12 clues.. 12 chocolate surprises .. was a great giggle and the chocolate eating afterwards wasn't too bad either.. Thanks for coming ladies was much fun x
Friday 29 March 2013
Easter Egg trail
We have had some lovely friends to visit this week but as one of them could not get here until Thursday her sisters came up with the idea of an Easter egg hunt for her .. its not like we are short of funny places to hide eggs .. so off we went, wellies, snow and all.. is it spring??
12 clues.. 12 chocolate surprises .. was a great giggle and the chocolate eating afterwards wasn't too bad either.. Thanks for coming ladies was much fun x
12 clues.. 12 chocolate surprises .. was a great giggle and the chocolate eating afterwards wasn't too bad either.. Thanks for coming ladies was much fun x
life saving
Archie has definitely found his inner cat but to be honest the mouse corpses are starting to get a bit much, when I popped out of the door the other day I found him seeking a mouse in the porch so I scooped him out of the way and the tiny little chap was able to run away.
The next night I opened the day again and it was like deja vu.. anyway managed to save this little mite too but only after grabbing a little snap of him.. Freddy field mouse.. CUTE!
The next night I opened the day again and it was like deja vu.. anyway managed to save this little mite too but only after grabbing a little snap of him.. Freddy field mouse.. CUTE!
Sunday 24 March 2013
Bird side table lamps..
Now Mr W and I have had a mild squabble about who is the inspiration behind our bird side lamps.. I had the idea and he created.. so he claims its all about who creates and I claim nothing happens without concept. Now having looked at the International Property Office it would appear I may be wrong.. shhhhhh don't tell him.. (see if he ever reads this thing) look at what they say.. the red section appears to be why I am wrong.. PAH!
"A patent protects new inventions and covers how things work, what they do, how they do it, what they are made of and how they are made. If a patent application is granted, it gives the owner the ability to take a legal action under civil law to try to stop others from making, using, importing or selling the invention without permission. "
I still maintain that the idea would never have come from Mr W but if we ever have to fight over the rights (unlikely) I am screwed. Putting all of that to one side though.. aren't they pretty - well done Mr W.. think we have to agree it was team work xx
"A patent protects new inventions and covers how things work, what they do, how they do it, what they are made of and how they are made. If a patent application is granted, it gives the owner the ability to take a legal action under civil law to try to stop others from making, using, importing or selling the invention without permission. "
I still maintain that the idea would never have come from Mr W but if we ever have to fight over the rights (unlikely) I am screwed. Putting all of that to one side though.. aren't they pretty - well done Mr W.. think we have to agree it was team work xx
More snow...
You may recall that our farmer neighbour told us 'it never snows up here'... hmm.... I beg to differ. We are once again in conditions not dissimilar to those in the Arctic.... brrrrrrr. Thank fully we have logs, oil, food and milk.. all the necessities to snuggle in and wait for it to sod off. I dread to think what a bog the garden will be at the end of all of this but not much that can be done about that.
My main worry now is saving this little seedlings in the greenhouse.. I can't fit anymore in the house unless I bring in the greenhouse shelves and that may be a step too far for Mr W so as such we have the greenhouse heater going like the clappers (though its got a battle on its hands) and all the little green new born seedlings are covered in snuggly garden fleece.. no casualties so far (I just touched wood).
So the gardening year is set back which is annoying but compared to the plight of the trauma's the farmers are having trying to protect their lambs my woes about growing carrots are misplaced so instead I am doing some of my RHS course work (at last), cleaning house (its spotless) and catching up on blogging and ironing.. oh yes I know how to live.. xx
My main worry now is saving this little seedlings in the greenhouse.. I can't fit anymore in the house unless I bring in the greenhouse shelves and that may be a step too far for Mr W so as such we have the greenhouse heater going like the clappers (though its got a battle on its hands) and all the little green new born seedlings are covered in snuggly garden fleece.. no casualties so far (I just touched wood).
So the gardening year is set back which is annoying but compared to the plight of the trauma's the farmers are having trying to protect their lambs my woes about growing carrots are misplaced so instead I am doing some of my RHS course work (at last), cleaning house (its spotless) and catching up on blogging and ironing.. oh yes I know how to live.. xx
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| Cheryl on the move |
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| Sophie, Blueberry, Fergie and Will-I-Am .. battling through ice and slush |
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| pretty |
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| Brrr |
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Friday 22 March 2013
lots to catch up on..
I have been a remiss blogger so thought better catch up on the happenings.
