tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22466078099596967862024-03-14T04:03:11.912+01:00Mud Walls & BeamsLiving the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-73186328787272880412013-07-07T20:04:00.000+02:002013-07-07T20:04:29.002+02:00Friends are a true blessingRichard and I have just had the most amazing week with our friends staying with us. To say we were concerned before they came is an understatement because it hadn't stopped raining and we had been flooded, twice, just missing coming in the front door by inches. We picked them up from the airport and the weather changed and so the holiday began, as did the sunshine.<br />
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The best part of having Brian and Di to stay is the fact that they just want to see the way we live here, do all the usual chores and visit our friends, so when we speak to them on the phone and talk about our friends, they can put faces to names. We had lots of meals with fun and laughter with friends and family and a trip to a very pretty town in Spain - Ainsa. To be honest Richard and I were very sorry to see them go.<br />
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I will show you some photos of what we were up to, mostly gardening. Once Di had got a bee in her bonnet, there was no stopping her. Talk about a little "light weeding".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more weeds were in a HUGE trailer ready for the tip!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in progress</td></tr>
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We now have a hedgerow we can see, and those small trees are wild plums!! Yummy</div>
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Di found this chap and was brave enough to lift it and put it in the bucket. Me?? I screamed and ran when it started walking up the bucket so I could take a photo!!</div>
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I wonder how many miles Di walked with this wheelbarrow</div>
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What is it with men and bonfires?? They just love them</div>
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A beautiful day out in Spain with a fabulous meal. Just perfect, good friends, food and weather. It also got Di out of the garden for the day!!</div>
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While Brian was here I was taking the opportunity of taking advice on my new camera. I told him the effect I wanted and after a few takes, I think I got it. Not a fancy camera, just basic. I would really like to take some good macro shots and I think my camera will do that, sort of, because I don't have a macro lens, just the facility on the camera. I will let you know later on.... Watch this space.<br />
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<br />Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-85315411791342588812013-06-12T20:22:00.000+02:002013-06-12T20:22:57.265+02:00I think it's time I came backI don't know why I stopped posting but time has just vanished, so no excuses, though I think maybe I should try again. This is just me dipping my toe in the water to see if anyone is out there. Later on I will sort out some photos and get back to normal again.<br />
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The weather here has been dreadful and we were even up at 5.30am on Friday making and filling sand bags to stop the water coming into the house. Luckily the water stayed about 1 foot away from the front door. Very scary. The last couple of days has been lovely and warm but we are due to have the rain back again. Our pond is still overflowing and we can't get anywhere near it because of the boggy ground so if we have more rain, goodness knows what will happen. We have never had this amount of rain in this part of France, it's the wettest May on record. We have just planted some tomatoes and courgettes and we hope we don't see them floating down the road!!!<br />
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This year I was very lucky to go on a quilting retreat in Kentucky and it was absolutely amazing. I will try and sort out some photos to give you some idea of what it was like.<br />
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I will close this post now and hopefully I will be able to continue these posts but make them more interesting.<br />
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I hope someone is out there ............Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-64845087266763533262012-03-06T21:43:00.000+01:002012-03-06T21:43:25.736+01:00We don't live the high life do we??The heading is a little misleading because I did live the high life for just about an hour. It was amazing, especially for a person who doesn't "do" planes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just as we were taking off</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me in that shadow on the most beautiful day<br />
How proud I was that I did it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW6M3iELBCg/T1Zn_VFwqbI/AAAAAAAAA1U/BKCbhKksdy8/s1600/P1020286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW6M3iELBCg/T1Zn_VFwqbI/AAAAAAAAA1U/BKCbhKksdy8/s320/P1020286.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In that little dinky toy down there is Richard and David chasing us<br />
ready to pick us up. It's just a shame they lost us !!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have to say it was an incredible experience and I thank David and Eleanor very much, especially Eleanor as she is a fairly new pilot and she put me so much at ease I could only enjoy the flight.<br />
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The next photo is back to our cats again, well Sophie actually. Why is it, when you put protective blankets on your bed so you don't get hair everywhere, they always want YOUR blanket.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps if I keep very still, mummy won't notice<br />
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</tbody></table>We went to see our nephew and family last week and it's always a lot of fun there and you never know what you are going to see or who you are going to have a meal with. You are always surrounded by dogs, cats and chickens, and these two, bless them, had decided to lay their eggs on the dresser in the outside eating area in a basket of walnuts!! They didn't care at all that we were eating our meal beside them, (thank goodness it wasn't chicken) they just know they have to be there for days hatching their babies. How cute are they and so very, very pretty.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contented, happy bantams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4fNC2pDrDI/T1ZvB3cusZI/AAAAAAAAA1s/PATi53g-ivw/s1600/P1020307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4fNC2pDrDI/T1ZvB3cusZI/AAAAAAAAA1s/PATi53g-ivw/s320/P1020307.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are some they prepared earlier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyrDxoKPtko/T1Zv_MwIlSI/AAAAAAAAA10/NfBRlltVV9k/s1600/P1020317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyrDxoKPtko/T1Zv_MwIlSI/AAAAAAAAA10/NfBRlltVV9k/s320/P1020317.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun knitting these hats</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEieO7wmYeo/T1ZyGtRGT6I/AAAAAAAAA18/IX8el8Ep5Iw/s1600/P1020320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEieO7wmYeo/T1ZyGtRGT6I/AAAAAAAAA18/IX8el8Ep5Iw/s320/P1020320.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I could wear hats, but not having much hair, I just<br />
looked like a boiled egg with a cosy on!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm sure you must have seen enough by now so I will save the others for another day. The weather is getting warmer now and hopefully we are going to be able to start our kitchen in a couple of weeks time. We have to dig out the floor that is there and put down a base (it now has tiles laid on mud) and re-tile. A horrid, very dirty job but we can't wait to get it done. We have lost quite a lot of furniture and food due to damp and mildew so bring it on!!!<br />
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I will sign off now, take care all my family and friends and remember, spring is just around the corner, so close we can almost smell it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1JuVFs06g8/T1Z1L-F9uHI/AAAAAAAAA2M/6YY7cdN8td0/s1600/P1020312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1JuVFs06g8/T1Z1L-F9uHI/AAAAAAAAA2M/6YY7cdN8td0/s320/P1020312.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-25316868338710670182012-02-17T17:22:00.001+01:002012-02-17T17:28:49.238+01:00Just a few random snapshotsNot one particular subject to talk about today but a few photos to share. The first couple are of our beautiful cats who are so pleased to have us back even though their "Uncle David" spoils them while we are away. I will always worry in case they get a bit uppity on our return and pack their little spotted hankies on a stick and walk up the road to their other parent!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQtWY4BDQds/Tz5zlMXMsWI/AAAAAAAAA08/xl9ZVUtvPBU/s1600/P1020258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQtWY4BDQds/Tz5zlMXMsWI/AAAAAAAAA08/xl9ZVUtvPBU/s320/P1020258.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have become good friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V9Fjl3ZIls/Tz5xpkBZ32I/AAAAAAAAA0s/1OV9MhAXz8w/s1600/P1020261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V9Fjl3ZIls/Tz5xpkBZ32I/AAAAAAAAA0s/1OV9MhAXz8w/s320/P1020261.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No mummy, this is our bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next picture is rather sad. I found this beautiful lapwing struggling in the field behind our pond and went to rescue it, as Sooty was there as well. There wasn't a mark on it so don't know what the problem was apart from the fact that it couldn't seem to fly. I don't think it was Sooty as the bird is almost as big as he is and I would have thought there would be some damage. There are telephone wires overhead so whether or not it went into those I'm not sure. I warmed it up, kept it in a box to let it get it's wind back, but unfortunately it died. I was amazed at the colour of it though, his back was an incredible dark petrol green and it was a very special moment to be able to hold it for just a while.