BERTIE MEADOWS

Sweet pink roses and cushions

2012-01-25T17:22:00.016Z

Hello

These beautiful, pink roses are for you. Yes from me to you, to say a big, warm, heart felt

THANK YOU.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by to say hello, and leave so many lovely words of encouragement. It is very dearly appreciated. I've had a spring in my step all week. You've spurred me on, no end.

You've helped me to take the plunge, and tackle the sewing machine once more.

I couldn't quite face making another tea cosy, so I took the easy option and made a matching cushion instead.

She's now sitting proudly in the kitchen.

I'm on a roll, still having fun. The novelty hasn't worn off yet.

In fact I'm already on with another one!

Bye for now!

Bertie x.

A cosy tea

2012-01-14T16:00:00.021Z

Hello!

Don't you think January is the most leisurely month? Perfect for making plans, snuggling up and drinking lots of tea.

That's what I've been doing, I'm easing myself slowly into 2012.

I decided to attempt making a tea cosy, to make my tea drinking more pleasurable. I'd doodled an idea years ago, and thought I'd start there.

If I had known how long this project would take me, I may not have attempted at all!

I was off to a flying start, pattern made, fabric cut.

And then came the actual sewing bit. The bit that scared me.

My sewing machine has been sat unloved for about five years, waiting patiently for the day when it could be let loose on a piece of fabric.

After a day of YouTube video tutorials, and pulling my hair out, I'd finally cracked it.

My first foray into the world of machine embroidery.

And I absolutely loved it!

Loved it !

The sewing machine and I are now friends.

I pressed on, experimenting and making piles of fabric petals. Deciding what would go where, and in which order to place, and how was I going to join this bit to that bit? All fun.

And many, many, many, many, stressful, joyful hours later...

I am ready to reveal,

my tea cosy.

Ta-da!

Oh I'm chuffed to bits, so proud of my tea cosy am I!

I feel as though my fear of the sewing machine has at last been conquered, and I am now ready to progress onto the dizzy heights of a matching cushion. What a rock and roll lifestyle I lead!

But I know that you get it, the feeling of satisfaction and pride of making something with your own fair hands. It's addictive isn't it?

Tell me, if you saw this in a shop, would you part with your hard earned cash and buy it?I would love to know, and appreciate your honest feedback. Because I feel like making another one!

Bertie x

Escape to Bamburgh

2011-12-30T22:45:00.016Z

Hello, I hope you have all enjoyed your Christmas celebrations. We have had the most wonderful time. A few days ago we managed to escape the Baileys and Quality Street and drive north to beautiful Northumberland. This gorgeous cottage will be our home for the next few days.

Isn't it lovely? Have a little peek through the dinning room window.

Do you want to come and have a look inside?

O.k then I'll give you a quick peek in to the sitting room.

Isn't it cosy? I shall never want to leave.

But the best thing of all about this cottage is the view of the neighbours pad,

the stunning Bamburgh Castle

I would love to stay and show you more, but I really must dash.

It takes us 20 minutes to get 6 adults and 8 children, clothed with hats scarves and gloves, and out of the front door. But so worth it, as a bracing walk along the beach makes you feel alive.

I hope you all enjoy your celebrations this evening. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Welcome 2012 I can't wait to see what delights you have in store for us.

Bertie x

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T00:19:00.006Z

Hello, hello,

Seasons Greetings to you.

{my gingerledge}

I know we are all so busy on these last few days leading up to Christmas, but I had to pop in to say

HELLO.

and wish you all a very merry CHRISTMAS.

Are you all ready? Got your halls decked? Your bottle of Baileys, and tin of Quality Street?

You do?

Well that's great, I'm glad to hear it.

Go and make yourself a hot chocolate, and put your feet up for ten minutes,

you deserve it.

Have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy every moment of it, and I'll see you all next year.

XxX

Ice lolly giveaway!!!!!

2011-07-21T10:33:00.013+01:00

:: Due to a poorly laptop and a house full of children, I'll draw a winner next week xx ::

{ I hope }

Hello, gosh it's a bit hectic around here. My children finish school today for the Summer, YAY. I'm busily trying to get ready, so that we can all enjoy the best Summer ever! ( I say that every year) And of course that involves lots and lots of ice lollies.

I thought it would be fun to make some. I'm so excited to share these with you. They aren't the edible kind though.

No, these are going to hang around all Summer long.

Looking delicious.

Used as cute place settings, when friends come round for tea.

Reminding us all to enjoy the Summer whilst it's here. But most of all to have some fun.

I would love to send a little bit of Summer fun your way. As a way to say thank you for all your lovely comments, and for knowing that you understand my silliness for making things like this. I've enjoyed making these so much I just have to share.

Please leave me a comment and let me know how you celebrate your Summer, and I'll enter you into the giveaway. I'd love to hear from you. I'll draw a winner next week.

Bertie xx

Three little things

2011-07-14T13:29:00.012+01:00

Three simple little things today,

snipped sweet lavender from the garden,

organising a little corner,

and finding the perfect spot to hang a prized possession.

My youngest daughters clay cottage. To be treasured always.

It's all about the little things.

And I'm giving myself extra brownie points,

for not eating this last little piece of cake!

Summer lovin

2011-06-30T11:29:00.023+01:00

I'm having such a fun Summer this year. I've been gallivanting around all over the place. Down to Kent for a family holiday, across to Scarborough to see Sir Elton, over to the lakes on my honeymoon, and up to Glasgow with my Mum and Sister to see Take That!

And now I'm home, I love to be at home. Just doing my thing and enjoying every moment of it.

I'm lovin the light Summer evenings, and going for walks across the moors,

to the local pub,

to enjoy a well deserved glass of wine.

I'm lovin these crocheted bikes spotted on holiday in Whitstable.

I took a photo of them to share with you, because I know you'd LOVE them too. They remind me of the ones in this magazine (yep, lovin that too).

I'm also lovin my morning routine of going to feed the hens,

and collecting their still warm eggs in my little basket.

I've fashioned together a pencil with a bit of string to tie on the side, so that can write the date on the eggs before I forget, and they all get mixed up!

And now I'm lovin GRASMERE GINGERBREAD, we visited this quaint little shop whilst on our honeymoon.

It smelt delicious!

I had to use all of my charm to get them to pose for this photo . Can you feel their embarrassment?(bless em)

I'm lovin having a sneaky slice in the afternoons, with a cup of tea in my new favourite mug. Ummmmm.

I'm lovin all my goodies sent in Lucey's button swap.

especially these gorgeous buttons that Lynda hand made for me. Thank you Lynda.

