tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-316368122024-03-14T04:31:17.350-04:00Across the PondlifeMuses and Ramblings of a weary RoseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.comBlogger567125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-33600812680986291262018-11-20T03:20:00.000-05:002018-11-20T03:20:03.347-05:00Moving On (and over)So it's been years...many years friends and I'm back.<br />
<br />
I have a new home over at <a href="http://thornhillhouse.home.blog/" target="_blank">THORNHILL HOUSE</a><br />
<br />
It is a new platform, new site and a work in process, so bear with me while I update, jiggle bits around and generally probably make a bit of a hash of writing, blogging AND holding down a job!<br />
<br />
Hope to see you over thereAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-72287083998200837772015-11-08T12:14:00.000-05:002015-11-08T12:14:23.866-05:00Closing up for winter<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C16D3kfoSFk/Vj94WiXSnpI/AAAAAAAANsU/N7D6NETSxpc/s1600/20151108_114409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C16D3kfoSFk/Vj94WiXSnpI/AAAAAAAANsU/N7D6NETSxpc/s320/20151108_114409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDEHLUL24Is/Vj933HpzbxI/AAAAAAAANr8/f0UE2FK5UHM/s1600/20151108_114608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDEHLUL24Is/Vj933HpzbxI/AAAAAAAANr8/f0UE2FK5UHM/s320/20151108_114608.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4UhucuiJeQ/Vj94Vky_12I/AAAAAAAANsM/7rbLw1m-e9U/s1600/20151108_114418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4UhucuiJeQ/Vj94Vky_12I/AAAAAAAANsM/7rbLw1m-e9U/s320/20151108_114418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8a9tyJsta64/Vj95e3nKX3I/AAAAAAAANs8/Z-KH6crI91k/s1600/20151108_114537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8a9tyJsta64/Vj95e3nKX3I/AAAAAAAANs8/Z-KH6crI91k/s320/20151108_114537.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRc622g10Do/Vj94YHFZMpI/AAAAAAAANsc/l28XH4955Js/s1600/20151108_114318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRc622g10Do/Vj94YHFZMpI/AAAAAAAANsc/l28XH4955Js/s320/20151108_114318.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Uw-DafTts/Vj94k7na3kI/AAAAAAAANss/3rhQcI7dvuY/s1600/20151108_114349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Uw-DafTts/Vj94k7na3kI/AAAAAAAANss/3rhQcI7dvuY/s320/20151108_114349.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BAkl91miC4/Vj94ip_rAkI/AAAAAAAANsk/aRrNaiW2W58/s1600/20151031_173914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BAkl91miC4/Vj94ip_rAkI/AAAAAAAANsk/aRrNaiW2W58/s320/20151031_173914.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Winter is well and truly making herself known this week, if not for the temperature, then certainly for the change in the garden and the darkening days.<br />
<br />
I love Autumn. It is one of my most favourite times of year. I love the rich colours (reminds me of our time living in New England) and I love the fact that there is so much to do to prepare. There is some strange attraction to feeling the need to store and tuck away - not sure if that's my inner bear wanting to go into hibernation, or just a throwback from our time in the snowy winters in Connecticut (and Edinburgh one year!) where we could, on occasion, be snowed in for a day or two.<br />
<br />
We brought our pig back from the butcher last weekend, so I've spent all my evenings this week dry curing some of the belly, ready for smoking. As you can see, it's now happily hanging in the smoker. I say 'our pig' as if we reared it. We don't have the space, which I'm a little sad about and we're continually looking, but we buy into a scheme where someone else rears him and we then pick up the cuts. This year we're trying an Oxford and Sandy Black.<br />
<br />
The wines, cider and perry are bubbling away in our brewery (well, the downstairs shower room!) and outside we're getting started on new projects.<br />
The structure with the plastic on the roof is going to be a covered area that will house the smoker, barbecue and pizza oven. The idea is that it becomes an outdoor kitchen of sorts that we can use year round. It looks great, certainly better than the mouldy trampoline that used to live there!<br />
In the front garden I've begun to pull up the old decking. I don't suppose I'll get much further than this before the spring as we have chock full calendars up to Christmas, but it always worries me in the this wet weather as it gets slimy and slippery. I figured that it'd probably be better off up, than down for one more winter and come spring, we'll do away with the old rotten boards, move the rest of the chopped firewood, finish chopping the stuff that can be used on the fires and get the summer shed dismantled.<br />
<br />
In its place I have plans for a much smaller shed/tool store, a couple of espalier or cordon apples and then a living willow arch leading through in to the orchard area. I love being in my head...the ideas are always free flowing...it's the follow through that's sometimes harder to complete!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Finally, I have been quite intermittent in recent months with my blog. I started it back in 2005 when we were relocated to New England. It was initially set up as a way of staying in touch with the folks back home. It rapidly evolved to become a document of the lives of my young children and our Montessori adventures, a way for me to write and create a sort of diary.<br />
<br />
My children are 10 years older than they were then. We are in a new stage in our lives. I'm working, they're embarking on GCSE's and secondary school and whilst we still try to use Montessorian principals in our daily lives, we have gently meandered into our own individual paths. My children have their own social lives and don't really want me writing about them now, understandably, although they love reading about their antics as toddlers! So, I think, a decade on, it is now the time to bring this blog to a close too. Time is so precious, even more so I think because we're all so busy. I want to have the time I DO have, being present for my family and not writing on the blog. I am therefore going to move over to Instagram to document some of our homesteading or I can be found as Thornhill House on Facebook. I find these alternative methods less time consuming.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading this and staying with us in our adventures and maybe we'll see you elsewhere.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-25163810551084622192015-07-19T16:28:00.002-04:002015-07-19T16:32:40.928-04:00Gorillas in the disappearing mistAround four months ago I responded to an email from my head, that read something along the lines of 'Wow! Sounds great! I'd be interested, but I'll still be at work'.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward and I'm just back from two weeks in Uganda thanks to a very understanding boss in my other school and the British Council.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had to spend at least four days at our partner school in Mbarara teaching and learning. We had criteria and guidelines to follow which saw me teaching a class on peace and conflict as well as imparting some of our music and songs from the UK in reciprocation for being shown some of their choir's repertoire. </div>
<div>
My travelling companion (one of our senior school maths teachers) had carried out around 10lbs worth of unifix type blocks in order to teach maths with a practical bias. These proved (whilst we were there) to be very popular. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the things we needed to note were the resources that we can try to raise funds for back in the UK. Much other their teaching is done via rote learning, chalk and talk and not much individual thought or practical work. Some of the things we felt were pretty essential in the younger end of the school are sandpaper letters and numerals, pencil grips and pencil sharpeners. There is also a need for more unifix so that each class has a set.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were hosted for the week by the director of the school and her family. This wonderful family gave us the most amazing week. We met their family and friends and were treated like princesses.<br />
<br />
Once the first week was up, we had booked on a safari and a gorilla trek. The latter was going to be the highlight of the trip to me. I have been slightly obsessed with gorillas ever since being entranced by Dian Fossey's book and the film, Gorillas in the Mist.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To cut a long story short, we ended up at Bwindi via an amazing trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Bwindi is home to a large number of the 900 or so Gorillas that live within the Congolese, Rwandan and Ugandan divisions of the forest. Bwindi is also the place of a community hospital where a good friend of mine worked for about five years.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the eve of our tracking experience, we went for walk and I mentioned to Mel (my partner in crime) about Paul and Vicky's time at Bwindi and how it'd be nice to have a look around the hospital and put a picture to the blog I read at the time. She did suggest we could try to fit it in, but I declined, too excited about the primates.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not 12 hours later I found myself within the confines of Bwindi Community Hospital as a patient. Not exactly how I wanted things to turn out.</div>
<div>
A nasty bout of food poisoning and severe dehydration had me testing out the facilities to the full. Our driver and Mel had to carry me into the hospital as for me, the world was rather blurry and very yellow. Miles of distance doesn't make for an easy, calming phonecall to your husband when you're in a rural African hospital with an, at the time, undiagnosed illness. However, the support of the doctors at Bwindi, my friend Paul and Mel, I think Mr Beehive held it all together pretty well (until the airport ;-) )</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sadly, the gorillas (for me) were a no go. It is highly important, regardless of how well one might feel, that the gorillas are not subjected to unfavourable germs. Their population is sensitive enough without us humans creating more reasons for their demise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now back on UK soil, feeling slightly more philosophical than I did at the time, I can almost laugh about my naive comments the night before. The care I received at Bwindi was second to none and I am very grateful to all the staff there keeping me in the picture as much as they could, ensuring that my friends and family back home were kept up to date with developments and getting me better as fast as they did.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh well, I guess I'll just have to go back another time. Here are a few photos:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVT54gYObr0/VawHU3pWnwI/AAAAAAAAL_4/0TV9HKTgK2c/s1600/2015-07-12%2B10.04.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVT54gYObr0/VawHU3pWnwI/AAAAAAAAL_4/0TV9HKTgK2c/s320/2015-07-12%2B10.04.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISRvvZp_7Vc/VawHPwjzXXI/AAAAAAAAL_w/ghxVctt4W_E/s1600/2015-07-12%2B07.33.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISRvvZp_7Vc/VawHPwjzXXI/AAAAAAAAL_w/ghxVctt4W_E/s320/2015-07-12%2B07.33.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztxK4QZ63qE/VawHMsQbVjI/AAAAAAAAL_o/nMCeMent_UY/s1600/2015-07-12%2B06.35.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztxK4QZ63qE/VawHMsQbVjI/AAAAAAAAL_o/nMCeMent_UY/s320/2015-07-12%2B06.35.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0oLSUaOt7M/VawHeOf74cI/AAAAAAAAMAI/95zhBC2j7-E/s1600/2015-07-15%2B03.55.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0oLSUaOt7M/VawHeOf74cI/AAAAAAAAMAI/95zhBC2j7-E/s320/2015-07-15%2B03.55.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FikKreSjY9A/VawG7O_oC4I/AAAAAAAAL_I/UiqST9jzcRY/s1600/2015-07-11%2B15.18.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FikKreSjY9A/VawG7O_oC4I/AAAAAAAAL_I/UiqST9jzcRY/s320/2015-07-11%2B15.18.16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiIKMrffV8Y/VawG9Ye3y1I/AAAAAAAAL_Q/5hibOeFOLEs/s1600/2015-07-11%2B16.00.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NiIKMrffV8Y/VawG9Ye3y1I/AAAAAAAAL_Q/5hibOeFOLEs/s320/2015-07-11%2B16.00.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UJp5SgWQWQ/VawG_yEDruI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/lmMj_z2ad0U/s1600/2015-07-11%2B16.01.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UJp5SgWQWQ/VawG_yEDruI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/lmMj_z2ad0U/s320/2015-07-11%2B16.01.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnfm2bgZ-cw/VawHE5h1noI/AAAAAAAAL_g/mo4HfQyTSdo/s1600/2015-07-11%2B17.03.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cnfm2bgZ-cw/VawHE5h1noI/AAAAAAAAL_g/mo4HfQyTSdo/s320/2015-07-11%2B17.03.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUeXi83M5n0/VawGt_VaX3I/AAAAAAAAL_A/fA9rpJZ2bdo/s1600/2015-07-11%2B09.02.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUeXi83M5n0/VawGt_VaX3I/AAAAAAAAL_A/fA9rpJZ2bdo/s320/2015-07-11%2B09.02.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUtOrnKlogk/VawGYlPJv7I/AAAAAAAAL-c/ne86-JYnSG8/s1600/2015-07-05%2B11.42.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUtOrnKlogk/VawGYlPJv7I/AAAAAAAAL-c/ne86-JYnSG8/s320/2015-07-05%2B11.42.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_IMsRAdmI4/VawGYP_tD4I/AAAAAAAAL-Y/UKAP2rbPty8/s1600/2015-07-05%2B11.42.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P_IMsRAdmI4/VawGYP_tD4I/AAAAAAAAL-Y/UKAP2rbPty8/s320/2015-07-05%2B11.42.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbpFrhg5Xhs/VawGp2ulhfI/AAAAAAAAL-0/E-Y-j6nmY9g/s1600/2015-07-10%2B11.38.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbpFrhg5Xhs/VawGp2ulhfI/AAAAAAAAL-0/E-Y-j6nmY9g/s320/2015-07-10%2B11.38.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Na7pWNf0gg/VawGpu9-DmI/AAAAAAAAL-w/pfSEdsqh3RY/s1600/2015-07-10%2B11.38.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Na7pWNf0gg/VawGpu9-DmI/AAAAAAAAL-w/pfSEdsqh3RY/s320/2015-07-10%2B11.38.31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28UUKndSs64/VawGW8yTwxI/AAAAAAAAL-Q/TZZKAjwoLcU/s1600/2015-07-05%2B09.34.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28UUKndSs64/VawGW8yTwxI/AAAAAAAAL-Q/TZZKAjwoLcU/s320/2015-07-05%2B09.34.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbYcRaXJUFE/VawFoR5XUHI/AAAAAAAAL-I/a62BBIg0oIQ/s1600/DSCN2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbYcRaXJUFE/VawFoR5XUHI/AAAAAAAAL-I/a62BBIg0oIQ/s320/DSCN2922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-vIesYPsY8/VawGhTqpNJI/AAAAAAAAL-o/Fjqdloxnsc4/s1600/2015-07-09%2B16.03.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-vIesYPsY8/VawGhTqpNJI/AAAAAAAAL-o/Fjqdloxnsc4/s320/2015-07-09%2B16.03.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-91011599515387219202015-05-30T06:38:00.002-04:002015-05-30T14:27:07.166-04:00Reunion"You're doing what?"<br />
