Happy Monday

Well helloooo June, 

Let's hope it warms up a fair bit because May was atrocious!

I always try embrace all the different weather we have here in the UK, because that's what I missed when we lived abroad. 

But I'm afraid May tested me and took me to the brink at times. 

I can't believe that Muffy and I had a great walk this morning.

As you can see she loved the freshly cut grass. 

The smell even caught my attention. 

The sky larks where hovering and singing their amazing song, but even with the sun shining there was no escape from that chilly brisk wind. 

In fact, it's been bothering us for weeks now and quite frankly I think it should move on...

Here's Muffypup having a good roll around with gay abandon...

We're not in any hurry... no of course not.

Slow and stop was the order of the day.

Unfortunately when you roll around in an open park there's a fair chance that you'll roll in some indescribable gunge... duck, crows, seagulls and other doggy doodoo's.

So needless to say she had to have a compulsive bath when we got home.

Let me tell you the windows were flung  open and thankfully I always have a towel in the boot for such occurrences.  

That'll be a gold star for me then...

And here she is... our Aga magnet. 

(Who needs fridge magnets? Not in this house anyway)

Thankfully because the Aga hasn't been switched off for summer

(even though there's only 22 days until mid summer)

She's able to stay cosy whilst she dries off.
I tried using the hairdryer but sometimes it gets her too excited and it's game on... chase me... chase me. There's no way she'd get the concept of the limited electrical lead restricting me in the chase.

Anyway... all the high jink are over for the time being and it's time to settle down. 

It's been quite a morning...

 I think I could just snuggle up with her, but unfortunately I've got a lot on my 'To Do' list today.

We were away over the weekend, so hopefully I'll be able to post a little about it. I'm also participating in Tracey Fletcher King's Delicious Paint class which should be fantastic.

I'm also getting ready for visitors and the garden hasn't been touched since last Thursday. 

I may need a rope attached around my middle before I head out there. 

It's been some time but because the blue towel has reminded me about Blue Monday... 

I'm linking up today. I hope to see you over there. 

Have fun with your week and if you've visited me and I haven't returned the compliment yet, then I'm on the case... it just might take me a little time to catch up. 

Here's one last photo

As you can see... she's not going anywhere until that weather warms up!

(p.s. if you like reading about Muffy's antics she's actually got her own Instagram account now. I know but what can you do? 

Here's her addy... the_world_according_to_Muffy

Happy Blue Monday to you all

Happy Blue Monday...Bee Mats and Tractor rides

So the weekends done and dusted...I blinked and it was gone.

Although it was full on, I did manage to squeeze a few new activities in. 

Some that even surprised me!

The sun came out to play along with a very keen wind, but that didn't stop us getting out into the garden. There's lots to get on with so time is of the essence.

I've had plans for a wild flower section in my garden since we returned to the house, especially after hearing that bees are in serious decline.

Apparently 50% have been lost through disease, loss of habitat and intensive farming. Planting wild flowers makes a big difference to bee survival. So I wanted to do my bit.

I bought a bee mat on one of my Garden Centre visits, so it was time for action.

 The site for the wild flowers is right at the edge of the garden under the silver birch trees. The BeeMat is a 200cm x 50cm ready seeded, biodegradable mat that contains annual, biannial and perennial species of wild flowers that are a great source of nature and pollen for bees including: Common Knapweed, Greater Knapweed, Golden Rod, Vipers Bugloss.

As you can see I've picked a sunny sheltered spot as instructed. 

Cultivated the ground and removed the weeds (well sort of)
I layed the mat over a level smooth bed of soil and covered the fleece with sand and compost. I then watered it and now I wait! 

I'll certainly let you see how it progresses...hopefully we'll have a beautiful wild flower area buzzing with activity soon.
 

Talking of activity...you are never going to guess what happened to me whilst I was in the middle of cooking our Sunday Roast!

As is my want...I am constantly looking for photographic potential even when I'm not aware that's what I'm doing. So when I caught sight of my local farmer busy ploughing a nearby field, I grabbed my camera to capture a shot. 

Unfortunately Sunday wasn't as sunny as Saturday as you can see by the heavy sky in the photo below. 

