ME ON MONDAY......

Well actually Tuesday......making the most of an overcast day to sit outside with my book!

The weekend?......it was time with Craig, buying some new garden furniture, looking for a new sofa (unsuccessfully!), booking a trip for Craig and myself at the end of September, booking a flight for mum to come over and generally eating too much kind of a weekend....not to mention being eaten alive by mosquitos- they are really bad this year...i have NEVER had so many bites as I have at the moment!

Hoping you have had a mosquito-free and fun weekend my friends.

As always  sometimes on a Monday (or indeed a Tuesday!) waving especially to SIAN and her merry band of 'wavers'!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

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ME ON MONDAY

A very good Monday morning to you all......and especially to SIAN and her merry bunch of 'wavers'!

This morning sees me in that very rare position over the summer months .......alone and able to make as much crafty mess as I please..even in the kitchen which is the coolest room in the morning! In any other room I need to turn a fan on, and you can guess what THAT does to paper and embellishments!!

The weekend?.....it was a waving farewell to good friends, sheet and towel washing,then  ignoring the housework and immersing myself in a trilogy of books which have been calling to me for ages ( BELLE, THE PROMISE and SURVIVOR by LESLEY PEARCE). I hadn't read any of her books before but I was really drawn into this family saga....the final one has still to be finished, but I'm working on that! There was time for a hospital visit and a visit to my LITTLE OLD LADY, whose Birthday it was on Saturday......obviously some scrapping too!


I'm looking forward to a visit from Craig later in the week....and hoping to be planning a holiday with him at the end of September...I do hope you've all got something to  be looking forward to!

Thanks for dropping by!
take care of you
Alison xx

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ME ON MONDAY

Do the scarf, cardigan and grey sky give enough of a clue that I am not at home on this Monday morning ( yes, I'm posting on Tuesday but the picture was taken yesterday)

 

 

 

I arrived in Scotland last Wednesday night, and the scarf and cardi have been almost permanent fixtures since then!

As you can tell, I'm feeling ever so much better and the shingles rash has gone. It's the oddest feeling though, as if even my makeup brush touches the area which was affected the nerve endings tingle...not painfully now, but I'm still aware of it!

The weekend? It was a travelling with mum and Craig to see Kirsty and HER Craig's new house, loving the house but being dismayed at the state of the garden....thus pulling weeds and strimming the almost foot-long grass.....trying to explain the difference between weeds and flowers to my daughter, having a bit of retail therapy and eating too much kind of weekend.

I head home tomorrow, so today will be spent with mum....I took her for a 'proper' grocery shop yesterday; the first she's felt like doing since dad died....she is slowly adjusting to her new situation, but it's hard seeing her so sad......I'm just glad to have been able to get over this week and spend some time with her.

 

Waving to SIAN's 'Monday Wavers' and to everyone else ....have a good week!

 

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

 

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ME ON MONDAY

Waving to you today from sunny California.....yes, you read it correctly! I am in San Jose with Craig.....a trip that I knew might be upcoming, but which I wasn't at all sure I should make, given the situation with dad.

In the end though, Craig decided I needed a break and booked for me to come over with him....so here I am, sitting in the sunshine outside Starbucks!

I'm still at the jetlag stage, but managed to sleep for a few more hours last night than the previous one so I'm feeling ALMOST human.

The weekend?.....I met up with Craig at Amsterdam Airport, spent around ten hours in the air (I had a window seat,which I like) during which time I read a book ( THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS by M R Carey; highly recommended by Kirsty and I thoroughly enjoyed it) and played Sudoku, as well as watching out said window- I am always amazed at how vast and empty Canada is as you fly over it. Between Passport Control, waiting for luggage and standing in the Car Hire queue,it was another three hours before we left the airport. Once Craig got the meetings he needed to organise set up, I was able to get in touch with RINDA and make arrangements to meet up with her on Wednesday ( so looking forward to that!)

As always, thank you all for your kind comments and promises of prayers and keeping us all in your thoughts ; there's no real change in dad, but then I'm not expecting there to be.

It's been a holiday weekend both sides of the Atlantic, so hope you've all had a great one!

