Daffodils and Dandelions

Death wish?

2011-02-04T23:55:00.003Z

Very recently the Man-of-the-House appeared at the back door cradling a ball of fluff with a look that said 'Ah Em, look what I've got......I had to rescue it from a loveless home'

How could I say no?

So, may I introduce Holly The Christmas Kitten

But you see we already have a big cat, two dogs, two lizards, a fish and two children!

There have been some initial settling in issues. Lots of hissing and spitting from the big cat. Some stalking and a murderous glint in the eye of the small dog. The big dog, however, is as cool as a breeze. Ollie seems to have adopted Holly the teeny interloper as his own and is keeping the other animals in line.

Actually, I've had to stop this crazy little critter from chasing our normally fearless terrier around the house. The brazenness of youth ;o)

Needless to say there are lots of mad charges, giant leaps, tumbling and exploring.

It was highly entertained when she repeatedly tore around the living room at break neck speed, along the piano, the backs of the furniture before finally leaping with reckless abandon from the settee directly onto Him-Indoor, who apparently makes an excellent springboard to the rocking chair. He was not quite so entertained!

Of course my time has come too.

The universe must have balance.

Yes - Holly loves my knitting.

Tonight she chewed through my working yarn three times.

Not a good start to our friendship.

Just remember Holly, cuteness will only get you so far.........

Happy weekend all!

xoxox Em xoxox

Edited: Name suggestions would be appreciated please, she arrived as Holly but big dog is called Ollie and the name confusion is all getting too much for him...

Lost in Space

2011-02-03T19:29:00.000Z

Isn't life funny!

I haven't signed up for it.

I haven't visited it.

I didn't even know it existed.

Yet...my little blog keeps getting referrals from a website for those looking for adult fun. How disappointed they must be when they get here!!!!

But how am I connected to it? No idea. Bizarre.

I do confess to once signing up an ex-colleague up to an adults-only internet site, in reprisal for all of his practical jokes. I called him Big-Red, he got LOTS of interesting offers from potential friends of every persuasion. Unfortunately it didn't take him long to recognised my handiwork. But seriously that was the only time I went near a site like that and it was years ago.....honestly!!

So people if you're here looking for some cyber action, you're in the wrong place. Sorry about that.

However, feel free to peruse my crafty pictures, some of them kinda raw ;o)

xoxox Emma xoxox

A moment in time

2011-01-31T23:24:00.001Z

My curly blondes all snuggled up together fast asleep....

it melts my heart....

I want to remember these times always.

xoxox Emma xoxox

A cheeky little DIY

2011-01-28T22:30:00.000Z

When we moved into The House That Jack Built, there were many things that needed to be sorted out. One of the less pressing priorities were the kitchen tiles.

But eventually their time came...

Here is an immediately before photo, there's even a box of tiles on the side!

They don't look too bad from a distance but up close they were mottled and always looked grubby, just a bit tired really.

You may be wondering why I have a floral bit of wallpaper stuck up behind the hob, well, I was trying to decide if I'd like a splash-back feature piece. It was there for a week or two and my lovely hubbers never questioned it once, he's obviously totally used to my strange behaviour at this stage!

And after....

Much brighter I think :-D

I've never done any wall tiling before so I'm really quite chuffed at the way they turned out. To be truthful though I am not entirely convinced that they won't fall off the wall in the middle of the night!!! I'm not telling Him-Indoor about these concerns, best not to really!

There were a couple of moments of stress during this DIY project but on the whole it was quite good fun. I was especially entertained when the Hubbers got totally drenched by the water tile cutter because he'd switched it on without putting the splash guard down first!

And this was my view for the last day or two...

Hot!!

The pen marks on his bum are due to me, being a tad juvenile and marking the line of his pants when he bent over (I am very easily entertained).

The only things left to say is...Come on, man invest heavily in belts! ;o)

TTFN

xoxox Emma xoxox

Stitch Marker Lessons

2011-01-25T22:10:00.000Z

I've been drooling over some of the very pretty stitch markers on Etsy. I'm particularly fond of the polymer clay ones, possibly because I'm totally useless at that type of crafting....unlike my incredibly talented little sister.

Seriously, how could you fail to be charmed by these little monkeys!

See No Evil Monkey Set (Etsy)

And, I totally love the way these little ladybirds seems to be looking all around!

Ladybird Stitch Markers (Etsy)

Each time I had to move one of my own sad little looped bits of yarn, I silently reminded myself to get a move on and make something a bit better.

So, when I narrowly avoided hoovering up some beads from my crafty Little Woman's bedroom floor I took it as a sign. Armed with some O-rings, florists wire, some beads and a much too large pliers I set about stitch-marker-making.

In 5 minutes flat I had bodged together 5 or 6 little beady markers, with one being slightly different from the others so that I could use it to mark the start of the round. I thought that was surprisingly forward thinking for me...

As with all things in life there were some lessons to be learned by this crafty little adventure

1. The right tools make the job much easier

2. Metal O-rings have quite sharp edges, which aren't that friendly to plastic needles

3. A stitch marker will prove to be quite useless if you leave it on the piano and forget to put in onto your needle

4. Being a dimbo gives your knitting the upper hand

5. Your knitting easily then becomes the boss of you, you are no longer the boss of it

5. Frogging is not fun

However - do not let this put you off making some markers for yourself - no doubt you are all much brighter than me!!!

Happy Crafting

xoxox Emma xoxox

Bob and The Disaster

2011-01-10T13:08:00.000Z

Two posts in one day, what ever next!

Today's second post was going to be about entirely about the first of two ripple baby blankets that I've been asked to make by my cousin who is expecting twins.

In an effort to hedge the gender bets I decided to go with a rainbow theme. The blanket is still in its infancy, I have only finished the red to green rows on the first repeat. Affectionately I've begun to refer to this blanket as Bob. You see, if Bob Marley had ever felt the overwhelming urge to have me crochet him a ripple baby blanket then this one would be for him, I guess that's what happens when you choose the colours by artificial light. I'm really hoping that as the colours progress it will become more rainbow and less Bob. At the moment though I feel like I should go out in search of some cannabis to include when I hand the blanket over.

My cousin is never to know that I call the blanket Bob, she would not be impressed.

Bob (my camera really doesn't like the red end of the spectrum)

Anyway... this post has been hijacked so that you can read about the drama of the day.

I awarded myself a day off today and have been enjoying a nice, quiet, relaxing day to myself. Everything has been going so well. I made a coffee, lit the fire and got chatting to my lovely sister on the computer. It is pouring rain outside but from where I am sitting its quite soothing listening to it hammer on the roof.

Well, as time passed I began to get a bit chilly and thought that maybe I had put the fire out with the mountain of coal that I'd thrown on it. Casually I swung open the door of the stove to check....only to be engulfed in a huge ball of flames!!

In the blink of an eye I'd singed off loads of my hair...and I mean loads...including my left eyebrow and eyelashes. Perhaps this is divine retribution for laughing so heartily when my Big Man singed off quite a chunk of his hair.

As I am alone in the house I can not possibly take a photo to show you, therefore, I have improvised with an artists sketch:

I hope you appreciate the effort that went into this sketch, especially in my current traumatised state.

So, it looks like I will definitely be knitting myself a willy hat after all!

xoxox Emma xoxox

PS Until today I had thought that singed was spelt shinged

but that of course would make it sh-inged...very Sean Connery

Rude?

2011-01-10T01:04:00.000Z

Warning: The nature of this post may offend some people, therefore, please accept my advance apologies if it does.

My man is away from home for a couple of weeks. No, he hasn't been sentenced to a short stay in the Big House nor is his livin' it large with a saucy temptress. On the contrary, he has gone to England to give my old Dad a hand with his home renovations.

Needless to say we are all miss The Hairy One a great deal. Both kiddlings had little teary episodes at bedtime this evening, whilst I comforted them felt I also had to explain that the are lots of parents around the world who have to leave their families for months at a time to fulfil there duties as soldiers, sailors and airmen. Incredibly brave men and women, and I can't imagine the emotions of the families left at home.

As I was wanting to do something nice for my man (other than some personal topiary) I went on to the wonderful Ravelry website in search of a beanie recipe. The Hairy One is very fond of wearing a beanie at work.

There are oodles of fab patterns on Ravelry, many of which are free. Plenty to choose from.

On page 3 of my search I was introduced to Patterson Beanie which I like a great deal. There is something quite familiar about it. I decide this is the one I'm going to knit for the Big Man in my life.

Cool? Yes, it sure is!!

Then I realise what it reminds me of... More than likely I am the only person who thinks this but it reminds me of the foreskin of a flaccid willy! Really it does.

Now, don't for one minute think that would stop me knitting it (with love) for my hubby because it wouldn't. We are all aware of my propensity to use the odd genitally inspired curse, accordingly, I feel this hat would be entirely appropriate for those time when, in absolute affection, I call him a dickhead.

In fact, I think I should knit one for me too....

Happy pattern surfing,

xoxox Emma xoxox

P.S. Sarah Fitzpatrick if you ever have the misfortune to read this blog, I hope you are not offended my my observations, I honestly think your beanie is great!

???

2011-01-08T15:23:00.002Z

Today I had an epiphany.

Directly above my head a little (slightly dim) light bulb pinged on.

Up to that point I had been unaware.

But now, I am enlightened.

What was the source you may ask?

Well, picture if you will....

My Little Man was getting increasingly frustrated playing Super Mario on the Wii that Santa brought for Christmas.
There were too many pleas for help and sad expressions, directed at yours truly, to be ignored.

I crumbled and took hold of the controls.

At that very moment Mario was doomed, his life expectancy slashed.

Not to be deterred I called out to the ever faithful Mr Google.

Yes! I had heard of something called cheats and if anyone knew how to sort this Mr Google would.

Mr Google dutifully informed me that....

Cheat: Infinite Lives

This fantastic cheat will get you 99 lives easily -- you can always return for more! Go to the Supermassive Galaxy in World 4 and choose the first Star challenge. Play through the level until you get to the hockey puck-shaped planet with three supermassive Koopa turtles patrolling it. DO NOT grab the Spin Drill -- you'll have to get hit to lose it if you do! Run up behind a Koopa and long-jump (press Z while running and then press JUMP) onto its back. You need to long-jump from about a turtle-shell-length behind it to catch the "sweet spot." Continue to hold the analog stick to the RIGHT and hold JUMP to continually bounce off the Koopa's shell. If you fall off or hit the head, try again. If you hold these buttons you should be able to maintain momentum while constantly bouncing on the shell. After a few bounces you'll rack up 1-Ups for each hit.

