Ramblings of a Rusty Mind (Chrissysforcards)

Don't yer just love the Internet

2012-01-31T09:40:00.000Z

I had to make some special Valentine's cards this week and one in particular required some gems and ribbon. Now, as you know I haven't stepped outside the door since last Friday as I have flu and although I can do little bits here and there, I have to keep stopping and having a lie down. I managed to get all but one done, but there was no way I could get out to the shops to try and find the items I needed. So on went the computer and I spent a few happy moments searching for the bits. Unfortunately, I saw more bits than I really required, but hey I will now have an arsenal of back-up just in case. I needed red ribbon and black ribbon, so why not throw in white, cream and navy too - 30 metres on each reel - should see me through a few years!!

Then the gems - ooh I need to stock up on this one, oh and yes, that one, so about 10 packets later...................and a somewhat reduced paypal balance. Oh, what the hell. Come on postie!!!

Too worn out to do a blog

2012-01-30T14:51:00.000Z

But, I did pen a poem for you Dad. I tried to sleep, but all I kept seeing was my Dad and how he is.

FOR MY DAD

Influenza

2012-01-29T14:46:00.000Z

Both of us gone down with the Flu. Hubby has 'man' flu, but at the moment I agree he is far worst than me - but he is 4 days ahead of me..........He is supposed to have gone away on a work trip in the morning, but no way is he going to make that. He does look and sound really poorly - the chicken soup is just not working!!
Both of us went to bed around 6 pm last night, even after lounging around all day. I did take the dog for a quick walk, but I reckon I looked about 80 the way I was slowly ambling along the road. I'm afraid no walkies today. Just had a really hot bath, but still got goose-bumps - I guess a temperature. So off back to bed and I don't even have any reading material left - oh well, paracetemol and try to sleep (3 pm). Hopefully by the end of the week, or sooner, fingers crossed, start to feel normal again.

Count to Ten and start all over again

2012-01-28T12:16:00.000Z

I finally managed to finish the commission cards - what a couple of days - hope to not repeat again so soon. Whether it was because I am coming down with the virus that hubby has now passed onto me - he was really bad and ended up going to the doctor and taking time out. Being self-employed it is the last resort for both of us - no work, no money. Anyway, he is on day 5 and slowly coming through it - I have just started - aching limbs, hot and cold, hacking cough, headache and obviously the little grey cells are affected cause I did so much rubbish work yesterday I could have started my own bonfire!! But I have finally finished and not really a lot to show for it either........

Trash Can Mistakes

2012-01-27T20:37:00.001Z

This was the second lot - too embarrassed to show the first bag!!

Do you ever get one of those days when nothing you attempt goes right - well today was that day. I had an order for two cards from two valued customers - and no matter what I did it went wrong. My first lady I made three card options which took a ridiculous amount of time. Good job I am not charging by the hour!! Then later this afternoon I received an e-mail from another lady and that card took a bit less time but more thinking about as the requirements were precise.

The final result I will finish off properly and publish later - if they choose any of them that is!! They are not all wonky on purpose - me do wonky!!! Told you - one of those days when you just cannot seem to get it right.
Anyway I am experimenting with my new camera, and already the box has proved to be really handy. It was just the right size to make into a little filing box for my metal shapes.

One day I may get round to covering the box to make it a bit prettier, but it sits in the cupboard anyway hiding with all the rest of the paraphenalia. I'm being good this year and only buy new things if I have sold something and so onto my new purchase - a butterfly shape - cause I like butterflies as you would see looking through the card portfolios.

So here is one I made just for me, or you if you like it. At least it didn't end up in the trash can this time!!

Entrepreneur

2012-01-26T15:31:00.000Z

A picture postcard holiday spot

Then on May 18th 1980 a cataclysmic eruption happened causing the largest landslide on Earth in recorded history, followed by devastation.

On one of our trips to the states we found this and bought it. It is made from the ash from Mount St. Helens - see, there is always an entrepreneur around each corner

What a wimp

2012-01-25T12:09:00.000Z

I'm not that cruel - honest

Are you sorted for Mother's Day yet?

2012-01-25T09:55:00.000Z

I have a lovely customer who has just ordered her Mother's Day Cards. She is a lovely person to work with as she knows exactly what she wants and I just oblige.

No matter what

2012-01-24T13:22:00.002Z

Sometimes life gets a bit rough, but you just gotta keep hanging on

Fickle or Creative

2012-01-23T11:28:00.000Z

I'm constantly changing things -

My screensaver

But it is very pretty

My GMail

Well, it's gotta match hasn't it?

Luckily, we now have wooden floors and pale walls throughout the house, apart from the Lounge carpet coming soon (woohoo). There is a method in this madness - one, it is much easier to keep clean especially with the HollyMolly dog and winter wet feet!!. AND secondly, when I get bored, which is pretty frequently I can change things around with accessories and bits to get a different look.

NOW am I being fickle = "erratic,changeable,unstable,lack of steadfastness"

creative= "imaginative,skillful,artistic,original"

bored= "tedium,monotonous,irksome,humdrum"

OR is it just that I have too much time on my hands!!