I missed a fantastic photo only a few weeks ago, whilst out walking with Muffy. The sun was shining onto the blades of the plough, the excitable seagulls were squawking whilst taking flight until the tractor passed and the soil looked like treacle it was so dark and rich. 

Why did I miss the photo do I hear you ask?...because I'd left my camera at home...which is like loosing a limb, especially when you see a shot that you know would be special. 

Anyway...here's the shot I did get (very disappointing but you have to move on)

I had asked the farmer if I could take his photo before I started snapping and initially he just sat there but then I explained that I wanted to shoot him working, so off he went. 

(Just a little note here...he was wearing blue but you can't tell from this shot...and why am I telling you this? I'm linking up with Blue Monday that's why...hence the blue bee mat above hehe)

Anyway, back to my story if you haven't nodded off or have a more pressing engagement to attend...

As he came nearer to me precariously perched upon the bank of the lane trying to avert the barb wired fence he shouted "would you like to have a ride" 

(cough...cough...okay I'm editing here because I know that that sentence could have lots of connotations...but we'll move on quickly...)

So how could I refuse...off went my apron into the hedgerow (don't forget I was in the middle of cooking) and over the gate post I vaulted! Well maybe not quite a vault but I was impressed because it's been many years since I did that. I was giggling to myself thinking the boys were in the house watching their football team (in a crucial match) and would be oblivious to what I was up to. I also laughed when I looked down and realised I was still wearing my slippers! 

I had to take a photo as evidence to prove that I was indeed ploughing a field in the middle of mixing the yorkshire puds! They'd never believe me!

I was able to ask the farmer lots of questions...about the area and why/how he does what he does...which was like starring in my own 'Country File' programme. 

After as I ran back up my driveway I heard the roar of the crowd...well my two boys shouting at an obvious goal in their teams favour. It can be quite deafening if you're in the house, so I waited until full-time to ask them what they thought I'd been doing and that they'd NEVER guess and imagine their shock when I pointed to the field and said I'd been ploughing and showed them my backed of photographic evidence! 

The farmer says he'll let me have a go with his Combine Harvester when the time comes...so we set up a sign language for a cuppa if he was working near again. 

I did mention that I'm waiting for the lambs to arrive in the back field, but I'm not sure about his answer...his accent is extremely broad for a newie like me to follow. 

So we'll have to wait and see. 

Happy Blue Monday to you all...

If you would like to see more Blue Monday links, then nip over to Sally by clicking here

Have fun! 

xoxo

Blue Monday...Knitting?

I've had a notion since winter started that I'd sit by the fire knitting at some stage. 

Don't ask me where this notion came from...it just seemed to conjure up a cosy picture. I knew that I had some knitting needles somewhere but hadn't a clue where they might be. 

Over the weekend they appeared. 

Typical as spring is about to burst forth, I finally get my act together...talk about Tail-end Charlie. 

I knew it had been some years since I last knitted and I've just realised how long it's been.

The wool is from when my son was born...or I should say before he was born.

The baby blue gave it away and that was probably the last time I picked up a knitting needle...over 21 years ago! 

I was never a proficient knitter it has to be said, but I do like the process. 

You can sit comfortably, cosy, with mind and hands just doing their thing whilst even watching the TV if you don't mind the odd slipped stitch!
(That last statment is purely my level of skill)

At first I hadn't a clue what to do, but as I picked up the needles and wool something happened. I rode that bike again...or should I say I started to knit. 

I managed to remember how to work the rib (knit one, purl one...oh listen to me...like a true pro?) then I had the challenge of changing to knit a line, purl a line!

It just got easier until I looked back to discover a very raggedy piece of work. 

I then remembered that I should have started with a smaller pair of needles for the rib. Whoops too late now. Or should that be the other way around???

But I must remember that this is only to have a play, so Muffy need not worry that she'll be the laughing stock of the park in one of my home knitted jumpers. 

It'll probably go into hiding once again when I've done or possibly keep growing into the longest scarf in living memory, due to me not knowing how to end it!

Just a brief update on the renovation of the windows and doors...we are over half way now and thankfully the sanding down seems to be tailoring off.

But what to do with all the old frames...well chop them up of course! 

Thankfully someone liked doing this job...just call him Mr Chopchop.

As you can see there's lots of safety gear and rules, but I have to say I still can't watch. 

We are aware that all that wood was sitting around the gas tank, but thankfully that's all sorted now. 

And finally I thought you might like to meet the renovation gang...

There's nothing better than a cup of tea or coffee to keep the troops happy...well maybe a piece of home baking too perhaps? 

That reminds me it's nearly time for the next one.

Happy Blue Monday to you all...

If you would like to see more Blue Monday links, then nip over to Sally by clicking here

Have fun! 

Happy Blue Monday...and two Birthday's

 So another week begins....and I was up before dawn once again. 

Why? Because my builder is an early bird and likes to start work at this unearthly hour. 

He even brings his own light! 

There's no waiting for daylight with this guy...when a jobs to be done...let's get on with it! It's a good job I'm an early riser anyway. 

For those of you who have requested a peek at the bathroom renovation work I've decided to give in and show you. Initially I wasn't sure I really wanted to reveal all, so I've decided to give you a partial snippet of one of them. We've done two bathrooms back to back...just for the fun of it! 

(Bare with me Sally because there is a small amount of blue in this post...which will grow as each photo appears)

I couldn't resist these little ducks when I saw them. I don't think they'll be a permanent feature, but for now they're fun and suitable for a blue Monday entry. (I hope?)

So now that the bathrooms are near to finished...we are just adding the bling etc we thought let's not stop...let's keep ticking off the long list of the to-do-jobs on our list.

Therefore decking it is...and here's the delivery arriving as if by magic.

The decking will go at the rear of the house 

(for regular visitors to my blog...it will overlook the fields and woods where I'm hoping the sheep will appear soon). 

It's already taking shape as I type sitting here at the kitchen table. 

There's also some compensation for beating the dawn chorus because I got to see Andy Murray playing in the Australian Tennis Open today. 

Unfortunately I can't be in Melbourne but it's the next best thing.

Well done Andy...on to the next round!  

Before I get carried away with lots of natterings, I mustn't forget that today is a very special day because it's my nephew's birthday. Now before you all say 'ahh what a cutie' when you see his photo (and yes he is ;D) I should explain that this photo was taken quite a few years ago. I'll not say how many to save embarrassment.

My brother has taken all the old family slide photographs and converted them to digital. There's good and bad points to doing this because some of those suckers you hoped would never see the light of day, but then what a laugh we had going over them all together at Christmas. 

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY L'

And to keep the balance here's another photo of his brother from a similar slide. 

He's just celebrated his birthday too. 

January is a busy birthday month in our family! 

'Belated Birthday wishes M'

I've got so much to catch up on your blogs and I apologies profusely if I haven't left a comment. I sometimes nip in to take a peek...because basically I'm nosy and I don't want to miss anything. I'll try to let you know that I've been next time, but please forgive me I'm trying (yes I know...very trying hehe) to get some sort of order and routine into my week. It's an ongoing project at the moment but I'm hoping things will settle by Christmas!!!

Why not nip over to Sally over at Smiling Sally's blog to see more Happy Blue Monday entrants...you'll have a great time hoping all over the globe and you never know what you'll see! 

Have a wonderful week everyone...and I'll hopefully see you soon 

 xoxo

Happy Blue Monday...snow is on the way!

So what time do you call this, do I hear you say....? 

Well, we've been so busy preparing for the arctic blast that is going to have us snow bound from Thursday onwards, according to the weather experts! 

I'm not sure I like to know in advance of what's to come, especially when it shows most of the UK in a blue colour!

Not a beautiful tropical azure blue...more a freezing frosticle blue.

I suppose it's only to be expected as we are now officially in our winter months.

So it's time to get busy and prepared! 

Here's my son helping to get yet more wood stored into the woodshed before the snow arrives. Last time it took US seven hours to move the pile of 'lady logs' into the woodshed. If you'd like to check it out and the fantastic game of Jenga we played...then click here

This time I decided that it would be a good tactic not to order delicate beautifully sized lady logs...more huge dude dobbers! 

