Blondieuk's stitching room

A relaxing day

2012-01-15T00:50:00.004Z

We've had a relaxing day today it's been a very busy week, I've not been to well still but needed to bath & clip my dogs, the thought of doing them all was I have to be honest looking like a huge chore I could do without. However my daughter came to the rescue and helped, I took the dogs to her house she bathed and we trimmed and groomed together including her 2 Lhasa girls as well. It's taken all week but they're all looking great and smelling sweet. This little man joined our family late last year, he came as Dudley but we call him Dooglebug. He's not 2 until next year and is a great little chap who gets on really well with all our others and follows his big brother Nemo around. This photo is him at Christmas watching his favourite buddy, grandson James look for a dvd to watch!

The stitching photo is of my progress of the second stitching of Angel of Spring. I'm stitching it for my framing lady but it's been on hold for quite some time due to not being able to stitch with all the dust and muck we've had around. I'm hoping to make some real headway with it soon.

I love visiting other blogs to see what other stitching are focusing on at the moment. Oh boy there are some wonderful projects being stitched.
I have quite a few projects in the pipeline that I want to get finished this year. There are 4 quilts need backing and finishing, xstitch projects need finishing and I have new curtains to make for the caravan and the summer house. Well it's getting late and I suppose I ought to try and get some sleep.

Enjoy what is left of your weekend

hugs Peg x

How bitterness destroys

2011-12-10T15:10:00.006Z

In the past few years I have met some wonderful people through blogging. I've shared their ups & downs. Loaned a shoulder when they needed to lean and have had the same support given back to me 10 fold and I thank you all for that.

How sad it is when someone seeks to destroy the happiness of others, well this is for one such person, may you find enough peace to get on with your own life, bitterness never built anything it destroys with a passion. May this person find peace in their life, your lies can't hurt me because the truth always outs in the end.

Getting back to normality, things on the dog rescue front are as busy as ever, we like all other rescues world wide are expecting our numbers to increase over the few weeks as puppies are bought for Christmas and the older dogs pushed out. More foster dogs have come through my home since I last posted. Each one has been a joy to have here,all have found loving homes. One in particular, Alfred, a blind, abused and elderly Shiddie boy has moved on but to a permanent foster home. He stole all our hearts with his wonderful character, everyone who meets him falls in love with him. Kelly his permanent foster Mum runs her own business designing and making designer knitted dog coats. She, her family and her dogs have taken Alfred into their hearts and he is thriving, his hair has now grown back and he's doing well. Kelly's children, dogs, cats and chickens all accepted him as if he'd always been there, thank you Kelly.

Don't you think his coat is great another beautiful one made by Kelly. Apart from a fantastic foster home the vet Kelly uses specialises in eye disease. He most probably will have to have his eye removed at a later date but his life will be as comfortable as it is possible to make it.

On the renovation front things are progressing gradually, now Neil has taken flexi retirement he has more time to do the things needing doing. The garden was a big job, the summer house is still waiting for curtains, my fault! but we've enjoyed many happy hours in it this summer. I'm just sorry there's no heating down there or I'd be sat in there lol.

The other summer house which Neil turned into a dog room was being used as storage but is being emptied gradually. We're waiting for the chaps to come back to build the steps up to the conservatory, it's decorated, floor down and the chap is coming to measure for blinds. It's so light and airy, brilliant place to sit for my first cuppa of the day.

I have a new 4 legged baby, no not a furry one it's my new Dhlongi range cooker, I love it!! The kitchen is finished I'm so pleased with the workmenship, the builders were great and even made me a cupboard where the designer had placed a block off. They said it was wasted storage space so turned it into a cupboard, lovely men they were ;o).

I got up this morning to the smell of baking, Neil had got up early so was baking cheese biscuits mmm. I have been able to get back to baking my own bread which I enjoy. Son in law Andrew helped Neil lay the kitchen and conservatory floor.

Decorating the living room is next, we both love creams and browns so it will have muted colours on the wall. My stitched samplers line most walls but I found a beautiful shabby chic mirror for over the small fire we have so that will be hung later. The bedrooms have been decorated, mine is finished but the front room is still waiting for the curtain rail to be put up and the laminate floor laid.

The next big job is the bathroom, thankfully you can get a b/room suite under £500 from Wickes, B&Q and Homebase so it'll just be having it installed and the tiling. Downstairs cloakroom needs painting so not a big job. We're trying to get it all sorted because we want to be able to go off to our bolt hole at the coast and not worry about jobs needing doing at home.

We have always wanted a holiday home, we couldn't afford a bricks and mortar one so decided to look at static caravans. We didn't want to travel far so opted for the Lincolnshire coast, we found a lovely site which has owner only vans on it, there's a wine bar but nothing else. The grounds are immaculate and the whole site is kept clean and tidy. It has a beautiful fishing lake for those who like fishing, this is situated just behind our van.

We love it, it only takes a couple of hours to get there, the dogs love having the run of the beach although I think we'll have to find a dog friendly one in the summer. We spent quite a bit of time there in the few weeks from buying it to the season finishing November 13th. We're having a balcony built just outside the door so the dogs can sit outside without taking themselves for a walk ;o). There's also a large patio for us to put seating and a bbq on in the summer.

It's so nice to have somewhere to go to get away, we're really looking forward to spending time down there this year. The other beauty of it is our 'kids' and grandchildren will be able to enjoy it too.

I've managed to catch up on some of my favourite blogs there are so many talented ladies out there in blogger land. Margaret is one of these viewing her blog is always a pleasure she does the most amazing projects, so beautiful. Please take a moment to visit her blog you won't be disappointed I promise you.

Take care and I hope 2012 is good to you all

Hugs Peg xx

Bear with me

2011-07-26T09:43:00.003+01:00

Please bear with me and I'll explain the presence of this little girl soon. I've been really busy over the past few weeks overseeing the changes we've made to house & garden. Dh, daughter and grandson have worked so hard putting our accumalative ideas into place. I'm not being lazy just can't do the things I used to anymore.

In the garden area we now have the longed for summer house, all the area is paved leading to less high maintenance. Our small storage shed had a repair and repaint. We bought another summer house which now houses my grooming table so I'm able to clip the dogs making less after clip work than it was. I've had to refuse the offer from friends to clip their dogs too I do mine when I can so am not under pressure. The dog room also houses their food etc. Dh also filled another of my dreams, I've always wanted a garden swing, we saw one when out shopping before the garden was finished so he bought it for me. Aren't I a lucky girl, well old bird :o)

I have always wanted a conservatory and have waited just over 30 yrs for one, finally we have one. Because we are limited on space it isn't massive but I love it. The workmen were great and a pleasure to have around, the quality of their work was excellent. Dh just has to paint the two small areas of wall which were plastered, now we've agreed on the colour, and lay whichever flooring we decide to choose. We're not going with ceramic tiles due to it being to cold in the winter. I want to be able to use it all year round. It will either be laminate/wood or a good quality cushion floor.

My bedroom has had a makeover and I absolutely LOVE it, my daughter has worked really hard, the blind and curtains were put up yesterday so photos can be taken soon. The front bedroom just needs the blind and curtains putting up, carpet laid then this too is finished. On the 10th of August Dh and SIL are off back to Spain with his brother for a 10 day break, BIL lives out there. Whilst the men are gone the stairs, landing and hall, the living room and downstairs loo will all be repainted. The dining room recently had it's makeover, the kitchen will be done later this yr. My new large stove is sitting patiently in the garage ready to be installed, this is the beauty of having a Dh who loves to cook, he too fell in love with the idea of a large stove ;o). At the moment he's undecided whether to have a complete new kitchen or just replace the stove, which will mean I lose 2 cupboards, have new worktops and paint the cupboard doors. The bathroom will be done later also.

Dh is taking flexi retirement at the end of the summer so he wants to get everything done before then. It will mean he works Mon/Tues/Wed for 6am-9.30am then 3pm-6pm on those days and is off Thurs/Fri/Sat & Sunday. He's wanting to be able to relax in the garden or take off walking somewhere for the day or when he and friends go climbing for the weekend he can leave Thurs instead of Friday teatime. He can then do all this without feeling guilty that there's work to be done at home.

I'm not worried he'll be under my feet all the time bored out of his brain, he has a lot of hobbies, especially photography. Unfortunately he doesn't drive so I'll have to be his driver but he's happy to be dropped off for the day.

I have a lot of sewing to get done but certainly have enough fabric in my stash to choose from. There are at least 4 patchwork quilts need backing andfinishing off. I still have to complete the Angel of Spring xstitch for my framing lady. I haven't been able to xstitch for a few weeks my hands have been to swollen but I'll get to it as and when I can she isn't in a hurry. I have a lot of samplers I've stitched which are sat waiting for the hall to be completed so they can be put up too.

It's been a hectic few weeks but oh so worth it, I've sourced all additions through some of my favourite stores Ikea, B&Q, Wickes, Dunhelm, Wilkinsons and through ebay, freecycle, flea markets & carboot sales. Oooh I've loved it LOL.

Enjoy your day

hugs Peg x

My apologies again

2011-07-08T02:05:00.004+01:00

For not keeping my blog up to date, life hasn't been to kind to me for the past few weeks so everything has been on hold but I'm fighting my way out of the cobwebs. I hope to post and put up some photos in the next few days.

I have been visiting some new blogs you know there are some great blogs out there. I've also visited a few of my favourites and not been disappointed. I have been slimming down the demands on my time so I hope to have more time for me and the things I love doing.

The picture at the top is of our new addition to our family, Millie Moppet is an 18mths old Shih Tzu girl. Like my others I absolutely adore her even though she keeps us and the others on our toes LOL.

Will chat to you later, take care and have a great weekend.

hugs Peg xx

An update

2011-04-28T00:19:00.003+01:00

The photo above is of my babies all snuggle up on the rug, I love each and every one of them.

Firstly I'm sure you'll all be happy to hear Beethoven wasn't long in his second foster home. A couple who lived not to far away from his foster home fell in love with him, he's now enjoying his retirement home down south as an only dog.

There have been several dogs who've stayed with us since, mainly Shih Tzus, Harry a gorgeous boy who is now living with his new Mum & Dad in Nottingham and the beautiful Buster who worked his way into dh's heart. He had a super character, not a bad bone in him, his temperament was superb, his new Mum is totally besotted by him and who can blame her. He's now living in the Midlands.

During the early part of this month I had two little visitors for 6 days, their foster Mum went away on a long weekend art course so they came to stay. They are the most gorgeous little Maltese girls I've ever seen, we loved having them, they fit in really well loved having cuddles, loved going walks. I had two furry hotties beside me whenever I sat down lol.

They're going in for a dental next week and will then be ready for rehoming. They need to go together being dependent on each other. I consider myself so very lucky to have these little characters come into my life and home, I love each and everyone of them. It's a bitter sweet feeling when they leave, sadness at their leaving but happy they have a new loving family to care for them.

We had a few problems in the rescue during late January and have lost several staff members, it meant a lot of hard work for those of us who remained. Not a lot of sleep was had for several weeks but we're now climbing back up and the rescue is going from strength to strength.

There has been some progress on the work front, we had the promise of warm weather over Easter so dh decided to get the garden into order before starting in the house. He's worked so very hard putting in 12hrs a day alongside my daughter and grandsons. The dogs did try helping but their help wasn't appreciated LOL. My daughters little Lhasa girl Cassie came each day with her so joined the pack.

Between them they've completely cleared the garden, uprooted and relaid pavers down the side of the garage. I now have a path from the bottom of the steps from the kitchen to the garage, it was decking but when it rains the decking gets slippy and I've fallen so many times so now my path is none slippy. The small shed at the bottom of the garden has been cleared of all it's rain damaged contents and is now sporting a new roof, new floor, 2 coats of new paint and a new lock. She is now very happy after her makeover and promises to keep everything dry in future.

The fencing has had 2 coats of seagrass coloured paint, I've always been a wood stain girl but fancied something entirely different and I'm really happy with the results. Sam and I painted my bench and I'm looking forward to going through my fabric stash and sewing new cushions for it. Can I have a drum roll please, the summer house is now erected, yeeeeeaaaahhhhh. It is complete, painted in seagrass, locks on and all that needs doing is the painting inside, I'm so happy with it. However it is not in the place we first intended it to be, dh decided to put it near the house so I could use it as a grooming room for the dogs! This will help to get all my grooming tools and equipment out of the house, my new hydrolic grooming table is paid for and on it's way. An electrician is coming to install the electric when we're ready and I am hoping to talk dh into plumbing my dog bath in as well but it's no great problem if he can't. I can now sell my small g/table, I had to downsize so it would fit in my kitchen when in use but now I'll have more room. We have ordered another summerhouse to go at the bottom of the garden as originally planned and the builder called tonight to measure up for the new paved area which is going to make life so much easier for me.

I will post some photos when all the work is completed, I do have some I've taken so far but need to upload them to my laptop.

My stitching is on hold again at the moment I can't get near it, I'm hoping to have the boxes moved asap and get back into my sewing room again.

Until next time, take care and take time for you :o)

hugs Peg x

My Apologies

2011-01-12T02:03:00.004Z

My apologies to everyone who visits my blog and takes the time to leave kind comments. The past year has been so hectic with the rescue, it has been both heartbreaking seeing all the dogs come into rescue and rewarding seeing the same dogs leave and go to their new, loving homes.

We recently celebrated our 2nd anniversary and in that time we have had just over 800 dogs go through our 'doors'. I have one here at the moment a 12yr old Shih Tzu boy called Beethoven, that's his photo at the top of the page, he's moving to another foster on Sunday who has less dogs. He's used to being with only one other dog, here he's sharing with 7 others.

Sadly Paddington lost his fight in the summer of last year against the debilitating results of several strokes. We hung on clinging to the hope he'd get better but sadly the time came to say goodbye all to quickly. We still miss him, we miss watching him clean his teddies and tell the others off for taking them or having them in their beds without his permission.

I've stuck to my promise to dh and haven't adopted another Shiddie or Lhasa girl although some really beautiful natured little ones have come and gone.

My stitching time took a nose dive and it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that I decided to make time to stitch. I missed it so much and the priority at the moment is L&L's Angel of Spring which I'm stitching for the lady who frames my stitching. I'm missing my samplers but need to get this stitched as soon as I can. I have so many samplers I want to stitch, I was going through some of my charts the other day and was flabbergasted at the amount of charts I have :0)

We have so many jobs planned for the house this year, my new large cooker, splash back & hood is still in it's boxes in the garage. Our summer house is still awaiting the time to put it together, we need a new bathroom plus new windows & doors. The back garden needs remodeling too. Where all the time will come from to do the projects I've no idea but get done they must.

Well I'm beat and I have to get up early tomorrow so will say buy for now and thank you for reading.

Take care

Peg x

A Bit Late With My Tusal......

2010-04-15T10:16:00.003+01:00

I'm a little late adding a photo of my TUSAL but here she is, I've been really good, I went to my stitch club yesterday and even saved my orts to bring home and put in the jar :) It's only since I have been TUSALING that I've realised just how many orts we have, I used to pop them in the bin.

I've stitched some more on my Celtic Noel and have also started Celtic Spring on Sugar Maples Gilded Summers' End. It's a beautiful glittery fabric with motled colouring my dh chose it from several I'd laid out in a floss toss, a brilliant choice. I've set myself the task of stitching all 6 C ladies but all are with different conversions to the originals. I have to add here I am NOT talented enough to do the conversions they are from another source, legal I have to add. I thought I would stitch on each one until I get to the same stage as CN then move to the next one. I know this way it will take a while to complete them all but it'll be worth it. I've already earmarked the wall leading up the stairs for their home when completed.

I'm off to the local town soon, a friend at stitch club has found a brilliant framer who's rates are reasonable so am going to take a couple of samplers to price the framing on them. My other framer does a wonderful job but it's costing me over £100 per framing and as I'm now legally a pensioner I can't really afford to have all the others framed at this price. Some I can frame myself but if the piece is not standard frame size I need a framer.

I've just watched the news and heard of the impending volcano cloud which is due to hit us soon hopefully it won't affect to many people's health. Most airports have cancelled flights for the day as it's in our airspace, unfortunately this affects some peoples holidays they've been looking forward to.

Take care

hugs Peg xx

A Couple More Finishes & A New Start

2010-04-06T16:37:00.007+01:00

Gosh been awhile again I see, life has been busy and my health took a nose dive but things are slowing down a little now. Health wise I'm still having problems with my knee and back causing major mobility problems but enabling me to stitch more.

On the stitching front I decided I wanted to stitch the Celtic Noel again. I stitched her & Celtic Autumn in 2005 but my friend fell in love with them so I'm doing them for myself this time. I'm using a different conversion to the originals for both of them. I finished Hester's Needle's Heavens Gate sampler & Prairie Schoolers Winter sampler, I need to frame them now, when that will be is anyones guess! I have stitched more on CN she now has the wreath in her hands. I was so excited yesterday I received Celtic Summer & Celtic Spring conversion packs so will be stitching them all.

I've enjoyed catching up a little on other peoples blogs, don't you just love visiting, I have so many people who's homes I can pop into and sit, it doesn't matter they're half way around the world they're only a click away on here and there's always a warm welcome. It never ceases to amaze me the wonderful talents that abound in these blogs we have some extremely talented ladies amongst us.

I'm off to make a cup of tea, visit a few online friends then get back to my celtic lady. Enjoy your day.

Take care
hugs Peg xx

A Few More Photos

2010-03-02T17:48:00.007Z

A few days ago I saw this beautiful finish on Sallys blog if you scroll down you'll see the georgous finish AND as you make your way down you'll see her treasures she's been stitching on since this finish. I'm sure I saw smoking needles over Yorkshire last night LOL. Sally offered the chart and remaining supplies for sale and I couldn't resist it. I hope I have as lovely finish

as she has.

I bought a few quilting books from Amazon and 1 from ebay they arrived the other day and I forgot to post pics.

Below is an update of my Prairie Schooler Winter sampler, I'm really enjoying stitching this and hope to finish it this week. I'm having a tv evening so will be stitching on it whilst chilling.

On the left side of my blog you will see a new button, TUSAL, this is a fun project of placing all your orts and little bits that usually end up on the floor around us when stitching in a jar or vessel of any kind as long as it's see through. It's amazing how much you have in a short time, the participants post photos every month of their jars. Should you wish to join in the fun please click on the button and it'll take you through to the sign up page. Go on you know you want to. :o)

I've managed to get an appointment with my dr for next Monday to see if I can see another consultant surgeon for a second opinion. The pain is reducing slightly if I'm careful and don't over do it so hopefully I can begin to benefit from the op.

Take care

hugs

A Few Photos

2010-02-26T19:03:00.006Z

Here's the photo of my Victorian Sampler after coffee dyeing it, I'm pleased with the results which is even more lovely in the 'flesh' so to speak. I'm hoping to get it framed in the next few weeks.

Photo no 2 is of the Style Quaker designed by Jardin Prive this stitched up pretty quickly and was a delight to stitch.

The 3rd photo is of my current stitch, Winter sampler by The Prairie Schooler. I stitched Autumn leaves in 2006 photo 4, maybe I'll stitch the summer & spring one too to make the set. I like stitching PS designs the colours are always so bold but warm.

On the knee front things aren't going so well,

I've been experiencing a lot of pain and difficulty walking. Not like last time at all, I saw the consultant surgeon on Monday he showed me the xrays and told me he wasn't pleased with the results because the joint wasn't straight! Not straight, it's at a blooming angle.

Also he'd had to shave away a lot from underneath the kneecap and insert a prosthesis under it which will cause pain for quite some time and may never go away. He seemed very blazai about it what worries me is will it affect my walking in the future. I'm going to see my own dr next week and ask to go to someone for a second opinion.

The rescue is going to be busy this weekend we have 6 cavelier dogs coming in from a breeder who is to ill to look after them plus a little Pom girl. This is on top of the dogs that have already come in this week. I can't foster any at the moment I've been finding it a bit hard coping with my own. I love them to bits and wouldn't be without them but sometimes they need a long walk, I can't and dh is not able to with work commitments.

I'm off to read a few lovely blogs and then stitch on my PS for a while, dh has just left to meet his climbing friends for a drink, glad I'm not going out it's really cold out there!

take care

hugs Peg xx

What was I thinking !!

2010-02-17T12:59:00.003Z

After finishing the Victorian sampler I came upstairs to kit up Nathalie's Style Quaker sampler, this is a small one so should be a quick finish. I had to move things to get to the cupboards for the supplies so was not most impressed with myself. Because of this I decided it's time I had a sort out, oh my gosh what was I thinking. I honestly didn't think I had so much, I think I have stitching stash to last a few lifetimes. The quilting supplies aren't less either, I think I have enough fabric to make at least 40 quilts if not more. Apart from the cupboards there is fabric in about 10 large plastic tub containers. I have to do a bit then have a rest do a bit etc etc.

Another thing in looking for supplies for the sampler I have found loads of samplers I've stitched, some I have forgotten about, all needing framing. I realised I have not posted pics of these so it may be pic overload in my next post. I also found samplers framed already which I had forgotten about. I'm going carefully now as I'm wondering if I may find a lost bank manager in here somewhere ;o) I love my hand-dyed fabric, evenweave & linen so will be keeping them but I have found loads of aida and I just don't use it. Also I have some threads, Madeira and some which came with kits I am not going to use. Does anyone know of a charity that sends stitching goods abroad who could benefit from this stash? A few years ago I sent some out to Romania to a village where people had requested stash for the ladies who had nothing but I've lost the address. Either that or a charity here in the UK who could benefit from it. My email is ladylovestostitch@gmail.com please feel free to email me if you know of anyone.

Changing the subject completely, I don't think Paddington is going to make his 11th birthday, he kept me up last night with his barking. My neighbours aren't here in the daytime but they all work so I don't like the dogs being noisy so I spent most of the night up and downstairs. Today because I'm busy doing something he's constantly barking. He isn't indicating what he wants just barking in one room after another. I'm letting him bark he can't disturb anyone in the daytime, I know he's not ill just annoying me............................................I love him to bits but am thinking of sending him on a road trip with his little pole and red scarf with his dinner in it ;o)

I must get on sorting my room out I can't see my cutting table at the moment it's covered with stash from the cupboards and now I've got to put it all back. I'm going to have my blog fix first though and drop in on a couple or so blogs and catch up.

Have a good day, I hope your weather is better than ours, we have thick fog and it's very cold. Neil rang this morning to say they have blizzards where they are so no climbing today! I will post a pic of the sampler coffee'd in my next post.

hugs Peg xx

I'm Happy Dancing!!

2010-02-14T14:45:00.005Z

I finished my Victorian Sampler last night after having to undo the right side border and re stitch it!! I found I'd put one to many stitches in the right hand corner arrrgghh, there are a couple more mistakes in it but I'm leaving it. Now it is finished and because I am immobile at the moment it only took a month to stitch. This is a pre coffee dyeing pic it's been soaked in the coffee and it drying at the moment but when it's dry and pressed I'll post a pic. That's another one to add to the many which haven't yet been framed! I found a few new blogs to read last night and really enjoyed my visits. On one I saw the Quaker Lady designed by Nathalie I fell in love with this a while ago when I was stitching two other Quaker samplers. I went onto Nathalie's blog and oh boy that was fatal..........her charts are available either by pdf download or actual paper pattern. To save on costs I opted for the pdf which I prefer anyway as I always do a working copy and never mark the original. I bought several of her charts, 8 actually then I went back to purchase 2 more which I love. So much for NOT buying any new stash for a while, but then I thought about all the stash I have and realised I really must have enough charts to use it all up. Well that's my thoughts on it anyway ;O)

I found this strange dog in my home, I woke up from a nap to find my legs numb and this growing on them. I was quite dazed at the time and honestly thought I was hallucinating. But on coming around properly realised it was little Nulie Noos in her favourite place ;0) She and Poppy has taken to laying here since they came home. I think the thinking behind it is I can't go anywhere without them knowing now.

I've got one very sad little boy on my hands, Nemo along with Poppy is dh's constant shadow when he's at home. Since he went on his climbing trip Nemos been laying on his bed, I managed to coax him downstairs this morning but he sat looking at the front door for a while then mooched off back onto his Dads bed. I've never had this before, it's always been me the dogs pine for if I'm not at home so am a bit at a loss as to what to do with him bless him.

Take care

Hugs Peg xx

I think we're finally turning the corner!