"What on earth would you do that for?"<br />
"That's brave!"<br />
<br />
Yes, what 'was' I doing and for god's sake, why? Last time this happened, we argued, sulked, probably cried and took the piss out of each other...a lot I think!<br />
<br />
Yet, with bags packed, the youngest beehive and I drove up to the Lake District last Friday to spend a whole weekend with some of the loveliest people I know. The loveliest people of whom I spent too short a time with 25 years ago, only to spend too short a time with them this time.<br />
<br />
25 years ago, we were all 17 and 18, had just completed our A levels and were embarking on an end of exams, celebratory holiday in the Lakes. Armed with tents, sleeping bags and attitude we boarded several trains to commence what was, in those days, quite a mammoth journey from East to West.<br />
<br />
However, here we were 25 years later re-living that same holiday, only with many more years of experience, life, children and, sensibly, equipment under our belts.<br />
<br />
The same 17 and 18 year olds but now fully grown into our skins and characters.<br />
<br />
The weather smiled on us all weekend and I don't think I stopped smiling either.<br />
<br />
Yes, of course it could have gone horribly wrong, after all we are now different to the way we were. There were relationships within the group that, in time, went wrong, there were disappearances overseas by some, the loss of contact by many. There have been marriages, births, deaths, losses, achievements. Lives have been lived so very separately to the safe little gang in the rural fens that we once were.<br />
<br />
But deep down, perhaps we're not too different to who we were. Perhaps we are just happier and more secure with who we are now? I know I am. I'm not the socially awkward person I was, concerned with who liked me and who didn't, not wanting to unbalance the world with my presence, frightened to upset the kilter. I am happy to laugh at the younger me, having learnt that she helped the older me become who I am. I'm not frightened to say what I think and feel or upset the equilibrium occasionally if it needs to be upset. Maybe, these people/this time that I spent a mere 5% of my current life with were/are so much more important to me/us than we actually realise. My future has been shaped irrevocably by this period in my life and these amazing people.<br />
I hope that the younger me has helped me become a good mother to my own children when I feel the tug of social inadequacies and awkwardness happen to my own growing teens and tween. She helps me understand how to help them without making them feel even more self conscious of this exceedingly wild, exciting and messed up ride.<br />
<br />
But, I know she would not have become who she is now without this group of Morrisey loving/hating, liberal thinking (or not!), sign-stealing, road defacing Anti-Thatcherites from 1990.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkcNbcmGLa8/VWmSqFX8hgI/AAAAAAAALKU/R5nYc_Q4Gco/s1600/all%2Bof%2Bus%2B1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkcNbcmGLa8/VWmSqFX8hgI/AAAAAAAALKU/R5nYc_Q4Gco/s320/all%2Bof%2Bus%2B1990.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-picVNVLzzEg/VWmSbZsW1eI/AAAAAAAALKI/N-qamHY77FA/s1600/all%2Bof%2Bus1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-picVNVLzzEg/VWmSbZsW1eI/AAAAAAAALKI/N-qamHY77FA/s320/all%2Bof%2Bus1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If they have taught me any one thing, it is that the journey is always going to be bumpy, it isn't going</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to be parallel to anyone elses. Life won't be straightforward, it won't be the way you see it in your head probably, however, having a good group of friends however far away and however infrequently you see them, it will mould your very soul!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PS: as I know you'll all read this even if you deny it ;-) Soon please! Not 25 years, not even 2, Soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Llxi4w478Kw/VWmSbJjFmWI/AAAAAAAALKE/xoNihVQxAV8/s1600/all%2Bof%2Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Llxi4w478Kw/VWmSbJjFmWI/AAAAAAAALKE/xoNihVQxAV8/s320/all%2Bof%2Bus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-55474178871058816072015-05-17T14:04:00.003-04:002015-05-17T14:04:30.218-04:00Lazing on a sunny afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0Leczmicew/VVi7SMPXhGI/AAAAAAAALDc/UA-AzzoRzUA/s1600/2015-05-09%2B07.59.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0Leczmicew/VVi7SMPXhGI/AAAAAAAALDc/UA-AzzoRzUA/s320/2015-05-09%2B07.59.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0tUWdstqh8/VVi7SXnkvZI/AAAAAAAALDQ/UF6m-wS7Vbw/s1600/2015-05-09%2B08.00.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0tUWdstqh8/VVi7SXnkvZI/AAAAAAAALDQ/UF6m-wS7Vbw/s320/2015-05-09%2B08.00.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTHQ0WDDCYY/VVi7SWK4XaI/AAAAAAAALDM/oG4yQjE20Gg/s1600/2015-05-09%2B08.03.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTHQ0WDDCYY/VVi7SWK4XaI/AAAAAAAALDM/oG4yQjE20Gg/s320/2015-05-09%2B08.03.30.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKKwff7Z6X4/VVi7gEwUoqI/AAAAAAAALDk/-ylYMcIj7eE/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.51.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKKwff7Z6X4/VVi7gEwUoqI/AAAAAAAALDk/-ylYMcIj7eE/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.51.04.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj-fYgzQoUo/VVi7mzffCEI/AAAAAAAALDs/NDhWaDd8iFg/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.51.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yj-fYgzQoUo/VVi7mzffCEI/AAAAAAAALDs/NDhWaDd8iFg/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.51.47.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkudReoSto0/VVi7phOWmpI/AAAAAAAALD0/BLHG9LcYWLQ/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.52.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkudReoSto0/VVi7phOWmpI/AAAAAAAALD0/BLHG9LcYWLQ/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.52.20.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoLytJuVpjY/VVi702B0gSI/AAAAAAAALD8/0HD2S9_ROcE/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.53.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoLytJuVpjY/VVi702B0gSI/AAAAAAAALD8/0HD2S9_ROcE/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.53.28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4An-kQvVsw/VVi75uPu3xI/AAAAAAAALEE/2khIFlHj3Z4/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.53.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N4An-kQvVsw/VVi75uPu3xI/AAAAAAAALEE/2khIFlHj3Z4/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.53.45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZlknK-jmkE/VVi8Af8XANI/AAAAAAAALEM/RGT8EINV8bM/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.55.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZlknK-jmkE/VVi8Af8XANI/AAAAAAAALEM/RGT8EINV8bM/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.55.25.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8Ema2ab_9E/VVi8Ze4j3eI/AAAAAAAALEU/Q5vSocys0g8/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.56.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8Ema2ab_9E/VVi8Ze4j3eI/AAAAAAAALEU/Q5vSocys0g8/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.56.00.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uU9eBZ322lk/VVi8fzYTeWI/AAAAAAAALEc/lfP8j11k1LY/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.58.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uU9eBZ322lk/VVi8fzYTeWI/AAAAAAAALEc/lfP8j11k1LY/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.58.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpCMe1MNqDg/VVi8m2_EexI/AAAAAAAALEk/UYyApcshO_Q/s1600/2015-05-17%2B16.59.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpCMe1MNqDg/VVi8m2_EexI/AAAAAAAALEk/UYyApcshO_Q/s320/2015-05-17%2B16.59.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKrFNZPaY1M/VVi8qPQejQI/AAAAAAAALEs/z8AvEP1KcVE/s1600/2015-05-17%2B17.01.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SKrFNZPaY1M/VVi8qPQejQI/AAAAAAAALEs/z8AvEP1KcVE/s320/2015-05-17%2B17.01.38.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
Lovely, lazy (well, in my interpretation of the word) weekends. Weekends that don't involve going anywhere, racing, Stagecoach shows. In fact a horrible chest infection has meant that I've not run since last weekend. One child was successfully sent off climbing with his scout troupe in Derbyshire whilst the rest of us got down to work in the garden.<br />
<br />
I decided to try to sort out all my clematis this weekend, noting down their names and prune codes. All too many times, despite me tying the names onto them, the plastic degrades in the elements and come autumn I can't even remember the colour of the clematis let alone it's prune code!<br />
<br />
On a roll, I decided to finally tackle the overgrowing honeysuckle and bramble that is beginning to creep towards my cordon apple tree. It does a wonderful job hiding a hideous concrete breeze block wall, however, it's also going to do a wonderful job putting an end to the apple tree at this rate.<br />
<br />
The local village had its annual plant fair on Saturday, which was all the persuasion I needed to transform this section of the garden. A beautiful Chinese wisteria alba (I know, another climber!) had my name written all over it, a perfect replacement to the honeysuckle. Kept under strict control, this will hide the wall, but equally not strangle the apple.<br />
<br />
Late on Saturday afternoon we were rung by one of our local beekeeper group. He had successfully divided some of his hives and wanted to know if we wanted two. So today we re-housed our new bees and now have three hives...exciting times. We also think we may have the potential grumblings of swarming in our existing hive, so we are going to try to artificially swarm them next weekend.<br />
<br />
Next weekend LMB and myself are off to the Lake District for the bank holiday. We're going to meet with my sixth form friends of some 25 years ago and (not too closely) replicate our holiday we had at the end of our A levels! 25 years of older bones has made for glamping rather than scrambling into 2-man tents in the middle of a cow pat ridden field, but the sentiment is the same!<br />
The boys are having a 'man' weekend at Lords!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-4215361913381616022015-04-28T12:14:00.002-04:002015-04-28T12:19:56.913-04:00The camera never lies...if it has good lens on it that is!It's been a while...again.<br />
<br />
I am becoming increasingly sporadic as the years pass and am trying hard to decipher why that is?<br />
<br />
I think it is a primarily work eating into not only my hours, but also dampening my creativity. I can't remember the last time I got out my sewing machine or even sat to knit. Reports and lesson planning seems to be my past time of choice at the moment (although there is always some necessary house/farm-type chore to deal with). Blogging seems to get a real back seat as I can't find the inspiration on quite such a regular basis, nor can I muster the energy to focus my brain to write!<br />
<br />
Sad as that may sound, it doesn't mean I'm NOT dousing my brain in creative things or dreaming about what I could write about if I had the time to think it through!!<br />
<br />
This weekend was <i>all</i> about creativity. My dear sister gave me a voucher for a photography course for my birthday.<br />
I had a selection of opportunities from night work to street photography or editing, however, I decided it really was time to hit my camera head on, take her of auto mode and finally figure out what ISO, aperture and shutter speed really meant to my photography.<br />
<br />
I'll now step back with the easy option and let the pictures tell the story (it was London Marathon day btw). Hopefully they'll show a developmental progression from Sunday to this afternoon (with an added addition of a Nifty Fifty lens ie: a 50mm f1 - 1.8 Nikon lens as a little bargainalicious treat to myself!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuZf6gkHVs/VT-lSHpEHeI/AAAAAAAAK30/ThgiEo27kEI/s1600/2015-04-26%2B09.31.59-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuZf6gkHVs/VT-lSHpEHeI/AAAAAAAAK30/ThgiEo27kEI/s1600/2015-04-26%2B09.31.59-1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTzUwARVidI/VT-l7SiMhpI/AAAAAAAAK4A/9I-Le640IgI/s1600/2015-04-26%2B10.15.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTzUwARVidI/VT-l7SiMhpI/AAAAAAAAK4A/9I-Le640IgI/s1600/2015-04-26%2B10.15.47.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a>One of my favourite inspiring marathon motivational signs!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHLmctfFxtE/VT-l6IISJ6I/AAAAAAAAK38/WEr6zgcn2rA/s1600/2015-04-26%2B10.19.25-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHLmctfFxtE/VT-l6IISJ6I/AAAAAAAAK38/WEr6zgcn2rA/s1600/2015-04-26%2B10.19.25-1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5XEafzlGAU/VT-l7QzNvoI/AAAAAAAAK4E/wuEadgT3604/s1600/2015-04-26%2B10.19.25-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5XEafzlGAU/VT-l7QzNvoI/AAAAAAAAK4E/wuEadgT3604/s1600/2015-04-26%2B10.19.25-2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
