Take them out. . . . .

Don't worry, when I say take them out, I don't mean in a gangster sort of way (yet)

Today I did take the children out, well the sun was shining!!

We headed up to Beacon Fell Country Park.

Have you ever been? It really is beautiful and you can see for miles. 

Unfortunately, like many things, its under threat.

Cuts, cuts, cuts . . . . . If you would like to sign the on line petition here is the link.

Today was the only sun on the weather forecast for the next few days.

So stay dry & warm and enjoy Christmas 2015.

Christmas stuff . . . . .

 Christmas chaos, well not really but the house is in chaos.

(Although my Son has been kind and created a path through the Lego so that I can get to the window to draw the curtains later, hes soooo kind)

I've been creating lots of snipping's with my 'Christmas paper crafts'

We've done some baking. . . . . well Miss did some baking.

(look how well the oven reflects the huge washing pile, that was my treat for this morning!!)

I've done more cutting and made some simple star garlands.

We've also done the standard - school party, Christmas card deliveries, running round like a headless chicken thing and when the rain breaks this afternoon (yes I'm sure it will) we are going out looking for greenery . . . . . . what was that for?. . . . . ooh yes to make a 'Christmas table greenery display thingy'

I want a cape. . . . .

The sewing machine has been dusted off for a quick project.

I really wanted to make a Little Red Riding Hood cape, but I needed a Anna from Frozen cape.

(yes she does have a cape!!)

With a quick trip to the fabric shop, work began this morning after the breakfast dishes had been put in the sink!!

Unfortunately I didn't have a small girl to model the cape so I used a smallish boy!!!

Whilst the cape was in production, my daughter NEEDED the sewing machine. She bought some fabric for a circle skirt a few weeks ago and needed to make the skirt today!!!

She used the kitchen floor for her work space!! She is happily wearing her skirt and yes those leggings are really wrinkly at the knee!!!

Back to the cape . . . . . . Here it is with the Anna outfit I bought!!

No Show!!!

Last week I had plans, plans to go to the Harrogate Knitting and Stitching Show.

Then we started with ill health (one of the party got a chest infection)

 

Then my Daughter decided 'Yes I'll go to the show if I can take a friend'

Then the weather forecast seemed to be against us with a weekend full of weather warnings 

So for the first time in years, we didn't go to the show.

My day was taken up with washing, ironing and pine cone painting (I had a helper with the painting)

If you want to look at our previous trips to Harrogate they are here, here & here

Seeing Stars

I completed the stars I needed for my project, just ten altogether. Which considering the time of year and the quality of light, I think that's pretty good.

They all needed a trim and square up. 

Then I just needed a squillion more plain squares!!

Carefully following my 'sketch' I started to sew it all back together,

Ironing as I go . . . 

For the back a found some grey fleece. It wasn't quite long enough, so I made a join and covered it with a stripe of grey.

Then just pin and tack.

The next stage is going to be hand quilting. I always quilt on the machine, but due to chilly nights I thought it might be nice to be under a small 'quilt' whilst watching TV.

So, yes its a funny shape for a quilt !! But its just a foot quilt, just to go over the bottom of the bed, just big enough to cover my feet. (hopefully I'll finish it before winter is over)

Squeezing in some sewing

Way back in September, I visited the Great Northern Quilt Show

I came home with 'plans', yes I was going to sew, I had a project!!!

I did make a small start, but then work got in the way, so my sewing moved down my list of priorities.

I joined Instagram and filled all my spare time with . . . . . . well just looking at pictures.

Luckily my sewing project was on a tray on the floor in the front room. Yes I've moved it for essential vacuuming (granted not often!!)

We enjoyed the fine weather on Friday for a toasty bonfire and fireworks

Then the weather was in my favour and we where house bound on Sunday . . . . so Yes I did some sewing.

Back to work today and back on Instagram. . . . . . I really should get back to the sewing.

Hello 'Beachside', we've missed you!

The first day of November, the sun has gone and the mist has descended (well it has here!!)

Other than rain, nothing puts us off a trip to the beach.

The children both love the sand dunes and my son sees it as a great achievement if his boots are filled with sand.

The incentive to walk is often a beach combing competition, the best beach find and you get something . . . .  .often just knowing your the winner is enough!!

Today's winner, my daughter, found the dog fish body!! This was deemed the best find!

Although I came a close second with three mermaid purses on one piece of sea weed. 

My Son said he was joint second because he held it up for the camera.

It always amazes me that although our nearest beach isn't deemed spectacular, the mood is so different every time you visit. Today there was no wind and the sea was 'mill pond' calm, yet other days the wind whistle and the the waves crash up onto the beach.

 Although we had a lovely walk,  part of me always enjoys the dramatic sea with enough wind to blow all your cares away.

 p.s. One of the children (I cant remember which one) called the beach or seaside, beachside when they where small and it just stuck. So as a family, weirdly, we all call it beachside!!

Visiting a Cathedral.

In the school holidays we like to meet up with family.

This week we visited my Sister and family whilst they stayed in the Lake District.

No sitting around admiring the view, ooh no no!!

We headed out of Coniston to visit the Cathedral Quarry.

Oh how I wished we'd taken a torch, there is a 'secret tunnel' that my son wanted to check out but other visitors said we'd need a torch!! Maybe next time.

We saw these autumnal highland cows, but how do you catch a cows attention? 

Why will they not smile for the camera??

The sun didn't shine all day but it was breathtakingly beautiful up on the hills today, definitely just what we needed.

And even the small legs in the family manage to walk all the way round

(even if we needed to bride them with biscuits)

When Herman came to tea.

Our house is going through a busy spell. We've had lots going on with school and work, half term approaching, dead lines to meet, all sorts of stuff going on.

So when my son arrived home from school with Herman it was just another thing to think about on my ever growing list.

This is Herman on day two of his visit, he looks happy in his bowl, bubbling away, making the kitchen smell of. . . . . .  . . . well Herman (you'll know the smell if you've had him to stay)

Yesterday we fed him one last time before his long journey to his new home(s)

Today we added a few extras to our Herman stew before we put our house guest in the oven.

And finally we could tuck in and eat him, bye bye Herman it was lovely having you to stay but even better having you with a cut of tea!!!

Grey days.....

What to do on a grey October day??

Well you can drag the family on a 'nice walk'.

Block out the sound of complaining and questions of why and just walk along the river.

Then watch (and laugh) as they are almost stampeded by ducks!!!

Sunday afternoon . . . .

I know 'Us Brits' love to talk about the weather, but we've had some glorious days in September and October.

This afternoon we headed to Brockhole nature reserve.

We are lucky to be able to park and walk through the woods, avoiding the busy car park!

Today they had a Vintage fair on and it was super busy.

After a look in the 'pond dipping' pond and a quick go on the park, we just had the big hill to climb, back to the car. 

Only two weeks until half term, fingers crossed for more sunny days like today in the holidays.