This And That

I have had a busy few days sorting out both my stash of yarn and my stash of fabric.  What fun I had working out some future projects with the fabric I already have.  I now have a list of projects that I have in mind for Christmas projects and gifts.  Sorting it all out this early gives me plenty of time and no pressure.  A win, win situation.  Another bonus I don't have to budget any extra cash I already have the resources.

I have harvested some more mint and it is now hanging to dry, ready for those Winter months.  I have also added some more oils chilli and basil to the store cupboard.

I have finally finished the Christmas scrapbook.  I did the main one of our trip to Efteling but didn't get around to doing our trip around the family.  I really enjoyed the process and loved looking back at some of the photos and the joy our children and grandchildren bring.  I loved browsing through some of their artwork that we were given, each piece made with love. 

I have just finished making my sweet Dad a card in readiness for next Sunday, Fathers Day.  I just need to package up his gift and get it to the post office. 

I do thank you for all your well wishes to Gerard, his change of medication is hitting him hard and he is in considerable discomfort but he is coping well.  We are going to enjoy a meal together now and watch a film.  A movie night in. 

Thankfully the sun has been shining today but we still have cool temperatures, I am tempted to light the stove.  Where are the lazy, hazy days of Summer?  I must admit we are enjoying some wonderful evening skies despite the inclement weather.

These are about 10pm, amazing just how light it still is.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

See you soon.

Indoor Pursuits

This is the view from my lounge window...

 

Not a pleasant sight.  We have a burst sewerage pipe with a lot of them need replacing, consequently the digging up of the garden and lawn in all its glory.  They have repaired the bulk of the pipes on our land and will continue into the neighbours and the road so they will be around for some time.  Thank goodness for insurance!!!!

 

The noise, the smell and the unsightly view has meant a more indoor approach to events this week.  So I have finally finished the holiday scrapbook, not before time I might add.

 

 

The tickets and boarding card have been included in the layout of Wilbur on the ferry.

 

 

Postcards of places we have visited or stayed have been a main focus on some of the layouts, enhancing some of the photographs.

 

 

The scorecard became the backdrop for an afternoon at the bowling alley.  A timely reminder that Granny has still got what it takes and was the overall winner/not that I am competitive, it is the taking part that matters.

 

 

Maps were another useful addition, showing the area we were in and enhancing once again the photos.

 

 

A combination of tickets, postcards and maps make for an interesting layout and show a more detailed outline of places visited. 

 

I am really pleased with the overall look of the scrapbook, it tells a story of the holiday that just using photos would not have covered.  I have also included snippets from tourist guides, programmes and menus on some of the pages.  A lovely record of an amazing holiday. 

 

The weather has really picked up today and now that the hole in the garden has been refilled the smell has disappeared so hopefully we will be able to sit and enjoy a glimpse of the summer season. 

 

We are away from tomorrow visiting Victoria our eldest daughter so I will not be around for a few days.  Have you any plans in place for the weekend? 

 

See you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrapbook Fun

I have had a wonderful weekend catching up with family and then with crafting friends at the craft fair.  Only 7 weeks to the wedding it is really approaching fast, so much to do so little time.

I woke this morning and padded around to a beautiful glow on the landing, as I looked out of the window this was I saw... A beautiful sunrise.

Does it get any better than that?  Certainly worth getting up for.  The temperatures are starting to plummet as the season now starts to get a grip, the changes now are really noticeable with blustery winds and overcast skies with rain.  All quite normal for this coastline, as soon as there is a break we still have a few jobs in the garden to finish. We haven't bothered this year with winter crops all we have left to harvest is leeks and beetroot.

 

I have spent a couple of hours in the craft room making some more pages for my scrapbook of my beautiful grandchildren, it gives me a warm glow like the sunrise to be such a big part of their lives.  I am truly blessed.

Daisy helping Granny strawberry picking, if my memory serves me correctly she ate more than she picked.  A wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Lily and Daisy having fun at the ball pool, look at their beautiful faces they are having such fun.

This is such a sweet photo of Lily chasing a butterfly in the park.

A day out with Bertie and Amie at Festival Gardens Spalding, a half way point between our two homes.

Grandad and Bertie having fun at the Play Barn.

Wilbur having fun with the house, posting little people down the stairs and laughing with delight.

Playing shops before a trip to the Dino park, the concentration putting the food through the till and into his basket is amazing.

 

Lots of wonderful memories made through the summer now recorded to re-live through the cooler months, bringing lots of warmth to my life.

 

See you soon.

  

Scrapbook Sunday

Yesterday was another day of mixed blessings weather wise, a bright sunny mix with torrential rain.  I managed to catch up with my brother and his grown up family at my parents which was nice, you don't often see them all together.   The rain did keep us in for most of the day but I did manage to start my holiday scrapbook which was a real delight reminiscing with my husband and catching up with each other.  Thank goodness the rain has drained away at the corner of the garden, although it is still sodden underfoot.

I used the map of the resort we stayed in, a photo outside the apartment and some lovely American stickers to embellish this page.  I still need to the  journaling, but I was pleased with the overall effect.

 

This was Mum and I proudly showing off our wares brought from a thrift shop at Mount Dora, I included a brochure showing the main features of the town and a beautiful clipboard sign.  Again I do need to add the journaling.

 

Again, a leaflet used in conjunction with a photo with flowers to embellish.  It is actually quite striking, the photography is not up to scratch.

 

 Next up is a record of our visit to Downtown Disney, using the map as a base and some wonderful Disney stickers.  The overall effect is quite enchanting.

 

Some truly stunning photos of the topiary at Disney, highlighted with some really delightful embellishments.  You got it...the journaling needs to be done!

 

Another map was used highlighting the Park Avenue area of Winter Park, a truly delightful place to visit.  There is a beautiful park to stroll around and a rather yummy farmers market on a Saturday.  The embellishments used were handbags, flowers and a little gem.

 

Finally the photo of Dad visiting the cockpit on our flight home, a truly wonderful experience, that made his whole holiday, using the flight ticket and some sentimental embellishments.

 

As you can see not a whole lot achieved, when you consider how many photos were taken.  But a start non the less, a very enjoyable few hours relaxing and reminiscing.  A delightful way to record a holiday and bring back all the memories of times gone by.

 

See you soon.

 

 

Scrapbook Fun

I am new to scrapbooking, but I can see that it can become addictive.  I have had a pleasurable couple of hours doing two more pages of the grandchildren.

A simple page of Bertie decorating the Easter tree.  Just look at the concentration on his little face, such an important job.  A job well done, bless him.

Wilbur and Bertie enjoying a ride on the Magic Roundabout.  Once again its the concentration on Wilbur's little face as he tries to insert the coin that makes me smile.  Well done Wilbur!

 

Its such a wonderful way to record events that you want to remember and bring out and re-live time and time again.  I don't know why it took me so long.

 

I do need to start getting some scrapbook supplies now that I know I want to include that in my list of hobbies.  I think this could become an addiction...

 

In fact only last week at a local car boot sale I did happen across some rather delightful bits and pieces that may be useful.

They were a real bargain at 4 packets for £1, it seemed rude not to pick some up and add them to my scrapbook box.

 

See you soon.

Birthday Memories

Remember these, beautiful birthday gifts from April.

Lily my beautiful Grandaughter gave me a kit to grow my own Lily.  Well, here it is now....

Doing quite well in the dining room window.  I had a wide selection of scrapbooking materials and a scrapbook, so I spent a nice couple of hours on it yesterday.

My very first completed scrapbook page.  Such a nice way to spend time reflecting and remembering times gone past and recording the special occasions.

 

I intend to put a book together of the children's artwork. You never know there may be a budding Van Gogh in my family, I'd better keep them away from the scissors.

 

Another crafting journey begins...yet another work in progress.

 

See you soon.