Lurgy and News

After successfully dodging the lurgy that everyone appears to have had over the last month, It has finally caught up with me. I've got the cold with dizziness one - it is very special... just at the wrong time but there you go.

I had a brilliant time in Glasgow, unfortunately my lovely friend Jo had a lurgy when I was there bless her, it didn't slow her down much! I got to see lots of the city and visited the Cathedral and lots of shops!!! I'm going to have to go back. I've had tips to visit a few other places so hopefully I'll get back soon.

In other news, my brother Bertie and his girlfriend have announced their engagement which is exciting! We are hoping to have a visit from them in the next few weeks so we can get a glimpse of the ring!

I can't believe how close we are to Christmas. I've still got shopping to do, I'm never usually this late! I don't think it's just me though after seeing the queues in the shops over the last week... so is anyone ready yet?

Glasgow

Help!!! I'm off to Glasgow for the weekend and I'm needing some advice, where is great to visit. I'm going to the Country Living fair of course, however I need some more suggestions!

Less mucky but with something to show for it!

Exciting pictures today (well depending upon your perspective!)

I've (sort of) completed my first coil pot - it is a big bugger and rather heavy here it is during construction

I promise that isn't what it looks like... it is what we are currently describing as worms or sausgages to add onto the pot!

Here is it a little more "polished" I've still got to even the rim off it's just a little wet to do that at the moment.

Nice ain't it! Even if I say so myself! I've even had two completed press molded bowls fired now, they are just waiting for glazing. I'm really enjoying pottery (apart from the throwing - which should as Sophie says be called slinging!) it frightens me a bit, I believe the teacher thinks I'm a bit weird to be scared of it!

The spikey one is a bit comet like - unplanned but I'm liking it now. I took persuading not to slice all the spikes off!

Next week - glazing - I like doing that too! Did you ever get the impression that I'm enjoying it?

Lest we forget...

90 years ago today on armistice day, families were still finding out their sons had fallen, including the family of the man who wrote the following. He received the Military Cross for bravery at Amiens and was killed on the 4th of November when attempting to lead men across the Sambre-Oise canal at Ors where he is now buried.

To all currently caught up in conflicts worldwide, may you return home safely so no more families have to face such news.

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame, all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! — An ecstasy of fumbling
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime.—
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin,
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs
Bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, —
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.

Wilfred Owen (18th March 1893 - 4th November 1918)

Where there's muck...

I am now the possessor of the filthiest hands in all the world. I tried "throwing" for the first time on Tuesday and my hands are yet to recover. The wheel managed to grind the clay in good and proper and despite scrubbing with a nailbrush there are still bits of it left even now, so much so it looks like I've been at the fake tan (well apart from the fact that the rest of me is milk bottle). If there is anyone out there that knows how to get rid of it, I'd welcome the tips, thank you!

The C word...

… it’s fast approaching isn’t it. I know I should be shot at dawn (possibly overstating it slightly) for mentioning it, but along with the need to wear gloves outside today there is no use denying that nine weeks from today it is Christmas Eve… time to start shopping/making. Just to annoy all the last minuters out there, I’ve started mine already. In fact I got one today, for my little cousin Dylan for whom I have a very exciting present that I myself would have liked very much when I was that age! When it comes to the making, I have no ideas. I’m feeling a little stuck in the rut when it comes to making at the moment. I’d love to have some pottery ready, however I don’t think that is going to be possible (although you never know)

I’m having a lovely time writing this, I’m listening to Louis Armstrong singing La Vie en Rose and after that it’s going to be Moonlight in Vermont. I think I could listen to him forever.

I’ve been sorting out lots of photos to add to flickr and came across this one I took when on a visit to a stately home last year...so there you have it, an early taster for Christmas…. I’m so getting out a Christmas film to watch now……! Roll on Stir up Sunday!!!! Ma - we need to start on the cake!!!

I'm Trying, I really am!

I'm trying to be a better blogger and post more often, but it isn't working very well is it, anyway... sorry... I'll be back with something more interesting soon!

Autumn...mmmmm.....

