TABIBOO

Cheerfulness

2012-01-26T10:27:00.013Z

It's been pretty miserable in the weather department around here this week.

I've lost count the amount of times I've been drenched, stepped in puddles, splashed by cars, hung dripping coats and umbrellas up to drip dry, warmed socks and gloves up by the wood burning stove or the opposite and dried them out.

I hate soggy!

And watching the weather forecast last night I sat in dismay wondering why so much rain. I must of said that a little too loudly rather then keep the grumble inside my head because hubby replied 'well what do you expect..........it is January!'

I have to say - that tipped me over the edge.

'Wellllllll' - I replied.

How about some lovely fresh crisp, crunchy, frosty mornings so you can see your very breath in the air with sunlight that nearly blinds you...............for a start. It is January - don't you know!

Of course all these things have a knock on effect.

With the rain we have the mild air, but it's so blooming grey. And with the cold it is just that - cold 'oh so cold' that you end up with back ache from all the hunching over. And possible a cold from all the getting warm, getting cold, getting warm again malarkey..................!

As I said - I think he tipped me over the edge.

But today is a new day - sod the weather and just walking around the house I've found lots to be cheerful about today.

Even if it is a bunch of daffs in a pretty vase with a piece of red gingham ribbon tied around the handle or a tiny little tea light lit and held in a pretty spotty candle holder or a lovely set of cups and saucers all joyful and flowery with their gorgeous pastel colours.

All these things bring cheerfulness into my life, even though they may seem daft and all the other stupid stuff is just that...............silly, stupid and self indulgent.

Have a lovely day and I hope you find some cheerfulness in your day.

▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀

xXx

ps. thank you for all your encouraging words over the messy situation I've got myself into. It's so good to know I'm not the only one out there with so little time to get organized. I blame those life laundry programmes that make it all look so simple. But that's a whole different spout for another day I think.

Creative mess?

2012-01-24T20:34:00.014Z

......or just a mess!

I'm in the latter box, but then again - it is my mess.

I've ignored this little creative sewing space of mine for such a long time. There are literally piles and piles of fabric and sewing stuff......everywhere.

I'd like to say it's an organized mess, but apart from visibly seeing the last thing I was working on (still birthday crowns at the moment) - I can't find a thing.

Especially taking into account this is the room where I spend most of my creative time in, but it is also my Achilles heel in the housework department.

And as for my temper 'phew' - this room does not do much for that either.

And still I ignore it!

The only thing I can seem to find on any one of my given out bursts because I can't remember the last place I put my scissors down or foot 'A' for my sewing machine is missing......again - etc, etc - is the rescue remedy which is nicely (and neatly) tucked away in a little corner of a shelf close to hand to help cool my anger.

I have no sympathy for myself or my creative mess - it is all hand made.............by me.

And the poor old piano hasn't seen daylight for at least a year now.

But here's the weird thing. The messier it gets - the less incentive I have in trying to sort through it, clear out and reorganise. You'd think I'd be a bit wiser to this by now.......you'd think.

So every time I sit down to do some sewing I either add more stuff to an already almost toppling over pile or make a new pile and most definitely create more mess.

So what would you think if I told you that for the past two weeks we've been having a major clear out. Bags and bags of stuff have already found there way to the charity shops.

Now this isn't me squandering 'nope' this is me being a hoarder and thinking 'I know, that shirt with a rip in it - I can cut that up and make something else' or 'that old duvet - I'm sure I can do something with that'. 'Old curtains, sheets and blankets - I'll just hang on to them, no matter if they have holes in them or are sun bleached'.

Toddler clothes - sentimental, old buggies.......why? Cushions without covers - do I really need any more. And so the story continues - so on and so forth. I just couldn't get my head around passing on and letting go so someone else could enjoy any one of these items, get some use and maybe even pass on themselves when finished with.

I guess it came to the point where I was just so overwhelmed with all my hoarding that I would rather put my blinkers on and ignore the whole over cluttered issue rather then actually do something about it.

But no more because I really can't bare that feeling of ground hog day any more. What is the point if you can't actually get past the tidying away to do some good honest cleaning.

And how can I wax lyrical about lovely homely stuff if I know my home is cluttered which is making my mind cluttered. I really don't want to become the lady with jars of string too short or too small for any sensible use or purpose.

But this blooming room!

Up until this morning I was still skirting around the issue of 'how' I was going to tackle it. Finding other 'boring' things or stuff to do rather then just get stuck in......until this morning.

It's not brilliant, but it is better and I still have a long way to go and 'yes' I still have piles!

But neat little piles all organized and waiting for a mission. Whether it be off to the charity shop for someone else to make good use of, or folded and tucked away all neatly waiting for another day.........another craft. Or off to the rag bag where I'm sure someone would love my long overdue hoarded fabric.

I am getting there and to be honest I'm starting to find a little bit of inner calm knowing that I'm dealing with all this mess.

An uncluttered home makes for an uncluttered mind.

I am, most definitely, in the hoping box.

▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀

xXx

Ballerina

2012-01-23T12:47:00.007Z

We have another little ballerina joining the ranks.

For such a long time this little girl has sat in the wings, watching, waiting - patiently - learning all that she can from her big sister and about the wonderful world of ballet.

She's tagged along, been ferried, whinged how 'it's just not fair' and even dragged along (on occasion) to all that her big sister has participated in, but now it is her turn and 'oh boy' how excited is she?

Oh-my-word 'or' O.M.G. - which is the girls new saying at the moment, spelt out and exclaimed in that way rather then saying 'oh my god'.......she is fit-to-burst.

And I think she has fitted into her dancing (ballet) shoes just perfectly.

So here's to double ferrying around - just call me mum the taxi from now on!

But how can I complain - my two little ballet dancers growing up way too fast and looking far too adorable all decked out in pink.

I think I'm just one big grown up girl 'fit to burst' for her little girls - minus the pink......for me.

▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀

Happy Monday and have a beautiful day.

xXx

From my phone

2012-01-20T12:07:00.017Z

Before my phone completely grinds to a holt I thought it would be a good idea to upload the vast quantity of silly and odd pictures I've captured - between Christmas and the New Year......I kid you not - to free up some space for some lovely new apps.

In no particular order.........but I'll try.

:: I made a little brick fire for the allotment out of the reclaimed bricks from our old fireplace - the girls have already filled it for me.

:: Wave gazing from the jetty.

:: The big bonfire at the allotment we had just after Christmas from all the cutting back and 'stuff' we had gathered from the clear up - hence the new 'little' brick open fire.

:: Waiting for waves.

:: A brisk walk along the seafront wall at high tide.

:: Jump! Almost caught by a wave.

:: My Christmas cuppa filled with lovely hot chocolate. My justified treat after all that bracing sea air.

:: Mulled wine in the New Year. The only way to warm the chills after a damp canal walk to Cromford Mill.

:: Muddy wellies from our walk - see above.

:: Carrot the cat - a top notch kitty cat.

:: Fairtrade roses - £3 for a bunch of twelve. My bargain of the week.

:: Inside the shed at the allotment - for all you curious folks out there. These are contents we found inside and this is how it looks after the tidy up and the introduction of a kettle and camping stove.

▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀ ▀

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope the rain and grey clears with you.

xXx

From my home

2012-01-19T11:45:00.015Z

I'm using all my free time to make pink polka dot birthday crowns at the moment - all seven of them.

Three done, four more to go - I started yesterday lunchtime...........with a little Boo watching carefully over my shoulder, instructing and tidying up after me all the way of course.

Now you may be thinking 'pah' a couple of hours job done!

But my free time is so sporadic and broken up into teeny tiny pieces - five minutes here, two minutes there. Honestly I dream of having just an hour to myself most days - and it's always the way, as soon as I park my backside down I normally get a 'muuuuuuuuum!'

Sometimes it's not even worth bothering with as I can't bare all the interruptions.

But with a very special, select (hence all seven) princess party looming - with a birthday so close to Christmas I always find the emphasis on celebrating a grand girlie party in style rather then another stack of presents - I need to get tough and maybe not feel like I'm the only one that can only do it all.

Give my little ones a bit more responsibility.

So who cares if the orange juice ends up all over the floor- it'll clean up. Or if an argument is about to irrupt. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of good old sibling rivalry - they need to learn how to sort out their own fights at some point!

Unless of course it involves fisticuffs......which is very rare in our household to be honest. Just the odd (occasional) sneaky poke to the ribs, but kids will be kids.............right?

And I need to learn to let them just get on with it and try to say 'no' a hell of a lot more.

That part doesn't come easy for me - I hate letting anyone down. But I must be strong! If only for the next couple of weeks 'or' until I feel all has been accomplished and I'm happy that a princess party will run smoothly (until the day) with all my little 'done' boxes ticked.

Three down, four to go. Three down, four to go - that's my mantra for the next week or so, but with the first number getting higher and the second getting lower until I can finally say..........job done!

Have a super day.

xXx

The Old Granary

2012-01-17T11:31:00.023Z

So where was I? Oh yes - the Derby Dales.

There are so many parts of this beautiful country I call my home that I would love to live in, but if I had a top five then the Derbyshire Dales would feature in there some where - for that I am sure.

I found it so relaxing, refreshing, outstanding in its land and countryside, the people ever so friendly and the architecture beautifully created in a solid and strong, well built and functional, but warm and welcoming way - I could walk for hours just taking it all in.

And this is where we stayed.

The Old Granary - just outside Matlock.

It is beautifully situated in a rural location with uninterrupted views that span over 40 miles.

At night not only could we see the stars twinkling, but the lights of towns in the distance too.

The owners (Amanda Brown and hubby) are really lovely and very welcoming - we couldn't of wished for more in a weekend stay to clear our heads and take a break from it all. It was perfect.

Eggs fresh from the hens a bottle of wine and my favourite chocolates were all waiting for our arrival on that evening.

An old barn in the grounds of their property - which is gorgeous from the little peek I had. I'll explain that in a mo.

Recently resorted with a mix that gives you the feel of a country farmhouse, but with cleverly hidden modern touches like underfloor heating and a system that allows you to choose any room within the barn you would like to listen to music from the hifi..............like in the shower if you wish.

I suggested it would help drone out the sound of someones attempt at singing! Though please don't ask me to expand on that comment.

But I think with all it had to offer - not including those views -the kitchen was my most favourite room.

Warm, cosy and inviting and we put on a jolly good old spread our first evening in. Things I had tucked away, homemade cakes and sauage rolls plus lots of leftovers from Christmas - it was like a feast of the most splendid kind. All sat around the kitchen table chit chatting about the day and other things.

And with the blankets I had packed - homemade patchwork and crochet - at the end of the evening we all wearily plodded up to ours beds, without a sound to be heard close-by or in the distance. Complete stillness in a peaceful kind of way.

So back to my earlier talk of beautifully people with gorgeous homes.

Well you may of come across Amanda and her fabulous home before because the old granary and their simply stunning property has been featured in all the beautiful country publication that I'm sure (along with me) you love and may read and all of these are on offer in the barn to sit back with a cuppa and flick through.

From memory the latest publication was in Country Living - September 2009.

I keep all my old copies, but for the life of me I can't seem to find that issue, so please don't take my memory as the absolute word.

And if you remember my picture from yesterday then you would of seen that gorgeous gingertom.

Let me introduce you properly to Carrot.

He has a brother called Jasper (get it?) but he was a little shy. After an initial inspection of the new comers Jasper was quite happy to wander off and leave us to it.

Carrot on the other hand was the perfect host.

A great big softy that we all fell in love with and wished we could take home. The children were smitten.

Which apparently Mr T found out is something he has tried to do before. Found sat in holiday makers cars waiting to go home with them.

He didn't try it on with us though. Not only did we not have the room with five of us in the car, but we were up and on our way very early. Way to early for a cat with any sense.

No. I suspect Carrot may of lifted his head from beside the AGA when he heard the sound of our engine starting then drifted back off to sleep, chasing dreams with images of saucers of milk and wide open space to investigate.

We were but a distant memory in his early morning slumber.

And that was our Derby Dales adventure.

Would we go back again - in a shot. And I can only wish that we do.

But now for the New Year, fresh beginnings, getting on with the things that are right in front of our noses and making sure this year is full of grabbed opportunities. I think our little last minute jaunt has set us up perfectly for seeing in the new and given us fresh perspective, hopes and dreams.

Have a lovely day.

xXx

:: edited :: sorry if it seems I'm keeping myself to myself, but is anyone else having problems postings comments? I'm trying, but I can't see the comments box to write a message anywhere on some blogs. A New Year glitch......maybe?

Life is........

2012-01-16T12:04:00.003Z

being a gingertom!

What a great place to have as your backyard.

xXx

Weekend escape

2012-01-11T20:26:00.016Z

Whilst we were away we decided to cross over the border to the Derby Dales.

We kind of figured that being so far North (for us) we may as well make the most of the weekend rather then going for one purpose alone then rushing back home again with an empty feeling inside.

And this way we kind of hoped we would come home with more happier memories tucked away at the back of our minds rather then just remembering the sad stuff.

It worked, like a breath of fresh air.

We only stayed two nights and one whole day really - give or take a couple of hours either side - but we crammed as much in as we could.

None of this lounging around until noon in our pj's - like we'd become accustomed to over the Christmas break. No sirree!

And to be honest the place we found with that view 'wow!'

I'll go into more detail another day, but I can only exclaim to say - it was stunning!........and peaceful.

First up - it had to be a walk in that beautiful countryside.

We had many to choose from, but the one that seemed the most sensible - with over enthusiastic little ones to begin with then dragging feet later on - was the canal walk from Lea Bridge to Cromford Mill.

Roughly an hour with our kiddos and then we could stop for lunch and refreshments before we made our way back.

It is a beautiful walk and even more so (I'm told) in the frosty depths of Winter.

Our walk was a changeable one in the weather variety so think squelchy mud and muddy puddles. Thankfully I packed the wellies - for 'just in case'

After our walk and being out in all that fresh air and gorgeous countryside we decided we didn't want it to end so we (Mr T and I) thought it would be a good idea to head up to the highest vantage point - for a jolly good old view.

We landed at the memorial in Crich. Almost literally.

Oh my word it is beautiful up there, but windy.............really windy. Think Mary Poppins fly away windy - with a magnificent view.

We only stopped for about fifteen minutes due to the fact we were literally clinging onto each other in case we took off, but the kids (big and little) and a fabulous time with all the hightailed hilarity.

I honestly couldn't hold my camera straight for being buffeted around.

And as you may of guessed - we headed back to the barn for hot chocolate and the box of chocolaty biscuits I squirreled away, left over from Christmas.

I'm sure you can imagine, I also took a lot of pictures.

Far more then I think notable and with not wanting to turn this journey into a yawn some 'not another picture' post - so as you can see, I've made a few mosaics to collate them a bit better and cover more ground......so to speak.

And I know I keep saying this, but it is very, very important to me.........

Thank you, thank you all again for your support and understanding and I'm sorry if I haven't been able to reciprocate as much as I'd like, but I'm slowly beginning to feel like I'm moving forwards again after these crazy couple of weeks we've had and I'm extremely optimistic a bit of normality is starting to creep in.

Thank goodness.

Have a lovely, lovely day.

xXx

Soothing

2012-01-10T14:16:00.007Z

I've been down at the allotment this morning digging with my little matie Mr Robin.

Planning, preparing and turning stuff over, finding hibernating snails for him to gobble up!

Suited attire - my favourite tea dress and wellies.

Could it possibly get any better then that?

xXx

Home

2012-01-09T12:40:00.005Z

We're home.

The funeral went as well as expected and it was really nice to pick up where we had all left off, bond as a family and make plans for the future.

Thank you so much (again) for all your messages and warming words of thought and wisdom and sorry (again) if I haven't had the chance to pop by and say 'Hi' since before Christmas, but the comfort in knowing that you are all out there routing for us is just the most wonderful - thought provoking - feeling.

And once I'm straight with the things we just left and dropped (including all the Christmas jollity's we've neglected to take down) plus a mountain of washing and all that goes with that, I'll give you an update on the 'other stuff' we ended up doing over the weekend.

Such short notice - as always - but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Nina xxx

Quiet

2012-01-04T15:50:00.007Z

Good day my dear friends.

All is quiet on the Tabiboo front.

Now I know I've been a tad absence from the blog recently, but I have a teeny tiny request.

Could you bare with me for a few more days?

Family is gathering , coming together, uniting as one. To take time for reflection, much laughing and remembering and possibly even a fair few tears will be shed.

We need to be together.

Hold on to a thought for me and I'll hopefully see you next week some time.

Thanks ever so.

Nina xxx

A new dawn

2012-01-01T12:48:00.019Z

a new day, a new life, a new year.......

.......and I'm feeling good!

But very, very tired.

Bed was gone 1am and we didn't get up until after 10am this morning.......all of us! Breakfast at 12pm (which confused the youngest......a lot) and dressed by 1pm. Not bad going if I do say so myself.

(though if I'd known it was going to be grey and piddle down this afternoon, I think 'yes I'm absolutely certain' I would of stayed in bed just a little bit longer!)

Happy New Year, happy 2012 and sending you the most warmest of wishes in this shiny bright, brand new year.

And thank you for all your continued kind words and support, especially over the loss of our grandad - not on my side, but Mr T's.

Though speaking with great fondness and on a personal note, it was an honour and a privileged to have known him, to have him in my life. Only if it was (sixteen years) for such a short time.

He touched, enhanced and changed our lives in so many different way, but mostly in the way elders know and speak with such great wisdom.

So - is it going to be a good year?

I guess only time will tell.

Goodbye 2011 - hello 2012

with much love from us to all of you dear readers - thank you again - this will be me entering my fourth year of blogging.

AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR

xXx

Memory

2011-12-29T09:55:00.003Z

For Grandad. Now at peace - 23rd December 2011.

xXx

Christmas cheer

2011-12-24T08:30:00.020Z

It is the eve of Christmas and all through the house excited children awaken, bouncing about.

Good day to all my lovely readers - good morning from the UK.

