so what happened in 2011?

January

• we spent Hogmanay in Gateshead, and went to the Viennese concert at The Sage on New Year's Day

February

• we had a visit from our friends for a weekend, and dragged them up Latrigg.  The clouds parted for long enough to see how good the view should have been...

March

• Calva Bridge reopened after the floods - what a difference!
• I knitted 2 baby kimonos and crocheted 5 beanies for the Romania coffee morning
• one kimono sold (hooray!) and one beanie was taken for a young person over there
• the coffee morning raised lots, especially from the baking and preserves which were donated

April

• a lovely visit to London to see family and enjoy the sights
• day trip to Leyland Trucks with work...
• Beckie's 40th birthday meal
• we walked up Latrigg (again!) with our housegroup on Good Friday

May

• we walked in the Lakes one bank holiday with church
• I did the medium-level walk (along the shores of Loweswater, then back along the coffin road)
• Andrew climbed Melbreak, and was amazed at how close together everything is
• Andrew is another year older
• we visited the Gincase with our friends
• we fed the baby goats
• then chased the guinea pigs
• and I was pushed around the go-kart track by a 4-year old

June

• 9 years :o)
• we spent the weekend in York
• lovely sunny weather
• and a welcome return to a favourite pub
• we said hello to Andrew's latest novelty car...

July

• ...and we said goodbye to Edgar the Morris Minor

• birthday barbecue for Sally by Crummock Water
• Keswick Convention
• but Andrew was able to get an evening off to see Senna at the cinema
• a moving film, which made me realise what I'd missed before I got into F1
• Ceri visited for a few days
• lovely to catch up properly again, and we were able to get out into the Lakes to enjoy the fresh air and lovely views

August

• more fell walks, with stunning views
• alongside Loweswater
• up Low Fell

September

• we visited Ceri in Gloucester

• and returned via Liverpool
• it was a lovely, relaxing break

• I started my blog...
• and turned another year older
• 40 is getting closer!

October

• quick trip to London to celebrate my cousin's wedding
• Becca's birthday party
• and an engagement party for Emily and Sam
• then Graeme asked Thea to marry him (well, he got us to do it for him, really...) and she said yes


• our friends visited for the weekend with their kids
• we walked around the harbour at Whitehaven

• and explored the Gincase

November

• 2 trips to Sweden for work
• tiring but good to reach the end of lots of Autumn travelling
• also, a day trip to Derbyshire to see the Thorntons factory
• yum!

December

• early Christmas in Scotland with my family
• Polish treats and lots of laughter
• "real" Christmas with Andrew's family
• then I had the bit between my teeth to start clearing out stuff from the kitchen
• it's only a start, but it feels good to get a bit more control over our house

Staying in

Well, I've not left the house today (too wet and windy for the planned trip to Keswick) but have sorted through a few more cupboards and found more stuff to go to Oxfam.  I definitely like being able to open cupboard doors without worrying that something will fall out!

A knock on the door this morning was a delivery of flowers, with a message to say Happy New Year.  What a lovely surprise!

The New Year Clearout begins

1. I feel very satisfied to have finally started clearing out some of the stuff we've accumulated and just don't need. So far, we've taken 2 boxes to the Salvation Army shop, with 2 more ready to go, and have thrown out countless plastic tubs without lids (among other things). The kitchen cupboard is no longer overflowing... next stop is the dresser in the dining room.
2. We popped into town for an hour or so this afternoon - it's so windy again! It felt good to blow the cobwebs away, but I'll be glad when it all dies down again.
3. We had friends over for dinner this evening. I'd made a beef stew (winter food!) and it was good to be able to relax and catch up with each other again.

our walk at Whitehaven

We had some friends to visit today, and went for a walk above Whitehaven Harbour...

We reached Haig Pit at the top of the hill (it was a long way up!)

On the way back we could see the Candlestick above the harbour:

Finally, we saw some geese on the harbourside:

Then they all came back to our house for a cuppa and to play with our train set, building blocks and Mr Potato Head.
And Emily helped me write today's blog.

