Well then .........

...a quick update before we go to the caravan for our last long weekend of the summer. DH has just gone to work; DD and I are loading the roofbox and car later then going to MIL's as she and her partner are coming too. So today's plans are:

Leave home 10am (if DD gets up in time), call at Heart of the Shires to pick up my new Moshulu clogs - I have wanted a pair of these for ages, get to MIL's for 11 so I can have a rest from driving and a coffee. DH works about 20 minutes away so after loading all their stuff we will pick him up from work and it's go go go LOL
DH works south of Birmingham so we will go a more scenic route to Wales but that does mean we'll miss the motorway traffic especially as it's a Bank Holiday weekend.

I am looking forward to a restful weekend as this week has been quite hectic. Sunday I had my arm checked and although nothing major was broken the doc did think I had damaged (maybe fractured) a small bone in my hand/wrist (where your thumb joint is). I now have a splint to wear which has a metal bar in to stop me bending my wrist forward. It makes jobs a little difficult and I'm not really looking forward to the driving today. My arm still aches and it's nearly three weeks. I am going to try not to use it much at the caravan especially as there will be more people around to do the jobs.

Tuesday I had a lovely day in Leicester with DD, we had fun clothes shopping and then enjoyed lunch at Bella Italia. Thursday she got her GCSE results, although in Year 10 she had taken English (Language and Literature), Statistics and Religious Studies a year early. Her results were B, A, B and A* - we're so proud, well done Philippa.

DS is not in our good books, after the terrible happenings at the vets he has lost the plot and although he did finish the college course has no inclination to go back to studies BUT also has no job. He is treating life as one long holiday. I was very cross when we got back from our last two weeks at the caravan as all my potted plants have died because he didn't remember to water them - and he goes out in the garden for his cigarettes. Anyway Wednesday night we went to my dad's and left DS and his girlfriend here. They were leaving later and locking up. When we got back at 9pm we couldn't get in.

We popped back to dad's to get his spare key incase it was that but his didn't work either. We had the patio door key but because the key was in the house side we could only unlock the second door but it only opened an few inches cos in effect the doors were still locked together. We ended up calling out a locksmith who did manage to open the patio doors and DS had locked the front door with a key still in the inside. Apparently if both keys are vertical you can do this but once locked the inner key is horizontal and will not turn back.

It cost us £90 and we did not get in until 10.15, we also lost Ruby in the process with all the doors being open and her being nervous of this stranger banging at the doors, he was dressed in black with a miners torch on his head so must have looked weird. DD and I chased down the street and DD had the fab thought of shouting to Ruby that we were going home and running the opposite direction. Ruby was brilliant and turned and ran back - phew. We were so cross with DS - just no thought going on.

On a slightly brighter note yesterday he had his first driving lesson, he had put it off a while and was quite nervous but it seemed to go ok and he has another one next week. He is not a confident lad and the vet thing has made it worse but he could be more aware of things around him.

So you see my few days home have been mega hectic - in fact I am getting quite fed up of it all. I am a busy person but that should be my trips out, stitching, reading, cooking - not sorting stuff out all the time. With DH, DS, DD, Ruby and my dad I seem to have to look after 5 people, just need looking after myself sometimes.

Blimey that was another long blog and what a lot of moaning, sorry but it does help. Stitching wise I have done nothing all week, neither have I done any reading. Maybe I will get the chance at the weekend. Oh well off to get my new clogs :)

Have a fabulous Bank Holiday for those in the UK, and to my friends abroad - just enjoy :)

Holiday News

We're back from fortnight at the caravan. The weather was mixed with one of the best days being the day we left - typical.

The first few days Michael was with us; we did not go out much over the fortnight as Ruby required quite a lot of attention. Monday I did an hour helping out at the church coffee morning, then the others came and we went to the market. There was nothing new there but it was good practice for Ruby to be around so many people. Michael came back to Nuneaton on Wednesday, he came by train on his own for the first time. He was a little nervous but met his girlfriend at Birmingham New Street so they spent some time in the city before coming home.

