Liz's Knitting

Absent blogger

2012-01-21T13:26:00.000Z

Don't know why I haven't been blogging for the last few months. I keep meaning too but then I do something else. Not been reading the blogs I follow either so I've missed out on everyone's news. I must catch up!!

I've been busy knitting. Busy getting ready for the start of my next Uni course which starts on 25th Jan. My diet is going really well, I've lost 1st 11.5lbs in 20 weeks. For some reason I seem really focused this time...just need to keep it up and stick to Slimming World classes!!

Since before Christmas either Darren or myself have had a cold. I started with a chest infection and like a game of tennis it has been going to and fro with us...back to my turn again! I have asthma, which is generally only affected by colds and bad weather.

So at the moment wheezy me has been using it alot...til yesterday morning....1 puff came out (rather pathetically) then no more....AHHHH!!!!!! I was at work. Rang GP. I couldn't request a repeat prescription until 2pm. Ok...but I need it now....tried from 2-2.30...finally got through. It'll be ready Tues. NOOOO!!!!! I explained that its asthma medication and I've run out. Sorted. She'll ask the GP for an emergency prescription. Ring back at 5.30. Rang back. Not done. Ring at 6. Not done. 6.15. Not done. They close at 6.30. 6.25 not done. Gave me the phone number for the pharmacy, assuring me that if the GP writes one, they will drop it at the pharmacy next door which shuts at 7pm. 6.40 rang pharmacy, no prescriptions have been delivered yet. 6.45 they know some are coming but not there yet. I say to pharmacist I will come down just in case. I get there at 7pm, lights being turned off.....but thank goodness my prescription is there!!!! Sod paying first I rip out the inhaler and absorb it's goodness!!!!

What a night I had....a day of no inhaler really affected me....I lost count of the amount I used. I'll be needing a new one soon!!!!

Hope everyone is having a good start to 2012! x

Happy New Year!!!!!

2012-01-01T10:25:00.000Z

Welcome all to 2012!!!! So far it's been a great year, I've spent it with family and friends but most importantly with my darling Darren. My partner, my lover and my best friend. Here's to another wonderful year - 10 years together this year!!! I love you xxx

Merry Christmas everyone

2011-12-24T22:44:00.001Z

Merry Christmas. I hope that you all have a fantastic day with friends and family.

I don't see the problem

2011-11-17T11:34:00.000Z

Oh how very true!!!! I did have 2 wardrobes when I was single...one for clothes the other for yarn. I had to reluctantly give up my yarn wardrobe when 'he' moved in with me!!!

Now finally after years of stacker boxes for my yarn - I have a wall to wall, ceiling to floor storage unit!!!!!!

Think I'm going to get a bit obsessed with Youtube vids today...I'll try not to post anymore although the TMNT one with Raphael knitting might be found here soon!!!

x

Fraggles Knitting!!!!

2011-11-17T11:27:00.002Z

Oh my goodness!! I don't remember this when I watched Fraggle Rock!! Do you???

The Never Not Knitting Song!

2011-11-17T11:16:00.002Z

This is soooo funny!!!!

11.11.11

2011-11-11T16:52:00.002Z

Yah me!!!

2011-11-10T09:27:00.000Z

Ok so I won't go on about this but I am SO chuffed with myself at the moment. 8 weeks ago I re-joined Slimming World. I had started dieting last June by myself - I was the heaviest I have ever been. I did really well, slowly but really well. By Christmas I just stayed put, nothing was coming off. I got de-motivated for a bit. Then tried again. Nothing came off. I obviously needed to do more. Time went on and before I knew it weight was going back on. Not as much but still back on.

So like I say I re-joined slimming. 7 weigh ins later and I have lost a stone!!!!!! That's 2 lbs a week!!! I am really happy with myself. I am now 2 st 3 lbs lighter than I was last June!!!! More to go but I know I can do it. I am going to keep going to class as that really does help. Being weighed and talking about how I have done motivates me to lose it...as well as the fact that I'm paying good money for this!!!

I already feel so much better for it. People are starting to notice, my clothes are getting baggy....

So to anyone else out there dieting - good luck and we can do it!!!!

Remember Remember the 5th of November

2011-11-05T16:26:00.000Z

Have fun everyone!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

2011-10-31T11:37:00.000Z

Yes it is that time of year again - where does the time go? It doesn't seem long since we were waiting for long summer days (ok I know this is England - summer isn't exactly what it should be!), lots of daylight days and warm sunshine on our faces.

However, yesterday the clocks went back an hour - mercifully an extra hour in bed for me, rather than an extra hour to work on a night shift! So it is now dark around 5pm. Soon we will all be going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. Gone are the long daylight filled days and the days are getting shorter still!

Winter feels like it is just around the corner, if memory serves me right we had a flurry of snow last October and forecasters did say we would get some this year too....only 13 more hours of October left and it doesn't show signs of snow at least!!! I must admit I do love crisp winter morning, walking through fresh snow, all wrapped up! Better than soggy, foggy, damp days, when everywhere is muddy. I'm sure the seasons are going by quicker or just kind of blending into one.

But today it is damp, misty and chilly - a perfect Halloween. I wonder what everyone will be dressing up as tonight? Are you going to parties? Treat or treating? Or hiding behind the sofa when kids come knocking?! Perhaps you already had your parties at the weekend?

Despite the fact that Darren loves this time of year, perfect for putting on his creations (he is a special effects make up artist), we are not doing anything this year. He has been busy making things for 2 films, so his personal projects got put aside. We are going out for tea though. I doubt we'll get any trick or treaters, for the last 2 years no-one came, so all the sweets were wasted (neither of us eats sweets), so I've not bought any this year. Of course it would be sods law that LOADS come now!!! Halloween isn't a big thing here in England. For some it's just another night to get dressed up, act stupid and get too drunk!

Anyway as it's my day off I'm watching some classic ghosty films: The Canterville Ghost the 1996 remake not the 1944 original - must admit I prefer the original!! Then The Cat and the Canary 1939 and The Ghost Breakers 1940, both with Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard.

A perfect day for curling up on the sofa to knit and crochet!

However, I must also prepare myself for a job interview tomorrow, well it is more of a promotion. It is my job with with alot more responsibility (and a good pay rise). I would really love to get it, it would be a step in the right direction for me and assist with my Social Work degree....so fingers crossed please!!!

Pretty colours

2011-10-20T14:42:00.000+01:00

Today is my mum's birthday - Happy Birthday Mum!!!!! I went to buy her a beautiful bouquet of flowers and then my eye wandered over to these delectable colours (don't worry I did buy my mum her flowers!!!)

I couldn't resist buying some plants...8 to be precise. I had to stop myself from buying more. They look so pretty and with the weather being so cold and wintery already I decided to cheer myself up.

I love the next 2 orchid pics - they would look great as prints!!

Worry not after 3 beautiful white flowered plants, here is an injection of vibrant colour!!

I have put some of the plants on window sills, had a shuffle round of some on my kitchen window sill - which means that 2 others need a new home.

I really haven't decided where to put them yet. They were a complete impulse buy.

Plants had been known to be assaulted by my gorgeous cat Charlie but as he is no longer with us - they should, in theory, be safe.

At the moment the orchid is on the window sill but when we have decorated our bedroom - I think I'd like it in there. It is a tranquil and elegant plant.

Wherever they go they will definately brighten the place up!!

My new King Cole Blanket Reveal!!!!!

2011-10-17T17:02:00.001+01:00

Ok so here it is my snuggly, cuddly and soft as anything new blanket!!!

Sorry about: a) the number of pics, and

b) the quality of the pics!!!

The colours are more vibrant than they are showing in these pics...ironically it was too sunny and bright today!!

The colours show better here.

Considering this is a DK weight yarn, it felt more delicate than that.

It has a lovely lacey feel but feels strong and warm.

I do like how well it works with crochet...knitting with this was AWFUL.

It snagged and went very fluffy, losing the sharpness and vibrancy of the colours.

So...I am really thrilled with how this blanket looks and feels...

In fact I love it so much that I started another one on Saturday night!!!

(I was doing a night shift and really got cracked on! Anything to stay awake!!)

I'm thinking that at least one of these could be a nice Christmas pressie for someone.

Pippi Longstocking inspired Patchwork scarf

2011-10-13T13:03:00.001+01:00

So I was reading this blog and I was reminded of reading Pippi Longstocking as a child. I imagined knowing her and being her - although sadly my memories of her tales are long forgotten.

But I was inspired to create a scarf from all of the small balls of wool that come as free gifts from knitting magazines. I have had them piled up in my unit - not sure what to make with them until now!!!

I laid all the balls out in lines of colour and selected fairly randomly what I was going to use.

As it was all DK, I picked up my 4mm needles and cast on 30sts.

I worked in one colour haphazardly chosing the stitch pattern :- rib, garter, stst, moss, etc

To finish off the scarf I did a row of single crochet, then treble, then chain stitch which I attched at every 3rd st.

I really like it...it's bright and cheerful. Think I'll make another!!!

Days off

2011-10-10T15:05:00.000+01:00

And what am I doing with the glorious 4 days I have off?? Blowing my nose and coughing.

Yes. The snotty cold I was desperate to avoid landed firmly on me on Friday evening....the start of my 4 days off. Oh well, at least I haven't had to go to work feeling crappy.

I haven't felt as motivated to do my latest scarf and blanket...but I did finish the scarf last night. I had hoped to take pics today but the light is awful - I think winter is here!!! I'll try again tomorrow regardless of the quality of pics. I had fun making it and wasn't a chore to make (which hand knitted long scarfs can be!!)

My King Kole Riot granny blanket is nearly done. However, I am having a finishing dilemma. It is all done in trb clusters....but shoud I do something different on the last few rows?? Was thinking maybe a row of single trb in top of each trb. Do a final row with a scallop or loopy effect. Or just keep it as it is?

I'd appreciate any thoughts. x

Morning is it bed time yet??

2011-09-29T10:07:00.000+01:00

Feeling shattered, sniffly, aching and too hot....not sure it's just the weather though....especially when I've around poorly people....I WILL NOT CATCH THEIR SNOTTY COLDS/INFECTIONS!!!!!

On a good note I had my 1st weigh in at Slimming World last night and I've lost 4lbs which I am delighted with!!! Lots more to go though!!

I'm almost ready for my King Kole Riot blanket reveal and a scarf I have been working on from oddments of wool - well actually it's made from all the free balls I get with my knitting magazines. I had a big pile of them.

Might be needing both of them if I do get poorly!!! lol

This week

2011-09-25T15:37:00.002+01:00

So what have I been up to this week...

On Wednesday I re-joined Slimming World. AhhhHHH!!!! Oh well my own fault. Gotta stick to it cos it does work. I know what I need to do to lose weight it's about making better choices when I am tired and hungry, it's making food in advance so I can take meals to work or get them out for tea, it's not going for the quick fix of take aways.

I've been busy working, including a double shift on Friday. I was soooo tired afterwards but at least the 2nd shift was great fun - the kids were ace and had fun with the staff too, so that certainly helped!!!

We went to the Leeds Curry festival yesterday. Our new friends Paul and Paula came over from near Liverpool to ours. Not as impressive as I thought it could have been but still pretty good. And yes I was good and stuck to my diet and didn't eat any of it! Being veggie does help sometimes!!!!

Darren certainly enjoyed himself. He got a £5 sample box - with lots of different things to try. After we had been round the art gallery he then went back for another curry - a new one for him - Goat Curry....now I know why I'm veggie!!!! Even Darren balked a bit at this one...especially as it had bones in. But he ate it!

Just look at the colour of these cauliflowers!!!

The Goat Curry.....

An amzing statue of Freddie Murcury outside Leeds Train Station showing the We Will Rock You show by Queen and Ben Elton. Of course Darren and Paul had to be photographed with it!

So... what have you been doing this week?

Blogger is really annoying me today as it is not showing pics in the way I want them shown!!!!! But every time I make changes it goes wierd. Top this off with the inability to make changes without logging in to the dashboard every time and it makes Blogger very naughty at times!!! Grrrr

Funny!!

2011-09-24T09:26:00.002+01:00

BEST DIVORCE LETTER
Dear Wife, I’m writing you this letter to tell you that I’m leaving you forever. I’ve been a good man to you for 7 years & I have nothing to show for it. These last 2 weeks have been hell. ... Your boss called to tell me that you quit your job today & that was the last straw. Last week, you came home & didn’t even notice I had a new haircut, had cooked your favorite meal & even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers. You ate in 2 minutes, & went straight to sleep after watching all of your soaps. You don’t tell me you love me anymore; you don’t want sex or anything that connects us as husband & wife. Either you’re cheating on me or you don’t love me anymore; whatever the case, I’m gone. Your EX-Husband P.S. don’t try to find me. Your SISTER & I are moving away to West Virginia together! Have a great life!