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

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WAVING ON TUESDAY

I know that most of SIAN's 'wavers' will have done so yesterday, but here I am late as is often the case!

After a week of horrendously wet, windy and cold weather the sun has come back with a vengeance .....and not only have I changed the nail polish on my toes to a Summer pink...said toes also had their first dip in the pool.

Believe me, no other body part followed, as although the temperature on the terrace was about 30 degrees, the pool was FREEZING!

The weekend?.......I've had a house full of people-not only are Kirsty and the boyfriend still here, but Craig arrived too, as it was our Wedding Anniversary on Sunday. Needless to say this resulted in enjoying a weekend of too much eating and drinking - well, one does have to celebrate 35 years of marriage!

Kirsty and the boyfriend ( his name is Craig too would you believe, so when I'm talking about him i call him 'the boyfriend' to avoid confusion with MY Craig!!) are leaving on Friday, so next weekend will see me getting my house back to 'normal' I think!

If you pop over to Sian's blog HERE you will see who else has waved this week.

Wishing you all a good week....I have heard rumours of snow in the UK- hope it doesn't affect you too badly!

thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

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THE WEEK THAT WAS

This week has seen me:

READING

funny, though somewhat farcical in parts!

WATCHING

Series 1-3 of DOWNTON ABBEY.....I missed this on TV and was absolutely hooked!..the remaining DVDs are hopefully winging their way here from AMAZON as I type!

SCRAPBOOKING .....please don't faint!......I have had these two photographs printed since Christmas, and decided it was high time to get them on to a layout!!

not great pictures but I wanted to record the fact that Kirsty can't resist a Carousel...even in the rain!

PLAYING ....YES, you've guessed it:

....and have made it to Level 217!

and, most excitingly, BOOKING another a little trip:

.....this time to meet up with Craig for our Wedding Anniversary later this month.

Now I'm looking forward to what this week will bring...hope you are too!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

HELLO WEEK!

This week I'm saying:

HELLO to the last few days of 2013...how did that happen?!

HELLO to the first few days of 2014...how did THAT happen?!

HELLO to just Boo and I being here, after having Craig and Kirsty with us for a few days

HELLO to working out the time difference between here and China...that's where Craig flew to yesterday!

HELLO to going out with friends for dinner on New Year's Eve

HELLO to arguing with myself  (again) about whether I should actually be in Scotland ...dad is back in hospital, but once he is stabilised they will let him home again...mum is insisting that she and my brothers can cope   (which I know they actually CAN)

HELLO to enjoying the last few days of looking at my Christmas decorations.before they come down at the weekend

HELLO to planning a trip mid-January...and NOT to the UK!

HELLO to wishing you and yours  a peaceful, healthy and happy 2014!

SOURCE

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

SIMPLY A MOMENT

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26- 3.30pm

The dogs in the house in front of us have started to bark loudly...I think it is probably the wind that's upsetting them. It has been an incredibly windy 24 hours...but at least we've not had the flooding that the south of England has experienced. Boo, surprisingly, doesn't seem at all fazed by it and is lying on the tiles at my feet, snoring gently.

I have just finished a cup of coffee (from the cup given to me as part of my Christmas from Kirsty- it may be my favourite present this year!)

Craig and I have just not long come back from the airport, where we saw Kirsty off on her return to Newcastle.....she doesn't seem to have been here for long enough, but she is due at work tomorrow. To be honest though, she would have been quite happy if the weather had caused her to be delayed for a day or two...but no such luck...I have just checked online and the fight is en route!

I reflect on the last couple of days and how much pleasure I have had in us being together, but yet have had so many of our UK family and friends on my mind....did we do the right thing by staying here, or should we have gone back for Christmas?...have I been selfish in just wanting the three of us together this year?.....I could go on questioning myself and my motives,but the reality is that there is only so much one can do in any given situation and I felt it important that we have this time together.

I am aware of an insistent BEEP! BEEP! In the background, and realise the washing machine has finished it's cycle...onward and upward!

With thanks once again to ALEXA for encouraging us to stop, take a moment and think!