That way I wouldn't be able to lift them and therefore not have to stack 

(hehe...or should that be more of a MMMmmmmmhhhhhaaaaaa?)

I'd like to just let you know that he wasn't wearing his hoodie until I produced the camera. He knows I don't like him wearing it, so it could have been a little silent protest or more just to wind me up! 

He also had his music blasting out...(possibly scaring all living things within a 50 mile radius) Well like me he can't do much without music but it wasn't of my choice. 

Thankfully he'd make a quick dash to the ipod to change the track when an inappropriate track or lyrics resonated out of the woodshed! 

My son's had a busy day today really, because he's now having to write a report and earlier he took McMuffy for her walk. He'll sleep well tonight! 

(not that he doesn't usually) 

As you can see McMuffy is wearing her blue tartan coat.

I've got so much to catch up on your blogs and I apologies profusely if I haven't left a comment. I sometimes nip in to take a peek...because basically I'm nosy and I don't want to miss anything. I'll try to let you know that I've been next time, but please forgive me just for these few crazy weeks! 

Why not nip over to Sally over at Smiling Sally's blog to see more Happy Blue Monday entrants...you'll have a great time hoping all over the globe and you never know what will appear! 

Have a wonderful week everyone...and I'll hopefully see you soon 

 xoxo

Happy Blue Monday...London weekend break

Morning! (Oops it's not anymore)

I'm a little late today, but what can you expect when you've had a hectic weekend away in London. 

I must admit taking a break from all the renovations, mess and army of workmen coming in and out of the house was a brilliant and much appreciated idea. It must have been mine!

We only had a limited time for a short break, but never the less, we sure packed in a lot of things...so much so that I was limping at the end of the weekend (contrary to my hubby's constant comments about inappropriate shoes, my shoes were fine ) 

In order to get around the city we used the underground rail system. It is the oldest and one of the busiest underground railway networks in the world!

I didn't really realise what was in store...travelling to Covent Gardens on a Saturday night was madness as far as I'm concerned! 

I don't like crowds and people in my personal space, but let's just say I didn't have much choice. I've never been pushed and poked so much in all of my life. I'm sure at one stage my feet lifted off the ground, as I was swept along with the tide. 

I'm sure my physical examination wasn't as up close and personal.

 I thought it was just me...but I did hear a young girl frantically telling her boyfriend that she didn't like it...NOT ONE BIT! She looked like a bunny caught in the headlights! 

It was quite reassuring that I wasn't the only one feeling like I was a piece of meat off packed off to market! 

I could have taken a photo to show you the madness, but there again I had no idea where my arms where, never mind my camera! 

If you prefer the era of the steam trains then you might like to take a peek at one of my earlier post ~ click here 

I like this photo because I think it gives the impression of London, it's exactly what was happening...everything whooshing past at incredible speed and you just have to hang on and go with the flow. 

(I know...don't I sound an old fuddy duddy?)

Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos over the weekend...namely because I forgot to take my camera out with me! Not only an old fuddy duddy...a forgetful one too 

I felt like I'd lost a limb and there was no way I could return to the Hotel to collect it because we had dinner and a show to see.

However, I did manage to capture these cool Bowler Hat light shades in the Hotel lobby.

(The first bowler hat was originaly created for Edward Coke, the younger brother of the 2nd Earl of Leicester in 1849. It was designed by London hatmakers Thomas and William Bowlers for hatters Lock & Co of St. James's. The brief was to create a piece of headgear that could be worn by gamekeepers when they were out riding to protect their heads from low-hanging branches. It is thought that before accepting the hat Coke arrived at the shop in London and stamped on the crown twice to check its robustness. He paid 12 shillings for it. The Bowler went on to be associated with businessmen in the City of London. During the 1950's and 60s men wore the Bowler as part of the City uniform but the practice died out during the seventies...

...info courtesy of Laura Roberts, The Telegraph)

 I think they're really cool...what do you think?

If you ask anyone to name a London icon along with the Bowler Hat there's a good chance that they will say......the London Red Bus! 

Da...dah!

I quite like the fact that this red bus now has my blog advertised on its side (hehe) 

This particular bus is a vintage model and used for weddings. 

