26 December 2009

All over for another year .......

Christmas day has come and gone, we had a good time, lots of lovely presents, too much to eat, lots of leftovers. The snow left, so no white Christmas, but by the sound of the forecast we may get a white new year.

Just off my needles is this cute young lady - Jessica Rabbit, I'm quite pleased with her, but maybe she could have had a bit more stuffing



Made this for Rachel - a pocketed scarf



My next project is to finish off a WIP, its been hanging around for a while, a pram blanket in petal squares, easy enough but because its squares easy to put away to another day! However, I plan not to have any WIP's this coming year and to finish all projects before starting another, I've got into some bad habits. The stash busting is well underway, as long as I can keep away from the yarn sales.



Off to make a drink and maybe get a mince pie....

23 December 2009

I'm free....

my work is done, my time's my own until 4 January.

As this year comes racing to a close its time to reflect on the past year, such alot has happened but at the same time where has another year gone.

Highlights of this year have been:
Rebecca and Tim's wedding
Rachel's promotion to Senior Youth Offending Officer
The annoucement that we are to be grandparents in 2010
My weight loss - 33lbs
New friends - my ladies on Ravelry

Low points:
My father's cancer
The loss of 2 friends, one old, the other not so

Things to look forward to in 2010 so far:
The baby of course in June
Lots of concerts booked
My first trip to Switzerland

I hope that whatever you are doing this christmas you have a lovely time and see you in 2010

18 December 2009

The north wind doth blow and we will have snow......

and no electricity!!! Our power went off at 9:50pm last night and finally came back on at 2:15pm this afternoon, then went off again, then on, currently its been stable for about an hour now. Fortunately we have plenty of candles and matches, a bath by candle light is very romantic but the goose bumps from the resulting dash to a cold bedroom not so! My morning cuppa was made in a saucepan on the gas hob, breakfast by candle light too - bread and jam as I didn't want to keep opening the fridge. Its amazing all the jobs you think you'll do then realise you can't, oh how we rely on our electricity. I was supposed to get my hair cut and coloured today also, but the salon in Over had the same problem, as did Rachel, so she came down to keep warm - curtesy of our wood burner - as her boss told her not to come into work. So we've put up the tree and decorations, been for a walk and I took some pictures of the garden.




13 December 2009

11 December 2009

I knew there was a problem

today I have been to Ely hospital for someone to finally look at my neck problem.

After months of being told go away and put up with it. ££££'s spent on osteopaths, acupuncture and Bowen technique I have been seen by someone that was interested. After a lengthy chat she got me to do various exercises to which my neck responded badly, to a point where there was an audible clunk, she said "what on earth was that", I said "that was my neck!!!" She said "that is seriously wrong". So I have had 3 x-rays, she will phone me Monday after the consultant has seen them and advise what the problem is. Basically the large muscles front and back of my neck are guarding an injury, what it is she's not sure as apart from a bad pull on the ab cruncher I've not done anything else, as in no accidents/whiplash. I may have to have my neck immobilised before things can be put right, we didn't go into details on that until they are sure whats wrong! So watch this space.

On my needles - just finished another pram blanket in blues, pattern chosen by Peter, so possibly for Baby Jones if his mummy to be likes it (she wants a blue pram so not an indication on the sex of the baby).



I will be making some sample squares and basic knitting instructions/patterns for a Youth knitting group we are starting in the new year and apart from that not sure what to knit next. I have loads of yarn to use, I am on an self-inforced no yarn buying programme at present and need to clear some out before the January sales!!!!

8 December 2009

Why do they do it?

Had my hotmail account hacked into, which has been very annoying and actually very upsetting. It has been used to send mails to people I've no knowledge of and has diverted replies from people that I do. Hopefully I have sorted it now, passwords are changed and replies redirected.

Found a large dead rat this morning near the wood pile and all is quiet in the kitchen roof so I'm hoping our lodger has departed.

I think I'm on top of my christmas shopping and I have written my cards, just need to post them and then do the wrapping. Bird ordered, pudding made, still have crackers to get and to make a list of the food shopping. The christmas decorations will go up.......... not sure really. A friend said she still had pre-christmas cleaning to do! I asked what that was, surely the decorations hide the dust!