2010-02-11T21:19:00.003Z

Well I think things are finally improving, I didn't sleep at all on Tuesday night because of the pain despite the medication. I was shattered yesterday. It wasn't until around 11pm I realised my knee hadn't been to painful and I could cope with it. In bed I managed to get comfy and suffered no pain all night and today walking has been a lot easier. I really feel I'm turning the corner and it can only be good from here on. I'm glad it has because Neil is reluctant to go on his climbing trip if I can't cope. And it means only 2 more injections..yeahhhhhh.

On the stitching front I'm on cloud 9 I have almost finished my Victorian sampler I just have the bottom band and the bottom border to complete. I've been reading through a few blogs and WOW there is some seriously gorgeous stitching out there ladies, I love looking at peoples finishes you inspire me so thank you for sharing.
I hit on a new blog, new to me anyway, this evening, this is Tanya's blog, why not pop in and say hello it's a really lovely chatty blog, down to earth, a very enjoyable read.

On the quilting front I can't do any until my sewing room is cleared, there is waaaay to much stuff in there. I have a lot of new recycled fabric to choose from and I won 3 unfinished quilt tops on ebay, this is one of them, gorgeous isn't it? I'm really looking forward to finishing it.

Well I want to get back to my stitching to finish this sampler, I'll post a pic of it when finished.

Take care

hugs Peg xx

Brrrrr it's back !

2010-02-03T17:58:00.002Z

I looked out of my window late last night and we were having a snow shower, they had forecast it but I don't usually go by what they say because they're usually wrong. The slight covering was still on the ground this morning and dangerously slippy so no going through either the back or front door for me.
By lunchtime it was all gone thanks to a slight peep out of the clouds by Mr Sun, I was so tired I fell asleep this afternoon and was rudely awoken by the phone. People always apologise for disturbing me if I've dropped to sleep but as we, nor they have a video phone they have no idea what I'm doing the other end of the country so can't be blamed.
Whilst chatting sleepily to my friend I glanced through the window and said 'oh we've got one of those rainy snow showers again'. That was at 3.45pm now we have a good covering of snow much to some of the dogs delight but not mine.

The temperature has dropped considerably and hubby has just walked in looking like a snowman so I guess it's still coming down. Hubby is thrilled, it means good snow conditions in Scotland for their climbing holiday.

Back to stitching, thank you so much for your kind comments, I managed to get quite a good amount stitched on my sampler last night finishing the small alphabet & numbers bands. I'll be doing some more on it later. I sometimes wish I did more smaller projects then I'd have finishes to show you more often.

I had some sad news today, Dionne, who has kindly had my girls on holiday whilst I'm off my feet, had to take Douglas, a fabulously snuggle monster Westie she has been long term fostering for us to the vets yesterday. His health wasn't good when he came in to us last summer and it's deteriorated this past week. Sadly despite being on a drip all night plus other medication he has now gone to the bridge. Dionne and family called him the Brigadier due to his character and his pottering around. He was totally deaf and had not to great eyesight but he fit into D's family, both human and furry straight away and was very much loved. We also lost Sammy the Bedlington on Monday evening, he came into rescue last April, his owner had to return to work and was leaving him in the garage all day which didn't help his health. Jean another of our fabulous foster Mums took him into her home as a long term foster, he was tested and was positive for Cushings disease. The vet only gave him a couple or so months so Jean said she'd make sure his remaining months were full of tlc. Because of her care he lived a lot longer than we thought he would and was as happy as could be. He loved his life with Jean, Gyppy, Lucy & Archie the cat and his food, especially sausages ;O). The world is a sadder place without these two old boys but they have touched so many hearts over the months they'll never be forgotten. Both Jean & Dionne are special ladies and my heart goes out to them both.

You know there are so many wonderful, interesting blogs out there and I've enjoyed reading some of them so much. I love to see their homes, their work and read about their lives and could spend all day everyday reading them and still not read them all. Thank you ladies for sharing with us.

Take care

hugs Peg xx

How stupid can I get?

2010-02-02T15:56:00.003Z

Well as you know I've been using my post op immobility time to catch up on my stitching which I'm enjoying immensely. Unfortunately I have made a huge boo boo and I'm going to drive people mad and go against all my usual principles because I've decided I am NOT going to correct it!

My op was a success so I'm told but I am having some problems with it at the moment so they have put me back on the strong painkillers so I am going to blame them for the fog in my brain!

It wasn't until I got to the band under the alphabet and the stitching didn't finish right that I realised I'd make a mistake. I sat back looking at it trying to see what I'd done wrong then it hit me I had started the alphabet in the wrong place. It should be 5 rows down I started it 11 rows down from the border. Please don't ask why as I say I'm blaming the meds :o) In times gone by I would have removed the border restitching it but it would mean moving the top border down and undoing the two side borders and re stitching them. I am not going to do it, I know there is sufficient fabric to complete the sampler. If this winds anyone up I am truly sorry and will happily share my meds with you so you can chill out LOL.

I am at a loss as to why I'm still having so many problems with my knee, both Neil & I think there is at least one stitch left in which won't be helping and the pain is sometimes unbearable with the swelling not going down yet which makes it feel like a large band of steal around my knee. Please don't let me put anyone off having this done I do feel some of the problems may be due to my other health problems. I know I wasn't getting as much pain as this last time. When all this is over though I know I will benefit from having it done and it is worth all I go through.

I'm hoping things improve soon though because Neil is due to go on a climbing holiday on the 13th Feb so I need to be able to look after myself because I don't want him not to go he needs the break. So fingers crossed all will be well soon.

I'm still missing my other 2 girls Mia & Georgi girl who are having a whale of a time with Dionne and her family. We need to get them back up country but no one can make the whole journey so it means doing it in legs. I can't wait to see them again, I think Neil is worried they will forget us but I don't think so.

Well I'm off to read a few more blogs and then do some more stitching on my sampler, I hope I haven't damaged you to much with my mistakes ;o)

Take care

hugs Peg xx

Things are improving

2010-01-25T14:29:00.004Z

It's almost a fortnight since I had my knee replacement surgery and things are slowly improving. Because of there being a mass shortage of beds the hospital allowed me and the lady in the next bed to come home early. Unfortunately a sickness virus going around the hospital causing wards to be closed down and the bad icy weather bringing trauma patients in daily caused them to discharge those who had back up at home. Barb (my fellow escapee) were thrilled to hear the news, we had been sadly lacking in sleep not even averaging an hr per night due to a very vocal elderly patient in the bed opposite. The nursing staff were run off the feet daily and no break in the night time either.

Everything went well I did have a scare when I met the Anaesthetist he told me because of my health, my reaction to the GA and there being no spare bed in the ICU ward I would have to have an epidural, my heart sank to the floor. I couldn't be awake during the op I knew I couldn't cope with it. He promised me he would give me a sedative so I wouldn't be to aware. I am much relieved to say he was right I didn't I only remember hearing one strike of the hammer which hits the joint home that was it. I was in a lot of pain but wasn't suffering in my usual way after a GA which was a great relief.

I did have one pleasant surprise, because the lady who's bed I was going in couldn't go home I was put in the private wing for 2 days. Very posh and I must say quiet however they moved me up to the original ward and although I missed the peace & quiet of my own room I had the socialisation with the other 4 ladies in my bay.

I had my op on Wednesday 13th Jan and came home on Monday 18th Jan. The district nurse has been coming in to see me and made her last visit today to take out my stitches and take another blood test. Do you like my new fashionable stockings? :o) I need to wear these for the next 5 weeks to help to prevent DVT. Because I came home early and the Tinzaperin injections are continued until a month after surgery Neil has bravely stepped in to administer them to save me having to do it. Sticking a needle in my own stomach every day is not my idea of fun! The stitching is neat but he evidently went offline a little on the knee cap :o)

The strong pain meds finish today so I'll be going back to my normal ones hoping they will help with the pain. The stiffness will ease with time, I'm doing my exercises and walking to get the leg moving properly. Driving is on hold until at least 6 wks post op so I get to be at home merrily stitching away.......yeeeaahhh.

The sampler I was stitching 'Heavens Gate' wasn't suitable to take into hospital with me due to me needing a stitching lamp to see the threads. I started a new sampler instead on 28ct evenweave, it's by Anchor and just called A Victorian sampler.

This is my progress so far, I am thinking of tea or coffee dying it when it's finished to age it a little.

My other good news is two of my girls have come home, I've really missed them, they are both a bit clingy at the moment I don't think they trust me going out of their sight just now. Angela has looked after them really well as I knew she would, they both came home freshly groomed and looking gorgeous. Angela thinned out Nulies coat for me and it's hanging beautifully now. They both had little diamante butterfly clips in their hair to finish off the look...... gorgeous!!! Thank you Angela for being such a good friend.

I now have to prise my other two girls Mia & Georgi girl from the hands of my other friend Dionne, she has enjoyed their company so much she's reluctant to hand them back. I think they're coming back sometime in the next two weeks. It gives me longer to get more steady on my feet.

Well I'm off to do more stitching before the phone rings and stops me.

Take care

Hugs

Peg xx

Another New Year

2010-01-10T19:13:00.003Z

Another new year makes her appearance, once you've

turned 60 the days seem to go faster than I can walk :0)

2009 was a year all about dogs, the rescue I 'work' with was busy from day 1 and as of our 1st birthday on January 7th we have rehomed 250 dogs. I have met some wonderful dogs, some so afraid they knew nothing better than to bite. Anxious ones leaving their beloved owners who were having to give them up due to health reasons or a death in the family. Not all dogs come into rescue because they've been abused or abandoned. I've met some very special people who've made a big mark on my life and I know will remain lifetime friends.

The photo is of my little munchkins when we were at a country show at Tatton Hall, Cheshire. The little beige Shiddie on the left of the pic is Caeser a foster boy I had who was adopted not long after. The golden boy on the right with the black lead is Milo a Lhasa boy belonging to Dionne another of our staff members all the others are mine. I wouldn't have been able to take them all if my two granddaughters Ellice & Molly hadn't come with me, we had a great day.

I haven't accomplished a lot of finishes stitch wise the dogs have been a priority this year but I have missed it so much. I've been collecting fabric for my quilting, so much so that I am now going to have to store some containers in the garage! I have enough I think to last me 2 lifetimes. I'm busy at the moment trying to catch up on ironing, I'm behind with it lately. Even if you're not out collecting or transporting dogs a lot of time is spent on the phone arranging for other dogs to come in or finding foster homes.

I've been busy clipping the long coats off my girls, I haven't had the chance to keep up with the grooming and don't want them suffering being matted. I'm also going into hospital on Wednesday for a full knee replacement and won't be able to do it for some time. The only one I've left long is my little Nulie Noos, tomorrow is not going to be an easy day. Nulie Noos and Poppy are travelling down to the south coast for a holiday with their Aunt Dionne, Mia & Georgi girl are going to Wakefield to stay with their Aunt Angela. Both these lovely ladies are having my girls whilst I'm in hospital to take the pressure off Neil a bit. I'm used to them but he's still at work and would need to get up 2 hours earlier each day to take them all out before work. Megan, Livvy, Nemo & Paddington will stay with Neil it'll be easier looking after 4 instead of 8. I'll miss them so much, I love them all to bits. It'll be strange having a bed all to myself I've usually got Poppy, Georgi & Nulie laid on me.

I'm nervous about going into hospital but at least I don't go in the night before this time, I go in to the ward for an injection on Tuesday evening then have to be on the ward for 10am Wednesday and the op will be in the afternoon. I'm praying the GA won't affect me as badly this time. My family were really concerned when I was a long time in recovery. The consultant told me I'd be in between 7-10 days but most people I've spoken to have only been in for 4 days so am keeping my fingers crossed I'm home this time next week. Then I'm hoping to catch up on my stitching.

Well I wish you all a wonderful healthy, peaceful and happy 2010. I've already started catching up on your blogs and have really enjoyed everything I've read. Thank you.

Hugs Peg xx

Our little man is leaving home :o(

2009-12-09T23:16:00.003Z

The time has come for our little foster boy Gizmo to branch out into a home of his own, he is leaving the nest and we're not looking forward to saying goodbye to him. This is his usual place when his foster Daddy is at home, it has been an absolute pleasure to have him here.

He's worked his way into our hearts and worked his way into the pack not trying once to flex his muscles and try to be top dog. We'll miss his lovely 'smile' and his laughable antics.

His new family are coming to collect him on Saturday, he'll share his new Mum & Dad with a little Shih Tzu girl called Minnie and a cat called George. They're really excited they've been chosen and passed their homecheck and can't wait to meet him.

If we had the room he wouldn't be going anywhere but there are so many dogs coming into all the rescues now leading up to Christmas that I need to keep a space open for the next foster dog. We already have 5 in this area waiting to come in to us. Our little tinker will be taking a massive piece of our hearts with him and I know there will be tears when he leaves and not only in my eyes. The dogs will miss him too they all include him in their play, apart from Mia she's getting grumpy as she gets older and doesn't want her space invaded even by a cute little Peke boy.

Our weather here is rain, rain, and more rain, I've just been out with the dogs and we've all come home like drowned rats!! We are better than some though we still have a dry home and aren't threatened with floods.

Have a good day

hugs Peg xx

We have a new little foster boy with us.

2009-11-22T00:12:00.007Z

Meet Gizmo the Pekingese our new foster,

this is the photograph I first saw of him. He's gorgeous isn't he. however when I collected him he looked a lot different. It's difficult to believe he's the same dog, his owners have 2 small children so find it hard to find time for him and said he wasn't getting on with their other dog.

Since being here he has shown no aggression towards any of my dogs, he fits in really well and loves attention, he isn't greedy as I was told and isn't food aggressive either.

He was neutered on Tuesday so has felt quite sorry for himself since then. He looks like a little fuzzball because his coat is severely matted, his back end looks like a matted rug. I'm not really sure what has happened to the hair on his ears it seems to have been chopped at.

I thought we were going to have to shave his hair off but last night he lay on my knee quite happily whilst I gradually teased out the matts on one side of his haunchers, he's had enough after that so I'll do it gradually. This is what I removed from his right hip area, it measures 8" high and 12" across.

The Quality street tin is there to show the actual size of

the mound in comparison.

He is a delightful little man who is mixing well and playing with my dogs. We've fallen under his spell but we are looking for a loving home for him, 8 is enough for us to cope with and look after giving us room for a foster.

I don't think he'll be with us to long before he finds a new home, it will be a sad day when he goes though.

I collected this little girl from the pound last Sunday, her name is Flower, seeing dogs in this state makes me despair at the inhumanity of man to animals. She is a sweet little Westie, very pretty and is already coming on in her new foster home. She will need medical treatment for quite sometime yet so will be longer before she goes to a new home.

Most of the rescues are very busy, Christmas time seems not to be a time of good cheer to domestic animals, they seem to become dispensible.

Hugs Peg x

Things are improving at last

2009-11-21T23:42:00.006Z

My dogs are all now well and Neil is also over his man flu, in all fairness it did turn out he had a severe chest infection and was off work for 2 wks. They sent him for chest xrays to make sure there was nothing nasty there, thankfully apart from the infection all was well. It has left him rather drained so he's finding being at work tiring especially in this term leading up to Christmas. I am hoping he either takes partial retirement or full retirement at the end of term. He's worked full time since 1964 and he works hard so I think he deserves a break.

I'm still waiting for the MRI results it's 5 wks tomorrow since I went so hopefully it won't be long until I hear now. I am still in a lot of pain but I don't like taking the specific meds they've given me all the time, I know they can become addictive and I don't need that to happen.

I have a new 'toy', it's a halogen oven and I love it!

We have tried several things in it and we're really impressed, the roast was cooked in it last week and was cooked in less time and was lovely and tender. Neil has been busy today, he's made a delicious cheese & bacon flan which was absolutely delicious
He also made a very scrumptious blackberry & apple pie for desert tomorrow, mmmm.

I've just realised my waistline could increase if he does take retirement!!

Hugs Peg x

A Busy Week

2009-11-04T22:05:00.002Z

Well it's been over a week since I last posted and I was determined to keep up but life is just as determined to keep me busy. I recently joined Becky C's blog Let's Stitch I've chosen this project to work on during Friday evenings. It's lovely knowing there are other stitchers throughout the world stitching along on their own projects. This is my progress so far, I love the colours.

It's been hectic here I've had 4 of my dogs poorly with upset tummy's, another 2 with throat infections and hubby with man flu, bet you can't guess who the worse patient is :o)

I won this gorgeous handmade quilt from an ebay seller in the US, it's from the home of an elderly quilter who has sadly passed away and in her life time stitched many quilts, I'm just sorry I can't afford more of them. I love these it's old and has history. I have a few wip quilts and hope to finish at least one of them before long so I can display my own work :o).

Photo curtsey of the seller.

I have enjoyed reading other peoples blogs so much lately and it's been wonderful sharing their adventures and achievements. I have a button on my side bar which is a link to Cindy's beautiful blog, I always enjoy visiting to see what new project she has on the go. Her home is like the blogs name Romantic. It's warm and welcoming and as I would love my own to be if the other half would give me free reign. Not much chance of that though :o) so I get my fix on Cindy's site, I've made time to do it I find it relaxing.

This week has been a week of deliveries, in my kitchen I have a large fridge freezer and in the garage are another 2 small chest freezers. All my freezers are full and there is a lot I want to do before I have any more surgery so I bought a tall larder fridge for the kitchen and a large chest freezer for the garage, we're not lucky enough to have the space inside the house for one. Both were delivered yesterday so having stood 24hrs to settle and having been turned on I can transfer food into the large freezer tomorrow. I won't have a freezer inside but that's not a problem. Also my microwave will fit on top of the new fridge in the space where my other one was so it will free up some counter space.
On our local free cycle someone requested a fridge/freezer for her son and partner who are setting up home together so they will be collecting it on Friday evening. My eldest son is having one of the chest freezers so have to find a home for the other one. They're all in good clean condition and should give their new owners a few yrs service.

Well I'm off to get my blog fix so will say bye for now. Stay safe and enjoy what you're doing.

Hugs Peg

PUMPKIN PATCH PRIMITIVES FABULOUS HAPPY HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

2009-10-21T19:12:00.005+01:00

Wow take a look at these gorgeous fabrics, they are a giveaway on Pumpkin Patch quilt shops site. I love the warm luxury of them, pop on over and visit a while and enter you may be the lucky winner! I'm entering I have some similar which will go really nice together maybe as a lap quilt.

Check out the whole blog whilst you're there it well worth it.

hugs Peg xx

A LOVELY PEACEFUL AFTERNOON

2009-10-20T22:14:00.003+01:00

I haven't felt to well today, I'm in a lot of pain with my back and have a lot of stiffness in my joints so have had a rest day. My afternoon has been spent looking around beautiful blogs, food, stitching, quilting and just blogs. I've seen amazing photos of their wares and projects, read about their joys and sorrows. On one I read of a gracious Granny who is 96yrs old and makes a quilt a week. I watched a video of her and she just thrilled my heart. It has inspired me to get more done on my room when I'm well enough and I feel truly blessed by having been in the presence of these wonderful ladies. Take a look here and read about this amazing lady or click on the Granny fan photo and it will take you to the blog.

take care

Peg xx

Back to another hospital today and other things.

2009-10-19T16:22:00.006+01:00

I had my appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon today, I was going to ask if the op for my other knee replacement could be delayed until well into the new year but apparently the knee has deteriorated so fast that he doesn't want to delay it much longer. I asked for the time frame if I agreed now, it would be in December, Neil doesn't drive and with this being his busy time at work I just couldn't have the op before Christmas. My surgeon has agreed to see me in December and put me in his diary for January or early February, on the condition I don't leave it any longer. Neil is possibly taking flexi retirement so that would mean he's only working 3 days a week so it would be easier for me then.

We had a new canopy put over the front door last week, unfortunately it rained just after he'd left, we were very pleased with his work but the flashing started to come loose during the next couple of days with heavy rain. He's here at the moment redoing it, so the blind is down in the lounge to stop the dogs barking at him. Mia has the most penetrating squeal bark I've ever heard and is not one you want to endure for long.

We've had the fencing on the back renewed we can't grumble the other lasted over 25yrs. The next job is having the rest of the back garden paved so, I can't do it anymore and Neil doesn't have the time it'll be easier to keep tidy. We have bought a summer house, although it's almost winter, even on days like today it's a bit chilly but I love to be out in the autumn sunshine so I'll be able to stitch down there getting fresh air but also away from the wind. We're waiting delivery on that, Neil has to put the base down yet, he was going to do it on Saturday last but his chutney making took up all his time so it looks like he'll be doing it in the afternoons instead of snoozing :o). Here's his Marrow & Apple and his Red Onion chutney using new kilner and recycled small jars.

He's also got to put a new roof and floor in our existing storage shed poor thing is looking a little worse for wear and letting water in, it's not a big job I don't think.

I can't wait to see it all finished and at last get my conservatory, I've been very patient waiting 28yrs for it don't ya think LOL. I've managed a little more on my Heavens Gate sampler, I am making time for this, if I don't the days slip by so quickly and it's another non productive day stitching wise. Here's my progress so far.

I've just read about my friend Margarets, daughters first venture into stitching. Check it out on Margarets blog I think Mum and daughter can be very proud of a beautiful project made between them. Check out Margarets stitching full stop she has completed the Beatrix Potter sampler recently but has made some amazingly beautiful items well worth a visit. I miss Margaret since she and her hubby Bob emigrated to Spain, also Sheila also emigrated to Spain just after I got to know her. I bought some stitching goodies from her and liked her from the moment I met her. She was in recovery from a hip replacement and was leaving for Spain a few weeks later. Not all my friends emigrate ;o) take a look at Shiela's blog too she makes beautiful needleworks. Imagine my joy when I found out two of my favourite ladies had 'found' each other in Spain and are now firm friends having lovely stitching times together.

My BIL has a villa in Spain which is his home and I know I would be welcome to go and stay, then I could visit with them but sadly I'm planted firmly on the ground, afraid of flying so am missing out on meeting up with them. Totally my fault for being such a wus at flying!

Well reality calls and I have to go and feed my man as he returns from bringing home the bacon LOL

take care and hope to speak again soon

Hugs Peg xx

My trip to the hospital and our little visitor

2009-10-19T01:46:00.004+01:00

This tiny little girl is 9yrs old and came to us because her Mum has Alzheimer's and couldn't look after her anymore. She is a really sweet little one but didn't seem to well, she needed a dental her teeth were a mess and badly decaying. Each time she ate pus was running down her throat sending further infection to her trachea. She had her op last Tuesday and came home with only 2 teeth left bless her. Because of her retching I'm not getting much sleep at the moment so am feeling pretty rough. She will be going to her new Mum soon who is really looking forward to meeting her.

She is evidently feeling better because she's telling my lot off each time they play fight :o) She is so fragile looking although mine aren't large dogs, she likes to sleep down the duvet at night. She may be tiny but we'll miss her when she goes. A postscript to this Cleo had to go to the vets this morning, I spent another night without sleep. She is to finish her antibiotics then see how she is on Friday, she won't be leaving us yet.

I went for my MRI today oh boy did I make a fool of myself, I thought the scanner would be one of those like a large polo mint but no it wasn't. I am seriously claustrophobic so when the scanner started moving me into the machine once my arms caught the side I pressed the panic button. The staff were absolutely great, they offered to rebook when I'd got some sedation from my GP but I knew I'd be worse going back. They suggested a lower pillow for my head so my face wasn't so near the top of the 'tube', I said ok. I thought I was going all the way through and had visions of being stuck in there for an hour which I knew I just couldn't do. However once my arms were inside and my lumbar region was in the middle that was enough so they did the scans in spurts of 2-3 mins. I felt 1/2 " small, on the floors above me were people who were dying of cancer and I'm fretting about being inside a tube but I just couldn't help it I suffer from claustrophobia and so I panic. They didn't take my head inside the tube which I will be eternally grateful for and we eventually got the MRI done with. I couldn't thank them enough but I did say if ever I have to go in further then they'll have to put me to sleep. I was still shuddering from it in the early hours of this morning!

I can't control my fear on this so hope I never have to have another one, just waiting for the results now.

take care

Hugs Peg xx

My toe dipping into the world of reflexology

2009-09-30T01:32:00.004+01:00

I'm having tremendous problems with my feet at the moment, my heels are numb and I am experiencing numbness from below the ball of my foot up to and including my toes. This makes life very awkward if I'm stepping over something I never know if I've cleared it and often fall flat on my face in either the kitchen or hallway after coming through each door. I went to see a neurologist who wants me to go for a scan, there are two possibilities either the nerves in my feet are dying in which case there's nothing they can do. We know I don't have diabetes. Or it could be related to my spine there may be nerves trapped. If this is the case it's possible surgery will rectify this.