A little sneaky peak of some buttons I made for Lynda,

a little handmade rag ball, and lavender filled heart. I left them to rest in the jar to absorb more of the aromas. But I couldn't resist taking the lid off every now and then, to have a sniff.

I'm lovin Susan Branch's new blog. What an inspiration she is. I want to move in next door to her on Martha's Vinyard.

When I clapped eyes on the delicious coffee cake that she's working on for her new book, (can't wait for that to come out!)

My mouth started watering and I just had to try and make one myself,

and then devour it in five seconds flat on my new roses and raspberry plate.... Heaven.

I'm lovin the lawn just before it's fortnightly cut, bursting with a carpet of buttercups and clover.

I'm lovin my new shabby Amish star. I've wanted one of these for so long, and I couldn't believe my luck when I spotted one in my local shop of gorgeousness.

I'm also lovin that I'm still moving her around, to try and find the prefect spot to place her.

It's all part of the fun.

And last but not least, I'm lovin that our little den, the room that the children and I share, play and make things in, has had a makeover....... and has almost reached the status of organisation!

I'd love to share it with you when it's finally done, soon I hope.

With so much to enjoy this Summer. I don't want it to end. I sometimes wish I had a pause button don't you? I'll have to make sure I make the most of everyday.

I hope you're all enjoying your Summer too. I'll be back soon.

Bertie x

Just for fun...

2011-05-03T14:11:00.011+01:00

Hello, I'm back for my glamping trip! All safe and well, with out any need for male intervention! Thank you for all your good wishes. We had such a good time. As you can see, I did pack the kitchen sink. My poor Landrover (Big Stan) was on his knees, and I could just about manage to fit all three of the children in!

Any how yesterday was our last day to have fun before the return to school. We have taken all the Easter decorations down, and the house needed a bit of fun putting back into it.

So out comes the tissue paper,and it just has to be red, no other colour will do.

After a little gentle persuasion and some clear thread, we manage to make some pom poms.

Let me tell you these things are a little tricky, but once you get going it's addictive.

They really do brighten up the room. I love walking in and seeing them up there. Full instructions can be found here . Go on have a go.

Just for fun x.

Easter Fun

2011-04-21T16:54:00.012+01:00

Hello, hello, how are you?

I just popped in to wish you all a HAPPY EASTER.

Do you like my cute photo? I took it last year after we'd hatched some chicks in the incubator. I've been waiting all year to share it with you. Who can resist fluffy chicks at this time of year? I remember just after I took this shot, the chick on the left did a great big poop on my table!

Bless.

Well you know me, I can't resist a bit of Easter decorating. So the old paint brush has been out again.

I made a little wreath to hang on the front door. And I've added a few little touches here and there.

I've not gone too made this year, although I'm still obsessed with moss and making these little fabric roses.

But what I'm really looking forward to is the MUMS FROM SCHOOL GLAMPING TRIP next week Yay! My friend rang to confirm our booking, and told the owner that it was just 8 mums and 16 children turning up. He said " so no husbands!? Not even to come and help you put up your tents? " She politely told him, sisters are doing for themselves! We don't need husbands! Oh boy, I hope she's right!

I had a practice run the other week, I hope I can still remember when we get there!

Well I'm going to sign off now and bid you farewell. I'm going to have a glass of wine, and enjoy the rest of this gorgeous sunshine.

I hope you all have a HAPPY EASTER.

I'll see you after my glamping trip, wish me luck! xxx

Pancake race

2011-03-08T12:11:00.011Z

This morning our eldest daughter was proudly chosen to represent her school, in our towns 1st ever pancake race. So of course we went along to (embarrass her) show our support.

All the local officials where there to oversee the proceedings, and make sure no cheating took place.

Delicious Bettys kindly provided the pancakes, and the competitors goody bags.

The competition was fierce in the boys race, as they headed to the marker they had to flip and catch the pancake, before reaching the finish line.

There where a few casualties.

But all in all everyone had a flipping good time ( ha ha- sorry).

Happy Pancake Day x

Moss and pom poms!

2011-03-04T16:45:00.013Z

I have a moss fetish!

I have been collecting luscious thick clumps of moss, from our dry stone walls. And the bigger the clumps that I managed to peel away, the more excited I became, sad but true. When I found an acorn wedged between the stones, long forgotten by the squirrel, well it nearly tipped me over the edge.

But I'd had and idea, and I couldn't wait to get started.

Whilst drinking tea and scoffing digestives I pinned my lovely thick moss to a polystyrene egg.

Popped it in my thrifty goblet,

and had a rummage for some pink pom poms that I knew I had stashed away somewhere.

There's a ta dah moment on it's way.

Ta Dah! My three little mossy pom pom thingies. Oh I just love em.

Now shall I clump them together? Or stand them in a line?

Lace doily - or not? Many more hours of tweaking and admiring are required I think.

But for now I'll just leave them sunbathing on the kitchen table.

Have a wonderful weekend x

*** A few people asked me about the shrinkies on my last post. It's called frosted shrinkies available from the craft shop a pack of 6 sheets is £5.99. If you have a look on flikr there is a shrinkies club showing lots of ideas. ***x

Shrinky dinky do dah's!

2011-02-28T10:28:00.016Z

Hello, hello, I hope you are all fine and well, and enjoyed a wonderful weekend?

We had a marvelous one thank you, as we helped to celebrate a dear friends 40th Birthday. I decided to make a few little gifts to take along to the party, (just for the girls).

You know how it is when girls get together, you have a glass of wine and a good old natter, you put your glass down and forget who's is who's . You have to play guess the lipstick on the side of the glass don't you? Well no more guess the lipstick for us!

Yes the old shrinking plastic was dragged out of the cupboard.

Give me some felt tips and a hammer and I'm quite happy.

I've never used this plastic before, so I wasn't sure how much it shrunk.

I couldn't resist making some bunting, and having a play around, oh the possibilities are endless with this stuff!

(so cute)

I was pleased with how the name tags turned out, just the right size. I threaded them on to some thin wire. Added the hearts, some beads and a little ribbon to give them the finishing touch.

And popped them each in an envelope to take along,

And I'm pleased to say everyone loved their glass charms, they went down a treat.

Cheers! xx

Fresh as a daisy

2011-02-21T09:07:00.009Z

Hello, hello,

I'm really enjoying my little daisy jug and glasses, picked up from a vintage fair the other day. £8.00 well spent I think, to try and brighten up my table on such a grey day.

It's half term this week, and I know that as I go about my ways, trying to do a little brightening up here and there.

My little ones won't be far behind.

Brightening up little areas of there own.

