Through The Keyhole

Finished Items

2012-02-14T10:23:00.000Z

One of my new year challenges was to have a finished item, either knitted or crocheted, each month.

At the end of 2011, I still had a pair of Waving Not Drowning socks on the go, so before I started anything else, I wanted to get these finished.

They are the first pair of socks I've knit which haven't been plain, and the pattern choice was a good one, nice and easy. I used Laughing Yaffle yarn and the socks are really squishy. I popped them on the sock blockers but they actually need blocking properly yet.

You can see the pattern better in this photo, though the colour is nothing like.

I realise that it's cheating to say that these are my January's finished item as they were actually started before the start of the month, right back in September. They were originally going to be a Christmas present for my mum, but were put on a back burner when I realised that they weren't going to fit. They've now been claimed by Eleanor.

After finishing off the socks, I wanted something really easy which I'd be able to start and finish in January, and what better than dishcloths. I started off with Grandmother's Favourite Dishcloth pattern, but my first attempt came out really small so I had another go on larger needles and this gave a much better size. I wasn't particularly taken with the pattern though, it's worked corner to corner and makes for quite an odd shape, certainly not square.

I've got quite a bit of cotton left so I thought I'd have a go at another dishcloth, this time with a pattern. I chose Cluster Stitch Dishcloth pattern, but again it came out rather small. I think it would be a better size on a larger needle again.

I've been trying to resist buying any more yarn at the moment, but Lily from Making It Vintage found a bargain too good to miss on Kemps Wool Shop website, Regia World College Color for only £3.99 per 150g. This usually retails at £10.95 so it's a real bargain. I succumbed and bought three balls. It's thicker than what I usually use, but will make some lovely thicker winter socks.

A new project has been started for February, and I'm still cracking on with my granny square blanket, albeit slowly.

I'm It

2012-02-12T13:32:00.000Z

I've been tagged by Sft over at Sft's Travel, Mortgage Freedom, 101 And Life Goals. Thank you, Sft, I shall try to answer the questions you have asked.

First of all I should post the rules.

1. Post these rules.
2. Answer the 11 questions from the person who tagged you.
3. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag.
4. Tag 11 people and link them to your post.
5. Let them know that you tagged them.

These are the questions which Sft set:-

1. Where is your favourite place in the world? Tell us why?

My favourite place in the world is the Yorkshire Dales. It holds many happy memories for me right back to my childhood when I was taken there on family outings, and I hope that it will hold many happy memories for my own children as we often take day trips there. I especially love the area around Bolton Abbey, Burnsall and Appletreewick. I'm not quite as wide travelled as Sft, but I've been to many countries in Europe, the USA and a few Carribean islands, but I've yet to find anywhere with such wonderful views, and I'm lucky enough to be within driving distance of it. The picture is me with my dad at Appletreewick in the early 1970's.

2. What person has inspired you most?

I think the person who has inspired me most has been my mum. She's quite literally the best mum in the world and if I'm half as good at being a mum as she is, then I'll be very happy.

3. Who would be your favourite 3 dinner guests?

David Attenborough. It would be fascinating listening to all his experiences with wildlife.

Brad Pitt. Got to have something gorgeous to look at through dinner.

Alan Partridge. Would keep me in stitches.

4. What makes you contented and happy?

I'm contented and happy if my family are contented and happy.

5. City, coast or country?

I live on the outskirts of a city and love all that city life has to offer, though I do love my holidays on the coast. I have many happy memories of the seaside, both as a child and an adult. Then again, there's nothing quite like getting away from it all in the Yorkshire Dales. So hard to choose, but I'd have to say that I quite like where I am right now as I've got the best of all three, a short journey away from the city, coast or country.

6. What are you dreaming of right now?

I'm dreaming of my holiday in Cornwall. We're going to the same lodges where we stayed last year and I can't wait. Only five months to go. Can you see Archie looking through the glass in the door?

7. What is your best read?

To Kill A Mockingbird. It's a book which I read for my English Literature O level and I've remembered it ever since.

8. What makes a perfect night in?

I like nothing better than a night in with the family, a take away and something good to watch.

9. What was your favourite subject at school?

My favourite subject at school was Maths. I liked the more academic subjects and couldn't wait to drop everything like Art, Drama and Music. Daniel is exactly the same as I am, chose all academic subjects for his GCSE's, but Eleanor is the exact opposite. She's taken Drama, Music and Textiles amongst her options.

10. Describe your most cherished photograph.

I have more than one cherished photograph, they are the ones which my sister is in. My sister died twelve years ago at the age of 42. She was my best friend as well as my sister and I miss her every day.

11. What impulse paid off?

I think that has to be my engagement to Mick. We decided to get married only four months after meeting, I think that counts as impulsive. Notice how I didn't say I was proposed to? That's because I wasn't. Mick just decided that we would get married and that was that. It will be our 22nd wedding anniversary in July and we're still very happy together.

The people I'm tagging are:-

Ruth at Dian's Timpanalley

Rachel at Fizz Pop Bang Blog

Diane at Heart Shaped

Lisa at Jumble And Jelly

Lily at Making It Vintage

Flighty at Sofa Flying

Jan at Stand And Stare

The Cookie Jar

Emma at The Log Cabin

Karen at Use It Up, Wear It Out

Victoria at Florence & Mary

The questions I'd like you to answer are:-

1. What is your earliest memory?

2. Who would you hate to be stuck in a lift with and why?

3. What is your favourite food?

4. What was the first record you bought?

5. What's the first thing you do when you get out of bed?

6. What was your first job?

7. Who is your favourite author?

8. If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday, where would it be?

9. Do you have a party trick?

10. Will you be watching the 2012 olympics?

11. Do you have any bad habits?

This is just a bit of fun, but it can be time consuming answering the questions and linking to blogs you've tagged so please don't feel under any pressure to carry this on if you don't wish to do so.

VetVits

2012-02-09T16:01:00.000Z

When I was asked if I would like to try Archie with Joint Treat Bones from VetVits, I first of all wondered if he really needed them.

Archie isn't yet two, so surely I don't really need to be giving him supplements to help his joints. Wrong! Dogs rapidly develop from puppy through to adult, so it's inevitable that their joints will experience wear and tear. It must be better to provide supplements to avoid problems further down the line than it is to treat a dog once it starts showing symptoms of joint problems.

These are quite substantial treats, nothing like the tiny biscuit bones I usually buy for Archie as a treat, and much more healthy. The recommendation for a dog of his weight is one to two treats per day, which means that a bag of ninety treats will last over six weeks. That's just as well as the cost of them is £10.95, rather more than I presently pay for treats. It is, however, less than £2.00 per week which doesn't seem much for something so full of goodness. The company offer free UK delivery, so that won't bump up the price either.

You must consider what each treat contains. Green-Lipped Mussel which is claimed to have many benefits as a rich source of glycoproteins, chondroitin, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Calcium to help maintain healthy bones. Antioxidant-rich herb mix including rose hip, blackcurrant, spinach, oregano and rosemary, and Salmon Oil, the all important omega 3 fatty acids found within salmon oil are traditionally used to help maintain healthy joints.

The proof, though, is in the pudding as they say. It's near on impossible to get Archie to swallow a tablet, so will a treat containing all this goodness actually appeal to Archie?

I can tell you that it's a bit whiffy when you open the bag, it's just as well that it's resealable. The scent is obviously attractive to dogs though, Archie can't wait to be given his treat.

Archie's usual treats are nearly swallowed down whole, but he chooses to relax with his VetVits Joint Treat Bones and savour them. They don't last long though and he's looking around for more.

I must remember not to leave the packet lying around open. I think Archie gives them the seal of approval.

Vetvits also make products for cats and horses as well as dogs so do take a look at their website.

I should just mention that the product was sent to me free of charge but I have not been paid for writing this review.

A Riot Of Colour

2012-02-07T11:17:00.000Z

My garden should be full of colour this year thanks to Anne at Marmalade and Catmint. I was lucky enough to win her giveaway and these four packets of seeds were the prize.

There were actually two prizes, hot colour seeds or pastel shades seeds. I found it quite hard to choose as I do like pastels as well as hot colours, but the hot colours won in the end.

I've had a go at creating a cutting patch at the allotment for the last two years, but it hasn't really worked out. I've ended up giving more attention to the vegetables and the flowers have suffered, but I'm going to give it another go this year. I don't like to cut flowers from the garden for the house, but I don't mind if they're at the allotment, so I really need to give the flowers at the allotment more attention this year.

Many thanks, Anne, I'm looking forward to starting the seeds off and having lots of colour in the garden this year.

The Other Side Of The Dale

2012-02-05T09:23:00.000Z

My reading challenge is going well. After getting in to the habit of dipping in to magazines instead of reading books, I set myself the challenge of reading a book each month.

I'm now reading The Other Side of the Dale by Gervase Phinn. This book contains anecdotes of his first year as County Inspector of Schools in North Yorkshire, and what I've read so far is very funny. Kids say the most amusing things, even when they're not meaning to and this book highlights that. I'm enjoying it very much.

In January, I read The Illustrated Lark Rise To Candleford by Flora Thompson and really enjoyed it. After watching the series on television, it wasn't quite what I expected. I thought it would contain more stories about the people who lived in the hamlet, but the book was more about their day to day lives, and traditions and customs. It was very interesting, and the illustrations were beautiful.

I popped in to a charity shop yesterday whilst out shopping and picked up Sister by Rosamund Lupton. It's doesn't sound like something I would usually read, but the blurb had me hooked. It sounds as though it will be one of those books which has you on the edge of your seat right till the end, so I'm looking forward to reading it. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

RSPB Fairburn Ings

2012-02-03T12:38:00.000Z

Last weekend was the date for this years Big Garden Birdwatch, and even though we didn't take part due to lack of time after our outings and other commitments, we were still watching birds.

On Sunday, we headed off to RSPB Fairburn Ings which is about eight miles away from where we live. It's been a regular haunt of ours since Daniel and Eleanor were young as it was an ideal spot for them to feed the ducks and swans.

First of all, we headed to the visitor centre to buy our bird food. We could have taken some bread with us, but it's not nutritious enough as it doesn't contain the ingredients needed to keep the birds healthy. Seed is a much better option and doesn't cost very much.

There's a little cafe area in the visitor centre from where you can watch the garden birds on the feeders right outside. We had Archie with us and we couldn't take him inside, so we watched the garden birds from outside.

There were plenty of birds to see and they didn't seem at all nervous as people passed by. I'm not sure if this is a Great Tit or a Blue Tit, but going by the size I'd go for a Great Tit.

There were plenty of Goldfinches around, I wish I could attract some back in to my garden, it's been a while since I've seen any there.

There's lots of little signs in the garden area which give information on how to attract wildlife in to your own garden.

I'm glad that dragonflies aren't really this size, but what a beautiful sculpture.

Archie was taken with the ducks and swans, though I don't think the swans liked him if the amount of hissing is anything to go by.

The swans are really quite tame and will happily feed from your hand. Eleanor wasn't quite so sure as she offered her hand out to a swan.

It was a really cold day so we didn't stay long, but it won't be long until we're back again to wander along one of the trails.

Tiptoe Through The Tulips

2012-02-01T10:06:00.000Z

The challenge which I set myself at the start of the year to have more fresh flowers in the house is going well. You might not believe it but I've still got a few flowers left from the seasonal bunch which I bought at the start of the year. The whole bunch lasted a long time, but as they started dying off, I selected the ones which were still going strong, cut them down and popped them in to a smaller vase. Admittedly, they're on their last legs now, but that doesn't matter because I've got some jaunty new tulips to grace my vase.

These little beauties only cost £1.75 from Morrisons. That's not going to break the bank, and they're giving me enourmous pleasure just from looking at them.

When I first brought them in to the house, their stems bowed over almost double. Tulips don't seem to like warm, centrally heated rooms. I'd read somewhere that popping three copper coins in to the vase would perk them up again so I gave it a try. Three pennies were plopped in to the water, but they didn't seem to make any difference. The tulips now reside in my unheated conservatory where they're much happier and perkier.

I've taken a liking to white flowers just lately. They seem so understated and elegant, don't you agree?

The Lines

2012-01-29T18:48:00.000Z

Yesterday, all four of us, and Archie, took a walk down The Lines. This is another walk which Archie is regularly taken on so I thought you might like to come along with us this time.

The Lines started as the Leeds, Castleford and Pontefract Junction Railway but was taken over by North Eastern in 1878, before it had opened. It ceased passenger services in 1951 and goods traffic stopped in 1969, though one and a half miles of track were left in place in Castleford until 1998 for the use of the collieries and open cast sites.

This is where The Lines start.

The beginning of The Lines is a long ginnel between rows of houses.

It was a gorgeous morning and we came up on a lucky black cat sunning herself on a fence.

We were being watched as we made our way further down the ginnel. Just look at the gorgeous blue sky.

We noticed bulbs popping up from the soil all over the place. Spring must be on it's way.

At the end of the ginnel we pass under a bridge. This takes us underneath the very busy A63 Selby Road. At this point we carry on down a track in to the countryside.

We noticed ladybirds out in abundance. I hope they haven't come out of their slumber too early.

We come to another bridge which we pass under.

Archie loves water. He manages to sniff puddles out even on the dryest of days, which yesterday wasn't, he was in his element. Look at those muddy paws.

We head further along the track.

Eventually we come to a crossroads.

We decide to turn left in to the next village, Kippax. There's horses in the field to our right which Archie is very interested in.

We make it to Kippax where we come to this interesting looking door. I wonder what's behind it.

Aren't these handles cute? Horses heads.

From Kippax we can take a circular route back home, but we decide to head back the way we came instead.

Achie loves being free to have a sniff. Lots of dog walkers use The Lines so he picks up lots of scents on his walks.

Archie missed this puddle on the way there, he didn't miss it on the way back!

Back under the bridge we go.

This photo doesn't show just how dirty Archie got, he had to have a bath when he got home.

We passed through another nearby village today, Allerton Bywater, so I took this photo of the entrance to The Lines from there.

It's important to get out in the sunshine at this time of year, you never know what weather the following day will bring.

Hope you all enjoyed coming with us on another of Archie's walks.

A Sad E-State Of Affairs

2012-01-25T12:42:00.000Z

This is the sign which greeted Archie and I on our walk on Monday.

It seems that another field is being turned in to yet another housing estate. There won't be any green spaces left soon. The works machinery has moved in already and work has commenced.

Apparently, sixty eight houses are being shoehorned in to this one field, I don't like their chances of being given a big garden.

This is the field from the top view.

You may remember the above photo from my Come For A Walk With Archie post from June last year. When Archie goes for this particular walk now, he has to turn around and go home the way he came, not quite as exciting.

Orange 'Jaffa' Brownies

2012-01-22T10:29:00.000Z

Back in December, I bookmarked a recipe which Shaheen from Allotment 2 Kitchen posted on her blog for Orange 'Jaffa' Brownies. Daniel especially is quite partial to a Brownie, so I thought this was an ideal recipe for me to try.

Yesterday, Eleanor decided that she wanted to do some baking. She got out the cookery books and had a look through before I remembered this recipe. It takes such few ingredients to make that I had everything already in, so Eleanor decided to give it a go.

It turned out so well, and everyone thought it was scruptious. So much so that there's only a few pieces left.

I don't think they'll last the day.

Sale Shopping

2012-01-18T11:11:00.000Z

Boots has lowered all it's half price sale items today from 50% off to 75% off. I'm not one of those people who hunts the shops for bargains after Christmas, but I always try to get to the Boots 75% off sale as you can pick up so many bargains.

I've managed to get quite a few things to put away for birthdays. I got some lovely things for Eleanor's friends, reduced from £10.00 down to £2.50, what a saving. There were a few Christmas decorations too. I got the NOEL letters, reduced from £10.00 to £2.50. I can't show everything I bought as some things will be gifts for family members who read my blog.

Last week, I got an email advising me that Laughing Yaffle were having a sale. Mick bought me two skeins of Laughing Yaffle yarn for Christmas, and I've also got another skein in my stash, but the colour of this Winter Sunrise yarn just called out to me and I couldn't resist.

I think more socks are in the pipeline.

Mama's Got A Brand New Peppa Pigbag

2012-01-15T14:04:00.000Z

Isn't this bag cute. It's a bag for life from Asda featuring Peppa Pig with a new Olympic theme for 2012.

All the proceeds from the sale of the bags are going to Tommy's, a charity which funds research in to pregnancy problems and provides information to parents.

The bag is only about 12 inch by 10 inch, but good for when you only have a few bits to carry with you, and Eleanor has one to take her lunch in to school.

Come Rain Or Shine

2012-01-12T09:35:00.000Z

One of the things I've learnt since getting Archie is that no matter what the weather's doing, you have to get out there in it as a dog needs his walks. Having a dog gives me the push I need to get myself out in the fresh air every day, something I neglected to do before getting Archie.

It's not all fun though, and not for Archie either. He's not particularly fond of the rain.

When he comes home filthy, he has to have a bath. That's something else he's not fond of, though I have to say that he's quite good and stands still. Notice how clean the water is when he's just got in.

This is the colour of the water after he's been washed.

We've got gales again here today. Oh well, I'd better get my coat on as Archie's waiting for walkies!

Knitting And Crochet Christmas Presents

2012-01-08T18:21:00.000Z

I know it's a while after the festive season now, but I really wanted to show you the lovely knitting and crochet presents which I got for Christmas.

I got some gorgeous Laughing Yaffle yarn in Fantasia and Orchard shades. I'm looking forward to pampering my feet in socks made from these.

I've been wanting some sock blockers so that the socks I knit are well shaped. It'll be interesting to see what a difference these make.

I've never used any needles other than metal ones so it will be interesting to try out these bamboo ones. I'm a little nervous of using them actually in case I snap one.

This Symfonie wood crochet hook set is wonderful. There's five different sized hooks and they're so smooth. I can't wait to try them out.

I've been wanting this book, 200 Croochet Blocks For Blankets, Throws And Afghans by Jan Eaton. It was recommended to me quite a while ago and has been on my wishlist ever since. I hope I can manage to master some.

The crochet hook set was bought for me by my mum and dad, all the other presents were bought by Mick. I have such a thoughtful family.

Knitting For Christmas

2012-01-04T09:55:00.000Z

I'm not a very fast knitter, so it took quite a chunk of last year knitting some gifts which I wanted to give people for Christmas. All the gifts were socks, with the exception of one scarf.

This was given to Eleanor and she loved it. The pattern is Leaf by Susan B Anderson and is knitted in Rowan Big Wool.

You may remember that I started these socks for my mum back in November. The photo is quite dark as it was taken at about 9pm on Christmas Eve when I had just finished them. Talk about leaving it till the last minute. The yarn used was Regia Design Line and I used a simple sock pattern by Sue Morgan which is given free with the purchase of a ball of sock yarn from Get Knitted.

I knit two pairs of these long socks, one for Daniel and one for Eleanor. They're ideal as welly socks to go inside wellington boots, but Eleanor wears her's around the house, they're lovely and warm and soft too. They're great if you don't like using double pointed needles as they're knit on two needles and sewn up the back of the leg. They a Sirdar pattern 9135, and are knit in Sirdar Crofter DK.

Another two pairs were knit using the simple sock pattern by Sue Morgan, one pair for my dad and one pair for Daniel. My dad's were knit in Regia World Circus Color and Daniel's in Regia Sudsee Color 4 ply.

This year, I want to have a go at some other things as well as socks. I do enjoy knitting socks, I think once you get going on them they're quite addictive, and there's some gorgeous yarn about to knit them in too. There's nothing quite like having pampered feet.

I got some knitting and crochet gifts for Christmas but I'll show you those another time.

2012 Challenges

2012-01-01T12:53:00.000Z

I've never made new year resolutions, I always think that you're setting yourself up for a fall making a promise on the first of January that will be too hard to keep. This year I've decided to set myself some challenges, nothing major, just little things which I think will add something to my life. What's the difference between a new year challenge and a new year resolution? I don't suppose there is a difference really, but I prefer the word challenge to resolution as I always think of giving something up when I think of resolution, giving up food to diet, giving up cigarettes, giving up alcohol, giving up chocolate etc. My challenges are things which I'm going to enjoy.

My first challenge is to have more fresh flowers in the house. I don't like to cut flowers from the garden to bring indoors, I prefer to see them outside, so for the past two years I've had a go at growing a cutting patch at the allotment, though it hasn't really worked. This year I'm going to give it another go, though I'll still buy flowers too. They don't have to cost a fortune. This little seasonal bunch cost me £3 from Tesco's, I love the colours. I bought a similar bunch just before Christmas and they're still going strong too, so I don't think £3 is too much to pay for something which is going to brighten the house up and make me smile each time I look at them, for over a week. I shall post a picture of what's gracing my vases from time to time.