Run you extreme elites!!! Only not too fast because I may not have got to the end of my course to figure out how to do a great 'movement' shot or decided what the aperture should be!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS9_Kbq1ouc/VT-mMqrp6uI/AAAAAAAAK4c/LVxv4HtI7-Y/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.30.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iS9_Kbq1ouc/VT-mMqrp6uI/AAAAAAAAK4c/LVxv4HtI7-Y/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.30.28.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9Ef5_48s_Y/VT-mFfmrDxI/AAAAAAAAK4U/79GFTEorTMY/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.27.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9Ef5_48s_Y/VT-mFfmrDxI/AAAAAAAAK4U/79GFTEorTMY/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.27.55.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Messing about in the park with lighting and bursts on my zoom lens.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mSdmCujJAg/VT-mNrJHgBI/AAAAAAAAK4k/5-Nnffz9Dlk/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.56.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mSdmCujJAg/VT-mNrJHgBI/AAAAAAAAK4k/5-Nnffz9Dlk/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.56.05.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GV754o4k5-s/VT-mRr56QYI/AAAAAAAAK4s/7PGP4olfo5I/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.57.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GV754o4k5-s/VT-mRr56QYI/AAAAAAAAK4s/7PGP4olfo5I/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.57.20.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbyOexzfnzk/VT-mZ1Stb4I/AAAAAAAAK40/sziv9FusSKA/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.58.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbyOexzfnzk/VT-mZ1Stb4I/AAAAAAAAK40/sziv9FusSKA/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.58.48.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5MdYzhFbVo/VT-mam23Q4I/AAAAAAAAK44/GSQDvdTk0qQ/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.59.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5MdYzhFbVo/VT-mam23Q4I/AAAAAAAAK44/GSQDvdTk0qQ/s1600/2015-04-26%2B12.59.30.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really like this effect above, but it does make me feel a little sea sick!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrP7YtZscBM/VT-mdo5K7cI/AAAAAAAAK5E/CXPWhQhLUSU/s1600/2015-04-26%2B13.02.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrP7YtZscBM/VT-mdo5K7cI/AAAAAAAAK5E/CXPWhQhLUSU/s1600/2015-04-26%2B13.02.20.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a> vortex effect! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg54sscAP7A/VT-mpfc9x0I/AAAAAAAAK5Q/09YFeEFxhRM/s1600/2015-04-26%2B13.05.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xg54sscAP7A/VT-mpfc9x0I/AAAAAAAAK5Q/09YFeEFxhRM/s1600/2015-04-26%2B13.05.50.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Messing about back home in the fading sun with changing the aperture and shutter speed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWARpn1MMfY/VT-mox6MtNI/AAAAAAAAK5M/ieMLYdmx8nQ/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.51.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWARpn1MMfY/VT-mox6MtNI/AAAAAAAAK5M/ieMLYdmx8nQ/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.51.37.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqrZ38QymQI/VT-mqqSM_9I/AAAAAAAAK5c/DSUwQdsiF0k/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.58.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqrZ38QymQI/VT-mqqSM_9I/AAAAAAAAK5c/DSUwQdsiF0k/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.58.17.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgc7aKGHVIo/VT-m1Scz_eI/AAAAAAAAK5k/aPMbc0jh9wM/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.59.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgc7aKGHVIo/VT-m1Scz_eI/AAAAAAAAK5k/aPMbc0jh9wM/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.59.26.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axDAicuUAqs/VT-m2xcC-qI/AAAAAAAAK5s/qZjOkv_URjY/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.59.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axDAicuUAqs/VT-m2xcC-qI/AAAAAAAAK5s/qZjOkv_URjY/s1600/2015-04-26%2B18.59.42.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NULz_acUr0/VT-m6Py0DKI/AAAAAAAAK50/8FL2_FChDhQ/s1600/2015-04-26%2B19.03.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NULz_acUr0/VT-m6Py0DKI/AAAAAAAAK50/8FL2_FChDhQ/s1600/2015-04-26%2B19.03.17.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3SSGLOJl2A/VT-nFLW0xII/AAAAAAAAK6I/5WvGHrn81kI/s1600/2015-04-26%2B19.04.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3SSGLOJl2A/VT-nFLW0xII/AAAAAAAAK6I/5WvGHrn81kI/s1600/2015-04-26%2B19.04.45.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G18kyItcO_o/VT-nDdK2Z-I/AAAAAAAAK58/gPyFxCXYlnE/s1600/2015-04-26%2B19.04.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G18kyItcO_o/VT-nDdK2Z-I/AAAAAAAAK58/gPyFxCXYlnE/s1600/2015-04-26%2B19.04.14.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love this series of three, watch the bee come in to land. This was with the new 'nifty fifty'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82tkeHKuADc/VT-nEhQjLPI/AAAAAAAAK6E/XycMYeZV5ik/s1600/2015-04-28%2B14.04.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82tkeHKuADc/VT-nEhQjLPI/AAAAAAAAK6E/XycMYeZV5ik/s1600/2015-04-28%2B14.04.21.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAM48omj4IQ/VT-nJpCq7ZI/AAAAAAAAK6U/TyFU9cg0zIM/s1600/2015-04-28%2B14.04.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAM48omj4IQ/VT-nJpCq7ZI/AAAAAAAAK6U/TyFU9cg0zIM/s1600/2015-04-28%2B14.04.22.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmV1TUI7otk/VT-nO6FDgsI/AAAAAAAAK6c/haD8V1usIag/s1600/2015-04-28%2B14.04.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmV1TUI7otk/VT-nO6FDgsI/AAAAAAAAK6c/haD8V1usIag/s1600/2015-04-28%2B14.04.33.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally a few other Nifty Fifty shots of 'the English countryside'<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpPlUJS7IUg/VT-nTVM_glI/AAAAAAAAK6k/Ed_1S4WzMMQ/s1600/2015-04-28%2B15.13.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpPlUJS7IUg/VT-nTVM_glI/AAAAAAAAK6k/Ed_1S4WzMMQ/s1600/2015-04-28%2B15.13.42.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZMg5baae0E/VT-nVql6xPI/AAAAAAAAK6s/H30GTSV89WE/s1600/2015-04-28%2B15.28.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZMg5baae0E/VT-nVql6xPI/AAAAAAAAK6s/H30GTSV89WE/s1600/2015-04-28%2B15.28.50.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For my next course, aside from some 'street photography' which might be grand, I think I need to work on editing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-74558669093169714042015-03-17T16:40:00.002-04:002015-03-17T16:40:47.128-04:00The fields are alive...Spring is beginning to show herself, finally.<br />
<br />
There have been signs all over the garden and allotment, albeit somewhat intermittently at the moment. The herd of Dexter steers have returned to the field opposite, so the mornings are gently broken up by their lowing and mooing. The mornings are lighter, we are getting up in the light and the evenings are allowing us a few hours to do things before hitting us with the dark.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iddstsr7f0c/VQiQXSUvjII/AAAAAAAAKgc/DtlWI26GezU/s1600/bee%2Bcrocus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iddstsr7f0c/VQiQXSUvjII/AAAAAAAAKgc/DtlWI26GezU/s1600/bee%2Bcrocus.jpg" /></a>It's at this time of the year that things begin to ramp up, there are seeds to be sown, earth to be turned, repairs or changes that have materialised during the winter as well, this year, as decorating, putting together stuff for the barn and jobs...that is, life outside our smallest of smallholdings.<br />
<br />
Where to start? Well, the barn is now nearly complete. We are on the tiling. Next week the floor coverings go down, then we can put the furniture in upstairs and all the cider, honey and smoking equipment downstairs. It's really turned out beautifully. I will aim to get some photos up here in the next few days.<br />
<br />
Of course, now the new patio has gone down and winter has passed, there is lawn to seed, and then the patio tubs to sort. Unfortunately many of them are in a bit of a sorry state this year having stood on the deck out of the builders way, but not in the best place and they're covered in brick dust or rather waterlogged or just plain sorry for themselves. My next few weekends will be spent trying to salvage and re-pot what I can.<br />
<br />
We, sadly, lost a hive this winter. No idea of the cause, just bad luck I guess. So we had to take the hive to pieces and blow torch it to ensure that we had killed any possible disease (not that the bees looked deformed or anything). We discovered several pounds of honey on the brood frames, so we took to rather crude methods of extracting as we didn't want to extract the grubs into the honey. We called it the 'spoon to gob' method.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wG166E_Mz4/VQiQZFXrwjI/AAAAAAAAKgk/OtRwTIANnKA/s1600/rich%2Bhoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wG166E_Mz4/VQiQZFXrwjI/AAAAAAAAKgk/OtRwTIANnKA/s1600/rich%2Bhoney.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
I have a pot of cooking honey and, whilst this honey was no good for jars, it has made a fine addition to my cooking honey and Master Beehive the elder made a rather scrummy honey cake with some of it.<br />
<br />
So we are on the look out for a couple of swarms once the weather warms up after we re-assembled the old hive and have assembled a third one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnOPA3nTM8w/VQiQVqPtbRI/AAAAAAAAKgU/eCR4QHhGp6s/s1600/busy%2Bbees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnOPA3nTM8w/VQiQVqPtbRI/AAAAAAAAKgU/eCR4QHhGp6s/s1600/busy%2Bbees.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The chickens and ducks have nearly survived the winter. We have one rather sorry looking chicken who is keeping going despite the odds. She spent an evening warm in a towel in the utility room a few weeks back and then spent a week living in our greenhouse. She seemed to find a new lease of life, so, having given her a reprieve, I popped her back in with the rest. Since then, she has gone downhill again. She still seems to eat and drink, but her comb is very pale. I know what the kindest thing to do would be, but...erk! I keep hoping I might just wake up tomorrow and find her having passed on. Not a very good farmer really :-(<br />
<br />
The allotment is looking much healthier this year. We composted all the chicken poop and have spread that, horse muck and topsoil on all the beds. Mr Beehive has built up the sides of the beds more so we may have some luck with root veg and LMB and I have spent HOURS picking stones out of the beds. I'm told 7 years is the magic amount of time to see fruition with soil improvement...7 bloody years! Gah! However, it looks much healthier than last year and whilst I have been turning it, the worms are in abundance. I'm told that is a sign of healthy soil.<br />
<br />
I spent a weekend building a makeshift fruit cage which guards my blackcurrants and I still have to make one for the raspberries.<br />
Whilst thinking of ways of protecting the plants I often peruse various websites to see if I can find really nice cloches or protective covers, I um and ah for ages, put things in my basket, ponder over ridiculous postage charges and then shut the website down having wasted an hour but achieved nothing. I then move over to pinterest (have you been there...of course you have!) OMG! The creative ideas that people have!<br />
<br />
There is no need to buy when there is pinterest.<br />
<br />
I have made my pea support walls, my fruit cage and I have made some short seed protectors from galvanised wire (really easy) and am going to make a few more longer ones using corrugated plastic and rope - for the grand price of £7 per 1.5 m tunnel - not bad considering they were asking over £30 on the websites!<br />
<br />
I'll post pictures next weekend once I've built them.<br />
<br />
Let the busy seasons commence!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-91281447573777898242015-02-20T13:07:00.001-05:002015-02-20T13:07:19.772-05:00BreadA half term holiday and the excuse to make lots and lots of bread.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufqSspB_n-g/VOd0BXd3OdI/AAAAAAAAKTg/MS3Gz5sVrzU/s1600/IMG_20150218_073635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ufqSspB_n-g/VOd0BXd3OdI/AAAAAAAAKTg/MS3Gz5sVrzU/s1600/IMG_20150218_073635.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It has LONG been my desire to master the professional, artisan, crusty crust, the kind that snaps when you break it and despite trying many different ways over the years, I have had limited success.<br />
<br />
However, I think I have finally got it!<br />
<br />
It's taken several batches of dough of different recipes and a variety of ways to bake it, in fact my kitchen has been more like a laboratory this half term!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSV7RrDDxz8/VOdzyMCgJdI/AAAAAAAAKTY/ImGVBElpdII/s1600/IMG_20150218_072043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSV7RrDDxz8/VOdzyMCgJdI/AAAAAAAAKTY/ImGVBElpdII/s1600/IMG_20150218_072043.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We have enjoyed cheese and chilli<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cheese and marmite (no picture, sorry)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaWd3gssIF8/VOdzyBpQHkI/AAAAAAAAKTY/47aWAtnkfHw/s1600/IMG_20150218_090312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaWd3gssIF8/VOdzyBpQHkI/AAAAAAAAKTY/47aWAtnkfHw/s1600/IMG_20150218_090312.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JnUMZXOrIs/VOd0BSqDELI/AAAAAAAAKTg/ijEcJzUQpH4/s1600/IMG_20150218_080545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2JnUMZXOrIs/VOd0BSqDELI/AAAAAAAAKTg/ijEcJzUQpH4/s1600/IMG_20150218_080545.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And finally sour dough. Now, we have yet to eat the sour dough, but it looks and smells pretty darn fine thank you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAZJeLPsCJo/VOd0d2XQ0mI/AAAAAAAAKTo/MFumrv_-WIM/s1600/sour%2Bdough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XAZJeLPsCJo/VOd0d2XQ0mI/AAAAAAAAKTo/MFumrv_-WIM/s1600/sour%2Bdough.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So what is the secret to a crispy crust? Well, and this is in 'my' oven, bear in mind you are playing with yeast and chemistry, so the alteration of just one variable, could mess the whole thing up....<br />
ice cubes and olive oil!<br />
<br />
Throw a few ice cubes onto the floor of your oven just as you put in your bread so that you trap in some steam and baste your loaf with olive oil. Also, make sure your oven is hot!<br />
<br />
<br />
If your crust looks brown and crisp, you will know for sure if you've hit the jackpot if your crust continues to snap and crackle when it's outside the oven.<br />
<br />
So here are the recipes that I have used for successful bread making. Enjoy<br />
