Have you seen this?????

Just a quick post to see if anyone else has found this blog........

Mrs Sew&Sew

I can now do fancy links thanks to Sian!!

It's from the Imperial war museum & it's very good. I was sent an email a few days ago, I think it's new.

Happy hooker......

Thanks for all your comments about Brownies.... I now know my pack is really rubbish!!!

I've decided that I will attend the planning meeting & try to be assertive, if it doesn't work I'll find another pack or leave. I don't want to waste anymore time.

The last weekend of my holiday I started a hexagon blanket......

I was surprised how quickly it grew..... my kind of crafting!!!

I'm going to make this one small to go on the sofa in the living room. This is the cat's sofa so I need something I can chuck in the washing machine.

I couldn't face making another large one.....




Remember this one?????...... I thought I'd keep you all updated with it's progress.....




I started it in March 2008 so I really must finish it but as you know I did re start it thanks to your advice.



The blanket underneath is one that I made years ago. I still love it...... there's loads of mistakes if you look carefully but I taught myself to crochet so I'm very proud!!!



On Friday I did something very naughty..........




For the last few months my laptop has been going so slow ...... I did plan to update the memory but then I thought what the heck I'm going to treat myself!!!!! It was a really good bargain & I did get a sales bonus from work leading up to Christmas...... the top sales person for the region..... so I wanted to buy something special........ I'm trying to justify why I brought it because I'm feeling guilty now.......LOL!!



I must admit I'm finding it hard to use..... it took me an hour to upload these photo's!!!!


Hope you've all had a good weekend ..... I've been working so I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow.

Help needed.......

A very quick post today I'm afraid...... I went back to work on Monday :(..... & I'm soooo tried!!! I forgot what hard work it is standing up for 8 hours a day & smiling!!!!

I hope to be back tomorrow with some photo's of my new crocheted blanket....

In the mean time I need your help.........

Last night I went to Brownies... this was my 5th time & every time I hope it will get better but it doesn't. I was speaking to the other helper & she suggested I went to another pack to see how things are done as this was the worst pack in Exeter!!!! Trust me to choose this one!!!

If your child attends Brownies or any other group could you tell me what they do????

I never went to Brownies so I didn't know what to expect.................. however the regional leader did ask me to join to share traditional crafts etc...................... since the beginning of the year we haven't done one badge..... is this right?????

In 3 weeks time I have a meeting with the leader & I'd like to suggest some more exciting things to do......... if things carry on like this I won't be going back after Easter. I sit in the corner for 1 3/4 hours with no one speaking to me while the girls run around shouting & screaming...... all they do is play games..... I don't think this is right as the parents are paying for this. And after a long day at work I'd rather be at home watching TV!!!

Hope you're all having a good week

Mother's day gifts

Hope you're all enjoying the lovely sunny weather..... I can't believe how lucky I've been.... next week it's going to rain in the southwest so it's a good job I'll be back at work.

I thought I would share the mother's day gifts I made........

A crocheted vase plus of course a flower brooch.... not sure if mum will wear this but it looks nice on the vase......... some cheap & cheerful daffodils.......in my last post I showed you the crocheted flowers I had been fiddling with.....

I had an idea to make a card but it kept changing..... what do you think??? A bit fiddly as I had to hand stitch it onto the card but it didn't take that long to make... I'm thinking of entering CK make your own mother's day card competition..... you never know I could win...LOL!!!!

I also made these this morning........




Traditional fairy cakes, lemon iced cakes & plain icing with green & black chocolate flakes. I made them instead of the biscuits because I had everything I needed in the cupboard so the cost...... Zero, just my time. I made them because a couple of years ago my mum saw on the TV a company that made cupcakes for mother's day.... priced at about £7 per cake!!! She thought this was really funny so I'm hoping I can pretend that I brought them......(I don't think so!!!)



Sorry the picture is rubbish.....my camera was running out of juice so I couldn't take another. No sooner have I changed the battery then they go again..... I can take about 8 photo's before they need changing. I've tried rechargeable ones but they don't even power it up.... hate using so many batteries.... not very green!

Have a good weekend

Gardening & crocheting

I survived St Patrick's day...just in case you were wondering!!! It was a bit rubbish & I ended up being home at 5pm....watching Emmerdale & Eastenders!!

