Sandie's Patch

This Bird can copy the sound of everybody including Human - LyreBird

2012-02-01T14:21:00.000Z

I saw this on Judes' blog, 'Spirit Cloth' and just had to share with you in case you hadn't seen it. Wonderful world of Nature!

Sandie xx

I'm back already!

2012-01-27T16:36:00.000Z

LOL! Thank you all for your kind comments.
Have sorted the bill paying out, providing I stick to my dates to pay, should be o.k.
It was me panicking 'cos the last time I was restricted on the phone use was extremely unpleasant and embarrassing to be honest.
I think all of you sent helpful vibes and it helped me think it through and make positive, confident moves!

NOW, let's have a tour around blogland before I go around to my Sister for a curry...Yummy!

Have a great weekend all!

Hugs,

Sandie xx

Last blog post maybe for some time.....

2012-01-26T12:47:00.001Z

This might be my last blog post for some time...I've not been frugal enough with my ESA and now have to find a ridiculous sum of money to pay not only my phone/broadband bill but, my electrickery bill too!
So the former is going to restrict my phone use and my broadband altogether, the latter is threatening to cut off the electricity! So it's a viscious circle, I need money to pay said bills, I need electricity to use the phone and computer to pay the bills, as I have no transport of my own (had to give up the car last June, couldn't afford to run it/maintain it), I kind of feel trapped. On top of all that, (when and if) I pay the bills, I need to pay re-connection fees!

So I hope you understand when I don't reply to your emails and comments!
Those of you who know my phone number can, if you wish phone me, I will still get incoming calls!

Meanwhile, I'll have to get my body fit for some kind of work, to try and pay some bills!

Take care you lovely Bloggers!

Sandie xx

Finally...

2012-01-15T23:43:00.000Z

...got my walking boots on and went for a half-decent walk on a bitter cold, sunny day.
Didn't do so much walking as talking though. Stopping to talk to loads of people and watching the Fieldfares,Blackbirds, Mistlethrush and starlings eating the decaying apples in the orchard. At one point it suddenly went quiet apart from the alarm calls of the Blackbirds and the vast beating of wings of the above mentioned birds. And the reason? A Sparrowhawk looking for a late luncheon bird! Still, that's life, but magnificient to see all the same.

I decided to pop into my Sisters' for a cuppa, but, she was out. So I continued and came around the back of my place, when I heard a 'yoo hoo!'. It was one of my elderly neighbours calling out to me to pop in for a sherry. I did not decline, 'cos I just fancied a natter and something to warm me up! My snoz (nose) was freezing cold and besides, what a good excuse for an aperitif with a friendly neighbour!

I admit to dozing off watching Countryfile though!

Have a good week,

Sandie xx

Thank you!

2012-01-14T13:00:00.000Z

Thank you all for the lovely, kind comments sent to me following my 'sneezing' accident LOL!

My back is back to it's 'normal' state!

Have a lovely weekend,

Sandie xx

Feeling rough...

2012-01-12T10:35:00.000Z

Well, should have had an appointment this morning but, yesterday afternoon I sneezed and my back went out and my neck and shoulder are also aching. Needless to say, I didn't relish the thought of being thrown around on the bus this morning!
So the parcels that are ready for posting, won't be posted today but, might be posted tomorrow.

Just to mention that Helen of Moonstruck Creations blog has a Birthday today, Happy Birthday Helen!

Catch up with you all at the Weekend,

Sandie xx

And the recipients are.....

2012-01-10T17:51:00.000Z

In the order they were drawn -

39 - Poppy Cottage

24 -Life on the East Coast

26 - Mountain Mama

29 - Moonstruck Creations

32 - Morning AJ

10 - Dee Dees' Vintage Retro Delights

I will now e-mail or comment on those blogs and if the recipients would kindly e-mail back with your names and addresses, I will do my best to get the gifts posted on Thursday or Friday this week.

Congratulations to you all! And THANK YOU to all my followers and fellow bloggers.

Hugs,

Sandie xx

Time's up!

2012-01-10T08:28:00.001Z

I decided that today's the day to close the comments for the 'just because' givaways'.
Still not decided how many and exactly what yet....

Will do the draw using Dad's 'pools' numbers, (he used to pick his Football Pools competition entries using these). I'll get a picof them too. Had to use these as Katie or Rosie cat would not 'cooperate' with picking a number out of a bowl, off the floor or on the table LOL!

Results later today and hopefully posted on Thursday or Friday this week.

Have a great day!

Sandie xx

100 followers.....

2012-01-08T00:53:00.000Z

100 Followers, so that means....a giveaway coming soon...well, before the end of the month hopefully.
Now, what to give away?

You tell me what you might like to recieve if your name is drawn out of the hat and I'll see what I can come up with.
Hope you are all enjoying a lovely relaxing weekend?

Sandie xx

Cats sleep anywhere..........Except where you want them to!

2012-01-06T22:52:00.000Z

She could sleep here, like she does when it's cold,

or here, notice the crumpled cushion and brushed cotton cosy quilt - evidence she has been here recently,

or here, notice the hair and bits of garden in it,

or here, on the sofa, notice the squashed bit on the top of the back of the sofa and Rosie cat jumping down off of the sofa, she's not keen on the camera flash.

or here, a cosy little bed that gets the late afternoon sun. But no, she had to sleep here on my work table on my fabric scraps from a recent project...

She's a gorgeous (if mischeivous) Katie cat!

The look says it all, "You can move me but, I'll just come back"! And she did!

Don't you just love 'em?

Sandie xx

2012 A good Year?

2012-01-01T13:58:00.000Z

Well, 2012 is here and some things don't change...
Katie cat still wants a cuddle when I'm trying to use the computer... typing one-handed is sooo slow!
That's better, she's gone off to investigate the window views now, knocking stuff off of the desk in the process!

Thank you all for you lovely wishes and comments over 2011, some of which will be entered into a giveaway (of what, yet to be decided), and sent out before the end of January. There's no fixed date set, I'm just one day going to decide there's enough to go in the 'hat' and pick at least one blogger, maybe more. It's for, well, simply just because I want to and as an anti-dote for the dull days! Maybe the gift won't be THAT exciting but, it's hopefully going to be worth receiving.

Until the next time...

Sandie xx

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T15:17:00.003Z

Here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year Whenever you celebrate it!

Hugs,

Sandie xx

And the adventurama comes to a close....

2011-12-25T01:22:00.002Z

Day 21 is a ?blender/blusher brush in it's own case.
Day 22 is a lovely Lavender heart with CK ribbon hanger. I'll put that in me drawers LOL!
Day 23 is a needlecase with a Russian ?(sp)Matroiska doll on the front.
Day 24 as you can see is/was about 24 mini chocolate balls, nom, nom...very tasty!

Day 25 is this book...the title says it all! It has lots of up to the minute embroidery designs and some ready to use transfers, one of which may come in handy for one of my Art Dolls that I will start making in the New Year, it's a face, well, eyes, eyebrows and then the lips are on another sheet. The nose I'll have to fathom out myself!

Thank you so much Sarah, it has been a really fun swap and I hope you've enjoyed it at least as much as I have! You worked so hard making all the speciall things just for me, I'm so glad I had you as my swap partner! (I do use a lot of !'s don't I ?!)
It's gonna be a hard swap to follow this one!

Which only leaves me to say I hope all of you that celebrate Christmas, have a happy Christmas!

Have a great holiday time everyone!

Hugs,

Sandie xx

Nom,Nom,Nom....

2011-12-22T01:03:00.001Z

Look what I got today...My giveaway treats from Jan at Sivermoonbird Blog.

There's Threads, beads and felt, velvet and silk and cotton fabrics all dyed in my favourite shades, heathery pinky purples! I got straight to and made a pair of dangly earrings, using 2 of the bright pink wooden beads and 2 pieces of the shell beads, adding to them some 'chips' of rose quartz and 2 different colours of Swarovski crystals, I can't wait to wear them tomorrow, only going shopping but, they'll make me feel good!

Jan, I'm over the moon with your generous gift, you are soo kind, THANK YOU! XX

This is a cuff I made using some purple silk, beads, metallic thread and the part through the middle which is bought ribbon, originally bought to make a seasonal greeting card... the cuff's much nicer! It has shiny metallic heart-shaped buttons which fasten the cuff with the thread loops.

