life has many untravelled paths; choose carefully.

The boy's leaving today

2012-01-29T08:39:00.000+01:00

and I think he is looking forward to it at last. Having packed his suitcase yesterday it became more real for him (and me) and its just a couple more hours before we need to drive to the airport. Better make him some breakfast, then..................maybe I'll get a photo at the terminal if I'm lucky........
Sue xx

Encouraging words

2012-01-26T10:19:00.000+01:00

Thanks Jodie for allowing me to view your inspirational diet success photos!!! Wow, you look amazing!
At the moment I am in no man's land regarding the diet as I am trying to use up all the food we have in the house before Tim goes away, but then - tan tan ta ra!! I am going on a three week STRICTLY COME DIETING spree, and have no excuses not to succeed when there is only me to feed. Right?!!
I think it will be ok, and I am planning my shopping and sticking to the game plan and doing more exercise ie wallpaper stripping, and hoping for a good result. I may take photos . . . .you are living proof that it works so way to go, girl!!!
Sue xx

To err is human; to forgive divine

2012-01-24T21:34:00.000+01:00

is, I believe, how the saying goes.

I have been worrying about the absence of the subsidy payment that Tim applied for from school for his placement since we were told we would get half before he goes and the rest upon completion of the three weeks. Yet he has not received a sous as yet. Which as you can imagine causes me nightmares!! So I decided it was time to do something about it today, so I emailed his tutor..............and eventually we learned that there had been a mistake. Instead of ACTIONING the application, they had ARCHIVED it!!! Now it is panic stations as they race to get it paid out to Tim and his fellow student by next Monday or Tuesday at the very latest. At least they will now receive the full amount up front, which works out so much better for us, but what a to-do!! Not very impressed I have to say, school! So long as it gets paid now, I suppose we can be thankful. I'm learning that sometimes I need to overcome my reticence and be more assertive and enquiring about things I am unsure of....done a lot of that today!! Pat on the back, old girl!!!
Sue xx

English skies?!

2012-01-24T15:20:00.000+01:00

Aurora Borealis, England. 23rd January 2012. WOW!!!!!

Calm & not so calm

2012-01-24T15:13:00.001+01:00

people are living here right now! Sonny boy, the teenager, appears totally stress-free about the coming three weeks and aged and grey mum is worrying about the details!! Son doesn't want to prepare until Saturday; mum would love to do a little every day and be ready by Saturday! Is it wisdom or folly I wonder, that will win the day?

I've been out this morning gathering sheets and deo and shampoo and washing powder (being given some tabs thank goodness!) and other necessary items for the trip. I am making a tidy pile on the spare bed with things I believe he will be hunting for come Saturday afternoon . . . .and I realise this is to alleviate my blood pressure and keep me happy and sane for the next few days but ok, I need to have that. I suppose his attitude is that it will all turn out ok at the final hour, and mine is no it won't if you haven't got a checklist!! What is the old adage "failure to prepare is to prepare to fail"???? Getting older has some advantages - we have experienced the uncomfortable situations already and know what it feels like, and the boy has not. But being a parent means we never want our children to experience it really, so we do all we can to sort things out for them, even if it is on the QT!!

Right now I have other more pressing concerns to be perfectly frank, and I need to give them my full attention today. Off I go!!!
Sue xx

bedroom in the planning

2012-01-22T12:03:00.000+01:00

Medium Duck Egg Blue emulsion

Laura Ashley bedlinen, Elmwood Embroidered Tree pattern.

Having now painted the stairs and landing this weekend I am bubbling with more enthusiasm for decorating!!! And this is where my eye has landed - good old LA!!! Just wouldn't be my home without some Laura somewhere in the house. And I love this duvet cover more than any other I have seen. So it is on the list. A friend has promised me her steam stripper so that I can get the horrid paper off in the bedroom, and then discover the state of the walls underneath and whether I can continue with the same basic wall paper that requires painting to make it look nice. Its the cheaper and cheerful solution as I cannot consider getting them re-plastered. But ok, I can make my own roman blind later on, and I have already got some lace panels for in front of the blind.....and I have seen a light I like.....I know I sound as though it can all happen tomorrow but that is me, the planner, talking. The realist knows that it won't be until the end of the year in all honesty before I can action all this, but it makes me happy thinking about it. So there!!! I enjoy having a project in my head, I enjoy making lists, I enjoy looking on Pinterest for inspiration, I just get a kick out of it!
And when you look out of the window and its grey and wet and cold and miserable, a little day dreaming doesn't go amiss.
Sue xx

Oh so true!!!

2012-01-21T09:23:00.000+01:00

I saw Ineke had pinned this on her facebook page, and since the current raging debate in our house is "what is duck egg blue"? I thought this shed a whole lot of light on the matter!!!! Need I say more?...

This morning it is stormy weather once again and going out in it is far from appealing. However, I need one small pot of paint if I want to complete the landing this weekend, which I do, so that is the answer in a nutshell. I was planning on taking Tim to work in the middle of the night as the forecast was bad, and I had set my alarm and was awake, but bless him, he didn't disturb me and cycled instead. I will reward him with a cream bun today!!!! Well, maybe a nice dinner as his friend is coming over. I am also going to clean up the mirror for the bottom of the stairs as I think it will look nice there at long last, and move my picture up to the top. Oh, I do so enjoy making the house our home! We spent Thursday afternoon re-fitting and hanging the lamp over the coffee table and it looks a million times better now. I wanted a ceiling rose, just a simple one, to match the coving around the room, and because it made the fitting look so much neater/smarter. It took a while actually finding what we liked, but when we did, it was quite easy to fit it etc. We have one for the dining table area as well but no light as yet....its on the lengthy list!
And I know already that I am going to need one in the bedroom as well, as I know the light I want to buy and I know that it will suit a ceiling rose perfectly.

Yesterday Gloria came to visit. We met at the market before Christmas in the rain, choosing our parsnips and veg for Christmas dinner, and upon hearing a fresh English voice, I talked to her, we got chatting, we exchanged address and telephone numbers, and 'Bobs your uncle and Fannys your aunt', we live really close to one another. I've been to hers for coffee and lunch and she has now been to ours, and on Sunday we are going for dinner and for Tim to watch a live Man Utd Football match on telly!!! Yey!!!
Happy boy. It's his last weekend before going to Sweden so doing something special is really nice for him.

But I ramble on. Time to sort out cats etc and brave the howling gale outside. C'mon Sooty!!!
Have a great weekend everyone.
Sue xx

Updates

2012-01-19T07:54:00.000+01:00

on just about everything!!
Genghis first as he has not shown any signs of getting better and I have an appointment to speak to the vet today as he 'did' something very odd yesterday!!...
My mum, who is coming out of hospital probably tomorrow.
Work, no joy with yet another application - but I expected that so not so disappointed as usual; becoming immune I guess!!
Craft evening -went really well. Ann and I both got on well with our stuff, and for a couple of hours in an evening it was really nice. Hopefully Gebke will join us next month.
Painting, still needs to be finished but I have now worked two days this week unexpectedly, so it is on hold til the weekend in all likelihood unless today goes pear-shaped...
Weather, is damp and cold and not at all inviting!!
Last weekend before Tim goes to Sweden so lots to do!!!
Choir, going to start learning some new songs tonight including The Boxer, which is ok but not particularly my taste. I have other suggestions to bring in!! Taking my ipod along this evening so that everyone can hear the music to The Boxer and others, and hopefully find it easier to learn. And to get the words right, and the pronunciation etc.
Right, time for a shower.....brr!!
Sue xx

Laugh 'n Craft

2012-01-17T09:12:00.000+01:00

This evening Ann and I are getting together for our first 'laugh 'n craft' evening. Gebke cannot join us unfortunately this time, but we decided that putting it off for another month would be the start of the slippery slope and we would always find one excuse or another not to meet. Ann is a cross-stitcher and makes lovely cards and samplers etc. I will probably do some stamping this evening as I may not have time to get to the craft shop as I had planned since I am probably going to work shortly!! I need to stay home for a while to get a parcel for Tim that needs to be signed for . . . .so hoping that delivery will be asap and I can leave the house in good time. Work is a 45 minute drive away too so it is great that they are willing to give me this leeway of time to arrive. Plus the car will be less frosty too!! I was hoping to finish the painting so have had to get changed from paint gear into something more presentable and warm. Best laid plans 'n all that, but I can never afford to say 'no'.
Sue xx

The diet debate

2012-01-16T14:37:00.000+01:00

is, in my humble opinion, eternal. It is the debate of todays show with Jeremy because there seems to be a new party going to hand in a petition at No.10 today. An anti-dieting party who claim that diets do not teach you to listen to your body to know when you are hungry and need to eat, as opposed to changing what you eat to follow a diet plan. Hmm, they also claim that we lose weight only to regain it again and yo yo the rest of our lives as a result of dieting in the the first place.
I imagine these are skinny people............it would be so amazing to be a good weight and able to maintain it no matter what one eats or does. But who really has a body that works like that? Sadly I do know some people who are able to eat the most huge meals, drink wine, beer etc and never gain an ounce. I am not one of them! In my lifetime I have tried virtually every diet there is, and yet remain dissatisfied with my size. There are foods I really love to eat, and I suppose if I could eat a meal plan that included them all, and they agreed with my personal metabolism, I would be happy. The closest diet to my ideal is the Mediterranean one that has long been the favourite of the WHO. I can happily go without the potatoes and the pasta and the rice and the bread, I've accepted that they are hard for my body to digest, simple as that. But I love cheese and I enjoy wine with it, and the occasional chocolate and certainly cake...and giving it up for ever is not something I relish. At the end of the day, it is a choice and a healthy attitude to food is the most important thing in the final analysis isn't it? Interesting hearing what all the current trendy diets are: lighter life is the one I would do if it was available here, I admit it. I've got friends who have done it and some regain the weight and others keep it off. But it is guaranteed to slim you down rapidly and which dieter doesn't want immediate results?! Dukan is a good one too, as is Atkins, Weight Watchers, Slimming World, South Beach, Montignac.......

We all just want to wake up tomorrow and be slim. Please. No effort, just let it all evaporate during the night, thanks.
Sue xx

in the minuses

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000+01:00

as it is -2C this morning as I found out when taking the bin round to the road for collection! Brr!!!
This is the first time Sooty has been coated in frost too, poor lass.

Did you see Sherlock last night? Extremely good I thought. It proved that suggestibility is incredibly powerful for changing perceptions and how difficult it really is to hang on to ones own beliefs in the face of such intense opposing thought. Well worth watching should it come to Dutch telly in the future which I am sure it eventually will do as there is a plethora of detective series on their channels.

I made some fantastic baked onions with our chicken dinner last night. It was a case of me forgetting I needed to buy parmesan - asking our neighbours if they had some as she is Italian - swopping baked onions for them for loan of the real parmesan - everybody happy. Yum. It is a Jamie Oliver recipe and fantastic. So simple but it really adds to a meal like our stuffed cream cheese Chicken breast that we fancied for dinner. Followed by ice cream....I'm confessing right now so that I can get back to it today!!!!
It was sort of a hormonal swing towards needing something sweet!!

I am slowly coming round to thinking that I might need to see the GP about my ear. I have been having problems with it for ages now and keep hoping it is going to go away. Then (for a while now) I have had a very painful jaw on the same side of my face, and that is not getting any better either. Is there a connection I wonder? That is what I am worrying about I suppose and what might get me to have it checked out properly. I thought I was clenching my jaw whilst sleeping due to stress etc as I know I do that sometimes, but this feels different to that. Almost as if someone has socked me one on my jaw and it is bruised and cracked. Dunno, its odd.

Right, it's Monday, it's washing; it's housework; it's painting; it's lots of stuff indoors in the warm day!!!
Sue xx

Bookworm

2012-01-15T23:48:00.000+01:00

I was sent this link by a friend who had seen it on another blog and it is super. If my books wanted to play all night there are plenty of things on the shelves to keep them company! A kindle just wouldn't be able to have this much fun! enjoy.
Sue xx

Sunday Love Songs

2012-01-15T11:33:00.000+01:00

You just can't beat a whiff of Sunday Love Songs with Steve Wright when you are enjoying a quiet Sunday morning!! Never had a request myself, nor had one read out (yet) but it has been a programme enjoyed by so many for so many years - can't even think how many it probably is? - that to have one played for me one day, would be fantastic. The ultimate request show in my opinion..aaaah. Especially on Valentines Day!!!!

Tim and I have ventured further afield to do our shopping this morning, for a treat. There is a much larger supermarket than our regular ones if you just drive a tad further out, and we decided to go there this morning. Last decent shop before he goes off in two weeks time. We are going to have a good dinner this evening - I feel in the mood to cook!
First though, having now had my breakfast and a coffee, I need to get geared up for the painting session of the day. Taking your advice and no acrobatics today, I have a semi-willing helper I suspect. So, no further procrastination, Suze - c'mon girl!!!!
Sue xx

Great news!

2012-01-13T13:30:00.000+01:00

well, if you loved the book anyway. Kenneth Branagh is planning to make a film (starring Kate Winslet) of one of my most favourite books "The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society". I am so looking forward to it!! Its one of those books that I've given to other friends as a present because it is just such a good read. Amazon sells it!!!

I've spent the morning precariously perched at the top of the stairs on a wobbly stepladder painting the stairwell. It did get my heart racing on a few occasions as I did the splits across the top of the stairs trying to balance one foot on the hand rail so I could reach the top far corner. And at my age too!!! It used to be so much easier!! I have done one coat on all but the long wall, but I felt it was silly to risk it any longer today as I was getting stiffer and stiffer - I'm never going to reach the actual glosswork on the stairway up to the attic; that has to be done by someone else I imagine. Tomorrows another day.

There is a very heated debate at the moment on Jeremy Vine about allowing parents into the classroom to assess and observe teachers performances. Whoa, it is very heated! Whereas I agree that children need good teachers, and there needs to be more supervision available for especially newly qualified teachers, I'm not sure that the children would feel happy at the prospect of mum and dad being at school! And is this really the best way to improve teacher performance??
When I was in sixth form we had a teacher who was not performing at all. My feeling now is that she was probably suffering a breakdown at the time, and required professional support and treatment. I was in a situation where the class needed to pass with great grades in some cases, in order to get into universities etc. We were not getting the lesson time we needed so the solution was for us to stay behind after school and our retired deputy head teacher came back in and gave us the necessary lessons. This was only actioned due to parent and pupil pressure, and I suppose no-one wanted to hurt our teachers feelings as she was someone who normally did the job well. Perhaps I would have got a higher grade if we had had more tuition but in the end we all did well enough. In this instance it was us, the pupils who decided it was time to make the situation known and get something done about it. Perhaps that is also an option?..............
Sue xx

day dreaming

2012-01-13T09:05:00.002+01:00

whilst the boy is away for 3 weeks I am psyching myself up for a wallpaper stripping fest!!! Having the house to myself (the cats don't mind!) means I can get on with it uninterrupted and undisturbed. I figure that by making a start I am bringing myself closer to the dream of a beautiful bedroom this year. I'm sure the condition of the walls will be pretty much the same as in the rest of the house, so I will probably just be painting over them, although I am tempted to do the 'one wall' thing and paper behind the bed....maybe. We are not all fans of wallpaper here!!! I am determined about the colour however: I've always wanted a duck egg blue and white bedroom. It's non-negotiable, sorry. Been too long in having my wish fulfilled.
I was talking to the woman in the decor store yesterday when I cashed in my long-held vouchers for paint, trying to describe the colour I call Duck Egg to no avail (pretty much the same colours as my current background). She was being very helpful, and I think I could get the colour mixed there but then I went onto the Laura Ashley site and found that they have it for a smidgen of the price here!!! And the most beautiful bedlinen................so now I am even more sure that this is my project for spring. It won't stop there though as the whole room needs refitting and a new bed and wardrobes etc....dream on Suze!!! I do think that having the vision and knowing what you are aiming for, the finished thing so to speak, is vital. Watch this space!!

Yesterday we heard from our friend Max whom you might recall was married to Anne who died a few years ago now. I am so happy to hear that he has found a new love and is loving his retirement and life is fantastic. He thoroughly deserves to be enjoying every moment, and I need to tell him so. It was great to hear from him as it has been about a year since we last had contact, but he was delighted to get our address again on the back of the christmas card we sent. Plus point for writing the address on the back of envelopes! Just goes to prove that 'everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, then it's not the end."
Sue xx

Another day dawns

2012-01-12T12:18:00.000+01:00

with a trip to the GP's with Tim for his salmonella test. Apparently he needs proof for Sweden that he is free from the lurgy etc so much to his disgust we did that first thing today. Now I am in the middle of cooling down my dough for some Orange and Cinnamon Cookies, which we both adore! Coffee guest tomorrow so need to have something to go with it!! It has gone much darker and started to rain here as forecast, so it's a stay at home day now. I went to buy new bulbs for some lights in the house too, and of course bought the wrong fitting - change it tomorrow, eh?....after all my technical traumas yesterday I will stick within my comfort zone for the coming 2 hours please!
My new passport has arrived. Wow, I was expecting several weeks wait but I am delighted to say I have it back already. Looks posh too!!! So, free to travel again; any offers?????!!! I saw Dublin was in the sales, Ineke, very reasonable I thought too!! But you are probably already going in the spring I'm sure. And it was too short a break really. Ah well, I continue to dream.
I suppose I ought to get on with those cookies..................
Sue xx

a day without internet or telephone.....phew!!

2012-01-11T15:59:00.000+01:00

You only realise the addiction to something when you are inexplicably forced to do without it for a while.
This morning I switched on the computer but there was no 'you've got mail' and no Chris Evans and no blogs and nothing at all!! I spent a long while talking with Ziggo who assured me it was a malfunction and would be fine in no time at all. Not true. Nothing seemed to be working so when Tim got home he asked our neighbour to take a look at the modem: and yes, he fixed it!!! Simply by sticking the point of a knife in it and re-setting the modem and voila, we were re-connected. Maybe he ought to go and work for Ziggo??
So here I sit, reading everything and anything just to get my fix. Oh dear................welcome back my lovely!!!!
Sue xx

Interesting morning!

2012-01-10T14:54:00.000+01:00

This morning I finally got around to meeting with someone from personnel to discuss the never-ending saga of applying for jobs and getting nowhere!! Ok, that was the pessimistic me speaking, but I do think it was a very positive step to take and I am very glad I did it. There! There is still hope for me.
It became apparent that one of the major obstacles in my way is my background and education. What I have in experience and qualifications is at odds with the level of jobs I apply for, so there are mixed expectations from both sides(apparently). So maybe I ought to aim higher instead of always going for the lower roles?...............the upshot of our meeting is that I have some people to contact and make appointments with and maybe that is the opening I have been missing all this time; you never know. I am feeling happy about it, excited that this is a step in the right direction, and optimistic once again.
(I definitely think my little 'pep-talk' this morning helped enormously so thank you for that)!! x
I went into town afterwards and treated myself to a healthy coffee and bagel; diet conscious so no cappuccino!! And bagels are low-fat too........and I do love a good bagel!! I think they will be on the birthday menu this year. With cream cheese...................yummy. And I fancy a Salad Nicoise this evening - I'm on a roll!!!
Sue xx

Diet.......

2012-01-09T07:55:00.000+01:00

I started with good intentions yesterday and am pleased with my start! I have re-opened my diet diary as that really helped me last year. I find that keeping a note of how I am doing and what my mini goals are keeps me motivated. I have also decided to try a little Atkins this time. There are not enough products over here in comparison with England, but more are appearing in the supermarkets. I would do weight watchers if I could afford it, but there are no classes anywhere near me!! and the range of products in the shops is abysmal to be frank. I saw that M&S are also providing an excellent range of ready meals again, and theirs are always very good indeed. So I have sent off for my free bar and the booklet and I will see how far this one gets me. Since we are both dieting and going about it in different ways, it will be interesting to see how we get on. Tim needs to do something too but he has not got the right mindset for it right now. Sport is the key for him as he loves to eat especially bread which is my 'allergy' and very bad for me, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that he starts playing basketball again this year........no pressure, son, but it would do you GOOD!!!! I am going to do the walking thing. 20 minutes every day is recommended. I ought to be able to manage that, surely?
It was back to school for Tim this morning so we were up early and he glumly went off for the morning. Not before he had complained and moaned and groaned about it on facebook, mind!!!
What am I doing today?
Washing, by the looks of the full baskets on the landing.
A walk around the block to buy tulips at the end of the street from my penny-pot of treats!
Make more cards for the year ahead now that I have got started on them.
Read some more gardening books and make lists!
Have a nice day folks!
Sue xx

Getting down to it:-

2012-01-08T14:01:00.000+01:00

The new year and everything I'm thinking about doing this year that is!!!

A brand new year to live life fully, that is the promise that January 1st brings with it whether we are consciously aware of it or not. This is Leap Year of course so an additional day to do something! And it is the day after my birthday, and no, I was not born in a Leap Year, and yes, all men are aware of the proposal clause it brings with it: we women are most likely to propose to our man on this day than at any other time in the year. You have been warned chaps!!

This morning I finally got round to sorting out parts of the garden before it started to rain. I was glad I did as I saw the tulips were starting to show, and the plants that have died down over the autumn are not dead and just beginning to sprout new leaves and shoots. I do so hope we are over the frost and snow for this winter! It would be such a shame if these tender new plants were to be the target of the cold now that they are on their way towards being magnificent once again. I went outside in my slippers which is not a good thing, and it reminded me that I really do need to buy some gardening boots or clogs. Every year it crosses my mind that I ought to invest in a pair, then other things get in the way and I never buy a pair. Since Tim was the slipper present giver perhaps he might go as far as garden clogs?????
Seeing all that freshly turned soil made me think about plants for 2012. Not that I have space for many but those gaps in the border are just begging to be filled! I plant like there is no tomorrow when it comes to hiding the earth between plants. I like to see them tumbling over the top of one another really - that makes me happiest. My first pleasure this spring will be the purple flowering Aubretia I planted last year.

It has always been a particular favourite of mine. I prefer blues and purples and reds and pinks in the garden and I am delighted that these are looking good so far. They have not died; they have grown and I am hoping for a beautiful show along the front path and in my back border.......please!
I have still got a tree in mind for the back - on the wish list since we moved here. It will have to be fairly small to fit in the car but that's alright. Just got to decide which one is the best for the space I have in mind. I am tempted to plant a climber up the shed too - a self-clinger would be ideal, and I'd like to extend the Clematii along the fence too.........if there is one thing to brighten a rainy day it is the thought of spring in the garden!!!
Sue xx

Feeling stiff

2012-01-07T07:56:00.001+01:00

For quite a while now I have had problems with my neck and shoulders. They ache and feel stiff and tense all the time and sometimes it is incredibly painful. Especially at the base of my neck - ouch! Waking up in the morning is the worse as then I really notice how I have laid during the night and which side hurts the most. My jaw is also really painful and creaks and groans when I stretch it from time to time - which is supposed to relieve the pain but doesn't at all. And my ear continues to give me problems. Oh boy, what a list of complaints! I suppose they are to be expected as we head towards another years number change (birthday) but what I am getting round to saying, is, that I think I ought to try swimming. It's just been so long since I went to a pool and swam. Years. I do love to swim and I believe it will be the best thing for my neck and shoulders and cheaper than a physio or any other form of treatment. A free massage might be possible.....the other thing would be a better chair for the computer. It keeps going down after a few minutes of sitting on it which alters the position of my neck when I am looking at the screen. This is what's on my mind this morning as I sit here in the dark tapping out the letters. I read that if women write down what really matters the most to them every day, they succeed better at losing weight than those who don't.
Ok, so why am I not a stick insect by now?
Sue xx

Action..

2012-01-05T13:23:00.001+01:00

ok, I finally like this one!!!
Sue xx

Tough decisions

2012-01-05T12:58:00.001+01:00

One thing I am very bad at is living in limbo. Give me a psychodynamic test of any kind and they will tell you I am an activist. ( they never test for dreamers so I am safe there!!). I like to plan, prepare, decide, act, when I am given a task and abhor sitting on my hands and doing nothing!! Not so our son. He has a totally different attitude which is more a "I'll jump out of the way just before the bus hits me not when I see it coming in the distance!" kind of attitude. That is youth for you. A lack of worry or concern and a complete belief that it will all be fine. Mum's just getting her knickers in a knot for nothing!! Take his up and coming placement in Sweden. There are forms to complete and send in. There are flights to book and emails to send. There are clothes to buy and suitcases to get out of the attic - the list continues.
On Tuesday I managed to persuade him we needed to go to school and get the forms stamped etc instead of waiting another week for him to go back to school. Action no 1. Tick. The school advised us to continue on to Alkmaar and the DUO offices to hand it in ourselves rather than posting it to Groningen and risking it getting lost or having a mistake and being sent back...he didn't want to. I said its the train home or a ride in the car to Alkmaar, you choose. We went to DUO, and I am so glad we did. They were really helpful and finally I think sonny boy started to appreciate that doing this was GOOD!!! Action no 2. Tick. We sent an email to Sweden but it came back as spam so no idea whether it was received or not. Need to tell school on Monday and get it sorted there. Action no 3:
At the moment we are paying for everything ourselves as we have no idea whether or not he will get any subsidy, so the pot is bare!! Result: cancellation of our holiday. Tick. Sob. Stress. Sad.
Action no 4: ring up and transfer holiday to end of year: Tick!! See, taking action makes me happy again!!! Going to have to wait a lot longer to see the kids but it will be even more worthwhile when we finally get there.
Action no 5: apply for the new passport so I can actually go on holiday! Tick. But at what cost? Almost 200,00 euros!!! The absurdity of it is laughable my friends. I have a British Passport that one used to be able to renew in Amsterdam at our Embassy there. You went, waited, paid up and got it all within an hour or so. Great! And now? It has to be sent registered post to PARIS, France. You have to send the usual passport photos, ok, that's standard, and your credit card information so that it can be paid for when the request gets processed. Takes up to 6 weeks. 6 weeks!!! Does it come back to me from France? No, from the UK. Why? No idea what so ever!! Why couldn't I have just sent it to the UK in the first place, please, folks???? Seems a rather complicated and silly system to me, but then again, I am just your average, compliant citizen who has no choice. Tick.