—— Dear Ex-Husband Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It’s true you & I have been married for 7 years, although a good man is a far cry from what you’ve been. I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining & griping Too bad that doesn’t work. I DID notice when you got a hair cut last week, but the 1st thing that came to mind was ‘You look just like a girl!’ Since my mother raised me not to say anything if you can’t say something nice, I didn’t comment. And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY SISTER, because I stopped eating pork 7 years ago. About those new silk boxers: I turned away from you because the £49.99 price tag was still on them, & I prayed it was a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed £50 from me that morning. After all of this, I still loved you & felt we could work it out. So when I hit the lotto for 10 million pounds, I quit my job & bought us 2 tickets to Jamaica But when I got home you were gone.. Everything happens for a reason, I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that the letter you wrote ensures you won’t get a dime from me. So take care. Signed, Your Ex-Wife, Rich As Hell & Free! P.S. I don’t know if I ever told you this, but my sister Carla was born Carl. I hope that’s not a problem...

Latest creations

2011-09-15T15:42:00.001+01:00

So here are some pics of my finished scarf. It is long! When around my neck the ends touch the floor!!! Allows great variations for wrapping it around. It is symetrical in colours with the deep pink at the centre, leading out to the left and right, shades of blue, green and yellow.
I love it!! It is so soft and light. A lovely autumnal scarf! And just in time too!
What I must apologise for is that I was too tired to take pics last night and Darren was in his grubby work clothes til late, so I took pics this afternoon with myself modelling it. Again I apologise. I do not appear in pics for a reason and especially taking them myself. There is always that wierd angle thing going on and chins appear all over the place!! (She says as she shudders!!!) These are the best of a lot of photos taken (doesn't say much!!)

Isn't it great not having the heating on - you watch out that dial will be cranked up soon I'm sure!!

Oh and I thought I'd show you where I am up to with my Riot blanket.

Still lots more to do!!!

Sneaky peek at a new scarf

2011-09-12T19:56:00.000+01:00

Ok so I know I've only just started the blanket in King Cole Riot. And I know that I still have to finish the jumper I've made (still at least I only need buttons - and I don't like any that I have for it!!)

But I couldn't resist trying the Riot as a scarf made on my knitting loom. Now I started it at 9pm yesterday when we sat down to watch "Appropriate Adult" on ITV. By the end of the film it was scarf length. However, as it is so delicate, snuggly and soft, I fancy making it twice as long!!

So with more time this evening to finish it, I should be ready for a reveal tomorrow!

Who know's maybe Darren will model it as he did here !!!

Sandy

2011-09-11T20:21:00.001+01:00

In rememberence of 9/11

2011-09-11T16:16:00.002+01:00

In rememberence of 10 years ago today, when 2,977 people died in the 2001 atrocity, after al Qaida terrorists slammed passenger jets into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in the nation's capital. A fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers stormed the cockpit in a desperate effort to prevent hijackers hitting a fourth target, Washington's US Capitol. RIP

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14869230

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14063927

Introducing our new family member

2011-09-10T18:18:00.002+01:00

So did anyone guess what was in this box??

Well if you guessed a rabbit you were right!!! Well done - slap yourself on the back!

Go straight to the top of the class!!!

So let me introduce you to Sandy. He was up for re-homing at our local Pets At Home shop.

Reason? Too old to be sold.

Too old??? He's only 4 months old!!

But people go looking with their kids for cute and small baby animals.

He's cute though - isn't he? I dare anyone to challenge me on this!! ;)

So can you guess why we called him Sandy?!!

Darren and I were chatting about names this morning. We tend to have names from tv or films.

E.g I had 2 rabbits Bill and Ben, when Ben died and I got another I called him Ted - Bill and Ted!

Get the idea??

But when we had decided we were taking Sandy home and walking round the shop getting things we needed, Darren said we should call him Sandy....guess what name I had literally just been thinking of for him - Sandy of course!!

So Sandy it was and Sandy he will always be!!

His new home already for him

We think he has settled in really well. He's been exploring and jumping on his box.

Lady loves him - I think she's desperate for him to be set free so she can play with him!! I hasten to add that Lady really gets on with rabbits and guineas. She'd get in the runs with them and wash them. She protects them too. We had a friend and her dog stay with us a few months ago and when the dog would charge at the cage or run Lady would chase him off and stand on guard!! Bless her!!

But it's like having kids, we've been fussing over Lady loads and rewarding her for being gentle with Sandy as we don't want her to get jealous and we want him to be relaxed around Lady.

We were going to get 2 rabbits but as Sandy wasn't living with another rabbit and hasn't done for a while, we thought it was kinder to just have him.

My hope is that Sandy and Lady will bond.

When I have him litter trained, I'll let him and Lady together in the kitchen and dining room - they have laminate floors (no carpets to ruin!) and no loose cables or anything he could chew through!

So welcome to the family Sandy!! xx

Any guesses?

2011-09-10T12:32:00.000+01:00

What to do when you can't sleep? Start another blanket!!

2011-09-09T18:29:00.001+01:00

I was working a waking night shift last night...can't even begin to tell you how tired I was. As well as the obvious looking after the kids during the night, there is basic household jobs to do. I also had 2 reports to write - very important reports. This was my 1st opportunity to do them since before the summer hols as we get no office time in the hols.

So of course last night was the night when I was exhausted before I even started work - not tired - exhausted. From about 2.30am it was all I could do not to fall asleep (which would be a major disciplinary thing to do!). We work by ourselves at night, the 2nd staff member is asleep on-call.

Well when I could no longer focus on reports I tried some knitting. I had literally just finished a jumper before setting off for work - pics will follow when it is made up. I took the pattern with me and some King Cole Riot. I've had this for AGES and never made it. I bought 10 balls at the Harrogate Knitting Show really cheap!!

Has anyone used it? I found it a pain to knit with. It splits. It looses it's shine and looks fluffy. Now I didn't have hot sweaty hands - in fact I was freezing! - so this didn't explain what was happening. I think it doesn't tolerate being handled. Which is such a shame as it's sooooo touchable!

I knitted about 14 rows in rib on 3mm for the waistband and thinking about frogging it....but too tired to make a rational decision.

Anyway...long story short(ish) I couldn't sleep when I got home, only dozed for a bit really. So catching up with blog reading and came across this blog on someone elses blog. Aside from being excited that this new shop is about 20mins drive from me, she mentions someone using this wool for a granny blanket....so out came a fresh ball and a 4mm hook and here we go....

I loosely based my pattern on Lucy's pattern.

Normally I hate it when you reach inside for the end of the wool and it all pulls out, but this looks so scrummy!! A pile of squiggly colour - just waiting for me to use!

Look at the lovely colours to come

This was me on the sofa with the duvet, bar of chocolate, glass of milk, watching Defiance on dvd and crocheting! Heaven if only I wasn't so tired!!

And this is where it is at the moment. It feels really soft and delicate. The shine hasn't gone and it isn't fluffy. So maybe crocheting with it (less handling) is the way to go. I'll also try using my knitting looms but I'll have to double it up. Despite being a DK it is finer that most DK.

It was hard to keep decent tension because of the delicacy but it adds to the lacey look and feel, as long as the square doesn't go too lopsided I'll be happy.

I feel amazingly awake now - kinda hyper though, so just waiting to crash! Thank goodness for weekend off.

I'm really excited about where we are going and what we're doing tomorrow. Should have (fingers crossed) some good news and new yummy pics for you all tomorrow. Any guesses?

Have a great weekend! x

Sleep well Ted

2011-09-05T19:13:00.000+01:00

Ted is asleep forever. We made the very difficult but compassionate decision to take Ted to the vets today. He has been unable to move since Friday. He has lost weight, his fur is dropping out and well let's just say he needed bathing a few times a day.

The vet was so lovely and understanding. I held Ted as he went to sleep. In June we had 4 pets, now we only have 1 - our precious doggie Lady. We lost our gorgeous cat Charlie (hit by a speeding car) in June, followed by Becks the guinea pig (old age in her sleep) a few days later and now Ted.

xx

Ted - my rabbit

2011-09-04T12:20:00.000+01:00

Don't think our lovely bunny will be with us long. He can hardly move now and just isn't himself :(

Randomness

2011-09-02T09:14:00.002+01:00

Morning! Darren is happy this morning - definately got that Friday feeling. That's ok of course if you work Mon-Fri...I don't. I work shifts and this includes working every other weekend! Oh well.

Now, I don't usually buy flowers, let alone post pics of them but I bought these a few days ago and as I'm trying to cheer myself up, cos it's Friday and work, I thought I'd post them here!

I was definately in a yellow mood when choosing my flowers. The 3 bunches cos a total of £6, another thing which cheered me up!!

I am obviously used to the cardboard boxes in the dining room as I didn't realise they were still there until uploading my pics!! We seem to live a house of cardboard at the moment. Shall we take it to the recycling centre at the tip - no because in a few days there will be more to take!! Soon there will be nothing but cardboard!

Shame this is rather washed out because of the light behind me and the mirror.

I love the colour intensity of my sunflowers.

And as I was taking pics in the dining room, I decided to take some of our OAP bunny. Bless him Ted does ever so well considering his strokes and being alone after the death of his best friend Becks the guinea pig. They both moved inside a few years ago after Ted had his first stroke, this cage gave him more room as his double hutch was then impossible to move in - he couldn't managed to get between the levels.

Poor guy is struggling to stand up this morning, so I placed his carrot by him and he is busy tucking into it!

Ted is hiding the fact that he has amazing red/pink eyes.

Good news about our Auntie Lena. The surgery went well and she is in little pain - due to the strong pain medication. We are hoping she is well enough to visit tomorrow.

On another happy note, a very good school friend of mine found me on Facebook yesterday. We lost touch when I went off to uni, although I still lived at home, not sure how or why it happened now…anyway after 18 years, we are back in touch. Very stange seeing the face of a 36 year old when I remember her as 18!! I don't really keep in touch with anyone from school. I have a few of them as Facebook friends now. As we all moved off to go to work or uni, we just seemed to separate. Sad really.

Say a prayer

2011-09-01T12:29:00.000+01:00

Darren's great auntie Lena is 92 years old - Auntie Lena to us all. She is a real darling. She is quick witted, kind, thoughtful, interested in everything going on in her families lives and the world. No one could say a bad thing about her.

She had a nasty fall a few months ago which caused her immense pain. Despite X-rays the hair line fracture of her hip wasn't seen until it snapped quite a while later and her hip broke. She had surgery and was doing really well.

Once discharged home 3 weeks ago, however, she had another fall in her bedroom. Then she had another nasty fall yesterday, resulting in a clean brake of her other hip. She is now in hospital waiting for surgery today. Thank goodness for the Life Line emergency system being in place.

Now let's just say we were not all in agreement about her going home, without adaptations. Especially to an old small mill house - which has been her home since she married and was the house next door to where she grew up. We can understand her wanting to be home but she was still sleeping upstairs and her toilet was upstairs. Now her stairs are so steep and curvy that a stair lift cannot be fitted - so how can she climb them?? They really are horrible stairs. It feels like pressure from certain family who are also preventing other family members from helping her - family who have always visited and done things for Auntie Lena. Who knows what will happen when she is ready to be discharged this time.

My prayers and thoughts are with you this afternoon Auntie Lena that your surgery will be a success xxx

Grrrr shoppping!!

2011-08-28T14:57:00.001+01:00

Ok - seriously does this happen to you? We go to Asda to buy bleach and baby wipes - interesting combo I know!!! We buy dvd's, naughty things for tea, stationary for uni...pay and get to the car, load in bags and realise....bloody hell WE DIDN'T GET THE WIPES OR BLEACH!!!! Can't be bothered going back in though!!

AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a happier note I did buy a big basket full of nice cheap acrylic yarn from Wilkinsons - great for charity knits, toys, kids gloves and of course what I'm using to make our blankets!!

Who's morning would you prefer?

2011-08-28T12:03:00.001+01:00

Ok so it's a Sunday morning and it just occured to me how different mine and Darren's were today (and probably every other one!). This is from 8.30am ish to now (11.55am)

Darren's:

Woke up
Turn computer on
Let dog out in the garden for the toilet
Fill sink with hot soapy water and put dirty plates etc in 'to soak'
Make coffee for us both
Go on Facebook and drink coffee
Back into bed as cold
Make 2nd cup of coffee for us both
Back on Facebook
Take dog out for walk

Me:

Wake up as Darren leaves me a coffee
Drink coffee
Go put 1st load in washing machine
Wash up things left 'to soak'
Back into bed as cold and read a bit with 2nd coffee
Emptied, cleaned and re-filled 4 de-humidifier containers
Cleaned bathroom
Hoovered the house
Put away new toiletries
Hoovered the sofa - we have a dog!
Put 2nd load of washing on
Hung up 1st load of washing to dry
Soaked all dishcloths in bleach
Made the bed
Had a shower and Darren said he was taking the dog out
Sat typing this whilst Darren is still out with the dog!

