Rosie Red Encore

2 in 1 day - gosh! Look what my darlin M bought to cheer me up. A new Blythe! The post title is her given name - but I don't like Rosie (know too many pets with that name) but her clothes are monogrammed with a diamonte R - so we need an R name.......stumped.....any suggestions?

My grumps have been getting worse. I know I have PMT as well but honestly. No family members remain with their heads intact. I am trying hard to shake it off but honestly again the slightest thing and I blow. My painful back does not help.

Anyway enough grouching. J has had a fabbo day. Lunch at his fav restaurant. Loads of pressies - with a dash of Dr Who stuff. Money to spend in the Lego shop. Time to trash his room and build said Lego - the guy who owns the shop where I buy my Blythes even gave him a little Lego kit (so kind). We are going to have a traditional stylie birthday tea and cut the Dalek cake.

As an extra birthday treat we have booked to go away camping this weekend in Bath as J loves it there (so do I). So something to look forward to. I will revisit the lock of doom *shudders* very scary - but that's another story (I'll take/post a piccie - it's the deepest lock in the UK). The site has the best rating in the AA guide and the online reviews are glowing. So here's hoping I come back recharged and a damn sight more jolly.

Happy Birthday Bratling!

Nine years old and full of fun. All squidgy like a currant bun!

Elastic bands, pricked balloons and depression.

I awoke this morning and realised all is not well. I feel like and overstretched elastic bank that is about to snap - bigtime. I have no idea why - there is nothing wrong. My grrrrr factor is on overload and I don't understand it at all.

I hurt my back after camping and have been in agony all week - I feel like I have all the energy of a deflated balloon.

I could place my face in my hands and weep.

And I don't know why.

It's been years since I suffered with this kind of depression. The last time was when my Dad died. Is not good.

I intend to spend this weekend quietly - chillin (huh chance would be a fine thing). J winds M up all weekend. It's like "Oh Dads home - I'll be a mouthy little arsehole for 2 days." M gets angry and they bicker. I feel for M - he works all week, he's stressed sometimes and J knows what buttons to press to get a reaction. I'm caught in the middle. I understand that J wants attention and M does give it - they just set sparks off each other. I sit there sometimes planning what to pack - as I swear one weekend I'll up sticks and spend two days in a B&B just for some peace. This may sound selfish but I need some me time.

They've gone trampolining now - so I have an hour alone (Ma is out too). So I'm off the utilise this quiet - very precious hour - when I don't have to do anything for anyone - and nobody needs me for anything. Very rare indeed.

Finally, J is 9 next week. Where has the time gone? Birthday post will follow in due course.

A mixed bag.

Here are some piccies of our day at Bodiam Castle. The kiddlets loved it, especially finding baby bats in one of the towers. The Koi are massive. I saw one see off a duck for a bit of bread, the carp capsized the duck, never seen that before. The weather was boiling and the castle interior had lots of cool places to rest while the bratlings explored. A jolly day all round.

Sadly though the campsite we went to was awful. Skanky doesn't even come close. We almost drove straight out again. We'd had good reports of it and the website looked great, relaxed, on a farm, open fires, newly done-up loos etc. It was full of permanent pitches filled with the skum of the earth (personal opinion here). Dogs roaming and shitting everywhere, kids on quad bikes and loud music playing (through a PA by the sound of things) until 3.00am....not good! So we cut out break short. Such a shame. The location and setting was nice but the loos and showers were disgusting - I wouldn't wash a rat in them!

We shall make up for it in a couple of weeks and head out again. The kids were gutted that we had to cut it short. The next place we go - we will be more careful and check it out first!

Had an ace haircut from new hairdresser today - a male hair genius. I looked well coiffed. Lots of study this week again. Anyhoo, must get back to the books.

afk

So I'm off camping for a couple of days - nice long weekend! Weather forecast is good - hurrah.

Grandma is animal sitting and Connor (Conkers McBonkers to his close friends) decided to help organise the church flowers - that she was storing in her bath (??!!?? - strange women). He loves plants, grasses and flowers and considers himself an expert. I was a bit concerned about the Floxgloves but he ignored them.

Loobles hates the suitcase and is sulking in her pit. The spiders are fed and ignorant of whether we are here or not. The guinea pig is nibbling grass and squeaking and the sticks - are exsisting in their own wibbley wobbley world.

I've packed all but the food. Plenty of yarn and red wine, lifes little essentials ;0)

So, see you after the weekend. Be good. Enjoy Conkers and the flowers. xx

Torvesta revisited.

A while ago I made a Torvesta bag (Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton - 2nd Noro book) I love that bag and use it everyday. Sadly it's getting a bit sorry looking and worn. So, I made myself a new one. This time I used Debbie Bliss Maya (took 3 and a bit skeins). I'm very pleased with it.

I've finished other stuff and have put piccies on my Flickr - thingy (see bottom of blog - if you want a look) this includes a Stuffie (Ysolda's pattern), a longest swatch - coutesy of Wendy B at The Garter Belt and you guessed...........sockies.

Hmmm

I am here but I'm just very distracted by life right now. I feel out of focus with so many things and time is eluding me. Physically I've a bit off the mustard and feel tired and drained - just a phase. I need to spend some time taking stock of what I want etc and to also chill as my grumpy chip has been on overload for the last couple of weeks.

Some knitting time might be nice - though I've finished two pairs of socks, including my jaywalkers - at last. But that's about it. Most things I cast on, knit a bit, decide it's not what I want and frog it. A knitting slump no less.

My wrap.

Here is a link to the pictures of my wrap design.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72153171@N00/152404259/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72153171@N00/152417953/

I am making a variation of this in Knitpicks Andean Silk (colour pool) as a gift. I have changed the lace and dimension slightly - piccies follow when finished.

I'm back and I survived!

Here is photo-proof that I - yes me - went camping - 1st time ever!! And even though we had gale force winds and it pissed down - I did it! Not only did 'I do it' but I enjoyed it as well. We had such a good hank. The kids had a blast and didn't fight. The tent stayed put and didn't leak. I proved I can pee in a bucket (something I never thought I'd be able to do - or would admit to and be proud). I can survive without 2 showers a day (this one was a bit harder) though the showers at the site we stayed at were very private and very clean. We cooked sausages and bacon on throw-away bbq's for brekkie which tasted soooooooo good. We explored the site nature trails which were full of bluebells and so peaceful and beautiful. We got fish-n-chips from the local chippie and ate them out of the paper. We played footie and frisbee (in the rain). We got caked and I mean CAKED in mud. We built a fire and told ghost stories. We drank loads of hot tea and we had a laff - a real laff, so much so that all of us are off again in the middle of June.

I think J had so much fun with his cousins - they slept well - all the fresh air and charging around. They were enchanted by the horses who roamed the woods and would suddenly appear behind the tents, gently whickering. The grey looked like a unicorn coming out of the misty rain - he let me stroke his soft velvety nose - snorted and wandered on - a magical moment.

I did knit but not as much as I thought I would - still I was having so much fun - I didn't mind. Talking of knitting I've finished the wrap I was designing - so pleased with it. I took it camping and the 1st night was so cold I wrapped myself in its wooly warmth. I'll post piccies later.

Now it's back to the grind. I need to get ahead on my study as M has time off next week and we're having a little family break. So back to the books I go.

SP 6 Goodies.

A big thank you to Little-Hobbit-Feet my angel sp who rescued me from being flaked upon. This is her last parcel (No 3) full to the brim with goodies.

No longer M.I.A

Tardy little blogger aren't I?

Been busy. Been away. Been studying. Been planning. Been everything but blogging. But I'm back now - kind of - we're away again soon and then again - gallivanting about.

News - well it's been so busy, much of it is a blur. But here are some highlights.

Weald and Downland Open Air Museum - Food Fayre. What can I say but "Wow!" and "Mmmm Yummy!"
It is such a great place to visit. We went with family and the kids had a total blast. From hog roast to ice cream and from woodland adventures to gi-humungous Shire horses. Oooo and a litter (is that right?) of tiny Tamworth Piglets foraging in the woods with their Mum - so sweet - straight after J had eaten hog roast - love the irony.

