Resewn Sally

Blessed Samhain!!

2011-10-31T01:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, to all, and Blessed Samhain! This is my absolute favourite time of year. I love the Autumn weather, the excitement of Halloween for the kids, the significance of Samhain for me. Even more so this year.

After having been to see a psychic medium earlier this year, I have had my eyes opened. I have always believed in spirits, having had quite a few experiences myself, and the feeling of almost never being quite alone.

But when I went to see June, it was in a large group environment, and to be quite honest, I had never been to see anyone like her before, I didn't know quite what to expect, but really, if I'm honest, I thought she'd be all vague generalities that could apply to anyone, but boy did she blow my mind!!

She told me specifics, that not many people know. She knew things she couldn't possibly have known, she homed in on me. I was away at the back out of the way too. And she told me that I was surrounded by spirits who were looking out for me, she'd never seen so many surrounding one person. She said I had more people caring for me from the afterlife than in the living.

Needless to say, I was pretty surprised. Not shocked, just pleasantly surprised.

When My Nana came through, to say specifically that she wasn't looking out for me, I had to laugh. She was a twisted old bird, and we didn't get on to say the least. lol. But others the psychic described were so dear to my heart. My great Grandfather. A phenomenal pipe player, craftsman, Traveller, I have missed him so much. But I know for sure now, he's with me.

My grandfather, I get my hair, temper and obsession with boxes from him. lol. I met him, many years after he had passed, along with his dog. While out walking my Nana's dog. A peaceful experience. Reassuring.

My cousin, who committed suicide. That was an emotional revelation. But still reassuring.

So, this Samhain, I made a special effort through all the general malaise and apathy I have been feeling of late, and made a special ancestors altar to honour them all. It's the least I can do if they're looking out for me. My offerings were cheese scones, and malt whisky. Since our family, are especially keen on the old malt. Flowers, and special candles. I hope they like it. I found beautiful old hand made bowls at the market, as I know many of them like handmade things, and used to make the most beautiful things, including horse carts and baskets.

This is my lovely Fiance's "awesome face" pumpkin. Isn't it funky?! He's such a geek.
And for Little D, a creeper pumpkin! They're creepy monsters from a game called Minecraft that he's obsessed with. He was thrilled to come down in the morning and see what daddy had made.

The general apathy and ill health is really bugging me now. I have so much to enjoy, and so much to do, I need to get it sorted out. So trips to the doctor will be upcoming, I hate to have to do it, but I must.

Right, off to try and motivate myself to do some more cleaning and reorganising. Have a ton of washing to catch up on as usual. lol.

Hope you all have a fabulous Halloween/Samhain!

Blessed Be!

Sal. X

Wintry Weather

2011-10-08T10:05:00.001-07:00

What a day! It's been pretty cold here. Snow on the high ground. So a day spent in a large cowshed was bound to be cold! Not a lot happening at market today, I made a few purchases, and got bargains too. I had to go on the hunt for a scarf as i was freezing! And found two, a lush purple toned patchworkish type dressy scarf, and a longer knitted stripy purple toned one, my favourite colour! And only £1 each!!! Excellent! I'm off tomorrow to visit my friend and her little girls in a nearby town. Haven't been to her new house yet, SO difficult to arrange things around kids with different nursery times etc. But her eldest Daughter has a thing about crocodiles, thanks to The Wiggles! So I found a cute TY croc for her. And her younger Daughter loves dogs, and the closest thing I could find was this cute wolf! Hopefully they'll like them. :-)
My friend loves owls, so when I spotted this Wade Whimsy Owl, I had to get it for her! I also picked up a couple of other wee owl figures. Sure she'll love them.
Found a new stall today, which is unfortunately not here too often, but is due back in November. Lots of lush pagan wiccan type things! I saw an amazing hand tooled leather book of shadows! I knew I'd not be able to afford it after buying my winter boots this week, but I did get a lovely bunch of white sage and lemongrass foe smudging. Only £2! So I'm thrilled.

Have had a lovely bath, made and eaten dinner, usually I don't cook at weekends, lovely OH does it, but he's out working. Programming tills for a friend, so it was down to me. Chicken pasta bake Cajun style. Lovely! Still feeling cold, but off to snuggle up on the sofa and read now, wait for my love to get home.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend!

Bright Blessings!

Sal.X

Autumnal Adventures.

2011-10-03T00:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, yet again, I have been a bad blogger. I have struggled to find the time and or energy to blog recently. But I'm back now! Autumn agrees with me. Even if I feel like rubbish it seems to refresh me. It's my favourite time of year. There have been lots of happening here. Big D had to have his 2 big toenails removed. (icky!) Everyone has had multiple colds, stomach bugs etc. I was thrown back in the deep end with the craft after quite a number of months without really practicing, and had to do protection rituals and spells for some of my family. But it's the kick up the bum I needed to get myself out of the slump I've been in. So that's a good thing. Toes are healing well, and bugs seem to be gone for now. Thankfully! All snotty noses are drying up, life is good! I guess first of all, I should introduce the new addition to the family. As it's now over 6 months since Wade went missing, and I really struggle (emotionally) without a cat, we made the decision to get a kitten. I cried for days after saying out loud that I wanted to. I felt like I was giving up on Wade. But although all the evidence points to him not coming back, there's always a chance and i won't give up hope. But since a cat is like my therapy, the only time i can really switch off and relax is when snuggled up stroking a cat, it seemed the best thing was to get one.

Her name is Sorcha, and she's part Persian apparently. Not happy about the people i got her from, she came here full of fleas and ear mites and of course i had to treat the dogs straight away too as Tara is very allergic to fleas. So she's been a very expensive furbaby already. She rules the house, wants to eat the chinchillas, even though they're bigger than her. lol. She has no fear! And she bosses the dogs. But she's settled in well, even if she is in a huge sulk with me as she hates the ear drops for the mites.
We went on a walk yesterday, as a family. Or an adventure as Little D likes to call them. We walked up into the woods, and although it rained off and on, we really enjoyed it. As you can see we spotted some funky fungi. Poor Little D fell in dog dirt not long into the walk, but we got him all cleaned up and he was more than happy to continue. I'm still pretty mad about it. People leaving their dogs mess for kids to fall in drives me mad!! If you're gonna have a dog then take responsibility for it!! Grrr!
The way the sun played through the trees when the rain stopped was beautiful!
This beautiful little chestnut girl has a huge jealous streak!! I brought apples for the horses we walk past on our walks, and as i was feeding one of the other horses, she lunged at me and quite badly bit my hand! It's still swollen and sore. But I forgave her pretty quickly and dished out the rest of the apples. Unlike the dog poo issue. I'm still mad about that now! lol.
Love this! It's a part of a gorse bush that's died down after growing up through a tree and some ivy. I think maybe the ivy strangled it at the root. But i love the way it's grown into a heart shape!

All the photo's were taken on my Love's phone as dippy me forgot my camera! But we still got lovely memories of our walk. That's the main thing. I also forgot my phone. All I was thinking of was getting out into the fresh air and spending some time with nature. So when we got home, we'd missed a visit from my Dad. We knew this because there was a big bag of sweets, and a bag of freshly caught haddock and cod hanging on the door when we got home! Because my hand was sore, Darling other half gutted and cleaned them for me. What a man!

I'd already made a chunky lentil and ham soup in the slow cooker for supper, so the fish is in the freezer, and shall be made into a tasty fish pie later in the week. Looking forward to that.

So, I'd better be off, Little D is demanding an apple now. And I'm in need of a cup of tea. :-)

Bright Blessings!

Sal. X

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-09-02T02:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday indeed!! In spite of feeling like death for the last few months, I had the best Birthday ever! My Lovely Dad gave me a bottle of The Macallan, lush! Will be kept for hot toddy's on cold winters nights. Not even opened it to have a sniff! My Mam gave me a funky wrap/shawl/poncho type thing. lol. Not sure what to call it, but I love it! Perfect for autumn days. My darling eldest son used his wage from working at market to buy me some beautiful flowers, and a huge box of Thorntons choccies! Thoughtful boy. He knows I love fresh flowers. Little D helped with eating the chocolates. :-) As did everyone else but He had the majority.

And from my wonderful Fiance, and the boys.... I got a KINDLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dream come true or what?! I'm in love! I've read 9 books since my Birthday which was on Saturday. Mega addiction! Darling Man also downloaded quite a few books he knows I've wanted for a while. As well as some classics he knew I'd like to re-read that he got for free on the kindle site. And a funky cover in my fav colour. Purple!
I have plans to make a padded cover for her too. I have some nice fabric, and as soon as i have the energy and peace and quiet that's my next project. Along with taking up 3 pairs of jeans, patching a pair, and whatever else is on the sewing list i can't find. :-)

One of my little sisters thought she saw a cat the double of my missing boy recently, on her way to work, further away than we'd anticipated, but still well within the realms of possibility. So she has taken flyer's to drop into the farms and houses around where she saw the cat It's on a back country road. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for a phone call any day now. Never give up hope!

Sal. X

Odd times and Ranty McRant.

2011-08-03T02:32:00.000-07:00

So, over the last month or so, things have been odd here. Great times mixed in with sad news, crappy health, stress and frustration. Typical family life I guess. From the great times, I have been to two music festivals!! I went to a small local folk festival, stayed with my sister, didn't hear much music to be honest, different organisers and bad weather meant less impromptu jams, but I got a bit of drumming in, quite a bit of drinking, and fun times chatting with my Sis. The second festival was Speyfest!! And the biggest highlight of that had to be seeing Eddi Reader live!! She was fabulous! Her voice is just incredible! The tickets were an early Birthday gift from friends. Best prezzie ever!
I am currently being kept busy with these two old gentlemen. My friends dogs, her Mum is poorly so she has travelled down to England with her family to see her. So I have two lodgers for the week and also have to feed her cats. They're lovely dogs, but they're used to a completely different routine than we have. They smell, a lot!! lol. Gas issues! What can I say, they're male and old. lol.