Mmmm who's Sunday morning would I have preferred!!!

August Bank Holiday Weekend!!!

2011-08-27T09:26:00.000+01:00

Well what is everyone up to? Will this be a typical bank holiday weekend and rain? Maybe we could get seasonal weather and we'll have sunshine and warmth.....hmmm....shall we take bets!!!?

It is my weekend off - which is great news!! Will we be doing anything? I'll let you know later...I'm rather sore after an incident at work involving me, a kid and a body slam into a door. (Just so we're clear I was the one body slammed....I don't tend to do that to the kids!!! ;) ) Ouch.

I was thinking yesterday that I haven't been posting any of my knitting/crochet. I will have to remedy this and also put up some more of my free patterns. Don't hold your breath though! I do forget and then get caught up knitting. But who wouldn't, eh?!

In my absence from blogland I have mainly been making things for charity and working on my 2nd granny stripe blanket (from Attic 24 - thanks Lucy! My 1st one can be found on my blog). In fact I was doing charity knitting and my blanket yesterday. The blanket only comes out when it is cooler as I have to sit with it draped over me as it is so big. I think I'm on my 65th stripe. I'm aiming for 80 like my 1st blanket but Darren seems happy with it as it is - and this one is for him! I made the original one so big because we were going to share it...but I selfishly decided it was all MINE!!!! I love wrapping up in it!!! So I started on one for Darren and the deadline is autumn/winter. Which of course it will be ready by then (I hope!!)

So my aim to to take pics of what I've been doing and type up my patterns. I still haven't taken pics of inside my storage boxes....Remind me and remind me till I do it!!!

Take care and have fun!!

Great News!!!

2011-08-26T10:38:00.000+01:00

Some people may know that I am a student social worker - my employer is paying for me to do this with the Open University. Well last March I went off sick with horrific migraines and sickness just a few weeks into my final year - bummer!

Work were unable to let me re-do my final year this year (my social work courses run Jan-Oct) due to ALOT of changes at work and financial situation....To be honest I'd pretty much given up hope of doing it. Let's face it...it's been a while...I'd boxed up my books etc. Dismantled the big table in spare room. Was looking at doing something for me - maybe a history degree or Theology masters...

Then last week I was given some hope. My managers manager rang me. Am I still interested? Of course I said yes I am!!! Some issues still - would I be able to go on placement for 6mths with all the stuff going on at work. Is there the money to split my final year over 2 years as UK uni fees are going up...

My hope was to do the non-placement course in Jan 2012, so I can still be at work. Then go on placement the next Jan. I was also worried that as it's been a while since I did anything - would I be up to speed for the placement - ie being in a fast pace social work team and doing full time uni!! The thought did scare me and screamed FAILURE!!!!

Anyways...as this post suggests - GREAT NEWS!!!

I got an email sent to me at work- it had been sent last Friday but it was only cos my supervisor forwarded it to me at home yesterday that I knew about it (we have no office time in hols just busy working with the kids!)

"Liz,

We will support your registration this year to complete one (Non Placement) module which I believe starts in January 2012. The recommendation from the university for each module is to offer 18 days study leave and you will have a further 6 taught sessions at Leeds. This will therefore give you a total of 24 days. As I would suspect the work will become more involved after a couple of taught sessions I would propose that you take one day off per week from March (Inclusive of taught sessions) which will give you sufficient study leave prior to your hand in date around September.

We will then support your final placement specifically in a local Safeguarding team (As previously agreed) of 100 days the following year (2013)."

YIPPEE!!!! I can finish my social work degree!!!! It's gonna mean alot of hard work and catching up with previous work to re-fresh myself but I've got ages til it starts - just checked and the course I'm going for KE312 Working together for children starts beginning of Feb 2012.

Then I'll have from Oct - Jan to prepare for my placement!

Yay!!! I'm so happy I had to share!!!

65 today!!!

2011-08-20T10:29:00.000+01:00

No not me you cheeky devils!! It's my dad's 65th birthday today and he is officially an OAP!!!! He did take early retirement a few years ago due to job cuts, so he is well into the life of leisure and gardening...but now he will be better off because he will recieve his pensions (state and private)!!!

My parents have gone away for a week to Scarborough - escaping the possibility of a party perhaps??!

I do feel old knowing that my dad is a pensioner! Better start looking for nursing homes eh dad!!! ;)

Seriously though - Happy 65th Birthday dad xxx

New storage reveal!!!!

2011-08-19T16:58:00.001+01:00

So here are the pics of my lurvely new, slightly obsessed with, knitting storage unit! It fits perfectly along the wall - you can just make out the door frame. There is the perfect amount of space on top of it to store boxes with the items I have made....really need to organise a craft fair to sell them!!!

Here are some pics of some of the items....

I have loads of magazines. Files with bought patterns and printed from the internet. Boxes full of gadgets. My knitting looms.

The wool by the light switch - thank goodness it is still accessible, even if now within the unit!!! - is free stuff from magazines.

My knitting books.

Why did I buy the kits here? Cos they were cheap!!! Will I ever make them?? Probably not!!!

A crochet bag with my WIP blanket. More magazines.

Speaks for itself!

Clothes, bags, gloves, hats, scarfs, purses, ipod/mobile phone covers etc that I have made.

Toys that I have made.

More clothes, hats and scarfs.

I did think about taking pics of inside each box too but decided that was a tad excessive...or should I???! Maybe a bit too sad really!! Needless to say they are full of wool. One box has some UFO's.

So I love it.

Have I mentioned that I love it?

My stash has a nice home.

No longer scattered to the four corners of the house.

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

...help...there's still more to squeeze in!

Bed time yet??

2011-08-16T21:04:00.000+01:00

Is it sleep time yet? Don't you hate it when at 5.50am the alarm cruelly wakes you up....Nooooo I wanted to scream but I wasn't even awake enough for that...I HATE mornings!!!!!

I hasten to add that for a morning shift this is later than normal - thank goodness for school holidays when we start at 7.15am rather than between 6 and 6.45am!!!

I actually don't think I even have the energy to knit.

More shockingly is that despite being giddy all day at work about the thought of arranging the contents of my last stacker box of wool into my lovely new unit; (I also have my needles, knitting looms, boxes of buttons and other such necessities to find a spot in the unit.) I'm too tired to do this :(

I know that if I started to do it I would get frustrated if it didn't fit/look right (I'm gemini and everything has to be just right!!!), then it would ruin the whole fun of this...so I will put some clean pj's on after my shower. Go downstairs and snuggle on the sofa with my doggie and a book...then probably fall asleep!

Shhh don't tell but it's my day off tomorrow!!!

New storage!!!!

2011-08-14T18:41:00.001+01:00

Look at my wonderful new storage unit from Ikea normally £129 but I got it for £96.75 - it's on offer this month with the Ikea family card! Really glad I waited to buy it!! Only found out it was on offer the morning we decided to go to Ikea to get it!! It is fantastic!! We built it in an hour yesterday. I then started to fill it with my knitting books, magazines, packs of wool etc!! I have also bought 8 red plastic boxes which go in the unit, I will use these to neatly store my single balls of wool.

Darren commented that it looks like a wool shop in our spare room now - in a good way. Before everything was piled up in a corner or in stacker boxes. I'm soooo excited and happy - it finally feels like my knitting has a proper home and is valued! How sad is that!! I will take a some pics when I have built the flat pack boxes and arranged everything properly.

Go now and buy one - you know you want to|!!!

Riots

2011-08-10T10:41:00.002+01:00

What is going on with this country - 4 days of riots and looting! Shame on you all. Is it your community you are destroying? You'd all be pissed off if your home or business was destroyed. I hope you are all caught, charged and receive appropriate sentences. Shame also on those who protect these scum by not reporting them to the authorities!

London Baby!!!

2011-08-02T16:06:00.001+01:00

On Saturday Darren and I went to London for the day. We got up early (6am), caught a direct train, which was great cos we usually have to change in Leeds, we got there about 10.15 am. We spent the day with our friend Pete but met up with my brother for the last hour at Kings Cross before leaving at 7.30pm, again on a direct train!

Pete is an FX bloke too so we did the shops for Darren. We stopped for a coffee at Monmouth Coffee which Pete loves. Which I have to admit was beautiful!! The chocolate brownie was to die for...Mmmmm

We had lunch out at a fantastic pub called Waxy O'connors Amazing interior, reminded me of Enid Blyton's Faraway Tree. Food was lovely too!

Rather disturbingly, Pete took us to....M & M's world

The question is why????

After we had done the shopping thing...we did the tourist thing!!! We headed out for a walk along the Thames.

I took 61 photos of us in London, Darren filmed far too much!! But the last photo was of me and my baby brother in Kings Cross station!!

We had a great day out, mainly because we were together with a friend and my brother. The weather was perfect too.

Not a strand of wool was found for me to buy, but I did see some very cool horror/sci fi knitting books in Forbidden Planet, which I did resist...I'll check them out online for cheaper prices!! Cheeky aren't I!!!

Been a while - heck it's been ages!

2011-07-28T16:09:00.001+01:00

So I'm still here. Didn't realise just how long it'd been since I last blogged. I won't go on about stuff but life has been complicated and unsettling. Alot of heartache and pain.

My brother has been very poorly since I last blogged. In and out of hospital. Only home now cos they have given him IV medication to take at home. These make him sick. He has isolated himself and as he is in London it isn't easy for us to help him. His wife (oh the things I could say!!!) is being horrible to him. He has had to move out of home. He hardly gets to see his son. He is only out of hospital so he can still work and provide for them. All he does is have his meds, work, meds and sleep. We just keep hoping that he will beat this virus without it destroying him and his health. The meds have nasty side effects and long term issues from the virus itself.

Our beloved cat Charlie was run over by a speeding car on our normally quiet street. Our neighbours heard it and came knocking at 11pm on June 14th to tell us. He died quickly thank goodness. Our dog Lady has been greatly affected by this. Lady and Charlie were really close. Seeing him in the road though is something I will never forget and really wish I could. Love you still Charlie xxx

Then a few days later our guinea pig died of old age, leaving our rabbit all alone. They were very close too, always cuddling and grooming each other. Ted is an old rabbit who has had lots of strokes. He has really gone down hill since Becks died and I wouldn't be surprised if he went soon too. x

Job uncertainty with the country in the state it is in. We all got letters re redundancy but were then told at a meeting a few days later that our jobs are safe for the moment. Whilst we do need to lose staff, as we have vacancies, they are just not filling the vacant posts.

There's more but heh that's enough.

Thank goodness for Darren. He is my rock. x

Thank goodness for knitting too!!

Hope all is well for everyone else and for those who are having problems xxx

Remembrence Sunday

2010-11-14T12:24:00.003Z

It felt strange posting about this on 11th November as it is now Michaels birthday. So I thought I would say my thanks to our nations heros, past and present, today on Remembrence Sunday. This morning we have been listening to the radio and their special programme. At 11am we observed the 2 minute silence. I always give thanks that my grandads returned from WW2. Without their return I would not be here. Thanks to both of them for their service, in the army in Africa and in the merchant navy xxx

When I was about 13/14 I discovered the poetry of Wilfred Owen. A soldier who served and died during WW1.

These are my 2 favourite poems:

ANTHEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH

What passing-bellsfor these who die as cattle?

Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle

Can patter out their hasty orisons.

No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;

Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, –

The shrill, dementedchoirs of wailing shells;

And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?

Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes

Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.

The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;

Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,

And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

September - October, 1917

DULCE ET DECORUM EST

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nine that dropped behind.

Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.

8 October 1917 - March, 1918

Poems copied from http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/owena.htm to save me typing them up from my book. There is also alot of information about Wilfred Owen at this link.

Happy 1st Birthday Michael!!

2010-11-11T13:19:00.000Z

My gorgeous nephew is one today!! Wow...time really does fly!!

I can remember my brother ringing me to let me know that they were at the hospital, then sent home, then back again....then baby!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Michael lots of love from Auntie Liz and Uncle Darren xxx

Where did the weekend go?!

2010-11-08T11:59:00.000Z

So I hope you all had a fun and safe weekend!! Lots of fireworks, bonfires, toffee apples and pie and peas!

We usually go to either Darren's parents or his sisters house for Bonfire Night as we always have a party - it is his mum's birthday on 5th Nov! But this year it was decided that we'd all meet up at his sisters for the birthday cake and then walk on to a local pub. There was a great bonfire, fireworks and food there.