I'm surprised by how chilly the days are getting, there is a nip in the air and the leaves are changing, heralding in one of my favourite seasons... Autumn of course. I feel a trip to Speke Hall coming on, to walk around the grounds (is it Orchard and Apple day soon?... must check!) watch the Aeroplanes take off and blow away the cobwebs. I can't wait to dig out my wooly scarves and hats and leather gloves, I adore leather gloves, I'm on the lookout for a green pair to add to the grey, red and brown ones... I might even have to get another handbag to match.....It'd be rude not to, wouldn't it...That'd be a brilliant mission for Steve the Roman who is off to the states again not so far into the future.... mmmm....!

I also think it is time to start another quilty project. Having just finished a quilted playmat for a colleague's Granddaughter (I didn't want to start anything before I'd finished that otherwise she'd have been 10 by the time I'd done it!) oh and here it is!

I'm going to start on one for me, in greens. I've been collecting for a while but I'm going to have fun looking for some more! I'm going to go for hexagons too, so please think of me whilst I'm cutting out all the papers!

I'm also looking forward to going to Glasgow next month for the country living fair with my lovely friend Jo who is going to have to put up with me for a weekend. I don't think her and her lovely husband Gareth know what they have let themselves in for! Any other bloggers going?

Well I'm off to get a cup of tea. See you soon!

October... already!

I’m not one for “conventional” shopping but by chance I briefly found myself in Liverpool ONE this weekend just gone, and I stumbled upon (or should that be into) Zara Home. I was taken aback by the lovely things why I had not seen or heard of this shop before before…? I’d been into Zara (clothes) a number of times previously with the lovely Steve who is a devotee of said brand. If anyone has one near them, I urge a visit! They have a website too.

Another exciting thing that I shall share is that apparently John Lewis has a new fabrics buyer, which means that we now get to see Amy Butler and Cath Kidston fabrics in their haberdashery departments. I’ve been in the Liverpool store and have bought a few metres already (big shock I know) For a long time I’ve been cross with the lack of variety of their fabric, it all seemed so… uninspired in its variations, I had to resort to El Kilo on London Road, which is great but inconsistent. Please go and visit and buy some, that way they’ll know there is a market for it, because as sure as eggs is eggs they won’t advertise the fact!

The pottery is getting better, I’ve now completed construction of my first “slab pot” and will finish decorating it next week. I might even take my camera to class and let you see it.
I said a while ago too that I was going to show you Beryl… My very kind Auntie Margaret sent Beryl back with Ma and Pa from their visit. I’ve put a vintage dress on her (to protect her dignity!) and I can’t wait to get started and make something on her! Thank you Auntie Margaret, I’ve wanted one of these for a long time!

How to make a mess...

Well... I had the first lesson of my pottery course yesterday. I had great fun, got VERY messy and mucked about with Terracotta for three hours. We made some tiles which we will decorate next week, and cut out some slabs for a "slab-pot" (mine will most likely be a "big" ashtray!!!) which will also be constructed next week, so we can experiment with different slip techniques.

So far it has been rather like baking - ie necessitating the use of a pinny, rolling pin and kneading. Hopefully next week I won't have to be told by a lady on the bus "excuse me love... do you know you've got something brown and blobby in your hair" ahhhh... so that's where that bit of clay went.....

In other news, all the new students started this week so work is madness again and has us all praying for our Christmas breaks, plus Sophers and Steve the Roman are moving... which means... another housewarming.... Sophers... Steve.... what say you......

Last Night of the Proms

Last night of the proms is a big night with our family, causing much singing and laughing at me knowing all the words to Jerusalem. I thought I'd leave you this to watch, with Sir Roger Norrington giving an excellent speech about Classical Music. I often wonder if this is THE reason why people think us Brits are a little odd...

... don't forget to join in now... at the top of your lungs if you please!!!




and if that wasn't enough, sing along with Bryn!!!

In flight

In flight
Originally uploaded by sln1977

Well, Sophers, Ma and I enjoyed our last day of holiday with a trip to Crosby Beach to see the Anthony Gormley Figures. It was lovely, we all love the beach and I got plenty of photo's, head over to flickr to see some more! Plus, next post I promise will be about Beryl, it's late now so only a quick post tonight!

