Haiku - Japanese Poetry

 The snow disappeared as quickly as it came, several times.  More is forecast for over the weekend but it isn't likely to last long thankfully.  Nothing stops Mother Nature so even this terrible cold snap and the intermittent snow has not stopped the unfurling of the rhubarb and the growth of the mint starting back on its journey.  Daffodils are also starting to show their beautiful trumpets.  It has been a slow start but Spring is beginning  to make an appearance, teasing us with a promise of so much to come.  I have finally made a start on some seeds.  I love this time of year when our little cottage is filled with seed trays on every window surface, giving us hope of some tasty salads for the Summer and dried herbs and sauces for the Winter.

I celebrated my birthday yesterday, such a wonderful day where I was spoilt.  We did manage to go to town and had lunch at the Crown Hotel, it was such a treat to be able to eat out and enjoy food that I had not had to cook.  We had a family gathering via the computer and once again I am so thankful for this amazing technology.  I was also blessed with lots of cards and gifts and was thoroughly spoilt.  I just love the handmade cards the Grandchildren make and the progress they have made each year with there drawing and writing skills.

Gerard and I have had so much with Haiku, a form of Japanese poetry consisting of 3 short lines that do not rhyme using 5/7/5 syllables, 17 syllables in total.  When we first started this little adventure together we had remembered it wrong and was writing the poem using 5/7/5 words not syllables.  I had started to record some of them and had fun with watercolours.  

An artist I am not but I have enjoyed the process.  These are some of the poems written wrongly using the word format not syllables but I decided to keep them as they are part of the journey.  The fun is in the journey taken and not necessarily the end result.  It has been an unusual adventure, playing with words but one that I have enjoyed and will continue.

My daughter has just started a blog recording some of her travels, it does make for a good read.  Here is the link should you want to visit www.thatmumtravellife.com let her know I sent you.  She calls herself Tor but she will always be Victoria to us.  Its a nice way to record some of the amazing days out they have with those gorgeous boys and is an honest review regarding finances too.

Hope all is well with you and that you are safe, well and enjoying life.  There are times when this pandemic and the restrictions imposed have been tedious to say the least but the separation from family has been so hard to bear.  I yearn to be able to plan a trip to catch up with them all and whilst I am so thankful for technology and the joys its brings its not quite the same as seeing them in person.  The sad death of Prince Philip and the wonderful tributes made to him highlighted how short our lives are.  Such a special man that will not get  the state funeral that he so richly deserves.  We need to remember to make every minute count and enjoy what we have making as many memories as we can along the way.

See you soon.

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.

This and That Filling Our Days

Hurrah we have internet connection...lets hope I haven't spoken too soon!  Not really sure what the problem is other than over use I would imagine as schools have closed and everyone is working from home the computer has become everyone's best friend.  Technology is such a blessing in times of hardship keeping many people in touch with each other.

  I am truly grateful for all the key workers that are maintaining our shops, production, packing, delivering, stacking shelves so many people involved in the chain.  I applaud you all.  I took the time this morning to really think about the people that are still working, transport in all its guises buses/trains along with all the deliveries.  The postal services again in so many different ways.  Care workers and of course our beloved NHS workers at all levels.  So many unsung heroes that are keeping our country going and helping those in need I will be forever grateful.

Soap seems to be short supply here on the Island so I have been making a couple of batches.  My way of giving back to the community that has been so good to us.  Bringing a smile in times of uncertainty.

Eggs are another way of giving back, lets hope our girls continue to lay every day.

Flowers are so uplifting and what a surprise when this gorgeous bunch arrived in the post from our daughter.  Making my day and lifting spirits.

There was also a little surprise left in the front lobby another bouquet from our dear friend and neighbour who is able to go to the stores.  She picked up a few bits for us, bread and fresh salad and these gorgeous blooms.

Mickey has been given a little trim, as it was difficult to keep up with his grooming.  He is not looking at his best but at least his fur is not tangled now.  We will give him another tidy up a little later but for now he is OK.

I was asked by our ministers wife to write some poetry for the church news.  A rather daunting task when I first thought about it as it wasn't something I have ever done before.  It is quite amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.  I will share some of it with you as time goes by.

Crafting is still a major way of filling my day.  Thank goodness for the stash of craft provisions making it possible.  Our youngest grandson has a pirate bedroom so I have made some storage bags for him.  My favourite is this large bag using fabric that has been in my stash for years and lined with the remains of an old red sheet.

A hessian patch stitched on so that it can be clearly labelled.

Skull and cross bones fabric used to line the drawstring bag and shopper.  He will love them.

I am knitting a bag on enormous needles using this pattern.

It won't take long to knit up at all.