I asked the neurologist & my own dr if they thought reflexology would help get the circulation back. Both said it wouldn't hurt, no offence to anyone but I don't believe in the hocus pocus of such treatments but I thought the deep foot massage would help rather than a pedicure.

I had my first appointment on Monday and have to say it was very relaxing, I couldn't feel some of what she was doing but what I could didn't hurt. I was told to sip plenty of water throughout the day and rest for the afternoon. I would possibly feel a little nauseous or tired, it was the tiredness which hit me. I made myself comfortable, threaded needles ready to stitch on my sampler, I woke up almost 2 hrs later with a half threaded needle in my hand! Neil said she perhaps should come each night then I'd sleep better :o)

The recommended space between each treatment is 7 days minimum so I'm off next Wednesday for my next one. My feet were tender the next day but not painful, they are swollen again but that's par for the course lately.

Changing the subject the nine Shiddies we brought in are doing really well in their foster homes and learning how to be normal dogs. It makes it all worthwhile when they start to trust again. Paddington is feeling better after his two days of not being well, he slept the days away and now seems fine. I don't think it's stroke related like before because he's stable on his feet and isn't vacant in his eyes. The other munchkins are plodding along, I'm toying with the idea of cutting the girls coats down, I haven't been able to keep up with their grooming whilst I was ill so it's going to take some hours to bring them back to what they were. I haven't decided yet though.

The nights are drawing in now and night time descends on us so quickly, the year is going so fast too. I think it's as you get older the days seemed to go on forever when I was young :o) I'm looking forward to the autumnal colours coming into the trees, the hazy mornings. We're having a new fence erected next Thursday so hopefully we can get the garden sorted again into looking something worth looking at instead of the mess it is at the moment. Wonder if Neil will garden when he's semi retired?????

Have a great day looking forward to catching up on your blogs too.

Peg xx

I am ashamed of myself !

2009-09-25T00:25:00.004+01:00

Yes I am, for not keeping up with my blog when I promised myself I would.

Things have been so hectic here it's unbelievable. One of the rescue's I helped out with closed down so in January 10 of us formed another rescue which is called The Little Dog Rescue. We take all small dogs be they pedigree or cross breeds, I am regional co-ordinator for the rescue so life is more busy now.

The photo above is of my 8 dogs plus 2 of Dionnes a fellow staff member of the rescue. We were all at a country show at Tatton Park in Cheshire. A great day had by all. I now have 4 Shih Tzu's, Megan, Livvy, Paddington & Nemo plus 4 Lhasa Apso girls, Mia, Nulie, Poppy & Georgia. As you can see Olivia who featured in my last post didn't leave us, when it came to it we couldn't bear the thought of watching her driving away with another family so we adopted her. Little Trickwoo the Pekingese was also adopted by us, sadly she had infections in her eyes which caused her to lose one eye and in a few days it had spread to her other eye. She was so poorly we had to make the decision to let her go, it was an awful day and we still miss her so much much. She was a little bossy britches but we loved her. Paddington our oldest Shiddie had a massive stroke earlier this yr followed by 2 smaller ones, he has recovered but isn't as active as he was.

I have fostered more than a few Lhasa's and Shih Tzu's and been very good and let them go to new homes but it's been hard :o)

Neil is hoping to take flexi retirement at the end of term at Christmas, that would be great, he's getting very tired all the time, he's worked since he left school in 1964 so I think he deserves to take life easy. It was another sad time for us in August, Neil's middle brother Glyn was diagnosed and died within 4 1/2wks with cancer. It was a big shock to us and happened so quickly, both Neil and his elder brother were devastated.

I have recently been ill but it did have it's good side, I have been able to do some more stitching and catch up on some of the blogs I used to love visiting. I've missed reading them and hope to make time for myself to continue doing so.

At the moment I'm stitching Heavens Gate Sampler by Hester's Needle I love the autumnal colours of this sampler and am using the Sandstone tea died linen included in the kit. I have so many pieces not framed I think I'll have to take out another mortgage to cover the cost of framing them all but I need to get them done.

My quilting is at a stop due to not being able to get to my cutting table and machines at the moment. I have stored boxes in my craft room which have now taken over. My plan is to get this sorted before Christmas so I can get back to it.

I need to say goodnight now it's 1am here and I promised dh I would start to go to bed earlier so I don't get so run down. Hopefully it won't be as long until the next posting .

Take care

Peg xx

Time for a home for Olivia

2009-01-03T02:48:00.003Z

Olivia our little Shih Tzu foster girl has had her story published in Dogs Today magazine which is out now. This is the link to 2 short videos of Olivia at play and the slide show is of her at home with our dogs. She has graduated from being a scared, ill little puppy farm dog into being a confident, sweet dog whose now ready to move on to her new family home.
Olivias slide show

Olivia's playing with toys

Olivia enjoy a run on the field

I can't stress enough how enjoyable it has been to see this little girl evolve into what she is today. She is a very sweet girl, it will hurt when she leaves, we have grown to love her but we will be happy to see her settled in a home of her own.
I will keep you posted on what happens.

hugs x

Peg

A busy but good day.

2008-12-30T21:34:00.009Z

Our little foster girl Trickywoo, here's her pic taken on Christmas day, had the all clear from the vets today regarding her eye. She had an accident at the beginning of December and punctured her left eye ball. It wasn't very pleasant, she underwent an emergency operation which was successful resulting in them being able to save her eye. She doesn't have a lot of sight in it but it's there.
She was in a lot of pain enduring eye drops and medication, she bore it all like the little trooper she is. Today the vet discharged her, he was very pleased with the outcome and unless there are any future problems she doesn't need to go back to see him.

Our other little foster girl, Livvy, also attended the vets today, he's pleased with her progress but she still needs steroids for her left eye. Otherwise she is fine, he's pleased with her weight gain and her general condition. She is now ready for re homing and I'm certain she'll get a great home. The first pic below is Olivia her first night in rescue, the second is Olivia this evening.

Can you see the difference apart from the eyes, she's quite a poser but wasn't going to stand up for me LOL. She's a delightful girl, her story will be featured in January's issue of Dogs Today magazine which is on sale from the 2nd January. Her diary so far is also featured on the home page of Friends of the Animals It will be sad when she goes but she's such a sweet dog and deserves a loving lifetime home. Her new family will not be disappointed, she is full of fun, mischief and love.

Hugs

A New Year Almost Upon Us

2008-12-29T00:14:00.004Z

Christmas is now officially over and we're waiting for the emergence of a new year. 2008 has been one of learning for me. I have learnt patience because things happen in their own time not when I wish them to. I have learnt we are not a nation of dog lovers as we are projected throughout the world. I have had rescue dogs for years but this year I've learnt how they come in, the state some of them come in and the process from them coming in to being rehomed.

There has been the two extremes of dogs who's owners couldn't wait to get them out of the door and who needed to know someone was there for them and loved them and that not all humans were monsters who would hurt them. Then there's the other side, owners who through no fault of their own have had to give up much loved companians, who I've sat and held whilst they cried because it hurt so much to give them up, assuring them I'd let them know when he was in his new loving home. Not all rescue dogs are here because owners didn't care.

The year has not been a healthy one for me but I'm here, I'm still alive and for that I thank the Good Lord. I have met so many new people over this past year and some of them have become firm friends. I've laughed and cried at situations I've found myself in wondering what was around the next corner.

Until I started transporting dogs I didn't know it was possible to get lost as much as my sister and I have on such a small island. I'm sure the poor woman in the satelite who guides us on my satnav must be bald by now after pulling all her hair out with frustration of my getting lost. (I do know there isn't really someone sat up there...........there isn't is there?;o)

I love the closeness my sister and I have shared, we've laughed together so much we've cried and we cried together, all in the name of life. I'm sad for the barrier which seems to have grown between my daughter and I. I don't know what the reason is, I've asked several times but have not had an answer. We were so very close for many years but now I see and feel the barriers have come up and she doesn't want to be in my company. She was my daughter, my friend but isn't any longer and for that my heart weeps.

The above sentence has caused an even bigger problem with my daughter, the words written were not meant to offend. I did not mean I didn't consider her to be my daughter anymore, I meant she has distanced herself from us for what reason we don't know and she wont say. She will always be my daughter and as such I will always love her but it is sad when a mother/daughter relationship falls apart. That is what makes my heart weep.

I am happy to have been stitching again, I've finished my Blue sampler and a Remembrance sampler by Janlyn. I have started stitching Butternut Roads Rose sampler, I thought at first the colours were a bit dowdy but since putting the middle row in I can see how they compliment each other. I find it a great joy to see a work come into being on a blank canvas so to speak and wonder at the talent of the person who has designed it. I paint with my needle and love it, I also love to see the works others have stitched, quilted or knit.

Well time is running away with us and I need to rest so will say bye for now and I hope to keep my blog upto date better in 2009.

hugs Peg x

So near Christmas and so not ready!

2008-12-21T19:39:00.003Z

Christmas as we all know is just a few days away and I am lagging behind worse than any other year yet. I was set to put the decorations in our home this past week but instead have been spending most of it either on a chair or sofa coping with an unpleasant chest infection. The time hasn't been wasted altogether though as I started and have almost finished a Remembrance sampler by Janlyn, I have just posted on a stitch group I belong to and asked if the ladies think it would look better antiqued. It is stitched on Ivory 28ct Evenweave with DMC threads, I'm wondering about antiquing it by soaking in tea or coffee but am undecided so have asked the group their opinion. I'll post a pic when I've put the last stitches in.
DH has also got the dreaded infection thankfully he has the next 2 wks off work so will have time to recover.

We were going to be spending Christmas in our own home anyway, there are not many people who would wish to have us with 7 dogs in tow. I can't leave them on their own so it's better to stay at home with them. Our daughter in law is recovering from another back surgery so they too will be staying at home.

We have another foster girl with us, her name is Trickywoo, she is a gorgeous Pekingese, I have not seen this breed since we lost ours when I was around 16yrs old. She is a really sweet little girl with lots of character, she was rather poorly when she came but is now over the infection. Because of the inconsiderate breeding her nostrils are closed permanently so she has difficulty breathing, also her nose is flat, the breeding down hasn't shortened the palette so this little girl now needs an operation to open her nostrils and shorten her palette. Unfortunately this will be in the region of £700 so the rescue has to try and raise the money. There are several dogs who need ops, people who believe rescues run at a profit should come along and spend some time with one and see what the costs of getting a dog fit enough to go into a new home is. Try gently holding your nostrils together then you will feel what Tricky feels each time she tries to breed. I picked her up from the pound on her last day, she is approximately 8yrs old. Other than that we have no history of her past life. She is a dog who is very easy to fall in love with and has fit in with the others very well. She could be homed either as an only dog or with another. She won't leave here until she's had her op though.

We were hoping for a white Christmas but it looks more likely to be a wet one, I've not known it rain so much in one year. I think I will have to get busy in the next couple of days to put some cheer into our home, the pic above is of our hallway last year. I love the effect of the white tree and baubles against the white of the cladding.

If I don't get the chance to 'pop' on before Christmas may I take this opportunity to wish all my blogging friends a very happy, peaceful and healthy Christmas and New Year. Thank you all for making blogging such a pleasant experience I love reading your blogs and feel blessed to have you as online friends.

hugs Peg x

Fostering

2008-11-12T17:38:00.002Z

In the past few months many foster dogs have come and gone through my life and home. I have enjoyed every minute of it, I've enjoyed the travelling all over to collect, deliver or just to transport dogs for other rescues. I've enjoyed home checking to make sure a dog will have a good life with a prospective adopter, I've loved meeting the many people involved with rescue in various forms and also meeting those who have had to hand in their dog.
At times the reason is not because the dog is unwanted and they can't wait to get rid of him/her, sometimes it's because of the change in circumstances and many times I've sat holding and comforting someone when they feel their world has turned upside down because they have to give their dog up to a new home.

In other cases I've been in a hurry to leave the home of a hand in simply because the dog is of no consequence and they can't wait to get rid of the same dog who has been loyal and loved them with no love in return. To watch these dogs develop trust again in humans and to see them blossom has made all the work and tears well worth it.

Ex puppy farm girls have come through my home too, these have come in afraid of their own shadow and not used to not being confined in a small place. The big wide world makes them fearful, as does the noise of the washing machine, hoover, television and everyday normal things.

Seeing these same girls, gradually get used to being on a lead, no longer afraid the lead is just another rope to tie them up with but is something which means they're going into a big space and will be able to run around without restriction. The look on their faces when the wind blows their hair all over and especially now when it blows leaves around and they can jump into them, roll in them and not be hurt or go back into confinement it's a joy to see and just melts my heart.

Recently I had a little Lhasa boy, Macky, who had been in 5 homes within 2 months, they all said he was grumpy, growled all the time and was getting ready to bite them. He is a Lhasa, they and Shih Tzu talk to you like that. They let you know what they want, we had him here a week, he found it very hard when the other 7 dogs were in his face so he would snap and sometimes keep going which would develop into a doggy scrap until I stopped it. If the dogs approached him one at a time he was fine, he just didn't like them in his face, he couldn't be punished for this, if 7 people were in my face all at once I'd back off and tell them to go away just the same as he did. He was overweight so he was lazy, he would play with my hands, soft mouthing them, he loved to have his back and tummy scratched gently. To me he was a big cuddly teddy bear who needed cuddling and understanding.

He's now gone to a couple who only have visiting grandchildren, he's settling down and is enjoying his life with them. His character is coming out and he's showing his cheeky side which is great to hear.

Before him I was asked to foster a beautiful little Shiddie girl calle Bella who had come into the pound as a cruelty case, when you meet her you fall in love with her. We knew she had been badly abused and would squeal with fear at the sight of a lead, if you tried to put it on her she would totally freak out and think she was being tied up. Because of her initial fear of women we believe it was possibly a woman who abused her, seeing how fearful this little girl was defies all imagination as to what kind of person could do this to her and what kind of hell she had been through.

When she first came she would sit on the bottom of my stairs trembling, Neil was able to touch her but she wasn't happy me touching her. So I spent many hours sitting alongside her talking to her but not touching her. We put the world to rights many times over, she now knows my full life history :o)but eventually it paid off. She started to lean against me, I had my hands in my lap, she went on to touching them with the side of her head. I gradually one finger at a time stroked her ears eventually moving on to her head and back. I put the lead on my knee so she could see it and after a week she stopped squealing and realised the lead going on meant she was going outside. She became the first in the queue when the leads came out. She loved being outside, I put her on an extention lead so she would run in front, stop, look back at me and come running back jumping and skipping about to be fussed. I never went on a walk with Bella without laughing and smiling, it was sheer joy being out with her to see her enjoying herself. Neil took her with Nemo one morning letting her off lead, she loved running about free, jumping and rolling in the leaves, running back to him before dashing off again.

She started to want the cuddles we offered and spent many an hour curled up on either mine or Neil's knee. She chose his bed to sleep on and would disappear upstairs with him have her nightly cuddle then go to the bottom of the bed and not move until morning. She very quickly stole our hearts and it would have been so easy to keep her but if we did then there wouldn't be room for any others.

A couple enquired about her and came to visit last Saturday, from the moment they walked in I knew she had chosen them, she didn't take to visitors well at all but Jane and Paul were different. It was a joy to see her settle on Janes knee, loving the stroking and making the mewing sound she made when she was happy. Then she went to sit on Pauls knee and lolled across him as if she'd known him forever. I knew then we'd lost our little girl to her new Mum & Dad. Along with a new Mum & Dad she has a new brother a gorgeous Lhasa boy called George who's very handsome and who she gets along with. It broke my heart to see her being driven away and she'll always have a big piece of my heart but I know she is happy and loved and Jane and Paul will look after her and will continue with helping her to face things she is still unsure of. She is settling well, enjoying her walks, she loves her new home and will blossom into the dog she was always meant to be.

I only have one foster at the moment a beautiful Shiddie girl called Olivia who is an ex puppy farm girl. I can't disclose much about her at the moment but will in time tell you all about her, she is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met.

These dogs have come into my home and life so I can get them ready to go to new homes, to be able to accept strangers and trust people, sometimes it's been very hard work and there have been many tears when I've sat up all night with a dog who's fearful and needing reassurance but it has all been worth every minute. I've loved having them here even if I do have to have a new mop more often than usual and I can get through a pack of kitchen rolls like no ones business, I have loved each and everyone of them and hope I will meet many more before I have to stop.

It isn't all give though, it's also receiving, it's receiving the love and trust these dogs have in you and show you. They give back 100 fold, each one has been special in their own sweet way. One couple of Yorkie boys came in because their Mum couldn't cope with the vet bills anymore, she was heartbroken and called everyday to see how they were. The great ending was that when her friends realised how she was struggling they got together and promised to support her and help her out. I had the great pleasure of taking them back to their Mum who was absolutely over joyed when she had them back. They were a pleasure to look after and I know we would have had no trouble rehoming them but to see how they greeted their Mum and she them it was worth the travelling to see it. This is just one of the thing which makes rescue worth while.

A big hug to all my little foster dogs who've been with me and given me love, laughter and a few tears, I love you all.

Peg x

Another week gone by

2008-10-04T02:13:00.007+01:00

Another week has slipped by me, the days seem to go so quickly I no sooner rise from bed than it's evening and I'm tired again.
We are still having problems with our boiler, it started leaking in early August so we have 3 tubs underneath catching the water. The leak is going into the electrics so it blew leaving us with no hot water or central heating. The repair man came out but the ordering of a new boiler has to go through so many stages I could manufactur my own quicker. We had the boiler, tank and 2 new radiators installed in September 2005, our old boiler had lasted us 30+yrs with no problem just a service each yr. This one has done this 5 times now but this is the longest we have gone without the essentials.

We either have to travel a 40 mile round trip to my sisters for a shower or boil water in large pans to have a wash with. I can't carry water up the stairs so I have morning washes in cold water and don't believe all they tell you about cold water being good for the skin because it's made no difference to mine at all!! I'm thinking of going to a car boot sale and seeing if I can buy an old tin bath to put in front of the fire to bath in as in the olden days. I used to do that when I lived with my Grandmother many moons ago.

We have been very patient with the contractors but it's now becoming beyond a joke, the weather is getting very cold. For the past 3 yrs since my dr took me off hormone replacement therapy I have suffered the dreaded 'hot flushes' constantly, now I need those hot flushes to keep me warm they've diminished so I'm perishing cold.
I'm so grateful for the lap quilts I have, whenever I sit I promptly wrap my legs in one and put a lighter one around my shoulders. It's like a signal to the little doglets, as soon as I pick the first quilt up three of them quickly get up and run to come on my knee so I have my own inexpensive hotties. Not so sure DH will agree with the inexpensive bit though LOL.

I spent an hour on the phone on thursday to various agencies trying to get the work done quicker but still need to wait another 6 days then ring to see if they have passed the work. At this rate we will be like a chapter from Dickins at Christmas. The doglets are happy though they can't have baths either. Even poor old Georgi is feeling the cold and pinched one of my quilts....

I will have to remove the icicles from my face before morning or I could become an ice sculpture. Dh has gone into the wilds of Welsh Wales on a climbing trip for the weekend and he's welcome to it.

On a much lighter note I was supposed to be having a little Cavvie girl called Gemma staying with me for 10 days whilst her Mum went on holiday but she's not coming now. Carole's Mum has met her and begged to have her stay with her so I miss out on the kisses and cuddles she loves to give, this is the delightful Gemma ahe's a real sweetheart

I am having a little Shiddie come and stay with me on foster for FOTA I think she/he will be coming on Tuesday, an expuppy farm dog who will need some extra TLC before going to their new home. I splurged out on a new mop as this and an endless supply of kitchen roll is essential LOL. It's been pretty quiet since our last foster little Poppy went, we really miss her.
We did entertain these two little ones though who with ours became a wrecking crew flying around the garden and house playing chase for what seemed like all night. Meet the wrecking crew also known as Thierry & Henri our foster Bichons LOL

Well my bed calls and my fingers are getting stiff so I'll say goodnight for now and hope to post more often than I have been doing so far this year.

Keep safe and take care
hugs Peg x

A long time in coming

2008-10-01T15:37:00.006+01:00

My posting that is, I apologise to those who have looked for updates on my blog. Life has not been very kind to me in the past few months, illness has struck once again, in the times I've felt better I've been helping out fostering, homechecking and transporting dogs for 2 rescues. My days have not been long enough and bedtime comes around so quickly even though I'm a late bird not usually going to bed until the early hours of the morning.

During my absence many four legged friends have entered and left my life leaving a lasting impression of love with each one. There have been many tears when a special one has gone on to their new home and also when thinking about what they have suffered at the hands of so called human beings.

Our fur family members have changed since I last posted, Tilly our beautiful Shiddie girl sadly had to be returned to rescue in March, with humans she couldn't have been better but decided she didn't want to share us with our other dogs, making their lives miserable by attacking and actually biting them. They all lost weight and a sadness reigned over them. We had behavourists who couldn't change her way of thinking and the heartbreaking decision had to be made to move her. I am so pleased to say it didn't end in sadness for her, she is now living as an only dog with a lovely retired couple who adore her and she them. Good luck little one.

Our Grumpy little man Zebedee who had been ill since just after Christmas sadly reached the end in April, the day the vets gave him his first injection to calm him was the first time I had a real cuddle with him in my arms without being bitten. His face was so relaxed when he slipped quietly into his permanent sleep, we miss his funny little ways but know he's now running free with no pain or need to grumble or bite.

In May of this year our youngest Shiddie joined us, his name is Nemo, he's almost 3yrs old and he's large both in stature and character. He is the funniest dog I know, can seem a bit thick at times but we love him to bits. He wasn't abused in his former home his Mum just got a bit overwhelmed with a little one and a new baby on the way. He loves everyone he meets and makes sure they know who he is LOL. This is our 'little' man Nemo

Almost a month ago I went to collect a 5yrs old Lhasa girl who was being handed in to rescue, her owners also had not abused or neglected her they had 6 children 4 of them under 5yrs and the youngest being a set of twins at 6mths so the dogs were getting less time.
She was evidently well socialised, kept in great health, her coat was in beautiful condition. I knew on first meeting her I didn't want her to leave us, I brought her home to foster, Neil came in from work saw her and the magic happened yet again. Within 2 days we knew she wasn't leaving, her name was Megan but of course we have a Megan so we decided to call her Mia. She answers to it happily, she's a sweet little girl who greets everyone with pleasure and a smile. She adores Neil and forgets I'm here if he's at home LOL. It's difficult getting a facial photo of Mia, she hates the camera and will turn her head just as the shutter goes. This is the nearest I've got to a front view, she had been spayed the day before needing to have a buster collar on.

My stitching has been on the back burner for a while but I picked up my Blue sampler a few weeks ago and stitch on it as often as I can, it's 3/4 stitched so am not doing to badly. I'll be glad to finish it as I have so many other projects I want to start and am being really strict with myself and not starting them. Here's a pic of the progress on my blue sampler so far.

Well my dogs need feeding and are making sure I know they're all starving so had better leave this and feed them before they all keel over LOL
I'm hoping to start a new blog about the dogs and the ones who've come through here on foster so you can share in the excitement, laughter and tears.
Take care all I hope to catch up on your blogs soon

hugs
Peg xx

Back to normal

2008-01-06T23:08:00.000Z

The Christmas and new year holidays are now well and truely over. Neil went back to work last Friday, the children and staff will be starting tomorrow so he will be back to normal time. It's been lovely having him at home for a fortnight, for the past 2 weeks, he's saved several days so he can use them over these holidays. He's always tired out leading up to Christmas so it give him time to recharge his batteries, I will be happy though when he retires, we both have several interests so can keep ourselves occupied and not get bored.

I've had the chance to read through a few blogs today and was sad to read of how many lovely ladies there are amongst us who have or are recovering from cancer. My heart and prayers go out to you all, when I was in my early 30's they discovered a small growth in my womb so at 32 I had a full hysterectomy and am relieved to say it was all removed and although I've had a few scares in my body since they have proved not to be cancerous. Please take time during your day to remember these ladies in your prayers, I have a bow for Amy and another for Melissa who is a young teacher at Neils school, she is going through her chemo at this time, she isn't well and like most just gets over one session when it's time for the next. She has the most wicked sense of humour and is loved by her class.

Amy I'm thrilled to say is now considered a survivor, the best words anyone could read.