Source: Advice from The All Knowing Mr Google

My reaction was akin to this...

Source: Life.com

I read and re-read the advice.

I then ran it through Google Translator as it is quite obviously written in another language.

Alas not.

Then it dawned on me that I just needed a young person to translate!

PING!! (light bulb switches on)

Sweet Lord, I'm over-the-hill...I'm passed it...I'm too old to understand!!!!!!

How? When? Where? Why??? I AM STILL YOUNG...at least in the eyes of my peers...

But now, after some quiet time in a darkened room (with a large glass of wine and some pharmaceutical comforters), I have accepted that the road to recovery is not on my personal GPS, nor is it able to locate the hill that I am over nor where I passed 'it'.

Alas - I must leave anything more challenging than a light switch to the youth of today.

xoxox Emma The Ancient xoxox

But, I thank my lucky stars that hooks and needles are still within the rapidly failing capabilities of this ageing mind.

(on a side note - I'd like to wish a very happy new year to the lovely postal employee that has stolen a number of our parcels this year including the original Wii that was destined for Santa's sleigh and left Santa with challenge of getting hold of another so close to Christmas!)

Two Thousand and Eleven

2011-01-05T07:00:00.001Z

May I begin by wishing you all a truly contented 2011.

I have high hopes for this young year, and believe that it will knock the socks of its predecessor, in the most positive of ways. Accordingly, I resolve to make the most of 2011, to give thanks for the amazing family and friends that I am blessed with and to keep trying to be better person. I do not resolve to eat better, exercise more, keep a better house or curse less...all of which I should do but this year I'd really rather a healthy soul than a nice tight bum!

I'm kinda excited at the prospect of a good year!

Aiming for the stars :-D

xoxox Emma xoxox

P.S. Thought you might be interested to see my first ever completed knitting projects, it was a mystery KAL designed by Tikki. Really, really enjoyed making this little top.

And, best of all, my little woman LOVES it!!!!

xoxox

The Progeny War

2010-11-23T22:46:00.001Z

Recently I've been feeling strange, just not myself. A little bit odd. Somewhat unsettled. Why is that? Is it because I'm not working for the first time in 21 of my 35 years?? A little loss of identity? Guilt? Shame? WHAT??

Anyway...boredom with those feeling overtook me and I took myself of into a corner and had a word.

So, there are things about my life I don't like. Some of them I can change, some of them I can't. For example, I have a cranky husband, loving but cranky (I know this is a blog land where everyone has perfect partners but I guess I'm just a rebel) and short of giving him a frontal lobotomy there is not a whole lot I can do... Likewise, the dog insist on pooing on the route between back door and car door. What's a girl to do?

But there are things I can sort...and so begin the Progeny Wars. Before I go any further I'd like to point out that this is a war of attrition and that I have not actually taken arms against my children.

There are three things that my kids do that really get on my wick, I'm gonna list them...

1. They complain about the clothes I put out for them for school. Choosing the only non-uniformed school in the universe seemed like a good idea at one stage. They complain loudly about my choices yet are unwilling to choose their own clothes.

2. They dis my cooking. OK, this is understandable but seriously I can cook without poisoning them to death, surely that is sufficient? Have they ever known any better? Is their cooking any better, I ask you??

3. Bedtime....For the Love and Honour of anything that is Divine or Holy in any religion..why do my kids hate going to bed so much? Why do they think its my fault that they have to sleep? Why do they wriggle around their beds for hours before exhaustion overtakes? Give in, I think, give in...

On balance, I'm not a cool mum with loads of cash so there is feck all I can do about the coolness of their clothes. Seriously though, are there many 4 year old boys out there that are anally particular about every item of clothing?? Personally, I believe as an adult he'll be a fashion designer or gay. My Dad will be so pleased if he's gay, we (my 3 siblings and I) believe he really wanted one of us to be homosexual.

Back to the Progeny War..

I did some humming and hawing about what to do on the food front. I contemplated attending cookery school, I thought about getting a house keeper but in the end I settled on porridge. Yup, porridge. After a few days of porridge for dinner, my culinary offerings will seem like haute cuisine........

As far as bedtime goes...until now the kids went down around 8.30pm with a story on each ipod. That has now stopped, bedtime is 7pm SHARP, with no story and absolutely no toys in bed. To police this I have taken to sitting on the landing until they are asleep. This would be an entirely selfless act if it were not for the laptop (my sisters keeping me company on skype), my knitting and a glass of wine. Its selfless to the point that my perfect husband (see how I slipped back into proper blogging there) wandered out to me with a fresh glass of vino and said that he thought I actually enjoyed being out there.... Seriously dearest, how could I? No Sky Sports to keep me company?!?! ;-)

Anyhooooo. So far I am winning the war of attrition and my children still (seem to) love me...but I will keep you posted.

Overall though I have decided to stop being a weirdo and get back to enjoying my life, after all the glass is half full...I just wasn't looking at it properly!

Big kisses to you all,

'Lula xxxx

Where does the time go?

2010-11-13T19:29:00.000Z

This week our Little Woman turned 8!!

I really, truly, honestly don't know how that happened... It was only a blink-of-the-eye-ago that two of my aunts visited us in hospital and told me that the first 6 weeks were the hardest. Unbeknown to them I was feeling a little overwhelmed at that very moment and thought that I was entirely incapable of managing six whole weeks. Yet, here we are 8 years later and I want the time to slow down, our Little Woman is growing up too fast.

I'm trying to negotiate a growing up hiatus, I'd like her to stay 8 for the next 5 years or so, when she will turn 9 and remain that way for a further 5 years. She is less than impressed with my proposal!

Today was the birthday party, with around 30 kids here to celebrate. The day was LOUD, giggle-filled and fun. The theme was a Spa Day with foot spas, face masks and mani/pedi's for all. Even the boys took their turns in the foot spas but they fiddled with the dials rather than relaxed!!

She received enough gifts to open a toy shop and they collectively consumed enough calories to feed a small nation for a week...

...now its all over and the Little Woman is sitting on the floor playing with her new toys. We asked her what the best part of the day was and was told there was too much to choose just one best bit. Happy Days!

And I'm about to crack open a nice bottle of red to celebrate/drown my sorrows at the passing of another year.

Wishing you all a fun filled weekend!

xoxox Valula xoxox

West Wing Hooking

2010-11-02T13:28:00.000Z

Recently I have begun watching the complete box set of The West Wing. Obviously I'm a bit behind the times on this one!! I recall someone raving about it during my student days but it was one of those series that somehow went under my radar.

My Other Half has chosen to overdose on sports coverage instead of watching it with me, which means I get to watch it on the laptop with my legs snuggled under the duvet....bliss! I'm quite caught up in it and really look forward to the next time I will get to sit down for an episode or two.

To double the enjoyment I've been using the WW time to do a bit of hooking, as a result I now have two baby blankets!! Yay. I agreed to make these sometime ago but had found it slow going (as I don't particularly like making blankets) but with the WW on too the whole thing became much more enjoyable. Comfort crochet almost.

Here are my West-Wing-Baby-Blankets:

An Attic24 ripple blanket

And a random Granny-Square blanket (pre-blocking photo)

At the moment my hooks and needles are empty and its making me a little twitchy. My Other-Half thinks that knitting/hooking are like heroin to me!

I have signed up for Tikki's Mystery KAL but as a novice knitter I imagine it will require my undivided attention...so not sure what to do with my WW time...

TTFN,

xoxox Valula xoxox

Halloween

2010-10-28T21:17:00.000+01:00

It's nearly that time of year again, where I dust off all real cobwebs and put up fake ones instead ;-)

We're nearly ready for our Halloween Party, it's fancy dress for the littlies and biggies alike. I've made the Little Woman a Dead Ballerina costume. Daddy and Little Man are going to be Count Dracula and son. Me? Maybe a witch (at least I won't need to do my hair) or maybe a psychopathic house wife.......

Him-Indoors was not entirely happy when the red-paint blood splatter hit the walls instead of just the windows he he

These are the fake cobwebs, in case you were wondering!

Tomorrow we have to carve our homegrown pumpkin and get the cauldron ready the witchy broth..

Hope you all have a fun filled Halloween.....

......Mwahahahaha

xoxox Valula xoxox

Chile

2010-10-13T21:08:00.000+01:00

The t.v. has been on here nearly all day, tuned to the live coverage of the Chilean miners being rescued from the collapsed mine that has imprisoned them since 5th August.

Many times my eyes have filled with tears as I've watched the emotional reunions between the miners and their families, their relief, happiness and gratitude simply pouring from the screen.

No doubt there will be trying times ahead for them all but thankfully for 20 of the 33 the physical rescue is behind them.

Some news reporters seem to have become quite fond of the miners families. I imagine that most of the events that they cover require them to maintain a dispassionate professional distance for personal sanity as much as anything.

This really is a good news story.

Well done Chile.

I'm sending prayers, blessings and all good wishes to the miners and their families, may they have long and happy lives ahead of them.

xoxox Valula xoxox

Stop Procrastinating!

2010-10-05T09:52:00.001+01:00

It is a beautifully bright autumnal morning, the due is heavy on the grass and the sunlight is soft and gentle, if you know what I mean.

Much as I would like to be doing something with these today

I think I'm going to have to do something with these instead

The joys....

Hope you all have a productive day today, what ever direction it takes!

Toodles.

xoxox Valula xoxox

Sleep

2010-09-24T02:51:00.000+01:00

Sleep and I have a love/hate relationship.

I love sleep and hate to miss it (this is something that was accurately predicted by my Mum when I was a child but was instantly dismissed as the ravings of an obviously insane woman). Now, however, I seek sleep instead of avoiding it and often find it elusive....maybe why this is being written in the middle of the night...

So, the other night I randomly decided to Google 'Insomnia' and found this image by Mark Hess, a prefect portrayal of how I felt at the time!

Being a person of little imagination I am often humbled by the creativity that some possess and even more by their ability to translate their imaginings into a form that others can appreciate.