<br />
24 floz water<br />
0.35 oz yeast<br />
1 tablespoon salt<br />
2 lbs strong bread flour<br />
semolina or cornflour for dusting<br />
ice cubes (around 10)<br />
olive oil<br />
<br />
The water needs to be a little warmer than body temperature and pour it into a large mixing bowl.<br />
Mix in the yeast and salt, it doesn't all have to dissolve.<br />
Add all the flour in one go.<br />
Bring it together with either your hands or a wooden spoon.<br />
DON'T KNEAD it!!<br />
<br />
It is quite a sticky and wet dough and you may just need to press together the flour that gets missed. Make sure it is all pressed together otherwise you'll have lumps of flour in your bread...not nice!<br />
<br />
It should be all wet and not take long to achieve.<br />
Cover the container with a clean tea towel and leave to rise for a couple of hours.<br />
<br />
Then once it's risen, cover your container with clingfilm but leave a little edge up so the gas can escape and put it in the fridge. It can be left for up to 14 days in the fridge or you can use it any time after the initial 2 hour rise.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know, no knead and then into a 'cold' fridge where yeast needs to rise!<br />
<br />
This is right!<br />
<br />
When you come to use it, it will be sticky but works better straight from the fridge. Cut a section off to use and dust down your board and an upturned baking tray with flour.<br />
<br />
Gently mould your section of dough into a small round ball, alternatively put it into a proving bowl. Allow it to stand for around 40 minutes. It won't rise much, but don't worry, it will rise in the oven.<br />
<br />
Whilst this is going on, you need to heat your oven to around 200degrees for at least 20 - 30 minutes.<br />
If you have a baking stone, pre heat that for at least 20 - 30 minutes before you want to use it.<br />
<br />
When your oven is hot enough, and your loaf has stood, get a small amount of olive oil and a teaspoon of semolina.<br />
<br />
Take your baking stone out of the fridge, lightly dust with flour (it will be VERY HOT!)<br />
<br />
Put your loaf onto the stone, take a brush and lightly brush a very sharp knife with olive oil (it helps it to cut easier), then slice a deep cross on your bread.<br />
<br />
Take the brush and brush over a thin coating of olive oil and then sprinkle semolina over your bread, this helps the crusty feel.<br />
<br />
Now you need your ice cubes, take a handful and open your oven, throw them onto the oven floor and, at the same time, put your bread in and close the door.<br />
This is where you wait!<br />
<br />
It should take around 20 - 30 minutes to look crisp and brown.<br />
I then take it out, tap the bottom and it's often a little soft due to the stone, so I just crisp it up by popping it back in for 5 further minutes directly on the shelf.<br />
<br />
This should be pretty failsafe to get you that crisp, baker-made hand crafted bread that you always dreamed of!<br />
<br />
I also experimented with putting a broiler of water on the floor of the oven as well as the ice cubes to ensure the steam continued. I'm not sure the broiler created as much steam as the ice cubes, but some of this is trial and error.<br />
<br />
Good luck and hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-23088718013224858432015-01-01T16:52:00.001-05:002015-01-01T16:52:44.426-05:00simplicityHappy New year!<br />
The eve of the first full day of 2015. How did that happen so fast? Haven't we just had a millennium?<br />
So how does a clean page begin in a new year?<br />
Not one full of resolutions to ultimately break or fail at that's for sure. That's never been a good start.<br />
I do like to keep lists and make thought bubbles on paper.<br />
I also like to try to start the year with a challenge or two in mind. Sometimes it might be a physical challenge other times it may be a spiritual or development challenge or a mix of all three as it is this year.<br />
This year I do have a list of achievable goals, not resolutions because none of them are things that are new to me exactly, this is more a list to remind me of ways to deepen a more conscious lifestyle.<br />
<br />
DEVELOPMENTAL<br />
I have for sometime now had an interest in living life in a much simpler way. I get ground down by technology and consumerism and wish life was just plainer and easier. I have read lots of books on the subject and realise that this lies with me to find my way and not on seeking to alter things I simply cannot change. Living simply is about finding ways that makes my life more simple and peaceable. To give up many things I don't need is one thing, but to give up things out of a stern sense of duty or some misguided need to conform to a strict set of rules will cause dissatisfaction, ultimately giving no peace or simplicity in my life at all. So, rather than binning all my worldly things and going to live in a hut without any running water, my challenge will be for all future things:<br />
1. Do I really need it?<br />
2. Could I borrow it?<br />
3. Could I make it/mend it/recycle it?<br />
<br />
Simplicity is also about our actions; ways we can connect more, relate more, be calmer with each other. Ways I'm thinking to incorporate this is to have one weekend month that we turn off the TV on a Saturday evening and play board games with our kids, bring back our family reader, bring back our Sunday hikes and start going to meetings.<br />
<br />
SPIRITUAL<br />
This last statement relates to the fact that I have been wanting, for quite sometime now, to attend our local Quaker meetings. Our boys attend a Quaker school and we have found their outlook on many things so incredibly compatible to our own. I was christened in the Church of England but have never really been a church goer. I am not going to use this space to say anything about the Church of England, suffice to say, it just never felt what we were seeking. Recently Mr Beehive said he also wanted to attend, so this is our second goal for this year.<br />
<br />
PHYSICAL<br />
Finally after feeling like I have become a Christmas pudding I am determined not to lose the fitness I have built up over this year. I will continue to try to run one race a month and also do park run as often as I can. Mr Beehive and two of our friends have decided to walk the 50km Thames Path challenge in September. If we feel suitably comfortable with the achievement, we may extend that to the 100km walk next year. For now, goals are to be scored not missed, so baby steps it is.<br />
<br />
What are your goals for this fresh new year?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-89901008041794205962014-12-20T16:08:00.002-05:002014-12-21T14:58:37.021-05:00Happy ChristmasThis will be my last post of 2014. I can't quite believe it. Not only is the end of yet another year, but I've been blogging now for 9 years! This time next year it will be a decade of life speaking to you all through this blog and sharing snippets of our life.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS0WrTk_BU8/VJXnpj1JDMI/AAAAAAAAJ_I/8VXIqMDJxKk/s1600/IMG_1096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfJMhO1t-i4/VJclzRtUNvI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/pJpi342bsnA/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfJMhO1t-i4/VJclzRtUNvI/AAAAAAAAJ_s/pJpi342bsnA/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheeky boy here, cracks me up on a daily basis, interspersed with his incredible knowledge and wisdom that blows me away!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bpX0lHdcvV4/VJXnpelUmoI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/UcJWZMl7aR0/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>And life, what is that? A life portrayed as 'perfect', I hope not, we have as many mess ups and down days as the rest of you only I am more picky about what I make public. A life where my children are no longer really the subject of this blog; they have grown, and oh 'how' they have grown, and their lives are theirs and theirs alone, not something for me to find a blog subject in. Of course I mention them, frequently, but I no longer blog about their <a href="http://newenglandpondlife.blogspot.co.uk/2007/12/hemorrhoids-from-heaven.html" target="_blank">toilet habits</a> or <a href="http://newenglandpondlife.blogspot.co.uk/2006/07/wearing-wellies-and-pantyliners-why.html" target="_blank">silly things they say or do </a>as they are no longer toddlers and, frankly, it's no longer that kind of funny !!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3vOz3yTNG8/VJXnn2vBltI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/mz6j7PrX5gQ/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3vOz3yTNG8/VJXnn2vBltI/AAAAAAAAJ-8/mz6j7PrX5gQ/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, not a lot changes for those of you that know this funny guy! He is so adorable and loving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITOSwDnpBk8/VJcl9Em9FVI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/-yZGagZ-FiU/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITOSwDnpBk8/VJcl9Em9FVI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/-yZGagZ-FiU/s1600/003.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is going to the stage! Such a daaaaarling as well as an absolute darling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's been nine years of evolution for me as a child of the pen, to an adult of the computer age. I fight demons on a daily basis about the merits of blogging, computers, facebook, email communication and time spent doing such by both myself and my children, but I know that life is different now and frankly, I enjoy reading blogs and facebook. The former placates me sometimes at the end of a long and tiring day. I quite like to lose myself in five minutes of someone else's life and yes, I do tend to go to my favourite bloggers who have similar lives to my own or similar ideals.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YAX-OgZr0g/VJXoDT3azqI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/AYP-1VrfOs0/s1600/Pitlochry%2BDecember%2B2009%2B024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YAX-OgZr0g/VJXoDT3azqI/AAAAAAAAJ_U/AYP-1VrfOs0/s1600/Pitlochry%2BDecember%2B2009%2B024.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
I do sometimes have ruminations as to whether it is time to stop the blog, there are so many out there now and blogging has become a career for so many that my feeble little rambly blog just doesn't compete with the big boys, but, then the voice of reason says: Who are you blogging for? Ultimately it's for me, and for my family and for my friends whom we don't see very often or who live back in the USA, Belgium or Scotland, and, if I didn't unload my head on here, there'd be one hell of a lot of mixed up incoherent crap in there, and blogging is cheaper than therapy ;-)<br />
<br />
So I will continue, perhaps for another year.<br />
<br />
For now though, I'm going to switch off here and spend Christmas with my family and I'll be back in the New Year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyBUiUoBj-Q/VJXoD4lV2hI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/XwyQ93erIQA/s1600/Pitlochry%2BDecember%2B2009%2B034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VyBUiUoBj-Q/VJXoD4lV2hI/AAAAAAAAJ_Y/XwyQ93erIQA/s1600/Pitlochry%2BDecember%2B2009%2B034.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Have a wonderful Christmas timeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-20333631415963286302014-12-17T17:16:00.001-05:002014-12-17T17:16:39.104-05:00A year of running and discovery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cxgnUZsRD4/VJH6-D3S1_I/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/Yt8SXIg1C28/s1600/SSP_BW_030508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cxgnUZsRD4/VJH6-D3S1_I/AAAAAAAAJ9Q/Yt8SXIg1C28/s1600/SSP_BW_030508.JPG" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
This year is now finally at a close so far as my 'racing' goes.<br />
I use the term 'racing' in a loose sense as, although I am strictly in a 'race', I am only really running for and against myself, therefore, whether it should be called a 'race' for me or a 'challenge' is probably another question.<br />
<br />
It's December and, having started in February, I've run at least one, if not, sometimes two races each month, clocking up somewhere around 130 miles in races and much more if you include the training that has gone alongside.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ox84l6hbJdk/VJH7yg9WqkI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/StZq4bGK2kw/s1600/2014-05-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ox84l6hbJdk/VJH7yg9WqkI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/StZq4bGK2kw/s1600/2014-05-006.jpg" height="200" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the ghastly early races in April 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The icing on the cake came this weekend when I made a rash decision around three months ago to run my first half marathon (that's 13.1 miles to those of you with better things to do with your lives than follow the aches and pains of runners!).<br />
<br />
It was a bit hasty, I think I'd just done a sub 30 in a park run, was feeling rather high on the endorphins that followed and noted that December was 'race-less' so I needed something to fit into this month.<br />
<br />
Milton Keynes Winter half seemed to fit into the criteria I needed: flat (ish!), not expensive and local and on a day that I was able to do.<br />
<br />
I had a training plan, then life took over. The nights got dark, my job turned nearly full time, we had some family stuff going on that needed some tlc and some wine and the training plan got kyboshed.<br />
<br />
The day arrived upon me without really having run more than 8 miles ever. Was this foolhardy - well, to the seasoned runner, yes, probably, but I figured I had nothing to lose. No one was watching me that I knew; I wasn't running with anyone that I needed to keep pace with; if I needed to walk any of it, who would care other than me?<br />
<br />
I'd love, at this point, to tell you it was easy...but my nose would be cracking my computer screen right now. It was nothing short of bloody hard! Probably one of the most demanding things mentally that I have ever undertaken.<br />
<br />