Boxing Day baking

Lots of baking today...
- another lazy loaf
- white bread rolls, some with cheese and some with sesame seeds on top
- apple and pear crumble

All served with home-made broth for tea, for Andrew's family and Aunty Rose.

 

Christmas Day 2011

A lovely, relaxed day!

• we didn't need to rush to get up, and were at church this morning to celebrate with our friends.
• plenty of time to open presents when we got home, and we enjoyed seeing what we'd been given
• dinner with Andrew's family, again taking our time, and with a break for the Queen's speech in between courses
• then the traditional board game - which was a new one, and quite confusing at first...  I won though!
• I've spoken with all my family yesterday & today, and it's been so nice to catch up with them and hear lots of happy voices at the other end of the line.

No rush tomorrow either... I'm looking forward to it.

The real meaning of Christmas

 "[Jesus], being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name what is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2: 6-11



Christmas Eve

A relaxed, lazy day...
- I was in town mid-morning and before the crowds grew.
- we visited Aunty Rose who seemed in good form (& plied us with drink...)
- all presents are now wrapped and ready
- the soups are made for tomorrow's lunch and Monday's tea
- washing and ironing are done too!

So now it's just to go to sleep ready to celebrate tomorrow.

Peaceful start and happy endings

1. The world seemed so still and calm this morning as I left for work. Very tranquil.
2. We had breakfast together in the canteen to end the year. I finished this afternoon - no real work now until next year!
3. So nice to have a quiet evening in. I caught up with my mum and a friend by phone, and finished my book: I shall wear midnight by Terry Pratchett. I almost enjoyed it, just not as much as the earlier Tiffany Aching books: it took me a very long time to get into the story but I liked the way it ended (although I couldn't see the point of the time travel bit). This felt like the last in the sequence though with some neatly tied endings.
So... what to read next?

Christmas greetings and ready for bed

1. I took the biscuits around the office this morning - it was lovely to be able to offer something homemade and wish everyone a happy Christmas.  It's only a small thing, but I enjoyed it.
2. We had the lab clean-up in the afternoon, followed by the baking I'd brought and some fizzy pop from Susana.  She'd also bought a load of luxury crackers, so it was a very festive way to end the year together.
3. I've been fighting a migraine since yesterday evening, but not so bad that it's stopped me.  I'm looking forward to an early night tonight.

6 years...

We commemorated Grace's anniversary with a meal together.  Andrew bought some delicious steak, which he cooked with new potatoes, carrots and broccoli - delicious!

• It's slightly strange that I feel pretty ok at the moment... but I'm glad.  We try not to make too much of dates or anniversaries, but of course we know.
• and I do think keeping this blog is helpful.  It's too easy to forget the good things that happen each day and pass by so quickly.  But they still happened, and it's good to remember them.  I like having photos to look back at as well - proof I was here!

I'd planned to write down some of my memories from 6 years ago, but I think I'll leave that for another time... suffice to say, we knew God was with us, and I hope we'll never forget how well we were looked after.

Baking attempt no. 2

I've had another go at the biscuits and this time they seem ok...

I've also made some flapjack to take to work. Susana & I have arranged a lab clean-up session tomorrow with goodies afterwards so this is my contribution to the party. I may take in some choccies too, or perhaps something savoury to balance all the sugariness.

 

Different...

From Tuesday:
1. I arrived at work at the same time as a colleague with a trainee guide dog. Not something I've seen before!
2. I took a half day to try making some goodies to take into work. The vanilla ones had a strange aftertaste (I've decided the vanilla extract was past its best...) but the chocolate ones seem ok.
3. Fun this evening with my prayer triplet friends. We had a tasty meal cooked by Jenny then played on the Wii; it took me a while to remember what to do but we all did well in the end.

living it up

1. Yesterday's roast chicken became a chicken and mushroom risotto.  One of my favourite meals... and fab comfort food for a winter's evening
2. Christmas cards finished
3. electric blanket fitted at last

rock and roll!

