Has it really been that long...

Yikes I just checked the last time I updated this blog and realised it was September..eeeps!!! What the heck happened to the time?, it seems to have flown by.

Well not a lot has happened really, we've been on holiday to Dorset in a lovely cottage, in a lovely little village called Burton Bradstock. Amycat has turned 9yrs and Jetty (dog) is fast approaching his 5th birthday (20th December). My health has been up and down like a yoyo, had a bad bout of flu about 6 weeks ago which left me with a terrible cough that I just couldn't shift, and still can't. I've now got a horrible cold/bug/lurgy thing that is dragging me down..ugh!!!

The living room has finally been decorated after D started it back in March of this year, and I have my new kitchen that I have waited 16 years for. Although that didn't come with it's problems - various leaks in the sink area, kitchen units not turning up on time and then when they did arrive we got two lots (kind of like a buy one get one free!). They had lost our original order, it had got lost in transit somewhere so they sent a replacement kitchen and lo and behold when that was delivered the original kitchen was delivered as well..oh joy!!!

I am now looking forward to next year being a little bit uneventful..

Nothing worth writing about so here you go:

a meme, that I borrowed off of Belinda. Hope you don't mind hon..

What is in the back of your car?  A couple of plastic reusable bags, a road atlas, a jacket and a pair of shoes.
Name one person that made you smile today? My two cats while they were playing chase with each other this morning.
What where you doing at 8am this morning? I was still asleep :-(
What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Reading emails and watching t.v. with DH.
What is your favorite candy bar? Green and Black's White Chocolate.
Have you ever been to a strip club? No
What is the last thing you said aloud? No Jet!
What is the best ice cream flavor? Vanilla.
What was the last thing you had to drink? A cup of tea.
What are you wearing right now?Skirt, t-shirt and a cardigan.
What was the last thing you ate?Roast turkey, cabbage, carrots and peas.
Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Nope.
When was the last time you ran? I can't remember :-(
The last sporting event you watched? The 2009 Olympics on t.v.
What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Toffee
Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on my space? I don't do myspace I'm afraid.
Ever go camping?I have only been once when I was a teenager - never again. I prefer my home comforts!!
Do you take vitamins daily? Yes
Do you go to church every Sunday? Nope.
Do you have a tan? Nope.
Do you like Chinese food over pizza? I like both, obviously not together though.
Do you drink your soda with a straw? Only when I make an ice-cream cola float, then you have to drink it with a straw!!
What did your last text message say?"Thinking of you" from me and Peanut!
Are you some-one's best friend?Yes, I would like to think she thinks of me as her best friend.
What are you doing tomorrow? Posting a couple of parcels, putting some more fuel in the car, baking a cake and some ironing.
Look to your left, what do you see?My dog Bear fast asleep on the sofa next to me and DH in the armchair.
What color is your watch? Pink strap with a silver oblong face.
What do you think of when you think of Australia? Kangaroos, Neighbours and Home and Away - I know Sad!!
Do you use chap stick? Yep
What is your birthstone? Amethyst.
What is your favorite number? 11
Do you have a dog? I have two, Jet who is a border collie cross and Bear who is a foxhound cross.
Last person you talked to on the phone? My best friend N.
Have you met anyone famous? Noel Edmonds when I was younger. He was opening a BP garage near where I live.
Any plans today? Today is almost over so I don't have any plans for the rest of the day.
How many states have you lived in? No states, but I have lived in three counties.
Ever go to college? Yep.
Do you dye your hair? Yes, I have gold and copper highlights put in every three months or so.
Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Trying to sort out my mother's will - she has been dead nearly 2 years now.
Last song listened to? Doctors Orders by Jane McDonald.
Can you say the alphabet backwards? Nope.
Do you have a maid service clean your house? Gods I wish..
Are you jealous of anyone? Nope, not that I know of.
Is anyone jealous of you? Couldn't say, although a couple of people have said they know of someone who is jealous of my life..not sure how true this is though.
Do you love anyone? Yes
Do any of your friends have children? Yes
Do you eat healthy? I try to.
What do you usually do during the day? It depends on the day and what it brings, it could be anything from housework to cooking to going into town, or even visiting friends.
Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Nope, hate is a strong emotion to deal with, and very negative. I feel sorry for a couple of people though.
Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.
What color is your car? Green, and DH's is Silver.
Have you ever been to Six Flags? Don't even know what Six Flags is.
Do you like cats? Yes, especially as I have two of my own.
How did you get your worst scar? I came off my bike when I was 16 and cycling down a hill in Strood, near the station. I braked too hard and went rolling over the handlebars. I have a nasty scar on my knee where the gravel went in and they couldn't get it out. As the other knee has the same thing too.

A - Z of Homemaking..

I borrowed this little meme from Somerset Seasons blog.

A ~Aprons--y/n.  If y, what does your fav. look like? Oh definately yes, I am a sucker for a preety apron! My favourite is a 100% cotton one which is white with small pink rosebuds on.

B ~ Baking--Favorite thing to bake? Lemon drizzle cake, chewy oaty cookies - basically anything that is good old traditional food.

C ~ Clothes line? Yep, I just bought a new one a couple of months ago funnily enough, a pink whirly line, and an indoor airer, which I have literally just bought as my other one was too small. The new one takes about 4 loads of washing...

D ~ Donuts--Have you ever made them? Nope although I have often thought about making them.

E ~ Everyday--One homemaking thing you do everyday? I am forever feeding cats or dogs, well it seems like that..lol. And trying out new recipes for D to try when he gets home from work.

F ~ Freezer--Do you have a separate deep freeze? I have a chest freezer which is full, and an upright freezer which is also full!! I am also planning on getting a fridge/freezer when my kitchen is done soon - woah that means I will have 3 freezers..eeps!!

G ~ Garbage Disposer? I compost the veggie peelings, flowers etc, recycle anything that can be recycled - the rest gets put out for the bin men once a fortnight.

H ~ Handbook--What is your favourite homemaking resource? I don't have ak favourite book I tend to use several that I constantly refer to - Kim and Aggie's Cleaning Bible, Home Comforts are just two of them. Plus I use the internet too.

I ~ Ironing--Love it or Hate it? Or hate it but love the results? Well I don't hate it but I don't do it as often as I should do, but I absolutely love seeing everything all freshly ironed when it does get done :-)

J ~ Junk Drawer--y/n? Where is it? Ooops now my guilty secret is out - I have one in every room!!

K ~ Kitchen--color and decorating scheme. At the moment it is a delapitated white kitchen with falling apart units, but as of next month it will be brand new. I am going for a white shaker design, chrome sink, black worktops and pink and white accessories :-)

L ~ Love--what is your favorite part of homemaking? The whole keeping house, cooking etc..

M ~ Mop--y/n? No, kitchen floor is too small.ds

N ~ Nylons, machine or hand wash? I prefer to machine wash my clothes where possible.

O ~ Oven--do you use the window or open the oven to check? The oven is a double oven which has windows both doors.

P ~ Pizza--What do you put on yours? BBQ chicken, pineapple, ham and roasted onions.

Q ~ Quiet--What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? Sit at the dining table with a cup of tea watching all the birds feeding in my garden.

R ~ Recipe Card Box--y/n? What does it look like? Nope, I have several recipe books instead which I constantly refer to.

S ~Style of house--What style is your house? 1970's semi detached house in a small close where everyone knows each other.

T ~ Tablecloths or Placemats? Depends what mood I am as to whether I use a tablecloth, but I definately use placements.

U ~ Under the kitchen sink--organized or toxic wasteland? Kind of organised but could be improved on, but definately non-toxic. i have got rid of all the chemical cleaners and use all natural homemade ingredients - bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, borax and washing soda crystals.

V ~ Vacuum--How many times per week? Every other day - upstairs one day then downstairs the other day. Have to do it like this as we have two dogs and two cats.

W ~ Wash--How many loads of laundry do you do per week? Normally one a day, sometimes two - and there's only two of us!!

X's--Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? I have to otherwise I forget what needs doing. Even my DH emails me a list of things that I have mentioned to him that need doing, when he gets to work in the mornings.!!

Y ~ Yard--y/n? Who does what? We have a garden as it's the UK, but it's a joint thing although DH mows the lawn and trims the bushes/trees/shrubs. I plan what plants we are going to put in where, I am also in charge of the vegetable area. But the garden is being redesigned over the winter and I am in charge of this most definately..lol

ZZZ's--what is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Wash up the cups from our pre-bedtime drink, pick up odds and ends around the living room, put the dogs toys away in their box and just generally a quick plump up of cushions.

