tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083636019814976442024-03-12T11:34:50.139+00:00tales from cuckoo landCuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-18647549540812924802014-04-10T14:21:00.001+01:002014-04-10T14:21:17.139+01:00Knit Club Holibobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/knit-club.html" target="_blank">Knit Club</a> </div>
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With a PASSION! </div>
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Well there's only one thing I love more and that's Knit Club Holiday. Suzie (The Wool Sanctuary) organises it twice a year at Kirstie Allsopps Hand Made Home (book and TVshow). </div>
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Meadowgate is an idyllic get away. It takes my breath away. Actually it takes my words away too for I have come to write this post many times over the past fortnight and I manage to write a load of twonk. This is not helped by the fact that I can't get my photographs to stay in the order I am putting them in. Most frustrating.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day I'll return to Meadowgate and I will sleep in this sweet twin room. </td></tr>
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So I will write whatever comes into my head and I will leave the pics to sit as they please. Why stress? I'm getting my knickers in a twist about plenty of other things in real life without getting silly over a blog post. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine and my friend Princess' room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a moment of pure perfection</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mum came too and she made this little bear called Wilf</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Cuckoo's godmother</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mum had a birthday when we were there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-u-o0Vu5qWkuQCQrJShyphenhyphenm44xdkM23v5tlfgqhUHHzwvtHrBEBBr9iOW1HA9hlXyGMvNjXdX2pEUvpUZHatxDaiXJtzPOMYau5wSHWs2kWTh_eqIlROtIQo2pHA8HaP41VHSZW49aFeBZ/s1600/IMG_4282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-u-o0Vu5qWkuQCQrJShyphenhyphenm44xdkM23v5tlfgqhUHHzwvtHrBEBBr9iOW1HA9hlXyGMvNjXdX2pEUvpUZHatxDaiXJtzPOMYau5wSHWs2kWTh_eqIlROtIQo2pHA8HaP41VHSZW49aFeBZ/s320/IMG_4282.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Cuckoo's godmother</td></tr>
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On the way home we stopped at Donna Flower's home. She laid on an amazing afternoon tea for us. Such a lovely, lovely lady. I bought a heap of fabric and have spent the past year (Yes these pics are from February 2013) overdrawn as a result. I am rubbish with money.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8D1L9TxGtVRsWaZUMHwGQ8LpyfMtg4auvqDcauwLsCn8HrVlutH7a5OgWEVmauwGFpE1_Nc-OSfaSaN2QkD_-1A0JgcVIIx9U9jhMl6wnKY3r_sCNqcJdnUET05NvslJlfFoW0Gum9Mz/s1600/IMG_4296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8D1L9TxGtVRsWaZUMHwGQ8LpyfMtg4auvqDcauwLsCn8HrVlutH7a5OgWEVmauwGFpE1_Nc-OSfaSaN2QkD_-1A0JgcVIIx9U9jhMl6wnKY3r_sCNqcJdnUET05NvslJlfFoW0Gum9Mz/s320/IMG_4296.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shabby Chic Sarah (Love her)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuHr0Uu0Ntc7JwAWGrDmVUoOfxBkH14BA-RwVFFJ9Hbj_kC2mwR7b8W6R6YxYV_Yyg1BMs6aPXHyEIPSvUdVwVC-LvXqMBJW2VHAc2hHm9MprCls3sTUTOmYXqvrCHpMdzz_MHTSaesgx/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuHr0Uu0Ntc7JwAWGrDmVUoOfxBkH14BA-RwVFFJ9Hbj_kC2mwR7b8W6R6YxYV_Yyg1BMs6aPXHyEIPSvUdVwVC-LvXqMBJW2VHAc2hHm9MprCls3sTUTOmYXqvrCHpMdzz_MHTSaesgx/s320/IMG_4313.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Right, no more typing. I'm hitting publish. I need to go and write comments on blogs.....</div>
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ps. What is going on with blogger? My pics are not this poor quality on my computer but they are awful in this post and dreadful when I make the photo's extra large. It's this sort of pain in the butt thing that puts me off posting these days.</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-70759013183373281702013-12-07T17:45:00.000+00:002013-12-07T17:45:05.430+00:00It's that time of year when this tip may be useful...<br />
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I have a love of fairy lights. I have a few strings up all year round. They lift the gloom on a grey day and make me feel festive. However, I am really not keen on the clear white bright LED lights. Nor is my Mister. One year I bought new Christmas tree lights. I spent a good while placing them on the tree and then popping on all the decs. With great expectation and excitement I flicked the switch on to see the tree in all it's glory.......and... Oh my eyes! Bright light Bright LIGHTS!!! The Mr and I squealed like gremlins. I stripped the tree back to naked and went on a Soft Fairy Light Mission. If only I'd had my eureka moment back then.</div>
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My Eureka moment was nothing short of sheer cleverness in the Hermione Granger fashion. Yes I'm bragging. Yes I'm smug. Yes maybe you are all way ahead of me and have been secretly altering your bright white lights with gay abandon. Well whatever the case here is how I literally just now turned a Way Too Bright White Hurt My Eyes ornamental heart into the Sweet Cosy Soft White Light Heart that you see above.</div>
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Here is my magic wand. A glass painter pen that I bought from Hobby Craft. I'm sure any glass pen would work. I found the yellow pen I had bought to be too cold. The orange above was perfect. Only put a blob on the end of the light though as when the lights are off, if you have been over zealous, you will have orange dollops in your decoration. This makeover took me about 48 seconds. It took longer to write this spur of the moment post.</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-8174502861053087322013-11-17T19:54:00.000+00:002013-11-17T19:54:13.317+00:00Pimp my cardi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Before I begin, I have replied to everyone who was so kind to have taken the time to comment on my last two posts. If you've not heard from me then it is likely that you haven't entered your email dress into your blog settings and are a "No-reply Comment" blogger. This means that when I get an email alerting me of your comment, if I reply via that email it just spins off into space and never reaches you. I must have sent thousands of replies into the ether over the years. It's not so bad if I notice you're a no reply commenter and you have a blog because I could find you that way but if you haven't a blog then I can't get in touch.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjXM1vKajW1GnlRmS5N0HOu53yhvrjaiVtJpWGxPZWHAWTeIFvUDUfRsGNjSoRsFM64JuaN5jr2sQbGBQ8n4OI11eIwobMHPIRk_LJeR8uXfzM9TDRPcuB01ndxtBIQ2Ydr1H0RKBqvhO/s1600/P1020770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjXM1vKajW1GnlRmS5N0HOu53yhvrjaiVtJpWGxPZWHAWTeIFvUDUfRsGNjSoRsFM64JuaN5jr2sQbGBQ8n4OI11eIwobMHPIRk_LJeR8uXfzM9TDRPcuB01ndxtBIQ2Ydr1H0RKBqvhO/s640/P1020770.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See more of this <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/cardigan.html" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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Me and cardigans, we're good mates. I like most cardigans. I've not met very many that I don't like. My preference is for a soft cotton cardigan that costs very little so that I don't feel bad when I attack it with ribbon, embroidery, scissors, buttons.... I'd feel a bit of a cowbag if I did my meddling with a Brora cashmere cardi.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOs8KBDa0FkE4DJgOJuqQ-z2kJ2vYTB473IGGeut6yTgiENB1ZMUROTQMU0qZe5joiamwNFRxRxIwCupdvXlOFrWoIRw__nr65uJK9OB2Jeb8vN4md6oDqPQEPb6AK1rlWc5ExWagzl_TE/s1600/blackcardi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOs8KBDa0FkE4DJgOJuqQ-z2kJ2vYTB473IGGeut6yTgiENB1ZMUROTQMU0qZe5joiamwNFRxRxIwCupdvXlOFrWoIRw__nr65uJK9OB2Jeb8vN4md6oDqPQEPb6AK1rlWc5ExWagzl_TE/s640/blackcardi1.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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It wasn't possible to get a good pic of this black cardigan. I don't wear this one very often as these days I rarely wear black. It shows up too much boy bogey. Mini Cuckoo likes to rub his snout on me a few times a day. Oh the glamour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_Ip2VXyWSVW1t5hYFuYKm8CgD6g_3xYuXQiwomeY_PP29VRNiq0QyJzMbkc52yMqpoxdjme5DxLPgENnmEAebUSCkWix_evCS0nfoNdvCwKPjTiGXFq_ihrZuQGC-PQvB4Jl7tSspa9S/s1600/blackcardi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_Ip2VXyWSVW1t5hYFuYKm8CgD6g_3xYuXQiwomeY_PP29VRNiq0QyJzMbkc52yMqpoxdjme5DxLPgENnmEAebUSCkWix_evCS0nfoNdvCwKPjTiGXFq_ihrZuQGC-PQvB4Jl7tSspa9S/s640/blackcardi2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Like the blue cardi above I used a Cath Kidston pattern from her "Make" book. I enjoyed stitching these cardigans. It was like colouring in with thread. Something I spent hours and hours doing as an only child.</div>
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I have a swillion ideas for pimped up cardi's and I have about 5 New Look/H&M cardigans ready for attacking waiting in the wings.</div>
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This one was a little cheapy cotton cardi from H&M. It was sweet just as it was but after an addition of a velvet and lace trim it is sweeter still. At least I think so and a few other people have complimented it too.</div>
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It only took about an hour to hand stitch it on. Quite a satisfying thing to do when the kids are in bed and the husbando is watching some crubbish on TV like Ice Pilots or that gold digging one with the Hoffmans (who have wonderful architectural facial hair) who are always looking for a glory hole *snigger.</div>
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This cardi is pimped up Marie Antoinette style by snipping a hole in the middle of a doily and sewing it on to the inside of the cuffs. This too took very little time. I used doilies with cotton fabric centres and cotton crochet edges. I snipped the hole with pinking shears and zig zag stitched them to the cardi. I reckon this took me just half an hour. I love a quick craft.</div>
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This is the same cardigan as above but with a removable crochet collar. I wear this collar pinned to a number of cardigans, jumpers, dresses and even my denim jacket (though it is quite a bleeder to pin on to my denim jacket). I have two of these collars, one small and one large, they are very versatile. I wear the large one backwards sometimes. If you want to make one then go <a href="http://www.lululoves.co.uk/item/crochet-collar-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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ps. My youngest son is a very gorgeous child. At least I think so. He is quite a placid little chap and has a sweet funny nature. We all adore him and thank our lucky stars that we were blessed to have him.</div>
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However he is two and a half years old and has his moments........</div>
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LOOK AT HIS FACE HERE!!!!</div>
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So ugly! It is just too funny!!!!</div>
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But really he is a cutie....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was a really lovely lipstick. Humpf</td></tr>
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er...maybe not!</div>
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Nah, truly he is.</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-70264398902428597432013-11-12T19:43:00.000+00:002013-11-12T19:43:04.361+00:00The blanket that should have been my first knitting ta dah<br />
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Remember way back when I started knitting? (There's a whole post about it <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/knit-club.html" target="_blank">here</a>) I built my stitch repertoire and skills up by following the monthly instalments from The Art Of Knitting mag. Each month there was a pattern for a new square for the patchwork woollen blanket. The mag came with revolting yarn and I decided early on to use gorgeous yarn so I could enjoy every moment. Well, when I say I 'enjoy', that isn't what really happened. I'll admit to crying over my knitting as I was learning. I found it frustrating. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXsqSOEHWmRIbeL00bDOGpK-zszabVUC_DS04A8G5MYgchpopCTthk0SQRDg_DZlv-EwJjWxrNIPfPy5VLU5QyA1ZLq_40ZrF1UlyCamW6YeEWfCRvUAHfIaLM_dnSc43u-SeYA06qtUf/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXsqSOEHWmRIbeL00bDOGpK-zszabVUC_DS04A8G5MYgchpopCTthk0SQRDg_DZlv-EwJjWxrNIPfPy5VLU5QyA1ZLq_40ZrF1UlyCamW6YeEWfCRvUAHfIaLM_dnSc43u-SeYA06qtUf/s640/IMG_2562.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I wasn't naturally good at it to begin with. I couldn't pick up a dropped stitch and had to unravel so much I wondered if I may as well stick to crochet. But I rarely give up with anything. I'm a stubborn bird. To my detriment sometimes but often, like with knitting, to my benefit. I'd say my stubborness (is that even a word?) is a good thing on the whole. Actually, as I think of it, stubborness with a little laziness maybe the perfect combo. You fight for the important and let the trivial slide. Yes knitting is important to me! I love it...now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxBHd1G5H6hunLsisKBwyOC9VykHpm9EC3fDm3ooWripzhylwNwMoSYd-HGN5cHhgIbowPOnJaAdmtC54Kd38BS8wxUFALm6Nqu8Qdh1ewCr4g0TascrZQxaKscRVgKCwd6jRw-PWujkX/s1600/IMG_2563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxBHd1G5H6hunLsisKBwyOC9VykHpm9EC3fDm3ooWripzhylwNwMoSYd-HGN5cHhgIbowPOnJaAdmtC54Kd38BS8wxUFALm6Nqu8Qdh1ewCr4g0TascrZQxaKscRVgKCwd6jRw-PWujkX/s640/IMG_2563.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I couldn't say if I prefer knitting over crochet though. They each have their attractions. There are few crochet garments I would wear aside from mittens, scarfs etc... I've not found a cardi pattern I'm dying to hook up. Where as I have hundreds of knitted cardi's, jumpers and even skirts ear marked in my ravelry account. </div>
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I don't love knitted patchwork blankets like I love crochet patchwork blankets. I do have deep fondness for this blanket for all it taught me but the back of it looks a right mess to me. The seams aren't neat even though I mattress stitched them. A crochet blanket tends to look good from all angles. Of course a solid knitted blanket would look nice from both sides. </div>
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I will always be both a crocheter and a knitter for I like them for different reasons. If I'm watching a programme on TV that needs a bit of attention then I would always opt for some simple knitting so that I could keep my eyes on the TV, I can feel where the needle needs to go whereas with a hook I have to look. </div>
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I'll never abandon my hook, not least because it makes me feel connected to my Great Grandmother who I never met. Nanny Laura. She was my Mum's Mum's Mum. There's a mouthful. I was very close to my Mum's Mum, Nanny Dot. She gave me my nickname Cuckoo. I loved her dearly and miss her fiercely. My heart can't reconcile that I've not seen her for eight and a half years. I digress, my Nanny Dot used to talk about her mother a lot. From all accounts Nanny Laura was an amazing woman. My own Mum loved and misses her grandmother the same as I miss mine. </div>
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My Mum saw a spiritualist/medium chap a few years ago. Now, you may or may not believe in these things but sometimes they aren't vague and they truly know facts that they could not pick out from body language alone. I'm not going to go into a debate about authenticity here, sometimes I want to believe because it comforts me, other times the scientist in me whistles through her teeth. Anyway this spiritualist described my Great Grandmother and gave a few other personal facts for verification. He told my Mum that Nanny Laura had been watching members of our family waiting for someone to show an interest in the things she was good at in life (I know this sounds stupid) and she had decided that she would give her skills to that person. The medium told my Mum that Nanny Laura had chosen me. Funnily enough when I sat with a book to teach myself properly how to crochet (my Mum had shown me in the past but I couldn't retain it) I had the most enormous sense of de ja vue. It was like I suddenly knew what to do. I never struggled to hold the yarn and control it. My hook felt like an extension of my hand. My tension was fine immediately. I felt a sense of contentment in those early days that I'd not felt in that precise way before. I could almost smell a new smell. I'm sure I'll lose some followers for saying all this and I know I sound barmy but I speak the truth. This is how it was. I seemed to instinctively know what I was doing all of a sudden. Shame I wasn't given the gift of knitting. That was blood sweat and tears!</div>
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And now for a little silliness. Those of you who read my blog and know me in real life will know Mr C and will find this pic of the poor man hilarious. </div>
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Yes he was in pain.....because his Father was removing a plaster from his leg. The wuss!!!!!!</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-6732381737708087862013-11-03T10:03:00.000+00:002013-11-03T10:03:08.065+00:00Peg bags are stupid...usually<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Now there's a statement. Borderline inflammatory talk. But they are stooooopid. They are never quite where you want them when hanging out the washing. It doesn't matter if you have a rotary drier or a long traditional line dryer. You have to keep moving the wretched thing. I don't know why this annoys me so.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little hearts all in a row...I know they are there</td></tr>