I HATE fireworks and always have. I hate the whistles and bangs. Also, the thought of leaving Lady at home makes me sick as she hates them too. A nasty incident last year left her afraid of them. At the family party, whilst we had a break from the fireworks, the children and dogs were in the garden. However, very stupidly, the person setting off the fireworks began them again before telling everyone. Lady had just been to the loo, Darren was clearing it up. I was stood close by (as were several other people), when the fireworks started again. Lady was under the table where they were being set off!! My poor dog has been terrified ever since! Who can blaim her!

Anyway - we had a great time on Friday, the kids loved it! I do love the small of a bonfire, being wrapped up against the cold, all huddled together to keep warm!! The flames were really lapping up and the twins (8yrs old) and I were saying what shapes/things we could see in the flames - pretty cool night!

On Saturday we went for a meal with Darren's work mates to celebrate a 40th birthday. We went to our favourite Indian restaurant...yummy!!!! I went despite the fact that I was working the night shift after, I had to leave by 9pm to set off...never mind!!!

When we had all finished Darren asked for the bill and he managed to get them to use his discount card (15% up to 10 people) depite the fact we had 12 in our party. They used it on 10 peoples meal and the other 2 were full price. Which we thought was good! It was just over £207, so divided by 6 couples I said to call it £35 per couple (£210), but that's not including a tip. Interestingly when all money was gathered, only Darren and I had put a tip in!! Now the service there is exceptional - you couldn't fault anything...even if you were really fussy! Does anyone else not tip? Would you never tip, or are ther just occasions when you do/don't tip?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

2010-10-31T10:10:00.003Z

So what you all up to? Treat or Treating? Halloween parties? Staying in watching scary films? Or just pretending there is no-one home when kids come knocking?!!

We did the scary film night last night - as we do most nights! We watched Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street - classic scary films of our generation! I grew up watching the horror of the 1930's and 40's and whilst these are true classics - you can't beat the 70's and 80's for horrors!

When I first saw Nightmare on Elm Street (on tv) I was babysitting on Halloween, for a girl and boy, I was about 18-19 yrs old and had my knitting with me.....too many similarities!!!!! It really freaked me out!!! I quickly ran to make sure all the doors and windows were locked!

Tonight York City Screen Cinema is screening the 3rd and final series of the web series that Darren has been busy working on - Zomblogalypse (a video blog about a zombie apocalypse). The final episode is being premiered tonight on the big screen before it goes online!! Darren as you can imagine is rather giddy about this!! Whilst he worked on Harry Potter Prisoner of Azkaban (fx technician) and Evil Aliens (he made the alien teeth), this is the most spfx work he has done (along with partner Ian) for any film/series!! I'm very proud of you babe!!! xx

Post Pals Charity

2010-10-29T10:20:00.000+01:00

I thought I would mention this wonderful charity Post Pals - it is to help brighten up the lives of terminally ill or chronically sick children.

I'm sure that many of you will have heard of it and many will not. There are probably similar charities out there across the world...but this is the one I know.

I found out about it through the Let's Knit magazine forum, we got together and decided to do a Robin Robin. We start with a ball of wool and someone makes a gift for a child on Post Pals, then the gift is sent to the child and the ball is sent to another forum member to make another gift.

We completed the Round Robin and as I was the last person in the first round...I have been the first person in the next Round Robin.

If you have a few minutes to spare I would recommend you check out Post Pals...maybe even drop a line to someone...you really will make their day!!

Granny Stripe Blanket Finished!!

2010-10-27T17:32:00.002+01:00

OK drum roll please......the moment we've all been waiting for...ok so me and Darren!!...the finished warm and snuggly, thick and cuddly and oh so colourful blankie!!!!

It has been wonderful to wrap myself up in it whilst laid out on the sofa this last week. It has been finished to perfectly time with the cold weather too! I have made it for us to snuggle under on the sofa, not for the bed. For a size guide - this is a super king size bed!

I love it so much that I want to make another one! Not because I want the experience of making - don't get me wrong I enjoyed every moment...but because I don't want to share it with Darren...I want my own!!! So we'll probably get one each now!! Somehow, I don't think that Darren will object!!

My blanket was made using 100% acrylic yarn. It is 80 stripes (160 rows) plus a border of 4 rows of border. The starting chain was 300. There are 12 colours. I used between 150 - 200g of each colour. Some colours have more stripes than others, so I used more of the yarn.

My colours were chosen randomly but as I went along I tried to even the colours out. I also wanted to ensure that the same colours were not used too close together.

I started the blanket at the end of June and finished it last week. So that's about 4 months.

What can I say...I love it love it love it!!!!

More than just a cold?

2010-10-26T12:51:00.001+01:00

Probably.

I was on the late shift at work yesterday for a grand total of 90 mins then I was sent home. I was being sick and my breathing had become dreadful. My heart was racing and I was shaking. My asthma inhaler ran out and couldn't get a replacement before work. I also had to make an appointment to get a new one! First available appointment - next MONDAY!!!!!!! So I asked for a doctor to ring me at work. My asthma doesn't affect my daily, it is when I get bad colds/chest infections that I need my inhaler.

Luckily just as I was about to leave work, one of managers gave me her inhaler (same type as mine!). This definately saved me as it was just after 7pm when I finally heard from my doctor (good that he rang at that time though!) He gave me an appointment for today, I don't have a chest infection (which I knew) and although my peak flow (measurement for how my asthma is - lung capacity) is low, it isn't dangerously/worringly low.

So I'm just gonna take it easy and keep breathing! Strange that my cough only really started yesterday morning and developed to this so quickly.

Hope everyone is ok and healthy!! For anyone who is poorly - get well soon!!! xx

Feeling rather pathetic at the moment

2010-10-25T09:20:00.000+01:00

I have a cold.

It started last Tues evening.

Darren caught my cold on Thursday - he didn't take it from me and in fact it morphed into man-flu!!!

Been sleep deprived due to the cold, shifts and working nights.

On the upside I have finished my granny stripe blanket!!!! Pics will have to wait for a bit - I'll lay it out on the bed when I change the bedding. It'll look better on our white bedding rather than our coloured bedding!!

I've also designed a very simple crochet purse - I was too poorly and tired to focus on anything and started to make some fingerless gloves. Unfortunately they were not wide enough but realised when I folded it, that I had made a cute little purse!!! So I'll get the pattern written up asap with some pics!

Loving Hands Winter Challenge!!

2010-10-25T09:12:00.000+01:00

Yes it's that time again!!!

"The first one is to help out a school in Kenya. The Springs of Life School in Nairobi to be exact. This is is a school built with the help of the Rotary Club in Arbroath and fronted by a lovely lady Rotarian called Alison Stedman. We have already been giving Alison a hand by sending her baby cardies for a challenge at another place she is working on (trying to get 1500 baby cardies by Christmas - and I have a box of 200 to send up to her for that sitting here in the office right now!). For the school in this challenge the lady who runs it would like to kit her kids out in uniform so they will not look bad next to the city kids. Her dream is to have the best turned out slum school in Kenya! The kids here live in groups of 12 in houses built by the rotary club - each house has a grandmother (an old lady also rescued by the charity) who takes care of 12 kiddies in her house. They have now also built a school so these children can be educated.

The uniform required is -

Grey trousers (if possible dark gey but not black) for boys and girls
White shirts/blouses
Maroon V-Jumpers
Maroon Beanie Hats
Black shoes/sandals
Games Kit -
white shorts
Red and yellow T-shirts - It will be good if the number of red T-shirts and Yellow is balanced in every class and gender because they are used for group competitions during physical education lessons and brain games.
white long socks for girls, Grey long socks for boys
maroon or black gym bags
black gym shoes

Please Note-
- That if it will be possible we could request Graduation gowns for the pre-schoolers

It would also be great to provide Alison with a supply of day to day clothing and maybe toys for these kiddies too as Ireen intends to get them to change into their school clothes when they get to school and change back into play things when they leave ;0)

The beauty for us with this challenge is that Alison herself is based here in Scotland so we would just need to get these items to her in Arbroath at the end of the challenge and the Rotarians would take them on from there ;0)

Part 2 of the challenge is our old faithful Hats and Balaclavas for the seafaring men. Each year since Loving Hands started we have helped out with this challenge going from 100 the first year to 676 last year! I am sure we will not let them down this year either! This also is a no postage for us challenge as there is a pastor from Apostleship of the Sea in driving distance of Fife who will come and collect them from here when we are ready!"

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary

2010-10-16T09:53:00.001+01:00

Yes my grandparents have been married for 60 years. It was actually their anniversary on Thursday but we are having the party today.

I'm impressed, especially as after 50 years, my grandma did say she was ready to try another fella!!!!

Seriously though, can you imagine spending that long with the same person - in years to come will people be still married that long? Darren and I won't be. Despite being together for 8 years, we're not married and as I'm 36 and he's 41, it's doubtful that even if we got married today, that we'd be alive to celebrate 60 years!!

So many congratulations to you both!!! See you later at the party!! xxx

Personal stuff

2010-10-13T17:02:00.000+01:00

Apologies in advance re post. Just getting my head round stuff.

On Thursday I found out that a work friend of mine had to be put into a coma (she has had on going health problems but was thought to be ok now). Yesterday, we found out that she had died during the night.

She was only in her mid 50's.

Just seems so unfair. Haven't really felt up to doing much since I found out she was in the coma - sort of puts life and any issues you may have into perspective.

I've never really known anyone who's died before like this. Old relatives, residents at the Old Peoples Home, even a disabled child who had health concerns and was never expected to live into full adulthood. But, V is different. She had been ill but was back at work. It seemed sudden when she went off sick again and then into the coma.

Take care of loved ones and make sure they know how you feel about them. Life is too precious.

Say goodbye to September

2010-09-30T15:24:00.001+01:00

Almost another month gone. I am always saying how quickly time is passing by but it really does feel it. Strange because I always seemed to be waiting for my days off work and each shift at work seemed to be never ending. However, now each shift disappears too quickly - we all think so, it's like we've just started and suddenly it's time to go home. I don't know if it's because the kids routines are more time constrained, so we always have to be attending to some need of theirs - whilst trying to fun stuff in between! - or who know's what?? (I work with children with disabilities)

I get alternate weekends off and it used to be ages between them but it doesn't feel it anymore. Probably does to Darren, as these are the only days we have together (evenings do go too quickly and I do work some evenings too) and if I'm working he's home without me (and car!!)

I never seem to have the time to do anything, although partly cos I can't be bothered to do some things. I'm the sort of person who can cope without a task being started but once started it has to be done to perfection!!

Darren has finished working on the Zombie web series, so now our weekends and evenings can be just for us. Although I have said that I want to crack on with some decorating. This weekend is my 1st weekend off with Darren not working on the series, so it'll be just having fun...but my next weekend off will need to involve house stuff.

As it has been unbelievably cold here lately - in fact we even had the heating on this week. I just couldn't get warm on Tuesday evening so we gave in and put it on. It hasn't been on since and I hope we don't need to again for a bit. It is just so expensive and once the heating goes on it'll probably be on til March/April. ...SO...I have been cracking on with my granny stripe blanket again. Darren and I worked out on Tues how much more I needed to do but I can't remember if it was another 30 stripes or 30 rows (each stripe is 2 rows). Anyway, so far I've done 5 more stripes (10 rows). It's getting closer to being finished - I really hope it was 30 rows though!!! It is so snuggly under it, I am wrapped up with it as I continue making it! Well, better get back to the blanket....hopefully I can post some finished pics of it soon!

Got that Autumn feeling....

2010-09-21T11:35:00.001+01:00

Yes I think Autumn has officially arrived - although of course we all knew that summer finished AGES ago!!!!

What a busy gal I've been lately - not much time for anything, especially blogging or catching up with my forums gossip!!

On Saturday Darren and I walked along the canal with Lady to Saltaire Festival it is a lovely walk from our house and took us about 30 mins. This obviously includes time stopping for Lady whilst sniffing and watching the ducks and swans. We also had to take cover twice under bridges as it started to absolutely chuck it down! Great start to the day!! But...the rain did stop and by the time we got to Saltaire it was sunny and warm. We started off in the newly renovated park...it has been beautifully restored to this - if you want a look. Saltaire is steeped in history and I won't bore you about it but if you are interested check this out.

There were singers, bands, Guiness record holder strong man, LOADS of food and craft stalls, kids rides, small animals petting area. It was a great day!

Then to top it off we popped in to see Darren's great aunt who lives in Saltaire - she really is a wonderful character, in her 90's but full of life and fun!!

Knitting has also kept me busy. After I finally finished the teddies I've been making more BSJ's and matching hats and bootees. With the amount of things I've made I'm not sure I can find a box big enough to send it all in!!!

Nothing else really worthy of blogging about...most of the time I've just been working!!!

More teddies for tragedy

2010-09-09T14:46:00.002+01:00

These are for the Loving Hands Autumn Challenge. I have made 23 so far....took me long enough to get round to finishing the poor things but they are finally ready to be loved by children!!

