Lainey's Gossip

Good Morning Peeps

2012-01-27T07:25:00.000Z

Good Morning Peeps

How has your week been? I have had a pretty awful time, so I will apologise now for having a little whinge......

Firstly the company work for, decided not to pay me my wages whilst I was off sick having my operation, just SSP....I am still fighting that one I can tell you.

Have got bosses galore visiting in the next few weeks, some meetings will be easier than others, today I have several meetings and I hope that they will go well..keep your fingers crossed for me. Already had the sleepless night and a headache, obviously getting a little stressed.

Tomorrow Jill and I are going to see Brendan Cole in his own show at the Plymouth Pavillions, the reviews a excellent, so we hope it's a good evenings entertainment.

it's a short week at work next week, because I am having two days off, with a visit to the to the Craft Show at Westpoint, Exeter, I wonder what will be new, and what wil find it's way into my shopping basket.

Live, Laugh and Love, Elaine xx xx

Happy Days....

2012-01-09T15:37:00.000Z

I have seen the doctor/nurse this morning and I am allowed back to work tomorrow after three weeks off. I mustn't overdo it though !!

Funnily enough I am looking forward to it, BUT.....give me a couple of hours and I will be wishing myself back home again though.

I totally underestimated how I would feel after the operation, thinking I would be fit and well again after a week or so....its never that easy :-)

I have spent the last couple of days sorting out computers / laptops and Ipads, making sure before I hand my notebook across to Gary that I have all the information from it that I need.

I have also been planning my neighbours Scrapbook album, pages are really starting to take shape. Just got to print off the titles, and sort out the embellishments and I will be ready to put them together. better get a move on as it has to be completed by the 1st March.

If you can bear with me and photos, as that is proving more of a problem to transfer from notebook to PC and not using the Ipad. Its another thing on my never ending jobs to do. (sorting out the photos).

Anyway better close for today, wish me luck for tomorrow,

Live, Laugh and Love, Elaine xx xx

Blooming Stones!

2012-01-04T16:12:00.000Z

Would you flipping believe it...on NYE I started getting a pain by my ear, overnight it had swollen and was very sore, to cut a long story short, after visiting the Cumberland Centre, who sent me to Derriford Devon Doctors, who diagnosed me with 'not sure what it is' but we will give you some antibiotics and go and see your doctor after the Bank Holiday. Just been to my doctor who said I have a "stone" in my saliva gland, causing the swelling and pain, just got to wait for it to move which could take up to 14 days - gee thanks, just what I wanted to know. Keep taking the painkillers and suck sweets to cause more spit basically as this will aid recovery.

I turned 50 and it went downhill from there, first the pain of the gallstones, then the operation, the recovey pain and now this.....please let me get back to normal ASAP.

Live, Laugh and Love, Elaine xx xx

Recovering....

2012-01-04T07:57:00.000Z

My recovery is ongoing, am feeling a lot better, have had a couple of setbacks, but they are improving daily.

Today it's another trip to the doctors, and then some crafting time, hope to make a start on my special project for my neighbour. Have got lots of ideas and am itching to make a start.

Just had all the information regarding the Liskeard Retreat later this month - can't wait.
Three days of crafting with all the lovely ladies of our regular crop, at the beautiful Whitsand Bay Hotel, with all the Relaxing facilities as well.

Am also trying to take some time out and sort out my paperwork, blimey how much shredding did I find. The poor shredder needed a rest by the time Gary had finished! And that was just the first box, more to follow. I am resting and not overdoing it though before you tell me off.

I am getting on quite well with my new baby (iPad), just waiting for my friend to come home, and she can fill in the gaps of my knowledge - hopefully :-)

Live, Laugh and love, Elaine xx xx

In betweeny....

2011-12-28T10:02:00.000Z

Good Morning Blogeroos

Christmas has been and gone, New Year isn't here yet, so its neither one thing or another. Did you have a nice Christmas? was Santa good to you? I must have been a very good girl as he brought me an Ipad2, its going to take a bit of getting used to, already downloaded a couple of games/websites, and started sending emails from it, but its currently on charge so have reverted back to my trusty notebook this morning.

Gary is on nightshift, so is currently tucked up asleep, he is getting up around lunchtime, as we have to pop out for an hour.

I am recovering well from my recent operation, taking each day as it comes, I certainly didn't realise just how bad I would feel though. At the moment I am due to go back to work next week, but looking at my recovery I think I might need the extra week, as suggested by the doctor. He did warn me not to overdo it or rush it.

I have been 'pottering' around, sitting knitting, chilling on the sofa in front of black/white films on tv, sleeping when I want to.

Thank you for all the lovely get well cards and messages
- they are much appreciated

Live, Laugh and love,
Happy New Year,
Elaine xx xx

2011-12-23T18:11:00.001Z

Gary and I at a Curry Night out with the guys he works with

Live, Laugh and love, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Elaine xx xx

Hello

2011-12-23T11:31:00.000Z

Hello Friends

Am currently sat at home recouperating from my Gall Bladder operation, I was very lucky to get it done quickly, and in the Plymouth Nuffield Hospital thanks to my work healthcare. Mr Coleman and his team were wonderful especially when I started to cry because as Gary put it, this was the first 'major' operation either of us have ever undergone. They really put me at ease from the reception staff upwards. I was the first one in, in the morning, so was back in the room by 11am, and Gary was in talking to me by 11.30am. Jam Sandwiches and Coffee later in the afternoon, more sleep, and then a cooked meal of Chicken and Vegetables, followed by fruit platter and more coffee. Lots of painkillers and when I said I wasn't good at taking tablets they found me the disolvable ones. More visits by the surgeon, anaestetist and various nurses to check all was OK. Came home yesterday morning, feeling very tired and sore, so more sleep followed, more medication and then some more food. I have such a wonderful husband who is really looking after me, making sure I don't overdo it, he has even been down to Morrisons to get the last of the Christmas shopping, certainly not his favourite hobby !!

Christmas will certainly be a quiet occasion this year, instead of the big family meal which was planned, it will be just us and the mother in law, we might go and visit the family to exchange some presents, but that depends on how I feel on the day.

I am hopeful that we might be able to celebrate New Year at bit more.

Look out for some photos which I might out on here later, from our recent nights out. Very little crafting has gone on recently due to my not being too well. I am really looking forward to getting back to some serious scrapbooking at the Liskeard Retreat in the middle of January.

Live, Laugh and love,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Elaine xx xx

Happy Monday

2011-12-19T07:39:00.000Z

Good Morning Peeps

Its another damp and miserable Monday, more rain is forecast, but am only at work for two more days. Then off to Hospital on Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed for me, so if I am missing for a while, please bear with me, I could well be tucked up asleep for several days.

I want to wish all my friends a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Peaceful and Healthy New Year

Live, Laugh and love,
Elaine xx xx

Winter

2011-12-17T08:05:00.000Z

Thought I would change the design of the blog to a more Wintery one, do you like it?

Just need to have a play, change the colour of my signature and add some more information becaause I am a very lucky girl as Just Traceys have chosen me to be a part of their Design Team.

Live, Laugh and love,

Happy Weekend

2011-12-17T07:52:00.001Z

Happy Weekend everyone,

Its a day of crafting for me at the Liskeard Crop, my bags are packed, its windy and raining outside so the drive will be 'challenging', Jill will be here in a while, as we are going together, have borrowed Gary's car, as the boot space is bigger, and we will need it. Taking some colour photos of the different cars we have had over the years, and a few b/w photos of me and Pete as kids, so plenty of LOs to choose from.

Tonight am out for a Curry (bit of a problem for me as I don't like curry !)
but am going out with Gary's shift, so thats what they chose.

On Wednesday morning I am going into Hospital for an operation, hopefully only keyhole and back out the following day, with a couple of weeks recovering, so keep your fingers crossed for me. If I am missing for a few days don't worry, I will be back.

Gary will have numbers to let people know how things go, but he won't post here. You will have to wait for me......

Live, Laugh and love,

2011-12-04T19:29:00.000Z

At long last, please see below some photos from my 50th birthday party

A good night was had by one and all, spot the one of Jill blowing up balloons

Live, Laugh and love,

Its Confirmed

2011-12-02T07:05:00.000Z

Well at LOOOOONNNNG last...its been confirmed, my pain is caused by gallstones, gallbladder inflammation and stones blocking ducts!! the radiologist has faxed my doctors the report, now I have to wait on the doctor writing to the specialist for an appointment to discuss surgery, but apparently it is quite urgent and I will probably have the operation in the coming weeks, so now I am having to rush the festive preparations in case it happens (as expected) this side of Christmas.

My health is certainly more important than work and other appointments I / we have in the coming weeks, so have got to cancel things and cut back on others firstly because of the pain I am currently in, and then the operation, depending on how they do it (could be a keyhole job or a full blown open your tummy job) and then obviously the recovery time. I am lucky that I have 'healthcare' through work, which enables me to go into the local Nuffield hospital and not to have to wait on a long list.

