residing in the garage. We had dentist appointments, several meals out, a day in Lincoln,  an evening out with staff from the old Walton school, a trip to Stevenage to collect my Dad, then to Stamford station to collect Saskia. We had a day in Leicester at the fabric shop, lots of kennel visits and we saw lots of the grandchildren. It was busy.

Alfie had a day at the vets for more scans and X-rays.The good news is that his very large bladder stone has broken down into much small pieces and they were able to get some of them out. He has been given more tablets which should hasten the process. The bad news was his arthritis is looking pretty bad. More bad news was received in a letter........our insurance will not cover the cost of his very, very expensive prescription food.

I am sure I have missed stuff out.  I don't seem to have any photos though.  How about one of Alfie the evening he got back from the Vet.  He is still very drugged up.

Here is a  recent one of my 2 gorgeous boys.

Photo blatantly stolen from Coralie's Facebook page!

We had a good few days with my Dad. He saw 4 of his great grandchildren and he enjoyed that. He came and had a cup of tea at the dog rescue kennels and he got to see Jenson the Dalmatian.  He took a walk down to our village church and lit a candle for my Mum.  That seems to have become a regular thing when he visits here.  I'm not sure why as he doesn't do that anywhere else. On Sunday we took him to Leicester to the Fabric Guild.  He has wanted to go for ages. He is really into his sewing now.  He has made me 4 tote bags for the fund raiser for the doggies and also this table runner for me.  He has made a good job of it.

The Fabric Guild was disappointing.  They had a sale on, which was good but they had less than a quarter of the stock that they would normally have.  Also I thought they closed at 2pm and they close at 1pm so we only had about 40 minutes there.  It was a good job that we had combined it with taking Saskia home otherwise it would have been very annoying.  My Dad still thought it was a fantastic place and I still managed to spend lots of money!

We had some good news on Sunday evening.  My niece Carly has just had her first baby.  A little girl named Annabelle Iris. Both are doing well.  My Dad was so thrilled.  He especially liked that she has Iris in her name as that was Mum's name.  He can't wait to see her.  He now has 6 great grandchildren, 3 boys and 3 girls. She is my sisters first grandchild so they are all very excited.

Simon took my Dad home yesterday and he is now back at school so peace and quiet is here again.  I will probably be spending the next few days getting the house back to normal.  It deteriorates rapidly when Simon is on holiday!  I get out of my routine.

Today, I have washing, ironing, cleaning etc, etc. Hopefully I will find some sewing time too.  I have done lots of sewing the last few weeks and will do a show and tell soon.  Right now, I am having a coffee  before hoovering my bedroom.  Our lovely cuddle arm chair is being delivered this morning.

Well my coffee is finished so I suppose it is time to move myself into gear.

Friday

Goodness, where did the week go to?  For that matter where did January go to?  Can't quite get to grips with it already being February.  That means 1 more month of winter and then it will be spring again..........when it's spring again,  I'll bring again, tulips from Amsterdam, la, la, la.....where the heck did that come from? I can't wait for spring, it heralds summer and I love summer.  No guarantee of good weather though.

So,  who would have ever guessed that by the end of January we would already have our new little grandson?  He is two and a half weeks old now and doing well.   He was moved out of intensive care on to the special care unit and has already progressed to an open top incubator.  He is breathing well on his own and gaining weight.  Verity and Steve are both fine.  

Coralie visited them on Wednesday and got to hold him, My sister and brother in law are taking my Dad today so they will get to hold him too.  I am jealous!  We haven't been this week so have not had a cuddle yet. 

Looking back I am not sure where this week has gone and what I have done with it.  Let me think, Monday was the normal round of housework, catching up after the weekend with a bit of sewing thrown in too. Erm, come to think of it Wednesday and Thursday were pretty much the same. 