Its my brother Bob's birthday today - happy birthday Bob you are catching me up for a while

6 December 2009

Bah humbug

yesterday I went Christmas shopping. The shops were heaving, the assistants ignorant, the shops over-heated and under-stocked, making it a truly miserable experience, I will be doing the remainder on the net, soooooo much easier.

I also found out how to become invisible - I went to a meeting of the local knitting group - I have never felt so unwelcome in my life. I was more or less ignored when I turned up. I introduced myself, they just said hi and carried on their conversations. I sat down got my knitting out, they carried on, one asked what I was knitting then turned her back. Some other arrived said hi to everyone, me included, but never asked my name or introduced themselves. In fairness the lady that sat the other side of me did introduce herself, chatted a bit then got into conversation with others beside her. I tried to introduced topics, but had them hi-jacked never coming back to include me, so in the end I gave up, sat with my knitting, alone in a group of about 15 women. When 4pm came round I packed up put on my coat, said good-bye, not one person responded. Needless to say I won't be returning. Thanks Ktog Cambridge.

So as you can see yesterday was a real write-off

2 December 2009

1 December 2009

When things go wrong.......

We seem to be having a few problems with items in our house at the moment -
Firstly the freezer section of my Maytag started making crackling noises and warm air started to blow out of the bottom section. I emptied it and left it running whilst at work, it was good and cold when I got home, and all seems ok now!

Last night Peter ran a bath to find no hot water, the boiler had been on for 5 hours, only the washing up water had been run-off and the heating was working ok. This morning there is a tank of hot water after the boiler only having been on for 1 hour – so what was the problem there?

Our wood burner appears to be giving off fumes, can’t seem to find a problem with that either, but it’s making our eyes and throats sting.

We have rats back in the kitchen ceiling – the poison has been laid so hopefully they will take the bait and go away!! Either that or could they please put on quieter shoes!!

And would the house gremlins please go away and leave us alone

23 November 2009

I have news

For the past few weeks we've been keeping a huge secret, one which I must admit was very hard to keep quiet about. We are going to be grandparents in June 2010, with the scan out of the way we are allowed to annouce this to the world. I did pop a note on Facebook yesterday, but felt I really must blog it. If you click on the scan link above you will see the scan picture on Rebecca's blog. So I guess I'll be boring you all with baby news from time to time.

We have just spent the last 10 days in Southwold which was a lovely break, lots of walking, eating and knitting. The weather could have been better but in November I guess you can't be too picky. I managed to knit a slipover for Peter, which ended up too big so I need to sort that, really cross actually as I'd done a tension square which came out perfectly but managed to gain 4" in the knitting! I also finished another zig zag pram blanket in pinks which I'm pleased with

11 November 2009

All alone.......

today I have been left on my own in the office/showroom, well technically not alone as I have a heating and plumbing engineer here fitting new central heating, so he keeps popping down for a quick chat and a cuppa!! So far its been reasonably quiet, a lady came in for some Amtico dresser, another to see if we had any off-cuts of granite, and a couple looking at dishwashers, sent them away with some brochures. Unfortunately I have to be here til 5pm - I normally finish at 2:30, so I have a feeling its going to be a long afternoon. The upside is that I finish today for a 10 day break, so looking forward to that I can tell you.

At some point I should start the Christmas shopping... for once I have no requests from anyone, which is very unhelpful and at this rate they won't get anything. I found the cards I bought in the post christmas sale this year and have sorted through all the leftover wrapping paper and bows etc so I know what I need in that department.

Well my lunch break is over so I should get on with some work )-: but then I'm my own boss today so.................

6 November 2009

Commissions....

sold this little dress this week, and they want another, same size, same colour, only too happy to oblige



Made myself another beret and moebius, lovely autumn shades, now just need some cold weather to wear them



Off to the hairdresser this morning for my 6 weekly cut and colour, chat and a chance to read the trashy magazines! This afternoon my friend Helene is coming round to up date me on her travels. Looking forward to seeing her.

1 November 2009

Matching set....

as the weather was so awful I spent the afternoon knitting, well actually it had finished raining by the time I sat down, but that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. I knitted for myself a slouchy beret and matching moebius - twisted scarf for those that don't know. They look very good, Peter took a picture to prove it but I look so awful, tired and no makeup, that I won't post it here, so I'll put a picture up when I look better, you could be waiting some considerable time! I had never knitted a moebius before and was chuffed with my first attempt at a three needle cast off, very neat.

Decided to post a picture without me in it!!

Radio 2 Live: Jamie Cullum - Maida Vale at 75



Yes, Friday night saw us at the Jamie Cullum show recording for the Maida Vale at 75 anniversary. We were in the small audience, just 75 pairs of tickets were given away + about a dozen people on the guest list. It was quite exciting being at a live recording, especially when they played in Sally 'Traffic' and the end of the Chris Evans Show, and then the news, then US, lots of clapping and whooping. The recording was just a short interview by Kate Thornton, followed by 4 songs that made up the half hour show. Fortunately for us he hung around for a bit and played some more songs.

Following the recording we went for dinner at a Persian restaurant called Kish on Kilburn High Road, so much food... I just couldn't do it justice, my stomach must have really shrunk. We then went for a drink at a pub just over from our hotel where we were entertained by the clientele..... a group of elderly Irish people who had been in the pub since lunch time, the language was quite ripe and one of the old men looked like he'd clearly wet himself! A young women who was steadily drinking to hide the fact that her 'date' was late, he did finally turn up with lots of apologies! Then there were a couple of sad looking blokes propping up the bar, who were clearly never going to pull, even if they were the last men on earth, so it all proved to be a highly entertaining evening.

Oxford Street beckoned in the morning, headed straight to M&S at Marble Arch, actually didn't get as much as I'd hoped, skirt, jumper, necklace, jeans and a rugby shirt. We did venture into John Lewis where I tried on 'the dress' I'd worn in the photo shoot, somehow it just didn't look the same with hair that looked like my finger had been in a socket (its goes mad when its damp outside), minimal makeup and I just couldn't justify spending the £149 on a dress I have no occasion to wear.

28 October 2009

and there was enough for a matching hat!



Sublime 100% organic cotton - 3-6 months size

What to charge .........

I'm in a bit of a quandary over the pricing of my hand knitted items. If you charge too little you are under valuing yourself, too much and you put people off. I recently knitted a slouchy beret and charged £10, but I just went on to this website and they charge a minimum of £20 for theirs. So what is a fair price when you take away the cost of the materials, I love knitting so that's not an issue but how do you put a fair price on your time? I would love some input please.

On another note I had a good sort out last night, clothes, bedding, towels etc all given to a large family whose house recently burned down, they lost everything. So if my contribution can make a difference then I am pleased. It's made me feel good anyway!

27 October 2009

Walking away the winter blues

now we have changed the clocks it is at least a bit lighter in the mornings again, so Rachel and I have resumed our early morning walks. I must admit I had missed the walks over the past few weeks, but also enjoyed that 40 minutes extra in bed with a cup of tea and my book!

Peter and I will be walking more at the weekends now that the garden isn't taking up so much time, mind you we are clearing leaves presently; for those of you that don't know our garden we are surrounded by trees and they all want to dump their leaves in our garden! I still have some summer bedding to clear and some winter bedding to put in. The hedges need trimming but I fear we may be too late for that now, so a job for the spring. The veg patch needs a tidy too, so maybe there is still a fair bit to do!

Currently on my needles - just finished the striped two piece and am busy sewing it together, the only problem with stripes is all the sewing in of ends, not a job I enjoy. I also have a 2nd pram blanket which I can pick up and put down when I like. I have so many projects whizzing round my head, so much yarn in my stash, but not enough hours in the day

23 October 2009

I had such a good day....

yesterday was the Yours Magazine Christmas photoshoot, the one where us previous fatties got to be pampered and made glamorous. I think we all had a marvellous time.