When I was young I was never seen without my head in a book reading. I sadly got out of the habit of reading when I had the kids, there just wasn't enough time. Instead I read magazines which are much easier to dip in to when you've got a spare minute or two and just as easy to put down again. I'd like to read books more again, so my next challenge is to read at least one book each month. I'm going to start with The Illustrated Lark Rise To Candleford by Flora Thompson for January. If you remember, I found this in a charity shop for the princely sum of £1.99 a few months ago, and it's beautifully illustrated, I'm really going to enjoy reading this.

It's only recently that I've started knitting again, and only last year that I learnt how to crochet. I spent a lot of time last year knitting socks as Christmas presents, and crocheting squares for a granny square blanket. I've recently bought some knitting and crochet books with lots of project suggestions in, so this year, as well as finishing off the crochet granny square blanket and a pair of socks that I've still got on the go, I'd like to have a go at some other projects and aim to have at least one finished item each month.

It will be two years in March since I stopped smoking and since then my weight has gradually been increasing. I know this isn't good for me so at some point I'm going to start eating healthily. I've never dieted in my life, but I know from other people that once you stop a diet the weight goes back on. I think it will have to be more of a lifestyle change, eating smaller portions and eating things which are good for you. Treats will be allowed, but in moderation. I'm not starting this challenge right away as our fridge and cupboards are still bulging with food which we've bought for Christmas, and I've still got boxes of chocolates to eat which have been bought for me for Christmas, so I'll wait until everything has been consumed. I think this will be the hardest of my challenges and the one which I like the least.

Although I take Archie for a walk every day, we sometimes don't go very far. This year I want to increase the distance that I walk. Ideally I'd like to be able to measure the distance I'm walking but I don't really know how I would do that. As far as I can tell, a pedometer only measures how many steps you take. This challenge will fit in with the healthy eating and will hopefully help me to lose some weight. Mick bought me this Collins Short Walks In The Yorkshire Dales book for Christmas. I can't wait to do some of the walks mentioned in here.

Let's see if I can keep up with these challenges, they don't seem too hard and most of them will be fun.

We've taken our decorations down today, I hate to have them still up when Mick goes back to work and Daniel and Eleanor go back to school. Archie tried to help but ended up getting wound up in the tinsel. OK, I admit it, I put the tinsel round his neck so that I could take a cute photo for my blog.

Happy New Year, everyone.

A Flash New Camera

2011-12-31T11:57:00.000Z

I've been eager to go for some walks over Christmas so that I could try out one of my Christmas presents from Mick, a new camera. I really don't understand photography so I'm going to invest in a book and try and learn a few things. We've had some miserable weather for walking, but Tuesday was a beautiful day, warm with blue skies, so we took advantage and headed off to Roundhay Park.

Many other people had the same idea, and we had a game of spot the Christmas present. There were children on bikes and scooters, many hats and scarves which looked brand new, and along with me, quite a few people had cameras in their hands.

This squirrel was a little shy, he didn't want his photo taking so he ran up a tree, but I still managed to snap him.

There were lots of ducks, swans and Canada geese on the lake.

This young swan was fishing for his dinner. Bottoms up!

You can walk right the way round the lake, but Archie has to be on his lead near water otherwise he jumps straight in, so we headed off in the other direction.

We managed to find some seasonal holly.

The water fountain was in action in the small lake.

It wasn't long before Archie had tired himself out and wanted a sit down.

The ice-cream man was doing a roaring trade. Eleanor added to his coffers.

I'd like to thank everyone who left Christmas wishes on my last post, they were very much appreciated. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas. Our's has been quite low key this year, but we've spent lots of family time together, which is what I love the most.

I'd like to thank everyone who has visited my blog this year, and especially those who have left comments for me, I always appreciate them. I hope you'll continue to visit throughout the new year. May I wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year, and all the very best for 2012.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000Z

Christmas is here at last. All the shopping is done and presents are wrapped. I'm going up to the crematorium to take some flowers for my sister this afternoon and then it's time to really get in to the Christmas spirit.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.

Another Busy Week

2011-12-19T11:18:00.000Z

I feel as though I've been at the last minute with all my Christmas preparations this year, I'm usually so organised. I think it has alot to do with having to be here, there and everywhere with Eleanor as she's had so much on with her drama and singing.

Last Saturday, she was singing at Leeds City Museum. As well as watching Eleanor and her drama group perform, we had a quick look around the museum itself. It's housed in the impressive Leeds Institute building which was completed in 1862 by Cuthbert Brodrick who also built Leeds Town Hall and the Corn Exchange. The museum is spread over four floors, we didn't get to see much of it as we were short on time, but I'm definitely going to return to explore further. From what I could see though, it looks to be a very hands on museum with lots of things for little hands to explore.

On Tuesday evening, Eleanor was performing with some of her GCSE Music class at school in a Christmas concert. Her group had been working on an alternative version of We Three Kings, a reggae version, so they performed that as well as Step In To Christmas. Eleanor and another girl sang while the rest of the group supplied the music. There are lots of different musical groups at the school including a clarinet trio, various choirs, a brass ensemble and other exam classes. There are some really talented kids at the school and we enjoyed watching them.

We eventually managed to get the house trimmed up last week. We were contemplating buying a new tree this year, but after seeing the price of them we decided not to bother. I'm glad we didn't now as our tree looks quite acceptable after being decorated.

I've been very late buying presents this year and I've still got a couple to get but they're only small things so I shouldn't have any problem getting them this week.

School has broken up now and Mick should finish at lunch time on Friday but he's taken annual leave so he finishes on Thursday instead. I want to have everything done so that we can sit back and relax when everyone's at home. I'm starting to get in the Christmas spirit now.

Giveaway Winner

2011-12-15T12:10:00.000Z

A winner for my giveaway has been drawn today, and I'd like to announce that the box of goodies will be winging it's way to Caro at Urban Veg Patch. I'll get the prize posted out just as soon as you let me have your address, Caro.

Thank you to everyone who took part. It's a shame that I can't give everyone a prize, as much as I'd like to, but the budget just won't allow.

Liebster Award

2011-12-12T16:55:00.000Z

I was thrilled to bits last week when Ruth from Dian's Timpanalley awarded me the Liebster Blog award. Thank you so much, Ruth, it made my day. I was also given the award on The Good Life blog by Mum from Mum's Simply Living Blog who said the award would extend to this blog too, so thank you too, Mum.

The Liebster award is awarded to blogs with less than one hundred followers, and comes with a couple of rules.

1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

2. Thank the giver(s) and link back to them.

3. Choose five blogs which you would like to pass the award on to and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

There are so many wonderful blogs out there to choose from. On this occasion I'd like to pass the award on to the following five blogs.

Jumble and Jelly

Stand and Stare

Never Too Old To Learn From Your Mistakes

Bears Footprints

Poppycock & Other Creative Nonsense

I hope you'll pop over and take a peek at the blogs I've awarded. I know that many people don't accept awards, and I don't want to put anyone under any pressure, especially at this time of year when it's so busy, but I think it's nice to be able to recognise blogs which I enjoy reading.

Thank you, Ruth and Mum, once again for the award.

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, don't forget to do so. You have until 14th of December to leave a comment on my giveaway post.

In The Recording Studio

2011-12-08T10:31:00.000Z

You may remember, back in July we booked Eleanor a session in a recording studio for her birthday. It took ages for her to decide what she wanted to sing, she changed her mind on a daily basis, but she eventually made a decision so we got it booked.

Saturday was the day it all happened, and Someone Like You by Adele was the song she decided on.

She had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, though she tells me that she still prefers to perform live. Recording a song is so different to singing it in front of an audience.

A CD was made of the recording, and Eleanor thinks she sounds so different on it. I think she sounds exactly as she always does. I think we all think we sound different to what we actually do, well, except for my singing voice, I'm under no illusions there. I don't know where Eleanor gets it from but it certainly isn't me.

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, don't forget to do so. You have until 14th of December to leave a comment on my giveaway post.

Giveaway

2011-12-01T10:52:00.001Z

I celebrated the first anniversary of this blog back in September, and I promised that I would have a giveaway. I know we're three months down the line but I've finally got myself sorted out, so without further ado, here are the prizes.

Make! by Cath Kidston. There are 48 projects in this book which use 16 of Cath Kidston's signature motifs. This book contains step by step instructions.

The Pocket Enquire Within. A guide to the niceties and necessities of Victorian domestic life. Enquire Within was first published in 1856 and was the essential guide to Victorian domestic life. The book has words of wisdom and advice on everything from entertaining and etiquette to household management. It gives a fascinating insight into the day to day life of Victorian Britain, and also contains wisdom which can be used today.

A small tin of vanilla fudge. I treated myself to one of these too and can vouch that the fudge is delicious. The pretty little tin is useful too, I'm using mine to store my pins in at the moment.

A selection of flower seeds.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this little lot is leave a comment on this post. The giveaway will run until 14th of December after which time a winner will be chosen at random. I'm happy to post worldwide.

I also have a book giveaway running on The Good Life blog, so if you're interested in allotment life, head over there to be in with a chance of winning.

All that remains is for me to wish you all luck.

A Busy Week

2011-11-27T13:33:00.000Z

It's been a really busy week making sure that Eleanor has been at the theatre on time for her performances. We've had an hour round trip to drop her off and then another hour round trip to pick her up afterwards. We haven't been getting home until nearly 11pm, and then Eleanor has had to get a quick shower before going straight to bed. She's shattered now and her voice has finally given in, she's very croaky.

We went to see the production last night and it was fabulous. It's hard to believe that it was performed entirely by kids, it was so professional. We had a brilliant time.

We dropped Eleanor off at 6pm to get ready but the show didn't start until 7.15pm so we decided to have a wander around the German market which is situated at Millennium Square, right outside the theatre. There were some wonderful stalls and lots of things which caught my eye.

Glassware.

Wooden goods.

Honey and beeswax products.

There were lots of food and drink stalls.

Donuts.

Marshmallows.

Whilst we were wandering around the German market, Eleanor was getting ready for the performance. She loves the backstage buzz and has lots of fun with her friends. She took a few photos which she's allowed me to share.

Her next event is a Christmas concert at Leeds City Museum, I'm looking forward to that.

Christmas Cards

2011-11-22T11:34:00.000Z

I finally got Mick to climb up in to the loft and bring down my box of Christmas cards which were left over from last year. I thought I remembered having quite a few left over and I was right, I won't need to buy many this year.

I'm usually at the last minute writing cards, rushing to get them finished before the last posting date goes by. I'm determined to be more organised this year so I shall start writing them now, a few each day.

There was a couple of these Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cards left over too. It looks just like Archie waiting for Santa to arrive. I'm going to see if I can find any more similar ones for this year.

Lovely Ladies

2011-11-19T17:24:00.000Z

Next week, Eleanor, along with the rest of her drama group, will be performing at The Carriageworks theatre in Leeds in a production of Les Miserables.

She's been cast as a Lovely Lady (prostitute), and had to go for a costume fitting today. This is one of the outfits she'll be wearing.

There's lots of late nights coming up, a technical rehearsal tomorrow which doesn't finish until 10pm, a dress rehearsal on Tuesday and then the performances from Wednesday through to Saturday. I can't wait to see it.

Jazzy Socks

2011-11-16T10:53:00.000Z

I've finished the first of the Waving Not Drowning socks which I started a while ago. These are being knit in Laughing Yaffle yarn and it's so soft and squishy. They were supposed to be for my mum for Christmas but she has bigger feet than me, and so although they're a nice fit on me, I don't think they'll fit her.

I've decided to knit my mum a different pair of socks for Christmas and have chosen this jazzy Regia yarn to knit them in, they'll certainly be nice and bright. I'm using an easy plain pattern which I've used before, and which I know will fit her.

The Waving Not Drowning socks won't go to waste, I know a few pairs of feet which they'll fit perfectly.

The Book Thief

2011-11-13T17:18:00.000Z

I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusac today. I started off by reading a couple of chapters each night in bed, but it didn't take me long to get hooked and I was picking the book up in any spare minute I had. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it, just be sure to have a tissue handy when you're reading the end.

I had another trip to the charity shop yesterday to drop off some more bits and pieces for them. I'm trying to have a good clear out before Christmas comes. I didn't think it would harm to have a mooch around the charity shop whilst I was there, and I came across a couple of books to add to my collection.

The first is another book which I've heard recommended on many blogs, The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. There's a whole series of these books, which are set in Botswana, so I'll have plenty of follow on reading if I enjoy it.

The second book is The Other Side of the Dale by Gervase Phinn. This book is about the author's experiences as a school inspector in North Yorkshire. I'm looking forward to reading it.

It certainly looks like I've got my reading mojo back.

Our Holiday Is Booked

2011-11-10T10:36:00.000Z

I know it's a little early to be booking our holiday for next summer, but we didn't want it to get booked up and then be disappointed.

This year we spent a week in Cornwall in a lodge, and a week in Devon in a cottage where we've stayed before. We enjoyed both places but have decided that next year we want to stay in one place for a fortnight rather than moving half way through the holiday.

The lodge in Cornwall was so lovely, and the on site facilities so good, that we've decided to book for a fortnight for next year. There's eight lodges and two cottages on the site which is in a village about five miles from Bude. On site, there is an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a games room with table tennis, pool, table football and darts, a gym, three fishing lakes, and there's also a beauty therapist who visits to give treatments.

Archie is coming with us again too, and there's some lovely walks nearby as well as plenty of dog friendly beaches which Archie is very pleased about, he does love to swim in the sea.

It seems like a long way away but I'm sure it will come round in no time.

Preparing For Winter

2011-11-07T15:01:00.000Z

Last winter was especially harsh and I consider myself very lucky that I didn't have any burst pipes to deal with, I know so many people did. Water expands when it freezes and if the water's in a pipe when it freezes, it expands just the same and can cause the pipe to burst.

I came across an offer from Yorkshire Water offering it's customers a free Winter Protection Kit. I sent off for it and it was delivered today.

Included in the kit was a leaflet full of useful advice on how to get your house ready for winter.

Pipe lagging to protect wall-secured pipes and some cable ties to secure it with.

A tap cover to insulate an outside tap.

This lot should help me to get the house ready for whatever winter has got in store for us, let's hope it's not needed though.

I know other water companies as well as Yorkshire Water are offering similar kits, so do check out your own water company's website.

Books Galore

2011-11-03T11:43:00.000Z

I've had a splurge on books just recently. It all started when The Book People catalogue dropped through my letterbox and there were a number of books in there that caught my eye. The Book People has some brilliant reductions on books, you can buy many quite new titles at a fraction of the retail price.

The first book I just had to have was Cute & Easy Crochet by Nicki Trench. The cover of the book caught my eye, the jam pot covers are so lovely. The book is ideal for someone who has just learnt to crochet, like me, as it explains techniques and explains the stitches. The recommended retail price of this book is £12.99 but I got it for the bargain price of £3.99.

The 35 projects included in the book range from Starting Out, for the more easy ones, followed by Practice Makes Perfect, getting a little more difficult, then ending with Confident Crocheting.

This bag is in the Starting Out section, perhaps I could manage that.

I love this cushion, I'll definitely give this one a go.

The second book which caught my eye was The Knitter's Year by Debbie Bliss. This book contains 52 seasonal knits, the projects are grouped by season. The idea of the book is that there's a project for each week of the year. There's lots of different types of projects, not just garments but also things like a cushion, lavender bags, pencil case and bunny egg cosies. There's some great ideas in the book for gifts. This book cost me £4.99, much less than the £18.99 recommended retail price.

This mug cosy is cute, and the pattern for the tea cosy in the background of the picture is also included in the book.

I could do with some of these fingerless gloves for when I'm gardening at the moment now that the weather's turning colder.

I couldn't place my order without including this next book, The Vintage Tea Party Book by Angel Adoree. The book contains recipes for tea parties held at all times of day, from brunch, afternoon and through to evening. This book has a recommended retail price of £20.00 but I paid £7.99.

There's some wonderful photos in the book to accompany the recipes.

Not only does the book contain recipes but it includes all the information you need to make your tea party special. There's samples of invitations, information on where to source props and even instructions on how to apply fake eyelashes.

The book shows some ideas for hair decorations...

...and even gives instructions on how to play parlour games.

There's so much more to this book that I thought when I ordered it.

I was thrilled when my delivery of books arrived, but it didn't stop there. Last weekend I visited a few charity shops and managed to pick up another couple of books.

The first was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I've heard a few bloggers mention how good this book is, and the reviews on Amazon seem to confirm this. I'm certainly looking forward to reading it. I paid £1.49.

The second charity shop book purchase was The Illustrated Lark Rise To Candleford by Flora Thompson. I'd seen this book in a charity shop whilst I was on holiday in Cornwall earlier this year but I left it behind as I thought the price tag of £7.00 was a bit steep. I picked up this copy for £1.99.

I absolutely loved Lark Rise To Candleford when it was on television and I'm so looking forward to reading the book, especially as it's so beautifully illustrated.

So that's my recent purchases. Plenty there to keep me occupied now that the dark evenings have come round once again.

Di Palomo

2011-10-30T16:05:00.000Z

When I was asked if I would like to try some items from the Di Palomo White Grape with Aloe range and review them on my blog, I jumped at the chance.

Although I like nice bath products, I never buy them myself but instead, ask for them for presents. I can never justify splashing out on myself when the money could be spent on so many other things, so it was like Christmas when the parcel arrived and I duly unwrapped the items.

Di Palomo is made in England but inspired by Italy.

"Three friends enjoy lunch overlooking the River Dart in Devon on a perfect, English summer's day. A second bottle of Verdicchio is opened as they share vivid recollections of time spent in Italy.....Inspired to capture their memories with fragrance, Di Palomo was born".

Inside the parcel was a Moisturising Bath & Shower Cream and Body Butter. The packaging was just lovely, very understated and classy looking, white with a grape print.

On taking the items out of their boxed packaging, I could see the continuation of the grape print on the items themselves.

The Moisturising Bath & Shower Cream is presented in a pump dispenser which I thought added to the upmarket image. It's also very handy if it's being used in the shower, so much easier to use a pump dispenser than trying to pour from a slippery bottle. The product itself is wonderful to use as a shower cream, it lathers on the body very well, which is something I insist on in a shower cream.

I've also used it in the bath, adding a few pumps under running water and it bubbled up very well.

The smell of the product is just beautiful, very delicate and subtle, though it doesn't particularly remind me of grapes. The scent lingers on the body for a while after leaving the bath or shower, which is good.

The body butter had the same delicate and subtle scent. It rubbed in to the skin easily and was absorbed quickly. After using the product each day for a week, I can say that my skin is noticeably softer.

Eleanor has also tried the items. She uses lots of bath products and often treats herself to different brands out of her pocket money so she is in a good position to compare these. She thinks that Di Palomo is one of the better brands that she's tried.

The Moisturising Bath & Shower Cream retails at £9.00 for 250ml and the Body Butter retails at £15.00 for 200ml. I wouldn't pay this amount myself for the products, but the price is acceptable to ask someone to buy this for me as a present, or for me to buy to give to someone else as a present.

There are other products in the White Grape with Aloe range and also other ranges available from Di Palomo.

I shall certainly bear Di Palomo in mind when buying gifts, and some other products from the range may just sneak on my Christmas list. I particularly fancy trying the White Grape & Aloe Cleansing bars and the White Grape & Aloe Bath Elixir.

I should just mention that the products were sent to me free of charge but I have not been paid for writing this review.

Oakwell Hall

2011-10-27T12:14:00.000+01:00

As it's half term, Mick took a couple of days holiday at the start of the week. Looking at the weather today, I think he chose the right days to take off work, it's a really dreary, grey, rainy day today. Monday was much brighter and we decided to have a day out.

We've been meaning to visit Oakwell Hall for some time. It's situated in Birstall which is over the other side of Leeds from us, but still only a twenty minute car journey. Daniel and Eleanor have both visited it in primary school when they were learing about the Tudors, they had to dress up in Tudor outfits and took part in a Tudor day there.

Oakwell hall is an Elizabethan manor house which was built in 1583. Unfortunately, on the day we visited, it was closed due to a heating failure so we didn't get to look around it, but apparently, it's furnished as it would have been in the 1690's when the Batt family resided there. Charlotte Bronte visited the hall in the 19th century and featured it as the home of the heroine in Shirley.