I arrived at 9.30 only to queue in the freezing cold for the best part of 20 minutes for the loo. Was I that desperate? Well, I was certainly more desperate to use the loo than I would be to squat halfway around with my arse exposed to the elements...I presumed that as there were at least a 1/4 of the runners behind me in the queue, the organisers would have the common sense not to start if the queue was still snaking round the park, so there was no choice but to wait.<br />
<br />
It was freezing - did I say that? We had to avoid the ice on more than one occasion - so there was the dilemma of standing shivering waiting to get going, then that hideous few minutes where your body temperature still hasn't reached sufficient high levels to reduce the running shakes.<br />
The course itself was probably the only saving grace. It was slightly undulating, but primarily flat and ran all around areas of Milton Keynes that you never see from the roads. We ran along the union canal for many miles, into outlying villages with beautiful tudor homes, past fields of cows and then through housing estates. There was time to think and dream.<br />
<br />
My pace was very steady, far steadier than I'd run a 10K, but I thought this was a tactic I would need for survival. I got to 10miles without too much trauma, but then suddenly my mind seemed to turn a corner for the worse. I noticed a blister on my heel and then spent half a mile fighting the urge to stop and take off my shoe. My head was telling me this was a death sentence, my heart said I could fix it if i took off the shoe and fixed my sock. Luckily I have learned that my head does in fact, rule my heart, even though my teenage self may not have realised that!<br />
<br />
Then I felt aches...everywhere, my thighs, my pelvis, my ribcage...The last 3.1 miles may well have been the whole 13.1 all over again. It used every ounce of my mental strength not to give up.<br />
<br />
<img height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10850281_10152956380148708_5719022670258928903_n.jpg?oh=0c450ae0f79d9ac8002cbfcb7d3a1a6e&oe=5547C1D6&__gda__=1426059200_b4e4f6a27b00bd0ad3c826a980a1e7b8" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<br />
But! I didn't and now I am proud to say I have achieved half of my goal but it's not just the physical that I'm proud of, I proved my ability to physically challenge myself on the top of Scarfell this Easter, but the whole challenge of keeping going. I have kept going, from January, I have kept running when I've wanted to stay in bed or go home. I have kept going with blisters and when I've wanted to cry and give up.<br />
<br />
I've run in rain;<br />
<br />
In hideous heat,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZQVPoWhgCI/VJH8Ock4h6I/AAAAAAAAJ9o/ADWMcsqqgZ4/s1600/2014-05-18%2B12.00.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZQVPoWhgCI/VJH8Ock4h6I/AAAAAAAAJ9o/ADWMcsqqgZ4/s1600/2014-05-18%2B12.00.22.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In foreign countries,<br />
<br />
<br />
In a tutu;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv47ALNuKCY/VJH8GMWQh1I/AAAAAAAAJ9g/M16bDciteBU/s1600/2014-06-01%2B08.55.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nv47ALNuKCY/VJH8GMWQh1I/AAAAAAAAJ9g/M16bDciteBU/s1600/2014-06-01%2B08.55.51.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With my youngest in our tutus at a race for life in June</div>
<br />
Through mud and cow pats.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-yfwbZanh4/VJH-OrI2O_I/AAAAAAAAJ90/XpHKOTCPulU/s1600/2013-08-06%2B11.16.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-yfwbZanh4/VJH-OrI2O_I/AAAAAAAAJ90/XpHKOTCPulU/s1600/2013-08-06%2B11.16.07.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZDXA5bvROQ/VJH-QGUsyAI/AAAAAAAAJ98/81FIAK68Mr8/s1600/2013-08-06%2B11.15.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZDXA5bvROQ/VJH-QGUsyAI/AAAAAAAAJ98/81FIAK68Mr8/s1600/2013-08-06%2B11.15.54.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I've gone from this:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YDIJaY2EWk/VJH-QSzTvII/AAAAAAAAJ-A/wE-_P6T8VNg/s1600/2014-12-12%2B18.30.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YDIJaY2EWk/VJH-QSzTvII/AAAAAAAAJ-A/wE-_P6T8VNg/s1600/2014-12-12%2B18.30.20.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yl6xFgD37M/VJH-RLB2JAI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/XTYu1NqKUt0/s1600/2014-12-12%2B18.30.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Yl6xFgD37M/VJH-RLB2JAI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/XTYu1NqKUt0/s1600/2014-12-12%2B18.30.41.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm no faster than I was in January really, but I don't care. I have lost weight and yes, I'm very happy about that, but whilst we can change our outward appearance, I have found an inner me that was lurking below the surface. It's a me that can say what I want (I'd say pretty tactfully except my kids will tell you that I must make an exception when I'm in the car - running does nothing to hone road rage!), what I like and what I am able to do and I like that person. She's okay to spend 2.5 hours of solitude with on a Sunday morning with only her thoughts and a few of the negative conscience for company. So I'm going to stick with her and with it, it has been good for me, not only for my health, but also for my brain and my character and...well, I like that.<br />
<br />
I'll see you at the Brighton Half in February!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-10209157319629473282014-12-13T12:27:00.001-05:002014-12-13T12:27:43.303-05:00Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas TreeI love today!<div>
It is 'deck the halls' day today, or rather, deck the scaffolding in our case!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love to make it a bit of an occasion when we put the tree up and decorate it. We get in some gluhwein and some spiced apple for the kids, put on a bit of Buble and out come the decks. It's all so very jolly and little House on the Prairie...........screeeech! Hold on, rewind a bit, let's just back up:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, it IS a day when we get the gluhwein heating on the stove and the spiced apple simmering in the pan, the tree is placed and the decoration boxes brought down, Buble is on the CD player warbling out those Christmas tunes; but that is where my family will tell you that it then turns into a very military operation 'hup two three four, keep it up, two three four!'</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am a touch anal when it comes to my tree. We normally have two, a real one in the sitting room and an artificial one in the music room/snug, only this year we've decided to just have one because of the outdoor chaos. We have a colour scheme for each tree and things need to be balanced and organised.</div>
<div>
I have a box of purple, pink, silver and white for the real tree alongside several very sentimental ornaments that have come from places we've been. These don't fit the colour scheme, but are important for memories and sentimental reasons. This tree has WHITE lights.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then there is the box for the artificial tree, these are more tartan, red and natural ornaments from straw and wicker etc. The lights on this tree are WHITE!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OH and finally there is the box of decs that the kids have made over the years and the things that I just can't quite chuck away, but there's no way they'll ever bedeck my Nordman again!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The children and Mr Beehive hound me every year to do coloured lights, but I just. can't. do. it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mr Beehive and the kids get the run of the exterior!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's a little bit like National Lampoon and I'm Audrey; "I hope nobody drives past the house and sees me standing here <i>with all these bleeding coloured light</i>s" but hey ho, they love it, I can sacrifice a little bit of taste for a few short weeks right ;-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At least I can close the curtains and admire my indoor tree with a cup of gluhwein in hand!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVm_cSsJPys/VIx25cl21xI/AAAAAAAAJ48/fJdXyon3F6A/s1600/christmas%2Btree%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVm_cSsJPys/VIx25cl21xI/AAAAAAAAJ48/fJdXyon3F6A/s1600/christmas%2Btree%2B2014.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-69558844075996442172014-12-01T15:57:00.004-05:002014-12-01T16:00:08.969-05:00Advent Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpfD-uhvwjs/VHzOa-weXSI/AAAAAAAAEo4/75f_nYvQQ68/s1600/advent%2Bcandle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpfD-uhvwjs/VHzOa-weXSI/AAAAAAAAEo4/75f_nYvQQ68/s1600/advent%2Bcandle.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
December 1st...finally! I can put away my 'bah humbug, it's too early slippers in November' and gently ease myself into the season of goodwill and cheer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We have for many years, in fact, since LMB was two, had a beautiful birthday ring*. It is made from alder wood and we put beeswax candles in.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_216586292"></span><span id="goog_216586293"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxo3T0kLGcA/VHzSMCvgFLI/AAAAAAAAEpY/154iM6Sfx_o/s1600/birthday%2Bring%2Bage%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jxo3T0kLGcA/VHzSMCvgFLI/AAAAAAAAEpY/154iM6Sfx_o/s1600/birthday%2Bring%2Bage%2B3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
There is something earthy and grounding about the smell each year when I take it out for another child's birthday and, believe me, even at nearly 15, the eldest still wants the birthday ring out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_qy5UBEaP8/VHzSP6XTQTI/AAAAAAAAEpg/PZpBq9k0YeQ/s1600/izzy's%2Bbirthday%2B011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYgIelsOxdI/VHzS-YnGw3I/AAAAAAAAEpw/X3nUQPAocmc/s1600/Thomas's%2B11th%2Bbirthday%2Band%2Bgarden%2B019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xav0lrJiM_U/UKkcAZ1sSOI/AAAAAAAAC5I/FLEwEI6LZDU/s1600/birthday%2B2012%2B-%2B8%2B033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xav0lrJiM_U/UKkcAZ1sSOI/AAAAAAAAC5I/FLEwEI6LZDU/s1600/birthday%2B2012%2B-%2B8%2B033.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYgIelsOxdI/VHzS-YnGw3I/AAAAAAAAEpw/X3nUQPAocmc/s1600/Thomas%27s%2B11th%2Bbirthday%2Band%2Bgarden%2B019.JPG" height="133" width="200" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vE9_UQHWkM/VHzSzvNOK3I/AAAAAAAAEpo/WKVqmcSU7X8/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vE9_UQHWkM/VHzSzvNOK3I/AAAAAAAAEpo/WKVqmcSU7X8/s1600/candles.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_qy5UBEaP8/VHzSP6XTQTI/AAAAAAAAEpg/PZpBq9k0YeQ/s1600/izzy%27s%2Bbirthday%2B011.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have hankered after an advent spiral for many years and this year I gave in to my desires. We only have four candles as we intend to light one on each of the four Sundays before Christmas and we also have a small, fillable advent calendar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSIloLlTwFo/VHzUtbjG_yI/AAAAAAAAEp4/5mLvmNqQyOk/s1600/Will's%2Bbirthday%2B2012%2B10%2Byears%2Bold%2B044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSIloLlTwFo/VHzUtbjG_yI/AAAAAAAAEp4/5mLvmNqQyOk/s1600/Will's%2Bbirthday%2B2012%2B10%2Byears%2Bold%2B044.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Again, a tradition we have followed since they were small has been the filling of a re-usable advent calendar. We are actually on our second as our first one was eaten by mice one year in between Christmasses. When the children were young, it was easy to find little things to put inside for each day, now they're older, it's a little harder and I'm loathed to fill it all with sweet things. This year I've gone for tokens for things like a trip to the movies at some point in the year, a movie and takeaway night of their choice, an afternoon doing something they choose. I've also put in a little wooden ornament, something I do each year and then this year each child has a 'personal' gift. For Master Beehive the elder, I've got him some fingerless gloves. He really suffers with his knuckles and hands being covered in nasty eczema and sores, hopefully this way he can wear these, still write at school or do the things he needs to do, but equally give his hands some protection. Master Beehive the younger is a stickler for hoarding, so he has a lovely little wooden box made out of some tree wood from a local cemetery and the youngest rug rat has some bath bombs with essential oils to curb her desire to pinch all my lovely bath things!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbvQKNAQmFM/VHzOdaQoEHI/AAAAAAAAEpA/FCfAmmaU2to/s1600/cranberry%2Bsauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfRTI1EMFbQ/VHzVp3IUvPI/AAAAAAAAEqI/cNlAFE-QRWc/s1600/2013-07-21%2B19.53.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MuNbIW5VKU/T5QTkXZKWWI/AAAAAAAACMY/EEy-ZnBbW1o/s1600/Tom%2Bis%2B12%2B001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2MuNbIW5VKU/T5QTkXZKWWI/AAAAAAAACMY/EEy-ZnBbW1o/s1600/Tom%2Bis%2B12%2B001.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfRTI1EMFbQ/VHzVp3IUvPI/AAAAAAAAEqI/cNlAFE-QRWc/s1600/2013-07-21%2B19.53.06.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlVzw9dcvss/VHzVvVxgeMI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/Pqtv-H5XeWE/s1600/2014-04-22%2B18.14.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlVzw9dcvss/VHzVvVxgeMI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/Pqtv-H5XeWE/s1600/2014-04-22%2B18.14.21.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2neRHGpa9Jk/VHzVXKPBq9I/AAAAAAAAEqA/HQO4gRVLy14/s1600/Thomas%2Bturns%2B13%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2neRHGpa9Jk/VHzVXKPBq9I/AAAAAAAAEqA/HQO4gRVLy14/s1600/Thomas%2Bturns%2B13%2B015.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtxoTOq6xic/VHzV2kMR_XI/AAAAAAAAEqY/uloKI-E8S_A/s1600/2014-07-21%2B06.50.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtxoTOq6xic/VHzV2kMR_XI/AAAAAAAAEqY/uloKI-E8S_A/s1600/2014-07-21%2B06.50.53.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*Although I was very drawn towards Waldorf and Montessori when the children were younger (and still am as much as I can be as my children are growing), the main reason I bought it was watching toddler attempts to blow out candles 20, 30 times and the sequential spit and nasal contents that used to decorate the cake; it became somewhat a matter of necessity and hygeine ;-) )</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-66291099162619921022014-11-25T15:30:00.004-05:002014-11-25T15:30:37.399-05:00Slowing it down<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JselGO1s4VI/VHTkmjXTswI/AAAAAAAAEoM/9oUfUgABueE/s1600/slowness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JselGO1s4VI/VHTkmjXTswI/AAAAAAAAEoM/9oUfUgABueE/s1600/slowness.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Phew, life is running at full speed and quite frankly I need to slow things down. It's nearing the end of 2014 and full pelt is the way I'm rolling right now.<br />