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7NMyaZmeTU/Tz5vF-qBqII/AAAAAAAAA0U/gLpZKLM13jE/s1600/P1020252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7NMyaZmeTU/Tz5vF-qBqII/AAAAAAAAA0U/gLpZKLM13jE/s320/P1020252.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How beautiful</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next photo should bring back a few memories to some people. Richard and I are really enjoying it, to drink the coffee from it or just look at it. It was sitting in mum and dad's kitchen for - I don't know how many years, and I finally asked if I could bring it back home with me. Isn't it the most glorious coffee pot? Very retro and very authentic.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_czKjT5ypE/Tz5w5Vlg19I/AAAAAAAAA0k/J5H5rGvP0yw/s1600/P1020257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U_czKjT5ypE/Tz5w5Vlg19I/AAAAAAAAA0k/J5H5rGvP0yw/s320/P1020257.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it from the 70's or the 80's?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This last photo was taken on Richard's birthday in January while we were in the UK when we all went out for lunch, all our family and 2 very special friends. I just love the fact that my mum and Jaime are sharing a special joke and look so cheeky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Yhs1XJKUmc/Tz5uQofcejI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Y96pF0DY258/s1600/P1020201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Yhs1XJKUmc/Tz5uQofcejI/AAAAAAAAA0M/Y96pF0DY258/s320/P1020201.JPG" width="320" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 generations apart and can still share a joke - priceless</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Well that's about it for now. Hello to all my friends who read this but don't leave a comment so it was such a lovely surprise to me to know they look in. Hopefully some craft items will be put on next time. Also, a "hello" to my beautiful sister and her family. Love you guys.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-20194916192226893862012-01-22T22:05:00.000+01:002012-01-22T22:05:04.170+01:00How lucky am I ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I may be in my PJ's, but who on earth cares? Not me. How many people can say they were dancing with their 93 year old father to let in the New Year? I love you dad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyUxkJVZ5NpR2XLLe2p3itmo12ZWQfcizcGECfF_KToL4_D3tDIveIcg0hVTlkb1jzSl1SFh_wB08J2MW_i' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-68502486258307799332012-01-08T16:41:00.001+01:002012-01-08T16:45:24.095+01:00I must plan to achieveNow is the time to start planning as to what I am going to make for gifts for next year. Clare had given me inspiration with her cross stitching and I loved doing it, so it makes sense to plan what to do next. The idea of just having one colour thread works really well for me so this is where I start. I also want to create something for over my fireplace and I have the idea of three framed cross-stitch words, but it is surprising how difficult it is to think of 3 words that mean a lot to Richard and me without being too obvious. Below are a couple I did as gifts this Christmas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWvsOznld2I/TwmzObCoajI/AAAAAAAAA0E/V42N6swqQgE/s1600/P1020137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWvsOznld2I/TwmzObCoajI/AAAAAAAAA0E/V42N6swqQgE/s320/P1020137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One version finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r80YKU2c6ZI/Twmy8OufEeI/AAAAAAAAAz8/tKYB7oIWvLQ/s1600/P1020111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r80YKU2c6ZI/Twmy8OufEeI/AAAAAAAAAz8/tKYB7oIWvLQ/s320/P1020111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another version unfinished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What I need to do next time is make sure I stitch them the right size so I can get a frame to fit. I couldn't get one for either of these and it makes the gifts rather expensive to have them made!!!! Clare is the planner and I usually "borrow" her patterns, but this time I think I need to do it myself.<br />
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I am also going to do a quilting project with my friend in America and I am rather nervous about that because I'm not very proficient, but I am looking forward to the challenge.<br />
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We are going back to my parents for a couple of weeks now so I won't be able to access our computer again for a while. I do have my patterns and graph paper though so I won't be idle.<br />
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Take care all of you, talk again soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-80890730670028336762012-01-02T22:36:00.000+01:002012-01-02T22:36:09.643+01:00Every picture tells a story<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La2zcDKgQVg/TwIf1SSdSnI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MXF46w68mls/s1600/Xmas+2011-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-La2zcDKgQVg/TwIf1SSdSnI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MXF46w68mls/s320/Xmas+2011-46.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like my dad telling one of his many funny stories</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As the heading says, I am posting just one "Christmas" picture because this sums up our Christmas. It is always a worry as to how things will turn out, but the decision to take my mum and dad to Clare and Kenny's for 6 days was certainly the right one. You wouldn't believe, looking at this photo, that they are 93 and 91 would you? The day we went for a walk was Boxing Day and although not raining, it was very, very windy, but my dad absolutely loved it. They don't get out much any more and are rather worried about walking when on their own because if one goes down, they both go down, so to have the security of their granddaughter's arms was good. When they go out now, it's my sister who usually takes them in the car either to the sea or to the New Forest, so I'm not saying they don't go out at all, far from it, just the walking part and that was something they loved to do.<br />
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We had a really wonderful time when we were in Cornwall with lots of good food and entertainment and we even went to see the Christmas lights at Mousehole on Boxing Day evening. Beautiful and very festive. Again, my dad loved it and my mum stayed in that time.<br />
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We are now with Vicki and family and thoroughly enjoying catching up with the children. We went for a New Year's day walk yesterday and it poured with rain and we got drenched, but still managed to have a picnic and stop at a pub on the way back. There were about 18 of us so a lot of fun and as you can imagine, the children were very excited, all on their bikes and absolutely filthy by the end of it. So good to see children out in the open air in all weathers, rather than inside watching a TV. A nice warm bath for them when we got back and the end of a lovely day.<br />
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We will be going back to my mum and dad's soon and try and catch up with other family and friends. We are here in the UK until the end of January so we have a little time yet.<br />
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I wish all of you a very Happy and healthy New Year and I look forward to chatting to you all again soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-54429398968746972032011-12-09T19:23:00.000+01:002011-12-09T19:23:51.629+01:00Piccalilli, Packing and PresentsWell, as the title says I have been busy making, washing and ironing and wrapping. We are getting ready to go back to the UK so I have to finish off everything here. The first thing we did was make some piccalilli and it is amazing how the colour changes during the process. Oh my goodness though, how it made my eyes smart while stirring the sauce. I assume it was the mustard and turmeric that did that. Fun though and now the shelves in my larder are beginning to groan under the weight of chutneys and jams etc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnhEvjRJC-8/TuJFttrrazI/AAAAAAAAAyU/Ns7-Vl5vuwM/s1600/P1020113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnhEvjRJC-8/TuJFttrrazI/AAAAAAAAAyU/Ns7-Vl5vuwM/s320/P1020113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just with the vinegar</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWdff026RrY/TuJGTdGTe_I/AAAAAAAAAyc/v_PemzcXpsk/s1600/P1020114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWdff026RrY/TuJGTdGTe_I/AAAAAAAAAyc/v_PemzcXpsk/s320/P1020114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little further on</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iphyINnmIgw/TuJG3oO2IpI/AAAAAAAAAyk/kUcPud1KraI/s1600/P1020115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iphyINnmIgw/TuJG3oO2IpI/AAAAAAAAAyk/kUcPud1KraI/s320/P1020115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stingy eyes sauce nearly ready</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZbckqTw2P8/TuJJhPr6HzI/AAAAAAAAAy0/RrS8EjGn4qo/s1600/P1020118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZbckqTw2P8/TuJJhPr6HzI/AAAAAAAAAy0/RrS8EjGn4qo/s320/P1020118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila - 8 jars of piccalilli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have to say I was surprised with the colour, because when you buy it in the shops it is very yellow and this is quite a lot darker. I suppose it's no colouring, preservatives etc. The only problem is, you have to leave it for 3 months before you try - well that's what they say.<br />
