knitandnatter

Sunday Zzzzzzz's from Mrs G

2012-01-29T18:37:00.002Z

We was a bit tired from helping to paint the fence in the back garden, the Scottie idiot now has fence paint in his lugole - only he could manage that. So when we came indoors we both wanted the same sunny spot on the monkey fings bed. Old Haggisbrain has such a big snoz he has to rest it on somefing, todays somefing was me, I was less than impressed but was not going to give up pole position so allowed him this little favour of using me as a snoz rest.....don't worry he will return that favour with interest!

We snoozled for ages to recuperate our strengths which was a good fing as then it was time to go back out and do some raking....I loves me that rake.....I loves it so much I wants to kiss it all the time with my teggies!

We is tired again now but is waiting for the monkey fings to settle down so we can snoozle on them!

Books 15 and 16

2012-01-29T17:20:00.002Z

'The Rowan' by Anne McCaffrey
Format - book.

I loved this book the first time I read it and nothing has changed. I think McCaffrey had a genius for complex storytelling with sci-fi slants which mixed in seamlessly with human interest and in this case a bit of romance. From telepaths to invading hive like aliens this book covers the lot and that fact that the character Reidinger is there in the background just makes for an added bonus. It has inspired me to read the others in this series at some stage during the year.
I never grow tired of her writing and her death last year was a massive loss to the world of fiction I hope her legacy lives on for future generations to be transported to distinct planets and cultures and to find the deep joy and satisfaction of a good read that I've come to love.

'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson
Format - Kindle - Librivox read by Adrian Praetzellis.

Two things about this - I discovered this narrator last year and listened to him read 'Kim' and 'Wind in the Willows' on both of which he did an excellent job and he has struck gold (pirate treasure reference) with this one too. The guy narrates wonderfully and does good characterisation throughout bringing the story to life.
The other thing (which is linked) is I know I have read this or attempted to read it and I recall being bored and finding the while thing tedious that is why I started listening with some trepidation. This book is perfect for an audio book, I absolutely loved it to bits - it held my interest totally and I found it absorbing and exciting - a lot of that is down to the skill of the narrator - but the story played an equal part as well. I am so glad I gave this book another chance by using a different format. I am now thinking of trying this with other books I have failed to enjoy!

Bought to you by the letter 'B'

2012-01-26T09:46:00.001Z

'B'irthday socks for Ma off the needles and

onto the 'B'lockers. So happy to have finished them - in plenty of time for her birthday and because although I love the pattern with the skinny yarn and needles they seemed never ending.

'B'order in the bed.

'B'ogey on the bed looking very 'B'lack and 'B'ushy.

'B'oth 'B'uggers on our 'B'ed.

Books 13 and 14

2012-01-24T10:24:00.000Z

Over the weekend M had to go into the attic, hunting for something he needed, and whilst he was in there he found a box of books from my childhood, including all my 'Famous Five' ones. I loved these as kid, I was even a member of the 'Famous Five' club and had a membership card and badge (they are still kicking around somewhere). I didn't keep all the books out - just the 'Fives' (and a couple of others) and on Sunday (when I had so much other stuff going on) I read the first one. OK if I am honest - it didn't have the same old magic - I spent a lot of time giggling because I was being 'a pig' or 'beastly' but I did enjoy the dip into childhood nostalgia. I may read one or two of the others - not sure yet. I still adored Timmy best and I still love the illustrations they are just so cool.

While I was making space in the boxes under the bed (which had my sci-fi haul from last years foray into the attic) for the 'Fives' I moved this book and then had the overwhelming urge to read it again. I have loved Anne McCaffrey's books for years - her Pern series is wonderful and I can loose days re-reading them. But the character of Helva in this book has been a favourite too - this book delights and in a way also horrifies. I read it on and off from Sunday evening to this morning and wasn't disappointed. I remembered some of it as I went along but I still loved all of it even the bits that disturb me. I have all the other 'Brain' novels and think I need to reread them as well so watch this space......

A little progress.

2012-01-24T10:08:00.000Z

One V-Junkie off the needles. I had to adapt it a little in as much that I made the medium size for the leg (I do have rather chunky ankles) but needed the small size for the foot - I have small average feet and the medium foot was just too mahoosive and too long! It does use a lot of yarn, I had a slight worry that I may not have enough for the toe but just squeaked it in. I love the pattern - it's really easy - and I just love the short row heel used - tis excellent and doesn't leave nasty holes at the sides. Just need to make it's brother now.

Mum's sock is progressing - on the heel flap of number two and hope to maybe get it off the needles this week.

A lace project is growing as well but slowly.

The crochet hexagons have hit the 50's and I've started edging some of them just to do something a bit different. I think it will look very pretty when it's done.

T'evils

2012-01-23T09:41:00.002Z

I has em. Give me more Bo-bo bikkies....you must obey me and my laser eyes....you will feed me NOW!

Books 9-12

2012-01-20T21:13:00.000Z

'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern
Format - Kindle.

It isn't often that I find a book that totally enthrals me from start to finish, I can normally find a moan or a negative, but not in the case of this book. I couldn't put it down. I was transported with wonder and fully entertained by every single page. I want to see a circus like this! I loved the concept, I loved the major and the minor characters and I adored the interweaving stories of them all. I think it is one of the best books I have read in a very long time.

'Dracula' by Bram Stoker
Format - Audiobook - Librivox - read by various.

When this started I thought I'd done a wrongun. The narrator had a strange voice and was reading the first chapters which are Jonathon Harker's journal - the women's voice was pitched low and I couldn't engage with it at first (though I did get used to it) then as the novel progressed I realised that to show its epistolary style to its fullest each characters journals etc was read by someone else and the cast line up was maintained throughout the whole 27 chapters. I love this book, I first read it as a teenager and I had avoided it as a audio book because I didn't know how it would work, well I have to say that the peeps at Librivox did a first class job! It really worked, even the Jonathon Harker voice fitted in to the story telling. It gave the story a whole new dimension I enjoyed every second of the telling.

'All Wound Up....' by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Format - Kindle.

I think you either love the 'Yarn Harlot' or you hate her. I happen to fall into the camp of loving her, her blog and her books. So a new book by her is always a joy to me. This one didn't disappoint - yes the format is similar to her others - but there was, in my opinion, a greater depth and character to her tales. They are written for knitters who like her whimsical take on the world of being obsessed with yarn but this collection I think moved a little outside of that on some occasions which is what gave them a bigger scope. I enjoyed it, it's a pick and put down book, ideal for the odd quiet moment here and there.

'The Railway Children' by E B Nesbit
Format - Audiobook - Librivox - read by Karen Savage.

Another favourite book. Last time I read it was when J was little and we were following on from 'Five Children and It' he loved it and I rediscovered it. I like this narrators style (she also read 'The Secret Garden' mentioned in my last book post). It is a little twee and of a 'hug-your-knees' style but it has a timeless charm and innocence and I think it still is a 'jolly' good read. I always loved Perks and the Old Gentleman and to this day have a soft spot for Phyllis!

Hexa-growing

2012-01-20T15:25:00.000Z

I've been trying to crochet at least one or two of these a day if I've time and the pile is slowly growing. All of these are made out of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn (which is my most favourite sock yarn) and each one is either a pair of my socks that I still wear or own or are socks I've gifted to other people. It was amusing to recall each pattern or detail of the socks for each colourway. There is the colour that I knit a pair for a friend in Australia, there is one of a pair I made for M's sister and there is the colourway I knit a pair out of when I was on Fair Isle and Shetland.
I've started on other makes of of sock yarn now......more socks to recall as I go.

Progress and distractions

2012-01-16T10:03:00.000Z

Progress on Ma's birthday socks....yay....number 1 is finished. Oh boy did it seem a long knit.The pattern isn't over complicated but it is really fine sock yarn and 2mm dpns and every row is patterned so there is no mindless knitting. It has however got me to chapter 21 of my audio book.

The link to the pattern is in a previous post and the designer says that the side panels (above) represent the melting water after winter and the front panel is flowers. I like this idea for the inspiration hope Ma does.

Distraction......a new sock book that I've wanted since it was first published 'Socktopus' by Alice Yu and how could I resist this? Me a total 'True Blood' fan - it's called 'V-Junkie'.

More progress my hexagons are growing.

Books 7- 8

2012-01-15T10:38:00.000Z

'Memoirs of a Porcupine ' by Helen Stevenson and Alain Mabanckou
Format - Kindle

Strange book but in its own way rather compelling. It is a book outside my normal reading habit and comfort zone but that said I enjoyed its strangeness. The narrative voice was really well written and I could find some empathy with the Porcupine and its need to tell its tale and maybe exonerate itself. I would read other works by this author quite happily as the written style flows well, is easy and by the end it became a page turner - though I found the conclusion a little abrupt.

'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Format- Audiobook - Librivox read by Karen Savage

I never read this as a child (though I might have seen a TV version). I loved this. It transported me completely to another time and place and the narrator was excellent - she managed to convey the children's voices perfectly from petulant spoilt to wonder and reason as the book progressed. Even though she obviously isn't from Yorkshire she managed the dialect and accent really quite well. I was totally entertained and the hours flew by.

Sometimes, as Librivox is mainly free and voiced by volunteers, you do get a duff version but I find on the whole the more popular books are read by some very good and dedicated narrators who really deserve a pat on the back for the service they give and the many hours of pleasure they have given me.

This week I have mostly been.....

2012-01-13T09:51:00.001Z

Knitting some Cachoeira socks (pattern by Kristi Geraci - available on Knitty.com link to pattern) in some very fine sock yarn in a pale green on 2.00mm dpns for Ma's birthday. Nice pattern but slow going.

Indulging my love of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock by adding Mt Creek (top) and Passion to my stash.

I loved making my hexagon throw and although I've been adding to my crochet square stash using Jan Eaton's '200 Crochet Blocks' (Linky to book on Amazon) I missed having little time filling moments of hexagon crochet love. So in the end I decided the scrap bag and my life had room for another one........

which this time I will edge with black merino 4 ply.

Reading continues I've finished one audio book and Kindle book this week and have started the latest Yarn Harlot and 'The Night Circus' on the Kindle and listening to Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' on audio book.

First F.O of the year!