Changing subject completely it never ceases to amaze me the great volume of talent there is in blogging land. I love reading though blogs and seeing the wonderful creations you're involved with. I love too the tutorials many of which I have put into practice, Friday night being such a time, I found a new to me blog by Rilana click on her name to go to her blog. I knit up the Edith Winter Hat pattern, it was so quick and easy to do, I'll post a pic as soon as I can hopefully tomorrow.

I've also been able to pick up my stitching again, I'm working on a sampler for a friends birthday in February, I started it well before Christmas but of course had to leave it be when my hands flared up. I am so looking forward to seeing her face when it's finished, I know she'll love it because she adores swans, I can talk about it on her as she doesn't have a computer :o).
Our stitch club starts back up next Wednesday so am looking forward to going and catching up with the ladies.

We had to take Paddington to the vets on Monday he had a throat infection which is now responding to the antibiotics I hope the others don't catch it. I ordered a new grooming comb from ebay which came yesterday I'm hoping it'll help keep Megan & Georgias coats from matting so much. Megan & Paddington go to the groomers on the 17th, if I can keep the matting down their coats wont have to be cut so short.

I'm hoping to post pictures tomorrow, it's a little boring just reading isn't it :o)

Take care
hugs Peg x

What a sad world we live in!

2008-01-03T22:44:00.000Z

2008 slipped in before we knew what was happening, new years was a pleasant one for us Neil and I spent it quietly at home together with the munchkins. Neil went outside with his new camera at midnight to take photos of the fireworks going off around us. They look amazing suspended in time.

I have a strong faith and believe God has everything in His control, I do sometimes wonder why some things happen. Many blame God when things go wrong or tragedies happen but what they forget is that God has not taken away our freewill. This has proved to be the case in the past month here in the UK alone. Many parents are grieving at the loss of their young and teenage children some of whom have been stolen from them due to the increasing need of some to inflict violence on another.

A beautiful baby's life was snatched away tragically last week by a family dog. Please do not think I'm casting blame around I'm not, just reflecting on the sadness already blighting this new year. Archie was a much loved and wanted child who was being cared for by a responsible and capable baby sitter. The dog, a Rottweiller, was in the yard behind a gate/fence, who knows why the dog attacked, he maybe thought Archie was a toy which moved we'll never know.
Many will blame the breed, they've already been branded 'devil' dogs in the newspapers. Rottweillers are not a breed I would want to have although I do know 2 who are well behaved and gentle. My own 5 dogs are small and love people but I would not trust them on their own with children. Zebedee isn't to be trusted with anyone really because of his past so I make sure once he's greeted visitors he stays beside me. The tragedy is more potent because the dog belonged to a relative, my heart and prayers go out to them all for their unimaginable loss.

When I opened the newspaper yesterday there were 2 pages full of the details of several teenagers who had lost their lives in the horrendous craze which seems to be sweeping across Britain. No longer are arguments settled by a fist fight but by leathal weapons, young lives are being taken away senslessly. The early days of this year are becoming nightmare days for the parents of those so tragically killed. Many were stabbed or shot, some were taken away though car accidents killing several young people in the same car. A young girl sadly run into by a family friend whilst riding her quad bike given as a present. This happens frequently now and not just from youngsters joyriding.

As many of you know we thought we had lost our eldest son last year, I know the pain we went through thinking we would lose him and even to this day I have to ring him to reassure myself he is still here with us. How do those other parents cope, their child will never walk through the door again. There will be many funerals this coming week of young people, such a very tragic loss. Who knows what contributions these children would have made to society, now we'll never know.

I'm sorry if this is a sobering post but the happenings are real. May I ask you to join with me and pray for those parents who are grieving. It's important to remember to tell our children every day how much we love them. It doesn't matter how old they are, mine was 40 last yr but he is and always will be my eldest baby.

Please take care

hugs Peg x

May I wish you all a happy & peaceful new year

2007-12-28T18:47:00.000Z

Hello to you all my special friends, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas break and were able to spend the time with relatives and friends.

It has been a while since I last posted or read any blogs. I do have a good excuse, I unfortunately have had some health problems but also for the past few weeks I have been settling in our 'new girl'. The above pic is of her on her first night here. She's a gorgeous little black/white Shih Tzu called Tilly, Fionna who runs the same rescue we adopted Zebedee from contacted me a short time after we have lost Deeber.

Her owners had handed her in because she had snapped at them when the lady had rolled over on her.......not being rude but I too would snap if someone rolled over onto me! She had a slight eye infection when she arrived and to say I was a complete stranger she was very tolerant of me bathing and putting drops in to say they had descibed her as a 'killer' Shiddie!

When she first came we had a few skirmishes mainly her & Georgia, it was usually kicked off when food was around and Tilly considered she should be top dog. Georgia didn't run and hide or back down like the others and would defend herself resulting in well I suppose the dog equivelant of a catfight.

They do get on better now and are becoming firm friends who cause chaos when playing, it can get a little raucous so I have to call time out occasionally to calm them down. She is a delight to have, should you wish to see some more pics of her just click on Tilly I will be uploading more in the next few days.

I haven't been able to do any stitching at all over the Christmas period, just before I tripped and broke my bifocals and had to wear an old pair which are only sight specs. I'm pleased to say the optician rang today to say they were mended and ready for pick up, I go on Saturday for a new eye test as my sight has deteriorated since the last test I had.

I have enjoyed playing on my laptop which was a Christmas present from Neil, I'm loving it, he couldn't have bought me anything better. Now my sister has her computer it's great because we can keep in touch more, she's getting to grips with it now and beginning to enjoy herself. The next thing is to introduce her to blogging :o) She would love reading all your lovely blogs and writing her own, she has one of the funniest dogs I've ever met, Reo,a Dog De Bordeaux, who always reminds us of Disneys Goofey. She has a wealth of funny stories to keep you entertained.

My craft room is sadly looking totally neglected and untidy, I haven't had the energy to clean up in there and I've just put things inside the door instead of putting them away......I'll slap my wrists with wet floss when I've finished my update! I do feel a lot better now my infection is clearing but it's upset my menieres so bending over is a no no as I fall down! Each evening I say I will start tomorrow but it hasn't happened yet.

I've really missed you guys, I love to visit you catching up on what's been happening in your lives. I hope to catch up on all your news soon,what new projects you've created, how are your families doing.

I did want to make a resolution to keep on top of things this year but am going to take one day at a time and hope to keep my promise to myself.

Take care and may 2008 be especially good to you and your families and may your creative juices flow.
with hugs to you all

Peg xx

A very sad time for us

2007-11-09T02:43:00.000Z

It's a very sad and heartbreaking time for us at the moment, my beautiful, sweet natured girl Deeber left us on Tuesday 6th November. Her health had got steadily worse over the past few weeks, her arthritis made movement painful, her heart problems got worse not helped at all with the stress of hearing the nightly barrage of fireworks of which she was petrified. She also had kidney failure. Over the past 7 nights loud horrendous bangs were heard and although she was sedated she still got very stressed to the point of her eyes rolling and her tongue turning blue. On Monday it became all to obvious she was so tired and had suffered long enough, the vets advice was that it was time to let her go.

It was really hard spending the last night with her, Megan and Georgia 2 of our little ones didn't leave her side and wherever she lay they lay snuggled up to her sensing her time was near. On Tuesday I took her, our vet was wonderful and said she and the nurse would stay out of her vision so she only saw me and they would be quiet so as not to frighten her. I held her whilst she quietly slipped away, whispering to her to run free to the rainbow bridge where her friends Micky and Lucy would be waiting for her. I know she's no longer in pain and will be like a young pup again but it hurts so much now she's gone. Each morning when I come downstairs I miss her being at the bottom padding her feet, smiling, wagging her tail and 'talking' in her own way.

In all the time she was with us we never heard her growl or bark at anyone. All visitors were welcomed with a wagging tail and a smile, she loved everyone she met. Over the years she brought us so much joy and was our special girl, she welcomed the 4 little ones with a look of 'oh another one heh'. Megan and Georgia both keep looking around for her and can't understand where their big cuddly friend has gone.

I know in time the pain will ease,we have so many happy memories of her time with us.

Run free my special girl, I loved you so much and you will always have a special place in my heart.xx

A new month

2007-11-01T14:34:00.000Z

This picture reminds me so much of our youngest grandson Jacob. I was asked to pick him up from school and sit with him until a friends Mummy picked him up to go trick or treating last night (Wed). On Tuesday night his Daddy and Jacob came to bring me a door key and a booster seat for my car when I picked him up. Jacob saw the pumpkin's arrayed in from of my fire place and mentioned casually Daddy had forgotten to get him a pumpkin to light up the window and could he take one of mine. I happily said to choose one and just like a boy he took the biggest, roundest one LOL. Yesterday I had to light it for him whilst waiting for his friends.

My younger sister and I are having a little swap of ideas back and forth, she lives about 15 miles away from me. I am so thrilled for her,her partner has bought her a computer for Christmas but has given it to her now. She has wanted one for a long time so we can email each other and send pictures which are to big to send on our m/phones.

When she stayed at our home to look after Deeber whilst we were away she really enjoyed spending time in my craft room and has decided to turn her spare bedroom into the same. We have had some fun asking each other exactly what we've achieved in the past week, her in getting her room ready and me in tidying the total chaos which is currently in my room and no there will be no before pictures as I'm totally ashamed of it. I come upstairs with good intentions and start however after a short time I need to sit or lay and rest to recuperate energy to do more. I want it sorted as it is driving me crazy I like everything to be in it's place, but the sister side of me is holding back a little, I want to wait and let my sisters room to be finished first. She says she feels so excited and is like a child picturing herself sat at her desk or sat at her machine, she asked me if she was being silly I told her a firm NO. Why shouldn't she have some pleasure she does such a lot for other people and doesn't usually take time to do for herself and I want her to revel in the glory a little. She rang me last night to ask if I'd done any, I hadn't apart from look at it wishing my tidying fairy wasn't on holiday when I needed her the most. She made great progress yesterday and even managed to get one wall painted.

I didn't go bargain hunting at the weekend, we went to Paul's on Saturday and Sunday I was just burnt out.I really missed my little trips to the markets and shops but was appeased by the delivery of 2 Jean Greenhowes booklets I won on ebay along with a wonderful book by Valerie Janitch.

I was in doll heaven when I looked through it it's wonderful. I'm looking forward to making the dolls included.

I've spent a lovely time again reading some new blogs, there are so many wonderful lady bloggers out there and I just love spending time visiting with them.
I need to get busy I have so many projects inside my head floating about and they're not coming to fruition which is due to my lack of getting this room tidied so I'm off now to get a start on moving and putting things away.

Have a wonderful day/evening depending on where you are and thank you for stopping by please come again I enjoy your visits.

take care
hugs
Peg :o)

Some new treasures

2007-10-23T16:01:00.000+01:00

I didn't really feel like going anywhere this weekend I was so tired not having slept more than 3hrs in 2 nights so when dh asked if I wanted to go to the carboot sale Saturday afternoon I wasn't to eager. He talked me around saying it would do me good getting out in the fresh air. Oh he was soooo right :o) I have been after one of these for ages and the second stall down it jumped out at me, figuratively speaking of course otherwise I'd have been flat out on the floor waiting for an ambulance. Can you just see the headline.....Woman floored by much sought after firescreen!!! police gave a statement that they had a 'hot' lead on and a suspect was now in custody helping with their enquiries.;o)

Anyway enough flippancy....the embroidery in the panel is simply gorgeous and the wood surround is in excellent condition just needing a clean and polish and all for £8 I recently stopped bidding on one on ebay at £15 + £12 postage so glad I did.
We carried on and then I saw a quilt/towel rail another thing I'd missed out on with ebay. The chap was happy to let me have it for £3!! The last one I did early bidding on went on to over £20 + £10 postage, this was becoming a really pleasing day. I went on to find more treasures but blogger is having a problem with uploading pics so I'll post them tomorrow. There was a beautiful table cloth with embroidery at two opposing corners and another 2 with white work and hand crochered lace and my piece de resistance an old unframed Home sweet Home sampler for the princely sum of 50p!

Sunday dh asked again to go to another large c/boot sale, a pattern is emerging here can you see it :o) He was lucky again and got a large camera bag which holds his camera plus all his accessories I bartered and got it down to £7, they're £55 new so he was really pleased. I was ecstatic when I came across a French Louis style triple mirror, in perfect condition. I asked the price expecting double figures and was shocked when she said how does £2 sound, I restrained myself,didn't bite her hand off just paid and moved away quick before she changed her mind :o)

I also bought a beautiful rose duvet cover and matching rose patterned vallance sheet for £2 which I later washed and recycled for some projects I have in mind, a lovely elderly lady had a batch of lace in different sizes so was able to stock up on that too quite cheaply.

I finished the day off with purchasing a beautiful pink roses knitting bag with a large amount of wool all for £3 I'll post pics of those tomorrow with pics of my ebay wins. Don't want to shock blogger into shutting down with an over load of pics :o)

Thank you for dropping by I hope you enjoyed your visit, if you did or didn't I'd love to hear from you. I have found some more wonderful blogs which I've enjoyed reading so much, the links are in my list on the side bar please do visit them.

take care
hugs Peg :o)

A Lesson Learnt

2007-10-17T22:40:00.000+01:00

Last week a friend gave me a couple of last years New stitches magazines she had finished with. On reading them I found a lovely pair of mittens to knit which had embroidery on the back of the hand to complete the look. Mmmmm these look nice I thought so started them the next day.

The pattern called for wool but I thought cashmere would be nice and I have quite a lot of it so that's the way I went.
They are knit on 4 double ended needles but I used a circular needle instead, once the cuff has been knit the remainder of the mitten is knit from the inside.

After the cuff I followed the pattern, after the row which required putting 15 stitches onto a piece of wool to keep for the thumb I started the next row, that's when trouble hit!

I knit and undid it 5 times, carefully going over what I'd done but the pattern just went haywire on the 21st row. This went on for 3 days, yesterday I decided to email the magazine and ask if anyone else had found a mistake or was I completely missing the obvious. I've been knitting since I was 10yrs old so am not a novice.
I am very relieved and pleased to say I received a reply to my email today. She told me I could stop pulling my hair out as there are 3 not 1 but 3 mistakes in the pattern!!

She very kindly said she would look through her files and find the revised pattern and send it to me, phew!!! So now I have to put them on one side until I hear from her again with the corrected pattern.

I honestly feel the lesson God was showing me was that unless I live my life on the right path and follow the pattern He has set out for me chaos will and does reign in my life :o)

Enjoy your evening I'm off to read a few blogs

hugs Peg :o)

Humbled by the past

2007-10-17T14:38:00.000+01:00

Below are some photos of a Victorian nightdress I recently bought, I won't be wearing it I'm afraid my figure belongs to the Rubinesque period :o). When I bought it I washed it and whilst pressing it I began to realise what a feat this and it's like must have been. It is completely handstitched with tiny stitches, I had to get a magnifying glass to see them properly. I thought about the hours it must have taken, I have 2 sewing machines, 2 lamps especially for stitching with magnifying lamps and I have comfy chairs to sit in whilst doing any of my crafts. When I've finished something I'm really pleased but the ladies who stitched in this era had very little light, perhaps a candle or gas light, in all honesty I cannot say I would be able to complete such a wonderful garment if I had to hand stitch it.

Please click on the photos to see the stitching detail.

This is why I feel very humbled by the ladies of the past, my admiration runs over.

have a wonderful peace filled day

hugs Peg :o)

Why is it always those who are special?

2007-10-12T00:34:00.000+01:00

We've had some really sad news , Melissa one of the young teachers at the school dh works at was disgnosed with breast cancer on Tuesday. She is one of the happiest, sweet natured, caring people I know. She made an wonderful impact when she started at the school, with both parents and children warming very quickly to her. To my dh she is like another daughter and often jokes at having a drinking contest to see who can drink who under the table, no, don't jump back in horror it's just a standing joke between them. The consultant is responding very quickly, she has to go into hospital next week for a mastectomy. It has all happened so quickly, may I ask you to keep her in your prayers.

I can understand how her parents feel, we have just gone through a cancer scare with our own daughter. She had some tests done but when she went for further tests she told the consultant she didn't want to go ahead with them and refused to have them or any treatment he was offering. We still don't know what the outcome will be as when she takes it upon herself to be stubborn she does it with a capital S. All we can do is put her in Gods hands and pray they would be negative.

Thank you for visiting, I'm sorry it wasn't a more happy post

take care
hugs Peg

The coming of autumn and other things!

2007-10-10T01:20:00.000+01:00

The original of the above picture can be found here

Isn't it wonderful to see autumn as we Brits call it sweeping across our countryside? Those beautiful copper tones which somehow bring back memories of a past childhood. When I was young, living in a village with my grandmother, and the nights started to draw in we used to make 'winter warmers'. These consisted of an old washed out treacle tin with holes punched in the sides and a string or wire handle around the top. Deposited in the tins was a small amount of coals from the fire, we took them outside and swung them around making wonderful pictures in the darkness of night. When the fire inside had turned to glowing embers we popped chestnuts into them using pliers or tongs to retrieve them for eating once they were roasted.There was no separation then even we girls had winter warmers, nowadays it would be considered extremely dangerous but surprisingly not one of us were ever injured. Autumn brings back so many wonderful memories.

Last night and part of this evening I visited some new blogs which really blessed me with their content and the photos included. I love reading about other peoples lives and seeing the talents they display in their creations. Take a look at my 'blogs I visit' list and please do visit with some of these ladies I can promise you a veritable feast.

Well tomorrow should see the temporary end to our postal strike, I'm so glad, I'm expecting some goodies purchased from ebay, hope they don't all come at once or dh will pass out ;o) I have ribbons from Hongkong, fabric and 2 much sort after at a reasonable price feather eiderdowns from sellers here in the UK. A fabric panel from the US which is of a scarecrow so I can stitch him together to go with my lovely round pumpkins for an autumnal display. That reminds me I have some lovely spidery fabric somewhere amongst my stash must find it out.

This is all of course if there is no backlogging of our post and parcels. Everyone has the right to strike it's a free country but what puzzles me is are they going back to even harder conditions when they have to catch up on the backlog?
We have a lovely young postman, his name is Tim, he's always smiling no matter what the weather and I know he'll be glad to get back to work so he can have his usual morning treat of a bacon sandwich at the school where dh works.

Our parcel postie is Ron who graciously puts any early morning parcels into a storage bin and a card through the letter box telling me where he's left it. This is in consideration of me, he knows I'm not good at getting around in the morning so doesn't like to disturb me. Does the post depot realise how much some of their posties do for people on their rounds I wonder?

It's almost 2am here so I think this body is ready for it's bed. I need a clear head to get some of my stitching sorted tomorrow and it's my stitch club day so I will be enjoying the company of the lovely ladies who never fail to make my day with their wonderful sense of humour.
Take care and thank you for popping in, I hope you enjoyed your visit, you're always welcome, just like my house door my blog door is always open to visitors :o)

hugs Peg

Those left behind

2007-10-08T13:59:00.001+01:00

I am not a political animal, rightly or wrongly I find politics boring. I have no interest in getting into an argument with anyone about how our country is run. We've seen the back of Tony Blair and are now at the mercy of Gordon Brown, whichever way he leads us we'll have to follow unless anarchy rears it's ugly head.

I do feel though for the many parents and families who have lost their loved ones killed in action. Sons. daughters, Mum's, Dads, Brothers, it goes on and on. **Last May 28th we were to be found in the waiting room of a strange hospital a long way from home to where our eldest son had been airlifted after a horrendous motorbike accident. The dr's were fighting to save his life, in the words of one of them, his body and internal organs were totally smashed and his body broken. They told us they would fight and work on him but he wouldn't last the night through. **

I have put bold on the sentences above because apparently it has upset someone and they have reacted so viciously I think I should clarify. This person trawled through 5 yrs of posts to find something to critisize me for.

I was not and did not want to imply I was physically in the waiting room of the hospital, neither was my husband he was sat on a train coming home from the Isle of Skye to be with my son and like me living a night of hell and uncertainty.
After hearing the news of his accident my heart and mind did not want to accept that my beautiful boy could die. I along with my daughter and sister spent the night here waiting for phone calls from my son in law and son, my mind and heart were inside the room they were in working on my son, willing him not to die and for God not to take him from us. The same with my daughter, it could have snowed and my roof fall in and I wouldn't have noticed my mind was elsewhere as would any other loving mothers be.

My cry to God was please not to take him, take me, I've lived my life my children are all grown and living independant lives, he has a wife and 2 beautiful young daughters and everything to live for. I don't to this day know why but God gave us back our son, it was a long hard year and he is still recovering. He will always have a disability and I have to ring him sometimes to reassure myself he is still here.

I feel it very sad that this person (my sister) should feel the need to bring up the pain of 5yrs ago to make her look good in the eye's of others. I have news for you dear, it doesn't, it makes you look a sad vindictive and vicious person who can't get on with her life. How much better you would feel if instead of being so bitter and twisted you looked for something positive in life.

I once told you that you would end up a sad, bitter lonely old woman if you didn't change your attitude to other people and how you speak to and treat them sadly you have. Bitterness eats away at you, try looking for the good in people before trampling on them.

Had God decided it was time to take my son I don't know what I would have done, but I can know the pain parents are going through when their child is taken from them. Contrary to believe it doesn't matter whether that child is in his first yrs of life or left home with children of his own the pain is no less.

One such are the parents of Sgt First Class Matthew Blaskowski one of the many who have given their lives that we may live. If like me you would like to leave a message of condolences for his parents and family please click on the link below. Please do not leave messages anti or pro war, they don't need that but if you can find it in your heart to let them know you are keeping them in your heart and prayers I'm sure it would help to know you are there. Sgt Matthew Blaskowski

Thank you for visiting and reading, I hope you enjoyed your time here I love to read comments left by such as yourselves so please feel free, who knows you may have the most wonderful blog which like the many others bless me whenever I read them.
Take care, let your family know you love and care for them

hugs from my heart

Peg :o)

Can't understand why?

2007-10-08T01:39:00.000+01:00

This is a wonderful treasure I saw in a charity shop 4 times before I took the plunge and bought it and am so pleased I did, don't ya just love it?

I can't change the date on the last post. It was of course posted on Sunday 7th and I haven't a clue why it says October 2nd.

I've just been reading through some lovely new blogs, this time I'd added them to my blogs I like to visit so you may also have the pleasure of visiting them.

Now I need to go to bed, I keep nodding off and my chin keeps slipping off my hand LOL, not a pretty sight I can tell you!

Hopefully will get the chance to post later on,

hugs Peg

Another week gone!

2007-10-02T01:19:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd share a few of my treasures with you all, these are some of the beautiful items left by my MIL when she passed away.

I have no idea who the woman and little girl are I just love the ambience of it, the beads and pearls also belonged to her.

These nylons were given to me a while ago, they had been bought for a friends Mum as part of a Christmas gift from her husband years ago. As you can see they were never worn and came complete with packaging.

If you click on the picture you will see they were purchased in 1963, the year before I left school. I have them in my bedroom tied with a pink ribbon.

This delightful teapot is one of my favourite things, annoyingly I chipped a piece off getting it ready for the picture thankfully I have the piece so will glue it back on.

This is the scene on top of the teapot, isn't it just adorable?

These small heart shape boxes were in her belongings too, I love their simplicity.

These two small candle holders are so pretty and share a place on the chest of drawers in my bedroom with the Lavender and Rose water.

I have a few more to share with you but will save those for another day, :o)

I have a 100 or more ideas running through my head on quilts and a few other things I'd like to make, I need to make more time for what I want to do. The weeks seem to go by so quickly or is it because I'm getting older?

The other day I managed to buy some 'net' curtains in Pops Attic a delightful second hand shop I've been driving past for the the last 20yrs or more and never entered until a couple of weeks ago and it's an Aladdin's cave. They were only a few pence each, I bought them because of the beautiful 16" deep thick cream lace which is on the bottom. I've spent a couple of hours today removing this from the 'net' so I can reuse it I have a few projects in mind for it.

I talked hubby into going to a large car boot sale about 15mins drive away this morning. It's been running for yrs but we've never been, within 5 mins of being there oh boy was he glad we'd gone.......we came across a seller who had not one but two nearly new tripods, luckily he had his camera with him and was able to try it for stability. He chose the one at £12 which means now I can have sole use of the lightweight one we recently purchased. This of course spurred him on :o)

I wanted two wooden table lamp bases for our bedroom, yes similar to the ones I use to collect and paint then gave them all away a few years ago! I'd been looking on ebay for those and a large mirror for our bedroom wall just above the 2 chest of drawers but they were either way out of my price range or were reasonable but collect only. The collect only's were about 300+ miles away so not cost effective.