The location house was stunning, oh for rooms of that size, it was a 1930 home which the owners rent out for photoshoots, not sure I could have a whole hoard of strangers poking around my property (and we did) but for the daily fee they get I guess I could put up with it.

The day started early, on the train at 7:30 where I met Rebecca and Michelle, followed by a 20 minute taxi ride )-: Managed to get there without feeling sick, shame poor Michelle can't say the same, but then she was sitting backwards. The team were there to greet us, Ruth and Carly the photographers, Sarah-Jane and Olivia the hair and makeup artists, and Danielle the stylist. My fellow ladies were Pam, Maria and Sue, we'd not met before but all got on really well swapping dieting stories and generally boosting each other up.

First stop was to have our before pictures taken, then on to Danielle to choose the outfit, I was put in a beautiful Ted Baker dress with three-quarter sleeved bolero cardi, and killer heels!! Next stop for me was Sarah-Jane, we had met before as she did the hair and makeup for Rebecca's wedding. I want her to come and live with me and do my h&m every day, that would be such a treat. I was first to have my 'after' pictures done, and whilst nervous, Ruth is such a good photographer, putting you at ease. I was then joined by Pam for some joint pictures, we then changed out of our posh outfits for lunch. This was a wonderful spread, salads, huge assortment of sandwiches, fruit and cakes yum. Most of the afternoon for me was sitting around while Pam had her solo shots done then Maria and Sue had their turn. Then back in my outfit for the final group shots which were taken partly outside, by which time it was getting a wee bit chilly.

It's a long day, especially for a christmas shoot as they had to assemble a christmas tree, wrap presents, and generally make the huge entrance hall into christmas day, then take it all down before we went home. I finally fell onto the train at 6:10 getting home at 7:35.

I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved yesterday, especially for all the compliments, and to wish my fellow dieters good luck with those last few pounds and keep it up, I know I plan to, in fact I'm going to put my fat clothes in the charity bin!! I believe our shoot will be in the 1 December issue of Yours, I will be certainly getting a copy.

17 October 2009

In the wee small hours

it must be that time again when I go through a wakeful period in the night. I have been awake since 2:30am, up since 3am. I've checked my email, Facebook, Ravelry, so decided to update my blog before trying to go back to bed. I could go downstairs and knit - I have several projects on the go - another Zig Zag pram blanket in shades of pink and a Vintage jumper and legging set which Rachel and Clare have commissioned, this is being knitted in a 6 colour stripe combo in Sublime organic cotton.

Yesterday I won free tickets to go and see Jamie Cullum at the BBC Maida Vale studios in London on 30th October, this was a Radio 2 ticket ballot. I had tried recently for Michael Buble tickets but was unsuccessful, will need to await his UK tour, the new album is released on Monday, sounds good as Ken Bruce has had it as his album of the week, wouldn't normally have been home to hear it, but as you know I've been off work poorly.

On the weight loss front I have just 3/4lb to go to target and I've not really been trying, photoshoot on Thursday to look forward to, hope they put me in something suitable, it will be good to meet my fellow dieters and to get my hair and makeup done.

This weekend Rebecca and Tim are down for a party so staying the night with us and we are having a family roast dinner tomorrow - not cooked one for a while, we are having pork and all the trimmings - yum yum.

We have 4 buckets of apples to juice later and loads of cooking apples to turn into pies and crumble so looks like a busy day - best try and go back to sleep. Time now 4.26am!

14 October 2009

No I think it was flu

having not felt this rough in years I feel I must have had a bout of the flu. For those that know me, staying in bed is not a practice I keep, however I spent most of Sunday asleep in my bed and when I got up I couldn't even pick up my knitting needles, needless to say the husband was shocked. I dragged my bones into work yesterday to be told you look awful go home, so rather than argue I did. In fact I've given myself today off too just to make sure I'm better. My head still feels a bit spaced out but the aching in my bones has gone. I plan to take myself for a walk later to get some air then continue with the zig zag pram blanket that I'm currently knitting.