I have been all over the place since I last posted.. up to the north for Mothers day, a nice catch up with the girls and then a lovely lunch with my Mam.. then was back here for three days , during which I got me a part time job working with people with Learning Disabilities as a support worker.. haven't started yet and won't until they determine I am not a master criminal. On the morning of the interview I was greeted at the cattle grid by a coach full of small children who apparently were bound for our garden for a spot of orienteering.. I think not the place is like a marsh and is not in a position for that .. I was mildly hysterical when I looked out to see a sign saying orienteering pointed towards the house and it was emotional when I had to say no and some bottom lips started to wobble anyway off they trotted to the woods and oriented themselves around that.
After that it was off to Leeds for a meeting at the charity I work for and then from there off to harrogate to attend my graduation with my Mam, Dad and Mr Waen. Then Mr W, myself and Dad came back here and then the next morning the Pater and I were up with the sparrows to go to the Grow your own garden show (http://www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk/).. LOVED IT!
How life changes.. I used to get excited about shoes and handbags now the things that blow my skirt up are plants, seeds and innovative garden products.. and I got to see James Wong (small swoon)! We came back laden with leaflets, seeds, plants, planters and then I bought my dad and I one of these babies each..
A seedsava (http://seedsava.co.uk/) check it out fellow veg growers.. never again will you need to 'thin out' your carrots! I got some brilliant James Wong plants .. Inca berries and firey chillies and lots of his strange seeds (will let you know how that goes).. James tells me that they are " Very easy to grow. Delicious and ornamental. Individual berries wrapped in a Chinese lantern. The Incan delicacy that thrives on neglect, giving fresh berries right up until Christmas. Tastes like: Gooseberries, kiwi, pineapple, orange."
it was the thriving on neglect that appealed.. but there is neglect and neglect. My Dad was ace at the show.. everything we saw he insisted we could make (a true allotment holder right there) and he was right with regards to an insect hotel that cost £34.00 that he made when he came back here that night (photo's below)..
My other great find at the garden show (stop me if I am boring you) was the HotBin composter..
http://www.hotbincomposting.com/products/105-hotbin-composting.aspx I got paid on Wednesday so grabbed one asap ..can't wait I spend so much money on compost and my outdoor compost isn't ready yet so this will be ACE.
So after the garden show on Sunday I had a pottering day in the garden and then our latest guest from Leeds, C, arrived which was fab, so the week ended with Sunday Lunch and a bit/ lot of wine.
The next morning was a slow one but we eventually got our backsides in gear and found a patch of garden to go and play with (I would note I don't force people who visit to garden) but some enjoy it.. and this was a good way to blow the cobwebs away.. We found a patch by the lake which was covered in dead lake plants and raked for our lives.. that patch complete we turned to the lake side and a you can see by the before and after below started to tidy the dead stuff up.. She is a demon with a rake! There were a few near misses with toads but all survived.
On Tuesday Morning we went for a walk in the nearby woods.. having never been in them I was not the best navigator but it was a hoot.. we had to climb over fallen tree's throw winnie the dog over a couple of barbed wire fences, scramble through moss and brambles up the side of a little hill.. all the while just trusting our instinct would get us back to the house.. and over 2 hours later it did (PHEW).
The weather went bobbins after that so attempts to do more lake work were abandoned for a bit of bird spotting, tea and cake.. nice.
On Wednesday the car was off to the garage.. just to finish it off after its bump (oops) and we had a skip coming to take away an old mattress and various other rubbish so I went off with the car and then came back for a bit more of the lake rake scenario.. Unbelievably in such a short space of time I reckon we got at least two thirds of the way around the lake.. Thank you very much C.. had a fab time :-)
Today I have been house bound due to appalling weather.. the temperatures have dropped again and all the plants out in the Green house are struggling .. everything is now covered in fleece and there is a green house heater going at full tilt but my plans to put the seeds I have grown inside, into the greenhouse have been scuppered.. Mr W is being a bit good about it but I am sure he thinks its all a bit mad..
So the fortnight in pictures (gap and gown not included it wasn't my best look)
WARNING SWITCH OFF IF SQUEEMISH!!!
below is the mouse that I found in my welly boot.. thank you Archie.. I wondered why i couldn't get my welly on and shoved and shoved and then on turning book upside down this is what was found.. Now worryingly in the time it took me to get a bag to pop him in (3 minutes) it was gone.. with only Winnie the dog close by.. Yuck!
We had to stock up on wild bird peanuts as we had run out.. but trying to unload them was a bit of a pain with the greedy girls getting in the way...
The insect hotel.. saved me some money.. all items recycled .. well done Dad.
I took these piccies too late in the day so not doing it justice.. the before and after of the Lake rake.. will post better one's when its all done.. Fabulous effort!!
The indoor greenhouse.. come on weather!!!! sort it out.