This is my naff tree decorated at last. My goosie from Sara sitting in front...no eggs yet LOL!

On the back of the sofa is a crazy patchwork and embroidery cushion I made a couple of months ago. The actual embroidery was done in the mid '90s, when I spent a lot of time lying on my front on the living room carpet where I then lived. I had 2 lumbar spine discs prolapsed and they took some persuading to go back where they had come from! I used to lay there stitching and reading. One of my cats, now sadly not with me, used to lie on the small of my back, kneading away, by far the most wonderful massage!

The embroidered bit on the cushion reads, 'I thrive on Chaos'.....Probably true LOL!

Another view of the N'tree, and artificial poinsettia and a bowl of homemade potporri that comes out of its' box at this time of the year. ( naff pic, I left out my cardmaking stuff and quilters' rule!)

This is a pic of the garland around my fireplace.

This used to wind it's way up a bannister of the house I lived in when I had disc problems, it used to have all manner of home-made novelties hanging from it, some of them scented.

I forgot to take a pic of the 'Icicles' that I made, some had lavender in and some had homemade spicy pomander mix in, which I then called 'Spicicles'! The mix I used in them will last for years if wrapped up well in storage.

My Advent giftie today is a ?Blusher/blender brush in it's own silver pouch - Clinique no less!

Thank you Sara XX

Well that's it for now, will take some pics of the 'Icicles' and post soon.

Sandie xx

Adventurama, days 16,17,18,19,20

2011-12-20T16:59:00.001Z

Day 16, no, it wasn't a Boomerang!

It's a lovely knitted covered garment hanger, too pretty to hang anything on really, especially as I don't have any sheer garments lol! Love the way the 'flowers' are made, will do some of these myself I think.

Day 17, A patchwork and be-ribboned bookmark, already in use in my 'Sew Sunny Homestyle' book by Tone Finnager (She uses a lot of Tilda fabrics, some are a lot like CK fabrics)

Day 18, a lovely felt stitched hair clip, with Roses, Holly and Mistletoe, perfect for wearing on Dec22nd (Winter Solstice) and Christmas day!

Day 19, a set of 6 crocheted hearts, perfect to add a touch of decor to just about any project although, the pink ones might be added to a couple of my t shirts that have some stains on, thus making use of them instead of throwing them out, the t shirts, not the hearts! Watch this space....

Day 20, a lovely Goosey! She might not lay golden eggs, maybe grey and pink ones LOL!

I adore her, with her little lace collar and 'heart' shaped cheeks, she will be on show all year round, a Goose isn't just for Christmas! (Well, not this one!).

Once again, thank you Sara for all your gifties, each one given with a lot of thought put into it.XX

Until the next Adventurama instalment....

Sandie xx

Adventurama, days 13,14, and 15

2011-12-15T01:06:00.001Z

Ha! I saved the labels this time so, you can clearly see what each days' gift was.
You might have to enlarge the photo by clicking on it to see more clearly.
No.13 is a lovely fabric flowercuff/bracelet, perfect for Summer time.
No.14 is a handbag sized 2012 diary, making me hungry looking at the pic(normally I think cupcakes are too sweet!).
No.15 is a beautifully made pin cushion, I love pincushions, one can never have too many of them, although I'm gonna need some more pins me thinks!
Day 16 tomorrow, I think I know what it is yet!! Real give away with the shape....

Thank you so much Sarah, I don't know where you find the time to make all these gorgeous items, with a family and business too, when there's only me and 2 cats, puts me to shame LOL!
I do hope you are enjoying your Advent Gifties too.

See you soon,

Sandie xx

Adventerama continues...

2011-12-12T18:00:00.001Z

There are 3 days' worth here in the 1st photo - some 'Sanctuary' souffle (moisturiser, not edible LOL!) in the centre, then a little square ?doile, with a 12 point knitted bunting surrounding the other 2.

2 more days, not in sequence...trust me!

A Cath Kidston ? I.D strap, not sure what fits on the end, you'll have to enlighten me on this one Sarah!

Then.... a Christmouse! in a little pink tutu! Katie cat has her eye on this, so I'd better keep it out of her reach!

This is Day 11, tag just visible at the top of pic, a lovely Patchwork pinny...lined too! Thank you Sarah, you have sent me some lovely handmade and well-thought out pressies! (Busy Girl!).

That's all for today folks!

(Off to get some baked beans on home-made toasted bread - yummy, with a dash of L&P worcestershire sauce and a sprinkling of grated extra mature cheddar cheese on top!)

Sandie xx

More Advent swap pics and birthday pressies

2011-12-10T23:54:00.000Z

Firstly, the box arrives.....

Inside a Santa sack, hand stencilled by Sarah,

I was obviously a bit excited, this was the best shot of 3 and still had 'camera shake'!

This was day 3's pressie, wow so colourful!

I'm not sure but think this was day2...my excuse is that blogger wouldn't let me upload the photos last week...poor excuse I know!

Day4 must have been the choccy Santa...no evidence available he, he! but, day 5&6 still have their labels. The lovely floral heart shaped felt brooch adorns my purple fleece jacket and the knitted (non-fattening) Christmas pud is hanging on my clear glass back door.

These lovely items are a belated birthday card and pressies from Sue, @home blogger.

The card is gold embellished leaf batik fabric stitched onto the card. the hanging decoration (forgive me Sue for adding to the hanging decoration), the heart shaped hanging decoration has a lovely 'blackbery-shaped' green glass bead, hand-made by Sue. The larger longer bead at the top is also made by Sue and was originally a keyring but, I was naughty and dismantled it, putting the bead onto the heart hanging, where I could appreciate it's beauty more than if it was on a keyring in a coat or bag and only seen briefly.

Am I an ungrateful wretch or what?

Thank you so much Sue, I'm going to put the card in a clip frame and hang it in my little workroom (small bedroom), I think it is so lovely.

Well, that's it for now,more pics to follow, (blogger permitting!), of the further advent pressies.

Have a lovely week all,

Sandie xx

Advent swaps....

2011-12-06T00:15:00.000Z

Now day 5 as it's gone past midnight!
I've lost track what I had when, was going to take a pic with the tags on....
Now I can't upload the photos! B****R!

Day three was a gorgeous, wavy design crocheted and fringed scarf in the most gorgeous 'ice cream' colours! Definately needed it yesterday when I popped out to the post box! Thank you Sarah!

Day 4 was a chocolate Santa, but he got a bit smashed, not drunk silly, I mean broken! Still edible and was, well, gone before I could photograph him...the crumbs were lovely in my porridge with a chopped banana!

Day 5 is... a lovely felt, heart-shaped brooch with oodles of tiny felt flowers on! Thanks Sarah, that will go straight onto my light purple fleece jacket that I seem to wear all the time now and with the gorgeous scarf and my red hair....I shall have colour wherever I travel!

I've given up guessing what's in the parcels, I'm not good at it LOL!

Will post the pics when B.Blogger will let me.
Meanwhile...keeeep unwrapping!

Sandie xx

Ooer! Nearly 100 followers!

2011-12-02T23:30:00.001Z

Just noticed, I have nearly 100 followers (or 'stalkers' as my friend calls them LOL!).

Sooo, better do a giveaway early in the New Year me thinks! If you are or are not a follower yet, leave me a comment and a suggestion of what you think would be a nice giveaway giftie to receive in the New Year...dash it...whether or not I reach 100 followers! Obviously want to hear relatively sensible suggestions but, give me a silly one too and we can all have a laugh...we will all probably need a bit of a laugh and a fantasy escape in the New Year.

Will post about day 3 Advent pressie and the Bizarre or Bazaar (however it turns out), probably on Sunday, will have opened day 4 pressie too by then.

Have a great weekend,

Sandie xx

Day 2....

2011-12-02T01:11:00.000Z

Ha! So day 2's Advent pressie is NOT a mug or a candle with an 'andle!
It's an orange pomander...you know, a fresh orange with ribbon and cloves studded throughtout.
I can see where I might have thought it otherwise, as the cellophane wrapper was twisted to one side and DID feel like a handle....
Day 3's feels soft and squidgy...definately not chocolate!

Oooh Sarah, you must be wondering what sort of immature person you've sent your swap to!
I promise...I'll never fully grow up!