We are filling our days and are surprisingly upbeat.  We are enjoying the sunshine even though it is still very cold.  Making the most of what is an unavoidable situation.  Hope all is well with you and that you are not too stressed by the situation we all find ourselves.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Thank You

Thank you so much for your comments and emails.  Your thoughts and prayers were so very much appreciated.  My sweet Dad is now at home been looked after by loved ones.  I am now back on my beloved Island, I returned yesterday.  The boiler finally gave up whilst I was away so it was decided to replace the whole system, radiators pipes and boiler.  As you can imagine I have a lot to sort out now I have returned.  Gerard is now doing well so I have a lot to be thankful for.

I am extremely tired so it is my intention to take things slowly for a few days and take my time to catch up with you all.  Normal services will resume soon.

See you soon.

Christmas 2018 Part 3

The last leg of our trip away was spent in the North East of England with our youngest daughter and her little family.  We had called in on our way down to drop off gifts and relax awhile before our onward drive so it wasn't a surprise to see how much the girls had grown.

We crammed a lot into the time we were there and were spoilt with good food and treats.  We had a trip to Sunderland to catch the sales and have a wander.  Although the main purpose was to go to the theatre to see Peter Pan.

The girls got lucky with a couple of trinkets bought with some of their Christmas money.  There was some wonderful architecture to admire as it was a City that I have never visited before.  The old Fire station had been turned into a bar/restaurant which looked amazing.  There appeared to be quite a few regeneration projects, it was a joy to see neglected buildings repurposed.

The Peter Pan Pantomime was a delight, the traditional he's behind and you and such made for a fun afternoon.  The girls were such fun to be with and loved every moment.

They loved photo bombing, a trick learnt from Granny when we were messing around with the camera whilst waiting for the show to begin.

The show was worth the wait.

Sisterly love...

A trip to the Cinema at Hartlepool to see Mary Poppins Returns.  We all enjoyed it and what a delight it was to listen to the girls chatting about it afterwards, a joy to see and hear them so animated.

Finally a visit to the Park and beach a must do when new scooters need to be tested out.  Even Granny was allowed a turn.  I must admit to quite enjoying the experience, once I had got the hang of  swivelling my hips.

The park another adventure that Granny enjoys joining in with.

Fun and laughter, games and play dough made for a wonderful visit.  Lots of treasured memories made.

Back to normality...

Mickey is getting back to normal and has earned a good rest after his long trip.

Sweet dreams...

All in all a wonderful Christmas, spent with all the family and making some amazing memories to treasure and keep us going until we see them again.  It is my intention to have some of the photos printed so that I can make a start on a Christmas scrapbook ensuring that we capture the fun.

I have a long list of future projects that I am eager to get started on but for now the duster and vacuum cleaner are calling.  Our little cottage is in need of a good clean from top to bottom and I have some urgent thank you letters to get started on.

See you soon.

Christmas 2018 Part 1

My goodness the weather is atrocious, it is blowing a gale outside.  Yesterday the winds were 75 - 100 mph the ferries were cancelled for the day and it was grey and more grey.  Unfortunately we had to leave our cosy cottage as I had a physiotherapy appointment for my shoulder.  The drive over was hard going but each view amazing.  The sea was raging and battered the shoreline making it look like a boiling cauldron.  Thankfully no damage.

Our trip away started with a bad weather forecast, so we changed our plans and rearranged the ferry to avoid the worst of it.  The ferry over was choppy and I must admit to been relieved to see the shoreline of Ullapool.

The drive down through Scotland was uneventful but slow due to the freezing conditions.  It was certainly worth it to see my dear parents, they are doing well.  They have made the decision not to move up with us, they have made new routines and the family visit and help regularly so all is well with them.  It was a joy to spend some quality time and enjoy their company.  We had lots of fun trips out, Mums favourite is the Garden Centre at Woodthorpe which we love to admire the wonderful Christmas decor displays.

Next stop Ampthill to visit Amie and her little family.  How those children have grown, we had so much fun with them.  Bertie loves to play with his Lego and Honey still loves ballet.

Soft play is still a big hit which was included in our trip to visit Santa.  Honey is a joy to watch clambering after her big brother trying to keep up with him.  All credit to Bertie he is mindful of her and gives her a helping hand.

Not too big for cuddles...and both still keen to show their crafting abilities.

How cute is Honey all dressed for the cold.

Amie is an amazing cook and a great hostess so it was a joy to enjoy all her goodies that she had prepared for us.  They went off to Disneyland for Christmas whilst Gerard and I drove over to Norwich to meet up with our eldest daughter and her little family.   Once again we were spoilt and had some amazing food, cooked with love.  The boys have grown, Wilbur more so.

Then it was off to Harwich for the ferry over to Holland and our stay at Efteling, which I will share in another post. 

I have made a start on catching up with you all but still trying to get back into some normality here.  The laundry has now been done but we are still struggling to find homes for the generous amount of Christmas gifts and craft resources.  Mum is no longer able to knit so gifted me a large amount of wool she had stashed.  I have lots of great plans for future projects.  

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

See you soon.