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Don't get me wrong I like how a peg bag looks. I adore the cute fabric ones, I'm dotty over ones made from old childens clothes and I own a rather fetching enamel bucket peg bag. Yet I still think they are stupid. Cor, I am a feisty one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHehmA05JBl9zGBUdRvUl_CbA6ug3uDnfRofBfPUOUiOBg09w8lCkzorXyU4wEVC81Hn-GnlTVGO5JSmZ4KVXydydt6VppVmQzeW8w-jJHhlo2jKwHah-ufrvHEE55F2-96ahcOd8wWD8/s1600/IMG_5173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHehmA05JBl9zGBUdRvUl_CbA6ug3uDnfRofBfPUOUiOBg09w8lCkzorXyU4wEVC81Hn-GnlTVGO5JSmZ4KVXydydt6VppVmQzeW8w-jJHhlo2jKwHah-ufrvHEE55F2-96ahcOd8wWD8/s640/IMG_5173.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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My mate Princess has got it sussed. She has always used a long across the body bag from India. That was until it fell to bits and she mused out loud that she should make herself one using <a href="http://teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jane's</a> bag pattern as featured in Mollie Makes mag issue 10. She had made her eldest son a school bag and said it was a doddle to make.... so I jumped on the bandwagon (as I always do, when will I have an idea of my own?) and made one hell of a clever fancy pants peg bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUxTmvENEDkB5_nRx_uqPEOqeo2H4kqIhgp2t7KQi5UAxatPNVGtx8qOFwn9gGoJ0NLIgW6sIfka6uce5W8Be86oDoAn9gyz2OuvCM2oymRtXrWL62HL210x3MNc9J_hyXG0zQM0aGJUL/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmUxTmvENEDkB5_nRx_uqPEOqeo2H4kqIhgp2t7KQi5UAxatPNVGtx8qOFwn9gGoJ0NLIgW6sIfka6uce5W8Be86oDoAn9gyz2OuvCM2oymRtXrWL62HL210x3MNc9J_hyXG0zQM0aGJUL/s640/IMG_5176.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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It's genius. It gets slung across my body and travels around the washing line with me. The pegs are constantly in the most convenient place and it hangs happily off the corner of my rotary drier till I get the washing in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCNV2QxeV7N1n3CZv7wnO4DlEyCQ0-A1cmTjPbYuw32RGD9UMXidc9RV2qzOOw7j3MZdJxsMTBQxzG19LgzFda94E3D9SfRT5yHPIJGBXAKZbVzGdbQ7vaKSQZFmC1Vc1HsL9C8NE2GSi/s1600/IMG_5177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCNV2QxeV7N1n3CZv7wnO4DlEyCQ0-A1cmTjPbYuw32RGD9UMXidc9RV2qzOOw7j3MZdJxsMTBQxzG19LgzFda94E3D9SfRT5yHPIJGBXAKZbVzGdbQ7vaKSQZFmC1Vc1HsL9C8NE2GSi/s640/IMG_5177.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I hate pegging out. It's a bore. I like the look of white washing on the line but a dark wash disgruntles me. I like outside dried washing smell but I flipping loathe that there is always a spec of bird crap on something. Gah. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlTHTUnkNfmQ_BTyXfBPt4HZQXMVDE5xF85Cnan494YpI1KV9E8lhTEXmZxyosURShljRqRhQzkansnqmdD4BYuE1MWaw1lVg5TA-m_SHmw_uTZnwEw-H_8BX-k6pTr9rFotQYAWmiJ0E/s1600/IMG_5180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlTHTUnkNfmQ_BTyXfBPt4HZQXMVDE5xF85Cnan494YpI1KV9E8lhTEXmZxyosURShljRqRhQzkansnqmdD4BYuE1MWaw1lVg5TA-m_SHmw_uTZnwEw-H_8BX-k6pTr9rFotQYAWmiJ0E/s640/IMG_5180.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7KRqqs3PSdxNL-i7FL3eXdEYn-ZwVeQZenXP3LmwiqctfB8_kgapr5_10oFB-LrsItcvYtkQOD412aeuD_2tHe2QzSD7eyKANW5DQRTfUSkfogtV7yHWjDBtVYipSeQMrrahWrnbwd-t/s1600/IMG_5181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7KRqqs3PSdxNL-i7FL3eXdEYn-ZwVeQZenXP3LmwiqctfB8_kgapr5_10oFB-LrsItcvYtkQOD412aeuD_2tHe2QzSD7eyKANW5DQRTfUSkfogtV7yHWjDBtVYipSeQMrrahWrnbwd-t/s640/IMG_5181.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Using my Fancy Pants Peg Bag does make up for these grumps, a bit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz1tCViIMPyWi6QhRDiX_BgCurlhXQZ_rkQ0z1-54k16bn8XlrCxPGGnGuy_GbbAFU4A9NgbvrHCXqxNcsMO7Bl_i1oSiCoigAyodcO0cLTD4b3tNUj5miHFdRV5YESCFb6DyH6AIyhs0/s1600/IMG_5182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz1tCViIMPyWi6QhRDiX_BgCurlhXQZ_rkQ0z1-54k16bn8XlrCxPGGnGuy_GbbAFU4A9NgbvrHCXqxNcsMO7Bl_i1oSiCoigAyodcO0cLTD4b3tNUj5miHFdRV5YESCFb6DyH6AIyhs0/s640/IMG_5182.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://erinshinestitches.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Erin</a> gave me this button</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HsxNdhwlt5jebeAjCXUucQHIw6St9IdXr3ryhpahDEuE5xo0B0Ps18ksRRg_9KUbGbjh_ofGmDSl7ZMrvnZOer5PsKlAxEKhyphenhyphenp0F46JG3ur0Yyvv91sRSNtUL0j9Dm8yTpyRpvQVrnoZ/s1600/IMG_5187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HsxNdhwlt5jebeAjCXUucQHIw6St9IdXr3ryhpahDEuE5xo0B0Ps18ksRRg_9KUbGbjh_ofGmDSl7ZMrvnZOer5PsKlAxEKhyphenhyphenp0F46JG3ur0Yyvv91sRSNtUL0j9Dm8yTpyRpvQVrnoZ/s640/IMG_5187.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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But if I am frank, the thing I like about it best is it looks nice hanging on the utility room door. </div>
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I love it. I just do. I'm not sorry. I'm happy to gloat over it. I show everyone who comes to my house my cLeVeR peg bag. Yeah, scratch my BIG head. Or rather, scratch Princess' head for the idea and <a href="http://I hate pegging out. It's a bore. I like the look of white washing on the line but a dark wash disgruntles me. I like outside dried washing smell but I flipping loathe that there is always a spec of bird crap on something. Gah)" target="_blank">Jane's</a> talented head for the pattern. That Jane is a clever devil.</div>
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Whilst I was stitching my middle boy, Little Cuckoo (though he is hoooooge now), said he wanted to sew a blanket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurKPu_S80eu4Ce7qinGvmPgLW-PI0_F_ulwLukiay0Edj0Ev-xNYyEZpq3BMKNsuP37IY-gy7myAElitcQpJS8BXkLBcvxEn2nc48s_biip1t0oMS1oC5q7ST_apOgPxWOZuoBxaeBZE5/s1600/IMG_5171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurKPu_S80eu4Ce7qinGvmPgLW-PI0_F_ulwLukiay0Edj0Ev-xNYyEZpq3BMKNsuP37IY-gy7myAElitcQpJS8BXkLBcvxEn2nc48s_biip1t0oMS1oC5q7ST_apOgPxWOZuoBxaeBZE5/s640/IMG_5171.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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He chose some felt and some embroidery thread and started to sew.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84ybB_wcIwYAoQYw0eE8SOkEbwUDOiFyVSWiCUdAdrx4YInNTOwGOlpahT1RbNDmog2aFjjzjBmjrVDSE3AGOUS2jJhjAr5mTBaGzPyoUdYUP4q2_M48xlwH2xs4TQ-oHZ_Ywxy-uaSMW/s1600/IMG_5167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84ybB_wcIwYAoQYw0eE8SOkEbwUDOiFyVSWiCUdAdrx4YInNTOwGOlpahT1RbNDmog2aFjjzjBmjrVDSE3AGOUS2jJhjAr5mTBaGzPyoUdYUP4q2_M48xlwH2xs4TQ-oHZ_Ywxy-uaSMW/s640/IMG_5167.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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He was totally absorbed in his task.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlowrjaJ2eA4VQBL3485Bh2b92bANvhaStL42UuBwvkPLt-T6Xv8Zwgr-4PuP3UOph-MJVBdHRyPwfP4zsfGRp1q1lpjNloaXoihYnHwTfbDPZEh_-I5ULd2HjBSF_qOdgPVJ-O9HbLRH/s1600/IMG_5166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlowrjaJ2eA4VQBL3485Bh2b92bANvhaStL42UuBwvkPLt-T6Xv8Zwgr-4PuP3UOph-MJVBdHRyPwfP4zsfGRp1q1lpjNloaXoihYnHwTfbDPZEh_-I5ULd2HjBSF_qOdgPVJ-O9HbLRH/s640/IMG_5166.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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So much so he stitched his lovely blanket to his pyjama bottoms.</div>
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He thought that was hysterical and laughed plenty. That blanket is as cherished as any crocheted blanket I have ever slaved over. It is adorable.</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-78046476369294363962013-10-29T22:58:00.000+00:002013-10-29T22:58:27.628+00:00Swapsies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love a swapsie, I do. I really enjoy it. I like making things to swap as I enjoy thinking about the person who will receive my gifts and shamefully I get rather excited with anticipation about what I might recieve. Truthfully, I would be happy with any old thing as long as there was a teeny bit of thought behind it. Yet when it is a swap with an awesome crafter extraordinaire, well, I could pee my pants with giddiness and fear. Sending off my swap parcel was nerve wracking because I just knew I was going to get the better deal.</div>
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So imagine, if you will, my sheer glee when this little lot turned up from <a href="http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ness</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooGoLLgGqfJkHUEjOiGlmfNEQ4_whuCfun_aUQjX3yx0zecw49BSgGMzS-V0QWQhM4aIMG7CfQ0kZCSQR94fRToqlK3gYTrILyg9jX1spjAMW-n_jXBcorb5GNBJExa51zBcoOHXAzqVr/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Ooooooooooo! Yessssssssss! These babies are mine all mine! I'm cackling here. You see, Ness had instagrammed (back in the days before she left) the big doily below and so many people had gone bonkers over it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYVFWSIpqFE8NXJoi_im8mdjzcKpe2RwP5M-wJcuCRXFTYV46Ox-kaIl0gxOudPITYaOKNiFobb4kLSw6o2Mz7Y-ejzDjfOJzstFQ5jKPpsnatna9J84IsGnclMF0wC7Bav53lgGfCxsX/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYVFWSIpqFE8NXJoi_im8mdjzcKpe2RwP5M-wJcuCRXFTYV46Ox-kaIl0gxOudPITYaOKNiFobb4kLSw6o2Mz7Y-ejzDjfOJzstFQ5jKPpsnatna9J84IsGnclMF0wC7Bav53lgGfCxsX/s640/IMG_4969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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She is a very clever bugger.</div>
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I sent her some wrist warmers, she couldn't knit at the time and had said she loved the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/button-moon" target="_blank">Button Moon</a> wrist warmers she had seen on ravelry. So I made her a pair. Actually this was how the whole swap thing came about. She mentioned the button moons, I said I'd knit her some, she said only if we did a swap. I wasn't going to argue, I mean who would?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnYKCLdcU0R1Xeswy8ZJHhDdDGXAWBX9SaeCCmk1LlqmDgFwh0y6wiu4yROrWtTSV6Pq3GF-ir7ZqgiPYcD1lyqi4qlZAGNRc9gB11mJvN5F8hTpjDADK8xnypuFk5IyeM93y_tpL3qBu/s1600/IMG_4766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnYKCLdcU0R1Xeswy8ZJHhDdDGXAWBX9SaeCCmk1LlqmDgFwh0y6wiu4yROrWtTSV6Pq3GF-ir7ZqgiPYcD1lyqi4qlZAGNRc9gB11mJvN5F8hTpjDADK8xnypuFk5IyeM93y_tpL3qBu/s640/IMG_4766.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I love reverse stocking stitch. I really like how the colour change makes little stripes.</div>
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I left the buttons off so that Ness could have fun with her own choice. She would certainly choose better ones than I could. But when she received them she said she liked the bows. Nutter.</div>
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They knitted up so nicely and the pattern was a doddle to follow. Looking at these I'm reminded that I would quite like several pairs myself. Just to add to my ever growing collection...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooGoLLgGqfJkHUEjOiGlmfNEQ4_whuCfun_aUQjX3yx0zecw49BSgGMzS-V0QWQhM4aIMG7CfQ0kZCSQR94fRToqlK3gYTrILyg9jX1spjAMW-n_jXBcorb5GNBJExa51zBcoOHXAzqVr/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooGoLLgGqfJkHUEjOiGlmfNEQ4_whuCfun_aUQjX3yx0zecw49BSgGMzS-V0QWQhM4aIMG7CfQ0kZCSQR94fRToqlK3gYTrILyg9jX1spjAMW-n_jXBcorb5GNBJExa51zBcoOHXAzqVr/s640/IMG_5063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you think of these fair isle wristies? Fab huh! Whipped these up in just 20 minutes. Am I not the most marvellous knitter these days? No, I am not. I didn't knit these. They were a little tank top that my boys all wore when they were 12-18 months. I couldn't bear to part with it, I couldn't even pack it away. I wanted to see it around so now I wear it myself and feel terribly smug at my upcycling. </div>
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On to another swap. This was an Easter swap organised by <a href="http://followgram.me/rising_dawn2004" target="_blank">Rising_dawn</a> on instagram. I was lucky enough to get <a href="http://followgram.me/so__laura" target="_blank">so_laura</a> as the person to send my swap items to. I swoon regularly over her photographs of her gorgeous home so it was a pleasure to have an excuse to stalk her and work out what to make.</div>
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Any ideas what this is?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZNhiZ1GfUAeGO-ReYTYzbHDiSPwwHodlkUQ7gTG-6RYggMDCx_dGcFWz4ZGA1Axori34IPKYoOaJ95EIc2FdQlIdGc9urKoisuZgdRhMnJTHdaU9GEJaNo-jVN1dJk_lW32KWXH4mwfr/s1600/IMG_4846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZNhiZ1GfUAeGO-ReYTYzbHDiSPwwHodlkUQ7gTG-6RYggMDCx_dGcFWz4ZGA1Axori34IPKYoOaJ95EIc2FdQlIdGc9urKoisuZgdRhMnJTHdaU9GEJaNo-jVN1dJk_lW32KWXH4mwfr/s640/IMG_4846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a heart shaped oven mitt, or trivet pot stand thing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hwCtcTVEwnDiv4dtCSaH7MogntOB9PSfKS0MRLxpDDmbwR3CVvVi2QmoyuSb4IztODOcgBe5P1FlwBiUHvTG4T-arcVimB3FhpsEB57DGAOl2AIREuNeADdHmUxo12IBYND_1AHUkBRF/s1600/IMG_4852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hwCtcTVEwnDiv4dtCSaH7MogntOB9PSfKS0MRLxpDDmbwR3CVvVi2QmoyuSb4IztODOcgBe5P1FlwBiUHvTG4T-arcVimB3FhpsEB57DGAOl2AIREuNeADdHmUxo12IBYND_1AHUkBRF/s640/IMG_4852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You use it like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUw-0PgR9BRncSwR4xMj5xQUBfZnInVqdS1WYL_7bxihEgV_M6pyOleKlCFndgpIhW5pPfRGxR_27pr9G7mZND4_y7Ns04kw3iXKk_Xx_l-TsMPQCWU-y4SdV3c2fzqToDCM-bSeSRxTqM/s1600/IMG_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUw-0PgR9BRncSwR4xMj5xQUBfZnInVqdS1WYL_7bxihEgV_M6pyOleKlCFndgpIhW5pPfRGxR_27pr9G7mZND4_y7Ns04kw3iXKk_Xx_l-TsMPQCWU-y4SdV3c2fzqToDCM-bSeSRxTqM/s640/IMG_4858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I sent Laura a few other bits and bats too but it was so long ago I can't remember what they were. Ribbons and trims I think. I can't show you what my swap person sent me nor can I thank them as my parcel must have been lost in the post. Dawn never revealed to me who it was. But if it happened to have been you, I thank you and I'm certain I'd have enjoyed whatever it was you made. Thank you.</div>
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☀</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzie wearing her Button Moons</td></tr>
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My mate Suzie nearly, so very nearly, moved away. Well, she did move away but happily for me she returned. I made her a leaving gift, a little something to hang on the wall.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk0TpjDrYRyk3shCaLbbMpL2xOGfKo7oSCg9hgRIZ50Bdl6sV5pnxozmLEHFKqhKGzCrhul3rHUOZuUayGpkDh7-x9CL7YzmTIG_KgHqHJsOF8S-tGh9K3uRgrteq-W_383MQwJyiR0xO/s1600/IMG_4826.PNG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk0TpjDrYRyk3shCaLbbMpL2xOGfKo7oSCg9hgRIZ50Bdl6sV5pnxozmLEHFKqhKGzCrhul3rHUOZuUayGpkDh7-x9CL7YzmTIG_KgHqHJsOF8S-tGh9K3uRgrteq-W_383MQwJyiR0xO/s320/IMG_4826.PNG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg83w5EuKLCrMbNDynT60jBxT_TosnO-AoYhFdiGjO3V9jkIiKPlm2Q277hRZcD5phk6tjJn4yKdpr2AnsKyHmFkkRf1BpJU0d6r2aTzhGgm4Bo5Q-RFaRz5Pa-r1BK1XqpSwk_W9-dxDj/s1600/IMG_4893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg83w5EuKLCrMbNDynT60jBxT_TosnO-AoYhFdiGjO3V9jkIiKPlm2Q277hRZcD5phk6tjJn4yKdpr2AnsKyHmFkkRf1BpJU0d6r2aTzhGgm4Bo5Q-RFaRz5Pa-r1BK1XqpSwk_W9-dxDj/s640/IMG_4893.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Bit of a rubbish photo, I really must get to grips with my big girl camera and stop relying on my iPhone all the time. You can't see very clearly from this but the word "Beans" is cross stitched on to some pretty ditsy floral fabric. Suzie's nick name is Beans because she eats millions of baked beans every year. I used waste canvas for the first time. It's fantastic stuff. My mind is swimming with oodles of ideas using this magic stuff.</div>
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Been a bit of a jumpy post, hey? To finish, I'd like to show you this Spring Time throw my friend Jen made. Crochet has helped her keep sane through some tough times. Crochet is amazing therapy. But I do not need to tell the majority of you that, do I?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdCdEhAjo_NZV-8yAL-qjQImAz-VIA5_04F7WMFRjBcxve8dZuV6YVX2vS9LZ_Ey8um9Ph-S0FmhW199K6voDRBHSLDNQPEME3OSLcaifHSEkhGlSYmVh86CXtuw93WHaNf99dUQaZig8/s1600/IMG_4953.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdCdEhAjo_NZV-8yAL-qjQImAz-VIA5_04F7WMFRjBcxve8dZuV6YVX2vS9LZ_Ey8um9Ph-S0FmhW199K6voDRBHSLDNQPEME3OSLcaifHSEkhGlSYmVh86CXtuw93WHaNf99dUQaZig8/s320/IMG_4953.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
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xxx</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-5682296073240679452013-09-08T21:09:00.002+01:002013-09-08T21:11:27.313+01:00Flash back to Easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF3mw-eyA_iOWtJIRECiNfQT-Z6JNLsnnliXGNl1bgjRUX1a8_iioiT12XmDnlN91s1g3hsU10AILkVP26km0zUp7-MiluOt_qvIcDQPSo702DWlKXnN7S2HZe74YWt8JMEuQSWOXH3Ma/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF3mw-eyA_iOWtJIRECiNfQT-Z6JNLsnnliXGNl1bgjRUX1a8_iioiT12XmDnlN91s1g3hsU10AILkVP26km0zUp7-MiluOt_qvIcDQPSo702DWlKXnN7S2HZe74YWt8JMEuQSWOXH3Ma/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF3mw-eyA_iOWtJIRECiNfQT-Z6JNLsnnliXGNl1bgjRUX1a8_iioiT12XmDnlN91s1g3hsU10AILkVP26km0zUp7-MiluOt_qvIcDQPSo702DWlKXnN7S2HZe74YWt8JMEuQSWOXH3Ma/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF3mw-eyA_iOWtJIRECiNfQT-Z6JNLsnnliXGNl1bgjRUX1a8_iioiT12XmDnlN91s1g3hsU10AILkVP26km0zUp7-MiluOt_qvIcDQPSo702DWlKXnN7S2HZe74YWt8JMEuQSWOXH3Ma/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF3mw-eyA_iOWtJIRECiNfQT-Z6JNLsnnliXGNl1bgjRUX1a8_iioiT12XmDnlN91s1g3hsU10AILkVP26km0zUp7-MiluOt_qvIcDQPSo702DWlKXnN7S2HZe74YWt8JMEuQSWOXH3Ma/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF3mw-eyA_iOWtJIRECiNfQT-Z6JNLsnnliXGNl1bgjRUX1a8_iioiT12XmDnlN91s1g3hsU10AILkVP26km0zUp7-MiluOt_qvIcDQPSo702DWlKXnN7S2HZe74YWt8JMEuQSWOXH3Ma/s640/IMG_5273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love this picture. Everything about it makes my heart feel happy. I love the colours. I adore the flowers. Ranunculus are gorgeous, each bulb springs forth about ten flowers. They just keep coming.<br />
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The knitting, a scarf called <a href="http://www.thewoolsanctuary.com/info2.cfm?info_id=171644&printablePage=yes" target="_blank">Princess Margaret</a> was a true joy to knit. It's a very simple pattern but so effective.<br />
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It is not a quick item to make, it takes about nine fifty gram balls, but boy oh boy it is tremendous. I'm looking foward to making another in cream his Autumn. I have all the yarn ready and waiting. I intend to do a Ta Dah blog post for it soon, but er, you know how long stuff takes me these days, so don't hold yer breath</div>
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I started knitting my scarf on the way down to Salcombe at Easter this year. I was looking forward to our holiday there so very much because we had Mr C's family coming to visit and also </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE MATES!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard core crafting, man! In Dick and Wills after lunch</td></tr>