I'd better do this before August has come and gone

I seem to spend my blogging life apologising for not blogging! Well no more of that - new Academic year - new rules

I've been on leave from work which has been brilliant, I feel like I've caught up on some sleep and it has been Dad's birthday again, which always means the start of a new term to me!

Before I go any further, I must acknowledge the lovely Sandi for the lovely award she bestowed upon me, I apologise for not having done it sooner!

The rules: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

Well I'm going to say there are so many people who's blogs I love. Sandi of course, I love your mad stories of shootouts etc! Papoosue, because you live in Scotland and we are scarily alike AND she has been very clever and creative this year and passed her OU exams and well, I'd actually like to add everyone on my blogroll - the reason you are there is 'cos I like you very much.

Thanks Sandi!

In other news, I'm starting to get very excited for the start of my pottery/ceramics course that starts on 9th. It should be brilliant! I'm hoping to get past the ashtray and paperweight stage and with a bit of luck, perfect the art of the ultimate teapot very soon... watch this space....

plus.... in the next installment.... news of Beryl.... (thanks, Auntie Margaret!!!)

Shouted at by Sandi!

I have been a bad blogger of late... it seems the lovely Sandi have taken it upon herself to be my blogging conscience!! She's good at it too, she may be many miles away, but it's worked Sandi here I am!!! Mum, Dad and I had a fab day out on Saturday, we went to the caravan, but stopped of in Welshpool on the way, where we picked up some strawberry and gooseberry jam, some bara brith and I got the most lovely vintage bag...

It's from the 1930's and was made by one of a set of twins, there was a yellow one that had already been sold. The lady that had them, had also bought all of their clothes from these two sisters now in the 90's from when they were born up until 1980..... their clothes were amazing!

Here are a few close-ups!

See - I couldn't resist - I had to do a bit of bargaining - but just ask yourself, could you have left it????....

I also made some curtains for Mum and Dad's bathroom. I'll leave her to blog about them, but this is what they are made out of! Cath's best!

I'll have to see if I can do something to live up to that this weekend, all assuming that the rain stays off!

Dougals got a brand new bag

Dougals got a brand new bag
Originally uploaded by sln1977

Well - I don't think I need to write much in way of explanation of this one do I?.... Poor Sophers... I hope she doesn't want it back now it has been claimed by the Douglas cat! Have a look here for some more mental cats!

Just not cricket

Surely this sort of thing shouldn't happen!!! Still it just goes to prove there is very little a cup of tea won't smooth over!

Back to what it's about...

When I started this blog - ooh about 18 months ago, I had no idea really what I would write about. I still don't but looking at the title I thought I'd better post something about tea! I happened upon this little beauty yesterday and I COULD NOT RESIST. It combines some of my most favourite things

1: Green
2: Polka Dots
3: China
4: Painted Roses
5: Teacups

It would have been rude to leave it there don't you think?

It is a set from the Royal Albert 100th Anniversary Collection, it's called Polka Rose and is from the 1930's.

In other news, I've heard I've been accepted onto a pottery course which is starting in September! I expect I shall be producing lots of ashtrays and paperweights to start with, but I'm really looking forward to it! You never know, I may start producing my own tea accoutrement's before you know it....

So - is anyone sick of the Superlambanana's yet?!!!

Well I did promise more photo's so you've got 'em!

I got the backbitternbanana at lunchtime on Wednesday when Steve and I went for lunch at the Catholic Cathedral's restaurant (we are ladies that lunch darling) I think this is the funniest one.

I've no idea what he was laughing at but there you go... Perhaps the lambanana said something amusing - I wonder what it was.... answers on a postcard....

Beryl Sebastian No. 57

Beryl Sebastian No. 57
Originally uploaded by sln1977

24hourSuperlambanana No.58

24hourSuperlambanana No.58
Originally uploaded by sln1977

BackBitternBanana Front No. 72

BackBitternBanana Front No. 72
Originally uploaded by sln1977

Quilt Show - Glutton for punishment! Invitation

As some of you may remember, Mum, Jenny and I went to the Quilt Show in Birmingham last year. I enjoyed looking at the fabric etc, however I was unsurprisingly non-plussed by the behaviour of a lot of the attendees, most of whom when confronted with a young person who behaved in the same way would have a great deal to say about it, and quite rightly so. I’ve decided to go on own this year, I don’t mind getting stroppy with middle aged and elderly harridans who annoy me, but I felt like I should at least show some decorum last year so as not to get Mum and Jenny thrown out. I still want to go ( I do realise I said I'd NEVER go again - womans perogative to change her mind!), and whilst I'm not adverse to attending on my own, I suspect there will be some other bloggers there and it is always nice to have a cup of tea with someone! So – I’m throwing this open, should there be any bloggers going this year – would anyone like to have a meet up? We can form an “I’ll watch your stuff whilst you do this” committee, assist in fending off any evil old biddies (I’ll practice my best scouse – that’ll frighten ‘em) caution against daft purchases and support and come up with plausible reasons for brilliant ones! Plus a few words of advice if you are going incognito and you haven't been before – take plenty to drink (queue’s are long) a packed lunch (food prices extortionate) a large bag for purchases (and beating the evil ones) and a mobile (for triangulation!) and don't forget to sharpen your elbows....

More Superlambananas!

More slb's!

Another SuperlambananaI made my poor Father drive round the roundabout twice and the photo isn't marvellous, but I'll walk round at some point and get a better one!
This is called Peel and the Artist is Lisa Parry. No. 99 On the Airport Roundabout in Speke.

On the other side of the roundabout from Peel is this one! This is no. 98 and the artists were Wade Deacon Arts Team, produced by Sophie Backhouse and Ian Town.

A Liverpool Campus superlambanana, no. 73, artist is Jeanne-Marie Kenny. This is wearing the graduation gown from the Uni. Just outside Blackwells on Brownlow Hill.

Another Liverpool Campus slb! This is sitting outside of the Harold Cohen Library. No. 74, Artist is Vince Cleghorne with the Kensington Youth Inclusion Project.

Another view from the front!!

More to come soon!

Its safe to come out now!

Mystery Misery Funk has now departed, thank you to all well wishers, I'll get back to you all individually, but all messages were gratefully received cheers!!!


The superlambanana parade has begun today in Liverpool... Pop along and have a look - I'm going to try and photograph and post as many as I can, although if there is someone at Euston Station in London - please post or photograph the one there for me???!!!!! or even up Moel Famau! There are 119 in all (including the original) so get out there and find one today!


So... No.76 Superkalazarbanana, outside Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, I'm off to get some more at Lunchtime with Steve so..... watch out Liverpool...!




Isn't she great!

Liverpool I love you I hate you

Today, even more than usual I'm suffering with a distinct melancholy. I have always been known to extol the virtues of Liverpool, it is, in the main a great place, people always thank the bus driver, we have great second hand bookshops, our own Banksy, but over the last few days I've been seeing it's ugly side. I've had abuse hurled out of car windows at me, none of which has even had the decency to be funny, if you must insult me fine - at least make it funny. I've been seeing the grimier sides of the city, the drunks hanging out in the sun fighting, junkies shooting up behind walls where they thing no-one can see them. Must do something to bring me out of this funk I'm in, it makes me tired, uncreative, headachy and sullen. I've not sketched anything, photographed anything or done any sewing or knitting all week. I've not even read anything, not one thing. For a woman with a three book a week habit - that's not good. I'm even spreading my misery by posting here (feel free to deliver a cyber slap) Right, there is only one thing for it, I'm going to have to watch Die Hard. Yippee Kai Yay....

Viva La Republique!

Well it's been an eventful few weeks since I last posted... lots of madness that we shall just have to gloss over, but last weekend, a community event overtook most things. For those that don't know, Liverpool has been awarded European Capital of Culture 2008. To that end, where I live in a small area called Garston, was one of the areas chosen to have it's own focal point. There has been a focus for a number of years on bringing art and all things cultural to Garston and we now have the Garston Cultural Embassy, designed by artist Michael Trainor.

The celebration on Saturday saw the arrival of the President and his weapon of mass attraction (don't be rude) to declare independence! There was a parade and local groups performing all led by a local pirate who with the help of some dodgy diamonds helped Garston in the 18th C!!!