I have been all over the place since I last posted.. up to the north for Mothers day, a nice catch up with the girls and then a lovely lunch with my Mam.. then was back here for three days , during which I got me a part time job working with people with Learning Disabilities as a support worker.. haven't started yet and won't until they determine I am not a master criminal. On the morning of the interview I was greeted at the cattle grid by a coach full of small children who apparently were bound for our garden for a spot of orienteering.. I think not the place is like a marsh and is not in a position for that .. I was mildly hysterical when I looked out to see a sign saying orienteering pointed towards the house and it was emotional when I had to say no and some bottom lips started to wobble anyway off they trotted to the woods and oriented themselves around that.
After that it was off to Leeds for a meeting at the charity I work for and then from there off to harrogate to attend my graduation with my Mam, Dad and Mr Waen. Then Mr W, myself and Dad came back here and then the next morning the Pater and I were up with the sparrows to go to the Grow your own garden show (http://www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk/).. LOVED IT!
How life changes.. I used to get excited about shoes and handbags now the things that blow my skirt up are plants, seeds and innovative garden products.. and I got to see James Wong (small swoon)! We came back laden with leaflets, seeds, plants, planters and then I bought my dad and I one of these babies each..
A seedsava (http://seedsava.co.uk/) check it out fellow veg growers.. never again will you need to 'thin out' your carrots! I got some brilliant James Wong plants .. Inca berries and firey chillies and lots of his strange seeds (will let you know how that goes).. James tells me that they are " Very easy to grow. Delicious and ornamental. Individual berries wrapped in a Chinese lantern. The Incan delicacy that thrives on neglect, giving fresh berries right up until Christmas. Tastes like: Gooseberries, kiwi, pineapple, orange."
it was the thriving on neglect that appealed.. but there is neglect and neglect. My Dad was ace at the show.. everything we saw he insisted we could make (a true allotment holder right there) and he was right with regards to an insect hotel that cost £34.00 that he made when he came back here that night (photo's below)..
My other great find at the garden show (stop me if I am boring you) was the HotBin composter..
http://www.hotbincomposting.com/products/105-hotbin-composting.aspx I got paid on Wednesday so grabbed one asap ..can't wait I spend so much money on compost and my outdoor compost isn't ready yet so this will be ACE.
So after the garden show on Sunday I had a pottering day in the garden and then our latest guest from Leeds, C, arrived which was fab, so the week ended with Sunday Lunch and a bit/ lot of wine.
The next morning was a slow one but we eventually got our backsides in gear and found a patch of garden to go and play with (I would note I don't force people who visit to garden) but some enjoy it.. and this was a good way to blow the cobwebs away.. We found a patch by the lake which was covered in dead lake plants and raked for our lives.. that patch complete we turned to the lake side and a you can see by the before and after below started to tidy the dead stuff up.. She is a demon with a rake! There were a few near misses with toads but all survived.
On Tuesday Morning we went for a walk in the nearby woods.. having never been in them I was not the best navigator but it was a hoot.. we had to climb over fallen tree's throw winnie the dog over a couple of barbed wire fences, scramble through moss and brambles up the side of a little hill.. all the while just trusting our instinct would get us back to the house.. and over 2 hours later it did (PHEW).
The weather went bobbins after that so attempts to do more lake work were abandoned for a bit of bird spotting, tea and cake.. nice.
On Wednesday the car was off to the garage.. just to finish it off after its bump (oops) and we had a skip coming to take away an old mattress and various other rubbish so I went off with the car and then came back for a bit more of the lake rake scenario.. Unbelievably in such a short space of time I reckon we got at least two thirds of the way around the lake.. Thank you very much C.. had a fab time :-)
Today I have been house bound due to appalling weather.. the temperatures have dropped again and all the plants out in the Green house are struggling .. everything is now covered in fleece and there is a green house heater going at full tilt but my plans to put the seeds I have grown inside, into the greenhouse have been scuppered.. Mr W is being a bit good about it but I am sure he thinks its all a bit mad..
So the fortnight in pictures (gap and gown not included it wasn't my best look)
WARNING SWITCH OFF IF SQUEEMISH!!!
below is the mouse that I found in my welly boot.. thank you Archie.. I wondered why i couldn't get my welly on and shoved and shoved and then on turning book upside down this is what was found.. Now worryingly in the time it took me to get a bag to pop him in (3 minutes) it was gone.. with only Winnie the dog close by.. Yuck!
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| RIP Mickey! |
We had to stock up on wild bird peanuts as we had run out.. but trying to unload them was a bit of a pain with the greedy girls getting in the way...
As you can see we still have Mr and Mrs Mallard (Fergie and Will-I-Am) and whilst they are not yet fully part of the gang they are not shy to come and get some of the duck food from the garage.. Really looking after them though .. I want ducklings!!!!