2012-01-09T10:01:00.000Z

Yesterday was a bit of a 'hormonal' stay indoors kind of a day. Rather than mope, I decided to set my myself the challenge of finishing the second Angee sock by bedtime. I had completed the rib, the set up and almost one pattern repeat of the leg. That left me one and a half pattern repeats (of 24 rows) for leg, the heel, gusset, foot and toe, with a charted lace sock (though not a particularly difficult one) that's quite a lot of knitting.

I didn't spent the whole day one it. I suppose I settled done around lunchtime, had a couple of breaks to do some other stuff (a bit of stitching and some patchwork) but I finally finished around 10.30 last night. I had a break during the evening to watch Sherlock (one of the few things I refuse to miss on TV).

I love Cookie's patterns cos the do what they say on the tin. The sock is a good fit but as I actually (for once) followed the pattern to the letter are a bit longer than I normally knit for myself in the leg.

I seem to have rediscovered my sock knitting mojo - it had been awol for a while. I also finished my audio book and started the next one. Sometimes enforced indoor time gets put to good and satisfying use.

52 books challenge - books 1 to 6.

2012-01-07T15:25:00.000Z

I decided in the dreary first week in January to kick off this years attempt at 52 books in a year (or maybe less) with a week of chicklit type fiction.

'Chocolate Wishes, Sowing Secrets and Wedding Tiers' by Tricia Ashley.
(format - Kindle).

Books 1-3 are all by Tricia Ashley who I discovered by chance on Amazon (Kindle pages) just before Xmas. I read 3 of her books over the holiday, before the start of the challenge, these books all had a Xmas theme and I really enjoyed them, so I downloaded 3 more (they are very reasonably priced). I started with 'Chocolate Wishes' which combines village life, chocolate and a bit of witchcraft with an ex-rock star vicar, followed it with 'Sowing Secrets which has themes of art, friendship and gardening and finished off with 'Wedding Tiers' which included cakes, the good life and weddings to name a few themes. I loved the lot of them but did flag a bit during the last one...too much of a good thing? If you like Katie Fforde then you will love these - well written light reads that engage and entertain.

'Don'ts For Wives' by Blanche Ebutt.
(format - book).

This was a joke Xmas pressie for M, he saw it and couldn't resist. It is a tiny little book which I've read in the mornings this week with my first cuppa of the day - just 5 minutes - and the humour has made me start each day giggling. OK, when it was written (circa 1913-ish) it wasn't funny it was serious but today it is funny - well to me. I now want its partner 'Don'ts For Husbands'.

'Never Can Say Goodbye' by Christina Jones.
(format - Kindle).

What can I say? I have read every book by this author, most of them more than once. They are light, they are chick-lit but they are brilliant. I adore every book she has written and not one has ever failed me. They cheer me up, make me smile and leave a 'feel good' factor with me every time. This one based in a vintage frock shop with added unwanted ghosts was brilliant. Loved it to bits.

'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll.
(format - audio book - read by Kirsten Ferreri)

Always loved this as a child but never had it read to me. So it was a treat to sit back, with my knitting, and just listen and loose myself in this weird and wacky world. The narrator did a good job and told it well without annoying me and impinging on my enjoyment and I love it now as much as I did as a child. I smiled at all my favourite characters appearing - I adore the Duchess and the Cheshire Cat. It filled a wet and windy afternoon indoors with nostalgia and pleasure.

Am finished with chick lit for a while now - back to something different. Have been using the daily deal on Amazon and have downloaded new authors and stuff well out of my comfort zone so.......watch this space.

A different kind of stash dive.

2012-01-06T11:51:00.001Z

A fabric stash dive.

I went to patchwork classes for years and learnt all manner of wonderful tricks and techniques but I still adore the old fashioned traditional English patchwork using paper hexagons.

I needed to cut out some more so the above came from a quick rummage through my odds and sods.

Here are some cut and tacked and ready to sew. The beige striped and the beige/gold floral ones are for the edging.

Little flowers still with the card in ready to stitch together.

The whole shebang - a lovely array of colours and shapes. Makes me wear my happy face.

The ballad of Ferlock Bones and Mrs Grunty

2012-01-05T13:50:00.000Z

(cos Tash asked me to)

Now this is a tail within a tale
about the demonic biscuit tin.
It made a noise and spun about and
it didn't have biscuits in!

Ferlock Bones was quite perplexed
and furrowed his noble brow,
whilst Mrs Grunty pranced about and
menaced it with her growl.

Ferlock shot an artful glance towards the evil tin,
"What's the point of it all?" he asked "It has no biscuits in."
Mrs Grunty's head shot up -"Biskits did you say? Where did they go? Who ate them all?
Or did they run away?"

"The tin ate its own contents," Ferlock Bones replied
"and that's why it makes a din. It's middle is all empty and it needs
more biscuits in!"

"Well it can sod off" said Mrs G "all them Bo-bo bikkies are mine.
You'll have to find another way
to stop it moaning all the time."

Ferlock said "Be still a mo and let me have a think. "
Said Mrs Grunty "Well move over there - because you really stink."

Ferlock then had a brilliant thought
that would solve this mystery,
"If I cock my leg against the tin,
I can rust it with my wee"

"Ewww!" said Mrs Grunty
"Isn't there another way?" Said Ferlock "Well can you think of any?
All you do is grrrrr and play!"

"Ok"growled Mrs Grunty " I suppose that I agree
and if it gives us peace and quiet- then HUZZAH for Scottie pee!"

The mystery of the demonic musical biscuit tin

2012-01-05T09:47:00.001Z

"So" said Ferlock Bones "it's not the lonely little biscuits inside the tin screaming to be eaten as they have all disappeared, I wonder where they went?" (J looks a little guilty and wanders off).

Mrs Grunty decides the only way to deal with the demonic music is to shake her Kong at it until her ears flap "That might help...." says Ferlock doubtfully.

Ferlock ponders as Mrs Grunty creeps closer...."it's gone all quiet now" says Ferlock "oh well must be time for a snooze, you stay on watch Mrs Grunty just to make sure it doesn't start again." Cunning Ferlock knows this will give him a head start on reaching the best kipping spot first.

First sock of 2012

2012-01-03T14:15:00.003Z

Started over New Year- finished sock 1 today. Pattern is Angee by Cookie A knit on 2.5mm dpns. Yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (my most favourite sock yarn) in Apple Hill.

Best cast on its mate!

Another day, another year

2012-01-01T12:21:00.001Z

New Years Eve came and went. Fergus slept through most of it.

Conkers just stayed superior to all the fuss (Fergus was growling at him when M took this - looks like he cares?)

Pooper Grunty disgraced herself by refusing to go out and do-do - she came in and did the deed in Grandma's bedroom....she is sleeping off her disgrace!

M, J and I celebrated a special birthday for M - had a lovely meal with one of his sisters and her husband on Friday which was awesome and on the day went for a totally fabby meal with some jolly good chums which resulted in much merriment and jollifications all round. Pretty good birthday for the ole boy (lol).

Now we are into 2012 - no resolutions here - waste of brain juice.

But I have cast on for my first pair of socks for 2012 and started the first book in 52 books in year challenge - apart from that life as normal really.

A mixed bag or sack as it's Christmas

2011-12-24T13:03:00.002Z

Christmas 2009 and a cake for M from his sister Tina.

Christmas 2010 reindeer from the Percy's crackers.

Christmas 2011 - amazing clouds and

Mrs Grunty who had just seriously assaulted last years wind up reindeer.

This week has flown by without any blogging. But lots of other stuff has been achieved and in amongst it all there has been patchwork, spinning, a wee bit of knitting and some crochet. Also there has been shopping, wrapping, cleaning, socialising, fun and frolics and disturbed sleep.

If you do the Christmas thing - then I hope your day is full of joy and if you don't then have a good Sunday.

See you on the other side.

p.s Am gearing for the 2012 52 books in a year challenge.....can't wait.

Purty has become yarn.

2011-12-16T15:09:00.001Z

At the beginning of December I posted this and then earlier this week I posted these well yesterday they became the singles above and earlier today they became the 2 ply below.

Now it is skeined up (awaiting a soak and a bash - but the skein hangs straight - straight off the niddy noddy which is pretty amazing). The colours are awesome.

Though the photos do not do it justice. I have 100g which gives me 20 wpi and approx 346 m of yarn.

This afternoon.......

2011-12-14T14:10:00.003Z

I will be spinning up this and Lottie will be sleeping on my bed.

Fergus is on squirrel watch just for a change.

Weave.

2011-12-13T16:02:00.002Z

Started a new project on my little loom today.

I think I like it.

Previous project is wet blocking. This one is using different fibres and a smaller heddle. Took forever to warp it up though.

Christmas Gerbils

2011-12-12T10:46:00.001Z

Our first married Christmas and our first one at our flat - we had very little money and virtually no decorations. M took our limited funds and went to the Woolworth's in St James's Street and got a wonderful collection of really tacky decorations (don't ask about the rainbow glowing orbs of tree lights - which are still in the attic somewhere). In amongst the tat were these two (who are now very battered being 24 years old) and as we had two Gerbils at the time, Zebe and Haaaaaa, we called them our Christmas Gerbils. They have been on display every year but one since then (neither of us could remember their safe place one year). Even J looks for them. They have been glued, blue tacked and are rather wonky now but it wouldn't be Christmas without them....not bad for 50p.

How to disarm a gruntying pig.........

2011-12-11T17:38:00.001Z

by Mrs Grunty. Actually that should be how to 'ungrunt' the gruntying pig - but either works.

The bestest way to do this delicate operashun is to pull its gruntyer out of its mouth and then nibble holes into the gruntying system so it cannot grunt even if a Monkey Fing replaces apawmentioned gruntying system.

Simples!

Next week Mrs Grunty brings you how to decapitate a puppy Kong or two small Kongs for the price of one medium one or two Kongs= double the peanut butter= winner!

20's Snail Titfer.

2011-12-11T09:57:00.001Z

Pattern is from the current Knitty and can be found here - Escargot by Veronica Parsons. I wanted a real 20's feel to mine and for hat inspiration went and found some old pictures of my Nana. When she was a young lady she wore a lot of hats and particularly went for the cloche style ones. I played around with needles and tension and decided to deepen the brim and crown.