Hoping you and yours are having a wonderful Christmas!

Thanks for dropping by!
take care of you
Alison xx

'JUST BEING'

I can't believe it's THREE WEEKS since I last wrote a blog post!....all I can say is that life has been hectic but, in the main, fun! There's been too much  lots of eating, drinking and generally making merry  (not to mention lots of hard work to make most of it happen-and not just on my part) and I've enjoyed every minute of it!

just a taste of what I've been up to...I even got to go to a Xmas performance

 in one of the schools we have supported..I didn't understand most of it, but it was wonderful!

However, Friday was my last 'commitment' and now I can focus on our Christmas i.e. our family Christmas......the one where I can relax and enjoy 'just being'.....just sitting looking at the lights on the Christmas trees....listening to Christmas music.....watching cheesy movies......all of it knowing that even if my girl isn't actually in the room with me, she's in the house somewhere...and knowing that Craig is going to be here by Christmas Eve!...it's a good feeling, believe me.

I know there's still shopping to do....and wrapping...and general household chores....but if it doesn't happen exactly as I plan, it's not affecting anyone else's plans or expectations...only mine...and I admit to my expectations (of myself) being too high at times- but by this morning I feel as though it's time to focus on 'just being' and to accepting that Christmas doesn't have to be perfect- just meaningful and as happy as you can  make it.

Whatever the next few days bring, try to find time for 'just being' and enjoy the season....I'm hoping for another post before the day itself, but 'just being' might get in the way!

In case I DON'T get back.....I hope you and yours enjoy a peaceful, happy and blessed Christmas!

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

HELLO WEEK

This week I'm saying :

HELLO to the Christmas Bazaar being over....and having raised just over 4400 euros!

HELLO to cleaning my house PROPERLY....just in time for Christmas ;)

HELLO to Kirsty and Craig being home for Kirsty's birthday at the weekend- YAY!

HELLO to getting the North Pole Village out and in place by the end of the  week

HELLO to receiving my first Christmas card and these beautiful, crocheted snowflakes from JANE, as part of the FESTIVE SWAP organised by  MIRIAM....thanks Jane...I love them!...and thanks Miriam for organising it!

HELLO to getting my parcel off to NATHALIE .....late I know, but hopefully it won't take too long to get to her!

Hope some festive  fun is creeping into your life!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

HELLO WEEK!

This week i'm saying:

HELLO to an early morning trip to the airport (this morning) to drop DH off ..he's been here for a long(ish) weekend.

HELLO to working two mornings in the Charity Shop to help with holiday/sickness cover

HELLO to working 'Front of House' at our tiny, local Theatre on Friday night

HELLO to touches of Autumn/Fall/ Halloween around the house

HELLO to starting this class...

you can find more details HERE ...I'm hoping it can jump-start my scrapping again!

HELLO to having put the summer dresses away..but NOT the cropped trousers or sleeveless tops!....and looking out the not-summer clothes in preparation for cooler temperatures

HELLO to having to wear long sleeves in the house by night-time

How's your week looking?

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

HELLO WEEK!

This week I'm saying:

HELLO to an early morning trip to the Airport tomorrow, to wave goodbye to Craig again :(

HELLO to two lunches out...whilst trying to get myself back  on track diet-wise!!....that should be interesting

HELLO to the gathering together of all the items I'm responsible for, for the Seminar JVH are running on Saturday

HELLO to three of 'the girls' arriving on Friday ( the other arriving next week)....they're visiting for just over a week this time!....which in turn leads to:

HELLO to lots of fun and laughter! :)

I do hope there's some fun and laughter in your own week!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

SCAVENGING UPDATE FOR JUNE

This weekend RINDA has put up a LINKY  on her BLOG..... for all those participating in the 2013 SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT to share their finds with others who are (or even aren't..why not?..it's fun!) taking part.