As often happens, my googling sent me off in an unexpected direction and I ended up in the world of surrealist art. Surrealism had never settled in my mathematical brain until then. I was surprised to find myself gazing into images for prolonged periods whilst trying to comprehend their meanings. It was both unexpected and enjoyable...but not at all conducive to sleep!

Maybe next time I will try to count sheep - or the far more attractive shepherds ;-)

Sleep well.

xoxox Valula xoxox

What's the Plan Stan?

2010-09-22T11:05:00.000+01:00

Some things I'd like to get sorted today...

1. A few more rows on a baby hooky blanket that I've been commissioned to make

2. Finishing seeming the sides onto Little-Man's hoodie

3. Pick and pickle the beetroot in the veggie patch

4. Come up with some cheap and cheerful kids crafts for the free of charge 'Kids Corner' that I am running at this weekend's Michaelmas Festival. All and any suggestions would be very gratefully received!

5. Order some tags to sew onto the gifts that I make

6. Buy a couple of school books for a class that my Little-Woman has decided to attend

7. Pay for the next 6 months of refuse and recycling collects

8. Have a chat with Father Christmas and find out how he is going to fix Dolly-Daydreams poorly eye. Apparently Father Christmas can do anything so he is perfectly capable of giving this treasured little lady some first aid....

9. Do my hubby's accounts (if I type it small enough maybe it'll seem less pressing)

So, I'd better get on!

xoxox Valula xoxox

P.S. Just a quick update - I decided to do another batch of chutney as we still had loads of apples left. When doing so I realised that I had misread the quantities for the first batch...it required 1/4 oz of dried chill, not the 4oz that I used. That would explain why it was so hot...... hehe!!!!

Planning

2010-09-13T21:20:00.000+01:00

Hello all!

I am amazed at how quickly time zips by these days. When I was a child a week seemed to last forever but these days it's the end of the week before I've even got my head around it being the beginning of the week. I dread to think how quickly time will pass when I'm really old and wrinkly, will it be like Warp Speed in Star Trek? Will the whoosh of time passing me cause my wrinkles to flap around my ears like someone in a wind tunnel???

Anyway, the thoughts of rapidly passing time has got me looking forward to Christmas. I truly adore the festive season so my thoughts aren't silent grumbles about presents/decorations/shopping/lots of people. I'm happily mulling over in my mind what I'd like to get or make for my nearest and dear. It is probably advisable that I make a start on one or two woolly gifts given that I not the world's quickest hooker. And, this year I'd like to make make some dried orange and salt dough decorations instead of just dreaming about having a tree adorned entirely with homemade decorations. I quite fancy the idea of some festive bunting too.

My search of gift ideas had lead me to spend quite a lot of time on Ravelry. It is only in recent weeks that I have really begun to discover all this amazing site has to offer. It is quite inspirational. The only problem is that I can't knit and surf at the same time ;-)

Link to the pattern and designers info for this little beauty

Is anyone else planning their Christmas crafting already....or is it just me??

xoxox Valula xoxox

Treasured Times

2010-09-10T01:05:00.002+01:00

Many moons ago one of my sisters asked our Dad why there were no green horses. It was no doubt one of the 4000 questions that she had posed that day and an ordinary parent might have tried to fashion a child-friendly explanation based on evolution or God's creation or something. But my Dad was (is) no ordinary parent.

Dad took a different approach. He wrote us a story. That was the first of many.

Most nights our bedtime story would be one that he had written for us that day. We were treated to brand new, never been heard before stories filled with adventure, excitement and gallons of imagination - that had been written just for us! Truly amazing.

My childhood was incredibly special and magical. Even at the time I knew that I was a very lucky kid. I excitedly awaited our nightly tales and slumped with disappointment if Dad hadn't had chance to write one for us (no off-spring pressure there...poor Dad!)

Years have passed since then, my Dad is now a Grandad. Despite much gentle off-spring pressure I haven't succeeded in persuading him to craft a tale of two for my beautiful kiddos. Even if he'd conceded and e-mailed me a story it wouldn't be quite the same as being read to by the author whilst snuggled under the covers.

Then it occurred to me, new material might not be an option but the old material certainly is. So I scanned my bookshelves until I found it...

Actually it wasn't the book I had in mind but on reflection I don't think it really matters.

My children are enchanted and enthralled by the story so far and for me it is a heartwarming trip down memory lane. It's difficult to explain how truly special it feels to me, I am privileged to be able to share such a treasured and defining part of my childhood with them.

As I mentioned before, my Dad is no ordinary parent. xxxxxxx

xoxox Valula xoxox

Stumped

2010-09-07T19:42:00.001+01:00

My latest project has been going quite well and I have thoroughly enjoyed working on it. There is a therapeutic element to knitting that I never expected. To date my experiences of working with two needles have been a little stressful or just plain boring.

As the choices locally were limited (and being way to impatient to wait to an internet delivery) I bought some chunky yarn but it didn't measure up to the worsted weight that the pattern was written for. It probably would have been a good idea to buy some bigger needles in order to get the gauge right but I didn't...no idea what size I would have needed. As a compromise I decided to knit a significantly bigger size but adjust the length to Little Man's size.

such wonky stitches :-)

Once the front was attached to the back (thanks to google explaining how to do a three needle cast off...woo-hoo!!!), I thought it'd be a good idea to try it for size. But....hmmm...the neck hole looked a little on the small size. We did manage to get it over the Little Man's head and he was only left with some minor friction burns on his forehead. He promised me that it didn't hurt too much.

Undefeated I cast on for the first of the sleeves but even at the bigger size my boy child would need to have wrists equivalent in size to a child's doll.

So, I have two choices...

1. rip back and re-do the neck and do some research on arms.

2. put the Little Man through a Willy Wonka-esque shrinking machine

It's a tough call.

xoxox Valula xoxox

Edited: Just been doing a little interwebbing and I think ALL of my knit stitches are twisted because I've been putting the needle into the loop the wrong way..... ooops.

End of summer

2010-09-06T14:31:00.000+01:00

'nuff said!

xoxox Valula xoxox

Misadventure

2010-09-04T16:21:00.001+01:00

Afternoon folks. Hope all is good with you today.

It's miserable and wet here, which incidentally is perfect weather for a little crafting - every cloud does have a silver lining.

There are a couple of things for you today.

Firstly, the apple chutney adventure was excellent. Even those of dubious culinary capabilities, like myself, can manage this one. If you fancy having a go you'll find the recipe here. I left the chillies and ginger in until the chutney had cooled so it is quite hot but that makes it all the more delicious when combined with fresh crusty bread and a cool thick chunk of cheese.

Secondly, I have decided to close the kitchen here once and for all. It is for the best really. From now on (despite having a lovely veg patch bursting with organic home grown goodness) we will only eat things that are brought to us by a waitress or delivered in a box. The closure is in the interests of health and safety. I have been officially classed as a hazard to myself and others. The apple chutney had lulled me into a false sense of security. Whilst basking in the glow of success I foolishly decided to make some Thai Red Curry Paste. Big Mistake. Big, Big Mistake. Who knew that the chillies would be SO hot or that their hotness would stay on your hands after a thorough washing? I didn't, not until I gently brushed my finger against my eye and rubbed my nose. OH MY LORD. My eye clamped firmly shut whilst simultaneously watering profusely and it burned like my head had been set on fire. The pain significantly increased when I prized my lids apart and washed it out with water. Natural child birth was less painful. Eventually the pain did subside thanks to the application of an ice-pack. My Little Woman took a photo of my eyes so that you could appreciate the intensity of the horror-film-evil-creature redness but unfortunately I can't show you because I look too rough - way too rough - and my eyebrows are just feral.

So, there will be no more kitchen shenanigans here (Him-Indoors looks much relieved I can tell you).

Big Love.

xoxox Valula xoxox

Fruit Leather

2010-09-02T10:28:00.000+01:00

Yesterday the me and Little Woman went on a bit of a cooking mission, it was one of those spur of the moment things. She decided to join in whilst I was cooking dinner so I thought, what the heck while she's interested we'll do something with all the apples we'd been given.

The Oracle (a.k.a. Google) suggested that we make some fruit leather and we had the ingredients in the cupboard! So, my lovely Little Woman set to peeling the fruit mountain of apples.

The recipe is really simple...

Peel and core the apples,

Add a little water and cook until soft and mushy

Throw in some lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg (all to taste)

Cook a bit more

Blitz it with the blender until smoooooth

Then spread the mixture on a wide flat tin covered with microwave safe clingfilm

Put in a heated oven (about 60oC)

Leave to cook for 8-10 hours

And, that is what we did. The apple mush tasted DIVINE and the house was filled with delicious smells - much deep inhaling was done.

Now - if you are planning on trying this at home - may I offer a word of advice...please start it early due to the long cooking time. Don't start it at, as we did, at 4pm with the plan of whipping it out of the oven around 12 or 1 am....

Because your plan may fail as ours did. Yes, that's right I fell asleep. Quite soundly asleep. So, our apple leather was cooked for, oooooh. around 17 hours.

Our fruit leather is awfully lick-able...very tasty. But please DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHEW IT unless you have the mandible strength of a Bull Ant otherwise the 'mouth workout' will cause you're jaw muscles will grow to such proportions that you will develop a jaw line that any cartoon super hero would be proud of.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bullant_head_detail.jpg

He-man!

It is leather in the truest sense. Now I'm just not quite sure what to do with it. Do I cut it up (with an industrial saw) into tiny pieces that the small ones can suck? Or do I donate it to the local shoe-making for use in super-tasty foot ware?

Today's cooking adventure is going to be Apple Chutney. How can it possibly go wrong? ;-)

xoxox Valula xoxox

Slow Progress

2010-08-31T17:07:00.000+01:00

I've change my plans for making the Little Hoodlum Hoodie because even as a beginners pattern it wasn't basic enough for me. Instead I've opted for a free Lion Brand pattern which I think is quite cute.

After a few attempts I finally got into the swing of things. Have to admit that I am seriously-painfully-slow at this knitting malarky but I'm in no particular rush. This much has taken me about four evenings to do!!

This pattern doesn't call for circular needles but those are the ones I had so that's why I used them.

If you look closely you'll see that my stitches aren't very even but I'm hoping that'll improve with practise...

When I presented my progress to My Little Man he was very unimpressed. Apparently he wanted a rainbow hoodie....looks like I'll have to add lots of colour to the front section!