We have woken this morning and have found ourselves in the throws of preparations. Family arrive from Hampshire mid morning.

The children have opened number twenty four on the advent calender and are currently singing 'Christmas pudding' at the tops of their voices - with wiggling bums and all!

I am finding it very hard to concentrate so I will try and put this down as legible as possible - without sounding too harassed or rushed. I shall try to keep calm.

Mr T has already asked the kids to 'calm down' at least ten times in the past half an hour - phew I feel it is going to be one of those mornings.

This is the first time the littlest Boo has really understood what all the excitement is about and I have to say is being the most vocal and excitable about 'who' is going to visit them in the wee hours of tomorrow morning.

But this is what it is all about. Children, then family and if you can - all being together. Those are my priorities.

Happy Christmas my dear readers and thank you for the journey in 2011. For following through with us and your continued support - without you I'm not sure how long I would of continued on my own journey through this wonderful land of blog. You truly are my inspiration.

So here's to 2012 and all that she brings.

Merry Christmas my dear friends and a jolly good New Year.

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T12:17:00.018Z

It's the Winter Solstice today - the shortest day - the beginning of Winter. It is a perfect day.

Today (down here) couldn't be further away from the picture I took yesterday afternoon - all snuggled up warm, candles softly illuminating the house, the drizzle silently falling.

Today it is a glorious day, a marker of a day, a day I've been quite desperate to reach these past few weeks.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the sky is blue - not a cloud to be seen, it's warm and people are (actually) walking around in town with shorts and t-shirts on.......I kid you not.

Yesterday felt like the longest day - today it feels like a shiny, bright new one.

Happy Winter Solstice around the world one all - whether like us you are enjoying this day as it gently unfolds or if you are just entering it - with a great big yawn - or maybe just leaving, making your way up that wooden hill to bed. Depending - of course - on your time zone.

Happy, joyful Winter Solstice.

xXx

:: the smallest one and I are still ill - thank you for all your kind words and asking - never has one person felt so run down for such a longtime. Well two weeks really, but it's felt like.........forever! So many apologies if I haven't popped by and I will try and be here on the eve of Christmas. Folks and family allowing.

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Silent

2011-12-18T17:35:00.010Z

I have completely lost my voice.

The kids tipped me one step over the edge yesterday morning resulting in me shouting up the stairs - honestly you'd think we had a herd of elephants living with us! - leaving me completely and utterly speechless.

I am lost for words....literally.

Never in my life have I ever lost my voice before.

I think they may of cracked me.

Fortunately for me though - no more shouting.

All I have to do is give them a look and place my fingers to me lips - not even a 'sssshhhhh' can be uttered - and all peace is restored.

I think they know they have done their worst.

I hope your Christmas run up is going a little bit smoother then mine.

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

ps. I have a vase full of bright red tulips sat in the front room - in December.

Tulips and the Christmas edition of the Radio Times - in the same room sat side by side...............together.

Is that normal?

Offerings

2011-12-15T09:47:00.011Z

With the Christmas season pretty much (nearly) upon us it's meant the children have been involved in all sorts of activities - including partying......a lot!

Honestly, they have a better social life then me (not that it was full in the first place) these days and the need to be constantly on the go, chaperoned to events and ferried around from one function or another is starting to take its toll on this poor old mama.

I'm full of cold - again - and I'm feeling very sorry for myself.

And if another person says to me 'well best get it out of the way before Christmas' I think I will go 'aaarrrrggghhhhhh!'..........very loudly! Best not get ill in the first place would be the better thing to do.

But hey ho, tis that time of year again and having little ones means getting ill goes hand in hand I'm afraid. Still doesn't do much for my grumps though.

Anyhoo. I think maybe I should just slope off quietly now and leave you with the pictures of some tasty little cakes I helped make with our smallest at the weekend for one of her 'occasions'

Chocolate and Peppermint (kind of) cupcakes.

She's turning into a right little baker and can always be found perched on a chair beside me in the kitchen when I'm cooking either asking 'what you doing and can I help?' or having a jolly good stir of a mixture (for good luck) adding her own little personal touch.

Have a fabulous day and sorry for the grumbles - anyone would think I have man flu or something!

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

O Tannenbaum

2011-12-13T18:00:00.022Z

It's finally up - the Christmas tree is finally up!

After much stress with the stand this year that didn't want to behave, a box missing in the loft containing all the fairy lights - I think it has been gobbled up by the attic goblins. Wouldn't that make a great childrens story book? - and a bag of baubles that seem to have completely 'vanished' I am finally breathing a great big sigh of relief........three days later.

Mr B didn't get stuck in the Christmas crowds that long when he went out to purchase the tree at the weekend - might I add - and it is now starting to look a little bit like Christmas around here.

I did let the kids loose on it first - they had great fun decorating it and jigging along singing at the top of their voices to Christmas carols whilst I (mum) got pleasantly sloshed on mulled wine.

I do have to confess to having a little mix around of some of the decorations though once my little brood had all gone off to bed, as they were all at the level of two foot or below and mostly three items hanging off per branch - the eldest Boo had far more interesting things to do with his time this year!

So I had a wee balance out.

And we have all change this year.

We have a Christmas tree decked in twinkling new led lights that looks all beautiful at night when the lights are turned down low, but a little bit flat during the day due to the lack of sparkle and baubles.

I will head out tomorrow and see if I can find a couple to add to the glitz (or lack of) our tree.

O Christmas Tree

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Snowball Cookies

2011-12-10T16:03:00.013Z

Fresh out of the oven - only a moment ago.

I found this recipe early last week when talk of snow was in the air - kick starting those seasonal feelings (for me) and starting to make me feel a little inspired.

We've made two types this afternoon - plain and coconut, but 'oh boy' do I have some great ideas for alternative recipes.

The kitchen is a mess - all covered in puffs of icing sugar and hand prints, there is flour on the floor and the washing up is piled up as tall as me (not that difficult) in the sink, but hey ho - the wood burning stove is stoked up nicely, the kids have retreated to the wii and all I can hear is the whoops and cheers coming from the front room.

These are in honour of our lack of snow and............Mr B has gone out to brave the shops and crowds to get 'the' tree.

I'm off to curl up in the front room and join the kids - eagerly awaiting the return of Mr Boo and our tree.

Have a wonderful weekend and I hope you're enjoying the real snow......

if you have it.

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Candy canes and pretty baubles

2011-12-08T13:18:00.011Z

Just because............I love them.

Like the pretty wrappers you find in a box of Quality Street.

From me to you -

- have a lovely day.

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

New Postcards

2011-12-07T15:44:00.007Z

I've listed some new postcards in the shop today.

Next week will be the last week (realistically) I will be able to take orders to - hopefully - guarantee their safe delivery before Christmas.

If you are interested then please either follow the link or find the tab called 'Shop' under my header and follow the instructions.

Thank you

-Nina xxx

Sorry for the post and dash - I've got a mass of things on tonight with the kids.

{PREVIEW}

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Cosy

2011-12-06T11:30:00.012Z

Brrrrrrrrrr - gosh it's cold today though no snow with us (yet) just a little frost and ever so bright. A wonderful fresh kind of day that makes your nose and cheeks turn pink, hands firmly planted inside woollen gloves and pockets, scarves wound round tight - up to your chin - and eyes barely peeking out from under a hat. A kind of day that warrants walking briskly everywhere.

Though I doubt I'll have chance to face the seafront today - not even on the promise of a laced hot chocolate - even that is a little too chilly for me.

No - instead I think I'll stay in the warmth, curled up in front of the fire (make my own hot chocolate) read a mag or two, watch cheesy festive films on Christmas 24 and crack on with wrapping a few more parcels.

A nice and warm, cosy kind of day.

Have a lovely one.

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

Merry and Bright

2011-12-05T10:46:00.019Z

We've been trying to get a little bit festive over here at the weekend - we're not that big on over kill.

The only thing I do, do though at this time of the year - in a big way - is Christmas carols. I love them and 'yes' they have been playing almost continuously since the 1st.....of December that is.

Anyhow - it tends to take me the whole of December - putting up a little at a time - until I feel I've hit the right balance within our home. And for me to get used to all the jingle, jangle!

I'm the same with the taking down as well. I just can't bring myself to rip it all apart in one go, left with a home that feels bare and empty.

I'm one of those really annoying people that takes it all down a little a bit at a time as well.

I guess the reason why I do this or 'why I started' to do this is because I feel Christmas seems to get earlier and earlier - starting at the beginning of December or even the end of November. If that is your way then that's fine - it's just not me because................❉

Being a traditionalist I have imprinted in my mind - grown up with the idea - that is should be the twelve days before Christmas and the twelve days after, but....................❉

I know deep down we all need a little cheering up at this time of the year and I can't bring myself to be the 'bah humbug' mother that sticks firm to this tradition of hers.

~ though the kids have already done their Christmas cards - I haven't.....yet. Maybe I'll just donate a goat instead this year ~

So from the first weekend in December I do a little here and a little there - just introducing a few things at a time - to help make our home look 'Merry and Bright' leaving only the tree for my traditional ways.

I think that makes it this weekend coming and then we will be definitely going to town with the decorations.

How about you - traditional.....or not?

xXx

❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

This time

2011-12-03T07:53:00.009Z

........last year.

Do you remember?

Have a fabulous weekend.

xXx

Farewell

2011-12-01T15:38:00.014Z

A pinch and a punch for the first day of the month - no returnees!

OK - so I know I'm a bit late in the day for all that childhood malarkey and I know when I was little it was only allowed up until noon of that day - tis one of the rules - but apart from my tummy grumbling to let me know it's roughly lunchtime, my days always seem to roll hour by hour into one and before you know it's bedtime again!

Plus with it getting so dark very early on - I'm counting down the days until the Winter Solstice - I'm loosing even more track of the correct time in the day. It has seemed to be permanently dark all day long and I've given up even trying to guess the time today.

We're not that big on time keepers in our house.

Now I know I'm not one for normally making a monthly mosaics like other bloggers do, but I would like to take my hat off and give a little nod to the month of November - it has been the mildest season I think I have ever known.

Which in turn has extended my Autumn love and made me appreciate the month just that little bit more.

So without further ado - here is my November - 2011.

Thank you my dear, let the good times roll.

xXx

Filling the space

2011-11-30T13:15:00.015Z

The kids are out of school today - like I'm sure it is for many of you across the country.

So to fill the space we started off with the more mundane of stuff like ::

We've been shopping and stocked up on all manner of stuff - little helpers helping to unpack and put everything away....mostly in the wrong places.

I'll sort things as I come across them, I'm sure.

The bigger ones emptied the dishwasher for me - again everything put back in the wrong places......oh well.

I've washed - they've tided and fluffed - and whilst the older two had their heads buried in the comics we bought earlier the smallest one and I went searching in the back garden for 'stuff' to use in her painting project.

Sufficed to say - paint and glitter has gone everywhere - but that's half the fun.....right?

The advent calender has gone up already in anticipation for tomorrow. Lunch has been demolished, spare chocs scoffed and the eldest man dispatched at a friends.

And for this afternoon.......?

Cakes are on the agenda then a DVD and popcorn for afters where I'm hoping to collapse before I start the dinner and then familiar evening routine of bath, books, cuddles and bed.

Phew! I'm exhausted already.

What are you filling your space with today?

xXx

Winter Spring clean

2011-11-28T12:46:00.015Z

This weekend was a very homely family affair.

It was the first weekend in a very long while that we had (not many) no plans at all.

It was the weekend we saw our lovely new wood burning stove installed - a good old British make - just in time for the cold weather drawing in.

We are still building it up nicely and then letting it go cold (completely) - a kind of seasoning so to speak - breaking it in - and oh boy just that little has improved the warmth of our front room 100%.

I'm hoping that when it really gets going the whole of downstairs will benefit from this method of heating.

We also had a little visitor down the allotment in the variety of Mr (bright red breast) Robin. My favourite of all birds.

I think he lives in the old part of the ivy we decided to leave and for every two fork fulls turned he was right in there, bobbing around and down, finding any little grubs and worms for his tea.

And that was it - a truly uneventful weekend and not many photos to show either, but lots achieved.

A kind of weekend that involves nothing to speak of, but we tackled loads.

Stocking up on wood and coal, clearing out the allotment shed (no treasures uncovered) a mountain of ironing reduced to a few items left at the bottom of the basket, a jolly good clear out of the DVD's - and even the freezer got a defrosting!

I do feel a sense of contentment on weekends like these.

But why 'oh' why do I have the urge to Spring clean in completely the wrong season?!

I hope you had a good one too.

xXx

Chocolate Nut bars

2011-11-25T15:26:00.024Z

Phew!

What a week it's been - and on that note.........................

This is an adaptation of a well loved and favourite recipe called Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars from my favourite cookie and muffin book and as it's been another busy week - these have literally kept me going - I thought I would share with you how I create them using some 'alternative' ingredients.

:: Chocolate Nut Bars ::

175g oats

1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

200g good plain chocolate chips

115g chopped hazelnuts

115g butter

175g demerara sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 x 230g bar Cadbury's chocolate

In a bowl combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, plain chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts.

(if you are allergic to nut then a good alternative is raisins)

In another bowl cream the sugar, butter and extract then add the egg - blend well.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Just mix long enough to combine the ingredients - do not over mix.

Spread the batter into a lined (greased) pan and bake on the centre rack for 20 to 25 minutes - I find lined easier as you can lift the whole thing out more confidently.

The bars are done when the batter is set and when you touch lightly there is no indentation.

DO NOT OVER BAKE

Remove from the oven and break the Cadbury's chocolate bar all over and leave for a few minutes to melt.

Spread the melted chocolate all over evenly with a spatula then put on a wire rack to cool.

Once the whole thing has cooled, put in the fridge until set.

Cut into bars of your choice and hey presto, the chocolate nut bars are done.

Happy weekend to you!

xXx

ps. blogger is mucking around so if you notice any fundamental errors like - spelling, spacing, font - then I do apologies.

Nina x

Loving

2011-11-23T11:44:00.019Z

Sometimes it's hard to stay positive in certain months of the year and I always find November and January really hard going.

The build up to Christmas and then the anti climax in January of a previous month that has been full on and chocka block with family, celebrations, over indulgence, parties, expectations, being over whelmed and so much more.

January is particularly hard for me.

I feel drained and tired, counting down the days until it's light again in the evenings.

Don't get me wrong I do love this dark time of the year with its cosy and snuggling, wrapping up warm, open fires and crisp crunchy walks where you can see your very breath - there is something truly magical about this time of the year.

Saying all that, I still struggle with November and January. They seem to go on.....forever.

So with the onslaught and build up of Christmas fast approaching I've been trying to take it a little slower this week, to just stop and pause and appreciate all that is good (on a daily basis) in this month of November.

I'm hoping to (remember) do the same in January.

So here goes ::

Throwing opening the curtains of a morning and not knowing whether it's going to be a glorious day or if we are going to be shrouded in fog and mist for the whole day.

Still being able to wear my MJ's and drink my morning coffee (on the nice days) outside in the sunshine - no coat, hat or gloves required.

It's so mild.

Seeing daisies still pushing their way up and through the lawn and admiring the droplets of dew that gather and collect on any possible vessel.

Whether it be a fallen leaf or blade of grass.

The contrast of colours - golden leaves and crimson berries that laden and weigh down branches eagerly and rapidly being gobbled up by hungry birds all fattening up for the cold season.

If it ever comes!

Berries are normally my marker for the season (old wives tale) and they are in their abundance this year. So when is it going to get really cold?

Buying cheap red carnations on my supermarket shop and arranging them in vases with dark green holly freshly cut from the garden.

It's that red berry and green foliage look that appeals to me.

Twinkling fairy lights are starting to adorn the darkest of corners in our home, lighting and brightening up our way.

And finally (so far this week) an armful of clementines - still with their leaves on - filled full to the brim in an old vintage glass bowl scenting the front room in a zesty and seasonal way.

And talking of scent - my 'other' favourite at the moment is mandarin, clove and cinnamon oil bought from M&S about a fortnight ago and using it to buff up the hearths in my usual daily way.

November - a month to appreciate for all it has to offer.

Do you suffer in the same way as I do?

xXx

Vineyard

2011-11-21T13:53:00.020Z

OK, so a little stretch of the imagination, but these grapes were grown in our garden by my very own fair hands.

I planted the vine when we first moved in nine-ish years ago in a little patch that we had been tipped off by the previous owners as being a nice little sun catcher. And it is - a nice little sun catcher that is - with grand ideas of wine making

It's a Cabernet sauvignon variety - but up until this year, we had never actually had any grapes off it.

And to be honest this time last year when we were tidying up the garden I had, had enough! The vine had to go.

So I chopped and hacked and slashed it right back until only a knobbly stump was left.

Now I'm not all that green fingered - really - despite the waffle. And I probably took it back at completely the wrong time of year and to the worst possible point on the vine.

Secretly I was hoping it would naturally be no more after the Winter, but I'm not that cold hearted and I couldn't bring myself to completely rip it out and kill it off - hence the knobbly stump that I left behind.

And would you believe it, as nature does - sometimes - it came right on back at me, stronger and more vigorous then ever before.

I didn't have the heart (or the effort) to cut it back again to a knobbly stump because it had survived the wind and the snow and all the other foul elements thrown at us last Winter.

So I left it - once again.

And to our astonishment this Summer it produced grapes - actual round, plump and juicy grapes.

So they were a little sour - not eaters that's for sure. But that didn't stop a hungry little missy giving them a go. Fortunately no upset stomach either.

But wine.......maybe?

The wine was not meant to be as it goes because even though our vine did produced quite a few healthy bunches of grapes they only amounted up to - all in all - about ten or so, not enough for wine.

So I picked just a few - for the pure pleasure of it - and left the rest for the birds to feast on.

A fair deal methinks.

And now I'm in two minds. Do I do as I did last year and completely hack it back, or do I just leave it and see if we get even more bunches next year to make wine?

I'm no expert and I haven't made my mind up just yet, but I'm thinking a good old chop - at the very least - and see what happens. It's entwined in the old apple tree and both could do with a really good cut back.

What will be, will be - I guess.

Bottoms up - chin, chin!

xXx

ps - I was completely overwhelmed with all your good luck wishes with my postcard venture and have already sold out of a few lines. Not to fear though - I will have a fresh delivery coming in around the 30th November so I will keep you posted.

Thank you all and huge big hugs for all your on going support.

Nina xxx

Christmas Postcards

2011-11-17T11:03:00.016Z

Another reason why I have been absent (minded) recently - oh there are so many reasons - is because a major part of my time has been taken up with getting some of my images into print.

I know it's been mentioned many times before, but I've never been able to find the time and pull everything together - all at once - and boy does it take up a lot of time when you're first starting out.

Plus I have a very specific image in my head of what I would like to offer and it's taken some time to track down and figure out how I can achieve this look, but I think I've got there.....eventually.

I am though - as yet - still trying to get organised and open up my online shop (I think I may need a genius computer wiz kid to help me out with this one) but with Christmas fast approaching and my postcards all waiting patiently to be put into action I just thought I would get on with it and go ahead.

Nothing ventured - nothing gained as they say.

So what I have done is added a tab under my header called 'Shop' - rather imaginatively - and if you click on that you can view the full range I have on offer (at the moment) and maybe even pur-chase?

And to cut a long story short - I wanted to produce postcards.

Old fashioned, traditional Postcards with one of my images on the front and the back specifically designed so you can write your message, fill out the address, put a stamp on and pop it in the post. Hey presto - job done.

I have three of each image on offer at the moment - I thought I would start relatively small and see how it went.

I've tried my best to photograph them in the best light, but waiting for a bright day and on top of the cards being glossy I'm hoping they come across as I visualise them.

All of these images are from previous (December) posts over the past three-ish years I've been blogging. Some are specifically 'Christmas' and others are marking the season.

So if you are interested please click on the link called 'Shop' and take it from there.

xXx

Wish me luck - Nina x

Keeping me busy

2011-11-15T12:27:00.016Z

So hello there - how are you keeping?

I am still here - just otherwise occupied.

You see the thing is..............!

For the past four years we've been sharing a little space on a friends allotment which has been fine and grand and dandy, but we've always wanted a plot we could call our own.

Name on the list - tick. But we've never found ourselves right at the top.

But as of two weeks ago we became the happy (and very proud) owners of our very own allotment - whoo hoo.

Can you imagine my immense joy as I'm writing this blog post?

So all of last weekend - kiddies included. They've been jumping up and down on the compost for us, compacting it down - we've been down at our allotment clearing, and cleaning, pulling back and digging, sorting and tidying 'oh' there is just so much to do. I don't think it has been properly looked after in years.

The soil is nice and easy to dig so a bit of growing has been happening, but the surrounding area is just 'yuk!'

As you can see my lovely purple wellies are all nice and muddy now.

We spent three hours on Saturday just chopping back the ivy and I'm so glad we did because we discovered an old shed that looks like an Anderson shelter.

We thought it was an old door that had been propped up on initial viewing and even a fellow allotment neighbour remarked that we'd be OK if there was another war when he saw our discovery.

Along with the shed we also uncovered a couple of roses and a little secret entrance with a wooden gate and all.

We've kept some of the ivy for the birds to shelter in this winter and of course the berries make great food plus I like the way we've kind of cut an arch around and over, making it feel even more mysterious.

I've literally been spending at least a couple of hours a day down there trying to make it all neat and tidy before the first frost hits us and the earth becomes too solid to turn - it's still quite mild here.

And in hindsight I wish I'd taken a couple of pictures right at the begining of our allotment make over - a kind of before and after - but it wasn't until this morning that I thought maybe I could use my phone to snap a couple of pics before we did any more altering.

So anyway, as I've literally just got back from spending a whole morning down there - if you go back to the first picture I've been clearing that space on the right, can you see, all that wire and mess? - and thought I would quickly jot it all down whilst I remembered and sip my lunch time latte at the same time.

I hope you're all keeping warm and well? The wood burning stove goes in next week - double whoo hoo.

xXx

Armistice Day

2011-11-11T11:04:00.007Z

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

xXx

Lost

2011-11-09T20:19:00.014Z

:: The Missing Week ::

So this was the week that I lost.

Well I didn't actually loose it I just wasn't around that much, not in a blogging sense that is.

The week where I fell head over heels with a flu virus and spent at least four days in bed, but did manage - by the end of the week - to be coaxed out from under my duvet and get out into the fresh air. A little therapy, by the sea.

Coupled with the annual gathering of family in our home village in Hampshire for bonfire, fireworks, fun fairs, carnivals, clocks going back and much laughter and merriment.

Then a little girl found herself on the eve of turning four so whilst in town we threw her a tea party with family.

I had a go at making chocolate covered Oreo pops - Pinterest makes it look so easy.

Home for Halloween, but not before we stopped off at our favourite deli 'Secretts' in Milford (Surrey) where we stocked up on goodies to take home for tea.

Plus it coincides with a little visit to their Christmas grotto at the garden centre (round the corner) where every year I let the children choose one item each to take home for the Christmas tree.

Halloween was the usual fun filled affair with hot dogs, wedges and fizzy blood (red grape juice) for tea - burping competition included - then out into the garden to light the chimnea and dance around the garden like little mischievous things with glow sticks and sparklers.

I'm looking forward to when the little ones are older and we can huddle around the fire telling spooky stories.............oooooooohhhhhhhh!

And finally, little Boo's birthday - which I mentioned here - and unfortunately the first day of term, but I think we did loads during the build up to make up for it.

Not all that interesting at all really and I'm racking my brains to see if I've remembered everything.

I know as soon as I press the publish button something is bound to go 'did you forget me?' Oh well - the pictures say it more then my words - I'm hoping.

I just can't believe it's taken me a whole week to get it together.

xXx

Make do

2011-11-08T19:21:00.005Z

The fireplace has been cleaned and swept - the basket removed. We've chosen the tiles (they still need laying) and gone through the health and safety checklist.

Now we wait.

With fingers crossed at the end of this month our brand new shiny wood burning stove will be installed and I can't wait.

But because it's been so grey down here - literally my eyes hurt and my head pounds from all the greyness - I've had a little 'make do' in the empty fireplace.

I do miss my open fire, but I know it will be worth it.

Just a couple more weeks.

xXx

Ready to Start

2011-11-06T16:31:00.022Z

{Arcade Fire - Ready to Start}

I love this song (and band) and it's the music I have on my phone for my photo slide show. Plus as we headed into the arcade after our walk today so I feel it's rather fitting. The name of the band and all.

But as I can't be bothered to piece the two together (as my phone does) I thought I would give you the music video to accompany the pictures I took this afternoon on our very drizzly and windy Sunday afternoon walk at the seaside.

Just press play and listen to the music as you look at the pictures.

A kind of slide show in the homemade, stick it together with paper and glue and make do with the tools to hand.

Enjoy.

xXx

ps. did you venture out like us or have you stayed in all warm and snuggled on this day after the Bonfire night celebrations. And on the subject of Bonfire night..............!

pps. Dear Anonymous - I specifically asked you not to rant and here we are - you did!

For the record - I am a traditional girl with traditional values and I like to feel I do not preach about my beliefs or push them onto my readers, but you did, even though I asked you not to. So for your information - please don't, it's not necessary, my blog is not a place to hold a debate and I didn't / don't invite you to do so. So if you do not agree with the things I say or like then please move on.

Also. Birds falling out of the sky......please. When do you ever see a bird flying at night? Bats maybe, but rarely birds and mini bombs........honestly. Also it was a plot - they didn't actually succeed and yes they lost their lives for the treason, but then the justice system was very different back then from how it is today. And lastly - if you feel so strongly, why post anonymously?

Nina x

Guy Fawkes Night

2011-11-04T13:52:00.005Z

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot"

I love this country with its old English ways.

Now I know it's not Bonfire night until tomorrow, but knowing how this weekend is going to pan out (weather not dependent) for us then I thought I would 'get in there' and wish you all a wonderful weekend and 'Guy Fawkes Night' - what ever you get up to.

And please don't rant at me if you have pets - I too have a cat and will be extra cautious, but you can't take the traditional ways out of this girl I'm afraid!

'Happy weekend one and all'

xXx

ps. I'm still coughing down this way and sorry if I've not responded to many of your messages. You know me - I will do, at some point

Four

2011-11-02T12:03:00.018Z

I feel like I've been really run down and unwell for weeks now.

This blasted cold/flu bug thingy really has taken a grip. It's made me feel all cold and achy, sneezy and snotty and now it's gone to my chest and is making me look like I'm permanently having a mid life hot flush (or blushing) it is not letting go very easily at all.

I guess these past couple of weeks have been rather manic and it hasn't really given me much time to rest.

It's always the same, come the Autumn half term up until bonfire night - and then I start panicking about Christmas - but that's next week and it can wait its turn as far as I'm concerned. I just need to get through this week.

Anyhoo - despite being ill it certainly (as mentioned) hasn't been quiet around here and I have so many pictures to share with you.

But I think I may do that as one big mosaic in a day or so - a kind of 'show and tell' of the past week we've had - rather then bore you with a weeks worth of details......apart from yesterday.

Yesterday our littlest Boo turned four and blimey - the build up - she was as pleased as punch and she took the whole 'get a good nights sleep' quite literally.

We almost had to coax her awake yesterday morning, but just when I thought 'should I?' her little sleepy head poked round the door with a huge big grin - as it does every morning - and an almost (I say almost) but not quite, over whelmed expression on her face.

She had a fantastic day and I 'tried' to make a four tiered cake - Pinterest has a lot to answer for.

It slopes off to the right a little as I have no room in our freezer to help with the process of building the sponge/icing layers, one on top of the other.

But it does taste good - really rather good if I do say so myself - and the sliced layers do look very impressive.

Pink icing in the middle and white on the outside with pastel smartie like sweeties bought from our favourite deli at the weekend - I tell you more about that another day - pressed around the sides.

But even I have to admit that my camera and a lot of jiggery pokery in Photo shop cannot make it look like something stunning.

It still tastes nice though!

Well that's me done in (already) have a fabulous day - I hope my babble made some kind of sense?

It's also nice to see some brightness again with the season. The constant grey was starting to get me down, but it really is making the last of the leaves burn with the most amazing autumnal colours.

Enjoy.

xXx

Tunisian Crochet

2011-10-27T14:47:00.020+01:00

OK. So about a month or so ago I was poking around in a thrift shop (as you do) and came across some fantastic old craft magazines from the 1970's.

You'll have to ignore any under current of reluctance you may pick up on, but the thing is..............!

I've had this post in my pending pile for ages now and just haven't been able to find the words to muster up any thought process - putting it all together.

And gawd knows why I've chosen today to sit down and sift through my head (and pictures) when I'm not feeling tippity top. But the rest of the household are otherwise occupied and I just thought I should try.

So here it is - I can't promise it will make much sense, but I will give it a go.

Right!

As I said - a month or so ago, a thrift shop and some fantastic 1970's craft magazines.

The stack was huge and I could of bought them all, but where would I put them at the end of the day - probably the loft and what would be the point in that, to be buried away in a box and never looked at again.

So I carefully went through them all and deliberately picked only a few. The ones dated 1972 - the year I was born - a jolly good year, indeed.

I didn't look through the magazines at the time, I just wanted a little piece of something from that year. And as I mentioned in my posting yesterday - I have very nostalgic memories of the 1970's.

Of course when I got home and found a few seconds for myself I did actually sit down and flick through my 70's thrift store craft magazines.

In places they are hilarious, dated (of course) and down right 'OMG' did we used to live with that kind of decor in our homes? But on other pages my eyes kept falling to the crafts that are now having a very popular resurgence and ones I have partaken in (for sure) myself.

Have you ever heard of Tunisian Crochet?

Well I haven't / hadn't.

Not even in my grandmother's old craft things could I find a clue to this way of crocheting and it took a little research to acquire the right hook and know how.

For you see Tunisian crochet is a cross between knitting and crochet and you need a special needle to achieve this look. Basically a knitting needle with a hook at the end.

It all looks very straight forward and it is, in fact (once you get the knack) a very easy process to follow with different ways of getting there - in a stitch kind of way - and after a wee while of persevering I am (finally) achieving the look I think I am suppose to.

OK, so the concept makes you feel like you are continuous casting on then off then on again - so on and so forth - but it is a very therapeutic crafting rhythm to follow.

The plan was to start easy - a scarf for little miss T with some left over yarn in double Tunisian crochet - it's getting cold and she could do with a new one and it is coming along.........................but very slowly.

Mix 'umph' and 'lack of' together and that's where I am at the moment.

A scarf, I know - that's easy, but I just can't seem to finish this one off.

I'm not selling this to you at all - am I?

Taking the whole avoidance thing away I am loving the way this is coming together - even if it is a little slow and it's also very easy to put down and walk away from, picking it up as and when you choose.

I'm awful at crafting!

But I hope I have inspired - a little. Even if I don't feel so at the moment.

I did say I would try.

Have a fabulous day.

xXx

Through the round window

2011-10-26T15:28:00.015+01:00

"A house, with a door, 1 2 3 4, ready to play, what's the day?

Do you remember?

I took this picture the other day and for nostalgic reasons unknown to me - being ill can play funny old tricks on the memory I'm guessing - I was transported back to my childhood.

Maybe it was the big bowl of Heinz tomato soup I was sipping, being wrapped up warm suffering at this time of the year with a cold, sneezing and smelling of vapour rub when all I wanted to do was jump in the big pile of leaves making me feel like I was four years old-ish again - who knows - but for a brief meditating moment {or two} I was hit with deja vu.

Or depending on age how about -

"Here's a house, here's a door. Windows: 1 2 3 4, ready to knock? Turn the lock.................."

-what is it?

"It's Play School." - of course.

Sneezes have turned into snuffles and I'm most definitely on the mend - thank you all for asking - and of course I'm still staying wrapped up warm rediscovering itchy woolly hats, gloves, scarves and other paraphernalia tucked away in boxes and dragging out warm padded jackets and boots plus reacquainting myself with old wip quilts and crochet blankets I abandoned such a very (it feels like) long time ago, back in the Spring.

Keep warm, cosy and snuggled.

xXx

A great start

2011-10-24T10:22:00.017+01:00

I'm full of cold!

The first (official) day of the Autumn half term and I'm full of cold - bah humbug.

Can you tell I don't do 'ill' all that well?

Fortunately it held off for the weekend just gone as we headed west on Saturday for a very special occasion. My little sister's big birthday bash!

I'll spare you the details and silly pictures of drunken maidens (not I - I was very good) but will love you and leave you with a few (literally) pictures I did take on our child free walk into Guildford along the canal.

If you walk over the wooden bridge (just a name it's not really wooden!) that takes you over the A3 you will find a little tow path that skirts you past all the industrial bit and on into town. Or you could find the tiny car park on Walnut Tree Close. Ten-ish cars max.

It's a pretty little walk or stroll, depending on how slow you want to take it and this weekend the sunlight was bouncing off the water making everything sparkle and shimmer.

Not much shopping was done due to being unfamiliar with the town centre. After many years of living there I had forgotten where to find the bargains though I did have a blast down memory lane with all the places (pubs and clubs) I used to frequent.

And a very lovely time was had, even though a very regrettable - elbow to elbow - meal (and wait) in the Jamie Oliver restaurant. When did a top chef turn into a chain?!

Anyhoo - I'm off to curl up with my hot water bottle with lashings of cuddles, tea and sympathy.

Have a beautiful day.

xXx

Weeks End

2011-10-21T15:28:00.010+01:00

Gosh - where has this week gone - I can't believe it's Friday already.

This week seems to have gone past in a whoosh and a blur - as most last weeks of school do.

Another school term over and another half term has begun. And when we go back in a weeks time the clocks will have gone back, Halloween will be here (and maybe gone) Guy Fawkes night upon us and we will be in the last dark days of Autumn heading into Winter.

I may of even got my tights and boots out by then....I'm still holding off.

Anyway, what ever you get up to next week, have a super fab time - I'm not too sure of our plans yet, but I think it will involve lots of wind swept walks along deserted beaches, copious amounts of hot chocolate and snuggling up in front of an open fire.......chestnuts roasting. Or is that a little too soon?

Happy half term - for those of you with kids.

Enjoy.

{I wonder what you will get up to?}

xXx

Wet Walnuts

2011-10-19T13:46:00.018+01:00

Would you believe me if I told you that it was only a year ago - this time last year - I was introduced to the wet walnut?

I am so ashamed to say - me, the almighty seasonal pickler, preserver and forager had never heard of the term 'wet walnut' - the utter sin of it.

For those of you already baffled by this term, a wet walnut is a walnut that is fresh off the tree and is not kept or stored for drying.

They can also be referred to as a 'green walnut'

Now to be completely honest I wasn't all that keen at first.

I've always eaten the dried variety of walnuts, mainly at Christmas and normally in a 'pick 'n' mix' selection pack so the thought of a wet walnut made me think of something - well I'm not too sure really, but definitely not the way I've been used to eating them, that's for sure.

Anyhoo - to cut a long story short I did try them and I did liked them................a lot.

So much so I will only eat wet walnuts at this time of the year (dried 'pah' rather not) when they are fresh for the picking and as quickly as possible.

Last year we came home with a couple of tubs of sloes - great vodka by the way - and a bag of fresh walnuts with added new knowledge.

Thanks maties!

So go find yourself a walnut tree (take a nice big carrier bag) as they are literally dropping off the branches at moment.

Or failing that a jolly good green grocers as our local one has them in stock too.

xXx

ps. thank you for all your great messages yesterday. It was really interesting hearing how you use scent in your home.

I especially love Betty's hoover tip and Vanessa's use of scent in her car. Go check out their comments. N xxxx

Scent

2011-10-18T11:34:00.035+01:00

Whilst I was doing my homely chores this morning - pottering along to some classical vibes - I thought it may be lovely if I shared with you some of my tips on how I scent our home.