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For me, although I have been to Salcombe so many times over the last five years, it now feels strange to me if The Mates aren't there with us. The Mates are Fee, of <a href="http://chippernelly.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/easter-hols-part-2devon.html" target="_blank">Chipper Nelly</a> fame and her husbando, Cleggy and their three boys. We all enjoy ourselves so much that we have decided to make a jaunt to Salcombe an Easter tradition and we are slowly weaving in other traditions like breakfast at the diner and chip supper followed by crepes and The Winking Prawn restaurant the night before we leave for home. I think I blogged about Easter 2012 but I'm not sure if I just got a draft post together, or just thought about blogging about it.....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughing her head off, pimms in hand, crochet hook between her legs. Too Funny</td></tr>
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We had bank August bank holiday together too last year and again this year. Another tradition it seems.</div>
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They brought with them a giant Easter egg. It was well heavy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bySyVQ9Yk84QvTyejyB4Eh8WrztjmPZnKeiWrJqr0GNw34YYgKTjeMbQMe_mjM9fxjJvmsHKU_N_-hUMM9q80EuGyaoly2f_KlKn58rrl9SQVkWN3J1Dtv1MaJ7W_m7M3QzZmq4PzlVX/s1600/IMG_5489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bySyVQ9Yk84QvTyejyB4Eh8WrztjmPZnKeiWrJqr0GNw34YYgKTjeMbQMe_mjM9fxjJvmsHKU_N_-hUMM9q80EuGyaoly2f_KlKn58rrl9SQVkWN3J1Dtv1MaJ7W_m7M3QzZmq4PzlVX/s320/IMG_5489.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1echVEAm8czlVuryjEyQZ_jncvXW76sgu_cEHFWp8viqZk6ZAy-yl28gPYkNWWyfuW8cOBEG3AMnBjGi00FJzYVfLQ9rIRwt_FyCh5t0LuZU5qZ2b3hDcur8sUAKZMiwft2TWOWPhpuy/s1600/IMG_5319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1echVEAm8czlVuryjEyQZ_jncvXW76sgu_cEHFWp8viqZk6ZAy-yl28gPYkNWWyfuW8cOBEG3AMnBjGi00FJzYVfLQ9rIRwt_FyCh5t0LuZU5qZ2b3hDcur8sUAKZMiwft2TWOWPhpuy/s320/IMG_5319.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Geordie Boy reminds me of Monica in Friends when she wore the thanks giving turkey on her head and did a wiggly dance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLnRiH-jPPGdVAOJVRQVgzb0Q3-Y226Rz4IrItNvKJYE1IsHPJ2e6hEts-Hl7O0VteBFzuVYHBRkM_jX4j4QwV8zycEWQglQrqckZrU_sw82Avg2n-WibGGlxFDCoP7T3dWgbFBUn0Kns/s1600/IMG_5497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLnRiH-jPPGdVAOJVRQVgzb0Q3-Y226Rz4IrItNvKJYE1IsHPJ2e6hEts-Hl7O0VteBFzuVYHBRkM_jX4j4QwV8zycEWQglQrqckZrU_sw82Avg2n-WibGGlxFDCoP7T3dWgbFBUn0Kns/s400/IMG_5497.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Weese was taking the pic. L to R - Poppa, Big, Uncle Dorv, Granny, Little, Mr C, Great Aunt Laura, me, Alfie, Geordie Boy, Boo. In the front Mini and Kenzie</td></tr>
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Here's the rabble. I don't know where Fee and Cleggy were. I think we had stolen their boys for the afternoon. Is it bonkers that I can't remember? I honestly cannot recall. To be truthful these gaps in my recall worry me. They happen all too often.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj5QY9GiHLUiUsGLOQc6D4mAgR1C_IbATnzbUHf-bdSl3H1LqCEunulLONWDRJaOhyXG-NQCQYkP5ADgvVeOwKRTpaDKxfuqA1ithAau56m48n0rH6NCHVm0_JpshvuTNkaY9kObnNWOy/s1600/IMG_5275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBj5QY9GiHLUiUsGLOQc6D4mAgR1C_IbATnzbUHf-bdSl3H1LqCEunulLONWDRJaOhyXG-NQCQYkP5ADgvVeOwKRTpaDKxfuqA1ithAau56m48n0rH6NCHVm0_JpshvuTNkaY9kObnNWOy/s400/IMG_5275.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Love the graffitti ceiling in the<br />
Island Street Diner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6JjzhTvGsOJzebKG9nJeOPIYj7_7OZ-qLPn9BP5zu11Th4DoYgWw2yX6UrUiy_99xRag_WAshUHbph-ujcFZHIH3YvG79ZR5Pt4-IHnEz45b0EnSdjr1kQWjB6LZLIXfb_klPg4_UYc6/s1600/IMG_5393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6JjzhTvGsOJzebKG9nJeOPIYj7_7OZ-qLPn9BP5zu11Th4DoYgWw2yX6UrUiy_99xRag_WAshUHbph-ujcFZHIH3YvG79ZR5Pt4-IHnEz45b0EnSdjr1kQWjB6LZLIXfb_klPg4_UYc6/s400/IMG_5393.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delish posh fish and chips to <br />
be had here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthkch0wRUt9-Z-ROcI-x_-BSnsLtJm7g-_RORrzLh7tcU5wAN4QMYmpnrrPdtoaBcVqYMfUzOq61gHg5dHvfgoS9qsgzq_Qt5lavsruN2BYcourcx_uFZZVBgUi3ldvXALGddYd9zB3gL/s1600/IMG_5276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthkch0wRUt9-Z-ROcI-x_-BSnsLtJm7g-_RORrzLh7tcU5wAN4QMYmpnrrPdtoaBcVqYMfUzOq61gHg5dHvfgoS9qsgzq_Qt5lavsruN2BYcourcx_uFZZVBgUi3ldvXALGddYd9zB3gL/s400/IMG_5276.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Island Street Diner is quite eclectic and cool.<br />
I like it there. I like the waffles.</td></tr>
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Fee and I sneaked off together for coffee, chatter and cake. I'm dribbling at this photograph. We have just returned from a week in Salcombe and I had half an hour on my own in this lovely cafe, Bibi and Mac. I sat at the same table and ate bakewell tart and waited for the ringing in my ears to stop. Nine weeks holiday my boys have had and my oh my the boys are so LOUD! Loud and very, very energetic. Luckily there is plenty do do at the seaside to allow them to let off steam.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat yard is boy paradise</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just down the road is the fire station.<br />
These are our holiday home neighbours boys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Sands tractor ferry is always a ride eagerly anticipated</td></tr>
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Our pad is very close to the church. I enjoy hearing the bells from my bed. I adore church bells. I particularly love wedding bells. One thing I feel a bit sad about is that I never had wedding bells because we didn't get married in a church. I wanted my Dad to walk me down the aisle and I knew he wouldn't set foot in a church (atheist) so I never even considered a church wedding. Mr C wasn't bothered either way and I couldn't face the conversation about it with my Dad. I knew he would do it if I made him but I'd have had to persuade him and I knew I'd feel like he didn't want to walk me down the aisle, which of course wasn't have been the case, but getting married is an emotional thing and I only wanted happy memories attatched to the planning and the day itself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgveh24CwZrpNY0Ztpui5Wn4uIjsQP44yTcEDuVxnWdsXMwk0Yo6-pq7CAXvC82WvSMBlQ741wFkUwVCfeaLDIVASDPBzJt4NMSsX0-hkEpGIrh3vyyJi8JNfFwRh-ZOlp_ywknF0RxKC/s1600/IMG_5373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgveh24CwZrpNY0Ztpui5Wn4uIjsQP44yTcEDuVxnWdsXMwk0Yo6-pq7CAXvC82WvSMBlQ741wFkUwVCfeaLDIVASDPBzJt4NMSsX0-hkEpGIrh3vyyJi8JNfFwRh-ZOlp_ywknF0RxKC/s640/IMG_5373.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I do love our little Seaside House. It has a wonderful feeling about it. The atmosphere is as though the walls have seen much happiness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWey0jCSrIdTTuVJjoWYKCh2lXc0rPqeXfyG4xmb40Viym9wAyN7AMUO_edlQIUA82zYOWLV9ka7u0GQELBaDUfFCjT4sWpTiSgQwc8xKml_uJ1GqHVYXzTfgVfQ736JnT1yuSi4SfXUe/s1600/IMG_5368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWey0jCSrIdTTuVJjoWYKCh2lXc0rPqeXfyG4xmb40Viym9wAyN7AMUO_edlQIUA82zYOWLV9ka7u0GQELBaDUfFCjT4sWpTiSgQwc8xKml_uJ1GqHVYXzTfgVfQ736JnT1yuSi4SfXUe/s640/IMG_5368.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a bit of bunting....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...quite a bit</td></tr>
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I've finished this Springtime Throw now. Ever so happy with it. That's another post for another day. It was 18 months in the making and I loved having it waiting in the wings to dip in and out of whilst I made other things. I did quite a few squares whilst in Salcombe that Easter. I stayed up after everyone had gone to bed. I like quiet time to myself. It's the only child in me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlxD_0AGJ0UpL3rjwsdIC30k07EoOPZAPO-pWDz37VIVx6TCrhETXZ-_nJo8755ftt5cn8LX4XkgcoY6i5Cq93bjPXByWhwuTsOk-fJGhRrHCIoPYwapovSRpcWe5gKP11NjqjZJqrwce/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlxD_0AGJ0UpL3rjwsdIC30k07EoOPZAPO-pWDz37VIVx6TCrhETXZ-_nJo8755ftt5cn8LX4XkgcoY6i5Cq93bjPXByWhwuTsOk-fJGhRrHCIoPYwapovSRpcWe5gKP11NjqjZJqrwce/s640/IMG_5363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQq2GYy4P3L2xM3tunfVNnvWlNz03Ca9tehvWqyBgLYFpxMQi3YUtgQLA0jpzzPk6f6wpKGLi1Ij9pmbNdRJxdypohcgr45uK5_fsjkTcNVsxhqCu8dptuW55fD7vM5LJJOJEPiNRIyEt/s1600/IMG_5365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQq2GYy4P3L2xM3tunfVNnvWlNz03Ca9tehvWqyBgLYFpxMQi3YUtgQLA0jpzzPk6f6wpKGLi1Ij9pmbNdRJxdypohcgr45uK5_fsjkTcNVsxhqCu8dptuW55fD7vM5LJJOJEPiNRIyEt/s400/IMG_5365.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoy end weaving, it's all thereaputic hand stitching to me.</td></tr>
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*Please don't think badly of my Dad. He had not long had brain surgery and that, coupled with his medication, altered his character. It seemed to amplify the more difficult elements of his nature. He was always a stubborn man but at that time he was unmovable. Ten years down the line and he is finding his way back to his old self. It's great to see. It's really lovely to see the man of my childhood return. No one could have asked for a better Dad throughout my teens in particular. He was ace. (Don't worry Mum, you've always been ace!)<br />
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-10820533179780572352013-09-06T22:51:00.000+01:002013-09-06T22:51:01.360+01:00It's an opportunity.......not a problem.<br />
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They say that don't they? Wise people. Yes, Wise People say a problem looked at differently is not a problem but an opportunity. </div>
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I'm not so great at it though. Actually, that's fib. I'm pretty good at trying to solve problems for others. Quite tenaciously. I keep thinking and thinking and fathoming till I get a solution. (Yes Kerry love, I'm STILL thinking about your picture hanging dilemma ((basement flat, damp proofed = no nails allowed to be hammered in)) and I will annoy you further with my ideas when I see you. Ha!) When it comes to problem solving for myself it's as though a sticky drizzle seeps into my brain and bungs up the cogs.</div>
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I've not been blogging much lately. Life has become busy and I am preferring to knit or crochet rather than blog about my knitting and crochet. Also it has been quite nice to be out and about and enjoy the day without thinking "I must take photographs and remember details so I can blog about it later"</div>
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One of the reasons I've not blogged much is that my laptop is a bit sick, it's getting sorted, but it still has the hump and I can't upload any photographs. I'm not keen on a blog post with no pics hence no posts from me for a good while.</div>
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Tonight, while erecting shelves in the utility room at The Seaside House it occurred to me that this period of time where I can't upload new photo's could be the time when I can catch up with the posts I have mentally written and have the photographs waiting in the wings.</div>
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Why didn't I think of this before? I'm almost certain that if a friend had this problem I'd have instantly suggested to them to play catch up. Honestly, what a wally. As I write this it is dawning on me that I have had this thought several times in the past but never done anything about it...in fact I may even have thought out loud here in my blog.....hmmmmmm, it wouldn't surprise me. My memory does very peculiar things sometimes.</div>
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So now I shall have a hasty flick though my pics and fling out a blog post just to dip my toe in...</div>
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A few months ago Mr C and I left the childerbeasts with my Mum and hopped on a train to London for Great Uncle Dorv's (<a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/it-was-like-fairy-tale.html" target="_blank">The Christmas fire breather</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">scroll to the bottom</span>) 60th birthday afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel. We were slightly early so I sat and had a glass of sparkles and started knitting a pair of Edwin Cream Wrist warmers like <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/i-loves-wrist-warmer-i-do.html" target="_blank">these ones</a> but in pink.</div>
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I continued knitting them on the train home with one eye closed because I had drank a tad too much</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Cuckoo broke the arm of my specs</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz3DlR5P-7pTRSm0GP2TZO_-bv1sjPgG04SzyBxIV4mh4h2VbdzH6ZideehHlV1wkfLtc1X0ijEVnVypO5nUKKUO7j-bKRMx3ESO5ixvnhzJRVSY6QjN4nH_C0hE-B5Kmwbk8_6YpSG6_/s1600/IMG_5149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmz3DlR5P-7pTRSm0GP2TZO_-bv1sjPgG04SzyBxIV4mh4h2VbdzH6ZideehHlV1wkfLtc1X0ijEVnVypO5nUKKUO7j-bKRMx3ESO5ixvnhzJRVSY6QjN4nH_C0hE-B5Kmwbk8_6YpSG6_/s640/IMG_5149.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I loved the first pair I made but I fancied something less tricksy to concentrate on for the middle part as I had lots of social play dates lined up for the boys. I decided to just do a pattern of purl stitches in the stocking stitch. I wish I hadn't now as they aren't so nice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy Suzie Johnson! She wrote the pattern</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJHgvRhBT9Ur_mgwRURkLebf1ofKkk34Lw7nFqAL58SMK9or6TuEnXKo8LlaVJmQ5uIwbR33_w1nG5T29sNPnjwN_nkrx9sWwevdTdFoH1UlGYjI0WS9HDSZEVlhWzYfupojhy4bqjvAx/s1600/IMG_5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJHgvRhBT9Ur_mgwRURkLebf1ofKkk34Lw7nFqAL58SMK9or6TuEnXKo8LlaVJmQ5uIwbR33_w1nG5T29sNPnjwN_nkrx9sWwevdTdFoH1UlGYjI0WS9HDSZEVlhWzYfupojhy4bqjvAx/s640/IMG_5339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They did turn out pretty good over all except for the bit where I went off pist AND for the fact that I made the cuffs longer and so ran out of yarn. I bought another ball but it was the wrong dye lot and it's everso noticable. Suzie thinks it is tres tres tres mal, I can live with it though. Only God is perfect and even he buggers up sometimes.</div>
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One night, shortly after I'd finished the wrist warmers I started making a tea cozy on a total whim. It was one of those occasions I have day dreamed about where I have in my stash (lovingly built up over time in a frenzy of yarn obsessed cash splashing) the perfect yarn in the perfect colours.</div>
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I'm not sure if my memory serves me correctly but I started it one evening and continued in the morning. I think I finished it three cups of tea later. I cant be certain but it was a super quick thing to make.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWk72B1vALCKi11k2RDNJxKOq0_rrmHCrbF-VEPoydM5uOHD8dBlwc1_tK874MscLovrwbCd4yD3szV0aORdpYA5iYcuXHsOI1dak8VkT7rIox9E7__jp0FFA8dt5Jtfh9krmLunoaoar/s1600/IMG_5604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWk72B1vALCKi11k2RDNJxKOq0_rrmHCrbF-VEPoydM5uOHD8dBlwc1_tK874MscLovrwbCd4yD3szV0aORdpYA5iYcuXHsOI1dak8VkT7rIox9E7__jp0FFA8dt5Jtfh9krmLunoaoar/s640/IMG_5604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made it by making two granny stripe rectangles and sewed them together leaving enough space for the spout and the handle to poke out. I then scrunched the top up and tied it up and added a couple of pompoms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfFjLwvgQ_asjJt0H9jzQwseKTdorJUSY3k-1RrcWRRhz3EAawg-a7j5WJvqeqHW4L7d_NqIxELneAhyphenhyphenHsnzNRwSUnXxR4vfGbSh1la_zVbRiigetXM1QTsBxReJhi0fmI2vMm8wry7BZ/s1600/IMG_5614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfFjLwvgQ_asjJt0H9jzQwseKTdorJUSY3k-1RrcWRRhz3EAawg-a7j5WJvqeqHW4L7d_NqIxELneAhyphenhyphenHsnzNRwSUnXxR4vfGbSh1la_zVbRiigetXM1QTsBxReJhi0fmI2vMm8wry7BZ/s640/IMG_5614.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2e86y1OUBpiNUA6Kdq21le_pDP51MOF9ijBLBcYoVK_wQ_Y-NNJmMoXvNPjhLDQY8k2OWNdtSsHWl2EjnYSXv67STUXfpoh5XqcRqlnUZT_DcjiQguslCrl84LEu8ltuPKjUAL6lLLiQv/s1600/IMG_5615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2e86y1OUBpiNUA6Kdq21le_pDP51MOF9ijBLBcYoVK_wQ_Y-NNJmMoXvNPjhLDQY8k2OWNdtSsHWl2EjnYSXv67STUXfpoh5XqcRqlnUZT_DcjiQguslCrl84LEu8ltuPKjUAL6lLLiQv/s640/IMG_5615.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I love it! I love that it neatly fits two of my tea pots. By some feat of trickery and magic it fits both my three cup pot and my four cup pot. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally set up pic. There was no tea in the pot, no milk in the jug. <br />Nuffin. <br />The cup had dust in it too</td></tr>
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Oooooooo look! I have written a blog post! Well, blow me down! (I use exclamation marks too much, they make me sound like an idiot but I worry I'll sound bigheaded without them. I'd rather be considered simple than big headed)</div>
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xxx</div>
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ps. Linda Gilbert, please email me your address xxx</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-61622253658877871432013-08-27T10:29:00.001+01:002013-08-27T10:29:23.029+01:00Coaster Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My apologies for the lateness of the announcement of the winners and the rubbishness (Yes, tis a word in my made up vocabulary) of this post. I have had significant issues with my lap top. Grrrrrrrrrrr. Also my boys are on their 9 week summer holiday. Yes. NINE weeks! It's busy.</div>
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So the winner of the Ovaltine coaster is.......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDOv_Kkg3Ti1XSr3jf_R2kXQtSvg9wX31Gpu34JNIKS01ZED_jpUu7s6e4bwQqXF4ZPzu5e08S0ytB95IGHeMhRw1RMTkvW4GEPYvtAmRDtsyIfN8zk2N8u_9uZQx_eq6Z9VIR4LMlVhL/s1600/IMG_5832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDOv_Kkg3Ti1XSr3jf_R2kXQtSvg9wX31Gpu34JNIKS01ZED_jpUu7s6e4bwQqXF4ZPzu5e08S0ytB95IGHeMhRw1RMTkvW4GEPYvtAmRDtsyIfN8zk2N8u_9uZQx_eq6Z9VIR4LMlVhL/s640/IMG_5832.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">♡ Linda Gilbert ♡</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkk5kqCOR03OrXwlQL6_XxkWg3j6jZCvrWtABQa6z3sA18iCiR1GCLfz7o95xyoU3pfPpPz3PSPsSx2kxLEU3lLoEWO9MjQbouB5CegliRedQbwgBIZbRHR7MDScQeFm6uYO51fyPHFZy/s1600/winner1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkk5kqCOR03OrXwlQL6_XxkWg3j6jZCvrWtABQa6z3sA18iCiR1GCLfz7o95xyoU3pfPpPz3PSPsSx2kxLEU3lLoEWO9MjQbouB5CegliRedQbwgBIZbRHR7MDScQeFm6uYO51fyPHFZy/s1600/winner1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was shouting "Winnerrrrrrrrr"</td></tr>
