Pooh's Abode

Stop the world I want to get off!!!!!!!

2012-03-08T08:37:00.002Z

‎"When shall we three meet again......"

2012-03-02T19:47:00.003Z

From today' Daily Telegraph - Can you believe it - makes you wonder if anyone actually proof reads it or checks it in any way.

Ella's first step

2012-03-01T17:12:00.002Z

Today Ella aged 13 months took her first step and it was towards her grandma. I am such a proud grandma.......

The sun shines.........

2012-02-29T13:43:00.003Z

It'sbeautiful here : 15 degrees recorded on the car thermometer. I even saw oneyoung lady in a sleeveless summer dress - that was going a bit too far Ithought, but she was young and the young do strange things don't they?

Have donesome shopping and got the meat for the next 2 weeks. Just need to cook and freeze.Sainsburys had an offer on HP printer paper so got 4 packs which should keep usgoing for a while.

Am going togo in the garden in a bit and get some clearing done. It's a real mess outthere as leaves are everywhere [we back onto woodland] and the holly bush wetook down in the autumn still needs to be got rid of - trouble is brown binwill only hold so much.

Tea tonightwill be some of the gammon I bought, with new potatoes and salad - yum, yum.Need also to make some rolls and biscuits to keep us going for the next fewdays. All that should fill the oven nicely.

Suppose Iought also to check that my money has gone into my account.....

A Fresh Start

2012-02-28T13:09:00.000Z

The weather has changed and I am feeling more hopeful. I have lots of changes I need to make and now is the time to begin.

My weight has stabilised since Christmas and I now need to work at losing some of it. I did well

losing 2 stone between July and December but now I need to get motivated again and lose some more. Sian, my daughter has some cupcake designs, that you colour part of each one in as you lose a lb - each cake coloured in represents half a stone. I am going to use this as a way of motivating myself.

My house is disorganised and needs sorting. Today I have restarted my decluttering but this time I am determined to be more ruthless - no-one person can need so much stuff. So far some odd bits and some paperwork and files have been thrown and a few items put aside to sell. Don't get me wrong I could never live in a minimalist household but I feel like I'm drowning at the moment.

I started the year well keeping account of all my spending but unfortunately February has not gone well. I haven't spent loads on bits but I also haven't kept an accurate record of everything. On a positive side I have paid the balance for our holiday in Cyprus in May and have bought myself a new office chair[ old one was broken and was giving me backache] and a small laptop. This I have done without touching the savings or incurring any debt - so all is not bad. I get paid tomorrow and I intend to try harder to keep my spending records up to date.

The garden is a mess. Too much to do in one go and also I am not fit enough so my intention is to have a go at a bit a day. I am sure that if I tackle it this way, it will eventually start looking a lot better.

I intend to try and post more - recording my achievements in this attempt to have a fresh start!

Mummy, shall I wake him up?

2012-02-09T16:46:00.000Z

Couldn't resist posting this photo taken today at Sian's.

Another week........

2012-01-16T10:48:00.000Z

Last weekwas truly a very mixed bag. Harry’s car developed a fault and is certainlyproving to be a b*gger to fix. He seems determined to try and fix it himselfand not give Vauxhall his hard earnt cash. Anyway he’s now down to last attempt– changing a sensor – if that doesn’t work , then Vauxhall will have won.

All this hasmeant he’s been using my car a lot and my petrol budget for the month is welland truly blown. Not only that, but on Saturday in Cambridgeshire on the way toWhittlesey Straw Bear, a lorry threw up a ‘boulder’ and I now have a largebullet type hole and some very long cracks in my windscreen. It’s going to befixed tomorrow but I have £100 excess to pay. So much for all my budgeting.

We had areally good day at Whittlesey [ if you discount the broken windscreen]. It wascold but thermals under my jeans and jumper seem to have worked and I didn’t feeltoo cold. Watching the straw bear dance was interesting – he certainly musthave been very fit to dance with all that straw weighing him down. Pretty Grim[ Harry’s border morris side] had a slow start to the day but finished withsome excellent dancing on their last spot outside the Letter B pub.

Just beendisturbed by the postman bringing the two Spot flap books I’ve ordered as partof Ella’s birthday present. She loves Spot so I think these are going to bewell read. This week I need to sort out all the things I have to take for herbirthday party on Saturday, make her card and wrap her presents. Also need tomake Harry’s daughters’ cards and sort out presents for them – will be a busyweek.

As to mybudgeting in 2012, this is having its ups and downs. My grocery shopping budgetis going fine and I have spent very little since Christmas but all my otherbudgets keep getting hit by unexpected events. Latest [after the windscreen] isnow the breadmaker that is making crunching noises when kneading. I am unsurewhat to do about all this as I feel I may have gone into this 2012 budgetchallenge too deeply and really should have taken it slowly. The time fordecision making has come. I am wondering if I should not be quite so harsh withmyself and just take it step by step.

Anotherreason perhaps to ease off pressure on the budget challenge is that I don’tseem to have been able to find the energy/willpower/motivation to go back to myweight loss programme. I put on about 5lb over Christmas and it still hasn’t gone.Since I know my weight affects my health, I must do something this week totackle this situation especially as I am not feeling too good at the moment. Mychest is painful and my stomach is rather unsettled. Actually writing all thisdown has made me decide – I am going to cut back on being so hard on the budgetand concentrate just on the grocery budget, watching household fuel consumption,and on my weight loss and fitness programme. Wow – I’ve made a decision!!

Really muststop now and go and get some of the dreaded housework done – see you all soon.xx

2012 Grocery Budget Challenge

2012-01-12T23:40:00.001Z

Today I have been doing a stock take of the freezer and have started on the cupboards. Have the basis for 45 meals in the freezer so with the addition of vegetables that should cover until approx end of Feb for our main meals. As to the storecupboard , it is embarrassing how much there is - 20 + tins of soup; loads of pasta, rice, coucous; 16 tins of beans; 15 tins of tomatoes ; 8 tins of sweetcorn; 7 stirfry sauces;21 cup a soups; and there's loads more as I haven't finished yet. It should be even possible to stretch into March without doing any big shop, especially as I also have 4 packs of sausages, lots of cheese and 14 eggs in the fridge.

So far I have spent £39. 47 on food since January 1st. Aim is now to spend no more than an average of £20 a week til at least March 10th. As my annual budget works out at £35 a week, that will really help when I come to restock the freezer. When that happens I want to buy all the ingredients and make up lots and lots of meals to put in the freezer. Wish me luck......

How are you trying to cut grocery spending this year?

4th January 2012

2012-01-04T09:26:00.004Z

Have wokenup feeling really cold – don’t seem to have mastered the central heatingcontrols. I know what I need to do to rectify the situation but doing it isanother matter. Why can’t they make instructions easy to follow?