Tuesday was a busy day as we had 2 visits to the kennels.  We went in the morning so that we could give Jenson some attention.  Simon got him out and we had him in the office for over an hour.  He is so different when he is out of the kennel and is really responding.   He loves Simon.  We zipped home for some lunch and to see our own doggies before going back to accompany Jenson to the vets. 

He was to have gone in our car but for some odd reason the boot will not open.  We first noticed this when it was very cold a week back and thought it had frozen, but it seems that it must be something else.  the rest of the central locking is working fine.  The car is going to the garage next week for new tyres so Paul will look at the boot then.  A  boot is a trunk for you Merikans!   We also need to have the windscreen washer bottle drained.  Right before the cold spell Simon realised that it was empty so filled it with water to drive home from school.  Of course the bad weather came and it froze over night and still won't defrost so we can't get the anti freeze stuff in!  

Back to Jenson.  He must have thought he was a VIP as 4 of us ended up accompanying him!   The vet was actually really pleased with him.  She thought he may have a strain in one of his back legs so gave him so anti-inflammatories  It was decided not to neuter him as he is still very underweight.  He was a very good boy at the Vet and in the car.  I am so thrilled at how he is turning out.

So that was my week.  I am looking forward to the weekend and to seeing baby Jackson.

____________________________________________

Good news.

It has been a pretty busy weekend as they always are.  Yesterday we went to Cambridge to see Verity Steve and Jackson.  Coralie had organised a baby shower for Verity as she has missed out on all the normal new mummy stuff.

Baby showers are not something that we really do here in the UK.  I mean, a few people might but the average Joe Bloggs doesn't.   Coralie just thought it might be nice so she organised for all of us to go to Verity and Steve's.   We were all there except Saskia.  We had balloons and presents and yummy cake.   I had made some bunting but forgot to take it!.   I will post it out to them tomorrow.

Once all the present giving and cake eating was over we went on mass to the hospital to see Jackson,  I have fantastic news.  He is totally off his CPAP, breathing on his own and has been moved out of intensive care on to the special care unit.  How wonderful is that?   He is a little fighter.  Only 11 days old and out of intensive care.

We took turns to go in and see him as it is only one person at a time with Mum and Dad.   He is still very tiny but has regained his birth weight of 3lbs.   Thank you so much to everyone that has been sending prayers, good wishes , positive vibes

I will keep you updated.

The birth of Baby Jackson

Well  you may have noticed that I haven't been around for the last week.  Some of you know why.  Actually if you have read my previous blog post then you will all know why!  Yes we have a new little grandson.  A teeny, tiny, unbelievable small grandson.   It has been a very worrying week. 

It began last Friday with a phone call from Coralie telling me that Verity's waters had broken and that she was on her way into Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge.  I was out of my mind with worry.  This was way too early she was only 30 weeks.   We soon had word that she would need to be transferred elsewhere as there was no NICU (Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit) cot available at Addenbrookes, the unit was closed because it was full.  At that point they were thinking that she would be moved to Norwich, some 100 or so miles away.  

Luckily they spoke to Coralie who was actually working that night and she knew there was cot on her own unit in Peterborough so eventually an ambulance transfer was arranged and Verity arrived at Peterborough City Hospital at 3.30am.  When she arrived Coralie was free having delivered twins a few hours before so she was able to take over her sisters care which was wonderful for all.  It also meant that Coralie was updating me on the situation right through the night. 

They  were not initially sure sure if labour had started or not.  She was given drugs to stop labour plus the steroids  to mature the babies lungs.  They also gave her a massive dose of antibiotics because of the risk of infection. 

At that point Coralie told us that if labour didn't start it would probably be in the next 48 hours.  However providing labour didn't begin the protocol would be antibiotics until it does and visits to the hospital every 2 days for blood tests in the hope that they could get to 37 weeks. 

Saturday was pretty much the same and we went to visit her in the afternoon.  Both her and Steve were very calm although they must have been so worried.   On Sunday she was having some cramps but only every now and then.  There was still no sign of labour beginning and we were beginning to think  she was safe and would hang on.    Coralie must be a good midwife because she told us that it would be very soon.  She kept saying that even when a different consultant discharged Verity on Monday afternoon.   At that point the consultant was hoping to be able to get her to 34 weeks.