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The winner of the Munchmallows coaster is....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-Hfr-WBx-824mh68D25JRSgt6j2Q9Toj0opiDUQY3hhQ-m03Km1A7-pN2k0dJudDHG_Sdx1mQw7p5E7Rmn-bDp-uRvp5rstOVVn2H5MZU3yVkjCJ7xWbEiMkslN13I4Y_l5Y2OhLot0c/s1600/IMG_5833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-Hfr-WBx-824mh68D25JRSgt6j2Q9Toj0opiDUQY3hhQ-m03Km1A7-pN2k0dJudDHG_Sdx1mQw7p5E7Rmn-bDp-uRvp5rstOVVn2H5MZU3yVkjCJ7xWbEiMkslN13I4Y_l5Y2OhLot0c/s640/IMG_5833.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">♡ Carole C ♡</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSHchLzhTwObaRdWSqVBBUarsuIoUWiKw0_5R9eAUmLbLsgVJWGZO2A2Hio4XcHDgrDgELB3_8dDsLscMX2f2MshZ0exsEb9EnsedIu0OR6ywH130HSHabIKvx_j8F0oEvzlxIzfzvZT6/s1600/winner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSHchLzhTwObaRdWSqVBBUarsuIoUWiKw0_5R9eAUmLbLsgVJWGZO2A2Hio4XcHDgrDgELB3_8dDsLscMX2f2MshZ0exsEb9EnsedIu0OR6ywH130HSHabIKvx_j8F0oEvzlxIzfzvZT6/s1600/winner2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Cuckoo wouldn't pose with the name he pulled out of the bowl</td></tr>
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Lucky ladies! Please email me to give me your details.</div>
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All is well here in the nest, we have been having a really lovely Summer holiday. I hope that at somepoint I will sit down and blog in earnest all those things we have been enjoying. I must have thousands of photo's and memories and stories I would like to share. I'm really enjoying my life and I think to have it preserved here (the edited version where I ignore the pants bits) would be very special for both myself in the future but also for my sons.</div>
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xxx</div>
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ps. I just know I am going to be crap at replying to any comments so please don't feel you need to stay and chat. Have a fab day you lot xxx</div>
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-36818879877346417722013-05-22T09:41:00.002+01:002013-05-22T09:41:47.931+01:00No way! (+ another giveaway)<div style="text-align: center;">
No Way!!!!!!</div>
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How can it be a month (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">two now, I started this draft a month ago ((edit: add another fortnight on to that since this laptop is being naughty and I don't know how to sort it out</span>))) since I announced the giveaway winner of the Greengate tea towel? That's mental.</div>
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I said I had some coasters to giveaway, didn't I? <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al the tea towel man</a> sent me two coasters too. Such lovely robust coasters.<br />
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It's taken me a while to get around to blogging about these as I never seemed to have a cuppa in a complimentary mug when it is a good time to snap a few pics. Anyway the pics are done and the giveaway is open. Pop over to <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/" target="_blank">All Tea Towels</a> to browse the loveliest of tea towels.</div>
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The rules are simple. You don't have to be a follower, you just need to leave a comment below, express your coaster preference and make sure I have some way of contacting you. If you blog, instagram, pin, tweet, facebook, let off a balloon, sky write about this then let me know and I'll add your name to the hat again for each shout out (yes, I'll draw names out of a hat this time because I think I'll enjoy that...little things that amuse....)</div>
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I'll just quickly show you my skirt. I made it using a quick and easy pattern by New Look (no.6843). It's a bit big so I'll have to doctor it at some point. The pocket was made using a doily <a href="http://sandiart.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sandi</a> sent me at Christmas time and the lace edging is from a 70's wedding dress my Mum was given that was moth eaten. She salvaged the good bits. The fabric is by Amy Butler and is a dream to work with. Very well behaved.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need to blog about my granny rectangle blanket in the background</td></tr>
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We have been busy bees here in Cuckoo Land. It's been a joyous whirl of boys and friends and family and knitting and crochet and sewing and less housework that ought. I have a gazillion photos to share, most are already on IG (cuckoob) so pop over there for a nosey if you fancy. I don't know why I have fallen out of the habit of frequent blogging since I do enjoy it so much. Life has become very busy. I lose a significant amount of time each week on the school run now my boys are both at different schools that aren't local. Mini Cuckoo has turned into the sweetest little chap but boy o boy does he make a big old mess and need lots of cuddles and tickles. The mess annoys me. The cuddles and tickles make me so happy. I guess that's why I'm not blogging so much lately. I'm tickling a small boy who has the cutest giggle. I'm making the most of him.<br />
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Also I have started running. I'm still surprised. I don't even enjoy walking yet here I am 6 weeks in and running 5k every other day. I wish I could say it's made a positive difference to my life but I'm flipping pooped. I still weigh more than I'd like. My knee twinges and my ankles hurt. I also have the mortification of knowing I look like a fat toddler when I run. Add to that the fact that I cannot help spontaneously bellowing out the good bits of any given song I'm listening to. I freaked a sheep out last night. I burst into song more loudly than even I expected "I DON"T WANT YOUR MONEY HONEY, I WANT YOUR LURVEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Then sometimes a little dance routine flies through my arms. Thriller comes on and my arms go all Zombie. I am 37 years old now and I cannot control myself it seems. Never mind, good job I see very few people on my runs.</div>
Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-86357226007669220492013-03-13T21:12:00.000+00:002013-03-13T21:12:13.807+00:00The Winner Is...........<br />
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<a href="http://thepolkadotpetticoat.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Polka Dot Petticoat</a></div>
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I'm popping over to your blog now to let you know</div>
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Congratulations.</div>
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Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. You lovely lot.</div>
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xxx</div>
<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-84349135210857536002013-03-06T20:59:00.000+00:002013-03-06T21:25:45.494+00:00Roll up! Roll up!<div style="text-align: center;">
Ladies and Gentleman we have a GIVE AWAY. Oh yes we do! Or rather I do.</div>
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A little while ago I was approached by Al from <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/" target="_blank">All Tea Towels</a> who asked if I'd like to review some tea towels on my blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA4cxcFH2d25dLNK6fdMjhCn1kSRPxOW9tyEyLNUPxj7drtNbBitRGFlc4OX6n4gaa64zwyhdazZF7jbGXHCG3PbZufG4NKz-e9vHK76Da2vG14TsVCFwSwqyPI9Nh1UNIZCYvGBQ06Gx/s1600/P1040759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA4cxcFH2d25dLNK6fdMjhCn1kSRPxOW9tyEyLNUPxj7drtNbBitRGFlc4OX6n4gaa64zwyhdazZF7jbGXHCG3PbZufG4NKz-e9vHK76Da2vG14TsVCFwSwqyPI9Nh1UNIZCYvGBQ06Gx/s640/P1040759.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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So I went and had a look at his site and then very quickly got back to him saying nah, no thanks. JOKE! I couldn't wait to get my hands on a tea towel or two. I say two because I thought if I got two I could share with you guys.</div>
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Al kindly sent me three tea towels. So I get to keep the adorable little cottage towel and the red one. I'm thinking the red one would look awesome made into a pinny (add that to my to do list then shall I? That very long To Do, To Make list)<br />
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What's the giveaway tea towel then?</div>
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This is it</div>
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Noyce huh?</div>
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All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me which tea towel on <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/" target="_blank">Al's</a> site is your favourite. If you blog about this giveaway then come back and leave another comment, same for twitter, instagram etc... but do leave me your profile thingy so I can come and visit you there if the random generator whatsit picks out your comment. You <u><b>needn't </b></u>be a follower of mine to enter. You can be an anonymous commenter but do leave your name so I can let you know in my next post it was you.<br />
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I'll pick a winner next Wednesday evening (13th March)</div>
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In my next post I'll be giving away the coasters Al sent too. <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/munchmallows-printed-coaster-p-1532.html" target="_blank">This</a> one and <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/ovaltine-coaster-drinks-p-1533.html" target="_blank">this</a> one.</div>
Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-2781662582525995342013-03-01T20:25:00.003+00:002013-03-01T20:25:47.728+00:00I loves a wrist warmer, I do(said in a broad Somerset accent)<br />
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Two years ago, when I was new to Knit Club at <a href="http://www.thewoolsanctuary.com/index.cfm" target="_blank">The Wool Sanctuary</a> (though truly I do not remember a time when Suzie wasn't my dear friend, I feel I have known her for a very long time) I met a pair of wrist warmers that captured my heart and ramped up my desire to learn to knit properly.</div>
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"Suzie" I said, "Soooooooooooooozie! Are these for very advanced knitters, when do you think I might be able to have a bash at making these <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alice-caterpillars" target="_blank">Alice Caterpillar's</a>?"</div>
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"Can you do the knit stitch?" she questioned,</div>
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"Yes"</div>
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"Can you do the purl stitch?"</div>
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"Yes"</div>
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"Can you cast on and off?</div>
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"Yes"</div>
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"Can you increase and pick up stitches?"</div>
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"No" I said in a small dismayed voice.</div>
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"Sit here, I will show you how and you can start them in about five minutes"</div>
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I will admit I didn't really believe her, I couldn't see how such fabulous wrist warmers could be knitted by someone who was a knitting novice. She was dead right though. </div>
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Even now, as I write this blog post and look at the photographs I cannot get my head to understand how easy they were to knit, even though I, me (V proud), knitted them with no help at all. The last bit surprises me the most.</div>
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No I would like to draw your attention to my nice nails here. I'd had them shellac'd. I vowed I would have them done regularly as I loved how sprightly they looked. It's so nice having pretty nails as one can see one's hands all day long. Since these photo's were taken I have had my nails done a whopping, big fat zero times. Hopeless. I used to be so groomed, now I feel presentable after cleaning my teeth. Standards have slipped (just like my chest, ha ha haaaa!).</div>
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I could have twirled my knickers around my head in delight once I had finished them. I was delighted and very proud (even though they are not hard to do, they just look it as they are cleverly designed, still proud).</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/alice-caterpillars" target="_blank">Pattern here.</a></div>
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Next up are another design of Suzie's. This pair of warmers are also super simple to make yet totally fancy looking. If you can knit, purl, make a stitch and knit two together then you can make these. They are called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/edwin-cream" target="_blank">Edwin Creams</a>. No no idea why. Suzie has funny names for everything. It's part of her charm. Though one day she will name something after me. WON'T YOU SOOOOOOOOOZIE???! Yes, she will. Or I'll chop her in the wind pipe and kick her in the shins.</div>
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I think the pattern calls for a bigger needle than the 2.75 I used, but I prefer a tight warmer. I also made the cuff longer because I like my forearms covered when I am pushing the buggy. Other than that I did exactly what the pattern said to do. </div>
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Ah, smashing, I wear these almost every day. I must make more. Many, many more. In lots of different colours.</div>
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Oh look at that lovely red polishy stuff.</div>
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Those jeans are too tight for me now. I must get a grip. I put on a stone and three pounds over Christmas. Granted my Christmas started in mid November and ended in mid January, and I've been skiing, but that is quite a lot of weight to gain. A personal best, in fact. I feel someone ought to give me a trophy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnaRyqgt1K4FuufPnPsH5BLolwzD0_ged8Qtiqfivej40Qu6orGnkE_QBGj-PMZ7nlYnIKWCuQnKGrqbicyAR2ggHmcUy7CKiiKN4SzJ0e0HWd2d1-yaDisnunYB6iCZWqZ0sv3uDQvPI/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnaRyqgt1K4FuufPnPsH5BLolwzD0_ged8Qtiqfivej40Qu6orGnkE_QBGj-PMZ7nlYnIKWCuQnKGrqbicyAR2ggHmcUy7CKiiKN4SzJ0e0HWd2d1-yaDisnunYB6iCZWqZ0sv3uDQvPI/s640/IMG_1130.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Now for a gratuitous sock pic. I found this pic when I was looking for photo's for this post. I forgot to point out in my last post that I made my Mr two pairs of socks for his 40th. Now don't say I'm not generous ;o)</div>
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Give away coming up in my next post. A gorgeous Greengate tea towel. Click <a href="http://www.all-tea-towels.co.uk/cornelia-flowers-greengate-towel-p-1434.html" target="_blank">here</a> to have a sneaky peek. I've not had a giveaway before. I feel a bit bubbly about it!</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-54279302863672415552013-02-26T19:45:00.000+00:002013-02-26T19:45:30.034+00:00The Husbando had a birthdayThe chap turned 40 way back in July and I still haven't shared what I made him. Yeah I know, it was ages ago.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLmm3u37oZNwXTy1paTgRZwkXfqSCT2TrXYfYj6zOOctxf4hyCp0ujr2ZYivPWP1-EnYlX_gucN8UqdOKZB4Bd6T9Z92rycWTB35z_NZ3LFKZohVDd3g6u5L_TAKBI_GNBGjl3WgbsoBZ/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLmm3u37oZNwXTy1paTgRZwkXfqSCT2TrXYfYj6zOOctxf4hyCp0ujr2ZYivPWP1-EnYlX_gucN8UqdOKZB4Bd6T9Z92rycWTB35z_NZ3LFKZohVDd3g6u5L_TAKBI_GNBGjl3WgbsoBZ/s640/IMG_0418.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a><br />
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I made him socks and hankies and an eye mask. For his 40th. Hmmmmm. Yes, rubbish wife. What does one buy or make a man who literally has everything he has ever wanted? Aside from the helicopter, yacht etc... which I couldn't ever stretch to, not on this weeks pocket money.<br />
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I don't earn my own salary. Every penny I have available to spend comes out of his pocket so it didn't seem right to buy him a heap of gifts and anything more elaborate, like a weekend away would have to be pre-authorised by financial control and subject to work commitments.<br />
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I felt, and I know for certain you'll all be with me on this, that me spending my limited free time on making something for him would be better. The fact that I love crafting didn't enter my head. Noooooooo, it was ALL for him. If he was into shaven headed ladies with abs like a washboard and DIY tats then I'd have done what was necessary to morph into that and gift wrap myself up. Sounding a bit pervy now. Where has my odd head taken me now? But luckily for me he likes me as I am (No comments about sit ups not going amiss, Mr C) so I knitted and stitched him gifts. I poured hours of time into his gifts. I poured love into each and every stitch. Because I really do love that Husbando of mine, even though he leaves his coffee cup in The Most Annoying Place (right next to the dish dosh) every morning. Yes I do love that chap very much. I shall say no more here, for he will get a big head.<br />
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First up, socks. He loves crazy socks. so I bought some self striping sock yarn from Twisted Limone (I've been trying to find her on Etsy but drawing a blank...grrrrr) thinking I could make a more professional looking pair if I didn't need to carry the yarn up like I did with my <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/knitting-my-little-cashmerino-socks-off.html" target="_blank">heart socks</a>. What I hadn't thought about, and only realised when I got to it, was that I'd need to chop out big chunks of colour and rejoin the yarn in order to have the heels and toes in a block colour. Man! I had no end of ends to weave in. What a daft sentence, "no end of ends".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFZNQjrsVRLggymcWdWw3wU8XkLZU-Zn_lzlof8r6Y_gDv3-JA2ePU5B4ZSjjhEExCW4JNAwcybiZY790ryF20JQYtPxFzqcpHXe9uDqd1MDxk0PrwJuTxWv7Fzl_I5TlTa7ZbMHvLN4c/s1600/IMG_0873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFZNQjrsVRLggymcWdWw3wU8XkLZU-Zn_lzlof8r6Y_gDv3-JA2ePU5B4ZSjjhEExCW4JNAwcybiZY790ryF20JQYtPxFzqcpHXe9uDqd1MDxk0PrwJuTxWv7Fzl_I5TlTa7ZbMHvLN4c/s640/IMG_0873.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They aren't as garish as they appear here.</td></tr>