The bread Imade last night is gorgeous. It was a cheating packet mix – sun dried tomatoone. I am slicing it with the electric slicer so am getting really thin slicesbut 3 slices for breakfast is a bit much , don’t you think? I seem to have lost a bit off the bottom ofthe breadmaking pan, which will stop it working. Harry has said he will sort itfor me – it’s good being married to an engineer!!

Have listed 6 items on ebay last night andalready have 5 followers on 3 items and a bid on another item. Would reallylike to make £50 from these items but am unsure whether that is actuallypossible. Have quite a few other items to list so hopefully will manage to getsome of that done later today.

Why is it sodifficult to get going when it’s cold? I know that if I move my fat butt fromthis chair and start moving I’ll get warmer but can’t seem to get motivated.Will someone please give me a kick.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T19:21:00.001Z

Happy Christmas to everyone ..........

Baby in a cage

2011-11-29T16:39:00.003Z

Really love this recent photo of Ella. She has got so active recently and certainly knows her own mind. If the gate is left open , she is there so quickly and the other day had a real tantrum when she couldn't be in the kitchen with her dad. She is going to be a right handful as she grows up!
This photo is so typical of her. She spends a large proportion of her time standing and always has some toy or another in her hand. Today she discovered all the switches etc on the sky box and tv.

As you might guess from all this I absolutely adore her and love spending time with her.

For the fallen

2011-11-11T10:48:00.002Z

For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

2011-11-09T17:14:00.001Z

Both £3.99 each at the Book People. And don't forget free delivery before midnight Friday - code SLEIGHDELS

Kirstie Allsopp - Craft

2011-11-09T17:00:00.000Z

The Book People are selling Kirstie Allsopp Craft for £6.99 and free delivery until midnight Friday if you use the following code SLEIGHDELS

CRB madness

2011-11-09T09:27:00.001Z

Would you believe it?- even though have a recent CRB, I can't volunteer in a school until I have another one done but I could do supply/permanent teaching work with my current CRB - doesn't make sense.

I only stopped full time teaching in the summer and after picking up my grandsons from school yesterday, realised how much I missed being in a school. I spoke to the head who said he'd love to have me in the school. So today I found my CRB certificate and phoned through only to be told by admin that another CRB check needs to be done. The school was severely critised by Ofsted for not having many parent/carer volunteers but I'm not surprised. I know children's safety is important but are we taking things too far?

Oysterband - a disappointment

2011-10-29T00:33:00.000+01:00

Just back from Bury St Edmunds and for the first time ever I wish we'd saved our money and stayed at home. It was billed as Oysterband with June Tabor but feel it should have been the other way round. June dominated the majority of the set and at times even John's mike was muted so that he could hardly be heard. There were only 4 'Oysterband' tracks if you include 'Turn out the lights' that June also sang on. I'm afraid I am never going to particularly like June Tabor - I can't even hear all the words she sings so when she talks about the importance of words in songs , it all rather misses the point!

I would really love to go to a 'real' Oysterband gig at this venue though. The acoustics in the apex really suited John's voice and the sound the band make.

So what set are they going to do at the Big Session? - if its this one I believe there will be a lot of very disappointed people.

On the bright side I'm looking forward to Oxjam tomorrow with the Bounty Hounds and Hedgepig

A slippery time

2011-10-28T14:59:00.000+01:00

Not a good mixture - a stone tile floor and a litre bottle of olive oil. I've done my best to clear it all up but am still left with a very slippery floor. Any suggestions??

A busy weekend.....

2011-10-17T08:44:00.000+01:00

Busy weekend for us with the collecting of a tea trolley, grandson's birthday treat and the model railway exhibition at Peterborough.....so tasks today but that includes shopping and a search in the charity shops for some bowls for the 70s inspired dinner party I am giving on Saturday. It seems like years since I have done a dinner party that wasn't family so I am a little anxious that it all goes okay.

Eating out this weekend has caused a blip on the diet front so have just had mushroom omelette for breakfast as I must get back on track. Now its a shower and to bag up clothes etc to take to charity shop whilst I'm there.

Saving £2500......

2011-10-03T20:14:00.000+01:00

Our conservatory has been leaking in several places for a while now and eventually we got a quote for a repair - a few quid short of £2500. So off to B&Q went my super husband, where he bought some proper bitumen flashing tape. Several hours later and a completely sealed roof even if it was about 8pm last night when he finished. Thanks Harry - love you loads

Faversham Hop festival

2011-09-06T11:10:00.003+01:00

This weekend we went with Pretty Grim morris to Faversham for the hop festival.
Leaving Ipswich about 3pm we braved the massive queues on the M25 and the Queen Elizabeth bridge and finally arrived on the school field of the school in Faversham where we were all camping. We were second to arrive and it didn't take that long to put up the awning and get ourselves settled. It was getting dark by the time others arrived and tents were erected in the poor light. We cooked a stir fry but others went to the fish and chips - Sean's portion looked like it could have fed a family for a week - okay a little exaggeration but not much.

Next morning it was off to the town centre for the festival. On the way Harry bought a new top hat as modelled above. I must admit I did steal it off him for quite a lot of the time.
On the first dance spot Pretty Grim were dancing with the Gong Scourers - see below:

The weather was really hot and the streets were packed. It got so packed at one point that the dancers had to keep the crowds back so that other dancers had space to dance

That evening we had our camp barbeque - there was so much food!!. Afterwards we kept the fire going until about 2am in the morning when the last of us retired to bed. Here I must mention Colin the crocodile that was burning on the fire - it's okay he wasn't a real crocodile but a log that resembled one.

The next day the weather wasn't so kind and when the dancers disappeared down the town I chose to stay at the caravan and get things sorted. Also there was a lot of clearing up of beer and cider bottles!!!!!

We fianally left Faversham about 5pm - another hop festival over for another year...

Samuel's now seven

2011-09-02T09:39:00.004+01:00

Seven years ago a little boy was born. Today he is a lively energetic seven year old who loves to paint and do 'sticking'.

This is Samuel and his older brother, at my house enjoying being creative.

For his birthday he asked his nannie [me] to create an art and craft box for him. I had great fun putting it together and yesterday he was delighted with the contents. Older brother, Charlie was also so impressed he has asked for a similar box for his birthday in October.

Happy Birthday Samuel

First Official day of retirement

2011-09-01T10:09:00.003+01:00

Today I feel great - it's the first official day of my retirement. I have so many plans and ideas for what I want to do- think I am going to be busier than ever!

I know I have been very lax lately with this blog so that is the first thing that will change.

So here is the first post of the new era in my life. And a new life it will be......... a recent diagnosis of diabetes will certainly see to that. The diagnosis has certainly knock me for six but I am determined to make the best of it. So far I have lost over a stone but have many more to go. My exercise for the moment will be getting this house and garden sorted and decluttered.

So here's to my new life......