As promised here is the pattern for the Slouchy Beret on 2 needles

Materials - 200g chunky or 2 strands of double knit
6.0mm and 6.5mm straight needles

Cast on 60 stitches on 6.0mm needles - knit 6 rows single rib(K1 P1) - if you want a deeper band knit 12 rows
Change to 6.5mm
1st row - K5 m1 repeat (71 stitches)
2nd row - purl
3rd row - K6 m1 repeat (82 stitches)
4th row - purl
5th row - K7 m1 repeat (93 stitches)
6th row - purl
7th row - K8 m1 repeat (104 stitches)
8-14th row - stocking stitch
15th row - K16 k2tog repeat to last 14 stitches K14
16th row - purl
17th row - K15 k2tog repeat to last 14 stitches K14
18th row - purl
19th row - K14 k2tog repeat to last 14 stitches k14
20th row - purl
21st row - K13 k2tog repeat to last 14 stitches K12 k2tog
22nd row - purl
23rd row - K12 k2tog repeat to last 13 stitches K11 k2tog
24th row - purl
25th row - K11 k2tog repeat to last 12 stitches K10 k2tog
26th row - purl
27th row - K10 k2tog repeat to last 11 stitches K9 k2tog
28th row - purl
29th row - K9 k2tog repeat to last 10 stitches K8 k2tog
30th row - purl
31st row - K8 k2tog repeat to last 9 stitches k7 k2tog
32nd row - purl
33rd row - K7 k2tog repeat to last 8 stitches k6 k2tog
34th row - P7 P2tog *P6 P2tog repeat *
35th row - K5 K2tog repeat
36th row - P6 P2tog *P4 P2tog repeat *
37th row - K3 k2tog repeat to last 6 stitches K4 K2tog
38th row - P2tog P3 P2tog *P2 P2tog repeat *
39th row - K1 K2tog repeat
40th row - P1 P2tog repeat

Draw thread through remaining stitches - sew up with flat seam. Most of the seam is hidden in shaping

10 October 2009

I've a cold!!

A good day yesterday was spolit by coming down with a cold. I had woken with a dry throat and by the 11am I was sneezing and had a ruuny nose, delightful! However, propped up with paracetamol I managed to last the day out and came home with some lovely Jamieson's soft shetland yarn for Peter's jumper and some King Cole Homespun chunky for a slouchy beret for a work colleague of Rachel's. I also purchased some trimmings and generally got some good ideas. A good day was had by both of us, Rachel purchased a couple of large bags of yarn, including some lovely self striped yarn and some pretty needles with glitter points.

As I was up early, I got on with the beret which took no time really as you can clearly see, the pattern I had was knitted on circular needles but as I didn't have the size required I adapted the pattern for straights and am very pleased with the results. I think I'll tweek it here and there then post it.



Today - due to my cold I couldn't go and visit my Dad, so we went for a walk to St Ives instead and I must admit by the time we got home I was feeling pretty rotten. I'd really like to go to sleep, but I know if I do I'll not sleep tonight.

9 October 2009

Ally Pally here we come

Map is printed, tickets to hand, list written, cash in purse, today we are off to the Knitting and Stitching at Alexandra Palace, normally we go on the train which is a pain, so this year Rachel has volunteered to drive! I hope my nerves are up for it, maybe that's why I'm awake early, nerves or excitment about the day. I'll fill you all in later on our purchases.

I think the reason I'm awake early, apart from Peter's snoring, is I'm worried about my Dad, he is in hospital again. He has shingles on his head and in his eyes, so on top of the chemo side effects - very high temperature, he's not doing so well. I really wonder if the cure is worse than the disease. We would like to go and see him this weekend, but my mother says he doesn't want us to come, now I'm not sure if thats her saying it or if he really isn't up for visitors. I will ring again tonight and see how things are.

Currently on my needles - Zig and Zag Pram Blanket, a real stash buster, 4 rows of pattern, 42 repeats, so it can be as colourful as you want.


The chicken coats have gone down well, in fact we even have a photographer who wants to take some pictures, again watch this space

6 October 2009

Little Hen Coats


I have completed the Little Hen Rescue coats requested last week, they look very bright and cheerful I hope you will agree. I'm hoping to have some pictures soon of the little ladies wearing them, so watch this space (-:

4 October 2009

And an even busier weekend

Weekends for me start on Friday morning - I usually do a quick whizz through the house and get the washing done. This week was no different! Saturday I was at my knitting workshop which didn't quite live up to my expectations but never mind... sorry Pauline. However I did pick up a few tips so at least it wasn't too much of a disappointment. Peter and I managed a good walk when I got home, and I completed the first of the second batch of chicken coats, plus cast on for the next. I will post some pictures when finished.

Today we got all the windows downstairs cleaned inside and out, put the wood burner back in and re-arrange the lounge, cleaned the brass. Emptied my hanging baskets, always feel a bit sad, like summer is over, well it is actually. My troughs are still going strong so I will leave them for a bit longer. Peter is starting to clear the veg patch as items come to an end and deciding whether or not to put in some over wintering veg - broad beans, onions and the like.

We had a call from my Mum to say that my Dad now has shingles, poor Dad. He'd had his third round of chemo, the last two times he's ended up in hospital, and apart from sickness and hair loss was looking to be ok, now this, he has it on the side of his head and over his eye, so is feeling pretty miserable. Lets hope he picks up soon as chemo session four is due on 13 October, it really isn't fun getting old.

On that cheery note I'll sign off for today, and go get my knitting out.

1 October 2009

Busy week

This week we have achieved a number of things. The apples are finally juiced and we have 40 pints of fresh apple juice in the freezer. We also made steamed apple juice which I think will be an acquired taste but can be made into jelly and spiced apple juice at a later date.

The 2 pairs of fingerless gloves are finished




My next project is a request for a further 3 Little Hen Rescue chicken coats, followed by a baby outfit yet to be chosen. So as you can see I am keeping busy. My garden is in need of a tidy up, the hanging baskets are going over and the leaves are starting accumulate. I have runner beans to pick and turn into pickle and an assortment of other jobs to do this weekend. No peace for the wicked. I really need to retire but that request keeps falling on deaf ears!

27 September 2009

So proud

This weekend we have been in Oxford for the annual Oxford to Cambridge 89 Mile Cycle Ride in aid of the British Heart Foundation. We arrived in Oxford yesterday afternoon, checked into our Travelodge then hit Oxford town centre for a spot of shopping and couple of pints and a carbs loaded dinner



an early night and a equally early start. Looking a tad apprehensive they hit the road at 07:11



arriving back in Cambridge at 14:06, you'll agree looking very happy. We popped into the pub for a celebratory pint or 3 before heading for home



Peter is now curled up on the sofa having had his dinner and a nice long soak. Think the Adrenalin has worn off!!

24 September 2009

Ok so it doesn't always go right

Having finished the first of the fingerless gloves mentioned in my previous post, I have decided that it is just too loose, even for me. The recipient of these gloves has a very slight frame so I fear they would swamp her hands. I have therefore started again on an improvised version and I am much happier with them. Of course a picture will follow.

I was pleased to receive comfirmation that my knitting workshop is going ahead next Saturday, the aim to to turn out a more professional finish, so we'll see how that goes!

22 September 2009

Always something new to knit

To say I'm addicted to knitting would be harsh; I do however spend alot of time on Ravelry chatting about all things knitting and other things, we really can put the world to rights. We also share projects and its always good when someone completely unknown sends you a lovely message about something you have produced. I have several items that are featured on there now and it gives me a real buzz, yes I know I'm sad. There is also nothing nicer than going through my "stash" which is growing by the day and dreaming about what I'll knit it into. Currently on my pins are a pair of fingerless gloves for Gemma - I hope she likes them

.

I also sewed up a matching hat for the Striped Lily cardigan I finished at the weekend -
Knitting also takes me away from home from time to time. I plan to attend an 'Improve Your Hand Knitting Skills Day School' on 3 October and the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace on 9 October - a source of lots of lovely yarn, buttons and all things knitting, yes I am very excited and so is Rachel who is coming with me, we are driving this year so we don't have to lug it all back on the train!

