58:365(+1)

Although it wasn't as warm as it had been over the weekend, it was still warm enough for us to head out to the park.  This park has a little fenced in area for younger children with the baby swings and a little slide set.  Alice had great fun running between them but the swings seemed to be her favourite.  As I pushed her she would let out a little WHEEEEEEEE!  So cute - only problem was that in a number of my photos it looks like she's really not enjoying herself lol!

Teddy had great fun swinging too :)

xx

57:365(+1)

There was another first today too - I was able to hang my washing on the line this morning.  It's still there as I type but I'm hoping it'll be more or less dry by the time I bring it in (or at least not need too much longer!).

xx

56:365(+1)

As it says on the collage, a day of firsts yesterday :).  I am loving the warmer weather we've had the last couple of days and it's almost feeling spring like.  I daren't get too excited because you just know there will be some colder weather round the corner but, for now, I'm making the most of this weather and getting outside as much as possible.

Hope you're having a good weekend where you are.
xx

55:365(+1)

 Uncle Hugh & Alice

Alice was having great fun wearing Aunty Em's panda hat this afternoon. She was finding it quite amusing and loved it when Hugh was playing around with her (after his gym workout). She is such a little sweetie and has the most infectious laugh! 

The expression on her face in this bottom photo is classic Alice - she was finding it all so funny!

xx

54:365(+1)

After coffee with the ladies I meet up with once a fortnight, it was back to Puddleducks this morning to show another friend where the shop is.  We spent a pleasant hour looking at all the fabrics (and maybe buying a few) before making our way home again.

Myung San suggested we stop off at the Wiremill Inn for a sandwich and coffee for lunch because the weather was beautiful.

 We chose to sit outside on the deck and this was our view. So peaceful and the sun was quite warm so I was able to sit out without a coat or jacket on. It felt like a little taste of Spring :)

These geese came over to see if we had any food for them. I love the way the sunlight was caught on the water. Tomorrow's not meant to be too bad either so I think Alice and I may go out for a little walk.

xx

53:365(+1)

This morning, when I picked Claire and Alice up, Claire warned me that Alice had been awake since 5am and was likely to go down for her sleep earlier today.  She made it to just before 10am and then climbed on my lap with her dummy and blanket and was soon fast asleep.  I have a travel cot in what used to be Claire's room and that's where Alice goes down for her sleep during the day.

xx

52:365(+1)

It was great to get a chance to chat to Deb on Skype yesterday afternoon and I had meant to take a photo for my photo a day - but we were so busy chatting I forgot all about it. 

However, as it was Shrove Tuesday, we made pancakes for dinner last night and I remembered to take a photo of them.  I like my pancakes with lemon juice and cinnamon sugar - what do you like with yours?
xx

51:365(+1)

We bought this little pram as part of Alice's Christmas present but, up until now, each time she leant on it it would tip over and she got upset. Today I brought it down to see how she would get on with it and she was fine. Her dolly, teddy and Mega Blox figures all took turns at being put in the pram. I just love that she loves her dolls and teddies and is so girly :)
xx

50:365(+1)

A quiet day today and I managed to finish Jill Mansell's new book on Kindle on my iPad :)

xx

47, 48 & 49:365(+1)

It's been half term this past week and because I ended up not having Alice, I've been out and about a bit and haven't been on my computer as much. So now it's time for a quick catch up for 365(+1).

 On Thursday morning Jon and I had someone come round to write our Wills.  It's something we've been saying we need to do for years but had never got round to.  I feel so much better knowing that this has now been taken care of.

 Friday was my sister Kay's birthday and we were all invited round for afternoon tea at Theresa's (Kay's younger daughter). Alyssa had been asleep when we arrived but when she woke up she was in a lovely mood and wanted to have a cuddle with Nan/Kay.  We had a lovely afternoon just chatting and eating (too much ;o) ) Thanks Theresa and Kay for a delicious spread.