A Poppy for the birthday girl

2012-01-20T09:40:00.000Z

This weekend is the birthday of a lovely lady I know through Busymitts. I know she loves poppies, ribbon and buttons - so here you go Eilly. Hope you received it okay and hope you have a good day.

Poppies are symbolic for remembrance day of soldiers who have died during wartime - fields and fields of poppies were seen after the first world war. The field poppy flowers each year between May and August. Its seeds are spread by the wind and can lie dormant in the ground for a long time. If the ground is disturbed the seeds will germinate, grow and flower.

This is what happened in parts of the front lines in Belgium and France. The Spring of 1915 was the first time that warm weather began to warm up the countryside after the cold winter at war in 1914-1915. Farmers ploughed their fields close to the front line and new life started to spring forth. The ground had been disturbed by all the fighting and the dormant seeds germinated and grew during the warm weather. They now give a glorious red splash to the countryside - a reminder of all those who fought for our freedom.
In classical mythology the bright scarlet colour of the poppy signifies a promise of resurrection after death.

Inspiration

2012-01-19T10:10:00.001Z

I often wonder where people find their inspiration for their crafts - magazines, a photo, the internet or specialist books maybe. I had this coaster and thought I would try a card that 'sort of' copied the shapes and lines -

Waiting for Spring to come always seems to take ages, especially when we have so many grey depressing days - so a bit of colour albeit more Autumny

They say Breast is Best

2012-01-18T08:09:00.001Z

A Controversial subject

Did anyone see the Big Fat Quiz over Christmas, where they 'debated' the Breast Milk Ice-Cream - well, everyone to their own. My daughter, Linda, was the model in the picture that advertised the place where they are selling it in London. I think opinions on the idea vary vastly - and as one of them said, I believe Eddie Izzard, but don't quote me on it - "the milk comes from the female cow that goes into ice-cream anyway so what is the difference?" I leave you to your own thoughts on this one.

Stealing

2012-01-17T11:44:00.000Z

i have a bird table in the garden and feed the birds summer and winter - today was nice spelt bread that had gone just a bit too dry. The wood pigeons are such messy eaters and constantly throw the bread all over the place and thus one little Hollymolly knows where there is a free snack most of the day.

This all very well, but as us ladies know, too many snacks and not enough exercise makes for a more 'rounder' physique and Miss piggy here is suffering the same fate.

That is not just a winter fluffy coat I can assure you, it is Miss lardy underneath. Come Spring she needs some serious exercise, and I think me too - was eating 20 mince-pies over Christmas a bit too greedy!!

Now here is a slightly slender chappie.

Coming of Spring

2012-01-16T10:11:00.000Z

For my sister-in-law. Not long now and Spring will be arriving. I've noticed some bulbs peeking through the soil and saw a beautiful winter cherry tree today - just a few more weeks. Daffodils sing of Spring and sunnier, longer days, warmer weather and getting out in the garden again.

Cartoons

2012-01-15T14:07:00.000Z

Ah, tricky blog today. Couple of weekends ago I did three commissioned cards for a lady and two were of cartoon characters -

Sticking with my blog theme of using my cards as the kick-off to blog about different things - today is about cartoons. (Not sure if I will be able to keep this up - certainly testing the old 'rusty mind'.)
Right, I don't actually like cartoons as such. I love the original ones - like Snow White, Cinderella, 101 Dalmations etc and they still, for me, stand the test of time.
BUT, the newer ones by pixar and other such companies just don't do it for me I am afraid - Buzz Lightyear, Bugs and all the others are just not right. But today's children are brought up on them so yeah, they will think they are wonderful. Is this an age thing you think?

Happy Weekend

2012-01-14T12:41:00.000Z

Woke up this morning to lovely sunny skies and a heavy frost - almost magical. Might take the HollyMolly for a walk a bit later. Having a very late breakfast today as the 'carpet man' has just left - 1pm. Finally, finally chosen carpets. Have lived with this for over 2 years now, maybe even 3.

So, in about 6 weeks time will have a lovely new Lounge carpet, and stairs and landing carpet - woohoo - will be half decent again.

One Happy Bunny today - enjoy your weekend.

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-13T00:16:00.000Z

In a previous post I said that I would like to live by the sea in a little white-washed terraced cottage. The other fantasy would be to have a lovely farm in the wilds of the USA. All the blogs I read where people have bought up farms and re-modelled them (as they say over there) always have fantastic views and some acreage thrown in - ah bliss. I have noticed though that they all seem to follow a similar trend - everything is white with dark wood floors - is this the latest look in the USA?

Both hubby and myself love the openness and of course those gorgeous wrap-around verandahs. Oh well, we can all dream - come on Lottery. So todays card is of course a New Home Card.

How am I doing with my blogs related to the cards - bored yet?