I'm cock-a-hoop now because I found not only 2 but 3 of the lamp bases I wanted and got them at £1.50 each and further on I saw an old large wood framed mirror so made a beeline for it. The two chaps were asking £1 for it, can you believe it??? they said if I gave them £4 I could have the fan and the 3 kids in the van too......I settled for just the mirror LOL. The wood is in excellent condition and the mirror needs cleaning but no marking or chips I'm sooooo pleased. I just need to sand it down and paint it now, I also got a lovely pr of white curtains with a lilac trim down one side with beautiful flowers embroidered around the edges. It's been a weekend of bargains, yesterday we had to go to Matlock to take hubbies time sheets or he and his staff wouldn't have been paid this week because of the postal strike. Whilst there I called in the charity shops and found a delightful large crocheted blanket and a small one too. They both came out of the wash looking perky and beautiful, to end our weekend of bargains I came home to find I'd won a darling little throw/quilt for a few £'s on ebay.

Earlier in the week I won 2 feather Eiderdowns on ebay, sadly they won't be here before the end of next week because of the postal strike, but I can wait, just hoping they don't get lost in the backlog of parcels. I was also searching for a quilt rail to hang them on but although they start at a reasonable price they go rather high with the fanatical bidding. I checked out my local Argos and can get a brand new one for £12.99 so may go that way. I have the perfect place on the landing to put one and display the quilts I have, our landing is barley white walls with white paintwork so the quilts will add some nice colour without being garish.

I need to get some of my stitched samplers framed so they can also be hung on the walls, they look pretty bare at the moment.

Well I think that's all for today, thank you for popping by I hope you enjoyed your visit, please leave a comment even so I can pop into your blog too. I already read so many but I just love them and feel really at home in them all.

Take care, until next time
hugs

Peg :o)

A wonderful sight to see....

2007-09-30T01:05:00.000+01:00

As you can see from the images below we had a few airbourne 'visitors' over our houses this past week. It was an amazing site to see, we often get them coming over and threatening to 'fall' in someones garden but they usually manage to lift themselves up at the last minute. However as you can see the red/cream one didn't quite make it.....I took the first pic of this one but the others are taken by Neil, well I can't run downstairs and I certainly can't run after a falling balloon :o) I'm glad to report they came down safely and happily there were no casualties except perhaps a little wounded pride. They finally came to rest in the field behind the next street to us and as you can see had a few spectators.
They were certainly more entertaining than the fast roar of the fighter jets which go over frequently practising low flying. The poor doglets think armageddon has come on such occasions!

Thank you for stopping by, I hope your weekend is restful and peaceful

hugs Peg

An enjoyable week

2007-09-26T23:45:00.000+01:00

A bad hair day and what happens if you leave your bed to use the bathroom.....you lose your place!!!

I have had the most enjoyable week whenever I have had time to spend on the internet this week. I've been reading blogs I had in my bookmark but also visiting new ones, these ladies have shared their homes and it has been truely amazing visiting each one. I have felt so warmly welcomed, some decorated in past era's, some with the relaxing neutral tones but all so inspiring.

Thank you ladies for sharing the talented gifts you have. We in the UK don't have the large spacious homes our cousins over the pond enjoy, the delight of having an ensuite bathroom or a basement for those washing/drying machines or storage areas to me would be wonderful. Some of our older victorian houses do have cellars but they don't usually have windows in them, the attic space in most of our modern homes barely has standing room never mind the space to add a further room. However in saying that I have read blogs whose owner has a small cottage which has been decorated in Shabby chic style and is a joy to behold. I'm not speaking for everyone else but to me that says it doesn't matter what you have it's what you do with it.

I've read Cindy's blog tonight, her home is beautiful, so warm and welcoming and decorated with taste and her talent shines through in each picture. If you need a delightful experience then visit her blog and let her take you through her home. What is most surprising is how she has achieved beauty without spending a lot of money, she has dedicated time and love, she still has more to do and I look forward to seeing her next project which if I remember right will be her kitchen.

I bought some wonderful bargains this week which I will share in my next post it's to late to start taking pictures tonight. I have been trying to purchase 2 vintage feather eiderdowns but each avenue I've tried has been a dead end. I asked at charity shops but sadly they throw them away when they come in, they are not allowed to sell them because of fire regulations, I did say to one that they could throw them at me then and I'd pick them up but she didn't bite. I haven't given up trying, I could make my own but then it wouldn't be vintage, mind you it very well could be by the time it would be stuffed! I can just imagine the fun the munchkins would have chasing the feathers all over. We're fighting now for floor space under my desk, I think my feet belong there they think they should have first shout and lay there despite the over large bed I have in here for them!
It seems strange that something we cuddled up and felt safe under when we were children is now such an expensive item. I've watched 7 of them sold on ebay today none of which went for under £40. One which I thought very pretty and was going to bid on but thought it would be snapped up by a big spender at the last minute only went for £15.55. I could have kicked my desk if I thought it wouldn't hurt, I didn't go with my hearts leading, I hope the winner has many happy years with her quilt. I have put a few feelers out in other directions so am hoping to be successful.

Have a lovely day and may you be blessed in all you do
hugs Peg

What a week of bargains

2007-09-21T22:42:00.000+01:00

I won this beautiful embroidery on ebay, I won't be changing the frame I like the weathered antique look it has. I'd love to find out the history behind it, the stitchers name and address is on the reverse, I think she must have entered it in a show or competition with the message on the back requesting the string and rings for hanging are not removed, I love it.

I've also won 2 other embroideries, one is a gorgeous Peacock design and the other is either chinese or Japanese. They are both stitched in embroidery I don't personally do but I just loved the look of them. I did bid for several really old samplers but of course they went wayyyy over the limit I had set myself. I would dearly love to have one which was stitched in the 1800's knowing that what was probably stitched out of duty is now dearly loved for it's own beauty.

I managed to get a frame for my own historical sampler last week, I stitched this in 2005 and it has sat patiently with the others waiting for a frame. I found an old one in our RSPCA charity shop. It is a frame within a frame but the inner frame will have to be left out to accommadate the size of the sampler. I have so many needing framing I'm ashamed at my lack of effort.

I have been buying fabric again this week, I won a lovely crisp, fresh looking pr of curtains in blue and yellow which I'm still undecided to use as curtains or as fabric for quilting. I was pleased to win auctions for vintage linen sheets and pillowcases which I have already washed, ironed, aired and put away. I've bought some new lavender satchets to put amongst the linen to keep it smelling fresh.
I don't want to use them until I have sorted out a white bedspread for each of the single beds. I was winning a bit on 25mtres of White Damask fabric which would make wonderful bedspreads but I have a sneaky feeling some clever, better off sniper will probably out bid me in the last few mins of the auction. I do it myself so I can't grumble, I just think the Damask will look great with a quilted throw folded over it.
I would love to win two of the many feather Eiderdowns on ebay at the moment but two reasons prevent me doing so. Dh has asthma & I'm not sure it would be good for him and also each one I've liked has gone to way over £70-80 so out of my league. I have been wondering if I just pop the Eiderdowns on in the daytime and take them off at night if it would still affect him?

I was able to get quite a bit of fabric from our flea market yesterday, here it is with the linen sheets/pillowcases pre washed. The fabric cost me 50p each item, there was 2 king size duvet covers, a single duvet cover, a king size sheet, brand new still in pkt, a dusk pink floral curtain. The blue stripe fabric next to the top is 4mtrs of Danish fabric I won on ebay. A great week for bargains as I said. The quilted floor runner is another bargain from ebay. The partial little black and white head belongs to my little Megan, she was admiring the rug too :o)

I also had a fantastic trade with a seller on ebay which I will share when my extra special item arrives, I'm hoping that's tomorrow but who knows, I will share a pic and the story of my special item later
.
A bounty of fabric

My lovely quilted floor runner

I have been enjoying some wonderful blogs these past 2 nights, they are ones with a vintage theme and oh what joy there is to behold looking through them. I have a massive list of blogs I like to look at I bookmark them because I can never remember where I've seen something :o)Thank you ladies for providing a wonderful nostalgic visit.

I had a go at shabby chic today, my daughter gave me a lovely basket which would happily grace any shabby chic store so I thought it would be nice to pop my current crochet project in to be displaid therein. It was just to the side of my chair and I must admit looked nice, I had to answer the door to the postie and when I returned my shabby chic effort was strewn across the floor with both wool and granny squares seeing who could win the race around the coffee table! I did ask the munchkins which one had decided to decorate the floor with my wool but no-one owned up they all just looked around counting the flecks of micro dust which flutters through the air in a shaft of sunlight. So much for that idea, I won't be beaten I will think of something else :o)

Why did God create.............

2007-09-15T20:31:00.000+01:00

..........mice & rats??? I haven't a clue and will ask when I meet Him. I don't see any redeeming features for them. I am absolutely petrified of them both and it's not just their tails it's everything about them. I know some people have them as pets and love them but I haven't a clue why and have never come up with a feasable answer.
I get into a very bad state if I think there's one near, I can't help it. I can't say I'd rather face a large tiger than a rat or mouse because I wouldn't but they may as well be that big. I even had nightmares the next night about them. I'm worried now about leaving my back door open for the dogs to go in and out because although I have 5 I know not one of them would attack one. We thought we had a problem last winter and put poison down from the enviromental health, unfortunately one of my dogs got into the garage and started eating it! We had to rinse his mouth out straight away zoom off to the vets for injections and medication and keep watch on him for a few days, happily he had no long lasting ill effects.

They are at this present time keeping me from using my tumble dryer and getting food out of the big freezer both of which are in the garage. My electric scooter is also in there so I have to ask dh to go for anything we need out of there. My family spent ages telling me I was paranoid about them and was imagining it well at the beginning of last week I went in the garage to put clothes in the tumble dryer, the day before I had taken some fluff from the dryer door and foolishly not thrown it away. It was still at the side of the dryer and there in plain sight was all the evidence I needed. The droppings on the fluff looked like both mice and rat droppings, sis and dh say they're all left by mice but believe me folks if that's true the are some pretty large mice in the garage!!!!!!!!! and until they are evicted I'm not going in there.

My stitching news

2007-07-19T00:13:00.000+01:00

I've been concentrating on my Chatelaines which I'd neglected for a while. Below are my upto date pics and progress so far. The Tuscany Town is Martina's new Mandela and the Mystery sampler 3 doesn't have a name yet. I'm stitching this one for a friend who loves swans, she's great and is very special to me.

I've also bought Passione Ricamo's Queen of the Fairies, Mirabilia's November Topaz fairy and Passione Ricamo's Galetia. I have started QOTF on SugarPlum fairy opalescent which I bought from Ladystitches on ebay, she has some gorgeous fabrics which she dyes herself. I've only a few stitches so far. I'll be stitching all on Hand dyed fabrics, I bought quite a stash of them recently so have plenty to choose from.

I still have plenty of wips in the cupboards and it's going to be a weeks job deciding which ones I'm taking away with me to work on. I may take some knitting away with me too, think I'm going to need a car for just my stuff alone :o) pity dh doesn't drive!

I haven't had chance to catch up on all your blogs for quite some time, it's taking all my time trying to keep up with emails but I promise to drop in soon.

Take care and enjoy your stitching and I hope the stitching fairy is very good to you and brings you all pressies real soon.
hugs Peg

Sorry it's been so long again!

2007-07-18T23:26:00.000+01:00

Gosh life has been so busy here the past few months, Neil has been quite ill, he went on a weeks school trip to Northumberland, phoned me the first night not feeling well. He deteriorated during the week, I offered to go and fetch him home but he's a man so said he'd stay the week out! This led to almost 2 wks off work with a severe chest infection and fluid on his lungs. I'm pleased to say he does feel a lot better now but gets tired very quickly. School breaks up this Friday but he has builders in so can't take any time off next week.

Some good news............

We have managed to book a weeks holiday in Cumbria, I didn't think we'd be able to get away, couldn't ask anyone to take 4 dogs for the week :o) but we've found a place where we can take the Shiddies. Deeber won't be coming with us, she's getting old and isn't well a lot of the time so my sister is coming to stay for the week and they'll have a girlie week together. She adores Julie so is probably not going to miss her Mum. We're away 4th - 11th August, I've never been to Cumbria or the Lakes so am really looking forward to it. The cottage is on a working farm just outside Brampton so we're in short travelling distance for the Lakes and the bottom of Scotland.

Our other good news is we are adding to our furry family, I've been looking for a while for another little girl to add to our family, I was hoping to adopt one who came into rescue with another girl but the rescue understandably want to home them together as they've bonded, I think they were kennel mates. I would happily add another 2 but dh would probably have a relapse so I continued to look.

A beautiful little girl came into the same rescue I had Megan from last yr, she's not a Shiddie but a Lhaso Apso and she's gorgeous!! I saw her and just fell in love with her. She hasn't been mistreated, her owner is a registered breeder who is having to retire through ill health. She is 2 1/2yrs old and I'm just waiting to hear when I can collect her. She's been spayed today so will need a few days to recover. Hopefully her pic will appear here:

Her name is Georgia and Eileen says the pic doesn't do her justice, I'm so excited and can't wait to get her home. I'll fill you in more on her when she's with us.

Our other little munchkins are thriving, Zebedee is improving a lot but occasionally relapses into his old ways and tries to amputate a finger or two from my hands. He's still not letting me near his face so at the moment we can't see his eyes and he can't see us very well either. I don't want to put him through a general anaesthetic again so am working on getting him to trust me to brush him and getting through lots of sausage treats.

Paul is continuing to improve, the Dr's aren't wanting him to go back to work yet, when he does they've recommended just going for a couple of hrs perhaps twice a week, it will also depend on what his work place can set up for him. He's no longer able to do his old job. It was a bit of an emotional time when the anniversary of his accident came around and I thank God daily for letting him stay with us. His determination is amazing.

The rest of the family are doing fine, Craig took his family to London last weekend, Jacob wanted to go to the Star Wars exhibition, he loves Star wars. Laura is due back from Thailand, she's been with her friends family.

Paul's girls have both been away, Ellice to France with the school and Molly went on her first school sleep over trip to an outdoor pursuits here in Derbyshire.

James has done really well in his business studies exam and has spent a week on work experience working with his Dad, he's off to Turkey on holiday with his Aunt soon.

Lesley, Andrew and Sam are all going away in August.

Mum is doing well most of the time but is getting forgetful, because I don't see her everyday now she looks a lot older each time. Her wit though is still as sharp :o)

I'm plodding on with good days and bad days. Thankfully we weren't affected by the floods as were some friends of ours. Sadly they both have had to move out of their homes and it will probably be Christmas or the new year before they can return.

I'll update my stitching news in another post so I can add some pictures.
Thanks for visiting and reading

take care

Hugs Peg

A long time

2007-04-30T14:03:00.000+01:00

Again it's been a long time since I posted, life has just got in the way and a lot has been happening here, to much to bore you with so will just get on with it.

I've been able to complete my Mira' Midsummer Nights fairy and she'll be going to be framed along with Mira's Garden Verses sometime this week. I'm also trying to get Mira's Butterfly fairy finished so I can start Passione Ricamo's gorgeous new design The Fair Queen. I've ordered the chart and the bits I didn't have in my stash from the lovely Jacqui at Celtic Rose I can happily recommend the service she gives and she's a lovely person too. She will post abroad as well as here in the UK. My chart and bits have arrived so I'll get them when I see her Mum on Wednesday at our stitch club.I'm still undecided on the fabric I'll use, I have several pieces here and have also bought some from Debbie at Hidden Treasures I'll decide when I've got all my fabric here and do a floss toss.

I made a decision a few weeks ago to go back to the stitch club I used to attend before having more health problems, I was a little nervous not having seen them for over a yr but I needn't have worried it was like going home after a long absence. The ladies were so welcoming and a lot of hugs went around. It was wonderful being back amongst them, they're a lovely set of ladies and we do have a lot of fun. I really look forward to going each week which apart from visiting family, hospital or drs it's the only social gathering I go to. Jean one of the co runners of the group had a birthday last week and brought us her present from her daughter Jacqui, mentioned above, she'd had someone stitch MD's Summer Queen in pinks and had it framed for her Mum. It is gorgeous and a lot of hard work has gone into it. I much prefer her in pink than blue. I do have her kitted up and she was on the back burner but after seeing her in the flesh she'll have to move up the chain of projects.

We've had a bit of a rough spell with Zebedee again and I've been bitten several times resulting in stitches. I got to the edge of my tether about 3 wks ago and contacted the rescue with a view to taking him back, I felt I couldn't do anymore with him. However the rescue, after saying it was ok to take him back failed to contact me again but meantime I had found a group on yahoo which is run by Mary Nelson a qualified dog behaviourist and bless her she has sent me a sort of retraining programme on how to overcome the problems we're having. I've read through it and am already putting it into practice. We love this little man and if working hard with him for a few months can get him to be more social and happy then we're happy to do it. I know the rescue is really busy and I'm not critisising them for not getting back to me, perhaps it wasn't meant to be. So master grumpy is still with us in the hope we can help him become mr happy :o) I wasn't happy at the thought of giving up on him and felt I was letting him down, yes he's grumpy and bites but he has a really cute face.

Neil & I are going out this evening, we're off to a presentation ceremony. He has worked for our local council since 1974 and they are supposed to recieve a long service award at 25yrs but the invitation is a little late :o)better than never.

I've been stocking up on hand dyed fabrics recently and the colours are amazing, I still like the parchment colours for samplers but the Mira's take on another dimension on hand dyed. There are some really talented ladies out there who are trying their hand at dyeing fabric themselves and are making a fantastic job of it. I can see how they become inspired, our sunset and the following early evening sky last night was amazing. I looked at it for quite sometime considering which projects the colours would suit. I don't have the talent for dyeing so will have to rely on the other ladies :o) I am a bit sorry I've started my Chatelaine designs on white fabric now after seeing some of the lovely one's stitched on h/dyed but I have and I'm certainly not frogging them!!

I've also been transferring my MH beads into small box containers and have had a jolly time doing that! The ever present dogs around my feet have come under scrutiny for beads dropped in their fur much to their disgust. I'm almost there, it will make life a little simpler when I have to take beads from my stash for projects.

I've been able to spend more time with our youngest grandson Jacob, he is quite a little character and calls me Nanny much to the amusement of the others. The only problem is he's quite put out when I can't play football with him :o)

Paul is doing extremely well in his recovery, it will soon be the anniversary of his accident and it's still taking a lot of coming to terms with but I keep telling myself he's still alive and his determination to get as much of his life back as possible is amazing. He went at the beginning of April for a check up and some tests, they are now trying different things with him. I went over last Thursday and had a great time with him and then the girls and Philly when they came home. Our local chemist had a special on for juicers, we bought one a few weeks ago, I love fruit and veg but Neil has problems eating his 5 per day but this is a great way of keeping up on the nourishment and vitamins they provide. I took one over to Pauls as they recommend he ups his veg,fruit and fibre intake, he's another Neil so it will be a good way of making sure he gets them. The girls love doing anything with cooking or experimenting so I'm waiting for a new concoction coming forth when they get started.

James has had his midterm results and report and has done exceptionally well getting high scores in each subject. Craigs son Sam has just returned from a visit to China with his school and Laura is going to Thailand with her friend and parents in the summer. Whatever happened to the school trips to the seaside 50miles away long gone are those days :o)

Well I need to start getting myself ready for our night out, hopefully it won't be as long before I post again. I haven't had the chance to read up on anyone esle's blog lately and I really miss them.
Take good care of you and happy stitching, knitting, reading or whatever is your favourite pastime.
hugs Peg

Dont forget the blog party!!

2007-03-05T22:40:00.000Z

Gosh what a long time since I chatted to you, I've not been to well so have not been online much. More medication added to the already long daily dosage so hopefully will feel a lot better soon.

Don't forget to pop over to the biggest blog party on the net just click on the link on my side bar and visit a few new blogs and get to know some new friends.
I thought you'd like to see the above pics, the one with my Grandson James was taken at Christmas, he was actually trying to get a toy from under the sideboard when Zebedee decided he would make a great perch! The laughter was so spontanious I couldn't resist taking the shot.
The one of Zeb & Paddington speaks for itself really, I caught Paddington parceling Zeb up after a stressful day, I think Pads was hoping he'd get him in the post before I realised he was gone :o))

What's been happening here in my neck of the woods, well Neil didn't get any climbing in whilst in Scotland the weather wasn't good climbing weather. He was able to get some hill walking in which isn't really his bag but at least he got to spend some time relaxing with his friends.

I was able to get quite a bit of stitching and knitting in whilst on my own, I've finished 1 of the socks I showed you in my last post, I just have the button band to knit for a long waistcoat I've knit up and have finished a sampler by Indidgo Rose called Lilacs & Amethysts. I think I'll be framing this one, it's to big for a pinkeep and because it has beads included I'm not really wanting to make it into a pillow/cushion. I'll try and get photos posted tomorrow.

I spent a wonderful time with my eldest son Paul on Wednesday, sometimes I feel the need to talk to him or see him to assure myself he really is recovering from his accident. I can't explain the feelings I get, a friend said it's possibly post traumatic stress, she says mothers tend to go into auto pilot at times like that and it doesn't hit us until all calms down. He is doing well and I'm so proud of how far he has come, it may even be next year before they even start to conside him doing work of some kind but hey as long as he's still with us I don't care. He's very faithful in his physio and excersise, I know in his heart he would love to get back on a motorbike but this will just not be possible but he is driving a car although they had to buy an automatic.
Our grandaughter Ellice is growing up, she was 13 last June and went into town with some friends on Saturday shopping, Paul and I were talking about how when he and his siblings were that age it was safe for them to be away from home but how it has all changed now. He admitted it wasn't going to be easy to let her go but they would have to start somewhere and she hadn't done anything to be grounded for so he couldn't use that as an excuse :o). I got to spend some time with my other grandaughter Molly who has the funniest, sweetest nature you could wish for, she's a delight to be with.

My sister and I took Mum to the Audio unit at our local health clinic a couple of wks ago, she was having trouble with her hearing aid. I can't take her anywhere, she was flirting with the young chap who was looking after her, she had the other people in stitches with her antics. Looking at her she looks so fragile but her character is so strong and if my sense of humour lasts as long as hers I'll be happy.
Our weather has been full range and back again, today has been mild with some sun, tonight we're back to strong gales which I know is going to knock fences down. It's lashing with rain also, our garden is a bit of a quogmire which the dogs delight in, they really enjoy being caked in mud!

Take care
hugs Peg

All alone but a productive weekend

2007-02-12T01:14:00.000Z

Well this is my second night alone, Neil rang earlier whilst he was waiting for his meat & potato pie to cook. They'd arrived safely at the cottage last night and had just eaten and gone to bed. Today was a slow chill day, tomorrow will be a climbing day weather permitting. I'm missing him already, it doesn't take long, I know I can watch what I want on tv, eat when I want but when you're so used to the companianship of a partner his presence is greatly missed. He's my soulmate and I'm only half a person when he's not here. I'm sure the womens libbers will take great humbrige at that but I don't really care I probably love him more today than when I first fell in love with him and I don't mind who knows it.

He's a lovely man my DH, he gave me permission to spend some of his money in his paypal account to buy some more stash, now I wasn't going to turn down the offer was I? I have bought some lovely bargains from ebay and will post pics as and when it arrives.

We have had a great variety of weather these past few days, the forecasted 6" of snow arrived on Thursday so as usual Britain came to an almost standstill. We got ours on Friday, this postponed Paul, Philly and the girls trip to Wales for the week. However during Saturday the weather got warmer and the evening saw drizzling rain which of course started to melt the snow. Sunday was a beautiful warm sunshine day all traces of snow gone. This evening we've had rain again and it's still raining as I write. We certainly don't get bored here in the UK......lol

I finally finished the Regia socks which I'd had so much trouble with. They are the striped pr. the pattern is Regia no 33 Kreativ and knitted in Regia 4ply sock yarn in Jacquard.