Nick spent quite a few days boxing in the bottom of the caravan. He had to dig out some holes for the supports but unfortunately Ruby decided to help too, she got it a little wrong though as she was pushing the soil back in, oops. The finishing wood came last Monday and it took Nick three days to get it up. Philippa helped with painting, it all looks very good. Lots of our fellow caravaners have been looking and commenting, we just have a few bits to finish off.

I spent most of my free time (there wasn't much) stitching my JA Mail Art which is now finished and can be posted on Monday. I took my JA Christmas SAL pieces but did not get a chance to do any of them. I also took some books but didn't open one. But I did spent Sunday evening making some cards for church. I forgot to take my inners and my finishing envelopes so I've had to bring the cards home to finish. We're back on Friday so I can take them to church next weekend.

I saved my orts from hols - it looks like I've done loads of stitching but I did not save any smallish threads so some pieces are quite long.

I've added them to my jar - it is growing surprisingly quickly.

We did have a trip out to Denbigh, St. Asaph, Rhuddlan and Rhyl. I used to holiday (on scout camp) in this area when I was younger. It was a fair way but we had a good day out if a little windy.

We have been walking so much this holiday - which is a good thing as I have not been very good on my diet. I forgot my book and scales and gave up guessing. I know I have eaten too many extras; not looking forward to Tuesday weigh in but will have to go.

On one of our regular walks we have to go along side a drainage ditch. There is a lovely family of swans there and the other day we were amazed to see them on the side all asleep, they did look cute.

Every summer for over 25 years the Cambrian Steam has run along the coast. It's a fantastic sight and runs past our caravan park in the morning and back down at night. The kids all stand at the crossing to see it. British Rail are changing the track to fit in with some European rule and the trains have to have new computer technology. Unfotunately the old steam doesn't so next Friday will be it's last run. It is such a shame but we have read in the local paper that they are working on the problem and it may run again sometime in the future.
I am having a little trouble with my left arm, in fact it is uncomfortable to type this. The first Sunday we went to a small beach and let Ruby have a run (her first so we were nervous). She flew off and we chased after her. The beach was actually clay with sand on top and was like a skating pond. Philippa managed to stay upright, Michael went round the edge, Nick stayed on the rocks but I went skidding along and BUMP on my behind - it was funny cos I was still holding the dog biscuit high, calling Ruby. My trousers were covered in sludge and I had to hitch my way off the slippy patch cos I couldn't stand up LOL. Anyway all week my left arm has felt very heavy, and for a few days my wrist hurt but I thought it was just a strain or jar. Two weeks on it is still painful from my elbow to my wrist - it is a heavy ache and feels like it's the bone. Michael had a look tonight and when he touch an area just above my wrist it was very tender. He thinks I have a green stick fracture and suggested I go the docs on Monday. I must admit I did not think it would ache this long after doing it - I'll see how it goes but am thinking I should get it checked. There is no obvious sign of damage and my use isn't restricted; it just hurts.

This final picture is Philippa and Ruby in the back of the car waiting to set off. Nick had tried to take one but Philippa hid her head, but I sneaked this from inside the caravan through the door on full zoom. I think its a fab picture of them both.

Sorry my blog is a long one, thanks for popping by, I will be catching up over the next few days with everyone's news.

News Update

Well I have no stitching news as I am busy doing the Mail Art Exchange and I can't share until it's been received. I am working hard on it as I want to use my overlocker and we go away on Saturday so I'm hoping I have enough done to stitch some of it together before we go and finish off in Wales.

Ruby is doing really well. She no longer wears a Dap collar and is learning to behave much more. She still chews my houseplants and pinches the effect coals off the fire but she is getting better. Over the weekend we took here on a lovely walk along the canal and round the Battle of Bosworth field. We even let her off the lead on the tow path and she did come back ... phew. Tonight we have taken her over the local playing field and let her off again, just for a short while. She was excellent and did come back, especially when mum had some chews.

Today I stripped half the conservatory wallpaper. It's been over 10 years since it was done and we fancy a change, nothing drastic but it's looking grubby and faded so needs a freshen up. Over the next few days I am hoping to finish stripping and then washing it all down with sugar soap. Next job will be sanding back the walls and woodwork but I don't think I'll do that until we get back from Wales.

Well that's all from me... back to Mail Arting ;)

Strawberry Pinkeeps

Last week I went on an overlocking course - it was great fun but as yet I haven't had chance to do any at home. However I bought a couple of fabric kits, one of which was "Strawberry Pinkeeps". I've managed to get four out of the fabric in the kit. I adapted the stalk by looping some cord as they had used just a piece of the felt. I think they are quite cute and a handy size for small projects. I'm on the look out now for more fabric to make some more.

Yesterday postie delivered a wonderful suprise - two absolutely gorgeous ornaments for Miss-Tree. Julie has stitched (over 1) two Little Misses and they are soooooooooooooooooo cute - thanks Julie they are perfect for the tree.

I'm hoping to get started on my Mail Art tonight - I have all the charts ready, just need to sort out the fabric and threads - I'm quite excited about this exchange but I can't show any progress sorry. I will be able to reveal it by the end of the summer (if we get one that is LOL) so not long to wait.

And I lost 4 pounds at SW this week :) only 2.5 pounds to go for my 2 stone award. I am really enjoying this healthy eating regime, nothing is un-eatable, I can even have my wine :)

Don't get tooooooo wet - I hope we all get some sun soon.

Stitching news and more

I have lots to catch up on but first the important stuff - my stitching.

I have completed the JA Christmas 2009 SAL pieces - I'm doing both Christmas Tidings and Christmas Wishes (both designed by Loupylou). These are my pieces so far.

I have been very lapse with the JA UFO Night stitching but it has not been possible for quite a few weeks, however I did get loads stitched last weekend. Here is my progress so far on St George (Millennia Designs), I have no idea why it's on its side LOL.

My other stitching has been a MAJOR repair job thanks to Ruby. She ripped our sofa the first day I went to work, bit of confusion by DS as to which doors to leave open and which must always be closed. We all know now LOL. I had to stitch the repair by hand because she has chewed away some of the inner foam and if I had taken the cover off to mend I think it would have completly fallen apart. I'm quite pleased with the finish, it doesn't look too bad.

I have also had to mend Philippa's beloved Floppy (her teddy since she was born) as Ruby also got hold of her. She has been fully mended and now lives inside the wardrobe safe and sound.

On Wednesday I went on an overlocking course. Mum bought Philippa and me an overlocker for Christmas and enrolled me on beginners course. These are all my samples I did on the day including a neckline, a gather and a rolled edge.

Talking of Ruby, she is settling in but she can be a handful. We have to keep all rooms closed apart from where we are. She is learning not to do naughty stuff and we're learning not to leave stuff about. It was a little difficult initially, especially at the caravan last weekend but by Sunday she was very settled and enjoying herself. I guess being taken to yet another home in such a short time was a big thing for her. She is very good when out but can bark at people, especially if they put their hand out to her. She is barky at new people, we guess that's a scare thing from her previous owners. Overall she has improved a huge amount in just three weeks, hopefully this means I will get a bit more stitching/blogging time. She does enjoy lying on the top patio step in the sun, when it's out of course.

End of school year was good but emotional. We had so many people retiring or moving on that there were meals out all week. I put two pounds on at SW which isn't too bad considering how much I was off track. The head of English has retired; I will really miss him. I had only worked with him for 18 months but he was so kind, supportive and helpful, I hope we will remain friends (if his retirment plans give him any spare time LOL).

