The Wanderer Returns

 I am back from our trip, tired but feeling good.  With all the new restrictions around Covid it was good to see my parents and set them up for the Winter.  They are both doing well and it was a delight to spend some quality time with them.  They have ample food both in the store cupboard and the freezer.  My niece goes every week and either takes my Mum to the supermarket or does a shop for them, she has been so good.  The tree and decorations are now down from the attic so they can decorate when they are ready.  The dogs have been groomed and toe nails cut and another home appointment set up for them so another thing less to worry about.  The garden is ready for the Winter and the outside water tap lagged.  I felt good leaving them knowing that all is well.

Our only trip out was to the Garden Centre which is annual event for us although this time we didn't eat out.  We did however, enjoy the wonderful displays. We had such a fun morning.

There was so much to see, display after display of decor and gifts galore.  I did manage to finish off my shopping without breaking the bank.  It was a little unusual to see all the face masks and not the shining faces of the pleasure as people wandered around.  Good in many ways too that there was not the crowds but maybe that was because we were so early.  

I have made a start on the unpacking and the laundry but there is still a way to go.  Not least finishing off some of the chutneys and pickles that I like to make at this time of year.  It is so wonderful to be back on the Island and in our little cottage, Home Sweet Home and where our hearts are.  I will be around to visit you all as soon as I have caught up.  But, in the meantime take care and stay strong.

See you soon.

Here Comes Santa...

I love Christmas it is one of my favourite times of year.  I start my preparations for Christmas many months in advance, crafting a lot of gifts, cards and tags in the privacy of my own craft room.    I don't like to be put under pressure so enjoy the process throughout the year.  Imagine my surprise when we went to the garden centre yesterday and there in all its glory was Christmas décor in every shape and form ready for their opening evening today.  I will not lie I did have a stroll around, as did my husband, Mum, Dad and brother.  I think it was the shock that kept us walking, one beautiful display after the other.

 

Now do not get me wrong some of the decorations were stunning and the displays were jaw dropping.  In September really!!!!  Much too early for me I have to say.  I appreciate that stores are competing for sales but if it gets much earlier we might just as well have it all year around.  What is your view do you like to see all the Christmas décor on sale in September?

 

We did also have a stroll around the dinosaurs, to see if it was suitable for the children of course not for us.

 

 

They would love it.  There was also a secret garden which was a delight for the children with trampolines and play park, definitely worth another visit.  We checked out the restaurant too, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  A lovely family stroll.

 

See you soon.

 

Happy Spring Day

I have had such a fun day today, the sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and the rain has stopped.  My dear Father has had a trip out for the first time since before Christmas, it was a joy to behold to see him looking so well and enjoying the great outdoors.  We went to the Woodthorpe Garden Centre, always a nice place to get some inspiration. 

 

We did smile at some of the ornaments on display, you really would have to have a large garden for them to fit.

 

I loved the elephant, there was something about it that drew your eye but not very realistic for my little plot.  We certainly had a fun time looking around.

 

 

We had a lovely lunch in the restaurant and enjoyed watching Dad eat something other than the soups I have been making for him.

 

 

The homemade coleslaw hiding behind the chicken breast in a bun was beautiful, the portions were a little large so I couldn't manage desert but it didn't stop my sweet Husband and Mum, they both got stuck in.

 

 

We got lucky with some sale priced plants too, so all in all a good trip out.

 

 

I have also had some fun in the craft room making some hair bobbles for the girls ready for their trip to Disneyland in the summer.  I covered some buttons with Mickey Mouse fabric, to make a simple but effective hair adornment.

 

 

I have also made a start making a couple of headbands for them ready for the Christmas period using some green fleece fabric and buttons.

 

 

A great day, I am going to put my feet up for half an hour and then attend to those bargain plants that I have just bought.  It doesn't take a lot for me to have a good day I really do enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

 

See you soon.

 

 

Happy Halloween

 

Hope everyone has a great Halloween.  The photo was taken at Woodthorpe Garden Centre last week.

 

See you soon.