Echinacea

2012-01-12T00:49:00.001Z

Those who follow my blog (and I thank you most sincerely) will know I love cottage gardens. I have tried for years and years to get one growing in my garden, but it is an ongoing battle with so many trees around us. Last year I did manage a fairly good one We are getting a new 'Dobbies' garden centre opening in the Spring and I can't wait to peruse all the goodies in there. I will be filling some gaps in my cottage border so it's crammed full like it should be. I will try echinacea this year as I like the way the flower petals hang down. So onto the card for today - an echinacea flower head in brown has a little border of fawn card. I then cut around the top of the flower just for a change. Actually quite happy how this one turned out - still slightly OCD as I had to have the left hand side lined up neatly!! My hubby keeps daring me to do a card where some bits are at an angle - oooh don't know.

Well he dared me - so I thought right I will go and do one - whilst in the theme of brown and white -

so here goes

Say.No.More.

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000Z

ENJOY

Oh to be beside the seaside

2012-01-10T09:56:00.003Z

Here is the card I made the other day - but, ever the perfectionist, I am not happy with the sentiment and the rivets, so will redo the card later on and probably do the rivets straight through the sentiment and the card so that it does not crease around the holes. Whilst using the bunting I made some beach-huts too and made another card. At the back of my mind I have always fancied living in a white-washed terraced cottage leading down to the sea - like the ones you see in St. Ives and around the Devon coast. It will probably never happen, but you can always dream. The colours, of course, would be my favourite; shades of blue, cream and white with the odd little reminder of the sea - wooden seagulls, a little boat here and there.........

Making a Card

2012-01-08T20:48:00.001Z

I like reading blogs that show you how they make something, especially if it is not the kind of thing you do yourself, like making a beautiful cake, or some art or even something refurbished like the bears and toys as seen over at Pollykayandsidders So I thought today I will go through the process of how I put a card together - interesting maybe? If not, I'll let you move on.

First I find an image that I like.
Have a little think what I want to
do with it.

Then I make some rough drawings
and finally finish with the one that I
am going to do - some bits may
change later when I assemble the
card if it doesn't look right or isn't balanced
(OCD again)

In this instance I wanted to do some
bunting along the top. So with the aid
of the computer made some triangles,
coloured and patterned them, resized
them to fit across the size of card I will be using.

Then it was time to choose a font for
the words - sometimes this can take
ages till it looks right.

So the card is now printed with the
bunting and the logo on the bottom. The sentiment is printed and the picture printed and cut out. I found some matching linen card and cut out two circles.

The birthday sentiment has been cut out

and is about to have two rivets put in the ends

The card is scored and folded using the
brilliant scor-pal which has been one
of the best buys ever giving a very nice
score line down the middle.

Then mark each side of the card ready to cut to fit the envelope.

Cut the three sides to fit the
envelope

Gather all necessary bits -
double sided tape, glue, foam pads, ruler,
pencil - lights, camera and action!!

All is ready now to assemble the card.

A simple card and a simple design - but still takes time and effort to produce.

The finished item can be seen in my next blog.........

Books and more Books

2012-01-07T16:43:00.001Z

Believe it or not although this card looks very simple, it took ages to do - trying to find the right balance of shelf and the right sort of books and then cutting the books out. Hard to see in the picture but they stand out on foam pads. So, it's not always the full and fancy cards you see take the longest at times. Surprising eh? So todays subject is books.

I am quite an avid reader and probably spend way too much on buying books - and I have a library ticket too, which I should use more I know. I was in the Works the other day and they were offering half price books and 4 for 3. Usually they are pretty rubbishy titles but I perused and pondered and for £2.95 I got these. Two of them are hardback too. Must be a bit sad to write a book, see it in print and then find that it is going for 99p. What a bummer. I normally read crime, thriller type books, but this year thought I would re-read some classics and try other genres. Have re-read "To Kill a Mockingbird" again, and "Of Mice and Men". Did them at school many moons ago along with Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and some of the other solid classics. Whether I stick it to it or not I will let you know!!

It's about Dogs

2012-01-06T09:03:00.001Z

Each time I make a card this year I am going to do a blog day based on that theme - just to do something a bit different - well, hopefully. Depends how difficult it gets!! So here is the card for today and a couple of dog related items.

Keeping the things you love

2012-01-05T15:01:00.000Z

I read an article ages and ages ago about people and their 'clutterings'. I have always hated clutter and disorder - probably a bit OCD. The article went on to say that most people get bogged down with possessions and hang onto items, but don't really know why. Last year when we re-decorated throughout it was my chance to de-clutter. All the rooms upstairs have now got wooden floors and painted walls - hurray, wallpaper has now completely gone from everywhere - phew. I wanted each room to be more simplistic and we have fairly managed it okay except some "man-areas". All men have to have their man drawers, cupboards and areas and hubby is no exception. See above - we have a few areas like this and I am hoping, against all odds, that when he retires next year we get to clear out these supposedly useful man spaces!!
The article said you keep things that: You use, you love and that that gives you pleasure.

Two oil paintings done in Montreal in 1977

Poster from Calgary Stampede
July 2007

Oil lamp from Belgium
and
Stag from Scotland

Daughter bought us the Moose bottle opener.
I saw the little bear in Jasper and it
seems like the Moose is embarrassing the
little bear!!

Beautifully carved Turtle from the Maldives
November 2010

New comfy sofa and new cushions -
the latest pleasure

Shells and gems collected from
various exotic beach holidays

Here are some of my pleasurable items -

Ship Ahoy

2012-01-04T09:55:00.001Z

Missed the second part of Treasure Island with Eddie Izzard. Only just found out that with virgin media they don't do catch up on any Sky programmes - that was a lesson to learn!! Oh, well, I'm sure it will come on again some time in the near future. Good actor is Eddie as well as a supreme comedian. Have seen him a few times now, but the best was a couple of years ago in a theatre, third row back - catching all his little mannerisms - so, so much better than Wembley when he was the size of a 'borrower'. Ship theme - ah, yes. This is for a friend, the third card of the new year.

The following pictures are of a lovely ship that my dad made a few years ago. He has fingers like short fat little bananas, but he produced some intricate pieces of work, one of which I have.

Not a very auspicious start

2012-01-03T09:50:00.001Z

Took the decorations down Sunday. What day should they come down? Does anyone know? Well it must have been the wrong day for me. I bent down to take a plug out and on the way up my back went - crunch!! I had spent the last few weeks decorating, moving furniture, hanging curtains, washing walls and nothing - I unplug something and wham!! So in a lot of pain at the moment, but trying to keep mobile as I know that is the best thing.
Then last night whilst watching TV look up and there is a very 'nice' wet patch spreading over the ceiling - what the !!!! It was in the same place we had one a few years ago, so it looked suspiciously like problems in the airing cupboard and it was - a nice fine spout of water from escaping from the copper pipe leading into the central heating pump - panic.......... the floor was absolutely soaking wet..........lots of towels and an emergency rush around to try and empty as much water from as many places as we could.
SO, whilslt hubby should have been going back to work today to earn some money (self-employed) he is now having to try and get some new piping and have a go at repairs - I am sitting here with a thick fleece, two pair of socks and a hot water bottle cause it is flipping freezing cold. Today of all days, it is raining hard, very very windy and sooooo cold.

Welcome to 2012 Christine - as I said not an auspicious start to the New Year

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-01T12:58:00.000Z

We all have them, we all break them - but I am going to try desperately to keep to them starting from today - This year is the big 60 and I will try. So 6 changes in honour of my 6 decades.

Exercise more. I have a gym membership which I don't really use, but I do use the pool and I must, must, go more often. If I do not, then I will give up my gym membership as it is just money wasted.
Exercise the dog more. I have been getting a tad lazy - it is too wet, or too cold. But as Billy Connelly says - "it's just bad clothing, not bad weather".
Will try to remain calm and not get stressed over some members of my family who I think could do more - no more said!!
Do not always agree to do things I do not want to in case I upset people and stop being a doormat.
Stop wasting precious weekends - and get out more.
Try to eat healthier and not reach for the biscuits or chocolate - that's gonna be a hard one.

Will they last - we'll see.

Happy New Year to family and friends

2011-12-31T14:36:00.000Z

Christmas Goodies

2011-12-27T20:09:00.001Z

Present to hubby and myself are two leather sofas for the Lounge - arriving tomorrow - picture available once we get a new carpet - I am not showing in any way or form our disgusting carpet at the moment - so this will be on hold. To keep said new carpet clean we have also been out and treated ourselves, well, me, because I will be using it.

The old one was a real state due to being used for lots of diy jobs this year. That has now been relegated to hoovering out cars and cleaning up any more diy debris . Maybe not romantic gifts, but oh so practical. My daughter in Canada sent us an unusual gift from Harrods - very posh box and card - it was luvvverrrly.

That was the more unusual of the Christmas items - did you get what you expected or wanted?

Awesome Boots

2011-12-26T16:45:00.000Z

Earthkeepers by Timberland

Santa said I have been a very good gal this year and have been a very dutiful daughter and a good mum and wife - (cough, cough) and he will be bringing me an awesome present - all the way from a place called Timberland - so love that place - check em out.

Happy Christmas everyone

2011-12-22T01:07:00.000Z

Spent the afternoon editing my blog. I had filled up to capacity the 'picasa web album' section that controls all the piccys and needed to free up some space - so lots of previous blog pages I had to delete - hopefully nobody is looking for a special one - cause I am afraid they have now gone. I tried to open another album with flickr but it just wouldn't work - probably me not doing something pretty basic! Anyway many many thanks to all the people who took time to read it over the past year following all the trials and tribulations of my tiny little space on this planet. At the last count 14,829 visits - I am amazed at the different places I find bloggees popping in from, but eternally grateful that I am not talking to myself all the time. So .......

ENJOY

So useful this tree

2011-12-21T09:17:00.001Z

This Christmas Tree image proved very useful this year - I have used it for some of my own cards, cards requested and now one final one - a card for the staff at the home where my Dad now resides, albeit reluctantly.

I will take it in tomorrow, along with the card I made Dad, although I don't suppose he will be able to read or understand it. He does understand questions and nods a yes or no, or if he doesn't wish to answer he just closes his eyes and refuses to look at you!! They say that you regress back to your childhood - well I can vouch for that with him.

Christmas panic

2011-12-19T15:43:00.000Z

Don't know if anyone is actually on their computer today - or running round like a headless chicken trying to get everything sorted - I wish you all a happy healthy christmas break - and hope the festive season goes smoothly.