And so on to Convent Gardens. 

Now this was a treat. 

What a fantastic place and as you can see incredibly popular. 

Street acts, fantastic restaurants, beautiful architecture and so much more.  

There's definitely a buzz about the area too. 

We actually had difficulty finding a restaurant that didn't have at least an hours waiting time for a table. This was a little stressful because we had tickets for a show.

I needed to eat otherwise my stomach may have out rumbled and roared Mufasa 

(we were going to see The Lion King hence the reference) 

But finally we did manage to eat and arrived at the theatre by the skin of our teeth...running up the stairs and virtually crowd surfing to our seat as the opening bars of the show resonated and reverberated throughout the theatre. 

From those opening bars we were spellbound. 

The costumes, music, choreography and incredible voices cast their spell. 

Here's a brief clip and each time I hear it...I get goose bumps! 

What an amazing spectacle and that voice!!!!

I think if you are able to see this show then you should because you will not be disappointed. 

It would be a fantastic Christmas treat for the children because it keeps very true to the Disney film. UK booking and various venue details here

(By the way, just to clarify I'm not receiving any form of payment for this promotion...this is just my view)

I'm not sure when it happened but I'm beginning to think that I'm now an old country bumpkin. The frenetic pace of the big city was a little much at times and I must admit I gave a sigh as we left. London is fantastic to visit and stay for a brief time but for me personally, I like to get back to open spaces with room to breath!   

I know that there is a fair amount of red in my post today, but there's also flashes of blue. 

I'm hoping that Sally who hosts Blue Monday will forgive me and allow me to link up today. 

If you look at the video clip you will see Rafiki has fantastic blue makeup 

I'll wish you all a Happy Blue Monday.

Don't forget to pop across to see more of the Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally's blog.

 

Crathes Castle...Blue Monday

When the dawn breaks to a beautiful crisp autumnal day, you can do nothing but head outdoors to appreciate it. And that's exactly what my daughter and I did.

Wrapped in our winter woolies, hats, gloves and boots plus of course our camera we headed along the River Dee towards Banchory. 

Our destination is my favourite local castle. 

Crathes Castle has fairytale turrets, gargoyles and the ancient Horn of Leys given in 1313 by Robert the Bruce are just a few of the features of this historic castle. 

The gardens of Crathes and estate are ideal for walks, picnics, or just to relax and enjoy. There are six separate trails to explore. 

A delight at any time of year, the famous gardens feature great yew hedges which never cease to amaze me. There are also colourful herbaceous borders. 

So are you ready for a walk? 

The Crathes Gate House appears in the background.

This photo is for everyone who visited yesterday for Silent Sunday and wanted to take a further peek through that gate...don't worry I'm going to revisit in the spring, when there will be so much more to see. I hope you don't mind me just showing a fraction of it today. 

Here's another gateway...which has 'Rebuilt in 1810' engraved over the top. 

You can also see the castle in the background. 

It was a perfect day to appreciate the autumn colours.

Still waters...

The metal structure on the right-hand side in the photo below is a fish ladder. This allows salmon to continue swimming upstream to their spawning grounds where they themselves were born. Salmon are capable of swimming against extremely strong currents and leaping up large waterfalls. Autumn is when the salmon are most prolific but unfortunately we didn't see any this time.

And so onto the castle...

Okay, so I've teased you enough... here is the majestic Crathes Castle.

I adore the ancient topiary hedges of Irish yew dating from 1702 which separate the garden's eight themed areas. 

They remind me of Walt Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland' don't you think? 

I wouldn't be surprised to see them dance around. 

Because we were wanting to stay outside, we didn't go into the castle but don't worry I will take you in soon. 

But we did stop for a much needed cuppa and a scone of course

(as one does after walking the forest trails) 

plus a visit into the art and craft wee shops and gallery.

Here's my daughter perusing all of the fabulous artwork...

(Don't worry the boys were having a great time too...in the pub watching their football team win).  

Just look at that blue sky!

 Wow, it was such a fantastic day and who would think that we're in the middle of November.

Which is why I'll wish you all a Happy Blue Monday.

Don't forget to pop across to see more of the Blue Monday posts at Smiling Sally's blog.