You will find my first few finds in this post  HERE and in this one HERE... and here is the actual list:

1. Open air market
2. Theater for performing arts (not a movie theater)
3. City Hall, Capitol or other similar civic building
4. Airplane
5. A sunset
6. Someone or something taking a nap
7. A sign that is intentionally or unintentionally funny
8. A tower
9. A photo with someone or something that is clearly out of place or doesn't belong
10. A bench that is outside
11. An animal in a zoo, aquarium, nature preserve, etc.
12. A cloud in the shape of something (please specify what you see)
13. A fence
14. A stained glass object or a mosaic
15. A fire truck or police car
16. A windmill 
17. Candle(s)
18. Your local pub/bar, coffee house or tea shop
19. A fisherman
20. A dinosaur
21. A photograph of you with an artistic tool or craft supply (you cannot substitute for this item)
Bonus/substitute items. If you find any of the above items too difficult, feel free to substitute either (or both) of these items. You can substitute up to two items, but you cannot substitute Item #21:
A person wearing an outfit (or item of clothing) that symbolizes your country
A sundial

My final few finds for June are:

#14- A STAINED GLASS OBJECT OR MOSAIC

This butterfly mosaic is in my garden...it was made for me by a friend

#9- A PHOTO OF SOMETHING/SOMEONE CLEARLY OUT OF PLACE

A castle in the middle of a Car Park (meaning I couldn't park there!) - it was being built, Disney-style, for the Moors and Christians Festival in a nearby town

#15- A FIRE TRUCK OR POLICE CAR

Whilst sitting having a meal in a local restaurant, we saw a Police Car pull up and block this white car's exit from the village- Craig was mortified..not to mention a bit worried...when I leapt out of my chair and stood  snapping the event...he was sure they wouldn't be best pleased with my intrusion-though I DID use the zoom function on the camera-I'm not THAT brave!

Now I am on the lookout for a windmill(?) and I'm thinking that a zoo or aquarium visit aren't on my 'to do' list for the summer...that might be the one I have to substitute...how about you?...what will be the item you think will 'stump' you?

Happy Snapping!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

PERFECT TIMING!

Do come in out of the heat.....it's 30 degrees(C) out there today, and unless you've brought your swimming cozzie it's far too hot to be out in it!

Your timing is perfect because I've just made a cup of (coolish) coffee for myself, and cut into the Apricot and Coconut loaf I've just made...I'd be glad of your opinion on it; it's the first time I've tried it and I'm not convinced!

It's not too bad actually, if you add a bit of butter...it seems to be a very Scottish thing, adding butter to all tea-breads...lots of people look at me as if I'm mad when I ask if they want butter..maybe you do too?

Why have I been baking on such a hot day?...good question! I have a glut of apricots this year and wanted to try something a bit different with them...usually I freeze them or stew them ...if you have any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them..there's still lots on the tree!...and I actually enjoyed being in the cool kitchen for a while...though scarpered once the oven had heated up!

How was my week?.....better than expected I think. If you read my blog earlier in the week, you probably realise it was the anniversary of Stuart's death. Craig was here for a few days though, which always helps me to cope better...we had a couple of nice meals out and generally just kept each other company.

I hope you'll tell me what's been going on in your own life...hopefully you'll be starting to think about getting away for a break over the summer (and I think if you've dropped in from the Southern Hemisphere, you may on school holidays just now?)

Before you go, I must just ask if you're taking part in JENNIFER'S class? I am so glad I signed up for it....even though I've only managed two layouts so far (though a third one IS in progress). Let me just quickly show you the second one before you go:

The prompt was about colour choices...I love orange and purple together in the garden, and thought the combo might work well with these pics from our Line Dancing Easter Themed night...what do you think?

What?...time to go already?!....this visit seems to pass so quickly...do pop by again next month...I would definately bring that swimming cozzie, as I have no doubt the pool will be the only cool place by then!...Safe travels my friend...I know you have other places to pop by for a visit, thanks to ABI organizing our monthly get-togethers!

Hope you're having fun this weekend!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

HELLO WEEK

This week I'm saying:

HELLO to Craig coming home for a few days 

HELLO to bittersweet memories of Stuart, which are always more prevalent this week in June

HELLO to dad still being at home after four weeks..the longest spell since September last year!

HELLO to (hopefully) finishing  cutting back the overhanging branches of the trees on the land behind us...the branches are causing problems with our fence, so I've been out lopping every night for the last week!

