Photo Update The Ritz

 Sadly I am still unable to upload the photos from The Ritz .  On a more positive note I received a beautiful record of the occasion from my daughter.  A beautiful album of precious photos in one place, treasured memories.  So that I could share with you I have taken some photos of the photos.  

It was certainly an event that will evoke some lovely memories for a long time to come, cherished memories of a gift given with love.

The pots at the front of the cottage have been refreshed, giving the stone walls a little hug.  A patch of colour added to the white painted wall with solar lights added here and there.  A cottage that gives us so much protection from the elements and is so loved in return.

The herbs are starting there journey, poking through the soil and re-emerging after a stormy few months of dormant sleep.  We have started some extra ones off from seed that are almost ready to be planted into the herb garden tyres.  I love to grow, cut and dry these versatile plants for Winter soups and casseroles.  The vegetable garden is looking a little sorry at the moment but I am hoping Gerard will be able to potter a little more now that a treatment plan is in place for me.  I will start palliative chemotherapy treatment next Tuesday.  This should help to keep me comfortable, it is not a cure.  I am thankful and certainly hopeful that it may give me some extra time with my beautiful family.

As always I feel blessed by your visit and your uplifting comments.

See you soon.
 

Magical Moments

 It has been a dream from when my three daughters were at university that we would one day meet up and a have afternoon tea at The Ritz.  Last week the dream came true, the family flew me down to London where we had the celebration tea.  We were treated like royalty, the decedent surroundings, gold plate everything and silver tea settings were a true feast for the senses.  I have many photos that I can look back on to relive such an amazing experience.  It was a joy to share with my three very loved daughters my excitement for such a simple pleasure.  Afternoon tea...who knew that a simple sandwich could taste so good.  Each sandwich, a different bread adding to how the stand looked visually as each piece was a different colour.  Each tiny morsel melting in your mouth.  The waiters in all there finery/livery were so attentive which just added to the experience.  Next came the scones plain and fruit with jam and clotted cream.  I am a great fan of a scone and these did not disappoint.  They were light and delicious just what you would expect from such an establishment, yummy!  Onto the top tier of the cake stand and those cakes and pastries were a delight.  Finally out came a celebration cake where a fruit cake was delivered to the table with such pomp and ceremony.  To finish the cake trolley delivered another selection of cake.  It was an afternoon that I will never forget and fulfilled a dream for our little family.  Simple pleasures, surrounded by love and very happy.  Magical moments.

Sadly I am unable to upload the photos for some reason but I will try again.  I would love to share them with you.

We did laugh when it was back to earth with a bump...travelling back using easy jet ( a budget airline)!

On the crafting front I am keeping myself busy.  Today I made a start on one of the project bags that I had prepared, making Christmas napkins ready for each of the girls.

I found the napkin rings in a little shop in Inverness, which I am sure will add to their story.  Such an attentive lady who wanted to please.

Another magical moment was a visit to the local craft fair, held in Sporsnis (Ness Sports Centre).  I met a beautiful lady called Charlotte who had a wonderful stall.  I fell in love with a hat that she had made and bought it on impulse.  It was her first sale, she was quite emotional and told me that any other hat of that design would be called Lorraine.  Under the circumstances, that was quite the legacy especially as I have such a love for hats.  That young lady will never know how much this means to me but I certainly wish her well in hew new venture and hope she does well.

I will close for now with a warm welcome to new followers.  I hope you find love and hope in some of my adventures through life.

As always I thank you for your visit and your supportive and uplifting comments.

See you soon.