Deep Breaths and think CALM

One of the worst jobs to do

2011-12-18T14:53:00.000Z

Spent most of today cleaning the range - I so hate doing this job and I have yet to find anything that gets burnt on grease and bits off the back, top and sides of the ovens. I found a tip long ago on how to clean all the shelf bars - half fill the bath with hot water, add biological detergent, leave for two hours and they are pretty easy to clean with a kitchen sponge. BUT, as for the oven - I have tried almost anything, and today we even resorted to wire-wool.
All the usual stuff - Mr. Muscle, brillo-pads, those 'special wipe on mixtures' and rinse off just do nothing at all. I am not the muckiest person in the world and keep my kitchen very clean and always wipe the range top after each use, and occasionally wash the interiors, perhaps every couple of months, but I have yet to find anything that actually lives up to what it proclaims!! The closest I can get is hot soapy water and a kitchen peeling knife and religiously spend hours scratching the muck off -
Anyone, out there found a good result with something - please let me know.

More Space needed

2011-12-17T18:02:00.000Z

I was getting a bit fed up with the limitations of the width of my blog - so today played around so the width was bigger and I didn't have to faff around while trying to add photographs because the space was too small. But the template I had originally chosen would not allow any width change - so I have done a complete change - well, that is the fickle me I am afraid, A typical Gemini -

Geminis are also very responsive to change and constantly

seek opportunities to take on new adventures. Part of a

Gemini's personality is shown by their willingness

to try new things and distain for being in a rut.

A Gemini is also very likely to become bored easily,

which can be a negative trait as a Gemini will rarely

stick with a certain task, project or idea long enough

to see it through.

I've even surprised myself that I have kept on crafting cards. Since 2009 now and still going. I have, admittedly given up selling on-line with a website as I needed to be on the computer for so long, trying to promote, promote and promote and that actually took the pleasure out of making them. So now, it's by chance people find me, or via facebook (link down the right hand side - promotion, promotion, promotion) or via my other blog found also at the top via a link or again, by the right hand side link.

Best Friends

2011-12-16T23:46:00.001Z

One of my friends I have known since I was 19 - many many years ago and we have weathered some storms together - this is just for her.

Hic Hic Burp

2011-12-15T12:17:00.000Z

A Christmas thought

2011-12-14T10:21:00.000Z

Joy, over at joyknitt put up a very thoughtful post concerning Christmas - you would love my son-in-law Joy and I can totally see the point. I must admit whilst my children were small, growing up, then leaving home we did all the usual Christmassy things - the tree, the crackers, the presents, the games - oh, especially the games with David's sisters family. His sister and her daughter used to love games. Sadly his sister is no longer with us, but we are having her daughter and husband with us for Christmas. I so hate eating dinner and then everyone falling asleep whilst all the usual dross is shown on the TV. I am not the greatest fan of TV as it is and only watch certain programmes - I just cannot sit for hours and hours watching mind-numbing rubbish - won't even go there with the soaps!! Soap is for washing off dirt - not showing it. I digress.
Anyway, both daughters are now married to wonderful partners - Tracy and Greg live in Calgary and do not celebrate Christmas whilst Linda, now married to Wayne this year, loves it all - the gloss, the glitter, the tree, the present buying. Both brought up the same way, but both have their own opinions. I do miss them being with us, and for me and hubby now, it does not seem the same. I personally think Christmas is for the children - the excitement, the joy in their eyes. Now I just see it as a pain in the b.m. We do not do pressys anymore like we used to - I just get the two girls, and one of the girl's husbands something. This year Dave and I are not even buying for each other. I have the rest of the year to buy what we need - why buy just because of this one day.
I too, am not a religious person, but I respect others that are. I would never ever spend more than I had just because it is Christmas and I am sorry for those that feel they have to. How often do you see a child more interested in the box than the present - point made.
This year is even more poignant than at any other time - my Dad is now in a nursing home and for the first time in 30 years he will not be in my home on Christmas Day - sadly, a sign of the times. That generation almost gone and soon it will be hubby and me in their shoes. Bit scary really, but times does not stand still.
So however you enjoy it, have a good one.

Wishes to all of you out there - A Happy Christmas, a Merry Christmas or whatever you wish to call it - keep on blogging and I will keep on reading.

Come on In

2011-12-13T09:06:00.002Z

As Cilla Black would say - "Step Inside Luv"

A Christmas Message

2011-12-12T10:04:00.001Z

Two last minute commissions - or is it the last!!

Say No More

Dining Room done

2011-12-10T13:18:00.001Z

Put traditional colours in here - red, green and gold - and put up a 'lickle' tree as one of my girls kept saying - you gotta have a tree!!

Time to start putting up the Decs

2011-12-10T10:40:00.000Z

Just pick yourself up and carry on

2011-12-09T11:07:00.000Z

Ribbons of Colour

2011-12-08T10:05:00.000Z

I don't put a lot of ribbon on my cards or lots of embellishments, as people who have them know. I prefer cards to have just that 'simple' but nice statement. Now and again though, they just cry out for something a little bit extra. I used to have them all in a box mixed up - they are still mixed up - but oh, so much more prettier now.