So despite an attempted assasination attempt the new President was installed, promising no more parking fines or council tax for the citizens of Garston (thank you!) and told us of the large olive oil deposits that have been discovered underneath the Embassy (yippee - we are rich!) and urged us all to use creativity to build the future of this fine area!

So.... come to Garston.... just remember to bring your passport!!!!

Look around you....

As the weather has been so lovely this week, I've been taking the opportunity to wander around the area local to where I work. There are some fab places, and I unfortunately feel a little shy taking photo's however for this one I've taken exception as there were so few people about! I really like lettering, I think language is beautiful and letters can make the most beautiful, if sometimes unintentional pieces of art. I was ambling through the back of the University of Liverpool Campus, something I've done lots of times, probably a few hundred times before and I looked up at this, the back of the Civil Engineering Building and I couldn't resist.

It's such a shame that that the bottom letters are a little eroded, still I think it's Brilliant!

I'm really looking forward to this weekend, I'm volunteering to help the planting at the Garston Cultural Embassy AND doing a car boot sale with Sophers.... I'll make sure I post the pictures!

Land of the Living

Well life has taken over for the past few weeks and the opportunity for blogging has been lacking. I really must think about getting my own computer...

Anyhow, why have I been so busy, well... just too much to do! I had a lovely few days in London last week (despite the rain) Ma was there too and I met up with her and her friends for lunch on the Wednesday. I was lucky enough to be put up by my cousin and her husband in their lovely flat in Covent Garden. (mmm Covent Garden... isn't there a Cath Kidston there...) YES THERE IS... I did get some lovely things... (more on that in a minute)

On Tuesday evening I met up with a great friend from Uni, Sally, and we did some shopping and of course eating before I deposited myself upon poor Elizabeth!

I had a fab walk, I had coffee in a fab coffee shop, had a lovely chat with some African tourists. I think I went in most of the book shops on Charing Cross Road, now that was fun although I managed to escape them all with my purse unscathed - a minor miracle!

Cath Kidston was of course another matter... Ma and I fell upon it like religious fanatics and neither of us came out empty handed, I'll let her post about what she got. I however am going to follow a great post from the Lovely Lucy Locket where she photographed the contents of her handbag. I'm utilising this device for some gratuitous new handbag shots.... lets see if anyone can guess what I got from Ms Kidston...

Can you guess... can you.... can you!!! :-)!

I've had it sitting in my armchair to admire it for a few days and I decided last night to decant (an accurate description) my current handbag into the new one! Anyhow, I'm now going to tell you what is in my handbag:-

Purse, lipsticks and lipglosses, pens, work keys and id, my medication, travel pass, yarn and crochet hook, book (always a book - the Diary of Frida Kahlo at the moment) Perfume (Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin currently) "Spare" necklace, mints and a swiss army knife... Handbag of course by Cath Kidston!

so not too bad really, items that did not make it include a bottletop, USB pen drive, about 40 paperclips and elastic bands, envelopes, receipts, a teabag (yes I know - all on its own, miraculously not split!) and a roll of scotchtape.

I really must get to London more often, I got a great fare and although I just about made it on time to get the return train (me and Elizabeth and the pub never good, we stayed up after another cousin's wedding in Italy drinking whisky in the hotel bar and woke poor Sopher's up so I could get back in the room) There was so much I didn't get to do, so anyone fancy a meet up in London?

Plus, anyone wanna tell me what's in your handbag....

It's Ma's Birthday and she'll drink if she wants to !!!!

Three things to say today...


1: Happy Birthday Ma !!! I hope that you haven't started on the vino just yet - wait for me!!! I can't believe it has been a year since you retired!


2: Good luck Auntie Margaret with your operation today!


It seems that with shoulders, ankles and knees we wouldn't make a good one between us!


Oh and


3: HAPPY ST. GEORGE'S DAY!

Two in one week - she must be ill

Well no - I'm not ill - I just thought I'd behave myself and post again. I have had blogger apathy this last few weeks, well months if the truth be told. As much as I love the cold weather I think the lack of light really affects me. Is it just me or is it everyone? I'm sick of the grey and miserable, and the snow in April, it makes me feel so bleughhh I can't even be relied upon to get my arse into gear to get the washing done without resenting having to move out of bed. I'm feeling better now the clocks have done their thing and we have some more sunshine and even as I sit here now, the dappled sunlight is gracing the wall. Nice.