It's time to say goodbye to my 20yr old cat..

Yesterday I had to make a heartbreaking decision, and one I was hoping I wouldn't have to make. Sadly my darling 20yr old cat Smudge is telling me that it is time for her to pass over to Rainbow Bridge. She hasn't been ill or anything, which is what is making it really hard.

I noticed yesterday that she wasn't eating as quickly as she normally does, and was looking a bit thinner but nothing unusual. Anyway she was creating for me to let her out the front door in the morning, so I let her out and she trotted off to lay in her favourite spot - under my small willow bush. This was at 10am, and by 2pm I hadn't heard anything from her - normally she creates for me to let her in. I went out to investigate and found her lying on the grass looking rather the worse for wear. She was drooling, her eye was weeping big time and she had literally lost what weight she did have. You could see her pelvis bone and shoulder bones. I carried her in and bathed her as best as I could, bless her she never even grumbled at me. That was when I knew something was wrong big time.

I managed to get her to eat a wee bit of food, but not a lot as she couldn't open her mouth on one side too well. She then asked me to let her outside in the back garden, so off she went into her favourite spot out there - the herb garden - to lay down. She loves it there and she is also close to her sister Barney, who died 3 years past and is buried there. I am so thankful it was a nice day yesterday otherwise she wouldn't have been able to go outside. Anyway I went to get her in after an hour as she was just laying there. Got her to eat something, once more and then layed her down in the living room.

After a heart wrenching phone call with DH, who was at work, I had to make the decision to let my darling cat go. So a phone call was made to the vet and an appointment was made for today at midday.

We've had a peaceful night with her, but on closer inspection this morning it appears that she has had a stroke and is paralysed down one side of her face. She cannot close one eye, it is wide open and fully dilated, and can not take food down as she is having difficulty opening her mouth to take food in. The stroke hasn't affected her walking though as she still bunny hops up the stairs, but unfortunately she hasn't been to the toilet for two days now - well she did have a little wee yesterday.

The weird thing is that my normally grumpy, cantankorous cat is happy for me to lay her in my arms and rock her.

It's also weird that the other cats in the house have left her alone the past 24 hours, even the dogs have been keeping away from her. It's funny too that none of the other animals are playing - normally the younger dog likes to play with his toy all the time he is awake but he hasn't even been doing that.

While I am typing this my younger cat is curled up with me, as though she is trying to offer me some comfort. And the old girl is wandering around aimlessly..

I know I am doing the right thing, especially when I saw my DH this morning before he headed off to work. I have only seen him cry once over an animal, and that was when his beloved dog died 5 years ago. But he was sobbing his heart out while getting ready for work..

Trouble is it doesn't make it any easier as I have had Smudge since she was 8 weeks old and she is now 20 years old. But I know I am doing the right thing and now she can be with her sister Barney, my other cat Fred, my dog Patch and my mum. So today I am making the hardest choice and having her put to sleep rather than see if there is anything we can do regarding the stroke. I want her to go with some dignity rather than prolong her life. Doesn't make it any easier as I am a physical wreck at the moment and have been for over 24 hours now.. :(

An early start this morning - got up at 6am when Jet bounced on me while I was sleeping. Oh the joys of having dogs :-)

Had a productive weekend although I didn't do anything on Saturday except finish my needleroll piece. That is now ready to be posted to my partner for the exchange.

D spent the day at Kemsley Light Railway. I should have used the day productively but well I didn't :-) I caught up on sleep..

Ack just had to move the living room chair. Amycat is playing with her playmouse and somehow batted it under the chair. Ooops now she is annoying Ollie by jumping on the chair where he is sleeping, patting him and jumping off. She'll get battered by him if she isn't careful, then Jet will want to join in. Oh fun and games lol!!

Sunday was spent pottering in the morning and then D and I watched the closing ceremony of the Olympics. I will admit I got quite emotional, especially when they handed the flag over to our Mayor of London - Boris Johnson. I also sniffed when the flame went out. Gods I'm getting sofe in my old age!!

After watching the party in London, on the t.v. I persuaded D to book tickets to go and see We Will Rock You in London for next month. Got a good deal on the tickets too, so that pleased him. He has been wanting to see this since it came to London 7 years ago. I just haven't been able to face London - well I thought I would bite the bullet so to speak. This will be my first trip to a show since 10 years ago - oooh scary!! I haven't been on a train for over 15 years - ooh that should be fun!. Still it will be worth it to see the concert, and D will be happy. That's the main thing :-)

Then in the evening D and I sat and watched "The Simpsons Movie" on one of the movie channels. We laughed all the way through.

Monday was a Bank Holiday here in UK and it was a typical Bank Holiday - iffy weather!!

N spent the day with us as it was her wedding anniversary and I didn't want her to spend it on her own. She would have only sat at home brooding on why her marriage ended with no warning last year. So she came to us instead.

I must admit I spent a manic couple of hours in the morning tidying and cleaning the house before I picked her up at midday. I was shattered before the day had even started :-)

Picked N up at midday, went to Asda for the potatoes I somehow forgot to get with the shopping Friday evening. Dropped D's prescription off and then come home to two bouncy dogs and a nice clean and tidy house. Although it didn't last as D clumped in grass from where he had been cutting grass outside, and the dogs took all their toys out of their box, and bedding, and just proceeded to make a mess everywhere. Why do I bother :-)

After a late lunch of homemade fish pie, we settled down to watch our Olympic athletes arrive home on the t.v. It was emotional watching, especially when they all posed for a photo wearing their medals. Team GB had got 47 medals - it was the most we had got in a fair while. Now we until 2012 to get our athletes to top form to beat this when we host the next Olympics.

Drove N home at about 6.30pm, stayed for a chat and a cuppa and got home just before 9pm.

D and I both had a reasonably early night as we were shattered, plus he had to get up for work at 4.45am in the morning - ugh!!

Have to make some of my cherry cookies today as D will be taking them into work tomorrow. So think I shall make some wholemeal rolls too, as the breadmaker is still out and the oven will be in use.

Must remember to defrost some stewing steak for tomorrow. I fancy making a steak and ale pie for tea tomorrow. Might also make a coconut cake seeing as the oven will be on today. Oooh I have sultanas in stock, might add some of them too :-)

Have a couple of loads of washing to do, plus some ironing that needs doing today.

Just watched Mrs Dove have her morning bath :-) She looked like she was having fun.

Oh all the birds have scattered - I think next doors cats have been let for the day. That'll please Olliecat. He has taken a dislike to all 3 of them for some reason. He'll be sitting indoors behind the babygate making his presence known. Smudge doesn't mind them and Amycat just stays away from the door. She likes to watch them from the back bedroom windowsill.

Blugh day..

Horrible miserable wet day and I think my mood matched it. Amd I glad i did the housework yesterday. Definately not in the mood for it today.

Some more sad news on the news - a horrific plane crash in Madrid with 150 passengers killed. Some were children, others holiday makers. It's apparently on the same scale as the Lokherbie Air disaster many years ago. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones in this crash.

The rest of the day passed with nothing eventful happening.

Life is so strange..

Had a late start to the morning, which was nice.

Sat and watched The Matthew Wright Show while eating a late breakfast. Checked emails, wraote a brief begging email to D at work.

Then found oud the sad news that Adrian from Baldy's Blog had passed away. This was sad as I didn't realise he was so close, although readers of his blog knew it was going to happen, just not so soon. Although I have never had the priveledge of meeting Adrian I felt like I knew him from reading his blog. He had campaigned relentlessly for a bone marrow campaign. Sadly he wasn't able to benefit from this. This is so much more hard hitting for me as I have a very close friend who suffers from a rare blood cancer and everything Adrian writes/wrote about in his blog, my friend has been through all this. Obviously I hope my friend doesn't go the way Adrian did as I have already lost one friend to cancer - can I cope with another friend dieing?

After a few quiet momements I decided to make some home made bread. I dragged the bread machine out of storage, cleaned it and put the mix into cook. Mmmmm had a lovely smell of baking bread around the house.

While the bread was cooking I did the housework and popped out for a bit of shopping at Asda.

Checked email, had lunch then did some stitching.

Early evening A popped round for a coffee and a chat. She caught me with my head in the Dyson. One of the cats toy mice had got sucked up the dyson while hoovering, so I had to get that out from underneath. Thankfully it didn't take too much effort. Said toy is now back in the middle of the living room.

If it's not the dogs trying to kill/maim me with their toys in odd places it's the cats - lol I had forgotten what it was like having youngish cats - mayhem when they aren't asleep.