Hooray for a good day

No church this morning (carol singing this evening instead) so our friends came for lunch with their boys.  We had some enthusiastic help in decorating our living room, so it all looks verybright & Christmassy now.
It felt so lovely to have a relaxed afternoon together.

We went to Andrew's parents' church for Carols by Candlelight this evening - an annual event, which helps us to remember the reason for the celebrations.  The sermon was quite short, and focussed on John 3:16 which is such a commonly-quoted verse that it's easy to forget how important it is.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

It struck me how much I depend on knowing this... I've been a bit up and down during the last year (and longer), and felt quite depressed earlier this year.  What gets me through is knowing that I have eternal life with God and that He loves me.  I can trust Him and know that He will work all things for my good, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time...

That feels good!

Snow, sorted and relaxing

There's snow on the fell tops, which makes for spectacular views on the road to Keswick.

We blitzed the last of our Christmas shopping in an hour and a half. That feels good!

Oxfam in Keswick was particularly productive, as was the toy shop opposite.

Dinner tonight with friends. Their baby is growing so fast, and was lovely to see how relaxed they seem.

The homemade pizzas were delicious too.

Christmas begins...

Christmas starts here!

• We went carol singing today around the north part of Cockermouth.  I've not been round the streets singing carols for years!  It was good fun (although very cold!) and it was lovely how many local people seemed to enjoy joining in. 
• We served mulled wine and hot chocolate from the back of Dave's van, with mince pies galore, and had a great time.  The people I spoke to all want us to come back next year.
• One of the stops was outside the house of Andrew's former colleague, who we see from time to time.  I'm hoping we can keep some stronger links going now...

Eating lots and having fun:

• Yesterday was my department's Christmas meal at our guest house.  The food was delicious (as usual) and we played some silly games.  Lots of fun, and my voice was going by the end
• Today, our department and the Finance area went out for lunch.  I had the slow-cooked leg of lamb, and it was just as good as last time... the meat was so tender and just fell off the bone (yum!)

I've also heard from a close friend I've feared I was losing touch with - it felt good to start catching up again, and begin making plans for getting together soon.

Christmas lists...

• Presents bought / made?  family, yes; friends and godchildren, almost!
• My family visited?  yes
• Cards written and sent?  almost...
• Christmas parties planned?  looking forward to it!
• Carol singing planned?  yep!  outside on Friday in Cockermouth, Carols by Candlelight in Whitehaven on Sunday
• Lab tidy-up arranged, ready for New Year
• Remembering the reason for Christmas in the first place?
• God loves us!  He hasn't left us to muddle along by ourselves, but came to live on the earth with us.  He came to His own creation, to deal with our selfishness so that now we can be in His presence and live!

Christmas part 1

Friday: a Polish Christmas meal with family.

• Lots of laughter, and new experiences with food...
• I already knew I liked Barszcz but was surprised that the mackerel was quite nice too. I wasn't so sure about the herring though.
• Lovely to see my uncle & aunt again, and one of my cousins had flown in specially.
• The vodka was good too!

 

Saturday:

• Breakfast with both brothers - we couldn't think how long it is since the last time
• shopping then lunch with Mum
• coffee with Oma
• tea at Mum's while watching Strictly
• then back to Graeme's to finish presents with a glass of wine
• Oma's scarf is finished :-)

 

Sunday:

• Church with Grandma & co. (so frustrated with new liturgy though - too many complicated words making unnecessary barriers between us & God)
• Gave out Christmas presents
• an unexpected hello with my other uncle & aunt
• Lunch at Dad's

 

...then home!

Storms, ready for Christmas part 1.

Well, the house is still standing although the "summer" house is losing some of its roof at the moment... Hopefully not in any dangerous way! It's only a small section of plastic sheeting so not too heavy. We'll have a proper look in the morning.

Christmas presents for my family are mostly sorted and wrapped now. I'll be knitting on the way up to finish my gran's scarf tomorrow though.
- Chutney labels written
- Mitts finished
- Gift bags filled

Still to do:
- Finish chutney jars (covers & tags)
- Wrap last presents
- Christmas cards
- Oma's scarf
- pack

Sleep!

(fix summer house roof)

Winter's arriving

Driving to work yesterday morning, the sky was clear and there was snow on the Galloway hills.  The sun was lighting them up, and it was beautiful.

We're in the middle of a storm now - gales and rain woke me through the night (I thought the window might break!) and it was lashing it down this morning.  Now the sun's shining, but it's still very strong wind; the forecast is for at least another day...

Growing older and growing up

When did I become an old woman?
Not for the first time, I realised the young IT technician was patiently explaining to me how to do something that should be intuitive.

Last night was A's Christmas do: tasty food (the first time I've tried pheasant) and lots of laughter.

This afternoon we visited some friends. We played Guess Who? and very much enjoyed having fun with them. It's lovely to be welcomed in to the family and to see our godchildren growing up.

Music and perfectionist

I was surprised yesterday walking through town to hear an Amy Grant song coming from the PA system in the main square (along with other Christmas songs) - I've not heard this song for about 20 years!

Breath of heaven

Hold me together

Be forever near me

Breath of heaven

Breath of heaven

Light up my darkness

Pour over me your holiness

For you are holy

It felt good to pick up my guitar again after too long not playing... We've got housegroup tomorrow evening, so I've been preparing some songs to sing together.

The latest attempt at a fingerless mitt is almost done, but I'm not convinced (not that I'm a perfectionist or anything...)  I think I know what I'll try next though - hopefully an adult-sized version of the crocheted mitts I made for D's birthday.  It was a nice pattern so I'm fairly optimistic...

Friends and gift WIP

• It felt good to catch up with friends yesterday morning after being away last week:  hugs and smiles at church, then watching the last F1 race of the year with good company ...and a delicious tea to finish.
• One fingerless mitt finished... but it's too big!  So I'm trying another design (and I'll keep the first for myself).  This time I'm using a thicker yarn and crocheting for a faster finish.  Let's hope this one works.
• Two Words with Friends game invitations - at the moment I'm winning one and losing one.

Weekend makings

Makings...

• Mary Berry's Christmas Chutney - this is the fourth time I've made this recipe, and I'm getting the hang of it now.  This time I left the lid off during the early part of cooking the veggies so that there was less liquid to evaporate later.  It seemed to work, so that probably took about an hour off the boiling time.  It went down very well last year, so I'm looking forward to giving some jars as presents

 

 


























• Fingerless Mitts - another Christmas present.  I've probably planned slightly too much for the time available, but I should be able to get these sorted out ok.
• Frizzante scarf -  my gran loved the scarf I made for her a few years ago, and she wears it every night, so it's time she got a new one!  I started knitting it in the car on the way to town, about 2" so far...

Shopping...

• We're getting there... I think we've found something for my brothers and my mum now.  We'll hopefully sort out the rest tomorrow.  Hooray!

HIMP day 4 and back home

1. The sun shone and the mists lifted, making for a beautiful autumn view
2. The Christmas lights were on as I drove back through Cockermouth - crisp white and blue
3. It's good to be back home again, and there was soon a glass of red wine and a tasty snack ready for me.

HIMP day 3

A fun activity this afternoon, to learn about Lean.  We were split into two teams and were assembling a "widget" of sticker dots on paper.  The other team was much more efficient, but we nearly caught up by the end...  It was a welcome change from the financial training over the last couple of days.

I'm ready to head home soon though - it's been a long 3 days so far and I'll be glad to be home tomorrow evening.  A long journey, but that'll be it for a while now.

I've still not picked up my knitting while I've been here... when I'm back in my room I end up going online to keep in touch with the world instead.  I'll have to work fast when I'm back home to be ready by the 9th...

HIMP day 2

I think yesterday was designed to ease us in gently (or should that be "lull us into a false sense of competence"?) because they've upped the pace a lot today.  I'm very comfortable with the maths part, but all the accounting terminology just has me reaching for the dictionary!  There's another half day to go, so I hope I manage to keep my head above water...

It's a beautiful view outside the hotel - I've tried to take a photo from my balcony but I can't do it justice:

Imagine tranquil mists over still water...

HIMP day 1

Finance and business strategy...

We're missing some of the other course members, due to work priorities, family and fog... the fog cleared eventually so we gained one back by the end of the day.

The course is interesting (honest!) but I'm guessing it will get a bit more complicated before we're finished.

No aerobics sessions programmed in this time, but we've been for a walk around the town a couple of times.  The fresh air was very welcome after sitting in a classroom all day - we finished at 8:30pm and we're starting back at 8:30am tomorrow.

The meals are delicious.  I got a shock when I had a glass of wine with my dinner though - 125 SEK (about £12!).  I think I'll be sticking to water from now on...  Some of us did manage to find a bar in town for a nightcap after the classes were finished ;o)

lovely morning and great service

We took a walk around Whitehaven harbour before I set off on my travels again... the sun was shining and it was a beautiful clear day.

When I arrived at Stockholm airport I noticed my case had been damaged (again - it was scratched the last time I brought it here!)  I reported it to the service desk, not expecting anything more than a form to fill in, but was given a replacement case there and then!  They had a table at the side of the baggage claim where I could transfer my things from between cases, and then leave my damaged case.  I don't recognise the brand I've been given (but then I didn't know the brand I had before) but it seems at least as good as my old one, and possibly better.

What good service!

Friends and family

I visited a friend and her 4-month old baby this morning.  Time flies so quickly; the last time I saw them he was only a couple of weeks old.  "Ciocia Lorna" - feels strange, and a privilege...

I'm looking forward to having a little bit more control over how I spend my time after this week; I seem to have been travelling or working longer hours since September and it's been interesting but I feel I've neglected my friends a bit too.  We'll be home over Christmas so hopefully we can spend some proper time with the people who matter to us.

We cooked for Andrew's mum's birthday today - he made spiced apple and sweet potato soup, and I made lemon roast chicken with lots of roast veggies.  The table was already beautifully decorated when I got back from my friend's house.  I think Mary enjoyed being pampered.

The broom broom beanie's growing too - I've added the road now - and Andrew has found some gorgeous buttons on ebay.  Success!

something achieved...

1. a parcel arrived for me at work, with several great examples of what has been printed on our product.  Some luxurious boxes, some very cute, all very good!
2. I ticked off almost everything on my "must do before I'm away for a week" list at work.  That felt satisfying.
3. a relaxing evening at home, knitting and enjoying a meal cooked for me by Andrew.

tickle-monsters, good company and next WIP

1. tickle-ickle-ickle!  at our housegroup meal out, Toby and Daniel were little tickle-monsters.  Lots of laughing!
2. and it felt good to have a relaxing meal with friends, even if I've eaten far too much.
3. I've started another Christmas knitting project... I've been looking for a 2nd pattern for fingerless mitts (for my future sister-in-law this time), and hopefully this one will work.  The last one I tried was looking far too big, so I hope this works better... fingers crossed!

Christmas WIP

I've started the next Christmas present.  I couldn't resist this crocheted broom broom beanie and plan to make it for Sam's Christmas present.  I love the idea and hope he will too.  I'm going to use car buttons, if I can find some, instead of turning toy cars into a brooch, but otherwise will stick to the design as much as possible.  So cute!

I'll probably make a girly hat for his big sister too...  I'm not sure what design yet...

strength and catching up

1. I started the pilates class thinking I didn't have the energy or strength to keep up, but actually managed more than usual.  I can definitely see some progress in what I can manage.
2. Lovely to catch up with my friends afterwards for our prayer triplet
3. I've almost done the homework for next week's course!  It'll be sent in the morning.

