Tuesday 27 July 2010

DREAM VERSUS REALITY!

My Dream
A slow drive on Sunday over to the Kent coast and perhaps a nice meal in a fish restaurant. Then maybe a slow walk along the beach hand in hand [OK, a stretch too far with the imagination!] but a sound possibility of a "99" before returning to the car and home.

Reality
A very slow cycle a long the country lanes to Goldhanger.


After a very enjoyable lunch and too much cider an even slower cycle back to Heybridge Basin along the sea wall. Hand in hand, definitely not, far too hot and clammy for that.

However even though our cycling expedition was on the slow side and even today, 2 days on, I feel that the purchase of a new saddle is a priority, I'm loathe to admit, I enjoyed it. Once home and re-energized I got loads of knitting done and even baked scones for tea.

Thursday 22 July 2010

WALKING IN THE EARLY MORNING SUNSHINE

I went on my first early morning walk of the summer today. What with my knee problems earlier this year and the amount of mornings I've spent invigilating exams since May I haven't had a chance to get out up on the sea wall to enjoy this view.
I started off at a reasonable pace but after just half an hour I decided to walk slowly back. My knee was fine, I just felt my stamina was lacking. I really enjoyed it though. I always carry my phone when I'm out walking but today I made sure it was on silent, I didn't want the lively strains of Hairsprays - "You can't stop the beat" to penetrate the silence.

Tomorrow I'm going to try a short game of badminton. The lady I play with is in her 70's and she wins virtually every game we play, even though I'm the one who normally runs around the court. Could be interesting in the morning, we'll both be standing facing each other, neither of us moving expect for our arms wielding the racket, in the hope of hitting the shuttlecock. From a distance it'll probably look like we're sending semaphore messages to each other. So, we may not actually be burning off excess calories but the way I look at it at least I'll be doing abit of core strengthening and hopefully reduce my upper arm flab!

Monday 19 July 2010

PRINCESS CASTLE BIRTHDAY CAKE!


Here is another one of my little creations!
I made the princess castle cake at the weekend for Charlotte's 4th birthday and Jessica's 1st party. Believe it or not, I'm actually quite pleased with how it turned out. Charlotte loved it and her party, Jessica slept through the whole event.
All the children who came and some of the adults wore fancy dress, Charlotte as a princess and Jessica in a minnie mouse looking outfit without the ears. Michael and I went along as Ben & Holly [the elf and the fairy princess!!], from Nick Jnr fame. However it wasn't long before we both shed our hats and my wand and not much after that when I got Michael to chop my wings off. It was too hot for all that malarkey!
You may well think, we're complete and utter nutters but when you become grandparents you do start to do some odd things. Our daughter Kate's first words as she entered the hall yesterday were -"You both look completely ridiculous!"
Well, all I can say is we tried!

Saturday 17 July 2010

IS THERE A REASON WHY?

Is there a reason why small children around the age of one year like to lick their image whenever they see their reflection in a mirror, windows or even worse patio doors?
Charlotte and Jessica have stayed with us for a couple of nights this week and my patio doors have been licked to death!
Now I have to say window cleaning is not my favourite job to do around the house, unlike my 87 year old father who is obsessed with cleaning windows and my 86 year old mother who is obsessed with making sure that when he does clean them he does them to her standards!

Sunday 4 July 2010

UNDERSTANDING ENTRELAC WITH THE HELP OF A G & T!

Very quick update on the entrelac baby shawl.
GOT IT!
Perhaps I should air on the side of caution and just say, GETTING IT!
I don't want to get too carried away but I'm thrilled to announce I'm now on my 2nd rectangle.

Friday 2 July 2010

A WEEK FREE OF ENTRELAC!

I came to the conclusion last weekend that if Wayne Rooney and the rest of the England team were worn out and in need of a rest after running around kicking a football and making a hash of it in the process, then my brain could certainly have a rest from the challenges of entrelac for a week.
Back to my subject matter.
We spent a really beautiful weekend in the Cotswolds. Michael and I thought we'd get away to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary, actual date - Wednesday. We stayed in Bourton-on-the-Water and it was really really lovely.
[Sorry that the pictures are different sizes, don't know why and to be honest it's too hot to worry about finding out.]
The picture above is of Bourton-on-the-Water, the river was lined with people picnicking and children splashing around in the water, enjoying the sunshine.

The picture above is of the mill at Lower Slaughter. We walked to this little village and what with the name and the setting, I felt that at any minute John Nettles or even Mrs Barnaby could walk round the corner. It was just like a scene from Midsummer Murders!

Wednesday came - anniversary day! and poor old Michael went off to hospital to have an op on his knee, he's had pain in his knee for quite some time now. The doctor told him afterwards that it was like someone had had a party in his knee and had gone home without clearing up. I hope that this op will help rectify some of the problems, fingers crossed!
I spent my anniversary in the garden with the grandchildren, keeping the paddling pool filled up, [Jessica kept pulling the stopper out] and mopping up excess mini milks. Quite pleasant really!

Thursday night I went along to see Charlotte's new school. She's not 4 until next month but starts in September. Michael couldn't come obviously, he was resting but we had quite a family turn out. Charlotte not only had Mummy, Daddy, Sister, Granny and Nanny there but a real surprise when Great Grandma and Great Grandpa arrived. It was just like being in the Wombles family.
I'm sure Charlotte will settle into school life ok, but last night she looked so tiny amongst all the other children. I know - she will be fine!