HELLO to slightly cooler temperatures (bliss!) forecast for the next few days

Whatever you're doing this week, remember to treasure each moment

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

HELLO MONDAY......with a glass of something cold!

This week I'm saying HELLO, whilst offering you a glass of icy cold Sangria (or whatever your choice of beverage might be), because I'm joining up with ABI , for her monthly 'tea' meme.

 If you don't mind sitting in the sun we can sit outside, but at the moment we don't have any parasols to give any shade.....you might prefer to sit in the naya, where I have all the doors open and there's a pleasant breeze coming through.

I should explain that the shortage of parasols is due to the fact that when we threw out the old ones, a couple of months ago, we discovered that there weren't any actually in the shops yet to replace them! However, that is one of the jobs on the 'to do' list when Craig arrives tomorrow.....he is here for four days, and I think you'll be able to tell that I'm happy about that (and not JUST because of the parasols!).

By this time, hopefully, we'll be settled with our drink of choice and I'll be wanting to hear your own news....hoping that most of it is positive: that the family are well and that you are finding time for being creative.

I'm sure you're wondering why I have so many pieces of paper with names, menus and lists on them.....they are for the '60s Night' which I am helping to organise on Saturday night

If you had dropped in last night, you would have found me tearing my hair out, trying to get the numbers to tally...but all's well now and the menu choices have been sent to the restaurant.


 I'll be wondering if you joined in with SIANS 'Big swap of very little things'...and if so, would love to hear what was in the package you received...I'll also confess that I only posted my package to CHERI this morning, along with another few bits of 'Happy Mail'.

Can you hear that thunder in the distance, and do you see how the clouds are rolling in over the mountains?....I think we're in for a storm...yes, here are the first big raindrops beginning to fall- in fact it's actually hailstones! Let me shut all these doors...and please excuse Boo- she gets really afraid during storms.

As the hail turns to rain, I'll be telling you how relieved we all are that my dad is showing signs of improvement again...and although he's still in hospital, we're hoping he'll get out later this week.

Oh look...the rain's stopped just as suddenly as it began...yes, you're probably right to leave while it's dry...but please do stop by again next month:I really DO enjoy these visits!

One thing before you go....remember it's 'STORYTELLING SUNDAY' over at SIAN'S PLACE ......see you there?

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

COME AND TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF YOUR FEET.......

.....and join me for a late afternoon libation. I am joining ABI and her virtual drinks gathering (you won't be shocked to know that it's belatedly!) for the first time. Many of the participants offer a much appreciated cup of tea or coffee, but at this time of day I can be talked into opening a bottle of something cold when I have company!

What will it be.....a glass of white, rose (which is taking over from red wine here,surprisingly)   or will we crack open a bottle of bubbly, in celebration of you coming to visit?

As I go through to sort the drinks I would shout through to you to 'just push the dog off the sofa and have a seat'

Once we were settled I would tell you how glad I am that you've come all this way to visit and ask how the journey was.

After catching up with your news, I would tell you how happy I am to be home, having just returned from 10 days in the UK. I would tell you how dad had been in hospital when I arrived, but was allowed home the next day...and I would probably share with you how it upsets me to see him so unwell, and with his situation only getting worse as time goes on.

On a lighter note, I would tell you how much I enjoyed spending time with Kirsty...even if I felt like a midget- and I WAS wearing high heels!....

...and how we had gone to a family wedding together

The Bride is my second cousin

I would tell you about my trip to Newcastle, staying for the first time in the flat Kirsty is sharing with one of her school friends. I would tell you how pleased I am to see her happy in her new job and gaining confidence in herself again.

While telling you about catching up with old friends, I would top up our drinks and remember that I haven't put out any 'nibbles'! After remedying that, you would hear about how , on my return to Scotland, I managed to have a night with my oldest friends (and that they just about managed to agree on a date for their next visit!)

You would hear my delight as I tell you about Craig and Kirsty arriving...and of how we managed to get dad out for a few hours on his Birthday, even though he is still recovering from being out for that few hours.