Tell me, what are you working on?

TTFN,

xoxox Valula xoxox

P.S. Forgot to mention that I am absolutely and totally loving my knitting :-D

Change of Direction

2010-08-26T11:18:00.000+01:00

I've finally decided that I'm to learn to knit, this has been coming for some time and has largely be inspired by the beautiful clothes made by the very lovely G at Firefly Cottage (a blog that I absolutely adore). Much as I love my hookery I am not really all that enamoured with crocheted clothes.

Can be found here

My Mum taught me to knit as a child and my skills have remained at that learner-level. Maybe this is an adventure into madness and frustration but nothing ventured, nothing gained! I'm going to jump in at the deep end and go straight for a seamless hoodie Little Hoodlum for my boy-child.

This has sent me off in search of yarn, of course I need needles too, but eyeing up yarns is just much more enjoyable!! There are some truly delicious looking yarns out there (especially in the US - lucky ladies) and I'm just not sure what to go for. My little man would like something multi-coloured, bright and a little bit mad like himself.

There are very few wool shops near here which amazes me given the number of sheep! And, the local woollen mill has a very tiny collection of yarn. So, it looks like it'll be an internet purchase. Any suggestions would be appreciated? Would Lily Sugar'n Cream work?

Wish me luck....

xoxox Valula xoxox

Bad Parenting

2010-08-25T18:23:00.000+01:00

I readily admit that I am not the world's best mother but I honestly do try, however, sometimes I fail miserably...(I don't really know whether it is wise to share these with the lovely ladies of blogland)

Bad Parenting:

Last week whilst driving down the main street in town I was cut up by the on coming car which was full of boy-racers, who were laughing at what they had just done. As it was a sunny day both I and the offending boy-racer had our windows down, so without thinking my actions through, I declared 'That's right d*ckhead it's only my side of the road'. This caused the boy-racers to laugh even more but it also lead to the immediate and obvious question from my little ones in the back...'Mammy whats a d*ckhead?' I then had to explain that it was a very unkind and rude way of saying that the boys hadn't behaved properly and they I was naughty to have used it and that they most certainly should not use the offending word. Not content with that explanation I was further required to explain that my expletive was the same all calling someone a willy-head. This lead to much laughter in the back of the car and repeated giggly comments to each other of 'you're a d*ckhead'!!

Hanging my head in shame.

Bad Parenting: The Sequel

A couple of night later my little woman called me from her bed to ask a question, the conversation went something like this...

Little Woman: 'Mammy what is the other word for Dick?'
Me (a little hesitantly): 'Do you mean Willy?'
Little Woman: 'No Mammy, the other word.'
Me: 'Do you mean Penis?'
Little Woman: 'No Mammy, you know, the other name for Dick.'
Me (in my head) 'OH NO!!'
Me: 'Oh I see. Do you mean Richard??'
Little Woman: 'That's it Mammy, thanks'

Ooooooooooooooooooooh Noooooooooooooooooooooo....why didn't I start with that one???

This immediately lead to me logging on to Amazon in search of books to improve my diminishing parenting skills.

Please someone tell me I'm not alone in my failings....

xoxox Valula xoxox

A busy weekend

2010-08-23T16:35:00.002+01:00

We decided to have an End-of-School Holidays Sleepover party for the kids...

It started nice and early, we had a gaggle of kiddies aged from 2 to 7 tearing around the place - fuelled by sunshine, fresh air and tonnes of sweets. The mothers drank gallons of tea, ate goodies and only occassionally had to intervene.

We had a couple of minor first aid incidents, the first involved a splinter in the foot (my little woman's reaction did make me wonder if major surgery was required) and the second involved the smallest-littlie falling into a patch of nettles, thankfully she was quickly settled by a quick dip in a bread soda bath.

At one stage an eerie calm descended on the house, you know the one I mean, when it is just too quiet...they must be up to no good. Sure enough when we went looking we found that our children had been transformed into mini-coalminers thanks to an adventure in the coal shed!

The outdoor play continued until quite late. The non-sleepovers went home. And, we washed the remaining 7 in the bath...at all once...they were like sardines but judging by the amount of laughing and splashing they really enjoyed it!

They then made homemade pizza's, watched a dvd, ate popcorn and went to bed....not that much sleeping took place........

All in all it was fantastic fun - I enjoyed it as much as the kids!

And the following night I slept like a log :-)

Happy Days

xox Valula xxx

The Fastest Dessert in the West

2010-08-19T11:16:00.001+01:00

We were recently invited to relax in the summer sunshine at an impromptu barbeque. We decided to bring the dessert. My history of making desserts is dubious at best... so I nipped next door to our wonderful neighbour in search of some inspiration and was rewarded with a very yummy and super quick dessert.

So I thought that I'd share it with you.

You'll need:

Choc-chip cookies (the ones with the big chips are really nice in this)

Cream for whipping

Fruit - strawberries, kiwi, tangerines or whatever you fancy

Chocolate - grated or peeled with the potato peeler

Whiskey or Baileys or orange juice

We, of course, decided to make the grown ups version because the kids would have loads of sweets there and there was no point sickening them...honestly that was the reason...

So, pour the cream in the food processor and set it a-whipping

Then, pour some whiskey (and water or the juice from the tinned fruit) into a jug. I'd recommend reducing the strength of the whiskey because it will be eye-wateringly-alcholly otherwise...but it's up to you ;-)

Then drop each of the cookies into the whiskey for a couple of seconds

Cover the bottom of the bowl with the dripping cookie. Add a dollop of whipped cream on to each one and chuck on a few pieces of fruit. Repeat this until you have a couple of layers made up.

Then I pour in any of the unused whiskey mix...it'd be a shame to waste it.

Smother the whole lot with cream, add some more fruit and throw on some choccie shavings for extra chocolatey goodness.

Et Voila! Dessert made.

Feel free to leave out the fruit if you wish but in my humble opinion once it contains fruit it is technically a health food and can be enjoyed guilt free!

And, I love the 70's look it has, it's possibly not the most elegant offering but it sure is tasty.

Enjoy.

oxoxo Valula oxoxo

Life on the edge

2010-08-09T20:57:00.000+01:00

Some people injure themselves in the pursuit of their massively adventurous hobbies, you know, sprain an ankle whilst skiing/rock climbing/pot holing/ski diving etc

Picture from www.chinaodysseytours.com

Not me though. No sirrreeee.

I manage to injure myself whilst crocheting! What can I say, I'm so rock and roll..........

♥ Valula ♥

Yucky Yarn!

2010-07-24T11:00:00.001+01:00

I have to admit to being a yarn slut...once I like the colour and it feels nice then I struggle to keep my hands to myself!

I'm trying to crochet a hoodie for my little man and thought it might look kinda camouflage if I got a bit adventurous with some variagated yarn that Him-Indoors bought for me...

But I just can't do it! Even the most basic pattern is beyond me. I have finally found a yarn that I just can't do. I can't see where the stitches are :-S

It has been started and ripped back several times... But not to be beaten I have decided to make a colourful stripey hoodie instead. More of that later.

I must also show you the wrap I made following Leonie Guld's super easy pattern. Unfortunately it will have to wait until I work out how to blog properly using my phone as our second laptop has died a watery death (just like the first)!

Back soon hopefully!

Hope you all have a good weekend x

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Welcome Home Surprise!

2010-07-16T21:30:00.002+01:00

We are awfully excited that our little woman is coming home in the morning, we have missed her hugely!!!! If she was away much longer I think our little man would require bucket-loads of baby Prozac!

As a surprise we've revamped her bedroom!

This was spur of the moment Wednesday night project. Her room used to be pink - very, very pink - but she has grown that stage now. We've tried to make it pretty and girly but cool enough for a nearly eight year old!! She had previously suggested that next time she'd like her room to be white with green, blue and purple spots painted on the walls, with that in mind the walls have been painted an off-white colour (it has a fancy name but looks like magnolia to me) and have some small paint pots ready for her to add the finishing touches.

We've added various new colourful items and have created a little hideaway underneath her bunk with the help of a muslin curtain and some glass beads.

I spent the morning making patchwork fabric letters of her name, which was a simple little project and the best bit is that they are too high on up the wall for my dodgy sewing skills to cause too much offense!

We also hung some crystals in her window, which magically transform the evening sun into thousands of tiny rainbows.

All we have to do now is wait.............

Hope you all have a good weekend

:-) Valula :-)

P.S. Our little man asked when will he be getting a room that is as cool as his big sisters - YAY - the approval of a 4 year old is a big deal to me!

Motherhood

2010-07-12T11:14:00.000+01:00

Yesterday afternoon our Little Woman went off to camp for a week, this is her first trip away from home without us (she is only 7 after all and is the youngest at camp). It isn't entirely unfamiliar to her though as she has a few of her boy cousins there too.

Needless to say once we arrived and made up her bed, she quickly made some new friends and skipped off with hardly a backward glance. Our Little Man wasn't nearly as happy, he cried that he was going to miss his big sister and then cried because he was too small to stay.

Yes, I was very strong and pro-independence when arranging for her to go and sorting out her stuff but when it came to driving away without her my resolve dissolved. Most of the journey home was spent looking out of the window blinking back my tears (couldn't let Daddy see though because I don't think he was feeling much better....and more importantly he was driving!!!) I suppose its normal to feel like this and it is just another part of the motherhood journey.

Lots of the bigger cousins tell me, from experience, that she will have a fantastic time and were quite excited for her. Plenty of fun, games, crafts and adventures await.

We were warned by our Little Woman not to ring every night, she's too big for that and it'd be embarrassing! I will check tonight though just to see if everything is OK, that would be alright...wouldn't it? Oh dear, feeling tired and emotional again! Better go and find a distraction quick..............

Hope your little ones are having an adventure filled summer too.

xxx Valula xxx

A web of kindness

2010-07-11T11:27:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All,

I recently came across Pay-It-Forward - blogland-styleeeee - that a few people are taking part it and I thought that I'd love to join in. I've never done any swaps or give-aways or anything like that but I really like the idea of this one. I was lucky enough to sign up with the lovely Em at Garden Peas and Fleas.

Pay-It-Forward is quite simple and very sweet. If you'd like to take part you must promise to send a gift to the first 3 people that comment on your Pay-It-Forward post, within the next 365 days. Simples as the Meerkat says!