Did a nice toad in the hole for dinner, had a lovely chat about getting older with N. Then settled down to watch t.v. with D. No late night cooking tonight.

A pottering we will go..

Woke up at 5.30am coughing, and try as hard as I could I just couldn't get to sleep. Then the dogs figured out that I was awake so I had to get up in the end. I think D is beginning to wonder if he is ever going to eat his breakfast in peace again.. Probably doesn't help that I didn't really stop pottering about when I was up. Cat tray needed emptying, washing put on, D's breakfast things to wash up, two cats wanted feeding - Amycat didn't bother to get up though!!

Waved goodbye to D as he headed off to work and I then sorted out my repeat prescription to take to the Doctors. I then decided to drive to the surgery to pop it into the post box outside the surgery. Not many people around at that time of the morning!!

It was a pleasant drive, even though it is only 5 mins away.

Stopped and watched the old sow in the farm along the route. I don't normally see her when I am going there for eggs, she's normally fast asleep in her shelter. The geese, goats and chickens were all feeding, so I guess the farmer hadn't long fed them.

I then sat and watched the rabbits playing in one of the fields. Then as I was driving back noticed the grouse were out in the hay fields. Wow never realised there was so much wildlife activity, in all the fields, at this time of the morning.

Then as the crematorioum was open I poppedto say hi to Mum and dead head her rose bush. Saw a few other people in there too - perhaps they pop in on the way to work.

Then it was time to drive home to get a cup of tea, and breakfast of cereal of warm milk.

After breakfast I tackled the mound of ironing that I had sorted out yesterday.

Think I will do a bit of baking later - I am going to have a go at Jenny's boiled fruit cake, plus some cherry oat cookies.

Didn't do the cooking unfortunately, I ended up doing some more on my needleroll exchange piece while watching a weepy film on t.v. Still it was a nice enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

In the evening after dinner and while D was walking the dogs I decided to make those cherry oat cookies. So there I was at 9.30pm baking, and I took the last batch out of the oven at 10.30pm. Still they come out lovely and we had a couple with our bedtime drink.

A Day in my Life posted a day late..

We are celebrating again this month with dear Jenny. If you would like to participate, here is where the details are posted on her blog. Here is my post for yesterday :-)

Another early start - Bear woke up at 5am just as D was getting in the shower, so I had to get up and let him out. Then Jet woke up so of course he had to go out as well. I've decided I might as well get up with D in the week, that way the dogs are happy and don't come and wake me up. If I start getting tired I can always catnap on the sofa during the afternoon.



So anyway as I was up I put a load of washing on, watered my veggies. I didn't go out and water the veggies at the front as I only had a short nightie on.

Ollie managed to sneak past me as I went to water out back. The little horror - but thankfully he came back in after 15minutes. It was too early for him, not much wildlife for him to stalk!!



I did pick my first two courgettes (zucchinis) from my courgette plant. They are only small but kind of cute. I think I'll use them in a courgette cake.

Managed to dry the load of washing inbetween the showers but unfortunately the bedding washing I had to drape indoors. Ironed the rest of the washing in basked and added another 5 shirts to D's work clothes. He must have enough shirts for every day for a month when they are all ironed!!

Oh we had a mini emergency here today - Amycat got out over the baby gate at the back door again!! She must have sneaked out while I was putting the washing out. I didn't notice until I went to feed some kibble the cats and only Smudge and Ollie turned up. Didn't really think anymore of it, checked upstairs but couldn't find see Amy but that's nothing new as she likes to sleep in strange places.

Anyway about 2ish as I was just locking up the back door I heard Amycat out in the garden. She was just scrambling the fence between me and neighbours. What a shock I got as I wasn't expecting to see her out there. She wouldn't come in though just went and hid under the currant bush and mewing for me to get her. Just that everytime I went near her she mewed and buried deeper underneath the bush. In the end I left her, come indoors and sat at the table. I think she realised I wasn't playing so she came running in mewing. She then went upstairs where she got plenty of fussing from me and a bashing from her brother Olliecat!!

The rest of the afternoon was spent pottering around the house picking up and generally tidying up.

Decided to take advantage of the library being open late on Thursdays and popped in to change my books. Had a lovely chat with one of the assistants in there, think they are getting to know me now as I am a regular, plus I am forever reserving stuff on the net and then going into collect piles of books at once.

As I was driving home caught up with D walking along the road, after he had got off the coach. I really didn't realise it was that late..oops!! We both arrived home at the same time!

I then cooked a lovely meal of lamb steaks in balsamic vinegar with a herb crust, courtesy of Aldi. With new potatoes and
green beans. Mmmm it was scrummy if I say so myself :-)

I think it's Thursday.

Had a disturbed night in the early hours of this morning. About midnightish the heavens opened and then we had the most horrific storm. I've not heard one like that for a good while. The lightening was so bright it was dazzling, and the actual thunderstorm was rather loud. It was actually two thunderstorms merging into each other. Why can't I have a camera handy at times like this, oh yeah I forgot I don't make it a habit to take the camera to bed with me..

I had a very frightened Amycat, who everytime it thundered would shoot off the bed and hide in the hallway. When it had stopped she came back until another clap of thunder. Jet barked at the thunder and Bear just grumbled at it. Only Smudge and Olliecat didn't seem bothered!! Eventually after two hours it was just raining and I could finally settle down to sleep. Only to be woken up again at 5am with a pounding headacheA. So I decided to get up and potter around the house, see D off to work and do some washing up - exciting eh?

Looking out at the garden a few things needed tidying up. The tomatoes are growing nicely and the peppers are a lovely size. I've even got a couple of cucumbers starting to grow.

The rhubarb is taking over again even though I picked a good 10oz to freeze the other day. I think it likes the pot I planted it in.

Need to weed the front garden and cut back my Salix and Angels Trumpet plant as it is getting harder to walk past them, down the front path, again.

A semi lazy day today after spending a good 2 hours decluttering the main bedroom yesterday. What with a major decluttering of the living room on Monday, and I mean a major decluttering, I'm shattered. The only trouble is I can't find my slippers!!


When A gets back of her holidays next and pops over for a cuppa she won't recognise the place.

Tomorrow is decluttering the kitchen - shouldn't be too bad as the main cupboards were done recently. Panning around I couldn't believe how many people had trampolines in their gardens. I even found someone who had a swimming pool. D wanted to check out our holiday destination - oooh looks nice and villagy. Even looks like there is a farm opposite our cottage.

Life and all that!!

Nice leisurely lie in followed by a leisurely day. Wanted to put the washing out but after listening to a weather forecast I had decided not to. But boy do I wish I had in the end as it actually turned out a gorgeous day in the end. The washing ended up being hung up around the house. That's the last time I listen to a weather forecast, I think I shall just stick my head out the window in the end!!

D did a bit more of the living room wall and I packaged up some of my nic-nacs in a box ready to move the dresser in the morning.

The living room is looking a bit minimalistic - still less dusting for me!!

The dogs were fast asleep most of the day but boy did we know it when they woke up. They were litle horrors, plus it had cooled down which makes it worse for us. Two dogs running around chasing each other is definately something you want to stay out of the way of!!

Spent the evening watching an "Evening of Dad's Army 40 Years Old" on BBC2.

An early start yet again !!

Up early this morning. The boys jumped all over the bed at 5.30am waking me up. So there was nothing for it but to get up. Even Olliecat was up and about. He sat and watched the wildlife with me.

We had a good weekend this past weekend. On Saturday we drove over to Sutton Valence to pick up D's new car. He is really pleased with it - you could almost see him grinning when he drove it. And me being me had to fiddle with all the buttons - well a girl has to know what the car does..lol

I really wanted to get myself a new car while we were picking up D's one. I really am going to have to chase up Mum's money now and get it all sorted.

Then on Sunday we went to D's parents as D's brother C was there and our niece T had come down with him. Blimey she's a livewire, she has so much energy for a 9yr old. It's exhausting watching her

We all went out for a meal at a restaurant that we had been to before. The food was nice but the service left a lot to be desired. Trouble is I think the owners had tried to change the running of this restaurant but it wasn't quite working. But it was a nice meal and we all had a laugh.

Spent the afternoon back at D's parents and got totally exhausted watching T playing in the garden with D and C. T didn't even stop talking when we all sat down for tea. It was lovely to see T but boy I don't think I could have her full time .