Live, Laugh and love,

Helllloooo

2011-11-30T19:59:00.000Z

Evening All

I have had to come home for work today due to the pain I have been having for the last few weeks. Have finally managed to get an appointment at the hospital for a scan to see if they can find out what is causing it. The doctor thinks it could be my gall bladder/stones, but he isn't sure so hence the appointment, I just wish he could confirm it and then treat me accordingly, as for anyone who has had it, you will know the pain involved, and no amount of painkillers help stop the extreme pain. So keep your fingers crossed for tommorow morning.
No food or drink for 6 hours before the scan, so thats means nothing from tonight bed time.....

In the meantime I have had a good look around for a new car, and come down to two - the Audi A1 and the Nissan Juke, test driven both, but to be honest due to the pain it wasnt a good drive in either, both were nice and would suit my life, just cant make a decision. It looks like depending on how I feel, I will take both out again at the weekend, tell both garages that I am checking out both and that I need their best and final details on each car. Both have their good points (pro's and cons), its a close call. As Gary said it couold come down to which car is the most 'fun' to drive.

Oh well better go and take a couple more painkillers and hope they help me get comfy tonight.

I also need to write my Christmas Cards and make a start on the wrapping of presents etc and I still have some crafting to get on with.

Live, Laugh and love,

Another week ....... same ****

2011-11-22T13:57:00.000Z

Long time no see....I know I have been missing for a couple of weeks, but life has been pretty busy, especially at work, lots going on, most of it not good, but hey we will survive :-)

I had a brilliant birthday party, special thanks to Gary for putting up with me,, and of course Jill for helping to decorate the room, (and blowing up balloons - I have got the photos to prove it !!) - to follow :-)

Over 70 people turned up on the night - didn't realise I was that popular, or was it the free food that attracted everyone :-) hehe

Again I have to say a big THANKYOU to everyone for the lovely gifts and cards,

You made an 'old girl' very happy I can tell you. xxxxxxxx

Live, Laugh and love,

2011-11-06T21:35:00.000Z

Well my birthday party is next weekend, been to the venue today to check out a few things, music is chosen, food is arranged, cake is ordered, have bought a new dress, bought some things to decorate the room, got to pick up the special balloons and stuff on the day.. Guests are all invited and RSVP'd

Can't wait.....

I hope that this week will be better than last week, despite the fact it was my birthday, things happened at work I didn't like... causing tears and sleepless nights.... and then someone nice comes along and makes your day...all I will say is Teddy Bear !! thank you.

I am having a birthday which is lasting 2 weeks....from my actual birthday on the 1st November, until the 12th which is the party....woohooo

Thank you to Debbie and Abiee for decorating the office with balloons and banners, what a brilliant surprise xx xx

Thanks to all my friends and family for their best wishes

Live, Laugh and love,

Happy Birthday.....

2011-11-02T06:48:00.000Z

Thank you for everyone's best wishes for my 50th Birthday yesterday, I am a very lucky lady, with lots of lovely friends and family. Had stacks of beautiful cards, some handmade and some not but all lovely. Thank you xx

I had had my 'naked' photo shoot a few weeks from my lovely husband, he also took me away yesterday for a Spa Day at Centre Parcs at Longleat. I am celebrating in a few days with a party for friends and family. (Can't wait).
Which basically means I am like the Queen and have two birthdays - :-) or as Gary says - celebrating for two weeks...

I will take some photos of my cards and post at a later date. On Monday evening whilst away in Wiltshire, we ate at a local Hungry Horse pub, and for pudding we had some huge ice cream, chocolate and cream etc etc sweet with two spoons, and yes I did take a photo or two of that. We also spent a lovely afternoon near Devizes at the Kennet and Avon canal at a place where there are 17 locks all in a long row, and watched a couple of boats negotiating them, sata beside the canal having a coffee and a slice of cake, the weather wasn't too bad, but it was very relaxing.

I am also remembering my Dad who passed away on my 11th birthday all those years ago, sadly missed but always in my heart xxxx

Live, Laugh and love,

Rain, Rain....go away

2011-10-27T07:38:00.000+01:00

It feels like it has done nothing but rain for days now, so here is another picture of my Teddy in my garden in the rain, have had him for years now.

..another picture of my back garden in the rain...

...the forecast isn't looking good for today, have to go out for a couple of Customer visits this morning, had better take my umbrella !!

Its been a pretty tough week at work, but only a couple of days to go now until the weekend, and then I have Monday and Tuesday off, yes my birthday is finally here.... it looks like we are going to go to Longleat Centre Parcs for a Spa Day on Tuesday, can't wait, we have spent some time in there many years ago and throughly enjoyed it. Very relaxing - just what is needed.

The party preparations are going well, almost everyone who has been invited are coming !! it will be great to see everyone :-)

Sitting here now, listening to the rain beating on the window, doesn't make you want to go out.

I am really looking forward to the weekend, have a party to go to on Saturday, and the rest will be spent 'playing housewife' my house really needs a good tidy, and to be absolutely honest with you, I am quite looking forward to it...strange woman I hear you say LOL

Live, Laugh and love,

New Photos

2011-10-20T17:12:00.000+01:00

Afternoon Friends,

Its been a tough week and a very busy one as well, glad its Friday tommorow, am going to have a nice restful weekend, not planning to do too much, maybe a little bit of quiet scrapbooking, as Gary will be asleep (nightshift). Still have a few things I need to arrange for my birthday party, so might have time to do those as well.

Need to choose my photos that I want from my recent photoshoot.

Have finally got around to downloading some photos.

Firstly two photos of rainbows, both big and beautiful, the first one is taken in the Services near Bristol last week, it was raining and very dark one side of the motorway, and sunny and bright on the other side.
I got out of my car in a bit of a flimsy dress, the wind blew the skirt up and I flashed my undies to the man in the car across from me....he smiled :-)

The second one was taken only this week, outside of my office door over the roofs of The Millfields, in Stonehouse. It was absolutely huge and very bright.

The next couple of photos are of recent layouts I have completed.

First one is of a picture of a conker, using the new kit from Just Traceys, lovely colours/papers,

The second one is of a much younger Elaine, and my Dad in his young days as well. Like Father like Daughter. I love this comparision.
Again the papers are from the Just Traceys kits.

Live, Laugh and love,

Sunday Morning.......

2011-10-16T08:41:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Peeps from a damp and dreary Plymouth., lets hope the day improves.

Its been an early start for me, as Gary had a very early start time for golf this morning. So I made the most of it, and have completed my ironing, tidied the house, stripped the bed, done the washing, but the drying will have to wait for a while. My bags/car is packed for the Plymouth Crop at Just Traceys today - am really looking forward to a lovely day.

The F1 race this morning, has been very exciting, well worth the early start.

I wonder how any LOs I can complete today? Photos later.

Had a great evening last night with Nova. Pizza, Wine and loads of chat/laughter.

Hope you are all having a great weekend xx

Live, Laugh and love,

2011-10-13T07:58:00.001+01:00

Morning Peeps

Hope its a good day for all today, can only get better after the first three days this week.

Purchase Invoices and Budget Reports for me today/tommorow....

I will have a couple of photos of some LO's I did last weekend, probably later today.

I also need to go out and take some pictures of Tree's/Flowers etc for an idea I have bubbling for the next scrapbooking session.

Live, Laugh and love,

Another week ....... same ****

2011-10-11T05:42:00.001+01:00

Morning Peeps

The title says it all really, another week at work, and its the same old ****
I really think I need to look for another job, am not enjoying this one at all,
but enough of that, am not going to dwell on the bad things.

Had a fabulous weekend starting with a great Saturday - crafting with Sarah, Jo, Jill and Vanessa at Just Traceys, it was very inspiring to see what the other girls are doing, and I managed to complete two layouts and start another one, all from the first Just Traceys scrapbook kit, with plenty left over to do at least a couple more pages. I will have photos of the layouts shortly.

Sunday - Gary and I had some quality time together, which we don't get too often, amongst other things we popped off up the road to Trago Mills, the weather was damp and drizzly here in Plymouth, but just a few miles up the A38 it was dry and sunny, and it was the same coming home. Weird or what!

Now for a couple of pictures from a recent visit to S Devon.

This is a picture of the Beach Lift above Babbacoombe beach - does that make sense?

This is it on the way down

and here is the beach.

In the meantime I am organising my birthday party to celebrate 50 years of living, whoohoo thats quite a milestone.

Keep smiling :-)

2011-10-06T19:53:00.003+01:00

Here is the link to the preview of my Gok Wan style naked photo shoot - not bad for a woman of a certain age..... :-)

http://www.alexandrajosephphotography.com/blog

let me know what you think...

2011-10-05T07:06:00.002+01:00

This is for ALL women!!! We are beautiful the way God made us. No one is like the other, that's what makes life so beautiful. Stand proud of the perfect being you are. Your body will fade but your soul will live forever.....♥♥♥
October 3, 2011
A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and b...eautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.
They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist.

But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

by: Delphine Fieberg
.

Oh soooo true......

I did it......

2011-10-03T21:30:00.000+01:00

I actually did it....I had my Naked Photo Shoot at the weekend, in a lovely hotel just outside of Woking. Alex, the lady photographer had booked a gorgeous room,and we were lucky becsuse the room had a balcony, double doors, plus a big window, so the lighting was fantastic. I was very nervous in the beginning, but once I relaxed it got easier. Alex took loads of different pictures, so just got to wait and see what they look like now.