<br />
I am still in that early transitional turmoil of trying to be everything I was, and some, and then hold down a full time (bar a couple of hours) role outside the home, and maintain our house and homestead.<br />
<br />
I seem to spend much of my life rushing and I'm ashamed to say, nagging (although I prefer the word 'cajoling!) kids to get up or do homework or practice one of their instruments. Food gets little thought put into it unless it's the weekend and, although we're not eating crap (yet!), we do seem to eat a lot of soup and pasta these days because it's fast and easy.<br />
<br />
Coordinating my own hectic schedule adds fuel to the already ridiculously full agendas of three growing teens and pre-teens, not to mention Mr Beehive's calendar...<br />
<br />
BUT....<br />
<br />
This Sunday we caught up with an old school friend of mine. I use the word 'old' lightly because neither of us, I'm sure, would like to categorise ourselves as old, however, 24 years without seeing each other, probably puts us in some kind of antique memorabilia in a museum!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQaU_cWTfn8/VHTl-3Xx0bI/AAAAAAAAEoY/qoJialsVerY/s1600/asha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CQaU_cWTfn8/VHTl-3Xx0bI/AAAAAAAAEoY/qoJialsVerY/s1600/asha.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather scary picture from 1986 or 87...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It was just the antidote I needed.<br />
<br />
A full on smack in the face that life is just going TOO fast and I need to seriously choose and purge things that I don't need in our lives.<br />
<br />
We had a fantastic few (dreadfully short) hours to catch up with the last 24 years from our final days in the sixth form through our marriages, babies, trips and years spent overseas and then back to one of our mutual passions, homesteading and becoming self sufficient.<br />
<br />
It made me realise that life really is as short as they say and things that we think need to be done probably aren't the things that necessarily make us happy.<br />
<br />
My friend made me appreciate the importance of saying 'no' once in a while too for the well-being of our families. I've said 'yes' one too many times this year and this is probably how I've ended up with a little more than I can chew.<br />
<br />
I want to appreciate the moment rather than running onto the next all the time even if that just means taking more time to eat as a family, lighting a candle at the meal table, reading a bedtime story to a girl who is in double figures now, taking a few more pictures and I'm going to sign up for <a href="http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/2014/11/hibernate-online-retreat.html" target="_blank">Heather's Hibernation seminar</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/2014/11/hibernate-online-retreat.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AS66oKS9cig/VHTmxh6TjQI/AAAAAAAAEog/3hQo3lq9V84/s1600/retreat%2Bphoto.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
this Winter just to ensure that each day I take some time out of the frenzy to find my calm, reflect and re-balance.<br />
<br />
I want to keep my eyes well and truly open for the next 24 years and during this time, my friend and I will see each other far more!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-61396298870203569982014-11-09T07:22:00.001-05:002014-11-09T07:22:39.487-05:00Winter is a' comin' in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Warranting us to begin to start thinking about getting things prepared. Living in the 21st century, life is a doddle. We get cold, we turn on the heating; We get hungry, we go to the store. It's not like we need to prepare for winter in the same way we used to many years ago, but there is something soulfully delightful about preparing for the longer evenings and nights, making sure the pantry and freezer are full with food and that food is to be comforting, starchy pies and warming stews, knowing that all the flowers and plants, even some of the animals are hunkering down preparing to sleep until the spring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have always fancied myself as a bit of a bear. In fact, for those of you who have been reading this blog for a longtime will know, I often used to call myself a mama bear. I would feel somewhat of a prannock using that term these days, but my sentiments are there and...well, allow me to hibernate and just come out in the spring, summer and autumn, I'm sure I'd thrive!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My 'hibernation' this year is starting with my needing to purge. I don't spring clean, I'd like to not clean at all, but heck...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The children are growing up so fast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The outside build is getting ready for the roof trusses this week.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My career has evolved over the years</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All these things are meaning that we're needing less of the toys; we can start thinking about moving stuff over to the studio over the garage, I don't need some of the items I used to need for work, clothes are continually being grown out of (at a rate of knots!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mkmT-liE24/VF9UbBfaYnI/AAAAAAAAEnk/HGIj7zTrZxM/s1600/2014-11-09%2B11.33.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mkmT-liE24/VF9UbBfaYnI/AAAAAAAAEnk/HGIj7zTrZxM/s1600/2014-11-09%2B11.33.25.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have decided to do away with our Wii, at least for a while. It sits there and barely gets played. The children have all decided (much to my reluctance - I'm not really very tech-savvy and my fear of technology tends to manifest itself in a dislike, which, for my teens is probably not a great thing and I try hard to understand 2014 through <i>their</i> eyes rather than mine in 1987) that they have outgrown the Wii and want a Playstation instead. We have seen that there is more development with the latter and more games they can get, thus we have decided that sometime next year we will replace the Wii as a family. In the meantime the Wii is going, freeing up a lot of storage space. I also feel a large sense of release, temporarily, even though it rarely got played.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3pudKsS7T8/VF9UaN79e3I/AAAAAAAAEnc/3eE9W2nuQC0/s1600/20141109_113433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F3pudKsS7T8/VF9UaN79e3I/AAAAAAAAEnc/3eE9W2nuQC0/s1600/20141109_113433.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bees are still out and about, although less frequently at the moment. We have been studying our manual trying to decide what we need to do for them over the winter. Primarily, not a lot I think. It doesn't matter where you look, books, internet or fellow beekeepers, they will all say different things. Some tell you to keep the hives warm by stuffing in some kind of insulation, whilst others say that insulation creates moisture and others tell you that bees don't die of cold they die of wet. Some say feed fondant, others say don't feed! Agghh, it's a minefield of information. I think much of our first winter will be trial and error and a lot of dependency on Mother Nature being kind to us all.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7PpYfxuYoo/VF9Umf5_-3I/AAAAAAAAEns/C9k9iz7jzzw/s1600/20141109_113541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7PpYfxuYoo/VF9Umf5_-3I/AAAAAAAAEns/C9k9iz7jzzw/s1600/20141109_113541.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We're also thinking about spring and sorting out around the garden. This is a mess! ha ha ha!<br />
It's a bizarre little area that doesn't make a whole heap of sense. The shed is a 'summer shed' style and is massive. <i>Too</i> big really. It has an overhanging roof that I perpetually bump my head on whilst wearing my bee suit (the bees being behind me in this picture). The roof is growing a lot of moss and starting to fail and one of the windows is also failing. It has been built with a decked area to one side of it which is a death trap when it rains because it becomes very slippery. It also takes up a good 10 x 5 metres of garden.<br />
<br />
<br />
A project for after hibernation perhaps!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-63900494125134510652014-11-03T15:59:00.001-05:002014-11-03T16:04:58.947-05:00From Farm to ForkMy freezer once more over floweth over with porcine delights!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-D3N_iWpJE/VFfqjQLrscI/AAAAAAAAEms/YpfBVTFd-o8/s1600/Pig%2Bday%2B005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-D3N_iWpJE/VFfqjQLrscI/AAAAAAAAEms/YpfBVTFd-o8/s1600/Pig%2Bday%2B005.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have been over to Somerset today to pick up our butchered half pig that has become something of an annual ritual with our good pals. We buy a whole pig, organic Gloucestershire Old Spot, and it's reared, free range on a farm, then 9 months later we return to pick up our cuts. Whilst this is an expense up front, we have found that, long term, this is a good saving. It also means the kids know exactly where our food has come from (as do we, of course). We know where our eggs come from, our honey, our cider, much of our veg, our lamb (I'll get there in a moment) and our pork. It hasn't been sitting on the shelf for weeks and the cuts are the ones that we'll eat, so nothing is lost.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdY0b4OuDVE/VFfqlePg7eI/AAAAAAAAEm0/Du07kf_WhSQ/s1600/Pig%2Bday%2B010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdY0b4OuDVE/VFfqlePg7eI/AAAAAAAAEm0/Du07kf_WhSQ/s1600/Pig%2Bday%2B010.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
There is always the question about the value/footprint of travelling to Somerset to pick up our pig each year (around 180 miles round trip), but if you've never eaten a breed of pig such as GOS or Oxfordshire Sandy and Black you'll not appreciate that it's worth the trek. I think if I counterbalanced it with trips I might make more frequently to pick up a good joint from the Supermarket or our local farm shop, it could balance out over the course of the year. Then there is also the distance from farm to abattoir to butcher, literally across the road in our case, against the long distances that supermarket meat may have to travel to do the same journey from farm to plate. I think I can rest relatively easy that, at the very least, it breaks even!!<br />
<br />
Our lamb is just about as local as we can possibly get it. It comes from our plumber!! Yes, that's right, our plumber moonlights as a farmer, or, perhaps he moonlights as a plumber as I feel that being a farmer is probably a fairly full time job. He breeds lambs and each New Year we take a whole lamb off his hands. Again, beautiful meat and this time within a radius of around 5-6 miles!<br />
<br />
We're not huge meat eaters. I know, with half a pig and a lamb in the freezer that probably sounds an oxymoron, but our weekly menu probably includes at least three days of meatless/vegetarian foods. We do, however, love a roast on a Sunday, traditional...us?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaodszsT3zo/VFfshpZJWLI/AAAAAAAAEnA/dIC3iXeGD_A/s1600/roast-pork-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaodszsT3zo/VFfshpZJWLI/AAAAAAAAEnA/dIC3iXeGD_A/s1600/roast-pork-03.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thus most of our meat is in the form of various joints we can roast. We also enjoy sausages and I can specify their filling and whether or not they're to contain gluten and last year I made my own smoked bacon. Although it came with steep learning curves, primarily that of cutting it before freezing it, the lardons that I ended up with made the most beautiful pasta dishes and quiches. I won't be making bacon this year, but that's purely because most of our house is in chaos at the moment with the build and I have no where to spread out or store things, not to mention where my highly adaptable brining container, aka my cool box, has gone!<br />
<br />
Obviously a trip to Somerset isn't complete without lunch with the bestie and then a small wander around Glastonbury to nourish the inner hippy (ok, the outer one too!) before heading home.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-90554968206244851052014-11-02T13:43:00.000-05:002014-11-02T13:43:45.730-05:00Rounding off half term<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhyLQGgWGjQ/VFZySNd5WRI/AAAAAAAAEmY/sENOZImOmSw/s1600/the%2Bthree%2Bamigos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PhyLQGgWGjQ/VFZySNd5WRI/AAAAAAAAEmY/sENOZImOmSw/s1600/the%2Bthree%2Bamigos.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We've had a glorious weekend, blessed with good weather and blue skies, up in Derbyshire on the outskirts of the Peak District National park.<br />
<br />
Packing up the car early on Friday we headed up to Winster to stay in a little cottage and get in a couple of good walks as well as a fireworks evening at Chatsworth House.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRea7q70-FI/VFZyQZoy-TI/AAAAAAAAEmI/It9htFBQKfw/s1600/hiking%2Btrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vRea7q70-FI/VFZyQZoy-TI/AAAAAAAAEmI/It9htFBQKfw/s1600/hiking%2Btrio.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>I have to say that I'm not very familiar with the Peak District being more of a Lake District gal myself, however we were thoroughly enjoyed walking two routes, the first around Linacre reservoire and Old Brampton and the second up above Chatsworth.<br />
<br />