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Since having the Childerbeasts neither Mr C or I sleep very well very easily (another daft sentence). I am like Princess and the Pea and have to sleep on a pillow of puffiness, I need to wear ear plugs because the slightest sound wakes me and Mr C snorts all night long. Mr C isn't as precious and pathetic as me but he needs a dark room. He took to wearing a lovely big pink velvet and satin eye mask of mine. He wore it to death. It fell to pieces. Shame, he did look so masculine in it. So I set about making him a new one. One that was big and soft and just right. Also I wanted to keep it less butch than, say, a camouflage print, therefore Liberty Lawn in a gorgeous deep purple was the best option.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArF2wUSFEaE-aXkOw71PzANRlOqJaMXzykzjQ51OGUvWn91_qU31RwDX6LyTaXrj1loFOZn3JUk8c-vxrvU-_4RVt7HGWIVTC0OOIJw0YmAB2qyOCoY1vGoMogTaz995THef8l2udI_mt/s1600/IMG_0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArF2wUSFEaE-aXkOw71PzANRlOqJaMXzykzjQ51OGUvWn91_qU31RwDX6LyTaXrj1loFOZn3JUk8c-vxrvU-_4RVt7HGWIVTC0OOIJw0YmAB2qyOCoY1vGoMogTaz995THef8l2udI_mt/s640/IMG_0885.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first met Mr C I was astonished when he pulled a clean hanky out of his pocket. I forget why. Maybe beer had got on his fag packet (these were our wild days of smoking, drinking, dancing on board room tables whilst consuming a kebab), whatever the reason I loved that he carried a hanky, for a gentleman is not properly dressed unless they have a handkerchief about them. I'd never met a gentleman before. I found this little hanky beguiling. There was this super cool bachelor with his fancy mansion house flat and sports car standing at the bar in The Place To Be Seen In wielding an old fashioned bit of cloth and not giving a hoot who saw. It was the hanky that made him stand out for me straight away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXzWsmRLEIwdqT1GBir4yCuR6oMqnVRs3kelo9rXwAIfFkUhoNo6vU1DVHWQFZXoS4S-LwQUqeivNvtA2jm3n33MjLXMRm8pKC5F0Xa8cr_M2aBjxmKvTE3Z-WpusRcZB9DlWFw5H7kWq/s1600/IMG_0884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXzWsmRLEIwdqT1GBir4yCuR6oMqnVRs3kelo9rXwAIfFkUhoNo6vU1DVHWQFZXoS4S-LwQUqeivNvtA2jm3n33MjLXMRm8pKC5F0Xa8cr_M2aBjxmKvTE3Z-WpusRcZB9DlWFw5H7kWq/s640/IMG_0884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These hankies are also made from Liberty Lawn and are embroidered with his initials. I had to fathom how to work the embroidery bit of my sewing machine, I've had it a few years now and I still haven't played around with it properly. I had to figure out how to get the embroidery gizmo attached and then work out how to use the special sticky sheeting stuff so I could set the machine to embroider near an edge. I don't know why I was so reticent to give it a go. It was logical and user friendly. I was delighted anew with Brother Brian, my name for my machine.<br />
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I hand rolled the hems because I wanted a very fine finish. I do have a rolled hem foot for my machine but I could not get it to do a neat finish. I think a bit of practise is needed. I found the hand hemming very therapeutic, no need to have a furrowed brow or tense shoulders. I sat and peacefully sewed while letting my mind wander and ponder over our marriage. I wish that my memories could transfer into the fabric and then, upon using the hankies be transferred into my husbands head. How wondrous that would be.<br />
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xxx<br />
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-75924378767029956372013-01-10T22:04:00.003+00:002013-01-10T22:04:50.335+00:00Half Granny Square PatternHello again!<br />
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Just a quickie tonight. When I was at <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/knit-club.html" target="_blank">Knit Club</a> on Saturday a lady there, Christine, asked me if I had a pattern for a half granny square, but not halved from corner to corner like a triangle. She wanted it like a rectangle so she could adapt a jumper pattern into a cardigan. I felt sure I must have what she was looking for in a book, or failing that I just knew I'd easily find one for free online. Well, my books drew a blank as did the t'interweb. So I sat with yarn and hook and worked it out.</div>
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It's not a wonderful photo and I should have blocked the rectangle but you get the jist.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlVK7R2woVjs8Aj8gjhgrr9nloznbHATPJziPNONSXP3hIT9OLInhEd-yjEqOiukMq1a36OH9S9sJHqQSeImVD64t-aNPNMc_1H_yIfZQUTZ5CpXVes-BCbL6pXvFylDaWHb1H9WEZcyC/s1600/half+granny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlVK7R2woVjs8Aj8gjhgrr9nloznbHATPJziPNONSXP3hIT9OLInhEd-yjEqOiukMq1a36OH9S9sJHqQSeImVD64t-aNPNMc_1H_yIfZQUTZ5CpXVes-BCbL6pXvFylDaWHb1H9WEZcyC/s640/half+granny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I use UK terms and I assume if you are ready to do a half granny then you already know our way around a full granny so I am just sharing the pattern and not a full blown picture tutorial.<br />
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Here you go:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Ch4 and ss into ring.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Rnd 1:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Ch3, 1tr, ch3, 3tr, ch3, 2tr into ring.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Rnd 2:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Join yarn to top of first ch3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Ch4, 3tr into chain space, ch3, 3tr into the same chain space as before, ch1, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">3tr into next chain space, ch3, 3tr into same chain space, ch1, 1 treble into top of 2tr.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Rnd 3:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Join yarn into the 3rd chain of the ch4 in the previous round, ch3, 1tr, ch1, 3tr into next chain space, 3ch, 3tr into same chain space.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">ch1, 3tr into nest chain space, ch1, 3tr into next ch sp, ch3, 3tr into same ch sp, ch1, 2tr into the top of the last tr on the previous round.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Rnd 4:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Join yarn to top of first ch3, Ch4, 3tr into chain space, ch1, 3tr into next chain space, ch3, 3tr into the same chain space </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">ch1, 3tr into next chain space, ch1, 3tr into next ch sp, ch1, 3tr into next ch sp, 3 ch, 3tr into same ch sp, ch 1, 3tr into next chsp, ch1, 1tr in between the two treble below.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;">Hope this makes sense! If it doesn't please let me know.</span></div>
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So Christine, I hope you find this since the email address I have for you isn't correct. I've tried lots of different variants but it's still pinging back undelivered. Hope you're well and that your flat is drying out.<br />
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I got my lovely (and I mean LOVERLY) friend Erin to check the pattern. She has a <a href="http://erinshinestitches.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">shiny new blog</a> and a recently published <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Step-Sally-Harding/dp/1465402071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357855287&sr=8-1" target="_blank">book</a> she has contributed to. Take a look! It's a gorgeous crochet book.<br />
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Thank you for such a warm response on my last post. It was lovely and generous of each of you. I'll be replying to you if you're not a No-Reply blogger soon.<br />
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xxxCuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-17958046209844795932013-01-07T21:54:00.000+00:002013-01-07T21:54:10.519+00:00It's been so long...<div style="text-align: justify;">
....I don't know how to get back into blogging. So what I am going to do is fling out a post in ten minutes flat. At this point, I have no clue what I am going to post about. </div>
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I'll just go and have a rootle about in my photo files (though I've not uploaded in an age)......................... Oh my word, there is a lot of stuff I could blog about. Took me a while to decide which pics to go for.</div>
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This is something I made for my friend <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/cake-fit-for-princess.html" target="_blank">Princess</a> (ere, if you're reading this, Princess, then hurry up and get your blog up and running so I can link to you) for her birthday back in September.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlWhixO6YkjMzq9tDBrIHxvdPIGMPIX_bY1PgZaAtox6sLzPFnGUls-8MKI0p4BPNEl61PFqiXP0wlxcHF0MWXlJVTZKWiwfLjpaVHcgzuF2l8AbyxdXJSAG2EpAM6s-n4mwpxOfePI6Y/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlWhixO6YkjMzq9tDBrIHxvdPIGMPIX_bY1PgZaAtox6sLzPFnGUls-8MKI0p4BPNEl61PFqiXP0wlxcHF0MWXlJVTZKWiwfLjpaVHcgzuF2l8AbyxdXJSAG2EpAM6s-n4mwpxOfePI6Y/s400/IMG_2089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a little pinny. It's not for craft stuff. I mean, one would get a rude injury bending over with knitting needles in a pinny pocket. It's a gardening pinny. We both agree pockets are needed when gardening. They are absolutely a necessity when cleaning too. It's rare you'll ever find the pair of us at home without a pinny hanging off our necks. Trouble is when gardening, a regular pinny can chaff about the neck, so a half pinny is perfect.</div>
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Once <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/continuing-garden-theme.html" target="_blank">again</a> I got the pattern from Cath Kidston's SEW! book. I've since made one for Granny, which I forgot to take pics of.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKVHWnRyuR6EHBJy6tPQQIMgSN6_yfBwnp3QLzL5pG5hyGnttFq5JkugoD41ODD5eaA8KXzsbOTbSPyyOHWdQQXXK5NjUYckrYPizm-oTLELtQ77Mos7cgH2zg7vxOaX_sK7VdAa8xjm1/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKVHWnRyuR6EHBJy6tPQQIMgSN6_yfBwnp3QLzL5pG5hyGnttFq5JkugoD41ODD5eaA8KXzsbOTbSPyyOHWdQQXXK5NjUYckrYPizm-oTLELtQ77Mos7cgH2zg7vxOaX_sK7VdAa8xjm1/s640/IMG_2058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See? I said this would be a rushed, random post (it's taken me longer than ten mins so far so I'm rushing now) The boys and I had fun with tattoos. I loved my little ladybird one.</div>
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Did I ever blog about my "Fifteen Minute Targeted Attack"? This is where I have to focus on a job I don't really want to do for fifteen minutes. I go at it flat out. No distractions. Full concentration. Sometimes I don't get the task completed in fifteen minutes but I often just carry on till it's done. It's a great way for me to get my stuff in order. I always try to choose a job that wont take much more than the time allotted. I only do it a couple of times a day. Tomorrow I will clean out the cutlery drawer and wipe down the kitchen cupboards or iron four shirts, or something like that.</div>
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Wow. I did a post. It's a bit poo but I had to start somewhere!</div>
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-84928862490344290812012-11-29T17:26:00.001+00:002012-11-29T17:26:06.582+00:00Chipper Nelly Giveaway...you know you want to!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGACsexMjLvPL2DnGbKE-JjlEzfKZSNtl_Z91xPSG-TJv92E7gWE3mWfS1CicnNl_eatjQV2UZJymw8EivmBaIvOhP0HGmRlFvNN3B6WUFDnLPnwhYXYHRBSeGo8RNjk6IW2SQ3HUxR0AS/s1600/7.png" style="color: #ff8832; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGACsexMjLvPL2DnGbKE-JjlEzfKZSNtl_Z91xPSG-TJv92E7gWE3mWfS1CicnNl_eatjQV2UZJymw8EivmBaIvOhP0HGmRlFvNN3B6WUFDnLPnwhYXYHRBSeGo8RNjk6IW2SQ3HUxR0AS/s400/7.png" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; position: relative;" width="396" /></a></div>
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That's right ladies and, er, ladies!</div>
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Pop over and drool.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span>Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-61742526078411208672012-11-04T19:15:00.001+00:002013-12-07T17:44:27.340+00:00How to make bright white LED fairy lights soft white.I have a love of fairy lights. I have a few strings up all year round. They lift the gloom on a grey day and make me feel festive. However, I am really not keen on the clear white bright LED lights. Nor is my Mister. One year I bought new Christmas tree lights. I spent a good while placing them on the tree and then popping on all the decs. With great expectation and excitement I flicked the switch on to see the tree in all it's glory.......and... Oh my eyes! Bright light Bright LIGHTS!!! The Mr and I squealed like gremlins. I stripped the tree back to naked and went on a Soft Fairy Light Mission. If only I'd had my eureka moment back then.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTInQ0Q1MBTbvtLqg5dnmbiLTk0HOG8NDePVWdUDEfcn0Rhtt6ZkzLmhs1vIF8pw00pLBFLFllobJMCVpi7QX_PIEfFpdbn0BAguXMiapvB2FtoaNQoTT30Q_GgwZVGMXdrvtWiI1QpRpy/s1600/LED+lights1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTInQ0Q1MBTbvtLqg5dnmbiLTk0HOG8NDePVWdUDEfcn0Rhtt6ZkzLmhs1vIF8pw00pLBFLFllobJMCVpi7QX_PIEfFpdbn0BAguXMiapvB2FtoaNQoTT30Q_GgwZVGMXdrvtWiI1QpRpy/s640/LED+lights1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Eureka moment was nothing short of sheer cleverness in the Hermione Granger fashion. Yes I'm bragging. Yes I'm smug. Yes maybe you are all way ahead of me and have been secretly altering your bright white lights with gay abandon. Well whatever the case here is how I literally just now turned a Way Too Bright White Hurt My Eyes ornamental heart into the Sweet Cosy Soft White Light Heart that you see above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-e1mAWmLmFY_foDTxJSbLQ9SRW29JjOvm0O_9Ht5_2Qs5La3IqYVNTlL77Ix4ycV2j514VmRM9zRQBoTpwEWaTNANkhIPt3FtMr1FX3v8Hlz_Czfa9oFqK9DYXPrwe_qfikxthxJT6-8/s1600/led2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-e1mAWmLmFY_foDTxJSbLQ9SRW29JjOvm0O_9Ht5_2Qs5La3IqYVNTlL77Ix4ycV2j514VmRM9zRQBoTpwEWaTNANkhIPt3FtMr1FX3v8Hlz_Czfa9oFqK9DYXPrwe_qfikxthxJT6-8/s640/led2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Here is my magic wand. A glass painter pen that I bought from Hobby Craft. I'm sure any glass pen would work. I found the yellow pen I had bought to be too cold. The orange above was perfect. Only put a blob on the end of the light though as when the lights are off, if you have been over zealous, you will have orange dollops in your decoration. This makeover took me about 48 seconds. It took longer to write this spur of the moment post.</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-67575744378957273452012-10-28T15:48:00.001+00:002012-10-28T15:48:49.363+00:00School cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My last post was about the gifts I gave Big Cuckoo's teachers when he left his old school at the end of last term. So I thought I'd follow up with the cakes I sent in for the end of year fundraiser.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgV5SB7ZrKatiQnpDl462fpM5g_RFNgDEyEcWG6CB3QkG3lH-FZ7f9fzbdVczRt9Ths3Q-qExKK7_Yjesr6J-k5xCED8ekpt8lSh3YPQtKEffJZ5ohkCvZKmRy9soUAwar2CVTo4u-c65/s1600/IMG_0927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgV5SB7ZrKatiQnpDl462fpM5g_RFNgDEyEcWG6CB3QkG3lH-FZ7f9fzbdVczRt9Ths3Q-qExKK7_Yjesr6J-k5xCED8ekpt8lSh3YPQtKEffJZ5ohkCvZKmRy9soUAwar2CVTo4u-c65/s640/IMG_0927.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed having a big bake up. I don't have an excuse to do it very often so I went a little overboard.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJHd0uGIkJaT4QQSpSMBPxwPm8It5Wbp2HHlTb6maYdAvH24ZSkqOe8xEi73GvL_7pY_W51t_3sXgsQEBmBC9bqwaHS3sUam62MJQtiHXwdTEgOjcJNnygzZ-J0wcUfABQt9rzp8wFZMN/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJHd0uGIkJaT4QQSpSMBPxwPm8It5Wbp2HHlTb6maYdAvH24ZSkqOe8xEi73GvL_7pY_W51t_3sXgsQEBmBC9bqwaHS3sUam62MJQtiHXwdTEgOjcJNnygzZ-J0wcUfABQt9rzp8wFZMN/s640/IMG_0933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's a bit of a rough <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/friday-night.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> on one of my really old posts if you want to have a go at making the above ice cream cone cupcake. They sell very well at kids school fundraiser type events. To transport them just pop them in a muffin tin with some tin foil shoved in to stop them toppling. Big Cuckoo's reception teacher has asked me to make a heap for her wedding next year. I'm not sure she was serious but I think I'll decline this time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlKEJZNLFK6kguYVek1oe61Bn7bYQ6gqUvZ_YzskObZG1VpsVJJY5RfOZptHzj49w5_Tclpong_4mTNvHxsk9zopLSjJwllamNeQ6196R-UcJcy083qEtCpzBH7nkS8JosPsy2HmUUQsn/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlKEJZNLFK6kguYVek1oe61Bn7bYQ6gqUvZ_YzskObZG1VpsVJJY5RfOZptHzj49w5_Tclpong_4mTNvHxsk9zopLSjJwllamNeQ6196R-UcJcy083qEtCpzBH7nkS8JosPsy2HmUUQsn/s640/IMG_0934.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These ones reminded me of the seaside. Of ice creams and helter skelters and hot summer days (the likes of which we didn't see much of this year)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4z1Om_IgtJ4SsYsqfRFljCEGvp2pbB-zUyMFKcvvTxFyilE33VOeFWbrfevmE4MboGC7y31YwmwH8uAYnpY4WLvC76RlCOwYPEBcPMTdGrgjUinl1H8NUhXt5f9sXiKHG5tl6CG5yVlt/s1600/IMG_0935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4z1Om_IgtJ4SsYsqfRFljCEGvp2pbB-zUyMFKcvvTxFyilE33VOeFWbrfevmE4MboGC7y31YwmwH8uAYnpY4WLvC76RlCOwYPEBcPMTdGrgjUinl1H8NUhXt5f9sXiKHG5tl6CG5yVlt/s400/IMG_0935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As well as making the cupcakes I made some mini loafs. Mainly because I wanted to play with the cute cases. I was very impressed with the brown cardboard ones I got from a supermarket (Sainsbury's or Morrisons, I forget which). I was less happy with the polka dotty ones. They went a bit greasy which, for me, spoilt the over all presentation, not that hungry primary school kids care!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VuhkjoQ4XfTgjKsWH7TOwpL2ePiOb_JFsiJnZ7c8NNeJ-gmNvl29URctKFwOLvoDBRTXGFGdjJYdM-RTMC0MBUVaY4ykF2zuKlBOrkqjlO1Tq4dL_bteKA5r1KuWvN9pgW1sglnJYDnu/s1600/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VuhkjoQ4XfTgjKsWH7TOwpL2ePiOb_JFsiJnZ7c8NNeJ-gmNvl29URctKFwOLvoDBRTXGFGdjJYdM-RTMC0MBUVaY4ykF2zuKlBOrkqjlO1Tq4dL_bteKA5r1KuWvN9pgW1sglnJYDnu/s400/IMG_0936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2suJWS9AFjGeDSoHC_24y2MAemOZUvNtOEgVpEnPyu1R2GAoI7oIQ0mKHM_d8Rw9cAbN-DdZ6jpb7RUCO_weRPopzCpZMiKaXK68ANluVY3efq7ynIwXJBTaapdV730-CAcczmhR6zt6d/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2suJWS9AFjGeDSoHC_24y2MAemOZUvNtOEgVpEnPyu1R2GAoI7oIQ0mKHM_d8Rw9cAbN-DdZ6jpb7RUCO_weRPopzCpZMiKaXK68ANluVY3efq7ynIwXJBTaapdV730-CAcczmhR6zt6d/s400/IMG_0937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made the piped sugar pansy's some time ago. As long as you store then correctly they last indefinately. Well I suppose sugar is a preservative so it should be no surprise yet I am always wary. I have to eat a few to test them out, naturally.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUHQb4R_KKzP0neXDn47dkj2y7kYXVq18NF7luXZLoma9h0FXnujXUFisxaT7iWGEOqycOORlDFY2Pmx4hHHPgkqJWg6rhKj64q6FZ8irG3YQQHHMddm8RqSpYaBvuEK5SFyM5Nsnt1HQ/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUHQb4R_KKzP0neXDn47dkj2y7kYXVq18NF7luXZLoma9h0FXnujXUFisxaT7iWGEOqycOORlDFY2Pmx4hHHPgkqJWg6rhKj64q6FZ8irG3YQQHHMddm8RqSpYaBvuEK5SFyM5Nsnt1HQ/s640/IMG_0938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On Thursday, since it was Little Cuckoo's half term, we went and collected his best friend from Big Cuckoo's old school. For a long time I thought Little would be joining reception class along side his bestie but there is just no way I can get Big to his school and Little to a school in totally the opposite direction. So Little has joined a different one closer to Big's. It was so nice to see everyone. I realised just how much I miss the place. It was lovely to see Big's old teachers and report how happy and settled he is. though I know he does miss his friends very much.<br />