I'm having issues with the humans in my house at the moment. Apparently I am the only person capable of housework just now, and they have all forgotten how to lift the toilet seat, OH has got my hallway full of computers that need dismantling, with no idea when he's going to get around to taking them apart, which is frustrating me no end, as he did pretty much nothing all weekend but sit on his PC, as he does every night when he gets home from "work". So I'm pretty much feeling sorry for myself and feeling a bit ignored and neglected.

I admit I'm not doing as much housework as i could/should be doing, permanent headache is taking it's toll at times. And with the added dog hair this week it's taking half an hour just to hoover the living room!! A little help would be great, and I'm pretty sure it's not too much to ask. Been waiting for OH to borrow a strimmer so we can get the garden sorted out, but it's just not happening. So I'll have to add that to my list of jobs.

The sad news is that my friend's Dad is dying. He has been fighting a rare form of cancer for some time, and it has looked positive, he's done so well! But now, he's fading fast. And so she is taking him home today. To Russia. To die. We call him the Legend, and he truly is! Sad times. I wish I could be there for her in person, but it's just not possible.

So I guess I'll just try to distract myself with the hundreds of jobs I have to do, keeping the kids occupied, walking 4 crazy dogs instead of 2, taking pointless calls about cats that aren't mine, and don't even match his description let alone his photo!!

Sorry for the crappy post. Just needed a wee rant. Off to scrounge round the neighbours and see if anyone has a strimmer i can borrow, after i poop scoop. These labs cant half poop!!

Sal. X

Busy times.

2011-06-28T01:07:00.001-07:00

Things have been pretty busy here lately. Still looking for this handsome fellow. I actually thought I'd found him, a cat had been showing up at a farm, 150 miles away!! I spoke to the man who had dealt with him, the description he gave sounded exactly like my baby boy! But when the coordinator of the cats protection in that area emailed me with a photo, it looked nothing like him. So I have to admit I had a mini breakdown. But I'm still staying positive. I've been dreaming about him a lot. I think that's a sign he's still alive. I have had flyer's printed, and I'm extending the area. I also saw a psychic last Friday, and she is going to try and locate him for me. She has had success with this before. The cat she found had passed away, but she was able to tell the owners where he was, which gave them peace. So I live in hope!!

Kids break up for school holidays here this Friday. SO I'll have 3 boys to keep occupied! Before Friday I need to post just under 500 flyer's through doors in the village, and go to the nearest villages/towns and get posters put in more shop windows. So I have plenty to be getting on with.

I spent Saturday night with one of my Sisters. I was babysitting my wee Nephew on the Sunday as his Big Sister had a gymnastics competition. And even though the organisers screwed up (again) and put her in a higher age grouping, she still won a medal!!! So proud of her! I had a ball looking after her wee Brother, and on the Saturday evening we picked berries in the garden which my Sis has now turned into jam. Looking forward to eating it with my toast and remembering spending fun times with my Sis, Niece and Nephew. :-)

Mine and Little D's strawberry plants are thriving, despite some of them being really battered with the wild rain.

I've been pretty tired recently, blaming it on anaemia as usual, but I've been busier than usual. I've been volunteering at a sports club for disabled people. I've really enjoyed it! Last night was the last one until after the summer holidays as it's run in a school and of course the school will be closed. But we have a fun mystery bus trip coming up too. So that will be both fun and challenging! I still have my wee Saturday job as well so I'm kept busy.

Well, I better make a move. Have lots of flyer's to post and a garden to tidy, and housework to be getting on with. All with a 4yr old in an awkward mood! Today will be a long day I think!

Sal. X

To cut or not to cut??

2011-06-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

I'm sure some of you will have heard about the flak Russel Crowe was getting last week due to his views on circumcision. I have always disagreed with circumcising babies or children. I know it can sometimes be necessary, a close member of my family was forced to have it done as an adult as his foreskin had become to tight. That's perfectly acceptable. But at the risk of offending anyone, I think anyone who would put their child through that for anything other than medical reasons has some wires loose! Although I have never liked the thought of it, I have never really sat and thought about the technicalities of it, so when i watched this video through twitter, i was incredibly shocked, and I would go so far as to say traumatised just by seeing it. I had a panic attack and cried my eyes out! That poor baby! I have three sons, and never would i entertain the thought of putting them through such pain! Never! I will include a link to the video, but I wont embed it, I couldn't cope with seeing it again, and i don't want anyone seeing it without first preparing themselves. So if you want to see it, the option is there, but it's not forced upon you. Circumcision. I Have nothing against specific groups of people or people of faith to whom this practice is commonplace, I just find the act itself disturbing, cruel, and barbaric!

If ever you hear female circumcision mentioned, people are up in arms! It's sick, evil! etc etc, why do we not have the same reactions to male circumcision? All children should be cherished, and anything that would cause them unnecessary pain avoided at all costs!

That's my rant over. Sorry if anyone feels i am forcing my opinion onto them, or that I'm disrespecting any religion or group. That is not my intention. I am just truly shocked by this.

What's your view?

Sal. X

Sorry!

2011-05-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry all. Been forced offline again, my aged Dell laptop died yet again. But super geek other half has fixed it for the time being. No photo's as it's literally just fixed and I haven't had time to move them onto the laptop yet. Have a mega\ busy weekend ahead. 2 markets to help out at, crazy early starts, and two birthday parties to go to. One of which, is my Baby Little D's!! He's 4 tomorrow, but his party is at his Grandma's on Sunday. His Auntie's Birthday is Sunday, but with her being all grown up, her party is on the Saturday night.

I think I'll need a holiday to get over this weekend! lol.

I'll be back, over the weekend if I have the energy, if not, Monday. Providing the laptop behaves.

Sal. X

Back! Briefly...

2011-05-05T00:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, my hard drive died, and now we're having more "issues" with technology. Luckily hubby to be is a genius! He rescued all my photo's from the dead hard drive. But I Now don't have space for them on the crappy little hard drive I'm making do with. Once I get myself organised I'll be back with more.

Still no sign of my cat. Six weeks now. He could be anywhere. No word from any of the farms or anywhere either. I finally put away his litter tray. :-( I've kept it. And all his food. You never know. There's always hope!

We have had two new additions to the family, as Little D decided we had to take Cheeky the Chinchillas Brother as well. So we now have Cheeky and Chops. They're settling in nicely. Tara the dopey Lurcher thinks they're her babies. And dippy Tyson forgets they're there at all!! lol.

We had a lovely wee fire for Beltane, few drinks with friends. We even jumped a flame, although it was a specifically made candle rather than the fire as the kids were involved.

Busy month of birthdays, Other Half's is this weekend then Little D and his Auntie on the same weekend. He has asked for a Mario party! He loves Mario.

I have been busy at weekends with a little job, just helping out a friend on a market stall, (a rather large one) but I'm loving it! It gets me out of the house, gives me some time to myself, and is building up my confidence with people, so when I can actually go and gt a proper job, I'll not struggle so much. It's nice to know I'm helping someone out little too.

The stopping smoking hit a bump, so to speak, I started again, stress etc, and now the patches are giving me horrific nightmares, so it's back to the doc for another option. But will get there. I had stopped for a month! So I know I can do it.

Anyway, best pop off. Need more coffee to wake up properly, have plenty to do today. I shall be back asap with photo's of Cheeky and chops to share. Although, they'll most likely be rubbish as I'm the only person confident enough to hold them as yet, and it's impossible to hold and photograph the hyper little beggars!! lol.

Sal. X

Progress Report.

2011-04-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Still no sign of this handsome fellow. But Yesterday I spent hours looking up Addresses for local Farms, writing little notes on some of the posters and stuffing them in envelopes to post out. Hopefully he'll here something back. Still no word from the council or the vets they use, (road cleansing, if you know what I mean) Which is great news! It means he hasn't been run over. And no news from cats protection, so nobody has called in there about him either. So although he hasn't been spotted in the village, I'm pretty convinced he's out and about with females that have come into season.
Unfortunately, apparently, male cats can smell females in season up to 7 miles away!! So he could be pretty far away by now. But I've done all the farms in just over a 5 mile radius, if no word from them, I'll do 8 or 10 mile radius next week. See how it goes.
If the weather stays nice, well, dry would be great, I plan on taking the kids to the park, my friend wants to take them for a picnic, if it's nice enough for that, I think we'll head a bit further off. Either way, I'm going armed with laminated posters and a staple gun!

I keep dreaming he's come home, sitting on the windowsill shouting to be in. Hopefully my dream will come true soon.

Sal. X

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-04-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the Mum's out there, Whether they're still with us or not. My Mothers Day has been lovely so far, and i'm still being spoiled yet!! It's brilliant! Only my cat is missing from the picture. *Sigh*My lovely cards, and cuddly bear from my youngest, Little D. A made me the purple card, and a lovely diploma declaring me the best Mum in the world. Lovely.

Beautiful Tulips from darling Other Half and the kids. So pretty! Also, not pictured is the Huge box of Thorntons chocolates that we all shared earlier. Lovely! That was after my cooked breakfast in bed! There was so much of it I could only eat half. lol. I am being well and truly spoiled, Other half has a 3 course meal all planned out for later too! Aren't I so lucky?!
This photo is Tyson. Fast asleep as usual. One of the laziest dogs I have ever met! He's a sweetheart though, and has fitted in very well with us. The best news from his point of view is... I finally got him to play!! With a giant frisbee of all things, ha ha! But he will catch it and he's even taking it back. So He's happy, and I'm thrilled he's finally confident enough to learn how to play. He and Tara will be getting a bath later, but shhhh!! Don't tell them!

Tara, bless her. She's depressed, she misses the cat, even though he wasn't always very nice to her. She still loves him. She's a big softie.

We have posters up, and all the local vets, cat's protection etc have our number, but to be honest, I don't hold out much hope. He'll be miles away with lots of females. Not likely to be able to find his way home. But i'll be posting posters to the surrounding farms too. Just in case. Not giving up yet. Hopefully when most of the cats are out of season, i'll get him back. Fingers crossed anyway.

I hope you are all having a lovely day, especially all the mothers out there! Enjoy it!

Sal. X

Struggling.