The idea is that you send a little gift of loveliness to your three and in they in turn pass on that kindness to three each and so on....spreading a little web of kindness all over the globe! And, we all love giving gifts and receiving parcels from the postman (instead of yucky brown envelopes). Just think, you'll receive a little something that will hopefully brighten your day and then you can bring a little joy to someone else...

Now, I aim to get my PIF gifts out before Autumn and hope that most of the gifts will be homemade goodies (if they are good enough to send :-))

So, come on girls, if you'd like to join in just leave me a little comment.

Take care,

xx Valula xx

Its a wrap!

2010-07-03T17:29:00.000+01:00

Yesterday afternoon I found myself unexpectedly inspired by Patch Andi and in turn Leonie Guld. Leonie has written a tutorial for a child's wrap-skirt made from scrap fabric. Only two small problems stood between my Little Woman and a her very own mammy-made new skirt...firstly, I don't have any suitable fabric and secondly, I've never used my sewing machine.

Fear not!

A quick trawl of some local charity shops yielded three ladies skirts and a previously loved flat sheet. These purchases were part necessity and part choice as there aren't any fabric shops within a reasonable drive of our home and even if there were I don't think I would have had the courage to potentially ruin lovely new fabric with my first attempt at machine sewing.

So, with my chosen 'fabric' at the ready I followed Leonie's simple, step-by-step instructions. To start I had to measure the Little Woman's waist (which did confuse me a little as I wasn't sure whether to go over or under her cute teeny little pot belly :-)). Anyway...instructions followed, sums done, template made, fabric cut - so far so good.

I happily pinned all the pieces together and set to with the Jazzy Jenome!

I must confess my seams aren't entirely straight and I did find it a bit tough to keep the 1/2" seam allowance but in the end I'd produced a reversible wrap skirt!! Yippee!

The pink side...

A sneak preview ...

...and the blue side

Two skirts in one!

Did it fit I hear you ask... of course not! Ha Ha. But it wasn't too far off and was sorted out by sewing a little strip of elastic into the back.

I'd recommend Leonie's tutorial to even the most incompetent novice seamstress (like me) - it is easy to understand and make. Thanks Leonie!!

Toodle-loo,

xxx Valula xxx

P.S. I'd love to give you a close up of the pretty beading on the pink side but the Little Woman had already got it mucky by the time I got to take pics...but if you've looked closely you'll have spotted that already ;-)

* Summer Holidays *

2010-06-30T10:43:00.000+01:00

Our little woman starts her school summer holidays at lunchtime today and will be off until the start of September. This is the first year that I have been lucky enough to be at home with my kiddie-winkies for the holidays. And, I am really quite excited about the prospect. Whether I will still be on the rainy days when they are bickering will be another story!!!

In preparation we made a list of fun things that we can do together over the summer. Of course, there was swimming, the cinema and the indoor soft play centre but there was also water fights, craft time, baking and wrestling (yes - that was the little man's suggestion). I really want this summer to be one of happiness and fun that they remember in years to come.

They weren't terribly impressed, however, when I told them that the t.v. would be spending a lot of time resting....

My little woman is desperate to learn how to crochet so I think that may well be our first project together. Any suggestions on the best thing to start to teach??? Hopefully there will be little hooky creations from us both to reveal soon.

Will keep you posted...

*** Valula ***

Feeling Great!

2010-06-25T10:00:00.002+01:00

Good Morning! Hope you are all feeling fantastic today. As you can probably tell I am in a super mood (or maybe just a little buzzy after several cups of industrial-strength coffee he he).

Now - I had planned on giving you a run down of the progress on my lovely hooky projects and a veggie-garden-update...but a quick scout outside has revealed that I need to take urgent action to stop my beautiful cabbages from being eaten alive by tonnes of teeny caterpillars....

So just a quickie update.... In the last few days our little family has been doing a relay-race of throat infections and raging temperatures, which meant that despite the beautiful sunshine I was cuddled up inside with small ones. But with a little multi-tasking I managed to make my very first piece of clothing! It is a shrug for my little girl who was feeling very unwell at the time. Normally I'm not a big fan of crocheted clothes but I wanted to made make her smile.

It was made using a free Lion Brand pattern with some yarn that my thoughtful aunt-in-law bought for me from a charity shop.

Maybe I'll get all adventurous now and try another little top....but first its caterpillar time!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend!

xx Valula xx

Footy

2010-06-11T20:52:00.000+01:00

Being of mixed nationality has its advantages and its disadvantages...but one of the major advantages is having two teams to support at International events. A disadvantage would be if the teams lined up against each other....oh no...who to support...panic....!

Alas Ireland isn't in the World Cup, therefore, with clear conscience I shout....

Come on England!!!!

Of course, all the footy on the telly means that I have loads of fantabulous hooking time to look forward to and thanks to the wonders of Sky+ I can rewind and won't miss a bit!!

Wishing you all a super-duper weekend.

♥ Valula ♥

Spoilt for choice

2010-06-10T16:46:00.000+01:00

There are times where I struggle to settle and enjoy a particular crafty project that I have started and then there are other times where I am spoilt for choice with lots of fun things to choose from. Happily - I am in the other times at the mo!

My plan sometime ago was to crochet cushion covers for my settees and I wanted all 10 of them to be different (it wouldn't do for things to match in this house....). To date I have five finished and a further two or three on the go.

There is the Truely-Triangley-Granny....

The Random-Patchwork...

The Stripey-Treble...(my current fav - love love love this one)

I am also trying to do a Flowery Granny but haven't quite settled on one that I am happy with despite trying quite a few. Any suggestions would be truly appreciated :-).

There was a pretty little tulip pattern that I was trying out but sadly it a went a bit pearshaped...here why...

My lovely precious little chap sneakily snipped into the top of several balls of yarn - should be thankful that it wasn't his fab curls that got the chop -

anyway, he didn't snip through the yarn completely each time, so it held together while I crocheted but finally unravelled as progressed...do you see the the hole in the white?? Ah well, at least the whole cushion wasnt assembled when it happened! Back to the drawing board me thinks.

So, I predicted tonight there will be rain, a roaring fire (in June - can you believe it), bean chilli for dinner, a glass of wine for Mammy Hedgehog and some more lovely stripey-trebles - Yay - bring it on!!

Enjoy :-)

Lovely trip home

2010-06-08T22:29:00.001+01:00

Hello there my dears, long time no blog....writing that is, not reading! I'm not quite sure what happened other than getting caught up in the day-to-day stuff that is the life of a small family...

We did have a lovely week in my childhood town of Macclesfield in Cheshire. We got off to a great start with a beautifully sunny and (thankfully) tranquil ferry crossing which the kids really enjoyed. We had a great time visiting my Dad and my Grandparents on their farm and we did the rounds of the parks, shops, Gawsworth Hall, West Park Museum and of course...Waterworld - Yeah - Fantastic!!

Every time I go home I am struck by the beauty of the buildings and scenery of Cheshire, I don't think I truly saw or appreciated it while I was living there. Unfortunately my camera died so the photos are borrowed from Google.

Macclesfield Canal

Gawsworth Hall

West Park Museum

Pretty house in Alderley Edge

Alderley Edge Woods

Hovis Mill, Macclesfield

Macclesfield Town Hall

And, I even squeezed in a little happy-hooking time but more about that later....

Take care,

Valula

:-)

Giving Thanks

2010-05-15T23:15:00.000+01:00

Tonight I am saying a little prayer to thank my Guardian Angel and all the Good Spirits in the Universe.

We could smell the acrid stench of burning plastic this evening and assumed that the neighbours were burning rubbish. But - that wasn't the case. The Man of The House quickly discovered and dealt with the dishwasher plug that was blackened, hot and smoldering....

We'd put the dishwasher on earlier than normal this evening, usually it would be clicked on just as we head off to bed.

Imagine if we had put it on as as normal tonight?? We do have a smoke alarm but the kitchen but we sleep at the other end of the house...we might not have heard it. ...GULP...

Thank you my very special Guardian Angel - always looking after me and mine.

xxxx

Found on google

Hope your Guardian Angels are keeping you all safe tonight.

xxx Valula xxx

Contented

2010-05-11T23:21:00.000+01:00

Evening all...

I'm feeling very content this evening. A lovely friend of mine, Kasia, called for a couple of hours of coffee and company. And, I had a really enjoyable few hours in the garden. How could I fail to feel uplifted after such a day?

Our veggie patch is really taking shape - we've planted out broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower today but accidentally mixed up all the plants so its a bit of a hotchpotch of brassicas (horrified gasps from proper gardeners everywhere), ah never mind, it's very in keeping with everything else in Hedgehog Corner.

Secretly I am quite proud of the progress in the veggie patch because its been all my own hard work, normally Him-Indoors would do most of the heavy stuff but an old war wound is playing up so he is officially out of action. It is taking longer but is very rewarding. All I have to do now is work out a way to keep the family pets out of the beds.....

Oh yeah, I found my camera - yippee! It was in my make-up bag...of course...where else would I have put it. Unfortunately, this clearly illustrates how often I put my war-paint on these days!

So, with no further delay here is the wavy cushion cover I recently finished crocheting. I found the pattern on Ravelry and it was a bit complicated to follow initially but I got there in the end and I'm quite pleased with it.

Incidentally, the dodgy looking blanket hanging on the back of the chair is the first thing I ever crocheted. I made it over 7 years ago when I was pregnant as a gift for our new baby. She loves it and sleeps with it ever night :-)

My only problem now is deciding which of the ever growing list of projects should be done first...such hardship ;-)

This little fella was hiding out in the local charity shop, needless to say I couldn't leave him there...he cost me the princely sum of 10c! Happy days.

TTFN,

Valula

Friday Feeling

2010-05-07T17:39:00.000+01:00

Since finishing working I've found that I am busier than ever (not sure how I ever found the time for a full-time job) and that there are a couple of things I miss...being paid, chatting with nice people and.... having 'The Friday Feeling'. For some reason I was abandoned by The Friday Feeling quite unceremoniously! That said, I am very happy to report that today I have The Friday Feeling in bucket loads, I'm really quite giddy about the-fast-approaching-nothing-planned-weekend.

Wooooo-hoooooo! Bring it on!