The second pic is of a sock I started just a short time ago, I found the fantastic instructions and pattern here at Susan's She has a wonderful blog and I am enjoying following the instructions and seeing her wip too. I'm knitting these in James C. Bretts Marble no 6. I'm also pleased with myself for mastering the magic loop method......mmm sounds a bit like birth control doesn't it.....oops get one's mind out of the gutter and back on the matter in hand :o)I'm hoping to graduate to 2 circular needles soon and then to knitting both socks at the same time. I have also finished the White ribbon wool scarf I was knitting for a little girl called Holly. I'll take a pic tomorrow and post it.

Earlier tonight I watched the dramatization of Mrs Beaton, I'd recorded it on my computer earlier in the week. It's thoroughly enjoyable to watch and a sad surprise she was so young when she died. Her book came about due to her boredom once her new home was as she wanted it, her husband, Samuel Beaton was a publisher and her visiting him at his printshop one lunchtime led to the idea of her now famous book.

She was a complete novice in the kitchen when she married, although as the eldest child her 16 brothers & sisters gave her great experience with the raising of children. The sad death of her first two boys and later her own was thought to be contributed to Samuel having Syphillis which led to his death. Her neighbours Mr & Mrs Brown who had become their close friends moved into the Beaton home when Bella died to take care of Samuel and the two surviving boys. In the dramatization nothing was said about the boys after their fathers death, it would be interesting to see if they remained with Mr & Mrs Brown or were reunited with Bellas parents who frowned on Samuels lack of provision for his family.

On that note I am now going to do the sensible thing and go to bed whilst I feel tired. I don't sleep well and even less when Neil's away. Who knows tonight may be a good one for sleeping.
take care
hugs Peg

Stash buying, well just a little

2007-02-01T22:51:00.000Z

When we went to the Harrogate show my sis and I were looking for different things, she wanted more wool for the baby things she's knitting for the arrival of her new grandson. I was looking for xstitch and quilting supplies.
When I stopped knitting 8 yrs ago I gave away all my wool which had filled the whole area under our stairway, one part of me regrets it now but the other half is happy there are many children out in Rumania being kept warm with the jumpers and cardi's etc knitted with the said wool.

Now of course I have to build up my wool stash again.
The top pic is Ribbon wool, I'm knitting a scarf for a little girl called Holly who has seen my DD's and wants one the same. I thought I'd finished knitting with this but alas!
Pic no 2 is Sock yarn purchased from a great seller on ebay, when DH saw it he asked 'do people wear odd socks then when they hand knit them then?' I swear I'm going to hit him before long, moving him into the garage is getting nearer and nearer.... ;o)

Pic 3 is more DK for socks, the lovely yarn at the front was the last 3 she had, it's wool but so very soft. Pic 4 is more yarn for crocheting another blanket.

I bought the latest issue of Simply Knitting the other day just for the set of stitch markers I forgot to bring them upstairs so will take a pic later. I've yet to decide where my knitting and crocheting stash is going to be stored. My cupboards & drawers are full, I was going to be artful and display it in baskets but if I do the munchkins will be stealing and running off with it so I have to think of another place.

Well off to answer more emails, take care
Peg

Finally managed it !!

2007-02-01T21:09:00.000Z

Well I've finally managed to master the heel turning after changing the pattern. This is my first sock, knitted in Jarol New Arrival DK Randoms. I'm really pleased with it for a first go. I've unpicked the other sock back to the bottom of the leg and will finish it the same way as this one. DH put it on for me because I can't get down there! He was in a very precarious position and it was not wise to say that all I needed now was a one legged multi coloured sock lover to wear it.............I will of course knit the other one asap. The heel was really easy on this one so I'm wondering if the other pattern is not correct.
I did have some help from the lovely ladies on Crafty Threads 'N' yarns they were great, thank you ladies.

Getting ready to quilt

2007-01-29T13:39:00.000Z

I still have a way to go yet, I've more cut and ready to sew together. When they're all ready I'll make them into blocks and then see how I want to place them on the quilt. I'm being realistic and making a lap quilt first. I think I may put sashing in am not sure yet. Right I'm off to see if I can knit this sock correctly. If you hear a loud yeeaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh don't panic it's just me getting it right at last :o)

Productive weekend

2007-01-29T13:22:00.000Z

Friday was spent cutting long strips of fabric joining them then cutting them again to make into 9 square blocks. Pics of those in a min. I went to Hobbycraft on Saturday, they hadn't any sock wool but did have some fabric on sale so purchased the 7 mtrs in the picture. From our wool shop in town I purchased some more wool for a crochet blanket plus the only sock pattern they had and one of a choice of two Regia sock wools. This is my progress so far, I've frogged it once due to it not turning out right. I joined a crafters forum and hopefully the advise will help me with it. I also surfed the net and found Royea's site which has pictures so will follow that as well, fingers crossed this works, watch this space!

A great place for baby products

2007-01-26T17:39:00.000Z

I don't have any babies but seem to be surrounded by soon to be Mums, our very own stitchgroup owner Tanya is patiently awaiting delivery of her new baby, can't wait to see this little one. I checked out a sight earlier after being sent a link, the store of course is in the States but the items which really grabbed me were the assortment of bibs and the lovely fireman baby gift basket. If you'd like to check them out Kangaroodle is the place. I first learned of this site from 5minutesformom have fun and browse away.

Party invite

2007-01-25T21:26:00.000Z

Hi folks you're all invited to a BIG blog party, click on the button and join in. Put on your red dress, high heels, spritz the hair and prepare to meet new friends. Come on it'll be great fun, I'll bring the green salad and homemade Honey & mustard baked ham. Looking forward to seeing you there.
hugs Peg

Trying again

2007-01-25T18:48:00.000Z

Blogger seems to be behaving itself today so I'm going to try again to do the short link 'thing' again.

I love the blogs which have a nostalgic theme, they bring back so many precious memories of my childhood holidays with my grandparents. Blogs with houses like Niki are just like the cottages we used to stay in.

When Neils Mum passed away along with other things we inherited boxes of 'trinkets' and such which she'd treasured, before reading these blogs I would probably just have put them on oneside. Now I know there are people out there who love these items I'll have to go through the boxes and with Neils permission see if I can find them a good loving home.

Well I'll publish this and see if my link works....fingers crossed!! Yeah it works, it isn't underlined but if you click on Niki you will be taken to her blog and onto a journey of pure joy :o)

Not a good day!

2007-01-25T15:48:00.001Z

The munchkins drove me crackers today, it takes me awhile to get going in the mornings and I have to do a little, sit a little and so on. What would normally take someone a couple of hrs takes me twice as long.
I wanted to get on with tidying so I could finally start cutting out for a quilt I have in mind so after sweeping the floors, running the mop over I then used my floor polisher which is a dream to use even a child could do it. All finished downstairs, kitchen tidy, dishwasher emptied, beds made; I slipped into the dining room to put my wool basket out of Paddingtons reach as he has a tendency to try and wrap wool around the rooms.
The site which met my eyes made me want to scream, which I must say I held back, the sitting room, hall and kitchen floors had what looked like a million muddy paw marks over them. The back door was open and I'm sure they'd had a mud party out there. I sat on the bottom of the stairs fantasizing about hanging them from the kitchen beams by their tails but decided it would be just my luck to have visitors who would call the rspca so shut them in the kitchen and started again.

I finally came upstairs around 12 noon, had just decided what fabric to use got everything out then DH decided he needed to print out some pages for the accountant tomorrow, he pays tax & national insurance on his earnings from being a power seller on ebay. Now this room is mine and I thought I would have predominance over it. His computer is the mother one networked to mine and I forgot he can send items to print out. Well where is the printer......at the side of the cutting table so each time I started he came in for the next lot of papers. I gave up he was printing for 2 1/2 hrs and used all my black ink. This didn't bode well for my state of mind I can tell you!

After he'd finished I thought I'd leave the cutting until he'd gone back to work so decided to cut the king sized duvet into dog bed sizes and stitch them. Whilst I'm stitching the first one I felt it tugging back, next I hear a growl and on looking down see Zebedee sitting on the duvet bottom with a sizable chunck in his mouth. After risking life & limb I removed the offending munchkin to his bed and continued.

In the middle of this DH came home from work saying he was dying, couldn't stop sneezing, nose running, sore throat......you know the way men describe a common cold. I then had to go out to get him some Night Nurse which he isn't really supposed to have because it has a decongestant in it but he insisted it was the only thing to save him. He then went back to work for the remainder of the afternoon.

I have to admit by now I was almost at the stage of steam coming out of the ears, have you ever noticed when men are doing something you must not disturb them, when we are we're fair game for interuptions.

Don't get me wrong I love the bones of him and am lost when he's away climbing but somedays...........

Now though I feel really awful for the way I've been a bit sharp, he came home about 10 mins ago and presented me with a box of 24 pks of quilting templates!

I hang my head in shame and will whip myself with 4 lengths of wet thread for 20 mins later this evening for punishment.

A new headmaster has joined the school and insists, politely, that each teacher sorts out their areas and throws out anything which they haven't used for at least a yr. They were a bit bolshy about it at first, he said the school was one of the cleanest he'd ever seen but it had some health & safety issues with, in his words.....'unnecessary clutter'.

He's right Neil's been trying for yrs to make life easier for his cleaning staff. Now there's a very large skip on the school drive and Neil got the chance to use his new electric saw which name escapes me at the moment but it cuts metal and concrete. He chopped up old desks and chairs no longer needed.

The templates were in the science cupboard along with a few sewing magazines, Neil remembered the original Headmaster, Hew (who was Welsh and believed in teaching kids crafts) ordering them for the children to learn but they haven't been used in double figure yrs so the new head said I could have them if I could put them to good use.

I will probably sooth his fevered brow for him later, Neils not Paul the Headmasters......lol

Well off to try and get some cutting out done...........fingers crossed !!!

hugs Peg

Just trying ........

2007-01-25T00:17:00.000Z

.......to get my head around some technicalities of blogger. A while ago someone kindly told me how to put a short cut link into my posts but I forget what she told me. I've searched blogger help and found the info but blogger is messing with me tonight because when I post and put the link in whatever I write after the link is not showing so I've deleted my posts several times now and am getting really wound up with it. I'm going to try one more time, if this doesn't work I'm giving in and asking someone to show me how again..........lol so please bear with me with this test post.
I did try but to no avail, if you are a whiz kid and can help please email me, link in my side bar. Thanks in advance

Zebedee update

2007-01-18T00:00:00.000Z

Last Wednesday I took Zebedee to the vets to, as I thought, have his long hair cut back whilst under sedation. Apparently they had to give him extra because he was fighting it so it cost me and extra £15. I dropped him off in the morning at 9.20am and collected him at 4pm. To say I was shocked is an understatement, instead of cutting his body hair they had spent time brushing and cutting out the lugs, which was ok but he wont let us brush him so I'm still faced with the problem of grooming. The main shock was seeing his face, they have shaved his face hair off completely to just above his eyebrows and infront of his ears. He looked horrendous and to be honest scarey. I could have cried why oh why didn't they do as I asked and paid for and cut his coat to about 1" all over.
He's not forgiven me and since then has been even more aggressive. Yesterday he was looking up at me and I noticed a few spots of blood on his bedding, I looked under his chin and they must have started 'hacking' this is the only word to describe it, away at his coat and had cut into his skin. He looks so sore just like a child when they fall and scrape their knees. Of course he won't let me bathe it or put anything on it. I'll have to take him back but how on earth they're going to treat it I don't know. He will not let anyone near his face, he just attacks you. I took a pic of him when I collected him and will post it when I'm back on my own commi. I don't know how we're going to get him to be less aggressive.
I'm beginning to wonder if he's older than we were told when we first adopted him last March. He's like a grumpy old doormouse and sleeps most of the time and hates being disturbed. Any helpful suggestions accepted apart from having him put to sleep ! Believe me when he bites and draws blood I feel like using a rubber mallet on his head.

Megan and Paddington went on Friday for their bath and cut and were both running around like lunatics when they got home showing off their new short hairdos. Trouble is they're both feeling the cold so have an extra blanket to wrap up in in their beds.
I was doing some sorting out in my new sewing room the other day and of course all 4 munchkins were in the midst of it all. I have a spare kingsize duvet which I'm going to cut up and make into large cushion beds for them so I put it on the floor whilst I sorted a box out. Ten minutes later Deeber was flat out on it snoring away, Zebedee near her, Megan and Paddington had pummelled and twirled until they'd formed a nice little nest the other end to accommodate them both and snuggled up together fast asleep! I got a lot more done in the next 2hrs whilst they all slept, it's like having small children when they get in their playing mood :o)

Speaking of playing moods, I think I mentioned in an earlier post I had started crochet and am making a large throw. I keep the wool and my progress panel in a lovely basket I bought from Ikea. Twice now I've come into the room to find the wool trailed around the room and the ball in Paddingtons bed with him sat on it looking for all the world as pleased as punch with his achievement. I now have to put it where he can't get at it and whilst I'm doing the crocheting I keep the wool in a project envelope so he can't get at it or he's worse than a cat ............lol.

Deeber's now ready for a bath which is a mamoth task in itself, she loves water and grooming but she's soooo heavy and I can't help Neil lift her into the bath and she won't waste any energy jumping in!

Well am now off to surf a little more then going to bed, need to get some more work done on my room and hopefully may be able to start some cutting out for a quilt this weekend.

Take care
hugs Peg

Popping in again

2007-01-17T23:42:00.000Z

We've managed to put Neil's computer online for a short time tonight so I am making the most of it whilst he's at work :o)
I've been surfing through some wonderful new blogs and have enjoyed every minute of it thank you ladies. When the computers are up and running fully I'll post the links in my list as I know I'll go back regularly. We're hoping next Monday morning is d-day for the computers.

I've had disappointment and a wonderful surprise this week, just before Christmas I sent a package off to a fellow stitcher it never arrived so sent another one and am hoping this gets to it's destination this time. I purchased 3 lots of fabric in Oct from a seller on ebay, I'm still waiting for one of the items to arrive, before I knew I would have a problem I purchased several more yards and FQ's from the same seller, this time it was 6mtrs short. I've emailed several times and it wasn't until I contacted ebay that I got a response. I can't go behind peoples backs so I sent the seller a copy of the email I'd sent to ebay explaining it wasn't my wish to spoil her feedback rating so could we please sort this out. It took this to get a response, she say's the package is 1 of 25 being looked for at the depot of the courier. I'm still waiting, it's a shame because her fabric is beautiful quality.

My wonderful surprise was from one of my long time online friends in the US who when she find out I was starting to quilt said as she used to teach quilting anything I needed to know just ask. She said she was having a clear out and to expect a little package in the new year. Well the package turned out to be a box and inside was 6 large rolls of themed 6.5" x 18.5" gorgeous fabrics. The shipping was in double figures, it never ceases to amaze me the way xstitchers and quilters so graciously share their goodies. I'm now waiting for her lists of wants so I can return the wonderful favour.
I'm determined to keep my posts shorter so will end this now and post again.
hugs Peg

2007-01-17T23:33:00.000Z

Mmm saw this on a blog and did it for the fun of it :o)

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer
You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.A good listener, you excell at helping others in practical ways.In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.
You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

What's" Your Personality Type?

Not around

2007-01-13T23:19:00.000Z

Hi everyone
Sorry I'm not around at the moment, we're having some work done on the house so the computers are off for the time being. We're hoping to be up and running sometime late next week. It's surprising how you miss something when it's not there! I'm having to post this from my daughters computer.

We had a nice peaceful Christmas, sharing Christmas lunch with my daughter and family. I will upload some pics when I'm on my computer.

I've managed to stitch some more on one of my Chatelaine samplers and have also started to crochet a throw in beiges, cream and browns. I bought a 'learn to crochet' book so am only doing it in the basic treble st. I hope to expand my knowledge of stitches in due course. BWG

I hope you're all having a great start to the new year. I'll be back as soon as I can to bore you to sleep lol. I miss visiting the blogs I enjoy reading so am champing at the bit so to speak to get back online.

Take care everyone
hugs
Peg

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2006-12-25T02:02:00.000Z

A very merry Christmas to everyone and may your Christmas be happy, peaceful and blessed. As the above says your friends are worth more than jewels, your family are even more precious, treasure both. Let past differences be just that 'in' the past, friends this year has proved to me that life is to short to bear grudges and put off contacting that friend or loved one until tomorrow, do it today.

A few years ago I rang what I thought was my local council office but the person who answered was my husbands cousin in law. Somehow I'd dialled his number which isn't even remotely like the council one. He didn't sound right and when he knew who it was he broke down and cried, because he was at a very low point in his life and said he'd needed to speak to someone but couldn't pick up the phone to ring anyone as he didn't want to be a bother . We talked for a while and when I rang off I called his MIL and straight away she went over to be with him. Through a misdialled phone call he got the help he needed.

God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform and in this case I feel very humble and priviliged He chose to use me to help another one of His children in need.

God showed us the supreme sacrifice when He gave His Beloved Son to die in our stead. During this time of celebration with our families and friends lets not forget the wonderful gift God sent to be amongst us.

Have a wonderful time and for those of you who don't have family to physically share Christmas with please remember you have a vast army of friends here online who care about you and are only an email away.

Also a BIG thank you to all our armed forces who put their lives on the line daily to keep us safe. To the firefighters, ambulance crews and policemen and women thank you also where would we be without your dedication?

hugs Peg

Yeeaahhhh she's done it!!

2006-12-21T16:31:00.000Z

Our gorgeous little munchkin Megan, in the foreground, has finally done it, she went downstairs on her own!! Now I know you will be thinking yeah so what but this little girl spent the first 3.1/2 yrs of her life shut in a small cage, she couldn't stand up in, abused, starved and bred until she was no longer profitable.

I am so proud of her, she had never encounted stairs until she came to us. As I use a stair lift she is usually the regal queen riding up with Mum whilst the others all have to walk. Over the past few weeks I've had little goes at trying to get her to climb a few stairs at a time. The others will run up in front so she has managed to climb a few and is getting the general idea.

As I mentioned yesterday I've been shopping with my daughter, I rang Neil to see if all was ok and he proudly said I had missed the big event. He was working on the computer so all 4 munchkins were upstairs with him. Apparently Paddington and Zebedee went downstairs and a while later he wondered where Megan was, she wasn't asleep in her bed. He shouted, she barked back.........from downstairs!! She must have followed the others down and managed it well because Neil didn't hear any loud bangs to suggest she'd fallen.

Yeah I know to some of you she's just a dog but as my gorgeous human babes have fled the nest and now have babes of their own these munchkins are my babies. Oooh knowing how far she's progressed is the best Christmas present I could have.

We awoke this morning to a winter wonderland outside, I sadly didn't think to pick up my camera. The sun was shining but everywhere was covered by a very heavy frost. Our roads were dangerous for driving on and the temperature hasn't lifted much all day. Looking from the window now I can see the cars covered with ice and the roads are glazing over. A travel warning has been given over the radio, it doesn't take much to bring England to a standstill weather wise :o)

It upsets me to think there will be people who are not as fortunate as we are and they will be sleeping out. How on this earth do they manage? I was really saddened last year whilst at my stitch club, new bus shelters had been built in a large area in the town and some of the ladies were complaining that 'these people' dared to bring blankets under the shelters around teatime and were getting ready to bed down. With respect to them all these ladies all have good, warm homes to go to with families who care about them. Yes I know some people are on the streets by choice but it must be a darned horrible alternative to make them want to live their lives like this. The temperature at the moment is at -2 degrees and will get colder as the night wears on. I thank the Lord daily for what I have and know it's only by His grace and not because I of anything I've done.

The shops as predicted were manic, I'm sure people think the world ends at Christmas the way they buy, buy, buy, shopping baskets full to overflowing when probably half of the goodies will be wasted. We'll be sharing Christmas lunch with our daughter and her family, the dogs will come with us so that will be 6 humans and 5 dogs as they have a gorgeous young lady called Lucy who is a Black/Tan Cocker spaniel who has a wonderful character and is able to keep Zebedee under control even though she's only 1yr old :o)

Well that's it for now, I'm off to have something to eat, enjoy your evening and if you need to travel please do be careful. Please spare a thought for my SIL in this pic, he works for Green Flag rescue and is on call tonight after a full day at work.

Warm hugs to you all

Peg

A world of wonder

2006-12-20T18:43:00.000Z

I was really busy this morning catching up on jobs until fatique took over again so I spent a little time studying the inside of my eyelids ;o)

For the past couple of hours I've been surfing through other blogs and I've spent a great time in a world of wonder! I have found some amazing new ones, some I came across are lovers of all things vintage and it was so wonderful being transported to past times. Some of these ladies are young enough to be my daughters and I'm not that old but seeing things from the past I thought were lost has been so pleasurable, thank you ladies for sharing. I will add them to blogs I like to visit later so you also may share in the pleasure too.

I'm dreading tomorrow, I'm going shopping with my daughter, I really do hate it at this time of year. Everyone panic buys, the shops are only closed for 1 day and nothing in them is going out of style I find it too stressing and will probably come home with a huge headache.

Two of our little munchkins are going to love me this Friday, Megan and Paddington are booked in for a bath and haircut, they're both good but neither like their beards or legs being done.
Zebedee will be going Saturday.......good luck to them, he hates being combed, having his coat cut and doing his face is like facing Attilla the Hun on a bad day! We may end up having the vet sedate him and letting them cut around his eyes and mouth. I bear the scars of trying to wipe his mouth never mind cut his fur. He hates scissors and he hates the clippers, he's an angry little munchkin in general, people who ill treat these dogs don't just cause them agony whilst they have them but scar them for life. No matter how much we show him he'll never be ill treated again he's a dog and just doesn't understand.

Well I'm off to surf some more of these great blogs, have a great Thursday
hugs Peg

Our School website

2006-12-19T17:04:00.000Z

A few years ago Neil designed a website for the school he works at,

the sight has now been updated and he's asked me if readers of my blog would kindly visit the site and sign the guest book so the children can see they've had visitors from around the world. When I put out this request on stitching groups I was on the children were amazed at the places people had taken time to visit from. Would you like to make their day? If so please visit Holmehall Primary school The photo is of the school entrance in Autumn of this year. Thank you in advance :o)

Goodness I think we're in for a cold night......time to wrap up warm with a cup of hot chocolate!

hugs Peg

Just trying this out

2006-12-19T10:50:00.000Z

Good morning to one and all, today I'm feeling good, the fatique seems to have gone, my flare up has calmed ...yeahhhh.

I've been trying to get myself more technical minded and have enlisted the help of two lovely ladies I've already used the advice of Melissa to enable me to put the banner in the corner of my blog. Also Beth very kindly helped me to make these 'quick' links, thank you ladies for explaining in simple english and making it so easy, you are both real treasures. Plus they both have great blogs folks :o)

hugs Peg

Another new week

2006-12-19T00:45:00.000Z

Goodness I think if the weeks go by any quicker I'll be meeting myself coming back! I thought I'd just post a recent pic of myself.............huh I wish....lol. Isn't she pretty, she is by curtesy of http://www.glitter-graphics.com they have a miriad of free downloadable graphics and blinkies etc.
I was still suffering with fatique after breakfast but knew if I sat I'd soon be back asleep. I decided to do a little more in my sewing room after I'd done a little tidying. DD had taken my ironing to do for me so I needed to put that away. I changed the bedding and oh boy did I make a hash of it. It took me almost 40 mins to get the fresh duvet cover on, roll on the time when I've made a quilt for the bed.

I had a delivery of two gorgeous fabrics today, one is a dark blue fleece and the other is a tartan fabric. Both are soft and great quality. I'm still awaiting delivery of more fabric, once it's in I can decide which I will use for the bed. I want to make Mums lap quilt out of homespun checks, she's not a flowery fabric person but loves earthy tones.

Thankfully we may see an end to the senseless killing of the young ladies of the night in Ipswich, it's been announced that police have a man in custody. They've named him which is unusual if he's not an almost certain suspect. I know the young girls live a life surrounded by violence and degregation but they are still human and someone's daughter. God doesn't like what they do but He still loves them and His Son died for them too. My heart goes out to the families of these girls.

It was also in the news tonight that 2 people have died of the MRSA bug at the hospital our son Paul was taken to and spent many months in after his accident. I feel for the families of these people too but can't help feeling relieved he isn't still a patient there. He caught the bug whilst in intensive care there and contacted it again at the spinal unit. Whilst he was there and the spinal unit he was isolated in a room of his own and barrier nursing put into operation at all times.

I've found some new blogs today, I love reading about other peoples daily life, does that make me a people person or just plain nosey??

have a good week
hugs Peg

2006-12-17T14:05:00.000Z

As promised, the pics are of our youngest grandson Jacob, he's a real cutie and very much knows his own mind! The one on the right is just before he started school, the left one shows him on the righthand side taking the part of the Inn Keeper, looking at us in the audience.

