Mary, Mary Fairly Contrary

Wedding news

2010-09-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long but every time I think I'll blog something gets in the way!! We have had a busy week having had the sons wedding last weekend in Stafford and I'm just recovering now. It was a great wedding with both bride and groom looking fab and seeming very happy.

Congraulations also go to my friend's daughter and her husband in Australia on the birth of their son on September 7th.

Here are some photos for you all to see and I promise to be back with news soon!!

The happy couple.

That confetti gets everywhere!!!!

The getaway car (borrowed from Dad) decorated!

Deb, the bride, determined not to get cake on her dress!

You just got to love the funny ones! Be back soon.

I said I'd be back!!

2009-07-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well its been nearly one year since I last blogged! I have no excuses. Well maybe one and that is I have not had a great deal to write about. Life has carried on being mostly contrary. We have been busy in the house and garden doing mostly mundane things.

Main news is that the youngest has got engaged and will get married in September next year.I keep trying to get the others hitched but no luck so far!

We are in the midst of having the plaster in our sitting room removed as we have some damp in one wall. It's a lovely job noisy and dusty!When it is finished we will redecorate completely. We have new curtains and rug to put in there but cannot agree on a colour but I suspect I will get my way!! We have a deadline for finishing as we are planning a big do for the big Si birthday late in August.

No more for today. It's very miserable and been raining a little this am but dry now and I have some weeding to do. More pictures of the garden to come.

From the worst blogger in the west!!!

2008-07-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

I am you know. So bad at getting down to it and achieving a new post!! Sandi has been nagging me as has the first born daughter ( no doubt the other would if she wasn't in Africa!). I have sort of been busy. So thanks Sandi as I thought I.d display the garden flag you sent me. So far wedged in it has no chance to blow away. But the weather has been well very English if you know what I mean!! Only people who live here really understand English weather.Cold wind, grey sky, beautiful sunshine and deep blue sky, massive flashes of thunder and nights where you really want an electric motor to waft cool air on you one minute and pull the duvet over you the next so that you get some sleep!!! all of the above in a 24hour period. No time to be bored by it all.

However on to the busy bits. The shoulder is much improved thanks to intensive physiotherapy. My physio is heartily sick of me!! I have completed the sweater I started for husband in March. Most of this done in last 3 weeks! I have spent a fair amount of time in the garden which is my fav place at this time of the year. So far have picked these onions. A little disappointed as they are not very big but I think we planted them too close together. They taste very strong though so a little will go a long way.

This is the first crop of runner beans and they were delicious.

The temperatures have been warm enough for the passionflower to produce fruit and this is one of several that appeared in the last few days.

The thing I got most excited about was the first ripe tomato!! I have tried in the past to grow them without much success but this year I have already picked about 10!!they are cherry toms but there are about hundred little green ones ready to ripen. I am now picking each day. The peas are not doing as well as the slugs have got to some. All of the veg is being grown in pots or bags. We still have 5 large containers of later cropping potatoes to get. Was disappointed in the yeild from some but will try a different type next year.

Now on to the other bits of busy. Managed to get some fab strawberries and cherries when in Shropshire and decided to make jam and cherry brandy. Didn't have a recipe for brandy so sort of made it up. I had a cheap bottle bought really to put in Christmas cakes etc (no on drinks it neat in this house) so made the brandy as I would the damson gin, but with less sugar. I will let you all know how it tastes Very alcoholic I suspect judging by the smell!!

Then we decided to give the family bathroom a quick update. We had some duck-egg blue left over from the bedroom we did earlier in the year so painted the bits that need it. Very little really as white tiles prevail here. I found a little bit of Kath Kidston material I had bought from their discount store in Bicester about 2 years aago. Sarah machined them and they are held up with little clips that I bought for very little in France ages ago. The curtain rail is really a kitchen utensil rack from Ikea! Total curtain cost about 10 pounds! Thanks Sarah I will post a pic of completed room when totally finished.

I have other bits to post like my car boot finds from last weekend but am running out of time. I still have to do some cleaning!! as always. I will try to be a better blogger in the future. Best wishes to all and hope everyone is enjoying the summer.

Autumn in June

2008-06-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Well we are back from our French hols and appear to have come back to Autumn!! Its wet , cold and windy with leaves coming off the trees and very little sunshine! Is this global warming? Or are we having a repeat of last years summer?? As you can see this is Sarah keeping warm with the lap quilt and the lap cat on Sunday evening ( we had a fire going as well) Dougal loves to get on this quilt!!

We had a great holiday although the weather wasn't extremely hot in Brittany it was warm and mostly sunny and everywhere we went were great profusions of lilies growing.These were just some outside a farm building. Makes my efforts in the garden look very poor by comparison.

My garden ones.

Elsewhere in the garden the flowers were good. Lots of wind and heavy rain has dealt them a blow during the last week.

The veggies are doing quite well though. I have about 20 little green tomatoes and have harvested the garlic planted in pots last September.

This is the result of 5 spuds planted in an old tin bath in March!!

They were so delicious. I am looking forward to the next early ones from the bags and later the main crop ones in large pots. Peas and beans growing so much but no flowers on them yet. We need some warmth!!

My shoulder is feeling much better although still limited movement due to the tendon tear. Am seeing the consultant again next week and am hoping he will be able to repair the damage. If not I will never get a full range of movement back in it. But the pain is much improved and for that I am very grateful. I can even manage a little bit of knitting now.

Husband had a day off on Monday and so we went out to lunch and to visit Lady Heyes ( an antique sort of centre in Cheshire) We have a bolster pillow on our bed (Its a sort of double length pillow) and need a new case for it. These are difficult and expensive to buy now. Look what I found there though. Old ( 1950s I think) but never used set of one bolster case and 2 pillow cases. All for 8 pounds a bargain I think.

The sun is trying to peep out from a grey sky so I think I'll risk putting the towels out to dry. Hope you all have a great week.

Drum roll please....

2008-06-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well one and all, mi madre is currently on her way to France avec Mon Papa! So she asked me to perform a very important task for her. I had to pull the name out of the hat - literally! Anyhow, with Hamish as the office adjudicator, the winner is...

Kari - yes it's you!!! Mr Cat is nameless no more!! His Name is Basil!!!!!

Please leave a message with your e-mail and I can post you your prize!!

Sarah the guest blogger!

Giveaway

2008-05-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder about my giveaway. All you have to do is suggest a name for Mr. Cat ( already had some great ones) and we will put them all in a hat and pull one out. You have until tomorrow.

And this is what you will win. I hope you are all into vintage things we have a shopping bag made from the cut offs from the study curtains,an old linen traycloth, a needle kit for emergencies,a French linen teacloth, an old tablecloth with lavender flowers and 2 little handmade broches( made by Sarah!).
My operation has been postponed for a while as they want me to have more physio and get more movement before I have to have it stabilised in a sling for several weeks. I have had a second opinion who agrees so am to have some time exercising and some holiday and the go back on July 1st. Not much happening here The garden is looking lovely I love this time of the year in the garden. All the veggies are doing well but the tomatoes need more sun as do I!! Good luck with the cats names.

Fifty posts

2008-05-16T04:21:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone. Sorry I have been away from doing the blog for a while. No excuses really but have been ongoing problems with my shoulder and I seem to have spent so much time either at Docs. physiotherapy and X-ray departments in last few weeks. I have a fractured humerus( upper arm bone) with a torn tendon. I am to see the Doc again on Tuesday who will decide what surgery I need and this is to be done next Thursday. On top of that I had a little trip last week, just a stumble not a fall, and hurt my knee which is still painful to walk on!!! Oh the joys of getting older and more clumsy. So now I can't walk well and cannot do much with left arm. Despite this and with much help from big Si we have done quite a bit in the garden as I shall now show you.
Firstly we have the superior Hamish who is ensuring we get it right. You cannot be out in the garden without him.

Potatoes in bags.

Potatoes in an old tin bath.

Flowers in abundance

The weather has been so good over the last week or so that everything has sprung into life so quickly making up for a very poor Spring. Not as warm or sunny today but still very nice. Good gardening weather and I hope to get out and do a little more later.

As this is my 50th post I decided that it would have to be a giveaway! Not decided exactly what yet but have some ideas. I won a beautiful cat from Annie at a Saucerful of Secrets not so long ago and decided he needs a name. Here he is.