I hope you enjoy your week xx

ALL YOU NEED IS...

2011-02-14T10:47:00.013Z

Hello, do you like my little love badge? I finished making it last night. In fact for the last few days I have been happily working away on a few bits n bobs.

I decided to hang them on my tree (one of the centre pieces from our wedding), quite appropriate me thinks.

Have you sent a special someone a Valentines today?

Or maybe you've received one?

Was it sealed with a loving Kiss?

I hope you have a special day today,

and spread a little LOVE

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! XOX XOX

Coming out from hibernation

2011-02-07T21:41:00.011Z

We are slowly getting glimmers of hope, that spring is just around the corner aren't we?

I am dragging myself out of hibernation and rolling up my sleeves in a mad frenzy to get ORGANISED!

I have been adding a touches of green around my home. To freshen it up and add some much needed springiness!

Covering my plastic plant pots.

And adding a few little finishing touches.

That's better.

I have been on a mission to to find a place for everything in our home. And I have been alternating my time between dropping off bags to the charity shop, and collecting storage from Ikea.

This seems to be my life's mission at the moment, my latest project. And now that all my children are at school, and I don't have a wedding to plan, it seems like a good place to start.

And because Valentines is just around the corner, my poor Jasmin ( happily flowering last summer), has been persuaded to look like this.

I'm sure it'll grow on her!

I'll be back when I'm organised!

Happy Spring cleaning xx

The road ahead

2011-01-11T14:13:00.019Z

I have always been one to wonder along at my own pace, being the last to catch on to things. I am rather S L O W, but a happy slow all the same.

And so the year ahead has not been planned in the slightest. I'm just waiting for it to unfold before me, to see what it will bring.

I intend to spend the whole of January snuggling up with the people I love, as much as possible. Despite the urge to de-clutter and organise my self.

And for the rest of the year it will be business as usual, filling my days with...

Ironing

Exploring

Washing

Frying

Playing

Painting

Cleaning

Teaching

Sparkling

Hatching

Delegating

Treating

Reading

Stitching

and baking

my little heart out

but all with a cherry on the top!

Being able to spend my days enjoying these simple pursuits, looking after my family and home, is something that I appreciate every single day.

I intend to make every day of 2011 count.

Thank you so much for your congratulations and kind comments on my last post, you really are a special bunch xx

Happy Days

2011-01-05T10:28:00.006Z

Happy New Year my friends!

I wanted to pop in and wish you all the best for 2011.

I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing year.

( a rare glimpse of me getting ready for the big day)

I also wanted to thank you for all your heart felt good wishes, and congratulations for our wedding day.

It truly was magical, and I'll treasure the memories for the rest of my days. Even the part when the boys forgot the rings! Yes really, but it added to the laughter of the day.

I feel very blessed indeed.

I'll be back soon

Mrs Meadows xxx

2010-12-18T13:20:00.004Z

HELLO, hello, hello!

Gosh it's been a while since I've joined in the fun at blogland. The past few months have past in a blur. So much has been happening, some good, some not so good. But I'd like to focus on the wonderful, amazing, magical, happy occasion that's taking place tomorrow.

As I popped my head out of the bedroom window this morning I could see this, and the butterfly's started to flutter in my tummy. Because tomorrow I marry my wonderful D and I'm so excited I could burst!!

So I have been chopping down branches and setting them in plaster to make my table decorations.

Here's a little sneaky peak.

Now I must go before I explode with happiness and excitement. But I would love to report back soon and let you know how our day goes, is that o.k.?

If I don't bob in before I would like to wish you all a magical Christmas xxx.

Leaving for a while

2010-09-14T20:18:00.003+01:00

I hope to return soon x.

An old acquaintance

2010-08-26T17:35:00.007+01:00

The children are playing happily,

So I take the opportunity,

to get re acquainted with an old friend, who was found in the cupboard.

and enjoy a few precious moments in peace x.

Apple pie for the soul

2010-08-23T17:58:00.014+01:00

I do like to tinker around with things . Add a lick 0f paint and some fabric. Change things and make them my own.

...Why bother?

Well.... every time I see it, it will make me smile,

I'll remember how much I enjoyed doing it ,

and it makes me happy..... simple.

Just like baking a pie.

It won't bring peace,

or cure cancer,

I certainly won't win a prize at the country fair.

But in my little world,

with the best of my abilities, it's a gesture of love,

and that is soooo good for the soul x.

Scarecrow hunt

2010-08-19T10:56:00.015+01:00

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales lies the beautiful village of Kettlewell.

They host the most wonderful scarecrow festival every year, and all the proceeds go towards the Church, village hall and the school. Trail sheets are bought for £1.oo, and they are used to hunt for clues on the scarecrows, and solve the riddle.

Kettlewell is such a special place, you feel as though you have stepped back in time, I can imagine how life used to be in this beautiful part of the world. I dream of retiring to little cottage in the village one day. So it was a delight to look around and have a nosy for our future home.

All of the community has joined in the fun and made a huge effort to make the festival a success. Even the farmers have given up the use of their tractors.

So many pretty cottages , wouldn't you just love to have a look inside?

This fella was huge standing by the riverside, he took first place in the scarecrow competition.

A teddy bears picnic on the lawn,

a closer look.

A B.B.Q outside the quaint Village Church

And a wedding taking place inside.

After a good look around exploring and searching for clues, we started to get hungry, so we popped over this little foot bridge,

to the Tea room, and sat outside to enjoy the view.

A nice hot cup for tea and a roast beef sandwich.

Then off to the local store for an ice-cream to finish it off.

Look it's G,g,g,granville .

Just see how adorable it is inside, with all the shelves of produce. I would love to pop down to the store everyday to get my groceries , with my little shopping basket. They stocked everything you could ever need, all lined up neatly on the shelves, and delicious ice-cream too.

I'm thinking of becoming a member of the Kettlewell weight loss plan.

Oooh so pretty.

Aghh, see what I mean everything is just so picturesque. This Hanzel and Gretyl cottage with it's candy canes and lollies won second prize.

Coco the clown in a cottage courtyard.

And the dancing May pole. Every where you look there is something to be seen.

Oh yes I could live here.

Aren't the locals such good hosts for allowing us to invade the village?

Especially for putting up with someone as nosey as me!

I really couldn't leave without saying good bye from Bertie x

SPUDS!

2010-08-16T11:55:00.010+01:00

Tucked away in the corner of our field, we've been growing some bags of potatoes. It's been such an easy and simple way for us to grow spuds, all they needed was topping up with soil and a little bit of water now and then. We haven't had to worry about rabbit proofing them, and the hens haven't been pecking around them either.