Even the gardens have been restored to to the condition they would have been seen in around 1690, and the plants date from before that time.

There's lots of these living willow structures in the gardens. I'm sure they'll cast a lovely shade and give somewhere cool to sit in sunny weather.

We came across this fellow on the lawn outside the hall. It's a carved stone ram, though it's origins are a mystery. It's not known how he came to be at Oakwell, how old he is or who carved him.

The hall and gardens stand in over 110 acres of country park which has been formed by a mix of woodland, farmland and a reclaimed colliery. in the 1960's, Gomersal Colliery employed over 360 men. The mine closed in 1973. There's some information about Life Dahn t'Pit, or Life Down The Pit for those of you who don't understand the Yorkshire dialect.

There's also a metal sculpture depicting two miners.

The country park is extensive and there is a nature trail which you can follow which takes a figure of eight route. It's good to know that the fields at Oakwell are being managed with wildlife in mind.

There was plenty of space for Archie to have a good run off his lead. It seems that the park is a favourite for dog walkers as we came across a great many of them exercising their dogs on Colliery Field. In one corner of the field is a sculpture, Fiddlehead and Fernblades, which stands over six metres tall.

There's a fabulous playground at Oakwell with lots of play equipment. Daniel and Eleanor may be teenagers but they couldn't resist having a go themselves. There's a cafe with very reasonable prices and also a shop which sells lots of little pocket money priced souvenirs, though I wouldn't like to see the giant rodent which they had in their window in my garden.

It was a lovely day out and another great place which accepts dogs. We'll definitely return, I'd like the chance to have a look around the hall.

Charity Show

2011-10-24T08:56:00.000+01:00

On Saturday night, we attended a charity show where Eleanor and her drama group were singing some songs from Les Miserables, the show they're rehearsing at the moment ready for performing next month. As well as the drama group performing, there were various dance groups from around our area.

There are lots of fundraising activities happening at the moment, all with the aim of raising as much money as possible in as short a time as possible. An eighteen year old local girl who used to attend Eleanor's drama group and who now attends a local dance college, needs life saving treatment in America. She has a rare form of cancer in her lung which hasn't responded as well as it should to chemotherapy, and surgery isn't an option owing to it's position. Radiotherapy could be used but this would only keep the tumor under control, whereas proton therapy gives a better chance of cure. This comes at a cost of £125,000 so a huge fundraising drive is now in operation.

We had a really good night, and there was another show yesterday so I'm hoping that it raised lots of money towards the appeal. So far, £55,000 has been raised and this weekend's fundraising needs to be added to that total so they're doing very well. I'm sure they'll reach the target soon.

Temple Newsam Again

2011-10-22T17:02:00.000+01:00

It's a gorgeous autumn day today so we didn't want to waste it, though we didn't want to go too far as we're going out tonight. You may remember my last post about Temple Newsam back in August. As it's only about a ten minute drive away from where we live, we decided to go there again today.

There weren't many people around the field where Archie has his run.

It was a little breezy and some kite fliers had decided to take advantage of the weather.

Archie found a stick which he took a liking to.

We decided we would take a walk around the lake so headed down that way. There are some gorgeous gardens at Temple Newsam, but I'll show you those in another post as they're not at their best at this time of year. The grounds at Temple Newsam were landscaped by Capability Brown.

Archie had to be put on his lead as he was desperate to jump in and have a swim.

A little wooden bridge takes you to the other side of the lake.

Archie made friends with a sheep from the farm.

We're very lucky that we have such lovely places to visit nearby. There's so much more to Temple Newsam than what I've shown you in two posts, I'll post more soon.

She'll Never Make A Vampire

2011-10-18T11:06:00.000+01:00

When I was a child, I held on to my milk teeth for as long as possible. At one stage I had a second tooth appearing before the first tooth had vacated it's position, making the second tooth grow wonky and leaving me needing a brace to straighten it out.

Both Daniel and Eleanor seem to have inherited the same problem. They were both the last in their class to lose their first tooth, and they've both held on to their milk teeth for longer than normal.

A couple of weeks ago, we had to take Eleanor to see an orthodontist as she has still got her canine milk teeth, the fangs I call them, and the dentist couldn't feel one of the second teeth in her gums. The orthodontist took x rays and discovered that both the second teeth were there, but one still had quite a way to come down. It was decided that they would remove the first teeth to make way for, and help, the second teeth to descend.

We went to the dentist yesterday after school, and Eleanor was a star. It was a little difficult to remove one tooth as it had a rather long root, but it eventually came out. I was terrified of dentists as a child and I vowed that my children wouldn't have the same fear. I used to take them with me as toddlers when I had an appointment and the dentist let them sit in the chair and got them used to the experience from being very young. Daniel especially has had lots of things done at the dentist as he broke his front tooth at school, and has also had to have a tooth removed from inside his gum, but getting them used to the dentist from a very young age certainly paid off as they've never had any fear of anything they've had to have done.

Eleanor was presented with a little box containing her two teeth, though the tooth fairy didn't visit as they weren't placed under her pillow.

Blocking

2011-10-16T13:06:00.000+01:00

I'm still plodding on with my granny square blanket, but I thought it was time that I started blocking the squares in readiness for joining them together. I haven't yet decided whether they'll be sewn together or crocheted, I'll look in to it in a little bit more detail once I'm ready to start, I've still got quite a few squares to crochet before I'm at that point.

I pin the square to a piece of foam before spraying with tepid water and allowing to dry. It helps to define the shape.

I haven't counted how many squares I've crocheted now but I think I'm just over two thirds of the way through.

At the moment I'm concentrating on my knitting more as I'm in the middle of knitting some Christmas presents and I want to make sure that they're completed in good time. There'll be plenty of time for crocheting my blanket when they're finished.

Sad Times

2011-10-12T11:28:00.000+01:00

You may remember my post back in March when my dad's eldest brother passed away. We got another upsetting telephone call recently letting us know that his other brother has now also passed away, it's his funeral tomorrow. You may remember my post about his 80th Birthday Celebrations in January. He had such a lovely day, and it means such a lot that all his family came together for him at that time.

It's been a terrible year for my dad's family, both his brothers dying, my dad having his heart attack and his sister has had to be taken in to a nursing home as she is suffering from Alzheimer's as did their dad and my dad's eldest brother.

This is a photo of my dad and his brothers and sister. My dad is the youngest, second from the right. I don't know how old he was in this photo but he can remember that they weren't allowed to wear long trousers until they had left school, which would make his eldest brother fourteen in the photo, and my dad eight, though I think he looks younger than eight. The year would be 1941.

My mum got a phone call a few days after we'd heard about my dad's brother letting her know that her brother has also passed away. They say these things come in threes, I sincerely hope not.

Deposits And Withdrawals At The Charity Shop

2011-10-09T16:12:00.000+01:00

I've been tripping over these bags, which were in my bedroom, for weeks whilst they've been waiting to be taken to the charity shop. There were seven bin liners and two carrier bags full. We didn't take them to our nearest charity shop, we've taken things there before and been told they didn't need any donations at that time. Instead, we opted for a charity shop run in aid of a nearby children's hospice, Martin House, and they were very grateful.

I didn't come away empty handed as I spotted a Lilliput Lane ornament. I've been collecting these for years and Clare Cottage is one which I didn't have. It's in perfect condition and only cost £1.50.

I love the detail on these cottages, and each one is based on a real building.

There'll be lots more things to take to the charity shop soon as we've embarked on a major clear out in Eleanor's bedroom. It's already looking much tidier, but there's still all the cupboards to sort out. We popped in to Lidl today and bought some of these storage boxes which Lisa told us about on her Jumble and Jelly blog. I thought they might give Eleanor a bit of an incentive to put things away when she's used them, though I won't hold my breath.

Another Distinction

2011-10-06T10:44:00.000+01:00

Eleanor took her grade three singing exam in July and has just received her certificate for it. She's got another distinction, having got distinctions for both her grade one and grade two previously.

Not only that, but her singing teacher is especially pleased with her as she got a total of ninety five marks out of a hundred, she only dropped five marks in the whole exam. Her singing teacher hasn't ever had a student who has achieved as high a mark as this before.

Eleanor loves her singing lessons, and she's just started her music GCSE course at school in which she also gets to sing. I like that through her music lessons, both singing and her school lesson, she gets to learn lots of songs which she wouldn't otherwise know. At the moment she's learning blues at school, and she learns a lot of folk songs and musical theatre songs in her singing lesson.

Grade four beckons, so Eleanor is in the process of choosing which songs she's going to sing for that. We're all very proud of her.

The Last Days Of Summer

2011-10-03T12:04:00.000+01:00

I've been holding out for an Indian summer, and just when I'd given up all hope, along came a mini heatwave.

The weekend we've just had will probably be the last hot days of the year so we decided to make the most of it and on Saturday, we headed off to one of our favourite places, Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales.

We parked up at the side of the river and ate our picnic. Lots of other people had the same idea as us, it was packed, yet even with all those other people around it still manages to be peaceful somehow. Daniel and Eleanor stripped off to their swimming things and enjoyed cooling off in the river, as did Archie.

We stayed until the sun was setting behind the trees.

It was drizzling when we got up on Sunday, but it didn't last long, and although it wasn't as sunny as it had been on Saturday, it was still very warm. We had a few bits and pieces to do at home so we didn't want to go anywhere too far away so we headed off to Lotherton Hall, which is on our doorstep, for a walk.

There's signs of autumn all around, which is quite odd when the temperature is reaching an all time high for this time of year.

Archie loves running through the wood and enjoys all the smells which are heavenly to dogs.

Gorgeous doorways leading in to other garden rooms.

I don't know what's behind this door, it's a secret.

There's still plenty of colour all around though, I love this trough planted up with ivy and bedding plants.

This weekend was an unexpected treat, one which we all enjoyed very much.

Unexpected Packages

2011-09-29T09:15:00.000+01:00

I often come across websites which are offering freebies or giveaways and I'm only too happy to try my luck.

Last week, I had a package drop through my letterbox and I've no idea why it's been sent to me. I can only assume that at one time or another, I've given my details and applied for a giveaway.

As it happens, it's very useful, a teatowel from Knorr. I'm forever buying teatowels. I've got two pairs of oven gloves in the kitchen, yet Mick will insist on using all my best teatowels to take things out of the oven with, resulting in them being burnt or stained.

It even comes with a recipe, Griddled Steak With Wild Mushrooms, sounds delicious.

A Couple Of Mugs

2011-09-26T12:18:00.000+01:00

We went to see my friend's son playing his saxophone in one of the local outdoor shopping centres yesterday. He's part of a youth band, and they were very good.

As we passed the shops to where they were playing, I happened to notice that Whittards, one of my favourite shops, had a sale on. I love the colourful pottery items which Whittard sells, they do some brilliant ranges.

As soon as I saw this mug I knew it would have to come home with me. Close Knit, perfect for a knitter.

I then happened to notice that they had some piggy ones too. I just love pigs, they're so cute, so Trotters made it's way home with me too.

I'm not a lover of hot drinks. I very very occasionally have a cup of tea, and sometimes have hot chocolate, but I do love to have nice mugs in the house.

We also popped in to the traditional sweet shop which is there. Mick loves hard liquorice so he got eight sticks, and I got a quarter of aniseed balls and a couple of bonfire lollies. OK, I know they're sold in grams now not quarters but I'm an old fashioned girl. I can't bring myself to say a hundred grams.

I've just started the Waving Not Drowning socks again which I pulled out a while ago. They're for my mum for Christmas so I really need to get on with them.

Perhaps a hot drink in my Close Knit mug is just what I need to spur me on.

Make Do And Mend

2011-09-20T12:03:00.000+01:00

I have to admit that I'm useless at sewing. It's something that never interested me at school so I dropped textiles as soon as I got the chance, though it's something which I now regret. I've always sent Daniel and Eleanor's school uniform to my mum for name tapes sewing in, and even sewing on a button brings me out in a cold sweat.

I was determined that Eleanor wouldn't be the same, so as soon as she started showing any interest in sewing I encouraged it. She's just started her GCSE subjects at school and textiles is one of them. A couple of Christmases ago, we bought her a sewing machine along with a well stocked sewing box.

When she came home from school last week with an unravelling strap on a top she wears underneath her shirt, she knew better than to ask me to sew it. Instead, out came the sewing box and she got to work on it herself.

It wasn't long before it was as good as new.

I realise now how important it is to have these skills and wish that I'd had more of an interest at school. It's funny how much we change as we get older.

Moving Day

2011-09-16T10:46:00.000+01:00

Today's the day that my mum and dad will leave the house where they've lived for the past forty plus years and move in to an apartment.

They've amassed quite a lot of belongings over forty years, and as the apartment is much smaller than the house, they've had to get rid of lots of things. A charity shop is now well stocked, that's all I can say, but there's some things which have found there way in to my house.

We've taken some practical things like the freezer which will be great for storing the gluts from the allotment, and we've taken gardening tools too. The apartment has beautiful shared grounds with a summer house, but they're looked after so my dad won't have a garden to tend any more. Some sentimental items have come my way too. This is a dressing table set which was given to my grandma by her parents in 1928 on her 21st birthday.

I went to my mum and dad's last night to say goodbye to the house. I lived there between the ages of two and twenty and it holds lots of memories. In January, I will have lived in my own house just as long. I'm sure this house will hold lots of memories for my own children.

Tunnel Vision

2011-09-13T15:47:00.000+01:00

This limited edition print, named Tunnel Vision, by Graham Carver is hanging on my wall. I've often looked at it and wondered just where the view was from. We can see St. Mary's Church on Whitby's East Cliff along with the abbey ruins, and we can also see the harbour below, so the view must be from the new part of town.

You may remember that we visited Whitby last weekend for my birthday, so before we set off, we decided that we would go exploring and try to find the source of the view.

We parked at the side of the abbey and as we walked down the 199 steps to the old town, our eyes were scanning the buildings and cliffs opposite to see if we could see a little tunnel. It wasn't long before my eyes came to rest on a little opening in the cliffs and I was sure that I had found the tunnel. Can you see it, right in the middle of this picture?

So, we knew in which direction we were heading but had no idea how to get there. It appeared to be high above the buildings in front of it and bored in to the cliffs.

We walked over the bridge from the old town in to the new part of town and walked right along the harbour. As we got to the beach, there were some steps leading right up to the top of the cliff. We soon realised that we were far too high up, so we walked a little way along the road and came to some steps. Looking down from the steps we could see the back of the tunnel.

We wanted to see if we had the exact same view as Graham Carver did when he painted this picture. What do you think?

There were some steps leading down at the end of the tunnel, and though we couldn't see where they led to, we decided to investigate. They took us down to the back of some buildings. There were also some lovely little cottages and gardens, and as we walked along, it brought us back out to the harbour.

We weren't the first to find the tunnel though, look who'd been here before us.

I'm glad he'd left by the time we got there.

A Day In The Life Of A Cricket Widow

2011-09-10T19:17:00.000+01:00

Mick used to play cricket before we met, but he gave it up, along with football, as he damaged his knee ligaments. Daniel has been playing cricket now for quite a few years and it's rekindled Mick's enthusiam so much that they now both play for the same team. His knee ligaments are no better than they were twenty years ago, but he knows not to moan to me about them as he'll get no sympathy. Daniel plays most weeks, but Mick will often take a week off so that he doesn't abandon me too often. They're both playing away from home today, so I thought I'd show you what I've done with my day.

Eleanor had a birthday party invitation so Mick dropped her off on his way to cricket.

First of all I thought I'd better sort out the pile of magazines which have been at the side of my bed for months now. They're sorted in to three piles, one for my dad, one for Mick's auntie and uncle and one for someone at Mick's work. I never throw a magazine away.

Next, I got my crochet out. My blanket it coming along well, though I don't know how many squares I've done, I really need to count them. I've done this on and off all day.

Eleanor came home from her party this afternoon and we all had cuddles on the sofa whilst we watched Forest Gump. I don't know why I keep watching it, it makes me so depressed. I think it's had the same effect on Archie too.

We took Archie for a walk before he had his tea. This is a flower display outside the primary school just around the corner from where we live. It's one of the Yorkshire In Bloom displays.

Archie loves his walks in the woods.

We took a detour on our way home to say hello to the horses, but they had just been given their tea so they weren't interested in us.

When we got home, I decided to pick the ripe tomatoes in the greenhouse. Eleanor came down the garden with me and found this tiny frog. She put it down at the side of the little pond and it jumped straight in.

When I came out of the greenhouse it had started raining. This is my tomato haul from today, and they're still coming. I would recommend growing tomatoes to anyone. You haven't tasted a true tomato until you've grown your own.

It's now after 7pm and Mick's just rung to say he's on his way home. It's the last match of the season next week so I might get my family back for the winter months.

All By Myself

2011-09-08T10:16:00.000+01:00

It's Daniel's first day back to school today, and he starts in the sixth form. He doesn't have to wear a school uniform anymore but still has to dress smart, and he looked very dapper this morning as he set off.

Eleanor went back on Tuesday and is already in the swing of things. She starts on her GCSE subjects this year, so she's extremely happy that she doesn't have to study the subjects she doesn't like anymore.

The holidays this year have seemed much longer than usual. I think it's because Daniel finished way back on 27th May, half way through his GCSEs, so he's had a whopping fourteen and a half weeks off. I feel that we've made the most of the holidays having plenty of trips out, as well as our fortnight away in Cornwall and Devon.

Now they're back at school I'm going to reacquaint myself with my knitting, which had to be pulled out whilst I was on holiday as I'd made too many mistakes. I'm one of those people who has to concentrate whilst knitting otherwise I go wrong. I'm also behind with my magazine reading, and I've a couple of DVDs to watch too. There's never any me time during holidays.

A Birthday Trip To Whitby

2011-09-06T13:37:00.000+01:00

It was my birthday on Saturday, and after such a lovely trip to the East coast on Friday, we decided to head back in that direction, this time to Whitby.

I'd got up and opened my wonderful presents on Saturday morning. I did very well and got lots of surprises as well as some money. I was totally spoilt. After breakfast, we headed off.

We parked up near the Abbey, which is set on the East Cliff above Whitby.

From here you can look down on the beach and harbour.

The lighthouse stands at the end of the pier.

Just in front of the abbey is St. Mary's Church and Churchyard, which gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write Dracula. There are 199 steps from the churchyard down to the old town. There are some lovely little shops to be found in the pretty cobbled streets, and we spent quite a while looking round them.

Along the harbour you will find The Magpie Cafe which is known as one of the finest fish restaurants in the area. I don't think I've ever been to Whitby when there hasn't been a queue outside this restaurant.

We had a lovely walk right along the harbour and then headed in to the back streets. Looking back over the harbour you can see St. Mary's Church perched on the cliff.

As we started walking back towards the car, we watched the fishing boats bringing their catches back in to the harbour.

Before we headed home, we took a short drive to Sandsend. There's a long sandy beach here, perfect for Archie to have a run.

Of course, he couldn't resist a paddle in the sea.

There were only a few people, as well as ourselves, on the beach.

We had a lovely view of the bay from where we'd parked the car.

This is the first decorated Christmas tree I've seen this year, and where did I see it? Driving home on the North Yorkshire Moors.

The weather had held out beautifully while we were on the East coast, both on Friday and Saturday. I was surprised how warm it was, we were all in short sleeves both days. The rain started just as we were crossing the moors on our way home from Whitby, I didn't mind then.

There was one last surprise waiting for me when we got home on Saturday evening, though I'm sure they got the 3 and the 4 the wrong way round. That's what I'm telling everyone anyway.

A Day At The Seaside

2011-09-04T20:23:00.000+01:00

As it's nearing the end of the school holidays, Mick took the day off work on Friday so that we could get out and do something together. Apart from our holiday in Devon and Cornwall, we hadn't been to the seaside yet this year. We often take days out to the East coast, and we were aware that we hadn't yet been this year, so we headed off to Scarborough.

Scarborough is great for a day out for us as it's less than an hour and a half away. There's two bays, North and South, with a harbour between them, and we were very lucky to hit up on a parking space right by the harbour.

Though we've been to Scarborough many times, we've never walked out to the lighthouse.

The plaque tells how the lighthouse was rebuilt in 1931 after being destroyed by German bombers on the 16th December 1914.

Boat trips can be taken from the harbour. We saw this pirate ship just setting sail.

If a pirate ship is not your style, how about this Regal Lady pleasure cruise.