Yesterday the glaziers came & fitted the new window.... at last!!! Look how clean it is.....well this saved me a job!!!

I've been out in the front garden today because it was starting to look a right mess..... for some reason loads of rubbish blows in. Now I've checked next door's gardens & they don't seem to have any so why does it come in to ours???? (I've never seen them picking up rubbish) We're the only ones who still have a front garden everyone else has drives..... does this mean the roads are clear??? No they all have 2 cars!!!

I'll be seeing my parents on Sunday so I had to clear it.... I feel so guilty that my dad at the age on 67 has been in the garden nearly everyday this week from sun up to sun down!!!

I even swept the path!!!!

These arrived on Tuesday......

The whole set for just under £12 including postage. I can't believe so many of you like Miss Read books, I've never met anyone who's even heard of them.

Today I've been fiddling with theses.......




They're for my Mother's day card but then I had another idea so out came the hook again.....

I'll show you when I've finished. I make mother's day gifts every year because I think it's a bit of a con..... I've had so many emails offering flowers starting at £35..... my mum would have a fit if I spent that much!!!

Talking of Mother's day I need your help..........

Does anyone know a good biscuit recipe?????

It has to be cheap, easy & quick......... last year I made mum a fruit cake but it needed to be in the oven for about 45 mins so it ended up costing more then a shop brought one.

Please remember I'm not very good at baking.

Hope you're all enjoying the lovely weather...... maybe a long hot summer is on the cards.

Happy St Patrick's day

Good morning to you all...this was me this morning when I opened the curtains to a beautiful sunny day in ummmmm...... Exeter!!!!

As some of you know I celebrate St Patrick's day every year & I can't remember the last time I worked on that day or the day after!!! We've been to loads of gigs around the country but over the years this seems to have stopped...most people celebrate on the weekend before or after as this is when the pubs will cash in!!! Last year was my first at home & we went to a local pub in Crediton where food was put on & music played... however this year will just be me & my OH as everyone forgot!!! Never mind we'll have a good time on our own.

We celebrate for lots of reasons which I won't bore you with but the main one is we love the music..... maybe some River dancing will happen later!!!

So there will be some of this.........

A few of these..........

I have the hip flask ready.... just buy the coffee but don't tell the publicans!!!!

We will be listening to this.........

The Dubliners

And this.............

The Pogues

And a little bit of this......

The men they couldn't hang
I couldn't even tell you how many times I've seen this band in the last 20 years .

Just hope I don't end up like this........


Hope you all have a great day what ever you do....


PS. I hope to be back tomorrow with a nice sensible crochet post!!!!

Spring has sprung!!!

Hello everyone, I can't believe a week of freedom has gone, only 1 week left, why does it go so fast??

It's been beautiful here for the last few days so I thought I would share some garden pictures with you.

Here's Nanny enjoying the morning sunshine....

He was rolling around & looking so cute!!!

This is my front garden....

It's a bit wild because I gave up on it over the winter period, I thought we would've moved by now. Still don't know what's happening with the house move so I guess I need to get out there!!

I love these flowers & when I lived in the city centre I tried everything I could to grow them but never had any luck. When we were doing up this house the front garden was full of rubbish, everything from a bath to the old toilet!!! The following spring these little beauties came up!!!
I really want to cover this side of the garden with stones to make it look neater but I can't bring myself to cover these up... not when they make such an effort every year. This morning it looked like a sea of blue when the sun was coming up.




Yesterday I went to visit my brother & his girlfriend to see baby Matthew......

No I didn't hold him!!! I crocheted the little dog in a couple of evening... I thought he was quite cute. Another friend visited at the same time & was really confused that I'd knitted the blanket & monkey & then crocheted the dog!!! I guess if you can't do it you don't understand how easy it is!!! They also had a box of cardigans, jumpers & blankets that my mum had made... this lady was calling us the crafty family!!

Now this is who I really went to see........

He's called Storm, I was offered him last September just after I lost Charlie because my brothers other cat had an accident & had to have her leg pinned etc. At the time Storm was just a kitten & getting in the way, I now really wish I had taken him. The photo doesn't do him justice, he's huge!!! He looks like my first ever cat Jason who I had for my 3rd birthday. Yes I did hold the cat!!!!