Since I last blogged (quite sometime ago) I've been busily hooking, gardening and thrifting: I have dug another veg bed over, nearly finished crocheting a couple of cushion cover and have thrifted a beautiful old piano. I've quite fallen in love with this grand old dame, despite not being able to play a note. The chap I bought her from said that she was given to his 98 year old Granny when she was a child and that she was secondhand way back then. At a guess she is probably over 100 years old so she is right at home in our old house. Of course, I justified this purchase as being an investment in my children's musically education :-)

Unfortunately my camera has vanished *poof* so I can show you any pictures. Still I'll keep beavering away and hopefully it'll reappear soon.

In my last blog I mentioned my first date with Saucy Singer, for our second date we were planning on enjoying a nice little fabric but it didn't quite go to plan. Oh no - you see Saucy Singer is quite the little diva and occasionally she really lets the sparks fly. Her last tantrum left us all baffled and total in the dark....she had tripped the main fuse board for the house!! Oops. Maybe a little smoozling and a visit to the Singer-Spa will mellow her....

Hope you have The Friday Feeling - whatever you have planned :-)

Valula

Sweet Temptation..

2010-04-25T22:58:00.001+01:00

For a while now there has been a Little Idea that's been flirting with me quite shamelessly. The Little Idea used to hide in a snug Quiet Place at the back of my mind, every now and again it would whisper its suggestions in my ear but I would gently rebuff it and send it back into its Quiet Place. That was before we discovered Blog land...since then Little Idea has become quite bold. It has been bolstered by the creativity and craft of the lovely bloggers.

This weekend I succumbed to Little Idea's seduction...but like most affairs it probably won't end well.

As per Little Ideas whisperings I rummaged amongst the dusty treasures in the attic until I found it...The Saucy Singer...gulp. Little Idea thinks that The Saucy Singer and I should become much better acquainted.

This weekend The Saucy Singer and I had our first date. We learned a little about each other... I researched her tastes...she's partial to a drop or two of oil. And, bought her some new needles - she liked them I'm sure.

Little Idea has big plans for this blossoming relationship, it thinks Saucy Singer and I should attend a pre-marriage course (a.k.a. Dressmaking for Dummies). I keep telling Little Idea that I am really a Hooker at heart but it insists that I 'sew' my wild oats.

Next weekend we thinking of trying a nice little fabric that we both like.

Secretly I'm enjoying the butterflies and excitement of this new dalliance, just hope it won't end in tears....

♥ Valula ♥

Progress...

2010-04-22T20:54:00.000+01:00

Today has been a good day.

Mr H took the kids into school and creche this morning which gave me a few blissful peaceful hours to myself...not wanting to waste the time I set to in the Veggie Patch.

There was some digging and weeding...

Some of coffee and sun cream..

Some veggies surprises amongst the weeds....

And then there were three beds ready!

Only four left to do...

And - I've made a start on my new crochet project...

which is very enjoyable once you learn to count!!!

And, now I'm tired so it's time for...

Night, Night....

♥ Valula ♥

Patchwork Grass

2010-04-21T18:23:00.000+01:00

This afternoon as Him-In-Doors tinkered with things mechanical, I set to mowing the lawns. This isn't normally isn't one of my jobs. The Hubby doesn't really like gardening (at all) so he is happy enough to make his contribution by cutting the grass and I'm happy enough to let him! But today I did it.

Nestled in the grass were lots of wild primroses in yellow, purple and lilac...

I've never seen these in the grass before which make me wonder if The Hubby has 'seen to them' with the lawn-mower for the last few years??? Anyway - I certainly didn't have the heart to mow away those pretty blooms so now our lawns are now a crazy patchwork of cut grass and areas of long grass full of little flowers.

Enjoy your evening.

Valula :-)

The basics

2010-04-20T21:39:00.002+01:00

It is true to say that I love crocheting. Slowly my basic skills are developing and improving (even The Hubby commented on that). After some um-ing, ah-ing and several cups of tea I can sometimes find my way around a pattern.

So why do I still stumble and fall? Attempt, rip out and redo so often?

Well, it is largely due to two reasons -

I have on occasion started off happily hooking in my own English way...but my woolly creation doesn't look as it should. Could it be because the pattern is written in American terminology and I have been working British stitches perhaps? I have even managed to combine British and American stitches in one piece - not very prettily though!

The other reason is quite simple too - I can't count! Quite worrying given that my whole working life has been based on numbers....

Valula Hedgehog has officially failed the Maths and Geography tests in her Crochet Course...better get studying!!

Enjoy your crafts - what ever they are.

♥ Valula ♥

Lovely Surprise

2010-04-14T10:04:00.000+01:00

I've heard people say after moving house that if after some time you still haven't unpacked all the boxes that you should just throw them away because you obviously do not need whatever was in them. Well...

Whilst rummaging in the attic yesterday, for something I had promised to lend to a friend, I came across a box of framed photos and pictures from the last house we owned...which was about 4 years ago. Curiosity got the better of me. I knew that we hadn't rehung the pictures because I no longer liked the frames but thought I'd take a trip down memory lane anyway.

There were lots of oooohs and aaaahs as I was reminded of the small ones (when they were much smaller). There were giggles when I came across the picture of my bridesmaids in their splendour - wearing their stripey socks and trainers. And, there were a few signs and sadness when I saw pictures of dearly loved family that are no longer with us.

Weren't they fab! Sure they won't mind me posting this up - the wedding photographer uses it on his website anyway

But then I came across something that was very securely wrapped in tonnes of bubble wrap...what's this I thought? Imagine my delight when I realised it was a handmade wedding gift from the lovely Anna at Mootiful. We've known the ever so talented girls there, Emma and Anna, since we were all running around with mucky faces and grazed knees. It was such a pleasure to uncover this treasure! Needless to say it is now prominently displayed in our sitting room.

Isn't it great!

Happy Days...

Emma xxxx

So much to do!

2010-04-13T21:00:00.001+01:00

Good evening out there!

It's been a beautiful day here in the 'Sunny South East' and I have to say that I am loving it. We've had a few days of sunshine now and we even got a splendid 20oC over the weekend. I could really get used to it. ♥ Maybe I imagine it but a little bit of sunshine seems to lighten every one's spirits... When I'm old and grey and very wrinkly I am going to have to move to a sunnier clime.

The Boy Child playing with the hounds in the sunshine whilst holding a daffodil that he picked for me

As you can imagine the last few days have been spent pottering around the garden. I'm still not up to any serious gardening *grumble grumble* so my veggie patch is looking very sad. But I think if I do a little bit each day it'll get there in the end and will help me to become the big strong girl I was this time last year!! We got a great range and quantity of veg out of it last year and it broadened the kids repertoire of acceptable vegetables - how could they not want to eat what they had grown?

In the wonderful world of the Hedgehogs we have quite a lot to do:

Weeds the flower beds
Weed and sow the seven veg beds (each measuring 5ft x 20ft...gulp)
Mow the back ~~field~~ lawn
Assemble the cushion backs for the two fronts that I've crocheted
Crochet covers for the remaining 6 cushion
Crochet my Number One Child a cardigan
Sew *oh dear, this could end badly* a roman blind for the living room window

With so much to do it's a good job that I'm resting at present, as the Acting fraternity would say!!!

Last year promised myself faithfully that I would photography my flower beds throughout the seasons, of course I missed the snowdrops but have captured a few of the spring bulbs. Thought I might share a picture or two with you...

Both the daffs and hyacinths smell divine

I think these are like little tiny sunshines!

I'm very pleased to say that the little fella's request that we grow dandelions and daffodils has been fullfiled already...

Take care,

Emma

Sleepy...

2010-04-05T20:11:00.001+01:00

Oh - yawn - I'm really looking forward to climbing into my comfy, snugable, toasty bed tonight!!

Last night some of my small cousins came for a sleepover. All six kids were VERY excited, as a result not a lot of sleeping took place. They did have good fun though. But now I'm tired.

It's times like this that I have renewed admiration for my Nanny, she's 80 years old now and is currently relaxing on holiday in Australia...I digress...she raised 12 kids of her own and has been actively involved raising their progeny and their progeny's progeny! She's an amazing woman :-)

My Plan of Action for tonight involves very little action...kids -> bed, me -> bed...Yay!! But I might stretch to a bubble bath with a glass of wine.

One of these bath racks would be the prefect addition to my bath time... wonder if I'd have to have two glasses of wine to make the best use of it ;-)

www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Tomorrow the kids and I will have loads of energy and are going to spend the day having fun!

Sleep well...

Emma x

Granny Swirl :-)

2010-04-01T14:33:00.000+01:00

A good while ago I found a photo of a swirly granny square somewhere on th'internet and thought that I REALLY had to have a go at that! Four different colours of yarn at the same time - oooohhhh so exciting.

So last night I set to with some of the tiny balls of yarn that were knocking about at the bottom of my bag. My logic was that smaller balls would be easier to manage but in hindsight I'm not entirely sure if ball size really makes a difference.

I had to concentrate but Arsenal were on the TV so that helped ;-)

and this is the outcome....

Unfortunately my photographic skills leave something to be desired!

My weekend will be filled with more of the same (if I'm lucky) as well as fun, family and yummy dinners.

That's all for now - thanks for stopping by!

Emma xx

Ripples and Spirals

2010-03-30T09:07:00.001+01:00

The clocks went forward at the weekend - which means that it is still light outside at 8pm. The long evenings really lifts my spirits...I LOVE 'em :-).

We officially started our Easter Holidays last Friday. The little woman has two weeks off school and I have finished up at work so we are going to have lots of time together. Unfortunately, Daddy will miss out on all the fun as he has to work (someone has to bring in the reddies). It's his birthday today so we're going to make him a birthday cake - we're thinking a big rice crispie cake with LOADS of candles!!

My new found freedom has been put to good use so far - not with housework and chores, of course - but with lots of lovely hooking. I think I have finally got the hang of the ripples - YAY - the more rows I added the better it got and my counting abilities improved too.

The colours are a bit funny in the picture but you get the general idea. This is destined to be a cushion cover, I will post a pic when it is finished.

And, I have my new project on the go too....it's a three colour spiral...and is truly a trial and error project. The pattern didn't print out properly last night so its a curly swirl rather than the desired flat swirl but I'm trying to work it out as I go... Once I have it sussed I'll do a proper one. Have to say though I am really enjoying this!!