I used Rowan Cashsoft Aran (because I know it stretches well in blocking and gives a soft shape) on 4.5mm needles in two colours - a kind of brick red edged with charcoal grey.

I think I am in love with it. It fits comfortably and I love the look - it does look like some of the hats Nana wore! Just call me snail head.

Red

2011-12-09T09:30:00.001Z

I have a love hate relationship with cross stitch it has never really grabbed me but occasionally I see something that inspires and that is was happened with this design. It is a free one on Tom Pudding Designs which is a site from the ever excellent Wibbo and the design is one of hers.

I love it but I only stitch when the spirit moves me (which isn't very often) so progress is very (and I mean very) slow.

There are loads of fabulous and inspiring designs at Tom Pudding so if stitching floats your boat it is a great place to keep an eye on as she regularly puts up new ones.

Work table

2011-12-08T09:32:00.001Z

My little corner where I do all my stuff and make all my mess. Yesterday afternoon it was bathed in winter sun and at that moment I was working on a gift (in the red bowl) and a personal lace project in the blue one. I love my crafting area, it makes me happy.

p.s the gift - got finished - hurrah!

Lottie is a funny little dog!

2011-12-07T09:41:00.001Z

She has her own little routine, that she sticks to. After brekkie she likes a long play in the garden,chasing Kongs etc (Fergus does a garden border control...there might still be a hidden toad etc) then she has a biscuit followed by an emptying of her toy box and then an indoor play of fetch, tug and jab the human with a blue fing.......then if she is really lucky.......her favourite 'kill the fairy'.

This only occurs (in the morning) if it is sunny and I decide to do the ironing. She growls at the ironing board, selects a toy to shake and then waits for the iron plate to make reflections as I iron....these are 'fairies' (they do occur at other times...name tag reflections from Fergus's collar, reflections from watches etc) but ironing 'fairies' are the bestest in the world, ever! She digs the floor, shakes her toy, growls and generally bounces all around the room chasing them. The game ends when the ironing board is put away again - after a severe growly telling off from Mrs Grunty.

Then she normally settles down for a doze until walkie time. She cracks me up,every day - she really is the funniest little dog.

Yesterday.....

2011-12-06T10:00:00.001Z

I blew my nose and made both ears pop and was deaf for 30 minutes - scary.

I listened to very loud rock music on my iPod (my hearing had returned by then) and still couldn't drown out the boys watching last Friday's 'The Walking Dead'.

I got Fergus's twinnie in the post. This was made for us by the wonderful Fiona - mad woman of the North. Fergus gave him a good snuffling but Lottie hates him - she has growled at him and bitten him. He has yet to be named....I think we should call him 'Frogus' in homage to Fergus's summer passion.

I got another parcel with a lovely Xmas card and a present........for the terriers from Archiebear and Nellybean. I have saved it so they can open it on the day. (Yes I do know they are dogs!)

I knit one whole 32 row repeat of my new lace project - without making a mistake....fanfare please. I also knit two pattern repeats on my sweater as well....well go me.

I sold my Majacraft Little Gem wheel - woot-woot.

Was a good day.

(I didn't include any of the boring stuff - grooming the rats, housework, ironing etc - cos it is soooooo very dull - but I did loads of that shit too.)

Secret Santa goodness.

2011-12-05T09:24:00.001Z

Yesterday was our knitting group Christmas lunch - we always do a Secret Santa - no-one knows who is giving to who (except for the excellent Ben who picks out the names - he's one of our knitters husband and does a fab job for us) but after the presents are opened it is time, if you want to, to own up.

This year I got a gift from the wonderful Wibbo who is an extremely talented textile artist and who has a wonderful eye for colour. She gifted me two skeins of KnitPicks (which isn't readily available in the UK) Gloss Lace in Fiesta - the yarn is a merino/silk blend - and it sings to me of a knitted lace scarf. So much so in fact, that when I got in the pattern I have been coveting on Ravelry, Anne Hanson's Fernfrost, was downloaded and the first skein was balled up. I have only cast on, my head was still too woolly from my cold to do more than that yesterday but it's there....waiting for me to finish all I have to accomplish today....my head is a lot clearer......it's been a while since I've been so excited by a new project.......dashing off now to get on with stuff........need to start to knitting...............

p.s The meal was fab.U.lous and so was the company - M and I had a wonderful time.....M got lovely sock yarn called Exotic Clay from his Secret Santa.

Drop spindling

2011-12-03T12:07:00.001Z

Slow progress but progress none the less. The spindle (which is a wee Bosworth) and the bobbin show what has been spun so far (only taken 2 and half years of sporadic spinning) and the fibre shows one complete half a braid (behind the bobbin) and the rest is remains of the first half. The fibre was gifted to me from the very talented Jo who is Limegreen Jelly - she's on maternity break at the moment (can't wait for her to maybe get back to dying fibre, her colours are the best) - it's 70/30 merino/silk and the colour is called 'Hot Stuff' the braid was a 100g one.
Perhaps in another couple of years I'll be finished.

I feel so lucky

2011-12-02T09:22:00.001Z

I know a lot of peeps knock Facebook but I have met some wonderful people on there. People who are funny, supportive, mad, clever and generous and some who are all of the aforementioned. Yesterday the postie delivered a lovely parcel from one of my FB buddies which had this wonderful 100% Ronaldsay wool in it - the colours are glorious and totally what I would have chosen for myself, they also sent a lovely postcard and some Orkney fudge (which was saved till last night and shared with J and M), my goodness that was some lovely fudge.
This is my 2nd RAK in recent months....I am really am very lucky.

I has a purty.

2011-12-01T09:30:00.001Z

In the last few days this has found its way into my life.....is purty? Beautiful deep rich colours and a lovely blend of merino/alpaca/cam/silk. I can't wait to start spinning it.

Start to finish - in more ways than one.

2011-11-30T09:18:00.001Z

100g of merino/tencel fibre.

Two half bobbins of spun singles.

2 plied onto one very full bobbin.

Skeined up.

I got 20 wpi, 98g and 344m out of one plait. Now I've just got to do it all over again with the second one.

*** That's it the very last NaBloPoMo and I didn't miss one. Not sure if it has kick started the blogging mojo will just have to wait and see.

Early birthday pressie.

2011-11-29T09:05:00.001Z

Mrs Grunty will be 4 later this week. M came home with pressies but unfortunately the PAH bag was spotted and harassed (and as there in crickets in there) I took the path of least resistance and capitulated (otherwise there would have been crickets all over the kitchen). Mrs G chose the bunny - who has been well loved - it is sodden! But it is in one piece and still squeaks.

Fergus McNortybeard got the goose - who no longer squeaks, has had it arse ripped off and its guts removed in quite a brutal manner and with no anaesthetic.

Fergus now covets the bunny who he thinks needs the same treatment (got to be fair, no favouritism) and Lottie spent all of last night guarding the bunny from sneak attacks from the Scottie brigade.

I have taken the decision to hide both toys this morning .......just to get some peace! The war of the bunny can continue after lunch.

Mrs Grunty gets a 'do'

2011-11-28T09:47:00.001Z

I has been defluffed. I'm not too sure about the defluffing business. I gets a Nippy-Moo-Bag. The Pink Monkey Fings say my beard still needs a bit of a tidy and paws and claws are left to do.....I think not. They try that and there could be tears before bedtime.....theirs!

Van Gogh SockYarn

2011-11-27T10:00:00.001Z

Just had to get these - aren't they gorgeous? Wonderful colours inspired by two of my most favourite paintings. Total winner.

Can't knit them yet though, need to finish other stuff first.....it's almost torture.

Progress

2011-11-26T09:47:00.001Z

A little bit of progress - all the ends are now sewn in and some of the singles are sewn on. After I took this picture I realised it is wrong side up (whoops) but you get the idea of what all of yesterdays hexagons are destined to become.

Hexagons

2011-11-25T08:20:00.001Z

Yesterday I rediscovered this partial project in the stash cupboard and from that I got a bit of crochet mojo going on......it has been missing for a long time. I can't have worked on this project for at least a year.

I love these little hexagons - the colours are from scraps of favourite sock yarns. I also think the texture and shape really work. Perhaps I need to spend some time being a 'hooker' over the weekend.

Singles

2011-11-24T08:48:00.001Z

I started spinning the fibre I bought at Lewes the other week. It's a merino/tencel blend in shades of blue. The above is a spun single, fairly fine, and is half of one braid so approx 50g.

I've started on the second half and will ply them together.

The colours are gorgeous. I think I may have rediscovered my spinning mojo.

Graveyard

2011-11-23T09:23:00.001Z

sham 012
Originally uploaded by loobles2002
I have a thing for graveyards. I find them peaceful. Never creepy just a good place to find some quiet and stillness.

Puppy Boggart

2011-11-22T09:22:00.001Z

fergus 003
Originally uploaded by loobles2002
Well as Mrs G had a puppy post the other day, I thought I had to play fair and post a puppy piccie of Fergus McNortybeard.

He was probably the easiest pup I've ever known, he was quiet, playful and gentle.....then it all went down hill. Now he's grumpy, shouty, stubborn and determined. Oh and he is also an attention seeker, he loves to be fussed and nudges you with his hooter until you do, the second you stop he nudges you again and again and again.

For all that he's a grumpy little bugger I do love him.

Migraine

2011-11-21T09:45:00.001Z

Three or four times a year on average I get migraine. The one I have today has been slow in coming on (2 or 3 days) but this morning I woke up and here it is. I have done everything to try and stop it hitting me in full force but all my normal avoids have failed me.

So now it's time for strong pain meds, no caffeine at all and to wait.........

Not much of a blog post but them's the breaks.

Mrs Grunty - the puppy years.

2011-11-20T08:33:00.001Z

ab3 009
Originally uploaded by loobles2002
As Lottie is fast approaching her 4th birthday, I thought I'd post a puppy picture of her. I've had dogs all my life but she was the nortiest puppy I've ever, ever encountered.

She wasn't destructive, other than her own toys and her first bed, she wasn't a chewer, what she was, was a monster. A biting, snappy, scrabbly little beastie who wasn't affectionate unless she was sleepy and sleepy was always rather brief.