Dyed my hair on Monday...took until today to stop being surprised by this woman with ginger hair every time I look in the mirror LOL! Heaps better than the mousy mix of grey and mouse!
Next time though, may go to medium Auburn instead of light Auburn...
For those desparate to see my lovely ginger locks, you'll have to wait until my friend Chris takes a pic on Saturday when she comes over.

Have a great weekend all!

Sandie xx

Advent swap

2011-12-01T03:33:00.000Z

I got my Advent Swap parcel on Tuesday...I'm worse than a kid! Feeling everything and trying to guess what's inside.....got the first one wrong though...thought it was a candle and holder, nope! It's a darning mushroom! You all know I've wanted one for ages...now I can darn me socks properly!
Thank you Sarah (Shabby Chic Sarah Blogger), try saying that when you're.... tired!

I think the 2nd one is a mug......or a candle with an 'andle!

I really enjoyed putting Sarah's Advent parcel together, I hope it delivers!

Sandie xx

Another year older...

2011-11-27T23:59:00.000Z

Well, I'm another year older...where did the time go?
I think as you get older, time certainly does seem to go faster and we slow down LOL!

BUT, am I any wiser....not sure on that question!

Have a great week, only 4 to go to Christmas Day....

Sandie xx

Give me Colour!

2011-11-01T22:25:00.000Z

And some fungi of course!

I've been doing all manner of crafts and ....not taken pics to show you........ but as some are gifts for certain people who will read this blog, you can understand why no pics.

Sandie xx

Re- resisting temptation....

2011-09-27T00:08:00.000+01:00

Do you know the trick to resisting temptation? I do......I didn't have any money to spend, plastic or otherwise . LOL! Otherwise, like Oscar Wilde said, " I can resist everthing but, temptation." TRUE!

Sandie xx

Quick trip to Derbyshire

2011-09-24T15:34:00.002+01:00

This pic taken of the church at Endsor in the Chatsworth Estate village, was taken about this time last year (I think),

This one was taken yesterday at the back of the Cafe at Chatsworth Farm shop complex.

This one of a house opposite the church in Endsor

This one of the church and lane, down the hill at Endsor, taken yesterday morning.

The dogs had their blast run around, then we went on to Rowseley, at the back of Cauldwells Mill area and had our picnic, the dogs had another blast around, then had their bowls of tea.

Then we went on to Heirs and Graces' Patchwork shop in Darley Dale. I didn't buy a thing but, enjoyed looking around at the eye candy fabrics! Sis bought a few bits and pieces though! I asked about the ribbons and trims and the assistant told us that they had recently opened another shop just a couple of doors down called Peak Embroidery and that it had a little tea/coffee shop too inside. Unfortunately we didn't have time to browse, saving that for another day!

It was quite warm too, about 23c, much warmer than the day before!

Have a great weekend!

Sandie xx

Bloggers' gone barmy again!

2011-09-22T23:19:00.001+01:00

Anyone else having trouble signing in again?
By the time I finally got here, my time out was up!
Not that I'd got a lot to say really...
Sue - @home blog is having giveaway of one of her works of art wall hangings with a lovely Autumnal theme, get over there now and enter quick!
I've been taking up my neighbours' trousers for her and kept wondering why I had a desparate urge to eat ice cream! The reason? The trousers were a wonderful 'Raspberry Sundae' colour!

Well, all being well, off to Derbyshire tomorrow with Sis and the dogs, first port of call a certain craft/fabric/patchwork shop in Darley Dale, then take the dogs for a blast around and find a nice spot to eat our packed lunch with homemade chicken soup... and the dogs get their bowl of luke warm tea!

Have a great weekend one and all!

Special thoughts to 'M' after her terrible ordeal with pre-eclampsia, following the birth of her beautiful twins, Lexi and Sam, praying for a good and speedy recovery for you. See Twiglets' blog for updates.

Sandie xx

My wonderful Autumn Swap

2011-09-18T14:18:00.001+01:00

On Friday, my wonderful Autumn swap parcel arrived from Barrina.
Thanks girl, it's a wonderfully fab collection of goodies!
Here are some pics, first of the parcel inside but, still assembled, then down through the layers, then displayed on my table....all desirable items, some handmade by Barrina too!

What a lot I got!

Above is a pic of the bag charm I made with the beads and some of my own that Barrina sent me.

Have a great week all!

Sandie xx

Header change

2011-08-22T13:54:00.000+01:00

Hope you like the new Header and background, again more in keeping with the Season...'of Mists and mellow fruitfulness'.

Sandie xx

Parcel! Parcel!

2011-08-09T02:00:00.000+01:00

Today my parcel arrive from the lovely Tracy of 'Mad About Bags' Blog, for the Fabric swap very kindly organised by Kandi Pandi - Thanks both of you lovely ladies!

So, here are some photos of the Scrumptios goodies..... Click to enlarge...Enjoy!

Busy crafting with the Great Niece and Nephew

2011-07-21T00:39:00.000+01:00

Actually the first two pics were taken about 2 weeks ago, we made a headband with ribbon and bead flowers on bright blue lurex.

Here she is still sorting the beads for her necklace, which we didn't manage to get a pic of as she had to go, her Mum was waiting to pick her up.

This pic is of the (I think) i- pod holders (Mobile phone + to me!). The one on the left is my Nephews' and he's showing his friendship braid and he also has one on his ankle.

The one on the right is my Neices' and she is showing her braid, to which she also has a matching ankle braid and one for her 'Stunt scooter' handlebars .(Try saying that when you've had a pint! LOL!)

Both holders are made out of leathers scraps, beads, leather string and the one on the right has 'East of India' ribbons sewn diagonally on the front. 3+ 1/2 hours went by in a flash, helped by the homemade choccie milkshakes.

On their next visit, when they get back from France, we are going to make paper beads and embellish some fabric beads.

It was a joy but, oh what energy, you forget how much kids have!

In between the crafting, whilst one of them had one-to-one tuition, the other one would literally 'scoot' off on the stunt scooter...I was anxious in case they came a cropper and spent theirs hols in plaster of paris instead of France!

Two happy and excited kids, 'bet they don't sleep much tonight! Wish I were going on holiday....

Sandie xx

Hello!

2011-07-11T23:38:00.000+01:00

I've not been anywhere, not been particularly busy but, I have been creative as promised in my last blog.
Would like to show you some pics, but can't get them to load tonight, so will try tomorrow.

In the Gardne, it's nearly all yellow stuff, a bit of pink/purple and that's it.There is however, just about every shade of green, luscious!

'til tomorrow then, sleep well.

Sandie xx

Beautiful day

2011-06-26T18:30:00.000+01:00

Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful day, so why are you on the 'tinternet when it's glorious out there?!

Sandie xx

Swap Alert!

2011-06-17T18:32:00.000+01:00

There's a swap going on over at Kandipandis' blog, see my followers list to find the blog address, unless you are already one of her followers, in which case you'll know it!

Think I've put the swap button on my side bar.... you can get your own from Kandipandis' blog.

Have a great weekend.

Sandie xx

Feeling very creative

2011-06-16T13:55:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling very creative at the moment, so before it disappears, I'll go and create!
Feel like making a basket or bowl or vessel of somekind, to hold what I don't know!
Watch this space.

It's probably because I've been 'blog hopping' and seen some lovely things, 'eye candy' I believe.

Sandie xx

A new post

2011-06-13T16:56:00.000+01:00

How's that for an original title?!
I thought it was about time I changed the header photo to one more Summery.
Should have cropped out the flats maybe and the stacked slabs and the slates where the seated arbour used to be....
At least I'm able to sign in to blogger and post, well, at least I'm hoping this gets posted!

Off to the other blog now to put a header photo on that.

Sandie xx

Fed up!

2011-05-27T23:42:00.000+01:00

I'm getting well and truly fed up with blogger!
I'm not going to attempt any more posting over the weekend then, maybe it will all have sorted itself out......a great big flying pig just went by!

Have a lovely weekend.

Sandie xx

At last!

2011-05-27T12:27:00.002+01:00

I can post on my blog! Well at least I think I can!
We'll make this one a test.....

Sandie xx

Malvern Quilt show

2011-05-22T22:12:00.001+01:00

These are just SOME of my favourite entries in the Malvern Spring Quilt show.

A close up of the bees on one of the quilts.

One for the Indigo blue fans.

Love this verse.

Some of the miniature quilts.

Hens!

Isn't this stunning?