The animals didn't seem to notice that we had gone for the day. I was a bit worried as we are dog sitting my friend S's dog Beth. But my worries were unfounded - all the dogs and cats slept all the time we were out. Although it was bedlam when we did get indoors - Bear and Jet bouncing around and Beth jumping around the dogs. She's a lovely dog and considerably smaller than my two. The cats aren't bothered at all by Beth being here, in fact Olliecat is being even more of a little sod. He loves nothing more than sitting on the living room window sill and staring at poor Beth. It's almost as if he's saying "it's my house and I have let you stay here". Daft cat!!

Tattybird was here again this morning. He was making sure the starlings didn't fly to the ground. He's getting very territorial over the garden now.

Thankfully the heatwave is supposed to break today according to the weather experts. I don't mind the heat it's the humidity that is too much to bear. Also the pets aren't happy either in the heat and the birds are really complaining too.

The plants are flourishing but that's probably because I am wathering them eveyr day in the evening and morning as well. They could do with a good dose of rain though.

Dead headed my roses and various other plants this morning, checked the baby pumpkins are growing okay. Hopefully they won't get munched on.

Picked a nice bunch of rhubarb from the plant outside, which I will make into a pie to freeze.

Popped to Asda for a couple of things but didn't stay long, it is too hot outside and definately too hot for driving. My little car doesn't have the luxury of air conditioning like D's car.

Caught up with the second half of the BBC Proms Dr Who special. The first half we were listening to while driving to D's parents, and didn't hear the 2nd half. I did my ironing to it while blasting the surround sound out. Thoroughly enjoyed it and it certainly made the time ironing pass quicker.

A quiet day..22 July 2008

Had a very quiet Monday - I think the weekend/Friday was catching up with me.

Weather was glorious but I didn't take advantage of it. Afraid I spent the whole day either sleeping or watching Big Brother on t.v.

So today was a better day. An early start and the bed stripped, bedding washed and hung out on the line. Then a nice cup of tea while watching the wildlife and planning my day ahead.

Mr and Mrs Dove came and had a bath in the bird bath and Tattybird popped in the garden during the morning.

Sunday 20th July

The reunion on Friday evening went really well. I had spent the afternoon with N chatting and watching t.v. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for the reunion.

We left at 7pm to go and pick up and old school friend who was going to the reunion as well. We got to the pub at 7.45pm and met up with several other old school friends. It was great to catch up with everyone. Finally the stragglers arrived and we had a full compliment of 18 from the "Class of 84". After a couple more drinks we all moved down to the S's 40th birthday celebrations at Palm Cottage down the road from the pub. A lot of dancing, drinking and general chatting was done by all.

It was so weird seeing everyone after 24 years. Obviously we had all aged - but one of the group still looked exactly the same. You could definately tell who it was I, where some of the others you had to think about who they were. The really weird thing was that the girls that had bullied me at school were so friendly, although I think they had been drinking a fair bit. Actually I got on better with them than the girls I was friends with at school. Strange how time changes things. N got chatting to her ex K nearly all evening - or let's just say he was very attentive to her. Shame my ex R never showed up, he must have bottled it!!

Then all too soon we got booted out of the club and all staggered down to the local nightclub. That was an experience for me - my first time in a nightclub. Don't think it will be my last either if a couple of the girls have their way later on in the year. Who would have thought it - 40 and clubbing!!

I left the club at 1.30am so N and I walked back to Palm Cottage to pick my car up. Drove back to N's for a cuppa and a late night chat. Finally got home at 3am. Then to bed only to annoy D by being so bouncy. I wanted to keep talking, I must have eventually fallen asleep though!!

Saturday I felt like I had been up all week and I hadn't been drinking either, but my head was pounding. Thankfully D went out early to take his car to be serviced in Maidstone. I must have fallen asleep as next thing I knew D was back home with a courtesy car. Thankfully I was feeling more human by then :-)

At about 1ish we went to pick uphis car and price up a new Citreon C1. Funnily enough I preferred the C2 Cachet. So we took one out for a test drive. I loved it - it was a gorgeous car to drive. So guess what - 3 hours after going to pick up D's old car he had signed, sealed and bought a brand new Citreon C2 Cachet in silver. He wasn't intending on doing this just I kind of talked him into :-) We will be collecting it in a weeks time all being well.

And when mums comes through I am going to treat myself to a new Citreon C1. I fell in love with this one, but I will go for a 1.4 instead as I am used to a 1.4 and I don't want to drop engine size.

So all in all Saturday was a hectic day.

Sunday was more sedate thankfully. We only popped out to buy the paint and bird food/seed from our new Wilkinsons in Sittingbourne.

Came home, filled the feeders up and watched the bird population re-appear in our garden.

Also my mouse family are back - Mr and Mrs Mouse were spotted on the peanuts in the evening. I have no idea where they have been but they are back.

And we have a new resident - a blackbird. I think he is a semi-grown one but looks so tatty. We have called him "Tattybird" and he has been around a bit.

I have 4 pumpkins growing which I am pleased about. I am worried abou the courgette plants - the leaves are turning yellow. Will have to keep an eye on them. Everything else is doing really well amongst the veggies :-)

Made a start on Shepherds Bush "Baby Bug Ball" while watching t.v. tonight. Got confused with the colours though, as they are so close together. Will have to sort them again tomorrow in the daylight, either that or phone B to see if she can help me sort them out.

D came home with his new Blackberry which he got from work, so I aquired his old one. Now I have to sort out a new sim card for it as he has to take the original card. Also I have to sort out a wireless network so I shall be exploring Virgin Media's package for phone.

Tuesday 15th July 2008

5.50am - another early start this morning. Yep the dogs woke me up again, so I had to get up to let them out in the garden. Then poor Jet wouldn't come in so I had to go out and get him in. He was fine until he got to the back door then he heard the smoke alarm charging up. Well that was funny, if anyone could've seen me - I had to get behind Jet and physically push him on his rump. Okay if he was a smaller dog but not a 3stone collie!!! He eventually got indoors and then proceeded to play with his ball as though there was nothing wrong - daft mutt!!

It was the Kent County Show at the weekend so we along and took N with us as well. We got their nice and early and somehow we managed to bypass the traffic going up the A249 by going off the Bredhurst turn off. We parked in a back carpark and we actually got near the entrance which was a bonus. The weather was fantastic - not too hot and not too cold. And the crowds were minimal. I think most people thought they would go on Sunday when it was supposed to be hotter. We ended up spending a good 5 and a half hours there before we left. I treated myself to a gorgeous handmade mouse doorstop. I also got some more of my aprons that I like - I think D has given up with me and aprons. At this rate I'll soon have one for each day of the week and some extra days. I was then drawn to a beautiful crystal stone called "Goldstone" which I treated myself to.

Yesterday was mum's 61st birthday so I took some lillies up to the crematorium and put them on her plot. I also tidied up her rose bush and cut a couple of budding rose blooms to put in a wee vase home here.



I can't believe this is the 2nd birthday that Mum isn't here. It really doesn't seem possible that she has been gone nearly 2 years this coming November.

I did notice, while I was at the crematorium, that I am the only one that visits mum and takes flowers. I thought this last year when it was her one year anniversary but dismissed it. But yesterday just made me realise if I didn't go up there she would have no visitors. So much for all her friends and relatives - they can't even be bothered. And they do know where she is as I sent out letters telling her friends and family. Oh well just goes to show we may have had a bad past together, yet I don't forget her up there at the crematorium. I find I can be close to her when I am there - if she only knew!! For all my faults, according to her when she was alive, I'm the one that is there for her. None of the rest of the family and her friends seem to care. I think it's a case of "out of sight, out of mind" for them. As they say "There's nowt as queer as folk" and this is so true!.

Mr and Mrs Dove have been down for their morning bath, and Mrs Thrush has been snail bashing by the front door outside.

Still no sign of my mouse family thought :-( Lots of baby sparrows though - I love to see them in the garden waiting for their parents to finish feeding so they can feed next.

Beer in ale for dinner tonight, with plum pie afterwards. The beef went in the slow cooker not long after D left at 6.30am. And I shall use the plums that have been ripening off in the fruit bowl Plenty of sugar, a cinammon stick and lovely squishy plums all stewed together. Then homemade pastry to make the pie with.

I also want to make some cherry flapjacks, to make use of the oven while the pie is cooking.

The afternoon will be spent packaging up some parcels that need to be posted and then settling down with my stitching.

A Day in my Life

It's that time again, although I am a day late. Feel free to pop over to Jenny Wren's blog to find out what it is all about. In the meantime here is my contribution.

My day started at a reasonable time for a change. As soon as I woke up I just knew it was going to be one of those days. You know where you just don't feel like doing anything at all. So that's what I did, nothing!! Oh yes I obviously did the necessary chores to keep the house looking tidy and clean but nothing else!!

The added factor was that it was my mother's 62nd birthday, so I had to take a wee trip to the crematorium up the road to place some flowers on her plot.

So anyway I got up, pottered around upstairs before going downstairs to get my first cup of tea of the day. Unfortunately the cup that D had made me, before he left for work at 6.30am, had gone cold. The dogs wanted to go out so I let them out in the garden, and then Olliecat wanted to wander around his territory - all of 10 ft of earth at the back of the garden.. While they were exploring the garden I sat down and pondered the day. Made plans in my head as to what I was going to do and just generally watched the wildlife going by in my garden.

After getting dressed, tidying upstairs and then doing the washing up downstairs I spent a good hour or so watching Big Brother 9 and chatting to some friends online.

After lunch of hoisin duck in a wrap, bought from Asda - I'm not that good at making wraps..lol, anyway after lunch I popped to Asda and bought some lillies to take to the crematorium. They were beautiful and even had 20% extra.. :-)

Drove to the crematorium, saw several magpies along the route - not bad considering the crem is only a 5 minute drive from my house. It was really weird as I was the only one in the carpark, but was so tranquil and plenty of birds singing.

Tidied up mums rose bush and placed the lillies in the vase I had bought recently especially for her plot. I also placed a little plaque by the rose bush saying "Mothers are angels in training". And then took a couple of rose buds from the bush to put in a small vase at home.



I also kept back one of the lilly stems to put in a glass vase to have on the table at home as well.



I stayed at the crematorium for a while just sitting there listening to the birds and being watched by two magpies. Funnily enough I didn't get upset which I was quite surprised at. Maybe it will hit me another time.



I drove back and noticed that the gypsies had finally moved on from along the main road. Thank gods they have gone, but they have left the most awful mess. I am sure they will be back again within the next few weeks. That is what they did last time they were moved on from the same area.

I decided rather than go home I went and visited my friend who lives opposite for a natter and a cuppa :-) So we put the world to rights and her husband and I discussed our school days. It was quite odd really as I didn't know he was even from the same area as me - Gillingham, Kent. He knew of all the old places where I grew up.. We had a lovely time remember the old haunts!!

Had to get home though as I had to feed the animals and D was due home from work. Didn't have to cook dinner as D was doing his stir fry and I can't have the sauces, so my dinner was a ready meal of Jambalya and a chicken and pesto pasta thing.

After dinner I sat down with D and we watched the t.v. and chatted about our days.

And there you have it, that is a day in my life :-)

Thursday 10th July 2008

I am getting up earlier and earlier - today it was 5.05am. I know it's precise but D was in the shower and I remember looking at the clock, because the news and weather had just come on the radio. Had to get up to let the boys out in the garden. Then when I got back in the smoke alarm started to beep, telling us it needed recharging. Well that was enough for young Jet. He hates that noise, so proceeded to make himself as small as he could up against me while I was laying on the bed, after getting back in. I gave up after 10mins as one trembling dog and one demanding Amycat do not go together!!

Thankfully Jet calmed down and proceeded to play with his tennis ball for a while - daft dog!!

The rain, that had been going all night and all yesterday, had stopped and we even had a blue sky this morning. Still mustn't complain as it has been a welcome relief to all my veggies and plants.

Jet played solidly for half an hour with his tennis ball. He was just running up and down the living room with it. At one point he tried to give it to Olliecat - to say Ollie was not amused was perhaps an understatement :-) Ollie gave Jet one of his famous frowns so Jet tried giving it to Bear then. Poor Bear was trying to sleep. In the end Jet finally gave up and went to sleep in his bed.

Where does the washing come from? I haven't been able to do any washing for a couple of days due to the rain. Now it's a nice day I thought I would try and clear the basket. But I am sure it has been breeding - there is more than three loads. Oh well I might have to give and use the airer if it rains again :-(

Not a long going on in the bird population in our garden. Although I did only fill the feeder up again this morning. It will take them time to realise there is food. Mr and Mrs Dove have been around nearly every day for a bath - except for yesterday when they probably didn't move from their cosy home.

Still no sign of the mouse family, but Mr and Mrs Thrush have obviously been around. I keep finding battered snail shells in neat piles in the garden.

Wanted to make some oat and cherry flapjacks today but on checking the cupboard there are no oats. So that is on hold until I go shopping!!

Friday 4th July 2008

Had a lay in this morning which was nice. The animals could obviously sense that I didn't feel well so they stayed asleep, bless them.

We had no sign of the thunderstorms here in Kent, that the rest of the country had been having yesterday.

Thursday 3rd July 2008

5.15am - Very early start for me this morning. D came up to get me as poor Scruffy had been ill over the chair. So it was my job to clean it up while D carried on getting ready for work. Not a nice start to get up to especially as I hadn't been feeling too well the past few days. Anyway Scruffy kept going out in the garden to eat grass and after about half an hour of doing this he came in and settled down to sleep.

Can't believe how cooler it is today, especially after the heat of the past few days. I think the rain all day yesterday did some good to not just my veggies - it cleared the air finally!!

It's funny sitting here at 6.30am, with the clouds in the sky, I notice how the birds aren't so active as they are as to when it's a lovely sunny morning.

There must be more food around for the birds at the moment as the peanuts aren't going down so quickly this week.

Mr and Mrs Dove have been down for an early morning bath and a peck around, but still no sign of my mouse family. Good news is that Mr Pigeon seems to have found a new haunt as he hasn't been seen in just under a week now :-)

And would you believe it, the window cleaner turned up yesterday. Blooming typical!! Still the upstairs and downstairs windows all got washed as well as the front windows and door. That's when it rained after they were cleaned.

Comments..

Unfortunately due to problems with Haloscan and for some reason it keeps coming up as a blocked site on my firewall I have had to revert back to Blogger comments.

I don't know what's happened to all Halascan comments and I'm not sure how to import them over here for Blogger to pick up. So it looks like I may have lost all comments going back to the beginning of this blog.. :-(

Wednesday 25th June 2008

Up at 6am today, though I have no idea why as I didn't settle down until 1am. I got engrossed in my library book and had to finish it before turning the light off.

Spent 2 hours from 6.30am till 9.30am ironing, where does all the ironing come from I want to know, there's only me and D.

Still no sign of the mouse family in the garden.

Tuesday 24th June 2008

Early to rise this morning. It was lovely to wake up with the sun coming through the bedroom window. Put a load of washing on and sorted out another two loads ready to be washed.

Ollie and Smudge went out as soon as I opened the back door. The two dogs stayed asleep in their lazy beds. Thought about tea tonight and it will be nice and lazy as I already have the bolognese prepared in the freezer.

Decided to repot the vegetables that needed doing while it was reasonably cool out the back. I am a wee bit worried about one tomato plant – for some reason the stem is suffering. I am going to have to keep an eye on this plant.

Had a look at the rest of veg planted – the cabbages in the front garden are growing nicely. The two rhubarb plants, also in the front garden, are flourishing which I am pleased about.

The pumpkin out the back has also flourished, as are the courgette plants. I even have small flowers starting to grow. The other rhubarb plant, that was planted out in its own pot, is really growing lately.

As I write these observations down Amy has found a lovely sunny spot near me, and is stretched out to full length on her back. I imagine I'll see her tanned before long – she is definitely a a cat that is a sun worshipper!! I have noticed on sunny days she follows the sun around the house via the windowsills – this is definitely a side of her I didn't know she had before she came to live her. When she was with me up north she was a totally different cat. Amazing what a stable and loving home can do to a nervous cat. She loves being around Ollie, and occasionally tries to beat Sumdge, the geriatric cat, up but normally loses! She is also starting to voice her opinion when she wants some cat biscuits or food. I think she has got this idea from Smudge who is a very verbal cat!!

Had to cancel Dr's appointment today, my body let me down again. So I now have to wait a week or so and ring for another appointment where Michelle will fit me in straightaway as my body is so unpredicatable.

Noticed while watering the plants and vegetables that I actually have two tiny courgettes starting to grow.I'm keeping an eye on this pigeon that has taken a liking to our garden for some reason. D says it is because I am growing a few more vegetables than previously I have done. My Pigeon had better behave himself otherwise he could find himself in a pigeon pie!!

Tuesday 1st July 2008

6.30am - Got up early this morning. It was probably something to do with the sun streaming through the bedroom window. I do like it when I can wake up to sun, it makes my day begin really well.

Managed to do 2 hrs of ironing before it started to get too hot downstairs. And also got two loads of washing out on the line. I am definately sure the washing pile is breeding.

Waited for the sun to move off the front of the house, then cleaned the downstairs front windows outside and the front door. Have given up waiting for the window cleaner.

If the weather holds up I shall do the outside back kitchen windows and french doors tomorrow.

Bear doesn't like this hot wather and all he does is sleep on the sofa but Jet doesn't seem to stop playing with his toys. He does grab 40 winks now and again but wakes up and starts all over again.

Mr and Mrs Dove were back early again, this time taking a bath in the water bowl outside, twice I had to fill it up for them.

I've noticed the wood pigeon has gone away - thankfully!! Don't want him around eating all my bean plants. I have enough trouble with the snail population here.

Monday 30th June

Earlyish start this morning. A really pleasant morning just watching the birds feeding and various other wildlife. Sadly still no sign of my mouse family. But Mr and Mrs Dove have made a welcome return.

Over the weekend C had her baby and they have called her Sara, so my 8 year old niece T has got a baby step sister. While we were out shopping at the weekend we picked up a wee gift to send up to Sara.

I've also finally got all of my outfit, including shoes, for the reunion on the 18th July.

Had to bury a grown up thrush this morning. Poor thing must have flown into the french doors while I was upstairs. The poor bird wasn't there before I went up, and I was gone a matter of minutes. Still at least she died instantly. Poor wee thing.

Spent the morning mending items of clothing and gernerally pottering around.

Made a couple of crumbles with the rhubarb bought at the weekend. Now just to find room in the freezer for them.

Several small wash loads on the new pink whirly gig line in the garden. Yep it is pink - Argos is doing a new "Pink Lady" range and I just had to buy the washing line. Quite fortunate the old whirly gig broke friday!!

Must sontact the solicitors re Mums' will sometimes this weekend as well as my cousins. Hopefully now the house is sold we can come to a satisfactory closing of Mums' estate.

Monday 23rd June 2008

Didn't get up until quite late this morning, well 9am. It's later than my early starts have been. Had a leisurely breakfast while watching a consumer programme on t.v.

Watched the birds fighting over the water bowl and seeds in the garden. A bit worried as I haven't seem my mouse family for a few days.

Noticed yesterday that the rose I planted in mums memory is breaking out of bud and it also has another 6 buds. This is its first full year and it has done me proud.



I also noticed that the rose bush on mum's grave, at the crematorium is also about to bloom. Must go up there again in a few days, with my camera, and take a photo. It would be lovely if it was still blooming for her birthday in July.

The rose I planted for nan has got one more bud on it left to flower, can't complain though I managed to get 3 rose buds cut and put in vases for a while.




Managed to wash the dog beds today – blimey I didn't realise how bad they were until after they were washed. They came out a lovely white rather than a dull grey they went in.

The vegetables in the garden are growing lovely now. I even have small beans growing on one of the bean plants I rescued from the slugs. I also notice another bean plant is recovering so maybe we will get a reasonable crop later.

The potatoes in the front garden will need digging up in the next week or so.

Tomorrow I have a few chores that must get done – prescription from Dr's, repot the small tomatoe plant, ironing pile to clear, small load of washing to do – making the most of the lovely weather. Clean the chairs outside so that I can sit out and have lunch on the patio.

Today I am thankful for my cats and their unconditional love, especially Amycat.

Tuesday 17th June 2008

Had a leisurely lay in, although when I did wake up I had a horrible sneezing fit. Hayfever season has started for me – ugh!!

Got a lovely surprise late this morning, a courier came with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers from D. 19 years ago today we were married in out local church. Thankfully the weather wasn't has hot today as it was then. We have been through some rough times but we are still together and sort of going strong!!

We had a leisurely day at a shopping centre in Essex and for a change I treated D to some new shirts. I am slowly weedling out his old t.shirts.

I also went a bit mad and had a small spend up on some more Yankee Candles.

Came home and found out we won't be getting the new car after all – oh well D said not to worry, he'll get a new one next year.

This evening D and I tried out our local Indian restaurant in the village. We chose to have the "all-you-can-eat" buffet and I would certainly recommend it to anyone. It was a thoroughly enjoyable meal and a lovely finish to a nice day.

Today I am thankfuly I have a good life, a good husband and good friends.

Sunday 15th June 2008

8.00am – Finally a normal time to get up – although it was helped a bit by two dogs jumping all over me.

Put some new bird feed in the various feeders for the birds in the garden. My gods it was like an invasion – birds from all directions. Mr Dove came, without Mrs Dove, and helped himself. And Baby Thrush appeared and had a nice feast. Then it was the turn of the starlings and sparrows – now they are greedy!!

Glorious summer day so I planted out a couple of rhubarb plants in the front garden, and then potted up the rest of the plants in their new homes. Am thinking about repotting the courgettes into much bigger pots – I'll think that one over.

Saturday 14th June 2008

Had a reasonable leisurely start to the morning – thankfully it wasn't 6.30am.

Sat and had a cuppa while listening to the radio, and D walked the dogs. Hoped it wouldn't rain which thankfully it didn't.

We went to Bexley just before lunch, where D bought his new car. Couldn't believe how long it took though – by the time we came out we had been in there for over 2 hours. But during this time D got himself a new car in silver, and a wee bit bigger than his one at the moment. So at the moment it is somewhere on a boat being shipped over. We pick it up in about 10 days time. Bet I don't get to drive this one either – he's had the one he's got at the moment for 3 years and I haven't driven it once. So the new one won't be any different. Maybe if I hadn't got my own car!!

We then had a pleasant afternoon mooching in Bexleyheath. I picked up some more Yankee Candle wax tarts – Sparkling Lemon, French Vanilla, Good Morning and Home Sweet Home.

I also got "Eating for Victory", a book with repoductions of official second war instruction leaflets. And I think I have found the outfit to wear to my school reunion next month. I'll try it on and if it's ok I'll buy it next time I am near the shop.

Then the evening was spent doing nothing but watching a film together and catching up on a couple of Tivo'd House episodes.

Thursday 12th June 2008

Up early again 6.00am. Not sure I'm that keen on these early starts seeings as I'm not sleeping until midnight each night, and that's by going to bed at 11pm. I normally read until I start to fall asleep. Have tried going earlier but that seems to make it worse. Still I'll hopefully lie in next week as D has a week off so he won't be up and about early. Which also means Jet gets up too early and wakes me up by bouncing around with his favourite toy, a stuffed choggy.

Sat watching the birds feeding this morning in the early morning rain. It doesn't seem to deter them, although mousey hasn't been to feed this morning. Mr and Mrs Dove never came down earlier but I did seem them later during the day.

Hoping to plant the cabbage seedlings out. I have decided to plant them in the front garden – that should confuse the neighbours when they seem them growing.

I might plant a couple of rhubarb plants out the front too as I have a big enough gap between the recently planted Red Robin and the Forsythia. Now that will really worry the neighbours, although if I know them they will probably take it in their stride – know me from old!!

Mousey did come back this afternoon, and he had brought his family, Mrs Mouse and Baby mouse to feed on the bird feeder. It was lovely to watch them feeding. Then they went scuttling off to their home in the compost heap behind the forsythia bush at the back of the garden.

We have gained a new resident in the garden – a Wood Pigeon. I am now wondering if this is who is eating my poor bean seedlings. I am going to get some pea netting I think. Gods I never thought it was so fraught growing vegetables..lol

Absent garden birds..

An early start this morning. It wasn't intended to be early but Jet decided to bounce all over me. It's very difficult to sleep when you have 3 stone of dog bouncing around on the bed with his favourite toy!! Why can't he bounce over D I don't know, nope he would rather do it to me.. So I got up!

Washing will have to wait another day as the weather was forecast for another wettish day. It's now I regret not getting a combined dryer and washing machine. Who would believe it's June though. To tell you the truth it feels like Autumn!

Can't believe it's technically 6 paydays till Christmas as someone pointed out yesterday –where has the year gone?

We had a mini tragedy last weekend – Ollie caught a baby starling. Now I have no idea how he did this as he isn't the brightest of cats – he stares at the poor birds giving them a complex normally!! He came running into the house amid a lot of squawking. We investigated and found him at the top of the stairs with this starling in his mouth. After a bit of coaxing he did give it up to D – I think the lure of his food was too tempting!!! Anyway D took the bird outside and it flew off, but not after pecking D. Now there's gratitude for you!! I think I'm going to have to keep an eye on Ollie, he certainly seems to pack it all in during his hour excursions outside in the garden. So we've had birds, mice I wonder what the next prey will be – the frog!!

Wow all this rain has certainly made everything grow in the garden. I can't believe my veggies are so advanced – I had to transplant my tomatoes during the week. The rest of the veg was all transplanted at the weekend. Although my beans are providing a source of food to something – the leaves had all been eaten, darn slugs and snails!! Fingers crossed they grow as I have cut all offending leaves off.

Haven't seen Mr and Mrs Dove for a couple of days, wonder if she is nesting. Mr and Mrs Starling brought their babies down for a bath. I counted 7 baby starlings lined up on the fence all waiting for the bird bath.

I have seen two new additions in the garden, Mr and Mrs Wren and Mr and Mrs Coaltit. These are unusual to our garden but a welcome addition never the less.

While having my 2^nd cup of tea I pondered what to do today – I need to make some more cake and biscuits for the snacking tin, plus I have a lemon to use up. I also need to go through the downstairs cupboard and clear it out of the junk in there. Do I really want to do this? It really does need doing especially as we are climbing over gods knows what to get to the freezers.

I have spent the best part of the morning ironing, ugh!! I sent D off to do the shopping this morning so I could make a start on it.

Big Brother 9 has sstarted – oh my god I can't believe the contestants this year. They are certainly a motley crew. Still it makes compelling viewing, but I really must curb my viewing of it. The other night I didn't get to bed untill 3am!!

I’m bored tonight..

Not a lot to put the past couple of days I'm afraid. I have had a bit of a slow time doing nothing in particular, so I will post a meme that I saw on Yvestown's blog today.

• What time did you get up today? 9.00am
  
• Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.
  
• Latest movie in a movie theater? I can't remember .. oops!!
  
• Favorite TV series? House
  
• What did you have for breakfast? A bowl of malted shreddies and a cup of tea.
  
• What's your middle name? Alice.
  
• Favorite food? Traditional English cooking, for example jam roly poly, meat pie, stews etc..
  
• Which food don't you like? Gypsy Tart and Butterscotch Tarts, as well as Liver..ugh! Remind me too much of school!
  
• What's your favorite CD at the moment? I haven't got a favourite one I'm afraid.
  
• What car do you drive? Daewoo Lanos
  
• Favorite sandwich? Fried Egg.
  
• Which human traits can't you stand? Jealousy, arrogance, ignorance.
  
• What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and a cute top.
  
• If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Alaska..
  
• Favorite clothing brand? I haven't got a particular favourite.
  
• Where would you like to retire? The Cotswolds in the UK.
  
• Favorite time of day? Sunset..
  
• Where were you born? Farnborough, UK
  
• Which is your favorite sport to watch? I don't watch sports :-(
  
• Coke or Pepsi? Diet Coke
  
• Soccer or hockey? Neither
  
• Are you a morning person or a night owl? A night owl.
  
• Pedicure or manicure? Manicure, I can't stand anyone near my feet.
  
• Any exciting news to share? I'm going to a 25 year school reunion in July!
  
• What did you want to become as a child? I always wanted to be a nurse, no good now as I can't stand the sight of blood.
  
• Best childhood memory? Sitting outside my grandma's bungalow, in the garden, shelling peas and drinking homemade lemon barley.
  
• Ever been to Africa? No but I would certainly like to go one day.
  
• Ever rolled anybody in toilet paper? No
  
• Have you ever been in a car accident? I've had one serious one where I wrote my car off after a nasty accident
  
• Favorite day of the week? Every day is a favourite for me..
  
• Favorite flower? Lillies, sweet peas and roses.
  
• Favorite - Hot dog or Chinese food? Chinese food.
  
• Do you own a bike? No
  
• Who was you latest e-mail from? An old school friend.
  
• Where would you like to shop more if you could afford to? New York if I could afford it.
  
• Bed time? Between 11 and 11.30pm
  
• Latest person to share dinner with? My husband D.
  
• What are you up to now? Chatting to old school friends on Facebook.
  
• Favorite color? Pink, silver, peach, purple and all pastel colours.
  
• How many tattoos? None!
  

To be a caring friend..

Yesterday was spent being there for a friend. Although it was a quiet day it was a day I was glad that I could do.

Early in the morning I had a Dr's appointment at my local hospital to look over my moles that I was a wee bit worried about. Thankfully they weren't anything to get worried about. I was so relieved that I really felt like crying for some strange reason.

Then it was on to my friends house. I had to sit in the car outside her house for a while as I knew she was at a meeting in town. It was quite a pleasant day considering the dreadful weather we had that night.. Anyway I sat and read my wartime diary book while awaiting my friend. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long as she turned up quite quickly after me getting there.

We then spent a lovely afternoon just doing nothing except chatting and relaxing. We put the world to rights and various other things. Lunch was pleasant, she had got some lovely cheese and onion pastry rolls in which I thoroughly enjoyed. And we drank copious amounts of tea :-)

Unfortunately the afternoon went too quickly and I had to make my way home :-(

It was then a trip to Asda to pick up some cat litter and various bits and then fill up with petrol. I couldn't believe how much petrol had gone up in the space of two days – before the weekend it was 111.9p per litre, and yesterday it was 112.9p per litre. Although when I drove past a couple of other petrol stations near my home petrol ranged from 111.9 to 114.9 – ack!! And if it goes up too much I am going to have to start rethinking whether I can justify using my car as often as I do. I will always make sure that I have enough petrol in the car to get me to my friends' house at least once a month for our girlie day out :-) But I think the days of just popping to the supermarket or the library for a wander around are gone now, I am going to have to go out and combine my trips to the supermarket/library when they are necessary. And this is mainly due to the petrol rise..

Late evening I decided to plant up my seeds that I bought at the weekend – cucumber, carrots and spring onions. I think D thought I had gone mad suddenly going outside at 9.30pm to plant out some seeds.. But then he should be used to the mad things I do by now. :-)

I have to sort out my beetroot seeds, as I am sure I had some of them somewhere, so that I can plant them out today/tonight.

It was a bit of a disturbed night as well as we had terrific thunderstorms and lightening during the night. Bizarrely it was only me and D that woke up, the dogs and cats never stirred.!

Miserable Monday..

The day started wet, and I mean wet!! The wind was howling almost all of the night, and also rained nearly all the night too. I certainly had some flooded empty plant pots – thankfully the plants we bought at the Garden Show on Saturday, were okay. I had visions of opening the curtains and seeing all the veg floating across the lawn!!

It was a quiet day in all. D did some more stripping of wallpaper and I caught up on some TiVo'd programmes.

A friend called round for a cup of tea and a natter this afternoon. She also bought her dog, Beth, round. She is a right little pickle but absolutely loves my dogs, and they love her too. Beth often comes and stays with us while her mum/dad go away overnight or on holiday. She treats our house like a second home now, even to the point that she came and sat in front of the fridge waiting for a piece of ham, as she knows she has a slice when she normally stays here. Cheeky little dog!!

D cooked a nice roast beef dinner, which was a nice change.

An hour was spent ironing in the evening and then I settled down to watch t.v. for a while.

A very quiet Bank Holiday but a wet one!!!!

Garden show..

Not such an early or leisurely start today. Had to be up at 7.30am due to going to the garden show. We also had to get to my friends house, to pick her up, for 10ish.

I'm not sure I like these mornings where I have to rush about. I'm not the world's fastest person in the mornings..

Weather was glorious all day

We got to the show just after 11am and I couldn't believe how busy it was. And people were already leaving with plants at this time of the morning.

We were very lucky with a parking space – right next to the entrance. I think next time we go to an event at Detling we'll go at this time again.

I was totally overwhelmed with all the plant stalls and we went round once, then had lunch, then it was onto serious spending !!!!

We came home with the following plants:

• 3 x Patio French Beans
  
• 3 x Sweet Peas (10 plants to a pot)
  
• 8 x Onion plants
  
• 3 x Rhubarb plants
  
• 1 x Jasmine plant
  
• 1 x Red Robin plant
  
• 1 x Acer (Atropupureum) – Red Japanese Maple
  
• 1 x Weigela – Bristol Ruby
  
• 1 x Pumpkin plant
  
• 2 x Courgette plants
  
• 1 x Aubergine plant
  
• 1 x Leptospermum (Red Dwarf)
  
• 1 x Prunus Cistena (Red in colour)
  
• 1 x Calycanthus Floridus (Red flowers)
  

Can you see a colour scheme showing here??

It was a long day but a happy day. Although I did catch the sun on the back of my shoulders and chest rather heavily and that is with a sun hat on too.