If I am honest there were times when I despaired of her ever becoming a well behaved and loving pet. She still has a lot of funny, quirky little ways but she has become more than I ever dreamed she would be. She is loving, gentle and sweet and she is a wonderful companion.

She does still get the evils now and then and Pigbat-Monkeydog still gets taken out of the box if she feels the occasion merits it. She still shakes her bluefing or her bing-bong-kong and grrrs at stuff and she still chases fairies (reflected light) - but I wouldn't change her for the world.

Time for toast.

2011-11-19T09:07:00.001Z

Hurrah it's the weekend (even though M is on call again). Have woken up starving hungry therefore I declare it is time for toast and ............................................................can't choose............. blueberry jam or peanut butter and don't say both - Yuck!

M makes the best homemade bread, we never have shop bought anymore, other than the odd french stick. I love homemade bread toasted, I think it is my favourite breakfast. Never liked cereal much, cooked brekkie is nice but only occasionally and porridge, well I do like it a lot, but not as much as toast.

I like toast anytime of day. With soup for lunch, with cheese as a snack. Toast just rules.

Meet the neighbours.

2011-11-18T09:59:00.001Z

This is a local 'Charlie' he sits on the pipe above my bathroom roof and chatters away - it's a sort of "bub-bub-bub-bub-bub" conversation.

And below is another frequent visitor - in fact we have 3 that regularly haunt the tree at the top of the garden. They watch us intently with their beady greeny/grey eyes and then fly off with a "chak, chak, chak, chak"call.

We get a nice variety of larger birds in our garden and in the past have had a Sparrow Hawk with its kill on the lawn. The Kestrel raids the sparrowville on a regular basis and we also get Magpies, Carrion Crows and Rooks. I can waste an awful lot of time watching them.

Six things about me.

2011-11-17T09:34:00.001Z

1) I am a total maths dunderhead. I can do arithmetic but proper math beyond fractions and I am utterly useless - my brain just locks up and I can't see what it is that I am meant to be doing.

2) I love poetry and have a particular love of poetry written for children. I love A.A. Milne, Edward Lear, Hilaire Belloc and Spike Milligan's poems and can loose myself for hours reading them - I know quite a few off by heart.

3) I love classical music and in amongst all the metal and rock stuff I have a nice little selection of my favourites and quite often choose classical over anything else. I love it when I have the house to myself and I can play it loud enough to fill the room.

4) I hate music radio (other than radio 3). I hate radio's on in cars or houses especially if they're just left playing for noise. I really only listen to radio 4. I prefer a silent house.

5) I will always choose savoury over sweet. If we go out to eat, I'd rather have a starter than a pudding.

6) I rub my feet against each other in a circular motion before going to sleep.

I am an arctophile.

2011-11-16T10:18:00.001Z

A person who loves and/or collects bears of the 'Teddy' variety. I have two shelves in my bedroom where I keep my favourites. The picture above has (going from roof slant end) Brunel who had his paws well chewed by a very naughty Siamese kitten, sitting with him is Mike's bear 'Ted' who he had as a little boy, next to them is Jezabell who is cuddling Lois B Bearlove, next along is Leroy Brown (don't tell the others but he's my favourite bear) who is resting his chin on Arfur Bear and the last two are Charlie and Bruin Leadbum. In that lot are a couple of Steiffs and a couple of Barbara-Ann bears for anyone interested in makes and types.

On the bottom picture are Solly, Perkin aka Fred, Herman, Bungar, Zoe, Ebenezer, Sir Thomas-a-Pocket and Valentino. Another couple of Steiffs, a Herman and a Mother Hubbard in that lot.

I have other bears - some in store - some scattered about in other places. I don't really collect much any more as I haven't the £'s or quite the inclination, most of these were bought well before J was born. But I still like to have them and they still make me smile and bring me joy.

Tuesday yap from Mrs Grunty

2011-11-15T08:30:00.001Z

I is not amused - here I is in all my fluffy hairy lovliness which has taken me months to grow and what do them stoopid Monkey Fings start doing plucking it all out. My poor ickle brows are gone.....gone I tell you.

I gave them some serious grrrrrrrsssss and some snappy nips - though I always miss - and what did that get me? More plucking.....yes........more.

Today they will finish off plucking my beard - I look a bit silly - skinny plucked head and a fluffy bod. I do gets lots of kibble and they keep saying how sweet and pretty I look but I look sweet and pretty all the time.

I don't fink I will ever gets them!

Climping beach

2011-11-14T09:43:00.001Z

This photo makes me feel warm - it was warm for so late in the year.

This looks like some kind of boiler/tank rotting away at the edge of the beach.

I have no idea what this plant is growing in the pebbles and shingle the flower looked like fine paper. It was the most glorious yellow.

Roses.

2011-11-13T09:04:00.001Z

Mike came home on Friday with these for me.

Rose, the sign of love
Beauty is picturesque
Speaks for itself
An inspiration

Rose, scent is everlasting
Always fresh upon the eyes
Keeping a pose of pure divine
Beauty evokes
An inspiration

Rose, pedals are smooth
With a bounty of great beauty
Shows affectionate feelings
Has a unique power
An inspiration

Rose, sways slowly in a breeze
Perfuming a scent all its own
So, sweet and light
An inspiration

Rose, in full bloom, it is radiant
As it whispers of passion
Breathes of love
An inspiration

Rose, each thorn has a reminder
Rose, is fragile and delicate
Love can hurt
An inspiration

Rose, a token of great love
An inspiration
Elizabeth Grant Price

Short n sweet Saturday

2011-11-12T08:16:00.001Z

Up early for a weekend morning - colouring my roots.....again. Have decided to attempt to grow out the colour in the New Year and let my hair tinsel shimmer. I hate colouring my hair and it's getting less and less time between colour sessions.

Planning to get some serious baking/cooking done today *fingers crossed* I might loose my mojo tween now and then.

A nice dog walk and the dinner followed by Strictly.

See you tomorrow.

Autumn in the graveyard

2011-11-11T09:27:00.001Z

All photos taken by Mike and Jakob Lainchbury.

And I guess that's why they call it the .......

2011-11-10T09:26:00.001Z

blahs!

Got a shitty day today. Happy head is in hibernation. Might feel better once dentist is over and done with. Pissed off and fed with the world and everyone in it. Not at all fit for human consumption. Want to kick something.

Going now. Back tomorrow hopefully in a perkier frame of mind,

Book review.

2011-11-09T09:40:00.000Z

Yesterday I finished a book that I had downloaded onto my Kindle called 'Gears of Wonderland' by Jason G. Anderson. I loved it.

He uses steam punk themes and takes them into the Wonderland setting - there are robot assassins, air ships, steam driven troop carriers and EMP style weapons mixed in with gas lighting and Victoriana. Add to this the Knave of Hearts, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat among others and you get a book full of delights. It isn't the longest book I've read or the most complicated but it was certainly very entertaining and I couldn't put it down. I liked it so much I commented on the authors web page and wrote a brief review on Amazon!

I think part of the appeal for me was the light touch of 'Neverwhere' in the main character being displaced from our society and the homage to both Wonderland books which were such favourites of my childhood.

If the idea of the book appeals you can read a sample here.

Yarnalicious

2011-11-08T09:32:00.000Z

I spent a good proportion of yesterday sorting out the stash. OMG not a small task and to be honest I only catalogued the fairly decent stuff. I also did my fibre stash at the same time though that is a lot smaller than the yarn and hand spun.

I found some stuff that I hadn't actually forgotten about but that were more impulse buys that I have no idea why I bought them in the first place - the above is a perfect example. The yarn is made from sugar cane fibre and is called Araucania Ruca Multi - I would say it's about 4ply weight I have 200g of the stuff...what possessed me? Even the colours no longer work for me as in recent years I have moved further and further away from my pastel/pink phase (though not completely).

I'm sure that I will one day see a pattern and think of this yarn but until then it will languish in the stash.

The second picture is Manos Silk Blend - now this I love the colours - again I have 200g of this but I have no idea what it will ever become.

This last yarn is in my stash due to me over calculating the yardage needed for a project - I ended up with two and quarter skeins left of this lovely Nimu kid mohair lace weight - it is so pretty and with 1600+m left I know one day it will become a gorgeous shawl when the right pattern presents itself, though it will probably be a gift knit as after knitting the original project I discovered I can't wear it as it makes me itch and again my colour tastes have changed since buying this.

My day of organising have left me with not only a sense of order in all things yarn and fibre related but also has inspired me with textures and colours to get my knitting mojo all fired up (been a bit laggy lately). I am determined to get one lot of spinning finished and two projects (if possible maybe three) off the needles this week so I can use up some of the lovely yarn I rediscovered yesterday.

Hurrah...the return of the Grunty report.

2011-11-07T08:39:00.000Z

It has been a long weekend and all the whizzbang-pops have exhausted us-we've been run off our paws with investigating, jumping up from sleeping and woofing. So I is having a lie in this morning....this is ma belly, ma lovely pink belly - you may give it kisses if you like....but not raspberries - that will make me grrrrrrr you and show you my teggies!

As for the Boggart he's been perfecting the art of uber fast running on the spot on the slippery floor whilst barking and going nowheres. He did it so much on Thursday he has hurted his front leg and has to rest....so he decided to rest in the middle of the Monkey Fings changing the bedding on our big bed (they fink it's theirs but it so isn't). One minute he was killing the invisible scurriers that live under the duvet, the next minute is was all about the "Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's".

Time for more dozies now - will post more impawtant stuff for terriers next week.

Happy

2011-11-06T08:55:00.001Z

Yesterday I made a determined effort to be happy all day - on a normal day this would be a bloody miracle on the 5th November it would normally be nigh on impossible.

I have no idea what made for a such a huge change of perspective, perhaps it was the fact that 20 years have passed since my Da died and although I still miss him I just felt that I couldn't have a day of sad any more. I still never get the chance to let the anniversary slip by, being bonfire night, but instead of resenting it, I just went with it and had a fairly good day.

One of the things that amazed me the most about yesterday was the wonderful kindness, support and amusement I received from my friends on Facebook, they were wonderful and I think acted in the way true friends are meant to, if I'm honest they were more kind and concerned than some real life friends and family (though some of my FB buddies are real life friends and family and J and M are always brilliant). Everyone who moans about FB can't be as lucky as I am in the people I've got know on there, or perhaps it is because they are linked by certain things.....knitters, dog/cat owners or just a warped sense of fun.