I do love making them as they are so quick and simple but I hate sewing up so I had knitted all 23 then couldn't be bothered to actually sew, stuff and embroider their faces!

It is overwhelming to know that something I have made will go to a child who has nothing or has experienced a horrific event. I just hope that the teddy can help.

Baby Surprise Jacket with extra long sleeves

2010-09-09T14:34:00.001+01:00

This is still the pattern I have used before from here but with longer sleeves - the modification is on the pattern.

However, myself and Goose on Let's Knit forum have both found the pattern to be confusing and well er, wrong!? But despite this we both managed, in different ways, to make lovely modified BSJ's! The main pattern, if not making longer sleeves is fine, as seen in my previous blue BSJ.

September already

2010-09-02T09:41:00.000+01:00

Ok so it doesn't seem 2 minutes since it was my last post about the bank holiday weekend!!! Hope you all had a good one. Like I wrote I was at work...but we had friends up, so I only briefly saw them on Sunday morning before they went home I went back to work. They came up to help Darren do the special effects make up for the web series Zomblogalypse that he has been working on with his mate Ian. Personally I can't wait for it to be finished as it has meant we've had very little time together this year (again) due to the time it takes to make things, all done in evenings and weekends.

Anyway, I cannot believe that it is back to school today for the kids at work...summer hols are over. Sorry kids!! Parents all over the country are rejoicing!!!

So knitting - well inbetween my blankie I have been busy making teddies for tragedy for Loving Hands - but unfortunately I wasn't able to send them in time for an urgent appeal by 1st Sept. But there is still the original request so I'll be stuffing and embroidering faces onto my teddies for tragedy again today...I knew I shouldn't have made so many and not stuffed as I went. 23 teddies sat in a bag waiting to be stuffed is alot of teddies!!!! They have been sat there a while too!! I've only got 9 left at least. I'd love to get them all done before the weekend (which is definately possible - unless I get fed up!!)

Was thinking about making some school jumpers then. But I'm really trying not to buy more yarn so might have to stick to everyday jumpers...of course the not buying yarn never works and I'm sure if I come across the right colours they'll get bought!!!!

On a personal note, I have lost another lb this week!!!!!

Well breakfast calls as does cheesy tv (Jeremy Kyle and Judge Judy - great to slob on the sofa with as I stuff teddies!!!)

Happy August Bank Holiday Weekend

2010-08-27T10:01:00.000+01:00

All I've heard on the radio this morning is that this is the August bank holiday and asking what people are doing...well I'm working! Darren isn't so he'll have to entertain himself in the studio etc. Hope whatever your plans are - or lack of them - that you have a good time!

Oh and on a happy note I've lost another 2 lbs!! Yippee!!! My weight loss is definately slowing down but at least it is all in the right direction!!

Family day out

2010-08-23T09:39:00.000+01:00

On Friday it was my dad's birthday, so to celebrate we had a family get together. My younger brother James, his wife Ahn and son Michael (my scrummy 9mth old nephew) came up from London, my grandparents came down from Darlington, my parents from Harrogate and us from Bradford...all met up in York.

This was only the 2nd time we've seen our nephew - he is so big now!!! I loved holding him and he just kept looking at me and smiling and oh it was lovely!!!!

We all met at Varsity for lunch and to have a good natter - we were there about 2hrs. Then we headed off to Barley Hall, where James and Ahn got married 3yrs ago. We then headed to York Minster where they had more wedding pics taken. As this was the 1st time Michael has been to York, they wanted to take pics of them with him at both places.

I do love it when all my family comes home. We may have our strained moments (as I'm sure most families do) and we are not very emotionaly close but we are there when it counts. I do miss my brother too as he and I were very close growing up, supporting each other through my parents many arguments. But when he left for uni, he never came back home to live.

Anyway here's some lovely pics of us - especially Michael!! Darren is missing on all but a pic outside the minster, as he took them. I'm waiting for my dad and brother to send the ones they took of Darren and Michael.

Me and Michael (my brother is in the blue jumper)

Background pic of James and Ahn

My grandparents and Michael

My dad and Michael

Everyone but me as I took this pic

Then at 3.30 we said our goodbyes and everyone had trains to catch. Darren and I had got into York before everyone and stayed later to do a bit of shopping - but unfortunately we were not allowed to keep Michael...

Want a laugh???

2010-08-18T22:09:00.000+01:00

Here's a pic of the scarf as seen in previous post.....

....as modelled by Darren!!!!!!!

Yet more granny striped blanket

2010-08-18T14:17:00.000+01:00

So it's getting there... but been dare I say it...I've been a bit bored of working on my blankie for the last week or so. I know I'm as shocked as you are - in fact I am disgusted that such stripey goodness and pleasure can have turned so quickly to boredom.

Perhaps it was doing the same thing all the time and I was missing my knitting (which is after all my main passion - sorry crochet!!!) but then I couldn't focus on knitting either, so I did some looming. The only items I really make with my looms are hats and scarfs but it is something I don't need to think about, so I finished an unknown UFO, a scarf in blue eyelash yarn. Then I made another. Then I got some yarn from my stash and started making more scarfs (make 5 in total) .....then I got bored of looming.

So I made 2 tops for charity. One of which was an adapted pattern from Ravelry to make a preemies Baby Surprise Jacket. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-surprise-jacket-preemie-sized Many thanks to everyone who helped me find the BSJ pattern!!

It really does look wierd and that it can't possibly be a jacket - all through making it I couldn't figure it out!!!

Then suddenly I could see it!!!!

Sewn up and with buttons....

The back....

I wasn't really convinced about this when I was laying it out, the sleeves didn't seem to sit right. The front seemed to be bigger than the back. I thought I had maybe done something wrong. But with a bit of slight stretching into place, I think it looks nice and I am rather happy with it!! It was very quick and easy to make and very little to sew up. All the sewing up you have to do it the top of the sleeves/shoulders. Can't wait to do more and make Elizabeth Zimmerman's original BSJ!!! Next time I'd like to make it stripey and see what the effect is....the pics of stripey ones look really nice.

Anyway....The good news, as far as I am concerned is that my blankie is back at my side and I have started enjoying making it again!!! I brought it downstairs after lunch and so far I have completed a lovely deep purple stripe!!!

Just had to blog about it and post my other pics...this way the distractions are behind me for a while so I can re-focus and finish blankie!!

So wanna see what it looked like before my last purple stripe??? Well if you don't close your eyes now!!! Cos here it is!!!

I laid it out on our bed which is a super king size bed....

If you are still reading - thanks alot and well done at looking through so many pics!!!

Our walk along the canal

2010-08-08T14:27:00.004+01:00

We decided to have a lovely walk along the canal on Friday, instead of our usual wood walk. The canal is just off the woods and is only a 10 min walk from our house. It is the Leeds/Liverpool canal.

The first thing we noticed before we were on the canal, was this blackberry!! Blackberries in August!!! Now there are LOADS of green ones around here but a ripe one!! It was so bizarre I had to take a picture!!!

Can you make out this bee? They were everywhere!!

This is the path down to the canal. We have to walk down through a field to the bridge then we can walk back along the canal to another bridge and back home.

Lady always has to be first!!

She is so curious!!!

Horses are everywhere round here!!!

These ducks actually came swiming over to see us!! Think they thought we had food - sadly no, just a poo bag!!!

Off again when Lady came to say hi!

Remember that one lonely blackberry we found at the start of our walk??? About half way along the canal there were loads of them!!!!!

I told Darren to give me a clean and empty poo bag and we started to pick blackberries!!! There are loads still to ripen, so we'll be back!!!

I have never known them to be out so early!!!

Plenty to make a crumble!!!!

By the way I made the apple and blackberry crumble yesterday and it was gorgeous!!!!!

Loving Hands Autumn Challenge

2010-07-31T15:04:00.002+01:00

The new Loving Hands challenge runs from 25th July to 23rd October 2010. I haven't sent anything in for the last 2 challenges so I have plenty to send for this one...I hope!!

So here is Lou's challenge:

"I have decided that this will be a 3 part challenge this time - hopefully you will all approve of what I have found ;0)

1. The first part of this challenge will be thanks to our dear Dot. A couple of months back I was reading a great book - one of those true story paperbacks that make you cry all the way through. It was called ‘Street Kid’ and was by a lady called Judy Westwater. The morning after I finished reading it I got a parcel from Dot and in it was a note with a newspaper cutting from the Inverness paper. It was an article about an Inverness lady knitting jumpers for children in Africa - these items were being taken to Africa and being distributed by …….. Judy Westwater - the author of the book I had just finished reading. This had to be an omen - Judy has set up a trust for street kids in Africa called the Pegasus Trust - I contacted her and here is her reply …….

Hello Lou,

Thank you so much for contacting me and thank you also for reading my book. (Which I assume was 'Street Kid' my first book?) I am hopeful that by the sale of my books they will bring about a far greater worldwide awareness as to the desperate plight all our street children continue to face on a daily basis.

Thank you for offering to help our children with delightful knitted goodies. Our children are always so delighted to receive knitted goodies and to know that they have been made especially for them, new and warm thrills them no end.

We take care of children from birth onward. We have shelters for kiddies from birth to six years, and then from six to eighteen, and then from eighteen to twenty four years old. So a huge range of sizes. For our under six shelter all goodies that you have mentioned would be amazing as they do love soft toys, blankets or any item you are happy to make everything would be totally embraced by them. They have never had anything new and they cannot believe that someone from so far away would care enough about them to make something especially for them.

Our kids from six years to eighteen would be thrilled with school jerseys and cardigans in school colours. For a child in South Africa they cannot attend school unless they have the full uniform and many times during winter they do not have warm clothing. They would love anything to wear that is knitted, crocheted or sewn. South African kids love knitwear. The older kids would be the same, for them socks would be fabulous as well as jerseys.

Hope I have given you an insight. But believe me it would not matter what you sent for this every item would be so very much appreciated.

Thank you for your very kind offer. Should you wish to see our clips from my latest visit to South Africa please type in Judy Westwater S.T.V.News and see the latest Scottish news broadcast.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Till then do take care

Very best wishes

Judy Westwater

I think you will all agree that this is a very worthwhile charity for us to help and as Judy has said these kids will be happy with anything we make for them - the great thing on our side also is that Judy lives in Inverness now so I will have a great excuse to meet up with Dot and Ron when I go up to deliver our end of challenge items to Judy ;0) For this I think we can make clothing for all ages, toys, blankets, school jumpers and cardies etc. If any of you have good quality school skirts, shirts, trousers or shorts we could put those in too - lots to choose from! Our stitchers can make kids clothing , toys, quilts etc as well to add to the mix.

2. The second part of our challenge is all thanks to our friend Tricia who runs the Teddies for Tragedies site. She has been in touch asking for our help to get 1,200 teddies complete with bags to help out her causes. She needs 1000 for street kids in Cambodia and 200 for Orphans in Uganda. Once again the addresses for us to get them to are in the UK so no overseas postage for us. Knitters and Crocheters can make the bears and the stitchers can make the bags.

3. Part three of the challenge will be for our shoeboxes for Blythswood Care - the usual items and fillings for these. I have been keeping all of the shoeboxes that come in here this year so the attic is stuffed with them ready to be wrapped and filled again for this winter. "

Certainly worth while checking out Judy's site at http://sites.google.com/site/pegasuschildrenstrust/Home. There is a video of her work and an interview as shown on This Morning.

I've got some Teddies waiting to be stuffed already. I'm going to make some school jumpers, blankets and other goodies for the Pegasus Trust. I've probably got quite a few things made already that can be used. I already support the local Samaritan's Purse shoebox appeal so I won't be doing the 3rd challenge.

More Granny Striped Blanket!!!

2010-07-27T18:35:00.000+01:00

On Sunday we got a fantastic new camera from Argos..it's an Alba SL1231 reduced from £159.99 to...wait for it....£59.99!!! Unbelievable bargain!!! Absolutely fantastic camera!!!! Our only hesitation with it is that it takes a Li-ion battery and we now want to get a spare as the last thing we want to have happen is be out and have the battery die...which did happen today...I'll post our lovely day out pics later.

But for now check out these lovely scrummy pics of my blankie as taken by our new camera!!! It has really captured the colours...Be warned I did get a bit carried away!!!

...I just love how is looks all crumpled together - so squishy and snuggly...

...to give you an idea of how big it is now...

I love it love it love it!!! But I've got so much more to do. Darren thinks it's nearly done???!!! Is he crazy?? Yes, well no, it's because he feels it's ready in length fo him to snuggle under on the settee (which is my plan for it) but I don't just want a lap blanket...I want to snuggle up from head to toe under it!!!

Oh and to top off what a lovely day we've had (been to Yeadon Tarn for picnic, drive around Yorkshire countryside, visited Studley Royal at Fountains Abbey and then went to Brimham Rocks) I've lost 2 lbs!!!! I've been clinging onto them for the past 2 weeks and finally decided to get rid of them!!! That means folks that I've now lost my first stone!!!! Yippeee!!!! About time as well!