At last potato harvest day has arrived, and we can see what's been going on inside those bags for the last few months. After some frantic foraging we found our first spud. We then tipped the bags out onto the grass and let the children race to gather them up. We grew 3 varieties, new, baking and red, and they all did well.

Much praise and patting on the back took place as we admired our spuds, and wheeled them round to the kitchen. Not bad for our first attempt.

After the official tasting we were feeling very pleased with ourselves indeed.

Although I did have to remind the children that it's rude to play with your food!

Tut- tut x.

Bonjour!

2010-08-03T20:50:00.015+01:00

Bonjour bonjour, oh it's so nice to be back here in blogland again, it's been a while hasn't it?

Yes you can probably guess that I've just returned from a wonderful trip to France. After spending many hours on beautiful sunny beaches, and thoroughly feasting in every way possible, I feel positively bursting with enthusiasm. So of course I wanted to pop in and share a little bit of it with you. Don't worry I've wont go overboard, ill just show you some of my favourite things which mainly consist of eating bon bons and shopping.

In an attempt to embarrass the children in many years time, we made them all sit and have their portrait's drawn.

I indulged them, and myself in one of the prettiest sweet shops I have ever seen.

Oh how I wish I could have brought this pink candy floss cart home with me.

But I did manage to bring a few goodies back. These three little glass domes are proudly displaying on my kitchen table.

And we bought a painting too, oh I'm so happy that this came home with us.

Aren't they cute, I think my favourite is the white one with the pink flower? I'm going to hang her in the kitchen.

I bought this pretty string dispenser to sit on my desk,

and a mercury glass heart to hang on the mirror in the loo!

And maybe one or two (dozen) bottles of wine as well. It's amazing we didn't have to leave one of the children behind to fit it all in the car.

Thank you for indulging me by letting me do my show and tell. As wonderful as it is to go way, it's always so nice to come back home. I hope to drop by more often and share my little bits n bobs of life x

House guests

2010-06-03T10:03:00.032+01:00

Last week I noticed a lot of activity outside our bedroom window. Lots of swooping and chattering, comings and goings.

On closer inspection I found this.

A new House martin's nest under construction. Fantastic, what a privilege? Now we can get a closer look at these amazing birds.

We gave them some privacy for a few days, as D and I headed for London, to enjoy the delights of the Chelsea flower show.

After many years of watching Chelsea on the telly, I was thrilled to experience the show first hand. It was BEAUTIFUL.

The Yorkshire Rhubarb Crumble and Custard garden made me smile.

There where quite a few camera crews around, I did my very best to try and get in front of them.

As we walked onto Main Avenue I felt at home as the Leeds City Council garden unfolded.

Being a Leeds girl, I used to walk my dog Snoopy along the Leeds canal, this garden took me straight back to my childhood.

Another camera crew trying to ignore my talents!

After sharing a bottle of champagne with my D, and listening to some Glen Miller it was time to get ready for the evening show.

Sadly the BBC hadn't received my email, and my name wasn't on the list to present the show that evening. Alan had to press on without me.

Not to worry, I spent the rest of the afternoon soaking up the delights of the gardens.

Wondering if we could construct something like this back at home.

And dreaming of the spending the rest of my days in the M&G garden, my absolute favourite, just beautiful.

We had a truly special time at Chelsea, returning home the next day full of inspiration. I've added all the show photos to my flickr page if you want to have a peek

Now that were back home I've been checking in on the House martins, watching their progress.

Mr Martin has been painstakingly adding layers of mud to the nest.

Mrs Martin inspecting his workmanship.

This is how it was shaping up at 7.30 this morning.

Mrs Martin is most definitely the boss, offering some constructive criticism.

Hurry up Mr Martin I want to start nesting!

Just a few soft furnishings, a bit of grass to make them feel at home and it's all done.

I have been attending to my own nest lately. My youngest is starting school in September, and this chapter of my life will soon be over. After nine years of being at home with my children I'm ready for a new challenge. One things for sure, these are very precious days indeed x.

Count your blessings

2010-05-05T09:32:00.010+01:00

Hello, May greetings to you all. I'm so happy to be bouncing along into the month of May. With so many things to look forward to at this time of year, it's a very happy month indeed.

I've started on a new project too, and I'm really excited about this one.

I bought this little key cupboard back in November last year, a charity shop find. You can tell by the grey light in the photographs that we were in the depths of winter. I really wanted to paint it, but didn't fancy doing it outside in the cold, so it was stored away.

A few weeks ago I dusted it off, and gave it a few licks of paint outside in the lovely sunshine.

At around the same time Amy started a new project too. A stitch along to count your blessings. What a lovely idea. So I've decided to join in , and turn my key cupboard into a count your blessings key cupboard , phew. So far I have marked out my rectangles on a piece of grey linen. There are thirty six in all, each one will represent something to be grateful for. I've left it on the arm of my chair. It's waiting for me to find a quiet moment to sit down and enjoy adding my marks with needle and thread.

I've chosen some bright happy skeins, that will pop out against the grey of the linen. A nice contrast to the cream paint of the cupboard too.

I love my little corner, it's ready and waiting for me to make a cup of tea, turn the radio on, and make a start.

This is how I left it yesterday evening, and this morning it's calling me to make the first stitch.

Can I show you what I get up to as I stitch along? That would be great, you can help keep me on track x.

Friday treats

2010-04-23T14:04:00.009+01:00

Yay it's Friday, and you always have to give yourself a little treat on a Friday don't you?

It's a little celebration of getting through the week, and a big HELLO to the weekend.

My Friday treat is a bar of delicious milk chocolate with raspberry's, and a cheery bunch a flowers. A simple weekly celebration.

But I don't want you think that I shall be wafting about eating chocolate all weekend. Sadly no, I shall be swapping chocolate for chunks of concrete, and filling skips, as our latest project is underway.

Better enjoy my Friday treat while I can.

Have a great weekend x.

Red,White and Blue in Whitby

2010-04-18T09:34:00.009+01:00

Sun shine Sand in your shoes Sea spray Ice cream Jet stones Lucky ducks Fish and chips

Beach huts Sea gulls Fishing boats Beach combing Sticks of rock Children laughing

Fun day Happy memories x.

Hatching H.Q

2010-04-13T18:49:00.016+01:00

We came down to breakfast on Monday morning and got a pleasant surprise. All your kind words and well wishes did the trick, as our eggs had begun to hatch a day early.

My youngest chick had been up all night with a nasty tummy bug. Still feeling under the weather, he camped out next to the incubator, so he didn't miss any of the action in between naps.

After hours of watching the dome, listening to the faint cheep cheeps, we had movement.

Slowly this little chap fought his way out, looking thoroughly exhausted.

And before too long another one , so cute.

Well we have been glued to this incubator all day, not being able to tear ourselves away. By midnight we had three, out of six hatched, but could not keep our eyes open any longer, and off we went to bed.

This morning we were so pleased to find five, of the six eggs, had hatched. Sadly there are no signs of the last one hatching out.

It was getting a little cramped and steamy in the dome, so we moved the chicks to a pen on the kitchen floor. There's a heat lamp to keep them warm, water and chick food. Plenty of wood shavings scattered, to stop them doing the splits. But all they wanted to do was huddle up together and keep warm.

There's a lot of squashing and chirping going on under there.

After a few hours on gas mark 2 they came out all fluffy and gorgeous, just look.

Aren't they adorable? This fluffball above is my favourite, with her little black spots. The one below is called Mitchy, my eldest is the proud owner.

There's been so much cuddling going on this afternoon.

We've all had a go. I don't know how much more cuteness I can take!

Even my Mums got in on the action. Bless.

You know this won't be the end of it don't you?

I'll be back with more, I just can't help myself x.

Scones!

2010-04-11T20:22:00.017+01:00

Oh I don't know about you but I have been sooo good lately after all that chocolate. There's only so much salad a girl can take though, before she needs a proper fix.

I had an urge for some scones. I can't believe I've never ever made them before, why didn't anyone tell me how easy it is? How much fun it can be?

When I bake I like to get all my ingredients measured out into bowls, in a Blue Peter fashion, do you? I love sticking my hands in and getting them all gooey.

But by far my favourite part was cutting them out and painting them with milk, before giving them a final sprinkle of sugar on top.

Twelve minutes later and we have a result.

Oh boy am I ready to try these. But first I need to nip to the shops, as they cool, to get some clotted cream.

And then the fun begins, a thick dollop of clotted cream, followed by a spoonful of strawberry jam, I squish the lid on top, then sneak outside ALONE, and eat my first home made scone in the sunshine.

DELICIOUS!!!

HEAVEN!!!!!!

At last I feel like a true domestic goddess ;)

By the way do you say scone as in own - or scone as in gone?

I'm an own scone girl myself .

How many sit ups do you think I'll have to do, to burn that scone off? x

Helping hands

2010-04-07T18:03:00.021+01:00

Hello, hello, oh it's all been happening around here! Now that the days are a little longer and warmer, outside has been getting a lot of attention.

At last after months of planning and waiting, we have a newly planted hedge. Hawthorn, hazel, blackthorn and holly all mixed alongside each other to make one dense hedgerow.

It doesn't look much now I know, but hopefully in time this will grow into a wonderful habitat for birds and wildlife, and provide a natural border for us too.

But the most heart warming thing about our new hedge, is that it was all provided and planted by a wonderful group of volunteers. I did not lift a finger, well except to make the tea.

They didn't mess about either, after the hedge was done it was onto the trees.

They planted in and around our wildlife pond. Lots of native species including oak, my favourite, and I hope they are all still here long after I am gone.

The pond's looking rather neglected at the moment. But with a bit of hard work we hope to make this little oasis, a hive of activity in the next few months.

Just when we thought that strangers can't get any kinder by donating their time and effort, we received a donation of 12 newts to put in the pond.

It started to rain just as we released them. But I did managed to snap one of them as he swam away to hide.

We have some frog spawn too. So things are busying up a little. Some pond dipping will be taking place soon I'm sure.

This Summer will be our third year up here on the moors, and slowly we feel as though we are putting our stamp on the place, with lots of helping hands along the way.

We spotted our first sleepy Bumble bee today too.

Oh it's all good stuff.

A glorious summer would be the icing on the cake x.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T10:18:00.005+01:00

Wishing you all a Happy Easter x.

I shall be doing what I do best, eating lots and lots of chocolate, making delicious things in the kitchen, and most importantly of all, spending time with family and friends. I hope you all get to over indulge too x.

Mother Hen

2010-03-23T10:20:00.007Z

We are so excited this morning, as we are about to hatch a plan.

For the last few days I have taken on the role of Mother Hen. Every morning we have collected our eggs, and stored them in the downstairs loo! The only room in the house without a radiator, with the correct humidity and temperature to keep the eggs happy until incubation. I have been in and out of the loo so many times, to turn the eggs and move them from side to side. I hope I've been a good Mother Hen.

Our incubator arrived yesterday, so we set it up, got the temperature right, added a little bit of water to the well in the centre and waited. We just needed one more egg this morning, to bring our total to seven.

We checked the nest box at 7.00, no egg....

We checked again at 8.00, still no egg....

So we popped the six eggs in, and hoped that the seventh would be along soon.

At 9.00 still no eggs to be found, this is very strange, what are those girls up to? I had a look round the garden and found two eggs hidden away under a bush. The girls had both been and laid their eggs in this new hideaway this morning. It's as if they knew, they are very clever those girls. So I quickly chose an egg and popped it in the incubator with the others. I just hope it hasn't been out in the cold for too long.

Here are the parents this morning, Doris, Rocky and Daisy. I have feeling that they know exactly what's going on. The next 21 days will be an anxious wait for us all.

Come on my little chicks x.

H A P P Y

2010-03-19T09:58:00.009Z

Today I am happy that the sun is shinning,

happy that I am free to craft away,

with all my little bits and bobs,

that the ideas are flowing again, and I have the urge to do the things that make me happy. I'm so glad to be back to my old ways.

I'm happy to be digging out the Easter decorations, and filling the house with some happy colour.

Have a happy weekend x.

Happy Mothers Day

2010-03-14T08:31:00.004Z

HAPPY

MOTHERS

DAY x

I hope you all enjoy your special day today, with the ones you love x.

Just in time

2010-02-24T11:31:00.013Z

Way back in August last year my clever D built our log store, and a fine job he did too. At the weekend it was looking a little bit neglected and desperately in need of a re stock.

So we rallied the troops and headed down to the bottom field to the log sheds. We built our log sheds a couple of years ago, and have had some wood nicely seasoning in there ever since.

Out came the chainsaw, and when the back of the Mule was full we headed back up the mud bath to the house.

After a final chopping,

two volunteers were drafted in to fill the log store, whilst Daddy went off to get another load.

Didn't they do a good job?

It was all in the nick of time as we have had yet more snow. The dollops and I are snowed in today, as only one of our cars can safely get us down the lane to civilisation, and Daddy needed to get to work.