It wasn't to be.  Labour began around 3am and she went back into Addenbrookes where fortunately she was allowed to stay as they now had the necessary NICU cot available.   Baby had gone from lying transverse to being breech (bum down for those that don't know) and he was sort of wedged in her pelvis so they decided to prep her for theatre.

The poor girl had such a traumatic time.  It took 3 attempts to get an epidural in and by the time they had they suddenly realised that not only was she fully dilated but he was half way out! So long story short, she had someone pushing him back up the way he had come and someone else pulling him from the other side!  This resulted in a baby black and blue with bruising and a very, very nasty incision for Verity. 

But we must be grateful that they are both OK.  Little Jackson is a strong little man.  He came out breathing on his own and was very quickly moved to NICU which Coralie told us was good news as they don't move them until they are stable.  Coralie was there having caught the train at 5am.  Once again it was wonderful to know that she was there with her sister and was able to keep us updated every 15 minutes or so.  Thankfully it was Simon's day off so we got up and just waited for news.

Jackson was born at 6.36am and weighed  just 3lbs.  A decent size actually but he looks incredibly tiny when you see him.  Simon and I went  that afternoon and after having 20 minutes with Verity which was ten minutes longer than they said we could have,  Steve took us up to the unit to meet his son.  I went in first as only 1 person can go in at a time with a parent.  I held it together, didn't cry, not then.  I wanted to be strong for Steve.  He is SO SMALL.  I have never seen anything as small.  His arms are the size of Steve's fingers.  Simon made a joke that the chicken we had for dinner the day before was bigger and he was right!

So here we are 3 days later.  How can he be 3 days old already?  Verity is doing well but is in quite a lot of pain. She will probably be allowed home soon. Maybe tomorrow or the weekend.  Jackson is doing great so far.  He is on CPAP ventilation but is continuing to do well with his breathing.  All other signs are looking good so far.  We are all very aware of the roller coaster ahead.   At this point in time it is very early days.  They have been told to expect around 10 weeks before he can go home.  The general rule of thumb is the due date but they must also weigh 5lbs.  Some babies do well and are home sooner and some take longer.  

I would like to thank those of you that knew what was going on and kept our family in your prayers right over the weekend and beyond.  I think it goes without saying that little Jackson could use all the help he can get right now so whatever it is that you do, prayers, good wishes, positive thoughts,  all will be more than welcome right now and in the coming weeks and I thank you for them in advance.  As always I know that all of you will be there as a constant support. 

Wednesday the 9th

The 9th!  January is racing past, nearly a third gone already.  It flies.  The last week has been unseasonably mild too which is good because you know how I dislike winter.  However, today is the last of that for they are saying that tomorrow a cold spell is on its way and winter will be returning.

I had a good day yesterday and managed to get myself reorganised with all jobs done except the dusting.  I shall do that this morning.   I spent the afternoon reorganising and tidying my sewing room  then I made a cushion.  A cheats cushion.  I'll explain that in show and tell. I put some more stuff on my Etsy store and I think it may be ready to "Go live" today.

In the evening I watched Eastenders and then set to getting my head around the stuff that needs to be done for the administration of the sponsorship scheme for the doggies. I think I mentioned that I have been asked to do this?  It isn't much work; just maintaining the records, sending out annual reminders and then a newsletter 4 times a year with updates on the sponsored dog.

Do you remember the bedtime buddies that I made for all 4 grandchildren for Christmas? They went down very well.  Flynn loved his.  The following is part of an email conversation with Coralie which I found amusing:

"The bed time buddies are a huge hit. Evan mostly uses his for storing stuff that he does not want Flynn to get. Flynn, as he does with various things, has latched onto his with vice like grip. He sleeps on it for nap and bed time. Literally ON IT!