Do I feel less stressed? Yes, I do actually. Stress comes from inactivity for me. I do not stress easily and it takes an awful lot for things to get to me, but over the past week or so things have been building up and up and the result was I needed to do something. Take control over things instead of them controlling me. My one little word has been tested already!! PERSEVERE Suzanne; persevere.
Sue xx

In a bit of a funny mood...

2012-01-04T14:53:00.000+01:00

hence the ever disappearing and changing backgrounds to my blog!! Just can't seem to find one that fits the bill right now, and reflects my mood swings!!! Hey ho, no doubt I will settle on one at some point. I think I need one that is a tad somber, but not too dark; pretty but not floral and OTT; colourful but in a faded sort of way; blue probably, and a little shabby-like............the odd flower suggested...........swirly bits..........
I dunno really, what I want!!!!
sue xx

Sad, sad news

2012-01-03T09:10:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went to the annual New Years Breakfast that we hold every year for staff and clients. I arrived at work to find out that one of our clients sadly, and most unexpectedly, passed away during the holiday week. She died in her sleep aged 54. It was her funeral yesterday. RIP.

This morning I read an email from my good friend Jackie who was here in the autumn telling me that her father passed away on Christmas Day. He had been very ill whilst she was here but was on the mend, so they had celebrated Christmas with him on December 24th at his home, as he was not up to travelling to their home, when he suddenly took a turn for the worse. She did get to spend some time with him before he died, which has to be her comfort at this awful time. My heart goes out to her and her family.
Sue xx

ONE LITTLE WORD 2012.

2012-01-01T10:48:00.005+01:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Every year I choose one little word to guide me through the coming 12 months. A word that offers me what I need the most, one I can repeat and hear in my head when I need it. One that stands for what I feel I am going to want to remember when things or situations are testing me. A couple of days ago I started thinking what it might be this year, and the process of finding it has been interesting. In the middle of the day yesterday I started really focussing on a few different words that seemed to be following the same theme, and finally this one drifted up from my sub-conscious and placed itself firmly in my mind as being THE ONE:

PERSEVERE.

per·se·vere/ˌpərsəˈvi(ə)r/

Verb:

Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success.

Persevere with the relationship that matters the most to me.

Persevere with my course and training to become a counsellor/coach.
Persevere with my search for a regular job that gives me a more
secure income.
Persevere with my writing.
Persevere with everything that needs to be done in our home and garden.
Persevere with my dreams and hopes for the future.
Persevere even in my darkest moments and when nothing seems to be going right.
Persevere with the things that make me happy and do more of them!
Persevere with myself; acknowledge my imperfections and try to accept them.
Persevere with being patient.
Persevere with learning to live in the moment and not the distant future which at the best is totally unknown anyway!

PERSEVERE...................I'm going to give it my best shot!!!!!!

What will your word for 2012 be I wonder?...............
Sue xx

Final day of the year

2011-12-31T10:38:00.000+01:00

Had a slow start in this household! I was awake when Tim went to work at 1.30am this morning, having gone to bed quite late (for me) after our friends had gone home. Then I decided that since this is the longest day of the year I was going to lay in bed until after 9am and take it very easy all day.

The good news is that Genghis is once more sitting on his cushion underneath the computer desktop as I type this post, so things are looking up for him! He is taking his medicine, eating a little more and seems to be regaining weight so we are over the moon right now. It's so hard when a family member/pet is getting on in years, especially when you have been through so much with them, and spent a lifetime as one another's companions, to accept that a time is approaching when they have to leave you, but Genghis is made of hardy stuff so we remain optimistic. That awful feeling I had went, just as suddenly as it came, and I am sticking with that intuitive, gut feeling to tell me how he is really doing. Finka is relieved too!!

There are fireworks going off already here. I have got the sedative for Finka this evening, and so far she is doing fine. Genghis doesn't seem to be affected any more, but she jumps at the slightest thing so needs to stay calm. Her current 'no no' is playing my ipod downstairs. First sign that music is going to be played and she runs off upstairs! She disappeared whilst our friends were here last night, but no sooner had I shut the front door than her paws were racing back down stairs again and into the living room to sleep! Such a dear, funny thing she is!

I am thinking about Resolutions and what my one word for 2012 will be. Not got there yet! Still one day to go............

Be safe this evening with all those fireworks everyone, and I wish you a VERY HAPPY 2012.
Thanks to all for reading my musings for yet another year!!
Sue xx

Dinner Party

2011-12-30T15:02:00.001+01:00

This evening the usual suspects are coming round for dinner here. Tim will be enjoying his a tad early as it is his night for early to bed, early to rise, especially given that it is probably going to be a marathon one!!
Last night his baker came round with his special home-made garlic sauce for our Gourmet on Sunday, and 6 delicious Apple Beignets for us. We had a lengthy chat which was really nice, and there is also a real chance of a job in the summer for Tim if all goes to plan. That would be fantastic!

This morning I went off early to get my hair cut - quite a shock after it being rather long and curly for a while now. It will grow back!! Then I have been slowly preparing parts of the meal so that I don't have to rush later on, and can enjoy it all free of stress. What are we eating?

Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Parsnips in Maple Syrup
Chardonney Carrots
New Potatoes
Cranberry and Orange Sauce
Garlic Bread
......
Strawberry Champagne Pannacotta
Black and Redberry Trifle
Warm Winter Fruits with Orange Chantilly Cream
Chocolate Rum Cake
.......
Coffee.

It all sounds really good so if I cook everything perfectly then it will be a triumph!!! If not..........ah well, there's always next time!! I have never made a pannacotta before so I did a couple of tiny taster pots for me and Tim last night, and I was delighted with the result. The hard part will be getting it to pop out of the tin in one gorgeous go! The trifles are always fine, and the cake is my special, keep it in the freezer, one a year highly calorific dessert that we just lurve. As you can see, I prefer making puddings to mains but I am fairly safe with a chicken!!

It is a beautiful day here actually. The sun is a winter one so not warm but it does look inviting outside. Finka went for a little plod around in the back, but it was too cold for her I suspect. Genghis is eating better but still has an upset tummy so although I see signs of improvement, he still is not off the worried list.
Sue xx

Feeling better

2011-12-28T15:30:00.000+01:00

possibly - I think Genghis is feeling a tad more lively today. He came upstairs, he tried some cat biscuits and he has eaten some Turkey; all very good signs I think. We just gave him a shot of medicine in his mouth which shocked the poor boy somewhat, but it is worth seeing if it helps with whatever it is that is bothering him.

Today I took all the decorations down again. I hate having them up once Christmas has passed. I like things to return to normal and prepare for the coming year. It takes a while to lose that Christmassy look around the house, it all seems so bare by comparison, but it is Christmas Past already, and we can look forward to next year and all being here together.

Last night we had a go with my little portable printer. It worked fine but I need to discover how to place the photo correctly to prevent the chopping off of heads!! Colour etc is fine, so I am eager to print out all the Christmas photos and complete the mini album I started. Something to look forward to tomorrow morning.

Friends coming on Friday evening for supper so that is a wonderful reason to cook something different!
I want to start tomorrow so my thinking cap is going on and I am flipping through my cookery books with pleasure once again.

Stil to face the ironing....................there's a lot of it so that is what is keeping me from attacking it I suppose. Ah well, won't get done on its own I suppose...........
Sue xx

Shopping

2011-12-27T15:38:00.000+01:00

Tim is going to Sweden in February for three weeks so today we took advantage of the sales and went to Alkmaar to search for a coat and some good shoes/boots for him. A coat? We looked everywhere but simply couldn't please the young man at all! Then we searched for a shop selling Timberlands because that was absolutely the one and only make he was prepared to contemplate. I suggested we go in all the different shoe shops since you can't tell unless you go in and ask, whether they sell them or not, but no, he knew better than me. Took so much longer! Finally we stumbled across exactly the same pair as he had at home but in the wrong colour and several years old, but not at the sale price. All the ones next to this pair were reduced. I refused. I suggested he try the other colours which were reduced. He preferred the first pair. Eventually the sales guy offered the pair Tim preferred at the same sale price and we all left the shop happy bunnies!!! We got some pyjamas as well, since I reckon he will be staying in a sort of youth hostel where he has to go down the corridor to the bathroom, therefore needs something to wear in the night.....he is convinced otherwise, but I feel sure he will be thanking me when he gets home!!! The coat did not happen. He has an idea in his head of what he is looking for - and we didn't see it. A chip off the old block(s) if ever there was one!!!!
A nice early lunch in our favourite cafe-bar and off to the vets for Finka's sedatives. She needs them for 31st December and the fireworks at midnight. Worked a treat last year. Whilst we were there I mentioned our concerns about Genghis to the assistant and I am just waiting to speak with our vet and decide how we can help him for the best. Its just this feeling I have about him..............
Sue xx

Not such glad tidings

2011-12-26T22:32:00.000+01:00

My mother was admitted into hospital on Christmas Day following a recent fall. She has fractured her pelvis in three places, and is generally unwell. Thankfully my sister lives close by and is there to make sure she gets the right health care etc. Sometimes it is difficult living on the other side of the water!!! Just have to wait and see how she fares this coming week and hope for the best.
Sue xx

Last check

2011-12-24T22:18:00.000+01:00

and Santa is on his way! Google Earth has a Santa Tracker which shows exactly where he is and where he is going to next!! He was heading for Lithuania when I looked so getting closer all the time!
I've put out his Mince Pie and some White Chocolate Liqueur this year as a change from the usual Sherry.
Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas!!! Time for bed I think.
Sue xx

The day before the day...........

2011-12-24T12:23:00.001+01:00

is all about shopping, cooking, last minute jobs, listening to carols, watching films, and generally getting ready!!! So what have I done so far this morning?......................

seeing the tulips starting to fill out

Seeing the cats loving their Christmas present!!!

Adding the last decoration to the top of the tree

Starting off the Bread Sauce

Breadcrumbs for the sauce!

Orange and White Chocolate Mousse Cake for in the freezer!

All in all I am satisfied with the way things are going. Tim is still not home having started in the bakery at 1a.m - it now being 12.30.......so I am anticipating an extremely tired young man home this afternoon. He worked over 12 hours yesterday, and long days since Monday and his mood was not getting any better last night!! He did get some cash though, which was really nice of his placement as the kids don't get anything for all they do when they are in school. He can save it towards Sweden!!!
Finka has taken a dislike to my CD of Carols and departed as fast as her long legs could carry her when I put it on this morning! Genghis is too worn out to even think about moving from his soft spot on the radiator...........I am still worrying about him.

Last night I stayed up late (for me), and watched The Nativity on BBC 2 which I loved and laughed at. Then it was The Miracle on 34th Street of course, which is a must at Christmas, so all that is left is to find something for this evening, continue with the dinner preparations, bring out the presents once Tim is in bed.............put out the sherry and mince pie for Father Christmas...............and wait.
Sue xx

T'was the Night before Christmas

2011-12-24T07:23:00.000+01:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Morning market

2011-12-22T08:11:00.000+01:00

Off out into the dark shortly as I want to get to the market early and be able to park the car!! Then its picking up our Turkey, and doing as much of the food shopping as possible today. Still no decision about our pudding so we have to think about that still, but for the rest we are satisfied with our choices.

There was reason to celebrate here last night but I will wait to elaborate until the good news has been shared elsewhere! But we are very, very happy!! Sometimes being happy for someone else is just as rewarding as if it were for yourself.

Tim was up and away in the early hours as he is anticipating a really busy day at work. He had made a delicious chocolate Tulband yesterday of which there was little left by the time I came home! I need to marzipan our cake today as well.....its so small I keep forgetting it is there! The fudge has set better now, so it is in chunks in the fridge, and still highly edible. Might make a present from it yet!

I am off in search of a cat hammock this morning as it is supposed to be their present! We had one last year but Finka practically shredded the fur on it so it is kinda bald in patches. They are pressed against the radiator on my stool right now, so I think they are hinting quite clearly that the hammock is better!
See what I can find......................
Sue xx

Love this!

2011-12-21T09:55:00.001+01:00

My CD of Christmas Carols has two with amazing fanfare intro's. Turn the volume up and prepare to get goosebumps my friends!!!!
Sue xx

Reading Matter (s)

2011-12-21T09:09:00.001+01:00

I love reading.
I love books.
I think I might like an e-reader........but not at the cost of buying real books!!
Is it sacrilege to even consider wanting one?..................just so that when I go away I don't have to lug at least 5 or 6 books with me and take up valuable suitcase space? Would it feel the same in my hands as a beloved book does?