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I have now finished wrapping all the Christmas presents that I have here though I have a lot in the UK waiting to be wrapped, but at least I'm ahead of the game for once. Also, my head is buzzing with ideas of what to make for next year. I certainly need to start sooner so come February, I will start choosing what needs to be done. You heard it here ....... will it happen? Who knows. Good intentions though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kY-K9vw60_E/TuJPVHu-k5I/AAAAAAAAAzE/IFtwV0pLwRw/s1600/P1020119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kY-K9vw60_E/TuJPVHu-k5I/AAAAAAAAAzE/IFtwV0pLwRw/s320/P1020119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slowly becoming friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As you can see our little kitten Sooty has settled in really well. He is adorable and the two of them have a lot of fun together but also, the fur flies sometimes because he is such a tinker and keeps jumping on Sophie and play fighting. He has also got the hang of using the cat flap so we have no worries when we are back in the UK, they both now have a bolt hole and their own little french farmhouse.<br />
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Now I need to get my head around what I need to pack for over the Christmas holidays. We are staying for most of January as it is Vicki's 40th birthday so we need to take quite a bit of warm clothing with us. I hate and detest the packing part of going back to the UK, I seem to be doing it all the time.<br />
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Take care everyone, much love to my family who are reading this and see you soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-42348135080065032942011-11-26T15:56:00.001+01:002011-11-26T16:01:40.993+01:00Handmade Christmas??It has been such a long time since I have posted and now I have to try and remember what I have been doing. Well ............. the main and most important thing is me FLYING to the UK to stay with Vicki and the children for a couple of weeks. Not so important ??? It is to me because I am absolutely petrified of getting on a plane, but Vicki made a throw-away comment about how she would like me to be there with her while Bill was away and I thought, could I? I was very lucky in that a friend of mind was returning to the UK so I flew back with her but I came back on my own!! I am very proud of myself and would I do it again?? Watch this space.<br />
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Needless to say I had a wonderful time while I was there and one Saturday when Vicki was working at a Christmas Fair I had the girls to myself so decided that was the day to make the Christmas puddings. We had great fun and did a lot of stirring and flicking of ingredients all over the place and the kitchen was smelling wonderful. Of course the best part of making Christmas puddings is stirring and making a wish at the same time. We did this a few times and then we called Grampie, who was still in France, and William stirred while Grampie made a wish, the girls each had Clare and Kenny, they stirred while they made a wish. It was left then overnight to soak up all the ale and brandy and then daddy came home and stirred and wished as well, so you never know, next year could be a good year!! I did some cross-stitch while I was there, I also wrote all my Christmas cards and did most of my present shopping as well, so all in all, a very good visit.<br />
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Home now and back to the making of presents. I am trying to make as many as possible this year and to be honest I am enjoying it. I made a good start while we were staying with Clare and Kenny in September and since then I have made some more. Obviously I can't show you all of the things I have made otherwise it won't be a surprise for the recipients!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQJ9I77N-FE/TtD3vc7iZnI/AAAAAAAAAx0/t2nzIeaOdss/s1600/P1020015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQJ9I77N-FE/TtD3vc7iZnI/AAAAAAAAAx0/t2nzIeaOdss/s320/P1020015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 cheeky little sock monkeys. One by me, one by Clare</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK8gKOhJaEQ/TtD4aIixBBI/AAAAAAAAAx8/1xA8bxPWQZk/s1600/P1020108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK8gKOhJaEQ/TtD4aIixBBI/AAAAAAAAAx8/1xA8bxPWQZk/s320/P1020108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 little rag dollies, both by me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's funny isn't, I did one of these dollies while I was staying with Clare and Kenny, it is Clare's pattern and she has the templates but how to make it up was in her head. While with her, I managed it, but doing one on my own back here was a nightmare, I just had a mental block. But ........ many phone calls to a very patient daughter later, I finally finished the one on the left today. Whew!! I didn't think one of the recipients was going to get one. Needless to say, I have now written down my version of the instructions and hopefully I will be able to make another one some time, should the need arise. Don't hold your breath Clare.<br />
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The weather here is glorious, very sunny and quite warm, but the mornings and evenings are cold. Just perfect for autumn. Both the cats are running about outside and the little one especially is finding his way about.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVqa45sr2rc/TtD9S6u-ToI/AAAAAAAAAyM/arsykHX9eUY/s1600/P1020096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVqa45sr2rc/TtD9S6u-ToI/AAAAAAAAAyM/arsykHX9eUY/s320/P1020096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a dove? Is it a Snowy Owl? No - it's a kitten, pretending to hide on a misty morning!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Does he really think they are going to come to the feeders with him sitting there in all his glory? Bless him, perhaps that's what he wished for when I was mixing the puddings!!<br />
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I'm off now to make some biscuits, we are off to church in the morning for the first Sunday in Advent and we are all taking a bring and share lunch.<br />
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Take care everyone, will talk again soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-5045711957777441742011-10-18T21:53:00.000+02:002011-10-18T21:53:53.124+02:00Meet Little KittenI thought I would post and introduce you to our new addition. Once again, this kitten was found in a friend's garden and although she was desperate to keep him/her/it, she has lost 4 already on the busy road she lives on before they reached a year old and she wasn't prepared to go through the pain again.<br />
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It was brilliant because we have just had very good friends staying here for a week and they are cat lovers so we were able to go and pick up "little kitten" while they were with us. As you can imagine, time is just wasted while watching the antics of the kitten and meeting our Sophie. Here are some photos for you which Brian very kindly took for us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfz-t_X_dYM/Tp3PvPa26sI/AAAAAAAAAws/dGLPf_Myhm8/s1600/_CSC9950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfz-t_X_dYM/Tp3PvPa26sI/AAAAAAAAAws/dGLPf_Myhm8/s320/_CSC9950.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little kitten about 8 or 9 weeks old</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MfagkvMID8/Tp3RwWP2Y2I/AAAAAAAAAxE/94sMPEYxnFc/s1600/_CSC9949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MfagkvMID8/Tp3RwWP2Y2I/AAAAAAAAAxE/94sMPEYxnFc/s320/_CSC9949.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very naughty - found some bread on the table. Not allowed up there!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JARHkWAxZh8/Tp3QOkOzL3I/AAAAAAAAAw0/14BavhPWIFc/s1600/_CSC9951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JARHkWAxZh8/Tp3QOkOzL3I/AAAAAAAAAw0/14BavhPWIFc/s320/_CSC9951.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm... licking lips, very nice</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0jxbyqbcVI/Tp3Tx5yjWiI/AAAAAAAAAxM/OIkpcwRuFRU/s1600/_CSC0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0jxbyqbcVI/Tp3Tx5yjWiI/AAAAAAAAAxM/OIkpcwRuFRU/s320/_CSC0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-boo - who are you</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bTrfpqR-Rw/Tp3UaT-U12I/AAAAAAAAAxU/8bXcLFiZvf0/s1600/_CSC0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5bTrfpqR-Rw/Tp3UaT-U12I/AAAAAAAAAxU/8bXcLFiZvf0/s320/_CSC0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shall we play? Please don't hurt me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Haven't settled on a name yet, our friend had called her Lily, as in Lilliput, but we think she is a he. Could we still call her Lily if she is a boy? Such a cute name though. Others we have been given is Sooty!!, Snowy, Sacha and Putty as in Lilliputty....Clever though I'm SURE our vet here in France wouldn't get that at all.<br />
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We have had the most amazing week with our friends and nearly every tree and shrub in the garden has been pruned, chopped, tidied and made beautiful. Herb bed has been weeded by Di and they have loved it. You can't go wrong with friends like that can you? Just being yourselves and not having to try to be anyone else. I will certainly miss them and can't wait for them to visit again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez-bB5HD68o/Tp3RPrKM88I/AAAAAAAAAw8/xaurQtZ1L00/s1600/_DSC9970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez-bB5HD68o/Tp3RPrKM88I/AAAAAAAAAw8/xaurQtZ1L00/s320/_DSC9970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of shopping at the local weekly market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, once again, that's it for now. Love to everyone reading this, especially my family. Will post again soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-63253451947842723932011-09-26T17:07:00.000+02:002011-09-26T17:07:54.415+02:00Chilling outI thought I would just post a few photos so you can see what a lovely time we are having here with Clare and Kenny. The weather hasn't been great so far but it hasn't stopped us from doing anything and I have got a couple of projects completed, which is amazing for me!! <br />
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It's strange isn't it how different your children can be and the different times you have when staying with them. Richard and I are very lucky in that way because we get to stay with them when we are back in the UK and have good quality time with them. With Vicki and family, apart from the lovely catching up time we have, we have of course got the children and they keep us on our toes and we absolutely love being with them; the cuddles in the morning and the stories at night time are not to be missed. We also go to church with them, as a family, and that's quite special as well. We feel very privilaged also to feel part of their group of friends, and they have lots of them and that always helps keep you feeling young. I even get to go on "girlie" evenings or lunches which is great fun. Then with Clare and Kenny, we have lots of walks, doing craft and mooching around "crafty" shops which I absolutely love, poor Kenny always sorts out our computer problems without EVER complaining and just being able to sit on the rocks or beach and watch nature at work. Brilliant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saJN6FSyW3A/ToCIjxYC1TI/AAAAAAAAAwU/ISgEnGWW9tg/s1600/P1010970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saJN6FSyW3A/ToCIjxYC1TI/AAAAAAAAAwU/ISgEnGWW9tg/s320/P1010970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clare and Kenny's raspberries being made into jam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEPdlCk-_uE/ToCI83hFfGI/AAAAAAAAAwY/oB93ujFCyJA/s1600/P1010977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BEPdlCk-_uE/ToCI83hFfGI/AAAAAAAAAwY/oB93ujFCyJA/s320/P1010977.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up with breath-taking scenery</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdsWAvr7CJA/ToCJLD3dM_I/AAAAAAAAAwc/_3TEPIgdd3M/s1600/P1010983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdsWAvr7CJA/ToCJLD3dM_I/AAAAAAAAAwc/_3TEPIgdd3M/s320/P1010983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The power of mother nature</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCoj-WmVdzk/ToCJkwRcu-I/AAAAAAAAAwg/JFqc-DVVIzA/s1600/P1020001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pCoj-WmVdzk/ToCJkwRcu-I/AAAAAAAAAwg/JFqc-DVVIzA/s320/P1020001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well deserved treat after our walk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-av9Vwc1BWzM/ToCJ422ZHgI/AAAAAAAAAwk/6FOjfMBr_Bw/s1600/P1020014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-av9Vwc1BWzM/ToCJ422ZHgI/AAAAAAAAAwk/6FOjfMBr_Bw/s320/P1020014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clare trying out my sewing machine<br />
A very old but wonderful Bernina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoP_eEZdvq8/ToCKPT0g1tI/AAAAAAAAAwo/wbrSjw7uRUE/s1600/P1020018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoP_eEZdvq8/ToCKPT0g1tI/AAAAAAAAAwo/wbrSjw7uRUE/s320/P1020018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 projects completed so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, that's about it for now, should any of my family be reading this, especially the "Smith" family, I hope all is going well. Jess, I'm sure you are enjoying yourself at your new college, can't wait to hear all about it. Briony, good luck at Uni, I hope you settle in soon, knowing you, it won't take long. Clare and Kenny are looking forward to seeing you at their house. Charlie, I guess this is going to be a tough year for you at school so good luck. Hi to everyone else.<br />
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I am now going back to my knitting while Clare is working, perhaps I will be able to finish something else while I'm here!!Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-87541525901469049502011-09-20T22:49:00.000+02:002011-09-20T22:49:24.037+02:00Cornwall and Craft - Family and FunWell, here we are in Cornwall staying with Clare and Kenny and the rain hasn't really stopped since we arrived. Do I care?? No because Clare and I are having such fun crafting. The first project is a little rag dolly which Clare has made before but I have to take my hat off to her because all she got were a few bits of paper cut outs as you will see from the photo, but with no instructions whatsoever, so here I go .............<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-X-FgY8EXQ/TnjzyEetSXI/AAAAAAAAAwA/Mydzcsh4BfQ/s1600/P1010956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-X-FgY8EXQ/TnjzyEetSXI/AAAAAAAAAwA/Mydzcsh4BfQ/s320/P1010956.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I suppose it's a start !!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzZ5KrHVb9I/TnjzghSGrAI/AAAAAAAAAv8/3biB0v9iORw/s1600/P1010955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzZ5KrHVb9I/TnjzghSGrAI/AAAAAAAAAv8/3biB0v9iORw/s320/P1010955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off we go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKvO-v9ET78/Tnj0fNE-z-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/fmc_IwNaGzI/s1600/P1010959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKvO-v9ET78/Tnj0fNE-z-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/fmc_IwNaGzI/s320/P1010959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 arms and 2 legs for each of us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBAD4sb-waw/Tnj0Ca72ugI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ToFKIb37BGc/s1600/P1010957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBAD4sb-waw/Tnj0Ca72ugI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ToFKIb37BGc/s320/P1010957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always full of fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgFPFDOGQp0/Tnj0zy8UXuI/AAAAAAAAAwM/DsUlKOTghl8/s1600/P1010964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgFPFDOGQp0/Tnj0zy8UXuI/AAAAAAAAAwM/DsUlKOTghl8/s320/P1010964.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking a bit deflated, dolly not me!!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtk9eh_XNB0/Tnj1SrO6TkI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/OcRjzaOobdo/s1600/P1010967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtk9eh_XNB0/Tnj1SrO6TkI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/OcRjzaOobdo/s320/P1010967.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enough for one day, more tomorrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am having the most amazing time and if I can pass on any tips to Clare that I have picked up at various workshops then that makes it even better. It is so good working together, more so because I don't see her very often, but the best bit is seeing just how talented she is and to be honest, Clare is teaching me more than I am teaching her!!<br />
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This morning we made a batch of raspberry jam and I made a taggy for my best friend's grandchild who is due in about 3 weeks. I wonder why it is you get the motivation to do more stuff when you have someone to do it with. I know I do "stuff" when I am with my mum and she certainly does more when my sister and I are about.<br />
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While I am crafting Richard is on about his 5th book!! How often do we take the time to "just read" and of course, to snooze every now and then.<br />
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Also I have just finished the 4 books of the Twilight series and Clare has the first 3 films so of course I now know what the characters look like. Perhaps not quite as I imagined but oh my goodness, I can't wait for the next film to come out. Who would have thought I would have enjoyed the books so much because, let's face it, they are targetted to the teenage females but I really enjoyed them. The escapism I suppose.<br />
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Time to go now and start thinking about colours, buttons, ribbons, threads and what to do next. So many projects, so little time. Oh by the way, I have knitting projects on the go at the same time. I find it easier to knit in the evening, not so hard on the eyes. Oh!! the joy of getting older........ Here's to tomorrow, bring it on....Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-88400027766356067812011-09-02T21:04:00.000+02:002011-09-02T21:04:22.285+02:00Bizarre creatures - quiltersI have a very good friend over here who loves to go to charity shops and the equivalent of car boots and buys up old cotton dresses, blouses and shirts, bedding also. She then takes it home, washes it, irons it and cuts it up. She then spends quite a few evenings cutting up brown paper into squares and the result is this .........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wvWLKZ49Zl4/TmEcRWsiqaI/AAAAAAAAAvk/HYKg-M35rOQ/s1600/P1010725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wvWLKZ49Zl4/TmEcRWsiqaI/AAAAAAAAAvk/HYKg-M35rOQ/s320/P1010725.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge pile of brown paper squares</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__GiCVLQC-Q/TmEc8g5QvBI/AAAAAAAAAvo/SK5Giiy0ynQ/s1600/P1010729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-__GiCVLQC-Q/TmEc8g5QvBI/AAAAAAAAAvo/SK5Giiy0ynQ/s320/P1010729.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge pile of cotton squares</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So when we have lots of paper and lots of beautiful cotton squares, what do we do with them? We wrap the fabric around the paper and tack it on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lXjwryHGNo/TmEf7x71OLI/AAAAAAAAAvs/QtCmUdvm-CY/s1600/P1010733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lXjwryHGNo/TmEf7x71OLI/AAAAAAAAAvs/QtCmUdvm-CY/s320/P1010733.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is actually a wonderful part of the process because you come across so many different kinds of fabrics which have been dresses, shirts etc. They are quite faded with the washing and pressing they have had in their lifetime and you can't help but wonder who was lucky enough to walk around in the amazing patterns. Quite a few I recognize and realise that perhaps my mother-in-law had a blouse in the same fabric, or my mum has a dress in the same fabric. It really is quite nostalgic and very satisfying. What is even better is the fact that my friend has done the searching, the washing, the cutting and then realised she didn't want to do any more so I now have the task of trying to make a couple of quilts for my twin grandchildren.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwRKCfuiJtI/TmEgmwI1HfI/AAAAAAAAAvw/IR2r6jW4ReA/s1600/P1010731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwRKCfuiJtI/TmEgmwI1HfI/AAAAAAAAAvw/IR2r6jW4ReA/s320/P1010731.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first 9-square of many </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO1DDD6Wx78/TmEhTczG7WI/AAAAAAAAAv0/8d0OE1Tfgtc/s1600/P1010735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO1DDD6Wx78/TmEhTczG7WI/AAAAAAAAAv0/8d0OE1Tfgtc/s320/P1010735.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squares tacked ready to sew together in piles of 50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A really nice part of the challenge is putting the colours together and blending them into quilts. Of course the girls are very different and Millie is going to want pinks and lilacs and Jaime will go for the lellow (I know that should be yellow, but she makes it sound so much nicer) and greens. I know I am going to have a lot of help with this when I go and stay with Clare and Kenny in a couple of weeks. All this is hand stitched so I think I may be doing these in my sleep!!! So much to do and I really wish I lived close to a friend of mine, Sharlene who would be able to quilt the end product for me with her special machine. So you see, quilters really are very strange, we buy fabric just to cut it up and stitch it together again. Surely there has to be an easier way?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9rXjmTptzg/TmEh_LAM3LI/AAAAAAAAAv4/RZ384GJa6ZY/s1600/P1010738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9rXjmTptzg/TmEh_LAM3LI/AAAAAAAAAv4/RZ384GJa6ZY/s320/P1010738.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird church time again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Away from quilting now and as you can see, it's that time of year again when all the swallows are gathering before emigrating. They fly in in their thousands and it really is an amazing sight. We are so lucky that they seem to do this within the area of our garden. Every telephone line is absolutely full when it's time for them to leave. When William was here, he saw all the birds on the wires and he called it "bird church" because he thought they were all sitting in their pews singing to God. How cute is that? It will always be bird church for us.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-78501507152003015652011-08-26T22:09:00.000+02:002011-08-26T22:09:19.732+02:00What a summer!!!!It has been ages since I last posted and I have to say my feet haven't really touched the ground. We drove mum and dad home after their fabulous stay with us, and then drove back with Vicki, Bill and family following us for an 18 day stay. It was so good to have them with us but now............. how sad....<br />
The swing only moves in the breeze, the tree looks empty and there is no-one to call to say they have gone up too high and can't get down, occassionaly we find and tread on little plastic animals and shout because they hurt, but most of all it is so quiet. We think we are getting used to the idea of being without our children and then I find this......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB6uAiq-AmQ/Tlf2Xu6hAgI/AAAAAAAAAvU/fZYg28KtNHA/s1600/P1010723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB6uAiq-AmQ/Tlf2Xu6hAgI/AAAAAAAAAvU/fZYg28KtNHA/s320/P1010723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love you too my beautiful children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These beautiful little notes, we found beside our bed one night when 2 of the children were being rather naughty and wouldn't go to sleep. We kept hearing these little feet running about upstairs and poor mummy was getting rather annoyed. Anyway, when we went to bed, we all had these little notes beside each side of our beds. How can you be cross when you find these??<br />
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A couple more photos for you.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zb49f127hs/Tlf4QIVRnnI/AAAAAAAAAvc/vTNEgH7Esus/s1600/P1010497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zb49f127hs/Tlf4QIVRnnI/AAAAAAAAAvc/vTNEgH7Esus/s320/P1010497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action man feeling rather tired</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlob6tBurMU/Tlf5Zvj6t1I/AAAAAAAAAvg/JuQ-jEK0GpQ/s1600/P1010626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rlob6tBurMU/Tlf5Zvj6t1I/AAAAAAAAAvg/JuQ-jEK0GpQ/s320/P1010626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our breakfast time now seems rather boring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XafoRtkAKkA/Tlf3Qm3xVqI/AAAAAAAAAvY/snZ_2Ewlg1A/s1600/P1010621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XafoRtkAKkA/Tlf3Qm3xVqI/AAAAAAAAAvY/snZ_2Ewlg1A/s320/P1010621.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls chilled a lot in the hammock<br />
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</tbody></table>Thousands of pictures in my head that will stay with me always, and the children even got me swimming, and that is saying something. I <strong>really</strong> don't do water. All in all, a brilliant summer and I could say it has now left a huge hole, but no, we are now getting ready to go back to the UK and we will be spending a couple of weeks with Clare and Kenny in Penzance. Oh!!! I am SO looking forward to that. Clare has got lots of "crafty" things planned for us to do (that's Clare and me) and I can't wait. Richard will be keeping Kenny very busy with various computer questions etc. I know I won't want to leave. Clare and Kenny .........be prepared.<br />
Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-55480104849553365392011-07-21T22:21:00.000+02:002011-07-21T22:21:51.397+02:00A time to cherishI haven't been able to blog for a long time because for some reason my password just wasn't being accepted and something was wrong. It has taken us this long to sort it out, but we would never be able to do it without Clare and Kenny. Kenny would make the most amazing teacher because he never says anything when we keep asking the same questions over and over again, he just talks us through it again without showing any signs of giving up on us. Thanks Kenny you are wonderful. We are so lucky to have both of them at the end of the phone, our very own help-line.<br />
<br />
As you may remember we went back to the UK to celebrate mum and dad's 70th wedding anniversary and here is a photo of Richard and I with our family. Obviously mum and dad in the middle, Clare and Kenny on the left and Vicki and Bill on the right with our beautiful grandchildren on mum and dad's laps with William in the middle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7O4hx8-77E/TiiEc7NkuHI/AAAAAAAAAvI/Vdq5OXN7jNA/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7O4hx8-77E/TiiEc7NkuHI/AAAAAAAAAvI/Vdq5OXN7jNA/s320/DSC_0276.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 generations in one photo - very special</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The second photo is of my dad on the first day we arrived in France. The shorts came on and he was getting to know Sophie. We are very lucky because Sophie doesn't hold it against us because we have been away. I know one cat we had didn't come near us for a few days after we came back from holiday, but Sophie takes it all in her stride and she just loves it when we get back here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXcepmnmGeQ/TiiGL26TcmI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/gyFURzJc7oM/s1600/P1010334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXcepmnmGeQ/TiiGL26TcmI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/gyFURzJc7oM/s320/P1010334.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy dad and a happy cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This last photo speaks for itself. This sunflower must have been planted as a seed from a bird or something because we never planted it, but oh my goodness, it is just beautiful. I wonder if I take the seeds and plant them next year, will they be multi-headed like this one or will it revert to a single flower. Anyone know the answer to that one? They are such happy flowers aren't they?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_KPBe06fDY/TiiFc4DHJDI/AAAAAAAAAvM/ac8XqrIUqjA/s1600/P1010337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_KPBe06fDY/TiiFc4DHJDI/AAAAAAAAAvM/ac8XqrIUqjA/s320/P1010337.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All these flowers on just one stem - lots of happiness in this one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I will stop this post now, I just wanted to make sure it worked again. I will be taking more photos to share with you. Much love to all our family and friends.<br />
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Aims, I hope you are doing OK. Will write again soon. Take care and God bless.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-18241113155281223972011-06-07T21:57:00.000+02:002011-06-07T21:57:12.646+02:00Last time for a whileAs the title says I will be going off for a while, going back to the UK to visit family and most importantly, celebrate my parents' 70th wedding anniversary. Should be a good party!! I thought I would show you some of the produce that we will be missing. Such a shame, especially my favourites, the raspberries. Our friends gave us these canes and they are golden raspberries which I hadn't tried before, but oh my goodness, they are amazing. Lots more as well but I won't bore you with any more photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYMtvI_znI/Te54qyri1uI/AAAAAAAAAuw/1qMVdxWcG8M/s1600/P1010245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYMtvI_znI/Te54qyri1uI/AAAAAAAAAuw/1qMVdxWcG8M/s320/P1010245.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious lettuce</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVE98UxQVt4/Te58nknH2MI/AAAAAAAAAvA/bO6gqHvkHtc/s1600/P1010246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVE98UxQVt4/Te58nknH2MI/AAAAAAAAAvA/bO6gqHvkHtc/s320/P1010246.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redcurrant. We need more bushes of these, can't do much with the fruit of just one</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPC3mCN7Cg8/Te56fOHM8nI/AAAAAAAAAu0/x7IA6ZnK8qE/s1600/P1010248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPC3mCN7Cg8/Te56fOHM8nI/AAAAAAAAAu0/x7IA6ZnK8qE/s320/P1010248.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden raspberries. One of the best tastes in the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvDUKclTCPg/Te57N_9GVvI/AAAAAAAAAu4/Bg_WXPG2el0/s1600/P1010264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvDUKclTCPg/Te57N_9GVvI/AAAAAAAAAu4/Bg_WXPG2el0/s320/P1010264.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least we will be back ready to harvest these beauties</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze6b4FTlZs4/Te57-CKJg-I/AAAAAAAAAu8/mqU5BWcAaFg/s1600/P1010242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ze6b4FTlZs4/Te57-CKJg-I/AAAAAAAAAu8/mqU5BWcAaFg/s320/P1010242.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the action of the grasses. I want to get some more varieties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In between the garden and nursing a very sore knee I have been getting on with knitting the blankie that I mentioned in my previous blog. It's fun to do and grows quite quickly really, considering I am such a slow knitter. Here is a picture of how it is coming along.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fL_BGPEh8uI/Te59jEc_INI/AAAAAAAAAvE/sgA-usGvQGE/s1600/P1010252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fL_BGPEh8uI/Te59jEc_INI/AAAAAAAAAvE/sgA-usGvQGE/s320/P1010252.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blankie - such fun to knit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Such a good way of using up excess sock wool, but don't worry, I haven't knitted that many socks, my family aren't walking around with 10 pairs of socks on!! Most of this wool was given to me by my friend Gillie.<br />
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I will sign off now and not sure when I will be back as I can't get on line while at my parent's house. Enjoy this good weather, even though we need some rain I know. Love to all my family and friends and we will be seeing some of you very soon.<br />
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Aims, should you read this, I hope you are feeling better and that your hand is letting you get back to your craft. Talk to you soon. xxLiving the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-20307886428577241122011-05-29T18:06:00.000+02:002011-05-29T18:06:36.659+02:00Another good week with friendsAs the title says, we have just had another very good week with lovely friends who have never visited us here before and the weather was amazing. I only hope they enjoyed themselves and feel they would like to come again one day. They were very generous and we had some fabulous meals out and some very yummy food bought for us. I really should have taken a photo of one of the meals which I wasn't eager to try. Globe Artichoke!!! Actually I still think it is an awful lot of work for the amount of vegetable you get at the end of it, but the truth is, I liked it. Whether or not I would cook it for Richard and I, who knows. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4y1Ce_5p7k/TeJnZxcAy6I/AAAAAAAAAus/exoz6lgQI4o/s1600/P1010234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4y1Ce_5p7k/TeJnZxcAy6I/AAAAAAAAAus/exoz6lgQI4o/s320/P1010234.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robin and Gillie after a wonderful lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oYQLy6nnjk/TeJj8qFcCJI/AAAAAAAAAuk/ToSu-sue-hY/s1600/P1010235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oYQLy6nnjk/TeJj8qFcCJI/AAAAAAAAAuk/ToSu-sue-hY/s320/P1010235.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare photo of me and Richard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When I was in the UK Gillie and I used to craft together, in fact it was Gillie who started me with my quilting. We spent very many happy hours stitching, sometimes without having any conversation at all and it didn't seem to matter that we sat in absolute silence, concentrating and just enjoying the moments. You can do that with good friends can't you? While she was here she was showing me how to knit a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sock-yarn-blanket">blankie</a> which seems to be all the rage at the moment and a lot of fun. Gillie is into knitting beautiful shawls so I thought I would make her a couple of stitch markers. First attempt and she loved them, I may have to make myself some. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8XRSjscES8/TeJkuFLQbLI/AAAAAAAAAuo/-FujQusHU-s/s1600/P1010239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8XRSjscES8/TeJkuFLQbLI/AAAAAAAAAuo/-FujQusHU-s/s320/P1010239.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pink angel has clear glass wings, shame you can't see them here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The weather here is still very, very hot and would you believe we have lost most of our lawn, we just have a sort of brown short hay. So bizarre for so early in the year. We are starting to get ourselves ready for going back to the UK as we are celebrating my mum and dad's 70th wedding anniversary on the 28th June, then hopefully if they are both well enough, we will be bringing them back here for a few weeks.<br />
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That's it for now, much love to my family and friends, especially my children. Vicki, have a lovely half term with our beautiful grandchildren. I wish we could have them here.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-1432093551308113982011-05-13T19:33:00.000+02:002011-05-13T19:33:42.463+02:00More photos than wordsI can't believe the time has gone by so quickly. No excuses for not posting except that we have had our wonderful friends Sue and Jim staying with us for a week, and we have had the most amazing time mainly relaxing, catching up and Sue and I have been crafting as well. The weather was perfect and we had every single meal, including breakfasts, outside, so what more can I say. Our next guests arrive on Wednesday so I will be madly cleaning again in a couple of days!!!<br />
<br />
Now for some photos. The first one is of a beautiful little lamb that our nephew and neice have and because they had her at 3 days old, she goes everywhere with them and she is certain she is a dog and follows Nat wherever she goes. I had the pleasure of bottle feeding her, what a poppet.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1BzeavZ3iI/Tc1iiKBBc6I/AAAAAAAAAuI/Fm6EDT7Z9RI/s1600/P1010223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1BzeavZ3iI/Tc1iiKBBc6I/AAAAAAAAAuI/Fm6EDT7Z9RI/s320/P1010223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margurite (or Maggie) Just adorable</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sue spotted this little chap in the garden one evening. Sorry about the quality of the photo as it was pitch dark. Not sure what is going on with his back though ???<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEO4Gk5bjzA/Tc1jQtJbhXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/AfMpuOmfTs8/s1600/P1010225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sEO4Gk5bjzA/Tc1jQtJbhXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/AfMpuOmfTs8/s320/P1010225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love hedgehogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfArZyua_aE/Tc1j8E2ZLkI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/JT1ReoSOGnI/s1600/P1010231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MfArZyua_aE/Tc1j8E2ZLkI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/JT1ReoSOGnI/s320/P1010231.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picked this morning and loads more just waiting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VXi6ueOuX8/Tc1kvT3y1VI/AAAAAAAAAuU/qjxkiJygzfQ/s1600/P1010216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VXi6ueOuX8/Tc1kvT3y1VI/AAAAAAAAAuU/qjxkiJygzfQ/s320/P1010216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of needle cases</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R40QQQRLywA/Tc1lXvQUwrI/AAAAAAAAAuY/LS3IgPeIHww/s1600/P1010217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R40QQQRLywA/Tc1lXvQUwrI/AAAAAAAAAuY/LS3IgPeIHww/s320/P1010217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of needle cases</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn8KTs3Boq8/Tc1mB5tUz1I/AAAAAAAAAuc/v_9OHrTlCNk/s1600/P1010219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn8KTs3Boq8/Tc1mB5tUz1I/AAAAAAAAAuc/v_9OHrTlCNk/s320/P1010219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some lavender bags, left on a pillow for my guests</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I will leave it at that today and hopefully will come back later on in the week. Take care one and all, much love to my family and friends.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-10036541361597189082011-04-14T14:22:00.000+02:002011-04-14T14:22:14.724+02:00Spring<div style="text-align: center;">The call of the cuckoo, the buzz of the bee</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the sound of spring to me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The smell of the lilacs, the leaves on the tree</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the meaning of spring to me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was reading in bed, very dark, past midnight</div><div style="text-align: center;">Was amazed at the moon and the stars, how bright,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But as I listened, something seemed very wrong</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then realized I was hearing my first nightingale's song.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning the mountains are in their best gowns,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The sun glinting off them, how can I feel down?</div><div style="text-align: center;">We are preparing now for our friends to arrive,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, spring has burst forth, time to feel alive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So life doesn't always go the way we would like,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bad decisions, ill health, any time may strike,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But on a day like today when you feel the sun's rays</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just sometimes the "yeas" outweigh the "nays"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oY6bW30q6DE/Tabk41RcXDI/AAAAAAAAAt4/wERnRaTkZ7k/s1600/P1010198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oY6bW30q6DE/Tabk41RcXDI/AAAAAAAAAt4/wERnRaTkZ7k/s320/P1010198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tulips my sister gave me<br />
in the box my girls gave me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDGDQFAvKP4/TablcwQSDKI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Id8_gKlQbVk/s1600/P1010196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDGDQFAvKP4/TablcwQSDKI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Id8_gKlQbVk/s320/P1010196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Perfection</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-78516633645171490922011-04-01T21:47:00.001+02:002011-04-01T21:51:36.407+02:001st April and the magic begins......What a day it has been today. Apart from the fact that it is the 1st of April it has also been very, very warm so we have been out in the garden most of the day. The first amazing thing was, as we were sitting by the pond having our morning coffee, a kingfisher flew over the pond. Two thoughts came into my head, the first being the fact that it is the most incredible coloured bird and a shame I could never take a photo of it because it is just too quick. The second was, oh dear, we have been so happy this week because we have baby goldfish swimming about. How long will they stay in the pond once the kingfisher visits us? The second thing was ........ I saw our first swallow so they should be appearing in the near future. As we were watching all this the cuckoo was cuckooing most of the day. How much better can you get than that and not a penny was spent - all free. Then of course there are all the flowers and shrubs coming out. Here are just a few..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeJLppoRjR8/TZYiPwn93QI/AAAAAAAAAtk/aISMk-m7CiE/s1600/P1010178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YeJLppoRjR8/TZYiPwn93QI/AAAAAAAAAtk/aISMk-m7CiE/s320/P1010178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tulips our good friends gave us for our ruby wedding anniversary a couple of years ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHvcdMGx82k/TZYjwt-gnsI/AAAAAAAAAts/nD4tqXqu_9E/s1600/P1010184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHvcdMGx82k/TZYjwt-gnsI/AAAAAAAAAts/nD4tqXqu_9E/s320/P1010184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cowslip - one of my favourite flowers and I thought I had lost them</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLq-fsGLuvo/TZYlL7mDmvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/geLoBbYVyQI/s1600/P1010167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLq-fsGLuvo/TZYlL7mDmvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/geLoBbYVyQI/s320/P1010167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have to go out every day just to get a fix of the perfume of my favourite shrub</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Dj2sJKITSU/TZYjCdUu5rI/AAAAAAAAAto/HPU3Y517cmQ/s1600/P1010182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Dj2sJKITSU/TZYjCdUu5rI/AAAAAAAAAto/HPU3Y517cmQ/s320/P1010182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This acer which has come into leaf in the last week</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DbIS4pc0ZE/TZYkiz0zZBI/AAAAAAAAAtw/k-Mc59BmbjM/s1600/P1010187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DbIS4pc0ZE/TZYkiz0zZBI/AAAAAAAAAtw/k-Mc59BmbjM/s320/P1010187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh dear, how many favourites can I have. Being a lacemaker, this is the lacemakers emblem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We have had two super bits of news this week, firstly our beautiful twin girl grandchildren got a place in the school they wanted, so that is a relief all round. It is such a stressful time for parents with this school placement, when did it all change when children just went to their nearest school? The other piece of news was William telephoning us this morning to say that he had won an award at Beavers. One for being good and polite. How proud were his grandparents?????? Yes, very. Well done William, we love you all very much.<br />
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Well, my eyes are beginning to droop so I think I may stop now and take to my bed with a good book, another wonderful thing to do that doesn't cost a penny. Night night everyone.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-6992524458965192502011-03-24T19:24:00.000+01:002011-03-24T19:24:41.938+01:00Garden TimeWe have been really busy in the garden again trying to get on top of things as the weather has been absolutely wonderful and beautifully warm. The grass is growing so quickly and needs mowing every few days and that is taking so much time. The first thing to do when we walk into the garden is stop to look at and take a really good long smell of this fabulous shrub. We brought it from the UK with us and it has never looked as good as it does this year and it is one of my favourite scents, just amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DXvyUR5_PQw/TYuJSu90FJI/AAAAAAAAAtg/5L4gCf3ULw4/s1600/P1010160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DXvyUR5_PQw/TYuJSu90FJI/AAAAAAAAAtg/5L4gCf3ULw4/s320/P1010160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viburnum Carlesii</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next thing to do is bring out my lovely garden bag that my mum and dad bought for me for our wedding anniversary. Richard got a new end for the hose pipe. Strange gifts but much needed. I love my bag and kneeler because it is so girly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2AqEC78ZrEQ/TYuGvF9zSYI/AAAAAAAAAtU/Xq2OjxREBiM/s1600/P1010155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2AqEC78ZrEQ/TYuGvF9zSYI/AAAAAAAAAtU/Xq2OjxREBiM/s320/P1010155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of pockets for all sorts of goodies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yesterday we planted about 70 onions, some of which are for keeping so hopefully we will learn the french art of plaiting the onions and perhaps I may be able to hang some on the handlebars of my bike!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C5qQ1dCD_DQ/TYuIKLhgXYI/AAAAAAAAAtc/-48wC5KO27U/s1600/P1010158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C5qQ1dCD_DQ/TYuIKLhgXYI/AAAAAAAAAtc/-48wC5KO27U/s320/P1010158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a good photo, all lying down, wait a couple of days and I will show you again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The last thing to do after a day in the garden is to stop and look at the sunsets, they are amazing at the moment.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O0ed2w6gf5M/TYuHcfnO-nI/AAAAAAAAAtY/5vtf88uY8P4/s1600/P1010156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O0ed2w6gf5M/TYuHcfnO-nI/AAAAAAAAAtY/5vtf88uY8P4/s320/P1010156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I hope you are all well and I will talk again soon. God bless.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-32347199147672207482011-03-15T18:38:00.000+01:002011-03-15T18:38:50.371+01:00Gosh, here's me back so soonI can't believe I'm here again so soon, but it started drizzling with rain just after I had planted some strawberries - good for the strawberries, not so good for our gardening afternoon, so here I am. The two photos I have here are certainly different and I just hope you can see the second one clearly enough. After being away from the house for so long we are desperately trying to rip out brambles and get rid of pots with dead plants in. You will see what I mean from the first photo........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuHj4enz-zw/TX-bqWKeChI/AAAAAAAAAtE/8yWC2cqHa8A/s1600/P1010140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SuHj4enz-zw/TX-bqWKeChI/AAAAAAAAAtE/8yWC2cqHa8A/s320/P1010140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why on earth don't I throw this away??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7P_9FhYC_lw/TX-cXcnrfBI/AAAAAAAAAtI/J7GWk68o0u8/s1600/P1010142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7P_9FhYC_lw/TX-cXcnrfBI/AAAAAAAAAtI/J7GWk68o0u8/s320/P1010142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bless their little hearts, this is the reason. A large family of tree frogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now for a couple of things I have finished and which I am working on. The Debbie Bliss wash cloth is such a lovely item to take to our craft group because it is small and you don't have to think much while you are doing it. I have made one already and I think they will make a lovely gift with a special hand-made soap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MkYaBPCadE/TX-dK-04MJI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Txjc5v-3dQE/s1600/P1010148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MkYaBPCadE/TX-dK-04MJI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Txjc5v-3dQE/s320/P1010148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilet - A finished item for myselft - very unusual for me!!<br />