I had a happy day and for everyone who helped me achieve that for the first time in 20 years - I thank you. You all totally rock.

Autumn's harvest.

2011-11-05T09:22:00.001Z

These photos were all taken by J in the local graveyard.

I love the way that as the landscape turns to winter greys and duns that nature throws out a last burst of colour and texture to dazzle the eyes.

Terrier TV

2011-11-04T09:42:00.002Z

Fergus and Lottie both enjoy Frozen Planet (they love nature programmes) but the wolves this week really got them going. We couldn't get to the camera in time to get the snap of Lottie with her paws on the TV unit and her nose up against the screen but we didn't manage to catch Fergus staring at the screen intently. They only reacted to the wolves this time but there have been other programmes when they have sat together in front of the screen and watched the whole thing.

Just over the hill from home

2011-11-03T09:59:00.000Z

We are very lucky where we live, we have the sea just down the road and the South Downs just round the corner.

Up the road and over the hill we also have Falmer - it's a small village wedged between the Downs, two universities and the new football stadium and it is quiet and beautiful. Even on a weekend it is unusual for it to be busy. We go there to watch the fish in the pond, the ducks and geese, the gulls and local rook population. We go there to use the wonderful farm shop and to pick blackberries and to walk the dogs who love it, lots of interesting smells and undergrowth to rummage about it and lots of good walking.

We visit there for a few moments of calm and peace and to take pictures and explore the old churchyard.

It is a hidden gem and we love it.

RAK

2011-11-02T10:15:00.000Z

Many moons ago when I rediscovered knitting I wanted to interact with like minded people. I tried different places on the Internet and eventually I found the the Knitty board (forum) it was like coming home. Knitty introduced me to yarn and patterns from all around the globe, it showed me knitting styles and techniques I had never heard of and it introduced me to some wonderful people. These wonderful people (some of who all these years later I'm still in contact with and quite a few I've met in real life) also introduced me to the joy of the Secret Pal Swap and the RAK. An RAK is a Random Act of Kindness where you send a gift to someone just because you want to with no thought of reward or payment other than they pass the good karma on at some stage.

Yesterday (which was a really shitty day for me) I received a RAK from a Knitty board friend called Dawn. Although I'm not on Knitty much these days we've kept in touch at first via our blogs and later via FB - she used to send me pictures of the magnificent Orb Spiders in her garden and as well as knitting we share a love of kite flying. I read a few weeks back that Dawn was off to Rhinebeck which is a large and wonderful wool festival in the USA. I jokingly told her I was jealous because of all the global yarn related events Rhinebeck is the one I'd go to if I could - just to see and sample some of yarns that are not so easy to get in the UK. Dawn kindly offered to get me a RAK from Rhinebeck - some sock yarn that I have coveted for quite a while. The yarn is dyed by The Sanguine Gryphon and is a sport weight called 'Bugga' it's a blend of super wash merino, cashmere and nylon and is so soft and bouncy, the skein cries out to be squished. The colour of this yarn is 'Fierce Snake' - it is subtle and natural and I love it.

J was there when I opened it and I read the card that was enclosed out to him - Dawn put that the name Fierce Snake put her in mind of me. J laughed and told me there really is a snake called that. Intrigued I mastered the art of Google-foo and I discovered that - the Fierce Snake or Inland Taipan is considered as the most venomous land snake in the world by many and is native to Australia. It is called Fierce because of the strength of its venom not because of its nature - which shy and retiring and prefers to escape from trouble. It changes colour with the seasons and the colours of the yarn shows its winter colouring perfectly.

Dawn and I only know each other online but she chose perfectly for me - I love the name, the yarn, the colour and I can relate to the nature of snake...... the only thing to do now is to decide what to make with such a wonderful gift and to look for the opportunity to pass the karma on.

NaBloPoMo kick off.

2011-11-01T09:44:00.004Z

Could there be storm clouds brewing as I attempt to blog every day for the whole of November? Well one thing is for sure it will either kill my blog off or cure my lack of blogging mojo.

This blog of mine has been around since 2004 but in recent months I have found it harder and harder to get be motivated to post so signing up for 'NaBloPoMo' is my blog kick up the arse!

I still read other blogs, some I look forward to their posts that I check my blog roll most days for updates. I love the diversity I find there. But I lack inspiration at the moment......here's hoping this works and my blog and I find a sense of revival.

(photo by Mike Lainchbury).

Mrs Grunty does gardening.

2011-10-10T08:25:00.000Z

Yesterday I helps Daddy with pawsome ten-nes ball do some gardening. We tooks a video of just how helpful I am.

The Boggart helped as well - but nowhere near as much as I did - he was just looking for squidgels and frogs!

I help so much that it gave me serious beard malfunction!

Which I had to sleep off.

Too warm for Mrs Grunty

2011-10-02T08:20:00.001Z

Quick reportage this time.

This week I have been mostly in da garden killin the hose - which results in the above all night, every night.

Expawsting stuff all this water play.

p.s - They gave Boggart a quick short back and whack with the clippers cos he was too hot.....he looks very funny!!!

Bath in autumn.

2011-09-28T10:30:00.000Z

We didn't actually take that many pictures while we were away.

The weather was lovely and everywhere was infused with autumn colours. The church is St John's - it's not as old as looks but its spire dominates the skyline near the river and it was the church we could see from our room last time we stayed in February. We didn't manage to find it then, so went searching for it this time. As we walked past you could hear the bird of prey that nests/roosts in the belfry calling. And we also managed to be there when the bells peeled. Amazing - no recording of bells here but the real thing - I think they said there were 8 and local bell ringers reckon they are the best in the area.

This was the view from our hotel window.We spent quite a while watching the fish, ducks and moorhen dabbling about. A huge bird of prey wheeled over head and was mobbed by crows. Even with the traffic sounds (which we're not used to) it was a lovely spot.

I have a thing for a Weeping Willows and this one is a beauty.

Watched these guys in the lock (first or last in the flight depending on your direction) - I stated once more "Never again!" But enjoyed watching others do it!

Two of our closest neighbours.

We did other stuff too. Had a lovely time. Relaxing.

Went to my favourite yarn shop. Picked up some supplies for a couple of projects and I also treated myself to enough Cascade 220 to make an Aran knit cardi for the winter. Got some new Knitpro cube shaped needles and some Eucalan wash. I was spoilt for choice with so many yarns but decided not to splurge my budget on sock yarn for change....cos it's not like I haven't got any stashed.

Paws for thought.

2011-09-24T09:33:00.002Z

Monkey Fings are going away for a couple of days.I shall be experiencing a Grandma-Monkey Fing pampering session in their absence. I thinks I may need a paw massage.

I shall spend the rest of the time snoozing and awaiting their return....Oh and keeping the Boggart firmly in his place under my shredded wheat paw of power!

Salmon Run Socks

2011-09-19T18:03:00.001Z

Pattern is Masonic Lodge Socks by erqsome knits. I think it is meant to be a 'guys' pattern but I like the pattern against a feminine colour.
Knitted in a Wibbo's Works sock yarn called Salmon Run. This was a gift from the amazing Wibbo herself almost 3 years ago and it's taken me all this time to find a pattern I liked for it. And although I like the pattern (it is very well written and is free on Ravelry) I did get severe 2nd sock syndrome so am very relieved to get them off the needles!

Love the simple cables with two differing size gaps. I've made them a generous UK 5 - knit on 2.5mm circs. they will make ideal walking socks.

Photos - don't do justice due to shitty light but I wanted to photograph them before washing and blocking/

Mrs Grunty - the art of relaxtion.

2011-09-17T09:50:00.001Z

Firstly find a comfy spot (shove any other terriers in the area to one side). Roll and luxuriate in the soft, warm spot,

Keep one eye open and also one ear (at least) the first for signs of any passing treat the latter to be ready for woof alerts.

Give your best pose for any MF camera peeps.

Change brings...

2011-09-13T09:02:00.001Z

change.

The weather changes, the outlook changes, the length of daylight changes and in our house people change. They become melancholic as summer fades. Sadly, this is not pleasant to live with. It is challenging on many levels. Their malady is not a sad wistfulness for another summer passed but often manifests in spite against the rest of us. It makes day to day living tiresome at best, at its worst unbearable. It is yet to reach its zenith, it will peak in October and then normal life will resume.

I used to love the change of seasons, summer to autumn in particular - now I dread them and wake up every morning weighted down by my own sense of sad that although the person affected owns this problem and when rational is aware of it - there is nothing I can do while they are in throes of it.

So it's heads down and battle through it.....again.....till winter and then till spring.........

I hate the unfairness of it. I hate the sense of unease it brings into our home. I hate the pointlessness of it. I hate my sense of powerlessness against it.

Babbley Ball.

2011-09-11T07:39:00.001Z

With my beloved (but silent at the moment) BB.

Without BB - cos I spat it out!

Someone who does not appreciate the wonders of BB at all......he is just so uncultured.

Doodling.

2011-09-09T12:26:00.000Z

I cannot draw, paint or create art (despite having an O level in the subject) but I do like to doodle. I have spent a few hours this week with my head in my sketch book. Whilst doing so I looked back at what was already gracing (hahahaha) its pages.

I go through phases with doodling sometimes I go years and never touch a pencil and then it hits me, and then it possesses me and other times I just pick it up and put it down over a few weeks.

When I'm in the mood to doodle I can loose hours.

This week has been a relatively quiet one. I'm recovering from a nasty chest infection and J is back to hitting the books. So we have taken it easy(ish). I am getting better but am still full of it - lots of croaky voice and coughing and sneezing - but I feel OK now in myself.

Very little knitting or spinning (some but nothing worth showing). A little reading. A lot of grumping cos I do get grumpy when I'm out of sorts. I now have 5 projects under way - 2 gifts and 3 personal ones. I am finding it hard to settle. Perhaps that is because I know we're going away at the end of month and it is making me restless.

The weather has kept me in, as with this nasty bug, wind and wet are not conducive to recovery. I had intended to go for a long walk this afternoon but the coastal fog has eaten my world and where I live is enfold in a white damp blanket - again not kind to an inflamed chest.