Christmas Card Dilemma

2011-12-07T08:22:00.000Z

Having sat and written in all the Christmas cards, I wondered what to do for my Dad (yesterday's blog). Most cards say Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Christmas Greetings and so forth, but nothing appropriate for someone like my Dad.

So down to the drawing board - make a card, make up a verse and hopefully this is appropriate enough for him (not that he will understand I suspect).

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-12-06T07:32:00.000Z

My Dad is 84 today, but totally unaware of such fact. He has deteriorated rapidly since being diagnosed with dementia and is almost bed bound, sleeping fitfully night and day, or just staring into space and mumbling. I don't think he is much aware of our presence anymore. I didn't know what to do for his birthday - so just made a card with my thoughts about him instead of a birthday card.

There is beauty out there - you just have to look

2011-12-04T10:11:00.000Z

There is such a lot wrong with our world, but there are just some places that take your breath away - stunning - I cannot claim I took these pictures, so thanks to those who did for giving us the pleasure.

Political Correctness gone mad

2011-12-02T08:45:00.000Z

I purchased some christmas crackers, only diddly ones, but was asked if I was over 25 (well, I would hardly pass for some lithesome twenty year old would I now?). I asked why and somewhat sheepishly the checkout lady said she had to ask as crackers are now considered 'firearms'.
Righteo, off to rob the local wine store now -

Balaclava - check
Swag bag - check
torch - check
brick - check

and of course, I need some ammo, just in case

crackers - check

2011-12-01T01:03:00.000Z

Do you ever go to gatherings and somehow just feel the odd one out

Evoking smells

2011-11-29T10:49:00.001Z

All the christmassy shops are smelling really nice now - that spicy, mulled wine, berry smell with a hint of cinnamon and fruit - love it. I always buy new smelly bits each year just to add to the ambience of the event.

The smell of mince-pies cooking, roast dinner and the tang of satsumas. This got me thinking of smells people grow to love or hate - a bit like our choices in food and sweets. I hate with a vengeance the taste of coconut. Had a lot of that on holiday - even in the rice pudding they made!!
I love -

Smell of cut-grass
Lavender
Roses
Fresh linen
Christmas pot-pourri
Roast dinner cooking
Fish and chips
CHOCOLATE

I hate -

Smell of casseroles cooking (always reminds me of B.O.!! - probably due to the onions simmering away - urggg)
Vanilla
Lamb cooking
Coconut - especially snowballs or bounty
Celery
Petrol
DOG POO - especially if I walked in it
Seafood, especially oysters and whelk shells (the smell of Whitstable harbour - yuck)

Last few wedding piccys

2011-11-28T09:15:00.000Z

Maldavian Tea

2011-11-27T10:38:00.000Z

Whilst on holiday we had the usual tea and coffee in the mornings, but one evening with our meal I just fancied a nice cup of 'brew' and lo and behold yes they would do it. From then on along with your normal bottle of water, juices etc we always had a pot of tea - I think we were the only ones. The resort catered mostly to German people and they probably thought typical British. But hey ho.

Our waiters had a good smackering of English, but I think that they were a bit 'lost in translation' on this one. Because the milk was very creamy we decided we would have the tea au naturel and so asked for weak tea. The first time was fine. Next time we said weak tea please, but it seemed stronger. They always poured the tea and never left the teapot. Anyway each day it seemed to get stronger and stronger and we were a bit puzzled. About day 6 I noticed there was a lot of tags hanging over this teapot and asked the waiter were these tea-bag tags and when he took them out of the pot there were 7 tea bags. It turned out that he had misunderstood and when we were saying weak tea, he thought we were saying the tea was too weak!! We could have painted our garden fence with it - bless him. We all had a good laugh and luckily the next day we had our weak tea again.

Last Christmas Card done

2011-11-26T10:22:00.000Z

All my Christmas cards done and dusted and even written in - last one yesterday - only 4 weeks to go

Favourite Foods of Christmas

2011-11-25T08:55:00.000Z

All the traditional foods are now emerging in our shops - what do I like best - erm - let me think. I will always have room for mince-pies, anytime of year. I do like the traditional roast dinner but always feel like I have eaten way too much afterwards.

When we lived in Munich, Germany, Christmas was always a lovely time with the Christmas Market in the square with hot gluhwein and glaced fruit, which I have never found here. Now, those I could just eat and eat. New Year's Resolution - more exercise I think, after this lot.

What a Whopper

2011-11-24T15:09:00.001Z

I went up into the loft today to bring down the christmas bits and pieces going to my niece this weekend and found this!! Yep, we did have problems with wasps again this summer - they were busy little things. It measures at least a foot long and almost as round. Luckily it didn't cost money like the previous years when they decided to built their home in the chimney and we had loads of them each day coming into the Lounge.

What style do you prefer?

2011-11-23T08:15:00.000Z

Only 5 weeks to Christmas - when did that suddenly happen. Not prepared whatsoever - no goodies stocked up, no turkey, no sweets. All I've done is ordered a few items to put up for Christmas. My hearts arrived from the lovely Andie.