Now this may seem like a strange thing to write about and even post some pictures on, but scent is just as important to me as it is to have a (fairly) tidy home.

The latter is not always achievable, but at least we smell good.

I think the power of smell must be one of my strongest senses as a single whiff can stir up the deepest of memories - and feelings - and is something I can relate to in a deep rooted, within my traditional ways.

Like the smell of woodsmoke and watching the wisps curl out of a chimney conjuring up images of an open fire all warm and waiting to be snuggled in front of that gives me that feeling of homely, welcoming and warmth.

And so does the smell of a home when the door is first opened and wraps its arms around you inviting you in.

It could be the waft and warmth of baking welcoming you in or the smell of coffee freshly brewing - offering without the request.

I do know of people - as a home selling trick - putting droplets of vanilla on a baking tray and leaving it in a warm oven so the vanillary vapours give you that homely vision (and feeling) of a cake being baked whilst you're looking around a potential new home.

But for me I have five different ways (minus the obvious baking one which is warmth and smell all rolled into one) and this time of the year is when it becomes even more important to me that our home feels welcoming because of the lack of natural air flow - all doors and windows tightly shut keeping out the cold.

So. The first (and possibly the foremost) thing on top of my home scenting list is the wax tart.

Now I'm sure the name alone is enough to give you the snigger's, but rest assured (and don't be fooled) this little waxy tart has the power to scent your whole home with just one little melting.

Though with time they do wear off - I would say a fortnight or so depending on how much and how long you burn one. I tend to snap mine in half and use one half at a time to make it last longer.

You will need a wax/oil burner - this has a multi purpose which I will come to in a minute - and is well worth the investment.

I buy all my wax tarts from Yankee Candles as they have a huge range to choose from and all are seasonal plus they always have an offer on 'oh' and you can find them in some shops too so you don't necessarily have to buy online. Our local garden centre is the nearest stockist to us which means I can sniff them before I buy - so shop around.

At the moment I'm melting 'Kitchen Spice' which is all cinnamony and perfect for this autumnal time of year.

I also love their Christmas range and the candles well - they just have such a beautiful selection.

OK. So secondly - coming back to the burner - you could use fragranced oils too (but I tend to have one burner for each - not mix and match - as the oil residue leaves a sticky mess all over the bottom of the burner bowl which will need cleaning thoroughly)

You can buy these fragranced oils all over the place, but my most favourite and especially at this time of the year is Vanilla Spice from The Body Shop.

They don't have any in at the moment - it's a seasonal scent - but I popped into our local store last week and was assured that they should have some in after half term. The first-ish week in November.

Vanilla Spice is my most favourite product of theirs and I tend to stock up every year to make sure I have enough to last.

:: NOTE :: You must always always follow the suppliers instructions when using fragranced oils because unlike the wax tarts, you must always dilute the oil.

Never, ever use neat oil in a burner as it can get incredible hot and oil spits when it's hot.

I always three quarters fill the the burner bowl up with water and then just add a couple of drops of oil, so that as the water warms the oil gently heats too giving you that undercurrent of scent, but always remember to keep an eye on the burner bowl because as the water evaporates (leaving the residue of oil) then it could start to burn. Which is why I rarely use this method of scent.

OK - scare and lecture aside - so I rarely (but do) use fragranced oils for burning, just wax tarts. I tend to keep my oil for number three and four of 'how I scent my home'

So number three is part of my every day (general daily) housework chores and I do this all year round and is most effective if {a} you have an open fire with a hearth and {b} if you light the fire.

Basically I clean our hearth tiles with fragranced oil - strange I know - but not only does it buff them up, give them a jolly good dusting and an all round clean all at the same time, it also leaves a room smelling totally gorgeous. I tend to use a piece of kitchen towel for this as it can get quite mucky, but a duster or old cloth (I'm sure) would do just a good job.

Just sprinkle a few drops onto your cloth and wipe over the hearth or tiles.

We are lucky to have hearths in most rooms of our home, but only one is used as an open fire which when lit, warms up the tiles and releases additional scent into the room - hence the a/b comment.

If you don't have a hearth then maybe wipe a windowsill in exactly the same way or around picture/door frames - I'm guessing wooden would be better then plastic or PVC.

The fourth thing I occasionally do and it is very occasional because, even though I love scented candles they can be incredibly expensive or just smell purely naff so just before I blow a plain old candle out I put a couple of drops of fragranced oil onto the melted wax so that when you go to use it again the wax naturally releases the scent when warmed up again.

And fifth and finally it's good old incense sticks. These have been such a life saver when we've cooked something stinky or you've gone away for a couple of days and come home to think 'phew - who forgot to put the bin out?' They are incredible efficient and work wonders on even the most stinkiest of smells.

So there you have it - wax tarts, fragranced oils and incense sticks. My perfect way of making my home smell gorgeous and feel lovely and welcoming and homely.

Do you have any homemaking tips you'd like to share? All are welcome.

xXx

ADDITIONAL NOTE :: all my tips have been sourced from 'some where' over time and I always follow the instructions on any given product religiously.

I am no expert so please do not give me a verbal ear bashing if you feel the things I've said or do are incorrect. I am also always very careful where I place any candle I intend to light and for how long and never around children or animals. Never leave a lighted candle or burner unattended.

I know that some scents are a big no, no if you are pregnant. There are some great places (like Boots the chemist) where you can find all the relevant 'safe aromatherapy scents' you can use. Nina x

Swirls

2011-10-17T13:48:00.007+01:00

We've been practising swirls or ballet buns to be precise.

Not one, but two.

Not quite on the scale of Princess Leia and we did have to use hair nets to keep them perfectly in place, but it did the job - nicely.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

{in memory}

For a little girl that had to have all her lovely long glossy locks chopped off at the weekend and it may be some time before we can do this again.

These picture were take last week.

xXx

A corner of my home

2011-10-14T17:03:00.010+01:00

This is one of my favourite corners of our home.

It houses the coffee machine and all manner of kitchenalia in the miss match cup and saucers, cookie cutters, dishes, sugar bowl, lemon squeezer kind of department.

It's also the corner where the radio is kept and where I listen to all sorts of different stations.

Like Absolute 80's on a Friday evening for bopping around the kitchen whilst clearing the dinner things away. Classical for when I'm just pottering and Radio 4 Extra on a Sunday when I just need a jolly good chit chat or play. That's mainly when I'm squirreled away baking.

But most importantly of all - it's for the coffee machine.

And for just two and half minutes this morning it was bathed in the most gorgeous sunlight filtered through the kitchen windows, just touching this part of the kitchen - my most favourite part.

I do love this cosy corner of mine.

Have a wonderful sunggled up weekend.

xXx

ps. what is your favourite corner?

Full Moon

2011-10-13T14:04:00.011+01:00

Taken two nights ago.

Now I remember why the kids are all a little crazy at the moment.

And there was me thinking someone had slipped them some squash or naughty e numbers!

My little angels always turn into little howling werewolves when there is a full moon.

Isn't it amazing how one natural occurrence can have our kids turn from semi calm and normal tiny human beings to crazy wild eyed (and hair) bundles of energy that literally need poking with a stick to get them to come back down off the ceiling.............or the back of the sofa.

Not that I would actually ever do that - poke them with a stick, but all control feels lost when there is a full moon.

Fortunately it's waning now (decreasing in size) so all peace can be restored - just in time for the weekend.

xXx

Found

2011-10-12T14:06:00.012+01:00

Not windfall apples, but a very pretty set of digital scales in Dunelm Mill yesterday morning.

They had various different models to choose from, but my eye kept falling back to this pop flowery design.

Now I don't really need 'another' set of digital scales, but I just couldn't help myself - they are just too darn pretty.

What's catching your eye at the moment?

xXx

ps. I noticed one thrush and one robin scoffing the berries in our garden this morning.

Berries, Seeds and Fallen leaves

2011-10-11T13:45:00.015+01:00

Fat, red ripe berries all around.

- I was told as a child that if berries were in an abundance (to fatten up the birds) in Autumn then it meant we were in for a hard Winter. Where ever I look every bush, every tree seems laded at the moment, but the birds don't seem all that interested. Maybe it's because it is still too warm and worms are easy pickings.

And seed pods seem to be popping everywhere.

From helicopter seeds that spiral around our heads before they hit the ground to the seeds that do the opposite and float off on the breeze. I can hear pods rattling waiting to drop their wares every time I brush past them and ones that were once flowers just waiting for that moment to scatter a thousand seeds at their feet.

The leaf pile grows taller and taller day by day, they swirl and scatter as we kick them into the air. More hard work to rake them back up again, but it is fun - nonetheless - to play the game.

What are you noticing?

{berries, seeds and fallen leaves}

xXx

Jolly

2011-10-10T12:20:00.042+01:00

{Burghley House}

So we went away and stopped with friends that live in Stamford - Lincolnshire - this weekend. And what a wonderful stay it was too.

We were thoroughly spoilt and a wee new born kept us entertained and cooing no end with lots of cuddles all round.