Claire and Alice are finally on the mend (after Alice's virus, Claire came down with a horrible head cold) and this afternoon they came round to spend some time with us.  I love this shot of my 3 girls - daughters Claire and Emily and granddaughter, Alice :o).  Might just end up in a frame somewhere!

So, that's me caught up for now.  I'd also like to say thank you for all the lovely comments about my log cabin quilt (post below).  I've so enjoyed making this quilt and can't wait to have it completed.  Deb (Paper Turtle), I'll send you an email shortly :)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
xx

Log Cabin Quilt

This log cabin quilt was started in May last year. It's completely hand quilted and has been sewn a block at a time. The best part is ... you can do it anywhere. I keep my fabrics, sewing box, cutting mat, ruler and pencils in a basket which sits next to my seat in the lounge. There have been times when I haven't touched it for months and other times when I've sewn every day. Knowing that I now only have four blocks left to make has motivated me to sew more often :)

 I pulled all the blocks out on Monday night and lay them on the floor to see what the finished quilt will look like and I have to say, I LOVE IT!  This one will definitely not be going anywhere and I can't wait for it to be finished.

 However, having said that, it could take me another 9 months before I finish sewing it all together. I have no idea how long it'll take OR how fiddly it'll be OR how patient I will be OR whether I'll get fed up and it'll take even longer. Who knows!! I'm just hoping the fact that I want it complete is enough to motivate me to keep going :)

 I love that this quilt has used up so many of the fabrics I had in my stash that I didn't know if I would ever use. That it doesn't matter how much or how little on any one fabric you have, it can all be included.  I love looking at all the fabrics and colours and seeing that it doesn't matter if the colours I put next to each other didn't go because at the end of the day the main thing is that you have the light and the dark sides which form the pattern.  How cool is that!

And finally, Emily thought she'd give you an idea of how big the quilt will be. She's 5'4" so I'd say it's definitely longer than 6' and about 6' wide. As she says, big enough for both of us to snuggle under when it's finished :)

xx

46:365(+1)

• The fabric was washed and tumble dried after I got back from Puddleducks yesterday.
• This morning I ironed it and cut it out.
• Arranging the fabric and seeing the layout come together is always fun.
• And finally, sewing them together and
• Adding the border.

The quilt top is complete and, if I get a chance, I hope to layer and baste the top, wadding and backing together, ready to start quilting tomorrow.  It's come together much quicker than I expected - which means I now know that it will be ready well in advance of when it is required for.

That feels good!
xx

45:365(+1)

I really haven't been doing very well with my photo taking this week :(

Mum and I went to Puddleducks in Sevenoaks today so that I could get some fabric for the next quilt I'm going to be making. It takes us about 40 minutes to get there (and now that I've been a few times ;o) I no longer need to use the Satnav) and it's normally quite a pleasant drive. Today, however, we seemed to get every lorry possible pulling out of side roads in front of us or stopping at the side of the road so we'd have to wait to overtake. It wasn't the most relaxing drive!

Getting to Puddleducks soon makes up for that though as they have a lovely selection of fabrics. Today was a bit trickier as I was looking for fabrics in a colour that I don't normally choose and had decided on a different design for this quilt. Let's just say, after an hour or more of looking and discarding fabric, I finally decided to revert back to a simple block quilt and after being shown one fabric I really liked, the rest finally fell in to place.  I know I'm being a bit secretive but I don't want to give anything away.

This leads me back to the lack of photo taking. I had put my camera in my bag to take photos while we were there but I got so involved in the whole fabric process I forgot totally! It was only when we got to Otford (the next village along) where we normally stop for lunch before heading home, that I realised I hadn't taken any photos. I snapped a couple of the main street in Otford but that was it.

This then is my photo for today & we didn't even eat at that pub ;o) but a couple came out in front of me just as I was taking the photo and obscured the view of where we do have lunch, so this will have to do, lol!