19 September 2009

Finished at last



Yes finally finished Striped Lily. Didn't turn out too bad, though the seams are a little bit bulky due to the fact I ran the colour change up the side rather than keep cutting them off, won't be doing that again. However it is very soft being 100% organic cotton, it also knitted up slightly bigger than intended to now suitable for 6-12 months! I have enough yarn over a knit a matching hat, so will cast that on this evening.



Above is one of my floral efforts, made with oddments from the garden, whilst it won't win any prizes I think it looks ok.

I have been abandoned again today in favour of more bike training. They are doing 60 miles of fen roads, heading out to Ely and surrounding area, I shall be glad when next week is over in more ways than one. So I will head off to Tesco shortly to do some shopping. I did spy some really lovely boots at a very reasonable price so I just might treat myself!

15 September 2009

Update.....

Neck still hurting after first Bowen session
Sleeping better - managed two nights without waking before the alarm
Custard tin cut healed
Glasses have gone back for a single vision pair obviously bi or vari-focals just aren't for me
Juicer still broken, no response from the manufacturer, don't you just hate that.
7 jars of Delia's Spiced Pickled Runner Beans made last night. Now what to do with the rest of the beans?

13 September 2009

Introducing Mr & Mrs D'Alanno



The new Mr & Mrs D'Alanno with mother and father of the bride Mr & Mrs Harvey. A good time was had by all, thanks. Oh and by the way, lovely outfit Judy, and Stephen you looked good too!

12 September 2009

More photos added

As I am up early again, I don't seem be able to sleep at the moment. I have updated some of my blog entries for August with photos of the wedding. Again my thanks to Rebecca BS, Cath, Sheena and Simone for the pictures. Enjoy

11 September 2009

Something for the weekend

As the weekend is upon us again, we are looking forward to another wedding. This weekend is the turn of Katie and Ashley who get married tomorrow at Olney church at 2pm, it will be good to be on the receiving end this time, rather than running around like a headless chicken as I was 3 weeks ago. Also looking forward to catching up with people I've not seen in a while, and some of those that were at our wedding that I didn't get chance to talk to! We are still eagerly awaiting the release of the wedding photographs having been tempted with just a sample.

I still can't get on with my new glasses, they give me headaches and make my eyes sting, so its looking like I'll be going back with them next week, they feel far to strong - I didn't think I needed new ones anyway.

I'm sporting a fetching plaster on my finger from a custard tin cut - who knew making making trifle could be so hazardous.

9 September 2009

Apples

Can someone tell me what to do with all our apples now the press is broken? Hoping to get a spare part, or no juice this year. A new apple press is £125, makes for expense juice - the other press is only 5 years old

Well I'm awake

I've been laying awake for what seems like hours, neck hurting, bladder uncomfortable, trying to go back to sleep. I'd been up in the night also, that's what you get for having a cup of tea after 8pm. Am I getting old? My neck is really causing problems again, so I'm off on Friday to try something called the Bowen Technique, I pray that it works as I'm frankly sick and tired of the constant pain and discomfort and broken sleep. I'll keep you posted

6 September 2009

Funny sort of weekend

Another weekend has come and nearly gone. Not sure that I achieved alot.

Went to town on my own, as Peter and Rachel were out training on their bikes. Picked up my new glasses which are making me feel sick, they feel so much stronger than my old ones plus I have to get used to bi-focals too. Called my mother to discover my father was in hospital again, problems with his 2nd round of chemo. Cut back some ivy, grape vine and creeper. Went out for dinner with friends to the Backstreet Bistro, very good.

Today we drove to Norwich to visit my father in hospital, took my laptop so I could show them some of the wedding pictures. Dad seems bright as usual and is hoping to come home tomorrow.

The newly weds are on their return journey home currently in Nairobi airport awaiting their 11pm flight. It will be good to have them back and hear all their news.