I've decided he is a he and not a her so if you want to leave me a comment with a suggested name for him I will pull a name out of what I hope will be a hatful of comments. I will get my act together with the giveaway stuff and post again with picture before I go to have my op next week but will not be drawing until May 31st as not sure how long I will be in hospital. Hope all have a wonderful weekend and the weather is good no matter where you are.

I'm back!

2008-04-19T11:32:00.001-07:00

Hi to all. Just a very quick post today to let everyone know I'm still alive. I have had problems after my shoulder manipulation and am still not able to move it properly but enough of that. I thought I would leave you with some pictures of Spring! Indoor ones at least. Hope everyone is well and as my next post will be the 50th I think its time for a giveaway.

Did the Earth move for you last week?

2008-03-06T05:55:00.001-08:00

Well did it? No I'm not being rude but referring to the earthquke we experienced here last week.Did it wake me yes it did. As our substantial cast iron bed shook and the wardrobes doors rattled I thought a bomb had gone off at first and then realised it was an earthquake. Only lasted a very short time but still frightening. It must be so awful to be in the middle of a proper one. Of course my ever loving husband only woke after a sharp jab in the ribs from me and said" its only a gust of wind " and proceeded to start to snore!!

The weather has been very mixed of late with very high winds at times, a short show of some snow and frosts and then some beautiful sunshine. Spring is making an appearance in the garden but its still cold so I havent done much out there yet. Lovely indoor bulbs though.

And belated Happy Mothers day to all of you mothers out there.I had forgooton about it almost as both Simons and my mothers are no longer with us.We all had a great time here when the children cooked Italian style for us. Thought Id post a pic of my mother and father on their wedding day.And Mothers day goodies of course New Crocs from husband and a handbag from the children. I'm into lime green in a big way.Not quite matching but good enough for me. A big thank you for all my gifts which included Cranford DVD !!!!!!

Its been an eventful week. I had to go back to the Orthopaedic surgeon regarding the ongoing saga of my shoulder. I have been having physiotherapy for some time and although improved still not good. So I am to have an arthroscopy and freeing of the joint on 20th March. I have been prodded and poked this week, have had an armful of blood taken and my first ECG to ensure that I am fit enough for the general anaesthetic!!! It was all done in one visit to the hospital but we were there for 4 hours!! Sarah came with me and had taken her knitting Good job really! I an dreading the whole thing but it will be lovely to move it properly and to get rid of the constant pain. Typing is mostly reduced to one hand now with frequent rests.

So this was Tuesday and Wednesday was Sarahs birthday. We won't go into how old she is but its how old I feel knowing I was still in my 20s when she was born!! So happy birthday Sarah. I am sure she will be blogging about it.

Wednesday was also the day that son Mike had an interview for a promotion at work. He rang afterwards to say it would probably be Friday before he knew but has phoned me about an hour ago to tell me that he has got it. Great news son and many congratulations from us all. Its quite a big change in salary so hopefully this means that he will be able to get a mortgage soon as he wants to buy his first house.Talking of him reminds me that I never did post a pic of the quilt that I made for Debs and him for Christmas. It was down to the wire as they say but I just managed to finish it in time. He isn't a floral person so I used other patterns in it.

Well folks I guess this is it for today.Hope everyone is keeping well and if I havent visited you for a while I will be back.

A Quickie!

2008-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

I am so forgetful lately!! I was in a rush yesterday when I did my post I forgot to upload the other pressie from Annie. Sorry Annie they did arrive in one piece or actually two pieces a lovely cup and saucer. So everyone knows I have senior moments now!!!

Now then the excitement continued with the arrival of the postie with another intriguing package. Great stamps...

Yes its my giveaway from Sandi at "Holding Patterns" all the way from USA. Now I see it in person I see exactly what you mean by garden flag.

Thank you so much Sandi. When it is in the garden I will send a pic showing you what it looks like. Sophie, who has been to Canada, says these are very popular there as well as in USA. It will be unique around these parts though.

Well i must away as I am doing the pancake thing for everyone tonight even though Soph thought she had a better offer! I got a late evening text from her last night saying that offer had fallen though. Had a row??? So its pancakes for 4 tonight! Once again many thanks to Sandi and Annie for their gifts .

A working weekend.

2008-02-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

My giveaway presents arrived on Saturday from Annie at a Sauceful of Secrets.They are so lovely. Many thanks Annie and here they are. Forgive me for not being the best photographer in the world. First there is the cat picture, lace and ribbon.

Then lovely old buttons.

Then the majestic cat that is now guarding my mantlepiece.

For my 50th post I thought I will do a giveaway with a cat theme as everyone knows I am a cat person. Ours are still hibernating unless you go out into the garden with them when they follow you around!! Its been very cold here of late. It tried again and again to snow Thursday/Friday but never stuck and I was so looking forward to building a snowman! Not much gardening has been done but I have started planning and even bought some seeds. Much junk has now been thrown out or recycled. The wallpaper in said bedroom is now almost off and husband is doing all the jobs I hate you know sanding and filling etc before we decorate.

I spent some time at weekend going to a friend's 50th birthday party and seeing lots of old workmates. I also made some marmalade for the very first time. It's quite bitter as I did not put the full amount of sugar in from recipe but used jam sugar so it has set OK. It will bite back on your toast!

Well that's it for today as I have loads to do. Whoever said retirement was quiet and easy!!

LUCKY ME !!!!!

2008-01-29T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'm joining the lovely Hamish today, who has taken over this radiator, in knowing that Spring is coming but it's still cold and quite dark today. Although we had a very good weekend and managed the farmers market and car boot in warm sunshine on Saturday and spent several hours tidying up the garden and planning for this year on Sunday.There are little green shoots everywhere which cheers me no end.

I have been so lucky as I have won not one but two bloggers giveaways!! Hows that? One from Sandi at Holding Patterns and the other from Annie at A Sauceful of Secrets. I never win anything so imagine me when I checked my emails late on Sunday evening and discovered both.I am delighted and will post pics when they arrive. I am approaching my 50th post so I will have to find something as a giveaway for that.

Mike came up last week to visit and he and I spent a couple of hours going through his bedroom. he hasnt lived here for 6 years now and its time to put away the boy scout pictures, model airplanes ets. His old vintage IKEA wardrobe was falling apart so he took a hammer to it and sorted out loads of stuff. we have been left with about 4 boxes of assorted stuff including a lego pirate ship for us to store in the loft!!Just some painting now and then the new curtains can go up and we wll be ready for the new bed when it arrives. The garage is next in line for a massive spring clean and as husband has a couple of days off this week I hope we can get some of that done. I'll maybe do a carboot myself and try and raise some funds as Spohie is off to Africa again this year to help in a school in Uganda. On that note I have started an African themed quilt which Soph is going to raffle to get money for books,pencils etc to take with them for the children. She bought back some material last year and we have acquired some more and my friend in OZ Jenny( Patches and Batches) is sending some bits for it. The centre is done so here's a look at it.

It will be very bright I think!!

Sandi at Holding Patterns has challenged me by asking "Why is it good to be you"?

1. I have a very long suffering husband(32 years) who still comes home every night!!

2.The support of the family who keep in touch and provided me with no end of laughing over Christmas.

3. The extended family and friends, including my new blogging friends, who I might not see for a while but who are always there when I need them.

Well the coffe is calling and so is the Alan Titmarsh show on TV I have become addicted!!There may be gardening tips today! Happy Tuesday to all.

Is hibernation complete?

2008-01-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

January is the worse time to induce me to what amounts to hibernation. I musn't use the hate word but it is the time of the year that is my least favourite!! I have been such as bad blogger of late. The spirit is willing but the mind is faltering. I have however had to raise myself to the occaision to get to the Laura Ashley great sale, further 20% of all sale items until next Sunday, and for Soph's 27th birthday yesterday. So HB again Soph and heres a reminder of the cake. Not home made but 3 mini ones bought from Daphne's Cheesecake place on Smithdown Road, which is apparently quite famous locally.

Yes I did purchase in the LA sale and got some curtains and new bedding for the bedroom that needs a little TLC. we have ordered a new bed for here so now its wallpaper stripping and rubbish clearing out time which hopefully will give me a bit of get up and go!! Could everyone please pray for some proper daylight soon When it hasnt rained its just so grey and miserable. The very first signs of spring are slowly appearing. A few green shoots of early bulbs and when I was up early the other day I heard some birds singing!! So heres to spring may it arrive soon and get us all happy and productive.

Happy Christmas One and All

2007-12-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

Well it's almost here! The tree is done at last. My favourite decorations some old silver baubles we have had for many years,a wooden angel given to me by my mother about 25 years ago and a newer cat one given to me by Sarah about 5 years ago. His name is Hamish as he reminds me of him so much.