Her workmanship is just beautiful. Anything she has made for me has been to the highest standard - looking forward to adding them all to my 'creative tree' this year. Awaiting some lovely beaded trees from Jean over at Talking Beads. Going for a simple silver and red theme - hopefully. Our traditional tree has found a new home with my niece Louise along with all the 180 lights - ha, enjoy Louise putting that lot up!! Rather you than me now. So this weekend it will be a trip up into the loft to get said items out before she changes her mind. There are so many ways now to celebrate a tree for Christmas -

But for me it still looks much nicer the traditional way in a beautiful setting - will I regret off-loading my Christmas Tree - probably.

Best of all is having a real tree in a real setting

At least all the dropping pine needles don't end up in your socks

What do you like for Christmas

Few Snapshots from the Maldives

2011-11-21T17:58:00.000Z

First sighting of the Island from the sea-plane

Water Villas

Wayne and Linda

Me and sis

Me and Linda making sand shapes!!

My Palm Tree

Linda's fish and Turtle - bit more artistic than mine

Going Kayaking round the Island

Checking out the night stars

Returning to Male from the Island

Me and the other half at end of holiday

Undersea World in Maldives

2011-11-21T06:20:00.000Z

We snorkeled every single day and were lucky to see so many creatures - far too many fish to show here - literally thousands. It was an experience to swim in the biggest fish tank in the world!! Enjoy

Way to fly

2011-11-20T12:35:00.000Z

We were so lucky on the flight out and back - the plane was pretty much half empty both ways so as soon as the seat-belt light went out we all grabbed a row each and hey ho for 12 hours had some room - much better. Got to sort out photos - taken way too many, so will not bore you all with tons - will just pick out a few. Had a fabulous time - weather a bit changeable at the beginning with a real good soaking the second day lunchtime but most of the time very hot and sunny.

So Surreal

2011-11-16T10:02:00.000Z

Monday sitting on the outside toilet whilst it was thundering, lightning and absolutely tipping it down!!

Off and Away

2011-11-08T14:53:00.000Z

See you all in a few days time - well, bit more than a few - say around 20th November -
keep safe and happy Bloggy friends

Helicopter over London

2011-11-06T16:11:00.000Z

A card mum wanted to take into the staff at the hospital

Today she had her helicopter flight over London for her 80th birthday treat.

I was so glad last year for their 60th Anniversary that we arranged a light aircraft flight for my parents with my dad actually flying the plane too. He was so thrilled, and to see him now what a changed man - cannot even zip up his fleece or hold a conversation any more, bless him.

82 and still going strong

Christmas is only 7 weeks away

2011-11-05T11:43:00.000Z

Scary - another year almost over and what a roller coaster one so far. Done all the Christmas cards and even written in them - at least that is one job completed. How's everyone's plans coming along?

I am getting rid of my Christmas tree and all the decorations as they are such a 'faffing' pain to do and with no children around don't really need to have to do all the 'christmassy' stuff anymore - so going more contemporary and using part of one of the wedding centre pieces as my new christmas tree

I will be purchasing some new decorations for my tree from:-

Andies Accessories

who is making me some really cute christmas hearts

and

Talking Beads

who is making me some lovely christmas trees in beads

Last Chance Hotel

2011-11-04T11:06:00.000Z

Found one last place for Dad - now going to panel on Tuesday. The home want extra top up - so we offered some, but not all per week as there is no pot of gold laying at the bottom of my rainbow. Rang the care-manager who says we need to top up the difference. The council say savings have to be over £9.000 before they make us pay, so if they are under they do not take any. Here's the catch 22. Dad's savings are under, Mum's savings are under, Our savings are under - so council do not touch them. But the top up still has to be paid!!!!!!!! Well, hello there - what are we supposed to do then. How bizarre is this getting. I have rang every single care home that we are allowed and have exhausted practically every avenue and this is the only place that actually has any vacancies apart from the super swanky ones that charge up to £1,000 per week. Obviously, this is the business we should have gone into then. No wonder all the flipping doctors have one - talk about a cash machine in the making.

Oh, roll on holiday, I so need a break.

It is now going to the panel who will make a decision and if turned down I said that dad will have to stay in hospital whilst we appeal cause I AIN'T GOT ANYWHERE ELSE TO TURN TO.

Sun, sunshine, warm waters, plenty of booze - bring it on......................

Wine and Mice Birthday Cards

2011-11-03T00:49:00.000Z

Dave is away for a week working so in the evenings as I don't do much TV watching, I caught up with some necessary card- making.

For next door neighbour

For nephew's daughter

The Shaver is no more

2011-11-02T08:53:00.000Z

Dad not been too good all this and last week - mainly sleeping and crying - today tho - got in and he had stripped his electric shaver down to as many bits as he could and then spent, I guess a few happy minutes or hours dipping each section into sudocream!! R.I.P. electric shaver - sadly you could not be saved. I think dad had better start growing a beard now - much safer I think. At least it was a lighter moment in a couple of hellish weeks.