Despite all that, Mum and I had a good time and I got my fabric, so it was a good day after all.

xx

44:365(+1)

 A trip to the South African shop at Redhill is never a cheap outing ;)!  Emily and I took a drive out there today and came home with three carrier bags full. The spoils had to be divided for each family member so that no one was left out and everyone got what they had requested.  Unfortunately, I didn't do very well at taking photos - forgot at the shop itself so said I'd take some when I got home. Got home and divided everything up and promptly forgot to take a photo again! This is a very small selection of some of the goodies we got - biltong - so more-ish; Black Cat peanut butter (the best peanut butter I've ever tried!); condensed milk rusks for dipping in coffee ;o); Top Deck chocolate for Mum & Dad and Peppermint Crisps for a caramel pudding I make.  Also bought today were curry powder (again, my favourite and only from SA) and Cream Soda squash - which both Hugh and Claire grew up on when they were little and we lived in SA, they still both love it! There was more but I won't mention everything :)

 We go the back way to get to Redhill and this involves driving along some country roads.  On the way there I noticed the snow in the fields and it looked so pretty. Driving home, there were no cars behind me so I pulled off the road slightly and jumped out to take a couple of photos.  It was so pretty!

Thank you for all the well wishes for Alice.  I saw her this afternoon and she was still quite poorly and only wanted her Mummy. However, Claire text me this evening to say that Alice had started eating a little bit and seemed much brighter after having had something. Her temp seems to be staying down, though she has now got a very snuffly nose.  Hopefully the worst is over now and she'll start feeling better day by day. 

xx

43:365(+1)

Alice has had a temperature since yesterday afternoon :(  This morning I popped over to the flat to see how she was and she really wasn't well. We phoned the on call Doctor and were asked to take her up to the local hospital to be checked over.  It seems that it's a viral bug and her throat is inflamed but not infected. Claire was advised to keep giving her paracetemol and if she gets any worse we've to call the Doctor again.

It's horrible seeing her like this because it's the first time that she's felt this bad - she's had colds before and the rash recently but this is the first time she's had a temperature and really not been well. She doesn't know what's wrong and gets upset so easily and we feel quite helpless.

Claire had been up a few times last night with Alice and I was glad to bring them both home after we'd seen the Dr because Craig was working today (and Claire couldn't find her house keys!).  After Claire had had some lunch and Alice had had a little bit of yoghurt they lay down on the couch together and managed to get some sleep.  I couldn't resist getting a photo.

As Alice just wants her Mummy at the moment, Claire phoned in to work to explain what was going on and has got the day off tomorrow so that she can look after her. I'm so proud of Claire and the wonderful mother she is to Alice.

xx

42:365(+1)

The lengths my daughter will go to to stop me taking her photo ;o)

xx

41:365(+1)

 Alice had the choice of two new drinking cups today, one which has a top like a straw (but it's not a straw) and this one which is more like drinking from a glass.  This is the one she tended to go to more though she did drink from both.

And, after reading a few blogs tonight where people are taking part in Shimelle's Ten on the Tenth I though if I just added another nine of the photos I took today I could also join in. So here are the next nine ...

 Love the little tongue sticking out as she concentrates :o)

 With her two new cups

 Love this little one so much!

 Telling me that the cat (in her hands) says Miaow!

 Playing with toys

 Might be time for a trim soon

 She loves putting things in this bag Norma gave me and carrying it around.

 Talking to the horse :o)

Such a very happy, precious little girl :o) and I'm so very grateful that I get to spend so much time with her.  I love you gorgeous girl xxx

40:365(+1)

Before doing my Photo of the Day for today I want to say Happy Birthday to Norma.  I miss the fact that we can't be with her on her birthday but I know she knows we're thinking of her and wishing her a wonderful day.  Happy Birthday, Norma xxx

New walking shoes were the order of the day today.  I wish I could say it was because I do so much walking but, in fact, it's because these are about the only shoes that keep my feet warm in winter.  I get terrible chilblains when it's cold so if I'm going out I need to know that my feet are warm.  My last pair had finally given up the ghost and when I saw these on sale it seemed the right time to buy a new pair. 