Fossil hunting, beachcombing and rock-pooling - wicked!

Tent purchasing *shock, horror*. After 23 years my DH has persuaded me to try camping. And I am actually really looking forward to it. We are going next week (with family - so cousins for J to play with). It's been 'a laff' already - from meeting the 'Tent Man' - who has to be seen to be believed - at the local tent shop - we've given him a catchphrase - "You wanna a toaster with that?" . Then finding a site, planning what we need to buy/take. Practice tent erecting - now that was funny - find a flat spot big enough with the minimum of dog poo - not easy!

WARNING**** Mini Rant!
As a dog owner I close my nostrils, bend over - gagging - and scoop the poop. It's not hard, it's not rocket science - it needs to be done! So why can't all dog owners just do it? It is so unfair - kids/adults need green open spaces to run/play/explore - not green open spaces dotted with big brown shits!!! Grrrrrrrrrrr. Ok rant over.

There has been load of other stuff going on - but I can't be asked to type anymore. Just take it as red - that there have been busy times filled with fun and frolics.

Not much knitting to report as all WIP's and nothing finished. Watch this space. Oh I did dye 700g of Opal sock yarn last week - scrumalicious colours (thank you Siress) - now I am planning a sock knitting bonanza when camping - perhaps that is why I'm looking forward to going, that and the fact we chose a site with 2 pubs within 400m and a fish n chip shop - sorted!

Of webs and wool.

On the FO front this is Branching Out from Knitty and a hat of my own design in Louisa Harding Kimono Angora. I really enjoyed making these and have stored them away for the autumn. I also finished my Little Shell (lace) socks from the pattern by Judy Sumner - I can't get a good picture of them though. I've also been knitting some tessellated fish (scuse spelling - brain fatigue). And my own design wrap is growing. That's the wool dealt with.

Now of webs. Phido made his sperm web last night (so soon after moulting - he took us by surprise). This means he is ready to breed - which means he is at the end of his life span. We don't know how long it will be - Fluffy lasted months, but he didn't really eat or anything just roamed around his tank in endless circles looking for a lady spider. We are trying to find someone who has a B.Smithi lady ready to mate for Phido so his genes live on...keeping our fingers crossed on this. The sex of any immature spider you buy is such a lottery as unless you get a clear indication in the skin sheds until they are mature it's a hit and miss business. Anyone who claims to be able to sex a spider without its moult whilst it's a sub-adult ...well I can't say it..poohey.

Other stuff. We are on hols for part of next week. M is off work and call from Friday pm until Thurs next week........wheeeeeeeeeeee! I have managed to fit a weeks study into 2 days and am trying to complete 90% of next weeks by Friday. That's why I have brain fatigue.

So now I'm off to rest my poor aching noddle.

Norman the Gnome

Ladies, gents and peeps may I introduce Norman the Gnomie who has just flown in from Canada. He is here to recuperate following a serious accident in his Yoga class, which has resulted in his arms bending the wrong way. He also must be in desperate need of the loo as his legs are permanently crossed. That hasn't stopped him getting a twinkle in his eyes when he saw the Blythes on the shelf next to him. I'm a bit worried there as I'm sure I saw one of them with a copy of Snow White the other day and Normans future may hold some time in a diamond mine, wielding an axe and impersonating a dwarf...who can tell?
I will hide the port tonight as I have a feeling that he may have a drink problem and the girlies are always up for a party and I do feel that with his injuries being a Blythes sex slave may be a tad too much for the old chap - a move to dragon plant may be in order. We shall see. He might like being a young things fancy...........

SP 6

From a previous post 'Not a happy bunny' I mentioned that my replacement SP rocked and she (?) does (I have no idea of anything about them except they're from Canada). This morning has been good I received an e-mail from Deb (Yarner - from SP5) her e-mails always cheer me up, she is such a good person. Then Plod the postie actually delivered mail on a Saturday *gasp* and for me - a parcel full of goodies and delights. Knitting/sewing notions, a Gnome (separate post), Burt Bees hand care, another handcare lotion which I've already tried and is sublime, a bag light for keys and a badge from where she comes from. So a BIG-UP and a "Thank you" to my wonderful replacement SP.