Sorry I haven't been leaving many comments, I haven't been at home much.

Cheltenham update..... I won £61 in 4 days!!!! Now where's the nearest CK shop!!!

Freedom!!!!

My Holiday is finally here!!!

I did have to work all weekend so it only started yesterday but it feels so good having 2 weeks a head of me with no plans. I've cancelled somethings because I had lots going on & I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't have anytime to do nothing!!! Oh yes I do enjoy doing nothing!!!

So what's new......

Window update.... Thanks for all your kind comments on my last post......on looking at the window more closely I don't think the paving slab did the job, the hole is very small like a bullet hole.... could it be an air riffle???? Well I've heard that some of the kids do have them..... what would have happened if it came through the window??? What if my lovely Nanny cat was sat in the window as he likes to do???? Well I can tell you what would have happened...... I would've killed them if they hurt my Nanny!!! I've heard nothing from the police so called today to get a crime number to sort the insurance. Oh how I love our helpful police force..... I explained that no one had called & I was told that they are very busy & as far as the police are concerned the matter is closed because the children said they didn't do it. Well it still leaves me with a broken window!!! I explained about the air riffle theory & she updated the records but didn't seem interested. Unlike a lot of people I know I was brought up to respect the police but after this I'm not so sure.

On a happier note my brother's girlfriend had her baby on Thursday 5th.... a little boy called Matthew weighing 10lbs 15ozs.... normal size for our family!!! She went into labour on Tuesday 3rd & finally had an emergency C section about 11am on Thursday.... I have a feeling this will be her first & last baby!!! I have no photo's of him as I haven't been to see him. She was feeling unwell & on Saturday she became very ill.... they're now pumping stuff from her tummy, not sure whats happened but I think they left some stuff in... I'm not sure what, I must say it makes me feel a little bit ill!!!! Here are the gifts I've brought him.....

Bargain.... all from Primark.....I know...it's very bad but hey it was £1o for the lot & money is tight at the moment.

I also made this........

I used to sell these taggie blankets.

Yesterday was a right off because we went to the pub for lunch & stayed all afternoon...whoops.... I'm sure the house work can wait!!!

Today I was up early & the sun was out so a wash went out on the line.....

I think I need to spend sometime in the garden this week..LOL!! I get such joy from seeing washing blowing in the wind.... is it just me???

Then it was a sit down with a cup of tea to chose my horses for the Cheltenham festival that started today.... so far no winners.... guess I'll have to go back to work!!!!

I brought these magazines last week & they've been sat waiting for my holidays. Does anyone else get the Sainsbury's mag??? I really enjoy it & it's cheap too.

Then it was back to bed to read.......

I haven't read a Miss Read book for years but I saw them in the book people catalogue & I thought I'd dig mine out. They have a whole set for £9.99 so I think I'll treat myself because I haven't got any of those.

Reading Attic 24's blog today she said that everyone should have flowers beside their bed so here's mine.......

I popped to Lidl today & daffs were only 99p for 20, I have some in the living room & these were on the dining table.

I read somewhere that you should have something that makes you smile beside your alarm clock so you wake up with a smile everyday. What do you think of this beautiful cat???? She's so lovely.... I've had her for years, brought from a cheap home ware shop.... everyone laughed at the time but all theses years on I still love her.


On Saturday I took my flower brooches to the local florist......

Hope they sell.....



I'm going to put some on my other blog if anyone would like one, also the purse.... I've had some emails about that.





Well I think that's enough for one day. Back soon.



EDIT: I've just won the champion hurdle!!! Punjabi.... I had a cat called that! I always bet on him but he was an outsider today... yippee!!

Keep calm.....

Once more this has to be my motto of the week.....

Student update..... I had a call from the college on Friday & things looked hopefully however on Tuesday we had 3 lads in who stopped in store & showed us their bare behinds.... 'thank you deer'.... I thought!!!

They then sat on a £1,250 sofa like that!! I wish I hadn't complained as it just getting worse.

Now is that frost on my very large living room window?????

