EASTER RAMBLINGS!

Driving back from the town on Good Friday morning there was a definite feel that spring had sprung.

We sat in the garden enjoying a coffee in the sunshine as my husband was taking a break from his job for Easter project, installing new stair rails. 

"We should enjoy this while we can!" I exclaimed, "because from today it is only going to get worse!"

Well that is what those who supposedly know had said at breakfast time. 

Lunch was enjoyed outside too and I was hopeful that we were going to have a bit of a "ta da" moment and finish the last of the christmas cake but we opted for a hot cross bun instead, much more appropriate for Easter. (When we do eventually reach the "ta da" moment it will be closely followed by a "oh no" moment, as hidden in a biscuit tin, astride my herbs and spices rack is a second rich fruit cake which I made just incase I ran out at christmas!)

On Saturday we planned to go out for a drive and a stop for lunch. The weather by this time had already turned and we decided on a short drive to the garden centre for coffee and cake and took a brief whirlwind walk around the plants outside and the BBQ's inside before heading home.
I spent the afternoon catching up with the tv and making the finishing touches to this blanket for Alfred which I'd made out of left over aran yarn that I'd over ordered when making a chevron car seat blanket for Jack.

Poor little Alfred was taken poorly also on Saturday. Being sick is never nice but at Easter it does raise extra problems like having to wait 6 hours for a doctor to phone having contacted 111, only to find that after the 6 hours that they don't actually phone. Eventually Kate managed to get an appointment at the emergency clinic at our own little hospital for Sunday morning, then a drive of about 10 miles to find a chemist that was open to get his antibiotics. However once the little man had had a couple of doses of medicine, thankfully he picked up and by the evening was so much better.

On Easter Sunday my husband worked to finish the stairs and I visited my parents. Then back home for more tv (I know, quite lazy!) and I found an odd ball of yarn and started knitting a little square blanket for charity supporting a project that some of the ladies at my knit & stitch group is involved in. I'm not that happy with it so whether it gets finished or recycled is another matter.

 Easter Monday was much busier here with a family lunch. It was the first gathering of us all without my daughter in law and although it was really nice, it was quite strange. My parents are struggling to deal with their separation, they either don't understand it or they don't want to accept it, I'm not sure which. It's hard for them, I know but it's hard adapting for us all. It's taking time but we are getting there ever so slowly.
The children had lots of Easter eggs to keep them occupied and we could tell Alfred was definitely improving as he tucked in as well.

I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks, a little break for me as Kate is home and can look after Alfred. I'm hoping to source a new pattern for a throw for the lounge. It'll be a bit of a project, something I can pick up if and when I feel like it, as long as it's ready for autumn that'll be fine.

Enjoy your week ahead!

Mothers Day Weekend!

Mother's Day was a perfect day in our house. We had an early start as we had our son's children staying with us overnight but as soon as he arrived in the morning, my daughter and her husband came along too with Alfred and my husband made us all a lovely cooked breakfast.

There was definitely not going to be any room for lunch!

I had lots of lovely flowers but the gifts from the children are always so special. Charlotte, Jessica & Jack have always made cards themselves and this year planted the primula and mini daffodils themselves. I love the little sign they made and the cards to go with them.

Alfred was also very creative with his own handprint of little flowers.

I love his gift too!

When they had all gone home, I had time to sit and relax for a while before going to collect my Mum & Dad. They haven't been over to ours since Christmas and it was nice to cook dinner for them.

With just the four of us here, we sat and chatted, Dad telling us lots of stories of when he was young. He is a fountain of knowledge when talking about his family with a wonderful memory and tells you tales like they only happened yesterday. It's such a shame he's never written any of it down.

Also at the weekend I finished my pouf. Michael and I had a great debate on whether we needed to purchase a cheap single or double duvet to fill it with. I suggested trying the only quilt we have in the house, a king size which we thought would give us an idea of what we needed to buy. However as soon as we started filling the lining in the pouf more and more of the quilt disappeared inside until, we'd got the whole thing in there. That was a result, no further purchase required and more room in the spare wardrobe to store other stuff.

   

It's not looking quite as round in this picture, but this was taken after it'd been attacked by four children, (playfully!).  Once it was plumped back into shape it was fine and ideal for me to rest my feet on in the evenings while I crochet and watch tv.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!

It's been a beautiful day here today, very chilly but also very bright and sunny. I love it when I can sit in the lounge and I can feel the warmth of the sun coming through the patio doors.

I was so tempted to get outside  and do a bit in the garden but I soon changed my mind after standing out there for a short while sorting out the recycling boxes. Brrrrrrr!

Our grandson Jack turned 2 this week. He has grown up so fast, a little baby one minute and now a smart little man. On Sunday the family got together for a little party to celebrate and as Jack is a great fan of Mr Tumble I made him this cake. 

His mum made this "Dip" train which looked really great and tasted very good too. Jack loved it!

Birthdays really do seem to come round so quickly. In a few days time our youngest grandson is going to have his first birthday. How many times do we say or hear those words, "where has all that time gone?"

Knitting is slow but I'm getting there. I am actually feeling better and with that has come some renewed energy. I've managed to finish the pouf, it just needs sewing and stuffing. Hopefully by my next post that will be completely finished and i'll be able to show you.
I've also got a little chevron blanket on the go but I only started that last night and managed just the one row during  the whole hour of watching Grantchester. I thought, no point in taking a photo of that until I do a bit more.

Unfortunately the ironing board is now beckoning me to sign off so, enjoy the rest of the week and I'll catch up with you again soon.