Dropped N off home and then drove to Homebase to buy a new lawnmower and some outdoor Cucumber, Carrots and Red Spring Onion seeds.

Did battle with Asda then drove home.

After a leisurely tea we settled down to cheer on Andy Abrahams in the Eurovision Song Contest. Well that was a total farce!! I will admit some of the other countries entries were great for a laugh. The voting was a farce – unofortunately UK got 14 points in total and came last. Russia came first with 172 points although it was almost determined that Russion, or one other Eastern European country would win. The sad thing is that the great institution of Eurovison – Terry Wogan is considering pulling out of commentating. It has also been announced that Italy and Austria have pulled out totally of the competition.

I also think it may be the last year we watch it. And to think they didn't put Dr Who on because of this..

Thank crunchie it’s Friday!!

Another early start – 6am. I'm quite liking these early starts. I'm amazed at what I can get done.

Washing in machine, sausages browned and already in the slow cooker on low.

Thinking about jobs to do today – I would like to make some lemon and sultana bars, hoover upstairs and do a couple of hours of ironing. No sign of my blackbird or dove couple this morning. But I did see Mr Mouse having his early breakfast feast! My lettuces have picked up from their transplant the other day – that is a relief. I was so worried about whether they would take or not.

I've lost a cheque that D wrote to pay for one of my bills. I can't figure out where it has gone. It can't be far unless it got caught up with some papers threw away – I do hope not!! Sorted out my fabric to make apron. If it isn't too hot this weekend I would like to make that. Extra long weekend th weekend as its Whitsun Bank Holiday.

Wrote my list out for the plants I would like to get at the garden show tomorrow. Hopefully I can pick up some vegetabes and herb plants as well.

Heard on the radio today about a labrador called Bella who is 29 years old. Yikes and I thought that my old dog, Patchy, living to 17years was good for a dog. I imagine Bella doesn't do too much being that age.

Sat and repaired one of my tops while having my third cup of tea this morning. This has been waiting to be repaired for a while now, so I am glad that it is finally done

The day was spent pottering around, checking emails, making phone calls and just general housework duties.

After tea was eaten I made some of my Lemon and Sultana Bars for Saturdays trip to the Garden Show.

Another early start..

The morning started at 6am. I got up when D was getting ready to go to work. Although it probably didn't help that I had Amycat mewing in my ear. I spent a pleasant hour sitting watching the birds in the garden while drinking copious amounts of tea and planning what to do during the day.

I never realised how much I liked this time of the morning. Everyone – man or beast just waking up.!

Mr Blackbird seemed really active this morning, running in and out of the redcurrant bu. I there there maybe the beginnings of a nest in there I have noticed that Mr and Mrs Dove aren't early risers although I did see Mrs Dove fly down to the bird bath but she didn't stay long.

Sat and watched this little sparrow spend a good 10 minutes trying to get a twig off the fence. I think its part of last years dead growth from the passion flower. He was determined to get this twig. He did get it in the end, although there was a lot of flapping of wings and moveing around. If birds could smile I am sure he would have been when he flew off with this huge twig in his beak.

Decided on a takeway for dinner as it was too hot to cook.

Popped to the library to pick up another 8 books – D reakons I should get a season ticket to there the amount of times I am popping in and out. Either that or free reservations for a month, I am keeping them in business with the amount of online reservations I do..

Couldn't believe how hot it was just going from the car to the library. Was going to have quick look around town but decided against it.

Had a nice chay on the computer with some old school friends.

D came home and we had a nice walk to the village, with the dogs, to get our takeaway. The boys loved their early walk and Jet was especially happy as I let him off his lead to play fetch for a while.

We then came home and settled down for the day.

My thought for the day – there is nothing nicer than freshly laundered sheets on the bed

A late start..

After a very late start – I overslept. I didn't even hear D go at 6.15am. And all the animals stayed asleep. It wasn't until Jet barked at the postman delivering the mail that I woke up and went downstairs. I sat and checked emails, fed the cats some biscuits, watered the indoor plants and watched the bird life in the garden while having a late breakfast.

Duing the day I pottered around the house tidying up. I also sorted out my banking, paid a few bills online and then I looked into changing my blog design.

Late afternoon I planted up my lettuce seedlings. I hope they grow now, they were quite big in their nursery pots!!.

We had a lovely chilli and pasta for tea, when D got home. It was one I had made a couple of weeks ago and had frozen what we didn't eat. With the additon of a handful of frozen peppers it turned out well.

The evening was spent relaxing in front of the t.v. and chatting to D about the day.

The mouse was feeding later this evening.

The start of a new change..

This is an idea that I have borrowed from The Simple Woman blog..



I am hearing...the latest BBC lunchtime news.

A Thought Crossing my mind...It's so nice that the sun is out and the washing is drying on the line.

A Few Plans Today...Write letters, drink tea, tidy up, bake some biscuits, make dinner, do some sewing, plant up my lettuce seedlings, plant some flower seeds in my old teapot.

On My Table...a hot cup of steaming tea and a cookie.

What’s For Supper...Homemade spaghetti bolognese and fruit and ice cream for dessert.

The Animals are...asleap in their various hidey holes.

I Awoke to...My dog Jet barking as the postman was delivering some letters.

Tomorrow In Brief...I want to get outside early tidy up my overgrown pots ready for new plants.

Here is a picture I am sharing of a delightful photo that a friend sent me. I thought it was so cute..

It's time for a change..

I have been thinking about a few things lately and one of these things is that I am going to be changing my blog concept. Over the next week or so there will be a change of colour scheme etc, plus there will be a subtle change in the contents of the posts. This will be to reflect my interest in creating a simple and plentiful homelife.

Yep I know it sounds a bit hippy, but I think this may be the way I am heading at the moment. I have had enough of taking things for granted and doing nothing for this. I want to have something to show for what I do at home as a housewife. I suppose you could say it's another spiritual awakening - crumbs I do have a lot of these..!!

I have been reading a lot of "simplifying life" blogs and it almost feels like "I have come home" so to speak!!

There will still be stitching, my crafts (when I do them) plus my cooking. But I am hoping that there will be a better content to my blog that will appeal to many readers.

So without further ado my next post will be the first of my new posts.. I do hope you enjoy :-)

A Day in the Life of me…

Up early this morning – before 6am. Washing in machine, one load ready to hang on line outside. Next load in machine. Checked on vegetable seedlings. Need to plant out lettuces, they are too big for their seed pots.

Peppers and tomatoes are growing, cabbage plants are getting stronger.
Sat and watched the birds feeding on the feeder in the garden. Noticed the garden is really springing to life. My sambucca plant has got lovely pink flowers on – just about to burst out of bud.

Have noticed how quiet it is in the early morning in my area.

Listened to the radio while having my 2^nd cup of tea and mind wandered to what I have to do today. I fanced trying a new dish for tea, the only trouble is I need to get raw king prawns. Have you ever tried to find raw prawns? They are a rarity here in my town for some unknown reason. All I can find is cooked ones. This may be a trip out of area to the bigger supermarket.

Not much of a lunch – it was rather a hit and miss affair. I just rummaged in the fridge and came out with picnic pork pies and some cucumber. So with a bit of salad cream, cucumber and the pork pies it was quite an enjoyable impromtu meal.

After washing up lunch things and a quick tidy around I decided to go and pick up my library books that I had reserved. I also spent a happy hour browsing the war/history section for wartime diaries. I did find a couple and then got chatting to a very nice pensioner who told me a few stories about the war here in Kent. Oh the tales he told. If I could bottle them I would have done.

Then it was onto find these prawns. Well funnily enough I did find them and a few other bits needed to make this curry – although it was the most I had spent on making a curry - £12.00 eeks!!!

So then home to make a couple of phonecalls, check emails and prepare the curry. It wasn't as hard as I thought to make, although it doesn't need a couple of tweaks!! It was thoroughly enjoyed by D and me. And then we both had a relaxing evening watching t.v. together. Even our resident field mouse came out for a late on the bird feeder.

Sunny Sunday..

Haven't really had a lot to say lately, plus the stitching is almost non-existant..but I am in the process of rectifying that matter. In the meantime here are a few photo's that I took of some flowers in bloom in my garden at the moment.. Enjoy!!

This is mum's clematis that I rescued from her garden. This is the first year since I have had it that it has flowered :-)

This is the aquilega plant that is growing with mum's clematis. This was planted in the same pot when I got it.

The pansie and small lilac plant are in the flower in the garden at the moment.

And finally a lovely picture of my dog Jet with his favourite toy - Choggy!!