This one is of the reindeer, all the children are in their first year of school and did amazingly well to remember all their lines.

His Daddy is taking him to a wonderful world of magic today, we have a garden center about 8 miles away which transforms into a Christmas winter wonderland complete with decorations and real reindeer at this time of year. It's a delight for both children and adults.

Enjoy your Sunday, may it bring you all your heart desires

hugs Peg

So much to do so little time!!

2006-12-17T13:29:00.000Z

I think I may need the help of my fairy friends this week, I'm so tired again and yesterday wasn't to busy really. I think it's a few of my health issues rearing their ugly heads again.
I need to get myself organised but I have neither the energy nor the motivation at the moment. That sounds awful doesn't it but I think honesty is the best policy...lol

During this morning quite a large group of people gathered outside our home, next thing the most beautiful sound of a Christmas carol came across the breeze, it was totally unexpected but so nice. They're from a local church near us, whilst they were singing young ladies went from door to door with baskets of chocolate and leaflets advertising this evenings carol service.

I rang Philly, DIL, earlier to see how they all were and Paul isn't well today, he's having a lot of pain in his back. I know most of this week he's had problems getting up and about with being so stiff, at the moment it's 2 steps forward and 1 step back. The physio was pleased with him on Tuesday though he's able to lift his arm to 120% now which is a vast improvement. Like all Mums it breaks my heart to see him in pain and I want to take it away from him.

hugs

Peg

Only 9 more days to Christmas!

2006-12-16T23:37:00.000Z

Gosh, where does the time go? This has been another busy week of activities, tiring me out completely. I haven't seen much of Neil, this time of year he is busy with school concerts and plays.

Last Saturday evening we went out for a meal as I said we would. We had a great time with friends and the whole evening was relaxing. The meal was everything you'd want it to be and the company was just as good. I think I over did it a little though, I spent Sunday and Monday sleeping the days and nights away. I felt exhausted, the little munchkins kept trying to poke me whilst I slept but even their comical antics couldn't get me going. Zebedee thought it most amusing to 'steal' my slippers each time I took them off. He's not one to argue with either as I have proved many times. Megan rushes to my defence each time like a warrior princess!

Tuesday I felt a little better so managed to finish a couple of small projects off. The Token of love motif is from the Ackworth Quaker School book.

The Sarah Smithfield quaker pinkeep is from Carriage house samplings. Both these will hopefully be made into pinkeeps this week.

The picture at the top are of my Christmas Mantle. We haven't decorated at Christmas for the past few years just because we're not usually here but this year after seeing the beautiful blogs etc of others and the wonderful decorations gave me the urge to just decorate a little...lol. Our sitting room isn't large since the renovations so we can't have a large free standing tree so a small one is sufficient for us. I made the cloth which covers the mantle shelf on Tuesday, now my daughter wants a table runner for her coffee table!

I'm sorry if the pics are out of sinc I have problems putting them in the right place but to coin a phrase I'm sure you get the picture!!!

Wednesday I enjoyed seeing our youngest grandson Jacob in his nativity play at school, the children were great! I'll post some pics tomorrow. For a couple of hours in the evening I babysat whilst Mum and Dad were at a golf club meal. This again shattered me so Thursday and Friday were rest days again. Today has been busy with shopping and visiting the library, I ordered some Meg Evans books, I saw these beautiful books on ebay of her lovely work and fancy having a go in the new year. I've never stitched on plastic canvas before so watch this space BWG!

I also had some more gorgeous fabrics from ebay, they are mainly checked which I want to make into a lap quilt but they were all bargains and I will probably have enough for at least 3 lap quilts.

Neil finishes work on Wednesday next so his health permitting he may be able to put the flooring down in the front bedroom and finish off my sewing room. I will of course let him have Christmas and the next day off lol.

Enjoy your week

Peg

Another week gone !

2006-12-08T22:55:00.000Z

Well another week has gone by and I'm another year older! This week has been a very busy week for birthdays in our family, Jacob started the week off on Sunday with his 5th birthday, Molly was 10yrs old on Monday and my birthday was on Wednesday. I celebrated mine with Diazapam and Dehydrocodiene plus my usual meds. I didn't bother adding a little alchohol to the mixture as it doesn't suit me with my cocktail of prescription drugs.....lol

I can fall down without the effects of drink as I proved on Monday, breaking my specs in the process. I should at the time have been resting anyway but didn't do as I was told. Because of breaking my specs my enforced rest was not as usual spent stitching which drove me crackers!! I didn't get them back until today so will make up for it over the next week. One of the yahoo groups I belong to are stitching pinkeeps I have 3 stitched pieces made up but need to finish them.

Tomorrow evening we will be joining friends for their church's Christmas meal at an inn in the Peak district. They're a small gathering but made up of really sweet, dedicated christians who's company we always enjoy whenever Neil ministers there.

Our room swap over hasn't got much nearer completion, this term is really busy for Neil so it's a case of doing a little at a time. DD was coming to help out but couldn't get so that blew that idea :o) Her youngest son Sam won a certificate yesterday at school, they had a 'dress as the Victorians' day, he borrowed a flat cap, braces and waistcoat from Grandad, old trousers from James and some old boots. They had to behave as Victorian children for the whole day, he came home with the award for best dressed boy. He's also earned 3 well behaved certificates this week too.

Our weather has been very changeable this week, we are now minus a fence down one side of the garden due to the strong winds which knocked it down and 'smashed' it to pieces. Poor Neil the moths will be flying out of the bank book and seeing daylight We can't leave it because of the dogs. He'll really pass out when I remind him we have to go and pay for the new bed tomorrow as the shop rang today to say it's now back in store.............poor old Neil.

One thing I have been able to do this week is increase my quilt fabric stash, I won some fantastic bargains on ebay. The postman who delivers packages asked me this morning if I was starting a shop! As soon as my room is ready I can make my lap quilt, I have the picture in my mind of how I want it to look and am hoping I can import that onto the fabric !

Deeber our retriever has felt very pleased with herself this week, she has finally learned how to lift the foot plate on my stairlift enabling her to come upstairs. She trots into the room with tail wagging and head held high. Megan has also achieved a goal this week, she managed to walk upstairs from halfway, actually she was going one step at a time, Neil dropped a book and made her jump so she 'flew' the rest of the way....lol.

Well I need to get my fix of other peoples blogs so am off to read through a few and take a peek into their lives.

Enjoy your weekend, I hope it's peaceful and your achieve goals you never thought you would

hugs Peg

Tired out but happy!

2006-11-27T17:43:00.000Z

Today I feel like I've been run over by a tractor and the driver reversed several times!
Yesterday my sister & I were duely dropped off outside the International Hall in Harrogate by her partner who then went to spend his day shopping.
We got into the hall quickly with only a 3-5min queue because I'd bought the tickets a few weeks ago.

It was stash heaven lol, there were so many new exhibitors with crafts I've not seen there before, I planned on taking my camera but left it on the table so did try to take a few shots on my phone but there were several notices around stating no photography please and I wasn't risking being asked to leave!

We watched painting demonstrations by an artist who was extremely talented, a rep showing the wonderful attributes of a Bernini machine costing over £3000 which when programmed will stitch the design on it's own. I was enthralled watching the demonstration of a long arm quilting machine, it's the first time I've seen one in the flesh and I loved it but didn't buy as I don't have the room......mores the pity. I was able to increase my fabric stash considerably from many stalls offering great bargains and drooling over the ones which were what I considered to expensive by far. I'll post a pic of my purchases tomorrow when the camera is recharged. I was so pleased to be able to obtain 2 packs of Freezer paper for less than the price of 1 here in the UK. My other treat was an Omnigrip 12. 1/2" Square which I'd seen earlier in the day. Sis bought several stitching patterns, knitting patterns, wool and fabric for a table runner and an afghan to make for her new expected grandson.
We met designer Sue Hawkins who is really tiny but very talented and the two ladies who design and own Historical sampler company. They were really pleasant to chat to and I could have spent a fortune on there stall.

I haven't put my purchases away yet, I had a loving fondle last night but today has had to be a rest day to enable my body to recoup some energy and the pain to ease. I am spent up, tired out but I had a really happy day.

hugs Blondieuk

Chaos reigns!

2006-11-24T22:01:00.000Z

I need to take some time out from what I'm doing so I can recharge my very depleted batteries and give my back a well earned rest!

I am sat at this moment amid total chaos! DH in his wisdom decided it would be better if I changed rooms and had my sewing room at the back of the house, now this isn't a problem I still get to view the neighbours comings and goings, just from a different angle and different neighbours.

The chaos occurred when Dh started having problems with his hip, discharging him from any lifting, moving or laying of new floors. I am only able to do small jobs, I'm not able to carry even medium weight boxes, or move furniture around etc soooo, are you getting where I'm coming from? The job stopped mid stream! I'm half moved in and half moved out. My computer is sitting on a spare table in here whilst my computer station is in the other room looking very naked apart from file boxes full of cross stitch charts sitting on the top shelf. Boxes of my 'stuff' are sat around on the floor thinking it's 1/2 term holidays and they don't need to do anything apart from playing at looking pretty.

My new sewing table is set up but has a mountain of various things sitting on it waiting for me to sort them into the appropriate drawers. Now I know that the very organised ladies amongst us will by now be looking up my name in the international phonebook trying to find my number to ring me and offer to come and organise my chaos. Ladies, I love to be organised and know where everything is but when I have 2 rooms disturbed my brain shuts down and decides to go on holiday.

DH will be occupied tomorrow with 10 of his climbing buddies discussing if they want to buy the cottage they have stayed in for the past 20yrs when in Glen Coe because the owner is retiring and selling up. The finding of an alternative cottage is a no no they love this one. I shall await that decision with baited breath as I thought I was getting a conservatory first.........

The dogs have just about had enough of the moving around, they're like children and don't take to upset easily. I'm pretty sure they are wondering what the heck I'm playing at when I'm usually sat either sewing, reading or on the computer, not dashing from room to room. Sorry I must alter that I never dash anywhere because I haven't got a dash in me !

Usually at this time of year DH and I spend a day cooking meals for the freezer because during the winter is my worse time healthwise and as he is in fultime employement I don't think it fair he should come home to a bare table and to start cooking. I must add he doesn't have these pre-cooked meals everyday just on my bad days. It works 2 ways, he gets a piping hot meal with little effort on my part and he gets to eat spicey, 'odd' meals with ingredients I haven't got a taste for.

On Sunday I'm going to Harrogate in Yorkshire to the Stitching and Knitting show with my sister, we will be chauffer driven by her partner who will drop us off outside the large International Hall and at some point in the day will join us to eat. He's a very patient man who usually takes me to oneside to ask what she's been looking at and drooling over and then he goes to buy them for her......eehh what a man!

I'm hoping there are some stalls for quilting included, the last time we went I wasn't a quilter but I'm sure I remember seeing some stalls selling fabric in FQ's, yardage and packs. We shall come home pleasantly tired, with our heads and hearts full of the beautiful goodies we've seen and I can guarantee there will be regrets for not buying something.

I spent some time in a shop I 'found' the other day which has actually been there for 14yrs but I've never seen it not even when I was doing a lot of making clothes and toys. It was like an Aladdins cave, as well as fabric of all types on bolts and rolls there were shelves which held miriads of remnants from the end of the bolts etc. I found some real treasures amongst these shelves. I popped them into the washing machine when I got home which took several loads, dried them then spent time the next day ironing them and putting them away. I was like a child with a new toy.............which leads me nicely onto my next 'new toy'. My Toyota Quiltmaster 60, my other s/machine is great to use but isn't happy when I put thicker fabric through it so as I wanted to make a good effort with quilting this is the pressie I got from DH....bless him. I know those of you who have been quilting for a long time will pity me for my simple joy but I'm really looking forward to stitching with it.

I'm hoping to get some xstitching done tomorrow too as I like to stitch for at least part of each day and sadly get withdrawal symptoms if I don't. I have quite a few sampler wip's on the go and they've been sadly neglected for the past couple of weeks.

The autumn is changing into winter here, the beautiful tree I can see from my kitchen window has given me such a gorgeous array of autumnal colours but due to the high winds we've had this week it is now reduced to a few stragly leaves hanging on for dear life. I feel as if an old friend has left me, the weather now is typically English, cold, damp and misty. In the mornings there may be a little ray of sunshine so you dutifully put out the days washing only to look up a short time later to see it's tippling it down with rain and that washing is now drenched again and needs rewashing and you're asking yourself why you didn't just 'pop' it in the dryer in the first place!

I think that's all I can recall for now, my brain is lacking in the bits which give you literal inspiration so I'll wish you all a great weekend, may you enjoy time with your families, enjoy peace and good health

hugs Peg

A Lazy Day

2006-11-20T01:42:00.000Z

Today has been just that, a very lazy day. I'm ashamed to say I have done nothing creative unless you count lunch, I arranged the veg and the beef in a swirl pattern and drizzled a light touch of gravy over it :o) It must have looked and tasted good because DH cleaned his plate completely!

I've read through a lot of blogs today and delved into other peoples lives, looked through their homes, admired their latest works and whilst reading one blog almost fused my computer completely. It should have had a hazard warning on it, the blog in question, Smoking needles..... http://cushie66.blogspot.com should not be read when you have just either taken a bite of your sandwich or taken a sip of tea! I had a great time reading Jacqui's very funny blog I can certainly recommend it.

I've also picked up a lot of tips and ideas from the many quilting and stitching blogs I've read and I've also won some fabrics on ebay!

It has been the most gorgeous autumn day again, I shall be sad to see this season leave us, I think it has the most wonderful array of colours out of all the seasons. I am wondering if we shall have a really cold winter this year as the day's are already cold even for me, I'm usually the one who's still in a short sleeve top whilst DH is in woolies and hugging the heating system. It's a woman thing which only another woman would understand!

Just around the corner from us is a wood which has the most amazing colours at the moment and this will only be upstaged by the winter frost. Before I became less mobile I used to walk through the woods with the dogs, it was just like a fairytale land. The ground and trees were covered with a sparkling magical frost. I know I have some pics of it from a few yrs ago I'll try and find them out and post them that you too may share in the beauty of Gods winter creation. My friend and I used to call it our trip into Narnia Land.

hugs Blondieuk

Finished at last!

2006-11-10T20:20:00.000Z

During the last 2 months of 2003 I was in a Lizzie Kate RR eventually mine arrived back in February 2004. I had every intention of finishing this as a wall hanging but to balance it up I needed to stitch another 2 LK charts on it. I popped it in a box and forgot all about it until a couple of weeks ago when I came across it.

Recently having taken up quilting I decided I'd make the wall hanging but would separate the blocks with quilted blocks. The picture is of my completed wall hanging which I put the last touches to tonight. It isn't perfect by any means but I'm pleased with it and will be able to think of the ladies who stitched on it also whenever I look at it.

This is my first attempt at a quilt wall hanging, I took part in a SAL with the ladies of for the love of stitching an online group. The project was Prairie scholars Autumn leaves.

We also stitched BDD Autumn Silhouette, BOAF Quaker Garden as SAL's. We have a WIP's encouragement going, thanks to this I finally finished Mirabilia's Garden Verses after 4yrs!

I've also been stitching on my 3 Chatelaines all these can be seen in my webshot albums. I have uploaded a pic of a PS Autumn sampler which I stitched in August 04 whilst on holiday in Wales and a birth sampler I stitched in 2001 for our youngest grandson Jacob.

I've been sorting out some of my fabric for pillows and quilts, it's surprising how much there is when you start and I have seen some more which would make really pretty quilts and pillows. I am going to be strong though and resist for now as I'm going to a large Knitting & Stitching show in Harrogate in Yorkshire in a fortnight so will get my fix there. It is a really large show which takes all day to get around the many different stalls, there are many different crafts catered for.

I also need to rearrange things in my sewing room I thought I was very organised but I was looking for something the other day and it wasn't where it should have been which really threw me so a big sort out is on the cards! I've been looking for a suitable sewing table to accommodate my sewing machine but which is also big enough for me to cut fabrics on. At present for anything large I have to use my dining table which is frowned upon and watched over by DH because we inherited it from his Mum when she died and it cost more money then we would ever be able to spend on a dining suite. I do cover it with a felt cloth first and I'm very careful with pins and scissors honest.

I'm excited tonight because I've won the ideal thing on ebay! The seller has had several of these on his listings for the past few weeks and I've bid on them occasionally but have been outbid because in the last few minutes. I bid on one last night but was beaten by a £1 and I had bid a few pounds higher than before. There was a purpose for being outbid I'm sure because tonight I won another of his auctions for the same table and won it at £13 less than I'd bid last night for the same thing so I'm a happy bunny tonight. It will fit perfectly into the space under the window where I get the afternoon sun.

I baby sat for an hour last night for Jacob and this time he was asleep so I was able to stitch on my Blue sampler it's been a wip for quite some time so I thought it deserved a little attention.

Heidi of the neneedle necessities blog, link above, who is our resident encourager and sometimes teacher will be taking us through the making of a pin keep the next week or so. As I type this she is probably taking photos of hers and planning out the instructions for us. We need to have a stitched piece ready for the off date. I have a piece I'd already stitched a while ago which I would love to use for this and I've also managed some stitching on another piece which I'd love to make into a pin keep or needle work book.

Well I'm off to read some of the lovely blogs I found on here.

take care and have a peaceful happy weekend

hugs Blondie

Monday 6th November

2006-11-06T16:25:00.000Z

What a weekend.........I managed to get caught up with my blog and reading a few new ones I found, I was truely blessed by those I read.

Our weekend has been quite hectic, Saturday was shopping day, we decided to go to Sheffield for this because I needed to go to Hobby craft. I bought a few quilting accessories and some gorgeous FQ's of orange to mid yellow print. I know autumn will be leaving us soon but I am determined to eventually make a quilt with a pumpkin on. :o)

I won a wonderful auction on ebay which included a 24" x 36" Olfa rotary cutting mat, an Olfa rotary cutter + a Fiskars 6" x 24" quilters ruler, these are 2nd hand but in excellent condition and it didn't cost me 1/2 of what the cost would be for new.

Sunday I had planned on working on my friendship
quilt, however Zebedee had other plans! Like the other dogs
he has been very unsettled with the fireworks going off nightly. He'd been hiding under and behind chairs or anywhere else he could get. I fed them all at lunch time and being Shih Tzu's they tend to get everything in their eyes, ears and beard so I have to wash their faces after a meal. It really is like wiping your child's face they struggle and want to rush off to play! I did his last and we always have to be on our guard with him, I let my guard down and before I knew it he'd taken a really nasty bite to my fingers. He has bitten me before but he's never broken the skin or bit hard enough but boy did he make up for it this time. Because I'm on aspirin along with other meds I bleed quite a bit when my skin is cut or broken. After cleansing it, which wasn't pleasant as he'd taken quite a large chunk and part of the top of my nail I had to sit with my hand in the air for 30 mins to stop it bleeding. Afterwards Neil managed to pull part of the skin in line and put butterfly stitches on it. He grumbled because I wouldn't go to hospital but Sunday at the hospital would have meant a stay of at least 8hrs and as it wouldn't be classed as urgent I'd be sat there waiting.

I rang the dr's this morning and went to see the nurse, she gave me a tetanus shot and dressed the wound again. We'd done the right thing with it, I have to watch it for the next 48hrs because that's when they have a tendancy to go septic. Needless to say Zebedee has been even more subdued today. It's very hard knowing what to do at the moment, we know he had a horrendous 3 1/2 yrs with his first owners who badly abused him. We've had him 8 mths and although we are firm with him I hoped he was coming to realise we wouldn't hurt him. I'm not sure if it's the fireworks that have upset him or if he has a problem with anything physical, he wont let you look in his mouth or touch his feet without snapping. I do worry as he loves to be around children but I know that if it had been a child he'd bitten it would have been a lot worse. The groomers aren't to happy at grooming him either because they can't get near his face without him trying to bite.

This of course has stopped me stitching or quilting for a few days at least until the stitches can come off and I know it's not going to open or bleed.

One of the groups I'm on has started another SAL, this time it's one of Tanya's first lady samplers, Mrs Jefferson. I wasn't starting straight away so will perhaps catch up later with the ladies. I have 3 Chatelaine designs on the go too, I have finished part 2 on one of them and part 1 on 2 of them. These also will have to be put on hold.

Neil's been out for the day with school today to a place in Yorkshire called Eden camp museum, this link will take you there www.edencamp.co.uk it's great to take school children there to see their history.

I am still waiting for some more of my fabric I won on ebay to arrive, this is coming from the States so will take longer. The fabric I have bought recently is gorgeous!! I'm also waiting delivery of a new sewing machine, a Toyota Quilt 60, my present machine is a good one with several stitches but I don't want to use it for quilting, I don't think it would easily take the bulkier fabric ie top, batting and back all at once. It is coming straight from the manufacturers so can be up to a 3wk wait.
The pics above are of the stitched pieces which will go on the quilt. I took part in a friendship RR with 4 other ladies and these are the result. I have several fabrics around the pieces at the moment but dont want to touch them at the present.

The weather here in the daytime has been beautiful, a slight nip in the air, wonderful sunshine and all the autumnal colours your heart could desire. At night I've be able to lay in bed looking up at the night sky, through the window not a hole in the roof ;O) ! It's been amazing the moon has been shining really bright and along with the stars has made the most wonderful scene to behold, the dark dismal sky of late has made way for a very light dark blue sky, if that makes sense. The ground has been completely covered in the glittering, sparkling white of frost. Even in the darkest hour there has been some beauty to appreciate and thank the Lord for.

Take care
Blondieuk

What season are you?

2006-11-05T02:16:00.000Z

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...
You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings
Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

Saturday November 4th

2006-11-04T23:06:00.000Z

Well autumn is well and truly with us, I love this time of year, the air is crisp, the days are sunny and the trees put on their wonderful cloaks of colour. Traveling over to Yorkshire Bridge last Thursday the scenery was wonderful and the beautiful landscape God created over there was a pleasure to behold. I stopped to take a few pictures of the area Paul, Philly and the girls live in. It's just the other side of a small village called Bamford in the Hope Valley area of the Peak District.

This is the road just before Paul's small village of Yorkshire Bridge.

The lane leading down to their row of cottages

To the left of the Patio

From the Patio

To the right showing in the distance the wall of the famous LadyBower Dam

The view from their front window over the village green. The car at the gate is mine. I love visiting or going to stay with them, life there is so much slower than here near the town. The scenery is something to treasure.

I was there to take them to collect their new car from the garage, it had to go back in for repairs to the electrics. They have bought an automatic this time so Paul can drive, his left foot is still not sufficiently responsive so he wears a splint on it which keeps his foot from flopping downwards. He is starting to get some movement in it though which is encouraging.

He is still going for physio and will for a few months yet, the consultants are really pleased with his determination to get his life back and be as mobile as possible. He does get rather wistful when we see or talk about m/bikes, he knows his riding days are over but his interest is still there, just as his Dads was after his horrendous crash whilst racing.
He amazes me with his determination and grit, his sense of humour is still as wicked as always. Apart from breaking many bones including all the vertebra in his back he had internal damage to his lungs, kidneys, liver and bowel and we don't know how much this will affect him in the future but to hear him talk you'd think he just fell off and grazed a knee!! They have told him he will suffer arthritis later because of the damage to the bones.
To us he's a walking miracle which we thank God for everyday!

hugs Blondieuk

Over a year!

2006-09-10T23:10:00.000+01:00

Goodness I didn't realise it's over a year since I wrote in my blog. It's been a very hectic time with illness hitting us, our eldest son being critically injured in a horrific m/bike accident. My Mum falling and breaking her hip and a few complications which followed that.

The doctors warned us our son would not survive his accident his injuries were so severe, along with family & friends here in the UK and all over the world, many who didn't know him, we prayed The Good Lord would not take him from us, he has a great wife and two gorgeous girls of 13 & 10yrs. Our prayers were answered and after almost 5mths in hospital followed by time in a specialised spinal unit he came home at last!!

It is absolutely wonderful to see him at home, he still has a way to go but the hospital didn't expect him living then they thought he'd never walk and would be in a w/chair, now he's on his own feet, by Gods help and his own determination. He is in constant pain but just grits his teeth and gets on with it. He will not be able to ride a bike again and he will have to reconsider his employment because his job involves heavy work. He's using this time to see what options he has. He's not a quitter and has my full admiration for how far he's come, he still has a wicked sense of humour and would rather make fun of himself than sit counting his woes.