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I've been thinking lately about the blogs I miss. I bet you all do too. I miss Unravelled, Posy and Crochet with Raymond. I don't think the later two are coming back but I'm optimistic Emily will return when life calms down a bit. I also miss Nicole and Jamie from Must Be Destiny and Snow in December. (All links in my side bar)<br />
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I've so much more to chat about but I better go and get dressed (3.45pm and still in my PJ's!)<br />
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-90715948134730164492012-10-10T09:45:00.003+01:002012-10-10T10:08:35.217+01:00Continuing the garden theme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In July Big Cuckoo said farewell to his school. He had been struggling for some time and although the school had done what they could it became clear he needed more specialised help. His self esteem was fragile and his attitude was one of defeatism. We could see he was happy enough in that he enjoyed his friends but increasingly he was falling into moments of distress and his behaviour was born of frustration and irritation. We took the decision to pull him from main stream, it was a big emotional leap for us all. It's hard to have the realisation that your son is finding things too difficult, that his happiness was being affected, but trickier still to remove him from all he knows, from all his buddies. </div>
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Anyway, I'll blather on no more about this as I have thought and talked about very little else over the past six months. At least that is how it feels, it has been a discussion niggling away in my head in the background for a long time. Happily for us all, mostly for Big, he has settled into his new school, he has made friends and over the past two weeks he has been such a happy child. His confidence has grown and he is motivated anew. I found him the other night with his homework sheets, he was tucked up in bed, chatting away to himself whilst filling out one of those sheets that has letters all over it in dots for him to trace. It was enough to make me want to run about whooping with sheer relief.</div>
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Of course, when he left his old school I wanted to thank his teachers and helpers so they all got gifts and a letter each. I made his main teacher (who was a huge support to me when making our decision) and his gorgeous TA a gift rather than giving them a CK book bag I'd bought.</div>
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I made his teacher a gardening pinny. I got the pattern from Cath Kidston's book "Sew". </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ-BV_xS7jl0RtI2AFRU_5ZMwOZmHDTWOmDNsIpP5JaDpfYH54KyNDXR0bQ5ch1SOfMevhOtz6h6ggXlRN9Wuz1w9HT1L4VQIdK7iBKyLFRWoHYGxGL2SqaUNmirp_V75WeSfgd238cfr/s1600/IMG_0978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ-BV_xS7jl0RtI2AFRU_5ZMwOZmHDTWOmDNsIpP5JaDpfYH54KyNDXR0bQ5ch1SOfMevhOtz6h6ggXlRN9Wuz1w9HT1L4VQIdK7iBKyLFRWoHYGxGL2SqaUNmirp_V75WeSfgd238cfr/s640/IMG_0978.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving my shellac'ed nails here. Coordination a gogo!</td></tr>
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I reckon she'll use it a lot as she is a keen gardener. She sews a lot too, so I know she appreciated the effort. I did try really hard to be very precise and neat with the stitches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QshA68kqlAUx35UT2qKZDPQ0aFSf-vnxb2C74_topKa7WmgPfzQsLtOHnfNTrZ8yib7eT-vTszzXwJ1YeUx8Phz_p8wZG5F5Rh0KYAbi0QhNHfcv-W4N5isO1vzhvB43KtZx62R2PIdQ/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QshA68kqlAUx35UT2qKZDPQ0aFSf-vnxb2C74_topKa7WmgPfzQsLtOHnfNTrZ8yib7eT-vTszzXwJ1YeUx8Phz_p8wZG5F5Rh0KYAbi0QhNHfcv-W4N5isO1vzhvB43KtZx62R2PIdQ/s400/IMG_1114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It didn't take too long to make, I can't say for sure how long it took as I made it in snatches of time over a week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvGIkJDPaUdOTCKo-L2ydER47pvbNLFXrceuHu14ohSWywtQypxrT2X_J_lN89gAwHaZh89DRBddwCRoRWl8wd-9UCBFPKT5S76RGWx9_4Ajq5agJQY9nLRwdQ3yWzHXlAavXW9-f9FN2/s1600/IMG_1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvGIkJDPaUdOTCKo-L2ydER47pvbNLFXrceuHu14ohSWywtQypxrT2X_J_lN89gAwHaZh89DRBddwCRoRWl8wd-9UCBFPKT5S76RGWx9_4Ajq5agJQY9nLRwdQ3yWzHXlAavXW9-f9FN2/s640/IMG_1139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I popped on a few buttons for embellishment, it needed a little something, my urge was to whack on a great big corsage but I wasn't sure the recipient would agree. The buttons are cute though. May be when I make myself one I'll pop a flower on the crotch area, just for the ridiculousness and the fact that it'll make the large juvenile part of me laugh uproariously. Is it wrong I find myself so funny? Well someone has to laugh at my lame jokes, visual or otherwise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5KZD06nNwZj7l7o9OlRg-arEXbAkrd1wToJVIzVjJn6qeXUQM1ZZZu2XtivhALMHgnBhooLxKF4qZtgD5hepJoqmXs92t6Zfu_t_IoV51mKA5bFEqi28HjnBYky8Nzr3vr3VnsfVdd7L/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5KZD06nNwZj7l7o9OlRg-arEXbAkrd1wToJVIzVjJn6qeXUQM1ZZZu2XtivhALMHgnBhooLxKF4qZtgD5hepJoqmXs92t6Zfu_t_IoV51mKA5bFEqi28HjnBYky8Nzr3vr3VnsfVdd7L/s640/IMG_1141.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I popped a pic of the finished pinny on Instagram and my good friend Princess saw it and commented that she knew a person who might like one for their birthday. I'd forgotten this but when I was panicking just days before her birthday that the Cox and Cox wooden angel I'd bought her hadn't arrived I remembered she had said she'd like a pinny.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPhCoWXNBto55GcePxye9BDqzZlmVjSjhX0qKAeka-j1F7k4zlgguPzPn9nzSpGOjTXjXrfPWkcZsiRS9SH4JXjc6XBMPNEH-ngXDDdZ987mUBfz61GGkmzU8agcwjehpNEHMCzLZF70J/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPhCoWXNBto55GcePxye9BDqzZlmVjSjhX0qKAeka-j1F7k4zlgguPzPn9nzSpGOjTXjXrfPWkcZsiRS9SH4JXjc6XBMPNEH-ngXDDdZ987mUBfz61GGkmzU8agcwjehpNEHMCzLZF70J/s320/IMG_2089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these little charms.</td></tr>
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So off I trotted to raid my fabric stash and found a long forgotten meter of this Heather Bailey Fresh Cut fabric. So very Princess, totally the stuff she gravitates towards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfRPBlVfEXe9fRkxGY3XY2kEgh0lhRj_wKXFRDvXXGNpXzk9LFUoqlH4idMpfN5DpKsciZX61kQjCgmzHE-TV1af3E0p-8j-d7Zv1AJyTT8H4WH8rnuYEvIddLThyYZPdYO5KCzNO1yvv/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfRPBlVfEXe9fRkxGY3XY2kEgh0lhRj_wKXFRDvXXGNpXzk9LFUoqlH4idMpfN5DpKsciZX61kQjCgmzHE-TV1af3E0p-8j-d7Zv1AJyTT8H4WH8rnuYEvIddLThyYZPdYO5KCzNO1yvv/s640/IMG_2090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I popped a few weapons in for the pic, she wouldn't put much more than twine<br />and plant labels in it. Don't worry, she'll not do herself a mischief!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9J66nlQ4HtSJNKaJPJstUXxQlJY1bFuH4XJE84LxMsXVQhOPawhczuug-AVx2Emfkc_ap1B7SMGcv6lRI18Vr8nhk2XByx2MnNlNvM9jXeSda1zinxXVKtSKgc7vVRe0ZuzukgGRWoo4/s1600/P1040609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9J66nlQ4HtSJNKaJPJstUXxQlJY1bFuH4XJE84LxMsXVQhOPawhczuug-AVx2Emfkc_ap1B7SMGcv6lRI18Vr8nhk2XByx2MnNlNvM9jXeSda1zinxXVKtSKgc7vVRe0ZuzukgGRWoo4/s400/P1040609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have thought of several other people who would probably like a gardening pinny for Christmas so I'll have to wait for mine.</div>
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♡</div>
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I'm getting a shed load of spam emails everyday now. Mostly they are trying to sell me valium and xanax. I wonder what they are trying to tell me?!! They are irritating me no end, I know if I disallow anonymous comments or do the word verification thing they will stop. But I get some marvellous comments from anonymous commenters and I know I find the word verification a pain in the whatsit most if the time. I wonder if there is any other way of preventing my email in box from filling up with all this spam?</div>
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Opps, nearly forgot to show the brooch I made for his TA. I saw this over at <a href="http://cocorosetextiles.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/mega-excited-little-ta-dah-and.html" target="_blank">Coco Rose Diaries</a> (where else!) and have had it on my to make list for over a year. I used this <a href="http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2010/05/06/mothers-day-felt-dahlia-corsage-a-few-notes/" target="_blank">tutorial</a> and it was a really enjoyable little project to make.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_R4ejTi85jya659NuE5DHG1-In-Jm2oBqXBXpEKyjpT1DLV5Te10Zq16WjDp381ZnImsLDu4vY7GtOuqIuXLJbOZJeiVfNLyLId4qoYCzEPU54QfZVBo6Gaa5zRZiOc8G9pbqdRfEDOK/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_R4ejTi85jya659NuE5DHG1-In-Jm2oBqXBXpEKyjpT1DLV5Te10Zq16WjDp381ZnImsLDu4vY7GtOuqIuXLJbOZJeiVfNLyLId4qoYCzEPU54QfZVBo6Gaa5zRZiOc8G9pbqdRfEDOK/s640/IMG_0903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I modified the original a little. I ironed on some fabric with bondaweb, I'm not sure I love it like I love the originals I saw. I just hope Big's TA liked it.</div>
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Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-54870820917182462962012-10-03T13:23:00.000+01:002012-10-03T14:01:10.555+01:00Whoooooooooooooosh.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsVLLAgEsp_IoLkbGRPbx2tPLyONalfEfcd0C5Cn1GWSlZ0Pbh6RfDIu-bwTgbTirt6PWmGuqctDnOm-5lfvrxqnaSwugD-jddnYlmwz-93XNsqsl-wuB6wMuyB55ZxBaaubmHY060Uu_/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsVLLAgEsp_IoLkbGRPbx2tPLyONalfEfcd0C5Cn1GWSlZ0Pbh6RfDIu-bwTgbTirt6PWmGuqctDnOm-5lfvrxqnaSwugD-jddnYlmwz-93XNsqsl-wuB6wMuyB55ZxBaaubmHY060Uu_/s640/IMG_0575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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.....that's me flying through the last, goodness me, seven or so weeks since I last spent time with my blog. I never planned to have a break, I have simply been happily engaged with my life. Distracted from blogging as it were.<br />
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I warn you now, this is a very photo heavy post of flowers. 46 photo's of flowers. It's all or nothing I'm afraid!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXaYSeCFS7NYgSnehfzpHsXcpOBFk-DkquMsPIoDZuqOv6p5WWMV3IJYMvjMavOl0BU_L5ECzbQQ7lk-4MbG_vW7orEhDh_ruit5aldkALOlIeb-lJNNgLGmav45wqpIhL48CzweaARWi/s1600/IMG_0487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXaYSeCFS7NYgSnehfzpHsXcpOBFk-DkquMsPIoDZuqOv6p5WWMV3IJYMvjMavOl0BU_L5ECzbQQ7lk-4MbG_vW7orEhDh_ruit5aldkALOlIeb-lJNNgLGmav45wqpIhL48CzweaARWi/s640/IMG_0487.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppies from my <a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bunny Mummy</a> seed swap</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDL829VA5tCWm8AVfR1Wm3eohed-17qe3Q9ZbovgCNqnB00QGaw7ynqZsdrC02HDZpH4hyYD3szLi6HHfw_sGmN_6wYTEKlQoUP2iJ0WrnZx8iZwSktYFpuxEwibLKbg5ZTEM9BwFPKh4/s1600/IMG_1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDL829VA5tCWm8AVfR1Wm3eohed-17qe3Q9ZbovgCNqnB00QGaw7ynqZsdrC02HDZpH4hyYD3szLi6HHfw_sGmN_6wYTEKlQoUP2iJ0WrnZx8iZwSktYFpuxEwibLKbg5ZTEM9BwFPKh4/s320/IMG_1176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpMck7OIbBSm0TXgLgNv8Xns_OTAQ8n_OPcKbe5WVlMdU21_77RDswxb8jhyLlYIod0FJEw6znLgxO2WAu3daGdrLCi8jpUajeYHyolHYLXLTW3SxnDAo8bxJMx_rAGDMaMfoX7Irn_mc/s1600/IMG_1353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpMck7OIbBSm0TXgLgNv8Xns_OTAQ8n_OPcKbe5WVlMdU21_77RDswxb8jhyLlYIod0FJEw6znLgxO2WAu3daGdrLCi8jpUajeYHyolHYLXLTW3SxnDAo8bxJMx_rAGDMaMfoX7Irn_mc/s640/IMG_1353.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbLmZ5vbSZK9GcXq1aLBzDszVVAIn7T7_f-M5UH1_4IucnhGAs4x2Am5fqdxNosMAHeETZHx-Ik5RC8D8XHy2-H7EZnqOViXM6hjgvVFrECSp3VHBtdjNEH-xPDzCdyNNCCUL_ZjR2jTv/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbLmZ5vbSZK9GcXq1aLBzDszVVAIn7T7_f-M5UH1_4IucnhGAs4x2Am5fqdxNosMAHeETZHx-Ik5RC8D8XHy2-H7EZnqOViXM6hjgvVFrECSp3VHBtdjNEH-xPDzCdyNNCCUL_ZjR2jTv/s320/IMG_1354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyLmluEId6arJa9_ZSKY-1VqiiXnRJmXJSXKg6UaTSQouyoDnEb-lg_fV1LN_3CW9xLnVXeVcVKV9IlKiPOY8D8TUcaVbA7mKd-Ndy-oXjicz4WjXgerkpkOQEuqTBCdINKkASygfih5y/s1600/IMG_1367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyLmluEId6arJa9_ZSKY-1VqiiXnRJmXJSXKg6UaTSQouyoDnEb-lg_fV1LN_3CW9xLnVXeVcVKV9IlKiPOY8D8TUcaVbA7mKd-Ndy-oXjicz4WjXgerkpkOQEuqTBCdINKkASygfih5y/s640/IMG_1367.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYvDFh_RdgkytnMwqvxI2iAmDSvALKw83RkSW513HVroNKLXNTjF1vC2GboU8e9B0Dxj5-0sh5hiCPjK6pariD9lTgvqQtqlbVuplzATutmb64qvRgYd-tEhyGejd9bv3iMhPMJuDE0dc/s1600/IMG_1365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYvDFh_RdgkytnMwqvxI2iAmDSvALKw83RkSW513HVroNKLXNTjF1vC2GboU8e9B0Dxj5-0sh5hiCPjK6pariD9lTgvqQtqlbVuplzATutmb64qvRgYd-tEhyGejd9bv3iMhPMJuDE0dc/s400/IMG_1365.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4gPN3NfSdtTvJHunESKnkuEgeNC9ka6pRr0QB4G7ctxNV8kcnUOKzVcsvLJ8K7pyyS8-cPCxrRQuVxGlL8kbu9PVmFViO3auZ72HcUxXJqbybc9GSH8lYKS-8tRbrXbcevNwV7YXbfyf/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4gPN3NfSdtTvJHunESKnkuEgeNC9ka6pRr0QB4G7ctxNV8kcnUOKzVcsvLJ8K7pyyS8-cPCxrRQuVxGlL8kbu9PVmFViO3auZ72HcUxXJqbybc9GSH8lYKS-8tRbrXbcevNwV7YXbfyf/s640/IMG_1363.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A big distraction has been the garden. We have a lovely garden, it's big, quite private and safe for the boys to run amok in. We have lovely views as we are right on top of a high hill. The downside to all this is it is a windy place where weeds are rife, it could be a stunning garden but I haven't had a clue what I'm doing. This year I decided, having been inspired and encouraged by bloggers and instagrammers who have beautiful outside spaces, to get a grasp on this gardening lark.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dahlias survived another winter and have been stunning (though FULL of earwigs)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helebores? In September! Is that odd?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW1n6IrcAxHviTT8pMHzoRADPyAzhY_XAuOduFQlmBaXILWmMzXRF-27Z8GFgCT6TOFkThd7YbuZbP7auQrPiwl7i08v5szROVySTAQkXcZHSLF9GlDLC_NZTYNlBBF2xwX-WiOQWgMf2/s1600/IMG_1885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW1n6IrcAxHviTT8pMHzoRADPyAzhY_XAuOduFQlmBaXILWmMzXRF-27Z8GFgCT6TOFkThd7YbuZbP7auQrPiwl7i08v5szROVySTAQkXcZHSLF9GlDLC_NZTYNlBBF2xwX-WiOQWgMf2/s320/IMG_1885.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This grew from an out of date Cottage Garden perenial seed mix..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvawCnlJxA7ZUSYpT4M7CGOx_8h5XfsSwfVqQ2MaqkU_phiFxwoVb1JCVo3S62wKaDpsq9fDvH_-nrK9EL0vAEhHi54asx1OVUmiwEK5mX5izBXbtn-8tjQIbHeEIyYDzV7wMHCYjla3Ms/s1600/IMG_1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvawCnlJxA7ZUSYpT4M7CGOx_8h5XfsSwfVqQ2MaqkU_phiFxwoVb1JCVo3S62wKaDpsq9fDvH_-nrK9EL0vAEhHi54asx1OVUmiwEK5mX5izBXbtn-8tjQIbHeEIyYDzV7wMHCYjla3Ms/s320/IMG_1928.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and this little lot.</td></tr>
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I have subscribed to Gardeners World magazine, I have the program on series link, I make notes in a pad, I have a folder with pages printed off the web and torn out of magazines, I have been reading Alan Titchmarsh's and Monty Don's books. I have been busy with it all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxhG3efOmy_Gh_JU-44xNPIuCdxCLlSFx5mHDBi_-czrlCHE0vdG8xWgYlvoHAdsYZN_PDiHKhTKW0hGQyXaq2k1x7wY0GH3oz5oerxaPNG7iHeGfBCa815o0JCIamP7pRAOYSo5BbW2s/s1600/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxhG3efOmy_Gh_JU-44xNPIuCdxCLlSFx5mHDBi_-czrlCHE0vdG8xWgYlvoHAdsYZN_PDiHKhTKW0hGQyXaq2k1x7wY0GH3oz5oerxaPNG7iHeGfBCa815o0JCIamP7pRAOYSo5BbW2s/s640/IMG_1200.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the brim of my sun hat</td></tr>
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It's paid off too. It has been a good year in my garden and I have optimism that next year will be even better. I have looked at what has done well and I'll plant lots more of it next year. I have a vague plan of what I need to do for earlier Spring blooms. I really feel I am getting there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_VND3gkxU76Uo9KzfSlFXCEBE7i9smRJ98kxHO45qYsC72h3bG6XhN0Yj9Luvn7TKbCvfaMRZgq7ArCybYpsdAgzOCG7C-hTUSeNRo8IUH7TXZueTUgtwWs7gAlt7HV8cWYApKrHBRtd/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_VND3gkxU76Uo9KzfSlFXCEBE7i9smRJ98kxHO45qYsC72h3bG6XhN0Yj9Luvn7TKbCvfaMRZgq7ArCybYpsdAgzOCG7C-hTUSeNRo8IUH7TXZueTUgtwWs7gAlt7HV8cWYApKrHBRtd/s640/IMG_2126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made for me by Big Cuckoo ♥</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf08D2WonSsDupyh0nkOm4d-ljpd7MukSkr7skLJxyGgbN2XBq770oyMuiVJEMn-YKZQr339z0Hc23Wtze_Kj6Kp9sDOYyYPaI5jJ8iiRM_Xm1y_eSbFJCUNhSn9DHPN_unRkE9HU2gfnA/s1600/IMG_0842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf08D2WonSsDupyh0nkOm4d-ljpd7MukSkr7skLJxyGgbN2XBq770oyMuiVJEMn-YKZQr339z0Hc23Wtze_Kj6Kp9sDOYyYPaI5jJ8iiRM_Xm1y_eSbFJCUNhSn9DHPN_unRkE9HU2gfnA/s640/IMG_0842.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beastlings!</td></tr>