It was great for the children, nothing massively challenging bar some very boggy bits and an over enthusiastic child who decided to have a mud bath, but a good long walk that totalled 10 miles by the end, broken up with a fantastic pub lunch in Baslow and collecting pine cones for our bug hotel!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately it didn't all go according to plan as the Little Misses condition means that she can be fine one minute and then wiped the next and, with all the fantastic walking she did through the day, she wasn't feeling 100% on the evening, so she and I missed the display. Still, we enjoyed catching up with Strictly in front of the log burner later on.<br />
<br />
Fresh air, good food and reconnecting with nature and each other - nothing better in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-642tT2GNbII/VFZyPkl0K1I/AAAAAAAAEmE/q2dlF60qebM/s1600/hiking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-642tT2GNbII/VFZyPkl0K1I/AAAAAAAAEmE/q2dlF60qebM/s1600/hiking.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhfH76yidJ4/VFZyRptkM4I/AAAAAAAAEmU/k4FAwvNslt4/s1600/shadow%2Bwalkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhfH76yidJ4/VFZyRptkM4I/AAAAAAAAEmU/k4FAwvNslt4/s1600/shadow%2Bwalkers.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-129504472345973832014-10-27T11:05:00.000-04:002014-10-27T11:05:04.495-04:00Bug HotelI have always wanted to make a bug hotel ever since I saw the all singing, all dancing one at my Montessori nursery. It was made from old pallets and even had a felted sloping roof - very high spec!<div>
They had even had a lovely sign made that read Bug Hotel!</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvHa8xlyW5o/VE5dNaQ-2_I/AAAAAAAAElg/8mI8UIYD3v8/s1600/recycled-bug-hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvHa8xlyW5o/VE5dNaQ-2_I/AAAAAAAAElg/8mI8UIYD3v8/s1600/recycled-bug-hotel.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a> Not too dissimilar to this!</div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now my children are no longer little I didn't really see the point of something elaborate and huge for them to ooh and aah over because, believe you and me, it took enough bribes this morning to get the girls outside to even help me, so I don't think it'll be a thing of great interest to them. With the realisation that it's only going to serve its purpose, I figured that it should be bug sized really and the pallets we're accumulating with the build, would be better served in the chicken run enabling the chooks to get off the ground when it's particularly muddy!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A quick visit to our local reclaim yard and a rummage in the skip currently sitting in the drive, I found suitable 'rooms' for our clientele.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An hour later and 'ta da'! Critter Chalet available for rent!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5f10eFK4Hs/VE5d_-Xkb5I/AAAAAAAAElo/KZQs6X5SJrI/s1600/my%2Bbug%2Bhotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5f10eFK4Hs/VE5d_-Xkb5I/AAAAAAAAElo/KZQs6X5SJrI/s1600/my%2Bbug%2Bhotel.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is only small and fits into the wilder part of the garden perfectly. It cost a grand total of £10 to make (well, if you rule out the hot chocolates it cost me to bribe the girls to go to the park to gather some nuts and conkers!!) I think we still need to add some more bamboo canes which I'll do once I find the saw (goddam this build!) and the hedgehog house to the right in the picture also needs more doing to it as I feel it could be open to unwanted visitors (ie foxes) if I leave the entrance quite so exposed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX0P_pcKPBc/VE5eCCC9vqI/AAAAAAAAElw/D_oY92IavVE/s1600/our%2Bfence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX0P_pcKPBc/VE5eCCC9vqI/AAAAAAAAElw/D_oY92IavVE/s1600/our%2Bfence.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh and, as promised, our new fencing that now surrounds the bees and gives us better access to our allotment. Now I just have to convince Mr Beehive that when we re do the fencing beside the new garage, that this is 'totally' the look we're after!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-35075126776965794942014-10-26T13:56:00.003-04:002014-10-26T14:48:37.556-04:00Five children and IT!Well, that's it! The clocks have gone back and we're officially into the darker nights again.<br />
<br />
I think this is always my indicator to pick up the knitting again, or rather a sharp hefty kick up the bum to finish off all those WIPs in order for my actual 'children' to benefit from wearing them rather than my 'grandchildren' one day!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H71enCEEfic/VE0wQ2UDKMI/AAAAAAAAEk8/0W1g5SSoWMk/s1600/cardigan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H71enCEEfic/VE0wQ2UDKMI/AAAAAAAAEk8/0W1g5SSoWMk/s1600/cardigan.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny Tea Leaves cardi by Madeline Tosh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's half term this week and I've become mother to five for the first part of this week as my sister and her husband have taken a trip to Marrakech (not envious really!)<br />
<br />
We're very lucky that the cousins get on so well and, aside from a few teething problems initially when we realise that five IS actually an odd number, they tend to disappear only to reappear when they're hungry (which, with five mouths, one of whom is a teen, two further of whom are growing boys and the third and fourth...well they suffer from FOMO*, I seem to see them constantly or, am made aware of their presence with a rustling of one or other in a cupboard or the drone of 'I'm hunnnnggggreeee'!)<br />
<br />
Of course, there is one slight problem now they are five and that is we downsized the car last time so I am unable to fit all five in these days. This, on the otherhand, works out in the teen's favour as he gets to stay home with the WiFi whilst I take the rest out to burn energy and get much needed fresh air tomorrow! Then we're taking them to our local for the two for one burger night...with the threat hanging over that five is STILL an odd number, so if they don't behave...lol! It's incredible how well they're doing so far...rooms are immaculate!<br />
<br />
The garage, on the otherhand is a little less immaculate, but it's still beginning to come together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfO5hb9Ypn0/VE01noEnDbI/AAAAAAAAElQ/KXe9KTvHzaE/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nfO5hb9Ypn0/VE01noEnDbI/AAAAAAAAElQ/KXe9KTvHzaE/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My sis is also having work done on her house at the moment and, whilst she is such an organiser, it will come as a shock to you that I am very good at finding a big pile of sand in which to bury my head (and believe me, there is an enormous pile to cater to my ostrich like abilities on my drive at the moment!)<br />
She has notebooks with drawings and costings and catalogue page numbers for showers and taps. I seem to be suffering from cannaebearsedness at the moment because the catalogues are making my head hurt!<br />
<br />
I have managed to buy a woodburning stove to go in the new room, nice eh?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r66ulDSdyT8/VE0xuzrqqJI/AAAAAAAAElE/xgXGrywahcM/s1600/x-013-rondo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r66ulDSdyT8/VE0xuzrqqJI/AAAAAAAAElE/xgXGrywahcM/s1600/x-013-rondo.jpg" height="163" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So if we have nothing else, we'll be warm, oh and I did extend my forward planning to a toilet roll holder. I have my priorities right at least! I do need to start thinking about flooring and wall covering/colours, kitchen cupboards, sinks...sand...sand...sand.<br />
<br />
Maybe as those dark nights draw in further still, I'll finish this cardigan and turn my attention to some of those catalogues...I can hear them yelling at me from inside the drawers they've been stuffed in!<br />
<br />
<br />
*FOMO: Fear of Missing Out<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-11535602978860024572014-10-12T15:58:00.000-04:002014-10-12T15:58:42.602-04:00A birthday celebrationToday we have returned from celebrations with my mum, dad and sister and her children as my mum turned 70 years young earlier this week.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Br3cakrcQ9I/VDrZn0aIDiI/AAAAAAAAEj4/yXv3xeDVRxo/s1600/2014-10-12%2B14.54.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Br3cakrcQ9I/VDrZn0aIDiI/AAAAAAAAEj4/yXv3xeDVRxo/s1600/2014-10-12%2B14.54.12.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
We had a lovely day just the 11 of us and I think she felt suitably spoilt<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHfksDmN3us/VDrZmkHJfSI/AAAAAAAAEjw/4RW4YJnIS4U/s1600/2014-10-12%2B14.11.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHfksDmN3us/VDrZmkHJfSI/AAAAAAAAEjw/4RW4YJnIS4U/s1600/2014-10-12%2B14.11.55.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
We had clubbed together to buy her a new camera and we also bought her a lovely alpaca shawl from the alpacas in the village...well, every 70 year old needs a nice shawl to keep them warm in the draughty evenings right?<br />
<br />
Our garage/studio is going up quite fast now that the brickwork has started, however I'm not sure that the weather is going to be on our side this week, it's looking pretty grim. The weather has always been something of a fascination to Mr Beehive, but he has become close to obsessed these days with plenty of 'shhhh' and 'hang on a mo, it's the weather' taking precedent in case it stops play the following day. I am also becoming an avid weather watcher in order to know exactly how much newspaper I will need to put down on the floor each morning to attempt to prevent paw shaped footprints, children shaped shoe prints and adult shaped boot prints decorating the kitchen floor. I will be happy once the build is done (I'm sure I've said that already).<br />
<br />
We also had a beautiful cleftwood fence put in on Friday. We have been needing to put something a little securer than a plastic 5 inch high fence that we currently had, around the bees. I found a local company who use local wood and it's created by using an axe rather than sawing, so you end up with a far more natural look. I haven't yet taken a photo of it, but it looks similar to this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpQIAsBZ_5s/VDrbgtP9VGI/AAAAAAAAEkE/2TdMEH1ijeY/s1600/lillingstonefence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpQIAsBZ_5s/VDrbgtP9VGI/AAAAAAAAEkE/2TdMEH1ijeY/s1600/lillingstonefence.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I absolutely love it. We were given permission to replace the old broken gate through to the allotment, so we now have our own entrance/exit through to our piece of extended land ;-) This is obviously good fortune as today I discovered that we had 3 butternut, 4 pattypan and 2 acorn squashes to bring back as well as two HUGE pumpkins that we're going to need to take the wheelbarrow round to bring back, lucky we now have a little secret garden gate to cut the 'long' journey down a bit!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-88044732686969849752014-10-07T14:48:00.001-04:002014-10-07T15:08:38.529-04:00Turkish DelightOne month in and I'm still here and still smiling, most days.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Coom199d5oM/VDQy-SHap_I/AAAAAAAAEio/uF_S1ygy0TY/s1600/2014-09-27%2B13.34.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Coom199d5oM/VDQy-SHap_I/AAAAAAAAEio/uF_S1ygy0TY/s1600/2014-09-27%2B13.34.16.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>Of course, things are hotting up in many fronts: Harvest at home, harvest at school, Christmas to plan for (at school...not at home yet).<br />
<br />
Mr Beehive and I had a glorious 72 hours in Istanbul only 2 weekends ago. I can't believe really that on Monday morning we were drinking turkish coffee in the bazaar in Istanbul, 24 hours later I was in front of the class as if nothing had happened.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzdXeIxTDTM/VDQzBej21sI/AAAAAAAAEi0/7sLdGyrgju0/s1600/2014-09-27%2B13.34.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzdXeIxTDTM/VDQzBej21sI/AAAAAAAAEi0/7sLdGyrgju0/s1600/2014-09-27%2B13.34.10.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We were a little down on our luck with the weather, sadly having two out of the three days with rain. But, not to completely wash us out, the final day was beautiful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7WNxk-WehE/VDQzPqdS9lI/AAAAAAAAEjA/BmpHIkhMAPo/s1600/2014-09-29%2B09.21.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7WNxk-WehE/VDQzPqdS9lI/AAAAAAAAEjA/BmpHIkhMAPo/s1600/2014-09-29%2B09.21.17.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
We walked for miles over the course of the weekend, drank far more coffee than we normally would, travelled by tram with our faces in other people's ampits (if you think the tube is bad in rush hour...welcome to Istanbul, probably one of the most crowded cities in the world!) developed a taste for 'proper' turkish delight and sat on the edge of the Bosphorus in the glow of the bridges lit up, for dinner. We both agreed that a weekend is simply not enough time to explore Istanbul and we hope to come back here again someday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lO1mLRV6jRk/VDQzSfW0UJI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/-Anni4hNeNY/s1600/2014-09-29%2B11.26.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lO1mLRV6jRk/VDQzSfW0UJI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/-Anni4hNeNY/s1600/2014-09-29%2B11.26.09.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7hg4cFVFvA/VDQzA44gFeI/AAAAAAAAEiw/DrYWz7kJyG8/s1600/2014-09-29%2B09.20.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7hg4cFVFvA/VDQzA44gFeI/AAAAAAAAEiw/DrYWz7kJyG8/s1600/2014-09-29%2B09.20.44.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Then of course we were back to normality.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVlY8KlWYdc/VDQzRnHF1MI/AAAAAAAAEjI/XM4e6SGc1zE/s1600/2014-09-29%2B10.39.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVlY8KlWYdc/VDQzRnHF1MI/AAAAAAAAEjI/XM4e6SGc1zE/s1600/2014-09-29%2B10.39.23.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The barn is now down...the mess is still there and there is a very small amount of brick work that is now up. Sod's law has had us with a beautiful September and October, of course, the minute we have arrived at brick laying, the rain descends and stops play. We are desperately hoping to have it into some kind of liveable space by Christmas, but I think we're going to have to see what life brings.<br />