Mum is now doing well, I had to take her for another Echocardiogram the last one wasn't clear enough. She's a fiesty lady and perhaps this is where Paul gets some of his determination from :o)

Our three little tinkers, from left to right, Megan, Zebedee and Paddington all waiting for cheese!!

This isn't comfy!!!

Told you we could get 3 in a bed !!! notice it's Megan on the edge and not the boys :o)

See Megan and Zebedee's story below

Since my last posting we have adopted another 2 Shih Tzu's, Zebedee and Megan. Both are from rescues in Wales, Zebedee a Black/White spent the first 3 1/2 yrs of his life being used as a punch bag and football until he was taken away from his owners. This has made him quite wary of people, it has taken a few months to show him that cuddles can be pleasurable and not everyone is out to hurt him. He is making good progress apart from grooming. He hates it with a vengence!! We can get the groomers to deal with his body but his face and head are a completely different matter. He attacks the scissors and gets very aggressive so in future we will have to let our vet sedate him and cut his face and head fur. He has put quite a bit of weight on, he isn't greedy and will not eat unless he's really hungry. He can be bribed with food to let go of something he shouldn't have though....lol
He's now letting Neil play with him which is good, he is such a funny little dog, and is easy to love despite his grumbling.

Megan is Grey/White and is the victim of puppy farming which sadly still goes on in countries all over the world despite the efforts to close them down.

She was very badly emanciated, her coat was completely matted, she had 3 large hernias and many of her teeth were broken and rotten. The foster Mum who looked after her started to give her confidence and although she has a lot more today she is still shy of a lot of things and it will take a long time before she fully trusts other people. She spent her first 3 1/2 yrs in a small cage giving birth to one litter after another until she stopped being a successful breeder then she was disguarded. She was badly underweight when we collected her but she too has put weight on, she had her teeth cleaned and the bad and broken ones removed. She is such a sweetie, if you drop a pin she'll jump but is getting more confindent daily.

Almost Autumn!!

2005-10-20T01:11:00.000+01:00

Oh gosh, where has summer gone to???? no sooner do I think about scaring the living daylights out of our neighbours by donning a polka dot bikini than Autumn slowly creeps into our busy lives.

I know I am joining the rank of the middle age group because I keep commenting on how quick the months are flying by, and I realize that the comment 'this time last week we were........' is now becoming a regular in my vocabulary. Our youngest grandson Jacob will be 4 this December is already at nursery school and like his Dear Daddy has the gift of the gab!! Neil says they take after me because I can talk for England but.......all who know me personally know I am but a shy retiring wall flower...... ;o)

What's been happening in our lives........well we didn't have a very productive summer as Neil had the builders in at school so he couldn't get on with the rest of the decking so I'm assuming that will be continued next year. The central heating people have been and gone not much fun for Neil as he had to take up the laminate flooring in our bedroom, good job my craft room hadn't been done or he would have had a complete wobbly! We can now think about the decorating and finishing off the flooring etc. Neil can't do it at the moment as he has again damaged the main ligament in his knee so is unable to kneel down. I'm sure he's doing it on purpose................lol

We did manage to go away for a few days at the end of August, we went to Thornton Le Dale nr Pickering in Yorkshire in a luxury B&B and for once 'luxury' is how I would describe it. The hosts, accommodation and food were excellent. I would certainly recommend it to anyone in a flash. The website is http://www.topbridge.co.uk the site needs updating but you get the general idea. We liked it so much we have booked the s/catering cottage for the late half term holiday in October when we'll have a whole week of relaxation.

Whilst there I finally managed to go to Whitby museum to view the samplers amongst other things and bought 3 reproduction sampler charts. Also Neils forages in the local secondhand book shops revealed 3 great sampler books which I did purchase of course.

Both our eldest son Paul and family and our daughter Lesley and family went away for the week together and had a great time. The children all being around the same age had a whale of a time.

September
Neil went back to the hospital in September for a check up after his nose op, he doesn't feel any benefit from and it's been several months now so it is a real disappointed at going through it for no change in his condition. The consultant checked him out and said the op has been a success but the problems he's having is an allergy, (probably to me) so has put him on another nasal spray and it does appear to be working.

We entertainined a guest for two weeks in September, he's completely crackers, goofy and a walking calamity! He is my sisters 5mth old Dogue De Bordeaux, a well muscled powerful package of dog, he isn't pretty but he's so comical and has reduced Neil and I to tears of laughter with his antics. Deeber of course was her usual snobby self but I think he's won even her heart, she has now deemed to lower herself and play with him, she is about 5cms bigger than him so is playing being the dominant dog which he's happy to let her think she is. Goodness knows what will happen when she stays with my sister next week whilst we're away as by now he will have grown considerably and make her look about as big as a Springer Spaniel!!

He and I had a running battle of wills, my opinion of furniture is sofa's = human domain, floors = animals domain, Reo thinks he is entitled to stretch out on my cream sofa or chairs. I did win this one as he quickly learnt after only a short time that getting down onto animals domain (floor) earned him a treat. He needed to learn this rather quickly because of the episode of torrential rain for several hours creating a good amount of mud in the garden for rolling in. He then managed to get to the sofa before me, needless to say the covers had an exciting time at the fair ground roundabout formally known as the washing machine. Whilst we were out shopping he 'stole' a teddy which has sat on the bed for the past yr, he's not very active. Ted was very shaken by his ordeal and had passed out on the kitchen floor, upside down in the dogs water bowl. I did resusatate him and he is now recovering slowly. Reo normally stuck to tossing his big yellow duck around but I think the duck needed a rest.

Here is a pic of the two of them in the first week, as you can see friends forever now.

We had a bit of a scare with one of our grandsons, James who had to spend time in hospital after complaining of pains in his back. Although the different consultants couldn't agree what was wrong they medicated him, he had tests plus xrays and now has to go for a scan on his stomach. Thankfully he's feeling a lot better now and is back at school and is going on holiday next week to Majorca.

October
I had to go and see a skin specialist for a mole on my face which had developed lumps on it and changed colour. I'm very happy and relieved to say it was benign, he gave me the name but I can't pronounce or spell ! He sprayed a long shot of liquid nitrogen on it which was uncomfortable but only for a short time and not as painful as I'd been led to believe. I have to go back and see him in November but the size has shrunk and all that's there now is a small red circle with no lumps on it, it's not inflamed just new skin growing I think.

We have a new member in our family..............a small Shih Tzu called Paddington, Deeber was so miserable when Reo went home and really missed the play so we talked long and hard about it. The house isn't large enough for 2 large dogs permanately so we opted to go for a Shih Tzu. We adopted two from the rescue in 1992 and had many happy and comical years with them before they both passed away in 2000. I rang the same woman who as well as a vet is a breeder and shows her dogs as well as rescuing them. She did remember me and after talking for a while she said she had a special little man who had been found wandering the streets of Manchester the previous month. They knew nothing about him except he was very malnurished and very matted. They had cut his coat off to give him some comfort but it had grown about 2" so he wasn't bald. He got on well with all her dogs (26) appeared to have a lovely nature also. They thought he was approximately 3yrs old and Gold/white and would I like to give him a home..........
Lesley took me last Tuesday morning and it was love at first sight, she was able to sit on the floor so he climbed on her knee immediately. Then he and I made friends, all the while he was watching Carol the kennel maid who had been taking care of him.
He'd already been neutured so had to have his stitches out, he was vaccinated and micro chipped at which stage Lesley almost passed out at the sight of the large needle.........lol and after the chatting and stroking and getting to know his likes and dislikes we set off home.

I asked Lesley to bring him in so I could make a fuss of Deeber first so she didn't resent him, she then went straight to Lesley, sniffing around what appeared to be her next meal lol

There has been no argueing or snapping, I'd brought him a smiley faced squeaky ball which he loves, Deeber of course never played with them but now does and walks around with it in her mouth just out of jumping reach of Paddington! They don't lay snuggled up together yet but are getting closer when laying down. He has fit in as if he'd always been here, is now eating well and is loving the fact that Sam and Lesley call each day on their way home from school. He has to see the vet in 3 wks time to check his weight and to see if his muscles are now stronger. He is supposed to be Neil's dog but at the moment sticks around me but I'm at home all day and he was looked after by women at the kennels so he'll be more confident in Neil soon. I wondered where he was on Sunday and came upstairs to see Neil sitting at his desk with Paddinton sat on the desk looking through the window. He is beginning to relax quite a bit now, he knows we come back after we've left the room now and doesn't need to follow us everywhere just in case and he'll stay in the room without us for a while.

When we collected him he hadn't got a name so we quickly rung Neil to tell him to think of one and rung James to ask him and his friends to come up with some suggestions. Later that night after much deliberation Neil popped his head around the door and exclaimed 'Paddington' mmm yes a good selection but why?
The reason is that Paddington bear had been lost and was found at the Paddington station and so called, the dog had been found roaming so this is now his name and he has started to answer to it.

Whilst I'm typing this I have Deeber curled up on oneside of me and Paddington the other I can't move my chair without waking them or it will be squashed dog on the menu!! When we're in the lounge Deeber is at my feet and Paddington has claimed the beanbag puffe as his, I think he thinks he's the king of the castle. At first he'd curl up drop to sleep, start to stretch out and fall off, now he's more certain he rumages around until he's made a 'dent' to curl up in then drops of to sleep and stays on. A quick learner!! He's a typical Shih Tzu in that he'll dart around playing for a while then suddenly just flop and sleep for a while. They are small dogs with big hearts and to see how calm he is after the ordeal he's been through is a wonder to me. Deeber of course knows she's not going to be pushed out and is slowly condescending to hint at playing with him.
She will see her best buddy next week as she will go to my sisters to stay whilst we're away, Reo will have grown a lot so he'll probably want to be top dog on his own turf. She love my sister so is always happy to go for her holidays.

Paddington will stay with Lesley and her family, we can't take them with us as dogs aren't allowed. I know both dogs will be safe and loved whilst we're away. As James is going away Sam will have Paddington for company and can't wait for Friday until he goes up there. Hopefully a pic of Paddington should show up at this point if I've done it right.... ;0)

Stitching wise I have finished the Pot sampler, Simply a Little Quaker sampler the 2005 Swvd Sampler and am now stitching on the Three Little words and the Blue Ribbon samplers. I also have a Prairie Schooler exchange which I need to sew and have almost finished the M Davol sampler. I haven't taken pictures yet so can't post any.

Now I must come to a close and let you catch your breath. I'm hoping it won't be as long till I write more. Take care, enjoy your family and your stitching.

Blondieuk

REO & DEEBER

2005-10-19T17:07:00.000+01:00

As I thought this pic didn't show up so am posting it now, as you can see he's a big lad for 5mths and he's a month older now so goodness knows how big he is now!!

REVEALED AT LAST!

2005-07-15T23:27:00.000+01:00

I can now reveal which Blackbird design I have been stitching on the BD SAL which I took part in for a sampler group I belong to. I chose My Valentine, just because I'm a soppy romantic at heart ........ I stitched it on a mottled evenweave which I bought from a LNS I visit occasionally. I did go back a couple of weeks ago to buy some more as it suits these samplers really well but apparently it was a piece which was taken out of a kit someone purchased and didn't like the fabric so they had exchanged it for her. A friend thinks it's possibly a Zweigart as it's usually their fabric that Lanarte use.
I used the recommended GAST threads, the border does need to be counted carefully as it's easy to do an extra stitch or two.

I have over the past week or so been able to increase my sampler chart and kit stash, with the curtesy of the sellers on ebay. I was able to obtain some really good bargains, when I'll be able to stitch them all goodness knows but it sure is nice having them to look at and imagine on my walls.

Through another stitcher on the sampler group I discovered http://www.papillon-creations.com these are beautiful sampler designs, not expensive and as they come in pdf form as soon as you pay online they are available for download into you computer. The new one is Three little words, a beautiful large sampler stitched with just one light and one dark shade thread. Yvonne also has some complimentry charts which compliment the larger for sale charts. Well worth a visit.

I have also purchased the Jane Austen Collection of charts from Tanya at http://thesamplergirl.homestead.com/home.html there are three in the collection, Northanger Abbey, Pride & Prejudice and my favourite Mansfield Park. A phrase from the relevant book is on each sampler. Tanya has also created a wonderful series of 'The First Ladies' of American past presidents. A brief history of each lady is included with the chart and if like myself you enjoy history you will enjoy stitching these samplers. A new 'First Lady' is to be released in September, an exciting project to look forward to.

Isn't it strange how our tastes change, when I first started stitching I loved scenic charts and historical dress. I've always loved the ladies of Mirabilia and Lavender & Lace, now my main passion is stitching samplers. There are so many to choose from, the quirky L*K's, Bent Creeks, Blackbird Designs along with Birds of a Feather to the beautiful geometrical designs like St Georges from Long Dog to the beautiful historical samplers. I have the Pot sampler from The Historical Sampler co. as a wip, the colours are gorgeous and it's a pleasure to stitch on. Each motif with it's own meaning. This is not a small sampler it will grace my wall nicely when completed.

I think I need to have three life times to complete all I have in my stash, but then again if I don't buy them now when I'm able to I may not be able to afford them when I'm older so would have missed out ......well that's my thinking anyway and my excuse........lol

happy stitching whether you're a sampler fan, scenery or disney cutie stitcher!!

Blondieuk

July!!

2005-07-15T23:04:00.000+01:00

Gosh July already, the year is going so quickly. Many things have happened on the stitching front since I last posted, I've finished my Celtic Noel and am sooo pleased with it. I think the next Celtic will probably be Spring, I have both her and Summer kitted and ready to go. I bought matching frames for all the ladies, Spring and Summer will be stitched in the original colours. I will stitch Celtic Winter but not in the original form as I'm a little disappointed in her. I wish I was talented to change her but I'm not so will rely on one of the many talented ladies on the board.

Since finishing CN I have been stitching on Mirabilia's Garden Verses which has been on the go a long time. She is almost finished, I have the bottom 1.5" to stitch plus the gold thread as I like to do that last. I still have many other MD's as wip so will try and get those finished also as I can.
My taste like many stitchers changed when I discovered samplers so the ladies take a bit of a back seat I'm afraid.
I have now bought two more cupboards and two sets of drawers from Ikea to hold more of my stash. Now all I need is for my room to be finished and the floor laid then my stash can move into it's new home and rest easy.

blondie

MISSING HIM...........

2005-05-31T00:16:00.000+01:00

Well it's 3 days since the love of my life left for Southern Ireland but it already seems like weeks. I know the younger generation think that they invented romance and relationships as all younger generations have done over the years.

The wonderful man I'd proud to have for my husband..........

is talented, has a big heart and will happily go the extra mile when needed. To me he will always be handsome, each new wrinkle, each grey hair that life brings only adds distinction to his looks. He has beautiful eyes, is it possible to say that about a man? There are laughter lines around and a wickedly mischievous twinkle in those beautiful eyes.

He has a wonderful sense of humour and will play practical jokes frequently, but never at the expense of someone's dignity. He is loyal to his friends and is very protective of his family and friends.

Literature is a great love in his life and he can often be found with book in hand. His study and love of Gods word is supreme and he can quote you an encouraging verse when life isn't treating you as kindly as you would like.

He works very hard and much to the amazement and amusement of many can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, so to speak! He isn't a lot of company when on a long journey in the car as within 5 mins of traveling he's gone into the land of nod! I have learnt never to ask him to navigate a route as his frequent nodding leads to crucial turn offs being missed......... :o) Needless to say he doesn't and has no inclination to drive.
I cannot say 'patience is a virtue' applies to him as he is sometimes lacking in this department especially when putting something together! He doesn't suffer fools glady either.

I really miss him when he's not here I feel a part of me is missing. Just like thousands of other couples we have our moments of misunderstandings and frustrations. Being perfect is not a requisite of marriage but being understanding and making allowances for being human is.

Even after 34 yrs together my heart still skips a beat when I think of him or when he's across a room and winks when he catches me watching him. He is my best friend as well as the man I love dearly. His picture is the screen saver on my mobile phone and each time I receive a text message or a phonecall I can see him and he's near.

I received a phone call for him earlier, they have had a really good day's climbing today and will have a chill day tomorrow. The cottage is very nice, the country is beautiful, the people extremely friendly and to top that off the weather has been perfect for climbing. He sounded content but tired.
I would love to ask him to bring me home some Irish linen for my stash but I'd probably end up with a tablecloth....... ;o)

Only 5 more days until he comes home for a day and is then off to Seahouses in Northumberland with school for 5 days.

Well it now 2.09am and I think I should shut down and go to bed before I fall asleep here! I hope you have all enjoyed a pleasant Bank Holiday weekend.

Take care
blondie

2005-05-28T20:17:00.000+01:00

Progress as of 26th May 05

Posted by Hello

ANOTHER MONTH GONE BY!!

2005-05-28T19:41:00.000+01:00

I'm beginning to wonder if old father time is winding that clock up a little quicker these days, he's probably been at the Sanategen wine again........lol Is it just when you get older the days seem to fly by, no sooner do I crawl out of bed than it's lunch time, tea time then back to bed. We're almost 1/2 way through the year!

Neil set off this morning at 3am for Holyhead where the intrepid climbers caught the ferry over to Southern Ireland for thier climbing holiday. I have heard so many people say how beautiful it is over there so envy him a little but not the walking and climbing he'll be doing. Unfortunately the other car traveling with them had a mishap on the ferry, it was a rather rough crossing and another car came free and crashed into Alwyns car doing an awful lot of damage. I haven't heard an update yet so will find out later what's happening with that and if it's drivable.

All my family are doing well at the moment thank goodness. This week has been the trial of the man who was responsible for the death of my eldest son's best friend by dangerous driving. He has had his freedom taken away for him and has been sentenced to prison but it doesn't bring Ade back. I think in this world of fast cars and in this case fast m/bikes we need to just slow down and hey what does it matter if there's someone in front of you.....you're still going to get to your destination whether you're in front or behind and does it really matter if his car/bike is faster than yours? Proofing it can be fatal.

On a happier note my Celtic Noel is almost finished I'm on the bottom of her dress, the top and side borders are done. I need to take another update pic of her but haven't got the camera at the moment and my scanner isn't big enough!

I saw the release of the new LL Celtic Winter and am not impressed, I don't find her inspiring at all and at the risk of being hung, drawn and quartered she looks like she's holding a snowball! I would personally have preferred something with more glitter representing the frost and snow. Perhaps a cape flowing behind......I do like the darker skin and hair but not the dress. This is just my personal opinion if you think it's great then that's fine.

I have stitched some more on my Blackbird designs SAL for a group I belong to, I'm really enjoying this. I'll post a pic on completion. I've just bought a beautiful sampler from Papillon designs www.papillon-creations.com it is called Mary Queen of Scots. You can pay for the chart by paypal and receive it in your email box within minutes.
I am so wanting to start this but have to be strong as I need to finish my Pot sampler first... ;o)

Well I think that's the update done for now, will upload a pic of the progress of Celtic Noel as of Wednesday evening, I did stitch some more on her after this.

Take care and have a great holiday weekend

Blondie

2005-05-15T12:27:00.000+01:00

Progress as of May 13th 05

Posted by Hello

IT'S BEEN A LOOONG MONTH........

2005-05-15T11:46:00.000+01:00

A lot has happened this past month, it seemed like we were never going to get on our feet health wise.

Thankfully Neil's health is improving and the Dr's were extremely pleased with his BP reading which was down to 122/70. They said whatever he's doing to carry on as it's working and if it's still around this level they will take him off one of his BP medication in September when they next see him. He's also lost almost a stone in weight due to his change of diet, I will take a little credit here though ;o) as I have told him for quite some time about the food he was eating, he's at last listening and the results are great.

I'm so proud of his progress, he doesn't cheat but he's not starving himself either just eating more healthily. I still can't get him to eat what he calls 'rabbit' food but he's doing well as he is. He's also drinking the yoghurt drinks in the mornings, which I thought he'd never do but he feels they're helping too. I think if he loses a little more it will be enough, he's not that large, his legs have never changed it's just around the middle as with most men! One or two people have mentioned it at work so that made his day and gave him some encouragement.

He's off to Ireland in two weeks on a climbing holiday so I'm hoping he'll keep up the good food diet when he's with the chaps.............

I've been suffering from severe back problems and have had to go onto 'wappy' tablets as Neil calls them. With those and strong painkillers it is starting to ease off I'm pleased to say.
I did have a very humourous incident this week, I'd dropped something on the floor, can't bend down to get it and as it was cutlery Deeber wouldn't pick it up so I had to slide down the kitchen cupboard to the floor to get it.............then the problem came.........how do I get up???? I regularly 'kiss carpet' as I call it and have to wait for Neil to come home. This time I was totally stuck, tried to shuffle to the doorway to use the door jamb to hold on to but I can't pull myself up as my hands just aren't strong enough! Ten minutes later I'm shuffling into the lounge to get the phone to ring Neil and ask him to come and help me up. He only works around the corner so came, got me up and then went into the kitchen to pick the knife up. Then he gave me a lecture about not keeping my grabber with me! Now imagine this, I am thinking of buying a trademens belt, you know the ones with lots of pockets for tools. I'll put this on each morning, carry my phone, pen & paper, keys, the grabber doesn't fold up so will have to carry this in my teeth. Also I'll pop in a sandwich and drink so that I'll have sustinance whilst I wait for him to come and pick me up then I'll not starve to death whilst I wait......................oooohh a pretty site to behold I'll be...........LOL

The one good thing about this is I've had more time to stitch on my Celtic Noel, she is a dream to stitch on. I didn't stitch on her yesterday (Sat) as that's my Blackbird Design SAL day. I can't publish a picture of progress as it has to stay a mystery from the other ladies until finished.

Well I'm off to have some lunch which my lovely DH has cooked so until next time, take care and keep well.

hugs Blondie

2005-05-04T21:05:00.000+01:00

This is my completed but unframed Chatelaine Mystery VII

Posted by Hello

2005-05-04T21:01:00.000+01:00

My progress on LL Celtic Noel, I started it on Sat 30th April. The colour conversion is by Victoria's Needle here in the UK. If you'd like the link to their site it's: http://www.victoriasneedle.co.uk

Posted by Hello

2005-04-30T01:03:00.000+01:00

Sam in getting ready for his swimming lessons

Posted by Hello

Goodness me!!

2005-04-30T00:38:00.000+01:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted on here. Life has a habit of getting in the way of the things we wish to do.

Our life has been very hectic over the past couple of months...............both DH and I have had our fair share of health problems. He had an operation on the 4th of March and caught an infection which didn't help his recovery. Very unusual for him I think up to the middle of April he had spent more time off work than he has for the past 27yrs!! He still isn't 100% but the Dr's are keeping an eye on him and monitoring his health. We can't say his operation was a success as he doesn't feel any benefit at this present time. We're hoping for a better time ahead.

The Dr's in their wisdom have placed on an oral medication to try and stop me having so many Angina attacks, the side effects are pretty much the same as the GNT spray, tremendous headaches, however these are starting to decrease as time goes on. Plus the attacks are getting fewer.

We had more sad news tonight another friend of ours has passed away. Sadly her daughter died a few weeks ago and they were very close. Both were disabled and were dependent on wheelchair's to get around. Many peoples lives will be empty without them around.

On a lighter note one of our DIL's has had a promotion at work with an increase in salary which is very helpful when you have 2 growing children. Their lawsuit against the driver who pulled out in front of them and caused a horrendous accident 4yrs ago looks to be finally going to court. Both our son and his wife still suffer from their injuries and only by the Grace of God survived the crash.

One of our grandsons Sam who is almost 8yrs old has started going to swimming classes with the school and is very proud of his achievements so far. See pic, although he only needs the scarf flying out from the side to look like the famous Biggles!!

Stitching wise I have managed to complete my Chatelaine Mystery VII, I will upload a pic as soon as I can. Also my band sampler RR came home this week , which I'm thrilled with. I have stitched the initials of the ladies who kindly stitched on it for me, I'll post a pic of that also when I can.
I still have plenty of WIP's to work my way through, I purchased the materials pack for the conversion of L&L_Celtic Noel, this is beautiful. I think I may stitch it on a Silkweaver fabric instead of the recommended white evenweave. I shall post a progress report if I decide to start it.

Well it is almost 1:15am here and I'm tired so I'm off to bed, hopefully to sleep and start a new day tomorrow. Good night one and all.

Blondieuk