A bit of Pet Shop Boys and Django Reinhardt and I'll be a happy lady again! I'm going to try and persuade Mother to post again. She's right here now with her exercise ball doing her physio oh we make an odd sight!


As you can see I've been buying more fabric again - I'm going to have to get going to make something with it!!! Still I've been promising Sophers an apron for a long time....plus I've a birthday party to go to at the weekend - I think the birthday girl may be a recipient too!! oh and I'll have to make something for Sally when I visit her in London, and I'm going to be making bags this evening for the Africa car boot!

ITS SEVEN O'CLOCK AND ITS STILL LIGHT - WOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Sandi the tag monster!

Apologies for being away so long - life has been catching up with me!

Sandi has been a good blogging buddy and has sparked me back into posting again!!!

I have to post in 4's!!

4 Jobs I have had in my life:

1: Telephonist/receptionist for a car show room
2: Paper girl
3: Sales Assistant at Marks and Spencer (the worst job I've ever had)
4: Librarian at 5 different organizations including a university, a charity, a hospital, and a government research council!

Movies I have/would watch over and over again

1: The Lady Vanishes (1938) Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, wonderful film - FABULOUS!
2: The Love Letter, I really like this film, the second hand bookshop - who wouldn't want to live in a place called Loblolly-by-the-sea!!!!
3: Any of the Die Hards, sometimes you just need explosions!
4: Meet me in St Louis - I just love this film, love, love, love it
This was one of the hardest categories for me, I could easily choose 10!!!

Places I have lived

1: Hale in Cheshire
2: Headingley in Leeds
3: Woodhouse in Leeds
4: Liverpool - various locations!!!

People I want to bitch slap right into the middle of next week

1: Sandi - am so with you when it comes to Paris Hilton!!!!
2: A friend's boyfriend, he is a patronising, officious, slimey, sycophantic, obsequious, toadying git. The only reason I shan't is that he appears to be devoted to her and will do anything for her. He's still a git though
3: Someone who works for the same organisation as me, who has a habit of taking the credit for things he does not have the right to, in front of the people who should get the credit and I really dislike him. I actually do wish to kick him severely, however, like my friends, boyfriend, I don't think I'd be able to stop, it is a good job I'm not armed this is all I'm saying!!!
4: People who don't know me, who patronisingly call you Luv, or darlin' or worse, girl - ARGHHHHHHHHHHH

Sandi - I don't think you'd realise how much vitriol you would expose with this did you?!!!!

People that email me regularly

1: Sophie
2: Steve
3: Ma
4: Clare

TV shows I watch

Not a huge TV watcher but
1: Northern exposure (I know has finished!)
2: Doctor Who and Torchwood - they are classed as one really...!
3: Jeeves and Wooster
3: Waking the Dead

TV shows I watch Nonfictional

Oooh hard - erm.... I think that I shall put the radio shows that I listen to instead!!!
1: I'm sorry I haven't got a clue - Humph. Littleton - legend!!!
2: A good read - got some good book suggestions from that
3: Paul Temple - can't you just hear the Coronation Express playing now by Timothy...!!!!
4: Radio 4 in general in the background - woman's hour - good too!!

Places I have visited

1: France - lots of places all over!
2: Germany - the same!
3: Ireland - both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland!
4: Isles of Scilly

Favorite Foods

1: Kleftiko - love all Greek food - but in the best Greek restaurant in Liverpool Eureka - it is AMAZING!!!
2: Hot pot or Scouse!!!
3: Brussel sprouts - or cabbage - fried with pancetta, garlic, onions and mushrooms!
4: A good fruit cake!

Where I want to be right now

1: Where I am now - at Ma's with my family (apart from Bertie - who could come and visit too!!)
2: In Scotland somewhere wild in a little cottage with a fire, the radio, fresh bread baking in the oven and a nice hairy man in a jumper.... :-)
3: London, in the Ritz having afternoon tea with my friends
4: New York, visiting the museums and galleries and and every bookshop and fabric store known to man!