It was a very liberating experience, big thanks to Alex, and my bestest friend Donna, who helped me through the whole experience with kind words and encouragement. (She also made me buy some skinny jeans !!).

If you ever get the chance to have a go at having this done - GO FOR IT, you won't regret it.

I am so chuffed....

2011-09-30T10:36:00.000+01:00

I have been very lucky to be chosen as the winner of the Just Tracey's September Challenge. It has made my week / month :-)

Thanks to the DT for choosing me.

Congratulation to everyone who took part, there were some wonderful entries, I know, because I looked at every one of them. LOL.

This time next week....

2011-09-25T10:38:00.000+01:00

As you all know I will shortly be having a special birthday, and I decided that this year I wanted to do two things - firstly, to have my belly pierced again (done) and secondly after watching Gok Wan on the TV and having had my Colour Me Beautiful - style and colours done, I now want that naked photo shoot, to acknowledge I am what I am.

Well the day is just a week away, so after watching Gok this morning I need to do some work on the body, ie body brushing, body scrubs, manicure, pedicure etc
It is now feeling quite scarey, but I am determined to do it for ME.

I realise that this isn't for everyone, but it is something I want to do for me, don't expect to see the photo on here though LOL

2011-09-24T20:11:00.001+01:00

We are back from our break in St Ives in Cornwall.

On arrival we got the keys to our Chalet....more like a garden shed

I think the word for the inside is 'shabby' at best and 'disgusting' at worse.

After seeing the inside, I was ready to come home, but Gary persuaded me to stay saying the week would get better, then the rain started LOL. It didn't stop for hours.......

Then the following day it stopped and we managed to get out and visit a few different places - Cape Cornwall, Lands End, Sennen, and at Godrevy we managed to catch a glimpse of the Army Horses which had come down for their summer holiday at the beach - no I am not joking, it was on the local news.

they were beautiful, and had had a lovely run around on the beach including some swimming in the waves, but we were too late to see that.

the followingis another picture from elsewhere at Godrevy, there was well over 50 seals some in the sea and others sunbathing on the beach, such a great scene.

Just to finish with, here is a couple of pictures of us on a good day.

On the way home we went to Crantock just outside of Newquay, and there was a large German film crew, filming a Rosamund Pilcher film for German TV. It was quite interesting to watch and listen to what was going on.

It was good to be away, but even better to be home.

Americas Cup Pictures..

2011-09-24T16:52:00.000+01:00

I promised to add a few photos from the racing at the Americas Cup Yachting event in Plymouth..

If you get a chance to see the Americas Cup Yachting programs on Sky TV, have a look, it was really exciting.

Missing for a few days !!

2011-09-19T08:03:00.000+01:00

Just to let you know I will be missing from my blog for a few days, am off to 'sunny' Cornwall - St Ives, but looking at the forecast I think I can strike off 'sunny' and change to 'wet and windy', oh well, its still a break from the usual chores and work.

Cornwall is still a beautiful place whatever the weather, so lots of opportunities for photos for LOs. We are due to stay in an 'economy chalet' for that I read garden shed, lets hope it is clean and dry, and not damp and dirty as some of the reviewers say. Fingers crossed, or else it will be a very short and sweet holiday because we will just come home and spend it on day trips.

Just Tracey's September Challenge Entry

2011-09-18T20:35:00.002+01:00

Well righty ho here we go with Just Traceys September Challenge entry

Just traceys Challenge - Things with Wings

I have used 6 different Cosmo Cricket papers, all the edges are distressed/inked and then layered them, I added some lace and some embellishments I had cut out and also distressed, added a lovely photo of my grandparents, bless them, they were both in their nineties in this picture. My Nan loved butterflies in her garden, so that was my inspiration for this page, I punched out the first layer using a SU punch,and the second layer was from a lacy butterfly punch purchased at Just Traceys recently.

Happy Weekend

2011-09-11T18:37:00.000+01:00

Here we are at Sunday evening, we have had a great weekend, can't wait to go back to work tommorow...not.

Yesterday we went to Plymouth Hoe and watched round one of the Americas Cup - yachting, would never have watched it before...not my kind of thing, but you really get into it, and at times its very exciting. Took over 300 photos from three different parts of the Hoe. We started off at the West Hoe End, sat up on the grass bank after the first race we moved across to beside the Marine Biological building after the 2nd race we moved again, this time back to beside the Wet Wok right down beside the sea at West Hoe. I have seen comments on our local news site saying its an elitest sport, have to disagree with that, as I think it brought a lot of people like us out to watch something we would never see.

Today I downloaded the pictures to my computer, and did some washing and housework. Then it was a chilling out afternoon, watching the cricket and F1 on TV.

Looking forward to Pork Fillet, roast potatoes and veggies for tea....yumm

Hope to sort, resize and post some photos of the yacht racing next couple of days.

Have a good week everyone - mine is going to be busy, training in Bristol, our new big boss coming down, followed by lots of customer visits.

Only 5 days to go and then we are off for a week.....
St Ives here we come..

Party Time !!!!!

2011-09-09T07:36:00.001+01:00

Saturday November 12th 2011

My Special Birthday

Now to design the Invitations, and think about the decorations for the room etc etc, ooooh exciting or what...

Jills Scrapbooking Class

2011-09-08T08:05:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I did a Scrapbooking Class with Jill at Just Traceys, a lovely group of ladies, all very crafty.

My attempt at Jills sketch follows

There is lots of 'inking' including the lace, all the edges of the paper/card, the photos all come from the party from our Silver Wedding celebrations (all those years ago !). I really enjoyed doing the class, and I hope to use the sketch again and again in different guises.

Thanks to Jill, Karen and Tracey at the shop.

Sunday picking Sloes

2011-09-08T07:18:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday my friend Anne kindly asked me to go down to her house and pick some Sloes for making Sloe Gin/Vodka.

In fairness she did warn me that the weather might not be too nice.... :-(
I did wear old clothes, borrowed some wellies /wet weather jacket.

Well this first picture shows me after Anne had 'helped' me climb a small bank and start picking some fruit

It had just started raining, but you think its not going to be too bad....how wrong were we. Anne did say' don't worry your skin is waterproof !!' but my clothes certainly weren't.

This second picture doesn't really show how wet I was..

It was a really thoroughly enjoyable day though, we got loads of sloes, and there was loads more to come.

Thanks to Anne xxxxx

woohooo

2011-09-04T08:12:00.000+01:00

Morning Peeps

Well, its been a great weekend, Gary has enjoyed his break away playing golf, and me...I have been chilling and having some me time as well.

Saturday - although I got up with a headache and was dreading the rest of the day, I took the tablets and went across to Just Traceys for some retail therapy - which including buying some lovely new wool, and paper products. I had a lovely afternoon, chatting and laughing with Jill, Tracey and Karen, in no time the headache had gone. Then it was down to Sainsburys for a few nice things to keep me going over the weekend - well it was really some chocolate and some pear cider.

Sunday...I am going to drive down to Anne's beautiful home in the cornish countryside, to pick some sloes and hazelnuts....mmmm can't wait, just to be outside in the fresh air in the country is a lovely feeling, am hoping the weather will be kind. I am not sure what type of crafting to take down with me, it will probably be a little bit of scrapbooking and my knittig too.

Then it will be home again to wait for Gary to come home from his golf trip in Tewkesbury.

First Friday in September

2011-09-02T07:26:00.000+01:00

Morning Peeps

Well Gary is off this weekend, heading to Tewkesbury to play golf with the boys, so that means I have some time to myself to do exactly what I want, so I have plans to scrapbook, read books on my kindle, and generally chill out.

Wow what is happening to the weather, I can hardly see across the road for mist/fog. The forecast is for the mist to lift and the sun to come out.

Its going to be a busy day, finish writing my report, and catch up with a few jobs which have been left to oneside, and then its our Friday lunch - oh what to have today? Jacket Potatoes or KFC ?

Have a great Friday xx

Dartmouth Regatta and other things...

2011-08-28T21:19:00.001+01:00

Hi Guys

We had planned to go to the Dartmouth Regatta on Saturday, but the weather wasn't looking good, but we asked ourselves did we want to go, and the answer was yes. So off we went, arriving just before lunchtime. On arrival it started to rain, so we headed to the craft tent on Coronation Park, and hearing the rain beat down...then we wondered if we made the right decision. It stopped and we wondered off outside, along the rows of stalls and through the fair, then we stopped for coffee and some lunch, followed by more mouching around, more coffee and fresh doughnuts followed, then went down to the Higher ferry and managed to find a bench to sit on and rest the weary bones. We had mentioned to our dear friends Wendy and Chris if they were going down from their home in nearby Kingsbridge, we had arranged to meet later in the evening for a drink and to watch the firework display, they tried to sneak up on us, whilst we sat watching the tennis tournaments - it didn't work, so then it was off for another wander around the regatta, have a drink and then find a good vantage point to watch the fireworks. Whilst walking around I took the following pictures of a very pretty sunset

Aren't they gorgeous?

The fireworks were fantastic, set to music as well, and they hit all the right notes with the big fireworks.

Then Chris and Wendy went to find their car, and we queued for the bus to take us up the hill to the park and ride car park. We realised that we had been there a long time, when our car was all alone in its part of the car park.

Today - we visited the Mother In law....and then did a little bit of shopping.

This afternoon Jill and I were going to check out a local hotel for the Liskeard Scrapbooking retreat, but a big wedding had closed the hotel to visitors, so even after talking to the staff, they said that they were already booked for both February and March next year. if anyone has any ideas of hotels with a room suitable for crafters - please let us know.
So no Afternoon tea for us today :-(

This evening when I was surfing the internet, I had a message from Facebook, that my friend Amy had put on some photos she had recently come across, which included some of Gary and I from the early 1980's, one of which I will share with you.....look at our hair LOL,

well thats my walk down memory lane for today.

Have a great bank Holiday Monday tommorow

2011-08-25T11:00:00.000+01:00

For any of you who know my friend Nova, this was an interview she has done for the local paper, and she has also done a TV interview to be shown this evening on BBC Spotlight.

Marine species on move
Thursday, August 25, 2011 Plymouth Herald

NEW research by the Plymouth-based Marine Biological Association has revealed some of the effects global warming could have on our marine life.

The Marine Biodiversity and Climate Change Project (MarClim) has produced a body of information which shows that while warm water species seem to be thriving, cold water species are rapidly declining and even becoming extinct in localised areas.

Various marine species also appear to be travelling north by up to 50km per decade, three times faster than similar terrestrial species.

Dr Nova Mieszkowska and his colleagues – who have been working on the MBA's MarClim project every year for the last 10 years, surveying the rocky shores of Britain and Ireland – also found that the cold water tortoiseshell limpet has retreated north by almost 1000km, with breeding populations now only recorded in northern Scotland.

"Using this dataset we can see how marine plants and animals have responded to natural warming and cooling of the climate in the past and that allows us to determine the scale and speed of response to the unprecedented rapid warming that we are seeing now," said Dr Mieszkowska.

"Range shifts have been seen across a wide range of algae and invertebrates, showing that many different species are responding to climate warming.

"Not all species are negatively affected; those with origins in warmer waters of Europe are expanding their distributions north as the environment becomes more favourable. For some native species, however, the warming is bad news, causing them to fail to reproduce and survive near their southern range edges," he added.

The MarClim approach is now being exported to other countries.

'Stunning'

2011-08-25T06:48:00.000+01:00

I have decided to share this layout with you, it was from a sketch that I saw somewhere, and it seemed to fit for my photo. It is a style I hope to use again in the near future.

Our new office furniture arrives today...including chairs and desk screens...we will look very professional once all in. Hopefully Debbie will be back this morning, and Abiee is now safe and on her way to the Reading Festival. It was a tough day yesterday working on my own and very busy, but hey thats good for the monthly figures.

My favourite Photo

2011-08-24T16:18:00.003+01:00

One of my favourite photos of Gary, this was taken whilst we were on holiday at Woolacombe, North Devon, the weather was lovely and we took loads of pictures. I have used this one in several different scrapbook pages. So my apologies if you have seen it before.

If you want a signature...

2011-08-24T13:44:00.002+01:00

If you want a signature on your Blog, use the following link

http://www.spiceupyourblog.com/2010/01/how-to-create-stylish-signature-and-add.html

Middle of the week.....

2011-08-24T07:48:00.000+01:00

I really must be getting older as the weeks seem to be flying by. Can't believe that in a matter of a week or so,we will be in September and before we know it, Christmas will be around the corner. Have you started any planning? No - me neither LOL

I do have a to do list though..... some of which I will share with you now...

1. Sort the house
2. Declutter - sell/give away/car boot items that we no longer want or need.
3. Get back into my crafting, I am making a start on this one by doing more scrapbooking, which I am enjoying again, but need some new photos...hence
4. Get out and about - take more photos.
5. With the Autumn nights fast approaching I also want to get back into writing to my neglected penfriends.

I think thats a good start, how about you, have you got a to do list?

We had a great night out last night, drinks and nibbles with a good friend, lots of laughter too. We really should do it more often LOL.

Hoping to go to Dartmouth on Saturday, its the Regatta weekend, so lots of displays, stalls etc but it does depend on the weather, as you have to Park n Ride in a big field, don't fancy having to push or pull the car out of a muddy field if its raining.

Going for Afternoon Tea on Sunday - ooh that sounds posh doesn't it, more about that later....

Bye for Now

2011-08-21T16:56:00.001+01:00

Yesterday Jill and I went to the Liskeard Crop, and the following picture is one of the two Layouts I made. It has pictures of Gary and I before we married. I started by stamping the white card with brown SU ink using a stamp from SU which creates the swirls. With a little suggestion from Jill, I ripped, roughed up the edges of the pattern paper before inking the edges with the brown ink. I backed the photos with plain card, and played around with the positions of them until I was happy, stuck them down, and then used some gold crystals and glued them into the positions of the ink swirls. I was really pleased with this layout.

I also promised that I would find a wedding picture to compare it with a picture from our Silver Wedding - well here they are...

As you can see the years have changed us slightly....Gary has less hair, and I have put on some weight !!

Well I think thats it for today.

Hope the forthcoming week is good for us all.... until next time

Where's the sunshine gone?

2011-08-20T06:53:00.000+01:00

Every other day is different....we had Rain on Thursday, Sunshine on Friday, and then this morning its back to the grey and damp, looks like rain kind of day...

It was an early start, due to a bad back, have had it for a week now, wake up in pain, not the screaming type of pain, more of an ache, unfortunately work has been busy, and due to others holidays, have had to go to work and not rest....but then that doesn't always help. If I keep taking the painkillers, it will be fine. I think I might book in for a gentle massage, that could help.

Its the Liskeard Crop today, and I have got some Lo's ready to complete packed in Gary's car, need the bigger car, as Jill is coming down with me...and two ladies crafty bags / trolleys won't fit into the boot of my car !! lol

Just to get us in the mood, please see one of my previous LOs.

Just Traceys Happy Birthday Challenge

2011-08-14T18:10:00.004+01:00

The following is a card for the Happy Birthday Challenge at Just Traceys

The garden stamp was lent to me by my friend Jill, the paper, butterflies and sentiment are all from SU.

Morning Sunday

2011-08-14T07:59:00.002+01:00

Happy Sunday....the sun is shining (just), and all is well with the Blake household...well apart from the fact I had little sleep lastnight, due to a painful back. I have tweaked something, should be OK after a couple of days. Just keeping taking the painkillers LOL

Can't wait for today...going to Jills for some crafting, new stamps to try out. I am really looking forward to it. Next weekend it will be the Liskeard Crop, and I really must get back into my scrapbooking... ;-)

We have a little Kindle Gang - Me, Jill and now Tracey.... :-)

Washing just about finished, is it going to rain? should I hang it out?

This is a picture of what the weather looks like outside:

Saturday

2011-08-13T16:45:00.002+01:00

Have had a great day, went to the hairdressers earlier, got my hair cut and coloured - well you have to rid yourself of the 'natural highlights' don't you.

Then it was off to Just Traceys to meet up with Jill, had a lovely chat with Tracey and Karen too. Bought some goodies for a special scrapbooking project I am doing for someone.

Then it was home to try and sort out Jill's Kindle, we managed to download a few books using our wifi.

Now I hope that my 'signature' will appear at the bottom of this message...

TGIF

2011-08-12T07:34:00.000+01:00

Thank Goodness its Friday.

It has been a long and hard week, will be glad to get to 5.30 tonight !! Our new young lady is doing extremely well, but its hard keeping her busy, training and doing your own work).

I was looking forward to some crafting this weekend, have got a new set of rubber stamps I wanted to try out, but the crop has been cancelled -oh well, will have to have a play at home.

Gary is in three golf competitions today, tommorow and Sunday, and needs to get some sleep as well, so I will have to be very quiet whilst he is sleeping.

Do you ever feel like you need a good laugh and some fun - thats how I feel this week. :-)

Happy Anniversary to Us

2011-08-09T06:56:00.001+01:00

Thirty One years ago today, Gary and I were married at Plympton St Mary's Church, it can't be that long as we are not that old surely.

It wasn't the wedding we wanted, a lot of my relations were not allowed to come, due to family stuff.

Our Silver Wedding - Renewal of our Wedding Vows Service was much more the celebration we wanted.

I will try and scan photos of both events later today

XXXXX Happy Anniversary to Us XXXXX

Sunny Sunday

2011-08-07T20:17:00.000+01:00

Today was 'our' day, we had decided to go out on our own and do what we wanted to do.

We drove up to Paignton and Torquay which were both extremely busy, so we carried on up to Babbacombe, we parked and had a lovely walk along the cliffs, and the weather was gorgeous, after that we came back through Torquay had a little stop, took a few photos and then went to Goodrington (never been there before) and it was lovely, the sun was still shining, although a bit windy now, it wasn't at all cold, so we had a walk around, had some chips and a coffee on the seafront and then watched the steam train go along the edge of the beach, took a few photos of that.

On our list of things to do, now includes a steam train trip from Paignton to Dartmouth....it looked fantastic.

We are also hoping to go to the Dartmouth Regatta at the end of the month, just trying to work out if the shifts and work dates match up.

wooohhoooo

2011-08-06T15:42:00.000+01:00

Guess what.....

I had my Belly pierced today........finally plucked up the courage

There was a girl in front of me, who fainted and was feeling sick, I thought she had had a tattoo or something much worse, but no she had had her belly pierced.

The guy who did it was really nice and it was all over very quickly, hardly felt it being done, just got to
keep it clean now with salt water regularly.

Before that I went to Dunelm Mill and bought some beautiful lace/ribbon just right for scrapbook pages.

Going visiting shortly.....

Its the weekend...........

2011-08-06T09:59:00.000+01:00

It has been a long week and I am so glad to finally see the weekend, unfortunately I have woken up this morning with a headache, so got up took some painkillers and went back to bed.....now its time to get up, I feel a little bit better but not 100%, so a quick tidy up, followed by a nice long shower.

Our new young lady - Abiee started work with us this week, having never worked in an office before, she has done extremely well, and from what she said, she has enjoyed herself too. Long may it continue.

Gary is working today, so have the day to myself....what to do eh.......

I will report back later and tell you what I did

Happy Tuesday

2011-08-02T06:31:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Peeps

Woohoo had a whole nights sleep last night, which is the first one for over a week, I think my body was just shattered. The problems have been....the evening heat....its been so warm indoors despite having the windows open,and then Gary has had a cough and the heat and dryness of the air makes him cough....and cough....and cough.... hence no sleep. At least we both feel a little bit more rested this morning.

The weather in the UK looks lovely, unfortunately down here in the West Country it hasn't been that nice, damp and drizzly, please send the sun back :-) or bring it back with you when you go on holiday. :-)

Evening All

2011-07-29T19:01:00.000+01:00

from a very chilled out Elaine.

I have had a day off work, did the washing and cleaning this morning, and have spent the afternoon in the garden reading and generally chilling out. Poor Gary had to go to work this afternoon - what a shame !!

Never mind - we have a whole weekend together, and we are hoping to spend the time relaxing on a beach somewhere....I am trying to find a hotel or B&B for tommorow night, but I don't want to pay the earth, and seeing as its peak time, it is proving difficult, so we might end up up driving too and fro Cornwall.

Still got some ironing to do, but Poirot is on later, so I will do it then.

2011-07-27T07:05:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Friends

A beautiful morning here in Plymouth, the sun is shining and the temperature is very warm already.

As Gary was going out early for a game of golf, I have been up stripped the bed, washing in the machine, and remade the bed, can't wait to get into fresh bed this evening...don't you just love that feeling ;-) or is it just me?

I am now about to tackle a bit more of the ironing mountain, in the warm weather it is more difficult to get the enthusiasm.

The feet still hurt from the treatment of yesterday.

Another day...

2011-07-26T23:02:00.001+01:00

Its been a busy start to the week, what with one thing and another.

Today it was a visit to the doctor for some more treatment on my feet, so painful now, hopefully the freezing treatment will do the trick this time, and I have some special cream which is double the strength of the shop bought stuff. Flippin heck it does hurt though. Think I might have to put some dressings on in the morning to stop the rubbing of my shoes..

I hope you like the look of my new style blog, its taken ages to sort out the colours and where I wanted everything and what I wanted to add in. I love it. Would appreciate your comments.

I am hopeful of Gary and I having a quiet weekend, the weather is looking good (for a change), so a trip to the beach and maybe staying overnight if I can find a nice hotel for a reasonable rate. It would be really nice to recharge our batteries.

Weekend?

2011-07-24T21:59:00.000+01:00

Another weekend nearly over...where does the time go.

The driver arrived after 6.30 on Friday, so by the time I had got some shopping and filled my car with fuel, the evening was over.

Saturday was very busy, spent the day at the Liskeard Crop along with Jill, Gail and Jacqueline, in the naughty corner, I havent laughed so much in ages. Then Jill came back here for tea, again we had a lovely evening,put the world to rights.

Sunday - we popped over to see the MIL (how exciting!!), also went into Specsavers to get my new glasses adjusted slightly, home for lunch and watched some cricket and F1 before Gary went to work, and then I have spent the afternoon and evening either watch TV or playing on my notebook. Feeling very lazy as I should have done some ironing.

Now currently tucked up in bed, watching C&C and typing this....I know how to live.....

I did make a card yesterday for Just Traceys Challenge, but having looked at it again, and the one's already on the challenge website, it really isn't good enough, sorry Jill, will try again next month instead.

2011-07-22T17:19:00.000+01:00

Its going to be a late night, as I am currently waiting for a driver to collect two very heavy crates and he is not due to arrive until at least 6pm, depending on the traffic.

Have got to go and get petrol and shopping on the way home, ready for lunch tommorow at the Liskeard Crop, as well as some Pumpkin Ravioli for our tea tommorow.

I havent got any photos to show you either as we have had problems with computer and its wiped all my pictures, luckily I have them saved at home.

The weather still hasn't really bucked up, a bit of sunshine at the moment, but earlier in the afternoon it was horrendous - wet and windy.

Is it July?

2011-07-20T07:35:00.000+01:00

Morning Peeps

Is it really July? I think Mother Nature has forgotten that July is mid summer and we should be having sunshine - another grey, damp and miserable day ahead by the look of it. The sunshine does make you feel better.

I wonder what our work day holds - another computer engineer because he didn't do what was asked on his first visit. I just hope he doesn't upset or lose any of our documents this time. When computers work they are great, but when they go wrong its a pain. We know, as Gary is having major problems with his laptop and we are in the dilemma of paying for a repair or buying new.

At least this week I am in the office every day and not driving here there and everywhere, doesn't mean I am not busy though, the paperwork, invoicing and sales are piling up and having the engineer in the office today will not help ease the workload.

Not enough hours in the day.....

I have made a good start on tidying my craft room, but its an ongoing project. I still have a pile of craft magazines I don't know what to do with! I have a lovely comfy chair in the room now, so I can sit in the sunshine (when we have some) and read or listen to music relaxing.

I really need to sort out my CDs which go in the car, are you like me, and listen to the same few on a regular basis. Gary set up my stereo in the bedroom and got a much loved, but hardly listened to in recent times CD, perhaps I should ask him to pick out a dozen or so more for me to have in the car. What is your favourite driving music?

Need to look at the calendar and book a few days off, as we have had a very kind offer to stay with relatives in Hampshire, and we love that area of the country. Lots to see and see, places to shop - the Kipling Bag shop !! Just want the nice weather.

have you spotted the ongoing theme in this post - WEATHER

Just a picture of Crantock, Newquay to remind us of Summer weather !!!

Race for Life Central Park 2011

2011-07-17T16:36:00.000+01:00

Well today was the 2nd Plymouth Race for Life 5k in aid of Cancer Research, it seemed like a good idea to volunteer to be a Marshall, my thinking was a nice warm, sunny July morning, when in fact it was cold and very wet...oh well.

I heard it was over 3000 ladies taking part, including my friend Catherine.... the warm up was done under umbrellas in very heavy rain, it did ease off slightly at the start, I was the first marshall they passed from the start and the last one towards the finish, my hands hurt from all that clapping, and my voice is a little hoarse due to the cheering on.

What a great experience it was though, I certainly intend to do it again. Scott and the main team do such a brilliant job and when you see how few people are actually involved they need all the volunteers they can get.

Still looking....

2011-07-13T07:47:00.000+01:00

at birthday celebration options....and Lisa had a joint birthday 'party' with her husband Simon at a Fairground Museum at Lifton, and I have to say it sounds brilliant, unlimited rides, and all those 'old' machines to play on.

I think that this could be just the sort of thing I am looking for, lots of fun etc.

Watch this space for more information.

Birthday bash(s)

2011-07-06T09:45:00.000+01:00

My birthday is during the week, so would need a party to be either weekend, but as it will be Halloween and Bonfire Night that is pretty much impossible.

So am looking at having it a little bit earlier, not a problem, but have had a thought......want a grown up party for the adults, posh frocks and the like, but then I really want a 'Jelly and Ice Cream party' for adults.... you know the type like we used to have a child, pass the parcel, musical chairs, balloons, bubbles and party bags... having spoken to several of my friends, they all think it would be a good idea... what do you reckon? or am I just being a big kid..... :-)

Back to Crafting.....

2011-07-05T09:01:00.000+01:00

So much for taking the Summer off......

My lovely next door neighbour has asked me to make a Scrapbook for her husband on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding, she is getting loads of photos from the family starting with when they met right through to the present day. I can't wait to get started, but I am also a little bit scared that I can do this justice. I know someone who is excellent at the more 'heritage' style who I am sure will give me some hints and tips in the future.

I will also be celebrating my 50th birthday later this year, and I am planning a party, so need to look at ideas for invitation cards as well.

I will be at the Plymouth Crop on Saturday.

The following weekend I am a volunteer marshall at the second Plymouth Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research, so if you are taking part, watch out for me, I will be there somewhere.

Final Picture from Race for Life 2011

2011-07-03T16:46:00.001+01:00

John and the Girls....

we've done it....

2011-06-19T18:36:00.000+01:00

Well the four of us ...along with about 4000 other ladies..completed the Plymouth Race for Life today in aid of Cancer Research.

As you can see the sky was very dark before we started, but that soon went and the sun came out

Donna and Joss walking together, and just behind is Debbie's eldest daughter Abbie pushing her friend in a wheelchair, because she had broken her leg in the last few days and they couldn't run it.

A sea of Pink......

Elaine, Donna, Joss and Jill - our team of 4 !!

and afterwards - well done to all of us.....

Look at those legs !! not bad for a woman of my age LOL

One Day to go....

2011-06-18T06:40:00.000+01:00

The weather is improving a little....but its got a long way to go, to be as nice as the hot and sunny day we had for the Race for Life last year.

Its is the 2011 Plymouth Race for life tommorow, still not sure of what to wear, will it be shorts and a t shirt, or longer trousers and a sweat top.... only time will tell.

Donna and Joss have arrived safely, we are hoping to meet up with Jill this afternoon, so we all know one another before tommorow.

I think a lot of photos will be taken (and shared), seeing as I will be carrying a camera, Gary and Jill's husband - John will both be around the course with cameras too.

This was Debbie, Jill and I from last year, look at the beautiful blue sky behind us.

Between us all we have raised well over £1000 so far, never to late to sponsor us, if you havent done so already. Cancer Research is a very important charity, none of us know when we might need their help.

Plymouth in the Sunshine

2011-06-07T06:52:00.001+01:00

Pictures of the Plymouth Eye on The Hoe, from last night. The Hotel behind has numerous floors, so it gives you some idea of the height of the Wheel.

It has 33 pods plus a VIP one, the pods cost £7.50 per person per ride, and the VIP is £55 plus

£20 for champagne.

Gary did offer to take me on it, but as usual I chickened out, maybe one day, but I still have bad memories of a ride on a Big Wheel as a teenager.

I tried to take pictures of the Eye at various angles,and I feel I got some quite good ones.

and this is Plymouth Hoe (the Eye is just off to the right) at about 8.30pm last night, people sat on the grass in the sunshine, teenagers playing football, just think in 2 weeks this place with be packed full of ladies participating in the Plymouth Race for Life, fingers cross for the weather.

Never to late to sponsor myself, Jill or Donna........

Oh and before I forget, went to the Hospital yesterday, and the result is that they have decided I can continue on the injections long term, and do not need to have The operation - woohoooooo

Thank you for reading my Blog xx

2011-05-31T06:56:00.000+01:00

Good Tuesday Morning Bloggers,

Another start to the week, I say it every week, but where does time go? I must be getting old !!
It wasn't a fantastic weekend weatherwise was it..... Saturday was a housework and washing day, visited MIL as well, then home to watch the sport on the telly, (OK that was Gary's choice), then Sunday was a day for making a start on the paperwork, have got a boxful of shredding and another box of rubbish, so it was a very good day. Monday was ours to go out....and then we woke up and it was damp, grey and generally yuk!! the forecast wasn't much better, so we sat around chilling out for a couple of hours, and then said 'we have to do something' so after looking at the maps etc, decided on a drive down to Looe/Polperro in Cornwall, the rain was apparently clearing from the west, so might see some sunshine. made a few sandwich's cake and a flask, and off we went. By the time we got there the sun was out, and it was nice.
We had a couple of hours walking around, we sat down by the beach. Then the clouds came back over, so we made our way back to the car.

Last night was a lovely evening, with lots of blue sky and sunshine, the best part of the weekend.:-)

Hope you all had a nice weekend and only a four day week this week !!

Another week gone by....

2011-05-28T11:29:00.000+01:00

I really don't know where the time goes.....its been a tough week at work, very busy, and of course the end of the month is fast approaching so next week will be the same.

Have had a headache for days, gave up last night and took the Migraine tablets, gets rid of the pain,but plays havoc with my sleep pattern for a couple of days, not that its good anyway. So a little snooze on the sofa this afternoon could be in order.

Below, as promised, are two of the layouts I did at last week's Liskeard Crop

The first one is a photo of Gary at Tintagel last summer, the flowers started off as plain white or green blooms which I stamped and then Jill said to dampen them down and scrunch them up, which had the desired effect.

The second one is of Chloe in her later years, laying out in the sunshine, I spotted a sketch of circles which I adapted and then they seemed to suit this picture.

Any comments on the lay outs is always appreciated.

As for this Bank Holiday weekend, this morning its washing and housework time, tommorow I have planned to sort out my paperwork and crafty stuff whilst Gary is at work, and Monday will be our day out - not sure where yet.

I am currently sat watching QVC on the TV whilst typing this. They have a nice handbag set which includes laptop bag, purse etc, but it seems really cheap, so am wondering about the quality, might send for it, you can always return it if its not good...can't you. Would be a great one for work.

2011-05-22T19:58:00.002+01:00

Hi Peeps

Have had a great weekend....

Yesterday firstly I went to the hairdressers to get my regular cut and colour.....followed by a quick visit to the library to pick up a couple of new books - nothing to exciting...an Agatha Christie (Tommy and Tuppence story), and a Romance, then drove on down to the Liskeard Crop, managed to complete 3 layouts, all of which I am really pleased with..... it was lovely meeting up with all the lovely ladies down there - I will be back - honest :-)

As I said previously I am going to take a break from Crafting for the Summer which will hopefully enable me to recharge my batteries, catch up on some jobs around the house, and do all the family things which are needed.

Saturday night Debbie and I went to the Theatre Royal to see a play called 5 Blue Haired Ladies sitting on a green park bench, starring Lorraine Chase, Anita Harris, Anne Charleston (Madge from Neighbours) and others. This was recommended to us, and I have to say it was very funny, very poignant in places, and thought provoking. If you get a chance go and see it.

Then today was a day for a lay in,after breakfast we took a quick trip into town for some new trainers for Gary, but of course I couldn't resist in buying something for myself - hence some very bright pink socks for the Race for Life and a pair of shorts, and then we popped into Holland and Barrett, and I have treated myself to some eco friendly shampoo and conditioner....

then it was home to chill out in front of the TV to watch the Grand Prix and Football...well ok I fell asleep for some of it...but hey I must have needed it.

That was my weekend..... hey ho back to work tommorow....

ps photos of the LOs to follow

Monday again

2011-05-16T08:19:00.001+01:00

Good Morning Peeps...

Well our holiday and celebrations are over, as you can see from the photos on previous post.

I have done some serious thinking over the past few days and have made a few decisions, the first one is that I am not going to let things at work get to me.....(easier said than done - but I am definetely going to try).
Secondly I find that there are not enough hours in the day, and its our homelife/housework which suffers, there isn't enough time to do all the things I want or need to do. I am going to take a break from some of my hobbies/interests to enable me to catch my breath and to get my enthusiasm and mojo back.

So I am sorry, but the first thing I will be taking a break from will be my crafty activities. I hope that it will just be a break for the Summer. thats the plan anyway.

I was getting very frustrated with working all week, then the weekend was taken up with crafting on one or both days, leaving no time to do the housework or going out with Gary, we also have a lot of family committments, and I have some health issues which need to be sorted as well, so I hope my friends will understand.

Please do keep in touch, perhaps we can meet for cofffee at times for a chat, and I will still be on this Blog and on Facebook/Twitter.

Fathers Day - June 19th I will be on the Hoe for the Plymouth Race for Life, so still time to sponsor me / Jill.

Love from Elaine xxxxxx

We are back.....

2011-05-13T18:35:00.000+01:00

Evening Bloggers

We are back from our recent trip down to Cornwall.

Please see some photos below.......

This was a seal down at Godrevy, we sat watching a few on a very cold and windy day.

Gary down on Crantock Beach near Newquay

This picture of a beach could be somewhere in the Caribean couldn't it, but in fact it is again at Crantock just outside of Newquay, it was a beautiful day and very warm. You can tell we had a mixed bag of weather.

Again another beach in Cornwall, this time its Chapel Porth, a NT beach famous for its hedgehog icecream, no not the real thing, it is a vanilla ice cream cornet covered in Clotted cream and then rolled in toasted roasted nuts. It was a very windy day, hence why the hood is up to stop my hair from flying everywhere.

Another beach view, this time as the sun went down on the first evening, I can't tell you where though !!

We went to the Screech Owl Sanctuary, what a great place, would highly recommend a visit, the staff really care about the owls, and want to show them off and have a great knowledge about all of them. The flying displays were quite funny, as sometimes the birds don't want to do as they are asked (or told).

Before we went away to Newquay, it was Gary's 50th birthday, so below are some photos from the evening

Us, along with our friend Nova, think I had a drink or two by now !

Garys older brother Steve, along with his friend Sally

Our friends - Wendy and Chris

My brother - Peter who came all the way down from Kent

and our oldest and funniest friend - Fred

Our Nephew Alex and his 'better half' Stacey.

Thank you to everyone for coming along, Gary had a great Birthday.

Happy Birthday

2011-05-08T07:49:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to my darling Husband Gary, he is 50 today.

He has gone off to play golf with his new golf clubs this morning, so that leaves me to put the finishing touches to his surprise evening, need to get the balloons and the cake, take them to the restaurant.
Everyone has confirmed they are coming. Just got to get through the rest of the day without spilling the beans !!

He has opened all of his cards which are here, but obviously a few will be handed over tonight.

Luckily he doesn't read my blog !!!!!!

Holiday Time

2011-05-07T08:15:00.001+01:00

Here we are Saturday Morning, of our holiday, oh what to do withourselves......

Got to go to the Library for a book or two, Boots for some shiny nail polish, and then the rest of the day is ours.

Secretly I have to get some balloons/cake for Gary's 50th birthday tommorow, he still has no idea what is planned for him.......

The Pigeon is still with us, think the owner will have to come down with a box to take her back, doesn't seem like she wants to go home at all.

No crafting this weekend, its been a few weeks now, so hopefully a couple of magazines/books will give me some inspiration. I am going to take a small hobby bag to Newquay containing wool for knitting, books and some images to colour in and my watercolour pencils. That should keep my going if the weather isn't kind, and looking at the forecast it doesn't look good for the start of the holiday.

Just a quick photo of my lovely husband and his golf shield that he won earlier this year at Staddon Golf Club, his name is now up on the winners board.

Tuesday again.....

2011-05-03T07:22:00.000+01:00

after the second Bank Holiday weekend, its back to work Tuesday......

The weather wasn't particularly kind to us, VERY windy and cold yesterday. We decided to sort out Garys half of the wardrobe, why is it that men are worse than women at keeping old clothes despite the fact that they don't fit, are too short, or have holes in ? We managed to get 2 bags full of stuff out of his wardrobe.
Then we had a quick trip to Trago and our list included some of those special coathangers where nothing falls off of them, plus some of the space bags to put our winter bedding in. We know how to live !!
I also did all the washing and got it dry out on the line, had to double peg it, or else we would have been chasing it down the road in that wind.

The Pigeon Man rang us over the weekend, and asked us if 'she' was still with us. We thought she had gone back yesterday, but we saw her again in the evening. I think its going to take a box and a car drive between us.

Only 7 weeks to go until the Plymouth Race for Life....so if you still havent sponsored me or Jill, please go to the RFL website here every little helps.

Happy Sunday

2011-05-01T12:06:00.000+01:00

It seems like ages since I have posted properly....but life has been either really hectic with no time to myself, to the other end of the spectrum where we had the long weekends when Gary and I decided to have some quality time together and do absolutely nothing but chill out.

We have been adopted by a pigeon..... it started well over a week ago now....we noticed this pigeon sitting on our roof, wandering around the garden, and he wasn't afraid of people at all, Gary saw he had rings on his legs so was obviously a racing pigeon or similar, so I did some investigating on the internet, found the racing pigeon association, contacted them with the ring numbers, and they come back and let me have the owner details, (he was also sent ours), I rang him and told him about the pigeon, he was quite rude and said stop feeding it and it will find its way home soon. Well here we are a week later, he is still here, everytime Gary goes out in the garden for a cigarette, he comes down and follows Gary around.... he was there when he was out cleaning the car too...very funny. He drinks the water from our water feature, we have now started putting out a few seeds/crushed cornflakes as he looks hungry and shows no inkling of going home.
We are talking about putting him in a box and taking him back to the owner. The local magpies and other birds appear to try and chase him off of their patch.

Gary is nightshift currently, so is tucked up in bed, due to get up shortly, but its just started raining, and we were planning on going out for a walk...hmmmm

This time next week its his birthday, and I have got a nice evening planned.

A week tommorow, we are going down to Cornwall for a short break in a caravan, hope the rain stops and the warm,dry and sunny weather returns.

Just been watching Barbara Grey from Clarity Stamps on Create and Craft, so inspirational, the stamp set I wanted sold out, but I found it on her website, so have ordered it....woohoo. Going off to have a good look at her site for ideas and more temptation.

2011-04-28T06:22:00.000+01:00

Good Morning Bloggers

Its been a hectic few days, have had my training lady down to work with me, so have had meetings and discussions, and its the last working day of the month today so the reporting starts again.

I am really looking forward to sitting down, with my feet up, to watch the Royal Wedding tommorow.

Another nice Holiday weekend, lets hope the weather will be as nice as Easter. Managed to get start a nice tan, luckily no burning.

My friend Donna has now signed up to also do the Plymouth Race for Life, she is now a lady on a mission to get the sponsorship in.

Easter Monday

2011-04-26T15:03:00.000+01:00

Bluebells at Saltram woods - Easter Monday

and some very cute ducklings, these were so tiny......

Happy Easter everyone

2011-04-21T14:21:00.000+01:00

I want to be at the beach NOW. the weather is soooo lovely, warm and sunny, don't want to be in work this afternoon, lets hope the long weekend will be kind to us all weatherwise. Surprisingly we both have 4 whole days off together....woohoo.

Tonight we are out celebrating Debbies birthday, a meal for the four of us, at the Fox & Hounds at Brixton, should be a good evening. I think some alcohol could be consumed, apart from Gary as he is the driver.

Have a very Happy Easter xx

2011-04-20T12:38:00.000+01:00

Linda has some wonderful Candy on offer

check it out here

Photos from our garden

2011-04-15T06:23:00.000+01:00

I just mentioned to Gary that the rain on the plants in the garden was very pretty, and he took a few photos... which I though I would share with you.

Aren't they lovely, I really like the look of rain drops on the grass.

Long time no messages

2011-04-04T13:38:00.000+01:00

Its been a long time for me, with no posts, but I have been extremely busy at work, and suffering with Tonsilitis too. Happily I am now almost 100% again

Well Gary's birthday surprise is now ongoing, he thinks we are going out with the family for a meal, but I have invited several long standing friends also, so what started as a very small low key meal, is now a bigger celebration. ssscchhh he still doesn't know.

At work we have just had the busiest month ever, and our figures prove it, so hopefully everyone will be very pleased.

I have now started to try and get sponsorship for the Plymouth Race for Life in earnest, thank you to everyone who has already sponsored me, if you havent.....please at least think about it. Have decided not to join the gym again yet, will just try the walking, as the achilles is still tender at times.

Have just bought a beautiful 'Pretty Woman' brown and white spotty dress from Wallis, its arrived today and it fits beautifully. The service from Wallis wasn't good, the first dress got lost somewhere between Wallis and the courier company, after numerous calls and promises it was finally admitted that it was lost, the second one was the wrong size, third time lucky.

Havent done any crafting for a while, this past weekend went in a blur of washing, housework, and Mothering Sunday. Did manage a little retail therapy, but you know what its like, you want to buy something, but just couldn't find anything you like, well apart from the white dress on the M&S advert.
I am looking for a 'grown up' handbag for work, not the usual kipling I use.

Next weekend its the Plymouth Crop....scrapbooking, cardmaking, beading, knitting ??? which one ?

I am hoping to get an appointment with the M&S fitting service on Sunday, as I need to 'update' if you know what I mean.

Dilemma

2011-03-24T07:39:00.000Z

Gary will be 50 in May, and I know he doesn't want a fuss, but should I arrange a small family gathering to celebrate, or go for an all out party with friends as well.

I look at it that a lot of people don't make it this far, and that a birthday is something to celebrate.

Luckily Gary doesn't go online or read my blog, so I can ask the question.

2011-03-21T15:55:00.000Z

Me again.....still feeling rough, but hey life goes on....

A quick few pictures of our retreat...

This was the view from the room we were scrapbooking in, at the Crantock Bay Hotel

Another view of the sea / beach

Jill taking pictures in the room, of everyone scrapbooking or talking LOL, she was hanging out of the window trying to get a good picture of the view and then turned around to take a piccie of us..

Our first evening meal together.... the food was fabulous, my other camera has some great pics of the food. (too follow)

2011-03-18T13:07:00.000Z

ok its been confirmed, have got Tonsilitis, am allergic to Antibiotics, so have to try and work through it with painkillers, sorbet/icecream and honey/lemon drinks, oh and rest....

I am in work, feeling rough, but OK, but the weekend is wiped out, as I am going to stay indoors, with my feet up, curled up on the sofa, with all of the above and a blanket, resting.

Sorry to everyone at Liskeard, I won't be there, and my sincere apologies if I have passed on the germs.

2011-03-17T17:52:00.000Z

Went into the office today, but after a few hours of talking and working, had a major coughing fit, got a headache, throat was sooo sore as well, had to come home, as I felt so unwell, no luck with getting a doctors appointment, so will try again tommorow morning, I obviously need some ABs to sort this out. No talking tommorow either, so a quiet day for Debbie.

2011-03-17T07:27:00.000Z

Sorry for my lack of posts recently.......the weekend in Cornwall was fantastic, great company, wonderful hotel (would highly recommend - Crantock Bay Hotel). The views are second to none, food was out of this world, and the crafting was excellent as well. Unfortunately a couple of days prior to going I started going down with the germs, which got steadily worse, and although I am going back to work this morning, I am going to try for a doctors appointment as it looks like I have a bout of Tonsolitis.