Whilst we were there we decided to visit Burghley House on the Saturday morning - a place I have only visited once before, many moons ago. It was in the dark to listen to a concert and drink lots and lots of champagne.

This time around though there were no violins, fizz or fireworks. It was a gentle visit to see the deer and the stags and for much walking, strolling and nattering.

And despite the dreadful state of the weather and being all wellied and waterproofed up it was a jolly lovely mooch. The grounds are just amazing with plenty of muddy puddles to squelch in!

We didn't venture inside - muddy wellies and all. Plus I couldn't remember if I had put any socks on. Just in case we were asked to take them off.

Could you just imagine it - me padding around a stately home in my bare feet - the shock of it!

The afternoon was for grown up girls shopping only (an up and coming fourth birthday - can you believe my little Boo will be four in a couple of weeks time?) then a much needed rest with coffee and cake.

Across the meadow and on into the town - the smell of freshly cooked doughnuts had me salivating. I was good though and only sniffed - a few times - inhaling the doughy goodness.

The evening saw us sharing great food with good friends, lots of wine and cheese and puddings.

A good nights sleep a huge English breakfast and another walk in the morning before we all headed South to Cambridge to catch up for lunch with some other lovely friends for much nattering, laughing and thinking 'gosh' where has the time gone?

A weekend jolly away - a last minute plan - because I forgot to write down the arrangements in my calender back in the Summer. Ooops!

xXx

Flying

2011-10-09T19:57:00.009+01:00

We've just got back from a wonderful weekend away with the best of friends - thank you guys.

A flying visit :: Stamford (Lincolnshire) to Somersham (Cambridgeshire) and back home again.

A last minute plan - all in a weekend - phew I'm tired.

I'll fill you in with the pictures tomorrow.

Sorry if it's a bit late, but happy weekend!

xXx

Autumn Glow

2011-10-07T13:48:00.010+01:00

{dedication to Autumn}

All the spiders seem to have scarpered after all this autumnal blustery weather we've been having. I can spy not one in the garden - at all - and the past couple of days our paths have been web free. I wonder where they have all gone?

Maybe they were blown away on their webs with one almighty gust of wind - like an image out of Mary Poppins floating away in the sky. Or scuttled away to hide somewhere safe, hibernating for the Winter. Do spiders hibernate?

Or maybe they all just got gobbled up by a passing bird, fattening up as the weather feels like it is on the turn - it must of been very hungry!

I don't know, but what I do know is this :: where they once were they are no longer there, just empty leaf filled broken webs.

Have a wonderful weekend.

xXx

The Witches Hat

2011-10-06T14:22:00.009+01:00

When this cloud floated by the little Boo stood up and exclaimed 'oh look mummy there goes a witches hat - do you think she knows she has lost it?'

Don't you just love the quirkiness and imagination of little ones?

I used to get lost amongst the clouds, just sitting and staring at them for hours on end, making all kinds of shapes up in my imagination.

It's great to be reminded - when you least expect it - in a moment of peace and tranquility, that the silliest of things can spark off a memory and a child's explanation can bring a smile to your face.

For feeling thankful on this beautiful Thursday - have a wonderful day.

What do you see?

xXx

:: picture taken at the top of Malvern, Worcestershire - August 2011

Lollipop, lollipop

2011-10-05T12:06:00.021+01:00

I had a go at making the kids homemade lollipops yesterday. The inspiration as always was from Pinterest and various recipes I'd found a wee while back.

These were intended as a Summer make, but as with all good intentions - I never got around to it.

But yesterday found me with the time on my hands and all the right ingredients so I kind of thought 'why not?'

Measuring, boiling, cracking (and setting) points all had my small kitchen steamed up yesterday for all of about fifteen minutes, with thoughts in my head of grateful children squealing with delight as I handed over hardened flavoured coloured sugar on a stick.

They didn't like them!

Not quite the image I formed in my head.

Maybe it was the edible glitter I had sprinkled liberally all over them to make them look more appealing {or} maybe it was my less then perfect pouring that made them look all out of shape, not round and circular {or} was it because they looked green and freakish {or} maybe it was just the fact that they were not shop bought?!

Who knows with kids - I thought they tasted OK.

Honestly I felt like a sugar pusher trying to get my little ones to even pull a face that would please my homemade efforts.

'Go on have a try?' '

'Please, just for mummy'

'OK, but maybe just a lick - for mummy!'

Gawd knows why I was looking for such a positive response. Sugar is normally a 'in very small doses' treat in our house. Honestly we have a whole shelf dedicated to the party bags the kids come home with filled with sweets and the evil use of this substance, when liberal used, is often spouted about. Normally from me and when I'm trying to go cold turkey!

'Just pass mum the bar of chocolate' can be heard on these occasions - 'she's going off on one again!'

Hey ho. I guess you can't always have great home making successes and even though I didn't want my kids to sit and eat the lot rotting their teeth till kingdom come I did feel a little guilty (not for making) but for binning the lot.

A good waste, but a waste non the less.

xXx

ps. and on an altogether note - go and check out Diane's blog today. It is just such a beautiful heart warming tale. It had me blubbering! N xxx

The spider and the bumble bee

2011-10-04T12:45:00.010+01:00

I felt so sorry for this bumble bee at the weekend, but there was nothing I could do - nature had done her thing.

I had such a strong urge to free the little thing but {a} I'm poo scared of spiders (though I think my camera has given me courage and made me more respectful) and didn't fancy messing with this fellas lunch and {b} it was probably way too late anyway so I kind of realised - in the circle of life and all that - this was probably meant to be.

(No pun intended)

What would you have done?

xXx

Flip flops and falling leaves

2011-10-03T11:24:00.017+01:00

So this is October.

With its falling leaves, glowing days and warmth.

We are still in flip flops and shorts season here - a very unseasonal start to October which is making it very interesting to walk amongst the falling leaves that scatter and scuff all around us.

Think open toe shoes and kicking up leaves.

The two don't really go naturally hand in hand together - like bonfires and woodsmoke. A bad example - I know, but it is one of my more evoking memories of the Autumn

Lazy days are spent on the beach when we really should be turning our minds to the Winter larder.

Foraging, collecting, bottling and preserving like mad little wild things, getting all the crops in before the weather turns.

It reminds me - in a bizarre kind of way - the fable of The Ant and the Grasshopper. Though it's not my fault the weather is tricking me into thinking it is still Summer.

Though I do have a feeling that when the weather does turn it will hit us in the face like a blast of cold air so warm and humid it has been these past ten days or so.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not complaining.

Every last bit of sunlight we can squeeze out and enjoy is an added bonus when the darkness of Winter looms, creeping in every day, nearer and nearer. So the sun for me is more then welcome.

Those lasts little drops to help ripen the tomatoes, chillies and grapes.

We did take it easy this weekend whiling the day away on the beach. BBQ's in the evening and the nights sat gazing at the stars trying to work out constellations in front of the campfire.

And even though the sun may be telling me a different story, just looking out of the windows I can see signs of Autumn flashing bright all around me.

Enjoy every last moment.

xXx

Enjoying

2011-10-01T12:08:00.022+01:00

...............the season and the sun.

Sorry I disappeared for a couple of days - a combination of 'oh my word' how beautiful is the weather, the heat and a weird virus completely knocked me for six.

I'm still feeling a little spaced out today, but so far - touch wood - this is the first day (since Wednesday) I've felt reasonably normal again.

Anyhoo.

The garden continues to be bathed in sunlight each morning lighting up the spider webs that are normally almost invisible to us - until we walk into them that is - and the apples continue to fall from the trees with an every now and then little thud heralding their arrival on top of the windfall pile.

I really should get one of those contraption thingies, an extension of an arm with a basket at the end to help aid their landing with a more comfortable and less bruised drop.

The oak leaves have turned from greeny red to brown within a week and the leaves are being raked up off the lawn on a daily basis making a wonderful pile for the children to jump in.

I think I'm going to take it easy this weekend - who knows how long this amazing October weather will last - and I think every last dew drop and sun beam should be enjoyed till the very end.

Especially as the evenings feel like they are drawing in fast since the equinox - just over a week ago.

We have a food festival in town this weekend so I think high on my agenda will be much mooching around and trying many different things with the possibility of coming home with many lovely goodies.

Have a beautiful one and enjoy.

A pinch and punch for the first of October.

xXx

September Sun

2011-09-28T19:43:00.016+01:00

The sea was like a mill pond today and the only evidence of movement was the tide slowly creeping in.

Sea mist settled on the horizon, as far as the eye could see and boats moved across the ocean in the distance, almost ghost like, as they silently glided by.

Sunlight glimmered off the water sparkling as if precious jewels lay just beneath the surface.

Tales of long lost pirates treasure spun to the eager ears of my smallest one.

We lost ourselves this morning building castles in the sand.

Collecting sea shells and making funny faces with pebbles until our tummies started to growl.

If I'm ever questioned why I love the Autumn so when the naysayers say Summer is the best.

Well how can September be so predictable with it's warmth and sun and glowing days when in August we shivered and dodged showers and wellies were the preferred choice of footwear.

Nope - I say give me the September sun, any day of the week.

xXx