All my chores are done, including the ironing, I'm not going out unless the fog clears .....time for a book or some knitting.

The Sunday post from Mrs Grunty

2011-09-04T12:03:00.000Z

Today I am going by another name.....Lil-Miss-Won't-Piss. Well it is raining after all, you cannot expect a young BT lady to go wee-wees in the rain!

So on the beanbag for prolonged napping appears to be the order of the day- there may be some alteration to that plan once the joint goes in the oven later or if the sun comes out to play.

Till then it's crossed shredded wheat paws followed by lots of Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.

P.S - just cos Fergus is daft enough or brain washed enough to pee in the wet - doesn't mean I am!

Trying to find balance

2011-09-02T10:12:00.001Z

This week has had a higher % of shittiness than I like in a week. Personal stuff, stuff affecting friends and family and hearing of 3 deaths of people from childhood. But instead of wallowing (and I have shed tears this week). I am trying to use this blog post to redress the balance and look at the positives.

First up, after buying M his new Ukulele at the weekend (early anniversary present) he reciprocated and bought me yarn - he knows me so well. This is Juno Lace-weight 2 ply in a blend of baby alpaca, silk and cashmere - the colour is 'Orangerie' but to me it looks like the bitter orange marmalade M loves so much. My tastes in colours have changed so much over the last year or so - this is perfect and exactly what I was looking for. I have 1600m of this to make into to something beautiful.

When I was little there was a shop in the Laines where they made/had stripey pottery that they would paint your name on. I had a blue and white mug. With a name like mine it has never been easy to find on stuff. So this cup was special - I loved it. By the time it got broken the shop had gone and I know in these days of get anything on the Internet I could have got a cup with my name on - it wouldn't have been the same.

When M got his wheel, I said to him you can make me a little mug (when I'm out and abouting I like a little drink in the morning - hate public loos!) for my mornings. We got talking about colours and mugs and I remembered my love of my blue and white mug with my name on - spelt correctly. This morning when he emptied the kiln I was presented with the above. I love it.

I love it even more because 28 years ago today, when I was 16 and he was 21, M asked me to marry him. So to get such a special surprise today was lovely.

I think the balance is redressing a bit don't you?

The next photos show a pot M was experimenting with - using under glazes. It was a thrown piece he was not as happy with so it became a guinea pig pot.

Can you see the little mauve fishes in the sea?

I said I thought it was too nice for a guinea pig pot and I'd give it a home - cos I love the colours and the fishes inside and out made me smile every time I looked at them.

One last thing to even the balance; when I cry Fergus loves me (Lottie just looks worried - I don't often cry) but Bogey comes and sits next to me and nudges me with his hooter until I fuss him and if I stop he shouts at me until I carry on. It is very hard to stay miserable with enforced Scottie love being dolled out. They are not always the most affectionate of breeds and he can be stand offish - I like the fact he reserves his love for when it is most needed.

Perfection.

2011-08-30T12:12:00.001Z

Why do some people strive so hard for perfection? Why does their life, home, partner, kids, world have to be perceived to be perfect? Why is it so hard to find happiness in the less than perfect?

I am always amazed by people who try and change the person they are with - you chose that person for who they were surely, not just so you could mould them into your on view of the ideal. There truly is a lot to be said for accepting things and people for who and what they are.

I not saying change is bad - some change is good and change is quite often necessary. What concerns me is when change is made, perfection for to strived to fill a hole in someones world - the mentality of 'if I acheive, change, get this - then everything will be better and it will cure this need' - thing is, it does quite often but only for a little while and the little whiles get shorter and shorter and eventually nothing will fill this void and the world for that person starts to crumble away and collapse.

It makes me sad.

I don't want for anything really. I don't need anything more than I have right at this moment - there are things I would like, I covet, but they aint going to change my life or my world in the long term.

I wish there was a way to show people who get caught up in this that they are doing nothing to solve their problems, just going in ever decreasing circles until eventually they disappear up their own arses. There is no 100% solve-all-quick-solution. What is needed is to learn to look at what you have, look at what you need to change about how you see things and learn to live with who you are and what you have? Easy to say, harder to do.

I am thankful for all I have. Everyday I try and think of 5 things that have been good or have made me happy, some day I am shit at it, other days I could fill pages - but I do learn from taking stock of my own little world.

p.s. Right now I wish the fookin spell checker on blogger was working as I can't spell for toffee!

Mrs Grunty's report is brought to by the word.......

2011-08-28T17:31:00.000Z

Sossidge!

Me and the Bogey got mail from Wynters who does live not in Brighton but somewheres else with a big bully (breed not nature) called Gryff who I am informed has a large snorgly hooter - but I digress. Well, anyways their MF had to send stuff to our MF and Wynters and Gryff snuck in pen-pal letter and some Sossidges!

We's never had no sossidge before -the picture is of me tasting it thru the wrapper - it smelt of NOM even when wrapped. We had it chopped up on our dins and we both loved it - so much that we have demanded a regular supplied be kept in our cupboard for regular chow downs.

The only downside is the official food taster of the Royal Household - aka Conkers McBonkers of the Order of the 'Kitty Buttons' had to taste the lovely sossidge first to make sure it was palatable and now he wants regular sossidge noms too! I hate having to share - Bogey is bad enough but a cat ....pffft!

Signing off now as is time for after dinner plays in which I harass the Bogster until he chases me and I have a pigbat attack and then we has nibbly-bibblies!

Quick photo blog of the week...

2011-08-26T12:35:00.000Z

lovely new pot from M for all my yarn and thread scraps as I am working.

Sleepy babies on a rainy morning.

Not getting up, no way, no how.

Frankensocks for the hairy leg beard man.

Blast from my crafting past. I used to have a little craft business (before J was born) making rag dolls. These are the only two I have left (I think) I couldn't bear to part with them - Agnes and Albert.

Battle of the tennis ball.

2011-08-21T18:43:00.000Z

Sunday evening update from the paw of Mrs Grunty.

Fergus stolid my tennis ball. I will poonish him for it by ripping it away from him and he's in 'MY' beanbag - upstart haggis. I will chew bits off his yello flopper and that'll learn him and he is banished from all future blue fing parades too - so there!

Delayed by expawstion.

2011-08-16T12:10:00.000Z

Tis I Mrs Grunty and I am only just recovering from being the hostess with the mostest all weekend. My Monkey Fings invited other Monkey Fings who are owned by Eddie Wagtail and Higgins the Hairy Faced Herbert (who is missing from the photo below but is very pawsome if a little loud) so I hads to shows them the ropes and be Mrs Impawtant Grunty all weekend long. Tis tiring all this woofing, herding tennis balls, walkies and terriering about. I being the only girlie had to give them boys a run for their paws.

The upside......extra treats! We did do sharesomes.

In a field nearby......

2011-08-08T08:55:00.000Z

Sunflowers.

Actually it is more like a bit of scrub next to a track but it has been transformed to a sea of colour that would make Van Gogh green with envy.

Glorious.

Move over Mrs Grunty.....it's me now!

2011-08-07T12:54:00.000Z

I likes frogs, toads, pigeons and crickets.....what do you like?

Frankensocks the sequel - afterthought heel.

2011-08-07T10:32:00.001Z

Son of Frankensock is almost complete.

Just the afterthought heel to go. All the stitches are picked up.

Removing the waste yarn.

Gaping heel maw ready to be knitted.

Spare Brain.

2011-08-03T17:11:00.000Z

A wonderful barmy, bonkers, barking friend sent me a gift. Knowing very well that I keep misplacing my brain and my brain can no longer cope with Tuesdays she sent me a spare.

What a thoughtful idea. Now when I have a brain phart I can just give my poor tired over used remaining brain cell a rest and slot in this new one. Winner!

Sunday Yap from Mrs Grunty

2011-07-31T07:26:00.000Z

Hail my Monkey Minions,

I am dictating this from my monkeys beddy as I am expawsted this week. There have been strange things a paw that have kept me very busy. Me and McNortybeard were having our evening garden romp, we normally help Mr Monkey water his green growing stuff by attacking the watering can, we kill the hose and McNortybeard does his cricket, frog and toad husbandry but this particular evening something happened......

There was a fud noise by the fence at the top of the garden and rustle in gihunormus tree and me and McNortybeard knew by the tingling in our beards and tails that there was a fing in the tree (not a blue fing) another kind of fing. McNortybeard tried to climb the tree (well he is part ape) and I scrabbled at the bottom of it and all was silent but we knows it was still there so we set up a watch.

The Monkeys made us come in eventually - they have this strange power over us they say "Bis-kits" and we are compelled to run indoors - but the watch continues....well for me anyway, McNortybeard is more interested in his critters but every minute I am in the garden I am a watching that tree intently, so far the fing is being still and quiet but I am certain it is still there.

All this watching is very exhausting so I may need a little longer abeddy before I can muster my strength up for brekkie.

Plain but pretty.

2011-07-26T13:41:00.000Z

Plain socks, pretty yarn. My plain ole vanilla sock pattern in a UK 5, knit on two 2.75mm circular needles. I used an afterthought heel and I love how the yarn goes swirly on the heel.

The yarn is Misti Alpaca which is a blend of 50% alpaca, 30% merino wool, 10% silk and 10% nylon. The colourway is called Mirriam and is quite autumnal. The yarn is very soft and I just adore the colours.

Not knitting.

2011-07-25T12:13:00.000Z

Part of our potato crop with a couple of M's chilli's that he's grown thrown in for good measure.

The tatties are so very tasty- yum! The chilli's are wayyyyyyy tooooooo HOT for me.

Tiny on the home modification jag again - she likes to eat the mesh at the back of her tank. Thankfully she hasn't broken her fangs on it.

Tarantula trying to look innocent and failing!

Memo from Mrs Grunty.

2011-07-24T17:44:00.000Z

Hello Monkey Minions.

I have some interesting fings to report. Pay attention now these fings are impawtant.