3pm - Time for tea and a breath of fresh air!

The Great

Malvern Hills in the back ground of these two photos.

My Sister took me to the show and what a great time we had too!

We had a packed lunch. Then fish and chips for our evening meal. I was dreaming all night of the wonderful sights I'd seen and came home with my head stuffed to the gunnels with ideas!

Did any other bloggers go?

Hope you all have a great week ahead.

Sandie xx

Another blog

2011-05-20T23:50:00.000+01:00

I've got another blog...must be crackers!

It's called, Leicestershire (not quite) by the Sea.
Daft title I know, at least I'm not alone in that.
It's my way of being by the sea as I'm probably not even going to get a day trip to the seaside this year, boo hoo!

I've only done an introductory post so far, so please be patient with me!
There's a link on my links sidebar in case you want to pop in.

Sandie xx

I'm a winner!

2011-05-20T23:44:00.000+01:00

Woohoo!
I'm a lucky girl, I was one of Annie's 15 lucky recipients of her fantastic giveaway!
I don't know what it is yet (Said Rolf!) but I can't wait!

Thank you Annie The Felt Fairy!

Have a great weekend all!

Sandie xx

Hello!

2011-05-14T12:49:00.001+01:00

This Feline has got herself a cosy spot on MY red jumper, with the best view (nosey cat's view!).

This very handsome fellow is eyeing up the gourmet selection of bird food from my sister's roof!

I know I haven't been posting lately but, I have been visiting other blogs and commenting, does that count as being a good blogger?

I was busy in the garden yesterday, trying to catch up on things, got quite a bit done and I ache a bit (lot) too!
I will try and take some new pics of the garden soon and upload them.
Meanwhile, have a great weekend all of you.

Sandie xx

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T18:15:00.000+01:00

Blogger friends are

2011-03-25T16:13:00.001Z

Blogger friends are wonderful!

Here's proof!

Wonderful gifts from the lovely Kazzy.

Plus a photo of my little pot of Spring on my rustic table outside, with the glorious sunset last night.

Here's Katy cat not watching the sunset but, just out of view, the pair of ducks that have returned.

Have a great weekend all and may the sunshine on your little patch too!

Sandie xx

I've received something wonderful

2011-03-23T23:13:00.000Z

As per post title but in pleural!
The lovely Kazzy of A Mermaids Purse blog, has sent me a swapsie, it was a spur of the moment thing, I sent her some bits and bobs that I thought she might like and she in turn sent me one of her special illustrations and.... a lovely pair of pink Rose, earrings...you know how I love roses!
The pretty card she sent me had Cherry blossom on a dusky pink background...How I would love one wall of my bedroom papered in that! The blossom is just like the blossom of the enormous Cherry tree at the back of my home. I will take a pic of it when it's in full bloom.
Talking of photos, I can't put a pic on here of Kazzys' lovely gifts, I haven't re- charged my camera, so you will just have to wait to see!

Sandie xx

50th (and some!), followers' Spring giveaway

2011-03-23T00:25:00.002Z

And the winner is.........Lottie of Lotties' Artful Journey. So, in the next few days your little parcel will be winging it's way to you! Congratulations!

Thanks to all for the comments and being followers...perhaps another one for the Summer...or have we already had that this week? Spring, though is definately here!

Sandie xx

Malvern

2011-03-11T23:06:00.001Z

First off, I'd like to say how sorry I feel for all the people in the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', particularly the folk in Japan. I cannot begin to feel what it is like for you right now. Just wishing that you find comfort and shelter in this tragic time.
I know how scared I was a couple of years ago when we had a low grade 'quake here, it seemed to last for ages, yet it could only have been about 50seconds and with no felt aftershocks either.
So my thoughts and my prayers are for you.

I'm off to Malvern Worcestershire in the morning, going to the Sew and Creative show. Better take me wellies then, as I've never yet been there when you haven't had to walk through a sea of shoe and boot sucking mud! (To get to the Exhibition hall from the car parks).
If any one is going, lookout for me, I will be a large lady, dressed for comfort, wearing a bright pink twinset with heart shaped buttons on the cardi. Probably taking a shopping trolley....I know, you hate the things, but I'm only just over 5' 4" tall and my arms feel like a gorillas' carry all those bags and my pack up and water!
Sorry if you trip over it, but, you should look where you are going, LOL!

Have a bit of sunshine in your weekend, one and all,

Sandie xx

Sp*l£ing!

2011-03-09T23:57:00.001Z

I must have been very tired when I last posted, judging by the spelling! I do apologise!
Don't forget to enter my 50+ blog follower giveaway, ends 21st March.... a kind of Spring theme to it.

Sandie xx

50 Followers...Giveaway coming soon

2011-03-03T20:03:00.000Z

I've just been 'visiting your blogs around the world it seems and so many of you are so talented, be it writning,painting,jewellry,and so many art forms, so creative!
One of the blogs I follow is, Dosie Rosie, and she is having a giveaway to mark her 100th blog post and 50th follower...of course I've entered -:)

I too am celebrating attaining, if that's the correct word, having 50 followers.....
So, leave me a comment and I will make the draw on 21st of March and whatever I decide to gift will have a Spring theme. Watch thie space!

Sandie xx

Cosy cat corner

2011-02-16T19:47:00.000Z

Just a quick post and a pic of Katie cat in her basket under the table in the 'cosy corner'.
She does look cosy doesn't she?

I'm looking forward to meeting some lovely people on Saturday, at our village hall for a meeting of the Spinners and Weavers group. Now at last I'll probably get to grips with one of my other creative avenues!

Sandie xx

Who says I like roses?

2011-02-09T00:58:00.001Z

After a lovely sunny day here, it grew very cold and having storage heaters...well, you know they are not instant! So, I put one bar on of the electric fire...it's like a cat magnet!
Rosie is the white and tortie, Katie is the tabby cat.
Do you like my (dusty) cozy corner? What make s you think I like roses then? (Ref. the new header photo).
Diane,('Heart Shaped'), can you see Rosie's 'heart'? She also has a 'butterfly' on her head and when she's sitting with her back to you she has a 'face'. (Should have gone to Specsavers or the 'Shrink 'eh?)

Kazzy, the 'Pixie' ribbon I bought on Monday, not a very good pic but, I'm sure you can see them o.k.

That's all folks for tonight/morning!

Sandie xx

21+ D.W.C!

2011-02-07T19:17:00.001Z

It's been 21+ days without chocolate....and I've not missed it one bit! Even walked passed Thorntons in the garden centre on Saturday...Sister is still in shock!

Time for a warmer header me thinks on my blog!
So off I'll go in a mo and take a picture of my cozy corner in the living room, complete with WIP's!
Just for you Kazzy, I will photograph some Danish Pixies ribbon I bought today, a small piece will be heading your way too!

Catch up with you all later.

Sandie xx

My bread recipe

2011-01-16T14:18:00.000Z

I wish you could smell this bread!

Well, here is the recipe I used.

750g Allinsons premium strong white bread flour

2 level teaspoons sea salt

1-2 level teaspoons of light brown sugar

1 sachet of Tesco fast-acting dried yeast

25g Aldi's 'perfect for baking' fat ( I used to use butter!) Asda do a similar one

450ml warm water

2-4 teaspoons of dried herbs of your choice or use fresh chopped to your taste(if you use fresh chives, you may need to reduce or omit the onion) I also used a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder, normally I would used fresh pressed garlic.

1 mediun onion finely chopped or roughly chopped, your choice

Put all of the dry ingredients in a warm bowl ( I use my Kenwood Chef as my wrists ache using the traditional method) Blend together, add the fat and continue to blend well.
Next add the water and mix to form a ball. Knead either in the Mixer until the mix leaves the sides of the bowl cleanly. By hand - 5 -8 mins, or in the mixer using the dough hook 3-4 mins.

Flour the worksurface and hands, stretch and knead the dough untils supple and elastic.
Shape the dough to fit either 2 large (l lb) or 4 small loaf tins, or 1 lrg and 2 small, or 1 lrge and 6 rolls or 12 rolls.
put into tins/trays cover with a teatowel ( I keep 2 teatowels only for this purpose), leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Place in a pre-heated oven, 230 Centigrade or 210 centigrade for fan ovens
Approxiamately 16 mins for large loaves in fan oven, 8-10 mins for small loaves in a fan oven, or 6-8 mins for rolls in a fan oven.