Much rejoicing has taken place this morning as I rang the school to let them know. So off they went in their snow suits to have some fun. Poor Summer, our cocker spaniel, has just had all her fur cut off and is feeling the cold.

The bottom field where the log sheds stand, are now homes to snowmen.

And I'm left with the task to fill up the log baskets, ready for when they come back in.

Do you like our snow proof cover- a bit of bubble wrap- tr es chic don't you think?

Well it's not long before they all come back in demanding hot chocolates and food. I think I'll join them and have and have one of my little tortas too. Which luckily for me the children think are utterly disgusting.

Then try to get this lot dried, before they go out again.

There's no rest for the wicked x.

Jellylicious

2010-02-12T17:14:00.019Z

There's just something about jelly that makes you smile.

My three little dollops broke up for the half term holidays today, and a celebratory tea was in order.

There had to be some jelly on the menu.

First raspberry followed by pineapple, then lime, blackcurrant orange and finally strawberry ummm. I've been distilling and cooling these jewel layers all day.

All in an effort to achieve a perfect rainbow wobble.

So what are the chances, of a perfectly intact jelly, releasing itself with an immensely satisfying shhlopp?....

Slim?...

So in between all these cooling layers of jelly, I've been giving my desk a much needed overhaul.

Painting and prettying up my pin board, using my new hankies (Tia, I got them from Jackpot).

Edging newly hung shelves, and generally fluffing and tweaking my way about the place.

Here's a little sneaky peak of a work in progress, it's going to take me a while to finish.

But now I really must go and get on with the ironing, as I'm being whisked away for a romantic weekend in the lakes.

I've got some essential new reading material, that plopped into my trolley at Waitrose. The Goddess experience, yes indeedy, I could do with some of that. " An indulgent delight from beginning to end" it claims. I'm rather hoping that's how my weekend will turn out.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend too, whatever your plans may be.

.....You guessed it, my jelly flopped, but it sure was fun to photograph x.

Filling in the gaps

2010-02-10T13:05:00.022Z

Over the past few days I've been filling in the gaps. A space on my kitchen wall that needed a little something to cheer it up.

So I spray painted a metal soil sieve, to a more respectable cream. Added some magnet clips, and tied on a jug of red primroses.

Et voila, a new message board. A gap nicely filled, it's practical, adaptable, with a bit of spring freshness to boot.

Now then what shall I do next ? I'm feeling very productive today. Some more cross stitch?

Or sew something with these gorgeous hankies that I bought for £2.00 each this morning?

Or work on this idea that's been bobbing around in my head for a few weeks now?

I think maybe I should just get on with the ironing x.

xx Thank you all so much for your very kind comments on my embroidery endeavours, you made my day xx

Home Sweet Home

2010-02-05T16:00:00.010Z

I finished my first "20 minuters" project today, and I have loved every minute of it. I saved this embroidery craftiness, especially for my evening 20 minute slot. Keeping it separate from all my other (unfinished in various states of neglect) projects, makes it all the more rewarding.

HOME

SWEET

yes, you can see where this is going.

Here they are all framed, and ready to be put in place.

I had just the spot for them, above my wotsit in the kitchen.

Now there is a big space on the wall, at the other side of my dresser, crying out to be filled. I already have an idea for that. I'm hoping to get a chance to start on that this weekend.

But for tonight's 20 minute slot, I'm looking forward to starting this, in between a glass or two of red.

Have a wonderful weekend x.

February doings

2010-02-02T11:21:00.012Z

In this fresh month of February I shall be...

dreaming of Spring...

eating lots of these...

trying to cover my new chair...

finding a sunny spot for these...

creating something with wire, paper and glue...

wash my sofa covers for the first time...( I'm dreading it)...

enjoy my 20 minutes a day...

and make a red velvet cake for my dearest D...

What will you be doing? x

The 20 Minuters

2010-01-22T20:00:00.001Z

The very clever Fi of MarmaladeRose has had a wonderful idea for her New year resolution. So good in fact, that it has inspired many of us to join along too. We are a little club ( I like being in a little club) called the 20 minuters. It's simplicity is it's beauty. All you have to do is get your craftiness going, for 20 minutes or more everyday. As Fi says " creating creates creativity", and so it does.

So here are my humble 20 minute offerings. I am painfully slow. A little embroidery project to get me going. It's a craft quite new to me, that I'm keen to explore and improve on. This, I am hoping will turn into a trilogy, for my kitchen wall. There are many talented ladies joining in 20's, with a dedicated flikr page too, (which I feel unworthy of uploading to yet). So please pop along and have a look, or better still join us x.

Freshness

2010-01-20T09:21:00.001Z

With a thick fog descending upon us this morning, a little freshen up was in order, to banish the ever increasing grey.

Fresh bedding

Fresh blooms for the kitchen table

Fresh fluffy towels

The smell of bread, fresh from the oven

Freshly pressed tea towels,

and a hot lemon drink for me.

Very refreshing x.

Patchwork, wotsits and a winner.

2010-01-12T16:36:00.021Z

I've been happily working away today on my first patchwork quilt. Snipity snip into 5" squares I go. Stopping far too often, to place them lovingly on the table. Fiddling , imagining how it will all come together. Am I ever going to be able to stop re-arranging , commit to a layout, and sew it all together?

Yes progress is very slow. But I'm enjoying the process so much, I'm not in any hurry.

Over my shoulder I can see my latest kitchen acquisition , hung on the wall.

I'm not sure quite what to call it, so for now it's a wotsit. My Mum spotted it at a vintage fair a few months ago, and thought it would be my cup of tea. Isn't it unusual, I've never seen one before? I've tweaked it just a little, by adding a flash of red to the rolling pin handles.

I just love the crochet trim with the red edging, and if I could gently sand off the top of the F, and change it to an L, then the initials would be a perfect match.

Anyway that's enough of my kitchen wotsit, it's time to get on with my little giveaway. I wanted to say a big thank you to you, for joining in and sharing your nicknames. You are all such good sports. I've enjoyed reading every single one of your comments. So much so that I printed them all out, cut them up, and screwed them all into a ball. I hope you don't mind. My youngest had the honour of plucking out the winner. And so the winner is....

The lovely Em from Sew Recycled, a.k.a Duggler - love it. Congratulations Duggler, drop me a line and I'll pop your goodies in the post.

Now back to the snipping x.

January doings

2010-01-06T14:42:00.016Z

In this fresh new month of January I shall be ...