As we finish our drinks I would ask you what your plans are for the upcoming few weeks, and tell you that I really do hope you come back round about the same time next month, when we can share each other's news and company again.

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

LOOKING UP AND DOWN

Joining in with HELENA, and a group of other blogfriends, for this week's LOOKING UP AND DOWN photographs....

LOOKIING UP

I spent a boring  thrillingly, delightful hour and a half here.....

LOOKING DOWN 

......watching both  my own and Kirsty's laundry being washed and dried......it was easier than trying to dry it all in Kirsty's flat/apt....money -and time! well spent in my opinion.

! REALLY hope you have looked up and down at more exciting things this week!

Just want to remind you too, that I'm taking part in a PASS-THE-PAGE BLOGHOP on SUNDAY (NOT Saturday, as I said in my previous post)....JULIE'S blog is two years old on Sunday, and to celebrate she asked the crowd of us from the BLOGGER'S WEEKEND to participate in said bloghop. If you are a bit baffled by the 'pass-the-page' bit, please do pop along on Sunday to find out more!

I am off for coffee with a friend now, then checking in on mum and dad...later in the day I'm off to pick Craig up from the airport :) and later again will pick Kirsty up from the railway station....think I may be having something a little stronger than the coffee by tonight!

Have a lovely weekend my friends...hope to see you on Sunday!

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

HELLO MONDAY

HELLO to spending some time with Kirsty down here in Newcastle



Daughters' bedrooms never seem to change much!!!
HELLO to catching up with friends while I am here 

HELLO to seeing THE GIRLS on Thursday night after driving back up north

HELLO to Craig arriving on Friday :)

HELLO to dad's Birthday on Saturday...we are hoping he'll be well enough to take him out for lunch

HELLO to a blog hop over at LETTING THE DAYS ROLL BY...it's JULIE'S Blogoversary....on Saturday

HELLO to going home on Sunday....I'll be SO ready for it by then!!

Hoping you have some fun things to look forward to this week

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

STORYTELLING SUNDAY...MY PRECIOUS

It being the first Sunday in April, I am linking up with Sian, over at FROM HIGH IN THE SKY, who, on the first Sunday of every month, hosts an international gathering of storytellers for an event  called "Storytelling Sunday." For 2013, she has suggested that we pick something precious to us and share its story.

As last weekend was our 33rd Wedding Anniversary, I thought it might be a good time to share the story of my original wedding ring.

It is a white gold ring...I only wore silver jewellery at the time, and didn't want yellow gold..flat in style and etched round the outside.

 This ring hasn't been worn for years, not just because it's too small for me, but because a few years after we married DH and I had an 'altercation' ( an understatement if ever there was one, but that's one of those 'hidden journalling' stories!) and at one point the wedding ring was tossed out the bedroom window into the garden.

When 'normal service' resumed, try as we might we couldn't find the ring. Fast forward a year or so (by which time I had a new ring, which doesn't fit me either by the way!) and I  was cutting the grass, when the lawnmower blade caught on something...and yes, when I looked it was my wedding ring!

Not only was it filthy, but after its tussle with the lawnmower the metal had been cut through in a few places! One of my friends at work had a brother who worked with metal, and he repaired it as well as he could .....if you look closely, you can see the dents ..there are matching ones on the other edge.   Being a shallow-minded twenty three year old, who only wanted things which looked 'perfect', I put the ring away in my jewellery box, where it has stayed all these years.

The funny thing is that when I took it out to photograph it, I actually realised that it really IS a symbol of our marriage.....it's been through the wars, been well-dented, but remains solid and has survived to tell the tale! In fact, I am now thinking that I am going find out about having some extra gold put in to make it fit again....I now know that things don't have to be perfect to be precious! 

As you can see, Storytelling Sunday is more than just about telling the stories of our lives... this year it is making us actually THINK about  what things mean to us- not just what they meant  in the past, but what they mean to us now, at this moment in time....thanks for  that, Sian.

To find out what is precious to other bloggers, why not hop over to SIAN'S BLOG...even better, why not share a story of your own?....everyone is made very welcome!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx