Introducing...

Some of you may remember that we had a terrible time in the summer, losing some of our beloved canine babies over a very short period of time.

We've snuggled up in an evening with Honey and Gary

Gary

Honey

 Lovely as that is (and it really is), we felt something was missing. Though no dog can replace another, we felt we needed some more noise in the house.

So here's Alfie... another Chihuahua

and Imogen's baby, Penni... a Lhaso Apso

 Yes, this is a very dog heavy post, full of pics of our new babies

The house is noisy again, there are mad races around the house, and it's a fight to get a comfy seat. There are times when for example a new rug was peed on twice within the first 5 minutes of it being in the house (if you aren't a dog lover, I'm sure you'll be wrinkling your nose by now) that causes big sighs of frustration, but they're babies and are worth it (have to remind hubby of this sometimes when his cleaning up).

Little did we know the house was going to get much noisier anyway...

Our parrot Phoebe, who was happily saying 'hello' to everyone, is now screeching out hubby's name at the top of her voice.

I thought this was quite amusing at first, so after Phoebe shouts out 'Andreeeeewwww" it's now followed by a small laugh, then 'c'mon good boy', which before you wonder, is not what I say to my poor husband, but the dogs... really!!

Take care
xxx

Crossing the Bridge

I've written about our magnificent bridge before. I'm always in such awe of it and love going across, enjoying the view and pretending with Imogen that we're flying.

It's quite breathtaking , the size of it, and was built before I moved here. It must have been quite a sight watching being erected.

The views as you travel over are wonderful

Certainly not done justice by my point and snap camera from within the car on such a dreary day.

We were just nipping over the bridge to visit a garden centre in Brigg. It's an enormous place and we spent a lovely couple of hours wandering around, being careful of the wildlife

Popped in the restaurants for a lovely cup of tea and slice of cake, and visited the Christmas grottos, that  have such beautiful decorations and ideas... unlike these two...

The rest of the weekend has been spent indoors, cuddling up together

and relaxing

Take care
xxx

A little Christmas Cheer

Yes it's started, time to start getting ready for the Christmas festivities. 

Tentative shopping lists are being made as we try to pin Imogen down to writing a Christmas list now so we can break up the present buying and making.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a choice of 2 books, they'd make excellent presents... and there's still plenty of time to enter... bit disappointed that there aren't many entries :(

I've been busy making little stockings to be used as Christmas garlands. They look quite sweet over the fireplace.

I thought I may make a long one to use as a countdown to advent.

Fill the stockings with little gifts and chocolates.

I'm trying to be a little more organised this year (not holding my breath though), so I'm better prepared if any nasty lurgies strike like they did last year!

Have a happy weekend

Take care

xxx

Meet the Fuzzy Buds

I thought I should introduce you to a couple of friends of mine. They're a brother and sister called Patchrick and Jellymima, and they're called Fuzzy Buds.

Patchrick is an adventurous soul, he likes to explore and run around outside kicking the leaves

Jellymima is a wee bit shy, likes lots of cuddles and drawing pictures with her friends

Gosh, should I be getting out a bit more :)

Imogen has been busy crafting. She isn't always interested, but had a hankering to make something. It took an afternoon and she is developing a love for buttons... I'm so proud!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway in the last post.

Take care
xxx

My first giveaway... yea!

I see so many lovely giveaways from all you generous peeps in blogland, and have even been lucky enough to win a couple myself.

It's my turn to give something back and say a huge thank you to all my wonderful followers and those who take the time to leave comments on my little blog. I live a quiet little life and it means so much to me when I read your comments, thank you.

Right then! I'd like to giveaway 2 books as separate prizes.

Firstly, Hip Crochet by Natalie Clegg. It's a beautiful book and I love my copy, it's full of little sticky notes on the things I still want to make.

I haven't been crocheting for too long and have found this book clear and easy with lots of fabulous ideas (there's a clock I really must make).

I know not everyone is a crocheter or may have a copy of the book already, so I thought I'd offer another as a second choice.

I think these blokes are lovely, and I also think you can't beat a bit of good healthy and very tasty home cooking.

To enter the giveaway, please be a follower and leave a comment below. Post on your own blog with a link back here for an extra entry and don't forget to let me know which book you'd like.

Entry closes on Halloween!

Take care
xxx

Pretty Hair Clips and Grips

Sometimes when it's taking me a while to make something, it's good to take a break and do something that gives quick results.

It's a great way to combine my love of buttons, felt and fiddling with bits and pieces.

 They're so simple to make and something Imogen and I can do together with quick results.

 I have so many buttons, it takes a while to muddle through them to find a pair... but it gives me an excuse to spend time with my buttons... oh dear, do I sound a bit sad now!

Imogen loves doing different things with her hair so can never have too many hair slides and grips, and they're something quick and easy to make and sell on my folksy and facebook pages.

The bottom ones are sparkling, but it doesn't show well in the picture.

Have to have some crochet too...

So simple to make (must do a little tutorial in the future) if anyone's interested.

I have 99 followers on here now, how lovely people are. I think it's about time I have a giveaway. I'll just wait to reach 100 :)

Take care
xxx

Craft Fair

I wasn't sure if we'd get there, a local craft fair in town I'd had marked in my diary for the last few weeks. The weather the day before was dreary (which we could cope with), but also lots of sudden down pours, and in the afternoon Imogen was sent home from school early as she was feeling poorly.

It was fine though, Imogen was a trooper (aghast at the thought that she may not get 100% attendance) and went to school armed with tissues and throat sweets, and the rain seemed to hold off, so off we went...

It started to get a bit damp, but not cold and it was good to have a meander around the stalls. This one had beautiful hand made wooden items.

From the hype I'd read, I had expected there to be a lot more stalls so it was a bit disappointing, but what was there was lovely.

 We found a lovely stall full of hand made dog treats and bought lots of liver flavoured biscuits. They absolutely love them, far more than their usual treats, so I really must get some recipes and start making some myself.

Very hard to resist

Loving the 'Please feel free to feed the monkeys' on this stall.

Bought myself some gorgeous linen fresh oil for ironing... anything to make it a nicer chore (though it was good to use tackling my ironing pile as a way to warm up the other day).

Perfect for a good rummage, though a bit hard to navigate round!

Lots of hearty home made soup to warm up at home

Take care
xxx

Crochet and My Latest Read

I really should try to be more imaginative with my post titles, but I'm afraid the above pretty much describes what's going on!

I've just finished reading a book by Emma Donoghue 'Room'

It's narrated with a 5 year old voice, which made me a little wary at first, though once I'd picked it up I didn't want to put it down again. It absorbed me utterly, I felt like I was in the small 12 x 12 space with them and felt a bit jolted when I had to return to 'life' again! Highly recommend.

My children are very far from being babies, and no grandchildren on the horizon yet... but when I saw this, I had to make it.

Sweetest little owl cocoon with a cute little hat.

I really enjoyed making it (even though I don't know any babies), and it was the first time I tried crocheting crocodile stitch - always good to learn a new stitch.

I'm now making another one... for Christmas this time

Quite a bit to go...

Take care
xxx