I'm going to hop to it now and get all the day's jobs out of the way as quickly as possible and then I can sit down and relax with a nice cuppa and my hooking....oh yeah - happy days!

Hope you have fun today too!

Emma x

Ripples?

2010-03-24T23:28:00.001Z

So maybe I was a tad previous before or maybe it was just beginners luck?

My lovely hooky ripples really aren't so lovely...the more I practice the worse it gets - just like golf. Instead of the beautiful undulating curves (that we all desire) mine are a bit lob-sided, a bit too curvy or a bit saggy - depending on where you look. When it comes to hooking, I do it purely for the pleasure and I'm not a neurotic perfectionist, but, even by my loose standards it isn't good enough. If I squint at my attempt through rose coloured sunnies it's still baaaad.....

I wish I hadn't ripped it all back (again) because I'd take a photo to show you - purely to make you laugh!!

What's the problemo?? I've sussed the stitches, the repetition and counting bit so I wonder if it is the tension - too tense (maybe a cuppa and some choccies would help) or not tense enough (in my dreams) but I suspect the true cause is inconsistency...ahhh, the story of my life...

In summary: my curves are lacking, my standards are loose and I'm inconsistent - my husband is a lucky guy!!

But, I'll keep trying...

Happy Hooking,
Emma x

100 Things about me...in no particular order

2010-03-22T21:57:00.001Z

Not sure if I'll manage 100 things
My name is Emma
I'm English but live in Ireland
I have two children - a girl and a boy
I love my children with all my being but I have on occasion wanted to donate them to charity
I'm married to a good man and I love him to bits
I have never been arrested but have been found guilty :-(
My eyes are blue
My hair is dark brown
I've been going grey since I was 15
I love to read
I adore hand crafted items and the skill that goes into them
I was vegetarian for 11 years
I still don't really like meat
I enjoy colouring in
I'm right handed
Gardening is a passion
but i don't have a favourite flower
I do not like goats cheese - it doesn't matter how many times I try it
I'm claustrophobic
Despite that I once crawled through caves - just to prove to myself that I could - I was very proud of myself but will NEVER do it again
The first vehicle I drove was a tractor
If I had my time again I would do a different degree
My family is huge - more than 30 first cousins on my Mum's side
It is good having a big family
My sisters call me Valula
I dived with great white sharks in South Africa - amazing experience
I love the adrenaline rides in theme parks
My memory is really bad (I inherited it from my Mum)
I aspire to being as good a person as my Mum was and my Nan is
I can't bake
I don't enjoy cooking
I only eat when I'm hungry, so mealtimes are a bit hit and miss for me!
Patience isn't one of my virtues
but I've never lost my temper - I came VERY close once
I have had my heart broken
I have broken another's heart
I play golf - badly
I love learning new things
I don't smoke
I don't hate anyone - I lack the memory and inclination to do so
I passed my driving test first time when I was 17
I once rode an ostrich
I had my head shaved for charity - it was 17" long at the time
I believe there is a Greater Being, for me its God but if you call it by another name then that's fine by me
Organised religion frightens me
Human nature amazes me
Human nature terrifies me
I realised that I could really be hurt (again) when I looked at my sleeping baby daughter
I wouldn't buy a house that didn't have a real fire
I can't sing
or play a musical instrument
or dance
I've only run out of petrol once (my husband claims that the petrol light winks at him every time he gets into my car)
I am blessed with a few very good friends
My parents were truly in-love and it set the bar for me
I've had a happy life so far
I intend to grow old disgracefully
I intend to have a blue rinse in my old age and wear outrageous clothes
I do not like swimming in the sea
I haven't shaved my legs since 2002 - don't worry I'm not a yetti - just blessed with quite hairless legs!
When I die I do not want people to visit my grave, I will not be there.
I support Manchester United - the best football club in the world
I love love love the way kids randomly jump, spin and roll around no matter where they are
Tea is my favourite drink
Wine is my second favourite drink :-)
Warm milk makes me gag
My car is always messy but I just don't care
I love the smell of my children
I married my Dad - literally, not actually - of course!!!
I have a sewing machine that has never been used
I'm forgetful...I forgot my wedding anniversary once and we've only been married 6 years! Ooops
I'm blessed with a half-full glass
I'm worth more dead than alive
I am neither a lucky nor an unlucky person
I believe things happen for a reason
I am impulsive by nature
I gave birth without pain relief - I'm tough!
People are always welcome in my home, I expect them to make themselves at home
I curse quite a lot, i don't mean anything by it, its just lazy speech
I have two awesome sisters
Opening brown envelopes is something I avoid - they never contain anything interesting
I believe mucky kids are happy kids
When I grow up I want to be a farmer
I reversed my Mum's car into the neighbours car when it had only 13 miles on the clock - she never even commented!
I'm a wing and a prayer sort of girl
I am most definitely not a morning person
I would rather chew off a limb than spend a day shopping
I'm very proud of my Dad
Being financially rich does not appeal to me
I believe that money is a means to an end and not an end in it's self
I'd love to have a house full of kids
I think the recession has made people re-evaluate what really matters in life
I'd move to Australia in the morning if I could
I admire other people's imaginations
Camping does not appeal to me but I'm gonna do it for the family.....
I've worked since I was 14
I really truly honestly absolutely hate sticky things - urgh
I'd like to live like Laura Ingles Wilder for a while
My Guardian Angel looks after me and is always there in the tough times, I am blessed to have her.

So, now you know me a little better....if you decide never to visit me again I will completely understand !!

Emma xxx

Busy Busy

2010-03-22T09:53:00.000Z

Good Morning! It's a beautiful morning here in the Sunny South-East, the torrential rain that fell over night was not only lovely to listen too but has painted extra greenness onto the lawns and has cleared the sky of its angry clouds. The thermometer at the back door states that it is 20oC, unseasonable warm but incredibly welcome.

And the very best thing about today is that there is a spring in my step and a song in my heart! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY.

My family have already left for the day, which leaves me to power through some jobs that I have been silently procrastinating about. No more! Today is the day to get them done!

The rest of the day will be available for much more pleasureable pursuits...maybe I'll teach My Little Woman how to crochet a granny square -she's such a crafty little girl and I'm sure she'll love it.

I'm also going to order some books from th'interweb, somehow books are always an allowable spend for me, even when I'm in the midst of an economy-drive (like now). The plan is to order The Shell Seekers for me and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows for My Little Woman. Can't wait until the postman leaves those on the kitchen table for us!

Well, I must get on or I'll miss my school-run deadline for completion of the days chores.

Hope there is sun on your backs today too.

Emma xxx

A Bit of Fun...

2010-03-21T17:44:00.000Z

Ok, so I'm a tad juvenile (no surprise there) and I know this isn't the most grown-up blog post you'll read today but still I have to share...

We were having beef stew for lunch and I needed some more carrots, so off I pottered into the garden and pulled a couple. So glad I did. One, or should I say two, were piggy-backing...

You have to love that - comedy veg!

Soooo much better than the uniform, perfectly formed specimens available in the supermarket. Homegrown - fresh, entertaining and tasty, what more can you ask for? :-)

Valula x

Nothing in Particular

2010-03-20T19:45:00.000Z

It's been a funny old week and I haven't been much in the mood for blogging but after a strong word or two with myself I'm back on the right track. Generally my glass is at least half full so being in bad form isn't something that happens too often - thankfully!

Sometimes it is necessary to focus on the good things in life...

Today I am particularly glad that:

I'm not a man, otherwise, my cold would be the hugely debilitating and potentially life threatening MAN-FLU...*shudder*

We've made some chocolate crispy buns (y-u-m-m-y). The whole melting chocolate thing has always been a bit of a trauma for me - I think my pans have been too hot on previous attempts - but I succeeded with the microwave. YAY!! Cooking really isn't my forte...

I spilt a whole bottle of fabric softener on the utitilty room floor (which I mopped up with the clothes I was about the wash) because now our WHOLE home smells of "Sunshine".

I have mastered how to crochet Mollie-Flowers and Neat Ripple-ing. If it wasn't for Lucy at Attic24 I wouldn't be enjoying hooking nearly as much!

There is a fantastic red-sunset outside because that means tomorrow will be a good day too.

And I have just spotted a bat flying around outside, how cool is that!

My hubby has gone away for the night - much as I love him - I also love having some time to myself, it'll be a good old film or maybe a Poirot and some more of this:

And on that note, I'll say goodnight and prepare for my night of relaxation....Ahhhhhhh

New addition to the family

2010-03-14T21:00:00.000Z

Today is Mother's Day and I was treated to breakfast in bed, some cards and a basket of flowering plants. All very lovely. We then went down to the Outlaws for a roast beef dinner - aren't meals so much tastier when they have been cooked by someone else. It was all very relaxed but the hubby was restless and quite impatient to get going, so we set off home...but not the usual way...

As we travelled I began to suspect he had a plan! So let me introduce you to Ollie, he's the latest addition to our family. Be under no illusions though, he's not a gift for me at all.

We got him from the Inistioge Puppy Rescue, this is their photo (I hope they don't mind). He's three years old and is much bigger than he looks in the picture!

So now I have two dogs, a cat, a fish, two lizards, two children and a hubby.

We've had him home about an hour or so and there is still an awful lot of bum-sniffing going on between the two dogs, our little Daisy is still a bit miffed but I think they'll end up being good friends.

Next addition - chickens!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mommas out there.

Emma xxxx

Multi-Layered

2010-03-10T16:14:00.000Z

Our little man chose his own clothes this morning, as is his want these days. I smiled as I watched him walk to the car, he looked pretty cool - good choice I thought.

As we waited to be seen by the doctor I noticed his was quite red in the face, so I stripped off his jumper. He said he was still hot and asked if could I take off more tops? More tops?? Oh dear...How many more tops? So we counted - he had 5, yes 5, long-sleeved tee-shirts on...in addition to his termal vest and a thick wooly jumper - no wonder he was pink! I couldn't help but laugh as I peeled off layer after layer of clothing... when I asked him why so many layers, he replied that they were all 'cool'.

Before we'd finished the great undress, there was gentle chuckling from all corners of the doctors surgery!

Bless....

Change of Plan...