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I have to point out that I only do the fannying about in the garden. Lucky (oh so lucky) for me I found a chap from in the village who comes up each week and mows the grass and does the hacking back and weeding. Over Winter he is going to continue coming up to remodel parts of the garden, deal with some mad bushes, pop in a new border for me to plant up and dig out the things that I don't really like. His work in the garden has given me enthusiasm to keep trying hard and to learn more. He doesn't have much actual gardening knowledge, but he will do what I ask of him. So I am forced to learn. It's a great partnership.<br />
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The constant supply of posies in the house has been a treat. I doubt I'll ever tire of snipping blooms and bunging them in a jug.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bzwT61ZoL6rYoT3DHunI8R56PuL_FmbT_Ej4Q8ZKjAKckilzzI3ZS-b8-Il4-dliyjT7jesguoUZrU5ssFbgkSU5Vy7eL974R16yRzJfSROo-D_UOGvO90vxe4prONXupKM75b4RJr1d/s1600/IMG_0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bzwT61ZoL6rYoT3DHunI8R56PuL_FmbT_Ej4Q8ZKjAKckilzzI3ZS-b8-Il4-dliyjT7jesguoUZrU5ssFbgkSU5Vy7eL974R16yRzJfSROo-D_UOGvO90vxe4prONXupKM75b4RJr1d/s640/IMG_0722.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelf from <a href="http://simply-scandinavian.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simply Scandinavian</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I gave this bunch to the lady I do my school run lift shares with.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore flowers in a dented tin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers in an old Lazy Garlic jar is just darlinggggg! Ha!</td></tr>
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Having a little posy by my bed has been my most favourite thing.</div>
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I have even managed to harvest enough lavender to make a small bag to put in the wardrobe. I'm super pleased with myself about this. I have high five'd myself all around the kitchen!</div>
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I can't say that I enjoy gardening. To me it is like housework out doors. I call myself The Furious Gardener. On reflection I feel happy and proud of parts of the garden that have worked out nicely. Yet I welcome Autumn whole hearted because I feel there will be less do do out there in the way of fannying about. Through the Autumn I'll be The Pointy Gardener. "Please could you dig that up?" I'll say to our Chap from the village. "Please could you chop that down?" "Would you mind bagging up the leaves to make leaf mulch?" "Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!" Yes, that's the sort of gardener I'll be now, maybe A Grateful Gardener would be a more accurate nick name.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today. Right outside my front door.</td></tr>
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Right, that's me done for today. I hope to swing by more often now the garden is slowing up...but then again with the C word less that a hundred days away, who knows!</div>
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PS. You didn't really think it was all glorious did you? This is my failed veg patch. The raised bed furthest away has been commandeered by a bleedin' badger who has turned it in into a latrine. Yuk. And that bleeding badger ate my hen, <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/new-family-members.html" target="_blank">Oliver Foxy</a>, during the day time. Not happy.</div>
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PPS. This post was done for Karie and Marleen ;o)</div>
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PPPS. <a href="http://chippernelly.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fee</a> is not in Spain, She has NOT been mugged. Don't send money to rescue her as the phishing gits'll get it. Send it to her paypal account! Ha ha hahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!! Just jesting.</div>
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-113663515508258882012-08-10T20:14:00.000+01:002012-08-10T21:41:34.315+01:00Random Round Rup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes I know it is meant to be 'UP' but I liked the three 'R's.</div>
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Here is a tiny bit of our Summer so far. Not much to report since we are taking it easy and having lots of pyjama days and "just us" time. "Just us" time is our very favourite but only if it is interspersed with the occasional socialising with friends.</div>
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Happy flowers on the Breakfast Terrace table. (AKA back yard table)</div>
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Beautiful smelling climbing rose next to the Breakfast Terrace Table. It starts off cream and slowly fades to peach and then finally pink. It is gorgeous.</div>
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The Red Arrows were doing a show at Weston Super Mare pier and were regrouping over our house. So exciting. I love the Red Arrows. They make me skip about.</div>
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I worked out how to do simple cables when we were at a picnic in the park next to the surgery. Little has a persistent outer ear infection so we have been to the Doctors a few times. Man, his ear STINKS!<br />
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Here is a "Just Us' pyjama day in action.</div>
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Here is Mini getting into mischief which I believe is his default setting. He is almost 18 months old now and is wild!</div>
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Here is my Bee. My friend since we were 12. Here we are playing our "Pull a Face" game. Her little family came to stay for the weekend. Her husband is one of the Cool Boys from my youth. The unobtainable. Sometimes I look at him in my kitchen helping himself to a cuppa and I think to myself "OMG! I can't believe DB is in my kitchen!" Such a funny feeling. It transports me back to being 14. I had an enormous crush on his brother. Now his brother and I are godparents to their son. Funny how life turns out!</div>
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We went on a lush bike ride, Us lot and Bee's family. It was so great to get out on Lou Lou. I filled her basket with essentials. Nappies, phone, plasters etc... </div>
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There's me looking like I'm wearing a White Witch's Wig and doing my best to set off without falling off. It's hard work trying to get going with Mini's chariot on the back.</div>
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That little blessing in the chariot makes me want to sing! I just adore seeing him running about with his brothers all day long. It's so nice having them home all the time. Talk to me in a few weeks and I may have changed my tune</div>
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I have been making a ginormous effort in the garden this year and as a result I have had fresh flowers in the house constantly. My nightly read is limited to gardening guide books and I have subscribed to Gardeners World. I do not like gardening but i am finally seeing some good results and so I feel spurred on. I'm going to try to maintain momentum so that the garden starts to looks good in the spring.<br />
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This is a rose that I thought I had made a pruning mistake with. I have been seeing roses like this all through blog land and instagram through out June yet mine didn't flower till just a couple of weeks ago. So worth the wait.</div>
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Hurrah! The garden is beginning to look how I hoped. </div>
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That's our view from the snug, I planted those Nicotiana thingies there because they smell nice at night. I thought we would open the window and sniff in the fragrance. I forgot Mr T gets hay fever. Also it has been a bit on the chilly side here in England.<br />
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Garden pickings. I could just hop on the spot! These came from my garden. I grew these flowers. I cannot believe it! I cannot believe my dahlias didn't get killed off through the winter.</div>
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I finally finished a dress I started sewing last year. It fits like a.......sack! It's bad bad bad, But I have a plan and I hope to get it just right at some point.<br />
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So there we go! A Random Round Rup.</div>
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ps. I have finally made it into the realms of a Bonafide Blogger, not only do I get about 20 spam emails a day (I'm resisting Word Verification), I got a Troll commenter on my last post! Can you Adam and Eve it!! Ha! I think they are called trolls anyway. You don't get very many in the crafting community so I'm not sure of the correct terminology. Anyway a person, I assume a woman, left an unkind comment on my last post. She was an anonymous commenter of course, aren't they always? I felt quite upset to begin with. Yes Madam Anonymous, you succeeded in your mission, you hurt a person you don't know who has never done anything unpleasant to you aside from write in a way you don't like. Anyway, I'd like to thank those of you who saw the comment and either posted a response or contacted me directly or reassured me on instagram. So despite the best efforts of that person I am still in love with blogging and most importantly I have had a personal Epiphany. Some of you may recall my post last October where I revealed all about my experience with depression, well his commenter has made me realise just how far I have come. How well my head is these days. Yes, I know I am still medicated but my head handled this little upset very, very well. Maybe a year ago I would have broken down over it. Not the case now. I'm thankful of the timing actually. So I guess I owe Madam Anonymous a huge heartfelt THANK YOU! Thank you for making me realise I am finally really quite well.</div>
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-41402851422020267122012-08-06T21:42:00.000+01:002012-08-06T22:24:43.239+01:00Janet Smith Can't Knit...<div style="text-align: center;">
...but her sister certainly can and she has a wonderful knitting pattern book out NOW! </div>
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It's by <a href="http://thewoolsanctuary.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Suzie</a>, you know, my buddy, I've waffled on about her before. She owns <a href="http://www.thewoolsanctuary.com/" target="_blank">The Wool Sanctuary</a> and runs <a href="http://www.thewoolsanctuary.com/info2.cfm?info_id=57499" target="_blank">Knit Club</a> which is the highlight of my month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36fRsVzm4K4BPZQyFyHPEQ-gEFgJPNSn52PO-Rm87obmvdmlUL8KFVmWluoX9ENZKJwErOjGXOAHF7wciL6k8R13p2YXK2JA_xnxkY7bZC-U3F3wUKkCMZ2yxypDpes-cpVSHCDG22IYo/s1600/IMG_1263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36fRsVzm4K4BPZQyFyHPEQ-gEFgJPNSn52PO-Rm87obmvdmlUL8KFVmWluoX9ENZKJwErOjGXOAHF7wciL6k8R13p2YXK2JA_xnxkY7bZC-U3F3wUKkCMZ2yxypDpes-cpVSHCDG22IYo/s640/IMG_1263.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Suzie's book is called Janet Smith Can't Knit <a href="http://www.thewoolsanctuary.com/" target="_blank">(and you can buy it here, just scroll down a bit and you'll see where to click)</a> because although Suzie is an ah-may-zin knitter and designer who was taught by her Mum, her sister is rubbish at knitting. Her sister is called Janet Smith. See? Well it all makes perfect sense to our Soooooooozie who is utterly bonkers in THE bestest way ever. I think I may have said that before. <a href="http://talesfromcuckooland.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/knit-club.html" target="_blank">Yes I have</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI52tua6qfLP3O12ZyQrJTOf6i8Uztz1fSxpyrkGrX1Lz_QJLpz3xqHdn9MARgz2eck9qHpThdar6kfZsjy4e5lE3x16lZZeb1uoheMVbw_DK-4rJrLIb_dei6HwssHLvTA8C-5Ly-6Yae/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI52tua6qfLP3O12ZyQrJTOf6i8Uztz1fSxpyrkGrX1Lz_QJLpz3xqHdn9MARgz2eck9qHpThdar6kfZsjy4e5lE3x16lZZeb1uoheMVbw_DK-4rJrLIb_dei6HwssHLvTA8C-5Ly-6Yae/s640/IMG_1253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first went to Knit Club, Suzie was talking about her book, talking about her designs and her excitement and all her dedicated Knit Clubbers were all a spin about the very thought of there being a book. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0GS82N7iyKv84Egwroo1-5vua-VqKdxgt3i75AWPnfN6yzyAPg8qMpkOJtFswVrhQ_sNzavyYdG9OxKHPq105954KqpaCccq_bswP8nziI5csjPptxMwXBNIb7r6dQmmEFUFrRAYAW2n/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0GS82N7iyKv84Egwroo1-5vua-VqKdxgt3i75AWPnfN6yzyAPg8qMpkOJtFswVrhQ_sNzavyYdG9OxKHPq105954KqpaCccq_bswP8nziI5csjPptxMwXBNIb7r6dQmmEFUFrRAYAW2n/s640/IMG_1254.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favourite image in the book.<br />
Suzie being bonkers.</td></tr>
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Then it all fell through. The deal, the negotiations all went wrong. But Suzie, being the strong wilful spirit that she is said "Huh, well, they can stuff it, I'll self publish"</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgICf4sD2Gm9JLs6b7v936rYr4X-vPIL4FM1UqDbEGfYO0Q1GOr8wZUySpjrncrtc48vIuZCy_wVr2khdmDQX0vB6d3WA7c-00vWkYmuDD8XdbLsDeeKCoINjY2YeA2_eCqncyyFLiVfD/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgICf4sD2Gm9JLs6b7v936rYr4X-vPIL4FM1UqDbEGfYO0Q1GOr8wZUySpjrncrtc48vIuZCy_wVr2khdmDQX0vB6d3WA7c-00vWkYmuDD8XdbLsDeeKCoINjY2YeA2_eCqncyyFLiVfD/s640/IMG_1255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sewed the gap up on this eye. I never thought I'd ever do ophthalmic surgery,<br />
but there we are.</td></tr>
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So she did. She just got on with it. Rowan saw her designs knitted in their yarn and started jumping up and down saying they wanted to distribute her book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0IGr3drAbWCQS-5WXLsusOtDUhNHB0E1NrKW4BgTaGRKiSq_DD6A3lUQzQKY7ud3Xj2-KSgO4J-Wnu6zsgDu4ieysrDnZKGtpW1OlF37T9NjRddX1Xa8Pe5k-G8ilWpOhzwTOFsW_t-N/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0IGr3drAbWCQS-5WXLsusOtDUhNHB0E1NrKW4BgTaGRKiSq_DD6A3lUQzQKY7ud3Xj2-KSgO4J-Wnu6zsgDu4ieysrDnZKGtpW1OlF37T9NjRddX1Xa8Pe5k-G8ilWpOhzwTOFsW_t-N/s640/IMG_1256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here we have it! Rowan are now busy flinging the book out to various stockists near you. She did it. The girl did it and although it isn't really my place to feel pride, I do feel ever so proud of the gal. I feel so very thrilled for her. It's a dream fulfilled. I get so emotional when I see people fulfilling dreams. I think that is why I am all tearful when I watch the Olympics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkn5nr-UswmGKb2WDnkUyJNSjqGIQGYbUsOE4U5bkuJrynS-T5R_pfBEKmsK39la_th37JluW9uIDrmpGgsHEe5oACqvIt0f2PCPxvz5FhGV5zZzijildvIUfAXrRPMiYrkBa3ZxiU5Sf/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkn5nr-UswmGKb2WDnkUyJNSjqGIQGYbUsOE4U5bkuJrynS-T5R_pfBEKmsK39la_th37JluW9uIDrmpGgsHEe5oACqvIt0f2PCPxvz5FhGV5zZzijildvIUfAXrRPMiYrkBa3ZxiU5Sf/s640/IMG_1258.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The book has 12 hand knit designs from scarves and wrist warmers to cushions and soft, erm, aliens. There is nothing too advanced for the beginner to tackle. You really need very little experience or knowledge to knit these patterns. That is the beauty of this book. It isn't an instruction book on knitting. It's a book filled with patterns that a novice knitter could tackle successfully. That's not to say the patterns don't produce an interesting item. No not at all. The patterns have plenty of appeal for die hard knitters too.</div>
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Want to see more? Here you go:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIO7cMymPQhyphenhyphenTBwHigJlSoFicyzDv2zRnRg8P8g8tjI6bsV1WvwwCKi1pb-xauh2Nuiif_77hT8u4e07Cokrlma33ZuaIHlKbowHkOWWVyxA8EbHF9CVtxSJ_cO7zcOaGRTWlh8EH4Fy6/s1600/IMG_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIO7cMymPQhyphenhyphenTBwHigJlSoFicyzDv2zRnRg8P8g8tjI6bsV1WvwwCKi1pb-xauh2Nuiif_77hT8u4e07Cokrlma33ZuaIHlKbowHkOWWVyxA8EbHF9CVtxSJ_cO7zcOaGRTWlh8EH4Fy6/s640/IMG_1259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWp4Za6D59pn-Ah4FG-gGFT-2qoknr_AynuQizdzRmZhWx4unTTxoVzcWcRNJRkDkMj3DGghsOajh2AW5hC2w-RqoEd7fWKrKYY8jpB9MqKfHpO9eAQDVbhfScJb7k3K9XKNyYalSK05j/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWp4Za6D59pn-Ah4FG-gGFT-2qoknr_AynuQizdzRmZhWx4unTTxoVzcWcRNJRkDkMj3DGghsOajh2AW5hC2w-RqoEd7fWKrKYY8jpB9MqKfHpO9eAQDVbhfScJb7k3K9XKNyYalSK05j/s640/IMG_1266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeTDjHYngBB6HAGAXZiOqfmkxEgQbCxHeWhQyBoLNYm15wxL8X43mT77XkUKPc3frozTtKX3rM_kmmqMbHQIsUNaDqiFC0KezSb5It9xdOyhzwH4Cd2-KcsqCD4pWtMyG0vKKpbe_iBvs/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeTDjHYngBB6HAGAXZiOqfmkxEgQbCxHeWhQyBoLNYm15wxL8X43mT77XkUKPc3frozTtKX3rM_kmmqMbHQIsUNaDqiFC0KezSb5It9xdOyhzwH4Cd2-KcsqCD4pWtMyG0vKKpbe_iBvs/s640/IMG_1267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBOz8XPL4nZ8wRzD0jZqpYf_yJzbQb-Z0U5JgYbmbsa9iNfUZziceHFt9CzuDNqHqfhxyw4_vmHY5C6RPIxdazlJmi5IKkHwaIYfIrwKhcCEnuf1_7bGaTLQOtXlmI-_W0f89QFtKnWH0/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBOz8XPL4nZ8wRzD0jZqpYf_yJzbQb-Z0U5JgYbmbsa9iNfUZziceHFt9CzuDNqHqfhxyw4_vmHY5C6RPIxdazlJmi5IKkHwaIYfIrwKhcCEnuf1_7bGaTLQOtXlmI-_W0f89QFtKnWH0/s640/IMG_1269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you think? Great huh! That is until you see who is peeping out of a couple of the pages....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iMfLOWrZuLbEytFLHbNUHcMu_CDuSoYe7p7O2KmHgzkIecEv25WRrpFBwzVJ2JBvwhfRexJsfY9OtXDZTW40eHl7PQFIcer1PfTsgs8-exvf1B-8T7KAfTPVEhZ86s930OFcX-HUUXoS/s1600/IMG_1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iMfLOWrZuLbEytFLHbNUHcMu_CDuSoYe7p7O2KmHgzkIecEv25WRrpFBwzVJ2JBvwhfRexJsfY9OtXDZTW40eHl7PQFIcer1PfTsgs8-exvf1B-8T7KAfTPVEhZ86s930OFcX-HUUXoS/s640/IMG_1270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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....ME!</div>
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Ha ha!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrhpBoDV_S-6Q5-BQZrHa7urcY3D8PS2VLWQGWjtsLeQwpIfitkN7QGJWgn7IXkwqUjykoKJj0bJ5lktvMV1Ze9kHycwSDvz2D9uJFWj44QnJ3gfns1IBj6FIYJZDu2SEgUOHys5eCVzS/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrhpBoDV_S-6Q5-BQZrHa7urcY3D8PS2VLWQGWjtsLeQwpIfitkN7QGJWgn7IXkwqUjykoKJj0bJ5lktvMV1Ze9kHycwSDvz2D9uJFWj44QnJ3gfns1IBj6FIYJZDu2SEgUOHys5eCVzS/s640/IMG_1251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes that is me leaning against that great big house. It's a bean bag which is a groovy ornament when not in use. Genius. I don't really like the look of bean bags but I really do love the look of a big old knitted house.</div>
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The shoot was so much fun. It was in Suzie's friend's, Clare and Stewart's glorious house, seriously glorious. Every inch was perfect. Each detail was considered. I just kept swooning over it. I bet I was rather boring actually. "Oh my! I L:O:V:E this *insert item*" x 6 million. It was a weirdly relaxed day for me, probably because all I had to do was put on different clothes, stand in different places doing different expressions with my face in order to show off Suzie's designs. It was tiring but it was such a change of real life for me. A change is as good as a rest as they say.</div>
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Below are pics I took with my iPhone and then fiddled with on instagram (still so addicted except Mini dropped my phone down the loo today so it is drying out and I can't use it much, at least I really shouldn't). They capture a little bit of behind the scenes. The photographer was Rebecca Roundhill (Becr on IG) and her work is quite simply astonishing. Go and have a peep at her <a href="http://www.rebeccaroundhill.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a>. It was so great to spend the day with her, she made me feel really comfortable in front of the camera. I am a bit insecure about the pointy-ness of my chin, I was teased about it when I was younger. They called me Chinny Hill at school. Anyway, Becca managed to get so many wonderful photo's where magic happened and my chin looked almost dainty! Shame they had to be cut from the final book for various reasons. Either the knitted designs weren't used in the book or the yarns of the particular item were discontinued so Suzie had to frantically re knit and re shoot, or the chosen clothes looked all wrong. But do you know what? The book is so much better for having more of Suzie and all her quirkiness in it. It's her dream, it should be full of her, so it has all worked out for the very best. I just loved having a small part in the making of it. It was a privilege to have been asked to be involved at all. Thank you Sooooooooozie, truly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The master at work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wrist warmer design that got cut</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn_pGvXGtEkl7KNGE4fDKiddlNVVZPXsnUJpvZk5pwJTnpDxkvoN8kifi8bqSWPVrN8ih4DN7HuG6ErqZUtKv0Qt4UAldlFPOKrFFL8YoYblSUndqP08daGzBZTPeGELlDlv_ftfs0esJ/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn_pGvXGtEkl7KNGE4fDKiddlNVVZPXsnUJpvZk5pwJTnpDxkvoN8kifi8bqSWPVrN8ih4DN7HuG6ErqZUtKv0Qt4UAldlFPOKrFFL8YoYblSUndqP08daGzBZTPeGELlDlv_ftfs0esJ/s640/IMG_0583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becca working her magic</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyXWQ96yZ7oZAbPIvsLT3Ti0KG25-6RlGFTf9fHxmwdg3PZHtFpKL3zFU0ij73P-6c6nn-o34Yo-w6gyki6lXza4KY5jjUZBpQEknojk6A3gYi9d01_bzSxTPK20rWL6_FqkoL5X0Im2Q/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyXWQ96yZ7oZAbPIvsLT3Ti0KG25-6RlGFTf9fHxmwdg3PZHtFpKL3zFU0ij73P-6c6nn-o34Yo-w6gyki6lXza4KY5jjUZBpQEknojk6A3gYi9d01_bzSxTPK20rWL6_FqkoL5X0Im2Q/s640/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So there we go! My mate is a famous author!</div>
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Now, wanna see something funny?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><b>WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENENED HERE?!</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woops!</td></tr>
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<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-9647300992543082812012-07-10T16:52:00.003+01:002012-07-10T16:52:51.466+01:00"That's ridiculous!" he said,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLb7tzxkTBJPnnQyN5n1q_YmoykUV76uhTmBIU0mUDotvh-huRMXl_WIYW1RCJo9S7We2ubGhiyMZNsDL21AFYiNHBjMpuQBAKHCVFRW3PQoKUuw4XYtc8_t6mRrao5m3dvxpTcZfakOM/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLb7tzxkTBJPnnQyN5n1q_YmoykUV76uhTmBIU0mUDotvh-huRMXl_WIYW1RCJo9S7We2ubGhiyMZNsDL21AFYiNHBjMpuQBAKHCVFRW3PQoKUuw4XYtc8_t6mRrao5m3dvxpTcZfakOM/s640/IMG_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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The other day Mr C said to me,<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"You haven't been blogging much lately"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"I know, other things get in the way at the moment, besides I haven't replied to all the comments on my last post yet"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"That's ridiculous" he said.</span><br />
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So I wonder, is it? Is this self imposed rule about replying to all those who are not 'no-reply' bloggers silly? I know I would have blogged more over the last few weeks if I hadn't set this rule.<br />
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I love comments so much, I enjoy the banter, I feel that if you are kind enough to take time to write to me I should take the time to reply by way of thanks.<br />
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I'm thinking of putting a note in my comments box saying that through the Summer months I'll be blogging but won't have much time to reply to comments so don't feel obliged to leave a message.<br />
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Yes I think that's what I'll do, there are things I want to preserve here on my blog that are fading in my memory banks because I have stopped myself from blogging. What a muppet. I think I lost the point of way I blog for a while there. Besides I think I'd rather read a blog post than get a reply and I hope you feel the same.<br />
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xxxCuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-508363601981497644.post-78592034231856846312012-06-19T21:34:00.000+01:002012-06-19T22:24:54.128+01:00Ramblings of an absent blogger.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cpSdFjIi0fxzSsGkPGRiiqeZshoygXgfLkaz1ZaRCUHtldnMHnA4Vb9s2dXFIIGGa3fo_L0SDm0Q6zAekigdglaLT84OmmgdBC4g-8UO-Rv0szsOQdeTbL1ufv2VHHAufaVWJHzypMx2/s1600/17:6+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cpSdFjIi0fxzSsGkPGRiiqeZshoygXgfLkaz1ZaRCUHtldnMHnA4Vb9s2dXFIIGGa3fo_L0SDm0Q6zAekigdglaLT84OmmgdBC4g-8UO-Rv0szsOQdeTbL1ufv2VHHAufaVWJHzypMx2/s640/17:6+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Time ticks on doesn't it? Here we are in mid June and I feel slightly shocked. How did this happen? I mean I'm still missing the Christmas tree for goodness sake!</div>
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There's also nothing like your teeny tiny baby suddenly needing SHOES. What? What ? Hey?????? How can he be walking, surely he was only born two weeks ago.....gosh time is whizzing. Which leads me on to why I love yet loathe Summer. The days are longer yet I get less done. Why is that? There seems to be more ironing to do, dirtier children to wash....and a garden to do stuff in. Stuff which I am hopeless at. I don't want to be gardening, I'd rather be blogging and reading blogs and making stuff. But I shall not moan here. This isn't the place for it. Anyway I have other nice stuff to talk about.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHlPus8EobPbWJucm4qwyw_3TyphtIXlnym0h-MzzU3LJUrmmYAwLjbF0Dm7k6x8sM1MfFnZBN1TqBNoD1wt1vphvn_mZVqkPw6vE2BcIMa038e4CfbnsDoKJZqh3Iy0iefxnJP17HTuR/s1600/17.6+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHlPus8EobPbWJucm4qwyw_3TyphtIXlnym0h-MzzU3LJUrmmYAwLjbF0Dm7k6x8sM1MfFnZBN1TqBNoD1wt1vphvn_mZVqkPw6vE2BcIMa038e4CfbnsDoKJZqh3Iy0iefxnJP17HTuR/s640/17.6+16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have new wheels and so has Mini, who tends to get called The Kid these days. We are rather pleased. I ride about and he gets dragged along squealing with glee. I realised sometime ago that having three little boys means I am going to have to step out of my comfort zone and do stuff I'm not really into. I'm not sporty. I don't enjoy being a sport spectator either. I'm not outdoorsy. I don't like getting puffed out or sweaty unless it involves a crazy coloured cocktail and a dance floor. So I am trying to embrace the activities the boys want to do. (edit: The chariot will not be used on the open road where there are cars. It too scaredy. We will go on those lovely flat cycle routes that used to be railways once upon a time. Or through somewhere like Leigh Woods)</div>
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Recently Mr C got himself a new bike and at the same time we got the next size up bike for the boys. Whilst in Halfords I spotted the sweetest bike. I said I'd only get a bike if it looked something like that one.</div>
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My requirements were that I could wear a skirt and get on it easily, it had to be a nice colour and it needed a basket. So a few weeks later I collected this baby:</div>
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Sweet hey? She is called Lou Lou because she is the same colour as the Cacharel perfume bottle of the same name. </div>
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When I got it (her) I got straight on and rode around the garden. I hadn't been on a bike for so long. Don't think I have even had a bike for twenty years. Oh how I laughed. The baby was asleep in the car and I was riding around the garden giggling. I felt really silly and elated and free and excited and nervous. Then I attached The Kids chariot to the back and once the school run was over, the boys and I spent forty minutes doing circuits and follow the leader around the garden. It was great fun. I'm looking forward to going on a family bike ride soon, providing of course that there is a picnic in the basket rather than flowers and yarn. I did have fun prettying the gal up though. That was a pleasurable ten minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYW7EAhXHvr9My42JPdpxb1E56HUyLayctw23gWH-0wY6lMaCYV7bK3WJ9F_ig19UBl206iOxLei1Zq8D_rw4-43l4unAkbZyXGTBaTFDyRGYvclHJWDjadBPqaGDx9j015uBjkDGMx-1/s1600/17:6+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYW7EAhXHvr9My42JPdpxb1E56HUyLayctw23gWH-0wY6lMaCYV7bK3WJ9F_ig19UBl206iOxLei1Zq8D_rw4-43l4unAkbZyXGTBaTFDyRGYvclHJWDjadBPqaGDx9j015uBjkDGMx-1/s640/17:6+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another lovely thing to have happened lately is we looked after our friends Norfolk Terrier, Otto. Oh my word how I enjoyed having him around. Such a delightful dog. I am missing him way more than the Christmas tree. I keep 'seeing' him out of the corner of my eye. I would love a dog but we had a bad experience with a dog we got from a so called reputable breeder and she was utterly mental and we had to rehome her. I still feel guilty.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little packed lunch for me. Tea and couscous.</td></tr>
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We have had to have a soul searching long think about schooling for our boys. In a nut shell Big has been struggling in mainstream education. He is falling further and further behind and it has been effecting his self esteem. He gets considerable support from the special needs department but having had a review by a really super educational pscychologist we have realised that mainstream isn't what is best for him. Therefore in September he will start at a school that is specifically for kids with additional needs. It's over half an hour away in the morning traffic so there was no way I could drop Big off and get Little back to the school where Big currently goes in time for the bell. Little will be starting at a school fairly near Big's but the school runs are going to be, at least I anticipate them to be, pretty long, what with the bundling in and out of the car and into two different schools and driving through the busiest times of the day. I'm dreading it. I was talking to my friend Princess about it, saying how I need to get really organised and probably have to drink my tea in the car on route as we will be rushing out of the house before 8am. So she bought me a little gift. A brilliant thermos cup. A pretty one. I love it, I have been using it a lot already. I seriously don't know why I haven't had one before.</div>
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Last week I had to pop to one of my favourite shops, Fanny Adams, to collect a dress she had altered for me and a skirt she had repaired. It's always joyously dangerous going over to Fanny's. It is a delightful shop full of stuff that is just my cup of tea. She serves yummy drinks too. I thought I'd snap a few pics while I was there to share. I'm afraid all the photo's on this entire blog post are from my phone and most have been seen on Instagram already, I apologise to those who are having deja vu moments.</div>
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Stacks of cashmere cardigans trimmed with vintage liberty lawn are too attractive to me. Luckily none of the ones I really liked fitted. That's the thing with Fannys, they are all one offs in varying sizes so you can't always have the thing you love.</div>
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That's a rail of divine coats. I am not allowed to buy any more coats. I have way too many. The trouble is because they are all one offs I feel compelled to buy what I love as I have gone away to think about a little jacket in the past and when I returned to buy it someone had snapped it up just ten minutes earlier.</div>
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So last time I was at Fanny's I ended up buying two dresses, a hat and a 1950's vintage dresser. Gulp. You understand what I mean by a visit there being dangerous now huh!</div>
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My excuse for buying one of the dresses was that it didn't fit the last time I was there but due to having a poorly tummy for five weeks it fitted this time and I had the perfect excuse of having a wedding to attend at the weekend. I couldn't believe it hadn't been bought. There I am, in the dress of deliciousness, at the wedding, eating a bacon butty, looking like a gorky scarecrow. </div>
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Crafting wise I have been trying to finish off WIPS but mostly I have been making thoughtful gifts for the husbando. It's his 40th next month and I can't plan anything like a meal or a party because he wants to go on a windsurfing holiday and wants to get a last minute deal. Therefore I have no idea when we will be out of the country. I have pointed this out to him and he has said he isn't bothered about having a celebration of sorts. I just hope that come the 11th of July he doesn't turn forty and feel a bit short changed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW_HinYY3cUjMiEmrL0w3b5scbUo6caZ_JX3d_thyw7XviDMs00p4YqF902OsaDQD2DKwP0OfCHXZnUfz_3SgpZBHD4NXAZxhWQOukv_JG6169fjny-W1INm65vQo2OfHpiT8jqw6CkLn/s1600/17:6+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoW_HinYY3cUjMiEmrL0w3b5scbUo6caZ_JX3d_thyw7XviDMs00p4YqF902OsaDQD2DKwP0OfCHXZnUfz_3SgpZBHD4NXAZxhWQOukv_JG6169fjny-W1INm65vQo2OfHpiT8jqw6CkLn/s640/17:6+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We were supposed to go to Salcombe over half term but it rained and rained and RAINED. So we didn't go. Shame really as I'd made a heap of rustic bunting to jolly up one of the bedrooms. It was a good job though as my tummy is still very tricksy in the mornings and I have to be near a toilet. Going to the beach would have been out of the question. I have been to the doctors and I got the results back yesterday. No infection present. The Doctor says I have had a bug and it has left me with sensitivity and inflammation and suggested I eat probiotic yogurts. More worryingly I have been getting really bad pain in my right lower ribs and this is suspected to be gall stones. Arse! At least it is very intermittent so I can bury my head in the sand about it, or more sensibly, eat a healthy diet to avoid aggrevating it.</div>
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This is a terrible photo, very grainy but I'm including it so you can see the bonkers socks I am knitting for Mr C's birthday. I'm also very pleased with my outfit here too. Summery! Except where is the bloomin' Summer? Seriously. I really struggle with the disappointment that Summer invariably is. We all look forward to it with anticipation, imagining long warm evenings outside yet it piddles it down way too much. I find we British are so optimistic about the pursuits we will enjoy in the Summer. We buy picnic things, sunscreen, floaty clothes and bottles of Pimms and yet we only get to give these things an airing occaisionally. Still there truly is no where better than England when the sun shines.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colour is so rich and vibrant it sent my camera funny</td></tr>
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I have been trying quite hard to get the garden looking nice. We have a large garden and I am overwhelmed by it. I have decided to have a word with myself this year and just try to get the flower beds looking lovely and maybe get some huge pots of loveliness on the big front patio. I have potted on between 70 - 80 plants and added a dozen to the borders already. I've sown cottage garden mix packets and planted lily and gladioli bulbs. I will not stop. Now I have the bull by the horns I am just getting my head down and getting on with it. I HATE DOING IT. Bloody, bleeding, bloody, flipping HaTe it. I hope I will be rewarded by nice plants and flowers but I don't have green fingers and I make way too many mistakes even though I read the labels and do as I am told. I've had a tomato tumbling bush thing die already and my dwarf green beans have been eaten by wildlife. I'm imagining rabbits but I know it must be mice (or worse). My roses aren't very happy either. However the seed swap poppies I did with Bunny Mummy have sprung up and are looking gorgeous. There's only a few of them but they are lovely. The peony style poppies I had in abundance last year haven't done so well this year. I think it is because they look like weeds when they are seedlings and got pulled up by the chap who is helping us maintain the garden this year.</div>
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I've got a few bald areas in the borders where I have dug up things that weren't what I like, the landscaper put them in four years ago and they are not cottage gardeny. I'd like to fill the gaps with big blousey flowers that grow really quickly and well. What do you suggest? What looks good in your gardens right now? What looked good last month? Through out April and May our garden looks pants.</div>
<br />Cuckoohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00873833055446436983noreply@blogger.com54