Free Mobile Phone/Ipod Case 3

2010-07-21T15:38:00.001+01:00

Oddments of DK yarn

4mm needles

Button

Pattern can be adapted for length and width of mobile phone or Ipod.

I’ve used 2 colours (pink one) and a variated colour (blue one) but you can use any combination you want!!

Pattern:

Cast on 32sts

Work in gst for 43 rows (either in one colour or 2 rows in 1st colour, then 2 rows in 2nd colour)

Row 44. Cast off 26sts, K to end (6sts remain)

Work 12 rows in gst on these 5sts

Row 57. – buttonhole – K2, yrn, K2tog, K1

Row 58. K to end

Row 59. K to end

Cast off.

Make Up:

Fold in half length ways. Sew up from cast on edge to row 44.

Button strap can be on either side:

For pink:

With seam at centre back, oversew cast on edge together.

For blue:

Keeping seam at edge oversew cast on edge together.

Then for both turn right side out.

Sew button onto case to match buttonhole.

Place mobile/Ipod in and enjoy!!!

Free Mobile Phone/Ipod Case 2

2010-07-21T15:21:00.003+01:00

Oddments of DK yarn

4mm needles
Button

Pattern can be adapted for length and width of mobile phone or Ipod.

Pattern:

Cast on 32sts

Row 1. K to end

Row 2. P to end

Row 3. K to end

Row 4. K4, P4, K4, P4 repeat to end

Row 5. K to end

Row 6. P to end

Row 7. K to end

Row 8. P4, K4, P4, K4 repeat to end

These 8 rows form the pattern.

Work 33 rows of pattern in total.

Row 34. Cast off k wise 27 sts, K to end (5sts remain)

Row 35 – 46. work in gst

Row 47. K2, yrn, K2tog, K1

Row 48. K to end

Row 49. K to end

Cast off.

Make Up:

Fold in half length ways. Sew up from cast on edge to row 34

Keeping seam at edge oversew cast on edge together.

Turn right side out.

Sew button onto case to match buttonhole.

Place mobile/Ipod in and enjoy!!!

Free Mobile Phone/Ipod Case 1

2010-07-21T15:02:00.003+01:00

Oddments of DK yarn

4mm needles

Button

Pattern can be adapted for length and width of mobile phone or Ipod. The rib makes it a stretchy case.

Pattern:

Cast on 32sts

Work 26 rows for shorter version, 32 rows for longer version, in K2, P2 rib

To check it is the correct length and width wrap it around your mobile/Ipod. It should completely cover it.

Row 27(33) cast off in pattern, 26 sts (6sts remain)

Row 28(34) K2, P2, K2

Row 29(35) P2, K2, P2

Repeat last 2 rows until

Row 38(44) – buttonhole – K2, cast off 2 sts, K2

Row 39(45) P2, cast on 2 sts, P2

Row 40(46) K2, P2, K2

Row 41(47) P2, K2, P2

Cast off in pattern

Make Up:

Fold in half length ways. Sew up from cast on edge to row 27(33)

Position button strap at front of case (sew photo) and oversew cast on edge together.

Turn right side out.

Sew button onto case to match buttonhole.

Place mobile/Ipod in and enjoy!!!

Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing

2010-07-16T08:58:00.001+01:00

I got this sent in an eamil by my MIL. These are the only emails we get from her!!! But they are usually quite funny!!

If all of the eight desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only pick one)!

Trust me...this is very accurate.

Pick your dessert, and then look to see what psychiatrists think about you.

REMEMBER - No Cheating. Make your choice before you check the meaning.

Here are your choices:

1. Angel Food Cake

2. Brownies

3. Lemon Meringue Pie

4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing

5. Strawberry Short Cake

6. Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing

7. Ice Cream

8. Carrot Cake

No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so think carefully about what your choice will be.

OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what the researchers say about you...

SCROLL DOWN---No Cheating

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE --
Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all Warm and fuzzy items. A little Nutty at times. Sometimes you Need an ice cream cone at the end of the Day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at Times.

2. BROWNIES --
You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When Tempers flare up you whip out your saber. You are always the Oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You Tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE --
Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are an excellent Caregiver and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, you set your own style because you do your Own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and Have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING --
Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very Indecisive and lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker.. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE --
Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be very emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like to do things for yourself and help others learn about themselves.

6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING--
Sexy; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life.. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM --
You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE --
You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You Were meant to lead and teach others.. A wonderful role model.

So I chose chocolate cake, although I was also contemplating ice cream (which I do LOVE!!!)....well according to this test I am definately NOT ice cream!!!!

So sleepy

2010-07-15T12:38:00.000+01:00

Afternoon!! Having done a 13hr shift yesterday - not including 2 hrs to and from work, I am knackered today. To make matters worse, when I got home at 11pm yesterday just able to stand up without falling asleep - Darren announced that he'd reserved some things at Argos for our neice and nephew (their 8th bday on Mon, party on Sun). He'd asked his sis what they'd like and she said money towards going to see a show in Oct - I'm damned if I'm paying towards their pressie to their kids!! Is it just me or is this unfair??? Not like we'd be saying this is from mummy and daddy and me and D!! The kids would never see the cash again!!

So D finally had the guts to look at pressies from us (he does agree with me) but this was yesterday morning before we left for work! So I get home and he says I need to collect the pressies from our local Argos - which to be honest I don't have the energy for but it's ok (despite the weather!!!) BUT I also need to go into the centre of Bradford to get a pressie from another Argos! Well I don't even know where Argos is in Bradford!! we don't go into Bradford much and never been to or seen an Argos!

So, bless him this morning he woke me on his way to work, to say he was walking (I would normally have driven him as I need the car today) and at lunch time he'll ring me for me to collect him and we'll go into Bradford together. He's going to take a longer lunch and make the time up. I'm really greatful as the thought of wandering aimlessly through Bradford just wasn't appealing.

What makes it worse is that due to the hours I've been working I have piles of washing to do, housework to do, animals to clean out, paperwork to go through - all of which needs to be done as I'm working some RIDICULOUS hours from tomorrow until next Weds. Then very long day next Thurs -Fri. The only time I'll be home will literally be to sleep - no exageration whatsoever...Darren is not impresssed. But from next Sat we have 2 weeks off!!!!!

Golden Acre Park

2010-07-12T10:46:00.002+01:00

Yesterday we went to Golden Acre Park in Leeds. We had decided to go when chatting about weekend plans on Friday. Saturday was a no-go for plans as I did the night shift on Friday, so should have been sleeping on Sat but I was awake all day!!! Ahhhh!!! I was so tired...but couldn't sleep!! And Darren was doing his special effects in York all day.

So Sunday was OUR day. A picnic and lovely walk with Lady. We woke up to a miserable looking day, strong wind, heavy black clouds, interspersed with some white fluffy ones and a touch of blue sky. But it wasn't raining. In fact as it was cooler it would make for a nice walking day. We realised we didn't have much in the way of picnic food, so on-route we went to Marks and Spencers (aren't their sarnies lovely!!!). Then off we went. It's only about 20mins away in the car from our house - strangely most of the drive is my route to work - not good on your day off!!! lol

I'm so glad we went as it got brighter and the wind wasn't as strong and kept us cool. So first stop was a wooded area to let Lady burn off her energy. She then had a paddle and a swim. Then picnic time - I had to fasten Lady to a bench as she kept wanting to swim and chase squirrels!!

I took a few pics - had thought I'd taken more, but I guess we just enjoyed ourselves too much!!!

Daft dog I said go find a stick to her....

Sat not so patiently whilst we ate (you can just see her scar near her eye). Strangely once food came out she was more settled!!!

The view of the lake whilst we ate - not great photos.

We spotted this tree on our walk and loved it. It's been chopped back and looks pretty much dead but there's just something about it...

It was lovely to be out and about. We then finished our walk by having a double scoop 99 ice cream - yummy. We ate them too quickly to take pics as they were melting!!!! Sun was out by the time we got to the car! lol

Baby me

2010-07-09T16:15:00.002+01:00

My dad has literally just emailed me these! Kinda touching that they have kept them all these years!

Update on Granny Stripe Blanket

2010-07-09T16:09:00.001+01:00

Ok so Lady has to be in on every photo I take - this is my best side mum - my scar still shows through my hair on the other side!!!

I've fiddled with the colours when uploading them to try and capture their true colours which is why they are not exactly the same in each picture. It feels lovely and warm when I'm working on it - needless to say with this heat I'm not always able to sit with this on my knee!!! I'm going to take it with me to work tonight, so hopefully I'll get lots more done!!

By the way to get an idea of the width - I have folded the blanket - it is 3 times as wide as what is shown.

Grumpy post

2010-07-09T12:50:00.003+01:00

Well I'm in a very emotional and grumpy mood so excuse me venting. Woke up tired and with my poorly head just after 8am I did manage to get bit more sleep but gave up by 10. Anyway after months of suffering this is nothing new. But I'm doing a night shift tonight and try to sleep in and take it easy cos I can't sleep later before work.

So I got up and realised it's bin day and I need to clean animals out. Quick hoover up. Then went for my shower - that always seems to make me feel better. Except today....COS THERE'S NO *@%^$* HOT WATER!!!!!!! Try as I might I couldn't get the boiler to re-start. To top it off the bright sparks who previously owned the house and installed the boiler put it outside the house in a cubby hole, which is actually under the stairs. I have to crawl in as the floor is below ground level. It is filthy and dusty. Boiler wouldn't start. I re-pressurised it. I waited and went back. It did come on but by the time I got upstairs it was off.Grrrrr!!!!! Spent about an hour messing about. Had one false start of trying a cold shower but ahhhh!!!!!

However, in the end I was nearly crying in the cubby hole...too frustrated and head pounding to be bothered to boil water in the kitchen to take up...so I braved it. Initially I just washed my hair in the cold water.....not too bad - thank goodness it's relatively hot today. Then I got in for my shower, telling myself it's just like the seaside and it's always cold to start with but it gets better.....I have news for you...IT DOESN'T GET BETTER!!!!

But, my 10 second shower worked, I feel clean and refreshed.

The postie has been and I can see all 3 of my knitting mags waiting on the mat for me - YIPPEE!!!! I have blogs to read and forums to chat on.

Ahhhh...I feel better now - thanks and feel free to laugh at or ignore this!! lol

More fun stuff from MIL

2010-07-07T20:22:00.000+01:00

For all my smart friends!
DEMENTIA QUIZ

FIRST QUESTION:

YOU ARE A PARTICIPANT IN A RACE. YOU OVERTAKE
THE SECOND PERSON. WHAT POSITION ARE YOU IN?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ANSWER: IF YOU ANSWERED THAT YOU ARE FIRST,
THEN YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY WRONG! IF YOU OVERTAKE THE
SECOND PERSON AND YOU TAKE HIS PLACE, YOU ARE IN SECOND PLACE!

TRY TO DO BETTER NEXT TIME.
NOW ANSWER THE SECOND QUESTION,
BUT DON'T TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS
YOU TOOK FOR THE FIRST QUESTION, OK?

SECOND QUESTION:
IF YOU OVERTAKE THE LAST PERSON, THEN YOU ARE....?
(SCROLL DOWN)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ANSWER: IF YOU ANSWERED THAT YOU ARE SECOND TO LAST, THEN YOU ARE.....
WRONG AGAIN. TELL ME SUNSHINE, HOW CAN YOU OVERTAKE THE LAST PERSON??

YOU'RE NOT VERY GOOD AT THIS, ARE YOU?

THIRD QUESTION:
VERY TRICKY ARITHMETIC! NOTE:
THIS MUST BE DONE IN YOUR HEAD ONLY.
DO NOT USE PAPER AND PENCIL OR A CALCULATOR.
TRY IT.

TAKE 1000 AND ADD 40 TO IT. NOW ADD ANOTHER 1000 NOW ADD 30.
ADD ANOTHER 1000. NOW ADD 20. NOW ADD ANOTHER 1000.
NOW ADD 10. WHAT IS THE TOTAL?

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE CORRECT ANSWER.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DID YOU GET 5000?

THE CORRECT ANSWER IS ACTUALLY 4100...

IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT, CHECK IT WITH A CALCULATOR!
TODAY IS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR DAY, IS IT?

MAYBE YOU'LL GET THE LAST QUESTION RIGHT... MAYBE...

FOURTH QUESTION:

MARY'S FATHER HAS FIVE DAUGHTERS:
1. NANA, 2. NENE, 3. NINI, 4. NONO, AND ???
2. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FIFTH DAUGHTER?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DID YOU ANSWER NUNU? NO! OF COURSE IT ISN'T.
HER NAME IS MARY! READ THE QUESTION AGAIN!