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</tbody></table>I was very pleased with the way this turned out except for the fact that it makes me look even bigger than I am, but the yarn is fabulous, it was James C Brett - Marble Chunky. They produce this yarn in different colours so I may be tempted to use it again. Also, I have been asked by 3 different people if I could make them one, but I have declined even though I loved knitting this particular garment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TXnQJb7Jn8Q/TX-d8qiWZvI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/E-VNX_a28Zk/s1600/P1010145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TXnQJb7Jn8Q/TX-d8qiWZvI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/E-VNX_a28Zk/s320/P1010145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the texture of this moss stitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, I think that's about it for now, can't go too mad!! Need to go and start our dinner, we need to make it a bit special as we have been married 42 years today, my, how time flies when you're having fun. Talk to you again soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-63515219002366606392011-03-13T22:33:00.000+01:002011-03-13T22:33:17.353+01:00Spring is nearly hereI haven't really got my head around posting lately so this will be quite a short post and then when I have taken some more photos I will try again. Also, the book on my bedside table has changed quite a few times since the last update on my side bar and believe it or not, I have finished a few little projects, since that scarf so whatch this space as they say. A huge thank you to Clare who has changed the background for me again, aren't I lucky having a daughter who indulges her mother so?? I will now start taking some photos and be ready to leap into spring with a new look etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNmqjB1pOb0/TX009_XuKEI/AAAAAAAAAs4/mfFif_PPC-0/s1600/P1010127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNmqjB1pOb0/TX009_XuKEI/AAAAAAAAAs4/mfFif_PPC-0/s320/P1010127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How beautiful - needs a better photo really though</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CeMcA0rFAgc/TX01mDCyEFI/AAAAAAAAAs8/BS7vbO_VKGE/s1600/P1010130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CeMcA0rFAgc/TX01mDCyEFI/AAAAAAAAAs8/BS7vbO_VKGE/s320/P1010130.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How beautifully fluffy, you can almost smell the wonderful scent</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d2AzTDis8Uk/TX02eBuM-YI/AAAAAAAAAtA/EwZkLJJA-fY/s1600/P1010139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d2AzTDis8Uk/TX02eBuM-YI/AAAAAAAAAtA/EwZkLJJA-fY/s320/P1010139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first little tulip. Doesn't it give you warm and fuzzies?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Oh, just a little taster of what is to come, along with the sunshine. Talk to you all again soon. Hello to all the Smith family. Love you guys.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-86253146809902779172011-02-24T21:55:00.000+01:002011-02-24T21:55:16.406+01:00Faith * Family * FriendsThe title of this blog is lovely and these three words are above the french doors in Vicki's lounge and they mean a lot to our family. <strong><em>Faith</em></strong>, we have had to have a lot of that this last year and it has paid off because last week, once again, Richard got the all-clear and we don't have to go back for any more blood tests for 6 months, so all is well. Also, while we are here we are able to go to church on a regular basis which is great as it is something I miss when we are in France.<br />
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<strong><em>Family</em></strong>, well as you can imagine we certainly enjoy our time back in the UK because we catch up with all of our family. The only massive disappointment is the fact that Clare lives in Cornwall and we just can't manage the 5-6 hour trip there when we are here for only a short time. Guess what?? Clare came to see us when we were staying at my mum and dads and she stayed for a night so how lucky were we?? The photo is lovely and is of Clare and my mum trying to teach Clare how to crochet. Not easy when Clare is left handed and mum isn't!! These times are precious when your child and grandparent are together, especially when my mum is 90 - bless. I can't believe it, but it is their 70th wedding anniversary this year. Isn't that amazing? They are so happy together as well and always have been, I know I'm very very lucky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EEmyAu4aeoU/TWa8ycApCGI/AAAAAAAAAsc/Ham8LE503No/s1600/P1010084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EEmyAu4aeoU/TWa8ycApCGI/AAAAAAAAAsc/Ham8LE503No/s320/P1010084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning the craft of crochet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Of course the other side of family comes with Vicki, Bill and our beautiful grandchildren, and today Richard (Grampie) was able to teach the girls to ride "big bikes" without stabilizers and oh my goodness, how much did he enjoy that as you can see from the photos below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2LSKoPd3b8/TWa9WBxZqCI/AAAAAAAAAsg/exPRqaVPmK4/s1600/P1010098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2LSKoPd3b8/TWa9WBxZqCI/AAAAAAAAAsg/exPRqaVPmK4/s320/P1010098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaime on the first solo ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--n1fReFaKf4/TWa9uLSVOFI/AAAAAAAAAsk/nHiXh-_1SOQ/s1600/P1010101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--n1fReFaKf4/TWa9uLSVOFI/AAAAAAAAAsk/nHiXh-_1SOQ/s320/P1010101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that little face, thrilled or what??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o779xlfbjJk/TWa9_nvml5I/AAAAAAAAAso/BuZBngt83WM/s1600/P1010102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o779xlfbjJk/TWa9_nvml5I/AAAAAAAAAso/BuZBngt83WM/s320/P1010102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millie's turn, well done Grampie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUN3cstbXME/TWa-UPSVhEI/AAAAAAAAAss/WPOdFsXDB-o/s1600/P1010095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DUN3cstbXME/TWa-UPSVhEI/AAAAAAAAAss/WPOdFsXDB-o/s320/P1010095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very proud brother with his sisters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Where on earth does the time go, we have to enjoy every second don't we? By the way, don't be alarmed, our road is a cul-de-sac so no traffic comes down there!<br />
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<strong><em>Friends</em></strong> - we have been able to catch up with quite a few of our friends while we've been over here, perhaps not as many as we would have liked, but with the hospital visits, it hasn't been easy this time, but what special times they are. Hopefully a lot of them will be able to come and visit us in France this year.<br />
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Well I think I have gone on enough but just to let you know that we are back at my parent's house again next week so no access to the computer again. Before I go, I would like to wish Cyndy a fabulous time when she heads off to her quilting retreat. Oh! how I wish I was able to come with you. You never know, one day.... I think I will have to have a special pot in which to put some "holiday" money as I have two special quilting friends now in the USA, Cyndy and Sharlene and I can think of nothing better than spending some time with them just quilting the day away and being able to buy cheap fabric!!! Did I say that?? No Richard, I know I have a big enough stash.<br />
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Thanks for popping by, talk again soon.Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246607809959696786.post-56405234645206253122011-01-21T22:22:00.000+01:002011-01-21T22:22:47.134+01:00More ramblings from FranceSince Richard and I have been back here in France we have had the most amazing weather and also very bizarre which seems to be the same for everyone. We have sat outside and had our lunch in the garden, in January!!! and today it hasn't got much above freezing but with the sun and blue sky the trees look absolutely amazing. I only wish I could do them justice when I take a photo. These are a couple I took.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dyBrjDr7EbU/TTnwotB4JnI/AAAAAAAAAsU/0S4bH5yPzQU/s1600/P1010066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dyBrjDr7EbU/TTnwotB4JnI/AAAAAAAAAsU/0S4bH5yPzQU/s320/P1010066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare branches against the most amazing blue sky</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dyBrjDr7EbU/TTnvMP-D6aI/AAAAAAAAAsM/by4Xd5HIizE/s1600/P1010067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dyBrjDr7EbU/TTnvMP-D6aI/AAAAAAAAAsM/by4Xd5HIizE/s320/P1010067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the way the trees were mirror images in the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We have been trying to go for a walk every day, mainly to help my cholesterol problem, but to be honest, with the weather the way it is, it has been lovely. It doesn't always happen of course because we get tied up with doing things in the house and garden but we are really trying very hard.<br />
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This is the time of year as well when the tulips come out for an airing again and I have made some for Helen, who looked after us so well at Christmas. You can tell by the photos in my earlier post that she has a beautiful home and one of her bedrooms is "the black and white room", quite stunning and she said that she would really like to make some black and white tulips for it, well I made some for her and I was very pleased with the outcome. I only wish I had taken a photo of them, but I will when I next visit because they will also be in situ. She was thrilled to bits, almost brought a tear to her eye, and it was so good to be able to give her something I had made, a lovely feeling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dyBrjDr7EbU/TTnv3hLoMgI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/TYXlMx1Yvtw/s1600/P1010069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dyBrjDr7EbU/TTnv3hLoMgI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/TYXlMx1Yvtw/s320/P1010069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopefully there will soon be real ones in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For Christmas Vicki gave me the most amazing book called <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Knitters-Year-Debbie-Bliss/dp/1844008428">The Knitter's Year</a> and it has so many gifts to knit within its pages that I don't know where to start. I have taken it along to our little sewing group and so far 2 of our group have ordered it and I know a couple more want it. The projects in there are all pretty easy and quick and as a group we have decided that when we meet on Tuesdays we are trying to make gifts and make cards so that when Christmas comes and birthdays as well, we will have a little stash. With us all doing this it gives us motivation and it's fun seeing what all our friends are making. Long may it last ..............Living the Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939159453870412595noreply@blogger.com6