No!!!! I was sat happily watching Coronation street & eating a very nice lemon sponge pudding last night when there was a loud bang...... frozen with fear I turned the TV off & waited ....nothing... I ran upstairs to look out the window & there was no one outside. I came back to the living room & heard a odd sound.... like running water. Taking a peep through the curtains my worse fears were confirmed..... the very large window had shattered. I ran back upstairs & there was a large gang of children just up the road cheering & jumping up & down. Their ages.... about 8-10 years old!!!

I called 999 & it took about 15 mins for the police to arrive by which time the children were gone!

Going outside this is what had done the damage.......

I can't believe I didn't hear them come into the garden.... it must have been thrown at close range because it's really heavy.
And what did the police say????...... Did you see them do it?? uuummm no I had the curtains drawn!!
The gang appeared again so they went off to talk to them.
On their return I was told the children said they didn't do it....... well that's ok then.... at least we now know they're not stupid!!!
OH suggested that they take finger prints from the slab & the gate but they didn't think this was a good idea. I asked who would pay for the damage..... and the answer...well us!!!

They did offer to get someone out to sort it but as I pointed out I don't have the money. He then said the window could go at any time so I had a terrible night sleep waiting for the crash of glass.



This is what I found this morning.....









It's not as bad as we thought last night, at least it's only one pain of glass broke. Thank goodness for safety glass & double glazing.
Now just have to wait for the community police office to come today to give us a crime number so we can try & claim on insurance & a glazier.



This is the 2nd time it's happened in 6 months..... the last time someone was trying to get away from some thugs who were beating him up. He was put through our porch window with a screw driver in his head. The shock of this made my very ill cat even worse so we had to to put him to sleep that day. Last night all the painful memories came back.



As some of you know we were planning on moving as OH hates living here..... we've just decided to stay here until the credit crunch is over but now we're back to square one!!!
Anyone want to buy a house?????

Thrifting, sun, crocheting & food......

Hope you've all had a fantastic weekend. As promised I'm back with what I hope will be a more cheerful post... sorry for moaning!!! Thanks for all your comments... things are starting to look up!!

First up Saturday.... after getting up very early I decided to start cleaning the cooker at 7am!! Don't ask me why but this meant I had a free morning so I went to the local Charity shop. I've never been before but I've heard it really good.... when I moved here 2 1/2 years ago I thought I would go all the time but out of laziness or the fact I spend most of my days of cleaning I've never been.

Now this shop is very big & has a whole room just for books. This is what I brought....

A pot holder (red spots on the other side), 2 balls of lovely fluffy wool & a selection of buttons that are already at home in my button tin. All of this was 60p.... I gave £1 because each ball of wool is worth more then that. Now every time I see your posts I wish I could find good things but now I know the reason why..... I never touch anything!!! I walk in & that horrible smell hits you & straight away I want to wash my hands!! This shop had a little room for all things crafty.... wool, needles, buttons, fabric etc but I couldn't go through the boxes. How stupid!!!

I also brought these....

I love anemones but they're not cheap... £2.50 for 8 & they don't last long!!! The tulip beside is one from last year, I put some bulbs under a table in the garden to see what would happen this year... I had forgotten all about them until the other day when I spotted some green shoots... isn't nature amazing?? Here's another one.....

OK so they look a bit sad but hey I couldn't leave them outside after they made the effort to come back to life!!!

When I got home the sun was out so I risked putting a wash out on the line.... there's something so lovely about freshly washed sheets blowing in the wind.

Only one thing can follow such a lovely day..... a fish supper with ginger beer... perfect!!!

I then settled down to finish my knitting order...

This was a special order for someone who has problems with their little boy pulling his shoes & socks off. Hope they work!!!

Sunday was dull..... house work... all the things I should've done on Saturday. But I did sit down in the afternoon to watch a bit of telly & finish these.....

Crochet blanket update...... the last time I posted about this was at the end of January. I was planning on updating every week but they go so fast.... this is what it looked like then.....

And now.....




I'm so pleased with it, it's growing really fast which is a good thing because I started it a year ago!!!


I've photographed it on my bed so I have some idea of how much more I need to do :(




And finally.... it's not just me that likes fine food......





I've discovered rice puddings from Sainsbury's & I have a friend who likes them too!!!



Have a good week