Also thanks to all of you who left such nice comments on my grumpy post - that you cared did help me to feel better, ((((hugs))))) to you all!

Phido - post moult

As you can see Phido (Fifi that was) has the most beautiful colouring since his moult. He almost glows. We are sad he is male as it means a much shorter lifespan and really once he makes his sperm web he won't be with us for much longer. We are hoping to find someone who will want to use him to breed with as he really is a lovely specimen.

Not a happy bunny.

Just not. No particular reason (that I wish to share) just very grumpy. SP6 *humph* I have a new SP who is just grand but my previous SP who I worked out her identity dissed me on her blog because she shat on me - but I got the frickin blame - well that just pee'd me right off. It was unjustified and unfair. The girl I'm sending to is VERY quiet - I've sortof given up emailing her and being friendly cos she replies with just one line if she replies at all. She didn't post to the SP thread or her blog about parcel 2 (which in my opinion was a stonking one) and if I hadn't chased her she might have never told me she'd got it at all. So parcel 3 is all bought - just need to pack it and send it and then I am done with SPing for a while. This round has been my first not so good and I haven't enjoyed it as I've felt very left out, so no sp's for now.

Life is just a bit humdrum. I am swamped in study and other stuff and my get up and go has well and truly got up and gone. My agoraphobia is terrible and I am hiding away from the world. Mind you, did take J and some cousins to Drusillas (local small animal zoo) yesterday - am knackered today but they loved it and we stayed much longer than intended.

Have designed a wrap pattern which is being made up - I am very happy with it and will put up pictures once it's completed. Apart from that I knitted up some Angora into a hat (own design) and Branching Out (Knitty pattern) over the Easter - very pleased with both. Not yet photographed - just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Fifi - is now Phido (quick sex change) last moult showed she is a he. Dolly moulted too but it's still too soon to tell which sex. Humbug has grown and is now in a proper tank - so spiders all good.

Loobles it gorging herself on catfood at every sneaky chance.

Connor is a mad kitty.

J is obnoxious (really, really gobby).

M is a sweetie who is putting up with an oooober grumpy me. He bought me some very sweet Easter gifties to cheer me up and I publicly announce that "He is wonderful and I adore him!"

Poetry

Just Another Night at the Seaside - by Murray Lachlan Young

It was just another night at the seaside.
The tide had come in and the sun had gone down
the shutters were up, the blank day had been drowned.
There was flickering light from the piers sad remains
a charred amd smoking skeletal mounument
hissing salute to the arsonist's flames.
And the youth were about their youthful business
of tranquilized vandalism, Temazepam sex,
some on the brown going down on the ground,
drowning with joy in a fluidless vortex,
of casual car theft and chemical stargazing.
The youth, I would say, were just doing their job.
Some would call it low art, others plainly degrading.

For it was just another night at the seaside.
Just another shrill moped on the prom, prom, prom.
Just another chilled posse of corned-beef-legged girls
begging for action - and it all smelt so strong.

For it was just another night at the seaside.

Just a quickie

Look what bunny made me.

My lastest FO (finished a few days ago) made in Jo Sharp cotton (it's much more a maroon colour then in the picture) from RYC Classicart Book 10. It's a brilliant fit and I am very happy with it.

Glittery sock swap.

Look at the sox that Glittrgirl made me - official knitted terrorist footwear.

In chat we discovered we have the same size feet, so decided to knit each other a pair of socks to see if they'd fit. No-one has ever knitted me socks before.

They fit and are lovely and cosy for my tosies.

The socks I made for Glittrgirl are on her blog @ http://www.glittyknittykitty.co.uk
I know there are better/posher ways to link but the luddite in me has never worked it out - ok.

A little addition

So fed up with Hello giving me jip today - that have added other Flash your Stash piccies to Flickr - there is now a do-hickey in the sidebar. Please feel free to peruse ;0)