3 September 2009

What's with this weather

I know us Brits are obsessed with the weather but this wind is something else, I'll be surprised if I have an apple left on my trees before the week is out. My husband and youngest have gone off cycling in it, they are clearly mad, in fact I have become something of a 'cycling widow' at the present time as they train for the Oxford to Cambridge Cycle ride at the end of September - 89 miles. They have their training schedule all mapped out and are really putting in some miles. I however refuse to join them, whilst I don't mind cycling I'm not into pain!

Johnnie Walker was chatting about knitting again on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning, I wonder if he is a closet knitter or just trying to promote this craft. All to the good I say especially if it means we can get some more yarn outlets, time was when every High Street had a wool shop, sadly this is no longer the case.

My latest project is coming along nicely, onto the sleeves now, then its just the neckband, frill and put it all together. I have the next 2 projects put together with pattern and yarn, though my husband has asked when I plan to start the slipover I promised him! Oh for more hours in the day, maybe I should just pack up work and knit all day, now there's a thought.........

BTW - enjoyed the Time Travellers Wife, didn't cry as much as I did when reading the book

1 September 2009

Times are a changing

Today - we start a new month and a new season - autumn is upon us, in fact you could smell it in the air this morning. It had that new school year feel, you know the one, new shoes, new pencils and possibly new friends.

Today - we said bon voyage to Helene - she's off to pastures new, we have worked together for the last 5 years and we will miss her. Luckily she has been given the opportunity to go off travelling for a while and has decided to take the chance while she can. Good luck and enjoy yourself, we hope to hear all her news when she gets back.

Today - I booked tickets for me and the youngest to go to the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexander Palace in October. Best start to make a space for more yarn and goodies.

Today - the husband and I are going to the cinema to see The Time Travellers Wife - I will take tissues, I wept buckets when I read the book, so apologies to anyone sitting near me!

Today - I realised that my eldest is now someone else responsibility. I know she hasn't lived at home full time for the last 11 years but whilst she was still a Miss we sort of felt responsible for her. Now she has a husband I guess that task falls to him, take care of her she is precious.

And finally...... I am currently knitting the following in coffee and cream, another Sublime pattern called Striped Lily, the usual finished picture will follow.

29 August 2009

Baby Bunting



How cute is this its called Baby Bunting, another Sublime pattern, they are so attractive. This one is done with 2 strands of 4ply and in size 0-6 months

Goal

Today I am proud to annouce that I have reached my goal weight. For those of you that don't know I have been doing the Yours Magazine "reclaim your waist" challenge since January (one of Beck's band of overweight ladies). I have lost 2 stone 4lbs since December but 1 stone 12lbs since starting the challenge. A lady never reveals her weight but I have decided that maybe there are a few more pounds I could drop. The only downside to this weight loss is that some of the new clothes I bought earlier this year are too big, and I have nothing to wear for the upcoming season, so I'll be dropping a few pounds in the purse department too!

26 August 2009

The professional photographs - well some of them





Sorry if I am boring you all with this wedding stuff, but frankly hard luck, no one is forcing you to read or look! Mr Taylor has updated his blog with a selection of photographs and I think they are wonderful, especially the ones with the sheep! The following link will take you there

25 August 2009

It's official

Knitting is making a come back - for some of us it was never out of fashion. This morning on Radio 2 Johnnie Walker was extolling the virtues of knitting, saying that it was back in fashion and what an good stress buster is was, as well as giving an end product. So come on girls and boys, pick up those pins and yarn and have a go, you never know you might surprise yourselves.

24 August 2009

More on the wedding by Miss Pickering



Miss Pickering has updated her blog with more news of Friday's wedding

Just a few photographs to be going on with

A few pictures culled from Facebook entries by Rebecca Birkett-Smith, Cath Williams and Sheena Correa - thanks ladies










All those little details










As we come down to earth after the wedding, the photographs are starting to appear and the blogs are being updated, the following is on Miss Pickering's blog. Miss Pickering (Simone) was the florist on the day and she created the most amazing floral arrangements, some of which now adorn my house. I've never had so many posh flowers at one time. A big thank you Simone from myself and Peter, you did a great job helping to make Beck and Tim's day perfect.

BTW - the bride and groom have arrived safely in Cape Town this morning for the start of their honeymoon