Things I'm looking forward to this year

1: Going to London at the end of the month to meet up with Sally
2: Working on the Library expansion!!
3: Getting my Garden sorted
4: Whatever surprises it has to bring!


Now..... who shall I tag..... mmmm....

Ma http://marymaryfairlycontrary.blogspot.com/

Jenny http://patchesandbatches.blogspot.com/

Mrs V-P http://vintagepretty.org/

and Sophie http://sophiehoneysuckle.blogspot.com/

Mummykins

Dear All, for those of you that frequent ma's blog, you will know she had an operation today. All went well, I've spoken to her and she's going to be coming home today! Ready to receive lots of love and cuddles from the following

Every picture tells a story

Dad and I went a few weekends ago to pick up some old school desks for their study... on the side of the "antiques" shop there is this piece of art. There is also some near where I live too which I'll post about soon, but here it is!

How brilliant is that! I know from the one locally that each of the three images flash in sequence when it gets dark. The other one says Ideas can't be killed!!!! Love it

Anyhow it has been my birthday, I was a lucky girl and I got lots of lovely gifts including this fab quilt from Mum and Dad which I've been lusting after from Laura Ashley for a long time! I was a very happy bunny!

I'm so happy it's nearly the weekend! When you've been on holiday it's very hard to go back, however when I've won the lottery this Saturday I won't have to worry!

Again a quick post, I'm going to have to do a longer one soon!

Scenes from a construction site.

I've been busy recently assessing fabric and chopping up paper preparing to make a patchwork "picture" for Sophers to auction off with the larger quilt Ma is making to help raise funds for the trip she is taking with about 15 young people to Uganda. It has been inspired by the one I did in greens for Mum and Dad for Christmas for their dining room.

There are about 80 squares here about 2cm by 2cm... it too a while - all done by hand.

The dining room currently looks like a construction site with squares made out of off-cuts from other quilts, African fabrics and a large amount of paper strewn everywhere!

This is how far it's got so far... there are three different sizes of fabric (all from Africa) from 1.5 cm square to 6 cm square... I must be mad

Ahh well - when it's finished it'll make more sense I'm sure - I've a fab bit that is a suitcase and this one that looks like a butterfly (from Jenny) that I'll incorporate and frame too - very colourful, but Sophers recon's very suitable (she should know she's been and brought back some of the fabric)

Then there is this - I treated myself to a stack of Kaffe Fassett, Martha Negley and Philip Jacobs fabric... I'm going to have to make something fab, plus find someone to give the offcuts one too when its finished, I think most people I know have something made by Mum and/or myself!!

Anyhow - It's time for tea, this time from my lovely teacup and saucer from Zandra Rhodes (my favourite things collection) Plus to start planning what I'm going to do next week.... I'm off work again AND ... well... it's my birthday next week too.....

The Blogger's Assistant!

I had mean't this to be a different post than it is, but to be honest, I thought I'd better show you what I'm looking at whilst trying to do this post

Cute, ain't he... he keeps on coming round for a cuddle, I've had to abandon the first attempt at posting because he walked over the keyboard - nutter that he is. Bless Dougal - you really are taking after your namesake at the moment, what with the rollerblading, thickness and fear of nuns....!!!(only joking about the nuns bit - he is like Father Dougal his namesake in the stupid stakes though...!) these are small.... those are far away...

Anyhow, I digress!!!

I hope everyone had a marvellous weekend. Sophers and I went to Wales, a lovely little place between Capel Curig and Bedgellert. We sat round a campfire (well two really - v cold!) watched Sopher's friend firebreathing and I had a go at a didgeridoo!

Thanks to the lovely Sarah (yes another one - we get everywhere!) for the photo's - I forgotted my camera

We took our mbira's and we played for the gathered throng, although it was very cold and gloves soon were put back on!!! It was a beautiful place though and I can't wait to go back for a proper trip when it's a tad warmer!!!!

The weather might be cold, but it has its advantages, like fab sunsets! On my return home from work yesterday I took this from my front step - even in the most urban of environments, it's easy to appreciate the fabulous colours this sky paints for us don't you think? Have a Happy Wednesday....!