Here is a list of some of the books that are my favourites, though definitely not in an order of preference! Just the way I wandered up and down the bookshelves jotting down the titles:-

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis.
The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Tolkein.
Little Women & whole series, L.M Alcott.
All Austen novels!
Far from the Madding Crowd & all Thomas Hardy novels.
The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin.
Life is a Verb, P. Digh.
The Guernsey Literacy & Potato Peel Pie Society, M.A. Shaffer & A. Barrows.
The Shadowy Horses, Susanna Kearsley.
The Family from One End Street, Eve Garnett.
Precious Bane, Mary Webb.
Gone with the Wind, M. Mitchell.
The Mill on the Floss, G. Eliot.
Silas Marner, G. Eliot.
Children of the New Forest.
A Wedding in December, A. Shreve.
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, A. Bender.
One Day, D. Nicholls.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog, M. Barbery.
Penguin Poems for Life.
No! I don't want to join a bookclub, V. Ironside.
Elsewhere, G. Zevin.

I could go on much longer!! How do you choose a new book? Me, I like titles and covers. Then I read the last few pages and decide whether I like the ending or not. If all these things are compelling, then I buy it. Simple. No good ending = no book. I am (still) writing my own book, and the ending is already in my mind. I wrote my essay for my course and I knew the last sentence almost before I began. I guess I like to work things out backwards. Sometimes knowing the ending helps me get through the storyline; in life as well as in fiction!! It is a habit that some would warn against as it takes away the element of surprise and enjoyment, however I beg to disagree. I like to savour something for as long as possible! Same as with Christmas presents. My children and I tend to prefer to know what is under that tree for around 99% of the time. I suppose it has to do with not being able to hide disappointment and not wanting to hurt someone else's feelings.......................keeping emotions under wraps and so on. I do like to surprise others though, which is a contrary statement I know, but that is more to do with enjoying being aware of things that other people like through the year, but you know won't get for themselves. One always hopes that the books or presents one gives away will be appreciated for the thought that went into buying them and the love that goes with giving them.
It's only 4 more days.........................
Sue xx

Indie in de tree!!!

2011-12-21T07:46:00.001+01:00

spot the black and white tree decoration!!!

will it, won't it?

2011-12-20T08:25:00.000+01:00

From frost and ice yesterday to more temperate degrees today! No wonder people get ill at this time of year! We wrap up warmly one day and strip off the layers the next; are you sneezing yet?

This morning its time for my foray into town. I don't often go...........my preference for the quiet life and a thrifty lifestyle keep me away..........but there are a couple of things I can only get from the larger stores there so I need to go. Early. When they are just opening. Before the crush. Avoiding long queues. In the quiet. Back before I am missed! Ok, I can do this!!!!

Not sure how the fudge turned out. It was a delicious, sticky, chocolaty, gooey, sweet splodge yesterday, not really resembling fudge that much but still gorgeous. And edible! Ah well............

I am loving the Chris Evans Show this week as he showcases all the different versions being sung or played of The Military Wives Song. It is so great how all the schools and choirs and bands and organisations are getting together and recording their own versions and sending them in to be played on the breakfast show. I had tears in my eyes listening yesterday. This morning he has a male voice choir singing carols - you know me, I love a good tune!!! Lets hope it makes the Christmas No One slot!

Right, time to get myself ready.
Sue xx

Last week preparations

2011-12-19T10:28:00.000+01:00

Just a teeny bit in love with my boots!!!

Here are my wonderful boots that I bought at Trentham Gardens little shops! They are so comfortable, I could sleep in them!! They have even got me wearing dresses!!!

Ready for this years Christmas Menu to be typed and popped inside.

I made this a few years ago now, and we write/type the menu inside so that we have a record each year of what we have made. All adds to the decoration on the table!

Chocolate Fudge with a smidgen of Cointreau....yum.

This is my first attempt at making Fudge so I hope it tastes as good as it did when I poured it into the tin!!

Mince pies with a cake topping.

We still have a lot of pastry left over from Tim's batch at the weekend so I decided to add a sponge top to the last teaspoonfuls of the mincemeat I made myself, to try and make it last longer. Having tried one, I can vouch for their deliciousness!!!!

Well, it is the last week before Christmas and I am counting down the days and the tasks that I need to do during each one because it usually just seems to run away with itself each year. I have one or two more presents I'd like to find, and then it is the trip to the market and the shop to collect the Turkey etc. I don't do much pre-freezing as I prefer to do it all right at the end. It sort of makes Christmas Eve more special.

We went to see Sherlock Holmes last night and it was every bit as good as the first one. I'd also gone to visit a friend in Amsterdam during the afternoon and the drive there was not so nice! I went through every weather imaginable from bright, low sun, to ice and snow and hail!!! The sky was absolutely black in some patches and even some flashes of lightning appeared in the distance. Around Purmerend it was just a standstill as the snow came out of the blue and no-one was expecting it. Still, I did ok, and Sooty was wonderful and we made the trip safely.

I hope that you are all getting into the final countdown with peace and serenity and as little stress as possible! My thoughts are with Becci as she has a job interview tomorrow, and we are crossing everything for her. Tim is in the bakery all week so I am expecting a very tired lad by Saturday evening.
Me, a little bit of work this week, and the rest is coming along nicely.
Sue xx

BBC Christmas

2011-12-18T10:40:00.000+01:00

So Harry and Aliona won last night as we watched and cheered!! It was a tremendous end to this series and well deserved winners too.

Merlin was also the series finale last night but it is a two-parter and we are struggling with the idea that we are going to have to wait a whole year to see how it ends!!! Cool series, for young and old alike.

And I was just browsing the new-look youtube and came across this Christmas programme:- The Borrowers. I used to love these books as a child, and I do remember a very good series that the Beeb made one year . . . .this one looks like an equally good modern take on it, so I hope to watch it soon. There is Great Expectations as well - what is Christmas without Dickens? (though I am personally not a huge fan) and James Herriot - all the old favourites given a re-make. I am totally looking forward to Absolutely Fabulous as even their trailer has me in stitches!!
But today belongs to Sherlock as Tim and I are going to see the new film this evening. It is our December treat to one another since it is still a while before The Hobbit, next on our list!!

Tim made excellent mince pies again yesterday - the pastry is ever so crumbly!! There is quite a bit left over so I plan to use it up tomorrow with some little buns etc, with a christmassy feel to them. Just need to see whether I still have some almonds lurking in the drawer.
Sue xx

Cat concerns

2011-12-16T13:11:00.001+01:00

We have two Siamese cats, as you probably know by now!! Genghis is our elder statesman and is well into his fourteenth year. He is aging, and I am seeing that on a day to day basis now, sadly. He is sleeping most of the time - apart from here where he has settled himself next to the very warm radiator for the day! He is eating and drinking and not showing any signs of being poorly, although I have this worrying feeling at the back of my mind that all is not well. I have these dreams, premonitions, call them what you like, but it is making me very sad at times, because we love him so very, very much.
So I am giving him treats and taking his photo and allowing him to sleep where he likes ( when has he done otherwise?) and he is receiving all the love and attention we can bestow on him. We bought him home all those years ago, in Yorkshire, when he was just old enough to leave his mum, and he has travelled with us on our journeys ever since. He has always been Tim's best friend, and when he came home just now, the first thing I heard downstairs was him going to see Genghis, stroke him and say 'hello my Geng.' We are going to search in the attic shortly for the cat hammock so he can get even closer to the warmth of the radiator without burning himself!! It's hard, isn't it, when you sort of know you are approaching an ending........................I just hope it can be delayed as long as possible but at no cost to our beloved friend.
Sue xx

Taking shape!!!

2011-12-16T11:01:00.000+01:00

I think it helps scale the reindeers when you see them next to bauble trees and tealights!!! It's coming along!
Sue xx

Paper Reindeers

2011-12-16T08:57:00.000+01:00

tiny reindeer next to my computer mouse!

Cute or what?!!

I still have to actually get dressed this morning but making this tiny paper reindeer for my forest came first on my list of priorities!! He really is tiny but not difficult to make. I copied the pattern from the Prima magazine if you want some too. I think you are supposed to enlarge the template but I need little tiny ones otherwise the trees will be out of proportion. So, now I have satisfied myself that I can make them, I will get dressed and take him downstairs to his spot in the trees and see how many more I need to complete the decoration!!
My plans this morning include making some fudge and since it is absolutely tipping it down outside, I am not going anywhere!
Sue xx

My absolute favourite Christmas Film!!!

2011-12-15T15:47:00.000+01:00

I love it!! I love to sit down and watch it every year and I never tire of seeing it. One day perhaps I'll get the new HD version as it is a so much better quality picture and sound. This is my favourite part of the film. It keeps the magic alive doesn't it?
Sue xx

De Driesprong Christmas Show

2011-12-14T19:14:00.000+01:00

you can see me in the background taking this picture as we approached the display!!

Today I travelled to Zoetermeer to spend a few hours with my friend Ineke. It was great to see her and to have chance to chat about all sorts of things that are of interest to us women! (Yes, we have no need to dwell on such issues as motorbikes)!!!! We went to De Driesprong Garden Centre for a mooch round and it was as lovely as ever. They really do a great show! Ineke and I were very restrained and only bought two items that, as she said, just jumped into our baskets all by themselves............and once I have made a little table decoration with mine, I will add that photo as well. Just a bit worried that Finka will think a little forest is just for her delight....
The weather held reasonably well and I was home before the heavens opened and it started to thunder etc. Tim said it had been bad all day here, but I drove home in the dry, and only had one hold up on the ring around Amsterdam due to an accident by the Coentunnel. I sat there for about 20 minutes but that was the only problem I encountered luckily. Though you do see some crazy drivers out there!!!
Here is a rather poorly lit photo of Ineke with her tree at home:

However it does have some nice Christmassy tones so I am not worried about the lack of David Baileyness in my artwork!!! (gosh, showing my age if he is whom I can reference here!!!)
Thank you so much Ineke, it was lovely to see you and next time when the days are longer we will have more time together. xx
Sue xx

Christmas Lunch

2011-12-13T07:51:00.000+01:00

Today we are having our Christmas Lunch at work. It is blowing a gale outside and really terrible weather...and I want to wear a dress!!! Oh, wait, now I have boots so its ok!! Yey!
Luckily I have waterproofed them already.
The last presents are being wrapped and decisions made as to who will get what. I don't usually have any problems deciding what to give people, but this year I was really happy to discover so many lovely things. I spent an hour yesterday going through all the site names that I had jotted down from the magazines, deciding which to keep and which to pass ( the expensive ones got ignored!) and am pleased with my select few. I especially love the 'notonthehighstreet' and 'dotcomgiftshop' sites! Fabulous, darling! Next year................well, I have more places to browse now shall we say?

One of the most important little tasks in December is always the transfer of information from one diary to another. I don't have anything other than a diary for my handbag and one for by the computer, but they are my' hard drive storage' and I would be lost with out them. Nothing electrical or fancy - but I do like to have the same one every year qua format, just with different pictures!! Tim gave me one for my handbag so it is a change from the usual but it is a nice one too. A 'keep calm & carry on' one! Was he hinting at something?!
Sue xx

Making Winter blog hop

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000+01:00

I took part in the November one so here I am again! This time with the December Daily post as this is my current activity. About to feed the cake with more Whiskey and get some more Mince Pies made!
Continue with my current album, write and post and pack cards and presents, and all in an incredibly stress-free mood ( now!! ;-) ). Happy hopping!!
Sue xx

December Daily 2011

2011-12-12T08:44:00.000+01:00

2010

2009

2011

Here are my photos of my december daily albums. It's an activity that many, many people take part in, initiated by the inimitable Ali Edwards a few years ago to scrapbook and record her December with her young family. Mine are nowhere on the same scale as hers but I still get as much pleasure out of creating them each year. Same as I love seeing Tim Holtz's 12 Tags each time and attempting to create some for myself. The ones I made last year form the basis of my album as I included them in it once Christmas was over and I took them down with the other decorations. Take a look at their blogs, folks and see what you think!

Sue xx

Strictly speaking...

2011-12-12T07:05:00.000+01:00

we are pleased with the semi-final results last night, and happy that Chelsee, Harry and Jason are through to the final this coming Saturday. I am off to Ann's to watch it there, and make a nice evening of it. I want Harry to win. Or Chelsee if he doesn't, and Jason as third. Simple. These are my choices!!
We are getting off to a slow start this morning. Tim seems reluctant to go to school (what's new?) and I am up because his clothes needed ironing for baking. Otherwise I was still sound asleep. This week is always the one where you feel that time is running away with you and the cards and presents need to be in the post already and the menu planning well underway if not decided, and the last minute wrapping under control etc. I am not quite there! The ones to the UK and other far-flungcorners MUST go this week. So I have to make decisions and get off to the post office this afternoon really . . . . . tomorrow I am at the centre's Christmas Lunch and Wednesday at my friend Ineke's, so two days away. C'mon Suzanne! Get on with it!
I am also going to diet strictly up until Christmas Eve, since being in England for even a few days hit my waistline quite hard!!

I was rummaging around in my cupboard yesterday and sought out my previous December Daily albums. I like to have them in the room downstairs during the run-up. I am busy with this years but won't be adding the photos until I have taken them all - and Father Christmas has delivered!! There might be something really useful in his sack this year!! I don't do the whole month, like Ali Edwards, however I do like to keep a record of how we do things here every year. There will be some photos that capture the same activities year in year out, and then there are others which are new. All in all, it is a lovely reminder in the end, of another years ending. I will add them to my post later on.
Sue xx

Back home again.

2011-12-11T14:11:00.000+01:00

Its good to be home again but I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit to my daughter and her partner in Stafford. The weather was not nice- pretty much the same as here really - but it was not snowing and not freezing and there were no problems apart from when I arrived at the airport. Becci was trying frantically to get in touch with me to say that there were no trains to Stafford so she was not there to meet me. She was trying to take the bus to Lichfield so I caught two trains to there, and eventually we did meet one another at the bus station, both even arriving at the same time! It was a long day travelling, but in the afternoon we popped into Stafford and the shopping spree started!! I have to say that we were both really good at sticking to our budgets (Ric) and only bought what we couldn't live without! And guess what; I even found a pair of fantastic boots in the sale at Trentham Gardens Moshulu outlet THAT FIT !!!! I am delighted and since it is the first time in roughly 25 years since I have bought a pair, I think I can safely say it is a proper treat for myself this time. They are so comfortable I don't want to take them off! I managed to do all the request shopping for friends back here as well, so when it came to packing my suitcases again - I was very unsure about the weight of them. I squeezed in with 1 kilo to spare! Thank goodness KLM has a generous baggage allowance. Means they win hands down over BMI baby every time!
Here are some of my photos:

Becci & Ric at the airport when I was leaving.

Me & my girl.

Miss Indianna Jones ( Indie)

Master Heathcliff Arthur Foster (Heathcliff)

Sitting in my suitcase...

Becci wearing my camp blanket, now hers of course!

Ric, Becci, Janette & Stephen.

I do like to collect the Christmas magazines each year, and this time I had a surprise when I was walking round Sainsburys - a Prima Christmas edition! Reading the editors blurb I realised that the last time they had printed their special edition was over 10 years ago - and she wrote that she thought many readers would still have that copy..................yes I do!!!

Absolutely delighted still by the 1998 one, and use so many of its recipes each year for our Christmas dinner, and the crafts and ideas in this years edition are equally as useful and great to have for the future.

I've just been sitting downstairs with my coffee selecting ones that I'd like Tim to look at and decide with me just which ones we actually can agree on. It's more a case of us wanting to do too many, and struggling to make a choice than that we are miles apart in our choices. Anyway, I had a wonderful time and am so happy I decided it would be good for me to go. Next year they are coming here!!!

Sue xx

All set!!

2011-12-06T06:13:00.000+01:00

Hard to sleep last night with the anticipation of my early start this morning and flight to England!! And once I heard Tim's alarm blaring out at 4am there was not more shuteye for me! So I lay there a while before getting up and into the routine of morning. Cats seem to know I am disappearing for a few days. Finka was also awake and meowing to get my attention long before she normally surfaces. They are sitting on the bed wondering what happens now . . .

The weather both here and in the UK feels as though it is turning into winter and I can hear a strong wind blowing around the house. But it is dry at least! I tried both coats on to see which felt the warmest; selected my scarf; threw out the heavy jumper from my suitcase and was happy with the 16k load I am about to haul off to the airport! In less than half an hour my ride will be here, and I will head out into the blackness of the night - and the train station, along with all the other poor commuters!! I couldn't do this for a living that's for sure!!!!

Well, enjoy the week, be warm and happy. See you back here soon.
Sue xx

confusion reigns!!

2011-12-05T15:09:00.000+01:00

Sometimes it would be so nice to feel in control and to understand all the messages that pass between one's son and school regarding important information! I am trying to arrange his placement in Sweden and there are forms to complete, things to change in his study and flights to book etc. I like to do things when they arise, and not feel the stress of last minute annie and risk missing out on the financial side of this part of his study! But does he want to co-operate? Do I understand what we have to do and what school sets in motion? What changes need to be made to his insurances given that they all change on 1st January? Confusing and frustrating to say the least!! With going away for a few days, and Christmas almost on our doorstep, you understand my concern. So far, flights booked, now hoping that the other student books herself onto the same flights!! Arranged the cancellation insurance 'cos you never know . . . .but still have to change the health insurance and all kinds of stuff in the study/OV sites; I suppose my fear is that I will do it wrongly; but so far Tim is happily moving forward in his oblivion not helping me to de-stress and relax about this at all.

Added to all this is the news that it is snowing in England! Of all days to start! I heard on the radio this morning that the passes were affected in Yorkshire, exactly where we used to live - so if we were still there we would be seeing the white stuff everywhere! I've checked and Birmingham ought to be snow-free all week...and so I am finally all packed and ready to go! What isn't in now, isn't going with me! I'm looking forward to soaking up a little Christmas atmosphere and getting in the mood. You too?
Sue xx

Let the Christmas traditions roll!!

2011-12-04T14:54:00.001+01:00

In our house it is traditional to drink a glass of sherry and eat a mince pie during the putting up and decorating of our Christmas Tree whilst listening to my Christmas Carol CD. Tim wanted to do it before I go away so this morning we got it all down from the attic and went through the boxes. First: check the lights. Failed!! Too many were broken so it was a quick trip to the garden centre for 200 more tree lights! Unravelling these is a nightmare each year. I really don't have an easy way to do it, so they were strung up over my shoulders and all over the floor as I wound then around the tree. The deal is Tim puts the tree together and I decorate:-

Harvey's Bristol Cream, what else?!!

TIm made fantastic pastry and his pies were better than mine.

He hates having his photo taken so it is always a gamble how it will turn out!

Looking a little better...where are the lights?!!!

At this point we sped off to Intratuin and bought the necessary along with many, many other shoppers who obviously had had the same idea as us!
The lights went in eventually and I added all our silver and red decorations. We agreed that we don't have enough red in the tree but that's because a lot broke last year unfortunately. But hey, where am I going on 14th December????! Maybe there will be small purchases necessary, you never know......
Tim took on the task of making this batch of mince pies and I have to say that they were delicious. He used my secret pastry recipe and although he said it was different to anything he does in the bakery, I think he agreed that the taste is sublime. We only made 12.............not many left I noticed when I went back into the kitchen, chef?
Anyway, the tree is in situ and the cats have run away upstairs to hide under the bedclothes as Finka is not impressed at all!! Same as anything new, she is afraid of it for a while and then accepts that it is here to stay so gets used to it gradually; we hope. Here's the decorated tree:

I promised a picture of the bookcases too:

I added some stuff on top of them so that I could get a better idea of what it needed but I think it is coming along just fine! Now I'm thinking about our new project for 2012................
Sue xx

Finally...

2011-12-02T11:15:00.000+01:00

we have made a start on the bookshelf unit around the doorway into the kitchen from the living room. I've been so patient for so long, and at last it is starting to look how I imagined it would! It was not as easy as we had thought, but we had a whole day to do it, and all I have left to do is sand, fill and paint! Couldn't resist getting some treasures up and out on top first however! I am delighted we decided to do it like this, don't want to even think about ever moving it, and am happy to see us making another step in the right direction as we build on our interior decorating plans. Still some way to go before downstairs is completely done, but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

Sunday has been designated Christmas Decorating Day by Tim. I think he wants to do it before I go away so that it looks christmassy for him and the cats in my absence. This means finding everything and the annual trauma of getting the tree lights out on the floor and testing them only to find one doesn't work.......and needing to buy a whole new set when the spare bulbs let us down as well!! I have decided to do the tiny bannister rail on the stairs this year too. I think it will be nice and welcoming when we enter the house even though it really is an insignificant length to decorate. We do have plenty of items to string up there so that is not the problem. Just fixing it so that a certain small, furry lady doesn't think it is her personal entertainment centre!!!! All I need to do now is browse a little for some inspiration - which will include looking at Mr Holtz's 12 TAGS OF CHRISTMAS!!!!
Sue xx

Memories..........

2011-11-30T16:02:00.000+01:00

still watch this every year and never get tired of it! A beautiful animated musical treat for young and old alike.
Sue xx

Team day out

2011-11-30T14:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I joined the rest of my colleagues for a 'surprise' day out in Amsterdam. We started off with a guided tour of the Jordaan followed by an entertaining afternoon learning/acting/singing in the local dialect. Was that difficult for me? Yes!! It was quite hard getting my tongue around some of the sounds and stresses on the pronunciation - give me some broad Yorkshire any day! - and once we had learnt it we had to perform it. Oh yes, dressed up as well. My kind of thing? - no! We topped it off with singing Smartlappen liedjes which roughly means the sort of songs people sing on pub crawls crossed with folk songs. Once we had completed this we walked to another part of the city for a really good meal at BAZAAR. There was so much food! It was all excellent though being an oldie, I would have preferred the music to have been more background than disco volume, but all in all it was a very pleasant day. I do feel that the next event ought to be on my home turf - see how they get on with a Barnsley accent!!!!
Sue xx

a little early but....

2011-11-29T12:16:00.000+01:00

I am idling away the next 45 minutes before leaving to catch the train to Amsterdam, so can't really settle to anything too time consuming like the ironing . . . well I could but I'm not!!! So wanted to start searching for a Christmas background for the blog. Found this one, liked it, cut and pasted it and voila; Christmas blog!!!!!

I made the first batch of Mince Pies last night as Tim felt it was time to start on them. They are ok but I think the homemade mincemeat is not as nice as I had expected, Delia! A jar or two from the super is called for I think....("and another one makes the list")!! The pastry I use is from a now ancient book by Jocelyn Dimbleby and I believe I bought it in 1984 or thereabouts! It is still my favourite as it is lovely and crumbly and tastes of oranges.
I'm busy writing my list of things to bring back - and it grows daily which is a good and a bad thing. I decided on some books for presents this year - but why oh why did I choose large, heavy ones?!!! They are a delight but oh so HUGE!!! I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that it will need to be the cabin bag on wheels that I take with me since my poor shoulders never seem to quite recover from carrying heavy bags these days. Same as when I was eying up which handbag to cart around Amsterdam this afternoon. I have finally decided on a small one...turfed out all the unnecessary items I usually stuff into my larger one, as they are non-essential today, and am wondering which coat to wear now;..........all decisions that are seemingly more difficult than I imagined. What could be wrong with me???? .......

We went to do Tim's present buying yesterday and were amazed at how everywhere had suddenly sold out of precisely the gift we had decided upon for his sister and Ric!!! It was all down to the unexpected popularity of a certain item that obviously caught the attention of thousands of women at the Winter Fair last week! Can't name it, but I managed to buy one of them on Saturday and since then, all sold out! I can totally understand why...................sublime. Ineke, this would be something right up your street, m'dear!!!
So, my time to iron has been nicely halved so I suppose I ought to do some work t-shirts for the boy otherwise he won't have one for the morning. Been nice chatting!!
Sue xx

Can't put it off any longer...

2011-11-28T08:43:00.001+01:00

time I tackled cleaning the oven!! Not a task that I am fond of, and one that I avoid for as long as possible, but! Before Christmas I had promised myself that I would clean it thoroughly and get it ready for our Turkey. So, with nothing else on this morning, today's the day!! Now, where's the screwdriver . . . . . .
Sue xx

A pyjama day

2011-11-27T11:40:00.000+01:00

I think!! The weather is atrocious and definitely uninviting to anyone thinking of venturing outdoors. The wind has not dropped here and it is raining; so, hot cappuccino (diet-style!) and my pj's are staying on!!
I've been busy this weekend/morning, getting the Christmas cake baked - wow, it smelt wonderful!! and making dinner last night with a dessert of Trifle ( Tim's request.) It was quite 'alchofrolic' if you know what I mean! The sherry and brandy in the cream and the cake was really great. Once a year I go into the off-licence in Enkhuizen and browse around until I find the bottle of Harvey's Bristol Cream that I buy around this time. We only use it for the trifles and drinking as I bake the mince pies and prepare Christmas Dinner!! It wouldn't be the same without it...anyway, it's almost the end of November so about 28 or 9 sleeps til Christmas! I started making another bird garland on Saturday afternoon and finished and wrapped it this morning. Another present ticked off my list! Another 'creation' is in my head as I still have some leftover felt and I ought to make one more present with it.

We are proposing beginning a craft evening starting in the new year, Ann, Gebke and I. We all enjoy making things, have different hobbies, and love to get together and chat!! I suggested it when we were on our day out this week. I believe that having a regular time to get on with our hobbies increases the likelihood of actually doing them, and Gebke has already floated the idea of us doing a craft fair next year. So you never know, maybe we will!!! First though, we need to agree a day/evening/time/place etc before we can get started. I know there are 'stitch 'n bitch' groups for knitters so maybe we will call ourselves the 'laugh 'n craft girls' as it will be fun!!
Sue xx

The Choir: Military Wives

2011-11-26T14:41:00.000+01:00

Even if you have not been following this series, but occasionally read bits and bobs on my blog you will know that I am a huge Gareth Malone fan. This was another terrific series from him, and this clip is the highlight from it - where else but from The Royal Albert Hall. One day I will get to go there!!! It really is a lovely heartfelt song, tipped as the Christmas no 1 and as Chris Evans is supporting it, then no doubt it will make it!! Enjoy.
Sue xx

The sands of time

2011-11-25T14:18:00.000+01:00

are running out! Well, not literally, but there is a new gadget in the bathroom as of today, curtesy of the
housing corporation 'energy adviser', who paid me a visit this morning. He brought with him an energy box
which actually included some really great stuff. My two favourites have to be the little torch that is a penguin . . . and this sand timer for the shower!!!

I have stuck it onto the tiles and it takes 5 minutes to run through, the idea being that we need to be in and out of the shower before that happens! Can't wait to see Tim's face this afternoon!!! I really don't think we take a long time but this is going to sharpen our timing up and hopefully add to our energy conscious household efforts! There was a book that we went through together trying to see where we could improve on our usage but have to say he complimented me on our efforts as he was unable to find anything we ought to be doing better!! He was also extremely impressed with the Slo Cooker never having heard of one before, so I think we got a 10/10 for our efforts. Now all we have to do is improve on them even more . . .
Sue xx

"Whether the weather

2011-11-21T09:30:00.000+01:00

will hold or turn, that is the question.
Whether the fog and ice or snow
will prevent my flight taking flight" . . . . .

Reading the news this morning was not too encouraging. Airports shrouded in mist, delays, and impending frost and SNOW??????? What's that all about?! Just hold off until after December 6th pleeeeeeeze!!
It is certainly foggy here again, and it shows no sign of easing off. It does seem to be all in the south right now so I am hoping the more northerly airports will be spared. So looking forward to going!!

So, Russell has been 'fired' (ha,ha) from Strictly and the best of the rest are left to dance it out until the semi-finals. Did you enjoy Wembley? Our review was rather mixed as to be honest, watching on TV, we lost a lot of the atmosphere and dance that the thousands in the arena probably enjoyed more. I think it was too big. Give us Blackpool every time! We are liking Harry and Aliona and Chelsey and Pasha the most. See what happens....

It's a day of chores today as so much needs to be done here in the house. I've neglected it rather in my card-making mode, so it's catch-up this morning. Still got 6 more cards to create for my colleague but then I'm done I think. The hardest thing every year is deciding which card to send to which people!!

Today sees the start of the BLACK FRIDAY WEEK on Amazon, so if you are thinking of buying pressies on the net, check out their deals for the coming 5 days as they are great!!! Mine are all lined up..
As Tim commented yesterday, our Christmas tree is already out in the attic along with the other decorations and this coming weekend we will be doing the sorting out of the lights etc, and getting ready to decorate - yey!!!
Sue xx

past & present

2011-11-20T14:17:00.000+01:00

My Guide Camp Blanket for Becci.

Becci is going to get my camp blanket in a couple of weeks time when I go to see her, so I spread it out on the bed yesterday to see what kind of state it was in. I think I found badges etc going as far back as age 7 - so long time ago!! I started off as a Brownie in Ilkley, Yorkshire and then in Shoulden and Walmer, Kent. It is so great that now my daughter is going to continue adding her experiences to this old thing! She is going to be enrolled as a leader in Lichfield Cathedral which is pretty impressive!! I wish I was going to see that but at least I know she will be sleeping under my old treasures every time she goes camping. And who knows, maybe her little girl will eventually use it as well . . . .

Making 18 cards for my colleague...

Phew, it's coming along well I think but the blue ones are taking more time! I am more of a traditional red and green sort of Christmas gal and have more papers in these colours than anything else. I suppose I could make it easier on myself and duplicate the designs but I like to challenge myself to do something
different on each and every one. So, I have 8 more to go . . . .

but right now it's time to get ready for Ann's birthday party!!!
Sue xx

There's Whiskey in the jar-o

2011-11-20T08:32:00.000+01:00

I think that's a line from a Thin Lizzy song . . . which was in my head when I woke up this morning, having started our Whiskey Christmas Cake off yesterday! Traditionally today is known as Stir-up Sunday, because ( and I bet you didn't know this!) it is the last Sunday before Advent, and the day to stir up your Christmas Pudding! I have not made one this year but I am counting the cake as my stirring activity for this time around! It made the whole house smell of Christmas yesterday which I absolutely adore. Light the scented candles and stock up on the sherry, Christmas is a-coming!!! My favourite time of year, I admit it.

This morning the mist is back with a vengeance and the world outside is invisible right now. So it's lemon tea and warming up the radiator in my snug is taking a tad too long. No way am I taking a shower until my towels are hot! Luckily we don't need to venture out until the afternoon so my intention is to take it easy this morning and focus on creating the 15 Christmas cards for Astrid one of my colleagues at work. It's quite a challenge as she has provided me with red and blue cards of a smaller size than the square ones I prefer to use. I did three last night so the rest today and tomorrow I think.

I took advantage of the free winter check-up at the garage yesterday - and have got water in my brake system!! I suppose it is better to be safe than sorry and know it's there before there is a heavy frost and my brakes seize and I have a major expense on my hands. So no frost please until the end of the month!!! I am pleased I took the time to go there so next year I will be back for that cappuccino and apple cake!!!!
Sue xx

What a result!!

2011-11-19T07:33:00.000+01:00

Last nights total for Children in Need was 24 million pounds. Incredible!! Well done to the whole country for supporting this charity once again this year!!

The weekend has arrived and I have plenty to do! Mostly practical things today, including taking my car for its winter check-up at the garage. Since its free it would be foolish not to take up the chance to find out if everything is still hunky dory with Sooty. One would assume it is since I only bought her this year and if the mechanics did a good job then, there didn't ought to be something wrong now, just a few months later, right?! The good thing about the check is that it comes with a 3 month guarantee for all the stuff they check today, and that is what I want for over this winter!

Yesterday I made the Chocolate Rum Cake and got it in the freezer for Christmas and New Year. I am toying with the Whiskey Cake, on a small scale, as it feels so strange not baking a Creole Cake this year. Ineke has got hers on the go, and that set me off wanting to have that wonderful smell in our kitchen too!! But Tim is no fan of fruit cake and icing and it would be a waste really . . . so maybe one to gift to someone is the next best thing? Guess so!

I also need to get up into the attic today and search out my old Guide Camp Blanket. I know roughly which box its in, and I am going to give it to my daughter to use for her own guiding experiences. She has just got her first badge!!! I am really pleased I can pass it on to her as it has so many memories stitched onto it, and it is still in perfect condition after all these years. A bit heavy for the suitcase but hey ho, I am happy to carry it to her. I'll need to explain a lot of stuff on that blanket if she is going to know its history!!
Sue xx

BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

2011-11-18T07:32:00.003+01:00

Today is our Children in Need annual fund-raiser in the UK. I'm a huge Snow Patrol fan, so have uploaded a song they performed at Rocks in Manchester last evening. It's hard donating money from outside the country so I decided I would buy a Christmas present this year that gives a donation to the charity so that I can at least feel I gave our support as well. Be sure to watch the event this evening on BBC1. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the video!!!!
Sue xx

Busy week

2011-11-18T07:05:00.000+01:00

working so not much time to post. But it is all coming to an end next week when my planned work comes to an end. Always scary, and always a worry especially with Christmas just around the corner. One more week and we can break the decorations out and start turning the house into something pretty! It is not that we overdo it; no, just the living and dining room spaces get a touch of Christmas, and there is the still the outstanding jobs to do in there as well. Think what I can do with the doorway shelf!!!!

At the moment we are shrouded in thick fog every day that has turned our world to grey and dampness. I'm feeling a little Fungus the Bogeyman right now!! Didn't you just love those books?!!! Seems a lifetime ago that I read them but the illustrations were fantastic. I've uploaded a treat from youtube - this takes me back!!! The film was amazing.
Sue xx

New turn of events

2011-11-14T14:19:00.000+01:00

today as Tim came home with the news that he is going to Sweden in February for his 3 week international placement from college!! I am so glad he has decided to take up this offer. Apparently one girl has turned it down so there was a place free and Tim decided to take it. Another girl is still debating it, but he is determined to go it alone if necessary. Good for you, Timbo!! :-) I applaud him for wanting to go as last year he was equally determined that he would NOT go . . . I guess he's growing up.
Sue xx

Giveaway

2011-11-14T10:22:00.001+01:00

Check out the blog candy giveaway over on Ribbon Girls - great for all your Christmas designs!!!
Sue xx

Finka's blanket

2011-11-13T21:16:00.000+01:00

So this is the finished thing!! I didn't really know how to edge it
so I just did one of the rows all the way around and it is fine.

So it's mine, then? Not his!

Seems to be nice and warm.....

This is how you wear it, girlie!!!

You wear it; I'll stand on it!!!!

Finka is happily snuggled under her blanket on the settee with Genghis cuddled up beside her. At least when I came upstairs that's where they were! She seems to have accepted it graciously, and since it is
keeping her very warm indeed, I think it was a good idea to make it for her. Contented cats. Aahh..
Sue xx

Finished!!!

2011-11-13T10:40:00.002+01:00

I have sat and finished her blanket this morning so its wait and see time now; will she like it; will she use it; how long with it last? . . . I took some photos of us showing her it but the camera is still downstairs to see how well she accepts her gift (or not). A very particular cat!!
Sue xx

Why Finka needs her own!!!!

2011-11-12T08:50:00.001+01:00

What's hidden under the spare bed covers . . . .

Yes, a Finka!!!!!

Cat under the blanket on the settee...poor Genghis!!

Yes, I really have to hurry with your very own blanket, don't I?!!!

Finka's blanket has progressed to the stage of being completed as far as the squares are concerned but now I have to sew it all together! As you can see, her need is great! I was in a shop yesterday looking at the wonderful selection of goodies she always buys for her store, when we got talking to her dog..one thing lead to another and I was shown how to stitch the squares together is a way that is fine for this one.
Using a different colour wool and doing blanket stitch (what else?!). This I can do. Just need a large eyed needle. How to go around the edges is another matter but getting it all together is this weekend's task. It doesn't matter who sits on the settee with her, Finka always tries to bury under the red, so c'mon, get it done!
Sue xx

Well behaved children

2011-11-12T07:11:00.000+01:00

Last night was St. Maarten here in Holland. Children go round the houses with lanterns and sing songs in exchange for sweeties!!! I have to compliment the children here - they all came between 6 and 7pm, sang their songs in various degrees of enthusiasm, and not one single child took more than their share of the goodies!! It was refreshing to see such good manners - gosh, I'm sounding like a real oldie!! but even my son was impressed. He was happy that so many sweets were left over but I suspect not for long!! He is unlikely to be so polite . . . .on the other hand, having such temptation in the house is not good for my will power!!! Diet is going well still, and my trousers are looking decidedly baggier already. Just two more kilos and my nice jeans will do up again!!! I need to be in my winter trousers soon as poss. Buying new is not an option right now, and if I were to buy anything it would have to be slippers. Boy, are my feet cold!!! I have a pair of house socks that I bought in M&S one visit, but they are best for in bed . . in the absence of a hot water bottle that is. At the moment I trudge around in them indoors but by the time I get into bed I have ice blocks on the end of my legs!!! Takes the whole night to warm them up. So priority = slippers.

The weekend promises to be nice weather so it is time to plant my bulbs. I only have a few but they need to go in now. I am thinking pots but there is space in the borders otherwise. And I really ought to tidy up the front too. In my head I am thinking ' when can I get the decorations down from the attic '..yes, my Christmas head is on!!! I went for a smooch around the garden centre the other day and was dismayed to find that they had nothing I wanted to add to our collection this year!! I found it disappointing to be truthful. Since we don't really need anything............probably a good thing, but I have seen some lights in M&S that I covert. They are BEAUTIFUL!! On the list!!!

The countdown has begun.
Sue xx

11.11.11

2011-11-11T08:45:00.000+01:00

Armistice Day. We remember. Always. With gratitude in our hearts. Small thanks to the many who gave their lives for our country in so many conflicts across the centuries.

Wear the poppy with pride.
Sue xx

Morning walk

2011-11-09T12:15:00.001+01:00

This morning I walked to the post box and back through the park near our house.

It was still rather misty and a little chilly and the park was peaceful.

The deer were sheltering by the far hedge and stared back at me through my lens.

Almost there and a timely bench for a little sit.

I drive along the other side of this water to get home and out again.

Through the middle of the village lies this sloot.

And on the banks someone had left their bicycle once upon a time!!!!

It was a lovely walk, and on the way home I called by my neighbours for several cups of coffee and a two hour chat!! Oh, it was lovely and warm in their house!!! I am just back again and it's after twelve, so that was the whole morning gone by. And very pleasant too.

Yesterday afternoon I was very poorly - and so since then I have not been able to eat a thing. My tummy is rumbling like crazy right now but I dare not risk eating something yet. Give it time to settle properly, eh? Good for my diet; 4,5 kilos off so I am going well!!! Still a way to go to reach the desired 10kilo mark . . . . and my walk was all in aid of this goal. Actually it did me good to get outside as tomorrow I am working and Friday too, so two days cooped up indoors again.

I sat and watched the first DVD of Downton Abbey yesterday. I know, I am lagging behind everyone else, but I have made a start and will be beginning with number 2 soon. The series is being shown here on Saturday nights but it clashes with Strictly and Merlin so I have no choice!! Wish I had a recorder . . . Sue xx

Radio Two remembers

2011-11-07T15:05:00.000+01:00

I always try to listen to Jeremy Vine when I am at home as he usually presents interesting current affairs stories very well. This week he has a series dedicated to the stories of some service men who died in Afghanistan, told through their music and the voices of their mothers. The first one has just ended. It was incredibly moving. And very personal and terribly brave. 11 November is Remembrance Day in England and we remember all the people who have died in all the wars we have been through. The young man today was only 19 when he lost his life out there, but he had left a letter for his family which was so mature and kind and honest, that you would want to keep it with you forever. Just to remind you that he had been happy and well-adjusted and doing the job he loved most. I will be listening tomorrow, and making that 30 minutes space in my day to pay my respects to one and all.
Sue xx

A favourite film's best quote:

2011-11-07T07:14:00.000+01:00

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
Sue xx

Photo update

2011-11-06T12:41:00.000+01:00

My take on a banner in my lovely Scandinavian Felt Book.

Hanging under where the shelf is coming over the doorway -soon, hopefully!!!

The bargain Riverdale Lamp hanging over the coffee table - yes!!!

So I have been busy this weekend, finishing off the hanger and getting it up in the doorway. Possibly not its final resting place but it will be in the doorway for sure. We have two doors into the kitchen in an incredibly small space, so it is not practical to have them both in situ, so making it more of a feature is our answer. And then you can see how full the shelves are now...and how I need some more......

maybe the two sides ought to match more? (think you probably told me this in the beginning, right?!)

And finally the super lamp I found with Jackie when we were in Zwolle. Needs a proper ceiling rose to finish it off of course, but then it will be perfect. The list of DIY projects is growing I'm afraid, dear!!!

I have decided Finka's blanket requires more squares so they are winging their way towards us this coming week. Three extra colours ought to do it, as that gives me 9 more squares and enough wool for the joining in etc. Since I gave her the old cardie to sleep under last night I am even more determined to get this done for her as soon as possible - she lives for warmth!!

Well, I stayed in bed for an unusually long time this morning due to weeks of poor quality sleep, and even though I was resting, I still feel tired with prickly eyes and not much oomph right now! But it's Sunday and I am allowed to feel lazy aren't I?

Sue xx

Blanket progress

2011-11-05T22:01:00.000+01:00

has now ceased temporarily because I need more wool!! Each ball was enough for 3 squares with bits left over for the eventual joining together, but it was not large enough even for our tiny cat!! So this evening she is tucked in under the warmth of an old cardie of mine as compensation for having to wait a while longer for her very own blanky. Aah............
at least it will allow me some time to work out how I have to make the squares sit next to one another, either in single chain or sewn; not sure which is the best method? Advice gratefully received please.
On the other hand, delays in crochet benefitted my felt hanger's progress, and I am pleased with how that is looking already. It's tricky but I am hoping to have made a very nice hanger for the finished bookcase-over-the-doorframe, and getting another celebrating winter project completed. My Christmas cards are going well, so that is not a concern, and I am wrapping presents as I buy them, because even though I won't be able to buy many this year, I do try my best to wrap them beautifully! So my friends will have to appreciate the time and effort that has gone into their tiny gifts this year; extra specially!!! Its going to be a very homemade Christmas!!!
Sue xx

Weekend!!!

2011-11-04T21:53:00.000+01:00

It's been a long old week, with much tiredness and a longing for my bed!! There has been lots happening at work, in the background, and it gave me a lot to think about that's for sure. It also helped me to think and clarify what sort of counsellor/coach would suit me most. We have to determine our specialism in the second year and it always bothered me that I didn't have a particular leaning in any direction apart from the Mediation side of things. But I know now, and that gives me some peace of mind. It is really just a combination of all that I have ever learned and done, with this new approach thrown on top!! But I am not going to talk more about it here until we have discussed it in more depth at home, and I have got it sorted on paper as well as in my head.
Finka is desperate for her mini blanket and I have only three more squares to crochet before I need to learn how to stitch them together. I don't think there will be enough wool left over at this time, for any fancy border etc but I doubt she will worry too much! At the moment she is buried under the rug that we keep on the settee, for her nights sleep, so I know I have to finish it this weekend. I have also promised myself that next week is essay time, so my hobbies will have to take the back burner for a while. Emma has asked for more cards so that will be a priority, but mine can wait. I am loving the simple designs I am going with at the moment. Just ink, ribbon, text and the odd little embellishment tacked on. I put the sampler up the other day and have been surprised as to which cards turned out to be people's favourites.
Amazing how our tastes all differ from one person to another which is why I enjoy creating one-offs.

But it is almost bedtime for me, so enjoy your weekend what ever you may be doing; the sunshine of autumn is lovely for being out and about - and for me, making more soup!! (Diet going well but need to stick to it with easy recipes and short amounts of time in the kitchen!!!)
Sue xx

November 1st.

2011-11-01T17:44:00.000+01:00

I have been busy with my crocheting today. It is absorbing now I have got the hang of it (I think!). Ann is coming round to give me advice tomorrow evening. I'm not making the squares that large because it is going to be (yes, I am now more confident!) a little throw for Finka to sleep under this winter. At the moment she dives under the quilt and sleeps there for as long as possible or until discovered. She is a cat that requires copious amounts of heat!!! Anyway, I am enjoying it. It makes a change from my card making although when my Washi Tape arrived this morning I did do a little dance of happiness!! Not quite sure how I am going to incorporate on with my cards but pretty parcels are a definite yes this year! I love the stitched effect roll. Still waiting more and more impatiently for the Royal Mail to hop over the water with my package from the Ribbongirl . . . seems to be going via China.

So I have decided to join in with the Winter bloghop over at Silverpebble. Since I am a winter lover and she is the opposite, I thought it might be fun to participate. Brings me a little closer to home seeing the beauty of the English landscape etc. I tried a new soup recipe today as well (bored, me?) but I am undecided as to whether I like the taste or not. It is Curried Apple and Carrot Soup, from a recipe by Lavender & Lovage on her foodie blog. Don't think it is one I will do again however. Still soup is great for my diet so I will be testing out others!

Suddenly it had turned dark and not even 6pm. Time for dinner and pyjamas!!
Sue xx

In memorium

2011-10-31T13:41:00.000+01:00

Sir Jimmy Saville died this week. He was a true icon in our pop history and a proper gentleman from Yorkshire. I met him actually. Many years ago I lived in Shropshire and was a member of the local Young Farmers Club where I lived. We did a lot of fund raising activities over the years, including for Stoke Mandeville Hospital for Spinal Injuries. A group of us went down to Stoke Mandeville to present our cheque to Jimmy, and it was a very special occasion. There were photos but I unfortunately don't have one any more. Just hearing about his death made me think of this again - an almost forgotten episode in my memory - but it just goes to show that it is never lost completely. He was a total enigma in many ways - always Jimmy Saville, and listening to them talking about it on the radio at the moment, it was that eccentricity that made him so special. A unique individual and a sad loss.
Sue xx

If at first...

2011-10-31T11:56:00.000+01:00

you don't succeed, try and try and try - until you get your first square made!! Hip hip!! hurray!!! I think a square has been born! It's only tiny, but it does look like the one in the video so I am not going to make it any larger, no sir, I am going to make another one instead!! My mini blanket will have lots of smaller squares as it is the first thing I am trying to make. Time for coffee!!!
Sue xx

My Christmas Card Sampler

2011-10-31T10:24:00.000+01:00

So I might not have done my crochet but I did find out how to make this sampler on the internet and voila!!! Here are some of my cards to date. It is really interesting to see how my ideas change as I look at which ones I did first, what I am enjoying doing now, and what I have got in mind for the next batch. I have always loved making only one of each design, but just sometimes I make one I really love, and then I make two!!! :-) I hope you like seeing them but please, don't use them for your own personal gain, just as inspiration for your own pleasure. Ideas are free, but stealing someone else's imagination is really cheap.
Sue xx

Monday

2011-10-31T09:23:00.001+01:00

and its the 1st of November tomorrow!!! Just two more months of the year to go and it has simply speed by this time. Could it be true that time really flies the older you get?!

In the paper this morning I was reading about the eulogy Steve Jobs sister gave at his funeral. She said his last words were "oh wow, oh wow, oh wow" whilst he looked beyond his family into the distance. I wonder what he saw? Whatever it was, it obviously held no fear for him, instead a sense of wonder and excitement about what lay ahead. A remarkable man indeed.

So making every day count is well worth remembering!! We never get our time back, we can never retrace our steps, we can never undo what is done, so the only thing left is to move forward with all the positivity we can muster!! (tell that to me later when I have wrestled with my crochet once again!!)

I like the look of this film - see trailer - which is about the secret resistance force Churchill established in 1944. One morning the women in a Welsh valley woke up to find all their husbands were gone. Churchill was preparing for any future German occupation apparently . . .It is based on a true story and has Michael Sheen in it which bodes well. This is definitely one for me and Tim!!!

Ah well, think I had better return to my Monday housekeeping before I get too settled down in here!!!
Sue xx

Sunday

2011-10-30T12:56:00.000+01:00

and did you remember to change your clocks? "Spring forward; fall backward" is how I always learnt it!!
This morning I managed to stay asleep for quite a while as a result, but I suppose it was the normal length of time really. I was tired from too many nights dreaming and not enough deep sleep. I continue with my struggle to learn to crochet, but I did find an easier youtube video and have managed to get as far as the third round!!! Then it all started to look rather messy and I have temporarily stopped trying for this morning.
Instead I found huge blackberries at the supermarket and am going to make a Blackberry & Apple Crumble for dinner! My ultimate and all time favourite dessert, let me tell you, with custard!! TIm has his friend Chris here gaming so I think two hungry boys to feed calls for such warming fare. And I am just spending the day crafting as I want to free up some time soon to start my essay. Have to!! Karen comes over on the 12th so I must have something to share before then....probably she will be finished.

Also came across this film trailer which I would like to see if it comes out here - 25th November in the UK so maybe even not until 2012 here I imagine:- RESISTANCE.

And I was astonished by the amazing preview of what the Queens Armada will turn out to look like on June 3rd 2012!! A sight worth seeing indeed. It is one of the highlights of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee 4 day celebration, and it was incredible to see the artists impression of it on The Thames. Must make a note that I want to watch BBC on those days!! I think I am having my annual period of homesickness actually. Hits me every winter when we are getting closer to Christmas, and I wish I was at home. It sort of creeps up on me each year, and even though I am trying to temper it with the knowledge of our holiday next spring, in Cornwall, it is still a yearning in my soul for something I can't find here. So I may feel a little somber at times, sorry.
Sue xx

ok, what am I doing wrong?!!!

2011-10-29T15:53:00.002+02:00

My first square looks more like an egg cosy than a flat square. I have followed the demo on youtube meticulously, and cannot find out where I am going wrong?? Help...anybody...help!!!!
Sue xx

Getting ready..

2011-10-29T13:29:00.000+02:00

to start my crochet adventure!! These are the beautiful colours I have chosen for the granny square blanket (or cushion if its difficult!) with the ergonomically designed hook I bought this morning in Hoorn. We deliberated over which size hook I needed, and in the end went for 3.75 as a compromise between 3.5 & 4!!! It is a really good wool store in Hoorn, and I was dazzled by the fantastic array of colours and wools stuffed into every available nook and cranny. They do patterns in English. I checked!
But first I need to begin at the beginning, with something easy, and only when I have succeeded with this can I consider a lovely knitting project for the winter telly season! It is very expensive I know, to hand-knit these days - but it is soothing to do, that I remember from times past. I used to knit so much! Then I sort of moved off it when I couldn't feel inspired by the wool that was around at the time. For a long time wool shops just disappeared off the face of the high street, but they have been back for a while, and I for one am glad. Now all I have to do is learn how...
Sue xx

Losing it!!

2011-10-28T08:06:00.000+02:00

Kilos, that is! The diet has started well. Since Monday I am 2 kilos less. I will take that!! It's not been perfect, but I have followed the rules almost to the letter with the odd biscuit at work snuck in on occasion, but today I am going to the super to stock up on good diet foods for the coming weekend/week. I know it off by heart really, but I still have to cook for Tim so there are other meals to be considered.

First this morning I am taking the cats to the V.E.T.S ( in case they are reading this!!) Genghis comes along for the ride as he doesn't need anything, but it is annual jab time for Miss Finka so he has to come to preserve the peace and harmony of the household upon our return. I have had their basket in the hall for a few days letting them see it, and dwell on what is to come; lovely red blanket in it too, and a hottie about to go in....well, they deserve some mollycoddling!! The Dreamies will be in my handbag for their treat afterwards - here they are called something else but re-stocking is no longer a problem. Phew!

It is a soft day here - 12C already before the sun rises, so I am happy about that. The month is ending on a quiet note. I am reading more and more UK blogs and really love seeing the countryside as it moves into its sleepy quarter. I am an autumn/winter lover so have no SAD syndrome issues or worries about dark evenings (so long as I don't have to drive). My Debbie Bliss arrived yesterday and I had a mini tutorial at work yesterday so I can now make a crochet chain - yey!!! The colours are Beautiful!! Just as I hoped, thanks! Will let you see them once I get cracking. But now I need to write the list, warm up the carrier and coerce the cats towards it with a dreamie trail . . . .
Sue xx

Turmoil

2011-10-26T21:44:00.000+02:00

Ever have the feeling that there are all these different sides to you that you can turn to when faced with choices that have too many different outcomes?
I do!
And I suppose that is why this blog has the title it deserves, since there are so many paths we can choose and each one will result in a different destination.

I thought this about myself this evening:-
"there is a realist in me that knows. An optimist in me that hopes. A dreamer that wishes magnificent things. A heart that beats with love." I would have to add that there is also a doubter that fears, if I were being truly honest, but then who hasn't got one?! It has to do with which one you chose to listen to at any given moment, and which one ends up being the strongest and most persistent voice of all.
Am I a realist? Not often.
An optimist then? Undoubtedly.
Dreamer? Most of the time!
Romantic? Without question.
Doubter, sceptic, well, they are in the mix that is for sure, but they don't get to come to the party too often thank goodness. If they did, I would live my life so differently, be someone I am not, miss out on all the emotions that travel side by side with my sensitivity and never take a risk again. Imagine never being able to fly again?....or to know what it feels like to walk on air....I simply wouldn't want to live like that. Do you?
Sue xx

Time for a reality check!!

2011-10-24T08:52:00.000+02:00

Ok, so its two months until Christmas, give or take a week or two! And I need to re-think my diet. Its been creeping back on ever so slowly, but its a trend I am not happy about. I was trying to ignore it, if I'm being honest, but now is the moment to take stock and ACT. The idea of swimming still remains - just need to overcome my issues with 'you know what' . . .but it is the only sport I really enjoy so, yeh, ought to..
The silly thing is, we all know what we have to do to lose weight, right? So why is it so difficult?!!!
I know it is about willpower and the right state of mind, but there has to be more to it than that surely? I am not aiming for a slim me. Not possible to maintain so I have no desire to be a size 12 for two days before starting upwards again. No, I just want to be less, for ever, comfortable in my clothes and appearance, and happy. So, my way of approaching it is to announce it to the world, keep my diet diary once again, and stand on those scales more often!!! Today as it is the first day its a detox start. No bread. No pasta. No rice. No chips. No carbs at all!!
Sue xx

the handiness of other peoples hobbies!!

2011-10-23T10:31:00.000+02:00

I read several blogs over in the UK on a regular basis, and find the most useful information on a range of subjects, so where did I turn to this morning in my quest for wool?? THE QUINCE TREE blog! Sue is making a very pretty blanket using granny squares so I reasoned that her choice of wool would be good for me as well. Search....search... and I came up with the Debbie Bliss Cotton wool on the Cabbage patch site. With a sale on!!! Even better!! So I have chosen colours I like rather than anything else, with the future bedroom make-over in mind (of course) and just need to buy a crochet hook this week and I can prepare myself for this new challenge in my crafty existence!! You can tell the winter is approaching with all this hibernating activity happening!! I took the chairs and the cushions in from the garden yesterday as well, and have only got to buy some potting compost for the bulbs, and the garden will be preparing to sleep for the coming months. My wish for a tree is now a wish for spring, but it remains in my mind, and I will get one in 2012!! Too cold now to plant any trees successfully.

I received a lovely comment on my post yesterday, which I have replied to as I rarely receive them, and I was delighted by this one!! I used the google translator to read it, and write back, so I really hope I got it right!? It was most thoughtfully sent to me.

This afternoon we are going to the flicks!! The aversion to 3D glasses has been overcome. Til then it is another lazy Sunday thank goodness!
Sue xx

Post-related photos

2011-10-22T07:15:00.000+02:00

My well-worn copy about to be dusted off and used again this year!

One of the 15!!!

How to use what little space I have in my tiny snuggery when I'm busy!!!

The glitter was drying so had to spread them everywhere!!

I work in this mini space...but its enough actually. S'pose...

My cards are clean and simple designs such as this one this year.

Since I am not sleeping well this week here I am early Saturday morning, blogging!! It's just turned 7am. The light was not great for taking these photos but sometimes it is the peace and quiet of the moment that needs taking advantage of, right? It's dark outside, but not wet. There is the promise of 11C and a nice day to come. Also coffee and Apple Crumble Cake when Ann comes later on!! Tim is ordering it from his bakery along with his three favourite loaves of bread which I am assigned to collecting at 9 o'clock! The first few hours of my weekend are pretty much covered then!! In my head, jumbled around with the usual weekend chores, are thoughts about my felt project, and the ever-increasing desire to learn to crotchet. Yes, crotchet!! I want to make a blanket for our cats primarily but also for us. There is a book winging its way tomorrow, with 'how to' instructions in it, so all I need to do then, is find the right wool. Probably harder than it sounds since decent wool shops are hard to find. There is one in Hoorn and since I want to go there next Monday it will be my first port of call. Logic behind all this is that if I give myself something to do of an evening whilst watching some telly, I will stay up longer and increase my ability to fall asleep when I get into bed. Plus it is another creative craft I am finally ready to learn. Always hard when you are left-handed like me 'cos no-one wants to teach you!! I just didn't get it when I was younger, despite having a mother and sister that made it look so easy. Same as with knitting. I learnt that when I went to college and decided that I needed to know something about it so that when patients asked me to pick up stitches for them, I would know how to do that!! It is a skill I still need even today, in my work, so time to advance onto another wool-related hobby!!

What ever you all are doing this weekend, enjoy it. Its chance to relax and take time for yourselves.

Sue xx

Dreaming of a book nook of my very own...

2011-10-21T21:03:00.002+02:00

Want one, please!!!!

Perfect spot for a crocheted blanket and small coffee table, with a large table at the opposite end for my crafting, computing etc. I'd buy a house just based on this space!!! No doubt the view would have to be a different one for you....

Sue xx

A funny thing happened...

2011-10-21T19:57:00.000+02:00

You know those adverts for a certain male deo, that depict women running after the male etc??? A strange thing happened to me this morning at work, nothing along those lines but a similar attraction took place I guess: there we were, innocently drinking our first coffee of the day, waiting as clients were arriving etc, when a young man suddenly appeared in our kitchen. He totally ignored everyone else except me, and seemed as though he knew me from somewhere else.....he wanted to buy a sack of wood....but only if I sold it to him apparently!!! I toddled off, took his money, had a chat, and he was gone. My colleague asked me how I knew him:- " never seen him before " I replied. It was so strange really, one of those odd moments you have unexpectedly, and with no obvious sense to it. Maybe he thought I was someone else???
The rest of the week has passed slowly, with me being incredibly tired most days, and only feeling happy some of the time, yet here we are at another weekend already. I was in Ikea in Amsterdam yesterday, along with hoards of other people with nothing else to do during half term, considering it was pouring down with rain most of the day, and kids adore their meatballs and chips, getting the shelf for over the doorframe between the living room and kitchen. This is our on-going project; to complete the bookcases, and we are finally heading towards getting it done! I know there will have to be some tweaking but the vision in my head is still strong and I know it will be good when we get it all in place, so please let there be time for it soon!!! And I think I bought the right ceiling attachment for the new lamp I bought in Zwolle - so roll on DIY day!!! " You know it makes sense. " ( or is that a different catchphrase)?

Strictly tomorrow. Can Jason do it again????? Will Nancy finally go? What hairdo will Robbie chose?
Will Artem smile? . . . I'll be watching, won't you?!
Sue xx

Still debating whether

2011-10-20T08:44:00.000+02:00

or not to see The 3 Musketeers in 3D This weekend. Tim and I were not hugely impressed by the 3D glasses when we saw the final Harry Potter and since this movie is only being shown in 3D, we are not yet sure whether to go and see it or not. The plus side: we are both fans of swashbuckling movies!! And this looks like a good version of a very old tale. The down side: wearing those silly glasses and feeling horrible once we come out!! And the price is more. SO, what to do? Let you know after the weekend!!!

This morning we are going to the hairdressers so there is the promised cake cooling downstairs as I type. Tim missed his appointment last week so his penance is a cake for our hairdresser!! I made the Lemon Drizzle Cake as it is simple, delicious, and great with coffee!! Hope they enjoy it. It smelt so good I am thinking of making another one for Saturdays coffee guest!

I made 25 Happy New Year cards yesterday for the order I have been working on. I used the same design on all of them as I have made completely different Christmas card designs to accompany them. I just love the string of lights stamps from Papertrey as they were perfect for seeing in the New Year!! Look so festive and fun with their coloured lights shining across the front. I am thinking about where on earth I last saw my special stuff for making them shiny - can't even remember what it is called but will know it when I find it, stuff - as that would look amazing too. Hey ho, maybe I am going to HAVE to tackle all those boxes in the attic if I really want to find more stash for my room?!!!
Sue xx

Delia's recipe

2011-10-19T11:22:00.000+02:00

for homemade mincemeat for our Mince Pies is in the oven this morning!! I am making my own for the first time ever, but it is SO simple; why have I never done it before???? Thanks to Ann and Jackie we have the shredded suet required to make it, so I was weighing and chopping earlier this morning, before going out for the Brandy....only the best comes in small bottles apparently!! So this will be top of the range mincemeat, dear!!! It takes 3 hours to cook, basting as you go, so the kitchen smells divine right now. A real scent of what's to come! Tim has asked to cook the dinner with me this year so he can learn how to do it before he leaves home in the next few years. I'm pleased about it really as he has clear views on what we will eat, and what he prefers, but NO IDEA of the work it all involves!!!

Yesterday at work we carried on with our card making and now more clients are joining in. They are creating their own designs too, which is super, so the variety of cards is growing. We are lucky inasmuch as the local people are very supportive of our little shop and will come along and buy cards and other items on a regular basis. And I have sold the first cards to Ann!!!

Today I am free so it is a chance to catch up here in the home. Not that I am a huge fan of housework but it has to be done and there are no fairies living here as far as I am aware!!! I am determined to enjoy the whole day, what ever it brings.
Sue xx

Strictly disappointing!

2011-10-16T21:27:00.000+02:00

Having just watched the results show I am disappointed that Nancy has not gone this week either! I really do feel she is the least impressive contestant, and deserves to leave the show. Pity about Dan but I was not a fan of his either if true be known. I think it is pretty obvious who I personally prefer!!! It was such a brilliant routine for Jason and his partner - Christina choreographed their tango superbly well. It was such fun to watch, and I think that is the key for Russell as well. Ah well, Ann and I will just have to wait another week to see whether she goes then or not....

The weather today was lovely although I was not outside to enjoy it. It has been a pyjama day for me!!! Feeling a little under the weather so decided to stay indoors and laze around instead. Tim finally swung into action and did his room as his friend Chris is visiting tomorrow - yes, its half term this week! He also made some Chocolate Caramel Shortbread which we all know is pretty sweet and tasty. Strange thing though, the white chocolate wouldn't melt properly - no reason I could see for it - so he had to abandon the extra flourish he had thought of for the topping. Just wondering whether there will be any left by the time I get home from work tomorrow? Two lads in the house all day, along? Don't rate my chances that highly!

The weather forecast is for a cold snap to blow over from England in the next few days. Hard to think that winter is on its way; seems like only yesterday it was still summer. But the clocks go back this month, and we are turning our thoughts to Christmas. I even wrapped my first few presents today!!!
I am trying to be ultra-resource conscious this year and using every leftover scrap from my cards to make present labels etc. It is actually quite a nice thing to do - and I am enjoying being far more thrifty than ever before. I have also started on my felt birds and leaves - not sure what to actually make with them but even if it is not the banner in the book, they will definitely become something else equally charming! The first red bird and first green leaf are already stitched my friends!
Sue xx

Completed cards!!

2011-10-15T12:26:00.000+02:00

It was quite a task making so many cards to the same design but they are winging their way to Naarden as I type!! I was happy to have got them done in the timeframe I set myself, so as a reward I have been to the hobby store in Heerhugowaard this morning and invested my payment in some felt and threads so that I can have a go at making some Christmas Presents!! I want to make something out of a wonderful book I have languishing on our bookshelves:

It has so many beautiful felt designs inside and I love the one of the birds and leaves - only I am planning on giving it a colour make-over so that it fits in our house!! Then if that works . . . on with some presents. I am not a confident sewer really - paper is my thing - but even I feel I can tackle some of the lovely projects in this book. I suppose one could also suggest that I am using my creativity to avoid essay writing (I hear you saying it!!) but everything has its own time, and right now, my head is not in the books!! Karen is not here until 12 November so there is still enough space in my planning to get the garden winter-ready; make the Mincemeat for the pies; do the Chocolate Freezer Cake for Christmas;
paint the stairs and landing, and the gorgeous lamp that I got in Zwolle for an exceptionally good price!!!! Having just read the weather prediction for the UK, I am definitely sticking to this order of getting things done!!
Sue xx