PLEASE let the bread cool long enough to eat --don't burn your mouths!

Obviously, you will need to adapt the recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs and ovens, but, above all enjoy the fruits of your labours!

I'm off now to eat 2 rolls with cream cheese, rocket herb and some smoked salmon trimmings (from Asda 87p) with a large mug of tea, followed by an English Cox apple.

Sandie xx

I missed one!

2011-01-15T13:22:00.000Z

I missed this one!

From yesterdays' post.

Now you can see why I said, 'Cluttered' kitchen!

Seen in this pic, my 'compost' bucket with lid - this actually says, dishwasher on the other side. My Sis gave it to me after I'd said I wanted a new compost bucket for the kitchen, as I didn't like the ice cream tub I'd been using! I'm not sure if it's Cath Kidston or 'Kidstonesque'!

Then there's my 'K'esque' mug from Homebase, my trusty Kenwood under it's cover,my wooden breadbin,the lovely'hen' egg crock, my ?butlers' green holder/caddy etc. Just glimpsed 2 of 3more baskets (storage) on top of the cupboards, the lovely butter dish with lid bought from a wonderful pottery/gift shop in Matlock Bath in Derbyshire.

I think that's all for now.

Do you like my 'clutter'?

Sandie xx

My cluttered kitchen

2011-01-14T15:36:00.000Z

This is one corner of my Kitchen...should have cleaned the shelves first !

I'd just made some garlic,herb and onion bread and rolls (A bakers' dozen!) as well as 2 large white loaves. Couldn't wait for the rolls to cool completely,delish with butter on, then some Red Leicester cheese!

My dresser that used to be in the living room, now in the kitchen.

My 'fridge door with it's magnets etc on.

My baskets, well three of them, that hold clean jars in carrier bags, ready for preserves etc.

Happy Friday to you all and have a great weekend!

Sandie xx

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T19:49:00.000Z

Here's wishing everybody a very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous 2011!

I was hoping to not whinge, but I have a knee injury which is quite literally a pain! (Except when the painkillers kick in!)
Oh well, making use of the time off to catch up with Blogland, read, handsew etc, anything that doesn't involve jerky movements or sudden stoppings!

See you all soon.

Sandie xx

Can't wait....

2010-12-29T20:10:00.000Z

....For 2010 to end! It's been 'nowt but trouble the whole year through...O.K, with some lovely moments!

I hope you all had a great Christmas and that 2011 is even better for you and yours!

Now go over to 'Dolly Tub Cottage for your 'horoscopes' from Sue!

Sandie xx

Thank you!

2010-12-16T03:12:00.000Z

Thank you all once again for cheering me up whilst I felt poorly!
Feeling much better now, though at work on Monday and Tuesday, the coughing was a nuisance!

Now I can't sleep, hence this posting in the wee hours.

Now I've said that, I suddnely feel sleepy!
Night, night!

Sandie xx

I'm still here!

2010-12-11T13:45:00.000Z

I'm still here!
Currently have Bronchitis..bummer! Not pleasant time off at all! 'nuff said about it.

I've just spent a happy hour going around the 'blogs', I must say you've all been busy bloggers!
I'm going to have a 'cuddle up' on the sofa now with the two kitties, a quilt and a cuppa!

Catchya later!

Sandie xx

Remembering....

2010-11-11T13:29:00.000Z

Thanks!

2010-11-03T00:03:00.000Z

Thanks to all you wondeful people for your lovely comments!
I'm too tired at the moment to thank you all individually, so thanks again!

Bloggers rock!

Sandie xx

Quick post

2010-10-31T22:29:00.000Z

Hope you all had a lovely weekend?

I'm still battling wtih the finances, you know what they say? "Don't let the B******s get you down" well......
I'll try not to!
Let's hope this next week is a more beneficial one in everyway!

Have a good week y'all!

Sandie xx

A Truly ScrumptiousParcel arrived this morning

2010-10-19T12:55:00.000+01:00

First of all, before I opened it....just some bits covering up address etc.

Inside, beautifully and cleverly wrapped in a piece of Butterick dressmaking pattern tissue, with a lovely gift tag attached..........

Was my truly scrumptious neck pouch from the lovely Pat Winter, my suprise giveaway!

It's surrounded by the packaging that Pat used, plus some of my beading and sewing bits and bobs.

Isn't it absolutely a work of art?

I just sat with it, examing the felting, lace, ribbonwork, the 'silkie' picture and the colours! Oh my!

Wear it? No! It's going to hang wear I can see it, admire it and show to everybody!

THANK YOU SO MUCH PAT! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I won something oh so GORGEOUS!

2010-10-11T23:36:00.001+01:00

I won a sooooo gorgeous prize from Pat over the pond! It's a Beautiful handcrafted neck pouch...I still can't believe it!
Visit Pats' blog, link on the right side of my blog page and you'll see what I'm ranting and raving on about!
I feel so lucky and honoured to be chosen for this prize...can't wait to hold it and simply gaze at it. Daft beggar that I am! But you already knew that didn't you?

Wooo hooo!

Sandie xx

Dragon or Damsel flies?

2010-10-09T18:58:00.001+01:00

I know, this isn't a Dragonfly or a Damselfly but, Katie cat paddling in the leaky birdbath, (hence the plantpot saucer in the top of it). You see the above mentioned critters frequent the birdbath and stop for a rest and a drink....Until that is, katie appears on the scene for a drink and a paddle!

Katie doing what she does best (apart from cavorting on the floor and turning herself around in circles), Screeching at me, never worked out exactly what she is screeching but, each one means something different and sounds different!

I digress, (Something I'm good at!)

I've been playing with my beads, inspired by Pat at Pat's Wintergatherings blog, she loves these critters amongst many other things too.

They don't look like much but, when sewn onto whatever I finally decides to sew them onto, will look like some flying critters!

My photography will never be perfect, but, it is MY captured images and I hope you like them.

Just noticed the crumbs on the mat....Triple choc cookies crumbs and smudges...Guilty!

Chocolate can make you feel uplifted too LOL!

Sandie xx

Coming out of melancholy ...I hope!

2010-10-09T15:42:00.000+01:00

I've had such a miserable week and lost a weeks' salary to boot!
I've been trawling the blogs for inspiration,colour and beautiful images to make me feel better on such a gloomy day and the bloggers have done it again! Transcending languages even without using the translator facility, the blogs are a great 'Pick-me-up'!
Some of my favourites are listed on 'blogs I follow', so go, seek and be uplifted, inspired and dragged out of the doldrums smiling, laughing, not kicking!
Have a great rest of the weekend all!

What a dirty rug!

Katy looking all innocent of course!

Sandie xx

Another sad week

2010-09-30T15:57:00.000+01:00

Hi all, sorry to have been away for so long but, have been busy with one thing or another.
Sorry to say that Harry cat had to be put to sleep on Tuesday, exact cause unknown. He was a gentle giant, loving and faithful, for a cat! He is missed and I think he missed Bobby dog too.
I've been maunging (or however you spell it), a bit lost and very tearful.

One of the most moving things is how the girls both seemed to say 'goodbye' to Harry, each went up separarately to him, nuzzled his left ear and looked him full in the face for a moment before backing off silently. It was beautiful and I knew then I had to take him and put an end to his pain, he was getting very vocal and was obviously suffering. I've seen enough cats at this stage to know it was time to do the kindest deed.

Rest in Peace Harry, happy mousing, you won't catch any, they have wings up there!

Lazy Saturday

2010-09-11T19:54:00.000+01:00

I'm having a very lazy day today!
Got up early had breakfast, put the washing machine on, went back to bed with all three cats for cuddles and snoozing, boy oh boy do THEY snore! I thought I was bad enough.
Got up pegged out the washing, sat reading,crosswording dropping off to sleep,woke up had a mug of tea, fussed the cats, fed the little hedgehog....a bit worried about him/her will attempt to feed it up so it survives the winter hibernation hopefully.

Well, off to see what's on telly, eat and have an early night again, I was in bed BEFORE 10pm last night, haven't done that for a long while! Must have been the fresh Derbyshire air my sis and I caught in between showers and visits to 'crafty' places!

Hope you're all having a nice easy weekend.

Sandie xx

Seven things....

2010-09-05T23:58:00.000+01:00

As part of accepting this award ............

I have to tell you ................

Seven things about me you don't already know or have gessed LOL!

I'm a big lass.

I would love to be able to retire in the very near future IF I could afford to...so much I want to do/see.

I am the first British woman to have sat and passed both parts of the City and Guilds Furniture Crafts, part one with merits...not that exciting but none the less a first no one can take away from me. You see, I've always been 'average'.

I loved watching the Meteorite shower in August and as soon as I know the dates of next year's expected shower (now I know it's an annual event) I plan to book the time off and hold a meteorite shower watching party, maybe over 2 nights....

I'm a 'Bookaholic' and have wrestled with my addiction for years. Periodically I've cleared out my collection and re-stocked. Now, I can't afford to buy as many as I used to. I know, I am a library member and can borrow them for free if I return them on time!

I'm a hoarder, especially where fabrics,threads, buttons,baskets and lace are concerned.

I would love to visit Norway, Canada,France, Dorset, Cornwall and either live in Cornwall/Devon/Dorset/or the West coast of Scotland, wherever it is, it must be near the sea.

I bet you were not expecting those were you?

Have a great week everyone and remember in the words of Dame Evadne Price, 'Think lucky, and you'll be lucky!' Now that's showing my weetabix!

Sandie xx

OOOh! another award.

2010-09-04T23:28:00.000+01:00

Thanks Sue!

The lovely Sue at Dollytub Cottage gave me this award.
I have to tell you seven things, I think about myself....you'll have to wait until I next post, as I've got to be up early, working a long day tomorrow.
Have a lovely rest of your weekend.

Sandie xx

ITMA.....

2010-09-03T00:37:00.000+01:00

IT's THAT MAN again!

These images taken from the Leicester Mercury and obviously just before the first one was taken, he'd drank the Beer tent dry!

The final figures of the visitors to the event are not known yet (to me anyway) but, I think it may have broken the record set last year.

Click on pics to enlarge and read the article.

Sandie xx

Another Warning...

2010-08-30T22:32:00.000+01:00

The following images may seriously make you wonder who this menopausal obese maniac is!

Today Michael I have been hanging out with strange men, not so bad you think as I'm a strange woman!

BUT! A GREEN man?? A pleasant enough man but, I could barely understand what he was saying...think he'd been in the real ale tent me self!

I digress, nothing unusual there then!

I went to Beacon Hill Country Park in Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire for the 2010 Wood Fair.

The weather was great considering all the wet and windy stuff thrown at us over the weekend, I think I got a mix of sun/wind burn and shall sleep soundly, just like I did when I got back this afternoon! (Only for longer than 2 hours hopefully).

I have resisted putting photos of myself on this blog for reasons of ...shall I say shame and vanity?

Note to self - must start wearing a bra again and lose weight/tone up!

Ah well, you've waited long enough, don't say I didn't warn you! LOL!

It passed!

2010-08-27T22:33:00.000+01:00

Phew! The car passed it's M.O.T! After two more new tyres and a cv boot thingy, then as I was backing out of the garage it was noted that my rear brake light wasn't working, 2 mins later and I was legal again! But penniless again....so if you want to send me a penny.... I can send the used stamps on the envelopes to the Rainbows' Hospice , Honest! Oh well, worth a try, just have to get a lottery win like normal people HUH!

Have a great holiday weekend y'all,

Sandie xx

Rain, Rain go away....

2010-08-26T11:23:00.000+01:00

Well, I picked a good week to have off didn't I? LOL! Not quite got webbed feet yet!
Not having a particularly good week, car failed it's M.O.T on Monday, going back tomorrow to have it fixed and passed hopefully.

Have been trawling the blogs, mostly ones I 'follow' and then you know how it is, you click on one of the highlighted bits on the blog and you go to a whole new to you blog and you click some more and before you know it, the smoke alarms banging out it's deafening alarm and you've burnt your dinner! Katie cat did keep coming in to screech at me, just thought she wanted some fuss! LOL! So, dry fried eggs on toast it was for dinner!

Well, hopefully the next few days off will be nicer weather, What? A sunny Bank Holiday Weekend? Yeah right.....

Sandie xx

Thanks!

2010-08-07T23:17:00.002+01:00

I love Blogland!
Thanks for all your kind thoughts and comments, they really did make me feel so much better!
Back to work tomorrow on an 'Early Doors' shift!

Sandie xx

One thing after another...

2010-08-06T23:06:00.000+01:00

Still missing Bobby dog, bless him.
I have been off work for most of the week with a chest infection...Heard of Summer colds but, chest infection!!!
Should be back at work on Monday, all being well. Done a lot of reading, slobbing about and drinking lots of water.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Sandie xx

Bye, Bye, Beautiful Bobby

2010-07-30T01:59:00.001+01:00

Sadly, little Bobby had a massive stroke yesterday morning and had to go to the Vets' and be put to sleep.
Not able to stand and he didn't seem to know what was going on around him, he had to travel in the wire cage for safety.
Rest in peace little chap, you are so loved and will definately be missed, not just by me but, Harry cat your best mate, who took you 'mousing' on your second day in your new home (both came back with a mouse! I hasten to add that Bobbys' 'mouse' was one of the cats' toy mice!).
Thanks to all for your lovely comments.
Sorry to all those people expecting a parcel from me, will try and get my act together and post them soon.

Sandie xx

Living on borrowed time....'Little Britain' style!

2010-07-28T14:34:00.001+01:00

Bobby and Harry.

WARNING! A long post 'a coming!

Monday 26th July
Poor little Bobby dog, he's not been himself of late, not eating, drinking lots of water and in my head I know he's probably developed diabetes. On Monday, after a weekend of not eating, only peeing and drinking he seemed to pick up and ate some of his dry food. All of us had a nap on the bed in the afternoon, bliss!
But, when I woke up, he was having difficulty breathing, was listless and had 'third eyes' like cats' do when they are not well. He's nearly 16 yrs old, which is a pretty good age for a Shitzu. I rang the vet, they said to bring him in as, (as tactfully as they said, could it be his last visit?). I put him on the passenger seat, he settled down, not going into the passenger well as he normally does.We drove off with me telling him he was a good boy, how much I loved him and all that mush. Twice I had to stop and blubber, wipe my eyes and set off again. We arrived at the vets, he didn't budge, I picked him up, he shook himself, he plodded along, stopping to pee at all the places, (squatting like a bitch as he hadn't the energy to hold his leg up),where hundreds of dogs had 'been', leaving his 'message' to the ones' who followed.
Into the Vets' reception and instantly he became animated! The receptionists said hello to him and he wagged his tail, got onto the weighing scales, in case we needed to do any calculations for treatment.
We sat down, he paced up and down, listening to the voices coming from one of the open doors where a cat was 'complaining' about his care, he sounded just like Harry cat, Bobbys' best mate. Out came the cat and owners and he even looked like Harry....this set Bobby off, he thought it was Harry, you've never seen anything like it...until.... The next owners came out of a room with a huge cage and 4 gorgeous Dalmation puppies! That was it! Bobby was definately in the land of the living again, BARKING! He rarely barks, his tail wagging into overdrive so much that I could feel the draught it made! I felt a right Berk! Here was the dog at 'Deaths' Door' just an hour previously....
Into the consulting room we went, up onto the table, tail wagging,slobbering and looking quite alert...I felt foolish. The vet took details, temprature, listened to his chest,heart, bowel sounds etc and said despite the heart murmur(which we knew about) he was basically well for his age etc. However, he had arthritis from an event before I had him, so she gave us some Arthritis treament, some NSAI's and some powder to put in his water to help with his mucous problem. Down on the floor again, he went around to the Vet for some fuss and to say than you. The Vet then said , " Guess we won't be needing this just yet then?", as she tore up the Euthanasia consent form! It was a 'Doggy' version of 'Little Britain' I tell you!
Bobby probably has developed Diabetes, if so, the next thing is to do is test his pee, if positive , then the kindest thing to do is what I thought I'd gone to do on Monday evening.....I'll get to that sooner rather than later I think. Meanwhile, he is having lots of fuss and attention and whatever he will eat to eat.

A previous picture of Bobs.Picture taken this afternoon.Harry in the foreground and Katie.,View of the 'boundary' of pots to help keep Bobby from straying.Taken from the Arbour seat.

The view from in front of the Arbour seat.

Sandie xx

My second award!

2010-07-15T23:44:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Tracey - Tracey's scrapcrafts, for my 2nd award!

Now I have to tell you 7 things about myself......

1. I'm absolutely barmy...if you hadn't guessed already !

2. I'm a Menapausal Maniac.

3. I love roses, lace, shiny things, embellishments, handcrafted stuff.

4. my little dog Bobby will be 16yrs old in september and I love him to bits, he hasn't got an ounce of nastiness in him, even when I accidentally dropped his plastic bottle of doggy wash on his head!

5. I love my cats, even when they come in all wet and rub on my naked legs!

6.I love crafting and learning new ways of crafting.

7. I like to recycle/upcycle stuff in all manner of ways to save stuff from going to the landfill sites.

There! Wasn't that (not!), exciting?

Now I have to pass this award onto 10 (unsuspecting, 'til they read this) bloggers whom I have recently discovered (How recent is 'recent'?) and think are fantastic.....

1. - Creatology

2. Kazzy - A Mermaids' Purse

3. Carmelina - Creative Carmelina

4.Vicki - 2 Bags full

5. Christine - A Mermaid's Tale

6.Mangocheeks - Allotment 2 Kitchen

7.Lisa - Bobo Bun

8. Sue - Dollytub Cottage

9.Laura - Verbena Nested Treasures

10.Annie - The Felt Fairy

That's all folks! For tonight that is.

Sandie xx

Rain dances anyone?

2010-07-10T19:31:00.000+01:00

I know we shouldn't complain about the sunshine but, I've got cracks in my garden from lack of rain, so does anyone know any rain dances/chants etc? LOL!
Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.
Will post next week, hopefully when I have more time.
Sandie xx

I'm pooped!

2010-07-03T00:32:00.000+01:00

Thank you all for your comments of late, you make me think, laugh, help me to solve problems and generally feel better if I'm down.
The car had to have a full exhaust and 1 tyre, it wasn't too expensive (OUCH!), now I've got to sew,sew, sew, bead,bead,bead, work,work,work! to try and raise some finances, so bear with me if I don't blog as frequently as of late.
Now I'm pooped, so it's off to bed I go!

Nite, nite,
Sandie xx

And the winners are.....

2010-07-01T11:49:00.001+01:00

First out of the hat, no, bowl no, catbed! Katie didn't like the hat, got her claws stuck in it and everthing went flying!, then the bowl, she didn't like that and wouldn't play, finally... the catbed, she rolled around in it, flicking out the names like a pro golfer in a sand bunker!
So here they are -

                              Lynne at - 'Everyday Life'

                              Kazzy at - 'A Mermaids Purse'

                              Diane at - 'Heart Shaped'

Congratulations!

As soon as I have your names and addresses, I'll put a package together and post it off to each of you.

I like this giveaway thingy! So I'll think up another reason to have one!

Sandie xx

The giveaway...

2010-07-01T10:49:00.000+01:00

Is about to be drawn....with the help of my furry friend Katie cat, Bobby is too busy snoring and refused to help, saying Katie was the one who had the scrunched up paper playing habit and if there wasn't any food involved he just wasn't zzzzzzzzzzzz. He's normally a very affable fellow I hasten to add.
So watch this space and your name might appear on it as one of the 3 winners!

Sandie xx

It is raining...

2010-06-28T13:51:00.000+01:00

I can just hear Barbra belting out that song...Don't rain on my Parade.
Well it's raining on my parade! Fate that is. Just when I thought I might actually be able to pay some bills this month, along comes fate with another one!
Coming home from work yesterday evening, my car developed a very throaty, sporty sound. My exhaust or catalytic (cat a crapic!) converter has developed problems. Haven't a clue how much it's going to cost and I probably need a tyre or two as well! I need my car to get to work, I need to work to pay for the fuel and running of the car. It's not as if I go gadding about in it, I try to drive reasonably efficiently, if I'm going to or from work I do any shopping or pick stuff up from freecyclers etc. Goodness me! What else can I do?
Oh well, guess I'll have to get the Red Lamp out, there must be someone out there fancies an overweight, sweaty nurse and who is willing to do all the 'work' LOL! Sorry to be so base! Mind you, even in this weather, I'd rather have a hot dinner than participate in such activities LOL!

Sandie xx

Phew it's hot!

2010-06-25T23:53:00.000+01:00

'Aint it hot? gotta work all day tomorrow in this heat, thank goodness for fans!
Well, don't forget to leave me comment to be in to win a a little somethings from me, by way of celebration of my 200th blog posting, before midnight on 30th June. Leave me your first name too if you will be so kind, it's nice to know to whom one is communicating with isn't it?
Over on Tilly Roses' blog there is a swap going on, contact her before 30th June to get your swap partner....No! NOT that kind of swap!!!

Have a lovely weekend!

Sandie xx

Pretty flowers

2010-06-21T01:01:00.000+01:00

These flowers are from my garden. The roses are, New Dawn, Francois Juranville (or it could be Fleur De Jeune - might be the same rose), and a David Austen rose called , Heritage ( my £2.75p bargain from DA Roses' bargain corner!). There are also some purple clematis, some ? clematis Armandii, and some purple linaria. The feathery foliage is Fennel! Well, I hadn't got any Asparagus fern to put in it had I?

Fortunately for David Bailey, I am not related to him - re- the crap photography!

And you know what this is.........The 200th post!!! Ta Da!

Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog before midnight on the 30th of June to be in with a chance to win a little somethings from me by way of celebration of 200th posting, I'll be picking 3 lucky names from a hat or a bowl.

Click on the image to enlarge, it might improve it, then again, it might not!

Sandie xx

Hindsight is a wonderful thing! (Post 199!)

2010-06-21T00:29:00.002+01:00

Yes it is! If only I'd phoned the day before, instead of on the day, I wouldn't have missed a good day at the Spinners and Weavers Guild day in my village hall! Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
Late Saturday morning, convinced the Leics.S and P Guild meeting was a 3 hour afternoon meeting, I phoned the contact number to be informed (by ? the ladies' son) that she had already left for the meeting.
So thinking that it finished at one pm, I gave up on the idea of going.
Later that afternoon... Sis rang me to say that on the way back from walking the dogs, she'd spotted one of the demo ladies from last weeks' Open Farm Day at the bus stop in the village. So she'd stop to chat to her to find out if she'd seen me at the meeting...obviously the answer was no. It was then my Sis found out that the meeting had started at 10am and finished at 4pm!
The next meeting I'm working all day, so unless I get to swap with someone, it will be a while before I attend said meeting. What a dozy so and so I am!

Sandie xx

After much arm twisting.....

2010-06-16T23:53:00.001+01:00

I'm going to tell you about MY exciting Sunday afternoon at the Farm Open Day. Just remember, It was exciting for me, I know, I live a sad life....!
Where was I...? Oh yes, the F.O.D at Markfield. What a lovely day, started off a bit on the cool side and I was on the 'puter blogging to you all, when my sister rang to say, get your butt down here quick, there's animals, fowl, food, bric-a-brac and... crafts! Posting postponed untill later, switched off the 'puter, topped up the animals food, water and let the dog out for a natures' call, brought the dog in, locked up,got changed, picked up the camera, PUT IT DOWN and forgot it! so, no pics of event....DOH!
Parked up at the farm, it was packed out with people milling about, chickens, dogs children, adults,turkeys,no they were penned up. Anyway, busy. found sis an niece and kids, walked in a barn, there were a few stalls with Rare Breeds info,which was quite interesting.a stall with info and hands on to encourage kids and big kids to grow stuff, but only had pumpkin seeds as far as I could determine. Then there was Caroles' stall, full of all kinds of stuff. Carole is a relative of the farms' owners and she was selling her de-cluttering goods as she and hubby are downsizing to a much smaller place. I bought some jewellry (thanks to big sis and her purse:-) ), got chatting to Carole and she said take all of the craft stuff, split it between the residents and colleagues (who made stuff to sell for the residents comfort fund at the nursing home where I work), my sister and myself. I was almost speechless! But, not quite! Later I learned that a lot of the money raised on the day was going to a church and various other good causes so, I went back to Carole and said that I'd drop off a donation to the farm owners for the craft stuff in a couple of weeks' time and she was very pleased and said take some more stuff! I felt quite guilty yet honoured (if that's the right word), so I took a little more and she even helped me take it to the car. What a star!
Later on when I sorted through the craft mound, I sorted a large bag out with things for my sisters' grandchildrens' school, a large bag with cardmaking things in for the 3 ladies at work who make cards to sell for the residents comfort fund, a few bits for myself and my sister. I can't list everything on here, you're already yawning I can tell! But there was a LOT!.
I then went back to my sister and company, had a delish beefburger (burgers made from the farms' beef), then said tarra to sis and co. as they had to leave. Then I went to another barn, bought some beads (sis and niecey gave me a fiver, that's all they had between them, bless!), looked at the bric-a-brac, and then went for a demo on the Leicestershire Spinning and Weaving Guilds' pitch.
Now, I've always wanted to learn the whole process of working with wool from raw wool to the end yarn product and felting. I was chatting to a lovely lady called Lyn, who gave me a quick low-down on the process, didn't get to have a go on either of the two types of spinning wheels though. Lyn told me that they met in my village hall on the 3rd Saturday of every month...I couldn't believe it! Guess what this saturday is?
So I'll be going down there pronto! I used to have a 'drop spindle', but never got the hang of it, don't know what happened to it either.
So I'm really looking forward to this Saturday.
It wasn't just, the above but, all of the enthusiastic, pleasant people there. My head was spinning with all the new ideas and projects that appeared in my head! I tell you, there isn't enough hours in a day to accommodate all of them! LOL!
So, I hope you were not too bored?