2011-03-28T01:32:00.000-07:00

I know, yet again, I've been neglecting my blog. Bus as usual, it's been pretty busy here. Not that I've noticed very much to be honest. My cat went missing on Wednesday night. Haven't seen him since. He's an indoor cat and had never been out before. But as he's not neutered, he may well be out having the time of his life. What scares me is, we live right beside a really busy road. The day after Wade went missing there was a cat run over. My friend saw it happen and called me in hysterics. I had to run up there in my PJ's and see if it was him, plus calm down the woman who had run over the cat and my friend.

I have huge blisters on my feet from walking round the village calling for him, my back is in agony with sleeping sitting up on the couch, so that I could leave the windows wide open in case he comes back in the night.

I suppose it may seem a bit over the top to some. I do get really attached to my pets, but also, Wade is the only cat I've really properly bonded with since my cat I had from 6 years old. He's like my best friend, and fur baby. He looks after me when I'm sick, listens without judging when I'm being a whinge, He's my company and comforter when I'm depressed,he makes me feel better. No matter what. Everyone said he was ridiculously devoted to me. My friend, whose cat is his mother, was convinced he is a reincarnated human and is in love with me. lol.

I'm just really lost without him, and I'm struggling. Really struggling to hold the depression at bay.

This should have been a positive post. This time tomorrow, I'll have been a non smoker for 2 weeks. But I don't feel like celebrating, and not really feeling very positive. So, it's still there, I've still achieved it. Just don't much care. When Wade comes home, I'll celebrate.

Sal. X

Transmanta!!

2011-03-13T14:58:00.001-07:00

Today I spent a few hours watching my little Sisters' Band rehearse. They Totally Rock!!!! I know I'm biased, but seriously, these guys and gals are good! Don't just take my word for it... Check them out. Transmanta! Their Myspace page, you can listen to them there.
The lead singer is my Baby Sister Meggan. Amazing voice! Also beautiful and brilliant songwriting skills. In my humble opinion.

The talented Drummer, (who I couldn't get a clear shot of) is also my Little Sister, Suzie. Also beautiful and also a great songwriter.
Obviously Mike, the Guitarist, and Jonathan the Bassist are also talented. They make a great group.

I was so proud of them I cried! lol. How soppy am I?! The music puts shivers down my spine and goosebumps all over.

Seriously, check them out. They have Facebook too!

Okay, I'm done gushing about my talented Sisters... For now. :-D

Sal. X

Sorry! Been AWOL again!

2011-03-11T01:46:00.001-08:00

Sorry I've been away for so long. Been crazy for a while here! I am currently dying of a flu lurgy that my darling youngest son gave me. He had it for 2 days and was fine, I have been dying for three days, no four days, aching all over. I want it to go away! So, as always my photo's are in the wrong order. lol. This first is a pic of a Chinchilla. Because I'm getting one in about 8 weeks. He's four weeks old today. Have named him Cheeky. Because he is very cheeky. lol. Such a little guts. Adorable too. I haven't seen him for a few days as I've been too sick. But last time i held him, he's doubled in size within a week!! Beautiful primrose, my darling man bought me a potted primrose to cheer me up. So thoughtful! But that was when I was sick a couple weeks ago! It still makes me smile, flu or not. He actually took a couple days off work to look after me. He cooked and cleaned and everything!! (Well, a mans version of) He's such a sweetheart though. I feel very lucky. My Aloe Vera plant has had babies, so I've been dishing them out. Want to keep at least two though, they are such handy plants to have around, even safe to use for my darling animals. Although the cat seems determined to eat them all!

We've had a couple of breakdowns recently. First, the tumble drier died. And I do mean died, it completely irrepairable! Then my oven, also dead. We got a recycled drier for nothing, which was an absolute bonus! But no luck with finding a new cooker so far. But, will keep looking. Thank goodness I have my slowcooker!! Chilli for dinner tonight I think. Might clear my breathing a bit!
This is a representation of how i feel. lol. Tissues and all. Been through almost a whole box in one day!!! Too much info? lol. The Kleenex ultra soft tissues are very kind to my poor sore nose though. I'd be lost without them. I haven't been paid to say that. I just love these tissues!
I can't believe it's March already! Where did February go??

Another positive note.... The most positive in my opinion, Little D finally pooped in the toilet!!!!!!!!!! We've really struggled with his toilet training. He's so stubborn! But he's been doing really well with going no. 1 When it came to no.2 it was a different story, he just wouldn't do it. But yesterday, he was about to go, and i persuaded him to run upstairs with me, (nearly fainted in the process or carrying him!) and we got him on the loo, and he went!! He was thrilled! lol. So, fingers crossed it continues!!

I have been less shaky recently, so I was hoping to get out and get some nice (hopefully) photo's, But as it is, I can't stand up too easily without getting dizzy. So no sitting/standing/crouching in odd places for photo's for me at the moment.

We are forecast snow over the weekend, although, the sun is shining beautifully just now. I'm hoping it passes us by. I'm going to attempt to hang out some washing, I feel like fresh air will do me some good. Might as well do something constructive while i get it. :-)

Sorry for the "Yuck" factor of this post. But, life is yuck sometimes! Especially when snot is involved!!

Sal. X

Bleh!

2011-01-12T05:13:00.000-08:00

Hi all, just a quick short post, my appointment went pretty well, tests (all 3 hours worth!) came back relatively normal, so I am to go back for the full work up again in 3 months, i'm also having to try some anti epilepsy drugs to control the headaches. My head is really sore today from all the bright lights being flashed into my forcedly dilated eyes hence the very short post.

I also wanted to say, there's something very wrong with my g mail, which means i cant comment on blogs, including my own, but I hope to have it sorted by the end of the month when we get broadband sorted out. Also, a huge thank you to Rachel!! For a lovely blog award, as soon as this stupid headache eases off i'll be back to see to it and do a proper post. Right, i'm off to conserve my energy as OH is working late and i'll not have any help with the little guy. Back soon!

Sal. X

Back! (at last)

2011-01-10T01:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been M.I.A. for a while, been a busy time around here. We had a lovely relaxed family Xmas. It was lovely! I didn't burn anything, and i remembered the stuffing! Huge achievement! lol. New year was relaxed and quiet too. Just as well as I was full of the flu. We went to a neighbours party, we were free to go as the kids were all visiting family, was nice to get out together and meet new people.

Between Xmas and new year, we welcomed a new pooch into the family! Isn't he adorable?! He's 5, and apparently a long haired German Pointer X Lab. Although everyone is adamant he looks just like a Spaniel. His family were (supposedly) made homeless and couldn't keep him, but they were able to keep the Lhasa Apso they intend to breed from. But their loss is our gain! He is a very sweet boy, very clever, he picks things up very fast. Perfect with kids and our old lady lurcher is thrilled to have a friend to play with. She's acting like a puppy again!

We also had my eldest sons 13Th birthday! I still cant quite believe I'm a Mum to a teenager!! He had a lovely day. I have middle son off school today, stomach bug. He's chirpy enough though. Thankfully.

Tomorrow, I have my Ophthalmology appointment in the big city. Dreading the 2 hour bus, horrid eye drops etc. My Mum is coming with me though, so I'm grateful for that. Just hoping we get some answers this time! Headaches are really starting to get me down.

Other than that, all has been well here, just relaxing and enjoying family time. Getting ready for kids going back to school, and i shall be back with more photo's as soon as i can get them from OH, he has been on photo taking duty.

Hope everyone is well and enjoyed a happy and healthy Xmas and new year!

Sal. X

Bargains, snow and xmas spirit!

2010-11-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

To begin with, I apologise for the absolutely rubbish photos. lol. The two of my bargains anyway. I couldn't be bothered dragging out the tripod, so the blurriness is the result of my stupid shaky hands. We went to a little sale at Little D's pre-school to raise money for Famine Relief for Orphans in Malawi. The first pic is a Spiderman suit Little D spotted as soon as we got in the door and fell in love with. lol. It was only £1! And the two balls of red wool only cost me 20p! Fingerless gloves here I come!! We also scored 10 Charlie and Lola books, brand new, one with free stickers for 50p. That was for all of them! I plan on wrapping them up as part of Little D's Xmas.
This is one of two gorgeous hessian Santa sacks we got for 50p each! Because there were only 2 and not 3, one for each of the boys, I plan on stuffing them with newspaper or something and using them to decorate around the living room. Little D and I have already sneaked in a little Santa snow globe and a small set of led Rudolph lights. :-) I really want to put up my decorations this weekend, but trying to be sensible and wait until next weekend.
This is the reason for all the Xmas spirit! Little D has decided that as it's snowing, it must be Xmas. And I don't disagree to be honest. It certainly feels like it! We're all enjoying spending time together, it's still going to be a very tight time money wise. But family fun good food, and quality time will be in abundance! Next the plan is to make lots of paper snowflakes with the kids, and string them up, I might just keep sneaking in little decorations until next weekend. OH thinks I'm crazy. lol. Little D is currently running around in his bargain spidey suit, thrilled to bits with it. Nothing like a happy child to put a smile on your face.

Sal. X

2010-11-22T00:48:00.000-08:00

My very own "Black Dog". Although, this one doesn't cause nearly as much problems!! Have been in a wee bit of a depression episode. Brought on by stress no doubt, (I stress myself out about silly things) but seem to be at the tail end of it now. Thankfully!

Unfortunately, OH was away for 4 days while I was on a downer. And I got myself into a selfish state. I felt like, still feel like, truth be told, everyone else gets the best bits of my family and I'm left with the crap. Sounds awful doesn't it?! It's just, Grandma, Nana, Sisters, they all get to take the kids out and have fun with them, OH was away with his Mam and Sis, to a concert, and night out, cinema, he had a ball! I'm not pissed off because he was having fun while I was sat at home, I'm not quite that selfish! But that we don't get to do these things together often enough. Or with the kids. Yes money is incredibly tight, but I feel like we're neglecting our relationship. I can count on one hand the times we've been out together. And we've been together almost 5 years!
This is/was my dream house. We thought we actually had a chance of getting it, it would have been so perfect for us. But it was not meant to be. I was heartbroken. I love this house!
My friend has just moved away. Not far really, and I knew her living locally was temporary, but I only helped her move yesterday and I'm missing her and the kids already. It was lovely to have someone close by I could actually talk to! I'll get used to it again i suppose. Just still feeling a little sorry for myself really. Still no further forward with the housing situation, I'm finding it a little ridiculous to be honest. It does stress me out a lot all of us being cramped in here. It tends to come in waves. I can cope with it usually, but when the kids are getting narky with each other, and Little D thinks he doesn't have to go to the toilet as he's still in our room, which to him means he's still a baby. That's when it gets to me.