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| Handmade and just as brilliant |
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| Skip at the start of Thursday |
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| Skip at the end of Thursday - there is a King sized mattress in there and Mr W was not at home.. Girl Power .. Seems however though that Mr Waen is often absent when heavy labour is needed.. remember the Logs? |
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| Scene from the bottom of the lane.. skippy lovely lambs |
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| Before |
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| After |
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Guests have a new room..
Finally got another bedroom decorated.. I have had the wallpaper since January but have been enjoying lots of visitors and so didn't get a long enough time to strip and re-wallpaper.. at last I have! Not fully finished yes because I want Mr W to make me some bird house bedside lamps for the bird room but non the less its a HUGE improvement..
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| Before |
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| before |
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| before (EEEK) |
Munchie has a new collar..
Munchie is a cat.. she is 15 teeny tiny, has no teeth, has a hip/ pelvis held together with plates and pins, drools terribly and last but not least is blind.
Munchie is however a brilliant cat.. we call her Yoda, she is wise, peaceful and calm no matter what life flings at her.
Mr Waen has a good job and is not a mean man however when I said we must get Munchie the cat a new collar he said it was "not worth the investment" I assume he means that she hasn't long for the mortal coil and therefore would not get the wear from her collar.. I intend to ask Mr Waen's lovely boys if he ever bound their feet!
Anyway on hearing this my big north eastern, gruff dad was not pleased and so here she is .. our Munchie/ Yoda cat and her new collar!
Munchie is however a brilliant cat.. we call her Yoda, she is wise, peaceful and calm no matter what life flings at her.
Mr Waen has a good job and is not a mean man however when I said we must get Munchie the cat a new collar he said it was "not worth the investment" I assume he means that she hasn't long for the mortal coil and therefore would not get the wear from her collar.. I intend to ask Mr Waen's lovely boys if he ever bound their feet!
Anyway on hearing this my big north eastern, gruff dad was not pleased and so here she is .. our Munchie/ Yoda cat and her new collar!
Thursday 7 March 2013
lots to do.. thank goodness for family labour!!
My Brilliant Mam and Dad have been here this week and my garden is looking all the better for their visit... they really are brilliant.. as soon as they arrived my dad was out and about relaying the old and filthy pathways, digging out all of the old pebble stones and putting in the new ones that Mr W had ordered. He found lots of old wood down in the woodland and reused it to hold everything in pace (just like a good gardener to recycle) the finished thing looks fabulous.. It would have taken me ages to get it done so I am so grateful now I just need to crack on with tidying up the surrounding beds.. Mam and I made a start on one that has a little hidden pathway which was fun.. and my Mam swept everywhere when we had done and so we look really smart and tidy after a rough winter.. They are THE BEST xx
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| Recycling.. well done dad! |
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| very smart new pathways .. |
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| Looking good Mam xxx |
And then to set off my dads hard work we got a brilliant ivy with variegated leaves which will look amazing when it starts to get going all over the trellis..
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| New Ivy plant... ready to take over the trellis .. thank you Mam |
I was sad when they left today but they have left me with lots done and a feeling that I am getting somewhere with this vast expanse of over grown garden so that's great so today it was into the green house.. I have seeds growing on every window ledge so time to get it outside a bit more before Mr W has a complete fit.. so more seeds sown..
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| Lots of onions growing some roots |
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| A greenhouse in the greenhouse for the delicate plants |
Sunday 3 March 2013
New things have moved in..
I have had a stinking cold all week.. I blame the first born of Mr Waen who brought it over at the weekend :-) in a very unlike me fashion I even had a day wrapped in blankets on my couch .. not a pretty picture.
I was however cheered when I popped to have a look to see if the girls were ok and found Mr and Mrs Mallard pottering around the pond.. literally walking on water because the lake was frozen over.. but later having a swim with Sophie and Blueberry.
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| Walking on water |
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| Ice starting to thaw.. careful Mr Mallard |
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| Mrs Mallard and Sophie |
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| Mr Mallard and the girls |
As my nephew is very keen to give a name to boy's not just girls we have christened them Will-i-am and Fergie (heavens) .. and they may become permanent or may just become frequent visitors.
ANYWAY.. the week of new additions does not stop there .. we had a lovely friend staying over for a long weekend and so we hopped off to Hay on Wye on Saturday (I love that place) for a truffle about in book shops and antique shops and all the lovely arty shops they have along with having a lovely lunch.
Since we moved in Mr W and I have been looking for the perfect item to put in a funny little cubby hole shelf on the stairs and whilst readers may not agree we have indeed found the perfect thing... introducing ... Flossie the sheep a fabulous piece of Hay on Wye pottery brilliance!
And last but not least Mr W has been doing DIY again.. this time to light up my life .. with his new solar fairy lights (my brilliant boss the fairly light queen will approve) the obvious flaw is that they are SOLAR lights in WALES.. but hey you never know! meanwhile whilst the phots do it no justice, they look quite cute xx
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