<br />
We have lit our first fire of the season too. Master Beehive the elder brought a supply of logs in to fill the two baskets last weekend and both Sunday and Monday we resorted to lighting the fire. Sometimes it's not necessarily that it's too cold, it can just be that it's too dreary and grey and there is nothing better than watching the flames lick at the inside of the stove door to warm both mind and soul.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-72531984667634323952014-09-16T15:21:00.001-04:002014-09-16T15:33:15.759-04:00One, Two, Three - JUMP!!!I am a swan, I am a swan, I am a swan<br />
<br />
We've returned to term by hitting the ground running this year. Most of it, I'm okay with, some of it I'm a bit like a rabbit in the headlights, less wondering which way to run, but more thinking I could do with a lift!<br />
<br />
I've started a new job. Only part time, well, that was the plan.<br />
<br />
But there was another job, but only part time too.<br />
<br />
Oh and then a few new pupils dropped by...<br />
<br />
And, there's the planning which, if you're part time, does have a sneaking tendency to eat into your 'officially not working' days.<br />
<br />
Job number 1 is a 'start from scratch' kind of job. There is no scheme, there are no resources, there's little money, there was a room, then there wasn't, there was a desk, but this soon became just a table, there is no swingy chair with wheels...and the coffee is instant!! But, it's fun to be 'in charge' of my own little department...which, truly is probably just a dept ;-) Ofsted are looming around the corner, you can see the shadows out of the corner of your eye, but I'm sure it'll be okay, if it's not, I will laminate them...I'm good at that at the moment!<br />
<br />
The eldest has started his GCSE's. Which translates as him needing to carry around more weight in files than an EasyJet baggage allowance on a daily basis and there being 'no possible way' he can carry less or leave it in his locker, therefore I'm now putting part of my part time work salary into an ongoing physiotherapy fund for his later years! Why do kids insist on this???<br />
<br />
Number two son has decided he wants to become an army cadet after scouts. Hmmm, okaaaaay I whine, it'll be okay. He loves being outdoors, he loves making things and pretending any garden cane or piece of wood is a samuri sword. He'll be fine with a gun in his hand. No really, he <i>will</i> be fine with that. I may not be. However, there is the lure that 'within the first couple of weeks' his bedroom will be ship shape and his clothes all hung up, so I'm happy to pay the subs just for that part of the deal!<br />
<br />
The littlest is working through some post viral shit at the moment, which is proving quite hard and I am not going to put much of that on here, suffice to say, prognosis is good, but slow and we're on an exhausting steep learning curve.<br />
<br />
And then there is the mess! Oh hell yeah, the mess.<br />
<br />
The barn has gone! Quite literally today. I left for work and it was nearly all still there...minus the roof. I came home and it had been bulldozed and there is a vast, empty, intimidating SPACE!<br />
<br />
My clematis is very grey from the dust. My fence, to keep in my stupid and incredibly over amorous labrador, is made from orange plastic and very wobbly and very dusty. There is glass in the driveway and I don't know how I will turn the car around tomorrow without needing to remove half a ton of gravel beforehand or risking a puncture. There is a very large hole in the patio and an even bigger one out on the drive. My aforementioned stupid labrador keeps coming indoors with a piece of drainpipe in her mouth to play fetch with and likes to leave that and other much smaller pieces of plastic and metal on the floor for me to step on. My language turns the air blue ...this is NOTHING to lego, I laugh in the FACE of lego!<br />
<br />
The other dog is trying hard to resemble a womble these days. The steroids have made her slightly rotund and her hair likes to grow...a lot. I spend many occasions covered in dog hair whilst she lies on the floor with her legs akimbo letting me attack her with a less than useless dog trimmer. I resort to a pair of children's scissors because, despite owning hairdressing scissors and sewing scissors and paper scissors and kitchen scissors and some regular cut anything you like scissors, there are NONE to be found. I resort to a pair of semi blunt kids scissors and hack. She's not going to look any crazier than she did before, only she'll be a lot cooler (in the temperature sense of the word rather than the 'down wiv da spaniels' sense of the word!) and able to see. So now my patio is covered with a perpetual layer of dog fluff.<br />
<br />
There is metal...a lot of metal...and dust, I'm sure I mentioned the dust. I have strange men coming to my door at 7am in the morning asking if they can take away the steel RSJ in his small white van. I am yelling for children to get out of the shower, brandishing a butter knife as I make sandwiches, I am make-up-less and wearing that early morning shadow and hair (mostly my own, but there could still be some womble in there!)... I laugh...perhaps a little hysterically, and suggest he might like to re-think the size of his vehicle and the weight of the RSJ. He looks at me oddly and retreats. I still own the RSJ and his van still has all four wheels on the floor!<br />
<br />
The one saving grace is that I'm out in the morning before the noise of the pneumatic starts...luckily the relationship with 'most' of our neighbours is positive (for now!)<br />
<br />
Swim, swim, for fuck's sake, keep paddling!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-63181206114475413022014-08-30T05:25:00.006-04:002014-08-30T05:28:18.925-04:00Harvest time inventions<br />
Harvest time, I both love and loathe it in equal measures.<br />
<br />
On the one hand there is the gratitude and happiness to see ripened crops, to pick baskets of beans or beets, to be able to share and swap with neighbours.<br />
<br />
On the other hand there are the failures or the excess of one particular prolific crop.<br />
<br />
Last year for us, that was the courgettes, this year it's the beets and beans.<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
This year I'm trialling beetroot and gooseberry chutney which, if it works, I will try to share the recipe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10600377_10152713520048708_7070043505230969254_n.jpg?oh=2a85343da0134cabd5e41e38c3b6078f&oe=545CF1DE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10600377_10152713520048708_7070043505230969254_n.jpg?oh=2a85343da0134cabd5e41e38c3b6078f&oe=545CF1DE" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Much as I love making pickles, jams, blanching to freeze until my hands are dry and raw, there does come the day when I scream out "what the heck can I do with yet MORE beetroot" to enable my family to not pull a face as I add jar number 67 of pickled beets to the shelves to add to our meat dishes this winter!<br />
I have plans to make a couple of beetroot and chocolate cakes to freeze and one to give away tomorrow as we have a friend coming over to help us with the honey harvest.<br />
<br />
I'm not massively keen on bottling, something that I find a lot of US websites recommend. Canning and bottling at home aren't something that the UK seems to be as fond of, hence the best equipment for this is from the US.<br />
<br />
I therefore also try to get a bit more inventive and fill the freezer with slightly more trial and error foods, some of which really do. not. work!!<br />
<br />
<br />
But, my big question today is:<br />
<br />
How does this sound to you?<br />
<br />
Rhubarb and chilli jam? Is it more a pickle or a jam? Savoury or sweet?<br />
<br />
My chilli plant has put out rather suddenly and I don't like using dried chillies, so am debating making some indian pastes up to freeze as I make a lot of curries and using some with the last of the rhubarb that I've just picked.<br />
<br />
I suppose we just have to see eh?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-31968007764100396172014-08-28T15:08:00.001-04:002014-08-28T15:20:01.879-04:00Thankful Thursday. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFK41w43LLc/U_95aiqgL4I/AAAAAAAAENw/5hh4r6w_PVI/s1600/honey%2Blabels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFK41w43LLc/U_95aiqgL4I/AAAAAAAAENw/5hh4r6w_PVI/s1600/honey%2Blabels.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tSENFxinrI/U_95bA0-PkI/AAAAAAAAEN0/U3kqNKzqG6o/s1600/parsnip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tSENFxinrI/U_95bA0-PkI/AAAAAAAAEN0/U3kqNKzqG6o/s1600/parsnip.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvSPAOg-hXs/U_95ZjV8TqI/AAAAAAAAENk/hegNVTyM0Ss/s1600/Planning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvSPAOg-hXs/U_95ZjV8TqI/AAAAAAAAENk/hegNVTyM0Ss/s1600/Planning.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwZwe2l0nqo/U_95ZOGI5yI/AAAAAAAAENg/71n-mpT7cPs/s1600/Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwZwe2l0nqo/U_95ZOGI5yI/AAAAAAAAENg/71n-mpT7cPs/s1600/Reading.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhh-gTHw8FA/U_95d6Hm57I/AAAAAAAAEOA/xXDNceQ6Gzw/s1600/stool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dhh-gTHw8FA/U_95d6Hm57I/AAAAAAAAEOA/xXDNceQ6Gzw/s1600/stool.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, I am following along with a few of my blogging pals out there to start a Thankful Thursday post. I am going to 'try' and it will be odd weeks when I forget, to post things I am thankful for on a Thursday evening.<br />
<br />
So this week I am going to start with:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1. Our bees capping 10 frames for us so that we can, with kind and willing friends to help, extract our honey for the first time on Sunday</li>
<li>2. The earth providing not only nutrition for us but also lots and lots of giggles. Do you like my baby mandrake...he's having a hug!</li>
<li>3. My planning papers are now looking less threatening and all these colours makes me grateful for having been able to take most of today to plan and get on top of next year.</li>
<li>4. The new bed. She LOVES it. See my grateful post number 3. It is because of this that I was able to plan. Today she has read and read and read and read and, when you're that high up, you can do anything...change the world from on high !!</li>
<li>5. My stool. I know, it's a little materialistic, but I'm so pleased with it. Good old Ebay! Now I can park my sore pelvis when my friends are here without being in pain all the while.</li>
<li>6. It's Friday tomorrow: That means Mr Beehive the younger will be home from camp. I have missed him.</li>
<li>7. Not just one job, but two for September and ones I can truly get my claws into (see gratitude number 3 again!!)</li>
<li>8. The enjoyment of preparing and eating tonight's dinner without a single person saying 'ugh' or 'yuk' or 'I don't like x' to any of it!</li>
<li>9. I won the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, carrot cake and lemon drizzle cake at the local village flower and produce show...I am Jill Archer!</li>
<li>10. Being able to make time to run twice this week and go to the gym twice thanks to a willing babysitter!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can read about Polly's 52 weeks of gratitude here: <a href="http://thisenchantedpixie.org/2014/08/28/52-weeks-gratitude-week-seventeen/">http://thisenchantedpixie.org/2014/08/28/52-weeks-gratitude-week-seventeen/</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can leave your link in the comments below x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31636812.post-61599293366883460472014-08-24T09:28:00.004-04:002014-08-25T05:23:13.689-04:00The Village Bank Holiday Weekend...<div style="text-align: center;">
It's quiet around here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Curtains are still drawn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For days now, the conversation has become hushed when the presence of another approaches.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sideways glances are given.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pale and ashen faces scurry along the street, head down, a slight nod of acknowledgement but the weather and time remain unremarked upon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The knowing nod and a stealthy passing of implements in the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A stillness has befallen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The village pub lies still.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eerie sounds come from behind the closed blinds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sound of crunching metal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Splattering of wet substances splash against solid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The continual drone of electricity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sharpening of knives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Occasional cussings may cut through the silence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a place no one in their right mind wants to disturb right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The eve of the village food and flower show has arrived...BAKE OFFFFFFF!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4yR4mMgf6U/U_nnpSxYxbI/AAAAAAAAENA/IyVsXsVDJVQ/s1600/cheese%2Bscones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c4yR4mMgf6U/U_nnpSxYxbI/AAAAAAAAENA/IyVsXsVDJVQ/s1600/cheese%2Bscones.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Photo: Mad Hatter's tea party" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/10559954_10152702280953708_5461429480939175399_n.jpg?oh=22ea081681496b2e7ae23bccda47e9e6&oe=54748D3B&__gda__=1415978624_0ca47345b62f27466d6e935b1a17c18d" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Photo" src="https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/10649937_10152702280228708_8282540678701521408_n.jpg?oh=d995b97302a66122dc491c414ddcef19&oe=5462DD52" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17686057978927588322noreply@blogger.com0