Warwick Folk Festival

2011-08-02T09:29:00.003+01:00

This weekend was spent at the Warwick Folk Festival. It was a brilliant weekend spent in good company, with fantastic music and tasty food and drink. Harry and I arrived on the Thursday evening and set up camp making sure we saved space for our friend Claudine, who was arriving Friday. However she also bought another friend with her and fortunately we had saved enough space for a further tent.
On the Friday evening my favourite band of all played - Show of Hands:
They were brilliant as usual and we all had a great evening.
Throughout the weekend we listened to and discovered new and old singers and bands but also we did some shopping. Most festivals have stalls selling a variety of items but Warwick always seems to have, not only quite a large number of stalls, but also they have an excellent choice of items. I managed to get Ella a wicker chair, just like her mum had when she was young. The guy who sold it to me renovates old chairs and wicker items. On another stall I found a scarf that I can use to make cushion covers for the chair. I also bought 2 scarves for me, a super large basket , hair clip, tin whistle, necklace and a music case.
Unfortunately yesterday we had to pack up and come home.....but not for long we still have more festivals to attend this year...

My two beautiful girls

2011-07-16T23:26:00.001+01:00

Diagnosed type 2 diabetes

2011-07-12T12:28:00.002+01:00

The blood tests I had last week, have confirmed type 2 diabetes which needs medication to treat. This I hope is my wake up call. My diet needs to change and I must exercise. I have just reserved 2 books from the library on diabetes and I am determined to make the necessary changes in my lifestyle. Next I am going to measure up my livingroom window as I want to get some sort of net curtain so that I an exercise in there without giving the neighbours a comedy show to watch. Also need to send my sick notes into work - yes I have been given the next 2 weeks off and so won't ever be returning to school.

I spoilt myself today

2011-07-07T19:50:00.002+01:00

This morning I had to go to the hospital for a blood test, so knowing it would be really busy I got there for 8am. My face dropped as I entered the waiting room as it was half full already. So I took my ticket and sat down.....slowly the room began to empty and still it wasn't my turn. Eventually I was called and nervously I entered the cubicle and sat down. I explained that my veins are very awkward and this certainly proved to be the case. It took 2 attempts to drain me of blood. Finally I was able to leave and I noted that in the time I'd been in there the waiting room had filled again.

Knowing that Mollie Makes issue 3 was due out today I went to Sainsburys on the off chance that they might have it. To my delight they did and it soon found its way into my trolley as did all the following:

I know......I was very naughty , wasn't I? I told myself it was my reward for having had my blood test done. Now I just need to find the time to read them all.

What do you do to treat yourself?

Card for BIL

2011-07-02T11:45:00.004+01:00

The card I have made for my BIL for his birthday next week.

I'd like to enter this card in the Cards for Men challenge 13 - stars

Ella's new sundress

2011-06-29T12:38:00.002+01:00

This is Ella wearing the sundress I made her. It was the trial version [ made in cheap fabric]. Next one will need to be a little bigger as this one has no room for growth and could not be worn with a t-shirt under. Doesn't she look like her dad?

My latest card

2011-06-26T11:57:00.003+01:00

Not a brilliant photo but I was rushing as I need it posted for my step-father's birthday on Tues

Decluttering

2011-06-25T16:14:00.003+01:00

My house has become an absolute mess - there are things everywhere so I have started to declutter. The trouble is that it is such a slow process and I'm not sure what to do with it all.
Lots of my books especially teaching related are going onto Amazon - but even that is playing up to day. Somehow I think the whole process is likely to take the whole summer if I continue at this rate of progress.....HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

MSE challenge

2011-06-21T21:03:00.002+01:00

This is my entry for the current MSE challenge which is to use: a square card, 2 dp, 1 plain paper, ribbon or lace, 1 image and 1 flower.

My latest card

2011-06-20T18:41:00.003+01:00

I made this for my sister in law who is 50 this week. I am having problems photographing my cards. Not quite sure what I am doing wrong....

Only 5 weeks now until I retire. It seems to be taking all my energy just to keep going at the moment but come 22nd July my life will begin again. I can't wait!

A new face in Eastenders

2011-06-07T20:11:00.002+01:00

Yes, its David Essex. He may be 63 and grey, but for me he still has the magic in his eyes that he had 35/40 years ago, when his face peered down at me from my bedroom walls. Suddenly I can't miss an episode of Eastenders

Good Luck card

2011-06-05T11:39:00.003+01:00

My latest card - the colours in the top picture are more true than the bottom pic. I'd like to enter it in the MSE challenge [as long as I am not too late]

More cards......

2011-05-23T20:17:00.003+01:00

I have been busy over the weekend making more cards . Generally I am quite pleased with them but do think I need to work out the best way of photographing them.

Another card and a bracelet

2011-05-14T18:29:00.004+01:00

I'm getting the crafty bug again.... I know I should be marking but this is so much more fun. I have been out and bought more bits and now I have been looking on line at the Craft Robo. It looks brilliant but is it? Does anyone have one?
The bracelet is for my sister's birthday - she isn't into crafts and making things so I hope she likes it anyway.

Thanks Karen

2011-05-14T10:43:00.003+01:00

Karen from Karen's Crafty Corner and Clelmarsh Chunterings very kindly sent me some card making bits and pieces a couple of weeks ago. However because of marking coursework etc I haven't had time to play. But last night realising it was my sister's birthday next week, I decided to have a go. I am really pleased with the result - so thanks Karen. You are so kind.

So excited.....

2011-05-08T14:50:00.002+01:00

Harry has justed phoned to tell me he has managed to order my summerhouse. It's the model shown above but will come treated but not painted. Not sure yet when we'll get it but I hope it arrives in time for us to put it together during half term. Then I can start shabby chiccing it - can't wait!

A rather unfortunate photo

2011-05-04T17:58:00.002+01:00

What was happening here, I wonder?

So fed up.............

2011-04-17T15:43:00.002+01:00

The sun is shining and I'm marking coursework. What sane person does that on such a lovely day?

Second Day of the School Holidays

2011-04-12T19:38:00.003+01:00

A very mixed day with bits of the dreaded housework being done - not too much mind you as I had a book to read. I got 'High Wages' by Dorothy Whipple from the library the other day but not had a chance to start it.

It's really good and I'm certainly enjoying having time to read it. Just wish the copy I borrowed had this original cover.
I also did a little bit in the garden - clearing weeds from the patio. Getting the garden sorted is going to be quite a long job as we have really neglected it for quite a while. Still come the end of July I will have loads of time - a bit late for this year but I can get a head start for next year.

A Day in Ipswich with Sian and Ella

2011-04-11T20:20:00.000+01:00

Today I met up with Sian and baby Ella in Ipswich. Then it was first stop Early Learning where we did a lot of looking but no buying. The shop has really changed since the 80s when I used to visit with my three and they spent ages playing with the brio trainset. Today there was no trainset and although they still have some lovely toys, there was some definite gender marketing. This would have been a definite 'no no' in the 80s when all the toys were aimed at both genders. Really feel the shop has down graded itself and would love it to go back to those 'good old days'.