I havent forgotten that I have loads of photos to download from my cameras, just looking at them certainly brings back some very happy memories. Can't wait for the next one :-)

I will soon be putting some pictures and memories of the weekend on here.

2011-03-11T06:47:00.000Z

Morning Bloggers

Well today is the day.....its the start of the adventure which is the Liskeard Crop Retreat at Crantock, Jill and I start off at about 9am this morning, driving down to Crantock, my bags are packed, goodness me, how much can one person take for just 3 days!! A suitcase and trolley case plus other stuff.

Its been like waiting for Christmas to arrive. getting excited.....oh yes

2011-03-10T09:14:00.000Z

Morning All,
OK own up, who has given me the germs, have woken up with sore throat, tight chest, and a headache, so lemsips for me. I want it gone for tommorow. only 24 hours until we go to Crantock for our Liskeard Scrapbooking Retreat, am so looking forward to it. Got to pack my stuff (and there is a lot of it !).

Just had my monthly injection, luckily it wasn't as painful as last month.

Sunday Night.. .. ..

2011-03-06T20:18:00.000Z

I am still shocked at how quickly the weekends go, can't believe its Monday again tommorow.

So its back to work in the office for Monday, off to Bristol on Tuesday for 'Finance for Non Financial Managers training course, back in the office Wednesday, and then a few days off - including the weekend down at Crantock in Cornwall for the Liskeard Crops Retreat, so the evenings will be spent getting stuff ready to pack into the car, (well I am taking Gary's car as it is bigger and I will have more room to pack mine and Jills stuff in).

Talking of Jill, she is currently away on another retreat in Warrington, hope she has had a great time, and brought back loads of ideas.

This afternoon my friend Anne popped over for some crafting, chat and laughter.....loved the strawberry and white chocolate muffins !! yum yum.

Currently watching Dancing on Ice, absolutely fabulous, who will win the team challenge??

2011-03-01T07:58:00.000Z

White Rabbits.......

Pinch Punch first of the Month......

Happy St Davids Day to everyone.

March at last...must mean Spring is on the way, clocks going forward later in the month too, hopefully we will now start getting some sunshine and warmth.

Same old, Same old at work, got lots to do both at work and home, I thought life is supposed to get easier as you get older.....I do not have enough hours in a day / days in the week to do everything that needs to be done, or I want to do.

I believe I really need next weekends Scrap Retreat, some actual me time, no worries, good company, lovely hotel.

Crafty Weekend

2011-02-27T17:45:00.001Z

Well its now Sunday evening and I have had a very productive weekend craft wise, have completed another scarf (green one), wore the orange one out, completed lots of LOs and even managed three sheets of toppers in readiness for making some Christmas Cards, (thanks to SU Linda for the original idea).

These scarfs are so easy and quick to make.

These are pictures of the our UPS team after winning the Quiz Trophy many years ago now.

The two are of Chloe,our black labrador, she is so sadly missed now, but we couldn't bring ourselves to replace her.

Thanks for looking today xx

Nearly Monday

2011-02-20T20:23:00.000Z

OMG who pinched the weekend, they seem to take ages getting here, and then disappear in a flash.

It has been a busy one...started with the phone call from the fraud dept of my Bank, saying that my card had been cloned, luckily it was caught early, and they were returning the money, but my card has been stopped, just awaiting replacement.

Saturday saw Jill and I have a walk around Saltram, a local NT House/Park. It was quite muddy, but we were prepared with some good stout walking boots. We took some brilliant photos (well hopefully), I am hoping I might be able to use them for scrapbooking when we go to the Retreat next month. Afterwards I popped into Just Traceys craft shop in Plympton, and bought some more can can wool for another scarf. Gary reckons I have more scarves than handbags.....he doesn't know how many handbags I have !! (Kipling). Then I went to The Range to watch Tracey demo some gorgeous products - Fizzy, (and I obviously had to buy some....again in readiness for the Retreat).

Today has been a very quiet day...well if you can call it that, neighbours builders were in again, so very little sleep for Gary, Tesco Man delivered the shopping, again waking Gary, and then Linda popped in with the latest SU goodies,within 5 mins of Linda leaving Gary was up and around. He does look absolutely shattered.. Roll on shift change, to days from nights and he will catch up on his sleep.

I hear you ask if I ever do any crafting anymore, well yes I do, have made one of those can can wool scarfs, have started the second one today. Next weekend I am at the Liskeard Crop on Saturday, and the Newton Abbot one on Sunday, so hope to make some cards and actually scrapbook as well..

....and then its back to work Monday.

2011-02-16T07:38:00.000Z

Morning....

Had a wonderful Indian Head Massage last night, very relaxing, I couldn't believe how stiff my neck was... definetely feels better this morning. I might have a neck, back and shoulder massage next, see if that can sort my back out as well.

This morning there was a beautful red sky, but according to the old saying (red sky in the morning - sailors warning), It doesn't bode well! The forecast is for extremely heavy rain coming our way later.

Poor Gary had next to no sleep yesterday, because when the builders left from next door, he thought he could get some sleep, and his cough kicked in again, so I am going to get the prescription for antibiotics today for him. (He had got it from the doctors last week, but the doc said leave it a couple of days to see if they cough was going of its own accord).

Last day to make sure all the 'problems' at work are sorted, before Debs goes on a holiday break for a few days.

I really need to download my photos from the camera and pick some to go on this blog,

2011-02-15T07:03:00.000Z

what a night....the weather has been awful overnight, poor Gary was out working in it too, he won't be very happy when he arrives home. The builders will probably arrive at about 8am, expect them to be here all of this week and possibly a couple of days next week as well. My neighbours are having a new 'disabled' bathroom put in, unfortunately it means a lot of noise during the day.

for me... I have got a visitor from Manchester today...not sure what to expect.. or how long he is staying...not too long I hope as I to make sure my work is up to date as poor Debbie is having a few days off shortly, which she really needs.

Yesterday was interesting, we had the new HR people down, to show us the new online system which we are having to use from now, so thats another job that we have to do....in fairness it is a lot easier than the old one.

Just seen the weather forecast, and to be honest, it looks wet for a few more days yet....oh well Spring will arrive at some stage.

2011-02-14T19:34:00.000Z

a couple of fuzzy pictures taken outside of our office, the sunset was beautiful.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T19:20:00.000Z

Happy Valentines Day one and all.

I hope you are all having a great day, and that your loved one's have spoilt you. I was very lucky and received a nice bunch of flowers even after all these years, he still remembers !!

Had a great weekend, including having the Friday off, so spent that day doing the chores, shopping etc, so that the weekend was generally free, Saturday was spent with the lovely ladies at the Plymouth Crop, managed to knit nearly a whole scarf using the Can Can wool (have you seen it - its fab), I got mine from Jusrt Traceys Craft Shop in Plymouth. Its a great orangey colour mixture. I started sorting out my large box of photos as well - as I need some to take to the Liskeard Retreat at Crantock in March, made a whole in the huge stack of pics. Also did some rubber stamping practice. It was also my MILs birthday, so although we were busy on Saturday, we had decided to treat her to a Cream Tea, luckily for us, we did it at home, because the weather was awful.

Gary is starting nightshift, and unfortunately our neighbour started having her bathroom knocked through this morning, a jack hammer to knock down a wall was extremely noisy. They still have to knock off all the tiles and more to do. Poor Gary not sure how much sleep he will get this week.

Visitors at work both today and tommorow. Then I have Debbie on holiday for a few days - which she really needs. So it is going to be a stressful week.

2011-02-05T10:55:00.000Z

Morning All

Had a day off work yesterday, We popped into Specsavers to see when Gary could get an appointment for an eyetest, luckily they could do it almost immediately. New glasses !! The visited the MIL, had a look around the shops at Plymstock - well that doesn't take long. The a visit to Farm Stores for some more food shopping. By then I had a headache, so home for some tablets and a snooze, still didn't go, and we were going to Staddon Heights Golf Club for the presentation night, and as Gary had won a prize earlier in the year, it was worth going. A great evening followed, home but still with a headache. Not much sleep overnight, and although its not as bad, its still there. So I need to go out later to get some batteries for the doorbell. Perhaps some fresh air will help.

The 'churchy' people, have been ringing the door bell, unfortunately (!) I must have missed them as the battery was flat, but I did hear them talking to my elderly neighbours.

Back later

2011-02-02T18:27:00.000Z

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to my cousin Gilly for being the first to sponsor me in the Plymouth Race for Life, such lovely words too.... --xx--xx--xx

Would you like to be the second ??

xx

2011-02-02T11:07:00.000Z

New Month, reports, reports, reports.

Looking forward to the weekend, can't come soon enough.

Have ordered new trousers online from Next, got a tenner off, as it was my first order. Order before 9pm, arrive next day....how good is that.

Also ordered Jamies 30 min cook book, from the Book People, only £9.99 (cheapest I have seen), and only £1.95 postage.

They are my bargains of the week.

Whilst sorting out, found a book I must have bought ages ago and put away for safe keeping, its The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker, so lots to look at, and hopefully inspire me into sorting and tidying my craft area. I need to be ruthless, so might have a few things to go on ebay, car boot etc.