Friday 29 May 2015

MY MAY DAZE!

Before my daughter's baby was born in March I would never have believed that once Alfred was born I would spend so much time with them both. He is eleven weeks old today and I don't think there's been that many days where we haven't seen each other if only for a short while. As Kate is returning to work in September it's been really great to spend so much time together. I've had lots of cups of tea, quite a few lunches and endless cuddles with Alfred so how can I not be happy.

May has just flown by so I thought I really must get back to my blog and give a quick update of other things I've been up to.

We've been talking about taking my parents for a sightseeing drive around London for sometime and as it was my mum's 91st birthday last week we thought it was an ideal opportunity to take them on a tour. They both were born in East London, Dad in Plaistow and Mum in Stepney so we headed off in that direction and then on to Stratford so they could see the Olympic village, they were quite amazed. 
From there we headed into the city and parked so that Dad and I could walk down to the bank where he used to work. He found that quite nostalgic I think but was pleased that we went.


We drove along the embankment pointing out the Shard and other new buildings and then headed to Canary Wharf where I'd booked a table for lunch. We were lucky the rain held off until the afternoon so we were able to to have a pre lunch drink sitting outside. Mum and Dad reminsced about their younger days and told us many stories, some we'd heard before but others we hadn't.


We all had such a good time, it was a perfect day.

Unfortunately both Charlotte and Jack were under the weather over the bank holiday weekend so on Monday Jessica came to us for the afternoon. Her Grandad was working on his boat in the garage (I shall post a photo next time!) and after watching me for a while sewing she headed outside to do some woodwork herself. Between them she helped create this little table which she was very proud of.


This week we've had a family day out. Our plan was to go to Walton on the Naze but with the children recovering from their ailments we decided just to head for our park by the river in Maldon.
Carter's Steam Fair  is there this week so Charlotte and Jessica loved that and along with Kate they enjoyed flying high. Jo and I took the easy option and watched them while minding the babies. That was thrilling enough for us!


Encouraged by everyone's comments regarding Blossom the rag doll, I made Tom.


 He was a rather difficult little man to make. The week before last it took me 3 hours to make 3 arms!
You may be questioning 3 arms but, even worse there wasn't a matching pair amongst them. I was so frustrated with it all I gave up. A whole week later, I picked him up again, undid 2 of the arms and remade them.  He did eventually turn out ok but I think he's quite delicate and will need plenty of TLC.

And finally, having said, no more yarn until Yarndale, I have just received my order of Drops Muscat to make the girls little jackets for their holidays. They are very excited as I emailed the colour chart to Charlotte and let them choose the colours for themselves. Mint green for Charlotte and the orange for Jessica.


Message to self: I must not start these until I've sewn up the cardigans for the boys!!!

6 comments:

  1. Glad you are enjoying plenty of baby time. Loving that orange yarn

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    1. I've started with the mint green yarn but agree the orange yarn is really lovely.

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  2. Oh how lucky you are to see so much of Alfred ... my daughter has been absorbed into her partners huge family and has an immense group of friends so I have to take my turn with a million others when it comes to cuddling my new grandson :)

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  3. How could you say 'no more yarn til Yarndale,??? I nearly fell over - then phew I saw a bag of yarn :) Lovely photos xx

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    1. Well I tried so hard to resist but needs must. I've still got plenty of yarn to knit with that I bought at yarndale last year and I know that I shall be buying more this year.

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  4. Isn't it lovely to hug and kiss the new grandson. Mine is now 7 months I see him almost everyday and it is a real tonic. Jacqueline, I love your boy rag doll , if you ever consider making one for sell I would love to buy one, I think it is important that boys have dolls too. I cant sew to save my life. I am being serious I would defo buy one.

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