Planning and dreaming...

applying lots of lip balm...

reading and snuggling...

making hot chocolates to defrost little noses...

diving into my delicious new cook book...

remembering to drink two bottles of water a everyday...

re-filling the log basket...

to keep to stoves burning...

keeping the house smelling sweet...

with the uplifting scent of a sparkling lemon yankee candle....ummm...

building giant igloo's...

clearing out cupboards and wardrobes...

recycling my daughters outgrown clothes...

into my first patchwork quilt...

absorbing lots of inspiration from my books and folders...to see what I make of it all.

That should keep me happily doing for the next few weeks.

What are your January doings?

One year of Bertie Meadows

2010-01-03T23:58:00.009Z

So I have been Bertie Meadowing for one whole year now. Twelve months of sharing bit n bobs, somethings and nothings. I can't believe it. We all know how much fun it is don't we? What a joy it is, this little thing called blogging. And when trouble has been taken, to leave a comment and a kind word, it makes you feel as though someone has given you a great big hug. Wow, how wonderful is that?

So I picked out the juiciest, rosy apple I could find today to celebrate. I thought you would like something fresh and healthy after all the festivities. I wanted to say thank you, thank you, for always putting a huge smile on my face. To show how much you mean to me, I am offering a little give away. This inspiring book and a few other surprise treats, could be coming your way next week.

You know that Bertie is my nick name. It's not an abbreviation of my real name, and I don't know how it started, but I feel like a Bertie, it kind of suits me.

I would love to know your nick names, and the reasons behind them . So please leave me a comment and I will gladly pop you into the draw. Everyone is welcome to join in ,even if you don't blog . And if you don't have a nick name, just tell us what you would love to be called.

Good Luck, and I'll let you know the winner next Monday x.

New Year Wishes

2010-01-01T12:51:00.007Z

Happy New Year wishes to you all.

I hope this year brings you much health, happiness, and all that you wish for.

We are so excited for the year ahead, I have a feeling it's going to be a good one. With so many things to look forward to, I can hardly wait.

With that in mind, I will not be looking back over my shoulder at 2009, although it was a great year. I will be tucking my happy memories away, learning from my mistakes, and looking forward to what lies ahead. Onwards and upwards x.

At the kitchen table

2009-12-23T19:12:00.024Z

Well hello, greetings from the snowy Yorkshire moors. This was our view this morning after another night of snowfall. What a Christmassy site, it looks like we will be snowed in again. I haven't left our haven for the last few days, and it's been a good excuse to slow down . Although some people are not as happy in the snow as I am.

I have made the most of this slow time by doing some Christmassy crafts. Sat around the kitchen table.

I started with a block of air dry modelling clay.

To make some simple decorations.

I wanted to add some texture to the clay, my Nana's hand made doily was perfect.

Rolled over the clay it came up a treat.

A snow covered Christmas tree.

I left them for a few hours to dry.

added some ribbon and they were ready to hang in place.

Then onto a quick forage outside for some twigs,

and back to the comfort of the kitchen table, to make some rustic stars.

I cut the twigs into equal lengths, and glued away.

It took them outside to spray, and gave them a frosty sparkle.

Hung on the mirror in the hallway, to give a warm Christmas welcome.

An hour or two of crafting at the kitchen table, was the perfect tonic before the festivities begin. I can't wait now, everything is in place and we are ready to enjoy the next few days.

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, and I'll see you in the New Year. I have my first blogaversary to celebrate and a little giveaway to plan .

It won't be anything without you to share it with. I hope to see you in 2010 x.

Little things

2009-12-18T22:44:00.013Z

Hello friends Seasons Greetings to you all.

I have finally worked out how to make a photo collage! Oh what joy, I think this will be my latest obsession.

I have shared a few glimpses from around our home. Like many of you, I have been busy adding the finishing touches to make the magic happen. Lots of ginger bread men have been baked, glittering Christmas cards made, and paper whites planted to bloom just in time. Mother nature has given everywhere a finishing touch too, with a good flurry of the white stuff for us all to enjoy. I've heard it said many times - it's the little things that count - well I'm hoping that all the little things will add up to make this a special time for family and friends. I hope the little things are happening for you too x.

Cheers everyone!

2009-12-09T19:22:00.011Z

Hello lovelies, how are you?

I have a gift for you. Just a little something to say Merry Christmas, and thank you for popping by.

It is a delicious recipe, in fact it is quite simply Christmas in a bottle. As I am unable to deliver you all a bottle, I hope that this recipe spreads some Christmas joy your way.

So shall I get on with it, and tell you what it is? It's Irish Cream. Oh yes it is the bee's knees. If you like Baileys then you will love this, because it is soooo much tastier. So go and grab these ingredients as soon as you can.

Start by whipping 300ml of double cream, just so it begins to thicken slightly, and set aside. Then crack three eggs into a bowl, and pour over a can of condensed milk and gently whip.

Now the delicious part, finely grate 100gm of milk chocolate and add to your mixture.

I used my favourite chocolate the smooth Montezuma's, available from Waitrose or here

Next pour in a bit of Christmas cheer 300ml of whisky and stir. Add 2tbsp of Camp, give it a little mix. Then gently fold in your whipped cream until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.

Decant into a pretty glass bottle and pour yourself a glass over lots of ice. It will keep for about three weeks in your fridge, but I doubt it will be around that long.

It is so delicious, I hope you enjoy.

Cheers and Merry Christmas x.

Christmas bunting

2009-12-01T10:58:00.007Z

Hello and Happy 1st Day of December to you all. I hope you all enjoyed opening your advent calenders today, there was much excitement in our household this morning, and that was just the adults. I am slowly decorating our home this week, with a few little Christmas sprinkles here and there. Slowly, slowly is the best way for me, as I do like to have a good tweak and re shuffle as I go along. It will all be done by the weekend though, when we put up our Christmas tree's. A day we all look forward to every year.

This year I've started with some bunting that was so quick and easy to make. I threaded some festive ribbon through some delicious scented sachets. I bought them from Sue's lovely shop a few weeks ago, and they just smell so sweet.

They have the merriest looking Santa's on them too.

So I'm now off to spread a few other little seasonal decorations throughout the house, and I shall thoroughly enjoy every minute of it x.

So wrong...and yet so right!

2009-11-27T10:29:00.013Z

Hello lovelies, I've not been doing much baking lately and our eggs are beginning to pile up a little bit.

So I decided to make a meringue, but not just any meringue, oh no it would have to be a super duper chocolate one. I've never made one with chocolate before, so luckily I managed to cobble together my bits and bobs and started separating the eggs. I love doing that bit.

I used 8 egg whites, and gave them a good old beating. I then added 8oz of caster sugar,( 1 oz per egg or 28 grams ish per egg). I was guessing a little bit but threw in 1 tbsp of white wine vinegar, 1 tsp of cornflower, 1 tsp of vanilla, and lots of drinking chocolate until it look chocolaty enough, about 4 tbsp full.

After another good beating it was ready to spread on the baking sheets. Another very satisfying moment in the process. I popped them a low oven (100) for an hour and kept checking on them. I wanted them to be crunchy on the outside, and soft and chewy in the middle. When they sounded hallow after a little tap, they were done. I turned the oven off and left them in there, to cool down slowly. When my Mum makes a pavlova she leaves it in over night, but there's no way I could wait that long.

After much pacing up and down, and foot tapping it's time to crack on with the meringue sandwich filling.

I whipped cream and icing sugar, with a good sprinkle of cocoa, and a little bit of vanilla extract.

Plopped it on to my lovely gooey base and got spreading.

Grappling with the top layer, trying to get it on without breaking it, was fun and games I can tell you. I was on a mission, but it still needed a certain something to finish it off.

Oh yes some more chocolate, it's too late to worry about the calories now!

Ooh lots and lots of melted, dribble off the end of your spoon, chocolate.

Heaven ....

But I didn't stop there oh no, I was on a culinary expertise wave, oh yes. I still had a few eggs left.

Pickling was the answer.

I remembered reading about an end of a country walk tradition. Which of course has to end at the pub. You get yourself a pint, a packet of crisps, and pop a pickled egg in too. I'd wanted to try it ever since.

It sounds disgusting I know, and yet it is just so right. In my professional opinion, I would recommend scrunching up your crisps first, so that you get little pieces of crisp stuck all over the side of you egg. Try it, it's delicious.

Watch out master chef.

I hope you have a disgustingly delicious weekend x.

Sweet stocking filler

2009-11-23T11:34:00.011Z

Hello friends I hope you are all dry and well. I've been trying to keep out of the rain this weekend, by crafting away on a few goodies for Christmas.

I decided to make my own version of this. I do hope those sweet people don't mind, but I am trying to be thrifty. If I am able to make rather than buy, I will choose that path every time.

So a glass jar from Ikea, a bit of glue, and some scraps of fabric was all it took.

My favourite part was adding the treats. We are lucky enough to have an old fashioned sweet shop in town, that has rows and rows of glass jars filled with sweets. I stocked up on flying saucers, sherbet fountains and dib dabs. I enjoy taking my little ones there on a Friday after school, to choose some treats, just as my Mum used to take me.

A little bit of ribbon and a cute little label, and she's all done. I made an extra jar to keep in my sweetie cupboard.

But I don't think it will stay full for long x.

Comfort & Joy

2009-11-16T11:18:00.015Z

Hello friends, can you feel it in the air yet?

I certainly can, little waves of excitement for the Christmas season are washing over me. Is it o.k to mention the C word, out in the open now, I've been holding out for sooo long.

I've been sprinkling glitter everywhere, and making (a mess) some decorations. A chance to add a few home made touches to the celebrations.

Oh I can't wait, I love the hussel and bussel of getting ready for Christmas, and all the anticipation. That's one of the joys of playing house, you get a chance to do things your way, with your own traditions and memories.

This year I want to spread a little comfort and joy, to my family and friends.

And I'm going to start right here, at home, in my little nest.

Let the comfort and joy commence!

I would like to say a BIG thank you, to all of you who took the time to leave me a suggestion about the Aga. They were gratefully received, and as soon as I get my finger out, and get to it, I would love to show you what we do. Have a joyful week x.

Bessie

2009-11-11T10:54:00.017Z

A few weeks ago I gave Bessie a good old clean up, as the Aga man was coming. She had been turned off all Summer to save on the oil bills. She was going to be re-stuffed, and turned back on poor thing. She's about forty years old now, and she's wearing a lot better than me. I was counting down the days, until the big switch on, I do miss her when she's turned off. But finally he came, and the heart of the home is restored once more.

When we first moved in Bessie looked like this. In fact everything looked like this - BROWN!

I tried to Bertie things up a little bit by throwing some white paint around, and a little bit of my favourite red, as we saved up for a new kitchen.

That day finally arrived just over a year ago.

And this is how she looks now. I just love before and after pictures don't you?

But she's still not finished, I can't decide what to do for my splash back. I've collected lots of inspirational images over the years. I keep them all in a big folder. Here's just a few.

I like this idea of writing delicious words on the wall.

Or maybe hanging a shelf for my bits n bobs.

This red one has just been painted and left, I think it looks cute.

Or should I tile, or tongue and groove? Oh I can't make up my mind. Please help, your points of view would be greatly appreciated as you all have such good taste x.

All I wanna do..

2009-11-09T10:30:00.010Z

All I want to do,

is sit in my cosy chair, with a cup of tea,

and read my new book, and be inspired by some amazing bloggers. But...

I've got too much to do, so for now I will tie on my pinny and get to work.

But I'm not complaining oh no. There was a time many years ago, when the days crawled by, and I would count the minutes until it was time for me to go home. I wouldn't change places for all the tea in China.

Thank you for all your kind wishes for our bonfire party, we had a wonderful time, and everyone can't wait till we do it all again next year. I think it will take me until then to recover!

Celebration preparation

2009-11-05T11:37:00.013Z

Hello friends, it's a really beautiful day here today, and it's a good job as we're busy getting ready to host a bonfire party on Saturday.

It's coming along nicely.

We're using old wooden pallets, and hedge trimmings, anything really that we can get our hands on.

We have plenty tucked away in the food store, to throw on as the night progresses. Lots of straw bales for bottoms to sit on, huddled around the fire. I do hope it stays mild and dry. On my wander around I was pleased to see the wild flowers still in bloom, and I wanted to show you something pretty before the next picture.

I didn't envisage ever posting a picture of a porta loo on here, but there you go. We've hired them for the evening, so that we don't have muddy wellies walking through the house. They're quite nice inside actually.

On the night I'm in charge of feeding and watering, whilst D is handling all the manly jobs, involving fire and big bangs. I'm not looking forward to slicing all these onions, I think waterproof mascara is definitely needed. We will be serving our home reared sausages and roast pork. Yes the pigs have now gone.

It has been an experience, and I have been reading Hugh's book a lot recently. It has re assured me that we have done the right thing. If you are going to eat meat, you might as well eat from an animal that has had the best possible life, and ours certainly have. Or better still rear your own, I'll say no more.

Yes we are very excited to be hosting our first ever bonfire night.

If you are celebrating tonight, I wish you a safe and happy evening x.