Looking back from the lighthouse, you can see Scarborough Castle perched up high.

This seagull must be going shopping, he's carrying his shopping bag with him. Seriously, I hope the seagull wasn't tangled and managed to escape the bag.

After visiting the lighthouse, we made a stop at the lifeboat. It's amazing to think how many lives this boat has saved.

Although there's a police box on the seafront, I've never caught sight of Dr Who.

We headed off the beaten track to the back streets and came up on a shop selling these impressive looking cupcakes. They looked delicious but unfortunately, the shop was closed.

Eleanor consoled herself with an ice cream dipped in sherbet, urgh. The ice cream started off with the pink sherbet totally covering it.

We had a walk right along South Bay, and spent a few 2p's in the amusements, before heading off to Fraisthorpe beach which is about four miles south of Bridlington. This is a great dog friendly beach and it didn't take Archie a minute to find the rock pools.

After getting a good soaking, it's imperative to dry off by rolling in the sand.

There's a great expanse of beach for both humans and animals alike to have a good run.

You can see that the soft cliffs here are suffering from the erosive effects of the North Sea. At least 30 villages have been lost since Roman times.

In 1940, pill boxes were built as a defence against German invasion. 28000 pill boxes were built, yet only 6000 remain today. Some of these can be seen at Fraisthorpe.

We had the whole beach to ourselves, save for one or two people walking along the shoreline or exercising their dogs.

The sun was starting to go down as we left Fraisthorpe, yet we decided we would head to Bridlington for a walk along the promenade. It was such a lovely evening that there were still a few people hanging out on the beach.

Bridlington has changed so much over the last few years. There's been a lot of building work taking place, and it's looking so much nicer.

We had a wonderful day, arriving home at about 9pm, thoroughly worn out, yet looking forward to the day ahead.

My First Blog Anniversary

2011-09-01T12:21:00.000+01:00

It's the first anniversary of this blog today. I've been blogging on The Good Life blog since April 2009, but as that blog records my gardening trials and tribulations, I thought it would be a good idea to start a new blog to record my day to day family life.

Archie had just joined the family when I started this blog, so I thought it would be a nice idea to show you just how much he has grown and changed in his first year.

17/08/10 Archie had been with us for five days. What a little scrap he was.

15/10/10 A walk in the park. Archie's five months old but is still so little.

11/02/11 Letting it all hang out. Archie does insist on making himself comfy.

08/04/11 His long fur is starting to grow.

13/05/11 Archie's first birthday. Playing with his birthday toys.

03/08/11 On holiday in Cornwall. He's grown in to such a handsome dog.

I've done a giveaway on The Good Life blog for each anniversary and thought I would do the same on this blog, but what with it being the school holidays and one thing or another, I haven't got around to organising it, so it's on hold for the time being. I will do one at a later date though so do watch out for that.

Before I finish this post, I'd like to thank everyone who pops by to read my ramblings. I really enjoy reading all your comments on my posts and I'm thrilled each time I get a new follower. I've also made some good friends through blogging and enjoy visiting all your blogs too. I hope we can continue to visit each other for a long time to come.

Halifax Piece Hall

2011-08-30T10:05:00.000+01:00

Eleanor has been asking to go to Halifax Piece Hall since the start of the holidays, so with nothing else planned yesterday, we headed off.

The Piece Hall was built in 1779 as a marketplace for the cloth trade, and is the only survivor of the 18th century northern cloth halls. It's a grade 1 listed building and is now home to independent retailers.

It's a shame that many of the units are standing empty. Since we were last there, more retailers have closed down, though a couple of new ones have sprung up too, and we noticed a sign advertising a vintage shop which will be opening in September.

We were disappointed to find that many shops were closed due to the bank holiday. The old fashioned sweet shop was tempting us with it's wares, but drool was all we could do, as it too was closed.

There's a huge range of shops at the Piece Hall, that's what I love about it. Comics can be bought in Legacy Comics, bespoke, handcrafted miniature clay characters in Little You, Pagan and Spiritual artefacts in Friendly Dragon Too, and traditional games in Red Patch. There are a number of cafes too, including Maktub Tea House where you can buy 30 kinds of loose leaf tea.

Creative Crystals is a lovely shop which sells crystals, fossils, gems and jewellery from around the world. It was one of the few shops which was open yesterday.

Although the second hand bookshop was closed, the owner had left books out on the windowsills and asked for payment to be posted through the letterbox. It's nice to see that trust is still put in people in this day and age.

One shop I was looking forward to visiting was Three Bags Full, a wool shop. I didn't realise that the shop only opens from Tuesday to Saturday. Mick had already told me that I could treat myself, so it was hugely disappointing.

I liked their closed sign.

As most of the shops were closed, it didn't take us long to see everything so we headed off in to Halifax city centre. Most of the shops there were open so we had a mooch around before coming home.

We're now in to the last week of the school holidays. School starts again on Monday, though it's a teacher training day, so Eleanor goes back next Tuesday, and as Daniel is starting in the sixth form he doesn't go back until next Thursday.

It's my birthday on Saturday so Mick decided to take Monday off work to make it a long weekend, but Daniel has to go in to school for an hour in the afternoon as he's considering changing one of his A level subjects. This will cut right in to our day, so instead of Monday, Mick is now taking this Friday off. It'll be nice to have another long weekend all together before the onslaught of school.

Another Trip To The Dales

2011-08-28T22:44:00.001+01:00

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know by now that I love the Yorkshire Dales. It's views like this one that really sell the area to me.

I recently read a blog post on Mo's A Small Holding blog about St. Bartholomew's Day and the Burning of Old Bartle in West Witton. It took place yesterday, and though I'd have liked to have gone, Mick and Daniel were playing cricket. The burning yesterday was followed by a fun day taking place today so we decided to go and see what it was all about.

When we arrived, the fun day was only just starting, and to be honest, there wasn't much happening. There weren't many people there, and things just hadn't got going. It was a rather cold, blustery day so we decided not to hang around, but to see what else we could find to do.

The first thing we came up on was White Rose Candles, a business celebrating it's 40th anniversary. The workshop is housed in a 19th century water mill, and is full to the brim with all manner of candles which you are able to buy.

I've been looking for some reasonably priced floating candles for a while, so came away with three yellow and three purple. I also bought a candle snuffler.

Eleanor loves to have candles burning while she's in the bath, so she treated herself to half a dozen scented tea lights. They smell delicious.

Outside the candle workshop is Wensley Waterfall. I do love the sound of gushing water, it's so relaxing.

In the grounds of White Rose Candles is Wensley Community Wildlife Garden.

It's chock a block full with plants and flowers and is on quite a steep incline with a path weaving it's way down to the bottom.

Our next port of call was Wensleydale Creamery.

We didn't take a tour of the cheese factory, but we visited the shop. They're so generous with their samples, we must have tried a couple of dozen cheeses, all were delicious, but Wensleydale Special Reserve is still my favourite, so I bought a block of it to bring home.

We then headed in to Hawes, which is located at the head of Wensleydale. It's a small market town and was thriving with tourists today. I don't think I've ever visited Hawes when it's been quiet. It's got a main street with some lovely shops.

We saw our second waterfall of the day from the bridge over the river, though it wasn't really a waterfall, it was a weir.

Wensleydale pottery is at the bottom of main street. I would have liked to have visited the workshop but it was closed today, so we had a look around the shop instead.

We never visit Hawes without a look in The Old Sweet Shop. It was so busy today that we came away without making a purchase.

After our trip to Hawes, we headed south to Appletreewick and stopped for a drink at the Craven Arms. It's good to find a pub which will allow dogs in. I remember this pub being featured on a Yorkshire Television programme when they were building a cruck barn at the back of the pub. This building is now used as a restaurant.

There are fabulous views from the front of the pub.

After our light refreshment, Eleanor requested that we stop off at Barden on the way home. We've often visited this area in the Yorkshire Dales.

Daniel and Eleanor enjoyed skimming stones in the river.

I can't finish this post without a photo of Archie. He was itching to get in the river, but he wasn't allowed.

I'm hoping for some decent weather tomorrow so we can get out for the day again.

GCSE Results Day

2011-08-25T14:22:00.000+01:00

Today's the day that thousands of kids in the UK get their GCSE results.

I got Daniel up bright and early to go pick his results up from school. If it had been left up to him, he would have left it till this afternoon, he's so laid back about everything.

He's done extremely well, 3 A*'s, 8 A's and 2 B's. He also got a C in additional maths, which is a FSMQ (Free Standing Maths Qualification).

We're taking Daniel to Frankie and Benny's later to celebrate his brilliant results.

The hard work starts all over again in September when he begins his A levels.

I Should Have Done It Sooner

2011-08-22T14:11:00.000+01:00

I've finally put my foot down and locked away the laptops and Ipods. Kids these days spend far too much time looking at screens and not enough time talking to each other and doing other things.

Instead of whiling away all their time on computers, Daniel and Eleanor have found the box games and are actually getting on with each other, for a change.

I'm going to kick them outside soon so they can get some fresh air.

Isn't this what our summer holidays always used to be about when we were kids?

Temple Newsam

2011-08-20T15:46:00.000+01:00

It was Mick's birthday on Sunday so we decided to go out for a carvery for dinner, and delicious it was too. Afterwards, we thought we should walk off what we'd just eaten so we headed off to Temple Newsam, which is about a ten minute drive away from us, and is therefore, a regular haunt.

Temple Newsam is a Tudor-Jacobean house which is set within over 1500 acres of land and was landscaped by Capability Brown.

It has it's own rare breed Home Farm housing over 400 animals. It suffered an arson attack in January this year when a barn containing hay was set alight. Luckily, no animals were killed, but eighty rare breed cattle had to be moved away from danger.

In the Stable Courtyard there are tea rooms where you can sample some of the estate's own rare breed sausages and burgers. It's good to know that food for the cafe is sourced as locally as possible and that care is given to the cafe's carbon footprint. There's also an ice cream shop and a well stocked gift shop in the courtyard.

Just outside the courtyard is the ampitheatre where I remember watching plays as a child.

My mum and dad have lived very close to Temple Newsam for forty years so it's been a place I've frequented throughout my life. My school was just outside the grounds and I remember many games lessons running through Temple Newsam woods doing cross country, or taking a carrier bag to the running track where there is a hill to sledge down when snow was on the ground. I'm sure the pupils won't be allowed to do that in this day and age, there'll be some health and safety law which prevents it.