OKAY, NOW THE BONUS ROUND,
I.E., A FINAL CHANCE TO
REDEEM YOURSELF:

A MUTE PERSON GOES INTO A SHOP AND WANTS TO BUY A TOOTHBRUSH.
BY IMITATING THE ACTION OF BRUSHING HIS TEETH HE
SUCCESSFULLY EXPRESSES HIMSELF TO THE SHOPKEEPER AND THE PURCHASE IS DONE.
NEXT, A BLIND MAN COMES INTO THE SHOP WHO WANTS TO BUY A
PAIR OF SUNGLASSES; HOW DOES HE INDICATE WHAT HE WANTS?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IT'S REALLY VERY SIMPLE
HE OPENS HIS MOUTH AND ASKS FOR IT...
DOES YOUR EMPLOYER ACTUALLY PAY YOU TO THINK??
IF SO DO NOT LET THEM SEE YOUR ANSWERS FOR THIS TEST!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PASS THIS ON TO FRUSTRATE THE
SMART PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE!
HAVE A NICE DAY, ONE AND ALL.

Fun stuff from MIL

2010-07-07T20:17:00.002+01:00

YOU EVER BEEN GUILTY OF LOOKING AT OTHERS YOUR OWN AGE AND THINKING, SURELY I CAN'T LOOK THAT OLD? WELL.....YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE!

MY NAME IS ALICE SMITH AND I WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A NEW DENTIST. I NOTICED HIS DENTAL DIPLOMA, WHICH BORE HIS FULL NAME.

SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL, HANDSOME, DARK HAIRED BOY WITH THE SAME NAME HAD BEEN IN MY SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS SOME 30-ODD YEARS AGO.

COULD HE BE THE SAME GUY THAT I HAD A SECRET CRUSH ON, WAY BACK THEN?

UPON SEEING HIM, HOWEVER, I QUICKLY DISCARDED ANY SUCH THOUGHT.

THIS BALDING, GRAY HAIRED MAN WITH THE DEEPLY LINED FACE WAS FAR TOO OLD TO HAVE BEEN MY CLASSMATE. AFTER HE EXAMINED MY TEETH, I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD ATTENDED MORGAN PARK SECONDARY SCHOOL .

'YES, YES I DID. I'M A MORGANNER! ' HE BEAMED WITH PRIDE.

'WHEN DID YOU LEAVE TO GO TO COLLEGE?' I ASKED

HE ANSWERED, IN 1965. WHY DO YOU ASK?

'YOU WERE IN MY CLASS!' I EXCLAIMED.

HE LOOKED AT ME CLOSELY.

THEN THAT UGLY,

OLD,

BALD,

WRINKLED,

FAT ARSED,

GREY HAIRED,

DECREPIT,

BASTARD ASKED....

'WHAT DID YOU TEACH?'

Just another day

2010-07-07T10:15:00.004+01:00

Morning!!! Ok so have you noticed anything different about my weight loss tracker??? No???!!! Well then let me tell you my good news this morning - I've lost another 2lbs this week!!!! I'm so giddy!!!!!! Yippeee!!!! Ok so I've still got LOADS more to lose but I'm really chuffed with my progress!!!

However, I'm BORED of salads and stir fry's. Gotta love em as they have REALLY helped kick start my diet (12lbs in 5 weeks!) but I need other food now. Problem is that when it is so hot who wants anything cooked?? It seems a bit cooler today so I'm going to make Shepherd's Pie (obviously veggie for me and meat for Darren). This'll be healthy if I remove the milk and butter from my mash.

One thing about dieting that I hate is having to portion control - I don't eat big portions typically but when a diet calls for you to eat less, you just seem to battle against hunger. Slimming World is great cos you can eat as much as you want of certain foods, so you don't have the hunger factor.

Anyway - enough taking about food and diets!! I have a day off today!!! Since going back to work at the beg of June I've been on a phased return and I've not even worked 2 days together. As of this week I'm back to my normal full time hours. I worked Sunday last week. Then Mon and Tues this week. So I've just done 3 days together which has hit me quite hard! Daft isn't it when I can have 6 days on and then 1 day off as part of my rota!! But I had a sleep in this morning - was woken about 30mins by work ringing asking me to swap shifts on Fri.

Gonna do a quick tidy up in the house, clean out Ted and Becks (rabbit and guinea pig), I'd normally put them out in their run but to me it looks dark and gloomy. Then again the curtains are still closed!!! Then a day of t'internet and knitting/crochetting!! Can't be bad! Oh and I need to take pics of my WIP and for some free patterns to go on here. My chill out day is getting busier and busier!

Have a great day everyone!!

Feeling sleepy...

2010-07-05T19:45:00.003+01:00

...I really think that it is unfair that people (by this of course I mean me) should have to start work at 6.30am...especially when they didn't finish until 10.30pm the previous day.

OK so luckily I was also the sleep over person at work, but as night staff didn't stop talking to me til nearly midnight (I kept edging out the door and saying things like "well I'd better get to bed cos it's an early start...") I could've been home in bed by then!! I only have a 45min drive!!

Then it was so hot in the sleep in room, again, that I had to have the window open and traffic is so noisy - despite being in a village!! So I took ages to fall asleep and woke at 5.30am to the delightful squeals of the kid in the room below mine....grrrr!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily this was the first I'd heard of him cos apparently he started about an hour earlier!!

So I finished at 1.30p.m, got home about 2.30pm - slow traffic - but I took Lady out straight away for a walkies in the woods...whilst I had the energy to do it. Darren and I normally take her out when he finishes at 5 but as this is his 1st day back after his hernia operation, I figured he would be pretty exhausted!

Then I did some housework, it's amazing how messy the house gets when I'm away at work for 24hrs!!! Washed some clothes. Had a shower. Picked Darren up from work. Went to Morrisons. Made tea. Now on computer...

My trainers have also just had a wash...how's this for embarressment. When I went to bed and took my trainers off, I couldn't believe the smell...luckily I had some body spray, so I sprayed them...however, this just seemed to create a more sickly odour. Today I was convinced I could smell my sweaty trainers whilst wearing them...I joked about it with my colleagues, mainly so they were aware I knew of the smell, in case they could also smell them!! Which let's face it - they must've!!! Yuck a weekend of sweaty feet (I do wear socks) left my trainers almost walking themselves!!! lol Tomorrow I can wear my sandels, as it is team meeting day not child care...it is at our own risk to wear sandels whilst on child care. Personally I don't want to run the risk.

So I'm going to hang out my trainers on the washing line, then get into my pj's and collapse in big heap clutching granny stripe blanket.....

Soon after I'll probably be asleep...so night night!

My diet

2010-07-03T14:29:00.001+01:00

I've seen lots of people on forums using these ticker factory designs and then I saw one for weight loss. I thought it would be a good way for me to keep track of my progress - just need to remember to update it!!

No work today!!!

2010-07-03T12:25:00.005+01:00

Afternoon! So what is everyone doing this weekend??

I'm going to give the house a hoover and do some washing but other than that I can't be bothered. I'm so tired...didn't make it to bed at work til nearly 1am. So no crocheting in bed. Then woke when kids woke up at 7am (luckily I didn't hear them through the night - dsepite them being noisy....apparently!)...so I got up just after 7 (couldn't really go back to sleep at work at that time) and came home.

Then we had coffee in bed; a nice long walkies in the woods, meeting lots of dogs; out for breakfast - Darren had a fry up, but I had scrambled eggs and beans on toast (I've lost another 2lbs this week - 10lbs in 4 weeks!!!)

Quick dash into Wilkinsons...where I treated myself (again!!!) to 14 balls of acrylic for my blanket....they've put the price up to £1.17 for 100g - cheeky blighters! I'm not sure how much I will need but I can easily get more of the colours if I need them and if I don't they are great for toys.

My dad sent me this photo this morning...it's an ice cream shop in Knaresborough....the question he asked me was..which ice cream do you think Cassie chose? (Cassie is his dog!) SO I'm thinking...he gave her an ice cream???? Then as I looked carefully....

Better not let Lady know about this place!!!

Right get hoovering Liz.....

TTFN

Friday Feeling....

2010-07-02T10:48:00.003+01:00

Morning everyone. Yep it's another hot one here. We had heavy rain over night, not sure if more is expected. Bet Charlie the cat was glad he didn't stay out last night. He's a silly cat who LOVES to be in his bed with Lady at night but sometimes he stays out too late and we've gone to bed...so he's out for the night. Then he's waiting the next morning....famished and wanting kisses and cuddles!! Such a big softie...just don't tell the other cats that!!! lol !!!! He then curls up asleep for the day!

Well, I'm at work this afternoon and doing my first sleep over since January. I'm not at work tomorrow, so I can get up later and head back home. I'll check and see if there are any good films on, as we have a tv in the sleep in room, so I can go snuggle up in bed - free from cat and dog hairs - and crochet more of my blanket.

It's coming on nicely - lovely and soft too!! I'll take more pics...probably tomorrow...don't think you need to see if grow stripe by stripe!!! Although at least then you could enjoy seeing it grow as much as I am!! :)

New crochet blanket

2010-07-01T14:17:00.006+01:00

So this is my latest project. It is a blanket inspired from Lucy's design at
http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/05/granny-striping.html I have tried doing blankets like this before but I could never get them right, so thanks alot Lucy!!! We do love your work!!!

The colours in the photos really aren't the true colours. The greens are brighter, the photos have muted the colours quite alot...shame...and you wouldn't believe how many times I've tried to get the colours right - I give up for now, cos at this rate I'll have finished the blanket before getting the photos I want!!! lol

My blanket started with a 300 st foundation chain...amazingly I have counted right!!! Yippeee!!! I was rather nervous about that....after all that's alot of stitches to rip out, esp after doing a row of dc!!

I then did my first 2 rows of trb in the same colour...

It was at this point that I took photos yesterday but they were all really blurry. So after completing more blanket last night, I have just taken these....the green I am currently working with is actually a really bright green, this looks more aqua for some reason.

So I have alot more to do but it is coming on really quickly. The great thing is I can crochet this without having to think about the stitches as they are just repeats of 3 trb in each space....nice and simple.

And nice and cheap, it is all acrylic from my stash. Balls are all 100g and cost 99p for some and £1.10 for the rest.

I feel like a time traveller....

2010-07-01T10:34:00.002+01:00

....cos another month has gone by!

Is it just me or is this year flying by??

I was saying to someone at work yesterday that the 3mths I was off sick seemed to go REALLY fast and the month I had been back at work had gone even faster!!

I hadn't even realised it was PAY DAY!!!! There must be a time travelling vortex or something cos I never don't know when it's pay day - I'm sure we all count days to that day of the month!!!

I'm feeling abit wobbly today with my head - it doesn't seem to know whether or not it's going to be a headache, so I'm going to have a lazy day.

I've got some photos of my latest project to put on...did start doing this yesterday before work but some of the photos weren't very good, so I'll take some more today.

Have a good month everyone!

What the cat ordered!

2010-06-27T19:28:00.002+01:00

It is just so hot here today that Charlie bought himself a pressie!!

The Human Body!

2010-06-26T08:49:00.003+01:00

It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach.
One human hair can support 3kg (6.6 lb).

The average man's private area is three times the length of his thumb.

Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.

A woman's heart beats faster than a man's...

There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet.

Women blink twice as often as men.

The average person's skin weighs twice as much as the brain.

Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.

If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

Women reading this will be finished now.

Men are still busy checking their thumbs.

This one made me laugh out loud.

Catching up isn't easy....

2010-06-25T23:35:00.003+01:00

...but it sure is fun!!!

You guys have certainly been busy with your blogs...puts me to shame! And I've also come across a gem of a blog via Lucy (Attic24), it is http://www.littletinbird.co.uk/ (link is also in my blog list). If you love crochet, Yorkshire, bunnies and life, then you'll love this blog!

I've only got one more blog to catch up on, which is Vanessa's 'Do you mind if I knit'. What's taking me so long you might ask....I've literally been reading every post, on every blog, since I last logged on back in January!

As it's late, please forgive me Vanessa but I won't start reading yours til tomorrow....and then there will also be updates from other blogs to read....can't believe I've not been doing this for so long! I love blogging and reading blogs.

Anyway, I'll head off....completely lost track of time.

Night night

Where have I been??....

2010-06-23T16:20:00.002+01:00

Well certainly not here!!

Hope anyone who still reads me out there, is ok.

The last 6mths have been eventful, of sorts, but have gone by so fast.

I started my final year of my social work degree at the end of January, so initially I was just busy with that. However, at the beginning of March I started with migraines and sickness - on practically a daily basis - not something I would wish on my worst enemy! I was signed off sick from then until the 1st June. I have not been able to return to my course due to the amount of time I was off; so I am back at work.