So my question is.... What are the washing instructions for a bedtime buddie? After just 4 days/nights it is in need of a wash. There is a fair covering of snot, a brown coloured stain and a general odour of sweaty toddler. It's not good! Instructions please."

I replied saying, wash on 30 degrees, short spin , tumble dry or line dry.  It is only fleece, should be fine.

"Bedtime buddy is in the wash as I type, will let you know how it goes!" .........

OMG,  bedtime buddy has gone lumpy in wash. Flynn currently rejecting him because he is "different."


LOL. Maybe there is a teaching opportunity here?  He needs to learn that being different is OK.  We are all different.

I just love my little ones.

Today, when I get out of bed. ( recently I have been writing blogs first thing in the morning after my coffee and before getting up) I shall get my jobs done and then I am going to sew.  Hopefully might do a show and tell blog later.  

Actually this blogging first thing isn't good for me, have just realised that it is twenty minutes past eight and I am still in bed!  Going to shower now and start my day.

Thursday 20th December

OK so I have been bad at blogging again but you know it is nearly Christmas and I have been busy.  This is just a quick catch up on a few things.

Firstly my Alfie.  He is doing OK. We have had one week on the prescription diet and so far so good. He seems to like it and he isn't missing out on treats as I give him a few morsels of the food when he would normally have a treat.   He is managing to "wee" a bit better.  It is sort of spurts rather than drips.  So far we have not had any more trouble with leakage so I am only mopping the floor once a day. We have lots of waterproof bedding thingies now but so far they have not been needed.  Simon will collect more food, antibiotics and pain killers from the vet tomorrow to see us over Christmas.  I spoke to the vet today and she is pleased with progress so far and will see him after Christmas.

I am sitting typing this with half an eye on the news. They are predicting more rain and floods across the country.  It is appalling. It has rained here very heavily all day.  The garage is partially flooded again. It is coming in from the back corner and we think it is because the guttering which drains into a water butt simply cannot cope.  Thank goodness our house is safe.  It must be truly awful to have your house flood.

It has been another busy week here.  I have been sewing some last minute bits and pieces for Christmas.  I am really pleased that I have made about 95% of  our gifts this year.

On Tuesday Simon and I went to Stamford, a town about 15 miles away.  He was collecting some wood from a wood yard. We had a quick whizz around the shops there and I got lots of little bits and pieces for a stocking for Saskia.  We gave up doing the Christmas stockings a few years back but as Saskia will actually be here and waking up in our house on Christmas morning I thought it would be nice.  We won't tell her, we will just hang it on her door when she goes to bed so that she can find it in the morning.  We shall tell her that it is her job to get up and bring us coffee and biscuits in bed and then she can open it in our room just like they all used to when they were little. I miss those days.  I have made her a little stocking from Christmas fabric.

When we got home on Tuesday it was to a freezing cold house.  The heating was not on.  Simon checked the pilot light which was fine.  We both had a fiddle around with the timer and the thermostat....nothing.  It was freezing and I do not do cold. Simon phoned a plumber who came out on Wednesday and said we need a new pump.  Strangely, overnight on Tuesday the heating restarted but the plumber said it can do that.  It has been OK since but did go off for a while this morning.  I hope it doesn't give up all together as he can't do the work until the 8th of January.

Yesterday I  did a bit of the Christmas food shopping.  I went to Tesco in Bourne on the 4.50pm bus and Simon picked me up on his way home.  It meant that I didn't leave Alfie for too long.  It wasn't a bad idea but it was very cold waiting for the bus and I also got soaking wet as of course it was  raining.  I still have more to do which I will probably do either tomorrow afternoon once Simon gets home or possibly on Sunday.  Simon will be home early tomorrow as it is the last day of term and they finish an hour or so earlier than normal.