Past Acquaintances

2011-10-31T23:14:00.000Z

I was in a local department store today and a lady who was working there was behind me on the escalator. She tapped me on the shoulder and asked if my name was Christine - "yes" I say and she then said my maiden name and I said "yes". She then said I was in the same class as her in junior school!!

Now, here is the dilemma. Could it be that I haven't changed much - so I was recognisable - is that good or bad? Good that I don't look so old and haggard, or bad cause I'm stuck in a rut, or worse I was that naughty that I was not easy to forget. I couldn't for the life of me place her or even when she told me her name. This has happened on a few occasions now and I can never ever place the people when they speak to me. It happened once at a PTA meeting when the girls were at school and I was approached by a man who said he knew me from infant school and he had been my 'boyfriend' sort of - oh, dear, I couldn't remember him either. I must have a very bad memory as I never, ever, recognise people from way way back. Am I the only one with an empty space in my head.

Happy halloween for tomorrow

2011-10-30T09:40:00.000Z

Don't over indulge

Thank you everyone for your input on how to display my cards. Having the card by the window brings out the texture of the card much more clearly, and as Rosa Lily said also, you can actually see what the card would look like if placed in a position where people would display their items. So will go with this idea.

Britain and Irelands Next Top Model

2011-10-29T09:35:00.000+01:00

My baby girl at the Excel Exhibition over the weekend

Christmas is a coming

2011-10-27T17:16:00.000+01:00

Over on Chrissys for Cards some recently commissioned cards

14 days and counting

2011-10-26T10:44:00.001+01:00

These arrived today making our dream holiday all that more real now - as my fellow bloggers know I have had quite a few stressful months of late. Aggravation from some family members using my daughter's wedding as an excuse to vent all their 'years worth of grievances' and the ongoing problem with my dad's declining health and mental abilities - not needed all at the same time!
Anyway, deep breath, the wedding was stunning and so were my lovely daughters and partners and the sun was out all day - couldn't have wished for anything better.
This week we should hear whether my dad gets any funding towards his health care and whether we are allowed to put him into a residential care home. Because dad is classed as OPMHN (Older Persons Mental Health Needs) we are very, very limited to the homes we can look at. Most of them are rather dilapidated and it is sad to think dad will have to go into one of these (if he passes the criteria test today), but we are hoping that the care is there which is the most important. One can never really tell until actually being in that facility. You just have to go with your 'gut' feeling and hope you have made the right choice. Almost all of them require us to top up the fee and because my sister is on her own and only works part time, other family members wouldn't even consider offering, it leaves it to hubby to do the top up. We found one that would have been ideal - right next to a park where I could take dad out in a wheelchair, light and airy but the top up would be an astronomical £200 extra - PER WEEK. Because dementia has a rather unknown path we do not know how long he may be in one - months or possibly years and hubby is one year away from retirement and we can see all our savings sliding down a very slippery slope into the hands of the care-home owner leaving us with .........£0. So it was a very hard decision to make that we had to look at ones that only required a small top up - leaving us the less desirable locations. I just hope dear old dad isn't fully aware of where he is, because to be honest, I wouldn't fancy living in one.
Again, if family members complain on our choice - then hey, they should have been more involved - rant done, now onto more pleasurable things.

In 14 days, yep, 14, hubby, me, daughter and her 'new' husband and my sister are off on holiday for 9 days to a beautiful resort in the Maldives - Reethi Beach in the Baa Atoll. We reach it by sea-plane and it will be a lovely de-stressing, relaxing and fun time. Am so looking forward to this - not having to think about hospital visits, bitchy and jealous people and can just chill out for a while - bring it on!!

No, No and another No!

2011-10-24T14:20:00.002+01:00

Three NO NO's -

Don't put petrol in a Diesel car unless you want a massive clean up bill - oh yes!

Don't take liquorice that is supposed to alleviate hot flushes - another clean up may be needed!!

Don't drop an egg right next to an almost imovable object - and watch it ooze underneath

But hey, the sun is still out - one thing that has gone right at least

Gaynes Park Wedding (3) - Last Lot

2011-10-20T22:40:00.000+01:00

They say all the rich men have taller model wives!!

You won't catch any more close ups of me for sure! Jewellery by
Blue Forest Jewellery - thanks Alison

With Linda's nan (my mum)

He did say his speech was rather long!!

Gaynes Park Wedding (2)

2011-10-18T17:48:00.000+01:00

My two daughters

With Ken, the toastmaster and David, the photographer

Gaynes Park Wedding (1)

2011-10-16T21:22:00.000+01:00

Wayne and Linda

Back - Kim (Wayne's sister, Linda, Tracy, and Michelle (Linda's friend)
Lauren - flower girl on left and leo - page boy (how cute)

Do you like the fairy lights - someone has watched 'Vicar of Dibley"

Mum and Dad with their lovely daughter - so proud of her and Tracy

Gaynes Park Wedding

2011-10-16T07:51:00.000+01:00

The wedding went well yesterday and the weather was amazing - so thank you very much fairy godmother wherever you are. Still lots to do today, so will catch up later next week. Thanks to all my friends who sent best wishes and morale boosters - so much appreciated - more than you will ever know. Photos to follow in due course