Then it was off to some of the cheap shops - Wilkinsons and Poundland to look at the gardening bits. I got a gardening bag for all the weeds and cuttings but didn't realise how big it was - its huge and really not that practical. Sian wanted Boots for baby bits and then we went to a Eco nappy shop. For those who haven't seen a nappy for years - they have changed from this:

to this: For those who have never visited, Ipwich is a lovely town - full of old buildings

and with a lovely waterfront:

but unlike its neighbouring Norwich, Ipswich doesn't seem to know how to market itself.

Anyway after a long morning we stopped and had jacket potatoes in the Buttermarket, and I was introduced to the delights of the baby changing area there. Soon it was time to kiss Sian and Ella goodbye but not for too long as I'll be seeing them again on Saturday.

The beautiful Ella

2011-04-08T21:49:00.002+01:00

On my mind.......

2011-04-07T19:44:00.004+01:00

This post is part of a challenge set by Rhonda at Down to earth

To take part, all you have to do is post a photo, write a short caption explaining it, and link it back to her blog. .

...... is Ella, my gorgeous granddaughter. I can't wait til Saturday when I will see her again and of course will also see her mum, Sian, and her dad, Ian. They live about 45 mins away in Halesworth, which means I don't get to see her quite as often as I'd like.

A busy weekend

2011-03-27T16:25:00.002+01:00

This weekend I have finally managed to get washing on the line. I love the smell of washing that has been dried on the line but with leaving for work so early in the morning, I can never quite get it out before I leave.
Yesterday before taking the caravan to get some work done on it, I, feeling quite virtuous pegged out some washing on the line. However by the time we returned, after seeing Sian, Ian and baby Ella, and doing the shopping, the skies had opened and it was pouring.
So this morning, when I came to peg out a second lot, I found that the first lot still hadn't dried so now there are two loads drying on the line.
Have to keep reminding myelf that it won't get dark til later tonight so there is plenty of time to do things - think the lawn mower is calling.................

Tired and exhausted

2011-03-25T22:26:00.003Z

The end of another working week that once again confirms that I am making the right decision in retiring at the end of the summer. The demands of the job seem to be growing on a daily basis and despite having an excellent lesson with a class of year 10 students, I know that I can't keep it up. I will miss the students and will always want to know how they are getting on in life but the time is definitely approaching when I have to call it a day.

I came home full of good intentions to get all sorts done when I got home but I have done nothing besides preparing a salad for tea.

But tomorrow's another day and hopefully the sun will shine!

Latest photo of Ella

2011-03-22T22:34:00.002Z

I absolutely love this photo. It's definitely 'like mother like daughter'. Only 2 months old and already surrounded by all her belongings - have you spotted a copy of The Hungry Caterpillar in the pram hood. She's already got her 'baby library card' and if this photo is anything to go by, she will make good use of it.

One Step at a Time

2011-03-22T21:48:00.001Z

Ages ago I tried to have an alternative blog that would chart and record the changes I made in my life. It was a failure. Not only didn't I manage to make those changes but I also failed to keep up with the blog.
A decision had to be made. I still want to make the changes but trying to keep up two blogs is not possible [ I have enough difficulty with one ]. So as of today the two blogs are amalgamated. I have copied the posts from the other blog into this one just so I can look back at what I am trying to achieve.

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Another new start - Feb 2011

I am going to have another go at something I started last year but failed miserably at.
So here again is going to be a record of the changes that I need to make in my life. I've reached 54 and know that over the next few years I need to make some quite big changes in my life.
The changes I want to achieve:

substantial weight loss
retire at the end of the summer term
grow some of our own food
pay off the mortgage
cut our monthly expenses
to have more 'me' time
to have more quality time with my husband
to spend more time with my extended family
to spend more time with friends

There are some quite big changes there which is why I once again think a blog may help me keep track of what I am doing and where I am going.

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Next step - decluttering

On one of the forums I belong to someone suggested trying to get rid of 100 items from your home by March 31st.
What a good idea I thought - surely it can't be that difficult - WRONG AGAIN!!!!!!

So far I have managed to sort out and put in the paper recycling 4 items - catalogues from Lakeland.

Now what else can I find?????

Monday, 22 March 2010

List maker

I don't know about you but I find the process of making lists therapeutic. It's almost as though I am on top of things if I include it all on a list. However increasingly I am finding my lists are being created but nothing is getting done. So change is needed.....

I need to find a way of ensuring the tasks I need to complete [whether household tasks, tasks associated with work or those family type commitments] are actually done. Over the years I have tried various solutions when finding myself in this predicament - yes, this isn't the first time I have found myself in this situation. You would have thought that I'd have learnt something over the years, but the truth of the matter is, that I haven't. I've done the lucky dip method, the advert space between programmes method, the kitchen timer method, to name but a few - and each one although working for one or even when I'm being really good, two sessions, soon fails me.......

So once again I must try and find ways to convince myself to get tasks completed. This time I have decided for the household task lists to use the 'get fit' method. Each household task must involve the burning of more calories than sitting here at the pc or at my desk sewing, knitting etc........mustn't it??

The trouble is I'd rather be doing this:

How do you convince yourself to complete all those 'horrid' tasks that take you away from what you'd rather do?

Step One

My first step is to eat a healthy diet today - I told you it would be one step at a time!!

So far I've had porridge for breakfast and salad, quiche and a yogurt for lunch. I have also had a snack mid-morning of a piece of fruit. I am still drinking coffee and reducing that will come much later.

Sunday, 21 March 2010

The beginning

I am starting this blog as a record of the changes that I need to make in my life. I've reached 53 and know that over the next few years I need to make some quite big changes in my life.
The changes I want to achieve:

substantial weight loss
growing some of our own food
pay off the mortgage
cut our monthly expenses
to have more 'me' time
to have more quality time with my husband
to spend more time with my extended family
to spend more time with friends

There are some quite big changes there which is why I thought a blog may help me keep track of what I am doing and where I am going.

Feeling sorry for myself

2011-03-17T10:26:00.003Z

For the third time this winter I am suffering from a horrid cough/chest infection. I just wish I could go a few weeks without feeling so horrid.

Yes, you're right two posts in one day! Like buses wait for ages for one, and they all come at once!!

A perfect day!

2011-03-17T10:24:00.000Z

Saturday started with a visit to Lowestoft to Claire's new shop. It opened the previous Saturday and so I was really eager to see inside it.
It was great...loads of super fabric, ribbons, sewing notions and some jewellery making equipment. Had a good look round and was hoping to get enough of the fabric below for a cloth for my kitchen table but unfortunately Claire didn't have enough left. Apparently it has been selling really fast but she is soon getting some more in and has promised to let me know when its back in stock.

After leaving Patch, we went to a model shop that Harry wanted to visit before going onto Bungay and a quilting shop there. Could only spend 10 minutes looking at material before the shop shut - good thing really as I could have spent a fortune. Then it was off to Sian and Ian's, where Harry cut their grass and I got lots of cuddles from Ella, my 7 week old grandaughter.
What a perfect day!

2011 Census

2011-03-08T17:18:00.004Z

Have just received the 2011 census pack through the door. And want I want to know is, how is Ella is going to answer some of the questions on the census - what is your main language? Cooing. How well can you speak English? I can't. What was your main address one year ago?...... suggestions for this question please.....

Ella

2011-02-21T17:03:00.002Z

Ella Rose Pettit born 20th January 2011

2011-01-20T21:19:00.001Z

Ella at five and a half hours old

Mother and daughter

A very proud grandma

It's nearly time!

2011-01-19T19:39:00.003Z

Sian is at the hospital being induced. Visiting ended at 6.30pm so I was unable to go and see her. Really can't settle to anything at the moment as all I want to do is be with her and it doesn't help knowing that she is over an hour's drive away.
Apparently also if she hasn't got very far by 9.30pm Ian will be sent home!!!! I thought the whole experience of giving birth had become much more mother and baby friendly but it seems not.

Waiting Patiently .........NOT

2011-01-03T15:47:00.003Z

Sian is due a week today and I was so hoping that her baby would be born during the Christmas holidays. Mine were all early [approx 2 weeks early] and I was born 3 weeks early - so why is Sian still holding onto hers.

All joking aside I am really looking forward to her birth but am thinking she will be at least 10 years old before I finish the baby cardigan I am knitting. Must try and get it done but am really worried about the front border as I have never done that before. May be asking for someone's advice soon

My Beautiful flowers

2010-12-30T18:11:00.005Z

I was a very lucky mummy just before Christmas when the flowers you see above, arrived at my door with a note ' Thank you for everything over the last few months. I couldn't ask for a better role model as a mum. Your help and support means the world to me. Love Sian xxx'
Isn't that lovely?

Haven't the past two weeks flown by...... but in that time I've seen all my children, step-children, grandchildren, my mum and my sister so it has been a real family time. Just need Sian to give birth to my first granddaughter and it will be perfect.

Haven't been that productive sewing wise except for making Sian 4 of these lavender bags for the babies drawers: and making her a mei tai baby sling/carrier [ it's so large with all the straps etc I can't photograph it ]

Hope you all had a good Christmas and I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year

The start of the Christmas holidays

2010-12-17T21:58:00.003Z

At long last, the Christmas holidays begin. I feel so much more relaxed already. Tonight I've been sewing two Christmas stockings for Sian and Ian, and have made 3 stollens that are in the oven at the moment. Have some parcels to wrap tonight but will do that later. Finally some time to be creative and be 'myself' once again.
Tomorrow, weather being okay, we are off to see Sam in Norfolk, picking up Sian, Ian and my ex on the way. Let's hope the snow keeps away. Then on Sunday Joe and Emma are coming to stay. Some fun times ahead....

I day to go..........

2010-12-16T22:53:00.002Z

Only one day to go and then 17 days [including weekends] off work. The house look likes a bomb has hit it and I've got lots of sewing that needs doing - so there's plenty to do...

2 days to go......and paper chain fum!!

2010-12-15T22:19:00.003Z

The school holidays are getting nearer and nearer. Today I have been making paper chains but stupid me left one of the made chains on the floor and stood on it. I've managed to straighten it out a bit but am still feeling really annoyed with myself. After all they aren't cheap.

3 days to go.......

2010-12-14T21:45:00.005Z

Isn't it terrible wishing your life away? But somehow I can't help but wish it was Friday at 3.30pm.

Not much in terms of Christmas preparations completed today - one present handed out and that's it. Tomorrow I must try to do more - as school reports often say ' could do better!'

4 days to go..........

2010-12-13T20:15:00.003Z

After a very difficult term there are only four more days to teach before the Christmas holidays begin. I have so much planned, that only a fraction will probably be achieved. One thing I am determined to do is relax. My batteries certainly need re-charging and a few days reading, crafting, spending time with Harry are just what the doctor ordered.

But before the weekend, there are presents to wrap, cards to write, stockings to make, a couple of stollens to bake and between all that I must teach classes of pupils, whose only thoughts are of having fun and Christmas. Good job, I am planning a Christmas Quiz and have a tin of chocolates to share around - hopefully that will keep them all happy on Thursday and Friday.

My new CK bag

2010-11-27T19:00:00.002Z

Have been looking at this in the CK catalogue and web site and drooling. Today we went to Southwold and had a lovely lunch in the Red Lion. When we left the Red Lion I went looking for the shop that sells CK, that my daughter told me about and there was the BAG and at 25% off!!. Imagine my joy when Harry said he would buy it for me. So I am now the very proud owner of this delightful bag - Thanks so much Harry

Goodies from Jenny

2010-11-21T10:01:00.004Z

I have been meaning to post pictures of the wonderful swap Jenny from http://winnibriggshouse.blogspot.com sent me. I was so lucky in receiving so many wonderful items. Jenny, I haven't forgotten your swap, but I am still putting it together - sorry for the delay.

And now for the photos:

Wasn't I lucky? Thanks so much, Jenny

Bean's bag and other items

2010-11-21T09:48:00.003Z

Here is Bean's finished bag

A side pocket:
The inside:

All the items made so far:
A bib:

Sewing for Bean

2010-11-19T20:06:00.004Z

Many of you may know that my daughter,Sian is pregnant. The baby is due on January 10th and I'm getting really excited. By the way Sian and her partner, Ian, call the baby Bean at the moment. I promised Sian I would do some sewing for her. I bought this pattern and she chose the material and I have now made a bag for the nappies etc - its lovely with two side pockets, one large back pocket and three pockets inside; 3 bibs; a changing mat; and a burp cloth- all using this pattern.
As soon as I can get my camera sorted I'll take some photos of what I have made.

I'm Back!!!!!

2010-11-17T12:47:00.006Z

and determined to continue this time.

I have a lot of catching up to do and some people I need to contact. Will try to get some of it done in the next day or to as I have some photos to download etc.,

In the meantime, the Cath Kidston Christmas Gift guide has just been posted through my door. And what amazing eye candy it all is!! There is so much in there that is tempting me and yet I am trying hard not to spend

So here is my challenge: I will not buy from Cath Kidston but will attempt to create the look through cheaper alternatives.
I have already started as I have bought this for £6.90:instead of this from CK for £15:
And this for £2.30:

Instead of £5 from CK:

Last week's wedding

2010-09-19T22:32:00.004+01:00

The photo was taken by Charlie, my eldest grandson

I am really going to try.....................

2010-09-11T10:00:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone. I am going to try and start posting again but as there is so much I can post about the summer, before I go and get ready for my step-daughter's wedding at 2.30 this afternoon, I thought I'd share with you one of my favourite photos from my son's wedding 3 weeks ago. The setting was the hot house in Sheffield Botanical gardens, the sun shone and it was a wonderful occasion. Tomorrow I'll try and post more.....

I'm back but only just!

2010-08-01T23:08:00.004+01:00

I found this on a random trawl around blogs and it looked like fun… Anybody else wanting to join in and compare notes?

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more to charity than you could afford
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11.bungee jumped
12. visited paris

13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. grown your own vegetables-
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitchhiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb - and bottle fed it
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse –
30. watched a sunrise or sunset –
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34.visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person –
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michael Angelo's David in real life
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the cistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl guide cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky-diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86.visited the White House
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a bookclub
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby

95. seen the Alamo in person
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

Things are not good - normal service suspended for the time being!

2010-06-29T17:06:00.003+01:00

Things in my life are not good at the moment and it is all caused by my job. I have decided I need some 'time out' in order to sort out my priorities in life. Not sure it will do any good especially as I can't see the job situation getting any better, but I feel I need to do something. One aspect of my life that I feel I can do something about is my use of the pc. Blogging, facebook and other sites are taking up far too much of my time. Therefore I am going to restrict my time on the pc and am going to stop blogging for a short while. I will be back - not sure when but you haven't got rid of me, I can promise you that.

First Suffolk Meetup

2010-06-27T17:38:00.003+01:00

Five of us met up this afternoon at Southwold - Vicki, Dawn, Tracey, Shirl [plus husband, daughter and dog] and myself. I got there first and nervously awaited the arrival of the others. Next to arrive was Vicki and Dawn, shortly followed by Tracey. Soon we were all chatting away about numerous subjects and then Shirl arrived with her family. We then left the pier area and went to the boating lake as Vicki had seen a picture of the tea shop there. Despite having visited Southwold for the last 25 years I had no idea it was there:
As we went through the gate way we spotted the 'lake' minus boats but it had at least two families of ducks swimming around.
As we walked closer we could see the chairs outside but it wasn't til we got closer we spotted the variety of seating and the blankets and cushions scattered around.

I'm afraid I didn't take any close ups so you will have to wait for Vicki's photo of us all together and Tracey's photo of her scone and tea.
Thanks for a lovely afternoon, ladies and a special thank you to Tracey for a little gifts and to Vicki for arranging it
Snape Maltings next time, I believe

St John's Street Fair

2010-06-20T17:22:00.005+01:00

We started the day by stopping off at our friend, Jo's stall for coffee and cake:
And I couldn't resist taking some photos of her shop window:
Later I did go in and buy some red spotted lidded bowls, some dolly pegs and some gorgeous vintage design napkins
Could have bought loads more but maybe another day.

Then it was off to the top of the street where it meets the main part of Bury for the first dance.
Harry in action with his stick....

In the background of the photo above , you will see Jo again - this time playing fiddle in the band that plays for the dancers.
After the dancers had finished we went to one of the pubs for lunch and then it was back for more dancing and scaring of the crowd.
We ended the day listening to the Bounty Hounds
And yes, you are right.....there is Jo again - one very talented lady.

It was a super day despite it raining several times

2010-06-13T14:10:00.002+01:00

Only 6 weeks til the summer holidays then its 5 and a half weeks to recharge my batteries, get the house, my office and my classroom back into some sort of order ready for the new school year. I hate disorder and yet seem to spend so much of each year in that state.

Anyway for the time being I just need to try and keep on top of things the best I can. Have bought three of the large beech bookcases from Argos this morning and, now I just need to clear the spare room a bit so there is room to put them against one wall. That will then, give me a lot of space to put all my books etc. Kitchen also needs a good sort out and the washing and ironing doing. No peace for the wicked, as they say.

Sorry if I haven't commented on your blog recently - I will try and do better next week. Also there are several people I need to contact - again a job for next week....

Great News!!

2010-06-09T23:07:00.003+01:00

I am finally allowed to tell everyone that I am going to be a proper Grandma [rather than step-grandma] in January. I am so excited and am busy trying to decided what I am going to make first for the baby. Thanks to the fabric addict swap I have already got some children's fabric so I now need to look for some coordinating fabric to go with it. So glad I an at last share the news with you all.

Charlie and Elvis Jewellery

2010-06-05T20:37:00.005+01:00

Some of you may know that my eldest son. Joe and his soon to be wife, Emma make jewellery which they sell under the name of Charlie and Elvis Jewellery. They are at most of the vintage fairs in Sheffield, Leeds and surrounding areas.
This week they were part of the Pop-Up Boutique in Meadowhall. A promotional piece was done by Meadowhall TV

I am a very proud mummy.
Joe and Emma appear several times in the video. The first sighting is of Emma at 13 seconds in when she appears walking in [she has her hair tied back and is the one on the left. The first time Joe appears is at 1min 15 seconds when he is in the background with Emma [Joe is wearing a black jacket].
The stall is seen at 2min 43 seconds and then Joe is seen at 3min 34 seconds going through a rack of clothes. They are both seen together behind a counter at 3 min 41 seconds.

Fabric swap and new shopping trolley

2010-06-05T15:02:00.005+01:00

Two exciting happenings - discovered the above in a local hardware store and it just had to come home with me......
Also the postman delivered my fabric swap from Sue at Vintage from the Village .

Sue had wrapped it all beautifully:

First a photo of all the contents together:
Some wonderful large squares of green and pink fabric that coordinates wonderfully:
A tin of buttons in a tin in a little bag[more about the buttons later], various ribbons, a lavender sachet with an appropriate ribbon tag and two super mags that I had never seen before:
Larger pieces of fabric - two of which are children's prints and I hope I'll soon be able to tell you all, why this is so appropriate but I am sworn to secrecy at the moment:
A lovely card and some super brown coordinating squares:
And finally the contents of the button tin:
Haven't I been lucky?
Thanks so much Sue, its all wonderful and very ME.

Update on Charlie

2010-06-04T09:34:00.002+01:00

Thanks everyone for you best wishes for Charlie. He is much better now and much more his old self. Think it will take some time to get over the memories for both him and his younger brother, Samuel, who witnessed the accident.

Tacky Felixstowe and Dad's Army

2010-06-03T11:50:00.005+01:00

You might wonder what the two [Tacky Felixstowe and Dad's Army] have in common. The answer is May Bank Holiday Weekend. The rain kept us at home a lot of the time but on Sunday late afternoon I collected all our 2ps from the piggy bank and we headed down to the tacky end of Felixstowe to play the machine followed by fish and chips:
One of the advantages of Felixstowe is the opportunity to watch various ships come in or out of the docks - this time it was a Stena line ship bound for Harwich:
So you can really see how tacky this part is I took the following two photos:

Don't worry, not all of Felixstowe is like that - I love old Felixstowe and will show you that another day.
On the Monday with the weather not much better, Harry had the brain wave of visiting Bressingham. I must admit, not one of my favourite places but I could come up with no better idea - so off we went. First we looked round the garden centre - the plants there are really healthy but so so expensive. Then it was into the museum and before going on the trains, we visited the Dad's Army display:

Then it was time to visit the rest of the place -I love the painted horse!
A train ride:
Then we took a different train around the gardens:

Overall not a bad day but an expensive one.....