Growing, completing and experimenting

1. Exciting news this morning from a colleague who's looking forward to a new arrival
2. Managed to complete what I need for tomorrow morning, without having to bring anything home this evening
3. Experimented in the kitchen this evening, to make a spicy sausage casserole from various bits and pieces.  It turned out yummy :o)

weekend activities

yesterday:

1. to receive a text from a friend who'd prayed for me last Sunday, asking how my week had been
2. yummy mezze platter for lunch at Merienda's in Carlisle (with handcut chips!)
3. the fingerless mitts I'm making as a Christmas present are very nearly finished
• just the hems left to sew on the 2nd glove

today:

1. playing bass during the worship time
• it's been a while since I last played, but it was good to be part of the group again.  I'm looking forward to being part of a regular band for a change
2. watching the Abu Dhabi grand prix with friends after church
• the race had a few good moments, but the company was fun
3. knitted another 2" of scarf this evening
• it's coming on, but I'm still only about 2/3 of the way through
• will it ever be finished?!

winding down

1. busy day at work, with 2 of the team off and more questions than usual coming in, but we managed ok
• reassuring news from one of the team that his little girl's illness has been diagnosed and is treatable
• the weekend's here now, so I can relax and catch up on house stuff
2. great to be able to pick up my knitting needles again
• it's been a while, and I'm keen to make some Christmas presents this year so I'm very pleased that the current 2 projects are getting close to completion
3. I'm enjoying reading Case Histories, after a number of weeks without picking up a novel.

back home again

The meeting in Sweden went well, despite my developing a cold before leaving home... I was coughing & sneezing throughout Tuesday, but was fine during the half-hour when I was speaking.

I didn't feel any bad effects from Monday's early start, and the different timezone, which was a welcome answer to prayer; as was not feeling panicky during the drives home yesterday.

• I'd felt God telling me last week that the travelling would be ok, and I could feel Him with me throughout.  It was good to know I wasn't alone, and that the King has been looking after me

I've seen some beautiful sunsets & sunrises over the last few days too - sometimes the world just takes your breath away...

what a long day!

the alarm was set for 4:55 this morning... I'm now in Hudiksvall, after 3 hours in the car, 3+ hours in the plane, 2 hours on the train and a short walk to the hotel.

1. I looked out from the plane window onto what appeared to be lumps of rock in the sea... then spotted the tiny boats moored by the shore, and the (fairly big) roads to "nowhere".  There is life in unexpected places
2. despite all the delays en route (traffic hold-ups, queueing for security, computer problems on the plane...) we arrived pretty much on time at our final destination
3. I opened my "breakfast" sandwich at about 4pm, to find a nice note from Andrew.

and I think this is the nicest room I've had in this hotel yet...

Saturday jolly and makes

I drove to Carlisle in the fog, then returned in lovely sunshine - what a difference!

• a warm welcome from our friends in Moreish when I stopped for some lunch
• chatting with a friend when I passed her shop in Cockermouth
• found some (more!) yarn in Whitehaven for the next Christmas present idea

I made some spiced cranberry and pear relish this evening

• I doubled the quantities, because four 250g jars didn't seem very much... I've ended up with a triple amount!
• I used 4 big pears and 4 smaller, to hedge my bets... the recipe didn't say what size I needed
• I added half as much extra sugar as the recipe said for fresh cranberries
• it took much longer than the 30 minutes cooking time
• I think there must be something about my cooker and pan - it always needs longer than the chutney recipes say

I've tried to keep the boiling vinegar smell to the kitchen, but it's bound to get through the house... I've made a veg tagine to try to balance it out a bit

 

weekend plans

On my own this evening... Andrew's gone to visit his brother for the weekend... so I'm watching too much tv.  I really should go to bed though - I'm incubating a cold and some sleep might be a good idea.

My weekend plans have changed a bit though

• my hairdresser has cancelled for tomorrow
• setting off for Sweden early on Monday (not Sunday evening)
• maybe going to go shopping in Carlisle tomorrow if I feel inspired
• I'm in Andrew's car too - probably not the best weather for driving with the top down...
• definitely looking forward to 2 mornings when I can sleep in :o)

fascinating and practicalities

yesterday:
trip with work to visit the Thorntons factory in Derbyshire...