On Saturday I shall  be helping at the dog rescue kennels as normal. Simon is collecting Saskia from Stamford station at lunch time and they will come to pick me up and drop of her cat at the same time. She couldn't find anywhere in Leicester to take her cat so it is going in the cattery here.   Saturday afternoon we have all 4 grandchildren coming to make paper chains which should be fun.  Not sure yet what is happening on Sunday or Christmas eve.

Oh, just remembered something, I keep meaning to tell you all that Coralie raised £327 for the Three Counties dog rescue with her sponsored ride.  Here she is after it was over with her friend Les who also did the . Thanks to everyone who kindly sponsored her.  The doggies will be very grateful.

OK, I'm out of here now. Time to make some hot chocolate and snuggle in bed. I have some magazines waiting to be read.

Catching up......yet again.

Oh dear all my good intentions of daily blogging have gone out the window once again.  It is a week since I have been here.  Well a week since my last blog.  I have been here, late at night, reading and occasionally, when I have been able to engage my brain, I have even left a comment.  How on earth did I find time to work years ago?  There is just not enough hours in my day. I need double length days. 

In my last blog I said I would tell you about my weekend.  That is not this weekend just gone but the one before!   We had a busy, busy time.  Saturday was our wedding anniversary.  33 years and counting.  I am proud of that.  I still love him just as much as I did on that day 33 years ago....most of the time!  Some days I could quite cheerfully strangle him! I guess that is a marriage.

Anyway, Saturday was a busy day.  The Christmas lights were being turned on in our nearest town of Bourne and it is quite a big event for a small market town.  They have a fair (albeit a small one!) and lots of stalls and the like.  The Three Counties dog rescue had a charity stall selling bric a brac  and the new calender for 2013 plus the Christmas cards.  They also had a tombola.  As well as the stall they had tin collectors out all day too.

Simon took me to the kennels first thing as normal.  It was a bitterly cold day.  He then went off to help the ladies set up the stall.  There was a need for man power!  Once that was done he came back to the kennels to collect Molly the Beagle who was doing 2 hours of tin collecting with him.  He returned at lunch time looking very, very cold.  I changed my coat and boots in the car as there wasn't time to go home.  Simon and I were manning the stall from 2pm to 4pm.  The stall was on the corner of the arcade and the wind whistles down there.  We were absolutely frozen.  We ended up staying until nearly half four as the people taking over from us were late.  

Our plan had been to go home and get washed and changed to go out for an anniversary meal.  We didn't.  We were both so cold we just couldn't face going out again.  We ended up having sausages and mash in front of the fire!  I seem to remember a few glasses of the red stuff too.  We agreed to go out the next day........Sunday.

Sunday was a nice lazy kind of day with Simon in his garage and me sewing.  I had a nice bath, put on my make up and glad rags and we set off at 6pm heading to our favourite local pub, the Bull at Rippingale a nearby village.  I had already planned what I was going to have.  A dish called drunken chicken.  I LOVE it.  Guess what?  They were closed!!!  WTH?  Never seen them closed before.  We decided to come back to Morton and go to our own local pub called the Five Bells.  We haven't been there yet despite trying out the pubs in other villages.  Not sure why we haven't yet tried out own as it has a good reputation.  Guess what?  they were open but they do not serve food on a Sunday night, only lunch time!  WTH?

OK now what to do?  We sat in the car park pondering and finally settled on the Three Bells at Edenham which is a village about 7 miles away.   We have been there twice in the summer and it was really good.  We were getting hungry by now so we made haste through the lanes.  Guess what?  We couldn't freakin believe it.......It was closed.  What is it out here in the Fens?  Does no one go out to eat on a Sunday night? 

We decided to cut our losses and just go home.  We came home through Bourne and as we were coming down to the main roundabout we both remembered that the new pub on the corner was due to open on the 2nd of December........  TODAY!  YES, lets go there.  NO.  It actually was opening on the third, the following day!   We went home.  I can't remember now what we ate but I think there were a few more glasses of the red stuff!