Poor Charlie

2010-05-30T19:44:00.004+01:00

On Friday afternoon coming home from school with his mum and brother, my grandson,Charlie was hit by a car on a crossing even though the green man was on. He was flung in the air, hit the bonnet and then landed several feet away. He was knocked unconscious for 5-10 mins but had woken by the time the ambulance arrived. Amazingly enough however he escaped with only a broken arm and cuts and grazes. He was kept in hospital overnight but was allowed home yesterday morning. We have been told his arm could take up to 12 weeks to heal.

Year 11 are leaving........

2010-05-27T16:48:00.004+01:00

So it's time to get out that special notebook

in which to write those special messages

which will be read over and over again.......

'Miss said she can't put my photo on her blog, because I might be recognised ....now I won't!!'

'And now I'm leaving I can stop hiding my phone!'

Thought you all might like to get some insight into the last days of being in year 11......

Confession of a fabric addict

2010-05-26T20:53:00.006+01:00

Even though I possibly have enough fabric to start my own shop I could not resist this site:
http://www.hawthornethreads.com

The cost per yard worked out at a very reasonable £6 a yard for the ones I bought [ including postage].
And what did I buy?

The Apron Swap

2010-05-26T13:37:00.003+01:00

I came home early from school yesterday as I was feeling decidedly unwell, so I spent the afternoon finishing the apron, I'm sending to Virginia in Tasmania. I won't show the whole apron but a sneek preview of part of it:She is appliquéd on - this is the first time I've done any appliqué so is not perfect but I hope Virginia likes it

Weekend starts here................

2010-05-21T17:30:00.003+01:00

At long last its the weekend. Not sure what I'm planning for tomorrow yet but being out in the fresh air is a certain. When you spend all day in a classroom, you have to take any opportunity you can to be outside.
Sunday I'm planning on sewing - I need to make something for my sister's birthday, sort out some swaps and I want to make myself a top. I haven't done any clothes sewing for years - so I'm hoping its like riding a bike - you never forget.
Hope everyone has a good weekend
xxx

Ipswich Waterfront Vintage Market

2010-05-16T14:02:00.006+01:00

This morning I popped down to the waterfront [ I must admit it's been a while since I have visited] as there was a vintage market on. There were lots of people there, so taking photos was difficult at times but I did get some good ones of the waterfront

Eventually we got to where the stalls started:
Had to wait around a bit in order to get some photos without too many customers/browsers in front of the stalls:

Then I spotted this and couldn't resist photographing it:
The changing room sign - I wonder if they realised the N was the wrong way around:

And the next one is next month in Woodbridge - I definitely hope to be there:

Coursework nightmare nearly over!

2010-05-15T17:26:00.002+01:00

The last couple of weeks have been really manic with trying to get coursework out of pupils. Some hand it in and expect to get an A, even if its full of mistakes; some again hand it in and haven't taken any notice of advice you have given them and are upset when its a low grade, and finally some just don't hand it in.

Of course all this is not their fault. The last twenty years of education changes have made sure of that. If the pupil doesn't get the grade, misbehaves in lessons, or truants - it must be the fault of the teacher!!

League tables and Ofsted have created a climate in schools, where more and more the teacher has to do the thinking for the pupil and almost has to do the 'work' for them. I am seriously concerned that we are breeding a generation who have no idea of working hard, and don't know what it means to think or take responsibility for themselves.

Hopefully tomorrow I will finish all the coursework marking and on Monday the exams begin. Now the revision sessions become more frequent - before school, lunchtimes and after school. Pupils attend when and where they like, but the teacher is there for all of them.

Don't get me wrong, there are loads of really lovely pupils who do work but there is at least an equal number who seem to expect it all to be done for them.

Need some help/advice............

2010-05-10T18:30:00.006+01:00

As some of you may know, my eldest son is getting married in late August to a super girl he met whilst at Uni. [Let's hope it doesn't rain that day]
They are marrying at the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield - Emma in a 50s type dress and Joe in a vintage suit [ if he can find one in time]. There will be family there but not that many - it will mainly be the friends they have made over the last few years at icehockey, work and at the vintage fairs they do.
My problem is what do I wear? I had hoped to lose some weight but it doesn't seem to be happening - so the best way of describing my shape is short and very very round. I don't wear dresses or skirts [ I don't even own a dress or skirt]. I had thought of wearing black trousers, my new red shoes [which I love and by the way I don't do heels]:
Then I have a smart white jacket[which I may or may not need] and was wondering about making a top - trouble is to go with the shoes it ought to have red in and the bride [ Emma] is wearing white with a red fabric belt around her middle. Lets hope Joe isn't reading this.
So what fabric do I use?
Have found these which I like but am unsure about:

Trouble is they are quite expensive [for me anyway]and I want to be certain they are right.
So what do you think? Am I on the right lines or should I go back to the drawing board?

Make me smile award

2010-05-09T10:36:00.002+01:00

Have received this award from Karen at Tilly Rose. Thanks so much, Karen

The rules for the "Make Me Smile Award" is to list 7 things you love about where you live. Here goes:

My garden backs onto woodland
My house is now becoming more 'me' and feeling more like 'home' everyday
The Suffolk coast line is very near
Felixstowe library is only a few miles away and its so easy to reserve books
The customs and local traditions are returning
Good music in many of the Suffolk pubs
The Suffolk countryside

Saturday Rain

2010-05-08T11:46:00.001+01:00

It's the weekend and yet again its raining............

My Bank Holiday Weekend

2010-05-03T20:58:00.008+01:00

The weekend started with the setting up of 'camp' Including this cheerful ladybird and the bunting shown below:

And of course the compulsory windsoc:
Harry snapped in the awning:
Then the next morning[Sat] it was into Rochester for the festival. But first a walk through the visitor centre where they are counting the days until the Olympics:
And Mr Dickens greeting all visitors:
Then to the main High Street and the dancing:
Harry waiting for the rest of Pretty Grim to join him - he had to stop the face paint half way up his head because of the shingles scabs:
More dancers:

Young and old:

A photo looking back up the high street
A beautiful building - the gardens of which we sat in to eat our lunch:

Then more dancers:
And the horse:
And some strange characters:
More dancers including Harry with Pretty Grim:

Then Saturday night it was to the pub to listen to The Bounty Hounds. Can anyone spot the singer, John in any of the other photos?

Unfortunately on Sunday it poured and I decided to have a quiet day in the caravan, reading and trying to master crocheting. Today it was back to the pub to watch The Bounty Hounds before our journey home.

Rain, rain go away,come again another day.......

2010-05-02T13:47:00.002+01:00

Here I am sitting in the caravan with the rain still beating down outside. Not my original plan at all. The plan was, that the sun would shine, the streets of Rochester would fill with people watching the morris dancers and the music would be blaring from the outside stagesAnd bynow I would be eating a tasty creamy ice cream. So much for plans......