Archie enjoyed himself on Sunday. He met two other Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who he played with, and had a great time chasing his ball.

Temple Newsam is very familiar to Archie. He used to go to dog training classes there on a Sunday morning, though we soon packed it in when the weather got too cold. It's hard to tear yourself away from your cosy bed when the only prospect is icy cold winds and howling dogs at 9am on a Sunday morning.

There's many other areas in Temple Newsam which I haven't included in this post so I'll let you see those another time.

If you decide to take a trip to Temple Newsam, be aware that you have to pay to use the car park near the house, whereas the other car parks are free. Admission to the grounds is free but you have to pay to go inside the house or farm.

Our day out ended our holiday on a perfect note. Sadly, it was back to work for Mick on Monday but he's got a few four day weeks in the pipeline so it's not all bad.

Devon 2011

2011-08-18T10:28:00.000+01:00

The second week of our holiday was spent in Huxham in the Exe Valley, close to Exeter in Devon. We stayed in the same cottage which we stayed in last year, part of a complex of seven cottages which have been converted from old farm buildings. This is the back of the cottage. It sleeps six, so it's very spacious for our family of four, and it looks out across a field and on to a fishing lake. Other facilities on site include an outdoor swimming pool, a games room and an adventure playground.

We had some lovely days out whilst in Devon, one of them to Brixham, a fishing port at the southern end of Torbay. We've never been here before and we enjoyed looking in the little shops which surround the harbour.

There's a full sized replica of The Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake's ship, in Brixham harbour. You can take a tour of it, though we didn't.

We visited Teignmouth more than once, we like the beach here, and Daniel had a go at sea fishing, though he didn't catch anything.

We visited lots of other places including Cockington Court, a manor house, craft centre and country park which is in Torquay. Agatha Christie is reported to have played here as a child and it was just the place to let Archie off his lead for a good run before heading off in to Torquay itself for a mooch around.

Other places we visited were Exmouth, Sidmouth, Seaton and Paignton, we had a true seaside holiday in every sense of the word.

We're all back in to the swing of things now, Mick was back to work on Monday, and I'm still catching up with all the washing and ironing which coming home from holiday brings. I'm still trying to catch up with everyone's blogs too, you've all been so busy whilst I've been away.

We're Home

2011-08-16T14:02:00.000+01:00

We're back home after a wonderful fortnight away. The first week was spent in a lodge near Bude in Cornwall, and the second week was in a cottage near Exeter in Devon.

The weather was mixed, we had some gorgeous sunny and hot days but also some rainy ones, though it didn't matter as there was plenty to keep us occupied.

This is the lodge which we stayed in for the first week, if you look closely you can see Archie looking out from behind the door wondering what I'm doing.

The place where we stayed was in Kilkhampton, a lovely little village which is about five miles away from Bude. There were ten lodges and two cottages on the site, and the amenities were fantastic. There were tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, a games room, outdoor games, a playground and three fishing lakes. This is the view which we had from our lodge. One of the lakes is behind the trees.

The first place we visited was Padstow which is a fishing port. Rick Stein has restaurants, cafes and shops here. We didn't eat in there but the cafe menu looked very reasonably priced. There's lots of little gift shops to look round which we enjoyed.

Later that same day we took our first trip to the beach at Bude where Archie had his first taste of the sea, quite literally.

Another fishing port which we visited was Boscastle. We've been here before, but it's such a lovely little place that I wanted to have another look around. This is the harbour, though the tide was out when we were there.

On this very day, 16th August, in 2004, Boscastle suffered flash floods which caused extensive damage. You can see an arrow on this building which indicates the flood level. It's hard to imagine.

To say that Archie had never seen the sea before this holiday, he certainly took a liking to swimming in it. The only problem was that once he came out of the sea, he tried to dry off by rolling in the sand, which makes for one very dirty dog. This was Black Rock beach at Widemouth Bay and it's great for dogs as they can be let off their lead here.

All that swimming was exhausting though, as you can see.

Another thing which Archie took a liking to was ice cream, as you can see.

Each evening, Mick, Daniel and Eleanor went off for a spot of fishing. They managed to catch 103 fish between them in the first week, some were only little, like the one that Eleanor's holding, but some were considerably bigger. They were all put back in to the lake.

That was our first week in Cornwall, and I think I've written enough for one day. I'll risk boring you to death with more tales of my holiday and tell you a bit about Devon in my next post. In the meantime, I'm still catching up with all the washing and ironing which we've brought home with us, and I shall be catching up with all the blogs I read too.

We're All Going On A Summer Holiday

2011-07-28T12:20:00.000+01:00

We're going on holiday on Saturday for two weeks and I can't wait. We're spending the first week in a lodge near Bude in Cornwall and the second week in a cottage near Exeter in Devon.

I'm looking forward to seeing gorgeous scenery like this.

Daniel and Eleanor are looking forward to doing some rockpooling.

There is fishing on site at both properties so Mick is looking forward to that.

Archie is looking forward to coming with us. How could we leave him at home? He hasn't been to the seaside before but I'm sure he'll love it.

We've never stayed at the property in Cornwall before, but it looks really nice, whereas we know what the cottage in Devon is like as we stayed there last year. There's a swimming pool at both places.

We're setting off very early on Saturday morning, hoping to miss some of the traffic. It's a long way down from Leeds, and will take a good few hours, especially with lots of convenience stops for Archie.

We've got gorgeous weather here today so I hope it continues for the next two weeks.

I haven't started packing yet, in fact I've got lots to do yet before we go, so I'll say goodbye and see you in a fortnight, though we do have internet connection whilst away so I just might see you before.

Knitting And Crochet

2011-07-25T14:33:00.000+01:00

I've had another spending spree where yarn is concerned, this time I've made a purchase from Wharfedale Woolworks and I'm pleased as punch with what I've received.

This is 75% British Bluefaced Leicester wool and 25% nylon, making it ideal for sock knitting. It has been dip dyed and hand painted with iris blues and purples, yellows and greens.

One skein contains less green and more purple than the other.

It's amazing what you can find online these days. Look at these cute little Hand Made charms. I bought a few so that I could sew them in to my knitted garments, especially those I make as gifts.

A couple of posts back, I showed you the socks I had started for my mum for Christmas. After nearly finishing the first sock it became apparent that they weren't going to fit my mum, and rather than finishing them off and giving them to Eleanor, I decided that I would pull it all out and use a different pattern.

I'm not the fastest knitter so it was a bit of a wrench having to pull out all that work, but I'm pleased I did now as I've found a lovely pattern, Waving Not Drowning, and it looks lovely. My photo doesn't really do it justice. I hope these will fit my mum.

I'm still plodding on with my crochet granny squares which will eventually be sewn in to a blanket, but it's going rather slowly at the moment as I'm back to my knitting. I've done forty six squares so far, there's still many more to go but there's no rush.

It's certainly going to be a very colourful blanket.

School's Out For Summer

2011-07-22T12:27:00.000+01:00

It's been a funny last half term of school this year as Daniel has been at home since the end of May, having finished his GCSEs. Eleanor breaks up today, and is now at home until September, when she will return as a year 9. No more uniform to wash and iron until then.

We've got our fortnight holiday booked, a week in Cornwall followed by a week in Devon, but other than that I've nothing planned. It gets harder thinking of days out as they get older, though they're happy to spend time with their friends rather than having me plan too much for them.

I'm hoping that without the hustle and bustle of the school routine, I'll manage to find time to read some of the many magazines which are piling up waiting to be read. If truth be told, I've got a bit of a weakness for magazines, I love them. I never seem to find time to read a book these days, but magazines are different, they can be picked up when you've got a spare minute and be just as easily put down again. This is the pile of magazines at the side of my bed, though I have to admit that a lot of them have already been read, I just haven't got round to passing them on yet.

Since I stopped working last year, I've had to curtail the amount of money I spend on magazines, some of which are very expensive. I'm always on the look out for offers.

I used my Tesco Clubcard Vouchers to subscribe to Gardeners World Magazine. The vouchers are worth three times their value when used in exchange for deals, though when I took out my subscription they were worth four times their value, so the annual subscription was only about £10 in vouchers, not bad when you consider each magazine is usually over £3 and I get 12 issues in my subscription.

I get The Garden magazine sent to me monthly as part of my RHS subscription, which was a prize in a competition I entered.

There was an offer in a recent edition of Gardeners World Magazine for a free copy of Olive. I enjoyed reading the magazine, but it's not one I would usually buy.

I often see buy five magazines for £5 or buy three magazines for £3 offers. I took out subscriptions to The English Garden and Homes & Antiques using these offers. They take the payment out of your bank by direct debit, you just have to remember to cancel the subscription and direct debit before the end of your trial otherwise your subscription continues at the normal price.

I do occasionally treat myself, the last full price magazine I indulged in was Let's Knit. I'm planning on using a couple of the patterns in the magazine, so I can justify the spend.

I always pass my magazines on to other family members who enjoy reading magazines, and in turn, they get passed on again, so they're well recycled.

I wonder if anyone else enjoys reading magazines as I do.

Stash Building

2011-07-18T13:17:00.000+01:00

After reading about Laughing Yaffle yarn on a number of blogs, I decided I had to try it for myself, so a couple of weeks ago I placed an order.

I was delighted that the parcel arrived quickly, and look at the lovely confetti sprinkles which were included in the package, a lovely touch. The yarn is 4ply 80% wool and 20% nylon and so it's ideal for sock knitting.

I chose Moonlight Sonata, a mixture of deepest plum, crimson and dark teal. The colours look gorgeous together.

I'm a bit of a sucker for orange so the second skein I chose was Mango Tango. These shades are ochre, golden yellow, pale orange, burnt orange, scarlet and all the shades in between.

A loyalty card was included in the package, so I'll definitely have to pay the website another visit. The yarn is so lovely that I would purchase more whether I was being rewarded for loyaly or not, I just need to save my pennies.

I decided that I would use some of this yarn to knit a pair of socks for my mum for Christmas. I haven't yet knit any socks which have a pattern to them but after seeing so many Monkey socks on blogs, I've decided to give these a go.

The socks seem to be knitting up rather small, so I'll just have to see how they turn out. Eleanor has already staked a claim in case they turn out too small for my mum.

So far, the pattern is going well. It makes a change from knitting plain socks.