tarra fer a bit!

Sandie xx

post 197....

2010-06-15T13:17:00.000+01:00

Here's post 197!
Sorry didn't and havn't got time to tell all about Sundays' trip to the open farm day but, will post later when I get home from work. Remember! It was exciting for me but, might not be worth your waiting for! LOL!
See Ya later!

Sandie xx

Exciting afternoon...

2010-06-13T18:22:00.000+01:00

I was just posting the previous post when my sister rang (sounded like she was at a cattle market!)She was at an open Farm day at Markfield and asked if I wanted to join her, my niece and great Niece and her little friend there. I said yes, when she said there were craft and bric-a-brac stalls.This from the woman with £1:20p in her purse! I went over and my niece had bought a lovely ring for £2,won a prize on a raffle and was about to empty the farm shop!Well the rest will have to wait until later, as I'm going around to my sisters' for Sunday dinner...sorry! He, He!

Sandie xx

Playing with beads

2010-06-13T11:57:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I missed the Coffee Morning as I was unwell and went back to bed for a few hours. Thankfully, I feel much better today! In the afternoon, I didn't feel like doing much but playing around with some beads I'd been given. Here is one of the things I did...Bluey grey pearls in the shape of a heart...I know someone who might like this image, Diane of 'Heart Shaped'!

Click on the image to enlarge it!
I don't know, any one would think I've just got a new-to-me camera!

Not there yet...

2010-06-11T15:35:00.000+01:00

I must hasten to add that I'm not quite at my 200th blog post, though won't be long now!

I've joined the Purple quilting tree, my first 2 patches arrived this morning and my 4 lots of patches are on their way to the 4 recipients. Isn't it exciting?

Sandie xx

200th blog post Giveaway

2010-06-11T12:42:00.000+01:00

I've decided that I will draw names out of the hat (not sure what hat !) for the 200th blog post giveaway.
As my makes are inspired quite a bit by all of you talented people, not just the physically made stuff, I am going to give three parcels of a mystery mix consisting of items I have made, such as, a piece of jewellry, a fabric heart and other things yet to be decided. All you have to do is post a comment on my blog and all bloggers who post between 7th of June and 3rd July will be in with a chance to win. Now, don't get too excited will you? The items are hand made but, with the heart. Mushy , I know!
Sandie xx

Beads!

2010-06-11T12:20:00.003+01:00

Here are the pics of the beads, they are not good pics.

The top pic is of all the beads, the next one is of the seed beaded ones and a blurred close up. Still got to do the tutorial!

Pretty busy for the rest of the day and tomorrow morning, doing the Villages' Coffee Morning to raise funds for our Road Fund (the village roads are not adopted by the Council ) with other residents of course, wish us luck!

Have a great weekend all.

Sandie xx

Click on pics to enlarge.

Pretty dish

2010-06-10T12:08:00.002+01:00

Here's a pretty dish, the back picture has hand shake when I took it but, I think you can see that it says, 'Royal Winton' GRIMWADES made in England.

Do you like it? The pics don't do it the best service though, in reality it is a gorgeous pale bluey/turquoise ?lustre and gold. It has a chip out on the upper leftside but, I love it!

Sandie xx

A lovely parcel awaited ....

2010-06-10T00:31:00.000+01:00

Tonight as I arrived home, there was a lovely parcel awaiting me.
It was from the generous and kind Gill, 'The Vintage Gardener', see my blog list.
If I get it right, there should be a pic below.
Thanks so much Gill,it was recieved very gratefully! The lavender pillow is hanging from the bed post and with the gentle heat from the bedside lamp is smelling heavenly! Such lovely goodies, all very useful/useable!

Still to come....pics of the wire beads and 'tutorial'.

Sandie xx

Oooer! Nearly 200th blog post....

2010-06-07T23:54:00.000+01:00

Just realised, I'm fast approaching my 200th blog post! Must sort out some sort of celebration/giveaway.
Any ideas? please leave your polite/funny/ideas on my comments and I'll come up with something (or two or more) and a date for a draw/onlineblog party...I'll make time!

Beaded wire beads...

2010-06-07T23:47:00.002+01:00

Still no photos, waiting for a model with nicer hands than mine! I've just volunteered my sister...she doesn't know yet!
I had a go at the seeds beads on very fine wire, using some no.11 seed beads in topaz ab from 'Spellbound beads' in Litchfield Staffs. I got them at the N.E.C Hobbycraft fair in March this year. Anyhow I digress (good at it!), I threaded the seed beads onto the copper coloured craft wire, one at a time, twisting the wire to keep the bead in place. When I got to the end of the wire, bent over the edges as before, then scrunched up as the beads yesterday. I did another one using fine silver coloured craft wire with the same seed beads.
They are o.k I think but, next time I won't use such flashy beads as they 'got lost' a bit in the colour scheme.
Perhaps I'll try clear or silvered coloured beads on silver coloured wire, it might have an extra j'nest ce wotsit! Also, trying two fine wires of complimentary colours scrunched up together...keep watching this space!
I want to try felting next. To make my own felt beads and add beads/wire etc. Also want to do, is it called dry felting where you use a felting needle with 'wool tops' or soya or other natural fibres, worked on a firm sponge? You can tell I'm not financially well off can't you? I watched a felting video produced by 'Crafts Beautiful' for 'You Tube' via someone's blog I visited via someone's blog, via someone's blog, I can't remember who's blog it was on! Any techno/computer literate blogger out there who can tell me how to find it again???

Wire Beads

2010-06-06T13:02:00.002+01:00

Good morning! What a refreshed day it is, after the storms and rain last night.
This morning I have been pottering around, playing with wire!
I've been making wire beads...yes, you read right!
I will try and do a tutorial on them, but haven't the time right now to fiddle any more as I have to go to work soon, pity would have liked to gone for a stroll with Bobby dog...I know, should have gone this morning instead of messing about with wire! LOL!
For those who can't wait for pics,diagrams etc. -

Basically, you take a 24 gauge or finer gauge wire, a piece roughly the length of your arm. Bend over the sharp edges at the ends and tuck them in.
Scrunch it up with your fingers, then place in the palm of your hand and rub together with the other palm, not too much pressure and voila! you have a wire bead. You can fiddle further, tweaking and rolling in your palms to get a nice shape.
The next experiment is to add on seed beads and see if I can incorporate them into the bead, then the bland coloured wires will be prettier!
Watch this space!
Have a great day!

Sandie xx

I got one!

2010-06-03T00:39:00.000+01:00

My Nice Niece has given me their unwanted digital camera...yippee!
The down side is that the lens cover is apt to close diagonally across your picture, unless it's in 'Zoom' mode... oh well..never look a gift horse in the mouth as the saying goes!

So, I've taken a pic, albeit a wonky pic of the project I'm working on at the moment. Laugh at my strange looking Scottie dog if you wish but, I think it is a rather good effort from me! It will be a doorstop when finished....

Here's the pic , hopefully!