We finally went out on Tuesday evening as it is Simon's day off. We went to the new pub which is called the Sugar Mill.  It was very nice and I think we will go there again.  Just remind us not to try going out to eat on a Sunday.   Village life is very different!

On Wednesday I went up to Stevenage to pick up my Dad who was coming to stay for a few days.  I ended up going much later than I had planned as they had snow and Dad was concerned as he had heard on the radio that there was a 2 hour delay on the A1.  After speaking to my brother in law who said that it was fine I finally set off at midday.  You wouldn't believe that I actually did the journey the quickest ever.  Dad and I were back home here by 5pm.  

Dad stayed with us until Saturday.  We had a lovely, lazy time.  Lots of talking and reminiscing.  I gave him Mum's scrap book and he was very pleased with it.  On Friday Coralie and Denise came over for sewing.  My Dad and Denise had never met before so there was a lot of chatting and no sewing got done.  It was nice though and Dad did ask Denise about a few things he is having trouble with.  He has got himself a sewing machine and is getting into quilting.

On Saturday we had a  family dinner for him at a pub in Peterborough.  His 86th birthday is this Thursday so we wanted a family celebration.  My sister and her husband came too.  Unfortunately her children were not able to be there and neither was Saskia as she is currently performing every weekend.  The rest of us had a great time and I think he enjoyed it.   My sister  took him home.  We are a bit concerned that he is insisting on spending Christmas at home on his own.  He says that he will not be alone he will be with Mum....she is buried in the garden.  Well, her ashes are buried in the garden.  I wish he would change his mind but I have to respect his right to do as he wants.  I just keep thinking that this could be his last Christmas and we will have to look back knowing he was alone. 

Yesterday and Sunday were fairly normal weekend days with Simon at home.  He was working in the garage. He is slowly moving stuff over from the barn now. He had to take Alfie to the vet on Sunday as we had noticed that he didn't seem well and was having trouble peeing.  The vet has diagnosed a urine infection and he is on antibiotics and pain  killers.  If he is no better by Saturday he has to go back for a scan of his bladder.  He is not any better so far.   I did some sewing.  I also did all my Christmas cards yesterday  and wrapped a few presents.  Did I mention that I am taking part in a secret Santa thing with my blog friend Kathy?  She is in the Orzaks in Merika.  Basically we each make something and swap with each other.  The idea is to use what you have.  I can't tell you yet what I made as it will spoil it for Kathy but I can confirm that it is right now winging its way over the pond.  I hope she is pleased.

Today is a housework day.  I didn't do much while my Dad was here and of course over the weekend with Simon at home for 3 days I still didn't do much.  I have a massive amount of washing and ironing to catch up on including towels and bed linen.  There is also dog bedding waiting to be done. I have lost count of how many times I have mopped the kitchen floor so far today.  Alfie is "dribbling"!  The mop is out constantly and I am having to disinfect it.   I did make a banana  loaf cake this morning  though so at least that is one good thing done.  Right now I am taking a bit of a break.  It is 2.20pm  and I still have to hoover upstairs. After that I will be nearly done, just ironing as each load of washing comes out of the tumbler.

Simon has a parents evening tonight and won't be in until 7.30pm so I have a bit of extra time before I need to start on dinner.  Think I shall do some sewing when I have finished all my jobs.  I am half way through another bum bag. Must do the binding on Verity's baby quilt too.  

Speaking of Verity...she is still off work.  I can't see her going back to be honest.  She is really suffering.  The flu that she had they have now said is whooping cough and will still be some weeks before it goes away.  It is not that which is keeping her from working though.  She has SPD  (symphysis pubis dysfunction) This is a condition of pregnancy where the pubic bones pull apart.  It is incredibly painful  Coralie had this too.  Verity is currently on crutches and really suffering.  They are saying she could need a wheel chair for the final months. 

OK, time to get back to the grind stone.  Hopefully will try to get back and blog tomorrow.  I am going to Ellie's school carol concert in the morning and I am looking forward to that.