2010-03-09T09:55:00.000Z

The plan to make a Sunflower blanket has been abandonned (at least temporarily) because by the time it's finished, the baby it is for will probably be a parent herself! Yes, this is partly because I am not exactly a speedy little hooker but also because big projects overwhelm me - especially when crafting time is limited.

So back to the drawing board.

Lucy at Attic24 has generously provided the pattern for some crocheted birdies, which I think are quite sweet. But what to do with them? Hmmm - a mobile maybe?

Its not quite finished, still have to tidying up some loose ends but still, I'm not sure if I'll send it. Its not that I want to keep it or anything like that - I'm just not sure whether my cousin will like it or whether it is really good enough. You see, I LOVE it when someone make a gift for me and my tastes are quite eclectic (you'll appreciate this, the more you see of my home) but not everyone is the same.... Maybe I'll just buy some baby clothes instead???

But it really was fun to make! My little woman thinks its cool - she is of the crafty ilk. But the little man is far from impressed (although I suspect that he was just being cranky because I'd said no to sweets two minutes earlier).....

Valula x

Show and Tell Sunday

2010-03-07T16:23:00.001Z

Good Afternoon!!

It's the first week of our 'Show and Tell Sunday' and the topic this week is our favourite spot at home. I was thinking of showing you my bed - which is a firm favourite of mine - but venturing in to the bedroom to take the photo might prove toooooo tempting - did I mention that I LOVE my bed?? - and that would mean that I'd miss out on the beautiful sunshine that we are blessed with today.

So instead I'll show you my little spot in front of the fire... and I enjoy it here because..

The rhythm of the rocking chair soothes my frayed nerves
The heat from the fire warms my toes
The sun from the window bathes me and lifts my spirits
The crickets (escapees the from the lizards tank) sing to me from their sanctuary behind the stove

It all makes me feel good....

So, sometimes I read, sometimes I watch tv, sometimes I chat on the phone, sometimes I crochet and sometimes I just sit and rock....

This afternoon I'm going to crochet - going to put the kettle on first though....happy days :-)

Em xxxxx

Deep Breaths

2010-03-05T01:12:00.000Z

It has been a day of inhaling deeply.

Firstly, when I filled my lungs with the cool, crisp air of morning whilst enjoying my cuppa, alfresco.

Later, I found myself inhaling deeeeeply (and counting to 10) during another drawn out, unproductive meeting in work. We have meetings about meetings... I suspect the intake of breath was quite audible.

Then tonight, much more enjoyably, I found myself filling my lungs to capacity with the cool night air as I gazed up at the sky. The sky was STUFFED with stars - sooo many of them! This is one of the (many) reasons that I appreciate living in the middle of no-where, there is little of light pollution that hides the stars from our eyes. It was Utterly Beautiful. If only I could do justice to it with a photograph.

Photo: P-M Heden

Reasons to be cheerful...

2010-03-04T13:12:00.002Z

Despite the chill in the air this morning, I couldn't resist sitting outside while I enjoyed my morning cuppa. It was fresh, sunny and calm and there was a little bird singing its heart out - lovely stuff!

You can't really tell from this picture but I got out into the garden yesterday morning - yippee!! Gardening always makes me feel fantastic - elated even - its good for my soul! Yep I mowed the back lawn, not normally one of my favourite gardening tasks but you see it's the first time in months that I've had enough energy to do anything out there. Which brings me to my next reason to be cheerful, today is the last day of my steriods - woo hoo - I'll be 'roid free for the first time in 6 months. Fantastic. May even loose the old Moon-Face!

My little wander around the garden reminded me that the garden is waking from its Winter slumber and that Spring is just about to be sprung, which is enough to put a spring in my step...oooooo - can't wait...I adore Spring and all its potential.

Just look at the deep yellow of those crocuses and the furiness of the pussy-willow....before we know it the garden will be bursting with colour and the promise of delicious veggies <3

We kept the little woman home from school today because she complained of feeling ill but has since made a miraculous recovery....and is now ready for her lunch!

I think we'll have some yummy, comfort food - maybe a big bowl of homemade soup with fresh bread or maybe beans, mash and fish-fingers...that always transports me back to my childhood dinner table...one of my favourite, heart and belly warming dinners. Ahhh.

Better go.... x

Frosty Morning

2010-03-02T10:51:00.001Z

Its another frosty morning here but I like it, mainly because the boy child and I are admiring the white icy dusting from our snuggly position in front of the woodburner. I love these moments. I also love looking out at the pouring rain on a miserable night, it makes me very grateful to have a warm and comfortable house to look out from.

I did venture out (in my dressing gown) to take this, although not a fan of spiders particularly, I thought this was just lovely.

Hmmm, so what is the plan for the day? By rights it should involve some washing, cleaning and generally try to make the house more respectable. But instead I fancy doing some hooking, the weekend wasn't as productive as hoped. And...the cleaning will still be there tomorrow.... Don't get me wrong, it is nice to have a spotless house but I am not a clean freak, my philosophy is summed up by the wall tile below, which belonged to my Mum....

Yes, the cleaning will wait... The weekend's hooking was experimental (for a novice like me), I tried different centres to my lovely granny squares (trying to get more of a daisy look) and then changing the square to a hexagon...but I'm going to stick with the original plan...at least for this project!!

Well, I'd better go or there won't be any time for hooking or even cleaning before work....

Talk again soon x

The first of many

2010-02-27T15:32:00.002Z

The first of the sunflower granny squares is done (with character - as is usual!). The pattern suggested a 5mm hook which gives quite a loose and light feel, perfect for a blanket that's destined for Australia.

What do you think?

Next time I will have to count the first row properly, 16 are needed not 15!! Also I'm thinking of doing all the centres in white but I'm not sure yet, will do a few and see how they look. Quite excited to see how this will come together.

As you can see from the photo, its a fabulously sunny day today - which is ALWAYS good for my soul. I'm longing to be out there in my beloved garden, digging over the veg beds but I'll have to wait a little longer I think...not too long though I hope or we'll miss the boat and have no veggies this year.

Its the garden that led to the name of this blog. When I asked the kids if there was anything that they'd like us to grow this year, the little man said he'd like 'Daffodils and Dandelions'.....hmmmm at least we'll be certain of getting lots of Dandelions!!

That's all for now, must press on - have to get ready for this evenings social event, it's The Outlaws 50th Wedding Anniversary meal. 50 years - they deserve a medal!!!!!

New Cushion

2010-02-25T20:05:00.000Z

Progress!!

At last my cushion cover is finished - it was so nearly finished for AGES - for some reason though the final assembly took a while - but - at last its - done! Yippee!! And I am very pleased with it.

These are a few mistakes but I've decided that these add character :-) Maybe when I'm a more experienced hooker my work won't be quite so full of character but until then I am just going to enjoy the learning process...

Anyway - here's how it looks (its the one on the right)... Please forgive the amateurish nature of my photo - hopefully my photography skills will develop along side my hooking!!

It seems that I now have list of projects to work on for myself and for others - Happy Days! Lots to do!!

The next project planned is a blanket of Sunburst Flower Granny Square, which are really pretty - I'll be going for a more colourful blanket though. I found the pattern on www.kasa-amend.com but it's in German, thankfully, there are English instructions available too! Thanks Kasa.

I'll keep you posted on my progress....

Kindred Spirits

2010-02-23T19:00:00.000Z

As a recent discoverer of blogs I am more than a little behind the times... My introduction to the Land of Blog is thanks to Hexagon Granny Squares and, in turn, Lucy at Attic24. A quick trawl of t'internet whilst searching for crochet-inspiriation sent me in Lucy's direction and I haven't looked back since!! Her fabulous blog has me hooked and it has in turn sent me further on my voyage of discovery...

In the Land of Blog I have found lots of interesting people, who share my loves! There was I foolishly believeing that I was the only person under 85 who enjoys relaxing in front of a roaring fire, with a lovely cuppa and crochet hook in hand (ahhh just thinking about it make me happy - the simple pleasures). But now I am wiser!!!

Not only are there people all over the world with colourful interests - - but, they generously share their knowledge, ideas and crafts with us and also give a small peek into ordinary yet wonderful lives. Amazing.

The best thing about the blogs I've found is that they make me smile ad brighten my day!!

What colour am I today?

2010-02-19T16:35:00.002Z

Last night as I drifted off to sleep, I found myself contemplating colours. More specifically my favourite colour...which I realised depends upon my mood.

Some days I absolutely adore YELLOW, these are the days when my world is bathed in sunshine and I skip happily along.

Some days it's GREEN, these are those calm and rested times when peace and harmony reigns in my little world.

Some days my favourite is ORANGE, these days are busy and bustling and I am jam-packed with energy and enthusiasm.

Sometimes there is no alternative to RED; vibrant, unmissable, strong-as-an-ox RED!

Some days I just love BLUE, that's when I'm cool, calm and collected.

Today - it's PURPLE, I'm winding down, relaxing, getting ready for a great weekend of children and crochet!

So, really, how could I have just one favourite colour??

(Beautiful picture painted by Liza Lorenz - www.lisalorenzpaintings.com)

Daffodils and Dandelions

Death wish?

Lost in Space

A moment in time

A cheeky little DIY

Stitch Marker Lessons

Bob and The Disaster

Rude?

???

Two Thousand and Eleven

The Progeny War

Where does the time go?

West Wing Hooking

Halloween

Chile

Stop Procrastinating!

Sleep

What's the Plan Stan?

Planning

Treasured Times

Stumped

End of summer

Misadventure

Fruit Leather

Slow Progress

Change of Direction

Bad Parenting

A busy weekend

The Fastest Dessert in the West

Life on the edge

Yucky Yarn!

Welcome Home Surprise!

Motherhood

A web of kindness

Its a wrap!

*** Summer Holidays ***

Feeling Great!

Footy

Spoilt for choice

Lovely trip home

Giving Thanks

Contented

Friday Feeling

Sweet Temptation..

Progress...

Patchwork Grass

The basics

Lovely Surprise

So much to do!

Sleepy...

Granny Swirl :-)

Ripples and Spirals

Ripples?

100 Things about me...in no particular order

Busy Busy

A Bit of Fun...

Nothing in Particular

New addition to the family

Multi-Layered

Change of Plan...

Show and Tell Sunday

Deep Breaths

Reasons to be cheerful...

Frosty Morning

The first of many

New Cushion

Kindred Spirits

What colour am I today?

* Summer Holidays *