1) Toads taste bad - nuff said - they are NOT noms.
2) Fergus cheats when we play with the manky, busted yello flopper - he tells Scottie lies, distracts me and then sits his fat football arse on the flopper and pretends it has vanished.
3) Extended Sunday morning blue fing parades are more fun if you dead leg one MF (monkey fing) and trample, and I quote, 'the nutsack (?)' of the other.
4) They call me Princess cos I am!
5) Growling whilst running in with a Kong in your maw make MF's laugh - I have no idea why - do you?
6) Biting the drill is fun!
8) Soopervising the hanging of blinds is an important job - I guarded the box with little fings in it.
9) I likes Kitty toys - so why does they get hidded from me? I dusen't wanna hurt them......much.
10) I finks it is important to be carried down for wees at bedtime cos I is 'speshul' and am too sleepy to do stairs - let Bogey walk, he's NOT impawtant.

That's yer lot. Off to hunt .....but not toads. Will report back again when more speshul impawmation has been collected.

Flying Geese Blanket WIP.

2011-07-19T12:28:00.000Z

Am so enjoying knitting this.

The blahs with a side order of meh.

2011-07-19T09:12:00.000Z

Long time (for me) no blog. No reason. Life is quiet and I have the 'blahs'. Nothing in particular wrong just becalmed in the doldrums. Not much to say or report really. Will just do a general catch up.

1) New plants thriving both are growing green alien willies out of their tops, one has a green alien willy with little mauve flowers...may have to call the plant alien willy doctor.

2) Frog season is over in the garden. All hail the start of the Cricket killing season. First victim chomped in two this morning. Fergus is very happy.

3) Lottie licked a toad, it made her eyes water and her nose run. Lucky she's OK, it was a baby one not Derek (Fergus's nemesis) who is the biggest, fattest toad I have ever seen. You can see he's a hard lad who stands no nonsense from Terriers....well he must be to survive in our garden and grow to that size.

4) Conkers loves the solar powered Cricket aka Mr. T. He pretends he doesn't then when no-one is looking he swipes it one.

5) Other plants/veggies doing well. Had our first, very yummy, batch of tatties. We chose Charlotte's they were so flavoursome that they needed nothing - no dressing, butter, salt, pepper they just melted in the mouth.

6) Reading 'Jane Slayre' and loving it. Re-listening to Cranford just because I can and it makes me smile so much.

7) Been X stitching a bit - subversive stuff again. Another thing that makes me smile.

8) Bought a great coffee table book when Paula and Tim came down the other weekend - it is all b&w photos up to the 1940's of people and their pet dogs with the odd appropriate quote. No BT's but one Scottie and a few Dallies. Totally fab book, really fascinating.

9) Engrossed in the Tour. Fab, fab and even more fab. With Wiggins out, Cav is waving the flag for the UK with the Green Jersey. And part of me really wants Voekler to keep yellow - he has such guts and determination.

10) Last and not least - knitting type stuff. No spinning but plenty on the needles. M's socks are hold till the autumn. I have two other pairs on the go, one plain and one not. Two lace shawls and a modular knitted patchwork throw which I am loving - it's all reds and green - so pretty. Need to get my designing head on soon for a pair of mitts for a friend and a unusual hat request - looking forward to it.

That's it all boring and mundane but that's all I've got.

A weirdigon kinda week.

2011-07-08T09:42:00.000Z

This has been an everything and nothing kind of week. It's flown by. It's been really busy. I've got loads done and I have absolutely nothing to show for it. It's also been an emotional week in as much as things have effected me on an emotional level from books I'm reading to things I'm watching. Most strange.

Two good things though are M bought me some lovely flowers on the day he went back to work. I love white roses. They are starting to open out and are gorgeous.

And the other good thing is that Tiny moulted (safely). She hid behind her log and next thing it was all over. She is much darker and a lot bigger and still appears to be either a juvenile or a female (hoping it's the latter). She is still being quite timid and we've not had a really good look at her but she is pretty magnificent from what we have seen.

J got new glasses (finally) 3rd attempt at collecting them - maybe it be shouldn't go to SpecSavers? Morons! He has also finished all the work we set out to complete this year - everything. So a couple of weeks of laziness for him and then we start again.

Now it is time to finish the boring stuff and then it's the weekend. Looking forward to seeing P and T tomorrow but without the wonderful Iggins and Eddie, should be fun but weird without the dogs being the centre of attention!

Finished me holibobs.

2011-07-04T09:04:00.000Z

Had a lovely, relaxing two weeks. We pottered about, ate lovely food, drank too much wine, read, watched tennis, got loads of stuff we've been meaning to do done, oh and I did some knitting. M is back at work today, the house seems empty without him. I do miss him but roll on the weekend. Some friends are coming to visit so that is something to look forward to.

I finished my Wimbledon project early (little red Ishbel which is on my Rav page) so I need something for the finals.This is one of 3 wristbands by Cat Wong in the current Knitty called Pretty Twisted. Nice little knit, I am pleased with the result. The only downside, for me, is I have a little RSS problem in my left hand at the moment and this aggravated it.

New plants. I was going to put them outdoors but on the first night a 'turd snake' (large brown slug) ate half a leaf, so indoors they came. My plant guru (Ma) reckons they'll be fine inside. They are both types of Coleus.

Talking of plants Johnny, our 24+ year old Rubber Plant, is making a take over bid of our sitting room! Our Fig is over 20 years old too and is thriving. I don't touch them as I am a certified plant killer.

Friday morning

2011-06-24T10:34:00.000Z

Love in the mist or as it is better known around here - fuck in the fog.

Poppies in flower.

Poppy not in flower or unflowered.

Bogey brows - the tidy version.

Sleek and shiny Little Bo.

Holiday so far - really good. Weathers been iffy but that doesn't really bother us. Spent a lot this week getting stuff sorted - eye tests, dog grooming, collecting clay supplies - doing things that require the car so need M at home as I am a non-driver.

Today is the first sunny and so far fine day. Fine enough for me to wear a summer skirt! J is happy planning his birthday next week, M has popped to the shops for essentials like cat food and loo roll. I've dusted and hoovered - got a bit of ironing to do. Then the rest of the day is our own - no ties, no time limits - lovely.

Got a quiet weekend planned - got some household bits I want to do (like weeding the drive, pressure washing the front of the house), Mike wants to pot and J will want to do 'his' stuff with his mates. Festival of Speed will most likely snarl up traffic for the places we had thought of going so will put holiday trips on hold till next week.

Hope your weekend is all you wish it to be.

Got me a new fella.

2011-06-20T08:17:00.000Z

He's got the most amazing blue eyes.

And a lady killer smile. He also has legs that need raspberries blown on them and chubby knees. A strong grip and a wiggly giggle that's worth a million bucks if not more.

Was J ever that little?

To the blog cave Robin!

2011-06-15T09:25:00.000Z

What has been a happening? Hmmmm not a lot really. Some knitting - well that must be a shock to everyone!

Some gardening and some picture taking.

Some snoozing.

And even more snoozing.

Other bits - well J's braces are off and his teeth look fab, he gets his retainer tomorrow. The dogs got attacked but are fine now - they are both booked in for an overdue shampoo and set next week - though Fergus may go for a retro spiral perm. Lottie wants them to crimp her beard - cool!

Ma bought home some virulent old people cold germs which she has been determined to share - we gave her a leper bell and have been warding her off with garlic. Sadly J succumbed and is now undergoing quarantine in his room -hostage to his X-box until I deem him safe to let out. We start a fortnights holiday (staycationing this year) next week - so neither M or I want to be holiday snot monsters! (Bet we are - or one of us will get it the first week to give to the other for the second) perhaps we need to install a snogging ban for us two!

Got a new groovy fluro watch as a surprise pressie from M - I love it.

Got loads of projects on the go - am loving them.

Reading loads.

Both M and I forgot to make bread yesterday so am planning to make cheese scones for lunch.

We've been planning our two weeks off and are really looking forward to some time to do (weather permitting) all we've planned. But then again rain is good - M can pot and I can knit etc. J's birthday falls in the second week and we are trying to get him to decide what he'd like to do......his suggestion is a PJ day eating junk food and playing on his Tit-box - can't see it happening!

Think that covers some of it - lol. Well comes to mind or lack of it right now. Time to boil my head, I mean kettle and crack on with the chores.

A little bit of discombobulation.

2011-06-08T12:10:00.000Z

As you know the gruesome twosome of the terrier world got attacked by two Staffies this week on their afternoon perambulation. This has resulted in a vets trip for Bo-bo, a clippering of her back fur and antibiotics and £40 less in this months budget. The dogs are fine, over it but it has made me feel a little strange. Firstly my agoraphobia has gone into over drive - can't leave the house at the moment - I know this a knee jerk thing and it will pass but I am now very nervous about walking the dogs, even with M going with me *big, big sigh*. I know I will rationalise it and sort it out in my head and then I'll be fine but I'll feel like shit in the meantime.

I'm better now than I was this morning, when I woke up I just couldn't face the day or cope with anything, simple questions resulted in no more than a shrug. As the day has progressed my brain functions are returning though I could quite easily burst into tears at any moment. How weird that the dogs bounce back but I have to have a wallow in my neuroses for a bit. I do wish my brain could be mended and I could go back to be unafraid of the world I inhabit! *even bigger sighs*

A fanfare pleeaasseeeee!

2011-06-06T11:11:00.000Z

52 books in 52 weeks - books 41 - 52.

I am going to list these in the format they were read in. This would have been nowhere as easy if audio books weren't allowed. As I have been knitting and spinning in the evening and not watching TV much at all I have got through quite a few since my last post.

Audio Books.

Book 41 - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. (Librivox read by Chip).

Ashamed to admit that all I knew of this story was the most recent Hollywood telling of it. The book bares so little resemblance to it - it is almost criminal. I loved the story and Chip told it wonderfully - he has the sort of lyrical voice that made it almost poetical. I do think that there is far more descriptive writing of the 'where' than telling of the 'how' and 'what' though.

Book 42 - Love and Friendship by Jane Austen. (Librivox read by Cori Samuel).

I have never read this before. Oh dear. You can tell the youth of the author by its content and the story telling - good thing she improved is all I can say.

Book 43 - Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen. (Librivox read by Elizabeth Klett).

One of my less favourite of JA's books normally but I had never listened to it on AB before and I found it held my attention more and Catherine annoyed me less in this format. It was very well read and the narrator made no mistakes in her English pronunciations and her American accent worked quite well in the telling. I still find that it is not a favourite though.

Book 44 - Mansfield Park - Jane Austen. (Librivox read by various).

This is another less favourite JA and same as above I had never tried it on audio book. It is better in that format but I think the multiple narrators didn't add anything. I might buy an audio copy and listen again. I still find Fanny as irritating as hell and Edmund is wet!

(Sorry bit of a JA binge in the last couple of weeks).

Book 45 - Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off. (Read by the author).

As a knitter this kind of book amuses me no end. I know some people don't like the Yarn Harlot and her books but I do. She is funny in a lovely self depreciating way, she knows her subject and the twists (lol) she puts into the telling of her knitting life are great. This book takes you through the land of knitting introducing the world of modern knitters, their jargon and their obsessions.

Kindle Book.

Book 46 - The Chosen Soul - Heather Killough-Walden.

This is much more a traditional fantasy story, though I found it in the teen/vampire bit of of Amazon. I think it was in the wrong place. It belongs more with fantasy sagas etc. You have Demons and 9 rings of Hell, you have Orks, you have Gods and you have Elves - all the components of a good fantasy read and it didn't disappoint too much - a little formulaic in places but not boring, a few nice twists with a good end that makes you want to know what happens in the next one. These books are not great literature but they are readable.

Book 47 - Finding Sky - Joss Stirling.

There are probably a 100 reasons why I shouldn't like this book but I don't care. I loved it! Corny and predictable in places, teen market based but I loved it. Could not put it down. Terrible I know but it sucked me in and I can't wait to read the next one.

Books 48 & 49 - Demon Girl/Demon Day (The Rae Wilder Novels) - Penelope Fletcher.

The opposite of the above - I should, knowing my penchant for this type of book, have loved these - fairies, vampires, shifters, witches, clerics and lots of teen(ish) angst but even with the voodoo and a zombie thrown in - they just didn't do it for me. The female main character was too needy, selfish and stupid to make me want to care - I just wanted someone to kill by the end of the 2nd book - won't be reading the rest.

Book 50 - Hard Landing (The 1st Spider Shepherd Thriller) - Stephen Leather.

Not a normal choice for me and when I started it I loved it,a real page turner (I do like this author and have read others of his) but as the story progressed it moved in one direction really and I don't know I got a bit apathetic with it all. I still enjoyed it, but it got a little bland for me. Even the ending was a bit predictable (seem to be using that word a lot at moment - perhaps I'm jaded?)

Proper old fashioned books.

Book 51 - The Colour Purple - Alice Walker.

This has been my bedtime reading and it is an old favourite. I think it is one of the best books ever written. Every time I read it I cry. I loved the film too which is unusual when a book is such a firm favourite. I think it is one of those books that everyone should read at some time in their life. Genius.

Book 52 - Frankenstein (1818 text) - Mary Shelley.

Another firm fav and another bedtime reader - I like a proper book at bedtime that it doesn't matter if I drop it as I doze off. I first read this book in my 30's - so late to such a good story. This is the third time I've read it and it doesn't get old - my favourite section is still the part where the creature is hiding and watching at the farm my heart aches for him every time. Brilliant.

So that is it - 52 books done - I had two fails during this time so I thought I'd give them an honourable mention.

1st fail - The Girl with Dragon Tattoo - Stig Larson.

It is still on my Kindle and I will try and finish it -so many peeps have told me it is worth the effort the only problem is every time I start reading it my eyeballs dry out!

2nd fail - Trick of the Dark - Val McDermid.

I should stay away from thrillers - I can always works out the who did what to whom and why - long before the end - this fell into that category.

I know some peeps keeping going to see how many books in total in a year, but I can't do that - I'd start competing with myself!!! I am done. It was fun.

This week....

2011-06-03T12:46:00.000Z

has included - beautiful flowers from some lovely friends.

Such soft petals and they have a light clove scent.

Official Destructogang member ship badges for two little terriers details here.

Finishing Wendyknits Summer Mystery Shawlette KAL on time! All the nerdy details are on my Ravelry project page or on my FB profile.

Visit from aforementioned lovely (flower giving friends) and their furry companions Eddie and Higgins.

And another gift for the terrible twosome from Fiona aka the mad axe lady of the fishy-noms - of some highly stinky dried fishy all the way from Norway. They love it!

Wednesday Madhouse - winning and losing

2011-05-31T14:44:00.000Z

Fanfare please...................the last madhouse post..............a day early this week as I have friends down to visit tomorrow and will be agreeably engaged elsewhere.

I have body image issues. I have ever since I had my emergency c-section. My stomach muscles were damaged and they never recovered so I have a ring doughnut belly and my belly button is AWOL. I can't wear a bikini anymore. I am so self conscious about this.

I also battle with my weight. Pre J I was a size 12, post J I got to a comfy 14 using WW points. But I find dieting impossibly hard and I have an intense dislike for exercise. I also like food and live with someone who loves to cook and does it so well.

I loose the battle of bulge and then I hate my body even more. These days I fluctuate between a 16 and 18. To me my view of my body and trying to get where I'd be happy is a battle that I never win. Or it was......

I still have issues and still have bad days but they are getting less and less - what is my miracle cure? Have I slimmed down to a curvy 12 or 14? No. But I realised that I am happy. When I diet I am unhappy. I spend too much time worrying about putting weight back on rather than enjoying what I've achieved. I am fit. I am healthy and I am pretty much content most of the time. I have a family who love me and I no longer spend time worrying over what I can or should eat. And the amazing thing is, since I got my head round this simple way of looking at stuff, my weight has stayed the same. I lost some weight in the winter and it hasn't gone back on. I eat healthy 80% of the time. I take moderate exercise most days and I maintain a status quo that although isn't perfect I can live with. Perhaps that means that I am winning.

That's all folks. No more madhouse.

Thursday Madhouse - Missed Chances.

2011-05-26T08:57:00.000Z

I know the penultimate one and I'm a day late.....so sue me. One reason I am late is I have a complete blank over this one. There are things I could have done or maybe should have done, but as I try to live my life without regrets, there is nothing much that I see as a missed chance - they have been more about choices of direction.

However, I could be all serious and find something deep and emotive from my past to bring a tear to your eye of loves lost etc (not really - meeting M at age of 15 kind meant anyone before him wasn't love, it was teen lust) or the regrets over family misunderstandings (and there have been a few) but again I believe in no regrets so that doesn't work either. I could spin you the heart rending tale that my Father died without ever telling me he loved me....but it is ancient history and I have so come to terms with it....so what can I tell about missed chances........

1) I missed the opportunity to punch the girl, who bullied me at school for over 4 years, on the nose and if I had my time over - I would and if she crossed my path now - I would take her to task and probably deck her.

2) There are a few people that I should have 'told it how it is' to at the moment they deserved it but I did the grown up thing and turned the other cheek - I missed my chance.

3) There are a few peeps that I should have helped remove their heads from their rectums but I didn't. I have made a solemn vow to rectify this (get it?) and from now on if you talk to me with your head up yer bum I will tell you to so and ask you to remove it.

4) I should have told MJ years ago that he always spouted 'bollocks'.

5) There are a few peeps I've shown kindness to who have then preceded to shit on me from a great height - I know now and will not repeat my kindnesses but will bestow them on others who deserve them. If you ask again -I will be reading you your life history cos I didn't at the time and I should have!

6) I missed my chance to learn to drive - dear lord I am useless behind the wheel of a car.

7) I should have stayed having the drama lessons - I think they would have made me a better liar than I am.

8) I kind of wished we hadn't gone on holiday to Cornwall when we did -cos then I could have spent the last week of Loobles life with her.

9) I regret (yes a regret) starting this cos I want to get to 10 and I've run out of ideas.

10) All the knitting projects I've frogged and then a month later thought ............"Shit!" I did like that after all.

Almost there one left - phew. Back next week for the madhouse finale....like anyone reads this drivel or gives a fuck!

52 books - 29 - 40

2011-05-26T08:30:00.000Z

I have seriously remiss in posting my reading. So I decided to do a bulk list and as I have been reading loads of crap quick fix fantasy stuff I will only review the books I really loved.

Book 29
The Three Musketeers - Dumas.
Format - Audiobook - Librivox.

Never read this before (or listened to it) I love the story - fab. But as it had different narrators which differing French accents and pronunciation it wasn't an easy listen. It has however made me determined to read it for myself or at the very least get a decent audio version.

Book 30
The Beekeepers Apprentice - Laurie R King.
Format - Kindle.

This is a really good read. I saw that Wibbo had read it in her 2010 book challenge, I enjoyed her review and decided to give it a go....well it's a variation on a theme with added Sherlock Holmes - how could I resist?
I am so glad I didn't resist. I loved it. I will be reading more of this series.

Book 31
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
Format - Audio book

This is a really old download that is on my previous iPod (which I use now mainly for audio books) and I cannot find anywhere who the narrator is -but however she is, she is wonderful.
I was a late comer to this book as I didn't read it until I was in my 20's and on my first reading I enjoyed it but it wasn't at all what I was expecting. It is now a favourite classic and one I return to time and time again. It is such a clever, thought provoking read - I love the dialect usage and the language - it is a book that makes you feel it.

Book 32
Rivers of London - Ben Aaronovitch
Format - Kindle.

This is my bandwagon book. I saw that quite a few friends had read and enjoyed it. I read its synopsis and some reviews and decided to download it. It is really good. Not my normal stuff but a change is good for you. I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down. I love the mix of thriller, police drama and a sprinkle of ghosts, spirits and magic -really works. I can't wait to download and read the next one.

Books 33 - 36.
Format - Kindle
(all chick lit)

Cinderella Deal - Jennifer Crusie
The Way to a Womens Heart - Christina Jones ( I love Christina Jones - her books are fab)
The Moon and Back - Jill Mansell
Summer of Love - Katie Fforde.

Books 37 - 40
Format - Kindle
(all fantasy)

My Love Lies Bleeding and Out for Blood - Alyxandra Harvy
My Soul to Take and My Soul to Save - Rachel Vincent

The above four books are all good reads but they are all very much on a par with the Twilight and Vampire Diaries style of book - with different twists - first two are vampires but it is more a telling from their world and perspective the Rachel Vincent books deal with banshees - but still are a variation on a theme. I would read more from Alyxandra Harvy but not of the others.