View from my classroom

2010-04-28T17:04:00.004+01:00

Today was a horrendous day - the coursework deadlines have passed and some pupils have still not handed in all their work. On top of that, several seem to think it's the teacher's job to do the work for them.

But at lunchtime I tried to forget all that and I took a few photos of the trees and blossom that can be seen from the classroom window - how could I remain stressed when I could see such a beautiful sight?

This second photo was taken from my desk:

How peaceful the class is, when the pupils have left the room!

Laughter

2010-04-26T16:40:00.006+01:00

Keep on laughing - its good for you!!!!

After having a really hard day at school I thought the above was so important.
Certainly I know that when I laugh, I always feel so much more relaxed. So lets all take time to laughat various points during our day.

A Busy Sunday

2010-04-25T19:13:00.002+01:00

This morning started with the making of a cushion for my chair in my craftroom and then the making of this bag, with the same material that was used for the cushion being used for the bottom half of the bag. I'm quite pleased with it but may have a go at changing the strap as I found it slightly too wide when I used the bag this afternoon.
Then we went to Stowmarket to see Chris, Harry's son and to give him his Easter Egg - I know it's rather late but it's still chocolate and who can refuse chocolate? Also we took him a box of beers . Whilst we were there, he showed me how they mix music for raves and I had a go. Wasn't music for my ear- just a noise,but then perhaps that is just my age showing!

Then I was a very good wifee and accompanied Harry to the Stowmarket Model Railway Show where they had 20 layouts showing. The one below was one of my favourites and I must admit it was the village scenes that I liked about this one.

Then it was off the a small Tescos that stays open late for something for tea and then home. Now I am writing this between marking GCSE essays - I know which activity I prefer, but writing my blog doesn't pay the bills!!

Happy St George's Day

2010-04-23T17:27:00.005+01:00

I am fed up with people thinking that The English flag and celebrating St George's day is racist. It is not. Unfortunately for some reason we have allowed an extremist organisation, the BNP [ whose leader, Nick Griffin, has even gone so far as to question the veracity of the Holocaust!]to hijack the flag and some of our English folk songs.
On Twiggy's blog she has listed 10 reasons to celebrate being English
Here are mine:
Folk music
Music festivals
Morris dancing
Seaside resorts and piers
Real ale and cider
Our beautiful countryside
Fish and chips
Ancient woodlands
Country pubs
Country villages

Anyone interested watch this

First Day Back and my poor husband

2010-04-19T16:22:00.005+01:00

Today was the first day back after a wonderful two week break [except of course for the day I went into school to teach a revision session and all the time I spent marking and preparing work].
What a shock it was to the system, when the alarm clock went off at 7am and I had to get up. Still never mind - as today was an inset day [training day] I could wear my own clothes and not my 'school uniform'. So jeans and casual shirt it was, a quick breakfast and off to school I went.

After several computer problems when my laptop didn't like the updates that had been done to the system, it was time to go to the hall for a staff briefing. Very sad news followed - when we were told a colleague had lost her battle with cancer and had died over the weekend. After being told that, computer problems and staff missing because they were in foreign lands, seemed totally unimportant.

The pupils will be told tomorrow. This is the second time this year, they will have been told of the death of a member of staff - the first was a member of my department, who was killed by a train in January. I am expecting tomorrow will be a difficult day.

The rest of the day consisted of training on new computer systems and working on our assessment procedures.

I left work a little early to collect my poor husband, Harry to take him to the eye clinic. Yesterday he was diagnosed with shingles and as it is affecting his eye, they wanted to check behind it to ensure it wasn't infected. Fortunately the news was good and the actual eye is okay but they want to check him again in a weeks time. He is however feeling very sorry for himself so I am trying to be extra nice to him. Unfortunately I am not a very good nurse.

So tomorrow morning, it will be back to school again but this time with the actual pupils there - [ it's amazing how quiet a school is when the pupils are not there!]

It's Hot!!!!

2010-04-17T14:00:00.005+01:00

Yes, you are reading it correctly - that is the temperature on my patio this afternoon. I must admit that it is sheltered and in full sun , but its hardly a temperature to complain about is it?
Photos of the garden from the patio - whoops maybe I should have removed the washing line!

Craft magazine

2010-04-17T08:44:00.009+01:00

Yesterday afternoon whilst waiting for my prescription to be ready at the chemist, I had a wander round the Co-op and found this:

"Woman's Weekly", you may all gasp. "Surely not!"
But before you judge you might just take look at some of the pages from it.

First , what cutie wouldn't look lovely in this hooded top?Does your house suffer from draughts? Not anymore with this friendly looming draught excluder:

Then feast your eyes on these very cute Scandinavian baby slippers:

A rather appealing cross stitch to celebrate the eventual arrival of Spring:

An absolutely gorgeous rag doll, whose name is Pippa:

Ahoy me hearties: What about this swashbucklin' pirate?

Or this patchwork and appliqué adorable Spring themed quilt

And with just a few bits of scrap fabric and some buttons, your little angel could make herself one of these:

And now we are all busy in the garden, what could be more useful than this gardener's apron?

Have you changed your mind about "Woman's Weekly" yet? I know I have and I'll certainly be looking out for their summer edition of this craft special

Charlie and Elvis new folksy shop

2010-04-13T14:37:00.006+01:00

My son and his partner have been creating unique, handmade jewellery with a vintage twist for some while now. They now attend quite a few of the vintage fairs in the north - Leeds, Sheffield, Manhester etc.,They create individual pieces inspired by their favourite things - fairytales, tea parties, nature, the seaside and much more!... You can also find them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charlieandelvis

Their shop an be found here

Here are some examples of some of their latest pieces:

My cleaner kitchen

2010-04-12T10:51:00.004+01:00

Due to my flylady efforts the kitchen is now looking a lot better

Monday Morning

2010-04-12T09:44:00.002+01:00

I said that I'd join in with the weekly flylady on the MSE this week - so I will. Anything that will ensure I get this house back into some kind of order must be worthwhile.
It was difficult getting out of bed this morning as for some reason it seemed a bit cold. But eventually I braved the arctic conditions of the bedroom and got dressed quickly, putting an my thick cardi to keep out the cold. Then it was downstairs for breakfast and a quick check of emails before getting started. However I was delayed by the postman bringing a few goodies to the door - my free BBC seeds, a copy of Country Living and my parcel of ribbons ordered from Patch.
But now there are no more excuses and I must get going on the following:
Monday ~ Kitchen/Dining area
Level One
Sweep and mop floors
Declutter and wipe worksurfaces
Level Two
Scrub the fronts of units and large appliances
Wipe and replace the small appliances
Wipe tables and place clean cloth
Level Three
Clean out a cupboard..
Scrub the sink and shine the taps and tiles
Clean out the fridge!
Extras

Wipe over oven and hob
Declutter and wipe window sills
Empty and wash out bins.. recycling, rubbish and compost! (inside bins not wheelies!!!!)
HHI