• I nearly didn't go, but late on Tuesday it was back on!
• the air was full of chocolate dreaminess

today:

• feeling very tired after 400 miles on the road yesterday
• not looking forward to starting out at silly o'clock for Monday's travel, but there's a quiet voice telling me it'll be ok...

...and I've finally got my hair back to the colour it should be ;o)

changed plans

...at work, to fit with my frame of mind

• number-crunching without needing to think

...this evening to chat with a friend

• the hair-colouring can wait!
• as can the bedroom decorating

Sunday lunch

lovely Sunday lunch with Andrew's family today

• roast beef with all the trimmings - yum!
• good to catch up with everyone too
• and I only had to unknit 4 rows to get back to the dropped stitch...
• about 2 inches completed in the end  ;o)
• waited for the highlights to watch the Indian Grand Prix
• didn't grab me, but some interesting bits

looking for chutney recipes for Christmas presents this evening

• definitely making the Christmas Chutney again
• Spiced Cranberry and Pear Relish looks interesting too

feeling very sleepy now after the clocks went back...

fun and celebrations

A nice, slow start to the day, after what has felt like a very long week, then...

1. We were greeted at the door by a young boy/dinosaur in his hat and mitts, and a younger boy carrying a dinosaur toy, both roaring loudly and excitedly.  What a welcome!
2. Lots of fun playing with Daniel, Toby and their parents this afternoon
• Mousetrap! and Post the Most
• pleased to see that Mummy & Daddy are on the mend from injured knee and tonsilitis
3. A lovely engagement party this evening for Emily & Sam
• lots of yummy puddings
• happy to hear that the colour she's planning for the wedding is similar to the vase we chose for them as a present.  At least we know she likes teal :o)

it's been a long week...

...and I'm ready for the weekend :o)

We had a lovely evening with friends on Tuesday

• pizza, choccy and Wii

I finished the first fingerless mitt on Wednesday

Brewery tour and dinner with customers yesterday

Ginger cake baked this evening, ready for Sam and Emily's engagement party tomorrow

...looking forward to seeing our friends tomorrow afternoon

coincidence and quickly growing

At the doctor this afternoon - strangely odd to be talking to a Scot called Lorna.
... but surely I'm the only one!

The fingerless mitts I'm knitting are growing so much more quickly than I expected

• the first one was started on Saturday evening and is almost finished already!
• I might even be able to make a couple of pairs for presents after all

weekend fun & the birds

yesterday:

• relaxed start to the day
• board games with A & M
• bolognaise sauce simmering in the slow cooker for later
 

• lots of fun at the Gincase
• lunch in the barn
• climbing through the playhouse and sliding down the pole
• racing around the go-kart track
• amazing coloured birds
• Aidan fed them (from his hands!)
• Megan fed Megan (the Shetland pony)
• massive Clydesdale horse
• the clever black pony racing from one end of the field to another in search of food
• happy as pigs in mud!
• and all finished off with tea and delicious cakes in the cafe
• birthday presents
• pink fizz to celebrate new godparenting
• knitting and crocheting in the evening, while the men read
• I've started some fingerless mitts... as a rest from the unending scarf

today:

• lovely lunch at Merienda's before waving goodbye to our friends
• relaxing afternoon at home
• watching sparrows flitting in and out of the branches in the back yard

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow with worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own"
          Matthew 6:26-27,33-34

let the weekend begin

• the day started with a looming migraine
• not great when there was lots of housework to get through
• not so bad that I couldn't do it though, and by mid-afternoon I was feeling much better
• lovely to have our visitors arrive
• lots of smiles to see each other again
• we went for a walk around Whitehaven harbour to get over the long car journey north
• cold and breezy, but lovely to be outside
• delicious meal, cooked by Andrew, followed by knitting!
• I had to unpick a few rows because I'd got distracted, but the scarf has grown about an inch this evening
• very impressed that the men could join in and understand our conversation