The sickness is now controlled by daily medication and the migraines are greatly reduced - although i still get them and lesser headaches.

Fortunately before this all began we did manage to go to see my beautiful new nephew Michael. He has grown so much, he is now 7mths old!

Then, to make this time even more unbelievable, Darren was diagnosed with a hernia, late March. He had his operation on Monday - from the time of getting the operation appointment we've both been quite paniced in case anything went wrong - which thank goodness it didn't!! Love you babe xxx

So I have taken this week off work to look after him, he is very sore and does forget to slow down and not push himself. One of his wounds opened slightly yesterday, well it had been overnight on Mon, so I had to ring the hospital for advice; also, thank goodness, his mum is a community nurse, specialising in wound care, so she popped round! But he is doing well overall, just very sore and exhausted. He's having a nap now...

Oh and 2 weeks ago our lovely dog ran into a rusty metal pipe in the local woods and cut the side of her face open! Yuck - I felt very sick when i saw it but she was brave - had to have stitches in her face. Bill £290, thank goodness for insurance so we only actually paid the excess of £90. But we'd have paid the full amount for her!

As for knitting....well being off all that time I have done loads of knitting! You wouldn't believe how much! My general everyday stash (mostly acrylics in the stacker boxes, not my big bag from Kemps; which incidently I have only just started using yesterday!! If you are wondering what I am talking about I did post some pics AGES ago but just believe me I have a big stash and I've used alot of it up) reduced by 1/4 -1/3 perhaps....however, as it was my birthday in May I bought some more!!!! Just acrylic at 99p a ball, think it was about £25 worth, so that have only just fitted in my boxes. No more purchases for me!!!

So is anyone still awake? Darren isn't! lol

On a positive note, I decided to re-start dieting. Lots to lose. Really annoying that despite not being able to keep any food down for over a month, I didn't lose any weight...how???? So in 3 weeks I have lost 8lbs! Which I am thrilled with! But it is only a start.

Yippee no work!!!

2010-01-07T11:52:00.004Z

Ok so I've just spent 40mins clearing the snow and ice off my car...my feet are freezing!!!

We live on a side street which has a steepish slope from the main road....I could see that traffic on the main road was moving VERY slowing with lots of cars having hazard lights on...so wasn't looking forward to joining them.

I decided to ring work (due there at 2pm) to see how is was there (20 miles away), so I knew what conditions I might face and how much time I would need.

My manager answered - we were just generally chatting about the snow etc and laughing at my snow clearing, when she said that 2 kids had cancelled this evening due to the weather, did I want to take annual leave - of course I said yes, as I've got some left to take. Then she said I could also have tomorrow off!!!! It's then my weekend off!!!! Yippee!!!

So I now have a lovely cleared car but not going anywhere - oh well it needed doing!!!

I think I will catch up on some knitting and sorting through the chaos after having the double glazing done, Christmas and friends staying over.

Snowed in and New Years Resolutions

2010-01-06T10:51:00.002Z

Ok so I'm not exactly snowed in but it's pretty bad out there. I rang up work this morning and left a message that I wouldn't be in but if they wanted me in I'll try and get there. I got a call from my manager about an hour later...she's not gone in so she was ringing round everyone at home...no-one has made it in - luckily today we have no kids at the centre - fingers crossed for tomorrow as I'm in with kids...

Apparently councils are running short of grit again. It's amazing how we don't seem to know how to cope with snow. Having said that I'm 35 and can't remember having ever driven in a winter like this!!!

Hope everyone has kept safe in this bad weather.

As for the 2nd part of my title - do people still make New Years Resolutions? I haven't consciously made any but I always vow to try and lose weight....never successfully...as my blogging has lapsed post Uni and I start Uni again at the end of the month, I am going to try to keep blogging regularly and not lapse again.

I still haven't caught up with other peoples blogs and may never completely catch up but I do miss them.

2010

2010-01-02T12:37:00.003Z

I hope that everyone has had a lovely time these last few weeks....Seasons Greetings to all!!

Happy New year to you too...another year, another decade. Can you remember the hype building up to 2000?? That technology wouldn't cope due to the renowned Millenium bug...do you think we're safe yet??

We spent Christmas and New Year's Eve at Darren's sisters house. Christmas was a nice family time but unfortunately due to the weather we were unable to travel to my brothers in London to be with my family (my parents had gone down a week earlier).

New Years party was fancy dress as usual - punk this year.

Then we hoped to go down to London this weekend - some twat has cracked our car windscreen and we just daren't travel the distance. Insurance is sending out Autoglass on Tues to replace it.

We are now having probs with our boiler...keeps turning off and we have to re-set it. Luckily a few weeks ago I upgraded our home care package with British Gas to include plumbing and the boiler. So I rang them yesterday and they sent someone out. He reckons that we couldn't claim within 1st 28 days and must have had it inspected first....certainly not what I was told. Then he told us that the flue wasn't right, the boiler needs to be moved and when it is inspected British Gas will refuse us til it's right....*%"^

Apart from that....... :)

Winter blues

2009-12-21T09:37:00.002Z

Hi everyone (if anyone is still out there reading my blog)

Can't believe I've not even been on here since Oct. I've not been on knitting forums either.

Just not been in a chatty mood really.

I've been keeping busy knitting...love making things for my gorgeous nephew Michael who was born on 11.11.09 Congrats to my brother James and sister-in-law Anh (who had a very long and difficult labour - hope you are ok soon! xx)

We are hoping to see them on Boxing Day weekend...weather had better improve for the journey!!

I got my uni results last week. I have passed my second year. I start my final year at the end of Jan 2010...well done me!!!!

We had gorgeous double glazing fitted last Tuesday. Bargain deal...£5000 for 12 windows (inc 2 bays and the exterior cladding between them) and 2 doors, georgeon style and the best eco/energy friendly ones - thanks Safestyle UK...they make our house look much nicer. No more black mould growing on the wooden frames. No more exterior rotting. No need to ever paint them!!!

I'm not at work today as when I set off at 6.30am the roads were lethal. Not been treated at all. Our street hasn't been since the start of the snow so it is an ice rink anyway, but even the main road was slippy. I got so far and stopped to ring work to say it was too dangerous to come in. I work 20 miles away. It took me 20 mins to travel 2 miles (that was the round trip from stopping car to going home)!!!! Normally I'd be half way to work!!!

Well that's some of my news....hope you are all ok.

I will try to catch up on everyones news.

x

Bad blogger

2009-10-14T19:58:00.002+01:00

What a bad blogger I have been lately...shame on me...what can I say but I've been busy knitting and working! Online games have also been taking me away from my blog and chat forums. But I miss it....so I shall return!!! Nothing really to say now except I'm tired but alive!!!

I promise to catch up asap!!

x

Time off work

2009-09-29T10:38:00.003+01:00

I am now off work til next Monday!!! Whoohoo!!! Shame i couldn't get yesterday off, that would have been 9 days off!!!! What's more amazing is that I've only taken 2 days off (as time owed), the rest are my days off. Not bad considering I work full time!!! Our rota has changed this week and I've got extra days off it seems, not that I'm complaining!! I normally work 1 weekend, then off the next weekend, then work, then off.

I was off the weekend just gone but cos of the change I'm off this weekend too!!!

So I've had a slow morning. I've had my shower now. Gotta dry my hair and get something to eat.

I've got lots of plans for my time off:

knit more
sort and tidy away uni stuff
sort and tidy away paperwork
sort and tidy away knitting
catch up with my best mate who I haven't seen since our bdays in May!!!!
de-clutter as much as possible
rest and enjoy being off work!!!
write up new patterns for my blog

Today I shall enjoy 1 and 7, possibly 4 as well!!

Have a good week everyone!

Hello

2009-09-21T23:43:00.002+01:00

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I was working but still it was nice. We went on an outing with 2 kids and went for a picnic at Studley Royal yesterday. The weather was beautiful and really hot. A nice part of my job!

I've just got home from work and what a difference a day makes...wet and cold. It is officially Autumn tomorrow but I think we've all known it's been autumn for a few months now. Leaves turned colour and dropped in August. Acorns and conkers have been out since end of August.

It's my day off tomorrow...I have no plans really except the usual housework and knitting!!! Oh and I'm having my hair done. Just looking forward to the weekend...I'm not working and weekends are really the only time Darren and I get together...the downfall of shift working.

Anyway night night...just wanted to check in and natter about nothing really!! x

Prize I won from Let's Knit

2009-09-19T13:16:00.002+01:00

MOTM goodies!!!!

2009-09-19T13:01:00.005+01:00

So...what do you think??!

I love Wednesdays!!!

2009-09-16T10:26:00.002+01:00

Why??? Because I have the day off!!! I thought I'd be less busy with no OU work but it's been crazy busy this week. Think it's cos I've been catching up with everything.

I've hardly done any knitting, just occasionally been knitting some squares for my blanket and some teddies for tragedy. I need to look for my next project. I've got a lovely ball of wool waiting for me to make something for Michael - just need to chose which pattern.

Ok oh my god....had to break off from writing this as the postman came...with a parcel...it's my MOTM box of goodies!!!! There's loads of wool, some needles and a lovely bag to keep them in!!!!

I can't believe it!!! WOW!!!! Gotta find the camera and take some pics!!! I'm such a lucky girl!!!

Oh yes I almost forgot I also won a prize with the Let's Knit online competitions, I've got a goodie bag of jewellry making things....I can't believe what I've won in the last week!!! Yippee!!!!!

MOTM

2009-09-09T17:28:00.003+01:00

Ok so I'm checking what I've been missing on the Let's Knit forum at Crafts Beautiful and was directed to read this thread:
http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/23370/P0/

Time sure is flying by - it is already the first Monday of the month, which means it is time to make a special announcement.
September is a brilliant time of year - the weather is getting colder and the run up to Christmas is on the horizon. A drop in temperature won’t trouble our new MOTM as she has plenty of knitted treats to keep her warm! We’re so happy to see that the knitters have settled in and really made the CB forum their own! They’ve certainly inspired a few other members to pick up the needles and get clicking again
One knitter stands out as a really lovely lady to be around, she was one of the first knitters to arrive on CB and has been a real help to others joining. Her knitterrific abilities are well known and we are delighted to announce that Buzy Lizzy is the September MOTM! Congratulations to our first Knitter MOTM!!! PM me your address and we will get a bumper stash of knitty treats out to you straight away
Thanks also go to Wiggley who will hand over her crown to Buzy Lizzy
Emma

That's me!!! I've been awarded MOTM!!! I'm going to get some goodies!!! Wonder what I'll get???

What a great day!!!

It's Wednesday!!!!

2009-09-09T09:21:00.002+01:00

Freedom!!!!!

Ok so is everyone ready to enjoy 'me' time?

I kind of started yesterday afternoon after I posted my last essay but I don't really think housework counts!!

I'll be slowly plowing my way through blogs and forums. I've got 2 knitting mags that came on Monday (yes I opened them but not even peeked inside them yet!!!) so I'm going to look at them with my morning coffee.

The house, whilst not exactly needing Kim and Aggie to pop round, does need a good tidy up. Bits of college work all over, charity bags, boxes for putting stuff in whilst we decorate (ok so we still need them but they look a mess), paperwork all over the place etc.

But today is 'me' day....I'll catch up with you all asap...enjoy the day everyone, cos I will!!!

I need 'me' time

2009-09-02T13:08:00.002+01:00

I seem to be so busy lately with work and my studies - nothing new really but it's getting to me. I suppose because the end is in sight...my last essay is due in next week and then I'm study free til end of next Jan.

I want, no I need time for me. Just time to sort through the piles of paperwork, take stuff to charity that's been sitting in bags since we decorated the lounge, time to write out patterns I designed ages ago, time to read my blog list and forum posts, time to knit....time to think of nothing.

Sounds selfish??? I don't care anymore!!!!!

I need 'me' time!!!!!! Anyone who wants to join me from next Weds, you are more than welcome!!!!

Bank Holiday Monday!!

2009-08-31T10:41:00.000+01:00

And I'm working......Have a good one everyone!

Party time and you are all welcome!!!

2009-08-26T20:19:00.002+01:00

Come join our online party at http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/22892/ - we're there now waiting for you!!!

My aliens/monsters

2009-08-20T12:09:00.002+01:00

are in the latest Let's Knit mag!!! I thought I had already blogged about this - but I guess not!! Although I know it has been commented upon (thanks!). I was so excited to see them in print!! Even though I didn't win it was great to see them! The competition was to make anything using 1 ball of wool, our entries can be seen at: http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/19553/ The winners were announced at: http://www.crafts-beautiful.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/21271/P0/ Well done to Buzyknitting who won for her great tea cosy and Nab who was runner up with a beautiful shawl. This is a reminder of my entry and the free pattern: http://lizsknitting.blogspot.com/2008/07/oddments-of-dk-yarn-3.html