On the plus side.... There was a craft afternoon at the school this weekend, to raise funds for the dance they school puts on to say goodbye to the P7 class before they leave for high school. We had a fun time, just me and the kids, as OH wasn't home until evening. We made tea light holders, (well, the kids basically covered them in glue and stuck tissue paper all over) they're cute! Some window ornaments of Santa, a robin and a snowman, some of those black scratchy art things, but pre punched out shapes. And Little D decorated a canvas bag each for Grandma and Nana with hand prints. He made a Scooby Doo one for himself first though! And I brought home some stocking making kits for the kids to do nearer Xmas. Should be fun!

I still have lots of sewing to be getting on with! An absolute pile of it! Also, OH has been helping someone out with pc issues recently, they've just opened a shop and asked if I'd be interested in doing some crafts to sell in the shop! So I'm excited but also nervous about that. I don't think my bags are good enough to sell in a shop really, but they've asked about jewelry too, they just want "local crafts" so I'll have to have a play and see what I can come up with. Fingers crossed.

Sal. X

The C word...

2010-11-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

So, Christmas time is creeping up on us yet again, it's almost a year since I started this blog, when i began, I never dreamt I'd get anywhere near 19 followers! I'm thrilled! Thank you to you all for reading, and especially for persevering when i don't post for a while. Life here is still pretty "up in the air" at the moment I'm afraid, no further on the health or housing fronts. I have a wee idea about the housing bit, but don't want to jinx it so I'm keeping quiet for the time being.

I love Christmas! I really do, but I love it, the way it used to be, before it turned into a commercial nightmare! So for the last couple years we have been trying to bring it back down to real Christmas, not the religious aspect, as we don't believe in it. But the family aspect. It should be about the thought and love someone has put in, not the amount of money they spent. So as such, my Christmas shopping is pretty much done! Only bought things the kids will wear, or use a lot! Like a guitar gig bag for my eldest, something he both needed and will use regularly. The kids are happy enough with the arrangement. They already have games consoles, OH and I have put ourselves into debt previous years to make sure of it. But the older boys have said many times that it's the fun we have and the quality time we have together as a family that make the happy memories for them, not the toys that will lie in their cupboard til next Christmas. So again this year, it's all about one or two thoughtful and useful gifts, lots of homemade gifts, including sweets and cookies, and family time. I cant wait!
If i get my dream, this is the kind of scene awaiting us next Christmas! Fingers crossed!

What are your favourite parts of Christmas? Any traditions you have every year?

Sal. X

Such is life.

2010-11-01T01:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! Ours was a bit of a wash out truth be told, we only had two sets of guisers at the door, and when my friend and I took our 3 yr old's out for their first ever guising, hardly anyone even opened their doors! Miserable people. Never mind, I've sent OH off with a bag full of goodies for everyone at work. So they'll be happy at least.

Hopefully our bonfire night will be better, we plan on having a little BBQ at a friends, and letting off some small child friendly fireworks. Baked potato's in the BBQ, sausages in buns, and maybe some soup. Lovely!
How funky is this pumpkin?! OH carved it, it's a geek related thing. lol. Trollface. I think it's fab looking. It's his first ever pumpkin carving, he put a lot of effort into it, I think it paid off!
OH's lovely picture taking skills. lol! Open cupboards, overflowing craft boxes, the lot! He couldn't work my camera very well, so we didn't get a lot of photos. And Little D was hyper so wouldn't stay still for many either.
A very bedraggled but happy little vampire.

How was your Halloween? Lots of fun I hope?!

Sal. X

Apologies.

2010-10-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

It seems I've neglected my blog for quite a while now. I've had a lot going on, then I really didn't want to post anything that would sound like whingeing, so I avoided it. We have had good news though, my scan results came back clear! No space occupying lesions, so no tumours, which is great! Just have to wait (seemingly forever) for a neurology appointment to see what is wrong with me. Myself and Little D took off to my Mum's at the weekend, the bigger boys were away to the big city with their Father, so we went to the seaside to visit Nana. I haven't captured the vibrant depth of colour in that heather unfortunately, it was getting quite dark.
Mum's geraniums are still going strong though! Beautiful. We had a lovely day, discovered a bush of what I think may be some kind of crab apple, I came home with a bowlful, not to eat, just because they smell lovely! Quite citrus and bergamot scented. Very Autumnal. I did upload a pic of rosehips, but it seems to have disappeared for some reason...

I shall hopefully be back soon with crafty pictures, I have so many projects in my head, I've been rather lax on the sewing/knitting/crafting front. I had packed my sewing machine away behind the sofa, after rearranging the furniture (again!), But I had to drag it out to alter Mam's dogs new coat. So it's staying out until I have completed some ideas I have. I got some cute fabric free with a magazine, So I'm looking forward to using that!

Christmas this year is going to be extremely tight! We were relying on a contract to come through, which hasn't and won't until after the new year. But having talked to the kids about it, they seem quite happy that although we won't have much in material things this year, we will be able to spend lots of time together and do fun crafty things. In fact, when I'm finished this I'll be getting ready to make some Halloween monsters with Little D. I'll need to set up the tripod before we start. I'm afraid any photo's I take without it at the moment are pretty rubbish, my shaking is making them all blurred. But a bonus of it is, if the camera is on a tripod, I have my hands free to get into the painting and general fun! So it's all good!

Scans, Sisters and a little something....

2010-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited today. Life is good. My ct scan appointment came in really fast, which is great because for me, waiting is torture! I have no patience whatsoever.

The lovely Sue from Our New Life in the Country is sending me a little something for suggesting names for her beautiful new piggy! I was close to the name she chose. Have a look! They're all gorgeous girls! Sue does an amazing job of caring for them, the chickens, all her home grown veggies, and lavender, preserving their produce and farmers markets on top of all that! Busy lady!
This is the dreaded machine they'll be slotting me into tomorrow. But actually, it doesn't seem that bad! The only bit I'm dreading is the injection of dye. I hate needles! But even that hasn't dampened my mood. After the scan, I'm heading to the big city to spend some much needed quality time with... All three of my little sisters! I can't wait! They're like my first thee kids. And i don't see them nearly as often as I'd like to. On top of that, myself and my baby sister are having a joint birthday party, as she turns 21 and I'll be 30! I'm totally comfortable with turning 30, not at all comfortable with my baby turning 21 though!

My birthday present to myself is going to be a tattoo. Celtic script that says "my sisters, my children" In Scottish Gaelic. So i have that to look forward to also! It is a significant tattoo for me and for my sisters. I think it's perfect. I have a few tattoos, and they all have significant meaning. I wouldn't have them otherwise.

I hope everyone else's summer is going as well as mine, if not better! I'll post when I'm back from the big city. Can't wait to see what Sue sends me!! Take care.

Sal. X

Rainy Day's and Mondays.

2010-07-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Monday, and it's pi$$ing it down rain. I've just been to the park with the dogs, (yep, adopted another one, not husky tho) Little D and Partner. Older boys are at my folks for the week. And despite having many reasons to be blue, I'm not! I'm feeling pretty damn good! I had an eye specialist appointment last week, they've discovered something in my head is causing pressure. Either some kind of head blood pressure type thing or a tumour. So I'm waiting for an appointment for a cat scan to come in now. I freaked out to begin with, thought the worst and gut reaction, "Oh my god the kids!" But i soon calmed down, I'm staying positive, even if it is a tumour, and even if it is cancerous, these things can be treated. No point in me getting myself in a state when there's nothing i can do about it anyway.

Besides, I've had fab news too, a friend i had been really worried about is moving closer to me. As in the next street! Our kids are only 5months apart and dote on each other, and she has a lovely 7 month old baby i can steal for baby hugs. I can't wait! They move in on Wednesday! I have given another dog a home, he's a lovely little lurcher, red collie x. Beautiful lad, and he's getting my old lurcher fit again so she'll be with us longer. I just came in soaked to the skin, after running around with the dogs in a fabulous summer shower! I love the rain! I have a lot to be happy about and thankful for. So no matter what this turns out to be, we'll deal with it as a family and then I'll beat it. Problem solved. I'm a stubborn little sh*t!

So, it may well be rainy, and it may well be Monday. But to me, it's a magic Monday!

Sal. X

Bags

2010-07-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking photo's of a few of the bags I've made. please excuse the crappy lighting, poor composition etc. It's been really dull all day and pretty much impossible to take decent pics. This first one is recycled from a jeans leg, and a funky 70's tablecloth I rescued from my Mum. There had been paint spilled on it at some point, but still plenty usable fabric for me! I love the purple and pink combo!
This one is a bahoochie bag. As in made out of the bahoochie (backside) of a pair of jeans. And the strap is hand knitted from the lovely wool I won from Hardup Hester.
This one is another bahoochie bag, made from school trousers, but with an added flap, I got a full metre and a half of this fabric from a charity shop for £4! Bargain or what?
Yet another bahoochie bag, this time with an added scarf, from a favourite top of mine which was unwearable now. the strap is a lovely bit of embroidered cotton, taken from a recycled skirt, the rest of which was used in lining other bags.
I guess this is a half bahoochie bag. lol. The jeans had ripped in such a place they were unwearable and unusable as a full bahoochie so I cut it in half. Strap is from the leg of another pair.

I have a few more too, since i didn't sell any at the car show. Bit of a disappointment, but there was a car boot too so I think people were really looking for cheap and cheerful. Maybe I'm charging too much. I don't know. £15 for the biggest bags that took the most time, £8-10 for medium sized ones, and £5 for the smaller ones. Is that too much?

I still had a lovely day, there were more dogs than cars there so I was in my element. Looking into fostering a husky now. Met a lovely Lady there who has started a husky rescue. there are so many of the poor lambs dumped in dog pounds because people take them on without understanding the breed. Hopefully I can help out and my own dog (who is missing canine company) will benefit too.

School holidays have started here, so the kids are enjoying their time off. In two weeks time I'm going to my Mum's for the weekend alone, for a folk festival. I can't wait! Been looking forward to it for ages! So my next project is to make a carrying bag for my whistle, and if I get ambitious maybe a better one for my bodhran too. So plenty to keep me busy! I want to do some little travel tissue holders too. Look much nicer in my handbags than scruffy packets.

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I'm still shattered from the weekend, so I'm off to have a nice bubble bath then bed. Early night will do me good.

Sal. X

Oh crap!

2010-06-28T01:31:00.000-07:00

Yes. Now is the time to panic.. I've only just realised the car show I'm meant to have a stall at is this weekend! And to add to that, i haven't actually booked a stall! Duh! Have emailed both the lady I'm meant to be going with and the lady who is running it to see if sh can fit me in, if there's time to send my payment, or if i can pay it when i get there. Hopefully they'll get back to me soon, I'll need to get my ass in gear and get more bags made! I thought i had ages yet!

The kids last day at school before the summer holidays is Friday. Hadn't realised that was so close either.

My memory and organisational skills really leave a lot to be desired! On top of that I'm meant to be organising a family reunion type thing, and possibly a joint birthday party for me and my baby sister. Dunno how I'm going to get it all done! I'll start as always, with trying to get this house tidied up, at last if that's done I'll have time and space for sewing later. In theory anyway. lol. And I'll have to get Little D out to play while the sun is shining. He may be really nice to me and have a nap if i can tire him out enough! Fingers crossed.

Sal. X

Hmmm.

2010-06-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a strange few days I've had. Just generally unsettled. Unsettled weather, unsettled mind. Have had dramas with a local dog who had previously bitten Big D, it has now bitten one of his school chums. Still waiting to hear what's happening with that.

OH had his last day at work today. Well, kind of. He was on a jobcentre scheme. He didn't get the extension we'd hoped for, but has made himself indispensable. As it's a charity he's working at, he's going to continue to volunteer while they wait for a big contract to be confirmed then employ him fully. Unfortunately it means we'll be back on minimum amount of money and all the fuss involved in sorting out benefits again. Hopefully it won't be for long.

Possibly going to my Mums tomorrow, but unsure as we had a slight argument last night. So that's up in the air too. If not, I think I'll go for a walk and try to find some nice scenes to take photos of.

Seems like all I've done this week is washing. I could happily never look at another odd sock ever again! I think they're breeding in the washing bin! Well, I'm going to go and fold yet more washing, and OH promised me a bottle of wine tonight so after the washing I'm going to relax with a lovely glass of rose (with a strawberry in) and a book.

TGIF!

Sal. X

In the Summertime

2010-06-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

I am sitting out in the garden with Little D, A in the middle and his friend have just come in from school. So the relative peace is now shattered. Lol. Odd weather, it's warm, but over clouded so we're not seeing much of the sun. Still, it's nice to sit out in the warmth without having to worry about my sun allergy raising it's ugly head. Speaking of ugly heads, if you're not keen on spiders now would be a good time to look away! I have a slight phobia of them, but not nearly as bad as i used to be. The one in the pic above, I found while watering plants at my Mums at the weekend. She's a Nursery Web Spider. And that white ball she's carrying is a sac full of her eggs. When they hatch she'll Spin a nursery room for them to keep them safe. How sweet! There are some really devoted Mum's in the animal/insect world. There are a crow family living in the trees at the back of my Mums garden, I got some beautiful feathers but unfortunately they didn't cooperate for photos. And there was too much going on in the garden to expect them to. Ah well, another day.
This one was in my Mums garage, so big for a house spider I thought he was a wolf spider, but on closer inspection of the photos, he's just a big house spider. More likely to be a she.
Mister black bird here, was trying to entice some worms. Amazing to watch. Mrs Blackbird had a go afterwards too, but she's not as brave as her hubby and wouldn't pose. I could watch nature happening around me all day, although not much of it is brave enough to get near with Little D and daft dog on the go.

It's feeling more like summer now, I never feel summery until the solstice is here. So now let the summer commence! I'm hoping for many more BBQ's, trips to the beach, fun at Nana's, (what the kids call my Mum) Camping out, picnic's, and taking lots of photo's! I'm hoping to get more sewing done, but in the heat it's a nightmare dragging the sewing machine and everything out. I don't have room for a sewing space just for me, so it's all dragged out to the dining table, which is used every day. It seems a lot of effort when it's hot. But i hope I'll find my motivation and mojo soon. Have so many ideas floating around my head.

What are your hopes, dreams, plans for the summer?

Sal. X

Feeling more positive!

2010-06-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was feeling really low. As if it wasn't obvious! With all my health issues culminating and feeling like I just couldn't win, everything got on top of me and I cracked just a little. I chased kids outside and upstairs then I cried my eyes out. Called my Mum, she calmed me down. Afterwards I felt incredibly embarrassed as always.

But today, my wonderful OH has taken the day off work to give me a little break, he has taken Little D for a walk. I spoke to a dentist online, I now have a plan of action and feel as if I can and Iam doing something to help myself.

I didn't get any sewing done last night. I was too drained after the crying. I did get some fabric samples in the post today though, I plan on making some personalised bunting for a friends baby who was born recently. It'll make a nice change making something pink and girly. I really need to be getting on with some more bags too.

My Mum and sister have insisted I take some time out with them, by the sea this weekend. So I'm looking forward to that. Home on Sunday to spoil OH for Fathers day. I might make some of the oat cookies he and my Dad like so much for them both.

Anyway, best go. I'm going to take full advantage of Little D being out of the house and get some cleaning done.

Pain.

2010-06-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

Right now, this is about all that's keeping me relatively cheerful. I can't wait for season three to start!

We had a fab BBQ at the weekend, a (very) belated birthday celebration for OH. He had a lovely night, we both even tried fire breathing! Brilliant fun!

On the downside, i clench my jaw in my sleep. I have done since i was pregnant with Big D. My teeth pretty much started crumbling when i was first pregnant and haven't stopped since, so I've had 12 years of pain from toothache. And i am terrified of the dentist. So I'll only go if i can't function through the pain, even then it's panic attacks all the way and usually vomiting.

In the last month I've broken 2 teeth in my sleep. At the weekend one of my front teeth literally snapped off at the gum line. And i swallowed it. So now, I'm in more pain than usual, and have an upset stomach. Don't know if it's through the pain or if the teeth are doing it. And of course Little D is playing up something chronic because he knows I'm not well.

It's impossible to get a dentist here. I've been on a waiting list for every dentist within a 50 mile radius for 2 and a half years and still no joy. I can't face going to the emergency dentist to get treatment because the rummaging around they'd have to do to get what's left of the tooth out would affect me too badly. So I'm trying to get an appointment with my doc to see if she can refer me to the hospital to have it out under sedation or something.

I'm only 29 but for the last 12 years if someone had said to me, "I'll pull out all your teeth and give you dentures." I'd cry and hug them! I've had enough of the constant pain. Along with my other various health problems, it's just getting me down a little too much.

I'm sorry for being such a moaning myrtle. Just feeling really low. Plan on doing some sewing tonight. That'll cheer me up. :-)

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and your Monday wasn't too harsh.

Sal. X

Duh!

2010-06-10T04:12:00.000-07:00

I was so tired last night I completely forgot to take any pics of the cakes I baked. Numpty. Weather hasn't improved any. And the forecast for the weekend has changed, it's meant to be raining now! Not a happy bunny. Tomorrow on the other hand is supposed to be sunny. Hmm, we'll see. What happened to summer I ask you?! I plan to go out and wash down the wee patio table and chairs as they're quite grubby, get Little D to help. Anything involving water and he's happy.

Still really tired, I had another bad night. Dreams again, and again I can't remember a thing. It must just be subconscious fears, stresses whatever breaking through I guess. I'm thinking a bottle of wine may help on Friday night! lol.

Just as I started baking last night my cooker started playing up, oven wouldn't turn on. So it looks like we're going to either have a bill for having it fixed, or a new one soon. Such is life I guess.

Well, off back to the grindstone I go. Pointless tidying that Little D is going to come behind me and undo. lol.

Sal. X

2010-06-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of pics i took at my folks place at the weekend. My baby brother! lol. Might as well be, Charlie is Mam and Dad's pooch, absolute darling of a dog! He's a Springer X Collie, Looks a little like a pointer as he's clipped short. He hates his fur long. Such a personality!This is a macro shot of a bush in my Mam's garden, beautiful blossoms! Not a clue what type of plant it is at all. But it's lovely.
My wonderful OH ordered me a bigger sized tripod, and it was delivered yesterday, when the rain was lashing down, so i couldn't get out to try it out. Hoping to give it a practice run today. Had a pretty bleh couple of days, not sure why, I'm blaming hormones as ever! Woke up after terrible dreams last night and this morning, so I'm quite tired. Don't remember the dreams, but going by the shaking and sweating, I'm relieved.

We're hoping to have a BBQ this weekend, will be at MIL's Friday, for her birthday. OH refurbished a laptop for her prezzie, I'm sure she'll be thrilled with it! I plan on making her a cute tartan heart to hang up too, had fabric cut out for it and she commented that she liked it. Quick and easy but a sweet gift. Having a small garden table and chairs set picked up tonight, I got them from a nice lady on Freegle. So that sorts out the seating for the BBQ.

Tonight I have a big chocolate cake to bake ice and decorate for someone's retirement at OH's work. And some cupcakes too. I'm going to make honey cupcakes with lemon icing. they'll be a refreshing alternative to the richness of the chocolate cake. So that'll keep me busy. Hopefully get the tartan heart done too. And maybe some more tissue covers. One of my Son's Teachers has requested a bag so I need to get that done too. I have two baby girls to make things for and no girly fabric! So I need to remedy that. Won't make it into town this week though so it'll have to wait until next week.

I need to go do some dreaded housework now so that I have a tidy workspace for later.

Hope every one's having a good day!

Sal. X

Happy Snapper!

2010-06-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

Finally! My camera arrived this morning! Absolutely thrilled with it! I just wanted a simple point and shoot, but that I could get clear, decent photos from and maybe learn with to do macro etc. I got exactly what I wanted! Little D hasn't been cooperative with posing at all today. But I can't blame him, he must be sick of me following him around trying to snap a pic! lol.

The dopey old dog Tara on the other hand, was more than willing to be photographed! lol. Loving the daft expression on her face here!
This was him huffing and ruining what I thought would be a funky shot of him taken between the branches of the Rowan Tree. Evidently, he thought different! Such is a life with a toddler I suppose.
My first ever attempt at a Macro shot! I thought it turned out pretty well, but I'm biased as I love Peony Roses. What do you think? I love the vibrancy of the colour!

I think Little D was also pretty disappointed because all the creepy crawlies we could find to take pics of were a small brown slug, and a beaten up moth that was hiding in his parasol. I was stung by an ant that found it's way up my t.shirt, no photo I'm afraid. I squished it in the process of removing it. I'm allergic to ant stings, so it burned like a ******!!! Might have more luck tomorrow. I intend heading into the woods to see if i can find more willing ~~victims~~ models.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Sal. X

AARRGGHH!!!!!

2010-06-03T05:25:00.001-07:00

I am (not so) patiently waiting for this camera to be delivered. According to the tracking status it's in the van, out of the van, in the van out of the van, and now for the last 3 hours has been scanned in the couriers depot very hour! Grrr!

Yesterday i spent all day dealing with whingeing kids, A in the middle had picked up some kind of bug and had an awful headache so he was off school. Then I had a phone call from lanky D's high school and he was being sent home too! Trying to make Little D leave his brothers alone was a challenge to say the least! He thought they were home early to play with him.

I'm still waiting for a refund of over £100 because of mix ups with the camera(s) and shopping, so pretty brassic at the mo. I'd love to do some sewing and chill out but my machine was stacked into the shed for the party and now I cant get to it. (not that I'd get peace to sew anyway, lol)

I'm frustrated and hacked off. Nothing new there then you say! lol. But I am finished ranting now. Sorry. I'll cheer up by thinking of all the lovely photo's I'll be able to take when my camera is delivered. (I've even bought and charged spare batteries in advance!) The rest of today will involve housework, most likely bad tempered housework. But at least it'll get done.

Hopefully I'll be back soon, with some half decent photos!

Birthday Parties, and a new camera! (hopefully soon)

2010-05-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hello! I've sadly neglected my poor blog yet again. Been very busy with kids birthday parties, pathetic attempts at gardening, much cursing at the death of my camera, you get the idea. Been kinda non stop around here the last while.

Life is good though, my wonderful OH has ordered a new and spiffy camera for me, which comes with memory card, tripod etc so i shall be photographing everything in sight! Can't wait! Had dramas getting it ordered properly, useless customer services grrr! Resulting in two lots of cash being taken and it'll take a while to go back into the bank which has left us pretty skint. And me pretty hacked off that the best kids party I've done so far I have no photo's of to show off! *sigh*

I do have photo's of Little D's party at his grandmas though, so I'll post them soon. I had a mega allergy outbreak as a result of being out in the sun. Covered in hives! Not a good look let me tell you! Kids thought it was hilarious. "You look like an alien from Star Wars Mum!" Such lovely kids. lol.

Not very much craftiness going on I'm afraid, I haven't had the time or the energy to be honest. I plan on making some cute bunting for some babies who have been born recently. With rag quilted letters spelling out their names. All girly babies so I'll need to go and buy some pink fabrics. Looking forward to that. And have organised to get to the show in July so I have that to prepare for too. Decent photo's to follow! (as soon as my camera gets here!)

But right now I'm exhausted, the heat has floored me. So I think I'll go have a nice cool drink and relax. May even sit outside now that there's a nice cool breeze. I hope everyone's weekend went well and you're all enjoying the beautiful weather! I will as long as I remember my antihistamines and sun hat!

Sal. X

Craft Fair.

2010-05-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the craft fair was a bit of a wash out. The pic is my table, i know there's not much on there, nor is it displayed very well, but it was the best i could do at the time. There weren't very many people coming in to be honest, and a few other stall holders actually said it was one of the worst ones they'd ever been to! But i enjoyed it all the same, i met new people, some very talented people! Some really beautiful crafts, i'm afraid i didn't get a chance to take photo's of other stalls. Quite angry with myself as there really were some lovely things. Not least the local chocolate factory's stall! Lovely dark chocolate covered coffee beans kept me going all day! I'll be back with better pics of my bags, and cute little tissue holders. Any ideas on how to effectively and prettily display bags would be much appreciated!

Bracelets, Birthday's, And Boll***s!

2010-05-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

This is a bracelet I made yesterday while Little D had his nap. The pearls are reclaimed from an old necklace my Mam gave me, hearts were in the bargain bucket at the craft shop and the other beads and charms i had already. I used purple tigertail.
This one is a birthday present for my sister in law. Again, reclaimed pearls, also the amethyst beads, Hematite stars from my bead stash, and the seed beads. charm and extension chain also from stash. I made matching earrings, but forgot to photograph them.

I'm still trying to get more done for the craft fair, just over a week to go and i still have lots of bags to make. My eyesight isn't cooperating though. Waiting for a hospital appointment. Just hope i can get enough done for the fair. I shouldn't need too much it's only a small one, 11 stalls all in. But it's been well advertised. So i want to be as prepared as i can. So just doing little bits whenever i get a spare minute really. Anaemia is slowing me down too. I sound like such a whinge!! Apart from all that crap, life is good. It really is. I have a night out with my lovely man to look forward to in the evening after the craft fair. No bowling this time thankfully! lol. Got a gorgeous little picnic table with built in benches and a parasol for Little D's birthday on the 21st. OH's birthday is this saturday, but we won't be celebrating til Sunday as his little Sis is having a joint party with her friend that day, so we'll be at that. But he doesn't mind waiting. So a busy week or so coming up, but looks like it'll be fun!

Sal. X

Jazmeister Central.

2010-05-06T02:41:00.000-07:00

Hiya folks, i'm shamelessly plugging a fellow blogger today, also family. Jaz needs support with getting his dream job,the world has conspired against him and he cannot achieve this without help, whether it's tweeting, a link in a blog, a couple of quid. any support is appreciated, he's a very talented lad, and if you're into gaming at all, you may already have heard of him. So if any of you could find the time to re post about him, facebook, twitter, blogger, whatever, raise awareness in any way or even contribute a £ or two, it would be amazingly generous of you! At the least, give his blog a look. It's very well written and if you have any kids into gaming, they'll love it!

Jazmeister Central!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Sal. X

Mega Bargains!!!

2010-04-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post peeps, mega busy with kids, bags, knitting funky bag straps with wool won from the lovely Hardup Hester I was in town today for coffee with my Mam, and charity shop scouring to find fabric to recycle into bag linings. And get this... I found two lovely Candlewick bedspreads for £1.29 each!!! I couldn't believe it! I've loved them since i was a kid. Are they back in vogue yet? lol. I don't care, i love the shabby chicness they have. A lovely purple one (my fav colour) and a pink one with the fluffy patterns on. As I type, I've already washed the purple beauty and dried it, and am wrapped up in it with the cat vying for lap space with the laptop. Life is good! I'm easily pleased! Also got mega bargainous fabric, sarongs. So I'm set for at least a few more bags, will post pics when i get time. Hope everyone has a fab weekend! Take care.

Sal. X

Potty Training.

2010-04-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Not had much time or energy for blogging i'm afraid. My almost 3 year old Little D has finally decided he wants to go in the toilet! Guess i should have called this post toilet training, I have bought potty's with all three of my boys, but none of them have ever used one. Not so much as a christening drip! They all preferred the toilet. Saves time I guess. No major accidents so far, so i'm thrilled as is Little D. He's loving the whole thing, including flushing and washing his hands. Fingers crossed it continues to go so well. I hope everyone is well, and i'll be back soon with pictures of some more makes for the craft fair.

Sal. X

Meme/Award thingy and Jewelery!

2010-04-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am gobsmacked and thrilled! My first ever award, meme thingy! I got it from the lovely Sue over at Smiffy's blog. I think I'm meant to tell you all 7 things about myself I'd rather people not know. Lol. This could be horrific! (kidding).

1/ I am terrified of becoming an alcoholic, but i still drink alcohol. Having a glass of Shiraz as i write this.

2/ I was brought up catholic, and as a result ended up hating religion and the hypocrisy that goes with it, I'm kind of pagan/satanist.

3/ I used to run around naked in the rain. (not confident enough in my own skin or i still would)

4/ I love to argue with people online! My very geeky OH Say's I'm a troll! lol

5/ I am a wannabe domestic goddess. It never goes to plan, house stays an overcrowded tip. But i try.

6/ I have predictive dreams. Always have, i woke up and knew when my Grandad had a stroke, i knew when my Nana died, etc etc.

7/ A lot of the time, i have more time for animals than people.

So there you go! That's it. Not as bad as i thought really. So now i think i tag 7 other people?

Tracey's crafty~scraps

The Diary of a Frugal Family

....A MeRmAiDs PuRsE.......

I look forward to seeing what these ladies responses are!

This is a handbag charm I've made to go along with the bags I'm making for the craft fair next month. First attempt, so any comments or constructive criticism greatly appreciated.
I LOVE the little frog bead on this bracelet i made, as soon as i saw him i had to put him on something! The start are hematite, the big beads all lampwork. Beautiful.
Another bracelet. I've also done some earrings, and very simple necklaces so far, with bone hearts, some with wings. Just getting familiar with the tools and beads for now. Let me know what you think. Good or bad, i gotta learn! So, back to the Shiraz i guess, there's some chocolate with my name on it too! Good times!

Take care everyone! xxx

I feel sick!!!

2010-04-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

I've just booked a table at a local craft fair in May. I've never done it before and i have social phobia! Stupid non? Grab the bull by the horns i say! Woo hoo! (Help, I'm going to vomit!)

Unsettled

2010-04-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

This first pic is the unusual fungus that is taking over a bush at the bottom of my garden. Unexpected find while i was tidying up. I thought it was quite pretty to look at, intricate, a perfect example of nature in my tiny garden where even grass refuses to grow, before we moved in here some numpty buried tins of paint in the meagre topsoil, so that up until now, the only things resilient enough to grow on the mud patch were two bushes and weeds. So the fungus makes a nice change.
These are the eggs Little D painted while his big brother A was at school painting his. I had the big jar from Xmas, a bargain find in a charity shop bought to put sweets in, the pretty cloth in the bottom i got in poundland, they have all sorts with nice cheerful designs. Much better to wipe down worktops with in my opinion, bring a bit of spring brightness to the kitchen too.
And finally, my cheery tablecloth! And beautiful and pungent lilies my lovely man brought me home for our 4yr anniversary. The hurricane lamp was another charity shop find. I love candles, and flowers. Although these lilies have been a lot of work! They look funny as I've cut all the stamen off. the pollen not only stains everything it touches but is also very poisonous to cats. So the lilies have been moved around a lot, to make sure they're always out of the kitties reach. I'm still enjoying them though. Beautiful!

I've had an odd evening, found out via my sister that over the weekend, two people we know have died. Very unexpectedly. One had only just gotten married last weekend. So tragic. So I'm feeling kind of shell shocked to be honest. Just feels so surreal. My heart is breaking for the families involved.

So, I think I'll do the original post i had planned later in the week. I hope every one's weekend went well, and everyone enjoyed their Easter celebrations. I'm off to catch up on some blog reading now, I've missed so much. Take care!

Sal. X

Apologies.

2010-04-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have been going around the twist lately. (nothing new there) Our rotten weather here interfered with my Internet access. I only have a mobile dongle and apparently the snow broke the transmitter Aeriel up here. So i have been sans interwebs. Hence no blog posts, I aim to remedy this later today, with a proper post. Lol. Hopefully. I have spent the time constructively, painting eggs with Little D, clearing the garden, (finding a huge fungi at the bottom of the garden in the process) I have yet to find any time or energy to do some sewing, I am lacking inspiration and motivation which really isn't helping. But i will get there. I have a lot i want to get done, spring cleaning and organisation, and by the time i get some of these things done i have no energy left for luxuries such as crafting. The crochet has fallen by the wayside, as i discovered i was doing it wrong. Ha! Typical, but I'll start over and try to find the rhythm again, with the right stitches this time. Anyway, enough whingeing, back later, with a photo of the weird fungi hopefully, if it brightens up.

Birthday Boy!

2010-03-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

No photos this time I'm afraid, haven't stopped long enough to take any today. It's my middle boy A's birthday, he turned 11 today, so i have been keeping busy, cleaning, doing washing and baking, and will have to do it all over again on Saturday as he's having a wee party, nothing big, my folks and a friend or two, little nephew. Still, should be a fun day. The birthday boy had fun so far, he got the game he wanted, (he loves games consoles) And his big and little brothers got him a cute award mug for being the best farter! Lol. Too true. He can really clear a room! So now, they've all had dinner, stuffed themselves silly with cake of every kind and i still have a dishwasher to load and more washing to sort. *sigh*

I got to go to town on my own this week! I had an emergency. Little D broke my specs, since I can't see a thing without them, it had to be a one hour service. They all had a good laugh at my frankenspecs, my lenses in fiance's frames. I also found a lovely table cloth in spring colours, a hurricane lamp in a charity shop. So it was a good day. My table looks lovely and sunny now. Very cheerful. I shall be back, most likely on Saturday, after all the fun and games. With photo's of my lovely tablecloth before the kids spill anything on it!

P.M.A.

2010-03-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

This is the beautiful candle holder all my boys got me for Mothers Day. This whole post is in the wrong order as for some reason i cant make sense of how to get the photo's to go in the order they're meant to! Will have to ask Mr Computer Genius when he gets home. lol.
I feel as if I've done nothing but moan and complain the last while, so I decided I need a bit of P.M.A. Positive Mental Attitude! The lovely sun yesterday helped no end, Little D and I made a tent in the garden and spent most of the day out there. Old dopey dog loved it too. I drank coffee and took photos, none of which are very good as neither Little D or Tara the dopey dog were in the mood for posing for the camera, but hey ho, we still had fun. Especially when the makeshift tent kept threatening to blow away!

The plan for today is make a different type of tent with a clothes horse, do loads more washing, (it never ends!) Possibly bake some cakes as the weather is supposed to turn wet again later today. And all the usual cleaning and tidying malarkey. I'm going to sit in the sun and look through the Wilkinsons catalogue while Little D plays in his tent. Then get as much of the chores done as I can when he has his nap. Hope you're all having a lovely sunny day. I think we all need after the winter we've had. Nothing as cheery as some lovely warm spring sunshine! P.M.A. people!!

Damn it! I'm jinxed!

2010-03-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

So, i got to the gig I'd been sooooo looking forward to, my lovely sister and one of fiance's workmates I'd brainwashed came with, we ended up 2 hours early, to find the Band weren't playing! Needless to say, i was pretty hacked off. Luckily Ted Christopher was playing, so we still got to hear some good live music. I was so embarrassed and disappointed though. Never mind, then shopping for my mothers day presents was left til the last minute so lovely fiance and kids spent an absolute fortune on the most pathetic flowers i have ever seen most of which are dead already, and a lot had no heads! Add to that the very expensive but vile wine, and an unexpected (due to hormone imbalance) visit from my monthlies, and it wasn't exactly my ideal weekend. *sigh*

But on the plus side, i got to see a friend i haven't seen for ages, met a friend from America, got breakfast in bed from the kiddies, beautiful bought and home made cards, a huge banner my eldest made on the PC, Quesidilla made for dinner, and a beautiful candle holder. I did sulk because they were all doing their own things all day, i had hoped we'd spend the day having family time. I guess we'll just have to be better organised next year. I feel like an ungrateful whinge, i just hoped for more. Had some bad financial news which gutted me. Then find out that it was a mistake and we're not as far up the creek as we thought. Hormones have made it all seem much worse than it actually is.

It's been a beautiful sunny day here which cheered me up no end, cold, but sunny. Have had every window in the house open all day. Lovely fresh breeze. had visits from my favourite ravens, they always make me smile. Such clever birds.

My plan is to go into town and get some lovely (cheap) flowers, plants, and cheerful happy tat to cheer myself up. lol.

My last trip into town was eventful. Little D chose balloons for me and my mum for mothers day, mum got a lovely heart shaped balloon with pretty flowers and little lady bugs on it, i thought i had one around the same size but teddy shaped... No, it's a cute tatty teddy balloon, the same height as Little D!! He ended up screaming because he thought the damn thing was gonna pop! We got it home safe and well, (thanks to my sis who gave us a lift) And it now floats in a corner of the living room terrifying the cats!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day. I'll leave you with a pic of cheeky Ravens.

Sunshine at last!

2010-03-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we finally made it into town yesterday. Not the fabulous day I had anticipated, Little D has been playing up something chronic. Not going to go into to why here, too complicated and emotionally draining. But, i am not giving up. We're going back on Friday. No pictures I'm afraid, didn't get a chance, but let me tell you, i'll be more careful in the pet shop in future! Explaining two tortoises mating to a 2yr old aint fun! So they were wrestling. Little D had to be bribed with cake to leave the pet shop. He would have had all the tortoises and all the fish home with him.

We had a walk to the park today, the rest of the village beautiful sunshine, not a speck of snow or ice to be seen, we even spotted some crocuses on the way there. But we get to the park, and there are still mounds of snow the ploughs have left, and the play bark is frozen solid! The cold didn't help my back at all, but the fresh air and sunshine did both of us good. Hoping for another lovely day like this on Friday.

The little angel is now having a nap, tired out after all the fun of the park and feeding the poor cold birds when we got home, he gets quite worried about them being cold and hungry, so we make sure to feed them every day.

Bleh!

2010-02-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

It's official. I have had enough of this damn snow! It ruined the planned day into town as the schools were closed. Had three bored kids who are also sick of the snow, at home all day. But, on the plus side, i am going to see one of my favourite bands ever in less than two weeks!!!

Albannach!! I am so excited, it's ridiculous! They are a phenomenal tribal Scottish drumming band! Brilliant! So primal and energetic! Sure it wont help my poor back any, as you cant help but throw yourself around when their music is playing. The rhythm takes over. It's all good! Just trying to round up a few people to go, Even if i have to go alone, i am not missing it! Been waiting to see these guys live for years! Bonus is, it's free to get in! Part of a tour they're doing for American fans. So many photo's will follow. i can't wait!!!!

Backache.

2010-02-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

This backache malarkey really isn't funny. Yes, I'm having a whinge. I cant tidy up as I cant bend down, so the house is a tip, it eased off for a while yesterday, which was bliss! But then the bed broke, and I am now crippled again. Ha ha, I'm jinxed. Hoping I'm a bit more mobile tomorrow, as Little D and I are meant to be going into town again. I promised him a look in the pet shop, and he's arranged to take his Auntie (my wee sis) out for coffee as it's her birthday on Friday. More hot baths and pain relief gel me thinks, I shall hopefully have some photos to post, also have my fingers crossed for no more snow!! Enough already! I want spring! Watery sunshine, budding trees, crocuses peeking though the cold soil. No more snow! So, i am determined to get on the bus tomorrow, have a lovely day with Little D, and probably collapse in agony the moment i get home. but, it will be worth it.

Wonderful Night Out!

2010-02-22T00:58:00.000-08:00

Hi there folks, Well, i had a truly lovely night out on Saturday. It was great to meet all of my fiance's workmates and friends finally. They are all really nice people. I'm kinda jealous that he gets to go to work every day with these people he fits so well with. Also very happy for him though. lol. The one and only bad bit of the whole night, and the reason i haven't blogged about it all sooner, is... i put my back out while bowling. Pain wasn't too bad until the next morning when i found i could barely walk! Trapped sciatic nerve i think. Very painful. But i maintain it was worth it, I feel as if i have made new friends and feel even more involved in my fiance's life now. We fit incredibly well together when socialising as well as at home, which is always a good thing.

Unfortunately, i have no photo's to share, it was too dark in the bowling alley, and all the photo's i took turned out a bit rubbish, shall see if J has any decent ones to post when he comes home from work. Although, now I've met his boss etc, i can't look at it as work, he gets to spend all day doing something he loves, and would do at home anyway, with people he gets on really well with and has a lot in common with. He's so lucky!