xx

39:365(+1)

This morning, while Alice was having a nap, I finished another block to add to my growing pile.  I pulled them all out to count them and see how many more I still need.  There are 41 blocks in that pile which means I only have another 7 to make before I start joining them all together.  I can't wait for this quilt to be finished  and this is (another) one I won't be giving away. 

xx

38:365(+1)

Today was our Silver Wedding Anniversary - 25 years of marriage.  I know Jon gets fed up with me saying this, but it makes me feel quite old!  I remember my parents Silver Wedding and their friends' Silver Weddings and it makes me wonder how we're there already! Doesn't time fly!

It's been a busy day for Jon as he prepares to fly to Sweden tomorrow morning on business. We did, however, manage to go out for dinner with Hugh and Emily, my parents and my sister, Kay.  We had a lovely meal and enjoyed the company. Jon's message in my card was about looking forward to the next 25 years together and I've no doubt when 50 years comes round I'll still be wondering how we got to be this old - lol!
xx

A Month In Photos - January 2012

This morning, as I was reading some blogs, I saw Karen's Month in Photos post which reminded me that this is one project I want to do this year.  Rebecca Cooper at Simple As That offered a template for the monthly photos which I had downloaded at the time but I hadn't got round to completing my January page until now. 

I love that it's so simple to load your photos into it and you have a little summary of your month.

Emily and Young - Korean lessons after school 

Mum's nosebleed at the Doctors (still makes me chuckle when I see this photo!) 

Baking cupcakes with Alice 

Mini photoshoot with Lily 

Picking up Hugh from work 

New double glazing put in 

Michelle's visit and Claire & Alice's chance to meet their new niece/cousin.

I'm linking up with Simple As That Month in Photos.  Is anyone else going to join in too?

37:365(+1)

We've had a really quiet day today. The snow is still lying on the ground, though the roads are now clear. Craig dropped Claire and Alice off early this morning and Claire walked to work from here.  Emily had been hoping they may have a Snow Day but checking her computer first thing this morning, that wasn't the case. Come this evening, however, I realised I hadn't actually taken any photos so I was grateful to get this shot of Emily working on her textiles homework (though actually looking at me was out of the question ;o) ).

xx

36:365(+1)

I had a few to choose from today but have settled on this one as my photo for the day.
xx

The snow has arrived

I know I kept mentioning how mild our winter had been and that we needed some cold weather to kill off the bugs etc. etc.  Well, that cold weather has certainly arrived and yesterday morning when we woke the temperature was -7C.

We started getting some very light snow in the afternoon but yesterday evening it was coming down steadily and Jon called us up to the bedroom to have a look at it starting to settle on the ground.

 Taken at 7.45pm last night



 Taken at 11.45pm

By the time I was getting ready to go to bed it was about an inch thick and I took a couple more photos.

 11.53pm

This morning when I woke up I knew we'd had a fairly decent snowfall before even getting out of bed.  It was quiet in a muffled way, with hardly any bird noise.

 These next photos were taken at 08.50am today :o)

 Love the trees with their snow blankets

 A little bit later and the neighbours children were having some fun in the snow

 You can see the depth of the snow on the table in this one -and look at all the little paw prints ;o)

Our back garden.

Emily was hoping we'd have more snow today and then perhaps she'd have a snow day tomorrow but the weather is not obliging at the moment and I have a feeling school will be open tomorrow.  Craig has offered to bring Claire and Alice round here tomorrow morning because I don't know if I'll get my car out (unless it clears a bit) and Claire will walk to work from here. 

I hate to admit that I am not one for going out for long walks in the snow, I much prefer to stay indoors - nice and warm - and look at it from here.  Speaking to Norma on Skype this morning she was saying it's been really  hot over in South Africa and they've had the aircon on to try and cool things down a bit.  I think I prefer what we've got here, at least we can add layers and sit under a blanket to keep warm but there's a limit to how much you can take off to try and cool down.

What's the weather like where you are today?

xx