Our dinner guests are about to arrive so I have to go. May we all wish you a happy and peaceful holiday so that we can celebrate the birth of Christ and look forwards to a better future in 2008.

Getting ready for Christmas

2007-12-14T07:14:00.001-08:00

Well long time since I have gotten round to blogging. Where does time go? How I ever managed to get to work amazes me now! We have started to decorate for the coming season. Started in the dining room with some bits and pieces but always have a real tree which we havent been to get yet. So a few bits around the mirror. And a bit of tinsel in the kitchen.

The damson gin decanted and ready. ( had to be sampled for quality control first!)

A fibre optic tree for dining room.

A festive dresser with some of the smaller Christmas bunting made by Sarah.

Some lovely felt hearts bought by Sarah from a fellow blogger that are very cute.

Some musical Christmas crackers! We have played this with some friends and they are great fun. Each cracker has a whistle which plays a different note. The idea is that someone calls the numbers out and 8 people can play a tune. Better after a few glasses of wine!

The main bunting again made by Sarah.

So the real preparations start this weekend. Lots of house cleaning, tree buying and decorating and present wrapping.Its very cold and frosty here. I'm hoping we get some snow as that would be fantastic. I plan to read all my favourite blogs this weekend and leave some comments. Hope everyone is keeping well and looking forward to the big day. I havent finished the major sewing project yet but making good progress so should be ready for Santa to deliver!

HIBERNATING WITH THE CATS!

2007-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and I feel like I'm hibernating. It has been so cold and most days grey and miserable. The cats have to be encouraged to leave their fav spots to get some fresh air and so do I. Hamish would rather be here.

Or curled up as close to any human he can find and watch "Strictly Come Dancing" a family favorite.

Dougal prefers a good box or even a bag to curl up in!!

I have finally finished one of my sewing projects! I decided to make a little lap quilt ( or knowing those 2 cats a kitty quilt) for when it really is chilly.The red material is one that I got in France for 1 Euro in the summer.

Yes the table etc arrived on Friday in bright sunlight. Since then we have managed to put up the mirrors and some pics but I have still not sorted out all the china and glasses. Am taking the opportunity to wash some rarely used things before they all find a new spot. But here are the just arrived pics!!

They look fab and mix well with the older darker cupboards that we have had for a long time. I will post pics of the finally finished room soon.

Well there is only one month to go before Christmas now and I still have to finish my major sewing project, although I have made some headway this last week. Sarah and I are also making Christmas bunting!! She is coming here after work tomorrow and we will work hard on this. I am also sorting out the kitchen cupboards in preparation for Christmas supplies as we have a few visitors this year. They needed a bit of a sort and clean. I'm so untidy!! Our friends and neighbours have just had a short winter break in Cyprus and have bought me some saffron back. Just in time to make the paella for Christmas Eve dinner. We always have a fish option on Christmas Eve. It used to be fish pie when the children were small we have got a little more sophisticated the last couple of years and Simon and I love mussels!!

Well it is almost bedtime and as always I am yawning away. I'll leave with a picture Sarah took at the weekend of one of the pair of blackbirds that visit us regularly.

I'm making a list and checking twice!

2007-11-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Winter is upon us and its cold!!! Finally we have our new central heating boiler fitted along with new radiators. We are warm inside as Dougal and Hamish demonstrate.

I'm trying to get ready for all the Christmas stuff that needs to be done. I have done some shopping and am off to IKEA and M&S this evening to do some more. Craft classes are continuing and I have been making Christmas wrapping paper.

Sarah has given me a new Christmas bauble to replace a glass one that she broke last year. Its cute isn't it. Well lots to do so must be off. New table due to arrive Friday so I'll be back with photos then.

A Walk in the Country

2007-11-07T04:50:00.001-08:00

This weekend we had two days in Shropshire. It's so lovely to get away and see green fields. Saturday was a horrible grey day. You know the sort of day when it hardly gets light. Hate that sort of weather. However Sunday was so beautiful bright and sunny.After the car boot sale we had a little stroll. Sheep in the field opposite the supermarket where they have the car boot.

Then a look at the river with all the shedding trees.

The differing colours of the trees in the sunlight looked amazing.

Made a friend of this little fellow!!

Then Masters Bulls' friends in the lower part of the field.

Bright red berries.

Lots of berries.

Car boot finds included a set of six old glass fruit dishes that I'm going to use for candles, a little basket and some old lace. All at very cheap prices.

Today I have been getting some of the hundreds of leaves up from the garden. Where we are there are many mature trees and now most of the leaves are on our drive and in the garden. But its a cold damp day so there is a pot of stew on the cooker simmering away for dinner tonight. Sophie is coming to see us after work and this is her fav winter food. Lots of dried veggies and pulses in it.

Well I must be away as I still have sewing projects on the go and have to finish in time for Christmas!! I never did say which Christmas!!

Mary, Mary fairly contrary, how does yourb garden grow?

2007-10-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hello. I must begin with an apology for not posting for some time. No excuses really I have just been fairly busy. Starting with my views from the kitchen window. Some garlic which I hope will survive the winter and some some winter flowering pansies.

I must thank the two lovely Sandis for their awards recently given to me. First Sandi at "The Nostalgia Fairy "for her "You make me smile" award. The other Sandi at "Holding Patterns" for her two awards, "Community Bloggers" and "Christmas Spirit". Many thanks to both of you I'm sure I don't deserve either as I have been such a bad blogger of late. However the Christmas Spirit one did inspire me to write a little about Christmas.

Christmas has always been a special time for my family, always a time when we would get together whenever we could. For the last 42 Christmas I have always worked some part of the holiday. People didn't stop being ill 'cus it was Christmas and rotas needed to be filled. We opened presents when we could, ate dinner when we could and visited family when we could. I've bought presents and filled Christmas stockings for patients as well as children. I've driven to work for a twelve hour night shift on Christmas Eve and Day seeing families through their open curtains having fun and wished so hard it could have been me. Well this year it will be me!!!!!!!. I have time to plan , shop, clean, decorate, cook, laugh, play games and entertain!!! I even have some cash to do this as finally, having been retired for 6 months the hospital where I worked have paid me the pack pay from a pay rise some three years ago. Thats some surprise! So bring it on. In some preparation I have made, with a little help from Sarah, yes Christmas cakes and puddings!!

Sarah and I also went to an Autumn fair and look at the things I got for a whole 50pence ($1)!!

I love the little swan pin cushion. The others are going to go in a hanging thingy I'm making. I'll show you when finished. Sarah got some real bargains but I'll make her blog about them.

Now for the dining room. We have almost finished. The carpet went down last Friday. The new table and chairs should be here by early next week but all else is done. Here are some pics.First are the curtains and the wall colour. Its actually a green rather than the blue it looks here.

Some decanters but most sadly lacking in alcohol! (did you drink it all Sarah?)

Whoops forgot the candles!

As you can see we are getting there and it has given me great oportunity to clear the clutter. When furniture is in I will post a pic of whole room and try to get the wall colour right. I'm not good with a camera so may get Sarah to do for me.
I'm still going to my once a week craft lessons. I have one pic of something I made which is decent enough to show you all. But its only been 4 weeks and I'm hoping to improve!!! Yes folks its a bookmark.

Well I must be away to do some dreaded housework as I want to go shopping later to buy some vests as I am really feeling the cold this year!! Apparently Marks and Spencers have some nice lacy ones!! I cannot miss the Strictly Come Dancing programme thats on at 6.30 each evening. I'm addicted to this programme!! Love it! Will catch up with my blog reading soon. Enjoy Halloween!!

Getting better and happy with new fireplace

2007-10-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

I'm back today covered in a light coating of brick dust and plaster as is the whole house. Here are some more photos of the recent Spanish trip. This was the view from the appartment balcony overlooking the Med and out to Gib. and the north African coast. If you click on it you may just be able to see them in the distance.In the garden was a pomegranate tree and the fruit were lovely.

Under the lemon tree is where I sheltered from the noon day sun ( oh and picked the odd ripe one for the 6pm gin and tonics!)

Here is a view of one of the main streets in Mijas. Lots of tourist shops but you can't get away from them wherever you go. Now onto the saga of the dining room . This seems to have dragged on for months. We had choosen the fireplace before I went away and it was finally fitted last Friday. We also had our new heating radiators done last week, and this is why the whole house is covered in a film of dust. I've cleaned and cleaned again but the dust is still there. Here is the hole in the chimney where the central heating boiler was removed ...

And here is the new one. Well new to us but it is a vintage one. It still has its original tiles.

We had a visit to the Laura Ashley sale on Sunday and got 50% off the new lamp for this room. Green is going to feature as a colour here.

Today the plasterer has been and replastered the whole of the room. This will take several days to dry and then we can paint. So finally on the home straight. This will be good as there are bits and pieces all over the house that belong in there and it will be so good to get sorted. This has to be done before the begining of November as that dreaded "C" word is getting even closer and I expect people will expect me to do more for it this year now I am retired!!!

Husband and I have recovered from the lurgy that we had. The weather has been kind to us (except this am when it rained) so we have been able to get in the garden. Pictures of the things I'm growing in next post.

I have experienced summer!

2007-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have to start by thanking the lovely Susan, Mrs Random Blethers, for her fantastic gifts she sent to me for guessing her middle name (which shall not be repeated here). They arrived whilst I was away and my photography does not do them justice. First there is a needlecase. Here is the front... Here is the inside..

Then these beautiful stitched pictures..

They are so well made and I shall frame the pictures and use the needlecase. Many thanks Susan.

We had a fantastic time in Mijas. This is a place up the hills not far from Marbella. Very quiet and a wonderful view over the Med. The weather was great indeed warm, proper sunshine. It was wonderful to meet up with so many friends and indeed make new ones. Kay, who had come all the way from OZ, had also been sewing. When we first started we wore yellow uniforms to mark us out as the new kids, so that no one expected anything much from us. To everyone we were known as the "Daffodil Girls". Kay remembered this and made us a reminder of those far off days.

Wasn't that great of her. We were all touched when she gave them to us all. A lot of talking was done and some red wine, gin and tonic and sangria was drunk!!! I made some new friends of the feline kind. A mother and its kitten.

They were so cute. They belonged to someone but took up residence with us for a few hours every day.

The appartment was good with a lovely garden and fantastic views of the Med and Gibralter. Much time was spent on the balcony and in the shade of the lemon tree when it got very warm.
View of the garden....

View of the balcony...

More photos with next post. Hope everyone is well. I have had the dreaded lurgy and spent 4 days with little voice and am still coughing. Husband is also laid low. He isn't eating much so I know he is ill. I will try to catch up with you all this week and will post before and after pics of my new fireplace, which is being fitted on Friday.

Ladies that lunch (but in Spain)

2007-09-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all. You may be wondering why I am off to Spain without the husband. Well 42 years ago on the 6th September 1965 I started my nurse training with 30 other 18 year olds. Picture this fairly shy,dumpy girl fresh out of Convent school leaving home to live in "THE NURSES HOME" with regulation black stockings and black lace up shoes in tow. If tights existed then they would have been too expensive for me to buy. The stockings had seams up the back and always had to be straight.

So I arrive to be met by the lady who ran the training school and my fellow colleagues. I was the ugly duckling. There was a tall very glamerous blonde Pauline, and a much travelled daughter of a British diplomat Val, who had travelled the world, and all seemed so much more glam and wordly wide that I did.

It was like being in boarding school with lots of studying and hard graft on the wards thrown in.You had to be in by 10pm and could have one late pass to 10.30pm one evening a week.I spent most of my time off, we worked a 44 hour week when I first started, either in the bath soaking my poor aching feet or asleep.!!! The first year was the hardest when I was always in trouble and hated it. I spent hours crying, but couldn't go home and say can't do this as my mother did not want me do do it and would have had no sympathy. With the help and support of all my friends I eventually settled down and became a state registered nurse in November 1968.

Nursing became a way of life and eventually a long career. This is me taken circa 1971 when I was first a sister on an intensive care unit.

Over the years I came to realise that it was a honour to be able to care for so many people at a time when they were vulnerable, in pain and frightened. I hope I did a good job. My friends have been with me , if not in person,then in spirit all this time. We are all 60 this year and so we are off to Spain to celebrate in style!!They too have all nursed over this period in time and 2 still are. Val married a Canadian and moved to Canada in 1972. I have seen her twice since then. But on Sunday along with Pauline, Pip, Carolyn, Hilary,Kay and Viv she and I will be raising a glass or two. We have to remember two members of our group who are no longer with us and all the others who are out of touch or cannot come.

So to all have a happy and healthy week and I will catch up when I return.

"If reading be the food of love read on"

2007-09-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today I must first thank Sandi at http://Holding Patterns.blogspot.com/ for her generous award of " You lift me up". She has been having some painful treatment but still retains an amazing sense of humour throughout. Sandi lives in the USA but spent some time in UK in late 1970s. She is currently writing about her English experiences on her blog. Visit her if you want your day to be brighter as its very funny. So Sandi, sweet peas picked from the garden yesterday. Hope you are feeling brighter today and thanks.

This week has been a week of horrible jobs including wallpaper stripping and uncovering horrors! This is a little part of the dining room. We are still awaiting plumber, to replace radiator, plasterer to make the walls look erm normal, before we can paint. I saw a chandelier Sophie Honeysuckle and thought of you! Now will we or won't we have one??

But now to the reading part. Lots of bloggers have been writing about reading! Angel Jem devoted her blog to the numbers of books she has read. I can't apply the equation, am useless at maths, can I just say a lot for me. Reading has been part of my family for ever. Sarah has so many books she even keeps them in a wardrobe, her clothes..... well she is very untidy! We use our 4th bedroom as a study now and as I write this books are everywhere, yes even in piles on the floor. However I have recently bought 2 lovely books at car boot sales. I am ashamed to say I have never read any Daphne but got this for a bargain £1 so have an autumn read.I also spent another £1 on this old sewing book which hopefully will help me to sew but is also a bit of social history.It has amazing illustrations and was a Christmas gift to Patty in 1945. I wonder what todays girls would make of this for a Christmas gift?

You all know how much I hate ironing and it is now Simon's job. Can't imagine he would want to do it like this though!!

To round off today. Sarah, Sophie and I are having a home made Christmas challenge so sewing is involved. I am patchworking with squares for someone ( not them ) and Dougal decided he would try and help!! Hope everyone is keeping well. I'm off to sunny Spain on Sunday but more about that before I go!!!!

Happier Days

2007-09-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today we are going to be happy.I got some advice about washing the eiderdown that I bought about 2 years ago. It was always a bit "mucky" and I wasn't sure whether it would wash. Thanks to the advice from jessica daisy I washed it at 30 degrees and tumble dried it and then gave it a very good shake and it looks about 10 shades lighter. Thanks Jess it has a new lease of life. This is its close up and below is the whole thing. This is for all of you that love eiderdowns!!!

Sarah bought the October edition of Country Homes and Interiors and low and behold the dinning table, chairs and dresser that we have ordered are featured on the front cover. Hope they look as good in our room when they arrive. We are off tomorrow to order a new fire for this room. We have seen some cast iron vintage ones which I love but I want to be sure as they are so expensive and don't want to make a mistake.

On a different note I enrolled for a day school course for 10 weeks to do some basic craft things. I am really looking foward to it and all the others there were so enthusiastic I'm sure it will be fun.

Meanwhile I'll leave you with the 2 boys Dougal and Hamish keeping each other company!! Many thanks to all of you for your good wishes following Lucy's death.

Sunshine and sad news

2007-09-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

We have been in the country for 2 days getting some fresh air and picking these lovelies. When we returned yesterday it was to find that Lucy had become very unwell again. The daughters had taken her back to the Vet who found her to be very dehydrated. Despite syringing rehydration fluids into her she became very distressed today, with very rapid breathing. Simon and Sarah took her back to the Vet whilst Sophie and I said our goodbyes to her. The Vet said her lungs were full of fluid and on his advice we had her put to sleep. We couldn't let her suffer any more and the vet thought she had a tumour in her abdomen as well as her thyroid problems. We have buried her in one of her favourite spots under a bush, where she used to lie to cool off after her sunbathing sessions.

I know I need to thank some of you for awards but I will do later in the week.

I have been a naughty girl

2007-09-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today is a very quick post. Jenny has returned to OZ this am. She will be winging her way back right now.The cats were very quick to jump on the bed.

Lucy ( the white and black one ) is the cat who is ill at present. She has an enlarged thryoid gland which is giving her some heart problems. Trying to get tablets down her is a work of art! She knows when you are going for them and hides! She has improved and we all hope this continues. Hamish likes to keep her company. I think he knows she is ill and is watching her.

Now to the Damson gin. I have had some requests for a recipe for this. I'm not good at precise measures. It's mostly done from memory as I have lost the original recipe.

You will need a large glass container ( old fashioned sweet jars are good for this) which has been sterilised. I use the tablets that you can get from chemists to sterilise baby bottles and rinse throughly afterwards. You need one bottle of gin ( can use cheaper brands), to 3 pounds of damsons and 1 kilo of sugar.Wash the fruit and discard any stalks and any not in good condition. Place gin in jar with the sugar and prick the fruit in several places with a fork placing them into the jar. Place lid on and leave in darkish place. Stir gently ( try not to disturb fruit too much )once a week and leave for approximately 3 months. You can then strain it and place gin into bottles of your choice. It makes a nice little Christmas present in a jazzy bottle. You will get approximately twice the original volume. I have a friend who used the damsons to make pies afterwards. She says they were very alcoholic!!!! You can drink as is but can be very strong or have with ice, lemon and tonic water/lemonade.

Now why have I been a naughty girl? We visited Laura Asley on Saturday and they had 20% off the dinning furniture that I really wanted so... a new table. 6 chairs and dresser will be with us in October. New curtains came home with me! The hard work on this room has now started. I am planning before photos as well as after. I may have to go back to work if I carry on buying anything else for this room. But it has not had any sort of face lift ,except a coat of paint for over 20 years.

I have an appointment to see an Orthopaedic surgeon regarding my shoulder next week. For those in UK I got a letter from my GP to say he had refered me one week post X-ray and a reference number and password so I could choose and book my appointment on line, where and when it suited me. How good is that. Well the sun has decided to appear this afternoon but its not very warm. I think I'll make veggie soup tomorrow.

ALL I WANT IS A NEW IRON AND IRONING BOARD..........

2007-08-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Says the birthday boy! There is a long story behind this. It was Si's birthday on Monday of this week. He is the most difficult man to buy a present for. We all pussyfoot round him for weeks before his birthday to see if he drops hints and eventually ask him what he would like. The response this time was the iron and ironing board!!! I ask you .It was said in this pathetic voice !! Now for the story. Si had a small stroke about 4 years ago. He had extremely high blood pressure which he did not know about until after the event. He is a wimp where going to the doctor is concerned and eventually when it was obvious something was not right we got him there. The doctor wanted to admit him to hospital but he refused. We had a difficult time with him for several weeks because he could not believe it had happened and it took some time for the treatment for his blood pressure to work. He was off sick for about 12 months and had to have a staged return to work. He is very well now with a completely normal blood pressure. However whilst he was off work and begining to recover he began to get very bored. I was working fulltime in quite a stressful job and suggested he started to do things around the house to help. This man can take cars apart and fix them, can do mental arithmetic but the washing machine leaves him scratching his head. So he decided he would start ironing and he has taken this over now. I no longer do any ironing he's the main man!!!! The iron and board are very old and falling apart at the edges A bit like myself. There is no way I'm going to buy anyone those for a birthday, especially when each one should be treated as special when his blood pressure could have killed him at the age of 54.

So we scratched our heads and came up with the idea of a picnic basket as he loves picnics and than the Fortnam and Mason picnic hamper grew from there. We all contributed and ordered it on line. Below is said hamper with goodies.

As some of my family were around we invited them and some friends for a barby on Sunday (had to be Sunday as Mike(son) who is a staff nurse on a childrens intensive care unit) was working on Monday. My sisters kids and their children were able to come and they all bought him a red Ferrari. Now the picnic hamper can't go in the Ferrari Oh no the opposite way round.

We all had a good time and it's lovely to see the children as they are all spread out around the country so don't see enough of them.

The garden is looking a bit sad. The weather has been very strange. This morning started very grey and now the sun is shining. The everlasting sweetpeas are just coming into flower.

Berries are abounding here.

Look what we have been making Damson gin . Should be ready for Christmas

Now the last photo are my runner beans Yes they were runner beans until Mr and Mrs Slug and their family moved in Gone in one day now we have Mr and Mrs Snail attacking anythings else they can find.Oh well thats life.

Tagged for name game

2007-08-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

OK its happened again. This time the name game. I have to use the letters of my middle name to describe things that are relevant in my life. Well I have a long middle name with a Z in it so this going to be hard. OK here we go

E.. eyesight I do not know how I would cope without it.
L.. love from my family, friends and the cats.
I.. imagination running wild of how my dinning room will look after its makeover.
Z.. Zebras are very cute are they relevant in my life ? Well erm can you think of a Z??
A.. alcohol couldn't do without my odd glass of red wine & G&T
B.. beans cold baked beans on toast with marmite (or vegemite)
E.. England I love many other countries in the world but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else
T.. thrifting. I know its an American term but I can borrow it can't I.
H.. husband of 32 years I am going to blog about his birthday tomorrow.

So there you go Elizabeth I was going to cheat and say I spelt it with an S but I didn't. So now I have to find 9 others to get with this. So Sarah, Sue, Sophie,Hayley and Fred, Alison, Jo,Jenny and Kara its your turn to hurt your brains now.
It's called the name game, and here are the rules for those that choose to follow them: Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
Well I'm off to the Vet with Lucy now I've had fun doing this.

A WEEK THAT HAS GONE TOO QUICKLY

2007-08-24T08:46:00.001-07:00

This week has rushed past me in a flash. Its sort of been one of those weeks. The weather has improved and I just had to get bedding on the washing line to take advantage of the sun and breeze. First I want to thank all of you for your best wishes regarding the shoulder. The pain is less acute but the X-ray shows an area of calcification right on the joint which will need "nibbling off" to help me regain movement with no pain. At present I have only about 40% movement. The physiotherapist cannot give me any exercises to do as this would make the pain worse. But I do feel better knowing that it is a fairly simple procedure to fix it and shouldn't have to wait too long. So to all of you here are the thank you flowers. Best buy from M&S at £2.99!!

Now Sophie Honeysuckle has been asking for bed photos. So I got the camera out, put some new batteries in,looked at what was there and decided I had some old holiday pics that I would show as well as taking new bed photos. These below were taken when in Italy last September for my nephews' wedding. He married a delightful Italian girl. The wedding was wonderful and we had 2 weeks enjoying a very hot holiday.These 3 are of Lake Garda. There was quite a heat haze so difficult to get great pictures.

Sarah's head in some photos.It was a family affair as all 5 of us went.

This next photo is the view from the wedding reception venue overlooking Lake Varese.

When I was still able to knit I used up the left over wool to make a pair of booties for my greatnephew who is now 4 months old!! We are seeing him and quite a lot of family on Sunday as it is big Sis birthday and we hoping to barbeque!!! Now it will definately rain.

Finally to the bed pics. Many years ago when visiting my parents-in law we used to drive through a place called Chirk on the Welsh borders. We saw signs for a place called Seventh Heaven and stopped for a look one day. If you are ever in the area stop. It has grown since then but they have the most beautiful antique beds, gorgeous linen and duvets, eiderdowns etc. Look on line at www.seventh-heaven.co.uk/ I coveted one of their beds for years. We saved and eventually bought ours about six years ago. It is late Victorian (circa1890) and is cast iron with brass bed rails. When we went to get it I was like a child in a sweet shop Took me ages to decide which one to get. The people who own these delights are delightful and the service is fantastic. Here is the top view.

And the bottom ( so to speak) with our vintage patchwork quilt folded up Too hot to use in the summer.

And to Hammish's foot stool! He is our old cat who is a bit arthritic and the bed is high so he gets on the linen chest and pokes his head through the bars waiting to be invited onto the bed. I must get a photo of that one day!!

Well this has been a massive post so I must be finished now. I have one more photo of sunset taken in France when we were there in June. Happy and healthy weekend to all.

HELLO AUTUMN

2007-08-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well the seasons seem to have changed. High winds and heavy rain. Has summer gone? Sarah, Jenny and I went to the quilt fair on Thursday and I am still recovering. Sarah has blogged about this but oh boy can elderly ladies push, shove and generally behave like a load of hooligans!! I have quite severe arthritis and was knocked into by a buxom lass of about 70 around my left shoulder, which is badly affected anyway, and since then its been really bad. Can't do what normally do, but am going for some physiotherapy this week so hope that helps. Slow typing with right hand only and can't use fork in left hand,can't knit and having trouble sleeping. I've finished moaning now.!!! Onto some of the lovlies I did get there. Fab material.

Here is some close up.

The quilts on display were wonderful.Works of art. Not sure if I would be brave enough for another adventure in the future. Some of the material will be going into a quilt for our bed. I also got some beautiful buttons. These are made in Africa under a fair trade agreement.

The Laura Ashley catalogue full of fantastic goodies beneath.

Last weekend we were in Shropshire and visited a village fair and carboot and got these goodies. A cheesedish for £2, displayed on my table runner Jenny made for me, and some old linens and bits of lace which were another couple of pounds.

Well I guess thats all for tonight. We have had the central heating for a couple of hours today!! Can't believe that we would even contemplate that in August. To all my friends in USA who are suffering with high temperatures hope it cools down soon and to all my friends in Europe who are cold and wet lets hope it will improve.

Whats on your walls?

2007-08-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to post about what we put on our walls. Yes I do have a few standard type pictures but also have a few "odd things " to decorate the walls. I love this embroidered tea cosy, egg cosy and tray cloth. It was a very cheap buy in Lady Heyes ( Craft and antique centre in Cheshire) several years ago. Didn't really know what to do with it so put it on bathroom wall. Bathroom mostly white so need some colour to relieve white.

Our bedroom wall with little embroidered bits. The old frayed ones were found when clearing out my mother-in-laws sewing box. The one in the centre is beautiful silk embroidery found in an old copy of Shakespeare given to me by an aunt when I was at school. The sampler was bought in France some years ago. I have to own up that the lower 2 on the left. They are cross stitches done by me in another lifetime. Embroidery is not a strong point with me.

We both love all things nautical. This was a birthday card given to husband. It lives in our study.

Old mirrors abound. How difficult is it to take pictures of mirrors.

Beach hut postcards again purchased in France. Also live in the study with the boat curtains from Ikea.

Another study pic. Another card now framed.

This is my favourite. It hangs in the long stairwell. This was painted by my uncle and I think is inspired by my sister and brothers on the beach in Devon when we were children. He gave it to us as a wedding present. When I first picked up a copy of the Shellseekers you can imagine what I thought.

And finally this sits on the wall in our shower room. I would love a beach hut but I think I would need to live nearer the sea. I can dream though can't I ? Whats life without a few dreams on your walls?

NICE PEOPLE

2007-08-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

How very nice of Angel Jem to give me a NICE award. I have said I don't think that people who know me would use that term to describe me. As Sarah would say I am as mad as a "box of frogs". But thank you. Now I have to to find another 7 people to award the NICE award. I have been pondering this today and can't just find 7 names as there are so many who have been nice to me since blogging. So the award is to all of you out there who I visit and who inspire me to living in a different way and make me laugh.

However I must mention a few extra special blogging friends.

1. Sarah, the untidiest person I know but is quite nice at times. (takes photos for my blog as she is better than me with a camera) Visit her at everythingstopsfortea.

2. Sophie, as a guest blogger who makes good coffee and sorts my computer challenges out for me.

3. Jenny, one of my oldest friends, currently visiting from Australia. She inspires me to sew. Visit her at patches and batches.

4. Fred and his wife. They make me laugh and inspire me with their family values. You can visit them at freds world and happy loves rosie.

5. Angel Jem whose comments encouraged me when I first started to blog.

6.Random Blethers who also encouraged me and I admire her determination to persue her studies.

7. Mary at Marys view. She makes me laugh and takes the most wonderful photos of wildlife that fill me with pleasure.

Thanks to all of you and I will continue to get pleasure from your blogs every day.

I leave you with a glimpse at some lovely fabric that Jenny has brought from the land of OZ for Sarah and I to make some lovely things. We continue to enjoy wonderful weather here. Sunny but not too hot perfick as PA Larkin would say.

Guest Post from Sophers!!!

2007-08-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

I did get some lovely material while I was in Africa so here is a little photo for you to rejoice in the delight of my lovely material. The one with suitcases made me giggle when I saw people wearing it but the looked fantastic. In case you hadn't guessed I Love Africa.

Just to start have a look at the lovely cake tins I got from Cath Kidston today. I got a very good deal in the sale and though I would show them off to you cute aren't they!!

Hello one and all.

First things first I want to say thanks for the good wishes on my trip to Africa. I had a wonderful time and I thought I would give you a few details of what we did while we were there.

We were a group of 14 from Liverpool, we had four adults and 10 young people mostly boys I might add. The girls were a delight and we got on really well just the three of us. The boys to be fair were also a delight and hilarious to boot. We set off from Liverpool to join the 50 or so in the French group to all fly from Paris to Togo.

I will try to keep it as brief as possible we were met in Lome and squished onto a bus and driven about 45 minutes away to Aneho. Here were to acclimatise to the heat and get used to the delights of siesta!!!

We moved several times during the three weeks and met a huge amount of people all of whom were so welcoming and friendly it was amazing. There were many moments of sadness(mostly when we had to leave) and joy and somewhat of an emotional roller coaster took place in Africa.

We did lots of activities with the children in terms of craft and sports. We made some lovely crowns and stickers seem to be the delight of every group we worked with. We did have a few mammoth football games where we had the choice of 50 children for each team but with the use of good gesturing and lots of smiles and hugs we got over the language and cultural barriers and got on with having fun. Some days I wasn't sure who was supposed to be learning from who and that made me smile.

I shan't lament too much over the time in Africa I just wanted to share how amazing it was with you and say thanks for the lovely messages. If you do get a chance do pop over to my friend Bro James' Blog http://brojames.blogspot.com/he has the most brilliant photo's and a much more detailed account of our trip.

Hope your all enjoying the summer.

Sophersxx

Sequel to last post

2007-08-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

I dont know why the pics wouldn't load before. I've fiddled with them and now they will.

This is the pic of where we are getting old paint off walls of our little courtyard. We have bought a small table for 2 from the hell that is IKEA. On this is the French glassholder awaiting its new old battered look!

The old desk is a car boot find from several years ago and brightens up the area around the front door. It gets moved around depending on what mood I'm in.

The final garden delights. I picked some sweet peas and love in a mist for the house today.

I suppose I should tag more people for random things but I need to think who has not been done. I will contemplate on that.

Tagged again,but I'm in the garden!!

2007-08-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

So first I'm going to show you this. These were new last year and didn't do too well but look now. They smell lovely. Pinky/purple Phlox in among the weeds.

I need to do something about the pesky weeds but have spent last 48hours nattering away to OZ friend. You know how it is. So 8 more random facts. I'm going to start with body parts!!

1. I have webbed toes! The 2nd and 3rd on each foot. The right is worse than left.It does not mean that I can swim well. I resemble a drowning cat doing doggy paddle!!!

2. I have part of my middle finger missing. I lost it fighting with my younger brother when I was 11.

3. I used to bite my fingernails until I was 50. I suddenly decided it was time I grew up and stopped doing this and so I did.

4. I always had very straight hair until about 2 years ago. It suddenly started to go curly and now it is very curly. No one seems to be able to explain this to me. Someone must have injected the curly hair gene into me whilst I was asleep!!!

5. When my husband and I were looking for our first house a police car drew up alongside and waved at us. Well I thought he waved and so I waved back!! As you do. Unfortunately he was trying to make us stop as he didn't like the look of the non standard wheels we had on husband's pride and joy his Mini Cooper. The police kept following and I kept waving.

6. When we got our first kitten Lily, she became very ill with cat flu. We were feeding her every 2 hours as we could with a syringe and baby food. I was at work one day and running short of food when the ward clerk, who was going to shops during her lunch time asked if she could get me anything. I asked her to get me some baby food and if she couldn't get that would she get me some cat food. One of the doctors, who I didn't know very well, overheard and was so shocked to think I might be feeding my baby cat food!! When Michael our youngest was a toddler I caught him sitting with Lily sharing her cat food. He had even got a spoon out of the drawer to eat with. He was a devil when a child if he had been the first he would have been the last.

7. I learnt to sort of drive when quite young. On taking my first test, days before seat belts not standard, the test guy told me he would bang his file on the dashboard at some time during the test and I would need to do an emergency stop. This was done OK but shortly afterwards a big dog ran out in front of the car and another emergency stop called for. No I didn't hit the dog but the test guy hit his head hard and I thought I was going to have to drive to casualty with him. Needless to say I failed the test. Ps. passed on 3rd attempt after telling examiner that I wanted to be a district nurse and couldn't unless I could drive!!!!

8. I love old battered vintage things for the house. I like to think I'm using things that have a history. When visiting younger brother in France we visited a Brocante by the side of the Loire on a day that was steaming hot. I found a lovely old battered and rusty glass holder. The stall owner was at lunch, which may last for a few hours there. No idea of price I had to have it but too hot to hang around. Another stall holder rang him on his mobile and a very reasonable price negotiated. We get home and husband decides he thinks it needs cleaning up. Yes you guessed. He painted it black all new and shiny.I nearly killed him. I can really sulk when called for. I now have it outside in the hope it will get all battered again.

We have made some progress with the newly paved area outside.We are still getting old paint off the walls but here are some pics.

New enamel hand wash thingy bought in France this summer.

Am having problems putting any more photos on so I will finish tonight and try again tomorrow. Jenny and I are having a day at shops tomorrow. I'm good at making her spend money!

Bed made ready for Jenny

2007-08-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Jenny we are ready for you. Bed made up and reading material. Bulb in the lamps.

Just in case you can't see the magazine a close up.We have more for you to see.

Hope that you have a safe and peaceful journey and we will see you at 12.30 Saturday.

Forgot to post about this little table I got at Lady Heyes a few weeks ago now. It even has its original material under the glass top. Its very cute as well as being useful.

Welcome home Sophie

2007-07-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

Sophie has rung from Paris, on her way home from Africa. Her plane gets in at 10.30pm. We are waiting for all the news. So I got out the baking gear and made a cake. I havent done one for quite a while. I dont need the calories!! I had bought some lemon curd from a farmshop last week when in Suffolk. Its a sponge filled with lemon curd and has lemon icing and strawberries to finish it off.

I use the scales below to weigh the ingredients. These belonged to my parents-in-law when they had a little village shop. Can only weigh in pounds and ounces but I'm an old fashioned girl so can translate from grammes and kilos. Sarah says she makes the best scones if she uses these.

The cake picture is for Angel Jem. She wanted a gratuitous cake picture and this is probably the best she will get from me. Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine.

The weather has been fabulous today. I'm afraid I havent got as much done as should have as I have been sitting and enjoying. Has summer come at last?

Seen the SUN and the SEA this week

2007-07-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

Had a busy week. Been to visit my brother and his wife in the country. Although seen some rain it has also been a little sunny. We went to Southwold on Wednesday and saw the sea. It was great to spend some time with them. They have a fantastic garden with beautiful flowers and they also grow vegetables. Very peaceful. On the way home we stopped at a lovely village called Lavenham. There are the most lovely old buildings there including the Guild Hall, which belongs to the National Trust now. There are a couple of antique shops and at one I bought a large tin of old buttons for just £8. I also added to Sarah's collection of hankies, but I will leave her to blog about them. Here are some of said buttons. There are some fantastic ones. I love tins of buttons and used to enjoy playing with them when I was a child.

The guy who was doing the paving has managed to beat the weather and has finished. We need to repaint the walls now and move some of the plants in pots back and then I can show you all our tiny new patio. All we need is the weather.

The garden is looking very sorry for itself. I have a lot of work to do in it during the next week. Si has been able to cut the grass earlier this evening so I will weed and tidy as a break from painting tomorrow as the weather forcast is for no rain here. No French beans but the sweet peas are begining and other things such as the hydrangeas and poppies look good.

Yes we finally have some sweet peas. Looking forward to loads more I hope. We need sun now to help all the other plants along. Jenny one week from today you will have arrived from Australia for your visit. I have ordered the tickets for the quilt fair. I got the OLP rate!!

Dust and more Dust saw the SUN today

2007-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend I have been cleaning and trying to sort out the dinning room for ITS BIG MAKEOVER. This is to be a major project as we have a huge hole in the wall where the central heating boiler has been removed, holes in the skirting boards where rewiring has been done and we are having a new radiator put in as well. The 1970s carpet has now been cut out and up ready to go to the skip.The next job is to strip the wallpaper off and get ready for new fireplace, the plumber and the plasterer. Its all going to take weeks and weeks but I will take some photos as we go along.

So while we are in the middle of this my sister rings to say she is minding her granddaughter for a few days and is OK if she pops in for a cup of tea. Lovely say I covered in dust. Ten minutes later my great friend Sue phones to say she and her husband are in the area for a family wedding and could they come to see us tomorrow. So of course I say, lovely would you like to spend the night? Oh that would be great says Sue, so everything stops while I ensure bathroom is clean, make bed up clean and all the other things I need to make sure she does know I do clean sometimes. !!!!

Oh and the guy who is doing our paving has not been able to finish due to the weather so not only does the inside of the house look a mess but the outside does as well. But there are some things looking OK so I will let you see the decent sights. I have picked some lavender from the soggy garden and cleaned some kitchen cupboards and the armoire.

Lovely lavender and enamel in the kitchen

So now I'm well ready for bed. Hope everyone has had a happy and dry weekend.

Africa

2007-07-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today. Lots of news from Sophie's group in Africa. Just have a peep at Africa Watch. Despite the grotty weather the garden is still producing great flowers but very poor runner beans.

Love in the mist, but nearly at its end now. The Sweet Peas are just about to start to flower. Pictures of them to come and maybe the odd bean!

Sheds and Sun

2007-07-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today we have been clearing out two old sheds that have been awaiting attention for a very long time. So far only one trip to the tip with several cans of paint with a little bit left in each. Why, do we keep it I kept saying to big Si why do we do that? As though we are ever going to use it again. We are clearing an area to the side of the house ready to have paved, then I will paint the walls, put some of my plants in pots there and have a little table and 2 chairs ready to have breakfast there on sunny days. Yes we get the sun sometimes and particularly today, and the sun is there early in the mornings in the summer.

Today I also managed to do some weeding and couldn't resist cutting these roses for the house. They actually smell like roses. Please let this pleasant weather continue for a while. Thats what we need now.

Below is another of our recent French finds. I have been after a hall coat stand for some time and big Si put this up this week.

Well its after midnight so I am away to bed as there is a local carboot here tomorrow. We were supposed to be in Shropshire for the weekend but were unfortunately unable to go due to work pressures for big Si. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends

Tagged Moi?

2007-07-12T03:25:00.000-07:00

Have been tagged by Sophie Honeysuckle and Kara. I don't know if there are eight random things I can reveal!! But I can try.

1.I hate Harry Potter and everything connected. I am in the minority I know but.

2. I worked ,sometimes as a nurse,sometimes in a bar, in Majorca during the summer 1970. I went with a friend Susan who is still a great friend. We had a fab summer and met some wonderfully interesting people. I can hablo espanol un poco.

3. I love Russell Brand. Not in a fancying kind of way. He just makes me laugh.

4. I love to people watch. I like to sit and drink coffee and I like to imagine what they do for work and about their lives.

5. This is connected to number 4.I love camping. I really enjoy getting up early and sitting outside with my coffee and watching the world go by. I have a very active imagination which I let go at full stretch when doing this. I'm a bit long in the tooth for tents now so go for mobile home option.

6. My fav film is Calamity Jane and I have co-opted both daughters into loving this. The three of us can sing "Take me back to the black hills" in harmony. We do this particularly well after a couple of G&Ts!!!!

7. I only realised how hard a life my mother had when my children were almost grown up. My father died when I was eight and I have one sister older, one brother older and one younger than me. We had just moved to Lancashire and were in a rented house whilst they were going to buy one. The deal was not sealed when he became very ill and died within a week. My mother took all her stride. She went back to work, teacher by profession, and worked to keep us all and to buy a house etc. She always insisted that education was everything and that us girls needed to to get jobs that would make us independent. All of us went on from school to college or university. My sister to teaching, my elder brother to a maths degree and computer boffin, me to nursing and my younger brother to become a medical doctor. She loved to read and I'm sure my love of reading comes from her. We all read a lot and all have houses full of books. There are many days I wish she and my father could visit and meet all their grand and great grandchildren.

8. And finally. I know Angel Jem I shouldn't start a sentence with and. I have many long term friends. I do however have problems making new friends. It takes me ages to get to know and trust people. However since blogging I feel as though I have made friends all over the world. PS I have the most horrible feet ever invented!!!
Well what people will make of all of that I don't know. Thats all folks.

Still waiting for summer

2007-07-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

OK the weather has improved. But its cold. At least Sophie will be getting some sun. They arrived in Paris and flew on to Toga today. They will be there now and probably all very tired. I have had a thing about bathrooms today. Mosly cleaning and tidying but remembered that I said I would post a photo about the washstand recently bought in France.

This just fits nicely in our shower room and I can have all my lavender toiletries to hand. The enamel jugs are old French purchases except the blue one on bottom shelf which big Si gave me one Christmas, and I believe came from Cath K. Sarah got it when visiting her friend in London several years ago.

The next photo is from the bathroom where there is a definate seaside theme.

Big Si has several pond yachts which he displays here. The thing hanging from the ceiling is apparently an eel trap, which Si got in a reclaimation yard and I keep looking at it and wondering what I can put in it.

Today I have finished a little project that I have been making for Sarah but I will leave her to blog about that.

I must finish with an apology to Angel Jem. She knows why.

Tickled pink and SUN

2007-07-06T13:02:00.001-07:00

It has not rained for over 12 hours. We have had very high winds and some sun. Big Si is currently ( with some muttering ) cutting some of the 18inches or so high of lush green grass. Shame we havent got a cow or a sheep it would be great fodder for them.

I have been pondering about the pink thing! I always assumed that I wasnt a pink person but today I have looked at some things in a new light. No pink furniture or walls but look. Fav mug and very new phone.

Then the most useful items a long handled dustpan and brush with feather duster. These were presents from the offspring as part of 60th birthday pressies. They are great I wanted something useful and as I have arthritis in my spine they are really easy to use. But then I saw the Ikea cushion!! Pink

Now we all know that I love enamel and I have one of these thingies for hanging kitchen tools on and pink is here too.

and the most comfortable shoes in the world Pink I wanted the limey green ones but they didnt have in my size.

OK so maybe I have learnt something about myself today. I am more pink than I thought What could that mean?

Meanwhile Sophie is busy getting ready for her African trip. She flies out on Monday and they will be blogging from there so I will be putting a link on so you can see what they are doing. We have been to buy some childrens clothes coloured pencils, paper and other bits and bobs as they will be visiting a childrens home and school and doing some crafty things with the children while the lads are going to be helping with some building. Her luggage will be weighed at home to the last ounce so she can get as many things as possible for the kids in.

I leave you with another pink picture!! Ill be back to normal tomorrow!

Today I be mostly pink

2007-07-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

I have been editing the blog today. I like the pink in it. I'm not normally a pink person but something must have got to me.

Pink petunias in a pink pot. There is blue in the sky (enough to make a sailor a suit and a pair of PJs) Will it be dry tomorrow.

The Rambles of a Rose

2007-07-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

The last week has been wet,wet,wet and I am seriously getting cheesed off now. Despite torrential rain look what happened in my garden today.

This came from a packet of black poppies planted in the spring. Its not actually black but a deep purple. This is the first to flower but there are lots more to come. Its not the only thing doing well but the rain has actually knocked the flower off a lupin its just lying in the soil. However my petunias are doing very well . There is just one plant each in enamel pots hanging on the wall. I must explain about these pots I have several of them mostly bought in France and they were apparently used to contain the fluid to give enemas!!!

Now on to some old and recent buys. The planned shopping didnt go to plan at the weekend due to bad weather and security events. I did buy wool to make husband a new jumper ( not made him anything in years) but that was it. However Sarah has made me start to use a tablecloth I bought in a car boot sale about 2 years ago and it just fits our kitchen table perfectly. So upon this I have put an enamel jug and coffee pot bought very recently in France. I love the roses on the cloth so there is a close up of them.

This cloth was brand new and even had the label intact on it and it cost 50 pence. I want to leave you with a final picture of my naughty cats - well 2 of them Hamish and Dougal. Its title "How many cats does it take to help you make a bed?"

May we take this opportunity to wish a Happy and healthy July 4th celebrations to all our friends in the USA

Especially for Jenny

2007-06-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

OK Its a quickie tonight. Jenny, my friend from OZ, who is coming to visit in about 5 weeks wants some of the wool that John Lewis is going to have reduced on sat so am enclosing photos of some we bought yesterday.The baby cashmerino is to knit on 3.75 needles and is like a thin double knitting

The other cashmerino aran and is aran weight

They were a £1 for a 50gm ball about a quarter of normal price. Let me know Jenny what you would like and I will try and oblige. Sarah tells me that Abakhan is also going to have a big sale this weekend . I guess with these and the Farmers market Sat will be a busy day for us. husband is probably looking for my debit card right now but never mind as Rambo 2 is on later and Im good at distraction strategies.!!! No wonder I spend all the pension so quickly but I have to get my value out of it as paying in for so long. It has not rained here for at least 6 hours but the wind is bitter although we have some late sunshine. Thats it folks

Chick Flicks

2007-06-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

I have to start today to apologise about my rain dance comments. I feel very guilty having seen all the reports regarding the floods where people have died and so many had their lives totally disrupted and destroyed.We have been very lucky in this part of the country. Lets hope that things improve very quickly over the next few days.
Today I had an appointment to have my eyes checked as I have had high pressure recorded in them. Thank goodness recorded today as being at the top end of what is considered normal. As eldest had a day off work she came with me , get drops in the eyes so its nicer to have someone who can see for you, and we went out for a bite afterwards and did some shopping. Well we bought very reduced knitting wool with cashmire in it from John Lewis. As we were both tired we retired back to my house and had afternoon tea and watched practical Magic on DVD and low and behold Baby Boom was on TV at 7pm . Husband not impressed so I have left him watching Rambo and retired to laptop.
Tomorrow I have to sort out all the washing , that needs ironing, and the house following our return from holiday and I am so looking foward to doing all of that. However all family are going to be here on Friday evening for dinner to celebrate a belated Fathers day as its the first time that we can all be together, so thats something to look foward to. Have more photos to post next time so best to all and hopes that the rain stays away.

Who did the rain dance?

2007-06-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Am home after some time in Shropshire and Normandy. Some time in the rain!! Well only 2 completely dry days in 2 weeks. Still walked on the beach, managed 2 barb-b-qs, several bottles of red wine, hunting old lovely things for the home and garden in Brocantes and read several books. One of which I must mention called Knitting by Anne Bartlett. (ISBN 0718149017) Not to show you how to do this, no patterns included, but a really good read. The sock pattern was from daughter for her to do but guess who ended up knitting them.

The garden has been battered by strong winds and torrential rain and the grass is about a foot high, too wet to consider cutting it. The Passionflower has grown so much I reckon someone has been giving Guiness or some other such stuff as it is now encroaching onto the footpath outside our garden wall and will soon start tripping passersby up, especially when they stop to admire it and do not look where they are going. Tomorrow I must try to tie it up somehow. I can only say it was the best value I have ever had from £3.99 from a car boot sale. I have purchased a second one from the local florist for a second part of garden wall and see if this does as well. We hope to have more fruits from it this year as we only had 4 last year.

We had some bargains in France. A lovely old washstand, some enamel pots for plants in the garden and some old floral fabric which cost just 2 euros. Oh boy its raining again please sun come back again. I know I shouldnt complain when some parts of the world have droughts lasting for years but everyone knows that we have to complain about the weather in England its the law. Hope everyone is well and I look forward to catching up with all your blogs.

Thank you so much

2007-06-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

I can't believe how many comments I've had, and such nice ones too! I'm really looking forward to carrying on with this and showing more of my garden. I can't believe so many people have found me already!

The weather has been beautiful here, apart from some rain last night (the garden was pleased even if the cats were not! Dougal in particular looked like a drowned rat bless him.

I can't resist some more photo's of the garden so here we go!!!

Foxgloves are one of my MANY favourites plus the tall Verbena Bonari-sommink or other!!

Sarah likes red Geraniums so here is one for her!

And then there is the mystery one. I have no idea what this is called, it comes in pink too but its pretty! I got it on a market stall in Leeds about 8 years ago when Mr Long Suffering Mother and I went to visit daughter no.1 who studied there. If anyone can tell me what it is I'd be very pleased!

Well that's all from me for today, thanks again to all you lovely commenters I really appreciate the support I hope you come back soon, I'm sure I'll be along to visit you all too!

Hello sun

2007-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

This is my first post. The sun is shinning and it is a beautiful day. My garden is rewarding me for all the hard work I have put in since my very recent retirement from a career over 41 years in length as a nurse.

My daughter and a great friend in Australia (Patches and Batches and Everything stops for Tea ) have induced me into doing this. i have no idea what I am going to write about in the future but hope that someone stops for a peep. Meanwhile its tea time ( however I hate the stuff ) so its coffee for me so I will leave you a photo or 2 of my Passionflower and other garden rewards.