I'm just hoping little D is going to be relatively well behaved today, I'm in far too much pain to run after him too much. Which also means there won't be much cleaning happening today either. Ah well, such is life. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Sal. X

A lovely day..,

2010-02-18T02:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went into our nearest City for the day, I had an appointment to go to. Not a big deal. But i have issues with agoraphobia and social phobia, so as a result of the horrible weather we've been having, i haven't been out much since before Christmas. Yesterday was the first time in months I'd braved the crowds, along with Little D. He was an absolute angel! Completely unexpected as he is now firmly in the "terrible two's". I was so proud of him, best behaviour all day, no grumping or anything. So thanks to my darling baby boy, i had a great day. He did demand that i buy him a shirt that he spotted and immediately loved, Which he looks stunning in. A book, and a toddler version of a transformer, but he asked nicely, and both wee in the sale, so how could i refuse? He is a little tired today, after all the excitement, bus trips, shops, lots of shop ladies to smile at and send all gooey. He really is a little flirt! lol. But we had a great day, and now plan to do it every week to make sure I get out, and we have some decent Mum and D time.

I'm slightly less nervous about Saturday now, more excited than anything. The only problem now is, my dangerous bowling skills! It's all good. as long as nobody stands too close to me!

Sal. X

It's all good!

2010-02-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

This is the scene that greeted me this morning, and now, it's almost all gone!

Not that I'm complaining.

I am quite nervous this week, i have a night out on Saturday, which is causing the nerves. It may be quite unusual, or unconventional, but my fiance and i have been together almost four years, and this will be our first night out together! I feel like I'm going on a first date! In a flap about what to wear, (which never bothers me) We are going bowling, with his workmates, some of whom i have met, love dearly and see as extended family, some i have yet to meet. So i shouldn't be feeling so giddy, but i am. Ridiculous non? I am however, looking forward to it.

I received my lovely Valentines presents yesterday, i got a lovely watch and bracelet. would post pictures but I'm struggling with getting them on here for some reason.

Little D is having a nap, still full of snot, bless him, hence the reason i am getting peace to blog, i should be cleaning and putting in yet another load of never ending washing. I best get on with it, it won't do itself unfortunately.

Sal. X

Happy Valentines Day.

2010-02-14T12:33:00.001-08:00

I aspire to be a domestic goddess, I fail miserably, but I try. The cooking, baking, mothering, I can do. It's the cleaning and organisation that lets me down every time. I just cant motivate myself to clean up after people who could and should be doing it themselves.

On the baking front, I made my lovely man a heart shaped devils food cake, and my youngest boy helped decorate it with pink and white mini marshmallows, there would have been a photo, but to be honest, he made quite a mess of it, well, he is only 2 and a half. His daddy loved it anyway.

Had hoped to go out for a family walk but weather was just too miserable and wet, so hopefully tomorrow. We don't usually bother with Valentines day, it always seems so convoluted and commercialised, this year however, since we completely forgot our anniversary, we thought we'd do something, have made cards with the kids etc, as i think it should be about family love as well as romantic love. We all had a good day anyway. All of my boys are suitably filled up with chocolate cake and brownies, with a ham salad for dinner to balance it out. And strawberries and blueberries for desert. Now, i am off for some "me" time, i need to dye my hair. lol. Hope everyone had a wonderful day, romantic or not.

Sal. X

January is over!

2010-02-01T00:54:00.000-08:00

Hurrah! I always feel like January drags on a bit, it seems to be the most miserable month. An anticlimax after all the excitement of December. It's snowing again here in bonnie Scotland. A wet sloppy snow, no chance of a snowman, so little D and I are staying in the warm, watching Madagascar 2. Which he loves. Hoping to get out later, we need to collect twigs to make bird feeders. I discovered, the reason the poor birds wont use out shop bought fat balls is, their little claws are getting stuck on the silly plastic mesh they are in. So we're going to fashion home made bird feeders from twigs for them. Not been having much luck technology wise, so no new pics as yet. hoping to remedy the situation very soon.

I am so looking forward to spring, seeing more colour and budding life all around, for now, past photo's will have to do.

Poorly Boy!

2010-01-26T03:30:00.000-08:00

I have my middle son A home from school today, actually, he went to school quite merrily, then he threw up and was sent home. He is now tucked back into bed. I think sleep is the best cure when we are feeling poorly.

I have a horrible appointment at the hospital tomorrow that I'm truly dreading, so to cheer myself up, I thought I'd post some more pics of bags i have done, none of them more recent than xmas I'm afraid, I've hardly had two minutes to myself with little D now firmly in the terrible two's. And it's so much easier to relax and practice crochet than drag out the sewing machine and boxes of recycled fabric.

The photo's aren't great, taken at night. the black, denim one is a changing bag, open top, with a slot in organiser which has pockets for bottles, wipes, nappies, other essentials, also a hook incorporated into the bag for keys. It drives me crazy rummaging in a bag for my keys!

The other one, i kept for myself, couldn't resist the corduroy goodness of it. It is a huge slouchy hobo bag. Again, I'm so sorry for the lack of light in the photo. This bag is made from and inspired by some clothes my mum donated to me to reuse. A lovely forest green skirt that i wish i could have worn, but it just wasn't generous enough to cover my ample hips. And a white top with pretty little blue flowers did the lining for it and some parts of the organiser. I also threw in the two red panels at either side, just to be a rebel! My mum said red and green would clash, i just wanted to show her they could look good together. In my opinion anyway.

Busy busy busy.

2010-01-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

I have, again, been lax in my blog writing efforts. Not a great start. But with sick Mum, sick toddler, and trying to support a friend through a most traumatic time, it's been bedlam here.

Things seem to be calming down, thankfully, I've had little time for craftiness, but have kept practicing my crochet. Long way to yet i fear, I am positively dying to have a go at the beautiful ripple blanket of Lucy's over at Attic24! It's beautiful! But i have taken advice from far more experienced crocheters than myself, and am looking for smaller simpler projects to start with.

On a domestic note, I am currently enjoying the smell of ham and veg soup drifting through from my beloved slow cooker, Looking forward to Friday when a rolling pin gets delivered along with my shopping, (have never owned one! Always just used a clean jar) and also waiting for a delivery of books from Waterstones. A Juliet Marillier especially. I cant wait! Have already finished the whole Sookie Stackhouse series. (True Blood) Wow! Fab books! Have passed them on to a friend to read now.

I must get on, have to make some dumplings to go with the soup, I feel the need for stodgy but relatively healthy comfort food. I hope everyone is well and wrapped up against the cold. I'll be back soon. (Hopefully)

Sal. X

Germs!

2010-01-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

I have been caught by the lurgy! I'm suffering with the flu at the moment, and a very irate 2yr old. We were dog sitting over the weekend for some friends, two lovely, but crazy labradors. And little D fell in love with them, he spent all weekend pretending to be one of them. So he's a little upset they're gone this morning.

Not much of a crafty sort going on i'm afraid, been too snotty. I have been shivering in the kitchen trying to get some photo's of the birds i feed every morning, but they're not cooperating. Will keep trying, hopefully when i feel a bit better i can stand and wait in the garden for them to eat and get some then.

I really want to go to bed right now, but unfortunately, i have said 2yr old to entertain, and housework to do. I don't however have to load up the slowcooker today, a very thoughtful friend brought over some casserole, so all i have to do is peel and boil some potato's. Which i am very greatful for!

Hopefully, i shall be back with photo's of cheeky ravens, adorable finches, and a very violent wee robin, later.

Sal. x

SNOW DAY!

2010-01-07T01:06:00.000-08:00

I will be spending today trying to keep 4 kids entertained, as the schools are closed due to the snow. I have my own 3 and a friend of A who babysit. The plan is, a Ghibli film, then wrap up warm and go out for some snowman building and sledging, then home for hot chocolate with marshmallows and home made shortbread cookies. The hot chocolate is a recipe i just looked up online using condensed milk as I've no milk and our local shop has none. I hope it turns out OK. Haven't thought what we'll do after that, no seed left to make fat balls for the birds. So, maybe some painting. We'll see. I hope everyone has a nice day, whether snowed in or not. Wrap up warm and take care.

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

Well, i had no idea it would take me this long to get another post written. But here it finally is, been really busy over the festive period. I'm pretty glad it's all over now, been quite a stressful time. But the main good points were, the kids had a great Christmas, I didn't poison anyone, and we got to spend time together as a family which was lovely. I hope everyone had a lovely Xmas and new year. as stress less as possible.

I have been thinking about, not so much resolutions, but plans for the new year, there's so much i want to do, and so much we're going to be doing. Moving house for one! Mega stressful, but it will be worth it. we really need a bigger space, far too cramped where we are.

I am however, feeling very positive about this year, so many good things are going to happen. Our move, My partner now has his dream job. So thrilled for him! And the other day i found a magazine about crochet, with free yarn and hook for 99p. so i grabbed it, had a go tonight, and i think I've actually mastered single and double crochet stitch!! It's great, such a revelation. (I'm easily pleased) I have such plans for crocheted things. My whole house will be adorned with crochet. It's so relaxing, and rewarding. i love it! So I'll be back soon with pics of new projects, and hopefully of a finally finished rag quilt, and more bags, when i remember to photograph them.

2009-12-14T02:10:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I woke up this morning and thought I'd dreamt setting up this blog. lol. Well here i am, just a quick post before going to do breakfast clean up then make some pine cone fire starters in record bowls as Christmas gifts. While trying to keep little D occupied, he's 2 and a half so quite a task at times. luckily for me he loves to draw. Will post some pics of the pine cone project when i get time.

2009-12-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

Wow! Didn’t think I’d figure that out so quick!

Well, I’m addicted to so many amazing craft blogs, I thought, “why not just do it? start my own!” So here I am. incredibly nervous, but excited too. I’m no expert crafter, nor am I anywhere near as good as the bloggers I positively idolize, but I enjoy it, so I keep going.

Resewn bag!

I enjoy making things from old clothes that would otherwise get binned, I do them mostly as gifts.