I managed to get this beautiful photo of a butterfly in our garden the other day. Quite a feat as I had to balance on the pond and use full zoom without shaking (something I do inside constantly with the MS). It's beautiful, I just love the colours.

Finally I have given the first donations to my two charities - MS Society and St Cadfan's Church. I have donated £35 to each and this money has been raised through my charity blog Aimetu's Stitchery. I received a lovely letter of thanks today from the church, you can read it on my charity blog and is you haven't seen my designs they are also there on the previous post.

I'm sorry I have not been reading anyone's blogs lately, hopfully I will be able to catch up this week.

News report .......

.... well it feels like it - so much has happened this week.

Firstly I lost another 2.5 pounds at Slimming World making a total of 23.5 pounds :) I am so so pleased. I am not sure I will lose anything this week, in fact I will probably gain it all back as we are out tonight for a Chinese meal and I'm out again Monday for another Chinese meal.

I have a very full week of eating next week and quite a few people are retiring from school and I have three separate meals out. It will be quite a week as there are lots of changes going on with us opening as a National Challenge School. It is all being finalised this week which is a bit strange because if they don't give a final yes heaven knows what will happen to the school. As soon as we have a decision everyone will be a bit calmer.

School was hectic for the kids this week. We had our performance of Grease Wednesday and Thursday night. There were some very quick costume changes but I had laid it all out so all went smoothly. My 30 skirts looked fab under the lights and none fell apart LOL. The kids were amazing, so professional and their voices brought tears to my eyes. There was such a positive buzz around school, everyone was on a high.

A slight hiccup happened Wednesday - I twisted my ankle rushing around backstage sorting my costumes out. I stepped back onto a pop bottle left on the floor ;(. I didn't have time to stop so carried on and didn't notice it really hurt until I got home. Thursday morning it was quite painful. We had sports day (not me LOL) and I had to stand around a lot which did not help. By the evening performance I was limping and by the end it was giving me lots of trouble. Anyway I had yesterday off and rested it and today it twinges but isn't too bad. Hopefully if I strap it for a couple more days it will be fine.

Ruby is settling in ok, quite a few issues but I think we have come up with strategies for them. We have a muzzle which we have to use a few times for various things. We have all had to start learning to shut our bedroom doors and the lounge door if we are upstairs. She has torn one of the sofa cushions but hopefully I can repair it with some spare fabric I have. She has only been here a week and has really learnt our way quite quickly. We don't know what life was like before for her but we know what it will be like - fab fab fab.

Alas I have not picked up a needle all week :( but I have finished the instructions for the JA Mail Art and emailed those out. I was hoping to stitch today but no time has been taken up with ironing and Ruby. We're off to MIL's tomorrow leaving Ruby at home so I might get 1/2 an hours worth in. And I certainly haven't had time to read, my booklist is huge. I have 4 books from school that I need to read over the summer ready for next year.

We are off to the caravan next Friday as it's the end of term. We have not been for 6 weeks and we are all getting withdrawal symptoms. Hopefully Ruby will love it too and I can't wait to show her the beach and sea.

Well I guess that's all from me - I hope you are all stitching away :)

Home at last !! edited with photos

This is just a quick blog to say "Ruby" is finally home.

We picked her up Saturday and apart from a few mischievous things (like jumping on the sofa) she has settled in really well.

I am rushed off my feet, what with looking after Ruby,DS and DD, going out to a party :) and spending all day at school rehearsing Grease I seem to have a few hours missing somewhere LOL

I will post more as soon as I can...

... and now I can :)

Here are a couple of photos of Ruby in the garden, and a photo of my gorgeous day lilies.

I finished the beaded work to give to my colleague who is retiring in two weeks. It was his party we went to last night. It was a Spanish themed night as they have a house in Spain and he is planning to spend a lot of time there.

Finally a photo of Michael and his friends on his Presentation Day.